PARENT AND STUDENT

HANDBOOK
2015-16

An Optional School In Collaboration with Christian Brothers University

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MSSA PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

Administration
Lischa Brooks, Founding Principal
R. Keith Booker, Assistant Principal
Kendrick Wade, Administrative Assistant

Staff
Shonda Wilson-Keys, Optional/AVID Coordinator
Yureka Pirtle, School Counselor
Amanda McClusky, Media Specialist
Latonya Brooms, Financial Secretary
Janice Sharp, General Office Secretary
John King, Supervising Building Engineer
Margarette Norris, Nutrition Manager

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MSSA PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015-16
Teachers
Claire Bergman
Alysha Bird
Tamra Gathright-Billings
Dinara Bowers
Jay Cotner
Robert Davis
Mary Easter
Renata Henderson
Noelia Warnette-Jones
Kyle Kuusisto
Heather Lunsford
Monica Morgan
Julian Nicholas
Kay Obenchain
Candice Pollan
Steven Spangler
Brandi Stroecker
Julian White
Contact Us
Main Office (901) 416-4536
Main Fax (901) 416-4539
Counseling Office (901) 416-9505
www.memphissteammiddleschool.com
email: maxinesmithsteamacademy@gmail.com

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MSSA PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Message from the Principal 4

Our Shared Vision and Common Mission 5
Core Values 6
School Goals 8
Daily Schedule 9
Attendance Policy 12
Grading Policy 14
Intervention, Promotion, and Retention 16-17
Code of Conduct 18
Computer, Locker, and Textbook Policies 19-20
School Sports and Organizations 21

Please note: Our students are called TEIs which means

Technicians, Engineers, or Inventors!
School Pledge
We are Maxine Smith STEAM Academy.
We are Technicians. Engineers. Inventors.
We take care of our school.
We make our community better.
The world is a better place, because we were born.
We encourage one another and we work together.
We are creative. We solve problems. We are makers.
If we can imagine it, we can make it.
We try once, twice, one hundred times, but we never give up.
We take what we learn and we make something with it.
We are Maxine Smith STEAM Academy.

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MSSA PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

750 E. Parkway S. Memphis, TN 38104

iddle School marks an exciting, challenging, and vulnerable time in a childs life. Our primary goal at

the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is to develop students creativity, teamwork, communication, and
problem-solving skills, which are all necessary for success in todays world. With an emphasis on postsecondary readiness, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum will
prepare TEIs (Technicians, Engineers, or Inventors) for college, career and beyond while producing
environmentally literate TEIs. We aim to provide a challenging yet encouraging environment that is at all
times sensitive to the unique developmental needs of pre-adolescents and supportive of a positive self-concept
for each child. We are purposeful in our advocacy of children moving along the continuum toward greater
independence. They are expected to take responsibility for their own work and behavior and, as they do, are
afforded increasing opportunities to make appropriate, independent decisions.
Pre-adolescent children are in constant motion on their way toward heightened self-awareness, greater
management of their time, materials, and ideas, and an understanding of their responsibilities as members of
many communities. We are poised to help them in this journey! To succeed in their journey, children this age
require both support and space from adults who care about them- the STEAM Team! They need adults
watching and helping them reflect on whats happening in their world, sometimes intervening but often not. A
primary goal for the middle school years is for children to learn from their mistakes while the risks are
relatively low.
Because we have a smaller learning environment for our students, we are able to engage with all children
more personally. The result is a familiarity with and knowledge of the students, which allows teachers to share
their own experience about how each child learns best and allows TEIs to feel known. STEAM Team
members share common planning time during which they meet regularly to discuss students' needs,
interdisciplinary curriculum, grade-level business, or to have conferences with parents.
While a high level of academic rigor exists at MSSA, TEIs are strongly encouraged to identify their areas of
non-academic interests and talents, and to pursue them within our program and beyond. A wide range of fine
arts and athletic options exists for TEIs, as do opportunities to participate in student government, community
service, and various clubs. Young people who are positively engaged in their communities and in pursuit of
their own interests typically develop the sense of accomplishment and social confidence that is so vital at this
age, and it is of primary importance to us to inspire and lead our TEIs toward making these connections and in
better knowing themselves.
Lischa Brooks, Founding Principal
Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

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MSSA PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

Chapter One

General Academic Information

he Department of Education at Christian Brothers University embarked on an agreement
with Shelby County Schools to form a lab school at the current Fairview Middle School.
With the push for more science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across the
nation as well as the implementation of the Common Core Standards, it was a natural fit for
CBUs Department of Education to form a connection in this area that focused on college
and career readiness, STEAM program design, STEAM program development and
continuous improvement, instructional resource attainment and design, and STEAM
professional development for faculty and staff.

Shared Vision
The purpose of the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is to use effective and innovative instructional strategies
which support Common Core State Standards and are focused on educating, enriching and empowering the
whole child to learn through laboratory activities, case studies, and positive student/teacher interaction. TEIs
at the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy will engage in science, technology, and mathematics instruction
which is construed through engineering disciplines and embedded in the creative arts. Additionally, at the
heart of the mission of the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy is a focus on greenSTEAM topics where
students use their creativity to engage in environment-based problem based learning in order to become
environmentally literate. The STEAM coursework supports these goals as TEIs will benefit from technology
mediated instruction and be required to take rigorous classes in coding/ programming, robotics, engineering,
design and/or graphic arts. TEIs may also be required to complete summer reading expectations, and be given
the opportunity to participate in STEM summer enrichment activities. Eligible Maxine Smith STEAM
Academy TEIs will be able to receive high school credit in Math and Science.
Common Mission
The Maxine Smith STEAM Academy will develop students creativity, teamwork, communication, and
problem-solving skills, which are all necessary for success in todays world. With an emphasis on postsecondary readiness, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum will
prepare TEIs for college, career and beyond while producing environmentally literate students.
School Colors
Red represents bravery
Gray represents flexibility
White represents open mindedness
School Mascot
Knights
Our Approach
Special Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Instruction
Whole Child Development
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Authentic, Rigorous, and Engaging Lessons

Inquiry Based, Hands on Learning
21st Century Skills Development
Collaborative Environment

Core Values
Mutual Respect
We will listen to and learn from the ideas of others. If we disagree, we do so agreeably. We treat everyone students, teachers, other members of the school community and the community at large - with kindness and
consideration. We collaborate in our learning and teaching.
Inclusiveness
We understand that all students have unique talents and contributions. We foster a sense of community among
all members of our school. We ensure that every student, regardless of individual gifts and needs, has the
opportunity to learn the concepts and skills that he or she is next ready to learn.
Self Reliance
We assume responsibility for learning, as well as for interpersonal relationships. We take the initiative to
solve problems. We persevere when faced with obstacles.
The Best Educational STEAM Practices
We evaluate continually the latest educational research so that the faculty and administration continue their
professional development. We maintain a curriculum that flows seamlessly from grade to grade across all
disciplines.
Elective STEAM Courses
All STEAM TEIs will complete an elective course that is developmentally appropriate and engaging. In a
blended learning environment, TEIs will explore concepts using online access to STEM curriculum and then
have the opportunity to complete hands on laboratory exercises during the day and in extended day sessions.
Sixth grade TEIs are called Technicians, and they will search for answers to What is STEAM? A student
proficient in this course will understand science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM)
as a collection of interrelated disciplines, rather than a series of isolated fields. Students will come away from
this course with a thorough understanding of how the STEAM disciplines work together to investigate the
world, define problems, and create optimal solutions to benefit society. In this course, TEIs will explore the
history of engineering and technology; they will be introduced to the practices of science and engineering; and
they will explore various greenSTEAM fields to empower them to make an informed decision when selecting
a career pathway in high school.
Seventh grade TEIs are Engineers, and they will understand the relationship between STEAM and
innovation, as well as explore the possibilities of What could be? A student proficient in this course will
understand why innovation is important and how it benefits society. They will explore ways in which
participation in the creative arts help make stronger STEAM students. Students will learn how innovation
requires creativity and leads to new discoveries and technologies in environmental subjects that make life
better for everyone. In this course, TEIs will identify past innovations in environmental subjects and what
inspired their creation. Students will continue learning the practices of science and engineering. This course
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will reinforce the specific practices of developing and using models; planning and carrying out investigations;
and analyzing and interpreting data.
Eighth grade TEIs, Inventors, define problems and methodically answer the question, What is the
solution? Upon completion of this course, proficient STEAM students understand that engineering design is
a process of developing solutions to problems and challenges in order to meet the needs of society. TEIs
continue to apply the practices for science and engineering learned in sixth and seventh grades. As Inventors,
however, emphasis on practices such as using mathematics and computational thinking; designing solutions;
engaging in argument from evidence; and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. In addition
to gaining a deep understanding of the relationship between engineering and design, students who complete
this course will learn how both innovation and engineering design result in new technologies in environmental
subjects that benefit humans.
Technology
STEAM Academy TEIs will have access to state-of the-art learning tools and resources. Digital and webbased learning will be integrated into classroom instruction, and TEIs will complete performance-based
assessments to ensure that they retain knowledge and can apply it to practical, real-world situations. STEAM
students will be expected to participate in STEAM-area competitions, such as Robotics, Engineering, and
Technology. TEIs will also have the opportunity to participate in effective student-focused STEAM activities
and clubs during and after school, including Science, Engineering, Communications, Mathematics
Enhancement Program (SECME), the Tennessee Technology Student Association, Lego League Robotics,
and the Engineering Club. TEIs will visit college campuses and job sites regularly, and participate in various
excursions to facilitate readiness for post-secondary studies in the STEAM discipline.
Arts Focus
The arts are essential to help TEIs develop as independent and creative thinkers. TEIs will be exposed to art
often, and will have opportunities to express themselves and to learn about the arts. Several extended day lab
sessions each month will be devoted to learning about various forms of art. Local artists will often join us in
these sessions, and we may, on occasion, visit artists in their studios as well. Furthermore, students will be
expected to regularly integrate the arts into project work. Sixth graders will complete approximately 4
greenSTEAM projects (most lasting 5-6 weeks, some lasting longer) over the course of the first year. Seventh
graders will complete projects that are increasingly more involved, more student-directed, and that take more
time to complete. Seventh graders might complete three or four major projects, each lasting two to three
months. Eighth graders will propose and complete a six-month capstone project that makes a significant
contribution to the environment around them.

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The Goals of the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy are:

Goal 1: To design, implement, and evaluate a mission driven Smith STEAM Academy that supports the students
engagement in authentic, relevant experiences to improve math, technology, and science performance.
Goal 2: To develop a school culture that focuses on personalizing the student experience, building relationships with
students and parents, and character development through a responsive classroom atmosphere of respect and trust.
Goal 3: To prepare, retain, and empower effective teachers to use authentic STEAM projects in a team-based approach
in order to provide a common thread throughout all subjects.
Goal 4: To engage students in science, technology, and mathematics instruction which is construed through engineering
disciplines and embedded in the arts as the students engage in greenSTEAM topics in order to become environmentally
literate.
Goal 5: To use effective and innovative instructional strategies to decrease any gaps in achievement and technical skills
among gender, racial/ethnic background and economic level, as measured by subgroup analysis of TCAP/PARCC,
technology skills assessments, and other assessments.
Goal 6: To develop strategic partnerships with families, businesses, and the school community to develop a national
model for providing innovative STEAM experiences for middle school students in large, urban school districts.

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MSSA PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

Chapter Two

Organization of the School

Daily Schedule
School Day is 8:15 a.m. 3:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
8:15 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. on Thursday

School Entrance Procedures

Please drop off students using the front entrance of the Complex. If you need to park, please park in
the spaces on the northwest corner. Do not park in the loop.
TEIs will be allowed to enter at 7:45 am unless they are in Before Care
TEIs will enjoy breakfast from 7:45 A.M.-8:10 A.M in their second period class
Students may go to their lockers at 8:00am.
On campus supervision of TEIs will not begin until 7:45 A.M.

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School Dismissal Procedures

Students are categorized as either a walker or car rider. Car riders must be picked up in the car rider
line. Walkers will be dismissed out of the south west door of the school (nearest Kroc) at 3:15.
Parents may not enter the school at dismissal to pick up students.
TEIs involved in extracurricular activities are to meet their coach/sponsor immediately after dismissal.
Once students leave the building, they should not re-enter.
Please be aware that students are only allowed to cross Parkway or Central at the nothwest corner in
front of the school at the designated cross walk. The school does not have policing or traffic authority
on a public street; therefore, it is essential that all parents follow our traffic protocols to ensure the
safety of our students.
During inclement weather, please slow down and follow the directives of staff as you enter the drop
off areas. If you would like to assist our staff with this important duty, please contact the office.
All unsupervised TEIs must be off the campus by 3:30 P.M. If TEIs have not been picked up by 3:45
P.M., they must wait for their ride in the covered area near the front door of the building.
TEIs who participate in an after school activity or event must be picked up within 20 minutes of the
activity ending. All TEIs in an afterschool activity or event must stay with their assigned coach or
sponsor until they are picked up. They may not enter after care following a practice without a
dated, written consent from the parent.
TEIs who are not picked up in a timely manner may be removed the afterschool activity.

Deliveries from Off Campus

Flowers, balloons, or special gifts sent to student at school will be held in the office until 2:45 p.m., at which
time the student will be called to the office to receive them. Exceptions to this rule must be cleared through an
administrator.

Cafeteria Special Request for Medical or Religious Reasons

In recognition of special circumstances concerning a students diet, parents may request a special diet under
the following circumstances:
Allergies: It is our policy and practice to be sensitive to any allergies on campus. Emergency forms with any
health issues are maintained in main office and pertinent information is entered into our family/student
management database.
Special note: Any seriously allergic individual should have a personal prescription of epinephrine or other
allergy medicine available at all times and the SCS medication forms should have parental approval for
administering this medication. Before the start of the school year, the classroom teacher of a student with a
serious allergy meets with the parents and discusses the allergy and the necessary antidote for the allergy as
specified on the medication form.
Fast food is not allowed in the cafeteria. Please do not bring these items into the cafeteria.
Religious Reasons: Should a dietary alteration for religious reasons be required, use the following procedure:
The parents will notify the Assistant Principal and obtain and complete a Request for Modified Diet Form
from.
The completed request form must be turned in to the Assistant Principal.
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Cafeteria Visitors
Parents/ Guardians are encouraged to eat lunch with us on Wednesdays. Because of the size of the cafeteria,
however, we may have to limit the number of guests to one per student unless arrangements have been made
in advance with the principal.

Library Hours of Operation

Library hours are Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 3:45 p.m.

Circulation
Overnight items such as reference materials, are due back at 8:00 a.m. the next school day. Books in the
regular collection may be checked out for one to two weeks with the option to renew as needed.

Attendance Policies/Procedures
The development of a strong sense of personal responsibility is an important goal at Maxine Smith STEAM
Academy. Presence in each class is necessary for academic progress. Attendance is required at advisory,
assemblies, grade level meetings, field trips and all classes. We ask parents to make every attempt to schedule
medical and dental appointments so they do not interfere with school attendance. Each students absence and
tardy record becomes part of his/her official educational record. Parents are reminded that absences and/or
tardies will impact renewal for Optional Schools.

Tardies
Part of the emphasis we place on personal responsibility hinges upon a student being prompt and prepared. A
student arriving late to class disrupts the flow of a daily lesson. We ask parents and TEIs to be punctual. A
student is marked tardy any time he or she is late arriving to school or to an individual class. All tardies will
be marked unexcused unless the parent checks in the student in the pupil services office and has an acceptable
reason for tardy, e.g., oversleeping is not an acceptable reason, but a note from a doctors office is excusable.
All TEIs arriving late to class must have a signed admission note from the pupil services office. TEIs and
parents will be notified with the number of tardies becomes excessive and may require a meeting with an
administrator.

Absences
TEIs presence in their courses is critical to maximizing achievement and scholarship. TEIs who are
chronically absent from one or more classes deprive themselves and their fellow students the gifts of their
scholarship and engagement in their daily lessons. Parents of TEIs who are chronically absent need to
proactively contact the division office and schedule a meeting with the assistant principal. Documentation will
requested to support any information shared.
Research provides evidence that TEIs with good attendance also perform well in school. Good attendance also
includes punctuality. TEIs should be present and prepared for learning each day. A TEIs absence may be
excused for the following reasons:
1. Personal illness
2. Death or serious illness in the immediate family
3. Recognized religious holidays
4. Subpoena for court appearance
5. Approved school sponsored activities
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A written notice explaining the absence is required when a scholar returns to school.
Days Absent Response and Action
2+ absences A written letter by parent or guardian
3+ absences consecutive An official doctors notice
5+ absences An official doctors notice and meeting with administration.
10+ absences An official doctors notice, meeting with administration, and truancy report sent to SCS Pupil
Services.
15+ absences Non renewal of Optional School admission

Doctor and Dental Appointments

Parents, please work with the school to schedule all doctors appointments afterschool, on the weekends, or
during holiday break. If you have to schedule an appointment during the school day, the lunch and enrichment
periods are ideal. TEIs can return back to school after appointments.

Make-up Work
TEIs are able to make up work if they have an excused absence from the class. The teacher will provide
make-up work upon the scholars return. Make-up work must be turned in 3 days upon return to school.
This includes those TEIs who were suspended from school. Suspended TEIs do not have 3 days to make-up
assignments. It is each TEIs responsibility to complete and turn in his or her missed assignments.

Chapter Three

Grading and Homework

Criteria for Grading
The assessment of a students academic achievement is used to determine a grade for the student. The grading
criteria shall include some combination of the following as determined by the teams/teachers.
10% Homework
15% Notebook and Notes
25% Class Participation/Class Work
50% Assessments (Tests, quizzes, and projects)
The second semester averages in mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies shall also include the
score on the corresponding section of the TCAP weighted at 15%. Each quarter counts 42.5% and the TCAP
counts 15%.

Calculations of Grades
A = 100 93 Excellent
B = 92 85 Good
C = 84 75 Average
D = 74 70 Low Average
F = below 70 Failure
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Report Cards
Report Cards are sent home each nine-weeks grading period.

Progress Report
A progress report will be sent home with the TEIs after the fourth week of each nine week period.

Parental Volunteer Policy

All parents are encouraged to volunteer at school as their time permits. There are many ways that parents can
be involved in making our school the BEST it can be. Time and Talent! We want parents to volunteer their
time and or talent, .i.e., perhaps you are an engineer and would like to speak at our Lunchbox Wednesday
sessions.

Parent Academy Sessions

Parents are required to attend all academy meetings related to the Blended learning laptop. If a parent is not
available to attend the sessions, then they must send a representative to attend the meeting. The representative
must be an adult over the age of 21. We will also have quarterly greenSTEAM Nights where parents and
community members will be able to see student projects.

Parent Teacher Student Association

MAXINE SMITH STEAM ACADEMY will have an active PTSA which meets every month. The PTSA
consists of parent representatives from each grade level. Parent representatives will also be able to co-chair
school-wide activities with a school staff member.

Parent Grievances
The following procedure will be followed whenever a parent/guardian has a particular grievance:
STEP 1: The parent/guardian is to set an appointment to meet with the teacher or staff member involved in the
grievance. The teacher and/or the parent/guardian may request that the principal or his/her designee be
present.
STEP 2: If the issue is not resolved, the parent/guardian may ask for a meeting with the assistant principal.
STEP 3: If the issue remains unresolved, the parent/guardian is requested to write a letter of grievance
addressed to the principal. Who will then meet with all parties as appropriate.

Parent Connect
Parent Connect is a district online system for parents. Parents can view grades, attendance and
conduct for their child. Teachers update grades on a regular basis in the system. The school will
need a correct email address for parents to access the program.

Parent Link
Parentlink is an automated calling system that will communicate pertinent school and individual
student information to parents. The following are examples of what type of information to expect: progress
report dates, when a student is not present at school, report card dates, district-wide announcements, etc. To
ensure that all messages from Parentlink are received, it is imperative that all parent/guardian contact
information not only be up to date, but also correct.
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Honor Rolls
The honor roll is determined from student report cards and is set by Shelby County School Board of
Education policy.
Principals List
Academic Subjects Numerical equivalent of all As
Conduct All Es

Distinguished Honor Roll

Academic Subjects GPA of 3.6 or above No Grade below 75
Conduct E or S
Honor Roll
Academic Subjects GPA of 3.0-3.599 No Grade below 75
Conduct E or S
Citizenship
Conduct All Es

National Junior Honor Society

The National Honor Society membership is based upon an Engineer or Inventors (7th or 8th grade students)
outstanding performance in the areas of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. Information and
requirements will be distributed during the first semester.
Standards for admission are determined by the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy faculty council, and include
GPA requirements, standards for character, leadership, and service in accordance with the guidelines
established by the NHS/NJHS.

Junior Beta Club

The National Junior Beta Club promotes the ideals of character, service, and leadership among Technicians
(6th grade students). Information and requirements will be distributed during the first semester.
Standards for admission are determined by Maxine Smith STEAM Academy faculty council and include GPA
requirements, standards for character, leadership, and service.

Promotion, Intervention and Retention of Students

To be considered for promotion to the next grade, TEIs must demonstrate a minimum level of achievement as
determined by teacher-administered assessments of classroom performance with a D (70%) or better in the
following areas:

Language Arts/Reading
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
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Intervention
The school is responsible for ensuring that anyone experiencing academic difficulties is identified by his
teachers and reported to the principal as early in the school year as possible. The school is also responsible for
ensuring that appropriate intervention services and programs are used to assist each child in reaching
academic benchmarks. Academic interventions shall be required for the following TEIs who:

are at risk of failing the current school year;

are not meeting State standards for grade level performance; and
are at risk for non renewal of Optional transfer.

Schools shall notify the student and his/her parents of the students academic progress and advise them of
recommended intervention opportunities. Intervention services and programs may include, but are not limited
to:

additional structured instruction outside the standard school day (structured before, after school, and
week-end instruction);
one-to-one, small group, or subject-specific tutoring programs;
excusal from EL Lab for tutoring

Retention
TEIs failing more than 2 classes and/or not passing Summer School will be retained for the school year.

Homework Policy
Homework will be assigned to serve the following purposes:
To develop and strengthen skills
To train TEIs in good study habits
To promote growth in responsibility
To prepare the student for the expectations of the next grade level
TEIs are expected to complete 100% of homework assigned and submit this work to the teacher on time.
There are age appropriate consequences for non-completion of homework.
Parents and students are responsible for informing the teacher of any concerns. Teachers will then develop a
plan to assist the child for a successful homework experience.

Chapter Four

Student Behavior
Student Behavior
The mission of Shelby County Schools is to provide each student with experiences, activities, and forms of
instruction that will cultivate and develop to the fullest possible extent the understanding, skills and habits of
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mind that are necessary to contribute to and benefit from citizenship in our society. To fulfill this mission, we
must have an academic environment, which is safe, secure and conducive to learning. Good discipline is the
foundation of a successful educational program.
The Board of Commissioners is responsible for using reasonable steps to promote a positive
learning environment by ensuring the protection of the rights of each student to benefit from
their educational experiences. If a student breaks a zero tolerance rule, this action will result
in immediate suspension or expulsion.

STEAM Bucks
The Paycheck System is an individual student incentive program that rewards each TEI for positive
behavior and/or academic achievement. TEIs have the opportunity to earn STEAM Bucks by doing the
following...

Exhibiting positive random acts of kindness

Perfect Attendance
Going the second mile on an assignment or project
Turning in assignments, projects, and homework

Sample Incentives

Friday Out of Uniform Passes

STEAM Store
Snacks

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

TEIs, teachers and administrators will act ethically, legally and efficiently when using computing facilities at
Maxine Smith STEAM Academy.

Software
Maxine Smith STEAM Academy respects all computer software copyrights and adheres to the terms of all
software licenses to which the school is party. School employees or TEIs may not duplicate any licensed
software or related documentation for use on either school premises or elsewhere unless Maxine Smith
STEAM Academy is expressly authorized to do so by agreement with the licenser. Unauthorized duplication
of software may subject employees and/or TEIs to both civil and criminal penalties under the United States
Copyright Act. Employees may not give stand-alone software to any other employee or any software to
nonemployees, including parents, contractors, TEIs and others. MSSA employees and TEIs may use software
on local area networks or on multiple machines only in accordance with applicable license agreements.

Legal Propriety
Comply with trademark, copyright laws and all license agreements. Ignorance of the law is not immunity. If
TEIs are unsure, they should ask a teacher or a parent for guidance.

Privacy/Safety
TEIs should:
o not open, use or change computer files that do not belong to them
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o not reveal their full name, phone number, home address, social security number, credit card
numbers or password or those of other people

Language Propriety
TEIs should:
o always use appropriate language
o never use or transmit language/material that is profane, obscene, abusive or offensive

Internet Use
TEIs should:
o maintain high integrity and focus while browsing for specific information
o have a specific topic of interest for educational research when using the Internet
If a student inadvertently accesses a website that contains obscene, pornographic or otherwise offensive
material, the student should notify a teacher or technology staff as quickly as possible so that such sites can be
blocked from further access within the SCS firewall. This is not merely a request; it is a responsibility.

Textbook Policy
The first week of school, TEIs are assigned textbooks.
Each TEI receives textbooks for each subject. The textbooks are aligned to one single ID number.
TEIs are responsible for maintaining the condition of each textbook. As such, TEIs are not allowed to write in
textbooks.
Parents are responsible for paying for the cost of any lost, stole, or damaged textbooks.
Textbooks are periodically checked during the school year. Textbook inventories take place in December and
May.
TEIs with textbook fines will not receive report cards.

Computer Policy

Laptop should ALWAYS be carried in a case.

Laptop should never be thrown, kicked, carried/handled in an inappropriate manner, or stood on.
HANDLE WITH CARE. You will be responsible for ANY damages.
Laptop- DESKTOP & INTERNET HOMEPAGE default settings should NOT be changed for ANY
reason.
Photos should not be taken WITHOUT the teachers permission.
Never allow another TEI to use your computer. You are responsible for your Laptop.
ALWAYS remain on the website provided by your teacher.
Music, DVDs, or CDs are NOT allowed unless directed by your teacher.
Headphones are NOT allowed unless given permission by the teacher.
DO NOT download or import any music or files WITHOUT the teachers permission. This also
includes importing music or files from a flash drive.
DO NOT download ANY images or files to the desktop without the teachers permission. Missing
Laptops should be reported immediately.

Lockers Policy
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Lockers with built-in locks are available for all TEIs. Lockers are school property and may be opened by
authorized personnel at any time. It is the TEIs responsibility to keep the locker clean and secured at all times
and to report locker problems to the homeroom instructor or to the main office.

Student Code of Conduct

The following are Student Expectations from the Student Code of Conduct: There will be NO tolerance of:
1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, look-alike drugs or drug paraphernalia. TEIs who are under the influence are not permitted to attend school or a
school function and are treated as though they had drugs or alcohol in their possession.
2. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing or selling explosives, firearms (including look-a-like), knives or
any other object that can be considered a weapon.
3. All TEIs are banned from possessing any type of phone or personal communication device that is turned on
or in visible/audible use at any time during the regular school day. Possession means being found in any
article of clothing, purse, book bag, carry bag, or in any other location other than the assigned locker during
the school day. Other electronic devices such as tablets, MP3 players, game devices, etc are not allowed.
The district and/or school does not take responsibility for lost/confiscated items and will not compensate the
owner for any lost, stolen or damaged confiscated items while in the custody of the district.
4. Using violence, force, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, harassment, or other comparable conduct toward
anyone (including school personnel, students, or designated visitors) or urging other students to engage in
such conduct.
5. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another
persons personal property.
6. Unexcused absenteeism.
7. Involvement in gangs or gang-related activities, including the display or possession of gang symbols or
paraphernalia, gang recruitment, or gang initiation.
8. Involvement in activities associated with secret societies, sororities, fraternities, or other clubs, by
displaying related symbols or paraphernalia, or participating in recruitment or invitation activities. No gang,
sorority, fraternity, or other club T- shirts.
9. Cursing or use of profane language directed toward other TEIs or staff.
10. Fighting
11. Threatening or striking school personnel, designated visitors or TEIs.
12. Engaging in immoral, obscene, indecent and/or offensive behavior, language, gestures, pictures, writing,
or propositions.
13. Falsely activating the fire alarm or making bomb threats.
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14. Sexually harassing school personnel or other TEIs.

15. Being insubordinate or disrespectful to school personnel, including cursing or using profane language.
16. Engaging in other behaviors that are inappropriate, detrimental, or which negatively impact others or the
learning environment.

Offenses that Warrant Immediate Office Referral

Threats/fighting/sexual harassment
Defiant behavior toward an authority figure
Major destruction or defacing of school property
ZERO TOLERANCE OFFENSES

Chapter Five

School Sports and Extracurricular Activities

School Sports and Organizations
At the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, academic success is our first priority. However, we know that our
TEIs also need a balance of extracurricular activities. TEIs engaging in extracurricular activities such as clubs,
organizations and athletics must maintain a C or higher average in all subjects. If a TEIs grades fall below a
C average in any subject, then the student will be place on academic probation and removed from the
organization or team until his/her grades have improved.
Athletics
Basketball (boys and girls)
Cheerleading Team
Track and Field (boys and girls)
Soccer (boys and girls)
Swimming
Organizations and Clubs
Yearbook
Student Government
Newspaper
National Junior Honor Society
Beta Club
Destination Imagination
Chess
Debate
Engineers for Tomorrow
Young Scientists
Art
Reading
Bridge Builders
Drama

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