Fortuna Middle School 2016/2017 Fortuna Elementary School District Student Expectations ‘The Board of Trustees and Fortuna Middle School desire to prepare students for responsible citizenship by fostering self-discipline and personal responsibility. The Trustees believe that high expectations for student behavior, effective classroom ‘management, and parent/guardian involvement can minimize the need for discipline, In order to ensure a safe learning environment for all, the Fortuna Elementary District utilizes a Positive Behavior Intervention Supports plan with consequences for not ‘meeting the expectations. Therefore itis the responsibility of all (students, parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel) to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect. The following are guidelines to be followed at school: Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be A Problem Solver Fortuna Middle School Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports _ Program (PBIS| ‘The goal of the FMS PBIS system is to teach students to demonstrate a high level of responsibility for their behavior. In this system, students are taught how to be responsible, respectful, safe and problem solvers. Students lea about social skills, communication, interacting with peers and adults, The staff here at FMS will be teaching clear expectations for behavior, communicate clearly what the expectations are for students, explain the system for encouraging positive behavior and discouraging undesired behavior. The FMS staff will look at data that will help to decrease the undesired behaviors. We encourage parents to communicate any questions or concerns with staff here at FMS. Those students caught doing the “Right Thing” will be awarded with a Spartan Ticket. This Ticket may be turned in for a reward (snacks) or entered into a drawing for monthly prizes, To be a STAR in our PBIS program: * SHOW UP EVERY DAY ON TIME * TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS * BE READY TO WORK Cooperate with maximum effort Listen and participate Complete Assignments of high quality Have All Materials You Need - books, pencil * HAVE A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN * MAINTAIN A GOOD ATTITUDE Show Respect to Everyone and the School Follow Fortuna Middle School Rules Do What You Are Asked Willingly Use Good Manners ete,Student Appreciation Days Students earn monthly student appreciation days on one Friday of each month starting in October for good attendance, grades and behavior. Students who have 2 or less unexcused absences/tardies, no D’s/F°s/NC’s and no more than 1 referral will eam attendance to the student appreciation day. The principal will check the eligibility of students before the student appreciation day. Once students have chosen an activity, they must stay in that activity. Students not earning the student appreciation day will go to a supervised study hall. Students start fresh at the beginning of each month toward earning the incentive day for that period. Parent donations of snacks and materials are encouraged a these activities. Please contact Mr. Zinselmeir or Mr. Georgopoulos (Student Council Coordinator) at 725-3415 if you are interested in helping. Bikes, Skateboards, and other Wheeled Toys * Upon arrival at school, these items must be locked and stowed away in the designated area * Bike helmets are required, we have extras if needed * Wheels of any kind are prohibited on campus at all times, including hover boards * Itis the student’s responsibility to leam and observe the traffic rules for bicycles Cafeteria and Snack Expectations * All food and drinks are to be consumed by the water fountain by the playground or in gym on rainy days, Please bring nutritional snacks. ‘Students are to enter the cafeteria in an orderly fashion as directed by their teacher or other adult supervisor ‘+ Students are to remain until dismissed by the cafeteria supervisor + All recycling and trash is to be put in the designated bin and the area around which a student has eaten is to be clean before leaving the cafeteria * Under no circumstances is food or anything else to be thrown in the cafeteria + Students are to be respectful and follow expectations created for the cafeteria + The only beverages that are allowed during school time are water, milk or 100% fruit juice. All other drinks ate not allowed and will be confiscated and disposed. These drinks include but are not limited to sports’ drinks, soft drinks, coffee drinks, and energy drinksCell Phones Students may turn phones/electrical devices into the front office and pick up at end of the day, Phones/electrical devices are to be turned off and in backpacks while on school grounds. Ifa cell phone/electrical device is visible or has been left on, it will be confiscated and turned into the office for parent pick up. On the second violation, the phone will be tumed into the office for parent pickup. On the student’s third violation, the student will receive a Iday suspension from school and a meeting between the parent and Principal will result about the student's phone. Parent/guardian contact should be made through school office rather than cell phones. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. Upon arrival, students need to turn phones off and at dismissal phones may be tumed back on. Dress Code Remember: A student’s appearance should not attract undue attention. If you are ‘wearing inappropriate clothing, you will be asked to modify the clothing here at school or wwe will contact your parent/guardian to bring a different set for the school day. Appropriate dress is expected at all extra-curricular activities ‘+ Tops must be appropriately modest, have two straps (no off the shoulder) and not reveal the midriff (stomach) or underwear. Tank tops must have straps at least 2 fingers wide. Tank tops and sports jerseys with enlarged arm-holes should have an undershirt ‘+ Shirts/olouses that are particularly low cut in the front or back are inappropriate. Shirts/blouses must have enough material to cover bras. Bra straps may not show at any time. * Shorts and skirts must be finger-tip length when arms are fully extended at sides * Pants may not sag or be excessively baggy. No undergarments should be visible. If'students wear hip-hugger or low tise pants, shirts must cover midriff. “Pajama” pants, flannel lounge pants, and oversized pants may nat be worn (except on special theme days). Belts shall be kept in belt loops. * Shoes must be worn at all times for safety. Students must be able to participate in PE every day. Shoes must have closed toes and heel straps. Therefore, slippers, flip-flops, high heels or shoes with wheels are not allowed at any time. Any items displaying anything to do with cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, gangs, vulgar printing and/or something in poor taste are not permitted, * Chains of any kind, including wallet chains are not permitted. * Sunglasses, unless required by prescription, must be removed upon request and while indoors + For physical safety, only safe ear jewelry is allowed. No facial piercings. ‘Hats and hoods may not be worn inside. ‘© Bandanas of any type, even factory made, are not permitted.Gum Chewing gum is not permitted at FMS. If violating this rule students will be asked to clean up/serape gum ot campus beautification from the eampus. Please leave gum at home, Inappropriate Language Students are expected to use appropriate language at all times. If used inappropriately and/or repeatedly, consequences will follow. Library/Computer Lab Pupils are expected to behave in a respectful and responsible way in the library, as they are in other areas of the school. General school rules apply in the library, and any pupils breaking those rules will be subject to school disciplinary procedures. ‘The basic rules are as follows: Be considerate to other users and keep noise to a minimum. Be positive, and use the library constructively Return borrowed items on time and in good condition. Look after other pupils and report instances of bullying immediately. Use library computers responsibly for your school work, and at all times within the guidelines contained in the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. * Do not damage any equipment or library stock. * Donot eat or drink in the library. If expectations are not met, students will be dealt with appropriate consequences. Repeat offenders may be banned from library use and access. Playground * Students must stay where they are visible to yard supervisor(s). Students are not allowed to play in the school yard w/o staff supervision before school, during school or during afterschool program hours, * When leaving the playground at any time for any reason, students shall obtain permission fiom a staff supervisor. + Use all equipment safely and appropriately. Please hold equipment until you reach the track. Use only indoor equipment in the gym. * Boomerangs, hardballs, baseball bats and other potentially dangerous equipment are not permitted, © No hitting, throwing, or kicking balls against any school building* Play fighting, physical horseplay, or bullying will not be tolerated * [tis impossible to anticipate every situation that might arise on the playground. Students should be familiar with the general school rules and how they might apply to behavior expectations anywhere in and around the school Public Displays of Affection Kissing, hand holding and lounging in each other’s embrace are inappropriate behaviors at school. Vandalism/Health &Safety + Vandalism will not be tolerated and may be reported to the police. Dangerous items should not be picked up but should be immediately reported to an adult Expectations/Consequences SCHOOL DISCIPLINE: Each classroom teacher has a plan for handling discipline that describes expectations and consequences. School expectations are reviewed periodically and should be followed. Students may receive written referrals for not following school/elassroom expectations, When a student receives a written referral, we will begin to follow the discipline matrix. This will include: loss of breaks and recess time, campus beautification, being sent to a buddy room, behavior plan, check-in/check-out plan, in schoo! detention, and out of school suspension. Parents will be contacted for every written referral and students will receive a copy of their referral. CLASSROOM TIME-OUT (Buddy Room): Students sent to another classroom for a designated time will be expected to work quietly on assignments provided by their classroom teacher, STUDENT BEHAVIOR REFERRAL: Written referrals may limit student's attendance on class field trips and other school activities, If a student is deemed unsafe by staff and/or Principal due to his/her behavior, he or she will not be eligible to attend, He or she would be expected to come to school and attend his/her regular program, IN-SCHOOL DETENTION: Students assigned to this detention will be sent to a Buddy classroom (or the Principal’s Office) for part of or the entire school day. Breaks, Recess and Lunch will all be taken with the Buddy Teacher or Principal. Schoolwork will be provided by the student's classroom teachers). Where appropriate, students will ‘mainitain their regular pull-out schedules. Students are not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities on a day when in-school detention has been assigned SUSPENSION: Suspension results from major discipline issues as defined by state law (based on California Education Code 48900) or for refusal to serve or cooperate with, previous penalties. Students are generally sent home the day of the offense with possiblesuspension of up to five days. Students on suspension are not allowed on or near school campus or schoo! sponsored event(s) for any reason during the suspension. ** Throughout the Discipline Plan, there are several suggested consequences for the various offenses. The selected consequence may vary based on the severity of the offense or repeated occurrences. Administration and staff attempt to be as consistent as possible, but must look at each case as individual. Potential risk and disruption to the learning environment must be considered. Attendance Ifa student is absent for illness, medical appointment, court appearance or a death in the family, we need a note or a phone call from the parent/guardian, to the school to verify it ‘was an excused absence (725-3415), If the student is sick, please have the parent/guardian call the school in the morning. If the student needs the teacher to provide work, please let the secretary know, Work should be picked up between 3:15 and 4:00 P.M. Ifa student must leave schoo! for an appointment, a note must be brought to school that ‘morning and given to the school secretary. If returning the same day or arriving late, the student must sign in at the office. Whenever possible, appointments should be arranged for afier schoo! hours. No student may leave campus for any reason without first ‘obtaining permission from the secretary or the principal. Individual students are recognized for perfect attendance at the end of each trimester and also for the entire year. Prize drawings will occur for each trimester for perfect attendance. Perfect attendance includes - no tardies, no unexcused absences TARDY PROCEDURES With the exception of principal validation/medical/dental/eourt appointments, there are no valid excuses for tardiness. Students are expected to be in their classroom ready to begin their instructional day by 8:30 am. Changing classes between blocks, students are expected to get to class. If students are not in class when the teacher takes role, they will be required to go to the office for a tardy Tardy students are an inconvenience to attendance, lunch accounting and the classroom. Students who reach 2 unexcused tardies per month will lose break and at 4 unexcused tardies per month, students will lose lunch break and recess and/or have to participate in campus beautification during that time. Repeated tardies will result in the student and/or the parent/guardian meeting with the principal Our district will once again offer an after school consisting of tutoring, homework, sports, arts, science, computers, and other fun activities through our EXCEL after schoo!program. We focus daily on reading, math, homework, food, and fun. Enrollment forms are available at the school office. Centers may limit enrollment depending on number of participants and may charge a weekly fee. Food Service All food is to be eaten in the Cafeteria or Break Area by the playground Breakfast is served every morning from §:00 - 8:20 A.M. in the cafeteria. Students may leave campus at lunchtime ONLY to eat lunch at home (if they live close to the school) or are under the direct supervision of their parent/guardian, Prior to a student going home for lunch, parent/guardian must fill out the district’s Lunch Time Permit form. Grades & Honor Roll GOLD Card (3.6 + ) demonstrates all performance criteria, averaging “A's” with no D'siF’s/NC’s SILVER Card (3.0-3.59) demonstrates most performance criteria, averaging “B's” with no D's/F’s/NC Must qualify for Student Appreciation Day Criteria to receive honor roll certificate Anall-school awards assembly will be held at the end of each trimester to honor and announce every student in both levels. Progress Reports Parent/guardians should be able to monitor their student’s grades and progress on the internet (Aeries) by entering a unique user name and password (The Office will issue each student’s family an ID at the beginning of the school year). Grades are updated every other week. Progress reports are given to students at Mid-Trimester and Trimester. Promotion/Retention The district has a comprehensive Promotion/Retention Policy. Parents/guardians of those students who are identified as “At Risk for Retention” will be notified by the end of the first Trimester or at the earliest possible opportunity. Recommendations will be given regarding intervention programs and/or alternative settings. Requirements for 8" Grade Graduation A graduation trip, ceremony, and dance are held at the close of school for those 8th grade students who have met the district requirements for graduation and have been in regular attendance at the school. These requirements are distributed to students and parent/guardians at the beginning of the school year.‘To participate in graduation activities and/or receive a diploma, a student must earn 26 credits of coursework at Fortuna Middle School. Credits are earned in Science, History, Math, Language Arts, and P.E./Health, Students will receive credits according to the following system: ‘A-Advanced B-Proficient C-Basic =2 credits D-Below Basic = Leredit F-Far Below Basic =0 credits a. Each trimester a student can eam up to 2 credits per academic subject equaling a total of ten (10) credits per trimester with a possible 30 total credits per year. b. Students who earn 26 or mote eredits will be eligible for graduation, dance and trip. ‘Those students who carn less than 26 credits will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony, trip and dance. Students will also have to attend summer school to make up missing credits to receive their diploma. 4. Students who have reached 3 days of suspension on the year OR | day of suspension in the last 6 weeks or 3 referrals in the last 6 weeks of school, will not be able to participate in the graduation dance or trip. e. Ifa student owes money for any reason, the student will NOT get to participate in the graduation dance or tri £ Academic requirements for graduation for special education programs have separate criteria determined by the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Team. 1. US. Constitution ‘Students are required to pass the United States Constitution test Homework Fortuna Union Elementary School District’s goals include promoting and developing thinking skills and self-discipline, An important part of this educational process is, completing homework which helps students learn to set aside time for studying. ‘The recommended average homework time for each grade is: Grades 5-6 60 minutes per night Grades 7-8 90 minutes per night Independent Study We will provide independent study if'a student knows ahead of time that he/she will be out for 5 or more days. To request an Independent Study, please contact the office or your child’s teacher 3 days in advance of the date requested for leave so there is adequate time to prepare your child’s work. Late requests might not be accommodated.Lost and Found Report the loss of any item to the office immediately. Large amounts of money and expensive valuables such as electronic games are not allowed at school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. All lost ot misplaced books will be tured into the library. Students are advised not to leave books unattended anywhere on campus. The student who was assigned the book will pay for any lost/damaged books. Lost and found items other than books are located in buckets in the Cafeteria, Students should check regularly. Left over items are periodically given to charitable organizations. Medication Policy The office must be notified immediately if'a student has medication to take at school. This includes inhalers. All medication must be kept in the office and dispensed by the secretary or the health clerk in accordance with the prescription. Inhalers may be kept with the student with the proper paperwork on file atthe office. * Parent/guardians must complete “Permission to Give Medication” form. This requires verification by the physician. Physical Education (PE) Requirements Physical education is beneficial, enjoyable, and a required part of the state curriculum for students. Daily participation and effort are essential for passing. If a child is unable to participate, the parent/guardian must send a written verification. Ifthe student is to be excused for more than two days, a doctor's verification is required. Having the correct clothing will enhance that experience. Students do not change into special clothing for physical education since there are no locker room facilities. ‘However, for students to participate in P.E., they must have non-marking rubber-soled shoes to use in the gym. During good weather, physical education is often taught ‘outdoors, so students should wear (or bring) suitable shoes (heavy boots, high heels, clogs, or sandals don’t work). When girls wear dresses or skirts, they should bring suitable clothing to wear for P.E. A pair of shorts to slip on under a dress is fine, Student Birthdays If the parent/guardian wishes to recognize their child's birthday, they should make arrangements in advance with the classroom teacher. Deliveries (balloons, flowers, or presents) are not recommended, and will remain in office until the end of the school day. Students may pick-up after school. Telephone Use The office telephone may only be used by students to clear absences or in cases of emergencies. Students who need to call home for school business may do so with their teacher’s permission from the classroom. If child is ill and the parent/guardian needs to be contacted, the school secretary or other office personnel will call ‘Textbooks/Chromebooks Textbooks are checked out to students for their use during the school year. Textbook replacement is very costly. Students are responsible for maintaining their books in thebest possible condition. Books must be covered at all times and kept free of writing Charges will be issued for any lost or damaged books. Chromebooks will be provided to students for use. If students damage Chromebooks, they will be responsible to replace. Students will ne: 1n internet use/agreement before use. Music Program ‘Students will have the opportunity to learn a band instrument and/or participate in various levels of band. Choir will also be offered. The music program provides an excellent opportunity for self-expression and learning cooperation that encourages teamwork. Teacher approval is required to participate in this pull out program. Computer Program Fortuna Middle School has a computer lab and computers in each class where students can utilize the internet and a large variety of software programs. Students need to sign an intemet use agreement form to be eligible for use, Any damage to classroom computers/chromebooks will be charged to parents. GATE Fortuna Middle School sponsors a program for all academically Gifted and Talented students in 5-8 grades, Parents and community members are strongly encouraged to participate in the planning and evaluation of this program. Please contact Mrs. Reveles at 707-725-3415 for more information, Student Government Student Council meets weekly to plan school activities and approve expenditures. Each homeroom selects 2 representatives to attend meetings. The student body elects Officers in June for the following year. There are 5*— §* grade activities throughout the year. Student Council plans assemblies, pep rallies, honor roll field trips, student appreciation days, other activities and fundraisers. Extra-Curricular Activities Sports at FMS are very important. We want to provide a safe and fun environment for kids to learn new skills and be active. We ask that all participants be appropriate at practices and games. This includes audience members and coaches. We alll are a reflection of our school. Students are responsible for transportation to sporting events by patents or parent approved rides. Coaches will be hired each year, with priority given to FMS staff. Positions will be posted and the final decisions will be made by the Athletic Director and Principal. We are always looking for donations towards equipment and uniforms, so please contact us if you are interested in contributing. 10ELIGIBILITY — ‘+ Summer School has no effect on academic eligibility ‘+ Late work due to excused absences or other reasons has no effect on academic eligibility * Academic eligibility is determined at the end of each grading period (mid trimester and trimester) « 5®—8" grade participants must maintain 2 “C” grade point average with no “F's/NC’s.” The Athletic Director and/or Prineipal may perform random grade checks to determine eligibility during grading periods. Students not retuming proper grade check forms will be deemed ineligible until paperwork is turned in, © Students who fail to maintain academic eligibility for the period when grades are checked, will be allowed to try out and practice, but not participate in any game until the next grading period. Students shall not become eligible by obtaining a note from a teacher, unless the teacher has made an error in grading. © Students who fail to maintain academic eligibility during two grading periods in a year, shall not be permitted to try out and/or participate in extra-curricular activities for the remainder of that trimester. Students who are suspended from class will not be eligible to participate in that day's practice or game or attend an event, Should this happen on a Friday, the student is not eligible for Saturday or Sunday as well. Any suspensions will be grounds for removal pending review of incident and poor citizenship will lead to ineligibility to try out for or participate in any extra-curricular activities until the next trimester or remainder of the year. + Students must attend at least a portion of the school day (no less than one hour) to be eligible to participate in the day’s game, practice or event. * Please review the District Athletic Code of Conduct and District Athletic Packet for more information, Visitors and Volunteers Parent/guardians are welcome and encouraged to visit school and to participate in the instructional programs as volunteers. To ensure minimum interruption of the instructional program, visits during school hours should be first arranged with the teacher and principal or designee. If a conference is desired, an appointment should be set with the teacher during non- instructional time, To ensure the safety of students and staff and avoid potential disruptions, all visitors shall register immediately upon entering any school building or grounds, when school is in session. No electronic listening or recording device may be used by volunteers or visitors in a classroom.