|
W E L C O M E T O B M S
On behalf of the entire Bolivar Middle School family of educators, we
welcome you to a dynamic year of successful learning and personal
achievement. We are certain that you will strive everyday to achieve
straight A’s---Attitude, Attendance, and Achievement.
The Board of Education approved this planner to help you have a more
rewarding school year. The policies and procedures contained herein are
designed to help us maintain a safe, orderly, and academically
productive learning environment for all students. We hope that your
experience at Bolivar Middle School will be enjoyable, challenging, and
very rewarding. Have a great year of learning! D I S T R I C T M I S S I O N
The Bolivar R-I School District, in partnership with the community,
will ensure that every student acquires the knowledge and skills
necessary for productive participation as a responsible citizen in an
ever-changing society. The Bolivar School District is committed to
being a world-class school system “Where Kids Are First!” B M S V I S I O N S T A T E M E N T
Bolivar Middle School, a child-centered and standards-driven community,
is responsible for offering a vast array of programs, policies, and
practices that are tailored to maximize the learning potential of all
students. The entire BMS community is united in developing the whole
child. This approach stems from a philosophy that promotes intellectual
rigor, high academic achievement, and quality performance. At BMS, all
students will be challenged to develop their talents in a nurturing
atmosphere of high expectations and personal support.
In a safe, well-disciplined, and motivating environment, students will
be given numerous opportunities to actively participate, learn, and
succeed. Developmentally responsive and fully integrated curricula will
ensure that all students acquire the essential knowledge, skills,
self-confidence, and character necessary for productive citizenship in
an ever-changing and complex global society. As independent, life-long learners, all BMS students will acquire the ability to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, cooperate with others, make wise decisions, and experience personal fulfillment.
To that end, a dynamic partnership between the home, school, and
community will be forged to ensure the intellectual, emotional, social,
and physical development of all students. B E L I E F S T A T E M E N T S
Our success depends heavily upon meeting the unique needs of all
students, both academically and socially. Failing to address these
needs seriously jeopardizes efforts for educational excellence and,
more importantly, for our students’ future success. We strongly believe that: Ø BMS
must teach a curriculum grounded in rigorous, public academic standards
for what students should know and be able to do, relevant to the
concerns of adolescents and based on how students learn best. Ø BMS must use instructional methods designed to prepare all students to achieve higher standards and become lifelong learners. Ø BMS
must staff its school with teachers who are experts at teaching young
adolescents and engage teachers in ongoing, targeted professional
development opportunities. Ø BMS
must organize relationships for learning to create a climate of
intellectual development and a caring community of shared educational
purpose. Ø BMS
must govern democratically, through direct or representative
participation by all school staff members, the adults who know the
students best. Ø BMS
must provide a safe and healthy school environment as part of improving
academic performance and developing caring and ethical citizens. Ø BMS must involve parents and communities in supporting student learning and healthy development (Turning Points 2000).
D I S C I P L I N E P H I L O S O P H Y
It is the objective of BMS to recognize, preserve, and protect the
individual rights of all students and, yet, enforce the protection of
those rights within the necessary framework of a safe, orderly,
efficient, and nurturing school program. We believe that
self-discipline and academic achievement are very closely related. All
individuals within the educational community must share the
responsibility for creating and supporting a positive, trouble-free
learning environment for all students. B M S M O T T O “Every child succeeds, whatever it takes, no excuses!” O F F I C E H O U R S When school is in session, offices are open each day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
N O T I C E OF N O N –D I S C R I M I N A T I O N
It is the policy of the Board to accord equal consideration and
impartial treatment regardless of race, color, national origin,
ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, age,
disabling conditions, or organizational memberships. The Board also
declares that the school district does not and will not discriminate on
the basis of sex in the educational programs, activities, and
vocational opportunities offered by the district. If you have any
questions or comments regarding issues of discrimination, please
contact Mr. Leonard Zanatta, superintendent of schools, 326-5291. N O T I C E O F P O L I C Y P R O H I B I T I N G S E X U A L H A R A S S M E N T
The school district is committed to providing an environment that is
totally free from intimidating, hostile, or offensive behavior;
unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal
or non-verbal, physical conduct or communication constituting sexual
harassment. Sexual harassment by an employee, student, or any other person in the district against any person is strictly prohibited.
Allegations of sexual harassment shall be investigated and, if
substantiated, corrective disciplinary action will be taken, up to and
including suspension and/or expulsion of a student and suspension
and/or termination of the employee. S A F E S C H O O L ' S A C T
Please be advised that provisions of Missouri’s Safe School Act require
the Bolivar School District and other school districts in the state of
Missouri to share discipline records when a student transfers from one
school district to another. The superintendent is authorized to honor
suspensions or expulsions from other school districts. When required,
pertinent information may be made available to local law enforcement
agencies. F O C U S O N C H A R A C T E R
BMS strives to develop competence, compassion, and promise in all
students. We agree with Benjamin Franklin who once said, “Nothing is
more important for the public wealth than to form and train youth in
wisdom and virtue. Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.”
Beyond the many academic obligations we have to educate our youth, we
have an equally important civic obligation to develop the character
necessary for productive citizenship.
C H A R A C T E R T H E M E S September INTEGRITY October RESPECT November COOPERATION December CARING January COMMITMENT February HONESTY March RESPONSIBILITY April ATTITUDE May DEPENDABILITY D A I L Y C I T I Z E N S H I P E X P E C T A T I O N S In order for our school to maximize the learning potential of all students, we expect the following: Ø Students will strive to attend school every day. Ø Students will put forth their best effort. Ø Students will produce quality work. Ø Students will exhibit a positive and caring image. Ø Students will be respectful and courteous. Ø Students will be self-disciplined. Ø Students will help the school reach its vision.
D A I L Y C L A S S R O O M E X P E C T A T I O N S All Bolivar Middle School teachers will consistently enforce the following expectations on a daily basis: Ø Students will be in their seat and ready to learn when the tardy bell rings. Ø Students will be prepared for class by having their planner, books, supplies, and completed homework. Ø Students will be respectful of the teacher, other students, and school property. Ø Students will refrain from talking during active instruction and during independent study. Ø Students will maintain a positive attitude toward learning. B M S T E A M C O N F E R E N C E S
Interdisciplinary teams will frequently meet with students and/or
parents during team planning time throughout the school year. These
meetings will provide an essential opportunity for teachers, students,
and parents to address and resolve academic and social concerns.
Additionally, team meetings create an ideal setting to reward excellent
student performance, provide guidance, and nurture positive
relationships. Parents may be notified when a student-team conference
occurs. It is the intent of these conferences to help students have a more positive and rewarding school year. At our school, we believe that Together Everyone Achieves More!
B M S E D U C A T O R S Service Team Mr. Dublin, Principal Mr. Methvin, Assistant Principal Mrs. Kraus, Principal’s Secretary Mrs. Donnell, Assistant Principal’s Secretary Mrs. England, Head Cook Mrs. Henderson, Registrar Mr. Janzekovich, School Resource Officer Mr. Kemp, Technology Coordinator Mr. Martin, Student Support/HEROES Instructor Mrs. Methvin, Library Media Specialist Mr. Rowley, Head Custodian Mrs. Smith, Counselor Mrs. Sokolik, Literacy Coach Mrs. Hoegh, School Social Worker Mrs. Wall, Special Services Process Coordinator Mrs. Wilson, School Nurse Six Blue Team Mr. Garber, Mathematics Mrs. Funk, Communication Arts Mr. Munger, Social Studies Mrs. Neill, Science Six Gold Team Mr. Swanson, Mathematics Mrs. Doyle, Communication Arts Mrs. Davison, Social Studies Mrs. Roberts, Science/TAG Seven Blue Team Mrs. Davis, Mathematics/Social Studies Mrs. Shoemaker, Communication Arts Mrs. Rusk, Science Seven Gold Team Mrs. Campbell, Mathematics/Science Mrs. Ross, Communication Arts/Social Studies Seven White Team Ms. Mayberry, Mathematics/Science Mrs. Scantlin, Communication Arts/Social Studies Eight Blue Team Mrs. Welch, Mathematics/Science Mrs. Tucker, Communication Arts/Social Studies Eight Gold Team Mrs. Gooding, Mathematics/Yearbook Mrs. Isenberger, Communication Arts/Social Studies Mr. Buffington, Science Eight White Team Mrs. Farmer, Mathematics/Social Studies Mrs. Cantrell, Communication Arts Mrs. Johnson, Science Encore Team Mrs. Dickerson, Family and Consumer Sciences Mrs. Dains, Computer Literacy and Technology Mrs. Ludden, Creative Arts (Speech/Drama) Mr. McClard and Mr. Knupps, Instrumental Music Mrs. Nicholas, Art Mrs. Toler, Vocal Music Physical Education Team Mr. Buffington, Physical Education and Health Mrs. Cantrell, Physical Education and Health Mr. Fast, Physical Education and Health Mrs. Mitchell, Physical Education and Health Special Services Team Mrs. Abel, Teacher Mrs. Adkison, Teacher Ms. Bouling, Personal Assistant Ms. Daughtrey, Speech Therapist Mrs. Kirby, Personal Assistant Mrs. McCrickard, Personal Assistant Mr. Ross, Personal Assistant Mr. Barber, Personal Assistant Mrs. Skinner, Para-Educator/Reading Teacher Mr. Summers, ISS/ARC Mrs. Wall, Teacher Mrs. Young, Teacher BMS CURRICULUM LEADERS Science, Mrs. Roberts Mathematics, Mrs. Farmer Social Studies, Mrs. Davison Communication Arts, Mrs. Shoemaker Special Education Services, Mrs. Wall Encore (Electives/Exploratories), Mrs. Nicholas
H O M E W O R K H O T L I N E Students and parents may call the homework hotline at anytime
to review current class activities and homework assignments (in core
classes only). For a complete listing of weekly school activities,
parents should call the BMS Informational Hotline. Informational Hotline 326-1343 Attendance Office 326-1313 Extracurricular Activities 326-1344 Encore 326-1335 Six Blue Team 326-1486 Six Gold Team 326-1480 Seven White Team 326-1488 Seven Gold Team 326-1381 Seven Blue Team 326-1489 Eight Blue Team 326-1380 Eight Gold Team 326-1479 Eight White Team 326-1327
B M S LUNCH S C H E D U L E S Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8th Grade 11:06 – 11:27 6th Grade 11:33 – 11:54 7th Grade 12:00 – 12:21 Wednesday (Late Start) 8th Grade 11:21 – 11:42 6th Grade 11:48 – 12:09 7th Grade 12:15 – 12:36 S C H O O L C A L E N D A R August 16 Welcome Back—School Begins! September 3 No School (Labor Day) October 12 End of First Quarter October 23 Fall Student-Led Conferences October 25 Fall Student-Led Conferences October 26 No School November 20 Early Dismissal (12:30) November 21- No School (Thanksgiving) November 23 December 20 End of Second Quarter December 21- No School (Winter Vacation) January 1 January 2 Welcome Back—School Resumes! January 21 No School (Martin L. King Day) February 18 No School (President’s Day) February 29 End of Third Quarter March 10-11 Spring Parent Teacher Conferences March 17-24 No School (Spring Break) April 4 Early Dismissal (12:30) May 15 Eighth Grade Promotion (10:00) May 15 Last Day of School (11:30) June 2 Summer School Begins June 19 Summer School Ends July 1-31 Offices Closed for Summer August 1 Offices Re-Open
B M S A C T I V I T I E S Basketball Football Track Volleyball Wrestling Show Choir and Junior Cadet Singers Science Olympiad Cheerleading and Pep Club National Junior Honor Society Math Club Science Club SADD Club Art Club Helping Hands Walking On Wednesdays (WOW) Club Drama Club Student Council
A T H L E T I C S C H E D U L E S Football September 11 Willard Home 5:30 September 20 Rogersville Home 5:30 September 25 Buffalo Home 5:30 October 2 El Dorado There 5:30 October 9 Marshfield There 5:30 October 16 Reeds Spring There 5:30 Volleyball September 11 Ash Grove Home 5:30 September 17 Willard Home 5:30 September 20 Ozark There 5:30 September 24 Nixa There 5:30 September 27 Rogersville Home 5:30 September 29 7th Marshfield There All Day October 2 Stockton Home 5:30 October 4 Republic Home 5:30 October 6 8th Buffalo There All Day October 8 Buffalo There 5:30 October 11 Marshfield There 5:30 October 13 7th COC NJHS All Day October 15 El Dorado There 5:30 October 20 8th COC BJHS All Day Basketball November 16 Pleasant Hope GT 5:30 November 21 Marshfield BH/GT 5:30 November 27 Willard BT/GH 5:30 November 28 Stockton GT 5:30 November 30 Ozark BH/GT 5:30 December 4 Republic BT/GH 5:30 December 7 Rogersville BT/GH 5:30 December 12 Camdenton BH 5:30 December 14 Nixa BH/GT 5:30 December 19 Camdenton GT 5:30 January 4 Buffalo BT/GH 5:30 January 8 8th Girls LJHS TBA January 9 Stockton BH 6:00 January 11 Pleasant Hope BT 5:30 January 15 7th Girls WMS TBA January 15 7th-8th Boys Buffalo TBA January 22 7th COC Girls RMS TBA January 22 7th COC Boys WMS TBA January 22 8th COC Girls BMS TBA January 22 8th COC Boys NJHS TBA Wrestling November 13 Buffalo/Reed There 5:30 November 15 Waynesville Home 5:30 November 17 Buffalo There All Day November 19 Marshfield There 5:30 November 27 Republic Home 5:30 December 4 Branson/Willard There 5:30 December 8 Ozark There All Day December 11 Ozark There 5:30 The track schedule will be announced in March. G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N Arrival to School Students
arriving to school before 7:30 a.m. (and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays) must
report to the field house. The front Jackson Street entrance should
only be used after 7:30 a.m. (and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays). Unattended
parking in the front circle drive is strictly prohibited between
2:30-3:00 p.m. each school day. Adult supervision is provided each day
in the field house starting at 7:00 a.m. Students are not allowed to be
in the school building before 7:30 a.m. (and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays)
without permission from a staff member. Attendance Students
are expected to attend school on a regular basis. There is a direct
relationship between daily attendance and high student achievement. The
attendance secretary will make a daily notification call to parents
when a child is absent from school. The school will mail notification
letters to parents at regular intervals (per Board attendance policy). Parents must notify the attendance office by telephone, in writing, or in person when their child is absent from school. Students may not submit work for a grade when absences are unexcused. When a student’s absence is “excused”, he/she will have one day for each day absent to submit work assigned during the absence.
All work not submitted accordingly will be given zero points. Please
notify the principal and your teachers at least one week prior to a
family trip or vacation. Parents may request homework once a student
has been absent two full days or more. Backpacks and Book Bags For safety purposes, backpacks, book bags, and athletic bags must remain in a student’s locker throughout the day. Bicycles and Skateboards Any
student riding a bicycle to school must park it in a designated parking
area. Bicycles should be locked securely to the rack. The school will
not be responsible for damaged or stolen bicycles. Bicycles,
skateboards, and roller blades are not to be used on the tennis courts,
all-weather track, on the front circle drive, or in the buildings. Additionally,
middle school students are not allowed to operate or park a motorized
vehicle on school property (including automobiles, motorcycles,
scooters, etc.). Cafeteria Procedures Students
are allowed 21 minutes for lunch and are required to eat in the
cafeteria. The Food Services Department uses a computerized meal
tracking system. This system allows the department to keep an accurate
record of each student’s account. As a convenience, payment reminders
are provided to students on a weekly basis when the account reaches a
negative balance of five dollars. When the negative balance reaches
ten dollars, students will not be allowed to eat school meals until the
account has a positive balance of at least one dollar. If deposits
are made using a personal check, please make certain that the child’s
first and last names are written on the memo line. At the end of the
school year, grade cards may be held if students hold a negative lunch
balance. Students may bring extra money to purchase items from the a la
carte menu. Students are expected to clean any mess that is made before
leaving the cafeteria (both on the floor and on the table). Food and
beverage items are not to leave the cafeteria for any reason. Changing Class Schedules Extenuating
circumstances may necessitate the changing of some schedules. As a
general rule, schedules will not be changed after the first day of each
new semester. Students are not allowed to change from one team to
another at anytime during the school year. Cross teaming is strictly
prohibited. Eligibility to Participate in School Activities To
be eligible to participate in school activities, especially those
sanctioned by the MSHSAA, students must meet the following guidelines: Ø Students cannot have a failing grade in any class while participating in a school activity. All sponsors will verify academic eligibility on a regular basis during each quarter. Ø Students
must meet all applicable requirements of the Missouri State High School
Activities Association to participate in MSHSAA events. Ø Students
must attend a minimum of four entire class periods on the day of a
scheduled contest, field trip, dance, or any other school-sponsored
activity, unless pre-approved by the principal. Ø Students
must adhere to all school rules and district policies while
participating in school-sponsored activities, both on campus and away
from campus. Ø Students
must display a positive attitude, excellent citizenship, and
appropriate sportsmanship at all times, including practices, meetings,
and contests. Ø Students
must attend school and all practices on a regular basis. Irregular
patterns of attendance will seriously jeopardize a student’s
eligibility. Ø Students receiving a suspension cannot participate in any school-sponsored activity (including non-MSHSAA activities) until after the suspension has been served. Ø Students receiving an after-school detention must serve the detention before attending any practice, meeting, contest, or activity. Ø All
students participating in MSHSAA activities must have a current
physical, signed parent permission form, and proof of medical
insurance, before the first day of practice. Ø Students are responsible for school owned property including all equipment and uniforms. Emergency Evacuation Drills Emergency
evacuation drills will be conducted routinely throughout the school
year. Students who misbehave during drills will be referred to the
principal for immediate disciplinary action. Any student acting upon or
assisting others with a false alarm will be suspended for a minimum of
ten days. Field Trips Educational field trips are taken throughout the year. Some code of conduct violations may cause students to lose their privilege to attend certain field trips. Extracurricular Participation Students are strongly encouraged to attend all home sporting events and fine arts productions. Students are expected to remain seated in designated areas and behave appropriately during games and performances. Once a student leaves any school activity, he/she will not be readmitted. If a student is removed from any event, he/she may be banned from future activities. Students are expected to have a ride home and leave immediately after each activity or risk being banned from future activities. Appropriate demonstrations of school spirit are expected. Proper etiquette is required at all concerts, plays, musicals, assemblies, and programs. Students will be ineligible to participate in an extracurricular activity unless they have been in attendance at least four entire class periods during the day in which an activity has been scheduled, unless the absence has been approved by the administration. Grades Students
will receive grade cards upon the conclusion of each quarter
(approximately every nine weeks). At the end of the school year, grade
cards may be held if students have a negative lunch balance or other
school-related fine. Mid-term progress reports will be provided
approximately four and one-half weeks after the beginning of each
quarter. Teachers will notify parents in writing when a student’s grade drops below 60% at any time during the quarter.
Substantial grade changes, of a negative nature, will be communicated
to parents in a timely fashion. Parents are encouraged to communicate
with teachers on a regular basis. All students will be required to take regularly scheduled common assessments.
Hall Passes Students
may not leave a class for any reason without having their planner
signed by a teacher. Teachers are encouraged not to let students leave
class unless it is an emergency or is absolutely necessary. Hall Conduct Students
shall not run, jump, skip, jog, shout, sing, litter, or create any
other disturbance in the school’s hallways. Students should not
congregate or block the flow of traffic between classes. Touching
quality student work displayed on walls is strictly prohibited. Internet Access Access
to the school district’s computers, the network, the Internet, and any
district software is a privilege, not a right. This privilege will be
revoked immediately when policies and procedures are abused or
violated. Students using the Internet accept full responsibility for
keeping inappropriate files, or files that could damage the reputation
or the integrity of the school district, from entering the school via
the Internet. Before a student can use any district technology, he/she, along with a parent, must sign an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). AUP violations may result in consequences that include but are not limited to
the following, however, the administration may waive certain
consequences and steps depending upon the violation and the severity of
the infraction: First Offense: Warning, documentation in student’s
discipline record; Second Offense: 5 days restriction from accessing
school network, no make-up work will be allowed during this time and
documentation in student’s discipline record; Subsequent Offense:
10-180 days restriction from accessing school network, no make-up work
will be allowed during this time and documentation in student’s
discipline record. Library Media Center The Library Media Center provides a vast array of services
and resources for each student’s academic and personal enrichment. The
Library Media Center is open most school days from 7:15 a.m. until 3:30
p.m., including lunch and S2P. Books are checked out for three weeks
and are usually renewable. Magazines, reference materials, and certain
videos may be checked out for a limited time. Students will be expected to pay for lost or damaged materials.
All students must have a signed AUP before using any library computer.
A Suggestion Box for new materials or policy suggestions is located on
the circulation desk. Exemplary behavior is required at all times in
the Library Media Center. Lockers and Locks Lockers and locks are the property of the school district and are provided for students’ convenience. Once a locker has been assigned, students may not change locations without administrative approval. It is the responsibility of each student to keep his/her locker clean and neatly organized. All lockers, both in the school and in the field house, are subject to periodic searches without warning. Locks must be on lockers and locked at all times.
Students should NOT share their locker combinations with other
students! The school district will not be held responsible or liable
for any personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged while in a
school locker. Students who damage their lockers or lose their locks
will be assessed a reasonable fee. It is the student’s responsibility
to ensure that all personal items and valuables are secured in a locked
locker during the school day, both in the school and in the field
house. Medication Policy The following policy has been established regarding the dispensation of medicines at school: Ø The school nurse will only administer prescription medicine.
The school nurse will not dispense any over-the-counter medications
(i.e. Tylenol, aspirin, cough syrups, cold medications, etc.). Students
are not allowed to bring such items to school. Ø All medication prescribed by a doctor MUST be in the original
labeled prescription bottle. The bottle must include the student’s
name, date prescribed, name of doctor, name of pharmacy, name of
medication, and specific dosage instructions. Ø A medication form must accompany the prescription and be completed by the parent and doctor. These forms may be obtained by our nurse. Ø If possible try to schedule dosages while the child is at home (see your doctor for scheduling advice). Ø Do
NOT send more than a one-week supply of medication. Students on
long-term medications should see the nurse for specific instructions. Ø Some
respiratory inhalers may be carried during the school day. Please have
your doctor inform the school nurse if you must have an inhaler at all
times. Inhalers should not be shared among students and other
prescription medicine shall not be shared among students. Ø Parents must collect unused medicine by the last working day of each school year. National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Bolivar
Middle School is proud to offer students the opportunity to be involved
in NJHS. NJHS is designed to honor and include students who exemplify
qualities such as scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership, and
character in their personal and academic lives. Students being
considered for induction into NJHS must have 90% attendance for 1st
semester, at least 3 community service hours within the last 12 months,
and at least a 3.5 GPA. The afore mentioned standards are not all
inclusive and may be adjusted and/or revised at the discretion of the
administration. Physical Education All students, unless exempted by a written doctor’s order, will be enrolled in physical education. Students are expected to “dress out” every day and participate as required by the teacher.
Students should wear appropriate shorts, t-shirts, socks, and shoes
(dirty shoes are not allowed!). It will sometimes be necessary to have
your planner, paper, pencils, etc. (especially for health class). Students must use their assigned locker and lock in the field house dressing rooms.
Personal items and valuables must be locked in a gym locker at all
times. Students are not allowed to leave personal items unattended in
the gym or in the locker room. The school district will not be held
responsible or liable for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings in the
locker rooms. Public Displays of Affection Students are not allowed to display affection on buses, school property, or at any school-sponsored activity. This includes, but is not limited to, kissing, hugging, holding hands, inappropriate touching, grabbing, or groping. Snack, Soda, and Dairy Machines Vending machine products may be purchased during the school day. These items are not allowed in classrooms unless approved by the teacher. The snack machines are turned off during lunch each day. Tardy Policy Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to learn when the tardy bell rings each period. Teachers may use discretion in special circumstances. Tardies accumulate on a quarterly basis. Students arriving to school after 7:45 must report to the main office with their parent for a tardy slip. The following consequences will be used when students are tardy each quarter: 1st Tardy Verbal Reprimand (Warning) 2nd Tardy Parent Contacted by Teacher 3rd Tardy After School Detention (2:45-3:30) Subsequent Tardies: The teacher will assign an after school detention for all subsequent tardies. Students failing to serve after school detentions will be assigned to ISS. Students that are tardy to school 10 or more times per semester will be assigned to ISS. Telephone Calls Students
are not to use the telephone or receive calls during the school day.
Students will not be called out of class to answer telephone calls. A
courtesy telephone is available for student use in the cafeteria before
school, during lunch, and after school. Cellular telephones, pagers, beepers, and any other telecommunication devices are strictly prohibited. Textbooks Textbooks
will be provided to students at no charge. Students are responsible for
all textbooks and teacher assigned materials until they are returned. If
books or materials are lost or damaged (i.e. torn pages, writing in
book, broken spines, etc.), you will be assessed a fine based upon the
rating condition of the book. At the time of issue, please bring to your teacher’s attention any existing damage done to your books or materials. Toys, Gadgets, and other Electronic Devices Electronic
or battery powered toys, shoes with wheel inserts, gadgets, games,
laser pointers, laser beams, cellular telephones, beepers, pagers,
radios, stereos, tape/CD players, MP3 players, Ipods, video games,
headphones, tape recorders, cameras, and other such items are strictly
prohibited in classrooms. Under certain circumstances, however, the
administration may approve the use of some electronic devices at school. Transportation The
Bolivar school district provides free transportation for students who
live in the school district. This service is provided, at no cost,
through a private transportation company under contract with the
Bolivar School District. If you have any questions or comments
regarding a transportation issue, please call 326-6690. Transportation assignments are made at the discretion of the school district. Transportation Rules Any
student whose conduct, attire, or personal belongings are improper or
jeopardize the safety of the bus driver or other students will be
referred to the administration for disciplinary action. Students must obey the bus driver and his/her rules at all times. The
bus driver, like the classroom teacher, has the authority to assign
seats, contact parents, and refer students to the administration for
disciplinary action. Bus Misconduct: Any offense
committed by a student on a district-owned or contracted bus shall be
punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at the
student’s assigned school. In addition, bus-riding privileges may be
suspended or revoked. The following rules will not be compromised: Ø Students must keep their head, hands, feet, body and personal belongings inside the bus and to themselves at all times. Ø Students are not allowed to throw any item on the bus or out of the window. Ø Students must remain seated, facing forward, at all times. Ø Students are not allowed to scream, shout, sing, chant, cheer, play music, or talk loudly while riding the bus. Ø Students are not allowed to use profanity or obscene language or gestures. Ø Students should not talk to or distract the driver while the bus is in motion. Ø Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus. Ø Students must load and unload at the assigned stop. Exceptions to this rule must be requested in writing to the transportation director. Transportation Misbehavior Consequences Please be advised that the Student Discipline Code may supersede the following consequences. The
administration and superintendent are authorized to modify or even
waive these steps depending upon the severity and/or frequency of the
offense. 1st Offense Warning and/or 1-3 days bus susp. 2nd Offense 3-5 day bus suspension 3rd Offense 5-10 day bus suspension Subsequent Offenses 10-180 day bus suspension or permanent removal from the bus and parent conference required. Vaccinations All public school students must have required vaccinations
before enrollment or before a class schedule can be issued. Students
will not be allowed to attend classes without proper proof of all
state-required vaccinations. If you have any questions pertaining to
immunizations, please contact the school nurse (Missouri Law Section
167.181). Visitors Any
person not enrolled at BMS as a student or employed as a staff member
must report immediately to the office upon entering the school.
Visitors may only enter through the Jackson Street entrance (main
entrance). All visitors must register in the office and wear a visitor badge during their stay on campus. Parents and patrons are always welcome in our school. Under most circumstances, however, it is always best to notify the school prior to your visit if you will be visiting a teacher or classroom. Student visitors from other school districts must have administrative approval prior to their visit. Withdrawing from School and Early Dismissals Any student leaving school during the day must have their parent sign him/her out in the principal’s office. Parents
must go to the office and escort their children out of the building. If
a child returns to school during the day, his/her parent must sign the
child in with Mrs. Donnell. Students are not allowed to leave the building or leave the campus for any reason without parent and administrative approval. If a party other than a parent or guardian is to receive a student during the school day, written authorization must be on file in the principal’s office.
Any student who is moving out of the Bolivar School District must
report to the counselor’s office with his/her parent. The parent, each
teacher on the child’s schedule, the counselor, the librarian, the
school nurse, and the administration, must sign an official withdrawal
slip. All textbooks and school materials must be returned before withdrawing. Transcripts and official school records will be mailed to the new school district upon enrollment. H O N O R R O L L S A N D S T R A I G H T “A” I N C E N T I V E
Bolivar Middle School strives to recognize all students who achieve
significant academic success. Honor Rolls are determined at the end of
each quarter. To be listed on the All “A” Honor Roll, a student cannot
have any grade lower than an A- on his/her report card. To be listed on
the “A-B” Honor Roll, a student cannot have any grade lower than a B-
on his/her report card. Honor Roll certificates will be awarded at the
end of the school year.
Students achieving “Straight A’s---Attitude, Attendance, and
Achievement” will be taken on a field trip to Silver Dollar City during
the month of May. The school will pay all entrance and transportation
fees. Students will qualify for this trip by meeting the following
criteria: no discipline referrals for the entire year, missing 8 class
periods or less for the entire year, and remaining on either honor roll
for three and one-half quarters. Other incentives and awards will be
offered throughout the year.
D E T E N T I O N P O L I C Y
After school detentions are scheduled Monday-Thursday from 2:45 – 3:30,
except on early dismissal days. Students not serving all scheduled
detentions will be given one day of ISS for each detention not served. If a detention must be rescheduled, parents must contact the office before 2:30 on the scheduled day of detention.
S T U D E N T D R E S S C O D E
It is generally accepted that cleanliness, good grooming, and
appropriate dress are necessary to reduce distraction, promote health,
and provide a productive learning atmosphere. Extremes in dress, personal hygiene, and overall personal appearance will not be tolerated. Clothing and personal appearance shall not be disruptive to the overall educational climate of the school.
Any article of clothing or personal belonging that presents a health or
safety risk will not be allowed. Common sense, a reasonable attitude,
and parent support should eliminate the need to correct students in the
areas of dress and personal appearance. Final decisions regarding
the appropriateness of apparel and/or personal appearance will be at
the sole discretion of the school’s administration. The following regulations are designed to set limits on what is permissible at school and school sponsored activities: Ø Clothing
cannot, in any way, either directly or indirectly, advertise, support,
or suggest the use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or illegal
drugs and/or substances. Ø Clothing
cannot, in anyway, either directly or indirectly, display or suggest
graphics of a sexual nature, profane or disparaging language, obscene
language, gang affiliation, illegal activity, racial discrimination or anything else that is socially unacceptable or inappropriate for the middle school setting. Ø Other restrictions include, but are not limited to, writing
on self and others, inappropriate hair color, head coverings, body
piercings- other than in the ear(s), trench-type coats, sagging pants,
spaghetti-strap tops, tank tops, midriff garments, pajamas, and
see-through type apparel.
R E T E N T I O N P O L I C Y
Students failing two semesters in the same two core subjects may not be
promoted to the next grade level. These students must attend and pass
the Summer Acceleration Academy in order to be promoted. Students
failing two semesters in the same three or more core
subjects will be retained and may not attend the Summer Acceleration
Academy for promotion purposes. Core subjects include math, science,
communication arts, and social studies. Eighth grade students not
satisfying the requirements for promotion will be ineligible to
participate in the eighth grade promotion ceremony. P O L I C Y O N A C A D E M I C I N T E G R I T Y Dishonesty (cheating)
while completing any school work, taking tests, completing projects,
doing research, etc. will not be tolerated. Plagiarism (taking original
ideas, writings, or work from others and representing them as your own)
is an illegal and unethical activity that is strictly prohibited. Students who cheat and/or plagiarize will receive a “zero” on such work and will be placed in ISS for one day. Further cheating and/or plagiarizing will result in more severe consequences at the discretion of the administration.
C O N D U C T I N G E N E R A L Any
conduct that interferes with learning and/or the mission of our school
will not be tolerated. BMS expects all students to be well behaved,
self-disciplined, self-regulated, and always respectful.
S T U D E N T C O D E OF C O N D U C T
The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student
responsibility, respect for the rights of others, and to ensure the
orderly operation of the district schools. No code can be expected to
list each and every offense that may result in the use of disciplinary
action. However, it is the purpose of this Code of Conduct to list
certain offenses that, if committed by a student, will result in the
imposition of a certain disciplinary action. Any conduct not
included herein, or an aggravated circumstance of any offense or an
action involving a combination of offenses may result in disciplinary
consequences that extend beyond this Code of Conduct as determined by
the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education. In
extraordinary circumstances where the minimum consequence is judged by
the superintendent or designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the
interest of the district, the superintendent or designee may reduce the
consequences listed in this policy, as allowed by law (Board Policy
JG-R).
D U E P R O C E S S All students will be afforded due process as guaranteed by constitutional provisions.
The process will be in accordance with state and federal laws, as well
as provisions outlined in the Board of Education policies and
regulations on student suspension and expulsion.
I N T E R R O G A T I O N S A N D S E A R C H E S School lockers are the property of the Bolivar R-I School District and are provided for students’ convenience. Lockers and other school property are subject to periodic inspection without notice.
School lockers and student possessions may be searched by school
administrators when there is a reasonable suspicion that students are
in possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, weapons, materials
of a disruptive nature, stolen property, illegal items, or any other
items that pose a health or safety risk. Reasonable suspicion will be
based upon facts known to the administration, credible information
provided to the administration, or reasonable inferences drawn from
such facts or information. C O N S E Q U E N C E S
Disciplinary consequences range from verbal warnings to expulsion.
Board policy allows for the use of corporal punishment. Corporal
punishment will not be administered without parental consent.
D I S C I P L I N E OF D I S A B L E D S T U D E N T S
Any student identified as “disabled” shall be accorded all procedural
rights as required under state and federal legislation. Due process
procedures, applicable to suspension or expulsion under state law shall
be provided prior to any out of school suspension, expulsion, or change
of placement. G E N E R A L C A T E G O R I E S O F M I S B E H A V I O R
The following list of offenses is not intended to be entirely
comprehensive. There may be instances where local law enforcement
agencies will be contacted. All official disciplinary action taken
against students will be documented in writing and kept on file in the
main office. Parents will be contacted by telephone and/or in writing
when deemed necessary by the administration. Ø Alcohol/Drugs/Counterfeit Drugs Ø Arson Ø Assault Ø AUP Ø Cheating Ø Bus Misconduct Ø Disparaging or Demeaning Language Ø Discriminatory Acts Ø Disorderly Conduct Ø Disrespectful Speech or Conduct Ø Disruptive Speech or Conduct Ø Extortion Ø Failure to Serve Assigned Detentions Ø False Alarms Ø False Reports Ø Fighting Ø Fireworks Ø Forgery Ø Gambling Ø Inappropriate Display of Affection Ø Insubordination Ø Interference with the Educational Process Ø Littering Ø Obscenities/Profanity Ø Possession of Stolen Property Ø Rumors (Starting or Spreading) Ø Sexual Assault Ø Sexual Harassment Ø Tardiness Ø Theft Ø Threatening or Intimidating Acts Ø Tobacco (Possession and/or Use of) Ø Truancy Ø Vandalism Ø Weapons
S P E C I F I C D I S C I P L I N A R Y A C T I O N (not all inclusive) The
discipline code set out in this regulation is intended to be
illustrative but not an exclusive listing of acts of misconduct and the
consequences for each. Misconduct which is not specifically listed in
this regulation may be deemed to warrant discipline up to and including
expulsion following provision of all due process procedures. In
addition, the disciplinary consequence listed for each offense may be
increased or decreased by the Administration or the Board of Education
due to mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) First Offense: Principal/student conference and notation in discipline file Second Offense: Five days restriction from using school computers or network. Not allowed to make up missed assignments that depended on that access. Subsequent Offenses: 10-175 days restriction from using school computers or network. Possible reassignment to class not requiring access to network. Alcohol - Possession of or presence under the influence of alcohol regardless of whether the student is on school premises. First Offense: 10-175 days OSS Subsequent Offenses: 10-175 days OSS or expulsion. Arson - Intentionally causing or attempting to cause a fire or explosion. First Offense: 1-175 days OSS or expulsion and notification to law enforcement. Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion and notification to law enforcement. Assault - (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2673 - Reporting of Violent Behavior) Assault of a Student or Staff Member - Use of physical force with the intent to do bodily harm. First Offense: 1-175 days ISS/OSS or expulsion and notification to law enforcement depending on age of student and severity of incident. Subsequent Offenses: 10-175 days OSS or expulsion and notification to law enforcement depending on age of student and severity of incident. Bullying – Intentional intimidation or infliction of physical, emotional, or mental harm (see Policy 2655). First Offense: Principal/student conference, or 1-10 days ISS/OSS Second Offense: 1-175 days ISS/OSS and notification to parent Subsequent Offenses: 10-175 Days of ISS/OSS or expulsion and notification to parent. Fighting - Physically striking another in a mutual contact as differentiated from an assault. First Offense:
Principal/student conference or 1-10 days ISS/OSS and notification to
law enforcement depending on age of students and severity of incident. Subsequent Offenses: 3-175 days ISS/OSS and notification to law enforcement depending on age of students and severity of incident. Disrespectful Conduct or Speech
- Refusal to obey directions or defiance of staff authority, use of
disrespectful verbal, written or inappropriate symbolic language or
gestures directed at a district employee. First Offense: Principal/student conference or 1-10 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Disruptive Speech or Conduct - Speech or Conduct which has the intentional effect of disturbing education or the safe transportation of a student. First Offense: Principal/student conference, detention, or 1-10 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days ISS/OSS Drugs/Controlled Substance Possession or presence
under the influence of a controlled substance or substance represented
to be a controlled substance while at school, on the school playground,
on the school parking lot, a school bus or at a school activity whether
on or off of school property. First Offense: 1-175 days OSS and notification to law enforcement. Subsequent Offenses: 10-175 days OSS or expulsion and notification to law enforcement. Sale
of a controlled substance or substance represented to be a controlled
substance while at school or at any of the locations described above. First Offense: 10-175 days OSS or expulsion and notification to law enforcement. Subsequent Offenses: 90-175 days OSS or expulsion and notification to law enforcement. Prescription Medication Possession of a prescription medication without a valid prescription for such medication on school premises or on a school bus. First Offense: 1-175 days OSS or expulsion. Subsequent Offenses: 3-175 days OSS or expulsion. Distribution
of prescription medication to any individual who does not have a valid
prescription for such medication on school premises or on a school bus. First Offense: 1-175 days ISS/OSS or expulsion. Subsequent Offenses: 3-175 days OSS or expulsion. Extortion - Verbal threats or physical conduct designed to obtain money or other valuables First Offense: Principal/Student Conference or 1-10 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days OSS or expulsion. Firearms and Weapons (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2620 - Firearms and Weapons in School) Possession or use of a firearm or weapon as defined in Regulation 2620 First Offense: 175 day suspension from date of infraction. Superintendent may modify suspension on a case by case basis. Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion. Possession
or use of any instrument or device other than those defined as a weapon
in Regulation 2620 that could be used to inflict physical injury. This includes possession or use of any item that simulates or appears to be a firearm or weapon. First Offense: Principal/student conference or 1-10 days ISS/OSS and confiscation of instrument or device. Subsequent Offenses: 3-175
days OSS, or recommendation for expulsion, confiscation of instrument
or device and possible notification to law enforcement. Harassment (Refer to Policy 2130 - Harassment) First Offense: Principal/student conference or 1-175 days ISS/OSS and notification to parent. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days OSS or expulsion and notification to parent. Improper Public Display of Affection - Consensual kissing, fondling, or embracing First Offense: Principal/student conference or 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days OSS. Improper Language Threatening Language – User of verbal, physical or written threats to do bodily harm to persons or personal property. First Offense: Principal/student conference, detention or 1-175 days ISS/OSS Use of Obscene or Vulgar Language- Language which depicts sexual acts, human waste, and blasphemous language First Offense: Principal/student conference, detention or 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Disruptive or Demeaning Language or Conduct
- Use of hate language to demean other persons due to the race, gender,
disability, natural origin, or religious beliefs. This provision also
includes conduct, verbal, written, or symbolic speech which materially
and substantially disrupts class, school activities, transportation, or
school functions. First Offense: Principal/student conference, detention, 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Inappropriate Sexual Conduct (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2130 - Harassment) Physical touching of another student in the area of the breasts, buttocks, or genitals First Offense: Principal/student conference or 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 3-175 days OSS. Use of sexually intimidating language, objects, or pictures. First Offense: 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 3-175 days OSS. Indecent Exposure - Includes display of breasts, buttocks and genitals in a public location First Offense: 1-175 days ISS/OSS. Subsequent Offenses: 3-175 days OSS. Theft - Nonconsensual taking or attempt to take the property of another First Offense:
Principal/student conference or 1-175 days ISS/OSS and possible
notification to law enforcement depending on value of stolen items. Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days ISS/OSS and possible notification to law enforcement depending on value of stolen items. Tobacco - Possession or use of tobacco or tobacco products First Offense: Principal/student conference, 1-10 days ISS/OSS Subsequent Offenses: 1-175 days OSS. |