March Student Talks

1. March Student Talks Brabham Middle School 2013-14 Grade 7 & 8; March 3, 2014 Grade 6; March 6, 2014

2. General school rulesThree strikesTechnologyPolite: Hands & wordsWork habits

3. Prompt • In class working • Turning in work • Polite • In hallways & cafeteria • In class • Prepared • To work hard • Materials & organized • Tardies: 3 warnings • Absences • 3 in 4 • 10 in 6 General School Rules

4. Three Strikes • Discipline Documentation Form (DDF) • In class consequences • ASD • Call home

5. Bullying, harassment, horseplay • Hands to yourself • Pinching, tickling • Pushing, slapping, hitting • Hugging, wrestling • Name-calling, gossiping, teasing • Even joking between friends • Bothering others; “getting in their business” Being Polite

6. Technology (including personal devices) is only used for instructional purposes as directed by teachers. • Confiscation with fee • Disruptions • Using without teacher permission • Harassment issues • Cyber-bullying • Permanence and danger of pictures, videos, and text Technology

7. Additional Information Sources online www.willisisd.org Code of Conduct; Student Handbook; Local District Policies

8. Student Responsibilities • Complete tasks as assigned • Keep notes and class work organized • Study notes and instructional materials outside of class time • Ask for help during class time • Avoid academically dishonest practices • Bring required materials to class • Ask for redo opportunities • Ask for makeup work when absent Turning in Work & Grades • Campus Practices • Grades should represent learning & mastery of TEKS • Grades should not be used as a consequence for behavioral or attendance factors • Grades entered weekly; Recommended minimum of 12 grades per six weeks • District Policies • Assignments, tests, projects, classroom activities, and other instructional activities shall be designed so that each student’s performance indicates the level of mastery of the designated District objectives. • The District shall permit a student who meets the criteria detailed in the grading guidelines a reasonable opportunity to redo an assignment or retake a test for which the student received a failing grade. • A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

9. Student Responsibilities • Move in halls in an orderly and quiet manner: no shouting, running, loud talking or other such disorderly conduct. • Keep to the right and proceed directly to assigned destinations. • Use restroom between class periods. • Clean up and throw trash away. • Stay seated and talk quietly in the cafeteria. Polite in halls & cafeteria • Campus Practices • Cafeteria • Choose a seat and stay in that seat. Students may be assigned seats as needed. • Recess privilege may be earned by demonstrating polite behavior. • Expectations are posted in the halls, near restrooms, and in the cafeteria. • Lunch detention, or other disciplinary action, may be assigned as needed. • District Code of Conduct • Each student is expected to: • Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not. • Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline. • Obey all campus and classroom rules. • Respect the rights and privileges of students, teachers, and other district staff and volunteers. • Respect the property of others, including district property and facilities. • Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.

10. Student Responsibilities • Be in class when the tardy bell rings. • Attend school without excessive absences. • Consult teachers for makeup work. Attendance • Campus Practices • Bring excuse notes for all absences. • Doctor’s notes are required for excused absences. • Letters will be mailed home for three absences in a four week period. • Phone calls will be made prior to enforcing compulsory attendance prosecution. • District Policies • If the student is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year or on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period, the student’s parent is subject to prosecution under Education Code 25.093, and the student is subject to prosecution under Education Code 25.094. • Students in violation of the compulsory attendance law shall be reported to the District attendance officer, who may institute court action as provided by law. • Excused absences: religious holy day, court appearances, citizenship proceedings, election clerks, conservatorship of DFPS, Health-care appointments • Health-care appointments: Temporary absence resulting from an appointment with a health-care professional for the student or the student’s child if the student commences classes or returns to school on the same day of the appointment. The appointment should be supported by a document such as a note from the health-care professional.

11. Student Responsibilities • Be prompt, polite, and prepared. • Follow class rules and teacher directions. • Cooperate with staff. Three Strikes • Campus Practices • Teachers use DDFs to document classroom-level interventions and consequences. • Parent phone calls or confirmed emails are required for ASD assignments. • Disciplinary referrals may be written after the third infractions of the code of conduct. • Disciplinary referrals may be written any time for severe behaviors such as possession of prohibited items (i.e. weapons, drugs), aggressive profanity, or violent behavior. • With administrator approval, a referral may be generated for any code of conduct infractions. • District Code of Conduct • General Violations include: disregard for authority; mistreatment of others; property offenses; possession of prohibited items; use of electronic devices; illegal, prescription, and OTC drugs; misuse of technology and internet; safety transgressions. • Disciplinary action shall draw on the professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management techniques. • Discipline shall be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, the effect of the misconduct on the school environment, and statutory requirements.

12. Student Responsibilities • Be prompt, polite, and prepared. • Follow class rules and teacher directions. • Respect others, their space, and their property. • Campus Practices • Any form of harassment, bullying, or mistreatment of others is not tolerated. • Students can report to campus administrators or to • Verbal or written warnings may be used to deter impolite behaviors. • Disciplinary action may also be used. Being Polite • District Code of Conduct* • Students shall not: • Use profanity or vulgar language or make obscene gestures. • Fight or scuffle. • Engage in bullying, harassment, or making hit lists. • Record the voice or image of another without the prior consent of the individuals being recorded or in any way that disrupts the education • Assault: intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another. • Bullying: written/verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct…that harms (or will harm) a student, damages property, or fear of harm…if it exploits an imbalance of power…interferes with a student’s education…disrupts the operation of a school. • Harassment: threatens to cause harm…sexually intimidating…damage to property…harms another student’s physical or emotional health or safety. * For a comprehensive list, definitions, and details, see the District Code of Conduct. Definitions herein are paraphrased.

13. Student Responsibilities • Technology is to be used for instructional purposes only. • The student is responsible for personal belongings. • Keep electronic devices on silent modes during school hours. • Do lend devices or leave unattended. Technology • Campus Practices • Confiscation of personal devices if used without permission or if disruptive to the classroom. • Students may bring their own device to class to be used for instructional purposes as directed or permitted by the teacher. • Personal use is not allowed in common areas or during school hours: 6:45am-2:25pm. • Social media, texting, or sending/receiving graphics of a student is not allowed at school. • The school is not responsible for student behavior outside of school/school events or off of school property. • District Code of Conduct • Students shall not use a telecommunications device, including a cellular telephone, or other electronic device in violation of district and campus rules.

14. All legal and local policies including the Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, Technology Acceptable Use Policy, and other documents related to student conduct are available at www.willisisd.org .