CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Provo School District Board of Education requires all students to conform to standards that avoid extremes and, further, to standards that exemplify personal cleanliness and acceptable social behavior.
HIGH STAKES
HOMEWORK HELP
CREDIT INTERVENTION
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
OUTBOUND PHONE SYSTEM
POWERSCHOOL
GENERAL SCHOOL RULES
STUDENT HAIR STYLES
DRESS CODE
LOCKERS
BUSES
LOST AND FOUND
CLOSED CAMPUS
VISITORS
SCHOOL LUNCH
SAFE AND ORDERLY SCHOOLS
CELL PHONES
MUSIC, GAME PLAYERS, ETC.
SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, BIKES
NUISANCE ITEMS
DISCIPLINE
ATTENDANCE
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
STUDENT RECOGNITION
STUDENT COUNCIL
NATIONAL JR. HONOR SOCIETY
WOLFPACK
SCHOOL COLORS DAY
Centennial Middle School continues to be a standards-based, high stakes school for the 2007-08 school year. Students who meet these standards will be promoted to their traditional high school.
Students will:
b. * Receive passing grades every term in all core classes (Language Arts, Science, Math, and Social Studies) during their 7th and 8th grade years.
c. * Earn a total of 12 credits in all classes during their 7th and 8th grade years.
Students who are not proficient by the end of the 8th grade, will, on a case-by-case basis, be scheduled for course work to ensure proficiency. Students will be required to attend summer school or may be referred to Independence High School to participate in a remediation program for their 9th grade year.
In order to provide intervention and assistance for students who are struggling academically during the current term, two options are available: Assisted Studies and Academic Assistance.
Assisted Studies is a study hall/homework center for students to work on assignments, make up exams, etc. Students have an opportunity to review grades and assignments as they receive additional help from a certified teacher.
Daily 7:00am - 8:00am Rm. 37
Daily 3:00pm - 5:00pm Rm. 37
Academic Assistance is an after school assistance program designed to receive specific subject area help. A schedule of assigned teachers and subjects is posted throughout the school. Students may request a copy of the AA schedule from their guidance counselor or print a copy from our school webpage.
Monday-Thursday 3:00pm-4:00pm
Students attending the 7:00am session are required to make their own transportation arrangements. A bus will be available to take students home from Academic Assistance and Assisted Studies at 4:00pm and again at 5:00pm.
Students who do not pass core classes will be enrolled in Credit Intervention for one class period in order to make up incomplete grades from the previous term. Students must attain a minimal standard of 50% in order to participate in credit intervention. Those students who receive scores below 50% will be required to attend summer school for remediation.
Students will give up one elective class until the incomplete grade from the previous term is made up.
Students who fail to make up the incomplete grade will be required to make it up during summer school or with another accredited education agency.
Centennial offers services in counseling, psychology, speech, and special needs. Contact the following individuals for further information:
Counselors: Dave Summers
Maritza Larson
Joyce James
Sp. Needs Coordinator: KayeLani Petersen
School Psychologist: TBA
Speech Therapist: Elise Nielsen
School Resource Officer: Justin Hunter
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations during any meeting or school-sponsored event should notify Mitch Swenson by calling 370-4621 at least 3 working days prior to the meeting.
Centennial Middle School utilizes a computerized phone system to notify parents of daily attendance and tardy records. The system may also contact each student’s home for announcements about upcoming school events.
Staying informed of academic progress is an important factor in being successful at school. Parents and students may access grades and attendance online at any time. Powerschool may be updated daily by teachers to record student scores and attendance. Parents may also find links to teacher email accounts and information on how to receive daily or weekly email updates on student progress. This information is available online to parents through a confidential login. Using the Internet, point the browser to the following:
(1) Go to www.cms.provo.edu
(2) Click on the PowerSchool link
(3) Type in your student’s confidential ID and password and enter.
Your student’s confidential ID is their student number and the password is their birthday in this format: 2/6/86. (Slashes are needed and preceding zeros are not.) If you have questions you may call Mrs. Hansen (370-4624) in the Attendance Office.
1. Follow directions.
2. Keep your hands, feet and other objects to
yourself.
3. Be where you are supposed to be and be there on time.
4. Respect yourself and others at all times.
* Each classroom teacher may implement additional rules and expectations for individual classrooms.
Hair shall be neat, clean and well groomed. Hair that is colored an unnatural color or styled in a manner that is extreme and distracting is unacceptable.
Students in violation of this rule will be required to correct the problem before being allowed to return to class.
Student apparel must be in compliance with Provo School District’s Safe and Orderly School Policy.
Gang Related Apparel
Clothing and items considered gang related will not be permitted. Some examples include but are not limited to: cut out belt buckles, hanging belts, bandanas, hair nets, certain professional team apparel, and lettering written in the Old English style. School officials will collaborate with the School Resource Officer to enforce rules related to gang related apparel. Students and parents may contact Officer Sorenson for more detailed information.
Extreme or Inappropriate Clothing
Clothing with vulgar words, profane or obscene slogans, depictions of violence or advertisements for alcohol, tobacco, drugs or other inappropriate items are not allowed. Students should come to school appropriately dressed in clothing that is clean, non-distracting, and in good repair.
Clothing and apparel that is so conspicuous, extreme, or odd that it may draw undue attention, disrupt, or tend to interfere with the learning atmosphere is unacceptable. Clothing intended as undergarments, worn as outerwear, will not be permitted.
Shirts
All shirts must cover the shoulder. Clothing cannot gap or sag in such a way that undergarments are visible. Inappropriate clothing includes tank tops, open-cut shirts (i.e.; sports jerseys or muscle shirts), bare midriffs, low necklines, short shorts, mini-skirts, etc. Length must be no shorter than mid-thigh. Tops must be long enough that skin does not show when arms are lifted.
Pants
Pants must be an appropriate length and not drag the floor. Pants will be worn at the waist and properly fit the waistline. Wearing of oversized or baggy pants and/or jeans is prohibited at school. Shorts may be worn, but must be long enough to cover mid-thigh. All shorts must be tailored/hemmed with no frayed edges.
Hats and other Headwear
Hats will not be worn in the building at any time unless it is a school-sponsored “Hat Day” or unless there is an extenuating circumstance (i.e.; medical). This policy applies to boys, girls, faculty, and staff. Hats that “go with the outfit” are not exceptions. Bandannas or headbands may not be displayed or worn at school under any circumstances.
Shoes
Shoes must be worn at all times. Shoes should be non-marking and in good repair. No “wheelie” type shoes are permitted at school.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not permitted in the school unless prescribed by a Doctor.
Students who are in violation of the dress standards will be asked to contact home or be loaned appropriate clothes in order to make necessary changes in their appearance. Students will remain out of class until they are in compliance with the dress code.
Lockers are the property of the school, loaned to students for their convenience. Repairs for any damage to the locker will be the responsibility of the student assigned to that locker. Lockers that are modified so they can be jammed or opened without using the combination in any way will be considered as vandalism, and a $5 fine will be assessed. Please do not share your combination or your locker with anyone other than your assigned partner. Lockers can be inspected at any time, so they should be kept clean and appropriate. The administration has the legal right to search a locker when there is a reasonable cause to do so.
Students should not bring large amounts of money or any other valuables to school. If it is necessary to bring personal items of value, students may check them in the office for safekeeping. Please do not leave anything of value in your hall locker or PE locker.
Students may be provided with bussing service as defined by the Provo City School District. Call the Transportation Department at 374-4860 for more information.
Transportation by bus is a privilege. Inappropriate behavior may result in a suspension or termination of bus privileges.
An activity bus is available to take students home from after-school activities. Teachers will provide passes to students in after school activities to ride the late busses. Students who do not participate in these activities will not be permitted to ride the bus.
Students who find lost articles are expected to take them to the main office. Students who have lost or misplaced items may check the lost and found to recover these items. Lost articles that are not claimed within a reasonable time will be donated to charity.
The CMS Administration will work closely with the school resource officer to recover lost or stolen items. Efforts will be made to resolve such matters, however the school assumes no responsibility for personal items that are lost or stolen.
When school is out, students need to leave campus or attend after-school activities. Students found loitering on campus will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include a trespassing citation.
Centennial Middle School operates under a closed campus policy. Students are expected to stay on campus from the time they arrive until dismissal.
Students can only be checked out of school by their parent or legal guardian. If they are unable to pick up their student in person, they must notify the school’s Attendance Secretary before the student can be released to someone else.
Students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch unless they are properly checked out by their parent or guardian.
All visitors must check in at the main office. Parents and other adults visiting the school are always welcome. A visitor’s pass will be provided and must be worn by all visitors to the school
Provo District Policy stipulates that no student visitors be allowed on campus without permission from the school administration. Unauthorized students may be referred to the Provo City Police Department for trespassing.
Students may bring a lunch or purchase one from the school. All cafeteria food and drink is to be consumed in the cafeteria or at the lunch tables outside of the school. Students are expected to clean up after themselves and report any spills to school staff. Students who do not clean up after themselves will be asked to return and clean.
During lunch all students are to remain in the lunch area. No students are allowed in the Centennial Court area or in the academic wing of the building during lunch.
Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is prohibited at school. Acts of violence, use or possession of a weapon or facsimile, criminal behavior, or gang-related activity are also prohibited in Provo School District schools, on school grounds, at school-sanctioned activities, or when students are being transported in district vehicles. Students found in violation of the Safe and Orderly Schools Policy (copies are available in the office) are subject to disciplinary actions as outlined by the district and Utah State Law. A copy of this policy may be found in the student agenda as well as the district website www.provo.edu.
Students with any information about weapons on or off campus may report this directly to the school resource officer, an administrator, or may call the District Weapons Hotline at 375-LIFE (375-5433). All information will be kept confidential.
Cell phones are not permitted to be used during the school day. They are a disruption to the learning environment and are not necessary at Centennial. A courtesy phone is available for student use at all times in addition to phones in each classroom (classroom phones may be used with teacher permission).
Students who are found using a cell phone during the school day will have the phone confiscated and must meet with an administrator before it will be returned. Additional violations of this rule will result in parent/administrator conferences before the phone can be returned. Subsequent violations may result in the loss of the phone for the remainder of the school year.
MUSIC, GAME PLAYERS, ETC.
Ipods, MP3 Players, CD Players, etc. and any type of electronic hand-held game are not permitted at school. These items are unnecessary for daily school activities and create disruptions for other students and staff members. Please know that these items are often misplaced or stolen at school.
Students who are found using these items during the school day will have them confiscated and must meet with an administrator before it will be returned. Additional violations of this rule will result in parent/administrator conferences before the items can be returned. Subsequent violations may result in the loss of the item for the remainder of the school year
Bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, “wheelies” style shoes, and other similar (including motorized) devices, are not permitted to be used on school property, whether school is in or out of session. Bicycles that are used as transportation to and from school by students are to be kept on bicycle racks. Skateboards, roller blades, bicycles, and other devices used by the students as transportation to and from school are the responsibility of the student to keep locked in his/her locker or on the bicycle rack.
NUISANCE ITEMS
Students may not bring items to school that are either disruptive or destructive in nature. These may include, but are not limited to: Permanent markers (Sharpies), toys, laser pointers, buzzers, retractable blades, etc.
These items will be confiscated and returned only to a parent.
Students who break school rules will receive consequences for their actions. The consequences are relative to the seriousness of the rule that was broken. Behavior problems that are minor in nature will be handled by a classroom teacher, yet may result in additional consequences. Behavior problems that are more serious in nature may require administrative intervention.
The consequences may include: warnings, lunch detention, parent contact, assigned service hours, before and after school detentions, suspension, referral to law enforcement, or other appropriate consequences.
Lunch Detention
Teachers are authorized to assign students a lunch detention in an effort to correct behavior problems. These lunch detentions need to be made-up during lunch within three days after receiving the lunch detention.
A student who does not make up a lunch detention within three days will be assigned to an early morning detention at 7:00am. Additional consequences may be given if students continue to ignore their assigned lunch detentions.
Students who arrive late for their assigned detentions will not be admitted.
Early Morning Detention
Students may be assigned to attend an early morning detention at 7:00am as a consequence for behavioral problems at school. Students are expected to come prepared to work on school assignments. Students are responsible to arrange for their own transportation for an early morning detention.
After School Detention
Students may be assigned to attend an after school detention from 3:00pm – 4:00pm as a consequence for behavioral problems at school. Students are expected to come prepared to work on school assignments.
School Service Hours
Students may be assigned to work after school or during lunch as a consequence for their behavior. Students will work under the direction of a staff member to complete any assigned service hours.
Alternative Learning Center
Students who do not respond to teacher interventions within the classroom may be sent to the alternative learning center to minimize class disruptions and to give them a chance to make any necessary behavior changes before returning to class. Parents will be contacted whenever a student is sent to the ALC.
Suspension
Students may be suspended from school as a disciplinary action. A suspension may result for any of the following reasons: not responding to multiple interventions to correct student behavior, safe school violations, gang activity, fighting, profanity, harassment or intimidation, continual disruptive behavior, vandalism, tagging, destruction of property, any unlawful act, truancy and excessive tardiness. An alternative placement may be considered if behavior problems continue after a suspension.
A parent/administrator meeting will be required before any student returns from a suspension.
Note: School Administrators reserve the right to administer discipline and consequences in a manner that they deem appropriate based on investigation, previous behavior, mitigating circumstances, and subjective evaluation.
Being successful in school requires students to be in class and on time every day. A natural consequence of tardiness and/or other attendance problems is reduced academic performance and poor citizenship. Absences and tardies make it difficult for students to be successful in class. Students who are absent from class and/or arrive late miss out on important instruction and directions related to assigned work. Tardiness is a distraction to the classroom. All students are encouraged to be on time and prepared for each class.
The staff at Centennial will take steps to correct attendance and tardy problems as outlined in the Provo City School District Attendance Policy.
Absences: Students at Centennial are expected to be in class and on time every day. If circumstances are such that you miss school, your parent/guardian needs to excuse you. Please call Mrs. Hansen at 370-4624, send a note to the office, or email her at terryh@provo.edu to excuse an absence. Doctor’s notes should be submitted for regular appointments (orthodontist, doctor, etc.) during school hours and for extended absences due to illness.
Pre-approved Absences: Students who know that they will miss school for an extended period of time may get prior approval for the absences. Students may pick up a pre-approved absence form in the attendance office to submit for approval.
Tardies: Students are expected to be on time to every class. When students arrive late to school they are expected to report to the attendance office and get an admission slip for class. Parents may not excuse students who are found tardy for class.
The following steps will be taken to address tardy problems (each term):
1-2 tardy: Warning by the Teacher
3rd tardy: Lunch Detention (LD)
4th tardy: 2nd LD and Parent Contact
5 + tardy: Referral to Administration
A 2-minute reminder bell will ring during each passing period.
Tardy Lockouts: Lockouts will be called at random each quarter to encourage on-time attendance. The consequences (per term) for getting caught in a lockout may include:
1st lockout: Lunch Detention.
2nd lockout: Referral to Early Morning Detention and Parent Contact
3rd lockout: One-day of ISS and Parent Conference with Administration
Sluffing or Skipping Class: All students are expected to be in assigned classes and activities. Students found unexcused in the halls, bathrooms, off campus, or any other location will be marked as truant. Parents may not excuse students who are found to be truant by school personnel.
1st Sluff: Referral to Early Morning Detention for every class period missed and Parent Contact
2nd Sluff: One day of ISS, School Service, Parent Administrator Conference, and 1st Truancy Citation.
3rd Sluff: Two full days of In School Suspension, School Service, 2nd Truancy Citation, and Parent Contact.
Repeated violations: Out of School Suspension, Truancy School, Parent Contact, and/or court referral, and/or possible alternative schooling.
Harassment or bullying is not tolerated at CMS. Students are expected to: treat other students and staff members with courtesy and respect; avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop. A student who believes he or she has been harassed or bullied is encouraged to report the incident to the school resource officer or an administrator.
Public displays of affection or any inappropriate physical contact between students are considered inappropriate at school.
Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student or staff member. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other behavior.
Students may report any such incidents to any school staff member. All reports will be investigated and appropriate consequences will be administered as necessary.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
At Centennial Middle School it is a high priority that students feel valued and appreciated. We want to acknowledge those students who consistently exhibit a good attitude in their classrooms. Two students will be recognized every day, every week, and again every month.
At each level of recognition, students will be presented with a certificate designating their award, and will also receive coupons for services or products from the businesses in the Provo/Orem area. These companies join Centennial Middle School in expressing their pride and appreciation for the outstanding behavior of our excellent students.
Student Council is a program designed to teach leadership, cooperation, and other social skills. It is a class run mostly by the student leaders under the direction of their advisor, Krista Thornock. Student Council members are in two different groups:
* Six (6) student body officers (elected for their 8th grade year)
* Twenty-four (24) student council members
(twelve per grade) each semester
All student council students will be required to limit their lunch detentions, ISS, or behavior referrals. Attendance must be exemplary with no unexcused absences and few tardies. All members of Student Council will be expected to be an example to the rest of the school, behave well in class, and participate in school activities. Student Council plans and directs four Wolf Pack parties and two assemblies during the year. They are also responsible for writing articles for the student newspaper, promoting school spirit, sponsoring a school-wide service project and other activities assigned by the administration. Student Council is taught 4th period and all officers and members are required to enroll in the class.
The following rules and guidelines apply for each office:
Student Body Officers - Elected Positions - Full Year
The positions of President & Vice President and Secretary & Historian are elected positions. Students run as pairs (must be a boy/girl team) for these positions.
Qualifications:
3.5 cumulative GPA
Discipline referrals cannot be excessive or extreme.
Student Body Officers-Appointed Positions-Full Year
The positions of Public Relations Officers are appointed positions. Students apply individually for these two positions.
Qualifications:
3.5 cumulative GPA
Discipline referrals cannot be excessive or extreme.
Student Council-Appointed Positions-Semester
Student Council members apply individually each semester and are appointed for the semester only. Individuals who serve may apply again for the next semester or the next year if they are interested. The application procedure includes an application form and an interview with the six Student body Officers, School Administration, Faculty, and the advisor.
Qualifications:
3.0 cumulative GPA
Discipline referrals cannot be excessive or extreme.
The National Junior Honor Society was founded to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage citizenship in students. The NJHS chapter of Centennial Middle School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization.
Membership is open to Centennial students (after a minimum of one semester at Centennial) who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Students are selected by a, five-member, Faculty Council, appointed by the principal; which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school. Selection will take place in February after semester grades are finalized.
For the scholarship criterion, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.7. Those students who meet this criterion are invited to submit information that provides the Faculty Council with details regarding the candidate’s strengths in the remaining four areas of evaluation. Students or parents who have questions regarding the selection process or membership obligations can contact the chapter advisor, Karen Soerensen.
Every student at Centennial will be assigned to a Wolf Pack. This advisory class is scheduled into each student’s schedule and each student will spend both years in their respective Wolf Packs.
Students are expected to attend Wolf Pack and participate in daily activities. Attendance and behavioral problems in Wolf Pack will be treated just like any other class. Throughout the school year many school wide activities, weekly reading days, academic competitions, grade conferences, and character building lessons will be taught during the Wolf Pack period.
Wolf Pack is an essential element of the goals and objectives of Centennial Middle School.
Students and staff are encouraged to wear school colors each Friday. Our school colors are burgundy and tan. Those students and staff who dress up on school colors day may be recognized by a member of student council.