• State statutes currently require that a middle school student earn a minimum of 3.0 credits in math and 3.0 credits in English completed by their 8th grade year to be promoted to high school. Students who have not met this requirement will not participate in the ceremony.

Promotion Exercise Dress Code:
• Ladies: dress, skirt or pantsuit. No spaghetti straps, halter style straps, strapless, backless, plunging necklines or bare midriffs are allowed. If the dress has straps, a wrap/jacket must be permanently attached or sewn in to be allowed.
• Gentlemen: nice slacks or cords. Dress shirts and ties are mandatory.
• During the 8th grade year, students who have more than 20 full day absences (unexcused or excused) will not be allowed to participate in the promotion celebration.

EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR THE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT FOR PROMOTION CELEBRATION WILL BE APPROVED BY THE PRINCIPAL: These will apply to students who have missed an excessive amount of school due to circumstances beyond their control. To participate, students must have:

• At least three teacher recommendations
• Grades must comply with set standards, and show improvement and effort
• If the student has been absent for an extended period, he/she must have a doctor’s note for each absence or tardy over 20
• Behavior must have been appropriate, with limited suspensions
• Students placed on a minimum day for attendance or behavior issues will not participate in the promotion exercises.
• 8th grade students with three or more F’s on the 1st semester, 3rd qtr report card, and the final 4th qtr progress report will not participate in the promotion exercises. Students who have met the above requirements but continue to exhibit poor academic behaviors could loose promotion privileges.
• The appropriate administrator will determine the participation of students who have exhibited continued behavior and academic problems.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Beginning with Summer School 2008, students will be able to earn only a quarter credit in Math and/or English/Reading.

Those students who do not meet the credit requirement will be mandated to attend summer school and/or take additional classes in the subject area and grade level where they are deficient. In order to be promoted the 8th grade, a 7th grade student is expected to complete one semester with a passing grade in both Math and English or Reading. If at the end of the 7th grade year a student does not have one passing semester in Math and English or Reading, the student will be required to attend and pass summer school. Any 7th grade student who does not pass summer school will be retained and repeat the 7th grade.

LOCKERS

Each student will be issued a locker and will be responsible for the contents of the locker. The locker is not to be shared with friends unless approved by the office. Do not leave valuables in your locker. The school district cannot accept responsibility for items damaged in or taken from lockers. Lockers are school property and may be examined by school officials at any time. Each student is responsible for knowing the combination and keeping it confidential.

STUDENT DRESS CODE The purpose of this policy is to promote an atmosphere of learning rather than of leisure. With this purpose in mind, the dress and personal appearance of each student is required to be of such character as not to disrupt or distract from the educational environment, and not diminish the instructional effectiveness and disciplinary control of the teacher. These clothing and accessory guidelines are to be followed on campus or at any school activity. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

1. Hats, caps, bandanas, slippers, pajama tops and bottoms.
2. Halter tops, tube tops, backless dresses, see-through shirts. Girls should wear modest tops. Bare midriffs are not allowed. Low-cut tops are not allowed. Sleeveless shirts or dresses must have straps at least 2 inches wide and cover the shoulder and midriff area. If the midriff shows at all when you move, the garment should not be worn to school. Tops should be able to be tucked in if need be.
3. Boys are not allowed to wear muscle shirts or shirts with torn-out sleeves.
4. Clothing with profane symbols, pictures or gestures. Clothing advertising alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco, racism, death, violence, witchcraft, or Satanism.
5. Modest shorts, skirts, and dresses are to be worn so that the bottoms of the shorts, skirt, or dress are no shorter than 3 to 4 inches from the top of the kneecap.
6. Wearing of excessive metal is not permitted. Jewelry posing a safety hazard to those wearing the jewelry or to those around them (i.e., spiked or studded belts, bracelets, necklaces, rings, chain belts, or wallets, safety pins, handcuffs, heavy rings or animal collars).
7. Gang related clothing. Examples are headbands, hairnets, bandanas (rags), overalls with straps hanging, shirts with personalized nicknames in Old English or Gothic lettering, low-hanging or sagging pants. Belts of any color must be tucked away and not be exposed. Exposure of undergarments, clothing with hand signs indicating gang identification, belts or clothing with numerical signs of gangs with Old English or Gothic letters on buckle, etc.

Students who do not dress in accordance with the Carson City Middle School Dress Code will be asked to change into appropriate clothing to remain at school. If the student did not bring an extra pair of clothing, the student can find an appropriate item in the clothes closet or contact parents to bring a change of clothes. Repeated violations will result in a suspension from school. Administration shall retain authority to grant exceptions to the dress code.

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

Listed below are some basic school rules. The rules are itemized because they represent difficult areas for students. Violation of any rule will result in appropriate disciplinary action as determined by the proper staff members:

1. Students are expected to respect members of the school staff, visitors to the school, and fellow students.
2. Couples should show proper respect for each other by avoiding excessive displays of affection.
3. Students and adults must obtain administrative approval for any printed material they wish to distribute or post on school property.
4. CARSON MIDDLE SCHOOL IS A CLOSED CAMPUS. ONLY STAFF, PARENTS, OR GUARDIANS and ENROLLED STUDENTS attending scheduled classes are allowed on school grounds. Student visitors are not allowed. Any person or persons who does not work or attend CMS as a student must sign in at the main office and receive a visitor badge. Students who have completed their school day will not be allowed to loiter on the school grounds or in the buildings. ALL STUDENTS ARE TO BE OFF SCHOOL GROUNDS BY 2:30 P.M. THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS ARE MEMBERS OF ATHLETIC TEAMS, SCHOOL CLUBS, AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION OR TUTORING.
5. Students should not publish or distribute libelous or slanderous material related to school operation or school personnel on or off school grounds.
6. NO STUDENT MAY LEAVE CAMPUS FOR ANY REASON WITHOUT OBTAINING A PASS FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE. Permission from a teacher to leave is not sufficient. Students who become ill during the school day should report to the nurse who will notify parents.
7. Students may bring skateboards and roller blades to school, but may not ride them on school grounds. Abuse of rules will result in removal of said items. These items must fit in the student’s locker; these items will not be kept in the office.
8. Hats are not to be brought to school. Students wearing hats will have them confiscated and returned at a later date.
9. Classes are in session all periods of the day. Students are expected to move orderly and quietly through the halls.
10. Students must obtain a hall pass form the teacher before leaving the class.
11. When a student knows in advance of an impending absence of three or more days, he/she must obtain a prearranged absence from the attendance office. Schoolwork will be provided for a maximum of ten days.
12. I PODs, MP3 Players, pagers, beepers, personal radios, walkmans, large sums of money, or any “treasured” items are not to be brought to school. The school will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items.
13. Private sales of gum or candy are strictly prohibited. Sales of any kind must have prior approval of the principal.
14. Disciplinary procedures for incidents of academic dishonesty may involve both academic penalties and other administrative disciplinary action, which includes suspension.
15. Students representing the school in athletics, band and other school groups must conform to standards established by the coaches and/or sponsors. For various reasons, school administrators have the responsibility and authority to remove a student from an extracurricular activity. School dress code applies to all students representing CMS at any place.
16. On certain occasions, the PROPER AUTHORITIES will be notified when students violate rules, regulations and/or laws. In these cases, guardians shall be notified by the proper authorities and/or by an administrator.
17. The following items are not allowed on campus or at school activities: MATCHES, LIGHTERS, FIRECRACKERS, CAPS, WATER GUNS, SNOWBALLS, STINK BOMBS, CHAINS AND LASER POINTERS. 18. Dangerous weapons or substances capable of doing bodily harm are inappropriate at school or at school sponsored activities, and are against the law. Students who violate this rule will be referred to the proper authorities and suspended from school. Knives of any kind are not allowed at CMS.
19. Sunglasses are not allowed at CMS.
20. Girls’ tops must cover entire midriff area – no bare midriffs. “Spaghetti straps” and low-cut tops are also prohibited. Tops must be modest and not expose undergarments.
21. Wearing shorts to school is a privilege. Short shorts, jogging shorts and cut-offs are not acceptable school attire. Modest shorts, skirts, and dresses are to be worn so that the bottom of the shorts, skirt, or dress is no shorter than 3 to 4 inches from the top of the kneecap.
22. Eating and drinking are not allowed in the halls or outside.
23. All students are expected to be courteous to substitute teachers. Any student referred to the office by a substitute teacher will receive appropriate disciplinary action.
24. Several computers at CMS are connected to the Internet. We stress what is and is not appropriate use. Students must sign an Acceptable Use Policy form in order to use the Internet. Accessing any inappropriate internet location will be dealt with through the Acceptable Use Policy. Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken.
25. Please try to limit messages for students to emergencies. Messages will be given between classes only – not during class. Messages will be taken only from parents (not from other family members and friends). Like the high school, flowers, balloons, and gifts will not be delivered to students at school.
26. Students will ride the bus home or make arrangements to leave campus by 2:30 each school day. Students at school after this time need to have a guardian present, or be participating in athletics, tutoring, after-school detention or an approved school club. Loitering after school will result in disciplinary action.
27. Students must come to class prepared with pencil, pen, planner, and paper.
28. Students may use cell phones prior to the start of school and after school has ended. Cell phones shall be turned off and put way during regular school hours. Consequences for inappropriate usage will result in a conference with an administrator and confiscation of the device. Parent will need to pick up the device.

NORMAL SUSPENSION POLICY
The normal suspension policy for Carson City Secondary Schools is as follows:

GANG ACTIVITY – 3 to 30 days or permanent suspension at home. Students may be referred to proper legal authorities.

TOBACCO USE/POSSESSION – Students with no prior disciplinary infractions will be given a tobacco contract, which will remain in the student’s file during all the time the student is enrolled at CMS. First time offenders for possession will receive lunch detention. First time usage will result in suspension. Second offense for tobacco infractions – further disciplinary action.

FIGHTING, INSTIGATING FIGHTING, INFLICTION OF OR THREATENED PHYSICAL INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON OR VERBAL ABUSE
• Behavior Contract – 3 to 5 days and may be arrested
• If a student is placed on a behavior contract, the contract will remain in the student’s file during the entire time the student is enrolled in CMS
• Repeated violations could result in long term suspensions or expulsion from school per NRS 392.420
• Students involved in fighting, whether initiating a fight (can be with words) or responding in self-defense, will be suspended

CHANGING OR ATTEMPTING TO ALTER SCHOOL DOCUMENTS; CHEATING/PLAGIARISM – 3 to 30 days Referring teacher will make initial call to parents with the administrator

STEALING – 5 to 30 days per NRS 205.240/205.220

INSUBORDINATION/DEFIANCE – 3 to 30 days

DANGEROUS ARTICLES, WEAPON, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE OR ITS FACSIMILE – 5 to 90 days per NRS 453.332/202.265

SCHOOL DISRUPTION/RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT OF STUDENTS, STAFF OR SCHOOL – 3 to 30 days

INAPPROPRIATE STUDENT BEHAVIOR – 3 to 5 days

PROPERTY DAMAGE – 5 to 30 days and cost of replacing or repairing damage

SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR OBSCENE MATERIALS (I.E. PRINTED OR COMPUTER GENERATED MATERIALS)

LANGUAGE AND GESTURES, EXTORTION OR GAMBLING – Behavior Contract; 3 to 5 days

VERBAL OR PHYSICAL ABUSE, HARASSMENT, OR INTIMIDATION (BULLYING) – Behavior Contract; 3 to 5

PRESENCE IN AN UNAUTHORIZED AREA - 3 to 10 days

HABITUAL OFFENDER – 90 days • Habitual offenders are students who have been suspended for violation of school rules on five or more occasions. Habitual offenders must be suspended for 90 school days.
• Assembly Bill 14 stipulates that if a student is suspended twice for initiating a fight or has 5 suspensions on his/her record during the current school year that he/she will be deemed a habitual disciplinary problem and must be suspended or expelled for a period equal to at least one school semester.

ALCOHOL (Possession/Under Influence) - 5 to 15 days suspension and arrested per NRS 202.020

CONTROLLED OR MIND ALTERING SUBSTANCES, INTOXICANTS, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA OR THEIR COUNTERFEIT: • Possession or under the influence (1st offense) - 5 to 15 days suspension and arrested
• Possession or under influence (2nd offense) – minimum 10 day suspension at home and arrested • Sales and/or distribution – 90 days per NRS or permanent expulsion; referred to proper authorities and arrested

BEHAVIOR CONTRACT: Students involved in fighting, instigating fighting, abuse, intimidation, harassment or extortion will be placed on a behavior contract. While on a contract, the student is expected to cease acting in a threatening or abusive manner. A first infraction after signing a behavior contract will result in a suspension of 5 days (minimum) to 90 days (maximum). Additional offenses may result in permanent placement at home. Parents are responsible for picking up and delivering homework when on at-home suspension.

THE SUSPENSION PERIODS ARE FOR GENERAL GUIDELINGES ONLY AND CAN BE VARIED BY THE PROPER ADMINISTRATOR AT HIS/HER DISCRETION.

STUDENT SEARCH When there are reasonable grounds to believe that a student is in violation of school rules or engaged in unlawful activity, a student search by an appropriate school administrator may be conducted. A search of the student’s locker and possessions may also be conducted.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
The following are the procedures to follow if a student has been absent even for one period:
1. Within two days of a student’s return to school he/she must:
A. Bring a note explaining the reason for the absence. Note must include the date(s) of the absence, and a phone number where a parent/guardian may be reached during the day. The student’s parent/guardian must sign the note. Notes may be taken in Spanish. School authorities reserve the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each absence.
B. Take the note to the attendance office between 7:15 – 7:55 a.m. The student will be deemed excused, unexcused, or truant and be given an admit slip. NO STUDENT WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT AN ADMIT SLIP. Students should make every attempt to obtain admit slips or any other item from the office prior to the first initial bell at 7:55 a.m. Long lines to obtain office items will not be an excuse to arrive to first period late.
C. Get make-up assignments from teachers and complete on time.
D. When students have an excused absence of 2 or more days, homework may be requested with the following conditions:
1. Parent/Guardian must call the attendance office (283-2880) by 9:00 a.m. to request work.
2. Homework will be available for pick-up after 3:00 p.m.
3. Additional homework can only be picked up when previous homework has been completed and turned in to the teacher.
4. The student is responsible for completing all work; the student will be given one day to complete homework for each day the student is absent, and work turned in after that may result in a “0.”

Excused Absences are:
• personal or serious family illness • death or funeral of family member or close friend • professional appointment which cannot be made after school hours • out-of-town trips which are arranged with the school in advance, and which in the judgment of the school administration are justified • bonafide religious holidays • absences cleared by an administrator

Unexcused Absences may include but are not limited to:
• leaving school without proper clearance from the attendance office • missed bus/transportation • oversleeping • babysitting • car trouble • others as determined by an administrator

Prearranged Absence: An absence for three to ten days must be cleared by the Assistant Principal or Dean at least 5 days prior to the absence. Parents are to send a note to the attendance office explaining the need and the duration of the absence. Students are responsible for obtaining homework prior to leaving the school.

Leaving Campus: Students who leave campus for appointments, family emergencies, etc. must be signed out at the attendance by a parent/guardian. A parent/guardian is to wait at the attendance office for his/her child. Extra time needs to be allowed for the office to locate the student. For all students’ safety, no child will be released without written consent to anyone other than the parent/guardian. Photo ID may be required at the time any party checks out a child.

Tardiness: Students who accumulate 5 tardies will receive a referral to the office and may receive detention or possibly be suspended.

Truancy: According to NRS 392.040, the parent/guardian or other person in the state of Nevada having control or charge of any student shall be required to send the student to school during times that the public school is in session.

Chronic absenteeism and/or habitual truancy will result in a referral to the Ron Wood Resource Center/Truancy Board and the District Attorney’s Office. It is the parent and student’s responsibility to have absences excused within two days. Schoolwork missed due to an unexcused absence (truant) may not be made up. When a student accumulates 10 absences per semester in a class, the Attendance Office will make a written notification to the students’ guardians/parents. When a student accumulates 15 absences per semester in a class, a conference may be held with parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian fails to meet with school personnel, all dates in question will be considered unexcused and work missed cannot be made up.

“Truant” means a minor who is required to attend school according NRS 392 and who is absent from school during any part of the day when school is in session in the school district in which the minor resides, unless the minor has a valid excuse acceptable to the principal of the school.

“Habitual Truant” means a minor who shall have been deemed truant three or more times within the school year. Any child who has been declared a habitual truant and who in an immediately succeeding year is absent from school without a valid excuse may be declared a habitual truant. A truancy write-up reflects that legal proceedings have begun, and school administrators must report to appropriate authorities infractions of the law regarding student attendance. Parents/guardians who aid and abet truancy may be reported to the Carson City Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office.

Any parent/guardian having care and custody of a minor who violates NRS 8.20.040 within one year after receiving notice of habitual truancy by that minor shall upon conviction be punished for a misdemeanor.

The first and second time a student is deemed truant, a parent or guardian will be notified by telephone and/or mail of the truancy. Duplicate copies of the letters will be kept on file in the Attendance Office. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the Ron Wood Family Resource Center will be notified.

The third time a student is deemed truant, a parent/guardian will be notified by telephone and/or mail of the truancy. The student will be declared a habitual truant and may be referred to the Sheriff’s Department for possible citation.

Attendance Contract: Students will be placed on an attendance contract if attendance becomes an issue. Students who have excessive absences (excuse or unexcused) will be placed on a contract. If your child is on an attendance contract, the following guidelines must be met: • They must be seen by the school nurse if ill, the nurse will excuse the student and parents will be notified. • All absences must be cleared by the Dean of Students or the Vice Principal (must be prearranged prior to the absences) • Absences will only be excused if seen by the school nurse or a written doctor’s excuse specifying the dates of the absences. • In case of an emergency, parents must notify the appropriate school administrator – a message is not sufficient, and students must bring written documentation upon return to school.

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES CMS offers a number of activities and athletics after school that may require students to miss instructional time for travel. In order to participate in these activities, students must maintain minimum standards in attendance, academic performance, and citizenship. Students must: • Attend at least four classes and have NO unexcused absences on the day of activity • Maintain a “C” or better in all classes during the season. Exceptions can be granted by coaches, supervisors, and administration • Maintain satisfactory citizenship in all classes Any student receiving a referral to the office may lose eligibility. A student’s removal from a team/activity can be the result of action by the coach, supervisor, or a school administrator.

GUIDANCE OFFICE Counseling is a relationship between the students and counselors based on mutual trust and respect. The counselors can help if you are failing classes, need better study skills, want to explore ideas for the future, need to recognize your strengths and weaknesses, or would like to get along better with someone in your life.

NURSE’S OFFICE All medications taken by students must be turned in to the nurse for dispensing. NO medications will be given to student without written permission from parents. If needed, please send a personal supply of headache or allergy medications for your child. If you have any questions regarding your son/daughter and his/her medication, please call the school nurse at 283-2815.

LUNCH ROOM Hot breakfast/lunch programs are provided. All students are to eat in the cafeteria and follow these guidelines: • Clear the corridors as quickly as possible. • Proceed to the eating area where tables are located. • All food (hot/cold) is to be eaten in the cafeteria. • When students have finished eating, they are to clear their area and discard trash. Students may not leave their table until their hand is raised and a cafeteria monitor gives permission to leave. • Students use normal conversation voice. • Students who leave food, trash, and/or throw food will be placed on detention or assigned trash detail. Persistent lunchroom misconduct will result in loss of lunch privileges and assignment to supervised detention.

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE On assembly days, students will first report to class for roll call. Teachers will escort their classes to the gym and will remain with their classes. Students who are removed from the assembly due to inappropriate behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include removal from future assemblies.

SAFETY PROCEDURES Fire Drill When the fire drill is sounded, students must leave the building in a quiet, brisk and orderly manner by means of assigned exits posted in the classroom. Students move away from the outside doors quickly so passageways remain open; all streets should remain clear. Students are to stay with their teachers so roll call may be taken.

Lock Down Procedure In case of an emergency and/or practice lock down, the appropriate agencies will be informed. Students will not be allowed to leave the building or have phone access. Additionally, visitors are not allowed on campus. All phones are shut off and contact is not permissible. Parents will be notified if a practice drill is scheduled.

LIBRARY The library is open before, after school, and during lunch. The librarian is available for assistance. Failure to return books will result in fines and loss of library privileges.

LOST AND FOUND Any clothing/item found on school property should be taken to the attendance office. Items not claimed after 2 weeks will be taken to local charities. Lost items should be checked in at the attendance office.

TEXTBOOK POLICY Textbooks issued to students are numbered and logged by teacher. Textbooks issued to students initially must be the same book returned at the end of the year. Damaged books will be fined at the rate of 20 cents per page up to the replacement value of the book. Fines for severely damaged books will be assessed by the administration.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL A student planning to leave school, for any reason, before the close of the school term, must present to Guidance a written request from parent/guardian. Guidance will then issue a withdrawal slip, which must be cleared by all student’s teachers, librarian, nurse, and attendance. Claims against the student must be paid before a transcript or credit is issued.

BUS BEHAVIOR Bus transportation is provided to all zoned students who live more than 2 miles from school. Riding a bus is a privilege and may be withdrawn for any misbehavior.

GUIDE DOGS CMS participates in the training of Seeing Eye Dog puppies for the Blind Program. Puppies wearing the green jacket are considered to be “working” and are to be completely ignored. It is a violation of school rules to physically hurt, disturb, harass or interfere with the training of these dogs.

VISITORS Students are not permitted to bring visitors to school. All non-students and non-Carson Middle School employees must report to the attendance office. Parents and/or Guardians visiting Carson Middle School must give teachers 24 hours notice prior to visitation.