BRMS STUDENT HANDBOOK 2025-2026

MISSION & VISION STATEMENT

Mission Statement:

Prepare Each Student for a Successful Future

Vision Statement

Challenge accepted; we grow together!

We envision Bear River Middle to be a school where all faculty and staff:

1. Lead the effort to create a welcoming, positive, and exciting learning atmosphere through powerful relationships
2. Uses data to inform decisions for academic and interpersonal skills for each student
3. Responds promptly to needs through an effective multi-tiered system of supports
4. Uses restorative practices to engage students in changing behaviors
5. Accepts coaching and feedback from various sources to continually improve their art of teaching
6. Collaborates through an effective PLC process

As a result of the efforts of faculty and staff, we envision Bear River Middle to be a school where all students:

1. Display pride and excitement to be at BRMS
2. Understand their personal data to grow academically and interpersonally
3. They can advocate for themselves and others through effective communication with the faculty and staff at BRMS.
4. They are responsible for their personal conduct and learning, where positive actions are celebrated, and challenging behaviors will be first corrected through restorative practices.
5. Understand, take advantage of, and have a voice in various growth opportunities.
6. Will succeed because of teacher commitment to a highly effective PLT process

We envision Bear River Middle to be a school where guardians, families, and our community:

1. Will be engaged with our school beyond the realm of extracurricular activities

WELCOME     

Welcome to Bear River Middle School!  BRMS is a fantastic place to be. It has an incredible student body and a staff dedicated to developing the whole child. We love our community stakeholders and the incredible resources, talents, and diversity they bring to our school.

We look forward to a fantastic school year and appreciate the opportunity to serve in this beautiful community.

A NOTE TO GUARDIANS

Our goal at BRMS is to partner with guardians to teach the whole child. We welcome your feedback and participation in school events. We look forward to meeting with you and collaborating with you. We thank you for the opportunity to educate your child and help him/her reach his/her highest potential. Please feel free to reach out to BRMS with any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s education. We value your input.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Academic Program

The curriculum at BRMS allows every student to succeed. You will study reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, health, and physical education. In addition, you can participate in excellent courses in visual and performing arts, technology education, family and consumer science, foreign languages, and music.

Assemblies

Please behave respectfully and appropriately during assemblies with the following guidelines:

● Please show respect during the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.

● Sit with your teacher.

● Pay attention to the presenters.

● No electronic device use.

Backpacks

Backpacks are expected to be kept in lockers. Students will have 4-minute passing times to get necessary supplies for each class. Specific accommodations will be met as needed.  Because so much of the curriculum is online, backpacks are not necessary.

Bear Time/ Study Skills

Bear Time/Study Skills is an intervention and extension program that supports you academically. Intervention targets students who need additional assistance mastering specific learning goals in specific classes. Extension allows students to increase their knowledge and delve further into the curriculum. This time is coordinated through academic departments and offered during Bear Time.  

Bullying

Definition of bullying, “The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.” ANTI-BULLYING ALLIANCE

BRMS has a zero-tolerance policy and takes bullying seriously. Reports of bullying may be given to any adult in the building or reported on the anonymous tip line (QR below). If parents, guardians, friends, siblings, etc., suspect bullying, you must report it to the administration. The administration investigates all reports of bullying.

For more information on bullying, see BESD policy 5270.

Bus Transportation

You qualify for bus transportation if you live two miles or more from the school and within our school boundaries. Follow the bus driver’s directions. Do not get on or off the bus at a stop other than your assigned stop.  Misbehavior on the bus, including abusive language toward the driver or other students, or at a bus stop may lead to school and district consequences, including loss of riding privileges. Policy #2216

Cafeteria

Nutritional lunches and breakfasts will be served.

Cafeteria Behavior

We expect the same respectful behavior you demonstrate in other building areas in the cafeteria. Here are specific expectations for cafeteria behavior:

● Do not crowd the register area.

● Wait your turn. No cutting in line.

● Clean up after yourself.

● Stay in designated areas.

● All food must be consumed in the cafeteria or outside.

● Do not leave campus during lunch.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

BESD Student Use of Electronic Devices Policy 5305 -(2)  All electronic devices will be turned off, not used, and be kept out of sight during class time. (3) Policies governing student use of electronic devices before school, between class times, during their lunch and/or recess periods, and during and after school activities will be determined at the school level.

BRMS Student Use of Electronic Devices Policy - (Medical accommodations will be made according to IEP and 504 guidelines)

No personal electronic devices (including watches, earbuds, cellphones, etc.) are allowed during class time. Students may access electronic devices during passing time, lunch, and before and after school. Upon entering the classroom, students are required to turn off their cellphone and other electronic devices. Cell phones and other electronic devices shall be turned off, out of sight (may be placed in classroom phone caddy), and may not be used/accessed during class time.

Warning and Consequence -

Teachers and Administration will review the cell phone policy with students the first days of the trimesters This is the student's warning for electronic use.

1. First offense: The teacher will contact the main office and administration. Students will be called down to the office and will place their cell phone or electronic device in the locked cabinet. Students will receive their phone back at the end of the school day. An email notice will be sent home to parents to inform them of the consequence.
2. Second offense: The teacher will contact the main office and administration. Students will be called down to the office and will place their electronic device in the locked cabinet. Parents will be contacted to pick up the electronic device.
3. Repeat offenders: The teacher will repeat the above for repeated offenses. The parent will be required to come and meet with the administration to develop a plan for personal electronics.

Cell Phone - Electronics Policy FAQ

WHEN CAN CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONICS BE USED AT SCHOOL?

• Cell phones and other electronics devices may be used on school grounds before school, during hall transitions, during lunch, and after school.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CONTACT MY STUDENT?

• Students can respond to parents before or after school, during transitions, and at lunch. Parents can contact the main office if they need to get a hold of their student. (435) 515-5890

Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating and plagiarism in any form are unacceptable. The teacher will contact the guardian to notify them of the infraction. A strategy will be discussed to intervene in the behavior and ensure the student is still responsible for learning the content. Continued infractions may result in possible loss of academic credit, deduction in citizenship, and/or other restorative actions.

Closed Campus and Visitors

BRMS is a closed campus, including during lunchtime. This means you must remain on campus during the school day unless you are being checked out, following the proper checkout procedures. Student visitors are not allowed at school during the school day. Adult visitors must obtain a visitor pass from the main office.

Computers, Chromebooks, Canvas, and Apps

You will be using Chromebooks and Canvas in most of your classes. This access to technology will help you stay organized, take notes, and turn in assignments and assessments. Using Chromebooks and Canvas is a privilege. Treat all devices with care and only use them for school-related activities. If you damage a device, you may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Misuse of devices could result in the loss of privileges. Each student will be responsible for signing a Computer User Agreement during registration; without this agreement, students cannot use any technology at school. B.E. Policy #4177

Counseling

The counseling center is located near the main office. The counseling center can help you with educational or personal needs. Students, guardians, and staff members are encouraged to seek assistance by contacting the counseling secretary for appointments.

Dangerous Items

It is against the law to bring dangerous items to school. This includes any firearm or object (real or fake) used for or is readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

Tell an adult immediately if you suspect another student has brought or plans to bring a dangerous item to school. If you accidentally bring a weapon to school (for instance, you had a knife in your backpack from a camping trip), immediately bring it to an administrator, and do not show it to anyone.

Disclosure Statement and Course Descriptions

Students will receive disclosure statements regarding classwork expectations, grading requirements, homework policies, citizenship responsibilities, etc. These should be signed by their legal guardians and returned. Specific course descriptions are available from each department/teacher. Your signature means that you have read and understood the expectations for the class.

Disrespect and Insubordination

We expect students to follow reasonable directives from all staff.  Interventions will be implemented for students who need help following reasonable directives.

Dress Code Policy

BRMS has implemented the following dress and appearance standards for students. Please refer to the graphic below as you read the dress and appearance standards.

Dress and Appearance Standards include (but not limited to) the following:

Parents are the primary educators of their students. We ask that parents encourage students to support the dress code while attending classes at BRMS.

1. Hats and other headwear:

• May be worn unless it disrupts the school or school activity, limits the ability of others to identify the student or is being used to conceal earbuds or headphones.
• The hoods of coats and hoodies may not be worn while in the building.

2. Clothing (See figure):

• While standing, clothing must cover all areas of the body as identified in the illustration below. Note that the illustration is the same for front and back clothing.
• No viewable undergarments. Shoulder straps should be at least 2 inches wide. No spaghetti straps.
• Clothing should be made of fabric that is not see through.
• If there are holes or rips in the clothing identified in the illustration below, there needs to be an undershirt or other clothing item worn underneath so that the skin is not showing.

3. Clothing appearance, jewelry, accessory, footwear, or personal items shall be free of any writing, images, symbols, or any other insignias that:

• Are lewd, vulgar, profane, obscene, or sexually suggestive.
• Advocate, represent, or promote racism, discrimination, or violence in any form.
• Signify or depict gangs and/or illegal or criminal activities. Administrators in consultation with law enforcement agencies will determine what signifies and/or depicts these activities.
• Show or reference tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substance.

4. Sunglasses may not be worn within the school except as a part of an approved school activity or for medical reasons.
5. Footwear, appropriate for the day’s activities, shall be worn at all times.
6. Costumes are prohibited; except during days identified by the school administration.
7. Any dress or appearance item or practice that creates an unhealthy or unsafe environment, or causes a disruption to the school environment or activity may be prohibited.
8. Clothing worn as part of a PE course needs to follow the BRMS Dress and Appearance Standards.
9. Clothing worn as a student spectator at athletic events, as a participant in school dances or when in attendance at school sponsored activities needs to follow the BRMS Dress and Appearance Standards.

School administration will have the final judgment on all matters concerning interpretation of student dress and appearance.

The following consequences will be used with students who fail to comply with the dress code.

1. First offense – Students will be warned and asked to change clothing to comply with the policy. Parents will be sent an email for the offense.
2. Second offense – Parents will be notified, and students will be asked to change clothing to comply with the policy.
3. Third offense - Students will receive an Administrative U and be asked to change clothing to comply with the policy.
4. Continued offenses – Additional administrative U’s will be issued with additional interventions as determined by the BRMS administration.

For excessive dress code violations, guardians will be contacted for collaborative solutions.

 ***Administrative Note - Dress codes are inherently subjective.  The administration will make every effort to be consistent in the implementation of the dress code.

Emergency Drills

Emergency drills are required at regular intervals. Students and teachers will follow incident command procedures whenever the school is evacuated.

Emergency Phone Numbers

To ensure that we can reach guardians in an emergency, make sure you submit changes of address or phone numbers to the attendance office or via your guardian Passport log-in.

False Emergencies

Threats of violence or disruption, telephone bomb threats, telephone 911 calls, pushing emergency call buttons in classrooms, etc., are false emergencies. These types of actions may result in school consequences and police involvement.

Fee Waivers

Fee waiver forms can be picked up in the main office or printed from online registration materials. Whether on fee waivers or not, everyone can participate in class- and school-sponsored activities.

Fighting

Fighting is prohibited at school regardless of whether you throw the first or second punch. Students involved in fights will be required to make restitution for any damage or problems caused before they can return to the general education setting.  You may also face police involvement. If you are in a situation that you fear will become a fight, tell an adult in the building. We are here to help you peacefully resolve the conflict so that you don’t feel like you have to fight. Injuries, damages, and medical costs associated with fighting are the responsibility of the involved students and their guardians.

Food and Drink

Food and drinks (other than water) are only allowed in classrooms if directed by a teacher. Students will be asked to quickly finish, store, or discard food and drinks as school begins, and they leave the cafeteria after lunch.

Hall Passes

Teacher-issued hall passes should be used sparingly and are limited to a maximum of 5 minutes. Students with medical conditions must discuss and agree upon an appropriate time limit with their teacher. All students are required to carry their hall pass at all times when outside the classroom. If a student is found without a hall pass, they will be asked to return to their classroom to retrieve it. Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Peer Tutors must also use hall passes. A hall pass is mandatory for any reason to be in the hallway.

Harassment / Bullying

You have a right to be safe from bullying and harassment. Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time. It can be physical, verbal, emotional, or online. It can involve telling offensive jokes, derogatory statements about a person’s ethnicity, race, gender, beliefs, etc., inappropriate touching, lewd gestures or actions, threatening language or behavior, and unwelcome taunting.

If you feel harassed or bullied, tell the individual to stop. If that doesn’t work, tell your counselor, tell someone in the office, such as a teacher, or use the Safe UT app. Restorative measures will be taken to help students resolve problems that they have created with harassment and bullying.  We are here to help, but if you do not tell us there is a problem, we are unable to help resolve the problem. B.E. Policy #5270

Homework Requests

If you miss three or more days of school because of illness, guardians may request homework by contacting the attendance office at 435-515-5951. Please allow 24 hours between the request and the time the homework is picked up.

Illegal Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco

If you use, possess, or distribute any substances or objects deemed illegal in a school setting, guardians will be contacted, appropriate consequences will be given, and, in some cases, police will also be called.

Anonymous Tip Line

If you know that dangerous or illegal activity will happen or did happen, we encourage you to contact a trusted adult in the school. If you are concerned or feel more comfortable remaining anonymous, you can also report illegal activity through our anonymous tip line below.

Library Media Center (LMC)

The LMC is open for student use daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The LMC has a variety of books, reference materials, magazines, and computers. You may use these items for research and school studies. You may come to the LMC before and after school and during passing periods without a pass. During class periods, the assigned teacher must issue a pass. You are also encouraged to come in during your lunch period. Food and drinks are not allowed in the LMC. You must pay for lost books.

Lockers and Other School Property

You are responsible for respecting and maintaining all school property, including textbooks, equipment, lockers, etc. Keep your lockers neat, safe, and secure, and do not share them with anyone. If you vandalize textbooks, equipment, or lockers with writing, graffiti, stickers, etc., or by mistreating them, you may receive a fine or community service. Keep your locker combinations confidential.  Appropriate consequences will occur if something illegal is found in your locker because you shared your combination. School officials reserve the right to search your lockers for periodic inspections and suspicion of inappropriate behavior.  Locker clean-up is your responsibility.

Loss of Personal Property

BRMS is not responsible for the loss of personal items. You bring them to school at your own risk. If you lose an item other than those discouraged at school, retrace your steps and check the lost and found in the main office. If you bring personal items to school, putting your name on them is a good idea.

Medication at School

Any over-the-counter medications must be brought to the office in the original container and with your name.   For safety reasons, do not share your medication with anybody at school. If you need to have prescription medication during the school day, get a form from the attendance office (it will require a doctor-signed note indicating dosage, method, and schedule, and a note from a parent/guardian requesting that the medication be administered during regular school hours). These medications are kept in a locked cabinet. Students may have an asthma inhaler with them.

Non-Discrimination

BRMS does not discriminate based on race, color, beliefs, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity in any educational program or activity.

Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO)

PTS0 (Parent Teacher Student Organization) contributes to student success by providing and supporting enrichment activities and school improvement projects. PTSO membership dues are $6 per person per year. That money is used to help fund PTSO-supported school activities. The PTSO encourages each parent and student to join the organization. Parents, guardians, and grandparents are encouraged to participate in volunteer programs available at BRMS actively.

Passport

Guardians can access grades, attendance, missing assignments, etc., by going into Passport and using their login ID and password to view such items and more information. The website for Passport is https://portal.besd.net/Passport/loginp.aspx.  

Public Display of Affection (PDA)

Public Displays of Affection disrupt the educational process and are not allowed at BRMS. This includes, but is not limited to, holding hands, hugging, kissing, or any of that gross stuff! It is considered a disruption of the educational environment and will be handled accordingly. Guardians will be notified if warnings are not followed.

Report Cards, Midterm Progress Reports, and Failing Notices

Student academic performance and behavior progress will be reported through Parent/Teacher conferences, report cards, and/or progress reports  https://portal.besd.net/Passport/loginp.aspx.  Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester.  A midterm progress report will be issued before Parent-Teacher Conferences about six weeks into the term.  Progress reports, and in some cases, phone calls or emails, will be used to alert students and guardians as soon as it is evident that a student is at risk of failing. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) and citizenship grades are calculated for each grading period and listed on the report card.  Guardians should contact teachers with concerns or questions about academic progress and grades.  At the end of the school year, these grades become part of the student's individual permanent record.

Schedule Changes

BRMS recognizes that a schedule change may be required under some circumstances, but these are very rare. After the second week of the trimester, schedule changes will only occur if initiated by the Intervention Team and approved by the administration.  There is a $15 per class re-computing fee for all class changes that are not necessary for each student’s PCCR.  This fee must be paid at the time of the request, or the change will not be processed.

School Hours

School hours are from 7:40 a.m. – 2:25 p.m. and 7:40 a.m. –12:25 p.m. on  Fridays.  You can arrive at school as early as 7:15 a.m. Unless you work with a teacher, you must leave the building by 2:45 p.m., M-Th and by 12:25 on Fridays. You must be off campus by 3:00 p.m. M-Th and 1:00 p.m. on Friday. BRMS cannot provide adult supervision after these times.

   Bell Schedule 2025-2026

Regular

Early Out Friday

Sick Room

If you become ill at school, please talk with your teacher and visit the attendance office. Guardians or emergency contacts will be contacted if you are too ill to remain in school.

Skateboard, Bikes, and Scooters

Skateboards, bikes, and scooters are allowed on campus before and after school. You may not use them on school property during instructional time. If you can't fit them in your locker, skateboards may be stored in the office. Entry areas are off-limits to their use at all times.

Student Government

Student officers/student council are elected yearly to represent the entire student body in student activity decisions. To be eligible for office, students must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA and maintain a 3.0 GPA for the entire school year. Additionally, they must meet citizenship requirements, with no more than 1 N and no U’s during the trimester preceding the election. Student body officers cannot have any Ns or Us while in office. More information concerning elections will be available at election time.

Student Recognition Programs

Student recognition programs at BRMS allow students to be acknowledged for exemplary academics and behavior. These programs may include, but are not limited to:

● Weekly and trimester drawings.

● Bear of the Month. The faculty will choose students and honor them for exemplifying positive and best student behavior.

● Honor Roll.  Students with a 3.67 GPA will receive recognition for their efforts each trimester in “The Leader.”

● End-of-year Awards Assembly. Grade-level awards assemblies recognize students' successes in multiple areas throughout the year.

Suspension

A student suspended from school may not be penalized academically for non-attendance during days of suspension. Make-up work will be provided for suspended students upon their return to school. Make-up work must be completed within the time requirements of the individual teacher. If you are suspended, you are not allowed to participate in any activities on Box Elder School District grounds during the suspension period.  

Theft

Stealing any school or personal property will result in you being held liable and making restitution for loss or damage.

Toys and Other Distracting Items

Any items that distract or disrupt (like toys, games, etc.) are prohibited at school and may be confiscated until a guardian picks them up.

Vandalism

Vandalism is the destruction or defacement of school or personal property. All acts of vandalism will result in you being held liable and making restitution for loss or damage.

Vulgar or Profane Language, Pictures, Videos, and Gestures

Any vulgar or profane language, pictures, videos, gestures, or associated actions are inappropriate for any school environment and are prohibited. The teacher or administrator will take appropriate disciplinary action.

Student Behavior

We understand that there will be instances of misbehavior in middle school. Our job as educators is to model and teach positive and appropriate behavior. When misbehavior occurs, we will engage in our multi-tiered support system to assist students in learning appropriate behavior. According to district policy, all student discipline must incorporate a restorative component fostering belonging over exclusion, social engagement over control, and meaningful accountability over punishment.

Yearbook

The yearbook class compiles and provides a student yearbook. The book includes student ID pictures and school event photographs. To reserve a yearbook, orders must be placed and payment received before the beginning of the third trimester. Following that date, additional yearbook requests will be placed on a waiting list and subject to availability. Pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee that you will receive a yearbook. Pricing will be set for yearbooks before pre-ordering takes place.

Compulsory Education

Due to recent changes in Utah Compulsory Education Laws for the school year 2021-22, please see Box Elder District Policies 5035 and 5037.

Check-In/Out

If you arrive late to school, check in at the attendance office. If you must leave school for any reason during the school day, sign out through the attendance office. A guardian or person listed as an emergency contact on Passport must come into the attendance office and show a picture ID to check you out. You are not allowed to check out solely with a note from a parent or guardian.  You may not leave the school alone even if a guardian calls the office to authorize it.  An authorized adult must come into the building to sign the check-out ledger.

Pre-Arranged Absence

Your guardian should contact the attendance office at least three school days before a pre-arranged absence and arrange for you to pick up a pre-arranged absence form. Return the form to the attendance office before leaving. You are responsible for obtaining and making up work missed during the absence.

Home and Hospital

If a doctor orders you to be out of school for more than 10 days, your guardian must contact the attendance office to arrange home and hospital teaching services. The doctor’s note must contain a diagnosis, a treatment plan, and an approximate return-to-school date. The attendance office must provide the note before home and hospital instruction can begin.

Tardies

Students arriving at an individual class period up to 10 minutes after the tardy bell rings or arriving late to school without a valid excuse will be marked tardy.  Students arriving at class 10 minutes or more after class has begun will be marked absent.  If students begin to develop a habit of being tardy to class, the following procedures will be followed:

         Number of Tardies                                         Procedure

5 Tardies: Parents will be called and notified of their student’s tardiness. They will be reminded of the procedures outlined here and be asked to help resolve the situation.

10 Tardies: The student will be assigned lunch detention. Parents will be called and notified as outlined above. Students will be given a notice to take home and have their parents sign. The notice must be returned to the school.

15 Tardies: The student will be assigned an escort for 1 week. Parents will be called, and a meeting will be requested to discuss resolving the problem. A notice will be sent home with the student to be signed and returned to school.

20 Tardies: Parents will be asked to meet with the administration to place their student on a tracker to assist him/her in getting to class on time.

Truancy

Truancy is defined as a student not being where they are assigned during the school day, whether it be regular class, study hall, assemblies, etc.… This includes, but is not limited to:

• being more than 10 minutes late to class
• not attending class but being on school property
• leaving class without permission
• excessively long “bathroom” or “water fountain” breaks

• On the first offense, a student will meet with an administrator. Habitual truancy will result in parent conferences and/or further disciplinary action.

Excessive Absences

Box Elder School District will identify students who are missing school without a valid excuse and work with these students and their families to improve attendance. Schools will use the following protocol to improve attendance:

•  5 Absences (no valid excuse)

BRMS Administration will email a standard district letter regarding student absences and may make additional phone calls or meetings with parents and students.

• 7 Absences (no valid excuse)

BRMS Administration will email a standard district letter regarding student absences, schedule a meeting with an administrator, parent/guardian, and students, and develop an attendance contract with students and/or parents/guardians.

• 10 Absences (with or without a valid excuse)

BRMS Administration will email a standard district letter regarding student absences informing parents/guardians of the state rules and regulations regarding attendance.  ACCORDING TO UTAH STATE POLICY (R277-419-5 “THE TEN DAY RULE”),  STUDENTS CANNOT HAVE TEN CONSECUTIVE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES.

Breach of Contract/Failure to Meet with School Administrators/Mediators

Suppose an attendance contract is breached, or parents/guardians and students fail to attend a scheduled meeting with School Administrators. In that case, a referral may be made to the Division of Family and Child Services for educational neglect. Teachers, administrators, or the Box Elder School District school board never intend to bring action against any family; we wish to work with ALL families and students.

Skipping Class (Sluffing)

We expect students to be in every class, every period.  Teachers and administration will work through the multi-tiered support system for students who skip class.

Withdrawal from School

When students move outside the school boundaries, they must withdraw from BRMS. This process includes obtaining a withdrawal sheet from the attendance office, receiving clearance from each teacher, returning all textbooks, cleaning out lockers, and paying fines.  Please complete these steps to ensure the timely transfer of credits.

CITIZENSHIP POLICY AND REMEDIATION B.E. Policy #4075

Citizenship

Citizenship refers to a student's general conduct, attitude, and sense of responsibility in and out of the classroom.  A student’s citizenship grade reflects his/her attitude about general behavior in class and/or compliance with a teacher’s requests and class rules.  The following citizenship grades will be used:

                    H - Honors                                       S - Satisfactory

                    N - Needs improvement                  U - Unsatisfactory

Students should understand that poor citizenship can/may jeopardize their participation in certain middle school and current or future high school activities.  A teacher or administrator can declare a student ineligible to participate in or attend a school activity because of poor citizenship. A student may receive an administrative U for extreme, inappropriate behavior in addition to the U from the classroom teacher.

REMEDIATION

Students must make up the U’s received in citizenship or may not be allowed to participate in any graduation exercises described in School Board Policy 4075.

Any student who receives a “U” at Bear River Middle School will be expected to remediate the U before they move on to high school. Students can remediate a “U” through one of the following methods:

1.      performing community service

2.      paying a fine

3.      a combination of community service and fine.

Failure to remediate the “U” during the term immediately following the term in which the “U” was received will result in the remediation penalties increasing, as explained below:

                              U remediated within 1 trimester………..4 hours or $30

                              U remediated after 1 trimester…….…….5 hours or $40

If a student elects to perform community service, he/she must get the appropriate form from the administration, complete and submit it to the office for approval.  Approval must be received before performing the community service.  The student must describe what kind of community service will be performed and who will supervise the work. Community service is expected to be performed and supervised by someone other than a family member. In addition, it is to be understood that Box Elder School District, Bear River Middle School, or the employees thereof are not liable for the safety of those who are performing community service off school grounds.  Once students have completed the community service, they are responsible for returning the form to the office with the supervisor’s signature indicating that the service has been performed.

MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS

Our BRMS team works together to identify and provide academic and behavioral support to students. Guardians of students who need targeted services and support may be allowed to collaborate with a member of the MTSS team to identify individual student needs and how to address those needs.

“U” MATTER PROJECT

If a student has a “U” in citizenship at the midterm of any trimester, he/she will be invited to participate in the “U” Matter Project. At BRMS, we want students to be successful daily and in their future endeavors. We are intervening to start their pathway to high school in the right direction. For three weeks, students with a “U” at midterm will attend courses on Motivation, Behavior, and Emotional Wellbeing. Courses are designed to help them on their path to success. As part of the courses, students will be able to…

• Understand why they are receiving a “U” in citizenship by

• Understanding the citizenship policy at BRMS.
• Reaching out to their teacher/administration to determine the reasons behind their “U” in citizenship.

• Gain motivation strategies by Mr. Jones
• Receive behavior guidance from Mrs. Christensen
• Participate in social and emotional well-being by the counselors

Upon completing the three-week program, students will have the skills and knowledge to correct their behavior and work through their “U” citizenship grade with their teacher.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL/TOBACCO POLICY

Please see Box Elder School District Board Policy #5290

PERMISSION TO PUBLISH NAMES AND PICTURES/ DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Bear River Middle School desires to recognize and honor successful students' educational endeavors.  Therefore, we will allow the names and, in some cases, the pictures of students to be published in newspapers, including the local newspaper and the school newspaper, yearbooks, etc., who deserve to be recognized.  Examples include honor rolls, athletic achievements, class and school activities, etc.  If guardians desire that their child’s name and/or picture not be published, they must notify the school in writing.  Unless the written notification is received, the school will assume permission is granted.

Directory information, which is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, may be released at the discretion of school officials without consent for appropriate reasons, such as school publications, newspaper articles, and outside education-related organizations.

Please contact the school for questions on what is included in the school directory information.

SAFE SCHOOL POLICY

BRMS is committed to fostering an environment for students, staff, community, neighbors, and visitors which is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption.  A safe school environment includes the school and school grounds during school hours, district-provided transportation, and school sponsored activities.  For more information please see school District Policy #5005.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND APPEALS/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Students, who have unresolved problems with staff members, teachers, or administrators of Bear River Middle School, should try to resolve the problem at the lowest possible level.  Students are encouraged to use their counselor and advisor as an advocate to help resolve the conflict.  The following steps are in accordance with District Policy #5350 and should be used to resolve complaints:

1.  If the complaint involves a problem with a teacher, the student should meet with the teacher to discuss the matter.  (An adult may represent the student at any level of the complaint.)

2. If there still is a question or dissatisfaction with the situation, the student should discuss the matter with the Principal or the Assistant Principal.

3.  If the problem is still not resolved to the student’s satisfaction after meeting with the local administration, the student may present it to the Superintendent and to the Board of Education by requesting that the Superintendent make it a matter for Board consideration.

DISCLAIMER

Civil Rights Disclosure / Divulgacion de Derechos Civiles

TRANSPORTATION - CONDUCT ON BUSES

Students are expected to exhibit good behavior and follow all bus driver directions while on the bus.  Students who struggle to follow these directions will be subject to the school district’s transportation policy #2216 and may lose their privilege to ride a bus to school.  School administration will work with the transportation department administration in these situations.

• BIKES, SCOOTERS & SKATEBOARDS/LONGBOARDS

When used for transportation to and from school, these items are welcome on BRMS campus under the following guidelines:

• Bicycles should be locked in the bike rack.  They are to be kept locked during school hours.
• Scooters should be locked in the bike rack or stored in a locker.
• Skateboards/Longboards must be stored in a locker during the school day.  
• Scooters and Skateboards/Longboards should never be ridden indoors or rolled on interior flooring.  
• All lockers can be rented for $3.00 per year for storage of personal items. See the Financial Secretary.
• All students who walk or ride with older siblings should use the sidewalks on the south side of campus.
• All students should use crosswalks and crossing guards when walking to and from school.

BESD Code of Conduct

With each behavior, consider:                                                             

Disciplinary Action: Disciplinary action will consider aggravating and mitigating factors described above.

Minimum Discipline for L1 Infraction: Redirect/Re-teach by classroom teacher

Disciplinary Action: Disciplinary action will consider aggravating and mitigating factors described above.

Minimum Discipline for L2 Infraction: Redirect/Re-teach by classroom teacher and parent notification

Disciplinary Action: Disciplinary action will consider both aggravating and mitigating factors as described above.

Discipline options for L3 Infraction: Office referral and parent/administrator conference

Classroom Managed Behavior (Low) L1: Infractions that can be dealt with in the classroom environment.

Classroom/Office Managed Behaviors (Medium) L2: Infractions will require increased school-based authority and intervention. These could be classroom or office-managed.

Office Managed Behaviors (L3) Infractions require an increased level of planning, intervention, and possible outside resources due to the severity of risk and behavior deficit.