Cougar Families

We are down to 10 school days before the end of the 2nd 9 weeks and 1st semester of school. This week, teachers will begin reviewing with students in order to get them ready for their mid-term exams next week. It is incumbent on students to ensure that they are paying attention in class in order to pass their mid-terms. Also, it is important that students are present and participating in class. We have had to deal with too many classroom distractions, which not only hurts the students that are creating them, but those who are wanting to learn, especially.

With that being said, we do understand that there are still some lingering issues with bus transportation. We will continue to work with the Transportation Department in order to figure out a solution to the problems. Until then, please continue to make sure that your child is at his or her stop in the morning just in case there are trail busses running routes. If needed, the number to the Transportation Department is (225) 2263784.

Parents, this is also a reminder that students are not allowed to have their cell phones on them at school. Cell phones are not to be in students' pockets (pants, skirts, shorts, or jackets). They are to be placed in their booksacks according to newly enacted state laws regarding cell phone usage at school. If students are found with phones on their persons, the phones will be confiscated and a parent or guardian will have to come to retrieve the phone from the school.

Again, I want to reiterate the dress code policy as we are inching closer to "cooler" weather. Students are allowed to wear whatever outer wear deemed necessary while they are at the bus stops. However, once they enter the building, only Southeast Middle outer wear is acceptable per the dress code policy. Not only this, but blankets are not allowed on the bus or in the classrooms. So, please ensure that your student leaves his/her blanket at home. Furthermore, during Casual Dress days, please ensure that your child is adhering to the school's dress code, which can be found in their planners.

Additionally, I ask that parents waiting in the carpool line do not block the handicap ramp in front of the building. We have several students who are wheelchair-bound and need the ramp to enter into the building. So, until the line begins to move, please do not block the ramp.

Also, please note that students are considered tardy after 7:10 AM. If students are on a late bus, it will be documented in JCAMPUS by the front office. After 7:30 AM, students being dropped off by a parent MUST BE SIGNED IN BY AN ADULT! If the adult does not come in and sign the student in, the student will be placed in TOR until a parent/guardian can do so. This is for the safety and security of not just your child, but for the school.

Lastly, parents, please understand that we can not allow someone who is not on your child's demographic or emergency card to check him/her out. Our office staff checks this to ensure that your child is safe AT ALL TIMES. Please know that this is not to make life difficult, but to ensure the safety of our students.

Sincerely,

Regina M. Bennett, Esq.

Principal, Southeast Middle School