WELCOME TO MITCHELL SENIOR ELEMENTARY

WE BELIEVE that students have a right to learn and teachers have a right to teach. Therefore, Mitchell Senior Staff and Students will focus on their PRIDE.

Politeness Courteous display or cooperative, thoughtful attitude

Respect Treat all people and property with consideration

Integrity Be dependable and honest with others

Discipline Exhibit orderly self-management

Excellence Maintain high quality academics, attitude, and conduct

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Closed Campus

At MSE it is our desire to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and which is safe for your sons and daughters. Mitchell Senior is a closed campus. ALL visitors and volunteers must check in to the main office for a visitor’s pass. Student visitors are not allowed on campus. Students may not leave the school grounds during the day without parental/guardian permission.

Homework and Make-Up Work

Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework activities are designed to promote the development of skills and provide students with the opportunity to grow academically. Students who are absent or suspended are still responsible for completing missed assignments. Students are expected to ask their teachers for make-up work the day they return from the absence. For absences of more than three days, please call the school to request homework. Students must complete make-up work in a timely manner. Please make sure to read letters sent home from teachers at the beginning of the school year so that you know individual teacher/team expectations on homework.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Students experience success academically as well as socially. Parents are responsible for making sure their children get to school on time daily. The California Education Code (Sec. 48200) requires that all children between the ages of six and eighteen attend school. Any student who is absent without a valid excuse for more than three days, or who is similarly tardy beyond thirty minutes for more than two days is termed a habitual truant. Truant students are referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). Students who reach 18 absences, regardless of reason, are referred to SARB. Also, students who miss more than five days of school without any communication from parents are dropped from the school roster. Students who are going to miss more than five days of school are recommended to apply for independent study.

Tardy Policy

Instruction begins at 7:44 A.M. Students need to be in their class and in their assigned seat prior to the tardy bell ringing. Students arriving late will be marked tardy. Students will be allowed two (2) tardy(s) per class per school year. One after-school detention will be assigned for each tardy thereafter. Excessive tardiness will result in further discipline consequences.

Independent Study

Students who will be absent for at least five school days with a valid reason should have their parents apply for Independent Study. An application may be picked up from the Attendance/Student Business office at least five days prior to the requested absence date. Full attendance credit will be given if all independent study assignments and student work is completed upon the day of return to the regular program. Approval criteria are as follows:

The request must be made at least 5 days prior to student departure.
The request if for at least 5 days but less than 15 school days in length.
The student is not classified as truant or on attendance supervision.
The student must have at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA and must have scored at "Proficient" or above on the California Standards Test (CST).

Medications

All medications needed by students must be given to the attendance specialist or school nurse who will dispense the medications as the doctor prescribes. NO MEDICATION MAY BE KEPT WITH A STUDENT AT ANY TIME. Medications include prescribed drugs and over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and cough drops. Students must also have a doctor's written statement on file to carry an inhaler.

Physical Education

All students must wear designated PE clothes and dress out for PE every school day. Approved PE clothing is available for purchase through the Physical Education Department. Students must use a combination lock sold by the school. Students must lock their assigned locker to prevent thefts. Dress cuts are assigned when a student does not change into PE clothes. Each dress cut will result in an "F" grade for the day, possible parent notification and documentation made by the PE teacher, an alternate class assignment, and a lunch detention assigned for the 1^st offense, with after school detentions thereafter.

Obligations

Students who owe money to the school will be placed on an Obligation List. Students who are on the list may not be able to participate in school functions or extra curricular activities. Eighth grade students must be obligation free to participate in graduation activities. Obligations include but are not limited to: library late/missing fees, elective class fees, sports uniforms, P.E loaner clothes, locks, textbooks, cafeteria balances, etc.

Bus Riders

Bus transportation is a privilege. Students are expected to follow the bus rules and behave properly while on the bus and at the bus stop. If a student is misbehaving or not acting safely they will receive a bus citation and may be denied the privilege of riding the bus, either temporarily or permanently. Concerns or questions regarding buses should be directed to the District Transportation Office.

Library and Textbook Check-Out

The library is located at the far end of the 300 building. Students are loaned a set of textbooks at the beginning of the school year to keep at home for homework assignments. All books checked out are the responsibility of the students until returned. The students ID number is their library number. Students must pay for lost or damaged books, texts, or other instructional materials.

Nuisance Items

Bringing nuisance items may result in disciplinary action. The school will not be responsible for investigating or paying for lost or stolen items. The following are some, but not all, of the items which students may not have at school:

Chewing gum/candy/sunflower seeds
Cameras/radios/CD players/electronic devices
Matches/lighters/devices capable of producing fire or sparks
Devices resembling weapons
Large sums of money
Graffiti tools/implements/permanent markers
Dangerous items of any kind

Nuisance items will be confiscated and will be returned to a parent following an administrator/student/parent conference.

Lunch

Students have a six-digit ID number. This is their number to use to eat lunch. Students are not to share their numbers or use another student's ID number. The following rules apply during lunch:

Follow the directions of adult supervisors.
Wait your turn in the lunch line; no cuts or saving places.
Stay seated during the lunch period.
Eat quietly and use good manners...no throwing!
Clean up after yourself, and place trash in trash bins.
Remain in the designated area until you are dismissed.

Report Cards and Deficiency Notes

The school year is divided into thee trimesters. Students will receive three report cards during the school year. Students may also receive Mid-Trimester deficiency notices if the student is receiving a "D" or "F" in any class. Deficiency notices will be mailed home.

Deficiency Notice Mailed Home	Last Day of Trimester
September 26, 2007	November 2, 2007
January 16, 2008	February 29, 2008
April 16, 2008	June 5, 2008

Back to School Night

Back to School Night offers parents the opportunity to meet all of their student’s teachers in one evening. This is an important evening in that teachers often share their expectations, curriculum, and answer a few of your questions. We highly encourage all to attend!

Report Card Night

This evening is an opportunity for you to pick up your child’s report card and have another meeting with all of his/her teachers. We highly encourage all to attend!

ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS, PROMOTION, AND GRADUATION

Promotion/Retention Policy

All students must pass 2 of the 3 trimesters in Math and Language Arts with a "D" or better in order to progress to the next grade.

“F” Packets for Remediation

Mitchell Senior students are required to participate in remediation for “F” grades. After school tutoring may be offered to those who failed math or language arts. These classes will be aimed at helping students who are at risk of not being promoted. Individual teachers may also provide extra help after school and tutoring is also available in the library Monday -Thursday after school until 3:00.

8th Grade Graduation Requirements

Students will be eligible to participate in all graduation activities, including the graduation dance if they meet the requirements listed below:

Students must have a 2.00 cumulative GPA or above for the school year
Students must be at Step 3 or below on the Discipline Management System
Students may have no more than 20 full days of absences regardless of type during the school year (major injuries/chronic illnesses can be reviewed by the graduation appeals committee upon parent request)
All obligations must be cleared
No home suspensions within 30 days of graduation
Students are recommended for Promotion (passing 2 of 3 trimesters in Math and Language Arts with a "D" or better)

Student Recognition at Graduation

8th Grade students have the opportunity to gain special recognition at the graduation ceremony in the following areas:

Perfect Attendance

Students have to be on time to every class, every day. They cannot miss any class periods during the school year.

President's Award for Academic Excellence

Students must score at or above the 85th percentile on the STAR/CAT6 Test in reading or math. They must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.

CJSF Honor Members

Students must have been a member of CJSF for at least 4 trimesters during their 7^th and 8^th grade years.

Service Learning

Students must help provide a service to their school outside of their regular classroom hours. Services may include helping in the cafeteria, student store, or participating in beautification projects for the school.

GPA Award

4.00 cumulative GPA during the 8th grade year

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

Mitchell Senior offers an outstanding variety of activities for all students. We encourage students to participate in as many activities as possible throughout the year. An activity bus will be available Monday-Thursday for those who participate in after-school activities. The bus leaves MSE at approximately 4:00.

Athletics

Eligibility includes the following:

Students must have a 2.00 GPA or better on their last report card
No more than one "F" on their last report card

· No higher than Step 3 on the Discipline Management System

Fall Sports	Winter Sports	Spring Sports
Volleyball	Basketball (Girls and Boys)	Softball Track
Soccer (Co Ed)		Baseball

Clubs

Currently active clubs include: California Junior Scholastic Federation (CJSF), Endeavor Association, Drama Club, Letter Carriers/Flags, and UC Scholars, Fitness Lab.

Dances

Mitchell Clubs sponsor dances throughout the school year. Eligibility to attend an MSE dance is based upon the following criteria:

No class, in-house, home suspensions within 30 calendar days of the dance
No higher than Step 1 on the Discipline Management System
No teacher or school obligations
No refunds will be made for purchased tickets if students lose their eligibility

School-wide Recognition through the Renaissance Program

Our school-wide recognition program consists of “Renaissance Spots” and Administrative Pride Passes. Renaissance Spots are issued by any staff member for a variety of positive accomplishments or behaviors. Students may earn prizes during Renaissance Spot lunchtime drawings. Administrative Pride Passes allow the class a five minute early dismissal to lunch. Administrative Pride Passes are also given to individuals who exhibit PRIDE behaviors and are eligible for prizes during the lunch drawings. Through the Renaissance Program, the student body strives to recognize every student on his/her birthday as well.

Trimester Rewards

Each trimester students may be eligible for a reward based upon the following criteria:

3.0 cumulative GPA
No Deficiencies
No class, in-house, or home suspensions
No more than three (3) detentions during the previous trimester
No more than five absences
No outstanding obligations

All permission slips must be turned in by the deadlines set.

Student Government

The Mitchell Student Council referred to as Renaissance Government organization has elected officers who serve for one full year. The student council consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Sergeant at Arms and other representatives. All officers must meet grade and citizenship standards.

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR

The basic premise of our discipline plan is students will be informed of classroom/school rules. If they choose to break rules, they will know what the consequences will be. Students who break the rules may be assigned a "step". These steps track students' standing in the Discipline Management System.

Students will be assigned 1 step for each of the following infractions:

Class suspension = 1
In-House Suspension = 1
Home Suspension = 1
For every 5 detentions assigned =1
Other Administrative Decision

Parents will be mailed a "Discipline Status Report" that explains the step that their student has been placed on along with the discipline infraction report each time their student is placed on a step. Students will "go back" one step if they go 30 days with no discipline infractions.

Lunch & After School Detentions

Detentions are assigned for minor infractions and are held daily. Below are some of, but not limited to, some of the infractions that result in earning a detention:

Tardy to class
Gum/candy/seeds after first free warning
Dress cut
No-show teacher detention
Foul language
Class cut 1 period
Class cut 2 periods (2) Discipline Referral (as assigned)

Vandalism/ Graffiti

Keeping our school neat, clean and a safe place to learn is a responsibility shared by students, parents, and staff. Please take that responsibility seriously and place trash in trash cans. If viewed, students should report vandalism/ graffiti right away. Students and parents of students who vandalize will be held liable for any graffiti or other forms of vandalism. If you know someone who is vandalizing the school please let a teacher or any school personnel know. You may also call 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) to report this anonymously and may be eligible for up to $1000 reward.

Bullying

Are you being bullied at school? If you are being bullied at school or know of someone who is please let a teacher or any school personnel know. You may also call 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) anonymously.

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ATWATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTICT DRESS CODE

Appropriate dress and good grooming contribute to a positive atmosphere and promote student safety. Mitchell Senior Staff in accordance with California Education Code, Section 48907, and with the best interest of our students, school, school-sponsored activities, and community in mind, adopts the following middle school dress code. We appreciate your support and adherence to these guidelines.

Pants/shorts will be worn at the waist level without the need to use a belt. All belts must be worn through the loops. Leather belts are recommended. Black, White, and Kaki Cargo belts are acceptable. Undershirts must be tucked in. Students violating this sagging rule on multiple occasions may be required to tuck all shirts in all of the time.
Backless, strapless, low-cut necklines, bare midriff tops, spaghetti straps, crop tops, and tube tops are considered inappropriate for school and shall not be worn. Tank tops are acceptable but must be at least one inch wide. Bra straps must be hidden and not be shown.
Garments that show underclothing or expose the mid-section are a distraction and may not be worn at school.
Shorts, skirts and dresses must be at least “finger-tip length” to be worn at school.
Footwear must be worn at all times. Steel-toed shoes shall not be worn at school. Students must have appropriate footwear for P.E. Students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes. All students must wear shoes appropriate for recess/free time activities.
Only school purchased hats/caps are allowed on campus. School purchased stocking caps (beanies) are allowed. Hats, stocking caps may not be altered in any way; they must be worn in a forward position and must be taken off when indoors. Hoods of sweatshirts shall not be worn indoors.
Pajama tops, bottoms, and/or slippers will not be allowed.
Clothing, accessories, or jewelry with inappropriate language, pictures, inferences, or symbols which tend to mock, ridicule, provoke, demean, or display words or pictures associated with alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, gangs, sex, drugs, or items associated with alcohol, tobacco, sex, or drug use shall not be worn at school.
Sunglasses may be worn on campus. They must be removed when indoors.
Lettering and printing will be allowed on garments as long as it is not crude, vulgar, and does not contain profanity of make reference to tobacco, drugs, alcohol, violence, gangs, or is sexually suggestive.
Accessories that may cause injury such as, but not limited to spiked jewelry, studded collars, safety pins, or belts and wallet chains shall not be worn at school.
Hairspray/gel, make-up, and cologne/perfume shall not to be brought to school. Only non aerosol deodorant shall be kept in the PE locker room. No face paint may be worn.

The final school-level decisions as to the suitability of dress and grooming shall rest with the administration. Classroom distractions resulting from dress code violations will not be tolerated as our students are expected to dress for success each day.

SCHOOL GANG-RELATED GUIDELINES

Our District cooperates with law enforcement in all anti-gang activities and “anti-gang” related "copy cat" behaviors. “Wanna-be” or look-alike gang behavior is prohibited at school. For the safety of our students it is very important that parents do not buy or allow students to wear any item that might be perceived as the showing of "colors". This is clearly a safe campus issue, especially to and from school and out in the neighborhoods.
Any dress, grooming or appearance which disrupts or tends to disrupt the educational process or affect the health or safety of individuals will be prohibited (EC 48900, EC 35183, and EC 35294.1). Any attire/paraphernalia/symbol that signifies gang affiliation will not be allowed on campus. Any attire/paraphernalia/symbol that displays a logo or other message promoting alcohol or controlled substances, promoting violence, illegal activity or relating to gangs may not be worn on campus.
Due to safety issues, certain clothing lines and styles are not allowed on campus. These clothing brands and styles are subject to change, but include:

South Pole
G-Unit
Red or Blue undershirts

Some items which are specifically prohibited include, but are not limited to:

Gang writing, monikers, graffiti, symbols or tagging on school or personal property.
Monogram or lettered belt buckles (S, N, M, R, B, X, 13, 14, etc.).
Red or blue shoe laces.
Multiple items of red or blue.
Red, Blue, and Gray Cargo belts are not allowed.

Mitchell Senior Elementary Discipline Procedure Guidelines

The following chart outlines possible disciplinary actions used in a progressive manner as appropriate. All Final decisions will be made by School Administration.

Abuse of School Personnel
Violation	1^st Offense	2^nd Offense	3^rd Offense
Physical abuse or attempted abuses of school personnel	Conference with Administration, Parent, and Resource Officer 5 day suspension Immediate recommendation for expulsion or transfer to alternative program Loss of extra curricular privileges for the remainder of the year
Disrespect or Disobedience Verbal only Slurs: racial, ethnic, religious, handicapped, or sexual Slang: cussing, swearing, or name calling	Conference with Administrator 1 – 3 day suspension	Conference with Administrator 3 – 5 day suspension and behavior contract Loss of extra curricular privileges for the remaining time in grading period	Conference with Administrator and Parent 5 day suspension Loss of extra curricular privileges for the remainder of the school year
Disrespect or Disobedience Gesture only	Conference with Administrator 1 – 2 day suspension	Conference with Administrator