Parkside MiddleCambridge International School

World Language ProgramParent and Student Handbook

2015-2016

8602 Mathis Avenue

Manassas, VA 20110

703.361.3106

1

ContentsAdministrative Team, Support Staff, and Guidance..............................................................................................................3

Vision & Mission (Philosophy)...............................................................................................................................................4

“Our Pledge to Our Students”...............................................................................................................................................5

Important Dates and Report Card Schedule..........................................................................................................................6

Bell Schedule.........................................................................................................................................................................7

Parkside Testing Schedule 2014-2015...................................................................................................................................8

Grading Policy.......................................................................................................................................................................9

Parent Steps to Student Success.........................................................................................................................................13

Homework Policy................................................................................................................................................................14

Retake Form........................................................................................................................................................................15

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support of Virginia (PBISV)......................................................................................16

Hear Parkside R.O.A.R Towards Success!!!..........................................................................................................................17

Parkside Middle School’s Dress Code for Students.............................................................................................................19

Parkside Middle School’s Procedures..................................................................................................................................21

Bus Expectations.................................................................................................................................................................22

World Language Specialty Program....................................................................................................................................24

Cambridge International Program.......................................................................................................................................25

Parkside Middle School Clubs..............................................................................................................................................26

Parkside Middle School Athletics........................................................................................................................................27

Athletic Programs Offered at Parkside................................................................................................................................28

Attendance..........................................................................................................................................................................29

Attendance Roles and Responsibilities................................................................................................................................30

Medication Disbursement and Vaccination Policy..............................................................................................................31

School Counseling Services.................................................................................................................................................32

2

Administrative Team, Support Staff, and Guidance

Administrative TeamDr. Mary Jane Boynton, PrincipalMs. Erin Merica, Assistant Principal (7th/8th Grade)Ms. Lisa Vega, Assistant Principal (6th Grade)Ms. Abbey Jones, Specialty Program CoordinatorMrs. Ashley Harigan and Mr. James Bricker, Activities Directors

Support StaffMr. Daniel Evers, School Safety and SecurityOfficer Rob Berkibile, School Resource OfficerMrs. Lisa Martin, School NurseMrs. Elena Walker, SecretaryMrs. Sheila Naylor, Attendance SecretaryMs. Lourdes Vega, Parent LiasonMrs. Tammy Lauper, Help Desk

Guidance DepartmentMs. Willette Trevis, Guidance DirectorMs. Caroline Young Mr. Clifton Gorham Ms. Shannon DiMisaMs. Desirae Bruce, Secretary

3

Vision & Mission (Philosophy)

Mission Statements:

The mission of Parkside Middle Cambridge International School, a culturally and technologically rich learning community, is to inspire and empower all students in a student-focused environment to excel both academically and socially and prepare them to be productive citizens and future leaders.

Vision Statements:

The vision of Parkside Middle Cambridge International School, a culturally and technologically rich learning community, is for all stakeholders to be committed to encouraging and challenging the whole child by providing a safe and respectful student-focused environment that fosters a rigorous academic and technological curriculum that will prepare students to become productive citizens and future leaders.

Beliefs:

• A nurturing, safe, and orderly student-centered school environment promotes optimum achievement.

• Students' learning is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders:  the administration, the teachers, the parents, the student, and the community.

• Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process within the classroom and in extra-curricular activities.

• Instruction that is student centered, taking into account students’ diverse social, emotional and physical needs, increases student success.

• Our stakeholders’ commitment to continuous improvement and recognition of achievement is imperative to ensure that our students become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners.

• A caring relationship between staff and students fosters mutual respect and an appreciation of the differences in one another.

• A variety of assessment tools is essential to accurately evaluate student performance and create effective and meaningful instruction.

The Cambridge approach supports schools to develop learners who are:

Confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others

Responsible for themselves, responsible to and respectful of others

Reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn

4

Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges

Engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.

5

“Our Pledge to Our Students”

At Parkside, we are vested in the success of each and every student in our care. Therefore, our faculty and staff understand and agree that the following expectations, duties and procedures are an integral and sacrosanct commitment to who we are as a community of learners.

As an important member of the Parkside staff, I pledge to:

1. Taking attendance (it is a legal requirement);2. Classroom webpages set up and maintained once a week by all teachers (it is a

county requirement);3. Min. of two grades every six full classes posted in the grade book for parent to

view in parent portal;4. Hallway coverage provided by all faculty and staff during all class changes;5. 10/10 rule;6. Hallway passes (passes have been printed for each grade level and encore, plus

administration);7. Technology – everyone must follow the county policies for overall acceptable

usage and the BYOD initiative;8. Opening activity for every class (bell ringer);9. Closing activity/exit ticket for every class;10. Clear agenda, to include date, standard, language objective, and activities

posted and visible for all students to follow for the duration of the class period;11. Student-centered lessons (the expectation is that we should not be seeing

teachers sitting at their computers for any length of time during the instructional day);

12. Teacher data collections (this will be done through our own data collection tool);

13. Student data folders (to be updated by students weekly);14. Tardy policies will be followed by all teachers;15. Dress code for all students, faculty, & staff will be monitored and followed;16. Communication to parents will be regular and consistent. No student will

receive an interim or report card grade below a C without having documented parent notification.

6

Important Dates and Report Card Schedule

2015August 31st School BeginsSeptember 7th HolidayOctober 12th County Professional Development Day-No School for all studentsOctober 30th End of Middle/High School 1st Grading Period (45 Days)November 2nd Teacher Professional Development ‐ No school for all studentsNovember 11th Veterans Day HolidayNovember 27th - 27th Thanksgiving Break5December 21st ‐ 31st Winter Break

2015January 1st Winter BreakJanuary 3rd School ReopensJanuary 18th Martin Luther King HolidayJanuary 29th End of Second Grading PeriodJanuary 29th End of First Semester February 1st Teacher Professional Development - No school for All studentsFebruary 15th Presidents' Day HolidayMarch 21st – 28th Spring BreakApril 15th End of Third Grading PeriodApril 18th Teacher Professional Development ‐ No school for all studentsMay 30th Memorial Day HolidayJune 17th End of Fourth Grading Period June 17th Last Day of School for Students

Report Card Schedule

Grading Period Interims Report Cards1st 9 weeks October 9th November 10th

2nd 9 Weeks December 18th February 9th 3rd 9 Weeks March 15th April 26th

4th 9 Weeks May 27th Mailed by June 27th

Bell Schedule

7

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Advisory8:00-8:09 a.m. Final

Tardy Bell8:10-8:15 a.m.

Announcements/Pledge

Advisory8:00-8:09 a.m. Final

Tardy Bell8:10-8:15 a.m.

Announcements/Pledge

Advisory8:00-8:09 a.m. Final

Tardy Bell8:10-8:15 a.m.

Announcements/Pledge

Block 18:15 – 9:11 a.m.

56 minutes

Block 18:15-9:11 a.m.

56 minutes

Block 18:15-9:11 a.m.

56 minutes

Block 29:11 – 10:07 a.m.

56 minutes

Block 2 (ENCORE)9:11 – 10:41 a.m.

90 minutes

Block 29:011– 10:07 a.m.

56 minutes

Block 310:07-11:03 a.m.

56 minutes

LUNCH A10:41 –

11:06 a.m.25 minutes

Block 3C10:41 –

11:37 a.m.56

minutes

Block 310:07-11:03 a.m.

56 minutes

Block 3A11:06 –

12:02 p.m.56 minutes

LUNCH C11:37 –

12:02 p.m.25

minutesLUNCH B

11:03-11:28 a.m.

25 minutes

Block4D11:03-11:59 p.m.56

minutes

Block 412:02 – 12:58 p.m.

56 minutes

Block 4 (ENCORE)11:03 – 12:33 p.m.

90 minutes

Block 4B11:28-

12:24 p.m.56

minutes

LUNCH D11:59-12:24 p.m.25

minutesBlock 5

12:24-1:20 p.m.56 minutes

Block 512:58 – 1:54 p.m.

56 minutes

LUNCH E12:33 –

12:58 p.m.25

minutes

Block 5F12:33 –

1:29 p.m.56

minutesBlock 5E12:58 –

1:54 p.m.56

minutes

LUNCH F1:29 –

1:54 p.m.25

minutesBlock 6 (ENCORE)

1:20 – 2:50 p.m.90 minutes

Block 61:54 – 2:50 p.m.

56 minutes

Block 61:54 – 2:50 p.m.

56 minutes

Parkside Middle School office hours are from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

8

Please check our school website for important information and upcoming school events!

WEBSITE: http://parksidems.schools.pwcs.edu/

9

Parkside Testing Schedule 2014-2015

TEST Testing Window Online or Paper/Pencil

Pre-Test September 8-18, 2015 Math & LA ALL GRADES online 8th Grade Social Studies, writing

& Science online 6th-7th Grade Social Studies &

Science (online optional) ALL World Language, ENCORE

& P.E. (online optional)Benchmark 1 November 2-24, 2015 Math & LA ALL GRADES online

8th Grade Social Studies, writing & Science online

6th-7th Grade Social Studies & Science (online optional)

ALL World Language, ENCORE & P.E. (online optional)

ACCESS TESTING January 11 – March 17, 2016

ALL ESOL STUDENTS

VAAP DUE March 31, 2016 SPED

Benchmark II February 29 – March 18, 2016

Math & LA ALL GRADES online 8th Grade Social Studies, &

Science online 6th-7th Grade Social Studies &

Science (online optional) ALL World Language, ENCORE

& P.E. (online optional)VGLA DUE April 27, 2016 ESOL

SOL Testing March 1-16, 2016 8th Grade Writing (MC & Short Paper)

SOL Testing May 2 - May 27, 2016 6th-8th Grade LA 6th-8th Grade Math 8th Grade Science 8th Grade Civics & Economics Algebra & Geometry

SOL Expedited Retakes

June 1 - June 16, 2016 All SOL Areas

End-Of-Year Exams June 1-10, 2016 Spanish 1A, 1B, I & II French 1A, 1B, I & II Algebra & Geometry (if

necessary)Post Assessment May 31- June 10, 2016 6th -7th Grade Social Studies &

Science

10

ALL ENCORE & P.E.

11

Grading Policy

“Failure is not an option”

In accordance with Prince William County Public Schools policy 661-2, the grade a Parkside Middle School student receives in grades 6-8 should be based upon the same criteria. The following are the criteria for determining achievement grades. Achievement is based on school academic performance on assignments directly related to the curriculum.

The middle school grading scale is as follows:

A 90 – 100 4.0

B+ 87 – 89 3.4

B 80 – 86 3.0

C+ 77 – 79 2.4

C 70 – 76 2.0

D+ 67 – 69 1.4

D 60 – 66 1.0

F 59 and Below 0.0

In grades 6 – 7, teachers may record either letter grades in the grade book, but regardless of the method of recording grades in the grade book, each grade must be converted into its letter equivalent before averaging except in Carnegie unit classes. For grade 8, the high school numerical grading scale will be used for all students.

Parkside Middle School has initiated a program to support our students who have not mastered required standards. The A-B-C-PIP, (Panther in Progress), is a program that allows a student time to receive remediation and an opportunity to retake assessments. The intention of this program is to eliminate the opportunity for students to accept any grade lower for 70% for middle level classes and 80% for high school level classes. We have high expectations for all of our students and our goal is to prepare and encourage students to strive for mastery in middle school, high school and beyond.

Any student who does not earn the minimum score of 70% for middle level classes and 80% for high school level classes on all assessments will be required to retake, (PIP). Students will receive additional help and instruction on the content not mastered and will be given the opportunity to retake the un-mastered content. Additional opportunities for re-teaching may be provided by the teacher during the school day or outside the school day by the teacher or through additional education programs at Parkside. Students who do not complete the PIP process after the third opportunity will be placed on an academic contract.

PWCS Regulation 724-1 states students receiving excused absences shall be responsible for contacting their teachers to make arrangements for make-up work within a time specified by the teacher.

12

GRADING:

Grades are assigned for individual summative assessments, which are directly designed around state and county standards. The follow 16 principals shall be applied to the Parkside Grading Policy:

1. Students will only be graded on achievement; no behavioral grades may be awarded. 2. Students will not be graded down for turning in late work. Please see late policy for specifics. 3. Extra credit will be awarded where higher student achievement is exemplified. 4. Students who cheat/plagiarize will receive an alternative assignment, plus an assignment on ethics and an

administrative referral. 5. Student absences will not be recorded as a grade. 6. Students will be graded on individual ability; group scores/grades will not be used. 7. Grades will be organized and attached to a specific learning standard and learning target. 8. Student grades will be assigned solely on learning standards and learning targets that the student is able to

identify. 9. A student’s grade will be assessed based on individuality; students will not be compared to other students. 10. Student grades will be based on quality assessments.11. Student grades will be weighted per Parkside policy.12. Students will not receive a grade of zero as a punishment.13. Student grades will be awarded based on summative assessments only. 14. Students will have the opportunity to redo summative assessments. 15. Students will be involved in the grading process through the use of their data folders, and, (where appropriate),

contributing to assessment design. 16. Any grade that is recorded below 70% for middle classes, and 80% for high school classes, must be retaken for

appropriate mastery.

Weighting of grades:

All Parkside grades will be weighted at 1.

Notes:

What are learning targets?

Learning targets are four categories that break down the standards/curriculum into areas that we want our students to be successful in. When we assess with these categories in mind it is easier to discern where a student most needs support. The 4 categories are: 1. Knowledge 2. Reasoning 3. Skill 4. Product. As an example we might see student A has the knowledge for multiplication, but cannot produce the correct answers when asked to produce a multiplication chart. By breaking down student ability into categories, one can more clearly see where a student might need support.

What is a summative assessment?

13

A summative assessment is traditionally thought to be the “big test” at the end of a unit. In fact, a summative assessment is any assessment that aims to assess what a student has learned, following a period of instruction. Summative assessments may be a quiz, test or project, (projects that are to be graded can only be completed during the class time).

What is a Panther in Progress – PIP?

A Panther in Progress is a student who has not yet achieved the 70%, middle classes/80% high school classes mastery level that Parkside has set for its student body. The original grade will be recorded in the grade book and then when a student achieves mastery the grade will be changed to reflect their growth. There will be an after school study group available to help facilitate the process of retaking and study help. Retakes will only be based on the learning target that was not mastered.

Late Policy:

Students are required to submit work on the due date, the policy below outlines both student and teacher expectations for due dates and grades at Parkside Middle School.

1. Due dates are negotiated for major summative tasks/tests with the class.2. Due dates are allowed within a range of dates. 3. Extensions for submission of assignments are based on individual circumstances, which are communicated

before the due date. 4. Firm due dates for major summative assessments are communicated in advance, based on reporting schedules

and when work is handed back. 5. Students who miss a firm due date for a summative task will be required to complete the work under the

supervision of their grade level administrator. This can entail missing classes to complete the work, working after school or at lunch, or completing work during a supervised session at Saturday school.

6. For reporting purposes there will be firm, school-wide cut off dates for teachers to evaluate student work. If work is not submitted by these due dates the report card may indicate “unable to assess” to reflect the fact that insufficient assessment data exist to make a fair evaluation of student performance of major expectations. In this case, no credit may be granted until wok is submitted. Students may receive an NHI based on insufficient assessment evidence.

7. If a student fails to submit summative work on time, there will be escalating consequences: First time:

a. The teacher must call the parents.

Second occasion:

a. The teacher must call the parents. b. A Missed Summative form is completed, establishing a contract between the teacher and the student,

and a copy is provided to the Guidance Counselor. c. The student must meet with the guidance counselor to determine the source of the problem and

develop a plan to address the situation; this plan may involve required make-up work, which the student must negotiate with the teacher.

If a contract is broken:

14

a. The student must meet with grade level administrator and/or principal.b. Student may be withdrawn from co-curricular commitments until their work is completed. c. A student may be required to attend compulsory work session at a time and place determined by the grade

level administrator/principal. d. Report card comments may include “unable to assess, work not submitted”.

15

Parent Steps to Student Success

• Access your child’s grades using parent portal found under the parent portal tab on Parkside’s website www.parkside/pwcs.edu. Call the school at 703-361-3106 for more specific directions on how to access this program.

• Set aside a specific place and time for your child to work on schoolwork. Even if he or she does not have homework assignments for that evening, your child can read, study, review previous work/class notes, or take the time to research and explore topics of interest that will support inquiry based learning while also enriching/enhancing their overall education.

• Look into signing up your child for our “Panthers on the Prowl” after-school program that provides academic and social support to students.

• Look on school fusion at your child’s teacher’s individual web pages or check their individual agenda each day. Ask specific questions such as, “What country or time period are you studying in your Social Studies class?” Ask your child what was learned that can be applied to everyday life.

• Ask your child what went well that day, or what did not go well.

• Read to your child, or have your child read to you or to siblings.

• Limit the amount of time that children watch TV or play video games alone, especially during weekdays. Whenever possible make both of these activities family based in order to build conversations around possible learning experiences.

• Always encourage your child to do his or her best; that is what we are doing here at school!

• Call or email your child’s teachers for clarification on issues, or with any questions/concerns that you may have.

• Set up a parent conference through guidance if you continue to have questions. 703-361-3106

• Any questions, feedback, or concerns are welcomed by the Parkside Administrative Team. Please feel free to schedule a time to meet with the grade level administrator, or the principal, or simply send us an e-mail or call.

Dr. Mary Jane Boynton – Principal/ boyntomj@pwcs.eduMs. Erin Merica – Assistant Principal/ 7th & 8th Grade Administrator mericaem@pwcs.edu Ms. Lisa Vega – Assistant Principal/ 6th Grade Administrator vegalg@pwcs.edu

• Additionally, provide support to our endeavors at Parkside, and allow us access to your child before and after school, as well as on Saturdays, if necessary, to provide them with opportunities to complete their incomplete work, or receive the assistance or instruction to be successful.

16

Homework Policy

The Parkside Homework Policy is a direct reflection of the PWC Homework Policy (663) and PWC Regulation on Homework (663-1).

The Parkside administration team supports the appropriate use of homework to enrich, enhance, and extend the instructional program. When assigning homework, teachers should follow all guidelines listed below.

Purpose: Pre-learning opportunity to organize, or be exposed to, new information To build interest in an upcoming topic, or unit of study Practice for applying new knowledge and skill Revisit knowledge and concept for review Prepare for upcoming assignments

Guidelines: Homework assignments should be understood by the student and should involve only

work for which the student is ready. All assigned homework will be reviewed by the teacher and returned to the student with

growth producing feedback. Types of feedback may be in the form of verbal or written comments in direct relationship to the assignment outcome. Feedback should not simply be the verification of completed assignments or a praise phrase like “Good job!” or “Well done!” as neither are examples of growth producing feedback. Homework may be graded and must be based on a standard or strand.

Teachers are strongly encouraged to avoid assigning homework over weekends, holidays, and religious observances. Therefore, it is advised that homework should only be given Monday through Thursday.

The total daily amount of homework should not exceed 60 – 80 minutes. This total time should be divided out amongst all students’ classes. Students have five (5) core classes and three (3) encore classes. Therefore, homework, if issued daily by each teacher, can total no more than 10 minutes per subject.

Major homework assignments, such as projects and preparation for Unit and Benchmark tests, should be coordinated between teachers and departments to avoid undue time requirements on students. Major projects, Unit tests, and Benchmark tests will be posted on each grade level and encore Fusion calendars.

17

Retake Form

This is a sample form. This form can also be located on the shared OneDrive.

Parkside PIP Assessment Retake Request

Name: Date: Course: Teacher: Assessment: Original Grade: Goal Grade: Reflection: What are the reasons for your original score?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To improve my score, I will: Stay after school for help Attend Breakfast Club Independently Study (with teacher approval and initials )

Student Signature: Date: __________________

18

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support of Virginia (PBISV)

What are Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)?

- PBISV, formally known as Effective School-wide Discipline, is a Commonwealth of Virginia initiative to support positive academic and behavioral outcomes for all students.

- The program is based on extensive research and utilizes a preventative and proactive approach to discipline that reduces the amount of time spent dealing with office referrals, thereby increasing time spent teaching and learning. PBISV ultimately impacts the very culture of the school to shift attention to positive behavior and successful learning systems for children, teachers, and administrators.

- As part of PBISV Parkside Middle School has set procedures and expectations for all students to adhere to.

Our Expectations for our Students at Parkside:

Success is the ONLY option at Parkside;

All students will be successful academically at Parkside;

All students will be respectful to self and others;

All students will strive to be the best that they can be!

Students at Parkside…

1. will choose to COMMIT to their own personal success;

2. will choose to FOCUS their efforts on school and their own personal academic achievement;

3. will choose to WORK HARD and be the best that they can be.

4. will choose to BELIEVE in their own abilities and not let others or mistakes prevent them from trying again.

19

20

Hear Parkside R.O.A.R Towards Success!!! The ROAR program recognizes students who:

 Are RESPECTFUL and treat adults, peers and property with courtesy and consideration.

 Take OWNERSHIP of their learning and behavior through good choices.

 Keep a positive ATTITUDE and serve as a role model for others.

 Take RESPONSIBILITY and follow rules and expectations.  

Parkside Middle School’s faculty and staff are committed to the success of all students. Students demonstrating appropriate behaviors will be recognized in a variety of ways.

ExpectationsIn class, students will demonstrate

RESPECT by raising their hand before speaking and using kind and helpful words towards others.

OWNERSHIP by participating in class discussions and doing their best work.

ATTITUDE by believing in themselves and by keeping a positive outlook.

RESPONSIBILITY by following classroom procedures and always being prepared.

In the hallway, students will demonstrate

RESPECT by keeping hands and feet to ones self and by keeping the hallways clean.

OWNERSHIP by working together to keep hallways moving forward and to the right and arriving at your destination on time.

ATTITUDE by helping others when they need help and using kind words with others.

RESPONSIBILITY by going to your destination quickly and quietly and keeping your locker organized and adhering to locker times.

In the cafeteria, students will demonstrate

RESPECT by paying attention to adults and by not touching other students property.

OWNERSHIP by cleaning up their space and staying seated.

ATTITUDE by using manners with adults and peers and accepting and welcoming all students.

21

RESPONSIBILITY by waiting in a single file line patiently and keeping an appropriate volume.

 

Using Electronic devices students will demonstrate RESPECT by using the device for instructional purposes only

OWNERSHIP by keeping the device off and out of sight when not in use.

ATTITUDE by graciously complying with requests.

RESPONSIBILITY by only using the device at your teacher’s direction.

On the bus, students will demonstrate

RESPECT by using the appropriate volume and keeping hands and feet to oneself.

OWNERSHIP by quickly choosing a seat and following procedures and Driver’s directions.

ATTITUDE by kindly greeting the bus driver, using kind words with peers and being a positive role model.

RESPONSIBILITY by immediately and accurately reporting problems and being mindful of your bus stop.

 

During assemblies & events, students will demonstrate

RESPECT by providing the speaker with undivided attention and keeping hands and feet to ones self.

OWNERSHIP by appropriately participating in all activities and following instructions.

ATTITUDE by entering in a calm manner and being a gracious audience member.

RESPONSIBILITY by staying seated and following dismissal directions.

 IncentivesStudents are able to earn ROAR cards when they meet or exceed ROAR expectations. Students submit these cards to a grade level bucket in the main office. ROAR card drawings are weekly and quarterly; winners are recognized on the school web site and school wide announcements. In addition, weekly and quarterly winners will receive their choice of incentive.   

22

Parkside Middle School’s Dress Code for Students

It must be understood that the dress code guidelines exist to ensure that there are not disruptions to the learning environment and to ensure that all students are safe. The wearing of a garment or accessory by any Parkside student or staff member that distracts from the good order, safety and discipline in the school and or classroom is prohibited. 

The following guidelines for apparel/appearance are to be adhered to:

No shirts with oversized armholes may be worn. Boxer shorts may not be worn as outerwear. The wearing of hats, scarves, bandannas or other headgear is prohibited unless relating to one’s religion. Spandex clothing/stretch leggings or other tight fitting garments, both long and short, may not be worn alone as an outside garment. Any clothing or accessory that may be interpreted as gang attire may not be worn. Students are prohibited from wearing sunglasses inside the building. Students are prohibited from wearing inappropriate or gang related graphic displays on visible parts of the body or clothing. Bare feet, stocking feet, socks, or bedroom slippers with soft bottoms are not allowed. No flip flops or sports slides are permitted. Beachwear clothing is not permitted. No clothing or jewelry with profanity, suggestive symbols, or language is permitted. No clothing or jewelry promoting drugs, alcohol, sexual relations, death or violence is permitted. No sleeping apparel may be worn. Sheer, see-through garments may not be worn unless an appropriate shirt is worn underneath the sheer. No gloves may be worn inside the building. No cleats may be worn inside the building. Students are prohibited from wearing or having chains attached to their clothing.

23

The following guidelines for apparel fit are to be adhered to:

Garments for both boys and girls will fit in a manner to allow appropriate ease of movement and comfort of wear. Shorts, skirts and dress lengths should be appropriate in length, non-revealing, and longer than the fingertips when arms are extended downward or touch the ground when kneeling. Pants, skirts and shorts must be worn with the waistband at the student’s waist and will not show undergarments. No exposure of undergarments is permitted. Undergarments may not be worn as outerwear. No baggy, saggy or extremely oversized shorts, pants, or slacks will be permitted. Tank tops, one-shoulder strap shirts, halter-tops, tube tops or spaghetti straps are not permitted. All shirts must have a strap as wide as a standard “Post-it” style note (approximately 3”). Low-cut tops are prohibited. Shirts may not be lower than the armpits extend. 

*If a student is not in compliance with the dress code, the Parent/Guardian will be called to bring appropriate attire for the student. Otherwise the student will be asked to wear a loner clothes. 

*If a member of the staff is not in compliance with the dress code, the staff member may be asked to change into appropriate clothing. 

The dress code is to be adhered to for all school functions. Uniforms for participation in afterschool activities are exempt from this rule except during regular school day and will be selected based on professional judgment of the school sponsor. 

 Repeated violations of the Dress Code may result in further disciplinary action.

24

Parkside Middle School’s Procedures

School procedures are set in place to make schools safer and to have a course of action to take in the event of unsafe situations.

Fire Drill Procedure

Line up in a straight and quiet line.

Exit the building through your designated emergency exit.

Stay in a single file line and continue to walk quietly to your class staging area.

Remain quiet and calm.

Listen for directions.

When returning into the building, stay in a quiet straight line.

Enter the building in a calm respectful manner.

Quietly return to your classroom.

25

Bus Expectations

The Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-176, permits school boards to provide transportation for pupils, but does not require them to do so. For Prince William County Public Schools, daily bus service will be provided for all in-boundary students living in excess of one mile from school. Students eligible for transportation may be required to walk up to one mile to reach their regular bus stop. Except for mid-day kindergarten students, students living within a school's established walking boundary will walk to school. Express bus service will be provided for students enrolled in all Specialty Programs. This service will be to and from express bus stops only.

RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE*

A School Bus Video Observation System records activities aboard some buses. (See Regulation 433-3)Please feel free to contact the school principal or Transportation Department for help with problems related to the transportation of your child.

*Riding the school bus is a privilege, except as required by law for students with disabilities.

LEAVING THE BUS

Students must:• Remain seated until bus comes to a full stop.• Leave the bus in an orderly manner, students in the front seats first.• Leave the bus stop area when safety permits as soon as discharged from the bus.• Not loiter around the bus.• Cross the street, if necessary to do so, at the front of the bus and at a distance of at least ten feet in front of the bus.• Not cross until the driver has signaled that it is safe to do so. Crossing four or more traffic lanes or a divided roadway is prohibited.

26

Students Riding the Bus should:

• Obey instructions of bus driver and/or bus attendant.• Be seated immediately.• Remain seated, facing forward.• Share seats equally.• Be courteous.• Respect property.• Keep all body parts inside bus.• Keep aisles clear.• Maintain good conduct.

The following infractions are not permitted:

• Creating loud noises• Drug and Substance Abuse• Eating/Drinking• Endangering Others• Fighting• Fire• Having glass objects• Horseplay• Littering• Obscene gestures• Other Violations of the Code of Behavior• Profanity• Smoking• Spitting• Tampering with equipment• Threats• Throwing objects from the bus• Transporting large objects• Use of wireless communication devices• Vandalism• Weapons

***If a disciplinary problem should occur in the afternoon, and the problem is such that, in the judgment of the driver, it is unsafe to proceed, the driver may return to the school to seek immediate disciplinary action and/or assistance. Bus drivers are instructed to report any infractions to the school principal/designee.

27

World Language Specialty Program  

As a student in the World Language Specialty Program at Parkside Middle school students have the option of taking Spanish or French. In the 6th and 7th grades they will complete Level I of their chosen course. It is not essential that a student have had any previous language or cultural experiences in order to be successful as a student in this program. Work/study habits, an interest in the language chosen, whether French or Spanish, and previous academic achievement in Language Arts are the most important predictors of success. Successful program participants continue to French or Spanish II in 8th grade and earn two high school credits in foreign language during their middle school years.

28

Cambridge International Program

Cambridge Mission: to deliver world-class international education through the provision of curricula, assessment and services. We are committed to extending access to the benefits of high-quality education around the globe. Our programmes and qualifications develop successful learners and support the economic performance of countries where we work at national level.

Parkside is now fully approved as a Cambridge International School!

What does this mean… Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to

19 year olds. Our qualifications are taken in over 160 countries and recognized by universities, education providers and employers across the world.

Part of the University of Cambridge and a not-for-profit organization

Benefits of the Cambridge International Program for Students:

Internationally recognized programStudent centered approach to learningProgressive and flexibleBuilds skills in creative thinking, inquiry and problem solving

To learn more about Cambridge International Program, please visit the PKMS Webpage!

Cambridge Pledge

The Cambridge Pledge is said every morning before the morning announcements. It is also posted in every room.

I will work with information and ideas.

I will be responsive to and respectful of others.

29

I am equipped for new and future challenges.

I am responsible for my own learning.

I am respons-able to the success of the class.

I will make a difference.

30

Parkside Middle School Clubs

Parkside Middle School offers many clubs that provide all students the ability to become engaged in activities that are important to them. The number and focus of student clubs change from year to year as students with different interests take leadership.

How to start a club or activity??? This is easy, get a group of friends together that share the same interests and then find a teacher who can sponsor your club and you can have a club or activity at Parkside!

Some of the clubs and activities offered at Parkside are:

Ecology and Science ClubRoboticsBattle of the BooksNational Junior Honor SocietyDrama ClubAnd many more!

We also offer Activity Buses to take students home after their activities at 4:40 Tuesday, and Thursday or 5:30 Wednesday.

31

Parkside Middle School Athletics

Parkside Middle School offers a variety of Athletic programs. We encourage all students who would like to participate in an athletic program to try out.

The values of good sportsmanship and the dynamics of teamwork shall be stressed constantly!

NEW STATE LAW: Everyone participating in school sports must have concussion training in order to be eligible for trying out for a school sport team.In order to try-out for a sport, the PARENT and STUDENT must attend one of the concussion trainings.

All students trying out for an athletic team must have both an athletic physical and concussion training certification on file with Mrs. Harigan before they will be allowed to try out.  The physical must be on the most recent PWCS form.   Please turn all forms directly into Mrs. Harigan.

Face-to-face training : Middle School Parents and Students who are trying out for a sport for their FIRST TIME in middle school must attend a middle school face-to-face training.

Online training: Parents and students who have participated in a middle school

face-to-face training previously are eligible to complete the online training to meet the middle school participation requirements. At the conclusion of the online training, you will print out a certificate that verifies that the student and his/her parent and/or guardian have taken the training. This certificate must be turned in to Mrs. Harigan prior to trying out for a sport.  Online training will be available in English and Spanish. The online presentations are available by clicking on the link below:

https://online-concussion.pwcs.edu/

Face to face concussion training dates for the 2015-2016 School year are located on the “Athletics Page” of the PKMS website.

PLEASE NOTE: All training sessions will begin on time.  We cannot admit anyone after the official start time. The doors will be shut and locked. This is a state guideline regarding concussion training.

32

33

Athletic Programs Offered at Parkside

FALL Sports:

Boys FootballBoys SoccerGirls TrackGirls Volleyball

WINTER Sports:

Boys Junior Varsity and Varsity BasketballGirls Junior Varsity and Varsity BasketballWrestling

SPRING Sports:

Boys BaseballBoys TrackGirls SoccerGirls Softball

YEAR LONG Sports:

Step TeamCheerleadingDance

34

35

Attendance

Parents: Please refer to the chart on the following page regarding your role in a student absence.

Tardy to Class: Promptness to class is extremely important. Students are expected to be in their classrooms, ready to work, at the bell. Students who miss over one-half of a period will be entered as absent rather than tardy for that period. Students who accumulate tardies will serve detention. Excessive tardiness may result in an office referral.

Attendance at School: Parkside Middle School is committed to the philosophy that every student should attend every class, every day. Attendance is one of the most important contributing factors for success while in school. Regular attendance and promptness are expected in all classes and are essential for success in school. Learning that is lost due to absence or tardiness can never be adequately replaced. Absences from classes should be for reasons of health, for curriculum or extra-curricular related activities, or for unavoidable emergencies.

Virginia Code § 22.1-279.3. Parental responsibility and involvement requirements: Each parent of a student enrolled in a public school has a duty to assist the school in enforcing the standards of student conduct and compulsory school attendance in order that education may be conducted in an atmosphere free of disruption and threat to persons or property, and supportive of individual rights.

36

Attendance Roles and Responsibilities

Student Parent Teacher Parkside State/PWCS Policy and/or

RegulationBe on time to class

Make sure your student gets to school on time

Take attendance within the first 15 minutes of each class

Accountable to PWCS system to keep daily accurate attendance records for the school

PWCS Policy 720

Come prepared to Learn – with supplies

Call the main office to report your child tardy/absent before 8:30 am703-361-3106

Provide make-up work when student returns

Responsible for making any changes to a PKMS student’s attendance record

PWCS Regulation 724-1

Come with completed homework

Email or Send a written note to Mrs. Lauper or Advisory Teacher with your student upon their return to school

Mark student UNV if student is not physically in the classroom or  ACT when involved in a school approved activity during their class

Issue and record tardy passes for students late to class  

Virginia Code § 22.1-279.3.

Turn in absent notes to the main office

Follow-up with attendance secretary if you receive an incorrect attendance notice

Forward any notes to the attendance secretary

Notify parents when a student fails to report to class or school via auto-dialer, email and/or in writing

Complete make up work within

Request approval for extended

  Submit attendance referral to the

37

two days of returning to school

absences at least two weeks in advance

PWCS Truancy Officer when a student has had 5 consecutive unexcused absences

38

Medication Disbursement and Vaccination Policy

Medical/medication forms must be redone every school year and submitted to the school nurse. All forms can be downloaded from the Health Clinic and Nurse website by clicking on the following image:

Students are not allowed to carry over the counter (OTC) or prescription medication. (Exceptions to this rule are asthma inhalers and epi pens with proper documentation.)

Any OTC medication must be new and in an unopened container and brought to the clinic by the parent.Prescription medication must be brought to the clinic by the parent in the original container with the prescription on it and proper documentation signed by the doctor.

Vaccinations: All middle school students (including rising 6th – 8th graders) must have the required immunizations. Please consult your physician or the PWC Health Department to verify that your student’s immunizations are up to date and meet all Virginia requirements for school enrollment. Any student not in compliance will be excluded from school. 

***Please provide documentation to the middle school by August 25, 2015 to ensure no delay for your child at the start of the year!***

Parents/Guardians can help ensure the well being of all our students by:Following PWCS medication regulations when requesting medication be given to your child at school Notifying the school nurse of any health concerns or chronic health conditions that may affect your child’s school day Following state guidelines by keeping all immunizations up to date  Encouraging good hygiene/hand washing practices at home and school Keeping emergency cards up to date

39

Keeping an ill child home and letting the school know if the illness is contagious

40

School Counseling Services

All students and parents are urged to get to know their grade level counselor. Our counselors welcome the opportunity to meet with students and parents, and are available for appointments during the school day.

The main focus of our counseling program is to help students be successful in school. This may involve talking about both personal and academic issues that have affected the student's academic achievement. Students can submit a request to see their counselor before the school day begins and a pass will be issued to see the counselor at a specific time. To respect the confidentiality and privacy of other students, students may not visit the counseling office without a counseling pass. If a student is in crisis, the teacher will call the main office and an adult will come and escort the student to an appropriate location.

Parents may contact their child’s counselor at 703.361.3106 to schedule a parent/teacher conference or to get an update on student progress.

Director: Ms. Willette Trevis6th Grade: Ms. Caroline Young7th Grade: Mr. Clifton Gorham8th Grade: Ms. Shannon Dimisa

41