Roosevelt Middle School Student Handbook

Comprehensive Distance Learning 2020-2021

As a community of learners, RMS strives to create an innovative, rigorous, culturally relevant learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and a culture of respect.

Current Contents:

Click on a bookmark below to go directly to a specific page.

Who To Contact For Help

Program Highlights

School Supplies

Family Supports

School Policies

RMS Expectations

Parents Getting Involved

WHO TO CONTACT FOR HELP:

Assistant Principal - Mike Yocum – student behavior and discipline issues, bullying and harassment concerns/reporting, scheduling concerns, and IEP support

Attendance Secretary - Theresa Elmore – student attendance, planned absences, excusing absences, and when students are in the building: lost items, locker help, arriving late, and medication disbursement

Classroom Teachers – curriculum and instruction, academic pacing, classroom dynamics, homework, and grades

Counselor – Lee Baker – friendship issues, getting along with others, personal issues, 504 Plans, school transitions, and class/course load concerns

Head Cook - Eva Glass- cafeteria meal payments and credits

Principal – Courtney Leonard – safety, staffing, academic programs, discipline appeals, budget, professional development, grants, concerns after meeting with a teacher, French Immersion, AVID, and any other educational needs

Psychologist - Barb Keyworth - current and potential special education needs

Registrar – Kelly Ayres - school enrollment, transcripts, report cards, school choice, school records, parentvue access, and all demographic changes including phone and address

School Secretary - Karen Kingzett - financial issues and fees, free and reduced meal forms, building use, calendar, website, announcements, and eNews requests

Staff Email Addresses:

Our staff email addresses can be found on the Roosevelt Website: https://roosevelt.4j.lane.edu/index.php/staff-directory/

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Office open for phone contact  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             School days 8:00am to 4:00pm

Roosevelt Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          541.790.8500

24-hour Attendance Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            541.790.8525

24-hour Spanish Attendance Recording . . . . . . . . . .           541.790.8507        

24-hour Attendance Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .            dialroosevelt@4j.lane.edu

Roosevelt fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          541-790-8505

District 4J Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         541.790.7700

Absence reporting, attendance concerns: Contact the attendance secretary or leave a message on the attendance line.

Address/contact information change: Report changes in demographic information to the registrar.

Conflicts: Check in with your advisor or the counselor for help.

Course changes: Talk with your House advisor who will work with the assistant principal and registrar if changes are made.

Drug/alcohol/violence: Talk with the counselor, the advisor or one of the administrators.

Excused absences: Parents should call the attendance line, 541.790.8525 or in Spanish 541.790.8507 or email dialroosevelt@4j.lane.edu.

Financial questions: Contact the school secretary.

Illness/injury: When students return to the building, students who are ill or injured should immediately report to the office. More information coming soon.

Insurance: Contact the office for a school accident insurance form

Planned absences: Request a form from the attendance secretary.

Student messages: When students return to the building, messages for students are posted on our message table in the office.

Tardiness: When students return to the building sign in at the office before going to class.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Our registration process facilitates students’ ownership and investment in their education.

Fine and applied arts are integral parts of our curriculum.  Roosevelt offers band, orchestra, drama, and art in all grades. Choir is offered to 7th and 8th grade students.

The French Immersion Program at Roosevelt is a “school within a school.” Students in the program attended 4J’s Charlemagne French Immersion School since kindergarten or have comparable experience in French. Roosevelt immersion students study entirely in French for two of six periods. For the remaining periods, they join other students in the regular school program.

Required Courses for 6th graders

• Year-long Cultural Connections Language Arts (or French Immersion)
• Year-long Math
• Year-long Social Studies (or French Immersion)              
• Year-long Science
• Trimester rotation sequence of Physical Education/Health/Academic Seminar
• Year-long Band, Orchestra, Drama, or Art

Required Courses for 7th & 8th graders          

• Year-long Language Arts (or French Immersion)            
• Year-long Math
• Year-long Social Studies (or French Immersion)              
• Year-long Science                                                                
• Trimester rotation sequence of Physical Education/Health/Academic Seminar          
• Year-long Band, Orchestra, Drama, Choir, Spanish, or Art

Complete information on program requirements and course offerings are at: https://roosevelt.4j.lane.edu/ under the Curriculum button.

House Advisor Program

The House/Advisor system is one of the most important components of the Roosevelt program.  Licensed staff members advise approximately 25 students (known as House) for the three years they attend Roosevelt. House is multi-graded (6th, 7th & 8th graders) and meets on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for 25 minutes. Advisors become well acquainted with their advisees and assist them to attain the best experiences while at Roosevelt. Advisors and housemates, along with the CORE leaders, orient new students to our school. An advisor also advocates for House members and is a staff person to whom students can turn when they need help. Occasionally, there may be a difficulty between the advisor and student. Parents are strongly encouraged to first speak directly to the advisor to try to resolve any issue. If the problem cannot be resolved directly between the advisor and parent, then the parent should meet with an administrator, who will attempt to mediate a meeting between the parent and advisor. As a last resort, the administrator may make an advisor change.

Advisors ensure that the following activities occur:

• Maintain an open line of communication with parents concerning advisees and their academic program
• Develop a relationship between the advisor and advisees to reinforce, guide and develop confidence, self-esteem, responsibility and good decision-making
• Help students gain an understanding of the goals and structure of the Roosevelt program
• Develop cooperative, supportive relationships among House members

Creating Our Roosevelt Environment (CORE)

Our highly successful CORE program welcomes incoming 6th graders to Roosevelt. Eighth graders apply to serve as CORE leader role models for 6th graders, who are divided into teams of 8-10 members. Each CORE team is then assigned two CORE leaders who serve as mentors and friends for the school year. The CORE program has proven to enhance academic success through peer support. It allows successful older students to pass on positive traditions to younger students and introduce them to the Roosevelt community. After the September kick-off orientation, social follow-up activities, designed to foster a feeling of safety and security for 6th graders, are scheduled.

Homework Club

Roosevelt offers an opportunity for students to catch up on their homework assignments. Homework Club will be open (virtually) school days before synchronous learning. More information will be available soon.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

School Supplies & A Place To Work

Even though we won’t be in the school building this fall, we recommend these supplies, along with your iPad.  We also recommend setting up a dedicated space for students to have their Zoom meetings and complete their school work. Having a regular space to work equipped with all necessary materials helps normalize a new school routine and supports students in re-establishing good habits and approaches to learning.

FAMILY SUPPORTS

Roosevelt’s counselor works together with advisors and the administrative team to support students, families, and staff. Our goal is to provide assistance for solving problems that may interfere with student learning. If a problem arises, parents should always begin by contacting their student’s advisor. If the parent or advisor believes additional help may be required, the counselor, principal, or assistant principal may be contacted via email or by phone at 541.790.8500.

Financial Assistance

Some Roosevelt students may need financial assistance during the school year. We have access to good used clothing and scholarship funds. Contributions to the Roosevelt Student Assistance Fund are regularly needed and appreciated. If you know of a student in need, please contact the student’s advisor, the counselor, or the school secretary.

Health Services

Roosevelt shares a nurse with several other schools. The nurse is scheduled at Roosevelt one morning each week. Health services are also available by scheduling an appointment at one of the School Based Health Clinics located at Churchill High School and North Eugene High School. A nurse practitioner and nurse staff those clinics. Their services are available to Roosevelt students free of charge. The clinic numbers are: Churchill 541-790-5227 and NEHS 541-790-4445.

Medications at School (when students are in the building)

With two exceptions noted below, ALL medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) must be locked in the health room and in their original containers.  Parents must sign a form allowing office staff to dispense the medications to students. These forms may be picked up in the office.  Exceptions to locking medications in the office are:  (1) with the written consent of the parent, students may carry and self-administer one-day’s dose of non-prescription medication (such as Tylenol for headaches, ibuprofen for dental pain, or Sudafed for cold symptoms) and (2) with the written consent of the parent and school administrator, students may carry and self-administer one day’s dose of non-controlled prescription medications, including asthma inhalers and bee sting medications.

School Insurance

A voluntary school accident insurance program is offered as a service to students. Information and forms are available in the school office. Payments of premiums and processing of claims are handled directly through the insurance company.

Roosevelt Website                                                                                                        

https://roosevelt.4j.lane.edu

We encourage parents and students to visit our website to learn about our school. On the site you will find the following information: communication updates, monthly calendar, upcoming events, Roosevelt staff directory, email and web pages, Roosevelt library, Roosevelt eNews, volunteer information and more.

SCHOOL POLICIES

Compulsory Education

Roosevelt provides a six-period schedule addressing Oregon state standards and providing access to electives. At the middle school level, Oregon (OAR 581.022-1620) requires students to participate in a minimum of 900 instructional minutes per year. Therefore students are expected to take a full schedule.  

Attendance Guidelines In CDL

Teachers will take attendance in Synergy by noon the following day for the previous day’s synchronous session. A student will be considered present if they attend the synchronous (in real time) portion of instruction for the day OR does any asynchronous (not in real time) work during the 24-hours of the school day (from 11:00 AM to  AM).

Auto-dialer calls to families about attendance will go out every Monday afternoon referring to attendance the previous week.

It is very important that parents call the Roosevelt attendance line, 541.790.8525, or in Spanish 541-790-8507, when your student is unable to be present at school. If your child is absent three consecutive school days, or has irregular attendance, a note from a health care provider may be required.  

Attendance Law

• Compulsory Attendance: Oregon Revised Statute 339.020 states:  “ . . . every person having control of any child between the ages of 7 and 18 years who has not completed the 12th grade is required to send such child to and maintain such child in regular attendance at a public full-time school during the entire school term.
• Irregular Attendance: Oregon Revised Statute 339.065 states:  “Eight unexcused one-half day absences [or the equivalent thereof] in any four-week period during which school is in session shall be considered irregular attendance.”
• Excused Absences: Oregon Revised Statute 339.065 states:  “An absence may be excused . . . if the absence is caused by the pupil’s sickness, by the sickness of some member of the pupil’s family, or by an emergency.  A principal or teacher may also excuse absences for other reasons where satisfactory arrangements are made in advance of the absence.”  The Roosevelt staff primarily limits “other reasons” to doctor or dentist appointments that cannot be made outside the school day.
• Truancy: Oregon Administrative Rule 581-021-0077 states: “The failure to send the student and to maintain the student in regular attendance is a Class C violation.”  The superintendent may issue a citation.    

All students should be in class, in person or virtually, and ready with the proper materials when class begins. Non-attendance prevents students from effectively engaging in instruction. School staff will work to support students on-time arrival to class, in person or virtually.

Planned Absences

If a student plans to be absent for three or more consecutive school days, please inform teachers in advance and contact the attendance secretary. Students are expected to monitor assignments in Canvas and make up any missed assignments.

Absences and Extra-Curricular Activities

Students who miss school, excused or unexcused (including suspensions), are not allowed to participate in after-school events on the same day, such as activity night, track meets, evening fundraisers, drama events, and concerts. The only exception is if a student missed school due to a school related activity such as a field trip.

Academic Integrity

Roosevelt Middle School is committed to developing students of character who demonstrate civic, social, and personal responsibility. The life skills we value and expect from students are effort, honesty, respect, responsibility, perseverance, and self-discipline.

Roosevelt students are responsible for understanding and abiding by this Academic Integrity Policy. They will take the time to do their own work. They will be honest and will learn without cheating, lying or taking shortcuts on classwork, homework, projects, or exams.

Students should always discuss with teachers if they are confused or uncertain about an assignment or grade.  Self-advocacy is always a preferred route to completing assigned work with academic integrity.

ParentVue

Synergy ParentVue is a website offering secure, private access to school and student information, including assignments, grades, attendance, school calendar, and teacher contact details.  ParentVue offers a single sign-on to view school information for all 4J siblings, regardless of grade level or school of attendance. Parents can see information about their children only, and cannot see the records of other students. While the website is accessible over the internet, access is secured via a user name and password. Parent activation keys are mailed with first trimester mid-term progress reports. If you would like yours before that time, please contact the registrar and be prepared to come to the office and show picture ID.

Homework Requests

Students are encouraged to check Canvas to obtain any missed assignments.

Schedule Changes

Giving students the opportunity to express their preferences in class selection is intended to encourage choice as well as exploration. We encourage students to explore classes they might not have otherwise considered. It is expected that students will remain in the classes in which they are enrolled. There are times, however, when a student’s schedule needs to be changed for various reasons. If a schedule truly NEEDS to be changed, then the advisor must first be consulted by the student and/or parent. If the advisor believes a change is actually necessary, then the advisor will meet with an administrator and advocate for the change. The administrator makes the final decision. Students must be enrolled in the course before they begin attending.

Dress Code/Guide

At Roosevelt, students’ freedom of expression is a priority. We strive to enforce these values and to maintain a non-judgmental learning environment. However, we do understand that some articles of clothing can be unsafe, distracting, or harmful to students. Limitations to student expression should be constantly reviewed due to changes in styles; however, potential limitations regarding the dress code are as follows:

• Anything that has caused a class disruption (i.e. students constantly adjusting their clothing or drawing class attention away from the lesson)
• Any clothing that could be potentially dangerous to the student or others around him/her
• Any articles of clothing that reveal underwear or skin that has caused a disruption to other students
• Any articles of clothing that display weapons, violence, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
• Any clothing that is considered in violation of our harassment and discrimination policy

Potential dress code violations can be handled by all staff members; however, a few guidelines should be followed:

• The conversation should be private from other students
• Sensitivity to student freedom of expression should be considered
• The conversation should involve families
• Administrators may resolve disagreements regarding appropriate dress

Illegal Substances (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, other drugs)

Possession or being under the influence of any illegal substance, including alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, WILL result in a suspension from Roosevelt.  Selling or distributing drugs will result in an expulsion hearing.  In addition, Roosevelt will report to the police ALL incidents involving drugs, alcohol or serious violations of the law, including possession of any weapon.  Those reports may even cause a student to be interviewed by the police and may cause a citation or arrest.

Self-referral for Substance Abuse

The Roosevelt staff strongly believes that all students have the right to an education in a drug-free environment.  In an effort to be proactive and supportive, our substance abuse policy contains a self-referral clause.  Students who are concerned about their involvement with drugs are encouraged to ask a staff member for assistance.  The staff member will help the student contact the school’s counselor or an administrator who will identify appropriate supports for them.  We want to make sure that students who seek help can do so in a confidential manner without fear of any disciplinary action.

Student Visitors

Student visitors are not permitted during Covid-19.

Volunteers and Visitors

Volunteers and visitors are not permitted in the building at this time.  All visitors must have a pre-arranged appointment.

Religious Instruction

Oregon Revised Statute (ORS 339.420) allows secondary students who have written permission from their parents to be released from school for up to one hour per week to attend religious classes.

4J School District Technology and Internet Use

The purpose of district-owned technology is to enhance the educational experi­ence of students and to increase the operational and educational efficiency and effectiveness of staff. This includes access to the internet, information services, databases, email and other communication tools. Students are expected to use technology for educational purposes and in an appropriate manner. Teach­ers and other supervising adults are expected to guide and supervise students who use district technology. District guidelines are summarized below. More complete guidelines for the use of the district network and other technology are available on the district’s website www.4j.lane.edu/cis/appropriate_use.

Email Accounts

All district students are issued a district email account. All student email users are expected to use commonly accepted practices. Middle school students have their district email accounts activated automatically unless a parent or guardian has denied access at the building level or filled out a denial form at the district level. Once activated, email accounts remain activated until the student is no longer a district student or the parent denies consent.

Unacceptable Uses of District-Owned Technology

The unacceptable use of the 4J network, equipment and other technol­ogy may result in suspension or revocation of network privileges, equip­ment privileges and/or other disciplinary action. Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to:

• Violation of school board policy, district administrative rules or any provision of the most current version of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, found at http://www.4j.lane.edu/superintendent/srrh/.
• Violation of any local, state, or federal law. This includes but is not limited to transmission of copyrighted materials, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.
• Use of district technology to organize activities that are clear viola­tions of the law or district rules.
• Use of profanity, obscenity, or other language that may be offensive to another user.
• Posting information or images that could be a form of harassment or could promote a negative culture in the school environment by causing a student or staff member to feel uncomfortable or unsafe at school.
• Knowingly accessing inappropriate materials or sharing inappropri­ate materials or their sources with other students.
• Use of district technology to access vulgar and plainly offensive, obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit language or material in any form.
• Use of district technology for financial gain, commercial activity or illegal activity (e.g., hacking).
• Use of district technology for political activity.
• Accessing another person’s individual account.
• Copying and/or downloading commercial software, apps or other material (e.g., music) in violation of federal copyright laws.
• Creating and/or placing a computer virus on the network.
• Activity with a malicious intent to disrupt the network.
• Any form of vandalism, including but not limited to damaging technology equipment (e.g., computers, tablets, printers, projectors, interactive equipment, etc.) or networks or disrupting the operation of the network.
• Installation of unapproved equipment (e.g. wireless access points, routers, switches, network cabling not provided or approved by the district’s Technology Department), unapproved or unlicensed soft­ware/apps, or changing of district settings.
• Bypassing of district-specified filtered internet websites on devices used by students.

Unacceptable Uses of Personal Devices

Students and staff are encouraged to use district technology devices whenever possible. Students may be allowed, but are not required, to use their own personal electronic devices that support academic activi­ties and independent communications. Unacceptable use of personal technology devices by students may result in suspension or revocation of personal device privileges and/or other disciplinary action. Unaccept­able uses include but are not limited to:

• Use of a personal technology device in a manner that violates any of the restrictions for district-owned technology listed above.
• Use of a personal technology device to gain or give an advantage in a testing situation.
• Downloading and installing district-licensed software/apps on per­sonal technology devices unless specifically allowed by the licensing agreement.
• Use of a personal device during school hours or non-school hours that causes a material and substantial disruption to the educational environment, or creates a foreseeable risk of the same. This could include filming, taping or photographing others without consent.

ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

As a community of learners, RMS strives to create an innovative, rigorous and culturally relevant learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and a culture of respect.

CDL & Zoom Guidelines & Expectations (For Students)   

As Roosevelt moves forward with Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) and utilizes online communication tools and platforms, such as Canvas, Google Classroom , or Zoom, the following norms, expectations and guidelines apply. Parents/guardians and students, please review the information in this document carefully to help our students prepare to be positive, polite, and respectful online participants in our new paradigm of Comprehensive Distance Learning.

Guidelines For Students In Distance Learning:

1. Students and their families are prohibited from using any device or mechanism to record, capture, and/or distribute any online educational activities (voice and/or image) including in Canvas, Google Classroom, Zoom, or any other site or platform used for CDL. Teachers may use Zoom and other applications to record instruction for posting in Canvas for asynchronous learning.
2. All school rules outlined in the 4j Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook, the Roosevelt Student Handbook & Planner, and the iPads For Students: Guidelines & Procedures document also apply in Comprehensive Distance Learning. Students should follow all school guidelines, especially regarding cyberbullying and non-discriminatory behaviors and comments while working digitally.
3. When engaging in CDL, students should use their first and last name. We cannot allow students to join Zoom or Canvas sessions without their name.
4. Do not give out personal information to others including log-in and password info, Google Classroom Codes, and Zoom Meeting ID invitations and passwords.
5. When joining an online meeting, please mute your microphones to reduce distracting noise for others.
6. Please wear school appropriate clothes when visible on video.
7. Practice good social skills online. Greet people as the meeting begins and say thank you/goodbye when the meeting ends, or send a quick greeting in the chat box. Be polite and respectful towards others.
8. Keep the Chat box open during the meeting. It can be used to ask questions or clarifications, which may be especially important for the teacher to see. The chat box can get overwhelming if too many people use it at one time. Be considerate when posting, and always ask questions when they come up.
9. In meetings with many people, students can digitally raise their hand to be called on by the teacher before speaking. In Zoom, for example, this can be done by clicking on the “participants” box, which opens up a list of everyone in the meeting. Students can find their name and hover to the right where they will see the hand icon.
10. Be mindful of the surrounding environment. Don’t include items in the background that are not appropriate to be seen by others during school. Backgrounds can be distracting to others. Have a clean, neutral background to ensure everyone can remain focused on the meeting.
11. When appropriate, the teacher will provide guidance on using the camera or not when participating online. Consider the angle of the camera when on video. Be mindful of the surrounding light so students are visible and do not appear too dark or too bright.
12. If a student has computer headphones, earbuds, or airpods, it is a good idea to use them during online meetings. Doing so will help students hear better and be less distracted by things that might be going on around them.
13. Join online meetings from inside. Being outside during an online meeting can result in wind and other background noise making it hard for others to hear.
14. Close/quit all unnecessary applications during online meetings so all processing power can be used to maximize the quality of the session. Additionally, closing other applications and tabs will eliminate the temptation to multitask and assist in staying focused.
15. Avoid unnecessary movement like ‘talking with one’s hands’. Too much movement can cause the video to pixelate and degrade.
16. Keep an open line of communication with teachers about online learning. If students have suggestions for ways to improve online meetings or online learning experiences, please send a private message to their teacher through Canvas or 4j email. Teachers appreciate knowing how to best support students.  
17. Review and know the C.O.R.E. expectations outlined below in the RMS Distance Learning Matrix.

RMS Distance Learning Matrix: C.O.R.E.: Creating Our Online Roosevelt Environment

Minors & Majors (M & Ms)

Roosevelt’s behavior guidelines are to assure the safety and welfare of students and staff. These guidelines are intended to promote respectful behavior and maintain an environment where teachers may teach and students may learn. Roosevelt Middle School strives to promote positive relationships among students and staff, and we believe all students deserve to be heard respected, valued, and understood. Another value at Roosevelt is the idea that conflicts can be resolved through compassion and a shared understanding of the perspectives of others. Staff will strive to manage discipline in a way that provides a learning experience for students on an individual basis because it is recognized that there are individual differences between students. In addition to these guidelines, students are expected to be aware of and follow the policies as listed in the Eugene School District 4J “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”  Copies are available online at https://www.4j.lane.edu/superintendent/srrh/.

The role of the House Advisor is to inform students and to manage lower level behaviors (minors). When more serious behaviors occur (majors), House Advisors act as an advocate for the student. Teachers, advisors and staff can refer students for unacceptable behavior and recommend consequences. Administration decides on all consequences, including decisions on suspension and community service, and may recommend expulsion to the superintendent. Our goal is to maintain a safe and respectful environment. Certain behaviors are identified as being contrary to this goal. Unacceptable student behavior is divided into two categories: MINOR and MAJOR.

Minor Referral Procedures

Minor Offenses include but are not limited to:

• Low-level disruption
• Mild inappropriate language
• Disruptive use of technology
• When students are in the building:

• Running in halls
• Horseplay (playful pushing, wrestling, etc.)
• Riding bike, skateboard, scooter on school property
• Use of backpack at inappropriate times
• Beverage in a non-sealable container (pop-top, aluminum, glass, etc.)
• PE dress down violation
• Littering
• Abusing school property (ex. kicking a locker, throwing a book)

Procedures for MINOR Offenses:

Minor Referrals are designed to re-teach students about school rules.  Consequences are left to the advisor or teacher for these infractions.  When a pattern of behavior occurs 3 times, administration and the advisor work together to change student behavior. Three cumulative minors become a major. Repeated minor level offenses become a major

• 1st Minor Notification:  Advisor discusses incident with student and reviews Behavior Guidelines (Heads-Up).
• 2nd Minor Notification: Advisor contacts parent and may take corrective action.  Student is warned of next step.
• 3rd Minor Notification:  A third MINOR offense becomes a MAJOR and consequences may result.  The advisor and the student meet.

Major Referral Procedures

Major offenses include but are not limited to:

• Fighting and/or assault including dangerous horseplay
• Harassment including verbal, physical, ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, or religious
• Bullying, intimidation
• Violent threats to others or property
• Extortion
• Possession of lighters, matches, or flammables
• Insubordination, defiance, refusal
• Theft
• Vandalism (including graffiti)
• Unlawful gambling
• Possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, illegal drugs, or unauthorized legal drugs
• Minor level offenses with a guest teacher
• Possession and/or use of a dangerous weapon
• Academic dishonesty
• Truancy including skipping
• Substantial disruption
• Gang related activity or dress
• Profane or obscene language
• Serious technology violations (including cyber bullying)
• Pantsing another student
• Leaving class without teacher permission
• Cheating/lying, plagiarism
• Violation of any policy listed in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

Procedures for MAJOR Offense

In most instances, a conference will be held as soon as possible following the incident. Specific responses depend on the seriousness of each situation. If a student is suspended from school, the administrator will determine the length of the suspension (a maximum of ten school days) and make appropriate contact with parents to ensure the student’s safe arrival home. During his or her suspension, the student may not attend or participate in any district activities such as concerts, activity nights and district sponsored athletics and may not be on the Roosevelt campus.

Students and parents need to be aware that school personnel work closely with the Eugene Police Department. The selling of illegal drugs will be automatically reported to the police department and an expulsion hearing is required. Possession of a weapon will result in a request for an expulsion hearing and involvement by the police. Any student who brings a dangerous weapon onto school property or to a school sponsored activity may be expelled for one calendar year.  Possession of drugs, vandalism, theft or assault may be reported to the Eugene Police Department and may result in an expulsion hearing.

Harassment/Bullying

To report bullying, harassment, or intimidation, please use this form: Student Safety Reporting Form

School board policy JB prohibits harassment, intimidation, hazing, bullying, cyberbullying, teen dating violence and retaliation, as defined by school board policy, against students on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, including athletic activities, on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop.

Students may face disciplinary consequences for any off-campus behavior that would disrupt the educational process or the operation of the school or district.

Definitions:

a. Bullying, harassment or intimidation means any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities or performance; that takes place on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-sponsored transportation, or at any official school bus stop; and that has the effect of:

• Physically harming a student or endangering a student’s property;
• Knowingly placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property; or
• Creating a hostile educational environment.
• It may be based on, but is not limited to, the protected class status of a person.

b. Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to harass, intimidate or bully.

c. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment may include such actions as sex-oriented verbal kidding, teasing or jokes; subtle pressure for sexual activity; physical contact such as patting, pinching, or brushing against another’s body; or demands for sexual favors.

d. Hazing means intentionally taking action or creating a situation that inflicts physical harm, psychological harm or distress on a student regardless of the consent or location of the participants. Hazing occurs when the action or situation has the purpose or effect of demeaning or humiliating a student or group of students. Hazing is typically but not exclusively committed as a form of initiation, discipline or rite of passage for a particular club, team or activity and almost always includes new members showing subservience to existing members. In considering a hazing case, it is not a defense that the student subjected to hazing consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.

e. Protected class means a group of persons distinguished or perceived to be distinguished by disability, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, marital status, socioeconomic status, source of income, cultural background, familial status, physical characteristic, or linguistic characteristics of a national origin group.

f. Teen dating violence means a pattern of behavior, within a dating relationship, in which a person uses or threatens to use physical, mental or emotional abuse to control another person, or threatens sexual violence against another person, when one or both persons in the dating relationship are 13–19 years of age.

g. Retaliation means acts of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment toward a person in response to previously reported harassment.

Student Responsibility

Students are expected to refrain from harassment, intimidation, bullying; sexual harassment; cyberbullying; hazing; teen dating violence; or retaliation. Students who violate these rules may be disciplined.

Students are expected to hold their peers to the standards established by policy and this handbook, and are encouraged to bring violations to the attention of a teacher, counselor, administrator or other staff member. These reports may be made anonymously.

Reports and Complaint Process

The district is committed to preventing and responding to incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, hazing, teen dating violence or retaliation. Staff and volunteers will follow school board policy requiring that such incidents be reported to the school administrator, or to the superintendent where the administrator is believed to have been involved.

Students and parents who have experienced an incident of bullying, harassment, intimidation, cyberbullying, hazing, teen dating violence or retaliation are strongly encouraged to contact the school principal or other staff member to report it. If the administrator is believed to be involved, the report may instead be made to the superintendent’s office.

Administration will respond quickly and appropriately to investigate and resolve such reports, making effort to provide the student with a practical, safe, private and age-appropriate way to discuss the matter. Interim measures necessary to provide a safe educational environment may be considered. When reports are substantiated, administration will take sufficient measures to remediate and prevent recurrences. Examples include: Support from counseling and/or administration to address the needs of the victim; support, interventions or consequences to address the behavior of the perpetrator; and safety plans where appropriate. Parents will be notified in a timely manner, within the constraints of laws governing the confidentiality of student records.

If students and parents cannot resolve the issue working with the school administrator or staff, they may submit a complaint to the superintendent’s office. The form, and the district publication Bullying, harassment & discrimination: Step-by-step complaint process, is available from school offices or from the superintendent’s office at the 4J Education Center, 200 North Monroe Street, Eugene, OR 97402, 541-790-7706.

Guest Teachers

Being a guest teacher is a particularly difficult job because it means working in a classroom full of unfamiliar students. All students are expected to make an extra effort to be helpful and cooperative. Roosevelt’s behavior guidelines apply.  Students who receive a minor for disruption, defiance or disrespect may receive more severe consequences than minor consequences after consultation with the advisor, regular teacher and the guest teacher.

Off-Campus Behavior

Students may face disciplinary consequences for conduct that occurs off school premises at school-related or supervised functions or while traveling to and from school. Disciplinary consequences may be pursued if the behavior has a threatening effect on student safety or physical or mental health, or if the behavior would otherwise tend to disrupt the educational process or the operation of the school.

Investigation by Law Enforcement Officials

School officials are faced with a dual responsibility.  First, they must safeguard students’ rights; second, they must cooperate with law enforcement officers.  When an officer is investigating illegal acts that are not school related, school administrators will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent.  However, we cannot impede the investigation even if we cannot reach the parent.  We will contact the parent as soon as possible.  Principals may involve a police officer investigating violations of school policies and rules, including student interviews, without first contacting parents.  If, during the course of the investigation, a student becomes a suspect in an illegal act, the administrator will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent or guardian before allowing the interview to proceed.  If parents cannot be present, an administrator will act in place of the parent.

Duty to Inform about Threats

Oregon law requires schools to inform parents if their son or daughter’s name appears on a targeted list - a “hit list” - that threatens violence or harm or when he or she receives a threat of violence or harm from another student. When students’ names appear on a list threatening violence or harm or they receive other threats of violence or harm by another student, we will attempt to meet with parents personally or talk by telephone within 12 hours of learning about the threat. We will tell parents the specific threat, who made it (if we know), and the action we are taking to respond. We will also send parents a notice within 24 hours stating that your son or daughter did receive a threat. Our number one priority will be to make sure that school is safe for your student.

If your student makes a threat of harm to another student, we will let you know that he or she made the threat. We will also let you know the corrective action we will be taking, including informing the parents of the student who received the threat, under guidelines of a MAJOR referral. We follow a similar process for informing staff when they receive a threat from a student, and are required by the district’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to inform the police.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Eugene School District 4J has adopted important policies and procedures in compliance with tougher state laws. Out-of-school suspensions may be up to ten school days. Expulsions may last one full school year. Because of the seriousness of these and other changes, we encourage you to carefully review the current Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook with your student. The handbook is available in the Roosevelt office and online at 4J’s website: https://www.4j.lane.edu.

Nondiscrimination

Eugene School District 4J policy AC prohibits discrimination or harass­ment in educational programs, activities, services or employment on the basis of the person’s actual or perceived protected class status, including disability, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, marital status, socioeconomic status, source of income, cultural background, familial status, physical characteristics, or linguistic characteristics of a national origin group.

It is a violation of district policy for any student or employee to discriminate against a student or employee, or to harass a student or employee, based on the student or employee’s actual or perceived protected class status.

The district expects that staff, volunteers and students will provide equal treatment and access to educational programs, services and aid to students without regard to their protected status.

The district will investigate all complaints, formal or informal, of dis­crimination or harassment of a student or employee based on a student or employee’s actual or perceived protected status, and will take appropriate corrective, remedial, and disciplinary measures for substantiated violations of this policy.

For prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints alleging dis­crimination and harassment based on protected status, parents and stu­dents are urged to contact the school principal or, if they believe the principal is involved or has not resolved the matter, the superintendent’s office. Employees who witness or reasonably suspect discrimination or harassment must report the matter to the school administrator or to the superintendent’s office.

For more information about student complaints, please refer to the district publication Bullying, harassment & discrimination: Step-by-step com­plaint process, available from school offices or the superintendent’s office.

The district complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regula­tions, including Title VI, Title IX, Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Oregon law. Please contact the superintendent’s office for any questions pertaining to district compliance.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS GETTING INVOLVED

Volunteer

At Roosevelt we greatly appreciate our volunteers and quite frankly, we could not manage without them. In a regular year, we need all kinds of parental help, from volunteering in the library and the office to signing up families for eScrip at school events to chaperoning at activity nights and much more. We will get updated information out about volunteer opportunities during Covid-19.

Parents and Guardians are Invited

Becoming a member of Site Council or PAR (Parents At Roosevelt) will allow you to take an active part in Roosevelt affairs.  PAR is the parent-led volunteer organization that supports RMS students and staff, connects and informs parents, and is one of the many ways parents can get involved in the school. There are no membership fees to join PAR – all RMS parents are automatically members and encouraged to participate in any and all ways that work for them.

What does PAR do?  PAR fundraises throughout the year to secure supplemental funding for staffing. PAR also provides teacher grants which go to support field trips, purchase books and other supplies, all of which provide greater learning experiences for all students. Our biggest fundraiser, Showcase Roosevelt, is held in the spring.  PAR sponsors Parent Education Nights. These presentations cover current teen topics such as anxiety, self-esteem and confidence building, identity, social media and substance use. We work with local experts to bring you the most current information, ideas, and resources available. Please contact us with topics you’d like to see presented and discussed for future events. PAR hosts teacher and staff appreciation events throughout the year. We invite families to participate by contributing items, usually food or drinks, for these occasions.

How can I be involved with PAR?  Attend a PAR business meeting (stay tuned for meeting days and time). Read the minutes from PAR business meetings in eNews (all families are automatically subscribed).  Fill an open leadership position (with support from PAR leadership), such as EEF chair/liaison, fundraising chair, eScrip chair, or Box Tops chair. Follow PAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/parentsatroosevelt and on Instagram @parentsatroosevelt.

Weekly Roosevelt eNews

Our weekly eNews keeps you informed through weekly news briefs. Content includes calendar highlights, updates from administrators, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more.  Weekly updates are sent to all families by a parent volunteer, through a confidential list serve. You’ll recognize the eNews when it arrives in your in-box because in the subject line you will see: "[RMS] eNews" and the date. It is our intent to include all Roosevelt families on our eNews distribution list, but sometimes errors happen. If you wish to receive the Roosevelt eNews but you are not on the list, please email rmsenews@gmail.com to be added to the list. Also, please know, you can always opt out. For questions or problems, email rmsenews@gmail.com. Roosevelt eNews is a service of Parents at Roosevelt, in cooperation with Roosevelt Middle School, and is produced by volunteers on privately owned equipment.

Sign Up for eScrip

It’s easy to support Roosevelt by signing up for eScrip. New merchants are joining our large number of contributors. Go to https://www.escrip.com and identify Roosevelt Middle School, ID #67230454, as the recipient of the merchant’s donation. Register the numbers of your debit, credit, and club cards and use those cards to make your usual purchases at participating stores. If you are already signed up for eScrip, thank you! Please check and make sure your registered card information is current, and that Roosevelt Middle School is your eScrip group. Questions? Please call the office. Thank you for supporting RMS through your participation in eScrip.