GENERAL INFORMATION: BULLETINS: 1. The Daily Bulletin is prepared with announcements for students and teachers. It is to be read during first period and posted on the bulletin board. Announcements to appear in the daily bulletin should be given to Ms. Abraham in the main office by 1:00 p.m. A staff member must approve all student announcements. Keep announcements short. Announcements are not to be run more than 2 days. Proofread your announcements carefully. 2.
Staff Handbook Bulletins will be updated from time to time. Please check on school website.
CAFETERIA: Services are available from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Staff is not to send students to make food purchases. CARE OF CLASSROOMS: Teachers are to turn lights off and lock classroom door whenever the room is not occupied. Unoccupied rooms should not be left unlocked. Students are not to be left in a classroom unsupervised. Please keep rooms orderly and neat, and do not allow students to eat or drink, or to chew gum. Also, please keep surfaces free of clutter if you’d like dusting done. In addition, close windows as you leave daily. FLIGHTs are at risk of “blowing out” if fans, microwaves, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. are used in classrooms. CLASS PARTIES AND ENTERTAINMENT: instructional time.
Class parties are not allowed in classrooms during
CLASS PERIODS: A bell will sound indicating the end of a class period. The bell does not dismiss the class--the teacher does. Students, including aides, are not to be dismissed prior to the bell. After the bell each period, please stand in your doorway and help provide supervision of students. FACULTY BULLETIN BOARD: Bulletin boards are in the main office and faculty workroom. Please check these regularly. Many items of interest, importance, and opportunity will be posted. FACULTY MEETINGS: Faculty meetings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month. They will be held at 3:20– 4:30 p.m. in room 506/507. All teachers are expected to attend. Calendars should be kept free for this monthly meeting. Teachers missing a meeting will be required to attend a make-up. Make-ups will be announced the following day. HALL PASSES: Students are not to be released on a hall pass during the first 10 minutes or the last 10 minutes of a class period. Do not release students from class without a hall pass. Avoid allowing more than one student out of class on a hall pass at one time. Use only the blue plastic hall passes, and include student’s name/destination. Blue passes are available in the Main Office. HOMEWORK: Teachers should assign homework on a regular basis. Departments/PLC teams may develop procedures and policies regarding homework. However, homework should not represent more than 20% of the overall grade. Please check with your PLC. JUPITER-GRADES: All teachers have been enrolled in Jupitergrades.com to enhance communication with parents. Please update your info weekly so that parents receive up-to-date information. If you need help with your account, please feel free to contact the AP in charge of Jupiter grades (Carpizo). 1
ILLNESS: Teachers are required to provide “Directions for Substitute Teacher” and an emergency lesson plan for their sub folder. Any teacher, who becomes ill during the day, must notify the Principal or an Assistant Principal. Class coverage will be assigned and a substitute called when feasible. Refer to section on Absences and Substitute Teachers. INVENTORIES: A record of all school equipment is maintained. Please do not move any equipment from one room to another; instead request a custodian to move equipment. Each teacher is responsible for the equipment in his/her room. Complete inventory records are filed in the office and/or library. If equipment is needed at home, see Donna Cobian for the required paperwork. KEYS: Faculty members are responsible for building keys issued to them. Loss of keys involves much inconvenience and expense. Please establish a set procedure for security of your keys. Do not allow students to use your keys. LEAVING CAMPUS DURING SCHOOL DAY: All employees are asked to remain on campus during the school day unless there is a specific need for leaving. In such a case, always inform an administrator. Please sign out/in if you leave during the day in the main office. Sign in/out sheets have been provided for your use. LOST AND FOUND: Found articles are to be turned in at the Main Office. Clothing should be turned in to the ASB. MAILBOX: Each teacher has a mailbox in the Faculty Workroom. Teachers should check their mailbox at the beginning and end of each day. As the workroom is intended as a facility for staff use only, do not send students there to pick up mail, etc. MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISUAL HEALTH INSURANCE: Information regarding the various health plans is distributed during the open enrollment period. If you have questions regarding your insurance, please call Benefits @ 585.4420. MESSAGES: Emergency messages will be sent out to teachers immediately after they are received. Class coverage may be arranged for teachers who need to return a call immediately. All other messages will be placed in teacher’s mailbox. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Teachers should take special care to secure personal belongings. Personally-owned equipment brought to school needs principal approval prior to bringing on campus. Request a Personal Inventory form from Donna Cobian, Administrative Assistant. PREPARATION PERIOD: This time is provided for preparation of schoolwork or for parent conferences. All teachers are expected to remain at school during this period. Teachers needing to leave campus must inform an administrator and sign out in the Main Office. Occasionally teachers may be asked to cover a class for a colleague. In addition, teachers may be asked to attend SST meetings or parent conferences during prep. SIGNING IN: In order to provide maximum security during an emergency, it’s imperative that administration knows who is on campus. Please sign in daily by 8:00 a.m. in the main office. 2
SITE TELEPHONES: Hilltop Middle School doesn’t have a pay phone available for student use. Site phones will be available for emergency use only. Student needing to use the phone for an emergency should see the following people: Secretary, Counselor, Nurse, Administrator, or FLIGHT staff during FLIGHT hours. The main office will provide phone service to students after getting permission from an office staff member. SMOKING: Hilltop Middle School and facilities are smoke-free. SOCIAL COMMITTEE: A committee of staff volunteers plans the social events of the year. If you’re interested in being part of the committee, submit your name to Terri Martin. SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: Counsel your classes on the importance of cooperation with a substitute teacher. Inform your students that both you and the school administrators look with great disfavor on students who are disrespectful to substitutes. Teachers who have classrooms near substitutes are asked to assist in any way possible. This may include answering questions, helping in disciplinary matters, etc. Be friendly with the substitutes. Their job is difficult. Make them feel appreciated. Notify an administrator if a sub did not fulfill the job requirements satisfactorily. SUPPLIES
1. 2. 3.
Obtain requisition forms from the main office (Ms. Newberry). Order supplies as needed. Return requisitions to Ms. Newberry. Allow at least one or two days for requisitions to be filled and placed in your box. If you have an emergency need for supplies, see an administrator.
TELEPHONE - LONG DISTANCE CALLS: Persons needing to make personal calls may do so from the faculty workroom. Long distance calls relating to school business may be made from phones in the Main Office. Please see Donna Cobian for more information. VISITORS: Any visitor coming to campus must sign in at the Main Office. Children and young people, including brothers and sisters, who are not students at Hilltop Middle School are not allowed to visit classrooms during the school day. All visitors must have a visitor’s pass. COPY MACHINES: The copy machine is available for use Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. PIN numbers will be assigned to teachers and must be used when using the copier. Please limit your time on the machine to 5 minutes if there are others needing the machine. DO NOT SEND STUDENTS TO COPY MATERIAL FOR YOU. Do not use the machine for copying that is not school-related. Teachers are encouraged to use a back-to-back format whenever possible, in order to save paper. If you are not certain about how to use a piece of equipment, please see Donna Cobian for assistance.
3
ASSOCIATE STUDENT BODY ACTIVITIES: The ASB Advisor must clear any activity planned by a staff member and a “Request for Special Activity” form MUST be filed prior to the activity. Once approved, the activity will be placed on the master school activity calendar. NOTE: If your activity requires school transportation, you are responsible for filing the necessary forms. Please see Terri Martin for assistance. Also, notify the cafeteria manager a week prior to your trip if students will miss nutrition break or lunch. DANCE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Any student who attends a school activity and misbehaves is subject to disciplinary action by the Assistant Principals. 2. Afternoon dances will begin at 2:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Students will not be admitted to the afternoon dance after 2:30 p.m. unless prior permission has been obtained from the ASB Advisor or the Assistant Principals. 3. A student may not leave the dance before the dance is over. Once students have been admitted to a dance, they must remain in the dance area until the dance has ended or a responsible adult picks them up. 4. Only Hilltop Middle School students will be permitted to attend the dances. All Hilltop Middle School dances are “closed” dances. Guest passes will not be issued. 5. Students must have their school I.D. card with them. No one will be admitted to the dance without one. 6. All tickets will be sold prior to the dance. No tickets will be sold at the door. 7. All students must remain in the concession area when outside the cafeteria. 8. Dress guidelines: School appropriate casual clothing for non-theme dances. Students wearing inappropriate clothing will not be allowed into the dance. 9. No outside drinks /candy allowed in the cafeteria –dance area. 10. Restrooms available during the dance will be located in the 200 or 900 buildings. Use of restroom is by pass only. 11. Drinking alcoholic beverages, in possession of or use of intoxicating substances is NEVER permitted at a school dance. Any student found to be under the influence will be denied admittance, prohibited from future school dances and receives appropriate disciplinary measures. 12. If problems occur at dances, any subsequent student activities are subject to review and may be canceled. Students causing problems may be restricted from any future school or ASB activities. 13. If a student is absent on the day of the dance, he/she may not attend the evening dance. 14. Students on the “Non-Privilege” list may not attend dances. 15. Students are responsible for informing their parents of dance rules and drop off/pick-up times. 16. Students not picked up on time may not be allowed to attend subsequent dances. 17. Remember: Dances are a privilege and not a right! Dance Supervisor Responsibilities 1. Monitor dance participants for appropriate behavior and attire. 2. Refer students with inappropriate attire to supervising administrator. 3. If students dance too close, roughhouse or chase, have them sit out for a specified period of time. Refer students with continuing misbehavior to the supervisory administrator.
4
FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES Teachers have the following responsibilities prior to going on field trips: 1. Submit request for use of a school bus 14 school days prior to the trip. Complete and submit a “Request for Special Activity” form. Grant-funded trips may require additional approval and scheduling lead time. Please make sure the form is signed by the Principal before proceeding with the rest of the steps. 2. Ensure that Parent Permission and Waiver of Claims forms are properly filled out and signed before start of trip. 3. Inform the Principal, Assistant Principal or Principal’s Secretary should a substitute be required or if class coverage needs to be arranged. This may or may not be a paid coverage. Don’t forget to arrange for AR coverage. 4. Have a written list of students going on the field trip and any equipment being used while on the trip. This list should be submitted at least one week in advance if possible. Distribute list of students participating to teachers. 5. Provide the attendance clerk with a list of ACTUAL participants on the day of the trip. 6. Notify the Cafeteria Manager one week prior to the trip of how many students are involved and whether they’ll miss lunch and/or nutrition break. 7. Ensure that a teacher or other certificated employee is always on each bus. 8. Make sure students understand that they are to be in school uniforms (unless it is a non-uniform day or they’ve been given permission from the principal to be out of uniform). 9. Take roll as students board the bus, departing and returning. 10. There will be NO field trips or outside activities during testing. Please check with an administrator. 11. There will not be any field trips during SBAC testing (APRIL, MAY) or “End of Course Exams.” (Last two weeks of each semester.) 12. Anyone who plans to be gone overnight (maximum of three nights) must notify District Student Services and complete appropriate paperwork. The board will need to approve overnight stays. NON-PRIVILEGE LIST Students listed on the Non-Privilege List will not be allowed privileges granted to students in good standing. The Non-Privilege List will be generated as needed. Violations of school rules or district policies may result in a student’s name being placed on the Non-Privilege List by an Assistant Principal due to one or more of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Citizenship grade of 1.9 or below. Library holds. Failure to attend Saturday school/ARC as assigned. Chronic poor attendance and/or accumulating five (5) or more unexcused tardies within a six-week grading period.
NON-SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS No solicitations for money by outside groups are permitted on school premises. Any plan for a sale by a recognized campus group must be cleared through the ASB office.
5
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: ABSENCES, TEACHER As soon as a teacher knows that he/she will be absent from school, the following procedures should be observed: 1. Access the AESOP substitute system a. on-line. https://www.aesoponline.com/login2.asp located on the district website under Employment. b. Call 1-800-942-3767. Follow the voice menu 2. 3. 4.
Please leave complete lesson plans, seating chart, where the substitute can find them. Calling at the last minute will often result in other teachers having to provide class coverage. Order subs as early as possible. If the absence is for bereavement, please inform Ms Cobian who the relative is and where they live.
ACCIDENT REPORTS When an accident occurs at school or a school sponsored event, the supervising teacher must complete a “Formal Report of Accident”. This relates to both staff and student accidents. The form, found in the nurse’s office, should be completed and returned to the nurse on the date of the accident or the following day if the accident occurs after school. ATTENDANCE General Procedures - (Taking Online Attendance) 1. Log into windows first User name: Password: Log on to: SUHSD 2. Log into Infinite Campus User ID: (same as when you log in to your computer) Password: Have the students sign in for the mean time! Turn in any sign-in sheets to the Attendance Office at the end of the day! NOTE: If a student does not appear on the roster send him to the Counseling Center. Most likely the student does not belong in that class! Admittance Following Student’s Absence: Students will not receive admit cards. Students will clear absences by means of parent-signed notes from home or blue slips. 1. Teachers will distribute blue slips to their first period students the first week of school. Students may also obtain blue slips from the attendance office. 2. After an absence, students will return parent-signed slips/notes from home to the attendance office. 3. The attendance clerk will provide the attendance coordinator a bi-weekly list of students’ who have cumulative absences. The attendance team will contact parents each week to advise that absences unaccounted for will be recorded as truancies affecting citizenship grades. 6
4.
Students will be assigned Saturday school for un-cleared absences/tardies.
Attendance Clearing Procedures: Students are to bring a blue slip or a note signed by a parent or guardian upon the student’s return to school. If the student does not clear his/her absence, the student will be considered “truant.” After 10 school days, the absence will remain “truant.” Students should check weekly in their classes to verify records. Parents will be notified of their child’s absence either by a call from a secretary or the district’s automated notification system. A student requesting to leave campus must bring a note from a parent or guardian to the Attendance Office. The note must indicate the date, time and who will be picking up the student. That same person must present ID and sign the student out. A student failing to follow this procedure and leaves campus will be truant. No off-campus requests will be honored the last 30 minutes of the school day. Attendance Policy Definitions: A valid excuse for an absence is one of the following: 1. Medical – doctor/dentist appointments 2. Illness 3. Bereavement 4. Participation in religious service 5. Court-ordered appearance 6. Unforeseen emergency with administrative approval 7. Participation in sports 8. Other-as determined by administration or designee An unexcused absence includes one of the following: 1. Truancy – no valid excuse. 2. Leaving school without permission from the Attendance Office/Administration. HMS is a closed campus and students may not leave without an off-campus permit. Students who do so will be truant. Attendance Policy – Students: Attendance is an important factor for success in school. Students who come to school every day learn more, have better grades and achieve greater success. BOARD PROTOCOL: As elected officials, the Board of Trustees is responsible for representing the interests of our communities. The most appropriate place for the community and board to interact is within our schools. As professional administrators, we should recognize and support the board’s primary function by keeping trustees informed of events. Please adhere to the established protocol guidelines and support our objective by showing that our schools belong to the community. It is our role to encourage and promote parental access to board members. Invitations to the following are appropriate: • Parent meetings • Opening of school • Awards assemblies • Closing of school 7
• •
Report card days Special music, athletic and academic functions
Checklist • Send invitations to school functions directly to board members at least 2-3 weeks prior to the event. Address to be used: 1130 Fifth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911. • Include names of board of trustees on all printed programs in alphabetical order. • Provide convenient parking for the board member, especially during graduation and inform them in your letter or invitation that you have done so. • At school functions, introduce board members(s) in order of office held, i.e., president, vice president, clerk, then members in alphabetical order. (Refer to biographical sketches provided by secretary to the board, ext. 6134). • If a board member wishes to speak, provide the opportunity. • Introduce board member to teachers and other staff during campus visits. • Display board member pictures in a prominent place. NOTE: It is especially important that classified as well as certificated staff, especially receptionists and others in positions of first-line contact, be aware of who board members are and their role as community representatives. The board member should be welcomed appropriately. As a general guideline, the following order should be observed in the introduction of dignitaries at school functions: President of the Board Superintendent Vice President of the Board Superintendent’s Cabinet Other Board Members in alphabetical order Principal Other visiting dignitaries Other staff (As a convenience to the sites, when sending invitations to Board of Trustees, it is not necessary to put each invitation or notice in an individual envelope. If you place five copies in an interdepartmental envelope, they will be directed to the board members. This not only saves time but will save envelopes and paper as well.) CERTIFICATION RESPONSIBILITY: Each teacher and administrator has the personal responsibility of securing the California Teaching Credential, which his/her assignment requires. The credential must be filed with the County Office of Education. No warrants can be issued for any service until the credential is filed. CUSTODIAL SERVICE: A request for custodial service should be submitted on the “Request for Custodial Service” form, which is available in the main office. Place the completed form in the custodian’s mailbox. Please see Mr. Carpizo if your room is not being cleaned to your satisfaction.
8
DISCIPLINE/BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS The Following Is An Overview Of Some Discipline/Behavior Issues And Possible Consequences. PROBLEM
DEFINITION
POSSIBLE DISCLIPLINARY ACTION(S)
Missed Detention Alcohol Use/Possession
Student does not attend assigned detention/ARC This is a prohibited item and may not be used ( in school or school related events).
Saturday School
Bullying
Physical, verbal, mental abuse of fellow students
Suspension/referral to counselor/may transfer to another school
Defacement/ Damage to school/ Private property Ed. Code 48900 Defiance/ Disobedience/ Disrespect. Ed. Code 48900 Disorderly Conduct/ Profanity/Obscene Act. Ed Code 48900 Drug Paraphernalia Possession/ Offering/ Selling Ed Code 48900 Drug Use or Possession
When a student damages or disfigures school or private property
Suspension/police intervention/restitution to school/transfer to another school expel
Student refuses to obey authority of any staff member.
ARC/Saturday School and/or suspension
Student causes classroom or campus disturbance by inappropriate conduct. These are prohibited items on school campus or school related events.
ARC/Saturday School and/or suspension
Under the influence or in possession of illegal drugs on campus or at school related activity Two or more people fighting each other. Assault upon another person When a student signs someone else’s name Creating an intimidating/ hostile educational environment.
Suspension/police intervention/counseling referral/automatic transfer to another school for Ed Code 48900 minimum of one semester/expulsion
Causing, attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in hate violence. Disrupting classwork, creating disorder, invading rights of a student or group.
Saturday School/suspension/police intervention/ expulsion
Ed. Code 48900
Fighting/Assault/ Battery Ed. Code 48900 Forgery of School Document Harassing/ Threatening/ Intimidating a Witness Ed. Code 48900 Hate/Violence Ed. Code 48900
Hostile Educational Environment Ed. Code 48900
Suspension/referral to counseling /police intervention; transfer to another school Extreme cases – Expulsion
Suspension/police intervention/counseling referral/may transfer to another school/ expulsion
Suspension/police intervention/may transfer to another school/expulsion Saturday School/suspension Suspension/police intervention/expulsion
Suspension/police intervention/may transfer to to another school/expulsion
9
PROBLEM
DEFINITION
POSSIBLE DISCLIPLINARY ACTION(S)
Knowingly Receiving Stolen/ Private Property Ed. Code 4890 Possession of Dangerous Items Ed. Code 48900
When a student knowingly receives stolen property
ARC/Saturday School suspension
Any explosive (i.e. fire crackers), gun, knife, chain, slingshot, dart or any other weapon or dangerous item is illegal at school. Defined in Health & Safety Code 11006.511058
Suspension/police intervention/mandatory expulsion/transfer to another school
Replica of a firearm that is similar to an existing firearms.
Suspension/police intervention/expulsion
Possession of a Firearm/Brandishing A Firearm/Selling Controlled Substance Ed. Code 48900 Possession of Imitation Firearm Ed. Code 48900
Suspension/police intervention/mandatory expulsion/transfer to another school
Robbery/Extortion/ Act of stealing school or stealing private property Ed. Code 48900 Sale of Look-Alike Substance represented to be Drugs or Alcohol Ed. Code 48900 Saturday School Failure to attend assigned No Show Saturday School Sexual Assault/ Defined in Penal Code Battery Ed. Code 48900 Sexual Harassment/ Any act that threatens, Harassments/ injures, degrades, or Threats/Intimidation disgraces a fellow student. Ed. Code 48900 Smoking or Use Tobacco is prohibited Of Tobacco and may not be used on Ed. Code 48900 campus. Tardiness Not being in classroom at the final bell. Threat to Faculty Any act that threatens Member to injure, degrade or Ed. Code 48900 disgrace a school employee. Truancy When a student is absent from school without a valid excuse. Leaving school without school’s permission.
Suspension/police intervention/restitution/may transfer to another school/expulsion Suspension/police intervention/may transfer to another school/ expulsion
Non-privilege list Suspension/police intervention/mandatory expulsion ARC/Saturday School and/or suspension/expulsion
Saturday School and/or suspension
Refer to tardy policy Suspension/police intervention/ transfer to another school. Saturday School/excessive truancy results in alternative school placement
10
PROBLEM Unexcused Absence
DEFINITION Returning to school without a note
POSSIBLE DISCLIPLINARY ACTION(S) Saturday School
Violating Acceptable When a student chooses to Technology Use use any form of technology in Agreement an inappropriate way
ARC/Saturday School and/or suspension
11
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS: The teacher’s role is critical when addressing behavior issues. The teachers’ responsibilities include all behavior except those considered to be serious. Referrals to the assistant principal should be a last resort when dealing with chronic, irritating behaviors, which are minor. Below is an intervention summary to follow when disciplining students: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Warning from teacher Changing student’s seat Parent contact by teacher (phone call or email with response from parent) Assign teacher consequence with parent contact (phone call or email with response from parent)…teacher follow up on consequence Counselor referral – counselor to make phone call home (possible conference call with student present) to discuss how parent can support at home. Document in Infinite Campus. Teacher suspension (up to 2 days) (Parent and AP must be notified…document in Infinite Campus) CIS Referral – CIS to make phone call home to discuss continued misbehavior: assign to ARC, document in Infinite Campus Saturday School referral: Academic Advocate and/or Promotora referral for a home visit. AP Referral –AP to make phone call home to discuss continued misbehavior and escalation process (1 day suspension, behavior contract, ID transfer): assign to Saturday School.
DUTY HOURS: The school day for regular certificated employees is seven hours and 15 minutes, including 10 minutes before and after school. The duty day includes a 30-minute, duty-free lunch period. Staff members may be asked to supervise or attend meetings over and above the regular duty hours for: 1) faculty meetings, 2) parent conferences, 3) principal conferences, 4) student supervision. Every effort will be made to give at least 24 hour notice before asking a staff member to remain after regular hours. The duty day is 8:00 to 3:15 daily. EMERGENCIES: The Emergency Button in each classroom is to be used only in the event of an emergency. An administrator or security staff will respond immediately. Please be prepared to give a few details of the emergency; responding personnel will then know what to bring. If it appears that medical assistance will be needed, call 911. The principal should be contacted immediately should an emergency situation arise. All staff should have an emergency card on file in the office in the event of a personal emergency. EMERGENCY CARDS: or change phone numbers.
**Remind students they must update emergency information whenever they move
EQUIPMENT OR CLASSROOM USE BY STUDENTS: Students are not permitted to use a room or equipment unless a teacher is present. Please do not send students to the Employee’s Workroom to make copies. Certificated personnel in the workroom are not available to supervise students for you. EVACUATION/DISASTER DRILLS: Fire and earthquake disaster drills are necessary for the safety of the students and faculty. California State law requires that we hold an evacuation drill 2x a semester. Please review the following general information with your students. Please also reference the “COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL SITE SAFETY PLAN” (Emergency Preparedness Plan). General Rules for Evacuation Drill: 1. Close windows. 2. Students will follow designated exit instructions; stay in single file; walk, not run; refrain from talking; and proceed to the basketball and volleyball courts. 12
3. Teachers should be the last person out of the room, take the grade book and keys, close and leave the door unlocked, and remain with their group of students. General Rules for Earthquake Disaster Drills: 1. Inside buildings: A staff member will give the “drop” command. All students and staff will seek cover near or under desks and counters and assume the “drop, cover and hold” position. 2. Outside buildings: Students and staff will move away from poles, wires and buildings, then assume the “drop, cover and hold” positions in the safest place possible. 3. Students and staff are to remain in the “drop, cover and hold” position for several minutes after the earthquake has ended. The staff member in charge will then give the order to evacuate the area. (If necessary) 4. Follow the above evacuation drill procedures. NOTE: fire and earthquake disaster drills are very important and serious exercises, which may save lives. Students are expected to act accordingly. (All staff and visitors on campus will participate in all drills) Civil Disturbance, Gunfire and Other Violence “Hit the Deck” – If gunshots are heard, students need to be instructed immediately to “hit the deck” or lie flat on the ground if no shelter is close by. Please also reference the Emergency Preparedness Plan. Lock- Down Procedures 1. Immediately lock your classroom door, turn off lights and maintain silence. 2. Duck and cover, moving away from windows and glass. 3. Wait for further direction. 4. Place appropriate color card in window (inside Emergency Backpack). HALL PASSES: Students are not to be released on a hall pass during the first 10 minutes or the last 10 minutes of a class period. Do not release students from class without a hall pass. Avoid allowing more than one student out of class on a hall pass at one time. Use only the blue plastic hall passes, and include student’s name/destination. Blue passes are available in the Main Office. HARRASSMENT Sexual Harassment What Is Sexual Harassment? § Sexual Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior, which interferes with your right to get an education or to participate in school activities. In school, sexual harassment may result from works or conduct of a sexual nature that offend, stigmatize, demean, frighten, or threaten you because of your sex. § Sexual harassment can happen once or many times. Being the target of sexual harassment may make it very scary to go to school or hard to concentrate. Incidents of sexual harassment may cause the target to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or threatened. § Agreement isn’t needed. The target of sexual harassment and the perpetrator (the one doing the harassing) do not have to agree about what is happening. Sexual harassment is subjective, defined by the person being targeted himself or herself. You do not have to get others to agree with you. § School district officials are legally responsible to guarantee an education for all students in a safe environment which is free from sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. § Some forms of sexual harassment are also crimes and should be reported to the police or district attorney so that the perpetrator(s) can be prosecuted. 13
Target’s Responsibilities
If a student or staff member is a target of sexual harassment:
DO: For any offensive behavior notify those in authority immediately. If you were physically threatened or coerced in any way, report it immediately. If not physically threatened or coerced, you may wish to discuss the incident with a staff member or someone in the academic environment who may contact the correct source for assistance. Maintain a dated log of events if several incidents are involved. DON’T: Ignore offensive behavior; Seventy-five percent (75%) of the cases that are ignored get worse. Try to handle it on your own if you feel physically threatened or coerced. Pretend it’s a joke if you are offended. Try to outwit or embarrass the harasser, or get physical in return. Let the behavior continue without taking action. Examples of Sexual Harassment in Schools: • Touching, pinching and grabbing body parts • Being cornered • Sending sexual notes or pictures • Writing sexual graffiti • Making suggestive or sexual gestures, looks, jokes, or verbal comments (including “mooing”, “barking” and other noises) • Spreading sexual rumors or making sexual propositions • Pulling someone’s clothes off • Pulling your own clothes off • Being forced to kiss someone or do something sexual • Bullying Bullying Bullying Is Real! Bullying Is Wrong! You might think bullying happens only to little kids. The truth is that being a bully or being bullied has no age limit. Bullying is mean, cruel and disrespectful. It’s NO WAY to treat anyone. Being a bully or being bullied are not “just natural parts of growing up.” Putting others down or hurting them, or not feeling safe because of what someone is doing to you, is not healthy. HOMEWORK: Teachers should assign homework on a regular basis. Departments and/or teams may develop procedures and policies regarding homework. However, homework should not represent more than 20% of the overall grade. Please discuss with your department and PLC. ILLNESS: Teachers are required to provide “Directions for Substitute Teacher” and an emergency lesson plan for their sub folder. Any teacher, who becomes ill during the day, must notify the Principal or an Assistant Principal. Class coverage will be assigned and a substitute called when feasible. Refer to section on Absences and Substitute Teachers. 14
INVENTORIES: A record of all school equipment is maintained. Please do not move any equipment from one room to another; instead request custodians to move equipment. Each teacher is responsible for the equipment in his/her room. Complete inventory records are filed in the office and/or library. If equipment is needed at home, see Donna Cobian for the required paperwork. INTERNET SERVICES/ONLINE: User Obligations and Responsibilities Students are authorized to use district equipment to access the Internet or on-line services in accordance with user obligations and responsibilities specified below and in accordance with Board policy and the district's Acceptable Use Agreement. 1. The student in whose name an on-line services account is issued is responsible for its proper use at all times. Students shall keep personal information, private. They shall use the system only under their own account or a generic account provided to all students. 2. Students shall use the district's system responsibly and primarily for educational purposes. Students shall not use proxies or any other means to bypass district filters. 3. Students shall not use district resources to access, post, submit, publish, or display harmful or inappropriate matter that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race/ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs. (cf. 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination/Harassment) (cf. 5145.7 - Sexual Harassment) (cf. 5145.9 - Hate-Motivated Behavior) Harmful matter includes matter, taken as a whole, which to the average person, applying contemporary statewide standards, and appeals to the prurient interest and is matter which depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexual, violent, or hateful conduct and which lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors. (Penal Code 313) 4. Students shall not disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information about themselves or others when using electronic mail, chat rooms, or other forms of direct electronic communication. Students are also cautioned not to disclose such information by other means to individuals located through the Internet without the permission of their parents/guardians. INTERNET: The district Internet system has been established for educational purposes including classroom activities, continuing education, professional or career development, and educationally enriching research. Material accessed via this Internet should be for assignments and research. Students’ private information should be kept private. Students should not disclose personal information online for any reason. Activities that are strictly forbidden include: unlawful activities, inappropriate language, plagiarism, and copyright infringement. The school takes cyber-bullying very seriously. Students are forbidden to use inflammatory or disrespectful language, post information that could cause damage or disruption to the school or any person, engage in personal attacks including prejudice or discrimination, harass or bully another person, post false or defamatory information about the school or any person. Students are responsible for all individual accounts and should not share passwords with other students. Students failing to abide by the rules and ethics of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy may have computer privileges withdrawn. IPADS: The district provides each student with an iPad, heavy-duty cover, and charger. Each student is issued an iPad with a unique asset tag and students must return that iPad with the same asset tag at the end of the school year. iPads and accessories are on loan to students and must be returned in good condition. Please follow the guidelines below: 15
§ Put student’s name, student ID# and 6-digit birthdate in the “About” section, under Settings> General. § Power cords are fragile. Keep the charger in a safe location at home. Charge the iPad at that location as needed. § iPad screens are fragile, use the district-issued heavy-duty case at all times. Do not bump the iPad screen or keep the iPad in an overfull backpack. § Clean the screen with a soft dry cloth. Students may use screen protectors. § iPads are for student use only. § NEVER leave the iPad unattended. Students are responsible for iPad loss/ theft. GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES for IPAD 1. Students will bring their mobile devices to school each morning with the batteries fully charged. A fully charged iPad should easily last throughout the day. It’s best to charge the iPads at home. Failure to bring ipad charged will result in teacher issued consequence, same as not having any other school supply. 2. It is important to limit personal pictures and apps to make sure the iPad works effectively. Each student will have a Google Drive and Drop-Box account for storage. Your photos and videos should not take up more than 1 gig of space on your iPad. If apps take up too much storage space, the iPad will not function properly. 3. Students will immediately report all malfunctions, damage, or loss of an iPad to the library. 4. Students will use their iPads during the school day for school-related purposes. Students should only use the iPads in supervised areas. 5. All student iPads will be managed and synced within the school network. Deleted profiles are strictly prohibited. 6. The following actions are strictly prohibited: • Deleting SUHSD profiles. • Changing Apple ID. • Having inappropriate content on your iPad. • Using social networking apps or website. • Taking pictures or videos without permission. • Distributing photos or videos of others on social media. • Adding a quantity of apps that causes iPad not to function properly. Incident
Classroom distractions:
• • •
Playing a game in class Messaging Having iPad out at the wrong time.
Inappropriate content on your iPad
•
Consequence To be dealt with by teacher. Consequences may include the following.
• • • • •
Please log infractions in Jupiter grades. AP Referral
Pictures
• 16
Take away iPad for the period Teacher-assigned trash pick up Lower citizenship grade Call parent Student may not use iPad at all for that class, at teacher’s discretion.
Teacher can take a screen shot of inappropriate
• • •
Screen savers Comments Taking or posting pictures or video without consent
Changing settings on iPad
• • •
Deleting SUHSD profiles Changing Apple ID Adding a quantity of apps that causes iPad not to function properly
• •
materials to be printed and attached to referral. If the material is sexually explicit, confiscate the iPad and turn in with referral. Consequence to be determined by AP, depending on severity.
Teacher confiscates iPad, fills out confiscation form, and turns in to library.
• • •
First offense: 1 day of ARC Second offense: 2 days of ARC Third offense: Saturday School
KEYS: Faculty members are responsible for building keys issued to them. Loss of keys involves much inconvenience and expense. Please establish a set procedure for security of your keys. Do not allow students to use your keys. LEAVING CAMPUS DURING SCHOOL DAY: All employees are asked to remain on campus during the school day unless there is a specific need for leaving. In such a case, always inform an administrator. Please sign out/in if you leave during the day in the main office. Sign in/out sheets have been provided for your use. MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISUAL HEALTH INSURANCE: Information regarding the various health plans is distributed during the open enrollment period. If you have questions regarding your insurance, please call Benefits @ 585.4420. NON-APPROVED MEDIA Use Of Non-District Approved Media Or Resources In order to avoid the use of inappropriate videos or films being used in the classroom, all staff are directed to scrupulously adhere to this DIRECTIVE regarding the use of nondistrict approved media or resources (see District Policy #6609). 1. ONLY “G” rated films for General Audiences are to be considered for use in the classroom. “PG” MUST HAVE parent permission and principal approval. 2. ALL outside resources, including videos, are to be previewed before use to be certain that the material presented is age appropriate, unbiased, and educationally sound. 3. If material has sex education content, parent notification is required by Educational Code and district policy. 4. The following content is NEVER appropriate for school use: • Violence • Nudity • Sexual scenes • Profanity • Non-educational content 5. Please minimize your use of videos. Use only relevant supplements to instruction. NURSE - Emergency call for RN 498-2707 1. Student or staff has passed out 2. Student or staff is shaking or jerking (allow person to move, don’t restrain). 3. When student or staff is having difficulty breathing (turning blue or CANNOT talk or walk). 4. When student or staff has had a period of unconsciousness. 17
5. If a student or staff is having a severe allergic reaction which alters their breathing or alertness (e.g. bee sting, food allergy, environmental). 6. Head injury (do not move student or staff no matter how minor the injury may appear to be) N O TE:
IF A STU DEN T O R STAFF M EM BER IS N O T BREATH IN G CALL 911 AN D START CPR. There is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) located in the main office and there is another one in the adaptive room.
Please refrain from sending students to the nurse when: 1. Students are tired. 2. Discipline action needs to be implemented. A teacher may send a student up to nurses’ office immediately WITHOUT pass: 1. From P.E. field with bleeding or an injury which requires immediate assistance; however, please do not send student up alone; and if there is any question as to send student vs. asking for RN, please ask RN for assistance. 2. Having difficulty breathing, can walk and talk, however, please have student or staff escorted to Health Office. 3. Nosebleeds – pinch nose with tissue at the point where soft tissue and the hard cartilage meet with CHIN DOWN (this helps prevent nausea/vomiting due to swallowing blood). Please send students up to health office WITH a hall pass: 1. Vomiting, diarrhea, and obvious signs of illness. Please note that students are sent with diarrhea and/or vomiting, and or fevers over 100 AND they are instructed not to return to school until they have been free from the above symptoms for 24 hours. 2. Severe headaches. 3. Students who need to take medications either in health office or privately(e.g. inhaler for asthma or diabetic student who needs to check book sugar) 4. Female students who have menstrual needs 5. Persistent hacking cough. Health Office visits that can wait until break or lunch: 1. Band –Aids 2. Ice for minor injuries 3. Minor skin/wound care (e.g. paper cuts, blisters, insect bites, tattoo and/or body piercing care) 4. Follow-up business with RN (e.g. immunization requests) 5. Minor insect bites 6. Old bumps, scrapes, injuries requiring ice 7. Weighing themselves
NUTRITION BREAK AND LUNCH PROCEDURES 1. All students will report to the eating area within 5 minutes of dismissal. Staff, please do not give your students permission to be in the hallway or any other unsupervised areas. Students are to walk to the cafeteria or line up south of the library to visit the ASB. 2. No bathroom passes during AR. 3. Students purchasing food from the cafeteria, the ASB or the food carts will line up behind the appropriate line in an orderly fashion. Cutting in line or discourteous behavior will result in the student being REMOVED FROM LINE until the lunch supervisor determines the student may get back in line. 4. Students are to make individual purchases and are not to buy food for other students. Only up to 4 items may be purchased at a time.
18
5. Students are to put their trash in the appropriate containers when finished. Each student is responsible for the area around them. Students leaving trash or behaving inappropriately will be assigned trash pickup. 6. NUTRITION BREAK IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT, AND MAY BE CANCELED AT ANY TIME due to excessive trash at lunch the previous day. 7. Restrooms will be open in the 200 and 900 buildings. No food is to be taken into the restrooms at any time. 8. Please have students dispose of food/containers in outside trash cans, not in classroom bins. Pin Numbers: Students will receive PIN numbers for lunch. PIN numbers will be printed on student locator cards. If students have problems or questions regarding PIN numbers, they must contact the cafeteria manager. Boundaries: Students may eat at the tables or on the benches in the main quad and ASB area. In addition to the regular lunch area, students may eat in the cafeteria. Areas may be designated off-limits from time to time if areas are not kept clean. Out Of Bounds Areas Include: • The hallways between buildings (except the restrooms). • Classroom areas, east of the handball courts, or the field area, etc., unless for intramurals • Off campus or the sides of the cafeteria Inclement Weather: Cafeteria lines will form under the overhangs of the buildings leading to the cafeteria lunch area. Teachers may also volunteer their rooms during rainy weather. The need for this adjustment will be announced over the Public Address System. PROGRESS REPORTS: The following excerpt from District Regulation Number 5121.1 is furnished for your edification: a. Student’s progress in both scholarship and citizenship shall be reported twice during the semester. These progress reports will be given at the end of the sixth (6th) and twelfth (12th) weeks of each semester. Form PROG R-1 will be used for progress reports.* b. If the teacher gives a passing grade to the student on the progress report for the twelfth week of the semester, and the student subsequently allows his/her grade to drop to failing, then the teacher must notify the parent/guardian in writing (Form No. 7715-76). 1. This notification applies to both scholarship and citizenship grades. 2. Normally, this notification would occur by the end of the fifteenth (15th) week of the semester. 3. Notification of failing grades after the fifteenth (15th) week may be given if the following conditions are met: (a) The principal is consulted and concurs. (b) The notification gives the parent/guardian and the student adequate time to remediate the situation in order to receive a passing grade. SAFETY: Teachers should notify the assistant principal in charge of school safety of any known or suspected unsafe equipment, facilities, or working conditions. SALARY WARRANTS:
Warrants are ready on the last workday of the month, and are now on-line only. 19
STUDENT REFERRALS – GENERAL GUIDELINES: The following guidelines are to clarify the intervention role and function of the teachers, counselors and the administrative team. This process tends to ensure a greater degree of uniformity in the matter of student discipline. Teachers have the responsibility to develop a classroom discipline policy, which includes a teacher-imposed penalty for non-compliance. This penalty should be the front-line defense against school infractions taking place in the classroom for most offenses. Teacher Responsibilities: Each teacher/team will establish guidelines for acceptable student conduct in the classroom. It is recommended that you post your classroom rules and that you refer to them when disciplining students. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Warning from teacher Changing student’s seat Parent contact by teacher (phone call or email with response from parent) Assign teacher consequence with parent contact (phone call or email with response from parent)…teacher follow up on consequence 5. Counselor referral – counselor to make phone call home (possible conference call with student present) to discuss how parent can support at home. Document in Infinite Campus. 6. Teacher suspension (up to 2 days) (Parent and AP must be notified…document in Infinite Campus) Please follow the sequence of events in the Discipline Plan. It is imperative that every teacher follows these established guidelines. To do otherwise only inhibits the effectiveness of the teacher in charge. If intervention is not carried through at all levels, this dilutes the influence and effort of the Assistant Principals. Important: Teachers should not refer students to the counselor or Assistant Principal without first contacting the parent unless immediate attention is required. All referrals need to be written in an appropriate manner. Parents have access to their students’ referrals. Counselor Responsibilities: Behavior warranting Counselor Referral: Use Counselor Assistance form. Counselors will: make phone call home (possible conference call with student present) to discuss how parent can support at home. Document in Infinite Campus. Counselor Actions 1. Meet with student: address issues such as: lack of materials, gym clothes, uncooperative attitude, disputes between students requiring conflict mediation, refer students to SST, outside counseling, etc. 2. Review remedies attempted by teacher. 3. Follow up with appropriate counselor action. 4. Supply feedback via written report to teacher. 5. Counselor contacts parent to discuss how parent can support at home. 6. Refer chronic behavior problems to the administrative team. Refer chronic attendance problems to the Attendance Coordinator. Counselor should NOT refer student to Assistant Principal without following delineated action and without first having conferred with student and parent and completed a strategy plan to correct the problem. Attendance Coordinator Responsibilities 20
1.
Monitor student attendance and provide interventions for students with excessive and/or uncleared absences/tardies. 2. Assign Saturday school. 3. Refer students to SST. 4. Refer students to SARB. Attendance Specialist will run daily tardy list and assign students to lunch detention. If students do not complete lunch detention, they are assigned to ARC instead. All comments documented in Infinite Campuss. Assistant Principal Responsibilities: Behavior warranting an Assistant Principal Referral: (A written referral is MANDATORY per each student. If students are brought to the Assistant Principal’s office under an emergency, i.e., fighting, please complete the referral after the business of establishing order has been accomplished. Send the referral separately with a trustworthy student or classroom aide.) 1. 2. 3. 4.
Chronic classroom behavior problems after all prior (1-8) interventions have failed. Serious behavior problems, i.e., fighting, drugs, etc. Immediate removal necessary to maintain classroom order, ie, direct defiance, verbal/physical attack on staff member. 4th tardy per 6-week grading period after parent contact on 3rd tardy.
IMPORTANT: Send referral to office. Do not send the student to the office. Assistant Principal will send for the student at the earliest possible time. SERIOUS INCIDENTS - - suspected alcohol/drug use, theft, weapons, physical aggression in class - require an escort to the office. Please call the main office. Please check item(s) under Teacher Action Prior To Referral. Referrals void of completion of this area or prior teacher actions will be returned to the teacher. Referral consequences given to students are at the discretion of the Assistant Principal. Don’t drop off kids if there is an incident during lunch — fill out the proper paperwork. SUPERVISION 1. Building and grounds: All faculty members are expected to respond when they see student misconduct. Ordinarily a quiet word will produce the necessary cooperation. Please be visible in classroom door ways during passing periods. 2. Restrooms: Teachers are asked to routinely check the restrooms when they are passing by during their prep and report any problems to the assistant principal. SUPERVISION SCHEDULE: All teachers are requested to assist with general supervision every day near classrooms and in other areas, before and after school, and during school day. Nutrition Break: Each teacher will be assigned a Nutrition Break supervision assignment for at least two weeks at a time, on a rotating basis, for the entire school year. Assignments will be announced during week one of the school year. Lunch: Teachers on lunch supervision will direct students to pick up their trash in their lunch area before leaving. If students are observed throwing trash or food, they will be assigned trash pick-up. Students who pick up trash during the last 15 minutes of lunch will be signed-off via the slips for lunch clean up. No students should be delayed from 5th period for trash pick-up. 21
All Lunch Supervisors will be assigned a walkie-talkie to have with them when on duty. Communication is an important tool for effective supervision. Lunch supervision assignments will be announced during week 1 of the school year and will be for the following areas: 1. Cafeteria lines 2. 200 boys’ & girls’ restrooms 3. Cafeteria quad area 4. ASB/Library area Please include your supervision assignment on any substitute lesson plan. If you need to change your assignment, please see Mr. Carpizo. It is an IMPORTANT liability issue that all of us are always at our assigned stations, and arrive at those stations, in a timely manner. Please refrain from prolonged conversations during your supervision duty. TARDY POLICY and PROCEDURES: All students should be in their seat period 1, ready to learn by 8:10 a.m. All students are expected to be on time to all classes. Excessive tardies will lower a student's citizenship grade. Habitually tardy students will receive discipline including trash pick-up, lunch detention, ARC and/or Saturday School. All students are expected to start each day by arriving on time. All 1st period teachers are responsible for taking attendance by the end of the period. The attendance specialist will be running a daily tardy list and will be assigning students to trash pick-up. If students do not complete lunch detention they will be assigned to ARC instead. All comments will be documented in Infinite Campus. Ø Excused Tardy If a student is late for school because of illness, the student must bring a note to the attendance office from the parent or legal guardian. Ø Unexcused Tardy If a student is late for school or class for a reason other than illness or medical appointment, it is recorded as an unexcused tardy. Consequences for being tardy during each six-week grading period: Consequences 1st Refer to attendance for lunch detention nd 2 Parent contact by teacher, refer to attendance for lunch detention 3rd Referral to counselor, parent contact by counselor th 4 Drop 1 letter grade in citizenship, referral to AP, parent contact by AP assign ARC th 5 Drop 1 letter grade in citizenship, referral to AP, AP assigns Saturday school, parent contact by AP. All detentions and Saturday Schools must be served in order to be eligible for activities, including promotion. If behavior is not corrected: Excessive tardies may result in placement on the nonprivileged list, Saturday detentions, cancellation of I.D. for students residing outside Hilltop Middle school boundaries and loss of privilege to participate in extracurricular activities. Ø
Procedures: § Tardies lower citizenship grades. 22
§
Students arriving in class more than 20 minutes late are no longer tardy -- they are truant.
TRUANCY: A truancy will result in 1 or more Saturday Schools. Multiple offenses will be referred to an Assistant Principal. Failure to attend a Saturday School may result in suspension and placement on the nonprivilege list preventing participation in extra-curricular activities. Truancy sweeps are conducted periodically by the Chula Vista Police Department. Students who are not in school may be cited for loitering, given a court date and fined up to $250. TIMESHEETS: Teachers are expected to sign-in/out in the main office upon their arrival and departure each day. Please sign in personally. Do not sign in and out at the same time. In an emergency situation on campus, it’s extremely important that administration know exactly who is on campus. UNIFORM GUIDELINES Hilltop Middle’s uniform policy was established to maintain a safe and secure campus where students can experience academic success without fear of harassment and intimidation. We reserve the right to revise guidelines as necessary throughout the year. (Ed. Code 35183) Required uniforms, along with the strong academic focus, serve to improve the learning environment. Uniforms reinforce the expectations that school is a workplace for learning. SHIRTS AND BLOUSES – WHITE, GRAY AND NAVY BLUE A plain, white, gray or Navy blue polo or dress style shirt with a collar and sleeves that conform to the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Shirts must be plain or with school logo, and cover top of pants. No tight, body-hugging clothing may be worn. Any piece of clothing worn under the shirt must be SOLID white, gray or navy blue and not exposed Turtlenecks are permissible IF they adhere to the above mentioned. College or university t-shirts or pullovers may be worn on Thursdays (no athletic jerseys) HMS and club T-shirts may be worn on Falcon Fridays only. Other logos must be able to be covered with one hand
PANTS, SHORTS, SKORTS, JUMPERS, AND SKIRTS - NAVY BLUE must be solid navy blue in color and conform to the following:
All uniform bottoms
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
No denim, jeans or anything that resembles these materials. No athletic pants or shorts may be worn. These include nylon and/or cotton sweatpants. Pants must fit at the waist, be worn at the waist and not be oversized. Pants must have a sewn hem and not be altered in any way. No drawstrings on hem. Shorts/skirts/skorts must be of appropriate length; longer than the fingertips when the arm & fingers are extended down. 6. No tight, body-hugging clothing may be worn. 7. Leggings or tights must be solid navy blue and must not be used as outerwear. 8. Uniform bottoms must be worn on College Thursdays and Falcon Fridays. JACKETS, VESTS, SWEATERS/SWEATSHIRTSJackets, vests, sweaters, and sweatshirts must be solid navy blue, black, gray or white. They must conform to the following: 1. May NOT have logos, name brands or any other printing, even if turned inside out. 2. No flannels or plaids will be allowed. 3. Sweatshirts may not be worn under shirt/blouse. 4. T-shirts may not be used as outerwear. (No T-shirts over uniform shirts.) 23
5. HMS sweatshirts or a school club sweatshirt of the appropriate color may be worn every day. BELTS, HATS and SHOES/SOCKS Belts may not have any initials or insignias on them, may not have any ornaments of any kind, and may not extend more than 3 inches beyond the buckle. Belts must be black, navy blue, or white. Belt must be in the loops and used as it is intended, not for decoration. Hats/head-coverings for protection against weather conditions must be solid black or navy blue (no logos, letters or designs) and are allowed for students to wear for outdoor use only. No bandanas are allowed Shoes must be worn at all times and must enclose the entire foot. (Open-toed shoes, slippers and sandals are NOT permitted.) Socks must be worn. Students are required to wear clothes that are neat in appearance and appropriate for school. (CA Title V. Sec. 302: SUHSD Policy 5146.) These guidelines will apply to all school sponsored events and non-uniform days. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Attire should protect the health and safety of the students. Attire should not interfere with the educational process. Attire design must not refer (in pictures or words) to violence, sex, drugs/alcohol, gangs, or profanity. Half-shirts, crop tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, and low necklines are not appropriate for school. Undergarments are to be covered at all times. The following items are not allowed: Wallets with chains Pendleton's or flannel shirts Sagging or oversized pants Military style web belts with initials or logos Gloves Chains hanging from belt loops Pajamas Jackets with PRO TEAM insignia or name Sunglasses Athletic Jerseys (youth, college or professional) Suspenders
Uniform Policy: Teachers will check for uniform violations at the beginning of each period. Students must be sent to the office within the first 15 minutes of class if they are out of uniform. Students who violate the uniform policy: 1st Offense: Warning from AP Students will call home to have parents bring uniform clothing, or wear a loaner. If students are having parents bring their uniform, they will be sent back to class with a note and called to the Main Office when the parent arrives. 2nd Offense:
Lunch detention Students will call home to have parents bring uniform clothing, or wear a loaner. If students are having parents bring their uniform, they will be sent back to class with a note and called to the Main Office when the parent arrives.
3rd Offense:
ARC and Counselor Referral Students will call home to have parents bring uniform clothing, or wear a loaner. If students are having parents bring their uniform, they will be sent back to class with a note and called to the Main Office when the parent arrives. *Students not attending ARC will be assigned to Saturday School instead. *Counselor to call home to see if there is a financial hardship involved with the uniform violations and document in Infinite Campus 24
4th Offense:
Assign Saturday School for defiance. Students will call home to have parents bring uniform clothing, or wear a loaner. If students are having parents bring their uniform, they will be sent back to class with a note and called to the Main Office when the parent arrives. *AP will contact parent to discuss uniform violations and course of action.
VANDALISM: Property, Textbooks and Library Books: Vandalism is the intentional damaging or destruction of property whether it belongs to the school, site staff or fellow students. This includes but is not limited to writing or carving in books, desks, counters, table tops, walls, lockers; spraying paint, breaking windows, etc. Public property is on “loan” to students for their use. Every effort should be made to treat this property with care and consideration. In compliance with the Education Code, students and parents are held liable for damages to school property and/or lost books. Permanent Markers: Permanent markers are not allowed at any time on Hilltop Middle School campus. State Law and Chula Vista Municipal Code state it is illegal for minors to possess permanent markers. Permanent markers will be confiscated. Consequences: Anyone caught vandalizing will be held responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged item(s). Minor incidents may lead to after-school work furlough, intra-district transfer or suspension. Major incidents may result in arrest by the Chula Vista Police Department and/or removal from school. Students will be held responsible for books checked out to them and will be assessed the cost as well as fines for overdue library books. The greater the damage to a book, the greater the fine will be. Failure to pay damages/clear fines will also result in the student being placed on the non-privilege list and denied participation in promotion exercises. Grades and transcripts will be withheld at the end of the school year or at the time of withdrawal from school until all personal obligations (damage costs and fines) have been cleared with the school. Fines not cleared by the students by the end of his/her eighth grade year will result in exclusion from 8th grade activities and their diploma being held by the school until such fines are resolved.
25
