WEST-OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL Brandon T. Blackwell, Principal Candice Brucke, Assistant Principal Brian Odom, Assistant Principal

2017-2018

501 Westminster Hwy Westminster, SC 29693 864-886-4525 http://www.woms.co

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OCONEE COUNTY 414 South Pine Street, Walhalla, South Carolina 29691 Phone: 864.886.4400  Facsimile: 864.886.4402 www.oconee.k12.sc.us

Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to the 2017-18 school year! I’m excited about the possibilities that exist for you in our schools this year. Students perform best when they and their parents are actively involved in the school and its activities. We encourage you to be engaged! Our district’s mission is “to partner with families to develop responsible, productive citizens who are life-long learners.” If we can effectively partner with families, it will be easy to achieve the school district’s vision of being a top ten district in the state of South Carolina. Oconee County is a beautiful place with great people. Let’s work together to make our students the best that they can possibly be. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I wish the very best for you during the school year. I trust that it will be a memorable year for both students and parents. Sincerely,

Michael Thorsland Superintendent

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OCONEE COUNTY 414 South Pine Street, Walhalla, South Carolina 29691 Phone: 864.886.4400  Facsimile: 864.886.4408 www.oconee.k12.sc.us

August 17, 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians, Regular daily attendance is imperative for students to excel in the classroom. It is critical for your child to be in class whenever possible, but occasional absences are sometimes necessary. In order for accurate records to be maintained, excuses for absences must be submitted to the school. According to school board policy, lawful absences shall be granted for the following reasons, but must be verified in writing within three (3) days after the student returns: 1. Illness 2. Appointments with doctor or dentist 3. Death in the family 4. Required court appearance 5. Recognized national religious holiday Students need to be reminded that they may be retained in their grade or lose class credit for excessive absences. Parents, please pay careful attention to grade reports distributed at the end of each 45-day period. In addition to grades, absences from each class are reported. Parents can check the status of grades and absences online via PowerSchool at https://ps.oconee.k12.sc.us. Specific rules for student attendance are printed in your student’s handbook. If there are questions regarding your child’s attendance, please contact the school office for assistance. Best wishes for a wonderful school year for you and your child, filled with challenging and gratifying learning opportunities. Sincerely,

Michael Thorsland Superintendent

Notification of Rights under FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are: (1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. (3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel; a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District of Oconee County to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-4

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the provisions of the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,” the following categories of information are hereby designated as “directory information:” student’s name, date and place of birth, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, dates of attendance, grade level, major fields of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height (if member of athletic team), degrees, honors and awards received, photographs, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. Pursuant to federal law, schools are required to release student directory information, including name, address, and phone number to military recruiters in the same manner that they provide this information to other educational institutions. Additionally, information about your child may appear in newspaper articles, on television, in radio broadcasts, on displays, on the internet, or in district or school promotional pieces. The district will not release directory information to any person or agency for commercial use. The district expects its employees to use good judgment in releasing directory information so it serves the best interests of the student. Within fifteen (15) working days after publication of this notice, this information may be released to the public in authorized situations unless the school is notified by the parent, guardian, or eligible student, not to release any, or all, of the foregoing information. If you wish to withhold directory information on your child, please notify the school within fifteen (15) working days. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE EXECUTIVE ORDER 11246: Title II of the Educational Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and all other Federal, State, and School rules, laws, regulations, and policies, the School District of Oconee County shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion or handicap in the educational programs or activities which it operates. It is the intent of the School District of Oconee County to comply with both the letter and spirit of the law in making certain discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, their parents and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the District. Specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Title IX (sex) should be referred to Earnestine Williams, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services, 414 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC 29691, 864-886-4400, Ext. 6121.

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Students with Special Health Care Needs Many health care services can be provided for students to keep them at school where they can learn and participate with other students. Our goal is to provide information to parents and legal guardians about some of the services and programs available for addressing the health care needs of students during the school day to help students succeed in school. It is important that the necessary health care information is shared with the appropriate people – such as teachers on duty during recess, bus drivers, and cafeteria employees – to make sure that the students’ needs are met throughout the school day. Individual Health Care Plans or Individual Health Plans (IHPs) Individual health care plans are also called individual health plans or IHPs. School nurses who are registered nurses write IHPs to guide how a student’s health care needs will be met while at school. The nurse works with the student, the student’s parents or legal guardians, the student’s health care provider, and other school staff to write the plan. IHPs are written for students who have special health care needs that must be met by school staff during the school day. IHPs are also written for students who have been approved by the school district to self-medicate or selfmonitor. To learn more about IHPs, talk with your child’s school nurse or contact Sherry McLaughlin, Nurse Supervisor, Hamilton Career Center, 100 Vocational Drive, Seneca, SC 29672, 864-886-4510 Ext. 2307. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of handicap/disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Based on Section 504, a handicapped person is defined as someone who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. An evaluation is required to determine eligibility for school age children for Section 504. If you believe your child may qualify as a student with a disability, please contact the 504 Coordinator for your child’s school to make a referral. If you believe you or your child has been discriminated against on the basis of a handicap, please review the School District of Oconee County’s Grievance procedures available on the district website in the parent section or through this link: http://www.oconee.k12.sc.us/departments/instructional-services/grievance-procedures • • • •

For instructional concerns, please contact the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Mrs. Ginger Hopkins, at [email protected]. For gender concerns, please contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Mrs. Earnestine Williams, at [email protected]. For facility/campus access concerns, please contact the Assistant Superintendent of Operational Services, Mr. Steve Hanvey, at [email protected]. To communicate through US Mail or telephone, please send your concern to the appropriate person named above to 414 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC 29691 or by phone at 864-886-4400.

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To file a complaint directly with the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, please go to http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html. For more information about Section 504 go to https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Students, ages 3 through 21 years, may receive services under the IDEA if the student needs special education and related services to benefit from his or her educational program. A team decides if a student qualifies for services under IDEA. The team includes the student’s parents or legal guardian, teachers, and other school staff. The team develops an individualized education plan (IEP) if the student meets federal and state requirements. The IEP outlines a plan for helping the student receive a free appropriate public education and meet goals set by the team. The IEP may include health services for the student during the school day if needed. To learn more about the IDEA, contact Dr. Marge Bright, Director of Special Services, 414 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC 29691, 864-886-4400, Ext. 6160. Medical Homebound Instruction Medical homebound instruction is a service that is available for students who cannot attend school for a medical reason even with the aid of transportation. A physician must certify that the student has a medical condition but may benefit from instruction, and must fill out the medical homebound form that the school district provides. The school district then decides whether to approve the student for medical homebound services. The school district will consider the severity of the student’s illness or injury, the length of time that the student will be out of school, the impact that a long period away from school will have on the student’s academic success, and whether the student’s health needs can be met at school. To learn more about medical homebound services, contact Evie Hughes, Director of Student Services, 414 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC 29691, 864-886-4400 Ext. 6144. Transportation of Musical Instruments and other Large Objects As required by the State Department of Education, band instruments or other items carried on a school bus by a student must be small enough to be held in the student’s lap without interfering with the space occupied by other passengers or endangering the safety of any individual on board. The State Department of Education and the School District of Oconee County are not liable for damage to items carried on school buses. Items on a school bus should be stored so that the aisles and all emergency exits remain unobstructed at all times. No items should be stored in the driver/passenger door area at any time. Asbestos Pursuant to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Law 40-CFR-763 the School District of Oconee County has a management plan for eliminating health risks associated with the presence of asbestos in district facilities. To review the plan, please contact Steve Hanvey, Assistant Superintendent for Operational Services, 414 South Pine Street, Walhalla, SC 29691, 864-886-4400, Ext. 6132.

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West-Oak Middle School Student Information and Rules INTRODUCTION On behalf of the administration and staff of West-Oak Middle School, we would like to extend all students a sincere welcome to our school and the 2017-2018 school year. We have prepared the following information to assist you in understanding the procedures and schedules for this school year. It is our desire that you will use this information to help you achieve a successful and worthwhile school year. Our offices are open from 7:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and we invite you to call us for any assistance that you may need. Our phone number is 864-886-4525 and fax number is 864-886-4524. The guidance department’s number is 864-886-4522. Reach our teachers by email anytime by going to our school website at www.woms.co. We look forward to working with you this year! ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL The building will not open until 7:30 a.m. and supervision begins at 7:30 a.m. A school official will come out to the car rider loop and bus loop. Drop students off only when a staff member is on duty. All student will report to the cafeteria and breakfast begins at 7:30 and will be served until 8:20. ATTENDANCE Students should attend school except in an emergency or for reasons cited below: 1. Illness 2. Appointments with doctor or dentist 3. Death in the family 4. Required court appearance 5. Recognized national religious holiday Missed work due to an absence will be marked as a zero in the teacher’s gradebook. Students are allowed to make up all work missed due to an excused absence provided a note is brought from a parent within three (3) days after returning to school. Students will follow the following steps when returning to school after an excused absence: 1. Have a parent/guardian write an excuse giving the student’s name, date of absence, reason for absence, and the parent/guardian’s signature. 2. Present the excuse to the homeroom teacher. Ask all teachers for make-up assignments. Makeup assignments not completed within five (5) school days of returning to school are reflected as zeros in the student’s grade. Work missed due to out of school suspensions is made up within five (5) school days of returning. After three (3) consecutive unlawful/unexcused absences or a total of five (5) unlawful/unexcused absences, students are truant and receive further action from the administration. BUS/BUS STOP BEHAVIOR School bus drivers are responsible for the safety and overall welfare of all passengers on the buses. All students in our school system who ride buses are subject to regulations. Any misbehavior that distracts the driver and jeopardizes the safety of others is a very serious violation. Misconduct on the bus or at the bus stop will be subject, but not limited to, the following disciplinary actions: • 1st Offense – Verbal warning and letter to parent • 2nd Offense – After School Detention (ASD) and telephone call to parent • 3rd Offense or more – Bus suspension Major infractions carry more serious consequences.

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BUS TRANSPORTATION School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. ANY REQUEST TO RIDE A DIFFERENT BUS THAN ASSIGNED WILL NOT BE APPROVED UNLESS REQUESTED IN WRITING BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN AND SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL DAY. Students will not be allowed to ride a different bus in order to go home with a friend without a written note from both parties. Students will be let off the bus only at home, school, and locations requested in writing by the parents. CAFETERIA, BREAKFAST, AND LUNCH Student behavior in the lunchroom should be based on courtesy and cleanliness as outlined in our PBIS guidelines. Our school lunch program offers students a choice of several selections each day. Students may purchase a complete meal or they may purchase only selected items. Students may also purchase extra milk or juice. The meal prices listed below are for the 2017-2018 school year, but are subject to increase once approved by the school board. Breakfast Lunch Regular Price $ 1.45 $ 2.30 Reduced Price $ 0.30 $ 0.40 Students who qualify may eat free lunch or reduced price lunch. Information regarding free or reduced price meals will be distributed on the first day of school. All students will go to the lunchroom with their teacher just prior to the lunch period. Students will have the opportunity to eat breakfast from 7:30am-8:20am, the line closes at 8:20am. DISCIPLINE See the School District of Oconee County’s behavior code. The behavior code can be found on the district website and WOMS website. EARLY DISMISSAL Attendance in all classes is extremely important. If it is necessary that a student leave school early, the parent/guardian must sign the student out through the main office. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are planned by grade level teachers or departments to coincide with the S.C. State Curriculum Standards. The participation in a field trip is by invitation only. A STUDENT MAY BE DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A FIELD TRIP IF ASSIGNED TO ISS OR OSS. GENERAL RULES 1. Chewing gum is not allowed inside or outside the school building. 2. Any student who is out of class must have a red pass. 3. Only currently enrolled students may participate in extracurricular activities. Afterschool activities open to the public are an exception. Former students, homebound students, etc. are not allowed to attend any co-curricular or extracurricular activities. 4. Any student absent from school may not attend extracurricular activities on the day of his/her absence. 5. Trading cards/playing cards are not permitted at school. Trading of items is prohibited. 6. Skateboards are not permitted on school grounds or at school activities at any time.

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7. All drinks must be in their original containers and the lids must be sealed. Water bottles are permitted, but must be made of transparent plastic. If a student has a medical need, this must be documented with the school nurse and she will inform the student’s teachers. 8. No food or drink may leave the cafeteria. 9. Cell phone and non-instructional item violations will be handled as follows, per SDOC behavior code: High School / Middle School students may use their WCD (phone) any time other than class time. Students can use their WCD (phone) during class time with permission from the teacher. A High School / Middle School student who is in violation of this policy is subject to the following penalties. • • •

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First offense – Confiscation and return to the student at the end of the day Second offense – Confiscation and return to the parent at the end of the day Third offense – Confiscation of the device for two day: and after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the device will be returned to the parent/legal guardian. Fourth offense – Confiscation of the device for five days: and after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the device will be returned to the parent/legal guardian. Fifth offense – Confiscation of the device for two weeks; and after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the device will be returned to the parent/legal guardian. Subsequent offenses – Confiscation of the device and the device will be returned at the conclusion of the current academic year. See SDOC behavior code book for additional information.

10. No food or drink is allowed in the gym in the morning. 11. Students will not be allowed to attend dances, special incentives, assemblies, etc. if any outstanding fees are owed. 12. No public displays of affection are allowed, to include but not limited to, kissing, hugging, etc. 13. Other restrictions apply as deemed appropriate by the administration. GRADING SCALE The grading scale is as follows: A – 90-100 B – 80-89 C – 70-79 D – 60-69 F – Below 60 Report cards will be distributed at the end of each nine (9) week grading period. Mid-term progress reports will also be distributed. See school calendar for dates. HALL PASSES Students should not be in the halls except during class change or with special permission. Students in the hall during class time must have a red pass. Students who are found without a red pass will be subject disciplinary action. Students are asked to use the right side of the hallway all times when walking from place to place. 8

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT IN MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School students who are eligible are encouraged to take advanced courses as available. A middle school student who is participating in accelerated classes may apply Carnegie unit credits toward the state’s minimum 24-unit graduation requirement for advanced courses offered in the middle school grades when the following three criteria are met: (1) the course is taught as a high school course and (2) the course is taught by a teacher with appropriate certification in the area of study. If the student elects to receive the credit, the grade will be included in calculation of the high school grade point average (GPA). If a student declines the credit earned at the middle school, he/she may retake the course in high school; however, the grade earned in the high school program will become the grade calculated in the GPA. HONOR ROLL An honor roll list will be published at school and in the local newspaper at the end of each nine week grading period. One grade lower than a B will eliminate a student from the honor roll. INJURY AND ILLNESS If a student is injured or becomes ill while at school, he/she should report to his/her teacher and ask for a pass to the health room. If necessary, we will contact his/her parent(s). No student may use a cell phone to call or text parents/guardians in the event of illness or injury. All students who are injured or ill must check out through the office before leaving school. LOCKERS A locker will be assigned to each student at the beginning of the school year. The locker should be used to store books and other personal belongings. Lockers are property of the school and may not be defaced. It is the student’s responsibility to protect items of value by keeping the locker locked at all times. Lockers may not be shared by other students. LOST AND FOUND Articles found in and around the school will be placed on the cafeteria stage. Students who have lost articles should check there before or after school or during lunch. MEDICATION If a student is required to take medication during the school day, a parent must provide a MEDICATION PERMISSION FORM and deliver the medication in a properly labeled container to the school nurse. The prescription must be in an original container that indicates the student's name, date, name of medicine administration, physician's name, and pharmacy name and address. Non-prescription medications must also be in original containers labeled with the student's name. Written, precise instructions signed by the attending physician must be on record if a student has a health condition which requires the administration of specific medications for defined emergency circumstances. Students are not to have any type of medication, to include over-the-counter drugs, in their possession. Parents must provide the medication with written permission. NON-INSTRUCTIONAL ITEMS Items brought to school that are not needed for the instructional process or that interfere with this process as deemed by the administration will be confiscated. These items may be returned on the first 9

Monday following the last day of the school year. After such time, the items become property of the school and will be disposed of in the most expedient manner. Such items include, but are not limited to, light lasers, water pistols, Gameboys, tablets, Ipods, portable CD players, or any other sound producing devices, blankets, stuffed animals, skateboards, or roller blades. PARENT CONFERENCES Parents are welcomed and encouraged to come to school and talk with teachers. Appointments should be made to coincide with the teacher’s schedule. Conferences may be arranged through the guidance department at 886-4522. PROMOTION AND RETENTION In order for a student to be promoted unconditionally to the next grade level, he/she must have a passing grade in all core subject areas: English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Any student who fails any of the above core subjects may be recommended to attend a summer enrichment program, if offered, or that student may be retained. SCHOOL DAY The instructional day begins at 8:30am and students are dismissed at 3:30pm. Students should arrive to school no later than 8:25am. Any student arriving after 8:30am is considered tardy and must sign in through the main office. SCHOOL COMFORT TEAM If a school crisis occurs, the principal will contact the superintendent to initiate the school comfort team. The comfort team is a group of additional school counselors, a group of trained local ministers, and volunteers who are activated to the school to assist with counseling needs during a time of crisis. SECURITY It is the administration's intent to provide the safest environment possible for the educational process. Security cameras have been stationed throughout the school. Video cameras may also be used in classrooms for instructional or other evaluation purposes. In addition, the school district has placed on this campus a school resource officer (SRO). This officer will be present at all times school is in session and during athletic and extracurricular events. If a student wishes to talk with the SRO, the students must make a request through a teacher or the guidance office. The following state laws were passed and took effect with the 1994-1995 school year: H.3442 allows school administrators and officials to conduct searches on school property without probable cause. Any person entering the premises of any school in the State of South Carolina shall be deemed to have consented to a reasonable search of his person and effects. School principals or their designees may conduct reasonable searches on school property of lockers, desks, vehicles, and personal belongings with or without probable cause. R.307.113550 school administrators must contact law enforcement authorities immediately upon notice that a person is engaging or has engaged in activities on school property or at a school sponsored or sanctioned activity which may result in injury or serious threat of injury to the person or to another person or his property as defined in local board policy.

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STUDENT APPEARANCE Students will be expected to keep themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed at all times. The following administrative rules on student dress will apply in all schools and will be administered uniformly throughout the district. • Clothing should not be so extreme or inappropriate to the school setting as to disrupt the educational process. Therefore, clothing deemed distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive will not be permitted. This includes bare midriffs, halter/tank tops, seethrough shirts/tops/blouses, plunging necklines and body conforming legwear. • Any sleeveless garment must have straps the width of an ID card and the arm opening should fit the body closely enough to cover the underarm and the sides of the chest area. • Shorts, skirts and dresses must have a length that comes to within three inches of the top of the knee in the front and the back, even when leggings or tights are worn underneath. Leggings are not considered pants. Pants should have no unpatched holes or slits above the knee that shows skin. Pants, shorts, skirts and dresses must be hemmed. No sagging, baggy pants are permitted. Undergarments should not be seen at any time. • Shoes or sandals must be worn. • Piercings should not be distracting or pose a safety concern. • Any garment or accessory that displays inappropriate language or images (profanity, sexual suggestion/insinuation, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, ethnic slurs, slogans/symbols that may lead to disorder, etc.) is prohibited. • Headwear (hats, sunglasses, do-rags, skullies, sweat bands, sweatshirt hoods, bandanas, etc.) is not permitted to be worn inside the building. No fish hooks allowed on hats. • Chains or other articles hanging from clothing are not permitted, as well as items that have potential to cause harm to one’s self or to others. • Gang attire, colors or symbols are not permitted in clothing or accessories.

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STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS This card will serve as the library and lunch card. ID RULES • ID’s must be carried at all times and presented on demand. • Students without an ID must go to the back of the lunch cafeteria until all students with IDs are served and will only be permitted to select lunch items from line 2. • Students without an ID will not be permitted to purchase snacks. • Students without an ID will not be allowed to check-out library books. • No student should use, take, or tamper with another student’s ID. • A defaced, chewed, and/or altered ID will be confiscated and a new one must be purchased. • Students who do not replace ID’s will not be allowed to attend school dances. • ID replacement cost is $5.00. Lanyard replacement cost is $2.00. IMPORTANT NOTE: Students must have their ID to purchase a ticket for all dances. They must also have the ID to enter the dance. STUDENT INSURANCE The School District of Oconee County provides student accident coverage to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It applies to accidents that happen on school grounds (during school hours) or at a school sponsored event. It is secondary coverage that begins after your primary insurance provider has processed the invoices. The coverage is intended to help with the deductible, it will not necessarily cover all remaining charges due to the provider. All remaining charges are the responsibility of the parent /guardian. Additional coverage options are available for purchase if interested. If you need additional information, please contact the front office of your child’s school or Scott Orr at 864-8864400 ext. 6115. TELEPHONE Students may use the phone in the main office for EMERGENCY calls and only with the permission of a staff member. Messages will be taken from a parent or guardian and delivered to a student in extreme emergencies. TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES All basic textbooks are provided by the State of South Carolina and are distributed by the assistant principal and teacher. All textbooks must be covered and handled carefully. We suggest you cover your textbooks with a cloth book cover or a brown paper bag to minimize damages. Students will be assessed a damage fee for books which are excessively damaged. . Students must pay the cost of a lost textbook before another one can be issued. Students will be charged for textbooks not returned at the end of the school year. Report cards will not be issued if a student has an unpaid balance. VISITORS All visitors to the West-Oak Middle School campus must check in and out at the office. All visitors must wear a visitor label. Visitors will not be permitted to loiter on school campus or in school buildings. Visitors are welcomed guests, but are expected to respect the rules and regulations set forth by the School District of Oconee County and West-Oak Middle School. The WOMS administration reserves the right to ask a visitor to leave the premises at any time. 12

West-Oak Warriors…WOW Warriors are Respectful Outstanding Citizens Working to Succeed *Behavior expectations are defined by our PBIS guidelines and will be taught at the beginning of the year and as needed throughout the school year. *WOW Celebrations happen quarterly. Students that receive a referral during each quarter will not be eligible to participate in the celebration for that particular quarter. *WOW Rewards are also given at the end of each semester. Students that receive a referral during the semester will not participate in the WOW Reward. * A yearly WOW Celebration will take place at the end of the school year for students that did not receive a referral the entire school year.

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