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DUTCHTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL

2020-2021

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Principal

Doug Walker

Asst. Principal

Lisa Louque

13078 Hwy 73

Geismar, LA 70734

Telephone: 225.391.7800

Fax: 225.621.2351

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Table of Contents

General Information……………………………………………..

• Purpose

• School Visitors

• Communication Format

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Attendance……………………………………………………….. ● Schedule ● Tardy Policy ● Check Outs ● Truancy ● Immunization ● Medication ● Illness at School

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Electronic Device Policy………………………………………... 5

Dress Code………………………………………………………...

Media Center

Counseling

Honor Roll

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Student Activities………………………………………………... ● Clubs ● Sports ● Teams ● After School Activities

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Discipline………………………………………………………….. 8

PBIS………………………………………………………………... 9

Discipline Definitions………………………….………………... 10

Discipline Actions……………………………………………….. 11

Suspension Program Guidelines……………………………... 12

School Bus Regulations and Walkers……………………….. 13

Care of School Property………………………………………... Backpack Policy Physical Education Department

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Important Dates…………………………………………………... 15

TO THE STUDENT: The student

handbook has been created to make you

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aware of the services, academic

requirements and policies/procedures

that apply to Dutchtown Middle School

Students. We hope you use it to guide you

through your year. TO THE PARENT/GUARDIAN: The primary purpose of the student handbook is to provide students and parents with basic information, guidelines and policies and procedures concerning the operation of Dutchtown Middle School. We hope the information provided will assist the students and parents in learning about our school.

POLICY NOTIFICATION STATEMENT In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this educational agency upholds the following policy: This is an equal opportunity institution and is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment or training. Qualified students, applicants, or employees will not be excluded from any course or activity because of age, race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, or qualified handicap. All students have equal rights to counseling and training. Parent Facilitator: Sara Recile @ 391-7211.

SCHOOL VISITORS In an effort to ensure the safety of all our children, school visitors must report to the school office upon arrival on campus. Visitors will be required to wear a visitor’s pass at all times while on school grounds.

OUR COMMUNICATION FORMATS

POWERSCHOOL, GOOGLE CLASSROOM, REMIND, BLOOMZ, AND CONFERENCES BOTH ON-SITE AND ZOOM. POWERSCHOOL: Parents are encouraged to activate their POWERSCHOOL accounts. With access to POWERSCHOOL, parents can monitor grades for their child. The school’s monthly calendar is posted on the Dutchtown Middle School page on the school board website, www.apsb.org. Parents of students new to Dutchtown Middle should contact the office to receive their activation code. GOOGLE CLASSROOM: Teachers use Google classroom to post assignments and announcements. Please look for class codes from your child’s teachers. REMIND & BLOOMZ: Parents are encouraged to sign up for teacher and Principal Remind classes for reminders about class and school activities. Each bus also has a Bloomz account that provides parents with emergency transportation information about specific busses. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent – Teacher conferences will be held at the request of parents, teachers or administrators. We encourage this dialogue as a means of improving a student’s achievement. We will follow the norms listed below for all conferences.

1. Person requesting conference must complete conference request form.

2. Contact after receiving request must be made within 24 hours to set up a conference.

3. Entire core team attends conferences concerning core classes. If a teacher is absent and the parent wishes to speak with that teacher, he/she will contact the parent within 24 hours of their return to school.

4. Participants in the conference must be punctual.

5. Conferences will address only concerns listed on the form and will be limited to a 15-minute time frame.

6. Comments by teachers and parents should be constructive and focused on student achievement.

7. Parents and teachers will receive a copy of the conference documentation form with the action plan to address concerns.

REGULAR SCHEDULE Arrive----7:10 a.m.

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Depart ----2:29 p.m.

EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE Arrive----7:10 a.m.

Depart----12:30/1:30 p.m.

All early dismissals and times will be noted on monthly calendars and POWERSCHOOL.

LATE ARRIVAL, TARDIES, & CHECK OUTS

LATE ARRIVAL Students who arrive late can cause much disturbance and interruption of work in the classroom. A parent must accompany students who are late to the front office where they must sign in.

TARDIES Tardies are excused only for doctor’s appointments, illness, legal proceedings and other emergencies deemed excused by the principal.

According to school board policy, habitual tardiness will be reported to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance or to Juvenile Court as truancy. Students miss valuable instructional time when they arrive late or are dismissed early.

Every 3rd tardy receives a consequence:

● 1st accumulation of three (3 total tardies) – Tardy Letter

● 2nd accumulation of three (6 total tardies)– Tardy Letter

● 3rd accumulation of three (9 total tardies) – Tardy Letter

● 4th accumulation of three (12 total tardies)– Tardy Letter/Parent Conference

● 5th accumulation of three (15 total tardies)- Truancy Notification

● 6th accumulation of three (18 or more total tardies)--referral--Saturday Detention

Saturday Detention continues with accumulations.

Early Checkouts Students may not be dismissed from school within the last thirty minutes of the school day without a valid excuse or this will be considered

an unexcused tardy. Early checkouts are excused only for doctor’s appointments, illness, legal proceedings, and other emergencies deemed excused by the principal.

Only adults 18 years or older may check a student

out of school in grades K-8. The person checking

out the student MUST be listed in PowerSchool as

an approved adult. A picture ID will be required to

be shown by the person checking out a student.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS See attendance requirements in Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Truancy Hotline #391- 7389 or 391-7198 BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAM See child Nutrition Program in Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. IMMUNIZATION AND SCHOOL ENTRANCE INFORMATION See Immunization Requirements for School in Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. MEDICATION See Medication Policy (Appendix G) in Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. ILLNESS AT SCHOOL A personal information form will be sent home with each child at the beginning of the school year. If your child becomes ill at school, or if he is injured, the school will notify you and render simple first aid only. (Ex.: band aids, ice, etc.). Parents will be notified and will determine whether or not their child will remain at school.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY See the Electronic Device Policy in the District Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Dutchtown Middle School ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY Electronic communication devices (including but not limited to: cell phones, ipads, smart

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watches/rings, earbuds, headphones, etc.) cannot be used for non-educational purposes during school hours. a. A student may ONLY use an electronic device in a school classroom during an official class session and only then if expressly authorized to do so by the classroom teacher. No other use of an electronic device is permitted on a school campus at any time during the school day. b. “Use” is defined as having any electronic device in a student’s hands, on their desk, or openly visible without the authorization of the student’s classroom teacher. c. Except as provided in Section “a” above, a student shall not use any electronic device on a school campus prior to or during the school day, during any recess period, during lunch period, during any organized school or extracurricular activity, or on a school bus. d. “School Day” is defined as the point in time that a student physically enters the school campus until the point in time that a student physically exits the school campus. Exception: Laptop computers, tablet devices electronic readers and devices without cell phone functions may be used outside of the classroom as designated by administration for school purposes ONLY. e. Standardized Testing: Electronic Devices are strictly prohibited and shall not be in the possession of any student, staff, or any other individual in any class or area designated as a testing area during any Standardized Testing session. f. School Trips: Use of electronic devices during school trips, including, but not limited to field trips, athletic events, and conventions, will be at the sole discretion of the attending coach, sponsor, or teacher. g. PARENTS SHOULD NOT CONTACT THEIR CHILD BY CELL/MOBILE PHONE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Parents should call the school to contact their child and, should the need arise; school personnel will contact your son/daughter. h. The use of cameras/camcorders is only allowed for educational purposes as approved by the teacher. Use of cameras/camcorders is strictly prohibited in private areas where

students and/or staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as locker rooms, washrooms, dressing areas, and offices at any time. Such use may also be in violation of the criminal code. i. Use of any electronic device at any time is subject to the guidelines outlined within the Acceptable Use of Technology Policy. j. No student shall use any electronic device during any suspension or detention periods, including Saturday detention and behavior clinics. k. An electronic device shall not be used to commit any Disciplinary Offense at any time. l. Any use of an electronic device which is in violation of this Policy or which is not authorized or directed by a classroom teacher or school administrator shall be considered a “disciplinary offense” subject to “disciplinary action”. First Offense: Device will be confiscated and turned in to the front office. Parent must pick up the device. Second Offense and each offense thereafter: Device will be confiscated and turned in to the front office. Parent must pay $10 to obtain the device. ***Refusal to give the phone to the teacher or administrator will result in disciplinary action.

DRESS CODE

See Dress Code Policy in the District Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Hoods are NOT allowed to be worn on campus due to safety precautions. Students who do not remove hoods when on campus are subject to disciplinary actions. CASUAL DAYS AND CASUAL DAY DRESS CODE DMS will have a total of four (4) casual dress days per school year. The principal shall determine the dates for casual dress days. On the four casual dress days, the students should be dressed appropriately. 1. Pants and shorts must follow the same length

and fitting guidelines as required for the uniforms.

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2. Guidelines for shoes, jewelry, and belts follow uniform policy.

3. Cut-offs, biker shorts, pajamas are not allowed.

4. Slicing or ragging of any clothing is not allowed.

5. Shirts and blouses for both boys and girls should cover the top of the shoulders. Tank tops, spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, midriffs and halter tops are prohibited. Necklines must be modest, transparent shirts or pants, see through blouses are not to be worn.

6. Clothing advocating drugs, sex, alcohol, tobacco, profanity, weapons, or questionable subject material may not be worn.

7. No camouflage jackets. LIBRARY AND MEDIA CENTER 1. Books may be checked out for two (2)

week periods; 2. All lost or damaged books must be paid

for on or before the date report cards are due each nine weeks or the end of the school year;

3. Students with overdue books may not check out books in the library until the books are returned (This record carries over from one school term to the next);

4. Students will be asked to leave the library if their behavior is unacceptable.

TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are checked out from the library to each student. Students will be held accountable for textbook condition/return. Books not returned or damaged will be assessed according to age and amount paid for the book. COUNSELING/STUDENT SERVICES

Students who are experiencing difficulty can be referred to the Student Services Counselor who is trained to provide support through individual or group counseling. This program is designed to address such issues as substance abuse, self-esteem, and behavior management. Students may also participate through self or parent referral by contacting the Guidance Counselor at DMS.

HONOR ROLL GUIDELINES Honor defined: academic distinction conferred on a superior student. 1. There will be two levels of recognition:

a) Principal’s List – 3.61 to 4.0+ GPA (no C’s allowed)

b) Distinguished Student’s List – 3.0 to 3.60 GPA (no grade

lower than a C and only one C is allowed)

2. All students, regardless of grade level, will be eligible for honor roll.

3. Conduct grades will not be considered for honor roll.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES In order to participate in most extracurricular activities, a student must have at least a 2.0 grade point average on his/her most recent report card. In addition, he/she must abide by the stated rules of the organization. The sponsor and Principal may remove a student from an extracurricular activity for a serious cause. Students should be aware of all rules and regulations for admission and membership of clubs and organizations.

Athletics SPORTS Students in grades seven and eight may try out

for our school football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track teams. In addition to the required grade-point average, student athletes are expected to exhibit exemplary behavior at all times, especially when they are representing Dutchtown Middle School.

Band The Dutchtown Band performs at many functions throughout the year, including football games, parades, concerts and festivals. Band members are expected to attend all of these functions as well as after-school rehearsals on certain days. Beta Club

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Students who maintain a high scholastic average and who exemplify desirable standards of conduct may be invited to join the Beta Club. The goals of the club are to encourage academic excellence and to provide service to the school and community. Cheerleaders

C Cheerleaders perform at football games, basketball games, the Christmas parade and other events throughout the year. Tryouts are held in the spring for the following year. Students interested in trying out will receive detailed information regarding requirements for cheerleading. The cheerleaders represent our school in a very visible way and are expected to obey all the regulations and directives of the cheerleader organization and sponsors.

Eaglettes The dance team performs at football games, basketball games, the Christmas parade and other events throughout the school year. Tryouts are held in the spring for the following year. Students interested in trying out will receive detailed information regarding requirements for the dance team. The Eaglettes represent our school in a very visible way and are expected to obey all the regulations and directives of the dance team organization and sponsors. Science/STEM Club The Environmental Science Club was organized to promote interest in science. Members will be required to complete a series of projects, and attend meetings that will enhance their knowledge of science. They will also prepare a project for the school’s Science Fair. FCA Club FCA is a fellowship club for students in grades 6-8 that builds a caring and accepting community where those seeking a deeper spiritual life are accepted and encouraged. This organization reaches out into the community to help others.

4-H Club Students in grades six through eight may join the 4-H Club. Members of this club learn through enrolling in projects and participating in activities. Our club has received many awards over the years. All members are required to complete a record book.

Student Leadership Team The Student Council consists of students elected by their peers. They will meet monthly to share their ideas with the school administration. Their goal is to make DMS the best that it can possibly be.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY PROCEDURES Students participating in after school activities

such as athletics (practices and/or games), band, clubs, tutorials, detention, dances, etc. will not be allowed to leave the campus until they are picked up by a parent or their designee. Students not participating in the athletic games are welcome to come and be spectators at athletic events. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner while in attendance either on our school campus or when visiting other school campuses. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions taken against the offenders. Students should be picked up within 15 minutes of the stated dismissal time of such activities unless prior arrangements have been made with coaches, Bus Drivers or sponsors. Students who are not picked up within fifteen (15) minutes of the conclusion of any school activity may be barred from attending future activities.

Student Dances Periodically, school dances are held for students. The primary purpose of these dances is to reward good behavior in students. In order to attend a dance, a student must: 1. Be a DMS student; 2. Not have been suspended or served

Saturday Detention or served Detention for a suspendable offense or in After-School Behavior Clinic for the past forty-five (45) days; and

3. Not have received a conduct referral at the previous dance.

DISCIPLINE See Discipline Policy in the District Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR In order to provide the best possible learning environment for our students, it is essential that we have good behavior in our school. We will not tolerate any behavior that prevents teachers from teaching or students from learning, nor will we tolerate any activities, which would adversely

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affect the safety and well being of the school population.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Students may not arrive on campus (DMS or DPS)

prior to 7:10 a.m. 2. Students are not allowed to leave the school

grounds once they arrive, unless they are first signed out of the office by a parent (or designee).

3. Students arriving at school late must report to the office with a parent or guardian to sign in and get an admit slip.

4. Students may use the office phone only in an emergency and must first obtain permission from office personnel.

5. Anything lost should be reported to a teacher. Anything found should be turned in to the office. If you find anything on campus that does not belong to you and you keep it, sell it, or give it away, then you will be considered guilty of stealing. The school is not liable for lost or stolen items. Refer to the District Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

6. Students are not permitted to use the vending machines in the teachers’ lounge.

7. During a fire drill, students are to follow their teacher’s instructions and walk quickly to the designated area. There is to be no talking or running during a fire drill.

8. The following items are not permitted at school and will be confiscated:

a. liquid paper b. aerosol cans c. skateboards d. motorized vehicles e. gum, candy, glass bottled drinks f. trading cards, toys, etc.

g. fireworks h. “fast food” items i. electronic devices j. other nuisance items

CAFETERIA BEHAVIOR 1. Students will be required to sit with their

class and in their designated areas unless permission to move is given by a teacher.

2. Students will use proper table manners; refrain from loud talking and horseplay. They will keep the dining area clean.

3. No glass bottles will be permitted in the cafeteria.

4. No portion of a student’s lunch may be taken outside of the cafeteria.

5. Lunch money will be collected in the cafeteria and the cafeteria manager will determine how payments will be made.

6. No student will be allowed to eat on credit. Free or reduced-price lunches are available to those who qualify.

7. No “fast food” will be allowed.

OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES 1. All rules and regulations in this

handbook apply to field trips and all other school-sponsored functions.

2. The school may hold students accountable for their behavior off of the school campus if that behavior has an adverse effect on the learning environment of the school.

School-Wide Positive Behavior and Intervention Support Plan

The DMS Positive School-Wide Behavior and Intervention Support Plan (PBIS) establishes consistent expectations for student behavior. The goal of PBIS is to replace undesirable behavior with a new acceptable behavior. PBIS strives to teach appropriate skills for classroom and campus situations, and to reward appropriate behavior using a school-wide comprehensive approach.

Dutchtown Middle Eagles strive to:

Fly Respectfully Fly Positively Fly Responsibly Fly Safely

Dutchtown Dollar Information

Students have the opportunity to earn Dutchtown Dollars by meeting expectations for behavior. Each week teachers and other staff members will distribute Dutchtown Dollars to students to recognize their positive behavior. A limited number of Dutchtown Dollars will be given out each week. When

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students receive a Dutchtown Dollar, they should immediately write their name on the Dutchtown Dollar. They should also make sure that the issuing teacher has signed the Dutchtown Dollar in red ink. These Dutchtown Dollars should be kept in a safe place. They can be redeemed as listed below. Daily Rewards: $_____ Teacher Choice $2 Free Table/Line Choice $2 Free DMS Game Pass PBIS Friday Rewards: $1 PBIS Drawing $2 Snack at Recess $10 Free Dress Day (Must adhere to District Dress Code Policy

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Discipline Definitions

**A major offense results in an immediate referral. Major Offenses

Definition

Combustibles Student is in possession of substances/objects readily capable of causing bodily harm and/or property

damage (matches, lighters, firecrackers, gasoline, lighter fluid)

Tobacco Possession, consumption, or use of electronic cigarettes, vapor pens, e-liquid, cigars, blunts, cigarettes,

lighters, snuff, chewing tobacco, or any tobacco products, including look-a-likes of any type.

Unauthorized Area Entering unauthorized area after school/going into a classroom/area without permission

Defiance/Disrespect/

Insubordinate/Non-

compliance/Willful

Disobedience

Refusal to follow directions, talking back, inappropriate gestures, immodest display of affection

Disruption Behavior causing an interruption in a class or activity. Disruption includes sustained loud talk, yelling or

screaming; noise with materials; horseplay or rough-housing; and/or sustained out-of-seat behavior;

Accumulation of points.

Forgery

Tampering with Records

Student has signed a person’s name without the person’s permission, has changed a grade, tampered,

falsified, or destroyed any school records, attendance or roll books, report cards or grade sheets, test

results or school property

Skip class/truancy Student leaves class/school without permission or stays out of class/school without permission

Safety Student behavior on bus or on campus is injurious to self or others/throwing objects, etc. out window,

walking or riding to/from home before/after school without office authorization, possession of white-

out/aerosol products (items will be confiscated)

Conduct injurious to others Action where injury may occur

Abusive/

Inappropriate

Language/Profanity

Verbal or written message that includes swearing, name calling or use of words in an inappropriate way

Theft Student is in possession of or is responsible for removing someone else’s property

Lying/Cheating/ Unfounded

charge against authority

Student delivers message that is untrue and/or deliberately violates rules or testing regulations

Property Damage/

Vandalism

Student deliberately impairs the usefulness of property or participates in an activity that results in

substantial destruction or disfigurement of property

Fighting/Physical

Aggression

Actions involving serious physical contact where injury may occur (ex. hitting, punching, hitting with an

object, kicking, hair pulling, scratching, throwing object, instigates a fight, pushing, shoving,

unnecessary roughness)

Accumulation of Tardies Multiples of three unexcused tardies to school (handled by office)

Harassment/tease/

taunt/hazing

immoral or vicious practices

Student delivers disrespectful message (verbal or gesture) to another person that include threats and

intimidation or extortion; obscene gestures, pictures, or written words.

Drugs Student is in possession of or is using illegal drugs/substances or imitations

Weapons Student is in possession of knives or guns (real or look alike), or other objects readily capable of causing

bodily harm

Alcohol Student is under the influence of, in possession of, distributes, consumes alcohol

Arson Student plans and/or participates in malicious burning of property

Bomb Threat/False Alarm Student delivers a message (written material, drawing, or verbal threats) of possible explosive materials

being on campus, near campus, and/or pending explosion, threatening to harm, injure, or damage any

person, student, or property

Other Problem behavior causing this referral is not listed above. Staff using this area will specify the problem

behavior observed.

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Disciplinary Actions

Disciplinary offenses shall result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action includes but is not limited to the following: 1. Counsel/warn a student 2. Administer punish work 3. Contact parent or guardian 4. Time out (1 or more periods) 5. Points 6. After-school behavior clinic 7. Saturday Detention 8. Loss of privileges, including but not limited to participation in extra curricular activities 9. In-school suspension 10. Out-of-school suspension 11. Expulsion 12. Any combination of these disciplinary actions

Dutchtown Middle Eagles strive to:

Fly Respectfully Fly Positively

Fly Responsibly Fly Safely

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SUSPENSION PROGRAM GUIDELINES The Administration of Dutchtown Middle School has established a set of guidelines to be implemented in the school’s In-School/Out-of-School Suspension Program. However, it should in no way be interpreted as being all-inclusive. The Administration realizes that each case must be judged on its own merits. After thorough investigation and weighing of the facts involved in each case, the Administration will render decisions as to punishment based on the facts with these guidelines in mind. We encourage parental involvement in suspensions involving your child. We will attempt to personally notify each parent of suspended students. We request your cooperation with the In-School/Out-of-School Suspension Program at Dutchtown Middle School, in hope that each student will benefit from it. After three (3) suspensions, a re-entry conference will be held with the student, parents, and principal or designee. Upon the fourth suspension, the student will be recommended for expulsion.

AFTER-SCHOOL BEHAVIOR CLINIC

Students assigned to After-School Behavior Clinic will report to the designated area immediately after school is over and must be picked up by a parent or designee at 4:00. Students who fail to show up for After-School Behavior Clinic (1st offense) will be assigned two additional days. If this happens a second time, the student will lose the option of After-School Behavior Clinic and have to take an alternate consequence.

SATURDAY DETENTION Students assigned to Saturday Detention will report to the designated area by 7:30 AM on the assigned date. The student must be picked up by the parent by 9:30 AM.Students who fail to show up for Saturday Detention will be assigned an In-School Suspension.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION The purpose of the In-School Suspension Program (ISSP) is to provide an alternative to out-of-school suspension, while providing strategies designed to help students. 1. In-School Suspension is counted as a

suspension towards expulsion. 2. A parent or guardian must sign the student in at

8:00 and sign him/her out at 2:00. STUDENTS IN ISSP ARE NOT ALLOWED TO RIDE THE SCHOOL BUSES.

3. If an ISSP student is unable to attend due to illness or emergency, the parent must notify the school by 7:30 to arrange for an extension and an excused absence. If there is no notification, that day will be considered an out-of-school suspension.

4. Students in ISSP will be counted present and will be allowed to make up all work. They will be required to complete all work assignments.

5. Students in ISSP will not be allowed to participate in or attend any extracurricular, co-curricular, or after-hours school activity until the first school day after the suspension is completed.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION An Out-of-School Suspension is defined as a

temporary removal for not more than nine school days. A student is marked absent (unexcused). This counts as a suspension toward expulsion. Parents shall be notified in writing, stating the reasons for the suspension. A parent conference may be required before a student is allowed to return to school following a suspension. Before initiating an out-of-school suspension, a phone or personal contact will be made with the student’s parent or legal guardian. Students who have received an out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in, or attend any extracurricular, co-curricular, or after-hours school activity until the first school day after the suspension is completed. Each student receives a Student Handbook Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Policy from the Ascension Parish School Board. Please refer to this publication for points requiring special attention and other pertinent information. GANGS No student shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other things, which are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang. This may result in a suspension.

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS

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1. IF A CHILD IS TO LEAVE SCHOOL OTHER THAN WITH HIS/HER REGULAR BUS, HE/SHE MUST HAVE A WRITTEN NOTE FROM HIS/HER PARENT/GUARDIAN SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE IN THE MORNING DURING HOMEROOM. This must be brought to the office before school starts in order that a permission slip can be issued. The permission slip should include with whom the student will leave school, the manner of transportation, and the date. For the safety of the child, the bus rider will ride his/her assigned bus home unless the above stated policy is followed. WE CANNOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE REQUESTS FOR THIS PURPOSE. This is a mandatory policy. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made concerning the preceding policy. If the student has permission to ride a different bus, he/she needs to give the permission slip from the office to the bus driver upon boarding the bus.

Note: Permission to ride another bus will be given only if space is available. 2. Students riding a bus will conduct themselves in

an orderly manner and will comply with the requests of the driver.

3. Students must be on time at designated stops. 4. Students must obey the driver promptly. 5. Students must help to keep the bus clean and

sanitary. Anyone damaging anything on the bus will be disciplined and required to pay damages.

6. Avoid causing trouble by not teasing, pulling hair, scuffling or using profane or abusive language.

7. All body parts should be kept inside the bus windows at all times.

8. There should be no moving around while the bus is in motion. When assigned to a seat by the driver, a student must stay in that seat. Nothing is to be thrown out of the windows, or within the bus.

9. Conversation in a normal tone is permissible. Loud and abusive talking will not be tolerated.

10. Do not open the windows without the driver’s permission.

11. Do not block the middle aisle. 12. No one other than regular enrolled students is to

ride on school buses. 13. No student can be discharged at a different stop

unless he/she has WRITTEN PERMISSION from the office.

14. Parents who wish to pick up students before they board the bus in the afternoon must sign their child out in the office.

15. Bus drivers will have reasonable rules for the safe and proper operation of their particular bus.

ALL SCHOOL RULES APPLY WHILE ON THE BUS. VIOLATION OF ANY SCHOOL BUS REGULATION MAY BE REASON FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION, SUSPENSION, OR EXPULSION. WALKERS/CAR RIDERS All students who walk to or from school are required to have a walker’s pass. Applications for a walker’s pass are available from the school office and must be completed and signed by the parent and approved by school personnel. For safety reasons, no visitor cars should enter the front drive during take-in or dismissal times. During these times, all car riders should be dropped off or picked up at the back entrance on HWY 74. Car riders and walking students must report to designated areas when dismissed at the end of the day and remain there until released by the duty teachers.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY In order to maintain the school building, grounds and

buses to such a degree that students, staff, and patrons can feel proud of Dutchtown Middle School, every individual is expected to follow rules of common sense. Although the list is not all-inclusive, the following abuses are expressly prohibited:

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1. Littering in the building, on campus, on a school bus or from a bus window;

2. Marking on school property, including lockers; 3. Leaving trays, food or trash on tables in the

cafeteria or on the walkways; 4. All aspects of vandalism to the building, campus,

and buses; and 5. All thefts of school property.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Students who fail to exercise appropriate care of school property are subject to disciplinary action by school officials appropriate to their misbehavior, including: 1. Cleaning up or repairing any damage done; 2. Assignment to detention; 3. Assignment to work details before or after

school or during lunch; 4. Placement in in-school detention for a specified

period of time; 5. Fines to cover repair of damage, replacement of

property if beyond repair, and loss of property; 6. Suspension from school for a period of up to ten

days; 7. Recommendation for expulsion from school; and 8. Legal remedies if the severity of the student’s

behavior so warrants. BACKPACK POLICY We are all concerned about safety for our students here at DMS. Several steps are taken each year to promote the safe transport of materials in student book sacks. Students may use a rolling book sack (not luggage) rather than a backpack. Books sacks may not be camouflage in color. Teacher teams collaborate together on supply lists so as not to double up on necessary items. ELA, Math and Science all use a consumable textbook. Additionally, the P.E. Department includes health lessons that discuss the importance of proper wearing of all book sacks. It is important that students check what they transport each day and determine what is really necessary and what could remain at home for that day. By working together, we hope to ensure student safety without having to compromise our high standards of instructional rigor.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Official clothing will not be required until August 31, 2020, but students will have to dress out in shorts, shirts, and tennis shoes until that time. Please write the student’s name on the outside of the clothes. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with clothing. Students are not allowed to share P.E. uniforms.

Gym lockers will be assigned for one period only. Lockers must be emptied at the end of the period. Other students will be using the same lockers at the next period. No aerosol personal hygiene products will be allowed (i.e. deodorant, hairspray, etc.) We are not responsible for items left in lockers. Each student must provide his/her own lock which is highly recommended. Lockers may be inspected. Students found defacing or destroying lockers in any way will be held responsible for any monetary damage and may be suspended.

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2020 - 2021 Important Dates

August 5 First Day Students Attend

September 3 Labor Day Holiday

September 18 Staff Development Day (Student Holiday)

October 12-13 Fall Break

November 3 Election Day

November 23-27 Thanksgiving Holidays

December 21– January 1 Christmas Holidays

January 15 Staff Development Day (Student Holiday)

January 18 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

February 15-17 Mardi Gras Holiday

April 2-9 Easter Holidays

May 21 Last Day Students Attend