Microsoft Word - 21-22 Teacher LMS Handbook (with changes).docx2021-2022 Teacher Handbook USD #469 NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with Unified School District 469 are hereby notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law in admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning Unified School District 469 compliance with the regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act of 2001, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA)-, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or reports of specific complaints, or alleged discrimination, is directed to contact Unified School District 469, 200 E. Mary Street, Lansing, Kansas 66043, (913) 727-1100. The Superintendent is designated by the USD 469 Board of Education to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title II, Title VI, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act of 2001, USERRA, Section 504 or other applicable federal, state or local law. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Any person may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106, (816) 268-0550, TDD (877) 521-2172, regarding the institution’s compliance with regulations implementing Title II, Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504. (2/2020)
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Table of Contents
Beliefs, Vision, Mission, Outcomes p. 4 Equal Opportunity Employer p. 5 District Vision and Mission Statement p. 5 Beliefs p. 5 Teaching and Learning Outcomes p. 6 Personnel Information – Staff Lists, Committees, Supervision p. 7 Staff Names p. 8 Clubs and Organizations p. 8
Building Leadership Team p. 9 Subject Area Teams – Meeting Dates/Assignments p. 9 LMS Morning Supervision Schedule p. 10 LMS Afternoon Supervision Schedule p. 10
District and Building Procedures/Regulations Relating to Students/Classrooms p. 11 LMS Class Schedules p. 12 Homework p. 13 Make-up Work p. 13 Promotion/Retention p. 13 Assessments p. 14 Attendance p. 14 Parent-Teacher Conferences p. 15 In-Service/Teacher Prep Days p. 15 Teacher Work Day p. 15 Grading Periods p. 16 Student Records p. 16
Communications with Parents p. 17 Transportation Information p. 18 Drills and Evacuations p. 18 Field Trips/Parties p. 19 Animals and Plants p. 19 Fundraising p. 20 Facility Scheduling p. 20 Special Events Scheduling p. 20 Maintenance Requests p. 20 Library Services p. 20 Child Abuse p. 20 Special Education p. 21 Individual Education Plan (IEP) Information p. 22 Paraeducators p. 25 Student Behavior – Expectations/Discipline Procedures p. 26 Behavior Guidelines p. 27 Student Conduct p. 27 Discipline Procedures p. 27
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Table of Contents Continued District and Building Policies/Procedures Relating to Staff p. 35 Personnel Records p. 36 Evaluations p. 36 Staff Development p. 36 Licensing Procedures p. 36 Decision Path for Awarding Professional Development Points p. 36 Employee Conduct p. 36 Equipment and Supplies p. 37 Ordering of Materials p. 37 School Closings/Weather Emergencies p. 38 Keys p. 39 Address Changes p. 39 Absences From Work p. 39 Health and Safety p. 40 Health Issues p. 41 Safety and Security p. 42 Appendix p. 48 USD #469 Activity Transportation Request p. 49 Extra Duty/Committee Pay Form p. 50 Field Trip Consent Form p. 51 LMS Dress Code Referral p. 52
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Equal Opportunity Employer USD 469 is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies with respect to hiring, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin. See “Discrimination Complaints.” The board shall hire employees on the basis of ability and the district’s needs.
District Vision and Mission Statement
Vision Statement We envision a community where every citizen values and maximizes their own education and commits to supporting the highest quality of learning opportunities for all children and adults. USD #469 Mission Statement The Lansing School District mission is to provide all students with the opportunity to develop scholastic, technical, and lifelong learning sills essential for academic, occupational, and personal success as a productive citizen. Lansing Middle School Mission Statement The Mission of Lansing Middle School is to provide a safe environment in which students learn, mature, and succeed.
Learn Mature Succeed
Beliefs Student Achievement We believe all students can learn the core curriculum if they have a positive attitude, good attendance, and are given the appropriate time, instruction, and assistance. Teaching Processes We believe in various modes of instruction and the effective teacher will use on-going assessment of students in instructional planning and delivery. Cooperation/Competition We believe all students should develop cooperative and competitive skills. Accountability We believe that parents, teachers, and students must work together to maximize student learning. Communication We believe that effective communication contributes to a positive home/school relationship and is the responsibility of parents, students, teachers, and administrators. Shared Decision-Making We believe decisions of curriculum and policy must be a shared process among the teachers, administrators, and the Board of Education.
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Lansing Unified School District #469 District Student Exit Outcomes
For the 21st Century The Lansing School District’s mission is to provide all students with the scholastic, technical, social, and life-long learning skills essential for academic, occupational, and personal success as a productive citizen. We know that we have achieved our mission when each student can:
• Demonstrate mastery of essential skills and knowledge. • Demonstrate the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills. • Demonstrate a high level of personal skills and characteristics. • Demonstrate characteristics of responsible citizenship. • Demonstrate the desire for and the need to continue learning.
We know that we have achieved our mission when each student can:
• Demonstrate mastery of essential skills and knowledge. Content areas include: Reading Mathematics Writing Science Speaking Learning Social Studies Technology
• Demonstrate the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills Students will exhibit the following skills and abilities: -Problem Solving -Retrieving and Organizing Information -Decision Making -Understanding Systems & Relationships -Communicating -Applying Technological Skills
• Demonstrate a high level of personal skills and characteristics:
Students will exhibit: -Positive Self-Esteem -Ability to work cooperatively with others (Flexibility) -Strong work Ethic -Appreciation of Fine Arts -Self-Management -Healthy Emotional & Physical Habits
• Demonstrate characteristics of responsible citizenship:
Students will exhibit: -Respect for Self and Others -A sense of Community -Appreciation for a Multicultural Society -Protecting the Environment -Understanding Citizen’s Rights and Responsibilities
• Demonstrate the desire for and the need to continue learning. Students will exhibit this desire through:
-Successful Completion of all Graduation Requirements -Adaptation of acquired knowledge, skill, and behaviors in a changing environment and work place -Participation in Post-Secondary Learning Opportunities for Continued Growth
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Staff Names
Name Position Name Position Kathy Baughman 6th Grade – Lion Pride Team Ron Averill Exploratory – Technology Cheryl Borgeson 6th Grade – Lion Pride Team Jennifer Bishop Exploratory – PE/Health Connie Evans 6th Grade – Eagles Team Emily Bucher Exploratory – Art Alisha Holyfield 6th Grade – Lion Pride Team Chris Elliott Exploratory – PE/Health John Riggs 6th Grade – Eagles Team Rebecca Jones Exploratory – Band Rachel Szmed 6th Grade – Eagles Team Josiah Ketterman Exploratory – Vocal Music Amanda Thomas 6th Grade – Eagles Team Molly Lienemann Exploratory – Spanish DeeDee Wiley 6th Grade – Lion Pride Team Sara Meyers Exploratory – Computers Mindy Brinker 7th Grade – Stars Team Autism Tom Cretors 7th Grade – Stripes Team Amanda Edwards Special Education – Life Skills Denise Dixon 7th Grade – Stars Team Becky Kranhold Special Education – Interrelated Eddie Fenton 7th Grade – Stars Team Katie Larson Special Education – Interrelated Brandy Hamilton 7th Grade – Stripes Team Sheri Muzzy Special Education – Behavior Stacey Jenkins 7th Grade – Stars Team Emerald Peters Special Education – Interrelated Becky Lowery 7th Grade – Stars Team Julie Price Special Education – Interrelated Stephanie Major 7th Grade – Stripes Team Rachel Sheeley Reading Strategies/7th Grade Lit. Angela Remington 7th Grade – Stripes Team Monica Wagner SBS Program Nicole Wallace Math Strategies Josh Yoakam IDEA Ann Andrews 8th Grade – Trailblazers Team Amanda Botts Registrar Tracey Carney-Linn 8th Grade – Prime Time Pride Team Nick Flynn Vice Principal Dana Blew 8th Grade – Prime Time Pride Team Brooks Jenkins Principal Jason Floetke 8th Grade – Prime Time Pride Team Kayla Kimball Nurse Tyler Hays 8th Grade – Trailblazers Team Jennifer Layton Attendance Secretary Danielle Perry 8th Grade – Prime Time Pride Team Treva Lugar Connections/ISS Kaylea Roth-Longe 8th Grade – Prime Time Pride Team Brett Murray Psychologist Penny Wagner 8th Grade – Trailblazers Team Shirley Painton Finance Secretary Stacey Ward 8th Grade – Trailblazers Team Maggie Peterson Social Worker Karen Averill Librarian Jennifer Zule Head Cook John Garrett Lead Custodian
Clubs and Organizations
Name of Club Meeting Day Sponsor Student Council Daily, During 9th Period (2:50-3:20) Mrs. Jenkins
(no coverage needed) Pep Club Wednesday Meeting Dates are:
9/1, 10/13, 11/3, 12/1, 1/12, 2/2, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4 TBD
Math Club Wednesday Meeting Dates are: 9/8, 10/20, 11/10, 12/8, 1/19, 2/16, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11 TBD
Science Club Wednesday Meeting Dates are: 9/15, 10/27, 11/17, 12/15, 1/26, 2/23, 3/23, 4/20, 5/18 TBD
Coverage for Club Meetings All clubs that need coverage will meet on Wednesday during 9th period. Thank you for your help and cooperation. Ron Averill – Cover all clubs on Wednesdays from 9/1 – 11/17 Sara Meyers – Cover all clubs on Wednesdays from 12/1 – 2/23 Chris Elliott – Cover all clubs on Wednesdays from 3/2 – 5/18
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School Improvement/MTSS Steering Committee Maggie Peterson, Social Worker/Guidance Rachel Sheeley, Reading Chair Nicole Wallace, Math Chair Mindy Brinker, Writing Chair Becky Jones, Exploratory Representative Becky Kranhold, Special Education Emerald Peters, IPS Jennifer Bishop, At-Large Representative --Meetings will be held on Fridays from 7:25 AM – 8:10 AM
Subject Area Teams – Meeting Dates/Assignments Subject Area Teams (SAT) will meet once/month. Meetings will place on Thursdays during late-start from 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM. Subject Area Teams will need to choose a secretary for the school year. Minutes need to be recorded, typed, and sent to Brooks and Nick. Please include the following information in the minutes: SAT – Name (Example: Science Team) Date, Starting Time, Ending Time Members Present and Members Absent Members Tardy Discussion Items
Subject Area Team Meeting Dates Language Arts Literature Math Science Social Studies
TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
Subject Area Team Assignments Language Arts Literature Math Science Social Studies
Kathy Baughman Kathy Baughman John Riggs Alisha Holyfield Connie Evans Rachel Szmed Rebecca Lowery DeeDee Wiley Amanda Thomas Sheila Martin Mindy Brinker Brandy Hamilton Angela Remington Stacey Jenkins Tom Cretors
Brandy Hamilton Tracey Carney-Linn Denise Dixon Stephanie Major Eddie Fenton Tracey Carney-Linn Stacey Ward Jason Floetke Tyler Hays Ann Andrews
Danielle Perry Karen Averill Penny Wagner Kaylea Roth-Longe Dana Blew Stacey Ward Katie Larson Nicole Wallace Josh Yoakam Karen Averill Emerald Peters Becky Kranhold
Emerald Peters Rachel Sheeley Julie Price Julie Price
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LMS Morning Supervision Schedule – 2021-2022
The following supervision schedule will be used during 2021-2022. LMS doors will open at 7:45 for student entry. All students will report to 1st period classes after entering the building in the morning. All teachers and staff that do not have a 1st period class will be expected to be in their assigned supervision location by no later than 7:45 AM. If a staff member knows that s/he will be absent, it is his/her responsibility to find a replacement for the supervision location and/or to let the substitute teacher know about the duty assignment.
West Side Entry (Outside Auditorium) Band Room North Side Entry
(between Office and Library) Breakfast Area
(Commons)
8th Grade Upstairs Crow’s Nest
7th Grade 8th Grade
Restroom Area 7th Grade
Restroom Area 6th Grade
TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
LMS Afternoon Supervision Schedule – 2021-2022
ALL teachers are expected to supervise after school until 3:30, which is the end of the contract day. On the supervision schedule below, please supervise in the designated area that you have been assigned on that day of the week. If a staff member knows that s/he will be absent, it is his/her responsibility to let the substitute teacher or supervising teacher (SPED) know about the duty assignment. Troy Metzinger, Linda Mikkelson, New Para – Escort 6th grade bus riders outside at 3:17 – Supervise Bus Area Kathy Barnette, Jessica Vega, New Para – Escort 7th grade bus riders outside at 3:19 – Supervise Bus Area Deb Templeton, New Para, New Para – Escort 8th grade bus riders outside at 3:17 – Supervise Bus Area Dan Gilson, Lynne Atwell – Supervise Bus Area After School
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Car Rider Side **All teachers will escort their students to car rider side. Walkers will also go to the car rider side.** **On your assigned day of the week, please stay to supervise the car rider side.** **All students not picked up by 3:30 should be brought to the office.**
6th Eagles – Connie Evans
6th Eagles – John Riggs
6th Eagles – Rachel Szmed
6th Eagles – Amanda Thomas
6th Grade – Julie Price
7th Stars – Denise Dixon
7th Stars – Becky Lowery
7th Stars – Mindy Brinker
7th Stars – Eddie Fenton
7th Stars – Stacey Jenkins
7th Grade – Katie Larson
7th Stripes – Angie Remington
7th Stripes – Tom Cretors
7th Stripes – Brandy Hamilton
7th Stripes – Stephanie Major
7th Grade – Becky Kranhold
8th PTP – Kaylea Roth-Longe
8th PTP – Danielle Perry
8th PTP – Dana Blew
8th PTP – Tracey Carney-Linn
8th PTP – Jason Floetke
8th Grade – Josh Yoakam
8th Trailblazers – Ann Andrews
8th Trailblazers – Penny Wagner
8th Trailblazers – Tyler Hays
8th Grade – Emerald Peters
Exploratory – Molly Lienemann
Exploratory – Emily Bucher
Exploratory – Josiah Ketterman
Exploratory – Ron Averill
Exploratory – Sara Meyers
Karen Averill – Each Day – Supervise Outside of Library/Office, Main Entry Hallway Chris Elliott – Each Day – Supervise Locker Room Jennifer Bishop – Each Day – Supervise Locker Room Becky Jones – Each Day – Supervise in Band Room Treva Lugar – Each Day – Supervise Outside of Classroom, Main Level Commons Area Stacey Ward – Each Day – Supervise Outside with Buses
Lansing Middle School
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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – Regular Schedule
8th Grade 7th Grade 6th Grade 1st – 8:15-9:01 1st – 8:15-9:01 1st – 8:15-9:01 2nd – 9:05-9:49 2nd – 9:05-9:49 2nd – 9:05-9:49 3rd – 9:53-10:37 3rd – 9:53-10:37 3rd – 9:53-10:37 4th – 10:41-11:25 4th – 10:41-11:25 Lunch – 10:37-11:07 5th – 11:29-12:12 Lunch – 11:25-11:55 4th – Study Hall – 11:07-11:37
Lunch – 12:12-12:42 5th – Study Hall – 11:55-12:25 5th – 11:41-12:25 6th – Study Hall – 12:42-1:12 6th – 12:29-1:12 6th – 12:29-1:12 7th – 1:16-1:59 7th – 1:16-1:59 7th – 1:16-1:59 8th – 2:03-2:46 8th – 2:03-2:46 8th – 2:03-2:46 9th – 2:50-3:20 9th – 2:50-3:20 9th – 2:50-3:20
Exploratory Schedule Name Lunch Study Hall Coverage/Plan 1st Period – Plan Averill, Karen N/A, Book Club N/A 2nd Period – 7th Grade Averill, Ron 10:37-11:07 4th, 11:07-11:37 8:15-9:01, 2:50-3:20 3rd Period – 8th Grade Bishop, Jennifer 11:07-11:37 Lunch Duty, 10:37-11:07 8:15-9:01 4th Period – Plan/Study Hall, Coverage/Lunch Bucher, Emily 10:37-11:07 N/A, Art Enrich. 8:15-9:01, 11:07-11:37 5th Period – 6th Grade Elliott, Chris 11:07-11:37 Lunch Duty, 10:37-11:07 8:15-9:01, 2:50-3:20 6th Period – 6th Grade Jones, Becky 10:37-11:07 9th Period, 2:50-3:20 8:15-9:01, 11:07-11:37 7th Period – 8th Grade Ketterman, Josiah 10:37-11:07 N/A, Show Choir 8:15-9:01, 11:07-11:37 8th Period – 7th Grade Lienemann, Molly 10:37-11:07 N/A, Lions for Justice 8:15-9:01, 11:07-11:37 9th Period – Study Hall, Coverage/Plan Meyers, Sara 10:37-11:07 N/A, iPad/Tech Maint. 8:15-9:01, 2:50-3:20
Thursday Late Start and Advisory Class Schedule 8th Grade 7th Grade 6th Grade
1st – 9:15-9:53 1st – 9:15-9:53 1st – 9:15-9:53 2nd – 9:57-10:35 2nd – 9:57-10:35 2nd – 9:57-10:35 3rd – 10:39-11:17 3rd – 10:39-11:17 Lunch – 10:35-11:05 4th – 11:21-11:59 Lunch – 11:17-11:47 3rd – 11:05-11:43
Lunch – 11:59-12:29 4th – 11:47-12:25 5th – 11:47-12:25 ADVISORY 12:29-1:14
ADVISORY 12:29-1:14
ADVISORY 12:29-1:14
5th – 1:18-1:56 6th – 1:18-1:56 6th – 1:18-1:56 7th – 2:00-2:38 7th – 2:00-2:38 7th – 2:00-2:38 8th – 2:42-3:20 8th – 2:42-3:20 8th – 2:42-3:20
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Homework
1. Homework/Practice must be turned in when due to receive full credit. 2. Homework/Practice shall count for at least 20% of the grade. 3. Teachers may impose a homework policy which is more rigorous but not easier. It must be
published at the beginning of the class. 4. Students will be permitted to retest if they have shown adequate remediation. 5. When absences are anticipated, the student must bring a note in advance to the office stating
the purpose of the absence with a signature from the parent/guardian. The student will then receive a pink assignment sheet to be seen by all of his/her teachers for documentation and signatures. All assignments must be completed and turned in the first day upon returning to school, unless the teacher specifies otherwise.
6. Students/Parents may check Skyward to get a listing of the assignments that were missed on a particular day.
Grading A 90% - 100% B 80% - 89% C 70% - 79% D 60% - 69% F 59% & below
Make-up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain necessary makeup work from his/her teachers when absent.
Make-up Work - Excused Absences - The student is responsible for obtaining all make-up work and for making appointments to meet with teachers to make-up tests, labs, etc. Students will be expected to make up all work missed as the result of an absence. They will be allowed two (2) days for the first day missed and one (1) day for each consecutive day absent beyond the first, unless other arrangements are made with the individual teachers. Make-up Work – Out Of School Suspensions - The student must make up the work and return it when they return from the out of school suspension period unless other arrangements have been made with the principal. A student will receive full credit for work that is fully completed. Work that is not turned in will be counted as a zero, and the zero will be averaged into the grade.
Promotion/Retention
The policy of the district is to encourage and assist each student to progress in a continuous growth pattern of academic achievement in harmony with normal intellectual, social and emotional development. The best interest of the student will be the guiding philosophy for determining acceleration, promotion or retention. In arriving at a decision for either the promotion or retention of a student, the principal will consider the viewpoints of the special services personnel, teachers and parents. The final decision in any case pertaining to promotion or retention shall rest with the appropriate building principal.
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Assessments
Formal Assessments Formal Assessments at Lansing Middle School are given in the Fall and Spring. Fall 6th, 7th, 8th Grade – Fastbridge – Math and Reading Winter 6th, 7th, 8th Grade – Fastbridge – Math and Reading Spring 6th Grade – Math and ELA (Reading/Writing) – State Assessments
7th Grade – Math, Social Studies, and ELA (Reading/Writing) – State Assessments 8th Grade – Math, ELA (Reading/Writing), Science – State Assessments 6th, 7th, 8th Grade – Fastbridge – Math and Reading
Final Examination Final examinations are optional. If a final examination is given, it must be given by all teachers that teach that particular subject. For example, there are three 7th grade social studies teachers. In order for a final examination to be given in 7th grade social studies, all three teachers must give the final, not just one or two. This is to insure academic equity.
Attendance Absences Student attendance is to be taken at the beginning of each hour via Skyward. The following absences will be excused by the administration: (JBD-R)
A. Personal illness B. Doctor, dental, and legal appointments unable to be scheduled outside the regular
school day. C. Serious personal or family emergencies D. School sponsored activities E. Students in good standing may be allowed up to five (5) days per year for parental
requested absence when pre-arranged with the building principal. Parental requests for the absence must be made a minimum of one calendar week before the student is to be absent from school. All required work must be turned in before the student leaves school for a parental requested absence.
All other absences will be considered unexcused unless previously approved by the building principal. Release of Students from School During the Day (JBH) • Teachers shall not release a student from school during the school day. A student seeking release
from school shall be sent to the office and follow the designated sign-out procedures. • Parents must sign students out in the office before leaving school. • Teachers shall not allow students to run errands requiring the students to leave school grounds
during the school day. • Parents wishing to take their student from a field trip in their car must sign a release form.
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Tardies If a student enters the building tardy, s/he must be accompanied into the office by a parent or guardian or bring a note signed by a parent or guardian into the office to be excused. If a parental note is not received within 24 hours, the tardy will be unexcused. A total of five (5) tardies will equal one (1) unexcused day.
(Tardies Per Nine Weeks – Per Class) 1. Warning 2. After School Detention (30 minutes) 3. After School Detention (60 minutes) On a fourth or subsequent tardy, a student may receive an after-school detention or In-School Suspension (ISS)
Parent-Teacher Conferences
DATES DAYS OF THE WEEK HOURS
October 6, 2021 Wednesday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm October 7, 2021 Thursday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm March 9, 2022 Wednesday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm March 10, 2022 Thursday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
In-Service/Teacher Prep Days
In-Service Days Teacher Work Days August 12, 2021 August 13, 2021 August 16, 2021 August 18, 2021 August 17, 2021 October 6, 2021
September 20, 2021 January 4, 2022 October 11, 2021 March 11, 2022 January 5, 2022 May 26, 2022
February 21, 2022 April 18, 2022 May 6, 2022
Teacher Work Day Contract Day Lansing Middle School teachers are to be on duty at 7:45 a.m. and may leave at 3:30 p.m. If it is necessary for you to arrive late, you are to contact the building principal. Duty-Free Lunch Teachers have a thirty-minute duty free lunch. However, passing to and from lunch is counted as part of the thirty minutes.
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Planning Periods A planning period is invaluable in helping a teacher with his/her workload. Planning periods can be used for the following tasks (but are not limited to these tasks) – planning classroom activities, grading papers, preparing for lab activities, generating lesson plans, preparing materials for class, etc. Team Meetings For core teachers, interdisciplinary teams will meet two to three times per week. The interdisciplinary teaming process is the cornerstone of our middle school; team meetings are crucial to the success of the teaming process. Team meetings are not to be confused with personal planning periods; they are quite different. Team meetings can be used for the following tasks (but are not limited to these tasks) – discussing strategies to improve student learning and discipline, student/teacher meetings to improve student success, parent/teacher meetings to improve student success, teacher collaboration to plan lessons, etc.
Grading Periods
Semester 1 8/19/2021 – 12/22/2021
Semester 2 1/6/2022 – 5/25/2022
1st Quarter
8/19/2021 – 10/22/2021
Grades due 5/26
Student Records (JR) Student cumulative files are located in a fireproof file cabinet in the school vault. All student records are to be treated as confidential. Where records include information on more than one student, the parents of any student shall have access to copies of that part of the record that pertains to their child. In situations where the parents of a student are divorced or separated, each parent, custodial and/or non-custodial, has equal rights to their student’s records unless a court order specifies otherwise. The general public shall not be allowed to inspect a student’s personal record files. The custodian of student records shall disclose the student’s educational records only as provided for by law and policy. Cumulative files are maintained for each student to provide professional staff information necessary for dealing with students as individuals. According to BOE policy, records contain the following information – health records, pertinent legal documents, birth certificates, grade reports, achievement test scores, attendance records, and a summary of special needs.
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When a student transfers out of district, a request for release of records must be signed and original records will then be sent to the receiving school. Copies may be made and given to the parent in the event a request is made to hand carry records. A copy of the student’s record will be retained in district office. Following a reasonable amount of time after a student has graduated or ceases to attend Lansing schools, an official transcript and other records will be destroyed. In the classroom, student files, grade books, and confidential information should be in a locked file. If a locked file is not available, confidential materials should be cleared from the desktop and placed in a drawer. Teachers should lock their classroom door when leaving for the day. All requests for records are to go through the Registrar/Counselor’s Office. Please notify the Registrar/Counselor’s Office immediately when a student’s address or telephone number changes. For emergency reasons, we must be able to contact parents or guardians as fast as possible.
Communication With Parents This is the key to success. You need the support of the parents. Frequent and positive contacts are helpful in gaining that support. Should it become necessary to call with a concern, parents are more likely to be supportive. When the need arises to discuss a behavior issue regarding a student, a phone call is the preferred method of contact; however, an e-mail will suffice if the parent requests this method. Parent Communication Means/Devices § Voice Mail – parents can leave messages through voice mail. Please check your voice mail each
day. Teachers are expected to return all correspondence within 24 hours. § Skyward – Each parent has access to their child’s grades and general information on the Internet.
Teachers are expected to put classroom activities and assignments online for parents/students to check.
§ Open House – Usually the first Wednesday after school starts. § Progress Reports (available on Skyward), Grade Cards, Conferences. § E-mail – Many staff members share their address with parents. § Phone calls – You are encouraged to call parents and keep them informed. § Notes and letters – Be sure to have someone check letters for tone/spelling.
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Transportation Information Change in Transportation When there is a temporary change in child’s transportation routine, the procedure is as follows:
§ Riding a different bus other than the assigned bus or a change in drop-off on the same route. A written note from the parent to the teacher is required. The note is then given to the driver as the child boards the bus.
§ Walking or being picked up by car instead of riding the bus: A written note from the parent to the teacher is required. The bus company will confirm changes with the school office.
Before School Students may come in the building at 7:45 (unless there is inclement weather) and go to their designated grade level assignment. Students may eat breakfast at 7:45. After School Students are expected to leave after school is out unless meeting with a teacher or attending a school sponsored activity. Bus riders will exit out the north front doors. If a student regularly rides the bus, it is the parent’s responsibility to contact the bus barn at (913) 250-0749 to notify them of changes. Car riders will exit out the west side doors. All students that are car riders that are not picked up by 3:30 will be brought to the front office area and parents will be expected to pick up the student on the north side of the building.
Drills and Evacuations
Teachers shall explain the plan for emergency drills and evacuations to students during the first full week of school. We will have a fire drill four times and three tornado drills during the year. In addition, we will have a lockout or lockdown drill each month. Please read your red crisis management and response book carefully. Be sure to take your red crisis binder to take attendance during the drill. Fire Drill The signal for a fire drill will be an intermittent buzzer. An announcement will also accompany the alarm, stating twice, “evacuate to your primary assembly areas”. Please post the diagram provided by the district by your classroom door, which reflects the actual floor arrangement of the building with a primary and secondary route. Be sure that your class is familiar with the procedure for a fire drill. Stress to students the importance of proper behavior, order, and silence in case it should ever be the real thing. The primary purpose of this drill is to develop discipline and control, rather than haste in an emergency. The teacher is to walk their class out the designated exit. Be sure to take your red crisis management binder to take attendance during the drill. The classroom teacher is responsible to help any student with a disability out of the building. If you have more than one student in your classroom that needs help, you must notify the principal on the first day of class so that another teacher or aide can be designated to help the student if an emergency arises. You must be the last to exit your classroom. Be sure to close the outside door. At any time the suggested procedure of leaving the building may be changed for safety purposes. By Kansas law, monthly drills are required.
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Tornado Drill By state law, Lansing Middle School is required to have three tornado drills during the school year. A tornado drill will be signified by an announcement stating twice, “shelter for tornado, drop, cover, and hold.” Teachers will direct their students to the designated areas of the building when this announcement is made. Lockout or Lockdown Drill --Please follow the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) in the Red Crisis Management Binder for lockout and lockdown drills.
Field Trips/Parties The principal may approve field trips when reasonable educational objectives can be established. All field trips, student excursions, parties and other student activities need to be approved by the principal at least one month in advance. Be sure you have trip permission slips signed for each student. Make sure your student’s parents are aware of the field trip. It is the responsibility of the teacher in charge of the field trip to notify the kitchen in advance if their students won’t be eating in the cafeteria. Each grade level will go on one reward field trip. Please do not charge parent volunteers for field trips.
Animals and Plants (ING) Persons bringing animals and plants into the school must receive prior permission from the supervising teacher and the building principal. Animals, including all vertebrates, invertebrates, and toxic plants such as: poison ivy or sumac may be brought into the classroom for educational purposes. Under no circumstances are animals to be transported on school buses. Domesticated animals must be inoculated against rabies at the student’s expense before the student may bring such animal to school. Animals must be adequately housed and cared for in screened cages. Handling of animals and plants by students must be on a voluntary basis. Only the teacher or students designated by the teacher are to handle the animals. Teachers must assume primary responsibility for the humane, proper treatment of any animal in the classroom. All experiments using live animals must have prior approval of the principal. If animals are to be kept in the classroom on days when classes are not in session, the teacher must make arrangements for their feeding, care and safety. Teachers must be aware of federal and state laws regulating the handling of animals. (See KSA 21-4310) If a staff member or student has been bitten by an animal, the incident must be reported immediately to the school office by the supervising teacher. Principals are to assume responsibility to notify public authorities to have the animal impounded for observation. Principals will notify the parents.
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Fundraising Lansing Middle School will have one to two school-wide fundraisers per year. Fundraising will take place in the fall semester and possibly the spring semester as well. All proceeds are placed in the Student Council fund and will pay for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade field trips.
Facility Scheduling In order to schedule a facility to be used, the person must fill out and submit the appropriate “Facilities Request Form” located on the district web site. All questions regarding facility usage should be directed to Jan Zoellner, superintendent’s secretary (913) 727-1100.
Special Events Scheduling All special events must be approved by the building principal. Once they have been approved, dates and times will be scheduled.
Maintenance Requests A maintenance request must be filled out and submitted online for all repairs. This can be done through Skyward.
Library Services The Lansing Middle School Library opens at 7:50 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. Accelerated Reader tests may be taken in the library. The LMS Librarian gives classes in Library Skills. The audio visual equipment and materials are maintained in the library.
Child Abuse Reporting Any district employee who has reason to know or suspect that a child has been injured as a result of physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse must promptly report the matter to Department of Children and Families (DCF) office (800) 922-5330 or to the local law enforcement agency if the DCF office is not open. The employee making the report will not contact the child’s family or any other person(s) to determine the cause of the suspected abuse or neglect. DCF Access to Students on School Premises In cases of suspected abuse or neglect, the building principal shall allow a student to be interviewed by DCF or law enforcement representatives on school premises and shall act to protect the student’s interests during the interview.
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Individual Education Plan (IEP) Information
§ Any teacher or staff member who works with the student may have a copy of the IEP if they want
it. It must be kept in a confidential and locked place. If a staff member does not want to have a copy, they may get it from the special education teacher to look at as needed.
§ If any person on the IEP team has concerns, they may ask for an IEP meeting to review or make changes in the IEP. This includes general education teachers, special education teachers, parents, the student, administrators, or other providers for the student.
§ Accommodations and modifications needed for the student should be documented in the IEP. An accommodation is a small change in instructional or assessment procedure, which does NOT CHANGE what is being measured. A modification is a change in the procedure for instruction or assessment, which will in some way change what is being measured.
State and District Assessments Whether students will take the regular assessment without accommodations, the regular assessment with accommodations, or the modified assessment, this needs to be documented in a student’s IEP. All students must be assessed. The IEP team should make the determination as to how they will be assessed based on the standards put out by the KSDE. Students with an IEP entering district 1) The parent must supply a copy of the IEP or the previous school needs to be contacted for a current copy of the IEP. 2) The school psychologist should be immediately notified when records or information regarding a new student is received by any staff member. 3) An incoming student with an IEP must receive special education services according to that IEP unless a meeting is held with the parents and the IEP team and a change is agreed upon. The IEP may choose to:
A) Accept the IEP as written. B) Accept the IEP with minor change(s). C) Rewrite the IEP as determined appropriate by the IEP team. D) Temporarily accept the IEP pending reevaluation to determine eligibility and need for services.
4) A meeting summary must be completed with a Change of Placement form if necessary. The student’s information needs to be entered into the KIDSS program and a Teacher Information page needs to be sent to the Lansing Special Education Department. Students leaving the district with an IEP § If the student is leaving the Lansing school district, their file the receiving school needs to request the IEP from the Lansing Special Education Department administration office. § If the student is moving to a school in the Lansing school district, the new school should request access to the IEP.
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Referring a Student for a Special Education Evaluation Documentation of general education interventions must be addressed before students can be referred. Forms are available from your principal, counselor, and school psychologists. Kansas regulations (91- 40-7) state:
(c) (1) A board (school districts shall not refer any children for an evaluation who is enrolled in any of the grades kindergarten through 12 until school personnel, including the child’s regular education teacher and special education instructional and related services staff, make one of the following determinations:
A) regular education interventions and strategies to address areas of concern including instructional or environmental modifications, are inadequate to address the areas of concern for the child; or
B) regular education interventions and strategies to address areas of concern, including instructional and environmental modifications, have been implemented but have been inadequate to address the areas of concern for the child.
(2) A board (school district) shall implement regular education interventions and strategies to address areas of concern for a child before referring the child for an evaluation unless one of the following conditions is met:
A) School personnel can demonstrate, by clear and convincing documentation, that those interventions and strategies are inadequate to address the areas of concern for the child; or B) the parent of the child requests, and gives written consent for, an evaluation of the child and the board agrees an evaluation of the child is appropriate.
Once a referral has been made and consent received, it is the expectation that all staff should have 60 school days to complete the comprehensive evaluation of each student. Confidentiality Any information about a special education student should be provided on a need-to-know basis only. Homework Unless otherwise noted in a student’s IEP, homework policies should be the same for special education students as for the general education students. Grades Grades for special education students need to be a collaborative effort between the general education teacher and the special education teacher. If a student is working to their potential and failing a class when graded in comparison to their peers, grades may need to be modified. This can be done by changing criteria on individual assignments or simply changing the final grade. This can be done in Skyward by clicking on the current grade and following the prompts to change it to a grade that both teachers agree upon. As a rule of thumb, a special education student working to their potential should not receive a grade below a “C-.” However, if a special education student is not working to their potential and not making an effort to meet class requirements, they can fail the class. Discipline Unless otherwise documented in a student’s IEP, expectations for conduct are the same for special education students as for general education students.
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If a special education student’s behavior is interfering with his/her own or other students’ learning, a Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA) should be requested and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) should be written and implemented by the IEP team.
A special education student may be suspended for up to 10 days for inappropriate behavior. At or before 10 days of suspension within one school year, a re-evaluation must be done and a Manifestation Determination Hearing must take place to determine whether a student’s disability is causing the inappropriate behavior. After 10 days of suspension, special education services still need to be provided.
If the behavior that caused the suspension is determined to be a manifestation of the disability: A) It is possible there will be no suspension or expulsion. The IEP, functional behavior analysis, and behavior intervention plan need to be revisited. B) The student may be moved to an alternate setting for 45 days for incidents involving weapons or drugs. C) This change in setting may be extended by a KSDE hearing officer if the student is determined to be a threat to others. D) Incidents NOT involving weapons or drugs require parent consent to change student’s educational setting. If the behavior that caused the suspension is not determined to be a manifestation of the disability, the student may be suspended or expelled the same as a general education student. Services and opportunity to continue in the general education curriculum must be provided. A behavior analyst can be requested via the school psychologist to observe and give recommendations about what is causing behaviors and to make suggestions in managing a student’s behavior. Inclusion These services can vary greatly depending on the teachers, paras, and students that may be involved. Several models of inclusion have been developed. Communication among those involved is the key to making it successful. Discuss each person’s strengths and comfort level to determine which is the best approach for your situation. This may vary from day to day. Just be sure that each person understands what is expected of them. You may choose to discuss each of the following models from The ABCDEs of Co-Teaching (Vaughn, Schumm, and Arguelles), to determine how you want inclusion to work in your classroom. 1) One Group - One Lead Teacher One teacher takes the lead role (not always the same teacher) while the other does "teaching on purpose", which involves giving short mini-lessons to individuals, pairs, or small groups with follow-up instruction. Communication is needed between teachers so the general education teacher feels that the special education teacher is supporting rather than interrupting. 2) Two Groups: Two Teachers Teach Same Content
This can be helpful in giving students more opportunities to participate. Having a "wrap-up" session together at the end is often helpful. 3) Two Groups: One Teacher Re-teaches, One Teacher Teaches Alternative Information This does not always mean that the special needs students are in the re-teach group. Any student who needs assistance can be a part of this, and the other teacher can teach at a higher level. This is recommended for math where there always seem to be some students that catch on quickly and would do great with extensions, while some students need lots of repetition and basic practice to understand a concept.
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4) Multiple Groups: Two Teacher Monitor/Teach
This model of learning centers on cooperative groups. Both teachers may monitor or one teacher may monitor while the other provides mini-lessons.
Paraeducators Schedules The supervising teacher is responsible for setting up the schedule of each assigned para. This may need to be done in coordination with other special education staff members, so the para is effectively utilized throughout the day. A copy of the schedule should be given to all teachers involved, the office, and the Lansing Special Education Department. Concerns Each para has one supervising special education teacher assigned to them. This person is responsible for communicating schedules and duties as well as completing the para’s evaluation. If a supervising teacher has concerns about a para’s performance, communicate the problem with the para and come up with a plan to resolve it. If this doesn’t work contact your building principal, and then an administrator from the Lansing Special Education Department if necessary. Address problems immediately or it becomes harder to correct. Problems should be dealt with before evaluations are done in April so the para has a chance to correct it before losing points on their evaluation. If another teacher has concerns about a para’s performance they should contact the supervising special education teacher. A plan should be developed among all people involved. If the problem should continue, contact the building principal or an administrator from the Lansing Special Education Office for assistance. For additional information regarding special education services, please contact: Mary Alice Schroeger Phone: 913-727-1755 210 E. Mary St. Fax: 913-727-1602 Lansing, KS 66043
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Behavior Guidelines
Students are expected to show respect for themselves, other students, staff members and the school. The use of common sense, fair play, and self-control are also behaviors that students are expected to show. Students who choose not to obey the rules may face disciplinary action. The Lansing K-12 Discipline Policy is included at the back of this handbook.
Student Conduct Student Handbook
All staff shall read, be familiar with and enforce the rules and regulations established in the student handbook. Behavior Code All staff shall consistently enforce the behavior code.
Discipline Procedures Definition of Discipline A process to teach, model, and reinforce the responsible behaviors that are necessary to ensure a safe and productive learning environment by changing unacceptable behavior to acceptable and respectful behavior. Academically Productive Learning Policy To ensure a positive learning environment, no student will be allowed to continue to disrupt the learning opportunity of other students or the teacher’s responsibility to teach. Whenever a student is asked to stop a behavior deemed disruptive by the teacher, the student will be expected to stop such behavior immediately. The teacher will go through the following procedures when a student is disrupting the learning of others.
1) The teacher will identify the disruptive behavior and ask the student to discontinue immediately. 2) If the student stops the behavior, the teacher will continue with the learning activity. 3) If the student continues to misbehave, the student will be sent to the administrative center along with a conduct notice. The student will write behavior improvement plan (6-12 only). If the student refuses to leave the classroom, the teacher will call the office for someone (possibly including a law enforcement officer) to escort the student out of the classroom.
Belief Statements
1. Teaching and learning of the intended curriculum for all students is the highest priority. Therefore, the misbehavior of one student:
a. will not be allowed to interfere with the learning opportunities of another student. b. will not be allowed to interfere with the teacher’s responsibility to teach all students. c. will not excuse the misbehaving student from successfully completing the learning
objectives. 2. Changing a person’s behavior is a process of teaching and learning. 3. Discipline is a part of the daily routine – not a disruption of a daily routine. 4. Self-discipline situation is an opportunity to teach expected behavior.
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5. Every discipline situation is an opportunity to teach expected behavior. 6. Teaching and modeling appropriate behavior, along with implementing consequences for
inappropriate behavior, is the best way to help change unacceptable behaviors to acceptable behaviors.
7. Expected behaviors must be communicated, taught, and modeled on a daily basis throughout the school year.
8. Punishment by itself cannot change behaviors. 9. In handling of unacceptable behaviors, the focus will be on judging the behavior of a student,
not on judging the student. 10. Staff members will not respond to misbehavior as if it were a personal attack on them. 11. Staff will show respect to students and parents at all times, regardless of a students’ and
parents’ behavior. 12. Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children’s behaviors do not take away from a safe
and positive learning environment for others. 13. Staff will handle all discipline situations in a professional manner.
Expectations
1. Students and staff will demonstrate self-respect, respect for others, and respect for all things in their environment.
2. A safe and productive learning environment will be maintained for all individuals at school and at school-related activities.
3. Conflicts will be handled without the use of violence or threats of violence and with respect for the rights of all.
4. Students will be expected to be on task at all times while in the classroom or at other learning activities.
5. Staff will provide learning opportunities for misbehaving students with support from parents and guardians.
6. Staff, students, and parents will assist misbehaving students to change their unacceptable behavior to acceptable behavior.
Non-Negotiable District Rules – Violence Free Policy It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our schools free of violent acts of any kind. Students, staff, parents and guests have the right to feel safe in all district buildings and at any school sponsored activity. To help ensure a violence-free environment, the district has adopted a zero-tolerance stance concerning the following: A) Possession of a Weapon: Definition: A Student shall not knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon at school, on school property or at a school sponsored event. This shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon (JSDBB). Weapon means firearm, loaded or unloaded, knuckles, knife, chains, clubs, throwing star, laser pointer, incendiary or exploding device or any other article that is commonly used, or is designed to inflict bodily harm. Consequences: One (1) to ten (10) days Out-Of-School suspension (OSS) with a due process hearing with the recommendation for expulsion and notification of the police.
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B) Use of a Weapon or Other Objects Used as a Weapon: Definition: The use of a weapon or other objects that are not weapons but are used for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm or to cause a person to be placed in fear or bodily harm is prohibited at all times on school premises, before, during, or after school or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of where held. Examples include belts, combs, pens, pencils, files, compasses, scissors, laser pointers, bats, rocks, etc. Consequences: One (1) to ten (10) days Out-Of-School suspension (OSS) with a due process hearing for long-term suspension or possible expulsion. The police may be notified. C) Involvement in a Fight: Definition: Two or more individuals engaged in any physical contact that expresses anger and which might cause physical harm. Consequences: Out-Of-School suspension (OSS) for at least one (1) day with the possibility of a ten (10) day suspension and/or with a due process hearing that may result in a long-term suspension or expulsion. The police may be notified. Levels of Unacceptable Behavior § Level 4: SAFE ENVIRONMENT Behaviors that are intended to cause another individual physical or mental harm or are illegal. Examples are: Alcohol/drugs (possession, sale or use of), Arson, Destruction or defacement of property, Explosive devices (possession or use of), Fighting (assault or battery of any kind), Filing false emergency reports, Gang affiliation, Gross disrespect toward an adult (cursing, name calling), Harassment of any kind, Intimidation/extortion/threats, Racial Slurs, Theft, Tobacco (possession or use of), Electronic Cigarettes (possession or use of), Weapons (possession or use of). Police will be notified if any student commits a felony or misdemeanor. Minimum Consequence: Out-of-School Suspension. Maximum Consequence: Expulsion for 186 school days resulting from a due process hearing. § Level 3: ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT Behaviors that occur that are not intended to cause physical or mental harm to another individual, are not illegal, but do negatively affect an orderly environment. Examples are, but not limited to: Absence/skipping/tardiness/truancy. Being in the hallway without a pass, Defiance of authority, Dishonesty, Disruptive behaviors at school or school activity, Disruptive behaviors before, during or after school, Dress code violations, Educational nuisance, Improper use of equipment, Inappropriate display of affection, Inappropriate literature, Inappropriate use of a motor vehicle, Leaving school without permission, Setting off disaster alarms. Sexual misconduct, Solicitation (selling unauthorized items at school). Minimum Consequences: Eye contact with misbehaver. Maximum Consequences: Out-of-School suspension and a possible de process hearing that may result in a long-term suspension or expulsion. § Level 2: PRODUCTIVE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT Behaviors that occur in the classroom and interfere with the learning of others. Examples are, but not limited to: Failing to follow reasonable request of the teacher. Talking out, Horseplay, Disturbing another student in any way. Being out of seat without permission, Showing disrespect, Use of profanity, Cheating. Minimum Consequence: Eye contact with the misbehaver. Maximum Consequence: In-School Suspension
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§ Level 1: PRODUCTIVE PERSONAL ENVIRONMENT Behaviors that occur in the classroom but affect only the misbehaving student. Examples are, but not limited to: Not having appropriate equipment and materials, Sleeping, Being off task but not disrupting others, failing to turn in homework/failing to complete assignments, failing to dress out for P.E. Minimum Consequence: Eye contact with the misbehaver. Maximum Consequence: Detention. Types of Consequences The following are consequences used in this district, in order of severity from minimum to maximum.
• Making eye contact with the misbehaving person • Walking toward the misbehaving person • Verbal reprimand without humiliation • Informal talk • Counselor referral • Isolation/Loss of recess • Behavior contract/Plan • Time Out/Opportunity Room • Detention • Referral to principal • Restitution • In-School suspension/After school detention • Removal from school bus • Principal-teacher-parent conference • Suspension from school-related activities • Out-of-school short-term 1-10 day suspension • Referral to local agencies • Long-term suspension • Expulsion for the remainder of the school year • Expulsion for 186 school days
Repeated offenses will result in a progressive increase in the consequences. Interrogations and Investigation of Students (JCAC-R) The principal or a certified staff member must be present. A) Initiated and Conducted by Law Enforcement Officers The administration shall cooperate with law enforcement officers who are conducting investigations of suspected child abuse or neglect. (See GAAD) Except for investigations of child abuse or neglect, law enforcement officers shall not be permitted to conduct investigations during school hours except in demonstrated emergency situations. If a demonstrated emergency is found, the principal shall require identification of law enforcement officials and reasons for the interrogation or investigation of a student. If the principal is not satisfied with either the identification or the reason, the request shall not be granted. The principal shall attempt to notify the superintendent and the officer’s superiors of the reasons for the refusal.
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B) Interrogation of Student during Investigation of Violations of School Rules In instances where school rules have allegedly been violated, the principal may notify the suspected rule violator(s). When suspension may be a consideration, the suspect student shall be advised orally or in writing of the nature of the alleged offense and of the evidence. Probable witnesses should be told the nature of the alleged misconduct and the reason to believe that they were witnesses. The principal may have another adult present during questioning of students. C) Violations of Criminal Law During an investigation of violation of school rules, the principal shall attempt to ascertain whether there is sufficient justification to believe that a criminal offense was committed that warrants notification to law enforcement officials. Information of criminal conduct not related to the schools shall be turned over to law enforcement officials, without additional investigation by school officials. Taking Students Into Custody Students shall not be voluntarily released by school officials to law enforcement authorities unless the student has been placed under arrest or taken into custody by law enforcement or DCF. Reasonable effort shall be made to notify the student’s parents, guardian or representative when students are removed from school for any reason by law enforcement authorities. Notification efforts shall be documented. Parents will not be notified by school officials when their child is taken into custody by DCF and/or law enforcement as a result of allegations of abuse or neglect. When a student has been taken into custody or arrested on school premises without prior notification to the building principal, the school staff present shall ask the law enforcement officers to notify the principal of the circumstances as soon as possible. Disturbance of School Environment Law enforcement officers may be requested to assist in controlling disturbances at school and if necessary to take students or other persons into custody. Searches of Property (JCAB) If a staff member believes there is a need to search a student or property, call the principal. Principals are authorized to search property if there is reasonable suspicion that district policies, rules or directives are being violated. In addition all lockers shall be subject to random searches without prior notice or reasonable suspicion. All searches by the principal shall be carried out in the presence of another adult witness. Lockers in the district schools shall be under supervision of the principal. Students shall have no expectation of privacy in any school locker. The combination and/or keys to all locker locks shall be in the possession of the principal and stored in a place designed to guard against unauthorized access or use. The principal may search any locker at any time without notice. Students shall not place locks, other than those approved by the school, on any locker.
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Any person other than the principal who wishes to search a student’s locker or property shall report to the principal before proceeding. In no event shall any person be permitted to search a student’s locker or property without the principal’s consent unless the person has a valid search warrant authorizing a search. If a law enforcement officer desiring to search a student’s locker or property has a search warrant, the principal shall permit the search, which shall be made in the presence of the principal. Prohibited items found during the search shall remain in the custody of either the building principal or the law enforcement officer. If any items are turned over to law enforcement officials the principal shall receive a receipt for the items. Principals are authorized to search students if there is a reasonable suspicion that district policies, rules or directives are being violated. Strip searches shall not be conducted by school authorities. All searches by the principal shall be carried out in the presence of another adult witness. The student shall be told why a search is being conducted. The student shall be requested to empty items such as, but not limited to, pockets, purses, shoulder bags, book bags, and briefcases. The principal shall attempt to call the student’s parent/s and may call law enforcement. Items, which the principal believes may be connected with illegal activity, shall remain in the custody of the principal unless the items are turned over to law enforcement officials. If the student refuses to cooperate, the principal may take disciplinary action and/or seek assistance from law enforcement. (See JDD and JCAC) If law enforcement assistance is present, further search of the student shall be with cooperation and assistance of law enforcement officials. The principal shall remain with the student and be present during any search of the student made by law enforcement officials on school property. The principal shall receive and file a receipt for items turned over to law enforcement officials. If the principal believes a student is in possession of an object, which can jeopardize the health, welfare, or safety of the student or others, the student shall be removed to a safe location. This determination may be based on any information received by the principal or any member of the faculty or staff A written report of each search shall be made by the principal and submitted to the superintendent. The superintendent shall keep a copy of the written report on file. Detention Policy 1) The student will report to the designated area on time. At Lansing Middle School detentions are served from either 3:25-3:55 or from 3:25-4:25. Preferably, detentions will be served with the teacher that has issued the detention; they can also be served in Room 119 if the teacher has a conflict after school. 2) The school will not provide transportation nor be responsible for the supervision of students after detention is completed. 3) The student will be expected to follow all rules and procedures. 4) The student will be expected to be on task at all times. Failure to comply with the above expectations will result in the following consequences:
Minimum Consequence: Additional detention. Maximum Consequence: Out-of-School Suspension
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Suspensions If a teacher believes a student has committed an act, which should result in a suspension or expulsion, the teacher shall report the incident to the principal. (See Behavior Code Level III and Level IV) Teachers will need to provide assignments to students assigned to in-school suspension. Those students serving either In-School or Out-of-School Suspension will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities on the day(s) of their suspensions. Dress Code All staff shall consistently enforce the student dress code.
If a student wears clothing that does not meet the school dress code, the following steps are taken:
1st offense a) The student will be given different clothing to wear by the school. The student will also be allowed to call his/her parent. If the parent chooses to bring in alternative clothing for their student, they may do so. If this happens, the student will be called down to the office to change into these clothes once they arrive.
b) The inappropriate clothing worn by the student will be given to the school staff. c) The student will get his/her clothing back once they return the clothing issued by the school. 2nd offense – a) The student will be given different clothing to wear. If it is a shirt violation, the student will be
given a T-shirt. If shorts or pants are the problem, the student will be given sweat pants to wear. b) The inappropriate clothing worn by the student will be given to the school staff. c) The student will get his/her clothing back once they return the clothing issued by the school.
3rd offense or more – a) The student is considered to be defiant. As a result, the student will be suspended (out of school) for the rest of the school day.
b) The student will be allowed to return the next day if his/her clothing is deemed appropriate. § Clothing that is revealing or is suggestive may not be worn. § Tube tops, halter tops, and crop tops that show the midriff may not be worn. Tank tops may not be worn. § Leggings, yoga pants, and compression shorts are considered acceptable attire if they are worn with a top that
is not more than 6” from above the middle of the knee cap or the top is no higher than the bottom of the student’s finger tips.
§ Sagging pants are not considered appropriate school wear. Pants must be worn at the waist at all times. § Shorts, skirts, and dresses – length must be no more than 6” from the middle of the knee cap or no higher
than the bottom of the student’s finger tips. This rule will also apply to any holes in jeans or shorts. § Chains will not be worn in the building. § Headgear may not be worn in the building. Hats, caps and hair rollers will not be permitted. Hair color that draws undue attention to the student will not be permitted. Sunglasses and dark glasses, unless prescription, are considered inappropriate attire.
§ Other inappropriate school attire includes: gloves, pajamas, boxer shorts not worn as intended, slippers, and clothing with vulgar, profane, and ethnically derogatory messages. This includes messages, pictures, symbols or depictions of gangs, Satanism, illegal substances or alcoholic beverages.
Cheating Policy • If a student is caught cheating, the following steps will be taken. A conduct report will be written
each time a student cheats. Offenses will be cumulative from 6th – 8th Grade.
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• Example – If a student is caught cheating on a homework assignment in November on a 6th grade social studies homework assignment, that is the student’s first offense. If the same student is caught cheating in January on a 7th grade science test, that is the student’s second offense.
1) On a homework assignment – The student will receive an automatic “zero” on the assignment. A conduct report will be written. 2) On a quiz – The student will receive an automatic “zero” on the assignment. A conduct report will be written. 3) On a test –
1st offense: The student will re-test. Their score on the second test will be averaged with a “zero” from the first test. Therefore, the maximum grade they can achieve is a 50%. Example – Test 1 – (0%) Cheated Test 2 – 94% Actual Test Grade = 47% 2nd offense (and subsequent offenses): Automatic “zero” Disciplinary Action (minimum) 1st Offense – the student will receive a one-hour after-school detention. 2nd Offense – the student will receive an in-school suspension. 3rd Offense – out of school suspension. Vandalism All school personnel shall report any vandalism to their immediate supervisor. School personnel are expected to lock or otherwise secure any files, records, safes or similar compartments at the close of each school day. In the event of vandalism, the board may offer a reward according to law. Hall Passes Teachers shall not release students during class without writing in their agenda or issuing a hall pass. Assembly Behavior 1) Assemblies are for looking, listening, and learning, and are an extension of the classroom. 2) Know the nature and the purpose of the assembly program and make this a part of your lesson plans. Students should know what they will see and hear, and how it connects to their education. 3) Review special standards of behavior in assemblies. In most cases they will be the same as classroom standards with special emphasis on courtesy...to the performers, to special guests, and to other students. **Teachers should go over complete procedures before each assembly.** Telephone Use Students are prohibited from using cell phones during the school day. Students may carry cell phones in their book bags but they should not be seen or heard from arrival (7:45) to dismissal (3:20). All staff are expected to enforce the cell phone policy. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to cell phones. During classes, staff members should NOT be using their cell phone. Classes will not be disrupted for telephone calls unless it is an emergency approved by the principal.
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Staff Development
All plans for staff development involving expenditure of district funds, or which may require time away from the employee’s assigned responsibility shall be approved in advance by the principal and the superintendent. Procedure
1) Fill out professional leave request on the “PDP Toolbox”. 2) Submit the form online to principal for approval. 3) If approved, it will automatically be submitted to the superintendent for approval. 4) If approved, fill out registration and send. 5) Fill out an “e-requisition” online (http://ereqs.datateam.com/), indicating the amount of the conference or workshop. 6) If a vehicle is needed, you will need to reserve one through Phyllis LaFontaine (250-0749). You must get the vehicle from the Transportation Department before the trip and return it when finished. The vehicles are located at the bus barn. You will be required to log your miles, date, and name in the folder in the vehicle. If you arrive back after hours, lock the vehicle and park it in front of the bus barn.
a) If necessary, fill out the Travel Expense reimbursement form and submit to principal for signature. All cash receipts must be attached. b) If any items were purchased with your district credit card, you will need to document those items on Skyward at the end of the month.
Licensing Procedures
Decision Path for Awarding Professional Development Points --See staff development handbook at www.usd469.net/resource
Employee Conduct
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Equipment and Supplies Equipment Availability and Checkout The librarian will check out basic AV items to each teacher at the beginning of the year. Additional items can be checked out through the library as needed. Appropriate Use of Equipment and Supplies Use of equipment and supplies is for the performance of official and approved assignments only. Use of district equipment or supplies for personal use is prohibited without prior permission of the principal. Media Please schedule the use of equipment in advance with the library aide. Return the equipment as directed so that others may have access to the equipment. Library lessons will be scheduled with you by the Media Specialist. However, use of the library at other times may be scheduled with the library aide. Print Materials “Fair Use” Policy – copies of print materials may be made for teaching or scholarship purposes providing they adhere to the following guidelines: Single copies may be made of a chapter from a book, an article from a periodical or newspaper, a short story, a short essay or short poem, chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon, or picture. Multiple copies for classroom use only and not to exceed one per student in a class may be made from a complete poem (if fewer than 250 words), an excerpt from a longer poem (excerpt 250 words or less), an excerpt from a prose work (fewer than 1,000 words or 10 percent, whichever is less), and one chart, graph, diagram, cartoon or picture per book or periodical. You may not make a copy of works to take the place of an anthology, and you may not make a copy of “consumable” materials, such as workbooks.
Ordering of Materials Ordering Procedures (DJEG) All requisitions for classroom materials must be completed through Skyward. If an item is purchased with your school credit card, a transaction must also be completed through Skyward and the receipt must be scanned and turned in through Skyward. Use of District Computers/Privacy Rights, Internet, Computer E-Mail --See negotiated agreement and/or BOE Policy. Copying and Duplicating (ECH) The copyright laws of the United States make it illegal for anyone to duplicate copyrighted materials without permission. Severe penalties are provided for unauthorized copying of all materials covered by the act unless the copying falls within the bounds of the “fair use” doctrine. Any duplication of
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copyrighted materials by district employees must be done with permission of the copyright holder or within the bounds of “fair use,” as set forth in board policy. Copyright Software acquired by staff using either district or personal funds, and installed on district computers, must comply with copyright laws. Proof of purchase (copy or original) must be filed in the district office. Installation No software, including freeware or shareware, may be installed on any district computer until cleared by the network administrator. The administrator will verify the compatibility of the software with existing software and hardware, and prescribe installation and de-installation procedures. Freeware and shareware may be downloaded only onto workstation floppy disks, not hard drives. Program files must have the Superintendent’s approval to be installed on any district server or computer. Students shall not install software on district computers or computer systems. Hardware Staff shall not install unapproved hardware on district computers, or make changes to software settings that support district hardware. Computer Software Teachers may only make one archival copy of a copyrighted program. Only one copy, either the original or the archival, may be used or circulated at any given time. If the circulating copy is destroyed, another “archival” copy may be made. If the circulating copy is stolen, the copyright owner should be consulted before circulating or using the “archival” copy. If only one program is owned under license, ordinarily it may be used on only one machine at a time. Most licenses do not permit a single program to be loaded into a computer that can be accessed by several different terminals or into several computers for simultaneous use. Audits The administration may conduct periodic audits of software installed on district equipment to verify legitimate use.
School Closings/Weather Emergencies In the event of severely inclement weather or mechanical breakdown, the school may be closed or the start time may be delayed. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. Reports in the morning will be between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., on KCLO-AM (1410), KCLO-FM (98.9), WIBW- AM Topeka (580), KCMO-AM (980), WDAF-TV 4, KMBC-TV9, KCTV-TV5, and KSHB-41. Information on school closings can also be found at on the district website at: www.usd469.net Teachers and staff are strongly encouraged to sign up for Lion Alerts through the district website. This is a text messaging service that will communicate school closings and other important announcements. If an emergency occurs with less than one hour of warning time, the district will keep all students under school jurisdiction and supervision. Staff will remain on duty with the students during the emergency period. Parents may come to school and pick up their children. Students shall be released according to board policy for release of students during the school day.
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Keys
The secretary is responsible for issuing keys and maintaining a current and accurate list of all people who have been issued keys. No keys shall be duplicated without permission. Keys should be turned in to the secretary when an employee is no longer employed by the district or is assigned to another building. Keys will be turned in on the last day of school each year. Keys shall not be loaned to anyone. Any lost keys shall be reported immediately to the principal so measures may be taken to maintain safety and security and to protect district property.
Address Changes Please notify Lansing Middle School’s Registrar’s office and central office of any address or telephone changes throughout the school year and /or summer. At times it is necessary to mail correspondence or contact staff members.
Absences From Work --See negotiated agreement.
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Lansing Middle School
Health and Safety
Health Issues Privacy of Health Information All student health concerns are confidential. After the nurse or representative of the nurse obtains parental and/or students consent, information will be shared on a “need to know” basis. Health alerts are indicated in Skyward. Do NOT make lists of students with health concerns. If you need more information, please contact the nurse by e-mail or with a visit to the office. Only one student name is to appear on any correspondence. In the sub folder you may indicate a student with a health concern with the notation for the sub to call the nurse for information regarding that individual student. (We suggest the use of an asterisk or some other character to do this). First Aid (JGFG) Generally, school employees are not trained to administer medical treatment to students. Only qualified employees may diagnose or in any way treat a student suspected of injury other than attempting to make the student as comfortable as possible while waiting for medical treatment. Qualified employees, are those who have successfully completed an approved Red Cross First Aid Program or who have otherwise been approved by the superintendent to administer treatment. Medications, Administering (JGFGB) The supervision of any medications shall be in strict compliance with the rules and regulations of the board. District employees may not dispense or administer any medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, to students except as outline in board policy. The school nurse shall be responsible for the overall administration of medication in schools, and may delegate this to a staff member after receipt of the medication, initial assessment and training of the staff member. Should questions arise about the administration of any medication, the nurse may be contacted by telephone. Accidents (JGFG) If you are involved in an accident at work, you need to notify the school nurse immediately and fill out an accident report. If worker’s compensation is necessary, additional forms will need to be filled out. The district office must be notified to determine which doctor/facility to go to. Any school employee who discovers an accident on school property shall report the accident to the school nurse /secretary.
If the person requires medical treatment, the employee shall: • Send for medical help; • Make the individual as comfortable as possible while waiting for competent medical assistance
to arrive; and • Notify the school nurse/secretary.
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First aid may be administered is a qualified employee is present at the accident. Qualified employees are those employees who have successfully completed an approved Red Cross first aid program or the school nurse. See “First Aid.” If an employee is injured on the job, the nurse should be contacted immediately and a report shall be made within ten days. The nurse will then be responsible for contacting the district central office, who will in turn supply the injured employee with the appropriate forms to complete. The employee must keep copies of all doctor’s orders and provide a file copy to the district central office. The employee must inform the doctor or hospital that he/she is covered by the district workers compensation plan. See “Workers Compensation.” Hazardous Waste (EBBA) When hazardous waste material is produced in a class, or is otherwise located in the district, its disposal shall be in accordance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations. No employee shall bring hazardous material to school without the prior approval of the principal. Such material shall be in an appropriate container and properly labeled. If an employee discovers waste material, which is, or may be, hazardous, he/she should notify his/her supervisor immediately. Hazardous wastes include, but are not limited to, wastes that are flammable, corrosive, infectious, highly reactive or toxic. Hazardous waste must be placed in an appropriate container affixed with a hazardous waste label, which lists the specific contents. Unlabeled containers whose contents are undetermined, which may contain hazardous substances, shall not be put in trash containers. All hazardous wastes must be properly labeled and stored appropriately until they can be disposed of properly. Placing them in trash containers or the sewer system is not an acceptable method. Contact the custodian if you have hazardous waste.
Safety and Security Accidents, Reporting of (JGFG) Any school employee who discovers an accident on school property shall report the accident to the office immediately. Complaints (KN) The board encourages all complaints regarding the district to be resolved at the lowest possible administrative level. Whenever a complaint is made directly to the board as a whole or to a board member as an individual, it will be referred to the administration for study and possible resolution. Discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in the district’s programs and activities is prohibited. Harassment of an individual on any of these grounds is also prohibited. The Superintendent of the Schools, 200 East Mary Street, Lansing, Kansas, 913-727-1100 has been designated to coordinate compliance with nondiscrimination requirements contained in Title VI of the Civil rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Information concerning the provisions of these Acts, and the rights provided thereunder, are available from the compliance coordinator.
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Complaints About Discrimination or Discriminatory Harassment Complaints of discrimination or discriminatory harassment by an employee should be addressed to the employee’s supervisor, the building principal, or the district compliance coordinator. Complaints by a student should be addressed to the building principal, another administrator, the guidance counselor, or another certified staff member. Any school employee who receives a complaint of discrimination or harassment from a student shall inform the student of the employee’s obligation to report the complaint and any proposed resolution of the complaint to the building principal. If the building principal is the alleged harasser, the complaint shall be reported to the district compliance coordinator. Complaints by any other person alleging discrimination should be addressed to the building principal or the district compliance coordinator. Complaints about discrimination, including complaints of harassment, will be resolved through the following complaint procedures: Informal Procedures The building principal shall attempt to resolve complaints of discrimination or harassment in an informal manner at the building level. Any school employee who receives a complaint of discrimination harassment from a student, another employee, or any other individual shall inform the individual of the employee&