South Tahoe Middle School
CDE CODE: 09-61903
2940 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Principal: Beth Delacour
Assistant Principal: Patrick Harnett
Counselors: JoAnn Hernandez, Roy Benavidez
Main Office 541-6404
Attendance Office 543-2281
Counseling Office 543-2290
Homework Hotline 543-2282 ext 4 + teacher’s room number
Snow Day Information 541-4636
LTUSD Office 541-2850
Student Help Line 541-1234 (Anonymous)
Student Tipline STMS 541-6404 ext 469
Bus Garage 543-2218
STMS Website www.ltusd.org/stms
STMS Athletic Director 543-2303
Direction to STMS
South Tahoe Middle School is located in South Lake Tahoe, California. Our Address is 2940 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Lake Tahoe Blvd, also known as Highway 50, is the main road that runs along the South Shore. STMS is located at the intersection of Lake Tahoe Blvd. and Al Tahoe Blvd., across from the Ross/Rite Aide Shopping Complex.
7th and 8th graders at STMS are on an A/B block schedule. Students go to periods 1, 2, and 3 on A days and 4, 5, and 6 on B days. In addition, students have a "Skinny" class every day opposite their lunch.
7th & 8th Grades
First Lunch Second Lunch Periods Periods 1/4 7:45-920 1/4 7:45-920 2/5 9:25-10:55 2/5 9:25-10:55 Lunch A 11:00-11:30 Skinny B 11:00-11:45 Skinny A 11:35-12:20 Lunch B 11:50-12:20 3/6 12:25-1:55 3/6 12:25-1:55 Minimum Day Schedule
First Lunch Second Lunch Periods Periods 1/4 7:45-8:50 1/4 7:45-8:50 2/5 8:55-9:55 2/5 8:55-9:55 Lunch A 10:00-10:30 Skinny B 10:00-10:30 Skinny A 10:35-11:05 Lunch B 10:35-11:05 3/6 11:10-12:10*
11:10-11:55**
3/6 11:10-12:10*
11:10-11:55**
*STMS Minimum Day Release
** District Minimum Day Release
6th Grade
Periods 1 7:45-8:30 2 8:35-9:18 3 9:23-10:06 4 10:11-10:54 5 10:59-11:42 6 11:47-12:30 Lunch 12:35-1:05 7 1:10-1:55 Minimum Day Schedule
Periods 1 7:45-8:15 2 8:20-8:50 3 8:55-9:25 4 9:30-9:55 5 10:00-10:30 6 10:35-11:05 Lunch 11:10-11:35 7 11:40-12:10*
11:40-11:55**
*STMS Minimum Day Release
** District Minimum Day Release
Collaboration WEDNESDAYS (students released at 12:55)
September: 10, 17, 24
October: 1, 8, 15
November: 5, 12, 19
December: 3, 10, 17
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 11, 25
March: 4, 18, 25
April: 1, 8, 22, 29
May: 20, 27
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER 2008-2009
September 1 Labor Day (Holiday)
2 First Day of School
18 Back To School Night (Minimum Day)
18 Kid-A-Thon
October ASB Elections
Progress Reports Mailed
20-24 Oct Parent Conferences (Minimum Day)
Academic Celebration Week
November 11 Veterans Day (Holiday)
26 End of First Trimester
26 Minimum Day
27-28 Thanksgiving Recess
Trimester Grades Mailed
December Academic Celebration Week
19 Minimum Day
22-31 Winter Break
January 1-2 Winter Break (continued)
Progress Reports Mailed
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Holiday)
February Academic Celebration Week
16-20 Presidents’ Holiday Break
March 13 End of Second Trimester
19 Trimester Grades Mailed
Academic Celebration Week
April 10 Minimum Day
13-17 Spring Break
May Progress Reports Mailed
26 Memorial Day (Holiday)
28 Open House
June 16 Last Day of School w/no Snow Days (Min. Day)
Trimester Grades Mailed
19 Last Day of School w/3 Snow Days (Min. Day)
At South Tahoe Middle School, we support and promote learning and academics, respect, and responsibility. A safe school environment is essential to a productive learning environment. Showing desire to learn and a value for academics is visible in a student’s work ethic, attentiveness in class, completion of assignments, and preparation for assessments. Students are expected to respect themselves and others in the manner they relate to other students and staff, how they dress, how they speak, and so on. Being responsible is demonstrated in such things as their completed work, using appropriate language, and adhering to the dress code and school rules. A student who demonstrates these values is making the road to their future smooth with a lot of opportunities to choose their own direction.
We expect students to:
Middle school students have learned in elementary school what appropriate school to identify what behaviors are acceptable in school. Reminders and suggestions are offered to all students regularly on our morning television program (TTV). Staff is visible in the halls and at lunch to monitor student behavior. Here is a general list of our school rules. Be aware that this list is not inclusive. Contact the Assistant Principal’s office for further information.
Attendance – California State Law requires that each student attends school regularly and punctually. Valid excuses for absences are illness, medical appointments, and attending a funeral. Each of your teachers checks your attendance daily. If you are absent, even for only one period, you must follow the procedures below:
On the first day of your absence your parents MUST telephone the attendance office giving the reason for your absence. (543-2281) When you return to school after an absence, report directly to the first block of the day. If your parent did not contact the school, a note must be brought to the school stating the date and reason for your absence. Whenever you must leave school early, report to the office before you leave to have your parent sign you out. If you become ill during class, notify your teacher who will give you a pass to the office. If you become ill outside of class, report to the office. Do not leave the grounds without seeking help from school staff.
If you know in advance you will be absent from school, bring a note to the attendance office. Whenever you are absent from school, call the homework hotline to get the school work you missed. (543-2282 ext 4+ room # Example: 426 for room 26.)
Excessive absences or questionable absenteeism will be referred to the attendance office and will result in home contact.
If a student is tardy 4 times or more, the student may receive a detention.
If you are moving to another school area, your parents are required to call the school office as a matter of official notification. Once this is accomplished, you may pick up a check-out sheet from the counseling office to be signed by all you teachers.
Homework – Homework has a wider definition than most students realize. It includes, but is not limited to:
Students who set aside time on a regular basis for homework have an advantage (raising both grades and test scores) over those who do not.
You are reminded that when you return to school following an absence, your homework could be making up class assignments (ask your teacher). You can call the Homework Hotline anytime at 543-2282 for missed work when you are absent. When you reach the recording, enter the 3-digit extension of the teacher you are trying to reach. (This is a 4 plus the 2-digit classroom number) After listening to the homework for this class, press * and then enter the next 3-digit extension. Continue until you have reached all you teachers.
Injury/Illness – Injured/Ill students will be sent to the office. In case of a serious accident or injury, parents will be notified and emergency services will be called to administer medical aide. A district nurse is at STMS part-time to supervise hearing and vision screening, maintain records, and assist with students’ medical needs.
Emergency Cards – Every student must have an Emergency Card on file in the office. If your address or telephone number is changed, please see that the office is notified immediately to prevent loss of time in case of an emergency.
Medication – California State Law governs the administration of medication to students at school. All medication, either prescribed or over-the-counter, needs to be given by the school nurse or designee. A medication policy form signed by a physician and parent is needed before medication can be given. Please contact the school nurse if you have questions.
Immunization Requirements – California State law requires that all students under age 18, grades pre-kindergarten through 12, be immunized against certain diseases unless they are exempt for medical reasons or because of personal beliefs. At the time of registration the school is required to have proof that students have received all currently due immunizations. There are additional immunizations required upon entering the 7 th grade. Please call the school nurse for more information. 541-6404-292
Office and Telephone – The school office is a place of business. Messages are not delivered to students. In case of a family emergency only, students will be called from class to take your call in the office. This is a great disruption for the class, and we ask that all important matters are taken care of before or after school. It is possible to leave a message on the teacher’s phone, however, the teachers don’t always check their phone messages until the end of school. The office phone may be used by students on a discretionary basis. There is a pay phone available for student use for after school calls.
Physical Education Requirements – All 7 th and 8 th grade students must wear gym clothes in order to pass P.E. These items go on sale the first week of school. Locks and lockers are assigned to each student. Replacement locks are five dollars.
Report any injuries immediately to your teacher . Also, please inform your teacher of any medical condition. A parent may have their child excused for up to three days by presenting a dated note to the teacher. For more than three days a doctor’s note is required.
Only tennis or athletic-type shoes are allowed in the gym. Students are expected to be on time, in proper gym clothes, to behave, to learn new skills, and show improvement.
STMS’ Competitive Sports
Girls’ Basketball 7 th - 8 th (Sept. – Oct.)
Cross-Country Running 6 th – 8 th (Sept. – Oct.)
Boys’ Basketball 7 th - 8 th (Nov. – Feb.)
Cross-Country Skiing 6 th – 8 th (Jan. – March)
Wrestling 6 th – 8 th (Jan. – March)
Track – Boys/Girls 6 th – 8 th (March – May)
Snow Days – During inclement weather a “snow day” could be called. A Connect Ed message will be sent to your home and the local radio stations will announce school closures. Please do not call the school!
Visitors/Guests – Office hours are 7:00am – 3:30pm. All visitors and guests are required to check in at the front office and pick up a visitor’s pass. STMS is closed campus. Student visitors are not permitted.
Library – The library is open between 7:30 – 1:50 (and is closed for lunch from 11:30-12:00). Failure to return books may result in loss of library and other school privileges such as dances, sporting events, field trips, etc.
Counseling & Student Services – Our school provides a counseling system for the purpose of guiding the students throughout the middle school years and preparing them for later life. All students should be familiar with the guidance system and feel free to use it often and to its full extent. The counseling services at STMS include:
Report Cards – The school year is divided into trimesters. Students will receive three report cards during the school year: November, March and June. (The actual mailing dates are listed on the “Important Dates” page of this agenda). Please call the school if you don’t receive a report card.
Lost and Found – Students must assume responsibility for loss or damage to personal property left in a classroom or on campus. Found articles should be taken to the Lost and Found on the stage in the MPR. Students should not bring valuables or large amounts of money to school. STMS does not have student lockers.
Forgotten lunches , homework, gym clothes, etc., can be left at the office by your parents, but it will be the student’s responsibility to check for them. The office staff cannot interrupt classrooms to call students for their items.
Remember the following items are not allowed at school:
Special Notice:
We have a zero-tolerance policy for tobacco, alcohol, drugs and weapons. If you are in possession, or under the influence, of these items you face immediate suspension and a recommendation for expulsion. In addition, if you are involved with these items you will be referred to the police department for further action.
We are a closed campus. Students may not leave without parent permission. Students off campus without permission will be assigned detention, OCR or Saturday School. Hall passes are required
Whenever students are out of class during class time . Staff members will check regularly for hall passes. Students without a pass will be escorted back to their class. Students are expected to use the hall pass provided in this agenda.
Students are expected to obey the valid authority of all adult employees at the school . This means secretaries, custodians, and teachers’ aides, as well as teachers and administrators. Defiance of authority is punishable by detention, OCR, suspension, etc.
Students are to respect school property and each other’s belongings . Students and their parents will be held financially responsible for any damage to school property. This includes text and library books.
Threatening, harassing, or physically abusing anyone will not be tolerated. This includes sexual harassment. Students face OCR, suspension, and possibly recommendation for expulsion. Offenders can be referred to the police.
Students are to follow the classroom rules established by each teacher and to recognize that different teachers have different standards. Each teacher has the right to set the rules for his or her class. Teachers may assign detention for breaking their rules. The administration will support teachers by assigning OCR or suspension for repeat offenders.
Students are to follow the rules established by the bus driver. Bad behavior on the bus will result in the loss of bus privileges. Bus riding is a privilege, not a right.
Anything that can interfere with the learning environment in classrooms and on campus has no place at school. Cell phones must be completely turned off before arriving on campus and cannot be turned back on until the last bell rings at the end of the school day. A student who does not follow these guidelines will have his/her device taken away and a parent will need to come to school to pick up the device. A parent conference will be scheduled to deal with habitual offenders.
Matches, lighters, and drug paraphernalia are not allowed and will be confiscated permanently. Students face suspension and possible citation by the police.
Fire-crackers, fire-works, bullets, smoke bombs, stink bombs, “ poppers”, and any other similar device are strictly prohibited. Students will be suspended, referred to the police, and may be recommended for expulsion.
Weapons of any kind, including all knives, are prohibited. This includes any type or size of pocket knife. Students violating this rule face suspension, recommendation for expulsion and citation by the police.
The use of swearing, inappropriate language or hand gestures will not be tolerated. In addition, we have a general “no put-downs” rule at school that demands that we treat all people at the school with respect. Consequences can include detention, OCR, and suspension. Repeated obscene or vulgar behavior is grounds for suspension or a recommendation for expulsion.
Rowdy or boisterous behavior in the halls or lunch areas is not allowed . Students are to respect the fact that classes are not to be disturbed and that everyone deserves a peaceful lunch. Students who cannot behave during lunch will be assigned lunch clean-up detail and may have to eat in the area away from other students. Students who misbehave in the hall may receive a detention or more severe consequences.
Students are expected to show respect for themselves and others at assemblies, sports games, and other special events. These events are considered privileges. Students may loose the privilege of attending these events based on their behavior. Make good choices.
Gum chewing is not allowed . The first time a student is chewing gum, the student will be warned. The second time and each additional time a student is chewing gum, detention, campus clean-up, Saturday School and/or loss of a privilege will be the consequence.
All classrooms are equipped with telephones . Students must obtain teacher permission to use classroom telephones. Teachers have the right to determine what circumstance will warrant the use of a classroom telephone. By School Board policy, the use of cell phones is prohibited during the school day. If a parent feels it necessary for his/her child to have a cell phone in his/her possession for after school-use, the school will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. Cell phones must be put away and turned completely off during the entire school day.
Writing graffiti on school property is forbidden . Students writing graffiti will clean it up, be placed in OCR and will be referred to the police.
Pets are not allowed at school unless students have made prior arrangements with their teachers, due to severe allergic reactions of some students.
Skateboards or scooters must not be brought on campus (including the parking lot) and bikes must be locked in the bike rack. Skateboards or scooters may not be kept in classrooms or the office. STMS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or vandalized bikes, skateboards, or scooters. Bike thefts or other problems are to be reported to the police. The police are now enforcing the bike helmet laws and ticketing those not wearing them.
Students are expected to attend school regularly and be on time to all classes. Frequent tardiness will result in detention, OCR, and referral to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). Truancy will result in OCR and referral to SARB.
Student guests or visitors are not permitted at any time. All adult visitors must register in the office. Parents are welcome to visit classes. If you wish to talk with the teacher, call and leave a voice mail message. You should hear back from the teacher within 24 hours. Observations of classes, hallways, lunches, etc. can be done anytime. We do insist that you first register in the office and wear your visitor’s pass.
Overt displays of affection between students are not permitted. Although we recognize that romance often occurs with middle school students, common decency dictates that public display of affection are inappropriate. The administration will use its judgment in enforcing this rule.
Students are expected to follow the STMS Dress and Apparel Code. The administration and staff are aware of the changing nature of style in student dress. We seek to balance the current style with a dress code which allows for full physical participation in school activities and does not otherwise distract from or degrade the educational atmosphere of the school. Due to the highly changeable nature of gang-associated clothing, the administration reserves the right to declare any clothing, accessories, colors of specific items of clothing, signs, and graffiti which have been identified as associated with gangs, as off-limits on the school premises. STMS dress and apparel code is as follows:
Any distraction to the learning environment will not be tolerated. Any item of clothing or accessory that demonstrates an affiliation to gangs will not be allowed. Per the STMS dress code, if a student is wearing something that may be gang related or creates a distraction to the educational environment, the student will be sent to the office and administration will proceed in the best interest of our student’s safety and education.
Skirts and Shorts
Skirts and shorts must continue at least to the ends of the finger-tips when arms are held “straight” at your sides.
Pants
Sagging or excessively baggy pants are inappropriate and NOT permitted.
Pants must be worn at the waist and under-garments must not be seen.
Pants and bib overalls are to be properly fastened.
No chains hanging from pants.
Belts
No dangling belts.
No initial belt buckles.
No red or blue belts.
Tops
All tops must cover the upper body, including tummy, during normal activity.
Undergarments must not show.
No low cut, halters, midriffs, sheer (see through), spaghetti straps (straps must be a 2” minimum), or tube tops are allowed.
Hair color
The coloring of hair bright red, green, blue, purple, pink, etc can be disruptive to others and is not allowed.
Other
Any clothing, jewelry, accessories, notebooks, pins, posters, or other items which symbolize recognized groups whose practices intimidate, disrupt, or incite the social population are disruptive to school operations and the educational process, and will not be allowed at school.
Any jewelry or piercing that interferes with participation in physical education curriculum is prohibited.
No red or blue shoe laces.
Spiked/studded wristbands, collars, chains, etc., are prohibited.
No trench coats are allowed.
No sunglasses in class.
Clothing, jewelry, and body markings must be free of writing, pictures, or any insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane, sexually suggestive, or which advocate racial, ethnic, gang participation, ethnic, or religious prejudice, or the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
Students not following the school dress code will remain in the office until suitable clothing can be arranged or until a parent is called and appropriate clothing is provided.
Most school rules are matters of common sense and common courtesy. Keep in mind, we will deal very seriously with repeat offenders.
Detention/OCR - Students who have not responded to other forms of intervention may be assigned lunch-time detention. Parents must sign the detention slip for the student to be allowed to serve the detention. If a student fails to serve a detention or misbehaves at detention, he/she will be assigned On-Campus Retention. OCR is used as an intervention before or in lieu of suspension. Occasionally, the Administration will assign a clean-up duty as an alternative to detention or OCR. As a result of on-going, inappropriate behavior, parents may be required to spend part of or a whole day at school. The goal is to assist a misbehaving student to engage in and take an active part in his/her education. Further, a student may be assigned to participate in a social skills group in order to learn appropriate social behavior.
Students can serve up to three detentions each trimester. When a student is issued the fourth detention, Administration is notified and the student is placed in OCR or assigned Saturday School. After a student serves three OCR placements, future infractions may result in suspension and/or establishing a behavior contract.
Also in lieu of suspension, the Administration can assign Saturday School. Saturday school is held on most Saturdays from 8:00am – 12:00pm. Parents will be notified by Administration before a student serves at Saturday School. During Saturday School, students will complete prescribed work by teachers and administration as well as completing any work from their classes. Occasionally, the assistant principals will assign a clean-up duty as an alternative to detention or OCR.
Suspension - California State Education Code states that students may be suspended for (but not limited to) the following offenses:
Causing or attempting to cause physical injury.
Damage to, or theft of, school or private property.
Unlawfully possessing any controlled substance, firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous items.
Possessing or using tobacco.
Disrupting school activities or willfully defying school authority.
Sexual harassment
Nondiscrimination – The District will not allow anyone to be subjected to discrimination, or any other form of illegal bias, including harassment. No one shall be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of any agency’s program or activity on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender (“gender” means a person’s actual sex or perceived sex and includes a person’s perceived identity, appearance of behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with a person’s sex at birth), ethnic group identification, race ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability in any program or activity conducted by the district in any of its policies, procedures, or practices, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (pertaining to race, color, and national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments of J1973 (pertaining to handicap). Violations/incidents are to be reported to Beth Delacour, Title IX coordinator, 1021 Al Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. 530-541-2850 (BP 5145.4)
Sexual Harassment – The Governing Board prohibits the unlawful sexual harassment and harassment based on sexual orientation of any student by any other person in or from the district. Teachers shall discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways and should assure them that they need not endure any form of sexual harassment. “Sexual Harassment” means any unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, or any other unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of sexual nature made by someone from or in the educational or work setting, whether it occurs between individuals of the same or opposite sexes. Any student who engages in the sexual harassment of anyone in and from the district may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Any employee who permits or engages in sexual harassment may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. The board expects students or staff to immediately report incidents of sexual harassment to a district teacher or administrator. Any student who feels he/she is being harassed should immediately contact the principal or designee at his/her school. If any situation involving sexual harassment is not promptly remedied by the principal or designee, a complaint of harassment can be filed in accordance with AR1312.1, Complaints Concerning School Personnel, or AR1312, Complaints Concerning the Schools. The principal or designee shall determine which procedure is appropriate. The district prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or participant in the complaint process. Each complaint of sexual harassment shall be promptly investigated in a way that respects the privacy of all parties concerned. (EC 48900.2 and BP 5145.&)
Complaints – Alleged violations, by the school or school district, of federal or state law will be handled through uniform complaint procedures established by the District and County Office of Education, civil remedies may be available. Appeal and review procedures may be pursued through local, state, and federal agency offices and /or courts as well. Complaints may be made in writing to the Superintendent of the District, Dr. James Tarwater. The district shall be responsible for providing written procedures regarding the process upon request. (5 CCR 4610 and BP 1312)
Cafeteria Information – you may bring a lunch or purchase one in our cafeteria. Students will need to use their I.D. number each time they get a meal in the cafeteria. Keep the number confidential. A free lunch program is available for those who qualify. We also offer a breakfast program. If you were on the lunch or breakfast program last year you will need to re-apply this year.
Student Government – Our student council is an active, elected body. Elections are held in the fall of each year. Questions should be directed to the Student Activities director. All student Council
Candidates must meet the academic criteria and teacher recommendation requirements before they can run for election .
School Bus Rules and Regulations - Bus transportation is a privilege extended only to students who display good conduct while preparing to ride, riding or leaving the bus. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a student to be denied transportation.
Use of electronic devises is not allowed on the bus . Electronic devices may include, but not be limited to pagers, beepers, laser pointers, portable DVD players, and cellular/digital phones. Students must show their bus pass daily upon entering the bus for the pick-up ride and the take home ride.
Students may only ride to and from school at their designated bus stop . Exceptions will be made with a note from a parent or school administrator.
A partial list of bus rules is posted in all buses.
Students not following the rules will be disciplined. Verbal warnings, followed by our A, B, & C written citation process, will be issued. Students receiving C citations may be removed from the bus for the remainder of the school year.
No refunds for bus passes will be issued due to removal from the bus due to misbehavior.
Any questions may be directed to the transportation supervisor, Christy Monohan
at 543-2218 xt 261.
The choices I make today shape who I will become tomorrow. Middle School Matters!