Hamilton Middle School - Madison Metropolitan School District

General Information (continued)ClassroomAnimals(for 1 semester,renewable)AnimalsExcluded fromSchoolor ClassroomUseAnimals Exemptfrom ComplianceWith Policy1. Identify instructional purpose or social/emotional objective2. Provide statement of animal health & temperament or verify that animal is provided by a certified program or agency3. Obtain principal’s signature of approval to proceed to next steps4. Send letter to parent and obtain parent consent (Appendix F)5. Provide modifications for students who have animal fears or allergies6. Obtain principal’s final approval• Staff member follows procedures for cleaning and disinfecting sinks, cages, and surfaces• Staff member provides instruction for students on proper care and handling of animal• Poisonous, venomous animals• Family pets unless all policy requirements are met• Trained & certified service animals supporting individuals with disabilities• Animals used in K-8 Science Curriculum• Invertebrates used in Grades 9-12 Science CurriculumAssembliesAt times during the year, assembly programs are scheduledfor specific student groups. The subject matter and lengthof the assembly vary with the subject matter. Attendance atan assembly is a privilege and may be denied to students forjust cause. When attending an assembly, please keep thefollowing in mind:1. Be courteous and attentive even if a particular part of aprogram does not seem to be of interest to you.2. Applaud after a guest has been introduced and followinga performance.3. Whistling, shouting and staccato applause arediscourteous forms of response.4. Special appreciation may be shown by a standingovation or extended applause. These forms ofexpression terminate when the guest returns to thepodium or takes another bow.5. Applaud a guest or guests when the principal or masterof ceremonies introduces them.AttendanceThere is a powerful link between attendance and academicsuccess in school. To give students the best opportunityto reach their potential both academically and socially, theymust attend regularly. When students are tardy or absent,they miss out on valuable learning and social experiencesthat cannot be replaced.Students are expected to attend school every day unlessthey are ill. A significant number of absences will requirethe school to initiate procedures outlined by Wisconsin StateStatutes and school district policy regarding attendance.These procedures are outlined in this section.The following attendance definitions and procedures applyto all Madison students, unless otherwise specified.Excused AbsencesThe following absences can be excused as per Board ofEducation Policy:A. Physically and/or emotionally unable to attend:A student may be legally excused from school if s/he isnot physically or emotionally able to attend school. Thisincludes:(1) A pupil who is ill to the extent that he/she is not in properphysical or mental condition to attend school.(2) Absences related to dentist, doctor, chiropractor,psychologist and other medical appointments thatcannot be scheduled at any time other than school time.(Absences related to a student’s medical appointmentsshould be arranged to fit the student’s school schedulewhenever possible).(3) Serious illness or medical condition of a member of theimmediate family, when the student is definitely needed athome.(4) Bereavement due to death in the immediate family.(5) Inclement weather (Parent(s)/guardian(s) may chooseto keep their children home during extreme weatherconditions, when a concern for safety is a factor).(6) Religious instruction/religious holidays.B. Elected Officials:The following reason for absence is also allowed under statestatute:(1) Serving as an elected official/pollster (THE STUDENTMUST HAVE AT LEAST a 3.0 GPA or equivalent).C. Planned Absences:Planned absences are absences in which any child shallbe excused in writing for up to 10 days by his/her parent orguardian before the absence. A child excused pursuant tothis provision shall complete any course work that was missedduring the absence.Absence ProcedureFor each day a student is absent for reasons listed above, except Cabove, the following should occur:1) The parent/guardian should call the school’s Attendance Lineby 7:45 a.m. to explain the absence, or2) If no contact is made on the day of the absence, upon returningto school, the student must bring a written excuse signedby the parent/guardian to the appropriate school secretary.The note must list the date(s) of the absence and explainthe reasons. Excuses that are submitted late and do notcontain exact dates, times and reasons for absence willnot be honored and the absence(s) will be unexcused.3) The principal will determine if the reason for the absenceis excusable based on Board of Education Policy. Thedetermination of whether an absence from school is excusedor unexcused must be made on the day the student returnsto school so that the school can notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) if the absence is unexcused.4) The Principal is responsible for confirming and determiningwhether the reasons for absences are valid. To that end, thePrincipal and/or student services staff may ask the parent/guardian of a child to obtain a written statement from a licensedmedical provider as sufficient proof of the child’s physicalor emotional condition. Except as otherwise provided bylaw and/or Board Policy, if a parent/legal guardian fails tocooperate with a school’s request to provide specificinformation about an absence, and/or if the Principalbelieves the reason for the absence is not valid, theabsence may be recorded as unexcused or changed fromexcused to unexcused. If a request of a parent is denied,the parent should be advised by the Principal of the probableconsequence.16