Lanier Middle School HANDBOOK RESPONSE FORM 2014-2015

. Lanier Middle School HANDBOOK RESPONSE FORM 2014-2015 Student Name: HR: We will always look for ways to improve processes to better serve you. Rather than ask that you sign each of the many forms you receive, we have compiled one sheet for you to initial and sign. Please read over the agreement forms below and the supporting documents. Initial the line to the left of each section. Please return this page to the homeroom teacher. Gwinnett County Public Schools Student Discipline Handbook I was issued a Gwinnett County Student Discipline Handbook. I understand this book contains local school, county and state policies and procedures. Gwinnett County Public Schools Student/Parent Handbook I was issued a Gwinnett County Student/Parent Handbook. I will review the contents with my child, and I understand that these are the rules and regulations set forth by the Gwinnett County Public School System. The teacher will explain the school-wide discipline plan to the students the first week of school and to parents during curriculum night. AKS Parent Brochure I have reviewed the AKS Booklet online. The teacher will explain the contents and the requirements for promotion for the grade level during curriculum night. Attendance Letter I have received the Georgia attendance regulations, including the definitions of excused and unexcused absences, as well as the State truancy law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.2). Lanier Middle School On-line Student Handbook I have reviewed the Lanier Middle School On-line Student Handbook found at www.lanierms.org I understand this contains information regarding local school policies, expectations and procedures. Lanier Middle School Yearbook I hereby give my consent for photographs of my student(s) to be included in the Lanier Middle School yearbook. Student Signature: Date: _ Student Signature: Date: _ 1

WHAT TIME DOES SCHOOL START? Homeroom will begin at 9:15 a.m. If you arrive later than that, you will be considered tardy. You must sign in with the front office where you will receive a pass to class. WHEN CAN I BE DROPPED OFF IN THE MORNING? If your parents drive you to school, you can be dropped off between 8:50 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. That s when the building opens. If your parents have to go to work early, your best bet is to ride the bus! BUT WHAT IF I HAVE A BEFORE-SCHOOL ACTIVITY? If you your parents are dropping you off before 8:50 for a before school activity or morning tutoring, you must use the main entrance nearest the cafeteria. Your parents will need to park in the front lot so you can use the crosswalk to enter the building. WHEN SHOULD I BE PICKED UP AFTER-SCHOOL? If you plan to be a car-rider, your parent needs to pick you at using the Buford Dam Road entrance at 4:00. If your parent is not able to pick you up at 4:00 you will be asked to ride the bus. CAN I RIDE THE BUS HOME WITH MY FRIEND? To ride any bus other than your own you must have a bus pass issued through the front office. These are issued only for emergency situations. You must bring your request to the front office by 10:00 for approval. HOW DO I GET MAKE-UP WORK IF I HAVE BEEN ABSENT? It is your responsibility to ask your teachers for any assignments you might have missed because of an absence. It is also your responsibility to turn the work in to your teachers by the due date. You can also monitor teachers websites and the student or parent portal to see what assignments you missed. For each excused day you are absent, you will be given two days to make-up the work. Again, it is your responsibility to approach the teacher after the absence to make sure you have the missed assignments and due dates. IF I GET CHECKED OUT EARLY AM I CONSIDERED ABSENT? If you are at school less than half a day, you are counted absent. You will only be released from school to your parent or to a person who has been approved and identified by your parent. In order to avoid classroom disruption and to preserve academic teaching time, check-outs are not permitted after 3:30pm. WHO CHECK ME OUT OF SCHOOL? Only those persons listed by your parent as an emergency contact may check you out of school. Anyone checking a student out of school is required t to show a photo ID. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH Students may pay for meals daily or in advance using MyPaymentsPlus. Parents can use MyPayments Plus to manage meal accounts. Once a student s account reaches a negative balance of $5.00 they will not be allowed to charge again until money is placed in the account. You can register for an account on line at: http://www.mypaymentsplus.com. Students who want to buy breakfast should go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival to school. Breakfast will begin at 8:50 a.m. and end at 9:10 a.m. Any student attending a before school activity or morning tutoring that would like to eat breakfast should report to the cafeteria from 8:05-8:15. They will be released at 8:15 for tutoring and/or other morning activities. If you choose to take your lunch to school, milk will be available for purchase. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WHAT IF I AM THIRSTY OR NEED A SNACK OUTSIDE OF LUNCH? 2

Students are allowed to have water bottles containing water only and are free to drink the water during class (likely exceptions would include but are not limited to if you are using a computer or participating in a lab). Each teacher has the discretion to establish a snack time at which students are allowed to eat a small dry snack while class is being conducted. Students who enter the building with any drink other than water will be directed to the cafeteria to finish the drink. AM I ALLOWED TO CHEW GUM IN SCHOOL? NO! Gum chewing will not be allowed. A teacher detention will be given as a consequence. HOW CAN I MEET DRESS CODE? Here are some guidelines. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WHAT SHORTS AND SKIRTS ARE TOO SHORT? Shorts and skirts that are shorter than the bottom of the finger tips with arms straight down by your side are unacceptable. Slits or holes in garments cannot be above mid-thigh. WHAT SHIRTS MEET DRESS CODE? Shirts must cover your midriff. Other shirts/blouses that should not be worn to school include, but are not limited to, low-cut, see-through, backless lingerie-like tube tops and tanks. Students should not wear halter tops, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, or tank tops.. CAN I WEAR A HAT OR SOME COOL SHADES? Headgear is prohibited and must be kept out of sight in the building. This includes but is not limited to caps, sock caps, hats, birthday tiaras, hoods, bandanas, wave caps, sweatbands, headbands, sunglasses, or other head coverings. No combs, rakes, curlers, or picks may be worn in the hair. Exceptions for religious or medical reasons may be granted by the principal. WHAT ABOUT SHOES? Shoes must be worn at all times. Bedroom slippers may not be worn. Flip flops are cute and fun to wear, but please remember there are a lot of stairs and flip flops are not always a sturdy choice. SO, WHAT KIND OF PANTS CAN I WEAR? You should wear pants that fit appropriately and are not too baggy. Here are some quick checks to make sure your pants are o.k. Waistline must be on or above your hips with no under layer showing at any time Pants that are too baggy and cannot be kept at the waist are not allowed If the crotch of the pants is anywhere near your knees they are too baggy Any rips or holes that expose your thighs are unacceptable Pajama bottoms are not allowed Undergarments should never be visible If leggings/jeggings/tights are worn an outer garment must meet the finger tip rule CAN CLOTHING HAVE ANY WRITING ON IT? No words, symbols or artwork that advocates or depicts violence, or that is inflammatory or suggestive of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, sex, illegal gang affiliation (see below), hate groups or other illegal activity should be expressed or implied. No student clothing shall be disruptive or have caused past disruption to the school environment. GANG-RELATED ATTIRE INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: Pants with one leg rolled up Over-sized pendants Bandanas 3

Sweatbands/headbands Draping articles of clothing, belts, towels, etc out of pants pocket, over the shoulder/neck or to one side. Clothing that is not symmetrical. WHAT ABOUT JEWELRY? No accessories or jewelry that may be used as weapons are allowed to be worn at school. This includes but is not limited to wallet chains, spiked rings, spiked bracelets, two or three finger rings that are joined, and bulky chains worn around the neck or waist. Sharp objects that could pose a danger, such as spikes or safety pins are not allowed on clothing or book bags. WHAT IF I WEAR SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT MEET DRESS CODE? Teachers will send dress code violators to the front office during homeroom or first period. If you establish a pattern of not meeting the dress code you will receive a disciplinary referral. WHAT ABOUT PERSONAL ELECTRONICS If you bring them to school, you assume responsibility for their safekeeping. If you bring these items to school you need to keep them on your person. These items should be powered off and out of sight unless a teacher has directed to you to use the item within their own classroom for an instructional activity. Earbuds are not to be seen or worn in school You can use your cell phone after-hours if you need to call from an extracurricular activity or after you get off the school bus in the afternoon. Lockers Here are a few hints: Valuables should never be left unattended The school CANNOT be responsible for items left in lockers Lockers are issued to you as a service and for your convenience, however, the school cannot guarantee the security of the lockers Lockers are not the property of students and may be searched at any time by the administration without the students consent You will be responsible for the contents of your locker A locker fee is charged for the maintenance of the locker If you vandalize or abuse a locker, additional charges may be assessed. PE lockers are available for students during PE class. You must bring a lock from for PE lockers For the protection of your property do not share your combination with anyone. MONEY The best way to keep your money safe is to not bring large amounts of cash to school. It should be brought for lunch, school store, ice cream, or a field trip, only, It should never exchange hands between students at school. HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AT LANIER? STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council at Lanier Middle School provides an opportunity for students from all grade levels to participate in service and school spirit activities. The Council meets regularly to vote on school wide activities and to provide student input. Election of officers is held each fall and officers are selected from qualified students as follows: 4

8 th Grade President and Treasurer 7th Grade Vice President 6 th Grade Secretary CLUBS There will be many clubs and activities for you to get involved in at Lanier. Announcements will be made and a listing will be online when it is determined what clubs will be offered. Various clubs are formed throughout the year and students are encouraged to become involved. Be sure to check out the list when it is published! ATHLETICS Gwinnett County recognizes the following sports for middle school: 7 th & 8 th Grade Boys Basketball 7 th & 8 th Grade Girls Basketball 7 th & 8 th Grade Cheerleading Students wishing to try out for, and participate in, one of the above listed teams must meet the GHSAA eligibility requirements. These include: Meet all requirements for promotion into 7 th / 8 th grade. Students must have earned promotion into the current grade (transition students are not eligible) Students must have passed five of six courses the previous semester. Students must maintain eligibility throughout the playing season. Have a current physical exam conducted by a medical doctor, insurance, or waiver, and parent consent prior to participating in an athletic activity. Only the Gwinnett County provided Physical Form will be accepted. Any changes to the eligibility requirements will be shared with interested students. INTRAMURALS Intramurals are offered for students during the fall and spring and are designed to involve all students and to provide sports activities among groups of students at the local school. The program begins prior to school and lasts for an hour and a half. The intramural program is free and under the direction of the physical education department. Students must have a signed permission form to participate in this program. There are no intramurals during the basketball season. INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT HERE IS THE GRADING SCALE FOR GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS The grade is a report of your individual progress as defined by the AKS to you, the student, your parents and others who are concerned with your progress in education. For grades six, seven and eight, student academic progress shall be graded by means of a numerical grade according to the following scale: A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 74-79 5

COMMUNICATION D = 70-73 U = Below 70 School website Please be sure to log on to the school website for updated information. Our website address is www.lanierms.org Parent Portal Information: Parent Portal is available to all families as a means of monitoring the academic progress and attendance of students. Access to the Parent Portal can be obtained by registering in the front office, in person. You will need a valid photo ID, an email account and access to the internet. Student Portal (My eclass): Students are provided access to the student portal. Students are highly encouraged to use this tool as it provides them access to w wealth of resources that can assist in their academic growth. Parent/Teacher Conferences are essential for parents and teachers to work together cooperatively. Communication between home and school is vital in providing the best education for our children. You may request a conference with your child s teacher at any time. Phone Calls: Parents are encouraged to communicate frequently with teachers. If you would like to speak to a teacher on the phone, send the teacher an e-mail with your contact information or call the front office so your phone request will be forwarded to the teacher. For Parents Absence Notes Within two school days of returning to school, students should bring a note with their full legal name, the dates they were absent, the reason for the absence and a parent/guardian s signature. Students should take these notes directly to the front office as they enter the building. Medication All medication, both prescription and non-prescription, must be brought to school by the parent and given directly to the school clinic worker. Students who are in possession of medication are subject to disciplinary action as outlined under Gwinnett County Public Schools Code of Conduct. Guidance and Counseling Guidance and counseling services are available to all students. The guidance and counseling program is developmental in nature and attempts to provide a continuous sequence of activities to foster growth in the areas of personal development, including interpersonal skills, decision-making skills, citizenship skills, study skills, selfmanagement, self-concept, and communication skills. To accomplish this, individual, group, and family counseling services are available upon request. Student Management Lanier Middle s school-wide student management plan is designed to ensure en effective learning environment for all students. This plan is consistent with current school procedures and Gwinnett County Code of Conduct for students. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to report any incidents of possible misconduct, mistreatment, bullying or harassment directly to the school. Students and parents may report the allegation directly to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Gwinnett County Public Schools Board policy provides a complaint procedure for students (policy JCE) who feel aggrieved because of his/her race, religion, gender, national origin, creed, or disability. 6

Textbooks, Instruments and School Property Textbooks are issued to students. THIS IS A LOAN FOR THE PERIOD IN WHICH THE STUDENT USES THE TEXTBOOK, AND ALL BOOKS SHOULD BE TREATED AS BORROWED PROPERTY. In the event of loss or abuse of textbooks, whether accidental or purposeful, a student must pay for the book(s) in accordance with the scale fixed by the Board of Education. Band instruments, library books, electronic textbooks and other school equipment and/or property should be considered on loan for the period the student uses such equipment or material. In the event of loss or abuse of instruments, equipment or property, restitution will be determined by the cost of replacement or repair of instruments, equipment or school property. When personally-owned property, or rented instruments or equipment are brought to school, the school cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage. Use of Telephones The school phones are for business purposes and are available to students only in emergency situations. Statement of Nondiscrimination Lanier Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in educational programs, activities, or employment practices. It is the practice of the Gwinnett County Public Schools to provide instructional and related services appropriate to a free appropriate public education for individuals with documented disabilities. Individuals may contact their local school (770) 945-8419 for information regarding such services. 7