Narcotics, unless legally prescribed by a doctor, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed anywhere on school property at any time. Possession, distribution, or use of these substances is a violation of the law and may result in expulsion from school, arrest, or both. If you believe that anyone is in possession on school property, you should always tell an adult.
Regular school attendance has a direct connection to outstanding school achievement.
Students are expected to come to school every day prepared to work (with paper, pencil, and other necessities) unless there is a legal reason for absence. Examples of legal reasons for absences are: illness, death in family, special emergencies, court appearance and observance of special religious holidays. Other acceptable reasons may be established by law and/or the principal. If you are absent, you MUST, upon your return to school bring a note signed by your parent or guardian to your homebase teacher explaining the reason for your absence. This note must be brought within three (3) days of your return or the absences becomes unexcused.
If a student begins to display irregular attendance, the school will follow the Charles County Public Schools Attendance Policy.
5 days: discussion with student about attendance
10 days: letter home to parent/guardian about attendance
15 days: referral to pupil personnel worker
20 days: possible suspension to the superintendent for review
If students arrive before 10:00 A.M. they are marked as tardy but are considered present for the entire day. If students leave school after 1:30 P.M., they are given credit for a full day of attendance.
Every student will be issued and required to carry a student agenda book. There is a $5.00 replacement cost if lost or damaged.
In an effort to keep our halls and classrooms as clear of student traffic as possible, bookbags are to be kept in student lockers during school hours.
Remember that riding the bus is a privilege that can and will be denied in cases of repeated misbehavior. Talk softly, keep your arms and head inside the bus window, remain seated while the bus is in motion, and obey your bus driver. Throwing objects on, at, or from the bus, is not permitted. Students are not to eat or drink on the bus. Glass containers and bottles are prohibited. Transporting animals is prohibited.
Students are not to change their assigned bus or bus stop. Except in cases of emergency, parents should not request permission for students to ride a bus other than the assigned one, for such an arrangement often results in overcrowding and/or a disruption of the normal seating order. Students will not be permitted to ride a different bus for such reasons as visiting a friend or attending a party. (We feel it will be in the best interest of parents and students to take care of this transportation responsibility.) Students may be given permission to ride a different bus depending on the circumstances and nature of the emergency. If there should be an emergency, a written request signed by the affected parent(s) requesting such a change may be accepted. All such requests must be submitted to, and approved by, the office no later than 10:00 A.M. A note signed by the principal or vice-principal will be issued to the student to ride a different stop. Special arrangements may be made if the emergency occurs during the school day. All of these rules and regulations should be followed for the Afterschool Activity buses.
Please refer to the “Charles County Board of Education School Bus Riding – Pupil Responsibilities” and “John Hanson Middle School Bus Discipline Guidelines”. These County Policies will be enforced for the safety of all.
It is important that students get to enjoy a school facility which is clean and well kept. Defacing of school property will be dealt with immediately. The school belongs to all of us and not to any individual. Keep desks, tables, lockers, floors, walls, cabinets and fixtures clear and free of paper and litter. Do not write, scratch or mark on furniture, walls doors, or floors. Help keep our school clean, neat and attractive. Students will be held financially responsible for any damage they may bring about.
Chewing gum is not permitted in school. Unless authorized by the principal, buying or selling of candy, food, or any other items by students is not allowed.
Students are expected to dress for school in a manner that is clean, appropriate and not distracting to the instructional program of the school. We take great pride in the appearance of students at John Hanson and believe that students’ dress should show respect for themselves and the school.
Students who violate school rules concerning proper dress will be asked to change their clothing immediately or sit in the office until proper clothing can be brought from home. A letter will be sent home to make parents aware of the violation on the second offense. Future offenses would result in various disciplinary interventions.
Specific areas of concern are as follows:
1. Gym Clothes – These may be worn only when engaged in physical education activities.
2. Shorts – The wearing of shorts is acceptable, providing the length measures no more than six (6) inches from the knee. Cutoffs are prohibited and are defined as jeans, sweats, or any garment that has been cut or modified to be worn as shorts. Biker shorts or shorts made of spandex-like material are not allowed. The wearing of boxer shorts of any type or style is not acceptable.
3. Clothing – Shredded or ripped clothing may not be worn.
4. Skimpy or see-through clothing – half-shirts, crop tops or shirts exposing the midriff: halter, undershirts, tube or tank tops are prohibited. Fishnet shirts are permitted only when worn over an undershirt. Skirts must follow the same length requirement as shorts (six inches from the knee.)
5. Symbolic Expressions – shirts, buttons, armbands, jewelry, etc. that contain materials which is obscene, vulgar, suggestive or which advocates racial prejudice or violence will not be permitted. Items that display the use of illegal drugs will also be prohibited.
6. Hair Coloring and Body Paints – The spraying of one’s hair with color, such as green, pink, red, etc. is prohibited as in the use of body paints and temporary tattoos.
7. Hats and Sweatbands – Hats and sweatbands are not to be worn inside the school building.
8. Coats/Jackets in School – Large, bulky coats and jackets are prohibited from being worn in school. Thin light jackets are acceptable, provided they are worn properly. Sweaters, jackets, and shirts are not to be tied around the waist.
9. Wearing Clothes Properly – Clothing must be worn properly. Belts must be buckled; pants and shorts pulled up to the waist, and no clothing should be worn inside out.
10. Chains – No chains of any type are allowed to be worn.
11. Gang Style Clothing – Any clothing which signifies that one is part of a gang is prohibited.
12. All shoes must have a strap that crosses the heel of the foot. Flip-flop types of shoes are unsafe on stairs and will not be allowed.
13. Pajama Bottoms and bedroom slippers are prohibited.
Note: Recognizing that different situations may occur in the interim of
annual reviews of the standards, the administrators have the flexibility to
exercise their judgment, with the authority of the Associate Superintendent of
Schools or his designee, if a student’s attire is considered disruptive or
distracting.
If you must leave the school during the school day, your parents or guardian must check you out through the main office. Early dismissal students are to remain in class until a parent arrives. Late arrivals must be signed in at the office in the company of their parent/guardian.
It is extremely important to keep your emergency card accurate and up-to-date. If any information on the card changes during the course of the school year (phone number, address, etc.,) please see the school secretaries to update your card. Please be aware that we can only release you from school to people who are officially on your emergency card.
There is no place for fighting at John Hanson Middle School. We subscribe to the philosophy that it takes two (2) people to fight. In most cases, even if someone hits you first, if you strike back and get into a fight, both parties will be held responsible and subject to possible suspension from school. (2 days – first offense/ 4 days- 2nd offense/Superintendent- 3rd offense)
John Hanson has a “zero tolerance” policy on violence. If you are being threatened, harassed, or physically bothered by another person, see the principal, vice-principal, guidance counselor, or nearest teacher immediately. Do not wait for a crisis to develop. Every student has the right to come to school without fear of being physically threatened or harassed. This right will be safeguarded and protected.
FIRE DRILL REGULATIONS – EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
We are required by law to have a designated number of fire drills during the year. The alarm is a loud buzzing sound. At the direction of the teacher, students are to form a single line, and walk quickly and quietly through the assigned exit to the designated outside area. Students are to remain in single file, and face the building until instructed to return. Walk, do not talk. If other emergencies occur, listen to the teacher’s directions. You are expected to exhibit excellent behavior during any fire drill. Failure to do so will be dealt with directly.
Respect and obey all members of our staff (administrators, teachers, building service staff, secretaries, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, and instructional assistants). All are here to help you. Use good manners and proper language at all times.
During your stay at John Hanson Middle School you may need someone with whom to discuss a personal matter or a school problem. If you have concerns about achievement, friendships, personal situations, or anything that prevents you from doing your best, a guidance counselor can help you. Make an appointment before school or during lunch. Student must have a pass from a classroom teacher before reporting to the counselor.
Secure a proper pass from your teacher before leaving any of your classes or homebase. Do not leave class or homebase without a pass, except during the regular changes of class. Normally, students will not be excused from class to go to the bathroom except in the case of emergency, and a written pass is still required. Walking is required of all traffic inside the building as well as to and from the buses. Walk! Pass quickly and quietly to classes, keeping to the right of traffic areas. You are allowed three (3) minutes to pass between classes.
There is a hallway behavior management plan in place for all students to handle misbehavior in the hallways.
Students will be allowed to enter the building no earlier than 8:15 A.M. From that time until 8:25 A.M. students may go to their lockers, eat breakfast, use the school store, return library books, etc. Everyone must immediately report to homebase as soon as the above personal business is completed. Students should report to homegbase at 8:25 A.M. When announcements begin, students are to be silent. If a student arrives after homebase, he/she is to report to the office in order to be removed from the absence list.
We are extremely proud of our students whose hard work results in making the honor roll. There are four honor roll categories.
Principal’s Honor 4.0
High Honors 3.99 – 3.5
Honor Roll 3.0 – 3.49
Honorable Mention 3.0 with C or D
In school retention, or I.S.R. is a student discipline procedure that is run by the administration. The I.S.R. program serves as a viable alternative in many cases to suspension.
Use of the Internet is a privilege and will be taken away if it is abused. All students must fill out the “Internet Contract” before being allowed to use this resource in school. No student is allowed to use the Internet without the permission and supervision of a staff member.
KNIVES, WEAPONS AND ANY EXPLOSIVE OR BURNING DEVICES
Knives, weapons, or other items used as weapons, and any explosive or burning devices are not permitted on school property at any time. Possession, or use of such items by students, may be a violation of the law and could result in expulsion, arrest, or both.
A student locker is assigned for students to store outer garments, bookbags and school materials. Purses, money, or other valuables should not be kept in the lockers. The lockers are the property of John Hanson and NOT the students’ private property. They may be opened and searched by school authorities at any time. This statement is “prior notice” of locker searches. Any unauthorized items found in lockers may be removed. Do not share your locker or the combination with anyone else. You may only use your lockers before school, lunch and dismissal.
Any student who is absent for at least three days in a row may obtain homework through the administrative assistants. Teachers will give the assignments within a twenty-four hour period, and then the assignments may be sent home or picked up by a parent or guardian. If assignments are requested, the assignments should be completed by the time the student returns to school. Parents should request assignments far enough in advance of the student’s return to school to allow the student sufficient time to complete the requested assignments.
Any student who has a legal excuse for being absent may make up work missed during that absence. The responsibility for making up work rests entirely with the pupil. Arrangements for making up work needs to be initiated by the pupil. Plans must be made which will be agreeable to the teacher.
Make-up work should be done within one or two days of returning to school, although it may take longer to make up work missed over a longer period of time. Plans for this should be made with the teacher.
Pupils, who miss classes because they are participating in school functions such as band, student council activities, athletic contests, field trips, etc., are entitled to make up work missed. No student, however, is to miss the same class more than once in a two week period because of participation in extra-curricular activities. Exceptions can only be made by the classroom teacher or school administration.
If a student is absent from class due to in-school retention or suspension, the student is allowed to make-up the work without penalty. The student, however, should take the initiative in finding out what was missed.
When a student is absent because of a vacation, the student must ask for make-up work before leaving and turn it in to his/her teachers upon returning to school.
The media center is intended for use by all of our students and faculty. Normally, students may use the media center at any time during the day provided a proper written pass has been issued by a teacher. Books must be checked out before being removed from the media center and should be returned when due. Bills for lost and damaged books must be cleared prior to the end of the school year.
Students are cautioned not to bring large sums of money to school unless it is to pay a bill. Transact all school-related business early in the day and try to have correct change for all money transactions. Money, watches, pocketbooks and other valuables should not be left in the open unattended. Do not leave valuables in the class areas or in unlocked lockers. Students should not bring trading cards or other valuable collections to school.
Every morning during homebase, announcements of importance will be made for the benefit of the student body. It is important that students listen quietly and courteously while the announcements are being given.
Everyone in this building has the unquestionable right to personal body safety. This means your body belongs to you and no one else has the right to touch you or speak to you in a way that makes you uncomfortable. If you feel as if someone has violated your right to personal body safety with an inappropriate touch or comment, you should tell someone in authority in the school, such as a teacher, counselor, or principal immediately. Moreover, public displays of affection are prohibited on the school grounds. This includes touching, kissing, hugging, holding hands, and other actions. Such behavior is not appropriate public behavior in school and can give people the wrong impression of you. Offenders will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Students who are required to take medicine during school hours must have a “Request for Medication” form properly completed and on file in the office. The medication must be kept and dispensed in the office.
RADIOS, CD PLAYERS, ETC.
Radios, CD players, tape recorders, headphones, cameras, battery-operated games, or other similar items should not be brought to school without prior permission from the principal or vice-principal. If these items are brought to school, they will be confiscated pending the completion of a successful parent conference. Student possession of Cell Phones are not permitted at the middle school level and will be confiscated by the administration and returned to parent.
Report cards are issued four (4) times during the year. Also, interim reports will be issued between each grading period. The receipt is to be signed by the parent and returned to your homebase teacher on the following school day. If a student owes money for a lost library or textbook, the report card will be held after each marking period until the debt is paid. The last report card for the year will not be mailed to any student who is indebted to the school. Once this debt is cleared up, the report card will be issued. Any student failing two (2) or more major subjects for the year will be considered non-promoted.
John Hanson is proud to offer a host of extracurricular activities for all students. The best education is enhanced with experiences beyond the classroom. It is hoped that all students will participate in at least one activity.
Some of the many clubs and activities offered include: art club, band, chess club, environment club, FEA, floor hockey, Internet club, Math Counts, NJHS, DI, poms, Just Say No, intramural sport, and Student Government.
John Hanson Middle School is officially open for students from 8:30 A.M. to 3:05 P.M. Students are encouraged not to arrive before 8:15 A.M. Students who arrive before 8:15 A.M. must wait outside the front entrance. Everyone must enter through the front door and be in homebase by 8:25 A.M. Any student remaining after school must have a note of consent from the parent or guardian. The note must be approved by a school official. Transportation arrangements must be made by the parent or guardian. Only students who have applied to the Afterschool Academic Center will be allowed to ride the activity buses.
Paper, pencils and other school needs will be on sale in the school store immediately before school each day from 8:15 A.M. to 8:24 A.M. Students are expected to make purchases and move promptly to their homebases.
Smoking is not permitted on school grounds, in the building or on the buses. Cigarettes, matches, and other smoking paraphernalia are not to be brought to school. John Hanson is a smoke-free zone and violators will be subject to the Charles County Public Schools tobacco policy.
It is insistent that at all times students conduct themselves in a manner which respects the rights of other students and staff. These include.
v The right to a safe, non-threatening environment
v The right to mutual respect and dignity
v The right to hear only acceptable language
v The right to personal body safety
v The right to a clean school
v The right to learn without disruption from others.
Our students are active learners in reaching our school’s goals and excellence. The following outlines some of the expectations our students should have of their school and its staff. It also lists the responsibilities which our students should have towards the school and its staff.
Student Expectations
v The best possible educational opportunities
v A staff which is sensitive and responsive to their individual needs
v Fair and just treatment from both students and staff
Student Obligations
v Outstanding effort in their school work and activities
v Respect for themselves, other students, the staff, and school property
v Behavior which will be a credit to themselves, their peers, the school and community
Students should be in class, seated, and ready to work when the bell rings. There is no reason for repeated lateness to class. Students who are repeatedly tardy to class will be subject to I.S.R. or other appropriate disciplinary action.
The office telephones are for use by students only in cases of emergency, and only with the consent of the office personnel. Normally, emergency calls should be made for medical reasons only. The office telephones should not be used to call home for reasons such as forgotten lunches or homework. Any call made during the school day must be with the permission of a staff member. Please make arrangements for after-school activities prior to the school day.
Textbooks issued at the beginning of the school year are to be cared for properly. Books should have covers at all times. A student may be charged for a damaged or lost book. Nothing should be written in or on the textbooks except the student’s name in the proper place. If a textbook is lost, a new book will not be issued until the lost book has been paid for. Payment should be made to the office and the receipt of payment shown to the teacher, at which time the teacher will issue the student a new book. Student records will NOT be released and 8th grade promotion activities are withheld until all financial obligations have been satisfied. (Grades 6-8)
The throwing, kicking, hurling, tossing, or projecting of any object or substance on school property is prohibited unless it is directly related to class activities. This includes snow and snowballs. If someone hits you with an object, resist the temptation to throw it back. Inform the teacher or the closest adult so that the matter may be addressed.
CAFETERIA/EATING AREA
Bring your own lunch from home or take advantage of Hanson’s cafeteria selection. Students have a choice of full lunch ($1.90) or a quick snack from the machines. Free and reduced meals are available to those who qualify.
Our school-wide goal is to keep all shared eating areas neat, clean and orderly. Students are to take their place in line, advance in an orderly manner, and be well mannered while eating. All cafeteria items must be paid for when lunch is received. Continued infractions of cafeteria procedure will result in the loss of this privilege. There is no eating in the hallways. Eating is allowed in the cafeteria and designated areas only. If litter becomes a problem in the eating areas student school wide privileges will be limited.
Visitors must always report to the office as they enter the building. All visitations must be preceded by securing approval from the principal, signing in, and receiving a visitor’s nametag. Students may not bring friends or visitors to class with them. Parent visitations to the classroom are limited to 30 minutes and must be pre-arranged to avoid disruption to instructional practices.
Any student who is planning to withdraw from John Hanson Middle School and go to another school must bring a note from his/her parent and see a guidance counselor first thing in the morning. Withdrawal takes the entire day so books can be turned in and grades calculated by each teacher. A parent or guardian must come to school a sign a withdrawal form. The school will not forward transcripts of the student’s grades until all obligations, financial and otherwise, have been fulfilled.
Students who walk or are transported to school via a parent or guardian must arrive by 8:25 and have arrangements to leave by 3:15. No student is permitted in the building unless under the supervision of a staff member.