Student Handbook 2007-08

The ESMS Student Handbook is contained in the school-issued Student Planner. Students are given the Student Planner at the beginning of the year and expected to keep them up-to-date with school events, and more importantly, class assignments. Strategies for using the Student Planner and all the features it contains are given during the first trimester.

Complete Student Handbook in PDF format

Table Of Contents

To easily locate information in the Student Handbook, click on a topic listed below. To get back to this catalog, just click on the heading of the information you are looking at in this document.

  1. School Calendar
    1. Minimum Days
    2. Holidays
    3. Teacher / Parent Conferences (Minimum Days)
    4. Back-to-School Night
    5. Open House
    6. Grade Report Cards
  2. Student Code of Conduct
    1. Philosophy
    2. Harassing & Bullying Are Prohibited
    3. Respectful and Responsible (R2)
    4. Dress Code
      1. School Days
      2. After School Dances
      3. Semi-Formal Events
    5. School Supplies
    6. Electronic Devices
    7. Hallways / Eating Areas
    8. Closed Campus
    9. Visitors to Campus
    10. Traffic Safety
    11. Levels of Misbehavior
      1. Level One Offenses
      2. Level Two Offenses
      3. Level Three Offenses
    12. Consequences for Misbehavior
  3. Attendance Policy
    1. The Law
    2. Absences
    3. Returning from an Absence
    4. Make-Up Exams
    5. Independent Study
    6. Excessive Absences
    7. Truancy
    8. Citizenship Grades
  4. General Academic Information
    1. PowerSchool
    2. Report Cards
    3. Classwork and Homework
    4. Academic Probation
    5. Academic Sanction
    6. Sanction Appeal Committee
  5. Student Activities and Recognition
    1. Honor Roll
    2. Student Government and Student Council
  6. Student Services
    1. Health Office
    2. Medication
    3. Emergency Cards
    4. School Lunch Program
    5. Library
    6. SPARK
    7. Bike Rack
    8. Security Cameras

School Calendar

Minimum Days

Mondays are minimum days. In addition, there will be six minimum days not on Mondays, for the purpose of grade level meetings and other school business near reporting card time (progress and trimester). There are additional minimum days for Parent Teacher Conferences (see below).

Holidays

Nov. 12 Veteran's Day, Nov. 19-23rd Thanksgiving Holiday; Dec. 24-Jan. 4, 2007 Winter Recess; Jan 14, Martin Luther King , Jr.; Feb. 11, Feb. 18th President's Holidays; Oct. 29, Mar. 14th In-service Days - No Students; April 7-11th Spring Recess; May 26 Memorial Day; June 19 Last Day of School;

Teacher / Parent Conferences (minimum days)

Dec. 10 & Dec. 11, 2007 (First Trimester); Mar. 18 & Mar 19. June 17 & June 18. June 19th is also a minimum day.

Back-to-School Night

Proposed on September 27th, 2007.

Open House

Proposed on May 8th, 6:00 - 8:00pm.

Grade Report Cards

The trimester grading periods end on Dec. 6, March 19 and June 19. Progress reports dates are October 17, Feb. 6 and May 7. Grade reports will only be mailed on the trimester dates. Student grades may be viewed any time at: the school/district website: http://www.elsegundousd.com/esms/. Click on the PowerSchool link under Parents.

Student Code of Conduct

Philosophy

Discipline and self-control are learned behaviors that are necessary to achieve the goals of responsibility and respect for one's self and others. At El Segundo Middle School we strive for a learning environment where all students can reach their academic potential. We recognize the following:

  1. A positive school climate encourages students to make good choices.
  2. The consequences for making inappropriate choices must be firm, fair and consistent.
  3. We all benefit when everyone has basic skills and healthy self-esteem.

Harassing & Bullying Are Prohibited

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, horseplay or rough-housing because it is never clear if contact between students is causal or intimidation. Students must refrain from ANY contact that may be interpreted as harassment or bullying. This applies while coming onto campus, while on campus and while leaving campus as well.

Respectful and Responsible (R2)

Before reading about our Student Code of Conduct, please take a moment to reflect: Rules are virtually unnecessary if everyone (administration, teachers, staff, parents and students) at El Segundo Middle School treats one another in a Respectful and Responsible (R2) manner.

Dress Code

Dress Code for School Days

The following dress code was developed in an effort to promote a safe and non-disruptive environment. Students found in violation will be asked to wear clothes issued by the school and/or parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing/attire. The student's clothes will be returned once the ESMS Loaner Clothes have been returned after being laundered (cleaned/washed). Parents will be notified of violations and asked to bring appropriate school clothing. Repeated violations may result in the assignment of Saturday School and/or suspension.

  1. No T-shirts or other clothing will be permitted that display offensive language, refer directly or symbolically to sex, violence, drugs or alcohol, are insensitive to the origins, ethnicity or religious preferences of others or are otherwise disruptive to the school environment.
  2. Short midriff tops, strategically ripped or torn clothing or otherwise overly revealing clothing are not permitted. Shirts and tops must be worn so midriffs cannot be seen as a person normally stands or sits. Spaghetti straps and muscle shirts are considered overly revealing and are not allowed. Tank tops with a double-seam are permitted.
  3. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at school and must not be visible. Any clothing that may be considered undergarments (i.e. pajamas, camisoles, lacy lingerie, men's tank tops “wife-beaters” , or boxers for men) are not to be worn as outer wear at school. If deemed inappropriate, students will call home to ask for a change as clothes.
  4. Oversized, overly baggy or sagging clothes are prohibited. Pants and shorts must not require holding up when walking, running, or otherwise participating in Physical Education activities. The waistline of pants is to be worn at the waistline, not below the hips. Appropriate belts may be needed to keep the pants at the waistline.
  5. Dresses, skirts or shorts must be at least as long as the end of the pinkie when a student stands with their arms at their sides. Pants and shorts must not require holding up when walking, running, or otherwise participating in normal school activities, including Physical Education activities.
  6. Hats, hoods or other head gear are not to be worn inside the buildings. Thong sandals, flip flops, and open-toed shoes are not permitted. Hanging metal wallet chains, steel-toed boots, large hoop earrings or any other items that could present a safety risk are prohibited. They will be collected and remain in the office until a parent can arrive to pick them up.

Dress Code for After School Dances

The dress code for school days will apply for all dances held on school property. If students are unsure whether their attire is appropriate, they are encouraged to obtain prior approval from an administrator. Students who arrive at a dance in inappropriate attire will not be permitted to enter.

Dress Code for Semi-Formal Events (i.e., Winter Ball, Promotion)

Due to the nature of certain events, spaghetti-straps and more formal attire including open-toed sandals will be allowed at Promotion, the Winter Ball and other functions designated as SEMI-FORMAL. Plunging necklines, overly revealing clothing (i.e. see-through, dresses with high slits, etc.) will not be acceptable and students will be asked to return with more appropriate attire and/or wear a loaner overcoat for the entire event. Dress code for boys includes a collar or button-down shirt and slacks. T-shirts and shorts will not be admitted. Strapless dresses and halter-tops are not allowed without a jacket or shawl to be worn at ALL times.

School Supplies

Students are expected to provide materials such as pencils, pens, notebooks, erasers, and lined notebook paper. Grade level lists of supplies are available online and from teachers during the first week of school. Notebooks are to be kept up-to-date. Students will keep a record of assignments in the Student Planner. Many electives will require lab fees for specialized materials required for the course.

Electronic Devices

Radios, tape-recorders, CD players, MP3 players (aka iPODS), laser pointers, and other similar electronic devices are not appropriate for school, except where a valid educational reason exists. Prior permission from the administration is required before bringing this type of item to school. Beepers, pagers and cell phones must not ring or be used at any time during school hours. The administration and staff will not be responsible for any items confiscated at school or liable for any items that are lost or stolen.

  1. First time offense, the phone is taken away and must be picked up by the student after school.
  2. Second offense, parent must pick up the item from an administrator after school.
  3. Third offense, items are kept until the last day of school.

Hallways / Eating Areas

Students eat outside during snack and lunch. With the exception of water, food and drink are not permitted in the hallways or classrooms. All students are to clean up after themselves at all times. Take pride in your school -keep it clean. Students are to eat only in designated areas. Students are to eat only in two designated areas, the quad and the outside tables behind Bulldog Hall.

Closed Campus

Students are required to secure authorized parental permission and to check out through the office before they may leave the campus at any time during the school day, unless they are attending a class at the high school. Students who leave a classroom, PE area, and/or otherwise miss a class without permission are considered truant and subject to appropriate consequences (i.e., Student Study Team [SST], School Attendance Review Board [SARB], daytime curfew police citation, etc.).

Visitors to Campus

Per California State Law, all visitors, including parents, must check in at the office before visiting the campus. All visitors, including parents, must sign in at the office to obtain a pass. Visitors without a pass will be asked to report to the office. The office is not responsible for items brought for students to pick up-please check to make sure that students have all required items before leaving for school. Students will NOT be called out of class to pick up food or any other items. Also, due to our District Wellness policy, please do bring fast-food items to school for student lunches as it is in violation of the spirit of the policy designed to increase healthy food choices.

Traffic Safety

Student drop-off and pick-up in the parking lot s strictly prohibited. All students are expected to use crosswalks and to exercise appropriate caution with respect to traffic when entering and departing from campus. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to enter or exit the school campus from Nevada Street. Please do not drop off students in this area.

Levels of Misbehavior

Level One Offenses

The teacher handles Level One Offenses unless they become habitual (more than two warning is habitual):

  1. Classroom disruption
  2. Dress Code Violations (see above)
  3. Gambling
  4. Books not covered or damaged
  5. Spitting
  6. Profanity (includes references to sex, bodily functions, etc.)
  7. Gum-chewing, food, drink
  8. Cheating or copying
  9. Lack of supplies/assignments
  10. Running in hallways or in hallways during snack or lunch
  11. Tardies (students must be in a seat prior to the bell or will be counted as tardy)
  12. Public affection/ inappropriate touching

Level Two Offenses

Level Two Offenses are handled by the Administration and will result in suspension and a referral to the El Segundo Police Department (ESPD) liaison for possible citation if a student has:

  1. Damaged school or private property
  2. Stolen school or private property
  3. Knowingly received stolen school or private property
  4. Possessed or used any tobacco product
  5. Disrupted school activities, defied authority
  6. Engaged in sexual harassment
  7. Committed an obscene act, or habitually used profanity or vulgarity
  8. Participated in an act of hate or violence

Level Three Offenses

Level Three Offenses are handled by the Administration and require immediate suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion in a student has:

  1. Possessed, used, sold, furnished, or appeared under the influence of any controlled substance, alcohol, or other intoxicant
  2. Possessed, used, sold or furnished drug paraphernalia
  3. Offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell or deliver any drug paraphernalia, controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant or representation thereof
  4. Caused, threatened, or attempted to cause physical injury
  5. Possessed, sold, or furnished any weapon, explosive, or dangerous object
  6. Possessed an imitation firearm (i.e. toy gun)
  7. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion

Consequences for Misbehavior

All behavior infractions will be logged into each individual student's discipline file. The following consequences may be assigned for misbehavior:

  1. Detention*
  2. Phone calls to parent / Log entry into PowerSchool (PowerGrade)
  3. Conference with parent, teacher and student.
  4. Administrative detention / work detail
  5. Saturday School
  6. In school suspension (may be assigned by a teacher or administrator)
  7. Home suspension
  8. ESPD Citation
  9. SARB Behavior Referral
  10. Recommendation for expulsion

*Any missed detention will result in an automatic Saturday School.

The Principal shall recommend expulsion for students who commit Level Three Offenses or repeated Level Two Offenses according to California Education Code. All recommendations for expulsion are under counsel of the Superintendent.

Attendance Policy

The Law

School attendance is mandatory in California until the age of 18 or graduation from High School. Parents are legally responsible for making sure that their child is attending school. All students must be seated and prepared for work prior to the second bell or they will be marked as an unexcused tardy. There is a daytime curfew from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on all school calendar days. A list of minimum days has been supplied to the authorities.

Absences

According to California State Law, absences must fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Illness or Injury
  2. Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health office
  3. Having medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic service rendered
  4. Attending the funeral service of a member of the immediate family, limited to one day if in California, three days if out of state
  5. For a justifiable personal reason, including but not limited to an appearance in court, or the observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion

Returning from an Absence

Students returning to school after a full day or partial day absence must report to the school office before school. Students must be in possession of a note from home or have had a parent or guardians call the school office explaining the absence prior to returning to school. Students must be in possession of an absence slip from the office prior to returning to class. Notes must state the following:

  1. Reason for the absence
  2. Date(s) of absence
  3. Date the note was written
  4. Parent/guardian signature
  5. Phone numbers for verification

The student is responsible for contacting teachers to arrange to discuss the work missed during the absence(s). Students have as many days as they were absent, plus one, to turn in missing work for credit. Example - A student absent Monday and Tuesday would have until Friday to turn in the work that was missed due to the excused absence. Students absent due to suspension or unexcused absences will receive credit at the discretion of the instructor. Review schoolnotes.com, enter 90245 (zip code) to review the assignments online.

Make-Up Exams

Students must arrange for a time to take make-up exams per instructor's policies.

Independent Study

If a student knows in advance about an absence longer than five days, the student must arrange IN ADVANCE for an independent study contract at least one week prior to the departure date. Teachers will then have time to prepare work, which, if completed, will account for any in-class work that was completed. Additional make-up work, including tests, will still need to be arranged.

Excessive Absences

The Assistant Principal will review attendance records of students with excessive absences through the School Attendance Review Committee (SARC). Interventions including a parent contact will be made to ensure that the student attends school regularly. If attendance patterns do not improve, the student will be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Truancy

A student is truant when absent from school or class without parental or school permission. Students who are habitually truant will be referred to the SARB. A student with a truancy (a student with an unexcused absence or tardy) may be assigned to Saturday School. Thirty minutes (30 min.) and/or every three (3) tardies less than 30 minutes is considered “truant” by California law. Any tardy of 30 minutes or more is also considered truant.

Tardy Policy - A student is tardy if not SEATED and prepared to start class work BEFORE the tardy bell rings.

Citizenship Grades

Citizenship grades are based on behavior in class, the pillars of character, and the KPR2 philosophy. Students may earn the following marks in citizenship:

(H)ONORABLE
Always on task and never a problem, helpful; does all that is asked and more, and no office referrals;
(S)ATISFACTORY
On task and never a problem, does all that is asked, one office referral;
(N)EEDS IMPROVEMENT
Not always on task, has not completed a few tasks as asked, and more than one office referral (possibly Saturday School) referrals, and;
(U)NSATISFACTORY
Often off task, has not completed work on a regular basis, and multiple office referrals (possible suspensions).

General Academic Information

PowerSchool

Both parents and students are given user names and passwords for PowerSchool at registration. Passwords are also available from the office. To access powerschool, go to http://www.elsegundousd.com/esms and click on the POWERSCHOOL link under Parents.

Report Cards

Each cumulative grading period is approximately 12 weeks long and there are three cumulative grading periods each year. Grades are mailed home three times per year at the end of each trimester. Please contact the school office if you have not received a report card within two weeks after the end of a trimester. Unless you have notified the Assistant Principal in writing, progress reports (halfway through each trimester) will not be mailed home, unless a student is failing or in danger of failing. Students who are determined to be failing or in danger of failing will receive a printout to get signed and returned. Grades, attendance and teacher comments are available via Powerschool on a daily basis by signing up for automatic notification.

Classwork and Homework

Students with habitually incomplete or missing class work or homework will be immediately referred to the school office. "Habitual" is more than two incomplete or missing assignment.

Academic Probation

Students are placed on academic probation for receiving a failing grade on any of the trimester grading periods. Once on probation if the student receives another failing grade on any subsequent trimester report card, he or she will be assigned to mandatory Summer School. Eighth graders will be ineligible for the eighth grade trip (Knott’s Berry Farm) and will not participate in the promotion ceremonies in June.
The major cause for failing grades is a lack of study and homework. Students who complete the homework are prepared for examinations and should receive at least a “C” in the class. Parents should feel free to contact teachers either by phone or by e-mail through Schoolnotes.com.

Academic Sanction

For Students already on academic probation

A student will be assigned mandatory summer school for receiving a second failing grade on any trimester report card this year. In addition, eighth graders may not go on to the next grade level without proof of summer school attendance or successful completion of an equivalent tutoring program. Not participating in the promotion exercises does NOT necessarily mean he or she will be unable to attend El Segundo High School as a freshman. Students on academic sanctions will NOT be allowed to participate in promotion or the 8th grade trip. Should any student receive repeated failing grade in any class or fail to attend and pass summer school he or she will be considered for retention for the next school year by the Middle School administration.

Sanction Appeal Committee

Any student with Academic Sanctions can formally appeal the consequences for special circumstances to the Sanction Appeal Committee consisting of three teachers, the Assistant Principal, and a PTSA representative. The committee will review the written circumstances and make a recommendation to the principal. The Principal’s decision will be final.

Student Activities and Recognition

Honor Roll

Honor Roll students are recognized at the close of each trimester at which time they receive a Certificate of Accomplishment:

Honor Roll
recognizes students who earn a 3.0-3.49 grade point average.
Principal's Honor Roll
recognizes students who earn a 3.5-3.99 grade point average.
Superintendent's Honor Roll
is reserved for those who earn a 4.0 grade point average (straight A's).

A “+” or “-“ does NOT effect the overall grade point average (gpa). Students who demonstrate excellence in other areas are recognized at the close of each grading period at which time they receive a Certificate of Achievement. In addition, students may be recognized at a Student of the Trimester assembly. Students who achieve at least two trimesters of recognition on any honor roll will be eligible for the Honor Roll Trip.

Student Government and Student Council

The Student Government is responsible for organizing student body activities. Each grade is represented in the student government class. The student body at large elects the president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary. Their classes nominate all other representatives. Student Council, consisting of representatives from all clubs and organizations on campus oversee the student body accounts and help to prepare activity calendars to avoid overlap.

Student Services

Health Office

Only school staff is allowed to administer first aid. If a student is ill or injured, he or she needs to get a pass to report to the health office. In the event of a serious emergency, the paramedics will be called and parents will be notified.

Medication

No student is to have in his or her possession any kind of medication, except epipens and/or asthma inhalers. If a student requires medication during school hours, a note of explanation from the child’s parent and the medication must be brought to the school office with a written statement from his or her physician detailing the method, amounts and time by which the medication is to be taken. All medications must be taken in the school health office under the supervision of designated staff. Forms may be faxed from the doctor’s office directly to ESMS.

Emergency Cards

Please notify the school immediately of any changes.

Each student must have a current emergency information card on file in the school office. This card is used to contact parents in the event of an emergency. The parent or guardian's home and work numbers must be indicated and the numbers of two friends and/or relatives who could be contacted in the event that the parent/guardian cannot be reached. A student will not be released to any person unless listed on the emergency card. No information regarding a student will be released without specific authorization from the parent/guardian. If you have legal documents, such as custody or restraining orders, please provide a clear copy to the office prior to the start of school.

School Lunch Program

The cafeteria offers a choice of snack and lunches each day. Lunch accounts are available and strongly encouraged to eliminate the need for students to bring cash to school. Applications for free or reduced lunches are available in the ESMS office. Order forms for snack/lunch accounts may also be found in the school office. Account information can be found using your username and password (handed out during registration at the bottom of all class lists and report cards) at www.mylunchmoney.com

Library

Students are expected to carry a library card at all times. Books may be borrowed for two weeks with privilege of renewal. Students must pay for lost books and late fees to the Public Library prior to registration for next school year. Computers with Internet access and a printer are available for student use. All “acceptable use” policies apply at the library, as well as in the classrooms. All students and their parents must sign an “Acceptable Use Policy” as part of registration.

SPARK (Study, Play, Afterschool Recreation for Kids)

Supervised recreation activities and study time in the library are available after school until 4:30 pm. No reservations or fees are required. Students may sign in and out. Donations are appreciated! THIS PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CITY FUNDING. Parents must register children before students will be allowed to participate in SPARK.

Bike Rack

Bike racks are provided on campus for students who ride a bike to school. Students are expected to wear helmets in compliance with California law. Do not park bikes in any other place except the school bike rack. All bikes are brought to school at the student’s own risk.
Bicycles are never to be ridden on campus or in front of the school, otherwise, they will be stored in the office for a parent to retrieve. If collected twice, the bike will remain in the office for the remainder of the trimester.
El Segundo City Ordinance and ESUSD Board Policy prohibits skateboards or any other wheeled devices (e.g. skates, scooters, roller blades, razors, wheeled shoes, etc.) on any school campus at any time. Therefore, they will be confiscated and returned to a parent only (along with a copy of the law).

Security Cameras

For our students’ safety, security cameras have been installed throughout the campus.

Student Topics