Class Schedule

Semester 1

Semester 2

 

 

Student’s Name__________________________________HR_______________   Student’s Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­­­______________________________________________

 

 

        

August 2009,

 

Dear Parents and Students:

 

            On behalf of all members of the faculty and staff of Alcorn Middle School I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all returning and first year Knights.   It is our sincere hope and desire that the 2009-2010 school year is one of productivity and achievement for each and every member of the Alcorn Knight Learning Community. 

 

            The purpose of this handbook, in addition to Richland School District One’s Student Code of Conduct Student Handbook, is to answer questions that are important especially to you, the middle school student and parent.  It will give you the information you will need to assist you in making the appropriate choices about your academic responsibilities and behavior, and hopefully will make this year productive and memorable. 

 

            We believe that students can make responsible decisions regarding their behavior when they understand the rules and the consequences of violating them.  Students, we ask that you read the Alcorn Knight Student Handbook carefully.   Parents, since your support is critical to success at school, we ask that you read this handbook and counsel with your children about its importance.  By working together, we can keep our energy focused upon our primary goal: student learning.         

 

Please complete the information located at the bottom of this page.  Please sign and date stating that you have read and reviewed the handbook with your children.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school at 735-3685.

 

Thank you for your support,

 

Baron R. Davis, Ph.D.

 

Student___________________________________

 

Parent (Guardian)____________________________

 

Home Phone Number_________________________

 

Cell Phone Number__________________________

 

Mailing Address__________________________________________

 

Email Address_____________________________________

 

Preferred Method of Communication:

 

[] Home telephone  [] Cell  [] Email []U.S. Postal Mail

 

Parent Signature___________________________ Student Signature________________________

Please sign and return to homeroom teacher

Table of Contents

 

Welcome……………………………………………………………………………..………………1

        Mission

        Beliefs

        Pledge

        Alma Mater

 

Topic Headings

A.......…………………………………………………………………………………………………2

B………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

C………………………………………………………………………………………………………5

D……………………………………………………………………………………………………....6

E………………………………………………………………………………………………………7

F………………………………………………………………………………………………………8

G – L………………………………………………………………………………………………….9

P – S………………………………………………………………………………………………….10

T – V…………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Richland One Calendar………………………………………………………………………………12                    

 

 

  

               

 WELCOME KNIGHTS!

 

Dear Alcorn Family:

 

Welcome to our family and another year at Alcorn Middle School.  We are here to provide a quality education to all of our students and to offer parents and students assistance that will help towards that endeavor.  Parents, we encourage you to become actively engaged in your child’s education while at Alcorn and to visit anytime.  This handbook is provided to explain the rules, policies, and procedures of Alcorn Middle School.  The handbook also contains a calendar and assignment pages for student use.  Parents and students should review the handbook together and use it for future reference.

 

We expect all students to: 1) Follow the policies and procedures of the school outlined in this handbook; 2) Attend school regularly; 3) Work hard and do your best in each class; 4) Respect personal and school property, other people, and 5) Exhibit the type of model behavior that is expected of Alcorn students.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.  Our doors are always open.

 

Administrative Staff

 

ALCORN’S MISSION STATEMENT

 

To provide a safe and secure environment that fosters optimal teaching and learning through a rigorous and relevant curriculum.

 

VISION

  To provide all students with a learning environment that is academically challenging, personally engaging and socially fostering; allowing students to develop the skills and strategies needed to become confident and productive citizens who are prepare for the global challenges of the 21^st century.

 

 

 

OUR BELIEFS

 

·        We believe all students have the capacity to learn at high levels.

·        We believe we will identify and implement the strategies that reach potential learners.

·        We believe our school will help all students develop a positive self-image by helping them to develop life skills through academic, artistic, and extracurricular activities.

·        We believe our programs will provide a variety of experiences to help all students develop to their maximum potential through assessments and evaluations.

·        We believe our students will develop a desire to continue life-long learning experiences through academic and artistic successes.

 

SCHOOL PLEDGE

 

Today is a new day, a new beginning.

It has been given to me as a new gift.

I can either use it, or throw it away.

What I do today can affect my tomorrow.

I cannot blame anyone but myself if I do not succeed.

This is my life and I choose to make it a success.

 

ALMA MATER

 

Alcorn, Alcorn, we adore thee,

Blue and white thy name we praise.

Knights of strength and Knights of glory.

Laud and bless thy name always.

 

March together, victors ever,

Faithful to thee evermore.

Alma Mater, school of glory,

Take us to thy learned shore.

 

 

MASCOT

 

The KNIGHT

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

 

Computers are found in classrooms, media center, and labs. A signed copy of the Acceptable Use Policy must be on file each school term before a student will be allowed to use the computers.  This section outlines the Acceptable Use Policy for Alcorn Middle School.

 

 

·        Educational Purpose: Technology aids (computers & Internet access) have been established for a limited educational purpose.  The term ‘educational purpose’ includes classroom activities, career development, & limited high-quality self-discovery activities.  They are not in place as a public access service or a public forum.  Alcorn Middle School has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. 

·        Student Internet Access: All students will have access to the Internet under teacher supervision.

·        Unacceptable Uses: No One (student, teacher, etc) may bring software into the school to be loaded on any machine (i.e. computer).

No one may change, modify, upgrade, install, or remove any control setting, software, or system preferences.

Individuals who damage school property through unacceptable use of computers will be held responsible for the cost of repair and/or replacement.

 

 

ACCIDENTS

 

Accidents should be reported immediately to your teacher or to the main office and all claims must be filed within thirty (30) days from the date of the accident.  Students should see the principal's secretary for information in order to file a claim.   Every accident in the school building, on the school grounds, at practice sessions, or at any athletic event sponsored by the school, must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the school office.

 

ASSEMBLIES

 

Assemblies are regularly scheduled parts of the curriculum and are designed to be educational as well as entertaining experiences.   During the assembly, students will remain seated and quietly attentive.  Students will also sit in the section assigned to their grade level and to remain seated until dismissal.  Applause is a welcome response to all assembly performances. Alcorn Knights are polite and encouraging to all performers.

 

ATHLETIC/SCHOOL INSURANCE

 

School/Athletic insurance may be purchased at the beginning of the school year.  All students are urged to subscribe to the school's accident insurance protection plan.  Students participating in interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities are required to carry this insurance plan or policy.

 

ATTENDANCE

 

The School Board expects each student to attend his/her assigned school every school day except in cases of illness, family emergency or other reasons specifically stated elsewhere in this policy. South Carolina Attendance Laws require that all students attend school 180 days.  Students with more than 10 unexcused absences may be retained.  A student who does not attend his assigned school when he is physically and circumstantially able to do so is considered truant.  Such a student is in violation of the South Carolina Compulsory School Attendance Law for ages 6 through 16 inclusive.  According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent to ensure that every child under his/her care and supervision receives adequate education and training and, if of compulsory attendance age, attends school. 

The following shall be considered excused absences with a written statement from parent:

 

1.         A student who is temporarily ill or injured.

2.         A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental or emotional disability.

3.         A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.

4.         A student who is absent due to recognized religious holidays.

5.         A student who has death in the family.

 

An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions.  Students who are suspended will be considered excused.  Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the student's record.  The parents or guardians of the student must notify the school in writing (see model I) to the database specialist of the unexcused absence.  This written excuse must be turned in within 72 hours (three days) after the student returns to school.

 

Parents of students who are in danger of becoming truant will be called in after their child’s 3rd unexcused absence. The maximum number of unexcused absences a student may incur before he/she is considered truant is three (3) consecutive unexcused absences or five (5) cumulative unexcused absences during the school year.  Truancy will result in a petition being filed with the Richland County Family Court.  The parent or guardian will be notified

by certified mail.

 

Late Arrival: Any student who is not present in homeroom by the time the tardy bell sounds is considered late to school and is subject to the penalties for tardiness as outlined by the tardy policy. Tardiness due to a late bus is excused. The bus coordinator will issue tardy bus excuses.  If a student is arriving late to school, he/she must report immediately to the attendance clerk with his/her parent(s) or with a written note signed by his/her parent.  If a student misses 10 minutes of class time without a lawful excuse, he/she is considered cutting and subject to disciplinary action.

Early Dismissal: Parents or guardians are encouraged to come to the receptionist personally to sign students out of school. Adults must be listed in our SASI system and have proof of identification to have rights to sign students out.  Contact must be made with a parent or guardian, and verified, if a student is to be allowed to sign-out into the charge of an adult other than persons listed on the official sign-out list.

Early dismissals must occur prior to 3:30 p.m.

Illness:  If a student becomes ill during the day, an attempt will be made by the nurse to contact the parent or guardian.

Chronic Illness: Students, who suffer from a chronic illness or a medical condition, should provide a physician's note as soon as the illness is known to guidance. A copy will be forwarded to the school nurse.  All students who suffer illness that may result in extended absences (10 or more) should apply for homebound instruction.

Homebound:  Homebound instruction is provided for those students who because of illness, accidents, pregnancy, or congenital defect, cannot attend school.  Parents should contact the guidance office to make arrangements for homebound instruction.  For a student to be eligible for homebound instruction, a licensed physician must certify that the student is unable to attend school, even with he aid of transportation.  An application for homebound instruction can be picked up in the Guidance Office.

 

AWARDS

 

Quarterly Honors & Awards Assemblies are planned. Students can earn the following: perfect attendance, student of the month, most improved student, class awards and honor roll.

 

STUDENT ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

 

·        Students SHOULD NOT arrive at school before 8:00 a.m.  The school assumes supervisory responsibility for students at 8:00 a.m.

·        Walking students are to leave campus immediately after dismissal.  Walking students caught on campus 10 minutes after the dismissal bells are considered to be trespassing.

·        Students transported by cars should report immediately to the “Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up” area at the front entrance of the school located on Amberley Road.  Students must be picked up from school by 4:00 p.m.  The school ends supervisory responsibility for students at 4:00 p.m.  This responsibility is extended to specified school personnel for those students participating in extracurricular activities.

·        Students transported by bus should report to the bus waiting area immediately and get on the appropriate bus line.

·        Athletes and other students waiting for afternoon practice, clubs and tutoring sessions or meetings should report immediately to their assigned areas when dismissed.

 

BICYCLES

 

If you ride a bicycle to school, you are urged to use caution when traveling along the highways to and from school. Motorized bikes, roller skates, scooters and skateboards are not permitted.

 

BUS RIDER RULES/EXPECTATIONS

 

Students have the privilege of using the transportation services of the Richland One School District.  Rigid standards of discipline must be maintained at all times in order to satisfy safety requirements.  Whenever a driver must direct his/her attention away from the road, danger exists.

1.         The bus driver is in full charge of the bus and students.

2.         Students shall observe quiet, orderly conduct on the bus.

3.         Students shall stay in their seat while the bus is in motion.

4.         Students shall not throw waste paper on the floor of the bus.

5.         Students shall not have food or drinks on the bus.

6.         No part of the body shall be extended through the bus window.

7.         Students shall not leave the bus from the emergency door unless an emergency exists.

Discipline and penalties

The riding privilege of a student may be revoked for violation of rules or for conduct, which is detrimental to the safe operation of the school bus.

 

Questions about bus routes, drivers, and arrival times should be directed to the Eau Claire Transportation Office at 691-5590 or 691-5578.

 

CAFETERIA

 

Lunch money will be taken by the cafeteria staff.  Cost of lunch is $1.50 for full pay and $0 .40 for reduced.  The cost of breakfast is $0.75 for full pay and $0.30 for reduced.  You are required to go to lunch with your teacher and stay until your teacher is ready to leave.  If you leave without the teacher’s permission, you are considered out of your assigned area.  Please cooperate in the following ways:

1.         Put all lunch trash in cans.

2.         Return all trays and utensils to the waste area.

3.         Leave the table and floor around your area in clean condition for others.

4.         Sit at your assigned table.

5.         Take no food from the cafeteria.

Food and Beverages: No food or drink is allowed in classrooms.

Food is not to be taken from the cafeteria.  Food brought from home must be kept in the student’s book bag and can only be eaten in the cafeteria. No student may bring food or candy items to sell to other students.

If lunch is brought in for students from an outside source, the lunch will remain at the front desk until the student’s appropriate lunch time. Only those persons listed on the student’s signed emergency card may deliver lunch to students.

 

CALENDAR

A school calendar of events will be provided and a newsletter will be distributed to the parents regularly throughout the school year.  (Please check with the receptionist for updates and special notices.)

 

CAMPUS/SRO SECURITY MONITORS

 

Alcorn has campus monitors to assist the school administration in maintaining a safe environment by monitoring the school buildings and grounds. A School Resource Office (SRO) is assigned to Alcorn for the public safety of the students and staff. 

 

CONFERENCES

We strongly encourage parents to meet with teachers.  If you wish to meet with teachers, please call the guidance office to set up a meeting.

 

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Alcorn Middle School offers various co-curricular activities: football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Dance, Drama, Academic Bowl Team, Cheerleading, and Mentoring groups.  We encourage you to join as many as possible.  These activities are geared toward student success.

 

 

CONTRABAND

 

Use of Tobacco Products: No one is permitted to use any tobacco products at any time in the school building, on the buses, on school grounds, or within the area surrounding the school grounds.  This also applies to all the school-sponsored activities.

 

Drugs and Alcohol: Alcohol and other drugs are not allowed at school.  Anyone possessing these items will immediately be sent to the office where parents and the local law enforcement will be notified by the principal.  The Police will be contacted.  (SC State Law)

 

Weapons: A student may not knowingly possess, handle, use or give to someone else any object that reasonably can be thought of as a weapon, including toy weapons. The Police will be contacted.  (SC State Law) Students will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Richland County School District One code of conduct book.

 

CURRICULUM

 

Alcorn Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 400 students in grades 6, 7, and 8. The school’s curriculum includes all achievement levels including: Academically Advanced Program (AAP), MEGSS Advanced Mathematics Program, regular education and special education programs.  We provide accelerated programs (offering high school credit) in 8^th grade Algebra I, 8^th grade Spanish I, and 8^th grade Keyboarding. Students take courses in the four core curriculum areas, Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.  They will also have two other Related Arts Periods. Related Arts are those curriculum areas that allow students to express themselves in structured academic environments in the areas of Art, Chorus (Music), Orchestra, Computers, Teen Living,  Drama, Dance, Band, Jazz Band, Health and Physical Education.  Physical Education/Health is a required class for all students.  It is mandatory for students to dress for physical education.  The physical education teacher will issue gym lockers.  Students will be excused from P. E. with a physician's statement only.

 

DELIVERIES FOR STUDENTS

 

Please do not have gifts, flowers, or other items delivered to students.  State law prohibits the interruption of the educational process and students cannot be called out of class for such items.  Please have these items delivered to your home.  The office WILL NOT be responsible for items that are delivered to the school.

 

DISCIPLINE PLAN

School-Wide Rules and Expectations

 

Students should understand that the rules and regulations set forth in this handbook apply to activities on school grounds, student conduct on school buses, and during school sponsored activities.  All students will be given a copy of the RCSD #1 Code of Conduct as soon as they are available.

 

 It is not the purpose of the Discipline Plan to list all of the rules that are to be followed by students.  They may keep the following in mind as a guide.

 

§         Be seated at the ringing of the tardy bell.

§         Bring all materials to class.

§         Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

§         Raise and wait to be recognized before speaking.

§         Obey all school and classroom rules.

 

The consequence for violations of the school code of conduct will be decided based upon the violation.   Possible sanctions to be applied in case of a violation may include, but are not limited to:

These consequences are not listed in any type of sequence

1.      Warning

2.      Teacher/student conference

3.      Phone call home (by teacher)

4.      Disciplinary contract

5.      Parent conference

6.      After-School Detention

7.      Saturday Detention

8.      Suspension (In/Out) of school

9.      Referral to the Out of School Suspension Program

10.  Hearing Board Referral

 

Discipline Procedures

 

Note: failure to serve the assigned discipline will automatically move to the next step. Student may automatically move to the next level offense depending on the infraction.

 

LEVEL I

 

1^st level 1 offense=After-School-Detention

2^nd level 1 offense= Saturday-Detention

3^rd level 1 offense=In-School-Suspension/Conference

4^th level 1 offense=Automatic Parent Conference. School level probation/contract/pre-hearing with administrators and principal. Student attendance, discipline report, grades, copy of referrals. Student, parents, and administration will sign contract/conference form.

5^th level 1 offense= Out-of-School-Suspension Program/Parent Conference

6^th level 1 offense= Out-of-School-Suspension/ Parent Conference (2-day minimum)

7^th level 1offense= Recommendation for district level hearing.

 

LEVEL II (Depending on the offense may be automatic hearing)

 

Contact Law Enforcement.

 

1^st level 2 offense=In-School-Suspension all day

2^nd level 2 offense= Out-of-School Suspension Program (2 day minimum) Same as 4^th step in level 1 offense

3^rd level 2 offense= Out-of-School-Suspension (2 day minimum)

4^th level 2 offense= Recommendation for district level hearing

 

LEVEL III- Automatic Recommendation for Hearing

 

Contact Law Enforcement.

 

Note:  Discipline procedures are subject to the administrators discretions.

 

DRESS CODE

 

The Administration reserves the right to judge any clothing as inappropriate during the course of the school term.  Proper dress and cleanliness are important in setting an appropriate and wholesome atmosphere for learning.

1.                  All dresses, skirts, skorts, shorts must be “finger-tip”-length.

2.                  All pants must be worn at the waistline with a belt if warranted.

3.                  Tank tops, tube tops, halters tops are not permitted.

4.                  Hats and sunglasses are not worn inside buildings.

5.                  Headbands, bandannas, wave caps, and do-rags are not permitted.

6.                  Bare midriffs are not permitted.

7.                  Proper foundations (under garments) must be worn.

8.                  State Health Regulations require that shoes and shirts must be worn at all times (no flip-flops, shoes with cleats, bedroom shoes, etc.).

10.       Apparel bearing or promoting gang related, obscene and/or drug messages (pictures or words, etc.) are not permitted.

11.       Stretch pants/bikers pants and shorts, etc. are not permitted.

12.       When pants are worn at the appropriate waist level, shirts/tops longer than the zipper level must be tucked in at all times.

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

No radios, cassettes, CD players, walkmen, headphones, video games, electronic toys, MP3 players, Ipods etc. are allowed at school.  No electronic paging or 2-way communication devices (cell phones) are allowed.

 

“A student who uses a paging device will have the device confiscated.  The student’s parent/legal guardian may pick up the confiscated device from the school following the first offense.  The parent/legal guardian may pick up the paging device for a second and/or all other offenses at the end of the school year.  All confiscated paging devices will be maintained at the school site until they are returned.  Schools will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged paging devices.” –Richland One Discipline Code.

 

EMERGENCY DRILLS

 

The safety of your child is one of our greatest concerns.  The school holds regular drills to teach pupils to respond calmly and appropriately in the event of an emergency.  Fire drills will be conducted periodically throughout the school year.  Everyone will move in an orderly and silent manner to points directed by their teachers where roll will be taken.  If the alarm rings when students are in the hallways, they should leave by the nearest exit.

 

During tornado drills each classroom goes to a designated area within the building.  All children should sit on their bottoms with their knees up to their chest and a book covering their head.

 

EMERGENCY NUMBERS/INFORMATION

 

The school must always be informed of a work telephone number or emergency number in the event your child becomes ill or is injured at the school and requires your presence. It is essential that you (parents) maintain up-to-date information, such as, your current address, and current phone numbers (home and work).

Should there be an emergency involving an accident and we cannot reach you, the child will be taken to Palmetto Richland Hospital’s emergency room and the doctor on call will be used for emergency treatment.  Please remember to notify the school immediately of any change of address or telephone number.

 

expectations

 

Every student at Alcorn Middle School has the right to the best possible education.  The administration and teachers are dedicated to protect this right and will discipline those students who interfere with the right. 

 

Here is what is expected of you (the student):

1. Treat every member of the school community with respect–students, teachers, administrators, visitors, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria staff, etc.
2. Accept personal responsibility for proper conduct.
3. Be prepared for every class (assignments and materials).
4. Follow regulations set forth in this handbook.
5. Be on time for all of your classes. Unless you come to class with a signed pass, you will be counted tardy.
6. When you get to class, follow these five steps:

·        Go to your assigned seat

·        Take out our your book, paper, and pencil

·        Complete the warm-up activity that is posted on the board

·        Answer the roll

·        Follow all directions given by the teacher

·        Raise your hands to answer questions when you do not understand

7. Be proud of your school and represent it well.

 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

The Richland One School Board has adopted a “C” Average Policy for all students. This policy will be strictly enforced. Your behavior at all events, home and away, demonstrates the type of students we have at Alcorn.  It is important that we be at our best at all times.  You are expected to behave in a proper manner at any and all extracurricular activities.  Rules that apply during the school day are in effect at all school-sponsored events/activities.

 

The Principal must approve any school sponsored activity.   The Principal must approve any meetings requiring the use of school property. Some of the extra curricular activities offered at Alcorn include:   Cheerleading, Student Council, District Scholars Program, Basketball, Football, Track, Volleyball, Math Counts Team, and USC Talent Search.

 

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA Notification)

 

Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, you have certain rights involving your child’s school records.  If your child is more than 18 years old, these rights belong to him/her.  You have the right to look at and review these records within 45 days of submitting a written request to do so.  You should write your child’s principal, stating which records you wish to see.  The principal will set up a place and time for you to do this.  If you find anything in these records you believe to be false or misleading, you may ask that they be changed.  You should again write the principal, stating what you want changed.

If the district decides not to make the changes you requested, it will notify you of your right to a hearing on the matter and of the procedures for the hearing.  You also have the right to give your approval of the release of personally identifiable information in your child’s records, although FERPA permits some information to be released without your consent.  For example, a school official may see your child’s records if that official needs to, as a part of his/her job.  Also, the district will not release your child’s records to another school district, without your consent, if your child plans to or is trying to enroll in that district.  If you think Richland School District One has not acted, as it should under FERPA requirements, you may send a letter of complaint to:

 

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

600 Independence Ave., S. W.

Washington, DC 20202-4605

 

 

FIELD STUDIES

 

Field studies are an important part of the academic process.  However, before a student can be allowed to participate in such a study, it is necessary that parental permission be obtained.  Parents are requested to sign a consent form and return it to the study sponsor.  Field Study participation is a privilege.  A student’s opportunity to go on a study may be denied.  Students with repeated Level I and/or Level II or III infractions of the code of conduct will be denied participation in field studies. All school (as outlined in this handbook) and district (as outlined in the RCSD #1 Middle School Code Of Conduct rules apply to students on school-sponsored studies.  Field study dress code: Alcorn blue shirt (or blue shirt) and khaki bottom.

 

FIGHTS

Encouraging & Running to Fights

 

Any student that in any way encourages or participates in an action that disrupts the instructional program may be charged by the Columbia Police Department with disruption of school.  Any student involved in a fight will be subject to charges by the Columbia Police Department.

Any student involved in encouraging and/or running to see a fight will face disciplinary action. 

 

 

FUND RAISING

 

No class, club, or other group may begin a campaign to raise money without approval by the principal.  All fundraisers must be in compliance with Richland One Student Activity polices. Outside FUND RAISING items CANNOT be sold at school.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

School Phone Number (803) 735-3439

         School Fax Number (803) 735-3487

 

Homeroom begins at 8:30 a.m., and the school day ends at 3:45 p.m.  Please arrive 15 minutes earlier to eat breakfast.  Walkers and car riders must arrive prior to 8:10 a.m. to eat breakfast.  Student supervision begins at 8:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm.

 

GRADING SCALE

A – 93 to 100              D – 70 to 76

B – 85 to 92                F – 69 – below

C – 77 to 84

 

 

 

GUIDANCE PROGRAM (See Conferences)

The guidance and counseling program is designed to develop all students to their fullest potential.  This is accomplished by providing services in the areas of self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, career development and health/safety.  A student may request a private conference by making an appointment with his/her counselor. In addition to private conferences, services are also provided through small groups and classroom presentations.  Parents may call the counselors or schedule at any time.

 

HAND BOOKS

 

Each student is issued an Alcorn Middle School Student/Parent Handbook. Additional Student/Parent Handbooks can be purchased at a cost of $5.00.

 

HEALTH ROOM/MEDICATION

 

Students who become sick during the day will be sent to the HEALTH ROOM.  Parents will be notified of an illness or injury and will be expected to pick up the child as soon as possible.

If it is necessary for a student to take any form of medication at school, a signed medication form from a physician or a signed note from a parent must be presented to the school nurse.  All medications must be turned in to the school nurse upon arrival on campus.

 

IDENTIFICATION BADGES-ID’s

 

All enrolled students are issued an identification card secured on a lanyard.  ID’s are to be worn around the neck and visible at all times (NO EXCEPTIONS) with the picture revealed, e.g. to participate in field studies, to be admitted to athletic events, programs, and other activities. ID’s are the property of Alcorn Middle School.  Lost/damaged ID’s must be replaced at a cost of $5.00.  Lanyards cost $1.00. Temporary ID’s may be purchased for the cost of $1.00 for one day use.  Students without any type ID will report to ISS to receive a detention notice. Upon withdrawal from Alcorn, ID’s are to be returned to Administration.

 

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER

 

Our school library/media center is a source of pride and a vital part of our instructional program.  Through regularly scheduled class times and open library time, students are encouraged to explore the many books, research materials, audiovisual materials, and computers & software that our library/media center contains.  In order to maintain an adequate collection, pupils, teachers, and parents must cooperate to see that materials are returned in good condition.  If materials are not returned, a charge equal to the current replacement price is made.  The center is opened from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The requirement for admission is a pass from a teacher.

 

LOCKERS

Alcorn Middle School does not issue lockers.  Any student with a medical concern should see their grade level administrator.

 

OFF LIMIT AREAS

 

The following areas are off limits to students:

1.                Anywhere outside the campus fence is off limits during the school day.

2.                Any classroom to which a student is not officially assigned is off limits unless the student has an official pass to be in that area.

3.               Students are not permitted to be in the staff parking lot.

4.               The recreational field is off limits unless a school or class activity is in progress.

5.               Faculty restrooms, workrooms, and break areas.

6.               Any area(s) as designated by the
Administration

 

PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ASSOCIATION (PTA)

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL (SIC)

The SIC meets each month.  The PTA provides an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our educational program.  PTA meetings are held regularly.  You will receive a notice of the time and date through our school bulletin.  Throughout the year many educational, fun-filled and FUND RAISING events take place.  WE NEED YOU, PARENTS & STUDENTS, TO JOIN THE SIC AND PTSA & PARTICIPATE REGULARLY.  Under state law, each school has a School Improvement Council, composed of parents, teachers, community members and students, where appropriate. These councils assist in the preparation of the five–year School Renewal Plans and annual updates, required by the state. They also assist with the development and monitoring of school improvement and innovation, provide advice on the use of school incentive grants and provide other assistance as the principal may request.  Contact the school regarding a meeting schedule.

 

REPORT CARDS/INTERIMS

 

Computer printed report cards are sent home every nine week grading period.  Interim reports indicating progress are issued at the midpoint of each nine-week grading period.

 

 

SCHOOL/CLASS VISITATIONS

 

Parents are encouraged to visit Alcorn Middle School and actively participate in the education of their child.  We request that parents avoid conferences with teachers during such visits, but rather schedule a conference for a mutually acceptable time.  For the protection of the students, all non-students are to report to the office, sign in and receive a visitor’s badge.  Please do not go directly to any classroom.  Students from other schools are not allowed to visit.  All visitors are expected to sign out and return the visitor’s badge prior to departing campus.

If you need to give your child a message, medication, homework, lunch money, supplies, etc., please go to the office. 

 

SEVERE WEATHER POLICY

 

School will be in session unless otherwise notified.  On doubtful mornings, the local radio stations and television stations will announce the school district's decision no later then 6:30 a.m.  If during the day, weather conditions become severe enough to require buses to make their runs before the regularly scheduled time, each local radio and television station will be notified.  If procedures will be different than normal, parents need to discuss in advance with their children who will pick them up or what to do in case school is dismissed early.

 

 

SPECIAL SERVICES

 

Alcorn Middle School offers assistance to Special Needs students in the areas as determined by their Individual Education Plan (IEP).  These programs teach students in the least restrictive environment that is appropriate for each individual child.  These services includes: 1) self-contained classes, 2) resource classes, 3) speech teachers and 4) psychologists. Students may be recommended for placement in regular classes with support services.

 

SPORTS

 

Alcorn Middle School offers a variety of sports for its students.  It is believed that at the middle school level, participation in sports increases the chances of success.  An intramural program is offered to all students.    Alcorn offers the following sports: volleyball, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, boys’ track, and girls’ track, tennis, cheerleading and soccer.  Sixth graders may only participate in track and field, tennis, and soccer. Richland County School District One policy requires all students participating in sports must maintain a “C” average year round.

 

TARDY POLICY

 

Timeliness is an important life skill that must be developed in students.  If a student misses 10 minutes of class time without a lawful excuse, he/she is considered cutting. 

Tardy to School: After the third unexcused tardy within a nine weeks period, the administration will be notified and disciplinary action will be taken.  Any further tardies will result in further disciplinary action, e.g., ISS, OSSP, OSS.

TELEPHONE

 

Students in middle school are beginning to take on more responsibility. One of these responsibilities is to remember to bring all necessary items to school. 

THE USE OF SCHOOL PHONES WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PRINCIPALS AND SECRETARIES. 

 

VALUABLES AT SCHOOL

Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property (coats, books, purses, etc.) Students are encouraged to leave valuables at home.

 

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are always needed in the school to serve in various areas.  Please contact the school's parent liaison.

 

 

 

Student make-up days are February 15, April 26 and April 2.