Mechanicsburg Middle School

1750 South Market Street

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

www.mbgsd.org

Twitter: @MMS_Principals

 

Phone Numbers

 

Middle School Main Office     (717) 691-4560

Attendance Office                    (717) 691-2452

Counseling                                 (717) 691-2455

Nurse’s Office                            (717) 691-2454

District Office                             (717) 691-4500

District Business Office             (717) 691-4517

                                                  GENERAL INFORMATION                                                                  

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Mechanicsburg Area School District is to develop:

• Resilient, self-directed learners able to achieve personal goals
• Critical and creative thinkers capable of transferring knowledge to new situations
• Collaborative team players with effective communication skills
• Productive, responsible citizens in a diverse and ever-changing global society

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

You have the opportunity to reach new and exciting goals this year at Mechanicsburg Middle School. The challenge for you is to take full advantage of this opportunity. The administrators, counselors and teachers in your school are prepared and willing to help you with the challenge. The curriculum and extra programs available to you in middle school are also resources designed to help you grow as individuals. In fact, you are growing (mentally and physically) more rapidly as a middle school student than at any other time in your life, except infancy.

 

Your middle school years are days in which you should dream, explore, and discover the amazing world in which we are all so fortunate to live. Dream and then set goals which will help you begin to realize those dreams. Set high personal standards for your studies and behavior. Explore the many programs available to you as a student at Mechanicsburg Middle School. Music, arts, sports, and innumerable other activities provide you with the opportunity to learn more about yourself and those with whom you live and work on a daily basis. Consider the need to challenge yourself to try something that might be uncomfortable or difficult, and I guarantee you will learn from the experience. Through your goals and activities, you will begin to discover more about yourself. As you learn, you will become more aware of your likes, dislikes, fears, skills, and interests.

 

That process of dreaming, exploring and discovering is what middle school is all about! Enjoy the days you have in this amazing school.  Respect your fellow classmates and the adults who are here to help you become a better person.

 

Have a great year!

Mark K. Leidy, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools Mechanicsburg Area School District

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Mechanicsburg Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its activities, programs, or employment practices, as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA.

 

For information regarding civil rights or grievances procedures contact The Superintendent’s Office, 100 East Elmwood Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717-691-4500).

 

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS

Dr. Mark K. Leidy      Superintendent

Mrs. Julie Huff          Assistant to the Superintendent

Dr. Alan Vandrew     Assistant to the Superintendent, CFO

Mr. Paul Bigham       Director of Student Services

Mr. Jason Baker        K-12 Curriculum Supervisor

M.M.S. FACULTY DIRECTORY (*denotes Team Leader)

Adventurers (Grade 6)

Mrs. Fitzpatrick

Mrs. Morret

Mr. Smith*

Mrs. Smith

Mr. Stanton

 

Explorers (Grade 6)

Mrs. Boltz

Mrs. Fesler*

Ms. Hoffman

Mr. Morret

Mrs. Rosensteel

Mr. Shotts

Mrs. Williamson

 

Navigators (Grade 7)

Ms. Barthelmess

Mrs. Beardsley

Mr. Bonora

Mr. Frank

Mrs. Kurtz

Mrs. Mast*

Mrs. Spalding

 

Trailblazers (Grade 7)

Mrs. Cavada

Mr. Chubb

Mr. D’Annibale

Mrs. Markle*

Ms. Stipanovic

 

Pathfinders (Grade 8)

Mr.  Burak

Mr. Capriotti

Ms. Kowker*

Mrs. Lukenich

Mrs. Mukusa

Ms. Rishel

 

Voyagers (Grade 8)

Ms. Bennett

Mr. Burrows* (Athletic Dir.)

Mrs. Dreibelbis

Mr. Kromka

Crusaders

Mrs. Miller*

Mr. Petrillo

Mrs. Slick

 

Intervention Mrs.  Black

Mrs. DeBrunner

Mrs. Harker

Mrs. Trostle

Mrs.  Welter

Ms. Yates

Mrs. Zeger

 

Library Media Center

Ms. Bock Mrs. Hershey

 

Gifted Education

Mrs. Palese

 

Career Exploration

Mrs. Clark

 

Fine and Applied Arts

Mrs. Beck

Mr. Brown

Mrs. Burrows

Mr. Goldsborough

Mrs. Hersey

Mrs. Hartman

Mr. Hildebrand

Mrs. Hildebrand

Mrs. Hoke

Mr. Lichtel

Mr. Love

Ms. Metz

Mrs. Meyer*

Mrs. Mihan

Mrs. Pastucka

Ms. Rupp

Mrs. Shultz

Mrs. Warehime

Mr. Weaver

Mrs. Willits

TBD (Computer)

Mrs. Young

 

Special Education

Mrs. Breinich

Mrs. Fahnestock

Ms. Gaffney

Ms. Gingrich

Ms. Griffiths

Ms. Mardanova

Mrs. McGarvey

Mrs. McKeever

Ms.  Nedrow

Ms. Panza

Mr. Piatt

Mrs. Reith

Mrs. Schlusser

Mrs. Sheaffer

Ms. Stewart

Mrs. Walter

TBD (Instructional Aide)

 

Social Worker

Mrs. Daniels

 

Administration

Mr. Butt (Assistant Principal)

Mrs. Calvanelli (Attendance Secretary)

Mrs. Kerchner (Principal’s Admin. Asst.)

Mrs. Rensvold (Office Secretary)

Mr. Shover (Assistant Principal)

Mr. Yohn (Principal)

TBD (Office Secretary)

 

 

Counseling

Mrs. George-Awua

Mrs. Morrow (Counseling Secretary) Ms. Rieley

Mrs. Socha

 

Health Room

Mrs. Klinedinst

Mrs. Walker (School Nurse)

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT AT M.M.S.

A student at M.M.S. can expect that:

 

• You will be taught by competent, well-prepared teachers and receive guidance and counseling services from competent, well-prepared

 

• You will be informed of your teachers' academic expectations and the relationship of those expectations to your

 

• You will be informed of district, school, and individual teacher rules and behavior expectations and of the consequences for failure to live up to

 

• You will have the opportunity to attend school in a safe, controlled

 

• You will be informed of your teachers' perceptions of your performance in general or on a regular basis throughout the school

 

WHAT M.M.S. EXPECTS OF STUDENTS

 

• RESPECT OF ALL FACULTY & STAFF
• STUDY AND LEARN
• ATTEND SCHOOL DAILY UNLESS ILL OR LEGALLY EXCUSED
• BE ON TIME FOR ALL CLASSES
• OBEY SCHOOL RULES
• COMPLETE ALL IN-CLASS AND HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS AND MEET DEADLINES
• RESPECT PUBLIC PROPERTY AND CAREFULLY USE AND RETURN ALL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
• COME TO CLASS WITH THE NECESSARY BOOKS AND MATERIALS
• SEE THAT SCHOOL CORRESPONDENCE TO PARENTS REACHES HOME

 

 IMPORTANT DATES

 

August 21	School Opens	February 16	Prof. Dev. Day; No School
August 24	Back to School Night	February 19	No School; Presidents’ Day
September 1-4	Labor Day Recess; No School	March 9	Contracted In-Service Day; No School
September 22	Act 80 Day	March 23	End of Marking Period 3
September 27	Fall Photo Day	March 28	Report Cards Posted-Sapphire Parent Portal
October 6	Prof. Activities Day; No School	March 29-30	Spring Recess; No School
October 9	Columbus Day; No School	April 2	Contracted In-Service Day; No School
October 26	End of Marking Period 1	April 9-13	ELA PSSA Testing Window (Gr 6-8)
October 31	Report Cards Posted-Sapphire Parent Portal	April 16-20	Math PSSA Testing Window (Gr 6-8)
November 6 & 8	Student Led Conferences (Report Cards Issued)	April 23-27	Science PSSA Testing Window (Gr 8)
November 9	Fall Photo Retake Day	April 26	Career Day
November 22	Professional Activities Day; No School	April 26	MMS Ensembles Concert (7:30 pm)
November 23-27	No School – Thanksgiving	Apr. 30-May 4	PSSA Make Up Window
December 7	Winter Concert @ 7:30 pm (Gr. 6)	May 7	Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm (Gr. 6)
December 11	Winter Concert @ 7:30 pm (Gr. 7/8)	May 14-25	Keystone Testing Window
Dec. 22 – Jan. 1	Winter Recess; No School	May 15	Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm (Gr. 7/8)
January 2	Prof. Development Day; No School	May 28	No School; Memorial Day
January 15	No School; MLK Day of Service	May 30	Gr 8 Step Up to High School Ceremony (7 pm)
January 16	End of Marking Period 2	May 31	Last day of school; End of Marking Pd 4
January 18	Report Cards Posted-Sapphire Parent Portal	..........	Dismissal (11:30 am) – No Lunches Served
February 8	Parent/Teacher Conferences	June 5	Report Cards Posted-Sapphire Parent Portal
February 8 & 9	Early Dismissal (11:30 am) No lunches Served

 

*For additional important dates, please consult the school calendar located on the district website at www.mbgsd.org

 

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS

On days of inclement weather any cancellation or delay will be announced on the local radio stations. The following plans may be in effect.

One-hour delay – bus schedules and start of school set back one hour.

Two-hour delay – bus schedules and start of school set back two hours.

School canceled – school will not be held that day.  Make-up days are listed on the school calendar.

INCLEMENT WEATHER MAKE-UP DAYS

• 1st cancelled day – February 19, 2018
• 2nd cancelled day – March 29, 2018
• 3rd cancelled day – June 1, 2018
• 4th cancelled day – June 4, 2018
• 5th cancelled day – June 5, 2018

                                                              PROCEDURES                                                                      

BUILDING SECURITY

• The Counseling and Main entrance doors to the middle school will be opened for students at 7:45 AM. Students are not permitted in the building prior to 7:45 AM. Students will be excused from the cafeteria and commons at 8:10 AM to go to homeroom. Prior to 8:10 AM, a properly signed pass from a teacher or administrator is required to be outside of the cafetreria/commons area. Students are encouraged to arrive at school no earlier than 7:45AM
• Following dismissal it is expected that students will leave the building unless they have official school business that requires they remain in the building (work in the Library, meet with teachers, participate in extracurriculars, etc.)
• Students may not prop open any door or entrance or allow any unauthorized person to enter the building. Violation of this rule may lead to disciplinary action
• All visitors to the middle school must enter the building through the main office

 

PARENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP

All students being picked up and dropped off must use the Counseling Entrance. Drivers of vehicles picking up or dropping off students must use the Counseling Entrance and pull up as far as possible towards the Upper Allen Elementary School before having students exit the vehicle, as indicated by our traffic signs. Drivers should not drop off or pick up students directly outside the Counseling Entrance if there is room to pull towards the Upper Allen Elementary School stop sign.  Students who are dropped off and picked up from the parking lot area must use the designated crosswalk to cross the street. This is to help with traffic and create a safer drop off zone. Please pay close attention and obey the stop signs located throughout the parking lot.

 

BUS RULES

Proper student conduct on school buses is essential to the health and safety of all students. Persistent misbehavior on the part of any student may result in the revocation of the privilege to ride the school bus. Should a student lose the privilege, it becomes the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide transportation. The driver of the bus has the authority to direct students with regard to bus behavior and to assign seats where appropriate. Behavior infractions will be reported to the appropriate administrator. In the event that behavior is such that it is, in the judgment of the driver, unsafe to proceed, the driver can stop the bus in a safe area and request assistance from the police and/or the appropriate school administrator.  The following rules regarding bus behavior will apply:

1. Students must be loaded and unloaded only at school loading stations and designated bus stops approved by the school board.
2. Students should proceed quickly and in an orderly fashion when boarding/disembarking the bus.
3. Students must maintain an acceptable level of noise and refrain from singing, shouting, or cheering so as not to district the driver.
4. Students must remain seated while bus is in motion.
5. Students must not extend arms or other body parts out the windows.
6. Students must not throw objects inside the bus or out the windows.
7. The aisle must be kept clear; books and other belongings should be held by the students, or properly stowed out of the way.
8. Students must be on time at bus stop locations at home and school. They should leave home in time to reach the bus stop FIVE minutes before scheduled pick-ups and avoid playing or loitering on the highway when waiting for the bus.
9. Students are not permitted to leave the bus except at their regularly assigned stops unless they have written permission from a school administrator.
10. After arriving at school either by school bus or by private transportation, students must remain on school property until dismissed.
11. Students may ride only their assigned bus.  Requests for bus passes for visitors or to ride alternate busses will not be granted.
12. Students may not eat, drink or chew gum on the bus.
13. Animals may not be transported on the bus.
14. Skateboards may not be transported on the bus.
15. Students must not damage or tamper with any parts of the bus or equipment or use the emergency door, except in the case of an emergency.  Parents will be held responsible for willful acts of destruction.
16. Horseplay, fighting, vulgarity, profanity, obscene gestures or throwing trash items in or out of the bus, or behavior that affects the safety of the school bus or distracts the driver is considered improper conduct and is not permitted. Fighting on the bus or at the bus stop will result in disciplinary action.
17. Student behavior at the bus stop must follow all school behavior guidelines. Throwing of snowballs or other objects while at the bus stop will result in disciplinary action.
18. School Bus Transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. In the event misconduct occurs, disciplinary actions may take effect dependent on administrative and/or team judgment. Consequences could include, but are not limited to: parent notification, warning, after school detention, and suspension of riding privileges.
19. Bus drivers should be treated with the same respect afforded other school personnel

Pursuant to Board Policy 810.3, students are subject to audio and video recording on school buses and/or vehicles to monitor behavior for security and disciplinary reasons.

Recordings may be used as evidence in student discipline hearings and may be turned over to law enforcement officials when appropriate.

 

 WALKERS RULES

The only students allowed to walk to school are those living in Lindenwood or Meadowview developments. Due to safety, all other students are transported to school via bus or car.  Students may not walk away from the school campus for any reason.

EMERGENCY Drills/Situations

Fire Alarm Bell: Upon the sounding of the fire alarm bell, all occupants should remain in place until instructions are provided via the public address system. If you are instructed to exit the building, then you should exit your classroom in a single file – in a quiet orderly fashion. Quickly proceed through the hallway to the exit designated for your classroom. Do not go to your locker! Doors and windows should be closed.

 

Bomb/Terroristic Threat: In the event of a bomb threat you will be directed via the public address system. You may be asked to leave your books, get your coats, leave your locker doors open, and file out of the building using the fire drill procedure. If the building is evacuated, classes will resume only after certified emergency personnel have deemed the building safe. Instructional time lost as a result of a bomb threat may be made up.

In cooperation with the telephone company, the state and local police will investigate all bomb threats. Anyone found guilty of making such a threat will be prosecuted and subjected to school disciplinary measures as described in the Code of Conduct (pursuant to MASD Board Policy #218.2).

 

Code Blue: In the event of a medical emergency, an announcement will be made for a “Code Blue” in a given location. All students should remain in place until instructed otherwise.

 

Secure in Place: In the event of a secure in place, students should remain in their locations until instructed otherwise. Teachers will continue with instruction to the fullest extent possible. Students are not permitted to leave without administrative permission.

Students will be kept away from doors and windows - students should not be out of their seats attempting to see what is going on in the hallways.

 

Lockdown: In the event of a lockdown, all students will be moved out of sight from the viewpoint of the hallway. Students are to remain quiet and still. Students will remain in a secured position until a school official or police informs them otherwise. If the fire alarm sounds, students are to stay put and not leave the room.

 

Severe Weather Emergencies:  Weather emergencies will be announced via the public address system.

In the event of severe weather, students and staff will be instructed, via announcement, to report to areas of the building on the first floor that are relatively safe and free from glass. Students and staff may be instructed to get into a take cover position – kneeling facing down and head covered with hands behind.

 

WORK PERMITS

A student who is less than eighteen years old and gets a job must have a work permit. A student can obtain an application for a work permit by bringing a copy of his/her birth certificate to the middle school office.

 

LUNCH

Students will be assigned a 30-minute lunch period in the cafeteria each day. They may bring their lunch or purchase a school lunch. A monthly menu is provided in each homeroom. Lunch for the school year will be $2.50 for students and $3.70 for adults. Breakfast for the school year will be $1.25. Students will need to have his/her Student ID (barcode) with them to purchase lunch and/or breakfast using his/her student account.

Any food or beverage item eaten or consumed from the beginning of the school day until the end of the last lunch period will be limited to food or beverage items sold by the Food Service Department.

 

Students are not permitted to take food from the cafeteria.

 

The scheduling of “birthday” parties and delivery of food prepared outside the Food Service Department by parents or others will not be allowed during the lunch periods.

 

LOCKERS (HALL LOCKERS & PE LOCKERS)

Students will be responsible for the care and maintenance of their assigned lockers. Students are not permitted to use or maintain more than one locker during the school term and may not share lockers with other students. Having lockers is a privilege that can be revoked for misuse (this includes physical education lockers).

 

Students are specifically advised that they should have no expectation of privacy with respect to their use of school lockers which are subject to random, periodic, and/or sweeping inspections and searches (including the use of certified scent dogs), consistent with the Student Searches policy. Objects, materials or substances recovered during a locker search may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary proceedings.

Security of Belongings

It is not advisable to store valuable items such as jewelry, personal electronics, money etc., in your hall or gym locker. The best protection against theft or loss is to leave your valuables at home. M.M.S. cannot guarantee the security of personal property and is not responsible for theft or loss of any personal property stored in lockers.

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY / LOST & FOUND

Students are discouraged from bringing items of value to school (personal value or monetary value). Lost & Found – clothing items turned in are placed on a table by the cafeteria and valuable items turned in are kept in the middle school office.  Students who find they are missing an item should complete a missing item report in the high school office. The school district is not responsible for personal property that is damaged, lost, or stolen.

CELL PHONES

1. Cell phones, iPods, etc. are not to be seen or used during the school day. The school day is defined as time that the student enters the school building until they EXIT the building at 3:30 p.m.
2. Use of cell phones that have the capability to take photographs or record audio or video during the school day in district buildings, on district property and while students are engaged in school-sponsored activities is prohibited unless permission is granted by administration or by a teacher.
3. Use of Laser Pointers and attachments by students on school property, on buses and other vehicles provided by the district, and at school sponsored activities held during the school day is prohibited.

 

If your cell phone is visible, turned on or is being used during the school day or when otherwise contrary to the directions of school staff, it will be confiscated by school personnel and you may receive additional disciplinary consequences. The phone will be returned to the student at the end of the next school day.

Refusal to submit the phone to school personnel is an issue of insubordination and will result in additional consequences (not excluding suspension from school).

Upon second and subsequent offenses, the phone will be confiscated and will only be returned to your parent/guardian. Additional disciplinary consequences will also be issued.

Any student who needs to use a telephone during school hours should ask to use the phone in the main office. Students will not be called out of class to respond to a telephone call, and only in the case of an emergency will a message be delivered to a student.

 

AUDIO-VISUAL/RECORDING & LISTENING DEVICES (MASD Board Policy #237)

Students are not permitted to use audio-visual or recording devices at any point during the school day or during school-sponsored activities.  Audio-Visual / Recording Devices include: digital cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, cell phones, and other devices deemed inappropriate by the administration. Furthermore, students are not permitted to use MP3 players, iPods or other music listening devices during the school day unless part of a school sanctioned activity. Students are discouraged from bringing these items to school, and the school is not responsible for theft, loss or damage of such items.

 

FOOD & DRINK

Students are not permitted to carry or consume food/drink in the hallways and classrooms. Only clear, capped plastic bottles containing water will be permitted in individual classrooms at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Open drink containers are not permitted in the halls, library, auditorium, or gymnasium. Only the administration reserves the right to permit food in the classroom.

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS /TELEPHONE NUMBER

Any time you change your residence, you must notify the Registrar’s Office (691-3431). If you change home telephone number or the work telephone numbers(s) of your parents/guardian, you are expected to inform the M.M.S. office. Please be reminded to change your contact numbers for Sapphire notifications by accessing your account at www.mbgsd.org. If you plan to move out of this school district, you should see your counselor immediately.

 

ELEVATOR KEYS

Elevator keys will be made available to students with a current doctor’s note specifying the present need to use the elevator. Students will be charged a $10 fee for a lost key.

 

SCHOOL SOCIALS

All socials held at the school are restricted to sixth, seventh and eighth grade resident students, and school dress code and all school rules apply.

Revocation of privileges to attend a school social or special activity may be issued as a consequence

 

STUDY HALLS

The following rules are for all study halls:

1. All study halls must be quiet.
2. Students should bring needed materials to study halls so they will be properly engaged in the study process.
3. Activities that are appropriate for study halls include: reading, reviewing notes, doing written work, re-organizing notebooks, etc. The activity should be one that is constructive in nature.
4. Individuals may sign-out with permission for library use. Library time is used for doing research or selecting materials for personal reading. Students not involved in the above will be returned to their study hall.
5. Passes should not be issued in an indiscriminate manner. If a teacher wants a student from a study hall, the teacher needing the student should issue the student a pre-signed pass indicating approval for the visit during study hall.
6. Small groups may work together in study halls with teacher approval.
7. All students will support the right of every student to be engaged in a school related learning activity.
8. Any student not cooperating in study halls should be referred to the office for disciplinary action.

 

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips and school trips are a vital part of the learning experience. As such we encourage student participation in these events. Eligibility for participation, however, is at the discretion of the teacher and Middle School administration. Examples of criteria for eligibility include attendance, academic performance and discipline record. It is possible for students to be excluded from such trips based upon these criteria. Any student who does not participate in a curricular field trip will be given an alternative assignment.

While participating in a field trip, students are expected to abide by the same school rules that apply while they are attending classes in the building. Additional rules and guidelines that are specific to the trip will be outlined by the trip teacher/chaperone. Appropriate dress guidelines for the field trip will be determined by the trip teacher/chaperone.

 

ASSEMBLIES

1. Students will return to homeroom and wait to be called to proceed to their identified seating areas.
2. All pupils will be assigned seats in the auditorium. Teachers will be responsible for checking attendance.
3. Pupils are to enter the auditorium quickly and quietly take their assigned seats.
4. Pupils should be orderly during the program and applaud reasonably and courteously.
5. Upon leaving assemblies, pupils are expected to stand quietly, wait until the row in back has passed, then proceed quietly out of the designated door in single file.
6. Consumption of any beverage, candy or food is not permitted.
7. Teachers will remove student(s) from the auditorium due to misconduct. The matter will be resolved in the office following the assembly.
8. Attending assemblies is a privilege that can be revoked for failure to follow school rules or established guidelines.

 

ILLNESS/INJURY/ACCIDENT

If you become ill (or need to visit the nurse for some other reason), you must get a pass from your teacher before reporting to the nurse’s office. Do not report to the nurse’s office between classes without a pass.

1. Sign the logbook on the desk when you Sign out when you leave. If the nurse’s office is locked, report to the Middle School office.
2. The Health Suite may not be used as a sanctuary for students who desire to skip a class, postpone a test, or sleep. In the event of frequent individual Health Suite visits, the nurse may discuss possible reasons with the parent and make recommendations as may be necessary
3. If an illness requires you to go home, you must have permission from the nurse. Your parents will be notified and will be responsible for your transportation.
4. When you use the health facilities, please remove your shoes before lying on the cots and replace any equipment or magazines you use.

 

If you are injured, report the injury to your teacher immediately. Do not hesitate to report even a small injury, because the injury may be more serious than is immediately apparent.

 

If you see an accident, get help immediately from the nearest faculty member.  Do not try to move an injured person.

 

SOLICITATIONS

Students are not permitted to sell merchandise for any non-school organization or to solicit monies for any charities from students or staff during school hours, except with the permission of the principal.

 

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS

The school is not an open and public forum for distribution of outside literature and notices. Students are not permitted to distribute outside literature at any time on school property unless they have the consent of the building principal. If consent to distribute is given, the materials must contain the following statement: “This event, program, or group is not sponsored or endorsed by the Mechanicsburg Area School District.”

 

 

GRADING SYSTEM

(6th  – 7th – 8th Grade)

A ~ 93 – 100      B ~ 85 - 92       C ~ 76 - 84

D ~ 70 - 75       F ~ 60 - 69

All 6th, 7th and 8th Grade class grades are reported as percentages.

Academic Reports

Parents/Guardians, please refer to Sapphire for updates on your child’s performance.

Honor Roll

To be on the first honor roll, a student must have an average of 93% - 100% in the following subjects: English, Reading, Math, Social Studies, Science and World Languages and no grade lower than C in any subject.

To be on the second honor roll, a student must have an average of 85%

- 92% in the following subjects: English, Reading, Math, Social Studies, Science and World Languages and no grade lower than C in any subject.

Incomplete Assignments

Each incomplete assignment, due to excused absences, not made up within two weeks following the marking period will be graded as a "0" (zero), barring extenuating circumstances, and a grade will be tabulated accordingly.

Report Card

Report cards are posted to the Sapphire Parent Portal at the end of each marking period (nine weeks) to show your progress.

Retention

Promotion and summer school can be denied if a student fails three or more core subjects for the academic year.

 

Homework

Definition

Any work planned or approved by the teacher to be completed by the student outside of the regular classroom without the immediate and direct supervision of the teacher. Each student should DAILY perform the 5 R's.

5 R's =  Reread + Rewrite + Reorganize + Review + Reflect.

 

Philosophy

Homework is an essential part of the total education of the student when it provides the opportunity for the student to:

1. Practice, APPLY, integrate, extend or prepare for school learning.
2. Reinforce independent work-study skills.
3. Use school and community resources.
4. Develop self-discipline.
5. Complete all assigned work to the best of his/her ability and to turn in assignments on time

General

1. Students should complete and turn in assignments on time. Assignments missed because of an absence may be turned in within two days of the absence. (For everyday missed students have two days to make up work)
2. Homework should encourage parent interest.
3. The time guideline for homework assignments on an average should be approximately 30 minutes per major subject. (Note: This may vary depending on the nature of the assignment and the ability of the student)

Incomplete Work

Students who do not complete their classwork or homework and who have not been absent from school may be removed from activities and assigned to a structured study hall. While in the structured study hall, all privileges are denied and parents will be notified of this change. The purpose of this program is to hold students accountable for their responsibility to try, to the best of their ability, to complete their work.

 

Homework During an Absence

1. When absent from school refer to your team’s homework policy.
2. A students that is absent from school 3 or more days may call the Attendance Office at (717) 691-2452, by 9:00 a.m., to make arrangements for his/her homework assignments to be prepared for pickup by a parent/guardian. One restriction is that a 24 hour time period is required to collect all materials for the students.
3. Any assignments/evaluations that are announced prior to the absence are expected to be completed immediately upon return (or according to the original schedule, as is often the case with extended projects).

If you anticipate being absent from class or school (due to a field trip, doctor’s appointment, educational trip, planned hospital admission, etc.), you are expected to consult with your teacher(s) prior to your departure in order to get assignments and/or submit assignments that are due. You are expected to maintain the pace of the class by meeting all announced deadlines for assignments, tests, quizzes, presentations, reports, etc.

Student Promotion/Summer School

Each year a limited number of students are permitted to make up credit deficiencies by attending the Summer School. Attendance at the Summer School is a privilege extended to students who have put forth effort in

their class work, but who have not achieved a passing grade or has demonstrated a need for additional support. Summer School eligibility remains at the discretion of the building administrator.

                                                          SPECIAL SERVICES                                                                       

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

A coordinated group and individual school counseling program has been organized for you, the student. The purpose of the school counseling program is to help you achieve the most by developing a greater understanding of yourself and your capabilities; to encourage you to explore your interests, talents and abilities educationally and in terms of career exploration and planning; and to help you become a contributing member of your school community. You are strongly encouraged to talk to your school counselor to discuss any problems you may be experiencing on a personal or academic level.

HEALTH ROOM

To obtain health services:

1. An ill or injured student is to be accompanied to the health room by another student. Obtain a pass from the classroom teacher in whose class or study hall you are or will be attending. (Exception: emergencies such as fainting, nosebleeds, falls, etc.)
2. Report directly to the nurse's office. In case the door is locked, report to the main office. Nursing service will be obtained if necessary.
3. Students should not remain longer than one period unless the nurse or other authority says it is necessary. Teachers must be notified of a student's absence from class. Failure to comply with this procedure may be construed as cutting class which is a disciplinary offense.

Health Personnel

Mrs. Suzanne Walker ~ Health Service Coordinator & School Nurse

Mrs. Marcie Klinedinst ~ Health Room Assistant

Amanda Bostrof ~ Nurse Practitioner (Pinnacle Health Medical Group)

Mrs. Amy Burhans ~ Athletic Trainer          

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Athletic Physician

MEDICATION POLICY

Any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, will only be administered by order of a licensed prescriber (doctor or medical care provider). An adult should bring the medication to the school nurse. If this is not possible, the parent must notify the school nurse and send the medication in the original package in a sealed envelope accompanied by a note from the parent or guardian giving permission for the medication to be taken in school. The note must have the following information: Student name, name of medication, dosage of medication, time medication is to be taken, name of physician prescribing medication, date medication is to be given, and the number of pills sent.

All medication, prescription or over-the-counter, that is brought to school must be taken to the nurse’s office immediately upon arrival to school. If the nurse is not available, the medication is to be taken to the main office. Medication may not be kept in the student’s locker, purse, or on the student’s person. Inhalers and Epinephrine auto-injectors may be carried with permission of the nurse, parent and a licensed prescriber’s order (see MASD Board Policy 210.1). Students may obtain a note from the nurse allowing them to use cough drops during the school day.

All students are responsible for reporting to the nurse at their designated times to take their medication.

Non-prescription or prescription nutritional or herbal supplements, including homeopathic preparations, will not be given in the school or on any school sponsored activity. There are not exceptions to this rule. Any student who possesses, uses, or distributes any medication is in violation of this policy and is subject to disciplinary action. A violation of the Medication Policy will result in a minimum of a one-day assignment to AEA (alternative education assignment).

LIBRARY SERVICES

Welcome to the library! Students and teachers are invited to use the library facilities for recreational reading and for reference to enrich their understanding. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following procedures so that they can have the best library experience possible.

Information about Materials:

Fiction books are arranged alphabetically by author’s last name. Non-fiction books are numbered according to their particular Dewey Decimal classification. Magazines and periodicals are available for overnight check-out, and flash drives are available for check-out (on as needed basis) for up to two weeks.

Information about Attendance:

1. Library hours of operation are 8:00 am to 3:30pm
2. 7th & 8th grade students may come to the library before school, starting at 8:00, for book selection/renewal and for approved use of the computers.
3. 6th grade students may start to come to the library from the beginning of homeroom (8:20 am) with a pass from their homeroom teacher.
4. Students can come to the library Periods 1-8 without a teacher for a brief book check-out or renewal, etc. if they have a YELLOW PASS signed by a teacher and with the time of departure from the classroom. The library will sign and put a time on the pass when sending the student back to his or her classroom.
5. Students may use the library during lunch for homework, reading, book check-out and renewal, and approved use of the computers. Permission is given to use the library during lunch by first obtaining a LUNCH PASS from the cafeteria aide. (Exception: When teachers have scheduled their classes in the library during the lunch period, that lunch period will be closed to cafeteria students).
6. Students may come to the library during Period 9 on a limited basis. We want to make the library available to as many students from as many different classes as possible while still providing an environment conducive to research and book/materials selection, so only two students may come at a time from each study hall.

Information about Borrowing Procedures:

• an ID card is encouraged for students to borrow materials (it will expedite the checkout process)
• Two week circulation for regular books
• Overnight circulation for magazines and reference books (all overnight materials must be returned before the first period class the following morning)
• Extended circulation period for flash drives (on as needed basis) up to two weeks
• 6th graders may check out two books at a time for two weeks; 7th and 8th graders may check out three books at a time for two weeks. Books may be renewed once.
•        It is the responsibility of each to student to return materials to the library ON TIME to prevent being subject to an overdue fine.
• Students are encouraged to review the status of their library accounts online through the MMS Library Online Destiny Catalog at mbgsd.org to double-check which materials are checked out, when they are due, and to renew books (that have no fines and no hold requests on them).
  • Fines for overdue materials are as follows:
  • Regular circulation (2 weeks) --$0.05 per day, weekends and holidays exempted
  • Overnight materials –$0.25 per day
  • Flash drives – $1.00 per day
  • Student fines may accrue up to $1.00 before restriction of checkouts
• Renewals can be made without having the item present if the student is renewing before the due date.
• Renewals can be made without having previous fine money paid as long as the fine amount totals under $1.00.
• Students returning an overdue book the first day back following an absence will not be charged for the days absent.
•        Any damages to a book will be assessed to the person to whom the book was last checked out.

Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions, please contact the library. By following these rules for good library etiquette, the library will continue to be a positive environment for everyone. Your continued support is appreciated!

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STAR)

What is a Student Assistance Program?

A Student Assistance Program is a way to identify high-risk teenagers who are having school-related problems because of alcohol and drug use, or who are at risk of suicide and other mental health problems. It is also a method for intervening and referring these students to appropriate community services.  It is an intervention, not a treatment program.

A Student Assistance Program is a systematic process, which makes it possible for school personnel to determine which students are having problems and refer them for help. The heart of the program is a Student Assistance Team, which is a core group of school personnel who are specially trained to work with these students. The Student Assistance Team at Mechanicsburg Middle School consists of the following members:

 

Mrs. J. Beck	Mr. D. Bonora	Mr. R. Brown	Mr. G. Burrows	Mr. N. Butt
Mr. B. Chubb	Mrs. K. George-Awua	Mrs. E. Hartman	Mrs. D. Hoke	Mrs. T. Kowker
Mrs. K. Mast	Ms. J. Metz	Ms. M. Rieley	Mr. A. Shotts	Mr. J. Shover
Mrs. K. Socha	Mrs. S. Walker	Mrs. J. Zeger

 

A representative of Teen-Line and a Member of the Cumberland-Perry Drug & Alcohol Commission will act as Ad Hoc Members.

If you have any questions regarding Student Assistance or are concerned about a student, please do not hesitate to call any of the above members; Student Assistance is a way to help further explore and provide services for a student and family that we care about. With your support and assistance, we can make this program successful!

Any concerned individual may refer a student by contacting the student’s school counselor or any member of the Student Assistance Team. Upon receiving a referral, the team gathers information from staff members who have contact with the student. A team member then volunteers to contact a parent. If the parent agrees, then the team member and the student meet to discuss the reason(s) for the referral.

If recommended by the team, formal assessments are offered to the student by trained specialists from county drug and alcohol and / or mental health agencies. These individuals work closely with the team and make recommendations based on the information gathered from all sources. These recommendations may include school-based services, counseling, or a referral for treatment.

Any student who violates the school drug and alcohol policy is required to participate in, and successfully complete, the student assistance program.

SPECIAL EDUCATION:

SECTION 504/CHAPTER 15 STUDENT NOTIFICATION

In compliance with the state and federal law, the Mechanicsburg Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, contact the Director of Special Education Services.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

If You Have a Problem or Just Need Someone to Listen:  CALL  761-6013   (Holy Spirit Crisis Center)

 

Helping Agencies in Cumberland County

TEEN LINE	763-2345		Children & Youth Services	240-6120
ChildLine	(800)932-0313		Tressler-Lutheran Services	76l-6920
Self-Help Groups:			AL-ANON	737-6242
For Families/Friends of Alcoholics:			Alcoholics Anonymous	737-6242
Chemical People Task Force		236-6000	Mothers Against Drunk Driving	780-1098
Mechanicsburg School/Community Task Force 691-4506

 

                                                                ATTENDANCE                                                                         

ARRIVAL

Once you come onto school property, you may not leave until the end of the school day, unless the nurse sends you home or a parent picks you up.

 

TARDY TO SCHOOL

If you are not in the building by 8:12 a.m., you are considered “tardy.” You are expected to submit a written excuse signed by your parent or guardian when you check-in. If no excuse is received by the following day or an administrator does not excuse the reason for tardiness, then the tardiness will be marked “unexcused” and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

 

Occurrence Penalty Third Warning Fourth & every tardy for remainder of the year Consequence that may include After School Detention (s)

Penalties for unexcused tardies to school

 

• Students who are repeatedly tardy will be subject to additional consequences.
• Credit will not be given for work missed as a result of an unexcused tardy to school.
• Anytime you are late getting to school, you are expected to report to the main office to check-in. You will be considered “tardy” if you check-in anytime between 8:13 a.m. through 11:00 am.

 

TRUANCY

A student who is absent from school without the permission of his/her parent or guardian is considered to be “truant.” The absence will be marked “unexcused (or unlawful in the case of students falling within compulsory education limits),” and credit for work missed will be denied.

 

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

Any day that a student is unable to attend school, the student’s parent or guardian is expected to phone the attendance secretary (691- 2452) before 9:00 a.m. to provide the reason for the absence. If the school does not receive a call when your child is absent, you will receive a phone call via Sapphire indicating the absence on the given date.

 

Students are encouraged to use the standard excuse blanks that are provided by the school (available through the Attendance Secretary or on the school district’s website at www.mbgsd.org).  If students do not use the standard form, the excuse must include:

• your
• the date(s) of absence(s).
• the reason for the absence(s).
• parent’s signature

 

Students arriving after the start of school and within the first two and a half (2 ½) hours of the school day will be marked as tardy to school. A half day absence is from two and a half (2 ½ ) hours to four and one-half hours (4½) hours. Students who are absent more than four and one-half hours (4½) hours will be reported as absent for the day.

A written excuse (signed by the parent or guardian with whom you reside) must be submitted within three school days of your absence. If an acceptable written excuse is not submitted within three school days, the absence will automatically be marked unexcused, and credit may be denied for work missed—even if that work has already been completed.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Any absence from school that does not conform to the state law and school district policy will be marked unexcused – even if your parents approve of the absence. Credit may be denied for all work missed during an unexcused absence. Additionally, an unexcused absence of a student who is less than 17 years old is illegal, as dictated by Pennsylvania’s Mandatory Attendance Law. If you accumulate three or more illegal absences, your parents will be notified – and will be issued an official attendance warning notice, which would advise them that any additional illegal absence(s) would result in the issuance of a citation.

DOCTOR’S EXCUSE REQUIREMENT

Any student who is absent from school for three or more consecutive days is required to submit a doctor’s excuse to confirm the illness. In addition, any student who develops a pattern of poor attendance – for any reason – may be required to submit a doctor’s excuse for all absences and tardies. Failure to submit the required doctor’s excuse will result in the absence/tardy being marked unexcused and credit for work missed may be denied.

EARLY DISMISSAL REQUEST

You are encouraged to schedule appointments for non-school time. In cases where a medical or dental appointment must be scheduled during school hours, have your parent/guardian sign a note. Be certain that the note includes: the date and time of the appointment, the type of appointment, and the name of the dentist or doctor (if applicable). You should report to the attendance office before 8:10 a.m. to get your early dismissal BLUE PASS. If the reason for your absence does not conform to state law and school district policy, the time out of school will be marked unexcused and disciplinary action will be taken. Additionally, you may not receive credit for work missed. Before leaving school, you must notify the teachers of those classes that you will miss, that you will not be in class. You must get any assignments that you will miss and submit any assignments that are due. You are responsible for all work that is done during those class periods and all work that is assigned for the next class session. As you leave the building, you are expected to checkout with the attendance secretary. Your Early Dismissal Request does NOT need to be confirmed by your doctor’s office.

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS/ANTICIPATED ABSENCES

Permission to be absent from school for any reason other than illness or immediate family emergency must be requested in advance. Any such absence that is not pre-approved by the administration will be marked unexcused and credit for work missed may be denied. The maximum number of pre-approved days that a student may miss in one school year for the purpose of educational trips is ten (10). We strongly recommend that educational trips do not occur within the first cycle of the school year and during the last two cycles of the school year. Please be advised that M.M.S. administration reserves the right to deny requests for extended absence during these times. Educational trips will not be approved for students that are scheduled to take state assessments on the date(s) of the requested trip.

 

PSSA TESTING WINDOWS

·         English Language Arts	April 9-13, 2017	Grade 6, 7, 8
·         Math	April 16-20, 2017	Grade 6, 7, 8
·         Science	April 23-27, 2017	Grade 8
·         Make Up	April 30 – May 4, 2017	Grade 6, 7, 8

 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLASS WORK

Students who will miss any class(es) as a result of an anticipated absence (such as field trip, a medical/dental appointment, an educational trip, etc.) are responsible for (1) submitting any assignments that are due prior to your leaving, (2) acquiring the information which was presented in class, (3) completing any assignments that were done in class or assigned for homework, and (4) being prepared to participate in the activities which are scheduled for the next day (including any quizzes, tests, presentations, etc.)

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DAYS ABSENT

If regular attendance becomes an issue, the administration may schedule an attendance review hearing. If a student is absent from school 25 times or more (12 for a semester course) the potential outcome of said hearing could be retention.

Mechanicsburg Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Access to educational programs shall be provided without discrimination on the basis of a student’s race, sex, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation or national origin as required by academic standards and assessment of the State Board of Education.

 

For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact the office of the Superintendent. For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons and for information regarding confidentiality of and the types of education records, contact the Director of Student Services. Both can be reached at 100 E. Elmwood Avenue, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055, 717-691-4500.

 

This Code is printed in English, the predominant language of the majority of the students of the Mechanicsburg Area School District. If English is not your predominant language and you need assistance in translating this document, please contact the Chief Academic Officer at 691-4500. Upon request, the document will be translated to your predominant language.

 

The Mechanicsburg Area School District Code of Student Conduct was developed to inform you of the crucial nature of a positive learning environment that includes clearly defined expectations for student attendance and behavior. The Board of School Directors has approved numerous policies to address areas relating to pupils within the Board’s policy manual. The Code of Student Conduct includes reference to each of these applicable Board approved policies. Copies of these policies are available in the district office, school offices, school libraries and the district web site at http://www.mbgsd.org. These policies contain within them, the legal citations from which they were developed. When student behaviors are inappropriate and impact negatively on a positive learning environment, the disciplinary options that are identified in the Code of Student Conduct will be utilized by the School’s Administrators.

 

This publication meets the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Section 4114 (7)(e) by establishing a code of student conduct that clearly states the responsibilities of students, teachers, and administrators in maintaining a classroom environment that –

• allows a teacher to communicate effectively with all students in the class;
• allows all students in the class to learn;
• has consequences that are fair and developmentally appropriate;
• considers the student and the circumstances of the situation; and
• is enforced

 

This Code of Student Conduct also:

• Meets the legal requirements of Section 12.3(c) of the Pennsylvania Code, which requires that the District adopt these provisions and distribute copies to both students and parents/guardians.
• Meets the requirements of Act 26 of 1995 as it relates to possession of weapons and the Safe Schools Initiative
• Establishes a rational standard of behavior that is expected of all students in achieving the objective of providing a safe environment for the pursuit of
• Helps prepare students for life in a democratic society where adopted laws govern and maintain a measure of protection and security for all citizens within the framework of freedom.
• Supports our Mission Statement.

 

This Code of Student Conduct was designed to help to provide a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. The Code outlines the cooperative effort among students, parents and school personnel and defines the essential role of each participant in the process.

 

Please review this Code of Student Conduct to ensure your understanding in this vital approach toward guiding our young people and providing a safe school environment.

Thank you for your continuing interest in the educational process. Sincerely,

Mark K. Leidy, Ed.D.

Superintendent

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES (from 22 PA Code 12.2)

Student responsibilities include regular attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.  No student has the right to interfere with the education of his or her fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, and all students who are involved in the educational process.  Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. It is the responsibility of the students to conform to the following:

1. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with them. Students should assume that until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed in writing, it is in effect.
2. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.
3. Dress and groom to meet fair standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.
4. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.
5. Comply with Commonwealth and local laws and regulations.
6. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.
7. Attend school daily and arrive on time to all classes and other school functions.
8. Make up work when absent from school.
9. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by Commonwealth and Mechanicsburg Area School District authorities.
10. Report accurately and do not use indecent or obscene language in student newspapers or publications.
11. Not use obscene language in student media or on school premises. 

STUDENTS’ RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS

Education is a statutory right, and students shall be afforded due process consistent with Board Policy and state regulations if they are to be excluded from school.

1. When a report is received that a student may have violated the Code of Student Conduct, the student will be informed of the allegations and offered an opportunity to respond.
2. During the course of an investigation, information may be gathered via student interviews and other means. Statements and evidence gathered by school officials during the course of an investigation may be provided to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
3. If a student refuses to speak to school officials without their parents or guardians present and requests the presence of his/her parent/guardian, an attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian is unavailable or unable to meet with the investigating official within a reasonable amount of time, the administration will proceed with the investigation. If the student refuses to speak to the administration, with or without the presence of parents/guardians, this behavior shall be considered uncooperative in nature.
4. If the determination is made that a student has violated this Code, the principal or in his/her absence, the assistant principal, will notify the student, parents and/or guardians of the violation and afford the student the opportunity to respond if he/she so chooses. Also at that time, the administrator shall notify the student, parents, and/or guardians of the type of discipline that will be administered, consistent with this Code.
5. In the case that a student and the student’s parent/guardian disagree that a violation of the Code of Student Conduct has occurred, the student and parent/guardian may appeal the punishment to the Superintendent. The right to appeal to the Superintendent is limited to factual disagreements about whether a violation occurred; there is no right to appeal the level or nature of the disciplinary action imposed. The Superintendent shall review the matter as he/she sees fit, with or without meeting with the student and parent/guardian, and notify the student and parent/guardian of his/her decision. There is no right to a formal hearing before the board of school directors. Review by the Superintendent shall be the final and exclusive form of appeal.

 

GENERAL RULES

The general rules stated below are not intended to address all behaviors that may result in disciplinary action; however, they are exemplary of the kind of conduct that is subject to punishment under the MASD Board Policy #218. These rules apply to students while at school, while attending school-sponsored activities, while traveling to and from school or traveling to and from school- sponsored activities, regardless of whether students are traveling via school district furnished transportation and while otherwise under the supervision and control of the school.

DRESS CODE (MASD Board Policy #221)

The Board of School Directors in any school entity may impose limitations on dress and may require students to wear standard dress or uniforms. Dress policies may be applicable throughout the school entity or may be applicable to one or more school buildings within the school entity (Section 1317.3 of the School Code).

Aspects of personal appearance require one’s attire to be neat and not create a health or safety hazard or disrupt the educational process. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves, their hair, and their clothing clean. For the safety and welfare of students, teachers in specific areas – i.e. labs and physical education classes – may require particular modes of dress. Also, teachers or administrators may require or exclude a more specific type of dress for special events such as field trips, concerts, etc.

It is the sincere hope of the school community that a student’s dress will always be within reasonable limits of decency, morality, and propriety, and will reflect pride in the individual student, his/her family, and the Mechanicsburg Area School District. Part of the District’s educational process is to prepare students for eventual employment and to teach that expectations in attire differ between school/work and recreation. Students who require exemptions to the dress code due to religious or medical reasons should see a building administrator.

Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken with students not complying with the dress code; students will not be permitted to attend class until acceptable adjustments are made to their appearance. Although students with dress code violations will be initially asked to make adjustments and may be assigned detention or other outcomes – flagrant or repeated violations of the dress code will result in the assignment of more serious discipline.

The rules outlined below are provided to help students comply with appropriate dress during the school hours. The limitations have been described in order to result in uniform enforcement and to minimize subjective determinations.

FLAG SALUTE

It is a daily practice that we pledge our allegiance to our country’s flag. Recent court rulings have dictated, however, that the flag salute cannot be mandated. A student who chooses not to participate in the pledge ceremony may remain seated quietly or may stand and face forward.  Students that choose to turn around, talk, put their head down, or otherwise be disruptive/disrespectful are subject to disciplinary consequences.STUDENT EXPRESSION (MASD Board Policy #220)

The Board respects the rights of students to express themselves in word or symbol and to distribute materials as a part of that expression, but it also recognizes that the exercise of that right must be limited by the district's responsibility to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights of all members of the school community.

The Board reserves the right to designate and prohibit manifestations of student expression which are not protected by the right of free expression because they violate the rights of others. Such expressions are those which:

 

BULLYING/CYBER-BULLYING POLICY (MASD Board Policy #249)

The MASD is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. As such, it recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, bullying by district students is prohibited. Each student shall be responsible

to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying.

Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantial interference with a student’s education
2. Creation of a threatening environment
3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school

• Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyber-bullying and extortion
• School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school
• Students who have been bullied are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to the building administration.

A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct, which may include counseling with the school, parental conference, reprimand, loss of school privileges, transfer to another educational setting, classroom or school bus, exclusion from school-sponsored activities, detention, suspension, expulsion, counseling/therapy outside of school, referral to law enforcement officials.

HARASSMENT POLICY (MASD Board Policy (#248)

It is the policy of the Mechanicsburg Area School District and a provision of the law that all students and employees should enjoy a learning/work environment free from all forms of harassment. No student or employee should be subject to oral, written, graphic, or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the district’s educational programs or activities.

If a student believes that he/she is being harassed, the student should immediately report the situation to an administrator. The administrator will investigate alleged harassment claims and take corrective action. Disciplinary action will be taken against offending student(s), especially if the behavior is repeated and/or continuous after the offending student is informed of the objectionable and/or inappropriate nature of the behavior.

Given the nature of the type of discrimination, the district also recognizes that false accusations of harassment can have serious effects on innocent young men and women. Therefore, false accusations will result in the same severe disciplinary action applicable to one found guilty of harassment.

 

HARASSMENT OF FACULTY/STAFF

A student commits a violation of this policy when, with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm a member of the school district faculty or staff, whether or not during school hours, when:

• A student threatens to strike, shove, kick, or otherwise subject a member of the faculty or staff to physical contact; or
• A student engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy a member of the faculty or staff and which serve no legitimate purpose

A student who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from school. Additionally, the district will support criminal prosecution of any student violating this policy who may be charged with the crime of harassment under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.

STUDENT-TO-STUDENT HARRASSMENT

It is against the policies of this district for any student, male or female, to:

 

SMOKING & USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS (MASD Board Policy #222)

Act 145 of the 1996 session of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania specifically prohibits the use and/or possession of tobacco by students in school building, on school buses, and on school property owned by, leased by, and under the control of the Mechanicsburg Area School District. This includes outdoor school activities and events. To protect the health of the future citizens and to provide role models for the youth of the district, the Mechanicsburg Area School District has enacted by resolution a smoke-free environment in all enclosed areas of the district, and has prohibited smoking by all persons on school property. Portions of this Act and policy are enforceable under civil penalty with a fine not to exceed fifty ($50.00) dollars plus court costs. The consequences for violation of Policy #222 and this Act are outlined under Level III Violations in Appendices of this document.

 

TARDINESS TO CLASS

Students who are not in their assigned area when the tardy bell rings are considered to be tardy to class. Being tardy is viewed as an interruption and/or delay of the instructional process and will result in the following disciplinary action:

 

• First Offense (or a very infrequent offense) – verbal reprimand by
• Second Offense – teacher-assigned
• Third & Habitual Offenses – a conference with the student, teacher, and administrator to determine an appropriate course of action which could include administrative detention, a parental conference, suspension, or other disciplinary action.

 

OPEN FLAME

The production of an open flame (igniting a match or lighter, etc.) produces a safety hazard and is therefore prohibited in a school building, on a school bus, or on property owned by, leased by, or under the control of the school district, and at school-sponsored events and activities. It is also a violation of the borough ordinance known as the Basic Fire Prevention Code (BOCA), Section F- 310.  

 

Items that are capable of producing an open flame, such as matches and lighters, are prohibited on school property, on school- provided transportation, and during school-sponsored activities. Violation of this policy will result in school disciplinary action and referral to the local district justice—for the issuance of a fine and court costs up to $300.

 

SEARCHES (Pursuant to MASD Board Policy No.226)

Students or their belongings, including lockers, automobiles, electronic devices, purses, backpacks, clothing and other possessions, may be searched without a warrant when in school, on school grounds or when otherwise under school supervision if there is a reasonable suspicion that the place or thing to be searched contains prohibited contraband, material that would pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the school population, or evidence that there has been a violation of the law, Board policy, or school rules. The scope and extent of searches must be reasonable in relation to the nature of the suspected evidence, contraband or dangerous material and to the grounds for suspecting that it may be found in the place or thing being searched and the age and gender of the student being searched.

 

OFF-SITE OR AFTER-HOURS CONDUCT (pursuant to MASD Board Policy #218)

In some circumstances, off-site or after-hours conduct may subject students to school discipline. School discipline may be imposed when the conduct causes substantial disruption or a well-placed fear or prediction of substantial disruption to school work or to the school community, uses school property or equipment, involves school activities or interactions in the planning, organizing, or advertising of the conduct, or causes the student or other students to violate other school rules, such as illegal absence, being in school or at school activities in possession or under the influence of illegal substances.

 

All facilities (including parking lots) used for school events are covered by school policy. The following are examples, but are not limited to: Memorial Stadium and in the parking lots as well as other facilities/parking areas for such events as the prom, graduation, etc.

 

WEAPONS (MASD Board Policy #218.1)

Students are not permitted to have weapons or other hazardous instruments or materials in their possession in school, on school property, at a school-sponsored event, or on school transportation. Violations of the Weapons Act, explained below, are a serious matter and carry a mandatory consideration of expulsion from school for a period of a full year.

 

Act 26 of 1995 of the Pennsylvania Legislature provided additional requirements for reporting and required the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the School District and the police departments of jurisdiction. This Memorandum was developed and is available upon request:

• As used in this statement, the term “weapon” shall be identical to the provisions of Section 1317.2 of the Public School Code which reads: “The term ‘weapon’ shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, and any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury” (this includes paintball guns, air guns and similar devices). This includes replicas and look-alike weapons.

 

DRUG USE / ABUSE (MASD Board Policy #227)

The school board finds that the possession, use, sale, distribution, or delivery of controlled substances, "look-alike" drugs, and alcoholic beverages at school, in student lockers, in student vehicles parked on school property, or while engaged in activities subject to the control by the school district is a matter of great concern and potentially injurious to the health, safety, and welfare of students. Students are prohibited from possessing, using, selling, transmitting, manufacturing, or showing evidence of recent consumption of any controlled substance, "look-alike" drug, or alcoholic beverage. Students are also prohibited from having drug-related paraphernalia in their possession.

For the purpose of this section, the following definitions will apply:

Controlled Substance - A controlled substance is any substance the possession, use, or delivery of which is regulated by the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 35 P.S. 780-101, et. seq. 4.

"Look-alike" Drug – A "look-alike" drug is a non-controlled substance that has a stimulant or depressant effect on human beings and/or substantially resembles a controlled substance in appearance. The term “look-alike” means any substance not listed in above-referenced federal or state statute, is not a prescription drug, but which has a stimulant, depressant or mind altering effect on humans, other than a prescription drug, which substantially resembles a controlled substance, or is or has been represented to be a controlled substance, stimulant, depressant or mind altering drug.

Alcoholic Beverage – An alcoholic beverage is any intoxicating liquor, wine, or brewed or malt beverage regulated under the Liquor Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mood-Altering Substance – Any substance inappropriately used by a student that is intended to alter mood or is a health- endangering compound. Any volatile solvents or inhalants, such as but not limited to glue and aerosol products.

Substances that when ingested cause a physiological effect similar to the effect of a controlled substance as defined by state or federal law, such as but not limited to herbal incense or other products containing synthetic cannabinoids.

Anabolic Steroids – Prohibited controlled substances except for a valid medical purpose as prescribed by a PA licensed physician.

Transfer – to deliver, sell, pass, give, or share from one person to another or to aid therein.

Drug paraphernalia – all equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.

First offense violation of use and/or possession of any of the above substances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will result in an out-of-school suspension of up to 10 days. Additionally, Level IV violations involving substance abuse at the secondary level require the student to participate in and successfully complete the Student Assistance Program assessment and any recommended counseling and/or interventions.

Evaluation of the offense by the administration will determine if referral to the School Board is appropriate on the first offense. Transfer of a controlled substance and/or the second and subsequent offenses of drug involvement will result in a referral to the Board of School Directors with consideration for expulsion.

Mechanicsburg Area School District considers the possession, use and/or transmission of any of the above substances on school property or during school-sponsored activities a serious offense. All violations will be referred to the appropriate police departments for their disposition.

None of the provisions of this policy shall be construed to prohibit or regulate student's use, possession, or transportation of medication prescribed for the student by a licensed physician. Students using over the counter and prescription medications are required to follow the MASD Medication Policy #210.

Procedure - When a student is suspected of being in possession of or under the influence of a drug/mood altering substance/alcohol, that suspicion should be reported to an administrator. The administrator may then: (a) interview the student, (b) search the student, his/her possessions, and his/her locker, consistent with the Student Searches policy, (c) ask the Nurse to perform a basic medical evaluation.  Subsequent action will be dictated by the applicable situation.

USE OF COMPUTERS

Students are required to acknowledge that they receive, read, understand and agree to abide by the Acceptable Use of Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Policy #815, and will comply with it and related administrative regulations. This policy is available for review in its entirety on the MASD website. Students are also required to acknowledge that if they violate this Policy, other School District policies, regulations, rules, or procedures they are subject to the School District’s discipline, and could be subject to Internet Service Providers rules, as well as local, state and federal rules and procedures.

 

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

Cheating is an attempt to gain an unfair academic advantage through dishonest or deceitful means. Examples of cheating include:

 

• Receiving unfair assistance from the following: personal notes, another person, a computer program, or another unauthorized source on an assignment/assessment that was meant to be done alone.
• Possession of any unauthorized source of assistance during an assessment (including electronic devices, notes, etc.).
• Copying another student’s work, and submitting it as your own (plagiarism).
• Enabling another student to cheat by giving them your work to copy.
• Conspiring to cheat.
• Supplying information to another student when students are expected to work independently.
• Copying information without properly citing the source (plagiarism).
• Submitting an original paper or project more than once for different classes or assignments.
• Altering grades or records.
• Having prior unauthorized access to an assessment. 

  

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT

In order to protect the right of all students to receive the best education possible in a safe and orderly learning environment, certain types of behavior are prohibited. Student misconduct is classified in four (4) levels—based upon place of occurrence, frequency of occurrence, and disruptive effect upon the safety and orderliness of the learning environment.

 

 

• Conference with student
• Conference with parent or guardian
• Conference with school counselor
• Teacher-assigned detention
• Student behavior contract
• Modified instructional programming
• Change in seating assignment
• Specially designed assignments
• Denial of class privileges
• Confiscation of inappropriate items/materials
• Reduction of grade (for cheating or plagiarism)
• Removal of student from the class for the remainder of the period

 

The charts below provide examples of inappropriate student behaviors and offer a guideline for administrators to use in deciding on the most appropriate disciplinary action. The charts do not list all possible cases for which a student might receive disciplinary action, nor is the administrator obligated to apply the specific action listed. The administrator may assign disciplinary action other than (or in addition to) that listed in the chart if the administrator feels that the situation warrants it.

 

Examples of LEVEL II VIOLATIONS

(The seriousness or frequency of the violation may require initiation of discipline at a higher level)

 

Examples of Violations	Procedure	Disciplinary Options
·    Illegal absence, full or partial day – (Student is 16 years of age or younger).   ·    Unexcused absence, full or partial day – (student is 17 years of age or older and absence not recognized by state law, or authorized by the district).	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Appropriate aspects of state law shall be enforced.   ·   No credit will be given for work missed.
Truancy, full or partial day – any absence for a student of any age that is either illegal or unexcused and occurs without the consent of the parent or guardian.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Appropriate aspects of state law shall be enforced. ·   No credit is given for work missed. ·   Detention ·   Alternative Education Assignment
Unexcused or illegal tardiness to school.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Appropriate aspects of state law shall be enforced. ·   No credit given for work missed. ·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Detention ·   Alternative Education Assignment
·    Classroom disruption ·    Improper hall behavior ·    Misuse of pass/late to class ·    Public display of affection ·    Consumption of food or beverage outside the cafeteria ·    Failure to report to or remain in an assigned area ·    Misrepresentation of the truth ·    Loitering in lavatories ·    Possession of lighters or other incendiary devices ·    Minor insubordination/defiance ·    Dress code violation ·    Possession of an unauthorized device ·    Inappropriate language ·    Cafeteria misbehavior ·    Leaving the building without permission ·    Skateboarding on school property ·    Unauthorized solicitation	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parent contact ·   Verbal warning ·   School Counselor referral ·   Behavior contract ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Detention ·   Change or alter clothing to comply with dress code
·    Minor misbehavior on the bus.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parental contact ·   Assigned seat ·   Detention ·   Removal from bus

Level 3 Violations - violations that are serious in nature and may result in discipline that includes an alternative education assignment, suspension, and/or expulsion from school. Police may be notified, depending on the seriousness of the violation.

 

Examples of LEVEL III VIOLATIONS

(Seriousness or frequency of the violation may require initiation of discipline at a higher level)

 

Examples of Violations	Procedure	Disciplinary Options
·    Persistent Level II violations ·    Using profane or obscene language/gestures ·    Violation of the District Medication Policy ·    Possession/use of electronic vaporizing devices ·    Being in an unauthorized area of the building ·    Leaving school grounds without permission ·    Chronic disruption to the learning environment ·    Harassment: including verbal, physical, racial, ethnic, or sexual harassment ·    Hazing Threatening another student ·    Aiding or abetting in the delinquency of a student ·    Extortion ·    Insubordination, defiance, verbal disrespect (including obscene language and/or gestures) toward any school employee. ·    Disorderly, vicious, illegal or immoral conduct. ·    Reckless operation of a vehicle on school property ·    Theft ·    Gambling ·    Violation of suspension stipulation(s) ·    Fighting ·    Unlawful trespass ·    Failure to serve assigned detentions ·    Possession , use or distribution of an unauthorized device, such as laser pointers or a multi-tool device.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parent contact ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   Restitution for all damage or loss if appropriate. ·   Police notification ·   Revocation of privileges
Behavior on the bus that poses a threat to the health and safety of others by causing a distraction or undermining the authority of the driver.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   AEA ·   Suspension ·   Removal from the bus for a period of time ·   Police notification
Violation of computer, internet access, filtering policy.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Suspension of computer/internet privileges. ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   Police notification ·   Revocation of privileges
Possession or use of tobacco products.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   School Counselor referral. ·   Citation to the District Magistrate for a civil offense carrying a penalty of up to $50 plus costs ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   STAR referral
Violation of the District Medication Policy	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).	·   Parent contact ·   School Counselor referral ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Alternative Education Assignment ·   Suspension ·   STAR referral

Level 4 Violations are defined as follows:

• Any acts whose consequences seriously endanger the health or safety of the individual or others in the school
• Acts that result in violence to another person or his/her property or the property of the school district. Such acts are usually malicious in their motivation and pose a direct threat to the safety of others in the school
• Possession or use of substances banned by school poilicy
• Persistent disregard of school rules

 

Examples of LEVEL IV VIOLATION

 

Examples of Violations	Procedure	Disciplinary Options
Persistent violations of Level III	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Referral to the School Board for a hearing.	·   Parent contact ·   School Counselor referral ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Referral to the Student Assistance Program (STAR) ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion
Use, possession, or being under the influence of a non-prescribed controlled substance, alcohol, mood-altering substance, or “look-alike drugs”.   Use or possession of drug paraphernalia.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s). Evaluation of offense will determine if referral to the School Board is appropriate on the first offense. Second and subsequent offense – referral for hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Referral to the Student Assistance Program (STAR) ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification ·   School Counselor referral
Sale or distribution of a controlled substance, mood-altering substance, “look-alike drugs,” alcohol, or dangerous drugs or drug related paraphernalia as defined in the “Dangerous Drugs, Device and Cosmetic Act.”	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Referral for hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Referral to the Student Assistance Program (STAR) ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification ·   School Counselor referral
Physical assault directed toward a district employee.   Participation in or responsibility for causing willful defacing, damage, destruction, or vandalism of school property or of personal property of district employees.   Terrorist or bomb threat	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Evaluation by the Superintendent with possible hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification.
Possession, use or distribution of a weapon or fireworks.	The administrator will evaluate the violation and determine the appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Evaluation by the Superintendent with possible hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Police notification
Violation of any federal, state, or local law while on school property or at any school event.	Administrator will evaluate the violation and determine appropriate disciplinary option(s).   Evaluation by Superintendent with possible Hearing before the School Board.	·   Parent contact ·   Revocation of privileges ·   Suspension ·   Expulsion ·   Restitution for all damage or loss if appropriate. ·   Police notification.

 

CHRONIC MISBEHAVIOR

A Discipline Review Hearing may be held for any student who exhibits chronic misbehavior. The Discipline Review Committee will consist of the student and his/her parents, the student’s counselor, an assistant principal, and the principal. The committee will convene to discuss the student’s pattern of inappropriate behavior, then to either develop a plan for improvement, to refer the student to an alternate educational program, or to refer the student to the Board of School Directors for an expulsion hearing.

 

DETENTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Assignment to detention is one form of disciplinary action taken by the school for those students disregarding the established rules and regulations.

• A student may be assigned to detention for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, habitual tardiness to class, unexcused tardiness and school truancy, cutting class, etc.
• All students will be given a minimum of one-day notice before being requested to report to detention. This will allow the student to arrange for transportation and inform his or her parents.
• Students assigned to detention are expected to report on the day indicated, and any excusals must be cleared with administration.
• Students are expected to have materials to work on during the detention time.
• Failure to comply with detention regulations may result in a temporary suspension, doubling the detention time or suspension.

REVOCATION OF PRIVILEGES

                                       EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES                                                                   

(MASD Board Policy #122)

 

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Since academics must be the first priority for our athletes, in order to maintain their eligibility 8th grade students must be receiving a passing cumulative grade for the course in 4 of their 5 core subjects and in all of their fine arts subjects. A 7th grade student must  be receiving a passing cumulative grade for the course in 4 of their 5 core subjects, unless they have World Languages, then they must be passing 5 of their 6 core subjects.

 

To be eligible in any athletics, you must:

 

1. Be less than sixteen (16) years of age on September 1, to participate in interscholastic athletics through that school year
2. Have consent of your parents
3. Pass a physical examination by a physician
4. Maintain passing cumulative grades in core couses

 

Sports Program

The Middle School sports program includes the following sports:

Boys                                        Girls

Basketball                               Basketball

Cross Country                        Cross Country

Soccer                                     Field Hockey

Wrestling                                Soccer

Volleyball