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Litchfield CLC An IB World School Handbook Prepared For Students, Teachers, & Parents 470 Castle Boulevard Akron, Ohio 44313 Phone: 330-761-2775 Fax: 330-836-2293 www.akronschools.org School colors: Blue and White School mascot: The Argonaut This handbook has been prepared for the teacher, students and parents of Litchfield CLC so that you may become familiar with your school, its rules, and its organization, to ensure a safe and orderly environment for learning.

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Page 1: Litchfield CLC

Litchfield CLC An IB World School 

 Handbook Prepared For 

Students, Teachers,  & Parents 

 470 Castle Boulevard 

Akron, Ohio 44313 Phone: 330-761-2775 Fax: 330-836-2293 

www.akronschools.org  

School colors: Blue and White School mascot: The Argonaut 

 This handbook has been prepared for the teacher, students and parents of Litchfield CLC so that you 

may become familiar with your school, its rules, and its organization, to ensure a safe and orderly environment for learning. 

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MYP for Parents 

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement—essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders. 

The MYP is flexible enough to accommodate most national or local curriculum requirements. It builds upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and prepares students to meet future academic challenges, including the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP). 

The MYP: 

● provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need in order to manage complexity and take responsible action for the future 

● ensures breadth and depth of understanding through study in eight subject groups ● requires the study of at least two languages (language of instruction and additional language of 

choice) to support students in understanding their own cultures and those of others ● empowers students to participate in service within the community 

 Parents of Litchfield IB Learners Are: 

● Knowledgeable: Talk with their child about school activities; is aware of due dates and projects. ● Communicators: Use Home Access to check grades and communicate with teachers. ● Principled: Arrange for prompt and regular school attendance. ● Inquirers: Check your child’s planner for assignments and notes from teachers. ● Balanced: Recognize that the teacher takes the place of the parent while the child is in school. ● Thinkers: Teach the child respect for law, authority, and the rights and property of others. ● Open-Minded: Work with the school in carrying out suggestions made in the student’s interest. ● Caring: Makes note of conferences and shows an interest in their child’s day. ● Risk-Takers: Allows their child to explore through labs, projects, and community service. ● Reflective: Models good behavior and self discipline at home for the child to imitate at school.  

  

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Attendance Procedures ABSENCES: Compulsory attendance laws emanate from the State of Ohio. The State Board of Education has adopted regulations governing absence from school within the framework of the Ohio Revised Code. According to these regulations and the policy of Akron Public Schools, a student may receive an excused absence or excused tardy from school without penalty for the following reasons only:   

● Personal illness or illness in the family ● Funerals (immediate family or relative) ● Religious holidays ● Medical and Dental appointments with verification  ● Appointment at the Board of Education ● Emergencies (any emergency or set of circumstances judged as sufficient cause by the school 

principal or superintendent).  

When a student is absent it is the obligation of the parent or guardian to report the absence and reason for the absence or tardiness to the school office between 7:30 and 9:00 AM on the same day. The phone number is (330) 761-2775. Students who are absent from school and do not have a parent call the school per these guidelines will be considered unexcused.   The following circumstances constitute some examples of absences and tardies that will be UNEXCUSED: Oversleeping, shopping, car or transportation problems, flicking or truancy, and failure of the parent to report a reason for absence.  Any student who arrives after 8:00 must report to the office to sign in.  EXCESSIVE ABSENCES: 38+ hours in a month and/or 65+ hours excused or unexcused in the school year HABITUAL TRUANCY: 30+ consecutive hours missed without a legitimate excuse, 42+ hours missed without a legitimate excuse in a month and/or 72 hours missed without a legitimate excuse in a school year  When a student reaches the level of Habitual Truancy, an Attendance Success Plan will be implemented. The plan will be evaluated for a period of up to 60 days to determine if further action needs to be taken. Further actions can include referrals to the Juvenile Detention Center or CSB for educational neglect.    Please be sure to communicate with the school regarding your child's absence and utilize Home Access Center and the All-Call system to help keep track of your child's attendance.     Making Up Work Due To Absence: 

1. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the request for make-up work and complete the work within a reasonable period of time.   

2. Students with excused absences will have the same number of days to make up work as the number of days they were absent.   

3. Students must be absent from school for at least 3 days before make-up work can be requested.   

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4. Parents of students who will be absent for more than 10 days should contact their counselor for possible assignment to home instruction.   

5. Students who are absent during a semester exam will not be permitted to take a make-up exam unless a note from a doctor is presented to the assistant principal. 

6. Suspended students are not permitted to receive make up work until the student returns from the suspension, unless the student attends the After School Suspension Tutoring Program. 

 Appointments : All efforts should be made to schedule appointments during non-school hours. When this is not possible, the following procedures should be followed: 

● The parent should send a signed note requesting to pick up their child, stating the exact time the student is to be picked up. 

● The note should be given to the student’s advisory teacher the morning of the student’s appointment so the student can be placed on the “excused list” for the day. 

● A parent/guardian will then need to come into the school office and sign out the student. The primary guardian must notify the school office if a person other than the primary guardian is going to sign out a student.  

● Upon returning to school, the student must come to the office and sign back into school and receive a pass to return to class. 

 

Arrival Procedures BELL SCHEDULE: School open to all students- 7:25 AM Breakfast is served free to all! Cafeteria Opens at 7:25 AM (Students will remain outside until 7:25 AM – Dress Appropriately)  *Students not eating breakfast will wait in the Gym until 7:50 AM  Bell to dismiss from Café/Gym- 7:50 AM Warning Bell- 7:59 AM  Advisory- 8:00-8:25 Period 1 – 8:28 – 9:08 Period 2 – 9:11 - 9:51 Period 3 – 9:54 – 10:34 Period 4 – 10:37– 11:17 Period 5 – 11:20 – 12:00 Period 6 – 12:04 – 12:44 Period 7 – 12:48 – 1:28 Period 8 – 1:32 – 2:12 Period 9 – 2:15 – 3:00  *All students not involved in supervised activities, must exit the building no later than 3:10 PM. Students not involved in an after school event should be off of school property by 3:30PM. Please ensure transportation is arranged for your student if they are not a bus rider or walking home.     

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BICYCLES:   Students may ride bicycles to and from school and park those in the racks provided in front of the school. Students are not permitted to ride bikes during school hours. All bikes should be chained to the bicycle racks provided. The school will not be responsible for damaged, lost or stolen bicycles.  BUS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Students who live more than 2.0 miles from Litchfield, who are not Open Enrolled, qualify for transportation by bus. Since the schedule times and the pickup and drop off points vary, it is impossible to include this information in this handbook. If you have any questions regarding the bus system, please call the APS Transportation office at (330) 761-1390. Students will receive a school issued bus pass during the first few weeks of school. Students MUST carry this pass each day to ride the bus home from school. Without the pass, it is the family’s responsibility to provide the transportation. For information regarding Metro buses and their schedules, please call the Metro office at 762-0341.  Bus stops – Students should be at their bus stops 5 minutes before pick-up time and wait until 10 minutes after the bus pick-up time for the bus to arrive. Inclement weather, ice and snow, and traffic congestion can delay the bus arrival time at stops. To ensure their safety, students are picked up and returned to the same bus stop. These stops are established according to state laws and regulations and are approved by the Akron Board of Education. It is recommended that you know your bus number and bus driver’s name.  Bus conduct – Safety of the students is the first concern of the driver. Students must obey the driver’s instructions at all times. All school rules, policies and consequences for violating those rules will be in effect. State law prohibits any food or beverage from being consumed on the bus at any time. Any pupil behavior which distracts the driver is a hazard and jeopardizes the safety and welfare of all the passengers.    

● To ensure that a student understands that bus rules have been violated, the bus driver will first issue a warning to the misbehaving student.   

● Any continued misbehavior will be written on a School Bus Incident Report and will be given to the appropriate Assistant Principal. The Assistant Principal will notify parents of student’s misconduct and disciplinary action. 

● Misbehavior or irresponsible actions are sufficient reason to suspend transportation services to students.   

● When a student’s transportation is suspended, the student is still expected to attend school. Some behavior may warrant additional consequences at the discretion of the Assistant Principal.  

ACTIVITY BUS: A student must being staying for a school activity to ride the bus. All other students will not be permitted to ride. Only students who have an APS issued bus pass are permitted ride the after school Activity Bus. The Activity Bus usually leaves Litchfield at 4:30 and takes home all passengers. Your student’s arrival home can vary depending on the number of passengers and the routes the driver must take.    

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BACKPACKS, BOOK BAGS & GYM BAGS: For reasons of safety and security, backpack, back pack purses, large purses and book bags are not permitted in the classrooms and halls during the school day. Small drawstring bags may be carried throughout the day. Gym clothes may be carried in plastic bags or small drawstring bags.  PERSONAL PROPERTY: Students are encouraged to use good judgment in what they carry to school. Please do not bring items of great value to school. If you do so, you bring them to school at your own risk.  LOCKERS: Students who did not attend Litchfield last year or who misplaced their lock over the summer must purchase a lock for $5 the first week of school. Locks, combinations and lockers are assigned the first day of school.    

● Memorize your combination immediately, don’t tell the combination to anyone, and keep your locker locked at all times.   

● Students are only permitted to use the locker assigned to them, and must do so before and after school, and before and after lunch.   

● Students may not decorate or stick items to the front of their lockers.  ● Lockers used by students remain the property of the Akron Public Schools and the Search and 

Seizure section of the Code of Student Behavior applies. Make sure you secure your items in your locker—ALL STUDENTS ARE TO PUT THE LOCK ON THE LOCKER AND KEEP IT ON THE LOCKER AT ALL TIMES.  

DELIVERIES: Delivery of flowers, balloons, gifts, and lunch will not be accepted/delivered to the student while in classes or the cafeteria during the school day.    MESSAGES: Students should not receive messages at school in the form of a text message that disturbs the learning process. If a parent/guardian has an emergency and needs to contact a student, please call the school and the assistant principal or counselor will see that the student receives the message. Emergencies will be determined by the assistant principal/counselor. PARENTS- PLEASE DO NOT TEXT OR CALL YOUR CHILD; PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL.    LOST & FOUND: Litchfield has a Lost & Found area in the main office for valuables. A Lost & Found area for misplaced clothing and books is located in the cafeteria. Lost items are not our responsibility.      

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  LITCHFIELD MISSION STATEMENT: We recite the Litchfield IB Mission Statement every morning in Advisory. Students encouraged to recite it along with the PA announcer. Our Litchfield IB Mission Statement is: 

Litchfield Middle School will strive to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people through high quality education for a better world.   

 DRESS CODE:   Litchfield Middle School students are to attend school dressed neatly, cleanly, appropriately, and in a manner not hazardous to their safety or the safety of others. As a general rule, all garments must be neat, clean, properly sized, without holes and rips and in acceptable repair.   Below is a list of District guidelines:  

 

  EXCEPTIONS TO THE APS DRESS CODE: 

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● Litchfield IB, Litchfield clubs/organizational shirts or hoodies, Firestone, Alchemy, or LeBron James Family Foundation apparel that is not a collared shirt. 

 HOODIES: 

● Hoodies worn to school can be multi-colored with writing, as long as it meets the guideline for appropriate language. Students must have a collared shirt underneath the hoodie. 

 DRESS DOWN DAYS GUIDELINES: For Litchfield “Dress Down Days”, please use the above charts as you dress for the day, specifically: 

● No pajama pants ● No see-through leggings ● No ripped jeans or pants with holes exposing underwear 

Remember...if you question whether or not you should wear it, DON’T wear it!  DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS: 

1. A citation may be issued by any staff member for violations to this dress code.  2. Repeated violations of the dress code may result in higher forms of discipline such as ISS, Success 

School, or parent conferences.   3. APS dress code violations can result in ISS for the day if appropriate clothing cannot be brought to 

school by a parent or guardian.  

Academic Expectations  ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY: As an IB Learner, we expect our students to be PRINCIPLED. Students are expected to do their own work in an honest and forthright manner. Looking at another student’s test paper, using cheat sheets, obtaining, receiving or distributing test answers, copying homework, or plagiarizing (copying from a book, magazine, the internet or another publication) or text messaging/picture messaging answers are dishonest acts. Such acts will not be condoned.   

● Students who compromise their integrity in these ways will be subject to disciplinary action, which will include contacting the parent, the assignment of a zero for the assignment or grading period, and also a citizenship grade of 4 or 5 for the grading period. 

 TEXTBOOKS: Each student is issued books valued in excess of $200. Students are responsible for their proper care and treatment. All textbooks should be covered. Fines are assessed for lost or damaged books. Be sure that your name is written in ink in the front of your textbooks when issued. Please turn in any found textbooks to the main office.  STUDENT PLANNERS: To teach and reinforce organizational skills and learning goals/targets, students should purchase a school planner. Students should carry the planner to each class and use it each period to record assignments. 

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Planners are considered a tool of a learner.   CONFERENCES: Parents may schedule a conference by calling the school office at (330) 761-2775 and leaving a message for the teacher to schedule an appointment. There are three Student Progress Conference nights held throughout the school year at which parents can meet with the teachers.    HOME ACCESS: Parents are highly encouraged to be active in their child’s grades and progress. Please log into Home Access Center. If you need help with login info, our school secretary would be happy to assist in creating your account/password. Academic questions can be forwarded to teachers, counselors, as well as principals.    PARENTS SHADOWING THEIR CHILD: Parents who wish to shadow their child for the day are required to make arrangements at least 24 hours before the visit with the Counselor or Assistant Principal, sign the visitor book in the office and wear a visitor pass. Shadowing is restricted to parents and guardians only; no small children or siblings may accompany parents/guardian on this visit.  GRADING SYSTEM: Interim reports as well as report cards are provided to the students and parents via the Home Access Center halfway through and at the end of each grading period. Please utilize Home Access Center throughout the grading period to keep up to date with student progress.    Letter Grades – Litchfield offers the opportunity for all students to learn. Students are advised to use their study time in school and to plan for study at home daily. Grades reflect what you have learned. We record them—you earn them. The transition to middle school provides an excellent opportunity to start good study habits that will benefit the student throughout their academic career.  The APS/Litchfield CLC Grading Scale 

Percentage  Letter Grade  GPA Equivalent 

93 – 100    A  4.0 

92 - 90  A-  3.8 

87 - 89  B+  3.2 

83 - 86  B  3.0 

80 - 82  B-  2.8 

77 - 79  C+  2.2 

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73 - 76  C  2.0 

70 - 72  C-  1.8 

67 - 69  D+  1.2 

63 - 66  D  1.0 

60 - 62  D-  0.8 

0 - 59  F  0.0 

 The Intervention and Advisory classes issue O (outstanding), S (satisfactory) and U (unsatisfactory) for grades.    IB Grades - In addition to traditional grades LMS will be using the IB Assessment Rubric (8 Point Scale) per subject at the end of each IB MYP Unit to grade the summative assessment. These grades will be reported to the student and parents at the conclusion of the unit. These grades may be factored into the Quarterly Report Grade per teacher discretion.    Retention – Students who fail two or more academic subjects and/or have absences totalling more than 72 hours without a legitimate excuse may be recommended for retention.   ACADEMIC RECOGNITION: All grades are weighted and averaged to determine the student’s grade point average (GPA).   4.0 Honor Roll Honor Roll- 3.5 to 3.99 Merit Roll- 3.0 to 3.49  EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOCUS: Academic success is focus and priority here at Litchfield CLC. In true IB spirit we recognize effort and success quarterly by grade level. We also offer sports and activities that promote academic as well as character goals for participation.  Proper behavior is expected at all extra-curricular activities. Students are reminded that they are responsible for all school policies and procedures which pertain to such activities. Students are to leave the building as soon as their school day or co-curricular activity is completed. Students are responsible to the teacher/staff member in charge. Students are expected to behave in an orderly fashion at all school activities. Students who are on suspension may not attend or participate in any sporting event, after-school event or activity in which Litchfield Middle School is a participant or which is an APS sponsored event.  HOMEWORK HELP: When available and offered, Litchfield Staff members provide after school homework help on Mondays 

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through Thursdays from 3:05 to 4:30 PM. Students must have school work with them. Students are to arrive on time and remain for the entire session unless a parent comes into the office to sign a student of the session. Detailed information will be sent home to all students. FIELD TRIPS: Students participating in APS sponsored field trip/off campus activities are subject to all rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook of Litchfield Middle School and the Code of Student Behavior. Signed permission slips are required for all such trips.  Citizenship/Effort Grades – These marks reflect the student’s attitude, effort and behavior in class. 

Number  CITIZENSHIP SCORE DESCRIPTORS 

1  ● Student always comes to class on time with books, writing utensil, homework, and any other required materials. 

● Student contributes to the learning community in a way that is meaningful and enriching. ● Student puts forth their best effort in all academics. ● Student is respectful of all individuals in the classroom setting and is an exemplar for behavior 

and attitude. ● Student uses appropriate language to effectively communicate with teacher and peers. 

2  ● Student consistently comes to class on time with books, writing utensil, homework, and any other required materials. 

● Student willingly contributes to the learning community.  ● Student puts forth their best effort in all academics. ● Student is always respectful of all individuals in the classroom setting. ● Student uses appropriate language to effectively communicate with teacher and peers. 

3  ● Student typically comes to class on time with books, writing utensil, homework, and/or any other required materials. 

● Student contributes to the learning community.  ● Student puts forth a good effort in all academics. ● Student is generally respectful of all individuals in the classroom setting and/or corrects 

behavior according to teacher directions. ● Student strives to use appropriate language to effectively communicate with teacher and peers 

and makes adjustments as needed. 

4  ● Student typically does not come to class on time and/or does not bring books, writing utensil, homework, or any other required materials.  

● Student does not make an effort to contribute to the learning community or disrupts the learning community. 

● Student does not consistently put forth effort in all academics. ● Student shows disrespect and/or does not correct behavior. ● Student uses some inappropriate language in class and/or does not communicate effectively 

with teacher or peers. 

5  ● Student does not come to class on time and/or does not bring books, writing utensil, homework, and any other required materials. 

● Student’s disruptions hinder or distract the learning community. ● Student does not put forth effort in all academics. 

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● Student shows disrespect and does not correct behavior. ● Student uses language that is inappropriate for the learning environment and/or language that 

offends teacher or peers. 

 CLUBS & ACTIVITIES OFFERED AT LITCHFIELD: Academic Recognitions: Done quarterly and/or at semester. Parents are welcome to attend.  Athletics – Interscholastic sports activities include soccer, softball, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, and track. These athletic programs are under the jurisdiction of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). All athletes must have a physical examination. A student must not have received a failing grade in more than one (1) subject the previous grading period and those grades must, when averaged, be at least a 2.0 GPA. (Students with a GPA of 1.5 to 1.9999 . . . may attend after school tutoring three times a week to remain eligible). Students with more than three (3) unexcused absences or tardies during the previous grading period will not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities during the next grading period. Eighth grade students during the fourth grading period must follow eligibility and attendance rules referenced to be eligible in sports and activities during the first grading period of their freshman year. Sixth grade students are not eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics by OHSAA rules. Litchfield students are encouraged to attend home games. Students are not allowed to attend away games unless accompanied by their parent or guardian. Students may not participate in an athletic event unless he/she has been in attendance for at least four periods the day of the event.    Intramural Sports- Offered for students to participate in at lunch time.  National Junior Honor Society – Membership in the National Junior Honor Society is an honor and a responsibility. Students in eighth grade, who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25, are asked to submit a Student Activity Information Form. Using this data and the input of the entire staff, students are selected in the spring based on the qualities of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.  Spelling Bee – Any student may try out for the Spelling Bee. See your Language Arts teacher for more information. The Litchfield winners compete in a citywide contest.  Geography Bee- When offered, any student may try out for the Geography Bee. It will be held once a year by the Social Studies department.   Jazz Band- Students are selected to participate in this volunteer band. They may perform for special occasions and during band concerts at school.  Talent Show-Will be held yearly towards the end of the school year. Any student may try out for the talent show.  Drama Club-Any student may audition for the Drama Club. The club performs multiple plays each year and design costumes and scenery.   

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 Akron After School- When offered, it is an 8 week program held twice a year designed to enhance and enrich the Middle School Curriculum. Any student may sign up to attend.   IB Ambassadors- Students conduct special projects throughout the year and are representatives of the school at most functions. To join this group of exceptional students there is a yearly application for 8th grade students only.  IB Student Council – Students are selected by faculty recommendation. Student Council promotes school spirit and helps plan dances, charitable drives, and other school events.   Other Groups/Organizations for Student Participation at Litchfield CLC: Educational Talent Search Alchemy LeBron James Family Foundation iCare Mentorship LRC Assistants Office Assistants Teacher/Staff Assistants Various Advisory groups which may do work, perform, or contribute beyond the school day.  END OF YEAR 8TH GRADE ACTIVITIES: *In order to attend the end-of-year 8th grade activities, all 8th graders must meet the requirements. The criteria to attend the festivities will be provided to students and parents during the second semester. Activities may include the following: 8th Grade Dance- PTA, 8th grade parents, and staff sponsored   8th Grade Picnic- PTA, 8th grade parents, and staff sponsored   8th Grade Recognition Assembly – Eighth grade students who have excelled in academics, athletics, or extracurricular activities are recognized at an assembly near the end of the year. The John F. Hagan award is presented to the outstanding male student, the Margaret Weikert award is presented to the outstanding female student, the James A. Foster award is presented to a male athlete whose grades, citizenship and enthusiasm for school improved due to their involvement in athletics, and the Margaret M. Becker award is presented to a female athlete whose grades, citizenship and enthusiasm for school improved due to their involvement in athletics.  MUSICAL EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES: Band, Orchestra, and Choir members who attend any musical event or performance, beyond the school day, must be picked up within 20 minutes of the end of the program or return to school. Failure to do so may result in the student’s removal from the organization.  EMERGENCY CARDS: All students are required by the State of Ohio to have an emergency card on file. Students will only be released to those individuals listed on their emergency cards per permission of the primary guardian 

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unless there is an emergency and the primary guardian cannot be contacted. Students without emergency cards on file may be excluded from school activities such as assemblies, field trips, extra-curricular activities, etc. Please notify the school office of any changes in address, phone numbers and email.  CHROMEBOOKS, APS 1: WORLD: Teachers will create the chromebook policies and consequences for not following those policies within their own classroom. General rules regarding the use of chromebooks are as follows:  

1. In order for a student to access the Internet on any school computer, a contract must be on file and the appropriate ISafe videos must be viewed.   

2. Students may only use a chromebook with the consent of the teacher.   3. There is no roaming on the internet. Students are not to visit inappropriate websites. 4. Students may only use chromebooks for classroom assignments or educational programs. 5. Students may not alter or delete any files or documents that are not their own. 6. Only one student should be on a computer at a time, unless otherwise specified by the teacher. 7. Notify the teacher immediately if there is a problem with a chromebook or computer. Students 

should not try to fix the problem themselves. 8. Students may not print any document without the consent of the teacher. 9. Students are expected to be responsible and follow the computer use guidelines. A student may 

lose technology privileges if they choose to violate the rules.  10. Students may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of lost or damaged computers. 

 LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER: The LRC at Litchfield CLC is committed to teaching students proper use of resources for research and personal educational purposes. Classroom teachers can reserve the LRC for student use on the calendar in the LRC. Students can also access the LRC during recess or free time, with permission. The Librarian will give LRC orientations at the start of the school year.   

The Librarian is also a classroom teacher and classroom rules also apply to the LRC.    Library Rules- 

1. Students must have signed up or received a pass to enter the LRC.  2. LRC books circulate for two weeks and can be renewed. 3. Students are responsible for keeping track of when books are due. Student planners are a good 

place to keep track of due dates. 4. Students conducting research need a project outline from the teacher who assigned it.   

 The LRC staff will periodically issue friendly reminders and notices regarding overdue books. Students who ignore LRC notices will have a hold placed on their final report card. Students who have overdue books or fines also lose their library privileges until the book is returned or fines are paid.     

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  Classroom Behavior Expectations  Whatever the Litchfield IB students do within the classroom should be in efforts of attaining the goals of the IB learner profile traits, especially PRINCIPLED. These expectations apply for any guest teachers, visitors, substitute teachers and assistants, and teacher interns that may come into the classroom.  

We expect all students will behave appropriately in any classroom. We will not tolerate students who prevent others from learning by disrupting the educational environment. 

 1. Come to class on time with tools of a learner. 

● Be inside the classroom before the bell ring. ● Tools include books, planners, paper, chromebooks, and a pencil/pen.  

2. Be focused on instruction. ● This includes keeping hands and feet to yourself, no noises, raising your hand, and leaving the 

classroom as you found it. 3. Follow instruction the first time. 

● This includes cooperating with the teacher and classmates the entire instructional time.  ***If a student breaks a classroom rule, a classroom consequence will be given by the teacher. The discipline plan listed below may be bypassed in favor of more serious discipline including ISS or OSS or Success School for the first offense.    Classroom Behavior Consequences/Discipline Plan-  

1st time  Warning 

2nd time  Call home 

3rd time  Teacher consequence with call home 

4th time  Parent meeting with teacher and administrator 

 SCHEDULES: Questions regarding student schedules are to be directed to the appropriate counselor within the first three days of the semester. Due to class numbers, schedule changes may or may not be approved. Not liking one’s teacher is not an acceptable reason for a schedule change.   STUDENT VISITORS: Students from other school districts may visit for the day only if accompanied by a parent. Arrangements for these visits must be made through the school counselor at least 24 hours in advance. The school 

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reserves the right to deny requests if school personnel deem it necessary.    HALL PASSES: Passes are given at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Students are not to be in the hall without a signed hall pass.  HOMEWORK POLICY:   Every student at Litchfield CLC may have homework on a nightly basis. Completion of homework ON TIME is vital to your success in the classroom.   STUDENT REQUESTS: If a student needs to talk to an administrator, counselor, or secretary, the student must fill out an orange slip. Every attempt will be made to arrange a conference or appointment as soon as possible.  CLINIC: Students are the report to the Health Clinic with a pass from their teacher when they are not feeling well. The Children’s Hospital Health Aid will make the determination of when to call home. Students are not to use their personal cell phone to contact a parent/guardian when they are ill.   Students using a cell phone to contact parents/guardians will be issued a detention for improper use of an electronic device.     MEDICATION: If a student needs to take medication during school hours, his/her parent or legal guardian must contact the school health assistant to make such arrangements. Any student taking medication of any kind at school must have a doctor’s form completed and on file in the health assistant’s office. This also includes all over-the-counter medications. Students are not permitted to carry any medications on their person. The only exceptions are inhalers for asthma. A medical form still must be on file with a School Asthma Record form and Consent to carry form. These forms are available from the health assistant or the school counselor. Students who may need snacks during the day because of a medical condition must supply their own food from home.  ACCIDENTS: All accidents in the school building, on school grounds, or at any event sponsored by the school must be reported to the person in charge. An accident report will be completed immediately and turned in to the school office.  FUNDRAISERS: Only school approved fundraisers will be permitted at Litchfield Middle School. Students are absolutely prohibited to sell anything throughout the school day.  LEAVING SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION: 

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No students are permitted to leave school at any time without the permission of their Unit Principal. Once a student has entered the building, they are considered here for the day. Anyone leaving without proper authorization will be suspended out of school for a minimum of 2 days.  CELL PHONES: Students should not make phone calls from personal cell phones during the day. There is a student phone in the main office for this purpose.   Litchfield CLC does allow the use of cell phones/devices at these times: 

● Students may use cell phone during lunch/recess.   ● Students may use the cell phone before and after school. ● Teachers may allow use of cell phone for educational purposes related to lesson. This privilege 

would not carry beyond that class.     Rules/Policy Regarding Cell Phones- 

● Cell phones should be out of sight and turned off during the school day, unless given teacher permission.  

● Students who are found using their cell phone without permission during the school day will have their phone confiscated and may be held in the main office. It must then be picked up an adult from the emergency card after 3:00 PM. 

● Parents are expected to adhere to the policy and refrain from texting and calling student’s cell phone during the school day as this causes many distractions and deters from educational time.   

● Any videoing by a student for non-educational purposes will result in office consequences as well as having the phone confiscated.   

● The school will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen phones or electronics.  

BULLYING, THREATS, AND HARASSING: Litchfield IB learners are Caring. Bullying or harassing other students or staff members will not be tolerated. This would include “cyber-bullying which includes, but is not limited to, taunting, threatening, stalking, intimidation, and/or coercing by one or more individuals against other students or staff, perpetrated with computers, cellular phones, internet websites, and/or any other electronic device.” Students who are being bullied or witness bullying should follow the procedures listed below: 

1. Inform your teacher, counselor, or unit principal. 2. The adult you spoke with will address your concerns with your unit principal. 3. The unit principal will call you to the office for a conference. You will be asked to explain your 

concern. The unit principal will also request that you place your concern in a written statement. 4. The statement must include: The date, time, place, and person(s) involved, what was said or done 

or threatened, and any witness names that may apply. 5. The unit principal will investigate your concern. Witnesses as well as accused students will be 

called into the office. 6. The unit principal, upon his/her investigation, will discipline students according the the Code of 

Student Behavior.   

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    FIRE DRILLS, EVACUATION DRILLS, TORNADO DRILLS, ETC.: State law requires schools to conduct Fire, Evacuation, Tornado and Lockdown drills. Each room will have fire and tornado drill instructions posted. Students are expected to be responsible during all drills. All emergency drills are to be conducted in a silent, orderly manner so that students can hear the directions of the supervising personnel. Students who are disruptive and jeopardize the safety of students and staff will be dealt with accordingly and may be suspended.  Fire Drills- 

● When the fire alarm sounds, students are to immediately leave the building by the correct exit and locate their teacher or a staff member 

● If a student is in the hall, office, or restroom when the fire alarm sounds, he/she is to leave by the nearest exit. Teachers will review these procedures with all students throughout the year. 

Tornado Drills- ● When the tornado alarm sounds, students are to immediately leave their classrooms and move to 

the designated areas in the building. Lockdown/Evacuation Drills- 

● During the drill, the classroom teacher as well as the administration will instruct the student body on the steps that need to take place. In the event of an emergency evacuation, students are expected to meet at Woodland United Church on Hawkins Rd.  

TRESPASSING: Students are not permitted to be on the grounds of any other Akron Public School (including Firestone High School) without proper authorization. Students caught trespassing will receive a 10 days suspension. This includes coming onto school grounds during an out of school suspension.   FLICKING: All students must be in their regularly scheduled class, lunch, or Advisory without exception. This is a matter of safety as well as receiving the important amount of instruction the student deserves and needs. Any student who reports later than 10 minutes to class without a proper pass is considered to have “flicked” a class. This will then be considered an unauthorized absence from the class and consequences will follow.  Flicking more than one class during the same day will result in further discipline at the discretion of the 

administration.   

  Consequence 

1st time  Warning and/or a call home 

2nd time  Success School and a call home 

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3rd time  Success School and a conference 

4th time  2 days of ISS and a call home 

CAFETERIA RULES AND PROCEDURES: All students are required to eat in the school cafeteria. Lunches may be purchased in the cafeteria, or lunch may be brought from home. Students may not order food to be delivered by any adult. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during the lunch periods unless a parent/guardian comes into the school and signs the student out.  Lunch Periods- 

5th period  11:20 - 12:00  8th grade lunch 

6th period  12:04 - 12:44  6th grade lunch 

7th period  12:48 - 1:28  7th grade lunch 

 Cafeteria Rules –  

1. Students are to be in the cafeteria on time or with a pass if late. 2. Students are expected to pass to and from lunch in a quiet and orderly fashion and respect the 

classes that are in progress during this time. 3. Use an inside voice with appropriate language. 4. Remain seated, raise your hand for permission to get out of your seat. 5. Be respectful; do not cut in line or allow others to cut in line. 6. Follow the directions of the adults. 

 Cafeteria Disciplinary Action- 

1. Students caught throwing any food or items in the cafeteria will receive an appropriate consequence. 

2. Students may be assigned to tables during the lunch period for disciplinary reasons.  Recess Rules- Boys and girls are given approximately half of their lunch period for recess.   

1. Students must arrive on time from the cafeteria or last class to recess or with a pass. 2. Students can go to the Gym for that time. With a pass and teacher permission, students may be 

able to work in classrooms or the LRC.   3. Students who need to serve a detention for a school-wide consequence or teacher’s consequence 

will use this time to serve that consequence. Failure to do so would add disciplinary action.   4. No food or drink may be brought from the cafeteria to the Gym for recess. 5. Positive attitude in games. 

 Recess Disciplinary Action- 

1. Loss of recess time. 

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2. Quiet “time out” for groups that cannot follow the rules. 3. Referral to office. 

 

Litchfield CLC/IB Behavior Expectations  Litchfield CLC follows the Code of Student Behavior of the Akron Board of Education. In addition, the school has established rules and regulations. The Code of Student Behavior and school rules are enforced to ensure that all students may obtain the best possible education in the best possible environment free of unnecessary disruptions and distractions. Discipline in this handbook is considered to be the minimum. Any infraction for violating the rules/code of behavior which requires discretionary action is the decision of the appropriate assistant principal, not of the individual student. In the event of repeat offenders and/or violation of a combination of offenses, penalties may be increased at the discretion of the principals. Due to restrictions by the Federal Laws pertaining to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), consequences for students on IEPs (Individual Education Plans) may be adjusted to meet the requirements of IDEA.  SCHOOLWIDE CITATIONS:   Litchfield IB students are expected to follow the rules of the classroom, the hallways, and the common areas. When a student has failed to do so, a citation will be issued by staff members into a Google Form to the appropriate Unit Principal. Students are informed at the moment of the violation and/or when a Unit Principal speaks with them.     Reasons for Schoolwide Citations - 

Violation of the dress code  See the APS dress code in the handbook Also includes wearing a non-school approved backpack 

Tardy to class  The 3rd, 4th, and 5th tardy are issued a schoolwide citation 

Failure to complete a teacher consequence 

Not serving a teacher’s detention or writing assignment issued for a classroom behavior violation 

No Tools of a Learner  

Coming to class with nothing to write with, no planner, no materials needed for that class 

Hallway Behavior  Violations include 1. Running 2. Using profane language, yelling   3. Loitering-not moving, especially when asked to move 4. Eating or drinking in the hallway 5. In lockers when it's not one of the 4 approved times 6. Headphones/earbuds may not be worn in the hallway 

  

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   Accumulation of Citations:  

Number of Citations  Consequence 

5  Call Home 

10  Success School 

15  1 day ISS 

20  1 day ISS 

25  2 days ISS 

30  2 days ISS 

35  1 day OSS 

40  2 days OSS 

45  3 days OSS 

 ● Each consequence happens AT the specified number of citations, not for all the numbers in 

between. ● Citations reset at the semester. 

 SUCCESS SCHOOL: This is another form of discipline issued by the Unit Principals for minor rules violations. These detentions can last for up to one and half hours. Students who have transportation home by a car, walking, or bike may leave at 4:00 PM. This arrangement must pre-arranged prior to the Success School. All other students will remain in success school until 4:25 PM. Students must sit quietly during this time, or their time may be extended. Removal from Success School for any discipline reason or failure to serve a Success School can result in an out-of-school suspension. Failure to serve can also result in loss of fun privileges and activities.    IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: An ISS room is operated as a disciplinary measure to deal with tardiness, failure to serve detentions, dress code violations, and other behavior problems. Students assigned to ISS are expected to complete all of their assignments while in ISS. Students who refuse ISS, or who cannot follow the rules of ISS may be suspended out of school.  ISS Rules- 

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1. Students report to ISS for 1st period and remain there until the regular dismissal time. 2. Students are not permitted to talk, eat, sleep, or otherwise disturb the quiet atmosphere.   3. No food/drink is consumed except for lunch, eaten 5th period in the ISS room. 4. Restroom breaks are issued at the discretion of the ISS teacher on duty.  

Disciplinary Consequences for ISS- Removal from ISS for misbehavior may result in OSS the following school day.  REFUSING TO SERVE ASSIGNED DISCIPLINE: Students who do not serve their assigned discipline will receive the following:  

Failure to serve a teacher detention  Schoolwide Citation 

Failure to serve Success School  1 day OSS 

Failure to serve ISS  Up to 3 days OSS 

 TARDINESS TO CLASS: Students are tardy to class if they are not in their assigned classroom and/or seats when the tardy bell rings. Tardiness to any scheduled area will be documented by the teacher. The student will be notified by the teacher each time he/she is tardy.    Schoolwide Tardy Policy 

1st Tardy  Warning 

2nd Tardy  Teacher’s consequence and a call home 

3rd - 5th Tardy  Schoolwide Citation 

6th - 8th Tardy  Office referral for Success School and a call home 

9th Tardy  ISS 

 ● In the event of repeat offenders, penalties may be increased at the discretion of the principals.  ● Tardies will reset at the semester. 

INSUBORDINATION/GROSS INSUBORDINATION: Insubordination is defined as failure to respond to a person in authority, failure to comply with directions of school personnel or otherwise acting in defiance of school authority.     

  Definition  Consequence 

Insubordination  Failure to comply with directions.  May result in ISS or OSS 

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Gross Insubordination  Failure to comply with directions or otherwise acting in defiance of school authority after specific warning of becoming grossly insubordinate and in the presence of others. 

May result in OSS 

 OFF LIMITS AREAS FOR STUDENTS: Unless other specific permission is granted, these areas are considered off limits. 

In The School Building  Elevators, Teacher’s bathrooms, teacher’s conference rooms/copy rooms; teacher’s classrooms if no teacher is present. 

Possible referral to office if found to be off limits here 

Out of The School Building 

Firestone High School grounds or building; home and yards of neighbors to LMS. 

Possible referral to office if found to be off limits here 

 FIGHTING: To ensure a safe and orderly educational environment for all, Litchfield has adopted the following policy regarding fighting. The adults in the building are here to help. If a student is having issues, they are expected to reach out and let someone know.  

Putting your hands on a person (example - pushing/shoving)  Can result in ISS or OSS 

Verbal altercations between students  Will result in ISS or OSS 

Acting in a manner that may lead to a fight or emotional/physical harm, which includes “play fighting” 

May lead to ISS or OSS 

  ALCOHOL/DRUGS: 

Alcohol  Students caught in possession of alcohol   Students coming to school, or events having already consumed alcohol, consuming alcohol on school grounds or at school sponsored events 

Will receive a minimum 5 days OSS   Could receive up to 10 days OSS 

Illegal Drugs  Students in possession of any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia  

Will receive a minimum 10 days OSS, can be referred to Student Services and/or Akron Police Dept. 

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 Having drugs in a sufficient quantity and/or packaged for sale * see SEARCH AND SEIZURE 

 Recommended for expulsion and referred to Akron Police Dept. 

  SMOKING: The State of Ohio prohibits smoking in the school building, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events. Students smoking or using tobacco will result in the following: 

1st Offense  3 days OSS 

2nd Offense  5 days OSS 

 THEFT: Anyone found guilty of a theft or who serves as an accomplice to a theft will receive the following consequences; in addition, a police report may be filed. 

1st Offense  3 days OSS 

2nd Offense  5 days OSS 

3rd Offense  10 days OSS or Board Referral 

 SEARCH AND SEIZURE: Lockers, desks, and other storage areas and their contents are subject to random search by administration at any time without regard to whether there is a reasonable suspicion that any locker or its contents contains evidence of a violation of a criminal statute or a school rule. Students are advised that their lockers, desks, persons, and personal belongings are subject to search for contraband and/or harmful or dangerous substances or other reasonable suspicious items, or suspicious circumstances. 

   FORGERY/FALSE IDENTIFICATION/REFUSING TO IDENTIFY: 

● Misrepresenting another person’s signature ● Altering a document in any manner ● Attempting to falsify a report card, interim report, or 

permanent record card ● Any student who refuses to identify himself/herself, 

or gives a false identification when requested by any adult 

An office referral is written and then consequences are given by Unit Principal.    Repeated incidents will result in a progressive discipline.  

WEAPONS: Ohio law makes it a felony for any person to convey, attempt to convey, or possess any weapon or dangerous ordnance onto or on any property owned or controlled by, or to any activity held under the 

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auspices of a school. This includes look-alike weapons brought into the school. Possession or use of a weapon will result in a recommendation for mandatory expulsion and charges will be filed with the police.  Because we cannot possibly include all potential categories of misconduct, or rules and regulations in a guide of this kind, we need to inform both students and parents that our rules and regulations are supplemented by the Akron Public Schools’ Code of Student Behavior, and Policies and Procedures.