Home of the WILDCATS Where Character Counts Every Day

TRUST CARING

RESPONSIBILITY CITIZENSHIP

RESPECT FAIRNESS

School Motto: If Wildcats Can’t, No One Can School Colors: Blue and Green

1600 Tennis Lane Tracy, CA 95376 (209) 830-3345

Fax (209)830-3346

https://www.tracy.k12.ca.us/sites/wms

EARLE E WILLIAMS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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WELCOME TO EARLE E. WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL!

On behalf of the entire staff at Williams, we would like to extend to you a warm welcome! We hope you are excited about being here and are looking forward to gaining new experiences and meeting new friends.

You will find that this handbook answers many questions about your school. Read it carefully. It is our hope that you will use this information to help you achieve a successful and challenging school year!

1. DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS - Please extend a helping hand to new arrivals. If you are a new student at Williams, take advantage of the many opportunities through clubs and activities to develop new friendships. You will find the staff friendly and helpful and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher or the administration for help.

2. BE WELL INFORMED - Get well acquainted with Williams’ services, activities and

rules. Read this handbook carefully and listen to the daily bulletin, which is read during 1st period each day and posted around the school and on our website.

3. WORK TOWARDS A GOAL - With the help of parents, teachers and counselors,

decide tentatively on goals in your future for which you will strive. 4. LEARN TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY - Use class and study time wisely. Listen to class

explanations and follow directions. Ask questions when you are uncertain. Develop your reading and comprehension skills—this will save you time. Ask your teacher about improving study habits and the ability to concentrate.

4. TURN IN CLASS ASSIGNMENTS - A few missed class assignments can result in

your becoming “lost” and may even lead to your failure. DO NOT permit yourself to fall behind.

6. DEVELOP SCHOOL SPIRIT AND LOYALTY - This is your school and it is a great

one! Within the school, make your class the best! Show yourself to be the student with the most pride in self, class, school and community.

OUR MISSION

To provide a safe learning environment where we offer a challenging, comprehensive education that prepares students for high school and eventually for college and careers.

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WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL TENETS

The staff at Williams Middle School believes that: 1. Providing a safe learning environment builds trust, enthusiasm and promotes

learning. 2. Setting clearly defined high academic standards fosters excellence and meaningful

accountability. 3. Each student is unique and possesses individual strengths and weaknesses. 4. Teachers play a vital role in encouraging students to do their best and helping them

see their potential. 5. Meaningful learning includes teaching students life skills that help them draw

connections between what they learn in school and how to apply it to our rapidly changing real world.

6. Building positive relationships among parents, staff, students and community

members ensures the success of our students. 7. Students learn best in a positive learning environment that is engaging and exciting. 8. Teaching our students positive values such as mutual respect, responsibility, civility,

tolerance, forgiveness, honesty and hard work, helps them be responsible to the community and themselves.

TRACY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jill Costa, President Greg Silva, Vice-President Sondra Gilbert, Clerk Walter Gouveia Ted Guzman Dan Arriola James Vaughn

DISTRICT OFFICE PERSONNEL

Dr. Brian Stephens, Superintendent Dr. Sheila Harrison, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services

Tammy Jalique, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources

Dr. Casey Goodall, Associate Superintendent of Business Services Troy Brown, Director of Student Services

Tom Quiambao, Director of Information Services & Educational Technology TBA, Director of Food Services

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EARLE E. WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Miguel Romo, Principal – mromo@tusd.net Jessica Mann, Assistant Principal – jmann@tusd.net

Michelle Simas, Counselor – msimas@tusd.net Eric Kimball, Counselor – ekimball@tusd.net

SUPPORT STAFF

Erin Kobayashi, Psychologist – ekobayashi@tusd.net, Voice Mail Ext 5552 Gina Bacigalupi, Speech Therapist – gbacigalupi@tusd.net Voice Mail Ext 5528

Valerie Dubie, School Secretary – vdubie@tusd.net, x5473

Lulu Correa-Flores, Attendance Secretary – lflores@tusd.net, x5472 Sherry McAfee, Office Clerk – smcafee@tusd.net, x5471 Saraí Nunez, Parent Liaison – snunez@tusd.net, x5470

Julie Mulhern, Librarian – jmulhern@tusd.net, x5485

TEACHER SUBJECT(S) E-MAIL ADDRESS VOICE MAIL

EXT.

Barb Adams 7 GATE Core, 7 Core badams@tusd.net 5524 Joe Alvidrez 8 Core, AVID jalvidrez@tusd.net 5525 Cynthia Angell 6 GATE Core cangell@tusd.net 5527 Carla Bacchetti 6 Core (Job Share w/Baptista) cbacchetti@tusd.net 5548 Jeanne Bailey RSP Jbailey@tusd.net 5533

Michelle Baptista 6 Core (Job Share w/Bacchetti) mbaptista@tusd.net 5531 Chris Beaken 6 Core, AVID cbeaken@tusd.net 5532 Veronica Bens 7 Science vbens@tusd.net 5582 Rhonda Campbell 8 Core ALAS rcampbell@tusd.net 5534 Larry Corral Physical Education lcorral@tusd.net 5536 Jeralyn Coursey Physical Education jcoursey@tusd.net 5537 Donna Dituri Physical Education ddituri@tusd.net 5539 Sue Edwards 6 Core sedwards@tusd.net 5540 Kimberly Fetterman 6 Core (Job Share w/Frederick) kfetterman@tusd.net 5542

Lyndsy Frederick 6 Core (Job Share w/Fetterman) lfrederick@tusd.net 5543 Shazana Gardner 7 Science (Job Share w/Kalis) sgardner@tusd.net 5549 Kia Gregory 6 Core kgregory@tusd.net 5545

Lynette Guinasso RSP lguinasso@tusd.net 5556

Ann Hooton 7, 8 Home Economics ahooton@tusd.net 5551 Ajinderjit Hundal 7, 8 Math ahundal@tusd.net 5553 Jim Hunter 6 Core jhunter@tusd.net 5550

Teresa Ignatovich 7 Core, AVID tignatovich@tusd.net 5554 Kristin Ising-Ligon SDC kising@tusd.net 5558

Cheryl Jarvis 6 Core cjarvis@tusd.net 5555 Melissa Kalis 7 Science (Job Share w/Gardner) mkalis@tusd.net 5569

Bryan Kauk 8 GATE Core bkauk@tusd.net 5559 Colleen Keenan 7 Core ckeenan@tusd.net 5560 Nicholas Kerin 8 Core nkerin@tusd.net 5562

Shakeel Khan 7 Math skhan@tusd.net 5563 Jennifer King RSP jking@tusd.net 5488

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TEACHER SUBJECT(S) E-MAIL ADDRESS VOICE MAIL EXT.

Victor Liew 7,8 Math vliew@tusd.net 5566 Nick Lincoln 6 core nlincoln@tusd.net 5561

Amanda Lis 6 Core alis@tusd.net 5567

Melissa Lunetta Core ELL, 8 Spanish, ALAS mlunetta@tusd.net 5568 Anne Martin 7 Core, Leadership amartin@tusd.net 5570 Terri Mason-Evans 8 Core tmason@tusd.net 5571 Laura Mohr 7 Core lmohr@tusd.net 5573 Gary Moore Physical Education gmoore@tusd.net 5574 Augusta Nagel SDC – Long-term sub anagel@tusd.net

Jodi O’Leary RSP joleary@tusd.net 5594

Eric Peterson 7 Core, ALAS epeterson@tusd.net 5575 Lorraine Peterson 6 Core lstellhorn@tusd.net 5588 Cheryl Reszka 8 Core creszka@tusd.net 5579 Jim Rice Physical Education jrice@tusd.net 5580 Derek Sato 7, 8 Science dsato@tusd.net 5583 Marie Smolensky 8 Science msmolensky@tusd.net 5564 Teresa Sordello 7, 8 Math tsordello@tusd.net 5589

Crystal Thomas SDC cthomas@tusd.net 5584

David Villa Music dvilla@tusd.net 5597 West Walker 6 Core wwalker@tusd.net 5578

Samantha Williams 6 Core samantha.williams@tusd.net 5544 *An updated list of teachers and their e-mail addresses is available in the office or on our website

CLASSIFIED STAFF

Jugil (Jill) Alcanzaran, PE Paraprofessional

Sherry Alvaro, Paraprofessional Patricia Baca, Cafeteria

Olivia Balatayo, Cafeteria Linda Byer, Cafeteria

Rosa Carrillo, Custodian Clacy Cook, Supervision

Gina Cracraft – Custodian Veronica DeHaro, Cafeteria Juanita DeLuta, Supervision

Kirstin Eddy, Cafeteria Gina Garcia, Paraprofessional Mariana Garcia, Supervision

Sue Fava, Cafeteria Mary Fehrenbacher, Paraprofessional

Kathleen Griffith, Supervision Alfreda Hensley, Paraprofessional

Rosalina Magday, Paraprofessional Jackie Maxwell, Cafeteria

Debi McComber, PE Paraprofessional Monique Medina, Cafeteria

Rosa Muzzi, Paraprofessional Carlos Pereira, Custodian/Maintenance

Juanita Ponce-Medina, PE Paraprofessional

Adam Pulkownik, PE Paraprofessional Jose Rios, Cafeteria

Ana Salazar, Paraprofessional Christina Sorensen, Cafeteria

Danielle Spikes, Cafeteria Toni Strickland, PE Paraprofessional

Cynthia Valdez, Custodian Cinthya Vasquez Molina, Supervision

Marlene Vik, Paraprofessional Mauricio Verduzco, Custodian

Tanya Zuniga, Paraprofessional TBA, Paraprofessional

TBA, Supervision TBA, Supervision

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OUR MISSION ................................................................................................................ 2

WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL TENETS ........................................................................ 3

TRACY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL .................................................... 3

EARLE E. WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF.......................................................... 4

ABSENCE REPORTING ................................................................................................ 9

ACADEMIC HONESTY ................................................................................................... 9

ACCIDENT PROCEDURES ........................................................................................... 9

ACCIDENT INSURANCE ............................................................................................. 10

ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................. 10

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMUNICATION ............................................................ 10

ASSEMBLIES ............................................................................................................... 10

BICYCLES/ROLLER BLADES/SKATEBOARDS ........................................................ 10

BUS TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................ 11

CELL PHONES ............................................................................................................. 11

CLOSED CAMPUS ....................................................................................................... 11

CONFISCATED ITEMS ................................................................................................ 12

COUNSELING .............................................................................................................. 12

DANCES ....................................................................................................................... 12

DETENTION ................................................................................................................. 12

DISCIPLINE .................................................................................................................. 12

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DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE .................................................................. 13

DRILLS ......................................................................................................................... 14

FOOD SERVICES ......................................................................................................... 14

GUM, CANDY, FOOD, AND DRINK POLICY .............................................................. 15

HALL PASSES ............................................................................................................. 15

HEALTH SERVICES ..................................................................................................... 15

HONORS ...................................................................................................................... 16

LIBRARY ...................................................................................................................... 16

“LITTERBUGGING” ..................................................................................................... 17

LOST AND FOUND ...................................................................................................... 17

LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS ..................................................................................... 17

MAKEUP WORK DUE TO ABSENCE ......................................................................... 18

OFFICE HOURS ........................................................................................................... 18

PARENT CONFERENCES ........................................................................................... 18

PARENT GROUPS ....................................................................................................... 18

PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT INFORMATION ........................................................... 18

PASSING TIME ............................................................................................................ 18

PERSONAL VALUABLES ........................................................................................... 19

PHONES AND MESSAGES ......................................................................................... 19

PROMOTION ................................................................................................................ 19

REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS ......................................................... 20

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REQUIRED INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 20

RIPP .............................................................................................................................. 20

SCHEDULE CHANGES ................................................................................................ 20

SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY ......................................................................................... 21

SCHOOL HOURS ......................................................................................................... 22

TARDY POLICY ........................................................................................................... 22

TRANSFER TO/FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL .............................................................. 23

TRAVEL STUDY ........................................................................................................... 23

VISITORS ..................................................................................................................... 23

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ABSENCE REPORTING

Verification of Absence by Parent – Whenever school is missed for any reason, the attendance office must be notified. Telling your child’s teacher will not suffice. Parents are encouraged to phone the school to report their child’s absence by dialing 830-3345, then 3. This option is available 24 hours a day. Our voice mail system is available to take calls when the staff is unavailable. Parents are asked to leave their child’s name, date of absence, reason for absence, and relationship to the caller when contacting the school. A phone call should be made on the day of the student’s absence. The student should bring a note from a parent or guardian on the day she/he returns to school explaining the reason for the absence. If they went to a medical or dental appointment, they can bring a note from their doctor. This note should be turned in at the Student Window before school in the morning and the student is given an Admit Slip to show their teachers. Absences must be excused by a parent, either by a phone call or written note within 48 hours, or the absence will become a truancy.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

All work submitted by students should be a true reflection of their effort and ability. If it is not, then the student has demonstrated unacceptable behavior. The following instances are considered cheating:

Claiming credit for work that is not the product of one’s own honest effort.

Providing unwarranted access to materials or information so that others may dishonestly claim credit.

Using information from the internet, in part or as a whole and claiming it as your own work.

Knowledge and toleration of any of the foregoing circumstances.

Any behavior, which can be defined as cheating, represents a violation of mutual trust and respect essential to education at Williams Middle School. Students who cheat should expect to be confronted by their teacher and be subject to the following penalties:

a “zero” on the submitted work

notification of parents

If a student is found to have cheated a second time or is involved in a particularly serious act of cheating, the student will be referred to the Assistant Principal for a formal hearing of those concerned (student, teacher, parents, counselor, administrator). Con-sequences may include suspension from class or school and/or loss of class with no credit.

ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

In case you are involved in an accident, or you witness an accident where another student may be injured, report the accident to the nearest teacher or supervising adult, or go to the office for help. Even minor accidents or injuries should be reported so that care can be given and the proper accident report forms can be filled out.

In case of serious or potentially serious accidents, at least three attempts to contact parents will be made directly after the incident. The student’s home number, a parent’s work number and an emergency number will be used in attempting to reach the parents. Parents and students are responsible for informing the school of any changes

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in home and emergency phone number or address changes. In cases where serious injury is apparent or suspected, school personnel will also call 911 emergency services. School personnel are not available to transport students home or to the hospital emergency room.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Students are not insured against accidents by the school. It is strongly advised that students have accident insurance to participate in school activities such as field trips. Insurance is required for students participating in school sponsored extra-curricular activities. If your student does not have any medical insurance coverage, you may purchase insurance from Pacific Educators, Inc. through the school. Application forms are available in the office or you can go directly to their website to enroll: www.peinsurance.com Plans start as low as $11/year. If you have questions or need further information, call Pacific Educators, Inc., Student Accident Department at (800)-722-3365 or (714)639-0962.

ACTIVITIES

Participating in school activities will make your stay at Williams more enjoyable so plan to get involved.

There are several clubs on campus for you to join. Announcements for meetings will be in the Student Bulletin.

Students may not attend after-school activities if they did not attend school on the day of the activity or if they left school before the end of the school day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMUNICATION

Each morning, the principal or designated person reads the daily Student Bulletin concerning school activities, upcoming events, and items of general interest. It is also posted in the classrooms, the Library, at the Student Window and on our Website. It is the student’s responsibility to know about upcoming events.

ASSEMBLIES

Student assemblies are held periodically throughout the school year. Students should show pride in themselves and in their school by being courteous and well-behaved at all times. Students who misbehave will be removed and are subject to the discipline process.

BICYCLES/ROLLER BLADES/SKATEBOARDS

1. WEAR YOUR HELMET! IT’S THE LAW! FAILURE TO WEAR YOUR HELMET PROPERLY MAY RESULT IN THE CONFISCATION OF YOUR BICYCLE OR SKATEBOARD.

2. Be safe. Remember that all bicycles are to be operated on the RIGHT side of the roadway. You must obey all rules and regulations of the roadway, e.g., stop signs, stop lights, pedestrian right-of-way, etc.

3. All bicycles that are ridden to school must be parked in the bike rack and should be licensed.

4. Always keep your bike locked. Remember that the school does not accept responsibility for your bike.

5. Bikes must be walked when on the sidewalk and on campus.

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6. During the school day, the bicycle rack is out of bounds to students.

7. Bike rack hours are 7:50 - 8:15 a.m. and 2:35 - 4:00 p.m.

8. Bicycles should not be ridden on school grounds at any time. This includes after school hours.

9. Roller Blades, Skateboards and Scooters may be ridden to school. They must be locked in an area provided on campus during the day. They should not be ridden on school grounds at any time. This includes after school hours.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is provided to and from school from certain areas in Tracy for a fee. Only regularly scheduled bus students are to ride school buses. Should you have any questions regarding the bus schedule, fees, location of bus stops and items lost on the bus, please phone the Transportation Department at 830-3216.

Riding the school bus is a privilege, which may be enjoyed as long as students follow the bus rules and are courteous and respectful to the driver and other students. The Transportation Department reserves the right to revoke bus-riding privileges for misbehavior.

The buses transporting students to school will arrive between 7:50 and 8:10 a.m. and unload students in front of the school. In the afternoon the buses load students in front of the school and depart at approximately 2:40 p.m.

CELL PHONES

Cell phones are not to be used on campus until after school.

Before school and during the day, they must be turned off and out of sight.

Students are not to check voicemail, text-message or turn on phones for any reason during the school day. If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian, they can use the student phone in the office. Likewise, parents should call the office to contact their student during the school day. If cell phones are turned on or disrupt class, they will be taken away and kept in the office. On the second incident, the parent will be required to come to the office to pick it up; no exceptions. A third offense will result in a 1 – 3 day suspension, per the TUSD Middle School Handbook. Fourth and subsequent cell phone offenses will result in a 1 – 5 day suspension.

Parents; please do not call or text message your student on their cell phone during school time. It is disruptive and is against school cell phone use policy. It is strongly suggested that students leave expensive cell phones and electronic devices at home.

The disappearance and/or theft of any electronic device will not be investigated by school personnel; however, parents may file a theft report with the local police department.

CLOSED CAMPUS

Williams Middle School is a closed campus. CLOSED CAMPUS means the following:

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1. Upon entering the campus in the morning, you are to remain on the school grounds for the rest of the day.

2. Students who leave campus for any reason without permission are truant.

3. Students should not be at the park across from Williams before or after school unless with an adult. Do not “hang out” at the park.

4. Any visitors to campus must stop at the office, sign in and get a visitor’s badge.

If a student must leave during the day, follow this procedure:

Bring a note or have your parent call if you must leave campus for a doctor or dental appointment, go home, etc. In order for an absence to be excused as Medical, the office must have a note from the doctor or dentist. Before leaving school, your parent must sign you out in the office. If you return to school, you must check back in with the office.

CONFISCATED ITEMS

Any item that is confiscated by a staff member for any reason will be turned in to the office and held there in an envelope with the student’s name on it. Certain items may be required to be picked up by a parent. Unclaimed items may be discarded after 10 days.

COUNSELING

Need to talk over a problem? A counselor is available to serve the educational, vocational, social and

personal needs of our students. If you wish to see a counselor, fill out a Student Conference Request Form and turn it in at the Student Window. The counselors will then send a pass for you at an appropriate time.

DANCES

Dances are held periodically during the school year as a Student Council activity. Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA or better and no suspensions in the 9 weeks prior to attend dances. Tickets will be sold during all lunches the week prior to the dance, but not on the day of the dance. Students may not arrive late unless brought by a parent, and they may not leave before the end of the dance, unless they are picked up by a parent. All school rules and consequences for misconduct are in effect at dances. A permission slip signed by a parent may be required. Students need a photo ID to enter the dance.

DETENTION

A student may be detained after school for up to one hour for disciplinary or other reasons. Failure to serve a classroom or office detention will result in additional detention. Continued failure to serve detention will lead to further disciplinary action and may lead to suspension. (See Conduct Code Section of the TUSD 2016-2017 Middle School Student Handbook)

DISCIPLINE

Williams Middle School staff believes that students and teachers are entitled to an environment in which maximum learning and teaching can take place. In order to guide students to become more

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responsible, self-disciplined individuals who are free to pursue academic studies, an appropriate amount of external discipline may be necessary. All societies have rules. All students are expected to obey all classroom and school rules. Our aim is to improve the learning environment through positive reinforcement of good behavior and consistently applied consequences for inappropriate behavior. With the cooperation of parents, parent volunteers, students, and school personnel, we can maintain an atmosphere where teachers teach and students learn. Please refer to the Tracy Unified School District 2016-2017 Middle School Student Handbook for disciplinary violations and consequences. Williams Middle School’s Administration will adhere to the progressive discipline steps outlined in the TUSD 2016-2017 Middle School Student Handbook. Please familiarize yourself with the disciplinary violations and their consequences found within.

DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE

School dress should be such that it ensures the health, welfare and safety of the members of the student body and enhances a positive image of our students and our school. Students who violate dress and personal appearance standards will be asked to correct the infraction and are subject to the discipline process. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Dress and grooming will be clean and in keeping with health, sanitary and safety requirements.

2. Dress and grooming will not be such as to disrupt the learning process: i.e. cut-up jeans, low-cut tank tops, tube tops, etc.

3. Clothing must be sufficient to cover undergarments (including bra straps and underwear) at all times.

4. No nightwear allowed including pajama pants & slippers

5. Hats are permitted with certain restrictions. No hats or other head coverings are permitted indoors. Hats with brims may be worn outdoors only. The brim must be forward. No predominately red or blue (or any shade of either) hats or caps allowed. The student’s legal name may be written on the inside band (not on the bill) for identification purposes only.

6. NO clothing with or depicting suggestive images, profanity, nudity or vulgarity or that suggests or promotes the use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco is allowed.

7. UGAP (Unauthorized Group Attire Paraphernalia) i.e. Gang Policy

Clothing jewelry, accessories, notebooks, or manner of grooming (including haircuts, shaved eyebrows, tattoos, finger nail polish, writing on skin etc.) which by virtue of its color, arrangement, arrangement of color, trademark or any other attribute denotes affiliation with an unauthorized group/gang are STRICTLY PROHIBITED!! These items can jeopardize a student’s safety if confronted by a rival unauthorized group or gang while at school or going to or coming home from school.

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NO PREDOMINATELY RED OR BLUE HATS (INCLUDES ALL SHADES OF RED OR BLUE).

If students wear any UGAP (Unauthorized Group Attire Policy) colors or color combinations, they will be subject to the discipline process found in the TUSD 2016-2017 Middle School Student Handbook. The discipline process is outlined in the Student Conduct Code section.

Because Unauthorized Groups are constantly changing WMS staff reserves the right to identify attire as UGAP attire at any time. If you have any question, please contact site administration.

TOPS 1. No strapless, halter, tie-tops,

backless garments, tube tops, see-through tops or low cut tops are allowed.

2. Tops must come below the tops of pants with no midriff showing.

SHORTS, PANTS & SKIRTS 1. Shorts appropriate for school wear

are permissible. Shorts must not be excessively short or tight.

2. Shorts & skirts must be at least the length of the student’s fingertips when they have their hands at their sides.

3. Holes/tears in pants or shorts must not be higher than where the student’s fingertips reach when their hands are at their sides. Leggings must be worn under jeans or pants with holes/tears.

SHOES 1. NO soft-soled bedroom slippers are

allowed at any time.

2. Shoes of any type that present safety hazards are prohibited.

GROOMING Students are expected to do their grooming at home. Makeup, nail polish, perfume, hair spray, curling irons and hair dryers are not allowed. Please see the District Education Code section in the TUSD 2016-2017 Middle School Student Handbook for further information.

DRILLS

We are required to hold fire and other emergency drills periodically during the year. These drills are designed to acquaint students with important emergency procedures, so please follow all directions carefully. To avoid confusion, students should refrain from talking during the drills and follow directions given by staff.

FOOD SERVICES

BREAKFAST – Breakfast will be served each morning from 7:45am – 8:10am.

LUNCHES - A well-balanced hot lunch is served daily.

Reduced price or free breakfast and lunch are supplied for students who meet certain criteria. Forms are available in the office or on the Food Services Website.

http://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1304101823271964.

Courteous and responsible behavior is required in the lunch area at all times. This includes leaving the area clean and free of trash. You are expected to throw your own trash in the receptacles provided near the lunch tables. Students must remain seated while they are eating. At no time are students allowed to take food outside of the eating areas. Students are not to go into

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areas where classes are being held during lunch hour.

A limit may be set on the amount that is spent per day. You may designate hot lunch only. Students may also make cash purchases for lunch or ala Carte menu items.

Students who do not have a lunch account, lunch money or their own lunch may be provided an alternate lunch by the cafeteria upon request.

A lunch account may be set up for your student. Money may be deposited to the student’s account by placing it in the deposit box located inside the school office before and after school. If the deposit is turned in to the deposit box after 9:00 am, the student’s meal account will be credited the following school day.

www.mySchoolBucks.com

Tracy Unified School District is now part of an on-line program for Student Lunch Accounts. Create an account for you & your children using the following info for your student: School, grade, birth date & student ID#.

Use your debit or credit card to load money on the account. Receive notification by email when the balance is low. View your student’s meal purchases. Set daily or weekly spending limits. Just go to the TUSD Food Services website and select “Pre-payment Options”. Our school is listed under Earle Williams School. For more information on making electronic deposits to your student’s lunch account please call 209-830-3256.

GUM, CANDY, FOOD, AND DRINK POLICY

Williams Middle School has a “NO GUM” policy. This means no gum on campus

at all, at any time of the day including before or after school. Students caught chewing gum are subject to the progressive discipline process.

Food, drinks and candy are not allowed outside of the eating areas.

HALL PASSES

During class time, students must sign out when leaving their classroom and sign in when they return. Students are required to have a signed hall pass any time they are out of their classroom and should only leave the class in an emergency or if called to the office.

HEALTH SERVICES

Students who become ill will report to the office with a pass from their teacher. Arrangements will be made with the family for the student to go home. Under no circumstances should the student leave campus without permission.

If it is necessary for you to take medi-cation during school hours, take it to the office. DO NOT keep any medication in your backpack. We must have a signed Medication Permission form for any type of medication, including over-the-counter. This includes inhalers for asthma.

All medication, prescription and over-the-counter, must follow California State Health and Safety Codes and district policy. School personnel will give your child medication at school if the following guidelines are met:

1. Parent and physician complete the Permission Form for Administering

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Medication in School. You may obtain a form at the school office.

2. Bring medication to the school office in a pharmacy-labeled bottle that includes student name, medication name, dosage and time to be given.

3. The Permission Form for Administering Medication in School must be updated every year.

If a student has any unusual health problems, parents should notify the school so that the condition can be made part of the student health record. This request is made so that the school can best help the student should an emergency arise.

School Health Services serve to supplement but not to substitute for responsibility of health care by parents. Typically, school sites do not have a nurse on campus at all times. They are available by phone at all times, if needed. Diagnosis, treatment and medication are not functions of School Health Services nor are the provision of medical or dental treatment. The nurse does give sight and hearing tests periodically and on request.

8th grade students will be screened for vision and hearing. 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys receive scoliosis screening. A teacher, parent, school psychologist or administrator may refer any student to school health services for vision, hearing or health assessment testing as needed.

If you do not want your child to be screened, California Law states that a parent or guardian “may file annually with the principal of the school in which he/she is enrolled, a statement in writing, signed by the parent or guardian, stating that he/she will not consent to a physical examination of his child.” (C.E.C. 49451)

If your physician is located out of town, Health Services can call your physician and verify a need for medication. If we

can be of any assistance, please call at 830-3241.

HONORS

We offer rewards to students who show outstanding academic achievements or citizenship.

Honor Roll - At the close of each grading period, a student who maintains a 3.0 grade point average (G.P.A.) or better throughout the quarter, and receives no “F’s”, is placed on one of the Honor Rolls. Points are assigned for grades as follows: A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points D = 1 point

PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL: Students must have a GPA of 4.0 or higher to be named on the Principal’s Honor Roll

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL: Students on the Assistant Principal’s Honor Roll have a GPA of 3.833 or higher.

COUNSELOR’S HONOR ROLL: Stu-dents must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be named on the Counselor’s Honor Roll.

Our Honor Roll list is prepared and a recognition award is presented to each eligible student after the close of the first 3 quarters.

LIBRARY

The Williams Library is for the enjoyment and use of all our students, however, hours are limited. Library hours for this year will be posted at school and on our website. Observe the rules posted in the library so that all students may benefit from this facility. These are our library hours at this time, but they may be subject to change.

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Monday – Library is closed Tue & Wed – 9:30am-3:00pm Thu & Fri – 8:00am – 1:30pm

“LITTERBUGGING”

Litter receptacles are placed in convenient locations on campus. Please use them and help keep your campus clean. Students caught littering may be asked to perform “trash duty”.

LOST AND FOUND

There are three areas for lost and found items. Textbooks and library books will be returned to the library. Clothes, book bags, lunch boxes, etc. will be on the rack outside the PE locker rooms. Valuables such as jewelry, glasses etc. will be kept in the office. You may look for lost articles before school, at break and after school. REMEMBER, the school cannot be held responsible for lost items.

LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS

According to Education Code 48904(b), the parent or guardian of a minor shall be liable to a school district for all property belonging to a school district loaned to the minor and not returned upon demand of an employee of the district authorized to make the demand. This includes textbooks and library materials. Books not returned by the last day of school or at the time a student checks out of school will have an overdue charge of $5.00 per book. These are the steps a student must follow to have replacement textbooks issued due to loss: 1. Report a loss to the Library

Personnel.

2. Fill out and turn in the loss report form in the Library.

3. You are responsible for the cost of lost school property and will be required to pay a replacement cost. In the case of a library book, until its replacement cost is paid, you will not be allowed to check out additional books. Check back at the library periodically in case the missing book is returned. If your book has not been returned, you can make arrangements to purchase a replacement.

Students must pay for damaged or lost library/textbooks as follows: Description of Book Damage with Fees

Any book damaged beyond use Replacement Cost

Bar Code damage/missing $5 Missing/Torn page

Begins at $2/page (Maximum of 5 pages)

More than 5 Missing pages Replacement Cost

Water Damage Begins at $10 Cover Damage Begins at $5 Graffiti/Marks/Scribbles Begins at $3/page Spine/Cover Damage Starts at $5 Severe Spine/Cover Damage

Replacement Cost Stolen/Lost Book

Replacement Cost

The IMC (Instructional Media Center) reserves the right to change the fees at their discretion. In Grades K-8, a student’s report card may be held until the book is either returned or the fee is paid. 8th graders may lose Promotion Privileges if they owe book fines. If the fee is paid and a lost book is found within a year from the date it was marked lost in good condition, the fee may be refunded minus late fees.

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MAKEUP WORK DUE TO ABSENCE

When a student receives an excused absence, he/she assumes the responsibility for making up the work. The teacher may set time limits for make-up assignments. If a student is absent for more than three days, parents may request assignments by emailing or leaving a message for the teacher. Teacher email addresses and voice mail extensions can be found on pages 4 and 5 of this handbook. Any student, who is truant, cuts classes or leaves school without permission, will receive a zero for the classes missed and no make-up work will be provided. Suspended students may make up missed work at the discretion of the teacher.

OFFICE HOURS

The Williams Office is open from 7:30am to 4:30pm. Students must use the student window at all times. Parents may call or visit any time between 7:30am and 4:30pm. You must enter through the front office and sign in before going anywhere on campus. Please call in advance for appointments with the Principal, Assistant Principal or Counselors (830-3345).

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents are always welcome to come to school and discuss student progress. If you want to have a conference with a teacher or other faculty member, please call ahead for an appointment. When visiting the school, parents must first check in at the office, where you will receive a visitor’s pass. The school phone number is 830-3345. Teachers may also be contacted by email. See the list in the front of our handbook or on our website.

PARENT GROUPS

School Site Council - A group comprised of Williams’ parents, students and staff will meet regularly to advise the Principal and assist in specific projects and programs that are beneficial to Williams. Meetings are held monthly.

Parent and Williams Students and Staff (PAWSS) - Williams wants to have a very active parent group and we are looking for many enthusiastic members. Meetings are held once a month at 7:00pm in the library, with a few exceptions. See the website for exact dates. Come help us organize some eventful activities for parents and the student body.

PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT INFORMATION

Get attendance, assignments, grades, demographic, & transcript information for your student(s) at the click of a mouse. To sign up, you will need the following:

1. The Verification Pass Code (VPC) this is a unique number for each student

2. The student’s home phone number (TL), the number must match the phone number on record for the student

3. The student's permanent ID number (ID)

Obtain this information at the school attendance office, then go to the website below to activate your account.

Web Site: https://sisweb.tusd.net/parentportal

PASSING TIME

Enough time is allowed for students to move from room to room between classes and be in your seat ready to work when the tardy bell rings. Students in the

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halls are asked to be courteous at all times. Running and shouting are not allowed.

PERSONAL VALUABLES

For your own protection (and per District Policy-see TUSD 2016-2017 Middle School Student Handbook), you should not bring the following items to school: iPods, MP3 players, cameras, laser pens, any type of electronic games or equipment, cards or card games and other valuable articles. If you have them out during school hours, they will be confiscated and kept in the office. The school district provides no insurance of personal property on school premises and cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

PHONES AND MESSAGES

To avoid unnecessary classroom disruptions, we are unable to deliver messages to students except in cases of emergencies. The office is not equipped to regularly deliver lunches to students. Homework assignments will not be delivered to students during school hours. Please make every effort to make arrangements for rides home, after-school activities and appointments before your student leaves for school in the morning. Please do not text or call your student on their cell phone during school time.

If you are picking your student up early for an appointment, please send them to school with an appointment card or note. They can get a pass at the Student Window before school and be in the office waiting for you when you come to get them. This saves time and helps cut down on classroom interruptions

School phones are to facilitate the conducting of school, not personal

business. There is a student phone in the office that is available to students during office hours for emergencies, such as illness, lunch money, etc. Transportation arrangements, after-school plans, etc. are not considered emergencies and should be taken care of before school as much as possible.

Parents; again, please do not call or text message your student on their cell phone during school time. It is disruptive and is against school cell phone use policy.

PROMOTION

In accordance with District policy, 8th grade students will be denied participation in Promotion activities

If they receive more than 4 (four) F grades for their 8th grade year and/or

As a result of inappropriate behavior in accordance with the school standards as follows:

1. One suspension during the year will cause a warning letter to be sent home about Promotion activities.

2. Two suspensions, or five (5) total days of suspension during the year will exclude a student from the Great America Trip.

3. Three suspensions, or seven (7) total days of suspension during the year will exclude a student from the Promotion Dance.

4. Four suspensions, or eight (8) total days of suspension during the year will exclude a student from the Promotion Assembly and all other Promotion activities.

5. Expulsion of a student may result in the loss of all Promotion activities, including the right to participate in the Promotion Assembly.

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Reinstatement:

Significant improvement in grades and/or behavior, as determined by the Promotion Committee and the Assistant Principal, may be considered grounds for reinstatement of Promotion privileges. To apply for reinstatement, a letter so requesting must be sent to the Assistant Principal. A maximum of one privilege may be reinstated and that privilege will be the last one lost.

REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT It is expected that all Williams’ students will work to their fullest capacity. Staff, students and administrators alike will recognize your efforts. Academic achievement is our primary goal, and must be yours if you are to be ready to enter high school. Report cards are issued four times per year. The following grading system is used:

ACADEMIC A - Excellent B - Above Average C - Average or working to

capacity D - Below Average F - Failing/Unsatisfactory

NM - No work (enrolled less than 20 school days)

In order to let you and your parents know if your work is below standard, Progress Reports are sent home during the middle of each marking period. These reports are sent to parents of students with a possible “D” or “F” standing in any course at the time of the Progress Report.

Students with unsatisfactory grades may be placed on probation and lose certain privileges at mid-quarter.

If you wish to contact a counselor, please call the school office. Conferences by phone or in person can be arranged. (830-3345) Parent Conferencing - Parents desiring to contact teachers can email the teachers, leave them a voice-mail message or call the school office. You can also communicate with your child’s teachers through their agenda.

REQUIRED INFORMATION

Individual student office records must be kept current. Telephone, place of employment of parents and physician, secondary emergency contacts, all necessary in an emergency, should be reported to the office as changes occur. A five-day drop notice will be given to students whose parents cannot be reached. Change of Address: If you move during the year, you must provide the office with a new proof of address by doing the following. You must fill out a Residency Affidavit form (available in the office) and provide the required proof of your new address as stated in the form. If you do not follow up with the appropriate paperwork, your student may be dropped from school within 5 days.

RIPP

Referral Intervention Prevention Program: Williams Middle School Staff uses a variety of strategies to help students make good choices about their behavior.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

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All schedule changes should be completed before the second week of the quarter and must follow these guidelines: 1. Parent talks with teacher.

2. Parent, Student and Counselor meet together.

The Principal’s approval may be required.

SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY

Students in Grade 6 - 12, who participate in extra-curricular/co-curricular activities and/or athletics within the Tracy School District and the Tracy Joint Union High School District, must comply with the minimum academic eligibility standards that follow: 1. A minimum of a “C” average (2.0 on

a 4.0 point scale) for all classes.

2. No course failures in any certification period.

The Governing Board also requires that participating students be satisfactorily progressing towards the Districts’ graduation requirements in order to participate in a sport or activity. Satis-factory progress is hereby defined as the ability to graduate with one’s class within conventional timelines, i.e.: Tracy Unified School District o Middle School - six (6) consecutive

semesters from sixth grade entrance; and

o High School - eight (8) consecutive semesters from freshman entrance, including summer sessions.

For the purpose of scholastic eligibility, extra-curricular/co-curricular activity means a program that has all of the following characteristics: 1. The program is supervised or

financed by the school district.

2. Students participating in the program represent the school district.

3. Students exercise some degree of freedom with the selection, planning or control of the program.

4. The program includes both preparations for performance and performance before a public audience.

5. The activity is not part of the regular curriculum, is not graded, does not offer credit and/or does not take place during classroom time.

Examples of such activities shall include but not be limited to: 1. All interscholastic athletics;

2. Instrumental music activities not included as part of the required program;

3. Student government;

4. Class officers;

5. Club officers;

6. Drama activities not included as part of the required program;

7. Choral or music productions not included as part of the required program;

8. Competitive speech activities not included as part of the required program;

9. Out-of-class student yearbook, presentations, and competitions;

10. Other performance or competitive groups;

11. Dances.

Students who are scholastically ineligible shall not be prevented from participating in any extra-curricular/co-curricular practice activities which take place either during or outside the regular school day that directly influence the grade of the class for which the activity is assigned.

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Summer school credits (if Summer School is available) may be counted toward making up “F” grades earned in the eligibility period immediately preceding. Grade points earned in summer school apply to the preceding grading period for GPA computation.

In determining a grade point average, “incomplete” or “NM” grades will constitute an “F” grade. However, as the “incomplete” or “NM” grade is changed to an academic grade, eligibility will again be determined at that time.

The coach, instructor, and/or club advisor is responsible for eligibility certification each grading periods. Grades used to determine eligibility for students are: first quarter, first semester, third quarter, and second semester.

Certification Date: High School students become eligible or ineligible on the date that grade reports are available to the students (i.e., the date they are mailed or sent to the student’s address from Tracy Joint Union High School District.) However, for incoming freshmen and all other students transferring from another school district, eligibility depends on the student’s grades received in the last grading period (second semester) in the former school district.

SCHOOL HOURS

Students should not arrive at school earlier than 7:45am. Students are not allowed to “hang out” after school for more than 10 minutes after the dismissal bell. If you are participating in an after school club or school sponsored activity, you must report there immediately, and leave right after the activity is over. After the 10 minute time period, those students who are still waiting for a ride home must wait in the “designated pick-up area”. The designated pick-up area is area with

the concrete benches outside the Multi-Purpose Room next to the parking lot. Students who loiter or “hang out” after school, on or near school property are subject to the referral process, and/or progressive discipline.

TARDY POLICY

1st Tardy - Teacher Consequence,

(teacher discretion), parent notification by teacher.

2nd Tardy - Teacher Detention, parent

notification by teacher. 3rd Tardy - 30 Minute Teacher RIPP

detention, will complete RIPP Packet Response sheet #1 for teacher.

Parent/Teacher Communication 4th Tardy - 1 hour Teacher RIPP

detention, will complete RIPP Packet Response sheet #2 for teacher.

Parent/Teacher communication and warning from teacher that the next tardy will be a referral and a full day of ISS: In-School Suspension (only if the first 3 consequences have taken place and been documented)

5th Tardy - Referral to Assistant Principal

and given one day ISS. Teacher will set up RIPP meeting with the parent at school with an administrator or counselor to discuss tardies.

6th Tardy - Referral to the Assistant

Principal and given 2 hours of Saturday School

7th Tardy - Referral to the Assistant

Principal and given 4 hours of Saturday School

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8th Tardy - Referral to the Assistant

Principal and given 1 day of home suspension.

9th Tardy onwards will result in a referral

to the Assistant Principal. TUSD policy for repeated Defiance of Authority and “failure to follow School rules”. Progressive discipline will apply and students will be given additional days of suspension

Tardy count resets to zero (0) at the beginning of each quarter.

This tardy system is to be administered per each class and not a culmination of all classes.

TRANSFER TO/FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL

If you are moving, your parent/guardian will need to contact the Attendance Office by phone or a note to let the school know what your last day at Williams will be. You will need to get a checkout sheet (which must be signed by the parent/guardian) from the Attendance Office before school on your last day. ALL textbooks and library books should be returned to the library. Each teacher must sign the sheet as you attend his/her class your last day. Your checkout forms will need to be returned to the Attendance Office at the end of the day. This completed check out sheet will enable you to enroll at your new school. If you transfer to Williams from another school, all previous records, including but not limited to grades attendance & discipline will transfer with you.

TRAVEL STUDY

If a student will be out of school for 5 days or more, they may request to be placed on Travel Study. Come to the office at least two weeks in advance, if possible, and fill out the required forms. Approval is dependent on grades and attendance. After approval by the principal, the forms will be passed on the teachers, so they may provide work for the student. Upon returning, the student has two (2) days to turn the work in and receive credit for what was missed.

VISITORS

Parents are always welcome to visit our school, however, it is important that we know who is on campus at all times. Prior arrangements should be made to visit your student’s classroom, to avoid disruptions of tests & other important assignments. Please enter through the front office, sign in and get a visitor’s pass before going anywhere on campus. No students or visitors from other schools are allowed on campus.