North Student Handbook - Coppell Independent School District

WELCOME TO COPPELL MIDDLESCHOOL NORTH!Coppell Middle School North is successfulbecause: staff members are committed to helpingstudents reach their maximum potential; students care for their school and takepride in their involvement; education programs are specificallydesigned for middle school students;and, students have the opportunity toparticipate in a variety of clubs andextracurricular activities.We are providing each student with access to aStudent Handbook, and CISD Student Code ofConduct and Discipline Management Plan toassist them in making this a very productiveyear. Students are required to have their"Agenda" with them in every class and to use itto record pertinent information regarding classesand school business.We encourage each student to become activelyinvolved in academic and extracurricularprograms while in middle school. We hope thedays are most enjoyable, and we look forward toworking with each individual student this year.CISD MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Coppell I.S.D., as acommitted and proven leader in educationalexcellence, is to ensure our learners achievepersonal success, develop strong moralcharacter, and become dynamic leaders andglobal citizens with a zeal for service byengaging each individual through innovativelearning experiences led by a visionary staff andprogressive community.This handbook reflects guidelines from theTexas Education Code. Because of the manychanges that occur during the school yearregarding interpretations of the TexasEducation Code, this student handbook issubject to change without written notice tostudents and parents. As Coppell I.S.D. isinformed of these changes, announcements ofnew rules and regulations will be communicatedto students during the regular dailyannouncements. These announcements willnullify any rules or statements of policy in thishandbook, and students must comply with thenew reform.C.I.S.D. TITLE IX COMPLIANCEIt is the policy of Coppell Public Schools not todiscriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race,color, religion, or national origin in itseducational and vocational programs, activities,or employment as required by Title IX, Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title VI. (Fall1982). For more information about your rightsor grievance procedures, contact the Title IXDistrict Contact officer, Montie Parker 214-496-6913.HELPFUL INFORMATIONSuperintendent of SchoolsDr. Jeff Turner_____________ 214.496.8002Principal CMS NorthLeanne Dorhout ____________214.496.7100Counseling Center, CMS NorthAndrea George (A-K) _____214.496.7118Susie Powell (L-Z) __________214.496.71162

ACADEMICSACADEMIC TEAMINGAll students are assigned to interdisciplinaryacademic team. By organizing our teaching staffand students into "Teams," we are able tomaintain the "school within a school" concept.AWARDS AND HONORSSCHOLASTIC Recognition - There are twoscholastic rolls for which a student can bequalified in a given grading period:"A" Honor Roll - All grades 90 + withno grade lower than 90, Citizenship E orS. (Semester only). All students whoreceive a 90 or above for each and every6 weeks throughout the year, will berecognized."A/B" Honor Roll - All grades 80 +with no grade lower than 80, CitizenshipE or S. (Six week grading period)ACADEMIC Recognition - At the close of theschool year, students are recognized foracademic achievement in a recognitionceremony. The awards are based upon thestudent's effort, interest, attitude, andimprovement.NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY -See Student Activities.U.I.L. ACADEMIC CONTESTS - All studentsare encouraged to participate in academiccontests. Scholastic competition will beprovided in math, language arts, science, socialstudies and/or fine arts.ASSESSMENTSmust pass the mathematics and reading sectionsof STAAR by the end of their 8th grade year inorder to be promoted to 9th grade. Our plan toassist students in preparing for STAAR involvesevery department. Test results are maintained inthe individual student records, and areaccessible only to the student, his or herparent/guardian, and authorized schoolpersonnel.Seventh and eighth grade students will takesemester assessments at the end of eachsemester in all of their core classes. Electiveteachers may choose to give a semesterassessment. Semester assessments count oneseventh of the semester grade.GRADING POLICY(Assignments, Homework, Progress Reports,and Report Cards)ASSIGNMENTS - One of the major goals inmiddle school is to improve self-disciplinethrough the continued development of skills inplanning and organizing, as well as providingeach student with the opportunity to learn asmuch as possible, so that he/she will be betterprepared to progress to the next level ofeducation.Students who are going to be absent fromclass for a school activity are required to securetheir assignments from their teachers in advanceand have the assignment completed in a timelymanner.Students are required to make up allassignments or tests after absences. Studentsare responsible for finding out the assignmentsand for making up the work within the allottedtime.HOMEWORK - Middle school students areencouraged to spend some time each schoolnight on homework. To organize yourhomework, use the Agenda daily.Students will take the state-mandated STAARtests. Texas state law mandates that students3

GRADING REGULATIONS - Mastery of thelearning objectives is measured by unitevaluations. The number system is used forsemester grades. An average of 70 is the lowestpassing grade. A student must have a yearlyaverage of 70 or above to receive credit for aclass. Grades will be reported numerically from0-100.LATE WORK POLICY - The late work policywill be communicated by the student’s teachersand will adhere to the District Assessmenthandbook.PROGRESS REPORTS - Progress Reports willbe sent home with all students at the end of thethird week of each six-week reporting period.They are to be signed by a parent andreturned.REPORT CARDS - Report cards are issuedeach six weeks. They must be signed by theparent or guardian and returned promptly toschool.Report cards are issued the week following theend of the six-week period. Incomplete grades(I's) must be made up within two weeks after thereport card is issued. To be eligible for U.I.L.activities an “I” must be cleared within oneweek. Report cards will be mailed at the end ofthe year. Daily work, weekly tests, and unitassessments count four-fifths of the six-weeksgrade. Six-weeks assessments will beadministered in academic areas and count onefifthof the six-week grade (7th and 8th grades).Semester assessments count one-seventh of thetotal grade in each subject (7th and 8th grades).At the beginning of the school year, each gradelevel team will provide more detailedexplanations of grading policies.CONDUCT GRADES - This citizenship gradereflects the student's behavior in class. Gradesused to reflect citizenship grades are:E ExcellentS SatisfactoryN Needs ImprovementU UnsatisfactoryStudents begin each grading period with a“Satisfactory” conduct grade.PROMOTION AND RETENTIONAccording to Texas Educational Code, studentsmay be promoted only on the basis of academicachievement. In order to be promoted from onegrade level to the next, a student shall attain anoverall average of 70 or above for the year whenthe grades for all courses are averaged. Inaddition, students shall attain an average of 70or above in three of the following subjects: Language Arts Mathematics Social Studies ScienceSUMMER SCHOOLDepending on summer enrollment, our schooldistrict offers summer school programs. If astudent fails a required course (language arts,history, math, or science), it is stronglyrecommended that the student make up theneeded course in summer school. See thecounselor regarding summer schoolinformation.TECHNOLOGY: ACCEPTABLE USEPOLICYSee the CISD Student Code of ConductHandbook.TEXTBOOKSTextbooks are furnished to students withoutcharge. Books should be covered at all times.Books lost or maliciously damaged will be paidfor, in full, by the student. Fines may becharged for minor book damage.4

TUTORIAL PROGRAMTutorials are offered to assist students who areexperiencing difficulty in the regular classroom.Students who score a 74 or below in theirclasses are encouraged to attend tutorials.Students must bring a note from their teacher orparent to attend before school tutorials.COMMUNICATIONPARENT CONFERENCESParents may request teacher conferences bycalling the school office or the teacher’s voicemail or by emailing the teacher.PARENT NEWSLETTER: PAWPRINTSAll CMSN parents who have registered theiremail address with the PTO through the PTOManager system will be emailed thePAWPRINTS newsletter each month. Thenewsletter will include a school activitiescalendar.MARQUEEInformation will be posted to the outsidemarquee as space allows.EMAILParents can use the school’s email system toleave information with teachers andadministrators. The staff member will makeevery attempt to return email messages within24 hours. This is typically the most effectiveway of contacting teachers and administrators.VOICE MAILParents can use the school’s voice mail to leaveinformation with teachers and administrators.The staff member will make every attempt toreturn voice mail messages within 24 hours.DISCIPLINESee CISD STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ANDDISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN.See BUS DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLANDRESS CODEThe Coppell ISD Secondary Dress Code appliesto CMS East, CMS North, CMS West, andCHS. It is designed to provide an atmospherethat enhances learning, reinforces good hygiene,instills discipline, prevents disruption, andpromotes a safe environment. CISD prohibitsany clothing or grooming that, in the principal’sjudgment, may reasonably be expected to causedisruption. (FNCA LOCAL)Students are expected to adhere to the followingstandards: hairstyles and colors, that, in theopinion of the school principal cause adisruption of the learning environment, are notallowed. Hair should be a natural shade.No hats or head coverings (i.e. caps, scarves, orbandanas) of any kind are to be worn or broughtinto the building, except those worn forreligious purposes. “Hat Days” will bedesignated by the principal on spirit days.All students are expected to wear clothing andundergarments in keeping with their gender.Clothing should be worn for the purpose forwhich it was designed. For example, noundergarments may be worn as outer garments,no pajamas or slippers may be worn, overallstraps must be snapped, and belts must be wornin the belt loops.See-through, sheer garments, fish net, orunhemmed garments, or garments with tears,holes, or frayed hems are not permitted.Trench coats may not be worn while in thebuilding.Tank tops, tank dresses, spaghetti strap tops ordresses, and overalls must be worn with sleevedgarments or kept covered by an appropriatejacket or blouse. Hems of skirts, dresses, shorts,5

and slits of skirts may not be higher thanextended fingertip length.Pants, jeans, and shorts must be worn at thewaist with no sagging and must be hemmed.Hems of pants must not drag on the floor.Skirts, tops, and blouses that allow themidsection to be exposed, or blouses that arelow cut, backless or immodest are not allowed.The district prohibits clothing that depictsimages or writing that is lewd, sexually related,offensive, vulgar, or obscene; that depicts theoccult; that represents gang membership; or thatadvertises tobacco products, alcoholicbeverages, drugs, or any other substanceprohibited under district policy. Appropriatefootwear must be worn at all times.Backpacks and book bags are to remain inlockers and not be brought to class.Chains, boot spikes, and spiked jewelry are notallowed. Pierced body ornamentation must berestricted to the ear. No other visible piercing isallowed. No visible tattoos are acceptable. Nosunglasses may be worn in the building.Grooming and dress for special activities areunder the direction of the principal.The administration has the responsibility todetermine what is appropriate dress. Studentswho violate the dress code shall be given anopportunity to correct the problem at school. Ifnot corrected, the student shall be assigned inschoolsuspension for the remainder of the dayor until the problem is corrected. Repeated dresscode offenses may result in more seriousdisciplinary action. (FNCA LOCAL)DISCIPLINE REFERRALSA discipline referral is very serious. Themajority of the student body can spend theirentire three years in the middle school withoutgetting one Discipline Referral. The student issent to the office with the referral. One of theprincipals then visits with the student about theoffense. An appropriate consequence is thenassigned based on CISD and Texas EducationCode policies and mandates.Misbehavior is a matter of choice. Choosing todisrupt class infringes upon the right of theteacher to teach and the right of the otherstudents in the class to learn. Even thosedisruptions that appear minor in nature seriouslyinterfere with the educational process.STUDENT RIGHT TO A FREE PUBLICEDUCATIONThe right of every resident between the ages offive and twenty-one to a free public educationhas been established by law (EDUC 21.031).However, a student may forfeit his/her rightswhen his/her conduct is such that it markedlydisrupts the educational process and therebydeprives others of their rights.ELECTRONIC DEVICESUse of electronic devices (cell phone, IPods,etc.) at CMSN is limited to before and afterschool outside the building. During the day, allelectronic devices should be turned off and leftin the student’s locker unless it is with teachersupervision, for instructional purposes, and withteacher approval. If students are in violation ofthis rule, the electronic devices will beconfiscated.Students who are assigned to CompassAcademy will be expected to abide by a stricterdress code that will be communicated to themand their parents during the placementorientation.6

HEALTH SERVICESFor in depth information regarding ourschool health policy, visit the CISD website.IMMUNIZATIONSAccording to state law, all students mustprovide the school a validated immunizationrecord and no student will be admitted with animmunization series with a “past due” status.If a student should not be immunized formedical reasons, a certificate signed by a UnitedStates licensed physician stating that in thedoctor’s opinion the immunization requiredwould be harmful to the health and well--beingof the student or any member of the student’sfamily or household must be presented. Annualrenewal of this certificate is required unless thephysician specifies a life-long contraindication.In addition to medical reasons, a student may beadmitted to school without minimumimmunization requirements if an affidavitsigned by the student or, if a minor, thestudent’s parent or guardian is presented statingthat the student declines immunization forreasons of conscience, including a religiousbelief. The affidavit is valid for a two-yearperiod and must be on the appropriate form.MEDICATIONFor medication to be administered at school, aparent/guardian must complete a STUDENTMEDICATION CARD and adhere to theMEDICATION GUIDELINES on the back ofthe card. All medication administered will besupplied by the parent/guardian only and mustbe in the original container and properly labeled.All medication will be stored in the clinic. Noaspirin products can be administered without aphysician’s prescription.A student carrying an inhaler must have a“RELEASE TO CARRY” on file signed by thephysician and parent. Only inhalers andemergency medication such as an epi-pen onfile in the clinic will automatically be sent onfield trips. The parent must notify the nurse ofany other special consideration and supply anymedication deemed necessary for a field trip.Physician's sample medication must beaccompanied by a written authorization from thephysician. Students shall not possess any formof medication while as school other than totransport. At the end the school year allmedication left at school must be picked up bythe parent or destroyed.PHYSICAL EDUCATIONPARTICIPATIONStudents may be excused from participation inphysical education/athletics for up to three dayswith a parent’s note. A doctor’s note is requiredif the student needs to be excused fromparticipation for more than three days.ILLNESSA student will not be admitted to school with atemperature of 100.4 F or greater, vomiting,diarrhea or suspected conjunctivitis. We willfollow the guidelines set by the TexasDepartment of Health and the CISD NursePolicy and Procedure Manual regarding schooladmittance concerning illness andcommunicable disease. If you have anyquestions regarding any of our health policies,please contact the school nurse.PROCEDURES &POLICIESATTENDANCEOne of the primary causes for failure and lowgrades among middle school students is poorattendance. Because of this, we want toencourage each student to be present every daypossible. When students are absent, it makesmatters difficult not only for the student, but forparents, teachers, and classmates. In Texas,children between the ages of 6 and 17(depending on when the child's birthday falls)7

are required to attend school unless exemptedby law. It is the legal responsibility of eachstudent's parent or guardian to see that his/herchild is in attendance. School employees mustinvestigate and report violations of the statecompulsory attendance law.In order to receive credit in a class, a studentmust attend 90 percent of the days the class isoffered. The actual number of days a studentmust attend in order to receive credit will vary,depending on whether the class is for a semesteror a full year. A student who attends fewer than90 percent of the days the class is offeredcannot receive credit for the class, unless theattendance committee finds that the absencesare the result of extenuating circumstances.The District accepts the following asextenuating circumstances for the purpose ofgranting credit for a class:1. Board-approved extracurricular activityor public performance subject tolimitations in FDD LEGAL proceeding.2. Required screening, diagnosis, andtreatment for Medicaid-eligible students.3. Documented health care appointment, ifthe student begins classes or returns toschool on the same day as theappointment.4. Temporary absence resulting from anycause acceptable to the teacher,principal, or superintendent.5. Juvenile court proceeding documentedby a probation officer.6. Absence required by state or localwelfare authorities.7. Family emergency or unforeseen orunavoidable instance requiringimmediate attention.8. Approved college visitation.Based on local school board policy, parents arerequired to provide advanced written noticewhen planning absences for their child becauseof the extenuating circumstances listed below:1. Religious holy days under EducationCode 21.035 (f).2. School-sanctioned extracurricularactivities not exceeding the local limitestablished (FM LOCAL).3. Family emergencies (written noticewhenever possible).4. Required appearances in court or in legalproceedings.5. Absences related to being a migrantstudent.6. Family vacations, recreational trips, etc.may be approved as per policy FDD, butwill not be considered extenuatingcircumstances.CHECKING IN AND OUT OF SCHOOLIf it is necessary for a student to leave school,he/she must have written permission from theparent. In case of unavoidable medicalappointments, the student should bring thewritten excuse to the office prior to first periodand secure an “Admit.” Before a student leavesthe school property, a parent/ guardian mustsign him/her out in the office. Failure to do sowill be considered truancy. Upon returningduring the school day, the student must signback in through the office (the parent/guardianis not required to sign a student back in).LATE ARRIVALSStudents who arrive late to school are requiredto bring a parent note to the front office in orderto obtain an Admit to class.ILLNESS AT SCHOOLStudents who become ill during the school dayshould report to the school nurse with a passfrom their teacher. The nurse will decide if thestudent should be sent home and will notify thestudent’s parent. This also applies to studentswho come on campus and then decide to leavethe campus before classes begin at 7:40am.8

ABSENCESA parent or guardian should call prior to8:30 a.m. giving the student's name, dateof return, day(s) of absence and reasonfor absence. The student should presenthis/her written excuse signed by a parentor guardian to the office immediatelyupon returning.Students who return to school without anote will be considered unexcusedpending parent contact.Students should ask all their teachers formake-up assignments. Assignments thatare not made up will be reflected in theirgrades. Each student is responsible forseeing that all make-up work iscompleted. Students are allowed oneday for each day of absence to make uptheir missed assignments.Parents may request assignments before9:00am on the third day a student isabsent. Work may be picked up after2:30pm the third day.Students who are absent from school forany reason will not be allowed toparticipate in school-related activities onthat day or evening, unless approved bythe principal or the principal's designee.Students who are absent from school orfrom any class without permission willbe considered truant and will be subjectto disciplinary action.MAKEUP WORKMake-up assignments or assessments (test, labs,etc.) shall be made available to students afterany absence. Teachers shall inform their studentof the amount of time allotted for completingmake-up work.CAMPUS SECURITYA drug dog will visit our campus occasionally.This will help us maintain a drug freeenvironment at our school. It is theadministrator's responsibility to determine if ahand-held metal detector is necessary.DELIVERIES AT SCHOOLOnly school-related items will be accepted fordelivery at Coppell Middle School North. Noflowers, mums, corsages, birthday balloons, orsinging telegrams, shall be accepted for deliveryat school during regular school hours. State lawmandates that lunch may be brought by theparent for their child only and not otherstudents.EVACUATION AND TORNADO DRILLSEvacuation and tornado drills are held atirregular intervals throughout the school year. Itis important that students walk quickly andquietly to the designated area.Check the instructions posted in each classroomindicating how to leave the building in case ofan emergency:ENROLLMENTOnly students residing in the district may enrollat CMS-North. Students must bring thefollowing items to enroll: Proof of residency in the district (a copyof your home lease/closing papers on thepurchase of a house, showing date ofoccupancy, etc.). The last report card and/or withdrawalpapers from the last school attended toverify proper grade placement. Immunization records. Proof of identification, i.e., birthcertificate, custody or adoption papers,previous records, etc. Social security number. Enrolling parent’s drivers licenseENTERING THE BUILDINGUpon entering the building, all students are toreport to the cafeteria. Students may attendtutorials and other private instruction beforeschool; however, all students not in the cafeteriaare to be in the company of a staff member.Students may obtain a pass from the librarian to9

go to the library before school. Students willnot have access to the rest of the building priorto dismissal to first period.FEESMaterials that are part of the basic educationalprogram are provided without charge tostudents. Students are expected to provide theirown supplies of pencils, paper, erasers, andnotebooks. Students may voluntarily purchasepictures and publications such as the schoolnewspaper and the school yearbook. They mayalso purchase student accident insurance. Feesfor damaged library books and school-ownedequipment may be charged. Any required feemay be waived if the student and parent areunable to pay. Application for such a waivermay be made to the principal.FIELD TRIPSStudents will have the opportunity to attendfield trips throughout the year. Field trips canbe for the purpose of extensions of academics orstudent rewards. Criteria for attending fieldtrips will be determined by the group sponsoringthe field trip with approval of the Principal.FUNDRAISINGThe Principal must approve all fundraisingactivities.HALL PASSESStudents MUST have a hall pass if they are outof class during instructional time.INCLEMENT WEATHER AND CLOSINGOF SCHOOLSchools may be closed due to inclementweather. Please do not call the school or schoolofficials. School closing information will beposted on the district website. The followingradio and television stations will broadcast thisnews as soon as such decisions are made:KDFW-TV Channel 11KXAS-TV Channel 5WFAA-TV Channel 8KLIF...570 AM WBAP...820 AMKRLD...1080 AM KVIL...1150 AMKPLX...99.5 FM KVIL...103.7 FMINSURANCEThe district has contracted with an insurancecompany for the participation in student schoolgroup insurance. This insurance is over andabove the insurance that covers cheerleaders,band, drama, managers, and all athletes whilepracticing for, competing in, or traveling to andfrom activities as representative of a memberschool and under the direct supervision of a fulltimeschool employee.Because there are many ways to be injured, thestudent policy is highly recommended for allstudents. THE SCHOOL CANNOT BE HELDRESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES TOSTUDENTS. PLEASE READ THESTUDENT POLICY CAREFULLY.Covered expenses that are not paid or payableunder other insurance policies may be payableby this insurance policy. Forms may beobtained through the administration office. Thisform must be completed by the student'sparent/guardian and presented to the doctor orthe hospital. The school acts only as a medianin supplying negotiations with the insurancecompany.10

LOCKERSIndividual lockers are provided for all students.Each student should use only the lockerassigned to him/her. Lockers remain under thejurisdiction of the school. The school reservesthe right to inspect all lockers at any time forhealth and safety reasons. Students have fullresponsibility for the security of their lockers.Disciplinary action and/or restitution forlocksmith services will be taken against anystudent that has been found tampering with alocker. A "jammed locker" is not an excuse forbeing tardy to class. Report to your class andreport the jammed locker to your teacher. Theteacher will guide you in the steps you need totake in order to obtain access to your locker. Inthe locker rooms, students should use thecombination locks that are provided by thecoaches and PE teachers. Lockers may besearched at any time there is reasonable cause todo so, with or without the presence of students.The school is not responsible for any privatelyowned items stored on school property.LOST AND FOUNDArticles found in and around the school shouldbe returned to the main office. Articles ofclothing are in the “Lost and Found Basket”located in the cafetorium. Items such as books,jewelry, watches, and glasses will be kept in theoffice until claimed by the owner. Periodically,all unclaimed clothing is given to a charitableorganization. It is helpful to mark your coatsand jackets with your name.MESSAGESOnly emergency messages will be given tostudents. Routine business should be taken careof before the student leaves home in themorning. In the event a student receives a call,he/she will be called out of class only in the caseof an emergency. Transportation arrangementsshould be made prior to coming to school.PERSONAL PROPERTY ANDVALUABLESThe school cannot be responsible for the loss ordestruction of a student's personal property. Forthis reason, valuable jewelry should not be wornto school. Students are also cautioned not tobring large amounts of money to school.Cameras, radios, tape recorders, cassette/CDplayers, cassette tapes, CD’s, video games,skateboards, card collections, and othervaluables should not be brought to school. Ifthey are taken up, a parent or guardian mustreclaim them.PORTAL REGISTRATIONPortal registration must be completed/updatedeach year in the summer prior to schedule pickup.POSTERS RELATING TO SCHOOLACTIVITIESUse the following guidelines when placing signsor posters on the walls: Posters must follow guidelines set forthby the sponsor of the organization.(Examples: Posters used in elections,sports, and publicity for schoolactivities.) Sponsors should review andinitial posters. Posters must be approved by theprincipal. The person or organization that put themup must remove posters at theappropriate time.STUDENT OR PARENT CONCERNSStudents or parents who have a concern shouldfirst communicate with the teacher. If theoutcome of that discussion is not satisfactory,they can request a conference with a counselor,assistant principal, or the principal. If notsatisfied at that level, they can request aconference with the superintendent, or hisdesignee. Ultimately, they may appear beforethe Board of Trustees in accordance with Boardpolicy.11

STUDENT RECORDSA student's school records are confidential andare protected from unauthorized inspection oruse. A cumulative record is maintained for eachstudent from the time the student enters theDistrict, until the student withdraws orgraduates. This record moves with the studentfrom school to school.By law, both parents, whether married,separated, or divorced, have access to therecords of a student who is under 18, or adependent for tax purposes. A parent whoserights have been legally terminated will bedenied access to the records, if the school isgiven a copy of the court order terminating theserights.The principal is custodian of all records.Records may be reviewed during regular schoolhours. The records custodian, or designee, willbe happy to review these records with parents.Parents of a minor, or of a student who is adependent for tax purposes, and school officialswith legitimate educational interests, are theonly persons who have general access to astudent's records. "School officials withlegitimate educational interests" include anyemployees, agents, or Trustees of the District, ofcooperatives of which the District contracts forthe placement of handicapped students, as wellas their attorneys and consultants, who are:Working with the student;Considering disciplinary or academicactions, the student's case, or ahandicapped student's IndividualEducation Plan (IEP);Compiling statistical data; orInvestigating or evaluating programs.Certain other officials from variousgovernmental agencies may have limited accessto the records. We will forward a student'srecords on request, and without prior consent, toa school in which a student seeks or intends toenroll. Parental consent is required to releasethe records to anyone else.The parent's, or student's right of access to, andcopies of, student records does not extend to allrecords. Materials that are not considerededucational records, such as teachers' personalnotes on a student that are shared only with asubstitute teacher, and records pertaining toformer students after they are no longer in theDistrict, do not have to be made available to theparents or to the students.STAFFAll staff members deserve to be treated withdignity and respect.TELEPHONEPay phones are no longer available for studentuse, therefore, students will be allowed to useschool phones for emergency situations.CELL PHONES (see electronic devices)TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHERSCHOOLStudents, who transfer from accredited schools,shall be placed in grades or classes consistentwith their placement in the sending school. Astudent entering from an unaccredited public orprivate school shall be placed at the grade leveldetermined by the administrators to the mostappropriate for that particular student.VISITORS TO THE CLASSROOMSParents and other visitors are welcome to visitCISD schools. All visitors must sign in at themain office. Visits to your child’s classroomduring instructional time shall be permitted onlywith prior approval of the administrators, andsuch visits shall not be permitted if theirduration or frequency interferes with thedelivery of instruction or disrupts the normalschool environment. Classroomvisits/observations are not appropriate times for12

parent conferences. If parents have concern, anappointment should be scheduled with theteacher at a time other than class time. CISDstudents are not permitted to have school-agedfriends or visitors attend classes with themduring the school day. A visit to a classroomother than your child’s classroom to gatherinformation regarding the classroom or specialprogram, shall be permitted only with priorapproval of the administrator, and such a visitshall not be permitted during instructional time.The purpose of the classroom visit needs to beclearly stated and again approved by the campusprincipal. Classroom observations may bedenied in order to protect confidentialinformation for all students. This is incompliance with the Family Educational Rightsand Privacy Act and laws governingconfidentiality of all students and 34 C.F.R.§300.622 governing confidentiality ofpersonally identifiable information of studentswith disabilities.WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOLA student wishing to withdraw from schoolshould report in person with his/her parent orguardian or with a written statement from aparent or guardian requesting withdrawal andstating the reason for the request. This requestshould be made to the registrar, where thestudent will be given instructions and formsnecessary to complete the withdrawal process.Twenty-four hour notice is requested.STUDENT ACTIVITIESDANCESCoppell Middle School North will sponsor afew dances during the school year. Parents andteachers will act as chaperones. Dances will berestricted to students attending CMS North.Once a student arrives at the dance, that studentmay not leave until the dance has ended, unlesswith a parent. Parents should pick their childup promptly at end of the dance. Dances beginat 7:00pm and end at 9:45pm.EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESMiddle school students are encouraged toparticipate in any number of extracurricularactivities. These activities are provided asenrichment. Membership is a privilege and nota student right. With the principal's approval,sponsors and coaches have the right to establishentrance and exit guidelines, rules of conduct,and consequences for misbehavior that are morestrict than those for students in general.Students will be notified in advance of theseguidelines and will be held accountable forthem. Students will be temporarily removedfrom participation due to the following: In-School Suspension (I.S.S.) Alternative educational placement Home-based instruction (unsupervised). Repeated disregard for school rules. Students shall be suspended fromparticipation in extracurricular activitiesafter a grade reporting period in whichthe student received a grade lower thanthe equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100 inany academic class. This also applies tohandicapped students who fail to meetthe standards in their individualeducation plan (I.E.P.). Such suspensionshall become effective seven days afterthe last day of the six-weeks periodduring which the grade lower than 70was earned, and remains in effect forthree weeks. Absence from school - refer to"Attendance."Students are permitted up to ten activity-relatedabsences during a full-year course in order toparticipate in school-related or schoolsanctionedactivities on or off campus. AllU.I.L. activities are under this provision.Any absence resulting from a student'sparticipation in an organization not on the13

approved list provided by the state shall beconsidered unexcused.YEARBOOK STAFF - The Yearbook Staff isoffered, as an elective, to seventh & eighthgrade students who wish to work throughnumerous activities to prepare and sell theschool yearbook. Staff members do all layouts,identification of pictures, the preparation forprinting, and the selling of the yearbook.ATHLETICS - A variety of athletic programsare offered to meet the variety of interests ofmiddle school students, and to provide eachstudent with a good physical fitness program forboys and girls. Organized athletic programsinclude volleyball, football, cross-country,basketball, tennis and track for seventh andeighth grades. CMS North is a member of theUniversity Interscholastic League (U.I.L.), theorganization that governs every phase of publicschool competition in Texas. To participate inthe U.I.L. activities, a student must: Have the consent of parents orguardians. Have passed a physical examadministered by a licensed physician. Have the consent of the coaches. Maintain a passing grade of 70 in allsubjects. Not be over 14 years of age onSeptember 1st if playing in the seventhgrade. Not be over 15 years of age onSeptember 1st if playing in the eighthgrade.Be living in our school district.Meet the requirements set forth by thecoaches for that particular activity.BAND - All students are encouraged toparticipate in the band. Our bands promoteschool spirit, instill a greater appreciation ofmusic, provide a learning experience forcooperation, and enhance the acceptance ofmusic as both a vocational and a leisure timeactivity. Placement is made at the discretion ofthe director.CHEERLEADERS - A student may sign up tobe a cheerleader each spring. New students maybecome cheerleaders as they enroll.Cheerleaders are expected to lead and moldschool spirit at our athletic competitions.Cheerleaders will follow the same academiceligibility criteria as athletes (see CheerleadingHandbook for greater detail). Cheerleaders willfurnish all uniforms and accessories. Bothuniforms and accessories must pass inspectionbefore any performance. Cheerleaders mustattend cheerleading camp in the summer, allpractice sessions, pep rallies, and calledmeetings, unless specifically excused by thesponsor. Other requirements are listed in theCheerleader Handbook.CHOIR - Our award-winning choirs are open toall students who like to sing and enjoyperforming for others. Placement is made at thediscretion of the director.NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY –NJHS is an honor organization with a strongemphasis on school and community service.National Junior Honor Society is open only toseventh and eighth grade students who qualify.Qualifications that must be met are: Overall cumulative average of 93 for thefirst semester and the fourth six weeks inthe four cores subject areas with anunmodified curriculum. Enrollment at CMS North for at least 3grading periods during the currentschool year.Students meeting these criteria are notguaranteed membership. They are thenconsidered according to the following criteria: Teachers' evaluations, based onscholarship, character, service,citizenship, and leadership; Completion of the Student ActivityForm indicating community involvementand returned by the deadline date forsubmission of the form;14

Approval by the members of the facultycouncil; andSchool discipline records.NOTE: Being assigned to an AlternativeEducation Placement at any time may be causefor a student not to be considered formembership in NJHS.STUDENT COUNCIL - Student Council is aservice organization that encourages goodcitizenship, school spirit, and harmoniousrelationships; promotes helpful school andcommunity activities; and presents student ideasand wishes to the school administration.Officers will be chosen each year by the studentbody. Membership is open to students thatshow interest, actively participate, andconsistently attend all meetings. Specific gradecriteria are available in the student councilguidelines which are available from theprincipal or the sponsor.PEP RALLIES - Pep rallies are a special timefor honoring various student groups and teamsby showing our support, our spirit and pride inour school. At all pep rallies, students areexpected to be encouraging and supportive.Student conduct at these activities is to beconsistent with the high standard of behaviorexhibited daily at school.SCHOOL SPIRITSchool spirit may be divided into threecategories:COURTESY - Toward teachers, fellowstudents, and the officials of schoolathletic activities.PRIDE - In everything our schoolendeavors to accomplish and hasaccomplished, as well as the buildingbeing respected and well kept.SPORTSMANSHIP - The ability to winand lose gracefully. School spirit meansloyalty to all functions of the school. Aloyal student supports his/ her schooland does his/her utmost to keep thescholastic and activity standards at thehighest level.SPECTATORS AT SCHOOL-SPONSOREDEVENTSStudents are encouraged to attend schoolsponsoredevents, which allow for spectators.The purpose for such attendance is to help fostera feeling of confidence in our team and todevelop a strong school spirit. Spectators areexpected to act and behave in a courteous andconsiderate manner at all times. Arrangementsto leave an event or activity prior to itsscheduled ending time must be made with thesponsoring adult. Students choosing to behaveinappropriately at such events will run the riskof not being allowed to attend future eventsand/or other disciplinary action. Supervision ofstudents is available for only a short time afterthe end of a game. Students are expected toarrange for a ride home immediately after theend of the event.STUDENT SERVICESCAFETERIA: BREAKFAST AND LUNCHStudent behavior in the cafetorium should bebased on courtesy and cleanliness. This meansleaving the area in the condition you would liketo live in. Students are expected to place alltrash and utensils in the proper receptacles aftereating. Breakfast may be purchased from7:15am until 7:40am. Students will be releasedfor lunch on a rotating time schedule. Lunchmay be purchased at school, or a sack lunchbrought from home. Money may be depositedinto lunch accounts before school each morningin the cafeteria. Students are not allowed touse another student's code to buy lunch. Theymust use their own code.15

New guidelines have released by the state ofTexas: Campus and PTO organizations may notsell any food product at any time during theschool day until after the last lunch period inmiddle schools.Cupcakes, pizzas, and other food celebrationsare not allowed during lunch or anytimeduring the school day. Parents may continue tobring in food items during lunch for their childonly. Food items may not be shared or given toother students (e.g. pizza, cookie cake, etc.) Formore information on this new policy you canvisit the following webpage:www.squaremeals.orgCOUNSELINGOur guidance counselors are available to helpyou get the most out of your middle schoolexperience. Part of our guidance program ishelping the new student feel at home in ourschool with new teachers and friends in adifferent setting. Our counselors welcome theopportunity to discuss concerns with students,parents, and teachers. They are familiar withcommunity resources and may directstudents/parents to other sources of informationand assistance. Students who wish to discussacademic and school success with a counselorshould stop by the counselor's office to arrangean appointment.HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTIONALSERVICESA homebound teacher is available to studentswho miss three weeks of continuous instructiontime at school. Contact the Director ofSecondary Special Education, Montie Parker foradditional details at 214-496-6913.MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARYThe media center is for student use; however,there are certain guidelines that must beobserved. All students are expected to observeclassroom behavior and study and work quietly.Other guidelines are as follows:Encyclopedias, periodicals, and otherreference books are to be used in themedia center. This type of referencematerial is not to be checked out withoutpermission from the librarian.All other books may be checked out fortwo weeks and may be renewed foradditional periods.Students will be assessed a 5 cent /dayfine for overdue materials.Students may not check out books forother students.Students who owe a fine, or have anoverdue book, may be subject torestrictions on their use of the mediacenter.A student desiring to use the mediacenter during a regular classroom periodmust first obtain a properly authorizedhall pass.Books must be catalogued and numberedbefore being issued.If a book is lost, the student must pay thereplacement cost.Book bags are not to be brought into themedia center. Please leave them outsidethe door.Students may use the computers in themedia center, but must adhere to thedistrict's Acceptable Use Policy.SPECIAL PROGRAMSC.I.S.D. provides special programs for studentswith handicaps, at-risk, gifted and talented, andbilingual. Contact a counselor concerning eachof the programs and the eligibility requirements.16

Options and RequirementsFor Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May NeedSpecial EducationIf a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact the person listed below to learn aboutthe district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system linksstudents to a variety of support options, including referral for a special education evaluation. Studentshaving difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial, compensatory, and otheracademic or behavior support services that are available to all students.At any time, a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a reasonableamount of time, the district must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is needed, the parent willbe notified and asked to provide informed written consent for the evaluation. The district must completethe evaluation and the report within 60 calendar days of the date the district receives the written consent.The district must give a copy of the report to the parent.If the district determines that the evaluation is not needed, the district will provide the parent with a writtennotice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written notice will include a statement thatinforms the parent of their rights if they disagree with the district. Additionally, the notice must inform theparent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards - Rights of Parents of Students withDisabilities.The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or areferral for evaluation for special education is:Contact Person:Phone Number:TRANSPORTATIONBICYCLESStudents who ride their bicycles to CMS Northmust lock their bicycles in the bicycle racks thatare provided.SCHOOL BUSES (Including TransportationTo/From Activities and Field Trips)Students who ride the school buses should payparticular attention to the following policies:Follow the driver's directions at alltimes. Be respectful.Be on time at your designated bus stopnearest home. Board and leave the busin an orderly manner.Do not load the bus at the close of theday without the bus driver present.Stay off the roadway at all times whilewaiting for the bus.Wait until the bus has come to acomplete stop before attempting to leaveyour seat. Carefully follow instructions forcrossing the highway before boarding,and after leaving the bus.Keep hands and heads inside the bus atall times.Keep books, band instrument cases, feet,and other objects out of the aisle.Do not deface the bus and/or itsequipment.17

Do not possess knives or other sharpinstruments, which may be dangerous toyou, the other passengers on the bus, orthe bus itself.Do not hold any object out of thewindow, or throw objects within or outof the bus.Possession of any form of tobacco,matches, lighters, or mischievous use ofaerosol spray cans is prohibited.Upon leaving the bus, wait for thedriver's signal before crossing in front ofthe bus.Eating or drinking on the bus is notallowed.Students must ride their ASSIGNED busand route.Disruptive behavior such as screaming,spitting, cursing/inappropriate languageis not permitted.Obvious display of affection is notpermitted.Riding the school bus is a privilege. Improperconduct on the buses will result in that privilegebeing denied. Only regularly scheduled busstudents are to ride the school buses. Busstudents are to go immediately to the buses assoon as they are dismissed from school in theafternoon.The school will furnish transportation to andfrom all school-sponsored activities and fieldtrips. Students participating in these activitiesare required to ride the buses to the majoractivities such as football and basketball games,track meets, and any other extracurricularactivity. Students should not request to return inprivate cars.For a copy of the CISD BUS DISCIPLINEMANAGEMENT PLAN, please visitwww.coppellisd.com.Disciplinary actions and changes intransportation for a student with handicaps shallbe made in accordance with the provisions ofthe student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).If a student violates the Code of StudentConduct on school transportation, one or moreof the following may result: Conference with principal/parent/driver. After-School Detentions, SaturdayDetention, or assignment to In-SchoolSuspension. Suspension of riding privileges. If so,the parents will be notified prior to thetime the suspension takes effect. In the case of serious misconduct thatendangers the safety of other passengersor the driver, the driver has the authorityto return the student to school or to callfor law enforcement assistance. Theprincipal and parents will be notified ofthe situation as soon as possible. Thestudent will not be allowed to ride thebus until a conference involving allnecessary persons has been held.For additional information, phone theTransportation department at 214-496-808418