Parent

Handbook

2016-2017

Show Your Tiger PRIDE!

Positive Attitude

Respect

Integrity

Dynamic Behavior

Empathy

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Introduction

We have designed our Middle School Handbook to help you to become familiar with our school services and our various policies and procedures. The handbook is full of specific information that we hope will help you during the year. This handbook, however, is not meant to replace personal contact. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or stop in.

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2016-2017

Middle School Handbook

Table of Contents

Directory 4

ACSU Vision and Mission Statement 6

Curriculum 9

General Information 10

Policies and Procedures 13

Parent Involvement 23

Athletics and Activities 24

Grades 27

Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Including the Internet 28

Services 31

Support Services 33

Hazing, Harassment, Bullying 34

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act 44

Protection of Pupil Rights Act 45

ACSU School Calendar 46

MUMS School-Wide Schedule 48

Index 49

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MIDDLEBURY UNION MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTORY

SCHOOL BOARD

Peter Conlon, Chair pconlon@acsu.org 462-3134

Robert Ritter rritter@acsu.org 388-8678

Devin McLaughlin dmclaughlin@acsu.org 388-9602

Lorraine Morse, Clerk lmorse@acsu.org 388-0802

Laura Lass llass@acsu.org 352-1055

Mark Perrin mperrin@acsu.org 388-9276

Michele Bayliss mbayliss@acsu.org 545-6868

Rick Scott rscott@acsu.org 758-2930

Jerome Shedd jshedd@acsu.org 388-1012

John (JP) Rees, Vice-Chair jrees@acsu.org 388-1003

Allison Stanger astanger@acsu.org 263-1417

Nick Causton ncauston@acsu.org 897-2447

Steve Orzech sorzech@acsu.org 382-8572

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Peter Burrows, Superintendent 382-1274

Josh Quinn, Business Manager 382-1274

Vicki Wells, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services 382-1274

Susan English, Assoc. Director of Student Services 382-1274

Caitlyn Steele, Director of Teaching & Learning 382-1274

ADMINISTRATION

Kristin Holsman-Francoeur, Principal 382-1201

Scott Sivo, Assistant Principal & Director of Activities and Athletics 382-1202

Bruce MacIntire, Facilities Manager 382-1198

Pamela Stearns, Administrative Assistant 382-1203

Kandy Kinne, Administrative Assistant 382-1204 Shelley Harrison, Assistant to the Assistant Principal 382-1236

GUIDANCE & HEALTH SERVICES

Cathryn Butler, R.N., School Nurse 382-1207

Ilana Brett, Guidance Counselor 382-1209

Jeff Murawski, Guidance Counselor 382-1208

Carole Fenn, Administrative Assistant, Guidance 382-1295

Amber Quinlan, Student Assistance Program Counselor 382-1209

MUMS INFORMATION

Fax 382-1215

Sports Information 382-1251

Attendance Line 382-1297 Bullying Prevention Hotline 382-1783

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MIDDLEBURY UNION MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF 2016-2017

PHOENIX

Tricia Lucie,Special Educator

Darcy Annino, Kaelin Mackey, Social Studies

Ben Slater, Science

Eileen Sears, English, Team Leader Alison McNamara, Math

Whitney Barber, Paraprofessional

MOSAIC

Amy Pyfrom, Special Educator

George Kulhowvick, Social Studies

Courtney Krahn, English

Katie Moquin, Science Jan Broderson, Math, Team Leader Don Wills, Paraprofessional Stacy James, Paraprofessional

MATH SUPPORT (FAME)

Jennifer Billings

ALGEBRA SEMINAR/MATH INTERVENTION

Katie Ford

STUDENT SUPPORT

Cathryn Butler, School Nurse

Maureen Delaney, Speech Language Pathologist

ADMINISTRATION

Kristin Holsman-Francoeur, Principal

Scott Sivo, Assistant Principal & Director of Activities and Athletics. Pamela Stearns, Administrative Assistant

Kandy Kinne, Administrative Assistant

Shelley Harrison, Assistant to Assistant Principal

GUIDANCE

Ilana Brett, Counselor Jeffrey Murawski, Counselor Carole Fenn, Administrative Assistant Amber Quinlan, Student Assistance Program Counselor

STUDY HALL SUPERVISOR

Cathy Boyer

OHANA

Sara Nadeau, Social Studies

Janelle Perry-Askew, Science

Martha Santa Maria, English

James Robinette, Special Educator Paul Cherrier, Math, Team Leader Wendy Brouillard, Paraprofessional Michael vonLoebenstein, Paraprofessional

PARAGON

Amie McCarthy, Science Peter Brakeley, Social Studies

Garreth Parizo, English

Barbara Collette, Special Educator Pam Quinn, Math, Team Leader Michael Lawson, Paraprofessional Helyn Anderson, Paraprofessional

READING SUPPORT (SOAR) Dana Cray

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Denise Bérubé-Mayone, French Laura Hall, Spanish

SPECIAL AREAS

Barbara Karle, Librarian/Media Specialist Lisa Maggio, Art Robert DeBruyn, Band

Elizabeth Cronin, Health, Team Leader Jan Fraga, Computer Instruction

Elizabeth LeBeau, Choir Randy Barnes, Technical Education (STEM) Justin Martelle, Physical Education

Jean Weidman, Physical Education

SUPPORT TEAM

Doug Aigner, Director Linda Schell, Paraprofessional

CUSTODIAL/BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Bruce MacIntire, Director Anna Mae Gero, Custodian

Brian Gero, Custodian

Allen Pulsifer, Custodian Terri Metcalf, Custodian Craig Burnham, Grounds

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ACSU Vision Statement

All students will reach their full academic potential and be prepared for success as engaged citizens.

ACSU Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide an innovative, rigorous, and supportive educational community that inspires a passion for learning and cultivates empathy and responsibility.

Revised August 2015

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MIDDLE GRADES TERMS/MUMS TERMS

Cooperative Learning - Small group learning strategies in which all students contribute to the group effort. It is based on the principle that, by working interdependently, all students learn more.

Cooperative learning has been shown to help learn course material faster and retain it longer and develop critical reasoning power more rapidly than working alone. Cooperative learning also requires students to get to know and work with classmates of different backgrounds, setting the stage for requirements of adult life and citizenship.

Team - A group of teachers who share the responsibility for planning the instructional program for a group of students. Each of MUMS's teams includes a Social Studies, English, Science and Math teacher as well as a Special Educator.

Common Planning Time - The daily meetings held with all the team members present. The teams use this time to meet with parents and students, plan interdisciplinary units, review schedules, evaluate student performances, plan activities, and coordinate homework and tests.

Flexible Grouping - The grouping and regrouping within teams and classes in order to accommodate particular student needs, interests and learning goals at given points in time.

Flexible (Block) scheduling - Daily schedules which allow large amounts of uninterrupted learning time for teams of teachers to work with students.

Heterogeneous Grouping - The grouping of students of mixed ability. Heterogeneous grouping contributes to a learning environment that recognizes student diversity and encourages all students to see themselves as learners, achievers, and important members of the learning community.

Looping - Students and teachers remain together for multiple years.

Teacher Advisory (TA) - The first class of the school day. Every student should be well known by at least one adult in the school. Young adolescents need someone whom they can count upon to be regularly available, to monitor their progress, intervene if necessary, and to offer support.

Special Areas (SpAr) - Part of the students' day when they are involved in studying art, computer technology, design technology, and health. This also includes music, STEM and physical education.

CRRS: The CRRS outlines the specific expectations we hold for student behavior. It also outlines the specific consequences for behavior that is not honest, respectful and safe. A copy of the CRRS is in the Power-Book provided to each student. POWER BOOK: Each Middle School student is required to keep a standardized assignment book (Power-Book.) Each team will hand these out at the beginning of the year. This book is designed to help students keep track of their assignments and to help parents be aware of these assignments.

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TEACHER ADVISORY

All seventh and eighth grade students are assigned to a Teacher Advisor, a staff member in the middle school who works with 8 - 10 students from his/her team. Students meet with their advisor every day to talk about the week ahead, plan special events, and discuss school issues. The Teacher Advisor is one of the people parents can call if they have a question about their child's work at school. Students can talk with their advisor about any problem at school—it is the advisor's job to get to know the students well and help them navigate adolescence during their two years at Middlebury Union Middle School.

Goals for the teacher advisory program include:

- To ensure each child has an adult in our building who knows them well - To connect the child, the family, and the school

- To actively assist the child in self-advocacy

- To actively assist the child's commitment to success in school through: * less anonymity

* the belief that each child is important as an individual.

TEAM ORGANIZATION

Team organization has long been promoted in the middle grades as a way to bridge the transition for students between self-contained elementary arrangements and departmentalized secondary classrooms. Team planning and communication are the main purposes for organizing teaching teams. Teachers are provided with daily common planning time. Teams use this time to discuss and plan curriculum, team activities, and student needs. Teams also use this time to meet with counselors, and other specialists to refine their programs to better meet the needs of their students. This time may, on occasion, be used to meet with parents.

Teams are made up of academic teachers from several content areas who share the responsibility for planning the instructional program for a group of students. Each team provides instruction in English, social studies, science and math to a portion of the student body. Teaming promotes communication, coordination, and cooperation among subject matter specialists. Students benefit from instruction planned by specialists, and experience less fragmentation which is often typical of more departmentalized plans. We have 2 grade 7 teams (Paragon and Mosaic) and 2 grade 8 teams (Ohana and Phoenix). Students and teachers stay together on a team for the 2 years the student is at MUMS.

GROUPING

Each team reflects the wide range of ability levels and social-emotional needs of our total school population. Aside from a few electives, all academic and exploratory subjects are grouped heterogeneously.

TEAM LEADERS

Each team of teachers at MUMS is represented by a Team Leader. These positions are most vital to the implementation of our middle grades philosophy. They teach classes, help coordinate student activities, assist with program planning, prepare and facilitate team meetings and perform a multitude of other tasks that help to personalize the school environment.

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THE MIDDLE GRADES PROGRAM

Our program is designed to provide the vehicle to foster students’ intellectual, social, physical, and emotional growth and development. The middle grades are unique, as well as transitional. We have to lead from the elementary to the high school, and do so in a developmentally responsive and appropriate way.

2016-2017 CURRICULUM

Grade 7

Core Subjects Special Areas (SpAr) English Physical Education

Social Studies Art Mathematics Computer Technology Science Health STEM Electives Band

Choir Math Enrichment Foreign Language (French, Spanish)

Grade 8

Core Subjects Special Areas

English Physical Education

Social Studies Art Mathematics Computer Technology

Science Health STEM

Electives: Band

Choir Foreign Language (French, Spanish) Math Enrichment

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GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS FOR STUDENTS

(Main Office Hours are from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM)

Our doors open at 7:40 AM. Students who arrive before then will need to wait outside. Students who arrive between 7:40 and 8:00 need to report to the cafeteria. Our official school day begins promptly at 8:23 AM with Advisory. Students need to arrive before 8:23 in order to be prepared for their day. Students who arrive after 8:23 AM will be considered tardy. The MUMS school day ends at 3:05 PM. Students are expected to leave by 3:15 unless they are participating in one of our after school clubs or activities or working with a teacher.

SCHOOL STORE

The School Store carries supplies that are required, as well as other interesting, useful items! Check out the prices!

The School Store is open before school and during lunch time. Students should stop by to check out the items available.

-Spiral Notebooks

-3 Ring Binders

-Pens (Gel, Roller, Flex Grip, Pilot, Flair etc.) -Pencils

-Rules & Stencils

-Mouth Guards

-MUMS insignia items

-PRIDE insignia items

-and much more!

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MEALS AT MUMS

Free and Reduced priced Breakfast & Lunch is available to those who apply and qualify. All information obtained on this application is considered highly confidential.

Prices: Hot lunch, Combo Meals (Pre-made Salads, Downtown Deli/Etc.) are available for $2.75 full price and breakfast is available for $1.75 full price. This year those who qualify for reduced price meals will receive meals at no charge.

Lunch and Breakfast programs are provided daily at MUMS by Middlebury UD#3 Food Services. Menus are generated to ensure nutritionally balanced meals that meet or exceed federal and state guidelines for school breakfast/lunch programs. Families may prepay to their students’ account at any time. Parents can pay by cash, check or online (see instructions below to set up an online account). Checks need to be made payable to Middlebury UD#3 Food Services. Please make sure to include your child’s name in the memo line. Students’ accounts are used for full/reduced/free priced meals or Ala Carte items, unless the parent wishes the account to be restricted. Students must have money in their account or cash in order to make a purchase. Students are not permitted to “charge” food purchases. We encourage all families that think they might qualify to submit applications for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Lunch applications are sent home in our summer mailing and are also available in the office. There is a state approved registration system that protects confidentiality while providing easy access to school meals for all students. Breakfast is available between 8:00 and 8:25 A.M. End of year student positive account balances follow students from year to year and school to school. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please contact Roxie, the onsite manager for Middlebury UD#3 Food Services (382-1227). This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Follow these instructions to set up an account to pay online:

1. Go to abbeygroup.net 2. Your school 3. Learn more 4. Choose Middlebury Union Middle School 5. K-12 payment center 6. Follow instructions to set up an account and pay directly through this account

Revised August 11, 2015

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LOCKERS

LOCKER COMBINATIONS MUST NOT BE SHARED WITH ANYONE. The school is NOT RESPONSIBLE for lost or stolen items.

Hallway Lockers - Every student is assigned a locker of his/her own in the Middle School. Students should not give his/her locker combination to anyone, or share his/her locker with anyone. We have found that this can cause serious problems, including loss of property.

Gym Lockers - Every student will be issued a gym locker. Students MUST put clothes, shoes and books in the lockers and be sure the door is locked. As always, students may leave anything of value in the Main Office or Guidance Office for safe keeping. Winter boots and books should be kept in their hallway lockers. Only gym clothes should be left in gym lockers. Sports equipment and other items of value be taken home each day. Put your child’s name in everything, even shoes and winter coats.

Locker Search: A school locker is not a student’s personal property. Lockers are entrusted to students for the storage of books and clothing. Any or all lockers are subject to being searched by the Administration. Any items of contraband or items which might endanger the safety or orderly operation of the school are subject to confiscation

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POLICIES & PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE

Attendance at school is essential in order for students to meet and exceed academic standards. It is also critical for the development of social and emotional skills. While most work can be made up, the experiences of interacting with peers and adults cannot.

The expectation of Middlebury Union Middle School is that all students will attend school daily, unless suffering from a legitimate illness. Excessive absences due to illness will require appropriate documentation from a physician. Other excused absences include family deaths, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of normal school hours (8:23-3:05 pm), and family trips that cannot occur during normal school vacations.

ABSENCES

You must call 382-1297 before 8:30 AM if your child will not be in school.

It is very important that students attend school on a regular basis. Excessive tardiness and absences can have a negative effect on a student’s success at school.

1. If your son/daughter will be absent from school due to illness or emergency, please call the school before 8:30 AM. When your child returns to school, we must receive a written note explaining the reason for the absence. 2. During the school day, students may be dismissed and released to their parent/guardian once the parent/guardian has signed them out in the office. Students may sign themselves out if the parent sends in written notice in advance. Students should bring their notes to the office before TA.

Remember: With a note, a student may sign him/herself out - without a note, a parent/guardian must sign out the student.

Planned vacations/absences

Attendance at school ensures that students have access to instruction and full opportunity to develop and maintain a sense of belonging and responsibility within the school community. While work can be “made up”, instruction and experiences with peers and adults cannot.

Vermont Education law states: “The Superintendent of public school may excuse, in writing, any pupil from attendance for a definite time, but not for more than 10 consecutive school days, and such excuse shall be granted only for emergencies or the absence from town.” Excessive absences may result in truancy proceedings unless parents attain home school status from the Vermont Department of Education.

It is our expectation that all students will attend school daily unless suffering from an illness. Excessive absence due to illness may require documentation from a physician. Other excused absences are the following:

● appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours (7:50 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.) ● emergencies** ● family trips that cannot be scheduled during the school vacations**

**Parents must send written notice to the principal regarding absences for up to 3 consecutive days.

**For more than three days planned absence, parents must follow the same procedure as above and the principal will review your request with the superintendent.

Be aware that teachers are not expected to prepare work for children when they are on family trips.

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HOMEWORK REQUESTS

If your child is absent 3 or more days and you would like to request homework, please include this in the information you leave when you call our attendance line. Homework will be available for you in the Main Office between 3:30 and 4:00 of the day you call, or anytime the following day.

If your child is absent one or two days they should follow the system established by their core team.

Please do not call individual teachers to request homework.

Be aware that teachers are not expected to prepare work for students when they are on family trips.

HOMEWORK CLUB

Homework club is an after-school, supervised study hall for students who have difficulty completing homework at home. While students may think homework doesn't “count” towards their standard scores, it provides the practice necessary to master the skills being taught and all students are expected to complete homework regularly.

Students can either be invited to homework club by their teacher because they failed to turn in homework, or students can self-assign themselves to homework club. Arrangements can also be made for your child to stay on a regular basis. If your child is invited to homework club, you will receive a phone call asking if your child can stay. The decision is always up to the parent. Homework club meets daily from 3:05 – 4:05 and parents are expected to pick up their students promptly.

BUSING

Students are expected to get on and off at their regular stop. If a student needs to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop, the school must be notified. The student should bring a note from the parent or guardian to the office in the morning. The note will be signed by one of the office staff. The student must show this signed note to the bus driver upon boarding.

Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. For everyone’s safety, it is important that students behave appropriately while riding the bus. A student may lose bus-riding privileges for inappropriate behavior.

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WE WILL BE USING THE BLACKBOARD CONNECT SYSTEM TO NOTIFY YOU OF SCHOOL CLOSINGS, AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

School closings and weather emergencies will be announced by the ACSU BLACKBOARD CONNECT system and your local radio stations

When we use this system, you will receive a pre-recorded message tailored to the specific event. If you have “caller ID” the school’s main number will appear. If it is an emergency, 411 will appear. BLACKBOARD CONNECT will leave a message on any answering machine or voicemail system. You can also listen to the local radio stations listed below or check the ACSU website: www.acsu.org. If your town buses are not running, but the Middle School is in session, we urge you to find a safe way to bring your child to school.

WFAD AM - 1490 WMNM FM - 92.1 WEZF FM - 92.9

WJJR FM - 98.1 WGTK FM - 100.9 WOKO FM - 98.9

WPTZ - TV WVNY - TV

SAFETY PLANS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

MUMS has in place a comprehensive Safety and Emergency Response Plan that was developed in consultation with local and state emergency response and law enforcement agencies. Throughout the year our safety drills prepare students and staff for possible emergency situations. These drills include: “evacuate the building”, “clear the halls”, and “secure the building”. In the event of a real emergency, school personnel will work to ensure that each child is safe. School officials will be in communication with Middlebury Police and/or the Fire Response Teams.

We understand that parents are concerned for their children’s

safety during emergencies; however, it is critical that parents allow

school personnel to control the emergency. Therefore, parents will be asked to abide by the following procedures:

● Remain calm. It is critical for parents to remain calm and orderly during emergencies. This will allow the Emergency Response Team to focus attention on the emergency itself as well as procedures for keeping

children safe.

● Please do not call any school phone numbers or the police dispatcher for information during the

school emergency, as attention is being given to handling the emergency itself.

● Listen to WFAD 1490-AM for accurate bulletins which will be updated as the situation changes. (Information from scanners may be misleading, as a number of agencies and communities use the same communication band; this information may not be pertinent to the school emergency.)

● Be aware that emergency procedures are in place to ensure student safety and security.

● Access to the school building/grounds and to students during emergencies will be restricted.

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HEALTH SERVICES

The Department of Education requires that all school nurses receive written authorization to dispense any prescription medication

from both the parent and the physician. If you have any questions, please call our school nurse at 382-1207.

When a medical problem prevents your child from participating in Physical Education, please send a note to his/her P.E. teacher. If your child cannot participate for a week or more, please send a note in from your physician stating why and how long s/he is expected to be out of class

Prescription Medications

Written authorization by the parent/guardian and the physician must be received prior to dispensing medications to students at school. Forms are available in the nurse’s office.

Immunizations

Effective August 2008, the State of Vermont has changed the immunization requirements for all students entering 7th grade, and any 8th grade students newly enrolling in a school, unless exempted from the immunizations for medical, religious or moral

reasons. Exemption forms may be obtained from the nurse’s office by calling 382-1207.

All students entering 7th grade are required by the State of Vermont to show documentation of immunization for the following: 5 doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis

4 doses of polio

2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox)-this requirement is waived if the parent/guardian submits a Documentation of Varicella (chickenpox) Disease form indicating the student has a history of the disease.

Parents/guardians should contact the school nurse at 382-1207 to request an exemption form or to check on the status of your child’s immunization history.

Health Screening The State of Vermont requires that all 7th grade students be screened for vision. Vision results will be obtained from either the child’s most recent physical or by screening conducted by the school nurse. Parents/guardians may contact the school nurse if they do not want their child screened at school.

Food Allergies - An increasing number of school students and staff have diagnosed life-threatening allergies. - Peanut allergies have doubled from 1997-2002 and are the most likely to cause severe and life-threatening reactions than most

foods. - Eight foods account for 90% of all allergic reactions: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish and soy. - Even trace amounts of a food allergy may cause a reaction. - Most people who’ve had an allergic reaction to something they ate thought it was safe. - Cross-contamination of food results when different foods are processed on the same equipment by a manufacturer; cooking oil

is reused for different foods; utensils, pots, pans or other cooking equipment is used for multiple foods; and spatter or steam from a food that is cooking touches another food that is nearby.

Ask Your Child To Be a Pal and Help Protect a Life From Food Allergies By: - Never take food allergies lightly. - Don’t share food with friends who have food allergies. - Wash hands after eating. - Ask what your friends are allergic to and help them avoid it.

- If a friend who has food allergies becomes ill, get help immediately.

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SAFE AND RESPECTFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Tiger PRIDE: 1. Showing great joy in being a member of Middlebury Union Middle School 2. Exemplifying the traits of being positive, respectful, displaying integrity, showing dynamic behavior and showing empathy for others.

-It is your right to have others show you their P.R.I.D.E. -It is your responsibility to show your P.R.I.D.E. to yourself, others, and your environment.

Positive Attitude: Confident, optimistic, and focusing on the good things rather than the bad. Respect: Treating others as you would want to be treated. Taking care of your property and the property of others.

Integrity: Saying what you mean and meaning what you say

Dynamic Behavior: productive, a sense of purpose; able to both get things going and get things done. Empathy: to identify with and understand another person’s feelings or difficulties.

Code of Rights and Responsibilities (CRRS) At MUMS we focus on working with students to maintain a respectful, safe, and orderly atmosphere that supports our primary purpose of education. The CRRS outlines the specific expectations we hold for student behavior. It also outlines the specific consequences for behavior that is not honest, respectful and safe.

The CRRS, which each student has in his or her Power Book, outlines the processes for detentions and suspensions. Each of these require parent notification by school personnel. Students will bring home the necessary paperwork for parents to sign and return to school if a student has a detention or suspension.

Discipline Reports

When a teacher, a staff member, or another student feel that a behavioral expectation has been broken they complete a Discipline Report. Depending on the nature of the behavior, the first level of response to a Discipline Report may be with a teacher or staff member. Next the report goes to an administrator who decides on what further steps, if any, are necessary. If a detention or suspension is called for, a date will be assigned. Discipline Reports will be sent home with the student and mailed to parent. It is our expectation that parents will discuss the behavior with their student, sign the form and return it with the student the following day.

DRESS CODE: EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT ATTIRE

Here is what our CRRS says about student dress: Dress Code/Student Attire: Age appropriate (i.e. K-6, 7-8, 9-12) dress that is not hazardous to the health and safety of students and others, and is not disruptive to the learning environment of the school. Students should dress in a manner that displays an appropriate degree of modesty. Students should keep in mind that this is their workplace and that the way they dress should reflect the important work they do here.

A student is in violation when:

1) Wearing clothing or accessories that contain profanity, vulgar language or images, sexual messages or images, or any rude or distracting words or images that interfere with the rights of others (explicit or implied); 2) Wearing any item of clothing or accessories that are unsafe or illegal; 3) Not wearing any item of clothing the lack of which is offensive or unsafe; 4) Wearing clothes that do not cover underwear; 5) Wearing tops with spaghetti straps, tube tops, or tops with plunging necklines; 6) Wearing pants or shorts below the waist or shorts or skirts that are very short. Shorts and skirts must extend to a person’s mid thigh unless spandex, tights or leggings which extend to the mid thigh are worn under them; 7) Wearing spandex, tights or leggings without another article of clothing covering them; 8) Wearing clothes that do not cover the midriff (front and back).

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This rule also applies to students during their physical education class, after school clubs and co-curricular activities as well as dances.

Please note: According to the State Department of Education’s General Counsel, courts have, as a rule, supported school’s rights to implement dress codes that conform to reasonable standards of appropriateness and decency. It has generally been accepted that these codes are not an infringement of free speech.

Consequences for violating:

1st: Removing, covering, or changing offending items, conference, warning. Offending items may not be worn at or to school again. 2nd: Removing, covering, or changing offending items, considered reasonable request, 2nd offense. If changing is not an option you may be assigned to restricted schedule.

FIELD TRIPS

If your child is going to any activity in a school-sponsored vehicle, s/he must travel with his/her team or group in the same vehicle.

School liability requires that we obtain written permission for students to travel on buses for class trips during the year. You will find a permission slip in the registration materials mailed to you which will give permission for your child to participate in off-campus activities. If any information changes during the year, please call the office at school. This permission slip also gives permission for medical treatment so that the teacher in charge of the trip can take an injured/sick child for medical care if a parent cannot be reached by phone promptly.

LARGE SUMS OF CASH AND VALUABLES

SHOULD BE LEFT AT HOME

We recommend that your child not bring large sums of cash, or items of personal value to school. If this is necessary, we urge you to have your child store such items in the Office until actually needed or the end of the day.

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HOMEWORK

Parents play a very important role when it comes to supporting school-work which students must do outside regular class time. Some of this work may be done during study hall, before school, or after school. Some of it will most likely be worked on at home. Here are some suggestions and guidelines to help decrease some of the tension associated with “homework” and increase student learning.

● A Place

Provide a place for your child to do school work. It should be quiet, uncluttered, with necessary supplies close at hand.

● A Schedule

With your child, work out a weekly homework schedule that fits each week’s activities. Doing homework the same time each day is not as important as doing some work each day. This helps build good time management skills.

● Encouragement, Motivation, Prompting

We do not recommend you sit with your child and do homework with him. He needs to practice independently and to apply what has been learned in class. If your child consistently cannot complete assignments alone, please contact the teacher.

When your child is practicing a skill, ask her which steps she finds difficult and easy and ask how she plans to improve. When she is working on a project, ask what knowledge she is using to complete the work. If

she consistently cannot answer these questions, please contact the teacher.

● Reasonable Time Expectations

Although there may be exceptions, as a general rule your child should spend 1-1.5 hours on school-work outside of class time (during PRIDE, before and after school, at home). This would not include work for elective classes (Foreign Language). If your child consistently spends more time than this, please contact the teacher(s) or team.

● Extenuating Circumstances

Families occasionally experience situations that make it difficult for a child to do homework. This may be a family emergency, illness, accident, etc. In this case, please contact your child’s teacher/team.

Above all, the most important thing you can do is make school and learning a family priority.

LOST AND FOUND

Students are responsible for keeping track of their belongings. We provide each student with a hall locker and a gym locker for this purpose.

We have 3 “lost and found” locations

● Boys’ and Girls’ Locker Rooms (for items left in the locker rooms at the end of each day) ● Bins at the bottom of the center stairway (for items left in hallways at the end of each day) ● Main Office (for small valuable items like jewelry, eye glasses, keys, etc.)

Over the course of the year, we accumulate an astonishing amount of unclaimed clothing and other items in our “lost and found.” The volume far exceeds our storage capacity. If an item cannot be found, student’s should check these lost and found areas. At the end of each quarter, any unclaimed clothing will be donated to HOPE.

THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST ITEMS. DO NOT BRING VALUABLES OR LARGE SUMS OF MONEY TO SCHOOL.

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STUDENT MESSAGES

We seek to develop in our students good organization skills and responsibility. We expect them to arrive at school with homework, sports equipment, instruments, and other materials they will need for classes and after school activities. Please help your son/daughter to organize their belongings in advance. While we know there are emergencies these should be rare. We discourage students calling parents to deliver forgotten items and appreciate your help and support in this. Please organize after school plans with your son/daughter. We understand that emergencies or unexpected events may arise that require a change of plans and a phone call to the office. Excessive phone calls place an unnecessary burden on our office staff. Every effort will be made to get important messages to students. However, we will not interrupt classes nor will we permit students to receive phone calls.

Student Telephone Use

Students must have permission from an adult to use school phones. These calls should be kept to a minimum.

USE/POSSESSION of CELL PHONE/IPOD

Middlebury Union Middle School recognizes that cell phones have become an important communication tool for families. At the same time, we have a need to protect the sanctity of the classroom for instruction and learning and to ensure the well being of all students while at MUMS.

Therefore, we have established the following guidelines to govern student use of cell phones: - Students are permitted to bring cell phones to school. - Cell phones should be kept in student lockers and turned off, along with all other electronic devices. - Student use of cell phones is not permitted between arrival and 3:05 PM. - Calls to parents during the day must be made by using a school phone and only with the permission and

supervision of a teacher or other appropriate staff member. - Violation of these rules may result in confiscation of the cell phone. -Cell phones will be sent to the office. Any confiscated cell phone must be picked up by a parent.

STUDENT GUESTS

Visits by students from other schools are generally discouraged and approved only on a case by case basis. Permission must be requested in writing and submitted to the Assistant Principal at least one week in advance of the requested visit.

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TEXTBOOKS

Please Cover Textbooks, Students Will Be Billed

For Lost/Damaged Books

At the beginning of the year most of the teachers distribute textbooks to students. Students should cover the books and take care of them throughout the year.

Students are also given reading books for several classes and projects. Students must hand in the book they were assigned. If they lose the assigned book, they will be responsible for it. Students will also be charged for stolen or damaged books. If lost or stolen books are found, money will be refunded.

TOBACCO USE POLICY

Middlebury Union Middle School is a smoke free environment. Therefore, smoking or the use of any tobacco product on school property is prohibited. The police will be contacted for any possession of tobacco or related products.

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PARENT INVOLVEMENT

We value parents as partners in the work of educating your students. There are a variety of ways in which you can participate in your student’s school. A partnership between the school and the home will enhance the educational success of your children. Please join the MUMS family and work with us in making these middle grade years memorable for your children.

Back To School Night

In September we host a Back to School Night for parents. The purpose of this event is to welcome parents to a new school year and to acquaint you with your child’s team of teachers, their expectations, routines, programs and events.

School Calendar

A school calendar can be found on page 46 of this handbook. We hope it helps with your planning.

Duplicate Mailings

Both residential and non-residential parents, custodial and non-custodial, are welcome to build an active partnership with us. We believe that children at this age need all the coordinated support they can get in order to flourish in school. All parents, stepparents and guardians are invited to attend open houses, request conferences, receive report cards and mailings, and chaperone trips, unless specifically prohibited by the Court. By placing both families on the mailing list, all information will go to both households.

Parent Conferences

Twice each year, the fall and spring, parents are invited to participate in a conference at school with their student and TA advisor. In addition we encourage ongoing conversations and communication between parents and teachers. Parents are invited to contact individual teachers to schedule a meeting or to contact their child’s team leader to schedule a meeting with the team teachers.

MUMS Website

http://acsu.org/mums

This site provides great, up-to-date information about MUMS and Resources for parents.

Parent/Principal Coffee

At 9:00 am

These take place most months on Friday mornings. They are a time for parents to ask burning questions about MUMS or share great ideas they have. It is a time to be part of an informal conversation with MUMS administrators. We will provide the coffee, you provide the questions and suggestions.

September 30, 2016 December 16, 2016 March 17, 2017

November 18, 2016 January 20, 2017 April 14, 2017

May 19, 2017

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ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

Students in grades seven and eight can participate on the Middlebury Union Middle School athletic teams and/or in activities.

To participate a student must:

1. have had a physical within the past two years. Forms are available in the Main Office. Students cannot begin practices until the physical has been completed.

2. have health insurance.

3. complete and return the appropriate athletic participation forms to the office.

Students who participate in the MUMS athletic and activities program are expected to make a full commitment to the program. This involves attending all practices, and games/events unless previously excused. Typical practices occur from 3:30 to 5:00 daily, with games typically beginning between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. In several sports and activities participants could be involved on weekends in competitions, tournaments, or invitationals. Parents should pick up students promptly at the conclusion of games, events and practices. Our coaches/advisors stay until all students have departed. Parents of students who are consistently picked up late may be asked to meet with the Assistant Principal to address the issue.

MUMS competes with other area schools in the following sports:

Fall Teams Winter Teams Spring Teams

Boys Soccer Girls Basketball Track and Field

Girls Soccer Boys Basketball Softball Field Hockey Wrestling Baseball Cross Country Gymnastics Lacrosse

For competitive swimmers, there is the non-school supported Addison County Otters Swim Team. The Middlebury Recreation Department also offers flag football.

Clubs and activities offered at MUMS vary year to year depending upon student interest. If students have an interest in an area that MUMS doesn’t currently have a club or sport for those students should discuss the possibility of starting a new club with the Assistant Principal. MUMS students have participated in the following clubs/activities in recent years:

Drama Geo-Bee (geography team) Golf Spelling Bee Math Counts (math team)

Intramural Basketball Creative Writing

Tae Kwan Do Tennis

Tiger TV Student Council Art Club Memory Book

Students with ideas for other activities should see the Assistant Principal.

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SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Students who do not return sports uniforms and/or equipment will not be allowed to participate in another club/sport until the uniform/equipment is either returned or payment has been made. Parents will be billed for unreturned or ruined equipment and/or uniforms.

SPORTS/TRIPS

School bus regulations for transportation to and from games and field trips are as follows: Students are expected to use school provided transportation for sports events. Exceptions are made

for special circumstances and only with prior notification of the coach. -The back door is for emergencies only. Do not use unless told to do so by the driver. -Please do not stand up or move around while the bus is in motion. -Please be quiet. Do not scream or make loud noises. -Only radios with ear phones in use are allowed. -Please do not bring any food or drink on bus without permission. NO NUTS ALLOWED

-Please pick up any trash you may have dropped after a trip. -Please do not sit on the back of or stand in the seats of the bus. -Please keep the aisles clear for emergency purposes. Keep your equipment under your seat or on your lap.

SPORTS PRACTICE/GAME CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

We will announce and post sports practice/game changes and cancellations as soon as we are aware of them. Families should have prearranged plans for students to follow in the event of game/practice cancellations. To find out the latest information/cancellations, etc. call 382-1251. For the latest game schedule go to http://acsu.org/mums.

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DANCES

Each year the Middle School sponsors dances for the students in grades 7 and 8. Activity Nights may include dancing but will also have other activities such as games and movies. Students can buy refreshments at these events. A permission slip will be provided for parent signature for each event. Students must bring a signed permission slip with them when they come to the event. They will not be admitted without it.

Dances or Activity Nights last from 7:00 to 9:00. [A note must be given to the staff member in charge of the event on the day of the event or at the event IF STUDENTS HAVE TO LEAVE EARLIER THAN 9:00.] The note must indicate when and with whom the student is leaving. If a student leaves the event early, they cannot come back.

Only MUMS students may attend the event.

Parents should pick students up promptly at 9:00. Our chaperones wait until the last child has gone home before they leave, and as a courtesy to them, your promptness is appreciated. ALL THE RULES AND PROCEDURES OF THE SCHOOL ARE IN EFFECT DURING THE ENTIRE EVENING. Our guidelines for school dress also apply during dances. This includes appropriate coverage of upper body and lower body and clothing that has appropriate straps. If you have a question about whether what your child is wearing will meet the standard, they should bring extra clothes in case they are asked to wear more. Inappropriate dress that cannot be corrected will result in being removed from the dance.

Any student who is absent due to illness on the day of a dance or suspended in or out of school on that day will not be allowed to attend the dance.

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GRADE CRITERIA

ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL

Academic High Honors: ● All standard scores for CORE classes and the four SPAR classes must be a 3 or above (not 3-) ● There must be at least 1 score in the 4 range (4 – or 4) for each CORE subject

Academic Honors

● All standard scores for CORE classes and the four SPAR classes must be a 3– or above

WORK HABITS HONOR ROLL

Work Habits High Honors

● All O’s on Work Habits in all classes, including SPAR and electives

Work Habits Honors

● All S’s or O’s on Work Habits in all classes, including SPAR and electives

Mid-Term

The Parent Portal is an on-line resource that can be accessed via our website http://acsu.org/mums that makes available to parents such information as scores on assessments, work completion and attendance. Detailed assignment level information is also available on-line eliminating the need to send home paper copies of mid-term progress reports. Report cards will be mailed home at the end of each quarter.

Report Card Schedule

Report cards will be sent home on the following dates: (subject to change)

QUARTER REPORT CARDS

ENDS MAILED HOME

Quarter 1: November 3 November 11

Quarter 2: January 20 January 27

Quarter 3: April 7 April 14

Quarter 4: June 14 Within 2 weeks from last student day

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Section I

Instruction

Policy: Student Acceptable Use of Electronic File Code: IIABA

Resources Including the Internet

Schools: Union District #3

Warned: May 19, 2009

Adopted: March 20, 2007

Revised: June 2, 2009

It is the policy of the School District to provide and use electronic resources to support and enrich the curriculum, taking into account the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of the students.

The Board recognizes the need to ensure that student use of electronic resources is consistent with related district adopted policies and administrative procedures. The policy represents the school districts good-faith efforts to promote the safe, ethical, responsible, and legal use of school district electronic resources. This policy is designed to support the effective use of these resources for educational purposes, protect students against potential dangers, and ensure accountability. Therefore, the use of all such electronic resources shall be consistent with this policy and other related School District adopted policies and procedures.

The superintendent or his/her designee will work with appropriate school personnel to develop general school district procedures necessary to implement this policy. Those procedures will include provisions for the education of students in appropriate use of technology tools, student safety and security, and guidelines for the supervision of students using the system. The principal or designee will be responsible for implementing these procedures at a building level.

Access to School District Resources shall be available to students who act in a considerate and responsiblemanner and abide

by the requirements of this policy. Violation of this policy and accompanying procedures may result in school disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or referral to local, state or federal law enforcement officials. Students and their parent/guardian(s) shall be held accountable for any intentional misuse or damage of the School District’s electronic equipment or resources. Any unauthorized access to information that results in a monetary charge to the School District will be the financial responsibility of the user.

Student use of the School District’s Electronic Resources will be governed by this policy and applicable procedures as well as

other related School District policies and procedures, including, but not limited to Copyrights, Selection of Instructional Materials, Student Conduct and Discipline, and Complaints about Instructional Materials.

Electronic Resources

For the purposes of this policy electronic resources include but are not limited to all School District owned technology equipment, network resources and Internet access; as well as personal computers and other network devices brought to school, and school-provided student e-mail account.

Filtering and Monitoring

Filtering/blocking technology will be used in conjunction with other strategies in grades 7-8 to selectively restrict access to clearly objectionable and educationally inappropriate content. Filtering will not be used at Middlebury Union High School.

Monitoring will be used throughout UD#3. This may include supervision of student use by staff. It shall also include electronic monitoring techniques, such as the regular statistical analysis on a whole school basis of Internet usage, without revealing individual user information. An investigation into individual user history must be authorized by the Principal and the ACSUDirector of Technology based on a credible concern.

Staff Responsibility

Student use of the School District’s Electronic Resources will be supervised by staff in a manner that is appropriate to the age of the students and with regard to safe, ethical, legal and responsible use.

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Student Expectations

Students may access electronic resources including the Internet for educational purposes only. The term educational purposes

includes use of the system for classroom activities, which may involve e-mail communication, career development and curriculum driven research. The term also includes activities outside of a class context.

Students must comply with all software licenses, copyrights, and other state and federal laws governing intellectual property and electronic communication. Students have no right or expectation of privacy regarding anything created, sent or received on School District owned technology equipment, network resources and Internet.

Protection of Student Confidentiality

Contracts with third party providers of electronic services (e.g. student information management systems)for the Supervisory Union/School District will be reviewed by the Superintendent or his/her designee to ensure compliance with FERPA and other applicable federal and state laws. No non-directory student information will be posted to a website without parental consent. Student work may be posted to any appropriate website.

Parental Notification and Responsibility

Each school will provide notification annually to the parents/guardians informing them about student use of School District Electronic Resources, the policies governing their use, and the limitation of liability of the School District.

Limitation/Disclaimer of Liability

The School District shall not be liable for students' unacceptable use or violations of copyright restrictions or other laws, user mistakes or negligence, and costs incurred by users. The School District shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of any information found on the Internet. The School District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the School District will be error-free or without defect. The School District shall not be responsible for any damage experienced, including, but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The School District shall not be held responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through or stored on the system, or for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.

Safety and Security of Students When Using Direct Electronic Communication

The School District may provide e-mail access for students but limits the use to educational purposes only. Students may only

use real-time electronic communication (e.g. video conference, chat) for specifically organized and authorized educational activities. Students will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people and agree to follow communication safety requirements outlined in procedures when using electronic communications.

Legal References: 15 U.S.C. §6501 (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) 17 U.S.C. §§101-120 (Federal Copyright Act of 1976 as amended) 18 U.S.C. §2510 (Electronic Communications Privacy Act) 18 U.S.C. §2251 (Federal Child Pornography Law) 13 V.S.A. §§2802 et seq. (Obscenity, minors)

Users of electronic media should expect limited privacy. Routine maintenance and monitoring may lead to the discovery of violations of school policy, CRRS, or state and federal law. Individual searches may be requested by an administrator if there is reasonable suspicion that a student has violated the Acceptable Use Policy, school rules, or state or federal law.

CRRS TECHNOLOGY VIOLATION

Electronic Devise Misuse: Unauthorized use of computers or violation of the acceptable use regulation (i.e. policies, procedures and practices), using electronic devices to represent another person.

Consequences for violating: 1st: Conference, referral, suspension of use of technology for 4 weeks

2nd: Conference, detention, suspension of use of technology for 8 weeks

3rd: Restricted Schedule, suspension of use of technology for remainder of school year

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Use/Possession of Cell Phone/IPOD: Devices such as these are expected to be turned off and kept in your locker during the school day. They are permitted to be used after dismissal.

Consequences for violating: 1st: Device is confiscated

2nd: Device is confiscated, parent/guardian contacted, parent/guardian to pick up device. 3rd: Admin. may request device is left in office during day.

Disclaimer of Liability

The school district shall not be liable for students’ inappropriate use of electronic communication resources or violations of copyright restrictions or other laws, users’ mistakes or negligence, and costs incurred by users. The school district shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of any information found on the Internet.

The school district makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the school district system will be error-free or without defect. The school district will not be responsible for any damage a user may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The school district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The school district will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.

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GUIDANCE SERVICES

The Middle School Guidance Counselors function as part of a team, working with the administration and staff to focus attention on individual and group needs (expressed and/or otherwise) of our student population. Guidance is one of many resources available at MUMS to assist and support individuals as they mature and learn at a rate commensurate with age and abilities, gain self understanding, and develop a sense of responsible self-reliance.

Services address not only student crisis, but also short term concerns and long term goals. As a member of coordinated school teams, the Counselors seek to resolve academic problems, as well as explore possibilities for all students to benefit from their personal and educational potential.

Guidance services involve several inter-related functions of which direct counseling is one part. Subjective and objective observations of student needs are balanced with parent and teacher expectations. Individual and/or group counseling may focus on changing attitudes or behavior, emphasize exploration and self understanding, or include the development of both immediate and long-range educational and career goals. Typical topics of concern addressed with Middle School students: How do I make new friends and keep old friendships too? How can I deal with peer pressure around the use of drugs, alcohol, sex, rules my parents have established, rules at school...? Why am I so confused? Depressed? Nervous? My family is changing (through death, divorce, separation, a move). What did I do? Can I do? How can I get what I want and still please my teacher? My parents? How can I improve my grades? Spend less time on homework? Why can’t I just be myself?

Change for an individual often comes about through consultation with a team of teachers, other staff, administrators and parents. The Counselors, along with the student (as appropriate), participate in conferences, staffings, even specific programs in which student issues/concerns are addressed.

A major aspect of Middle School Guidance services brings together community resources for both the academic and personal development of students. Coordination of people, places and programs within the school and community enhances opportunities to more effectively meet diverse intellectual, physical and social-emotional needs. The Counselors work with such agencies and programs as the Department of Children and Family Services, the Counseling Service of Addison County, the Parent Child Center, Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, Court Diversion Programs, Migrant Education, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, as well as with private practitioners. Regular contact with teachers, teams and specialists reinforces the need for not only direct service to a student, but also coordination with services and personnel already involved with the individual and the family.

Requests for educational and psychological information and reports from other schools and agencies, records of students transferring in or out of the Middle School, standardized test data, maintenance of cumulative files and individual student schedules... are components of the information managed by the Middle School Guidance Office. The Counselors, assisted by a Guidance Administrative Assistant, gather, evaluate, interpret and disseminate, as appropriate, such student data.

Working with a network of teacher advisories, the Middle School Guidance Counselors share the responsibility of gaining a total perspective of each student.

Appointments with the Middle School Counselors are frequently initiated by the student; however, teacher advisors, other teachers, and parents make referrals as well. Additionally, the Counselors initiate meetings with individuals and/or small groups of students to simply “check in,” clarify some information, share an observation, or help resolve a conflict. Students are encouraged to stop by the Guidance Office with a problem, a question, or just to talk.

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LIBRARY

The MUMS Library welcomes all members of the school community. At the core of the school's philosophy is a commitment to students and to knowledge; the library actively encourages an enjoyment of reading and provides support for the middle school curriculum.

In addition to traditional print resources (e.g., books, pamphlets, and periodicals), the library also offers many non-print resources. A database of over 700 periodicals is available through the Internet. Many reference materials are on CD-ROM and networked throughout UD#3. A collection of videotapes, including commercial videotapes and an archive of past presentations by students, staff, and guests, supports many curricular areas. Student email and World Wide Web access are also available to meet curricular needs.

An electronic card catalog provides access to holdings in both the MUMS Library and the MUHS Learning Center. MUMS students have full circulation privileges at both libraries.

The MUMS library encourages recreational reading through frequent booktalks, various book displays, and participation in the ACSU DCF (Dorothy Canfield Fisher) Challenge. Each spring, students can vote for their favorite book from a list of thirty nominated titles and have an opportunity to attend the DCF Award ceremony to hear the winning author's acceptance speech.

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SUPPORT SERVICES

The Middlebury Union Middle School has established as a goal that to the extent possible, all students will succeed in the regular classroom. To achieve this goal, the school is committed to provide a comprehensive system of education services, including an instructional support system for students who are failing or at risk of failing academically in compliance with state legal requirements. Parents are welcome and encouraged to assist in the development, and in the revision as necessary, of procedures to implement this policy.

Educational Support Team

The Educational Support System is designed to ensure all students meet the learning standards for grades 7 and 8. The Educational Support Team is a group of school staff who meet to review individual student referrals to recommend changes in the student’s program. The Educational Support Team can help your child if s/he is having difficulty in school. Parents may want to refer their child to the Team or the child may be referred to the Team by school staff. If you have concerns, you may refer your child to the EST by contacting the Guidance office.

Specialized Services

The continuum of support services includes specialized services in all academic areas— reading, writing, language and math— as well as social-emotional areas. These services are based on the needs of the individual student. They are available as often as daily, and are scheduled on an individual basis. Special support services may be offered in a variety of forms: tutorials, small classes, behavior plans, monitoring of regular classroom performance, modification of the regular classroom tasks or curriculum and frequent parent contact.

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HAZING, HARASSMENT AND BULLYING

Middlebury Union Middle School is committed to ensuring all students have a learning environment that is safe and respectful and where the dignity and uniqueness of each individual is honored. Uncivil, harassing or bullying behavior will not be tolerated at MUMS. This includes doing so by electronic means. Such behavior is against Board policy, violates school rules, and in some forms is unlawful. Ensuring a safe environment for all students requires that staff, parents, and students work together to end these behaviors. It is especially important that such behaviors as hazing, harassment, and bullying be reported. Anyone who witnesses, learns of or is the subject of Bullying, Hazing, Harassment should report it immediately to one of the 2 designated employees. At MUMS these are Mr. Sivo and Mrs. Holsman-Francoeur.

What is hazing?

Hazing is any act, committed on or off school grounds, including by electronic means, against a student ● in connection with pledging, being initiated into, holding office or being a member of a school club, team group or

organization. ● which is meant to, or could be expected to, endanger the mental or physical health of the student or humiliate,

intimidate or demean the student. Hazing includes encouraging, directing and aiding such acts as well as actively participating in them. Hazing is unlawful in Vermont. In addition to disciplinary action by the school a person engaging in or assisting in hazing may face a fine of up to $5,000.

Reporting hazing

Anyone who witnesses, learns of or is the subject of hazing should report it immediately to one of the designated employees.

What is harassment?

Harassment means any verbal or physical conduct committed on school grounds, at a school sponsored event, on the way to or from school or by electronic means that is based on a student’s race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student’s learning or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Harassment includes sexual harassment.

Reporting harassment Anyone who witnesses, learns of or is the subject of hazing should report it immediately to one of the designated employees. A detailed description of our procedures follows on page 36.

What is bullying?

Bullying is any overt act or combination of acts directed against a student by another student or group of students which: a. Is repeated over time; b. Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and

c. Occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, at a school sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity including by electronic means. We say a student is being bullied when another student, or several other students:

● Say mean and hurtful things or make fun of him or her or call him or her mean and hurtful names

● Completely ignore or exclude him or her from their group of friends or leave him or her out of things on purpose

● Hit, kick, push, shove around, or lock him or her inside a room

● Tell lies or spread false rumors about him or her or send mean notes and try to make other students dislike him or her ● And other hurtful things like that.

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When we talk about bullying, these things happen repeatedly, and it is difficult for the student being bullied to defend himself or herself. We also call it bullying, when a student is teased repeatedly in a mean and hurtful way. But we don’t call it bullying when the teasing is done in a friendly and playful way. Also, it is not bullying when two students of about equal strength or power argue or fight.

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Reporting bullying

Anyone who witnesses, learns of or is the target of bullying should report it immediately to one of the designated employees. In addition, incidents of suspected bullying can be reported by placing a note in the

“Bully Box” located in our Library. This note should include the name(s) of the target(s), perpetrator(s) and the time and location the incident occurred. Reports may also be made by calling our Bullying Prevention Hotline; 382-1783.

In reporting incidents of possible hazing, harassment or bullying, it is not necessary for the reporter to be certain that the behavior actually violates policy or law. That is the responsibility of the school administration. All reports of possible hazing, harassment or bullying will be promptly and fully investigated and appropriate action taken. Students found to be in violation of bullying provision will receive consequences as outlined in the CRRS. If students/parents are dissatisfied with the final determination or the response to the determination, they may request in writing to the Superintendent of Schools an independent review of the bullying situation.

Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss these issues at home. We also encourage you to review the section in our CRRS that addresses these issues.

PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING REPORTS OF HARASSMENT

A. REPORTING

1. Students. A student may report unlawful harassment to any staff member whom that student trusts to act

as an advocate. The staff member shall report the complaint to one of the designated employees within

24 hours of receipt of the complaint.

Parents/Guardians of students are also encouraged to notify one of the designated employees of

allegations of harassment.

2. Adult School Personnel. Any adult school person who witnesses or receives a complaint of unlawful

harassment at school or during school sponsored activities shall report it to one of the designated

employees. If the report involves the School Principal, the complainant shall make the report directly to

the Superintendent or designee.

Note that this procedure in no way relieves the School District employees of their reporting requirement

under the Districts' Child Protection Policy. Any administrator, guidance counselor, school nurse, or

teacher who has reasonable cause for suspecting child abuse or neglect must report or cause a report to be

made to the Department of Child and Family Services.

I. Responsibilities of the principal

a. When possible, the principal will designate at least two individuals from the professional

staff (one male, one female when possible), as “designated employees”. If there is more than

one administrator in the building the building principal may be a “designated employee”.

b. When possible, the principal will designate at least two individuals (one male, one female),

as “investigators”. If there is more than one administrator in the building the building

principal may be an “investigator”. The roles of designated employee and investigator can be

combined. When possible the designated employee or investigator of a situation should not

also then be the disciplinarian.

c. The principal will communicate these designations to the faculty, students and parents.

d. The principal will ensure all employees know the policy and procedure and their

responsibilities.

e. The principal will ensure that students are educated about the policy in age appropriate ways

with examples.

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f. The principal will be sure the policy and procedures are included in the student/parent

handbook.

II. Intake (needs to happen during or immediately following conversation with complainant)

a. Any, student, who is the target of harassment, or any parent or student who witnesses

harassment or has reason to believe harassment has taken place on school grounds, at a

school sponsored event or on the way to or from school should report the incident to a

designated employee. This includes cyber-harassment that begins off campus but carries

over or has an impact on the target’s school experience (e.g., afraid to come to school,

avoiding certain areas of the school, dropping off a sports team, dropping grades, etc.).

b. Any employee who witnesses harassment or has reason to believe harassment has taken place

on school grounds, at a school sponsored event or on the way to or from school shall report

the incident to a designated employee. This includes cyber-harassment that begins off

campus but carries over or has an impact on the target’s school experience (e.g., afraid to

come to school, avoiding certain areas of the school, dropping off a sports team, dropping

grades, etc.).

c. Upon receipt of a complaint of harassment the designated employee shall:

a. Complete first page of Harassment Complaint Form

b. Determine if complaint has potential to be harassment

1. If determined to not potentially be harassment refer incident to

administration for discipline if misconduct is substantiated

2. If determined to potentially be harassment:

I. Complete second page of Harassment Complaint Form

II. Consider if incident is best resolved through informal resolution

process.

- If informal resolution process is appropriate:

a. Seek agreement from both parties to use an informal

resolution process

b. Document the resolution and notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of

both the complainant and the accused via phone and mail

that a complaint has been filed and of the outcome of the

informal resolution and give them a copy of the harassment

policy and procedures.

c. Notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of the complainant of their

right to an independent review.

- If informal resolution process is not appropriate

a. Inform the complainant of the next steps and timeline and

inform them of the prohibition against filing a false

complaint and retaliation. If they are 18 years of age or

older provide them with a copy of the harassment policy

and procedures and notify them of their right to an

independent review.

b. Immediately submit the Harassment Complaint Form to

the investigator

c. Immediately inform the school administrator of the

complaint as well as other need to know staff

d. Inform the accused of the complaint and the next steps and

timeline. Also inform them of the prohibition against

retaliation. If they are 18 years of age or older provide them

with a copy of the harassment policy and procedures.

38

e. If the complainant is under 18 years of age his or her

parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall be promptly:

i. notified by phone and in writing: 1) that a complaint

of harassment has been filed, 2) of the next steps and

timeline, 3) of their right to an independent review

ii. provided with a copy of the harassment policy and

procedures

f. If the accused is under 18 years of age his or her parent(s)

or legal guardian(s) shall be promptly:

i. notified by phone and in writing:1) that a complaint

of harassment has been filed, 2) of the next steps

and timeline, 3) of their right to appeal any

disciplinary action that may be taken against their

child

ii. provided with a copy of the harassment policy and

procedures

III. Investigation

a. Upon receipt of the Harassment Complaint Form from designated employee the investigator shall

initiate an investigation of the allegations of harassment.

b. The investigation must be initiated within one school day after the designated employee receives the

complaint.

c. At any point in the investigation the investigator may decide informal resolution is appropriate

- If informal resolution process is appropriate:

a. Seek agreement from both parties to use an informal resolution process

b. Document the resolution and notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of both the complainant and the

accused via phone and mail that a complaint has been filed and of the outcome of the

informal resolution and give them a copy of the harassment policy and procedures.

c. Notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of the complainant of their right to an independent review.

d. The investigation report must be submitted to the principal within 5 days after the designated

employee receives the complaint.

IV. Determination

a. Upon receipt of the investigative report from the investigator the principal shall:

a. Determine discipline and/or corrective action within two days after receiving the

investigative report from the investigator

b. Notify, by phone and mail, the parents of the complainant that the investigation is complete

and whether or not harassment or other misconduct was substantiated and remind them of

their right to an independent review. Parents of the complainant shall not be notified of any

disciplinary action taken against the accused unless a FERPA waiver is obtained from the

parents of the accused.

Notify, by phone and mail, the parents of the accused that the investigation is complete and whether or

not harassment or other misconduct was substantiated and if any disciplinary action will be taken.

Also, inform them of their right to appeal the disciplinary action taken by notifying the

superintendent in writing of their request for an appeal.

39

B. RETALIATION

Retaliation for reporting harassment or cooperating in an investigation of harassment is unlawful under 9

V.S.A.§4502 (a)(5).

C. RECORD KEEPING AND NOTIFICATION

1. Record Keeping. The Superintendent shall assure that a record of any complaint and investigation of

unlawful harassment is maintained by the School District in a confidential file. Such a record shall include

any complaint, even if such complaint is resolved using the informal resolution process.

2. Notification. The Superintendent shall assure that the complainant is notified whether allegations of

unlawful harassment were substantiated, whether a violation of the policy was found, and whether action

was taken as a result.

D. NOTICE

The Superintendent shall provide notice of the policy on unlawful harassment and these procedures to all school

personnel and to custodial parents or guardians of students. The notice shall:

1. Be in age-appropriate language;

2. Include examples of behaviors which, if sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent to interfere with

person's ability to participate in or benefit from school programs, would be unlawful harassment; and

3. Provide the following information about additional methods of pursuing claims of unlawful harassment:

A person may make a complaint of harassment to the Vermont Human Rights Commission or the Federal Office

of Civil Rights or the office of the Attorney General at the following places:

Vermont Human Rights Commission

133 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05633-0001

(802) 828-2480

Director, Compliance Division Area II

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education, Region 1

John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, Room 222

Post Office Square

Boston, MA 02109

(617) 223-9667

Office of the Attorney General

Civil Rights Division

109 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05609-1001

(802) 828-3171

In addition, an individual may seek other remedies through private legal action and, in some circumstances,

through criminal prosecution.

Appendix A

Designated Employees

40

The following employees of Middlebury Union Middle School have been designated by the principal to receive

harassment complaints pursuant to this policy and 16 V.S.A. 565(c)(1):

Kristin Holsman-Francoeur

Principal

802-382-1201

Scott Sivo

Assistant Principal

802-382-1202

41

Harassment Complaint Form

Date complaint filed with designated employee: ____________________

Designated employee completing this form: ____________________________________________

Name of complainant: ________________________________________________

Name of person reporting incident(s) (if different from complainant):__________________________________

Name(s) of accused: ________________________________________

Description of incident(s) (who, what, where, when, how): __________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Witnesses:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Other people involved in the incident(s): _________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Is there any background information we should be aware of? ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Has this kind of incident happened before? If yes, please describe (who, what, where, when, how).

_________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the protected category involved? Circle more than one if necessary.

Race Color National Origin Sex Sexual Orientation Disability

Gender Identity Creed/Religion Marital Status

42

What immediate actions have been taken to stop the alleged harassment and/or protect the safety of the

complainant?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Is abuse suspected? Yes No If yes, what date was DCF/APS notified:

Is this potentially a crime? Yes No If yes, what date were police notified:

Date parents/guardians of complainant and accused were notified of complaint (in writing or by telephone):

_______________________

Date harassment policy sent to parents/guardians of complainant and accused: _________

Date school administrator (if different from designated employee) informed of the complaint: _____________

Was informal resolution attempted? Yes No If yes, what was the outcome?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Was incident logged in school incident records system (if applicable)?

Date complaint was assigned to investigator (if informal resolution was inappropriate or unsuccessful):

_______________________

Name of investigator: _________________________________________

43

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the Middlebury Union Middle School are hereby notified that this school does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the Middlebury Union Middle School’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI (discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin), Title IX (discrimination of the basis of sex) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act (discrimination on the basis of handicap or disability), is directed to contact the Principal at Middlebury Union Middle School at 382-1600 who has been designated by the Middlebury Union Middle School to coordinate the District’s efforts to comply with this policy and the nondiscrimination laws and regulations

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR TITLE VI, TITLE IX, SECTION 504 AND A.D.A. OF 1990

A. A grievance shall be defined for purposes of implementation and administration of the above Federal Regulations to mean any claim made by a person that he or she has been excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, handicap or disability in any educational program or activity offered, conducted or performed by the school.

a. A grievant shall be a student(s) and/or parent(s) or employee making the claim.

B. Intent: Nothing contained in this grievance procedure shall be construed to limit the right of a grievant to any person to informally discuss a problem with the school administration or staff. Such a first step is encouraged. Should informal discussion be impractical or fail to resolve the situation, a formal grievance may be filed and it shall be executed in accordance with the following procedure:

Step 1

The grievant shall forward a written copy of the grievance to the administrator who has immediate jurisdiction over the school unit involved. If the grievance is general in nature, it shall be addressed to the Superintendent of Schools.

The recipient administrator and/or the Superintendent shall hold a hearing on the grievance within a reasonable period of time. Both parties involved may have counsel present.

Within a period of five (5) school days following the hearing the administrator involved shall render his/her decision in writing.

Step 2

If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Step 1, he or she may request a formal hearing before the School Board at its next regular meeting. The Chair of the School Board shall conduct the hearing and both parties may have counsel present.

The Board shall render its decision in writing within ten (10) days following the hearing. This decision shall be final and binding to the jurisdictional limits and authority of the School Board of Directors.

The existence of the grievance procedures does not affect the right of any individual or group to pursue any other procedure provided for by contract, or by State or Federal law.

44

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s educational record. These rights are: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request

for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. They should write the School principal [or appropriate official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their rights to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. [Optional] Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

[NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student of the records re-quest unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.]

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FEPRA. The name and address of the Office that administrates FEPRA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-4605

[NOTE: In addition, an institution may want to include its directory information public notice, as required by 99.37 of the regulations, which its annual notification of rights under FERPA.]

MUMS Media Permission: As part of the educational program, students have the opportunity to: 1. Create and publish documents and projects on the World Wide Web and in other public forums. 2. Posts limited identifying information about self, including photographs on the web, via email or via print media.

We will permit such access as identified in 1 and 2 above only with parent/guardian written permission and student acceptance of the Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Including the Internet Policy found on page 30.

45

PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS ACT

During the course of the school year we administer surveys to our students.

These include: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (in February)

Parents have the right to: - inspect these surveys

- to opt out participation in these surveys If you wish to inspect these surveys, please call our Guidance office at 382-1295.

Instructional Materials

Parents have the right to inspect any instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum if you wish to do so at any time, please contact your child’s teacher(s).

*The Participation of Pupil Rights Act provides parents with certain rights relative to their child’s school program.

46

47

110

104

McCarthy

105

Brakeley

106

Parizo

Restroo

ms

102 Band

DeBruyn

107 Art

Maggio

101

Billings

103

100

STEM

Barnes

108

Guidance

Office

----

----

--------

----

Cafeteria

Gym

Rest

room

109

Collette

Boy’s

Locker Room

Girl’s

Locker Room

115

Main Office

110

Library

111 Computer

Lab

Fraga

Nurse

113 Cronin

Health

---

---

---

---

---

---

--

---

---

---

---

---

---

--

---

---

---

---

---

---

--

206

Slater

205

McNamara

Restroom

202

Perry-Askew

201 Cray

---

------

---

------

---

--

204

Luci

203

Robinette

Maintenance

219

Faculty Room

207

Mackey

208

Sears

209 Quinn

210 Cherrier

211 Nadeau

212

Santa Maria

213

Pyfrom

CSAC

& Support Program

218

Choir/Ford

214

Moquin

216

Kulhowvick

215

Broderson

Rest

room

217

Krahn

---

---

---

---

---

---

--

MAP OF MUMS

FIRST

FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

Entrance

112 Kitchen

48

SCHOOL-WIDE SCHEDULE (16-17)

Block Time 7th

Grade 8th

Grade

TA 8:23 – 8:38 TA TA

8:38 – 8:41 Passing Passing

B1 8:41 – 9:23 PE/SH/Math

Enrichment

SPAR CORE 1/3

9:23 – 9:26 Passing

B2

9:26 – 10:08 SH/PE/Math

Enrichment (B

only)

10:08 – 10:11 Passing Passing

B3 10:11 – 10:53 CORE 1/3 PE/SH/Math Enrichment(A

& B)

SPAR

10:53 – 10:56 Passing

B4 10:56 – 11:38 PE/SH/Math

Enrichment (A

only)

11:38 – 11:41 Passing

B5 11:41 – 12:15

11:41 – 12:21

Lunch/Tutorial/Recess/Study Hall/Music

World Language

12:15 – 12:19 Passing

B6 12:19 – 12:54 Lunch/Tutorial/Recess/Study Hall

12:54 – 12:58 Passing

B7 12:58 – 1:33

12:50 – 1:33

Lunch/Tutorial/Recess/Study Hall

World Language

1:33 – 1:37 Passing

B8/B9 1:37 – 3:05 CORE 2/4

CORE 2/4

49

INDEX

Absences 13

Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Including

The Internet 28

Athletics and Activities 24

Attendance 13

Back To School Night 23

Blackboard Connect 15

Breakfast 11

Bullying 34

Busing 14

Calendar 46

Cell Phones 21

Code of Rights and Responsibilities (CRRS) 17

Curriculum 9

Dances 26

Directory(MUMS) 4

Discipline Reports 17 & 19

Dress Code: Expectations for Student Attire 17

Educational Support Team 33

Emergency School Closings 15

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 44

Fax Number 4

Field Trips 18

Food Allergies 16

Grade Criteria 27

Grievance Procedure 43

Grouping 8

Guests, Student 21

Guidance Services 31

Harassment 34

Hazing 34

Health Screening 16

Health Services 16

Heterogeneous Grouping 7

Homework 20

Homework Club 14

Homework Requests 14

Honor Roll 27

Immunizations 16

Introduction 2

Library 32

Lockers 12

Looping 7

Lost and Found 20

Lunch 11

Mailing (Duplicate) 23

Map of MUMS 47

Meals at MUMS 11

Medications (Prescriptions) 16

Messages (Students) 21

Mission Statement, ACSU 6 MUMS School-Wide Schedule 48

Nondiscrimination 43

Parent Conferences 23

Parent Involvement 23

Parent Principal Coffee 23

Prescription Medication 16

Protection of Pupil Rights Act 45

Report Card Schedule 27

Safe and Respectful Learning Environment 17

School Board 3

School Closings 15

School Hours 10

School Store 10

Smoking 22

Special Areas 7

Specialized Services 33

Sports 25

Staff (MUMS) 5

Support Services 33

Table of Contents 3

Teacher Advisory 8

Team Leaders 8

Team Organization 8

Textbooks 22

Tobacco Use Policy 22

Vacations During School 13

Valuables 18

Vision Statement, MUMS 6

Website 23