Rolesville Middle School

Student/Parent Handbook

2024-2025

School Mission:

The Wake County Public School System will provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators, and critical thinkers.

QUICK REFERENCE FOR PARENTS/STUDENTS

Main Phone: 919-570-2260

Fax Line: 919-589-6599

Extensions

Stay Connected:

Website: http://www.wcpss.net/rolesvillems

Twitter: @RolesvilleMS

• We strongly encourage you to utilize Twitter to follow all the important events and announcements that are happening at RMS.

Team Websites

• All core academic teams have a website with valuable information, including teacher contact information. Links to their site can be found by going to our website and clicking on “Academics” and then “Core Teams.”

DAILY BELL SCHEDULE

 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS                         

Common Teacher Workdays-All Tracks

2023-2024 Multi-Track Year-Round Calendar

Interim Reports Dates

Report Card Dates

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Greetings from the Rolesville Middle School PTA

Welcome, parents, teachers, students and staff, to the 2023-2024 school year. The Rolesville Middle School PTA is a parent, teacher and community organization that is powered exclusively by donors and volunteers. Every effort put forth by the RMS PTA exists to elevate each student’s school experience.

Last year was an unusual and challenging year.  We are moving forward with excitement to provide funding, creative ideas, organization, labor and other resources to support the school with every student at the core of our efforts.

We encourage you to join the Parent Teacher Student Association.  When you join, you are not obligated to volunteer, but you are welcome to at any time.  We are looking for members to join this year's board.  There are many positions that are open and available.  Please email us if you have any interest in a Board or Committee position.

Also consider donating to our NO FUSS FUNDRAISER.  This is NO FUSS!  Nothing to buy or sell.  Best of all it is tax deductible and 100% of your donation stays at Rolesville Middle School!  See the Ram Fund Donation on our website.

You can also support the PTA by linking your Harris Teeter VIC card and your Lowe’s Food Card to RMS as we receive support from these companies when you shop.   When you shop on Amazon, remember to shop through Amazon Smiles and select  RMS for a donation to be given back to the PTA.

Please check our website for the schedule of our monthly board meetings.  All are welcome and encouraged to come.  

On our PTA Website you can Join, Donate and stay informed on events.  Coming soon - online spirit wear sales!

Be sure to stay connected with us all year long:

Email:   rmsptarams@gmail.com

Website:  http://rmsptarams.wixsite.com/rmspta

Join for the 2023-2024 year: https://rmspta.memberhub.com/store

Facebook: RMS PTA - Rolesville Middle School PTA

Important Information and Reminders

(All topics are listed alphabetically)

Accidents

Parents will be notified of accidents needing medical or immediate attention. Parents must be sure the school always has a current emergency phone number on file.

Arrival

Our building opens for students at 7:45 and adult supervision begins at that time. On days when the temperature drops below 32 degrees students may wait between the double doors beginning at 7:30. Students should report to their classrooms between 7:45 – 8:10. Teachers are on duty during this time to supervise students.

(See the “Carpool” section for important information regarding carpool procedures.)

Athletics

Rolesville Middle School is a member of the WCPSS Middle School Eastern Conference. All procedures, guidelines, and rules are governed by policies established by the Wake County Board of Education, the State Board of Education, and the NC High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). Seventh and eighth graders are permitted to try out for athletic teams.

Students must meet certain requirements including a current physical, attendance, and grades. This information, as well as other important items, can be found on our athletics website at: http://www.wakecountyathletics.com/rolesville

Absences and Attendance

When a student is sick and needs to be absent from school, please call the attendance line (570-2260, ext. 20545) and leave a message indicating the student’s name, grade, track, and reason for absence. Upon returning to school, students must provide a written excuse within two days from the parent/guardian stating the reason for the absences. An absence is recorded as unexcused until a note is received. If a written excuse is not received within two days, the absence will be considered unexcused. Requests for changes to absences after 2 days from the date will not be accepted.

After six unexcused absences, a report is made to the counselor and social worker.   You can expect to receive a letter regarding unexcused absences once your child reaches 3, 6, 10, 15 and 20 absences.

In accordance with WCPSS Board Policy, an absence is excused for the following reasons:

• Illness or injury
• Isolation ordered by the State Board of Health or Wake County Health Department
• Death in the immediate family
• Medical, dental, or other appointment with a health care provider (note from provider should be submitted to school)
• Court appearance, when student is under subpoena
• Religious holiday for student’s/parent’s religion
• Participation in a valid, prior-approved educational opportunity; completed form “WCPSS Prior Approval for Excused Absence” is required in advance of the absence

Regular school attendance is important to promote consistency in learning and student achievement. In addition, arrival to school on time is an important routine to develop for a successful school day. Excessive tardiness to school is detrimental to the learning environment. We encourage students to strive for good attendance. We understand that unique situations arise, such as a serious illness or family emergency, and will work with families in these situations.

Although wonderful opportunities, family vacations and athletic competitions will not be approved as an educationally excused absence.

To be considered in attendance for the school day, students must be present for at least three and ½ hours of instruction, which means students must be in school until 11:45 am or from 11:45 am until the end of the day.

Student Make-Up Work Policy for Absences: It is the responsibility of the student or parent to request make-up work in advance of an anticipated absence. If a student is out unexpectedly, a parent may request make-up work. Often, the work can be found on the teacher’s Google classroom courses.

Students will have the number of days they were absence to make up the work once they return (ie. A student who is absent for 2 days will have 2 days from the day they return to school to make up any missed work.).

Sometimes parents request work on the day of a student's absence. If the student is going to be absent for one day, he/she can receive the assignments the next day. You should contact your child’s teacher to request any work. Due to teaching responsibilities, teachers will need 24 hours to gather all work for the student. Work will be available for pick up in the front office.

Attendance Areas and Proof of Residence

Board Policy requires that parents present proof of residence. It is the parents’ responsibility to notify the school of any changes in residence. Below is a list of possible documents that would serve as proofs of residence in parent or legal guardian name:

• Current utility bills (gas, water, or electric bills are accepted; no phone bills or cable bills)
• Recent signed lease or rental agreement

Award Celebrations

We will  hold an awards ceremony for each grade/track to recognize student accomplishments quarterly and at  end of the school year. Dates for these will be sent home later in the school year. Parents and family members will be invited to all end of the year awards ceremonies.

Address Change/Telephone Number Change

Please notify the office immediately if you move or change your phone number during the year. This information must be kept current.

Book Fair

Our PTA sponsors an annual Book Fair each year. This is a great opportunity for students to purchase books and to help raise funds for the PTA. Dates for the book fair will come home later in the school year.

Books (Library & Classroom)

Students must take care of any textbooks and library books. When books are lost or damaged, they must be paid for. Students and parents are held responsible for all books assigned or checked out to students. If a student pays for a lost book but finds it within three month of payment. a request for a refund may be made.

Bus Transportation

Bus route information can be found by going to our school website, clicking on the “Transportation” icon and then in the left column “Bus Routes”.

Bus transportation is provided to students who live in the Rolesville Middle School base attendance area. Students must also behave in a manner consistent with the rules and regulations of Rolesville Middle School, Wake County Public Schools, and Public Law of North Carolina. The school bus is an extension of the school day and all rules and regulations apply. This includes the bus stop, as well as the distance traveled from the stop to the location of the home.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in the denial of transportation and/or suspension from the bus. If a child is suspended from the bus, it is the parent’s responsibility to transport the child to and from school. Fighting, drugs, alcohol, or weapons will result in an automatic suspension from the bus.

A student is required to ride the bus to which he/she is assigned. Students may NOT ride any bus to which they are not assigned. Students will only be allowed off the bus at their designated stop on the route. Exiting the bus at another stop could result in disciplinary action. Students must comply with all requests from the bus driver. Students should be at the bust stop at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.

Adults Boarding the School Bus

Adults are not allowed to enter a school bus without the permission of the transportation supervisor, the principal, or assistant principal. North Carolina State Law 14-132.2 Section B states: “Any person who shall enter a public school bus after being forbidden to do so by the authorized school bus driver in charge thereof, or the school principals to who the public school bus or school activity bus is assigned, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100, imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both.”  

If a parent needs to speak to the driver, please send a note to the driver including your phone number for the driver to call you back. Please do not talk with the bus driver at the bus stop. Drivers must stay on schedule. Additionally, speaking to them at the stop may block traffic.

If you have a question or concern regarding bus transportation, you should call the transportation office at 919-805-3030.

Cafeteria

The mission of the Child Nutrition Program is to serve nutritious breakfasts and lunches as well as a la carte items. A la carte and snack items will be available for purchase.  Students may pay with cash at the register or you may also choose to pay online. With a “My School Bucks” account, paying for school meals is easy. Go to www.myschoolbucks.com to enroll. You will need your child’s Powerschool ID number. Once your account is established you will be able to deposit funds into your child’s account, check balances, and set spending limits.

Important Note: No outside food (Bojangles, Subway, etc.) may be dropped off at the office for students. Students may also not enter the building with these items in the morning. Students must get lunch from the cafeteria or bring lunch from home (the items mentioned above may be packed as a part of their lunch).

For the 2022-2023 school year students must pay for breakfast and lunch unless they have been approved for free or reduced pricing.

Parents may apply for meal benefits on this link: https://www.wcpss.net/Page/1849                   Breakfast: $1.75    Lunch: $3.50

Breakfast

The cafeteria is open for breakfast each morning from 7:45 – 8:10. Students participating in breakfast should report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival at school. Students must arrive in the cafeteria by 8:10 in order to buy breakfast. If students arrive on a late bus, we will ensure they are still provided an opportunity to purchase breakfast.

Carpool

To maintain a safe environment for our students please follow all rules for arrival and dismissal. The traffic pattern is designed for a one-way flow of traffic. Buses and cars enter where the large Rolesville Middle School sign is located on Burlington Mills Road. Traffic exits on the opposite end of the football field. All car riders should be dropped off and picked up at the front of the school. Please do not drop students off near the football field and allow them to walk to the main entrance. Keep in mind that the first few weeks of school, the process may be slower as students and parents become familiar with the process. We appreciate your patience. If everyone will follow the two simple, but important procedures below it will help to operate a safe and efficient carpool:

• Please proceed all the way up to the end of the carpool lane. You will see two large orange cones to help you see when to stop. Do not leave spaces between cars in front of you. Doing so, prevents us from unloading/loading as many students as possible simultaneously.

• Do not pass other vehicles in the carpool lane. We maintain a single line of traffic throughout the carpool line. While there are double lanes, it is unsafe to pass other cars when students are exiting/entering their cars.

New: If your child will be a regular carpool student, you will need to come to the school to receive a carpool tag with a number.  Students will be called by their carpool number during the school year.  Parents arriving daily without a carpool tag, will be asked to park and come inside to retrieve a tag.

Cell Phones

While cell phones are a great way to communicate with others, they are often a distraction at school and can lead to student conflict.  As a result, we will enforce our cell phone policy.

• We will be following a “Door-to-Door” policy for phone use at arrival and dismissal.  When a student arrives at school and enters the building, phones and ear buds must be put away. In the afternoon, phones and earbuds must be put away until students exit the building.

• Now that all students will be equipped with a personal or school-issued device, there is no reason for a student’s phone to be out at any time.  If their phone is out but they are not using it, they will be asked to put it away.

• Students should not use phones to communicate with parents about being picked up or not feeling well.  Students should ask to go to the office to call home for any reason.  When students use their personal phone to do this, the office is often not aware when a parent comes to school to pick up their child.  This can create confusion and mis-communication.

• If a student makes the choice to use his/her phone for personal reasons, the phone will be taken by the teacher/staff member, given to the student’s homeroom teacher and returned at the end of the day.

Consequences for using phones for personal reasons:

• First Offense: The phone will be taken and returned at the end of the day.

• Second Offense: The student will receive one day of lunch detention.  The phone will be taken and returned at the end of the day.

• Third Offense: The student will receive three days of lunch detention and will be written up for non-compliance.  The phone will be taken and returned at the end of the day.

• Fourth Offense: The students will receive one day of In-School Suspension (ISS) for repeated non-compliance.  The phone will be taken and must be picked up at the office by an adult.

Check-In/Check-Out

Your child will be buzzed in if they are checking into school or meet you outside once they sign out at the office if they are checking out of school.

Students arriving at school after the 8:15 tardy bell must sign in at the office and will be considered tardy. Students will be given a pass in the office to admit them to class.  Because instruction begins at 8:15, parents should make every effort to get their child to school regularly on time.

All students must be checked out through the office. There will be no check-outs after 2:40 pm. Please plan accordingly if you need to pick your child up before the end of the day. Do not wait until 2:40 to arrive at school.

A student will not be allowed to leave campus with anyone other than his/her parents or legal guardians or those listed on the student information card that is maintained in the front office. Please be prepared to show a picture ID when checking a student out.

Communication between School and Home

We recognize the importance of communication between the school and home.  All teachers will use Talking Points (text messaging platform) and each team has a website, which provides a variety of information for parents and students. All team websites are linked on the homepage of our school website, http://www.wcpss.net/rolesvillems under “Academics,” “Core Teams.” Our school website also contains information you need throughout the year, which includes information on school events, extra-curricular opportunities, and many other topics.

Conferences

Parent conferences are considered an essential part of a child’s education at RMS. Open communication between home and school fosters success. Parents are encouraged to talk with teachers about their child’s progress. Conferences may be arranged by contacting your child’s teacher. Although a conference may be requested with an individual teacher, RMS best practice is for all core teachers to participate, which will provide parents an opportunity to hear about academic progress in all areas.

Damaged or Lost Materials

If students lose, destroy, and/or damage a book, musical instrument, school-issue laptop, or other materials while it is in their possession, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to pay for damages. Please note: if payment is made for a lost book, but the book is found and returned within 3 months of the payment, a reimbursement may be requested.

Discipline:

Students are expected to follow the rules in their classroom and school-wide. We will not allow a student to be an interruption to the classroom or distract others from their learning. Please review the behavior expectations and disciplinary section later in the handbook. Please also review the WCPSS Student / Parent Handbook regarding the Student Code of Conduct.

Dress Code for Students

The WCPSS Student Dress Code, Policy Code 4316, has been updated significantly. Below you will see a list of key highlights of the policy.

Key Points:

• Students may not wear or carry items that:

• Depict profanity, vulgarity, obscenity, or violence;
• Promote the use or abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs;
• Are prohibited under Policy 4309 III-2 (Gang and Gang Related Activity) or any other provision of the Code of Student Conduct;
• Threaten the health or safety of staff or students; or
• Are reasonably likely to create a substantial disruption of the educational process or operations of the school.

• Students must wear clothing that covers their body from chest to mid-thigh with non-see-through fabric in the front, back, and sides.
• Clothing must cover undergarments (waistbands and straps excluded)
• All private body parts must be covered with non-see-through fabric.
• Headwear (hats, hoods, sweat bands, and bandanas) are prohibited. The exceptions are any head coverings worn as an expression of sincerely held religious belief (e.g., hijabs or yarmulkes) or cultural expression (e.g., geles) or to reasonably accommodate medical or disability-related issues.

Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance. Students who arrive to school and do not meet the dress code policy will be instructed to call home for a change of clothes Our guiding principles for the student dress code are similar to those experienced and expected in the workplace: attire that furthers health and safety of students and staff, enables the educational process, and facilitates the operations of the school. Parents are asked to partner with the school district to monitor student attire to help adhere to the guiding principles set forth in the policy.

Educational Leave for Students

Per board policy, parents must make requests for Education Leave to the principal in writing prior to a student’s absence from school. The form for this request can be picked up in the front office or found on our school website under the “Parents” section. When educational absences are approved, students are responsible for making up all work upon their return. Teachers cannot be expected to compile assignments prior to the absence but will if advance notice is given. In some cases, a student may need to submit a document reflecting on the educational experience before final approval.

Emergency Drills

Emergency drills are scheduled periodically throughout the school year. Visitors, volunteers, and parents who are at school during a drill are asked to follow our emergency procedures.

• Fire Drills: A fire drill is held each month. Students are expected to follow the directions of their teacher during a fire drill. There is to be no running, talking, or disorderly conduct during a fire drill.

• Severe Weather Drills: Severe weather drills are held at different times during the year. When the announcement is made, students and adults evacuate classrooms and proceed to designated areas in the building.

• Lockdown Drills: Lockdown drills are held at least twice, annually. When a lockdown drill has been conducted, a phone messenger by the principal will be sent to parents indicating that a lockdown drill was completed. This is to ensure parents are aware that it was only a drill

End-of Grade (EOG) Testing

Students are required to take the NC End-of-Grade (EOG) tests in English Language Arts and Math. 8th grade students are also required to take the NC EOG test in Science. Students in Math 1 and 8th grade Spanish are required to take and pass the state test in order to earn high school credit for the class. Students in 6th or 7th grade who take Math I are also required to take their grade-level math tests. Testing dates are set in advance and will be shared with parents. It is important that students are in attendance for all required testing.

Enrollment/Withdrawal from School

Whether you are enrolling or withdrawing your child, it is extremely important to contact the school as soon as possible. The school where you are enrolling will contact the school from which you are withdrawing to request student records. Before you leave, you should contact the office at the school where your child is currently enrolled to finalize your child’s records.

Enrollment

Certain information is required for enrolling a student. This information includes;

• Birth Certificate

A certified birth certificate is required by North Carolina law for a student entering public school for the first time. The birth certificate must be provided at the time of enrollment. The birth date as indicated on the birth certificate shall be recorded on the student’s Permanent Health Record.

• Health Assessment

N.C state law requires that all students have a health assessment completed by a physician. The assessment, which must include a medical history and physical exam with screening of vision and hearing, is to be completed and submitted to the school within 30 days of enrollment. It is the parents’ responsibility to secure the health assessment form.

• Immunizations

North Carolina law requires that parents of students provide a record of their child’s immunizations within thirty (30) days of their child’s entry into school. If a record of immunizations is not provided to the school within thirty (30) days, the student will be excluded from school until the record is provided. It is the parents’ responsibility to secure the immunization record from the local health department or from a private health care provider. Rising 7th grade students are required to have the meningococcal and Tdap vaccines.

• Proof of Residence

For a student to enroll at Rolesville Middle School, parents must present a proof of residence indicating they reside in the Rolesville Middle School base attendance area. Items accepted as proof of residence include a current electric bill, current gas bill, current water bill, or rental/lease agreement.

Field Trips

Teams/Grade Level plan field trips during the year to enhance classroom instruction.  All students going on field trips must have a field trip permission form signed by their parent or guardian.  The signed permission form must be on file before the student is allowed to leave campus on a trip.  Parents, we are no longer able to provide refunds on paid field trips after the trip has occurred.

Grading & Homework

Please see full details and information on Grading and Homework later in the handbook.

Inclement Weather

The first notification of a school delay, early dismissal, or school closing is made through social media and then local media. You should monitor Twitter closely for the timeliest information. You can follow @wcpss and @rolesvillems. A school messenger will also be sent to all families.

Information Sheets

At the beginning of the school year, all parents will be asked to complete a student information sheet for their child. It is extremely important that these forms are completed and returned to school. This allows us to update addresses, phone numbers, and other information that would be needed in the event of an emergency. Parents should also include those individuals to whom their child can be released. It is also expected that parents notify the school if this information changes at any time during the school year.

Insurance

School insurance will be available to each student at the beginning of the year. Parents will have access to information about this voluntary program. The premium and responsibility for completing the forms will be assumed by the students’ parents/guardians.

Interim Reports

Students will receive interims each quarter.  The dates can be found on the first pages of this handbook. Be sure to sign and return interim reports promptly. A conference may be scheduled anytime should you have questions about your child’s progress.

Internet Access

All students registered in WCPSS must have a permission slip on file in order to use the internet and school technology. Students must adhere to internet use Policy 6446 in the WCPSS Board Policies. Inappropriate use of the internet and school technology may result in student access being denied.

Lockers

The use of lockers will be a team-based decision.  Some teams may require that students use lockers, while others may make it optional. Any student who desires to have a locker to keep their items secured, will be assigned one.

Once lockers are assigned, students will have a locker in their pod area.  The school provides locks for student lockers in the pod area. A $5.00 fee will be charged for any lost lock.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items will be kept outside of the student services office. Students are responsible for checking immediately when items are lost. We donate lost and found items to a local charity at the end of each month. We remind students via daily announcements to check the lost and found prior to items being donated. Students should be sure to secure all items, especially electronic devices. The school is not responsible for items that are lost and stolen and are unable to search for them without credible information regarding its whereabouts.

Medication

Students requiring prescription or over the counter medications at school must have a WCPSS Form 1702 completed, signed, and on file at school. The form requires the physician’s signature and a parent signature. Medication must be provided in the current pharmacy container with the student’s name, medication type, dosage, and dispensing orders clearly stated. Over the counter medication must be in the original container. The information on the medication bottle must match the physician’s instructions on the 1702 form.

Only designated school personnel will dispense medication to students. Medications are kept in the health room in a locked cabinet. Students requiring a personal inhaler for asthma or other self-administered emergency medications will be permitted to keep their medication with them at all times. However, a 1702 form must be on file in the front office and signed by the physician and parent staying the student may self-administer. Teachers have cake icing in their rooms for use with a diabetic student in case of an emergency.

Physical Education (PE)

Students will have the option to dress out for PE and using the locker room, students will be expected to purchase a PE lock for use in the locker room.  These will be available for purchase from the school for $5.00.  Ordering information will be provided at a later date.

Perfect Attendance

This was previously recognized at the end of each school year.  However, knowing there are many reasons that may contribute to a student’s absence, we will no longer recognize this at our end-of-year awards ceremonies.  We still encourage students to make every effort to be at school each and every day.  

Pictures

School pictures will be taken twice each year and will be available for purchase. The school does receive a small portion of all sales, so we appreciate your consideration of purchasing school pictures, while also supporting our school.

PTA

At Rolesville Middle School we take great pride in our PTA. The PTA is one way in which parents and school staff can work together to accomplish common goals and make our schools a better place. We are very proud of our active PTA and the support it provides our school. Please become actively involved. We will find a way to put your special interests or talents to work. We have a variety of committees and activities that need your help. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact our PTA. They can be reached at rmsptarams@gmail.com. PTA Membership for the coming school year is $10 for 1 adult or $18 for 2 adults.

Refreshments and Food

Unless you are able to provide enough for the entire team, we do not allow refreshments or snacks to celebrate birthdays. If you are interested in doing this for the entire team you should speak to the teacher prior to doing this.

Parents may be asked to provide refreshments for class activities, field trips, or other school events. Please note that WCPSS requires items to be store bought, not homemade.

No outside food (fast food, etc.) may be delivered or dropped off for students.

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home every nine weeks. Dates for report cards being sent home can be found on the first pages of this handbook. Please be sure to read any additional information enclosed with the report card.

School Counselors

Our school counselors provide a data-driven program that supports the academic, behavior, and career success of students through classroom guidance, small group and individual planning sessions. Our counselors coordinate school-wide programs as part of school-based committees. We have three counselors who are assigned by tracks and follow students from 6th through 8th grade. Our school counseling program recently earned “Recognized ASCA Model Program” status from the American School Counselor Association for providing a comprehensive program that meets the needs of all students.

Student Deliveries

Deliveries of flowers, balloons, etc. will not be accepted for students at school. These items are not allowed in the classroom or the bus. Please celebrate special occasions after school hours.

Technology / Student Devices

Many students have already been assigned a WCPSS issued device from the previous school year and should continue to use that.  They should bring a charged device and their charger to school each day.

Students are welcome to bring their own device, which should include a keyboard, for daily use.  However all students will be provided an opportunity to request a school-issued device for daily use.  More information on the distribution process will be shared in the first weeks of school.  Until all students are officially issued a school device, teachers will have devices on hand for student use in each class period.

Transportation Changes

Students are expected to leave by their regular means of transportation. If the school is not contacted by the parent/guardian through a written note or by phone, the student will be sent home by his/her regular mode of transportation. Any phone request for a change in transportation must be made no later than 2:15 pm. Please note that students may not ride a bus other than the bus to which they are assigned by the WCPSS Transportation Department. Additionally, a student who is not assigned to a bus may not ride a bus home with a friend. Students who attend RMS on a transfer are not allowed to ride a bus.

Valuables

School staff tries to prevent losses but are not responsible for students’ personal property. Unnecessary money, electronics, and/or valuables should not be brought to school. If they must be brought to school, they should be properly secured.

Visitors

We welcome visitors to our campus!  If you are picking up a student, please wait out front and they will come out to meet you.  Anyone visiting our school must check-in and check-out at the office and wear a visitor’s badge while on campus. Please remember to enter and exit through the main school entrance only. Board Policy 6440 specifically prohibits students from other schools from being present on another school campus without the consent of school officials.

Volunteer Registration:

To volunteer to work with a group of students or chaperone a small group of students on a field trip parents must be registered and cleared. Volunteers who were registered and cleared the previous year will have until October 31st of the current school year to update their volunteer status. New volunteers or volunteers who do not update prior to October 31st will be required to complete a new, full registration.

Registration for volunteering is on pause, but when it resumes it can only be completed on a WCPSS computer and the office can assist parents with completing this. The volunteer registration system is open and available any school day during the hours of 8:00 AM– 3:30 PM. When you register, it is important that you select our school (you can select up to 5 schools). Often, a volunteer has been cleared, but it does not show up on our approved list because our school was not selected in the system.

Volunteers who will be assisting in a whole class activity or field trip, which does not involve separating from the group may now do so without registering as a volunteer. However, it is good practice to be registered and the process is relatively easy.

Volunteer Registration Denied

Summary of Appeal Process

Any volunteer applicant who is denied volunteer status has 14 days to appeal in writing. The letter of appeal should explain the circumstances that led to being denied. You should include any mitigating factors you believe should be considered as part of the appeal. You will be notified in writing of the response. Appeals should be addressed to Employee Relations, Wake County Public School System, 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27518

RMS Grading & Homework Practices

General Information

• All PLCs will have grades that are aligned to curriculum standards and learning targets and based on agreement within PLCs. Grading expectations will vary between core and elective courses.
• Grades must be keyed into Powerschool on a weekly basis. Grades are an accurate reflection of how the student performed on an assignment.
• Extra credit is not allowed to be offered to enhance grades.
• Students will receive approximately 8-15 grades per quarter in each class.
• Teachers will provide students and their parents/guardians with clear explanations of their grading practices.
•  For the 2024-2025 school year grades will be based on a weighted percentage system.

Grading System

In grades 6-8 students earn numeric grades on their report cards. WCPSS employs a grading scale consistent with guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and based on the following values:

·     A = 90-100

·           B = 80-89

·           C = 70-79

·           D = 60-69

·     F = < 60

Homework.

•  Students can be assigned independent practice activities in all classes. However, homework is only graded in core classes.
•  The purpose of homework is to enrich and extend school experiences through related home activities and to reinforce learning by providing practice and application. Homework should be used to reinforce and support mastery of learning, and when appropriate and possible, should be differentiated for students depending on their mastery of the objectives.
• The teacher must introduce a concept or skill, thoroughly explain the concept or skill, and provide guided practice before making a related homework assignment.
• Homework assignments shall be specific, within the student' ability and have clearly defined expectations. Questions pertaining to the completion of a homework assignment should be answered and clarified.
•  Homework assignments are not to be given as punishment or busy work.
•  Homework assignments cannot require the use of books or materials which are not readily available in the home or accessible to the student.
• Teachers shall provide specific and timely feedback on homework assignments.
• Homework assignments cannot exceed 90 minutes per day per student for Grades 6-8. (This is cumulative among core grade level classes and time limits must be determined as a team.)
• Teachers should not utilize non-academic standards for grading purposes (e.g. return progress report, providing a packet of paper, dressing out, etc.).

Missing/Failing Work

• Students are expected to complete all assignments.

• Teachers will utilize time during the school day, as well as school processes, to help students who need additional support completing work successfully.

• A zero will be entered as a placeholder for missing work.  Once an assignment is turned in, the grade will be updated in Powerschools. Students have 5 days to turn in late assignments.  After 5 days the zero will remain.

• After the following attempts have been made and documented,  a teacher may collect the assignment and grade it as incomplete or enter a grade of 0:

• Student/Teacher Conference
• Parent Contact

Monitoring Student Grades

• Parents and students will have access to student grades through Powerschools and the Parent Portal.

• Parents are strongly encouraged to complete the request for access to Powerschools.

• Teachers will encourage students to check their grades in Powerschools on a regular basis.

• IMPROVING GRADES TO DEMONSTRATE LEARNING: Corrections may occur on math assessments where students show their learning by correcting mistakes and explaining (verbally or in writing) where they went wrong. Corrections may also occur on assignments focused on writing skills, following the writing process of drafting, revising, editing, etc. All content areas will provide alternate assessments to measure student learning if students are not successful in their first attempts on major assignments; alternate assessments will be common within a PLT and may take a different form than the original assessment.

Positivity Project Family Information

Rolesville has adopted the Positivity Project as our school-wide platform for teaching and affirming positive behavior. Please read the letter below to learn more about this program.  You will receive information weekly on what your student is learning and how you can support at home.  Thank you in advance for your support.

“I can sum up positive psychology in just three words — other people matter. Period. Anything that builds relationships between and among people is going to make you happy.” -Dr. Chris Peterson

What is The Positivity Project?

Of this, I’m Positive beautifully encapsulates the essence of The Positivity Project (P2)—an organization dedicated to empowering America’s youth to build positive relationships by recognizing the character strengths in themselves and others. Their vision is to help schools and families cultivate citizens and leaders who will enhance our communities and country. Positive psychology’s scientifically validated 24 character strengths serve as its foundation. Positive psychology teaches that people have all 24 strengths within them – and that character is not just skills or behaviors, but rather an intrinsic part of each of us.

P2 is not a program with strict guidelines. Instead, it educates teachers on the character strengths and relies on them to teach in a way that best meets their students’ needs. It is a school-wide endeavor, grounded in the consistency of daily classroom instruction. Their model is holistic; it incorporates students, educators, and parents through regular interaction with character strengths vocabulary and concepts.

P2 helps educators instill vocabulary and the meaning of the character strengths through explicit teaching of each strength for 15 minutes per day. Schools will dedicate one week to each strength to help students understand them through definition, examples, discussions, and exercises. Schools and educators are encouraged to tailor P2 for their own best use, as they know their students and curriculum better than anyone else.

What are the benefits of implementing The Positivity Project?

P2 evolves throughout a student’s entire school career. The 24 character strengths develop and gain more meaning for students as they grow. Once students learn the meaning of each strength and what it looks like, they can then be embedded into the curriculum in every subject area. The character strengths become a part of a common vocabulary and they will see them in everything that they do.

P2 empowers students by acknowledging that the 24 character strengths are already a part of who they are as people. It helps them to realize that each and every one of them have these strengths. We want children to internalize the traits that society honors. Acknowledgement to oneself and realizing that you have the power to affect others in a positive way is much more meaningful and rewarding.

Positive character strengths can and should be acknowledged in the classroom, as it gives students a richer understanding of what the character strength looks like in their peer group. Students understand that they have their own “Super Power” and they will be acknowledged and valued for their own character strengths.

How can you help?

Check out The Positivity Project’s 2023-24 Annual Calendar to follow along with what character strengths your child is learning about each week! We would love for you to take an active role in your child’s character education by tapping into P2 for Families/P2 Para Familias. By using the character strengths vocabulary and having discussions about the concepts, you will help your child understand the character in themselves and others in a different light. You can also follow our social media handles to see what we’re doing each day.

Behavior Expectations & Disciplinary Action

Commitment to Equity

Rolesville Middle School is committed to the WCPSS Core Belief that every student is expected to learn, grow, and succeed while we will eliminate the ability to predict achievement based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Our commitment to equity is maintained by personal and professional growth, community engagement, and implementing proactive classroom practices. We are committed to using data to identify strengths and address improvements of our school.

Classroom Practices

Rolesville Middle School will maintain a positive environment by providing ongoing instruction and reinforcement of appropriate social and behavior interactions within the school community. As a school, behavior expectations will be systematically taught in classrooms and in the common areas (e.g., cafeteria, locker pods, hallways) during the first two weeks of school, and again when students track in. Throughout the school year, students will receive positive reinforcement for displaying expected behaviors and reteaching of appropriate behaviors when those expectations are not met.

Discipline Procedures

Rolesville Middle School has procedures for identifying and responding to behavior incidents in our building and will review them formally on a regular basis. Our discipline procedures include problem behavior definitions, consequence continuum, and response flowchart.  Behavior definitions (see example below) consist of the most common problem behaviors with examples of how these behaviors can range from situationally inappropriate to minor, teacher-managed behaviors to major, administrator-managed behaviors. A consequence continuum shows a variety of strategies we use to help students get back on track before removing a student from class. The response flow chart provides general steps to follow when a major or minor behavior has occurred. Throughout the year, we will review discipline procedures as a staff.

All teachers and administrators will record incidents in our ECATS system, send home a copy of the incident or suspension document and communicate with parents/guardians to make you aware of what occurred and the consequences.

Example of Behavior Definitions

Appropriate Language: Cursing or use of vulgar, profane, or obscene language, oral or written, is prohibited.

Positive Reinforcement

Rolesville Middle School’s goal is to foster a positive school environment that engages all students in learning by preventing problem behaviors and reinforcing RAMS expectations. Reinforcing positive behavior builds relationships and provides opportunities for students meeting RAMS expectations to be recognized for their efforts. Students at Rolesville Middle School are recognized for demonstrating RAMS expectations in a variety of ways. Below are examples of possible ways students are acknowledged for their positive behavior.

Teacher & Team Recognition

• Positive Phone Calls Home
• Student of the Week
• Fun Friday
• One-on-One Recognition
• Character Ed. Breakfast

School-wide Recognition

• Pep Rallies
• Spirit Week
• Quarterly Celebrations
• Eighth Grade Dance
• Eighth Grade Picnic

Range of Interventions and Consequences

When student behavior does not reflect our RAMS Expectations, Rolesville Middle School provides a range of interventions and consequences including non-disciplinary, non-exclusionary, and exclusionary consequences.

Non-disciplinary interventions are responses to problematic behaviors that attempt to support students in learning to make more positive choices, minimize exclusion from instruction and other normal school activities, and do not result in a loss of privileges.  

Non-exclusionary discipline consequences are responses that result in a loss of privileges or imposition of other consequences that do not include exclusion from instructional time.

Exclusionary consequences are for serious behavior incidents, typically those that threaten the safety and well-being of the student, other students, or school staff. Exclusionary consequences are responses to problematic behaviors that expressly exclude a student from instructional time for more than a brief interval.

The following offenses will result in automatic referral to the office and exclusionary consequences:

1. Fighting

2. Serious physical harm and/or physical assault on an employee or another student (Regardless of previous referrals to the office, students will be automatically suspended for serious physical harm to an employee or another student, and a referral will be made to the appropriate community agency.)

3. Weapons on the school grounds. (See Below)

4. Serious damage to property

5. Ongoing Bullying/Harassment (that is reported in a timely manner and can be substantiated)

6. Theft

7. Chronic behavior problems

8. Serious threats to staff members and/or other students

9. Leaving school grounds without permission

10. Pulling Fire Alarm

Weapons:

Weapons including knives, razors, explosives, fireworks, guns, facsimiles of guns, and/or any other object that can reasonably be considered dangerous instruments are forbidden on any Wake County school campus. Any student having a dangerous weapon on campus will be reported to WCPSS Security and the local police. (Please refer to WCPSS Board Policy 6427)

Note: A student who reports that something was brought to school inadvertently or without knowledge and reports this immediately to an adult may not receive consequences.

Student Due Process:

All students are responsible for complying with, and expected to be familiar with, the WCPSS Code of Student Conduct and policies regarding student behavior. All Code of Student Conduct policies are contained in the WCPSS Parent / Student Handbook, which will be provided to families and also posted online for parents and students to review at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment in WCPSS.