TMS 2007-2008 Parent/Student Handbook
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Tchefuncte Middle School 2007 - 2008 School Year Parent/Student Handbook
Absences :
All students are required to attend school regularly. The State of Louisiana requires that a student be present one hundred sixty (160) days to be considered for promotion. A computer generated letter is automatically sent by the school board when absences are a matter of concern. If parents have contacted the school and documented excused absences, no other action is necessary. When total absences for the school year exceed the required limit for student promotion requirements, the parent may be asked to review the absences for promotion as stated in the Pupil Progression Plan. Excuses for absences must be presented in writing to the school office within two (2) days of day or days missed. Excuses will not be accepted after two (2) days of the student’s return to school. ( See St. Tammany Parish Student Handbook).
If your child is to be allowed to make up the work missed, he/she must bring a note signed by you or the physician explaining the reasons for the absence. It is the responsibility of the student, upon his/her return to school, to make arrangements with his teachers to make-up all assignments that are due.If the absence is extended for 2 or more days, please contact the school (if the student is able to study at home) and assignments will be available for you to pick up.
Parents wishing to pick up home assignments must call the school office at least 24 hours in advance so that the teacher(s) will be able to gather appropriate materials and write out assignments. The time allowed for a student to make up work after an excused absence will follow the guidelines of the school system policy.
Arrival (morning) : School starts at 8:05 a.m.
Teachers go on duty thirty minutes prior to the start of school ( 7:35) a.m. Students arriving by car before 8:00 will wait in the bus zone area until entering the building at 8:00 a.m. The school day begins at 8:05. Students who are tardy to school must be checked into the office by their parent or guardian.
Rules for Using the Carpool Circle in the Morning and Afternoon:
1. The first car in line should always drop off/pick up at the brick columns. 2. Students should exit/enter their cars when it is stopped at the beginning of the circle to the extreme opposite side of the brick column area. This will allow us to empty/fill eight cars at a time. 3. Please see to it that your child always exits/enters the vehicle on the right side onto/from the sidewalk area. This is for safety reasons. 4. Cars should never pass in the circle area to the left of cars letting out/picking up students. 5. No student should be dropped off in the delivery area of the cafeteria and jump the wall. This is a serious safety concern in this loading and docking area.
Tardiness: A student is officially tardy if they are not in their first hour class when the 8:10 bell rings. A parent must come into the office to sign the student into school after the 8:10 bell.
When a child is tardy to school they are missing important learning and informational time during the school day. In addition, students who are habitually tardy to a classroom can interrupt instruction that has begun. The St. Tammany Parish School Board Attendance guidelines state that a child is considered habitually tardy when the condition continues to exist after all reasonable efforts by the administration and teacher have failed to correct the condition. After the fifth (5th) unexcused tardy within a nine week period, a student may receive a disciplinary action by the administration in an effort to correct the condition. Full notification to the parent will be done to inform and enlist the assistance of the parent in correcting the tardiness. On the sixth tardy, the student may be assigned an After School Detention. If the unexcused tardiness continues during the nine weeks period, a Saturday Detention may be assigned for excessive unexcused tardiness.
After School Care Programs :
After School Care will be offered beginning on the first day of school. After School Care will begin at our school dismissal or 3:11 p.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. (a late fee of $1 per minute will be assessed after 6:00 pm). The fee will be $5.00 per day for students in attendance three (3) or more days per week. $6.00 will be charged for those who attend less frequently. Unless the student attends morning care, a $5.00 registration fee will be assessed to purchase games and equipment. Students are expected to exhibit appropriate school behavior to maintain the privilege of attendance. A flyer with more specific information will be sent home the first day of school. Parents are required to come into the building to sign their child out of After Care.
Birthdays :
Birthday parties and invitation distribution by students or parents are not allowed at school. In order to maximize instruction and minimize disruption to the learning process, please do not send a birthday cake, balloons, etc. to your child at school on his/her birthday. The library has a birthday program that allows a book to be purchased and donated in the child’s name. A staff member will visit the classroom to wish the child a Happy Birthday and present a special bookmark. Contact the school librarian to take advantage of this program.
Bicycle Riders and Walkers :
The administration strongly discourages students from walking or riding bicycles to school. Travel through the woods along the Causeway Approach, and through the school parking lot may present a dangerous situation for our students. There is not a proper place to store bicycles during the day. Tchefuncte Middle is not responsible for bicycle theft or damage.
Book Bag : Please refer to our Book Bag Policy when purchasing and discussing safety and health issues concerning proper book bag usage with our students. We encourage our students to keep unnecessary books at school so that the weight of their book bag is not excessive. Please share the responsibility for school - home communication by sitting down with your child and going through his/her book bag at least once a week and preferably on the day the weekly overview and graded papers are scheduled to be sent home. Bus :
Transportation to and from school by school bus is available to all students who reside in the Tchefuncte Middle School district. In order to help insure the safety of all students, parents are strongly encouraged to discuss with their child the following basic rules:
1. Always follow the instructions of the driver. 2. Remain completely seated and face the front. 3. Keep hands and feet to one’s self. 4. Talk in a low tone of voice and always use acceptable language. 5. Wait for and get off the bus at your designated bus stop.
Students that fail to follow the safety rules of the school bus may lose their privilege of riding the school bus for a period of time. If a bus driver writes a School Bus Behavior Report, the administration will investigate the report immediately. Disciplinary action can be assigned if deemed appropriate by the administration. The parents will be called to discuss the bus safety concerns.
Students who desire to ride another bus must present a note to the office which is dated and signed by a parent or legal guardian. This note must state the driver’s name and bus number. Presenting such a note does not guarantee the privilege of riding another bus. This privilege is not to be used to transport children to team practices, lessons, try-outs or the like.
Bus Transportation Changes :
No transportation changes will be allowed over the telephone due to legal liability (we can not see who we are speaking with) and the safety of your children. We must receive a handwritten note by the parent or legal guardian in order for a change to be made. Your understanding is appreciated. Car Rider :
Parents must send a note with their child if they wish for him/her to leave school with anyone other than you, the parent. This is very important because without proper authorization, students will not be allowed to leave school with other people (be sure all persons, brother/sister, grand parents, neighbors, etc. are listed on the emergency card for authorization to check your child out of school.) If students belong to certain organizations and attend on a regular basis, one note will suffice for the entire year (Scouts, etc.). Classroom Visitations :
Any visitor coming into the building must sign in through the office and receive a Visitor’s tag. Visitation to the classroom during instructional time must be approved through the administration and teacher(s) to avoid disruption to the learning environment. Requests to visit the classroom would be denied if it would create a possible disruption to instruction. Visits should be limited to one hour. All visitors must sign in with the office upon arrival at school and wear a Visitor Pass. The administration, faculty, and staff feel that classroom visitation can improve the parent-school relationship, as well as, help to give parents insight into the instructional focus of the classroom.
In addition, due to student safety, only authorized school personnel will be allowed on our playground area and bus zones during school hours. All students’ safety and wellbeing are major concerns for our staff and it is necessary for only school system’s staff to be responsible for the safety of our students during these times of our school day. All visitors are welcomed to eat in our cafeteria with a student, but after the conclusion of the breakfast or lunch time, all visitors are asked to sign out in the office. Remember, all visitors must sign in with the office and receive a visitor’s tag for any visit to our campus.
Conferences :
Parent-teacher conferences are helpful to the student, and enhance his/her chances for success. Parents are strongly encouraged to first meet with the teacher to resolve concerns. Teachers are professionals, and as such, are deserving of the opportunity to be respected. The principal and assistant principal are available to all parents and are willing to meet with you. Since much of their time is spent supervising instruction and counseling students, a prearranged appointment will insure the parent an opportunity to meet with them without interfering with the daily operations of the school. Please call the school office at 626 – 7118 to set up conferences.
Computer Use Policy :
When a student at Tchefuncte Middle School accesses computers, computer systems, and computer networks owned or operated by Tchefuncte Middle School, he or she assumes certain responsibilities and obligations. All access of this type is subject to school policies and to local, state, and federal laws. Tchefuncte Middle School expects that student use of computers provided in this school will be ethical and reflect academic honesty. Students must demonstrate respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and rights to privacy.
Students are required to sign the St. Tammany Parish Computer Use Policy, and to follow its rules or face the possibility of being denied the opportunity to use the school’s computers and face further disciplinary action should a violation occur. The Parish Policy will be sent home for all parents to sign, if they desire.
Copies of Records : Transfer of student records has no charge connected to it, but all other forms of copying will be assessed $.05 per copy.
D.A.R.E. :
Drug Abuse Resistance Education is provided to the 5th grade during the 1st semester by Rodney Grundmeyer of the Mandeville Police Department. Before the start of the DARE Program, there will be an informational meeting for parents and students. The date of the meeting will be announced prior to the scheduled time.
Discipline / Threat of Violence Policy :
ALL THREATS OF VIOLENCE WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. Parents, tell your child that you expect them not to make statements like, “I’m going kill you”, “I’m going to shoot you”, or the like. Understand that all statements of this nature will be taken as if the child means to carry out the threat. You will be called to immediately come to school for a conference and required parish documentation forms will be filled out. Every student is responsible for adhering to St. Tammany Parish Rules and Regulations for Discipline. A copy is given to every student the first day of school. Parents should keep this booklet handy for reference. The administration, faculty, and students at Tchefuncte Middle School realize that effective discipline is necessary to provide a positive learning environment which enables every student the opportunity to maximize his/her potential. To this end, students, staff, teachers, administrators, and parents work together to develop and continually reassess a School-Wide Discipline Plan. This plan is reviewed each school year to provide for the ever-changing needs of our students. When this plan is sent home at the beginning of each school year, it is the responsibility of every parent to see thattheir child is familiar with, and understands, the Discipline Plan. Likewise, it is the responsibility of every teacher and administrator to see that the Discipline Plan is consistently and fairly carried out. We do not use corporal punishment.
Dress Code :
Parents and students should note changes to the Parish Dress Code as stated in the Parish Policy Handbook. All students are required to wear a school uniform. Uniform shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. should be the length outlined in the St. Tammany Parish Dress Code. When standing, arms are extended full length at the sides, shorts must fall at or below the finger tips. Parish policy does not allow students to wear hats to school. Parents must accept responsibility for checking to assure their child’s dress is acceptable before allowing them to depart for school. Please mark your child’s clothing - especially sweaters, jackets, and coats. Periodically, clothing and/or other items left in the Lost and Found will be donated to a charitable organization. School spirit shirts and sweatshirts, will be sold by the PTA at the beginning of the school year. The PTA will send order forms home at the beginning of school.
Emergency and Severe Weather Drills : Every employee has a Crisis Procedure Handbook and is responsible for making students familiar with emergency evacuation procedures. Drills are conducted in accordance with St. Tammany Parish School Board Policy. Emergency evacuation procedures are posted in each classroom.
It is important for our parents to understand that during a Crisis situation or Emergency Drill, it is our procedure to provide a safe and non threatening environment for the students. When the school is in an active Code Red, Code Green, or Code Yellow Drill, parents are requested to not check out their child. It is our wish to maintain a secure and safe environment for our students. During a drill, students may not be in their classroom, but in a safe designated area of the school. Once the drill has ended and students are returned to their classroom under the supervision of the teacher, a parent may then check their child out of school in the care and responsibility of the parent.
Field Trips :
The school may offer activities during the year that involve leaving the school grounds. When we have one of these activities, all school rules are enforced regardless of the location or type of activity (uniforms are to be worn unless stated otherwise in the permission letter). When such an activity is planned, a letter will be sent home with details. For your child to attend any of these activities, you must sign the permission slip and return it, and the cost of the trip to school by the deadline stated in the letter.
No permission slips will be accepted after 4:00 pm on the due date. Parents and students must accept responsibility for getting the permission slip and/or monies to the teacher on or before the due date. Handwritten notes are not acceptable. If it is not possible for you to pay the money by the deadline, an extension may be granted if you return the permission slip by the deadline and make arrangements with the teacher to send the money at a later date. Bag lunches are available from the school cafeteria. Field trips are reserved for students who exhibit acceptable behavior and a commitment to school work. Students who misbehave at school or fail to complete assignments may be denied Field Trip privileges. Instructional supervision will be provided at school for students not taking part in the off- campus activity.
Fund Raising : Because we do not believe in children going door to door to sell things,the only school initiated fund raiser is a “tax deductible donation”. See a letter at the end of this booklet. Parents will have the opportunity to contribute in August and September. A drawing for a $500 savings bond will be held at the end of the first nine weeks for those students whose parents participated in the donation fundraising. Parents are welcomed to donate at any time.
Graded Papers : Every teacher sends home graded papers on a specific day of the week and works hard to be consistent. The teacher communicates this day in an introductory letter and at Open House. It is the parents’ responsibility to ask the child for the papers if they are not given voluntarily. The papers go home in a folder with a sheet which names the number of papers, and a place for the parent to sign, indicating they have received the papers. A place for the teacher to acknowledge appropriate behavior or concerns is also included. The folder should be returned to the teacher on the next school day. Parents should make the time to review the papers with their child. Homework : Homework is the extension to the lessons of the school day. One parent feels the teacher gives too much homework, the next feels he/she gives too little. We attempt to provide a positive balance approach to homework. Homework is to reinforce a skill which has been taught. It should be reasonable in length; checked for accuracy; and should not be graded as a test grade. Each teacher will review their homework policy in an introductory letter sent home the first day of school and also at Open House. Inclusion : Tchefuncte Middle School has an inclusive education program for the placement of a few special education students. Through this program, the special education teacher provides services for the special education students in the regular classroom. While the curriculum and instruction remains the same as in other classes, modifications are made to accommodate the needs of the special education students. So educational opportunities for regular education children are not jeopardized, students that have a previous history of discipline problems, or begin to exhibit discipline problems, will have and IEP reconvened to determine if placement should continue in regular education classes.
Interims:
Interims are sent home during the 5th week of each nine weeks. This is an academic and behavioral report on the progress which the student is making during the nine weeks’ grading period. The Interim should be returned back to the homeroom teacher signed by the parent within the week.
Library : Classes attend the Library for thirty minutes once per week. In addition, we have adopted an open Library concept where students, with their teacher’s permission, may visit the Library during other class times. The Library is open to all students 15 minutes before school starts and at the afternoon recess.
The purpose of established fines for overdue materials from the library is twofold: (1) To establish a sense of responsibility in the students, and (2) to defray the cost of lost or damaged books. A library media fine of $0.25 cents per day will be charged for reserve and overnight books; .05 cents per day will be charged for regular circulation materials that are overdue. Payment for lost books shall be based on the current list price, if the book is in print. If the book is out of print, an average current replacement cost for a comparable book, as suggested by the selection catalogs or recommendations by the American Library Association, will determine replacement costs.
If a student has an overdue book, he may not check-out additional books from the library until the fine is paid and the book returned. Library check-out privileges will be restored when student has paid the fine, returned lost book, or negotiated with the librarian and/or principal as to reasons why the fine cannot be paid. The librarian will notify, in writing, the parents of students regarding overdue or lost books. Written notifications will be given at least once each nine weeks before report cards are sent home.
Lunch/Breakfast :
A hot well-balanced breakfast and lunch will be offered daily at school. The fees will be posted each month on the Monthly Lunch Calendar of meals. Extra milk is available for .25. We are asking that you prepay for the lunches on the first of each month (this greatly reduces the amount of time spent on bookkeeping). If this is not possible, you may pay on a weekly basis. There is no law, State or Federal, which require schools to allow students to charge breakfast or lunch. Charging breakfast/lunch is a privilege, not a right. Students will be allowed to charge a maximum of $10.00. No charges will be allowed after the second week of May in an effort to clear all accounts for the end of the school year. Parents are responsible for seeing that their child’s bill is kept current.
Parents whose children never will eat the school lunch/breakfast may request in writing that their child’s lunch card be placed in an inactive status. This will prevent the possibility of inadvertent charges. Parents are welcome to eat with their child at a set fee for visitors. Please send a note to the homeroom teacher indicating the day you will be eating so the proper amount of food is prepared. If you feel your child is eligible for Free or Reduced lunch/breakfast, please submit the free or reduced lunch application sent home with every child the first day of school or ask for one at any time during the school year. A light breakfast will be offered to students beginning the first day of school. Serving times are 7:50 a.m. - 8:05 a.m. The same charge policy as lunches will be enforced.
Student Lunches Brought by Parents after the Beginning of the School Day: This policy is to minimize class disruptions and maximize educational opportunities. A white board is mounted on the wall immediately outside the cafeteria, and just past the student entrance. The parent is to write the student’s name on the board. Parents bringing a student lunch are to put the lunch in the bin in the visitor reception area in the front office. The bag or container should be clearly marked with the student’s name. It is the responsibility of the student to check, prior to entering the cafeteria, the board and bin for their lunch.
Parents are requested not to bring fast food lunches for their child. Food service personnel work hard to provide a nutritious lunch. These employees regard it as an insult when fast food is brought to the cafeteria.
Medication in School:
In May of 1993, the Louisiana Legislature enacted Act 87 (LA R.S. 17436.1) relative to the administration of medication in schools. This act covers all prescription and non-prescription drugs. In accordance with Act 87, the St. Tammany Parish School Board has formulated the following guidelines to be used when a child has to receive medication during school hours. 1.) No medication shall be administered to, or self-administered by any student without an order from a Louisiana or adjacent state licensed physician or dentist and a letter of request and authorization from the student’s parent or guardian.
2.) No medication shall be administered to, or self-administered by any student unless it is provided to the school in a container properly labeled by a registered pharmacist.
3.) A registered nurse employed by the St. Tammany Parish School Board will review the physician’s order and the parent’s request. The registered nurse will then assess the specific child in the education setting to determine if delegation of administration of the medication by a trained non-licensed health professional is acceptable.
4.) In order to ensure proper identification of students receiving medication we are requesting the parent to submit a recent photo of the student to attach to the medication folder.
5.) Medication must be brought to school and retrieved when completed, by a responsible adult. NO MEDICATION will be received at school or sent home via a student. If your child requires medication for an acute illness, we encourage you to work with your physician to schedule doses that can be given at home. Long-term illness and medication may require administration during school hours.
See the last pages of this booklet for School Board Policy information regarding medication, physician’s form, and parent’s form.
Messages : Please do not call to give your child a message unless it is an emergency. Messages delivered to the classroom, whether in person or over the intercom, disrupt the education process. Unless an emergency, messages will be delivered only 1/2 hour before lunch or 1/2 hour before the end of the school day.
Overviews :
Every teacher sends home an Overview for the coming week and makes a conscientious effort to be consistent. The Overview covers projects, field trips, special events, and assignments for the coming week. Some teachers send it home on Friday, and some on Monday. This will be conveyed at the Open House, and in material sent home the first day of school. As with graded papers, if your child does not voluntarily give you the overview, it is your responsibility to ask for it. Parents should make time to review the overview with their child. Parental consistency in this process helps to insure positive communication between school and home. Most teachers have a class website where information is listed as well.
Parties :
Snacks or party treats are not allowed to be brought in by parents without properpermission from the administration. The teacher is responsible for all incentives that are associated with their behavior plans within the classrooms. To maximize instructional time, we allow only two parties, winter and spring. No other parties are allowed (Halloween, King Cake, Birthdays, End of the Year, etc.). These parties are held in the classroom. Teachers and the PTA room mothers work together to plan and conduct these parties.
Pets/Animals at School :
Parents may bring pets/animals to school for instructional purposes. First, obtain permission from the teacher. All animals must have a current health release from a veterinarian. Parents bringing pets/animals to school must keep the pet/animal in a cage or on a leash at all times. The pet/animal must be brought only for the specific time the pet/animal is to be used for instruction. Students may not transport pets/animals on the school bus.
Physical Education :
There is a dress code requirement for all P.E. classes.
1.) Students should wear athletic shoes. 2.) Girls should wear shorts under their skirts or dresses. 3.) Students wearing medical appliances such as casts, bandages for sprains, etc. must present a doctor’s written permission slip before they will be allowed to participate in Physical Education activities. 4.) If a student is on restriction for any medical (Doctor’s note) reason, they will be given an alternate assignment related to current lessons.
Picking Up/Dropping off Students :
The school day at TMS will begin at 8:05 a.m. and end at 3:11 p.m. Students may not arrive on campus prior to 7:35 a.m. or remain after 3:24 p.m. Parents who bring children to school must drop them off and pick them up in the circular driveway in the front of the school. No students may be picked up or dropped off in the bus loading zone. For safety reason, no parent should be in the bus loading area or the cafeteria loading zone to pick up a student.
Students arriving after 8:10 must be accompanied by a parent to the office and signed in (see TARDY). Students remaining after 3:24 p.m. will be sent to After Care and charged the daily rate and parents must come to After Care to receive their child.
If it is necessary for you to check your child out of school before the school day ends, please do so before 2:30 p.m. Except for emergencies, students will not be checked out after 2:30 p.m.We ask our parents to make every attempt to schedule appointments for their child after school hours when possible.This reduces potential end-of-day confusion in the office. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.
PTA :
All parents are strongly encouraged to join the PTA. The PTA holds three general meetings per year and supports numerous school functions. PTA is a great vehicle for communication between school and home. Membership in PTA is a positive way you actively demonstrate to your child that you understand and promote excellence in education. Please join and participate!
PTA Newsletter:
The Gator will be published monthly. It will be distributed to your child the first week of the month. Tell your child that you expect him/her to bring it home to you. If they do not give it to you voluntarily, ask for it. The Gator is full of information you will need to know throughout the school year. The PTA Board Members and their telephone numbers, and a school calendar are printed on the front page of each edition. Making the time to read the newsletter enhances communication between school and home, and allows you to better understand the activities taking place at your child’s school.
Section 504/SAT:
Students who struggle with learning, have physical/behavior problems, have been retained, have attendance problems, or have discrepancies between test scores and performance may be processed through Section 504/SAT. Determination of eligibility under Section 504 for regular education placement and modifications (IPP) is following the regulations of Section 504. Eligibility for evaluation for Special Education placement is made by the SAT Committee. Parents will be notified and invited to participate in this decision-making process. If you feel your child has a problem that affects his/her ability to learn, please contact your child’s teacher for a conference and request assistance which may include a Section 504 screening or referral to SAT for evaluation.
Sexual Abuse :
During the school year your child will receive a St. Tammany Parish School Board mandated child sexual abuse prevention, education and reporting program. You may call the school counselor (Mrs. Lazaro or Ms. Brocato) to find out more about this program.
Sexual Harassment :
The purpose of the St. Tammany Parish School Board is to provide public education for the school aged children of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and School Board policy and will not be tolerated, condoned, or overlooked. The Board requests and encourages persons associated with the School System who believe there are acts of harassment to be reported to the school principal or designee.
“The Board through the school principal shall promptly, thoroughly, and fairly investigate reports of sexual harassment and take appropriate action that is consistent with the results of the investigation and the legal requirements afforded by law. Inappropriate behavior will be handled according to the school’s discipline procedures.”
“The School System and Board will not tolerate retaliation by anyone associated with the School System against one who files a complaint of sexual harassment.” “Some acts of sexual harassment are considered criminal and are subject to prosecution. The Board and School System will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney in investigating and prosecuting such criminal offenses.” Reporting of incidents need to be made to the principal at your child’s school. A copy of the policy is available in every school’s library.
Student Insurance :
Optional student insurance is available. A brochure will be sent home with each child at the beginning of the school year. The school will collect the form, with payment, if you wish to utilize this service. Neither the school nor the School Board accepts responsibility for filing or honoring claims.
Student Responsibility :
Together, parents and teachers must insist that students be accountable for their actions. If he/she forgets something at home, the student will not be allowed to phone home to have someone bring the item to school. Parents will be notified if their child consistently fails to turn in assignments, comes to class without supplies, etc. If your child still does not complete assignments, it may be necessary for a parent to call for a conference.
Tardiness :
State law requires that you have your child in attendance on time. Students who arrive after 8:10 a.m. will be marked unexcused tardy without proper documentation of the excuse reason for their tardiness to school. If you bring your child and arrive after 8:10 a.m., you must escort him/her to the office, sign him/her in and get an admission slip.
If a child is excessively tardy (five or more times within a nine week period), the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance will be notified and disciplinary action may be taken if deemed necessary. On the sixth unexcused tardy during a nine weeks period occurs, a student may be assigned to an After School Detention. This detention may be necessary for corrective purposes concerning the excessive tardiness. As per the policy, the administration will complete an ACT 103 Documentation Form for the Supervisor of Child Attendance and Welfare when excessive tardiness and/or absenteeism have become a concern.
Uniforms:
See the section under dress and the letter at the end of this booklet. Parents voted to continue the Uniform Policy for the next four school years. Students must follow the uniform guidelines at all times. Please review the chosen uniform and outwear for Tchefuncte Middle School. A student is not allowed to wear outerwear in the building that is not in keeping with the school uniform or school logo.
Yearbooks :
Yearbooks will be sold through the Jostens’ Company this school year. The company will be handling directly the sale of the yearbook to the students. Notification will be sent directly to the parents’ home to order a TMS Yearbook for 2007 – 2008. Special options are available through the company. Please be looking for this important notification through the mail in the near future. This will be your only opportunity to purchase a yearbook. Tchefuncte Middle School Student Handbook Positive School-Wide Discipline Plan
Students attending Tchefuncte Middle School this fourteenth year of operation (2007-08) are privileged to attend a facility which is like new. Administrators, teachers, and parents have an obligation to the citizens of St. Tammany to help instill a pride for the facility in our student body. Students reflect their self-respect by demonstrating appropriate care for all facets of the facility. Students who choose to abuse the school or its campus are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with St. Tammany Parish Disciplinary procedures.
Whenever practical, faculty, staff, parent and student suggestions are incorporated into this document. The school-wide discipline plan is a comprehensive plan which, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators can jointly review and modify as the school year progresses. As part of our Southern Association of Colleges and Schools study a committee of Tchefuncte students (Student Government Association), teachers, administrators, and parents (PTA Board) will meet to recommend additions/deletions.
All students, parents, and teachers should agree to abide by the school-wide discipline plan. Also, students are required to adhere to guidelines for student conduct and attendance as set forth in The St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline, and Student Records. Each student is given a copy of the handbook at the beginning of the school year or as they enroll throughout the year.
All parents are strongly encouraged to sit down with their children and read the school-wide discipline plan together.An in-depth awareness of the plan will help to ensure the opportunity for each student to learn in the most productive and safe environment.
A new state law (RS 17:416.12) requires each student in kindergarten through sixth grade to exhibit appropriate conduct when speaking with any public school system employee while on school property or at a school sponsored event. The new law requires that students shall address and respond to employees by using the respectful terms “yes, Ma’am” and “no, Ma’am” or “yes, Sir” and “no, Sir”, as appropriate or “yes Miss/Ms./Mrs. (surname)” and “no, Mr. (surname)”, as appropriate. Compliance with the law is expectedof every child. As an act of good faith, all students, parents, and teachers are requested to sign and submit to the school administration the attached behavior contract found at the end of handbook. Students will be held responsible for adhering to the Discipline Plan even if the student and/or parent CHOOSE not to sign the contract found at the end of this handbook. Also, RS 17:235.2 requires students in grades four through twelve, and the parents/guardians of those students, annually sign a statement of compliance committing to a list of agreements. An appropriate form will be provided by the School System at the start of the school year. Statements shall be signed and on file by October 1st of the year.
Positive School-Wide Discipline Plan
1. Classroom Rules:
Every teacher develops a set of class rules which are designed to promote an atmosphere which allows students to learn without disruption and the teacher the ability to teach free from interference.
We do our best to recognize appropriate behavior and administer timely, fair, and consistent consequences for inappropriate behavior. Class rules, positive incentives and consequences are posted in each classroom and reviewed periodically.
2. Playground Rules:
A. General Behavior 1. Students are to respect the duty teachers/aides and Substitutes at all times and follow their directions. 2. Students must respect their fellow students. 3. Recess is a time when students are responsible for using the bathroom. 4. Students are to put all litter in trash cans. Special cans are designated for aluminum cans. 5. Climbing or hanging on trees is unacceptable. 6. Students must use acceptable language. 7. Public display of affection is unacceptable. 8. A student possessing tobacco products, lighters, and/or matches is subject to suspension. 9. A student in possession of any explosive, regardless of whether it requires a match to cause it to explode, is subject to suspension. 10. A student in possession of a knife, gun or weapon is subject to expulsion. 11. Possession of chewing gum in unacceptable. 12. Toys, trading cards, radios, tape players, etc. are to be left at home. 13. When the recess bell rings, students are to stop playing and return to class in a quick and quiet manner. When possible, sidewalks are to be used.
B. Playground Boundaries:
Students should not be on the campus of Pontchartrain Elementary and are not to cross the ditch along the campus perimeter.
C. Equipment:
Students are to use equipment safely and in a manner for which it is intended. Students are not to hang upside down or have their feet above their heads.
D. Playing Ball:
During recess, physical education classes have possession of the area in which their class is being held. Students at recess are not to trespass in this area. Students playing ball games should respect the rights of others. They must understand that everyone has a right to the playground. Playing football or soccer must be safe and at no time too rough while playing.
E. Aggressive Behavior - Using the playground is a privilege :
Students who demonstrate aggressive behavior face the possibility of being removed from the playground. 1. Aggressive behavior on the playground is strictly prohibited. There will be no fighting, pushing, tripping, kicking, hitting, or the like. 2. No student is to threaten or harass another. 3. Always keep hands, feet, and body to oneself. 4. Immediately report students exhibiting aggressive behavior to a duty teacher or other adult.
3. Cafeteria Rules: A. General:
Cafeteria monitors (School Board Employees) are responsible for maintaining an atmosphere which allows students to experience an orderly, safe, and enjoyable lunch. Students are responsible for immediately and respectfully complying with a monitor’s directive.
B. Waiting in Line: 1. Walk in a single file. 2. Keep hands, feet, and body to yourself. 3. Talk quietly.
C . Food Consumption: 1. Always eat properly by using appropriate manners. 2. Toplay with your food is unacceptable. Any food thrown in the cafeteria by a student is unacceptable and will be disciplined appropriately. 3. Throwing food or other objects is unacceptable. 4. Wasting food is an insult to those who don’t have enough to eat. 5. Finish your lunch before leaving the cafeteria, taking food outside is unacceptable. 6. Talk quietly and do not make inappropriate comments.
D. Hand Washing: 1. Always wash hands before eating. 2. Limit the amount of time at the hand washing sink. Many other students need to wash. 3. Playing in hand washing sink is unacceptable.
E. Litter and Trash - Demonstrate respect for yourself by: 1. Keep food and litter off the tables and floor. 2. Put litter and trash in garbage cans. 3. Throwing litter or trash is unacceptable. 4. Keep your seat free of litter, trash, food and drink. 5. Clean your area after you finish eating. 6. Students will not be dismissed until the floor is free from food and litter.
F. Use of Condiments, Paper, and Utensils: 1. Use condiments properly. 2. Keep paper products in the cafeteria. 3. Playing with utensils is unacceptable. 4. Keep utensils in the cafeteria. 5. Straws are to be left in the cafeteria and not taken outside.
G. Seating: 1. Students must sit where directed by the cafeteria monitors. 2. Unless granted permission to get up by a monitor, students should remain seated. 3. Horseplay is unacceptable.
4. Bathroom Rules: Students are strongly encouraged to use the bathroom at recess. Teachers are reluctant to allow students to use the bathroom at other times unless they receive a written note from a parent or guardian stating that their child has a physical problem which necessitates more frequent bathroom usage.
A. Proper Bathroom Use 1. Show your respect for yourself using the bathroom in the manner for which it is intended. 2. Boys should lift the toilet seat before urinating. 3. Always flush toilets and urinals after use. 4. Stall doors are for your privacy and should be treated with respect. 5. Leave lights on at all times. 6. Use toilet paper and soap for personal hygiene. 7. Loitering or playing in the bathroom is unacceptable. 8. Properly dispose of hygienic materials.
B. Privacy 1. Respect the privacy of others when using the bathroom. 2. Opening the stall door while others are using the toilet is unacceptable. 3. Fighting, hitting, pushing, shoving, tripping, or kicking in the bathroom is unacceptable. 4. Threatening or harassing others in the bathroom is unacceptable.
C. Other 1. An adult will be outside the bathroom to monitor student behavior. Bathroom doors must be left open to aid in monitoring. 2. Parental support and encouragement of their child’s proper usage of the bathroom is strongly encouraged.
5. Hall Rules:
Students are to always walk on the right hand side in a single file and within the green tiles.
A. Traffic Control 1. Always respect and follow directions of the teacher/aide monitoring the halls. 2. Students must have a hall pass from a teacher to justify being out of class.
B. General Behavior 1. While walking in the halls, talk in a low tone. 2. Always walk in the halls. 3. Playing in the halls is unacceptable. 4. Keep hands and feet to yourself. 5. Keep hands off displays and posters on the walls. 6. Knocking on walls or doors disturbs class and is unacceptable. 7. Jumping up and hitting clocks or the top of door frames is unacceptable. 8. Bouncing balls in the halls is unacceptable.
6. Assembly Rules: A. General Behavior 1. Talking during a program is unacceptable. 2. Pay attention to speaker or performing artists. 3. Raise hand to be called on before speaking out. 4. Clap only for applause. 5. Booing or whistling is unacceptable. 6. Keep hands and feet to yourself. 7. Consuming food or drink during an assembly is unacceptable B. Seating 1. Enter and exit in an orderly and quiet manner. 2. Classes are to remain seated until dismissed by administrator or teacher. 3. Sit where directed. 4. Sit in straight lines. 5. Sit quietlyin one place and be still.
7. Bus Loading: See St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Attendance/Discipline A. General Behavior 1. Walk in a single file within the green floor tiles when walking in the hall to load a bus. 2. Running in the halls during bus loading or unloading is unacceptable. 3. Go straight to your bus and get on. Stopping and talking with friends on the driveway is unacceptable. 4. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. 5. Talk quietly in the halls during bus loading. 6. Upon arrival to school, wait under the covered walk until dismissed to go to class by the duty teacher. 7. When departing, always stay on the door side of all buses.
B. Riding the Bus 1. Students should adhere to the guidelines set forth in the St. Tammany Parish safe procedures for school bus riders. 2. Remain completely seated and face the front of the bus at all times. 3. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. 4. Talk in a low tone of voice and never use unacceptable language, gestures, or make disturbing noises. 5. Be prepared to sit three persons to a seat.
7. All school and bus rules apply at the bus stop.
C. Discipline Procedures for Bus Misconduct 1. Students who choose not to follow the rules for safe bus riding are subject to disciplinary action. 2. Students who act inappropriately may not be allowed to ride another bus or have friends ride home. 3. If a student’s actions are sufficiently serious or endanger the safety of other students, the driver, or others using the road, bus riding privileges may be suspended.
8. Walkers or Bicycle Riders: Parents are strongly encouraged to have their children ride the school bus. It is felt that walking to school through the woods, along the West Causeway Approach, or in the school parking lot is not safe as there are no sidewalks.
Tchefuncte Middle School Student Uniform Guidelines 2007-2008
GIRLS BOYS
Solid Tan Khaki Long Pants Solid Tan Khaki Long Pants Solid Tan Khaki Capri Pants Solid Tan Khaki Walking Shorts Solid Tan Khaki Walking Shorts Solid Tan Khaki Skorts or Skirt Solid Tan Khaki Jumper
Long or short sleeve solid Navy Long or short sleeve solid Navy or or solid White Polo style shirt solid White Polo style shirt TMS logo T-shirt or solid Navy shirt TMS logo T-shirt or solid Navy T shirt TMS logo Sweatshirt or solid Navy TMS logo Sweatshirt or solid Navy or or solid White Sweatshirt solid White Sweatshirt
Uniform Reminders:
Shorts, skorts, and skirts must adhere to fingertip length as stated in the STPSB student dress code policy.
Solid tan khaki only (no stripes or designs in pants or skirts). Corduroy pants and skirts are not considered part of the uniform policy.
Athletic shoes are recommended due to recess and P.E. classes. No sandals or backless shoes of any kind are allowed to be worn with the uniform.
Socks should be worn with shoes. The uniform committee suggests white socks to be worn.
Undershirts should not be seen and should only be white in color. Shirts should be buttoned without undershirt showing.
Belts are recommended to assist in pants/shorts mandated to be secured at the waist.
T shirts sold by the PTA may be worn on any day of school. Other school “spirit” shirts of clubs and activities may be worn ONLY on Friday of the week. This is designated as Spirit Day at Tchefuncte Middle School.
Outerwear in the building must ONLY be part of the uniform. NO OTHER LOGO shirts or TEAMS will be allowed in the building as part of the uniform. Once a student enters the building, they will be asked to remove this outerwear.
TCHEFUNCTE MIDDLE SCHOOL 2007 - 2008
Parent Handbook and School-Wide Discipline Plan
Student / Parent / Administrator / Teacher / Staff Contract
The undersigned parties acknowledge that they have read, discussed, and understand the policies and procedures of the Tchefuncte Middle School Parent Handbook and Student Handbook School-Wide Discipline Plan. It is understood that ALL administrators, teachers, and staff are responsible for consistently and fairly enforcing the operating procedures contained in each plan. Likewise, parents are to support the school by setting expectations for their children which require adherence to the plans. The contents of the plans are in accordance with St. Tammany Parish Guidelines. Persons choosing not to sign this contract will be held accountable for their actions as set forth in Louisiana Revised Status 17.416.
__________________________ ______________ Student Signature Date
______________________________ _________________ Parent Signature Date
_____________________________ ______ Teacher/Staff Signature Date
__________________________ __________________ Administrator Signature Date
PARENTS, PLEASE DETACH THIS SHEET AND HAVE YOUR CHILD RETURN IT TO THEIR HOMEROOM TEACHER NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007. |
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