| LAKENHEATH
MIDDLE SCHOOL 2008-9
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LAKENHEATH MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Lakenheath Middle School is to empower all students to become lifelong learners
who are productive, responsible, and participating members of society.
LMS GUIDING PRINCIPLES
High student achievement
Standards based education
Respect for the rights of others
Opportunities for achieving high expectations
Motivation through challenging curriculum
LMS Student Performance Goal 1
All students will show improvement in written communication across the curriculum.
At Lakenheath Middle School written communication means identifying ideas, organization,
extending and applying meaning and synthesizing to communicate information to the intended audience.
LMS Student Performance Goal 2
All students will show improvement in problem solving across the curriculum.
At Lakenheath Middle School students will use problem-solving strategies to
identify a problem, then select/apply strategies and evaluate the results.
School Hours
0820-0825 Entry Bell/Tardy Bell (for Students)
0825-0835 Homebase
0840-1000 Block
1000-1010 Nutrition Break
1010-1130 Block
1135-1215 Block/Lunch
1215-1255 Block/Lunch
1255-1335 Block/Lunch
1340-1500 Block on Black Days
or on Gold Days
1340-1400 Sustained Silent Reading
1405-1500 Seminar/Affective Education
School Year 2008-2009 Calendar (Teacher conference days have not been
scheduled at the time of printing)
2008
Monday, August 25 First Day of School for Students
Monday, September 1 Labor Day – Federal Holiday
Monday, October 13 Columbus Day - Federal Holiday
Thursday, November End of First Quarter
Friday, November No school for students–Teacher Work Day
Monday, November Begin Second Quarter
Thursday, November Professional Development Day
Monday, November 10 Federal Holiday – Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11th
Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving – Federal Holiday
Friday, November 28 Thanksgiving, Recess Day
Monday, December 22 Winter Recess Begins
Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day – Federal Holiday
2009
Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day – Federal Holiday
Monday, January 5 Instruction Resumes
Monday, January 19 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.-Federal Holiday
Thursday, January End of Second Quarter and First Semester
Friday, January No school for students – Teacher Work Day
Monday, January Begin Third Quarter and Second Semester
Monday, February 16 President’s Day – Federal Holiday
Thursday, April 2 End of Third Quarter
Friday, April 3 No school for students – Teacher Work Day
Monday, April 6 Begin Spring Recess
Monday, April 13 Instruction Resumes, Begin Fourth Quarter
Monday, May Memorial Day – Federal Holiday
Thursday, June End of Fourth Quarter and Second Semester, Last day of school for students
Friday, June Teacher Work Day
School Address Internet Web Site
Lakenheath Middle School http://www.lake-ms.eu.dodea.edu
Unit 5185 Box 55
APO AE 09461
Telephone Numbers Attendance Office…………………….01638-52-7838
Front Office.......................................…01638-52-7007
Registrar............................................…01638-52-7006
FAX......................................................01638-52-7370
PREFACE
The purpose of this guide is to provide parents and students with a convenient reference concerning the operation of Lakenheath Middle School. This guide is not an all-inclusive publication governing all aspects of the policies and regulations of the school, but rather one that contains broad statements and guidelines to assist you. All parents and students are requested to be familiar with this guide. The information it contains will answer many questions, and its wise use can prevent many problems from arising. Should you have questions or concerns, please contact the school before any decision or action, so that the parent, student and school have a clear idea and precise understanding of the policy concerned.
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
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Assemblies
Assemblies
held at Lakenheath Middle School are designed to complement the educational
program and are for student enjoyment and participation. During assemblies, students are expected to:
1.
Come to the assembly in an orderly manner accompanied
by their teacher.
2.
Sit together as a class/homebase/seminar.
3.
Conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful
manner at all times. Booing, whistling, and hissing will not be tolerated
and will result in removal from the assembly program and possible disciplinary
action.
4.
If called to the presentation area for recognition,
students should act responsibly, respectfully, and avoid “showboating.”
5.
Leave the assembly in an orderly manner upon dismissal.
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After
School Activities
A variety of activities are offered throughout
the school year for students to participate in during the school day and after
school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The daily bulletin provides information
to students on how to sign up and when activities will take place. Activities
include: National Honor Society (NJHS), Leadership Training, Basketball, Softball,
Soccer, Adventure Club, Homework Club, Drama, Newspaper, Music, Spirit Club,
Yearbook, and many more depending on the interests of students. Students who
participate in the activities may ride the activity bus home. Parents can
also be involved as volunteers.
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Tardy Policy and Procedures
1st
Tardy Teacher has conference with
student.
2nd
Tardy Teacher notifies sponsor regarding
the tardy (assignment book/phone/email or in person).
3rd Tardy Student is reported to an administrator who
will contact the sponsor to discuss a consequence for the student’s actions.
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Block Schedule
Each student is
assigned seven classes, numbered one through seven. In addition, Sustained
Silent Reading and Seminar/Affective Education will be held every other day
at the end of the day. To reflect
the school colors, we have chosen to call the alternating days “Gold Day” and “Black Day.”
Students will have Classes 1, 2, 3, 4 on Black Days and Classes 5, 6, 7 on
Gold Days. The classes within each day will rotate. Every day will start with
a Homebase class, which will provide a stable,
consistent start to the day. Sustained
Silent Reading (SSR) is
designed to provide an opportunity for the entire school to participate in
the worthwhile and enjoyable activity of reading. Students are expected to
bring a suitable book to read for SSR. Seminar
time provides opportunities for middle school students to develop their maximum
academic potential.
Books
and Materials
In
most classes, textbooks will be issued without charge. Please note that each student is responsible
for all books, supplies, and equipment received. If a book or other school material is lost, follow these steps:
1. Check the Lost and Found. If the item is not found, ask the Supply Clerk
what the replacement cost will be, and get a "Statement of Loss"
form, which must be signed by the sponsor.
2. Purchase a money order payable to
the "Treasurer of the United States." Personal checks or cash will not be accepted.
3.
Bring the money order to the Supply Clerk and a
replacement text will be issued.
Cafeteria and Lunch
Regulations
A
hot lunch program is offered by AAFES in the school cafeteria. Students may also bring a lunch or purchase
items from the a la carte menu. The school lunch program works on a debit
system. You must go to the BX cashier cage to get your student’s pin number
and the purchasing procedures. The BX cashiers cage is the only place to load
money into your student’s account. Students should dispose of all trash items
in the bins provided outside. If you eat your lunch in the cafeteria, you
are responsible for picking up your trays and trash. You should eat in a socially
acceptable manner. After you eat your lunch, you may leave the cafeteria. You may not return to the cafeteria once you
have left it. Failure to follow the above guidelines could result in disciplinary
action.
Dress Code
Clothes should be appropriate for school activities and weather conditions. Examples of inappropriate clothing are hats/headgear worn inside the building, bare feet, short shorts, tops or shirts showing the midriff, tops with spaghetti or racer straps, skirts no shorter than five inches from the middle of the knee, sagging pants (no more than one size too large), pants with holes, pajamas, bandanas, headscarves, chains, T-shirts bearing inappropriate and/or suggestive words/pictures or profanity, flip-flop like sandals, high platform shoes, etc. This list is not to be considered complete. The administration reserves the right to determine what clothing is appropriate in the context given above. For the first minor infraction, the teacher will send the student to the office for a warning. At that time, the student’s name will be recorded and they will be given alternative clothes to wear. The student must wear the “hook up” clothes until the end of the day. For further infractions or major infractions the administration will offer appropriate attire (accept for footwear) and a discipline referral with consequences will be generated. Headgear worn in the building will be confiscated. All confiscated items will be held in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of that day or another day. All confiscated items will be held for one school year. Parents coming in to claim the items must give a description before the items are released. Please ensure that your child's full name is on every article he/she brings to school.
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Lockers
Seminar teachers will assign a locker to each student.
Students are responsible for supplying their own locks, but only locks with
short shackles may be used. Bicycle locks and U.S. government locks are not
permitted. The gym teacher will also assign a gym locker. A lock is required
for this locker as well. This locker is for gym clothes and materials only.
Students should not leave valuables in their lockers (lunch tickets, money,
etc.) or food. The school will accept no responsibility for the loss of items
stored in a locker. School lockers are the property of the school.
Lost
and Found
There
is a general lost and found in the cafeteria for items such as clothes, book
bags, and valuables. For items left in PE there is a lost and found in the
gym. All of your personal items such as bags, clothing, instruments, and equipment
must be clearly marked with your name. If you find an article of value, turn
it into the office. At the end of each quarter, unclaimed items are donated
to charity.
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Prohibited Items
for School
THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL AND COULD LEAD TO SUSPENSION
AND/OR EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL:
Alcohol
Stink Bombs
Guns (any variety, even toy guns)
Explosive devices Firecrackers Knives (any variety including jackknives,
scout knives, etc.)
Pets
Tobacco products
Matches/butane lighters
Nun chucks
Pornography Technologically dangerous
materials
Any
other items considered inappropriate to the learning environment.
Radios, mobile phones,
recorders, CD/MP3 players, DVDs, computer handheld games, toys, etc., of any
type are prohibited on the school campus without prior permission. They will be confiscated and returned only to the sponsor. Teachers are advised to confiscate any of these
items from the student and send them (along with the student’s name and circumstances)
to the office. The sponsor will have to make arrangements to pick up the confiscated
item.
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LMS is a gum free school.
Report Cards &
Grading System
Report
cards are normally issued four times per school year. The report cards used
by DoDDS may differ from those used in the U.S. Teachers will fully explain
the grading system used in their classes at the beginning of the school year
and at various times thereafter. Please ask for a conference with the teacher
should you have questions. Students are expected to complete all assigned
work and take all scheduled tests. Poor and unsatisfactory progress of students
will be reported at the midpoint of each marking period. Grades are issued
as follows:
MARK
PERCENTAGE (DoDDS Scale)
A
- Excellent
90 - 100
B
- Good
80 - 89
C
- Average
70 - 79
D
- Poor
60 - 69
F
- Unsatisfactory
59 and below
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Telephones
OFFICE
TELEPHONES ARE NOT NORMALLY AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT USE. Forgetting homework
or lunch, requesting permission to stay after school, etc., are not valid
excuses for the use of school telephones. Only in the most unusual circumstances or in emergencies will messages
from parents be delivered to a student.
Bus Rules
1. Obey the driver or adult.
2. Enter and exit the bus safely and
always show your bus pass.
3. Stay properly seated and use seatbelts
when available.
4. Keep your hands, feet, and other body
parts to yourself.
5. Do not throw things.
6. Put nothing out of the window.
7. Remain quiet and do not disturb the
driver or others.
8. No profanity or indecency, smoking,
prohibited items or vandalism
9. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum.
10. Be responsible; be safe.
Attendance, School Closures & Late Arrival
Attendance
Regular school attendance is necessary for the successful education of our students. It is the teacher’s responsibility to provide a meaningful learning experience for the student in the classroom. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their student is in school everyday, to plan appointments and family trips on non-school days, and to keep absences because of sickness to a minimum. It is the administration’s responsibility to keep parents informed of their student’s attendance record, to engage the assistance of parents, and, if necessary, to involve the military commander to assist in resolving attendance problems.
Excused Absence
An excused absence is an absence approved by the school administration and entitling the student make-up privileges. There will be no academic penalty for excused absences.
- All written requests for excused absence must state a specific reason for the absence. Excused absences will be granted for illness, family emergencies, religious observances, family trips, (except during semester exams), and medical necessities which cannot be cared for during non-school time. Except in the case of illness, and/or family emergencies, excused absences must be approved before the absence.
- All students, regardless of age, who are leaving for an appointment (if known in advance) during class time must inform the teacher at the beginning of the class before the teacher begins the lesson. This will cause fewer interruptions.
- Students must be signed out by parent/guardian with proper ID. Parent/guardian must come into the school to sign out students. (No exceptions)
- Excused absences will be granted to those students participating in school-sponsored trips or contests, including DoDDS tournaments away from Lakenheath. Parental permission is required.
- Base Commander and District Superintendent’s approved school closing caused by adverse weather or safety conditions.
- Late arrival of buses.
Family Trip Policy
Before a student takes a trip, the attendance policy should be read. The student should obtain a family trip form from the Main Office. The form should be completed and returned at least four (4) days before the trip. Failure to do so may result in the absence being unexcused. Careful planning of family trips is necessary to insure successful completion of course requirements. Excused absences for any trip, including family trips, during the scheduled examination periods will not be issued.
Make Up Work Policy
All excused absences, to include pre-planned and school-sponsored trips, will result in the student receiving at least one additional class period for each period absent to make up the assignment that was given during the period(s) absent. This will not apply to long term projects and assignments that were made prior to the period during which the student was absent. Such assignments will be due on the regularly scheduled due date. If the student has an excused absence on that date, the long term project or assignment will be due on the day he/she returns to class.
School Closures
School will not be closed during normal periods of operation, without the approval of the Superintendent, except in instances of emergencies or inclement weather as outlined below:
Emergencies
School may be closed at any time at the discretion of the Support Group Commander for such reasons as alerts, emergencies, epidemics, inclement weather, or facility deficiencies, which may endanger the health or safety of students and school personnel.
Inclement Weather
In cases of inclement weather, the Support Group Commander coordinates school closure with the school principal. When school is canceled because of inclement weather, or when the school will experience a two-hour delayed start in the morning, announcements will be made on the following local stations beginning at 0630.
LOCAL STATION |
CHANNEL |
Anglia TV |
Channel 3 |
BBC Radio Suffolk |
FM Band 104.5; 95.5; 103.9 |
BBC Cambridgeshire |
FM Band 96 |
CN Radio |
FM Band 103 |
Radio Bury St. Edmunds |
FM Band 96.4 |
Radio Ipswich
AFN Commander’s Channel TV |
FM Band 96.4 |
Parents may also call the RAF Lakenheath command post recording at LX 3541, MX 3541, or commercially 01638-523541, 01638-543541, or the school bus office, at LX 2752 or 2304, or commercially at 01638-523752/522304, regarding emergency and inclement weather closures or delays.
Signing In/Out
If students are late arriving at school, they must bring a note from the sponsor stating the reason for signing in to the Attendance Window. Students that depart school early with sponsor and school permission must sign out at the Attendance Window.
Visitors
Parents who wish to visit the school are requested to sign in at the main office. If parents wish to see a teacher, principal or counselor, it is necessary to make an appointment in order to avoid interrupting a class or another appointment. Teachers do not have the same preparation period each day because of our rotating schedule. Parents are encouraged to work closely with the school, and we value your input.
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Students that arrive to and/or depart from school in a privately owned vehicle (POV) must be dropped-off and picked-up in the parking lot located in the front of the building. The blacktop and parking area at the back of the building is reserved for bus unloading and loading only.
Late Arrival If a school bus arrives shortly after the beginning of the school
day, students should go directly to homebase. Missing the bus is an unexcused
absence. Parents transporting students to school must officially check students
in at the office if they arrive late to campus.
Early Morning Procedures
Students that walk to school or are dropped off by parents must gather in the front of the school where there is limited/temporary parking. These students must gather either on the sidewalk or under the building overhang. These students are not allowed in the building until 8:15.
Only students that ride the bus are to be in the back of the school on the blacktop. Students are not allowed in to the school before 8:15 unless there are extreme weather conditions (heavy rain/below 25 degrees). Bus riders must line up on the blacktop in their assigned houses. Students are let into the building in an orderly fashion. During this time, students must not run around or play with balls for safety reasons. Balls and other items that cause a disturbance or a safety violation will be confiscated.
Activity Bus
Activity
buses are provided only for students
participating in school sanctioned extra-curricular activities. Activity buses
depart from the campus about 1630 on days that activities are scheduled. Drop-off
points are usually Lakenheath Village, Lakenheath Base, Mildenhall Base, Mildenhall
Village, Red Lodge, Studlands Park, Newmarket, Brandon, and Thetford housing.
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