Stevens Middle School welcomes you!  We are excited about the 2006-2007 school year and look forward to meeting you.

At Stevens, staff, parents, and students "strive for excellence" by working together to do their best for academic and social growth.  We believe in providing an

environment which encourages:

§         Health, safety, and consistent boundaries.

§         The continuing development of the skills and practices of positive citizenship.

§         Education that prepares students for success as life-long learners in an ever-changing, multicultural, and technological world.

§         Accepts, and celebrates the individuality and efforts of all students while cooperatively seeking academic excellence.

§         The relevance of curriculum which is enhanced by direct experience and connection to the community.

 

The best way to be successful is to be involved. Here at Stevens there are several ways to be involved.  Some examples are:

§         Student Government

§         Natural Helpers

§         Sports

§         Art Club

§         Honor Society

§         Builders Club

§         Japanese Club

§         Technology Club and much, much, more.

 

ASSIGNMENT CALENDARS are available from classroom teachers. 

§         Work on assignments for the entire period. 

§         Write all assignments down on my assignment sheet. 

§         Cross out when completed and handed in.

§         Do my highest quality of work on all assignments. 

§         Turn in all assignments on time.

§         Be on time to class with notebook, calendar, pencil, paper, and book.

§         Keep all completed work for review and verification.

 

TEXTBOOK MAINTENANCE AND CLASSROOM PREPARATION are building blocks for excellence.  I am expected to come prepared for class with a three ring notebook, paper, pen, pencils, completed homework, and books.  Textbooks will be issued to me and will be my personal responsibility for the year.  I am required to keep my books in good condition and cover them.  Fines will be issued by the teacher for any damaged or lost books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEAMWORK OF STUDENT, PARENT, AND STAFF support and create the cooperative framework for success.

§         I will be involved in my own education, participate in discussions, ask questions, offer to tutor others,  make arrangements to meet with teachers before or after school or attend homework room for extra help.

 

§         Meet with my academic advisor to build on my strengths and get support for my stretches. 

o  6th grade Advisor – Ms. Goebel

o  7th grade Advisor - Mr. Lisk

o  8th grade Advisor - Mr. Lisk

 

§         Resources for extra help include:

o  Teachers

o  Parents

o  Academic advisors

o  Staffings with teachers, parent, academic advisor, and student.

o  Volunteer adult tutors

o  Peer tutoring

o  Homework room (7:45-8:15am and 3:15-4:00pm) Monday – Thursday

o  Saturday School (8am – noon): certain Saturdays only.

 

 

ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY

The purpose of student government is to promote the welfare of the school, encourage loyalty and school spirit, and develop leadership.  Associated Student Body officers and senators are elected in the spring.  The 6th grade senators are elected in the fall.    

ASB Officers:

President – Tally Swanson

Vice- President– Kayla Berezowsky

Treasurer – Curtis Capell

Secretary –Haley Hirsch

7th Grade Senator—Katelyn Noard

“The best help others do their best.”

                                                                                               

MY PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS

I understand it is important that my parents know how I am doing so that they can support me. I will receive a progress report approximately four and one-half weeks before the end of each report card period. Here are the dates that I will be bringing home progress reports from my teachers:

First Quarter – Oct 10, Tuesday        Second Quarter – Dec 7, Thursday

Third Quarter – Mar 6, Tuesday        Fourth Quarter – May 10, Thursday

On those dates, students will meet with my fourth period teacher during that time to organize all my progress reports from different teachers and to create a plan for my success! I should attend Saturday School the very next Saturday if I find that my grade is below a C.  I can also start coming to homework club in the library right after school until 4 p.m. so that I can bring my grade up.  

 

My report card will be issued every nine weeks.  Grading periods end at approximately this date:

First Quarter- Nov 3                             Second Quarter-Jan 25

Third Quarter-Mar 30                          Fourth Quarter -Jun 15

I know that it takes approximately 10 working days for report cards to be distributed and that my teachers will be talking to my parents at parent/teacher conference on November 7,8,9. I need to remind my parents to call Mrs. Kiteley, the secretary, at 452-5590 to set up an appointment to see my teachers. I will bring home my report card and on that day there will be a p.m. assembly schedule so that I can meet with my first period teacher to be ready to discuss my report card.  I know that the school will post that on the reader board outside the school and will post that information on the school website so my parents know what day I’m bringing it home.

I WANT TO DO HOMEWORK

After I am absent for two (2) days, my parents can call and request homework for me to do.  I understand that it takes a full day for this to happen and that they can pick it up at Student Services right after school until 4 p.m.   I need to turn my homework back in promptly when I return and it’s also a good idea for me to call a friend or classmate to check on what assignments my teachers have given. I know that my requests for homework cause extra work for student services and teachers and I’ll show my appreciation for their help while I’ve been away by picking up my request promptly and by doing my best job possible on my work. If my teacher has their own class website and posts homework, I know how to access it at:   www.pasd.wednet.edu/school/sms. My teachers always appreciate being emailed and I could contact them by using this format:

first name_last name@pasd.wednet.edu

I may contact student services by email at:

stevens_services@pasd.wednet.edu

I Feel Yucky- Sickness at School

When I feel too sick to stay in class, I need permission from my teacher to go to Student Services. If I am too sick to stay at school, Mrs Anderson or Mrs. Elliott will call for someone to come and get me.  I know that there is not much room in the office and so I can’t stay there all day. Besides, Students Services is not really equipped to monitor me when I’m not feeling well except in an emergency situation.   I know that my parents are concerned about my well-being and so my emergency contact list is always up to date.  People on my contact list can pick me up when my parents/ guardians can’t  Although Resa is our school nurse, I know that she is only onsite Tuesdays from 8 until noon but she is really flexible and wants to support me in being healthy.  She is almost always available by appointment or for a telephone consultation. I will never call my parents and then LEAVE SCHOOL without checking out.  I know that Mrs. Anderson and Ms. Goebel will search the school and will worry about me and where I have gone.  By checking out properly, I will be showing how responsible I am.

MEDICATION TAKEN AT SCHOOL

I recognize that my parents and my physician have tried to design a schedule for giving me my medication outside of school hours.  However, if I need medication during school time I must simply provide Stevens with a written order from the physician, my medication in its original container and a written consent from my parents so that I can take my medication at school.  I know that Aspirin and Tylenol are medications and so I must follow these same steps.  Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Elliott can provide me with the right paperwork to fill out to do all this and I know that our school nurse or someone else properly designated will dispense my medication.  I understand that carrying any medication or having it in my locker can result in me being suspended.   This procedure is in compliance with state law RCW 28A.31.150.

MY TIME AT SCHOOL

School hours - On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday school starts at 8:20 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m.   The main building is open to me at 8:05 a.m.  Wednesday  late start times are 9:20 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.   The main building is open to me at 9:05 a.m. on those days.  The gym opens at 7:30 a.m. so that I can eat breakfast or participate in activity or study time. I am aware that being on time and being here every day will help me learn how to be punctual and will reinforce good habits in attendance.

  

Absence

1.  I want to be here everyday to learn. I know that my teacher will take roll and keep an accurate attendance and they will do that in the first ten minutes of class so I need to be on time. 

2.  If I have been absent I must go and check in with Mrs. Anderson or Ms. Elliot at Student Services before I go to class because they are the keepers of the master file on who is here and not! 

3.  There is a clipboard at Student Services that I sign on when I leave early or when I am returning to school.  For those rare times that I need to leave early, my parents will call or send a note explaining why I need to leave and my teacher from the class that I leaving from signs my slip from the office. If I return during the same day I still go and sign-in at Student Services so that Ms. Anderson knows I am back at school.

4.  If I arrive after 8:20 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday or after 9:20 on late start Wednesday, I am tardy and need to have Ms. Anderson  at Student Services sign an admit slip for me to enter class.

5.  Even though the State of Washington only recognizes illness as the only valid excuse for being absent from school,  my school has also recognizes these issues as reasons for valid absences.

                a.  Illness or death in the immediate family.

                b.  Dental or doctor appointments.

                c.  Pre-arranged absences authorized by school administration.

                d.  Absences as a result of participation in an educational program.

                e.  Other family emergencies that cannot be anticipated.

6.  When I have been absent from school for any period of time, a note is required. My note must be dated and contain the date(s) of absence,  reason, and the signature of the parent or guardian.  Even though my mom, dad or guardian may call in to let my teachers know I’ll be absent, I still must follow up with a signed note.

                a. My absence will be considered unexcused until I have a written note from my parent.  Ms. Anderson follows the WA state law and has to start disciplinary action when I don’t take care of  unexcused absences.

7.  After ten (10) excused absences during a given semester Stevens may require a physician's note in order to excuse further absences.

VISITORS – Who is that stranger?

I appreciate that Stevens loves it when parents or guardians come to visit. However, I understand how it could worry people within my school when they see a stranger walking down the halls or entering a classroom and so I know why the school demands that all visitors will report into the first office by the front door so that they can sign in and pick up a visitor button or badge to wear at all times   It is helpful if an appointment is made prior to the visit by calling 452-5590.

Due to crowded conditions and school policy, I recognize why students who do not attend Stevens Middle School are not allowed on campus during school days.  Non-students who remain on campus after being asked to leave may be charged with criminal trespass on school property.

Oops, I’m late!

Upon late arrival I go directly to Student Services.  I know it is my responsibility to be on time and ready to learn.  A little late is too late.  The three biggest explanations that Mrs. Anderson hears are the following :  I overslept, I missed the bus or my parents were running late!   I know that this might be the reason I am late but it is not accepted as an excuse!  This results in an unexcused tardy and I’ll need to make up the late time during lunch detention.    

To be excused from a tardy arrival to school, I must:

1.  Always check into Student Services.

2.  Bring a written excuse from my parent/guardian that includes first and last name, date, reason for late arrival and signature of parent/guardian.  I will not even try to justify why I was late if it was for oversleeping, running late or missing the bus.

3.  Forgetting my note will result in a detention but I may avoid serving this detention by presenting my note the next day.

 

Skipping School – Not Me!

Skipping school or class is just not something I want to do.  My parent will be called as soon as it’s noticed that I’m truant.  I’m sure that will totally freak them out and I don’t think the consequences I’d have at home or school would be worth it. Then, for me to return to school my parents need to initiate a conference with Mr. Lisk or Ms. Goebel as part of my re-admittance.  Parents have a tough job.  They are required by state law RCW 28A.225.010 to be responsible for my regular school attendance. That same law allows Stevens to take appropriate actions against me or my parents if there isn’t valid justification.   If these consequences by the school are not successful in substantially reducing my truancies then the school district may petition the juvenile court to take appropriate action.

Ms. Anderson cares about all of us and really doesn’t enjoy going to truancy court because it’s rather boring to sit in the hot, stuffy court room for hours on end, but she obeys state laws and she knows it is her and the district’s responsibility to enforce the State Compulsory Attendance Law, Chapter 28A.225 RCW.  The procedure for discharging this obligation was first modified in 1995, and again in 1996.

 

TRANSFER OR WITHDRAWAL

If I have to transfer or withdraw, I need to have a parent come in and sign paperwork and I need to turn my books back into the head office. The next school that I’m going to needs to request my file.  I can’t bring that file with me.   I’ll let my teachers know that I am leaving because I know many of them will want to say goodbye to me.

 

Yahoo!  It’s a snow day!

There is nothing more fun than experiencing snow in Port Angeles but just because there is snow, school is not necessarily always cancelled.  Bummer huh! I will assume that school is still on but I’ll check radio stations KONP 1450 AM and KIKN 1290 AM to see if school has been cancelled or if there will be a late start.  The message will be carried on the 7:00 a.m. news program and frequently during the hour between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.  I can also check the Port Angeles School District web page at www.pasd.wednet.edu/schclose.htm for the snow closure schedule.

Duties of MY Parents Under the State Compulsory Attendance Law

Did I know that the Compulsory Attendance Law, Chapter 28A.225, says that my guardian has to send me to public or private school?  Well, I do now.  Only Dr. Cohn, superintendent,  can excuse a child between the ages or eight and eighteen and only on the basis of:

a.  the child is physically or mentally unable to attend school;

b.  the child is receiving home-based instruction, attending a private school or residential school operated by the Department of Social and Health Services; or

c. the child's parents have requested that the child be temporarily excused.

My guardian or parent could even be fined up to twenty-five dollars for each unexcused absence I have at school unless they can show that they tried everything to get me to come to school. If I want to read the technical wording on this I could look up RCW 28A.225.090. Instead of paying the fines, my parent could provide community service at my school if the court said it was okay.

Steven’s Responsibilities Under the State Compulsory Attendance Law

A.  Stevens must notify my parents, schedule conferences and take steps to reduce my absences.

When I don’t come to school, Stevens MUST:

1.  Inform my custodial parent, parents, or guardian by a notice in writing or by telephone after one unexcused absence within any month during the current school year; Usually, my parents will receive an automated phone call from the Stevens school telling them that I was absent that day.

2.  If I have two unexcused absences in one month then Ms. Goebel or Mr. Lisk will set up a conference with my parents/guardians and we’ll talk and figure out what is causing all of this.  If a regularly scheduled parent-teacher conference day is to take place within 30 days of the second unexcused absence, we may schedule this conference on that day; and

3.  Take steps to eliminate or reduce my absences.  These steps shall include, where appropriate, adjusting my school program or school or course assignment, providing more individualized or remedial instruction, providing appropriate vocational courses or work experience, or refer me to a community truancy board, or assisting my parent or me in obtaining other services that could help me with my attendance problem.

DON’T FORGET:  After ten excused absences during a semester, Stevens may require a doctor’s note in order to excuse any further absences. 

CLOSED CAMPUS

It is my job to stay in the approved areas for my own safety while I am at school. If I am leaving campus then I must bring my written note to Ms. Anderson at Student Services so that I can get signed out.

I can hang out before school and/or during lunches in these areas:

§         The area between the gym and main building - before school only. I CAN NOT BE HERE DURING LUNCH TIME BECAUSE THERE ISN’T AN ADULT TO WATCH ME HERE. Also, there are classes that are going on during my lunch hour and instructors are trying to teach.

§         Hallways - 8:05 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or 9:05 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday.  If I am a seventh or  eighth grader  then I know better than to be in the sixth grade hall for any reason.

§         Library- 30 minutes before school,  25 minutes after school, and also during lunch with a Library pass that I get from Ms. Adams or Mr. Wagner.

§         Both gyms are open before school starting at 7:30 a.m. as well as lunch time.

§         The lower playfield, north and east of the gym as well as the surrounding blacktop.

§         I know to stay within the “yellow lines” during lunch because teachers, administrators and para-ed are watching out for me in these specified areas.

§         Students are not allowed in the school or hallways during lunch without a pass.  Students may check with a staff member in the lunch room if there is an emergency and they need to access their locker or use the phone.

Where I can’t go during school time:

             (7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) are as follows:

§         The west side of the gym including the new fields.

§         The north side of the gym by the wall.

§         The east side of the 6th grade wing.

§         Area between main building and gym during lunch time-  no, no, no, no, no!!!  .

§         Hallways during lunch time.

§         Pay phone

I know that Ms. Goebel or another teacher will write a referral when I’m out of bounds. I realize that these boundaries are set up to try to keep me safe.

 

Why are you carrying a duck?

For safety and accountability I must have the teacher's permission and a hall pass to leave the room. Who knows what I’ll be carrying as my teachers use very original hall passes!

Honk! Honk!  I’m on the BUS!

I may only ride the bus route designated by my home address.  If I need to make an exception to this rule then I have to bring a signed parental note to Student Services so that they can issue me a bus pass for the bus I need to ride. I need to call the bus barn at 452-9714 with questions about routes, rules, and discipline.  I will follow the bus rules so that everyone will be safe.  Riding the bus is my privilege as long as I follow all rules.  If I chose to break the rules, I lose the privilege.  These rules are in the District Handbook of Student Conduct and Corrective Action.

LUNCH – Mmm, Mmm, good!

Breakfast and lunches are available. I can bring a check to Student Services addressed to Stevens Middle School with my name written in the bottom left corner so that the school isn’t left guessing who I am or I can give it to the lunch ladies to deposit into my account. I can pick up an application for free/reduced price lunch from Ms. Anderson and then I turn that back into the office.  I know that no one can tell whether I qualify for free/reduced for lunch or not!  When I go through the lunch or breakfast line, I give the lunch ladies my four digit code so that I can pick up lunch. 

 

WHERE DID I PUT THAT?

I’m going to be smart this year and write my name on my Steven’s sweatshirt and t-shirt tag so that if I lose my clothes the office will know who to return it too.  In fact, that’s such a great idea, I’m going to make sure everything that is important to me is labeled.  I was amazed at how much “stuff” is turned into the office.  Items in the lost and found can by the library will be taken to the thrift store at the end of every month or when it is full.  I better check lost and found before I leave school for the year to make sure I didn’t forget anything.

 

INSURANCE

Student accident insurance is available for all students.  Forms are available in the office and during registration.

*The chances that these are exact and right are about the same chances of me being struck by lightening.  However, they should give me a pretty close estimate of what I’ll need to pay.

APPEARANCE AND DRESS

I will come to school dressed appropriately.  I know that I can’t be a walking billboard for booze, tobacco, profanity, sex or gang affiliation. I realize that I will be calling home to get a change of clothes if I choose to dress inappropriately. If I can’t reach anyone there, Ms. Goebel keeps a closet full of extra t-shirts and pants so that I can pick something out to wear instead.  Once I use up my three reminder chances, I will be spending quality time with Ms. Adams during lunch detention or I could possibly lose my free time with after school detention to help me remember to make good choices in what I wear to school.

I know that Ms.  Goebel and Mr. Lisk do have the right to ask me to change my clothes if my clothes or physical appearance presents a health or safety issue or is disruptive.

 My pants will be belted at my waist and not many, many inches below that.  I’m smart enough to not wear sagging pants that look like I’m wearing a loaded diaper in the back. I can’t wear wallet chains or anything similar to that because it would be too easy for someone to get hurt with them.

I will keep my armpits covered – ewwww!  That means I will not wear tank tops or other shirts with low armpits. All my shirts need to have sleeves and the neckline should be somewhere near my neck!  Imagine that! I’ll take extra care to make sure my waist area  doesn’t show. I will not be showing the world whether I possess an “innie” or an “outie” belly button.  My midriff should be covered at all times – and that includes when I’m sitting down.  My mom or dad could check me quickly before I get out the door in the morning to make sure that when I sit down I’m not showing off skin on my back in the middle or when I raise my arms up, I’m not flashing my midriff. I follow these school rules because I don’t want to be a distraction for other students.  They should be able to concentrate on the teacher instead of my skin!

My underwear needs to be under something!  That’s why it called “underwear! I understand that my teachers like to see the expression in my eyes so that they can tell I’m with it.  Hats and sunglasses get in the way of that.  I also realize hats, hoods, and bandannas are often an invitation to mischief that can get out of hand or may indicate gang affiliation.  Besides, many people really appreciate the respect it shows when I remove my hat indoors.  I’ll be polite and remove my hat, hood or sunglasses as soon as I enter the building.  If I forget, Ms. Goebel will add it to her growing collection and my parents can come to reclaim my item.

For those rare times it becomes warm here and I choose to wear shorts, I will make sure that my shorts (or skirt) extend past my fingertips when I have my arms extended downward along my legs. And if I’m one of those different individuals with really short arms, I know that I could still be asked to put a longer skirt or pair of shorts on. I’m smart enough to realize that skirts should probably be a bit longer than I need in the front so that they are at the very least the minimum length I need in the back.

I’m not going to wear a huge puffy winter coat to class – I’ll leave it in my locker instead.  A hoodie is a great item to wear around because it can keep me warm in some classes, like Ms. Sinton’s, and can be tied around when my waist when I enter Ms. Goebel’s oven of an office.

I know I can’t return to the classroom until I take care of my inappropriate clothes. I also realize that certain clubs, classes and teams have specialized rules for participation and I’ll show my respect by following these rules and dress codes and understand there could be more or different consequences for choosing to break the rules. I understand that sports and musical competitions require a more conservative dress code and I’ll be expected to follow those guidelines if I want to participate.

 

SKATEBOARDS AND SKATES

Stevens is just not equipped to have skateboards or skates at school.  I know that I can’t use either of these during the regular school day (7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or at school sponsored activities scheduled after school hours.  If I forget, administration will take them and only return them to my parents.   Also, these items are not allowed on the bus.  The new skates that are built into shoes are not allowed because I’ve seen how they can tear up the carpet.  I’ll have to call and get different shoes if I chose to wear those.  My parents will have to pick up the shoes after school.

LUNCHROOM BEHAVIOR

I’ll use my best manners when I’m eating in the lunchroom.  I always throw my leftover trash away in the garbage at the end of lunch.  I know that if Mr. Lisk, Ms. Goebel or Mr. Wagner have to pick up more than three pieces of garbage at lunch, then they’ll call all the students back in and have them sit in assigned seats for a few days. Our school does a great job of being responsible at lunch so we’ve rarely had that happen.

It’s polite not to cut in the lunch line and cutting results in me going to the very, very end.  I can’t have anyone purchase anything for me either. 

 

BICYCLES

There is a bicycle rack for my bike at school.  It is located at the front of the building in front of the Administrative offices.  The safety of my bicycle cannot be guaranteed and so I’ll be smart enough to bring my own lock to keep it secure. I know that it is state law that I wear a helmet to and from school and that Ms. Goebel or Mr. Lisk will keep my bike at school and call my parents to come and pick it up if I chose to not wear my helmet. If I can’t afford a helmet, they are great in trying to find me a free one because they know how fun it is to ride a bike. They love seeing me wear my helmet because they don’t ever want to know that my head hit the pavement and cracked open!!!!! Even though I’m excited and in a hurry to leave at the end of the day, I won’t ride my bike until I’m off campus. It’s just too crowded and it’s just too easy to run into someone on campus. Ms. Goebel and Ms. Smiley hate it when their ankles get bumped into! Here are some of my bike rules I need to follow to ride my bike to school:

§         Bikes should be used on the right hand side of the road and in single file.

§         Do not ride in the parking lot.

§         Do not ride between or near buses when they are loading or unloading.

§         Bikes may not be used at noon.

§         Keep your bike locked through the school day.

§         Bikes are not to be ridden on campus.

§         No loitering is allowed near the bicycle racks.

§         All bikers must wear a helmet.

ELECTRONICS AND MOOLAH!

I will not bring large amounts of money to school and if I chose to bring electronic items, they are my own responsibility and will need to stay in my locker.  I, not the school, is responsible for my personal property. If I chose to wear my headphones to and from school, I will keep them in my locker and will never bring them to class.  If I have a cell phone that my parents want me to keep, I must also store it turned off in my locker or the cell phone will be confiscated until a parent can pick up.  Mr. Lisk does not really enjoy hunting for the phantom ring somewhere in the hallway.  I can never keep it on my person and if I do, Mr. Lisk and Ms. Goebel will take it away and will only return it to my parents.  If these items are seen in the classroom, they will be taken away for the remainder of the day and kept for the parent to pick up.

 

BEVERAGES ON-CAMPUS

 

Due to excessive drinking of highly-caffeinated, highly-sugared energy drinks by some students that resulted in behavior problems, learning and focusing problems in class, and also interfered with their success at school, these high energy drinks that students purchase off-campus will no longer be supported by Stevens Middle School.  Beverages meeting nutritional guidelines may be purchased from the approved selection in the cafeteria vending machines and from the lunch stations.  Students health and ability to learn is a foremost concern by Stevens Staff members.

 

WHERE DO I STORE MY STUFF?

I’ll get a locker partner and a locker assigned to me during my language arts period.  I know that I must stay in the same locker but if I am having problems with my partner or where I am located, I know that my teacher will work with me to solve the problem or to relocate me as needed.  Lockers will have new combinations each school year.  It’s my responsibility for protecting those combinations.  I know better than to give my locker combination to anyone.   My locker is school property and is really only loaned to me and so I’ll keep it clean and neat.  Only items necessary for school are to be stored in my locker.  Tobacco products, alcohol, drugs or instruments used in the consumption of drugs, as well as firearms or any unsafe items or materials are by law not allowed on school premises.  I will be held responsible for any unlawful items or materials found in my locker.

I know that having a locker requires me to be responsible.   Every now and then there will be school wide locker clean out and inspections.  Lockers will also be inspected when authorities have reasonable cause to believe that items or materials are concealed in my locker that violate school rules and/or the law.  Should an emergency inspection be necessary, everything in my locker will be examined in the presence of a witness. 

Sometimes, the lockers stick or get jammed.  I’ll head over to Student Services or let my LA teacher know I’m having problems.  Lockers are to be used only immediately before, after school, and in-between classes.

 

 

STEVENS MIDDLE SCHOOL RULES

STUDENT CONDUCT INFORMATION

STUDENT CONDUCT AND CITIZENSHIP

I am expected to conduct myself in an acceptable and responsible manner daily. 

I know that I’m still maturing and growing up and that the teachers in the school are there to help me and guide me.  I’ll be respectful to my teachers and others in authority so that school will be a safe and fun place for all.  Rolling my eyes and saying things under my breath are not skills that will help me be successful later in life! I’m going to share the responsibilities of good school citizenship as well as its privileges and benefits.

Even though self-discipline is probably one of the most important skills I’ll learn to master, it’s not a class that I will have to take to graduate from middle school.  Instead, I’ll be learning how to master that throughout my three years at Stevens. When I gain control of myself, I’ll have good conduct and will have proper consideration for other student and adults around me.    Plus, I won’t have to hear Ms.  Goebel say, “What were you thinking?”

.Three written resources are given to me to support good conduct and citizenship:

1.        Handbook of Student Conduct and Corrective Action in Port Angeles School District;

2.        Stevens Middle School Parent and Student Handbook; 

3.        Teachers Classroom Rules. 

I am expected to be familiar with all three resources.

Handbook of Student Conduct and Corrective Action in the Port Angeles School District Contains:

I.   Definitions

II.  Student Conduct and Responsibilities

III. Consequences for Student Misconduct

IV.  General Corrective Action

V.   Emergency Actions

VI.  Appeals to School Board

VII. Application for Readmission

Appendix A - Conduct of Buses

Appendix B - Athletic Code

Appendix C - Appeals Process

 

Whoops! Lunch Detention Again

For those rare times that I don’t follow school rules, I’ll have some consequences.  There is a system in place in which consequences increase as my disobedient actions continue. I know that teachers will give me four warnings within a classroom before I’m referred to the office. There will be consequences to each warning though and I’ll have to initial on the teacher record of student behavior.  I know that my parents will be contacted and will have to come in for a meeting with my teachers if I actually continue my bad behavior and make it to the fourth warning.  What can I get a warning on?  Simple things that I should be able to do like come prepared to class, being quiet, not banging into other people as I walk down the hall, you know, basic stuff I mastered in elementary school.  Once I’ve been sent to the office, I’ll meet with Ms. Goebel or Mr. Lisk and they’ll start with a system of consequence steps to help me stop my out of line behavior depending on the seriousness of the infractions and negative behaviors.

 

Of course, really bad behavior could land me in the office immediately, result in a phone call home and end up with me being sent home!   My hallway behavior is important too and so I’ll watch how I behave as I walk (not bounce like a ping-pong ball) to my next class.

HOWEVER, middle school is a cool place to be and my teachers will appreciate my great behavior too.  And although they shouldn’t have to reward good behavior, they understand how nice it feels to be recognized for a job well done.  Some of my teachers will write me up on a WE SAW YOU and then ask me to bring it to the office.  Staff members could also give Ms. Goebel a POSITIVE PINK SLIP in recognition of good behavior and good citizenship in class.   My name will go into a draw barrel for some wild Stevens prizes.  By not getting a bad office referral I’ll be helping my grade level win at assemblies for when they announce the grade level with the lowest number of discipline referrals. There is a good chance I can attend an after school dance FREE is I have no teacher or office referrals.  I could be recognized as Student of the Month, get my photo and name on the wall, and most importantly get free pizza the next day at lunch!

I can’t wait to attend my first academic assembly!  Crazy, loud and silly are just a few words I’ll use when I come home and tell my parents what I did for an hour!  I could be recognized during the assembly for my good grades and my great behavior in class! I might earn a wristband to wear for the following week that could result in me getting special privileges like treats at lunch time, being dismissed a few minutes early to lunch and ice cream socials in my class. I know that the teachers are always looking for fun ideas and so if I can think of a great reward or idea, I’ll pass it on to them or to Mr. Lisk….hmmmm, I wonder if he’ll let us pour freezing cold water all over him if we meet our academic classroom objectives sooner than required! I’m going to do my best job to be a team player here at my school.   That way – everyone will want to come to school to work and have fun!

 

ZERO TOLERANCE - DISTRICT AND SCHOOL POLICY

STEVENS bylaw has zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, weapons, substance use, gang activity and bullying.

UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

 Harassment in the form of slurs or other verbal or physical actions based on gender, race, religion, ethnic origin or disability (physical, mental, or sensory) is prohibited.  Harassment may be considered a hate crime.  Federal law requires the reporting of hate crimes.  RCW 98.36.080.  Malicious harassment is a Class C felony and can result in jail time. 

A SLUR IS A TYPE OF HARASSMENT and is defined as any derogatory action such as:  remark, joke, picture, or gesture referencing or directed to any individual or group(s) which is of a racial, ethnic, religious, sexual, or physical, mental, or sensory disability nature.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT -  Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, constitutes harassment and is prohibited when such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive school environment, or is a threat to the health and safety of students and employees.  Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

SEXUAL/RACIAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURE - Victims of harassment should report the problem to any staff member.  The complaint may be oral or in writing.  The staff member then has the responsibility to inform an administrator.  An investigation will then be undertaken.  The privacy of the student is to be protected as much as possible.  A range of discipline for harassment and discrimination will be exercised, depending on the severity of the offense.  The consequences may include:

§         Apology to the victim/peer mediation

§         Education on the problem of sexual/racial harassment and discrimination

§         Counseling/Research or other academic work

§         Detention or Saturday School

§         Short-term/ long term suspension

§         Expulsion

The school will in no way retaliate against a person who files a complaint or tolerate faculty, staff, or other students retaliating against a complainant nor will they tolerate false claims of sexual/racial harassment or discrimination.

GANG ACTIVITY AND/OR BULLYING

Groups of students which initiate, advocate or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process.  Gangs are groups which identify themselves in some manner, generally with signs, symbols, and dress, and may engage in criminal activity.  The use of hand signals, graffiti, territory, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership with or affiliation with such a group, can present a clear and present danger.  Such behavior has been determined to be a form of intimidation to the student body and is disruptive to the educational process.

Any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance or school routine of another student shall be subject to disciplinary action.  Association with a gang, gang activities or membership which affects the school environment is considered exceptional misconduct and may result in a long-term suspension or expulsion.

1.  The type of dress, apparel, activities, acts, behavior or manner of grooming displayed, reflected or participated in by the student shall not:

a.  Lead school officials to reasonably believe that such behavior,  apparel, activities, acts, or other attributes are gang related and would disrupt or interfere with the school environment or activity and/or educational objectives;

b.  Present a physical safety hazard to self, students, staff, and other employees;

c.  Create an atmosphere in which a student, staff, or other person's well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, or overt gesture or threat of violence; or

d.  Imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, marks, drawing, painting, design, emblem upon any school or personal property or on one's person.

If the student's behavior is in violation of any of the above provisions, he/she will be requested to make the appropriate correction. (The first ten students that come point out that Ms. Goebel wrote this in here will get a special prize from her office. You should be rewarded for being this dedicated and reading every word of this handbook.)  If the student refuses, the principal or designee will take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action in accordance with District Policies.

 

DANGEROUS WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVE DEVICES AND TOY GUNS

I can not possess or have any object that can reasonably be used to represent or be considered a firearm, air gun or a dangerous weapon including toy guns or other toy weapon replicas.  I shall not be in possession of a dangerous weapon or explosive device(s) on school property or a school-sponsored event.  A dangerous weapon shall include, but not be limited to the following:  any firearm, any knife, any device commonly known as "nun-chu-ka sticks," consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic or similar substance connected with wire, rope, or other means, any device commonly known as "throwing stars," which are multi-pointed metal objects designed to imbed upon impact from any aspect; or any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas.  In accordance with RCW 9.41.280 if I am in possession of a firearm on school premises, school provided transportation or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by the schools, I shall be expelled in accordance with RCW 28A.600.010.

HOW TO STOP SEXUAL/RACIAL HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION

Use the S.T.O.P. plan to end the behavior.  No one deserves to be a  victim.

S.  Spot the Behavior.  Is someone making unwanted sexual looks, comments or actions toward you? Even something that starts out as kidding around can turn into something harmful.  Recognize when someone has crossed the line and is making you feel uncomfortable.

T.  Tell Someone.  The Aggressor.  Let the person who is bothering you know that you don't like the behavior and you want it to stop right away.

Teachers or School Administrators.  These people may be closest to the situation and can help you.  They could be especially effective in stopping peer harassment.

You may feel that you can't stop the sexual harassing behavior by yourself.  That's why it is important to get your parents involved.  They can go with you to the school or help you confront the harasser or take any necessary legal action.  It's very important to tell someone.  If someone doesn't believe you, tell someone else.  Eventually you will find the right person to help you.

O.  Obtain Support from Teacher, Parents, Administrators.

P.       Prevent it.  There are some things you can do to prevent sexual harassment before it starts.  Set Limits.  Know in your own mind what behavior is acceptable to you.  Draw the line. Sure, you want to have fun but you don't want to be taken advantage of. 

 

The only way to have a friend is to be one.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Watch your thoughts;

                They become your words.

Watch your words;

                They become actions.

Watch your actions;

                They become habits.

Watch your habits;

                They become character.

Watch your character;

                It becomes your destiny.

                                Daily Schedule

SNN                8:20 – 8:25

Per 1                8:25 – 9:18

Per 2                9:22-10:15

Per 3                10:19 – 11:13

1st Lunch         11:13-11:43

2nd Lunch        11:43-12:13

            SSR (2nd Lunch)          11:17-11:43 w/4th per. teacher

            SSR (1st Lunch)           11:47-12:13 w/4th per. teacher

Per 4                12:17-1:10

Per 5                1:14-2:07

Per 6                2:11-3:05

Wednesday Schedule

SNN                9:20 – 9:24

Per 1                9:24 – 10:07

Per 2                10:11-10.54

Per 3                10:58-11:41

1st Lunch         11:41-12:11

2nd Lunch