TAMAQUA AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL MAY 12 2016 6

TAMAQUA AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL MAY 12, 2016

6 th Grade Orientation • • INTRODUCTION SPECIAL SERVICES SCHOOL DAY INFO STUDENT HANDBOOK AND PROCEDURES • CAFETERIA PROCEDURES • HEALTH SERVICES • CYBER ISSUES

Special Education Services • The Tamaqua Area School District provides services for students with disabilities. • Please contact Mrs. Gardiner or the Middle School Office for more information.

Guidance • Mrs. Brickler – Guidance Counselor – – Academic Social Interactions Home Help…

1 st Day Student Folders – Forms • • Photo Permission Free/Reduced Lunch Forms Emergency Forms Handbook and Policies Medication Transportation Letter Demerit Letter FERPA and Privacy

Schedules • Cycles – 6 th & 7 th – Art, Music, PE, Health, Computers, and Tech Ed. – 8 th – Art, Music, PE, TE, and Health

Academics • Homework counts! • Students have individualized schedules and move throughout the building changing classes. • Variety of subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts, Science, Reading, and Specials.

Academics • The library and computer labs are available for student use provided that the Internet Access Policy permission form is returned. • From our website… Online grades - MMS Student Portal Click the above link to set up an account to access your son/daughter's grades online.

School Day • Doors open at 7: 00 AM each morning. • From 7: 30 a. m. until 7: 35 lockers. • Students must be IN homeroom by the conclusion of the bell. • Tardy students must report to the office for a late pass.

Bell Schedule • The school day is a 9 period day. – 7 – 42 minute class periods – 1 – 42 minute lunch period – 1 – 42 minute activity period devoted to supervised homework, tutoring, clubs, or intramurals.

Breakfast • Breakfast is available daily for everyone from 7: 00 AM-7: 30 AM. • If you are Free/Reduced approved you qualify for F/R Breakfast.

Café Procedures • Students report to the café and remain at their assigned table until a faculty member calls their table. • Students are only permitted to carry a $5. 00 negative balance. No lunch will be issued past $5. 00 of debt. • Once every student has been served lunch, snacks may be purchased with teacher permission.

Café Procedures • Upon completion of your meal, garbage and trays are to be returned to the appropriate areas. • Students must obtain permission from the faculty member on duty to leave the café. • At the appropriate time, students will be dismissed by the faculty and staff in charge.

Planners • Assignments must be recorded daily. • Parents are expected to sign every weekend.

Textbooks • You will be held financially responsible for any damage. • All textbooks must be covered for their protection.

Emergency Pass/Lavatory Procedure • The lavatory is to be used between classes. • Emergency Pass to Nurse or Office Pass from Mr. Czapla. • Student Planner Insert.

Discipline • Review the Student/Parent Handbook www. tamaqua. k 12. pa. us

Dress Code • Policy is online. www. tamaqua. k 12. pa. us • Clothes must be clean and sized appropriately. No Logo • Backpacks must be clear, NOT MESH! • Students must change for physical education. • Clothing available – – Contact Office.

Electronic Devices • Cellphones, Cameras, Mp 3 Players, Game Systems must be turned off and left in your locker. • Any pictures taken of school activities placed on the Internet make you subject to disciplinary action with Police Referral.

Internet & Cyberbullying • Any inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will result in loss of privileges and possible police referral. • THREATS BY Texting, IM, Facebook, My. Space, Emails, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

Bus and Cafeteria Behavior • Any inappropriate behavior in the cafeteria or on the bus can lead to a loss of privileges. • Loss for Bus Transportation. • Café Detention.

Consequences for Misbehavior • Discipline may be verbal reprimand, detention, suspension, or similar consequence. • A discipline form will be completed with a copy given to the student to take home. An additional copy will be mailed home to the parent/guardian. • A student serving an out-of-school suspension will not be permitted on school property and is expected to complete assignments. • Detentions 2: 30 – 3: 30 • Saturday Detentions 8: 00 – 11: 00

Consequences for Misbehavior • Written assignments from faculty. • Teacher detentions to complete work. • The student will be given 24 hr notice before he/she is expected to serve detention. • Parents are responsible for transportation.

Tardy to School & Class • Each student is allowed to be tardy three times for the year. Detention will result for each additional tardy. • Excessive tardy mornings may result in citations.

Homework & Participation • Failing to do either may result in parent contact and possible disciplinary action. • Academic Detentions/Academic Support

Accelerated Reading - AR • Each student is required to read AR in their study hall until they meet the point requirements. • Periods 1 – 8 – Read AR. • Period 9 – Complete homework or read AR. • AR devices are allowed with written parent permission.

Communication • Students are encouraged to ask questions if they are having difficulty in class. • Students are encouraged to request assistance from the teachers during class, during study periods or after school. • Parent/Teacher Communication.

Progress Reports • Progress reports indicating unsatisfactory academic progress may be mailed/emailed to parents or guardians at any time. • MMS Student Portal – Allows parents to monitor grades daily.

Lockers • It is your responsibility to keep them clean. • Do not leave clothing, food, or drinks in your locker. • Do not share your locker combinations.

Attendance • Parents are asked to please call the school to report a child’s absence. • Absence notes must be returned within 2 school days as per District and County Policy. Absences without proper excuses are unlawful days, which could result in citations. • The student is responsible to communicate with the teacher concerning missed assignments ASAP.

Attendance • After 10 days of absence, a student must provide a Dr. ’s note for each additional day or face citations. • Excused absences for educational trips fall within the 10 day limit. • After 30 days of absence, notes do not have to be accepted. • Consequences – Citations, C&Y Referral, Truancy Court, and loss of driving privilege.

School Store • T-Shirts, book socks and school supplies can be purchased during lunch.

Extracurricular Activities • Band, Chorus, Math. Counts, Yearbook, Lego Club, Academic Clubs, National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Drama, and possibility of intramural sports. • Grades 7 & 8 - Interscholastic sport teams are sponsored in basketball, wrestling, cross country, football, cheerleading, and track & field.

Raider Run • 2009 -2016 – Over $53, 000 • Grade 6 – 8 Field Trips and Guest Speakers. • Milkshake Party • $50 Toys R Us – Gift Card

Dismissal • Normal dismissal on all school days is 2: 25 PM • Buses depart from the back of the school beginning at approximately 2: 30 PM • Walkers depart from the main lobby of the school at dismissal. • Students must exit the building by 2: 30 PM unless they have permission from a teacher. • Pick-ups – The back road is closed from 2: 15 until the buses depart.

DATE TO REMEMBER! OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016 6: 30 PM