YORK SUBURBAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

455 Sundale Drive, York, PA  17402

(717) 885-1260        https://www.yssd.org/ms/

STUDENT & PARENT

HANDBOOK

2019-2020

This handbook will be available online or by request to every student and parent at York Suburban Middle School.  It contains general school information, procedures and policies.  Students and their parents are encouraged to become familiar with the contents of this publication.  It is provided as a resource and contains the most current information for the school year that was available when published.  Please be advised that some of the material may be subject to change during the school year.  Students and parents will be informed of such changes through various school communication formats, including the school website.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents                                                                        

Communications with the Middle School                                                        

Letter to Students and Parents                                                                

York Suburban Middle School-Student-Parent Commitment                                           

Bell Schedule                                                                                        

Faculty and Staff                                                                                

Accidents in School                                                                                

Address (Change in Address)                                                                

Agendas                                                                                        

Applied Engineering and Technology                                                                

Art                                                                                                 

Arrival to School                                                                                

Assembly Behavior                                                                                

Attendance                                                                                        

Book Bags                                                                                        

Bulletin Boards                                                                                

Bus Transportation and Regulations                                                                

Cafeteria                                                                                        

Care of Books and Equipment                                                                

CHIPS                                                                                                

Classroom Procedures                                                                        

Computer and Information Technology                                                        

Counseling Services                                                                                

Dances                                                                                        

Detention                                                                                        

Discipline Code of Conduct                                                                        

Dress Code                                                                                        

Early Dismissal Procedures                                                                        

Educational Trip Procedures                                                                        

Electronic Devices                                                                                

Extra-Curricular Activities                                                                        

Emergency Notification                                                                        

Family and Consumer Science                                                                

Field Trips                                                                                        

Fire Drills                                                                                        

Food, Snack & Beverage Policy                                                                

Forgotten Items & Deliveries                                                                        

Grades                                                                                        

Hallway Behavior                                                                                

Health Services                                                                                Homeless (McKinney Vento)                                                                        

Homework                                                                                        

Homework Club                                                                                

Infinite Campus (IC)                                                                                

Important Middle School Dates                                                                

Library Media Services                                                                        

Lockdown Procedures                                                                        

Lockers                                                                                        

Lost and Found                                                                                

Medication Policy                                                                                 

Messages Received from Parents                                                                

Music Programs                                                                                Parent/Teacher Conferences                                                                        

Pictures                                                                                        

PRIDE – G.O.T. PRIDE                                                                        

Parent Student Organization (PSO)                                                                

Public Displays of Affection                                                                        

Publication of Student Photographs and Work                                                

REACH

Roots and Wings                                                                                        

SAP                                                                                                

Schoology                                                                                        

Smoking                                                                                        

Social Functions                                                                                

Staying After School                                                                                

Student Recognition                                                                                

Supply List                                                                                        

Take 10                                                                                        

Telephone Calls                                                                                

Testing Program                                                                                

Trojan Morning Crew (TMC)                                                                        

Valuables                                                                                        

Visitors to the Middle School                                                                        

Wellness                                                                                        

Withdrawal Procedures                                                                        

World Language                                                                                

Yearbook                                                                                        

Appendix A – York Suburban School District Code of Student Conduct

Appendix B – Contract for Participation in Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities

Appendix C – Kingston Park 

Appendix D – Supply Lists for  Grade 6        Grade 7        Grade 8

Appendix E – Important Middle School Dates

Appendix F – Student “Agenda”

Appendix G – Acceptable Use Policy and Electronic Devices

Appendix H – Medication Form

Appendix I – G.O.T. PRIDE

Appendix J – Parent Sign Off Sheet

Appendix K - Athletics, Extra-Curricular And Co-Curricular Activitities Guidelines

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

MAIN OFFICE:  717-885-1260

7:15 AM to 4:00 PM

Attendance Line:  717-885-1260, Option 2

Main Office Fax Number:  717-885-1261

GUIDANCE OFFICE:  717-885-1262

Guidance Office Fax Number:  717-885-1263

 WEBSITE:   https://www.yssd.org/ms/

Dear Students and Parents,

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the York Suburban Middle School, welcome to the 2018-2019 school year!  We are excited to begin another year and look forward to having you as part of our school community.

In order to maintain an environment that is optimum for learning, we must have the cooperation of all students and parents within the school and we must focus our efforts on academic achievement.  To that end, we have provided this handbook that outlines the standards and expectations of our school.

We ask that all students and parents familiarize themselves with the information contained in the Student and Parent Handbook.  It is important for everyone to be on the same page regarding the expectations and norms that provide a safe and orderly environment in which students can realize their maximum academic potential.  In addition, we encourage students to take full advantage of the extra-curricular opportunities that are available.  We look forward to your contributions to our school community.

We wish you the best during the coming school year!  Let’s work together to make this a productive and memorable year for everyone!

Respectfully,

Scott Shirey                           Jennifer Fasick                Stacy Houck

Principal                        Assistant Principal                Dean of Students

YORK SUBURBAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCHOOL - STUDENT- PARENT COMMITMENT

All members of the York Suburban Middle School Community recognize that the maintenance of a positive and safe learning environment requires the cooperation and combined efforts of school staff, students, and parents.  Through the combined work of all three groups, students are provided with the opportunity and resources to learn and to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  The below commitment outlines how the school, students, and parents will share the responsibility for maintaining high standards for all and for helping the York Suburban Middle School to continue to be an outstanding place for children.

The York Suburban Middle School Staff will:

• Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students to meet the Pennsylvania Academic and Common Core Standards in all areas.

• Maintain a positive and safe learning environment that is developmentally appropriate and responsive to the unique needs of early adolescents.

• Offer regular feedback regarding student progress and respond to students’ and parents’ questions and concerns in a timely fashion.

Students attending the York Suburban Middle School will:

• Attend school daily, arrive on time for all classes, and put forth maximum effort to participate in class activities and to complete assigned work.

• Express ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.

• Self-monitor their behavior and actions to create a safe and secure learning environment.

• Review and be familiar with the contents of the Student Handbook and follow the expectations that have been established for student conduct and the safe and orderly operation of the school.

Parents of students attending the York Suburban Middle School will:

• Monitor student attendance, provide a structured time and place for homework completion, and encourage students to put forth their best effort at all times.

• Keep abreast of student progress in school and address concerns with the appropriate or involved staff member as soon as a problem develops.

• Review and be familiar with the contents of the Student and Parent Handbook and reinforce the expectations that have been established for student conduct and the safe and orderly operation of the school.

York Suburban Middle School Schedule

2018-2019

FACULTY AND STAFF

ADMINISTRATION        

Mr. Scott Shirey – Principal                                

Mrs. Jennifer Fasick – Assistant Principal        

Mr. Stacy Houck – Dean of Students/TIP Teacher                        

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Mrs. Lesli Goodhart – Grade 6

Mrs. Angie Adams – Grade 7

Mr. Jason Showvaker – Grade 8

FACULTY

*Denotes Team Leaders

ACCIDENTS IN SCHOOL

All accidents which occur in school, whether serious or not, must be reported to the school nurse immediately.  The school nurse will administer first aid and immediate temporary care.  The nurse will notify parents whenever it is deemed necessary.  No student will ever be sent or taken home early unless an adult is present to assume responsibility for the student.

ADDRESS (CHANGE OF ADDRESS)

Parents are requested to notify Nicholas Staab, Central Registrar, at 717-885-1210, of any changes in address. His office is located at the York Suburban School District Administration building.

AGENDAS

An “Agenda” booklet is distributed to every 6th grade student at the beginning of the school year to assist in recording homework assignments and recording grades.  We suggest the “Agenda” be a part of each student’s three-ring binder notebook.  The use of the “Agenda” is a required procedure at the Middle School.  A student must pay a $10.00 fee if they lose their agenda.  The student “Agenda” also contains an overview of the day to day student information for a Middle School student to be successful.  APPENDIX F is the Middle School “Agenda”.  Students may choose to make their own agenda out of a 3-Ring binder by printing copies of this sheet.

APPLIED ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

In 6th grade Engineering and Technology students will be investigating the Engineering Design Process.  Through this process students will investigate bridge design using modeling software and prototyping a bridge model. They will also design and produce Lego Rcx robots in which they will be given design challenges to solve. These design challenges will incorporate STEM and problem solving scenarios for students to explore and create their own solution. Finally, students will explore coding with the integration of block programing and drones. Students will use coding software to design solutions to open ended problems.  

In 7th grade students will explore the Engineering Design Process through the integration of a Co2 Dragster. Students will employ 3-d modeling software to design a Co2 Dragster car. While utilizing the software students will learn basic technical drawing techniques and prototype renderings.  Students will further explore the design process while creating a model of the dragster design. At the conclusion of the designing phase students will have the opportunity to develop sponsorships in conjunction with Information and Technology classes. This marketplace is developed for students to showcase their car prior to race day.

In 8th grade students will have the opportunity to work with a non-profit organization to develop a student-run business. Students will design, fabricate, manufacture, market and develop a business plan for this business. The course will run in conjunction with Information and Technology classes. At the end of the class students will explore coding by working with EV3 and NXT robotics. They will be given several design challenges to solve to show proficiency in coding and robotics.  

ART

Art 6 -  The art room is a place for every child to succeed, regardless of natural ability. Grading on art projects is based on the learning process and individual improvement as well as on the finished product. Our goal is that students not only develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, etc., but that they also develop a deeper awareness to their visual environment and begin to think aesthetically. Each middle school student has art class for one rotation per year. Students will learn about Oaxacan Woodcarvings, Chuck Close, Fauvism, Realism, Impressionism, and several contemporary artists. Students will be expected to use clay, tempera paint, chalk pastel, oil pastel, charcoal, and graphite.

Art 7 - The art room is a place for every child to succeed, regardless of natural ability. Grading on art projects is based on the learning process and individual improvement as well as on the finished product. Our goal is that students not only develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, etc., but that they also develop a deeper awareness to their visual environment and begin to think aesthetically. Each middle school student has art class for one rotation per year. Students will learn about Cindy Sherman, Commercial Design, Women still life artists, Georgia O'Keeffe, and the Surrealism movement. Students will be expected to use digital cameras, lino cutter tools, printmaking ink, charcoal, glue, graphite, and collage materials.

Art 8 - The art room is a place for every child to succeed, regardless of natural ability. Grading on art projects is based on the learning process and individual improvement as well as on the finished product. Our goal is that students not only develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, etc., but that they also develop a deeper awareness to their visual environment and begin to think aesthetically. Each middle school student has art class for one rotation per year. Students will learn about the Pop Art movement for a Pop Art study in color mediums, then they will choose an artist that will inspire a clay box design, and finally choose between several projects as their culminating art project. They will be using a wide variety of mediums, including: clay, tempera paint, oil pastel, chalk pastel, graphite, charcoal, and other mixed media supplies.

ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL

Students should arrive to school no earlier than 7:30 AM.  Students will be allowed to wait in the cafeteria from 7:30 until the first bell rings at 7:40.  Students are permitted to be in the hallways and at their lockers in the morning beginning at 7:40 AM.  Students are expected to report directly to their homeroom after going to their lockers.  Students are expected to be in homeroom by 7:50 AM to be considered ON TIME.  Students are not permitted to loiter and/or wander the hallways prior to the start of school.

ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR

Periodically, students will have the opportunity to attend team, grade, or school-wide assembly programs.  The following expectations will apply:

• Walk to and from the assembly in a quiet, orderly manner.
• Follow seating procedures as directed.
• Sit upright and pay attention.
• Behave in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Show appreciation for the speaker or program by applauding in an appropriate manner at the proper time

Students who are unable to follow these guidelines will not be permitted to participate in future assembly programs.

ATTENDANCE

Summary of Board Policy #204 click HERE.

Parents of all York Suburban Middle School students, regardless of grade level, MUST call the middle school attendance line (885-1260, option 2) before 9:00 a.m. or Submit an absence at our ELECTRONIC FORM HERE to report their child’s absence to the attendance staff.  Staff will treat all absences as unexcused until a written excuse explaining the absence or completion of the online absence report form is submitted within three (3) days of the absence. The parent/guardian and student will be informed that if a written excuse is not provided within three (3) days of the absence, the absence will be permanently recorded as unexcused. District staff will provide written notice to the parent/guardian upon each incidence of unexcused absence through six unexcused absences.

Appointments:

• Students should submit a note to the office prior to homeroom stating the time and reason for an early dismissal..  Prior to the student leaving the building, parents MUST report to the office to sign out their child for an early dismissal.  Upon returning to school, the student MUST sign in at the office.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE TO HAVE THE STAFF REMIND THE STUDENTS OF THEIR APPOINTMENTS, ETC.  IT IS THE STUDENT'S’ RESPONSIBILITY TO REMEMBER THEIR APPOINTMENTS.  You may write reminders in their agendas.

Excused Absence – 10 Day Limit:

• It is an inherent responsibility of every student to attend school daily.  A student must attend school to gain the fullest benefit of instruction.  We are aware that illness will occur; however a 10-day limit (excluded in this total are pre-approved educational trips, death in the family, family emergency, physician excuses or religious holidays) on excused absence days has been established to prevent abuse.  After the 10 days, the school must be provided with a medical excuse for the absence or the day will be considered unlawful.  Five days of unlawful absence becomes a violation of student policy and will be reported to the superintendent’s office.

• NOTE:  The parent/guardian of a compulsory school-age student is subject to penalties if compulsory attendance requirements are not met.  The designated District employee will make every effort to work collaboratively with the parent/guardian to address the truancy of a student and will not initiate formal action until such efforts have been made and the student has accumulated six (6) unexcused absences during the school year.

Attending School Events:

• A student may not attend after school events if they were absent from school that day or serving disciplinary actions associated with suspensions.  

Make-Up Work:

• Students should get work from the teacher for a prearranged absence.  A student will be provided with two days to make up work for every day they are absent.  If an absence extends beyond three days and you cannot access the work through Infinite Campus or direct teacher contact, call the Guidance Secretary for assignments at 885-1262.  It is preferred that parents call in on the second day of absence, but no later than 8:30 a.m. on the third day to give teachers time to collect the work.  The work can be picked up in the office after 3:00 p.m. on the third day of absence.  If another student is to pick up the work, parents are expected to make these arrangements.  Please make sure the Guidance Office knows who will be picking up the work and when.  It is not the responsibility of the school to make these arrangements for another student to collect the work.

Tardiness to School:

• It is the responsibility of every student to be in school on time.  If a student is tardy, he or she MUST bring a written excuse for each tardiness.  Students who are tardy three (3) or more times will receive a disciplinary consequence.

1. One (1) hour of detention for offenses 3 through 6.
2. Two (2) hours of detention for offenses 7 through 9.
3. One (1) day I.S.S. for each additional day.
4. Additional penalties at the discretion of administrator

Unexcused Absence:

• Unexcused absence is any excuse for a reason other than illness, death in the family, educationally excused, quarantine, recovery from accident, required court attendance, or if the school has not been properly notified within 3 days following the absence.

• Suspended students are removed by the authority of the principals and, therefore, are considered excused.

• First Unexcused through and including the Fifth Unexcused Absence –

Designated District staff will send to the parent/guardian a notice about each unexcused absence after each unexcused absence occurs.  After the fourth or fifth unexcused absence, the designated District staff will schedule a student attendance improvement conference with the parent/guardian to discuss the child’s truant behavior and create a Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP).

• Subsequent Unexcused Absence –

If the student accumulates an unexcused absence at any time during the school year (after the SAIP), the designated District staff will send to the parent/guardian an official notice of unexcused absence. This notice will inform the parent/guardian that the student has violated the SAIP and will advise the parent/guardian that a citation will be sent immediately to the magisterial district judge.   Designated District staff will refer all future incidents of truancy directly to the appropriate magisterial district judge.

• Penalties For Violations

The compulsory attendance law states that a person convicted of habitual truancy may be fined: (1) up to $300 per offense, with court costs, for the first offense; (2) up to $500 for the second offense; and (3) up to $750 for a third and any and all subsequent offenses.  A referral to the County Children and Youth Agency may also be filed.

BOOK BAGS

Students may use book bags to carry materials to and from school; however, the book bags must be kept in student hallway lockers during the school day.

BULLETIN BOARDS

Bulletin boards are located throughout the school building for the purpose of displaying important announcements, helpful suggestions, student work, and other information.  Defacing a bulletin board or any other display will result in disciplinary action.  Students must obtain permission from a building administrator before posting signs or notices of any type.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Academic Bus:

• The academic bus is provided for students after school.
• The bus stops on the academic bus are different from the regular bus stops in the morning and afternoon.  Please look at the schedule carefully to determine the correct stop for where you live.
• The academic bus runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Students must obtain a pass from their teacher to ride the academic bus.
• If a student is riding the academic bus, they must remain with the teacher until the bus arrives. Bus #1 arrives about 4:20 – Bus #2 arrives about 4:05
• Note:  These times may vary depending on the number of students riding.  If no students get off at a particular stop, that stop may be skipped.

                              Academic Bus Schedule

Bus Guidelines:

• Riding in a school bus is a privilege earned by being a responsible person.
• Repeated violations of the bus policy may result in the loss of transportation privileges.
• If your child is denied riding privileges the responsibility for getting the student to and from school is that of the parents or guardian.
• Students may not ride a bus that has not been assigned to them.

     Bus Acceptable Behavior:

1. Arrive at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the time the bus is scheduled.
2. Keep completely off the roadway until the bus is stopped.
3. Get on and off the bus in an orderly manner; no pushing or shoving.
4. Remain seated with your feet on the floor in front of you.
5. Keep all body parts inside the bus at all times.
6. Get on and off the bus at the assigned bus stop only.
7. Abide by directives of the bus driver at all times.
8. Use emergency doors only during an emergency or an emergency drill.
9. Smoking, swearing, fighting, eating, drinking, yelling and/or throwing of anything are prohibited at all times.

Bus Surveillance Camera Notice:

Students and parents/guardians should be aware that school buses have cameras monitoring bus passengers.  The cameras record sound and visual images.  Camera recordings are reviewed by school officials for discipline and safety purposes and may be provided to police or used in school disciplinary proceedings.  Students should understand that their actions and words while on school buses will be recorded, and that they should have no expectation of privacy when riding school buses.  Riding school buses constitutes consent to the audio and visual recordings by the surveillance camera.

CAFETERIA

• Breakfast is served each morning in the cafeteria from 7:40 to 7:50 AM.

• Everyone will be provided with an application for free or reduced lunches.  Those families who qualify will be notified by the District Office as soon as the application is returned to the office and processed.

• Students will have an opportunity to purchase a wide array of lunch choices each day.  Menu options and a la carte items can be viewed daily on the school district website under Food Services. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in the Point of Sale system (visit https://www.k12paymentcenter.com/default.aspx) which creates an account and operates as a debit system. This eliminates the need for students to bring money to school. Students are not permitted to borrow lunch money from the school.

• Because the food service operates independently from the school’s accounts, checks that are written for the debit system cannot include other fees like:  locker key money, etc.  Checks should be made payable to:  YSSD Food Services

CARE OF BOOKS & EQUIPMENT

Students are responsible for the books, equipment, and materials that they are issued.  Students are responsible to make note of and bring to the attention of the teacher any pre-existing damage to items.  Students will be held liable and charged for loss or damage to any school-issued item.  An item that is stolen or misplaced will still be

considered the responsibility of the student to which it was issued.  For this reason, students are strongly discouraged for leaving/storing a textbook or Chromebook in a classroom.

CHIPS

CHIPS (Caring Helpers Igniting Peer Success) is a peer mentor program consisting of seventh and eighth grade students who have been invited to be trained as a middle school peer mentor.  Our CHIPS students serve as student ambassadors for new students, student guides for special events, and tutors for students who may be struggling academically in the middle school.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

In an effort to provide the best possible environment for learning, classroom teachers may have additional individual expectations under YSMS G.O.T. PRIDE.  Students are expected to adhere to those classroom expectations as well.  In general procedures shall apply in all classes:

• Be on time.  Promptness is very important
• Do not eat food or candy in the classroom
• Have all the required materials (books, pencils, pens, notebooks, homework) and be prepared to work.
• Obtain the teacher’s permission to leave your seat or to talk
• Request a teacher signature in your agenda and sign classroom log before leaving
• Leave the classroom in an orderly manner when dismissed by teacher
• Follow all classroom rules and procedures as established by the teacher

COMPUTER & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Essential units of student for Computer & Information Technology will include:

Business and Computer Science - 6th Grade

Students will create projects using the major office applications for word processing, multimedia presentations, and spreadsheets. In addition, digital citizenship will be explored as it relates to internet safety, technological literacy, and copyright/fair use laws. The course also includes introductory units for both business concepts and block programming techniques.

Business and Computer Science - 7th Grade

Students will learn the principles of marketing and apply them to promotional print and video design projects for a student-run corporation. Additionally, students will participate in a marketing simulation which includes product design, fabrication, pricing, distribution, and promotion of sponsorships for dragster cars - this portion of the course is run in collaboration with Applied Engineering classes.

Business and Computer Science - 8th Grade

Students will work collaboratively as part of a student-run corporation. Topics of study include accounting, marketing, and operations of business, as well as website design. Additionally, students will learn block programming techniques and apply them in combination with design and engineering skills by creating programmable robots. Both portions of the course are run in collaboration with Applied Engineering classes.

COUNSELING SERVICES

• The Guidance Office at the middle school has three basic purposes:  to act as the liaison between the school and community, to work closely with the administration and faculty for individual student advancement, and to help each student be successful academically and personally.

• The Guidance Office has a number of resources that will be of help in addition to the counselors.  There is information on occupations and careers, and on technical-training programs.

Each student will be assigned to the same counselor for the entire middle-school experience.  The counselor will assist them as they pass through the middle grades and give them guidance as they prepare for the senior high-school program.

• Students may consult with their counselor before and after school, during the lunch period, or when permission is granted by their teacher.  Parents may contact the guidance counselor secretary, Mrs. Heather Hertzog, to arrange an appointment with their child’s counselor.  For your convenience, counselor assignments are listed below:

Mrs. Lesli Goodhart, Grade 6

Mrs. Angie Adams, Grade 7

Mr. Jason Showvaker, Grade 8

DANCES

School dances are held during the school year.  Sixth grade dances are held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and seventh and eighth grade dances are held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  A small admission fee is charged to help defray expenses.  During the dance, a disc jockey conducts a dance in the cafeteria.  Refreshments are also available.  Only those students who attend York Suburban Middle School are permitted to attend.  Students must be present in school the day of the dance to attend.  In addition, students assigned to ISS or who are suspended out-of-school on the day of the dance are not permitted to attend.

All school policies, regulations, and the Code of Conduct will be in effect during dances.  Students are urged to utilize good judgment regarding clothing and attire, as the Dress Code will also be enforced.  Suggestive or provocative dancing is inappropriate and strictly prohibited.  The Administration will maintain the sole authority and discretion regarding student attire and conduct for dances.  

Students are to be picked up no later than 15 minutes following the conclusion of the dance.  Attendance at future dances may be jeopardized if this policy is ignored.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

DETENTION

Detention is held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 3:05 to 4:05 PM.  

Detention is assigned when students violate the Code of Conduct.  When assigned a detention, the student will receive a Discipline Notice Form which must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the Middle School Main Office the first day after the infraction.  

Students serving detentions are expected to come prepared with enough books and materials to keep themselves busy for the entire detention period and to be quiet and orderly while there.  Any student without work or appropriate reading material will be assigned work by the teacher in charge.  Students are not permitted to talk or to write/pass notes during the detention period.

Students serving detentions will be permitted to use the academic buses for transportation home.  For more information about the academic buses, please see the section of the handbook entitled “Bus Transportation” starting on Page 12.

A student who must miss detention due to an early dismissal or family obligation must bring a written notification from a parent or guardian to the office.  A student who is absent from school on the day of the assigned detention will have their detention reassigned.  

DISCIPLINE CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct has been established in order to create a safe and positive environment where learning can take place.  It is important for students to be familiar with the expectations that have been established for all members of the school community.  Disciplinary actions related to the various violations of the Code of Conduct are described within.  These measures have been designed with the hope of changing inappropriate student behavior.  

The Discipline Code defines prohibited conduct.  The conduct is prohibited if it occurs on school property, while using School District approved transportation, during participation in or attendance at any school-related activity anywhere, while traveling to and from school or school-related activities, any time or place if the conduct has an adverse impact on the school community, or while the student is otherwise under the school jurisdiction.  

The Code of Conduct provides guidelines to students, school employees, and administrators, but will not under any circumstances, be considered a limitation on the authority of school employees, administrators, or the School Board to define misconduct and to determine the appropriate punishment for any particular misconduct.  The misconduct listed under each level shall not be considered exclusive, but merely provides examples of misconduct that may be considered under the specified level.

Review APPENDIX A (York Suburban School District Code of Conduct): This is an essential element that must be read and reviewed for a successful YSMS experience.

DRESS CODE (Please Reference APPENDIX F - Student Agenda)

We are committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.  For this reason, we will continue to enforce a dress code.  While planning your school wardrobe, students are reminded to exercise good judgment in the selection of appropriate clothing for school.

INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE includes but is not limited to:

• Heavy jackets, hats, bandannas, or head coverings of any kind (except if worn for religious or health purposes)
• Clothing which exhibits double-meaning, suggestive slogans or words, advertisements of illegal products and products inappropriate for school, or profanity
• Gang apparel, colors, symbols, and identification items
• Blouses, shirts, and dresses with spaghetti straps (with shoulder straps less than two inches (2”) wide)
• Pants not worn at waist level
• Displayed undergarments – i.e. boy’s underwear
• Exposed midriffs, buttocks, or cleavage
• Skirts/Shorts that do not reach the mid-thigh
• Leggings, tights, yoga, and other form fitting pants unless worn with a covering that extends to or below the hip.
• Tank Tops – shirts must have sleeves – Boys
• Pajamas of any type including pajama pants
• Slippers, stocking feet
• Sunglasses
• Earbuds or Headphones worn in the hallways.
• See-through or sheer clothing
• Ripped or torn clothing above the knee
• Chains
• Overly large clothing; T-Shirts too long; jeans or slacks too large, hoodies
• Purses and Book Bags

If a student's dress/appearance/grooming is such that it constitutes a threat to the health or safety of others, or otherwise violates this policy, the administration may require the student to change his/her dress.  Students that do not meet these established guidelines may be provided a change of clothes or required to contact a parent/ guardian to provide proper attire.  Students will not be permitted to return to class until they are dressed appropriately.  A second or repeated violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

When a parent wishes to have a student dismissed from school before the regular time for a doctor appointment he/she should send a written request to the Main office.  This request must be presented immediately upon arrival to school in the morning.  A parent/guardian must come into the building to sign out any student who is leaving school early.

EDUCATIONAL TRIP PROCEDURES

• The school district recognizes that, from time to time, students may have the opportunity to participate in pre-planned trips and educational experiences during the regular school day.  It is recommended that every effort be made to arrange trips during times when school is not in session.

• Upon receipt of a written notice from the parents/guardians of the YSMS students involved, students may be excused from school attendance for up to five (5) school days per year to participate in educational trips. Trips are evaluated and approved by the school principal in advance.  Student participants are subject to direction and supervision by school approved adults.

• Pre-approval forms shall be available on the school website (https://www.yssd.org/ms/pgresources/) and in each school office.  The parent/guardian shall be responsible for completing and returning a full and complete pre-approval form prior to the educational trip.

• Applications for educational trips to occur during the first or last ten (10) days of school will not be approved.  Applications for educational tours or trips to occur during any pre-established testing or examination periods, including mid-term or final exam periods or PSSA testing will not be approved.  Absences during such periods will be considered unexcused.

• The student will be required to secure and complete all classroom assignments which occur during the period of the educational tour or trip.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES – Bring Your Own Device - BYOD

Teachers may integrate the use of student personal devices, but before a student can bring a personal electronic device to school, she/he must read and agree to Board Policy 237 and 815 and register his/her device.  Accessing these required steps can be done on the school district website www.yssd.org.   Without teacher approval and adherence to Board Policy 237 and 815, cellular phones, cameras, radios, MP3 players, iPods, laptops, video game units, or other electronic devices are not to be used, heard, or seen during the instructional school day.   When devices are brought to school, they must remain in a student’s locked locker and be turned off until being used for the specific instructional intention. The school will not be held responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices and students will store them at their own risk.  Students that fail to follow this policy will have their electronic device confiscated and parents/guardians will be required to pick up the devices.  Continued violation of this policy may also result in disciplinary action.  APPENDIX G – School Board Policy 237 and 815.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Contract for Participation in Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities (APPENDIX B)

• Eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities is determined on a weekly basis and all student athletes must meet the minimum eligibility criteria set forth by the York Suburban School District and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).  These requirements are as follows (APPENDIX K):

• A student’s academic eligibility to participate will be determined on a weekly basis.
• A student who is failing two or more courses that meet a minimum of three times per cycle will be ineligible to participate in the activity during the following week.
• If a student is ineligible for a third week in a row during a marking period, he/she will be removed from the team.
• A parent and student signature on the York Suburban School District Contract for Participation in Co-curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities form.
• Students who are tardy will not be permitted to participate in events or practices on the day of tardiness unless they have a doctor’s excuse.

• An administrator may grant an exception to this provision one time per marking period so long as the student is present by the end of first period as per School Board Policy #122.

• Students must be in attendance on Friday in order to participate in weekend activities.

• There will be a $50 activity fee for any student that will be involved with an extra-curricular activity, regardless of the number of activities the student participates in during the school year.   In addition, the “Contract for Participation in Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities” that all students sign for each sport or activity will now be completed once at the beginning of the year.  If your son/daughter is likely to participate in any activity during the course of the year, he/she should submit the form on either the first day of school or the first day of practice for fall activities (August 15).  All students participating in activities must sign the form before participating; we encourage all students to submit the form at the beginning of the year.  While a student may sign and submit a form later in the year, students are responsible for adhering to the guidelines throughout the school year.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

School closings will be announced on many local television and radio stations.  Emergency information will also be posted on the school district’s website, at www.yssd.org.  The school district will utilize InTouch, a telephone and e-mail notification system, to notify parents/guardians of school closings, early dismissals, late starts, or other emergency information.  For this reason, parents/guardians are urged to keep the school informed of current home and work telephone information and email addresses.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

The Family and Consumer Science course of study offers a practical “hands-on” program for our students.  The foods and nutrition unit in the sixth-grade curriculum emphasizes measuring skills, following direction, preparing simple snacks, the Tech Design modules, learning to make healthy food choices, and learning basic life skills.  The seventh grade classes review principles of basic food preparation by preparing nutritious breakfasts and lunches and participate in an advance study of salads, casseroles, and healthy desserts.  In eighth grade, students explore the technology center in order to prepare them to take on all of life’s challenges.  The hands-on curriculum includes such areas as Finding Solutions, Living Spaces, Parenting and Human Development, Fabrics and Fashions, Consumer and Family Services, and Child Care and Development.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are scheduled periodically throughout the school year to support the curriculum.  These trips are intended for educational purposes only.  A permission slip signed by a parent or guardian is required before a student may participate in a field trip.  Students may be excluded from participation in field trips as a result of inappropriate behavior at the discretion of a building administrator.

While on a field trip, students will be required to remain with their assigned group and under the direct supervision of a chaperone at all times.  Students will refrain from conduct or actions which will tend to reflect poorly on the York Suburban Middle School.  All provisions of the Middle School Discipline Code and guidelines for student behavior and attire are in effect at all times.  Any student who is dressed inappropriately for the trip at the discretion of a building administrator will not be permitted to accompany the group.  APPENDIX C – Read and review the Kingston Park permission letter.  

FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills will be held on a monthly basis throughout the school year.  Signs are posted in each room signifying the direction and exit that should be used by the students in that location.  It is required that all students move quickly, cautiously, and quietly when exiting the building.  The following guidelines shall apply:

• When a fire drill is signaled, students should proceed from the classroom in an orderly fashion and under the supervision of a teacher or staff members.  Students should not run during a fire drill.  Students should remain with their classes and teachers at all times.
• Students should proceed down the corridor in a single file.
• No talking is permitted.  Students should remain quiet in order to hear any instructions that are given.
• After leaving the building, students will remain with their teacher for attendance purposes and then await further instructions.
• Students are not permitted to return to the building until directed to do so by a teacher or staff member.
• When instructed to come back into the building, it is to be a silent entrance.

FOOD, SNACK & BEVERAGE POLICY

Food, snacks, and beverages are not permitted in classrooms without the expressed permission of the teacher or supervising staff member.  At the teacher’s discretion, an opportunity for snack may be provided.  Snacks should have nutritional value and their consumption should not cause an interruption to the learning process.  Peanut-free teams and/or areas of the building may be established depending upon the needs of the student population.

FORGOTTEN ITEMS & DELIVERIES
As parents and educators, it is our charge to impart a sense of responsibility upon our children.  Therefore, your son or daughter should develop a nightly routine of packing his/her backpack with all the necessary materials needed for the following school day.  This includes lunch money, homework, instruments, learning materials, etc.  Establishing a nightly routine of organization will help to eliminate forgotten items and the need for parents to make a trip to school.  The administration strongly encourages parents not to bring forgotten materials to school for their children.  Bringing forgotten items to the office places the burden of responsibility on the secretarial staff instead of the student.  If you choose to bring forgotten items to the office, those items will not be distributed until the child’s lunch period.  It is the responsibility of the students to know to check with the Office if they have forgotten something from home or if they are expecting an item to be delivered.

Please refrain from having items delivered to students from services such as florists. These deliveries for students will not be accepted at YSMS.

GRADES

Report cards are posted electronically on a quarterly basis at the end of each marking period.  Interim progress can be actively viewed and are available through Infinite Campus throughout each grading period for all students.

Report cards are viewable through Infinite Campus. Information and details regarding accessing report cards will be distributed to each family. Upon reviewing report card information, students and parents are urged to contact the specific teacher regarding any questions about a report card grade or comment.  Parents may contact the Guidance Office to arrange a conference with the assigned guidance counselor and team of teachers.

Grading for Band, Chorus, Orchestra, FLEX (Grade 8)

A student will pass for the academic year if they obtain a mean average of 64% or higher in a given subject. If a student fails two or more core subjects, they will be considered for retention. If a child receives failing grades for two or more marking periods, the middle school administration reserves the right to decide if the child will pass for the academic year.  

Incompletes:

• Should a pupil not have had time to make-up work, due to an extended absence, before the end of one grading period, he or she may be given an incomplete.  If the work has not been completed within 15 school days beyond the marking period, the Incomplete missed work will be considered a “0” and the grade closed.  This means that if a student fails to complete one assignment during a marking period, a “0” is recorded for that one assignment.  This “0” is a grade for one assignment and is to be averaged with other grades of the marking period to determine the report card grade.
• Any missing work from a UA rotation may be made up until 11 days after the end of the UA rotation, not the 11 days after the end of the marking period.

HALLWAY BEHAVIOR

Students are not permitted in hallways during class time or lunch without a signed pass.  Noise in the hallway should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing classes that are in session.  Students are given two minutes between classes to get to their next class or to lunch.  Students are expected to arrive to their destination, with this timeframe.  While in the hallways, students are to use a normal tone of voice and to walk in an orderly manner.  Students are expected to keep their hands/arms/feet to themselves.  Loitering is prohibited at all times.

HEALTH SERVICES

The nursing goal is to ensure a healthy safe day for each child at school.  The nurse will focus on school day problems.  She may not diagnose home-related illnesses.  Medical attention will be advised if necessary.

        Exclusion From School for Illness

        Parents are asked to keep their children home from school for the following                 reasons:  Fever greater than 100 degrees F; Vomiting; Diarrhea; If your child         is ill enough that they will not be able to effectively participate in school.

        As a guide for parents, the following has been taken from the Rules and                         Regulations for the Control of Communicable Diseases, Pennsylvania                         Department of Health. PLEASE NOTE:  Your child should be without fever, active         vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours (without the use of Tylenol or Motrin) prior to                 returning to school.

        Communicable Diseases (and exclusion period)

Chicken pox-Five days from the appearance of the first vesicles, or when all the lesions are dried and crusted, whichever is sooner.

Strep Throat-24 hrs from start of antibiotic

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) -until judged non infective, without a discharge

Head Lice-immediately after first treatment. The person shall be reexamined for infestation by the school nurse 7 days post treatment

Ringworm-immediately after the first treatment, if body lesions are covered. Neither scalp nor body lesions that are dried need to be covered.

Impetigo-24 hours after the start of treatment

Scabies-after completion of appropriate treatment

        Illness at School

In the event that a child becomes ill at school, the parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to come to school to pick up their child.  It is imperative that we have updated emergency phone numbers at school in the event that we are unable to reach the parents.  The above regulations have been made to protect the health of your child and other children at school.  

Health Alert Items

It is imperative that you notify the nurse’s office as soon as possible if your child has a health concern or is currently taking any medications.  This information is important to have in your child’s health record. Should there be an emergency at school; accurate records allow us to treat your child accordingly.

Physical Examinations

A physical examination must be submitted to the school at the start of the K/1, sixth and 11th grade school year. The physical is to be completed within12 months prior to the start of the school year. In addition, parents must complete the annual health history form that will be in the back to school packet that your child receives. These both are to become part of the student's health record.

Dental Examinations

A dental examination must be submitted to the school at the start of the K/1, third and seventh grade school year. The dental is to be completed within 12 months prior to the start of the school year.

BMI and vision screening - These screenings will be completed on your child each academic year by the school nurse. BMI is a weight-for-stature index, used as a tool to evaluate a student’s growth pattern.  We will calculate your child’s BMI by using their height and weight information.  Once completed, all results are sent home to parents.

Hearing screening - Your child will have hearing screening completed in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, & 11.  

Scoliosis- Your child will have a scoliosis screening completed in grades 6 and 7. If this is completed at your child’s well child checkup by your physician please submit a copy to the school.

Insurance information - Please feel free to contact the school nurse regarding any concerns with insurance coverage for your child.  

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:  The following immunizations are required for admission to school for all students.  Specific dates must be provided.

• 4 doses of dtap ****
• 3 doses of polio ****
• 3 doses of hepatitis B
• 2 doses of MMR
• 2 doses of Varicella
• Tdap-one dose for start of 7th grade
• MCV-one dose for start of 7th grade
• MCV-second dose for start of 12th grade (or one dose after age 16)

        ****one dose must be on or after fourth birthday and given 6                 months after the previous dose****

All immunizations must be submitted as soon as possible to comply with state requirements and avoid exclusion from school. Vaccines can be administered for a minimal fee at the State Health Department at 1750 North George Street. A parent must accompany the student and you must bring a current immunization record for your child. You can call 771-4505 for further information or to set up an appointment. Vaccines may also be given by your own doctor or healthcare provider.

        See your school nurse with any questions  

HOMELESS (McKinney Vento)

Youth who are experiencing homelessness have special rights under a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act. Students qualify for its protections if they have no consistent, appropriate place to stay. This includes youth who are “doubled up” with other youth or families due to economic hardship; “couch surfing;” living in a car, motel, hotel, camping grounds, trailer park, or sleeping outdoors or in a public place; or living in a shelter. The law protects youth who have run away from home, been thrown out of their home, been abandoned by parents or guardians, or separated from their parents for any other reason. These youth are called “unaccompanied homeless youth.” Homeless students have two options for where to attend school: the school they were attending when they became homeless or the school where they are currently staying. If you have questions concerning homeless students or need additional information, please contact the district liaison, Miranda King, Coordinator of Student and Family Services.

HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned in order to reinforce concepts introduced in class, to supplement and complement daily classroom activity, and to provide opportunities for independent reading, preparation, and study.  In general, homework will account for 10% or less of a student’s marking period grade.  Students are encouraged to utilize their agenda to record daily and long-term assignments.  At the middle school level, students should have a structured routine for nightly homework preparation and review even when no written work is due.  Generally, total homework should not exceed 90 minutes per day.

HOMEWORK CLUB

York Suburban Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in Homework Club held in the middle school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the school year.  Teachers will monitor and assist students with academic needs and assignments.  This is a voluntary program subject to the expectations outlined within the York Suburban School District Code of Conduct.  Homework Club runs from 3:05 to 4:05 and students may take the academic bus home after the club concludes.

INFINITE CAMPUS (IC)

• Infinite Campus is an online, academic progress tracking tool that allows everyone in the education process to be more involved in their child’s education.
• Infinite Campus serves as an informational and a communication tool for school administrators and staff, guidance counselors, parents, and students.
• With Infinite Campus, parents can check their child’s progress at any time during the day with regards to grades, attendance, and behavior.
• Any urgent or personal communication should be done by phone or by making an appointment to meet in person with the teacher.
• In order to access your child’s grades or attendance records, Internet access and a user ID and password are needed.  This information was mailed at the start of the school year.
• For security reasons, the district will not disclose username or password information over the phone or via e-mail.  This information will be mailed to you.
• Parents who have lost their username and/or password may retrieve them by contacting the Instructional Technology Department through e-mail.  The lost information will then be mailed home.
• Technical questions should be forwarded to Mrs. Koller at 885-1134.
• Although Infinite Campus will assist with communication between the home and school, it is important to consider that your child’s grades will not be updated on a daily basis.
• The middle school staff is required to update grades within Infinite Campus once a week.
• Updated grades will be available to parents every Tuesday morning.

IMPORTANT MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES

See APPENDIX E for important Middle School dates.

LIBRARY MEDIA SERVICES

The Library Media Center has available to students a wide array of resources and materials.  Students will often visit the Library in conjunction with regularly scheduled classes.  The YSMS library is open from 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.  The library is available for individual research, class research, book selection and reading.  Students are permitted to check out books, videos, cassettes, digital audio books and CDs for a period of three weeks.  Periodicals have a one week circulation.  All materials may be renewed.  Students are expected to return all materials on their due date.  Lost or damages materials will be assessed at the actual replacement cost of the item.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES

In the event of a building lockdown, it is mandatory that all students carefully follow the announced instructions and adhere to the directions provided by teachers and staff members.  Students who are in the hallway are to move into the nearest occupied classrooms.   Students are not permitted to use the classroom telephone or cell phones during a lockdown.  From time to time, a lockdown drill may be initiated in order to practice those procedures that would be implemented in the event of an actual emergency.

LOCKERS

Student lockers are owned by the York Suburban School District and loaned to students for their use and convenience.  The building administrators exercise exclusive control over student lockers.  A student should not expect privacy regarding items placed in a locker, as lockers are subject to search by school officials.

Students will be given a lock at the start of the school year.  All lockers should remain locked with the student issued lock.  That lock will be returned in May.  If the lock is lost you will be charged a $10.00 fee to replace the lock.

LOST AND FOUND

The Lost and Found Department is located at the main entrance to the cafeteria.  Anything lost should be reported to the office and anything found should be taken to the office.  Check daily for any item that may have been lost.  There are many unclaimed items left in the lost and found area each year.  Wellness teachers maintain lost and found departments in each of the gym offices.  Lost jewelry, watches, keys, and money will be located in the main office.

MEDICATION POLICY

The York Suburban School District recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for the health of their children.  It is our procedure to request that medication be given before or after school hours whenever possible.  If it is essential that the student receive any medication (including over-the-counter medications) during school hours, the following information must be completed or no medication will be given.

• Medication form with the physician signature, name of the                                 medication, dose, time to be given, & frequency.

• Written permission from the parent or guardian on the medication                         form.

• Medication must be in the original container from the pharmacy with                 proper dosage and administration instructions.

• Parents must bring the medication to school.

        **    Medication will not be given in school unless all of the above criteria                                have been met.

The health room will provide students over the counter medications per school physician orders with parental permission. Parents must consent to OTC medications  yearly on the health history form. A maximum of seven doses of analgesics may be administered per school year.  Students may receive additional doses of analgesics if prescribed by a physician Parent/guardian (not the student) must bring in the medication in the original container.  All medication must be stored in the health room where the nurse will dispense it to the student for whom it has been prescribed according to the physician’s order.

MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM PARENTS

Due to the number of students in the school and the disruption that this causes to the learning environment, it may not be possible for our staff to relay telephone messages.  Only messages of an urgent nature will be delivered between class periods.  

• If your child has to be picked up after school for an appointment, etc. write a reminder note in your child’s agenda.  Do not phone the office requesting the secretaries to deliver the reminder message.  This places the burden of responsibility on the secretarial staff in the event the child does not receive the message.

MUSIC PROGRAMS

The middle school age is a crucial age for students to become involved in many different subject areas.  Many choose to become involved in music by singing in the choir, playing an instrument in band, or playing in the string ensemble.  Students may audition for more select groups such as the vocal ensembles and jazz band.  All students take music classes for a rotation period in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.  Throughout their three years, students learn about singing, playing classroom instruments, music from other cultures, music history, as well as about current and past music.   In composition and in playing their instruments, they learn about the essential discipline and problem-solving techniques needed in a stimulating environment.

        Chorus:

6th Grade - Days 2 and 4

        7th/8th grade - Days 1 and 5

        Band:        

        6th Grade - Days 1 & 5

        7th/8th Grade - Days 2 & 4

        Orchestra:

        6th Grade - Day 1

        7th/8th Grade - Day 2

        Combined - Days 4 & 5

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled two different times during the school year.  Middle School conferences for the 2019-2020 school year will be held:

September 30, 2019 and October 3, 2019

January 23, 2020

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss student progress.  Other parent/teacher conferences throughout the school year should be arranged through your child’s teacher.  Please do not wait until conference time if you have immediate questions or concerns; contact teachers directly.

PICTURES

Each year individual pictures of all students are taken by a commercial photographer.  This photographer provides, without charge, pictures for use on permanent records and for the yearbook.  Parents are not required to purchase pictures, but may do so if desired.  Student pictures are scheduled for August 30, 2019, with retakes scheduled for November 7, 2019.  

PRIDE…G.O.T. PRIDE

A serious topic within our schools today is bullying.  We, at York Suburban Middle School, are committed to providing a bully-free environment.  As part of a continuing effort to prevent bullying situations, we have a Bully Prevention Program in place called PRIDE (People Respecting Individual Differences Every Day).

Bullying is taken very seriously at YSMS.  Our students and staff participate in presentations and class meetings throughout the year where information about bullying is provided, questions are answered, and concerns are discussed.

YSMS rules against bullying include:

**We will NOT bully other students.

**We will TRY to help students who are bullied.

**We will make a point to INCLUDE students who are easily left out.

**When we know somebody is being bullied, we will TELL an adult at school AND an adult at home.

It is very important that students report bullying incidents to an adult.  If the staff is unaware of the bullying situation, we cannot help to resolve it.  Students may obtain R.E.B.E.L. (Report Bullying Events Loudly) forms from any teacher to report a bullying situation confidentially.  Parents are encouraged to notify the school if their child is being bullied at school or on the bus.  Consequences are in place for the bully as part of our program.

By following the program, we may all have a chance to “Be Somebody’s Hero” and achieve a bully-free environment.

G.O.T. PRIDE – In conjunction with our school wide anti-bullying initiative, YSMS and School Wide Effective Behavior Supports (SWEBS) developed building wide expectations.  SWEBS is a process for creating safe and effective learning environments for all students using researched-based strategies.  SWEBS is a proactive approach to teach, monitor, and support positive, appropriate school behavior.  York Suburban Middle School shows it has G.O.T. PRIDE! 

Give Respect

Outstanding Effort

Take Responsibility

Students receive GOT PRIDE cards when a teacher, staff member, cafeteria member, or bus driver observe a student demonstrating expected behaviors.  Students are being recognized for “doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.”  GOT PRIDE cards are then entered into weekly and monthly drawings where students have the opportunity to earn prizes.  APPENDIX I is the YSMS G.O.T. PRIDE Matrix

PARENT STUDENT ORGANIZATION (PSO)

Working collaboratively parents and YSMS student government provide opportunities for students and parents to participate in programs like school dances, fun day, and other social events.

Please join us at our monthly meetings at the middle school or contact the school office.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Physical contact and public displays of affection are prohibited.

PUBLICATION OF STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS AND WORK

Parents or guardians who do not wish to have their child’s picture and/or work appear in district publications, including electronic publications, must notify a building administration on an annual basis.

REACH

(Raising Expectations And Climbing Higher) is an afternoon program designed to assist those students in danger of failing 2 or more major subjects.  This program will begin after the first marking period and will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

In addition to our PM REACH, students who need help with organizational skills will meet with a team of teachers during extended home room.

ROOTS AND WINGS

The Roots and Wings offers a practical, “hands-on” course of study for students in the middle grades.  In a tiered and spiraling manner, Roots and Wings focuses on five core social-emotional competency areas that are critical for healthy development.  These five areas include:  self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.  Sixth graders will focus a great deal on self-exploration topics, such as developing an accurate self-perception, recognizing strengths, building self-confidence, and improving emotional self-regulation.  Seventh graders will revisit self-exploration topics before focusing on building and maintaining positive peer and school-community relationships.  Specific skills will include perspective-taking, empathy development, communication circles, resisting social pressure, and conflict negotiation skills.  Eighth graders will investigate self-exploration topics and continue improving peer and school-community relationship skills.  In addition, they will apply these skills to the larger community and delve more deeply into topics such as ethics, safety, norms, consequences, and overall well-being.  

SAP

The Student Assistance Program at York Suburban Middle School was set up to help students with problems which may include drug and alcohol, divorce, separation and loss, or depression.  The SAP Team accepts referrals from staff, students, and parents.  All information is kept confidential.  The program has a team made up of teachers, counselors, nurses, administrators, and agencies from the community. The Student Assistance Team is trained to identify and refer “high risk” students for appropriate assessment and treatment.

• Current SAP Team members include:  Dr. Scott Krauser, Mrs. Jennifer Fasick, Mrs. Lesli Goodhart, Mr. Jason Showvaker, Mrs. Denise Stayman, Mr. Scott Payne, Mrs. Lisa Arcuri-Brosi, Mr. Dave Darrah, Melissa Martin, and representatives from county agencies.  Several other staff members are trained for this team and serve as representatives on a rotating basis.

SCHOOLOGY

Schoology is a student learning management system (LMS) that allows students and their families to check their assignments and calendar items.  Students use Schoology to access content, lessons, and assessments under their teachers' direction.  Ask a teacher if you are having difficulty accessing Schoology, or contact your counselor for additional technical questions.

SMOKING

Smoking is strictly prohibited by any individual on any York Suburban School District property. This includes e-cigarettes.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

All social functions sponsored by the Middle School and/or PSO are open to York Suburban Middle School students only.  The building administrators reserve the right to restrict students from participation in social functions based on academic performance and/or student behavior.

STAYING AFTER SCHOOL

Students who remain on campus beyond the end of the regularly scheduled school day must be in an activity under the direct supervision of a teacher or staff member.  No student may stay after school to simply “hang out.”  Extra help from a teacher, participation in a sport, use of the library, and detention are examples of supervised activities.

STUDENT RECOGNITION

The following awards and certificates are presented to students throughout the year.

1. Distinguished Honor Roll and Honor Roll
2. Got PRIDE card in recognition of being caught demonstrating one of the school SWEBS’ Give Respect, Outstanding Effort, Taking Responsibility
3. #100 Club for displaying one of the studied nine character traits
4. Presidential Academic Award (8th)
5. Presidential Physical Fitness Awards (6th, 7th, and 8th)
6. American Legion Award (8th)
7. Team Recognition Award
8. Other service organizations and participation award

SUPPLY LIST

Every year grade level teachers provide students with a list of expected supplies to make their academic year a success.  See APPENDIX D - 6th GRADE, 7TH GRADE, 8TH GRADE.

TAKE 10

READ - READ - READ

During the First 10 minutes of SPP

• Read books, class novels, textbooks, magazines, newspapers, etc…
•  This is NOT a time for other written homework assignments.
• After the 10 minutes of reading, everyone will log pages read on the One Million Page Challenge CLICK HERE

TELEPHONE CALLS

Students needing to make a telephone call to a parent or guardian should obtain permission from a teacher or staff member prior to reporting to the Main Office.  All student telephone calls must be made in the Main Office.  Cell phone usage, including text-messaging, is not permitted any time during the school day.

TESTING PROGRAM

Please avoid scheduling appointments or absences during these important testing dates:

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS DURING PSSA TESTING DATES WILL

NOT BE APPROVED

Testing Schedule

                Grade 6, 7, & 8

                PSSA English Language Arts – Week of April 20-24, 2020

                PSSA Mathematics – Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020

                Grade 8

                PSSA Science – Week of May 4 - May 8, 2020

TROJAN MORNING CREW (TMC)

• Similar to the Homework Club, Trojan Morning Crew (TMC) to support students.
• 6:55-7:05 AM - Drop-off time
• 7:40 AM - Students are excused to homeroom
• The purpose of the TMC is to provide a quiet and safe place for students that need extra time to get work completed or assistance to complete their work.
• The TMC will be staffed by teacher volunteers from the middle school.
• All students joining the TMC will be required to have academic work to complete.
• Students will not have access to any other part of the middle school other than the TMC room so they must come prepared to work.
• The students will enter the building at the library entrance and sign in upon their arrival.

VALUABLES

Students should avoid bringing valuables or large sums of money to school and placing these items in their lockers.  Students are required to keep their lockers locked at all times.  The School District is not responsible and building administrators will not become involved when personal items, such as cell phones or IPods, are lost or stolen.

VISITORS TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

All visitors to the Middle School are required to sign-in at the Main Office.  They will be issued a Visitor Badge which must be worn at all times in order to maintain proper security.  Parents or guardians who wish to visit specific classrooms must make prior arrangements through a building administrator.  No student visitors will be permitted during the school day without prior administrative approval.

WELLNESS

For Physical Education Class, attire is required for all students participating and must conform to the school dress code guidelines.  For hygiene and safety, students are required to change clothes for Physical Education class.  The required attire shall consist of elastic waistband athletic shorts or cotton sweatpants with no pockets, a crewneck T-shirt, and sneakers with laces.  Students may purchase a school (black shorts/orange shirt) uniform for approximately $17.00 by requesting an order form from the physical education teachers.  The uniform should not be worn during the regular school day.

Wellness contributes significantly to the comprehensive education of the whole child. There is strong connection between successful learning and child health. Healthier children are happier, face fewer impediments to learning, and overcome challenges to learn more easily. The following components are part of the educational program in the York Suburban Middle School:

• Educating the Whole Child 
  Educational excellence in the traditional content areas is not sufficient to ensure success. There is a strong link of interdependence between child health and productive learning.
• Health-Literate Children
  Dispensing health information is not health education. The focus is on helping children gather and understand credible health information; and then use this information to make decisions about their own health, their families' health, and the health of their communities. 
• Parent Partnership
  Parents hold significant power to influence student choices about potentially risky behavior. Research indicates that parents with support from other parents and educators can do many things to influence the environment for their children, the attitudes their children develop, and the social norms in the school and community. 
• Active Participation
  Regular physical activity provides numerous health benefits. There is compelling reason to believe that helping children learn to be active early in their lives will provide a foundation for lifetime physical activity.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

Students withdrawing from the York Suburban Middle School should report this information to the Guidance Office as soon as possible or at least one day in advance of their departure.  Students must provide the name and address of the school in which they will be enrolled.  On the last day of attendance, the student must have a teacher withdrawal form signed by each teacher indicating that all books have been returned and obligations fulfilled.  The completing of the withdrawal form is necessary prior to the release of all records to the new school.  Also a school withdrawal must be signed by the parent/guardian.

WORLD LANGUAGE

The foreign-language program at York Suburban Middle School provides students the opportunity to gain a full year of Spanish, French, or German.  Eligible eighth grade students may select a language and study it every day for the entire year.  Upon successful completion of this study, students will be placed in an appropriate-level course at the senior high school.  Students learn not only the language itself but also the customs, cultures, music, and foods of the country being studied.

YEARBOOK

The middle school Yearbook is compiled by students who participate all year in the Yearbook Club.  Orders and payment for the yearbook will be collected in the fall and the books will be distributed during the last week of school.