Francis Marion Intermediate

Student Handbook 2009-2010

Our Mission: For all students to learn, achieve and succeed!

Principal's Message:

Welcome to Francis Marion Intermediate School!

I am glad you are here and hope as you enter this school you will catch the enthusiasm and bring a commitment to make this your best year ever! The Mission of our school is:" for all students to learn, achieve, and succeed. Our teachers, staff, and parents are dedicated to making this a quality school where all students feel they belong and experience success in their learning

Please ask your parents to read through the school rules and regulations with you. Parents are also asked to sign their student's planner each school night.

This planner is designed to assist you in having a successful school year. It is something you will want to take care of and hang onto all year long. It will be used to record your assignments, track long term projects, and communicate with parents about homework. The goal for all students is to lean how to use this planner to keep track of assignments so homework is managed successfully.

Surprise planner checks will be held through out the year to see how well students are using their planners.

Best wishes for an enjoyable and successful school year. I look forward to working with you and anticipate your positive contributions to the Francis Marion Team.

Sincerely,
Mike Murphy
Principal

District's Vision Statement:

District's Mission Statement:

The mission of the Marion Independent School District is to prepare all students with the skills required to enter future adult roles and become effective citizens, productive workers, informed consumers, and responsible family members.

Vision for Francis Marion:

 Mission of Francis Marion:

FMI Pledge:

We pledge to respect one another, be trustworthy, and fair. We will care about each other and be good citizens. Above all else, we will take responsibility for our actions, in our quest to build a better you... and a better me.

Character Counts

The Character Counts program will be implemented this year. Students will be learning and practicing what it means to be a person of character.  Parent reinforcement at home is a must for this program to be successful.
1. Trustworthiness
2. Respect
3. Responsibility
4. Fairness
5. Caring
6. Citizenship

 Anti-Bullying/Harassment

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal and state policy, and not tollerated at FMI. The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment upon receipt of the the complaint. Complaint forms are available from the teachers, counselor, or office.

Francis Marion Intermediate School enrollment will be approximately as follows:

4th Grade - 160

5th Grade - 165

Total - 325

School Hours:

• Starting time 7:55 a.m.
• Breakfast served 7:40 a.m.
• 1st Bell rings 7:53 a.m.
• Tardy bell rings 8:00 a.m.
• 4th Grade Lunch 11:10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• 5th Grade Lunch 11:30 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
• Dismissed 3:00 p.m.

Students should NOT arrive at school before 7:40 a.m. as this is when supervision begins on the playground. Students must remain outside until the 7:53 bell signals them to enter the building. When arriving before the first bell, students are to congregate on the south playground area.

Students eating breakfast at school should arrive at 7:40 a.m. and enter the building using the North gym door.

Early release days dismiss at 1:00 p.m.

Student Drop-off and Pick-up:

When dropping off your student before school, cars should enter from 3rd Avenue and proceed slowly. Students should exit the car by the playground blacktop. Cars then exit the grounds on School Street.

When picking up students after school, cars may park on the south side of 3rd Ave. only. If the driveway is used, additional parking in allowed on the playground blacktop after school after 2:30. Please keep the bus lane open for our bus traffic.

Students walking to school are reminded to respect out neighbors property. Please do not cut through yards and always use the sidewalks.

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL

During the winter months there is the possibility of canceling school for the day or dismissing school early due to inclement weather. This decision is made by the superintendent of schools and is announced on local television and radio stations. Children should be made aware of what they are to do in case of an unscheduled early dismissal or closing. Please make these arrangements with your child prior to the beginning of the school year.

Absences And Attendance

Regular attendance at school is very important. Please help your child to develop a commitment for school attendance and for getting to school on time. If it is necessary for your child to be absent please call 373-4766 between 7:40 and 8:30 a.m. In addition please send a note with your child's return to school explaining the reason for the absence. The school will call the home of each absent student unless we receive a note or a call.

When a student needs to leave the building during school hours, parents are asked to come into the office to sign their student out. When students return, they must come back into the office and sign in.

Under no circumstances is a student to leave the building without being signed out by a parent or guardian.

It is the student's responsibility to consult with the teacher and make arrangements for make-up work at the earliest possible time. Time allowed for make-up is generally determined by adding one day to the number of days the student was absent. However, an extension of time may be granted by the teacher if he/she sees fit.

Monthly Calendar

Please check the website for announcements.  Our website also has a lunch schedule posted.

Tardy Slips

Students who are late arriving for class are considered tardy and must check into the office. The classroom teacher will determine whether to excuse the student for tardiness or not.

Flag Salute

Each first period class will start the day with the salute to the flag. Religious requests will be honored.

Aim

The aim of the Francis Marion's behavior plan is to create and maintain a safe learning environment. We will assist students in developing personal pride in being responsible school citizens. The role of the Francis Marion community is to teach and model responsible decision making. For maximum learning to take place all individuals shall have a right to a non-disruptive learning environment.

Philosophy

Only in a situation where a teacher has good disciplinary control of a class can the maximum learning take place. Appropriate behavior can and should be taught. All adults in the building will be involved in teaching responsible behavior.

Common Goal Areas

During Assemblies there will be a respectful atmosphere for visiting guests, performers, and speakers.

The Bus zone is place of safety and organization where everyone feels comfortable.

Restrooms are clean sanitary places where people practice good hygiene in a quiet and private atmosphere.

The Play areas are safe, supervised places to play and socialize during school hours.

The Hallway is for safe efficient passage using courteous behavior.

The Computer lab is a place where helpful and respectful users care for computer equipment.

The Areas used before and after school will have a safe and respectful atmosphere.

The Lunch room is a respectful place where people enjoy a healthy meal while participating in friendly conversation.

The Nurse's office will be a safe and orderly area for students to recieve medical assistance.

Specific rules for the Common Goal Areas are displayed throughout the building on posters and taught by all staff.

Discipline Procedures

Generally speaking, the classroom teacher handles the discipline within his/her classroom. Discipline can take on many forms, but the keys when dealing with young people are having consistent and clearly described expectations with the understanding that consequences follow inappropriate behavior.

When teachers require a student to stay after school more than ten minutes for academic or disciplinary reasons, parents will be notified. If a student is unable to stay that day, the student is expected to stay the following day.

If any staff member desires or requires additional assistance with any disciplinary problem, he/she is to bring the student to the principal's attention, or call the Crisis Prevention/ Intervention (CPI) Team. Individual student behavior plans, directing students to work toward a positive solution, will be required by all students referred to the principal's office.

Alternative recess

Alternative recess will be required for students who habitually break recess rules. The purpose of this recess is to separate disruptive students from the regular recess activity and replace it with a more structured setting where these students can practice appropriate ways to play. Students referred will be required to attend a minimum of three days.

Discipline Due Process

Some offenses for which a staff member may refer a student to the office are:

• Possession or use of weapons (No guns, knives, weapons, or facsimiles, are allowed on school grounds!)
• Profanity or obscenity
• Fighting
• Deliberate and open defiance of authority (verbal or physical).
• Inciting others to violence or disobedience
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Drugs or alcohol

Offenses can result in either in school or out of school suspensions. In such a case all regular class work will be required to be completed. The principal will follow the due process procedures in related situations as directed by board policies.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the student to demonstrate appropriate behavior.

Courtesy at Performances

We are looking forward to excellent special events and performances at Francis Marion. We share the responsibility with parents to teach children appropriate behavior at these activities.

Inappropriate behaviors are fighting, wrestling, arguing, and playing in hallways or restrooms.

At concerts, plays, or special guest speakers:

• Sit quietly so all can hear and see the performance.
• Applaud in an appropriate manner.
• Please do not whistle or call out loudly.
• We ask that all parents help out by setting good examples for our students.

Dress Code

The primary responsibility for appearance rests with the students and their parents. The guide as to what to wear to school is in the form of a question: Will what I am wearing disrupt the learning environment? If the answer to this question is, "yes", then the dress is inappropriate. Clothing or other apparel promoting products which are illegal for use by minors, such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, or clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to subversion are not appropriate. The administration reserves the right to judge what is proper and what is not.

The following guidelines shall apply:

• Clothing should be clean and in good repair
• Shoes must fit appropriately and allow students to walk, run, and play safely. Shoes that tie are recommended. (rollerskate tennis shoes not allowed).
• Inappropriate clothing that should not be worn includes, but is not limited to: short shorts, halters, strapless garments, spaghetti strap shirts, exposed sports bras, ribbed undershirts, see through clothing, and clothes that expose the midriff.
• Jewelry or other accessories that may cause injury or distraction to the educational process should not be worn, especially during P.E. or recess.
• Any garment, regardless of what it is called, should be worn no shorter than mid-thigh.
• Clothes, jewelry, and other accessories that contain suggestive, vulgar, violent, or gang related slogans or pictures (i.e. WWF items) or advertise illegal products, such as alcohol or tobacco, are not allowed.
• Hats and caps cannot be worn in the building.
• Clothing, hair styles, and body markings, including fake tattoos and make-up, which in the judgment of the principal or teacher may disrupt the educational process, are not allowed.

During cold weather, students' will remain outside until 8:00 a.m. daily. Encourage your child to dress accordingly. (Rain or chill factors below zero are exceptions.)

• Boots should be worn in wet, muddy, and/or snowy weather.
• If a student wants to play in the snow, boots and snow pants are required.
• Tennis shoes are required for physical education class.

Bicycles

Students are allowed to ride bicycles to school with parental permission. Safety rules should be stressed concerning bicycle usage. Bicycles are to be walked while on the school grounds and not used until dismissal. Bike locks and helmets are highly recommended. The school is not responsible for damaged or stolen property.

Skateboards, scooters, heelies, and roller blades are NOT allowed on school grounds because of the lack of storage space and safety reasons. If any of these are brought to school, it will be confiscated, and a parent will be asked to retrieve it.

Respect of School Property

Textbooks are provided by the school district. Fines are charged for lost or damaged books.

Destruction or disfiguration of school property is unlawful and will be followed with an appropriate penalty. Pupils found marking on walls or desks will be expected to repair the damage done or to pay for replacement.

Church Night

Church activities represent a very important part of a student's educational growth and development. Wednesday night of every week during the school year has been set aside as church night. All school related activities will end no later than 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Conferences and Evaluation

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for all parents twice during the school year. Teachers and parents are encouraged to request additional conferences at any time during the year when there are questions or concerns about a child's progress.  See schedule for days of conferences.

Every nine weeks parents will receive report card covering their child's progress. Parents are asked to sign the back of the envelope which is then returned and used again.

Mid-term reports may be sent to parents. These provide information if your child is struggling in a certain subject. Parents should discuss the progress report with their child. If there are questions, please contact your child's teacher.

Providing there are funds available, after school tutoring will be offered for any student who is failing a subject. Parents, please sign the form on page 19 acknowledging your awareness of this policy. Summer school registration is due May 1st of each year when provided.

Insurance

Specific information will be available on registration day. After that, please contact the office.

Lockers

Students are assigned a locker to keep personal property. Unannounced locker searchers may take place and students will be present during these inspections.

Students are not authorized to open other students' lockers. All lockers have built-in combination.

Students are to keep all books and supplies off the floor of the lockers. Keep your locker neat and orderly. No markings or pictures are to be placed on the lockers.

Do not bring large sums of money to school. Bring only what is needed for expenses. Also, do not bring valuables such as jewelry, trading cards, electronics, or other items of considerable value. If you find it necessary to bring any of the items mentioned, they should be checked in with your teacher or at the office until you are ready to leave at the end of the day. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Lost and Found

A lost and found box is located near the main office. Please take all lost and found articles to the office.

We strongly recommend the student's first and last names be written on articles belonging to the student.

Lunch Costs

Students use a "debit number" for their meals based on the prices below. Students deposit money into their accounts as needed. Meals are automatically deducted as students go through the lunch line.

STUDENT COSTS

Daily breakfast $1.20

Daily lunch $2.00

Milk $.30

ADULT COST

Breakfast $1.35

Lunch $2.80

Charging is permitted on a limited bases. Students who charge will receive a peanut butter sandwich with milk. Charging is not permitted during the last two weeks of school.

Health Services

A Health Associate is on duty from 9:30-2:30 daily. If your child is ill or injured, the following procedure will be followed:

• The child will be examined by the school nurse, health associate or secretary.
• Minor cuts, scrapes and injures will be treated with first aid methods.
• Students with more serious injuries will receive first aid and their parents will be phoned.
• When a student who is ill is sent to the nurse, his/her temperature will be taken and parents phoned if necessary.

Accident and Emergency Information

In the event of a serious accident or illness at school, the parents are called, and if necessary, the emergency number 911 is called. Please be sure to keep your student's health records and phone numbers updated so you can be reached in an emergency.

It is very important that you inform the school immediately of any change in your telephone number, address, or information from your student's emergency card. Please notify the office in advance of a planned move from the district.

Please make certain anyone listed on your student's records as an emergency contact is willing to accept that responsibility.

Medication Procedures

For safety reasons, parents should transport all medication to and from school. Prescription medication brought to school with the student is to be turned into the office upon arrival. A signed permission form must accompany the medication in order for it to be administered. These forms can be picked up at the office. Medication prescribed by a physician must have following information on the prescription bottle:

• Name of student
• Name of medication
• Time of day to be given
• Dosage
• Physician's name
• Pharmacy's name

ONLY PROPERLY LABELED PRESCRIPTIONS WILL BE ADMINISTERED!!!

Please remind your child that he/she is responsible for asking for the medication at the appropriate time.

Non-prescription medication, such as Tylenol, will be administered following the same procedure.

Communicable Diseases

Students ill with a communicable disease should be kept home until they are not contagious to others. Please inform the school nurse if you think your child has a communicable disease. If the illness is accompanied by a fever, your child should remain home until he/she is fever free for 24 hours.

Throughout the school year, parents request that their child stay in from recess due to illness, injury, allergies, etc. We are concerned for our students' well being, but at the same time feel if a child is well enough to participate in the school day, he/she is well enough to participate in recess. We do know, however, there are exceptions to this rule. We will acknowledge parental requests for a maximum of two days. Anything beyond two days should be requested in writing from a physician.

Vision, Hearing, and Dental Screening

Grant Wood Area Education Agency provides annual hearing and vision testing for our schools. The dates of the testing will be posted in the school's newsletters and calendars. Parents who do not wish to have their child tested need to notify the school in writing prior to the testing.

St. Lukes provides dental screening to district's 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students. The dates of these screenings will be posted in the school calendar. Parents who do not wish to have their child's teeth screened need to notify the school in writing prior to the screening.

Enrollment Policies

Prior to enrollment, the parent must provide the administration with a completed health and immunization certificate. Certificates may be obtained from the school health office.

Students who transfer into the district must meet the same requirements as those students who initially enroll in the district. In addition the permanent records from the prior school district are needed. A school registration fee of $30 is to be paid when registering your student.

Open Enrollment

Parents/guardians considering the use of the open enrollment option to enroll their child in another public school district in the state of Iowa should be aware of criteria and important dates for open enrollment. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transportation to and from school.

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please call Brian Bartz, Marion Independent Business Manager or Michelle Meyers, Superintendent's secretary (377-4691).

Parental Involvement

The Marion Independent School District believes that a strong partnership between families and schools is essential, and that effective parental involvement is vital to the success of each student. The Francis Marion Staff welcomes and appreciates the involvement of parents.

Parent Group-(TROOPS) All parents are welcome to join this group. Meetings are held once a month in FMI's library. The purpose of the group is to enhance the educational opportunities of our students. Fund raisers are organized with funds ear marked for school projects/activities, i.e. Fall Fling and skating party for students, special field trips, performances, going to the symphony, etc.

Chaperoning on Field Trips- Parents are always needed to help with field trip supervision. Please contact your child's teacher if you are interested in chaperoning.

Volunteers- Volunteerism is encouraged in our building. If interested please call the building secretary.

Chaperoning for SODA Activities- (Students O.K. without Drugs and Alcohol) Both 4th and 5th grades have an activity planned each month to help the students make a commitment to be drugs and alcohol free.

Pets

Students are allowed to bring pets to school only with permission from the teachers. Pets should be brought to and from school by parents. Any animal brought to school must be housed in a proper cage, container, or restrained in such a way that it cannot harm anyone.

School Pictures

All students will have their pictures taken. Pictures may be purchased, however, payment must be in advance. Price lists will be available well in advance of picture taking day. Spring pictures will also be offered.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES LIST

4th Grade Supply List

• 1 Box of 24 crayons
• 3 Boxes of tissues
• 2 Soft pink rubber erasers
• 10 Glue sticks
• 8 Plain solid colored folders W/ pockets (No prongs)
• 36 #2 Pencils (Sharpened, please! *No mechanical pencils)
• 1 Pair of Scissors
• 2 Sets of 10 Wide markers
• 1 Box of 24 Colored Pencils (Sharpened)
• 3 Wide line single subject spiral notebooks
• 2 Packages of wide lined notebook paper
• 2 Highlighters
• 1 12" Ruler (with metric and standard measurements)
• 3 Expo dry erase makers (any color)
• 1 Basic function calculator
• Storage box for pencils and crayons
• 1 1" Plain 3-ring binder (nothing larger than this size, please! * No Trapper Keepers*)
• Back pack or tote bag
•  
  
• Please label all items except tissues, pencils, dry erase markers, and notebook paper which will be shared.

5th Grade Supply List

• #2 pencils - 1 dozen per quarter
• 1 large eraser
• 1 pkg. colored pencils (full pencil length, will need 2nd pkg. through the year)
• 1 pkg. markers
• 5 pocket folders- red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and one of your choice
  (pronged for 5S)
• 1- 12" ruler with both metric and standard (not flexible)
• 2 packages of wide lined notebook paper
• 1 pair scissors
• 2 glue sticks
• 1 pencil case
• 2 large boxes facial tissues
• 11 small pkg. low odor dry erase makers (one for music, rest for student use)
• 1 spiral notebook (wide lined)
• 1 pkg. highlighters - green, pink, yellow

A few additional items may be added by the teacher at open house 

 School Visitation

All visitors must stop by the office and sign in. Parents are welcome to visit school and/or your child's classes during the school day. It would be most helpful if the classroom teacher could be notified before you visit.

Special Services

The following special services are available at Marion Independent Schools:

• Educational Consultants
• Hearing and Vision Screening
• School Counselor
• Special Education
• Speech Therapy
• Social Worker
• School Psychologist
• Resource Room
• ELP (Extended Learning Program)

Support services are available to assist teachers when concerns arise with students' educational progress. These services include our building staff, and Grant Wood Area Education Agency support staff.

Teachers and families may get input on an informal basis or request formal assistance in identifying strategies to address a concern, or in monitoring individual student progress.

These services are available for all students through teacher or parent request. Working together, we can provide the best education possible for all of our children. At some time during the year, it may be beneficial for teachers and parents to request help of these trained people. Your written permission is needed for some of these services.

Counseling Service/At Risk

Counseling services are available to all students to assist them concerning personal, or social problems. The counselor also gives guidance in educational and vocational planning. Please feel free to talk to the counselor whenever the occasion arises. Appointments may be made by calling or stopping by the office.

Student Records

Student records are to be used to promote the welfare of the student. Access to student records shall be to authorized persons only as stated in the MISD Policy Titled, "Student Record Access", Code No. 505.1

A student's parents and appropriate school personnel have the right to view student records. Persons other than appropriate school personnel may view or obtain copies of student records only upon written consent or upon court order or legally issued subpoena.

Parents or legal guardians may challenge the content of these records to correct or amend alleged inaccuracies. Please call the counseling office if you have questions or concerns.

"Student Directory Information" may be released without the consent of parents. Parents have an opportunity to deny the release of directory information without their consent. Call the school office at 373-4766 if you want more information about this.

Testing

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) will be given in November each year. This information will be available through the counselor's office.

Vending Machine

A vending machine is available to students after school hours or during special class events where the teacher has given permission. Juice or water may be purchased for 60¢. The final decision as to a student's use of this machine lies with the parent. No beverage cans are allowed during the regular lunch period or on the bus.

Students have access to the MISD server including internet access. Only closely supervised and bookmarked internet sites are used by the students. Each student must have a signed parental consent form to be allowed to use the internet. These forms are available at registration along with a copy of the district's acceptable use policy.

Marion Independent School District
Educational Program
Series 600

Policy Title MULTICULTURAL AND NONSEXIST EQUITY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY Code No, 602.7

Enrolled children in the school district community shall have an equal opportunity for quality public education without discrimination regardless of their race, creed, sex, martial status, national origin, ability or disability.

The education program shall be free of such discrimination and provide equal opportunity for the participants. The education program shall foster knowledge of respect and appreciation for the historical and contemporary society. It shall also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.

Inquiries regarding compliance with equal education opportunity shall be directed to Mike Murphy, Title IX Compliance Officer, 1400 10th Avenue, Marion, Iowa or telephoning 319-377-0183.

Affirmative Action

The Marion Independent School district provides equal educational and employment opportunities and will not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, martial status, or disability. Marion Independent School District shall take affirmative action in recruitment, appointment, assignment, and advancement of women, and men, minorities and disabled. Inquiries regarding compliance with equal educational or employment opportunities and/or affirmative action shall be directed to Mike Murphy, 1400 10th Avenue, Marion, Iowa or telephoning 319-377-0183.

Compliance with Current Asbestos Regulations

In order to remain in compliance with current asbestos regulations governing schools the district is required to give an annual notification to Staff, Parents, and Legal Guardians of students in the Marion Independent School District of the presence of and the availability of the management plan for that particular building located in the central offices at each facility for your review in addition to a master set for all district facilities located in the administration offices at 777 S. 15th Street. Should you want to know the locations and or the volume of asbestos in our buildings this information is located in the management plans. Also included i these are past activities the district has taken to remove and or encapsulate he asbestos to maintain safety to all occupants. Regulations require that the district have a full inspection of our facilities every 3 years and periodic surveillance inspections every 6 months to insure that it is maintained in a non hazardous condition. In addition to this we have undergone to E.P.A. audits and inspections in the last 10 years which the district has received full compliance on its program. Activities that have occurred in the past year in addition to our reinspection have bee n abatement of floor tile and thermal pipe insulation at the Marion High School, Starry Elementary, and Francis Marion Intermediate in preparation of construction activities that occurred over the last year. Should you have any questions please contact Ken Cook at 377-4974.

Alternative Level One Investigator
        Mike Murphy can be reached at 373-4766

Please tear this form out of the handbook, sign, and return it to Francis Marion School's Office.

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I, _____________________________, have read/discussed this student handbook with

Student's signature my parent/guardian._______________________________________

I, ______________________________, have read this student handbook.

Parent /Guardian signature_________________________________________________

Date ____________________________

Please circle your response:

Yes No

If my child is failing a course he/she will be allowed to attend after school tutoring offered by the school during the 2-4th quarters, or after 4th quarter will attend summer school.

Yes No

My child's picture may be used in a school's newsletter or program pamphlet.

Yes No

"Directory Information"- students name, address and phone numbers may be released. This is only used for room parent activities. Information is NOT released to advertisements, outside organizations, or private request. At the High School level this type of information is released to colleges in order for students to receive educational information.