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Rules/Policies/Guidelines
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ATTENDANCE
Attendance
School attendance Is mandatory In California until the age of 18 or graduation from high school. Students are expected to be in school every day, unless they are iII or have a medical or dental appointment.
Our school budget is based on in-Seat Attendance, (we only get money if students are in school). Please make every effort
to get to school every day !
School Hours
8:00 am. to 3:08 p.m. (Regular Schedule); 8:00 a.m. to 2:08 pm (Thursdays); 8:00 am. to 1:38 p.m. (Prof. Development Days); 8:00 am. to 12:28 [Minimum Days]
School Absences
When returning after an absence, students must report to the Attendance Office with a signed note from a parent/guardian which includes the date(s) of the absence and the reason. Students are to get their readmit slip PRIOR TO 7:50 a.m. so that there is enough time to get to Homeroom before the tardy tone rings at 8:00 a.m. Waiting until the bell rings may result
in an unexcused tardy. An absence slip is NOT a tardy excuse!
It is the student's responsibility to find out what work was missed while he/she was absent. If the student will be absent for an extended period of time, (more than three days), the parent/guardian may call the Counseling Office and request work from the student's teachers.
If a student is absent for more than five days, he/she must see the nurse upon returning to school. Extended absences may affect a student's academic progress and grades.
Part Day Absences
For their safety and accountability, students may never leave campus without receiving prior permission from the Attendance Office. If you must leave school during the day for an appointment, bring a signed note from your parent/guardian to the Attendance Office before Homeroom. You will be given a pass, which is to be shown to the teacher at the appropriate time so that you may leave class and meet your parent/guardian in the Office to be signed out. Upon return to school, students are to pick up a PRC from the Attendance Office.
IMPORTANT: STUDENTS MAY ONLY BE RELEASED TO A PARENT/GUARDIAN, OR ANOTHER ADULT WHOSE NAME IS ON THE EMERGENCY CARD ON FILE.
Tardy Policy
Students must be in class, seated and ready to work, when the tardy tone starts to ring. Each class period, the names of
students who are tardy will be sent to the Attendance Office, where a detention letter will be prepared.
Truancy
A student is considered truant when he/she is absent from class or school without parental or school permission.
Change of Address
If you move or change your phone number, you must bring a signed note from home giving the new address and/or phone number. If you are moving out of the area and will be attending another school, you must bring a signed note to the Attendance Office at least one day before you check out. You must bring in all textbooks and library books on the last day and clear any debts. Make sure you clean out your hall and PE locker and take home any personal items.
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AWARDS
Student Recognition
On a Weekly Basis
"SuperKid" - recognizes students who show real effort towards improvement, maintain a positive attitude, are helpful and responsible, or have just been an all-around "good kid". Each week teachers and staff members may submit nominations. Selected students receive a certificate, a 3-ring binder, a SuperKid pencil, and pencil pouch. Their picture is taken with the Principal and displayed in a showcase.
On a Semester Basis
Students receive certificates for maintaining grade point averages of 3.5, or higher, having 100% attendance, and/or earning all E's on their final report card.
Additionally, the Magnet has its own recognition events.
Eighth Grade Awards
At the end of the eighth grade year, students who work hard and show outstanding achievement may qualify for awards which are presented at an annual awards ceremony. These awards include: Department awards, Personal Best awards, Attendance, Citizenship, Presidential Academic Fitness Awards and Honor Roll.
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BEHAVIOR STANDARDS
Students are expected to:
- Follow the Uniform Dress Code Policy.
- Attend school regularly, be prompt to each class, bring proper materials to class, and meet all classroom responsibilities.
- Show respect for fellow students and accept the authority of ail school employees.
- Avoid endangering others by unsafe or negligent behavior.
- Refrain from using profanity, racial slurs, verbal abuse, or engaging in obscene or offensive behavior toward any individual or group.
- Throw trash in the proper containers and assist with clean campus activities. GRAY = Trash; YELLOW = Styrofoam
- Respect private property when walking to
or from school.
- Eat all food inside the cafeteria before
school.
- Eat within the marked areas (yellow lines.)
Students shall not:
- Possess or use any weapon. Students who bring weapons of any kind, (including guns, air, BB, or stun guns, replica guns, knives, pepper spray, or other items not appropriate for school, and can be used as a weapon), are subject to arrest and expulsion.
- Possess, use, or sell tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any other controlled substance, or replica substance and/or paraphernalia.
- Engage in acts of violence or intimidation, or make threats of violence or physical injury.
- Commit illegal acts, such as theft,vandalism, extortion, graffiti, gambling, etc
- Cause, or attempt to cause, damage to school or private property.
- Commit, or attempt to commit, sexual assault or sexual battery.
- Leave campus without a pass from the AO
- Carry any medications. All medications are to be taken to the Health Office with written instructions from a doctor.
- Walk on grass, planted areas, or any landscaping.
- Bring pagers, cell phones, radios, tape/CD players, cameras, electronic devices or games, white out (liquid paper), scissors
with pointed tips, large amounts of money. items of great value, wallet chains, keys, etc., markers, or other distracting items.
- Chew gum at school.
- Ride bicycles, skateboards, scooters, inline or roller skates on campus or surrounding sidewalks outside of school.
- Cut into line or save places for friends
- Take food out of designated areas or onto PE field.
- Leave food or trash on tables, benches, or the ground.
- Throw food or trash.
- Sneak through lines without giving a ticket or paying.
- Be disrespectful to cafeteria staff.
- Give away or sell meal tickets.
BICYCLES
Provisions are made to safeguard bikes; however, the school assumes NO responsibility if your bike is damaged or stolen. The privilege of bike riding is permitted as long as reasonable safety is exercised by the rider. All bicycles ridden to school should be licensed by the Police Department. Lock bicycles, using a sturdy lock and chain, in the outside bike rack area. Bicycles are not to be ridden on campus, or on adjacent sidewalks, and students are expected to obey all traffic and safety rules.
A 1993 California State law requires all children ages 17 and under to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
BULLYING
Bullying is defined as aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of real or perceived physical or psychological power among those involved. Bullying behaviors may include verbal: (name-calling, teasing, gossiping, making threats, rude noises, spreading rumors); nonverbal: (posturing, making gang signs, staring, stalking, destroying property, graffiti, gestures); physical: (hitting, pinching, pushing, shoving, kicking, tripping, hair pulling, biting, spitting); emotional: (terrorizing, extorting, intimidating, humiliating, blackmailing, isolating, peer pressure); cyber bullying: (sending insulting or threatening messages by phone, e-mail, or web
sites)
The Los Angeles Unified School District is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment. We do not tolerate bullying or any behavior that infringes on the safety or well-being of students, nor will we tolerate retaliation in any form when bullying has been reported
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CAFETERIA
Meal Program
Applications for the Federal Meal Program are available through Homeroom at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the year, applications are available from the Ticket Clerk in the Cafeteria.
The price for Breakfast, which is served before school and during Nutrition, is $1.00. A complete tray lunch costs $1.50.
Hours
The cafeteria is open before school, during Nutrition and Lunch. Students who receive free, or reduced, meal tickets may use their breakfast ticket before school or during Nutrition.
Options
Food may be purchased in the cafeteria, at the hash lines, from the food cart, or brought from home. Snacks may be purchased from the Student Store.
Rules
Students are EXPECTED TO...
- eat all food inside the cafeteria before school.
- be sure to have the correct change BEFORE getting in line. (Change is only given for $5.00 bills)
- eat within the marked areas, (yellow lines)
- throw trash in the proper containers:
- GRAY - trash
- YELLOW - Styrofoam
- BLUE - recycled cans and bottles
Students are reminded NOT TO...
- cut into line or save places for friends
- take food out of the designated areas (marked by yellow lines) or onto the PE field.
- leave food or trash on tables, benches, or the ground.
- throw food or trash.
- sneak through lines without giving a ticket or paying.
- be disrespectful to cafeteria workers.
- give away, or sell, meal tickets.
CHARACTER COUNTS
Our school community recognizes the importance of character development for all students, Development of these traits defines good character and leads to positive conduct, productive citizenship, and academic excellence. As part of our commitment to character at Van Nuys, each student is asked to pledge himself/herself to being the best person
he/she can be by practicing these Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness,
Caring, and Citizenship.
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CHILD ABUSE REPORTING
All staff members of our school are identified by state law as mandated reporters of child abuse. Child abuse includes the physical or sexual abuse of a child, neglect, or the willful cruelty or life endangerment of a child. Reporters are protected from identification in order to avoid any inappropriate treatment by others. More information is available in the Counseling Office.
COMPUTER USE
At Van Nuys Middle School you will have access to the Internet. When you use the computers at school, you have a responsibility to use them correctly and appropriately. For that reason, all students will be required to sign an "Acceptable Use Policy" agreement before they will be allowed access to any computer.
CULMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Each class passed with a grade of "D" or better earns 5 credits. To be eligible to receive the regular middle school diploma and participate in the culmination ceremony, and other culmination activities, students must meet the following conditions:
- Pass ten classes in the last two semesters of eighth grade. (January and June report cards)
- Be in attendance for at least four semesters in a middle school or its equivalent.
- Maintain a satisfactory citizenship record:
- Students may have no more than 4 points in work habits and/or
cooperation on the final spring report card in June. (Work Habits "U's" count as 1 point and Cooperation "U's" count as 2 pts.)
Students who qualify academically, but do not meet the requirements for participation in the culmination ceremony, will receive a certificate (after culmination) which excludes the words "worthy in character and citizenship".
Students who do not meet the credit requirements for a diploma may be recommended for retention in the eighth grade, or promotion to senior high school without a certificate, after consideration by the Culmination Committee.
Students who Fail a class are automatically enrolled in summer school to make up any credit deficiency. A student's participation in the Culmination ceremony is always subject to review by the Culmination Committee.
In addition, to participate in any culmination activity, students must clear all debts.
DETENTION
Students may be assigned detention after school or during nutrition or lunch, by a teacher, dean, or administrator. At least one day's notice to parents will be given if a student is to remain after school longer than fifteen minutes. Parent notification is not required for nutrition detention
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DRESS CODE
In order to help maintain the proper learning environment at Van Nuys Middle School, all students are expected to dress for success. There is a way to dress in your workplace. Your job is to get the best education you can. In addition, to provide for the safety of our students, a uniform dress code has been adopted by the Shared Decision Making
Council.
THE ADMINISTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT. IF NECESSARY. TO MODIFY THE UNIFORM AND NON-UNIFORM DRESS CODE IN REGARDS TO ANY ITEMS WHICH BECOME ASSOCIATED WITH GANG MEMBERSHIP. AFFECT THE SAFETY AND/OR SECURITY OF THE CAMPUS, OR DISRUPT THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
DRESS CODE. UNIFORM
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR THE. APPROVED SCHOOL UNIFORM.STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN UNIFORM FOR THE ENTIRE DAY.
PANTS
- Color: Solid navy blue
- Style: Uniform style or "Dockers".
- Material: Cotton, cotton blend, or twill. Corduroy OK.
Pants CANNOT be oversized or have wide legs.They MUST be fitted at the waist and not sag when the belt is removed. Pants legs may be cuffed or uncuffed but must be hemmed. Pants bottoms can not be frayed, split or
"bag" around the ankle. Both pants legs must be worn down. NO SWEATS, DENIM JEANS, OVERALLS, STRETCH, OR WARM-UP SUITS.
SHORTS
- Color: Same as pants
- Style: Uniform style
- Material: Same as pants
Shorts need to be fitted at the waist and hemmed at the bottom NO RUNNING SHORTS, NO NYLON, MESH, OR STRETCH SHORTS, NO
JEANS.
SKIRTS. SKORTS & JUMPERS
- Color: Navy Blue or Blue/Gray plaid
- Style: Uniform style
- Material: Same as pants should be mid-thigh in length or longer and appropriate for school.
SHIRTS / BLOUSES (must be tucked in at all times)
- Color: Solid White
- Style: Polo, golf, or button-down style and turtlenecks Shirts must have a collar.
- Material: Cotton or cotton blends
Shirts must be TUCKED IN and CANNOT be oversized. All shirts must have sleeves and be long enough to cover the midriff.
See-thru shirts and tank tops are not permitted. Class shirts may be worn on special days determined by the staff. Colored undershirts may not be worn under a uniform shirt. Other shirts may not be worn over the uniform shirt. Uniform shirt collars must be visible when worn with a sweatshirt.
SHOES
Style: Any "closed-toe" shoe. NO slippers or any type of backless shoes. NO shoes that may be a safety hazard.
HAT. CAPS. BANDANAS. & NETS
May not be worn on campus or displayed at any time. [Exception: a Van Nuys Middle School cap may be worn outside for protection
from the sun, at parent/guardian request.]
ACCESSORIES
Wallet chains are not permitted. Belts CANNOT extend more than 3" past the appropriate belt loop and CANNOT contain any initials or insignias. No gloves. Combs or picks can not be worn in the hair. No excessive jewelry.
In addition, our general Dress Code standards includes:
- No shorts with knee-high socks.
- No items of clothing which depict any form of profanity, gang identification, violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vandalism,
weapons, a sexual act, or is offensive to any gender.
- No metal-studded leather bands or collars.
- No exposed sharp objects of any kind may worn as jewelry on clothing, or on back-packs, (e.g. straight pins, safety pins.)
STUDENTS OUT OF UNIFORM, OR IN VIOLATION OF THE DRESS CODE, WILL BE CHANGED INTO LOANER UNIFORMS, OR A PARENT WILL BE CALLED TO
BRING THE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Los Angeles Unified School District policy states that a student must maintain at least a "C" average in order to participate in any extracurricular activities. Eligibility is determined by the mid-semester and final report card marks. If a Student is found to be ineligible on the final report card in June. he/she will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities until the first progress report of the next school year. This is especially important for 8th graders who are interested in participating in extracurricular activities, especially athletics, in senior high school.
EMERGENCY CARD
You must have an Emergency Card on file in the Health Office. These cards are distributed at the
beginning of each school year or at the time of enrollment. They must be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian and returned immediately. We need at least two working phone numbers so we can reach someone in case of an emergency. Be advised that we CAN NOT release any student to an adult who is not listed on the Emergency Card.
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school, in writing, of any change of name, address, or telephone number.
This information should be brought to the Attendance Office as soon as possible to enable us to keep our records current. All address changes must be verified with a utility bill, (gas or electric), or a lease.
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EMERGENCY DRILLS
REMEMBER: THE SAFETY OF EVERY STUDENT IS AT STAKE!
Drills are planned for the safety of students. Silence is necessary throughout the drills so that students can hear the instructions given by their teachers or other adults. In a true emergency, students will be supervised until they are released to a person listed on the Emergency Card.
Earthquake Drop Drill
- Purpose: To place each student in a position inthe room to avoid falling objects
- Signal: The teacher's command of "DROP".
Inside the classroom..
Procedure: Upon command, drop to the knees and immediately get under protective furniture (desk, table, chair) with your back to the windows. Take hold of a solid object (table leg) to ride out the motion. Wait for further instructions. If the teacher feels it is safe, the class will be escorted to the PE field and lined up by room number. Once there, the students will sit down and wait for further
instructions.
Outside the classroom..
Procedure: Get clear of all buildings, power lines, walls, large trees, vehicles, etc. Drop to the ground and hold on to an object if possible. Stay in the clear and wait for further instructions.
Fire Drill
- Purpose: To place each student in a location of
maximum safety
- Signal: A series of short, intermittent bells
rung at regular intervals
During class time..
Procedure: Students are to follow the instructions of the teacher who will escort the class to the P.E. field in a quiet, safe and efficient manner. Once on the field, students will line up by room number.
During non-class time..
(before school, nutrition, lunch, passing periods) Procedure: Students are to immediately walk to the P.E. field in a quiet, orderly manner and line up by their Homeroom number.
Lock down Drill
- Purpose:To place each student in a location of maximum safety.
- Signal: One minute, uninterrupted, bell
- Procedure: When you hear the long bell, move into any classroom or building, (if outside), and remain quietly inside until an adult signals "all clear".
AT NO TIME DURING ANY DRILL SHOULD THERE BE TALKING, RUNNING OR PUSHING.
EXPULSION POLICY
Students will automatically be recommended for expulsion for the following acts:
- Possessing, selling, or furnishing a firearm
[E.G. 48900(b)]
- Brandishing a knife at another person
[E.C. 48915(c-2)]
- Unlawfully selling a controlled substance
[E.C. 48915(c-3)]
- Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing sexual battery
[E.C. 48915(c-4)]
While we would hope that no Van Nuys Middle School student would face expulsion proceedings, all students and parents need to understand that weapons, drugs, and violence will not be tolerated on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities.
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HARASSMENT
It is the policy of the Los Angeles Unified School District to maintain a working and learning environment that is free from any form of harassment, including sexual harassment. Such behavior is considered a major offense which can result in suspension or expulsion of the offending student. Since this behavior usually occurs when adults are not present, it is important for students to inform their teachers or school personnel when this happens. Each complaint will be investigated promptly and in a way that respects the privacy of all parties concerned. Harassment, including sexual, can be anything from teasing or racial slurs, to physically pushing someone around to intimidate him/her. This also includes "hazing" behaviors, such as recognizing a student's birthday by physically harming the person involved. Prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
- Verbal: offensive comments, jokes, slurs, graphic, verbal comments or asexual nature or requests for sexual favors.
- Visual: offensive posters, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, objects, or gestures.
- Physical: unwelcome or offensive touching, blocking another person's movement.
HATE CRIMES
Attempting, threatening, or participating in an act of hate violence may be grounds for suspension, expulsion, and/or arrest.
HOMEWORK
Specific homework policies are set by individual teachers and will be communicated to students and parents at the beginning of the school year. When a student is absent, he/she must ask the teacher about any work missed.
Student's Responsibility
Keep accurate records of assignments in your Binder Reminder, have necessary materials to complete the assignment, follow successful study techniques, apply and practice skills learned in class, strive for the best quality of work possible, and complete and turn in all assignments ON TIME.
It is also recommended that students record the names and phone numbers of other students in their classes in this Binder Reminder, so that you may call on them for help with homework or to check on work assigned during an absence. If you anticipate being absent for three days or more. assignments may be requested by calling the Counseling Office or the Magnet Office.
ID CARDS
All students will have their photo taken, and an ID card issued at the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to carry their ID card with them while at school, and may be required for activities on campus.
IMPACT PROGRAM
The IMPACT Program is designed to provide early intervention for students whose behavior interferes with their own education or safety, or that of others. It is designed to build self-esteem, to improve communication and decision-making skills, and to assist students in overcoming some of the more difficult challenges they might face in middle school.
For more information, see Ms. Goldman. The Impact Office is located next to the Title I Office in the Administration Building.
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LIBRARY
The library is open from 7:40 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To check out books, each student will use his/her Student ID card. A fine is charged each day for overdue books.
GUM, FOOD, OR DRINK MAY NOT be brought into the library. Remember that the library is a place for reading, studying, and doing reference work. Please consider the rights of others.
LOCKERS
Each qualifying student will be issued a hall locker and a PE locker to secure their books and personal items. Students will be responsible for learning their combinations and NOT SHARING THATINFORMATION WITH ANYONE ELSE. Students may use their hall lockers before and after school, before and after Nutrition, and before and after Lunch only. Any misuse of lockers may result in the loss of the privilege. Lockers are the property of the school and may be searched at any time. Problems with lockers are handled at the Student Store.
LOST AND FOUND
All personal possessions and textbooks should be marked with your name. Found items are to be turned in to the Student Store. Glasses may be claimed in the Health Office. Purses, wallets, watches, and money will be held in the Main Office. Students should not leave their belongings unattended, nor should they share their lockers with others; this will eliminate the need to took for lost
articles.
MATH/SCIENCE MAGNET
The Van Nuys Middle School Math/Science Magnet has approximately 200 students and operates as a school-within-a school. It is an integrated, multicultural and humanistic approach that emphasizes personal exploration and creative expression, along with developing critical and analytical thinking skills. Students learn about the scientific method through application and experience, the thrill of exploration, change and discovery through hands-on activity-based learning.
The Magnet has its own annual events and activities, in addition to those of Van Nuys Middle School. Entrance into the Magnet is by a Los Angeles Unified School District application, which comes out annually. The program is overseen by the Magnet Coordinator, whose office is in the Main Office.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Van Nuys Middle School complies with all State and Federal laws that relate to issues of nondiscrimination. No student shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, nor be subjected to discrimination because of the student's race, religion,
national origin, sexual orientation, physical, mental, emotional or learning disabilities or handicap in any educational programs or activities.
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OFFICES
Attendance Office
Student information records are maintained in the Attendance Office. This office is responsible for all enrollments and transfers, as well as daily attendance. When you are absent, you are to report to the Attendance Office with a signed note from a parent before going to Homeroom. The Attendance Office opens at 7:40 a.m. If you are late to school, and arrive after Homeroom, you must report to the Attendance Office as soon as you arrive. If you forget to bring something to school, a parent may bring the item(s) to the Attendance Office.
Counseling Office
The Counseling Office handles your class schedules, cumulative records from your previous school, progress reports, report cards, and culmination eligibility. Parent/Teacher conferences are also arranged through the Counseling Office. The Counseling Office staff also assists students and parents with academic, social adjustment, and peer relationship issues.
ELD Office
The EL Coordinator is responsible for identifying English Language Learners, placing them into appropriate classes, testing them, planning the budget, and participating in monthly advisory council meetings.(ELAC)
Health Office
The Health Office is only for students who are ill or injured at school. If a major problem occurs, parents will be notified and the student will be referred to the appropriate health provider. Students need a pass signed by a classroom teacher or other school personnel before going to the Health Office, except in an emergency.
Circumstances Requiring a Doctor's Note
- Return from absence of more than five (5) days, or an absence due to a contagious disease
- Fractures which necessitate a cast, immobilizer, or crutches at school
- Any injury requiring medical attention
- Students who are on medication at school
- Surgery or hospitalization
Medication at School
The school nurse is unable to offer any treatment or to provide any medication unless it is under the direction of a physician and provided by the parent. If medication is required, a doctor's note with specific instructions must be on file with the school nurse,
along with the LAUSD medication form, completed by the physician and parent and the medication must be left with the nurse in the original prescription container. (E.C. 49423). Students may not carry any medication (prescription or non-prescription) on them
during the school day. Medical notes of any type must be left with the school nurse.
P.E. Excuses
The nurse will handle Physical Education excuses of one to three days. Additional days require a written note from a doctor. A student with a cast or crutches must bring a note from a doctor stating he/she may attend school while in a cast or on crutches. (Notes from parents are not acceptable.)
Main Office
The Principal and Assistant Principal have their offices within the Main Office. All visitors must report to the Main Office to sign in and get a visitors' pass. Information about the school may be obtained here.
Title I Office
The Title I Coordinator is responsible for identifying eligible Title I students, planning an appropriate instructional program, planning the budget, and participating in monthly advisory council meetings.
(CEAC)
PERSONAL PROPERTY
DO NOT BRING VALUABLES TO SCHOOL! The Los Angeles Unified School District does not provide insurance for loss of, or damage to, personal property of students. Tape/CD players, cameras, electronic games, radios, water guns, spray cans, etc. will be taken away and held until a parent comes to school to pick up the item(s). Large amounts of money and expensive jewelry should remain at home. In
addition, Pagers and Cell Phones may not be used when classes are in session.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All Van Nuys Middle School students are expected to participate fully in Physical Education classes. The goal of the PE program is to prepare all students to be "Fit For Life", both physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. For the sake of health and
safety, students are required to dress in Van Nuys Middle School PE clothes, (shorts or sweats, T-shirt, socks and tennis shoes). PE clothes may be purchased at the Student Store. More information about the program will be provided by your PE teacher.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Each morning, at the beginning of Homeroom, a tape recording of the "Call to Colors" is played over the P.A. system. This is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which is usually led by a Leadership student. When directed, all students will stand at attention, face the flag in the classroom, and recite the Pledge. If no flag is visible, it is customary to face the front of the school, (Vesper Avenue), where the school's flagpole is stationed. The words to the Pledge of Allegiance are as follows:
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD,
INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
PROGRESS REPORT/REPORT CARDS
Students will receive a report card three times each semester. Each report card will include academic marks, work habits and cooperation grades, along with attendance and tardies.
Teacher comments may also be included. The final 20-week report card also indicates all credits earned and becomes part of the permanent record which follows the student until he/she graduates from high school. All report cards will need to be returned to
your Homeroom teacher with a parent signature.
Tentative dates for this year's Progress Reports and Report Cards are as follows:
| Oct. 22 |
Six Week Progress Report |
| Dec. 3 |
Twelve Week Progress Report |
| Feb. 4 |
Fall Final Report Card |
| Apr. 1 |
Six Week Progress Report |
| May 13 |
Twelve Week Progress Report |
| June 24 |
Spring Final Report Card |
PROMOTION/RETENTION
It is possible to earn 60 credits per year, (5 credits per class). Promotion/Retention of students will be based on credits earned. Fifty credits is a minimum number necessary to be automatically promoted to the next grade level. Students who are retained will
remain in the Homeroom class of the grade level they have failed. Students will be automatically enrolled in Summer School to make up credit deficiencies, and/or take the class(es) they failed in place of an elective class the following school year.
After-school and Saturday School programs will be offered to provide assistance for students who do not meet the minimum standards.
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SAFETY
Safety Practices
Be considerate of all students:
- Avoid rough play; it often leads to injury or to a fight.
- Do not throw rocks, sticks, or other objects.
- Do not climb fences, trees, posts, etc.
- Always walk, (not run), on campus.
- Use good judgment at all times.
Walking to and from school:
- Use sidewalks where available.
- Always use crosswalks.
- Look in both directions before crossing.
- Always obey all traffic signals.
- Don't loiter.
- Do not go with anyone unless you know
them personally.
- If you see anything suspicious, report it to school personnel immediately upon arriving at school in the morning. After
school, if you are near school, return and inform someone, or, if you are near home, tell your parent.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
(see "Harassment")
SCOOTERS/SKATEBOARDS
Although students are not permitted to ride scooters or skateboards on campus, there are a limited number of special racks available in the bike area, on a first-come, first-served basis, for locking up scooters and skateboards. Each student is responsible for
providing a lock. The school assumes no responsibility for. damaged or. stolen scooters QL Skateboards.
STUDENT STORE
The Student Store has available many of the items you will need in school, (e.g. notebooks, pencils, erasers, book covers, compasses, rulers, paper, PE clothes), It is open before and after school and at Nutrition and Lunch. The Student Store also sells
snack items, and tickets to school events. The Lost and Found is in the Student Store. All profits from the Student Store are used for the benefit of all students and the school.
SUBSTITUTES
Substitutes are school employees and must be treated with respect and courtesy. They have the same authority as regular teachers, and students are expected to follow their directions.
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SUPERVISION
The school provides supervision of students beginning at 7:40 a.m. and ending approximately 20 minutes after the dismissal bell. The bell to allow students to enter the buildings in the morning rings at 7:40 am. After school, students are expected to leave the campus promptly, unless they are enrolled in an after-school program or club, have Detention, or have been asked to remain by a teacher or administrator. Students are to make arrangements with their parents to be picked up promptly. The Main Office remains open only until 4:30 p.m. each day.
SUPPLIES
You are expected to come to every class with the proper supplies to do your work. Although individual teachers may require specific items, it is recommended that you have a 3-ring, hardcover binder, dividers for each subject, lined notebook paper, at least 2 sharpened pencils with erasers, at least 2 blue or black pens, your Binder Reminder, and your PE uniform.
For your convenience, supplies are sold in the Student Store. If you are unable to get the necessary supplies, you should tell your Homeroom teacher.
TELEPHONES
Telephones are not for student use. In an emergency, students must get permission from an administrator to use a phone. Students will not be called out of class to receive a phone call. If there is an emergency, parents should ask to speak to anadministrator.
Automatic Telephone Dialer
In a continuing effort to communicate with all parents, an automatic computer telephone dialer, Phonemaster), is used at Van Nuys Middle School. A pre-recorded message will inform parents of their child's absence, and might include important school news.
TEXTBOOKS
All students will be issued textbooks at the beginning of the school year, or when they enroll, ft is the student's responsibility to have the books covered, to write your name on the book label in the inside cover, and to replace, or pay for, books that are lost, stolen, or damaged. A replacement book will not be issued until the book has been paid for. You are responsible for returning books in the same condition as when they were issued to you. Students may be excluded from special events and activities if they have any debts. Also, report cards will not be issued to. students who owe any debts. Eighth grade students with outstanding debts will not be allowed to participate in culmination unless debts are paid.
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TRANSPORTATION
Students who ride a yellow school bus must conduct themselves properly at all times. Failure to do so may result in verbal warnings, citations, suspension from the bus, and/or a conference with student, parent, bus driver and school coordinator. A bus pass will be
issued, and must be carried with you. If the bus does not arrive on time, call 1-800-LA BUSES or 1-213-227-4480
UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Many programs in our school are covered by the Uniform Complaint Procedures set forth by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Complaints relating to Special Education, English Language Development, or Gifted Programs can be filed in this way. Students and parents will receive a copy of the District brochure to which they can refer for more information.
VISITORS
A major concern of all members of our school community is to provide a safe, secure, positive environment on our campus for all students, staff, faculty, and guests. In order to do so, it is important that parents and/or visitors to Van Nuys Middle School follow these guidelines: obtain a visitor's pass from the Main Office and indicate the reason for the visit and the destination; parents are always welcome, but are encouraged to make an appointment to see a teacher, other staff members, or visit their student's classes; students are not allowed to bring visitors to school.
WEAPONS
The Board of Education policy states that students of any age or grade level bringing guns of any kind to school are subject to arrest and expulsion from the School District. This applies to all types of guns, including air guns, stun guns, and replica guns.
Random searches are conducted daily by administrative staff using a metal detector. Students found with inappropriate or dangerous items will have such items confiscated and the student will be disciplined accordingly. SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY! IF YOU SEE A WEAPON, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY!
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