|
|
St. Frances Cabrini Middle School Student Handbook 2008-2009 What To Do If You're… Absent/tardy? Need to leave school briefly during the day? Become ill in school? Lose or find something? Unable to participate in Physical Education
Class?
Welcome to St.
Frances Cabrini Middle School. The 2008-2009 school year will bring many blessings
and opportunities this year. The main message that all of you need to carry out
is to follow the Great Commandment, which is LOVE GOD AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS
YOURSELF. Sincerely, James A. Clark
Cabrini Middle School attempts to follow a philosophy consistent with middle school thought. Teachers at St. Frances Cabrini work with students to achieve their academic and emotional potential. A middle school is guided to allow students to meet needs pertaining to self - esteem and affective issues. Cabrini Middle School stresses high academic expectations. A unique part of our school is the opportunity to learn Catholic Christian values. As students, you make the right choices to make the best use of your educational opportunities at Cabrini Middle School. back to contents
Schedule adjustments are made for liturgy, prayer service, assemblies, and early dismissals. There are three minutes passing time between classes. back to contents
Assignments such as projects and artwork are given letter grades as based upon the judgment of the classroom teacher. Expectations, directions or steps are assigned point values or rubrics, which can be translated into percentages and letter grades. back to contents
For students to achieve Honor Roll status at Cabrini Middle School, the following grade point averages are used: 'A' Honor Roll - 3.50 to 4.00 G.P.A. 'B' Honor Roll - 3.00 to 3.49 G.P.A. There is also an Improvement Honor Roll. To be on the Improvement Honor Roll, a student must achieve an increase in 2 letter grades and no decrease in letter grades. back to contents
Other classes will be assessed
as half classes for Honor Roll placement.
Here's how the Grade Point Average would be determined: (A=4,
B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0)
Add the credits and divide into total grade points.
Plus and minus grades are not calculated into Grade Point Averages. back to
contents
A student who receives a diploma from Cabrini Middle School must complete all coursework. Students who do not complete minimum standards for coursework will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Students who do not complete the required course of study may remain in school after the year is completed to finish up any missing work. back to contents
Students at Cabrini are not
allowed to leave without the permission of the school. All visitors must
report to the school office immediately upon entering the school building.
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. All students who participate in extracurricular activities must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. each quarter. In addition, students who participate in extracurricular activities must abide by the Code of Conduct as it pertains to extracurricular eligibility. back to contents
Students who take the bus home from school must report outside the office area immediately after school. The bus leaves promptly at 3:05 p.m. to pick up students from other schools. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the bus supervisor whether he/she is riding the bus or not. Bus misbehavior is covered under the disobedience clause in the Cabrini Code of Conduct. back to contents
Students are to put their name in each and every textbook. Students losing books will be responsible for replacing them. Price of replacement depends upon the age and condition of the books. Students failing to return books or pay fines will be subject to disciplinary actions, denial of report cards, and other consequences. ALL BOOKS NEED COVERS ON THEM. back to contents
As with books, lockers are rented by the student. Students are to keep their locker neat and in good repair. No inappropriate pictures should be inside the locker. Lockers must be locked at all times. Failure to do so can result in a $1 fine for each day the locker is unlocked. Periodic locker inspections do take place. These inspections are done either to check cleanliness and organization or for suspected inappropriate items in them. School officials can inspect a locker at any time and must follow the legal guidelines for locker inspection. No laser locks are allowed and locks with keys are discouraged. back to contents
Students only use the office phone in case of an emergency or a cancellation of a school event. Students are allowed to use telephones in teacher's classrooms with the teacher's permission. back to contents
The use of cell phones and
personal CD players and items such as iPods and MP3 players are not allowed during normal school hours. Students who
carry cell phones must turn them off and keep them in their lockers or in their
backpacks. Any violation of this practice will result in the confiscation of the
cell phone.
WHY WE ASSIGN HOMEWORK: We believe that homework is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. We give homework because it reinforces what has been taught in class, prepares students for the next day's lesson, and helps students develop self-discipline, responsibility, and organizational skills. WHEN HOMEWORK IS ASSIGNED: Students may expect to receive nightly assignments as well as long range projects, papers, and reading assignments. Long term assignments should be completed in stages, over the time period given. Studying notes and textbooks should be done nightly since studying the night before a test is not effective. Students generally should receive no more than two hours of homework per night. The time to complete homework is less if study halls are used effectively. EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Students are expected to complete and turn work in on time. Assignments should be done neatly and according to the directions given. Individual teachers may assign consequences, such as remaining after school, staying at school during field trips, etc. Points on assignments may be deducted for work that is late, messy, illegible, incomplete or does not agree with directions given. PRIORITIES Parents are the key in making homework a positive experience for their children. If homework is a priority for parents, it will be for students as well. You can help your student make homework a priority through the following:
Academics are a higher priority than after school athletic activities. back to contents
Under 118.15 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, any child who is between the ages of 6 and 18 shall attend school regularly during the full periods and hours that a school is in session until the end of the school year in which the child turns 18. Regular attendance is essential for children. Regular attendance aids progress whereas irregular attendance interferes with progress. Students may not leave school during class hours without permission from the school office. back to contents
EXCUSED ABSENCES Reasons students are excused from school include:
Illness Students are to be in attendance during the day in order to participate in school sponsored activities during school hours. This includes, but is not limited to, sporting events, plays, and dances. The only exceptions would be for pre-arranged doctor or dental appointments, school sponsored absences, or family emergencies. If it is necessary for the student to leave school during the school day, he/she must have a signed and dated note from the student's parents/guardians. This notification must be presented to the office before 9AM. All students who leave during the school day must be signed out by a parent or guardian and signed in when they come back to school. Not following this procedure will result in this absence being treated as truancy.
Any absence that does not fit the guidelines of an excused absence is considered to be unexcused. Some examples of unexcused absences include but are not limited to: Oversleeping Students who have an unexcused absence may face the following:
STUDENT LEAVING SCHOOL OR BECOMING ILL AT SCHOOL Every student should have updated phone numbers on the Family Data Sheets that are in the school office. If a student is ill during the school day, parents or guardians on the Family Data Sheet are contacted before the student is allowed to leave school. Parents and guardians must provide transportation for the child who is ill. In the case of an emergency, the school will take action that is prudent and wise. ANTICIPATED ABSENCES AND ERRANDS Anticipated absences during school time are discouraged. If a child is participating in a family trip, a written request to the principal at least one day prior to the absence is required. Any missed homework is the responsibility of the student when he/she returns to class. Students will be required to complete missed assignments in a timely manner as required by the teacher or school. Please attempt to make medical and dental appointments for after school hours or during vacation. Parents who request that their child be absent for this reason are asked to provide the school with a written request at least one day prior to the student absence. TARDINESS The student is considered tardy if he/she arrives in the classroom after 7:55 AM. Individual teachers will keep track of classroom tardies. Students must check into the office if they are tardy for the beginning of the school day. A pattern of tardiness will result in a parent contact from the school. Excessive tardiness can result in consequences levied by the school. MAKE-UP PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT ABSENCE Students are given one day more than the number of days missed in order to make up all missed homework and tests unless granted additional time by the individual classroom teacher. If a student is absent for one day and has had prior notice that a test will be given the day the student returns, the teacher has the discretion of issuing that test the day the child returns to school. SUMMARY Students benefit most from
school when they are present. Cabrini understands that situations take
place when a child is not in school. Hopefully, the statements contained
on absences and tardies provide parents and students with a structured guide
that indicates the expectations the school has for student attendance.
A student may be considered
for retention if he/she is not mastering academic skills to achieve grade level
performance. Students may also be retained for failure in 2 or more core
subjects, or excessive absences that there is a significant loss of class
performance.
Lunchroom rules consist of the following:
Lunch is served in two
shifts. back to contents
Bicycles can be brought to school. Bicycles must be locked in the bike stalls that are in the school parking lot. Skateboards and roller blades are not allowed anywhere in school. The school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. back to contents
Students who wait for rides after school must wait in the parking lot for their ride to come. Students who remain after 3:20 p.m. will go to the office area of school until his/her ride arrives. back to contents
A Code of Conduct has been established at Cabrini Middle School in order to provide a safe environment in which teachers can teach and students are permitted to learn. All actions taken through this Code of Conduct are done with the best interest of every person at Cabrini. Through this Code, students will learn that they are responsible for their own actions. The Cabrini Code of Conduct consists of a demerit system that requires parental notification of the infraction and detention time. The accumulation of demerits and/or the severity of an infraction may also result in suspension or expulsion. Demerits are NOT carried over year to year. A demerit is a mark recorded against a student for a violation of school and/or classroom rules. Demerit slips, detailing the violation must be taken home, signed by a parent and returned to the school office the following school day. The student is then required to spend 30 minutes in after- school detention on either the Tuesday or Thursday immediately following the issuance of the demerit. A suspension is a 3-day absence from school and all school related functions and extra-curricular activities. A student who is suspended is not allowed in school but is required to keep up with schoolwork and homework. Parents are expected to pick up work at the end of each day of suspension. The Discipline Committee will automatically meet with parents any time a student accumulates 6 demerits or is subject to suspension. These meetings are designed to address the behavior problem, work with the parents to modify the behavior and prevent the further accumulation of demerits. The accumulation of 8 demerits in one school year results in an automatic suspension and permanent suspension from all school sponsored activities and extra-curriculars for the remainder of the school year. The principal also reserves the right to suspend a student for major rules infractions. Expulsion is the process of permanently removing a student from the school. The final decision about any expulsion rests with the St. Francis Catholic School Board of Education. A student can be expelled for an accumulation of 12 demerits in one school year, major rules infractions, illegal activity, and/or violent or threatening behavior. The Cabrini Middle School Co-Curricular Code addresses behavioral consequences of students who participate in extra curricular activities. back to contents
back to contents
back to contents
back to contents
Expulsion can be immediately recommended over issues such as possession or consumption of drugs or alcohol, possession of weapons, making threats against the school, faculty and staff, and/or other students. Bomb threats, murder lists or other threats of violence will result in immediate expulsion with the possibility of legal prosecution. Truancy violations will be handled by the principal who will contact parents and may result in notification to the city truant officer. Students who deface, destroy, or damage property that is not their own will be charged the full cost of repair or replacement in addition to any demerits received. Any student caught stealing may be subject to suspension, expulsion and will be expected to return the item or provide reimbursement. Referral to legal authorities based upon the severity of the incident is also possible. Tampering with fire devices can subject the student to immediate suspension and/or referral to legal authorities. Bullying violations may result in suspension depending upon the severity and frequency of the incidents. Cyber bullying violations can result in immediate suspension. Parents who have questions or concerns about demerits issued may call the school office to request a meeting with the Discipline Committee.
Students who do not return blue envelopes by 8 a.m. Thursday morning will spend fifteen minutes in the detention room on Thursday. Truancy and bullying violations are handled in the following manner:
Any action that takes place on or off the school grounds can be grounds for disciplinary action. The Cabrini Code of Conduct is in compliance with Diocesan Policy as it pertains to student discipline. Expulsion can be immediately recommended over issues such as possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs, harassment of any kind, possession of weapons, and disregard for school authority. back to contents
No elective classes can be changed without the consent of the school principal. Students are expected to honor the commitments they pursued when courses were chosen. back to contents
Students are expected to dress appropriately and neatly for school. All clothing should be clean, fit properly, and be in good repair. Parents must assist the school in ensuring that dress code expectations are met. The administration reserves the right to amend or alter the dress code and determine the appropriateness of specific dress and appearance. The following guidelines are provided: back to contents
Shirts must be modest and in good taste and have a sleeve. Shirts must be long enough to overlap the tops of pants or skirts. Bare midriffs are not allowed. Undergarments should not be visible. Shirts/tops should not be excessively tight or low cut. back to contents
Pants must fit appropriately and be worn with the waistband at the waist. Excessively baggy or excessively tight pants are not allowed. Belts should be worn if pants do not stay up. Undergarments should not be visible. Pant/jeans (on jeans days) that are torn, ripped, frayed, etc. are not allowed. Not allowed: Spandex, flannel, sweat pants, pajama/lounge pants, athletic pants or shorts, bib overalls, and blue jeans, (except on jeans days).
Shorts, skirts, and dresses should never be shorter than mid-thigh. Even items worn with leggings or footless tights must be mid-thigh or longer. Undergarments cannot be visible. Skorts may be worn all year. Shorts may be worn during the months of August, September and May. Gym/Athletic shorts may not be worn except for P.E. class and on jeans days. back to contents
Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece items may be worn. Inappropriate logos, sayings, or pictures are not allowed. Product advertisements are not allowed. These may be, but are not limited to, allusions to sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nudity, violence, death, etc. Cabrini or St. Francis sweatshirts are always appropriate. Hooded sweatshirts may be worn if the hood is kept down. Coats and jackets may not be worn in the building. back to contents
T-shirts that are intended to be undergarments are not to be worn as outerwear. T-shirts with pictures, advertisements or slogans are not to be worn except on jeans days. Inappropriate pictures, advertisements or slogans are never acceptable. These may be, but are not limited to, allusions to sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nudity, violence, death, etc. Cabrini or St. Francis T-shirts are always appropriate. back to contents
Socks, stockings or peds must be worn at all times. Toe-socks are not allowed. Shoelaces/Velcro must be tied/fastened. Flip-flops, shower shoes, slippers or soccer sandals are not allowed. back to contents
Hair is to be clean, naturally colored, and out of the eyes. Excessive makeup is not allowed. No body piercing other than earrings is allowed. Earrings for boys are not allowed. Hats, bandanas, and sunglasses are not to be worn in school. Liturgy days are dress up days. T-shirts and sweatshirts should not be worn. Shorts are not allowed on Liturgy days. Dressy shirts and dress slacks/skirts/dresses are expected on these days. Jewelry should be age appropriate and small in size. Any clothing, jewelry or make-up that is distracting or disruptive is inappropriate. back to contents BEST PRACTICE: IF YOU HAVE TO QUESTION WHETHER OR NOT SOMETHING IS APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL, IT PROBABLY ISN'T.
Violations one and two will result in a phone call to a parent to bring the proper clothing. Violation three will result in a demerit along with a phone call to a parent to bring the proper clothing. back to contents
School dances are several times per year either after school or in the evening. Cabrini dances are lock-ins, and are open only to Cabrini students. Students who misbehave at dances will have their parents contacted as well as be subject to the Cabrini Code of Conduct. back to contents
Closing of school procedure is contained in the St. Francis Catholic School Family Handbook. No school events are held on days in which school is called off. No students are allowed to use school phones for pickup on these days unless the school grants permission. back to contents
Fire drills at Cabrini are held monthly. Please follow the following procedure when fire drills are held:
back to contents
Tornado drills at Cabrini are held during Tornado Awareness Month and when needed. All tornado drill procedures are posted in the classrooms. back to contents
Students at Cabrini Middle School should not bring the following items to school:
back to contents
Students are allowed to use the computer lab for the following purposes:
Students will not be allowed to use the lab for any other reason than the above. Use of the lab for inappropriate reasons will be handled through the Code of Conduct and through the Internet Use Agreement. back to contents
Students are not allowed in the building before 7:45 a.m. without the permission of the supervisor. Students who need to see a teacher or purchase breakfast must go in the front door of school. Students are not allowed to go in or out of the back door of school until 7:45 a.m. Allowance will be made in the event of bad weather. back to contents
Students are to return all envelopes by 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning. Allowances will be given in the event of illness or for other reasons. back to contents
The principal of Cabrini Middle School reserves the right to add or delete items in the handbook. Notice of any handbook changes will be written in the weekly Parent Newsletter. back to contents
|
|
|
