School Policies and Procedures
School Day
Before school:
The school day begins at 8:15 AM and ends at 3:15 PM. Students should arrive no earlier than 7:45 and enter in the designated entrance. Upon entering school, students should report directly to their announced holding area until the bell rings for class at 8:00. 6th grade students should go to the cafeteria and 7th and 8th grade students should go to the gym. All students eating breakfast should report directly to the cafeteria.
After school:
When the dismissal bell rings, 7th and 8th grade students who are car riders should go to the gym parking lot to be picked up. 6th grade students who are car riders should go to the front entrance by the office to be picked up. Students waiting to be picked up should wait in their designated area until their ride arrives. Bus riders will be dismissed to the bus parking lot when their bus arrives. Students must listen to the announcements to know when to report to their bus. Students participating in afterschool activities such as sports or clubs should report to the area designated by their coach or sponsor. Any changes in the way a child will be transported home due to a parent calling will be announced at the end of the day before students are dismissed. Students are responsible for listening to the announcements.
Academic Probation
Any student failing more than one subject in the following six areas: language arts, science, social studies, math, health/PE, and other wheel class/or classes on the report card or progress report will be placed on academic probation. This probation means that the student will not be allowed to participate in or attend extracurricular activities such as school dances, and ball games at North Middle until improvement has been made in their studies. A re-evaluation of the student’s progress will be made at the end of each 4-½ week period. At this evaluation point, we will determine whether the student should remain on academic probation or if he/she can resume involvement in school activities. Classroom behavior and attitude frequently influence students’ academic performance. Please make every effort to behave properly.
Academic probation should not be viewed as a form of punishment; rather, it is an opportunity for students to focus on their deficiencies and take appropriate corrective measures immediately. Parent conferences are encouraged especially when a student is having difficulty. Please call the school to arrange a conference.
After School Detention (ASD)
ASD will be staffed by a faculty member every Wednesday and Thursday from 3:20 to 4:00. Teachers primarily assign ASD to students for classroom misbehaviors, but school administrators may also utilize this form of disciplinary action. The teacher assigning ASD will contact the parents of that student. The student will have two opportunities to serve ASD. If the student fails to serve the ASD within the allotted time, that student will be assigned ISS. Individual teachers may also choose to hold their own ASD on other days of the week. The same procedures and consequences will be followed.
Other classroom infractions such as not completing homework or failure to follow PAWS expectations will also result in ASD (other classroom behaviors may be included). Students assigned to ASD will report the assigned teacher’s room at the end of the school day. Students assigned to ASD are expected to complete homework assignments or read a book. Parents should arrange to have students picked up at 4:00 PM in front of the school.
Attendance
Attendance in school and participation in class are an essential part of academic achievement and the teaching-learning process. Regular attendance develops patterns of behavior essential to professional and personal success in life. Regular attendance by every student is mandatory: the State of North Carolina requires that every child in the State between the ages of seven (or younger if enrolled) and 16 years attend school. Parents or legal guardians have the responsibility for ensuring that students attend and remain at school daily. Attendance records will be used to enforce the Compulsory Attendance Law of North Carolina. If truancy is suspected, school personnel must investigate the case. Violations of the Compulsory Attendance Law will be reported pursuant to legal requirements.
When it is necessary to miss school due to illness or emergency, please call the school by 9:00 a.m. You will also receive a connect ed message from the school stating that your child is absent. You should also bring a written note to the office explaining the reasons for the absence when you return to school to receive an admittance note to class. You may also complete the online Student Absence Excuse Form located on the NIMS website. School calendars are printed in advance and parents are encouraged to plan trips and appointments to coincide with these dates. Students who do not participate in school sponsored field trips are expected to attend school on that day. Students who do not attend school on that day will require a note explaining the reason for the absence or the absence will be coded unexcused.
To be considered in attendance, a student must be in school for at least one-half of the day. From 8:15 a.m. till 11:45 a.m. or from 11:45 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. will be considered one-half day.
¨ Students are limited to no more than 10 lawful or unlawful absences during the school year.
¨ 5 early dismissals and/or tardies =1 absence.
¨ Absences must be made up before or after school, or on teacher workdays.
¨ More than 10 lawful or unlawful absences with no make-up time will put the student’s promotion to the next grade at risk.
¨ Waivers to this policy may be requested in extreme circumstances. Parents must request a waiver within 5 days of the students’ return to school.
¨ Non-school sponsored trips will be coded as unlawful.
Missing the bus, oversleeping, going shopping, lack of clothes, cold weather, car problems, keeping students out for personal reasons, work at home, and out-of-town trips are considered unexcused absences.
It is the student’s responsibility to gather and complete all assignments, projects, and tests he/she misses during the absence. Assignments missed due to a late arrival or early dismissal should also be made up following return. Work must be made up within five (5) school days.
Students who are absent from school may not participate in after school activities.
Field Trips
Scheduled field trips require parental permission. Students who have been suspended from school 3 or more days MAY be required to have their parents accompany them. Students will be informed of requirements/due process prior to the trip.
Grades and Report Cards
Student evaluation will be made four (4) times per year using the following grading scale:
A = 93-100 O = outstanding
B = 85-92 S = satisfactory
C = 77-84 N=needs improvement
D = 70-76 U = unsatisfactory
E = below 70 (not passing)
Students will receive report cards five (5) working days after the end of each grading period. An interim report may be sent home at the middle of each nine (9) weeks-grading period.
A student’s overall academic performance, teacher recommendation, school board requirements and the principal will determine promotion to the next grade level.
Health and Physical Education Requirements
Students will have physical education for 3 nine weeks and will have health for 1 nine weeks period. Students are required to dress for physical education. Uniforms may be purchased through the PE department. Physical education clothes are to worn only during PE classes and should not be worn to school or used for athletic practices.
Students are required to participate in PE in some capacity. Students are allowed three parent notes per nine weeks grading period to be excused from physical education. A doctor’s note is required if more time is needed. Rules and consequences for physical education class will be given the first day of school.
In-School Suspension (ISS)
As a discipline measure, students may be assigned to ISS by the school administration – teachers do not assign students to ISS. When assigned ISS, students will receive assignments from their teachers and complete them in the ISS room on the days assigned.
Library/Media Center
Students are encouraged to read books and use other materials and/or equipment in the media center. A pass will be needed to go to the library/media center. If you need to use a computer or other equipment and you are not familiar with its operation, please ask for help. If you use it improperly, you may damage it so that no one else can use it.
Lockers
Students will be assigned hall lockers for books and personal items. Students may use lockers at times designated by their teachers. No personal decorations are allowed on the lockers. School lockers are school property and are subject to inspection by officials at anytime. Lockers are provided for the convenience of students. Each student will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. In some cases, a student will be sharing his/her locker with another student as assigned by a grade level teacher. There will be no changing of lockers except by permission of the assigning teacher. Each student is responsible for the contents of his/her locker.
Lost and Found
Articles, which have been found, other than textbooks and library books, will be taken to the office. Library books and textbooks should be taken to the librarian/media coordinator. Lost articles can be claimed by proper identification. It is a good idea to clearly mark items with the owner’s name so they can be returned without delay.
Lunch
All students must go to the cafeteria with his/her class at the time the class is designated to be there. The eating area to which the class is assigned must be clean before students are dismissed. Students are to remain seated in the cafeteria until dismissed by their teachers. A clean, calm, and orderly cafeteria presents a much better place to enjoy your lunchtime with your friends. Help keep it quiet and clean so everyone can enjoy this break in the day’s activities. No food or drinks (including bottles) can be taken out of the cafeteria.
Parents who wish to apply for free or reduced price meals should complete an application and return it to the school. You will be notified regarding this request as soon as possible. These applications are sent home at the beginning of the year, and are available in the office at all times during the school year.
Students are urged to participate in the school lunch program and to try to eat a well-balanced meal. However, if they wish to bring their lunch from home, this will be acceptable. If you carry your lunch, leave it in your locker until lunchtime. No glass bottle drinks or opened bottles are allowed.
Medication at School (see school board policy 6125)
All medications administered at school require written parental permission and physician or authorized prescriber consent on the Request for Medications to be Given at School Form. There are no exceptions for the administration of medications to be given at school on a long-term, short-term, or “as needed” basis. Medication is to be brought to school in the original container by the parent. This includes Tylenol, ibuprofen, and other over the counter medications as well as prescription drugs. All medications will be stored and dispensed. If a child has problems with headaches, coughing, upset stomach, cramps, etc. please have the form completed as soon as possible.
Student Planners
All students will be required to purchase a student planner for $5.00 from their homeroom teacher. We have developed the planners to provide our school rules, as well as a place for assignments, teacher comments, etc. Each 1st Block teacher will review the assignment book with your child. These will be available for purchase during open house and the first week of school. Through this tool we can keep you informed about your child’s educational process, needs, and successes. Parents may also communicate to the teacher through the planner. Also, planners will be used throughout the year as a hall pass when students need to leave class to go to the restroom, media center, locker or the office.
Student Athletic Program
Eligibility – in order to participate in any interscholastic sport, a student must meet the following requirements:
§ Must be in the 7th or 8th grade assigned to this school.
§ Shall not participate on a 7th or 8th grade team if the student becomes 15 years of age on or before October 16 of that school year.
§ Must receive a medical examination by a licensed doctor each year.
§ 8th grade athletes will be checked for eligibility.
§ State guidelines require students to pass 3 out of 4 subjects.
1. Two discipline notices (school or bus) – Removal from team.
2. OSS – 1st offense student will be suspended for at least one game not counting any game missed while suspended.
2nd offense removal from the team for remainder of the season, note if the first offense is serious enough, the principal may remove the player from that team at that time.
ASD – Is considered an unexcused practice.
3. Students must practice 5 days before being added to any team, except football, which must be 11 days (does not apply transfers in good standing with former team.)
4. ISS- a student is considered to be in ISS for a day when 50% of that day is spent in ISS.
1st offense- student cannot practice or play the day(s) in ISS.
2nd offense- same as first offense and the player is suspended from the next game after ISS
3rd offense- removal from the team
5. Any student placed on academic probation will be suspended from the team until the student is taken off academic probation at the next 4 and a half week grading period.
6. Any student failing two classes at the end of the semester will not be eligible to participate in any sport the next semester.
7. Any student playing athletics for North Middle cannot leave practice, miss practice, or leave/miss a game to participate in another practice or game for a non-school team.
8. Cheerleaders must follow the same guidelines. They must cheer for the entire game (girls and boys).
Coaches may add additional rules to their own sport regarding player’s attitude, discipline, missed practices, etc.
Visitors on Campus
We welcome visitors to North Middle however, all visitors must report to the office upon arrival. A visitor pass is to be worn for identification and visitors should check out in the office before leaving.
STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
North Middle School Discipline System
Authority of Adult School Employees: All of the adult employees of North Iredell Middle School have certain responsibilities to the school. In order to carry out these responsibilities, they have the authority to correct students when the need arises. If an adult employee corrects any student, whether the employee is faculty, clerical, cafeteria, custodial or substitute, the student is expected to abide by such correction. All staff members respect students, and students are to treat all staff with respect.
1. All students will be subject to the regulations and disciplinary procedures outlined by the Iredell-Statesville Board of Education Policy. Each student will receive a copy of this policy.
2. No student behavior will be tolerated which is so disruptive that it infringes upon the rights of other students to receive an education.
3. No student behavior will be tolerated which threatens the safety and welfare of other students.
ANY CONDUCT WHICH CAUSES SUBSTANTIAL DISRUPTION OR INTERFERENCE WITH ANY SCHOOL FUNCTION OR ACTIVITY AND/OR INTRFERES WITH THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING AND RIGHTS OF OTHERS IS PROHIBITED AND WILL BE DEALT WITH AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.
PAWS expectations
North Iredell Middle is a positive behavior support school. Because of this students are taught expectations for behavior in all areas of the school. This includes classroom, hallway, bathroom, cafeteria, assemblies, bus and car rider line. After being taught these expectations students are expected to abide by the PAWS throughout the year.
Bouncing
Students who cause disruptions in class may be bounced to another classroom. When a student is bounced from a classroom, that student will be sent to another predetermined classroom for a specific period of time (no longer than one class period). The student will complete a “bounce” assignment and/or any assignments the sending teacher gives to the student. If the bounced student is then bounced from the classroom he/she was sent to, then the student will be sent to the office. If a student refuses to be bounced at any time, that student will be sent directly to the office.
***Two bounces in ONE class period results in ISS for the remainder of the day. Students with numerous bounces will result in further disciplinary action such as ASD or an office referral.
Bullying (see school board policy 4021)
We believe that everyone should enjoy our school equally, and feel safe, secure and accepted regardless of color, race, gender, popularity, athletic ability, intelligence, religion, and nationality.
Bullying is not acceptable behavior at North Iredell Middle School. Bullying is deliberately hurtful behavior repeated often over a period of time or on isolated occasions, by which somebody deliberately intimidates or harasses another. Some acts of bullying are simply one person or group of people exercising power and control over another person or group of people either in isolated incidents or through patterns of harassing or intimidating behavior. Bullying can take many forms including any combination of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse.
Specific acts of bullying may include but are not limited to name calling, teasing, physical abuse (e.g., hitting, pushing, pinching, or kicking), threats, taking of personal possessions, sending abusive text messages, instant messages, Internet e-mails, and phone messages, forcing others to hand over money, forcing others to do things against one’s will, ignoring or leaving others out, attacking others in any way.
How do we differentiate bullying from teasing?
The Double I-R Criteria
I- intentional
I- imbalance of power (physical or psychological)
R- repeated
Consequences for Bullying or
Physical bullying (hitting, punching, pinching, etc.) More serious physical bullying will result in more severe consequences.
1st offense 1-3 days ISS, parent contact
2nd offense 1-10 days OSS based on severity
3rd offense 5-10 days OSS possible charges filed, alternative placement/expulsion
Verbal/social bullying (direct insults, put downs, spreading rumors, etc)
1st offense 1 day ISS parent contact, SAP referral
2nd offense 2-5 days ISS
3rd offense 1-3 days OSS
Sexual Harassment (continued, unwanted attention of a sexual nature)
1st offense verbal parent contact/ warning/ISS/ SAP referral
Physical 1-3 days ISS/OSS SAP referral
2nd offense verbal 3-5 days ISS SRO involvement
Physical 1-5 days OSS SRO involvement
3rd offense verbal 1-3 days OSS
Physical 5-10 days OSS possible charges
Bus Transportation (see school board policy 4317)
Riding a bus is a privilege provided by the local Board of Education. Proper behavior on the bus is imperative if you wish to continue riding. Inappropriate behavior may result in having to find another means of transportation. A few basic rules for safety on the bus include:
§ Remain seated in assigned seat and face the front at all times
§ Students are to refrain from loud talking, cursing, and speak in a soft voice
§ Eating and drinking is not permitted.
§ No gum anytime!
§ All students are to refrain from doing anything which might be considered dangerous to the safety of others including distracting the driver by participating in disruptive behavior.
§ Students will not open the emergency door on a bus without authorization from the driver
§ Students may be held responsible for any damage caused to the bus
§ Obey the driver at all times
Parental concerns about bus problems should be addressed to the school administration. At no time should a parent or other adult board a bus to discuss a problem. That person may be charged with trespassing! Every effort will be made to work with parents regarding their child’s behavior problems on the bus. However, a student’s refusal to obey bus rules jeopardizes the safety of everyone on the bus, and as a result may cause him/her to be suspended from riding the bus.
Students will be permitted to go home on the bus with another student on a case by case basis. This will depend upon the reason and how crowded the particular bus is at the time. Students must have written permission from both parents and/or approval from the office. Written permission for both students should be presented to the office upon arrival in the morning so proper action can be taken. If approval is given, you will be given a bus pass to give to the driver. Both students should have parents’ note stating their approval of this activity. Notes should also contain telephone numbers where parents can be reached, and specify the appropriate dates for the change. Students should not change buses or get on or off at a different stop without prior approval from the office.
Failure to follow bus rules may lead to suspension from riding the bus. The following procedure will be followed in handling discipline problems.
1st offense Conference with principal
2nd offense Up to 3 day bus suspension
3rd offense Up to 5 day bus suspension
4th offense Up to 10 day bus suspension
Anymore offenses will mean long term suspension and possible expulsion from the bus. Every effort will be made to work with parents to correct the problem after the first offense. Fighting, weapons, drug possession and use of tobacco products will hold the same penalty as if occurred on school grounds.
Cheating (see school board policy 4310)
It is important for students to complete their own assignments. Students who cheat on tests or homework are being dishonest. If a student allows another student to copy an assignment knowingly, then both are cheating.
1st Offense: Zero/no retakes; Parent notified
2nd Offense: Zero/no retake; 1 day ISS;
3rd Offense: Zero/no retake; 3 days ISS and
Loss of extra curricular privileges
Drug and Alcohol Policy (see school board policy 4325)
Any student who is involved with incidents of misconduct related to drugs and/or alcohol (the sale, use, possession and/or distribution) on the school campus, on the regular school bus (or bus stop) or activity buses, or at any school event or activity, may be prosecuted in accordance with the General Statutes of North Carolina and will be subject of the following disciplinary action.
1st Offense 10 days OSS, reduced to 5 days with enrollment into counseling- law enforcement also notified.
2nd Offense 10 days OSS; law enforcement notified.Possible long term suspension.
Fighting (see school board policy 4331)
Fighting at school cannot be tolerated. Students have many choices in dealing with problems rather than to fight such as seeking help from a teacher, counselor, or administrator. For definition purposes, fighting is considered to have occurred if any or all of the following elements are present:
The student physically strikes, kicks or pushes another student.
The physical contact is deliberate and potentially harmful.
There is visible or prior anger.
The principal or designee with teacher and student input will determine if a fight has taken place. The following penalties will be imposed for fighting.
1st offense = 3 days OSS
2nd offense = 5 days OSS
3rd offense = 10 days OSS
4th offense = Additional OSS or possible expulsion for the remainder of the year (charges may be pressed)
Fire Alarms/Bomb Threats (see school board policy 4333)
The safety of your student at North Middle School is an important and overriding priority for the school administration. As such, the school is required to routinely sponsor fire drills. Any student who knowingly pulls a fire alarm when no emergency or fire is present will be subject to disciplinary action. This also includes any student making a bomb threat, written or verbally communicated.
1st Offense 10 days OSS/ possible alternative placement or expulsion; law enforcement and fire chief notified.
Guns or Weapons (see school board policy 4333)
Any weapon or firearm brought to school could result in 10 days out-of-school suspension or suspension for the remainder of the school year. Law enforcement officials may be contacted.
Minor Altercations
Horseplay, roughhousing, and altercations between students will not be tolerated. Consequences for minor altercations will be as followed:
1st offense- warning
2nd offense- 1 day ISS
3rd offense- 3 days ISS
Office Referral
Office referral behaviors are socially unacceptable behaviors, including those that may create physically dangerous situations or may be disrespectful of the school environment. These following behaviors are serious school rule violations. These will require immediate referral to an administrator. Consequences for office referrals include After School Detention (ASD), In-School Suspension (ISS), Parent/Administrator Conference, and Out-of-School Suspension (OSS).
NOTE: all major rule offenses will carry with them the possibility of suspension from school, suspension until parent conference, in-school suspension, or referral to law enforcement agencies, etc., at the principal’s discretion, depending upon the circumstances.
Office Referral Behaviors will include but are not limited to the following:
¨ Possession of laser pointers, matches, cigarette lighters or other dangerous materials.
¨ Belligerent or disrespectful attitude, threatening language or behavior
¨ Sever profanity or displaying profane material
· Sexual harassment or assault
· Stealing
· Damage to school property
· Cutting class or leaving school without permission
· Fighting
· Tobacco, alcohol, and/or drug products
· Possession of weapons
· Public Displays of Affection
Personal Articles
Personal items such as radios, CD players, toys, games, trading cards, magazines, PSPs, digital cameras mp3/ipods etc. should not be brought to school. The school staff will not take responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of these items when brought to school. Administration will not seek restitution/disciplinary action for items, which get broken or lost.
Public Displays of Affection
Kissing, embracing or other displays of affection are not appropriate in a school setting (this includes school-related activities: dances, sporting events, etc.)
1st Offense Warning
2nd Offense ISS and Parent Contact
3rd Offense ISS; Parent conference
Stealing
Any student who steals school or private property will receive ISS or OSS depending on the severity and the number of incidences. The student will be held responsible for restitution.
Dress Code/Student Appearance
Parents are requested to outfit their children in clothing that adds to the learning environment and provides for pride in oneself. North Middle is air-conditioned; therefore, in hot weather, students should wear comfortable but decent clothing. Clothing and/or physical appearance, which is inappropriate or creates a disruption in the school, will not be permitted.
All shorts and skirts must extend past the middle fingertip of the student when the arm is fully extended at the side. All shirts must have sleeves. Examples of inappropriate clothing include, but are not limited to, short shorts, biker shorts, mid-riff tops, halter tops, low cut shirts, see through blouses, tank tops, pajama pants, leotards, words printed on the backside of pants or chest area that are provocative (i.e.sexy, too hot, etc.), short mini skirts, sagging pants or trousers, and clothing that reveals undergarments. Clothes with holes will be held to the same criteria as stated above. Holes will need to be covered in these instances even if skin isn’t directly showing. Clothing advertising alcoholic beverages, drugs, cigarettes, violence, demeaning to race, gang related or containing vulgar or inappropriate language and/or messages will not be worn. Any clothing that contains offensive or obscene symbols, slogans, or words degrading any gender, cultural, religious, or ethnic values, which is determined to be disruptive to the educational environment, will not be allowed. Shoes must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons. Hats are not to be worn in the building and should be kept in the locker during the day. Bandanas and other gang symbols should not be worn or brought to school.
Any student violating the dress code will be asked to change or cover up the inappropriate clothing. Should the student have repeated violations of the dress code, parents will be notified and asked to help correct the situation.
Technology Rules
Every student will receive a copy of the acceptable use policy for technology, which must be signed by the student and parent and returned to school, before the student can use any school computer.
Computer Misuse and Consequences
Level One:
Checking email, being on music sites, being on the computer at undesignated times, being on sites not instructed to be on, printing unnecessarily, changing computer settings, removing/moving keys.
Consequence: verbal warning, ASD
Level 2:
Damage/Vandalism
Consequence: payment for repair (if applicable), ISS 1-5 days depending on severity.
Level 3:
Stealing equipment, using proxys or other URL, deleting, moving, renaming, or creating any file on the J drive that does not belong to that student or interfering with another students work saved on the J drive, looking at pornography, drug or gang sites.
Consequence: OSS 3 days with parent conference.
Damage to any computer equipment will result in permanent suspension of your computer privileges. Repair costs will be charged to the student.
Inappropriate Items/Tobacco
The use or possession of tobacco products and/or lighters or matches at any time on school grounds or on the school bus and activity buses is prohibited.
1st Offense 3 days ISS
2nd Offense 5 days ISS
3rd Offense 3 days OSS
4th Offense 5 days OSS
5th Offense 10 days OSS
Class Cutting/unauthorized area
Students are expected to be at school and in class on time on a daily basis. Students should not be on unassigned hallways without written permission from a teacher. Students who do not adhere to this will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include a warning, parent contact/conference, ISS, SAP referral, and/or OSS.
Unacceptable Behaviors
Unacceptable language, behavior, gestures, the possession of obscene or inappropriate material, or a belligerent attitude to an authority figure may result in one or a combination of the following disciplinary actions; ASD, parent contact/conference, SAP referral, ISS, and/or OSS.
Vandalism
Any student, who willfully or maliciously damages or destroys school, faculty, or student property, could receive ISS or OSS. In extreme or repeated cases, law enforcement authorities will be called in and charges could be filed. This includes any tampering with computers or any obscene messages put in computers. Students are expected to pay for any damages or lost property.
Verbal/Physical Assault on School Employee
A student shall not verbally abuse nor intentionally cause or attempt to cause physical injury to a school employee on the school grounds, before, during, or after school hours. Verbal abuse includes threats, cursing or verbally intimidating. Disciplinary action will include the following:
Verbal
1st offense- 1 day OSS
2nd offense- 5 days OSS
3rd offense- 10 days OSS
Physical 1st offense–
10 days OSS with recommendation for long term suspension.
