WELCOME TO IROQUOIS MIDDLE SCHOOL

2. Students will purchase all food items’, including milk, and snacks, through the main line. No items will be sold in the cafeteria proper. Those students who are not purchasing lunch but who want to purchase snacks or milk will be allowed to enter the line after the lunch students have gone through.

3. Teachers requesting that students eat in classrooms must either:

a. Supply the cafeteria supervisor with a list of names, or a permanent pass if the arrangement is for more than one day.

b. Supply the student with a pre-signed pass for a one day request.

4. Students who want to use the library during lunch time must present a pre-signed pass from the library staff to the cafeteria supervisor before leaving the cafeteria.

5. Students requesting permission to leave the cafeteria for the nurse or bathroom must receive a pass from the cafeteria supervisor.

HALLWAY

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which poses no threat to their safety or the safety of others. Physical contact and/or running are prohibited.

AFTER SCHOOL

Students may stay after school and take the late bus home at 4:15 p.m. A teacher or principal may require a student to remain for that period, or a student may chose to become involved in an after-school activity. If a student does stay, he is expected to remain with the teacher supervising the activity for the duration of the period. Students are not allowed to wander the hallways, visit the Rosendale playground or otherwise abuse this privilege. A special late bus schedule is available in the Main Office.

AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS

1. Office detention will be held on designated days from 3:35 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. in the designated room. Students will be assigned detention by the principal for failure to comply with school rules.

2. Parents will be notified of the reason for the detention and the date assigned. Every effort will be made to assign the detention the day of the infraction. If, however, we are unable to reach parents the detention will be rescheduled for the next day.

3. Failure to attend any scheduled detention will result in an additional assigned detention. Consistent failure to attend detention will result in a parent conference and further disciplinary action.

4. Students must report to the office promptly at 3:35 p.m. They are expected to bring school work and sit quietly until they are dismissed. Students will be allowed to leave the detention area only with the permission of the teacher supervising detention. Students will have time to go to their locker before leaving the building to board the late buses.

5. Students will be allowed to postpone a detention because of the following:

a. religious class or activity

b. medical appointment

c. previously assigned detention with classroom teacher.

BUS

Students who wish to take a bus other than their designated one in the afternoon are required to bring a note signed by a parent making a request. The note should be delivered to the Main Office before 10:00 a.m. A copy will be made and kept on file. The original will be returned to the student to show the bus driver.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

Safety requires that students riding on buses comply with the rules posted at the front of the bus, and that all driver directions are obeyed. Riding on a bus is a privilege which is extended to students, and this privilege will be removed if behavior on the bus is objectionable. Matches, fireworks, skate-boards or other objects which pose a threat or danger to those riding the bus are prohibited.

A student who misbehaves on the bus will be written up by the bus driver on the Bus Behavior form. A copy is sent to the transportation supervisor and the principal. The teacher supervising buses and the principal will discuss referrals with the student and notify parents of behavioral problems. Final outcome of the referral process will be decided, taking into consideration the student's overall bus behavior. Students are subject to restricted seating, detention, or suspension of all bus privileges for up to ten days. If a student is reported to have destroyed or damaged bus property and this is verified by witnesses, the parent(s) should be aware that they are responsible for the damage caused by their child in accordance with the provisions of the law up to a maximum of $1,000,000.

TELEPHONE

Students must have a pass from a staff member in order to us the office telephone. The telephone should only be used for school-related business. Incoming calls to students will be handled in emergency situations only.

LOST AND FOUND

Articles found in the building should be taken to the main office. Students seeking lost articles should stop at the office before or after school. The physical education department also provides arrangements for recovery of lost gym articles. In the past we have had a number of pairs of glasses; wallets and valuable clothing go unclaimed. In a large school it is particularly important to avoid carelessness in the use of possessions. Being certain that articles of clothing are placed in gym lockers and that they are locked securely is of utmost importance to avoid loss.

BICYCLES

If you ride a bike, park it in the rack. We advise you to LOCK YOUR BICYCLE. Remember, you park it on school property at your own risk. When riding on streets, please be careful. When riding with a friend, always ride single file. Bike helmets are to be worn while riding bikes on school property.

SCHOOL STORE

The Iroquois school store is located on the second floor, room 244, near the lunch line for the cafeteria. The store is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during lunch for all grades thanks to our volunteer PTO members.

HOMEWORK

Students should expect to be assigned homework on a regular basis. These assignments will be considered a required and important part of all subjects. To support this, students will:

a. Keep a written record of the assignments and due dates.

b. Plan for adequate time to complete the assignments.

c. Not expect parents to do the assignments.

d. Always do own work.

e. Strive for neat, accurate and complete homework.

f. Ask questions in class, immediately after class, or seek help after school if the assignment is not understood.

STUDY TIPS

a. Take notes in class and from books

b. Write down assignments in your assignment folder.

c. Understand instructions before leaving class.

d. Take home materials needed to complete assignments.

e. Plan a regular study time each day.

f. Take short study breaks.

g. Don't put off work until the last minute.

h. Carefully check completed work.

i. Turn in completed work by the due date.

j. Make up work missed during illness or excused absence.

VACATIONS

The only vacations sanctioned by the school are those listed on the district calendar. Vacations and/or absences from school which are not approved are considered unexcused and will be marked "truant" on the student's record. Students who willfully "skip" school or class will be required to make up the time during a vacation day or after school hours.

HOMEWORK DURING ABSENCE

If a student is absent three or more days the Counseling Office may be called to make arrangements for work to be sent home. Calls should be made before 9:00 a.m. for work to be sent home the same day. Students absent for one or two days are encouraged to call a homework partner in their section to obtain assignments. Students whose parents take them out of school for extended periods of time are expected to complete all missed work when they return. Teachers cannot be expected to prepare assignments in advance for such unauthorized absences.

LOCKERS

You will be assigned lockers in two areas, your homeroom and the gym locker room. In either case a lock does no good if you share your combination or fail to make sure it is really locked. One of your responsibilities is to TELL NO ONE your combination. If it is necessary to change your lock because someone else knows your combination you will be charged $1.00.

To Work Your Combination Lock

1. Turn the dial clockwise at least two complete turns.

2. Then turn clockwise to your first number.

3. Now turn the dial counterclockwise, past your first number again, and stop at your second number.

4. Now turn the dial clockwise to your third number and stop.

5. Pull OUT on the handle and the locker will open.

6. Be sure the handle is UP when you shut the locker.

7. Upon shutting, it will fall down and lock automatically.

8. Be sure your locker is locked before leaving it.

COUNSELING

School counselors provide service and assistance for all students in the middle school. A student is assigned to a counselor as he/she enters grade 6 and continues contact with that counselor through the end of grade 8. Initially, counselors meet in small groups with all sixth grade students to introduce them to the role of the counselor. Students become familiar with "making a guidance appointment" and are welcome to make individual, as well as, small group appointments. The reasons for seeing a counselor are many and varied and may include: goal setting, decision-making, problem-solving, and career exploration.

Grade 7 students meet again with their counselor to complete a form known as the "annual review" which encourages them to think about their strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, interests and future goals.

At the eighth grade level the counselor assists students as needed through the transitional year to high school. Formal activities to acquaint all students with the procedures and the high school schedule begin about mid-year. Decisions about courses for ninth grade are made throughout February and March.

It is important to note that while formal group meetings are held each year, some students meet with the counselor regularly at their own request or by staff referrals. The counselor also meets with the principal, the school psychologist, the school nurse, teachers and other staff members regularly. Parents may be contacted by their child's counselor to assist in working out any problems.

One group which meets regularly by grade level is "Banana Splits". Membership in the group is voluntary and open to anyone who has experienced the death of a parent or who has experienced a divorce or separation of parents.

The Counseling Center itself maintains all student records and issues working papers. Any middle school student who has moved into the district is requested to register at the Counseling Center.

HEALTH SERVICES

Students who feel ill at any time during the day and think they need the assistance of the nurse should notify their classroom teacher and obtain a pass to report to the Health Office. The nurse will examine all students and make a determination as to the course of treatment. If she deems it necessary for a student to go home, she will make the arrangements with parents. We are here also to help you in cases of injury or accident and to take the necessary steps, as required, to care for you until your parents or guardian can be reached. Please have your parents or guardian complete the information cards which were given to you by your homeroom teachers and return them as soon as possible. Students are not allowed to make arrangements with their parents to pick them up at school if they are feeling ill without consulting the nurse.

CALL-back Procedure (Optional)

The purpose of this program is to inform parents in the event their child does not arrive at school Parents are asked in the event to telephone the office 377-2233 – press option 1 (main office) option 1 (attendance) prior to 9:00 a.m. to report an absence or late arrival. If a student is not in school, the parents will be notified. In the event that further action is warranted, the principal will speak to the parent directly.

Absence from School

According to New York State law, the following are some examples of legally excused absences: sickness or death in family, impassable roads, religious observance, and doctor appointments…A note from home is requested on the first day back to school after an absence. In cases of illness, please specify the nature of the illness. A note is also requested whenever a child is to be excused for early appointments. Absences because of shopping, oversleeping, vacations and other trips with parents while school is in session are considered illegal. Family vacations should be planned to correspond with school recesses whenever possible.

PEER MEDIATION

Peer Mediation is a process which brings disputing people together to resolve their conflicts and to produce solutions which are acceptable and beneficial to everyone involved. Mediation is a voluntary process, nonadversarial in nature, which takes place in a confidential setting and allows the outcome to be determined by the parties themselves. Mediation does not replace discipline in the building, but is usually enhances the disciplinary process.

Many schools in Albany County have mediation programs called D.A.R.T. (Dispute and Resolution Team). We are the first middle school in Schenectady County to have such a program. Students who have been trained as mediators at the middle school mediate conflicts between students. Many districts report a reduction in discipline problems as students take responsibility for their own behavior and that of their peers.

School-based mediation programs benefit the student themselves and the entire community by teaching students positive ways to resolve conflicts, aiding students to solve real problems, make decisions, and communicate effectively. Students who learn to positively resolve conflicts in school are likely to use these skills as adults, encouraging a pattern of dispute resolution.

Students can be referred by a teacher, an administrator or a guidance counselor, or they themselves may ask to have a conflict mediated. Mediation referral forms are available in the Main Office. Some of the issues appropriate for mediation in schools are: gossip, rumor, disruptive behavior, home issues, fighting, truancy, and school performance. We are proud of the faculty and 7th & 8th grade students who comprise our Peer Mediation Team.

INTRAMURAL PROGRAM

Each year the boys and girls in the middle school are given an opportunity to participate in an intramural program held before or after school. These activities are designed to meet the needs of all youngsters and avoid situations where only the better coordinated youngsters can succeed. It is our intent to provide an opportunity for as many youngsters as possible. The schedule will be announced in physical education classes and published on the monthly menu as well. The activities covered in the intramural program coincide with the activities taught in the physical education classes and include:

Fall: Field Hockey, Cross Country, Flag football

Winter: Bowling, Basketball and Volleyball.

Spring: Tennis, Track & Field and Softball.

In addition to our intramural program we conduct an extramural program which very simply is an opportunity for children participating in the intramural program to compete against other schools in the area. We do not attempt to create all-star teams in this extramural program but to take pick-up teams and match them with pick-up teams from other middle schools. Children get an opportunity to experience the benefits and enjoyment from a competitive atmosphere regardless of their ability.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS

Middle school students participating in either modified or interscholastic sports must follow these guidelines:

1. No child will be released for practice sessions.

2. If a child is not in school by 10:00 a.m. he/she will not be allowed to participate in either a practice or a game.

3. If a teacher decides that a child is warranted detention that is the first priority. If a teacher feels that the student's academic needs require him/her to remain in school, then the student will be excused from practice for that day.

4. Whenever possible, transportation for teams will be arranged so that they leave the high school first, then pick up the middle school children.

FIRE DRILL SAFETY SIGNAL: Continuous ringing of fire bells.

1. Absolute silence to be maintained.

2. Pupils should proceed to their designated area and remain in a group with the teacher.

3. Double lines shall be maintained going down all stairways and out all exits.

4. Students should be ready at all times to receive and obey all instructions of teachers regarding change in exit, etc.

ALL CLEAR: One long signal on the classroom, corridor and outside bells.

ARTICLES

Certain articles do not belong in school. These articles include the following:

a. Weapons of any kind

b. Fireworks

c. Matches

d. Skateboards

e. Walkman/MP3 players (between 9:00-3:30 must be in locker)

f. Hats (between 9:00-3:30 must be in locker)

g. Electronic devices including beepers and cell phones

If any of these items are found in a student's possession they will be confiscated by school Authorities, in the case of weapons of any kind, parents will be notified immediately.

EARLY MORNING PLAN

1. All students will be required to plan ahead if they want to be at school prior to 8:55 a.m. To do so, they will have to do in the following:

a. Sign up and be part of a continuing activity which meets on designated days all year, such as Choir, WIRO and/or Student Council.

b. Sign up and be part of short term activities which meet on designated days for the duration of the activity, such as intramurals.

c. Obtain a school pass from a teacher on the day before the designated activity.

2. Students who choose to come in early on any given day may do so in two ways. Parents may drop them off at school at 8:00 a.m. but not earlier. Students may take the high school bus from their neighborhood and then pick up a shuttle bus which will transport them from the high school to Iroquois.

3. Students entering the building at 8:00 a.m. must have the necessary pass or have previously signed up for a continuing activity. The supervisor will check to make sure that each student has the pass or is on a roster for the activities listed above. Any students who do not meet these expectations will be retained until 8:55 a.m. and parents notified.

4. Students who are in the building during this period of time will be expected to stay in the room that they have opted for until 8:55 a.m. It will be the responsibility of the teacher to make sure that this happens. Students who do not comply with this policy risk losing the privilege of coming to school early.

5. Students who enter school grounds within the time period of 8:00 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. are required to enter the building. Students are not allowed to be at the Rosendale site or any other locale unless they are with a teacher for a specified activity.

6. Parents will be notified if:

a. Students are outside the building prior to 8:00 a.m.

b. Students enter the building at any time prior to 8:55 a.m. without a pass for any activity for a particular day or without prior registration for an on-going activity. c. Students are in the building legitimately but do not follow the rules once they are here.

EARLY DISMISSAL

All requests for early dismissal must be in writing and signed by the parent or guardian. Parents or guardians picking up students must sign out the student in the Main Office.