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Accidents |Acceptable Use Policy (Internet/Network) | Activities | Activity & Athletic Trips | Address Change | Attendance | Behavior | Breakfast | Bullying | Camera Use | Cheating | Conferences | Counseling | Detention | Discipline Plan | Dress Code | Emergency Drill | Facilities Use | Field Trips | Grading | Hallway Behavior | Health Services | Homeroom | Homework | Honor Roll | In-School Suspension (ISS) Library | Lockers | Lost and Found | Late | Lunch | Parties | Personal Property | Pride Card | Progress Reports | Student Photo | Student Recognition | Student Sales | Student Services | Sportsmanship | Tardies | Telephone Use | Textbook Rental | Transportation Rules | Visitors | Weather | Withdrawal | SPORTSMANSHIP The Board of Education and the staff of GMS are committed to a spirit of good sportsmanship as a means to achieve exemplary citizenship and to enhance the image of our school community among students, patrons, and guests of our district. To enhance and promote our sportsmanship and citizenship goals, all students, sponsors, and fans representing our district are expected to display exemplary levels of sportsmanship during all school sponsored events and activities. (BOE Policy JDE) Sportsmanship may be accomplished in three ways:
ACTIVITIES An activities director is available for scheduling and organizing athletic events, field trips, dances, concerts, and related school-sponsored activities. The activities director also has the necessary forms and information concerning student participation and eligibility for interschool athletics. A well-rounded program of activities is available for grades 7 and 8. In order to be eligible to participate in school activities an individual must:
ACTIVITY/ATHLETIC TRIPS
HEALTH SERVICES GMS has the services of a health nurse. During the second semester, all eighth grade students receive an eye examination. This test is mandated by the state. The school nurse and teachers do not provide medicine, treatments, or make diagnoses. They only provide first aid and cannot give medication of any kind without a USD 265 Medication Policy completed by a doctor and placed on file in the nurse’s office. Students are not allowed to carry medications with them or keep medicine in their lockers. For more information contact the school nurse. In order to protect from possible serious complications and to protect other students from possible exposure to diseases, students who are ill should not come to school. It is the duty of the school to send home any student who appears to be ill or is suspected of having an infection or contagious disease. School health rooms are to care for those students who become ill or injured at school. Students who become ill or injured at school must check out through the nurse’s office. Students should not call parents from a classroom. It is the responsibility of the parents to make arrangements to have ill or injured students picked up either by the parents or by persons the parents designate. No student shall be permitted to transport other ill or injured students home. No child will be dismissed from school until parents or other designated responsible persons are contacted at home or work. Emergency numbers should be made available to the office and updated regularly. ACCIDENTS The school will exercise every precaution to avoid accidents in class, activities, or transportation. Should students have accidents or injuries, they should report to the supervising teacher or office immediately. STUDENT SERVICES Counseling Services - A school counselor is available for personal, social and educational counseling, both individually and in groups. The counselor visits with students about concerns, arranges class schedules, keeps student records, and administers and interprets various assessments. Special Services - Students have access to the services of a school
psychologist and a social worker. Other services are available to students
with an Individualized Education Plan.
LIBRARY The library is open from 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. each school day. Books are checked out for two weeks. After that there is an overdue fine of five cents per day. Magazines, vertical files, cassette tapes, videotapes, encyclopedias and other reference materials and books being used in research are checked out for overnight. Overnight items are due by 8:00 A.M. A fine of five cents per school hour (.35 per day) is charged on late overnight items. Students are charged the replacement cost, plus any fine, for lost books. LOCKERS The lockers in the schools of the district shall be under the supervision of the building principal and assigned to the student for the storage of school materials and clothing necessary to school attendance. (BOE Policy JCBA-R) Each student will be assigned a locker. Combination locks are built into lockers. Students should not share lockers or combinations. Students are not permitted to switch lockers with other students. The school reserves the right to search a student’s locker to maintain the integrity of the school environment and to protect other students. Each individual student is responsible for the contents of his/her assigned locker at all times and will be held accountable for the contents of his/her assigned locker. If a student is issued a PE lock, the student is responsible for returning the lock at the end of the semester. If it is not returned, the student will need to pay the replacement cost of $5 per lock. Students are not to decorate the inside or outside of lockers using tape or any other sticky materials. LOST AND FOUND Anyone who finds an article belonging to someone else should turn it into the office. Lost articles should be reported to the office also. Items that are not claimed and remain in the lost and found for more than 30 days may be disposed of in a manner approved by the administration. PRIDE CARD The Pride Card is a photo identification card that allows students free admittance into home sporting events at both USD 265 middle schools. The Pride Card may be purchased for $6. STUDENT PHOTO All students will have their individual school pictures taken in the fall and spring. Pictures will be available for purchase, but there is no obligation for students or parents to purchase pictures. TELEPHONE USE The student telephones are for business only. We will not call students out of class to take non-emergency telephone calls. We will, of course, allow students to receive or make emergency calls to parents. Parents may call the office and leave messages for their students. STUDENT SALES The sale of any product or the soliciting by any individual or organization that is not school sponsored is prohibited. Only school sponsored organizations and the regular vending machines are acceptable. PARTIES No class time will be used for parties of any type without prior consent from the administration. FIELD TRIPS Throughout the year academic teams or other special areas may sponsor field trips. These field trips are considered part of the academic requirements, and it is expected that all students make every effort to attend field trips. Students will be required to return permission slips signed by their parents in order to attend field trips. If permission slips (and money, if required) are not returned by the deadline established, students will not be allowed to attend the field trips. The school will not accept faxed permission slips or phone calls in place of permission slips. Permission slips will be made available in the office for parents who want to come in to meet the deadline. Students that are suspended from school or that are in ISS will not be allowed to attend field trips. Students who violate the behavior code while on a field trip may not be allowed to attend future field trips. SCHOOL PROPERTY The school grounds, buildings and equipment should be cared for with the greatest of respect. Students will be responsible for the replacement costs on any property damaged or destroyed. TEXTBOOK RENTALS A textbook rental program is offered to all students of the district. The rental program is all-inclusive. Books and workbooks are paid for in one fee. Refunds are pro-rated over the four nine-week periods. Replacement of damaged or lost textbooks is the student’s responsibility. VISITORS Visitors must check in through the administrative office. Students will be called to the office for parents or other family members in emergency situations. If a visitor wishes to see a teacher, the office will check with that teacher before the visitor is sent to the classroom. In an effort to provide a safe environment for our students and staff, we ask that all visitors wear a visitor’s pass while in the building. Parents are cordially invited to visit the school at any time.
Should questions or misunderstandings arise, parents are urged to contact
the teachers and the administration so that a better understanding and
cooperative solution can be reached.
INCLEMENT WEATHER - NO SCHOOL When inclement weather threatens to cause school to close, please listen to one of the local TV stations. Television stations notified are KSNW-TV 3, KAKE-TV 10, and KWCH-TV 12. All major radio stations are also notified. Information should be on the air after 6:00 A.M., depending on the situation. If school is closed, school office telephones will have a recording with that information. SCHOOL USE REGULATIONS No group may use the building after school hours without the presence of a faculty sponsor. Use of the building must have the approval of the principal. Any community groups wishing to use any part of the building must make arrangements through the activities director at least one week prior to the date of usage. CHANGE OF ADDRESS If a change of address or telephone number occurs, report the change to the office immediately. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL If a student is withdrawing from school, it is necessary for parents to contact the office. This should be done the next to last day of attendance. Checkout procedures will be explained at that time. EMERGENCY DRILL INSTRUCTIONS When an alarm for fire or other emergency is given, it is to be considered an emergency, where human life is at stake. All persons should move in an orderly manner to the exits prescribed. TORNADO / SEVERE STORM PROCEDURE
K-8 ATTENDANCE POLICY Each regularly enrolled pupil at Goddard USD 265, grades K-8, shall attend school in accordance with the compulsory school attendance law (see JBD-R). Absences, which accompany valid excuses, (see JBD) will be excused. An absence is unexcused without a valid excuse. The principal or assistant principal(s) shall be responsible for determining the validity of offered excuses for absence from school. Unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action appropriate to each grade level, which includes, but is not limited to, detention, in-school suspension, or Saturday School. Unexcused absences may also result in a student being reported to appropriate authorities. Students with excessive absences may be required to provide additional documentation. The following are deemed as valid excuses within the limits of the attendance policy: personal illness, death in the family, doctor or dental appointments, court proceedings, religious observances, school activities, and other absences which are deemed necessary by the parents and approved in advance by the administration. Administrators will communicate with parents to ensure every effort
is made to encourage regular school attendance by all students. Letters
will be mailed, per compulsory school attendance law, when students receive
three (3) consecutive unexcused absences or five (5) unexcused absences
in a semester or seven (7) unexcused absences in a school year (see JBD-R
and JBE). In addition, a letter will be mailed when any student accumulates
10 or more absences, excused or unexcused, in one semester.
TARDY POLICY Students are expected to be in their assigned seats or location ready to work when the bell rings. Students arriving late to classes will be excused or unexcused by the classroom teacher. 1st Tardy - Teacher warning issued.
If students fail to serve an assigned Saturday detention, the time will be doubled for the following Saturday. Failure to serve the second Saturday detention will result in ISS. HOMEROOM Homeroom is used for many purposes: taking daily attendance, taking an accurate lunch count, making daily announcements, and allowing students time for completing homework or getting assistance from teachers. In addition, this time is used for conducting activities related to Student Council, Publications, State Assessments, and many other equally important tasks. Homeroom is part of the students’ school day and all students are required to report to school for Homeroom. Students who are not in their assigned classrooms at the beginning of Homeroom are considered tardy. A student tardy remains unexcused without a valid excuse, and once unexcused tardies to Homeroom exceed three or more, they must be made up in Saturday Detention in accordance with the tardy policy. According to BOE policy, the following are deemed as valid excuses:
personal illness, death in the family, doctor or dental appointments, court
proceedings, religious observances, school activities and other absences
which are deemed necessary by the parents and approved by the administration.
Parents must call the school or send a note the day of the tardy stating
the reason for the tardy.
LATE ARRIVALS OR EARLY DISMISSALS Any student arriving late to school should always check in at the office before proceeding to class. Students leaving during the day need to check out through the office and check back in if returning later that same day. Notes pertaining to early dismissals or any absences should be turned into the office during Homeroom. DISCIPLINE PLAN Students are subject to each teacher’s or academic team’s disciplinary plan for that classroom or grade level. BEHAVIOR RULES All students are expected to show respect for each other, staff, all personnel and school property. Failure to act properly at school and school activities will result in disciplinary action. In case of serious behavior violations, certain steps may be bypassed. STUDENT BEHAVIOR CODE A. Disruption of School A student shall not use any conduct to cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful function of the school. Neither shall a student urge other students to engage in such conduct for the purpose of causing a disruption or obstruction of any lawful function of the school. The unacceptable conduct shall include but not be limited to: (1) occupying any school building, school grounds or part thereof with intent to deprive others of its use; (2) blocking the entrance or exit of any school building or corridor or room therein with intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of, the building or corridor or room; (3) setting fire to or damaging any school building or property; (4) firing, displaying, or threatening use of firearms, explosives, or other weapons on the school premises for any unlawful purpose; (5) preventing of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued functioning of any school, class, or activity or of any lawful meeting or assembly on the school campus; (6) preventing students from attending a class or school activity; (7) continuously and intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfere with the teacher’s ability to conduct class; (8) written or verbal threats against self, other student(s) or staff member(s). A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to private property or attempt to steal private property either on the school grounds or during a school activity. (JCDA-R) B. Verbal/Physical Assault on a School Employee or Student A student shall not cause, attempt to cause, or verbally lead another to believe he/she may cause physical injury or bodily harm to another student, school employees and volunteers, or persons employed by vendors and other providers of contracted services: (1) On the school grounds or property during, before or after school
hours.
If it is reasonably believed the act was self-defense or an action was necessary to protect some other person, then it will not be considered an intentional act under this rule. Retaliatory, aggressive behavior will not be considered self-defense. (JCDA-R) Cameras may be used at school, on school property or at school activities or functions only if they are not disruptive, as determined in the sole discretion of school staff. Cameras shall not be used in the classroom without the permission of the teacher. Cameras shall not be used in such a fashion as to inappropriately invade the privacy of others. No Cameras shall be used in any restroom, dressing area or locker room without the consent of those being photographed. Cameras shall not be used to record confidential material, such as tests, without consent. Cameras shall include film cameras, movie cameras, digital cameras, video cameras, cellular telephone cameras, videophones, internet web cameras and any other device capable of taking, storing, transmitting or viewing pictures or images. (JCDA-R) Goddard USD 265 will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any students. A student shall not bully, intimidate or harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to: direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving; threats; verbal assault, such as teasing or name calling; and social isolation or manipulation. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from school in school provided vehicles, while waiting for the arrival of, or immediately following the departure of any school bus at designated school bus stops and at school-sponsored activities whether on or off campus. (JCDA-R) E. Weapons and Dangerous Instruments A student shall not possess, handle, or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon: (1) At school
This shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon. (JCDBB) The use of electronic communication devices by pupils on school property during the school day is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, pagers, cellular phones and other communication equipment that has potential to be disruptive to the educational process. Items intended to look like or simulate such devices are also prohibited. Pupils found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to the following: 1st Offense: Property will be seized and returned to the student at the end of the day. 2nd Offense: Property will be seized and returned only after a parent conference. (JCDA-R) G. Use of Trained Dogs to Promote Drug Free Schools In order to promote a drug free environment, the Board of Education authorizes the use of dogs specifically trained to detect drugs to search the facilities and the grounds of USD 265 including any vehicles on USD 265 property. (JDDA-R) H. Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs and Controlled Substances A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, distribute, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, any unprescribed controlled substance, drug look alike, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverage of any kind: (1) On the school grounds during, before or after school hours.
Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription, for the user from a registered physician, shall not be considered a violation of this rule. It shall be considered a violation of the rule for a student to possess, use or distribute any prescription drug for which the student does not have an authorized medical prescription from a physician. Additionally, it shall be considered a violation of the rule for a student to distribute a drug for which they have an authorized medical prescription from a physician to any other student(s). (JDDA) I. Repeated School Violations A student shall not fail to comply with a reasonable request of school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under the authority of school personnel. (JCDA-R) J. Tobacco District property is to be tobacco-free. The Board of Education believes that a tobacco-free policy is important in establishing an appropriate learning and working environment for students, teachers and the public. The use of tobacco products in any form is prohibited at all times in or on all district real estate (including parking lots) or personal property (including vehicles) whether owned, leased or rented, or at any school-sponsored event. Any student who violates the terms of this or any other tobacco policy shall be subject to the following disciplinary action:
K. Fighting
L. Sexual Harassment
Racial harassment will not be tolerated in the school district. Racial harassment is unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin under Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination. Racial harassment of employees or students of the district by board members, administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors and any others having business or other contact with the school district is strictly prohibited. Racial harassment is racially motivated conduct which: 1) Affords a student different treatment, solely on the basis of race, color or national origin, in a manner which interferes with or limits the ability of the student to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or programs of the school; 2) Is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile academic environment; 3) Is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of interfering with a student's academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or programs of the school. Racial harassment may result from verbal or physical conduct or written graphic material. Any student that believes he/she has been subject to racial harassment should discuss it with his/her principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, or another certified staff member. The filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting racial harassment shall not reflect upon the student's status or grades. To the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigation of the complaint. The district will take prompt corrective action to end the harassment. Any act of retaliation against any person who has filed a complaint or testified, assisted, or participated in an investigation of a racial harassment complaint is prohibited. False or malicious complaints of racial harassment may result in corrective or disciplinary action against the complainant. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student may initiate a formal complaint under the district's discrimination complaint procedures. (JGECA) Consequences of Violations
Kansas Law 72-8902 (A-1) states: “A suspension may be for a short term not exceeding 10 school days, or for an extended term not exceeding 90 school days. An expulsion may be for a term not exceeding 186 school days. If a suspension or expulsion is for a term exceeding the number of school days remaining in the school year, any remaining part of the term of the suspension or expulsion may be applied to the succeeding school year.” Students are not allowed at school or at school activities while suspended. Assignments need to be completed so that students will understand the information covered during their absences. HALLWAY BEHAVIOR Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner while in the hallways of GMS. Students should progress to designated area in an orderly fashion, adhering to the following rules:
CHEATING POLICY
DRESS CODE We want students to be dressed and groomed appropriately for the school setting. Because of different interpretations of what is or is not appropriate, the administration reserves the right to ask anyone whose appearance is disruptive and/or not in good taste to make necessary adjustments. All rulings by the administration will be final. Dress codes also apply to any student activities under the direction of the school.
LUNCH PERIOD It is required that all students remain at school during the lunch period. All students will go to the lunchroom regardless of whether they bring their lunch, eat in the lunch program, or do not eat. If students do check out through the office for lunch with their parents, they are expected to return within the allotted lunch time before class resumes. FOOD SERVICE POLICIES
CAFETERIA RULES
BREAKFAST GMS offers a breakfast program for all students. Breakfast is served beginning at 7:05 A.M. The kitchen will remain open until 7:35 A.M. Students who are still eating breakfast are still expected to be in homeroom by 7:40 A.M. All breakfast items must remain in the cafeteria and cannot be taken to homeroom. Breakfast can be purchased with the students’ lunch ID or with cash. DETENTION Detention may be assigned before or after school. Teachers will supervise the students who have been issued detentions. After-school detentions will last until the late bus arrives unless otherwise stated. If students fail to serve assigned detentions, the detentions will be doubled. Failure to serve the doubled detentions will result in two hours of Saturday detention. Parents will be notified when detentions are assigned. SATURDAY DETENTION
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) The ISS room is designed to provide a reasonable and related consequence for inappropriate student behavior and violation of school rules and policies. Students will generally be assigned to ISS for a maximum of three days. During this time, the student will be under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. While in ISS, students will complete classroom assignments and homework from regular classes. Any tests given in the regular classroom will be made available for students to complete in ISS. In addition, students may be asked to complete a written assignment related to their inappropriate behavior or rules/policy violation. Failure to comply with the rules and procedures in the ISS room will result in additional time being assigned or an out-of-school suspension. Students will not receive credit for any regular classroom assignments that require their presence for a participation grade, i.e., P.E., shop, music, technology, or band. Students will not be allowed to participate in any activities following a day in ISS, i.e., no athletic or academic practices, contests, or other school-sponsored activities. Students involved in extracurricular activities that are assigned ISS
for the first time will miss the next scheduled competition. Students assigned
ISS a second time will be dismissed from their respective team.
TRANSPORTATION Students in the Goddard Schools are fortunate to have the privilege of riding the school bus to and from school daily. With this privilege comes the responsibility of proper behavior while riding the bus. Bus rules emphasize cooperation and safety precautions. We expect all students to respect and obey the rules for riding the bus. Pupils may at any time be denied the privilege of riding the school bus because of failure to follow drivers’ instructions. The Transportation Discipline Coordinator will process violations of bus rules, and disciplinary measures will be taken. If you have questions concerning transportation, you may contact the Transportation Department at 794-4291. Passes will be issued for students riding a different bus after school on the second route only. Students riding buses other than their own assigned buses need to bring a note from their parent/guardians to the office during Homeroom in order to get a bus pass. If a student is riding with another student, then we must have written notice from both parents. Students staying after school for the second route must be under the supervision of a teacher the entire time. A bus pass will not be issued without a teacher pass. It is the students’ responsibility to ask a teacher to supervise them. School busses provide transportation only to addresses within each school’s attendance area. Transportation will not be provided to any address outside a student’s school attendance area. A bus will be provided for after school instructional or discipline purposes only as determined by the GMS staff. (JGGR-3) Student Responsibilities for Safe & Proper School Bus Operation:
School Bus Discipline Procedures
PERSONAL PROPERTY Students should not bring personal items (CD players, pagers, cameras, laser pointers, skateboards, etc.) to school unless a teacher has requested them and they are a useful part of their class work. Such items may be taken from students and kept in the office. Personal items such as CD players or Gameboys that are used during the longer bus routes should remain stored in students’ lockers during regular school hours. The district is not responsible for loss or damage to any personal property even if the personal property is lost, stolen or damaged on school grounds. ON-LINE SERVICES/INTERNET ACCESS Use of the computer network is a privilege, not a right. The fundamental rule for use of district network resources is that all use must be consistent with the district’s educational goals and behavior expectations. Compliance with the policies that follow will provide students the opportunity to use on-line services.
Violation of conditions:
Prior to a suspension or termination of network use, or as soon after as is practicable, the administrator will inform the user of the suspected violation and provide an opportunity for explanation. This is not to be construed as permitting any student to have due process rights in connection with the privilege of operating District technology. (JU) PROGRESS REPORTS Students are issued progress reports during each nine-week period to take home to parents. Parents also have access to grades, attendance, and other student information through our parent information system. Parents can contact the school for password information. GRADING SYSTEM In order to provide some continuity among classes, the following grading system is being used in all Goddard Schools. Incomplete work becomes a failing grade if not made up in sufficient time.
HOMEWORK GMS encourages homework when it is needed to supplement or strengthen regular classroom work. Classroom teachers may provide class time for students to work on assignments. Assignments not completed during class must be completed at home. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all assignments and hand them in on time. LATE WORK/MAKE-UP WORK
If students are absent for two consecutive days with a valid excuse, parents can call the office by 10:00 A.M. to request all homework for students. This homework can be picked up at the office after 2:30 P.M. that day. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled once each semester. If parents do not receive a letter requesting a conference, they are welcome to call for a conference appointment. Team plan times are frequently used for parent-teacher conferences throughout the year. HONOR ROLL The Honor Roll will be used to recognize academic achievements. Honor Rolls will be compiled after each quarter. The Honor Roll will be figured on a 4.0-point system: High Honor Roll = 4.0 GPA; Honor Roll = 3.00-3.99 GPA. GMS encourages all students to model behavior that portrays a responsible, resourceful, respectful student. To encourage this behavior, the following recognition activities have been established:
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