Williamson Middle School Student Guidelines
Accidents
All accidents should be reported to the Health Office.
Administrative
Detentions assigned by the classroom teacher or support staff member will not be counted toward step. This
And Class
detention should be served with the assigning teacher or staff member. Detentions assigned by the principal will
be called administrative detention and will count toward step. This detention will be served in the detention room.
Detentions
It is to the student's advantage for the student to serve the detention assigned by the teacher or staff member with
that teacher or staff member. Our goal is to get the student to go the classroom teacher and learn the material: If
a student fails to serve teacher detention, the teacher or staff member may recommend to the principal that
administrative detention be assigned. They will be assigned two detentions for every detention not served. These
administrative detentions will count toward step. Students who have a conflict serving detention should go to the
teacher, staff member, or to the principal's secretaries and respectfully request that it be postponed to another
date. We will judge each request to postpone a detention on its individual merit.
Attendance
If a student has been absent parents are expected to send a written note with the student the day the student
returns. The student should present the note to the nurse in the health office and pick up his or her attendance
card and return it to their homeroom teacher. Students who fail to bring the necessary note to school, after a
period of one week, will have the absence remain as an illegal absence.
Behavior And
It is expected that students will conduct themselves in a responsible manner, respecting the rights, privileges and
Student
property of others. Students are expected to obey ANY teacher, supervisor or other staff member at
ANYTIME!
It
is extremely important that students recognize the authority of teachers, study supervisors, bus drivers and other
Conduct
staff members. Willfully refusing to obey any staff member may result in the student being placed into the disci
plinary Step System.
Beverage
Students are reminded that for safety reasons no glass containers or resealable containers are allowed in school.
Containers
If students bring soda to school they must bring it in a nonresealable aluminum can.
Bicycles
Bicycle racks are provided for students who wish to ride to and from the Middle School. It is strongly recom
mended that students use these racks and lock their bicycles.
For safety, it is extremely important that students riding bicycles conduct themselves courteously and follow traffic
rules.
Students who violate safety rules when riding bicycles will be given a warning. On the second report of a violation
the student's bicycle riding privilege will be suspended.
Students should also be aware of, and follow, the Board of Education rule against snowmobiles, minibikes, dirt
bikes, ATV'S, ATC'S, and motorcycles. These vehicles should not be ridden or brought to school.
Just a reminder, it is New York State law that children wear bike helmets to reduce the risk of head injury. Student
riders on school property are expected to wear their helmets.
Bus Passes
When students are planning to go anywhere after school that is not their regular routine, a note from the parent
should be brought to the office for the protection of the student. "Note: Students who ride the late bus will not
necessarily be dropped off at the door of the home they are going to. They may need to walk a short ways to their
destination. This is due to the fact that the number of buses used on a late bus run are not the same as a regular
bus run.
Cafeteria
Students are expected to: Stay in their area of the cafeteria. Use appropriate table manners. Cooperate with
Rules
adults. Leave their area clean. Walk in the cafeteria.
Classroom
Rules
Detention
Rules:
Administrative
Discipline
Incidents
1. Be on time and be prepared. 2. When you hear or see
the signal, listen. 3. Do not chew gum or eat snacks. 4. To
answer, raise your hand. 5. Be considerate. 6. Stay in your
seat until the passing bell rings.
a. Disruptive classroom behavior
b. Disorderly or inappropriate behavior in halls, lunchroom, gym
c. Chronic lateness to class, homeroom, school*
d. Failure to attend class*
e. Disrespect to, or insubordination towards, staff members
f. Misbehavior anywhere on all school grounds and buses
g. Other incidents as determined by the principal and/or the assistant principal
*behaviors will not lead to out of school suspension.
Type II Incidents:
These are very serious behaviors that will result in a three to five day outofschool suspension plus movement along the
Steps in accordance with Board of Education Policy #7470.
a. Smoking
b. Use of, or possession of, drugs or alcohol
c. Violation against public health or safety
d. Use of obscene language, or gestures, to staff members
e. verbally or physically harassing or abusive behaviors
f. Violation against property
g. Fighting/assault
h. Possession of a weapon
i. Stealing or extortion
j. Refusal to comply with administrative procedure
k. Other incidents as determined by the principal and/or the assistant principal
Students are expected to be aware of special rules in individual classrooms. However, there are rules common to all
classrooms.
1. Detention starts at 2:16 PM promptly and ends at 2:55 PM. 2. Detention is a consequence for inappropriate
behavior. Talking and pass privileges are not allowed. 3. Students must bring enough work to do to last the entire
detention period. If all work is completed you must bring a book to read. 4. If the student comes to detention
unprepared, the detention monitor shall assign work. 5. Food, gum, candy, and beverages are not allowed. 6. Any
material or objects not considered appropriate for school work shall be confiscated and turned into the principal. 7.
Failure to follow the rules will result in further disciplinary action including movement along the step system.
Type I Incidents:
Examples of unacceptable behavior:
Discipline
Nothing in this handbook is designed to interfere with the rights of students with disabilities under either Sec. 504
(Students
With
of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Part 200 of the NYS Commissioner of Education's
Disabilities)
Regulations.
Emergency
We are required by law to have a minimum number of various drills throughout the year. These drills are treated
Drills
as a serious matter so that students and teachers will be ready in case of a real emergency. During these drills it
is necessary for students to carefully follow the directions of adult supervisors.
Fees For
Books And
Workbooks
Guided Study
Halls
Graded
Study Hall
Policy
Gum And
Candy In
School
Homework:
Recom
mendations
For Parents And Students
1. Students should have a place set aside at home to work on homework. 2. In the area where homework is being done: there
should be a dictionary, there should be pen, pencil and paper; and you should consider the learning styles of your child when
establishing a homework environment. 3. We strongly recommend that parents monitor the types of television programs
students watch, the video games they play, the music they listen to, and the material they are exposed to over the internet.
The ratings placed on most of these materials can help parents determine the appropriateness of them.
4. Each teacher has their own homework policy. Students and parents should have a copy of this and the
The Board of Education has adopted a policy which provides free textbooks for all students in the school system. Workbooks
are provided to students through grade six. Workbooks and newspapers for students in grade seven and above must be paid
for by the student. It is important to note that since textbooks are provided without charge, students must take good care of
these materials. Students who lose or damage books or are negligent will be required to pay for the cost of a replacement or
for rebinding. This is at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
The purpose of school is teaching and learning, and study halls are an important part of that goal. Students will bring
necessary materials to study hall to:
a. work on homework assignments
b. concentrate on subject areas needing remediation
c. seek the help of the study hall teacher whose primary role is to guide the student in the learning process
The following universal rules apply to study halls at the Williamson Middle School:
1. Be on time and in assigned seats when the bell rings. 2. Sit quietly in the assigned seat. Talk only when you have
permission of the study hall supervisor. 3. If you are late you must have a pass. 4. Be prepared to work. You are expected to
bring sufficient work for the period. 5. No food, gum, candy or beverages are allowed. 6. Materials or objects considered not
appropriate as school work will be confiscated and turned into the building principal. 7. Students will not be excused to
another student without a presigned pass. 8. No more than one five minute pass per person will be approved in a study hall
period. 9. These passes are for the purpose of using the lavatory or locker. 10. With the exception of a presigned pass to
another teacher, you must return to your study hall before going to your next period. 11. No more than five library passes will
be given by a study hall teacher. 12. Students having a pass presigned by a staff member to do necessary work in the library
(research, term papers, etc.) will be given priority.
Purpose: The purpose of study hall is to provide students with an opportunity to work on homework, do research, or read for
their personal enjoyment. It is our philosophy that all students can benefit from this structured time if they use it wisely. Our
feeling concerning study halls is that they are important enough to become a pass/fail course. Therefore, we have amended
our policy accordingly. The specific criteria for passing study halls will be given to you by the study hall teacher.
Sometimes rules begin to sound a little frivolous, we have found however, that there are always a few irresponsible students
who spoil a privilege for everyone. Gum and candy are an example of this. Because we have had to remove gum and candy
from the rugs and floors and other student's clothing, it has become necessary to revoke this privilege. Candy is permitted,
but only as part of a student's lunch and should be consumed in the cafeteria.
Home study is a necessary part of each pupil's educational program. Each student must be expected to spend some time in
addition to scheduled class instruction to achieve satisfactory work. Some assignments are long range in nature and require
planned study time for their completion. Planned study eliminates the necessity of spending too much time in completing
an assignment the day before it is due.
SOME TIPS FOR HOMEWORK:
assignment notebook or assignment sheets for the study area.
Internet Use
The internet is a powerful tool for learning and, used appropriately, can speed research and enable students to
secure information they previously couldn't. However, it can also be used inappropriately. Consult the handbook
mailed to your parents for the complete Board of Education policy that applies to students and staff.
Leaving The
We are concerned with the safety of all students. For this reason we need to be aware when students will be
School
leaving the building during the day. We appreciate your continued cooperation in this area.
Building
During
School Hours
1. All permission to leave the Middle School building must be authorized by the school nurse or principal.
2. Students who leave the building must sign out in the health office. When they return to school they must
sign back in at the health office.
3. Medical appointments should be made, if possible, after school hours.
Library
The library is an important part of our program since there is a wealth of knowledge and many books, magazines,
Rules
etc. to enjoy. To get permission to visit the library, merely ask your teacher for a pass, or sign out of study hall.
Because many students need to use the library, there are some special rules which apply there.
1. The library is not a study hall. It should be used by students when there is a need to do resear
ch,
or when they wish to use the materials in the library.
2. Students are expected to be quiet in the library so that others may do the work they need to do.
3. Rules for borrowing books from the library:
a. All students in the school are entitled to use the library and to borrow books.
b. Reference books such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, are to be used only in the library.
c. Reserved books may be borrowed for one period, or at the close of schoo
l, and must be returned
before the first class the following day.
d. All other books may be retained for two weeks. Fines are assessed for overdue books.
e. Damage to books beyond reasonable wear, and all losses must be paid for at the replacement
value of the book.
f. Books should not be taken from the library unless they have been checked out.
Lockers
Students in the Middle School will be assigned gym lockers and combination locks by their physical education
teacher. Coat lockers and combinat
ion locks for six, seventh and eighth grade students will be assigned by
homeroom teachers during the first two weeks of school. Combination locks must be turned in at the end of the
school year. Students will be required to pay for a replacement lock if
it is not turned in.
It is the student's responsibility to keep the locker neat and secure at all times. Students should not give their
combinations to other students for any reason! The school is not responsible for items lost from student lockers.
It
ems of value should not be brought to school and left in lockers. Students who wish to change locker combina
tions will be charged a fee of $ 1.00 each time this is done!
Lost And
Items found in school should be brought to the RWR room. Each year we have a large quantity of clothing and
Found
personal items turned in that cannot be returned because the owner's name does not appear on the item. We
strongly recommend that all personal items be clearly marked so they can be reclaimed when lost. The
William
son Central School District is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. We will, however, make a
sincere attempt to help students recover property.
Pass System
In order to allow students to go from one place to another without being accompanied by their teachers the pass
system was developed. Students in good standing may sign out to various places and receive permission in the
form of a written pass from their teacher. If students abuse school rules the privilege to use the pass system may
be suspended by any teacher or supervisor. Any student in the halls at any time other than normal passing of
classes must have a pass signed by their teacher.
Radios
No individually owned radios, record players, cassette tape recorders or disc players are permitted during school
hours. The school is not responsible for any of these items of personal property.
Restricted
The Restricted Work Room (RWR) is designed to provide a positive structure by which the student can correct
Work Room
behavior and improve learning. It is meant to be a place for the student who demonstrates an inability to properly
remain in class and is an alternative for sending a student to the office. RWR provides a more effective way of
having the student focus on misbehavior and ways of correcting it. This will require the student to deal with the
problem, find a solution, and become a more responsible school citizen.
Sequence of Procedures:
1. The student continues to act inappropriately in class.
2. The sending staff member tells the student to report to RWR.
3. The staff member calls RWR and notifies the supervisor that the student is coming up for the remainder of
the period.
4. Upon arrival the supervisor hands the student the Student Disciplinary Form to complete.
5. After the student completes the form and signs it, the supervisor will review it with the student.
6. The supervisor places the form in the sending staff member's mailbox.
7. At the end of the day (or at a time scheduled with that staff member) the student is to report back to the
sending staff member where the incident will be discussed and the student will make up any
missed work from that class. If no agreement is reached between the student and staff member
regarding the RWR contract, the matter may be referred for administrative detention or step. If the
student does not report back to the sending staff member or make appropriate arrangements with the
staff member, the matter will be referred by the staff member for administrative detention.
8. Another change in our RWR policy is that a copy of the student contract will be sent home to parents for
their signature and returned to the school.
School Dress
We have no formal dress code and prefer not to. A student's appearance is a reflection of how he or she feels
about themselves. Students are requested to dress neatly, be clean, and to show good taste in their appearance.
State law provides that: "School authorities have the power to discipline a student who appears in clothing that
creates a disruption in the orderly management and smooth operation of the school." Therefore, clothing articles
that are sexually suggestive, promote drugs, tobacco, or alcohol use are prohibited. A student may not wear
headgear in the classroom during instruction, except for students of the Jewish faith, who are permitted to wear
the yarmulke in the classroom.
Smoking
All persons are prohibited from smoking on school grounds at all times. School policy provides an immediate
suspension for students caught smoking in the building or on school owned property. The Middle School, as well
as all other district facilities, is, by board policy, a smoke free zone. No staff member, student, parent, or guest
may smoke in any district building, or on school grounds. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Sports Study
1. Sports study hall is for students staying after school for a sports program.
Hall Policy
2. Students may NOT go downtown instead of going to sports study hall.
3. When students are released from sports study hall, they will go directly to the gym lockers to get ready for
practice or their game.
4 Once students are released from the sports study hall and report to the locker area, they come under the
direct supervision of the coach involved in the sport.
5. If there is to be a gap from sports study hall (ending at 2:55) until a game or practice, during which the
coach is not available to supervise, students will be told, at least one day in advance, (the exception
would be an emergency) to go home and then report back for the game or practice.
6. Coaches will remain with their players until all players have left the building and the doors are locked.
Step System
The following rules apply to the Step System at the Williamson Middle School:
Regulations
1. The student will be placed on step, or moved up step, by the principal or assistant principal at their
discretion when the student has: received administrative detentions, had bus reports, been recom
mended by staff based on RWR incidents or classroom detention, or any type II disciplinary incident.
2. Once a student is on step and the parents have been notified any single violation may move them up to the
next step.
3. Parents will be notified either in person, by phone or by mail each time the student moves up a step.
4. At step 4, the PPS office will be alerted for consideration of the students placement on the agenda for a
PPS meeting.
5. Students who are on step and keep a clean record for thirty days will be moved down a step in the system
and parents will be notified in writing of this accomplishment.
6. The middle school step system contains 10 steps.
Step System
The following ten steps are used at the middle school:
Step 1: 1 detention Step 2: 2 detentions Step 3: 1 day of in
school suspension Step 4: 2 days of in
school suspension
Step 5: 3 days of in
school suspension Step 6: 1 day of out
of
sc
hool suspension Step 7: 2 days of out
of
school
suspension Step 8: 3 days of out
of
school suspension Step 9: 4 days of out
of
school suspension Step 10: 5 days of
out
of
school suspension Referral to the superintendent of schools for a disciplinary hearin
g which may result in long
term suspension from school.
Student
1. Students have the right to pursue an education in an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning, and to
Rights
achieve all that they are capable of achieving.
2. Students have the
right to enroll in a particular course of study which best meets their needs.
3. Students have the right to be respected on the merits of their attributes as individuals.
4. Students have the right to procedural due process guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the
New York State Education Law prior to disciplinary action taken against them.
5. Students have the right to freedom of speech and expression which d
o not interfere with the education
process or infringe upon the rights of others.
6. Students have the right to freedom from discrimination relative to participation in curriculum offerings, athletics
and extra curricular activities.
Student
1. Students will conduct themselves with respect toward self, fellow students and teachers.
Responsibilities
2. Students will attempt to maintain as high a scholastic average as possible.
3. Students will follow the directions of the staff and administration at all
times.
4. Students will fulfill all classroom obligations to teachers.
5. Students will show respect for school property and for the property of others.
6. Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times in all school activities.
7. Students
will dress in a clean, presentable manner.
Study Habits
Study habits developed now can have great value in the future as your studies become more comprehensive.
Good study habits can mean the difference in passing a difficult course or not. For more infor
mation on study
skills consult the unabridged handbook that was sent to your parents.
Student
At school it is important to have this assignment notebook with you at all times. This eliminates the possibility of
forgetting numerous assignments. Plan durin
g which study period you will do which assignment, and do it. Ask
Assignment
for help from the teacher if you don't understand something. If your assignment requires research in the library or
Book
media center get the appropriate passes before you go to the study center. If you have free time, review the
assignment and try to anticipate what the teacher will be covering next. Again when you finish, review the
assignment. Make sure you did the right page.
Suspension
New York State Education Law # 3214 and Williamson School Board Policy #7470 authorize the principal of the
From School
school to suspend students out of school for a period up to five days. This punishment is used rarely and is done
so for either serious offenses (Type II) or for repeated mov
ement up the step discipline system. Suspension is
necessary when a student's actions become either so disruptive to the learning process or dangerous to the other
students' and teachers' safety that it is more desirable to have the offending student out
of the school setting than
it is to have him/her remain in it. During a suspension from school, the guidance office will assist parents by
collecting work for the child to do while suspended. Parents may pick up this work at the guidance office. When a
student has been suspended from school, the principal will conference with the student and parent before the child
is allowed to return to school classes. If the parent does not opt to attend, the principal will conference with the
student alone on his/
her first day back from suspension. (On returning to school, after reporting to his/her
homeroom teacher, the student will go directly to the principal's office. If the principal is unavailable, the principal's
designee will conference with the student.)
Tardiness
Students are to report to homeroom as soon as they arrive but not before 7:35 a.m. each school day. After the
7:45 bell, students are tardy and will be required to get a tardy pass on their own time. Students tardy to class
should bring a tardy pass from the teacher who detained them. Otherwise, report directly to class and get a tardy
pass on their own time (lunch time or at the end of the day).
Telephone
Student use of the business telephone in the main office is strongly discouraged. Because this is a business
telephone, the school district is charged for all out going calls, even local calls! A pay telephone is maintained in
the lobby for student use. Students can make a collect telephone call using this pay telephone
and instructions for
doing this are posted by the telephone. If you do not have money available, please ask us to use the office phone
in the case of an emergency.
Use Of The
Our school auditorium is generally scheduled with lessons or study centers throughout the school day. Commu
nity members desiring to use the auditorium should complete a building use form available in the main office.
Generally, however, the auditorium is not available for use by groups during the school day.
School
Auditorium
School assemblies are scheduled periodically throughout the school year. Students are requested to be orderly
and courteous at all times when in the auditorium. Whistling or shouting will not be permitted. The auditorium is
not to be used by students
unless a teacher is present.
Visitors
Parents are invited to visit the school at any time. During school hours, entry to the building is through the two
front doors of the building or through handicapped entrances. This is to ensure the safety of our s
taff and stu
dents. Please stop in the Main Office for a visitors pass and directions. If students wish to bring a guest to school
for a day, the following procedure is to be used:
1. Make arrangements with the school principal at least two days in advance.
2. Visitors must report to the office to pick up a visitors pass upon arrival.
3. Generally no more than one visitor per grade level will be permitted. Visitors should be enro
lled in the same
grade level as they are visiting and school should not be in session in their home school when they
request to visit.
Working
Information concerning working papers is available in the Pupil Personnel Office.
Papers
Williamson Middle School Services
Additional
Additional assistance for students is available for students through a wide array of programs including remediation
Assistance
with teachers after school, peer tutoring available through the guidance office, and teacher tutoring available
throught the main office. It's been our experience that the two chief causes of failure are not completing home
work and failing to get assistance when it's needed.
Counseling
Counseling and Guidance Services are provided by Mrs. Ann Dewhirst, who is responsible for grades 5
6 and by
and Guidance
Ms. Kristen Smucz who is responsible for grades 7
8. Mrs. Leigh Prescott is the school psychologist responsible
Services
for grades 5
8. Mrs. Gowan is our guidance secretary. For more information please consult the unabridged
handbook that was sent to your parents or stop by the guidance office.
Health
Health services are provided by Mrs. Mary Starr (school nurse) and by the school physician. These services
Services
include health screenings including physicals, growth, vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings, care and control
of injury while at school, and distribution of medications while at school. For more information please cons
ult the
school nurse at 589
9665 ext. 106 or the unabridged handbook that was sent to your parents.
Media Center
Media center services are provided by our school librarian, Mrs. Juanita Verstraete, with the assistance of Mrs.
Gloria Pierce. In addition t
o the reference materials, periodicals, and regular library collection, our library is able to
access a wide variety of materials through inter
library loan and through the internet.
Transportation
Transportation services are available for all students. The primary reason for bus rules is to ensure the safety of
Services
all riders and our bus drivers. For more information on specific rules consult the unabridged handbook that was
sent to your parents or posted at the front of the bus. Remember transportation on the buses is a privilege and not
a right. Please behave on the bus accordingly.
School Lunch
The school lunch program has enjoyed good participation at the middle school. Lunches cost one dollar. Addi
Program
tional items are also available. Last year we were able to schedule students for fortyminute lunches in grades 6
8. We will continue this practice for the19981999 school year.
Special
Special education services are provided through several models. Some students are in selfcontained class
Education
rooms. Others are in a consultant, push in, or blended classrooms. Still others receive services through resource
Services
room. Some students receive other services like speech, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Finally, some
students receive services off site at other schools. For more information on your special education services
contact the Director of Pupil Services, Mr. David Abeling at 5898308.
If there is any way that I can make your educational experience more productive or enjoyable, please let me know.
Mr. Patrick Wright
Williamson Middle School Principal, 5899665 ext. 116
Back to top