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CANON CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK |
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WelcomeWelcome
to Cañon City Middle School!!! I hope that your year with us at CCMS will be exciting, academically rewarding and a positive experience for all. Middle School is a time of change. The work load and social adjustments are greater here than at the elementary level. You will be expected to attend school daily, complete all assigned tasks, read independently, and behave appropriately. Your year will be exciting and filled with many new opportunities. I strongly encourage you to take full advantage of them. Please
read all of the items in the handbook carefully Students are expected
to know the contents of the handbook. I
am glad to have you with us at Cañon City Middle school, and I want to
assure you that we will do our best to help you experience academic,
social, and emotional growth in a safe environment. John Sporleder, Principal |
MissionThe mission of Cañon City Middle School is to provide a learning experience that will meet the needs, interests, and abilities unique to children in grades seven and eight to enable success at school and in the community. |
School DayThe school day for students begins at 7:40 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. Students should not arrive earlier than 7:20 or no later than 7:32 a.m. Neither rooms nor school buildings will be open before 7:25 a.m.; thus proper supervision of your child will be unavailable. Bus students will load at 2:40 p.m. and leave at 2:42 p.m. |
Community Behavior StandardsIn order to create a community where the quality of life is ideal for all its citizens, Cañon City Middle School supports the behavior standards subscribed to the School/Community Discipline Task Force. Community behavior standards are as follows: Towards Self: ·
Be responsible for your own actions. ·
Be self-motivated. ·
Respect your body, mind, and spirit.
Toward Others: ·
Be non-violent - in what you say
and/or do. ·
Reach out to others in an
empathetic, compassionate, and honest way. ·
Respect authority. · Influence others positively.
Towards Property: Respect one’s environment, personal property, and the property of others. |
School ClosingIf school is cancelled or a delayed start of school is required, the decision will be announced by 6:00 a.m. on the local radio and television stations. The following radio and television stations will be given information regarding school closures, delayed starts and early dismissals: RADIO: KRLN (1400) OR 103.9 AM and 104.9 FM TV: KOAA (Channel 5), KKTV (Channel 11), and KRDO (Channel 13), and Channel 19 Cablevision. If no report is given, it can be assumed that school will be held on regular sessions. Patrons are asked not to call the school or district office. Telephone lines must be kept open for emergencies. |
Attendance ExpectationsThe staff and faculty of Cañon City Middle School are strongly committed to provide a quality educational setting whereby each individual student can realize his or her maximum potential. Accordingly, we fully support the intent of mandatory attendance. Absences
without Prior Arrangement Normal
excused absences are those resulting from illness of the student or
family emergency. Any
other absence must be excused through prior arrangement with the
office of the principal and with permission of the parents. 1. Parental contact with the office indicating the reason for the absence and the date(s) on which the absence occurred is required. A phone call from parents or guardians on the day of the absence or a note signed by the parent or legal guardian when the student returns to school will be sufficient. Failure to contact the school will result in the student receiving an unexcused absence. All absences are resolved within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. Truancy
is defined in Board Policy #809 as, “absence from or leaving school
without the parent’s and/or the school’s knowledge or permission, a
pupil is subject to disciplinary action for truancy.” 1. Parent/guardian and student should be aware that the law provides for academic penalties for classes missed due to truancy or unexcused absences (C.R.S.22-33-104 4). 2. At anytime it becomes apparent that a student is truant, the principal or his designee shall attempt to contact the parent or guardian without undue delay and advise them of the situations. 3. Following a confirmed truancy, a parent conference must be conducted prior to readmission of the student (Board Policy 809). Absence
with Prior Arrangement We recognize that on occasion a student must be gone from school with parents. (I.e., vacations, which occur when school, is not in recess, doctor’s appointments, funerals, etc.) 1. In these situations, the parent or guardian should notify the attendance office in writing at least three (3) days in advance whenever possible. 2.
The attendance office will process the completed application with
teacher comments. The
completed form will be forwarded to an administrator for approval. 3.
In considering the approval of an absence by prior arrangement,
the following criteria will be used: · Prior attendance record · Current academic standing · Student conduct record · Whether past assignments for excused absences were turned in on time – which is the first day back to school. Extended
Absence Due to Illness and/or Injury: When it becomes known to a parent or guardian that a student will be absent from school in excess of any thirty (30) day period on a continual basis, notification, must be given to the principal or his designee at the earliest possible date. In many instances, a home tutor can be provided if the absence is for medical reasons and is substantiated by a physician’s statement. Chronic
Absences: The
principal or his designee utilizing the provision of C.R.S. as a
guideline, has authority to determine if the absence of the student
shall be classified excused or unexcused. In those instances where a
students is frequently absent and it becomes apparent in the opinion of
the principal that a problem may exist, the school may: ·
Inform the parent that a physician’s statement is
necessary to confirm the necessity for frequent absences and any future
absences. ·
Require parent conference to clarify the reason for the
frequent absences, if other than illness. ·
If the matter is not resolved by conference, the principal
or his designee will refer the matter to the School District Attendance
Office for investigation and/or legal action before the Juvenile Court. TARDIES Students
are expected to be at their first hour class when the 7:40 a.m. bell
rings. For each class, students
are expected to be in their seats ready to work with appropriate
materials. Failure to
do so will constitute a tardy unless excused. Beginning
of the day tardies - Students tardy to their first hour class
must have a tardy slip from the attendance office to be admitted to
class. Excused tardies - will be allowed if there is parent/legal guardian contact either by a written note or phone call indicating the reason for the tardy and the date. A parent or guardian must sign the note. PASSES Passes may be required of you for the following: ·
Tardy to school - report to the attendance office
for a tardy pass. ·
Tardy to class - report to class without a pass or
get a pass from your last teacher.
Frequent unexcused tardy results in discipline action. ·
Leaving school early - obtain an early dismissal
pass from the attendance clerk after presenting a note or receiving a
phone call from parent/legal guardian indicating the reason for the
early dismissal. Physical
Education excuses - you may be excused for a brief period of time
for injuries or illness with a parent’s excuse or longer with a
doctor’s statement. |
Academic ExpectationsHONOR
ROLL Each quarter the names of students who have met the requirements for the honor roll will be posed and published in the newspaper. Eligibility for membership: 1. A student must have a 3.6-4.0 academic average in all classes taken, including specials. 2. An honorable mention roster will be posted on the school bulletin board. The requirements for this are a 3.0-3.59 academic average. REPORT
CARDS AND GRADING SYSTEM Report cards are mailed at the end of each grading period. Cards are not to be returned to school. The letter grades of A, B, C, D, and F are given for each subject. Evaluation of your effort and conduct will be reported for each subject as well. Out-of-school suspension and unexcused absences may result in the loss of opportunity to complete work for credit for the time absent from school. PROGRESS
REPORTS Midway through the grading period, progress reports will be mailed to parents. These reports are intended to provide parents with current information on their student’s academic progress. The report is so designed that the teacher may include comments regarding student performance. These mid-term reports may be distributed via parent/teacher conferences in October and February. STANDARDS
OF PERFORMANCE FOR ALL CLASSES 1.
All work is to be neat and legible, with no drawings, stains or
dirt, and should reflect the student’s best effort. 2. Correct spelling of all words is the rule, not the exception. Excessive spelling errors or sloppiness may result in the student redoing the assignment before final credit is assigned. CLASSROOM
PREPARATION EXPECTATIONS Students are expected to come to class prepared, having paper, pencil/pen, notebook and textbook. If the student does not come in prepared, then the individual teachers will apply corrective measures. Students are expected to be alert and ready to work in the classroom at all times. If a student is sleeping or acting unusual in class, in the halls, or on the school grounds, the following will apply for the student’s own safety: · The teacher will refer the student to an administrator. · The nurse will check the student upon notification by the administrator. · The nurse will notify the parents of the unusual behavior and will ask parents to pick the student up from school, if appropriate. A parent conference will follow with an administrator and the nurse when necessary. BOOK
CARE You are responsible for the books issued to you or used by you. Cover texts with school covers, old maps, paper bags or some other durable material. Write your name in your book on the book stamp provided in the front of the book. Do not mark or write anything in your textbook. Let your teacher know when you receive your text if there are blots, rips, pages missing or any other damage so you won’t be held responsible. When students are issued books to use, teachers make a record of the book number and the condition of the book and the year the book is issued. Books are grade A, B, C, or D according to the condition of the book when checked out. Students who lose or damage a book will be responsible for repair or replacement costs. If the book was destroyed or lost, the cost will be the replacement price of a new book. MEDIA
CENTER Media Center hours are from 7:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students may come to the Media Center during the day with a pass from their teacher. Students are asked to come prepared with the necessary materials to complete their work. Students are expected to work quietly while in the Media Center. Our books are due on the 1st and 15th of each month. We do not charge for overdue materials; however, we do ask that materials are returned on time. The rule of care of all Media Center materials is the same as for texts. During the year, the media specialist will help students learn how to use a wide variety of resources to complete reports, research, or projects. NON-INSTRUCTIONAL
ITEMS Students will be expected to keep all items that can cause harm or disruption away from school. If a student does bring such an item to school, it will be confiscated. The confiscated item and the student will be sent to an administrator. 1. Any items such as smoke bombs, stink bomb, Chinese stars, handcuffs, firecrackers, bullets, knives, nun chucks, chains, guns or other potentially harmful items will be confiscated and not returned. Possession or use of any such item will require those proceedings for suspension or the principal initiates expulsion immediately. 2. Other items such as pagers, cell phones, tape players, portable radios, video games, CD players, toys, etc. may be picked up after school by the parents. VISITORS Student visitation will be very limited and for special academic reasons only. As a general rule, they are not allowed. If you have a specific request, the parent/guardian needs to make a request in writing to the principal at least three days before the visit is to occur. |
Expectations for Student ConductWe believe that only when children feel safe and have a feeling of belonging will they be able to learn effectively. A good discipline policy has standards and expectations, which promote appropriate behavior and focus on self-control, responsibility, and respect for oneself and others. We exist in a community that must work together to model, learn and teach appropriate behavior. …A
student’s job is to develop self-control, learn to talk about
problems, and try different problem solving alternatives that support
learning… At
Cañon City Middle School, our students’ important responsibilities
are: ·
Know and Obey the rules established for
students ·
Listen and Follow directions from CCMS
staff members ·
Understand and Give every task a personal
best effort ·
Be prepared and Have necessary materials
for all classes · Maintain and Assist in keeping Cañon City Middle School’s campus
equipment, and materials safe and “first class” Students will be expected to be courteous and mannerly in the halls, classrooms, cafeteria and on the grounds at all times. If the student is disruptive in the classrooms, halls, cafeteria, or on the grounds the following will apply:
Consequences
for Inappropriate Conduct: In most cases – team interventions should first address discipline problems and teachers (or teacher) will be in contact with parents or guardians before an office referral is given. Once a student is sent to the office the following guidelines will be used. 1st referral Detention – Lunch or After School 2nd referral 1 day of In-House-Suspension 3rd referral 2 Days of I.H.S. (Meeting with team, student, parent, and administrator-behavior intervention plan) 4th referral Suspension according to plan 5th referral I.H.S. or Out-of-School-Suspension 6th referral I.H.S. or O.S. S. 7th referral I.H.S. or O.S.S. 8th referral O.S.S. (Meeting with team, student, parent and administrator to discuss habitual behavior) Fighting, Assault, Extortion, Insubordination, Weapons, Drugs and other major offenses will result in out-of-school suspension pending a parent conference and the development of a behavioral plan to avoid further offenses.
EXTENDED
SCHOOL YEAR Extended school year may be used as a disciplinary measure in lieu of suspension or other disciplinary action. Extended school year is to be used primarily during the final nine (9) weeks of the school year. Students can be assigned up to five (5) days of extended school year. |
Student DressThe staff at CCMS recognizes that, within certain limitations, each student’s dress and grooming is a matter of personal style and individual preference. Generally, CCMS will not interfere with the ability of students and their parents to make decisions regarding appearance except when it affects the learning environment of our school or the health and safety of our students. We have the responsibilities to protect the health and safety of our students and maintain proper and appropriate conditions conducive to learning. The purpose of the student dress code is to encourage students to come to school properly prepared to participate in the educational process. Students
at CCMS may not wear: · Hats in the building · Clothing advertising tobacco, drugs, or alcohol · Clothing depicting violence · Clothing that depicts “gang” association · Clothing containing inappropriate language or sexual innuendo · Running shorts, “short” skirts/dresses or “short” shorts (the general rule regarding length of shorts or skirts is finger tip length or longer) · Half-shirts, muscle shirts, open mesh shirts, spaghetti-strap tops, sheer blouses or bare-midriff tops of any kind. Note:
As a general rule of thumb students will follow the four
“B’s. We should not see
a student’s Bottom (including boxers), Belly, Back, or Breasts
(including cleavage). Students
must wear shoes at all times while on school grounds. The building administration has the responsibility and authority to impose reasonable regulations concerning student dress and cleanliness. CCMS dress regulations are in compliance with board policy #812 “Dress Code” which is outlined in the “Student Conduct and Discipline Code” (Addendum to the Student Handbook) |
Tobacco PolicyIn order to promote the general health, welfare and well-being of students and staff, smoking, chewing or any other use of any tobacco products and the conspicuous possession, of tobacco products by students while in or on school properties, or under the school’s jurisdiction during school hours or while participating in a school-sponsored event is prohibited. The following guidelines are in accordance with the file #815 in the “Student Conduct and Discipline Code”. 1. Students are not to bring tobacco in any form to school. If a student does have tobacco in his/her possession it will be confiscated and destroyed. 2. Students are not to smoke or chew tobacco in school or on the school grounds. |
Drug and Alcohol PolicyIt shall be the policy of all schools in School District Fremont Re-1, Fremont County, Cañon City, Colorado, to take positive action through education, counseling, parental involvement, medical referral and police referral in the handling of incidents in the school. The consumption or dispensing of alcoholic or fermented malt beverages and/or the use of dispensing of any type of illegal drug or narcotic substance of any type, to any degree, while attending or participating in any function or activity related to or sponsored by the school, including extended day, night, weekend, or out-of-town activities, is prohibited (File 814 and 816). PROCEDURES If a teacher suspects a student of coming to school under the influence of a drug or alcohol, that teacher should notify an administrator immediately. A school administrator will immediately call the student to the office. If there is a strong indication that drugs or alcohol have been or are in use, the school nurse will be called in for verification. Should the nurse verify the presence of drugs or alcohol, the parents of the student will be contacted and requested to come to school immediately. Drug and/or alcohol testing may be requested before the student returns to school. From this point on, students determined to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be dealt with according to written board policy. If
a teacher suspects a student of being a seller, pusher or distributor of
drugs or alcohol, that teacher should notify an administrator
immediately. The
administrator will then deal with the student according to the written
board policy. When
evidence shows a student being a seller, pusher or distributor of drugs
on any school campus or school function in School District Fremont Re-1,
it is recommended: ·
Immediate notification of parents and Law Enforcement
Officials. · Student will be immediately suspended from school for five (5) days or until the next meeting of the Board of Education and may be recommended for expulsion.
The following consequences will be implemented for students in
possession of or using drugs on campus or at a school activity: ·
Student will be subject to suspension not to exceed five
(5) days. ·
Conference with parents, law enforcement’s officials and
an administrator. · Recommend referral to proper legal and medical authorities to obtain professional help as needed in drug education. Students may come forward without fearing any disciplinary action and ask for assistance if he/she has a drug problem. Proper steps with parents, legal and medical authorities are then taken to provide the help needed.
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Sexual HarassmentSCHOOL
DISTRICT FREMONT RE-1 CAÑON
CITY SCHOOLS DOES
NOT DISCRIMINATE IN ANY OF ITS PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, OR EMPLOYMENT WITH
REGARD TO SEX, DISABILITY, RACE OR NATIONAL ORIGIN Mr.
Mike Nieslanik Title
IX, Section 504 and
Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator 101 N. 14th Street Cañon City, Colorado 81212 Telephone: (719) 276-5700 Sexual
Harassment Fremont Re-1 School District has a legitimate and compelling interest in assuring that no employee or student is subject to sexual harassment. Further, this institution has an obligation to discipline those who engage in sexually harassing behavior. Persons accused of sexual harassment has an interest with regard to their reputation. Fremont Re-1 School District must strive to balance the interests of all persons accused of sexual harassment against the rights and feelings of one who believes he/she has been the victim of harassment, and make every effort to find the truth. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. File #837 outlines specific procedures when a sexual harassment issue arises as outlined in the “Student Conduct and Discipline Code” (Addendum to the Student Handbook). |
Student Suspension/Expulsion Process
The Board recognizes its responsibility to give all reasonable support to teachers and administrators as they perform their duty to maintain a safe and desirable environment for learning. Part of a safe environment is the creation of an atmosphere where all are free from the fear of arbitrary or capricious action and the fear of assault and/or battery. To promote this atmosphere, the student/expulsion policy has been adopted. The Board of education shall provide due process of law to students, parents, and school personnel through written procedures consistent with law for the suspension of expulsion of students and the denial of admission. The Student Suspension/Expulsion Process is outlined extensively in the handout “Student Conduct and Discipline Code” (Addendum to the Student Handbook). |
General Campus ExpectationsBUS
TRANSPORTATION School
bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for
inappropriate behavior. A
student is to ride the bus to which he/she is assigned.
Any emergency request to ride a bus or a different bus must be
requested in writing by the parent/guardian and submitted to the office. Students will be allowed off the bus only at school, home,
and locations requested in writing by parents.
The bus driver is in complete charge of the bus and its
occupants at all times.
Students riding the bus must comply with the request of the
driver. BICYCLES,
SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS AND ROLLERBLADES Students will be expected to place bicycles in the designated areas of the school grounds. It is recommended bicycles be locked to the bicycle rack. SKATEBOARDS,
SCOOTERS and ROLLER SKATES (SHOES) WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE CAMPUS
AT CAÑON CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL. FIRE
DRILLS Fire
drills are held at regular intervals.
The signal for a fire drill is a blast of the fire horn.
When the fire alarm is sounded, all work should be stopped
immediately and people in the school building act according to the
procedures for evacuating the building, which are posted in all
classrooms and discussed by each teacher. Students should move to the exit indicated and out of
the building in a quiet and orderly manner. If a student should accidentally turn in a false fire alarm, he/she must report to the office immediately and give the location of the broken box. If a student deliberately turns in a false fire alarm, it is mandatory that the school reports this individual to the police, under the provisions of the criminal law and procedure. Chapter 38, Article 26, Disorderly Conduct, Section 26-1, which may result in a fine, a jail sentence or both. HEALTH
SERVICE AND MEDICATION POLICY The nurse’s office at Cañon City Middle School is open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. every day, when the school nurse or one of the nurse’s aides is on duty. Students who are injured or ill will be seen at any time; however, students need to have a pass from their teachers to be admitted to the nurse’s office. Students who report to the nurse’s office without a pass will be sent back to class to get one. Students may come to the nurse’s office during their lunchtime without a pass. Prescription medication, which is to be given at school, will be given to students only when a note accompanies it from your doctor and a note from the parents. The medicine must be sent to school in the original pharmacy labeled bottle with the following information on the label: ·
name of medication ·
amount to be given · time of day to be taken · name of the physician and the name of the student Only the required amount of medication to be taken at school should be sent in the prescription bottle. No
student will be allowed to carry medication with him/her while at
school. The medicine must
be kept in the nurse’s office. Non-prescription, over the counter medication will be given only with written permission of the parents. The following non-prescription medication is available at school. You will be contacted and asked to indicate which of the following your child may receive. Your child will receive only those for which you give permission. · TYLENOL - (for headaches or pain) · CAMPHO-PHENIQUE - (for insect bites or cold sores) · STING KILL SWABS - (for insect bites) · CEPACOL LOZENGES - (for sore throat or cough) |
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