Albany Middle School

Message from the Administration

 

The purpose of this parent handbook/student planner is to give you an overview of the school’s policies, procedures, guidelines, and expectations. We ask that you review the handbook portion with your child and use it as a guide to refer to throughout the school year as questions arise. The student planner portion of this book includes a daily calendar in which students will be required to record their assignments. It is our hope that we can increase our student's organizational skills and help you, the parent, know the academic effort of your child.  Our goal is to work together with you to provide the best educational program for your child. Home and school, working together as a team, can make the school year a very successful one for your child.  If you have any further questions please contact the school at 567-5231.

 

Philosophy of Albany Middle School

The faculty and administration of Albany Middle School believe that all students must have the opportunity to receive a sound, basic education which will help the individual develop mentally, physically, socially, morally, and emotionally.  We believe that it is our task to prepare the students to be productive, responsible members of the American society.  We believe that firm but fair discipline will direct the students to develop a sense of respect for himself, other people, and persons in authority. 

 

We believe that each student and the families they represent are to be treated as worthy of respect.  We seek to involve parents and the community in all phases of development and growth. 

 

We commit to actively engaging in self-evaluation for the purpose of becoming the most effective educators that we can be. 

 

We do not discriminate sex, race, or creed.

LEAP- Reaching for Results

Louisiana High Stakes Testing Program

               All Louisiana public school students are required to participate in “Louisiana’s Reaching for Results” accountability testing program.  8th grade LEAP 21 scores will be one factor that will determine promotion to the regular 9th grade program. (This is subject to BESE changes)  Low scores in 5,6, and 7th grades on the iLEAP test of basic skills may be used as an “early warning sign” of your child’s potential difficulties on the LEAP  test.  If your child’s scores are below 25 in the National Percentile Rankings (NPR) on the iLEAP tests, then your child has a high probability of scoring at the UNSATISFACTORY level on the LEAP unless significant academic improvements are made. If you have questions about this please contact the school.

 

At Albany Middle School we will do our utmost to prepare your children for these high stakes tests. In their classroom work, teachers are asking students to use facts and materials to solve problems, think critically, and communicate in writing. These are the skills your child will need in order to do well on the tests. You should see the difference in the kind of class work and homework your child is doing. The students need to understand that they must be willing to work hard in order to achieve success on these new high stakes tests.  Throughout the school year Albany Middle School will provide students and parents with information in helping them to meet the demands of the new statewide high stakes testing program.

 

Albany Middle School

Guidelines and Expectations

In order to keep each child in the safest possible environment while on this campus, we have set high expectations for student behavior at Albany Middle School. Any inappropriate behavior while in the common areas (halls, playground, lunchroom, bus loading area) will be dealt with in accordance with the school wide student discipline plan for common areas found in this handbook.

 

1. Discipline

A. As stated in the Livingston Parish Policy:


1. Every teacher in the public school system is authorized to hold each pupil to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school, or on the playground area of the school, on the street or  while going to or returning from school, during any school activity away from the school, or during recess.   This specifically includes behavior of students while being transported to and from school on a school bus.

2. Principals shall have both the authority and the duty to take disciplinary action whenever the behavior of any student (s) materially interferes with or substantially disrupts the maintenance of a proper atmosphere for learning within the classroom or the school.

3. Students who regularly disrupt the normal school environment shall be considered as delinquent, and may be reported by appropriate school personnel to the juvenile court.

 

B. Student Conduct (LPSB Policy JCD-R)

In fulfilling his obligations each pupil shall:

1. comply with all regulations of the Livingston Parish School Board

2. recognize the authority of all teachers and other school personnel

3. abstain from gambling, immorality, profanity, hazing, fighting, extortion, use or possession of tobacco, narcotics, or intoxicating liquors, or the possession of any instrument capable of inflicting bodily harm

4. refrain from willfully damaging, defacing or destroying school property or illegally entering school buildings

5. be regular in school attendance and on time; strive to do his/her best in all areas of school

6. abide by all regulations set by the school concerning travel to and from school, on school buses, and use and operation of private vehicles on the school grounds

7. comply with regular rules and regulations of the School Board while attending any activities sponsored by the school

 

2. Student Transportation  

Parents are asked to complete a Student Information Form and send it back to school immediately. Please check whether your

child’s means of transportation to and from school will be by bus (indicate  bus # or drivers name ) or by private vehicle. Also list the names of those persons having your permission to pick your child up. We will NOT allow a child to leave school with anyone other than those persons listed. No AMS students are allowed to drive on this campus or to and from school.

If your child will be walking to and from school, please write this on the Student Information Form.

We ask that parents of walkers please stress the importance of safety to your child as we constantly get reports of students placing themselves in unsafe situations while coming to and from school.

If your child rides a bus and you plan to pick him up, you must send a note letting us know this, otherwise, we will put the child on the bus to be transported home.

 

3. Bus Loading

The bus loading area is off limits to vehicular traffic.  The safety of your child is our number one priority; therefore, the following procedures must be adhered to in order to keep bus loading as safe as possible for all our students.

1. All students must walk in an orderly manner to the bus loading areas.

2. No loud talking, horse playing, running, pushing, or shoving will be allowed.

3. NO student is allowed to walk in front of, in back of, or in between buses at any time during bus loading.

4. Students are expected to follow the bus riding rules once they board the bus! Bus discipline form must be signed and returned by all parents and students.

5.        Students should arrive at designated bus stops at least ten (10) minutes before scheduled arrival of the bus.  Students should remain safely away from the approaching bus and from other vehicular traffic in the area.

 

** SPECIAL NOTE:   Due to the overcrowding of buses, students will only be allowed to ride their assigned bus.

Glass containers, flowers, balloons, etc. are not allowed on school buses.

 

Bus Riding Rules

In order to provide your child and the children on the bus the safest possible transportation we are utilizing the following rules and procedures. All students must be held to a strict accountability for their behavior while being transported by bus. It is critical that bus drivers are respected and NOT distracted by any inappropriate student behavior, in order to assure that the safest possible environment is maintained while all students are being transported. We cannot tolerate students stopping the bus driver from doing their job or preventing the safe transportation of students. Severe or habitual violations of bus rules will result in the student being removed from the school bus for the remainder of the school year.

1. Follow the directions of the bus driver at all times.

2. Stay in your assigned seat and no loud noise is allowed on the bus.

3. Keep all your body parts on the bus and to yourself.

4. No eating, drinking, smoking, spitting or littering on the bus.

5. Do not damage or deface the bus in any way.

6. Improper conduct on school buses will be reported to the principal.  Flagrant misconduct on school buses will result in loss of the privilege of riding these buses.  Four bus suspensions will result in complete loss of bus privileges.

7. All school rules apply while on the bus.

8. Fighting on the school bus will result in suspension from riding the bus.

9. Disciplinary measures will be imposed for offenses other than those listed here as the need arises and at the discretion of the school administration.

 

4. Bus Unloading

Students are expected to exit the bus in a safe manner as follows:

1. Students are expected to walk off the bus in a single file line.

2. No pushing, shoving, running, etc. will be allowed.

3. All students are to walk immediately to the breakfast area or designated play area, depending upon their choice.

4. At no time may a student re-enter the bus turn around area.

 

5. Car Riders

Students are not allowed to be dropped off or picked up anywhere else on campus except at the parent drop off area. 


 

The circular drive in front of the multi-purpose area is Albany Middle School’s designated parent pick-up and drop-off area.

To assure student safety each vehicle must come to a complete stop, and wait for the student(s) to reach the sidewalk before driving on. Please be courteous of other parents and do not block the driveway if you have to stop to talk or get out of your vehicle. In these instances we ask that you park in the “Visitor Parking Lot” and come in. Do not block the bus drive.

We ask that you be very careful and travel at a minimum speed while on this campus as students may dart out in front of your vehicle.

 

 

 

6. Attendance Requirements (LPSB Policy JB)

1. Students must be present at least 160 days per year to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken.*

2. Students must be present at least 160 class periods in a course to be eligible to receive credit for the course taken. *

This is monitored closely each year by the state as all student attendance is on computer and accessible to them.

3.  Students who arrive at school after the homeroom bell must report to the office and get a tardy slip.  The student must present the slip to the homeroom teacher and return it to the office, then proceed to the respective class.  The office will indicate on the slip whether tardiness is excused or unexcused.

*    Exception can be made only in the event of personal illness, as verified by physician and/or other extenuating circumstances as approved by the Parish Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, in consolation with the Principal.

 

7. Excuses-Tardies and Absences (LPSB Policy JB)

If a student is tardy or absent, the parent or guardian must submit a written excuse, signed and dated, to school authorities upon the student’s return to classes, stating the reason for the student’s absence from school. A doctor’s written statement of student’s incapacity to attend school is acceptable. All excuses for student’s absence, including physician’s verification of extended personal illness must be presented within five school days of students return to school, or student will be unexcused and not allowed to make up work missed.

Remember all students must be in attendance at least 160 days and/or class periods in order to be considered for passing each course. The only other consideration in overriding this state requirement will be extenuating circumstances for extended illness as verified by doctor’s statements.

When a student receives his/her 5th unexcused tardy, whether for unexcused tardies to school in the morning or to class during the day, during each semester, disciplinary actions will be imposed for each unexcused tardy which the student receives for the remainder of that semester.

TARDIES AND/ OR CHECK OUTS WILL BE COUNTED AS AN ABSENCE IN THE CLASSES MISSED INCLUSIVE TO THE STUDENTS TOTAL ABSENCES FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR.   Students are encouraged to go to the restroom before school, between classes and during lunch.  If a student needs to leave the classroom to go to the restroom, he/she will receive an unexcused tardy.    

 

8. Early Check Out of Students (LPSB Policy JB)                                                                                                                          

Should a parent or guardian need to take his/her child out of school during the day, the parent or guardian must come to the office and officially sign the child out of school.  When a student is checked out he/she must take a checkout slip to all teachers they have not met that day.  This is for the child’s protection. Reasons for removal, other than those involving emergencies, sickness or death, are not excused.  Five unexcused checkouts may lead to consequences similar to the consequences for unexcused tardies as mentioned above.  IDENTIFICATION IS NECESSARY FOR CHECKING OUT STUDENTS – we are not familiar with all parents, relatives and friends on your list; we will need to see an id. 

Only persons on file as authorized by the student information form will be allowed to check out your child.

 

9. Student Insurance Program (LPSB Policy JGA)

Low-rate group accident insurance will be made available to all students. Parents will be informed of this insurance annually and urged to purchase it for their students.

The Board shall not assume liability for accidents to students.

Release Form for Athletes

All students engaging in interscholastic sports shall be required to fill out a form on which is stated that the school or Board will not assume liability for accidents or injury to students. Parent must sign this release form before the student will be permitted to participate in athletics.

In addition, all students will be required to show proof of insurance before participating in any athletics or cheerleading.

 

10. Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment will be used at Albany Middle School when necessary. It will not be used as a first line of punishment for behavior, only after other methods have failed. Students will be warned in advance that a specific behavior will result in corporal punishment. They will be given an opportunity to tell/explain their side of what happened before a decision to administer corporal punishment is made.

Corporal Punishment is defined at Albany Middle School as punishing or correcting a student by striking the student on the buttocks with a paddle.  This is good for one year only. In lieu of corporal punishment a child will be suspended from school for one to nine days.

**Parents must complete the corporal punishment consent/denial portion on the Student Information sheet.

 

11.  Middle School Dress Code  (JCDB)

The Livingston Parish School Board Dress Code for grades five through eight effective Fall 2004.

 

Shirt:

·          Solid color:  Navy blue or white

·          Polo:  (golf-boxed, hemmed) buttons are required, two-three, or four buttons at the top front with collar, no more than four buttons (short or long sleeve), shirts cannot be ribbed-style material

·          Oxford/dress shirt (short or long sleeves)

·          Students shall be required to tuck in shirts

·          Logos, designs, emblems, insignias, monograms are prohibited

·          If undershirts are worn, they must be solid white with no screen printing or writing on them.  Undershirts must be worn under the standard uniform.

 

 

 

 

Skirts/Shorts/Slacks/Skorts:

·          Solid color:  Khaki

·          Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean-style or material) – NO RIVETS

·          No sewn-on outside pockets or flaps; no carpenter loops; cargo pants/pockets are prohibited

·          Students’ pants and shorts MUST have belt loops and mandatory belt

·          Logos, designs, monograms, and emblems on skirts, shorts, slacks, or skorts is prohibited.  Uniform items do not have logos on them.  Zip fly only

 

Jumpers:

·          Solid color:  Khaki

·          Styles must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean style/material)

·          Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited

·          Uniform shirts must be worn under jumpers

·          Length:  Top of knee or longer

 

Skirts:

·          Must be worn at waistline

·          Length:  TOP OF KNEE or longer

·          Can be pleated, flat, or A-line

·          Cargo-style pockets, sewn-on pockets, carpenter loops on any garment are prohibited

 

Shorts:

·          Must be worn at waistline

·          Length:  Top of knee to four (4) inches above knee (length cannot be below the knees; can be cuffed)

·          Can be pleated or flat-front

 

Skorts:

·          If skorts have belt loops, a belt must be worn

·          Must be worn at the waistline

·          Length:  Top of knee to four (4) inches above knee (length cannot be below the knees; can be cuffed)

·          Can be pleated, flat, or A-line

 

Slacks:

·          Straight legs

·          No elastic or gathered at the ankles.  No slits in pants legs

·          Must be hemmed and length not to exceed top of shoe (hem can be cuffed) – pants legs must not drag on the ground

·          No pockets, hammer loops, carpenter loops on pants legs.  Only sewn-in pockets allowed at top of pants.

·          Must be worn at WAIST LINE – no hip huggers, or low rise pants

·          Cropped, Capri, jean-style, stretch/stretchy/warm-up, stirrup, parachute, corduroy and wind-style pants are prohibited

·          Can be pleated or flat-front

 

Belts:

·          Solid color and solid material:  BLACK, NAVY BLUE, KHAKI, OR BROWN, no studs or jewels on belts, no holes in it.

·          Mandatory when wearing slacks or shorts

·          Belt buckles must be plain; standard buckle; no words on buckle; no large buckles

·          Appropriate length for waist size

·          Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms, logos, holes, studs, words, etc. are prohibited

·          Belt must be separate from the pants  

Hose/Tights:                                           

·          Solid color:  White, navy blue, or skin tone

·          Socks, hose or tights must be worn with shoes

 

Socks:

·          Solid color:  White, navy blue or khaki (must be matching pair)

·          Mandatory wear – socks must be visible and must be worn each day – and will ALL SHOE TYPES!

·          Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited

·          Must be visible and no higher than the knee

 

Shoes:

·          Shoes may tie, buckle or Velcro

·          Closed-toe and closed-heel shoe mandatory (tennis shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes or slip-on shoes)

·          Shoes shall be properly tied, velcroed, or buckled, if applicable

·          Boots may be worn with pants only

 

Pullovers or Any Kind:  (sweaters, sweatshirts, vests; any garment which is pulled over the head, which does not snap, button or zip from top to bottom):

·          Solid color:  Navy blue or white

·          Pullover v-neck or pullover crew (hoods are prohibited)

·          Must be worn over uniform shirt

·          Turtlenecks are prohibited

·          Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms, and logos are prohibited

·          Pullover sweatshirts with hoods are not allowed

 

Coats:

·          Coat/jacket/sweater may be worn as long as the uniform shirt collar is revealed under the coat/jacket/sweater (TRENCHCOATS are prohibited)

·         Vests/jackets/sweaters/coats that zip/button/snap from top to bottom may be any color and with hood

 

By purchasing from an approved vendor, parents will be certain the uniform will be in compliance.  In addition, a complete uniform is available for viewing in each school.  The acceptable color is the traditional khaki.  The lighter stone color is not acceptable.  The darker brown and green colors are not acceptable.  Please refer to the school or an approved vendor if there is a doubt about uniform styles/colors.

 

Student Grooming Guidelines:

1. Earring (s) are not allowed by males as wearing apparel. This includes thread, straw, etc. to keep the hole open.

2. Male hair length must be of even distribution. The hair may not extend below the plane of the shoulder nor down upon the eyebrow in front; or down below the earlobes. Hair must be clean, well groomed and neat at all times. (Lines cut in the hair, “Mohawk” cuts; extreme coloring of hair, “tails” or any other hair style which interferes with a student’s performance or his classmates is prohibited.)

3. Female hair must be clean, neat and well groomed. Extreme coloring and extreme hairstyles are not acceptable. Hair in rollers is not acceptable. 

4. Foundation garments must be worn, if appropriate.

5. Personal hygiene must be maintained.

6. Shirts designed to be worn inside must be worn that way.

7. Sideburns can extend to the lobe of the ear. Beards are unacceptable. Mustaches neatly trimmed are acceptable.

8. Any item, hairstyle, coloring, or clothing, which interferes with a student’s performance or his classmates, is prohibited.

9. Body piercings are not allowed – tongue, belly button, lip, eyebrow, etc.  Any item causing a disruption or a disturbance to a student’s performance or his classmates is prohibited.

10. Hats, caps and non-prescribed glasses are not permitted.

 

12. General Student Conduct

Any conduct which causes or creates a reasonable likelihood that it will cause a substantial disruption in or material interference with any school function, activity, or purpose, or that interferes with the health, safety or well-being, or the rights of themselves or others is prohibited.


The preceding is a general standard that should be used as a guide by all students. Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized here. The following is a list of the main areas of conduct which may lead to: Detention, Confiscation of Material, Probation, Corporal Punishment, Suspension and Expulsion. These disciplinary measures shall be administered in accordance with Board Policy and with the standards established by state law.

1. Any use of abuse, violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, insubordination, or any similar conduct in a manner that causes an interference with school purposes or violates another person’s rights.

2. Intentional false communication, verbal or written, or the presence of a bomb or other explosive device.

3. The willful causing or attempting to cause damage to private or school property.

4. Stealing or attempting to steal private or school property.

5. Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to oneself or others, including the throwing of objects, or verbal threats.

6. Extortion or the attempt to extort money or any thing of value.

7. Knowingly possessing, handling or transmitting any object or material that could be considered a weapon.

8. Engaging in the use or possession of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances.

9. Truancy or failure to attend assigned classes or scheduled activities.

10. Using language which by school standards is considered vulgar, obscene, sarcastic, threatening, intimidating or profane.

11. Repeated violation of any valid rules of conduct established by the Livingston Parish School Board.

12. Loitering on school property before or after classes.

13. Causing a false fire alarm.

14. Engaging in any other activity forbidden by the laws of the United States and the State of Louisiana.

15. Public display of inappropriate affection.

16. Public indecency.

17. Using actions and/or gestures denoting disrespect. Students, teachers, and staff members are to be addressed courteously and with respect.

18. Use and possession of gum, candy, or any other foods not allowed at school.

19. No loud talking will be allowed in the halls or walkways while changing classes or going to assembly.

 

 

20. Students will help keep buildings and grounds neat and clean.  Do not drop paper, wrappers, cold drink cups or other waste materials on the floor, in corridors, passageways or ground, but place them in conveniently located containers for that purpose.  Candy, potato chips, cold drinks, etc. are not to be consumed in the classroom or corridors.  Concession privileges will be removed if students do not comply with this rule.

21. Keep restrooms neat and free from abuse of any kind.

22. Suspended students will not take part in any school activity.

23. If a student becomes ill, he must complete a sick-slip and post outside of the classroom.  The office staff will then contact parent/guardian.

24. CHEATING - 1ST OFFENSE..........F on the test    2ND OFFENSE.....................F for nine week or term

25. Do not adjust windows, blinds, shades, heaters, or air conditioners.  This is only done by the teacher or custodian.

26. Use only your desk or desk assigned, and keep your materials in it.  Keep away from others’ desks and their materials.  Clean your desk out when you leave a class.

27. Students will not remain or return after school for practice or group meetings unless a teacher is present.

28. Students from Albany Middle School are not to get off buses at the high school.  They must have written permission from parent/guardian and approved by the principal to get off their assigned bus at any place other than their home.

29. Absolutely no medication, prescription or non-prescription, allowed on school campus.

30.  Threatening notes are absolutely prohibited – Serious consequences will be enforced.

31. AMS adheres to due process regulations before imposing disciplinary action. Parents have the right to appeal any decision and may contact the Assistant Superintendent to pursue further action.

32. Disciplinary measures will be imposed for offenses other than those listed here as the need arises and at the discretion of the school administration.

 

13. Suspension and Expulsion

1. Suspended students will not be allowed to participate in any school activity during their suspension. Suspensions begin on the day   they receive the suspension and end on the morning they return to school.

2. Upon receipt of a third suspension by a student in any school year, his/her parent (s) or guardian must attend a conference scheduled by the principal before the student may return to classes.

3. Any student after being suspended for committing any of the above offenses may be expelled.

4. Any student after being suspended on three occasions, during the same school year, shall, on committing the fourth such offense, be expelled from all public schools of the parish.

 

14. Students Leaving Campus during the School Day (LPSB Policy JGFC)

1.  No staff member shall excuse any pupil from school prior to the end of the school day, or into any person’s custody, without the direct prior approval and knowledge of the principal.

2.  The principal shall not excuse a pupil before the end of the school day without a request for the early dismissal by the student’s parents. Telephone requests for early dismissal of a pupil shall be honored only if the caller can be positively identified as the pupil’s parent or guardian.

3.  Please instruct your child not to leave school with anyone other than those persons having your permission to transport your child.  Please phone the office in advance (567-5231) to notify us that you are sending someone else to pick up your child.

4.  We must be made aware of any custody problems that may exist where only one parent has the right to pick up a child. We must also have a copy of the legal papers regarding these matters on file. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the school informed where these problems could exist.

 

15. Visitors on Campus and Conferences

You are welcome as a parent of our school to visit with your child’s teacher and the administration as much as is necessary. If you have a concern or feel there is information that we need to know about your child, please meet with us.

There are several rules I need you to follow in order to assure the best instruction as well as safety of all our students.

1. With each visit, come to the office immediately when arriving on campus. Please sign in and list the nature of your visit.

2. Permission and an office pass must be obtained before visiting any classroom or area of this campus.


3. Persons refusing to go to the office when arriving on campus will be asked to leave the campus. Those who refuse to leave will be escorted off campus by the police and charges will be pressed. We must assure the safety of our students.

4. Meetings with teachers or the principal must be set up in advance. Teachers are not allowed to talk to parents during class time when they are teaching and the principal is not always available for a conference.

We ask that parents follow the same rules when on our campus as our staff and students, including but not limited to:

5. No use of obscene/profane language.

6. No weapons/drugs.

7. No smoking except in the designated smoking area.

8. Adhere to the dress code as much as possible; no revealing or obscene dress or inappropriate saying/pictures on clothing.

9. No loud talking in halls or outside that would disturb our classes or loitering on campus.

*** If it is an emergency someone will speak with you at any time you come to school. Please remember that we encourage communication between you and the school’s staff. We need to hear from you regularly and you are always WELCOME at Albany Middle School.

 

 

 

 

16.  Parent-Teacher Conferences

All parents are welcome to visit with teachers, the principal, or assistant principal.  However, indiscriminate visiting in the classroom interrupts the teacher and the work of the group.  Therefore, everyone, all parents and visitors are requested to check with the office before visiting a classroom.  If a conference with a classroom teacher is desired, call the school secretary at #567-5231 to schedule a time, which is convenient for you as well as the teacher.

Parents are urged to encourage their children to study by providing adequate time and environment for regular home study and preparation of assignments.  At the first indication of unsatisfactory work, parents are invited to confer with school authorities relative to cause and corrective measures.

 

17. Supply Money

The student supply fee for the 2009-2010 school year is $20.00.   This fee will be used for workbooks, school supplies, Scope magazines, instructional aids, and/or equipment for reproducing student worksheets and each student will receive a student planner / handbook.   Students who owe the school for supply fee or any other debts are not eligible to participate in extra curricular activities such as field trips.

 

18. Textbooks

 Students will be issued textbooks to take home for the school year. Teachers will provide classrooms sets of books to use at school. Students do not need to carry their textbooks back and forth to school.  When a student is issued a textbook, he is responsible for that book and must return it at the end of the year or when moving to another school.  Students are to pay for any books not returned or damaged.

 

19. Courtesy

Courtesy to teachers, school employees, other students, and visitors is a tradition at Albany Middle School. Each of us should strive to be considerate of the rights of others at all times.

 

20. Telephone Messages

NO TELEPHONE MESSAGES WILL BE GIVEN!  MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR EMERGENCIES BEFORE A CHILD ARRIVES AT SCHOOL!  The school telephone is a business phone. Due to safety and inability to verify callers, messages will not be given to students.  Therefore, parents please do not call the school with messages for your children. Please inform them before they leave home where they are to go in the afternoons. Classes will not be interrupted to deliver messages. Students will not be allowed to use the telephone to call home unless given permission by the administration. If students are given permission to call home for anything other than illness or an emergency, they will have to call collect if long distance.

 

21. Lunch/Breakfast

The Albany Middle School Cafeteria Staff would like to welcome you to our cafeteria.  We have nutritious, hot meals. Each child is served as if he were our own.  Students receive nutritious meals that qualify with Federal, State and Local requirements.  We strive to provide an environment that is pleasant during mealtime.  Parents, please feel free to drop in anytime.  We would be glad to have you in our cafeteria.

1.  All students will receive an application for free and reduced meals.   You have 10 days to complete the application.  After 10 days, your child must pay the full amount if we have not received your application.

2.  Price for meals:     (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 BREAKFAST                                           LUNCH

REDUCED = .30                                                       REDUCED = .40

REGULAR = 1.00                                      REGULAR = 1.60    

TEACHERS = 1.50                                   TEACHERS = 2.50

VISITORS = 1.75                                      VISITORS = 3.00

3.  Students will not be allowed to charge in the cafeteria.   Students must bring lunch money each day.  We do not bill for cafeteria

     charges!!  Parents – please give your child money each day or send in an amount for the whole month – we need your help!

4.  Advance paying is allowed by the week or month.  Exact change is requested.

5.  The school lunchroom is your dining place, so observe the following rules:

A.  Form a single line and stay in your place

B.  Use proper manners

C.  Refrain from loud talking and other unnecessary noises

D.  No student will be allowed to charge, have your lunch money ready.

E.  No food will be removed from the cafeteria

 

 

22. Grades

Points will be recorded in the grade book for each activity or test that will count towards the student’s nine weeks grade. The nine weeks grade will be calculated by dividing the total points earned by the student’s total points possible for that reporting period. The following grading scale will then be applied in order to obtain a letter grade for each nine weeks period:

94-100–A           86-93-B          76-85-C           67-75-D          0-66-F


23. Medication Procedures –STUDENTS ARE NOT TO BRING ANY MEDICINE TO SCHOOL!

1. All medicines will be administered in accordance with Livingston Parish School System’s Medication Policy.

2. PARENTS must bring labeled medicine and medication form with physician’s statement completed to the school’s office. All medicine, logs, and directions from the doctor are kept under lock and key in the office.

3. A parent consent for medication administration must be properly executed by the parent and attending physician and delivered in person by the parent or guardian to the principal or designee of the school.

4. No internal, drops, or topical medication shall be administered including “over the counter” medication without the same requirements for administering oral medication.

5. The principal, with the superintendent’s approval, may reject any request for administration of medicine. The principal will give a written reason to the person making the request.

 

24. General Information

1. A student must be in school for at least one-half day to be able to participate in any school activity.  Students will have consequences if they participate in an activity without the attendance requirement.

2. Only students who eat breakfast will be allowed in the lunchroom in the mornings.

3. Students are not to be in a classroom without teacher supervision. Example- before school, recess, after school, etc.

4. No personal items other than those required for class will be allowed at school. This includes toys, radios, CD players, animal purses, beepers, laser pointers, playing cards, trading cards, cellular telephones, computer games, cameras, ipods, electronic devices, etc. These items will be confiscated by the principal and returned at the end of the school year or if a parent comes to school to request the item.  Please see the policy on cell phones at the end of this section of your handbook.

5. Students are not allowed to bring visitors to school. This includes brothers and sisters.

6. Writing on oneself with markers, ink, etc. is not permitted.

                7. School rules and student grooming guidelines as outlined in this handbook apply to all extra-curricular activities. This includes attendance at ball games, dances, etc.

                8. Any drinks brought on the school buses will be confiscated by the bus drivers.

  9. Use of or presence of hair or face glitter, and spray hair color is not permitted.

10. Length of fingernails must not interfere with the child’s ability to perform in the classroom.

11. DANCE DRESS CODE  -- students must wear closed- toe and closed-heel shoes to dances; skirts and skorts will not be allowed; tank tops and sleeveless shirts are not allowed – shirts must have sleeves.  Shorts must be no higher than 4” above the knee – this will be determined by administration and teachers.  Regular clothes must follow the guidelines that are followed for uniforms – for example, uniform pants/shorts must have a hem – shorts worn to a dance must be hemmed – no frayed edges, no sweat suits or sweat pants, etc.

 

2009-2010 School Calendar

First Student Day                       Friday, August 7, 2009

Labor Day                                 Monday, September 7, 2009

Livingston Parish Fair                 Friday, October 9, 2009

Parent/Teacher Conference Day  Friday, October 4, 2009

Thanksgiving                              Monday-Friday, November 23-27, 2009

Christmas and New Years          Monday, December 21, 2009 through Monday, January 4, 2010

Class work resumes Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Martin Luther King Day               Monday, January 18, 2010

Mardi Gras                                Monday & Tuesday, February 15 & 16, 2010

Easter                                       Monday, March 29, 2010 through Monday, April 5, 2010

 

 

Interim Reports will be issued:

              Tuesday                                    September 8, 2009

           Wednesday                               November 11, 2009

           Thursday                                   February 4, 2010

           Monday                                     April 19, 2010

 

Report Cards will be issued:

Friday                                       October 16, 2009

Friday                                       January 8, 2010

Wednesday                               March 17, 2010

Friday                                       May 28, 2010

 

 

 

LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

REVISED March, 2006

 

A. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

 

In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the approved district curriculum, district personnel will continue to review and evaluate technology resources for compliance with Board guidelines listed in Board Policy IFA governing the selection of instructional materials. In this manner, staff will provide developmentally appropriate guidance to students as they make use of telecommunications and electronic information resources to conduct research and other studies related to the district curriculum. Infractions will be dealt with according to the guidelines listed in Board Policy JD governing discipline. All students will be informed by staff of their rights and responsibilities as users of the district network prior to gaining access to that network, either as an individual user or as a member of a class or group.

 

As much as possible, access to district information resources will be designed in ways, which point students to those which have been reviewed and evaluated prior to use. While students may be able to move beyond those resources to others which have not been evaluated by staff, they shall be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to the learning objectives. Filtering software is in use to block access to materials that are inappropriate, offensive, obscene, or contain pornography.  However, no filtering system is capable of blocking 100% of the inappropriate material available on the Internet.

 

B. Network Usage

 

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. 

 

The network is provided for students to conduct research, complete assignments, and communicate with others. Independent access to network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.

 

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will be always be private.

 

During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for such guidance as they must also exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.

 

The following are not permitted:

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures

Giving personal information when using the system, such as complete name, address, phone number and identifiable photo without permission from teacher and parent or guardian

Using obscene or offensive language

Harassing, insulting or attacking others

Unauthorized downloading and installation of software

Trespassing in others’ folders, work or files

Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks

Hacking, Vandalism and unauthorized access.

Intentionally attempting to disrupt or intentionally disrupting the computer system or destroying data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.

Employing the network for commercial purposes, financial gain, or fraud.

Giving others your password or access to your account.

Looking for security problems may be considered as an illegal attempt to gain access.

Intentionally wasting network resources.

Using others’ passwords.

Students using proxy services to by-pass/circumvent Internet filtering are in violation of all the Intent of                  Internet use standards and will be dealt with as such by the principal.  This violation will result in loss of      access.

 -Violating copyright laws.

 

Additional rules may be added as deemed necessary by school administration.

 

C. SANCTIONS

 

•Violations will result in a loss of access. The range of sanctions is identified in the Discipline Policy

•Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

•When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved and may result in prosecution and/ or restitution for damages.

D. PERMISSIONS

 

•The Acceptable Use Policy will be distributed to Students and Parents through the school handbook. and will be posted on the school board web site.

•Parental permission will be assumed unless specifically denied. Parents must go to the school and sign a “Denial of Permission Form”.

•Parental permissions that are assumed include:

o access to the internet and email system,

o Permission to publish students work to classroom web sites.

o Permission to have unidentified photos of students published to classroom web sites.

 

Denial of Permission

As a parent or legal guardian, I have read and understand the Acceptable Use Policy; however I do not want my child to have access to the internet. I further understand that it is my responsibility to sign a denial of permission in the presence of school administration each year.

 

 STUDENT CELL PHONE POLICY

 

The Livingston Parish School Board adopted a new cell phone policy to begin with the 2006-2007 school year.  This policy is that it is now a violation for a student to “possess” a cell phone, even if it is not in use or operation.  The penalties for violation will be as follows:

                1st offense – Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to parent; one Saturday or weekday alternative to Suspension Clinic.

                2nd and following offenses – Cell phone will be confiscated and returned to parent; one day out-of-school suspension.

*We will not look for lost or stolen cell phones.  Do not bring them to school.

 

LPPS Family Resource Center – Opening September 8, 2009
The LPPS Family Resource Center will be housed at the Livingston Parish Literacy and Technology Center in room 165 (Address: 9261 Florida Blvd.  Walker, LA 70785/ Phone Number: 225-667-5268).  The center will be open on Tuesday (1 p.m. – 8 p.m.), Wednesday (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.), and Thursday (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.).  A certified teacher will provide homework assistance to students on Tuesday (family member must be in attendance).

The goal of the center is to provide resources that will assist, guide, and support families with their children’s education and promote family engagement. 

Services the center will offer are education materials for loan, workbooks/worksheets on many skills taught in the classroom, special needs information, homework assistance, workshops/training, ACT prep materials/workshops, and much more!  “Families are a child’s first and most important teacher!”

Livingston Parish Title I Parent/Family Involvement Policy

 

A Districtwide Parent/Family Advisory Council has been established in order to revise the current Livingston Parish Title I Family Involvement policy and expand the plan in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.  This council will meet regularly in order to coordinate and integrate family involvement across federal programs and to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy.  This policy will be made available to the local community and updated periodically to meet the changing needs of the parents and the school.  This advisory council will also be part of the decision making process of the 1% of Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement.

 

Under the direction and technical assistance of the Local Education Agency, each Title I school will have parents serve on the Schoolwide committee, which will function to review the schoolwide plan and parent activities for that school.  This plan will be specific to the Title I school and will provide a means for parents to become more involved in the student’s education.

 

An annual meeting will be held in each school in which parents will be given information about this school participation in the Title I program and an explanation of the requirement of this participation.  Parents will also be informed of their right to parent-teacher conferences, regular reports on their children’s progress, reasonable access to staff, opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teachers.  To the extent which is practical, parent meetings will provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English, parents with disabilities and migrant parents.  Information will be understandable and uniform.

 

One goal of this plan will be to improve communication between home and school through compacts, newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, telephone calls, handbooks, agendas, surveys and other types of sharing information.  It is important that parents respond to communications from the school in a timely manner and talk with their children about their classroom activities.

 

Another goal will be to provide information to parents concerning the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, the State of Louisiana Accountability Law, the curriculum used at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels student5s are expected to meet.  Parents will also have contact information for the Resource Center, Louisiana Promise, in Shreveport, at 1-866-751-6958.

 

Title I schools will assist families with parenting skills, including technology, and give assistance in helping with homework, projects, and other at-home activities.  Parents will be encouraged to take advantage of parent-teacher conferences as a way of monitoring the progress of students.  Schools will also provide opportunities for the local community to become more involved with families and with the school.

 

Parent participation is essential to the success of the students.  By monitoring the child’s progress and working with educators to improve students’ achievement, parents provide a vital link between the school and the student.  Students should know that their parents value education and achievement and are available to help them to achieve their goals.

 

 

 

Mission Statement:

The staff, students, and parents of Albany Middle School will work together as we aim for academic excellence.