ESMS Bulldogs > Students > Student Handbook

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

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

Thanksgiving, Nov 22-26, Winter Holiday, Dec 20-January 2nd, President’s Holidays both Feb 14th and Feb 21st, Spring Break, Apr. 11-15th.

Teacher / Parent Conferences (minimum days)

To be announced.

Back-to-School Night

Proposed for September 30, 2010

Open House

Proposed on April 28, 2011. 6:15 – 7:15 pm.

Grade Report Cards

The semester grading periods end on February 7th and June 23rd. Progress reports dates are Dec 3rd and Monday, April 18th. Grade reports will only be mailed on the semester dates. Student grades may be viewed at any time at: the school/district website: 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:

A positive school climate encourages students to make good choices.
The consequences for making inappropriate choices must be firm, fair and consistent.
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 casual or intimidation. Students must refrain from ANY contact that may be interpreted as harassment or bullying. If harassment occurs through an electronic device on campus, appropriate consequences will be given. 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). Students will receive a detention for dress code violations and repeated violations may result in the assignment of Saturday School and/or suspension.

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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
Dresses, skirts or shorts must be at least mid-thigh length. Pants and shorts must not require holding up when walking, running, or otherwise participating in normal school activities, including Physical Education activities.
Hats, hoods or other head gear are not to be worn inside the buildings. Hats are to be worn forward and appropriately on the forehead. 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 (i.e. i-pods), laser pointers, and any 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.

First time offense, the electronic device is taken away and must be picked up by the student after school.
Second offense, parent must pick up the item from an administrator after school.
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, classrooms or library. All students are to clean up after themselves at all times. Take pride in your school and keep it clean. Students are to eat only in designated areas, the quad and behind Bulldog Hall..

Closed Campus

Students will not be released from school or allowed to sign out unless a parent/guardian who is registered with the school picks them up and signs them out. . 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 is strictly prohibited. Parents may use the white loading zone in front of ESMS on Center Street. Please also remember to pull forward to allow space for other vehicles behind you. 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

Infractions of the Code of Conduct and the Education Code, Section 48900 may be classified into one of three levels of offenses based on their severity. The following list is not all-inclusive:

Level One Offenses

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

Classroom disruption
Dress Code Violations (see above)
Gambling
Books not covered or damaged
Spitting
Profanity (includes references to sex, bodily functions, etc.)
Gum-chewing, food, drink
Cheating or copying
Lack of supplies/assignments
Running in hallways or in hallways during snack or lunch
Tardies (students must be in a seat prior to the bell or will be counted as tardy)
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:

Damaged school or private property
Stolen school or private property
Knowingly received stolen school or private property
Possessed or used any tobacco product
Disrupted school activities, defied authority
Engaged in sexual harassment
Committed an obscene act, or habitually used profanity or vulgarity
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:

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

Detention*
Phone calls to parent / Log entry into PowerSchool (PowerGrade)
Conference with parent, teacher and student.
Administrative detention / work detail
Saturday School
In school suspension (may be assigned by a teacher or administrator)
Home suspension
ESPD Citation
SARB Behavior Referral
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:

Illness or Injury
Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health office
Having medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic service rendered
Attending the funeral service of a member of the immediate family, limited to one day if in California, three days if out of state
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:

Reason for the absence
Date(s) of absence
Date the note was written
Parent/guardian signature
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. If a student has 3 unexcused tardies in any given class, he/she will be served a detention. Only excuse for tardies is illness, family emergencies, doctors’ appointments with a note from doctor. All students must sign in at the office before going to class.

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:


(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 18 weeks long and there are two cumulative grading periods each year. Grades are mailed home two times per year at the end of each semester. Please contact the school office if you have not received a report card within two weeks after the end of a semester. Unless you have notified the Assistant Principal in writing, progress reports (9 weeks into the semester) 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. Citizenship grades are given each trimester. S is satisfactory, N is needs improvement and U is unsatisfactory. Any student with 3 “N’s” or any “U” on a trimester report card will prohibit students from attending field trips until the citizenship grades improve.

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 semester grading periods. Once on probation if the student receives another failing grade on any subsequent semester report card, he or she will be recommended to 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 semester report card this year 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 a 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 semester at which time they receive a Certificate of Accomplishment:
Honor Roll recognizes students who earn a 3.5-3.74 grade point average.
Principal’s Honor Roll recognizes students who earn a 3.76-3.99 grade point average.
Superintendent’s Honor Roll is reserved for those who earn a 4.0 grade point average (straight A’s).

Students may be recognized at an honor roll assembly. Students who achieve at least one trimester and of recognition on any honor roll will be eligible for the Honor Roll Trip. Any student who has 3 “N’s” or a “U” for citizenship grades on any progress report or semester report card will not be permitted to attend school field trips.

Student Government and Student Council

Student Government is now called LEADERSHIP and applications are available in early Spring. Check the Daily Bulletin on PowerSchool for more information.

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. Students should not park bikes in any other place except the school bike rack and bikes should always be locked. All bikes, skateboards, scooters are brought to school at the student’s own risk.

Bicycles, skateboards, scooters 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 semester.

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 Handbook 2007-08

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