Student Handbook 14-15 - Hudsonville Public Schools

Welcome to Baldwin Street Middle School!
Our school is known for a positive school climate
and focus on academic achievement. The BMS staff,
teachers, and administration look to you-- students
and parents--to help maintain that tradition of
positive performance. We stand ready to assist you in
any way toward this end.
In order to ensure that all students meet these
expectations, we must obviously have rules and
regulations set forth. Please carefully review the
information outlined within this handbook. You
should be clear on our high expectations for you,
and our commitment to helping you to reach them.
Please feel free to see us with any comments or
questions you might have.
Our goal for each of you is to provide a safe, orderly,
and welcoming school environment. Your part in
making this a reality is to follow our three basic
guidelines for behavior. It’s what we call “Doing the
Do!” Or in other words...
1) Do the right thing.
2) Do your quality best.
3) Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you!
We look forward to working with you this year!
Mr. Powers, Principal
Mr. Murphy, Asst. Principal/Athletic Director
HOW TO USE THIS AGENDA
1. Students must have their Agenda with them in each class.
2. Students must have their Agenda to check out books in the Media Center.
3. Students are responsible for writing their daily assignments in their Agenda in each class every day. Teachers will
be checking student Agendas periodically.
4. Students use their Agenda as a hall pass as well as an early dismissal pass by having their dismissal page signed
by their teacher or the office, and by carrying their agenda with them when out of class.
5. Parents are able to check their student’s Agenda for assignments that have been given.
6. Our Student Handbook is printed at the beginning of the Agenda for quick reference.
7. Each student is provided with an Agenda on the first day of school. If it is lost, a replacement must be purchased
in the office at a cost of $10.00.
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ATHLETIC COMPETITION
Interscholastic: Seventh and eighth graders compete with teams
from other schools in basketball, swimming, football, soccer,
volleyball, wrestling, and track. Participants must fulfill the
following criteria:
1. Have not had their 14th or 15th (7th/8th grade) birthday
before September 1st of the current school year.
2. Have passing grades in at least 60% of their six classes (4
of 6)
3. Have on file in the Middle School office:
a. A current year sports physical exam.
b. Permission to participate signature of parent/guardian.
c. Proof of injury insurance or purchase of school
insurance.
d. Have paid the participation fee.
NOTE: Points a, b, c,, and d above, must be met before
participating in the first tryout or practice day.
ACTIONS WHICH WE “HONOR”
Eagle Pride Program (Academics and Life Skills)
Perfect Attendance
Activity Participation
a. Renaissance
b. athletics
c. student council
d. band/orchestra/choir
New, individual athletic records
ADDING/DROPPING CLASSES
Much time and effort goes into planning student schedules.
Schedule changes will be made very infrequently and only for
valid educational reasons. As a general rule, no schedule
changes will be made after two weeks of a class. Students who
choose to drop a class after these two weeks will receive an “E”
for the class.
BICYCLES
Students riding bikes to school must keep them in the assigned
area and locked up during the school day. The bike area is off
limits to students during the school day. Students riding to
school are reminded to ride with the traffic, single file. If
crossing Baldwin Street, be sure to do so at the stop light at 36th
Ave.
ATTENDANCE
The laws of the State of Michigan require all children between
the ages of 6 and 16 to attend school during the entire school
year. If a student is going to be absent, we ask that parents call
the office previous to or no later than 9:00 a.m. the day of the
absence. Calls may be made before 7:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m.
by dialing the designated number when the automated service
begins.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS, EMAIL OR PHONE NUMBER
If you move or have a phone number/e-mail change, please
notify the office immediately by calling 669-7750.
Students absent on school-related activities will not be counted
absent, but are responsible to turn in their work on the required
due date. Generally, students have two days for each day absent
in order to turn in make-up work.
EARLY DISMISSAL
(Appointments, illness, etc.)
If a student must leave at any time during the school day, parents
are asked to phone or write a note stating the reason for early
dismissal, including the time. Students should bring the note
directly to the office before the school day begins, along with
their agenda for an early dismissal pass. This pass should be
shown to their teacher at the beginning of the class from which
they will be leaving. In issues regarding the custodial parent of a
student, custody paperwork from the court must be filed with the
school office stating expressed instruction to prevent the
unwanted release of a child without custodial parent’s
permission.
Perfect attendance is attained when no classes are missed. Three
classes missed is considered a half day absent -- for all reasons.
Any absence greater than 10% (one day every two weeks) is
considered excessive. The Ottawa Area Intermediate School
District (OAISD) establishes standards for parental contacts
concerning excessive absences, and parents will be notified by
mail and/or phone call when students exceed these limits. This
notification must be made regardless of the absence reasons.
TARDY POLICY
One of our goals at the Middle School is to help students be
successful in and out of the classroom. Essential ingredients for
success require students to be responsible, punctual, and
dependable. It is for these reasons that we emphasize a tardy
policy to deter habitual tardiness. We expect students to be on
time for each class. The procedures that we will follow for
tardies consist of:
Should a student need to leave school due to sudden illness or
injury, the student should come to the office. The office will call
parents to pick up the student. Students will be signed out in the
office before they leave. Students leaving the building without
permission from the office could receive an out-of-school
suspension.
HOT LUNCH/CAFETERIA
Students will be assigned a confidential number for the hot lunch
program. Money can be deposited into the student’s account,
with deductions made against the account as items are
purchased.
Students may ask the cashier for the amount
remaining in the account and a written, complete account update
can be provided upon request. Parents may obtain student
account information by phoning Jenison-Hudsonville Food
Service at 797-0886. You will be asked for the building code
and the student’s ID number.
A third and subsequent tardies in any trimester will result in a
lunch detention, lowered Life Skills score, and a parent phone
call.
If excessive tardies become an issue, further disciplinary action
may be taken, up to and including a one-day suspension, and
possible loss of passing time and/or locker privileges.
Students will accumulate tardies throughout the trimester and
will start with a clean record at the beginning of a new trimester.
• Students may deposit money into their account by placing
cash or a check (made out to Jenison/Hudsonville Food
Service) in an envelope, on which is written their name and
account number. This envelope must then be placed into the
special mail slot in the cafeteria door before 10:00 a.m. on the
day the money is to be used.
BACKPACKS
Students are encouraged to transport books to/from school in
backpacks. However, backpacks must remain in student lockers
during the day unless given other permissions by a teacher. This
is done for space and safety reasons.
• Request forms for free or reduced lunch are available in the
office.
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• Students are not to access any other student’s account for any
reason. Violators face possible suspension.
SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION
TORNADO WATCH - School will dismiss at the regular time. All
practices and events will be suspended/cancelled during the
duration of the watch.
• Students are reminded that all food/drink is to be kept in the
cafeteria.
• Students are not allowed in the hallways during their lunch
period.
TORNADO WARNING - Students will not be dismissed during
a tornado warning. They will remain at the school until the
warning has been lifted. All students will go to designated areas
and take cover. Once the warning has been lifted, all students
will return to class or be dismissed, and bus students will be
transported home. All athletic practices and events will be
canceled until the warning is lifted. All athletic practices and
events which are in progress when a warning is issued will be
stopped, and athletes will be moved to designated areas for
cover.
• Students may use the restrooms near the gymnasium.
• Students will be allowed outside in a designated area when
weather permits.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found articles are stored in the office. We keep these
items for one trimester. If they are not claimed, they are donated
to a charitable organization.
TELEPHONE
A phone for student use in calling parents, etc. is available on the
main office counter. Emergency calls (injury, etc.) will be made
by our secretaries on behalf of students.
MEDIA CENTER
Our library is open most school days from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Books may be checked out for a two-week period and then may
be renewed for an additional two weeks. Students will need to
present their agenda in order to check out material. Overdue
books will result in a 10-cent-per-school-day fine. Overdue
books or unpaid fines must be taken care of before checking out
any other books.
TEXTBOOK COVERS
All teachers require students to cover books with grocery bags or
other suitable material to extend the life of the books. Students
will be required to pay for damaged or lost texts.
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REPORT CARDS, GRADING & EXAMS
Report cards are issued every twelve (12) weeks.
MEDICATION
Hudsonville Public Schools recognize that some children may be
required to take medication while in school. Michigan School
Law allows school personnel to dispense prescription and nonprescription medication when ordered by a physician and/or a
parent or guardian. The school cannot dispense medication of
any kind without a specific written request from a parent and/or
physician on a form for this purpose that is available in the
office. Controlled substances (e.g. Ritalin, etc.) are not to be in
the possession of students. Parents are required to deliver these
medications to us. Students in possession could be subject to
suspension.
ACADEMIC GRADES:
93-100%...A
80-82%...B90-92%....A77-79%...C+
87-89%...B+
73-76%...C
83-86%...B
70-72%...C-
67-69%...D+
63-66%...D60-62%...D59-0%...E
LIFE SKILLS MARKS:
*work is completed and handed in on time
*produces quality work
*follows directions
*comes to class prepared/on time
*stays on task/pays attention in class
*displays motivation
*contributes positively in class
*respects self, others, and environment
*works well with others
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
Because of the large number of students we have in school, it is
difficult for us to give individual messages to students. We find
it necessary to limit phone messages to those which are
absolutely urgent, and we would greatly appreciate your
cooperation. Please make any arrangements which are necessary
for the day at home before school.
NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters from the principal are mailed to the student’s home
periodically throughout the school year. e-Banner weekly
newsletters will be emailed each Friday. The weekly newsletter
will also be available online at the school’s website. Daily
announcements are available online, as well.
ASSESSMENT KEY FOR LIFE SKILLS:
*EXEMPLARY means the student uses this Life Skill at a level
beyond the expectations of typical middle level students. This
student serves as an example for others.
*PROFICIENT means the student uses this Life Skill as
expected of a middle level student.
*NEEDS WORK means that the use of this Life Skill is not
consistent and that the student needs to make a plan for
improvement with the teacher.
*UNACCEPTABLE means there is little evidence of this Life
Skill being used as expected or that student efforts to correct the
problem have failed. A parent contact to make a plan of
improvement is required.
PHYSICAL EXAMS/HEALTH
Current year sports physical exam forms must be on file in our
office before a student begins tryouts or practice for any sport.
Sports physicals are often offered through the high school for
approximately $15.00. (Watch the school newsletter for specific
date.) Physicals may also be done at med centers or by your
family physician.
Situations involving impaired hearing or vision will be given
special consideration in the classroom.
INCOMPLETE
Students who have not completed classroom work due to illness,
etc., will receive an “I” (incomplete) on their report card.
Students have two (2) weeks to turn in the missing work, take
tests, etc., before the “I” turns into an “E” or the appropriate
grade.
Protective eye glasses must be worn by staff and students during
class when deemed necessary.
A statement from a physician is required before a student may
waive the physical education requirement.
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FAILING GRADES & RETENTION
Students who fail to pass half of the required core subjects
(English, math, science, social studies) in any given trimester or
for the year are in danger of retention. It is not our intention to
retain students, but those who cannot successfully pass half of
the required coursework are not prepared for the next grade
level. Parents of students at risk of failure will be appropriately
contacted well in advance.
VOICE MAIL
Parents may leave messages for faculty/staff by calling the
school and the appropriate extensions. A listing of teachers and
their extensions will be provided to parents at the beginning of
the year.
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE
The student’s behavior in school has a direct relationship to
learning. Routine classroom misconduct will be handled by the
teacher. Cheating or plagiarism on academic work will result in
loss of credit on the work and require satisfactory completion of
the assignment as determined by the teacher.
Further
consequences may also be warranted at the discretion of the
teacher and school administration.
With the exception of
flagrant violations (e.g. challenging authority, swearing, fighting,
etc.), the teacher will discuss misconduct with the student and
call the parent if behavior does not improve. If the student is
referred to the office for further disciplinary action, a
Disciplinary Referral Form will be completed.
For any
disciplinary action, the student’s due process rights are honored.
They are informed as to the violation, given opportunity to
respond to the charge, notified as to the consequence in effect,
and have opportunity to appeal the action in writing. Parents are
notified and discipline is progressive (except for flagrant
violations). School property that is broken, lost, or damaged is to
be paid for by the people directly involved. Put simply: If you
break it, you are expected to pay for it.
EAGLE PRIDE PROGRAM (New 2014/15)
The Baldwin Street Middle School Eagle Pride Program has
been established to encourage and reward academic
performance, improvement, increased attendance and positive
school culture through creative recognition and incentives.
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Gold Criteria
A or A- in ALL classes
All Proficient/Exemplary Life Skills
No more than 5 full-day excused absences
No unexcused absences
No tardies
No disciplinary referrals
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Blue Criteria
B- and above in ALL classes
All proficient Life Skills
No more than 6 full-day excused absences
No unexcused absences
No tardy detentions
No disciplinary referrals
CLOSED CAMPUS
The Board of Education has approved a policy whereby the
students of the Middle School will not be permitted to leave the
school grounds during the school day (the school day begins
when the student steps onto the bus or school property).
Permission is given by the principal in cases of emergency.
Should the need arise that the student must be out of school
during the day, a note or phone call from parents before school
begins is required. Before leaving the school grounds for any
reason, the student must check with the office. Failure to do so
could result in an out-of-school suspension.
POWERSCHOOL WEB PORTAL
PowerSchool Web Portal allows students and parents to access
grades, attendance, and assignment information online. You can
also set up automatic e-mail notifications to be sent to your email address. Any computer with access to the internet along
with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape or Safari will provide
you with access to the PowerSchool Web Portal. There is only
one sign-on for parents. If your spouse would also like to sign
on, you will need to share the account. Your student will have
his/her own account and sign-on, so please keep this information
confidential.
Visit hudsonville.k12.mi.us and select the
Technology/PowerSchool at the bottom. It is important that you
review all of the information about PowerSchool Web Portal
before using it. You will also find a link to the PowerSchool
Web Portal from this site.
Parents may visit our building at any time. Students from other
schools are not allowed to visit. All visitors, including parents,
must report to the office when they enter the building to obtain a
visitor badge.
DRESS CODE
We take pride in our appearance at Hudsonville Public Schools.
Students are expected to be dressed neatly and modestly at all
times and must not present health or safety concerns. Our desire
is to promote a positive, business-like learning environment, one
that models respect for self and others. Students wearing attire
that could potentially cause disruption will be sent to the office
for corrective action. This includes hats, tank tops, halter tops,
clothing allowing bare midriffs or undergarments to be visible.
Shorts and skirts should be no shorter than 4 inches above the
knee. Tight fitting yoga pants, leggings, tights and the like
are fine if worn under shorts and skirts which meet dress
code standards. With any shirt or top, the length must be long
enough to permit the garment to be tucked in. Sagging, the
wearing of oversized pants extremely low, is not allowed.
Students may not wear clothing which promotes substances
which they may not use (tobacco products, alcohol, drugs).
Clothing which depicts violence, hatred, racism, satanism,
displays sexually suggestive messages, or is gang related, is
unacceptable. Chains are not to be worn or carried. Coats are to
be kept in lockers unless approved by individual teachers.
PROGRESS REPORTS
A report will be sent home to parents of students at risk of failing
a course at the midpoint of each twelve-week marking period.
This is a “half-way” indicator of the student’s progress. It serves
as an initial warning to parents that changes need to be made
before an official grade is given. This progress report is the
teacher contact with parents in order that we might work
together for student success.
CONFERENCES
An Open House and Parent/Teacher Conferences will be
announced via a newsletter which will be mailed to parents.
Conferences with individual teachers may be set up during the
day. Teachers have a conference time built into their daily
schedule. Please send a note or phone us to make arrangements
for a conference. Teachers will initiate a conference if they see it
would be beneficial.
Please phone or email us with any
questions or concerns.
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ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Physical education lockers are in the P.E. dressing rooms, and
sports team lockers are for use by athletic teams. P.E. and sports
team lockers require padlocks. Unfortunately, items not locked
up may disappear.
Cell phones, MP3 players/iPods, CD players, cameras, and
electronic games or devices of any type are allowed during
lunch or with specific permission from staff only. Items
removed from students by staff will be returned to a parent or
after the last day of school in June. All items are to be silenced/
set to vibrate during the school day. The school will not be
responsible for any lost, missing, damaged, or stolen items.
Cameras and cell phones with camera capabilities are
STRICTLY FORBIDDEN in bathrooms and locker rooms.
In all cases any photos taken or posted must be done so only
with permission from those in the pictures.
Students may lease a school combination padlock for a deposit
of $5.00. This amount will be refunded when the lock is
returned at the end of the trimester or year.
Student lockers are located in the halls and are assigned at the
beginning of the school year. There will be no changing of
lockers during the year unless permission is given by the
homeroom core teacher and the office. The student lockers have
built-in combination locks on the doors. Padlocks are not
allowed on student lockers without office permission.
FIELD TRIP/TEAM ACTIVITY POLICY
Trips off campus or team activities on campus, whether
curriculum related or celebratory in nature, are privileges
provided by the staff at Baldwin Street Middle School to
enhance the total learning experience of each child. With such
privileges and opportunities come responsibilities for acceptable
academic effort and proper behavior. The following guidelines
are put in place to assist students toward this end:
1. Academically, students will earn the privilege of attending a
field trip by being in good academic standing without excessive
missing assignments in any class prior to the trip, and;
2. A student who receives disciplinary referrals for
disrespectful/disruptive behavior may be placed on trip
probation. Persistent misconduct or situations deemed serious
enough may warrant excluding a student from privileges, as
determined by the building administration.
Students may decorate the inside of lockers, provided that they
are returned to their clean status at the end of the school year.
Open containers of beverages or food are not allowed in any
lockers.
Ownership of lockers is retained by the school. The school
reserves the right to inspect student lockers and their contents for
reasons involving the health, safety, and welfare of students.
LOCKER CONTRACT
The school retains the right to inspect lockers at any time.
Provisions
1. Lockers are assigned by your homeroom core teacher.
2. Storing any valuables in your locker is done at your own
risk.
3. Under no circumstances are you to change lockers without
permission from your homeroom core teacher and the
office.
4. Do not give your combination to anyone.
5. If you are caught opening anyone else’s locker, you could
have your locker privilege suspended.
6. You must pay the replacement cost if a combination lock is
broken while on loan to you. The cost is $5.00.
7. Do not jam your locker or lock open with ink pens, paper,
etc., in an attempt to not have to turn the combination.
8. Report a non-working locker first to your homeroom core
teacher and then to the office on a sheet of paper stating
your name and locker number.
FIGHTING
Both parties involved usually feel that they are correct and the
other person is to blame. As a general rule, fighting will result in
an automatic suspension for both persons. Again, Michigan law
calls for expulsion of students attacking another with intent to do
bodily harm. (Note: there is no “self-defense” clause.)
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HALLWAYS
Students running in the halls face the risk of hurting
themselves or others; therefore, running is not allowed.
Keep hallways open to traffic by walking to the right. Do
not block traffic by standing in groups.
Pass through hallways quietly. Be considerate of others in
the halls and classrooms.
Discard trash in the containers provided. Keep the school
clean by picking up paper from the floors.
Students must have a pass to be in the halls while classes
are in session.
Leave the school building within 10 minutes after dismissal
unless supervised by a staff member.
Warning
• Your locker is not your property. It belongs to the school. You
may not display sexually explicit or inappropriate materials in
your locker.
• No illegal substances may be stored in your locker (alcohol,
tobacco products, pills, etc.).
• It is illegal to store weapons of any type in your locker.
Please be advised that law enforcement K-9 units will be
involved in periodic locker inspections.
HANDS-OFF
The hands-off policy is a basic middle school rule that covers
everything from pushing to overt displays of affection.
Handshakes, high fives, and congratulatory gestures have their
place, but hitting, tripping, pushing, hand holding and hugging
are not acceptable at school and can result in injury.
SAFETY/NUISANCE ITEMS
Students shall not bring any item which might disrupt the
learning process or present a safety hazard. Examples: guns of
any type, knives, pins, needles, tacks, laser pointers, matches,
lighters, firecrackers, smoke or stink bombs, combustible
materials, squirt guns, pea shooters, paper wads, rubber bands, or
propellant devices of any kind.
HOME-BASED TIME OUT
When a student’s behavior interferes with the learning process,
he/she may, at the discretion of the principal, be sent home from
school for the remainder of that day.
Students are reminded that Michigan law mandates expulsion for
weapons-related incidents (e.g. guns, knives with blades 3 inches
or longer, etc.) and for physical assault with intent to do bodily
harm. Students involved in making bomb threats also face
expulsion from school.
LOCKERS
We have two types of lockers:
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RED ZONE
Teachers may issue after school RED ZONE time to students
who have homework that is overdue or incomplete. The student
will be required to remain at school until 3:45 p.m. and will be
told in advance what days to plan on staying after. This allows
time for the students to make transportation arrangements. RED
ZONE is to be served when assigned, not at the student’s
convenience but can be completely avoided by turning in the
work prior to the assigned time. Skipping RED ZONE can result
in suspensions from school for insubordination.
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The building principal (or his designee), has the authority to
issue a short-term suspension. The final authority for long-term
suspensions or expulsions rests with the Board of Education.
The 3 types of dismissal are:
1. Short-term suspension -- any suspension of 10 days or less.
2. Long-term suspension -- any suspension over 10 days.
3. Expulsion -- the student may not return to school.
SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
A student may be suspended temporarily or expelled
permanently for the following reasons (suspension from school
means suspension from all school activities during the
suspension period):
In such action, the following precepts shall be adhered to:
1. A student shall be fully informed of the charges brought
against him, including the rationale for the conditions of
time and termination.
2. The parents shall be immediately notified by phone or
personal contact if the student is to be temporarily
suspended from school.
Written notification of such
contact shall be made in the student’s cumulative file.
3. Verbal notification shall be followed by written
communication to the parent or guardian stating the
charges, reasons and conditions of the separation or
suspension. A copy of the letter may be placed in the
student’s cumulative file.
4. The superintendent, or administrative offices designated by
him, may be notified immediately of any separation or
suspension.
5. Appeal procedures are as follows:
a. Students or parents may request a conference with the
principal. Such requests shall be made within the
period of separation or suspension. The principal shall
reaffirm or modify the terms of his action within two
school days from the date of the conference.
b. Within three school days from the principal’s hearing,
the student may appeal such a decision to the
superintendent of schools or his/her designee. The
superintendent shall affirm or modify the decision of
the principal within two school days from hearing the
appeal. The superintendent’s decision is final in shortterm suspension cases.
c. In the case of a long-term suspension or expulsion, the
superintendent’s decision may be appealed to the
Board of Education within five school days of such
decision.
The Board of Education shall schedule a hearing
within ten school days and shall notify the parents that
said hearing shall be conducted under the following
rules and procedures.
1.) Written notice shall be given of the time, date, and
place of the hearing.
2.) The student or parent may be represented by an
attorney or other advisor of their choosing.
3.) Witnesses may be presented at the hearing, and the
student or his representative may question
witnesses testifying against the student.
4.) The hearing is not a court procedure, and court
rules of evidence shall not be enforced at such
hearing.
5.) There may be present at the hearing the principal,
the Board of Education’s attorney and such
resource persons as the President of the Board of
Education deems essential to the proper
adjudication of the case.
6.) The Board of Education shall render a written
opinion of its determination within two school days
from the date of the hearing. Such written opinion
shall be forwarded to all parties concerned.
General
1. Deliberate misuse of books, materials, and equipment,
including defacing of property.
2. Theft and/or lying. Students who lie will be subject to an
increased suspension. This includes false reports, forgeries
cheating and/or plagiarism.
3.
Hitting a teacher or another school employee will result in
automatic suspension and probable expulsion.
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Trespassing on school property at unauthorized times.
5.
Setting off a false fire alarm or bomb threat will result in an
automatic suspension. The offender could be prosecuted by
civil authorities and face expulsion proceedings, as well.
Gross misbehavior (an act of such seriousness that it need
happen only once), and conduct detrimental to the normal
functioning of the school or school activities will result in
suspension.
Citizenship
1. Violation of state laws, local ordinances, approved safety or
fire codes, or laws pertaining to civil disobedience.
2. Possession of, use of, or distribution of illegal drugs or
look-a-likes on school property or at school events.
3. Smoking or the possession of tobacco products or lighters
or matches in the school building or on school property will
automatically result in a suspension.
4. Use of profane or obscene language.
5. Use of or possession of weapons, explosives, or look-alikes.
6. Possession and/or distribution of pornographic or sexually
inappropriate material, notes or messages.
7. Use of electronic devices of any type in bathrooms or
locker rooms is strictly prohibited.
8. Other offenses as deemed serious by the Principal.
Attendance
1. The compulsory school attendance law requires that all
students MUST attend school if they are between the ages
of 6 and 16.
2. Persistent tardiness.
3. Skipping school - which is defined as failure to have
parental permission for an absence. However, it should be
understood that parental permission does not necessarily
constitute an excused absence.
Safety of Others
1. Physical attacks or verbal or written threats to other
students.
2. Fighting.
3. Extortion.
4. Persistent disobedience and/or breaking of school rules and
regulations.
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Efforts shall be made by the school, but not guaranteed, to
provide alternate means by which a student under an extended
suspension or expulsion may continue his/her education. Such
opportunities may include evening classes, correspondence
courses, special programs, or transfer to another school or school
system.
**********************
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
FOR TITLE VI, TITLE IX, SECTION 504, THE AGE
DISCRIMINATION ACT,
AND TITLE II.
its programs or activities.
The following office has been
designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies:
Human Resource Director, Hudsonville Public Schools
3886 Van Buren, Hudsonville, MI 49426
(616) 669-7747
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
Bullying is not an acceptable behavior at school (as defined
below) and is prohibited by Hudsonville Public Schools. In
addition, Hudsonville Public Schools prohibits retaliation against
any individual who witnesses, reports or is a target of bullying.
This policy applies to all students, staff, parents, guests and
volunteers of Hudsonville Public Schools.
The grievance procedures for alleging violations under Title
VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, and
Title II.
Bullying is defined as any written, verbal, or physical act, or any
electronic communication (including but not limited to use of a
computer, internet, cell phone, PDA, or other wireless handheld
device), regardless of the underlying motivation or subject
matter of the conduct, that is intended or that a reasonable person
would know is likely to harm one or more pupils either directly
or indirectly by doing any of the following:
STEP 1 The grievance must be in writing and must be signed by
the person making the complaint.
The grievance must be filed with the personnel director within
ten school days.
If the personnel director is unable to resolve the grievance, he/
she shall further investigate the matters of grievance and reply in
writing to the complaint within ten school days from the date of
filing the grievance.
STEP 2 If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision of the
personnel director, he/she may submit a signed statement of
appeal to the superintendent within five school days after the
receipt of the personnel director’s response. The superintendent
shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion, and
respond in writing to the complaint within ten school days.
1. Substantially interfering with educational opportunities,
benefits, or programs of one or more pupils.
2. Adversely affecting the ability of a pupil to participate in or
benefit from Hudsonville Public School’s educational programs
or activities by placing the pupil in reasonable fear of physical
harm or by causing substantial emotional distress.
3. Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a
pupil’s physical or mental health.
4. Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference
with, the orderly operations of the school.
STEP 3 If the complainant remains unsatisfied, he/she may
appeal through a signed written statement to the Board of
Education within five school days of his/her receipt of the
superintendent’s response in Step 2. In an attempt to resolve the
grievance, the Board of Education shall meet with the concerned
parties and their representative within forty school days of the
receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the Board’s disposition of
the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within ten
school days of the meeting.
Hudsonville Board of Education’s Anti-Bullying Policy will
govern behavior “at school,” which is defined as conduct in a
classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or in
any other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored
activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises.
This policy also protects against conduct using a
telecommunication device or telecommunication service
provider that occurs off school premises if the
telecommunication access device or the telecommunication
service provider is owned by or under the control of Hudsonville
Public Schools.
STEP 4 If at this point the grievance has not been satisfactorily
settled, further appeal may be made to the Office of Civil Rights,
Department of Education, Washington D.C. 20201.
HARASSMENT...
PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, VERBAL,
and DISCRIMINATION
A legitimate act of bullying should be immediately reported to
the building administrator. Due process rights will be afforded
to the person(s) accused of violating the bullying policy.
Disciplinary measures shall be designed to correct the problem
behavior, prevent another occurrence of the behavior, and protect
the victim of the act. Parents/guardians of the accused bully and
victim will be notified.
Students shall not harass other students or persons in any way.
Harassment is against state and federal laws. Harassment in any
form is contrary to Hudsonville’s commitment to provide a safe,
stable learning environment. All contact between students of the
Hudsonville Public Schools shall demonstrate respect for all
individuals. Problems should be reported immediately. This
matter is taken very seriously. School disciplinary action and/or
formal charges could be filed with law enforcement agencies.
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Short Version Policy Statement
"It is the Policy of Hudsonville Public Schools that all members
of the student body and staff are responsible for obeying all
laws/regulations and district policy concerning the use of
information technology services, facilities and equipment,
whether they are accessing the equipment from an onsite or
offsite location. The district's information technology resources
remain the sole property of Hudsonville Public Schools.
Hudsonville Public Schools grants students, parents, clients and
employees the privilege to use its information technology
services, facilities and equipment to further learning, teaching
and working.
Further, any materials which may violate a person's right to work
and study in an environment free from discrimination/
harassment are not to be stored, displayed, transmitted or
Prohibited behavior includes:
1. Engaging in improper physical contact.
2. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive school
environment.
3. Making unwelcomed sexual advances.
4. Making improper sexual comments, or gestures and/or
name calling.
5. Under Michigan law, students making threats against adults
may be subjected to expulsion.
Hudsonville Public School does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight,
marital status, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of
7
otherwise linked to Hudsonville Public Schools information
technology services, facilities and equipment.
However, Hudsonville Public Schools recognizes the individual
right to access information. As a user of the district information
technology services, facilities and equipment, you are
responsible for abiding by the Technology Acceptable Use
Policy and the Protocol for Dealing with Technology Abuse.”
with the Hudsonville Public Schools policies;
21. use Hudsonville Public Schools computer facilities for any
purpose that could be seen as a violation of federal, state or
local laws and regulations.
Disciplinary Action
Where incidents are found to be in violation of district policy,
the district will exercise its rights to take appropriate disciplinary
action, including, but not limited to, verbal/written warnings,
rescinding of e-mail or internet accounts, removal of materials
from district computer equipment facilities and networks,
disciplinary directives, behavioral contracts, suspension and/or
expulsion/dismissal from the district. In addition to internal
district sanctions that can impact a student, the district will
cooperate with all local, national and international law agencies
whenever necessary.
Policy Regulations and Responsibilities
Hudsonville Public Schools provides information technology
services facilities and equipment to meet staff and student
learning, teaching or working needs.
However, it is a violation of District Policy to:
1. use district technology for anything that does not facilitate
learning or enhances educational information exchange
consistent with the purposes of the school:
2. bring in files into the district’s network that are considered
obscene;
3. load/install programs onto district technology equipment
without the express permission of a district technology
representative;
4. load/install files with the intent of testing the district
network for weaknesses or security gaps;
5. use district technology equipment for product
advertisement, political lobbying, or for making
unauthorized financial commitments;
6. use district technology equipment to propagate, forward, or
create malicious programs/processes on internal or external
software or equipment;
7. use internet access to post or download any material that is
considered obscene or objectionable based off of district
policies and standards;
8. use district technology equipment in a such a manner as to
cause direct and intentional damage to the equipment,
network, or data stored;
9. use another individual's information technology account for
any purpose without their consent;
10. grant another individual access to your information
technology account;
11. provide any level of information to outside entities or
individuals that could lead to a security breach of district
systems or accounts:
12. utilize access privileges to obtain, copy or provide
information about staff members, students or any
individual’s information for malicious intent, identity theft,
personal use or gain;
13. utilize access privileges to obtain, copy or distribute
software that is a violation of licensing agreements or
copyright law;
14. utilize access privileges to reverse engineer, decompile, or
analyze vendor software in any manner that will violate
nondisclosure agreements;
15. use any district information technology facilities to interfere
with the work of students, faculty members or district
officials;
16. use information technology facilities to send obscene,
abusive, derogatory or harassing messages or content;
17. display, transmit, distribute or make available information
that expresses or implies discrimination or an intention to
discriminate;
18. use information technology facilities to interfere with the
normal operation of district information technology systems
and connecting networks; this list would include such
things as flooding the network with messages or sending
chain letters or pyramid solicitations;
19. use Hudsonville Public Schools’ computer facilities for
personal profit or commercial gain not authorized by the
district;
20. create and/or use world-wide web information pages or
links to point to offending materials that do not comply
Full copies of all Technology Use Policies are available online
at http://www.hudsonville.k12.mi.us/ under the technology
link.
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
BUS RULES
( ) Penalty points in parentheses
Students must obey the instruction and direction of the
school bus driver. The bus driver is authorized to assign
seats (1-7).
2. Students must be on time to ride the school bus, must stay
off the roadway and maintain proper conduct while waiting
to board or upon leaving a school bus, must cross the street
in front of, and not behind the bus, must not hit the sides or
windows of a moving bus. (1-3)
3. Students may use the emergency door only during an
emergency or with the permission of driver or teacher
chaperone. (3)
4. Students must keep hands and head inside of the bus and
may not throw any object, including snowballs, on, at, or
out of the bus windows. (2)
5. Students must not move around or change seats without the
permission of the driver, nor may they speak loudly or
shout, or create any other disturbing noise. Students must
not tease, scuffle with, or fight with fellow passengers.
(1-7)
6. Students must not litter the bus. No eating or drinking on
the bus without permission. (1)
7. Students must not use profane, vulgar, or abusive language,
or make obscene gestures. (3)
8. Students must not damage or vandalize the school bus.
9. Students will be required to pay for repair of damage. (7)
a. Possession or use of firecrackers, smoke bombs or
other incendiary devices are strictly forbidden. (7)
b. Use of various substances (alcohol, tobacco,
marijuana, illegal drugs) as well as possession and/or
being under the influence of these substances is
forbidden. (7)
10. Students must comply with the rules and regulations of the
student handbook of the Hudsonville Public School adopted
by the Board of Education. Seven or more penalty points
will be assigned for violations listed in this handbook not
covered above.
1.
Suspension from riding a school bus for five (5) days shall occur
after a student accumulates seven (7) penalty points.
Suspension from riding a school bus for an additional ten (10)
school days shall occur after a student accumulates (10) penalty
points.
8
Suspension from riding a school bus for the remainder of the
school year shall occur after a student accumulates thirteen (13)
penalty points.
CHANGES IN REGULAR PICK UP AND DROP OFF OF
STUDENTS MUST BE APPROVED BY A SCHOOL
AUTHORITY. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS
CONCERNING BUSING, PLEASE CALL THE
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AT 669-7757.
Closing Comments to Parents
Please do feel free to contact us with concerns, comments,
and/or questions you might have. We’re looking forward
to a great year as we work together toward the
educational, social, and emotional growth of your son/
daughter.
Mr. Dave Powers, Principal
Mr. George Murphy, Assistant Principal/AD
9
Give Credit Where Credit is Due!
Plagiarism is stealing someone elseʼs ideas and words, and thatʼs bad.
You can avoid it by
following these simple tips!
Avoiding plagiarism in projects and papers is easy, breezy, lemon-squeezy. The following
before examples were taken from The Boysʼ War by Jim Murphy.
Reword information and say where itʼs from
Before: Boys in the Civil War found themselves challenged constantly-- by older soldiers, the
quest for food, and enemy fire.
After: Hunger, weapon fire, and veteran soldiers caused troubles for young boys in the Civil
War (Murphy 55).
Use quotation marks and say where itʼs from
Before: A meal was a frail link to their recollections of home and family and a better time.
After: Food was a “frail link” (Murphy 53) to memories of happier times at home.
Include a web address under graphics (pictures, charts, etc.)
http://www.webofentertainment.com
http://www.iclipart.com/
These are simple things to do in any kind of project,
not just formal papers.
The layout of a formal paper will look like this:
Jetson 1
Heading in
the upper
left hand
corner
Judy Jetson
Mr. Smith
Last name and
page number in
the upper right
corner of each
page
3rd Hour Science
Title, centered
12 October 2010
One inch
margins
Time Gobbler
Double space
everything
Teens today lead a hectic lifestyle of sports, friends, music, and
jobs. Over 85% of them use texting to keep up on all of the things going on
Citations
in their lives (McLeggs). Little do they know that texting gobbles up chunks
of valuable time that could be spent on reading, homework, and visiting
A works cited page will look like this:
Jetson 4
Works Cited
Bath, Anita. Txt Me L8r: How Texting is Destroying Our Language. New York: No Fun for
Alphabetize
entries
Kids, Inc., 2011. Print.
Lee, Brock. “No Phone Zone.” Parenting. 23 Aug 2008: 21-22. Print.
McLeggs, Harry. “Thumb and Brain Injuries from Texting.” Safety in Our World. Parents
for Safety. 3 Mar 2009. Web. 12 Sep 2011. <http://www.safeforyou.com>.
Book
Periodical Article
Web
Lastname, Firstname. Title of
Book. Place of publication:
Publisher, Year of
publication. Medium of
publication.
Lastname, Firstname. "Title of
Article." Title of Periodical.
Day Month Year: pages.
Medium of publication.
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.”
Name of Site. Name of institution/
organization affiliated with the site. Date of
last update. Medium of publication. Day
Month Year of access (when you found it).
<URL>.
Check Out These Online Tools!
Find out about references
Make a Works Cited page
<http://owl.english.purdue.edu>
<http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/>
<http://citationmachine.net>
No Excuses!
The following list serves as a reminder of what is expected regularly in everyday
writing, in any class, for every assignment:
Capitalization
• At the beginning of each sentence
• For all proper nouns
• For the pronoun I, as well as all of its forms (Iʼm, Iʼve, Iʼll)
...
nts
ude .
t
s
.
All
ss.
cla
Any ay...
d
e!
Any he tim
t
All
End punctuation
Sentences
• Complete
• No run-ons
• Make sense
Spelling
• Checked for correct use of Priority Words (see below)
• No abbreviations (&, etc., b4, w/, bc, and many others too numerous to list)
Priority Words (adapted from Rebecca Sitton & Egger Publishing. The 130+ most frequently used words in the
written English language)
a
about
after
all
also
an
and
another
any
are
around
as
at
back
be
because
been
but
by
called
came
can
come
could
couldʼve
day
definitely
did
do
does
down
each
even
finally
find
first
for
from
get
go
good
had
has
have
he
her
him
his
how
I
if
Iʼll
Iʼm
in
into
is
is
its
itʼs
Iʼve
just
know
like
little
long
look
made
make
man
many
may
me
more
most
much
must
mu
new
no
not
now
of
on
one
only
or
other
our
out
over
part
people
right
said
same
see
she
shouldʼve
so
some
than
that
the
their
them
then
theirs
there
thereʼs
these
they
theyʼre
think
this
three
through
time
to
too
two
up
use
very
was
water
way
we
were
what
when
where
which
who
will
with
words
work
would
wouldʼve
write
you
your
youʼre