washington middle school student handbook 2016-2017
TRANSCRIPT
WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2016-2017
WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
The Washington Middle School community recognizes and respects the transitional nature and the intellectual, social, emotional and
physical needs of middle school students. We are committed to educational excellence in a safe, diverse and progressive environment
that respects the rights of others and enhances individual growth and development.
Washington Middle School
645 W. Central Avenue
Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 542-4085
Fax (406) 721-7346 www.mcpsmt.org
Principal: Craig Henkel
Assistant Principal: Kacie Laslovich
Attendance Hot Line: 728-2400 Ext. 4867
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Bell Schedule: First Bell 8:07 a.m. / Tardy Bell 8:15 a.m. /
Dismissal Bell 3:25 p.m.
STUDENT NAME
____________________________________________
HOMEROOM
_____________________________________
THE KEYS TO SUCCESS
AT WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
BE RESPECTFUL
Show regard and consideration for others, the property of others and yourself.
BE RESPONSIBILE
Be accountable for things that are within your control. Take responsibility for what you say or do. Remember to think about the impact your words
and/or actions have on the people around you.
BE SAFE
Make decisions that are safe for you and others.
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COOPERATION
Work with classmates, teachers and parents for the common good of yourself and others. Strive to make positive contributions to Washington
Middle School and your community.
PERSONAL PRIDE
Value yourself, your work and your relationships with classmates, teachers and parents.
HONESTY
Be honest and truthful in all that you do. Integrity is built on those two things and integrity makes you successful.
Washington Middle School Staff
Building Administration: Craig Henkel, Principal
Kacie Laslovich, Assistant Principal
Counselors:
Meghan Squires:
All of 8th
grade, 6th
grade homerooms: Keffeler, Anderson, Lynch, Herron
Dana Olenick:
All of 7th
grade, 6th
grade homerooms: Imhoff, Elam, Russell
Office Secretaries: Terrie Shaw, Jan Krug
Grade Level Teams
Grade Six:
Lori Ann Lynch Gregg Imhoff Stacey Keffeler
Brad Herron Aneska Elam Jay Anderson
Christina Russell
Grade Seven:
Alec Arntzen Natalie Buchman
Elizabeth Fessler Gabrielle Grey-Gillhouse
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Alan Fox Emily Wilson
Erica Mercurio Colleen Windell
Grade Eight: (one team)
Bryce Nederhoed Kari Boucher
Keli Lower Molly Norton Teresa Toller Kendra Steele
Brandy Thrasher
Resource Teachers:
Jayme Erickson 6th
Grade Para Professional: To be hired
Tracy Mann-Reno 7th
Grade Para Professional: Jerry “Skip” Jordan
To be hired 7th
Grade Para Professional: Marissa McClintock
Danny Wainwright 8th
Grade Para Professional: Krystal Handford
Exploratories:
Juanita Moore Computer Applications (Gr. 6)
Project Lead the Way-Design & Modeling (Gr. 7)
Project Lead the Way-Automation & Robotics (Gr. 8)
Brittnie Keilman Project Lead the Way-Intro to Engineering (Gr. 6)
Project Lead the Way-Medical Detectives (Gr. 7)
Project Lead the Way-Intro to Computer Science-Coding (Gr. 8)
Computer Applications (Gr. 8)
Angela Schowengerdt Art
Aderley Rodriguez Murphy Spanish
To be hired Creative Communications
Music:
Kirk Easter Orchestra
Matthew Tipton Band
Saxon Inabnit Choir
Polly Huppert General Music
Special Programs:
Aaron Fessler Structured Learning Program (SLP)
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Para Professionals: Jami Tronson, Kathy McDowell
Jason Van Hyning Alternative Learning Program (ALP)
Para Professional: Chris Roberts
Gretchen Murray Media Specialist/Librarian
Jennifer Hossack Media Specialist/Librarian
Mary Huffman Speech Pathologist
Jacquelyn Burgstrom School Psychologist
Michael Lessard Flagship Youth Development Coordinator
Michelle Manning FIT Coordinator
Comprehensive School & Community Treatment Program (C.S.C.T.):
Tara Turner/Maura Jones
Clare MaGuire/Jade Graver
Lunch Program: Sharlene “Spring” Buchman, Hostess
Custodians: Brian Wilson (Day), Kathy Speake, John Baca, Mike Mosley
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Welcome to Washington Middle School
Welcome! Our middle school is structured to provide students with the opportunity to learn, to grow and to have fun in a safe environment. Students are assigned to teams
of teachers that create exciting educational opportunities and provide consistent behavior expectations and supportive monitoring.
Teaming
Sixth and seventh grade students at Washington Middle School are assigned to grade level teams or “schools within a school”. Teams consist of a group of students and
their teachers. Washington teams provide students with consistent behavior expectations and a variety of creative instructional opportunities. Eighth grade students will be
assigned to multiple teachers in order to create a more fluid transition to high school. Parents can communicate with their student’s teachers by contacting the student’s
homeroom teacher or the student’s guidance counselor.
Visitors
Parents are encouraged to make appointments to visit the school or classes. Please check in at the main office upon arriving at the building.
Washington has a closed campus so students from other schools are not permitted to visit during the school day.
Visitors and parents must sign in/out at the front office.
Agendas/Student Planners
All Washington students will receive a free quarterly student planner or “agenda” for the 2016-2017 school year. The agenda provides a place to write down assignments
and other important information. The agenda also provides a place for parents and teachers to write notes to each other facilitating parent/teacher communication.
Closed Campus
Washington Middle School has a closed campus. Leaving the school grounds at any time during the day without permission is not permitted.
Students will be released to parents/guardians only, unless a written request from the parent/guardian is presented to the office staff.
If a student will be leaving with someone other than a parent/guardian, the parent must provide written permission stating the third party’s full name
and the time of the pick-up.
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If a parent/guardian wishes to have a student sign himself out and go home for lunch and/or to a specific appointment, a written permission from said
parent/guardian must be presented at the office at the time of departure.
Students are required to sign out at the office when they leave the building.
Students are also required to sign in at the office if they are arriving late to school or if they are returning from an appointment.
Health Services:
First aid for injuries and illness response is provided by school staff and if present and available, a school nurse. It may be necessary for the school to contact emergency
services or to send a child home due to illness or injury. It is VERY important that the school have current emergency names and phone contacts.
Parents and guardians should complete a new health history form whenever there are significant health changes in your child such as a new life threatening allergy. Ask the
school secretary or school nurse for this and any other health related forms, procedures or information or see the district website under the student services then health
services tab.
Allergies:
The District has procedures for the management of life threatening allergies of students. Information about these procedures may be found on the District’s website under the
student services then health services tab.
Life threatening reactions are called anaphylaxis (pronounced an-a-fi-LAK-sis). Anaphylaxis can occur from stinging or biting insects, medication, foods or
latex. Anaphylaxis is a collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems of the body. The onset of these symptoms is most commonly immediate, although may be
delayed by hours. The symptoms can include:
Mouth: Itchy, swelling of tongue and/or lips
Throat: Itchy, tightness/closure, hoarseness, trouble breathing/swallowing
Skin: Itchy, hives, redness, swelling, red watery eyes
Gut: Nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea
Lung: Short of breath, wheeze, repetitive cough
Heart: Pale or blue skin color, dizzy/faint, weak pulse
Neurological: Sense of "impending doom", irritability, change in alertness, mood change, confusion
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On occasion, other students and parents may be asked to limit bringing in certain items due to another student’s life threatening allergy. Your cooperation with these needed
restrictions is greatly appreciated and important to keep all children safe.
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors In Schools:
Each district school may maintain a stock supply of auto-injectable epinephrine to be administered immediately for actual or perceived anaphylaxis ( life threatening allergic
reaction) in any student by a school nurse or other authorized personnel in accordance with Montana law (MCA § 20-5-421) and Board Policy 3416. Emergency Medical
Services (911/EMS) will be called immediately. The parent will be notified following all administration of epinephrine and EMS notification. The limited stock of this
medication is not intended to be used in place of medications previously or currently prescribed for specific students or staff with known allergies. Students with known
allergies are expected to continue to provide their own health care provider ordered medications and written individual annual anaphylaxis plan.
Medication:
Most student medication can be taken at home either before or after school. Only those medications that your child must have while at school are permitted. “Medications”
include prescription, over the counter and homeopathic or alternative medications such as vitamins. For the safety of all students, students are not allowed to carry any
medication unless permitted by law (allergy and asthma medications) or by an accommodation plan. Parents or guardians must bring all other medications to the school
office or health office in a pharmacy or manufacturer labeled container. All medications must have annual written parent permission and health care provider signature on
file. Unused medication is discarded at the end of the school year. Related medication information and forms may be found on the district website under the student services
then health services tab.
Communicable Disease and Illness:
If your child feels too ill to participate in school or needs more care than is reasonable in the classroom, the child should stay home until he/she feels better. A complete list
of symptoms or illness when students must stay home can be found on the District website under the student services then the health services tab. Occasionally, it may be
necessary for the school to send a child home due to illness. If there is the possibility of a communicable disease, the child may return when the condition clears or a health
care provider authorizes the child’s return to school. The school may also enforce more stringent illness guidelines when advised or ordered to do so by the health
department in outbreaks of contagious illnesses.
Head Lice:
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Head lice are pests that occur in all communities throughout the year. Lice are transmitted by head to head contact with an infested person. Head to head contact can occur
in school but typically does not. Schools tend to be the place that identifies infestations then educates about head lice. For further information see the district website at
www.mcpsmt.org student services health services head lice.
Health Screenings:
Hearing screening is done for preschool, kindergarten, 1st and 10
th grade students. Additional students may be screened when referred for concerns. Vision screening is
done for Pre-school through 5th grade students. Parents are notified if there are concerns. Screenings are not meant to take the place of professional exams.
Immunizations:
All students must have written proof from a health care provider of adequate immunization before they may attend school as per state law, unless they have a current signed
medical or religious exemption or conditional form. Please see the school secretary or school nurse for questions or details or the district website under the student services
then health services tab. Immunizations are available through your child’s health care provider or the Missoula County Health Department located at 301 W. Alder, phone
258-4745, which offers a sliding fee scale for children’s immunizations and walk-in hours. You must have a copy of your child’s immunization record to obtain
immunizations from the health department.
Drug Free Schools
In keeping with the school’s concerns about substance abuse, close monitoring of all medications in the school setting is maintained.
Attendance Procedures, Arranged Absences, Homework Requests
1. Official attendance is taken at the beginning of first period. Students arriving after first period has started need to report to the office and obtain a pass to
class. To excuse a student, parents/guardians are asked to either call the attendance hotline (728-2400 Ext. 4867) before 9:00 a.m. or call the office directly
at 542-4085. A parent may send a signed and dated note to the office to excuse a tardy or an absence within 24 hours of the tardy/absence.
2. Prompt arrival at school is a value emphasized at WMS. Students who arrive after 8:15 a.m. will be considered tardy. To excuse a tardy, a parent may send
a note with the student or call our attendance hotline. Consequences for unexcused tardies are: 1-4 unexcused tardies can incur one 30 minute detention for each
tardy; 5-7 unexcused tardies can incur two 30 minute detentions for each tardy; 8 or more unexcused tardies can incur In School Suspension for each tardy.
Parent contact will be maintained throughout this process.
3. A phone call from a parent/guardian is required if a student is going to be absent or tardy. Please contact the office directly. Notification to teachers is not
sufficient. We encourage you to use our attendance hotline (728-2400 Ext. 4867) which is available 24 hours a day. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00
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p.m. If a parent has not called during the day to excuse his/her student’s absence, an automated attendance call will be sent to the primary contact phone number in
the early evening hours.
Failure to resolve a reason for absence within 24 hours of the student’s return to school will be recorded as an unexcused absence (truancy).
4. Students who have to leave school during the day for appointments should bring a signed note from a parent/guardian stating the date and the time for the
student to leave class. The student should show the note to the teacher that he/she is with when it is time to leave the classroom and meet the parent/guardian at the
office. The parent is responsible for signing the student out on the “Check Out” sheet at the office. The student should leave his/her note at the office at the same
time that he/she is checked out.
5. Teachers at Washington Middle School post their daily assignments on the WMS website. You may access the website at: www.mcpsmt.org . Click on the school
building icon in the upper right corner of the screen to access the various school websites.
6. When an absence is planned in advance for more than three days, a student should come to the office to pick up an arranged absence form. A
parent/guardian must sign this form. The student will carry the form to each of his/her teachers for a signature and list of assignments. This form then needs to be
returned to the office.
Telephone Calls and Classroom Disruptions
1. In an effort to minimize classroom disruptions, we are asking parents to make any necessary arrangements with their children before they leave for school
in the morning. For planned appointments, please send your student with a note with the appointment details. Students are encouraged to share the note with their
teacher so they can be waiting at the office for their ride. Written notes encourage your student to be more responsible and notes also help to reduce interruptions to
the classroom.
2. Students do have access to a phone at the office or their classroom for emergencies.
3. Cell phones and other personal electronics are allowed at school but must remain turned off and stored in their locker during school hours including the
lunch period, unless being used under teacher direction. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the confiscation of the cell phone by school
personnel. Cell phones will be held at Mrs. Laslovich’s office until the end of the school day. After two infractions, cell phones which are confiscated will
only be returned to a parent or guardian. The student will also receive a detention at this time. Please be assured that in the event of an emergency, we will
make every effort to deliver messages to students.
Computer and Internet Access
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MCPS Board Policy 3612 provides computer systems and Internet access for staff and students as an educational tool. Students will be instructed on safe and appropriate
usage and will be supervised by MCPS staff while using computer resources. In addition, all use is electronically monitored and Internet access is limited by use of age
appropriate filters. The use of these resources is a privilege and access may be revoked due to inappropriate use or abuse. Non-educational use, attempts to circumvent
network protocols, knowingly attempting to harm others or to destroy their work is considered inappropriate and abusive, and will be subject to District disciplinary or legal
action as appropriate. A full description of usage policies and regulations can be found at the MCPS website at www.mcpsmt.org. Please go to the “Board Policies” link
under the “School Board” header at the top of the webpage. A current Acceptable Use Policy (permission form) for each student must be signed by the student and
parent/guardian of minors and will be kept on file at the school. A copy of this form is also available online.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences may be requested at any time during the school year by contacting your student’s homeroom teacher or counselor. Parents will be contacted by
the student’s homeroom teacher to schedule specific conference times during the scheduled days with the homeroom teacher. A team conference may be scheduled if
circumstances warrant such a meeting. District wide conferences for the middle schools have been scheduled for the
2016-2017 academic year.
Fall Conferences: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 10, 2016 Students will be dismissed at 11:35 a.m.
Spring Conferences: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 16, 2017 Students will be dismissed at 11:35 a.m.
Midterm and Quarter Reports
At the middle of each quarter, teachers will assign midterm grades. This may include comments about daily work, tests and work ethic. Midterm reports and quarter reports
will be available on-line and at parent/teacher conferences. A report card will be mailed at the end of the second semester. (Note: If a parent/guardian does not have
internet access, please contact the office at the beginning of the academic year.) If parents have questions concerning the grades or comments, they may contact the teacher
by phone or set up an appointment.
1st Quarter Midterm September 30, 2016 End of 1
st Quarter November 4, 2016
2nd
Quarter Midterm December 14, 2016 End of 2nd
Quarter January 27, 2017
3rd
Quarter Midterm February 28, 2017 End of 3rd
Quarter April 7, 2017
4th
Quarter Midterm May 9, 2017 End of 4th
Quarter June 9, 2017
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Honor Roll
A student must have a grade point average (G.P.A.) of at least 3.0 for Honor Roll and 4.0 for High Honor Roll.
Breakfast/Hot Lunch
Breakfast items are served daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m.
Washington Middle School also offers a hot lunch program with several different entrees to choose from and various a´ la carte items. A student’s money is deposited into
his/her computerized account and may be used to purchase a regular hot lunch and/or a´ la carte items. The hot lunch consists of a main entrée, milk and dessert. Notices
are printed weekly and given to those students whose accounts are overdrawn. There is a “no charging” policy. It is suggested that at least one week of lunches is paid for
at any one time. Checks should be written to the MCPS Meal Program.
A student may choose to use cash to make a selection from the a´ la carte line. Students are asked not to bring anything larger than a $5.00 bill.
A monthly lunch calendar is available from homeroom teachers, on-line or at the office upon request.
Students may bring a sack lunch.
Students are not allowed to have food delivered to the school directly from outside vendors. If a parent/guardian wishes to bring in pizza (for example) for a child,
then the parent needs to arrange to deliver the item himself.
Each grade level is scheduled separately for time in the lunch room and on the playground.
Meal benefits are available to families that qualify. The Meal Benefits Application is available at the office. A family must fill out a new application at the
beginning of each school year.
Lost and Found
Lost clothing articles are put on wall hooks by the office. There is also a tub under the hooks for shoes and such. Smaller items such as watches, glasses and jewelry are
kept in the office. During each quarter many articles are given to charity organizations if they are not claimed.
In order to keep “Lost and Found” to a minimum, please put your child’s name on his/her coats, gym clothes, notebooks, musical instruments and lunch bags.
Counselors
If parents need information on schedules, academic performance or need to set up a meeting with teachers, they should contact the appropriate counselor. Counselors may
be reached at 542-4085 during the day.
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Parent Vehicles and Bus Zones
Parents are encouraged to pick up and drop off students on Central Avenue next to the playground and brick annex.
Washington Middle School has two bus loading zones.
The primary bus zone is located on Sussex Street. Please avoid dropping students off in this area.
There is a second bus zone located on Central Avenue at the corner of Bancroft Street.
Please use caution and follow traffic regulations if you are dropping students off on Bancroft Street in front of the building. Student safety is a high priority.
Bicycle Safety/Skateboards
Bicycles and skateboards may be used for transportation to and from school.
Students should use the crosswalks when crossing streets.
Students should walk their bicycles and skateboards when crossing streets to/from the school grounds.
A bicycle rack is provided for students to use.
Students are strongly encouraged to use a bike lock to prevent theft during the school day.
Students are encouraged to use helmets. Remember, a helmet can save your life!
Skateboards, roller blades and scooters are not allowed to be ridden on school property before, during or after school.
Skateboards, roller blades and scooters are not allowed on the Beach buses.
BUS TRANSPORTTION
Bus transportation to and from school is a privilege provided to students by the MCPS school district. Behavior expectations on all Washington buses are the same as the
behavior expectations at school. Students who are not conducting themselves in a respectful, responsible and safe manner will be subject to a four step process which may
result in the loss of bus riding privileges. The four
step process consists of conduct reports written by bus drivers. Gross misconduct may result in immediate loss of bus riding privileges.
1st Conduct Report: Warning and letter sent home.
2nd
Conduct Report: Loss of bus riding privileges for three days.
3rd
Conduct Report: Loss of bus riding privileges for two weeks.
4th Conduct Report: Loss of bus riding privileges for the rest of the school year.
All Washington bus routes are posted on the Beach Transportation website. (www.beachtrans.com)
Website
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To view our website, got to www.mcpsmt.org, find schools, scroll down to Washington Middle School and click “Go”! Our website includes a calendar of events, team
news, daily assignments, athletic information, Q Parent Connect information and Q Student Connect information. The enrollment form for Q Parent Connect is also
available on the website.
P.T.A.
The goal of the Washington Middle School Parent/Teacher Advisory Committee is to provide parents with an opportunity to be involved in their child’s middle school
experience. PTAC wants parents to feel welcome at school and not feel intimidated by the transition from elementary school into this new environment. In order to
accomplish this goal, the PTAC wishes to:
Encourage parents to attend the monthly meetings. PTAC meetings are a forum for voicing opinions and concerns. The PTAC meets the second Thursday of every
month at 7:00 p.m. or at noon in the WMS Library. Dates and times will be listed on the WMS website. Everyone is invited!
Encourage parents to volunteer to help with PTAC and school sponsored activities. Volunteer sheets will be circulated at the Fall Open House. Parents will have
the opportunity to sign up to help with any one of several different activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities/Flagship
Activities include Student Council, Yearbook Club and Math Counts. Our Flagship Program offers a wide variety of activities which are scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. on regular schedule days. On early out Thursdays, the activities are offered from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each family will receive a brochure in the mail describing the
different activities. All Flagship activities are free to Washington Middle School students.
Athletics
Students may also elect to participate in sport activities. Athletics are supervised by the assistant principal. The calendar of dates for the various sport activities is available
in the fall.
Flagship intramural programs are offered to 6th grade students. Intramural programs include basketball, volleyball and soccer.
Wrestling and track are open to all students (male and female) in 6th grade, 7
th grade and 8
th grade.
Soccer is open to all students (male and female) in 7th grade and 8
th grade.
Boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball and volleyball are open to 7th grade and 8
th grade students.
Soccer 9/6-10/11 Volleyball 1/9-2/17
Girls Basketball 10/12-11/15 Wrestling 2/21-4/7
Boys Basketball 11/16-1/5 Track 4/25-6/1
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Students electing to participate in interscholastic sport activities are required to pay a participation fee for each activity and a parent/guardian must also sign a sport waiver
prior to the student participating in each sport activity. The participation fee is $25.00 per sport, with a maximum of $75.00 per individual and $125.00 per family. There is
no charge for intramural sports. (Note: A parent should contact the assistant principal if there is a financial hardship. Scholarships are available.)
Academic eligibility requirements for participating in athletic activities are as follows:
No student athlete may have an “F” in any subject during a five week athletic season.
Grade checks will occur to determine eligibility. A student, whose grade point average is below 2.0 and/or has an “F” in any subject, will be ineligible for the
following 5 school days. Weekly grade checks will occur on Friday. If the student has raised their failing grades, the athlete will regain eligibility for the following
week.
1) During the 5 days of ineligibility, the student/athlete may practice.
2) Extenuating circumstances for students will be taken into account.
A student athlete who is in a prescribed special education class or 504 programs and is not meeting academic eligibility will have his/her grades reviewed to ensure
all accommodations are being implemented. This review will be comprised of an administrator, parent, special education teacher and the teacher from the class the
student is failing.
MBI at Washington Middle School
Washington Middle School is an MBI (Montana Behavior Initiative) school; Washington Middle School has a set of expectations that have been agreed upon by
our staff as an effective way to be proactive in supporting positive student behavior. Students at Washington Middle School will be learning about these school-wide
behavioral expectations at the beginning of the year, and we will periodically remind students about these expectations throughout the year.
In addition to helping students know what our expectations are and supporting them in meeting these expectations, we have a system for rewarding students’
positive behaviors. At our school, students are acknowledged for exhibiting the behaviors that we expect. For students who need extra support in exhibiting positive
behaviors, we have a variety of interventions available and include parents in the process.
Please take this opportunity to talk to your student about the expectations at school and the importance of continuing to demonstrate respectful, responsible and safe
behaviors.
Student In Good Standing
Student In Good Standing is a combination of attendance, behavior and academics. Students are expected to have a 90% or better attendance record each quarter, students
must pass their classes and accrue less than three discipline referrals per semester. Students NOT in good standing may not be eligible to attend field trips, assemblies, fun
days or end of the year activities.
Families in Transition (FIT) Program
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The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act affords eligible students the rights to immediate enrollment, transportation/busing, automatic enrollment in
the free/reduced lunch program, automatic enrollment in Title I services (regardless if in a Title I school), all school-based services of which they qualify,
participate in all programs and activities offered to students and families and challenge enrollment/school-choice decisions.
Who is Eligible for FIT Services According to the McKinney-Vento Act?
The term “homeless children and youth” refers to individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Under the law, a child may qualify
as homeless if he or she is:
Living in an emergency shelter, domestic violence shelter, or transitional housing. Examples in Missoula might include: Carole Graham, Mountain Home Montana,
YWCA Gateway Program, YWCA Pathways Shelter, Family Promise, Missoula Youth Homes, etc.;
Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or campground due to economic hardship;
Abandoned in a hospital;
Awaiting foster care placement;
Living in a car, park, public place, bus or train station, abandoned building, or other structure not meant for housing;
Doubled-up with relatives or friends due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
NOT living with a parent or legal guardian; is an unaccompanied youth living in a situation that meets one of the definitions listed above or due to extreme conflict,
unsafe or unsupportive living conditions.
How does the McKinney-Vento program work at MCPS?
Missoula County Public Schools employs a Families-in-Transition (FIT) liaison to advocate for families and to assist them in coordinating academic support
for their students. The FIT liaison works closely with Family Resource Center or FIT coordinators at each building in the district to assure eligible families
receive needed support. The FIT liaison assists families with immediate school enrollment for eligible students (regardless if missing immunization or
academic records), arranges for busing or transportation assistance, and refers students for Title I services for those in grades K-8.
For more information or assistance with determining eligibility, contact the MCPS FIT Liaison:
Trish Kirschten
MCPS FIT Liaison
215 South Sixth Street West
Missoula, MT 59801
406-728-2400 ext. 1080
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Family Resource Center or Families in Transition Coordinator
A Family Resource Center or Families in Transition Coordinator is available in each MCPS building. FRC/FIT coordinators are available specifically to serve
families seeking help with life’s transitions, challenges and changes. The coordinators assist with accessing resources and services, to include:
McKinney-Vento services for families and youths experiencing homelessness (as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act);
Additional academic supports;
Housing and employment – options and information;
Clothing, food and toiletries – supplies and resources;
Information, referrals and paperwork assistance;
Connections to community supports and programs; and
Crisis/personal support.
To learn more about the services available to families and youths experiencing transitions due to economic hardship, talk to your building FRC/FIT
coordinator, secretary, teacher or principal.
Contact Information for FRC/FIT Coordinator:
Michelle Manning –Washington Middle School- 728-2400 ext. 4666 ([email protected]).
Washington Middle School Behavior Plan
Possible Interventions
1. Student conference with the teacher, team or administrator
2. Phone call to parent/guardian
3. Detentions (at lunch time or after school)
4. Community service
5. Parent/Team conference
6. Positive behavior contracts
7. Parent/Teacher/Team conference
8. Counseling
9. In-school suspension
10. Out-of-school suspension
11. Classroom adaptations/accommodations
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12. Counseling group
13. Insight group
14. Other placement (for example: A.L.P., S.L.P., treatment, hospital)
15. Police action
16. Due process/expulsion
Important Terminology and Definitions
Attendance Related:
Truancy Any unexcused absence from class or leaving class or campus without permission; not being where assigned
Tardy Being late for school, class or lunch
Violation of Closed Campus Leaving the school grounds without parental permission after arriving at school and before dismissal from school
Off Limits Being in areas designed as “off limits” during school hours
Person Related:
Willful Disobedience/Deceit Conscious choice on a student’s part to fail to act as instructed by school personnel; acts of lying, forgery, cheating, deceit, etc.
Disrespect Showing a lack of consideration or regard to other students, school personnel or visitors to the school
Disruptive Behavior Intentional interruption of school personnel or disruption of the school environment or learning process
Profanity
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Using profane, vulgar or obscene language, symbols or gestures; creating pornographic material at school or bringing pornographic material to school
Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation Inappropriately touching or making remarks including those of a sexual nature directed toward another person that causes the person to feel demeaned, embarrassed or
fearful; persistent tormenting of another individual physically, verbally or sexually or through social media (i.e.: Facebook, Twitter, texting).
Prejudicial Remarks, Gestures or Actions Any remarks regarding a person’s race, ethnic group, religion, gender, disability or physical appearance that is meant to degrade or demean
Inappropriate Displays of Affection Hugging, kissing, holding hands or other displays of affection
Fighting Physical confrontations on or near school property
Failure to Cooperate with a Substitute Any behavior that does not allow the substitute teacher to accomplish objectives set by the teacher
Willful Disregard for the Safety of Others Committing acts that endanger other people, such as throwing snowballs or other dangerous objects or pushing students to the ground; wrestling; shooting rubber bands;
running in crowded areas, etc.
Property Related:
Possession of Weapons Possession of any device that poses a perceived, potential or real threat to the physical safety of others
Vandalism Willfully damaging, destroying or defacing property
Theft Stealing or attempting to steal items that belong to someone else
Arson or the Possession of Lighters or Matches Lighting a fire on school property or having lighters, matches, propellants, explosives, etc. at school
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Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs:
Possession or Use of Tobacco Using or possessing chewing tobacco, cigarettes or other tobacco products or look-a-like products at school
Possession, Consumption or Exchange of Alcohol or Other Drugs or Possession of Paraphernalia Possessing or using alcohol or other drugs or substances used to alter feelings or possessing drug paraphernalia on school grounds
Other:
Dress Code
Students may not wear garments that advertise or condone the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, inappropriate slogans or innuendoes.
Hats, bandanas or other head wear are not allowed at school.
Students may not wear face paint.
Shirts should meet pants; the midriff should not be showing.
Undergarments should not be visible.
Students may not wear low cut shirts, halter tops or tube tops.
Shorts and skirts need to be of modest length.
Slippers are not appropriate footwear for school.
Students clothing will not be disruptive to the educational setting.
Possession or Use of Prank Devices Possession of any item that disrupts or inconveniences other people or the learning process
Possession of Any Non-Educational Items Possession of non-educational items at school that disrupt the learning process
Food and Candy Eating food outside of the lunch period is not permitted unless authorized by school personnel. Energy drinks are not permitted at school.
Inappropriate Lunchtime Behavior (Inside) Creating an unnecessary mess, talking in a loud voice, being disorderly in any way or being disrespectful to lunchroom personnel
Inappropriate Lunchtime Behavior (Outside)
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Being off limits, possessing food or beverage, littering, being argumentative with playground personnel, taking equipment without permission
Bus Violations Any activities the bus driver feels are unsafe.
Littering Leaving any garbage on the grounds outside or on the floors inside the school.
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Washington Middle School Positively Extreme Matrix
School Wide
Classroom Hallways Cafeteria Outside Arrival / Departure
Bathroom / Locker room
Assembly
Be Safe
-Keep hands, feet,
and objects to self. -Know and follow all emergency procedures. -Keep cell phones and electronic devices turned off and in your locker during school.
-Know the evacuation routes and meeting places. -Move appropriately in the classroom. -Handle all classroom equipment and materials properly and carefully. -Keep four on the floor. -Sign out when leaving room.
-Walk. -Keep to the right of the hallway. -Keep hands, feet, and objects to self. -Carry hall passes during non passing time.
-Walk. -Notify an adult when a spill takes place. -Wait for permission to be dismissed.
-Stay on campus. -Avoid inappropriate physical contact and rough play.
-Walk. -Observe the no walk zones for offloading busses. -Avoid inappropriate physical contact and rough play.
-Wash hands with soap and water. - Keep hands and feet to self.
-Enter and exit the auditorium in an orderly fashion.
Be Responsible
-Be a positive role model. -Be honest. -Own your behavior. -Report dangerous and inappropriate behavior to an adult. -Recognize and appreciate the value of an education.
-Bring all of your materials to class. -Listen carefully and follow directions. -Complete and turn in all assignments. -Check in with your teacher when absent for missing work and make up that work. -Be on task.
-Carry hall passes during non passing time. -Get where you need to be in a timely manner. -Keep our halls clean.
-Clean up area around you. - Dispose of your garbage in appropriate container - Recycle
-Consume food and drink only in the cafeteria. -Enter the building through your designated door. -Return equipment in good condition. -Clean shoes before entering
-Be in the designated area for your grade. - Keep track of your belongings.
-Follow sign in/out procedures. -Keep our bathrooms neat and clean. -Return to class promptly. -Use locker to manage personal items.
-Sit in your designated area. -Listen and learn from the presentation or performance. -Engage in appropriate response for the speaker or performance.
Be Respectful
-Show tolerance of others’ differences. -Honor others personal space and boundaries. -Use appropriate language. -Stop the spreading of rumors and gossip.
-Polite words and tone of voice to all. -Allow other to speak without interruption. -Cooperate and work will with others.
-Inside voices during transition. -Remove hats when entering the building.
-Polite words and tone of voice to all. -Inside voice. - Use good table manners.
-Show tolerance for others’ differences. -Polite words and tone of voice to all. -Include others in activities. -Problem-solve and compromise when disagreements occur.
-Show tolerance for others’ differences. -Polite words and tone of voice to all. -Problem-solve and compromise when disagreements occur.
-Allow for the privacy of others. -Use the facilities properly. - Dispose of garbage appropriately.
-Treat all speakers and performers with courtesy. -Be quiet during presentations and performances.
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-Comply with adult requests.
Go Washington Wildcats!