Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123

Student Handbook

OLHMS Mustang Pride - PBIS Behavior Expectations

BE RESPECTFUL - BE RESPONSIBLE - BE SAFE

The Purpose of MUSTANG PRIDE at Oak Lawn – Hometown Middle School is to promote a positive learning community in a consistent manner by:

• Teaching clearly defined school-wide expectations
• Teaching responsible decision-making
• Teaching ownership of choices

What is PBIS?

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is a systems approach to preventing and responding to classroom and school discipline problems. PBIS develops school-wide systems that support staff to teach and promote positive, appropriate behavior in all students. This process focuses on improving the positive behavior of all students. Emphasis is directed toward developing and maintaining safe learning environments where teachers can teach and students can learn.

How does it work?

A key strategy of the PBIS process is prevention. The majority of students follow the school behavioral expectations, however are rarely acknowledged for their positive behavior. Through instruction, comprehension and regular practice, all stakeholders use a consistent set of behavior expectations and rules.

At OLHMS PBIS Building Teams are composed of representatives from each grade level, social workers, staff members, and administrators. The Building PBIS Team meets regularly to analyze behavioral data, create visuals to advertise school expectations, develop behavioral matrixes, create "cool tools" or lessons for staff to use with students, develops and maintains a building-level reinforcement system, informs parents and community members about PBIS activities, assists the administration in developing a continuum for managing inappropriate behaviors and are cheerleaders for the PBIS process in the school.

The teachers implement the plans developed by the Building Team. They actively work with the students in understanding classroom rules based on the OLHMS Mustang Pride expectations of being respectful, responsible and safe. They further teach the "cool tools" to the children, monitor student behavior and acknowledge and reward appropriate behaviors with "Mustang Money."

Matrixes

The PBIS Building Team has developed the OLHMS “Mustang Pride” Behavior Matrix for appropriate behavior which are expected of all children within the classroom as well as in non-classroom situations, i.e. hallways, bathrooms, cafeteria, bus. These expectations are taught to the children through "Cool Tools" which are explained by the classroom teacher. The matrixes are to help address problem areas seen in each building.

A printable copy of the OLHMS “Mustang Pride” Behavior Matrix is attached below.

Cool Tools

Cool Tools are lessons that have been designed to teach children appropriate behaviors. Schools have cool tools for expected behaviors in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, bathrooms, playground, the bus, and other non-instructional areas.

Data Management

To monitor the effectiveness of our program, the school inputs into a data system called SWIS information regarding negative behavior occurring throughout the school day. This data is analyzed by the Building Team and shared with teachers and staff. From the analysis of the data, the Building Team makes suggestions, revisions, or adjustments its own program.

Does it make a difference?

The concept of PBIS has been researched in education for approximately 15 years. PBIS is based upon sound educational practices grounded in psychological and sociological theory. It began as a joint initiative by the University of Oregon and the federal Department of Education. Currently, PBIS is implemented across the United States and in many foreign countries

The PBIS model is a research-based strategy that is supported by over 900 schools in the state of Illinois. The 3-tiered approach reduces problem behavior as a barrier to student achievement. Public schools have 180 days each year to advance academic progress. So instructional time is very valuable.

What about parents?

Parents are an important part of PBIS implementation. Schools encourage parents to use the same expectations and rules that the school teaches. This common language creates consistency and a unified support for expected student behavior. Parents are asked to discuss the common rules and expectations and post them at home for easy reference. Children thrive when they have consistent, predictable expectations and consequences. Parents and schools alike agree that by reducing time students spend with behavioral disruptions and increasing academic time, student achievement improves. For further clarification of PBIS in Illinois, as well as other parental behavioral supports the following “Parent Tools” are provided:

* http://www.pbisillinois.org/
* http://www.pbis.org/families.htm – how to shape behaviors at home
* http://www.refdesk.com/homework.html - website on learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorders
* http://www.ldonline.org - homework helper reference desk
* http://childparenting.about.com/od/discipline/ - parenting of K-6 children
* http://www.disciplinehelp.com/parent/ - a reference for handling behavior problems at home
* http://www.aacap.org/ - mental health facts form families
* http://familydoctor.org/201.xml – what parents can do to change their child’s behavior
* http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/homework/index.html – helping your child with homework
* http://www.kidshealth.org/Features.jsp?lic=1&feature=300 – kids health – education with humor

PBIS_Behavior Matrix7_6_2009_15_24_40.DOC

2009-2010 Student Handbook

This Student-Parent Handbook provides information to families about our school. At OLHMS we expect all of our students to achieve success. We are committed to providing a quality educational experience for each of our students in order to ensure their continued mastery of skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential in becoming successful, contributing, and caring members of our community. With the cooperation, support, and involvement of parents, students, and school personnel we hope to best accomplish this purpose. While we have attempted to address those issues and situations that might arise in the general school setting, we realize that questions and concerns that have not been addressed may occur. In this event, please refer to the Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123 Disciplinary Policy Handbook, or contact your child’s advisory teacher or a building administrator for further clarification.

* Attached at the bottom of this page is a printable version of our handbook.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES: Success at school requires regular and punctual attendance. School doors open each day at 8:25 a.m. and instruction begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Parents/guardians are required to have their child/children at school regularly and punctually except in the case of illness, disability, or death in the family.
Reporting Absences: When it is necessary for a child to be absent from school, the parent or guardian is required to call school before 8:30 a.m. to report the absence. Please leave the following information when reporting an absence:
a. Name of the person leaving the message;
b. Relationship to the child;
c. Child’s name;
d. Reason for the absence.

• If the school does not receive a parent/guardian phone call, state law requires the school to contact the parent/guardian to verify the absence.

• DO NOT send notes to school following an absence, only a phone call is required.

• Failure to report a school absence will result in the student being identified as truant.

• The school strongly discourages absences from school for vacations or trips during school attendance days. However, if your child will be out of school for any extended length of time (two or more days), please call the school office with this information prior to the actual dates of absence.

Truancy/Chronic Absenteeism: By law, children between the ages of 7 and 16 must attend school. The law requires parents to keep their children in school on a regular basis. According to Illinois State Law, “truancy” is defined as a child subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof. “Chronic Truancy” is defined as any student who is absent from school more than 10% of the school year, without valid cause.
Any student who accumulates six (6) or more truant days from school during a single trimester may be subject to action taken by the administration. The identification of supportive services, such as parent-teacher conferences, student counseling, and/or therapeutic referrals regarding community agencies will be offered to chronically truant students.

Tardiness: Any student who arrives in the building after 8:30 a.m. is tardy and must sign in at the school office. Tardy students who enter door 5 off Oak Center Drive will be issued a late slip, asked to report immediately to their first period class, and the tardy documented in the main office by school personnel. Being tardy to school has a serious detrimental effect on a child’s academic achievement. It is also a disruption to the learning environment for other students who have arrived on time and are already prepared in the classroom. Students tardy to school will not be allowed any make-up privileges for missed work and will be subject to disciplinary action. Excessive tardies will be viewed as a truancy issue and may result in disciplinary actions taken by the administration.

Absent ‘Make-Up’ Work: Students are responsible for making up all missed work following absence from school. For extended absences, over three (3) days, parents/guardians may request any missed class work and/or materials. This request must be made when reporting the absence prior to 8:30 a.m. Please make arrangements to pick-up all make-up materials in the school office between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Any requested work must be completed and returned to classroom teachers the day the student returns to school.

Early Dismissals/Late Arrivals: The school encourages each student to remain in regular attendance for a full day. If a child must leave school early or arrive late due to medical appointments please provide a signed parent/guardian or physicians note indicating arrival and/or departure times. Parents/guardians must enter the school office to pick-up/drop-off a student and sign him/her out of the building. Students will only be released to parents, guardians, or individuals designated in writing by the custodial parent/guardian. Parents/Guardians will be required to show a picture ID before any student is released from our care.

After School Hours: Students may not re-enter the school building or loiter on school grounds after normal school hours. If a child forgets materials at school we require a parent/guardian to sign-in in the main office, escort their child to their locker, and sign-out upon leaving the building.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES: As a rule, students are not allowed to enter the building before 8:25 a.m. Students who are involved in before school activities or have the approval from a teacher or activity sponsor will be allowed entry before 8:25 a.m. School dismisses at 3:20 p.m., or at 11:30 a.m. on scheduled early dismissal days. Students are required to exit the building at the appropriate locations in an orderly fashion. Students walking home must walk directly home following the safest route and crossing streets at corner stops. Students riding a bus must walk directly to their assigned bus, board and follow the school expectations regarding proper bus behavior. Students involved in after school activities must report immediately to their activity sponsor or coach. School rules and regulations apply to students at all times and all places when traveling to and/or from school.

ASSIGNMENTS: Daily assignments and long-term projects are an integral part of the curriculum at OLHMS. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to show interest and concern in their child’s work by regularly checking progress and assisting when appropriate. Failure to complete homework assignments or study with proper effort will result in substandard grades, removal from extracurricular activities, and/or other disciplinary action. Putting forth a quality effort with homework assignments and studying is essential to academic success at OLHMS.

ASSIGNMENT ORGANIZER: All students are required to purchase an OLHMS Assignment Organizer. This organizer must be used daily and carried with each child though out the school day. The assignment organizer is used as a student’s primary organizational tool to list daily assignments and responsibilities, as well as serve in communicating written information from school to home. Organizers are also used for teachers to write washroom and hallway passes. We encourage students to properly maintain organizers by keeping them free of excessive defacement and/or graffiti.

BACKPACKS, PURSES, JACKETS, AND OVERSIZED CLOTHING: Backpacks, purses, handbags, jackets, over sized clothing and the like must be stored in lockers during the school day. Students are not permitted to carry backpacks and/or purses from class to class, or wear jackets during the school day. Backpacks must be of reasonable size to fit inside the locker and allow the locker to close. There are no provisions available for larger-sized backpacks or any type of luggage with attached wheels.

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, AND ROLLERBLADES: Non-bus riding students may ride their bicycles to and from school. All bicycles must be securely locked to the bike rack provided outside Door #13 on the west side of the building. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. As a matter of safety, students should wear a helmet if riding a bicycle to and from school. Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, and the like are NOT permitted at school. These items cannot be stored in lockers or be locked outside. Use of these items anywhere on school property is prohibited.

BOOKS: Each student will be provided textbooks to help compliment classroom instruction and have the opportunity to check books out from the OLHMS library. Students must be responsible with any textbooks brought to and from home, and make sure library books are returned in a timely fashion. Students are encouraged to take care of their textbooks by using book covers. Fines will be assessed for any late library books, and/or lost, destroyed, or damaged textbooks.

CLASSROOMS: Students are not permitted to leave the classroom unless granted permission by a teacher. Desks and other instructional materials are not to be misused by students. Teacher permission must be obtained to use chalkboards, bulletin boards, pencil sharpeners, etc.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: The aim of our co-curricular program is to provide school related activities as an extension of the regular school day to further enhance classroom learning and student interest.

Eligibility: As representatives of OLHMS, all students involved in before/after school activities are subject to eligibility procedures as defined by each group or team. Students may be restricted participation in any activity on the basis of academic and/or behavioral deficiency.

Participation: Each student at OLHMS has the opportunity to join and/or try-out for co-curricular activities. Students absent from any part of the school day will be deemed ineligible for participation in any co-curricular activity on the day of the absence. Due to the number of activities available at OLHMS, at times, schedules may overlap. Coaches/sponsors will make every effort to allow students the opportunity to participate in more than one activity. Occasionally, students will need to choose between two different activities.

Physicals: A state of Illinois statue mandates an annual physical examination for all students participating in interscholastic athletics. Students will be denied participation in any sport until proof of a current physical is on file with the school.

Spectator Expectations: Spectators at any school-sponsored event are expected to act and behave in an appropriate and considerate manner at all times. Students who attend school sponsored events must have a permission form signed by a parent/guardian and on file in the school office. Any student leaving the building during an event will not be allowed to re-enter unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

COMMUNICATION: School news and other information may be sent home by mail, with students, or posted on the school district website. Newsletters and other important information may come home from school, a team, or individual teacher. Parents/guardians may elect to communicate with the school via phone, email, or the district website, www.d123.org

COMPUTER USE: OLHMS students will have access to various modes of computer technology. The use of district computers, computer networks, and related technology is a privilege, in exchange for which students are expected to abide by all rules with regard to such use. Specific acceptable use policies are found in the Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123 Disciplinary Policy Handbook and will be defined in an Acceptable Usage Policy agreement sent home for parents/guardians to sign. Any student found in violation of District policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

CONFERENCES: Remaining consistent with our belief that communication between school and home is a necessary component of providing a quality education, we have a variety of conference opportunities to assist students and parents with the learning process.

Family Conferences are held during the fall trimester each year for all students. The purpose of this conference is to provide an opportunity for students to reflect upon their work, discuss areas of improvement, and set specific goals for future success. Scheduling these conferences is done though advisory teachers. Information will be sent home prior to conference dates. Opportunities for this type of conference may take place later in the school year as well.

Parent-Advisory Teacher Conferences are held at the request of a parent or teacher regarding the progress of a student. These conferences are arranged between teacher and parent at a convenient time, or can be accomplished by phone. Concerns are surfaced and interventions established for continued communication and improvement.

Parent-Team Conferences are scheduled during the school day when teacher team meetings are held. This conference is designed to assist parents and teachers in best communicating mutual expectations and student progress. A collaborative effort is made to communicate present level of achievement information and put into place a more formal consistent plan of action between all core teachers and parents. School administrators and students may be asked to be a part of this conference.

DISCIPLINARY EXPECTATIONS: Behavior is a matter of choice. Students are expected to behave in an orderly and appropriate manner with regard to respecting the rights of others, the rules and regulations of the school district, the directives of school personnel, and all existing laws. Any conduct that prevents teaching, hinders learning, causes a disruption to the educational environment, or endangers the safety/well-being of others will be subject to disciplinary action. In all matters relating to the discipline and conduct of the school and its students, school personnel stand in relation with parents and guardians to the students. This relationship extends at all times while students are on school property, traveling to and/or from school, and engaged in school-related activities.
Several degrees of disciplinary intervention exist at OLHMS. Consequences will vary depending on the infraction and frequency of occurrences. The purpose of assigning consequences is to change problematic behavior for the better. Consequences may include, but are not limited to conferences, written misconduct referrals, classroom removals, loss of privileges, behavioral reflections, after school and lunch detentions, or internal/external suspensions for one to ten days.
A Mustang Pride Behavior Matrix has been developed to further assist students in understanding school-wide behavioral expectations. Copies of the behavior matrix are posted through out the school in common areas, and available to students in classrooms and the main office.
Generally, when a student follows directions, accepts adult decisions, and is compliant to school rules there is little need to extend further disciplinary intervention. Please refer to the Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123 Disciplinary Policy Handbook for more specific information regarding school district disciplinary expectations.

DRESS STANDARD: OLHMS expects students to be dressed appropriately for academic performance. Any dress, groom, or accessories that have a distracting effect on the educational environment and/or compromise the safety or welfare of others will be prohibited. Disciplinary action will result for students whose appearance violate the safety, decency, or consideration of others. The building administrators are the final authority for judging the appropriateness of student appearance.
Examples of inappropriate dress and/or appearance include, but are not limited to the following:
• Clothing/accessories that contain or promote illegal substances, violence, profanity, vulgarity, negativity, or sexually explicit wording or symbolism.
• Pants/shorts/skirts with writing on the backside.
• Pants that are torn or distressed with holes.
• Unusually long pants that sag lower than waist level or pants with straps, buckles, zippers, or frays that create a safety hazard when walking.
• Flannel pants or pajama bottoms.
• Coats, gloves, hats, head coverings, which include but are not limited to sweatbands, headbands, rubber bands, wristbands, and/or bandannas will not be worn in school.
• No spiked, dangerous, or excessively heavy jewelry including wallet chains, large necklaces/medallions, metallic belts, grills, or loop earrings. Any jewelry with a diameter greater than that of a school ID card will be deemed excessive.
• All tops/blouses must cover midriff and maintain a reasonable neckline.
• Short-shorts and/or mini-skirts are not allowed. Skirts and shorts must cover mid-thigh and be at least “fingertip” length.
• All tops must have straps at least “three fingers” in width. Spaghetti straps and tank tops are not allowed.
• Excessively tight or revealing clothing that exposes undergarments.
• Drawing, writing, or tattooing on skin is prohibited. Students may not write on themselves or others.
• All footwear must be secure and safe on stairs. No backless or slip on type of footwear will be worn. No flip-fop or beach-like sandals, or shoes with wheels will be allowed.
• Gym shoes with multicolored shoelaces.
• Excessive make-up, shaved eyebrows, and/or hairstyles that cause disruption to the educational climate will not be permitted. This will include, but is not limited to unusual designs, shapes and/or words that are cut into hair, extreme hair coloring, and/or hairstyles that restrict vision.
• Body piercing that impede communication, disrupt the educational process, and/or present a safety or health hazard is not permitted.
• Students must remain symmetrical in appearance. No tilted caps, uneven pant legs or shirtsleeves, etc.
• Fingernails must remain reasonably trimmed.
Not adhering to the OLHMS dress standard may result in an office referral. Students will be given the opportunity to call home for a change of clothing, or wear a P.E. uniform for the remainder of the day. Repeated dress code violations will result in further disciplinary action.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONES: We strongly discourage the possession of any electronic device that emits sound and/or can potentially cause a distraction to the educational environment. Students who bring cell phones to school must abide by the following guidelines:
1. Have the device turned off and stored in their locker during regular school hours.
2. Only use the device after 3:30 p.m. in designated, nonacademic areas.
Students violating these guidelines will have the device confiscated by the school and may be subject to further disciplinary action. Cell phone and camera use are prohibited in washrooms and/or hallways. Electronic pagers, laser pointers, cameras, and/or video games are not allowed in school.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRILLS AND EQUIPMENT: OLHMS conducts regular emergency response evacuation drills such as fire, severe weather, and lock-down exercises for the preparation of an actual event. Tampering with emergency response equipment and/or setting off false alarms are a violation of village ordinance and school policy.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS: In case of inclement weather or other emergency situations that would necessitate the closing of school, announcements will be made before school by way of telephone via the “Instant Alert” communication system. News services are informed as soon as the determination is made to close school, but we cannot guarantee that the services will post the information.

FIELD TRIPS/ACTIVITIES: Throughout the school year classes and grade-level teams organize educational field trips outside the building. Parent/guardian permission must be obtained in order for any student to participate. Students may be required to pay a fee for field trip outings. Students who display poor behavior, or those who do not meet minimum academic standards may be excluded from the privilege of participating.

GRADES, GRADE POINT AVERAGES (G.P.A.), HONOR ROLL AND PROMOTION:
Grades: Grades are earned and reported six times each year. At the mid-point of each trimester, a progress report is issued to each student indicating current progress. At the conclusion of each trimester a report card, listing all courses taken, will be issued to each student. Student achievement will be evaluated according to the Oak Lawn Hometown School District 123 grading scale. For the purpose of computing Grade Point Averages (G.P.A.) each grade is assigned the following points values:

A+ 100 4.33
A 94-99 4.00
A- 93 3.67
B+ 92 3.33
B 86-91 3.00
B- 85 2.67
C+ 84 2.33
C 76-83 2.00
C- 75 1.67
D+ 74 1.33
D 71-73 1.00
D- 70 0.67
F 0-69 0.00

Honor Roll: Grades from all subjects are computed according to their numerical values to determine honor roll status. Students may qualify for one of two honor rolls by fulfilling the following criteria:

HONORS: achieving a GPA of 3.00-3.59 and receiving no grade lower than a “C” in every subject. An “A” grade must be earned to equalize any “C” grade in one of the four major subjects.

HIGH HONORS: achieving a GPA of 3.60 or greater and receiving an “A” or “B” in every subject, with at least two major subjects receiving an “A” grade.

Promotion: Students must satisfy two of the following three criteria in order to be promoted to the next grade:
• A final cumulative GPA of at least 1.60.
• No more than one final grade of “F” in any major subject.
• A final cumulative GPA of at least 1.00 in all major subjects.
Parents/guardians will be notified at the end of the first two (2) trimesters if their child is not meeting promotion requirements.

GRADUATION ACTIVITIES: Eighth grade students who display poor behavior, or those who do not meet minimum academic standards may be excluded from the privilege of participating in graduation activities including the commencement exercise, end of the year celebration, and Great America trip.

GUM & CANDY: Gum and candy are NOT allowed in school. Students who consistently disobey this rule will be subject to disciplinary action.

HALLWAY CONDUCT: There are no passing bells at OLHMS. Teachers determine classroom dismissal and commencement times. When students are dismissed from one class the next class begins. Students must move to their classes in a reasonable, safe, and quiet manner, following the most direct route. Students are not allowed to make washroom stops without permission from a teacher. Locker stops are designated for specific times during the school day. Students must carry a teacher provided hall pass or signed organizer when traveling in the hallways during class times.

HEALTH ISSUES: In the event of illness, children will be sent to the nurse’s office. The nurse will contact parents/guardians if a child needs to be released from school. Please note that we do not have the facilities to house ill or injured children for extended periods of time. If a parent/guardian cannot pick-up a child, please have an alternate plan available. The school nurse must be notified in writing of any health related issue that requires special medical assistance during the school day.

Emergency Forms must be completed at the beginning of each school year. OLHMS will need names and telephone numbers of at least three (3) people in case a parent/guardian cannot be reached in an emergency. Students will not be released to anyone not listed on the emergency form. Please notify the school office of any changes in emergency contact information as soon as possible.
Medication procedures have been established for the safety of each person in the building. Students who require medication during the school day must complete a School Authorization for Medication Form on file with the school nurse. Only medications necessary to maintain a child in school during school hours may be administered to a student. All medication will be stored in a locked cabinet. In all cases, the school retains the discretion to reject a request for administering medication.
Should a student require a continuing program of medication such as an inhaler, it can be demonstrated that the student is of responsible age; arrangements can be made for self-administration of the medicine. Please contact the school nurse for the proper forms and procedures to implement this process.
Students may not carry on their person or store in their locker any prescription and/or non-prescription medications. Non-prescription medications include, but are not limited to: cough medicine and/or drops, Tylenol, aspirin, eye drops, etc. Students abusing this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

ID CARDS – STUDENT IDENTIFICATION: Every individual in the building is required to wear a VISIBLE school issued ID card and lanyard. ID cards serve a variety of important safety purposes:
• Identifying students/teachers by grade level.
• Entrance into building/school sponsored events.
• Debit card for hot lunch program.
• Library checkout card.
• Bus or walker identification.
ID cards/lanyards are not to be destroyed, cut, or defaced. A replacement fee of $5.00 will be charged for lost, defaced or destroyed ID cards. One-day temporary ID cards will be produced for a fee of $2.00 if ID’s are forgotten at home. Please encourage your child to be responsible with their ID card. Establishing a central location at home to daily store the ID and lanyard will help students with this responsibility. Consequences will be issued for students who deface, routinely neglect bringing or visibly wearing their ID.

LOCKERS: Each student is assigned a locker for the school year. Lockers are property of the school, however students are responsible for keeping their locker clean and secure at all times. Lockers as well as combinations should not be shared. The school is not responsible for missing items. Large sums of money or valuables should not be brought to school and stored in lockers. Any types of decoration on the outside or inside of the locker including stickers, tape, magnets, and/or balloons are not allowed. Inappropriate or unsafe items may not be stored in lockers. Lockers can be opened and inspected at any time by school administration.
Students will also be assigned a P.E. locker and asked to purchase a school issued combination lock at registration. Students can use this combination lock for P.E. class each year at OLHMS.
Search and Seizure: School officials who have a reasonable suspicion that a rule has been or is being violated have the authority to conduct a search of school property and equipment, as well as students and their personal effects left therein, without notice to or consent of the student and without a search warrant. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or in their personal effects left therein.

LUNCH PROGRAM: Students at OLHMS have an option each day to either bring a bag lunch from home or take advantage of the hot lunch program at school. A hot lunch program is offered to all students through Arbor Food Service. The student ID card serves as a debit card for all lunch purchases. No cash exchange is accepted in the cafeteria.
Students who purchase hot lunch with their ID cards must maintain a positive account balance in order to purchase food/drink. Students must activate lunch accounts with at least a $20.00 payment and replenish lunch accounts using a minimum cash or check payment of at least $20.00 when needed. Checks should be made payable to School District 123. The school is not responsible for producing change or will not accept any amount of money less than $20.00 to credit lunch accounts. This is necessary in order to efficiently manage student account balances and reduce wait time during lunch periods. Lunch account payments can be made during regular school hours in the school office, in the hallway outside the cafeteria each day during lunch periods, as well as electronically via the district website. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own lunch account information. Lunchroom computers display current account information each day when ID cards are scanned. No written reminders or notices will be printed regarding low account balances. Students may be denied hot lunch service if account balances do not carry adequate funds.
Cafeteria rules are similar to those of the classroom. Appropriate behavior and manners are expected. Listed below are a few guidelines specific to cafeteria usage:
• Students are to only use their own ID card to purchase their own lunch.
• Students may not buy lunches for each other or borrow food/drink.
• Glass containers are not allowed.
• No carbonated beverages will be allowed.
• No fast food lunches/food deliveries will be allowed.
• Birthday food/treats are not to be distributed.
• Any bag lunches brought to school must be stored in a locker until lunchtime.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY: This prestigious organization is available to seventh and eighth grade students who meet and maintain high academic standards and exhibit qualifying behaviors in the areas of citizenship, leadership, service, and character. The minimum academic criteria include the following:
• A G.P.A. of 3.75 or better for the first two trimesters;
• Grades of “A” or “B” in all subjects.
Students who meet these criteria will be eligible to petition for membership. Qualified students who petition for membership and fulfill the minimum service requirement will be selected for membership by a vote of the faculty on the bases of the aforementioned criteria. Students who qualify for NJHS membership must maintain all of the criteria for the remainder of their academic career in District 123. NJHS sponsors will monitor members for compliance with all of the related responsibilities.
In addition to the expectations of meeting attendance, exemplary behavior, and service to school/community, each member must maintain the following academic standards each trimester:
• G.P.A. of 3.60 or better; and
• Grades of “A” or “B” in all subjects.
Members who violate NJHS requirements and/or any school-related expectations may be dismissed from NJHS.

PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT ASSOCIATION: The P.T.S.A. of OLHMS is an organization that fosters school and family support and cooperation. All parents/guardians are encouraged to become part of this organization and regularly attend meetings. The P.T.S.A. membership will work together to provide services and activities that benefit the entire school community.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: OLHMS provides various opportunities for academic support. Weekly before school tutoring and daily after school instructional support programs have been established to assist students. Parents should contact an advisory teacher or a building administrator for more specific information regarding these programs.

TRANSPORTATION: School District 123 provides bus transportation for students who live over one and a half miles from school. Students who qualify for bus transportation will be assigned a bus route and specific bus stop nearest their residency. Students who reside less than a mile and a half from school will be considered walkers. Student walkers are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to and from school. Students ID cards indicate bus or walker status. Riding the school bus, walking to and from the bus stop, and walking to and from school is an extension of the school day. All school policies, procedures, and behavior expectations will apply.
Bus Guidelines: Bus transportation is a responsibility of the school that may be suspended due to repeated incidence of inappropriate and/or unsafe conduct, or failure to adhere to the following guidelines.
• Be on time at the assigned stop. Students should be at their stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
• Share seating appropriately.
• Sit facing forward with both feet on the floor and out of the aisle. Being seated on the floor, sitting on a backpack, and or standing/kneeling is not permitted.
• Keep the aisle free of all objects.
• Respect the rights and property of others.
• Keep hands, arms, and all other objects inside the bus. Do not lower windows below the indicated window frame line.
• Do not throw/shoot items in, out, or at the school bus. This conduct is unsafe and will not be tolerated.
• Refrain from any unsafe conduct.
• Students may NOT ride an unassigned bus or use an unassigned bus stop for any reason. Notes from parents will not be accepted for exceptions to this policy.
• Students assigned a bus are expected to ride the bus each day. Parents/guardians may wave bus-riding privileges for the school year by submitting a written request to the school office.

Late Bus Procedures: It is only normal for bad weather, substitute drivers, traffic, trains, and other factors to cause delays in bus routing both to and from school. Please note that we do everything possible to work with the bus company to minimize such delays. Please adhere to the following procedures for late running AM buses:
• In cases of inclement weather, students must wait at least 15 minutes past the scheduled pick-up time before walking home or the nearest feeder school – whichever is closest.
• If a student walks home from a bus stop, they should call the school office immediately and report the missing bus. If students walk to a feeder school, that school office will contact OLHMS and we will make transportation arrangements from that school.
• Students who are late to the bus stop, oversleep, or miss the bus for any other reason must make their own transportation arrangements to school.

Parking, Pickup, and Drop Off: Student walkers who get driven to school must be dropped-off and picked-up using the circular drive outside doors 4 and 5 on the southeast end of the building or park along the north side of Oak Center Drive. We discourage the use of the 99th Street parking lot for automobile use during student arrival and dismissal times. This parking lot is used for school bus traffic each day before and after school. The use of Oak Center Drive for automobile traffic is the safest and easiest option for parents/guardians.

GENERAL BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Student Responsibilities: The majority of our middle school students are able to function on a daily basis in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect for others. However, rules must be established for those few individuals who are unable to behave themselves in an appropriate manner. The following section of this handbook is designed to establish guidelines of student conduct and dress. The disciplinary measures that will be applied, should these guidelines not be followed, are listed in this section.

Standard of Conduct: Mutual respect is expected between all members of this school. Students are expected to be respectful to all members of the staff (teacher, administrator, substitute teacher, secretary, custodian, teacher-aide, lunchroom personnel, student teacher or visitor) and to each of their classmates.
Learning is the focus of an effective school program. Purposeful disruption of the teaching learning process prevents the rights of other students to learn. Any disruptions will not be tolerated.
Students are not permitted to leave their assigned classroom without permission from a school staff or faculty member. All students must possess a hall pass when in the hallways during class hours.
Students are expected to walk on the right side of the hallway at all times. Students must never jeopardize the safety and well being of others. Pushing, shoving, tripping or throwing objects are not allowed at any time.

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
Violation of the standards of conduct and dress may be subject to a form of disciplinary action. These actions include written assignments, detentions, suspensions or expulsions.

1. Detention
A detention is normally not the first line of correction. The teachers on the student's team may use verbal warnings or other intervention strategies. Our goal is to correct any problems and help the child realize that actions have consequences when a student disregards guidelines. Detentions may be issued for, but not limited to the following reasons:

Academic misconduct
Class disruptions
Disrespect
Excessive tardiness
Offensive language
Physical abuse
Vandalism
Verbal intimidation
Violation of safety

Teachers may assign detentions for continued, repeated acts of irresponsibility such as chewing gum, coming to class unprepared, or other lesser actions which evolve into a disregard for authority, whether it be in the classroom, lunchroom, field trip, or assembly.

Detentions may take the following forms, depending upon the circumstances surrounding the incident and the student's overall record of cooperation:

a written assignment which focuses on the problem
a before- school extra session of study
an after- school extra session of study
a "time-out" session within the child's school day, such as during lunchtime or during times of student options.

2. Suspension
Even without receiving any detentions a student may be suspended, following due process, from classes, and all associated activities for serious misconduct or repeated acts of misbehavior. Such acts include but are not limited to the following:

Bullying/harassing another student
Fighting, or serious, intentional physical abuse or harm to others.
Gambling
Gang symbols or other gang related activity.
Insubordination or disrespect towards an adult.
Possession, use, or display of any dangerous weapon either real or an imitation.
Profanity or profane gestures
Pulling a fire alarm or tampering with school safety equipment.
Repeated acts of misconduct or misbehavior, which may or may not merit a suspension, but which illustrate the student’s disregard for regulations.
Repeated interference with the educational process.
Serious insubordination or disrespect of an adult authority
Theft or vandalism of property belonging to the school, school personnel or others.
Trafficking or advertising any unknown or otherwise harmless substance as a drug.
Use, possession, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Use, possession, sale, or distribution of any drug, narcotic, illegal substance or related device.
Use or possession of fireworks or explosive devices or look-alike objects.
Use, possession, sale, or distribution of tobacco.
Use of any cellular radio telecommunication devise (e.g. cellular phone) on school property during school hours, except in the event of an emergency.
Verbal intimidation, which may include, but are not limited to slurs of a religious, ethnic, racial or sexual nature.

After a suspension, the student may, at the principal’s discretion, be excluded from certain extra-curricular activities.

3. Expulsion
Expulsion is the exclusion from school for a period of time greater than ten days. Only the Board of Education may exercise this serious disciplinary option.

OLHMS_Handbook_09107_6_2009_15_3_31.doc