DEL MAR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

2017 – 2018

PARENT/STUDENT

HANDBOOK

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Page TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES Mission 4 Vision 5 RightsandResponsibilities 6 STUDENT INFORMATION Homework 7 BooksandLaptops 7 HonorRoll 7 InformationMediaCenter(Library) 8 GraduationCriteria 8 SCHOOL RULES BehaviorExpectations 9

Teasing,MeannessandBullying 10 SexualHarassment 10

Tardiness 10 AppropriateDress 11 HonorCode 11 Laptop/ComputerEthics 11 CellularPhones 11 ConsequencesforMisbehavior 11

LossofPrivilege(L.O.P.)List 12 Suspension 12 RestorativeJustice 12 STUDENT ACTIVITIES Dances 13 ExtracurricularActivities 13 RecognitionsPrograms 14 ATTENDANCE POLICY & PROCEDURE Absence 15 BeforeandAfterSchool 15 PermissiontoLeaveSchool 15 StudentHealth 16 PhysicalEducation 16 COMMUNICATIONS PhoneCalls 17 On-LineCommunication 17 StudentLedConferences 17 Mid-TrimesterProgressReports 17 GradeReport 17

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STUDENT SUPPORT

Advisory 18 StudentAssistanceProgram(SAP) 18

MISCELLANEOUS LunchProgram 19 Parties 19

CommunityService 19 DeliveryofItemstoStudents 19 Lockers 19 LostandFound 19 ParentInvolvement 20 PrivateSchoolApplicationProcess 20 SchoolBus 20 ContactInformation 20

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RUSD MISSION STATEMENT

Togetherweprovideourchildren withextraordinaryopportunities

toenlightentheirminds, inspiretheirhearts,

andstrengthentheirresolve topositivelyimpacttheirworld.

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VISION OF DEL MAR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND RUSD GRADUATE

Studentsthroughtheireffortsandwiththesupportofthewholeschoolcommunitywillbecome:

MotivatedLearnersCommittedtoAcademicExcellence • Demonstrateresponsibility,self-directionandindependence • Takerisks,arenotafraidtomakemistakesandlearnfromthem • Takeprideinaccomplishments • Understandlearningisalifelongprocess

CreativeProblemSolvers • Applycriticalthinking • Integratecuriosity,imaginationandinsight • Applyknowledgeacrossdisciplines,projectsandinreallifesituations • Generateideasandbestpossiblesolutions

EffectiveCommunicators

• Activelylistenandacknowledgedifferentpointsofviewandculturalcontexts • Expressandsupportpositionsconsideringmultipleperspectives • Useappropriatetoolsandlanguagetoinform,persuade,andconveyideasto

diverseaudiences • Collaboratewithothers

EngagedCitizens

• Demonstrateempathy,ethicalbehaviorandrespectforself,othersandthe environment

• Activelycontributetoschool,localandglobalcommunities • Advocateforselfandothers • Understandandappreciatecultures,historiesandcontributionsofpeopleof

theworld BalancedIndividuals/BestSelf

• Demonstrateself-knowledge,integrity,goodjudgmentandhonor • ·Exhibitself-assurance,confidenceandsocialcompetence • Persevereandareresilientamidstadversity,stress,disappointmentand

conflict • Makepositivechoicesforpersonalandphysicalwellbeing • Believeinthepoweroftheindividualtomakeadifference

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STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Studentshaverightsandresponsibilitiesregardingtheirphysicalandemotionalsafetyaswellastheir

experiencelearningandenjoyingschool. I,andothers,havetherightto:

• Bephysicallysafe • Feelemotionallysupportedandsafe • Enjoythisschool• Learn

Therefore,Iamresponsiblefor:

• Ensuringthatothersarephysicallysafe• Ensuringothers’emotionalsafetyandwellbeing• Maintaining and preservingtheschoolenvironment • Beinganhonestandcommittedlearner • Respectingthelearningofothers

Towardtheseends,Iwill:

• Behaveinwaysthatpromotephysicalsafetyandwellbeing• Speakandactinwaysthatarecourteousandrespectful • Respectandprotectphysicalpropertyandtheschoolenvironment• Listentoothers,speakappropriatelyandadvocateformyselfandothers

Towardtheseends,Iwillrefrainfrom:

• Endangeringmyownorothers’safety • Allformsofhurtfulspeechandbehavior • Destroying,damaging,ordefacingpersonalorschoolproperty • Interferingwithmyownandothers’academiclearningandgrowth

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STUDENT INFORMATION HOMEWORK Homeworkisameanstoreinforceandextendclassroomlearning,aswellastobuildstudyhabits.Studentresponsibilitiesinclude:recordingassignments,checkingteacherwebsites,planningtimetocompletedailyhomeworkandlongtermprojects,andaskingforhelporinformationwhenabsent.Parentsmayrefertotheteachers’websitesandchecktheirchild’sonlinegradestohelpsupportthestudentinbeingorganized,prioritizingandcompletingassignmentsontime. Notturninginhomeworkmaynegativelyinfluenceastudent’sperformance.Turninginsomethingisalwaysbetterthanturninginnothing.Studentsandparentscanstaybestinformedthroughcheckingonlinegradesandcommentsonaregularbasisandmoreoftenifconcerned.Teacherswillalsoinformparentswhenstudentsaremissinghomeworkthatisaffectingprogressinotherwaysthatinclude:phonecalls,notes,emails,YellowAlerts,Mid-trimesterProgressReportsandconferences.Pleasedonothesitatetocontactteachersifyouhavequestionsorconcernsabouthomework. Guidelines:(approx.#ofminutesincludingreading) 6thgrade:90minutes 7thgrade:105minutes 8thgrade:120minutes Studentswhoareabsentmustchecktheirteachers’websitesforclassandhomeworkassignmentsandareresponsibleforturninginworkuponreturningtoschool. BOOKSANDLAPTOPS Studentsareresponsibleforalltextbooks,laptops,andothersuppliesissuedtothem.Thesemustbemaintainedingoodconditionorstudentswillbechargedforlostordamageditems.Studentswithunpaidbillsforlostordamagedbookswillnotreceivetheiryearbooksandend-of-yearreportcardsuntilallchargesarepaid. HONORROLLStudentswhoearnagradepointaverageof3.5withsatisfactorycitizenshipgradesinallclasseswillmaketheGoldHonorRollandreceiveGoldHonorRollribbonswiththeirreportcard.Studentswithagradepointaverageof3.0withsatisfactorycitizenshipgradesinallclasseswillmaketheBlueHonorRollandreceiveBlueHonorRollribbons.StudentswhomaketheGoldHonorRolleachtrimesteringradessixthrougheightwillberecognizedatthegraduationceremony.

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INFORMATIONMEDIACENTER(LIBRARY) TheLibraryInformationMediaCenterisopentoDelMarstudentsduringtheschooldayforreading,browsing,homework,research,andtechnologyassistance.Booksmaybecheckedoutfortwoweeksatatime;uptofivebooksmaybecheckedoutatatime.StudentswillreceiveoverdueremindersfromtheHumanitiesorEnglishclasses.Ifanitemisoverduemorethanthreeweeks,noadditionalmaterialmaybecheckedoutuntilthestudent'srecordiscleared.Althoughthereisnofeeforoverduebooks,lostbookswillbebilledat$20peritem.Iffeesarenotpaidbytheendoftheyear,thestudent’sclearancesheetwillnotbesignedandsheorhewillnotreceiveYearbooksorreportcards.GRADUATION CRITERIA

Inordertoparticipateinthegraduationceremony,paradeanddance,studentsmusthaveacumulative8thgradeGPAof2.0orabove,passalloftheirthirdtrimesterclasses,andhaveasatisfactorybehaviorrecord.Studentswhodonotmeetthiscriteria,whichincludeLOPstudents(seepage11)maylosegraduationprivileges.

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SCHOOL RULES BEHAVIOREXPECTATIONS Behaviorexpectationsarebaseduponourvisionthatstudentsarebalancedindividuals,theirbestselvesandengagedcitizensatschool.Thefollowingchartarticulateskeyexpectationsandspecificguidelines:

Key Behavior

Specific Do’s

Specific Don’ts

Respect people No exceptions

(Peers, Staff, Subs, Guests)

• Listen and speak in turn. • Follow classroom rules. • Speak/voice opinion respectfully. • Be courteous.

• Interrupt or call out. • Display negative attitude through

words, tone, body language, etc. • Talk back.

Respect Campus and

Property

• Stay on walkways. • Pick up trash and recycle. • Treat laptops, others’ property and

school property with care.

• Litter or chew gum. • Walk through planted areas. • Damage or deface laptops or other

property.

Respect Yourself and

the Learning Environment

• Dress appropriately. • Arrive to class on time. • Be prepared with supplies and charged

laptops. • Use laptops in class for learning.

• Break the dress code. • Be tardy or unprepared. • Use laptops in class for things off task.

Pleasesee StudentRightsandResponsibilities(page3)whichprovideanadditionalframeworkregardingspecificbehaviorexpectations.Pleasenotethatschoolrulesapplyonthewaytoschool,atschoolandonthewayhomefromschoolaswell. Otherrulespertainingtostudentsafetyinclude:

• Notleavingcampuswithoutpermission• ObeyingallCalifornialawsincludingthosethatprohibitdrugs,alcohol,tobacco

andweapons• Refrainingfromroughhousing(i.e.:tacklingonfield)• Refrainingfromharassingotherstudentsforanyreason,includingforreasons

basedonsex,ethnicityorgender• Notridingbicycles,skateboards,scooters,etc.oncampus• Turningoffandkeepinghiddenanyelectronicdevices(cellphones,iPods,etc.)

unlessateachergivesexplicitpermissionforuseforaclassproject• Usingaschoollockonyourlockeratalltimestostorebackpacks,otherschool

suppliesorpersonalitems(itisrecommendedtostorecellphonesinlockersduringtheschoolday)

• Adheringtoallteacherrulesanddirections

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TEASING,MEANNESS,ANDBULLYING TheDelMarMiddleSchoolstaffisdedicatedtocreatinganenvironmentofmutualrespectwhereallstudentsfeelsafe.Studentsareexpectedtorefrainfrommakinganycommentorgesturethatishurtfuloroffensivetoothers.Thereareoftenthreepeopleorpartiesinvolvedinteasingorbullyingsituations:1)provoker(theonewhoishurtfultoanother),2)subject(persononthereceivingend),3)bystander(personwhowitnessesandobserves).Anystudentonthereceivingendofanunwantedremarkshouldask,thentelltheotherpersontostopandseekadulthelpifneeded.Studentswhowitnessanysucheventshouldspeakupandadvocatefortheirpeerstoensureothers’well-beingandsafety.Thereisnosuchthingasaninnocentbystander—ifyouseesomething,saysomething.Thosewhoexperienceorwitnesssomeonebeingteasedorbulliedshouldtelltheprovokertostoporreporttoanadult.AskingforhelporreportinganincidentisNOTsnitching—itisawaytoprotectothers’rightstobesafeatschool. Bullying,distinctfromotherincidentsofteasing,isdefinedasdeliberatelyhurtfulbehaviorrepeatedoveraperiodoftime.Therearefourtypesofbullying:1)physical,2)verbal(namecalling,teasing,threatening),3)relational(spreadingrumors,excludingpeoplefromgroups),4)cyber(sayinghurtful,offensivethingsaboutothersonline). Ifbullyingshouldoccur:Thesubject,and/orbystandersshouldreportthebullyingincidentandaskpeersoradultsforhelp.RefertotheRUSDBullyPolicyformoreinformation. SEXUALHARASSMENT Sexualharassmentisunwelcomeorunwantedsexualbehaviorthatcreatesanoffensiveorintimidatingschoolenvironment.Itmaybeverbal,visualorphysicalconductthatincludesbutisnotlimitedto:touchingbodyparts,spreadingsexualrumors,makingsexualreferences,jokes,facialexpressionsorgestures,name-calling,bra-snappingandcreating/leavingobscenemessagesorimages.Studentswhoaresubjectto,orwitness,thisconductshouldreporttoanadultatschool. TARDINESS Astudentisconsideredtardywhenhe/sheisnotinclassreadytoworkwhenthebellrings.Wheneverastudentistardytoschool,s/hemustreporttotheofficeforanadmitslipbeforegoingtoclass.Threeunexcusedtardiesinanycombinationofclasseswithinasix-week(mid-trimester)periodwillresultinadetention.Additionaldetentionswillbeassignedforeverythirdtardywithinthatsixweekperiod.Inseverecases,studentswillbereferredtotheSchoolAttendanceReviewBoard(S.A.R.B).

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APPROPRIATEDRESS DelMarstudentsareexpectedtocometoschoolinneat,clean,appropriateschoolclothes.Weencouragestudentstotakeprideintheirappearance.Clothingwhichdisruptstheacademicatmosphereoftheschoolisnotpermitted.Thisincludes:

• T-shirtsorotherapparelwithoffensiveorsuggestivelanguageorpictures,clothingand/orjewelryrelatedtoalcohol,drugsand/orsex.

• Saggingpantsorlowcutclothingrevealingunderwear,midriffsorcleavage. • Lengthofshorts/skirtsmustbe“fist-level”orbelow.

StudentscomingtoschoolinappropriatelydressedwillbeaskedtochangeintoPEclothing,orreferredtoadministrationforrepeateddisregardoftheschoolrulesanddresscode. HONORCODE TheHonorCodeprohibitsplagiarism,cheatingontestsandcopyingotherstudents’work.StudentswhobreaktheHonorCodewillbeexpectedtoredotheassignment.AbreachoftheHonorCodemayalsoresultindetentionorsuspension,dependingontheseverityoftheoffense.Plagiarismisadifficultareatodefinewithmostmiddleschoolstudents.Atthebeginningofeachyear,thestaffworkswithstudentstoexplainhowtoavoidplagiarizingfromwrittenmaterialandtheresourcesfoundontheInternet.Weaskthatparentsreinforcethisimportantmessagewhenassistingstudentswiththeirhomework.LAPTOP/COMPUTERETHICS Alaptopagreementisprovidedtoeveryfamily.Thisagreementaddressesthepoliciesrelatedtothecareanduseofstudentlaptops.Therulesforlaptopuseapplytotheuseofallcomputersoncampus.Consequencesforlaptopviolations:Laptopswillbetakenandkeptinoffice.Astudentmaypickupher/hislaptopafterschoolorspeakingwithschooladministrationuponthefirstinfraction.Parentswillbecontactedandmayberequiredtoconferencewithadministrationandthestudentuponsubsequentinfractions.LunchtimeisTech-Freetime,unlessstudentsareworkingwithateacheronclassassignmentsortests.CELLULARPHONES Werecognizetheneedforparentstomonitortheirchild’safterschoolactivitiessostudentsarepermittedtobringcellularphonestoschool.However,cellularphonesmustbeturnedoffduringtheschooldayandremainoutofsightinthestudent’sbackpackandlocker.Consequencesforcellphoneviolations:Cellphoneswillbetakenandkeptinofficeandparentsmustcometoofficetoretrievetheirchild’sphone.Incaseofemergency,parentsneedingtoreachtheirchildshouldcalltheschooloffice. CONSEQUENCESFORMISBEHAVIOR Asatypicalfirstcourseofaction,teachersworkdirectlywithstudentstoaddressbehavioralinfractions.Teacherinterventionsmayincludeconferencingwithstudents,teacherdetention,andphonecallshome.Teachersreferstudentstoadministrationbasedontheseverityorrecurrenceoftheinfraction.Thesereferralsresultinadministrativeinterventionsthatmayincludedetention,conferenceswithstudentandparents,behaviorcontractsandsuspension.Studentsmustservetheirdetentionontheassignedday.Parentswillbenotifiedofdetentionsbyemail,mailand/orphonecall.

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LOSSOFPRIVILEGE(L.O.P.)LIST StudentswillbeplacedontheLOPlistiftheygetthreebehavioralreferralsoronesuspensionwithinatrimester.Lostprivilegesmayincludeparticipatingin:schooldances,sportsevents,playsorotherextraactivities,assemblies,fieldtripsuntilthestartofthenexttrimester. SUSPENSION Suspensionwilltakeplaceintheeventofseriousmisbehavior.AccordingtoStateLaw48900,groundsforsuspensioninclude,butarenotlimitedto:

• Damagetoschoolproperty • Physicalinjurytoorintimidationofanotherperson • Possessionorsaleofweaponsorexplosives,drugs,alcoholicbeverages,

intoxicantsortobacco • Commissionofobsceneacts • Profanityorvulgarity • Disruptionofschoolactivities • Defianceofschoolauthorities • Causingorattemptingtocausephysicalharmtoanotherperson • Possessionofafirearm,knifeorexplosive • Unlawfulsaleofacontrolledsubstance • Robberyorextortionaregroundsforexpulsion • Committingactsofsexualharassment,causing,threateningtocauseor

participatinginanactofhateviolence RESTORATIVEJUSTICE Asacomplimentaryapproachtotraditionaldiscipline,RestorativeJustice(RJ)maybeofferedtostudentsinlieuofsuspension,inadditiontosuspensiontorestoreend-of- trimesterprivileges,ortorestoreend-of-trimesterprivilegesduetorecurrent(3ormore)behavioralreferrals.RJgoalsarefortheprovokertolearnfrommistakes,repairrelationshipswithothersandgivebacktotheschoolcommunityinapositiveway. TheRJstudentprovokerworkswithtrainedleadershipstudentfacilitators,supervisedbyschooladministrationandstaff,tocreateandimplementacontractthatmayinclude:formalapology,counseling,payingfordamagedproperty,andschoolserviceintheformofprojectsthathelpsolveproblemsandpromoteotherstudents’positiveattitudesandbehavioratschool.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES

DANCESThereisonemiddleschooldanceforDelMar6thand7thgradestudentsattheendofthefirsttrimester.Admissionisbyticketonlyandticketsaresoldduringtheweekbeforethedance.Dancesarefrom7:00to9:00p.m. Studentsmustarriveduringthefirsthalf-hourandmuststayuntiltheend.Exceptionswillbemadeonlybypriorarrangementswithanadministrator.Studentsaretoremaininthegymorinthedesignatedoutdooreatingareathroughoutthedance.Parentsofanystudentengagingindisruptivebehaviorwillbecalledtopickuptheirson/daughter.Parentsareaskedtopickuptheirstudentspromptlyattheendofthedance.Studentsabsentfromschoolthedayofthedancecannotattendwithoutpriorpermissionfromschooladministration.TheDelMardresscodeisenforcedatdances. Agraduationdanceisheldfor8thgradersattheendoftheyear. StudentswhohavebeenassignedtotheLOP(LossofPrivilege)listmustremainofftheschoolgroundsbefore,duringandaftertheevent. EXTRACURRICULARACTIVITIES Allstudentsareencouragedtoparticipateinextracurricularactivities.Studentshaveopportunitiestoparticipateinafter-schoolsports(cross-countryandvolleyballinthefall,basketballinthewinterandtrack/fieldandgolfinthespring),thePTA-sponsoredafter-schooldramaproductioninthespring,andavarietyofbefore,afterschoolandlunch-timeclubs,intramurals,competitionsandothersupervisedactivities.TheInformationMediaCenter(library)isalsoopenforquietstudy,reading,andlaptopusebeforeschoolandduringmostlunchtimeperiods.

AcademicEligibility—Inordertoparticipateinextracurricularactivities,studentsareexpectedtomeetthefollowingstandards:

1) Academics:MaintainaGPAof2.0orhigherwithnoF’sinanyclasses.Staffwillconductweeklyeligibilitycheckstoensurethatstudentsmeetthesecriteria;ifnot,thestudentwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateuntilgradesimprove.Duringthefirsttwoweeksofanewtrimester,studenteligibilitywillbebasedongradesfromtheendoftheprevioustrimester.

2) Behavior:Studentsareexpectedtoupholdbehavioralexpectations.StudentswhoareplacedonLossofPrivilege(LOP)willnotbeabletoparticipateinextracurricularactivities.Inaddition,studentswhoreceivedtwoormoreN’sforcitizenshipduringtheprevioustrimesterwillbeconsideredonprobationandwillnotbeabletoparticipateiftheyreceivemorethanonenewbehavioralreferralfromstaff.

3) Attendance:Ifastudentisabsentduringthedayofagameorevent,heorshemaynotparticipatethatday.

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Thesestandardsforparticipationapplytoallextracurricularactivitiesthattakeplaceoutsideoftheregularschoolday,includingsportsteamsandtheschoolplay.RECOGNITIONPROGRAMS ManyprogramsexistatDelMartorecognizethepositivebehaviorandcontributionsofstudents.

• AllstudentsareeligibletoearnDragonCardsforpositivebehavior.Adrawingisheldeachmonthforprizes.

• HOORAY!cardsaremailedhometoletparentsknowpositiveprogressofstudents,extraeffortmadebytheirchild,andotherpositivereinforcementcomments.

• PrincipalGoodCalls:Theprincipalmakesatelephonecallcongratulatingthe

studentsandinformingthefamilyofsomething“good”thechilddidatschool. Throughouttheyear,studentsareselectedandhonoredinavarietyofways.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY & PROCEDURE ABSENCE Pleasecalltheofficeonthedayofyourchild'sabsenceby8:00a.m.(435-1468,Option4).Thiswillcleartheabsenceandeliminatetheneedforacallfromtheoffice.Weexpectstudentstoattendschoolunlessthereisanexcusedabsence—forillness,injuryoramedical/dentalappointment.Absencedoesnotexcuseastudentfromtheclassroomassignment.Allassignmentsareavailableontheteacherwebsites.Itisthestudent'sresponsibilitytocheckthewebsitesandmakeupmissedwork. Ifyouneedtotakeyourchildoutofschoolbeforetheendoftheday,pleasefollowtheseprocedurestoavoidcallinganddisruptingclassrooms:

· Writeanotestatingwhattimeyouwouldlikeyourchildtomeetyouinthe office. · Haveyourchildshowhis/hernotetotheteacherbeforeclassstartsandleave atthedesignatedtimewithoutacalltotheclassroom. · Yourchildshouldmeetyouintheofficetosignout.Weneedtoseeyourchild

leavewithaparent,anyoneauthorizedonyouremergencycardorsomeoneelsewithwrittenconsent.

Studentsareexpectedtoprovideteachersandtheofficestaffwithadvancednoticeinthecaseofplannedextendedabsencefromschool.Perdistrictpolicy,parentswillreceiveofficialnotificationsiftheirstudentisexcessivelyabsentfromschool.ThismayresultinreferralstoMarinCountyOfficeofEducationSchoolAttendanceReviewBoard(SARB).BEFOREANDAFTERSCHOOL Studentsmaybeoncampustenminutesbeforeschoolbeginsunlesshoursareextendedbyteacherrequestorthestudentisparticipatinginasupervisedactivity.Studentsmustleavecampusimmediatelyafterschoolunlesstheyareinvolvedinaschoolactivity.Thereisnosupervisionforstudentsarrivingearlierorleavinglaterduringtheschoolday.Afterarrivingatschool,studentsarenotpermittedtoleavecampuswithoutfirstsigningoutintheoffice. PERMISSIONTOLEAVESCHOOL Studentswhoneedtoleaveschoolanytimebeforedismissalmustpresenttheteacherwithanotesohe/shecanleaveclasstosignoutintheoffice.Wedonotcallclassforstudentsasitinterruptsinstructionandisdisruptivetothelearningenvironment.Theschoolwillnotreleasestudentstoanyoneunlesshe/sheislistedonthestudent’semergencycardorwehavewrittenpermission.Studentsshouldwaitintheofficetobepickedup.

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STUDENTHEALTH Unfortunately,illnessorinjurymayoccursometimeduringtheyear;therefore,weneedtoknowimmediatelywhomtocall--wherewecanreachaparent,friend,orneighborandthenameandnumberofyourdoctor.Updateallcontactinformationthroughtheonlineregistrationprocessbeforeschoolbegins.Ifanyoftheinformationchangesduringtheschoolyear,pleasecalltheoffice;yourchild'ssafetycoulddependuponit!Pleasebesurethatanyfriendorrelativelistedonyourcardisawarethattheymightbecalledupontohelpyourchildwhenyouarenotavailable.

Minorfirstaidisadministeredintheoffice.Studentswhoareillorinjuredshouldcometotheofficeimmediately.Ifastudentbecomesillatschool,wewillcontactyoutomakearrangementsforsendingher/himhome.Theofficedoesnotdispenseaspirin,Tylenoloranymedication-evenwithverbal“okays.”Dailymedicationthatyouprovidemustbeaccompaniedbyan“AuthorizationtoReleaseMedication”form(availableintheschooloffice),whichissignedbyparentandphysician.Forothers’healthandwell-being,pleasekeepyourchildhomeandawayfromschooluntils/hehasbeenfever-freeforatleast48hours. PHYSICALEDUCATION Studentswhoareunabletoparticipateduetoaninjuryorailmentcanstillbepartoftheclass.Writtenparentnotesstatingthespecificextentofachild’sparticipationmustbeprovided.

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COMMUNICATION PHONECALLS Theofficetelephoneisavailablewhenneeded.Studentsmayusecellphonesafterschool. ON-LINECOMMUNICATION Staffwillrespondtoemailwithintwoschool(business)days. STUDENT-LEDCONFERENCES Conferencesbetweenstudents,advisorsandparentsareheldinNovember.TheyprovideanopportunityforstudentstodemonstratetheirprogresstowardthevisionoftheDelMar/RUSDgraduateandtoworkonaplanofactiontosupporttheminaccomplishingtheirgoalsbasedupontheirtalents,interestsandworktodate. Conferencesarenotatimetoreceivespecificfeedbackfromeachteacher.Parentsareencouragedtospeakormeetwiththeirchild’sotherteachersthroughouttheyearandmayarrangetodosobyrequestinganappointmentviaemailorvoicemail. MID-TRIMESTERPROGRESSREPORTS Parentsofstudentsperformingbelowsatisfactorylevelsinacademicsorbehaviorwillbenotifiedbymailatmid-trimester.TheseProgressReportsaremailedhomemid-trimestertostudentsearninggradesofC-orlowerand/ortostudentswhosebehaviorislessthansatisfactory.Inaddition,YellowAlertsmaybemailedhomeatanytimeifastudent'squalityofworkhasdeclinedorifthereisaclassroombehaviorproblem.Parentsareencouragedtofollowupwithatelephonecallorconferencewiththeteacher(s). REPORTCARDSANDGRADES Gradereportsaremailedhomeapproximatelyoneweekaftertheendofeachtrimester.Parentswhohavequestionsabouttheirchild’sprogressshouldcontactthechild’steacher.Teacherswillpostgradesonlineataminimumofeverytwoweeks.YouwilllearnhowtoaccessthisinformationatBack-to-SchoolNight.Teachersassigngradesthatareconsistentandfairandperschoolpolicy,donotchangegradesbasedonastudentorparentrequest.

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STUDENT SUPPORT ADVISORY Advisoryclassesmeettwoperiodsperweek.Advisorsmeetregularlywitheachadviseetoreviewacademic/behaviorprogress.Objectivesoftheadvisoryprograminclude:characterandcommunitybuilding,goal-setting,effectivecommunication,lifeskills,supportingcommunityserviceanddevelopmentofstudentportfoliowork. Parentsareaskedtocontactadvisorswithgeneralconcerns;contactotherteachersdirectlyiftherearequestionsaboutaparticularclass. STUDENTASSISTANCEPROGRAM(SAP) DelMar’sSAPteamsupportsstudentsinacademics,behavior,healthandattendance.Theschool-wideSAPteamiscomposedofatrainedgroupofstaffmembers:teachersfromallgradelevels,administrationandtheschoolpsychologist.Studentsarereferredbytheirgradelevelteams.Studentsortheirparentscanalsoreferthemselvesthroughtheiradvisor. Teachersmeetingradelevelteamstodiscussstudentswhomayneedsupportaboveandbeyondtheclassroomlevel.ASAPprocessisadministeredatthegradelevelteamleveltobrainstormandimplementaplanofactionutilizingadditionalschoolorcommunityresources.Ifnecessary,theteamrefersthestudenttotheschool-wideSAPteam.Ifthisconfidentialprocessrequiresfurtherreview,theSAPteamrefersthestudentforaStudentStudyTeam(SST)meetingwhichalsoinvolvesmeetingwiththefamily,resourcespecialist,severalofthestudent’steachersandmembersoftheSAPteam.

MISCELLANEOUS

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LUNCHPROGRAM AmealplanisorganizedbythePTAandcanbepurchasedon-line.Studentsaretoeatintheirdesignatedlunchareas.Studentsaretoremainintheseareaswhileeating.Theymaythengototheplayoractivityareas.Studentsareexpectedtothrowalltrashinthetrashcansandrecyclablesintopropercontainersintheeatingareas.Noncompliancemayresultintrashpick-updutyorotherdisciplinaryaction.PARTIESPerdistrictpolicy,allfoodandbeveragesservedatschoolpartiesmustfollowCASanitationandSafetyProceduresandBoardPolicy(BP3554).Whilehome-madegoodiesaredelicious,allfoodmustbepreparedbyacommercialkitchenorrestaurant.Inthespiritofinclusionandrespect,wedonotcelebrateindividualbirthdays.Pleaserefrainfrombringingcelebratorytreatsforyourchildandfriends.COMMUNITYSERVICE Apartofgoodcitizenshipiscommunityservice.Tohelpstudentsgainanunderstandingofwhatisinvolvedinperformingaservicefortheircommunity,studentsareexpectedtoperformsixhoursofserviceeveryyear.Studentsareencouragedtoperformtwohourseachtrimester.Aftercompletingaproject,studentsfilloutaform.Eighthgradestudentswhogoaboveandbeyondthecommunityserviceexpectationarerecognizedatgraduation. DELIVERYOFITEMSTOSTUDENTS Forgottenhomework,lunchesorPEclothingmaybebroughttotheschooloffice.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttopicktheseitemsupbetweenclasses.Aspecialboxforlunchesdeliveredafterthestartofschoolisleftrightinsidetheofficedoorsothatstudentscaneasilypickthemup.Pleaseputyourchild’snameonsuchlunches. LOCKERS Allstudentsareassignedalockerandaschoollock.Onlyschoollocksmaybeused.Forthesafetyofstaffandstudents,allstudentsarerequiredtokeeptheirbackpacksinthelockersduringtheschoolday.SixthgradersandstudentsnewtothedistrictmustpurchaseanewlockfromschoolandareresponsibleforusingthelockduringtheiryearsatDelMar.Studentsmustpurchaseanewschoollockiftheirsislost.Studentsmustalwayslockandsecuretheirlockers.Computersshouldnotbestoredinlockersovernight.Schoolofficialsmayperiodicallyinspectlockers.Thelockersarenottobepersonalizedinanypermanentmanner(writtenon,stickers,defaced,etc.). LOSTANDFOUND Lostandfoundarticlesarekeptinbinsaroundcampus.Studentswillberesponsibletocheckforlostarticles.Itistoyouradvantagetoputyourchild’snameinclothing.LostandFoundwillbedonatedtocharitybeforeeverybreak,sopleasebesuretoclaimyourbelongingsbeforetheyaredonated. PARENTINVOLVEMENT

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TherearemanywaysparentscanbeinvolvedatDelMar.TwoimportantorganizationsaretheSchoolSiteCouncilandthePTA.TheSiteCouncilisanelectedgroupofparents,studentsandstaffwhomeetmonthlytoplanandmonitorimprovementintheschoolprogram.Thisgroupalsooverseessomefundingandconductsanannualparentsurvey.Parentsservefortwoyears,withnewmemberselectedeachyear.

TheDelMarPTAisanactivepartnerintheschoolcommunity.Itsponsorsparenteducation,runsthelunchprogram,organizesvolunteersforstudentactivities,andsupportsthestaffincountlessways.AllparentsareurgedtojointhePTAandparticipate. VolunteeropportunitieswillbeannouncedatBacktoSchoolNight. PRIVATESCHOOLAPPLICATIONPROCESS Studentsneedinglettersofrecommendationforprivateschooladmissionsshouldinformtheschoolofficeinatimelymanner.Ourteachersandstaffneedthetimetodoagoodjobwritingandprocessingrecommendationsforyourstudent.Inordertoallowthemtotaketimeawayfromschooltocompletethisprocess,weareaskingfora$50donation.Intheeventyourchildisapplyingtomultipleschools,whichtakesadditionaltimefromteachersandadministrativestaff,weareaskingforadonationofupto$100.Theofficestaffwillforwardrequeststotheappropriateteachers,generallytheMathandEnglishteachers.Advisorswritetheletterinplaceoftheprincipal/counselorbecausetheyknowthestudentswellandcanprovidepersonalizedlettersofrecommendation.Anadministratorwillreviewtheserecommendations,aswell.Theschoolofficewillmailthecompletedlettersandtranscripts.Studentsareresponsibleformakingupallassignmentswhenschoolismissedforshadowing,whichisanunexcusedabsence. SCHOOLBUS BusserviceisprovidedtopartsoftheReedDistrictonafeebasis.Forinformationonroutesandcost,pleasecheckthedistrictwebsitewww.reedschools.org.ForadditionalinformationcontacttheDistrictBusinessOffice(383-1116).Studentswhoridethebusareexpectedtobehavewithrespectandfollowallrulesasdirectedbythedriver.Schoolrulesalsoapplyontheschoolbus.Misbehaviormayresultinastudentbeingsuspendedfromridingthebus.Studentswhoridethebusmustshowtheirbuspass. CONTACTINFORMATION DELMAROFFICE Phone435-1468 Fax435-6190 WEBPAGE:http://delmar.reedschools.org