rEDWOOD vALLEY

MIDDLE sCHOOL

2007 – 2008 STUDENT HANDBOOK

Redwood Valley middle school

code of conduct

2007-2008

· We will show respect:

o For others and ourselves

o By using appropriate language and dressing appropriately

o By not being physically and verbally assaulting – (fights, threats, and insults)

o For the facility and personal possessions

· We will comply with the directions and requests

· We will use passes

· We will keep our hands and feet to ourselves

· We will not prevent the teacher from teaching, or other students from learning

Welcome to the Redwood Valley Middle SCHOOL!

Middle school is a time when you will be encouraged to take charge of your education. You will be challenged to organize yourself to get the most out of every class, to ask questions if you don’t understand or need clarification. Your teachers are the experts in their areas; ask them for help. Make arrangements to see them before or after school if you need extra help. Your willingness to put forth the extra effort will result in your school year being successful and fulfilling, not to mention fun!

This handbook is something students, teachers and parents felt would benefit you in the coming months; please take care of it. Also, we expect you to set a few basic goals for the year:

Goal 1: We expect you to try your hardest and do your best. Be prepared for class and complete your assignments on time.

Goal 2: We expect you to not only help yourself learn, but others, too! Don’t forget that you are one of the many important people in our building, and to understand that your right to learn is as important as theirs.

Goal 3: We expect you to manage yourself. The basic belief we have is ‘Do what is right’ and don't sweat the rest. The biggest challenge for middle school students is to be a leader and not follow.

Goal 4: We expect you to treat others with kindness and respect. Try to say something good to someone every day.

Goal 5: We expect you to take care of property. We are extremely proud of our building and would encourage you to feel the same.

“We believe that you can learn – and we will do all we can to help you learn.”

Wade Mathers

Middle School Principal

To Parents:

As the parent/guardian of this student, I have read the school district policies relating to safety and acceptable use of the school district computer system and the Internet. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. The school district has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the school district or its employees or agents responsible for materials acquired on the Internet. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct. This student/parent handbook will help you know the policies and procedures that are part of the Redwood Valley Middle School. Please make sure you have read through this handbook together as a family and discussed it. Feel free to contact the school (644-8261) if you have any concerns or questions.

Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________________ Date_________________

All Minnesota school districts are part of state wide reporting system which uses the student social security number to record information about your child which in turn is used to determine how much money the school district receives from the state and federal government and Department of Human Services. The Department of Children, Families and Learning are required by law to collect and store information about each pupil. Therefore, we ask that you, the parent or guardian, provide your child’s social security number although you are not legally required to do so. If you do not wish to have your child’s social security number used by the district in this manner, please notify the middle school office at 644-8206.

Contents

2007-08 CALENDAR...................................................................................................................................................................5

REDWOOD VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL PERSONNEL........................................................................................................6

REDWOOD VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS...........................................................6

CURRICULA AND STUDENT SCHEDULES......................................................................................................................7-8

Homebase Program Course Outline

Reading Program Textbooks

Physical Education Medical Excuse Assignment Notebook/Student Handbook

PARENT COMMUNICATION, GRADING AND REPORT CARDS ...................................................................................8-9

Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences Student Honor Roll

Grading Calculating the Honor Roll

Student Report Cards Student Promotion / Retention

STUDENT ACTIVITY PROGRAMS.....................................................................................................................................9-10

Activity Fees Extracurricular Activities

Athletic Ticket Admission Prices Athletic Activities

Participation Fees Fine Arts and Forensic Activities

Athletic Physical Examinations School Song

STUDENT AWARDS AND HONORS PROGRAMS.........................................................................................................10-11

Pride Award Academic Honor Roll Awards

Cardinal Of The Week Other Middle School Awards

Participation Certificate

STUDENT SERVICES..........................................................................................................................................................11-12

Guidance and Counseling Services Sack Lunch From Home

Student Health Services Closed Campus Lunch Period

Hot Lunch Program

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS.....................................................................................12-13

Public Notice Visitors and Security at all RV Schools

Closing of School Student Visitors

Emergency Telephone Number / Home Distribution of Materials

Release of Student Information Religious Instruction

STUDENT PROPERTY AND SCHOOL PROPERTY.............................................................................................................13

Student Lockers Money and Valuables in School

Locker Inspection Lost and Found Articles

STUDENT ATTENDANCE.................................................................................................................................................13-18

Absence from School (Parent Responsibility) Before and After School Hours

Absence from School (Student Responsibility) Field Trips

Tardiness Building Passes

Truancy Transfer to Another School

Appointments Youth Service Learning

Vacations During School Year Gum and Candy

Student Insurance Bomb Threat - Student Removal

Leaving the Building Internet Use Policy

REDWOOD FALLS DISCIPLINE POLICY.......................................................................................................................18-28

REDWOOD FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE POLICY....................................................29-31

BUS DISCIPLINE POLICY.......................................................................................................................................................33

LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL POLICIES.........................................................................................................................32

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ASSISTANCE...................................................................................................................................33

MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF VOICE AND EMAIL DIRECTORY.....................................................................................34

DISTRICT 2897 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Pam Adam Dr. Thomas Gross Tom Hollatz Rick Petersen

Jim Buckley Richard Gewerth Kevin Passe

CENTRAL OFFICE

Rick Ellingworth, Superintendent of Schools

John Sellevold, District Business Manager

Dennis Stoterau, Community Education Director/Athletic Director

MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF AND SUPPORT STAFF

Lori Allex, Paraprofessional	Rachel Helsper, Indian Education Paraprofessional	Jennifer Otto, Social Worker
Laura Amundson, Paraprofessional	Kyle Hicks, 8^th grade Science teacher	Andrew Ourada, 5^th grade Math teacher
Vicky Bebeau, Occupational Therapist	Lisa Hildebrandt, Office Secretary	Jackie Ourada, Mental health
Scott Becker, Custodian	Todd Holte, Computer Technician	Bobbie Jo Parker, Paraprofessional
Vickki Bercky, Paraprofessional	Sue Homan, 5^th grade Social Studies teacher	Kelly Raymond, Special Education teacher
Polly Bowen, Physical Education teacher	Bryan Huwe, Custodian	Nancy Rebstock, Special Education teacher
Lynnette Clark, Vocal Music	Tom Jacobson, 7^th grade Social Studies teacher	Jane Sanchez, 6^th grade Science teacher
Cindy Collins, 7^th grade Math teacher	Barb Johnson, Special Education teacher	Kari Scheitel, Instrumental Music
Lindsey Cooper, 6^th grade Math teacher	Donalee Josephson, 5-8^th grade Technology teacher	Jim Scoates, AV/Technology Technician
Sarah Crowe, 5-8^th General Music teacher	Rachel Karnitz, Counselor	Barb Sellevold, Counselor
Barb Darr, 7^th grade Language teacher	Matt Lundeen, 6^th grade Social Studies teacher	Shannon Serbus, Paraprofessional
Rita Fasching, Special Education teacher	Dave Madson, 5-8^th grade Health teacher	Dennis Stoterau, Athletic Director/Community Ed
Glenna Glimpse, Paraprofessional	Helen Manthei, 7^th grade Science teacher	Laurie Sturgeon, Special Education teacher
Ruth Goodthunder, Indian Education paraprofessional	Wade Mathers, MS Principal	Kristin Thompson, 8^th grade Social Studies teacher
Heather Groen, Speech Pathologist	Molly Miller, 6^th grade Language teacher	Ann Warner, 5^th grade Science teacher
Judy Hacker, ELL Teacher	Karen Moore, 8^th grade Math teacher	Linda Wendler, Paraprofessional
Susan Halvorson, Media Center specialist	Gale Morley, 5^th grade Language teacher	Susan Wilmes, 8^th grade Language Arts teacher
Michelle Harazin, Paraprofessional	Cathy Morris, Paraprofessional	Cindy Wittwer, Mental Health Practitioner
Amanda Harms, Art teacher	Kim Mortenson, Office Secretary	Greg Young, Custodian
	Cheri Nelson, Technology Coordinator	Glendon Zachow, Custodian

REDWOOD VALLEY MIDDLE SCHoOL

VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS

RVMS VISION STATEMENT

The Redwood Falls School District recognizes the profound developmental changes that occur intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically in middle school students.

The Redwood Falls School District recognizes the need to create, for middle school students, a safe, caring environment that is child-centered and conducive to self-development through active participation in academic and extra curricular activities.

The Redwood Falls School District recognizes the need to keep pace with an interdependent and interconnected society by employing an evolving and integrated curriculum with emphasis on thinking, communicating, and learning skills.

The Redwood Falls School District recognizes the importance of the partnership between parents, children, and school staff as, together, we guide and facilitate the student’s transition from childhood to responsible adulthood.

RVMS MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Redwood Valley Middle School is to create and provide a nurturing environment in which emerging adolescent learners strive toward their full potential.

REDWOOD VALLEY VOLUNTEERS (RVV’s)

We want to establish the best educational program we possibly can for our students. A need for individuals to help us do that exists and through a volunteer program we are calling RVV’s (Redwood Valley Volunteers) we hope to coordinate the efforts of people who want to improve the educational program.

During orientation sessions and at various times during the school year, we will be requesting older students, parents, and other community members to volunteer their time to enhance our program.

We promise to offer meaningful opportunities, training, and support to help develop a volunteer program that will “make a difference” in the lives of our youth. Please consider volunteering your services and call the Redwood Valley Middle School office at 644-3521 for more information or to volunteer.

Grade 5	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
9:42-10:42 *Specialist Classes (7 weeks) Block 2