SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL 2017-2018 PARENT NEWSLETTER 2734 Louisiana Lawrence, KS 66046

785-832-5450

Principal: Dr. Keith JonesAssistant Principal: Ms. Anita Carlson

July 31, 2017

Dear South Middle School Parents and Guardians,

We are excitedly gearing up for the 2017-2018 school year! As we prepare for the start of a new academic year, I’d like to take a moment to share more information regarding the first week of school. It’s our goal at South Middle School to build healthy relationships with all students because we know students thrive in a learning environment where they feel safe, connected and supported in and out the classroom. This year, we are kicking off the first day of school with a “Black and Gold Carpet Event,” that will hopefully engage students and parents for the upcoming school year. Students are encouraged to wear black and gold on the first day of school. We will be having an all-school “Kick-Off” assembly at the beginning of the day from 8-9a.m. to have some fun, set the expectation for the school year and hear from our interim superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield. We will kick off the morning by welcoming students outside as we set up our “newly designed Cougar Station” to interview students about their expectations of the school year. We invite you the parents to join us in celebrating the first day of school by coming and cheering on your student as the doors open. As students enter the building they will be greeted by all 85 staff members as they step on the gold carpet. Parents are welcomed to bring signs with their student’s name on it and cheer their student on for another successful school year. If you are interested, please arrive from 7:30-7:45 as we interview students. The Cougar Station will be streamed live for parents and the community to view if they can’t make it.

Also, included in the newsletter is the schedule for the first two full-days of school. This year students will spend the first half of the day learning about classroom and building expectations and the second half meeting their teachers and attending their class schedule.Here are a few dates and announcements that you should be aware of going into the first month of school:

Wednesday, August 16th 2017- Cougar Camp (6th grade only) from 8-11: 15a.m Thursday and Friday, August 17th and 18th (All students should attend) August 21, 2017- Ipads will be checked out to 7th and 8th graders during the day and 6th grade in the evening

from 5-7p.m. o Ipad Checkout make-up day will be August 22nd during the day for all students.

August 21st 2017 is also a special day due to the Solar Eclipse that will be happening between 11-1:30p.m. We will have an adjusted schedule to participate in the event. (Students who will miss school due to their family participating in this event will be excused with prior notice to the office.)

August 29th, 2017- Back to School Night- This year we plan to add food and activities to the evening as we highlight our clubs and activities that will be available for students. Parents are invited to attend to meet their student’s teachers and tour the school. This is a great opportunity to hear from the Parent Council, the Site Team, and other groups within the school that make a difference in our school. We want to make this a family event, please bring everyone to celebrate the start of the school year. The night will start with an introduction by the new administration to share the vision of the school and some key information for the year.

Topics covered at the 6th grade Ipad Roll-out night will include: Workshops around e-mails, access to the grading system Tech Café to answer common questions Digital Citizenship Video and presentation Safety and Security – Protect one’s own and other’s information online Digital Communication – Sharing ideas online with respect and kindness Digital Literacy – Navigate, evaluate, create and credit sources Authorized User Agreement and Q & A

During the first week of school, staff will be discussing the importance of digital citizenship and the responsibility that comes with increased access to an iPad device. South Middle School will be deploying iPads to our students on Thursday, August 21st If you have any questions, please contact our office at 785-832-5450, or myself by email at kjones@usd497.org.

We look forward to serving your child this year!

Warm Regards,

Keith Jones, Ed.D.Principal

SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOLParent Newsletter

August 20172734 Louisiana StreetLawrence, KS 66046

785-832-5450Office Hours: 7:30-4:00 pm M-F

http://south.usd497.org

South Middle School Mission Statement:

South Middle School will empower our learning community to think intensively and critically; we will cultivate intellect with character to develop 21st century learners.

Contact Information

MAIN OFFICE - 7:30-4:00 Monday-Friday Guidance Dept. - 7:30-4:00, Monday-FridayDr. Keith Jones, Principal 330-2304 Mrs. Kristen Kircher, A-K Counselor 330-2497Ms. Anita Carlson, Asst. Principal 330-4778 Mr. Marc Conover, L-Z Counselor 330-1801Mrs. Jolene Pearson, Admin. Asst. 330-4302 Mrs. Rebecca Lyles, Registrar 330-2536Mrs. Julie Rea, General & Athletic Sec 832-5450Mrs. Jodi Kennedy, School Nurse 330-1754 School Cafeteria - 7:30 - 1:30, Monday-Friday

Mrs. Nancy Starcher - Manager 330-4571

SCHOOL HOURSMon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8:00 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.*Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 1:35 p.m. -> -->- -> Half day 8:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Late Start 10:00 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

BUILDING HOURS Parents/Visitors 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Students 7:52 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.Inclement Weather gym area will open at 7:30 a.m.

BREAKFAST SERVED 7:30 a.m. to 7:52 a.m. Students should leave the cafeteria after eating.

Important Dates in AugustThursday, August 106th grade Sneak Peek

Monday, August 15th8th gr football practice begins

Tuesday, August 16thCheer Pre-tryout Clinics 3:15-4:15

* Students are dismissed every Wednesday at 1:35 p.m. All teachers are expected to participate in collaboration from 1:45-3:15 and therefore are not available for phone calls during that time. If you need to speak to a teacher please call and leave a voice mail.

9:00-11:00 am (optional) 3:15-5:308th grade Girls Volleyball Tryouts begin 3:15-5:45Cheer Pre-tryout Clinics 3:15-4:15

Volleyball tryouts - 3:15-5:45

Wednesday, August 16First Day for 6th graders (AM only)Cheer Tryouts 3:15-5:00Volleyball tryouts - 3:15-5:45

Thursday, August 17First Day all gradesVolleyball tryouts - 3:15-5:45

Friday, August 19 th

First 8th gr Volleyball practice and uniform checkout 3:15-5:45

Monday, August 21South Singers Rehearsal-7:10 AMiPad Rollout 7th gr. 1st-3rd hrs.8th gr. 7-8 hrs.6th gr. Rollout and Workshop 5:00-7:00

Eclipse

Girls Tennis Tryouts 3:15-4:15

Tuesday, August 22South Singers Parent Meeting 6:00 pm room 102

Wednesday, August 24Instrument Vendor Night

Thursday, August 24thPicture Day 8:00-12:00

Tuesday, August 29Back to School Night 5:00-7:00

The following information is located on our website at:

http://south.usd497.org

*Monthly Calendar of ALL SMS events*Complete listing of all Athletic Events, schedules, and locations*All Athletic Forms*SMS 2016-2017 Supply list will be posted by (August 1st) *Authorization for Nonprescription Medication-Confidential-FORM*Self-Administration plan for Medication-Confidential-FORM*Permission for Medication-Confidential-FORM*Skyward Family Access-FORM*Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act*Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)*Health Information*Health Information-Spanish*Fee Payment Form*Fee Payment form-Spanish

Sneak Peek – All Sixth Grade and New to South Seventh & Eighth Grade Students

All sixth graders and new seventh and eighth graders attending South Middle School for the first time are encouraged, but not required, to attend our “Sneak Peek” on Thursday, August 10 th. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the South auditorium and end at 11:00 a.m. Staff will be outside to greet students and direct them to the auditorium upon their arrival. Administrators and sixth grade teachers will be on hand to answer questions and give a preview of sixth grade and middle school. Schedules and locker assignments will be given out and students will be allowed to find classrooms and practice opening their lockers.

Orientation is a structured event designed for acquainting students to the building. There will be many teachers and staff on hand to explain class schedules and help new students locate their classrooms. Parents are welcome to stay but not required. Orientation is optional; therefore, transportation is not provided.

Back to School NightPlease join us for our “Back to School Night.” On Tuesday, August 29th from 5:00-7:00p.m. all are welcomed. (Food and activities will be available)

School HoursOur 2017-2018 School Hours are 8:00 a.m.-3:05 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. /8:00 a.m.-1:35 p.m. on Wednesdays.

First Day of SchoolWednesday, August 16th is the first day of school for 6th graders. School will begin at 8:00 and end at 11:15. Thursday, August 17th all students will attend for a full day.

Students should plan to bring paper and pen, or pencil, with them on the first day they attend class.

Student PlannersStudents will receive their planners on the first day of school.

ID & Yearbook Pictures Lifetouch will be here to take school pictures on Thursday, August 24th. Parents will have the option of purchasing school pictures, with proofs sent home with students at a later date. There will be a make-up date for students who are absent August 24th. The make-up date has yet to be determined. If there are any questions call the South Middle School office, 832-5450, or email Julie Rea at jrea@usd497.org

ID cards will be handed out at a time to be determined. The first card is free. Any replacement after that is $5.00.

Student Supervision Before School – Beginning at 7:40 am morning supervision is available for students outside or in the gym, depending on the weather. During inclement weather, the gym area will open at 7:30 a.m. Students are asked not to enter the building before the designated time as we do not have personnel assigned to supervise the building.Students intending to eat breakfast will be allowed in the cafeteria from 7:30-7:52 a.m.

After school -- Classes are dismissed at 3:05 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Dismissal is 1:35 p.m. every Wednesday. All students should plan to leave the building and school grounds as soon as possible unless they are involved in extracurricular activities or under the direct supervision of a teacher. Most teachers are available until 3:40 p.m. Activity programs begin after school at the coaches’ discretion.

The administration asks that you make specific arrangements for the supervision of your children. The building doors are locked at 4:00 p.m. and students are not allowed to come back in.

Illness/AbsenceOn days your student is ill or is not going to be at school, please call so we can keep the attendance record accurate. Only the parent, legal guardian or other authorized person(s), as listed on the student’s records, may excuse

students’ absence. Students who become ill during the day must check out with the school nurse or administrator before leaving school.

A ppointment/Early Pickup Students leaving school for an appointment must check out and in through the office. The students’ parent or legal guardian must call the school office in advance, preferably at least one hour prior to the time your child needs to be released, in order to secure a pass to leave school. Students are not allowed to leave the building unless:

The parent or guardian comes to the office to pick up the student, or Written permission, signed and dated by the parent or guardian is sent to school with the student, to be given

to the attendance assistant (not the teacher) or Office personnel receive telephone instruction from the parent or guardian prior to the early dismissal.

Visitors to SchoolsBoard Policy Reference KM:Visits to district schools must be scheduled in advance and require approval from the building principal. Any person who visits a building and/or grounds of the district shall be under the jurisdiction of the building principal.Visitors are required to check in at the office to obtain a visitor’s pass immediately upon entering the building.

Student VisitorsVisiting students who are guests of a district student may visit the school for a tour only during non-school hours.

Class Observation ProceduresWhen a request is received from a patron (defined as a parent, non-custodial parent, grandparent, cousin, retiredperson, etc.) to observe a classroom, the following procedures apply:

A written request should be submitted to the principal; Principal will contact the teacher for his/her permission; If the teacher agrees to the observation, the teacher will suggest a date and time when a planned classroom

Activity would lend itself to an observation (test taking and other inappropriate days should be avoided)’ Principal will notify patron as to the date/time of the observation; Patron must check in at the office, sign in, and get a visitor’s badge; Patron is requested to not participate in class discussions or activities; Visitors will be asked to leave if they become disruptive and law enforcement may be called.

Walking and Biking Back To School

As summer closes and school approaches, it is a great time for students and families to create new healthy, fun and safe habits for getting to and from school. Walking and biking are excellent options to increase the amount of physical activities students are participating in each day.

Top Tips to keep young pedestrians and bikers safe:

* Talk to your kids about how to be safe while walking and biking. It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

* When on bikes, tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.

* Before a bike ride, make sure the reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.

* Teach kids at an early age to put down their devices and then look left, right and left again when crossing the street.

* Remind kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and to watch out for cars that are turning or backing up.

* When driving, be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones and be on the lookout for bikers, walkers or runners who may be distracted or may step into the street unexpectedly.

Lawrence has a safety ordinance for individuals under 15 that requires they wear a helmet. Students 14 and under in need of a helmet can visit any Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Station and receive a helmet for free.

Learn More at:

Pedestrian safety tips: http://www.safekids.org/walkingsafelytips

Biking safety tips: http://www.safekids.org/bike

City of Lawrence Biking and helmet safety information: https://www.lawrenceks.org/fire_medical/wheeled-sports-safety

www.safekidsworldwide

2017-2018 Bell Schedule- All Grades Lunch is served during 5 th period

MON. TUES. THURS. FRI. SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

ADVISORY 8:00-8:23 NO ADVISORY1ST PERIOD 8:27-9:10 1ST PERIOD 8:00-8:352ND PERIOD 9:14-9:57 2ND PERIOD 8:39-9:143RD PERIOD 10:01-10:44 3RD PERIOD 9:18-9:534TH PERIOD 10:48-11:31 4TH PERIOD 9:57-10:325TH PERIOD 11:35-12:44 5TH PERIOD 10:36-11:386TH PERIOD 12:48-1:31 6TH PERIOD 11:42-12:177TH PERIOD 1:35-2:18 7TH PERIOD 12:21-12:568TH PERIOD 2:22-3:05 8TH PERIOD 1:00-1:35

LATE START MON. TUES. THURS. FRI. SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

NO ADVISORY NO ADVISORY

1ST PERIOD 10:00-10:33 1ST PERIOD 10:00-10:202ND PERIOD 10:37-11:08 2ND PERIOD 10:24-10:443RD PERIOD 11:12-11:43 3RD PERIOD 10:48-11:084TH PERIOD 11:47-12:18 4TH PERIOD 11:12-11:325TH PERIOD 12:22-1:21 5TH PERIOD 11:36-12:236THPERIOD 1:25-1:56 6TH PERIOD 12:27-12:477TH PERIOD 2:00-2:31 7TH PERIOD 12:51-1:118THPERIOD 2:34-3:05 8TH PERIOD 1:15-1:35

CLUB WEDNESDAY Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month

NO ADVISORY1ST PERIOD 8:00-8:342ND PERIOD 8:38-9:103RD PERIOD 9:14-9:464TH PERIOD 9:50-10:225TH PERIOD 10:26-11:236THPERIOD 11:27-11:597TH PERIOD 12:03-12:358THPERIOD 12:39-1:11

CLUB 1:15-1:35

Students are dismissed every Wednesday at 1:35 p.m. All teachers are expected to participate in collaboration from 1:45-3:15 and therefore are not available for phone calls during that time. If you need to speak to a teacher please call and leave a voice mail.

NUTRITION AND WELLNESS DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 2017-2018

The Nutrition and Wellness Department uses a computerized meal cashier program. Record keeping of money paid and meals eaten by your child are recorded in a computerized database in the school

kitchen. Students are able to enter their student ID number or have an ID card that is scanned as each student purchases a meal or an item from the cafeteria. The lunch accounting system is a debit system, which means that you deposit money into an account and as the student eats, the meal charge is deducted from the account balance. It is expected that all balances will be kept positive. The food services department cannot extend credit to families for purchase of meals or a la carte items. If your account is negative, no purchases are allowed, you must send cash to purchase a meal or send a sack lunch. We are NOT responsible for any cash sent to school with children. Please pay by check or money order with reference to your student name, ID number, and school. PLEASE NOTE - We cannot be responsible for postdated checks. You may also make debit/ credit card payments online via the third party website known as MySchoolBucks.com. Your first payment for meals needs to be made prior to the first day that meals are served so that there is money in your student’s account. Please DO NOT combine lunch money payment with other school type payments (i.e. enrollment fees/fines/cash/etc.) Meal payment envelopes are available in the cafeteria and most school offices.

Free and Reduced Lunches Families in need must fill out an application for free/reduced meal benefits every new school year. Only 1 application per family is required. New applications for 2017-18 will be available to download and print on your own printer from the school district website mid-July. Printed applications will be available at the school district Welcome Center mid-July and will also be included in school handbooks and back to school newsletters. You can also obtain an application at individual school buildings when they reopen for the school year. The food services department has 10 days to process applications from the time they are received in the food services office. Families are responsible for any lunch charges incurred until their application is approved. Until you receive letter notification of your approval, please deposit money to your child’s account to cover charges for any meals eaten.

A la Carte Purchases The USDA has brought about some changes to the meal selection process. Food groups are now called components consisting of the following; Meat or Meat Alternatives, Fluid Milk, Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables. Students must choose a minimum of three of the 5 components to count as a meal. One of the three components must be ½ cup of fruit or vegetable. We encourage all five for a healthy meal. Secondary students may choose a lunch meal of main dish, milk, and 4 side dishes, maximum. Items purchased in addition to lunch/breakfast meal are considered a la carte purchases. No a la carte charges will be allowed if the student account reaches a zero balance. All students are considered to have permission to make a la carte purchases unless a parent/guardian completes Form FS146, blocking or limiting purchases, and returns it to the school cashier.

Low Balance Reminders Automated phone calls are made twice weekly to parents via the School Messenger program. You can expect a phone reminder when a student account balance falls to 5.00 or less. Due to program constraints, these calls are made for each individual student account, so you may receive more than one.

Online Debit/Credit Card Payments Parents/guardians are able to make payments for school lunches with a debit or credit card and are able to check the balance of their student lunch accounts online at MySchoolBucks.com. Go to the district website at www.usd497.org, link to Food Services, then to MySchoolBucks.com. NEW USER’S ONLY…If you have never used this system before, be aware that you will need each child’s 8 digit student ID# to set up an account with MySchoolBucks.com. Many parents have found the service provided by MySchoolBucks.com very helpful. You can register at this site, and then look at student purchase histories or set-up an email notification of low balances if you wish. This service is available to all parents even if they do not want to use the online payment program.

End of Year Balances At the end of the school year, no refunds will be made on the account unless you are leaving the district. The balance in your account will be forwarded to the next school year even if your child is attending a different school. If you have a student graduating high school, any balance remaining will be transferred to a younger sibling(s). If this is your last child graduating from the district, you may request a reimbursement form from the cashier for a refund check from the district.

Returned Checks Lunch payment checks that are returned due to insufficient funds currently go directly to RECHECK, Inc., a collection company in Wichita, KS. RECHECK will represent your check to your bank for payment of both face value and the fee. There is a 30.00 return check fee that you will be responsible for in addition to any fees that your bank may charge. Payment for the check and fee must be made to RECHECK, Inc. Payment cannot be accepted by the district or your school. Students may not make food purchases with a negative lunch account balance, so you will need to provide funds to keep a positive balance in your student’s lunch account. This is a separate transaction which does not negate the need to settle with RECHECK. You may reach RECHECK at 1-888-794-7325.

Competitive Food Rules Competitive food is any food or beverage service available to students that is separate and apart from the districts nonprofit federally reimbursed food service program. The school board has adopted the following policy. Building Sales – Competitive food service shall not operate in competition with the district’s food service program, and shall be closed for a period beginning one half hour prior to and remain closed until one half hour after the last regular scheduled school lunch and/or school breakfast period on the campus where the school lunch and/or breakfast is served.

Fast Foods – Fast foods in the building detract from the emphasis placed upon the Child Nutrition Program and District Wellness Initiatives. The district encourages students to participate in the district’s meal program. However, parents have the option to send food for breakfast or lunch if they prefer not to participate in the district’s meal program. The district does not recommend students or parents bring fast foods to school; however, if fast foods are brought to school, they may not be in the original packaging.

Questions? You may call the Food Service Office, 832-5000, for assistance during the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. After 4:30 p.m. you may leave a voice message and your call will be returned the next business day. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Rev 6-12-17

Please do not combine lunch payment with any other fee payment.

HEALTH INFORMATIONLawrence Public Schools - School Health Services

Note to Parents – summer, 2017

This is Jodi Kennedy, the school nurse for South Middle School. I will be starting my 6th year in the school district as a school nurse. This will be my third year at South Middle School. I am excited to continuing working with the students and staff at South. Here is some information you may find helpful as your start the new school year.

Physical examinations are required for all children up to age 9 years old and under and entering a Kansas public school for the first time. Also, any student playing competitive sports in middle school or senior high school is required to have a sports physical from their doctor each year dated after May 1st.

Immunizations are available at the Health Department, 200 Maine, 843-0721 or from your child’s doctor. You will be notified if immunizations required by the state of Kansas are not on your child’s record. A student entering Lawrence Public schools must have at least one of each of the following immunizations or is in the process of receiving immunizations.

Medical care may be obtained at Health Care Access, 330 Maine Street, if your child qualifies for free or reduced lunch and does not have health insurance. Please contact Health Care Access, 841-5760 to initiate the enrollment process so that your child can receive low cost medical care if needed. Douglas County Health Department no longer do well child or school exams. Heartland Community Health Center is currently available to provide school exams if needed.

Medications can be administered to your child at school if the proper forms are completed and the medication is supplied in the original or prescription container. Please contact the school nurse if your child will need over-the-counter, prescription, or self-administered medications during the school day. Stimulant medication may not be self-administered at school. All medication forms are listed at www.usd497.org. Go to parents, then health services.

PARENT INFORMATION ABOUT IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

The Kansas State Department of Health and Environment has issued new regulations for immunizations required for the 2017-18 school year. As per Kansas Statute 72-5209, all children upon entry to school must be appropriately vaccinated. You will find a copy of current requirements at kdheks.gov

Please note that all 7 th grade students are required to have a Tdap immunization at the start of the year. I will be sending out notices by mail at the start of the year if your child needs this immunization.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. Below is my contact information.

Jodi Kennedy, RNSouth Middle School Nurse785-330-1756JEKenned@usd497.org

Middle School Fee Payment Information

SPECIAL FEES INFORMATION

Participation fees for sports and co-curricular fees for activities will be billed once final rosters are issued. Do not pay these fees at this time. If you are interested in a yearbook, contact the school directly for amount and due date.

STATEMENTSStudent fee statements will begin mailing monthly on Aug. 1, 2017. You will only receive a statement if fees are due. If you have selected a payment plan, pay according to the plan you have selected. Any fees unpaid at May 31, 2018 will be sent to collections.

ELIGIBILITY FOR FEE WAIVERIf you have received a letter from USD #497‘s Food Service Department approving your meal as free or reduced for the 2017-2018 school year, you may be eligible for a waiver from some of your fees. If you wish to have your fees waived, both the Approved Free and Reduced Lunch Application and Form 3E – Consent for Disclosure must be on file in the Food Service Department. Waivers will be automatically applied to accounts when all paperwork is completed and received. Waivers do not cover yearbooks, fines, and lost USD #497 property.

PAYMENT OPTIONSChecks, Cash and Money Orders are accepted in the office. Credit card payments can be made online at:https://eps.mvpbanking.com/cgi-bin/efs/login.pl?access=55379When paying by check please do not include money for your students lunch account. We are unable to give back cash.

INSUFFICIENT FUND CHECKSUSD #497 uses RECHECK, Inc., a check recovery company, for insufficient fund checks. By law, RECHECK is able to electronically debit the check writer’s account for the amount of the check and a$30.00 processing fee. Payment for insufficient checks must be paid to RECHECK, Inc., not USD #497.

Special fees information Participation fees for sports and co-curricular fees for activities will be billed once final rosters are issued.  Do not pay these fees until you are billed.  Participation fees and co-curricular fees are covered by fee waiver if you are approved.

Academics vs. ActivitiesThere are many school sports activities throughout the year. These activities are extra activities—not a replacement for academics. Students involved in these activities are expected to do their homework, turn in all assignments and projects and prepare for tests. Please help us ensure that your child continues to do his or her schoolwork.

South SingersSouth Singers is the premier performing choral ensemble of South Middle School and is comprised of auditioned 7th and 8th grade students. The group rehearses daily one hour before the regular school day begins. The first rehearsal is Monday, August 22nd at 7:10 am. In the choir room. As with any other class, students receive grades and academic credit for this course.

This group is highly respected by faculty, staff and students and represents South Middle School well. Therefore, expectations are high for members, both musically and personally. Students will develop skills in performing, vocal technique, critical listening, literacy and cultural awareness. As they become better musicians, they will also learn to take their own understanding of professionalism, discipline and dedication to a new level.

ATHLETICSFootball - 7 th grade

The 7th grade football program is sponsored by the Lawrence Police Department and coached by Lawrence police officers. Seventh graders interested in playing football should go online to: www.lawrenceyouthfootball.org for more information.Academic Eligibility:A student must have passed 5 courses in the previous semester.A student must be enrolled in 5 courses during the semester of participation.Required Paperwork for Participation as a Student-AthleteThe following five forms below need to be turned in to the Athletic Office before a student may tryout or participate.

1. 2017-2018 Sports PhysicalEach student must have a physical examination form dated May 1, 2017 or after. Physicals must be signed by an MD, DO, DC, or RPA, a parent, and the student to be valid.KSHSAA-PPE Physical Form

2. 2017 Proof of insurance (must be notarized) dated after May 1, 2017A student-athlete must have insurance before they are allowed to participate. Athletic Insurance Compliance 2017-2018. This form must be notarized. Families are responsible for claims up to $25,000. If you do not have family insurance, you will need to purchase a policy. As a member of KSHSAA, all South Middle School athletes are insured for injuries above $25,000.

3. 2017-2018 Code of ConductOutlines expectations and consequences for student behaviorMust be read, understood, agreed to and signed by parent and studentStudent Code of Conduct Form 2017-2018

4. 2017 Tryout Agreement:Outlines the expectations and requirements for tryouts and participationMust be signed by both student and parentTryout / Participation Agreement 2017-2018 Form

5. KSHAA Concussion & Head Injury Form:This form must be signed by all student athletes and parent/guardian before the student participates in any athletic or spirit practice or contest each school year. KSHSAA Concussion Release Form 2017-2018.

ALL OF THESE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL WEBSITE (under Athletics then Files and Forms) OR YOU MAY STOP BY THE OFFICE AND PICK THEM UP.

Activity Fees:Each student-athlete must pay a $50 participation fee for each sport in which they participate. Kansas State High School Athletic Association requires that all students participating in athletics and cheerleading must be protected by accident insurance for catastrophic injuries exceeding $25,000.00. This coverage is provided by the athletic participation fee paid by each participant

Please be sure to check out the SMS website for complete Athletic Informationhttp://south.usd497.org

Lawrence Public Schools – USD 497 Recommended Music Vendors & Rental Nights Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s): Your student has signed up for 6th Grade Band or Orchestra. For your convenience, we wanted to give you a list of the music companies that USD497 recommends for appropriate, quality instruments and supplies at a reasonable price.

As a convenience, listed below are the rental nights at each school. This is an opportunity for those interested in renting or purchasing an instrument, to come hear about your options with the store(s) listed. Please note, this is not the district-owned instrument rental program. To participate in the district-owned instrument rental program, please see your student’s music director. Your student’s music director will be able to give you further information on what is needed for each type of instrument. You do not need to purchase a method book for your student’s chosen instrument, as it will be provided to your student(s) by the school. Thank you, Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 Fine Arts Coordinator

Vendors- Beautiful Music Lawrence (Orchestra Only) (785) 856-8755 www.beautifulmusicviolinshop.com

Senseney Music Wichita (316) 262-1487 www.senseneymusic.com

Flint Hills Music Lawrence (Mass Street Music) (800) 353-4645 www.flinthillsmusic.com

Judi’s Woodwind Shop Leavenworth (Flute Specialist) (913) 772-4568 www.judiswwshop.com

Manning Music Topeka (785) 272-1740 www.manningmusic.com

Tom’s Music House Concordia (785) 243-1710 www.tomsmusichouse.com

BAC Music Center Overland Park (913) 390-1776 www.bacmusicshop.com

Meyer Music Overland Park (913) 491-6636 www.meyermusic.com

Band-Aide Instrument Repair Lawrence (785) 832-9124

Hayes House of Music Topeka (785) 234-447

Instrument Rental Nights - Instrument vendors, specifically selected by USD 497 instrumental music staff, will be available for rental and/or purchasing of instruments and needed supplies on the following dates and locations. District Music Directors will also be available on site for questions.

BAND ORCHESTRA6:00-8:00pm 6:00-8:00pmLawrence High School (1901 Louisiana) Lawrence High School (1901 Louisiana) August 21 BAC Music August 21 BAC Music August 22 Meyer Music August 22 Meyer Music August 23 Manning Music & Judi’s Woodwind August 24 Beautiful Music

Free State High School (4700 Overland Dr.) Free State High School (4700 Overland Dr.) August 21 Meyer Music August 21 Meyer Music August 22 BAC Music August 22 BAC Music August 24 Manning Music & Judi’s Woodwind August 23 Beautiful Music

Lawrence School District 497 110 McDonald Drive www.usd497.org Lawrence,

KS 66044 Phone: 785-832-5000 Fax: 785-832-5016

DISTRICT STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP) The Lawrence Public Schools provide access for student use of computer technology for student use of the Internet andtransmission of data or other information across the network infrastructure. All users must share the responsibility for seeing thatour computer facilities are used in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. It is an opportunity to have access to theseextraordinary resources and therefore, all users must agree that they will comply with these guidelines in accordance withKANSAS STATUTE 21-5839 and Board Policies IIBG; IIBGA.

Expectations for All StudentsStudents will: Use technology in the manner directed by building staff and administration.Use technology for educational purposes.Take care of any district equipment and report damages, problems, or inappropriate materials immediately to a staff member.Comply with all copyright, trademarks, and license restrictions, including citing Internet sources as you would all other reference materials.

Students will not: Share passwords or provide personal information to non-approved online sources.Have any expectation of privacy when using any mobile device (district owned or personal) at school or a school related function or with respect to e-mail, files or directories.Use technology to harass others according to Board Policy JGECA.Download, store, distribute, or share any software or digital file (such as movies, music, or text) in violation of copyright laws.Intentionally access material through, or with, technology that would not be allowed for educational purposes in your school if presented in other media.Intentionally damage, disable, or hinder the performance (or attempt any of the previous) of any district technology system device, software, or network (inside or outside of the district).Access or attempt to access any system, file, directory, user account, or network to which you have not been granted access.Use technology in a manner that would hinder the learning environment for you or any other student.Install or attempt to install any software on a district owned technology device other than applications approved by the district.Attempt to thwart or bypass the district’s filtering services or Mobile Device Management (MDM) system(s).

Additional Expectation for Students with Personally Assigned Computing Devices Students will: Regularly save any information stored on a computing device to the district approved storage.Expect any device to be regularly inspected for inappropriate material, which might include unlicensed software or inappropriate content and software. Any inappropriate content or unlicensed software will be removed.

Student Use of Personal Mobile Devices at School or School-Related Activities Students may use personal mobile devices in the manner directed by building staff and administration.Students may, but are not required or expected to, bring a personal mobile device to school or school-related activities.Students who bring personal mobile device(s) to school or school-related activities should access the school district’s

network; however, students should not expect the district’s network to be available at all times.The district will not be responsible for data or other losses of any kind, economic or otherwise, a student may experience when using a personal mobile device at school or a school-related activity.

The district will not be responsible for any fees associated with a student’s use of a personal mobile device.Students are responsible for their own mobile device(s) and understand district personnel will not repair or perform any set-up options to enable student to use a personal mobile device at school or school-related activities.

Consequences for AUP Violations Suspension from use of district technology.Suspension or expulsion from school.The district may notify law enforcement agencies.Any consequence outlined in your school handbook.

Amended July 2016