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Avalon Middle School Student Handbook Committed to Excellence in Character and Knowledge

WELCOME

Welcome to Avalon Middle School. Middle school is a time for students to develop independence and to take ownership of their academic achievements. We know that they will not succeed on their own; education is a partnership among parents, teachers, and students. It is our belief that we, as educators, should inspire and motivate students in this process. During their time at the Castle, students will be challenged academically, socially, and personally. We believe that through engaging instructional activities, effective classroom management, and meaningful mentoring students will overcome obstacles and develop a positive self-concept while strengthening their character. While our primary focus is academics, we encourage students to become involved in extracurricular activities as we help develop the whole child. It is our hope that each student will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assist him or her in preparation for the future. Should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, guidance, or administration. This handbook is intended to provide you with an overview of policies and procedures specific to Avalon Middle School. For complete district policy, please consult the Santa Rosa County (SRC) Student Code of Conduct.

AMS AUTOMATED CALL-OUT SYSTEM

In addition to written notices and Planner entries, Avalon Middle School uses an automated call-out, e-mail and text messaging system to communicate to our students’ parents/guardians. The automated call-out system will provide information on school happenings such as attendance, activities, and overdue book notices, etc. It is imperative that a current telephone number and e-mail address are listed at the school. Please contact the Guidance Department at 983-5540, should your contact information change.

AMS PLANNER

The initial Avalon Middle School Planner is issued to all students at no cost. The use of the planner will assist students in developing effective organizational and time-management skills. Students are required to take their planner to each class and home each day. If a student loses his/her planner, the replacement cost will be $5. The planner is an excellent tool for communication between the school and the parent. Students are responsible for the care of their planner which is treated like a textbook. Students may be held accountable if they deface or destroy their planner.

ACCIDENTS

In case of accidents, the principal will have the authority to take necessary measures. The parent/guardian will be

notified in case of an emergency. When an accident occurs, students must report it to a staff member at the

time of injury. Any injury, whether it is a major or minor injury, should be reported.

ALCOHOL Alcohol, drugs or tobacco products are not permitted on school grounds. (See “Searches” section of this handbook. Also see Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Each day, the Pledge of Allegiance will be recited. School-wide announcements may be made at the beginning and end of the school day and require administrative approval.

ATTENDANCE

Avalon Middle School adheres to the policy set forth by the Santa Rosa County School District. Students who miss school for any reason are required to provide notification for the reason of the absence. SRC Student Code of Conduct specifies requirements, guidelines, and timelines for excused and unexcused absences.

For a student to receive an award for perfect attendance, he/she must be present in ALL classes at least one-half (1/2) of the class period plus one minute for the entire year.

AWARDS

At the end of the school year, 6th and 7th grade participates in award recognitions during class. 8th grade students participate in a formal awards recognition ceremony in which family and friends are encouraged to attend. Awards include, but are not limited to the following:

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Sixth and Seventh Grades

A Honor Roll (Students must receive ALL A’s each nine weeks in each subject area. This does NOT include the semester test if applicable, nor the semester or yearly average.)

A/B Honor Roll (Students must receive A’s and B’s each nine weeks in each subject area. This does NOT include the semester test if applicable, nor the semester or yearly average.)

Dean’s List Award (Students selected by the dean based on a student’s positive behavior at school)

Perfect Attendance (See Student Handbook Attendance section for eligibility criteria.)

Best Effort (One student will be chosen by every teacher.) Eighth Grade

A Honor Roll (Students must receive ALL A’s each nine weeks in each subject area. This does NOT include the semester test if applicable, nor the semester or yearly average.)

A/B Honor Roll (Students must receive A’s and B’s each nine weeks in each subject area. This does

NOT include the semester test if applicable, nor the semester or yearly average.)

All A’s in a Subject Area (Students who maintain straight A’s in a specific subject area each nine weeks. This does not include the semester test if applicable, nor the semester or yearly average.)

Dean’s List Award (Students selected by the dean based on a student’s positive behavior at school)

Perfect Attendance (See Student Handbook Attendance section for eligibility criteria.)

Citizenship Award (Pace Civic Association will give a boy and girl who best exhibits the qualities of

good citizenship (i.e., honesty, responsibility, dependability, cooperation, etc.) through the year.

President’s Award for Educational Excellence (Students must receive a 90 average or above, all three years, in all subject areas and receive 85% or higher on the nationally normed standardized test in reading or mathematics.)

Award of Merit (Students who have shown exceptional effort in every subject area.)

Outstanding Achievement (Students who have received the highest-grade point average in a specific

subject area.)

American Legion (Optional)

Math Student of the Year (The math student with the highest-grade point average combined with

exceptional effort, class participation, and good conduct.)

BACKPACKS, BOOK BAGS AND GYM BAGS

Students may carry a backpack. It should fit neatly under the desks. Backpacks with wheels are not permitted. Gym bags and briefcases are not permitted on school buses or school grounds. Any exceptions must be approved ahead of time by administration.

BICYCLES

Students who ride bikes to school must park them in the bike racks provided by Avalon Middle School. Students

must provide their own locks to insure proper safety. Students are required by Florida law to wear safety helmets.

Students who fail to wear safety helmets will be referred to the appropriate authority.

BULLYING

A form of aggression in which a person(s) willfully subjects another person(s) to a systematic, an intentional, unwanted and unprovoked hurtful verbal and/or physical action(s) which result in the victim feeling oppressed, intimidated or threatened at any school site, on school transportation, school-sponsored activity or through the use

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of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of a Santa Rosa County District School. (School Board Policy 5.321)

An individual who is a victim of bullying has a right to report an incident(s) without fear of retaliation. Retaliation must not occur.

Allegations of bullying shall be promptly investigated, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality and the safety of the victim and/or any individual reporting an incident of bullying. Proven allegations of bullying can have serious consequences for the student deemed guilty. (See Code of Student Conduct for additional information.)

Students may anonymously report bullying by going to the schools website and clicking on the “Santa Rosa Speak Out” link.

CAFETERIA

Avalon Middle School’s Cafeteria will be available to students for breakfast and/or lunch. Breakfast and/or lunch may be prepaid either at the school site or on the Santa Rosa County School District’s website at www.santarosa.k12.fl.us (SRCSD). Click on the Food Services tab on the left to access information regarding the breakfast/lunch programs including on-line payment.

Students eating breakfast are encouraged to arrive at school by 9:00 a.m. to obtain and finish their meal prior to the tardy bell. Students who are provided with their own transportation or who walk/ride a bike to school and are repeatedly tardy to class due to eating breakfast could face disciplinary action. (See Tardiness and Check-Outs section of the Student Handbook.)

Students will not be permitted to charge meals from the cafeteria. If a student does not have the means to pay for lunch he or she will be sent to guidance where a parent will be contacted and the student will be provided with a snack.

Some families may qualify for free or reduced-priced meals. A Free and Reduced-Priced Meals application may be picked up in guidance or accessed on-line on the Santa Rosa County School District’s website at www.santarosa.k12.fl.us (SRCSD). Click on the Free/Reduced Application tab on the left. These applications must be filled out completely and signed before they are considered.

No student will be permitted to go home for lunch. A student, who chooses not to eat lunch, must go to lunch with his/her class to the cafeteria. For the safety and security of all students in the cafeteria, students will be expected to abide by the following procedures:

1. Use proper etiquette. 2. Be seated at assigned lunch tables unless otherwise permitted. 3. Wait for permission to get food. 4. Go directly to the food lines and then return to their assigned table. 5. Raise their hand for permission to leave their assigned table. 6. Wait for a staff member to dismiss them. 7. Keep personal grooming (i.e., brushing hair, applying make-up, etc.) limited to the restrooms, not the

cafeteria. 8. Drinks with twist-off caps must be opened and consumed in the cafeteria. If a student has not finished

the drink at the end of their lunch period, the drink must be placed in the garbage for disposal. No glass drink bottles will be permitted at school.

9. Do not leave the cafeteria without permission. 10. Food items brought-in by a parent/guardian at lunch-time can only be consumed by his/her child. If

the parent/guardian wishes to eat lunch with his/her child, he or she should sign in at the office and eat at the designated table in the cafeteria. No other students may eat with a visitor without written permission from his/her parent.

CANDY/GUM

Students are not permitted to consume gum or candy in the hallway or the classroom. These items may only be consumed in the cafeteria or in the classroom when provided by a teacher.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Each student should take individual responsibility in helping to care for school property such as books, planners, desks, floors, P.E. lockers, and the cafeteria and restroom facilities.

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There will be no inappropriate graffiti allowed on papers, books, planners, or walls. Students will be responsible for any damages and will be fined and/or punished in accordance with the severity of their actions.

CHECK CASHING

Internal funds cannot be used to cash checks to accommodate individuals. Checks given in payment for purchases such as lost or damaged textbooks, lost or damaged library books, fundraisers, class/club activities, yearbooks, etc., must be for the EXACT amount of purchase payable to Avalon Middle School. Checks written for student lunch accounts are made payable to Santa Rosa County School District.

CHECK-OUT POLICY All students must have parental/guardian authorization to leave school early. For safety reasons, office personnel must verify written or verbal authorization before a student will be allowed to leave school. A parent/guardian must come in the school, present proper identification, and sign out his/her child in the Office giving the date and time of his/her departure. Individuals other than a parent/guardian authorized to pick-up a student must be identified on the Avalon Middle School Check-Out Information form and Health Card and show photo identification.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

Each teacher (including nontraditional classrooms such as band, P.E.) establishes a set of classroom procedures for his/her individual class. These include correct procedures for getting passes and make-up work, conduct within the classroom, care of individual and school property, proper headings on paper, etc.

CLINIC

All students who become ill (i.e., headache, stomachache, etc.) or injured must report to the Clinic for evaluation by the Health Technician. The Health Technician will assess the situation and determine the need to contact the parent/guardian to inform them of the situation. When the Health Technician is unable to contact the parent/guardian and the condition does not warrant immediate attention, the student must return to class.

The School District and Health Department are required to follow the terms of the Notice of Privacy Practices, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). (See the Student Code of Conduct for more information.)

CONFERENCES

The school encourages parent-teacher conferences concerning a student’s progress. Most conferences are scheduled Wednesday-Friday morning from 8:45-9:05 a.m. Conferences should be pre-arranged through the Guidance Office to avoid conflict with classroom instruction. Please call Guidance at 983-5540, if you are delayed or cannot attend a scheduled conference.

CUSTODY OF CHILDREN

School personnel are required by law to release children to their natural parent(s) unless a copy of a court order granting custody to one or the other parent, or to a third party is on file at the school site. All custody-related issues should be addressed through the Guidance Office.

DISCIPLINE

Proper respect is to be given to ALL personnel. All students are subject to discipline by any faculty or staff member. Discipline will be given in accordance with state law and School Board Policy. (See the Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

DRESS CODE GUIDELINES

ALL students will abide by the following dress code guidelines:

1. Students are not permitted to wear garments with obscene, suggestive or offensive language, or drug, tobacco, or alcoholic beverage advertisements.

2. SHIRTS: Shirts, dresses, etc. warn as outer garments must be one strap that is at least three (3) inches

wide at its narrowest section. Layering shirts to meet this requirement is not permitted. Muscle shirts,

halter-tops, or tank tops cannot be worn as outer garments.

3. SEE-THROUGH MATERIAL: Students are not permitted to wear clothing that reveals undergarments or any inappropriate body areas. This includes shirts and/or blouses that are low-cut or made of see-through material. The shirt and/or blouse must overlap the pants so that the midsection is not revealed

even with the student’s arms raised.

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4. SHORTS AND SKIRTS. Students are permitted to wear dresses, skirts, shorts, etc., as long as the hem of the garment is no more than five (5) inches from the bend of the knee. For garments with splits,

holes, etc., the length is measured from the top of that point. If the student has difficulty finding shorts that meet this requirement, the student may choose not to wear shorts, to wear pants, or to have pants altered to meet the required length for shorts. Skirts, shorts and dresses are NOT measured by finger tips

but by 5 inches from the bend in the back of the knee.

5. SAGGING PANTS. Students are not permitted to wear pants with oversized legs or pants that drag the ground. Additionally, pants and shorts are to be worn at the natural waistline and cannot sag or reveal the undergarments.

6. TIGHTS, LEGGINGS AND SPANDEX. Students are not permitted to wear tights, spandex, leggings,

jeggings or other form-fitting pants unless the student wears a top, shorts, or skirt that meets the length

requirement for shorts as the outer garment.

7. PAJAMA PANTS. Students are not permitted to wear pajama pants, pajama shirts, or bedroom slippers. This applies to ALL approved special dress-up days to include but not limited to Tacky Day.

8. Items that may cause injury to self or others (i.e., metal chains or heavy medallions) are not to be worn.

9. HATS. Students are strongly encouraged not bring hats or other head coverings to school. The wearing

of hats or other head coverings on school campus is not permitted unless they are part of religious attire. Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the building.

10. Shoes must be worn at all times; footwear deemed inappropriate will not be permitted. Bedroom slippers are not permitted.

11. Students are not permitted to display inappropriate markings on themselves or any items they have at school; body piercing, other than in the ear, is not permitted.

12. Students are not permitted to present themselves in any manner or possess any item that denotes membership in a gang, advocates drug use, violence, promiscuity, or disrupts or distracts from the learning environment. NO bandanas or head coverings will be permitted.

13. Students are not permitted to draw special attention to themselves in a way that can be deemed

inappropriate or a disruption in the school environment (i.e., using face paints, applying stickers on the

face, hands, arms, or legs, etc.).

Students who are in violation of the Dress Code will be required to comply in one of the following ways:

1. If changes cannot be made at school, the parent/guardian may be contacted.

2. If the parent/guardian is unable to bring clothes necessary for compliance, the student will spend the remainder of the day in In-School Suspension (ISS) as detention.

Continual Dress Code violations will result in further disciplinary action.

EDUCATIONAL RECORDS, RIGHTS AND PRIVACY NOTICE

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), you are notified that educational records, including files, documents and any other materials directly related to each child are kept and maintained on each child. Parents and students, over the age of eighteen, have the right to review, inspect and challenge the individual student record. However, without the parent’s consent, only the parent, school personnel and persons specified in School Board Policies will have access to a student’s records. Directory information on students may be released, unless the parent makes a request in writing for the school not to do so; such information includes the student’s name, address, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, weights and heights of athletic team members, awards received, parents’ names and the name of the current school attended. The written request not to publish any or all of the above information must be on file at the school by the first week of September. When a student transfers from one school to another, that student’s educational records are automatically forwarded to the

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new school upon request from the school. (See Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

EMERGENCY DRILLS Lockdown, hazardous material, fire, or tornado drills will be held in accordance with state law. Teachers will explain the appropriate procedures students will follow in each situation.

ENERGY DRINKS

Students are not permitted to possess or consume energy drinks on campus or on the school bus. Energy Drinks are those beverages that contain large quantities of stimulants such as but not limited to caffeine.

FAILURE TO NOTIFY

A student who has knowledge of and fails to report to a person in authority, the actions or plans for action of another person where harm could result or has resulted to another person(s), or damage could result or has resulted to property, could face disciplinary action.

FIGHTING

Physical altercations (fighting) between students will not be tolerated and will be handled in a firm and swift manner. Any student who is involved in a fight on Avalon Middle School's campus, a Santa Rosa County School District school bus, a chartered bus contracted by Avalon Middle School, or at a school-sponsored activity including, but not limited to, field trips and dances is subject to immediate Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) and legal action through local law enforcement officials.

FLORIDA KIDCARE

The State of Florida offers health insurance for uninsured children from birth to age 18 through the Florida KidCare Insurance Program. Information on Florida KidCare will be available in the front office. For additional information call 1-888-504-5437. For information on the status of an existing account call 1-888-821-5437 or go on the web to www.floridakidcare.org.

FLOWERS, BALLOONS AND STUFFED ANIMALS

Flowers, balloons, and/or stuffed animals, etc. sent to or received by students during the school day will be kept in the Front Office until the end of the day. Students receiving flowers, balloons and/or stuffed animals will be notified soon after their arrival and may pick them up at the end of sixth period.

GRADING SCALE

A ---------------------------------- 90–100 B ------------------------------------ 80–89 C ------------------------------------ 70–79 D ------------------------------------ 60–69 F -------------------------------------- 0–59

Grades may be monitored via the internet from the school website at www.santarosa.k12.fl.us/ams. Look for the Grade Portal tab. Parents will need student date of birth and id number to access on-line grades.

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

The Guidance Counselor encourages conferences with teachers, parents, and students concerning any problems or factors that might interfere with a student’s adjustment or progress in our school. Teacher permission is required unless the student goes to the Guidance Office between classes to set up an appointment. The counselor will fill out a pass to get a student excused from class when and if needed.

HALLWAYS

Students should use proper etiquette in the hallways. Students should not gather in-groups in the center of the hallway. Loud talking, noises, general horseplay and misconduct are not acceptable behavior in the hallways. Students who do not conform to these expectations may receive punishment if this type of misconduct continues.

Students are to walk on the right-hand side of the hallway at all times. Students are not allowed to open any exterior doors to allow others to enter the school.

HARASSMENT

It is the desire of the administration, faculty, and staff for each child to feel safe at Avalon Middle School. Harassment of students in any form will not be tolerated. If any student feels threatened or harassed in any way,

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that student is to report the problem to the Guidance Office, the Dean of Students, a teacher, or administration, so immediate action to solve the problem can be taken. (See the Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

HEALTH CARD

A current health card must be completed and returned to the school. Student health cards will be maintained in the Clinic for reference of special medical conditions, custody issues, and pick-up and/or transportation authorization. These cards are especially important for emergency contact of parent(s)/guardian(s) or their designee when the parent(s) or guardian(s) are unavailable. Please notify the school immediately when contact information on the health card changes so it can be updated (i.e., home/work/cellular telephone numbers, individuals authorized to provide pick-up and/or transportation, etc.).

HOMEWORK

Each student is responsible for his/her assignments. He/she will be allowed a reasonable length-of-time (set by the teacher) to complete the assignment. If a student is present when the assignment is given, the assignment is due on the first day the student returns to school. (See the Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

IMMUNIZATION

Any student who does not have an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization will be temporarily excluded from school until such documentation is presented to the Guidance Office. Immunization information can be obtained from the Santa Rosa County Health Department.

INTERNET GUIDELINES

Any student who wishes to use the Internet must demonstrate his/her understanding of the “Internet Use Procedure”. In addition, a student must have on file at the school site an Internet Access Agreement signed and dated by the parent or guardian, student and supervising classroom teacher. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in disciplinary action. (See the Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

For additional internet awareness information go to the Santa Rosa County School District’s website at www.santarosa.k12.fl.us (SRCSD). Click on the PARENT tab and scroll down to Internet Safety.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found items are located in Room 501. All unclaimed items will be sent to a charitable organization at

the end of each month.

MAKE-UP WORK

When a student is absent, homework, class assignments, and projects may be made up. The student shall be responsible for making arrangements with teachers for make-up work. Within three (3) days after returning to school, the student shall complete all make-up work unless the teacher has given an extension. Assignments and projects given prior to the student’s absence should be turned in on the student’s first day back to school. Tests announced prior to the absence may be given on the student’s first day back to school, or at the teacher’s discretion. (See County Code of Student Conduct for details regarding makeup work during OSS)

MEDIA CENTER

The Media Center at Avalon Middle School provides opportunities for students to develop research and self-study skills as well as fulfill lifelong learning needs and reading enjoyment. The Media Center is open daily during school hours and before school most mornings.

MEDICATION REGULATIONS

Medication regulations and guidelines will be followed at school and school-sponsored activities including field trips. At no time should a student bring medication (prescription or non-prescription) to school. All medications must be brought to the school by a parent/guardian and logged in by trained personnel. (See the Code of Student Conduct for medication regulations and guidelines.)

MISSING AND/OR DAMAGED PROPERTY

Avalon Middle School will not be held responsible for an individual student’s missing and/or damaged property.

Students are encouraged to take precautions to prevent their own personal property from being stolen, misplaced, or damaged (i.e., put student name on all personal belongings, do not leave belongings unattended, lock

belongings in Band locker or P.E. locker, etc.).

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MOBILE DEVICES Mobile devices such as cell phones, I-pads, I-pods, E Readers, etc. may be brought on campus, but are subject to restrictions set forth in the Student Handbook and the Santa Rosa County Code of Conduct. Items to remember:

▪ The device should be in silent mode during school hours and should not disrupt the instructional environment.

▪ Students should only use electronic devices when permitted by adults in designated areas. Students may be asked by school personnel to put away these devices. Continued use of a mobile device after being instructed by a school official not to do so may result in disciplinary action.

▪ Parents who need to reach their child (or vice versa) should communicate via the Front Office if an emergency arises.

▪ Under no circumstances are students to physically connect to any port or District-owned device while on School Board property as specified by School Board policy.

▪ Students are required to access the internet only through district-provided, filtered networks. (See Board policy)

▪ Personal technology should be charged and run off its own battery while at school.

▪ Neither the school nor the School District will provide technical support for any personal electronic device.

Use of a mobile device or improper storage during the school day will result in disciplinary action.

▪ The student is solely responsible for personal property and neither the school nor School District is responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property brought by a student.

▪ Ear buds and headphones. Students are expected to have only one ear bud in/one headphone covering ear during the school day when mobile devices are permitted (before school, after school, class change, lunch, or at the teacher’s discretion).

OFFICE

Students must have signed teacher permission to go to the office during the school day. Students must report to

class and then request permission to go to the office. Teachers will sign in the student's planner. Students must

obtain permission to use the telephone. (See the Telephone section in the Student Handbook.)

PROFANE, OBSCENE, ABUSIVE, INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE OR GESTURES

Students are not allowed to use profane, obscene, abusive, inappropriate language or gestures. Students are not allowed to have in their possession objects or pictures which are disrespectful or socially unacceptable and tend to disrupt the school environment, a school function, and/or extracurricular/co-curricular activities. Parents may be contacted and disciplinary action taken if this policy is violated.

PROMOTION POLICY

All students must successfully complete three of the four required core courses (Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science) each year to be promoted to the next grade level classification. Eighth grade students must have earned three credits in math, science, social studies and language arts while in middle school to be promoted to high school. Students and parents will be notified of options available for students to successfully complete a required course.

PTO

Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in Avalon Middle School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). We believe parents and teachers working together in productive partnerships strengthen Avalon Middle School. Research has shown a direct relationship between parent involvement in the child’s education and the child’s performance in school. We look forward to your participation. (See Volunteer section of the Student Handbook.)

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Kissing, hugging, handholding or other public displays of affection are not appropriate behavior for school or school-sponsored activities. Parents may be contacted and disciplinary action taken if this policy is violated.

READING INCENTIVE PROGRAM

The Avalon Middle School Media Center RARE (Random Acts of Reading Enjoyment) reading incentive program allows students to earn special incentives by reading the SSYRA (Sunshine State Young Reader Awards) books and passing the Accelerated Reader test with a 70% or higher score. Eighth grade students may

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choose to read either the SSYRA books or chose from the YARA (Young Adult Reader Award) list. All students are

eligible to participate in this program.

REWARD ACTIVITIES

Students who receive a discipline referral to the Dean’s office may not be eligible to participate in the quarterly reward activities set by each grade level.

SCHOOL DAY

Student supervision is provided 30 minutes before and after the school day ONLY. We strongly encourage those who provide their own transportation or students who walk/ride a bike to school arrive within this 30-minute timeframe before the school day begins. If (due to an emergency) a student must arrive early on a given day, the student must wait at the student drop-off area in the front of the school.

Upon entering the school, students are required to go to the cafeteria or media center and will be dismissed to report promptly to their first period teacher at the appropriate time. Once the tardy bell rings, students must report to the Office for an admittance slip and then report to their classroom.

Students who stay after school for a school-sponsored activity are responsible for making transportation arrangements. They should be picked up as soon as the activity concludes.

SCHOOL PICTURES

Students must pay in advance to purchase their school pictures. Payment is made on the day pictures are taken.

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Students must follow expectations as set by the Avalon Middle School Positive Behavior program. These guidelines will be reviewed with students at the beginning of each year and reinforced as part of the school day.

SEARCHES

School Authorities may search a student locker(s) or other areas when reasonable suspicion that prohibited or illegally possessed substance or object is contained within the area pursuant to Florida Statutes (School Policy 5.31, Florida Statute 001.41; 1001.42, F.S.)

SECTION 504 PLAN

According to Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, your child may be eligible for certain services. If you feel your child requires adaptations or modifications to the regular school environment, you may request a determination of eligibility for Section 504. This request may include a written statement from your child’s physician to support the condition already indicated by your child’s school health card. NOTE: No additional monies are provided by the government to either the parents or the school. If you feel your child might be eligible, contact a Guidance Counselor at 983-5540.

SELLING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Students are NOT allowed to sell any items while on school grounds during the school day unless approved by the administration.

SUSPENSIONS

Students who receive In-School Suspension (ISS) cannot attend or participate in any school-sponsored activity (i.e., assemblies, field trips, etc.) during the school day.

Students who receive Out-of-School Suspensions (OSS) cannot attend or participate in any district or school- sponsored activity (i.e., assemblies, dances, games, field trips, etc.) during the time of their suspension.

TARDINESS AND CHECK-OUTS

Students are responsible for being at school and in class on time. 5 late to school or early check outs will result in an absence for truancy purposes. Repeated tardiness and/or check-outs will result in disciplinary action.

Students must provide an explanation for the cause of the student’s tardiness or absence. The excuse can be in a written format (i.e., note from parent/guardian, Doctor’s/Dentist’s note) or call the Attendance Office at 983-5540, ext. 1114, to report the reason for a tardiness or absence. (See the Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

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TELEPHONE

Students are not allowed to use the school telephone except in the case of an emergency. Arrangements for the child’s day should be made before he/she leaves home. No student shall use the telephone concerning visiting friends, riding a different bus home, birthdays, scouts, etc.

TEXTBOOKS

The State of Florida at no cost to your child furnishes textbooks to students. However, students are responsible for the care of these textbooks. If a student should lose or damage their textbook(s), he/she will be responsible to pay for replacement of the textbook(s) and/or a damaged fee.

THREATS

The definition of a threat is defined as: “To cause substantial emotional distress, to cause injury, to make threats

against life, or stalk another student.” This form of misconduct is unacceptable. ALL reported threats will be taken

seriously by school officials. (See the Code of Student Conduct for more information.)

TOBACCO PRODUCTS The possession and/or use of tobacco products and/or paraphernalia (i.e., matches, lighters, etc.) are not permitted on Avalon Middle School's campus. (See Searches section of the Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct for more information)

TRANSPORTATION

Students who refuse to obey the bus driver or the teacher(s) on-duty, or who fail to follow bus expectations and regulations are subject to suspension and/or loss of transportation privileges. All buses will load and unload at the designated bus ramp on the north side of the school.

Students must provide written notice to the front Office or Guidance informing the school they have parental permission to go home with another student by school bus or car. The note must identify the student receiving approval to go home with the other student, the student with whom that student will go home, and the parent’s signature. A contact number for BOTH the requesting student’s parent/guardian and the other student’s parent/ guardian must be provided. The school will contact both individuals to confirm the transportation request. The note will be initialed by school personnel and returned to the student for bus admission or approval for parent pick- up.

Parents picking up children must pick them up in the parent pick-up zone on the west side of the school. We ask that you refrain from having pets stick their heads out the window in the pickup line. They can be a distraction to those who are trying to load students and a possible safety risk to students and staff. Please make definite arrangements for your child’s transportation to and from school before he/she leaves home. Be sure the child knows where to go after school. If arrangements change, please notify the Office (983-5540) before 3:00 p.m. Students will not be permitted to walk across the street without a parent or guardian to get in a car waiting on King Arthur’s Way.

ALL students who walk to school must assemble at the bus ramp to be dismissed from campus by school personnel.

TRANSPORTATION – DISCIPLINE RELATED

Any student assigned before-school detention must make arrangements for individual transportation. Parents/Guardians will be notified if their child receives detention.

VISITORS

Avalon Middle School operates under a closed-campus policy. Absolutely NO visitors are allowed on campus without showing proper identification and approval of administration upon arrival.

ALL visitors must show ID at the door, report to the Office once buzzed in, sign in and receive an identification badge. After clearance, visitors will be directed to their destination. Upon completion of their business, ALL visitors are to check out and then vacate the campus immediately. This policy is necessary for the best educational atmosphere at Avalon Middle School. All visitors should have appropriate photo identification.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

We believe that communication and cooperation helps to insure the best quality education. If you can spare some time, become a volunteer. Volunteer application forms are in the first day packet. Please fill out the application

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form and return it to the school if you plan to volunteer and/or chaperone a school-sponsored activity (i.e., field trips, band/chorus functions, dances, etc.). Your name will be submitted to the School Board for approval.

WEAPONS

(also see the Code of Student Conduct) Possession of weapons or replica weapon(s), bullets, or other weapon-related paraphernalia is not allowed at school and could result in the student's removal and placement at an alternate location for instructional delivery. Any item not used for its intended purpose may be classified as a weapon. Some examples of weapons include but are not limited to:

pen knives

X-Acto knives

razor blades

BB guns

chains, (i.e., wallet chains, etc.)

WEBSITE In addition to our automated call out system, parents are encouraged to routinely go to our webpage www.avalonms.weebly.com for updates and information regarding campus happenings. This site contains information that may be needed throughout the year by both parents and students. It is also a convenient way to access staff contact e-mail.

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S.M.A.R.T. Goals Working with your homeroom teacher, create an academic, attendance or behavioral goal

for each quarter and record your progress on the chart below:

Quarter

S

List the specific goal

M

How will you

measure your

progress

A Is this goal

attainable

R List the steps you will

take to get results.

T Time:

achieve this goal by:

1 End of quarter 1

2 End of quarter 2

3 End of quarter 3

4 End of quarter 4

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Avalon Middle School uses Unify Performance Matters as a progress monitoring tool. Use the

chart below to record your progress on each benchmark assessment. Your homeroom teacher

can provide you with this data after you have taken each assessment.

Renaissance STAR/Unify Diagnostic Assessments and Progress Monitoring

Reading

Level Vocabulary Reading Application Literacy Analysis Fiction/Non-Fiction

Informational Text & Research

Process Test

A Test

B Test

C Test

A Test

B Test

C Test

A Test

B Test

C Test A Test

B Test

C Test

A Test

B Test

C

Scale Scores

Math Fractions, Ratios, Proportional

Relationships & Statistics

Expressions & Equations

Geometry & Measurement

6th

Grade Scores

Number: Base Ten Ratios and Proportional Relationships

Geometry & Measurement

Statistics & Probability

7th

Grade Scores

Number: Operations, Problems & Statistics

Expressions, Equations, &

Functions

Geometry & Measurement

8th

Grade Scores

Science Nature of Science Earth & Space Science

Physical Science Life Science

8th

Grade Scores

Algebra I Polynomials Discrete Math 8

th Grade

Level Scores

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Password Log Computer Log In Class Link/Grade Portal

Username: __________________________________ Password:___________________________________

Username: _________________________________ Password:__________________________________

My.HRW.com COMPASS/Course Recovery

Username: __________________________________ Password:___________________________________

Username: _________________________________ Password:__________________________________

Renaissance STAR Unify

Username: __________________________________ Password:___________________________________

Username: __________________________________ Password:___________________________________

Username: __________________________________ Password:___________________________________

Username: _________________________________ Password:__________________________________

Username: __________________________________ Password:___________________________________

Username: _________________________________ Password:__________________________________