Table of Contents
ABSENT-STEPS
TO FOLLOW
1. The parent/guardian should contact the school before
9:30 a.m. on the day of the absence by calling the school.
The parent/guardian may also send a written excuse with a
sibling or neighbor on the day of the absence. We will
attempt to call you at home or work if you do not notify us.
A card, listing your child's date of absence, will be sent to
your home address if we are unable to reach you.
2. Upon returning to school, the student should have a
written note signed by the parent or guardian. This note
should include the following information: child's name, date,
day(s) of absence, and reason for the absence. This note is
to be submitted to the teacher. The note should be written
whether the absence was excused or unexcused.
INCENTIVE ATTENDANCE AWARD: (For each nine weeks)
PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD: Any student having "0"
tardies and "0" absences will be treated to a
breakfast in the cafeteria.
ATTENDANCE
FOR SCHOOL
The statutes governing school attendance are very specific
and leave little option for school authorities to excuse
children from school. The State Code classifies absence from
school as excused or unexcused. The following conditions
constitute reasons for excused absence from school:
(1) Personal Illness
(2) Illness In the Family
(3) Quarantine of the Home
(4) Death of a Relative
(5) Work at Home due to Absence of Parents or
Guardians
(6) Observance of Religious Holiday
(7) Family Emergency
(8) Doctors or Dentists Appointments.
ATTENDANCE
/TARDY POLICY
The Defiance Middle School expects all students to attend
school on a regular basis, except in the case of illness. The
following policy will
go into effect when a student has attendance problems:
- When five days of absences or tardies have been
accumulated ( excused or unexcused) by a student in
the same school year, a letter from the school
counselor will be sent to the parents or guardian
notifying them of the number of absences and asking
for their help in getting the student to attend
school on a regular basis.
- When ten days of absences or tardies have been
accumulated (excused or unexcused) by a student in
the same school year, a second letter will be mailed
by the school counselor warning the parent / guardian
of the child's non-attendance.
- When 15 days of absences or tardies have been
accumulated (excused or unexcused ) by a student in
the same school year , a third letter will be mailed
by the school counselor warning the parent/ guardian
of the child's non-attendance.
- If the parent/guardian proves unable to cause their
child to be in attendance after fifteen days of
absences or tardies, the Defiance Middle School shall
make a formal, legal complaint before the judge of
the Juvenile Court in Defiance County.
BUS RIDER
RULES
1. Be at your bus stop on time.
2. Wait off the traveled portion of the highway.
3. Use the handrail when you board the bus. Do not crowd and
push.
4. Take your seat quickly.
5. Do not block the aisle with your personal belongings.
6. Never put your head, arms, or hands out the window.
7. Do not throw things in a bus, at a bus, or from a bus.
8. Be quiet and obey the driver. The bus is his/her
classroom.
9. Do not horse around! Horseplay could distract the driver
and cause an accident.
10. Be careful leaving the bus. Keep away from the side of
the bus. Cross at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus so
the driver can see you.
11. REMEMBER - RIDING A SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A
RIGHT.
FAILURE TO OBEY THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN YOUR LOSING THE
PRIVILEGE OF BUS RIDING.
CAFETERIA
PROCEDURES
All students eat their lunch in the cafeteria and are
expected to conduct themselves in a quiet, mannerly fashion.
Each student will learn and practice proper table manners as
a part of his/her education. The following rules will be
enforced:
(1) Students will enter the cafeteria in a quiet, orderly
manner.
(2) Students will not throw food.
(3) Students will not talk loudly or turn around to other
tables.
(4) Students are responsible for placing trays, silverware,
paper and garbage in proper receptacles.
(5) Children will use proper table manners at all times.
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CHILD ABUSE
School personnel are required by law to report any
evidence of child abuse or neglect to Defiance County
Children Services. The school is required to and will
cooperate 100% with law officials.
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COLORED
HAIR POLICY
Students attending school or a school function with
colored hair deemed inappropriate by the principal or his/her
representative will be sent home immediately.
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COMMUNICATION
The Defiance Middle School believes communication between the
school and home is extremely important. A number of methods
of communication are used to this end.
- Homework Hotline--Call 784-2800 during the school day
or after school hours and follow the voice mail
instructions. You may call the school phone number,
782-0955, between 4:00 PM and 7:30 AM and follow the
voice mail instructions. Your child's team of
teachers will give you their access code. Since the
Middle School is using a new phone system, more
information will be given at a later date.
- Monthly Newsletter--A letter is sent home every month
from the principal and the parent organization,
Pride. The purpose is to keep all parents informed of
school wide activities including current and future
events and announcements. Mr. Wilson also includes a
second sheet titled: Home and School Connection.
These are sent home the first week of each month with
the students.
- Team/Teacher Letters--teacher teams also send home a
monthly newsletter highlighting activities in their
rooms.
- Discipline Sheets--All students disciplined by the
principal receives a discipline sheet. Please read,
sign and return these sheets.
- Orientation Meetings for Students--An orientation
program for current 4th. grade students is conducted
each spring during the school day. Students are
welcomed by the principal and school counselor, given
a tour of the building, placed in a 5th. grade
classroom for several hours and experience
lunch/recess. These activities are followed by a
question/answer session with the principal/school
counselor.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences--Each year DMS conducts a
parent-teacher program to discuss the academic
progress of each student.
- Open House--An open house program is conducted each
fall to introduce the parents with our school and
staff.
- Absent/Tardy Notices--Parents are instructed to phone
the school office (782-0955) each morning their
student is absent or tardy. If the school does not
receive a call, the DMS office will call your home or
send a post card, indicating the student is not
attending.
- Guidance Letters--The school counselor will send a
letter home with each grade card indicating the
activities of the guidance office during the past
grading period.
CURRICULUM
Core Curriculum--All students at DMS participate in a core
curriculum comprised of: reading, language arts, writing,
spelling, English, social studies, math and science.
Specials--All students also participate in special
subjects: art, general music, physical education (PE)
computers and guidance. Band & Choir are optional.
CUSTODIAL
AND NONCUSTODIAL PARENTS
All students not living with their two biological parents
are required to have a custody sheet on file in their
permanent record. If there has been legal action, such as
divorce or separation, a copy of that record showing custody
must be provided to the school. Unless this legal record
stated otherwise, the noncustodial parent does have the same
legal rights as the custodial parent. These would be to visit
the school for information about how the student is doing,
the right to a teacher conference, and the right to copies of
student reports.
A noncustodial parent can request that material be mailed
to them. In order for this to be done, the noncustodial
parent will need to provide self addressed, stamped,
envelopes for the records to be mailed. This request will
need to be made to the principal who will inform the
teachers. If there are changes in custody or visitation, it
is the parents responsibility to notify the principal.
DIRECTORY
In compliance with the Ohio revised code, a general
student directory is annually compiled by each school
building. Any parent wishing to have information pertaining
to their child deleted from the directory should notify the
Middle School office before September 30.
The directory will include name and grade of student, date
of birth, name of parent, address and telephone number.
This directory will be on file in the Treasurer's office.
Any request for copies will be made through this office. No
release or access of directory information shall be given to
any person or organization for any direct or indirect
profit-making activity.
DISCIPLINE
It is expected that parents will support the teacher and
reinforce the classroom rules and procedures.
Each teacher will have consequences for classroom
misbehavior which may include: reprimand, isolation within
the classroom, counseling, and the withdrawal of privileges.
If a student's behavior repeatedly does not meet the
expectations of the teacher, the teacher will attempt to
enlist the help of the parent. If this is not successful in
correcting the students behavior, the following steps may
take place until the problem has been corrected:
(1) Student referred to school counselor for
conference.
(2) Conference with principal/school counselor,
teacher, and student
(3) Removal from school until a conference with
parent, teacher, principal/school counselor, and student
can be held. At this conference, a plan to correct the
student's behavior will be devised.
(4) Suspension from school. A student may be legally
suspended from school for up to 10 days, in or out of
school.
(5) Expulsion from school for 90 days.
DRESS
CODE/GROOMING
Students are expected to come to school clean and well
groomed. A student's appearance is one of the first and
strongest impressions made on other people. We encourage all
parents to make sure that student school clothes are neat and
clean.
Your cooperation is needed with the following: We do not
permit short-shorts, halter tops, T-shirts or hats with
inappropriate pictures or wording. Students may wear shorts
on days the weather calls for high temperatures, during the
months of August, September and May. Shorts for Physical
Education classes must be appropriate and fit the student (no
sagging). Hair must be neatly groomed (no wild colors
allowed). Earrings on any part of the body is not allowed. It
is our aim to maintain an excellent reputation regarding the
personal appearance of our student body.
In today's permissive society, we still feel there is a
need for decency of dress in certain places and school is
definitely one of them. This is your school and it is a good
one. Only with parent cooperation can we continue to
administer and maintain high standards.
EXTRA
CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All students are encouraged to participate in extra
curricular activities. Students at DMS can select from a wide
variety of these experiences.
- Student Council--Each homeroom elects one
representative and one alternate with both attending
the meetings. Special projects are conducted
throughout the year with the profits donated to
purchase school equipment. Playground equipment and
help with the Chicago and Camp Palmer trips are
examples of past donations.
- Quiz team-- Two teams are available, one for each
grade at DMS. Students take a test to make the team.
Both teams compete with other schools using a
computer format.
- Debate--This is open to any student at DMS. They
learn the different formats of debate. During their
meetings, current issues are debated.
- Radio and TV--In past years, students have made
morning announcements, made audio tapes, and created
a highlight video of the year for Defiance Middle
School.
- Boys and Girls Basketball--The head varsity coaches
are responsible for these programs. The boys practice
two times a week and play on Saturday at the high
school while the girls practice once and play on
Saturday at the junior high.
- Wrestling--Open to any students interested.
- Choir--Open to any student who has an interest.
- Band--There is an orientation for 5th. grade students
in early September. The band staff attempts to match
the proper instrument to each student. Lessons are
once a week, band class is twice a week at 8:00 AM
and 11:55 AM.
- Jazz Band--Jazz band is organized for 6th. grade
interested students.
- Chess Club- a volunteer is needed to run the club
FEES AND
SUPPLIES
The Defiance City Board of Education provides all basic
texts at no cost to the children of our school. The condition
of books will be recorded at the beginning of the school
year. It is suggested that you encourage your child to make a
special effort to point out any book damage to the teacher at
the time of receipt so there will be no questions of
responsibility at the end of the year. All books lost or
damaged during the year must be paid for according to the
nature of the loss. There is a charge for workbooks, art
supplies, special reading materials, etc., for the school
year. A supply list will be sent home with your child. Please
pay the full amount for your child's fees as soon as
possible.
Report cards will be held for failure to pay school fees
and/or lunch charges. These charges will continue to
accumulate from year to year until paid.
FIELD TRIPS
Parents will be asked to sign permission slips when
children take field trips. The parent's signature
acknowledges that the parent is aware that the child will be
away from school, is aware of the nature of the trip, and its
purpose. The parent has the right to deny participation. Only
students whose parents have signed permission slips will be
permitted to participate in such activities. Students may be
denied participation in field trips or other activities due
to persistent behavior or educational problems at school.
FIGHTING
Fighting at school cannot and will not be tolerated.
Fighting usually stems from rough play which gets out of
hand, some misunderstanding or miscommunication between
students, or instigation by a third party. When a fight
occurs, we do not dwell on who started it. Almost always,
both fighters are at fault. Our approach is to help the
fighters defuse their anger, work out their differences, and
find ways to avoid the problem in the future. However, if a
student persists in fighting, he/she will face a possible
suspension from school or police referral.
FIRE DRILL
At the sound of the fire alarm, each student is to leave
the building by following the directions of the staff. All
doors and windows should be closed and lights turned off
before leaving the room. Students should leave quietly and
stay in their own group, even when outside the building so
that attendance can be taken. Everyone will return to the
building at the sound of the "all clear" signal.
GIFTED/ADVANCED
PROGRAMS
A number of activities are available for advanced students
at DMS.
- Solve It Math Competition--This is a national test
conducted by the University of Delaware. A
challenging test covering math problem solving- we
send in the best of the 5th. and 6th. grade scores.
- Quiz Team--see extra curricular activities.
- Programs by individual teachers
- The Academy- academic workshops- see counselor
GUM CHEWING
Careless disposal of gum- in drinking fountains, on
furniture or floors etc. presents a sanitation and cleaning
problem and costly repair. Therefore, gum chewing is not
permitted on any school property, including school buses.
IMMUNIZATION
REQUIREMENTS
In compliance with the Ohio Compulsory Immunization Law,
no pupil shall be admitted to school unless such pupil
presents written evidence that he or she has received the
required immunization by such means as may be approved by the
Department of Health, pursuant to the powers granted by
3701.13 of the Revised Code or unless such pupil presents a
written statement of his parents or guardian objecting to
such immunization because of medical or religious grounds and
substantiated by the physician, minister or practitioner of
their faith.
For the purpose of compliance with the law, the following
minimum immunizations are required:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussin (Whooping Cough); a
minimum of four doses of DTP vaccine, the last one
being at least 4 years from the date of birth.
- Polio: a minimum of three doses of polio vaccine.
- Measles (Rubella, the 7-10 day red measles): one dose
of vaccine, administered after the first birthday.
- Rubella (commonly called German measles or 3-day
measles): one dose of vaccine, administered after the
first birthday.
- Mumps: one dose of vaccine.
- The administration of the MMR vaccine is equal to
c,d, and e.
JUNIOR HIGH
BUILDING
No Middle School students are to be in the Junior high
building or in the football stadium unless they are attending
a regularly scheduled gym or music class or attending an
assembly.
topLOCKERS AND
LOCKS
Lockers are to be kept neat and orderly. Do not paste
pictures, clippings, etc. on the outside or inside of the
locker. Valuables should be kept locked in the locker.
LUNCH
Lunch will be served each day school is in session. No
student will be permitted to leave the school grounds unless
a written request has been made by the parent and approved by
the teacher/principal. The charge for a hot lunch (milk
included) is $1.40 per day. The charge for a half pint of
milk is $.30 cents per day for those students who prefer to
bring a packed lunch from home. Students are not permitted to
bring cans of pop to school for their meal time.
Free lunches, or lunches at reduced cost of $.40 cents are
available to students who qualify. Applications will be made
available to families and must be returned to the school to
determine eligibility. If after approval your income changes,
you must notify the school principal.
Lunches are to be prepaid on Mondays. There are NO LUNCH
CHARGES - If you forget to bring lunch money, you may call
home or borrow money from a friend. The cafeteria will also
provide a sandwich and milk at no charge if you forget your
lunch money.
MEDICAL
INFORMATION- FAMILY
Parents should immediately notify the school when there
are any changes in a student's address, phone number, or any
other information which is included on the Family Information
Sheet or the Emergency Medical Form. If the family status
changes because of divorce or legal separation, or if the
child lives with someone other than his/her natural mother
and father, proof of custody or guardianship must be provided
to the school office.
MEDICAL
TREATMENT- EMERGENCY
In order to handle emergency situations, the school must
know how to reach parents quickly. For this reason, every
parent must fill out an EMERGENCY MEDICAL FORM for each child
as required by state law. This is kept on file. When your
child becomes ill (vomiting, fever, or symptoms of
communicable disease) or injured, we will get in touch with
the parent or person indicated on the Emergency Form as soon
as possible.Parents or the person designated by the parent,
who are contacted because of a child's illness, are requested
to pick up the child immediately.
If any changes are needed on the Emergency Medical Form,
please inform the school by phone or by coming to the office.
MEDICATION
AND DRUG POLICY
Many students are able to attend school regularly only
through effective use of medication in the treatment of
chronic disabilities or illnesses that will not hinder the
health and welfare of others. We strongly recommend that
medication be administered in the home. Parents should ask
their doctor to arrange for the medication to be given to
avoid school hours, if possible. If this cannot be done, any
pupil who is required by a physician's order to take
medication during the regular school day must comply with the
following policy as required by Ohio State Law:
- Prescription drugs to be taken at school must be
accompanied by a doctors order, labeled with all
necessary information including the student's name,
the date, the name of the drug and time intervals to
be taken. The form for Administration of Prescription
Drugs must be used for providing the school with the
necessary information. This form can be picked up in
the office.
- Medication must be brought to school in a container
appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.
- A release form and/or written permission from the
parent/guardian of the student requesting that
medication be given or taken during school hours must
be presented.
- Prescription medication to be taken at school will be
stored in an enclosure, out of view, in the school
office. (Refrigeration will be provided when
necessary.)
NOTE: Parents are responsible for informing the school of
their child's allergies; especially allergies to bee stings.
In the case of bee sting allergies , the parents are
responsible for providing the school with the bee sting
medication and a doctor's statement about how the medication
is to be administered.
The school's role in the administration of this policy is
one of cooperation with the parent and student and we will
take responsibility for the administration of medication only
after the above guidelines have been followed. Medicine will
only be administered to the student through the school office
and by the secretary or other appropriate person appointed by
the building principal.
MONEY
If you give your child money for book payments, lunches,
classroom books, etc..., please put it in an envelope and
write on the envelope your child's name and the purpose for
which the money is sent. Children should not bring extra
money to school. Also, fund raiser money should be sent to
school in check form, not cash.
NAME
CALLING/DIGNITY POLICY
Name calling related to physical handicaps or defects,
mental handicap, race, clothing, or any other reason is
unkind, and therefore, not acceptable behavior. This type of
behavior will not be tolerated.
topPLAYGROUND
SAFETY PROCEDURES
1. Show respect at all times for whomever (teacher/aid) is
on duty.
A. No talking back if corrected.
2. Be considerate of others.
A. Keep hands and feet to yourself.
B. No name calling.
C. Do not use BAD LANGUAGE.
3. Play in designated areas only.
4. Use playground equipment correctly.
5. Games involving balls should be played in assigned areas.
A. Four Square and Hop Scotch games.
B. Play in marked areas only.
6. Check with the teacher prior to getting balls that leave
the playground area.
PROGRESS
REPORTS- INTERIMS
Students experiencing problems or unusually positive
achievements in specific academic areas will receive progress
reports during a particular grading period. If a student is
experiencing a problem the Interim Report will be used as a
basis for conferencing and working out solutions for your
child.
PUBLIC
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Public display of affection (i.e.--kissing, inappropriate
touching, etc.) by students will not be tolerated at Defiance
Middle School. Students will be referred to the school
counselor and/or the principal.
REPORT
CARDS- STUDENT PROGRESS
Report cards are issued at nine (9) week intervals during
the school year. The district grading scale is as follows:
| A- Excellent B- Good
C- Average
D- Below Average
F- Failure
|
90-100
80-90
70-80
60-70
Below 60
|
S- Satisfactory
N- Needs Improvement
U- Unsatisfactory
|
If you are concerned about your child's progress at any
time, please contact your child's teacher at school to
arrange a conference.
RESTROOM
PROCEDURES
1. Always use proper manners in the restrooms.
2. Always flush the toilets and/ or urinals.
3. Help keep the floors, mirrors, and walls neat and clean.
4. Never write on the walls. ( Pencils, crayons, and pens
must be left in the classroom).
5. Throw paper towels in the wastebaskets, not in the
toilets, sink, urinals or on the floor.
6. Never stand on toilet seats or hang on support bars.
RETENTION/PROMOTION
OR TRANSFER
The promotion or retention of a student in any grade level
should be in the best interest of the student. The first
consideration for student retention is failing grades or
minimum goals prescribed on the Individual Educational
Program. However, academics will not be the sole factor in
the determination of retention. The student's age, maturity
level, emotional and social criteria must also be considered
on an individual basis. Retention shall occur only if it
presents the possibility of allowing the student to function
successfully at grade level in these areas and it is viewed
as an opportunity for growth. If deemed necessary, it should
occur as early as possible in a student's educational
program. The final decision regarding retention or promotion
will be made by the principal.
SCHEDULE-
Daily Time
When students arrive at school in the mornings, they are
to stay outside or go to the cafeteria. The school building
will open at 8:30 a.m. Students walking to school should not
arrive at school before 8:30 a.m.
Students riding bicycles to school are to park their bikes
in the bike racks on the playground. Bikes must be walked
through school property. Bikes are not to be bothered or
ridden by any students, including the owner, during the day.
First Bell: 8:45 Bell: 8:55
Any student arriving to school after 10:30 a.m. will be
counted absent 1/2 day.
All students released during the day must be checked out
in the office. Children will be released only to the
custodial parent or guardian, or to an adult designated by
the custodial parent or guardian.
Dismissal: 3:25 p.m.
SCHOOL
CLOSINGS, DELAYS, EARLY DISMISSALS
In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies
that may necessitate a school closing, delay, or early
dismissal, the Defiance City Schools will communicate with
the parents and students by radio. Please listen to:
WONW-1280 AM; WDFM-98.1 FM; or WZOM-106 FM. Please DO NOT
call the radio station or the school building.
Arrangements must be made in advance for students in case
of EARLY DISMISSAL. Make arrangements for your child to go to
a relative or neighbor's house if no one is going to be home.
Students will not be permitted to call home in most cases,
and parents may not be able to reach the school because of a
busy phone line.
SCHOOL/COMMUNITY
GUIDELINES
The following are guidelines established for our school
community by the Defiance City Board of Education. All
students, staff, parents and community members are encouraged
to uphold these ideas.
1. Honesty--telling the truth, meaning what you say.
2. Responsibility--carrying out your obligations, duties;
answering for your own actions.
3. Respect--treating everyone, including yourself, with
dignity.
4. Self-control--Being able to control your actions.
5. Promise-Keeping--keeping you word.
6. Equality--understanding that all people have the same
rights.
7. Social Justice--treating all people fairly.
SPECIAL
NEEDS STUDENTS
A number of programs for special need students are also
available at DMS including:
- LD/DH/MH (Learning Disabled/Developmentally
Disabled/Multiple Handicapped)--These programs strive
to place students in the regular curriculum when
appropriate and individual and/or small group
instruction when necessary. An SBH (Severe Behavior
Handicapped) unit is available.
- Tutors--DMS has peer tutors to assist DMS students
and numerous parent volunteers.
- Mentors--The Defiance 2000 committee supplies adult
mentors to DMS to assist students in academic and
social areas.
- Chapter Programs--Summer school is offered through
this program for students in need. Chapter Programs
are also offered throughout the year before/after
school. Programs are expanded before the state
proficiency tests to assist students. Students must
qualify for these programs via test scores/teacher
recommendations.
- Intervention Assistance Team--Students experiencing
difficulty in the classroom are referred to this team
by the classroom teacher. The team consists of
teacher representatives from each grade and is
chaired by the school counselor and/or principal.
Each student's case is reviewed, suggestions given
and a plan developed.
SUPERVISION
TO AND FROM SCHOOL
The school is directly responsible for supervision of
students only while they are on school property. Once they
leave school property this becomes the responsibility of the
parents. The school will cooperate with parents in stressing
the rules of safety to and from school and will assist with
discipline problems that occur between home and school.
Generally, misbehavior that occurs off school property is a
police matter.
TARDY TO
SCHOOL
TARDY TO SCHOOL IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. Students will be
allowed 2 tardies, one each semester. After one tardy in a
semester, the student will be assigned a detention for each
tardy.
TELEPHONES
The office phone is for school business and it may be used
by students only in cases of emergency with the permission of
the teacher, secretary or principal. A pay phone located on
the first floor near the showcase is for student use.
TORNADO
DRILL
At the sound of the tornado alarm, each student is to go
to the designated area of the building as directed by the
staff. The teacher will stay with his/her group of students
until the "all clear" signal is given.
VISITORS
Parents and other visitors are requested to report to the
school office before going to a classroom. This is for the
protection of our children.
WITHDRAWAL
OF STUDENTS WHEN MOVING
It is important that you notify the school as soon as
possible when youdecide to move. You should be sure upon
leaving for your new school that you have taken care of all
obligations with your present school. You need to return all
school books, pay any fees due, charges and pick up all
personal belongings of your child. If possible, we need to
know the location of your new school. The school in which
your child enrolls will send a request for his/her records.
As soon as we receive this request, we will forward them
immediately.
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