Plainfield Central Handbook 03/04
Principal’s Message
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to Plainfield Central School and the comprehensive educational opportunities that are available to our students. The Central School provides our sixth, seventh and eighth grade students with many exciting and challenging programs and opportunities. This Student/Parent Handbook has been prepared to offer you an overview of our school programs and policies.
Our entire school staff works diligently to provide a supportive school atmosphere responsive to the needs of our students. Teachers provide students with classroom experiences that help prepare them for the many challenges encountered in today’s world. This is accomplished through a well-balanced curriculum, instruction tailored to meet the needs of all our students, a wide variety of support personnel and programs, and having high expectations that students will conduct themselves in a responsible manner.
The success of our students is greatly enhanced by the support and cooperation of parents or guardians. Effective communication is instrumental in providing a positive school experience and maintaining a collaborative home/school partnership. We welcome suggestions, questions, or concerns that you might have. The staff and administration are available throughout the school year to help work through any problems.
The middle school years are a crucial developmental period in every child’s life. Many of the habits, attitudes and view of themselves that they form during these years will shape who they become as adults. Our goal is to provide every student with a successful and productive middle school experience. This is accomplished through well-defined expectations, communication at all levels, and a willingness to work together.
We are looking forward to a great year and welcome you all to Plainfield Central School.
Sincerely,
Jerry A. Davis, Principal
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Main Office 564-6437
Guidance 564-6471
School Nurse 564-6437
Transportation Center 564-6460
Plainfield Public Schools
A Community Learning Center
Vision Statement
The Plainfield Public Schools promote learning that supports the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth and development of its students and community. We strive to enhance the continuous improvement of the processes and services delivered to our community and its learners.
Plainfield Public Schools are committed to:
· Creating life-long learners among students and community members
· Developing a culture and climate of trust for continued learning
· Promoting excellence among learners, i.e., students, staff and community
· Establishing the schools as a focus of the community
· Developing in the students, effective citizenship and employability skills
· Encouraging a shared responsibility among students and community for high standards and expectations
· Preparing the learner for the challenges of future personal and societal concerns
Plainfield Central School
Vision Statement
Plainfield Central School provides all children with a rich, positive learning experience modeled after the Carnegie Task Force’s eight essential principles.
· Our school assigns students to smaller learning communities which work closely with a team of teachers.
· Our teachers provide all students with a core academic program that stresses literacy, critical thinking, ethical behavior and citizenship.
· Our school is organized to ensure success for all students by promoting flexible instructional time and interdisciplinary programs to meet the needs of students of all abilities.
· Our teachers and administrators work together on the instructional program and school governance.
· Our teachers are specifically prepared to teach early adolescent students.
· Our school promotes good health and fitness as part of the educational program.
· Our school works and communicates with families in a spirit of mutual respect and trust.
· Our school and the community are supportive, responsible partners in the education of young adolescents.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Plainfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in providing education services.
Plainfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of disability by denying access to the benefits of district services, programs, or activities.
Questions involving information or compliance on these matters should be directed to James Blair at
564-6401.
School Choice Options
Parents and students are encouraged to explore other educational opportunities that are offered in the school district locally and regionally. These options may include magnet, charter, lighthouse and vocational-technical schools, Open Choice and inter-district programs, and vocational agricultural centers. Contact the Guidance Department for further information on these School Choice Options.
What is a Middle School?
Welcome to Plainfield Central School. This school is specially designed for students your age. It is a place where you can explore and develop new skills and interests. It is also a place where you learn how to learn. Your teachers will encourage you to think for yourself, to develop the art of asking useful questions, to solve problems on your own, and to study effectively. They will also emphasize the following skills:
· Organizing materials, time and information
· Knowing how and when to ask for help
· Listening carefully and following directions
· Beginning and completing an assignment or task
You will use several different ways of helping yourself learn. Sometimes you will learn from information your teacher gives you. At other times you will work by yourself, or with your friends, or with other students in the classroom. Group and class projects will teach you many things, including how to work well with others. During your three years at the middle school, you may discover the way that you learn best. It could be by listening, by reading, or by creating something with your hands. It might be all of these. We believe a middle school is a busy and friendly place to grow!
Teaming
All students have been placed on an interdisciplinary team. Each academic team includes teachers of language arts, reading, math, science and social studies, with special education teachers assigned to each grade level. They share the responsibility for planning the instructional program for your team of students.
An important piece of teaming is frequent team meetings for the teachers. While students are taking exploratory classes, teachers are meeting to discuss their students’ needs, to plan lessons, programs, or field trips, or to consult with parents, counselors, and other specialists.
School Safety
All outside doors remain locked throughout the school day. Visitors who wish to enter the building must come through the front doors, sign in at the school office, and wear a visitor pass. In accordance with safety laws and school policy, Fire/Lock-Down Drills are practiced periodically.
Fire Drills
Fire drills are a serious matter. We have these drills to prepare for saving lives in the event of an emergency. Exiting the building quickly demands instant cooperation on the part of everyone at all times. Safety demands that students and staff leave the building quickly and quietly, walking in a single file. Running is unacceptable. Fire drills will be held regularly.
· Follow the fire evacuation instructions posted in the classroom.
· Students who use the refuge area are to remain there until the designated faculty member comes to that area.
Always keep in mind the safety of other students, staff and fire fighters.
Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit the school to observe the instructional programs and other related activities. All visitors are to register in the office and obtain a visitor’s pass before entering any area of the building. Students are not allowed to bring guests and/or students from other schools to Plainfield Central School.
The School Day
Students begin the school day at 8:10 a.m. Students who do not ride buses and who arrive before 8:10 a.m. will report directly to the cafeteria. All students in the cafeteria are released for lockers at 8:10 a.m.
Students have a 25-minute lunch break.
Dismissal at the end of the day takes place following last period. Dismissal for PCS students is at 2:35 PM. Dismissal on half-days is at 11:45 AM.
Student dismissals: Students being dismissed early create an interruption to the instruction in the classroom. Students being dismissed before our regular dismissal time shall bring a note to the office when they arrive in the morning stating the purpose and time of the dismissal. Students will be given a pass to report to the office at that time. Requests for dismissal after the last period of the day has begun will have to wait until our regular dismissal.
Only people who are listed on the Student Registration Form may pick-up students from school. If parents/guardians wish to have someone added to or removed from the list, please notify the office. Picture identification is required before a student is released.
Attendance
In order to take full advantage of all that Plainfield Central School has to offer, students should make every effort to be in school each day. Good attendance is a major contributor to academic success. Therefore, we at PCS work closely with the home to monitor student attendance.
Illness, religious holiday, or family emergencies are excused absences from school. All other absences are unexcused. This includes any family vacations taken while school is in session. If a student is absent, a parent or guardian must call the guidance office (564-6471) to report the absence.
When absent, a student must bring a written note, within five (5) days of his/her return, explaining the absence. A doctor’s note becomes necessary for absences exceeding five (5) days in length. After an accumulated total of fifteen (15) days, or when a student has four (4) unexcused absences in a thirty day period, or ten (10) unexcused absences in a school year, the school may file a Family With Service Needs referral. After twenty (20) unexcused absences, the school must make a referral to the juvenile court system. (BOE Policy: JED)
Tardy Policy
Arriving late to school is a serious concern. Student
tardiness will be monitored by guidance and those in violation of the Tardy Policy will be referred to the administration.
School begins at 8:15 AM. Students not reporting to homeroom by 8:20 will be reported as tardy. Students who arrive late because of reasons similar to those in our Attendance Policy for excused absences will receive an excused tardy. All other late arrivals will be listed as tardy. The following is a list of the violations and consequences. Please note that every-third-day tardy after the eighth day tardy will result in a Saturday Suspension.
3RD Day Tardy Office Detention (served after school)
5TH Day Tardy Saturday Detention
8TH Day Tardy Saturday Suspension
It is important that students arrive to school on time everyday that school is in session. By arriving late, students miss important classroom instruction, morning announcements and the pledge. We realize that there are legitimate reasons for students arriving late to school, such as medical appointments or other family matters that need to be addressed in a timely fashion. If this is the case, please call the office, so we can note the reason, and mark the tardy excused.
STORM DAYS
School Cancellation/Delayed Openings
If the weather or other conditions require that schools must be closed, the fire signals in each village will sound at 6:30 a.m. Announcements about school closings or delays will be made on the following stations: (and cable TV/EASTERN CT CABLE CHANNEL 21 later in the day.)
RADIO TV
WINY (1350 AM) WTNH 8
WILI (98.3 FM) WTIC 3
WWLI (105.1 FM) WVIT 30 (4)
WHCN (105.9 FM)
WTIC (1080 AM/96.5 FM)
WDRC (102.9 FM)
WKSS (95.7 FM
WCTY/WICH (97.7 FM)
Nurse/Medical
The State of Connecticut and the Plainfield Board of Education have established health related policies and regulations for the health and safety of all children who attend school.
Before a child is allowed to enter seventh grade, s/he must have proof of the following filed with the nurse’s office:
· Physical
· 2nd MMR Vaccination
· Proof of Immunity to Chicken Pox
· Hepatitis B – First Shot
Before a child will be allowed to enter eighth grade, s/he must have proof of the following filed with the nurse’s office:
· All three Hepatitis B doses completed
It is important that these health requirements are taken care of in a timely manner. If there are questions, please call Mrs. Giardi, our school nurse.
Accident and Illnesses
All accidents occurring in the building or on school grounds must be reported to the school nurse.
Students who become ill or injured in school should obtain a pass from their teacher and report to the school nurse. Students who “drop in” at the nurse’s office between classes will be sent to class to obtain a pass.
If, in the opinion of the nurse, the student is too ill to remain in school, the parents will be notified. The school nurse will make the decision as to whether a student needs to be sent home and the nurse will contact the parent or guardian. Students are not to take it upon themselves to call home because they feel ill.
Parents will be asked to provide transportation. Only under unusual circumstances will the school do so.
Authorization and Administration of Medicines
by School Personnel
The Connecticut State Law and Regulations require a Physician’s or Dentist’s written order and Parent/Guardian’s authorization for a Nurse to administer medications. This includes the administration of Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Aspirin substitute containing Acetaminophen.
Authorization forms are available at the school and some physicians’ offices. Physician’s orders, if given over a long period of time, shall be renewed each school year.
The medicine shall be delivered to the school nurse by a responsible adult in a pharmacy prepared container and labeled with the name of the child, name of the drug, strength, dosage, frequency, physician’s or dentist’s name and date of original prescription. No more than a 45-day supply of the medication for a student shall be stored at school.
**IMPORTANT** Do not send any medication to school with your child even if it is an over-the-counter medication.
Student Records
Student records are confidential and are protected by law from unauthorized inspection or use. The record is cumulative and moves with the student from school to school.
By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under 18, or a dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.
Records may be accessed by parents (whose rights have not been legally terminated), school officials, or agents/facilities with which the district contracts for the placement of students with disabilities, as well as their attorneys and consultants. Records may be reviewed during regular school hours upon completion of the written request form. The Principal or her/his designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. Copies of student records are available with a 24-hour notice and payment of a copying fee.
Guidance
The purpose of the guidance program is to help each student achieve his/her highest growth mentally, emotionally, and socially. We do this by:
§ Helping a new student feel welcome in our school with teachers and friends
§ Holding individual conferences whenever a teacher, administrator or counselor deems it necessary.
§ Providing a program to help students learn as much as possible about his/her career interests
§ Welcoming any opportunity to talk things over with any student, teacher or parent.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCA’s)
CCA’s are those programs that extend beyond the school day and meet on a regular basis. We at Plainfield Central School encourage all students to participate in these activities. They are fun and add another dimension to school. They also afford an opportunity to establish new friendships and skills. The following activities are offered:
Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country
Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer
Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball
Baseball and Softball
Cheerleading
Drama Club
Garden Club
Student Council
School Newsletter
Yearbook Staff
Art Club
Fashion Club
· Students are barred from all CCA’s while on suspension.
· Students with detentions on days a CCA is scheduled must serve the detention unless excused by the teacher issuing the detention.
· Students failing 2 or more subjects during a marking period will be placed on academic probation, and must receive a favorable academic report from all of his/her teachers to remain eligible for co-curricular activities. S/he must also take advantage of any after school help sessions that are available. Consult the Academic Ineligibility portion of the handbook for more information.
Sports physicals are required every year for each student participating in one or more sports. This physical must be obtained from your family’s physician. In the event your family does not have medical insurance to cover the cost of a physical, a school physical will be offered and done by the school physician.
Student Council
The members of the student council at Plainfield Central School work toward making our school a better place to be. The student council conducts regular meetings for the purpose of discussion and making recommendations to the principal and suggestions for activities. Membership in the student council takes place in September. Class elections are held and the newly elected officers become members of the council, along with representatives from each homeroom. The work of the student council is very important to our school and all members take this responsibility seriously.
Dances
Middle school dances are planned and are intended to provide a pleasant social evening for all students who attend. The following rules have been established for our dances:
· Dances begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m.
· Dances are open only to 7th and 8th grade PCS students - no guests are allowed.
· A signed permission slip is a MUST. It provides an emergency number to call and it reminds your parents to pick you up at 9:00 p.m.
· Students may not re-enter a dance once you have chosen to leave.
· Anyone not in school for any reason on the day of a dance is not allowed to attend the dance that evening.
· Anyone asked to leave a dance because of a problem, must wait in the lobby until someone has been contacted to pick them up.
· Dances are a school activity, and all school rules apply.
· After school dances and social activities for sixth grade students will be scheduled throughout the year.
Field Trips
Each year classes take a variety of educational field trips. Students are expected to represent their school in the highest manner. Good conduct while at PCS is necessary for field trip participation. Students may be excluded from field trips due to a poor behavior record, or poor behavior on previous field trips. In addition, behavior expectations found in school are always expected on field trips.
· Students will be required to have a signed permission slip from home in order to participate in a school field trip. Permission slip deadlines will be established, and if your permission slip is not in on time, you cannot go on the trip.
· Some field trips require a non-refundable ticket or entry fee that has to be sent in ahead of time. Since ticket prices and transportation fees are based on group rates, some trip monies are absolutely non-refundable and cannot be applied to another field trip. This information would be indicated on the permission slip.
· Students who have paid, but are unable to go on a trip because of a disciplinary issue will not be issued a refund.
· Students, who choose not to attend or are ineligible to attend a field trip/team event, will be responsible for completing an alternative assignment related to the trip or activity.
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Report cards and progress reports are sent home eight times a year. They are to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to
the homeroom teacher. Our grading periods are as follows:
Term 1
Progress Report October 9
Grades Close November 7
Report Cards November 14
Term 2
Progress Reports December 19
Grades Close January 30
Report Cards February 6
Term 3
Progress Reports March 5
Grades Close April 8
Report Cards April 16
Term 4
Progress Reports May 14
Grades Close June 17
Report Cards Mailed on or about June 25
Grading Policy
The middle school grading policy is as follows:
A+ 98-100 B+ 87-89
A 93-97 B 83-86
A- 90-92 B- 80-82
C+ 77-79 D 65-69
C 73-76 F below 65
C- 70-72
Placement on HIGH HONORS, HONORS, or ACADEMIC RECOGNITION includes grades in academic and exploratory subjects.
§ High Honors: A- average with no grade lower than a B-
§ Honors: B- average with no grade lower than a B-
§ Academic Recognition: B- average with no grade lower than a C-
§ Students cannot have any incompletes to receive academic recognition.
Promotion and Retention Policy
It is the policy of Plainfield Central School to promote those students who have made satisfactory progress both academically and developmentally.
Parents of any student receiving a failing grade in any subject at any time during the school year should contact the teacher of that subject to determine what can be done to resolve the academic deficiency.
It is the policy of the school to send home failure notices at the end of the second marking period for any student who has failed more than one subject. A student may be considered a candidate for retention alternatives if failure has occurred in more than one subject for the year’s average. Parents of a child in this situation should contact the counselor immediately.
The principal has final authority regarding the promotion/acceleration/retention of any student.
Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled periodically throughout the school year. Please refer to the school calendar for specific dates. Parents who are concerned about their child’s school performance should contact their child’s teacher(s) or counselor to set up an appointment to discuss concerns. Parents, teachers, and students who work together can find solutions to most school problems.
Academic Ineligibility
Students at Plainfield Central School are eligible to participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities (CCA’s) including athletic, academic and club-type programs. If a student should fail two or more courses during any quarter, s/he becomes ineligible to participate in these activities during the next quarter. Ineligible students who raise their grades to a satisfactory level by the Mid-Quarter Progress Report may participate in CCA’s for the remainder of the quarter on a probationary status. Students on probation may participate in CCA’s as long as they maintain passing grades, which will be reported on a weekly basis by the classroom teachers. CCA’s are those school programs that extend the school day and meet on a regular basis. Students failing any subjects must attend any extra help sessions that are offered, such as Partners-for-Success to remain eligible to participate in CCA’s.
Should a student fall into poor academic standing during a marking period and is in jeopardy of failing two or more classes, the administration reserves the right to place a student on probation or declare that student academically ineligible.
Students may be declared ineligible due to repeated and/or severe behavior problems.
Note: Curricular or academic field trips and single events meeting entirely beyond the conclusion of the instructional day are not affected by ineligibility.
Homework
Homework is a valuable aid to students in helping them make the most of their school experience. Homework strengthens academic skills, reinforces concepts students learn in class, helps students learn responsibility and develop positive study habits, and helps parents stay aware of students’ work
Homework is an independent activity to be accomplished outside of the school day to reinforce concepts learned in class. Some homework may require parental help.
Unfinished class work or work missed due to absences, although accomplished outside of the school day, is not included in the school’s definition of homework. Extra curricular activities take a secondary role to homework.
Objectives:
· To develop a student’s higher level thinking skills.
· To reinforce learning through practice.
· To develop good study habits, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility.
· To encourage independent learning.
· To aid in the development of positive work habits.
· To promote positive parental involvement.
Students’ Responsibilities:
· Make a list of homework assignments.
· Assume responsibility for obtaining the proper resources and materials.
· Take home all books and materials needed to complete the assignment.
· Complete homework on time and to the best of his/her ability.
· Complete unfinished class assignments.
· Be aware that the content, appearance and correction of all assignments are important elements in the grading process.
· Be responsible for finding out and making up work missed when absent.
· Meet the deadline and understand the consequences.
· Consult with his/her teachers when the total homework time exceeds reasonable limits. Budget time realistically.
· In the absence of a specific daily assignment, the student should review, preview or improve his/her present assignment, work on long-term assignments, and read.
Parents’ Responsibilities:
· Arrange a quiet suitable area with adequate space for your child to work.
· Encourage your child to complete homework assignments on time.
· Emphasize to the child the value and importance of homework.
· If a child requests, give assistance only until he/she can work adequately alone.
· Be aware of teacher expectations in relation to homework assignments.
· Communicate with teacher to clarify any homework concerns.
Teachers’ Responsibilities:
· Explain to the students and parents at the beginning of the school year and subsequently, if necessary, the homework policy and how it will be carried out in their respective classes.
· Assign homework on a regular basis consistent with policy guidelines.
· Properly evaluate, record and return every homework assignment within as short a time as possible after its completion. The results of evaluation should be reflected in the student’s overall grade.
· Give consideration to students who may not have adequate time for homework preparation due to religious observance, illness or school vacation.
Suggested Time Allotment:
The following guidelines have been established for the assignment of homework in the Plainfield Public Schools:
Grades 6: 30 – 60 minutes each school night.
Grades 7-12: In middle and high school, the amount of homework will vary by subject. Most middle and high school students will also have homework projects such as research papers and oral reports that may have deadlines weeks away. They may need help organizing assignments and planning work times to make sure homework is turned in on time.
Study Habits
You are expected to give your best effort every day in school. Being a successful learner involves self-discipline and organization. Since good study habits are extremely important, your teachers will be teaching lessons about study skills. Here are some hints that will help you to do well.
1. Every person has a best time of the day for learning. Figure out when the best time is for you to study.
2. Have this agenda with you at all times in school. Make sure it goes home with you at the end of each day.
3. Be sure you understand what your assignment is and write it in your agenda. If you don’t understand it, ask questions.
4. Before leaving school, ask yourself what you need to take home with you, and then, take it home.
5. When studying, find a place where it is easy to think, a fairly quiet place, and one that is well-lighted.
6. When planning to study, budget your time and set goals for yourself.
7. Have all the necessary materials at hand when you begin. Before beginning, ask yourself, “Do I need a pen?” “…more paper?” “…a dictionary?”
8. Plan to study for the amount of time you can sit still. Take a break and do something active; then start again.
9. Study in an area where you will not be interrupted.
Good study habits developed during middle school years will strengthen future academic performance.
Physical Education
As is the case with all exploratory subjects, physical education is a required subject. You are expected to be appropriately dressed and to actively participate in physical education classes unless you are medically excused.
Your grade in physical education is based on participation, effort, conduct, cooperation, tests, and proper P.E. attire.
If you are unable to participate in a P.E. class for a medical reason, a statement signed by a doctor, clearly stating the limitation and the length of time that you need to be excused, must be presented to the school nurse. On occasion, a note from home asking permission for not taking part in a P.E. class will be sufficient with the teacher.
Telephones
There is a telephone pay station outside the Guidance office for students to use after school hours. As it is disruptive to the educational process, students are not allowed to use the pay phone during the school day. Students should see the secretary in the office in order to make emergency telephone calls. Students calling home to be picked-up by parents during school hours is prohibited. Those types of calls are to made through the Nurse’s Office.
Cafeteria
Each day there will be a hot lunch line for a la carte. In addition to these lines, there is a snack bar that is located within the cafeteria.
All students who have been identified to receive reduced price or free hot lunch during the previous school year may remain as such until October 1st of the following year.
The menu for the month can be found in the local paper or on channel 21. The hot lunch offered to students includes milk. Milk is also available for purchase separately.
If a student has forgotten lunch and has no money s/he will be provided a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. The charge for this has not been determined at this time.
Lunches may be pre-paid. Send in a check made out to Chartwells.
Cafeteria rules:
· Enter in an orderly manner (walking) and join the line at the end. No cutting into line or running is allowed.
· Students are not allowed to share or trade food.
· Abide by the common rules of manners. Be courteous and respectful at all times to those who work in the cafeteria and to those teachers or paraprofessionals on duty.
· Talk at a conversational level. Avoid screaming at or to one another.
· Toys and games, including playing cards, are not permitted.
· When finished eating lunch, students dispose of trash and return to the seat where they were sitting. Students are not to wander around the cafeteria.
· All students must clean their areas, including the floor around them.
· Food or drinks may not be taken from the cafeteria without permission.
· Open containers are not allowed outside the cafeteria. This includes unfinished drinks, water bottles, etc.
Personal Property
Students assume responsibility for their own personal property. Whenever bringing an article of value from your home to school take the types of precautions that you would to keep your property safe and secure anywhere. Report missing items to a staff member or an administrator as soon as you become aware that it is missing. Many times personal items can be recovered if we become aware of the loss in a timely manner.
School Property
It is each student’s responsibility to respect and take care of all school property. This includes textbooks, lockers, furniture, and other school equipment. If you should accidentally damage school property or witness its destruction, report it to an adult immediately.
Lost and Found
You are expected to turn in any articles that are found in the building or on school grounds. These articles should be turned into the office. This includes money, textbooks clothing, binders, etc.
Lockers
· Each student is assigned a locker with a built in combination. Students are advised not to give anyone their combination.
· Your locker is to be kept clean, neat, and in working order.
· Personal locks are not permitted on a school locker.
· Sharing a locker with another student is not permitted.
· Plainfield Central School assumes no responsibility for misplaced or stolen articles.
· Decorating the inside of a locker door, if done, should be done tastefully and whatever is put up should be easily removed. Students are expected to leave a clean locker when emptied on the last day of the school year.
Students are advised that lockers are the property of the school and that school administration and custodians have access to all lockers.
Lockers and personal belongings may be searched by the school administration and/or campus security if there is reasonable suspicion that they contain something illegal, dangerous, or disruptive to the operation of the school.
School Store
Our school store provides students with an opportunity to purchase supplies that are used most often in the classroom. The store sell pens, pencils, notebooks, and other articles of interest to students. Students may visit the school store with permission from their teacher.
Textbooks
Textbooks issued to students are to be covered at all times. Students are responsible for maintaining books in the condition that they were received. Students will fill out a book receipt for books issued to them and should immediately inspect the books, making notes on the receipts of the book’s condition. Students and their families are responsible for paying for all lost or damaged school materials. This includes textbooks, library books, agendas and other materials issued to students. Financial obligations are to be paid in full before the final day of school in June. Replacement costs for a new textbook (less than 3 years old) that has been lost or damaged will be the cost of a new book. A used textbook (3 years or older) will be replaced at two-thirds the cost of a new book. Report cards will be held on the last day for any unpaid bills. Eighth grade students will be excluded from end-of-the-year activities until all outstanding obligations have been met.
Student Agendas
Agendas are an integral part of a student’s life at Plainfield Central School. The agenda contains the student handbook, is the student planner for homework and long-term assignments, serves as student’s hall pass, and is an important tool in home/school communication. Each student is issued an agenda at the beginning of the year and is required to carry it to all classes. The agenda is school property and must be kept in good condition throughout the year. If the agenda is lost or rendered unusable, students will be issued a new one, and will be charged a replacement fee of $5.00.
Hallway Behavior
Students need to show safe, responsible, respectful behavior in the hallways at all times. The expectations for appropriate hallway behavior are:
· Walk on the right hand side of the hallway at all times. (No running, jumping, etc.)
· Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself. (No pushing, bumping, shoving, etc.)
· Lockers may be used only at designated locker times.
· Lavatories may not be used in between classes. Obtain permission from a teacher and have a signed agenda to use the lavatory.
· Have a signed agenda to visit the school store.
· Use appropriate voice levels.
Dress Code
Each student assumes the responsibility for dressing in terms of personal pride and the esteem that one holds for the school. Proper dress is a common sense issue.
· Wear clothing that is clean, modest and neat.
· Avoid clothing or accessories that are rude, vulgar, unsafe, unhealthy, illegal, or disruptive to the educational process. You will be asked to change the clothing or to turn it inside out for the day, and requested not to wear it again. This includes T-shirts or hats that advertise alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products, or which contain inappropriate scenes or messages.
· Length of skirts or shorts shall be no shorter than mid-thigh. The rule of measurement will be: When standing with arms relaxed at the student’s side, the tips of the fingers cannot extend below the hem of the shorts or skirt.
· Clothing that is fitting for the beach is not appropriate for school. Exposed torsos are not acceptable. Tank tops and tops with spaghetti straps are not allowed.
· No headgear (hats, headbands, bandanas) shall be worn in school.
· Decorative chains and chained wallets are not allowed.
· Outerwear (jackets and coats), book bags, and backpacks are to be kept in lockers.
· Sneakers with wheels are not permitted.
· Open-toed shoes, flip-flops, thong sandals, slippers, and shoes with raised heels and soles, which may present a safety hazard shall not be worn.
· Sleepwear, including flannel pajamas shall not be worn to school.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Philosophy
The purpose of the disciplinary rules at PCS is to establish a safe learning environment through the mutual respect for the students, the staff and the school. PCS will provide a quality education in a structured program in which positive reinforcement is coupled with the consistency of consequences. School is a place where many students come together to learn and to grow. It is a place to learn how to make choices. Learning occurs everywhere and at all times. At Plainfield Central School, learning happens best when students and teachers are free from distractions and maintain an orderly school environment. Therefore all students are expected to follow the fundamental rules listed below. These rules apply to any school activity or function.
Fundamental School Rules
1. Everyone will show respect for the school – its people, its property, and its purpose so that the learning environment is not jeopardized
2. Students will follow directions the first time they are given by an adult.
3. Profanity and obscene gestures are not permitted.
4. Students shall behave appropriately in the hallways, walking quietly and to the right, and moving directly to assigned areas. Signed passes are required except when passing between classes.
5. Students shall not run, fight, push or ‘play’ fight.
6. Cheating is not tolerated.
7. Students shall arrive to class on time, be prepared with all necessary materials and homework, and be willing to contribute.
8. Consumption of food or beverages will be in designated areas only. Open containers are not allowed outside the cafeteria. This includes water bottles. Gum is not allowed.
9. Toys and electronic equipment are not allowed in school. This includes such things as Game Boys, cell phones, beepers, etc.) Walkman’s and CD players are allowed on the bus, but must be put into backpacks exiting the bus and immediately put into lockers when entering the school.
Bus Code of Conduct
Everyone has the right to safe transportation to and from school each day and the safety of our students is our first concern. Each bus will have students from grades 4 - 8 on it, and busses may be at their maximum capacity of passengers. It is imperative that we maintain safe and orderly behavior on the bus, therefore, the rules stated in this code of conduct will be strictly enforced. In addition to the rules stated in the Bus Code of Conduct, please keep in mind that all school rules apply at the bus stop and on the bus. The bus driver is in charge of all student passengers and is responsible for the enforcement of all rules concerning bus discipline. The following rules apply to all students riding busses. Any violations of these rules will result in disciplinary action and parents will be notified.
Safety Rules
· Always walk, never run, to the bus stop.
· Always go to the bus stop about ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself at all times.
· Wait at the bus stop in a safe place on the shoulder of the road or sidewalk.
· Never speak to strangers or get into a car with a stranger. Always go straight to an adult and tell them if someone tries to talk to you or pick you up.
· Wait for the bus to arrive, watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign to be extended. Cross only when the driver signals you to. Look left, right and left again before crossing.
On the Bus
· Board the bus in an orderly manner. At no time is there any pushing, shoving, or horseplay. Carry your backpack in front of you when you are in the aisle. Place it on your lap while seated.
· Practice courtesy, respectful behavior and safety. All students shall show respect for each other, the driver and bus property at all times.
· Use low voices at conversational levels, appropriate language and conversation, and remain seated facing forward at all times.
· There must be absolute silence at railroad crossings.
· Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself, and inside the bus at all times. Keep the aisle clear at all times. Never play with emergency exits, touch, or tamper with bus equipment.
· At no time is there any spitting or throwing of objects inside the bus or out the window.
· Each student is responsible for keeping the bus neat and clean. Food, candy, drinks, gum, etc. are not allowed on the bus.
· Skateboards are not allowed on the bus.
· If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.
Exiting the Bus
· Walk when getting off the bus.
· Stay away from the bus wheels and watch out for moving cars.
· Do not ride any bus other than the one you are assigned. If it is necessary to be dropped off at another house for day care purposes, arrangements need to be made in advance with the Transportation Center.
· Our responsibility is to pick-up and deliver students to their designated bus stop. Family emergencies do arise. If other arrangements can not be made, we will transport a student to another address. This will require signed permission slips from the sending parent and receiving adult. A special bus pass needs to be issued by the office, and given to the driver. Notes must be presented to the office upon arrival to school in the morning. Students bringing notes to the office, or out to the buses during dismissal will not be honored.
Bus consequences:
1. Students shall receive a verbal warning from the bus driver.
2. A second violation will result in an office referral and a meeting with student and administration. A discussion with student and verbal warning may be issued. In violations concerning safety issues, disciplinary action such as suspension, from the bus, for up to 10 days may result, immediately. Parents will be notified.
3. A third violation will result in suspension from transportation.
4. Students throwing any items out the wind