forestbrook middle school

Student Handbook 2018-2019 Mission Statement Forestbrook Middle School is a nurturing family, responsive to an evolving community, which will ensure that all learners are prepared for and committed to lifelong learning with integrity by challenging students with innovative curriculum, teaching with high expectations, and cultivating individual talents.

Forestbrook Middle School

Resource Guide and Daily Planner

Student Information NAME: ___________________ GRADE: __________________

TEAM: ___________________ LOCKER #: _______________ COMBINATION: __________

Parent contract: I have read and discussed the material in this guide with my son/daughter. Parent signature ___________________________________________ Student signature __________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________________ Remember that you are responsible for your actions. Your choices and decisions are important for success. This handbook and the Horry County Schools Parent/ Student Handbook will provide answers to many of your questions concerning school situations. Please read them carefully and keep these books for future reference. Middle school will be a time of change and new experiences for incoming sixth graders and continued growth and development for seventh and eighth graders. We hope that you will take advantage of the many new opportunities that will be provided for you. The faculty and staff of Forestbrook Middle School extend a personal welcome to you and your parents as we begin a new school year.


Student Data/Goal-Setting Sheet

Student Name: __________________________

SC READY Test Scores Spring 2018 Score Goal for Spring 2019 ELA Math

SCPASS Test Scores Spring 2018 Score Goal for Spring 2019 Science Social Studies

MAP Test Scores Fall Winter Spring Target Growth

Goal READING

Strength(s)

Area(s) for Improvement

LANGUAGE

Strength(s)


MATH

Strength(s)


Benchmark Test Scores

1st Benchmark 2nd Benchmark 3rd Benchmark 4th Benchmark

SCIENCE

District Average

SOCIAL STUDIES

District Average

Classroom Grades

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Final Average

ELA Math

Science Social Studies

The grading scale is as follows: 90-100=A 80-89=B 70-79=C 60-69=D 0-59=F

Forestbrook Middle School Page 3

Academic/Exploratory Classes Students are responsible for any damaged or lost books. Fines are issued at the end of the year for damages. Payment for lost books during the year should be paid to the bookkeeper. If the book is later found, the student will be reimbursed. • refraining from writing in textbooks, throwing them, sitting on them, or leaving them unattended; • refraining from letting others borrow textbooks issued to you; and • knowing where your books are at all times. Most of the textbooks are available online. Contact your child’s teacher for more information. Exploratory classes are offered on a semester or full-year basis. Exploratory offerings include health, art, chorus, computer arts, band, physical education, orchestra, Read 180, creative writing, and yearbook. In physical education students are required to “dress out.” Band, Chorus and Orchestra are year-long courses and require concert participation. Students are assigned exploratory classes unless they sign up for a specific music exploratory. • be prepared for class and be active in asking and answering questions, • participate in class activities and use their agenda to record assignments, and • give 100% daily in all classrooms and school settings.

Grading An average predictor for the amount of homework given per night is 60 minutes for 6th graders, 70 minutes for 7th graders, and 80 minutes for 8th graders. Honors classes may require additional homework. In order to enjoy maximum success, students should Homework is provided to reinforce skills covered during classroom instruction.

Homework/Study Habits Math instruction ranges from sixth-grade math to geometry. Language arts instruction includes reading, writing, listening, and media literacy. Science instruction includes energy, plants and animals, ecology, chemistry and astronomy units. Eighth-grade social studies standards address South Carolina history. Seventh graders study World history (1600 -present), and sixth graders learn about Ancient civilizations. Interim reports are issued four times a year (on the 23rd day of each 45-day grading period) in order for students and parents to monitor progress in each subject. Report cards are issued to students at the end of each quarter. Check the calendar for the exact dates. The final report card will be mailed. Parents are encouraged to utilize the PowerSchool Parent Portal to review their students’ grades online. The PowerSchool program allows 24-hour access to grades online. Codes can be accessed by coming to the front office of the school.

Students will receive either an S for satisfactory, NI for needs improvement, or U for unsatisfactory as grade in exploratory classes. All other grades are reported using numerical grades. Parent signatures are requested on interims, discipline reports, and report cards. Textbooks are issued for all academic classes. Whether a student is issued a textbook or is using a textbook from a classroom set, textbooks need special care. Please help us take care of our textbooks by

Textbooks


Promotion and Retention Students in 6th-8th grades are expected to learn, at a minimum, curriculum standards in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, and meet South Carolina attendance requirements. In accordance with South Carolina law, students may not accumulate more than ten unexcused absences during the school year. End of Year Promotion/Retention Status The following are summary designations and descriptors for end-of-year promotion/retention requirements for students: Promoted: The student has earned passing grades in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies with an average of 60 or above and satisfied the attendance requirement for seat time. Retention: The student has failed to meet the promotion criteria.

Arrive to school on time, well-rested and prepared to do your personal best.

Parent Groups: Parents are encouraged to be involved with PTO, School Improvement Council, and our volunteer program. Contact the school for further information. Information about FMS events can be found on our website and Facebook page. Student Council: Student Council class representatives and alternates will be chosen at the beginning of the school year. Council members serve as ambassadors for FMS. Officers are also elected at the beginning of the school year. The purpose of the council is to raise funds for projects and to keep the administration informed of student concerns. Members must maintain a good academic and disciplinary record. Sports: According to South Carolina High School League rules, seventh and eighth graders are eligible to try out for football, basketball, and cheerleading as well as several high-school sponsored sports. All students trying out for a team must have a current physical on file. Sports are sponsored by the SCHSL http://www.schsl.org/ ch . Dances: Dances are held four times during the year. Generally, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders may attend a fall, winter, and spring dance. The last dance is reserved for eighth graders only as a celebration of their middle school years. Only FMS students can attend school dances. Dance attendance is a privilege that is earned by demonstrating responsible behavior. Disciplinary infractions may result in a loss of these privileges. Times, dates, and admission fees for dances will be announced. School dress code applies at all dances. Administrator discretion may be used to exclude any student from attending a dance. School-wide contests: Students will have the opportunity to participate in various academic contests and incentive programs during the year. Competitions may include those that are in-house, or at the district, state and national levels. Yearbook: A school yearbook is published yearly. Students preorder a yearbook. A limited number of yearbooks may be available for sale at

the time of yearbook distribution. Field Trips: May be arranged from time to time for teams of students. Only those students who return the signed permission form to the sponsoring staff member will be allowed to go on the trip. It is the student’s responsibility to make up assignments missed while on the trip. Disciplinary infractions may result in a loss of these privileges. Fees may be charged for field trips. Students who attend school sponsored field trips will be marked present.

Activities Never accept less than your

personal best!


Attendance Page 5 Regular attendance is critical for academic success. Students are allowed a maximum of 10 unexcused absences in each class. Students may not get credit for the class due to seat time if they go over the ten days. Attendance is verified each period of the day. Please monitor your student’s attendance on interim reports and report cards. When returning from an absence, students present a parent’s note or doctor’s excuse to the attendance office for a pass readmitting them to class. Read carefully the section on student attendance in the Horry County Schools Parent/Student Handbook for more details on lawful and unlawful absences and other VERY IMPORTANT information regarding attendance. expectations.

Guidance Services The guidance office assists students and parents with educational and vocational planning; conducts Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) for all eighth-grade students; maintains student records; provides group, individual, and crisis counseling; coordinates fall and spring testing (state and nationally mandated tests), Junior Scholars, and registration of all students. The staff also serves as a liaison with other service agencies. Parents seeking information should call for an appointment between 8:00 A.M. and 3:45 P.M. Students wishing to see a counselor should make an appointment or obtain a pass from a teacher. Students moving to another school in or out of the district or state should have their parent request transfer information from the main office staff.

Testing South Carolina Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (SC PASS) is the comprehensive testing program for the state of South Carolina for science and social studies. South Carolina College-and Career-Ready Assessments (SC Ready) is the comprehensive testing program for the state of South Carolina for math and English language arts. Measures of Academic Performance (MAP) is a computer-based assessment in Reading, Language, and Math. It is given two to three times each year. Data gathered from MAP performance is utilized to prepare prescriptive instruction to meet the students’ needs. Benchmark Testing in Science and Social Studies is used by teachers to determine students’ strengths and weakness for help in individualizing student instruction. NAEP is a standardized test for 8th grade students, which is used to compare South Carolina students to students all over the country who also take the test.

PSAT is a precursor to the SAT and is used to help students begin thinking about college readiness. End of Course Testing (EOCT) are tests taken in high school credit classes (Algebra and English 1). CogAT Testing is testing to determine Gifted and Talented Placement and Services.

Withdrawals and Transfers Early Dismissal Students arriving to school late should sign in on the pink sheet in the front office, get a pass, and report to class. Students who are late will receive disciplinary consequences. Please refer to the definition of truant included above. Late Arrivals If a student must leave school early, please send a note requesting early dismissal and try to coordinate the time around class changes. Forestbrook Middle School operates under a closed campus policy. Students are to remain on campus from the time they arrive at school until they are properly dismissed. A student may check out through the front office only if a parent, guardian, or approved adult comes to the school prior to 3:00 PM to sign the student out. All visitors must be signed in at the front office and escorted to their destination within the school.


Awards and Recognition

Communication Communication between home and school is critical during the middle school years. Information is sent home with students regularly. Quarterly newsletters are also sent home via students. FMS maintains a parent daily email communicator, Facebook page, and a website for you to stay abreast of current events and school initiatives. Parents interested in our daily news are encouraged to view our website at http://fm.horrycountyschools.net/. Parents are also encouraged to use our PowerSchool Parent Portal for 24-hour access to grades and attendance. Parent conferences are held during the teachers’ planning periods. Team conferences are attended by all academic teachers. Parents are encouraged to call the school to schedule conferences. Open House is held in the fall of each school year. Parents are encouraged to attend in order to learn more about school programs and expectations. Perfect Attendance Certificates are presented quarterly for perfect attendance. Students are recognized at quarterly Awards Assemblies. A student must be in

http://fm.horrycountyschools.net/

attendance in school from 8:15 AM until dismissal to qualify for perfect attendance.

Visitors Parents are welcome to visit the school. An appointment to see a teacher, school administrator, or school counselor can be made by contacting the office. Parents wishing to visit a class should make an appointment 24 hours in advance of the visit. Volunteers are also encouraged. Parents may contact the office for next steps or register online by going to the Horry County Schools website, clicking on Departments, then Human Resources, to fill out the appropriate paperwork for volunteer opportunities. All visitors must first report to the office to sign in and obtain a visitor’s pass before being escorted to their destination within the school. Visitors will be asked to show picture identification/driver’s license and must display a badge at all times. Students are not permitted to bring a person to visit during the normal school day. Visitors are subject to search. Visitors must sign out after their visit is over in the front office.

Junior Scholars South Carolina Junior Scholars are selected based on performance scores on the PSAT (grade 8) taken in October. Alpha and Beta Awards At the end of each grading period, all students earning all A’s in all subjects receive Alpha Awards. All of those who have an A or B in all subjects receive Beta Awards. Please note that unauthorized visitors will be escorted off campus.


Emergency Procedures School-wide procedures and plans are also in place for emergency situations other than the situations listed below. This also applies to

unauthorized visitors. Procedures and drills are practiced throughout the school year.

Lost and Found When a student loses an item, he/she should inform the assistant principal on his/her hallway. Items may be reclaimed upon proper identification. Students may claim lost articles during lunch and before or after school. The lost and found area is in the cafeteria. Students should not leave textbooks, purses, cell phones, electronic devices, or personal belongings unattended. Students should remember that valuable equipment, personal items including iPods and cell phones, and large amounts of money should be left at home. Do not allow other students to borrow personal items. If an item of value must be brought to school for an instructional reason, please make sure it is kept in a secure location and do not share lockers or locker combinations. The school does not accept responsibility for items that are lost or broken at school. This includes cell phones and any other electronic devices. Bring to school at your own risk. Supply lists will be posted on the school website and given to students during the first week of school. Students may buy paper, pencils, poster board, and other supplies throughout the school year from the school store. Tornado When inclement weather occurs, district administrators will make a decision regarding the closing of school. The decision will be broadcast on area radio and television stations. Parents and students are asked not to call the school so that we may keep phones available for emergency communication.

Inclement Weather The tornado safety position is taken by kneeling on the floor, placing the head between the knees and folding the arms over the back of the neck and head. All students are to remain in the designated areas until the signal is given to return to class. In the case of a tornado watch or warning, all students are to proceed to designated areas outlined for safety in the hallways.

Fire Evacuation

Fees Pictures are taken in the fall and spring. Prices vary depending on the packet chosen by the parent. A school agenda must be purchased by each student to use as a handbook, hall pass, and assignment book. The cost for an agenda is $5. Breakfast and/or lunch money to be deposited to the student’s account should be taken to the cafeteria before homeroom. Breakfast is provided each morning from 7:30 – 8:00 A.M. Applications for free/reduced lunch are available in the main office. Students should not charge more than three (3) meals. Students may be given an alternate meal after three charges. Parents can view their child’s lunch account on the internet.

Eat a healthy breakfast

and lunch everyday!

When a fire alarm sounds, all students should stop work and proceed out of the building in an orderly fashion. Copies of the exit plan are posted in each classroom. Students must remain with their class during a fire drill and re-enter only after the all-clear signal is given. Searches Metal Detectors will be used daily with every student. Visitors to our building may be searched and must provide a picture ID upon entry. All bags will be searched: please have bags open and ready to search upon entry.


Health Room/School Nurse Health assessment: If a student becomes ill at school and cannot continue to stay in class, he/ she should obtain a pass from the teacher to go to the nurse. After assessment and treatment as needed, the student will return to class, or a parent will be called. If an accident occurs, the school nurse or a faculty member may administer first aid and will notify the parents and/or call EMS if needed. Any treatment beyond first aid is the responsibility of the parent and/or health care provider. The school nurse will screen students per South Carolina DHEC recommendations. Feminine protection products are stocked in the health room for emergencies. *One (1) dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all 7th and 8th grade students. Medicine: Parents, please observe the following concerning medications for your child.

-If possible, give medications at home. -Medication must be brought to the school nurse by a responsible adult. (Do not send medication with a child.) -Over-the-counter medication must be in the unopened, original container with the manufacturer’s label. (Due to limited storage space, please do not bring larger quantities of OTC medicines to the school.) -All prescribed medications must be provided to the school nurse in the original container issued by the pharmacist and accompanied by the Prescription Medication Permission for School Administration form. (The label and the prescriber’s order on the form must match.) -Emergency medications that must be kept with a student require self-administration forms completed by the health care provider, parent, and the student. -In order for a student to be given non- prescription/over-the-counter medicine, the student’s parent must sign a permission form. -Medications must be picked up by a parent by the last day of school. Medications will be properly discarded after that time. -Medication found on a student (including the school bus and school grounds) will be cause for disciplinary action. ALL medication must be distributed through the nurse’s office.

Books circulate for two calendar weeks.

The Library Learning Commons is a great place to read!

Cell phones must be turned off during the school day.

The library learning commons is open 30 minutes before school, during lunch, and 30 minutes after school. Computers may be used when the library learning commons is open. A book drop is also located in the cafeteria. The library learning commons is for research and reading; therefore, playing games on computers is not allowed. Students may not attempt to access websites which would be considered inappropriate or have no academic value.

● Library Learning Commons

Telephones/Cell Phones

Telephones/Cell Phones Office phones and classroom phones are for emergency use only. Students must have permission from a teacher or administrator to use the office phone. Cell phones may be brought to school but must be kept turned off and put away at all times while on school property (including school buses), except for the following times: Students may use their personal cell phones and electronic devices in the cafeteria before school only. Once released to go to class, the cell phones and electronic devices must be put out of sight and turned off before students leave those areas. All classrooms have phones in case of emergencies. Any violations of the cell phone policy will result in disciplinary action and a parent coming to the school to pick up the cell phone. FMS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken cell phones. Students bring cell phones to school at their own risk.

Infractions of the dress code policy may result in detention and/or in-school suspension. Forestbrook Middle School

Dress Code Students, with parent guidance, have the responsibility for dressing in an appropriate manner while on campus or when involved in school activities, including dances. Personal appearance of students should promote health and safety, contribute to a positive learning environment, and project a positive image of the school district to the community. Student dress that is considered appropriate does not, and cannot, be offensive; interfere with the educational process, cause disruption, or damage school property. Please note the following guidelines concerning dress: • Attire must comply with requirements for health and safety. Items such as spike jewelry, dog chains, distracting tongue and facial piercings, and metal toe plates are not allowed. Chained wallets are not allowed. Attire must not be immodest, sheer, or see-through, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent, or offensive. Pants and tops must be worn so that underwear or mid-skin is not showing. Excessively tight pants or shirts are not appropriate. • Examples of unacceptable external clothing include, but are not limited to, boxer shorts, tube tops, exposed midriff apparel, swimming attire, pajamas/sleepwear, halter tops, muscle shirts, and form-fitting exercise apparel, including yoga pants. No tank tops. All shirts should have sleeves that cover shoulders. No underwear, including boxers and bra straps, should show at anytime. All leggings should be covered with skirts or shorts of appropriate length. Skirts and shorts over leggings must be below finger tips when arms at rest by the side. Leggings should not be worn as pants. Sheer or lace clothing should not expose any under wear. Shorts, skorts, skirts and dresses must be worn no shorter than two inches below the fingertips while the student is standing with hands at his/her sides. Holes in jeans must also be below the fingertips. No cleavage should be displayed at any time. • Uniforms for extra-curricular activities that are worn during the school day must be modified to conform to the guidelines set forth in this policy. • ANY hairstyles which cause a distraction to students will be prohibited. Unnatural hair coloring which distracts students is not allowed. • Attire must not evidence membership or affiliation with a gang including, but not limited to, G-Unit attire, crowns, etc. Attire should not have pictures or reference to weapons or violence including knives, brass knuckles, guns, etc. • Attire must not display any information about, or advertise for, alcoholic beverages or tobacco, and other such products. Attire may not display any information, drawings, and/or other representations concerning illegal drugs, inappropriate use of controlled drugs or other substances, including use, possession, distribution, and/or paraphernalia associated with the foregoing. • Attire such as hats, bandanas, gloves, sweatbands (except in physical education), and sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.

NOTE: Students should be able to raise their hands without their mid-drift showing. Students should be able to bend over without exposing their underwear. No underwear should be exposed for any reason at any time. The administrative team reserves the right to determine what is offensive and inappropriate regarding hair styles, unnatural hair coloring, and inappropriate clothing. Please note that students grow over the course of the school year, so what may be appropriate in the fall may not fit in the spring due to students growing taller and bigger over the school year. Dress should not affect or distract from the educational process. In the event the administration determines a student’s dress is inappropriate in accordance with this policy, the administration will require the student to change. When the student needs to be sent home to change and the parent cannot be reached, the student may remain in ISS for the remainder of the day or until a parent can be reached.

Pants and shirts must meet with arms raised!

No sagging!

Vehicles-No student-operated motor vehicles, including mopeds, golf carts, skateboards, and cars are allowed on the school campus. Bicycles are permitted on the campus but must be secured to the bike rack with a student-owned lock upon arrival and not used until the end of the day. Restrooms-The practice of good sanitary habits in the restrooms is necessary for the maintenance of clean facilities. Students are expected to treat restroom equipment appropriately, have a pass, and clean up. No writing utensils or Chromebooks are allowed in the restroom. Horseplaying is prohibited. Personal Items– Toys, collecting cards, and other personal items or any items of value should not be brought to school. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen articles. Personal-Students may not hold hands, hug, or display any other forms of public affection to anyone of the same sex or opposite sex. Please keep your hands to yourself at all times. Hallway passes - Students are not allowed to be out of class or in the restroom without a hall pass/ agenda. School staff must be aware of students’ whereabouts at all times. Not having a pass can be considered cutting class. Hallways-Students should enter the building in an orderly manner. Keeping to the right in the hallways alleviates congestion. Pushing, shoving, shouting, running, and playing are not appropriate. Food/Drinks/Candy – Food and beverage items are not allowed outside of the cafeteria at breakfast or lunch (Exception: Preapproved team celebrations). No open outside drinks should be brought to school. Lunch drinks should remain unopened until lunch. Due to gum on equipment, desks, and floors, Forestbrook Middle has a NO GUM policy Dances-Once students have arrived at a dance, they are expected to remain until the dance is over. If a student needs to leave early, he/she can be picked up by a parent or guardian coming into the building and notifying a chaperone of the situation. The dress code will be enforced. Please no food in the gym. Students may be prevented from attending dances due to disciplinary infractions. Classrooms-Everyone should be seated at the start of class. The school tardy plan is followed in each class. Students are expected to complete all class assignments. Students are to be prepared with homework, needed materials, and books for each class. No one should disrupt class or disturb others. Students causing serious disruptions or displaying disrespect will be sent to the assistant principal. Care of Premises-Student help is needed and appreciated in the care of the school and grounds. Encouraging others to dispose of litter and to refrain from defacing property is helpful in keeping FMS in top condition. Cafeteria-For lunch, students will be escorted to the cafeteria by a teacher. Each student cleans up his/her area after eating. Restroom usage is limited to the commons area during lunch. Students will be escorted back to class by teachers. Students are expected to follow all directions given by the cafeteria staff at all times.

Be prepared for class.

Arrival-Upon arrival by car, students are to go to the cafeteria. Students who arrive by bus will go to the gym unless the student is eating breakfast at school. All students should arrive no earlier than 7:30 A.M. All students are subject to search daily. Assembly-Please adhere to the following during assemblies: treat performers with respect; refrain from whistling or making loud noises; applaud at designated times to avoid embarrassing individuals; remain seated with your class; sit upright so feet are not on chair backs or seats.

Behavioral Expectations Forestbrook Middle School


Discipline Guidelines Level I Level I is defined as those activities engaged in by a student that impedes orderly classroom procedures, instructional activities, the orderly operation of the school, or offenses which are frequent or serious enough to disturb the classroom or school. Acts of Level I conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Classroom tardiness; 2. Chewing or improper disposal of gum; 3. Cheating on tests; 4. Cheating on classroom assignments; 5. Lying; 6. Cutting class; 7. Acting in a manner so as to disrupt the instructional process; 8. Truancy; 9. Abusive language between or among students; 10. Unsafe behavior in the hallway;

11. Unsafe behavior on the playground; 12. Refusing to complete assignments; 13. Refusing to carry out directions; minor insubordination; 14. Disorderly conduct involving the use of computers or related equipment; 15. Other unacceptable or disorderly conduct as determined by the administration; 16. Trespassing on campus or being in an unauthorized area. A student’s prior record will be considered before sanctions are applied. Sanctions to be applied in cases of Level I include, but are not limited to, In-School Suspension, withdrawal of privilege/exclusion from participation in activities, restitution of property and damages where appropriate, confiscation of illegal equipment, Out-of-School Suspension, recommendation for alternative education program, recommendation for expulsion, and other sanctions as approved by the administration. Level II Level II includes those activities engaged in by a student that are directed against persons or property, and/or the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of oneself or others in the school. This level also includes offenses which are of a more serious nature than Level I, or which are extensions of a Level I matter. Therefore, some instances of Level I conduct may overlap Level II offenses. Level II offenses result in an immediate written office referral by the staff member.

GATOR PRIDE


Discipline (continued) Level II (cont.) Acts of Level II conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Use of an intoxicant; 2. Fighting; 3. Minor vandalism; 4. Use of forged notes or excuses; 5. Stealing; 6. Threats against other students; 7. Abusive/disrespectful language to staff or agents (such as volunteer aides or chaperones); 8. Refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aides or chaperones); gross insubordination; 9. Possession or use of unauthorized substances as defined by law or school board policy; 10. Use of pagers or cellular phones while on school property

12. Unlawful assembly; 13. Behavior in the hallway which is dangerous to others; 14. Behavior on the playground that is dangerous to others; 15. Failure to serve a detention; 16. Removal from lunch detention; 17. Disrupting lawful assembly; 18. Disruptive conduct involving the use of computers or other related equipment; 19. Inappropriate written, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; 20. Inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; 21. Three acts of office-referred Level I offenses; 22. Possession or use of tobacco products (e. g. cigarettes, chewing tobacco, lighters, e-cigarettes, vapes), fireworks.

23. Any other acts as determined by the administration. A student’s prior record will be considered before the sanctions are applied. Sanctions to be applied in cases of Level II conduct may include parent notification and removal from class for the remainder of the day, In-School Suspension, withdrawal of privilege/exclusion from participation in activities, restitution of property and damages where appropriate, confiscation of illegal equipment, Out-of-School Suspension, recommendation for alternative education program, recommendation for expulsion, and other sanctions as approved by the administration.

To ensure your child’s safety, searches and metal detector walk-through checks will

be conducted daily as students enter the building. Forestbrook Middle School Page 13

Discipline (continued) Level III The Level III conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by a student that result in violence to oneself or to another person or person’s property, or which pose a direct and serious threat to the safety of oneself or others in the school. These activities usually require administrative actions that result in the removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the school board or its designee. A staff member will escort a student who commits a Level III offense to the office of an administrator. Acts of Level III conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Assault; 2. Battery 3. Extortion; 4. Bomb threat; 5. Possession, use, or transfer of a dangerous weapon; 6. Sexual offenses; 7. Major vandalism; 8. Theft, possession of stolen property, or sale of stolen property; 9. Arson or attempted arson; 10. Furnishing or selling unauthorized substances, as defined by Board policy; 11. Furnishing, selling, purchasing, or possession and/or manufacture of a controlled substance, such as drugs (including prescription drugs), narcotics, or poisons; Sanctions to be applied in cases of Level III conduct include parent notification and Out of-School Suspension, recommendation for assignment to alternative school, recommendation for expulsion, restitution of property and damages where appropriate, other sanctions as approved by the administration Special circumstances: Whenever a student possesses or transfers a dangerous weapon or whenever a student intentionally causes or attempts to cause great harm to another person, he/she will be recommended for expulsion and law enforcement will be contacted.

15. Three acts of Level II offenses. 14. Criminal conduct involving the use of computers or related equipment; 13. Threatening to take the life of or to inflict bodily harm upon an elected or appointed public official, teacher, or principal, or members of their immediate families; 12. Possession of ammunition for a dangerous weapon when the administration determines that the student intended to use the ammunition or transfer it to another person for illegal purposes;

A School Security Officer is assigned to our school by the Horry County School District. The SSO is

here to ensure a safe learning

environment for all students and that all laws are followed appropriately.


Horry County Schools Bus Behavior Expectations To assure safety on school buses, it is essential that students and parents recognize the necessity for all bus riders to cooperate fully with the bus driver and to observe the rules that they remain seated on buses and conduct themselves in an orderly manner. The bus driver has responsibility for supervision of students in the bus. He/she may stop the bus at any time misbehavior or threatening behavior offers a hazard to safe driving. A student who creates a disturbance shall be reported to his/her school administrator. Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken. (Regulation JKD-R, 6/21/99). The following regulations govern the conduct of students and other passengers on school buses serving Horry County Schools. The bus driver shall assure that his/her passengers abide by them. Parents should not try to solve disagreements with drivers or students at school bus stops. Please contact the local bus supervisor at 293-1804 or 293-6941. Video cameras: Students on a school bus are subject to being videotaped at any time in order to promote safety. The tapes may be used by the administration in taking disciplinary or other appropriate action against the students. Meeting the bus: On the bus: • Students should go to their seats without crowding or pushing and remain seated while the bus is in motion. • Students must never extend arms, legs, or heads out of the bus window. • Students should not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion except in an emergency. • Students must never tamper with the emergency exits or any other part of the bus equipment. • Students must not vandalize or deface the bus or its seat coverings in any manner. Any damage to the bus or seats should be reported by the student to the driver as soon as possible. • Only the driver or other authorized person should remove first aid equipment which is to be used only for emergency treatment. • Students must not tamper with the fire extinguisher which is to be used only by the driver in an emergency. • Students should only open bus windows with the permission of the driver. • Students must not fight, scuffle, or create any disturbance in the bus. The same conduct expected in the classroom should be maintained on the bus. • Students must not wave or shout to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles. • Students must not throw objects from the windows.

Be sure to contribute to the safety of all.

• Students must be on time. • If a student has to walk along the highway in approaching the bus stop, he/she should always walk on the shoulder. • Students should remain on their side of the roadway and wait for the driver to signal them to cross.

• Students should walk, not run, when crossing the highway. • Students should not run alongside the bus when the bus is moving but should wait until it stops and then walk to the door. • Students should not enter the restricted area set aside for bus parking or loading unless the bus is at a complete stop. • Students should enter only their assigned bus.


Bus Behavior (continued) On the bus: • Books, lunch boxes, or other objects should not be placed in the aisle of the bus. The “SC Commercial Driver’s License Manual” states there should be nothing in the aisles that might trip riders. Aisles and stairwells must always be clear. Band instruments, science projects, etc. will not be allowed on any state or county-owned school bus unless they can be placed under the seat or held in the rider’s lap. • Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus. Students must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. They must never attempt to leave until the bus has come to a full stop and the door is opened to indicate that they may leave. Exiting the bus: • Students should leave in an orderly manner. • Students must not loiter or play around the stopped or parked bus. • Students are permitted to exit the bus only at regular designated stops. Any changes must be made with the parent’s request and approved by the bus supervisor. A written parent request should be given to the school secretary by 10 a.m. The secretary will call the parent to confirm the note and will write a rider verification note for the student. Due to bus overcrowding, a change of bus to ride home with a friend may not be permitted. • After the student leaves the bus to cross the highway, he/she should walk at a right angle at least ten feet in front of the bus and wait until the bus driver directs him/her to cross. • After the driver gives the signal, the student should walk, not run, across the highway. (Regulation JCDAD-R, 7/31/96.) Please note: The guidelines above may be adjusted based on the seriousness of the offense. If the bus supervisor and school administration determine that the offense poses a direct and serious threat to the safety of himself/herself or others on the bus, the student can be suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the year or recommended for an expulsion hearing. For serious offenses (weapons, assaults, drugs, or threats to staff) on the school bus, school sanctions such as suspension and recommendation for expulsion hearing may be appropriate. Suspension from the bus is NOT suspension from school. The student is expected to use an alternative means of transportation to come to school and return home.

GO GATORS!! E. Fifth offense-loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the year. Sanctions to be applied by FMS in cases of bus conduct violations include, but are not limited to: A. First offense-warning and parent conference. B. Second offense-suspension from bus for up to five (5) school days. C. Third offense-suspension from bus for up to ten (10) school days. D. Fourth offense-suspension from bus for up to fifteen (15) school days. F. However, if the bus supervisor and the principal determine that a student’s behavior on the bus poses a direct and serious threat to the safety of himself/herself or others on or off the bus, the student will lose his/her bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year. (Regulation JKD-R, 6/21/99).

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