OSAWATOMIE MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2024-2025    2025-2026

Osawatomie Middle School

428 Pacific Ave.

Osawatomie, KS 66064

(913) 755 - 4155

Table of Contents

Mission and Vision

District Mission:

The Osawatomie community is committed to excellence in our schools, developing students who achieve their full potential as lifelong learners.

District Vision:

Every Student. Every Chance. Every Day.

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

ADMINISTRATION

Principal - Dr. Terri Newman

CORE SUBJECT TEACHERS

ELA - Ms. Kiley Stewart 6th, Mr. Jacob Shields 7th, Mrs. Mary Alice Heppler 8th

Math - Ms. Linda Morrill 6th, Mr. Trevor Johnston 7th, Ms. Cassy Richardson 8th

Science - Mrs. Juli Hitchcox (Roach) 6th, Mr. Trevor  Johnston 7th, Mr. Aaron Winkleman 8th

Social Studies - Mr. Sam Gantenbein 6th, Mr. Jacob Shields 7th, Mr. Preston Harrison 8th

ELECTIVE TEACHERS

Mr. Sean Tuttle         6-8 Boys PE

Mrs. Nancy Gagnebin 6-8 Girls PE

Mr. Anthony Martin         Music and Vocal Music Choir

Mr. Michael Packard         6-8 Band and 7th Grade Enrichment Courses

Ms. Tina Palmer        6-8  Art

Ms. Gabby Baiza        Spanish

Mr. Matt Brandt        Vo-Ag

Ms. Lisa Farley         Librarian

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAM

Ms. Jennifer Haefele         Special Education Teacher

Mr. Drew Needham         Special Education Teacher

Ms. Melissa George         Gifted

Mr. Steve Boyer        Paraprofessional

Ms. Jessica Hall         Paraprofessional

Ms. Ashley Lawrence        Paraprofessional

Ms. Sierra Sangals        Paraprofessional

Mr. Peter Sullivan        Paraprofessional

Ms. Kierston White         Paraprofessional

Ms. Lydia Beets        Paraprofessional

SUPPORT STAFF

Ms. Amber Bonner         Student Advisor  Mrs. Joy Mildfelt School Counselor

Ms. Misse Henness         School Secretary

Ms. Kathy Schuster         Medical Assistant

Ms. Jessica Hunter         Custodian

Mrs. Penny James         Custodian

Ms. Kathy White        Custodian

Ms. Rachel Sloan        Kitchen Manager

Mr. Ron Smith                Kitchen

Ms. Helen Geiger        Kitchen

Ms. Erin Whisler        Kitchen

Ms. Mary Hunsperger        Kitchen

Student Advisor

OMS has a full-time student advisor during the school day. Students can visit with this support staff for problems with completion of schoolwork, conflict resolution, working through grief, intervening in misunderstandings with parents or teachers and other personal issues. When a student would like to schedule a time with the advisor, they need to stop by in the morning or after school and ask for an appointment. If a situation is more short notice, they may ask permission from their teacher and effort will be made to see if the advisor is available. Students should have a hall pass to be allowed to travel to the advisor. Students without passes will be sent back to class unless it is an emergency.

FACULTY

COUNSELOR

The counseling department is here to support all students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Middle school is a time of significant transition, and our goal is to help students navigate these changes in a positive and productive manner. Parents, guardians, staff, and students may refer a student to their counselor.

DAILY  BELL SCHEDULE

OMS MISSION:

The mission at OMS is to support our students today, and in their future, by helping them build a foundation for personal success through the values of READY, RESPECT, AND RESPONSIBILITY.  

Benefits of  READY         

• Learning to scoreboard and track their work so they always know who, what, when, where.
• Develop PREDICTABILITY SKILLS to increase the value of their decision making.
• Develop the ability to determine what success looks like before they begin a task.
• Develop skills and understand the value of always showing up.

Benefits of RESPECT

• Showing respect increases the chances of receiving respect from others.
• When we receive respect we increase our opportunities in life.
• Develop self-respect to encourage personal goal setting and achievement.

Benefits of RESPONSIBILITY 

• Develop the ability for grit so they can keep going when things are difficult.
• Develop the ability to set and meet goals and deadlines.
• Develop decision making skills.

RESPECT

• I treat everyone with kindness and fairness.
  
• I listen to others, even when I disagree.
  
• I work well with others in groups or teams.
  
• I manage my emotions and respond calmly in tough situations.
  
• I respect myself, others, our school, and our online community.
  

READY

• I come to class prepared and on time.
  
• I stay focused and avoid distractions.
  
• I try even when things are hard, and I keep going.
  
• I ask for help when I need it and take initiative in my learning.
  
• I am open to feedback and use it to improve.
  

RESPONSIBILITY

• I follow school rules and do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
  
• I take care of my things, our space, and shared materials.
  
• I own my actions and fix my mistakes.
  
• I use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly.
  
• I lead by example and help others make good choices.
  

COURSE OFFERINGS

6th Grade: Math, ELA, Social Studies, Science, PE (Art/Music/Enrichment Wheel) 

8th Grade: Math, ELA, Social Studies, Science, PE (Art/Enrichment Wheel)

OMS students will have the opportunity for some elective courses.  By choosing these courses other courses will not be taken.

6th Grade: Band

7th Grade: Band, Hunters Safety, and Choir

8th Grade: Band, Choir and Weights

Intervention Classes

All students will participate in an intervention class that will include additional support in the core areas.

GOAL – Fill gaps students have in their foundational skills that are limiting success potential.  

BEFORE SCHOOL

All students will enter through the gym doors on the north side of the building starting at 7:30 AM and can either eat breakfast or sit in their assigned section in the bleachers. Students stay in the bleachers until jumpstart begins.

AFTER SCHOOL

LOITERING AND TRESSPASSING

All students not involved in after school activities (i.e. practice or extra help) need to leave school grounds as soon as possible after school is dismissed.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

You may buy school food or bring prepared food in a sack lunch/breakfast. “Fast” food is not to be brought in or delivered to school. All food is to be eaten in the cafeteria at lunch. Due to seating needs for students, guests may not be permitted to come to school to eat lunch with students in the cafeteria.

COMMUNICATION  Ways to Get Information From OMS

OMS Facebook page – We post information from Jump Start + extra information

www.usd367.org - Facebook posts are placed here as well

SkyAlert Emails - Your email must be correct in Skyward in order to receive

Weekly OMS Newsletter Email - Your email must be correct in Skyward to receive

SECTION 2: ACADEMICS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Our goal is to create a “safe to try” environment at OMS because we know that we learn by doing.   To do this, your child must learn to participate daily and engage in the learning.

Practicing creates new opportunities for thinking about new ideas / curriculum.

• Practice can consist of applying knowledge, reviewing knowledge, and working with new knowledge.
• OMS students should expect to take some time to practice at home to be as successful as they can be at gaining knowledge.

• The goal is to grow in our learning.
• Teachers focus on the measure of knowledge gained and skills in applying knowledge.

Students will become better able to reach their potential once they develop the following habits:

• Bring all materials for class daily.
• Use tools available to stay organized.
• Practice reviewing material regularly, not just the day before an exam.
• Participate in class daily, share their thinking, and take advantage of practice.
• Seek extra help before or after school if they don’t understand a concept clearly.

SKYWARD

Each student has been issued a username and password that will allow parents to gain information related to their student's progress and attendance.

Parents are encouraged to access current grades and attendance information for their students on a regular basis.

Information regarding this program will be made available at our open house each year and at student-led conferences. Parents may contact the school to obtain login credentials.

HONOR ROLL

Honor rolls are computed and published at the end of each semester.  The Honor Rolls will reflect the academic achievement of students for the semester and will be computed based on GPA.

• Honor Roll with Distinction - Earn at least a 3.8 GPA with no grade below a C
• Honor Roll - Earn at least a 3.2 GPA but less than a 3.8 GPA with no grade below a C

STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

Teachers are available for conferences anytime during the year to talk about individual grades when needed.  Our student-led conferences are about students sharing their story with parents.

Goals

• Students get to take pride in their success and accountability for knowing and telling their personal story.
• When students and parents are connected to student data regularly, students tend to improve or maintain their performance at a higher level.
• Parents are so important in student learning. We want to help place parents as a role of importance and model the concept that students are accountable to them for their progress.
• We want to share successes directly with parents that go beyond grades.
• We want parents to join us in helping students pick a successful path for their future.

GRADES

Grades are the way we communicate the level of knowledge gained.   The focus needs to be on LEARNING, not always the grade earned.  When students work to learn material, a passing grade takes care of itself.  

Main grading comes from Summative Assessments.  Some Formative Assessments will be posted in Skyward as well.   These are checkups on students during instruction and communicate to students and parents how things are going.  These are not points that affect the student grade.  They are used to communicate how the student is doing in the current material and drive instruction.

Grades are a tool for communicating the level of understanding a student has achieved. However, the primary focus should always be on learning—not just the grade itself. When students are committed to truly learning the material, achieving a passing grade typically follows naturally.

Final grades are primarily determined by summative assessments which evaluate what students have learned at the end of a unit or course. In addition, formative assessments may also be entered in Skyward. These are ongoing check-ins during instruction that help monitor progress. While they do not impact a student's grade, they provide valuable feedback to both students and parents about current performance and guide instructional decisions.

GRADING SCALE

A – 90 to 100

B – 80 to 89

C – 70 to 79

D – 60 to 69

CHAIN OF COMMAND

Osawatomie schools strive to ensure stakeholders' concerns and/or questions are resolved as quickly and effectively as possible. A chain of command is designed to provide stakeholders at all levels with a person they may ask questions or report complaints. Many questions are quickly and completely answered by communicating directly with school staff. Use the Chain of Command below as a guide for handling questions or concerns.

When You Have Questions or Concerns About a Class
If you have concerns about something happening in your child’s class, please follow these steps:

1. Check the Student Agenda – Review what your child has written for that class.
2. Review Skyward – Look for assignment details and grades.
3. Contact the Teacher Directly – The teacher is the best person to explain class expectations, lessons, and any classroom issues.

Please remember that students may not always interpret events the same way adults do. Speaking with the teacher helps clarify the situation and provides the most accurate context.  If concerns remain after speaking with the teacher, contact the student advisor or an administrator for additional support.

Ongoing Support for Students Who Struggle
If your child has experienced academic challenges, consider setting regular check-ins via Skyward or by emailing teachers directly.

When Addressing Concerns About Grades or Performance, Be Prepared to Discuss:

1. Is the student bringing all necessary materials to class daily?
2. Are they consistently filling out their agenda?
3. Do they study regularly—not just before tests?
4. Are they participating and completing all classwork?
5. Do they seek extra help when needed?

Students who follow these habits are more likely to succeed and reach their full potential.

PLAGARISM AND STUDENT USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to, cheating, fabricating or falsifying information or sources, improper collaboration, submitting the same paper for different classes without permission and plagiarism.  Plagiarism is an act of literary theft and is therefore considered an act of academic dishonesty.  Plagiarism is defined as the act or instance of using or closely imitating the language, work product, and/or thoughts of another author without authorization obtained or credit given.  It involves the passing off or submission of another author’s work as one’s own.  This includes the use of AI technology.  This includes but is not limited to submitting assignments digitally or via hard copy.

All of the following are considered plagiarism:

• Turning in someone else’s work as your own.
• Copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit.
• Failing to put a direct quotation in quotation marks.
• Giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation.
• Changing words by copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit.
• Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up a majority of your work whether you give credit or not.
• Submitting work generated by AI technology.

SECTION 3: ATTENDANCE

When a student misses school, they absolutely miss out. There is no way to perfectly

duplicate the classroom environment. Questions asked and answered, instructional support given verbally, or through materials like graphic organizers, cannot be missed and still expect a student to fully “get it” by doing make up work. Assignments, quizzes, and tests will never fully measure what a student learns from the classroom experience. Students learn more from being at school than a grade can ever show.  

When a student is absent from school, they miss more than just assignments—they miss valuable learning experiences that cannot be fully replicated. The classroom environment includes real-time instruction, class discussions, and immediate feedback that support understanding in ways makeup work alone cannot provide. While assignments, quizzes, and tests are useful, they cannot fully capture the depth of learning that happens through active participation. Students gain far more from being present in class than what a grade alone can reflect.

When students are participants in extra-curricular activities:

Students must report to school by 11:30 to participate in any school activity that day (practice or competition), unless coming from an excused appointment or absence.

PARENT NOTIFICATION
Parents/guardians must notify the school by 9:00 a.m. if their child will be absent for any reason. If notification is not received, school staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian. Please bring a dated and signed note from any medical appointment. It is better to excuse absences as you go rather than attempt to only excuse those needed when absences are over the limit. Without a note, the absence cannot be considered as a medically excused absence.

If you need to leave school during the day, have a parent phone the school and communicate the need to leave when possible. A parent must then physically sign out students in the office immediately before leaving.  When arriving from an appointment, students should report to the office to get a pass to go back to class.

TARDY AND PARTIAL DAY ABSENCES

• Students arriving at school between 8:00–10:00 a.m. will be marked tardy.
• Students arriving after 10:00 a.m. or leaving before 1:00 p.m. will be marked with a ½ day absence.
• Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must be signed in by a parent/guardian at the front office.
• Early dismissals require parents/guardians to sign the student out at the office; a staff member will retrieve the student from class.

EXCUSED ABSENCES
The following are considered excused absences when verified by a parent and approved by the office:

• Illness (doctor’s note required after 3 consecutive days)
• Medical/dental appointments (with documentation)
• Family bereavement
• Religious observances
• Court/legal obligations
• Family trips (with prior approval)
• School-sponsored activities
• Child is sent home from school by the school medical assistant
• Other emergencies as approved by administration

Parents may excuse up to 5 absences per semester. Any additional absences will require a doctor’s note or principal approval.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Absences not meeting the excused criteria above or lacking proper documentation will be marked unexcused.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

A student who has exceeded eight (8) excused and unexcused absences per semester in a class shall be defined as having excessive absences.  At this point, the student and their parent/guardians will be notified that all future absences will only be excused for one of the following reasons:

1. Illness or visit to a doctor’s office that is confirmed by a doctor’s note.
2. Funeral of an immediate family member
3. Court hearing that requires student presence
4. Absences that are approved by the building principal prior to the absence.

TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT FOR ATTENDANCE

Tier I: Building Administration will monitor all students' attendance. All buildings The attendance clerk will call each day that a student is absent.

Tier II: Building Administration will monitor the attendance of students for which they have attendance concerns reaching the 10% threshold, and parent contact will be initiated.

Tier III: If excessive absences continue, the student will be referred to the Building SAT team. A SAT Team meeting with parents will occur to find solutions.

MAKE-UP WORK

In order to learn material, the expectation is that students must make up practice work they miss after returning to school following any excused absence (within the time limits designated by school staff). Students will have a minimum of one day per day after an “excused absence” to turn in late work. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain, complete, and hand-in all make up work. To obtain work for the days that students are ill, please call in by 9:00 a.m. Make-up work will be ready for pick up in the office after school.  Tests, labs, projects, etc. may have to be completed outside of regular school hours with permission from staff. Students missing school for extracurricular activities should check with the teachers of the classes they will miss to get homework and hand-in assignments for that day.  Taking part in these activities includes practicing responsibility for work completion.  Students agree to this responsibility in order to continue participating.

TARDY

Students and parents/guardians are responsible for getting to school on time. Students arriving late must obtain a pass from the office.   Late means they cannot be in their seat on time for the first hour at 8:00.

• Parents should call school when they know their child is running late.
• Excessive tardiness to school may result in detentions, and/or ISS.
• Excessive absences and tardiness can result in loss of privileges.

Corrective action will be handled by the teacher each hour unless the tardy happens getting to school.  Those tardies will be handled through the OMS office. The tardy policy is that 3 tardies will warrant a detention (lunch time, after school or before school) the time frame for detention is to be determined by the teacher/office. Students being egregiously late to any class (more than a minute) can be given detention immediately.

• Students are advised to communicate with their teacher if they know they are going to be late due to seeing the nurse medical assistant, using the restroom, or are experiencing a problem. It is up to staff to accept the reason for being late and whether to mark them tardy or excused.
• If a student is in the hallway socializing or not utilizing time to pass, an excused pass to then go somewhere may not be honored or a detention will be exchanged for that pass.  
• If leaving late from another class, it is the expectation that the student will get a pass from that teacher to excuse them for the next class unless an announcement is made for the entire school to hear.

TRUANCY

Truancy is defined as: not attending school after leaving home to do so, leaving school without permission from the office, skipping class, leaving class without permission, being absent without parental permission, or being inexcusably absent for 3 consecutive days or 5 or more nonconsecutive days in a semester.

As defined by Kansas law and the Miami County Attorney’s Office, a student is considered truant when they have:

• 3 consecutive unexcused absences
• 5 unexcused absences in a semester
• 7 unexcused absences in a school year

When a student reaches these limits, the school is required to notify parents and report the truancy to the Kansas Department for Children and Families or the Miami County Attorney’s Office. KSDE Attendance Policies 

  Research has shown that participants in academic classes should be in active attendance not less than 90% of the time for satisfactory academic results. For academic success, students are expected to attend at least 90–95% of the school year.

ATTENDANCE AWARDS

Perfect Attendance Award

The award will be awarded to students who were not absent or tardy from any class for the entire school year.

Exceptional Attendance Award

The award will be awarded when a student is absent no more than one school day/8 school periods.

SECTION 4: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Click on the link below to view the full Student Code of Conduct Handbook.

Code of Conduct...OSD 367-C2024-2025 Final 7-3-24

Students shall be held responsible for understanding and complying with the code of student conduct. Any behavior on the student’s part that keeps the teacher from teaching or other students from learning is considered a distraction and may result in a corrective consequence.

Teachers will attempt to try a foundation of interventions to help students correct inappropriate behavior. Our goal is for all students to be respectful, be responsible, and to be safe at all times. This would be in all classrooms, in the cafeteria, on our school grounds, and at all school sponsored activities – this includes activities not on USD 367 property.

Expectation of Student Behavior:

• Students will follow directions of each classroom teacher or staff member and avoid disturbing others including students and/or staff.

• Students should fill out their agenda hourly to help organize information for them and for their parent’s knowledge of what occurs in each class each day.
• Students will bring all materials needed for each class as designated by the teacher.
  (This includes items necessary for physical education and elective classes.)
• Students should make every possible effort to complete work assigned, make-up work missed due to absences, and complete the requirements of each class by the dates designated by the teacher.
• If absent, it is the student’s responsibility to get make-up work from each teacher.
• Students who miss class for sports or other school functions are responsible for getting homework ahead of the absence and turning it in according to the teacher’s expectations.
• Students will attend school on time every day unless ill or excused for appointments.
• At no time will Students will not litter, deface, damage, destroy or steal school property or the property of others. The cost of loss stolen items or repair of property is the student’s/parent’s responsibility.
• Students will not use profanity or make obscene gestures during school or at school related activities.
• At no time will students use, possess, or distribute tobacco, narcotics, alcohol, or other drugs, fireworks, weapons, or contraband on the school grounds, in the building, or at school activities.
• Public displays of affection are not allowed. This includes holding hands and kissing.
• Guest students are not permitted. Parents are welcome to come and shadow their own  child, but must pre-arrange plans with school administration.

CLASSROOM INTERVENTIONS

Teachers will attempt to use intervention strategies to help students correct negative behavior.

Examples of interventions: proximity, personal conversation, behavior contract, check in/check out sheet, phone calls home, seating changes, short term removal from class, nonsocial lunch, nonsocial passing period, detentions etc.  The intent of each is to influence better student choice.

Detentions after school take precedence over all activities (including athletic practices). If an official detention is used for the corrective action, the time will be for 30 minutes. If the student should skip the detention and not serve it by the next day after school, the detention goes to 45 minutes. If a student skips the opportunity to serve the detention on the very next school day, the detention turns into one day of in-school suspension. Lack of a ride home is not a valid reason to miss detention. The student should work to make arrangements.

TEACHER AND STAFF AUTHORITY

Each teacher has the responsibility and the authority to establish a classroom atmosphere which is conducive to learning.  Whenever a student is creating a disturbance, the teacher should make every reasonable attempt to correct the student’s behavior.  If the student fails to respond to the teacher’s directives, the student will be sent to the office to confer with an administrator.  Failure to report to the office will result in mandatory assigned discipline.  If a student is asked to leave class, it is his/her responsibility to go directly to the principal's office.  Students have a responsibility to follow the instructions of all teachers and staff even if they do not have a class with that teacher or staff member.

USD 367 believes in a safe and secure environment for students and staff.  Student abuse of district staff physically will not be tolerated.  Abuse of staff, both verbally and electronically will not be tolerated.

        1st offense = OSS for 5 school days

        2nd offense = OSS for 10 days

        3rd offense = Expulsion for 180 school days.  

All of the above actions are at the discretion of the building principal, superintendent and legal counsel.  

HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION

Sexual Harassment JGEC: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/File/2595?file=eda526db-81b2-4a24-93f4-89a16bf3416b

Complaints of Discrimination JCE: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/File/2595?file=294e766d-a08f-4676-8642-f0f25504bbe2

KN Form Complaints: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/File/2595?file=fc95a267-c751-4341-8402-7079fc3dba2b

BULLYING

JDDC Bullying:

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/File/2595?file=c78a9a10-920b-46db-ac2c-ecfb6abd89c2

JDDC Bullying Plan:

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/File/2595?file=dc5808a1-d686-47ef-b72e-2db212bf7dfa

SECTION 5: STUDENT INFORMATION AND SERVICES

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are an opportunity for staff and students to gather, learn and build school spirit.  Students are expected to conduct themselves in a considerate, respectful and responsible manner.  All assemblies are required and students will sit in their designated areas.

DRESS CODE

Dress codes are part of the “soft skills” that employers tell us your students need. Just as employers expect employees to arrive at the workplace “dressed for success,” Osawatomie Middle School expects students to dress appropriately. Below are the “dress for success” rules at our school. Building principal administrators reserve the right to make final decisions.

• All tops and shirts must cover the entire torso in a modest manner. This means tops must cover the beltline and the material over the shoulders must be of a solid material. Shirt must meet the three-finger rule on the width of the material on the shoulder.
• Undergarments must be covered at all times.
• The following tops are not allowed: strapless, backless, spaghetti straps, sideless, halter, low-cut, sheer or tube tops.

• Costumes or sheer pajamas may not be worn to school.
• The length of skirts should be at least as long as the tip of the index finger.
• When wearing shorts, the inseam of the shorts must be easily viewed when the student is standing. After walking, students should not have to pull shorts or skirts down to the approved length. If you question it, please don’t wear it.

• Pants with rips or holes must not show skin above the approved dress code length.
• Leggings and tights must be of a solid material (not sheer, fishnet, or transparent) unless worn underneath approved-length shorts, skirts, or dresses.

• Sagging – shirts must cover the beltline.
• Footwear is to be worn at all times. Athletic shoes must be worn for gym classes.
• Clothing with suggestive or obscene pictures or inappropriate language is prohibited. Additionally, all images on clothing must also meet dress code.

• Hats or any other type of head-covering, unless for religious or medical purposes, are not allowed. Any headbands or scarves may not be wider than three fingers.
• Any attire deemed to be gang-related is prohibited.
• Coats, jackets, and book bags are to be kept in lockers and are not permitted in the classroom.

The final decision regarding the appropriateness of any dress code item will be up to the building administrator. Teachers are encouraged to have students fix any dress code issue if possible. If students refuse they’ll be sent to the office for corrective action.

If students are determined to be inappropriately dressed, they will be asked to fix the issue themselves, put on clothing supplied by the school, or have their parents bring appropriate attire. Continued violation of the dress code will result in elevated corrective consequences for each offense.

POSITIVE RECOGNITION

We use ATTITUDE AND EFFORT CARDS during Jump Start for positive recognition.  Our goal is to promote character education through modeling and recognition.   We strive for students to learn the meaning of READY, RESPECTFUL, AND RESPONSIBLE while being an OMS student.

In addition to A&E cards during the school year, the following awards may be presented at the end of each grading period:

Trojan Honor Roll -- Student has earned a 4.0 GPA Honor Roll

Honor Roll -- student has earned a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA

B Honor Roll -- Student has earned a 3.0 to 3.49 GPA

CAFETERIA

Students eating in the cafeteria have several food options available to them daily.  Breakfast is available each morning.  To maintain a pleasant environment in the cafeteria, students are asked to return all trays and make sure their table is clear of garbage.  Students are also expected to exercise polite, courteous behavior at all times.  Students may be asked by the supervisors to help clean the area where they are eating.  Students are expected to cooperate and provide assistance when asked.

HALL PASSES AND PASSING PERIODS

Students should be in their assigned classrooms during class periods unless they have a pass from their assigned teacher. Teachers will sign student hall pass sheets when permission has been given to leave the classroom.  These pass sheets are in the back of the student planner.  No student should be out of the classroom without their hall pass sheet being signed.  Passing period is the designated time for students to take care of restroom breaks, necessary trips to lockers etc.

LOCKERS

• Students will be assigned a locker for which they are responsible. Items to be kept in your locker include school supplies and personal items.
• Students are responsible at all times for the content in their locker.
• Unified School District 367 cannot accept responsibility for items which are damaged or

taken from your locker. Students will be held accountable for books lost in this manner.

• Students are asked to not share their locker or their locker combination.
• Students are responsible for the appearance of their locker and must clean off writing,

stickers, décor, etc. School lockers are school property. OMS administration can

inspect and search lockers at will.  Locker privileges can be removed when appropriate.

LOST AND FOUND

Any articles found should be turned into lost and found immediately. Lost or stolen articles should be reported to the office immediately. The lost and found is located in the Commons. Items that are not claimed are periodically donated to a charitable organization.

SCHOOL PHONE USE

Students will not be called out of class to receive telephone calls. Emergency phone messages will be delivered to students individually. Office telephones are available for student use by permission only. Students can use classroom and office phones with teacher permission.

FOOD AND DRINKS

OMS asks for students to be responsible and respectful in maintaining a clean and safe environment for all. Food and drinks are to be consumed before school and at lunch; water bottles are allowed throughout the day, but must be contained in clear plastic bottles so the liquid is easily viewable by any staff member. 

Teachers may allow food and drink for rewards when appropriate. However, they should not be consumed beyond the classroom extending the reward unless it has been provided as a school-wide activity or recognition.  Gum and candy can be consumed in the classroom setting when approved by staff and when staff deems it to not cause a disruption to teaching or learning of any student.

YEAR-END ACTIVITIES

In order to be eligible to participate in the OMS year-end activities (trip / dance) for 8th grade, students must pass at least 12 out of the 16 available classes for the school year. Students must also be in good standing at the time of these activities and not be serving suspension. It is at the discretion of school administration if any suspension during the last 10 days of school would also affect eligibility for these activities.

SECTION 6: TECHNOLOGY

CHROMEBOOKS

Chromebooks (laptops) will not be issued to students to take home, but rather made available by classroom teachers each day. Students will often be utilizing Chromebooks or devices throughout the school day. Students are responsible for logging off and out of their account each time they are finished with a particular device. Accidental breakage will be handled on an individual basis. If horseplay or misuse is found to be the cause of damage to a device, the cost of repairing the device will be billed to the student. If any inappropriate searches are found to be linked to a student account, the student will face corrective action.

CELL PHONES

Middle School students who are currently in good standing are only extended the privilege of possessing personal electronic devices (cell phones, music devices, games, etc.) on school grounds when they arrive and when they are leaving.  Cell phones and personal electronic devices are allowed on school grounds during the following designated times:

• Before and after school
• During passing periods

Cell phones and personal electronic devices are to be kept in hallway lockers and on silent.  Checking phones during passing periods at their hallway lockers will be done at the cost of losing passing period time and will not be a viable excuse for being tardy to class.  Devices not left in lockers will be collected for students to retrieve from the office at the end of the day.

Students who are in good standing:

• Will be passing all classes
• Will have 10 or less combined class tardies
• Will have good attendance and not be considered truant or chronically absent (see chronic absences and truancy notice from KSDE)

Students who are not in good standing will:

• Turn their phones into the office when going to first hour

• Once a student has made significant progress, the student will earn their privilege to have their phone at the designated times and in the designated location

PROHIBITED USE (All grades)

• Use of cell phones to cheat, harass, or bully.
• Recording or photographing without explicit permission.
• Use of cell phones in restrooms or locker rooms.

CELL PHONE VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES

1.   First Offense: Verbal warning

2.   Second Offense: Confiscation of the phone and picked up in the office at at the end of the day

3.   Third Offense: Confiscation of the phone, parents/guardians pickup from the office

Refusal to comply will result in administrator confiscation of the phone, a meeting with parents/guardians, and additional disciplinary actions such as detention or loss of privileges,  daily check-in etc.

EMERGENCY USE

• In case of an emergency, students may request permission to use their cell phone from a teacher or administrator.
• Parents are encouraged to contact the school office for urgent messages to students.

• In the event of an emergency, the student will communicate with the classroom teacher for permission to step into the hallway to answer the call and promptly return to class.

EXCEPTIONS OF USE

Exceptions to this policy may be made for students with special needs or medical conditions requiring immediate access to a cell phone.

SECTION 7: ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students create their eligibility for extracurricular activities by passing 6 of 8 courses each quarter.  Once eligible, students should attempt to maintain passing grades to maintain eligibility.   OMS staff will help determine if a student would become “NOT IN GOOD STANDING” academically, by their failure to work adequately to pass classes.  Failure to ask/receive help, makeup tests or quizzes when possible, or to turn in graded material would help determine “NOT IN GOOD STANDING”.  When a student becomes “NOT IN GOOD STANDING” through academic or disciplinary action, they are not eligible to practice or compete.   The length of ineligibility could vary depending on the circumstances.

ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS

Students who compete, perform or otherwise represent OMS in extra-curricular activities must meet all eligibility rules for middle school.

• Students are expected to attend all organized practices.  Missing practice without an excused reason by Admin or coach, will constitute a loss of playing time.
• Students must have passed six out of eight new classes during the previous grading

period and students should be in “good standing” with their grades currently as defined as working to do the best they can and completing all work, tests, or quizzes.

• Students must not have turned 14 (for 7th graders) or 15 (for 8th graders) by September 1st of the current school year.
• Students must have a physical form dated May 1 or later of the current school year and

signed permission form and concussion form to participate on file in the school office.

• Make up all schoolwork missed as a result of participation in competitive activities.
• Detentions, ISS and OSS take precedence over athletic practices and other school activities. Students must be a school member in "good standing" (grades and behavior) as determined by the building administrator in order to participate in extracurricular activities.  Students must be at school by 11:30 to participate in activities unless an excused absence has been recorded due to appointment, etc.
• The expectation for student athletes is that they attend school regularly and on time.  Not reporting to school regularly on days following competition is grounds for loss of eligibility.  Increasing attendance at school is one of the positive attributes of having athletic programs.
• Students who are in school-sponsored activities are responsible to all sponsors. School rules apply to all school activities regardless of their location. Students must be in school the day of the event in order to participate.

We understand the importance of student participation in extracurricular activities to help develop a well-rounded individual. Participating in sports and other activities can be very demanding. For this reason, OMS does not encourage students to overextend themselves. In many cases, it will be impossible for the student to participate in more than one sport or activity during the same season. However, in the event that it is possible and the student would like to participate in more than one sport/activity during a single season, it will be necessary to have the permission of both coaches/sponsors. If they feel it can be done successfully, the student will be allowed to participate in both.

ACTIVITY BUS AND PARENT PICK-UP

Students riding to an event on a school bus are expected to ride back to the school on the bus. Sometimes, it is better for both the student and parent to not talk immediately after a competition or event. Riding back from competition with your teammates and coaches can be a very important part of the sports/activity experience. If it is absolutely necessary for a student to ride home with parents, eye to eye contact must be made with the coach or sponsor by the parent when the student is released to them. No student should plan to ride home with friends of the family or family that is not the legal guardian. Due to legal responsibilities, phone calls to provide permission to ride with others may not be granted if the coach or sponsor cannot verify the parent is on the phone.

DANCES

Dances are for OMS students that attend the building where the dance is being held. No guests are allowed. Parents are allowed to attend with prior approval from building administration.   Attendance may not be allowed if the student has been in ISS or OSS leading up to the activity, student is absent a half day because of illness, or if a student has an attendance issue. Students will not be allowed to leave a dance early unless parent contact can be made. Admission prices for dances will be determined as dances are scheduled. All school policies concerning behavior and dress code apply.

OSAWATOMIE USD 367 Student Athlete Handbook Google Link:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yln6xSVRi-WBY9oYZZWN4Hh3Ztw8oMUW/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114686983100660231933&rtpof=true&sd=true

SECTION 8: SCHOOL SAFETY

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)

A school resource officer will be on staff at OMS.  This officer is a sworn police officer with the Osawatomie Police Department.  The SRO reports to school administrators on school related matters and to the Chief of Police on law enforcement matters.

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS

OMS staff is prepared to take safety precautions in the event a threatening situation

develops during school hours. Prearranged evacuation routes have been established. Fire

and Tornado Drills are conducted as prescribed by the regulations of the State of Kansas.

Procedures have been developed to ensure the safety of all students during evacuation.

Teachers will discuss the following Emergency Procedures.

1. When the alarm sounds, stop all activity and wait quietly where you are until your teacher gives directions. Do not talk.

2. Leave all books and belongings.

3. Leave the room in a quiet and orderly fashion. Do not talk.

4. The last person out of the room closes the door.

5. Proceed in line without talking, to the designated areas. Your teacher will tell your class where to wait.

6. Remain in the evacuation areas until the signal is given for the return to the classroom.

7. Return to the classroom without only minimal talking.

8. If you are out of the classroom, walk at once to the nearest classroom and join that class in proceeding to the evacuation area. Do not attempt to rejoin your own class. Do not linger in restrooms.

9. If a tornado drill begins during your lunch period go to the designated area and look for your teacher. Assume the correct position for safety immediately.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES

Teachers will discuss possible emergency lockdown procedures regularly with students throughout the year.  The challenge is that there can be a wide range of incidents that require immediate safety procedures to be followed.  Our goal is to inform, but not scare students for what could happen.

Different emergencies may require different actions.  We strive for all students to remember two steps:

Rule #1-   Look for an adult (get with closest adult if out of a classroom)

Rule # 2 - Listen for instructions

Asking students to try to remember different steps or instructions in so many possible crisis situations can be overwhelming and unrealistic for middle school kids.

• We ask that students try to help the teacher in any way possible.

• If students are caught outside a classroom and all doors are locked, go to the closest classroom available - a teacher will take you into the room.
• Remain in your assigned places until released by a police officer or school administrator.

SEARCHES

To promote school safety, school administration will, with reasonable suspicion, conduct

searches of student lockers, persons or property. This search may include the use of a metal detector. Any contraband will be seized by school administration and held for any length of time deemed necessary. When the situation merits the need for law enforcement assistance, they will be asked to assist with searches. With reasonable suspicion, School Administration may act without notifying parents. Contacting a parent to report a situation regarding their child is not an invasion of that student's privacy.

BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS

Bicycles are welcome at OMS. Students need to walk bicycles on school property and should secure it with a lock while at school. It is against school policy to ride bicycles on school property for safety issues. Students who ride skateboards to school need to secure their skateboard in their locker immediately upon entering the building or turn it into the office until the end of the day if it doesn’t fit. It is against school policy to ride skateboards on school property for safety issues.

SECTION 9: HEALTH SERVICES

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Kansas School Immunizations Law mandates that all students enrolled in a Kansas public school must have on file with the school district a record of the required, age-appropriate immunizations. Any student without current age-appropriate immunizations will be excluded from school until proof of vaccines is shown or meets one of the alternatives under Kansas Law (K.S.A. 72-5209).

Kansas state law requires vaccinations for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), polio, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). Exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons with appropriate documentation. For more information, please refer to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or consult with your healthcare provider.

MEDICATION

For medication to be administered at school, a current "Permission for Medication" document must be on file in the nurse’s medical assistant’s office. The medication must be in its original container, properly labeled, and delivered by an adult to the office. Additionally, a doctor’s order is required before administering any prescription medication.

STUDENT ILLNESS

Students who become ill at school will be sent to the front office or the office of the medical assistant for assessment. If a student has a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up the student from school. The student must remain fever-free for a total of 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.  For temperatures above the normal 98 degrees but below 100 degrees, the office staff or medical assistant may contact parents/guardians to discuss next steps.

If a student vomits or experiences diarrhea at school, parents/guardians will be notified to arrange for the child to be sent home. Documentation of student complaints and actions will be recorded for any student sent to the front office or medical assistant’s office.

MEDICAL EXCUSE FOR PE

If medical restrictions are needed for a physical education class, written recommendations must be obtained from a physician and shared with the school nurse medical assistant who will coordinate care.

HEAD LICE

Kansas Administrative Regulation 28-1-6 mandates that students infested with head lice (pediculosis) must be excluded from school until they have been treated and are free of all live lice.

SECTION 10: PUBLIC NOTICES

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

USD 367 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.  The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Inquiries regarding this notice, our policies, or to report a specific complaint of alleged discrimination contact:

Title IX/Section 504/Title II Coordinator
1200 Trojan Drive
Osawatomie, KS  66064
(913) 755-4172

For further information on non-discrimination, visit the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr or call 800-421-3481.

All grievances can found in USD 367 Board Policy at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/File/2595?file=eda526db-81b2-4a24-93f4-89a16bf3416b