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School Policies
ACADEMICS Are there computers at school I can use? There are two computer labs at South Pasadena Middle School that you can use with your teachers. Additionally,some classrooms have computers and the Library Media Center (LMC) has 30 connected computers you can use.
Library Computer Policy 2. User may use computers for school assignments, research, and for email, no IM, no games. 3. There is a 10 cent per page charge for printing after the first free page; .25 for color prints 4. If there are people waiting to use the computer a 15-minute time limit will be imposed per user. How do I get to go on field trips?
2. The student is currently receiving no more than one unsatisfactory citizenship mark. How do I know what my grades are in my classes? Talk to your teachers and ask them. Additionally, you should record all assignments and test scores in your binder reminder so you know how you are doing. The staff believes that close communication between home and school is important to the success of each student. The teachers provide periodic reports. Progress Reports are issued at the fifth week of each nine-week grading quarter. Letter grades are issued at theend of each nine weeks. Behavior and work habits are also reported during each marking period. “O” = Outstanding “S” = Satisfactory “N” = Needs Improvement “U” = Unsatisfactory (“U’s” in Citizenship can result in a loss of privileges
including field trips and promotion activities.) How much homework will I have at South Homework
is important. The difference between doing well in a class and struggling in a class is often homework. Do all of it all of the time. Homework will be assigned most nights to reinforce the learning-taking place during the day. Homework includes How do I do my homework if I am sick?
What kind of Honor Roll does South Principal’s List: Must have a 4.0 grade point average and no “N’’ or “’U” on semester report card. Special recognition is given at promotion/awards night. What if I am not doing well in school? How can I complete independent study? How do I get a library card/student ID? LIBRARY /ASB I.D. A Photo identification (ID) card is $5.00. This card is your ASB Card and will be used for admission into South
Textbooks
Library Media Center Guidelines
General Policies Relating to Library Books and Textbooks
Students are required to provide materials such as pencils, pens, notebook, erasers, and lined notebook paper. In an effort to stress organizational skills, it is recommended that all students maintain and carry with them to each class, a 3ring notebook. Each notebook is to be divided into separate sections for each academic area. Notebooks should have a zippered pouch, which should hold erasers, pens, and pencils. Also, required is the “Binder Reminder” which is used to record assignments, grades, and projects. Notebooks are to be kept up to date. Students will keep records of assignments and grades. Unnecessary papers should not be kept in the binder. How can I be successful in Physical Education (PE)?
What do I need to do to meet the credit/promotion requirements to 9th grade? PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS/CREDITS (to participate in the ceremony and other activities)
How are the standards implemented at South Pasadena Middle School? South Pasadena Middle School Middle School follows the state standards in math, Language Arts, Science, History, Visual /Performing Arts. National Standards guide other curriculum areas including P.E. Why do students have to take State Tests? Although standardized test scores only give a snap shot of a school, they do help to focus teachers and students on academic areas that need improvement. These tests are also required by law and are used to rank public schools. Additionally, test scores are often used for student placement. For this reason, it is important for students to do their best on the tests. The tests are given in May, and parents should encourage their students to do their best on the tests. What are Teams? Teams are groups of teachers (English, Science, History) who work together to plan lessons and focus on a particular group of students. These teachers discuss the needs of students and help to provide them with a sense of belonging at school. ATTENDANCE How is attendance monitored? EXCUSED ABSENCE An absence due to a student’s illness, injury or quarantine under the direction of a county or city health office; or having a medical, dental, or optometrical or chiropractic services; or failure to present evidence of immunizations (Education Code 46010); for personal counseling, or absence due to attendance at a funeral of a member of the immediate family is considered excusable by the State of California. Students will be allowed to make up work. EXCUSED ABSENCE OTHER THAN ILLNESS, COURT APPEARANCE, RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY, AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE: The request must be in writing and must be signed by the parent or guardian, etc. NOTE: Students will be given the opportunity to make up work missed from the first day of any excused absence.
What happens if I am absent for a long time?
TARDY: Accepting the responsibility for getting to class on time is the obligation of each student. The following is the South Pasadena Middle School Tardy Policy: (UNEXCUSED (per Quarter)
What if I am absent to go on a trip? UNEXCUSED ABSENCE School Absence caused by a trip, oversleeping, car problems, missing the bus, babysitting, or working is NOT considered by the State of California as a valid reason for being out of school. It is to every student’s advantage to avoid these unexcused absences. DISCIPLINE What behaviors should be avoided? How can I get into trouble at South Pasadena Middle School? The following things are not tolerated at South Pasadena Middle School. Students who engage in these activities will be subjected to disciplinary action.
Students enrolled at South Pasadena Middle School are expected to comply with all requirements of the school. Violation of the rules will be handled by appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to: Counseling, parent contact, loss of privileges, assignment of appropriate tasks, detention, temporary removal from classroom by the teacher, Alternative to Suspension, suspension by teacher or administrator, and/or expulsion. Effective learning cannot take place without a positive program of behavior management. South Pasadena Middle School’s program shall encourage the individual student to develop desirable qualities of self-discipline, HOLD THE STUDENT RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER ACTIONS, and will protect the student from individuals whose behavior continually disrupts an effective learning program. THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR BASIC BEHAVIOR DEVELOPMENT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS WITH THE STUDENT AND PARENTS. Parents will be expected to cooperate with and assist the school in promoting and maintaining acceptable social and moral standards of conduct. What is the dress code at South Pasadena Middle School? The school administration shall have the right to designatewhich types of dress, fashion, fads, or appearance disrupt or detract from the educational program and may be a potential safety hazard. Dress Code Violations:
We have many rules but the most important rules are:
Effective January 1, 2003, A pupil may not suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal/designee of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determined that the pupil (a) Caused, attempted to cause or threatened to cause physical injury to another person. (b) Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which s concurred in by the principal or designee of the principal. (Includes possession of an imitation or replica of a firearm or other weapon.) (c) Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished or been under the influence of, any controlled substance, as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind. (d) Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance or material and represented the liquid, substance or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant. (e) Committed robbery or extortion. (f) Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property. (g) Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property. (h) Possessed or used tobacco, except as provided in Section 48901. (i) Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity. (j) Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11364 of the Health and Safety Code. (k) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties. (l) Knowingly received stolen property. (m) Possessed and imitation firearm. (n) Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault (o) Harassed threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both. (p) Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma. (q) A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to any of the following: 1) While on school grounds 2) While going to or coming from school 3)During the lunch period whether on or off the campus. 4) During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity. EMOTIONAL HEALTH Make each month in the year 2006-2007 your time to practice good character, good behavior, and ethical choices. What are the CHARACTER AND ETHICS themes? September 2006 Responsibility – Be accountable for your actions. October 2006 Cooperation – Work together for a common goal. November 2006 Citizenship – Accept the rights, privileges and responsibilities of living in our community and country. December 2006 Compassion – Be kind, caring and helpful. January 2007 Respect – Treat yourself, others and the environment with dignity. February 2007 Honesty – Tell the truth; never take unfair advantage of people. March 2007 Trustworthiness – Be responsible and dependable. April 2007 Loyalty – Be faithful to yourself and to others. May 2007 Courtesy – Be considerate, kind and polite. June 2007 Self-discipline – Exercise self-control and willpower over your actions. July 2007 Integrity – Be honorable and straight-forward in all that you do. August 2007 Fairness – Be impartial, open, and unprejudiced in judging yourself and others. What can the school counselors help me with? Counselors can help you in the following areas: goal setting, academic, personal, family, peer relations, and referrals to outside services. Counselors can help you by providing a “safe” and confidential environment. If you want to see a counselor, fill out a “Request To See A Counselor” form or ask your teacher to give you a pass to the counselor What should you do if you or someone you know is depressed? You should tell a trusted adult immediately. Your teachers, counselors, and administrators want to help. You won’t get in trouble and you could be saving someone’s life. What to do if someone you know is engaging in destructive behavior? Destructive behavior can take many forms. It can include taking drugs or alcohol, cutting, talking about suicide, sexual activity and/ or sneaking out. You can help your friend by telling an adult. Your friend is hurting and needs help. We want to help them stop hurting themselves How can extra curricular events help me to feel happier? Getting involved in school helps you to feel a part of the school. It is a great way to make friends and have fun. South Pasadena Middle School has many activities for you to enjoy. These include: SERVICE CLUB Students who have satisfactory citizenship and wish to contribute service and leadership to the school and community through service projects and activities.
SPIRIT ACTIVITIES Activities such as the following are planned throughout the year to promote school spirit and positive social interaction:
The Student Cabinet directs the overall student activities of the school and the expenditure of student body funds. Students wishing to participate in school leadership/ASB must apply during the third quarter for the following year. A candidate must have a “2.5” grade point average with no “D’s” or “F’s” on their 3rd quarter report cards. Students wishing to serve as President must have a 3.0 grade point average. Citizenship must be satisfactory (no more than one “N” and no “U’s”). What do I do if I am having peer problems? also see (Social Skills for Middle School Students website) Your counselor can be your best friend, listen to your problems, and offer suggestions about how to solve the problem. You are the key to solving your own problems. If you need to see a counselor, stop by the office and/or complete a Counselor Appointment Request. A counselor will see you as soon as possible. If there is a true emergency, tell the secretary, and you will be seen as soon as possible. What if someone is calling me names? DON’T PANIC! As soon as they find out you aren’t going to react, they will probably stop. If they continue to call you names, speak immediately to the Assistant Principal or a counselor. What if someone tells me something bad that someone else has said about me? Try to ignore it. Peoples’ tongues are often their worst weapon, and if they can upset you, they have won. If you can’t ignore the rumors, seek the help of a counselor, teacher, or other trusted adult so that they can help make the rumors stop. Make sure you don’t spread rumors about others. What happens if someone is harassing me? SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY: Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical contact of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the work or educational setting. If any student becomes aware of any sexual harassment, this information should be communicated, without fear of retaliation, immediately to the Principal. GENDER EQUITY: Our gender equity program has the goal to eliminate discrimination on the basis of gender, to ensure equal rights and opportunities, and to prohibit sexual harassment in any program and/or activity conducted by our school which receives or benefits from federal and/or state financial assistance. HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS How am I updated about school news and events?
The School Site Council is comprised of parent, teacher, administrative, classified employee, and student representatives. Their responsibility is to develop and monitor the School Plan and to allocate supplemental resources, including the Title I and School Based Consolidation Program funds within the school to support the plan. School Site Council meets on the 4th Monday of the month. How do administrators and teachers work to ensure school safety and security? Administrators and teachers are on campus supervision each day watching for any problems. They take a proactive approach in order to diffuse situations before there is a problem. They also “check in” with kids to see how they are doing. Many staff members have been trained in emergency evacuation and CPR. SAFETY AND SECURITY Can I ride my bike to school? Yes. Bikes are to be walked on the CONCRETE areas in the vicinity of the bike racks and within the bike rack enclosure. Bikes are not to be ridden through the campus nor are they to be ridden through the parking lot or on sidewalks at any time. Eachstudent who brings a bike to school must have a lock and chain/cable. Bikes are not to be locked together. CD PLAYERS, IPODS, PORTABLE GAMES, LAZER POINTERS, RADIOS, SKATEBOARDS, and other items that may cause a class/campus disturbance are NOT to be used on campus at any time during the school day or in the evening during a school event. We want you to fully participate with your peers at school. Some of these items may limit your interactions with others. If these items are found, they may be confiscated and returned to your parent. Where should I be dropped off and picked up? All students are to use the crosswalks and obey traffic signals especially on Fair Oaks. Double-parking on Oak is not suggested. Traffic officers will ticket offenders. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO WAIT OR WALK THROUGH THE PARKING LOT AT ANY TIME. Parents are asked to drop students off on the school side of the street avoiding students have to cross in front of oncoming traffic. PARENTS ARE ASKED NOT TO USE THE STAFF PARKING LOT TO DROP OFF, PARK OR WAIT FOR THEIR CHILDREN. The parking lot can be a dangerous place and is off-limits for ALL students. Street parking is available for all visitors. Citations may be issued for illegal parking. Please make arrangements to pick up your child within 1 block of South Pasadena Middle School to relieve the congestion after school. Can I bring my cell phone to school? You may bring a cell phone to school with your parents’ permission. It is to remain turned off during the school day and not be used until after school. Cell phones are not to be used in classrooms, the library, or on school property without the permission of school staff. What emergency information does the school need? REPORTING CHANGES OF ADDRESS AND OTHER EMERGENCY INFORMATION Information on every student is kept on file in the Attendance Office to be used by school personnel to locate parents in case of an emergency. For your child’s safety, you are required to notify the school of any change of address, and home and work telephone numbers. If you move to another school enrollment area and wish to have your child continue at this school for the remainder of the term, he/she may be eligible to do so. Please check in the school Attendance Office to obtain detailed district regulations regarding intra-and inter-district permit requirements. If it is discovered that you have failed to report a change of address to another school attendance area, your child will not be eligible for a permit to continue at this school. How does the Health Office help me? If you are sick, the nurse can send you home or help you rest. Do not come to school if you have:
HEALTH OFFICE By law, if a student needs to bring medication to school, he/she needs a note from the doctor and parent requesting it. The medicine must be in prescription form and kept in the health office. Even medicine such as aspirin needs to be checked into the Health Office and should only be brought with permission from home and a doctor’s note. A. Students returning to school with crutches, casts, or orthopedic devices must have administrative approval and a written release from the attending physician. Obtain verification that a student on crutches has been instructed in proper usage. Release should also indicate any limitations for P.E. B. Students returning from surgery or long-term illness of 10 days or more must have a written release from the attending physician. The release should also indicate any limitations for P.E. For long-term medication, a parent needs to have a doctor fill out a “Request for Medication to be Taken During School Hours” form. Pick up form in the Health Office. The Health Office is located in the administration building. If a student becomes ill and needs assistance he/she should inform the teacher and receive a pass to the Health Office. Any on-campus injury should be reported to the health clerk or teacher immediately. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE AN UPT0-DATE EMERGENCY CARD ON FILE IN THE OFFICE. Parents should keep the health clerk informed of any special health problems. How do I keep my locker safe? LOCKERS The locker is intended as a convenience for students to store books, lunches, sweaters, and other items necessary for school. NO VALUABLE items or large amounts of money should be left in your locker. The lockers are the property of the school and subject to search when necessary. If you have any locker problems, please see the Assistant Principal or security guard. The person to whom the locker is assigned will be held responsible for its contents and condition. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO SHARE THEIR LOCKERS WITH ANYONE. Additional locks brought from home may NOT be used. Reminder: The South Pasadena Unified School District and/or South Pasadena Middle School Middle School will not be responsible for any item lost, damaged or stolen from a student’s locker. For security reasons, students will be required to purchase a school lock for their school locker from South Pasadena Middle School. The cost will be $5.00. Do NOT give your ocker combination to anyone! What do I do if I lose something? LOST AND FOUND If an item is lost, notify the Attendance Office at snack, lunch, before or after school. Please mark all personal items brought to school (including jackets, tennis rackets, etc.). Students are urged NOT to bring valuables to school due to the possibility of losing them. Lost books of any kind are returned to the library media center. If you have missplaced a textbook it will be returned to our textbook database and will need to be reissued. There is a reissue charge of $3. Can my parents park in the parking lots? No, the parking lots are for school staff only.
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1600 Oak St. South Pasadena, CA 91030
Tel: (626) 441-5830 Fax: (626) 441-5835
Copyright © South Pasadena Middle School
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