TAMAQUA AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL2012-2013AUGUST 6, 2012

6th Grade Orientation• INTRODUCTION• SPECIAL SERVICES• SCHOOL DAY INFO• STUDENT HANDBOOK

AND PROCEDURES• CAFETERIA PROCEDURES• HEALTH SERVICES• CYBER ISSUES

Special Education Services• The Tamaqua Area School District

provides services for students with disabilities.

• Please contact Mrs. Gardiner or the Middle School Office for more information.

Guidance/Library• Mrs. Brickler – Guidance

Counselor• Mrs. LeMasters – Librarian • 6TH Grade – Guidance/Study Skills

1st Day Student Folders – Forms • Photo Permission• Free/Reduced Lunch Forms• Emergency Forms• Handbook and Policies• Medication• Transportation Letter• Demerit Letter• FERPA and Privacy

Schedules• Conflicts• Cycles• PSSA• Supplemental Courses

Academic Difference• Homework counts toward the overall

grade!!!!• STUDENT PLANNERS! Must be Signed Weekly.• Students have individualized schedules and

move throughout the building changing classes.

• Variety of subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts, Science, Reading, Health, Physical Education, Art, Music, and Tech Ed.

Academic Differences• The library and computer labs are available

for student use provided that the Internet Access Policy permission form is returned.

• From our website… Online grades - MMS Parent Portal Click the above link to set up an account to access your son/daughter's grades online.

School Day• Doors open at 7:00 a.m. each morning.• From 7:30 a.m. until 7:35 lockers.• Students must be IN homeroom by the

conclusion of the bell. • Tardy students must

report to the office for a late pass.

Bell Schedule• The school day is a 9 period

day. – 7 – 42 minute class periods – 1 – 42 minute lunch period – 1 – 42 minute activity period

devoted to supervised homework, tutoring, clubs, or intramurals.

Dismissal• Normal dismissal on all school days is 2:25

p.m.• Buses depart from the back of the school

beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m.• Walkers depart from the main lobby of the

school at dismissal. • Students must exit the building

by 2:30 p.m. unless they have permission from a teacher.

• Pick-ups – The back road is closed from 2:15 until the buses depart.

Dress Code• Policy is online. www.tamaqua.k12.pa.us• Clothes must be clean and sized

appropriately.• Backpacks must be clear, NOT MESH! • Students must change for

physical education.• Clothing available –

– Contact Office.

Electronic Devices• Cell phones, Cameras, Mp3 Players,

Game Systems must be turned off and left in your locker.

• Any pictures taken of school activities placed on the Internet make you subject to disciplinary action with Police Referral.

Bus and Cafeteria Behavior• Any inappropriate behavior in the

cafeteria or on the bus can lead to a loss of privileges.

• Loss for Bus Transportation.• Café Detention.

Internet & Cyberbullying• Any inappropriate behavior will not

be tolerated and will result in loss of privileges and possible police referral.

• Texting, IM, Facebook, MySpace, Emails, etc.

Discipline• Review the Student/Parent

Handbook www.tamaqua.k12.pa.us

Consequences for Misbehavior

• Written assignments from faculty.• Teacher detentions to complete work.• The student will be given 24 hr notice before he/she is expected to serve

detention. • Parents are responsible for transportation.

Consequences for Misbehavior

• Discipline may be verbal reprimand, detention, suspension, or similar consequence.

• A discipline form will be completed with a copy given to the student to take home. An additional copy will be mailed home to the parent/guardian.

• A student serving an out-of-school suspension will not be permitted on school property and is expected to complete assignments.

• Detentions 2:30 – 3:30• Saturday Detentions 8:00 – 11:00

Emergency Pass/Lavatory Procedure• The lavatory is to be used between

classes. • Emergency Pass to Nurse or Office

Pass from Mr. Czapla. • Student Planner Insert.

Tardy to School & Class• Each student is allowed to be tardy

three times for the year. Detention will result for each additional tardy.

• Excessive tardy mornings can result in citations.

Homework & Participation• Failing to do either may result in

parent contact and possible disciplinary action.

• Academic Detentions

Planners• Assignments must be recorded

daily. Parents must sign weekly. Failing to manage your planner will result in disciplinary action.

Accelerated Reading - AR• Each student is required to read AR in

their study hall until they meet the point requirements.

• Periods 1 – 8 – Read AR.• Period 9 – Complete

homework or read AR.• AR devices are allowed with written parent permission.

Progress Reports• Progress reports indicating

unsatisfactory academic progress may be mailed/emailed to parents or guardians at any time.

• MMS Parent Portal – Allows parents to monitor grades daily.

Café Procedures• Students report to the café and remain at their

assigned table until a faculty member calls their table.

• Students are only permitted to carry a $5.00 negative balance. No lunch will be issued past $5.00 of debt.

• Once every student has been served lunch, snacks may be purchased with teacher permission.

• Regular Lunch $2.40

Café Procedures• Upon completion of your meal, garbage

and trays are to be returned to the appropriate areas.

• Students must obtain permission from the faculty member on duty to leave the café.

• At the appropriate time, students will be dismissed by the faculty and staff in charge.

Breakfast• Breakfast is available daily for

everyone from 7:00AM-7:30AM. • If you are Free/Reduced approved you

qualify for F/R Breakfast.

Lockers• It is your responsibility to keep

them clean. • Do not leave clothing, food, or

drinks in your locker.• Do not share your locker

combinations.

Communication• Students are encouraged to ask

questions if they are having difficulty in class.

• Students are encouraged to request assistance from the teachers during class, during study periods or after school.

Policies (Online)• Bullying, Harassment, and

Hazing• Electronic Devices: Ipod,

mp3, phones, and cameras.• Searches• Threats • Drug and Alcohol• Tobacco• Weapons• Attendance• Dress Code

Attendance• Parents are asked to please call the

school to report a child’s absence.• Absence notes must be returned

within 2 school days as per District and County Policy. Absences without proper excuses are unlawful days, which

could result in citations. • The student is responsible

to communicate with the teacher concerning missed assignments ASAP.

Attendance• After 10 days of absence, a student

must provide a Dr.’s note for each additional day or face citations.

• Excused absences for educational trips fall within the 10 day limit.

• After 30 days of absence, notes do not have to be accepted.

• Consequences– Citations, C&Y Referral, Truancy

Court, and loss of driving privilege.

Textbooks• You will be held financially

responsible for any damage. • All textbooks must be covered for

their protection.

School Store• T-Shirts, book socks and school

supplies can be purchased during lunch.

Extracurricular Activities• Band, MAGIC, Chorus, Math Counts,

Yearbook, Spelling Club, Lego Club, Academic Clubs, National Junior Honor Society, Library Aides, Student Council, Geography Club, Drama, Ecology Club, and Intramural sports.

• Interscholastic sport teams are sponsored in basketball, wrestling, cross country, football, cheerleading, and track & field.

Raider Run• 2009-2012 - $25,000• Grade 6 – 8 Field Trips, Guest

Speakers, as well as Art Exhibits. • Milkshake Party• $50 Toys R Us – Gift Card

DATE TO REMEMBER!

OPEN HOUSE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012

6:30 PM