STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS
One attends school to learn. Everybody learns better when comfortable in his or her environment. You have responsibility to your peers and the adults who work at your school to watch out for wrongdoings and help prevent them if you can. Reporting to someone in authority will be kept confidential. Beware of how you treat others; it could come back to you in the end. Treat others with the respect that you deserve and want for yourself.
KODA MISSION STATEMENT
The Koda family - faculty, staff, students, parents and other community members believe that student achievement is our most important goal. Our mission is to inspire each student to strive for personal success academically, artistically and athletically while promoting positive growth, social behaviors and attitudes and recognizing the uniqueness of each individual. Each year the Koda Partnership Team, consisting of staff members, parents and administrators, develops a list of goals. These are published in the fall PTA newsletter and are aimed at improving the educational experience for our students.
MIDDLE SCHOOL RIGHTS
AND
EXPECTATIONS
The Middle School Contract
“When individuals in the middle school community respect each other, they agree to work together to support each other in their learning.”
(Mary Henton. Adventure in the Classroom. 1996.)
Each member of the middle school community has the basic right to an education. Everyone must feel physically and emotionally safe in the middle school environment. This includes school buses, school grounds, hallways, classrooms, cafeterias and all school sponsored events. To accomplish this, clear and consistent expectations are stated in the form of a contract. Ultimately, the goal is to have individuals make responsible decisions and be accountable
for their actions. The social and emotional needs of each middle school student play such significant roles in his/her
life that they are the core of any middle school philosophy.
The Middle School Contract clearly establishes our expectations and is a vehicle for affective teaching. It provides students and staff with positive learning and behavior strategies which allow them to become self-managing. Parents, teachers, staff and administrators serve as role models, facilitators and partners in this process. This collaborative approach empowers all to cooperate fully. Where respect and success are nurtured, a student-centered team environment is achieved.
The Middle School Contract asks all members of the middle school community to commit to four expectations.
BE HERE
BE ON TIME
COME PREPARED
PARTICIPATE FULLY
TRY YOUR BEST
BE SAFE
PHYSICAL SAFETY
Follow directions
Promote a non-violent environment
EMOTIONAL SAFETY
Be tolerant of individual difference
Respect others’ work and effort
Encourage others to succeed
Be kind
BE RESPONSIBLE
BE HONEST WITH OTHERS AND YOURSELF
BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE GOALS
YOU SET
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS AND WORDS
BE ACCEPTING OF OTHERS AND THEIR DIFFERENCES
SET GOALS
DETERMINE WHAT YOU CAN AND WILL ACHIEVE
SUPPORT EACH OTHER TO MEET SET GOALS
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESSES
For students unable to
Be here
Be safe
Be responsible or
Set goals
Consequences are included as an integral part of
the Middle School Contract.
BE HERE
LASER LIGHTS, WALKMANS, CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Walkman or cell phones should not be visible in school. Any electronic items that interfere with instruction or presents safety issues will be confiscated and turned over to the main office. Parents should pick up the items from the office. Disciplinary actions may also apply.
MAGIC, PLAYING and/or ANY OTHER CARDS, SKATEBOARDS AND ITEMS DISRUPTIVE TO THE
EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
These items disrupt the educational process and are not permitted in school. They will be confiscated and stored in the office. Parents must pick them up from the office.
STUDENT DRESS
Students are responsible for wearing clothing and accessories which are not offensive, disruptive to the educational process nor a danger to themselves or others. You have a responsibility to keep yourself and your clothing clean. Students will not be permitted to wear clothing which depicts drugs, alcohol, sex or violence.
HATS/WALKMANS
Hats or other headgear such as bandanas are not to be worn in the building during the school day. Please show respect for the building by adhering to this policy. Students who choose not to follow this rule will have their hats confiscated and turned over to the office. Parents must make arrangements to pick up the confiscated item from the office.
TARDINESS / CUTTING CLASS / TRUANCY
These will result in detention plus possible suspension.
CLASS BEHAVIOR
Any activities which disrupt the educational process may result in detention or suspension.
CAFETERIA BEHAVIOR
All students have the right to a peaceful, enjoyable lunch. Anyone who disrupts this right will be subject to disciplinary consequences. Students are required to throw their garbage away and clear their o wn table area.
BUS BEHAVIOR
The school bus is essentially an extension of the school. All of the rules of the Middle School Code of Conduct apply on the bus. Additionally, there are specific bus rules which apply such as remaining seated while the bus is moving.
Students who fail to abide by the rules of the bus will receive disciplinary referrals to the office which may result in consequences similar to classroom referrals. Seat assignments and loss of bus privileges may also be included in the disciplinary action.
BE SAFE
HAZARDOUS HORSEPLAY
Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of others, including “just fooling around ”, may result in detention or suspension.
HARASSMENT
Harassment occurs when one or more students use power over another to make that person feel insecure, fearful, or unworthy. Harassment is against the law. It singles out a person through inappropriate sexual, racial / ethnic, religious, verbal, or physical comments / actions.
Ignoring harassment seldom ends it. If you are being harassed, it is important that you make your feelings clear. For example, say “Please don’t touch me,” or “Stop saying that about me,” or “Give me back my notebook. ” If the harassment continues, report it immediately to any staff member in the building.
If you see someone else being harassed, never join the harasser. Resist any peer pressure to take part in behavior that makes someone feel inferior. Help the person get out of the situation and encourage the person to report it to a staff member.
When harassment is reported to an adult in the middle school, immediate action will be taken. A meeting will be held with the harasser(s) to make him/her/them aware that such behavior must stop. If it does not, a discipline referral will be made and the parent(s) of the harasser(s) will be contacted. If the harassment still continues, an external suspension along with a request for a district hearing will be made.
Middle School students have the right to feel safe in the classrooms, in the hallways, in the cafeteria - anywhere in the building. Every person has value and it is important that each student feel comfortable and welcome in school.
THREATS / INTIMIDATION
Making threats verbally, in writing, or through pictures against other students, staff, or the school is a violation of the code of conduct. Anyone who writes or talks about hurting people at school will face serious disciplinary consequences, possibly including police intervention and a Superintendent’s Hearing. Such behavior could result in long-term suspension from school.
FIGHTING
A student who provokes or participates in a fight will be suspended from school. Peer mediation will be offered on a voluntary basis to students involved.
OBSCENITIES,
OBSCENE GESTURES OR PREJUDICIAL STATEMENTS
Obscene and /or inappropriate language or prejudicial statements relating to race, religion, sex or culture may result in detention or suspension.
SMOKING OR POSSESSION
OF CIGARETTES, MATCHES
OR A LIGHTER
These will result in detention or suspension.
POSSESSION OF A
WEAPON OR FIREWORKS
In accordance with state and federal laws, possession of anything that resembles a gun or weapon may result in suspension, police intervention and/or a Superintendent’s Hearing.
ARSON/BOMB SCARE
Such activity will result in suspension, police intervention and/or contact with the District Office for a Superintendent’s Hearing.
BE RESPONSIBLE
UNAUTHORIZED VENDING
Students will not be permitted to sell items in school for personal profit e.g. candy, gum, etc. Unauthorized vending will result in the confiscation of the items and possible detention.
DISRESPECT / INSUBORDINATION
Insubordination to reasonable requests and defiance of authority toward any staff member will result in detention and/or suspension.
REFUSAL TO ACCEPT
ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINE
A student, who does not report for detention, will have two detentions assigned. Failure to report for additional detentions will result in alternate or increased disciplinary measures.
FORGING A SIGNATURE
Detention or suspension will occur.
CHEATING
Cheating is wrong and will be dealt with on an individual basis. Gowana values honesty among its staff, students
and parents.
STEALING
Theft of any kind will result in restitution by person(s) responsible. Suspension will also occur
PULLING A FALSE ALARM
Suspension, police intervention and/or a Superintendent’s Hearing will be the result.
VANDALISM
Defacing or damaging school property will result in restitution, detention or suspension and possible police intervention.
POSSESSION OF DRUGS, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA OR ALCOHOL
Suspension, police intervention and/or a Superintendent’s Hearing will occur. Depending upon the circumstances, referral for a substance evaluation may also be made to the family.
DISCIPLINARY POLICIES/PROGRAMS
The following policies and programs may be assigned to help students who violate the Middle School Contract. Disciplinary consequences are designed to help students learn to make choices consistent with this contract.
DISCIPLINARY RESTRICTION
Disciplinary restriction may result from a regular pattern of misbehavior as determined by the building administration. Students involved in a serious incident may be immediately placed on disciplinary restriction for any length of time, even if it is their first or second referral.
Students who are on disciplinary restriction will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities including:
clubs or organizations
sports or intramurals
dances
movies
roller skating parties
Students will lose all pass privileges (limited pre-signed passes will be honored). They may participate in field trips with administrators’ approval only if their parent or guardian accompanies them as a chaperone and/or they must immediately surrender their honor pass.
SATURDAY DETENTION/
COMMUNITY SERVICE /
SHORT TERM EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (STEP)
If funding is available, these program options may be used in lieu of suspension, in certain instances, at the discretion of the administration.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
A “Referral for Misbehavior” form will be completed by the appropriate staff and an administrator who will meet with the student and discuss the referral. Then, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
The form will be sent to the student’s parents and a copy will be kept on file in the office.
An administrator or designee will contact parents by telephone in the event of suspension.
A teacher or administrator may contact a parent by phone to further discuss an incident or to arrange for a parent conference.
SET GOALS
Gowana requires every student to:
Bring his/her agenda to school every day and bring it to every class, including study hall.
Write assignments for each class in his/her agenda on a daily basis. Teachers write these assignments on a wall chart on a daily/weekly basis.
Student schedules must be placed in the vinyl pocket located in the agenda.
Students are to use passes (Hallway Passport System) whenever they leave their assigned classes.
Students and parents are encouraged to use:
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
Record of Achievement
Success Tracker
All three sections are located in this Student Agenda
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL DAY
School hours are 8:55 am - 3:35 pm. You must be in your homeroom and seated by 8:55 am. During homeroom students must listen quietly to announcements and turn in notes for absences. Students must not be in the building before 8:40 am unless they are meeting a teacher, participating in a club/activity/intramural or reporting for before school detention. Before-school activities are from 8:00 to 8:40. For these activities, students are not to be in the building before 7:45 and must stay in the cafeteria until 8:00 a.m.
VISITORS - ALL VISITORS MUST SIGN IN AS SOON AS THEY ENTER THE BUILDINGS. A sign-in procedure is necessary for school safety and security. Parents who need to drop off lunch money, clothes, musical instruments, etc. to school must bring them DIRECTLY to the attendance or principal’s office. The office staff will give the m to the student. Parents must not interrupt classrooms at any time.
HALLS - Students have four minutes to travel between classes. Students will walk on the right hand side of the halls. Running or shoving is not allowed. Students who are in the halls during class time are expected to walk quietly and not disturb classes. Food or drink is not allowed in the halls.
LOCKERS - All students will be assigned a locker with a combination. The lockers belong to the school. Administration has the right to search lockers. Students should not share their locker or combination with other students. The school is not responsible for items taken from student lockers. Students are encouraged to use their locker during the day as their schedule permits.
BACKPACKS - Backpacks should be kept in lockers and used to carry books between school and home.
PASSES - Student hall passes are in the agenda books. Students will fill in the pass and teachers/staff will initial. Late bus and office passes are also used. Students who ride home on the late bus must get a late bus pass directly from the teacher for whom they are staying after school. The office will not issue late bus passes. Students who wish to ride home on a different bus must bring a parent note to the office before homeroom. Bus passes will be distributed to students during their lunch period.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAMS, Counselors – The Shenendehowa Middle School is divided into three houses: Gowana, Acadia and Koda. Each house is divided into teams: grade 6 has 2 full and 1 half teams; grade 7 and 8 each has 2 full teams.
Teaming provides a better opportunity for students, parents and counselors to get to know each other. Each student is assigned a counselor. This counselor will “loop” with the students which means they will work with them all three years of middle school. For this year: Mrs. McTighe – 6th Grade Counselor, Ms. Shady – 7th Grade Counselor and Mr. Szablewski – 8th Grade Counselor. The counselor and team approach will give students a sense of belonging and support plus an opportunity to become independent learners as they make their transition through middle school
STUDY HALLS: 6th, 7th & 8th GRADES
Scheduled study halls become an important part of the middle school day. These study halls provide the opportunity for students to plan how to manage their time as well as making this time productive. Therefore, students must come to study hall prepared to do homework. They are expected to bring their agenda and work on their current assignments. Students who do their work and follow all study hall rules will be allowed to sign out as needed with a pre-signed pass. Passes are located in back of student agendas. Monitors do have the option to review agendas and to restrict students who do not follow these rules or abuse their pass privileges. After school detentions may be assigned to those students who do not take advantage of using this time productively.
Middle School Bookstore
The Middle School Bookstore is a tri-building club which is open daily from 8:30 to 8:50.
Announcements will be made in all three buildings at the beginning of the school year looking for club members.
The bookstore carries Shen merchandise, extra agendas and much more. You may make a purchase using cash or checks made out to “The Middle School Bookstore.”
HOMEWORK
A major part of being successful in Middle School is doing homework on a daily basis. Homework results in good grades. Homework provides excellent opportunities for developing good study habits. Doing quality homework is the best way to prepare for tests.
The habit of doing homework on a regular basis helps students develop a sense of self-discipline, personal responsibility and independent thinking.
The biggest challenge for teachers and parents is to help students develop positive, consistent, well-organized daily habits. We can only achieve this goal by working together. Focusing on the student agenda is the best means of achieving this goal.
EXTRA HELP – Teachers are available for extra help before, during and after the school day depending on each teacher’s schedule. Many teachers also offer regular review sessions for upcoming tests. Check with your teachers about these extra help opportunities.
HOMEWORK REQUEST POLICY
The following is the procedure used for obtaining homework when you are absent from school.
For absences of 1-2 days - Call a “study buddy” in your classes and find out your assignment. Try to do as much as you can. If you don’t have what you need to do your assignment, Gowana is open most evenings for students and parents to access materials from the student’s locker.
For absences of more than 2 days (Excluding pre-planned) See below
Your parent/guardian must call the counseling office at 881-0463 and ask that homework requests be sent to your teachers. It is best to call before 8:30 am.
2. Teachers will give homework assignments to the counseling office within 24 hours from when the call is received.
Pre-Planned Extended Absence
A student’s absence from school at any time represents an interruption in the student’s academic progress. Of particular concern are extended absences for family trips during the time when school is in session. Such absences are illegal as defined by New York State Law. It is the parents’ prime responsibility to have their children present for instruction except in cases of illness, religious observances, inclement weather, court appearances, and a very few other unusual circumstances. Extended absences deprive a student of the classroom interaction, practice, and opportunities for additional assistance necessary for academic growth. Teachers are not required to provide work prior to the trip or to provide any additional instruction before or after the trip. Upon returning, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain any back assignments, tests, and work that the teacher deems necessary and to return completed work in a reasonable amount of time.
CAPTAIN’S HOMEWORK HELP
Homework assistance is available three evenings a week through CAPTAIN’S “Homework Help” program. Community volunteers and CAPTAIN staff gather at the NYSEG Foundation Outreach Center at Cheryl’s Lodge in Turf Community Park. Here they provide homework support to all middle school students who choose to attend. It is important that the students bring their agenda books
along with any other necessary materials so that the community adults can work most effectively with them.
Computers and magazines are also available for assigned project work. For additional information about this service, contact Kathie Chank at 373-8873.
Connections Program
The Middle School Connections Program is an active, hands-on adventure based advisory program. The program helps support students who are finding it hard to:
Organize and prioritize activities in their lives
Take responsibility for their choices
Master time and life managing skills
Set and achieve goals
Communicate effectively with adults and peers
Make an overall adjustment to the middle school environment
Groups of 6 – 10 students meet twice a week for a forty-minute period. Time is spent helping students develop effective habits. These habits are developed through participation in adventure based activities which include:
Group Discussion
Projects & Games
Group Problem Solving Initiatives
High and Low Ropes Course
Field Trip Experiences
Questions about the Middle School Connections Program should be directed to:
Al Green in Acadia: 881-0450 ext. 53606 or
Middle Schools Counseling Centers
Acadia 881-0453
Gowana 881-0463
Koda 881-0473
Middle Schools Assist Program
(M.A.P.)
MAP is an academic support program dedicated to the needs of students, parents and staff in the middle schools. MAP has both 7th and 8th grade components. Students and teachers have the support of MAP workshop in a study hall release program. Academic success, confidence, relationships and organization are the goals of MAP. For more information contact the MAP Center, located in Acadia Middle School at 881-0450 ext. 53106.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued every quarter. Students earn an alphabetical grade in each course based on their achievement in the class. The alphabetical grades correspond to the numeric percentages listed below:
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
A+ = 97-100 B+ = 87-89 C+ = 77-79
A = 93-96 B = 83-86 C = 73-76
A- = 90-92 B- = 80-82 C- = 70-72
D = 65-69 F = 64 or less
EFFORT, CONDUCT & OTHER CODES
1. Report cards also show the following effort and conduct codes: 1 – Excellent, 2 – Satisfactory, 3 – Inconsistent,
4 – Needs Improvement, 5 – Unsatisfactory
Interims or progress reports based on the first five weeks of each quarter are distributed to students in homeroom to take home to their parents/guardians. Parents may contact individual teachers or counselors if they have questions/concerns about interims or report cards.
2. INC = Incomplete grade. Student has 5 weeks into the next marking period to make up the work for the incomplete. It is the responsibility of the student to complete missing work with their teacher so a grade can be assigned. If the work is not made up, an F will be assigned.
X = Medical excuse. This grade is given for physical education when an illness or injury prevents student participation in class.
GRADING SYSTEM
Since Middle School grades are alphabetical, they need to be converted to Quality Points which determines student averages, Honor Roll eligibility, final grades and, in some cases, whether a student passes or fails a subject. It is very important that students and parents understand this formula. The first thing to do is convert the alphabetical grades to Quality Points based on the following scale.
A+ = 10 A = 9 A- = 8 B+ = 7
B = 6 B- = 5 C+ = 4 C = 3
C- = 2 D = 1 F = 0
This Quality Point scale is used to determine the Honor Roll. The sum of these Quality Points is divided by the number of courses taken. Physical Education is not included. Please see Honor Roll section for more specific information.
The final grade in a full-year course is determined by averaging these quality points.
Option 1 - Courses that use the final exam as part of the final average: The final exam counts between 1/5 and 1/9 of the final grade depending on the subject/department policy. In these cases the 4 quarterly grades count between 4/5 to 8/9 of the final grade.
Example: Quarterly Grades: F=0, F=0, D=1, C-=2: Final Exam=D. Double the quarterly quality points (3x2=6). Add the 1 point from final exam..6+1=7 point total, divided by 9=.777, which is a passing combination.
Option 2 –Courses that do not calculate final exams as part of the final grade: In these cases, the final grade is determined by the 4 quarter grades only. Some departments may use a final exam as part of the 4th Quarter grade only.
Example: Quarterly Grades: F=0, F=0, D=1, C-=2. Quality points add up to 3 points, divided by 4 quarters =.75, which is a passing combination.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROMOTION POLICY & SUMMER SCHOOL
The Board of Education determines the promotion policies for elementary, middle school and high school. Listed below is the NEW Middle School promotion policy that was revised on January 14, 2003. (Summer school or other programs may be required for promotion.)
A student will be promoted if they pass all of the following subjects in each of the following categories :
Category 1 Category 2
Grade 6 Grade 7/8 Grade 6/7/8
Lang. Arts English Art
Reading Social Studies Health
Social Studies Science FACS
Science Math Technology
Math Foreign Lang. Foreign Lang. (6)
In order to pass a full year course a student must:
Pass 2 out of 4 marking periods with at least one passing grade in second semester
Earn a minimum average of .75 Quality Points listed under Grading System.
At the end of the school year, a student who does not meet this requirement will have his/her case reviewed by staff including teachers, school counselors, and administrators. The review will take into consideration the following factors: age, previous retentions, availability of summer school courses, availability of appropriate courses at the next grade level, social development, and potential to make appropriate progress.
The final decision for grade placement will be made by the principal and may include a recommendation for summer school or parental acceptance of a specific program or course assignment. Parents may request a meeting with the school principal to discuss the decision.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
AND RECOGNITION
HONOR ROLL
All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are eligible for placement on the school Honor Roll. The Honor Roll is calculated and published every ten weeks.
The Quality Point scale formula is used to determine the Honor Roll. The sum of these Quality Points is divided by the number of courses taken. Physical Education is not included. An effort or conduct code of “5” will remove a student from the Honor Roll.
There are two honor rolls
Honor Roll - Average of B or B+ (6.0 - 7.999)
High Honor Roll - Average of A- and above
(8.00 - 10.00)
Please Note – Since rounding is done by individual teachers in determining a report card grade, report card averages are not rounded in determining eligibility for Honor Roll.
HONOR PASS
At the conclusion of each school quarter all students who meet the following criteria will be presented with a laminated Honor Pass:
- High Honor Roll or teacher recommendation.
- Effort and conduct marks of 1 or 2.
- No serious referrals for misbehavior.
The honor pass is issued for ten weeks or until the next Honor Roll is published. The Honor Pass affords many privileges including leaving study halls to go to the library, locker, soft study areas, bathroom, or phone; reduced costs for dances and eligibility for special prizes and events.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Periodically throughout the year, “Student of the Month” selections are announced. These awards are based on high standards of achievement or improvement in a specific subject area. They are also awarded to students who demonstrate effort and interest above the daily routine, do
work outside the classroom or demonstrate consistent cooperation and responsible behavior. Students who receive this award will have their picture put on display and a letter of commendation sent home.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD
In order to be considered for the perfect attendance award, the following criteria must be met:
the student must be in school every day.
a student who is tardy, leaves early, or is absent for part of the day due to legal reasons such as a medical/dental appointment, will be considered, as long as no more than a total of 90 minutes is missed during the school year.
any absence for school reasons such as a field trip will not be counted as an absence for this award.
PEOPLE & PLACES
ATTENDANCE/881-0468
HEALTH OFFICE/881-0461
Regular attendance is very important to you as a student.
If a student is unable to attend school, please have a parent/guardian call the Attendance Office by 9:00 am or as soon as possible.
881-0468
For the safety of the student and the accuracy of school records, a phone call is made by the attendance secretary to verify an absence if a call is not received from the parent
Please refer to page 9 regarding the procedure used for obtaining homework when you are absent from school.
School Absences - When a student returns to school following an absence, a parent/ guardian must send in a written and signed note explaining the absence, unless a call has been made to the Attendance Office. Please make every effort to make these notes easy to read. If your child’s name is different from yours, please include the full name in the note.
Late to School - Students must sign in at the attendance office and bring a note signed by a parent/guardian explaining why they are late.
Early Dismissal - If it is necessary to be dismissed during school hours, a written note signed by parent/guardian must be brought to the attendance office before homeroom. At the time of your dismissal the student should report to the Attendance Office. Parents should pick students up at the Attendance Office only. Students may NOT leave the building without signing out. Students may be released to adults other that their parents/guardians only if they have a “Release Designation” form on file in the Attendance Office.
Phone Calls – At times it might be necessary for a parent or guardian to phone the Attendance Office about an unscheduled appointment or change of plans. Please keep these phone calls to a minimum and consider that every phone call made to a classroom is an interruption of the learning process.
Illness - If you are sick or feeling ill, report to the nurse. Students should not go to the other locations in the building (i.e. bathrooms) to recover.
Accidents - Students are to report all accidents to the teacher who is supervising their activity immediately. The teacher will then contact the nurse.
Medication - Medication cannot be dispensed by the nurse without:
written permission of the parents.
order from physician on his/her letterhead.
medication in original container with student’s name on it. At the proper time the student should return to the nurse to take his/her medication. Note: Students receiving daily medication should supply a second labeled medication container for field trips. Students who use inhalers are urged to leave them (or an extra one) in the health office in case they misplace theirs or leave it in their locker while in class.
Physicals - New York State mandates that all seventh grade and new transfer and re-entry students receive a physical exam. We highly recommend that your family
doctor give your child a complete physical. The physical form must be returned to the health office and dated after June 1st of the current school year. Please feel free to contact the health office with any questions.
Gym Excuses - Parents’ notes excusing their child from gym must be brought to the nurse before homeroom. A limit of five (5) parent gym excuses is permitted each school year. A doctor’s note is required when a student is to be excused for more than one week.
COUNSELING CENTER
All Gowana students are assigned to a school counselor by grade as noted on the title page of this agenda. Counselors are support staff who work with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and their parents during their time at Gowana.
Counselors discuss study/organizational skills, goal setting, interim/report card grades, strategies for improving grades/attitudes, learning styles, getting along with others and other related topics that concern a student and/or parents. Counselors work with students individually, in small groups, or through classroom presentations.
How Counselors Can Help – Middle school can be a very difficult transition for students and their parents. The difficult task of the parent of a middle school student is deciding when to step forward to help your child solve a problem versus letting them handle it on his/her own.
A major role of middle school counselors is to provide lots of support and encouragement to both students and their parents. Counselors speak with teachers, students and parents on a daily basis. Counselors have found that helping the student and parent focus on the daily use of the student agenda will improve grades. Improved grades enhance student confidence and self esteem.
Gowana requires every student to:
Bring his/her agenda to school every day and bring it to every class, including study hall.
Write assignments for each class in his/her agenda on a daily basis. Teachers write these assignments on a wall chart on a daily/weekly basis.
Student schedules must be placed in the vinyl pocket located in the agenda.
Students are to use passes (Hallway Passport System) whenever they leave their assigned classes.
How Parents Can Help – The Gowana Middle School Agenda has been designed to help your child get organized
and do their homework on a day-to-day basis. It also allows students to plan for long-term projects and quiz/test dates.
Please look at the agenda program diagram shown below:
ALL parents/students are asked to read and sign the 16 page introduction located in the front section of the student agent by September 10th .
Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s teacher via the parent comment section located throughout the agenda. Often teachers will agree to sign agendas. If this agreement is made, the student must be responsible to see teachers for signatures and parents must follow up by signing agendas as well.
Academic advising and educational/career goal setting are very important parts of the middle school program. Counselors work very closely with students, their parents, teachers and administrators. Students are introduced to the concept of career/educational exploration. This process will include counselors talking to 6th/7th grade students and their parents about 7th and 8th grade course selection. In the Spring of 8th grade, counselors will conference with 8th graders in small groups and in classroom presentations. Parents are invited to an evening program to discuss graduation requirements and grade 8 going to 9-course selection. Teacher recommendations and test scores will also be reviewed in developing the 9th grade course selection and tentative 4-year high school program.
The School Psychologist is available to students, too. S/he primarily works with the special education population through direct individual or group counseling. S/he administers all educational assessments to determine if a student is eligible for more services. S/he also is the chairperson of the Committee of Special Education.
The Behavior Specialist is available to a smaller number of students in all three middle schools. S/he works primarily with students who have special needs in the area of behavior management. She meets regularly with students in individual and/or small group settings to assist them in building social skills, improving problem solving skills and increasing frustration tolerance. S/he performs classroom observations and teacher/staff consultation. S/he administers general behavior assessments and assists faculty and staff in implementing behavior plans. S/he also presents various behavior management strategies to faculty and staff district wide.
If a student wants to see anyone in the counseling center all he/she needs to do is see Ms. Curione to make an appointment. Students may also get a pass from study hall to the counseling center. Parents are always encouraged to call and speak with their child’s counselor, intervention counselor or school psychologist at 881-0463.
Working Papers - Working papers are available in the counseling center. Until you are 18 years old, most jobs require a work permit. Please speak with Ms. Curione for further information and for a working permit application.
Computerized Career Exploration Programs are available in both school computer labs as well as the 8th grade FACS computer lab. All 8th graders are introduced to these programs as part of their “Introduction to Career Exploration Unit” which is part of the 10 week FACS class.
Counselors use individual results in working with students and parents to plan High School schedules.
These programs are available for students to review and revise during their high school careers at various sites in all buildings.
Many colleges also use this program with their students, as the program was developed for high school Freshmen through adults.
A Career Fair sponsored by the Middle School Family & Consumer Sciences Department, the Middle School Counseling Department and the Clifton Park Rotary Club is held each year for all eighth grade students. Over 60 professionals from our community representing a wide variety of career fields volunteer to share information about the educational requirements and the day-to-day taskes for their jobs. The career fair is held prior to eighth grade students planning their high school program of studies.
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
The Middle School Library/Media Centers serve Gowana, Acadia and Koda Middle Schools. Students may use both libraries. In addition to a print reference collection, both libraries offer electronic access to online encyclopedias and data bases as well as the internet. An online catalog provides the holdings of all Shenendehowa School Libraries as well as others in the Capital Region. Interlibrary loan is encouraged. Students can also search the public library holdings.
An up-to-date fiction and non-fiction collection provides numerous opportunities for recreational reading and research. Reading is the primary goal of the Middle School Library Program. Booktalks, genre bibliographies and reading lists are designed to keep reading.
Check out library activities on the Shen website . Links for remote access to numerous databases (taught in subject classes) can also be found here. Passwords are available in the libraries.
Use of the Library
The library is open before school at 8:00 am and after school until 4:05 pm. to students needing to use library resources. Early and Late Bus Passes can be obtained from the student’s teacher. Passes are required for afterschool use.
Students may come to the Library with a class or during a study hall. Students with research needs may get a pass from their teacher or from the library.
Students may borrow up to five items at a time. Books are checked out for two weeks and magazines are checked out overnight.
Students are responsible for library materials. Those students with overdue materials may not check out new materials.
Student behavior is expected to be conducive to work. Students who do not respond to directions from the library staff or notification of overdue items will be restricted in library privileges.
Students will be held accountable for responsible use of library materials including electronic information obtained during research. Plagiarism, in any form, is not acceptable. Consequences will follow for students who practice this form of stealing.
CAFETERIA
Students in Gowana are all given PIN numbers with which they can open their own meal accounts to purchase breakfast and lunch by depositing either cash or check made payable to: School Lunch Fund.
Students are able to debit their accounts up to $3.40 only, which is the price of two lunches. They will not be allowed to charge snacks.
The cafeteria is open for breakfast from 8:30 AM until 9:00 AM. Bagels, cereal, muffins, fruit juice and milk are served daily at a cost of $1.00. A hot breakfast is offered for $1.60.
Lunch starts at 10:25 AM and ends at 1:15 PM, covering periods 3, 4, 5, and 6. A choice of hot or cold lunch is served daily with several selections from which to choose.
A complete lunch includes the entree with bread and milk plus any two of the following: french fries, vegetable, salad, fresh fruit, dessert, or juice at a cost of $1.70. Students can buy any of the above items a-la-carte.
In addition, several snack items are offered. These include ice cream, chips, cakes, cookies, pies, bottled water and canned juices. These prices range from $.30 to $1.00.
If a student does not have a lunch or money for lunch, he/she will need to speak to the cook/manager to obtain their meal and to arrange for payment.
OPEN HOUSE
Please plan on attending this year’s Open House which has been scheduled for September 23rd from 6:30-9:00 p.m. You will have an opportunity to:
- meet your child’s team of teachers
- receive a course information sheet from each
teacher
- walk through your child’s typical daily schedule
The evening’s program will begin with a 20-minute general orientation that will begin promptly at 6:30. More detailed information about the Open House program will be mailed to parents. Since parking can be difficult, we encourage parents to use the parking lots on the Koda/Acadia side of the Middle School in addition to the main Gowana parking lot.
If you have concerns about your child’s progress, lack of organization, or not doing his/her homework, please contact the teacher or counselor to ask questions or set up a meeting. Since all the interim reports and report cards may be handed to students in school, make sure you know when this is being done by checking the calendar section of this Agenda.
Success in middle school is the direct result of students having a positive attitude toward learning, getting organized, developing good study habits, doing homework, and attending school on a daily basis. It is also very important for our students to feel good about themselves to learn how to get along with, work, communicate, and demonstrate respect for themselves and others. Parents are a very important part of this process and play a major role in helping our students achieve their goals. Please feel free to contact anyone of us here at Gowana. The faculty and staff are looking forward to a productive and successful year.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The extracurricular activity program in the middle school supplements the formal curriculum by giving students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in areas of special interest.
The program consists of many kinds of activities, service organizations, academic and special interest clubs, intramural sports and athletics. The specific activities will vary somewhat from year to year based upon the availability and interest of both faculty and students. Students are encouraged to participate to the extent possible.
The following extracurricular activities have frequently been offered at the middle level in the past.
Specific clubs and activities will be announced in September. Please listen to the
morning announcements for further information.
Physical Education, INTRAMURALS, CLUBS and EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Physical Education is a participation class that meets every other day during the school year. In class, students are expected to give their best effort in warm-up, drills, practice and game situations. Tests are administered on skills, rules, game concepts and strategies.
Participation is the most important aspect of Physical Education at Shenendehowa. In order to participate in class, a student must change into suitable clothing. A student cannot wear school clothes in Physical Education class. Appropriate dress includes t-shirt, sweatshirt, shorts, warm-up pants and sneakers. No jewelry of any kind is permitted in class. Students wishing to get their ears pierced during the school year will have to wear protective head covering until the earrings can be removed. (No taping of the ears is permitted).
Students who need to be excused from physical education due to medical reasons must take their parental or medical excuse to the school nurse in the morning before school starts. The school nurse will issue the student a Health
Office Physical Education excuse to be given to the student’s physical education teacher which will explain the nature of the excuse and the length of time.
Middle School
Intramural Program
The physical education staff offers intramural sport activities before school for boys and girls. A schedule is posted at the beginning of the school year in the Green and White Gymnasiums and locker rooms.
Students have an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Throughout the school year, some intramural sports will have the opportunity to compete against other schools in the Suburban Council
Intramurals are held in both the green and white gyms which are open to all middle school students.
Flag Football Basketball
Wrestling Volleyball
Floor Hockey Games
European Handball Field Hockey
Weight Training Gymnastics
Soccer Cross Country
Tennis &n