INTRODUCTION
The Radford City School Board, the central administration, your parents, the school staff, and you, the students, will work together to provide a well-rounded educational program for Dalton Intermediate students. You are a partner in this educational venture. Just as parents, teachers, and administrators have responsibilities which must be met if you are to benefit from the educational program, you also have responsibilities. Some of your responsibilities appear in this handbook.
We, the staff and faculty, are here to serve and guide you. The Radford City School System is proud of its record and reputation, and justly proud of the intermediate school organization. We want to establish a sense of pride in our school and a spirit of friendliness between students and teachers which will become traditions.
In addition to scholastic work, a variety of interest activities, service clubs, and social activities are planned for this school year. The staff, the guidance counselor, and the faculty are always available and willing to assist and guide you in any way if, during the year, you have questions about our school.
As we begin a new school year, it is our hope that you will offer your enthusiasm, pride, and ability in making Dalton Intermediate School the kind of school of which we can be proud.
This handbook has been prepared to provide a convenient source of information for students and parents. It should be studied by students and parents at the beginning of the school year and kept as a ready reference when the need arises. Best wishes for a happy and successful year.
Walter J. Smith, Principal
PHILOSOPHY
Believing that all learning should focus on the learners themselves and the way they relate to it, the faculty and administration of Dalton Intermediate School continuously strive to nurture our students in an atmosphere that best suits the personal needs and abilities of each individual.
Being cognizant of the fact that children in the eleven to fourteen year-old age group have educational and psychological needs clearly identifies them as a unique learning group. We believe that our program .should be specially designed to accommodate those needs in order to help our students make an easier transition from childhood to adolescence.
Because we have learned that self-concept is a very influential factor in student success at this age, we feel hat our program should provide many activities of an exploratory and creative nature, allowing for varying learning styles and ability levels. There should be an abundance of "hands-on" types of activities within our various disciplines to help students develop the capacity to make meaning of new concepts they are constantly being exposed to: and students should be challenged according to their rate of maturation with individuals being encouraged to improve and refine their skills at which they are competent. We feel that there should be many opportunities for successful experiences at this critical stage of a child's development.
The task of educating our "early adolescents" can best be accomplished when there are close ties among the school, the home, and the community, and therefore, we fee] that Dalton Intermediate School is the mutual responsibility of these agencies and that all three should be involved in the planning and the implementation of our goals.
Because physical well-being is vital to all aspects of one's development, we feel that we should encourage and promote activities which can develop positive lifetime attitudes toward physical exercise and good health habits.
We feel that teachers must have a high level of morale if the best learning environment is to be obtained. They should have a sense of purpose and an understanding of what the whole system is trying to achieve, and should have a part in decision making, feeling free to offer advice in areas of policy and curriculum planning.
We believe that the best administrators are those that visit classrooms, associate informally with students and teachers, and have an understanding of what each teacher is trying to achieve.
At the heart of our philosophy at Dalton Intermediate School is the desire to guide our students to the understanding that learning is a natural, continuing, life-enriching process and to provide a positive school atmosphere during this special time in their lives.
SCHOOL HOURS
The school office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scheduled classes for all students are from 8:15 a.m. until 2:35 p.m. Students enrolled in a seventh period class will begin their day at 7:35 a.m. Doors are open at 7:30 a.m.
Students are not to roam the halls after school. All students are to be out of the building by 2:45 p.m. unless participating in a supervised activity or requested to remain by a teacher.
The homeroom is the student's home base. It is where the student begins each day. Attendance, announcements, schedule checks, and assistance with school problems are the general purposes of home-room. This period provides a base of operations for the school organization and the many social activities of the school.
The homeroom is also the grass roots structure of the student council. Each homeroom has one elected representative on the student council. The student may express his/her views through this representative as well as expect the representative to keep him/her well informed about school activities and/or changes.
I. SERVICES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
A. GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
The guidance department at Dalton Intermediate School provides services that are designed to help students have a successful school experience. Your counselor's primary function is to provide information and assistance to you regarding your academic, career, and personal/social development, decisions, and concerns. Your counselor is here to help you in any way she can. You may visit your counselor before school, after school, or during the school day with your teacher's permission. Sometime your counselor may come to your classroom to talk with the entire class. If your counselor is out of her office, leave a note on her door or in her mailbox in the office, and she will contact you. The guidance office is located on the first floor across from the principal's office.
B. REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued every six weeks. They will be distributed five school days after the end of the six-weeks grading period to be taken home to parents, signed, and returned to school. The grading and reporting system policy adopted by the School Board will be followed. Percentages will be used for consistent interpretation of letter grades:
· 100-94, A (Superior)
· 93-87, B (Very Good)
· 86-77, C (Average)
· 76-70, D (Poor)
Parent conferences may be scheduled at the request of parents or teachers. Parents wishing to schedule a conference should contact the counselor or teacher involved by calling the school.
C. LIBRARY
The library is an essential part of our school. It provides students and teachers with valuable learning resources. Cooperation is required of all library users so that everyone may share its benefits.
In order for the library program to function effectively, there are certain rules of which you need to be aware. These are as follows:
1. The media center is for research and finding resource materials. Any student who does not use the center for the proper reasons or is guilty of behavior which is disturbing to others in the media center will risk losing his/her library privileges. It is not to be used as a place for foods, chewing gum, visiting with friends, etc.
2. During classes, students will be admitted to the library with a teacher or with a pass from a teacher.
3. When entering the center, the student will give his/her pass to the librarian or assistant nearest the circulation desk.
4. Students who wish to use the library for reference during their study hall will be admitted with a pass from a teacher. They will not be excused to leave the library by the librarian unless they have a pass from a teacher.
5. Any student who signs for library material assumes responsibility for that material and when any material is lost or damaged by a borrower, it must be paid for before the end of each school semester. Any student who does not clear financial obligations loses his/her library privileges.
6. Books will circulate on a two week basis.
7. Reference works may be checked out for overnight use with special permission from the librarians after 2:30 p.m. each day and must be returned before 8:00 a.m. the following day.
8. Teachers will place materials on strict reserve when making research assignments to a large number of students.
9. Current magazines will circulate for overnight use with special permission. Back issues of periodicals and vertical file materials needed for research may be checked out for three days. Nonprint materials may be checked out to use in the classroom for reports and presentation.
10. The media center will open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. All students are expected to act in a respectful manner and use the media center and its resources responsibly.
D. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
An important part of each student's development is maintaining a strong and healthy body. Recognizing this, an extensive program of physical education has been planned for you at Dalton Intermediate School.
Each student will have physical education one period each day. Uniforms will be available at a cost of $14.50. These are quality uniforms and with proper care should last your entire stay at DIS. In addition to the uniform, each student is expected to have an acceptable pair of gym shoes and a pair of white socks.
Facilities are available for students to shower after each class. Each student should bring a towel, taking it home and laundering it periodically as needed.
E. TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are furnished to students free of charge. Fees for damaged or lost books will be collected at the end of the year.
F. CAFETERIA
The cafeteria management is able to serve a well-balanced, hot meal for $1.75. Students who carry their lunches may buy milk for $.35 cents. Those wishing to participate in the hot lunch program may purchase a lunch ticket for the week on Monday morning or may bring their money each day. Exact change will bring faster service. Students who wish to apply for free lunch should get application forms from their homeroom teacher. Because we feel this free time is important to you, we urge your cooperation concerning the following guidelines:
1. Behave in the school cafeteria as you would in a public cafeteria, restaurant, or at home.
2. All students must eat in the cafeteria only.
3. Food, drink, and ice cream must not be taken out of the cafeteria.
4. Students will not be permitted to leave campus during lunch.
5. Keep talking down to normal tones.
6. Leave the tables clean and neat.
7. No lunches or milk may be charged.
8. Violations of cafeteria rules include:
a. Breaking line.
b. Throwing trash and trays or dishes on the table or on the floor.
c. Using loud, vulgar, or obscene language.
d. Running to lunch.
e. Throwing things.
f. Buying food for one another.
Failure to abide by these regulations will result in detention hall for the first offense. Repeated offenses will be dealt with by the administration.
G. LOCKERS
Each student will be furnished with a locker. We will try to assign a locker to you which is near your homeroom. Your locker is for storing books and extra clothes. You should lock all of your valuables and money in your locker before going to P.E. Do not let it become cluttered and smelly. Do not kick, hit, or mark on your locker. Do not use tape, paste, glue, or stickers on your locker. Be advised that the Administration of Dalton Intermediate School reserves the right to inspect the interior of any locker at any time without notice.
H. SCHOOL INSURANCE
School insurance is available to all students. At the beginning of the school year details for obtaining the insurance are announced.
I. TELEPHONE
Please do not ask to make calls or to receive calls on administrative phones except in emergencies and when the caller is a parent or guardian. The office phones are for school business and may be used by students only with permission.
J. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
We welcome conferences with parents concerning the welfare of the students. Appointments should be made at least one day in advance and should be held during the teacher's planning period or after school. Parents should not come to school during the day to see a teacher without an appointment due to classroom responsibilities of the teacher. The guidance office will be available to help arrange any conference.
II. GENERAL POLICIES
A. ATHLETICS
All students participating in interscholastic sports shall have the Virginia High School League parent consent and physician certification form submitted to the principal before they can practice with any athletic team.
Eighth grade students are eligible for the following sports:
|
Boys |
Girls Basketball Volleyball Track Soccer Tennis/No Competition Cross Country Cheerleading |
B. ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Excuses and Absences
Students should present their reason for absence to their homeroom teacher during the homeroom period. Your homeroom teacher will give you an admittance slip. Following an absence, no student shall be permitted to enter a class without an admit slip. The sixth period teacher will collect admit slips and will turn them in to the office at the end of the day. Teachers will sign the admit slip when it is presented by the student. An absence will be considered unexcused until a written excuse is presented, signed by a parent. Absences due to illness, illness at home, religious holidays, injury, death in the family, medical or dental appointment, emergencies when so judged by the homeroom teacher and/or principal, will be excused when an excuse written by a parent is presented to the homeroom teacher. "Personal business" is not a legitimate excuse for absence. Admit slips are also required following an unexcused absence. Questions regarding excused absences should be referred to the principal. All work missed due to any absence must be made up on the student's time. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with your teachers to make up work.
Students are requested to have their parents call the school on days they are absent so we may provide any assistance necessary. Students found forging excuses could be suspended.
Extended Absence
Illness or family travel sometimes makes it necessary for a student to be away from school for an extended time. If you know in advance that you will be out of school for a long period of time, you should try to keep up with your school work while you are away. Ask your teachers several days in advance for the work that you will miss. If you are too ill to attend school, your parents should make a request for a homebound teacher to come to your home to instruct you.
Early Dismissal
You may not leave the school grounds for any reason without permission from the office. A written note of permission from the parent should be presented to the office in the morning before homeroom. The note should state the time of departure, the reason for leaving school early, and with whom you will be leaving. You will not be allowed to leave school unaccompanied unless this is specifically requested in the note. Students may not be excused from school to eat lunch, to go shopping, or for similar reasons. Medical and dental appointments and family trips are legitimate reasons for early dismissal. All students must sign out in the office.
Tardiness
If you report to school late, report directly to the office to sign in. You are considered tardy to class if you are not in your seat when the bell rings. The teacher is to use his/her own discretion in deciding when the student should be referred to the office. If you are detained by a teacher to the extent that you are tardy for the next class, that teacher should give you a signed, dated note explaining the tardiness. If you have three unexcused tardies to any class or to school, you will be required to spend one hour in detention.
Physical Education Excuses
You must have a written note from home, and in some cases, from a physician.
C. BICYCLES
Students may ride bicycles to school if they have their parents' permission. Ride only one person to a bicycle. Bicycles should be locked during the day at school, parked with the rear wheel in the bicycle racks behind the school. Bicycles are not to be ridden during school hours. Mini-bikes and other motor-powered vehicles are not permitted on school property. The school is not responsible for any damage incurred to bicycles on school property.
D. DETENTION
Classroom teachers may assign detention within reasonable limits. Students will be given 24 hours notice of detention. This detention is to be supervised by the teacher in his/her own classroom. Teachers are authorized to detain students for offenses such as habitual tardiness, class disruption, and failure to carry out a class assignment.
E. ILLNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL
If you should become ill or are injured during the school day, notify your teacher and report to the office where the principal or secretary will contact your parents. Teachers and office staff may not give medication of any kind to a student. Emergency first aid will be given when needed. Ordinarily students who are too ill to remain in class should be taken home by their parents. The office staff will call your parents to notify them of your illness. The school should be notified of chronic medical problems.
F. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
Students are to enter the building immediately upon their arrival at school. Unless there is a reason to believe otherwise, the school assumes that parents expect their child to be under school supervision and care between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 2:35 p.m.; therefore, no student is permitted to leave school without permission from the office.
G. LOST AND FOUND
Lost articles can often be found in the main office. Please turn in any found articles to the office. Lost articles which are not claimed within a reasonable time will be given to local charities and community agencies. The school accepts no responsibility for loss or theft of any article.
H. SALES AND SELLING
The only selling activities which are permitted at Dalton Intermediate School are school-sponsored sales. Individual students and student groups are not permitted to sell anything for a profit or charity without permission from the school board.
I. DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS
Dalton Intermediate School students are always expected to dress appropriately and be neat in appearance at both school and school-sponsored activities. Students are expected to adhere to the following regulations on school dress:
** Some suitable type of footwear must be worn in school for safety, and from a health point of view.
** No hats or head gear may be worn inside the building.
** Acceptable shorts may be worn.
** No short shorts, biker shorts, or midriff tops will be allowed at DIS.
** Clothing that displays messages or illustrations of a profane nature, or advertisements for drugs, alcohol, or any illegal substances will not be allowed at DIS.
** Any clothing deemed to be inappropriate and/or disruptive to the orderly educational policy will be dealt with by an administrator. Students violating the dress code will be sent home to change.
III. STUDENT CONDUCT
A. DISCIPLINE
You are responsible for your own actions. All discipline is handled on an individual basis when the need arises. We feel the primary goal in this school is education: therefore, we feel anyone who distracts or prevents others from achieving this goal is going to be disciplined. Whatever steps are necessary to correct the problem will be taken. This includes conferences, detention, suspension, or curtailing participation in school activities.
Detention may be given for general infractions of school rules. Students are given detention assignments in advance so that they can make arrangements for transportation.
Suspension is usually the result of such offenses as truancy, insolence, fighting, excessive tardiness, smoking, drinking, or use of drugs on school property, or overall behavior which is detrimental to others.
When students are unable to use self-discipline, discipline must be imposed on them by teachers and the principal. Both of these forms of discipline are necessary for the school to be an effective place for learning. Without discipline, teaching and learning cannot take place. You must adhere to a code of good behavior, not only for your own benefit, but also for the benefit of others.
B. GENERAL CONDUCT
You are expected to exercise self-discipline and responsibility as a student of Dalton Intermediate School. Some general rules to assist you are:
1. Students should walk when moving through the building and when using stairs.
2. When moving to and from classes, walk quietly, orderly, and keep to your right.
3. Horseplay in any area of the school is forbidden.
4. Keep locker clean.
5. Grouping in the halls or cafeteria is not permitted.
6. Writing on walls or on materials on display is forbidden.
7. Keep water fountains free of trash and gum.
8. Books, clothing, and purses should not be left unattended.
9. Bring only the money you will need to school.
10. Couples are not to display affection of any type at school. Such display is quite improper and will be dealt with as such.
C. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR
There are a number of unacceptable behaviors which have no place in a school. These include:
Excessive
Tardiness
Rudeness
Refusing to do classwork
Cheating
Profanity
Disruptive behavior
Refusal to participate in Physical Education
Running in halls or on stairs
Stealing
Lying
Skipping class
Smoking
Failure to bring books or other supplies to school or class
Intentional damage or destruction of school property
Bringing dangerous or unnecessary articles (e.g. toys, radios)
Gambling
Fighting
Bringing alcohol or drugs to school
Some of the misbehaviors listed above can be more serious than others. The more serious misbehaviors will be dealt with by contacting parents and/or removing the student from his/her classes until a conference with his/her parent is held. A second occurrence of serious misbehavior can result in the student's suspension from school. In extreme cases, the administration may recommend to the school board that a student be expelled from school. Less serious misbehavior may require that a student stay in detention hall. Parents may also be contacted.
1. Any of the following actions on the part of students may result in suspension and in some cases may be reported to the law enforcement agencies:
a. Use of verbal threats
b. Vulgarity
c. Refusing to stay in for a teacher
d. Gambling
e. Illegal use of matches and/or lighters
f. Displaying or possessing pornographic materials
g. Cheating
h. Refusal to attend detention hall
i. Fighting
j. Smoking
k. Vandalism.
E. EXPELLABLE OFFENSES
1. Any of the following actions on the part of students will result in a three-day suspension and possibly the recommendation that the student be expelled from school:
a. Extortion
b. Intimidation
c. Explosives (firecrackers, cherry bombs, etc.)
d. Vandalism
e. Arson
f. False fire alarm
g. Bomb threats (written or verbal)
h. Drinking of alcoholic beverages
i. Possession of weapons
j. Drugs, possession, use, and/or distribution.
2. Students who receive suspension penalties accumulating fifteen or more days during any given school year, regardless of the offenses, may be recommended to the Radford City School Board for expulsion.
F. CHEATING
Cheating is giving or receiving information during a test or exam: handing in homework that is not the result of the student's own efforts; or any other instance in which the student claims credit for work which is not entirely his/her own. Students guilty of cheating will automatically receive a zero for the assignment in question and face the possibility of suspension.
G. DRINKING
The drinking of alcoholic beverages in the building and/or on the school grounds is in violation of Virginia State School Law. Any person guilty will be suspended for five days and may be recommended for expulsion. Also, offenders may be referred to the civil authorities.
H. DRUGS
The sale, use, or possession of illegal drugs will be grounds for suspension up to five days. In addition to disciplinary action taken by the school, the drug policy of the Radford City School Board will be implemented (including the contact of parents, local law authorities, and Superintendent of Schools).
I. FIGHTING
Students will be suspended for one to five days. In some cases, expulsion will be recommended.
J. FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
The State of Virginia forbids the possession of firearms, fireworks, illegal knives, and other apparatus or devices which may be detrimental. In keeping with these laws, Dalton Intermediate School also prohibits their possession. For possessing firearms or explosives, a student will be suspended from one to ten days, depending upon the seriousness of the offense. In some cases, expulsion will be recommended.
K. INTIMIDATION AND ASSAULT
Any student who intimidates a teacher, student, or any school employee by threat, force, or violence or assaults a teacher, student, or school employee will be suspended from school; expulsion may be recommended. Those persons intimidated or assaulted may press charges by obtaining warrants from the proper authorities.
L. STEALING
Stealing is another serious offense that will be dealt with promptly and severely. Any student who has been involved in a stealing incident for the first time will be suspended from one to three days. All students are reminded that court action may be taken by the school against those who may be involved in stealing school property. All students are asked to exercise caution in taking care of their possessions. School authorities are not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Every attempt will be made to recover the stolen property and the guilty individual(s) will be dealt with according to this policy.
M. TOBACCO
The possession of and/or use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco, is not allowed at school or at school activities. The use and/or possession of these products can result in a student being suspended.
N. VANDALISM
Vandalism is a suspendable offense. Regardless of the degree of damage or the seriousness of the act, students guilty of vandalizing school property will be required to pay for the repair of the damages.
O. BEEPERS
Students will not be permitted to carry beepers with them during the school day.
P. MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL DEVICES
Only authorized devices, such as calculators, are expected at school. Radios and walkman type devices are to be left at home. Such items will be confiscated.
Q. INAPPROPRIATE LITERATURE
Students are expected to bring to school only appropriate literature and illustrations and nothing considered to be obscene or distracting.
IV. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. ARTICLES PROHIBITED IN SCHOOL
Problems arise each year because students bring articles to school which are hazardous to the safety of others or interfere in some way with school procedures. Such items as toy guns, water pistols, snappers, flavored toothpicks, sling shots, knives, rubber bands, etc., if brought to school as playthings, are undesirable and will be impounded and returned to the parent only upon parent request. Parents are requested to help children understand the necessity for such regulations.
B. CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies, and furniture supplied by the school. Students who disfigure property, break windows, or do other damage to school property or equipment will be required to pay for the damage or replace the item.
C. MAKING UP WORK
A student will be expected to make up work for all classes missed within five days of returning to school. Special permission must be secured for an extension of time.
Restrooms are not to be used as gathering places, smoking areas, or for other purposes for which they were not designed. Please leave the restrooms as you would like to find them.
E. SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Substitute teachers are to be considered guests in our school. It is the responsibility of students to see that courtesy and assistance are offered to substitutes in order that their visits to our school will be pleasant and happy for them, as well as profitable for you.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Radford City School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, or national origin. Concerns or inquiries may be directed to the Superintendent of Schools at 1612 Wadsworth Street.
CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM
"The Radford City Schools has developed a CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM to assist students in dealing with such tragedies as sudden death and suicide. Crisis teams exist in every school and include counselors, school psychologist, and other professionals as needed."
GOOD BEHAVIOR BASICS
Nowhere...
School is a place for learning, and learning to get along with other kids is basic. That means respecting your teachers and other students and avoiding fighting, hitting, or other acts of anger.
DALTON INTERMEDIATE COMPUTING POLICIES
These policies are provided to make the best use of the computing facilities at Dalton Intermediate School. Misuse of the computing resources at Dalton will be considered a violation of the Student Conduct Policy. Violations of these policies will result in user access being denied and/or appropriate disciplinary action being taken.
1. Users must not attempt to penetrate any school computing system security or use the school's network to attempt to penetrate the security of off-campus organizations.
2. Users must keep passwords secret.
3. The user may not use any user ID without authorization.
4. Users must not use the computer to display or store material that is lewd, obscene, or pornographic.
5. Users must abide by regulations posted in the computer laboratories and on the system, and any other rules established by faculty in regard to use of computers.
6. The user is responsible for all activity that occurs under his or her ID.
7. The user must abide by all copyright laws applicable to software.
8. Dalton Intermediate computing facilities may not be used for any commercial or business activity not expressly authorized by the Dalton administration.
9. Users must not cause the system to behave atypically.
10. Users must not place unlawful information on the Internet nor use the Internet in any unlawful matter.
NOTE: There are times when school personnel need to examine the files and/or actual network sessions of a computer user. These times, though infrequent, are necessary for the reasonable and proper administration of school computing resources. At such times, school personnel are investigating violations or possible violations of security and/or policies, interactions which may be contributing lo poor computer performance or computer malfunctions.
ADMINISTERING MEDICINE TO STUDENTS
A. General Restriction
Students are not to take prescription or nonprescription medicines at school except as provided for by the guidelines of this policy.
B. Prescription Medicine
While it is not advisable for school personnel to administer medicines, there are occasions when children need to take medicine at school. In cases where parents wish the student to take prescribed medicine at school, the following procedure must be followed:
1. A signed authorization by the prescribing physician with specific directions and a written permission form from the parent or guardian must be sent to school. Forms are available in the office.
2. The medicine to be taken must be in a container with a pharmacist's label designating the student's name, instructions, name of the drug, date of the prescription, and name of the physician. The medicine must be brought to the nurse's office while an adult is in attendance.
3. When the doctor has prescribed the medicine and parental permission has been obtained on the proper forms, the nurse or other school personnel can administer the medicine. When medicine is administered, it must be in the presence of another adult.
C. Nonprescription Medicine
Nonprescription medicine may be administered to students by school personnel if the following procedures are followed:
1. The medicine must be brought to the office as soon as the child gels to school.
2. The parent must send a written request on the proper form for school personnel to administer the medicine. The note must include specific instructions for the dosage to be taken.
3. When medicine is administered, it must be done in the presence of another adult.
4. No medicine will be administered to students for more than three days without instructions from a doctor.
