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Student Policies

2023 - 2024 School Year

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We Are Here For You!!

Ms. L. Smith, Principal
Ms. Thompson, Assistant Principal
Ms. Moravec, School Counselor (last names A-M)
Ms. Sheffield, School Counselor (last names N-Z)
Ms. Williamson, School Counselor Intern
Ms. Toler, Nurse

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My goals for Hammond School:

Foster a diverse, safe, and welcoming community and learning environment
Engage students in a rigorous academic environment that meets their individual needs and interests
Nurture the joy of learning for each student
Instill critical thinking skills
Promote strong relationships among parents, teachers and students

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Let’s Dig In

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Let’s Hear It!

Student Perception

When you think about Howard County’s Student Code of Conduct and Student Discipline, what words and emotions come to mind?

(Hint: there’s no wrong answer)

Processing Options:

Table Placemat- Ask students to data dump any words or emotions they associate with the HCPSS Code of Conduct. You could process this by having a blank paper as a ‘placemat’ in the center of a table and then have each group post their paper to a wall/board.
Word Soup- Ask three students to volunteer to help. Two students will take turns writing response on the chalkboard or poster paper and the third will call on volunteers to contribute a word. At the end you’ll have a graffiti wall/word soup.
Cluster Thoughts- Have individuals put one word per sticky note up on the board or a collaborative space. Engage a few student volunteers to group them in clusters by common themes

Transition to next slide:

The Code of Conduct has been updated to include more approaches that are supportive and restorative. We hope that you notice the focus on relationships and the importance of school and classroom community.

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What do YOU think?

As you read the “Student Expectations,” pay attention to your reactions and code them.

Which expectation . . .

do you think will be easiest for you?

will be challenging for you, if any?

gets on your nerves or impacts your learning when it happens in class?

surprises you?

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Now. . . what are the responsibilities for staff?

As you read the “Staff Responsibilities,” pay attention to your reactions and code them.

Which 1-2 responsibilities. . .

are really important to you?
why?

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The First Step in the Code of Conduct

“It’s ok to trip up sometimes, it’s how we learn and come back from it that matters.”

We practice progressive discipline.

Class Warning
Personal Warning
Parent/Guardian Contact
Incident Report
Level 1- 2 responses

Extended school day
Formal teacher conference with parent/guardian
Loss of privileges

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“It’s ok

to make mistakes…

as long as

you learn from them.”

SAY - When disruptive or unsafe mistakes continue to happen, as well as when major unsafe issues occur even just one time, most likely they will result in other responses. Administrators get involved at these levels of behaviors. Typically, behaviors are recorded on Office Disciplinary Referrals. Parent/Guardian contact is made to engage the entire student support system, and an appropriate consequence is applied, which is intended to lead to behavior change and ultimately more time in class….where learning happens.

Some offenses that can lead to immediate administrative responses include: alcohol/drugs/tobacco violations, arson/fire/explosives violations, assault and/or battery on staff, false alarms or threats, hazing, attacks on students, leaving school grounds without permission, causing serious bodily harm, stalking, trespassing violations, and weapons violations.

Consider having definitions up (page 6 and 7 of the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct) for students to review and/or for staff to review definitions if questions arise. HCPSS Student Code of Conduct

This is a good time to have students sign that they’ve reviewed the code of conduct and/or assign it as homework for parents/guardians to sign off on as well

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Short-term suspension

Long-term suspension

Restricted access

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Student Code of Conduct

Student behavior is the shared responsibility of the school, the student, and the home.

The county wide discipline policy applies during school hours as well as at other times and places.

Click Here!

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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students share responsibility with school staff for maintaining an environment of mutual respect and dignity in the school.
Students take an active role in making school a supportive, safe, and welcoming place for all students and staff.

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Attendance Procedures, Policy 9010

Attend all classes, on time every day that school is in session.
Email a note if you are late, need to leave early, or will be absent from class.
Attendance email: hmsabsence@hcpss.org

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Grading Procedures: Middle School, Policy 8020

Students must maintain at least a “C” average in their core academic subjects to be eligible for promotion.
A student may make up work and receive a recorded grade for work missed due to a lawful absence
Extra credit is not offered in grades 6-12
Teachers may allow students to redo work to demonstrate a satisfactory level of mastery at a minimum.

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Lockers and Backpacks

Students are allowed to carry their laptop, charger and books for class in their backpack.
Students must put their coats, lunches, and books/supplies that are not being used in their lockers
Students must store their backpacks in their locker during lunchtime. Computers are NOT allowed in the cafeteria during lunch or out at recess

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Computer Use

Students may only have their computers out with teacher permission
While in the classroom, students should only use their computers for assignments/school purposes
Students must treat their laptop with care
Students must report any damage immediately to Ms. Koehler or Ms. S. Smith in the media center

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Responsible Use of Technology and Social Media, Policy 8080

Middle school students must keep their cell phones silent and away throughout the day.
Student’s will access only those network resources for which they obtained permission.
The misuse of the school system’s computer technology causing damage will result in families paying for the damage.

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Personal Communication Device Guidelines

Students must comply with class and school rules and all HCPSS policies
Students may not use their cell phone during the school day.
Technology devices may not be used in the bathroom or locker rooms at any times.
Cell phones are allowed ONLY before the arrival bell and after the dismissal bell
No cell phones or accessories (including ear buds) should be used or visible during the school day

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Civility, Policy 1000

Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:

Rude and insulting language
Persistently unreasonable demands
Displays of temper
Harassment and intimidation

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Each student is responsible for behaving in a civil manner and for cooperating in resolving uncivil incidents.

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Lunch

Come in and be seated

Know your table #

Know your lunch pin

Line up only when your table has been called

You may go to eat outside once your table has been called
Clean up your area and you may go outside for recess when you are ready

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Recess

An adult must be outside before you exit the building
Trash needs to be thrown out before recess equipment is used.
Blacktop, kickball field and soccer field (if dry) are both open.
Good sportsmanship is required - lunch duty staff have the right to revoke any sport if good sportsmanship is not demonstrated
When the whistle blows all playing must stop, equipment returned, and line up

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Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation, Policy 9460

The Board of Education prohibits acts of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation because these behaviors compromise the learning environment and wellbeing of students, staff and community.

Bullying may include the following specific behaviors:
Teasing, name-calling, critical remarks, or threatening, in person, by mail or text message
Physical (such as hitting, kicking, shoving, etc.)
Spreading rumors or gossip
Cyberbullying

Click here!

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Respect for Yourself and Others

Be Brave. Create the kind of world you want to live in.
If you feel that you have witnessed or been bullied, report it to an adult immediately.

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Discrimination, Policy 1010

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Students and staff may not discriminate, intimidate, or harass any member of the HMS community because of their:

Race
Color
Nationality
Religion
Disability
Age
Gender

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DRUGS/ TOBACCO/ALCOHOL/WEAPONS

Don’t bring/ use them!!!!
Don’t pretend to have them!!!

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Class Disruption & Disrespect -#1 infractions

Students are expected to use situationally appropriate behaviors in the classroom.
To be considered “Class Disruption,” student’s behavior must be intentional and impede their own or others’ learning
From relationships comes respect.
Students are expected to use situationally appropriate behaviors in the classroom.
Students are expected to treat peers and staff with kindness.
Students’ behavior should not create an unsafe environment for others.

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How are feeling after what we’ve talked about today?

I feel excited and ready for this school year!

I am a little worried if I am ready for all of this, but I am ready to give it a try!

I feel like I need some extra support and plans now to make sure this can be a good year for me!