Student Handbook

2010-11

Grand Haven Christian Middle School

1102 Grant Street

Grand Haven, Michigan   49417

Telephone:  (616) 842-5420

Mr. Rick Geertsma

Principal

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”

Ecclesiastes 12:1a

Grand Haven Christian Middle School is a special place.  It is dedicated to the glory of God and the education of His children.  As administration and staff of GHCMS, we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the best education possible.  Education is a “two-way street” therefore, you as a student must give your best effort with a Christ-like attitude.  Our Mission is to provide a quality education in an academic environment where God is the center of the learning experience and children are prepared for a life of faithful service to God and community.

OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

þ     We recognize the VALUE and GIFTS of each INDIVIDUAL child of God.

þ     Our school ENVIRONMENT reflects an understanding of ADOLESCENT development, taking into account the SPECIAL NEEDS of children at this stage of life.

þ     The staff’s TEACHING METHODS include cooperative learning, hands-on techniques, research, enrichment opportunities, interdisciplinary studies, as well as many others.

þ     We develop/enhance STUDY SKILLS and ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS while encouraging each student to become more RESPONSIBLE and ACCOUNTABLE for his or her actions.

þ     Our SCHEDULE allows for FLEXIBILITY.

þ     We provide varied OPPORTUNITIES for individual participation as well as team work type challenges.

þ     SUCCESSES and ACCOMPLISHMENTS of students  are celebrated.

þ     The STAFF works as a TEAM to meet the needs each student.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

TO BE SCHEDULED and ANNOUNCED

Band/Choir Concerts                                   Spirit Days

Geography Bee                                            Chapel Services

Enrichment Classes                                      Celebration Assemblies

Festival of Learning                                      Inter Scholastic Sporting Events

Project Alert (7^th Grade)                               Bible Bowl

Middle School Play                                      Team Challenges

Spelling Bee                                                 Science Olympiad

CALENDAR of EVENTS

(Some dates may change)

SEPTEMBER 7                      School Begins

9 & 10             Middle School Camp at GYC

OCTOBER 22 & 23           CEA Convention (no school)

NOVEMBER 6                      End of First Quarter

16                    Report Cards

18 & 19           Parent/Teacher Conferences

25 & 26           Thanksgiving Recess (no school)

DECEMBER 23 Christmas Recess Begins

JANUARY 3                      School Resumes

25-27               Eighth Grade Exams

27                    End of the Quarter (half day of school)

FEBRUARY 2                      Report Cards go home

9 & 10             Parent Teacher Conferences

11                    WMCTA In-service (no school)

MARCH 31                   End of the Quarter

31                                      Lip Sync

32

APRIL 1-8                  Spring Recess (no school)

11                   School Resumes

MAY 30                   Memorial Day (no school)

JUNE 6-9                  Exams

9 Graduation

10                   Last day of school (K-7^th)

LOCKERS

Each student will have the use of a locker (typically located near his or her homeroom).  Magnets or poster putty are to be used to post items inside the locker.  Tape or glue is not to be used. Nothing is to be taped, glued, or “stickered” on the outside of  the lockers. Textbooks are to be kept in an upright position on the locker’s second self. Lockers will be inspected by staff and “cleaned” by students on a regular basis.  Please do NOT store food, pop, pop cans/bottles, trash, or dirty laundry in your locker. You are not allowed to “go into” or otherwise disturb another student’s locker without his or her permission.

Locker locks (combination type) are available for a $5.00 rental fee.  The lock may be used during the entire middle school experience.  Upon return of the lock, $3.00 will be refunded.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DRESS CODE

Because we want our students to conform to the Christian principles of modesty  and appropriateness in dress as in other areas of life, the school board has adopted the following dress code for school and school related/sponsored activities:

Ø      Students are expected to wear clothing that is neat, clean and in “good taste.”

Ø      Clothing and accessories that are distracting or inappropriate are not allowed.

Ø      Clothing which advertises tobacco products, alcoholic products, gambling, secular musical groups or has offensive slogans/pictures are not to be worn at school.

Ø      Appropriate shorts may be worn until the CEA Convention date and after Spring Break

Ø      Shorts shall be “finger-tip” length or longer to be deemed appropriate school wear

Ø      Midriffs shall remain covered at all times (while standing, bending, or reaching)

Ø      Undergarments shall remain covered (for example “sagging” of pants is not allowed)

Ø      Hats are not to be worn in the school building.

Ø      Skirts will be at least “knee length”

Ø      Please wear sandals or shoes while in the building and on the play ground.

Ø      If you have a question about a particular item of clothing, please check with your                  teacher prior to wearing it to school.

ATTENDANCE and ABSENCE PROCEDURES

Regular attendance is a Key to Success!  Being tardy (not in your seat at the start of class) disrupts the whole class, therefore you will be required to stay for ten minutes after school for your first tardy, twenty minutes for your second tardy, and thirty minutes for your third tardy.  Tardies are to be made up within two school days of occurrence.  Following your third unexcused tardy, a letter will be sent to your home informing your parents of your tardies.  More than three tardies will be dealt with accordingly.  You must have a signed note from your teacher or parent to excuse a “tardy.”

Parents are asked to call the school office by 9:00 AM on the days you are absent.

If you leave school during the school day or arrive after the first tardy bell, you must sign in or out at the school office.   If you need to leave the school building for any reason during the school day, you must bring a signed note from your parent or guardian specifying the time you will be absent from school.  The note is to be given to the school secretary prior to signing out.

It is wise to get assignments in advance of planned absences since all your work must be made up within an equal amount of time as your absence.

REPORT CARDS, MID TERM REPORTS,

ZERO REPORTS & HONOR ROLLS

«     There are four marking periods in the school year

«     Students start with “a clean slate” each marking period.

«     Grades are based on accumulated points

«     Assignments not turned in become “zeros” when the cumulative grade is averaged

«     Report cards will be distributed after each marking period

«     Most Monday and Thursday Mornings, students will receive a report indicating “zeros”/ missing work.

«     Students will be required to stay in during breaks in order to make up their work.

«     It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to get zeros marked off in the Zero Book.

«     Students who have zeros to make up and fail to report to the Zero Room, will receive a ninth hour and a discipline slip.

«     Students who receive an A or A- in every subject in any given marking period will be identified as Gold Honor Roll students.

«     Students who receive a B- (or better) in every subject in any given marking period will be identified as Silver Honor Roll students.

«     Students who have one or more incompletes will NOT be eligible for either honor roll.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS

Students in grades 7 and 8 may participate in interscholastic sports.  Our school does offer some interscholastic programs for students in grade six.

Coaches may require team members to remain on school grounds between dismissal from school and a practice session/home game.   Coaches who do allow students to make “candy runs” will require team members to have written parental permission to leave school grounds.

Participation is a privilege granted to students who comply with the following guidelines:

¥     Student demonstrates acceptable academic performance

¥     Student demonstrates acceptable social behavior.

¥     Student  participates in practices and attends games

¥     Student demonstrates acceptable attitude while at school

A student is considered ineligible when two or more teachers agree that the above guidelines are not being met.

Eligibility will be checked EVERY TWO WEEKS throughout each sport’s season.

Ineligibility means that the team member may not participate in official games or events for a minimum of one week.  However, the accumulation of discipline points may keep a player ineligible for a longer period of time.  Team members are required to attend practices and games while ineligible.

An Ineligible team member will receive a NOTICE OF INELIGIBILITY sheet that is to be initialed by EACH teacher at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week.  The student’s parent/guardian is also expected to sign the sheet as an indication of eligibility.

BEHAVIORS that are EXPECTED of EVERY STUDENT

J     Come to class PREPARED with writing materials, text books, assignment book, and any other materials that will be needed for that class.

J     Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.

J     Participate in class discussions, ask questions when you don’t understand something, and contribute to the class with a positive attitude.

J     Be respectful and courteous to staff members, school visitors and your fellow students.

J     Avoid interrupting conversations already in progress (Be patient, wait your turn!)

J     Greet others in a friendly manner.

J     Watch how you talk to and about the adults in and around the building

J     Freely use terms like: “Thank you”  “Please”  “Excuse Me”

J     Show respect for the school’s and other people’s property

J     Treat each individual as an Image Bearer of God

J     At every school event (game, program, chapel, etc.) you are expected to behave in a respectful, cooperative and courteous manner.

J     Refrain from using crude, rude, vulgar, or obscene talk, actions or gestures

J     Bullying (see school’s definition) is NOT allowed.  Incidents of bullying will be reported, documented, and dealt with.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE CODE

It is important that parents, staff and students work together to maintain a Christian educational environment.  In order to achieve such a positive learning atmosphere and develop responsible students, the following discipline system has been adopted by the staff and school board.  The following acts are EXAMPLES of infractions for which points may be assigned.  This list is NOT meant to be considered ALL INCLUSIVE.

Points Example of Offense

9       Sale, use, distribution of drugs or alcohol on school property or at school functions

6       Deliberately burning or attempting to burn the building or any property of the school

6       Setting off a fire alarm when there is no fire

3       Use, possession or distribution of smoking materials

2-3     Fighting on school property, going to or from school and/or at school sponsored events

1-3     Malicious destruction of school or personal property

1-3     Inappropriate behavior at any school ASSEMBLY (Celebration, Chapel, etc.)

1-3     Dishonestly taking the property of others

1-3     Obscene or profane language, demeaning or verbally abusive language or lewd behavior

1-3     Threatening to use force or violence against students or school personnel on the premises,

going to or from school, or while at school sponsored activities

1-3     Unauthorized absence from class or school for any period of time

1-3     Misuse of permits or passes: Using writing or displaying in writing the name of another

person or falsifying times, dates, grades, addresses, etc. on any school records

1-3     Insubordination/Direct Disobedience, Failure to obey or comply with a reasonable request

by school personnel.  If this occurs in a class with a substitute teacher, an automatic two

points will be assessed for the infraction.

Weapons Policy: For the complete policy regarding the possession or use of weapons in school or on school property, please consult the school directory or board policy handbook.

Communication:  Parents are informed of discipline concerns and incidents through a Discipline Report Form, phone call, conference, and/or letter from the administration.  When a Discipline Report Form is used, parents are asked to sign it and have the form returned to school within two school days. Students will have two school days following their infraction to take their ninth hour, ten minutes, tardy, hallway violation, etc.

FIRST Discipline Level  1 to 3 Points

Parents are informed through a Discipline Report Form and/or a letter from the principal.  School oriented discipline will follow.

SECOND Discipline Level  4 to 6 Points

The student may be isolated in school or suspended from school depending on the circumstances.  A parent conference will be required.  Discipline will be discussed by parents, principal and homeroom teacher.

THIRD Discipline Level 7 to 9 Points

Suspension from school and all school related activities.  The length and place of suspension shall be decided by the administrator.  Parents, principal, teachers and the student will meet to discuss the situation.  The Education Committee of the School Board will be informed of the situation.

FOURTH Discipline Level    10 or more Points

Suspension or expulsion from school as recommended by the administrator, teachers, and Education Committee of the Board.  Final determination regarding expulsion from school will be made by the School Board.  If it is in the school board’s and student’s best interest to continue enrollment, the student’s point total shall remain at seven for the balance of the school year.

SPECIAL NOTE: The school reserves the right to suspend a student if a situation arises where suspension is deemed to be appropriate.  The administrator will consult with the staff involved to make this determination.  Parents will be informed by the administrator of the decision to suspend a student as well as the reasons for the suspension.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR GUIDELINES

Students will go OUTSIDE before school, at break and at noon hour during the months of AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, APRIL, MAY and JUNE unless the weather is determined inclement by the teacher on duty.  Students are to be outside by 7:50 AM.  Students arriving after this time will place their “bags” by the East door or next to their locker as they exit the building through the hallway.

A bell will sound five minutes into break and twenty minutes into noon hour to indicate that students are to be OUTSIDE.  Students remaining in the hallway, classrooms, bathrooms or other areas inside the building (without specific permission) AFTER the bell will receive a hallway violation.  The schedule will include the times for these bells.

Students may have the OPTION to remain INSIDE before school, at break, and noon hour during the months of NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY, and MARCH if the staff deems the weather unfavorable and student behavior remains acceptable.  Rooms will be open for playing games, engaging in conversation, and making up zeros during these months.  During these “inside months,“ we do have an “OUTDOOR CLUB” for students who choose to run in the class rooms, throw objects, or otherwise disobey the “inside rules” during breaks and before school.  Students assigned to the Outdoor Club will spend their time before school and during breaks outside for one week starting the day of the infraction.  Arrangements MAY be made for gym use.  Students are permitted to be in the gym ONLY under the supervision of a faculty member. 

AFTER SCHOOL GUIDELINES

Students are expected to leave the school building and school property once school has been dismissed.   Due to the safety risks, we forbid students to skateboard, use scooters, or otherwise “play” around the outside of the school and the fenced in area.  Any type of “play”, whether it be with sports equipment or “horsing around” should be done on the PLAY GROUND not near school entrances, bus loading areas, or the streets surrounding the school.

Students who are involved in an after school related activity are expected to be in only  the appropriate areas of the school.  Students are also expected to make arrangements to be picked up ON TIME following practices, games, events, etc.

SERVICE HOURS

The staff of Grand Haven Christian Middle School believes it is important for our students to give of themselves as active members of the Kingdom of God.  Each student is encouraged to give twelve hours of his/her time in a charitable way over the course of the school year.  Each student will have a variety of opportunities while at school to help others.  However, in order to attain the 12 hour goal, most likely each student will have to find ways at home, church, or other areas outside of school to give of his or her time.  Forms will be available in your home room to document your service hours.  Summer service hours are not included in this school year’s service program.  Students who give twenty (20) or more hours of their time to kingdom work will receive a special “citizenship pin.”

GRADING SCALE USED IN OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL

PERCENT                   GRADE

101+                       A+

97-100                     A

94-96                       A-

91-93                       B+

87-90                       B

84-86                       B-

81-83                       C+

77-80                       C

74-76                       C-

71-73                       D+

67-70                       D

64-66                       D-

0-63                        E

HOMEWORK, TELEPHONE USE,

TESTS, QUIZZES, ASSIGNMENTS, ETC.

Ä     A reasonable expectation for daily homework is approximately ten minutes times the grade level (i.e. a 6th grader would have 60 minutes of homework on the average)

Ä     Late assignments will be graded accordingly (usually less than full credit) once it is turned in

Ä     Students can expect one to three tests per marking period in each subject area

Ä     Two days prior notice will be given before most test dates

Ä     Quizzes may or may not be announced

Ä     Teachers share test schedules to make sure there will be no more than two tests per grade level on any given day.

Ä     Test/Quiz/Project Due Dates are reviewed with students during home room time

Ä     You will receive an assignment book at the beginning of the year

Ä     You are strongly urged to keep your assignment book up to date

Ä     If you ride a bike to school, it must be kept (and preferably locked) in the bicycle racks during school hours.  Skate boards are not to be used during school hours.

Ä     Radios, walkmans, electronic games, MP3 players, IPods, and CD players are NOT to be used on school grounds during school hours.

Ä     Students are not allowed to use (without staff permission) or carry (openly or in pockets, etc.) CELL PHONES during school hours.

Ä     You may use the OFFICE PHONE for illnesses and emergencies

Ä     The bathrooms are not to used for the storage of personal belongings or clothing

Ä     Do NOT “pick on,” “tease,” or otherwise make life miserable for a fellow student.  It will not be tolerated!

One final word,

Please clean up after yourself.

If you _{drop it}, ^{pick it} up.

If you spill it, wipe it up.

If you m_ov^e it, put it back.

If it falls out of your locker, take care of it.

“And whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17)