Indian Head, MD 20640
301-743-5422 301-743-5423
301-753-1786
Fax
301-753-8421
This Planner
Belongs To:
Name:
___________________________________
Homebase Teacher:
_______________________
Planner #:
_______________________________
Dear Parents
and Students:
The staff of General Smallwood Middle
School welcomes you and looks forward to working with you and your child this
year. We have great plans for the
2005-06 school year and are excited about sharing them with you.
The
purpose of this planner is to improve the organizational skills for the
student, to improve communication between the home and the school, and to
provide you with important information on rules, policies, programs, and
procedures.
This planner should be kept with the
student at all times and should be treated the same as a textbook. We encourage parents to carefully review and
discuss the contents of the planner so that you will be informed of the
expectations for the students.
We encourage parental involvement and
encourage you to show your support to the school. If we are going to develop a productive educational partnership,
YOUR support is essential.
Dr. Roney Wynn, Principal
Ms. Kathy Perrillo, Vice-Principal
The mission of the Charles
County Public Schools is to educate all students to enable them to reach their
potential and to be productive members of society.
The
Five-Year Plan focuses on STUDENTS in the areas of Academic Achievement,
Personal Responsibility, and Career Readiness.
Our vision for Charles County
Public School is to create the best environment where all students experience
academic success, develop personal responsibility and achieve career readiness
for the 21st Century.
·
Absence
and Absence Excuses
1. Regular daily attendance is mandatory
for all students.
2. Absence is excusable only for specific
reasons which include personal illness, death in the immediate family,
suspension, or medical appointments. To
obtain a full list of lawful excuses, contact the school.
3. Absences which are considered unlawful (no
note within three school days, truancy, family vacations, etc.) are unexcused
and can result in the student failing the involved classes. If you have a question about whether a
particular absence would be considered excused or unexcused, contact the
principal.
4. If a student is going to be absent from school for any reason
other than the ones stated above, prior approval from the principal is
required. In some cases pre-approved
educational leave can be granted if the parent/guardian writes the principal a
letter stating the specifics of the trip.
At least one week’s notice is necessary for this approval. The student can then obtain advance
assignments. If prior approval is not
obtained, the student will be considered unexcused for the time missed and will
not be given the opportunity to make up the work.
5. A TELEPHONE CALL FROM THE PARENT/GUARDIAN IS MANDATORY
FOR ANY STUDENT ABSENCE.
6. The attendance office (principal) has the authority
to determine the legitimacy of any absence.
7. When the student returns to school after an
absence, a written excuse (dated) from the parent or guardian giving the exact
reason for the absence MUST be presented to the Homebase teacher. A model excuse is shown here:
Date
To the Homebase Teacher:
Please excuse John Smith’s
absence on Thursday, September 7. He
had a sore throat.
Thank you,
Mrs. C. Smith
8. The
Homebase teacher will issue an admit slip which must be presented by the
student to the teacher upon returning to each class.
9. A pupil who is absent only in the morning must secure an admit
slip from the office before he/she can be admitted into his/her afternoon
classes.
10. Students
are not allowed to leave the building during school hours without permission
from the office. Any student wishing to
leave school before the end of
the school day must be signed out in the office by
the parent or guardian.
11. A student
MUST leave school ONLY with their parent/guardian or a person designated by the
parent or guardian. Any person wanting to sign out a
student must be listed on the student’s
emergency card. For the safety
and welfare of each student, NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to the policy. You are advised to list all persons on the
emergency card whom you authorize to pick up the student. NO TELEPHONE AUTHORIZATION WILL BE GRANTED.
12. An
unexcused absence from school will result in disciplinary action. Chronic absenteeism can result in
disciplinary action, legal action, or failing grades in classes.
· After School Assistance
General Smallwood has
an Extended Day program which will begin early in the school year. Teachers provide tutoring and homework
assistance from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. Bus
transportation is provided at 5:30 p.m.
Details on this program will be provided so interested students can
participate.
·
After School Detention
Students can be
assigned After School Detention for not adhering to school rules. After School Detention is held from
3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on designated
dates with an administrator. Failure to
serve an assigned detention will result in one additional reassignment or
suspension. Parents are responsible for transportation.
·
Announcements
Announcements are made
during Homebase daily and, if absolutely necessary, at the end of the school
day. Students are asked to listen to
all announcements to assure that they are kept informed of changes to the daily
program, etc.
Various assemblies
will be scheduled throughout the school year.
Students are expected to follow the established rules which include
walking to the assembly with their teachers and sitting in the assigned areas. Respect and proper courtesy should be shown
at all times during the assembly, and students should remain seated until
dismissed.
· Attendance and After School Activities
Regular school
attendance is mandatory for students to be eligible to participate in
any extra-curricular or special activities including field trips, school
dances, sports teams, or talent shows.
Unexcused absences will result in ineligibility for these events. Attendance will be checked prior to each
event.
In addition to these
requirements, students who plan to attend evening activities (8th
grade dance, other evening events) must be in school all day on the day
of the event. Any student going out on
an Early Dismissal (unless the excuse is medical) will not be authorized to
return. If there is a medical excuse, the
student must bring the medical slip to the person in charge before
participating in the evening activity.
· Bookbags
Students are not
authorized to carry bookbags to classes during the school day. Students are expected to place the bookbags
in the lockers when they arrive at school and retrieve them at dismissal. Failure to adhere to this rule could result
in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the bookbag. It is recommended that parents not
purchase large bookbags with wheels since these will not fit in the school
lockers.
· Breakfast Program
General Smallwood
Middle School participates in the Maryland Meals for Achievement Program which
provides breakfast each day to any student who wishes to participate. Breakfast is served in the classrooms each
morning and consists of cereal, milk, juice, and a bagel or muffin. This program offers all students the
opportunity to begin the school day with nourishment so they will be ready to
learn.
Specific rules for bus
riders are listed in a separate document distributed at the beginning of the
school year. Each parent and student
should read this document thoroughly to be aware of expectations.
Remember: The bus driver is in complete charge while
students are on the bus!
IMPORTANT: NO STUDENT IS AUTHORIZED
TO RIDE ANOTHER BUS THAN THE ONE TO WHICH HE/SHE IS ASSIGNED. ONLY EMERGENCY EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE TO
THIS RULE AND THESE MUST BE APPROVED BY
THE PRINCIPAL OR VICE-PRINCIPAL IN ADVANCE (NO LATER THAN 9 A.M. ON THE
DAY OF THE REQUEST).
· Cafeteria – Lunch
A cafeteria is provided for students for a 30-minute
period daily. Students may purchase a
regular hot lunch or buy items from the a la carte line. Students eat by
grade levels in three shifts. All students are required to remain in the
school during the lunch period.
The following cafeteria rules apply to students:
* Students are to be orderly and quiet in passing to
and from the cafeteria. Screaming or
shouting is not allowed.
* Students sit at assigned tables based upon the
class in which they are enrolled that period.
* Orderly
lunch lines are to be maintained at all times.
* Students are expected to help clean up the
cafeteria at the end of each lunch shift.
* If any student leaves the cafeteria for a
detention or to meet with a teacher, he or she must have a pass.
* No food or
drink may be taken out of the cafeteria.
* Horseplay and rowdiness are inappropriate. This includes throwing food, popping bags,
and smashing milk cartons.
* Students will be dismissed from the cafeteria by
class.
* RESPECT is expected during the lunch period. Disciplinary action will be taken for
students who do not comply with the expectations. The disciplinary action can
include after school detention or a silent lunch for the grade level.
· Cellular Phones
Students are not authorized to have cellular phones
visible or powered on during the school day.
Any student violating this policy will have their phone confiscated until a parent can come to the school and
pick it up. The school accepts no responsibility for cell phones that are
brought to school and are lost or stolen from school lockers.
· Communication
A school newsletter is
sent home monthly to keep parents informed of programs, activities, or events
that impact the students. If you have
any questions about anything in the newsletter, please call the school for
clarification.
·
Community School
General Smallwood
Middle School is a Community School in partnership with The Tri-County Youth
Foundation. Through this partnership,
we are able to provide services and assistance in the areas of homework,
tutoring, and community outreach. These
programs are offered in conjunction with the other programs of the school in
order to provide full service to all segments of our school community. If you have questions about this program,
contact the school or the Community School Site Coordinator, Mr. Charles
(Butch) Gibson.
· Computer Usage
Smallwood has three computer labs that are used by
students and teachers. No student is authorized
to be in any lab without a teacher or a lab supervisor. Any student who wishes to use the Internet
(World Wide Web) must have a signed permission slip on file in the
school stating that he/she understands the rules of using this resource. Students who misuse the equipment or
students who go to unauthorized Internet sites will face immediate disciplinary action. Parents or guardians who have questions about this should contact
the school Media Specialist.
· Dances and Other Activities
Throughout the school year there will be afternoon
activities such as school dances and other recreational activities. Events of
this type will require a minimal entry fee and a signed parental permission
slip. Most of these activities will be
held from 3:20 to 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon so parents must provide
transportation in order for the student to attend.
IMPORTANT:
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD THE DAY OF THE ACTIVITY. ALL MONIES AND PERMISSION SLIPS MUST BE
SUBMITTED AT LEAST ONE DAY PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE THE TELEPHONE TO SEEK
PARENTAL PERMISSION FOR ANY EVENT.
Note: Limousines are not
authorized modes of transportation for students to middle school events. Students who violate this policy will be denied
access to the event.
General Smallwood utilizes a school-wide
discipline plan to encourage positive student behavior. This program, entitled P.B.I.S. (Positive
Intervention and Behavioral Support), focuses on RESPECT. Students who “do the right thing” and
demonstrate respect to themselves, others, or property will be rewarded with
SRT’s (Smallwood Respect Tickets).
These tickets can be redeemed for prizes and special awards. While we hope that all students will follow
the rules, disciplinary action will be taken for students who do not meet
expectations. Consequences for behavior infractions range from In-School
Retention, detention, or Suspension. Offenses which will result in disciplinary
action include (but are not limited to) academic dishonesty, arson, bomb
threats, bullying, class disruption, cutting class, destruction of
property/vandalism, dress code violations, drugs and alcohol, extortion,
fighting/battery, forgery, gambling, gang activity, gum/candy (use or possession
of), hazing/ethnic-racial slurs/verbal assault, horseplay, running,
rough-housing, insubordination, leaving class without permission, leaving
school grounds, physically endangering behavior, production and/or distribution
of unauthorized materials, profanity, public displays of affection, sexual
harassment, tardiness (to school and to class), theft, throwing objects,
tobacco, and weapons. Any student who is suspended will not be
allowed to return to school until a parent conference is held with an administrator. If transportation is needed for this
conference, the parent should contact the administrator. Any student who
receives an excessive number of discipline referrals at any time during the
school year will be suspended to the superintendent.
· Dress Code
The Charles County
Public School System recognizes that parents are basically responsible for
their children’s dress and general appearance.
The Charles County Board of Education has approved the following student
dress code for the 2005-06 school year:
1. Shorts are
permitted as long as the shorts reach the middle of the thigh, defined as
shoulders relaxed and arms straight down alongside the body where fingertips
touch the thigh.
2. Skirts are
permitted as long as the skirt reaches the middle of the thigh, defined as
shoulders relaxed and arms straight down alongside the body where fingertips
touch the thigh. Slits in the skirt may
not rise more than two inches above fingertips.
3. Sleeveless
shirts are permitted as long as at least two fingers’ width of fabric covers
both shoulders and the chest area or undergarments are not exposed.
4. Spaghetti
straps are not permitted with the exception of formal wear (which is not worn
at middle school events).
5. Midriff
area (front and back) must NOT be visible at any time, even while seated.
6. Undergarments
must NOT be visible any time.
7. Cleavage
must NOT be visible at any time.
8. Pants must
be secured no lower than mid hip and must not cover the front of the shoes
while walking.
9. Backless
and open-toed shoes with a hard sole are permitted as long as the shoes do not
pose a safety hazard. Foam and similar
soft-soled shoes such as flip-flops or beach footwear, are prohibited.
10. Headwear is
not permitted. This includes but is not
limited to hats, visors, bandannas, and hoods.
(Exceptions may be granted based on religious and medical reasons with
proper verification.)
11. Sunglasses
are not permitted except during outdoor activities.
12. Sleepwear
and sleepwear-type clothing are not permitted.
(Exceptions are granted for certain activities such as overnight trips.)
13. Jewelry
that poses a safety hazard to the student or other students is not permitted.
14. Sports
uniforms that are worn during the school day must conform to the dress code.
15. Clothing
that displays or symbolizes any language or material that is inappropriate for
school or offensive to any group is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to material relating to drugs,
alcohol, profanity, obscenity, racism, gang activity or violence.
16. Formal
attire (formal gowns or tuxedos) is not acceptable for any middle school event.
17.
The dress code is in
effect at all school-sponsored events on and off campus.
Note: Administrators have the flexibility to
exercise their judgments, with the authority of the Associate Superintendent of
Schools or his designee, to determine if a student’s attire is considered
disruptive or distracting.
·
Early Dismissals
Please try to avoid
picking up your child early except in case of emergency since this is
disruptive to the school day. However,
if you do find it absolutely necessary to take your child out on
an Early Dismissal, please do so before 2:35 p.m. This will eliminate problems with the buses and the parking area
at the end of the school day.
Students who leave
school because they are ill, must call and be verified through the nurses
office. Students who do not follow the
proper procedure will be marked absent unexcused for the amount of time they
are out of school.
·
E-Mail
The principal
maintains an E-Mail list for all parents who are interested in receiving weekly
updates. Every parent is encouraged to
provide the school with the e-mail address so that this form of communication
can be effectively used to notify parents of upcoming events, changes in
schedule, etc. A sign-up sheet will be
sent home for any parent who wants to add his/her name to the Smallwood Parent
List. Parents are asked to return this form
to the school so that this list can be used effectively throughout the school
year. Teachers can also correspond with
parents via this form of communication.
To find the e-mail address of any staff Smallwood staff member, look on
the Internet at www.ccboe.com, click on
Directory of School Dept. Web Sites, click on General Smallwood, and click on
Teachers and Staff Voice Mail and E-mail.
Utilize e-mail to keep in touch with the school so that you can stay
involved!
· Equipment/Communication Devices/Laser Pens/Toys
No radios, cassettes, CD players, walkie-talkies,
hand -held video games, headphones, transformers, laser pens, or music boxes
are allowed at school. No toys (balls,
cars, etc.) or trading cards of any type are authorized to be on school
property. Any item that creates a disruption to the school program is not
authorized and will be confiscated. The
school accepts no liability for lost or stolen items brought to school
illegally.
Students must comply with all expectations regarding
cell phones/pagers as described in the student Code of Conduct.
Any “unauthorized item” that is brought to school
will be confiscated and will only be returned to a parent or legal guardian who
comes to school to retrieve it.
· Field Trips/School Events
Parents and guardians
are encouraged to volunteer to chaperone/supervise school events. This provides
you the opportunity to show your
support to your son or daughter and allows you to meet their friends and other
parents while monitoring your student’s behavior. Written permission slips are always required for
every field trip. Only parents and legal guardians over the age of 21 are
authorized to accompany students on field trips. Any student attending a
school-related field trip must travel with the group both going and returning. Other younger or older siblings and
children of parents, guardians, and teachers may not attend field trips. Any student who does not adhere to these
rules can have permission to attend field trips revoked for a period of time to
be determined by the principal.
Students and parents must sign the waiver agreement for field trips
which states that if a field trip must be cancelled due to unsafe world
conditions, the payment for the trip will not be refunded.
· Fire Drills/Evacuation Procedures
Fire drills and
evacuation drills are held monthly at unspecified times. It is important that students learn the
correct procedures in each class.
Students should follow the directions of the teachers and proceed to the
designated areas quickly.
Other types of drills
will be held throughout the school year including “tornado drills” (which
requires moving students to interior parts of the building) as well as
evacuation drills. During evacuation
drills, all students will relocate to the Potomac Heights Fire Station for the
duration of the exercise. In the event
that we have to evacuate our population from the Indian Head area, we have a
detailed plan in place for this. If you
would like to receive a copy of the Emergency Plan for Smallwood, please call
or e-mail the principal the request.
NOTE: NO TALKING OR DISRUPTIVE
BEHAVIOR IS ALLOWED DURING ANY TYPE OF EMERGENCY DRILL.
·
Guidance Services
Middle school is a
time of transition and change for students.
The Guidance Counselors are available to assist in a variety of ways to
assure that the needs of the students are being met. Each student needs to know that it is our goal to provide the
necessary support to make this a successful experience.
· Hall Pass Policy
Reducing the hallway
traffic during the school day is important in order to minimize
disruption. This reduction will lessen
the number of problems, disturbances, and incidents of crisis.
Any student who wishes
to enter or leave the classroom during the class period, or who is performing a
duty that takes him/her through the halls, must have a pass issued by a faculty
member or the office staff. Any student
who misuses a pass will be disciplined.
No passes will be
issued during the first ten minutes or the last ten minutes of each class
period.
Periodically
“lock-outs” will be held randomly throughout the year. Any student in the
hallway without a valid pass during a “lock-out” will be sent to the cafeteria
and assigned an after school detention.
· Hallway Behavior
Students are expected
to walk on the right side of the hallways and stairways. No running, pushing, or horseplay is
permitted.
·
Homework And Homework
Hotline
The HOMEWORK HOTLINE is available for students and parents to call to clarify
homework expectations. Dial
301-934-7200 or 301-753-1740. The
extensions are as follows:
Grade
6 4600
Grade
7 4601
Grade
8 4602
· In-School Retention (ISR)
Students who do not meet behavior expectations may
also be assigned In-School Retention (ISR) by an administrator. Students in ISR are isolated from the
general school population and do not participate in the day’s regular school
activities. The assignment in ISR may
range from a class period to a full school day. The students remain with the ISR Coordinator for the specified
length of time. All students are
expected to remain quiet and complete all assigned work. Classroom assignments are provided by the
classroom teachers and are completed in ISR before the student returns to the classroom. Parents are notified if the student is
assigned ISR for an entire day.
· Juvenile Intervention Officer
General Smallwood Middle School has a Juvenile Intervention Officer who works with Smallwood and the other middle school. In the course of his duties, he will speak to students in assemblies, meet with students who are experiencing behavior problems, and work with the administrators to help assure a safe and orderly