STUDENT HANDBOOK
Crittenden Middle School
|
|
MISSION
Inspire and empower every student to pursue academic and personal excellence.
CRITTENDEN PHILOSOPHY back to top
RESPECT
- Demonstrate good manners and courtesy
- Use appropriate language and behavior
- Behave in a manner that does not disrupt learning
- Respect school property and the property of others
- Keep your hands to yourself
- Resolve conflicts peacefully
RESPONSIBILITY
- Maintain good attendance
- Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals
- Help keep a safe, clean campus including reporting activities that violate school rules
- Behave appropriately during school activities, and when traveling to and from school
- Successfully complete any assigned consequence
- Help create an honest academic climate
- Abide by all state, county, district, and school policies, rules, laws and regulations
- Keep all food and drink in the assigned areas
READINESS TO LEARN
- Participate actively in your own education
- Be in your seat or on roll call number when the second bell rings
- Be prepared with materials, including agenda binders, pencils, paper, binder/notebook, textbooks, etc.
- Complete and turn in homework when it is due
- Dress in a manner that is safe and non disruptive
RIGOR
- Maintain high expectations for academics, citizenship and attendance
- Take advantage of opportunities to excel in personal and academic areas
STUDENT RECOGNITION back to top
Crittenden students are outstanding young people with a great variety of talents and strengths. It is our goal to recognize students for their good work and to reinforce those behaviors which contribute to a positive learning community. It is our hope that a student leaving Crittenden has benefited academically, has developed a positive self-concept, and has become a contributing member of our community.
HONOR ROLL
Gold Honor Roll GPA 3.80 – 4.00+
Blue Honor Roll GPA 3.40 – 3.79
Honor Roll of Merit GPA 3.00 – 3.39
PANTHER PRIDE AWARDS
Throughout the year, students who follow the Crittenden Values may be given a Panther Pride Award. Any staff member may recognize a student’s positive behavior. When this happens, students are given a coupon to enter a weekly drawing for prizes.
PANTHER PAWS
The Panther Paw Program acknowledges students who excel in various ways at Crittenden. Students earn a Panther Paw by accumulating fifty Panther Points during their time at Crittenden. Once a student has earned a Panther Paw, a star will be awarded for each additional fifty points earned. Students are encouraged to wear their Paw on Spirit Days and at graduation. Students are responsible for submitting petitions at the end of each trimester. Points are awarded for achievement in:
- Attendance
- Academics
- Citizenship
- Honor Roll
- Student Leadership
- Fine Arts and Music
- Community Service
- Sports
TRIMESTER AWARDS
- Honor Roll
- Accelerated Reader/Million Word
- Most Improved GPA
- Most Improved Citizenship
- Other Grade Level Awards
ACADEMIC POLICIES HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY back to top
As a district, we have embraced a Continuous Improvement model as our strategy for meeting our goal of academic excellence. Homework plays an integral role in this process. The Board encourages students, parents, guardians, and staff to view homework as an important part of a student’s daily life.
As a general guideline, parents should expect an average of 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night, keeping in mind that different students may take slightly more or less time to complete assignments. For example, students should expect sixty minutes of homework nightly in sixth grade, seventy minutes in seventh grade, and eighty minutes in eighth grade.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY back to top
All students will be given a copy of the Crittenden Middle School Academic Policy to review with their parent/guardian. Students and parents/guardians will be expected to sign a document acknowledging awareness of this policy, and return it to their teacher.
Cheating is defined as taking or lending at inappropriate times a person’s work, information, ideas, research and/or documentation without properly identifying the source. The teacher’s professional judgment will determine whether cheating has occurred. Forgery is signing any document using another’s signature or identity with the intent to deceive. Students are reminded that it is unacceptable to:
- Look at another’s paper during a test
- Talk during a test without permission
- Use any unauthorized notes
- Let someone see your paper during a test
- Take another’s work or ideas and pass them off as one's own
- Give test information to others
- Submit individual projects not wholly your own
- Fabricate or alter written, computerized or lab data
- Use of another person’s name or identity with the intent to deceive
- Let someone copy your work or homework
- Take a test for someone else
- Share/use computer passwords not your own
First Violation of the Academic Policy:
A grade of zero will be given for the work involved, four citizenship points will be lost, and a parent will be called.
Second Offense: Detention plus loss of four citizenship points, and a parent conference scheduled.
PROMOTION-RETENTION POLICY back to top
Students who meet grade level standards will be promoted to the next grade at the end of the academic year. If a student is at risk of not meeting these standards, the grade level teachers will notify parents and a conference will be held. A supportive plan of intervention to aid the student will be designed and implemented.
If the student is still unable to meet grade level expectations, a second conference will be held to decide whether repeating a grade level will be in the student’s best interest. When considering a student for retention, the team will evaluate the following: academic performance, basic skills tests, district assessments in reading, writing and math, work habits, attendance, and benefit to the child. The final decision for retention will be made by the Principal.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES back to top
Crittenden offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that promote intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development in our middle school students. Some of these activities include:
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
- Academic Competitions
- Career Shadowing
- Chess
- Debate
- DI - Destination Imagination
- Homework Center
- Leadership
- Lunchtime Clubs
- Pantherbots
- Rocketry
- School Dances and Socials
- Spirit Assemblies
- Sports
- Student Council
- Beyond the Bell (after school program)
- GATE
Permission to participate in extracurricular activities and grade level/class field trips will be granted based on consideration of the following criteria:
- All students will begin the school year eligible for activities
- Students are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA
- Students are expected to maintain a “C” or better in Citizenship
- Debts should be paid to the school, including school fundraisers, library, damaged or lost books,and debts to the cafeteria, music department and athletic department
- Students should have no suspensions and no more than two behavior referrals
- Students suspended while participating in extracurricular activities or field trips may become ineligible to participate in activities for the remainder of the year
- Changes in a student’s eligibility will be determined by the most recent progress report
Students who do not maintain GPA and Citizenship may be removed from the team
BEYOND THE BELL
Beyond the Bell is a daily, free, supervised program consisting of a homework center, clubs, and
recreational activities provided by the Mountain View Whisman School District and City of Mountain View. Students must be registered before they can participate in Beyond the Bell. (3:10-6:00 p.m.)
DRESS FOR SUCCESS back to top
Students are expected to dress appropriately for daily attendance at school. Style of clothing can be individual and personal yet NOT be distracting, disruptive or unsafe. Any student participating in any school activity (sports, field trips, dances and on-site as well as off-site events) must follow the dress code.
CLOTHING GUIDELINES:
HATS: Hats, visors, caps, or other head coverings and sunglasses may be worn for protection from the sun but must be removed before entering buildings – including the cafeteria and the gym. Bills of hats are to be facing forward. Hairnets and do-rags may not be worn at any time.
ACCESSORIES: Clothing, and accessories (i.e., backpacks and binders) must be free of writing, pictures or any insignia which are considered vulgar, profane, or sexually suggestive; which advocate racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice; or which promote drugs, violence, alcohol, insinuate gang affiliation or any illegal activity. Elastic bands added as outerwear or accessories to clothing are not to be worn on clothing at any time. Symbols drawn or written on the body are not allowed.
SHIRTS: Clothing in which the torso, midriff or cleavage is exposed, such as tube tops, tank tops, half shirts, halters, or see-through clothing is not allowed. In addition, off the shoulder and backless clothing is not allowed. Oversized shirts may present a hazard in science class and should not be worn to school.
TANK TOPS: All tank tops must have a strap that is at least TWO INCHES (four fingers) wide and must cover bra straps.
BACKPACKS: Students may print their name neatly on the outside of their backpack. There should be no other writing visible on the backpack. Red, or blue backpacks are not allowed at school.
PANTS: Students should wear pants that are appropriately sized to fit their height and weight. Pants must fit so that they are able to stay up without a belt. Pants must cover undergarments at all times. Pajama tops/bottoms, and/or flannel pants are not to be worn to school.
SKIRTS/DRESSES/SHORTS: Skirts, dresses, shorts, and skorts must be no shorter than four inches above the knee and not fit tightly.
SHOES: Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times. Soft soled slippers and “flip-flops” are not to be worn at school.
SAFETY: Symbols or devices associated with gangs are not allowed at any time. While Crittenden students may not be gang affiliated, wearing overtly gang-related apparel or too much of one color can result in a safety issue, thus bandanas, belts or more than one red or blue item of clothing is allowed. No belt is to be worn that the excess is dangling or hanging out of the pants. These items will be confiscated and not be returned to the student. Students who show gang involvement by their apparel or actions will be denied the right to wear gang colors. Administration reserves the right to determine if apparel is suggestive of gang affiliation.
Students who are in violation of the dress code must correct the violation before being allowed in class. PE uniforms may not be worn to correct dress code violations. Parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing or pick up the student who is in violation of the dress code. Repeated dress code violations will result in disciplinary action. The administration will make final decisions regarding dress code.
BEHAVIOR back to top
All students are expected to come to school prepared to learn. This means bringing needed supplies and behaving in ways that allow all students to learn and the teachers to teach. When a student disrupts the learning environment, he or she may be given a “time out.” This involves the student being sent to the office for approximately ten minutes, appropriately completing a behavior reflection form in a manner that demonstrates a readiness to return to class. If the student is unable or unwilling to complete the “time out” form appropriately, or causes disruption while coming to the office or returning to class, the student will be kept out of class for the remainder of the block. The student will then receive a referral, given consequences, and the parent will be notified.
PHYSICAL SAFETY RULES back to top
There are three basic rules to follow that will keep students and their belongings safe:
• Keep your hands off others at all times
• Keep your hands off other people’s property at all times
• Stay out of other people’s personal space
TEASING, TAUNTING, BULLYING, HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
We are dedicated to eliminating bullying from our school. Bullying goes beyond simple verbal teasing, and is an expression of power of one student over another. Teasing, taunting or bullying will not to be tolerated.
PHYSICAL: kicking, biting, hitting, spitting, pushing, taking personal belongings, poking, and
excessive tickling
VERBAL: taunting, malicious teasing, name-calling, making threats, and gossiping
PSYCHOLOGICAL: spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, exclusion, extortion or
intimidation, threats, gestures, and cyber bullying
SEXUAL: exhibitionism, voyeurism, propositioning, sexual assault, “pantsing,” and actual physical
contact. Sexual harassment, including “pantsing,” is an automatic suspension.
SCHOOLWIDE DISCIPLINE PROGRAM back to top
Each student will receive a letter grade for behavior/citizenship on each progress report and report card.
This grade will be determined in the following manner: Students will start with one hundred points at the beginning of each progress report period. Points will be deducted for each behavior violation based on the number of points assigned to the violation. For example, level II violations will mean the student loses two points. Students who have a “B” or higher in Citizenship will participate in a reward at the end of each reporting period.
The teacher for each period in which a student loses points will assign consequences.
- First offense: reminder of what is expected
- Second offense: loss of citizenship point(s) and student is given a “time out” form as a visual reminder
- Third offense: teacher completes “time out” and sends the student to the office
- Fourth offense, outrageous or dangerous behavior: student is sent to the office with referral and is removed from class for that day. Other consequences might include detention, cocooning, suspension, expulsion or arrest. Bystanders and accomplices to a rule violation may be subject to the same consequences as the violator.
Examples of Infractions by Level
Level 1
- Not in seat Profanity
- Tardy Lack of supplies
- Chewing gum Talking out
- Eating/drinking in class
- Any touching
Level II
- Talking back/arguing Dress Code violation
- Uncooperative Cell phone use
- Not following directions Play fighting
- Disruptive behavior Disrespect toward staff
Level III
- Profanity toward others Throwing things
- Cutting class/school Pushing/shoving
- Public Display of Affection Tripping
- Repeated lower level infractions
- Willful Defiance
Level IV
- Threatening others Fighting/Instigating a fight
- Harassment Racial slurs
- Theft False fire alarms
- Bomb threats Arson
- Extortion Gambling
- Property damage Dangerous object
- Illegal object/Substances Forgery/Cheating
Consequences back to top
Definitions of consequences for violation of Crittenden School-wide Discipline Plan include:
Community Service: A disciplinary action given for minor infractions. Students are assigned to
classroom or campus clean-up tasks at break, lunch, or after school.
Confiscation: Items that are prohibited by school rules can be taken by any staff member and will be returned in June unless deemed otherwise by administration.
Lunch Detention: A disciplinary action that requires a student to go to an assigned room and remain there for a specified length of time during the lunch recess. Arrangements for eating lunch are made when a student is assigned to lunch detention.
Detention: A disciplinary action that requires a student to be at school beyond the regular school day. Parents/guardians will be notified in advance of detention assignment. The student must present the detention notice signed by the parent to be admitted to the Detention Room.
Sometimes friends will claim that they are “just joking” or “just fooling around.” It is important to
understand that this is never an excuse for making another student feel powerless.
Any student who feels he or she is being harassed should immediately ask a teacher at school for help. If the bullying persists, it is important to report it again, this time to an administrator. All complaints will be promptly and appropriately addressed. Schools are required to act upon reported incidents of sexual harassment. Discipline may include suspension and/or a recommendation for expulsion of a student found guilty of sexual harassment.
PLANNED ABSENCES back to top
We do not condone travel during school time because students miss critical instruction. If travel is unavoidable and the absence will be between five and fifteen school days:
- Parent/guardian must come to the office or request in writing an Independent Study Contract.
- Requests must be submitted to the office at least five school days before departure.
Completed Independent Study work must be returned to the teachers on the day that the student returns to school. - Failure to return completed work will result in the absence being unexcused.
- Attendance will be credited based on the quality of the work submitted as well as quantity.
- When an absence of less than five days is planned, students should make arrangements regarding required work with their teachers and notify the office before the absence begins.
CLOSED CAMPUS back to top
- School premises include the entire campus, any school busses, parking areas, and areas normally supervised by school personnel.
- Crittenden is closed to the public between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Visitors must sign in at the main office.
- Students should not arrive on campus before 7:40 a.m. There is no adult supervision before that time. Limited supervision is provided until 9:10 a.m. on late start Wednesdays.
- Once students arrive on campus, they are expected to stay at school.
- Students must leave campus no later than 3:15 p.m. unless enrolled in Beyond the Bell, after school sports, clubs, or where assigned/arranged by school personnel.
LEAVING CAMPUS DURING THE DAY
- Parents/guardians or other adults authorized on the Emergency Card must come to the office, call, or send a note to the school before a student may leave campus.
- Students must obtain a pass from the office before school to show the teacher during the period in which the student must leave.
- Students must be signed out in the office before leaving campus indicating the exact time of departure.
- If you need to sign out your student during the lunch period, please notify the office no later than noon.
EMERGENCY CARDS
- Parents must complete one emergency card at the time their child is registered for school.
- It is critical for your student’s safety and well being that all information is current in case of emergency.
- Parents must update any information on the card as changes occur, by calling the school office (650-903-6945) or sending the information in written form.
- At least one emergency contact must be for an adult at a different address and phone number from the family.
ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL
- If a student becomes ill at school, he/she should come to the office to rest and return to class. If necessary, the parent or guardian will be called to arrange transportation home.
- Students must be signed out in the office before leaving school.
- Students should report all accidents and injuries to school personnel immediately. School personnel will give first aid for minor injuries. A parent or guardian will be notified of serious injuries or if follow- up care is need.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
In accordance with state law, a student taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication at school must have a written statement on file from the physician and signed by the parent/guardian.
- No medication may be given until the correct form has been submitted.
- Medication must be sent to the school in a properly labeled prescription container.
- Requests to allow self-administration of medication, such as asthma inhalers, injections for anaphylaxis, diabetes, etc. must be made and approved in writing by the student’s physician.
- Students may not bring any medication, including Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough drops, etc. to school except as provided above.