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Student Handbook
2009 - 2010

Table of Contents

1. Know your way around 21. Weapons
2. Textbooks 22. Alcohol and drug Abuse
3. Uniform Dress Code 23.Tobacco
4. After School Rules 24. Hazing
5. Extra Curricular Pickup 25. Running on Campus
6. Dances 26. Bicycle Parking Area
7. Lockers 27. Skateboards
8. Lunch Periods 28. Gum and Candy
9. Leaving School at lunch 29. Fire and Disaster Drills
10. Campus pass 30. Lost and Found
11. Assemblies 31. Wall Ball/Sports Balls
12. The Telephone 32. Withdrawal from School
13. Schedule Changes 33. Standards for Office
14. Absenses and Tardies 34. D-FY-IT Standards
15. Attendance for Credit 35. NJHS Standards
16. Tardiness 36. Fighting
17. Make-up Work 37. Visitors
18. Medical and Dental Attention 38. Accidents
19. Medication Policy 39. Homework
20. Grading

KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND

Be sure you follow the traffic rules:

  1. Walk at a steady pace, don't run.

  2. Don't disturb classes already in session.

  3. Be in your room before the tardy bell.

  4. Keep your locker clean.

  5. Take the shortest route to class - stay on sidewalks.

  6. Plan your day's work ahead and carry the books you need.

Be sure you know what time school starts and be on time. The first bell rings at 8:40 a.m. School life is regulated by a clock so remember to give yourself plenty of time in the morning to get to school on time. You have 5 minutes to travel to your next class between 90 minute blocks and 3 minutes when blocks are split into 45 minute classes.

TEXTBOOKS

Take good care of your books. They are provided for you by the state, but you are responsible for them. Be sure your name is in the front, be sure you inspect your book for torn or missing pages, blots, or ink...so you won't be blamed. Report all damages as soon as the teacher asks. Keep all textbooks covered. Students may not participate in extra-curricular activities when a textbook, library book or calculator is lost and has not been paid for. Also, senate Bill 1, Section 31.104 states: A student who fails to return all textbooks forfeits the right to free textbooks until each textbook previously issued, but not returned, is paid for by the student, parent or guardian. If a textbook is not returned or paid for, the district or school may withhold the student's records.
By not paying this fine, you're forfeiting your right to receive textbooks in summer school or the following year even if you are entering high school.

Uniform Dress Code

Student dress reflects the quality of the school and affects, through student conduct, their class work.  All students are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly in clothes and accessories that are appropriate for school activities and meet the following guidelines:

Top Garment: solid colors, red, black, gray, white,

Material: cotton twill, cotton/polyester blend, wool, no spandex

Shirt/Blouse: short sleeve or long sleeve, oxford, or polo style, (no sleeveless, half sleeve or low cut,), must have collar or mock/turtleneck, may not be worn as jackets, no denim, worn tucked in (exception-sweat shirt)

Undershirt: if worn, white only, solid, no designs,

Additional outer-ware: if worn, pullover sweaters, cardigan sweaters, vests, sweatshirts, shirt/blouse with collar must be worn underneath in solid colors of red, black, white, gray

Coats: May include, raincoat, windbreaker, to be worn only in inclement weather, large distractive emblems are unacceptable.  The school prefers that all heavy coats fall into the colors of red, white, black or gray. Coats can be solid or a mixture of these colors.   Heavy coats that do not comply with dress code will have to be removed after entering any classroom and placed in locker or on back of chair

Bottom Garment: khaki, black, navy

Material: cotton twill, cotton/polyester blend, wool, no spandex, no denim

Pants: dress-type, worn at the waist, hemmed, side and back pockets only, no cargo pockets, no jeans, no cutoffs, no denim material, no more than one size larger than waist, no torn ankle slits, pants may not drag on ground, no overalls, no hip huggers, no zippers in back, no lace up pants,

Shorts: hemmed, no more than one size larger than waist, no cutoffs, no shorter than 3 inches above the knee, Capri acceptable (no spandex), no denim, no overalls

Skirts/skorts/jumpers: hemmed, no denim, no shorter than 3 inches above the knee

Designated Clothing Vendors:(Other vendors may carry acceptable clothing.)

Vendors have been contacted and offer package-clothing pricing.  Vendor clothing packages are available through:

  • Walmart, Target Stores

  • JC Penney, (903) 561-3333

  • Levines (903) 593-4791

Belt: Must be worn at all times, must be visible, threaded through belt loops and tucked in, black, brown, khaki in color, no decorative colors or accents

Socks/Shoes: Visible socks must be worn, colors, white, gray, black, red, khaki, no visible logos on socks, girls may wear tights, knee-highs or pantyhose, no shoes designed for beach or bath wear, shoelaces must be tied

Jewelry/Accessories:  Jewelry may not exceed the diameter of a half-dollar in size; only one necklace or bracelet may be worn at one time.  Any article of clothing, jewelry, body decoration, or hairstyle extreme enough to create a distraction or disturb the normal routine of school shall be deemed inappropriate. 

Examples of inappropriate and unapproved choices of clothing, jewelry, body decoration or hairstyles include:

  • Logos on clothing that are larger than a half-dollar in size, no logos allowed on socks.  Logos on winter coats may exceed this diameter.

  • Hats, caps, or bandannas, or scarves

  • Shirts/blouses that are: sleeveless, low cut, expose bare midriffs, or are too short to stay tucked in

  • Facial hair

  • Exposed body piercing jewelry

  • Shoes designed for beach or bath wear

  • Excessive or distractive makeup

  • Obscene language or symbols, any type of picture, advertising of alcoholic beverages, tobacco or narcotics on coats or sweatshirts

  • Symbols on clothing or jewelry that would distract or cause undue attention

  • Exposed tattoos or other body marks

  • Symbols, words, or slogans cut into hair to include decorative beads or unnatural colors

  • Excessively loose clothing

  • Dark glasses

  • See-through, provocative, or excessively tight clothing

  • Excessively torn clothing

  • Clothing worn in a manner for which it was not intended (i.e. backwards, inside out)

  • Any accessory or clothing article deemed gang related as determined by school administration

  • Cutoffs, wind shorts, boxer shorts, athletic or jogging shorts, bicycling shorts or pants

  • Ink written on hands, arms or any other parts of the body

Student must wear appropriate undergarments.  The District discourages the wearing of expensive jewelry and other apparel and is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Teachers/coaches/sponsors may define appropriate dress for school-sponsored trips and extracurricular activities.  School T-Shirts may be worn on designated days as determined by school administration.

Final decision on the appropriateness of school dress rests with the campus administration.  If campus administration determines that a student’s grooming violates dress code, the student shall be given the opportunity to correct the problem at school.  If not corrected, the student shall be assigned to off-campus suspension for the remainder of the day.  New students will have one week to dress in compliance with the dress code.

AFTER SCHOOL 3:45 to 5:30 RULES

Students must be picked up at 3:45 if they are not assigned tutorial, detention, or an after school practice. Students uninvolved in these activities must wait in the cafeteria for their parents. The school expects all students to be picked up promptly.

  1. Students will study individually.

  2. Students should return to campus ONLY for scheduled school activities.

  3. Students may not wait across the street for parents.

EXTRA CURRICULAR PICKUP

Students must be picked up within 30 minutes of the designated time or be subject to omission from the next scheduled activity. This will be at the discretion of the instructor in charge. This includes scheduled school dances.

DANCES

Dances will be scheduled periodically in the gym from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Students must follow all school rules. Attendees must be Moore Middle School students.

LOCKERS

Each student will be offered a locker upon entering your A-1 block. This is your place to store your books, etc. Keep it neat and clean. Your P.E. equipment should be stored in the locker room, not the homeroom locker. DO NOT USE SOMEONE ELSE'S LOCKER. Report any locker malfunction to your homeroom teacher. DO NOT SHARE LOCKERS OR GIVE YOUR COMBINATION TO OTHER STUDENTS.

LUNCH PERIODS

Please remember to remain quiet going to and from lunch since other classes are in session. No students should be in or around any classroom during their lunch period. Play areas will be designated by the campus administrators. The area east of the cafeteria near Golden Road and between the gyms is off limits. No one should be in that area. Students must stay on the south side of the green lines during lunch periods. The restroom beside the gym will be used. All lunchroom rules must be followed:

  1. Sit in your assigned seat

  2. Clean up after yourself

  3. Do not throw food

LEAVING SCHOOL AT LUNCH

Students who wish to leave school at lunch must present special written permission from their parents. Only those students who have their parent's approval may leave the campus to go to their own home for lunch. The students who remain on campus will eat in the lunch room. All grade levels will sit in assigned seats during lunch and will be dismissed by lunchroom monitors (teachers/administrators).

Campus Pass

If it is necessary for you to leave your class to go to some other part of the campus, you must have in your possession a campus pass. Your School Assignment book must be signed by the teacher.

Assemblies

Everyone (teachers and students) is expected to attend scheduled assemblies. Each grade will be seated together according to exact seating arrangements. Each student will be expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen and give attention to the participants on the programs. When this is accomplished, we have a successful assembly program.

The Telephone

Our telephone is a business phone and most be used as one. Students will not be called out of class to answer the telephone with the exception of emergencies. Also, students may not use the phone unless it is an emergency. Telephones are available in the coaches office after ball games, etc. There is a pay phone available for student use before and after school. USE OF THE PAY PHONE DURING THE DAY WILL REQUIRE SPECIAL PERMISSION.

Schedule Changes

Since students are pre-registered during the spring and registered during the summer according to their needs and desires as reflected by their schedule plan and their permanent records, there will be no changes of schedule except (1) in the event an error has been made in scheduling and (2) to equalize a teacher's load which could become unbalanced by the arrival of new students.
Necessary schedule changes will be make only after clearing with the principal. Requests to change teachers will not ordinarily be granted except in cases where the change will assist in equalizing the teacher load.

Absences & Tardies

Be sure you attend school every day and be on time to every class.
If you are sick or unable to attend, you should have you parent call the school and explain why you cannot attend.
If the reason is unavoidable - illness of the student or serious illness or death in the family, the student will have the opportunity to make up any class work missed. You will have the responsibility to check with your teachers as soon as you return to school for the assignments. this is an excused absence.
If the reason for your absence is a trip with the family or for some other cause that might be justified, you and your parents must justify the absence in writing to the principal prior to the absence. An absence of this type will allow a student to make up any class work missed. All arrangements must be made in advance with the principal first, then the teachers. This type of absence should occur only on rare occasions. This is called an unavoidable but justifiable absence.
Examples of unexcused absences are: visiting the beauty or barber shop, transportation, interpreting, babysitting, working on a car, sleeping late, shopping, studying for any exam, preparing for parties, hunting, fishing, or other appointments that should be made outside of school hours. Also, truancy will be an unexcused absence. Make-up work will not be permitted.
On the day you return to school, if you are on the unclear list, come to the office before going to class. The attendance clerk will issue a pass for you to attend class. You must show this to each teacher and leave this slip with your last period teacher. An unexcused list will be posted daily on the front office window. If you have been absent, check this list.

ATTENDANCE FOR CREDIT

A student shall not be given credit for a class if he/she has been in attendance fewer than 163 days in a year, unless an attendance committee appointed by the principal gives credit because there were extenuating circumstances for the absences. The Board shall establish alternative ways for students to make up work or regain credit lost because of absences.

TARDINESS

A STUDENT IS TARDY IF HE IS NOT IN HIS SEAT WHEN THE TARDY BELL RINGS.
A) Tardy to School - If a student is tardy, he should report directly to his classroom. If he arrives on campus after 8:20, he should report directly to the office for an admittance slip.
B) Tardy to Class - No tardies will be allowed for any class. This tardy policy will be enforced through the Assertive Discipline Plan by the teacher. The student is to remain in his/her seat until the dismissal bell rings and/or the teacher dismisses the class. The consequences for a second tardy to class will be a detention assigned by the teacher.
C) Leaving School During the Day - When a student arrives on the school campus, he may not leave under any circumstances without permission. A pupil, desiring to leave school before the end of the school day for any reason other than sickness, must present to the attendance clerk a written request. Then the parent must contact the attendance clerk to make arrangements before the student can receive a permit to leave school signed by the attendance clerk. This slip, in turn, must be signed by the parent or guardian for the student to return to school. If you become ill at school and wish to leave, report to the attendance clerk for a permit to leave school. Your parents will be contacted from the office.

MAKE-UP WORK

Make-up assignments or tests shall be made available to students after an excused absence. Teachers shall inform their students of the time allotted for make-up work. Make-up assignments or tests shall be made available to students after an excused absence. Teachers shall inform their students of the time allotted for completing any make-up after an absence. A student will be allowed two days for absence(s) to make-up missed class work or assignments. If you are absent for several days, a parent should call the office and request your assignments. Please allow 24 hours for teachers to get assignments ready. These assignments can be picked up from the attendance clerk.
It is the responsibility of the student to secure the assignments from the teacher and make-up the work. The student should contact the teacher to make arrangements to obtain the assignments on the day he/she returns to class. The two day period will begin at the point the student receives the assignment(s) from the teacher. The make-up work shall be determined by the teacher. Any extenuating circumstances or delay in completing the missed work must be approved by the principle or designee.
The Board has chosen to allow students who have lost credit because of unexcused absences to regain credit by fulfilling the requirements established by the attendance committee and/or building administrator.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL ATTENTION

Visits to dentists and physicians during the school day will be excused on an urgent or emergency basis. Scheduled dental appointments will be cleared though the principal's office so that a time may be selected which least conflicts with the student's subject assignments missed due to such appointments, either before or immediately following each appointment.

MEDICATION POLICY

Medication will be administered to students by the school nurse or authorized employee (students should have no prescriptive or non prescriptive medication in their possession during the school day). Parents must provide:

  1. A written request giving permission to administer medication.

  2. The medication must be in the original container and labeled, including the student's name.

  3. Medication to be given regularly throughout the year must be accompanied by a form signed by the physician.

First aid is permitted and is expected in case of any injury.

GRADING

The grading range is from 0-100. The lowest possible passing grade is 70. Progress reports will be issued in the middle of each six weeks reporting period. Report cards will be sent home with students every six weeks.

WEAPONS

A student shall not knowingly possess, handle, or transmit on school premises or off school grounds at any school activity, function, or event, knives, metal rakes, guns, or other weapons, dangerous objects, fireworks, or any other object that can reasonably be considered a weapon.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

The use of illicit drugs and unlawful possession and use of alcoholic is wrong and harmful. No student shall knowingly possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, use, or transmit, or be under the influence of, any of the following substances on school premises at a school activity, function or event.

  1. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate, including prescriptive and non prescriptive drugs.

  2. Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage.

  3. Any glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation.

  4. Any other intoxicant or mood-changing, mind altering, or behavior-altering drug.

The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above listed substances is also prohibited under this policy. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to expulsion, reassignment to an Alternative Educational Program and/or suspension. When students commit drug and alcohol-related offenses, they may be referred to legal authorities for criminal prosecution, in addition to school imposed discipline.

TOBACCO

Students shall not possess, smoke, or use tobacco products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, or chewing tobacco on school premises or at school-related functions. All possessions will be referred to the Tyler Police Dept.

HAZING

No form of hazing shall be permitted by any student attending Moore Middle School. Hazing activities that are out-growths of school connections or class relationship shall be interpreted as under the direct supervision of the school. Disciplinary measures will be taken against the student responsible for engaging in hazing activities. Such activities may cause the student to forfeit his right to attend school in the Tyler Independent School District.

RUNNING ON CAMPUS/USE OF SIDEWALKS

Remember to walk and not run. We have many brick walls, iron poles, and glass walls that might injure you if you were to run into them. So walk, don't run. Sidewalks should be used at all times. Corners should not be out. Keep off the grass. Help keep the campus neat and attractive. So walk, don't run.

BICYCLE PARKING AREA

Students will park their bikes in the racks provided near "A" unit and the Gym. Bikes should be locked, and no one is permitted to play around this area. Do not ride your bikes or anyone else's during the school day. Bikes are not to be parked on walks near rooms or office area. Bikes are not to be ridden on campus sidewalks.

SKATEBOARDS/ETC.

For safety purpose skateboards, roller blades, skates, bikes and dirt bikes will not be allowed on campus at any time.

GUM, CANDY, AND OTHER EDIBLE TIDBITS

Students are not permitted to have or chew gum on the campus or in the classrooms. Chewing gum will result in an automatic "N" for behavior. Drinks are not to be taken from the P.E. locker room-cafeteria areas. After purchasing drinks in the library hallway, the area should immediately be cleared. Students may not walk the sidewalks with open drinks. Teacher sponsored awards and incentives will be allowed, however, these items must not leave the room. Snack machine purchases must be consumed at lunch.

FIRE AND DISASTER DRILLS

There will be a number of fire drills and disaster drills at intervals during the year. Three bells sounded in quick succession is your signal to leave the building quickly, but in an orderly manner without rushing, crowding or talking. Instructions are posted on rooms. Signal for disaster drills will be one long bell. The signal to return will be one regular bell for both types of drills. Three bells sounded in quick succession is your signal to leave the building quickly Signal for disaster drills will be one long bell

LOST AND FOUND

Any item that you find should be brought to the office immediately. If you have lost an item, be sure you check in the office and give a description of the lost article. Check more than one time. We will keep lost items in the office for no longer than 2 weeks.

WALL BALL/SPORTS BALLS

Wall ball will not be permitted on campus. In addition, sports balls should not be brought to school. (Footballs, tennis balls, soccer balls, etc..) Laser pointers, walkmans, gameboys, or any similar items will not be permitted on campus.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

Bring a written statement from parent or guardian requesting withdrawal. Present the request to the attendance clerk to obtain a withdrawal slip. This should be taken, along with your books, to each teacher, the librarian, and the counselor for signature. When all signatures have been secured, return slips to the attendance clerk who will complete the withdrawal requirements. If you withdraw from school without formally following these procedures, you will go on the district records as a dropout.

STUDENT COUNCIL STANDARDS

Officers elected by the student body in the General Election:

  1. Must have been a member of the 7th grade student body of Tyler Independent School District Middle School for at least the preceding semester.

  2. Must have maintained at least an overall "B" average (80-89). One final grade of "F" disqualifies a candidate. The grade average will be calculated by using the final grade in each of the 7th grade subjects.

  3. Must be a good citizen. Over four points in citizenship in the second semester of the 7th grade will disqualify a candidate.

  4. Must not be a holder of another office which is filled by a general student body election, or selected by judges. REPRESENTATIVES are selected anonymously by committee.

  5. The representatives must have had a passing average in each of their previous grade subjects and must meet the same citizenship requirements as a candidate for office in the General Election.

STANDARDS FOR MAINTAINING OFFICE OR REPRESENTATIVE POSITIONS

  1. The elected officer must maintain an overall "C" average. One grade of "F" or over four points in citizenship in any course in a reporting period will place the officer or representative on an inactive status for the following reporting period. If the officer or representative makes a second grade of "F" or second over four points during the inactive status they will be removed from office (U=4 pts., N=2 pts.)

  2. A representatives must maintain all passing grades.

  3. Two "F"s or over eight points or a combination of one "F" and over four points during a reporting period, shall remove an officer or representative from office.

  4. Conduct which requires disciplinary action, (SAC or suspension) by school administration may be cause for removal of an officer or representative from office. These cases will go before a student Advisory Committee and the sponsor. This committee will consist of seven members, the President, Vice President, Secretary, and four members from the Student Council elected by the Council.

D-FY-IT STANDARDS

Anyone nominated for a D-FY-IT officer must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must have been a D-FY-IT member at Moore Middle School during the seventh grade school year.

  2. Must have maintained at least an overall "C" average(70-79). One final grade of "F" disqualifies a candidate. the grade average will be calculated by using the final grade in each of the seventh grade subjects.

  3. Must be a good citizen. Over 4 points in citizenship during the seventh grade year will disqualify a candidate. (U= 4 pts.; N=2 pts.).

  4. Must not have served any time in the district's alternative campus. (Glenwood)

  5. Must not be a holder of an office in another organization on campus.

There are also standards which must be maintained in order for an officer to remain in their office, but these will be explained to each officer when elected.
All students who are nominated for a D-FY-IT office, but are not elected to the position, will serve on the Advisory Board

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY STANDARDS

For a student to be eligible for membership in the National Junior Honor Society, he or she must be in the seventh grade. Candidates must have been in attendance at Moore Middle School the equivalent of at least one semester. The student must have, a scholastic average of 90 in all subjects. Candidates final grades in all subjects for the sixth and semester grades for seventh grade will be averaged. Candidates will then be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, character, and citizenship. A ceremony is held each spring to induct new members for the next school year.

FIGHTING

Fighting is prohibited at Moore Middle School. Students need to learn other ways to solve problems rather than use physical force. Problems that may lead to a fight shall be reported to an administrator or teacher for conflict resolution. If you are involved in a fight during the school day, parents will be contacted immediately. Students who are involved in a fight will be suspended from school and be placed in ISS. Subsequent disciplinary action will be determined by the severity of the accident

VISITORS

All visitors are required to report directly to the main office and to sign in with the office clerk. A visitor's badge will be issued and must be worn while on the campus. Parents are invited to visit the school regularly and to be involved in all school activities. Parents are also invited to join us for lunch, but do ask for advanced notifications so that lunchroom arrangements can be made. Students from other locations will not be allowed to visit during instructional time. This also includes former students who wish to visit teachers or friends.

ACCIDENTS

In the event of a serious accident, your parents will be notified immediately. For your security, it is very important that the attendance office have updated telephone numbers on file at all times. Every effort will be made to render emergency treatment until parents arrive. However, the school will not be responsible for subsequent treatment.

HOMEWORK

The faculty and administration of Moore Middle School believe that homework is a valuable learning experience. Homework can accomplish any or all of the following: is

  1. reinforce academic skills introduced in the classroom.

  2. increase learning time (time on task) thereby increasing student achievement

  3. communicate the curriculum to parents

  4. encourage self-discipline in the student

  5. assist the students in becoming more self-directed

  6. provide for different rates and styles of learning

We believe that skills and concepts are reinforced through assignments completed outside the school. Through homework, you have the opportunity for enrichment, extension and/or remediation of instructional goals and the opportunity for practice of basic skills.
Homework becomes more valuable when there is a strong partnership between home and school. A role of the home is to provide support, encouragement, and a place to complete homework. A role of the school is to assign meaningful homework. Through a strong home-school partnership, homework has the potential to increase learning time, to accomplish academic goals and to advance the student's academic skills and achievement.

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Tyler Independent School District | School Address   | © 2010