2023-24

Student/Parent Handbook

Auburn Middle School

4163 Riner Road

Riner, VA 24149

Main Office (540) 382-5165 ● Fax (540) 381-6562

Counseling Office (540) 381-6560  

AMS Eagles are

Safe, Respectful, Responsible!   

***Additional revisions will take place throughout the summer, prior to Open House on August 14

Meggan Crowgey-Marshall, Principal

 Cheryl Burrell-Graves, Assistant Principal

Deputy Steve Parks, School Resource Officer

Donna Hendricks, Main Office, Administrative Assistant

Debbie Miles, Bookkeeper

TBD, School Counselor

Cindy Janney, Counseling Office, Administrative Assistant

QUICK GUIDE                                        5

Staff List & Email Addresses

Bell Schedule

Grading Periods

ACADEMICS                                         8

Academic Course Map

Math Course Paths

Course Withdrawal Procedures

Dropping a High School Credited Course             

Eagle Time                               

Grading System, Procedures, Scale  

Health & Physical Education

High School Credit Courses & Exams

Homework

Honor Code                        

Honor Roll                                  

Make Up Work Procedures        

Parent Portal

Promotion and Retention

Removal of High School Credit Course  

Report Cards    

Standardized Testing / SOLs                

 ARRIVAL, DISMISSAL,  & TRANSPORTATION                        13                              Arrival Procedures

Dismissal Procedures

Bus Transportation

Conduct on the School Bus         

Sanctions for Bus Rule Violations                                     Closings, Delays & Early Releases

Transportation Changes  

ATTENDANCE                                            16

Expectations

Daily Absence Notification

Excessive Absences

Late Arrival/Tardiness

Excessive Tardies

Checking In & Out of School

Transfer or Withdrawal from school

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS & DISCIPLINE                 17        

Alcohol

Barter

Behavioral Expectations

Bully Prevention

Cell Phone / Earbuds Expectations

Chromebook / Charger Expectations

Disciplinary Action

Dress Code

Electronic Device

False Accusation & Honesty

Field Trips

Gum

Hall Expectations

Personal Property - Responsibility

Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)

Preparation for Class

Prohibited Activities

Prohibited Items

Food and Beverages

Study Hall

Student Language

Tobacco Products

Weapons Policy

                
GENERAL INFORMATION                                26
        Accidents                                                
        Authority of Teachers                                 
        Cafeteria and Food Services                                        Change of Address, Phone, Email                 
        Custody Disputes                                
        DSS Mandatory                                
        Facilities                                
        Lockers                                        
        Lost and Found                                
        Medication

Moment of Silence                                
        Nurse                                        
        Parent/Guardian Involvement        

Pledge of Allegiance
        School Phones                                        
        Student Accident Insurance         

Student Recognition                
        Textbooks, Chromebooks, and Supplies         
        Visitors        

                                
HEALTH & WELLNESS                                31

Athletics  

Athlete Expectations                                               

Campus Facilities

Clubs

Health & Physical Education

Intramurals                                        

Physical Examination    

SAFETY                                                32

Fire Drills                                
Lockdown Drills                                
Tornado and Earthquake Drills

Involvement of Law Enforcement

                        
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES                        33

Counseling Services                                       

Tier 3 Interventions & Supports

OTHER                                                34
        Equal Educational Opportunities MCPS Policy 7-1.1

Statement of Rights and Responsibilities

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)        
        Student Records                                        
        Directory Information                                
        Grievance procedure

Harassment and/or Discrimination                          Notice of Compliance with Equal Rights Regulations

Trespassing

Sex Offenders on School Property

Unauthorized Persons on School Property

Welcome to Auburn Middle School

The faculty and staff would like to welcome you to AMS. We are pleased to have the opportunity to spend the next academic year working with your family. We are committed to providing our students with opportunities to be successful in all areas of school life.

Students at Auburn Middle are assigned to a grade-level academic team. On their teams, students will share the same four or five teachers for instruction in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Each team is located in its own section of the building so moving from class to class is easy. Teaming allows teachers to better plan, utilize materials, and meet the needs of their students.

This Student/Parent Handbook is provided as a reference manual during the school year. You will be able to access the handbook on the Auburn Middle School webpage ams.mcps.org. Students and their parents/guardians should read this handbook together.  While the handbook cannot cover every question that arises, we hope that it will be a helpful resource.  

The AMS Staff will work with you to nurture, challenge, and support your child through the confusing, exciting, and rewarding middle school years.  Academic success is an expectation for all students. Your involvement in the school and your child’s education are critical during the “tween” years.  

Please know our doors are always open if you ever need our support. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to help prepare the students of Auburn for their future as lifelong learners!  

 AMS EAGLES are

SAFE:  Students/Staff demonstrate that they are safe by practicing safe habits such as, adhering to school expectations and treating others with respect.

RESPECTFUL: Students/Staff demonstrate a respectful attitude by being kind to each other, actively listening to others, considering how their words and actions impact those around them, and engaging in behavior that doesn’t negatively impact the learning of themselves or others.

RESPONSIBLE:  Students/Staff demonstrate a responsible attitude by making choices and taking actions that allow them to achieve their goals, taking ownership for their actions, and planning their time to meet deadlines/due dates.

MISSION: MCPS is an innovative educational community. We value diversity, and we are  committed to equity and inclusion. MCPS empowers learners to realize success in an  ever-changing global society through collaboration with communities, families, staff,  and students. MCPS provides a safe, engaging learning environment and intentional  exposure to positive social, emotional, and academic experiences.

EQUITY STATEMENT:    MCPS will intentionally address the needs of all individuals so that each person can achieve their maximum potential.

CORE BELIEFS:

1. All students can learn in order to pursue their dreams.

2. Schools are safe places of joy, wonder, and creativity.

3. Every person deserves to be loved, valued, and respected.

4. Kindness is an essential skill of a responsible, productive community member.

5. The diversity of our community is one of our greatest strengths.

6. All people deserve equitable access to opportunities and resources.

7. Every child deserves an advocate.

8. Honoring the voices of students and other stakeholders strengthens the school community.

9. Open communication and feedback are vital to our growth.

10. Learning and teaching are collective efforts that begin at birth and involve the entire community.

11. Relationship building and high expectations are foundational to student success.

 MOTTO: AMS Eagles are Safe, Respectful, Responsible

MISSION: Auburn Middle School is dedicated to empower students with strategies to become productive, life-long learners.

CORE VALUES:

• All students can learn.
• Student learning, in a safe and comfortable environment, is the chief priority of the school.
• Students learn in different ways and will be provided with opportunities to apply their knowledge in a meaningful context.
• Parents, community, and school will work together to create a life-long learning environment.

PROMOTING EQUITY:

AMS is dedicated to advancing educational equity by consistently striving for a welcoming, student centered, inclusive school environment,   AMS actively reflects on our curriculum content and our instructional practices. AMS strives to include family and student voice in decision making. We are also committed to maintaining a highly trained team of professional teachers.

SCHOOL CAMPUS HOURS for students is 7:35 AM - 3:00 PM.

Students may not be on any of the Auburn school’s grounds/buildings outside the hours of 7:35 - 3:00 without direct Auburn staff supervision.

GRADING PERIODS

The following dates have been established for the 2023-24 school year:

ACADEMIC COURSE MAP

MATH COURSE PATHS

COURSE WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

As a small middle school, each grade level has one team of core teachers.  We offer many elective choices to complement the core classes.  Scheduling is dependent on extensive program planning as well as the availability of personnel and resources.​ Some classes may be full or unavailable thus making a class change will not be possible.  All course withdrawals or schedule changes MUST be made within the first 2 weeks of school.  Extenuating circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for schedule changes are initiated through the counseling office, and requires administrative approval.  Must submit the Course Change Request form located in the Counseling Department.

DROPPING HIGH SCHOOL CREDITED COURSE Algebra/Geometry/Spanish/Virtual Sign Language

If a student drops a course after fifteen (15) days of membership in the course, the grade will be recorded as a Withdrawal Fail (WF) for the year in which the course is dropped.  Levels in a subject may be changed up to three (3) days after the issuance of the first nine-weeks’ report.  Exceptions to this provision may be granted by the principal in cases of extenuating circumstances. (MCPS Policy 6-6.2).

Once the course is dropped, the student will remain in the class until an appropriate placement can be arranged. Levels in a subject (i.e. dropping to a lower level math course) may be changed at any time with principal approval. All such requests should be made in writing (with a parent/guardian signature) to the administrator.

EAGLE TIME / E2 Advisory/Remediation/Enrichment

Each day students will have one period for advisory/remediation/enrichment.  Based on student needs, teachers provide remediation and/or enrichment activities, as well as advisory time. Eagle Time / E2 classes are fluid and students may need to report to different teachers to support each student’s needs. This is not a Study Hall.  The intention is to provide students with an opportunity to extend their skills and receive intervention as needed.  At times, there will be an opportunity to complete unfinished work.

GRADING SYSTEM, PROCEDURES & SCALE

Grading practices at AMS are consistent with middle school philosophy and goals. Per MCPS Policy (6-6.2), interim reports will be available on Parent Portal. Parents should use the Parent Portal to monitor grades and student progress throughout the school year. Parents may contact the counseling office for Parent Login information as it is different from the student’s login information. 540.381.6560

Reporting periods are nine-weeks in length. ​Student’s report card grade will be a reflection of multiple tools such as written evaluations, homework, class participation, teacher observation, and other appropriate criteria. Questions pertaining to a student’s grade should be addressed directly to the teacher.  Per MCPS Policy (6-6.2), middle school grades, including final average, will be assigned following a 10 point grade scale:  

A  90 -100                 B  80 - 89                C  70 - 79                D  60 - 69                F  0 - 59

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION  

All students take a full year of H/PE in middle school.  If a student is unable to participate in PE because of illness or injury, a note from his/her parent/guardian is required to excuse the student for up to three (3) days. A note from a physician is required if more than three (3) days will be missed.  Students will be responsible for completing and turning in an alternate assignment/activity for each day missed.

The PE teachers will distribute specific guidelines regarding expectations in PE to students in writing on the first day of class. Students MUST dress out for PE in appropriate clothing from home:  shorts, t-shirt, and athletic shoes. Gym clothes and shoes are to be kept in a locked gym locker while at school and should be taken home to be laundered weekly. Lockers and combinations are NOT to be shared with any other students.  

Health Education is part of the PE curriculum and will be taught by the PE staff. Family Life is taught as part of the Health curriculum. Further information and a copy of the Family Life curriculum are available in the main office and the AMS library.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT COURSES & EXAMS

High school credit courses are taught at AMS for those students whose academic abilities and achievement allow them to pursue areas of interest and strength. Courses currently offered at AMS for high school credit include Algebra I, Geometry, Earth Science, Spanish I, and French I. These courses are taught with the pacing and workload of courses taught at the high school. Careful consideration is given regarding students’ academic abilities as well as their overall readiness before pursuing one of these courses in middle school.

HOMEWORK

Homework is a means of strengthening skills and understanding gained in the classroom.

In grades 6-12 homework shall be required when it is meaningful and necessary to fulfill the objectives for the course, with careful consideration being given to the needs and goals of the individual student​ (from MCPS Policy 6-5.4).  

Core teachers will consult to ensure that the amount of homework assigned on any given evening is not excessive.  At times, homework is also assigned in elective courses.  Homework will be assessed both formally and informally; however there is no requirement that every assignment be graded.  Homework will account for no more than 10% of a student’s total grade for any nine-week marking period.

HONOR CODE

Auburn Middle School students are responsible for their own learning. Students are expected to do their own work on all assignments (classwork, homework, projects, tests and quizzes), unless otherwise directed by the teacher.

Academic dishonesty (cheating) is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct (Division Policy 7-3.1). In order to maintain the integrity of our coursework and evaluation procedures, Auburn Middle School has an Honor Code. Students may be required to sign their name alongside the phrase, “Honor Code” when completing an assignment. By doing so, students pledge that their work is in accordance with the Honor Code of Auburn Middle School.

The Honor Code is as follows: “I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on this assignment.” Whether written or not, the Honor Code applies to all assignments.​

The Honor Code will be reviewed with students during the first week of school, and students will sign an acknowledgement of their receipt and understanding of the Honor Code. The following examples represent violations of the AMS Honor Code:

• Academic Dishonesty/Fraud​:  Any deception deliberately practiced in order to secure academic gain. Violations include, but are not limited to, cheating, unauthorized work sharing, copying of another’s work, crib notes, cheat sheets, verbal and non-verbal giving or receiving of answers or assistance.
• Plagiarism​: Quoting or using the ideas of another person or author without acknowledging that those were not your own. Such acknowledgement must be done through proper citation of the original source, as determined by the teacher.

Teachers will notify students of any suspected Honor Code violations and provide them with the opportunity to address the alleged violation. Cases in which the teacher and student are unable to resolve the matter, the student will be referred to an administrator for further investigation and to ensure that due process is followed.  

Honor Code violations are divided into two categories:

Level I:​ These include those assignments that would be considered of an instructional classwork variety. Such assignments include, but are not limited to:

• Homework
• Classwork
• In-class group coursework

Teachers have discretion in deciding what consequence will be determined for Level I violations. Violations such as these do not necessarily need to be referred to an administrator. It is up to the discretion of the teacher, and the consideration of other extenuating circumstances, that determine academic consequences or disciplinary action.

Level II:​ These include those assignments that would be considered primarily evaluative in nature. Such assignments include, but are not limited to:

• Quizzes * / Tests *
• Research papers / Projects / Group work
• Any other assignments that a teacher may choose to be bound under Level II.

* Any unauthorized use of electronic devices during a test/quiz is an Honor Code violation.

Such Level II Honor Code violations result in a zero for the assignment and will include a referral to an administrator for academic dishonesty. If necessary, the administrator will further investigate the matter and ensure that due process is followed.​  Level II Honor Code violations will be recorded on the student’s discipline record, and students who continuously violate the Honor Code can be subject to further disciplinary action. All assignments will be considered under the Honor Code unless stated otherwise by the teacher. Teachers must specifically state if the Honor Code does NOT apply to a specific assignment.

• During the first 2 weeks of school staff will review the honor code with students.
• Students will receive NO warning for Honor Code Violations.
• Students who are found to have knowledge of any form of academic dishonesty can be subject to academic consequences and disciplinary action.
• Not signing the Honor Code statement (as requested) on an assignment/test will result in the assignment remaining ungraded for credit until the Honor Code statement is signed.
• Refusal to sign the Honor Code will result in a grade of zero on the assignment.
• Honor code violations may be documented in the students school record.

HONOR ROLL

Students may be recognized on the All A Honor Roll or A/B Honor Roll

MAKE-UP WORK PROCEDURES

It shall be the responsibility of the student and/or parent to request make-up work for absences and for the student to complete all assigned make-up work within one school day for every day missed  (Example:  miss 3 days, 3 school days to make up the work) unless the teacher extends his/her time.  Teachers shall have the discretion to extend the time limit because of extenuating circumstances.  Make-up work shall be provided for all absences, including absences caused by out-of-school suspensions. (MCPS Policy 7-2.3).  

On the second day of an absence, parents/guardians can request, through the counseling office, that their child’s teachers compile work that has been missed. This work is picked up in the counseling office after 2:30 p.m. on the day of the request, provided the request is made prior to 9:00 a.m​. ​It is the student’s responsibility to request any missed assignments, schedule make-up tests, quizzes, labs, etc. the day of the return to school.  

Typically, assignments due on the date of an absence are due the first day of the student’s return to school unless they did not receive advanced notice due to other legitimate absences. Likewise, students who are absent on the day of a test or quiz should be prepared to take the test or quiz on the first day of their return to school unless they did not receive advanced notice due to other legitimate absences (MCPS Policy 7-2.3).  

The teacher or administrator may extend the time limit for make-up work due to extenuating circumstances.   

PARENT PORTAL

Parent Portal is a program by Powerschool that gives parents access to their child's student information, including grades and attendance. It is important that parents create their own parent account for easy access to student grades and attendance throughout the school year. Contact the Counseling Department if assistance and/or additional information is needed.  

PROMOTION / RETENTION

To be promoted to the next grade in middle school, a student must pass the core academic classes: language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies. Promotion, placement, or retention is the decision of the principal with staff input.  If a student fails 1 or more core class for the year, then the student may be required to attend Summer Academy to be promoted to the next grade level in the Fall.

REMOVING A HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT CLASS WHILE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Parents may request grades for high school credit courses taken in middle school be omitted from the student’s transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course. The request must be made (on the appropriate form) to the middle school principal by October 1 following the completion of eighth grade. Any high school credit course for which an F was reported will automatically be removed from the student’s transcript. (MCPS Policy 6-6.2).

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued each nine weeks and are mailed home five (5) school days after the grading period closes. The last report card is mailed home with the final course grade, SOL scores, and advancement to the next grade level indicated. Teachers calculate the final course grade.  

STANDARDIZED TESTING

Virginia Department of Education regulations require students in grades 6 - 8 to take growth measure assessments in reading and math in the Fall and Winter, as well as the following Standards of Learning (SOL) tests at the end of the school year.  

Scores for SOL tests range from 0 to 600 with 400 to 499 being Pass Proficient and 500 to 600 being Pass Advanced. Students who score 375-399 will be provided remediation and may retake within the same testing window.  Students who do not pass an SOL will participate in remediation programs. Failing an SOL assessment may also be used as one of many criteria for retention.  Failing SOL scores may also mandate attendance in Summer Academy to better prepare the student for the next grade level in the Fall.

*Subject to change by the Virginia State Board of Education

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES - SAFETY IS THE #1 PRIORITY

• Students may be dropped off no earlier than 7:30.  School building opens at 7:35.  
• Students (car/bus riders/walkers) are to immediately walk a lap around the track, as determined by the school (pending weather).  

• Benefits of Walking:  

• Increases oxygen flow to the brain improving focus, understanding, and memory
• Exercise helps muscles, circulation, and heart
• Reduce anxiety, depression, and negative mood
• Wakes students up and provides a time to socialize while walking

• Students then report to one of the following staff supervised areas:

• Cafeteria for breakfast (7:35-7:50) and must eat quickly and report to either of the following locations:  Gym or designated grade-level waiting area
• Gym for intramurals (when open and available)

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES - SAFETY IS THE #1 PRIORITY

• School is dismissed at 2:50.  Students may QUICKLY go to their locker before leaving.
• If a phone call is necessary to change a child’s transportation plans, please call before 11 so the appropriate persons are notified prior to the end of the day.
• Bus Rider Procedures:

• Students immediately report to the bus loop to board their bus.
• Students MUST model appropriate AMS behaviors of SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE, thus adhering to ALL bus rules and expectations.  Riding a bus is considered a PRIVILEGE and may be denied if unwilling to follow expectations.
• Students may ONLY ride their assigned bus and get off at their assigned bus stop.
• Riding a Different Bus:  

• Transportation changes should be made first thing in the morning.
• Before 1st period, students MUST provide the office with a parent signed note giving permission to ride another bus.  Note must include

• Who they are riding with
• Bus number
• Address of the destination.  
• Date of transportation change

• Car Rider Procedures:  

• Students immediately report to the car-rider waiting area near the front of the building. All persons picking up their child MUST remain in the car rider line and may NOT park in the parking lot.  Students may not cross the parking lot until all vehicles have left the car-rider line.
• Parking lot speed limit is less than 5 mph.  Please follow and remind all persons transporting a student to comply with this safety expectation.

• Walker Procedures:

• Students immediately leave the Auburn schools campus and walk directly home.

• After School Activities:

• Students may not loiter on any of the Auburn schools' (AMS, AHS, AES) property after school hours.
• Students MUST be directly supervised at all times by a staff member for the following reasons: school clubs, student organizations, tutoring, study hall, athletic practice/game immediately after school, or other approved event.
• Students MUST provide the office with a parent signed note giving permission to remain after school (other than for a regularly scheduled athletic practice/game immediately after school).  

• All other students MUST leave the building and MCPS grounds by 3:00.

BUS TRANSPORTATION -- Auburn Middle School bus routes can be found on the MCPS website.  Buses drop off students in the bus loop at the side of the school to begin the day. Show respect to the driver.

CONDUCT ON THE SCHOOL BUS

1. Listen to the bus driver and follow his/her instructions and bus expectations.
2. No abusive language is allowed on the school bus.
3. All students riding a school bus will observe classroom conduct rules.
4. Toys, distracting objects, and/or potentially harmful objects are not allowed on the school bus.
5. Students eligible for transportation must use the bus stop closest to their home.
6. Remain seated (facing forward) with belongings on your lap. Keep aisle and exits clear.
7. Refrain from defacing or damaging the bus and always assist in keeping it clean. Students will be expected to pay for any damage or vandalism of the bus, seats, or any other equipment.
8. The emergency door and exit controls may be used only during supervised drills or actual emergencies.
9. Keep the bus free from food and debris on the floors.

SANCTIONS FOR BUS CONDUCT VIOLATIONS

All students are expected to behave on the bus in a calm, quiet, safe manner and to abide by bus rules. Students who behave in an unruly and/or unsafe manner and severity of the offense on the bus or at the bus stop may receive the following sanctions:

• warning conference, parent notification, assigned seat, restitution for damages.    
• suspension of bus privileges, In-School Intervention (ISI)/ In-School Suspension (ISS)
• community service

CLOSINGS, DELAYS, & EARLY RELEASES

Schools may be closed during inclement weather or an emergency situation.  Announcements of school closings are made through the local media.  

• MCPS emergency hotline -- 540-382-5102
• www.mcps.org, ams.mcps.org
• Twitter -- @mcps_va
• Facebook -- Montgomery County Public Schools Virginia @mcps.info @Auburn MS Eagles

Sign up annually for Severe Weather Notifications at http://forms.mcps.org/delayclosing.asp

For the safety and reassurance of our students, have a plan that the child knows as to how to gain access to the home in the event there is an unforeseen school closing when a parent is not normally available.

See MCPS Severe Weather code section for additional information.

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES

Any change in the way a student normally leaves school REQUIRES written permission from a parent /guardian. If there is a bus change, the student will be issued an AMS bus note to be given to the driver involved in the change.  Bus drivers will not allow students to ride a different bus or get off at a different bus stop without a properly authorized note from the school office.  **In the event there is an unanticipated change, please contact the school as soon as possible.  Transportation changes should be made before 2:00.

ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS

Regular attendance is critical to your child’s education.  Disruptions to your child’s school attendance can have a significant impact on his or her academic performance.  Students and parent/guardian share the responsibility to arrive at school on time, attend all classes, and stay all day.  

DAILY ABSENCE NOTIFICATION

Parents should call the school to report their child being absent for the day and provide the information below. In the event telephone contact has not been made, a student, upon return, must report to the main office with a note containing the following information:

• full name of the student
• reason for the absence
• exact date(s) of the absence
• signature of the parent or guardian

**An automated phone and email message is sent if a student is absent from 1st period.  

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

5 Absences = School contacts parent/guardian & a letter is sent home

8-10 Absences = Parent/guardian conference & Attendance Intervention Plan & letter sent home

15+ Absences = Scheduling of Family Resource Team meeting to connect families with outside resources to support improved attendance through the MCPS Board Office & letter sent home

Continued excessive absences may lead to truancy and court intervention.  

LATE ARRIVAL / TARDINESS

Tardiness IS avoidable. Tardiness disrupts the routine of the school and seriously endangers the best development of the student.  A habit of being on time is important.  Lack of such a habit will work against the success of the student.  Circumstances that may require a student to be late to class will be verified with a tardy slip from the teacher/office. Students arriving after 8:05 a.m. are tardy and must check in at the office to receive an admit slip.  Excessive late arrivals/tardies may result in disciplinary action.

EXCESSIVE TARDIES TO CLASS:

Protecting and ensuring instructional time is of utmost importance at Auburn Middle School.  It is the responsibility of students to arrive on time to each class and be ready to learn.  Students are provided with 4 minutes between classes.  Excessive tardiness to class will result in disciplinary action as indicated below.  For each 9-week Grading Period students who accumulate any combination of unexcused check-ins/check-outs/tardies will be assigned:

CHECKING IN & OUT OF SCHOOL -- only a parent/guardian or other persons approved and documented in the school database (PowerSchool) may check out a student.  A valid driver’s license is required. Students are not permitted to return to the school building or grounds once they have left without being signed in by a parent/guardian. (​Students may not come back after school unless for an approved after-school activity.)

Please note: students leaving without authorization are considered to be skipping school. Any student who has checked out must leave campus promptly and shall not return to the grounds without officially checking back into school. A note regarding any student’s checking in or out must include the parent/guardian’s signature along with date(s) and reason(s) for the student’s late arrival or early dismissal.

TRANSFER OR WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

The parent/guardian should notify the counseling office two days in advance if a student is moving out of the District or transferring to another school within the District. The counseling office administrative assistant will oversee the transfer or withdrawal process.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

The Student Code of Conduct addresses student involvement with alcohol and other drugs while in or on school property or while engaged in or attending any school sponsored activity/function. This policy applies to imitation controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or any substance that is represented by or to the student, or which the student believes to be any of the prohibited substances. Under state law, students who violate this policy are subject to severe disciplinary action. In addition, referral may be made to law enforcement officials. (See complete Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy in the Code of Conduct.)

Students who purchase alcohol, drugs, or imitation controlled substances will be suspended for ten (10) days and recommended to the school board for expulsion (MCPS Policy 7-3.1).

BARTER, TRADING & SELLING

Students are prohibited from barter, trading or selling without prior approval of school administration.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS - SCHOOL-WIDE

BULLYING PREVENTION

Bullying (per the Virginia Department of Education is:  “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power of imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and  is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma.  ‘Bullying’ includes cyber bullying.

‘Bullying’ does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument or peer conflict.” Students, either individually or as part of a group, shall not harass or bully others. Behaviors associated with bullying include, but are not limited to, intimidation, taunting, name-calling, and insults. Bullying behaviors may take a variety of forms, including by electronic means such as cell phone, text message and email. Bullying, threatening, intimidation, harassment, or any other activity characterized by targeted, intentionally hurtful behavior (verbal or nonverbal) that results in any physical, social/relational or emotional/ psychological harm to another person is not tolerated in any form in any Montgomery County Public School.

Bullying is defined as an action that

                -Is intentional

                -Is usually repeated over time

                -Has an imbalance of power so that the target feels unable to defend him/herself

AMS places a focus on cultivating kindness and provides reminders to encourage students to practice kindness daily.  Weekly Eagle Time (a.k.a. advisory) is a time when anti-bullying and character education is provided.

Anti-Bullying Rules:

1.  We will not bully other students.

2.  We will help others who are being bullied by speaking out and getting adult help.

3.  We will use extra effort to include all students in activities at our school.

4.  If we know that someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Gossip is a form of bullying. It includes talking about other people, writing notes about others, or online talk about others. It is one of the most disruptive behaviors in school because it often leads to hurt feelings and anger, which sometimes result in fights. Do not participate in gossip. Gossip always hurts someone.

Cyberbullying hurts too.  This is when the internet, cellphones (texts), social media, email or any other electronic media is used to send, post or text words or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.  This is one of the most hurtful types of bullying and can cause deep emotional scars.

Parents and school personnel will work together to disrupt bullying in our school.

CELL PHONES, SMART WATCHES & EARBUDS/AIRPODS EXPECTATIONS

• Cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds can be and are a distraction to student learning and can promote discipline issues.
• Student cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds/airpods use is prohibited during school hours unless the teacher gives specific permission.
• Students are NOT permitted to post nor take pictures/videos of ANYONE while on school property (which INCLUDES the school bus & car rider area).
• Students must keep cell phones, smart watches & earbuds/airpods OFF, SILENT, and in their backpack or locker.  Devices may NOT be carried on a person (ex. kept in clothing)

• If students need to get in touch with a parent during school hours they may either call from the classroom phone or report to the main office to make arrangements (only with staff permission). Students are NOT allowed to use their own device as it is distracting to the educational day.

CHROMEBOOK/CHARGER EXPECTATIONS

Students are provided a Chromebook on loan from MCPS.  Students/families are responsible for any damages to the device.

Students are expected to bring charged Chromebooks to each class everyday as part of their necessary materials. The AMS Library does not have loaner chargers.

• If a student forgets a chromebook, the student may borrow a device from the library for the school day.
• If a student does not have a charged device and does not have their charger at school, the student may borrow a loaner device from the library while the student’s device charges.
• If a student loses a charger, a new charger may be purchased.
• If a student damages a chromebook purposely or as a result of negligence, parents/guardians will be responsible for the cost for repairs.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

It is the expectation of the School Board that all students have the right to an environment that is safe, drug-free, and conducive to learning. The AMS administrative team supports the position that all students should enjoy school and be free to learn in a safe and orderly environment. The staff is committed to maintaining an environment in which students are not subjected to harassment, ridicule, threats, or intimidation. Any behavior that disrupts the learning environment is not tolerated and needs to be reported to a staff member.

Discipline is an integral part of the teaching/learning process. The goal of school discipline is to teach middle school students how to behave appropriately and act responsibly as part of the school team. The faculty and administration work cooperatively to establish and communicate clear, positive expectations and endeavor to be respectful, fair, and consistent with all students.

Teachers are responsible for establishing clear rules and expectations for classroom conduct as well as addressing student misbehavior. Teachers continually monitor classroom conduct and work with students to minimize disruptions. When a student is unresponsive to correction, redirection, or other intervention strategies attempted by the classroom teacher, the student will be referred to the administrator for disciplinary action. The administrator will investigate all incidents referred to the office, notify the student(s) of the accusations made against them, give the student(s) an opportunity to explain circumstances of the alleged misconduct from their perspective, and make a decision based upon the evidence.

Typically, the administration deals with misconduct that is more serious in nature. Appropriate corrective and disciplinary action for students who violate any of the provisions of the MCPS Code of Conduct is determined by the administrator or based on the individual circumstances involved in each case. Consequences for misconduct may include the following: warning, restorative conversation/practices, loss of privileges, lunch detention, Eagle time detention,  In-School Intervention/Supervision (ISI/ISS), Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), or other actions deemed appropriate by the teacher and/or administration.  In-School Intervention/Supervision incorporates a disciplinary action and/or behavioral interventions (such as personal reflection, restorative justice, and/or an instructional component).

If a student’s behavior necessitates sending him/her home during the school day, an administrator will call the parent/guardian to make the necessary arrangements. Transportation home after detention is the responsibility of the parents/guardians. Failure to serve detention will result in additional consequences being imposed at the discretion of the administrator.

Students who serve ISI/ISS will come to school and be counted present. However, they will be kept apart from regular classes and will have specific rules to follow. The ISI/ISS Coordinator provides supervision at all times.  Regular classroom work is assigned and completion of all work is expected or additional time in ISI/ISS will be assigned to complete unfinished work.  Failure to follow ISI/ISS expectations will result in additional consequences.

Students will not be allowed on school grounds during OSS. Absences from class and from school due to OSS will contribute to the total absences allowed by the division attendance policy.  Make-up work will be provided during this time upon the request of the student and/or parent/guardian. All other guidelines regarding make-up work will also apply (MCPS Policy 7-3.2).

Students serving ISS Alternate Placement, or OSS are not allowed to participate in school-related athletics or any other extracurricular activity.  Any disciplinary action may be appealed. However, corrective action will not be delayed while an appeal is pending.

DRESS CODE

AMS has adopted a dress code that expects students to come to school in clothing that is appropriate in a school setting.  Students who are in violation of these rules or whose dress is considered inappropriate will be asked to change and/or parents will be contacted. Over time, the teachers, administrators, and parents in this community have found that the following dressing regulations work best at AMS:

• Do not wear hats, visors, scarves, bandanas or other headgear inside the buildings.  These must be kept in students’ bookbag or locker.
• Clothing may not expose undergarments OR show excessive skin or areas of the anatomy

• torn clothing, “sagging” pants, tank tops/razor backed shirts, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, crop tops/halters, low cut tops showing cleavage, excessively short shorts/skirts - must be below fingertips when arms straightened by sides)

• Shorts (all types), skirts, and slits in skirts must be mid-thigh.
• Do not wear clothing, jewelry, or other apparel that advocates violence, alcohol, and other drug use or distribution; that represent gang activity and/or membership; that advertise obscenities; or that reflect adversely on persons due to race, gender, creed, national origin, physical, emotional, or intellectual abilities; or that are considered to be distracting or inappropriate attire, or beliefs. (MCPS Code of Conduct)  
• Do not wear clothing or other apparel and do not bring personal belongings with the Confederate flag/Rebel flag symbols on school field trips or to Auburn Middle School.
• Shoes should be comfortable, worn at all times, and safe for walking indoors and outdoors.
• Personal writing on bodies is not allowed.
• Sunglasses may not be worn in the building.
• Blankets and towels are not to be worn during the school day as wraps.

Having attended one or more classes without being addressed for inappropriate attire does not preclude a student from being referred to the administrator for disciplinary action later in the day. Students who dress inappropriately will be given the opportunity to change or cover their clothing. Refusal to cooperate and/or repeated offenses may result in being sent home and/or disciplinary action. Any confiscated clothing items (i.e. hats, sunglasses) may be held at the discretion of an administrator.

Some students and staff members are highly allergic to perfumes and colognes. To protect the well-being of all people who attend AMS, no one should wear heavy scents.  

ELECTRONIC DEVICES (OTHER THAN CHROMEBOOKS) & TOYS

Electronic devices used for entertainment purposes are inappropriate for use during the school day. Toys, such as laser pointers or fidget spinners, are not permitted at any time on school property. Toys or inappropriately used electronic devices will be confiscated by school officials and made available for parent pickup. Parents are urged to carefully review information provided in individual classes concerning the use of electronic devices for instruction, as the school is not responsible for costs that may be incurred due to loss, damage, or theft.  Any violation of this policy may result in a student's loss of privileges of possessing such devices or disciplinary action in accordance with our code of conduct.

FALSE REPORTS, ACCUSATIONS, & DISHONESTY

Students who intentionally make false reports, accusations, and are dishonest will be subject to disciplinary action.  It is important that students model honesty and respect to all persons (including peers, staff, and adults).  Telling false information can have detrimental effects on the person being accused, the student who intentionally makes a false report, and the staff who must spend their time investigating the matter.  False reports will be documented in student’s record.  Repeatedly making false reports will result in disciplinary action.

FIELD TRIPS

Students may participate in field trips throughout the school year.  Students are expected to maintain appropriate behaviors that are in accordance with the school’s rules and expectations.  While on field trips, students are ambassadors and represent AMS.  Students who choose not to model school expectations may be denied the opportunity to attend field trips and will be provided an alternate assignment.  Students will not receive reimbursement for field trips should forfeit their opportunity to attend the field trip.

GUM

Gum chewing is permitted when students chew it quietly, it is kept out of sight, and thrown into appropriate trash receptacles. If a student does not abide by these guidelines then the student will lose the privilege of chewing gum on school grounds.

HALL EXPECTATION

Before and after school as well as during class changes, the halls are busy, crowded areas. Students can help the flow of traffic by making a habit of walking to the right and not congregating in the halls. Students also are expected to remain in the hall designated for their grade level unless they are attending a class on a different hall. Students must use an ehall pass and carry a hall pass when in the hallways during class times.

PERSONAL PROPERTY - RESPONSIBILITY

MCPS is not responsible for the damage, theft or loss of personal property on school grounds – including electronics, clothing, etc.  We strongly encourage names to be placed on items so that they may be returned if lost.  Individuals are cautioned not to bring large sums of money or other valuables onto school grounds.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORT (PBIS)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a nationally-recognized approach to support positive academic and behavioral outcomes for all students. PBIS is the behavioral component of the Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS).  Ultimately, it is a positive, proactive approach to discipline.

AMS uses the Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS) as a data-driven decision making framework for establishing the academic, behavioral and social-emotional supports needed for a school to be an effective learning environment for all students. The VTSS systemic approach allows divisions, schools and communities to provide multiple levels of supports to students in a more effective and efficient, clearly defined process. Implementing the VTSS framework requires the use of evidence-based, system-wide practices with fidelity to provide a quick response to academic, behavioral, social and emotional needs. The practices are progress-monitored frequently to enable educators to make sound, data-based instructional decisions for students. VTSS functions under the anchor process of integrating data, practices and systems to affect outcomes.

The essential elements of an effective VTSS framework are:

• Data Informed Decision-Making
• Evidence-Based Practices
• Family, School and Community Partnerships
• Monitoring Student Progress (including universal screening)
• Evaluation (outcomes and fidelity)

For more information regarding PBIS please click on the following links: http://www.mcps.org/departments/student_services/virginia_tiered_systems_of_supports_in_mcps https://www.pbis.org/school http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/virginia_tiered_system_supports/positive_behavior/index.sh

Auburn Middle School Tier 1 PBIS team meets regularly to continually review behavior/discipline data and develop/implement plans to proactively improve student behavior.  

AMS has implemented the following:

• School-wide Expectations (taught, reinforced, and displayed throughout the building)
• Staff emphasis on building individual relationships with students and their families
• Positive Behavior Referral Forms to recognize students for good behaviors
• Building a positive school climate through special activities for students (ie. 9 week celebrations, lunch recess, student voice, Daily Shout-Outs announcements, spirit days, Room 4 Success Tickets, Attendance, Academic, Athletic, Fine Arts, and Other Recognitions)

PREPARATION FOR CLASS

Students must be prepared for class. This means being on time in their seat, and ready to learn with their charged Chromebooks, notebooks, paper, pencil, pen and any other required materials.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

In addition to the student behaviors addressed by the Code of Conduct, specific activities prohibited at AMS include (but are not limited to) the following items:

• Buying, selling, and/or trading items.  (Only the sale of items as part of an approved school fundraiser is permitted. Sharing and borrowing of clothes is discouraged.)
• Public displays of affection (PDA) including kissing, hugging, and inappropriate touching.  (Any unwelcome sexual advances or other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature is considered harassment and is strictly prohibited by the Code of Conduct.)
• Initiating or participating in the production of derogatory, defamatory, or offensive communications/posts about students or staff (on platforms such as TikTok, SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook, and other written material).  Such activity is disruptive, creates an intimidating, hostile, and offensive environment, and will not be tolerated. Any student engaged in this activity will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Throwing items such as pebbles, sticks, snowballs and/or bringing snow into the building

PROHIBITED ITEMS

In general, prohibited items that present potential safety concerns or that create a distraction to other students and disrupt the educational process, should not be brought to school. Specific items prohibited at AMS include (but are not limited to): card collections, fidgets, lighters/matches/electronic cigarettes/vapes, pocket knives of any size, weapons, electronic games, headphones/earbuds (only for classroom instructional purposes), or laser pointers. Large sums of money should be kept at home. Additional items prohibited at school are addressed in the Code of Conduct. These items may be confiscated and held at the discretion of the administrator. Posting or distributing any materials requires prior approval from the sponsor or administration.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

In order to keep AMS clean and rodent/pest free, students may ONLY have water in containers with a lid that seals closed (no squeeze bottles).  This means no sodas, energy drinks, non-caffeinated and caffeinated beverages of any kind other than WATER may be brought into the school.  Additionally, all food MUST be consumed in the cafeteria ONLY and food may not be taken out of the cafeteria other than 2nd Chance Breakfast.  Students will be given limited time to eat 2nd chance breakfast and if repeatedly make a mess will no longer be allowed to get 2nd chance breakfast but may still get breakfast before 1st period.   Should a student not adhere to this expectation, disciplinary action will be taken.

STUDY HALL

Study Hall may be offered and available on a designated date and time for discipline (offered as an alternative to ISS in circumstances deemed appropriate by a school administrator), attendance, work completion, and/or remediation.  Transportation is not available.  Students are to bring necessary materials to work quietly the entire time.  Cell phones will be held by the teacher. Students are not permitted to sleep or talk.  If a student is late or fails to report to Study Hall on the assigned date, or if a student is uncooperative during Study Hall, the student will be referred to an administrator for further disciplinary action.

STUDENT LANGUAGE 

AMS strives to be a positive and safe learning environment for all students.

Language within the school grounds must be kind and respectful.  All students have the right to come to school and not hear inappropriate language. Any use of profanity, obscene gestures, bullying, offensive, vulgar or abusive language will NOT be tolerated and will receive disciplinary consequences.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS

AMS strives to be a positive and safe learning environment for all students.

State law makes it illegal for those under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or use tobacco products. This includes but may not be limited to any product intentionally inhaled in order to elicit an intoxicating effect such as smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, inhalant products such as vapor cigarettes, liquid tobacco, or hookah pipes. Students may not possess, smoke, distribute or use tobacco in any form while engaged in or attending any school-sponsored activity/function. This includes waiting at school bus stops and riding on school buses. Failure to comply with the above violates both the Student Code of Conduct, as well as the law, and may result in civil and/or disciplinary action under the Alcohol and Other Drugs policy.  All products will be confiscated and turned into the School Resource Officer (SRO) or another school official.

WEAPONS POLICY

AMS strives to be a positive and safe learning environment for all students.

Possession and/or use of weapons while in or on school property or while engaged in or attending any school-sponsored activity/function violates the law and the Student Code of Conduct. Students who violate this policy are subject to severe disciplinary action. In addition, referral may be made to law enforcement officials. Any weapon possessed in violation of this policy will be confiscated and may be forfeited to the Commonwealth. (See complete Weapons Policy in the Code of Conduct.)

Look-alike weapons--any devices or articles that by appearance or representation might lead a reasonable person to believe that they are weapons capable of inflicting bodily harm and/or intimidating other persons--will result in disciplinary action under the Weapons Policy. Look-alike weapons are not to be confused with obvious toys or trinkets that are not representative of weapons and/or not used in an intimidating or threatening manner.  All materials will be confiscated and held by school administration or law enforcement.

ACCIDENTS

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner at all times while at school.  Adult supervision is provided during school-sponsored activities to ensure the safety and welfare of students as well as to make sure students behave appropriately. Every effort is made to create and maintain the safest environment possible for our students and staff. While safety is a priority, accidents will occur. Students who are injured should report the injury to a supervising teacher.  The teacher will contact the school nurse and fill out an accident report.

AUTHORITY OF TEACHERS

Teachers will establish rules for their classrooms and any school-sponsored activities. They will be consistent with the procedures outlined in this publication. Students are expected to abide by these rules and procedures.

CAFETERIA & FOOD SERVICES

Our cafeteria provides a wide variety of lunch items each day. Students are responsible for disposing of their own trash and for the cleanliness of their seating area. Students may pay cash for lunches and a la carte items, or they may open an account with the cafeteria. A lunch consists of an entrée, a choice of fruits and vegetables, and milk. Free/reduced-price meals are available to students whose parents qualify. Applications are sent home at the start of school and are available at www.mcps.org. A new application must be submitted at the start of each school year.

Breakfast is offered to students who ENTER the school by 7:55 in the form of a bagged “Grab and Go” breakfast.  ONLY students who enter school after 7:55 will be allowed to get a “Second Chance Breakfast” between 1st and 2nd Period classes.

Students new to AMS will be assigned a PIN to access their cafeteria accounts. Returning students will use their originally assigned PIN number.  Sixth grade students will use the PIN from their MCPS elementary school.  Students who transfer in from other schools within MCPS will continue to have the same PIN number.  Parents may pre-pay any amount for lunches, which the students will access using their PIN. Parents may also dedicate a particular amount for a la carte items. Students will not be permitted to exchange any unused portion of their account for cash, and all remaining monies at the end of the school year will carry over to the next school year.  Checks should be made payable to Auburn Middle School.

**If your child has any food allergies or restrictions, please let the nurse and cafeteria manager know right away.  Cindy Paredes cparedes@mcps.org  and Marie Bentley mbentley@mcps.org

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBERS or E-MAIL ADDRESS

Parents may update their contact information directly on Parent Portal.

CUSTODY DISPUTES

Under Virginia law, both parents have equal rights and access to their children and to participate in their child’s education, unless there is a court order requiring something different. The court order must clearly establish that the other parent is not allowed to have access to their child or is restricted or limited in some way in exercising parental rights over the child. Otherwise, both parents are entitled to come to their child’s school to participate in their child’s education and to exercise all rights which parents have with their children.  It is the parents/guardians responsibility to provide the school with a copy of any court documentation.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) MANDATORY REPORTS

Licensed personnel who have reason to suspect that a child is an abused or neglected child shall report the matter immediately to the building principal. Principals shall report such cases to the child abuse coordinator of the local Department of Social Services as required by law. Personnel making the required reports are immune from civil and criminal liability connected therewith if the reports are made without bad faith or malicious intent.

FACILITIES

Students are expected to help keep the school clean and furniture in good condition. Students who deface or destroy school property are subject to disciplinary action, are liable for damages, and will be documented in the student’s permanent record.

LOCKERS

Lockers are school property and a privilege.  It is required for students to care for their locker appropriately.

• Due to the limited time between classes and hallway traffic, students are ONLY allowed to go to their locker before 1st period, during Eagle Time (with E-hallpass permission), and after 7th period.  
• For your safety and security,  lockers and locker combinations are NOT to be shared with other students.
• The sharing or “rigging” of lockers is prohibited as it causes damage to the lockers.
• Food should NEVER be stored in lockers overnight (critters - EEK!)
• Students are responsible for their lockers and should be cleaned out regularly.
• Lockers are school property and should not be damaged or vandalized (ie. markers, stickers, tape, dents, etc.) and students/parent/guardian will be held financially responsible for any damages as a result of intentional damage or negligence.

School authorities also reserve the right to search lockers when deemed necessary. Moreover, they also reserve the right to search book bags, and other personal property when there is reasonable suspicion that property will be found that violates school policies and regulations, or may be harmful to the school or students. Students may be required to empty their pockets as well. School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in a search.

LOST AND FOUND

All small or valuable lost and found items are held in the school office. Library materials are routed to the library and textbooks to the teacher. The lost and found for all clothing and other items is located in the cafeteria. Students should turn in any smaller items found to the office (ie. money, glasses, keys, jewelry). All efforts will be made to return items with students’ names to the student. Due to limited space, students should claim items as quickly as possible. The school is not responsible for unclaimed items. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity periodically throughout the school year.

MEDICATION

Students may not have any type of medication (including cough drops, vitamins, etc.) in their possession while on school grounds.  Students may not medicate themselves as per “Self-administration of any medication, prescription or non-prescription, is prohibited for students in grades kindergarten through eight” (MCPS Policy 7-5.2).

All doctor-prescribed medications, as well as non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) medications, must be taken under the supervision of school personnel. If a student must take medication during school hours, parents are requested to deliver the medication to an administrator, school nurse, or the administrative assistant in the main office. A medication form must be completed according to the guidelines that follow (forms may be obtained from the main office). All medications should be in their original container and clearly labeled with the student’s name. Written permission to administer any medication must include the name of the medication, the required dosage of the medication, and the time(s) the medication is to be given. School personnel will follow procedural guidelines for the administration of medications (7-5.2).

Parents should pick up any unused medications at the end of the school year.  Medications not picked up by a parent or caregiver will be disposed of.

Prescription Medications - School personnel may give oral prescription medication to students only with a physician/dentist/licensed nurse practitioner’s written order and written permission from the student’s parent or guardian.

Non-prescription Medications – School personnel may give oral non-prescription medication to students only with written permission from the student’s parent or guardian. Oral non-prescription medications will be administered for no longer than three (3) consecutive days after which time a written order from a physician/dentist/licensed nurse practitioner must be presented.

Exceptions for Certain Medications - Medications needed in a medical emergency such as inhalers, Epi-pens, or glucose tablets may be kept in the possession of a student and may be self-administered only with a physician/licensed nurse practitioner’s written order and written parental permission that are on file at the school.

Students who have any medication in their possession while at school in violation of the medications policy may face serious disciplinary action. Sharing, borrowing, distributing, or selling any medication (prescription or non-prescription) is prohibited. Any student engaged in this activity will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Conduct and the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy. Additionally, permission to self-administer prescription or nonprescription medications may be revoked if the student violates this policy. Sharing and distributing prescription medication may result in a recommendation for expulsion (MCPS Policy 7-5.2).

MOMENT OF SILENCE

The Montgomery County School Board has established the daily observance of a moment of silence in each classroom of the school division (Division Policy 6-1.5). At AMS, this moment of silence is observed in first period daily. During this moment of silence, students must remain seated and silent and make no distracting display.

NURSE

A full-time registered nurse is on duty at AMS during the school year.  The nurse will administer medications, investigate, and evaluate student complaints of illness, evaluate and treat injuries, and make other health-related decisions. Students may be referred to the school nurse for a variety of health-related concerns. Students also may schedule an appointment with the school nurse to ask health related questions.

If a student becomes ill, s/he must report to the nurse’s office. A student may be permitted to remain in the clinic for one class period due to not feeling well. The parent/guardian of a student who is too ill to remain at school will be contacted by the nurse or office staff to arrange for the student to go home.

Parents/Guardians are required to provide a reliable daytime telephone number for this purpose. An emergency contact person also should be identified in case a parent/guardian cannot be reached.

PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

Our goal is for all children to enjoy successful school experiences at AMS. We hold high expectations for our students, and we welcome the opportunity to work cooperatively with parents/guardians as part of our team. The support of family and community is important to school success, and parents/guardians are encouraged to take an active role in their children’s education.

Parents/Guardians are invited to participate in school functions and to join the PTO. Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to participate in the variety of opportunities to volunteer in our school. These opportunities are generally coordinated through our PTO, or may be arranged with individual teachers.

Parents/Guardians are free to contact teachers, the school counselor, and the administrators to ask questions, share concerns, and make suggestions. They are encouraged to contact individual teachers or schedule appointments with their child’s team through the school counseling office to discuss individual student progress or specific student concerns. Parent/teacher conference days are scheduled in October and March.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Per School Board Policy 6-1.5, “The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited daily in each classroom of the Montgomery County Public Schools as part of opening exercises.  During the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, students shall stand while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts or in an appropriate salute if in uniform.

 No student shall be compelled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance if the student, the student’s parent(s), or legal guardian objects on religious, philosophical or other grounds to the student’s participation in this exercise.  Students who are exempt from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance shall stand quietly or sit at their desks while others recite the pledge and make no display that disrupts or distracts those who are reciting the pledge.  Appropriate accommodations shall be made for students who are unable to comply with the procedures described herein due to disability.”

SCHOOL PHONES

Office telephones are reserved for office business. Students who are ill or injured should report to the nurse who will make the call to the parents. If there is an emergency, students should report to the main office for assistance in calling a parent/guardian.  Classroom phones are to be used at the discretion of classroom teachers and under direct supervision.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

All AMS students will be given the opportunity to purchase school insurance. Various levels of coverage are available at exceptionally reasonable rates. Forms will be sent home the first day of school, and insurance may be purchased within the first three (3) weeks of the school year.

STUDENT RECOGNITION

AMS recognizes students using the PBIS model formally and informally recognizing students for excellence in academics, improvement, behavior, citizenship, athletics, and other outstanding achievements.

• Honor Roll - All A Honor Roll and A-B Honor Roll students are recognized at the end of each grading period; and at the end of the year students are presented with certificates.
• Positive Behavior Referrals
• Room 4 Success Passes
• Awards

TEXTBOOKS, CHROMEBOOKS, AND SUPPLIES

Students are responsible for the care of all texts and Chromebooks issued. A fine will be assessed if lost or damaged (due to negligence or misuse).  MCPS provides many school supplies while student parent/guardians should supply what is listed on the yearly School Supply List.  If you need assistance, please contact the office.  

VISITORS

Students are not allowed to bring visitors to the school or have them visit during school hours. Only parents/guardians and individuals with official school business are allowed to contact a student at school. All visitors must report to the main office to sign in and collect a visitor’s sticker before proceeding to any other intended destination in the school.  Photo identification (driver’s license) must be provided.  Students will be called from classrooms to meet with approved visitors in the office.

To create the least interruption to the teaching process, parents wishing to attend their student’s class(es) should consult administration to make arrangements prior to the visit.  Teachers shall receive prior notice of any visit and will collaborate to ensure that visits are productive, appropriate, and timely. Spontaneous visits by the public shall be kept to a minimum and may be denied. Teachers should not be interrupted during instruction.

ATHLETICS

AMS promotes exercise and a healthy lifestyle through morning walking/running, intramurals, lunchtime recess, club and school sports teams, and Health/Physical Education classes. Students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 are eligible to play Auburn Middle School sports.

AMS STUDENT ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS - Grades, Attendance, Discipline

Grades:  Student athletes must maintain a minimum class average of 60% or higher in at least 5 courses.

Grades will be reviewed at the beginning of the sport season, at interim, and end of each grading period (and may be reviewed more often at the discretion of Coaches, Athletic Director, and Administration).

Discipline:   Student athletes are expected to maintain appropriate school behaviors.  In the event an athlete receives disciplinary action the following actions will be taken:

Attendance:

Student athletes must be at school a minimum of half day (3 hours 15 minutes) to participate in practice or athletic competition unless a doctor’s note is provided prior to practice or competition.

CAMPUS FACILITIES

The Auburn Middle School campus has a variety of facilities that are utilized to promote student health and wellness. Our facilities include the following:

• walking path
• practice field
• basketball courts
• gymnasium
• weight room

CLUBS

Clubs offered at AMS are based on student interest and available resources. Clubs may be formed throughout the school year with the approval of administration and with qualified staff supervision.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Most AMS students will have Health/PE as part of their daily class schedule. Dressing-out and active participation are essential for physical development and success in the physical education program. If a student is unable to participate in PE because of illness or injury, a note from his/her parent/guardian is required to excuse the student for up to three (3) days. A note from a physician is required if more than three (3) days will be missed.

The PE teachers will distribute specific guidelines regarding expectations in PE to students in writing the first day of class. Students must dress out for PE in the appropriate clothing from home; athletic shoes are needed in order to participate. Gym clothes and shoes are to be kept in a locked gym locker while at school and should be taken home to be laundered regularly. A combination lock is on each locker.

Health Education is part of the PE curriculum and will be taught by the PE staff. PE classes alternate when they meet in classrooms for health instruction. Family Life is taught as part of the Health curriculum. Further information and a copy of the Family Life curriculum are available in the main office and the AMS library.

INTRAMURALS

Intramurals are offered before school for any student interested in playing.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Students may not be permitted to try out, participate in a practice session, or represent AMS in athletics until there is a VHSL physical examination form on file. VHSL forms are good for one year if the exam is completed during May physical offerings or later.

AMS is committed to school safety. A Crisis Plan has been developed and is revised at least once a year. Included in the Crisis Plan are provisions for drills and evacuations.  

Fire Drills: Emergency Fire Drills will be conducted once a week for the first month of school and at least once each month for the remainder of the school year.  Directions for evacuating the building during a drill or actual crisis situation are posted in each room. Students should walk rapidly in single file without running or talking, and remain with their class as they leave the building and report to the designated safe area where the teacher will take roll. Students will remain a minimum of 100 feet from the building until told to return to the building.

Lockdown Drill: A lockdown drill is to prepare students in case they must remain in a designated area until a potentially dangerous situation (ie. hostile intruder) is resolved. Two lock-down drills will be conducted during the first month of school, and two additional drills will be conducted during the remainder of the school year.

Tornado and Earthquake Drills: These drills teach students to seek protection by “Drop-Cover-Hold-On” in the event of a tornado, or an earthquake or explosion. These are practiced at least once annually.

Students are expected to take drills seriously so they will know how to conduct themselves in a real emergency. In drills or actual events, students should endeavor to remain calm, avoid running, not talk unless necessary, and follow staff instructions. Students will be advised when the drill or danger is over. Drills will be conducted periodically and without prior notice throughout the year.

*Students misbehaving during any drills will be subject to disciplinary action.

INVOLVEMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

The AMS faculty and staff work cooperatively with local law enforcement to maintain a school environment in which our children are safe. Throughout the school year, several community police officers visit our school in an effort to foster positive interactions between young adolescents and local law enforcement officials.

The School Resource Officer is part of our school team. He/she will be in our school daily and is available to advise, teach, and mentor students as well as staff. He/she acts as a liaison between the community police department and our school.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Academics Services

• Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Student Record, Report Cards
• 504 Meetings
• Tutoring Referrals
• Course Registration

Social and Emotional Counseling

• Eagle Time: Character; Career; Kindness
• Crisis Intervention
• Individual Counseling
• Small Group Counseling
• Kindness and Bully Prevention

Career Services

• Junior Achievement (7th grade)
• Academic and Career Planning
• Job Shadowing (8th grade)

Other Support Services

• Student Assistance Programing (SAP)
• Talent Search/Upward Bound
• Community Resources and Referrals
• Weekend Food Bags
• Student Recognition
• Transitions to/from other schools
• Red Ribbon Week (drug awareness)

The services provided by the AMS Counseling Office are central to the school’s philosophy and goals. Assistance is available in planning and scheduling classes, working through problems and concerns, arranging parent conferences, citizenship, character education, academic and career planning.

For middle school students, the availability of a concerned listener is an important factor in the development of a positive self-image as well as in acquiring attitudes, knowledge, skills, and appropriate behavior necessary for wholesome interpersonal relationships with peers, adults, and society as a whole. Counselors offer crisis prevention and intervention as well as make individual and group counseling available to students.

Parents/Guardians are invited to call or schedule an appointment to meet with the school counselor to discuss concerns about their child at any time. Consultation with the school counselor concerning a variety of issues is offered to parents/guardians. Assessment and appropriate referral information about available community resources are among the services provided to parents/guardians upon request.

Except for emergencies, students will not be allowed to go to the counseling office from class without an appointment or pass. Students are encouraged to make appointments by stopping by the counseling office before or after school, during lunch, or filling out a request form. Parents/Guardians may telephone the AMS School Counseling Office directly by calling (540) 381-6560.  

TIER 3 INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORTS

AMS has a Tier 3 Intervention Team to work collaboratively with parents of individual students who are struggling with academics, behavior, attendance, and/or social-emotional wellness utilizing data to determine and implement interventions to enable the student to be successful in school. Anyone (parent, teacher, counselor, administrator, student, self) may refer a student to Tier 3.

PARENTS are the expert on the needs of  their children and their voice matters. If a child is referred, parents will be notified and invited to participate in this ongoing process.

The Tier 3 Team will gather, review, and document information important to your child’s learning and monitor his/her progress.  The following activities may be completed as part of the Tier 3 process:

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES MCPS Policy 7-1.1

The Montgomery County Public Schools’ educational programs and services shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students and shall not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law.  Students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions. Home and classroom work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school. Further, no student shall, on the basis of gender, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege or advantage, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity conducted by the school division. The School Board encourages school division employees, patrons and students to report promptly all incidents of alleged discriminatory conduct.

In furtherance of this policy, the School Board shall (i) provide facilities, programs and activities that are accessible, usable and available to qualified disabled persons; (ii) provide a free, appropriate education, including non-academic and extracurricular services, to qualified disabled persons; (iii) not exclude qualified disabled persons, solely on the basis of their disabilities, from any preschool, daycare, adult education or vocational programs; and (iv) not discriminate against qualified disabled persons in the provision of health, welfare or social services.

Sexual Harassment

It is the policy of the School Board to maintain a working and learning environment for all of its employees and students, which provides for fair and equitable treatment, including freedom from sexual harassment or abuse. No employee or student, male or female, shall harass or abuse another employee or student, male or female, by making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or engaging in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the employee or student, (2) such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, offensive or abusive working or learning environment, or (3) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the individual’s employment or participation in school programs. As used elsewhere in this policy, the term “harassment” specifically includes sexual harassment unless the context implies otherwise.

Grievance Procedure for Students with Complaints of Discrimination

Reporting:  Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of prohibited discrimination, or any student that has knowledge of conduct which may constitute prohibited discrimination against another person should report the alleged discrimination as soon as possible to a building principal.  The building principal will attempt to resolve the complaint through informal resolution prior to initiating a formal complaint.  If it is not possible to resolve the matter within 5 business days, then a formal complaint will be reported by the building principal to one of the compliance officers designated in this policy.

Any student, employee, parent, or other person who has knowledge of conduct which may constitute prohibited discrimination shall report such conduct to the building principal.  If it is not possible to resolve the matter within 5 business days, then the building principal will forward the report to one of the compliance officers designated in this policy.

The reporting party should use the form, Report of Discrimination, to make complaints of discrimination.  However, oral reports shall also be accepted.  The complaint must be filed with either the building principal or one of the compliance officers designated in this policy.  The principal shall immediately forward any report of alleged prohibited discrimination to a compliance officer.  Any complaint that involves a compliance officer shall be reported to the division superintendent.

The complaint and identity of the complainant and alleged perpetrator shall not be disclosed except as required by law or policy, as necessary to fully investigate the complaint or as authorized by the complainant.

Investigation:  Upon receipt of a report of alleged prohibited discrimination, the compliance officer shall immediately authorize or undertake an investigation.  The investigation may be conducted by school personnel or a third party designated by the school division.  The investigation shall be completed as soon as practicable, but not later than fourteen (14) business days after receipt of the report by the principal or compliance officer.  The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the alleged perpetrator, and any others who may have knowledge of the alleged discrimination or the circumstances giving rise to the complaint.  The investigation may also consist of the inspection of any other documents or information deemed relevant by the investigator.  All employees shall cooperate with any investigation of alleged discrimination conducted under this policy or by an appropriate state or federal agency.

The school division shall take necessary steps to protect the complainant and others pending the completion of the investigation.  Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a case-by-case determination based on all of the facts and circumstances revealed after a complete and thorough investigation.

The compliance officer shall issue a written report to the division superintendent upon completion of the investigation.  If the complaint involves the division superintendent, then the report shall be sent to the School Board.  The report shall include a determination of whether the allegations are substantiated, whether this policy was violated, and recommendations for corrective action, if any.

Within five (5) business days of receiving the compliance officer’s report, the division superintendent shall issue a decision regarding (1) whether the policy was violated and (2) what action, if any, should be taken.  This decision must be provided in writing to the complainant.  If the division superintendent determines that prohibited discrimination occurred, the Montgomery County School Division shall take prompt, appropriate action to address and remedy the violation as well as prevent any recurrence.  Such action may include discipline up to and including expulsion or discharge.

Appeal:  If the school division determines that no prohibited discrimination occurred, the student, or parent/guardian of the student, who was allegedly subjected to discrimination may appeal this finding to the School Board within five (5) business days of receiving the decision.  Notice of appeal must be filed with the division superintendent who shall forward the record to the School Board.  The School Board shall make a decision within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the record.  The School Board may ask for oral or written argument from the aggrieved party and the division superintendent and any other individual the School Board deems relevant.

Retaliation:  Retaliation against students or school personnel who report discrimination or participate in the related proceedings is prohibited.  Montgomery County Public Schools shall take appropriate action against any student or employee who retaliates against another student or employee who reports alleged discrimination or participates in related proceedings.

Right to Alternative Complaint Procedure:  Nothing in this policy shall deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse to address concerns relating to prohibited discrimination including initiating civil action, filing a complaint with outside agencies or seeking redress under state or federal law.

Compliance Officers:  The Montgomery County School Board has designated the Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education, 200 Junkin Street, Christiansburg, Virginia, 24073, (540) 382-5100, as the Compliance Officers responsible for identifying, preventing, and remedying prohibited discrimination.  The Compliance Officers shall:  (1) receive reports or complaints of discrimination; (2) oversee the investigation of any alleged discrimination; (3) assess the training needs of the school division in connection with this policy; (4) arrange necessary training to achieve compliance with this policy; (5) insure that any discrimination investigation is conducted by an impartial investigator who is trained in the requirements of equal education opportunity, including the authority to protect the alleged victim and others during the investigation.

Prevention and Notice of Policy:  Training to prevent discrimination should be included in employee and student orientations as well as employee in-service training.  This policy shall be (1) displayed in prominent areas of each division building in a location accessible to students, parents and school personnel, (2) included in the student and employee handbooks, and (3) sent to parents of all students within thirty (30) calendar days of the start of school.  All students and their parents/guardian shall be notified annually of the names and contact information of the Compliance Officers.

False Charges:  Students or school personnel who make false charges of discrimination shall be subject to disciplinary action.

LEGAL REFERENCE: Constitution of Virginia, Art. I, generally; Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended §§ 22.1-213 through 22.1-221 and 22.1-203.3; Virginia Board of Education Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, 8 VAC 20-80-10, et seq.; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended 1972; Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX; 34 C.F.R. Part 106; 45 C.F.R. Part 81; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  Adopted:  April 2004  Revised:  June 2008, May 2011

STATEMENT OF RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

In conjunction with creating and maintaining a positive, challenging learning environment, and a climate conducive to the development of a positive self-image, the safety and wellbeing of students and staff are primary concerns. Early adolescents typically are in the process of defining themselves and testing boundaries. In middle school, students have more opportunities to act independently and assume more responsibility for their work and conduct. Students make choices about their work, their friends, and how they will behave. The development of self-discipline becomes paramount at this level. Consequently, maintaining clear and consistent guidelines for behavior and enforcement of consequences are important responsibilities of middle level education.

Students are expected to know and comply with the Montgomery County Student Code of Conduct. The policies apply to any student who is in or on school property, in a private vehicle on school property, in attendance at a school-sponsored activity including field trips, as well as going to/from school and waiting at bus stops. In addition to these policies, the following general rules of conduct will govern daily behavioral expectations:

• Maintain regular class attendance.
• Report to class on time.
• Have the materials and assignments needed for each class.
• Participate actively in all classes, and ask questions if directions or assignments are not clear; put forth best effort.
• Show respect for staff, and comply with the reasonable requests of any school employee the first time.
• Respect the rights and differences of others.
• Be responsible for personal and school property.
• Promote school spirit by supporting and contributing to school-sponsored activities and events.
• Report incidents of bullying to a staff member.  Bullying will not be tolerated at Auburn Middle School.

Students involved in multiple incidents of disruption, fighting, and/or other repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct will be considered for recommendation to the School Board for long-term suspension or expulsion (MCPS Policy 7-3.1). This does not preclude a recommendation by the school administration for long-term suspension or expulsion in the case of a single serious incident.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

NOTICE TO ALL PARENTS OF STUDENTS ATTENDING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ALL STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTENDING THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHO HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18:

STUDENT RECORDS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day MCPS receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents/guardians or eligible students who wish to ask the MCPS to amend a record should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student-when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, MCPS discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student's enrollment or transfer.

4.         The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by MCPS to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

As discussed above, FERPA requires the Montgomery County Public Schools, with certain exceptions, to obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, the school district may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the school district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the school district to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications, such as: a playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production; the annual yearbook; honor roll or other recognition lists; graduation programs; and sports activity sheets (e.g., for wrestling events, and which show weight and height of team members).

Directory information is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. FERPA permits the school district to disclose directory information to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local school districts that receive federal money under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with information from three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the school district that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. The Montgomery County Public Schools receive assistance under ESEA.

The School Board has designated the following categories of information as “directory information” subject to disclosure without parental consent:  the student’s name, address and telephone number; date and place of birth; participation in officially recognized sports and activities; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors and awards received; school and dates of attendance; grade in school and program of study. School officials may release this information without the consent of the parents or student. The Montgomery County Public Schools release student information related to awards and participation in activities for recognition purposes, consistent with FERPA’s requirements.  The school district also releases names and addresses of students to permit students to receive educational and occupational information.

Any parents or eligible students who object to the release of any or all of this information without their consent must notify, in writing, the principal of the school where the records are kept. The objection must state what information the parent or eligible student does not want released. If no objection is received, directory information may be released until the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year.

The Montgomery County School Board has adopted a written policy regarding rights of parents and students under FERPA.  Copies of the policy may be found in the Superintendent’s Office, in the principal’s office at each school, and in your local public library. For additional information regarding the student records policy contact either the principal of the school your child attends or the Superintendent, 382-5104.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Grievance procedures and contacts have been established for students, their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the school division.

Title IX (gender equity)                      

Director of Equity & Diversity

Montgomery County Public Schools

750 Imperial Street, SE

Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5100, Ext 1029

Section 504 (disability)

Director of Student Services

Montgomery County Public Schools

750 Imperial Street, SE

Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5100, Ext 1029

Equal Opportunity Employment and/or sexual harassment

Director of Human Resources

Montgomery County Public Schools

750 Imperial Street, SE

Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5100. Ext 1067

HARASSMENT AND/OR DISCRIMINATION

It is prohibited for any employee or student, male or female, to harass another employee or student by making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or engaging in other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when (1) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for academic decisions affecting the student; (2) such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or (3) submission to the conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the student’s participation in school programs.

The School Board has adopted a grievance procedure for complaints by students of discrimination on the basis of sex or sexual harassment. The MCPS policy is located in Section 5-1.2 of the MCPS Policy Manual and can be reviewed in the AMS library, county libraries, and is available online at 

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/mcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=8X9KCW51440D#

The School Board has designated the following employee to be responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements relating to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972:

Director of Human Resources

Montgomery County Public Schools

750 Imperial Street, SE

Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5100, Ext. 1067

NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE WITH EQUAL RIGHTS REGULATIONS IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and all other federal, state, school rules, laws, regulations, and policies, the Montgomery County Public Schools shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion or disability in the educational programs or activities which it operates.

It is the intent of Montgomery County Public Schools to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in making certain discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations, and operations. Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the school division.

Specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Title IX (sex) and Section 504 (disability) should be referred to:

Director of Human Resources

Montgomery County Public Schools

750 Imperial Street, SE

Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 382-5100, Ext. 1067

All students attending Montgomery County Public Schools may participate in education programs and activities, including but not limited to health, physical education, music, career and technical education, (Family and Consumer Science, Technology Education, Agriculture STEM, Business and Office education, etc.), regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sex.

TRESPASSING

Per Division Policy 2-3.6, “No one shall be in a school building after school hours unless he/she is on official school business, is participating in a supervised school activity, is authorized by the administration, or is a spectator at an activity open to the public. It is unlawful for any person to enter a school at nighttime without the consent of an authorized person except to attend an approved meeting or service. It is prohibited for any person, whether or not a student, to enter or remain on any school property, including school buses, in violation of (i) any direction to vacate the property by an authorized individual, or (ii) any posted notice which contains such information, posted at a place where it reasonably may be seen. Persons violating these provisions of state law may be prosecuted. For purposes of this policy, school principals are ‘authorized individuals,’ and may direct persons to leave school premises and, in appropriate circumstances, issue no trespassing directives.”

SEX OFFENDERS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Per Division Policy 2-3.6, “No adult who has been convicted of a sexually violent offense, as defined in Virginia Code Section 9.1-902, may enter or be present upon public school property, during school hours and during school-related and school-sponsored activities, unless: (i) he is a lawfully registered and qualified voter, and is coming upon such property solely for the purposes of casting his vote; (ii) he is a student enrolled at the school; or (iii) he has obtained a court order allowing him to enter and be present upon such property, and is in compliance with terms and conditions of the order.” All Montgomery County Public Schools utilize driver’s license scanners with a sexual offender auto-check program for visitor registrations. This system will run the names and birthdates of visitors through the sexual offender registry. The Administrative Assistant will attempt to confirm the information in the database to conclusively determine if the visitor is on the registry. Any visitor whose name and/or birth date triggers a warning within the sexual offender registry will be denied entrance and will be asked to leave the premises. Unfortunately, the Sexual Offender Registry is not perfect and there is always a possibility that a person’s name 17 and/or birth date could trigger a “false positive.” It is our practice to treat all registry alerts as valid until conclusively proven otherwise. Any alert that cannot be readily identified as a “false positive” will result in the visitor being asked to leave school premises and/or contact local law enforcement. Any visitor who is denied entrance will be provided with the Reported Sex Offender Protocol sheet. If a visitor is uncooperative, or wishes to challenge the information on the registry, the school should contact local law enforcement for assistance. For visitors who flag the system but leave when asked, the school will still notify local law enforcement of the incident on the day of its occurrence. Visitors who believe that there is a mistake should call the school and make an appointment to discuss the matter further with the principal and work with our local law enforcement to ensure that the situation is appropriately addressed. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding in such matters. Our ultimate goal is to protect our students and uphold the law. We do this with the safety and best interest of our students in mind.

UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Unauthorized persons should not be in the school building or on school grounds at any time without the permission of the principal. Unauthorized persons include, without limitation, the following:

● Students not assigned to AMS

● Students suspended or expelled from any MCPS school

● Students advised by the principal or assistant principal to leave school grounds

● Any person who has not obtained a visitor’s pass from the main office (not an approved visitor)

● Any person previously warned not to be on school grounds

● Any other person not having official business at the school

● Any person who is causing a disruption of the programs or activities

Citizens and parents/guardians whose conduct is not disruptive of the normal school operations are always welcome to observe the operations of the school, but should first obtain permission from the principal’s office. Teachers are obligated to inform the principal of any unauthorized person they find on the premises. Any unauthorized person will be asked to leave the grounds at once. An administrator may enlist the aid of law enforcement officials to remove any unauthorized person from the school grounds refusing to leave on their own or whose actions are disrupting the school’s instructional or extracurricular programs.