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Students Report                                      Friday, August 15, 2008
Holidays:
Labor Day                                               Monday, September 1, 2008
Election Day                                           Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Veterans Day                                          Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thanksgiving                                           November 24 – 28, 2008
Christmas, New Year                              December 22, 2008 – January 2, 2009
                                                                Return on Monday, January 5, 2009
Martin Luther King, Jr.                          Monday, January 19, 2009
Mardi Gras                                             February 23– 24, 2009
Easter & Spring Break                            April 10 – 17, 2009
End of Session                                        Friday, May 29, 2009. Report Cards will be
                                                                mailed.

August 12, 13, 14, 2008	October 27, 2008
September 12, 2008	January 26, 2009

First Six-Week Period	September 25, 2008
Second Six-Week Period	November 7, 2008
Third Six-Week Period	January 12, 2009
Fourth Six-Week Period	February 26, 2009
Fifth Six-Week Period	April 9, 2009
Sixth Six-Week Period	May 29, 2009

Communication between the school and parents is an important part of your child’s education. Our Student Agendas will help make communication between Arnett and you an ongoing activity. This agenda/handbook will serve as a reference guide for teachers, parents, and students. One of its purposes is to familiarize you with S. P. Arnett Middle School. Another purpose is to allow parents to stay informed about each day’s assignments and class work. Students will take this book to class every day and write their assignments in it. The handbook will also be used as a hall pass. We are looking forward to a great school year. If I can be of any assistance to you, please feel free to come by the school or give me a call. The number in the office is 436-9657, and my home phone number is 433-7275.

The mission of S. P. Arnett Middle School is to achieve academic excellence through quality education for all students.

3. Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs.

5. Teachers, administrators, parents, and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school’s mission.

6. Students’ learning needs should be the primary focus of all decisions impacting the work of the school.

7. The commitment to continuous improvements is imperative if our school is going to enable students to become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners.

We are determined to help the student develop the capacity to learn throughout his/her lifetime to respond to and understand other human beings and to accept full responsibilities for the results of his/her actions.

The fundamental responsibility of our school is to develop programs that enable each child to acquire those skills basic to learning. The achievement of all other goals depends upon the success of our school ensuring that each student, according to his own abilities, attain the following basic skills:

READING: The student will read and comprehend written materials and relate it to other knowledge.

COMPOSITION: The student will write with precision, clarity, and acceptable usage.

LISTENING & SPEAKING: The student will listen attentively with understanding and will speak with confidence and effectiveness.

REASONING: The student will perform computations to solve common problems of mathematics and logic.

STUDY: The student will develop basic study skills so that they might acquire knowledge efficiently.

ART: The student will develop some of the basic disciplines and skills in the areas of art appreciation.

OBSERVATION: The student will identify elements of the world around him/her as they pertain to his/her personal, academic, and artistic pursuits.

Each student matures at a different rate and possesses differing capabilities. At S. P. Arnett Middle we pledge to help the students:

Every person must learn to live in a society. Our school should help each student develop an understanding of the individual and his relationship to society.

1. Knowledge of him/herself and the characteristics needs and desires he/she shares with society.

3. Familiarity with the legal, moral, ethical, and cultural heritages of his/her society and

School Hours
Classes begin each day at 7:50 A.M. and end each day at 3:02 P.M. The office will open at 7:30 A.M. each morning and someone will be there until 3:30 P.M. Teachers are at school from 7:45 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. Students should not arrive at school before 7:00 A.M.

Changing Classes
At every change of class there will be large numbers of students going from one room to another. In order to keep the noise and confusion at a minimum, you are asked to be especially quiet and courteous. Show respect for your fellow students and make the change as quickly and as quietly as possible.

Parents will be notified when a student becomes ill or injured at school. The students will not be permitted to go home unless his or her parent or designated person comes into the main office and signs the checkout sheet. Only those individuals listed on emergency cards can check out students.

Visitors must report to the front office and sign in. The school cannot assume responsibility for the care and supervision of anyone other than the enrolled students. Parents and visitors are not allowed to visit any classroom unless permission is given from the front office.

Parents are encouraged to come to school to consult with the classroom teachers about the progress being made by the students. Teachers are available for appointments. Parents can call the counselor’s office at 436-4452 to schedule a conference. Conferences or interruptions during class are prohibited. Appointments may be made with the principal, assistant principal, or counselor at any time during the day.

School Evacuations
In case of a fire or other emergency, the signal to evacuate the building will be sounded. There is an evacuation plan posted in each room that shows the route of evacuation for the particular room. In case of an alarm, walk to the designated area for you room.

1. Upon arrival at school in the morning you are to remain outside of all buildings until the bell rings. However, during inclement weather you may enter the gymnasium in an orderly manner and remain there until the bell rings.

3. Put waste paper/coke cans in the proper containers, not on the floor or school grounds.

4. Be patient and orderly in all lines---at the drinking fountains, the cafeteria, etc.

6. Walking students should leave the school campus immediately after the school is dismissed.

7. Students must dress out for P.E. every day. If a student does not participate in activities, they must have an excuse from home. Extended non-participation must be supported by a doctor's excuse.

8. Names must be on gym suits. The P.E. teachers will discuss name placement. Tennis shoes and socks are required.

9. Such items as fireworks, radios, tape players, boom boxes, tape recorders, cameras, and etc. should not be brought to school. On the first offense, the parents may pick the item up after school has been dismissed for the day. For any additional violation, the item will be returned to the parent by parent request only. Violations of the above regulation will subject a student to disciplinary action including detention, suspension, and in severe cases, expulsion.

The current cost of a lunch is $1.40 per day. Students pay daily as they go through the serving line. If hardship cases develop, parents should consult the school office for assistance. Free lunches and reduced lunches ($.40) must be supported by proper applications.

Breakfast will be served from 7:15-7:45 A.M. The current cost for a reduced breakfast is $.30 per day, and the cost of a regular breakfast is $.40.

If a student wishes, he/she may bring their lunch from home and must eat it in the cafeteria. If a beverage is brought, it should be in a thermos.

The counselor assists the student who has concerns regarding personal, educational, and vocational plans and decisions. She works with teachers and parents seeking the maximum development of students. Students may just walk in for appointments before school, during lunch, or after school. If there is an emergency, the classroom teacher will give permission to a student to go to the guidance office.

Medication Policy
The parent/guardian who wishes medication to be administered at school to his/her child has the following responsibilities:

1. To obtain a prescription for all medications to be administered at school, including annual renewals at the beginning of the school year.

2. To obtain a prescription for all medications to be administered at school, including medications that might ordinarily be available over-the-counter.

3. To arrange for the safe delivery of the medication to and from school (by a responsible adult), in original labeled container as dispensed by the pharmacist. The parent/guardian will need to get two containers for each prescription from the pharmacist in order that the parent, as well as the school, will have a properly labeled container.

Please note: Before you get an order for your child to receive medication at school during his/her lunch time, you will need to contact the school to find out when your child goes to lunch. This will clear up any confusion as to whether medication is to be given at lunchtime or 12:00 noon (lunch and 12:00 noon are not necessarily the same.) Please inform your child’s doctor of this time.

Louisiana law requires that birth certificate numbers appear on records and that the immunizations be up-to-date. The school should be informed of immunizations in order for health records to remain current.

Accident insurance, covering students from the time they leave home for school in the morning until they return in the afternoon, is available to all students. Twenty-four hour accident insurance is available.

Students riding buses are under the jurisdiction of the school from the time they enter the bus in the morning until they leave it in the evening. Misconduct and loud talking will not be tolerated on the buses at any time. The bus driver has jurisdiction over each student while the student occupies the bus. This being the case, students are expected to cooperate with the driver by respecting and obeying his/her orders immediately.

Students are warned not to bring large amounts of money, radios, or cameras to school and if they wear glasses or watches, to keep track of them at all times. Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property. If it is necessary to bring money for any reason, leave it in the office for safe keeping. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY IN YOUR LOCKER.

There is a telephone in the office that may be used by students in case of an emergency. This is a business telephone, and permission from the principal, assistant principal, or teacher should be received before a student uses the telephone.

All students must keep books issued to them in good condition. Lost and defaced books will be paid for by the student to whom they were issued. Textbooks are the property of the State of Louisiana.

Attendance
A student must bring a note from his/her parent or guardian after being absent for any reason. This note must be dated, signed by the parent, and must state the reason for the student’s absence. Every absence will be recorded as excused or unexcused. The note from home shall be taken to the cafeteria where a teacher will complete an admit slip.

According to Bulletin 741: Students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade must attend a minimum of 160 days of school in the school year to receive credit for the year’s work.

When a student is absent, the school will try to make inquiries at the home by telephone.

Students must be signed out in the office before leaving the campus during the school day. A parent or guardian must go by the office to call for a student. If a student returns to school the same day, a parent before going to class must sign him in.

Tardiness
Tardiness to class not only creates a handicap to the pupil, but also disturbs the entire class. Students will be expected to arrive to class on time. The following guidelines will be enforced for tardiness:

No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall use or operate any electronic telecommunication device, including any facsimile system, radio paging system, mobile telephone system, intercom, or electromechanical paging device in any elementary, middle, or secondary school building or on the grounds during the instructional day or in any school bus used to transport public school students A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited, to suspension from school.

Cell phones and all other telecommunication devices must be turned off, stowed away, out of sight and not used during the instructional day or while riding a school bus. For the purpose of this policy, the instructional day will be defined to be the time students arrive on campus in the morning till the time they are officially dismissed in the afternoon. On field trips, telecommunication devices may be possessed/used at the discretion of the Principal or his/her designee.

Guidelines for acceptable, normal, good grooming should be taught and enforced in the home by the parents as part of their responsibility in training their children for responsible citizenship.

All students are expected to be responsible in their dress and grooming by avoiding extremes and manifesting self-discipline with regards to these regulations. Cooperation of parents is expected.

Students attending Pre-K-12 schools in Calcasieu Parish shall be required to wear official school uniforms. Uniforms shall be the same for all schools, as follows:

· Uniform shirts will be white, hunter green or navy blue polo/golf style shirts (short or ling sleeves with a collar) or shirts that button down the front with a collar. No emblem, logo, decoration, or decorative trim is allowed.

· White, hunter green or navy blue, turtlenecks with no emblem, logo, decoration, or decorative trim are acceptable. Turtlenecks can be worn separately or under uniform shirt.

· T-shirts (solid white, navy blue, or hunter green) will be allowed under the uniform shirt.

· Administrators may option to have students wear the official school logo on the school’s designated shirt.

· Tan, khaki, or navy blue pants, skirts, shorts, skorts, or jumpers must be traditional uniform style and color. (No jeans, no corduroy or wind-suit materials, no sweat pants, no stretch pants or leggings, no spandex, no ankle slits, no baggy pants, no bell-bottoms, no carpenter or cargo styles, no hip-huggers, no side-knee pockets, no Capri pants.) Emblems, logos, or decorations are not allowed.

· Shorts and skorts must measure (front and back) no shorter than three inches above the knee and no longer than mid-knee. Skirts and jumpers must measure no shorter than three inches above the knee.

· Belts should be black, brown, navy blue, hunter green, or khaki with no emblem, logo or decoration and must be worn with slacks and shorts. Belts must be visible. Belts are optional for pre-k, kindergarten and first grade students.

· Socks (or stockings for girls) are required and should be hunter green, navy blue, khaki or white with no emblem, logo or decoration and must cover ankle and be visible.

· Appropriate shoes must be worn and not include clogs, thongs, or shoes without a back. Sandals are not allowed in elementary grades.

· Acceptable outerwear for classroom in limited to include sweater, sweater vest, sweatshirt, and light jacket. Colors for classroom outerwear include khaki, navy blue, hunter green and white. No emblem, logo, or decoration is allowed on classroom outerwear. The uniform shirt must be worn under outerwear.

· Heavy coats and jackets worn to and from school and/or outdoors are not restricted, but recommended to colors of navy blue, white, khaki and hunter green.

· No headwear shall be worn on campus with the exception of knit caps in extremely cold weather.

· Prohibited items include bandannas, hair rollers, extremes in hairstyles, psychedelic hair colors, lines, letters, or designs shaved in the head.

· Clothing, jewelry, and general appearance are to be such as not to constitute a health or safety hazard.

Principals may declare spirit or club days and allow students to wear school spirit shirts, or dress up days (i.e., when school pictures are scheduled) or allow students to wear other uniforms such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, cheerleaders, band, chorus, etc. Other questions about uniforms should be referred first to the school authorities, then to the central office staff.

The principal will make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress.

Mid-six weeks progress reports are sent home at the three week mark during each six-week grading period. These reports are designed to keep parents or guardians and students informed of their progress during the current six-week period. The progress report is to be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the homeroom teacher as soon as possible. If a parent or guardian would like to schedule a conference with the teachers, he/she may call the counselor (Mrs. Fournet) at 436-4452.

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home at the completion of each six-week grading period. It is to be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the homeroom teacher as soon as possible. Grading symbols used on the report card are "A" for excellent, "B" for above average, "C" for average, "D" for below average, "U" for unsatisfactory, and "I" for incomplete. . If a parent or guardian would like to schedule a conference with the teachers, he/she may call the counselor (Mrs. Fournet) at 436-4452.

S. P. Arnett Middle School believes that homework should be an extension of classroom activities. According to the developmental level of the students, homework should consist of a reasonable number of items which should practice and refine classroom skills and concepts and should include study in addition to written assignments. Parents should encourage students to accept responsibility for their assignments.

Parents and students can also access homework via the internet by going to the following address:

With the conclusion of each school year, students are honored for their achievements in various activities. Some of these honors are the Lamp of Knowledge, Citizenship Award, Social Studies Award, Student Council Certificate, Yearbook Certificate, and Banner Roll Certificate.

In order to be promoted to the next grade, a student must pass at least five academic subjects for the year. If a student fails to accomplish this, he/she will be retained in their present grade.

2. Present a form from the office to each teacher to obtain a grade in each respective
class.

Each year the students must take five academic subjects, one exploratory subject, and physical education. The academic subjects are composed of math, science, reading, social studies, and English. There are several exploratory subjects offered.

The broad objective of discipline is to teach and help students to develop self-discipline. Although the ultimate responsibility for student conduct rests with the student and their parents, discipline is a part of the daily responsibility of school personnel. The principal holds students accountable to the provisions of Louisiana law and school board regulations.

Corporal punishment may be administered in disciplining students. Parents who do not want their children "paddled" should sign a form available in the principal’s office.

The principal may suspend from school for a definite period any student who is guilty of willful disobedience of the law. Any student, after being suspended on three occasions during the same session for committing any offenses specified by law, may on committing the fourth such offense, be recommended for expulsion from the public schools of the parish wherein he/she resides until the beginning of the next regular school session.

Students are encouraged to refrain from anything not in keeping with being young ladies and gentlemen and reminded that, according to state law, any student is subject to suspension or expulsion for any of the following reasons:

The Calcasieu Parish School Board mandates that all students shall be given due process; defined as fair and reasonable approaches to all areas of student grievance and discipline on the part of all school officials in order not to arbitrarily deny a student the benefits of the instructional process.

Fighting is disruptive to the school climate and causes students to feel physically and psychologically threatened. Studies show that the majority of students who bring weapons to school do so to defend themselves. School administrators believe students who feel safe are less likely to bring weapons to school. Guns and other weapons clearly are hazards to a safe learning environment and the possibility that they will be brought to school must be significantly reduced in order to ensure a safe school environment for our children.

Students will be instructed that they must avoid fighting and that the correct procedure is to report bullying or other hostile behavior against them to teachers or administrators. Once a physical fight takes place, the sheriff’s office/city police will be called. After a school investigation, each guilty participant in the fight will be arrested, handcuffed, and taken into custody.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board is the exclusive owner of all public school buildings and all desks and lockers within the building assigned to any student and any other area of any public school building or grounds set aside specifically for the personal use of the students. Any teacher, principal, or administrator may search any building, desk, locker, area, or grounds for weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or other materials, or objects when he/she has facts which lead him/her to a reasonable belief that the item/s sought will be found, the possession of which is a violation of such parish or School Board policy.

The teacher, principal, or administrator may search the person of a student when there is probable cause to believe that the student has in his possession any of the items mentioned above. Nothing herein shall be construed to afford a student an expectation of privacy that would not otherwise exist.

School officials who have facts that lead them reasonably to believe that items in violation of School Board policy are contained therein may also search any automobile parked on School Board property by a student at any time.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall authorize the superintendent or designated official to immediately suspend, and recommend for expulsion any student found in possession of a dangerous weapon. A dangerous weapon may be defined as a knife, club, gun, chain, or any other object deemed dangerous on the school grounds, on school buses, and/or at any school-sponsored event, during or after school hours. When the student is found in possession of a weapon, the superintendent shall be immediately notified and the principal shall take appropriate disciplinary action.

If a student 16 years of age or older, is found guilty of intentional distribution or possession with intent to distribute any illegal drug or substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school sponsored event, the student shall be expelled for a minimum of twenty-four (24) calendar months.

If a student under 16 years of age, but in grades 6-12, is found guilty of intentional distribution or possession with intent to distribute any illegal drug or substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school sponsored event, the student shall be expelled for a minimum of twelve (12) calendar months.

Calcasieu Parish School Board has a policy prohibiting sexual harassment of any kind. You may contact Ross Young with Calcasieu Parish Schools after the school has been notified.

When you are traveling on a school-sponsored function, remember that the reputation of your school and community rests on you. Conduct yourself at all times in such a manner that no criticism will be brought on you, your school, or your community by your actions. Students are held responsible for their conduct while in attendance at any school function, be it athletic, literary, or social. A student, who is on the school grounds in attendance at any school function at any place, day or night, is subject to all regulations of the school and will be governed accordingly.

The athletic program is designed to give students the opportunity to prepare and compete in events under proper guidance and regulations. Students are encouraged to participate by joining or supporting the teams fitted to their ability or interest. Sports available at S. P. Arnett Middle School are football, basketball, and track

There is a complete instrumental program for band members. Other activities include playing for various assemblies and the presentation of a spring concert. Band is offered as one of the exploratory classes.

The Beta Club is an honorary club whose members rank very high academically. It is a service organization that encourages effort and promotes those qualities of character that make for good citizenship.

To be eligible for membership, a student must have a 3.5 grade point average at the end of the third six-week period in the sixth grade and have no grade lower than a "B". Upon becoming a member, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and have no grade lower than a “B”. Members who receive a grade of “C” or lower will be placed on academic promotion or dismissed from the club.

The History Club was established in 1980 for students who enjoy social studies. The members are chosen by their grades, dependability, determination, and most importantly, attitude. In the past, the club has toured battlefields, Indian reservations, and courthouses. The History Club motto is "History is about life and you are part of it!"

The Science Club is a club for eighth grade students who show special interest in science. The members are chosen by their admission essay, science grades, and attitude. In the past, the club has participated in community activities and assemblies with guest speakers from science-related careers.

The Student Council is primarily a service organization dedicated to serving the school and the community. The standards of the organization are high. The student leaders are charged with the development of pride in the school, pride in the community, and dedication to service. The council consists of members, voting members, and officers. All members must maintain a 2.0 grade point average with no grade of D or U. Members are elected in January of each year with the 6 students receiving the most votes being elected the voting members for each grade.

Cheerleader selections at S. P. Arnett are held in the spring of each year. Girls must have a 1.5 overall average throughout the year and maintain exceptional behavior and attitude in the classroom and at other school functions.

School Calendar	Visiting Parents	School Buses	Progress Reports	Suspensions & Expulsions
Message from the Principal	School Evacuations	Student Valuables	Report Cards	Due Process
Mission & Belief Statements	General Regulations	Telephone Use	Homework	Violence Prevention Program
School Goals	Cafeteria	Textbooks	Special Awards	Search & Seizure
School Hours	Guidance Counselor	Attendance	Promotion Policy	Dangerous Weapons
Changing Classes	Medication Policy	Tardiness	Transfers	Drugs
Illness	Health Records	Dress Code	Curriculum	Sexual Harassment
Visitors	Insurance	Grading Scale	Discipline	School Organizations & Activities