MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018
Dear Students and Parents,

Middle school is an important time in the lives of young adolescence as they are
making critical and complex life choices and are forming attitudes, values, and habits
that will guide them on their path to graduation. This handbook for students and
parents provides valuable information, which includes:

Reaching high standards for learning

Reaching high standards for behavior
Accessing campus
Eating at school
Transportation

Many of the provisions in the handbook are shared with you under state or federal
regulations. Unfortunately, the sheer volume and character of some of the provisions
may give the impression of an overly formal school system rather than a friendly,
personal one.

Therefore, our school board, district administration, and school staff, in sharing this
handbook, would like you to understand that we seek to cultivate an active partnership
with you. The information contained in this handbook is intended to enrich this
partnership through helping create understanding of expectations for student conduct.
Maintaining open communication with you on issues affecting the progress and growth
of students is vitally important to us.

THIS HANDBOOK BELONGS TO:

_____________________________________________
 Contact Information:
Michael Bone, Principal
Mark Bates, Assistant Principal

Randi Jensen, Secretary/Registrar

Laura Pennell, Secretary/Bookkeeper

575 West 7th South

Rexburg, ID 83440

Phone: (208) 359-3320

Fax: (208) 359-3348

Home Page: www.msd321.com

(Click on Our Schools and Madison Middle School)

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Madison Middle School Faculty & Staff 2015-2016

Office
Michael Bone Principal
Mark Bates Assistant Principal
Kathy Howard Guidance Counselor
Shawn Scott Resource Officer
Laura Pennell Financial Secretary
Randi Jensen Registrar
Mike Wilson Day Custodian
Kirk Chadwick Night Custodian

Special Services
Kara Downs Extended Resource
Karen Muir 5th Grade Resource
Lisa Berry 6th Grade Resource
Amanda Ihler Title I
Carrie Batschi Title I
Heather Cameron Title I
Sharee Barton 4th Grade AIM
Ryan Durfee 5th Grade AIM
Lory Boggetti 5th Grade AIM
Melanie Wade 6th Grade AIM
Holly Lucero 6th Grade AIM

Encore Faculty
Rebecca Harrell Chorus
Suzanna Blackwood Band
Linda Lanham Orchestra
Jennifer Christensen P.E.

Library
Becky Godfrey Librarian

5th Grade Faculty Team

Matt Tanner 5-1
Devanie Denison 5-1
Marian Hayes 5-1
Kelsey Christensen 5-2
Juli Lauritsen 5-2
Micahlyn Jolley 5-2
Soni Thueson 5-3
Merilee Sorensen 5-3
Alexia Tarabilda 5-3
Ranae Powell 5-4
Jackie Mitchell 5-4
Heidi Thompson 5-4

6th Grade Faculty Team

Josh Spencer 6-1
Erik Bloom 6-1
Heidi Jones 6-1
Tara Christesen 6-2
Auri Willard 6-2
Darla Weathersby 6-2
Cheri Dobson 6-3
Tammy Ostermiller 6-3
Abby Larson 6-3
Lynn Daley 6-4
Michelle Summers 6-4
Devane Holtom 6-4

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4
 Bell Schedule for Monday-Thursday**

5th Grade Schedule

Warning Bell 8:30

Late Bell (roll, lunch count) 8:358:40
Block 1 8:40-9:50
Block 2 9:55-11:05
Lunch 11:05-11:45
Block 3 11:501:00
Block 4 1:051:45
Encore 1:50-2:35
Encore 2:40-3:25
Dismissal Bell 3:25

6th Grade Schedule

Warning Bell 8:30

Late Bell (roll, lunch count) 8:358:40
Block 1 8:40-10:00
Block 2 10:05-11:20
Encore 11:30-12:15
Encore 12:20-1:05
Lunch 1:05-1:45
Block 3 1:50-3:10
Homework 3:15-3:25
Dismissal Bell 3:25

** Madison Middle School has an early out every Friday at 2:00 pm. See Friday Early-Out
Schedule on the following page:

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 Bell Schedule for Friday Early-Out**

5th Grade Schedule

Warning Bell 8:30

Late Bell (roll, lunch count) 8:358:40
Block 1 8:40-9:25
Block 2 9:30-10:15
Block 3 10:20-11:05
Lunch 11:05-11:40
Encore 11:4512:15
Encore 12:2012:50
Block 4 12:55-2:00
Dismissal Bell 2:00

6th Grade Schedule

Regular Friday Early Out Second Friday of the Month Early Out

Warning Bell 8:30 Warning Bell 8:30

Late Bell (Startup) 8:35-8:40 Late Bell (Startup) 8:35-8:40
Block 1 8:40-9:45 Block 1 8:40-9:25
Block 2 9:50-10:55 Block 2 9:30-10:15
Block 3 11:00-12:05 Block 3 10:20-11:05
Lunch 12:05-12:50 Block 4 11:10-12:05
Encore 12:55-1:25 Lunch 12:05-12:50
Encore 1:30-2:00 Encore 12:55-1:25
Dismissal 2:00 Encore 1:30-2:00
Dismissal 2:00

NOTICE FOR STUDENTS ARRIVING TO SCHOOL EARLY: Students should not arrive at school
until 8:00 a.m. when appropriate adult supervision is scheduled.

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Welcome to Madison Middle School

To influence, to preserve, to extend, and to provide direction to the values of our

community, Madison Middle School is committed to providing the best possible
education. The needs and capabilities of each student are of highest concern. Madison
Middle School is a place where each student has the right to a safe and orderly
learning environment. We promote academic achievement and social responsibility.

Mission Statement
Madison Middle School will promote high standards of academic achievement,
responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning in a safe and caring environment.

Commitment
The faculty and staff of Madison Middle School are committed to:
1. Creating a safe, positive learning environment where students, teachers, and
other personnel demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and property.
2. Providing students the opportunity to think critically and creatively, to
communicate and to problem solve.
3. Providing students the opportunity to become independent, self-disciplined
learners, accountable and responsible for their actions and learning.
4. Ensuring students will learn, given appropriate materials, time and learning
opportunities.
5. Facilitating engaging, creative, relevant and meaningful learning experiences.
6. Offering classroom instruction that is aligned with school, district, and state
standards.
7. Affording opportunities for students to develop skills in the arts and lifetime
physical education.
8. Integrating technology into education.
9. Involving students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members to promote
a responsive learning community.
School Pledge
Each day I come to Madison Middle School to learn. It is my responsibility to help
create a safe place so that others might also learn. I will treat others with respect, be
responsible for myself, and come to school ready to learn. I will act in such a way that
I will be proud of myself and others will be proud of me also.

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Reaching high standards for behavior
Our goal is to provide an environment for students and their teachers that is safe and
drug-free and fosters learning. Most middle school students are well behaved and
respectful of each other and their teachers. We ask students to behave in a manner
that will be a credit to our school.

Our students are expected to maintain the same high standards of behavior at all
times. Students are expected to obey their school officials, protect property, maintain
order and decorum, and conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit upon
themselves and their school. Following are the expectations of Madison Middle School
students in all areas. Our school rules include being respectful, responsible, and
ready.

Madison Middle School Expectations

Setting
The School Classroom Hallways Playground Cafeteria Library Gym Bus Bathrooms
Computer
Labs
Listen to Raise your Walk Be kind. Hands, feet, Push in Be a Listen to Clean up your
morning hand. Quiet Follow the and objects chairs. good bus driver. mess.
announce- Follow the Listen to rules. to yourself. Treat books sport. Be kind. Dont climb on
ments. rules. teacher. Listen to duty. Wait your and Wait Include walls.
Hands and Hands and Take turns. turn. equipment your others. Respect
Respectful

feet to feet to Listen to carefully. turn. Take care privacy.

yourself. yourself. duty. Follow of
Be kind. Include the seats/bus
others. rules. Keep
Expectations

Listen hands/feet
to duty. to yourself.
Include
others.

Have fun! Be on task. Take care of Play safe. Practice Follow Play Use a quiet Ask for
Be friendly to Clean up personal Include good table teachers safe. voice. permission.
Responsible

everyone. after items. others. manners. directions. Put Stay in Hurry back.
Have a good yourself. Quickly go Share Replace Work quietly. away your seat. Dont play
attitude. where you equipment. trays & Whisper. equipm Take around.
need to. Take your utensils. Return ent. belongings Flush it.
things with Clean up books. and trash Wash hands.
you at the end eating area. Put games with you.
of recess. away.

Be to school Homework Get all your Come in when Bring your Be on the Walk to Watch for Use during
on time. done. materials. the bell rings. lunch or correct the your stop. recess and
Ready

Avoid class Be prepared Be prepared. Dress lunch computer gym. Be on time. break times.
tardies. to class. properly. money. program. Leave
on time.

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Bobcat Bucks

Students can earn digital Bobcat Bucks from their classroom teachers in a variety of
ways: meeting a reading goal, doing well on a test, and being kind/helpful to others.
Students can redeem Bobcat Bucks at the Friday Store for snacks and non-food items
such as pencils, notepads, pencil sharpeners, etc. Bobcat bucks can also be used for a
variety of passes and entry to school reward events such as Fast Dance parties and
Carousel Day at Porter Park.

Monitoring Student Academic Progress

Our school provides 24/7 online access to student grades, assignments, and other
information through a web-based program called PowerSchool. Please contact the
office to sign up for this FREE service. If you do not have access to the Internet, we
provide computers at our school for parents to use.

Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) Our school hosts two conference sessions for
students, parents and teachers to meet face-to-face and talk about progress and set
appropriate academic goals. Dates for PTC for the 2015-2016 school year are
October 18th-19th and February 13th & 15th.

Report Cards Our school will send reports cards home at the end of each trimester.

Testing Our teachers use a variety of assessments from quizzes, testing, projects,
portfolios and homework to ensure students are reaching academic goals. In addition,
the following link provides current testing requirements by the Idaho State Department
of Education: http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/

Response to Intervention (RTI)

We are committed and pleased to offer remedial help to students in the areas of math
and reading. In addition to Special Education and Title I programs, MMS offers RTI,
which is an opportunity for students to work with their math or reading classroom
teacher and receive additional help in those subjects each day.

Students are identified for math or reading RTI through screeners taken at the first of
each trimester, academic performance in the classroom, and/or parent
recommendation. RTI teams, comprised of the teaching team, and administrator,
counselor, and special services directors, meet at least once a month to discuss
students within the team who might benefit from RTI.

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Students are exited from RTI once theyve mastered skills and/or its been determined
by the RTI team that the student is ready to perform in the classroom without additional
help.

While in RTI, students will miss their social studies class.

Before and After School Programs

Madison Middle School offers early-morning dodge ball for students who come to
school in the morning. This will begin at 8:00 am.
NOTICE FOR STUDENTS ARRIVING TO SCHOOL EARLY: Students should not arrive at school
until 8:00 a.m. when appropriate adult supervision is scheduled.

Madison Middle often partners with community businesses to offer additional activities
after school such as jump rope, sports, and ballroom dance. Check with the MMS
office for updates on planned after-school activites.

Attendance Policy
All children of compulsory attendance age (seven to sixteen) are required to attend
school. Attendance and punctuality are important elements of the educational process
for all students. Therefore, all enrolled K-12 students are expected to be in school
100% of the time classes are in session, unless they are participating in school related
activities or otherwise excused by school board policy or Idaho state law.

Absences
Students who are absent from school must have their parents contact the school each
day of the absence. Parents or guardians should either call the school with the
following:
The dates of the absence(s)
The reason for the absence(s)

For our part, if a student is absent and we have not heard from parents, an automated
phone call will go out to remind parents to verify a students absence.

Truancy letters will be sent home to parents whose student has 7 or more unexcused
absences during a trimester. Beyond 10 unexcused absences in a trimester, the
schools administration may take further steps to impress the importance of school
attendance.

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Make-up Work
When students have been absent for any reason make-up school work will be required
and is due within 2 days of returning to school per day absent. For example, if a
student misses two days of school for an illness, then the student will have four school
days to make-up any assignments, tests, or quizzes in order to receive full credit. Late
work may or may not be accepted for partial credit at the classroom teachers
discretion.

Tardies
Punctuality is a classroom issue. Teachers are responsible for controlling tardiness.
Students with excessive tardies can be sent to the office by a teacher to visit with a
principal and receive an office incident referral, which must be signed by a parent, and
given consequences such as work duty at lunch.

Truancy Policy
Truancy is defined as: being in any location other than where you are supposed to be.
For example, a student who is on campus, but not in the appropriate classroom or
location will be considered truant.

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Discipline

When a student misbehaves, the teacher will deal with the student through assertive
discipline, posted class rules, and fair enforcement. If the student does not comply, the
teacher will contact the students parents to enlist parent/guardian support. If disruptive
behavior continues, the student will be referred to the administration.

A teacher will refer students to an administrator for continued mischievous misbehavior

or severe misbehavior.

Madison Middle School

Discipline/Referral Levels
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Incidental Minor Violations Major Violations Illegal Violations

Violations
(Non-referred/Recorded) (Referred/Recorded) (Referred/Recorded)
(Non-referred/Non-
recorded)

Running Third Level 1 Third level 2 Drug use/

Insubordination Offense Offense possession
Missing Lying/cheating Direct, inappropriate Weapon use/
homework Indirect, language/gestures possession
Disruptive inappropriate Fighting/physical Habitual
behaviors language/gestures aggression Truancy
Breaking Inappropriate Harassment/bullying Arson
cafeteria rules dress Overt defiance Bomb threat
Breaking Name calling Property Extreme
playground Spitting destruction/ misuse property
rules Throwing Theft damage/
Inappropriate snowballs Forgery vandalism
behavior in the Insubordination Internet Combustibles
bathrooms Cell phone/texting misuse/cyber Assault/threats
Chewing gum or violation bullying (see Other:
eating candy Other: handbook)
except by Spitting on
teacher someone
permission Cell phone/texting
Other: violation (2nd
offense)
Taking
pictures/video
without consent
Cheating/Plagiarism
Truancy
Other:

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 Madison Middle School Discipline Process

Level 1- Level 2- Level 3- Level 4-

Incidental Minor Violations Major Violations Illegal Violations
Violations
Teacher- Teacher-handled Office-handled Office-handled
Addressing handled The teacher Send student to the Send student to the
the The teacher addresses the office office
Behavior addresses the behavior using
behavior using logical
classroom consequences
management (apology of action,
strategies. take a break, or loss
of privilege, focus
room).
No form- Teacher takes Office Referral Office Referral
Teacher may notes Form- Form-
Forms keep notes in Call parents or email The principal will fill The principal will fill
personal files. home out office referral out office referral form
Parent Contact Log form and document and document the
Confiscated phone the incident in incident in
or electronic devices PowerSchool. PowerSchool.
form used by
teacher with receipt Principal will call the Principal will call the
given to student for parent or send parent or send home
pick-up later. home office referral office referral form for
form for parent parent signature, and
signature, and follow-up with teacher
follow-up with ASAP.
teacher ASAP.
Teacher Teacher handled Office handled Office handled
Possible handled Apology Parent conference Parent Conference
Conse- Re-teach Time out Lunch suspension/ In-school suspension
quences Warning Loss of privilege work duty Out of school
Allow a natural Complete a refocus Bus suspension suspension
consequence sheet Lunch/recess Change of schedule
Recess Detention detention Change of school
In-school placment
suspension Contact police
Out of school Expulsion
suspension

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

Throughout this handbook many terms are used that may be confusing. Below are many of these
terms and our definitions.

Work Duty - Provided weekdays during lunch after student eats lunch. Students clean lunch room by
wiping tables and picking up garbage.

Office Referral Form This is a form filled out by a school principal and a student defining a
students inappropriate behavior. The principal will conference with the student and reteach
appropriate behavior and expectations and then ask the student to be responsible and take the form
home and get a parent signature and then return the form to school.

Mischievous BehaviorAny behavior that interferes with the learning process: such as public
display of affection, disrupting class, lack of preparedness, nonconformity to dress code, any behavior
that disrupts the learning process.

Severe BehaviorAny action that threatens the safety or welfare of people on campus and/or stops
the learning process: such as fighting, weapons, vandalism, extreme disruption, drugs, alcohol,
tobacco any behavior that threatens the safety or welfare of anyone on campus and stops or
inhibits the learning process.

In School Suspension (ISS) - Provided daily during school hours. Students may be assigned for a
portion of a day, up to 3 days of ISS. Students will be provided with academic materials and will
conference with an administrator prior to assignment in ISS and before returning to their regular
classes. Rules will include no talking, no sleeping, and no heads down on desk.

Out of School Suspension (OSS) Students may be suspended from school and all school-related
activities for a period of 1 to 5 days, with an extension of up to 10 days for violent or severe behavior.
Students may not come on any Madison School District campus for any reason during the period of
suspension. A conference will be held with the student, parent and administrator prior to the
suspension and before the student returns to classes.

Expulsion - Any student who is a habitual truant, incorrigible, and continually disruptive of school
discipline, disrupts the instructional process, or whose presence is a detriment to the health and
safety of other students may be denied attendance by expulsion. Expulsion is removal from school for
a determined period of time (usually a semester or year). Only the Board of Trustees can make this
decision. If a student is being referred for expulsion the parent/guardian will receive the following:
notice of charges, explanation of recommendation, opportunity to express their point of view at the
building and district level. If it is still deemed necessary to refer for expulsion, the student will attend a
hearing before the School Board who will determine if the student will continue attending or be
removed from school.

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Racial/Ethnic/Sexual/Bullying/Harassment
Bullying There are 3 criteria that define bullying: 1) Bullying is one-sided, 2) Bullying is on purpose,
and 3) Bullying is repeated. Bullying occurs when one or more students repeatedly and intentionally
hurt another student through words or actions. In bullying incidents there is an imbalance of real or
perceived power, such that the victim has a hard time defending him/herself against the tormentors.
The victim also does not instigate bullying on him/herself by teasing others physically or verbally prior
to the bullying. State law and Madison School District board policy prohibit any form of racial or
ethnic harassment by any student or staff member which is meant to demean, degrade, embarrass or
cause humiliation to any student or staff member. Any student found in violation of this policy may be
suspended. Consequences for staff members are defined by existing school board policy for similar
offenses.

Demeaning Language - Any language that demeans others will not be tolerated. Specially, the use
of racial slurs are prohibited and considered a severe misbehavior. This behavior, profane language,
or inappropriate gestures could all result in suspension from school.

Sexual Harassment - Sexual harassment shall be defined as conduct involving any unwelcome
sexual advances or request for sexual favors or comments of a sexual nature.
It is the policy of Madison School District #321 to maintain learning and working environment that is
free from sexual harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the Madison
School District staff or student body to harass another staff member or student through conduct or
communications of a sexual nature.

Cheating - Students are expected to act with integrity and submit original work and use their own
knowledge and skills when tested. On occasion, however, individuals may choose to cheat. Below is
description of that behavior and the consequences:

Plagiarism - When a person takes credit for anothers work, be it from printed material (ex: Internet,
books, newspaper, encyclopedias, or periodicals) or from a peer without proper documentation. The
following are some examples of instances of plagiarism:
Copying from another students test/work.
Obtaining by any means another persons work and submitting it as ones own work.
Failing to give proper credit to sources used in papers and projects.

Academic Dishonesty - When a student fraudulently gains access to knowledge for the purpose of
assignments, etc. The following should be used as a guide to help students understand academic
dishonesty:
Seeking aid from another student during/after a test.
Preparing any academic work with another student, unless permitted by an educator.
Possessing or using material or notes not authorized by an educator during a test.

Plagiarism and academic dishonesty can be avoided by the following:

Proper documentation
Clear communication between student and teacher
Integrity, through personal and social responsibility

If a student cheats, she/he will redo the assignment or one that is similar in content to
show mastery.
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Other School Policies

Dress Code
Our students strive to dress for success in a manner appropriate for the school setting.
To ensure we maintain an environment that is safe and conducive to learning students
should wear appropriate clothing. Students will not be allowed to wear clothing that is
disruptive to the educational process or a hazard to themselves or others. Occasionally
a classroom activity or spirit week will warrant modifications of the dress code. For
example, students usually wear costumes to school near Halloween or dress in red
and white during spirit week.

Upper Body:
Sleeveless shirts must extend from the neckline to the shoulder.
Brief garments such as halter-tops, bare midriffs, tube tops, tank tops, spaghetti tops and plunging
necklines are not allowed.
Garments exposing cleavage are not school appropriate.
Shirts exposing undergarments are not school appropriate.

Lower Body:
Pants, skirts, shorts, capris, dresses are school appropriate.
No item may be shorter than 3 inches above the knee. With arms to the sides, shorts/skirts etc.
must go past fingertips.
All items must be size appropriate (no sagging/bagging pants).
Belts are to be through the belt loops and not hanging.
Pajama pants are not school appropriate.
Bottoms exposing undergarments or skin are not school appropriate.
No rips or holes in jeans that are higher than 3 inches above the knees.

Other requirements:
Clothing advertising or promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violent acts, gangs, lewd or sexual
themes or are demeaning or degrading or offend general moral principles are not allowed.
No hoods may be worn in school buildings.
No jewelry containing gang related letters or numbers.
No attire connected to hate or gang groups such as hats, bandana, rags, colors, shirts, sags,
chains, etc. is allowed.
Clothing or accessories that are disruption to the educational process, including collars, bracelets,
piercings and boots that include but not limited to: spikes, hoops, gauges or other dangerous
items are not allowed.
Spikes, nails, chains and safety pins on clothing are unsafe at school.
Sunglasses, hats, caps, bandanas, visors, beanies or head attire is not to be worn in the building.
Shoes with wheels and slippers are not school appropriate.
Any other attire deemed to be a disruption of the educational process or detrimental to the health
and safety of students is not to be worn.
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Electronic Devices Policy
Cell phones and texting devices are NOT allowed. Music only devices such as ipods,
and gaming devices are allowed before or after school and during lunch. Music and
games should be appropriate for 5th/6th graders (10-12 years old) and not be shared
(viewable or hearable) by peers otherwise. Students are not allowed to take pictures
with any device unless first cleared by administration. The school is not responsible for
lost or stolen items.

In the occasion that a student violates this policy the following steps will occur:
1st offense: Electronic device is confiscated and turned into the front office. A
confiscation form will be given to the student. The student may pick-up the device at
the end of the day (after 3:25). Depending on the severity of the violation, a parent may
be required to pick up the device.
2nd offense: Electronic device is confiscated and turned into the office. Confiscation
form is given to the student, which in turn should be given to the parent. Parent must
pick-up the device at the end of the day (after 3:25). Student may serve detention.
3rd offense: Electronic device is confiscated and turned into the office.
Consequences given at administrative discretion, possibly resulting in loss of
electronics privilege at school, etc.

Telephones are available in each classroom and the office. Students are expected to
set-up play dates at home, not at school during lunch or class.

Computer Use
The purpose of Madison School District Internet and local network access is to
facilitate communications in support of research and education. To remain eligible as a
user, access must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of
the Madison School District. Access is a privilege and not a right. Users should not
expect that the files stored in the district's systems would always be private.
Electronic messages and files on school-based computers may be treated like school
lockers. Administrators and faculty may review files and/or messages to maintain
system integrity and ensure users are utilizing the system responsibly.

Appropriate Use Policy for Computer and Computer Systems

The following uses of school provided computers and computer system activity are not
permitted:
Searching, accessing, uploading, downloading or distributing pornographic,
obscene, sexually explicit, dangerous, or any unauthorized material.
Transmitting obscene or sexually explicit language.

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 Violating any local or federal statute.
Vandalizing, damaging, or disabling the property of another person or organization.
Accessing another person's material, information or files without the implied or direct
permission of the person.
Violating copyright or otherwise use another person's intellectual property without
their prior approval or proper citation.
Revealing the address or personal phone number of you or another student.
Communicating a credit card, bankcard or any other financial number.
Using school provided computer system access for commercial activities by for-
profit organizations, product promotion, political lobbying, or illegal activities.
Cyber-bullying the use of information and communication technologies to support
deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended
to harm others.

Any violation of school procedures and rules may result in loss of school provided
access to Electronic Information Services. Additional disciplinary action may be
determined in keeping with existing policies and procedures. When and where
applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

Internet access and/or computer access will not be allowed unless the appropriate
form is completed and signed by both student and parent.

Nutritional Services

The Nutrition Services Department is committed to

preparing and serving nutritious, well balanced meals
to our students. Breakfast and lunch are available at
our school. Students may qualify for free or reduced-
price meals. Applications are available from the
nutrition or administration staff.

Meals including drinks are consumed in the cafeteria.

Students using the lunchroom speak in
conversational tones and are courteous to each other and staff. Students return their
trays for cleaning and pick up trash to ensure the area stays clean. To ensure students
can quickly receive their food without standing in long lines, we ask that meals are
prepaid. Money may be prepaid to a students meal account by check or cash at the
school or at the district office food service office located at 290 N. 1st E., Rexburg,
Idaho. We recommend that at least a weekly or monthly amount be prepaid. The
nutrition staff members welcome questions and will provide assistance with the
free/reduced meal application. Please do not hesitate to visit our cafeteria. You may

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get meal pricing from the cafeteria manager or cashier at our school. After eating,
students may visit, relax and socialize in designated areas until their next class.

Eating with your child

Parents are welcome to join their child for lunch. We ask you to check in at the office to
receive a visitors badge. Please check with the school about meal prices for visitors.

Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are not allowed at school. Studies suggest that possible side effects
include agitation, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity. Students should avoid
drinking energy drinks before coming to school.
Student Store
Madison Middle School currently runs a student store on Wednesday mornings and
Fridays only during lunch. Students are limited to spending $3 in the store.
Trading and Selling Items at School
Trading and selling items such as cards, toys, and other personal possessions is
prohibited at school. Failure to adhere to this policy often results in one student later
feeling like theyve been cheated or one or more students dont follow through with
completing the trade or sale. Trading and selling items should be completed within the
students neighborhood with parent involvement.

Accessing Campus
Attending school every day is essential to student success. Our district provides free
bus transportation to eligible students. Other students are transported by family or
arrive by foot or by bicycle or other means. Once they arrive, students may not leave
campus prior to the end of the school day without parent permission and the parent or
authorized person checking the child out of school through the office. Parents may give
permission via a note or phone call as to whom the authorized person checking out
the child will be. To ensure we know where the child is during school hours, students
are asked to check in and out through the office. Students must follow this procedure
to avoid being listed as truant.

Visiting campus
As part of our effort to keep students safe, we require visitors to check in at the
office and obtain a visitors pass. Visitors may also be required to show ID.
We welcome parent visitors, but ask that you schedule appointments with teachers
or staff so classroom teaching wont be disrupted.
Visitors who are not authorized on campus are considered to be loitering and may
be charged with trespassing.

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 To protect students and school property, our schools have a No Loitering/No
trespassing policy. School officials must have immediate knowledge of any
unauthorized persons inside the building or on its grounds.
Children who are not students enrolled in our school are not allowed on campus.
Unauthorized visitors are trespassing.

Transportation

Family-provided transportation
Parents are welcome to transport their children to school. Parents are asked to drop
students off only at the front entrance. For safety reasons, no cars are allowed in the
busing lanes or back parking lot. We ask that the entrance and exiting paths be
followed to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during peak times. Students are welcome to
walk, bike, skate or scooter to school. Once they arrive at school, bikes should be
locked in designated racks. Skates, skateboards, and scooters need to be carried into
the school and locked into the students locker. To ensure the safety of all students,
these transportation devices cannot be used in the school or during school hours.

District-provided transportation
Students residing in Madison School District #321 who live more than1 miles from
school are eligible to ride an assigned school bus without charge. Out-
of-district students, including open enrollment students are responsible
for their own transportation. Madison School District provides bus
transportation for all qualifying students through Madison School District
#321 transportation services. Individual bus stop locations and bus
numbers will be provided at fall registration.

Bus Rules
The students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner when waiting
for or riding the bus. It is important not to distract the bus driver. Misbehavior on the
bus or at the bus stops can deprive a student of the privilege to ride the bus and may
result in additional school consequences.
Students being transported are under the authority of the bus driver.
Fighting, wrestling, or boisterous activity is prohibited on the bus.
Students will use the emergency door only in case of an emergency.
Students will remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Students will not bring animals, firearms, weapons, skateboards, or potentially
hazardous material on the bus.
The bus driver may assign students seats.
When necessary to cross the road, students will cross in front of the bus or as
instructed by the bus driver.
Students will not extend their hands, arms, or heads through the bus windows.
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 Students will converse in normal tones: loud or vulgar language is prohibited.
Students who refuse to obey promptly the direction of the driver or refuse to obey
regulations may forfeit their privilege to ride on the buses.
Students will be financially responsible for any damage to the bus.

Counseling Services
Madison Middle School has a school counselor available for student advocacy and
assistance. Consult the counselor to secure information and guidance in the areas of
education, career interest or planning and social development. Do not hesitate to
speak to your counselor if you experience difficulties or problems in any area of your
life. The counselor will send for the student when the schedule allows.

Student Records
Any student, parent, or legal guardian may have access to records (cumulative
folders), which pertains to them personally. Unless there is a court order prohibiting it,
non-custodial parents are allowed to see these records. Administrators may disclose
personal information about students without prior consent from the parent/guardian if it
is deemed necessary by the administrator. Cumulative records are available to certified
staff. Records of a confidential nature are not open, and remain with the person
responsible for them (i.e. counselor, social worker, etc.).

Moving?
During the school year please notify the school if there are any changes to your
students home address or phone number. If your child moves out of Madison School
District #321 please follow the withdrawal procedures below.

Withdrawal from School

1. A parent/guardian must notify the school office as early as possible regarding the
students withdrawal. Notification can be a visit to the school (preferred), written note or
phone call.
2. The student will complete a check out form on their last day of attendance.
3. Upon request student/parent may be issued a copies of completed check out forms
as well as birth certificate and immunization record (as needed) to take to the new
school. All permanent school records will be forwarded to the next school upon receipt
of signed release by parents.
4. All school books and equipment must be returned on the students last day of
attendance.
5. Parent/guardians will be charged for all books or equipment that is not returned.

Hall Passes
A hall pass is a necessity whenever students are out of their assigned classrooms.
Students without hall passes will be escorted to their current class.
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Students can move through the halls during class time only with a valid hall pass and
permission from the teacher. Hall passes may vary from class to class. Teachers are
encouraged not to issue hall passes the first ten minutes or last ten minutes of class.

Closed Campus
Campus is closed during all hours of school. Students are not allowed to leave the
grounds during the school day without following the proper checkout procedure
through the attendance office.

Leaving Campus
In order to leave campus for any reason, students must have a verified parent approval
via a note or phone call prior to checking out from school. The student must check out
and back in through the office. Students who do not follow this procedure will be
considered unexcused (truant) in all classes missed and will be subject to disciplinary
action.

Lockers
Only 6th grader will receive lockers. 5th graders have cubbies in classrooms. Students
are advised to keep their locker combinations to themselves. Lockers may not be
shared. Do not exchange lockers without approval from the home room teacher.
Locker combinations will only be changed or lockers exchanged for security reasons.
Back packs should be kept in lockers.

Lockers and desks remain the property of the school. The school is authorized to
open lockers and desks to examine their contents, including personal belongings of
students, when officials have reasonable cause to believe that the contents threaten
the safety, health, or welfare of students or include suspected stolen property or items
which are specifically prohibited by law, Board Policy, or school regulations. Students
are personally responsible for all contents of their lockers and desks. Administrators
may impose disciplinary consequences for violation of locker policies. Idaho I 8-3302D
(2).

Messages
We are anxious to maximize students uninterrupted learning time. We deliver
emergency messages at the time of the call. Parents please do not contact your
student on their cell phones at any time during the day. As previously discussed
cell phones are prohibited during school hours. Balloons, flowers, and other
special deliveries are kept in the office until the end of the day. The recipients will be
notified during their final class period.

Also, it is important that parents call the school prior to 3 p.m. to inform their
child of transportation changes after school. Due to busy office activity at the
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end of the school day, the office staff will do their best but cannot guarantee the
student will get a message delivery called in after 3:00 p.m.

Telephone Use
An office phone is available in case of emergencies only before and after school.
Please see the electronic device policy for rules regarding cell phone use at school.

Closure Procedures for Weather Emergencies

The decision to close school will be made as early as possible, preferably the night
before. School closure information is sent out via ConnectEd communication system
as soon as the decision is made. Please do not call the school.

In the unlikely event of a school-wide evacuation, Madison Middle School will evacuate
to the LDS stake center just east of the school located on 7th South. Parents will be
notified of when and which door to pick up child. Please be prepared to provide proper
identification to get your child.

Fund-raising Activities
In an attempt to limit Madison Middle School students from constantly fund-raising
Madison Middle School has a Philanthropy Club. The Philanthropy Club is a student
run organization that allows students to determine who should receive funds that are
raised and the types of fund-raisers that are conducted. Madison Middle School tries
to limit fund-raising to no more than three times per year. All fund-raisers must have
administrative approval. Students collecting money for school organizations must turn
in the money to the faculty sponsor on a daily basis.

Illness Guidelines
The following are guidelines for keeping your child home from school to ensure his/her
well-being and prevent the spread of illness:
A 100-degree temperature or more.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
Nasal discharge with a yellow/green color.
Student with more lethargy than usual.
Cough in combination with other symptoms.
Contagious process- rash, pink eye, head lice, etc.

Health and Emergency Policy

If a student is injured or becomes ill at school, efforts will be made to notify the
parent/guardian. If parent/guardian cannot be reached, then the person designated to
be called in an emergency will be notified. Please advise the school of any changes
in telephone numbers, places of work, or emergency contacts. In the event of
serious illness or injury, the Madison County paramedics may be notified to assess the
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students condition and transport to the emergency room if they determine it is
necessary. Every effort will be made to contact the parent, who may then meet the
student at the emergency room or at school. It is the parents responsibility to pay
for medical services including transportation to the emergency room.
Administrators will be responsible for determining the need to call for medical
assistance. If your student has a chronic or acute health condition that may affect
them at school, please contact the school administrator.

Immunizations
In accordance with Idaho Code 39-4801, we are requiring parents to submit a copy of
their childs immunization status to the school office. This should be done within
60 days of the first admission of their child to the Madison School District. Our goal is
that every student in the Madison School District will be properly immunized for the
health of students, school, and community. Exemptions for religious, personal, or
medical reasons can be made; forms are available in the school office. If an outbreak
of a contagious disease occurs, students who are not immunized will be excluded from
school attendance.

Medication
Most medications should be administered at home. If a student must take medication
(non-prescription or prescription) at school, the medication is to be administered
through the office. The medication must be in the original container, with one months
supply or less. The medication must be accompanied by a written release on file with
the school secretary. Forms are available from the secretary and require:
Name of medication.
Doctors name.
Reason for taking the medication.
Dosage and length of time to be administered.
Parent/guardian signature.

Parent Involvement
Madison Middle School encourages, supports, and values the participation and
involvement of parents and families in the education of their children. The school
recognizes that students learn best when families and schools work together to
develop a relationship of shared responsibility and mutual support. It is important to
understand that the involvement of families in their children's education is not limited
solely to attendance at PTO meetings or volunteering at school. What parents do at
home with their children is even more important to the total education effort, and
schools need to let parents know that they value both their contributions at school and
their participation at home.

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Parent Communication

We want parents to be informed of what is going on at Madison Middle School.

Teachers may contact parents through phone, e-mail, or classroom newsletters. If you
would like to contact a teacher or school administrator please call (208) 359-3320.
Teachers will also provide their emails in their own team newsletters and at Back-to-
School Night.

ConnectEd Madison Middle School regularly sends out messages for parents
through our ConnectEd phone and e-mail system. Calls will come mostly during
evening hours about school related events. Emergency school closure notifications
will be made using this system as well. Please provide the office staff with your current
e-mail address and phone number so that you can receive information about what is
happening at school.

PTO Madison Middle School has a very active Parent Teacher Organization.
Meetings are held monthly in the conference room at the middle school. Please sign-
up for various positions on the PTO board at registration.

PTO Newsletters At least once a trimester, Madison Middle School writes a

newsletter that is available electronically. A ConnectEd message will be sent to let you
know that the new newsletter is available. Please read the newsletters so that you are
in touch with what is happening at school.

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 Madison School District 321
Home and School Compact

Student: It is important that I do my best. I know my parents and teachers want to help me, but I am the
one who has to do the work. So, I will:
Believe that I can and will learn.
Be responsible for my behavior.
Give work and school papers to my parent /caregiver.
Pay attention and ask for help when needed.
Complete class work on time and to the best of my ability.
Comment /goal:
_________________________________________________________________
Name:
_____________________________________________Date:____________________

Parent/Caregiver: I want my child to succeed. I will encourage him/her by doing the following:
Encourage positive attitudes about school.
Support the school discipline policy and school policies
Make sure my child attends school regularly.
Encourage my child to get enough sleep and to eat nutritious meals.
Establish with my child a place and time to study and a daily reading time.
Comment /goal:
_________________________________________________________________
Name:
______________________________________________Date:__________________

Classroom Teacher: I understand the importance of the school experience to every student and my
position as a teacher and a role model. I agree to:
Be aware of your childs needs.
Communicate with you about your childs progress frequently.
Teach basic concepts and skills to your child to meet academic state student standards.
Motivate and encourage your child to practice academics at home.
Hold parent /teacher conferences annually.
Deliver high quality curriculum and instruct ion.
Provide materials for home to enhance literacy and other academic subjects.
Comment /goal:
__________________________________________________________________
Name:
______________________________________________Date:__________________

School Principal /Building Administrator: I support and encourage student/parent/teacher compacts

and partnerships. I will:
Provide an environment that permits positive communication between the student, parent and teacher.
Encourage teachers and parents to provide regular opportunities for practicing academics at school
and at home.
Provide equal and fair opportunities to access staff and the opportunity to volunteer.
Name:
_______________________________________________Date:__________________

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