Parent And Student HANDBOOK - Duval County Public Schools

Properly hemmed outer garments such as shorts, may be worn, provided they are notdisruptive or distractive, as determined by the school administration. Garmentsincluding, but not limited to, such items as boxer shorts, traditionally designed asundergarments, may not be worn as outer garments. Clothing and accessories shall not be worn if they display profanity, violence, lewd andobscene messages, sexually suggestive phrases, or advertisements, phrases or symbolsof alcohol, tobacco, or drugs or other symbols phrases or advertisements that would beoffensive to common propriety or decency. Head coverings, including, but not limited to, caps, hats, bandannas, hair curlers, and/orsunglasses, shall not be worn on school property, unless required by a physician orauthorized by school personnel. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts inan indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment. Thewaistband of shorts, slacks, skirts, and similar garments shall not be worn below thehips. Clothing, which is not worn appropriately, is not properly fastened, is suggestive,or has tears that reveal or expose body parts, has printing with words or pictures thathave a sexual connotation will not be permitted. All trousers, including oversized or lowhanging trousers, must be worn and secured at waist level. Underwear, midriff and backmay not be exposed. If belts, suspenders, and straps are worn, they shall be worn inplace and fastened. Any articles of clothing or jewelry that may cause injury to oneself or to other studentsare not allowed.All students must adhere to these minimal guidelines for acceptable apparel and appearance. Aschool may implement a school uniform requirement through the shared decision-makingprocess, with input from the School Advisory Council. In order to maximize instructional time,students will be given an opportunity to immediately correct dress code violations.BACKPACK POLICYStudents may carry a backpack while on campus providing that the following requirementsare met: The backpack is “SEE THROUGH” plastic or mesh material (All items in the backpackmust always be visible)** Both policies are revisited and revised each year. Input can be given during SAC andShared Decision Meetings. *12 P a g e

ATTENDANCE POLICY Daily school attendance is imperative to academic success.Students at Arlington Middle School will attend school based on the district scheduleprovided by the district: If a student must be absent, students may earn up to 100% credit for make-up workdepending on the quality, correctness and if completed in the allotted time allowed formake-up work to be turned in for excused absences. (see section on make-up work). Absences are EXCUSED for injury, illness, serious illness or death in the family, doctor’sappointments, court appearances, in-school suspension, official religious holidays of areligious sect and religious instruction. Determining a legitimate school related absence or insurmountable situation is left to thediscretion of the principal and/or the principal’s designee.TARDY POLICYTardiness is defined as the physical absence of a student in the classroom at the beginning of aregularly scheduled class. A student’s tardiness shall be EXCUSED when the reason given fortardiness is acceptable to the Principal or Designee. Examples of acceptable reasons fortardiness are the same as the examples of acceptable reasons for excused absences.Tardy Discipline Track:Tardy Occurrence1-3 tardy4th tardy5th tardy6th tardy7th tardy8th tardyDisciplineVerbal warning by the teacher or ElectronicTracking SystemWritten warning by teacherParent contact & tardy contract signed byparent/studentReferral in FOCUS –Discipline code 1.05School Detention or work assignmentsSee Student Code of Conduct13 P a g e

HALL PASS POLICY Hall passes are to be used for emergencies only. In an effort to reduce the number of students out of class during instructional time,students will have a set number of passes per class that they may use. Students willhave ample opportunities to use the restroom, per the pass. Students needing to leave the classroom are REQUIRED to carry a pass. Only ONE student per class may be on a hall pass at any given time. There are absolutely no hall passes for any reason during the first/last 10 minutes ofeach class. Students who are out of class, unaccompanied by security, and do not have a pass willbe considered skipping and appropriate consequences will be assigned.BEHAVIOR POLICYArlington Middle School students will adhere to the Duval County Student Code of Conduct.Each student is expected to exhibit the three core values for success, which are: Respect forothers, Restraint from falling into negative behaviors and being Responsible for their actions atall times. Respect, Restraint and Responsibility should also be shown in how students care forthe school building, surrounding area and community.When necessary, students will be referred to the grade level Dean or Administrator for moresevere and actionable disciplinary consequences. Please refer to the Duval County StudentCode of Conduct for information regarding action steps taken as consequences for disciplinaryreferrals.ANTI-BULLYING POLICYPursuant to Florida Statute 1006.147, it is the policy of the Duval County School Board (DCSB)that all of its students and school employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure,and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. Accordingly, DCSB will not tolerate bullyingor harassment against any student, employee, visitor, volunteer or agent who works on schoolrelated activities, subject to the control of school officials. This policy shall be interpreted andapplied consistently with all applicable state and federal laws and employee collectivebargaining agreements. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment, as defined herein, isprohibited.DCSB prohibits bullying or harassment of any student or school employee, volunteer or agent:1. During any education program or activity conducted by DCSB2. During any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a school bus;14 P a g e

3. Through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer,computer system, or computer network within the scope of DCSB. The physical location or timeof access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinaryaction.4. Through the use of data or computer software that is accessed at a non-school-relatedlocation, activity, function, or program or through the use of technology or an electronic devicethat is not owned, leased, or used by DCPS or a school, if the bullying substantially interfereswith or limits the victim's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, oropportunities offered by a school or substantially disrupts the education process or orderlyoperation of a school. This paragraph does not require a school to staff or monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.CELL PHONE POLICYPossession of a wireless communication device is not an infraction of the Code of StudentConduct. However, it is an infraction of the Code of Student Conduct when the possession of awireless communication device disrupts the educational process. This includes theunauthorized use of a wireless communication devices to capture images or recordings withoutpermission during school hours and/or the unauthorized use on school buses in the absence ofan emergency concerning safety-to-life issues (defined as a bus accident, mechanicalbreakdown which delays the normal route, and/or thirty (30) minutes or more in a route delay).NOTE: If students possess a wireless communication device, it must be turned off and kept outof-sight inside a pocket, book bag, purse, or similar container, unless authorized by thePrincipal/designee or teacher. It is the expectation that parents/guardians should only contactstudents through the school office during school hours. Violation of this policy will result inconfiscation, and the device will only be released to the parent/guardian. Progressive disciplinewill apply for repeated infractions.School Board employees or agents will not be held liable for wireless communication devicesthat are lost, stolen, or confiscated. Florida Statute 1006.07 (2)(e) requires school districts tonotify parents/guardians that students who use wireless communication devices in thecommission of a criminal act may face school disciplinary action and/or criminal penalties.During district and state assessments, students may not have any electronic or recordingdevices, including but not limited to, smartphones, tablets, personal computers, tablets, cellphones, or electronic games, in their pockets, at their desk or anywhere they can reach them,before, during, or after the testing session. Possession of any electronic device that reproduces,transmits, records, or calculates (except for the state approved calculator), will result in thestudent’s test being invalidated.SCHOOL TELEPHONE USE POLICY15 P a g e

It is the responsibility of the parent and student to communicate plans for transportation,activities, etc., prior to the start of the school day. Students may use a school telephone withintheir classroom, student services office, administrator’s office, the main office, or the guidancedepartment with proper permission. If a student falls ill or has another extenuatingcircumstance that requires the use of a school telephone, the telephone in Dean’s Office will beused to make the call, and documentation will be kept in the phone log.TEXTBOOK POLICYTeachers receive a class set of textbooks at the beginning of the school year that will housed inthe classroom for daily use. Students use the textbooks within the classroom setting. Theirteacher will assign students workbooks at the beginning of the school year for classroom andhomework use. Students will be required to pay the full price of any textbook that is damaged,lost or destroyed. Only cash will be accepted for purchase of replacement textbooks to theInstructional Materials Manager.All debts owed for lost, destroyed or damaged books will be placed on the obligations list,which will prohibit students from participating in any school-sponsored activities (i.e. dance,graduation, field trips, etc.). Any textbooks, library books, or other media material found shouldbe returned to the main office.LAPTOP/HOTSPOT POLICYStudents who have been issued a school board laptop will be responsible for the care andupkeep of the laptop, cord, hotspot and any other device that belongs to the district. A Laptopagreement form was issued through FOCUS. A record of the laptop Asset ID number has beenmatched to the student ID number. If the laptop is lost or stolen, please report to the police orSchool Resource Office immediately. A police report number must be provided to schooladministration.WEAPON CHECKS / RANDOM SEARCHESUnscheduled weapons checks will occur throughout the year. Students will be asked to placeall purses on their desks and be ready to open them for inspection. The Administrators willutilize the metal detecting wands to indicate the possible presence of prohibited items. Theappropriate Administrator will confiscate any items and process student discipline accordingly.CAFETERIA ETIQUETTEStudents are expected to follow the procedures and expectations below when in the cafeteria:16 P a g e

Enter the cafeteria in a single file line with their class Enter with a voice level 1 Sit down at the assigned table for their class until called by the cafeteria admin to line upfor lunch. Walk and NOT run to the lunch line Once in a lunch line, students will NOT be able to switch lines, due to security and safetyreasons. COVID-19 (students will be required to maintain distance as much as possible inthe lunch line) When students get their lunch, return to their assigned table, sit and enjoy their lunch. Students are allowed to talk during lunchtime at a voice level 1, no higher than a voicelevel 2. Upon dismissal, teachers will stand at the assigned table and line up the students at thedirection of the cafeteria admin. Students are to line up in an orderly fashion at their designated area and await the teacherto transition them back to class. Students should exit and transition back to class at a level 1, unless specified differently.SAFETY PROCEDURESTORNADO PROCEDURESWhen the TORNADO ALARM sounds:1.2.3.4.Students will be directed to exit the room in an orderly and quiet mannerStudents will exit into the hallway outside the classroom.Students should stand as far away from glass and doors as possible.Students located in the portables will be relocated to a safe area by administration, suchas the gymnasium.5. Students will sit on the floor and assume the fetal position covering their head and facewith their hands and arms.6. Wait for “all clear” signal to move students back to classFIRE DRILL PROCEDURESWhen the FIRE ALARM sounds you should:1. Students will stand, without talking or making unnecessary noise.2. Students will be escorted from the building using the designated evacuation route. Ifthe route is blocked a secondary route will be used.3. Once away from the danger, students will line up and roll will be taken.4. Students need to remain calm, quiet and in an orderly line, so that an accurateheadcount can be taken by the teacher.17 P a g e

5. Students who are missing, will have their name given to the closest administrator6. Wait for further instructions from the teacher7. When the “all clear” signal is given, students will be led back to class in an orderlymanner.If a FIRE ALARM sounds during the change of class, you should:1. Students will report immediately to the nearest area or hallway with theteacher/Faculty member.2. An adult (teacher/Faculty member) will direct students to follow them away from thebuilding to a designated area.3. Students will remain with the responsible adult who escorted them from the area untilan “all clear” is issued.BOMB THREAT PROCEDURESThe FIRE ALARM procedures will be followed.CODE RED PROCEDURES1. The teacher will Lock the door and no students will be admitted to enter the classroom.2. Students who are outside will gather with their teacher/Faculty member in thedesignated area quietly.3. In the building, the lights will be turned off and students will be directed to remain quiet(ABSOLUTELY NO TALKING)4. Students will sit in a crouching position on the floor, away from all doors and windows.5. Do not make any phone calls.CODE YELLOW PROCEDURES1. TURN OFF ALL CELLULAR PHONES.2. Teachers will lock doors. However, students from that class will be admitted inside.3. If outside, the responsible adult (teacher/faculty member) will gather students quietlyand wait for further information.4. Do not leave the classroom for any reason.5. Do not make any phone calls.TORNADO / HURRICANE / SEVERE WEATHER1. The drill will begin with an announcement on the intercom.2. A tone bell will sound.3. Teachers will take roll.18 P a g e

4.5.6.7.Students will move in a single file line to the designated location.Students will line up facing the wall and sit in the fetal position.Move away from glass windows and doors.Another roll will be taken to get an accurate headcount.General InformationSCHOOL COUNSELOR’S OFFICE Students may request Counselor appointments in the Counselor’s Office. Individual credit evaluations are completed during registration each year prior to thescheduling of classes for the coming year.CONFERENCES All conference will be held virtually via Teams, Zoom, or GO TO Meeting platforms. The conference will be recorded.If parents send an email or leave a voicemail for a teacher, the teacher will return theemail or call within 24 hours.Sometimes a parent would like to meet with several teachers at once. In this case, theschool counselor will arrange a time before school to schedule a conference so that allcontent area teachers can participate.If a parent/Guardian would like to meet with administration, appointments are madethrough the Principal’s secretary.Administrative appointments can be set by phone, email or in-person with thePrincipal’s secretary.PARENT PICK UP Parent/Guardians who wish to pick up their child from school early, must do so by 3:30pm on regular release days and 2:15 pm on early release days. Parent/Guardians must present a valid photo ID when checking their student out for theday. Parent/Guardian pick up is located in the main office. Any person entering the building must have their temperature taken.19 P a g e

FIELD TRIPS Students who attend field- trips off campus are held to the highest standards ofbehavior as outlined in the code of conduct set forth by Duval County Public Schools andthe attending school. Disciplinary actions will be applied according to the student code of conduct for anyinfractions that occur while on the field trip.STUDENT INCENTIVESAt Arlington Middle School, we pride ourselves on acknowledging milestones achieved by ourstudents. Therefore, there will be several opportunities throughout the year to attain awardsand incentives for a job well done.ATHLETIC EVENTSStudents attending DCPS athletic events are bound by the DCPS Code of Conduct, Dress Code,and School Rules and Expectations. Students must wear visible school identification on alanyard and pay the required fee in order to attend an athletic event. Students who aresuspended or who did not attend school on the day of the athletic event, may not be admittedto the event. The privilege to attend any athletic event may be revoked as a disciplineconsequence or at the principal’s discretion. The cost for attending middle school athleticevents are as follows:FootballStudent Admission at GateAdult Admission at Gate 3.00 4.00(All Other Sports)Student Admission at GateAdult Admission at Gate 2.00 3.0020 P a g e

Student/Parent AcknowledgementStudent Acknowledgement:I have read and understand theexpectations that are outlined in the student handbook. By signing thisacknowledgment page, I am confirming the receipt and review of this document.Parent Acknowledgement:I have read and understand theexpectations that are outlined in the student handbook. By signing thisacknowledgment page, I am confirming that I have reviewed this document withmy child and will ensure that they uphold the expectations that have beenexpressed.Date:Student Name:Student Signature:Date:Parent/Guardian Name:Parent/Guardian Signature:21 P a g e

8 P a g e - Successfully complete three (3) or more of the core courses mentioned above. - Successfully recover any 6th grade courses that were not passed. 8th to 9th Grade Core courses: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies To promote from 8th to 9th grade students must: - Successfully complete ALL of the core courses in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.