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Jarvis Middle School Code of Conduct – Policies and Procedures
Academics
Five-Week Notices
At the mid-point of each 10-week marking period, students will receive a written report of academic status. The five-week notices will be mailed out to parents and guardians. We ask that parents review the report with their children and help them to set academic goals. Parents are encouraged to contact staff with any questions regarding the academic progress of their child.
Report Cards
Report cards are distributed every ten weeks to notify students and parents of student progress. Report cards will be mailed out to parents and guardians.
Honors
To be eligible for Honor Roll, students must earn an 85 average for the marking period. For High Honor Roll a 90 average is required. Students that achieve an overall 95 average will be placed on the Principal’s List. Grades are not rounded; i.e. an 84.9 average does not make the honor roll. These honor rolls are posted in the Middle School lobby and are published on the school website. Incomplete or failing marks in pass/fail courses disqualify a student from Honor Roll.
Summer School – grades 7 and 8
Each year, Jarvis MIddle School participates in a regional summer school program. Students who fail to complete two or more core curricular classes, including ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies or Spanish will be required to attend.
Jarvis Middle School reserves the right to retain children in their current grade if they do not meet the standards to move forward.
ATTENDANCE:
The New York State law requires that each minor from 6 to 16 years of age must attend school and remain in attendance through the end of the school year in which the student reaches 16 or graduation from High School. Students are expected to be in school on time each day. The New York State Education Department guidelines that apply legal and illegal absences from school will also apply as guidelines to tardiness.
Absences:
A student is legally absent from school when:
The parent has contacted the school to provide or verbal the legal reason for the absence and the parent follows with a written excuse to school upon the student’s return (in cases of long term illness, a doctor's evaluation is required).
Legal reasons are illness, a doctor’s appointment, court appointment, death in the family, funeral, internship, religious observance, counseling appointment, probation or military obligation, field trip or on a school approved trip such as a college or workplace visit.
A student is illegally absent from school when:
The student does not attend school and no reason is provided to school.
The student is on a trip with their parents.
The parent keeps the student home for academic or safety reasons.
A student is truant.
Procedures:
Any time you are absent, school should be notified. If you are legally absent, the day you return to school you must bring a written or verbal excuse to the attendance officer signed by your parent or guardian. If you are absent for five days or more, a doctor’s certificate is necessary.
Students being excused for an appointment during school hours must bring their excuses to the Attendance Officer for verification and sign-outs.
If any time during the school day a student becomes ill, then the student should report to the nurse’s office. At no time should the student leave the building and go home on his/her own.
If a student is going to be absent from school, we recommend that the parent or guardian call the Attendance Aide that morning prior to 8:30 a.m. If no call is received, then the parent or guardian will be contacted by the school.
Students are responsible for all work and/or assignments when absent.
Students who are absent for any part of the day from school other than a verified appointment may result in students not being permitted to attend extracurricular activities or functions on the day of the absence as a spectator or participant. This includes interscholastic athletics (practices and games), field trips, dances, club meetings, play rehearsals or any school-related activities etc.
Tardiness
All students are required to be in school and on time, every day. Tardy and/or unexcused absences may result in students not being permitted to participate in athletic practices or contests for that given day.
A pupil is expected to be in Homeroom/Advisory promptly at 7:30 a.m. when the bell is sounded to indicate the beginning of the school day. If a student arrives after that bell has rung, he/she should report directly to the Attendance Officer. Habitual tardiness will result in students staying in detention after school to make up for lost time.
If you are late for class, you must bring a pass from the teacher that detained you, or from the office. Stopping at your locker, getting a drink of water, etc. are not excuses for being tardy and will not be tolerated.
It is a student’s responsibility upon return to see his/her teacher to see what work needs to be made up and establish a timetable with the teacher for its completion.
BACKPACKS:
Backpacks will be allowed to be carried throughout the school day. If a student’s backpack becomes a safety issue or a disruption, students may be asked to keep them in their lockers.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, ETC:
Bicycles must be parked in the racks provided. Students coming to or leaving the school campus on bicycles or skateboards must obey all traffic rules. All bicycles should be equipped with locks. The school is not responsible for damage or theft of parts while bicycles are parked in the racks.
Students using other forms of recreational equipment to get to school, including but not limited to, skateboards, inline skates or electric scooters will refrain from riding on property or within the building.
CAFETERIA:
All students will enter the cafeteria and proceed to line up in order to purchase full lunch or food items. Students should remain in line after entering the cafeteria. Students should not “cut” in line. Students should be getting everything they need while going through the lunch line (milk, napkins, utensils, etc.).
Students will arrive at the cafeteria, get their lunch, find a seat, and remain seated.
Students should maintain appropriate noise levels at all times.
Staff has the discretion to separate students if specific behaviors warrant it.
All students will return food containers and/or trays to the lunch room collection window and will clean the area where they have eaten before they will be dismissed.
No open leftover food or drinks should be taken from the cafeteria after the lunch period has ended.
Students serving an office assigned lunch detention will head to the ISS room as soon as food has been received. Students serving a teacher assigned lunch detention should report to their teacher’s classroom.
CELL PHONES & HEADSETS:
Students are allowed to possess cell phones; however, they are not to be used from the start of advisory to the end of the school day, except for students’ breakfast and lunch periods. Cell phones must be stored out of sight and silenced during the school day so as not to interfere with the educational process. There will be NO use of cell phones, during study halls, instructional time, or in hallways. Use of earbuds or headsets during instructional time will be limited to chromebook use with teacher permission.
Cell phones, headphones and earbuds will ONLY be allowed to be used at lunch or breakfast, provided they are not a distraction. Administration reserves the right to revoke this privilege at any time dependent upon student behaviors.
Any cell phone that is vibrating, ringing, visible or in use during class time will be in violation of the code of conduct and become subject to immediate confiscation.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS:
Jarvis Middle School believes in the value of extracurricular activities in order to develop and support well-rounded students. A variety of clubs and opportunities for involvement outside the school day will be offered to students in an effort to engage each child within the school community.
If a student is determined to be academically ineligible, they will not be allowed to participate in clubs and organizations until they become eligible.
EVENING STUDENT EVENTS:
School sponsored dances are open only to those students who attend Jarvis Middle School. The school dress code applies in all aspects. Administration reserves the right to approve all attire.
All rules and guidelines contained in the Code of Conduct apply at all dances. A student may be prohibited from participation based on the student’s noncompliance with the school rules/regulations and will be prohibited from attendance if he/she is not in full legal attendance on the day of the dance (or Friday for Saturday dances).
If a student is determined to be academically ineligible, they will not be allowed to participate in evening student events until they become academically eligible, with the exception of concerts which are deemed to be part of the performing arts curricula.
DRUG-FREE SCHOOL POLICY:
Students and Central Valley School District employees are covered under district policy on substance use/abuse regulations as outlined in New York and federal regulations under the Drug Free Schools Act.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
A student who possesses electronic devices does so at their own risk and the school is not responsible if they are broken or stolen. Use is never acceptable during class time. Cell phones, audio devices, e-readers, etc. may be used only before or after the academic day, or in the cafeteria. Administration reserves the right to revoke this privilege at any time dependent upon student behaviors.
FIRE DRILLS AND LOCKDOWNS:
When the fire alarm sounds, all students will move at a rapid walk to the nearest exits designated and posted in each room. There must be no conversation or other unnecessary noise during fire drills. This quiet will enable emergency instructions to be given for change in routes in case regular exits are blocked. Students are to immediately listen to all emergency instructions from the staff in charge of you without question or argument.
Upon leaving the building, students will stay with the class they left the building with so teachers may take attendance if necessary. If you are out of the normal classroom when the alarm sounds, join the nearest class and exit the building in an orderly fashion. Once safely outside, notify the teacher in charge (Mr. Pratt out front or Mrs. Bowman in back) that you are present.
In the event of a lockdown, students will follow the directions of announcements and staff directly supervising them to maintain safe behavior and abide by the practiced Lockdown expectations.
HALL PASSES:
Students are expected to have a pass with them AT ALL TIMES while moving within the building except in the case of daily transitions from one class to another.
HALLWAY CONDUCT:
No one is to be in the halls during class time without a pass signed by a teacher. When passing to classes, all traffic should walk on the right side of the corridors. Speak softly in the halls at all times. Running is unacceptable as it presents a safety hazard.
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CODE:
We use athletics to encourage our students to become productive, responsible citizens in their community. Interscholastic athletics offer the opportunity to teach our students skills and desirable character traits in a setting apart from the traditional classroom. Our students can learn to be lifetime achievers by practicing self-discipline, loyalty, responsibility, respect for a healthy life-style, and commitment to team and others in a competitive setting.
Our entire community of students, parents, coaches, teachers, and administrators will work together to produce in our students an appreciation for those values, principles, and goals which produce a student athlete who is prepared for the challenge of today and tomorrow. We will follow guidelines established by the Central Valley CSD Policies.
LIBRARY PROCEDURES AND SERVICES
Jarvis Middle School has a 5-8 Library Media Center. It opens at the start of the school day and remains open until 3 pm, Monday – Thursday. Students may browse the library collection to select books or use the on-line catalog to borrow books, as well as use on-line databases and internet resources. Students are encouraged to use the Library before school, as well as during Advisement, study halls, lunch recess, and after school. Teachers are required to call the library in advance of students arrival during any of the aforementioned times. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to sign-up in advance at the circulation desk to schedule their classes or small groups to use the LMC. A digital calendar is shared with the faculty and staff for their planning purposes to disclose dates and times of availability.
Books will be renewed upon request. All material should be returned on time. Books may be returned to the mobile book return cart outside the library or to the circulation desk inside the library. Students and Advisory teachers will receive emails and paper notices to advise them of overdue books. Failure to return materials may result in the loss of library privileges. If library materials are lost or damaged, students will be expected to pay toward the cost of replacement.
The LMC provides the following services for students:
A safe, comfortable place to read, study, research, or collaborate with other students
A diverse collection of books from various genres
Interlibrary loan
A plethora of digital resources to aid with research
Readers’ Advisory
Assistance with research and writing projects
Relaxation techniques presented in a Mindfulness Corner
The LMC provides the following services for teachers:
A comfortable environment to work independently or to collaborate with others
A Professional Book section for adults
A diverse collection of books from various genres
Interlibrary loan
Readers’ Advisory
Digital resources
Assistance with curriculum development, digital resources, and various co-teaching opportunities
LOCKERS:
All students in grades 5-8 will be assigned a locker with a combination lock on it. Your advisory teacher, the main office, and you are the only ones who know the combination to said locker. You should memorize your combination and not disclose it to anyone, including friends. We cannot overemphasize the importance of keeping your locker combination secret. If you have trouble opening our locker, or if you forget your combination, see your Advisory Teacher. Your books, coat, and other valuables should be kept in your locker when not in use. The school assumes no responsibility for your losses.
Since lockers are a permanent part of the building, students are expected to keep them clean and in good, usable condition. Designated school personnel have the right to search a locker.
Get study materials from your locker during appropriate times. No one should leave classes to go to their locker except with special permission.
LOST AND FOUND:
All articles found are to be taken to the office immediately where they may be claimed during the school day. Anyone who has lost anything in school should notify the office immediately and check the lost and found collection.
MUSIC LESSON POLICY
All music lessons are scheduled on a rotation basis. The lesson rotation will cause a student to miss an individual class as seldom as possible. Students are instructed to personally see their classroom teachers before attending each lesson. Students are responsible for all work and/or homework that are assigned during the class that day.
Make-up lessons will be available to students who need to miss a lesson. Students should schedule a make-up lesson with their music teacher when they are absent from their scheduled lesson.
For more information, see the music ensemble handbook provided by your teacher.
PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE POLICY
The most educationally fulfilling aspect of enrollment in a music performing group is participation in the various concerts and performances throughout the year. As a result, the music department will require performance attendance as specified in the class syllabus.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS POLICY
All students must participate in physical education. Exceptions to participating in class are as follows:
Written doctor’s excuse
Illness verified in writing by parent or nurse
Injury which is obvious
Participation means:
Come to class
Dress in clothing appropriate for physical activity including rubber soled shoes. No crocs, flip flops or slippers are allowed.
Change clothing if required to do so
Participate in the class activity
Failure to participate constitutes an incomplete grade and a student will make up that class (classes) or fail to complete the requirements in physical education.
Excuses for physical education classes should come through the school nurse. The use of skill and knowledge tests are encouraged and will be used to help determine individual report card grades. Students are not allowed in the gymnasium at any time unless a teacher is in attendance. The physical education department does not prescribe treatment other than first aid for injuries, illness, or orthopedic defects except upon direction of a physician.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
It is the recommendation of the N.Y. State Bureau of Health Service that no internal medication be dispensed or administered to any child by school personnel. Under certain unusual circumstances, when it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours, the school nurse may administer the medication if the parent submits a written request and it is accompanied by written request from a physician indicating the frequency and dosage of prescribed medication. Such medication is to be brought to the School Health Office in its original container by the parent or guardian.
SERVICES
Psychological Services
In addition to the School Counselors, we have a School Psychologist and a School Social Worker to assist students with learning problems or personal problems, which interfere with their school success. Students may make an appointment with either of these people on their own, or the school staff, parents or other agencies with which the students may have contact may refer them. ALL REFERRALS AND CONTACTS ARE KEPT IN COMPLETE CONFIDENCE.
We also have a Committee on Special Education to serve students with any kind of disability.
Health Services
One of the most important functions of school is our health program. Students in grade seven are given an annual health appraisal, which would include the following:
A complete physical screening by our school physician
A vision examination by school nurse
A hearing examination by school nurse (Audiometer used)
All required immunizations will be enforced through the nurse.
All members of our athletic teams are kept under constant supervision by the health department. The School Nurse takes charge of any sickness or other emergency situation that might occur in school. The School Nurse also works with the Attendance Officer in determining reasons for a student’s absence. The School Nurse arranges clinics for students that might be beneficial to the child’s health (immunization or orthopedic clinics, for example).
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the right of all employees and students within the school district to a work/learning environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment.
Any employee or student who believes that he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment should report the alleged misconduct immediately to his/her supervisor, so that appropriate corrective action may be taken at once.
SMOKING AND TOBACCO POLICY
In accordance with the Pro-Children Act of 1994, New York State Public Health Law and New York State Education Law, the tobacco use or smoking within district facilities or on district grounds is forbidden. For purposes of this policy, the term “indoor facility” shall mean a building that is enclosed. The term “grounds” shall mean any outdoor property or surrounding outdoor grounds contained within the school district legally defined property boundaries as well as any vehicle used to transport children.
SPORTSMANSHIP AND COURTESY
Visiting teams are our guests. We should be courteous hosts to players, coaches, and supporters. When playing away from home, we should leave the best possible impression regardless of the outcome of the game. Long years of friendly rivalry are desirable for many reasons. Each should do his part to promote such a condition. Officials running the game are performing a necessary service. They are competent individuals who know most about the rules and should be treated with respect at all times.
STUDY HALLS:
Study Hall is a quiet educational environment to complete necessary work or to conference with your study hall instructor to make plans for grade improvement. Study hall is designed to help all students to be successful in school and to be an environment where students can work without disruptions or distractions. Students can work together at the study hall instructor’s discretion.
Students are expected to complete class assignments and activities, follow the rules, and work collaboratively with the study hall teacher.
Students are expected to follow the seating arrangement designed by the study hall monitor.
No food or drinks (except water) are allowed.
Study hall is not a social time. Time is allocated for academic tasks. If students have completed homework, studied for any upcoming tests, and reviewed notes; they may read. Chromebooks are allowed to complete work, but they cannot cause any disruption to the educational environment.
Cell phones may not be accessed during study hall. They should be away, out of sight and silenced.
Earbud and headset use is permitted with teacher permission to complete assignments.
If students want to see a teacher or use the library during your study hall, they must come with a signed and dated pass from the teacher they want to visit. They will not be allowed to get the pass once the bell for study hall has sounded. If the study hall teacher can confirm the student was supposed to go see a teacher or the library, the study hall teacher can write a student a pass. This should be the exception to the rule and not a consistent issue. If the teacher feels this privilege is being abused they may refuse to write that student a pass.
Students must sign out to use the bathroom. Only one student will be allowed to sign out at a time.
Students can get a pass to the nurse if she is available. Only one student will be allowed at a time.
TEAM MEMBERSHIP TRYOUTS
Tryouts will be held during each sports season in those areas where it is necessary to limit the size of the respective team. Eligibility, team membership, and other criteria for selection will be announced in accordance with regulations and policy developed by the Director of Athletics.
TECHNOLOGY, ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The purpose of the networks making up the Internet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be consistent with the educational objectives of the Central Valley Central School District. Transmission of any material in violation of any national or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material and threatening, obscene material, and Cyber-bullying – a course of conduct or repeated acts of abusive behavior by communicating through electronic means, with a person anonymously or otherwise over a period of time committing such acts as, but not limited to, taunting, insulting, humiliating, harassing, menacing, sending hate mail or embarrassing photographs; This can and will warrant disciplinary action.
Computer use is conditional on the user employing appropriate safety and security measures at all times. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Student access to the Internet and e-mail is only with the permission of a supervising staff member and for educational purposes only. Determination of inappropriate use and the resulting consequences will be made in conjunction with the Central Valley CSD Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.
TRESPASSING
Students are not permitted in any school building other than the one they are registered to without permission from the administrator in charge of that building. Students should not be at school or on school grounds outside of school hours unless they are here for extra help, participation or attendance at an extracurricular event, or other approved purpose. Students suspended from school are not allowed anywhere on school grounds without the express permission from an administrator, and failure to keep off of school grounds may constitute a charge of trespassing being filed with the police.
VISITORS
Visitors are defined as individuals not employed by the school district or not enrolled in the school district that are visiting in the buildings or attending school functions, either on or off school grounds. All rules of the district Code of Conduct relative to dress, language, behavior and conduct will apply to all visitors. Visitors in violation of the code will be warned, asked to leave and/or removed from the premises. If necessary, law enforcement officials will be involved. School officials retain the right to ban individuals from future school events or prohibit individuals from being on school property as circumstances warrant.
All visitors during the school day must report to the Attendance Officer upon arrival. There they will be required to sign the Visitor’s Register and will be issued a visitor’s identification badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school grounds. The visitor must return the identification badge before leaving the building.
Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as PTSO meetings or public gatherings are not required to register.
Teachers will not take class time to discuss individual matters with visitors.