SCHOOL LOCKERS

Students will be assigned to a locker by their seventh-period teacher for the school year.  Since the lockers and combination locks are a permanent part of the building, we reserve the right to inspect them.  Any changes in locker assignments will be handled by the office ONLY, and any problems with locks or lockers should be reported to the Main Office promptly.  It is the students’ responsibility to see that their locker is kept locked and in order at all times.  To avoid breakdowns in security, students should not give their combinations to other students, or use other students’ lockers. Broken or damaged lockers will be charged to the student assigned to the locker.

 

PE LOCKERS

To guard against the possibility of losing any valuables in the locker room, it is the student’s responsibility to keep their belongings locked in a PE locker during Physical Education class or when participating in after school sports activities.

 

VALUABLES

Students should not bring large amounts of cash or expensive/valuable items to school as they may be lost or stolen.

 

TEXTBOOKS

The school district provides textbooks for all students in the district at no cost.  Every student is obligated to give books the best of care.  They are to be used and not abused.  To make it possible for these books to be used for a normal period of time, students are required to have book covers on all school texts within the first seven days of school.  PLEASE be sure names are written in ink in the book in case it is misplaced.  Only books with the assigned number will be accepted as valid returns.  Fines will be based on the principal’s or teacher’s judgment for abused, damaged, or lost books. 

 

FIELD TRIPS

Whenever a student leaves the school grounds for a student activity, a Parent Permission Slip must be completed by the parent or guardian.  Telephone calls cannot be accepted for authorization at such activities.  This procedure is required for all students who attend school-sponsored activities away from school.

 

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, ROLLERBLADES AND SCOOTERS

When brought to school, these are to be stored in designated areas.  They are not to be ridden during any part of the school day and must be WALKED on and off the campus. Students must also wear helmets.

 

ACTIVITY BUS

Chinook provides after-school activity buses that make a general run through the attendance area.  Since these buses do not follow the regular bus route, students may arrive home later than expected.  In order to ride these buses students must have an activity bus pass to give to the driver.

 

LUNCH

Full lunch:  $2.50  

Snack Bar/a la carte:     Cost varies.

 

CLOSED CAMPUS

A closed campus means that after students arrive in the morning, they are not permitted to leave until the end of the school day unless the student has an early dismissal note signed by a parent/guardian requesting this and the request is turned in to the Attendance Office at the beginning of the day. For early dismissals parents must meet their student at the Attendance Office and sign out.

Students should not leave for lunch with parents unless prior arrangements have been made with the Attendance Secretary before the school day begins. A closed campus also means that all visitors, including parents, must check in at the Main Office. In order to visit classrooms parents should first make appointments with teachers and check in at the office.

 

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Emergency drills at regular intervals are an important safety precaution.  It is essential when the first signal is given that everyone obeys orders promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible.  The teacher in each classroom will give the students instructions.

 

HEALTH SERVICES

Students who are sick should not come to school. If students become ill in school, they should get a note from a staff member and report to the Clinic. Students must not leave the building because of illness without authorization from the Clinic and their parent/guardian. Parents or guardians will be contacted by the Clinic personnel if a student needs to leave school.

 

GUIDANCE AND SOCIAL WORKER SERVICES

Guidance services are available for every student in the school.  These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational information, study helps, help with home, school and/or social concerns, or any questions the students may feel they would like to discuss with the counselor or social worker.  Students wishing to visit the counselor should request an appointment form from the Attendance Secretary.

 

TELEPHONE

STUDENTS MAY USE THE OFFICE PHONE OR THE LIBRARY PHONE TO CALL FAMILY MEMBERS FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY.  Calls should be brief and made before/after school or during lunch periods unless special permission is given by the teacher.

Cell phone use is not allowed on school grounds.

 

STUDENT GIFTS, BALLOONS, PARTY SUPPLIES

Balloons, flowers, party supplies, cakes or other gifts will not be delivered to students during the school day. All of these create interruptions that have a negative effect on the educational program. Any gifts, balloons, or party supplies that students receive during the school day will be held in the office until the end of seventh period. Students may pick them up after school.

 

YEARBOOKS

The Chinook Yearbook comes out at the end of the school year and features students’ pictures and highlights of activities during the year.  The cost is $22.00 and students have an opportunity to purchase the Yearbook in the school office.

 

A.S.B. CARDS

A.S.B. stands for Associated Student Body.  A picture of the student is on the card and can be used as identification.  The A.S.B. card is given FREE to each student at Chinook. These cards are used to check out library books and sports equipment for noontime games, as well as for reduced or free admission to skating parties, dances, and high school events.

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Chinook is a great place to become involved in activities and offers a wide range of programs during the year that provide everyone a chance to have fun, learn, and show school spirit. 

 

ACTIVITIES

Tennis, softball, track, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, badminton, drama, service projects, golf, soccer, and music are available to students after school at various times.

 

ATTENDANCE

The importance of prompt and regular school attendance by students is emphasized.  Regular attendance is necessary if students are to profit fully from learning experiences offered in school.  Because students miss significant instruction when they are absent from school, any absence may affect their learning. Please call the Attendance Office at 456-6317 to report absences.

All student absences and tardies will be classified as excused or unexcused.  The following absences will be excused with a note or phone call from parents:

 

1.       Illness or medical emergency.

2.       Family emergencies.

3.       Observances of established special days on a religious calendar.

4.       Prearranged medical and dental appointments.

5.       Prearranged school-sponsored activities, such as field trips.

6.       Absences or tardies which, according to the discretion of the principal, or their designee, after consulting with the parent or guardian, may be deemed appropriate, but not covered, in the above-stated instances.

 

Parents, please allow adequate time to arrive at school as traffic will not be accepted as an excuse for being late.  Students who ride buses that are late will not be considered tardy.

 

TARDIES TO SCHOOL

Students who report to school late must check in at the Attendance Office before going to class.  During first period, tardies will be issued by the Attendance Secretary. After first period all tardies will be dealt with by teachers.

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR TARDIES

All tardies result in detention.

Repeated violations will result in greater disciplinary action, including suspension.

 

EARLY DISMISSAL

If you must take your student out of class for an appointment please send a note or call the Attendance Office before school. An early dismissal slip will be issued that allows your student to leave class at the designated time. Please meet your student at the Attendance Office and sign him/her out. This method enables us to minimize disruptions

to classes.

 

PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCES

If your student will miss school due to family trips, religious holidays, etc. please send a note to the Attendance Office to pre-arrange the absence. It is not necessary to contact each teacher individually. Teachers will be notified by the Attendance Office. Teachers will be notified by the Attendance Office and assignments will be given.

 

ONLINE HOMEWORK AND GRADES

Homework assignments from each teacher, course grades and progress reports can all be accessed by parents and students through links on the Chinook website - www.chinookmiddleschool.com.  In order to access course grades and progress reports parents and students will need a Student ID Number and a PIN Code. These will be given out early in the school year.

                                   

DISCIPLINE/REINFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Many important factors must be considered in the development of a school-wide behavior program, beginning with the type of atmosphere we wish to create for our students.  First and foremost, Chinook Middle School must be a place of instruction and learning for our students.  We must challenge our students academically, creatively through the fine arts, and physically through our PE and after-school activities.  Therefore, activities which positively impact the learning of our students are promoted and those which inhibit learning are discouraged.

 

In addition to constant learning, we want our students to be safe both physically and emotionally, and to treat each other, the Chinook staff, and our school guests, with respect and kindness.  To these ends, our staff has developed a list of behavior expectations, encompassing:

 

      1.     School wide behavior

      2.     Cafeteria/courtyard and outside areas

      3.     Assemblies

      4.     Before and after-school activities, and

      5.     Dress and outward appearance

A number of contingencies are built within our school plan to meet the need to maintain student behavior expectations on a day-to-day basis throughout the year.

 

A.      Social Events - for all students who consistently follow the code of conduct.  These events will be determined through student and PTSA participation, and be available to the general student body.  Students who remain “detention free” during the specified period will be eligible to attend the special function. 

 

B.      Detentions are written infraction notices which are given by any Chinook staff member to students who do not adhere to the code of conduct.  If a student receives a detention notice it must be taken home for parental signature and returned the next day. Students must serve detention(s) within two school days (not including the day the detention is issued). Students may serve detentions after school in the library (3:22-4:00) or in mandatory tutorial (3:22-3:48), but must attend the final ten minutes (3:50-4:00) in the library with a signed note, verifying attendance at the mandatory tutorial. Repeat offenders may be required to serve detention in the library only. In addition, students may prearrange for a morning detention with the Assistant Principal in the Main Office (7:45-8:30). However, the number of students that attend the morning detention sessions is limited to two students and must be prearranged at least one day in advance with the Assistant Principal. Students who choose not to complete each detention within the two day period will be suspended a minimum of 1 day. As stated above, students receiving detentions will not be allowed to attend the special functions. Students start off with a clear slate after each special activity.

 

C.      Progressive Discipline => More than three detentions in a semester will result in suspension(s) from school.

 

D.   While we strive to meet the needs of all students at Chinook, occasionally some   students may not respond to our initiatives. At this time, the Bellevue School District has an alternative program that may better meet the needs of particular students. If this is the case, parental, school, and district personnel will jointly work out the arrangement.

 

E.      Suspensions and Expulsions will be conducted in accordance with the policies of the Bellevue School District and the laws of the State of Washington.

 

      F.  Chinook has a Zero Tolerance Policy for weapons, drugs and tobacco.

 

Chinook Middle School is a place dedicated to learning.  As a staff, we look forward to many positive experiences with our students and take pleasure in their achievements.  We believe that a school-student-parental partnership is a necessary ingredient in the success of our students, and we feel that this discipline/reinforcement plan is a part of that partnership.  We need to support one another for the success of all students.

 

 

A.            SCHOOLWIDE BEHAVIOR

 

GOAL:     Chinook Middle School will be a safe place where people show courtesy and respect for one another.

 

EXPECTATIONS:

1.            Students will treat everyone and everything with respect.

·         Students will respect individual differences, which include race, hairstyle, dress and gender.

·         Students will refrain from displaying inappropriate affection.

·         Sexual harassment will not be tolerated (BSD Board Policy 1600).

·         Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying will not be tolerated (BSD Board Policy 1601).

·         Students will respect the school buildings and campus.

·         Students will not throw objects (including, but not limited to writing utensils, paper, binders, food or pinecones).

2.            Students will move in a safe manner.

·         Students are expected to walk, not run, while moving through the campus.

·         Students are expected to keep hands and feet to themselves (i.e. no hitting, no kicking doors, walls or other students).

·         Students will not intimidate or harass others by using verbal put-downs, by using negative body language, by giving threatening looks, by using obscenities, or by using profanity.

·         Students will stay out of garden and landscape areas.

·         Profanity will not be tolerated.

 

3.            Everyone is responsible for keeping the noise level down.

·         Students will refrain from slamming lockers and books.

·         Students will refrain from displaying loud/disruptive behavior.

·         Students will not disturb any class that is in session.

 

4.            During class time, students must have an assigned pass to be in the halls. Hall passes can be for one individual or for a group.

5.            If a staff member stops a student and asks to speak with him/her, the student is expected to stop and speak in an appropriate and respectful manner, and give his/her name if asked.

6.            Students will comply with all reasonable requests from staff members.

 

7.            Students must attend all mandatory tutorials assigned by teachers, administrators, counselors or parents.

 

8.            All food and drink must be consumed only in the cafeteria.

 

   9.         Gum is not allowed in any part of the school.

 

10.           Students will take backpacks directly to their lockers before school begins and the backpacks will stay there throughout the day.  With the approval of the teacher, students may bring backpacks to 7th period. Backpacks and other materials left in the hallways or on benches may be confiscated.

 

11.                     We strongly recommend that students do not bring electronic equipment (including but not limited to cellular phones, iPods, MP3 Players, headphones, CD players, laser light devices and pagers) to school, as it may get lost or stolen. The use of such electronic equipment is not allowed anywhere on school grounds. Any electronic equipment that is brought to school must be stored in student lockers while on campus. In case of violation, equipment will be confiscated and can be picked up by parents in the school office.

 

               12.  Students are to arrive on time for all classes.

 

B.            CAFETERIA / COURTYARD / AND OUTSIDE AREAS

 

GOAL:     To allow a safe supervised area for students to congregate during lunchtime.

 

EXPECTATIONS:

1.            Students will treat all students, staff members and guests with respect.

 

2.            Students are expected to clean up after themselves. 

·         Garbage cans are provided and students are expected to use them.

·         Students will dispose of garbage in proper containers.

·         Students will clean their tables after eating.

·         If an area appears messy, students will assist in picking up the litter whether they placed it there or not.

3.            All Halls are closed during lunches. Students who go from lunch to the Library are allowed to enter the 300 Wing and go directly to the Library.

 

4.            The first 10 minutes of lunch, students are restricted to the cafeteria and commons.

 

5.            During lunch, students will remain on campus and in supervised areas.

 

6.            During lunch, there will be no cutting in line or buying food for others.

 

7.            All locker areas are closed during lunch period.

 

8.            All areas on the west side (upper parking lot and track) of the classrooms are off limits to students during lunch time.

 

C.            ASSEMBLIES

 

GOAL:     Students will demonstrate respectful behavior during assemblies by listening, participating, and following directions.

 

RESPONSIBLE ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR:

 

1.            Students will be directed to sit in designated sections during assemblies.  They will find and sit in that area as quickly as possible.

 

2.            Students will respect the rights of the people participating in the assembly by listening and giving them their attention.

 

3.            Students will be supportive of participants.  Never “boo,” whistle, yell inappropriately, put someone down or stamp feet.

 

4.            No food or drink will be brought into the gym.

 

5.            Students will remain seated until their class is dismissed.

 

D.            BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

 

GOAL:     Expectations of students before and after school are the same as when school is in session.

 

EXPECTATIONS:

1.            The same rules apply from the time students leave home to the time they arrive home.

 

2.            Once students arrive on campus, they may not leave unless they have parental permission, or they are dismissed by school authorities.

 

3.            Students who arrive before 8:15 AM must be participating in a tutorial or a school-scheduled activity. Students may not remain in the building or on school grounds after 3:30 PM (Wed. 2:20 PM) unless they are participating in a tutorial or a supervised activity.

 

4.            Before and after school tutorial time is available in the Library. It is expected that the students will use the Library tutorial time for academic work only.

 

5.            There will be no open food or drink in the hallways during this period.

 

6.            Visitors (of all ages) must register in the office for a badge.


 

E.            DRESS AND APPEARANCE

 

GOAL / EXPECTATIONS:

Students should be neat in personal appearance and use appropriate judgment in clothing.  Students may express individuality in their dress and grooming within reasonable bounds.  Students are not appropriately dressed when their appearance causes a disruptive influence to either themselves or to others while in the pursuit of the educational process, or if their appearance presents a health or safety problem.

 

CLARIFICATIONS:

 

  1. Secret clubs and gangs are prohibited at Chinook Middle School. In keeping with this policy, students are not permitted to wear clothing or insignias that identify such organizations.

 

  1. Tank tops must have straps that are at least two fingers wide. Tank tops with thin straps must be covered with a shirt, jacket or sweater.

 

  1. No skin can show between shirts and pants. That means no belly buttons showing.

 

  1. Shorts, skirts and dresses must go approximately halfway to the knee.

 

  1. The following will not be permitted:
    • Halter tops
    • Hats or bandannas
    • Clothing or accessories with lewd or objectionable pictures, sayings, gestures, language, or clothing which promotes prohibited substances
    • Inappropriate sagging of clothing

 

F.            HOMEWORK

 

BELIEFS:             We believe in the value of homework.  Through homework students extend their learning, practice valuable skills and participate in family-team efforts.  Homework helps to develop a sense of responsibility in the students and prepares the students to be accountable in the future.

                           As a staff we are dedicated to the following:

 

                           1.       All students will have homework.

                           2.       All classes will require homework.

                           3.  Homework will have a purpose and connection to the classroom program.

 

SCHEDULE:         While attending Chinook Middle School, students will have homework on a daily basis.  Students will find that they have daily homework in the disciplines of Math, Language Arts/Social Studies, Reading and Foreign Language (if the student is enrolled in that subject).  If the student has taken up an instrument, daily practice is also encouraged although a weekly time sheet will be compiled for both Band and Orchestra.  On a weekly basis, students will experience homework in Health, Science, Art, Home Economics, Drama and Tech. Ed.  Our PE classes will also give occasional assignments to be completed outside of class time.

 

                           Sixth Grade:  On average, our sixth grade team will be assigning 1 hour of

                             homework a night. 

 

                           Seventh Grade:  At the seventh grade level, the students will experience approximately 1-1/2 hours of homework per night (add some additional time if the student is involved in a foreign language).

 

                          


      Eighth Grade:  The basic time for eighth graders is 1-1/2 hours per night. (Again, this

      time could be extended for foreign language students).

 

                           In each grade level teachers are coordinating their testing and major project due dates so that students will not be totally swamped.  The homework load will also be kept down during weekend and vacation periods.

 

Homework Statistics

Approximately Time Expectations

GRADE

LOW

AVERAGE

6th Grade

45 minutes

1 hour

7th Grade

1-1/4 hours

1-1/2 (+1/2 hr foreign lang.)

8th Grade

1-1/4 hours

1-1/2 (+1/2 hr foreign lang.)

Music is included in all figures.

 

 

PM Tutorial

As a school we have a tutorial class period in place.  Teachers are available in classrooms on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3:22 - 3:48 PM.  Students who attend tutorial may ride the activity bus home, or should arrange their own transportation. Tutorial is designed for students who need additional help in understanding an assignment and for those who are having difficulty in turning in completed assignments in a timely fashion.  We all know that trying to “catch up” is a difficult task and it is our goal to keep the students up to date and their learning on track.  In this endeavor, teachers may assign students to mandatory tutorial for assignment completion purposes. PM Tutorial is also available in the Library for students to complete academic work.

 

AM Tutorial

Early morning homework tutorial is available in the Library from 7:45 to 8:30   AM and is designated for students to complete academic work. Teachers are generally not available at this time.

 

Class Expectations

                           Within each classroom, a newsletter will be published outlining the homework

                           expectations from the respective teachers.  If any questions arise as to particular assignments or student status, please e-mail or call teachers at school for clarification purposes.  We are all working together to help our students succeed.

 

************************************************************************************************************************

SAFETY

 

WEAPONS IN SCHOOL

 

The law now says:  ESSB 5307 makes it unlawful for ANY PERSON to carry onto public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas/facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools any firearm or dangerous weapon as defined in law.  Dangerous weapons as defined in RCW 9.41.250 and 9.41.280 include:....instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as a sling shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement; who shall furtively carry with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or who shall use any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm (RCW 9.41.250)...Any firearm; any device commonly known as “nun-chu-ka sticks”, consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic, or similar substance connected with wire, rope, or other means; or any device, commonly known as “throwing stars”, which are multipointed, metal objects designed to embed upon impact from any aspect; or any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas.  (RCW 9.41.280)  Violators are guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

 

Any violation of the above by an elementary or secondary school student constitutes grounds for expulsion “from the state’s public schools in accordance with RCW 28A.600.010.”  Further, violation of the section having to do specifically with firearms SHALL result in expulsion in accordance with the aforementioned RCW.  School must notify promptly law enforcement and the student’s parent or guardian regarding any allegation or indication of such violation. 

 

Section 3 lists exclusions to the above mandate.  The exclusion are those standard situations we are all aware of, i.e., law enforcement, showing or demonstration or lecture, firearms safety course, otherwise authorized school activity.  It further goes on to exclude any person who has been issued a license under RCW 9./41.070 (concealed weapon permit holders) while picking up or dropping off a student.  Also excluded are those legally in possession of a firearm that is secured within an attended vehicle or concealed from view in a locked unattended vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the school.

 

But Subparagraph 4 in this Section further provides that with the exception of school approved or law enforcement, FIREARMS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL BUILDING.

 

Schools are to keep accurate records reporting to OSPI by January 31 of each year all known incidents involving the possession of weapons on the school premises, transportation systems, or areas/facilities being used exclusively by public or private schools.

 

ESSB 5307 further requires that, when a student is transferring to another elementary or secondary educational institution, his or her permanent records shall be released promptly to the receiving school.  This is to insure that students are not allowed to enroll who have been previously suspended or expelled for any kind of serious violation.

 

IN SHORT

Any student with a gun at school will be expelled.  Being expelled means removal from Chinook and all Bellevue schools.  Any student with a sling shot, sand club, metal knuckles, spring blade knife, nun-chu-ka sticks, dagger, pistol, throwing stars, any air gun, may also be expelled.  This also includes protective chemicals such as pepper spray as well as any type of explosive.

 

LOOK-ALIKES

Any look-alike toy gun or other weapon will be cause for discipline because the look-alike items are frightening to students and adults on campus.

 

HOTLINE

This phone number is a confidential toll free line to report any knowledge regarding students who are bringing guns to school:  1-800-862-GUNS.

 

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