Neil A. Armstrong Middle School

Neil A. Armstrong

Student Handbook

Act 80 Days

     In accordance with the Pennsylvania State Code, Bristol Township School District has designated Act 80 days for the faculty, staff, and administration to address curricular issues. The entire staff will be involved with this process, and students will be dismissed early on occasions or will not report to school at all.
     On days of early dismissals, no activity buses will be provided, and all students must leave the building at dismissal. Pupils who may be involved in regularly scheduled after school activities and athletics will receive more information pertaining to meetings and practices and may be scheduled on those days from their coach / advisor.

 

Administration

Mr. Ed. Dayton                  Principal                  NAAMS

Mr. Ken Melton                  Assistant Principal     NAAMS

 

 

After School

     After the dismissal bell, students are not permitted inside the building or on school grounds without staff supervision. Pupils may stay after school if they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or if they are participating in a Co-curricular activity. If a student misses a bus, he / she is to report immediately to the main office and remain there until a ride is provided, or until the activity bus comes to school for its pickup. If a student is found staying after school repeatedly without supervision, or if he/she is not with his supervising teacher, disciplinary action will result.

 

Announcements

     Announcements are made every morning during homeroom period and at the end of the day. Before the morning announcements are made, students will rise for the National Anthem and pledge allegiance to the flag. The day’s announcements will follow. All students are required to be quiet and respectful during the announcements and the Channel One broadcast.

 

Arson, Bomb Threats, and Other Related Actions

     Any student who sets a fire or assists in setting a fire on school property will be suspended from school pending a Superintendent's Hearing.
     Any student found tampering with a fire alarm or safety device or pulling a fire alarm without just cause will be reported to the fire marshal and will be suspended pending a Superintendent's Hearing.
     Any students who threaten to use a bomb or who plant any incendiary or explosive device on school property will be suspended pending a Superintendent's Hearing and will also be subject to those disciplinary actions leading up to an Expulsion Hearing with the School Board.

      Police will be contacted, and appropriate charges will be filled under Pa Crimes Code.

 

Taken from Board Policy No. 218

 

Athletics - Interscholastic (P.I.A.A)

     During the last school year, Middle School offered its students the following P.I.A.A. teams: football, soccer, field hockey, cheerleading, wrestling, girls' and boys' basketball, track, baseball, and girls’ softball. Students in the 7^{th and} 8^th grades are eligible to participate.
     Those pupils who decide to participate in interscholastic athletics are required to have written parental consent and take a medical exam. This exam may either be given by your personal doctor, or it may be given at a time arranged by the school district. The physicals arranged by the school will cost a minimal fee.

About the P.I.A.A

 Our Middle Schools are a member of the P.I.A.A and the Lower Bucks County Athletic Leagues. Questions about the co-curricular program should be addressed to the appropriate coach or to the Athletic Director of Bristol Township (Phone: 215-547-3007).
     The P.I.A.A is a voluntary association of public schools in Pennsylvania whose purpose is to promote, in a cooperative endeavor, wholesome inter-school athletic relations among its members. A summary of the rules and regulations pertinent to the schools is summarized as follows:

·         Age - A pupil of a school, grades 7and 8 shall be ineligible to compete in interscholastic athletic contests upon attaining the age of 16 years.

·         Scholarship - To be eligible for interscholastic competition, a pupil must pursue a curriculum defined and approved by the principal as a full time curriculum. This curriculum must conform to the regulations of the State Board of Education and the Pennsylvania School code, as well as the policies established by the school board. The pupil must be passing at least four full-credit subjects or the equivalent. Eligibility shall be cumulative from the beginning of a marking period and shall be reported on a weekly basis.

·         Consent of Parent - A pupil in grades 7and 8 shall be eligible for practice or participation in each sport only when there is on file with the principal, a certificate of consent which is assigned by his / her parent or guardian.

·         Health - No pupils shall be eligible to represent his / her school in any interscholastic athletic contest unless he / she have been examined each sport season by the school physician or by another licensed physician. The physical condition of the student athlete must by pronounced satisfactory before he / she begins to train or practice in the sport.

 

Attendance Guidelines and Procedures

     Each student has the responsibility to be in attendance at school every day that school is in session. The only acceptable reasons for absences are: illness, death in the family, religious holidays, educational trips, suspensions from school, or other urgent reasons that are approved by the administration.
     All absences from school must be justified by the parent / guardian. Pupils must bring in a signed excuse for each day of absence on the day they return to school. If written excuses are not provided within three (3) days of absence, the days of absence will be considered unexcused.  For students under the age of 17, unexcused absences will be determined to be illegal.

     Those students who are to miss school for educational trips must submit their requests to the principal at least one week prior to the date the trip is to begin. Because attendance is a critical element of success in school and because class work is difficult to make up, parents should consider the importance of the trip and how the trip will affect their child's academic achievement before planning the trip.

     Bristol Township School District mandates that more than fifteen (15) days of absence (both excused and unexcused) to be excessive. Any student who is absent more than 15 days will have his / her attendance records reviewed by the Attendance Committee. The committee may determine that the student with an excess number of absences shall attend a two-hour after-school detention, a Saturday School, or a summer attendance program to make up the missed school time. Students who do not make up their missed time may be in danger of being retained in their present grade. Transportation to and from these programs will be the responsibility of the student's parents / guardians.

     At the end of the school year, we will recognize those pupils who attain perfect attendance status. The District defines perfect attendance as being present in school every day, never tardy, and never excused early. When at a school-sponsored activity, students will be considered present. When absent for pre-approved religious education, though marked as excused absent, students will not be penalized. They will be considered for perfect attendance

                                Taken from Board Policy No. 204

Authority of Teachers and Principals

     Section 1317 of the Pennsylvania State Code states that every teacher, assistant principal, and principal employed in a public school has the right to exercise the same authority in matters of conduct and discipline as a parent or guardian would have. This authority is in effect whenever a student is in a classroom or at a school sponsored function, as well as whenever a student is going to or coming from school.

 

Student Assistance Team

     The Student Assistance Team of a Middle School is an intervention program that is an advocate for students who may be dealing with emotional of substance problems. According to state guidelines, a student assistance team should consist of an administrator, at least two teachers, and a guidance counselor. Student Assistance Team members have been trained to identify and refer "high risk" students to appropriate local agencies for assessment and possible counseling or rehabilitation programs. The purpose of the team is not to discipline students who are having difficulties, but to help them.    

 

Bicycles and Other Vehicles

     Students are not permitted to ride bicycles to school. Pupils should not ask teachers or the main office to store their bicycles for them during the school day. 
     Rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters are also forbidden on school property, and students may not ride them to or from school. Likewise, students are forbidden to use sneakers with wheels in the hallways on any school property. Any student who violates traffic laws or endangers their own safety or the safety of anyone else on the way to school or on the way home will be disciplined by the administration and will be reported to the Bristol Township police.

Taken from Board Policy No. 223

 

Book Bags and Back Packs

     Students are not permitted to carry book bags or back packs in school during the school day. Because of the crowded conditions, book bags and backpacks become a safety hazard in the classrooms and the hallways.
     If a student brings a book bag or backpack to school, it is to be kept in the locker during the school day. Students who need to carry a book bag for medical reasons need a note from their doctor and written permission from a principal.

 

Bus Regulations

     Students have the privilege of using the transportation services of the Bristol Township School District. Rigid standards of discipline must be maintained at all times in order to meet the safety requirements. Whenever a driver must shift his / her attention away from the road to address disruptive students, danger to all passengers occurs. The safety of student passengers is of utmost importance to all concerned.

Any student who continually refuses to follow the school's bus expectations will face strong disciplinary measures, including detentions, suspensions from the bus, or suspension from school.

Expectations of Bus Conduct:

·         Except for ordinary conversations, pupils will observe quiet conduct on the bus.

·         Students shall stay in their seats while the bus is moving.

·         Students shall not throw objects on the bus.

·         Students shall not throw objects from bus windows.

·         Students shall not shout insults or vulgar remarks to people outside the bus

·         Heads and hands will not be extended through the bus windows.

·         Bus drivers and aides will be treated with respect.

·         Only students assigned to a bus will ride that bus. Riding home on any other bus requires a note from the parent requesting that change, and approval from the bus driver and a principal.

Cafeteria Regulations

     The prices for the various lunch items will be publicized prior to the opening of school. The menu will be posted throughout the school, published in the newspaper, and read each day during announcements.
     Because the lunch period is a busy time and because a good number of people need to be fed during the scheduled time, proper management and decorum are necessary. It is important that all students follow the directions of the teacher or staff members who are in charge of lunch shifts.

Cafeteria Expectations:

·         Stand in line properly, with no pushing or butting in line.

·         Walk. Running is NOT acceptable behavior.

·         Sit properly in the seat. Students are not to lean back on their chairs or move chairs around to other tables. Feet are to be on the floor.

·         Show proper table manners. Throwing food, stealing, or handling other pupils' food is prohibited.

·         Combing hair and applying makeup at the lunch table is not appropriate.

·         No food, beverages, candy, or snacks are to be taken from the cafeteria.

·         Follow Hall pass procedures. No student is to leave the cafeteria without a pass from a teacher or staff member.

·         Keep the dining area clean. Trash is to be picked up and placed (not thrown) into the garbage cans.

·         Keep noise at a moderate / reasonable level. No disruptive or loud behavior is permitted.

·         Students are expected to sit at assigned tables unless permission is given to sit elsewhere by a principal or teacher.

 

Removal of Cafeteria Privileges

 When other disciplinary measures have been tried and have not resulted in improvement of behavior; the privilege of using the cafeteria will be withdrawn. The student must then provide his / her own lunch and beverage to be eaten in the ISS Room.

Lunch ticket information

 Lunch tickets are available on a weekly / yearly basis. Lunch tickets are available in the cafeteria every Monday morning.
     Free and reduced lunch tickets are also available for families who complete the necessary applications that will be provided by homeroom teachers.

 

Care of School Property

     Our Middle Schools stress pride in their schools, and that includes making sure that our appearance is always appealing. School facilities should be treated with care and concern, and all of us should be aware that visitors are judging our school and our students by the appearance we keep.
     No student should litter the hallways or the outside area with paper or other garbage. Please put paper and trash in the proper receptacles.

     Any student who damages school property will be held liable for the damage. A bill will be submitted to the parents for the cost of such damage. Students may also be suspended for damage done to school property. Students and others who deface or damage any school property may also be prosecuted and punished under law. Parents / guardians of those students will be held accountable for their students' actions.

     Students who lose or damage textbooks, supplies, equipment, or furniture will be expected to repay an appropriate amount to replace the damaged property.

     At times, bathrooms of the school may be vandalized. In such cases, the principals may impose a bathroom lockdown for the whole school, for boys or girls only, or for selected grade levels. At that time, all student bathrooms will be locked with the exception of one that can be closely supervised by a principal or staff member. During a bathroom lockdown students may use the bathroom between classes only. In cases of emergency, students will report to the nurse or the main office. The lockdown will be in effect until the vandalized bathrooms are repaired or cleaned.

Taken from Board Policy No. 224

 

 

 

 

Class Cut Policy (same class)

1^st Offense     2 Hours Saturday School and Parent Phone Call

2^nd Offense    4 Hours Saturday School and Parent Phone Call

3^rd Offense     OSS and Failure of Class for that Marking Period

4^th Offense     OSS and Superintendent’s Hearing

 

 

Closing of School

     Announcements concerning the closing of school due to inclement weather or other emergencies will be announced on the local radio station, WBCB, 1490 AM. If listening to a Philadelphia station, the emergency closing number is seven-seven-four (774).

     Please do not call the school on days that there may be a closing or a delayed opening. Phone lines need to be kept open for other important matters that are necessary for keeping our Middle School safe during an emergency situation.

 

Conduct at Assembly Programs

     Middle School faculty and principals hold high expectations for student behavior, and all presenters of assemblies will be treated with respect. At times it may be necessary for a teacher, a team, or an administrator to remove a student from an assembly program because of behavioral problems. Any student removed from the assembly program will be assigned a detention by the teacher who removes him / her. Some students may also be assigned to a "quiet room" during assembly programs because of their constant disruptive behavior and their disregard for school rules. 

Dances and Social Activities

     The Student Council, the PTO, and other organizations of the school may sponsor a number of dances throughout the school year. These dances are well run and well supervised by the faculty and staff of the school. Because dances are a school sponsored activity, school rules will be in effect, and Staff members will exercise authority over the students.
     Tickets for dances must be purchased in school the week prior to the dance. No tickets will be sold at the dance.
     Dances at the Middle Schools are for our students only; students from other middle or elementary schools or Truman High School are not permitted to attend. Attendance at any dance or school related function is a privilege, and students may be excluded because of consistent behavioral problems or poor attendance during the year. The decision will be made by administration.

Taken from Board Policy No. 231

Detention

     Teachers and Principals may assign detentions for improper class behavior, inappropriate actions in the hallway or cafeteria, being tardy to class, refusing to follow the directives of a teacher or staff member, or for continually failing to complete homework assignments.
     Students will be given a 24 hour notice of the assigned detention, and the pupil may be given a note informing him / her and the parent or guardian of the detention. In most cases, the teacher will call home and speak to the parent about the reasons for the assigned detention.
     Students are expected to serve the detention on the day(s) they are assigned.  Should a student be absent on the day of a scheduled detention, they will serve the detention on the first day they return to school. Students who refuse to serve the detention will be assigned 2 hours of Saturday school for each detention they skip. Parents may telephone the school asking to excuse a pupil from serving a detention on a particular day, but the detention will be served in a timely manner.
     When a student accumulates six or more hours of detention time, he / she may be suspended out of school for insubordination. The hours of detention that were owed before the suspension takes place must still be served on the pupil's return to school.

 

Dress Code for Students

     Students should be dressed appropriately and in good taste at all school functions. Extreme styles in dress and grooming which, in the opinion of the school principals, interfere with the learning process or with the safety and order of the school will not be permitted.

In the hallways and classroom students are NOT Permitted to wear:

·         Tank tops, tube tops, halters, half shirts or blouses

·         Spandex tops or shorts

·         Wallet chains, choker chains, or studded jewelry or clothing

·         Hats inside the building

·         See through clothing without proper undergarments

·         Any apparel that overexposes the body, such as bare midriffs or short skirts

·         Gym shorts, silks, cut off jeans, short shorts, and tightly fitting shorts

·         Clothing with objectionable phrases or with advertisements for drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes.

·         Heavy clothing normally worn outdoors (including jackets, coats, hooded lined sweaters, or excessive layers of clothing)

·         Pajamas and bedroom slippers

·         Flip Flops/ Sports sandals

PANTS / SHORTS ARE TO BE WORN AT WAIST LEVEL

 To ensure their health; students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, labs, or other classes where special attire may be required. Middle School administrators will monitor dress and grooming. Students who violate the dress code will be referred to the principal's office where appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.

Taken from Board Policy No. 221

 

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

     The Administration and staff in the Middle School are committed to the enforcement of all existing laws, regulations, and guidelines adopted by federal, state, local, and school district authorities. The following procedures will be in effect if students illegally use alcohol or drugs on school grounds or during school sponsored activities:

·         All faculty and staff members are required to report to the building principal or his designee any student involved in the use, transfer of, or possession alcohol, other drugs or narcotics.

·         The building principal or designee is to report such information to the superintendent immediately.

·         The building principal or designee will immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

     School policy states that students with look-alike drugs, in possession of drug paraphernalia, or who are in possession of substances that provide a euphoric effect will be disciplined in the same manner.
     Students who intend to use narcotics, drugs, or alcohol will be disciplined in the following manner:

First Offense

·         Parents or guardians will be notified immediately, and the student will be sent home or removed from school for medical attention, if necessary. If parents cannot be notified, the decision to get medical attention for the student or to isolate the student from other pupils will be made by school administration.

·         The student will initially be suspended for at least three (3) days. Within the three-day suspension period, an informal hearing will be held with the parent or guardian, the local police department representative, the administration, and any other person who, in the judgment of the administration, could make contributions to aid in determining the course of action.

·         The result of this meeting could result in one of the following actions:

o        A referral to the SAP team, school psychologist, guidance counselor, or other qualified district personnel.

o        Full suspension for up to ten (10) school days.

o        Referral for a Superintendent's hearing.

o        Referral to the local law enforcement agency