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Parent - Student Handbook 2016/17
Name:___________________________________________________
Student’s Schedule
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Subject
Teacher
Room
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4A
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Lunch Time: A Day ____________ B Day ____________
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Welcome To Westmar Middle School. Welcome to the 2016-17 school year. It will be another exciting year at Westmar and with hard work and determination, your.
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Parent - Student Handbook 2016/
Name:___________________________________________________
Student’ s Schedule
Period Subject Teacher Room
HB
1A
2A
3A
4A
1B
2B
3B
4B
Lunch Time: A Day ____________ B Day ____________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Welcome to Westmar Middle School ............................................................................................................................
- Vision/Mission Statement ..............................................................................................................................................
- Communication Resources ...........................................................................................................................................
- School Closings/Delays .................................................................................................................................................
- Optional Activities ......................................................................................................................................................... SECTION 1 – SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
- Assemblies/Dances/Field Trips......................................................................................................................................
- Note to Parents ............................................................................................................................................................... SECTION 2 – STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND GENERAL SCHOOL PROCEDURE
- Arrival at School ............................................................................................................................................................
- Attendance/Tardiness .....................................................................................................................................................
- Early Dismissal ..............................................................................................................................................................
- Emergency Cards ...........................................................................................................................................................
- Transportation ................................................................................................................................................................
- School Breakfast & Lunch .............................................................................................................................................
- Lockers ..........................................................................................................................................................................
- Building Evacuations/Fire Drills ...................................................................................................................................
- Health Services ..............................................................................................................................................................
- Accidents/Accident Insurance........................................................................................................................................
- Medication .....................................................................................................................................................................
- Textbooks ......................................................................................................................................................................
- School Debts ................................................................................................................................................................
- Student Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................................................. SECTION 3 – STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND POLICY REGULATIONS
- Dress Code ...................................................................................................................................................................
- Harassment...................................................................................................................................................................
- Bicyles .........................................................................................................................................................................
- Cell Phones and Pagers ................................................................................................................................................
- Consequences of Disciplinary Problems ......................................................................................................................
- The Library/Media Center ........................................................................................................................................... SECTION 4 – ACADEMIC POLICY AND PROGRAMS
- Computer/Internet Terms and Conditions of Use ........................................................................................................
- Guidance Department ..................................................................................................................................................
- Specific Academic Policies..........................................................................................................................................
- Homework ...................................................................................................................................................................
- Report Cards ................................................................................................................................................................
- Honor Roll ...................................................................................................................................................................
- Academic Dishonesty ..................................................................................................................................................
- Physical Education .......................................................................................................................................................
- Creative Arts ................................................................................................................................................................
- Student Service Learning ............................................................................................................................................
- PBIS Program .....................................................................................................................................................................
- School Map ...........................................................................................................................................................................
- Bell Schedule ........................................................................................................................................................................
responsibility to report vandalism and to maintain cleanliness in our building. Keep desks, tables, lockers, floors, walls, cabinets, and fixtures clean and free of paper or litter. Do not write, scratch or mark on furniture, walls, doors, or floors. Help keep our school clean, neat, and attractive.
Student Agenda Books :
Every student is required to carry a student agenda book provided to you by the school. The Student Agenda Book is
designed to help you R.O.A. R. to success. It is primarily used for communication between your home and our
school. As a student, you will record your assignments in it. The agenda book is a vital communication tool for the
student, the parent/guardian and the school. Your teachers and parents may write notes to each other in it as well.
We ask that you do not tear out or fold pages in the agenda. We hope that you will willingly accept your
responsibilities and then enjoy your privileges as a student at one of Maryland’s finest middle schools.
Email/Voice Mail Parent Newsletters Allegany County Public Schools provides email and voice mail to each system employee. Parents wishing to contact teachers via email or voicemail should go to our school Website at http://acpsmd.org/wm and select the Staff Directory. The Staff Directory lists each Westmar teacher with the teacher’s voice mail number and email. Of course, you may also call the school at (301) 463-5751. To further the lines of communication, our monthly newsletter which includes student highlights, details about upcoming events, schedules, and the cafeteria menus will be posted on our web site.
ASPEN
Allegany County Public Schools (ACPS) uses ASPEN, a secure Internet-based resource that allows teachers to share course materials with students and parents, and lets parents check grades, student records and attendance. Parents can connect to ASPEN through each individual school’s Web site. Student reports are private, so only parents or guardians who have obtained an access code can see their child’s information.
Accessing Grades/Assignments/Course Schedules
- Click on the icon for the Aspen Portal (ACPS Website)
- You will now be at a login screen asking for a Username and Password
- The student's username will be last name. first name all in lowercase letters
- Each student should have received a 4 digit password
- At this point, a screen should pop up with the student's name at the top
- Then click on Academics and this should show the student's grades for the current term.
School Closings & Delays Please listen to the local radio stations (94.1, GO106.1, WFRB 105.3) or go to the board web page at www.acpsmd.org to determine whether or not school will be delayed or closed during inclement weather_._ ALL emergency notifications, whether school-based or district-wide, will go out on School Messenger as voice messages from the Central Office. Text message default settings will be turned off; parents and staff will need to activate SMS if interested as normal text messaging rates apply. DO NOT call radio stations or the school, as this will serve only to slow down communications
SECTION 1 SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Optional Activities Westmar Middle School is proud to offer a several extracurricular activities for all students. Each student is encouraged to participate in one or more activities to be a "doer" rather than a "watcher." Your best education is accumulated through experiences beyond the classroom. Student Government Yearbook Staff Principals’ Advisory Council Band/Chorus/Orchestra Morning Announcement Crew Afterschool Program Girls and Boys: Volleyball and Basketball Co-Curricular Clubs Value the opportunities Westmar offers, but be sensible in your scheduling. Commitment to academics takes priority over activities. To be eligible to participate in any of the activities or groups representing the school, students must have no more
than one failing subject and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (C Average) or higher for the nine-weeks preceding participation. Also, excessive school absences or school suspensions will prevent participation in activities. The coach or sponsor of the activity will review all expectations for participants as the group meets. Practices and meetings will be scheduled at times convenient to the organization. Students may not miss an individual class or school day to attend an extra-curricular activity if they currently have a D or F in any class that they would miss. Students who are academically at risk need to be in the classroom to receive direct instruction from the teacher and to participate in the class activities, as absences most definitely impact student performances.
Assemblies/Dances/Field Trips Assemblies are held throughout the school year. At all times the student's behavior should be refined and courteous. An indication of the climate of the school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly. Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Unacceptable conduct would include whistling, uncalled-for clapping, making loud noises, and talking during the program. Inappropriate behavior may prevent a student from attending future assemblies.
Approximately once a month, Westmar Middle School will sponsor a school dance. Dances will be scheduled for immediately after school during the week or in the evenings. Cost for the dances will be $3.00 and will take place in the school gym. Snacks will be available for purchase as well. Parents are required to pick students up promptly at the conclusion of the dance. Students may not leave the gym for any reason and will not be allowed to leave early unless requested by a parent in person or in writing. All school rules for behavior apply during the dances. *Students who are absent the day of a dance, suspended, or have an office referral in the week prior to the dance will not be permitted to attend dances. Recently, we have had problems with students having no transportation home following dances; therefore, any student who is not picked up within 10 minutes after a dance is over will not be permitted to attend the next dance.
The use of field trips as an instructional tool is encouraged. It is the responsibility of the student to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. Students must be able to follow directions and adhere to school rules and regulations. Students who fail to meet minimum behavior standards in the classroom on a daily basis may be prohibited from going on a field trip without parental supervision. SECTION 2 STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND GENERAL SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Note To Parents Good discipline originates in the home. A parent is the first teacher of their child and should develop good behavior habits and proper attitudes toward school. Do you:
recognize that the teacher takes the place of the parent while the child is at school? teach the child respect for law, authority, the rights of others, and for public and private property? arrange for prompt and regular attendance and comply with attendance rules and procedures? work with the school in carrying out recommendations made in the best interests of the child, including discipline? talk with the child about school activities; show active interest in report cards and progress? suggest reading magazines, newspapers, and/or books; review class notes and help with long-term research projects? check and approve your child’s school attire before he/she leaves the house to make sure they are dressed appropriately? check your child’s agenda on a regular basis for assignments/communication to and from the teacher. Your interest and support at home are important to your child and are greatly appreciated by his/her teachers and the school administration.
Arrival At School You must stay on school grounds from the time you arrive until dismissal. Students transported by car or walk should arrive no earlier than 7:15 am. Students are not permitted to leave the Barton Lobby/Auditorium until released by the bell. At 7:40 am, you should report to homeroom. Anyone being dismissed during school hours must check out at the office. Walkers - Establish a “buddy system” with friends with whom you walk home. Always walk with at least one other person and walk directly to and from school. Be safe and watch out for each other.
C. Should absences continue, the parent will be notified again by the school system in writing, no later than immediately after the twelfth (12th) day of absence. The school system will send written communication, by mail. A conference with the parent and/or the student will be held.
At the conference, the principal or designee may indicate one or more of the following outcomes as a result of the conference:
- Establishing a probationary period with verbal agreement
- Developing a written contract (to be signed by the parent)
- Assigning to after school detention
- Assigning additional days of attendance
- Removing school privileges
- Restricting extracurricular activities
- Explanation given to the parent of the criteria for, and the services provided to, a student who may qualify for Home and Hospital Services, if appropriate, given the situation surrounding the student’s absences.
- Written notification to the parent will be immediately mailed to the parent, confirming the above action(s) taken.
D. When a student accumulates a total of twenty absences, with at least five (5) of those absences being unlawful, or ten (10) consecutive unlawful absences, the school’s PPW will file charges with the State’s Attorney’s Office against the parent/guardian and/or the student for non-attendance. This action will be confirmed in a letter written by the PPW to the parent/guardian. The letter will also indicate additional consequences issued by the school which may include retention in the grade (grades K through 8). The student/parent may appeal the school decision by contacting the Supervisor of Pupil Personnel in writing within 10 days.
Late Arrival If students are late to school, parents must bring the child into the office and sign him/her in. If the student is absent, parents must call the school to verify his/her absence. Students must pick up an “Admit to Class” slip before going to class. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Board of Education of Allegany County Discipline Policy.
You are expected to be in school and in homeroom by 7:40 a.m. Most tardiness can be avoided. If you arrive late, your parent/guardian must sign you in and give a reason for your tardiness to school. Anyone who arrives before 10:00 are marked tardy, but considered present for the entire day. After you have signed in, the main office will issue you an admit slip. You should immediately report to your assigned class. Tardiness to class without a legitimate written pass is unexcused. Students who are tardy to class will be disciplined. Students who are out of class without teacher permission are cutting class and are subject to disciplinary actions.
Early Dismissal Any student desiring to be excused during the school day must have a parent call and notify the main office or bring a written excuse from home stating the reason and present it to the attendance officer upon his/her arrival to school. If acceptable, permission will be granted and the pupil’s name and time to be excused will be placed on the daily absentee bulletin. Doctor notes should be turned in the following day so that absence can be coded as lawful If you must leave school during the day, the person picking you up must sign you out at the main office. You are to remain in your assigned class until your parent or guardian arrives. Any person picking you up from school must be on your emergency card or approved by your parent/guardian. Anyone who leaves prior to an hour and one-half before dismissal time will also be counted as one-half day absent.
Students on Property After Hours It is school policy that students leave the building and grounds after dismissal unless they are participating in a school- sponsored activity. Students may remain with permission of the Administration or a staff member, provided that they have proper supervision by a staff member. If a situation arises that requires the student to remain on school premises for any reason other than those stated, the student or the parent must notify the office.
Emergency Cards Emergency cards will be distributed at the beginning of the school year. It is very important to fill out the entire card including emergency numbers of relatives, friends or neighbors. If your address, telephone number, or emergency contacts change during the year, please immediately inform the school in writing. It is extremely important for the school personnel to be able to
contact parents/guardians or the designated emergency contacts in case of an emergency situation. To ensure the safety of our students, students will only be permitted to leave with individuals listed on their emergency card. Adults checking students out must present photo identification each time the student is picked up.
Transportation The school principal is responsible for the discipline of students within his/her attendance areas who ride a school bus. Students who cannot comply with the school bus regulations may be denied the privilege of riding the school bus. When this happens school attendance is still required and parents must make other arrangements for their child to get to school. Students who cannot comply with the school bus rules and regulations, or who show little regard for the safety and comfort of others may be denied the privilege of riding the school bus.
3 Basic Rules Be Seated Be Respectful/Demonstrate ROAR Don’t Forget 1 & 2.
Bus Discipline Referral Guidelines are as follows: In order to be provided with bus transportation to and from school, students must: Be at the assigned bus stop five minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. Be seated in an assigned seat facing forward when the bus is in route. Keep all parts of their body inside the bus and to themselves. Do not throw objects in the bus or out the windows. Speak quietly and avoid excessive noise which distracts the driver’s attention. Refrain from using inappropriate language, including profanity, and avoid speaking in a way that teases, hurts or harasses others. Avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum without the permission of the driver. Tobacco in any form and vapor products are prohibited. Cell phone use, including the camera function, is prohibited. Follow the bus driver’s directions at all times as soon as they are issued.
Do not block aisle. Musical instruments must be place on the lap or under the seat.
Parents are liable for damage caused by their children to the property of others, including the school bus. When children walk to school or to the school bus stop, while they are waiting for the school bus, and when they are on the school bus, they must show consideration and respect for the school bus and the homes and business located along their routes.
Bus Passes Students are not to change their assigned bus or bus stop, except in cases of emergency. Parents should not request permission for students to ride a bus other than the assigned one, for such an arrangement often results in overcrowding and/or a disruption of the normal seating order. Students will not be permitted to ride a different bus except for emergency childcare. Students may be given permission to ride a different bus depending on the circumstances and nature of the emergency. If there should be an emergency, a written request signed by the affected parent(s) requesting such a change may be accepted. All such requests must be submitted to, and approved by, the office no later than 8:10 a.m. Please be aware that space for additional passengers is limited on several of our buses. Therefore, mass changes to a particular bus may not be possible. A note signed by the principal or vice principal will be issued to the student to ride a different bus or to get off at a different stop. Bus Drivers will not accept a note from a parent to ride a different bus. Special arrangements may be made if the emergency occurs during the school day.
School Breakfast & Lunch Grab and Go Breakfast is available for all students at no charge every morning from 7:40-7:56. School lunch menus are included in the parent newsletter each month. It will also be posted on our website. The cost of a student lunch is $2.75. The
main office will not loan students lunch money. Please plan ahead by bringing in a week’s or month’s worth of lunch money to
be that can be added to student lunch accounts. Students will be given a PIN number that they will be required to remember. Student behavior during lunch is expected to be exemplary. Students who choose to behave in a manner that does not conform
home within a reasonable length of time. At no time should a student directly contact a parent to pick him/her up for sickness/health reasons unless he or she has been evaluated by the health nurse.
Medication The State of Maryland and the Board of Education of Allegany County prohibit the dispensing of medication without a written consent from a physician. Forms are available at most physicians’ offices and at all school offices. All medication must be in the properly labeled bottle from the pharmacy. Medication brought to school that is not accompanied by the permission form and signed by both the physician and the parent will not be dispensed to your child. We urge parents/guardians to schedule dosage of medication in such a manner that it may be taken at home when possible.
PARENT/GUARDIAN(S) must bring all medications to school and deliver them to the nurse. Students will not be permitted to transport medications including over-the-counter medicines, cough drops, and cough syrup. Likewise, parent/guardian(s) are responsible for picking up unused portions of medications at the end of the school year or whenever the time period ends for which the medications are prescribed.
All medicine , including over the counter, such as Tylenol, as well as prescriptions, is to be brought to school by an adult, not the student, with a medication form signed by your doctor. The administration of all medications will be by the school nurse. The medication may not be transported on the school bus.
The medication must be brought to school in the original pharmacy container with your name, name of medication, dosage, time of administration, name of prescriber, date of medication order, expiration date of drug and how the drug is to be administered (topical, oral or injection). Medication forms are available in the health room or the main office.
School Debts All financial payments by pupils will be made at the time of purchase, prior to the deadline date, or at whatever time a financial obligation must be met. There should be no charging of any financial matters. Students who have outstanding debts may not be able to participate in extra school activities (i.e. school dances, field trips, end-of-year activities).
School Telephones School telephones are not to be used by pupils unless permission has been obtained from the Administration. When ill, students are not to call home and ask parents to pick them up. Administration or the health nurse must make all early dismissals because of illness. Failing to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Flowers & Balloons Please do not send flowers or balloons to students at school. They have no place to store them, they create disruption, and they are safety hazards on school buses. Send them directly to the student’s home.
SECTION 3
STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND POLICY REGULATIONS
Student Code of Conduct Information concerning the following prohibited items are included in The Allegany County Public Schools System-wide Code of Student Conduct Smoking; Alcohol and Drugs; Knives, Weapons, and Explosive Devises.
Disruption of the normal school environment. – According to the Annotated Code of Maryland, a person may not willfully disturb or otherwise willfully prevent the orderly conduct of the activities, administration, or classes of any educational institution. A person may not molest or threaten with bodily harm any student, employee, administrator, agent, or any other individual who is lawfully: (i) on the grounds or in the immediate vicinity of any educational institution, (ii) on a school vehicle, or (iii) at an activity sponsored by a school. Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both.
Progressive Discipline Policy Westmar Middle School has a progressive discipline policy for minor infractions. Minor infractions consist of tardiness, minor class disruptions and/or disrespect, being unprepared for class, not following classroom or school procedures. Teachers will
complete three of the following steps before sending a written referral to the Administration: warning and conference with the student; phone call home; parent conference; teacher detention; guidance conference; parent notification form.
When the student has been referred to the office, the Administration will implement the county discipline policy. Students who receive three referrals may begin with the suspension process. Students who receive five suspensions while in middle school may be referred to the Board of Education with a request for an alternative placement. Students who commit major infractions will be referred immediately to the Administration. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT STUDENTS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN REPORTABLE OFFENSES WILL BE REFERRED TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.
Dress Code You are expected to dress in a manner that is neat, sensible, and not disruptive to the learning environment at Westmar. When you come to school well-groomed and wearing clothing that is neat, clean, and in good taste, you reflect the training you have received at home. Students are expected to take pride in their personal appearance. We take pride in the appearance of our students. Your dress reflects the quality of the school, of your conduct, and of your schoolwork. Please keep the following expectations in mind when shopping for school clothes:
Pants : Pants must be worn/secured at or above the hips at the waistline. They must not cover the front of the shoe when walking as they pose a safety hazard. Undergarments must not be visible at any time.
Shorts : From the standing position, shorts must not be shorter than mid-thigh (defined as arms down straight along side the body where fingertips touch on the thigh). Biker or spandex-type shorts, as well as boxer shorts, are not acceptable. Undergarments must not be visible at any time.
Skirts and dresses : From the standing position, skirts and dresses must have a length not shorter than mid-thigh (defined as arms down straight along side the body where fingertips touch on the thigh). Cleavage must not be visible at any time.
Shirts: No shirts allowed that would show the midriff area (front or back), even while seated. Sleeveless shirts and shells are permitted as long as undergarments are not visible, at least two inches width of fabric cover the shoulder area, and the underarm area is not exposed. Spaghetti straps and off the shoulder shirts are prohibited. Cleavage must not be visible at any time.
Shoes: Shoes involve safety concerns. Shoelaces will be either tied or worn in such a way that they do not interfere with normal footsteps. Backless and open-toe shoes with solid sole are permitted as long as they do not pose a safety hazard. Heeleys are prohibited.
Headgear: Headwear is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, hats, visors, scarves, bandanas, and hoods. (Exceptions may be granted based on religious and medical reasons with proper verification.)
bringing cell phones to school. If brought to school, all cell phones must be off and stored in the locker. When students bring a portable communication device to school, they assume the responsibility for the loss, theft, damage or use of that device by others. With regard to use of all portable electronic devices, students may not take photographs or record audio and/or video on the school bus, within the school, or during any school sponsored activity without the permission of the administration. Students will be disciplined according to the Allegany County Schools Discipline Policy for failure to comply.
Consequences Of Disciplinary Problems It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained. There are few levels of action the school can take toward pupils who misbehave or break the school, county, state, or federal laws and rules. They are: Warning : Verbally given by teacher or administrator Detention : To include lunch or after school Loss of Privilege : To include extracurricular activities such as dances, clubs, assemblies, field trips, etc. In-School Suspension : Supervised isolation from peers to complete assignments Suspension : Which would require a parent/guardian conference in order to readmit the pupil to school. Suspension days vary from 1 to 10 days depending on the offense. Students who are suspended may not participate in any extracurricular activities for at least nine weeks following the suspension. Two or more suspensions will result in forfeiture of these privileges for the remainder of the school year. Suspensiont to the Superintendent : Requires a parent-pupil conference with the superintendent. Expulsion: Recommendation that the pupil be removed from, and denied privileges of, attending school.
Criminal Charges can be filed by our Juvenile Intervention Officer when disciplinary infractions also violate federal and state laws (theft, vandalism, physical assaults, disorderly conduct, and disruption of school activities).
**The information in this guide is not all-inclusive. School Board or school policy may change throughout the school year, and every effort will be made to inform students of these changes.
SECTION 4 ACADEMIC POLICY AND PROGRAMS
The Library/Media Center
The Westmar Media Center is the focal point of all academic disciplines. The center is equipped with fine electronic
learning equipment, in addition to many print resources. Students and classes may use the library for special
projects and research. Students with a pass may use the Center during off-class time to read, research, or check out
books. Students entering are required to sign in and turn in the hall pass. When returning to class, students sign-out
with the time noted and the pass signed. Students may check out materials for specific lengths of time depending on
the material. The Library/Media Technician will designate your return date when you check out the materials. Please
be sure to return your borrowed materials by the due date or have them renewed. Overdue materials will cause
restriction of library usage. Additionally, students with overdue materials will be restricted from dances and other
activities until the materials are returned. Students must pay for lost or damaged materials. These fine facilities are
for your benefit. Value your Library/Media Center by exhibiting excellent behavior and respect at all times.
Computer/Internet Terms And Conditions Of Use Several computer labs, wireless laptop labs, a multimedia center, classroom computers and media center computers are part of the instructional program at Westmar Middle School. Students use computers for word processing, skill enhancement, data analysis, research, etc. Allegany County Public Schools provides students with access from home and school to several comprehensive, reputable online databases. The Internet, offering vast, diverse and unique educational resources, is available on all computers. With access to computers and people all over the world comes the availability of material that may not be of educational value. Allegany County Public Schools has taken precautions to restrict access to inappropriate materials, but all such information cannot be weeded out. It must be clearly understood by all students that access to such material in any form is strictly forbidden. The network is designed to achieve and support instructional goals, and any information that does not support classroom learning is to be avoided.
Computer use at Westmar is a privilege. Students must abide by guidelines:
Print only with the teacher's permission. Use of someone else's number, file, etc. is unacceptable. Access only those computer resources to which you have been assigned by a staff member. Use the computer only for school-related, academic activities. Use of a computer while under the direction of a substitute teacher is forbidden. Never tamper with the desktop, printer, speakers, headphones, mouse or mousepad. Never touch the classroom computer without direct teacher permission.
Internet/network use is a privilege. Students must abide by guidelines: Students will access only materials in support of educational, school-related topics. Students will access only those Internet resources to which they have been guided by a staff member. Students will respect that all communications and information via the network are assumed to be private property. Tampering with others’ files, copying others’ work without acknowledgment, and transmitting copyrighted material are forbidden.
For safety reasons, students will never reveal a last name, an address, or phone number in Internet communications.
Students will follow the same code of conduct as required by Allegany County Public Schools System Code of Conduct. They will be responsible for their behavior and will not use material that is threatening, obscene, libelous, etc. Students will never attempt to disrupt network performance, gain unauthorized access to the network or utilize the equipment for unauthorized purposes.
School Counseling Department The school guidance program is a planned, systematic program of counseling, consulting, appraisal, information, and placement services for the students in Westmar Middle School. Services are provided to assist students in their personal and academic growths, to make appropriate educational and career decisions, and to learn to productively interact with others. A student can see the counselor immediately upon receiving permission from the teacher to leave the classroom, though students are encouraged to make appointments with the counselor at the beginning of the school day.
Conferences Conferences are a good opportunity for parents, teachers, and students to discuss student progress and any situations that need attention. Conferences may be scheduled at the request of your parent or teacher. You are encouraged to handle any concerns with parents, teachers, and counselors before they become major problems. Many times a short communication can eliminate concerns. Your parents can arrange individual conferences by calling the teacher. The guidance counselor can arrange team conferences. All parent conferences regarding academics, scheduling, testing, and other related topics must be made through the guidance office. Other parent conferences relating to attendance, discipline, or other school policies may be made through the Administration office. NO APPOINTMENT IS NEEDED ON PARENT CONFERENCE DAY.
Specific Academic Policies HOMEWORK - Homework has an important function in a student’s learning process, and students should generally expect to receive homework assignments each day. These assignments should be recorded in this Westmar Middle School agenda, which must be brought to each class on a daily basis. If the agenda is lost, it must be replaced. Parents should review the agendas on a regular basis to keep abreast of their child’s completion of assignments. Teachers may use a “stamp” to mark assignments inadequately prepared or not turned in. The agenda provides a direct line of communication between parents and teachers. Teachers use homework in evaluating student progress and achievement. Teacher teams discuss homework expectations with students at the beginning of the school year. The length of time that it takes to complete homework may vary depending on the student’s individual pace. It is important that students remember that homework does not only mean written work; reading and reviewing material covered in class and looking ahead to new material are parts of homework that are often overlooked by students. Long-term assignments help students to learn the planning and pacing skills needed to complete these projects.
Homework And Makeup Work During Absence - Any student who is absent for at least three days in a row may obtain homework through the attendance secretary. Teachers will give the assignments within a twenty-four hour period, and then the assignments may be sent home or picked up by a parent or guardian. If assignments are requested, the assignments should be
(including cheating, plagiarism, photocopying and or stealing another’s work) will not be tolerated. Consequences of such behavior will be addressed as deemed necessary and appropriate by the classroom teacher or administration.
Physical Education All students are required to take physical education. You will need to purchase a school gym uniform. You will also be assigned a locker. Students are asked to provide their own socks and tennis shoes to wear with the uniform. You should plan to bring these items in a gym bag. The physical education staff will explain further expectations at the beginning of the course. All valuables need to be locked up while you are in physical education class.
Creative Arts All students are required to take a creative arts course every semester. Creative Arts are rotating semester courses such as art, music, technology education, consumer economics and computer skills.
Student Service Learning The Service-Learning Coordinator provides leadership in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating and strengthening the service learning program for students in grades 6 through 9. The coordinator also serve as a resource for students, administrators, faculties, and community organizations, while acting as liaisons between MSDE and Allegany County Public Schools.
Service-learning has been infused into the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade subject areas. Students will have the opportunity to receive hours in Creative Arts, English, Math, Physical Education/ Health, Science and/or Social Studies. The 75 hours of service-learning required for high school graduation will be counted when students successfully complete 9th grade. High school students are given a full credit on their high school transcript for service-learning hours if they exceed 132 hours above the required 75 hours. They are also provided recognition at graduation for their service-learning achievements. Service-learning is in-context learning that connects specific educational goals with meaningful community service. Service- learning projects include a dual focus: the goals of academic learning and the goals of authentic volunteer projects.
Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)
Westmar Middle School
Home of the R.O.A.R .ing WILDCATS
There is one basic rule at WMMS and that is RESPECT!!!
Respect for Individuals Being aware of your actions toward others and how they may be offensive. Strive to
be honest, cooperative, positive, and pro-active toward school and bus safety.
Respect for Self The image you project through adherence to the dress code, use of appropriate
language, positive interactions, and meeting your potential by doing your very best!!!
Respect for Environment Taking good care of school property. This includes text books, school equipment,
lockers, the cafeteria, bathrooms, locker rooms, and the campus. The environment
also includes the promotion of school spirit and efforts to maintain a safe learning
atmosphere.
Students can earn ROAR Paws by exhibiting positive behaviors and their name is submitted to a drawing for each
additional ticket earned. Teachers are designated supervision duties throughout the day and will issue Paws to any
student who is demonstrating above and beyond characteristics of positive behaviors. Every week, drawings take
place during morning announcements and students who are eligible once their name is drawn may pick a prize from
our treasure chest. The more tickets you earn, the better chance you have of winning. Students may also use their
Paws to purchase items from the school store, cafeteria snacks and dance tickets.
Students can earn the privilege of attending the Wildcat Celebration each quarter if they are “referral free” and have
no more than 4.5 unexcused absences from the day it begins until the day it concludes.
Respect
Responsibility
Organization^ Achievement
R.O.A.R.
TO EXCELLENCE
Westmar
Middle School
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:40 – 7:56 Breakfast/Homeroom
7:59 - 8:44 Co-Curricular
8:48 – 10:02 Block 1
10:06 – 11:20 Block 2
11:24 – 1:32 Block 3 11:28–12:08 Lunch 8 & 7thth^ grade 12:12–12:52 Lunch 6 & 7th^ grade 12:56–1:32 All students in class
1:36 – 2:50 Block 4
3:05 Teacher Dismissal
2 HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE
9:40 – 9:56 Homeroom 9:59 - 10:39 Co-curricular 10:43 – 11:31 Block 1
11:35 – 1:06 Block 3 11:39 – 12:09 Lunch 8th^ & 7th^ grade 12:13 – 12:43 Lunch 7th^ & 6th^ grade 12:47 – 1:06 All students in class
1:10 – 1:58 Block 2 2:02 – 2:50 Block 4
3:05 Teacher Dismissal
3 HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE
10:40 – 10:56 Homeroom
10:59 - 12:23 Block 3 11:03–11:3 Lunch 8th^ & 7th 11:36–12:06 Lunch 7th^ & 6th 12:09–12:23 All students in class
12:27 – 1:12 Block 1
1:16 – 2:01 Block 2
2:05 – 2:50 Block 4
3:05 Teacher Dismissal
3 HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL
7:40 – 7:56 Homeroom 7:59 - 8:29 Co-curricular 8:33 – 9:08 Block 1 9:12 – 9:47 Block 2 9:51 – 10:26 Block 4
10:31 – 11:39 Block 3 10:35 – 11:05 Lunch 8th^ & 7th^ grade 11:09 – 11:39 Lunch 7th^ & 6th^ grade
11:44 Return to Block 3 11:50 Dismissal
3:05 Teacher Dismissal
WESTMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULES