Student Handbook

        EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Our mission as a middle school is to offer learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate for the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs of early adolescent students.  Because of the great diversity among children at this level, emphasis is placed upon instruction that allows each student to develop according to his/her own potential.

 

The BMS curriculum is designed to stimulate the academic achievement of all students, challenging each student to explore and develop his/her individual abilities and talents.  In addition to the various academic disciplines, students are provided with a balanced program of enrichment experiences and service opportunities with emphasis on personal growth, development of values and responsibility, exploration of career possibilities, and opportunities to pursue special interests.  Therefore, the school program is organized to include a core block of time for academic subjects as well as time for exploratory courses, fine arts, related arts, physical education, and health.

 

Practices at the middle school level are child-centered.  Teachers have adopted practices that consider the developmental nature of the children as well as guide students toward a desirable level of responsibility.  At each grade level, students are assigned to a “team” of teachers for their core academic subjects.  Each sixth-grade team has one Math/Science teacher and one Language Arts/Social Studies teacher.  Seventh grade has both two-teacher teams (as in grade 6) and four-teacher teams in which each teacher teaches one of the four core subjects.  Eighth grade has four-teacher teams only.

 

Teams provide a “family” learning environment for students.  Team teachers work together to provide consistency and unity to the students assigned to them.  Teaming encourages good relationships between teachers and students, and enhances teachers’ effectiveness at helping students to be successful.  Teaming in this way also facilitates collaboration, interdisciplinary cooperation, closer monitoring of student behavior, and more efficient communication with parents/guardians.

 

 

 

 

ADVISORY/FLEX

In addition to their seven periods of classes, students meet daily with their Advisory (grades 7 & 8) or Flex (grade 6) group.  Students are assigned to a teacher within their team who serves as an advisor and advocate.  These teachers offer assistance and support throughout the school year as well as organize group activities, serve to coordinate team activities, and allow for the planning of times to help individual students meet with success and enjoy their school year.

 

DAILY SCHEDULE
The school day officially begins at 7:50 AM for all BMS students.  The sixth grade operates on an eight-period day, beginning the day with a first period class and ending the day with Flex.  The seventh/eighth grade operates on a seven-period day, beginning the day with Advisory and ending the day with a seventh period class.  Sixth graders change classes at different times during the school day and usually are not in the halls at the same times as seventh and eighth graders.

 

The Montgomery County School Board has established a minute of silence each day in all schools, as required by law (division policy, 6-1.5).  At BMS, this minute of silence is observed in Advisory (grades 7 & 8)/First Period (grade 6), immediately following the morning announcements.  During this minute, students must remain seated and engaged in a silent, non-disruptive activity.

 

The daily schedule includes three different lunch periods in order to accommodate the large number of students at BMS.  Sixth graders eat lunch together in the first lunch period (A), separate from the seventh and eighth graders.  The second lunch period (B) is reserved almost exclusively for seventh grade students and the third lunch (C) for eighth grade students.

 

There are no bells during the school day.  Teachers release students according to set beginning and ending times for their grade level.  A copy of the daily schedule for each grade level is provided in this handbook.

 

 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS, DELAYED OPENINGS & EARLY RELEASES

Inclement weather or other emergencies may necessitate a delay in the opening of school, the release of students from school early, or the closing of schools for one or more days.  The division superintendent makes such decisions, and they typically apply to all schools in the county.

 

Area radio and television stations are notified immediately and will make frequent announcements and updates regarding this decision.  You also may call 382-5102 to hear a recorded message from MCPS on school closings and delays.  Unless an official announcement is made to the contrary, schools will operate on a regular schedule and according to the MCPS calendar.

 

Parents/Guardians should have a plan in place for what they want their children to do after school on scheduled and emergency early release days. 

 

An “Inclement Weather Make-up Day Plan” is printed on the school calendar.

           

ATTENDANCE

“Regular class attendance is considered by the School Board to be essential to the educational process and to the satisfactory completion of the requirements of any class and subject offered” (division policy, 7-2.3).  Excessive absences and tardies jeopardize a student’s progress in class.  It is expected that parents/guardians will cooperate with school personnel to ensure satisfactory attendance for their child.

 

The Montgomery County School Board has set into policy that “a student must not exceed eighteen (18) total absences per school year or nine (9) total absences for a semester course.”  In addition, per school board policy, three (3) check-outs are equal to one (1) absence towards the maximum number allowed.  Absences for each six-week grading period will be reported to parents/guardians on the report card.  In addition, parents/guardians will be notified in writing when a student’s total absences reach ten (10) days.  A second letter will be made when the total number of days absent reaches fifteen (15).  A final letter will notify parents/guardians when a student’s absences have exceeded eighteen (18) days and will explain the procedure to appeal any action taken because of exceeding the maximum number of days absent (division policy, 7-2.3).

 

Student Absences - When a student is absent from school, we make every effort to telephone the parent/guardian to verify their awareness of their child’s absence and obtain an explanation for the absence.  Parents/ guardians who wish to avoid being disturbed at home or work should telephone the school office by 9:00 AM on the morning of the absence.  If for any reason a student will need to be out of school for an extended period of time, parents/guardians should notify the school of the dates and circumstances of the anticipated absence.

 

Returning to School - On the day of their return to school from an absence, students must report to the attendance office for an admit slip.  A note of explanation will be required to officially document any absence.  The note must include the date(s) and cause(s)/circumstance(s) of the absence(s), and the parent’s or guardian’s signature.  Per division policy (7-2.3), absences are not considered as excused or unexcused.  Instead, all absences will be identified as documented (note received) or undocumented (no note received) on an admit slip.

 

MAKE-UP WORK
Make-up work will be provided for all absences, including absences caused by OSS.  It is the responsibility of the students and/or parent/guardian to request make-up work for all absences (division policy, 7-2.3). If a student is referred to the Phoenix Center then the staff at Blacksburg Middle School will attempt to provide him or her with all the necessary materials.

 

On the second day of an absence, parents/ guardians can request, through the guidance office, that their child’s teachers compile work that has been missed. This work is picked up in the guidance office after 2:30 PM on the day of the request, provided the request is made prior to 9:00 AM. It is the students’ responsibility to request any missed assignments, schedule make-up tests, quizzes, labs, etc. the day of their return to school.

 

All make-up work must be satisfactorily completed and submitted for credit within five (5) school days of the student’s return to school.

 

Typically, assignments due on the date of an absence are due the first day of the student’s return to school unless they did not receive advanced notice due to other  absences.  Likewise, students who are absent on the day of a test or quiz should be prepared to take the test or quiz on the first day of their return to school unless they did not receive advanced notice due to other legitimate absences (division policy, 7-2.3).

 

The teacher or administrator may extend the time limit for make-up work due to extenuating circumstances.

 

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival - Students should plan to arrive at BMS between 7:20-7:40 AM.  Teachers and administrators supervise students during this time in the cafeteria (breakfast eaters and all 7th and 8th grade students) or the auditorium (6th grade students).  Those who wish to may eat breakfast while in the cafeteria.

           

Once a student is dropped off at school, he/she may not leave campus for any reason without following the check-out procedure.  Students who leave the building/grounds without permission are subject to disciplinary action.

 

Students are not permitted in any area of the building except the cafeteria before 7:35 AM without prearranged written permission of a staff member. Seventh and eighth grade students will be released from the cafeteria at 7:35 AM.  Sixth grade students will be released from the auditorium at 7:40 AM.  First Period/ Advisory begins at 7:50 AM.

 

 

Bus Transportation - Students will be informed whether their bus is a “first load” or “second load” bus. Buses drop off students by 7:45 AM at the bus loading/unloading area at the rear of the building. No cars are allowed in this area; there is a separate drop-off area for cars at the Community Entrance.

 

Personal Transportation - Students arriving at the student drop-off area before 7:35 AM should proceed to the designated area (6th grade students to the auditorium, 7th and 8th grade students to the cafeteria) for supervision. Please note that the line of cars to drop students off at school grows significantly by 7:20 AM.  Parents should plan for up to ten (10) minutes for student drop off. Parents are encouraged to carpool. In addition, parents are expected to obey all traffic laws when entering and exiting school grounds.

 

Students may walk or ride a bicycle to/from school with permission of their parent/guardian.  Students may not ride bicycles on any of the sidewalks or blacktop areas of the campus.  Upon arrival to campus, students should walk their bicycle to one of the bike racks and secure it with their own lock.

 

Dismissal/Departure - The school day ends at 2:20 PM.  All students who ride “first load” buses or provide their own transportation home are released at the 2:20 PM bell.  Students who ride a school bus should report to the bus loading area promptly; other students should arrange to meet their ride at the student pick-up area/community entrance.  Walkers must exit the main building through the bus community entrance doors and should leave campus immediately. 

 

Students who ride the second load buses will return to their advisory/Flex teacher at this time to receive assistance with their schoolwork until dismissal, at 2:45 PM.

 

Walkers will leave campus across the path connecting the Kipps and BMS campuses.  Upon reaching Kipps, middle schoolers will bear right along the Kipps track until reaching the walking path leading from Kipps to Hethwood neighborhoods of Foxridge, Haymarket Square, Mission Hills, Pilgrims Point, Oak Manor, and Stroubles Mill.  Students must take care not to interfere with ongoing instruction at Kipps Elementary.

BMS students may not stay at Kipps Elementary without prior written permission from the Kipps principal.

 

Students who remain after school must be involved in an approved, staff-supervised school activity such as athletics, clubs or student organizations, drama or music program practice, tutorial assistance, or detention. All other students must leave the building and school grounds by 2:45 PM.

 

Any change in the way a student normally leaves school requires written permission from a parent/guardian.  Students will not be allowed to ride any school bus other than their regularly assigned bus without written permission from a parent/guardian and the authorization of an administrator.  Written requests to ride a different bus and notes describing any changes in departure plans must be submitted to the appropriate administrator the day of the intended change in plans.  Approved bus notes will be signed by an administrator and returned to the student.

 

Students must present this note to the bus driver(s) involved in the change.  Bus drivers will not allow students to ride a different bus or get off at a different bus stop without a properly authorized note.

 

Students are not permitted to return to the school building or grounds once they have left (unless for an approved after-school activity).

 

CHECKING IN/OUT OF SCHOOL
Arriving Late - Students who arrive to school late (between 7:50 and 8:00 AM) should report directly to their advisory/first period class.  The teacher will record the tardy and send any documentation to the office.  Any students who arrive at school after 8:00 AM must check in at the attendance office for an admit slip and sign the check-in sheet.  Students accompanied by a parent/guardian or who bring a note of explanation for their late arrival will have their tardiness documented by attendance office staff.

 

Leaving Early - If it is necessary for a student to leave school early, the student should bring a note from a parent/guardian to the attendance office before 7:50 AM on or before the day requested to receive an early dismissal slip.  When it is time for the student to leave school, he/she must provide this slip to the classroom teacher who will initial it.  The student then must report to the attendance office to meet a parent/guardian for check out. 

 

Parents/Guardians, who wish to check their child out from school without such prior arrangements, must do so through the attendance office as well.

Only those adults who have legal custody or the written authorization of a parent/guardian may check a student out of school.  Individuals wishing to check out a student will need to bring a picture ID to the attendance office.

 

A note regarding any student’s checking in or out must include the parent’s or guardian’s signature along with date(s) and reason(s) for the student’s late arrival or early dismissal.

 

As was previously stated, three check-outs counts as one absence and 18 absences is the maximum number allowed by the Montgomery County School Board (division policy, 7-2.3).

 

Illness at School - If a student becomes ill or otherwise needs to check out, he/she must report to the main office.  A student may be permitted to remain in the clinic for one class period due to not feeling well.  An office personnel will contact the student’s parent/guardian to arrange for the student to leave school, if necessary.  Parents/Guardians are required to provide a reliable daytime telephone number for this purpose.  An emergency contact person also should be identified in case a parent/guardian cannot be reached.

 

For any early dismissal, a parent or guardian must sign out students.  The check-in check-out sheets in the attendance office must be signed before leaving school grounds.  Students leaving without authorization are considered to be skipping school.  Any student who has checked out must leave campus promptly and shall not return to the grounds without officially checking back into school.

 

ADMINISTRATION
Grade-level administrative responsibilities include curriculum issues, student discipline, parent/guardian contacts, teacher evaluations, special education, and guidance. 

 

Administrative assignments are as follows:

Grade 6………..…...Jones,  Koebel,  &  Vestal                                                     teams/Honeycutt;  Distler, Goforth                                      & Rossi  teams/Byrd

Grade 7………….....John “Bo” Honeycutt, Jr.

Grade 8……………..David Byrd

 

GUIDANCE & COUNSELING

The services provided by the Guidance & Counseling Office are central to the school’s philosophy and goals.  Assistance is available in planning and scheduling classes, working through problems and concerns, and arranging parent conferences. 

 

For middle school students, the availability of a concerned listener is an important factor in the development of a positive self-image as well as in acquiring attitudes, knowledge, skills, and appropriate behavior necessary for wholesome interpersonal relationships with peers, adults, and society as a whole.  Counselors offer crisis prevention and intervention as well as make individual and group counseling available to students.

 

Parents/Guardians are invited to call or schedule an appointment to meet with their child’s guidance counselor to discuss concerns about their child at any time.  Consultation with a guidance counselor concerning a variety of issues is offered to parents/guardians.  Assessment and appropriate referral information about available community resources are among the services provided to parents/guardians upon request.

 

To facilitate communication and comfortable working relationships, students are able to

work with the same guidance counselor throughout their middle school experience.  Guidance counselors are assigned to the following grade-levels for this school year:

 

Grade 6 .................…Laura Poff

Grade 7 .................... Tamara Heft

Grade 8 .................... Michele Parker

 

Please Note: Ms. Poff works at Blacksburg Middle School and Falling Branch Elementary.  At times when she is unavailable, the other two counselors work with seventh grade students as follows:

   Heft - last names A-L

   Parker - last names M-Z.

 

Except for emergencies, students will not be allowed to go to the guidance office from class without an appointment or pass.  Students are encouraged to make appointments by stopping by the guidance office before or after school or during lunch.  Parents/Guardians may telephone the BMS Guidance & Counseling Office directly by calling 951-5803.

 

 

 FAMILY SUPPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Our goal is for all children to enjoy successful school experiences at BMS.  We hold high expectations for our students, and we welcome the opportunity to work cooperatively with parents/guardians as part of our team.  The support of family and community is important to school success, and parents/guardians are

encouraged to take an active role in their children’s education.

 

Parents/Guardians are invited to participate in school functions and to join the PTA.  Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to participate in the variety of opportunities to volunteer in our school.  These opportunities are generally coordinated through our PTA, or may be arranged with individual teachers.

 

Parents/Guardians are free to call or email teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators to ask questions or share concerns.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to contact individual teachers or schedule appointments with their child’s team through the guidance office to discuss individual student progress or specific student concerns.  To facilitate this communication, team teachers have a daily team-planning period during which conferences may be scheduled.

 

SCHEDULE CHANGES

We welcome input from parents/guardians in planning the best possible middle school experience for their child.  We encourage parents/guardians to share with us their insights about their child as a learner and the type of learning environment in which their child experiences the most success.  Because scheduling is dependent on extensive program planning as well as the availability of personnel and resources, schedule changes are discouraged once the school year has begun.  Team changes are not considered unless there are significant concerns that cannot be resolved in other ways.  Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Requests for schedule changes may be initiated through the guidance office, but a change requires the approval of the appropriate administrator. 

 

 

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

High school credit courses are taught at BMS for those students whose academic abilities and achievement allow them to pursue areas of  interest and strength.  Courses currently offered at BMS for high school credit include Algebra I, Geometry, French I, Spanish I, and Latin I. 

 

These courses are taught with the pacing and workload of courses taught at the high school. All policies regarding attendance, grading, mid-term and final exams, and dropping the course(s) apply. We encourage careful consideration regarding students’ academic abilities as well as their overall readiness before pursuing one of these courses in middle school.  The following is important information about the policies associated with these courses:

 

Attendance - Teachers will maintain period attendance in high school credit classes.  Students who miss more than eighteen (18) days of a full-year high school credit course will not earn credit for that course.  Parents/Guardians will be notified in writing of loss of credit when their child’s absences exceed 18 days and will be informed of the procedure to appeal the loss of credit.

 

Exams - Mid-term exams are mandatory in all high school credit courses at the end of the first semester.  However, students with an “A” or “B” average through the week preceding the end of the second semester with no more than six (6) total absences in the class for the year are eligible for exemption from the final exam.  Only absences preceding the day of the exam will affect exemption status; students who qualify for exam exemption will not be required to take an exam even if they are absent the day of the exam or any day(s) following the exam date.  Any assignment to OSS or four (4) cumulative days of ISS for the school year will eliminate the student from eligibility for exam exemption.

If a student who meets the exam exemption requirements chooses to take the final exam, the exam grade will  count only if it raises the final grade for those students who otherwise would qualify for exemption according to the division exam exemption policy (6-6.2). 

                                       

Dropping a Course - Students may drop any high school credit course within the first ten (10) days of membership in the course with no grade penalty.  If the course is dropped after the tenth day, the grade will be recorded on the high school transcript as a “WF” for the year (computed as an “F” for high school GPA).  Once the course is dropped, the student will remain in the class until an appropriate placement can be arranged.  Levels in a subject (i.e. dropping to a lower level math course) may be changed at any time with principal approval.  All such requests should be made in writing (with a parent/guardian signature) to the appropriate administrator (division policy, 6-6.2).

 

Removal of High School Credit while in Middle School - Parents may request that credit for any high school credit course taken in middle school be omitted from the student’s transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course.

 

Such a request must be made (on the appropriate form) to the middle school principal by July 1 following the year in which the student completed eighth grade  (division policy, 6-6.2).

 

GRADES & PROGRESS REPORTS

Grading practices at BMS are consistent with middle school philosophy and goals.  The nature of children at this level will be considered in the evaluation process.  Per division policy (6-6.2), teachers will send home a mid-term report during the third week of each six weeks grading period.  At the end of each six weeks, the student’s report card grade will be based on various assessments such as written evaluations, homework, class participation, teacher observation, and other appropriate criteria.

 

 

 Per division policy (6-6.2), middle school grades, including final average, will be assigned according to the following numerical scale:

A         90-100          

B          80 but less than 90                 

C         70 but less than 80                 

D         60 but less than 70

F          Below 60  

   

All courses will use the above numerical scale with letter grades recorded on the report card to indicate performance.  Plus and minus designation after the letter grade shall not be used on report cards or permanent records. Report cards are issued each six weeks and are sent home with students five (5) school days after the grading period closes.  The last report card is mailed home with the final course grade, SOL scores, and advancement to the next grade level indicated. Teachers calculate the final course grade.  Promotion, placement, or retention is the decision of the principal with teacher input.

 

SUMMER ACADEMY

Recommendations for participation in summer academy are also indicated on the last report card. Students may be required to attend summer academy due to failing a core subject; others may be recommended to attend for SOL remediation purposes and/or to strengthen weak skills.  A middle school student must attend and pass summer academy if either language arts or mathematics is failed, or if both science and social studies are failed (division policy, 6-3.14).  These students will be required to enroll in the Middle School Summer Academy Program, which focuses primarily on language arts and math skills while utilizing content area materials and resources.  So they may meet the registration deadline, parents/guardians will be notified in writing about any required or recommended summer academy for their child before receiving the last report card.  Information regarding summer enrichment programs offered by the school division and other enrichment opportunities is available in the Guidance & Counseling Office.

 

SOL TESTS

Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores are used as part of the multiple sets of criteria for determining the advancement and retention of students.  The appropriate instructional team will determine the mode and extent of any required remediation programs for students not passing any portion of the SOL battery of tests.  Promotion, placement, or retention will be the decision of the principal with staff and parent/guardian input at the conclusion of the remediation program (division policy, 6-4.2).

 

SOL Information and Student Impact
Middle School
Virginia Department of Education regulations require students to take Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments in middle school.  In Montgomery County the SOL assessments are given in the spring of each year in grades 6, 7, and 8.  Students in grade 6 take English Reading, Mathematics, and US History I.  Students in grade 7 take English Reading, Mathematics, and US History II.  Students in grade 8 take SOL assessments in  English Reading, English Writing, Mathematics, Civics and Economics, and Science.   The scores range from 0 to 600 with 400 to 499 being Pass Proficient and 500 to 600 being Pass Advanced.*  Students who do not pass an SOL may be considered for remediation programs and/or summer school.  Failing an SOL assessment may also be used as one of many criteria for retention.  Students who fail the English  Reading and/or Mathematics SOL assessments in grade 8 will have an opportunity to retake the test the following year.

 

Additionally, students who enroll in a high school credit-bearing course with an accompanying SOL assessment, such as Algebra I and Geometry, must take the SOL assessment upon conclusion of the course.  Students who do not pass one of the SOL assessments at the high school level will be considered for remediation programs and will be given the opportunity to retake the SOL assessment at each available opportunity.

*Subject to change by the Virginia State Board of Education

 

 

 

 

 

LIBRARY

The BMS library serves as a media center with a variety of print and non-print resources available to students.  One of the major responsibilities of the media center is to assist students in becoming information-literate and technologically proficient.

 

While students may browse and self-select books and other printed materials for pleasure reading or research, classes often visit the library as part of some research effort or other assignment.  Assistance is available to students in locating information using electronic and traditional means.  Computer, CD, and laser disc resources are available for student use in preparing multimedia presentations of their work.  Internet access is available for student use under certain conditions (division policy, 6-3.13).

 

In addition to being used throughout the school day, the library is opened before and after school for students to use with teacher permission.  Library entrance passes, allowing students into the library before 7:35 AM, may be obtained from the librarian the day before.

 

Fines will be assessed for overdue and lost or damaged library books.  This obligation must be taken care of before a class schedule for the following school year can be mailed home in the summer.  Library privileges for the following school year (at BMS or BHS) may be revoked if books are not returned, paid for, or fines are not paid.

 

CAFETERIA AND

LUNCH ROOM CONDUCT

Nutrition is an integral part of the school’s curriculum.  Consequently, our cafeteria promotes good health by offering well-planned and nutritionally balanced meals at reasonable prices.  Students are encouraged to participate in the school nutrition program, which serves breakfast and lunch.

 

Information regarding free or reduced breakfast/lunch is provided to all students in the beginning of the school year and is available in the main office throughout the school year. 

 

 

The prices for the this school year are as follows:

 

Breakfast ..................   $1.00

Reduced Breakfast ...   $  .30

Lunch .......................   $1.90

Reduced Lunch.……   $  .40

Milk (½ pint).........…   $  .45

Second Milk (½ pint).$   .35

 

Students may substitute a chef salad for the lunch entree and/or purchase a la carte items to supplement their regular lunch.  Ice cream, pretzels, and other snack items are available for purchase in the cafeteria during all three lunch periods.

 

Students are expected to report to the cafeteria for their assigned lunch period and to arrive on time.  Students may bring food items from home, but they are not permitted to leave school grounds or have food brought to them from a restaurant.  Carbonated soft drinks and glass containers are not permitted in the cafeteria or anywhere else in the school.

 

Students are expected to adhere to the following rules of conduct in the cafeteria:

 

·        Find a seat in the cafeteria and wait to be invited to enter the serving area by a teacher.

·        Students are not permitted to save seats for other students.

·        Remain seated in the same seat throughout the lunch period except to discard trash/return trays or purchase additional food items.

·        Students must wait until everyone has had an opportunity to go through the serving line before purchasing additional food items.

·        Socialize with friends in an orderly manner.

·        Consume all food and beverages while in the cafeteria.  Students may not take food or drink from the cafeteria to any other area of the building.

·        Dispose of trash and recyclables in the appropriate containers; trays and utensils should be returned to the appropriate area by the student who used them. 

·        Tables and floors around the area where they ate should be kept free from food and trash. 

·        Custodians will provide cleaning towels during the last five (5) minutes of the lunch period to clean/sanitize lunch tables for the next group of students.  Floors should be swept as necessary as directed by lunch duty teachers.

·        Remain in the cafeteria until dismissed by one of the lunch duty teachers.

 
LUNCH ACCOUNTS
Sixth grade students and students new to BMS will be assigned a PIN to access their cafeteria accounts. Parents may pre-pay any amount for lunches, which the students will access using their PIN.  Parents may also dedicate a particular amount for a la carte items. Students may not “charge” a lunch with the promise of reimbursing the cafeteria the next day.  Students also will not be permitted to exchange any unused portion of their account for cash.  Checks should be made payable to Blacksburg Middle School. 

 

STUDENT FEES

There are no textbook rental or library fees.  However, students are responsible for lost or damaged books, and any assessed fines or replacement costs must be paid before the end of the school year.  These obligations must be taken care of before a class schedule for the following school year can be mailed home in the summer. 

 

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All BMS students will have Health/PE as part of their daily class schedule.  Dressing-out and active participation are essential for physical development and success in the physical education program.  If a student is unable to participate in PE because of illness or injury, a note from his/her parent/guardian is required to excuse the student for up to three (3) days.  A note from a physician is required if more than three (3) days will be missed.

 

BMS PE uniforms may be purchased at orientation. The purpose of the uniform is to ensure safety, comfort, and proper attire for all physical activities. Students must dress out for PE in the proper attire, including white sports socks, and athletic shoes in order to participate. The cost of uniforms is as follows:

  

   Girl’s Uniform...........$18.00

   Boy’s Uniform...........$20.00

 

Individual uniform items and gym bags  are available for purchase.  Gym uniforms and shoes are to be kept in a locked gym locker while at school and should be taken home to be laundered regularly.  A combination lock is built into each locker.

 

Health Education is part of the PE curriculum and will be taught by the PE staff.  PE classes alternate when they meet in classrooms for health instruction.  Family Life is taught as part of the Health curriculum.  Further information and a copy of the Family Life curriculum are available in the main office and the BMS library.

 

 

SCHOOL INSURANCE

All BMS students will be given the opportunity to purchase school insurance.  Various levels of coverage are available at exceptionally reasonable rates.  Forms will be sent home the first day of school, and insurance may be purchased within the first three (3) weeks of the school year.

 

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

BMS has interscholastic athletic programs in football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, track, and soccer.  Participation in these sports is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. Information on how to become a member of these school teams is announced in advance of scheduled tryouts.  The coaches select team members based on ability and interest.  A current physical (after the May 1 prior to school year in which student would participate) is required for participation in interscholastic sports and cheerleading.

 

Students are encouraged to take advantage of other sports opportunities available for children of all ages through Blacksburg or Montgomery County Parks and Recreation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTS EVENTS

 

Students and their families are encouraged to show their school spirit and support of student athletes by attending BMS sports events.  Admission cost for all sports events is $2.00 for BMS students and $3.00 for adults and guests.

 

Spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and behavior that positively reflect on our school and community.  Students are reminded that the Code of Conduct applies to all school-sponsored activities and that inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the sports event and school grounds.

 

Students who plan to attend athletic and other school-sponsored events that do not begin immediately after school, must leave the building and grounds and return closer to the event’s start time unless they have pre-arranged to be supervised by a staff member.

 

Students who leave the gym or stadium without permission before an event is over will not be permitted to re-enter.  Parents or Guardians should pre-arrange transportation for their child to get home after the game.

 

INTRAMURALS

Students at BMS may engage in age appropriate, noncompetitive sports activities through participation in the intramurals program. Supervised intramurals are organized for grade level/teams on a rotating basis in the gyms before school. Intramurals may extend through advisory period (7th and 8th only).

 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
AND CLUBS

 

Clubs offered at BMS are based on student interest and available resources. Clubs may be formed throughout the school year with the approval of administration and with qualified adult supervision.  Spelling and Geography Bees, as well as various math competitions, are also held after school. 

Each school year, students are selected to assist peers with conflict resolution using a prescribed problem-solving process.  Known as the COAST (Creating Options And Solutions Team) program, seventh- and eighth-grade students work in pairs to help disputing students calmly express their conflicts and find their own best resolutions.  Disputing students may be referred to COAST by an administrator, counselor, teacher, other students, or themselves.  Conflict management sessions are scheduled through the guidance office, and counselors are available to provide assistance as needed.  Participation in the process is voluntary and does not influence disciplinary action.

 

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

All students are expected to bring textbooks, assignment book, paper, pen, pencil, or any other appropriate materials to class daily.  Individual teams at each grade level will create a supply list regarding specific materials needed for the core academic classes.  These supply lists will be mailed home to students with their class schedules in the summer and will be posted at local retail stores that carry school supplies.  Additional materials may be required in exploratory or elective courses.

 

It is strongly recommended that each student purchase a 3-ring binder in which to keep the student handbook, code of conduct, and other pertinent school information.  Each student is required to use the BMS homework assignment book (cost included in student fees).

 

ASSIGNMENT BOOKS

Homework assignment books are provided to all BMS students and are used by all grade levels.  These books help students organize their daily responsibilities as well as plan for long-range projects.  Parents/Guardians and teachers often use these books as a way to communicate with each other and help students be more accountable. Additional and replacement books are available in the school store for $3.00 each.

 

SCHOOL STORE
The school store is located at the window next to the guidance office.  Pencils, pens, notebook paper, composition books, computer disks, and other school supplies are available for purchase at reasonable prices.  Other items for special projects are made available when requested by a teacher.  The school store is open in the morning from 7:25 AM until 8:00 AM.

 

LOCKERS/PERSONAL PROPERTY

Individual lockers in the hall and gym are made available to all BMS students.  Hall lockers are assigned to students the first day of school and are designed to hold backpacks, books, school supplies, and limited personal items.  Students are responsible for the security of their own belongings and valuables.  During PE, students should secure all personal belongings other than clothing in their hall lockers.  Gym lockers are not large enough to accommodate large items (i.e. backpacks, large coats); these items should not be left unsecured in the locker room.

 

Students must safeguard their own belongings by locking their lockers and keeping their combinations secret.  Anyone who forgets his/her combination should see his/her advisory or flex teacher.  The sharing of lockers is prohibited, as students are responsible for the contents of the lockers to which they have been assigned. 

Students are discouraged from bringing large sums of money or any items of value to school. Although BMS cannot assume responsibility for any lost, stolen, or damaged items, such incidents reported to an administrator will be thoroughly investigated.

 

Lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school.  They are not to be defaced by markers, stickers, tape, etc. or subjected to the use of excessive force.  Students will be held financially responsible for repairs needed to their locker as the result of intentional damage or negligence.  School authorities also reserve the right to search lockers when deemed necessary.  Moreover, they also reserve the right to search bookbags, and other personal property when there is reasonable suspicion that property will be found that violates school policies and regulations, or may be harmful to the school or students.  Students may be required to empty their pockets as well.  School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in a search.

 

Team lockers, located in the PE locker rooms, will be available by season to students who are on BMS sports teams.

 

BACKPACKS
Students may carry their belongings to and from school in backpacks.  During the school day, students must leave their backpacks in their lockers, which will be in close proximity to their classroom pods.

 

PROHIBITED ITEMS
In general, items that present potential safety concerns, or that create a distraction to other students and disrupt the educational process, should not be brought to school.  Specific items prohibited at BMS include (but are not limited to) the following: card collections, lighters/matches, pocket knives of any size, radios, tape/CD players, tapes/CDs, video games, iPods/MP3, laser pointers, or other electronic devices.  Students also are not permitted to bring open drink containers onto campus.  Large sums of money should be kept at home.  Additional items prohibited at school are addressed in the Code of Conduct.  These items may be confiscated and held at the discretion of an administrator. Posting or distributing any materials requires prior approval from sponsor or administration.

 

Student use of cell phones is prohibited during school hours.  Student cell phones should be checked in at the main office at the start of the school day.

 

 

LOST & FOUND

Students should turn in any items found to their Advisory/Flex teacher.  Students who lose items should check the lost and found (in their team area) several times.  Due to limited space, students should claim items as quickly as possible.  The school is not responsible for unclaimed items.  Unclaimed items will be donated to charity on a monthly basis.

 

TELEPHONES

Office telephones are reserved for office business. Students who are ill, injured, or have an emergency should report to the main office for assistance in calling a parent/guardian. 

 

ACCIDENTS & SAFETY

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner at all times while at school.  Adequate adult supervision is provided during all school-sponsored activities to ensure the safety and welfare of students as well as to make sure students behave appropriately.  Every effort is made to create and maintain the safest environment possible for our students and staff.  While safety is a priority, accidents will occur.  Students who are injured should report the injury to a teacher or the school administrative assistant immediately.  The office is equipped to handle only routine treatment of minor injuries (i.e. band-aids).

 

Contact with a parent/guardian will be attempted for injuries or emergencies of a more serious nature.  It is important that a reliable daytime telephone number at which a parent/guardian may be contacted, and the name and telephone number of an emergency contact person, be on file and kept current for every student.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to update this and pertinent medical information as needed.

 

SCHOOL NURSE

A school nurse makes regularly scheduled visits to BMS each week throughout the school year.  When the nurse is here, she will assist the office staff with the administration of medications, investigate and evaluate student complaints of illness, evaluate and treat injuries, and make other health-related decisions.  Students may be referred to the school nurse for a variety of health-related concerns.  Students also may schedule an appointment with the school nurse to ask health-related questions.

 

MEDICATIONS

Students may not have any type of medication (including cough drops, vitamins, etc.) in their possession while on school grounds.  “Self-administration of any medication, prescription or non-prescription, is prohibited for students in grades kindergarten through eight” (division policy, 7-5.2).

 

All doctor-prescribed medications, as well as non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) medications, must be taken under the supervision of school personnel.  If a student must take medication during school hours, parents are requested to deliver the medication to an administrator, school nurse, or the administrative assistant in the main office.  A medication form should be completed according to the guidelines that follow (forms may be obtained from the main office).  All medications should be in their original container and clearly labeled with the student’s name.  Written permission to administer any medication must include the name of the medication, the required dosage of the medication, and the time(s) the medication is to be given.  School personnel will follow procedural guidelines for the administration of medications (7-5.2).  An area has been established in the main office for the storage and administration of medication.

 

Parents should pick up any unused medications at the end of the school year.  Medications not picked up within one week of the last day of school will be disposed of.

 

Prescription Medications - School personnel may give oral prescription medication to students only with a physician/dentist/licensed nurse practitioner’s written order and written permission from the student’s parent or guardian.

 

Non-prescription Medications - School personnel may give oral non-prescription medication to students only with written permission from the student’s parent or guardian.  Oral non-prescription medications will be administered for no longer than three (3) consecutive days after which time a written order from a physician/dentist/licensed nurse practitioner must be presented.

 

Exceptions for Certain Medications - Medications needed in a medical emergency such as inhalers, epi-pens, or glucose tablets may be kept in the possession of a student and may be self-administered only with a physician/licensed nurse practitioner’s written order and written parental permission that are on file at the school.

 

Students who have any medication in their possession while at school in violation of the medications policy may face serious disciplinary action.  Sharing, borrowing, distributing, or selling any medication (prescription or non-prescription) is prohibited.

 

Any student engaged in this activity will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Conduct and the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.  Additionally, permission to self-administer prescription or non-prescription medications may be revoked if the student violates this policy.  Sharing and distributing prescription medication may result in a recommendation for expulsion  (division policy, 7-5.2).

 

STUDENT ASSEMBLIES

Throughout the school year, assemblies will be scheduled to bring educational, interesting, and informative programs to the student body. For any assembly, students will enter the auditorium quickly and quietly and will be seated with their advisory/flex teacher.

 

Assemblies may be held for only a certain grade level, team, or class, or may involve the entire student body. The music or drama classes, outside groups, or special guests, may present programs. Being a positive, polite, and supportive audience reflects the spirit and hospitality of BMS.

 

 

FIELD TRIPS  

Field trips within the community and to other sites provide opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom.  Through field trips, students are often able to experience things to which they otherwise might never be exposed.

 

Teachers are encouraged to schedule field trips for their classes that are both educational and enjoyable.  Entire grade levels, teams, and individual teachers may plan trips related to classroom study.

 

Every effort will be made to meet the special needs of any students with physical or other limitations.

 

All students are expected to behave appropriately while representing our school and community.  As with any school-sponsored event, the Montgomery County Code of Conduct, as well as all school rules and regulations, apply to field trips.  Violation of any of the standards of the Student Code of Conduct, violation of school rules or any rules specific to field trips, or any other unacceptable behavior that reflects negatively toward BMS or toward another BMS student participating in the trip will result in disciplinary action.  Upon return to BMS, any problems encountered during the trip will be reported to the appropriate administrator.  Students who severely misbehave may be removed from the field trip and/or suspended from future BMS field trips.

 

A permission slip signed by a parent/guardian will be required in order for any student to participate in the planned activities of any field trip.

 
VISITORS
Students are not allowed to bring visitors to the school or have them visit during school hours.  Only parents/guardians and individuals with official school business are allowed to contact a student at school.  All visitors must report to the main office before proceeding to any other intended destination in the school.  Students will be called from classrooms to meet with approved visitors in the office.

 

 

 

STUDENT CONDUCT

In conjunction with creating and maintaining a positive, challenging learning environment, and a climate conducive to the development of a positive self-image, the safety and well-being of students and staff are primary concerns.  Early adolescents typically are in the process of defining themselves and testing boundaries.  In middle school, students have more opportunities to act independently and assume more responsibility for their work and conduct. Students make choices about their work, their friends, and how they will behave.  The development of self-discipline becomes

paramount at this level.  Consequently, maintaining clear and consistent guidelines for behavior and enforcement of consequences are important responsibilities of middle level education.

 

Students are expected to know and comply with the Montgomery County Student Code of Conduct.  The policies apply to any student who is in or on school property, in a private vehicle on school property, in attendance at a school-sponsored activity including field trips, as well as going to/from school and waiting at bus stops.  In addition to these policies, the following general rules of conduct will govern daily behavioral expectations: 

·        Maintain regular class attendance.

·        Report to class on time.

·        Have the materials and assignments needed for each class.

·        Participate actively in all classes, and ask questions if directions or assignments are not clear; put forth best effort.

·        Show respect for staff, and comply with the reasonable requests of any school employee the first time.

·        Respect the rights and differences of others.

·        Be responsible for personal and school property.

·        Report incidents of bullying to a staff member. Bullying will not be tolerated at BMS.

·        Promote school spirit by supporting and contributing to school-sponsored activities and events.

 

 

 

 

 

Students involved in multiple incidents of disruption, fighting, and/or other repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct will be considered for recommendation to the School Board for long-term suspension or expulsion  (division policy, 7-3.1). This does not preclude a recommendation by the school administration for long-term suspension or expulsion in the case of a single serious incident.

 

Drinks/Food/Candy/Gum - These are not allowed in the halls or classrooms before school or during the school day.

 

Hall Behavior - Before and after school as well as during class changes, the halls are busy, crowded areas.  Students can help the flow of traffic by making a habit of walking to the right and not congregating in the halls.  Students also are expected to remain on the hall designated for their grade level unless they are attending a class on a different hall.  Students are expected to socialize in the halls in an orderly manner.  Misconduct may result in a student being asked to identify himself/herself to a supervising staff member.  Students are expected to do so promptly and respectfully or face disciplinary action for noncompliance.  If a student must be in the hall during class for any reason, he/she must have a signed hall pass.

 

Tardiness to Class - Arriving late to class disrupts instruction and learning.  Students are provided with sufficient time to make class changes and are expected to be in class on time.  Students who are tardy to class because of being detained by a staff member should obtain a note/pass from that staff member.  Excessive tardiness to class will result in disciplinary action (i.e., 3 tardies = detention).

 

Student Dress - While we respect the individuality of each student, there are certain clothing items that are considered distracting or inappropriate attire for school.  A list of such clothing may be found in the Code of Conduct.  Specific clothing items prohibited at BMS include (but are not limited to) the following:

·        Hats, headbands, bandanas, or other head coverings inside any of the buildings.

·        Sunglasses.

·        Any attire that inappropriately exposes undergarments, excessive skin, or areas of the anatomy (i.e. torn clothing, “sagging” pants, tank tops, spaghetti straps, sun dresses, midriff tops, halters, short skirts/shorts, etc.).

·        Excessively tight-fitting clothing.

·        T-shirts, or other clothing, that display messages or symbols that are considered to be inappropriate, offensive, distracting, or in any way disruptive of the educational process.

·        Pajamas, lounge wear, and house slippers.

 

Additionally, shoes must be worn at all times in and around the building.  Skirts and shorts should be at all times at least mid-thigh in length.  Coats and jackets are not to be worn during the school day and should be secured in the student’s locker.

 

Having attended one or more classes without being addressed for inappropriate attire does not preclude a student from being referred to an administrator for disciplinary action later in the day.  Students who dress inappropriately will be given the opportunity to change or cover their clothing.  Refusal to cooperate and/or repeated offenses may result in being sent home and/or disciplinary action.  Any confiscated clothing items (i.e. hats, sunglasses, bandanas) may be held at the discretion of an administrator.

 

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Students may exercise the right to freedom of expression through speech, assembly, petition, and other lawful means, but this right may not interfere with the operations of the school.

 

Students should submit materials to the school’s principal no fewer than six (6) school days prior to the date of the desired distribution. The stated time frame will permit students to avail themselves of any appeal rights under Policy 7-4.4. All submitted materials must bear the name of the sponsoring individual(s) or school organization(s).

 

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

In addition to the student behaviors addressed by the Code of Conduct, specific activities prohibited at BMS include (but are not limited to) the following items:

 

Students are not permitted to buy, sell, or trade items while on school property.  Only the sale of items as part of an approved school fundraiser is permitted.  Sharing and borrowing of clothes are discouraged.

 

Public displays of affection including inappropriate touching and kissing are prohibited while on school property.  Any unwelcome sexual advances or other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature is considered harassment and is strictly prohibited by the Code of Conduct.

 

Initiating or participating in the production of written instruments that promote or encourage derogatory “ratings” of, or defamatory statements about, other students (i.e. “Slam Books”) is strictly prohibited.  Such activity is disruptive, creates an intimidating, hostile, and offensive environment, and will not be tolerated.  Any student engaged in this activity will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

 

Throwing snowballs and/or bringing snow into the building are strictly prohibited.  Students who touch snow are subject to strict disciplinary action.

 

 

 

UNAUTHORIZED AREAS

Students are not permitted in the following areas of the school without teacher/staff permission and direct supervision:

·        Teacher workrooms (use of phone and vending machines not permitted)

·        Staff offices, unoccupied classrooms, auditorium/stage

·        Custodial closets, kitchen, mechanical rooms

·        Locker rooms other than when scheduled for PE

·        All stairwells

·        The elevator, unless use is authorized due to injury or disability

·        Grade-level halls/areas other than those designated for their particular grade level unless required by their class schedule.

·        Staff dining area

 

Additionally, students are not permitted to be outside of the building during class changes, or at any other time during the school day, unless as part of a supervised class activity.

 

Students who are found in an unauthorized area or who leave the building/grounds without permission are subject to disciplinary action.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

It is prohibited for any employee or student, male or female, to harass another employee or student by making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or engaging in other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when (1) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for academic decisions affecting the student; (2) such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or (3) submission to the conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the student’s participation in school programs.

 

The School Board has adopted a grievance procedure for complaints by students of discrimination on the basis of sex or sexual harassment.  The policy is located in 5-1.2 of the School Board Policy Manual located in the BMS library, county libraries, and available on-line at (www.mcps.org).

 

The School Board has designated the following employee to be responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements relating to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972:

 

Jeanette Warwick

Assistant Superintendent

Montgomery County Public Schools

200 Junkin Street

Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5107

 

Please direct any concerns to Ms. Warwick.

 

Notice of Compliance with Equal Rights Regulations in Educational Programs and Activities

 

In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and all other federal, state, school rules, laws, regulations, and policies, the Montgomery County Public Schools shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion or disability in the educational programs or activities which it operates.

 

It is the intent of Montgomery County Public Schools to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in making certain discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations, and operations.  Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504, have been established for students, their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the school division.

 

 

 

 

Specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Title IX (sex) and Section 504 (disability) should be referred to:

 

Jeanette Warwick

Assistant Superintendent

Montgomery County Public Schools

200 Junkin Street

Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5107

 

All students attending Montgomery County Public Schools may participate in education programs and activities, including but not limited to health, physical education, music and vocational and technical education, (homemaking and consumer education, trades and industrial education, business and office education, etc.), regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sex.

 

 

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
The Student Code of Conduct addresses student involvement with alcohol and other drugs while in or on school property or while engaged in or attending any school-sponsored activity/function.  This policy applies to imitation controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or any substance that is represented by or to the student, or which the student believes to be any of the prohibited substances.  Under state law, students who violate this policy are subject to severe disciplinary action.  In addition, referral may be made to law enforcement officials.  (See complete Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy in the Code of Conduct.)

 

Students who purchase alcohol, drugs, or imitation controlled substances will be suspended for ten (10) days and recommended to the school board for expulsion (division policy, 7-3.1).

 

TOBACCO PRODUCTS

State law makes it illegal for those under 18 years of age to purchase, possess, or use tobacco products.  Students may not possess, smoke, or use tobacco in any form while engaged in or attending any school-sponsored activity/function.  This includes waiting at school bus stops and riding on school buses.  Failure to comply with the above violates both the Student Code of Conduct, as well as the law, and will result in civil and/or disciplinary action under the Alcohol and Other Drugs policy.

 

WEAPONS POLICY

Possession and/or use of weapons while in or on school property or while engaged in or attending any school-sponsored activity/function violates the law and the Student Code of Conduct.  Students who violate this policy are subject to severe disciplinary action.  In addition, referral may be made to law enforcement officials.  Any weapon possessed in violation of this policy will be confiscated and may be forfeited to the Commonwealth. (See complete Weapons Policy in the Code of Conduct.)

 

Look-alike weapons--any devices or articles that by appearance or representation might lead a reasonable person to believe that they are weapons capable of inflicting bodily harm and/or intimidating other persons--will result in disciplinary action under the Weapons Policy.  Look-alike weapons are not to be confused with obvious toys or trinkets that are not representative of weapons and/or not used in an intimidating or threatening manner.

 

SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT

Students are expected to cooperate with their bus driver and to follow the posted rules on the bus.  Misconduct on a school bus interferes with the orderly transportation of children and jeopardizes the safety of everyone on the bus.

 

The school bus driver is the authority on the bus.  Bus drivers are authorized to assign seats.  Failure to comply with bus rules and directions of drivers will result in a loss of bus privileges.  Cases of misconduct by students while on the bus or at school bus stops that cannot be corrected by the bus driver shall be referred for disciplinary action immediately to an administrator of the school the child attends.

 

Disciplinary action shall include all corrective actions in the Code of Conduct as well as temporary loss of bus-riding privileges.  Although a student has his/her bus privilege suspended, he/she is still required to attend school.  Additional bus referrals may result in additional suspension of bus-riding privileges and could result in denial of such privileges for the remainder of the school year.  In such cases, parents and students will be responsible for working out alternative transportation.

 

STUDENT LANGUAGE
All students have the right to come to school and learn in an environment free from inappropriate language. Students heard by adults using inappropriate language will be referred to the administration for immediate consequences.

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION
It is the expectation of the School Board that all students have the right to an environment that is safe, drug-free, and conducive to learning.  The BMS administrative team supports the position that all students should enjoy school and be free to learn in a safe and orderly environment.  The staff is committed to maintaining an environment in which students are not subjected to harassment, ridicule, threats, or intimidation.  Any behavior that disrupts the learning environment is not tolerated.

 

Discipline is an integral part of the teaching/learning process.  The goal of school discipline is to teach middle school students how to behave appropriately and act responsibly as part of the school team.  The faculty and administration work cooperatively to establish and communicate clear, positive expectations and endeavor to be respectful, fair, and consistent with all students.

 

Teachers are responsible for establishing clear rules and expectations for classroom conduct as well as addressing student misbehavior.  Teachers continually monitor classroom conduct and work with students to minimize disruptions.  When a student is unresponsive to correction, redirection, or other intervention strategies attempted by the classroom teacher, he/she will be referred to the appropriate administrator for disciplinary action.  The administrator will investigate all incidents referred to the office, notify the student(s) of the accusations made against them, give the student(s) an opportunity to explain circumstances of the alleged misconduct from their perspective, and make a decision based upon the evidence.

 

Typically, the administration deals with misconduct that is more serious in nature or misconduct that occurs in common areas such as the halls, cafeteria, or bus areas.  Appropriate corrective and disciplinary action for students who violate any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct is determined by a member of the administrative team based on the individual circumstances involved in each case.  Consequences for misconduct may include the following: detention, In-School Supervision (ISS), Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), or other actions deemed appropriate by the teacher and/or administration. (See Code of Conduct for other available corrective measures.)

 

Parents/Guardians are notified before any assignment to detention, ISS, or OSS by letter and/or phone conversation.  If a student’s behavior necessitates sending him/her home during the school day, an administrator will call the parent/guardian to make the necessary arrangements.  In most cases, written notification of disciplinary action is sent home to the parents/guardians by way of the student. Parents/guardians are asked to sign the notification letter and have their child return it to the main office on the following day of school.  Transportation home after detention is the responsibility of the parents/guardians.

 

Failure to serve detention will result in additional consequences being imposed (extra day of detention, ISS, etc.) at the discretion of the appropriate administrator.

 

Students who serve ISS will come to school and be counted present.  However, they will be kept apart from regular classes and will have specific rules to follow.  The ISS Coordinator will provide supervision at all times and regular classroom work will be assigned.  Completion of all work will be expected or additional time in ISS will be assigned to complete unfinished work.  Failure to follow ISS rules may result in OSS.  If OSS interrupts ISS, the student may be required to complete the ISS upon returning to school.

 

Students will not be allowed on school grounds during OSS.  Absences from class and from school due to OSS will contribute to the total absences allowed by the division attendance policy unless the student is referred to and attends the Phoenix Center.  However, make-up work will be provided during this time upon the request of the student and/or parent/guardian.  All other guidelines regarding make-up work will also apply (division policy, 7-3.2).

 

Students serving ISS or OSS are not allowed to participate in school-related athletics or any other extracurricular activity.

 

Any disciplinary action may be appealed.  However, corrective action will not be delayed while an appeal is pending.

 

INVOLVEMENT OF
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The BMS faculty and staff work cooperatively with local law enforcement to maintain a school environment in which our children are safe.  Throughout the school year, several community police officers visit our school in an effort to foster positive interactions between young adolescents and local law enforcement officials.

 

The School Resource Officer is part of our school team.  He will be in our school daily and is available to advise, teach, and mentor students as well as staff.  He acts as a liaison between the community police department and our school.

 

Periodically, officers and specially-trained canines visit BMS.  During such visits, lockers,

halls, classrooms, and backpacks are “sniffed” to help ensure that our school remains drug-free.

 

The MCPS Student Code of Conduct provides for the notification of law enforcement in case of certain violations.  We appreciate the support of local law enforcement whenever their assistance is needed.

 

SCHOOL SAFETY HOTLINE
The staff at BMS is committed to maintaining a school in which students are safe.  To assist us in our efforts, the Montgomery County School Board, in cooperation with the Sheriff’s Department, has established a toll-free school safety hotline for the exclusive use by students in our school division.  The program, known as 4-SAFE-VA, operates a 24-hour hotline service to provide another avenue for students to report safety concerns in their school confidentially.  The motto, “It’s Your School – Keep it Safe,” lets students know that they share the responsibility of protecting themselves, their friends, and their school. The toll-free number for our school division is:

1-877-4-SAFE-VA  (1-877-472-3382).

 

 

NOTICE TO ALL PARENTS OF STUDENTS ATTENDING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ALL STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTENDING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHO HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18

 

STUDENT RECORDS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that governs the maintenance of student records.  Under the law, parents of students, or students if they are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”), have the following rights:

 

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school division receives a request for access.  Parents or eligible students should submit to the relevant school principal or other appropriate school official a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

 

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.  Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record they believe is inaccurate or misleading.  They should write the school principal or appropriate school official, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.  If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

 

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  Several exceptions exist to the rule requiring consent before release of personally identifiable information.  One exception permits disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests in the information.  For the purposes of this exception, a school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.  A second notable exception to the consent rule relates to the disclosure of education records to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.  The Montgomery County Public Schools disclose such records without prior consent.  A third exception to the consent rule relates to the disclosure of “directory information.”  Please see the discussion below regarding Montgomery County Public Schools’ policy regarding directory information.

 

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

 

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

 

 
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
 

As is discussed above, FERPA requires the Montgomery County Public Schools, with certain exceptions, to obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, the school district may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the school district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the school district to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications, such as: a playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production; the annual yearbook; honor roll or other recognition lists; graduation programs; and sports activity sheets (e.g., for wrestling events, and which show weight and height of team members).

 

Directory information is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released.  FERPA permits the school district to disclose directory information to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require local school districts that receive federal money under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with information from three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the school district that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.  The Montgomery County Public Schools receive assistance under ESEA.

 

The School Board has designated the following categories of information as “directory information” subject to disclosure without parental consent:  the student’s name, address and telephone number; date and place of birth; participation in officially recognized sports and activities; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors and awards received; school and dates of attendance; grade in school and program of study.  School officials may release this information without the consent of the parents or student. The Montgomery County Public Schools release student information related to awards and participation in activities for recognition purposes, consistent with FERPA’s requirements.  The school district also releases names and addresses of students to permit students to receive educational and occupational information.

 

Any parents or eligible students who object to the release of any or all of this information without their consent must notify, in writing, the principal of the school where the records are kept.  The objection must state what information the parent or eligible student does not want released.  If no objection is received, directory information may be released until the beginning of the next school year.

 

The Montgomery County School Board has adopted a written policy regarding rights of parents and students under FERPA.  Copies of the policy may be found in the Superintendent’s Office, in the principal’s office at each school, and in your local public library.

 

For additional information regarding the student records policy, contact either the principal of the school your child attends or Jeanette Warwick, Assistant Superintendent, at 382-5107.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAILY SCHEDULE
Grade 6                                                           Grades 7 & 8
 

                                                                                                                Advisory                      7:50– 8:05

First Period                  7:50 – 8:34                               First Period                  8:09 – 8:54

Second Period              8:38 – 9:20                               Second Period              8:58 – 9:43

Third Period                 9:24 – 10:06                             Third Period                 9:47 – 10:32

Fourth Period               10:10 – 10:52                           Fourth Period               10:36 – 11:21

A Lunch                      10:56 – 11:22

Fifth Period                  11:26 – 12:08               B Lunch  11:25-11:51      Fifth Period 11:25-12:10

Sixth Period                  12:12 – 12:54               Fifth Period 11:55-12:40   C Lunch  12:14-12:40

Seventh Period 12:58 – 1:40

Flex                              1:44 – 2:20                               Sixth Period                  12:44 – 1:29

                                                                                    Seventh Period 1:33 – 2:20

 
 
 
 

           
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Advisory/Flex Teacher: _________________________                                     

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

2007-2008 School Year

 

We have received a copy of the BMS Student/Parent Handbook (20 pages) and the Montgomery County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct (Grades 6-12).  Both student and parent/guardian signatures are required.

 

Student Name                                                                                                            (Please Print)

 

Student Signature                                                                                         Date ______________     

Parent/Guardian Name                                                                                              (Please Print)

 

Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                            Date_______________                        

 

This acknowledgment must be completed and returned to the school by each student.