NCMS Student Handbook

Students will be issued report cards via email to parents. Parents should call the grade level team leader to schedule an appointment with teachers. Poor SC READY, failing two or more subjects, or attendance could result in the student being retained in the same grade for another year.

Students who are absent from school are required to bring a written excuse to their homeroom teacher from their parents or guardians, stating the reasons for being absent. Students will be allowed no more than ten (10) absences during the 180-day school year, unless those days in excess of ten (10) are:

• Excused by a written excuse from a licensed doctor.

• Excused for recognized religious holidays.

• Excused by the school principal for the student’s participation in approved school-related activities.

• Excused for serious illness or death of an immediate family member.

A student who attends any class fewer than 170 days in the instructional period will be referred to an appropriate agency who will monitor attendance. A truancy intervention meeting will be held for students who have five or more unexcused absences. Continued absences may result in a court referral. If a student should be absent more than five (5) consecutive days due to an extended health problem, an application for Homebound Instruction should be completed immediately. This application form can be obtained from the attendance secretary in the main office.

Students who make all A’s, All A’s and B’s (A/B Honor Roll), and/or have achieved other honors will be recognized each semester at an award assembly. The final program of the year, Awards Day, recognizes students who excel in academics and leadership. Other awards that are given include: North Central’s Finest, Pride of the Principal Award, Character Award, and Student of the Quarter Award. Students with good behavior can enter in a weekly drawing for our PBIS program.

Students are not allowed into the building until 7:20 A.M. Car-riders should plan drop-off time accordingly. Students are considered tardy when arriving to class later than 7:45 A.M.

Students are not allowed to drive any motorized vehicle on the school campus. Bicycles are not to be ridden during school hours. Students who ride bicycles to school are responsible for securing them. The school cannot be responsible for any lost or damaged bicycles.

School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. Students are to ride the bus to which they are assigned. Any emergency request to ride a different bus must be put in writing by the Parent/Guardian and approved by the Administration at the beginning of the day. The bus driver is in complete charge of the bus and its occupants at all times. Students riding the bus must comply with the requests of the driver. Disciplinary referrals may be made for students who do not comply with bus rides.

Lunch is a time to relax, but students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of courtesy and good manners. Students should remain in line, avoid putting other students in front of them or cutting in line. Tables should be left clean. Students should not ask for food or money from other students. Students may be denied the use of the lunchroom if they do not follow the cafeteria rules.

Parties are not permitted at school. Invitations to private parties cannot be passed out at school.

Courtesy, respect, and good manners should be the key to a student’s conduct at school. A good attitude toward teachers and fellow students will make the school enjoyable for all. Students are expected to have respect for school property and to take good care of books, computers, desks, and other furniture and equipment.

Level One Infractions:

No teacher can be effective unless he/she has established a code of conduct that allows student learning to occur for all students. Therefore, it is imperative that teachers accept responsibility for their own classroom management system. That means that teachers must deal with infractions that get in the way of good order, teaching, and learning in the classroom or school. Such infractions include, but are not limited to:

1. Tardiness. 2. Lying. 3. Failure to do work. 4. Cheating.

This Code of Conduct will be enforced off the school grounds at any school event that necessitates the Administration taking action on a disciplinary matter. A Level I offense may become a Level II offense depending on the extremity of the case.

Level Two Infractions:

The offenses listed below will be dealt with on an individual basis using administrative conferences as needed, along with the following consequences: after school work detail, Saturday work detail or/and out-of-school suspension. This list is not all-inclusive. A total of six occurrences with any of these offenses may result in a referral to the Hearing Officer; however, the extremity of any one offense may lead to a referral to the Hearing Officer.

1. Major classroom disruption.

2. Disobedience or disrespect to staff.

3. Obscene or abusive language, gestures, clothing, and racial slurs,etc.

4. Unauthorized class walkout.

5. Unauthorized presence in a restricted area.

6. Failure to stay for teacher or administrator assigned detention.

7. Failure to obey a safety procedure.

8. Reckless play/behavior.

9. Possession or use of tobacco products, matches, or lighter.

10. Forgery of official documents or signatures on official documents, including false notes or excuses.

11. Bullying or provoking a fight or disturbance.

12. Any unauthorized class, homeroom, or activity absence (cutting/leaving school or school grounds).

13. Physical displays of affection. NORTH CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS A HANDS-OFF POLICY. All students should refrain from hugging other students and or engaging in any type of reckless play where touching or shoving is involved.

14. Loitering on school grounds after dismissal at the end of the school day.

15. Gambling.

16. Possession of electronic devices to include but not limited to beepers, I-Pods, cellular telephones, or laser pointers.

The following offenses will be dealt with using Out-of-School Suspension and possible referral to outside agencies, including law enforcement. This list is not all-inclusive. Depending upon the seriousness of the offense, a student may be referred to the Hearing Officer on the first offense of any of the following:

17. Assault without severe harm.

18. Blackmail, extortion, threats, or intimidation against students.

19. Blackmail, threats, or intimidation against staff (any place. Any time).

20. Theft or vandalism against property valued at $25 or less.

21. Fighting (reciprocal exchange of battery without weapon).

22. Throwing dangerous objects.

23. Possession of stolen goods.

24. Harassment of a sexual nature.

Continued violations will be heard at the school level prior to referring the student to the Hearing Officer. A Level II offense may become a LEVEL III offense depending on the extremity of the case.

Level Three Infractions:

The offenses listed below are considered very serious and will be referred to the Hearing Officer on the first offense. This list is not all-inclusive. Where appropriate, student attendance at the Continuous Learning Center may be recommended. These offenses may be reported to law enforcement authorities.

1. Drugs/Alcohol: possession, sale, distribution, use or being under the influence of.

2. Arson.

3. Assault or battery without a weapon resulting in severe harm.

4. Assault or battery with a weapon (including mace).

5. Bomb threat.

6. Detonating fireworks or use of explosives.

7. Unauthorized setting off or fire alarm or destroying, stealing, or illegally setting off fire extinguishers.

8. Possession of a dangerous weapon(s). Possession of any object intended to be used as a weapon (including mace).

9. Performance of sexual acts.

10. Physical violence against a staff member.

11. Commission of crime (felony).

12. Illegal entry to school buildings or property.

13. Indecent exposure.

14. Possession of drug paraphernalia.

15. Any act that is detrimental or disrupts the school environment which cannot be classified under any other offense.

16. Violation of Board, hearing Officer, or Superintendent’s probation or readmission probation.

17. Theft or vandalism against property valued at $25 or more.

18. Possession of a knife/knives – any size (Principal may reduce to Level II depending upon the student’s previous discipline record and other extenuating circumstances).

19. Possession of look-alike weapons.

20. Possession of fireworks or ammunition.

21. Improper use of computers or improper use of the Internet.

22. Gang related activities.

23. Threatening to kill a staff member or other individual at school or at a school related activity.

Remember: This Code of Conduct must and will be enforced at school functions, whether on or off school grounds.

The Board and its administrators will treat all students with fairness. Before school authorities administer disciplinary measures, they will make a reasonable inquiry to determine the facts of what happened. The administrator who is inquiring must also give special attention to hearing the student’s side of the issue. The nature of the inquiry will vary with the seriousness of the offense and the consequences. The Board directs school authorities to adhere to federal and state requirements when making decisions directly affecting students’ rights.

Right to Search: Persons entering the premises of any school in the district, including visitors, shall be deemed to have consented to a reasonable search of their person and personal property. Accordingly, district officials are authorized to conduct reasonable searches according to the procedures set forth in school board policy.

Parents are to schedule conferences, in advance, at times convenient for administrators, teachers, and parents. Conferences must be at such times that they do not interrupt or interfere with a teacher’s class. Conferences should be scheduled through the grade level team leader at 803-424-2740.

Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) is held each day in every class throughout the building. We emphasize reading because we know that it is the basis for all learning. Readers Today-Leaders Tomorrow.

The Kershaw County Discipline Code will be discussed with students during homeroom and in a general class meeting after school begins. Administrators will assign the consequences for Level 2 infractions. On any out-of-school suspension, the administrator shall have verbal, written, or personal contact with the parent prior to the student returning to school.

The home and school need to cooperate in the matter of dress. School is the child’s place of business, and children who are dressed in appropriate school clothing typically do a better job. Students are required to dress modestly. Their attire shall not be disruptive to the learning environment and it should not endanger the safety of themselves or others.

Shorts and or skirts are not to be more than four inches above the knee cap. Midriff tops are not allowed. Halter-tops, tops without straps and/or backs and tank tops are not allowed. Sheer and see-through lace tops must be worn over an appropriate t-shirt. T-shirts with inappropriate pictures or words, weapons, alcohol or tobacco advertisements, suggestive messages, or drug-related messages are not allowed. Pants are to be worn at the waist. Sagging pants are not allowed at this school. All holes in jeans/pants must not show skin more than 4 inches above the knee. Any patches must be permanently attached. Leggings and knit pants must be worn with a shirt that completely covers the students bottom and crotch area. Hats and sunglasses are to be placed in student lockers upon entering the building in the morning and shall remain there until dismissal time. Gang-related clothing or dressing styles are not allowed and will be treated as a Level Two offense. Boys may not wear muscle/sleeveless shirts. Refusal to follow the dress code will result in administrative action. Hoods are not allowed to be worn inside the building.

Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner while on campus. Their personal appearance should promote their health and safety, should cause no interference with school work and school order, and should be reflective of their membership within the school community. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons.

The Principal and/or Assistant Principal shall have the authority to determine when personal appearance and dress style are inappropriate. In these instances, the Administrator may notify parents and send students home to change clothing. Parents should ensure that students are appropriately dressed before sending them to school.

**School administrators have authority from the School Board to determine when dress or appearance does not meet school standards and may send students home or apply discipline for failure to follow rules.

Electronic devices are not allowed at school. Cell phones must be placed in lockers before homeroom and will be retrieved during dismissal at the end of the day. They must be off. Cell phones and smart watches can be taken like any other electronic device

In case of a tornado, there will be a P.A. announcement. Students will go to their assigned areas. A copy of the assigned area is posted in each room. When students are asked to assume the “tornado position,” they are to do the following:

1. Sit quietly on the floor.

2. Hold a hardback book or their arms over their heads, placing the head between the knees.

3. Remain quiet until the all-clear is sounded.

For an earthquake drill, students will sit under their desks, using the desktop to cover themselves. In the event of an emergency evacuation of the school buildings, no students will be dismissed until teachers have accounted for all students. Other emergency drills will be conducted and reviewed.

Students are dismissed at 3:00 P.M. and unless involved in an after school program, must be off school campus by 3:15 P.M. Bus-riders must report immediately to the bus loop, and car-riders are not allowed to cross over into the parking lot at the end of the school day. Students must have written permission from a parent to cross the street in order to walk to the high school. All car-riders must be picked up in the car-rider circle.

New students entering North Central Middle School must have a parent/legal guardian with them when registering. Verification that the student left the previous school in good standing and a debt-free record is required. All students should have a withdrawal form from the previous school, a copy of the student’s last report card, proof of residence, license, utility bill, court or custodial papers (if applicable), proof of guardianship if not the parent, birth certificate, and immunization in their file. Students will be asked to return the next day to begin school.

Throughout the school year special activities will be planned for students. For after-school functions (ball games, dances, practices, work detail, field trips, etc), parents should make all transportation arrangements PRIOR to the event. Times for school functions are usually noted on the school’s scrolling sign or on daily announcements. It is imperative that students be picked up promptly at the close of the activity. Limited campus supervision is maintained from 7:30 A.M. until 7:50 A.M. and from 3:00 P.M. until 3:20 P.M. Students who cannot obtain transportation for after-school activities at the designated pick-up time SHOULD NOT PLAN TO PARTICIPATE.

Emergency drills will be held once a month without notice. Each class should follow emergency plans and appropriate procedures. Each room has a posted copy of the emergency plan.

The grading scale for report cards is as follows:

A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F= 59 and below.

The aim of the guidance department is to help each student with his/her problems, no matter how big or small. The guidance counselor provides personal, academic, and vocational counseling. Such services as small group counseling, group and individual testing, and conferencing with parents will be handled through the guidance counselor.

We will be using the Smartpass Digital pass system.

Students who become ill at school and are not well enough to stay in class should get a sick slip filled out by the teacher indicating the nature of the illness. The office will call a parent. Students who are injured should report to the teacher on duty. The teacher will fill out an injury report. If the injury is more serious than those for which first aid will suffice, the health room staff will call a parent/guardian. No school insurance compensation, if applicable, can be allowed unless an injury report is made. Changes in address or telephone numbers should be reported immediately so that the school will be able to locate the parents in case of an emergency.

One dose of Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is required for all SEVENTH grade students. Tdap is routinely administered at 11-12 years of age.

School (803) 424-2740

Guidance Office (803) 424-2740 ext. 8814 & 8820

Bus Office (803) 425-8976

Crime Hotline 1-888-559-TIPS

All students except late bus riders should be off campus by 3:15 P.M. unless they participate in an after school activity. Students who walk to school are to leave the school campus immediately after school is dismissed. Students staying for a club meeting, class, or practice should go to the required area immediately after school. Car riders should be picked up between 3:00 and 3:15 P.M. Bus-riders must report immediately to the bus loop, and car riders must report immediately to the car rider circle. Please note that car riders are not allowed to cross over into the parking lot at the end of the school day. All car riders must be picked up in the car rider circle. All students should make alternate or emergency plans for times when their ride may be later than 3:15 P.M.

After boarding the bus or arriving on campus, a student is considered to be the responsibility of the school system and is not allowed to leave without checking out at the school office.

The NCMS Library collection is curriculum based to support educational goals and contains exciting titles for recreational reading. Students are encouraged to visit the Library to complete class assignments, request research assistance, peruse the print collection, check out materials, browse the magazine collection, use the computers, or read for pleasure. The Library atmosphere is conducive to serious, concentrated work. Disruptive behaviors are redirected.

HOURS

Monday – Friday 7:20 to 3:15 p.m.

All students must have a pass from their teacher when visiting.

CIRCULATION

Students may borrow a total of 2 books or magazines from the Library at one time.

DEVICES

Students will have access to Chromebooks during the school day and at home shortly after the school year begins. These computers are intended for academic purposes and should be used as such. Also, remember they should be taken care of just like a textbook and students may be charged for damaged or lost Chromebooks or chargers.

The $10.00 Technology fee must be paid prior to being assigned a student Chromebook and charger. The technology fee covers the first initial damage to the Chromebook. Any damage after that, the student will be responsible for paying the KCSD designated repair fee prior to receiving a student Chromebook loaner or receiving their repaired Chromebook.

INTERNET

Online access to information is encouraged. However, the use of the electronic information age brings new levels of opportunity, as well as responsibility. KCSD requires that students using online access to the Internet have the Acceptable Use Policy signed and filed with the district.

OVERDUE POLICY

Students who owe fines for lost books may be limited on borrowing more items. Notices will be sent to grade level teachers for distribution each nine-week period and emailed to students every Monday during the school year.

LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS

Students are charged the replacement cost for each item lost. Students are charged for damage to items while on loan to them. When an item is determined to be “lost” or “damaged” the student will be given two weeks to pay for the item.

Articles which have been found (other than textbooks and library books) are placed in the school’s designated lost and found area-closet in the cafeteria. One excellent way to avoid lost items is to clearly mark items with the owners name so they can be returned without delay. Unidentified articles will be donated to charity one day after report cards go out each nine weeks.

Lunch money can be put on a student’s account online at MySchoolBucks. Any amount can be put on his/her account during breakfast, lunch, or online. Special sales cannot be charged to his/her account. If you do not want your child to purchase special sales (ala carte, cookies, chips, etc), please notify the cafeteria cashier in writing. All checks need to have the name of the student and account number of the check.

It is the belief of the Kershaw County School District that medication should be administered at home. However, in some situations it may be necessary for the student to receive medication at school. If medication is required at school, the following requirements must be met: ALL medication must be in the original container with complete directions and must be accompanied by a written note from the parent giving the school permission to give medication to the student. All medication is kept and given out at the Health Room. All medications, prescription and non-prescription, require a doctor's order. A completed Permission for Medication form, available on the district website or from the school, must be completed by the doctor and signed by the parent or legal guardian in order for any medication to be given at school. Students are not to keep any medication in their possession during the day.

Telephone messages will not be taken for students. Students should be aware of appointment times, after school plans, and transportation arrangements BEFORE coming to school. Parents who need to get messages to students must come to school to give the message. Parents should make sure all the information (i.e. phone numbers, addresses, emergency contacts, student pick-up information, etc.) we have is accurate and current because information we receive at registration and updates could be used for caller verification in emergencies.

Students and parents will be notified of policies during the school year. Promotion and retention is based on the SC Department of Education and Kershaw County School District policies.

Sales and fundraisers for outside organizations are not permitted.

The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department and North Central Middle School have joined efforts in the fight against school violence. The School Resource Officer Program enables a certified police officer, referred to as an SRO, to work in the school on a daily basis. The SRO works with all students, staff, and parents to ensure that North Central Middle School offers the safest learning environment possible. There are many laws governing students in school. These particular laws are to ensure each student has the best opportunity to learn and attend school without the fear brought on by past national events. The SRO can be reached at (803) 424-2740, ext. 8856.

District policy and state law allows searches by the administration of lockers, book bags, and students.

Students who come to school after homeroom has ended should sign in at the attendance office. After three unexcused tardies by students, parents will be notified and the student may receive a discipline referral.

Students who leave school during the day or who leave and return must be signed out in the office. According to School Board policy, students with three unexcused early dismissal sign-outs may have their discipline record adversely affected. Students cannot be released to walk home or to appointments. ONLY a parent, guardian, or approved designee can sign students out. For the safety of students, individuals whose names are not on file for signing students out cannot pick up students who are ill or who have appointments. Parents are responsible for giving a list to the office during registration or at the beginning of the year. Even with the list, if a sibling, neighbor, or relative picks up a student for an appointment, please send a note with the student or call guidance to let them know. Parents should avoid signing students out early since it can negatively affect the student’s grades. If a child is sick and a parent cannot be reached, the school will call the emergency number listed. Parents should make sure all numbers for home, work, and emergency are current. To ensure a smooth dismissal from school each day, parents will not be able to sign out students after 2:00 P.M., except in case of an emergency.

Students are responsible for debts incurred at school. When students have debts, various restrictions will apply until the debt is paid. This includes band, sports or club debts as well as technology, library, cafeteria or textbook fees.

Parents may need to be contacted during the day. Therefore, the school needs the current home phone number, the parents work numbers, and an emergency phone number. The emergency phone number should be a friend or relative who is able to pick up the student if necessary.

Students will be issued textbooks by administration. Students will record the condition of the books. In accepting these books, students also accept the responsibility to keep the books in good condition. Students will be required to pay for damage to books issued to them. Due to the high cost of textbooks, students are encouraged to handle their books carefully. Textbooks will use state bar codes.

All parents and community members are encouraged to become involved in the activities at NCMS. If you have a few hours that you can help in the classroom, help prepare materials for a teacher, or help with clubs, please call the school at (803) 424-2740.

North Central Middle School https://ncm.kcsdschools.net/

Kershaw County School District https://www.kcsdschools.net/

South Carolina Department of Education http://ed.sc.gov

Encourage your child to come home immediately after school is dismissed. Please do not phone your child during school hours unless there is an emergency. We do not have enough personnel to deliver messages. Your child should not bring dangerous or distracting articles to school such as guns, knives, water guns, toys, ipods, ipads, or radios. Instruct your child that you want to know about school. If something happens at school that worries you or your child, or if you need more information for any reason, call the school office. If you wish to confer with a teacher, please call the school and make an appointment. Appointments will be scheduled so as not to interrupt class time. Please try to arrange doctor’s appointments after school, if possible. When it is necessary to get a student during the school day, please send a note with the child stating the time of dismissal. Please pick up your child when classes are changing, as this would be less disruptive to the class. Please do not sign your child out of school unless absolutely necessary. If you must sign your child out before the school day ends, please do so before 2:00 P.M. in order to avoid disruption of school dismissal. Please note that students are not allowed to cross over into the parking lot at the end of the school day. All car-riders must be picked up in the car-rider circle. Other tips: Show interest in what your child is doing in school. Help your child understand that the school expects homework to be completed and returned. The primary goal of NCMS is to ensure a quality education for each child.

We hope that you will find these years at NCMS to be very rewarding. If you have read this information carefully, you are aware of most of the rules and regulations of our school. However, these rules and regulations are not all inclusive, but serve as a guide. You are expected to behave at all times as a lady or gentleman. If you follow this rule you will find this to be a very enjoyable period in your life. Take pride in yourself, your work, and your school. Help us keep our buildings and grounds clean. Students and staff working together make a great school. HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

NORTH CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL RULES

• Respect Yourself

• Respect Others

• Respect Your School

All Students have the responsibility to:

1. Protect rights of others to study and learn:

Parents send their children to school for an education. No one has the right to interfere with the education of others. Teachers have a right to teach in a safe environment that is conducive to learning.

2. Attend school on a daily basis:

In SC, a student is required by law to attend school until the age of 17. Schools cannot educate students who do not attend class, and they will not promote or allow students to graduate who do not meet this state’s attendance regulations.

3. Be on time for class:

Students who enter a classroom after a lesson has begun are interfering with the rights of others to learn and study. Punctuality is a habit that students must develop if they are to succeed in school and the world of work. Teachers have a right to teach without being interrupted by a tardy student.

4. Obey school rules and personnel:

Rules are designed to allow a school to meet its obligation to educate students. Students are required to obey and be courteous to all personnel who work with our schools. Teachers have a right to expect

obedience and courtesy from their students.

5. Volunteer information and cooperate with school staff in disciplinary cases:

All students have the responsibility to cooperate with staff in disciplinary cases. Teachers have the right to expect honesty from students.

6. Complete all classwork/homework assignments and meet deadlines:

The full responsibility for student learning does not rest solely with the teacher. All students must participate in class and complete outside assignments for education to be effective. Teachers have the right to expect students to pay attention in class and to complete all assigned work.

7. Respect public property by carefully using and returning all materials and equipment:

Schools are a community’s gift to its young people. It is wrong to abuse a gift. Damaged school property costs money. Money spent on repairs and replacements takes away from improvements that could be made in the schools. Students will be made financially responsible for damage done to school property.

8. Come to class with necessary books and materials:

A student must come to class prepared to begin work. A teacher should not have to delay instruction because a student has come unprepared to begin work. This is interfering with the rights of others to learn and study. Teachers have a right to teach without any delays.

9. Deliver school correspondence to parents/guardians:

Education requires that a partnership exist between the home and school. For this partnership to work, everybody must know what is happening – good and bad. Sometimes students are asked to be the messengers. More often, students are only asked to meet their responsibility to be honest by not intercepting or destroying progress

reports, attendance information, and report cards. See Policy JC for a complete listing of student rights. A copy of this manual is in your school library.