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table of contents scroll down to read the student handbook for gms for quick reference click on the topic to be directed to that potion of the handbook principal s letter code of conduct academics dual grading system/honor roll standards based reporting homework guidelines homework club/gms library struggling students promotion/retention plagiarism daily operations attendance absences tardiness/arrival time dismissals truancy extra curricular participation 2

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student arrival bus regulations cafeteria daily schedule dress code lockers computer student computer and internet use rules laptop school email telephone use and messages books computer equipment other materials inappropriate items for school fire drill/lockdown behavior and discipline philosophy school-wide behavior systems permission and passes adult supervision unacceptable behaviors of concern gms documentation tools behavioral consequences school committee involvement removal of students behavior and extra curricular activities bomb threats 3

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threats and vandalism questioning/searching students weapons violence bullying and school safety student health services gorham school dept health services accidents allergies communicable diseases emergency card health screening illness/dismissal immunizations medications physical exams student health records student medication policy health services/athletic department allergy letter allergy protocol request for school personnel to administer medication student services guidance services social work services mentoring program english language learners gifted and talented 4

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response to interventionrti special services section 504 students in crisis extra curricular activities athletics other activities social events dances youth nights other federal regulations school committee policies alcohol and other drug use by students discrimination and harassment pest management smoking family vacations 5

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principal s letter 6

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code of conduct school board policy ­ jicda policy statement the gorham school committee is committed to maintaining a supportive and orderly school environment in which students may receive and staff may deliver a quality education without disruption or interference and in which students may develop as ethical responsible and involved citizens the school committee believes that each member of the school community should take responsibility for his/her own behavior to that end the school committee recognizes the need to model and teach ethical and responsible behavior to define unacceptable student conduct and its consequences and ensure that discipline is administered appropriately having considered the input of staff parents students and the community the school committee adopts this code of conduct code community core values with rights come responsibilities member of the school community are expected to demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior consistent with its core values such conduct is fundamental to a supportive safe and orderly school environment and a civil society the highest result of education is tolerance the gorham school committee has established five core values 1 respect a person who is respectful of oneself others and the environment 7

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does demonstrate polite and appropriate interactions with others values themselves and others care for surroundings does not verbally abuse self or others physically abuse self or others cause damage to property 2 honesty a person who is honest in all endeavors does seek to tell the truth accept ownership and responsibility for actions and work maintain trust in all relationships does not plagiarize the work of others engage in deceptive blaming or sneaky behavior take the property of others 3 courage a person who is courageous in the face of ethical challenges 8

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does stand up for what is right even when it s unpopular take appropriate risks seek advice when making difficult decisions does not submit to peer pressure avoid challenges sacrifice aspirations when confronted by setbacks 4 compassion a person who is compassionate does show empathy by being sensitive to the perspectives needs and feelings of others care about others and help them reach out to those in need does not ignore another s pain suffering or needs hurt others feelings take advantage of others 5 responsibility a person who is responsible as an individual and as a member of a community 9

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does demonstrate accountability for personal behavior take initiative to do the things that are expected follow through with commitments does not project blame on others exploit others ignore assumed duties or neglect 10

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academics dual grading system gorham middle school has a dual reporting system which offers information about each student s academic progress over the course of the school year our school year is designed in four quarters which also allows us to share four formal progress reports which are issued and midway through each quarter teachers will provide intermediate progress reports beyond that building level schedule at the request of the parents students will receive letter grades parents can find percentage grades and the work completion and grading records of their child on an on-going basis through the parent portal within the district s infinite campus data management system parent/guardians will be receiving a report on your child s progress toward meeting the content standards in each academic area as defined by the state of maine additionally this report will give you information regarding the learning skills and habits of your child letter grades correspond to numerical percentages as follows 11

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a=93-100 b=85-92 c=75-84 d=70-74 f=below 70 if a student receives an incomplete on a report card the student has ten school days within which to make up the work standard based reporting sbr sbr need info from susie/lila homework the gorham school district values home-school relationships and recognizes that the partnership is a necessary element in the educating of our students it is acknowledged that homework extends beyond the school day and brings the work of the schools into the home it affects family life extra-curricular activities and parentchild interactions in order for the gorham school district to endorse this extension of schooling it is imperative therefore that homework be well-designed meaningful and beneficial to overall student achievement in school each team at gorham middle school will define specific homework expectations and each student has been provided with a planner in which to record assignments students who are absent are required to complete any assigned work by the due date established by the teacher in order to receive full credit please see board policy ikb ­ homework all gms teams post daily homework on our homework hotline access number is 222-1290 the system will guide you to your child s grade level and team posting homework club and the gms library 12

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homework club is an after-school program to assist students who are struggling with homework students are referred to homework club by parents teachers and self referrals homework club is available on monday tuesday and thursday students should be encouraged to request attendance and be signed up for homework club if they need help with their homework the middle school library is also available on these days if a student needs a structured and quiet atmosphere to work struggling students if a student is struggling there is help available please take the following steps 1 contact your child s advisor homeroom teacher 2 make an appointment with email or call content area teachers on his/her team 3 contact administration or our rti interventionist to determine if an academic or social/emotional plan is needed please see the student services section of the handbook for additional information by clicking here promotion/retention the gorham school department offers a planned program of instruction designed to assist students in meeting the content standards of the system of learning results for each grade span k through grade 2 grades 3-5 6-8 and 9-12 in general students will progress annually from grade to grade but the school committee recognizes that some students may require a shorter or longer time to meet the content standards and other instructional goals therefore the grade placement of each student will be made on an individual basis for more information please see board policy ike ­ student progress through the grades at gorham middle school students who are at risk of failing two or more subjects for 13

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the year will have their situation reviewed at the conclusion of the school year to determine promotion to the next grade transfer to the next grade or retention in the same grade plagiarism students are expected to be the sole author of their work any material taken from another s work whether quoted or paraphrased must be properly noted as another s work and the source cited taking credit or failing to give credit for the work of another in whole or in part is plagiarism using another person s working notes unless specifically authorized by the teacher is also plagiarism students who provide their work to another student for use will also be considered guilty of plagiarism students found guilty of plagiarism will not receive credit for the work students may also receive additional penalties as outlined by departmental policies or individual teachers policies a meeting will also be called involving the students a parent the teacher and a school official to determine what additional steps should be taken other forms of cheating will be handled in a similar manner 14

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daily operations attendance school attendance is very important it has a direct bearing on a student s progress teacher instruction as well as the discussions and interactions that take place are important components of the educational process students are expected to attend school daily unless they have one of the following excused absences student of family illness medical appointment family emergency religious holiday planned absences for personal or educational purposes that have been approved in advance absences a telephone call to the maine office 207 222-1220 the day of a student absence is required please call the office before 8:00 a.m if you are unable to call the office staff will call to confirm the status of absent students if you cannot call us or we cannot reach you your child must bring a note to school excusing the 15

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