p. 1

2009 ­ 2010 binder reminder los cerros middle school lcms important phone numbers 968 blemer road danville ca 94526 school office website office fax attendance 925 552-5620 http www.lcms.srvusd.k12.ca.us 925 837-3512 925 552-5626 24-hour absence line remember only an adult voice will be accepted mention and spell student s name date and reason for absence homework requests see attendance page srvusd important phone numbers san ramon valley unified school district education center 699 old orchard drive danville ca 94526 district office 925 552-5500 website http www.srvusd.net district hotline 925 820-5632 we encourage the use of our district tip line to anonymously report rumors potentially dangerous situations or vandalism that may impact our schools this binder reminder belongs to student name phone address 1

[close]

p. 2

los cerros middle school 2000 national blue ribbon 2009 california distinguished school phyllis roach principal 968 blemer road danville ca 94526 phone 925 552-5620 fax 925 837-3512 mike cannon assistant principal august 2009 to the los cerros middle school community welcome to a new school year we look forward to another year together of learning growth and success the challenges presented by middle school are supported through our professional dynamic staff through the support of our parent organizations and through all of the members of our extended school community this handbook is a guide to help your student thrive at los cerros and contains the information needed to do so inside you ll find a thorough explanation of district and school policies guidelines for academic success and a calendar to track school events homework and tests please take the time to review it carefully and learn everything you can about your school with this knowledge you will easily become more involved in your learning and in the extracurricular activities offered at los cerros we look forward to an exciting year together parents please know that we as a staff are here to support your student and will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that may arise thank you for your ongoing commitment of our school sincerely phyllis roach principal 2

[close]

p. 3

los cerros middle school information regarding absences guide who/where kathy finger attendance office 552-5626 24-hour recorder for attendance messages margaret batesole jodi mcfarland office manager kathy finger attendance office kathy finger attendance office cjsf california jr scholastic fed free/reduced lunch independent study p.e leaving school during day reporting absences home teaching lost and found panther press panther pride parking permits special education resource special education day class star testing student activities dances magazine sales student body id cards talent show tutoring information use of school facilities yearbook/publications multipurpose room/gym jodi mcfarland office manager michelle ross kathy finger attendance office sue anderson jack hacking mike cannon assistant principal darren briemle leadership robin bovberg yearbook teacher nancy kaplan nancy schubb counselor jodi mcfarland office manager robin bovberg 3

[close]

p. 4

table of contents i goals a mission statement ii a b c d e academics promotion policy homework grade reports academic interventions academic challenges vii health and safety a health information b emergency card c health services d student medication e communicable diseases f illness at school g accidents at school h accident insurance i disaster fire secure campus drills viii student activities a leadership b california junior scholarship federation cjsf c after school activities d panther pride e dances f acceptable use policy for computer networks ix general business a morning announcements and panther press b library c textbooks d lost and found e delivering items to school f visitors on campus g homeroom h school pictures i elective donations j entering and exiting campus k counseling services x parent organizations a pta parent teacher association b site council c technology and academic boosters xi style sheet example iii student recognition a student of the month b honor roll c janis cristofani award d aloha award e achievement award f awards night iv code of conduct a student behavior b board policy 5131 conduct c definition of bullying d definition of cyber bullying e student dress and appearance f harassment g cheating h possession of cellular phones i bike rules j lunch room behavior k pass policy l class and school cuts m tardy policy n birthday celebrations v a b c d vi a b c school disciplinary options disciplinary philosophy procedures lunch duty after/before school detention suspension/expulsion policies attendance procedure clearing an absence independent study/taking a trip student visitors 4

[close]

p. 5

i goals mission statement in seeking to meet the diverse needs of students in transition los cerros middle school will support and assist each student in their intellectual development promote and expect respect for all encourage responsibility acceptance cooperation honesty and school pride advocate for effective and positive communication within the total school community provide a positive safe and friendly environment for students and staff ii academics a promotion policy in order to be promoted to high school and/or participate in the customary promotional activities such as the promotion ceremony party and the class trip the following san ramon valley unified school district promotion requirements must be met pass these course requirements in 7th and 8th grades four 4 semesters each of english social studies physical education science and math pass the equivalent of 24 semester classes while enrolled in the intermediate grades a passing grade is defined as completing a semester course and receiving a grade of a b c d or pass b homework in keeping with district policy bp6154 los cerros believes that homework is an integral part of the school s curriculum it is a school-initiated learning experience which is extended into our home and community for the purpose of 1 establishing desirable study habits 2 allowing for additional study so that students may achieve the academic standards expected by the school and district and 3 providing unique curriculum-related learning experiences which can best be completed at home in many classrooms at los cerros homework will be assigned as part of the instructional program as a guideline homework should be assigned during the school week on a regular basis total homework assignments should have an estimated completion time of 1 hour and 45 minutes per night including reading advanced math and electives may require additional time the students are responsible for recording homework assignments clearly and accurately asking for clarification of assignments when they are not understood asking for help from teacher when necessary managing time by staying focused on task and planning effectively for long term projects and turns it in on the due date and obtaining homework when absent 5

[close]

p. 6

the parents/guardians are responsible for providing an appropriate environment and adequate time for homework to be done supporting the development of the student s skills related to planning and time use around the issue of homework monitoring homework reinforce academic skills and concepts and provide additional support when needed i.e test preparation proofreading etc and contacting the teacher to discuss concerns about homework the teachers are responsible for providing a clear explanation of the assignment which includes time expectations purpose and objectives designing homework assignments that clearly articulate their purpose and expected outcome teaching the student skills necessary for the students to complete the homework and become successful independent learners giving students timely feedback concerning completed homework and using any of the following methods plus additional methods to communicate homework assignments shown at school whiteboard posting bulletin board posting weekly assignment sheet classroom window posting email or voice mail teacher s phone number study buddies on-line school loops c grade reports 1 school loop school loop is a website designed to help students and parents keep track of classes and assignments communicate with teachers and participate in the school community when registered you can access the student s class schedule and receive a daily email with information about assignments and news for the day the los cerros school loop web site address is lcms.schoolloop.com to register you need your student id number parents receive information to sign up at registration in august 2 progress reports teachers will notify student and parents with a progress report at midquarter if the student is receiving or in danger of receiving a failing grade if a student slips into this category after the progress reports have been sent the student and parents will be notified of the situation 3 report cards report cards are issued to students every quarter report cards are mailed approximately 5 to 7 days after the end of each quarter a student is allowed to complete work necessary to change an incomplete or the grade will become an f 4 general assessment tools 6 8 star testing grade 6 gates-mac ginitie test grade 7 star write grades 6 8 fall and spring writes 6

[close]

p. 7

d academic interventions los cerros recognizes that all students learn at a different pace and we strive to ensure that every student is successful to that end students will have several options should they require additional assistance please check the panther press for updates on days and times one-on-one academic counseling please contact the counselor for more information peer tutoring 7th and 8th grade students will be available once a week in the library from 2:30 ­ 3:30pm by prior arrangement with the counselor tutors and tutees will be required to make a commitment for a semester before and after school math help after school homework support language study sessions tutor list should parents choose to pursue outside tutoring for their student there is a binder located in the counseling office listing local tutors as well as monte vista students los cerros does not promote or recommend specific tutors additional study halls study skills organization and/or test taking skills sessions may be offered throughout the year and will be based on funding staffing and student need please watch the panther press for updates e academic challenges los cerros students have annual opportunities for academic challenges at the school and district level spelling bee speech contest geography bee iii student recognition a student of the month the goal of this program is to recognize outstanding students each month a teacher will be able to select two students to be honored based on an assigned character trait the selected students names will be announced and their pictures taken for the student of the month bulletin board in the library hall showcase b honor roll students receiving outstanding grades are put on the honor roll a student must receive at least four grades to be eligible and earn a 3.50 grade point average promoting eighth graders who have received straight a s in 7th and 8th grades are given a certificate for president s award for academic excellence at the promotion ceremony 7

[close]

p. 8

c janis cristofani award the janis cristofani award is given at promotion to the most outstanding 8th grade students the students considered for this award must demonstrate involvement in school activities leadership and achievement a student/teacher committee determines recipients d aloha award the caralee marquardt aloha award is given at awards night to an 8th grade student who displays the spirit of aloha they have good character are kind and compassionate people and have a genuine concern for others eighth grade teachers determine the recipient e achievement award at awards night 6th 7th and 8th grade students may be awarded outstanding academic achievement or spirit of learning recognition teachers may select up to four of their students to be the recipients of these awards these students are chosen for their cooperation initiative attitude and progress f awards night our spring awards night is an invitation-only event when we recognize other outstanding 6th 7th and 8th grade students for their achievements during the year in addition to the awards listed above several other categories are included in the ceremony information will be available each spring regarding what awards are being recognized iv code of conduct a student behavior los cerros is a safe campus your help is needed to keep it that way students are expected to be responsible for his/her own actions behave with courtesy and respect towards others do any assigned work neatly legibly properly and turn it in on time wear appropriate clothing take proper care of facilities including restrooms pay attention to cleanliness and safe healthy behavior unacceptable behaviors harassing verbally or physically threatening students or school personnel vandalizing forging signatures cheating spitting water playing rock throwing using inappropriate language 8

[close]

p. 9

gambling dressing inappropriately selling of any unauthorized item ex no selling of candy to students riding of bikes skateboards razors rollerblades or go-peds on campus loitering in the bike rack area using cell phones radios i-pods cd players gameboys cameras or other electronic devices during school hours this includes not bringing laser pens to school chewing gum on campus at any time spitting or placing gum on school property will result in a cleaning detention using public displays of over-affection beyond hand holding placing hands or feet on other students for any reason distribution of flyers invitations food or beverages without written permission of the administration b board policy 5131 conduct a safe and positive learning environment is essential for the optimum development of each student and for quality education schools are expected to provide an orderly caring and nondiscriminatory environment in which all students feel comfortable and take pride in their school and in their personal achievements to achieve this goal staff is expected to teach students the meaning of equality human dignity and mutual respect and to employ learning strategies that foster positive interactions among students from diverse backgrounds school personnel must prevent and protect against behavior which threatens the safety of individuals or property or which disrupts learning school and district personnel shall model positive behavior and attitudes that are respectful of all individuals c definition of bullying bullying can be pushing shoving hitting and spitting as well as name calling picking on making fun of laughing at and excluding someone bullying causes pain and stress to victims and is never justified or excusable as kids being kids just teasing or any other rationalization the victim is never responsible for being a target of bullying d definition of cyber bullying cyber bullying is the use of electronic information and communication devices to willfully and repeatedly demean or harass either a person or persons through the medium of electronic text photos or videos bullying of this nature creates a hostile disruptive environment on the school campus and is a violation of a student s right to be safe and secure cyber bullying and harassment will not be tolerated actions deliberately threatening harassing intimidating an individual or group of individuals placing an individual in reasonable fear of harm or damaging to the individual s property or disrupting the orderly operation of the school will not be tolerated online activities and technologies include social networking sites chat rooms and discussion groups instant messaging text messaging computers cell phones and personal digital devices digital cameras cell phone cameras and web cams 9

[close]

p. 10

e student dress and appearance students and parents need to be aware of the importance of appropriate dress and its effect upon the learning environment appearance and dress must be within the limits of safety cleanliness and appropriateness for school and shall not interfere with any aspect of the total school program a student whose dress/attire is not appropriate for school will be asked to change their clothes this will be done by either calling home to get a change of clothing or by using the students pe clothing repeated violation of dress code will result in a parent student and administrator meeting further violations may lead to suspension the following dress and grooming requirements are to be followed 1 the law requires that appropriate and safe footwear be worn at all times 2 students may wear sun protective head covering during outdoor lunch and physical education activities before school and after school sun-protective head covering must have a brim or bill that provides protection from the sun sun-protective means you cannot wear the head coving backwards or to the side under no circumstances may hats be worn indoors 3 clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times tank tops may be worn without an over or undershirt but they must have straps that are at least two inch wide neither midriff nor undergarments may be exposed 4 flannel pajamas or any other pajamas may not be worn to school 5 shorts or skirts must have an out seam that measures at least 11 inches minimally 6 baggy pants must be cinched up with a belt so that underwear cannot be seen 7 clothing and jewelry shall be free of writing pictures or any other insignia which are crude vulgar profane or sexually suggestive or which advocate racial ethnic or religious prejudice gang identity or the use of drugs or alcohol 8 no pocket or wallet chains are to be worn at school 9 no bandanas are to be worn at school 10 students improperly dressed will be asked to change into their p.e outfit or will need to call home for a change of clothing the student will be excluded from classes and school activities until the matter is corrected f harassment in accordance with assembly bill 537 the dignity for all students act and board policies regarding grounds for suspensions 5144.1 the los cerros staff believes that every student has the right to be free from harassment from adults and/or from other students harassment generally refers to acts of or the perception of physical verbal visual or psychological harassment which is pervasive and creates an intimidating hostile or offensive learning atmosphere possible consequences may include parent or student conference issuance of harassment notice detention 10

[close]

p. 11

or suspension depending on the gravity and/or frequency of the behavior see the following for the district sexual harassment policy and a copy of our school harassment notice sexual harassment it is the policy of the governing board of the san ramon valley unified school district to provide an educational and work environment free of unwelcome sexual advances requests for sexual favors and other verbal visual or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment as defined by education code 212.5 and otherwise prohibited by state and federal statutes prohibited sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances requests for sexual favors and other verbal visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the work or educational setting under any of the following conditions education code 212.5 a submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual s employment academic status or progress b submission to or rejection of the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual c the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual s work or academic performance or of creating an intimidating hostile or offensive work or educational environment d submission to or rejection of the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services honors programs or activities available at or through the educational institution other types of conduct which are prohibited in the district and which may constitute sexual harassment include verbal or written conduct making derogatory comments including epithets slurs jokes etc sexual propositions or flirtations graphic commentary about an individual s body sexually degrading words used to describe an individual suggestive or obscene letters notes or invitations spreading sexual rumors visual conduct leering making sexual gestures displaying sexually suggestive objects pictures books magazines etc physical conduct inappropriate touching or impeding one s movement every student employee or applicant has the right to be free from harassment from adults and/or from students in the work or educational setting the district prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process each complaint of sexual harassment shall be promptly investigated in a way that respects the privacy of all parties concerned a copy of this policy on sexual harassment shall be l displayed in a prominent location at school sites and work sites 2 provided as part of the orientation for new students at the beginning of each term as applicable 3 provided for employees annually at the beginning of the school year and for each new employee and 4 included in publications that set forth the comprehensive rules procedures and standards of conduct of the school or district in-service regarding this policy and administrative procedure will be provided to all staff periodically as appropriate and annual review will be encouraged as part of student and staff orientation activities complaint procedure step i informal resolution it is desirable that problems and complaints of alleged sexual harassment be resolved promptly and equitably if possible such problems and complaints should be resolved in an informal manner students and employees are encouraged but not required to inform the offender directly that his/her conduct is unwelcome or offensive and must stop 11

[close]

p. 12

step ii verbal or written complaint students should follow complaint procedures designated in administrative regulation 5145.7 sexual harassment students a student should initiate a complaint to a teacher or administrator verbally or in written form the complaint should include information regarding the names of the persons who engaged in offensive conduct the description of the offensive conduct i.e when and where the conduct occurred the number of times it occurred any informal attempts at resolution and the names of any witnesses administrative regulation 5145.7 may be obtained from the school principal or the superintendent employees or applicants for employment who feel that they have been sexually harassed should contact their supervisor principal other district administrator or the superintendent in order to obtain procedures for reporting a complaint complaints of sexual harassment against a district employee may be filed in accordance with ar 1312 complaints against school personnel complaints alleging that a specific action procedure or practice sexually discriminates can be filed in accordance with ar 4031 complaints concerning discrimination in employment any supervisor who receives a sexual harassment complaint shall notify the superintendent or designee who shall ensure uniform application of this policy and that the complaint is appropriately investigated board policy adopted september 22 1998 san ramon valley unified school district san ramon valley unified school district notice of compliance with federal regulations non-discrimination uniform complaint procedures the district follows uniform complaint procedures when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or failure to comply with state or federal law in adult basic education consolidated categorical aid programs vocational education child nutrition programs and special education programs the district is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education district programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on sex sexual orientation race ancestry color disability or any other unlawful consideration the district promotes programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities the governing board recognizes that the district has primary responsibility for insuring that it complies with state and federal laws and regulation governing educational programs no later than six months from the date of the alleged discrimination the district investigates and seeks to resolve complaint at the local level if the complaints cannot be resolved at the school level the following compliance offers and the title ix coordinator has been designated to receive and investigate complaints to ensure district compliance with law roberta silverstein assistant superintendent san ramon valley unified school district 699 old orchard drive danville ca 94526 ph 925 552-2293 fax 925 820-8106 the district prohibits retaliation in any form for the filing of a complaint the reporting of instances of discrimination or for participation in the complaint the reporting of instances of discrimination or for participation in the complaint procedures discrimination complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the fact within sixty 60 days from receipt of a complaint the district will complete a mediation/investigation and prepare a written decision a complainant may appeal a district decision to the state superintendent of public instruction within fifteen 15 days of receiving the district decision the district uniform complaint procedure is governed by board policy and administrative regulation 1312.3 a copy of this policy and regulations may be obtained from the school principal or the above named compliance officer nothing in district procedures precludes a complainant 12

[close]

p. 13

from pursuant available civil law remedies such as mediation centers public/private interest groups and/or attorneys etc for discrimination complainants however a complainant must wait until sixty 60 days from the filing of an appeal with the california department of education before pursuing civil law remedies g cheating cheating in any form will not be tolerated the first incident of classroom cheating will be handled by the individual teacher s policy and result minimally in a zero on the work and a parent phone call if a student cheats more than once or facilitates cheating by others they will be subject to disciplinary actions by the administration cheating includes but is not limited to the following plagiarism copying from another source print or electronic copying another student s work or allowing others to copy obtaining information in any manner not directed by the teacher during a testing situation representing another s work as your own and using a cell phone during testing periods use of any cell phone with texting or picture taking capabilities during a test will result in an automatic zero h possession of cellular phones and other electronic devices i.e i-pod at school parents please do not ask your student to leave their phone on during the school day for any reason the main school phone 552-5620 may be used to deliver messages to students there is a dedicated phone in the main office for student use your support on this issue is crucial possession of cellular phones i-pods or other electronic devices by a student at school is a privilege which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the pertinent district or school rules that pertain to the possession/use of such devices cellular phones i-pods or other electronic devices are to be in the off not silent or vibrate mode from the first bell to the ending bell of the day they are not to be used heard or visible anywhere on campus between 8:00am-2:30pm or at school activities as defined by the school the district/school shall not be responsible for the loss of or damage to a cellular phone ipod or other electronic device brought onto campus if students do not comply with school and district guidelines the device will be confiscated violations may result in further disciplinary consequences such as lunch duties detentions etc first violation results in confiscation and student pick up of device and lunch duty second violation results in confiscation and student pick up of device and multiple lunch duties third violation results in confiscation and parent pick up and multiple lunch duties and/or detention 13

[close]

p. 14

i bike rules to avoid head injuries always wear helmets remember it is the law for minors use bike lanes marked at the edges of roadways always ride bikes in same direction that traffic flows walk your bike across streets at crosswalk only walk your bike across driveways bikes are to be locked and kept in the bike storage area no loitering bikes may never be ridden on campus the campus includes courtyards parking lots driveways fields and blacktop areas note the bike locker area is off limits during school hours except for the time needed by a student to leave or retrieve a bike provisions are made to safeguard bicycles but the school assumes no liability for bicycle loss or damage there will be no riding of bikes skateboards razors rollerblades or go-peds on campus 14

[close]

p. 15

j lunch room behavior 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 no cutting in line only four people beyond the painted line on each side of the service area no handing money to students in front of lines to purchase for them no buying for friends single lines on each side of the service area make sure your eating area is clean before you leave the room deposit all trash in appropriate recycling and garbage containers follow the directions of cafeteria supervisors no food or drink except bottled drinks with cap outside of lunch room leave by the east door k pass policy a pass must be used at all times for any student out of class and students are responsible for obtaining a pass when leaving during class time no one is allowed into the main office without a pass infractions illegal pass no pass time violation student in wrong area possible consequences a returned to class for teacher to handle b discipline notice/detention c considered a cut see cut policy below l class and school cuts a cut is defined as five 5 minutes of more of unauthorized time out of class infraction consequences 1st offense on campus two detentions 2nd offense on campus in school suspension any off campus cut suspension m tardy policy consequences for tardiness will be handled by individual teacher s policies and administrative intervention will occur when a student reaches 10 total tardies in one semester they will receive two after school detentions when a student reaches 15 total tardies in one semester they will have a student parent and administrator conference n birthday celebrations birthdays are special occasions for students however to minimize disruption to the educational process we ask that celebrations occur outside of the school day please note the following guidelines balloons are for sale before school in the leadership classroom limit is 15 balloons all of which must be purchased at school clothing hair style and make-up are to be normal and appropriate after the 10-minute homeroom student must be dressed appropriately for the school day 15

[close]