Mon - Friday        8:05 am – 3:15 pm

Because there is no supervision outside prior to 7:50 a.m., students should not arrive prior to 7:50 a.m. unless requested to by a teacher.

We ask that all students and parents wait outside in the morning until 8:00 am unless it is an “inside day.”

• An “inside day” will be determined by current weather conditions.
• Late Start on Snow Days – everything shifts 2 hours including time staff reports

Students who continue to remain on campus after 3:25 p.m. who are not involved in a school sponsored, organized activity, will be asked to leave.

ATTENDANCE

Parents are requested to call (303) 857-7201 by 8:00 a.m. if their child is going to be absent from school that day or is planning to arrive late.

One of the most important factors in a child’s education is regular attendance. Fort Lupton Middle School expects students to be present at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the school year.  This means a student should not miss more than one (1) day a month, excused or unexcused.

The School Attendance Law requires that each child between the ages of 7 and 17 shall attend public school unless otherwise excused.  It is the obligation of every parent/guardian to ensure that every child under the parent/guardian are and supervision between the ages of 7 and 17 be in compliance with the statute C.R.S. 22-33-107 (All case law is available online through the State of Colorado website.)  Furthermore, a child is considered habitually truant if the child between the ages of 7 and 17 years is unexcused for more than 4 days in a single month or 10 days in any school year.                                                                                                       

EXCUSED ABSENCES- An absence excused by the parent/guardian within three (3) days of the absence.

1. After three (3) days the absence becomes an unexcused absence.
2. A doctor's permit for re-admission may be required for absences caused by a contagious or infectious disease.
3. Prearranged absences are those that are anticipated by the student and his/her family and should be prearranged with the principal.  The student should make provisions in advance with his/her teachers to complete the work that would be missed.

Parents/Guardians are the only adults who can excuse students from school. Students cannot excuse their own absences.  Students who do attempt to excuse their own absences will be subject to disciplinary action.

Absences for more than three days are considered extended absences.  Building administration will determine whether an extended absence will be considered excused or unexcused.  For illness, a doctor’s note may be required to excuse an extended absence.

TARDIES - Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student without proper excuse after the scheduled time that a class begins. Consequences, such as before school, during lunch, and after school detentions shall be imposed for excessive tardiness.  Parents/guardians shall be notified of all penalties regarding tardiness.  Students must be in the classroom before the bell rings.  Consequences for tardies are as follows:

Detention, for the teacher, will be served according to individual grade-level policy.

1. Grade Level Team
2. Parent Contact
3. Student Contract

Arriving to class more than 30 minutes late, without authorization, will be recorded as an              unexcused absence for that class period.  Five unexcused class period absences will be equivalent to a full day unexcused absence, and subject to the guidelines of our truancy policy.

CHECKING IN / LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

Any time a student arrives late or leaves early, he/she must sign in or out of the office.  

Parents must sign out the student before taking them home.  Students may NOT sign themselves out or leave campus by themselves at anytime.  Students may only be signed out by a parent/guardian, or designated emergency contact person 18yrs of age or older.

                We have a closed campus.  Parents may elect to sign their child out for lunch, but may not sign out other students, regardless of parent permission.  Students are expected to return to their next class on time.

                Students who do not follow this procedure and leave the school without prior permission will be considered truant.

MAKE-UP WORK AND TESTS

If a student has been absent three or more days, make-up work will be provided upon parent request.  Please allow 24 hours for make-up work requests to be filled.  Make-up work for absences less than three (3) days should be obtained by the student upon his/her return to school.

It is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher to receive the missed work.  During an excused absence:

• Students shall be allowed to make up all other work missed during excused absences for full credit, if completed within five days of their return.
• Individual teachers may grant extra time for make-up work in hardship cases.

During an off-campus suspension:

• Students will be allowed to make up work after or during a suspension in order that they may reintegrate into the educational program.

Major projects, themes, research papers, book reports, and major tests, etc. for which due dates have been established and communicated well in advance, will receive credit if handed in late only at the discretion of the teacher.

Homework to be handed in by students in regular attendance will receive credit at the teacher's discretion if turned in late. 

DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT

 MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY

All students at Fort Lupton Middle School can be successful if they do their best each day, and show respect for themselves their school and others.

A student will not be allowed to participate in, or attend, any school-sponsored activity during the time of suspension.  The Fort Lupton Police Department may issue a trespassing ticket to any suspended or expelled student on school grounds, or at a school-sponsored activity.

S.T.A.R.S.

Fort Lupton Middle School has a School wide Positive Behavioral Support Program.  This program is intended to provide a positive and proactive approach to behavioral management.  It uses an instructional approach, where students are taught the expected behaviors throughout the day and in their classes by explanation, modeling, practicing and processing.  Blue Devil S.T.A.R.S. stands for:

S-SELF-RESPONSIBILITY

T-TEAMWORK

A-ATTITUDE

R-RESPECT

S-SAFETY

This program provides the same expectations, consequences and language throughout all areas of the school, to include the classroom, unified arts, hallways, restrooms, library, cafeteria and playground.  Teachers and staff will monitor and correct behavioral errors throughout the school year in a positive manner that everyone can easily remember.

BULLYING

Bullying is not tolerated at the Fort Lupton Middle School. There will be serious consequences for bullying. The definition for bullying is:

“Bullying is an act of repeated negative actions overtime in order to intentionally hurt another person, physically or mentally. Bullying is characterized by an individual behaving in a certain way to gain power over another person,and the other person having difficulty defending him or herself.”

Dan Olweus, "Peer Harassment: A Critical Analysis and Some Important Issues," in Peer Harassment in School, ed. J. Juvonen and S. Graham (New York: Guilford Publications, 2001): 3-20.

BUILDING DUE PROCESS

Students will be informed of rules and expectations by administration through this Student Handbook.

A teacher or staff member is expected to inform students who violate a specific rule at the time of the infraction, and communicate with the parent.

If the problem or offense is serious or long standing, the student may be referred to the office for discipline:

A “Discipline Referral Form” will be filled out. The student and witnesses, or others involved, will also be given the opportunity to fill out a “Student Witness Report” as part of their due process. A consequence will then be determined by the administrator: 

In-School Suspension – (ISS):

If the student is to receive ISS as a consequence, the student will report to the ISS room and begin his pre-determined assignment time.  The student’s teachers will be notified of his or her assignment to ISS, and will provide work needed for that time period.  Parents will be notified through a phone call and through written communication (a copy of the Discipline Referral Form).

Out-of-School Suspension-(OSS):

If the student is to receive OSS as a consequence, parents will be notified and will be required to pick-up the student from the campus immediately.  A copy of the Discipline Referral Form will be provided to the parent and student.  A Due Process Checklist will also be filled out by the administration prior to suspension. The student will be given the opportunity to get assignments that may be missed during the absence. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the police may issue a citations. It is to the discretion of the administration to decide when the suspension will take place.

STUDENT PEACE AGREEMENTS

The staff at Fort Lupton Middle School believes that it is part of their educational mission to help students learn about conflict resolution and other positive behavior choices. For that reason students will be asked to sign a Student Agreement as a proactive approach to resolving relationship problems with students. This Student Agreement will be sent home for a parent signature when your student has sought assistance from a counselor or administrator.By signing this agreement, students and parents understand that failure to abide by the agreement will result in consequences which may be as significant as out-of-school suspension.

Students should seek assistance from the teacher, Counseling Department and/or administration if they are unable to resolve problems with other peers or adults at school, on their own.

DRESS CODE

Students are expected to use good judgment when dressing for school. They should wear warm clothing on cold days because they will go outside during their lunch time. They must wear shoes at all times. Students may wear hats outside in an appropriate manner, but they must remove them when entering the building. Hoodies can be worn at school with the hoods down and off the head when in the building.

Student dress should conform to our community’s standards of decency, safety, modesty and cleanliness.  Students will not be permitted to dress in a manner that:

• affects the safety of that student or other students
• disrupts the learning environment
• indicates affiliation with or admiration of negative social influences such as gangs, cults, substance abuse or sexual degradation
• contains inappropriate comments related to gender

Specifically, students are NOT ALLOWED to wear the following in school or on school grounds:

• NOracer back or spaghetti strap tank tops – shirts/tanks without sleeves must have straps that are at least four fingers (3inches) wide. Tank jerseys can be worn if a t-shirt with sleeves is worn under the jersey
• NO garments that bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back and chest. There should not be bare midriff exposed while standing, sitting or when lifting arms above head.
• NOimmodest or revealing clothing-no visible under garments or ribbed t-shirts.
• NO sagging pants or shorts- pants and shorts should stay on the hips without the assistanceof a belt or otherwise when the student walks or runs.
• NO oversized apparel – wide leg pants, blankets, flags, jackets, etc.
• NO short shorts or skirts - shorts and skirts should come to student’s mid-thigh even with tights on underneath
• NOclothing with gang, Homie, drugs, alcohol, Lowrider themes, inappropriate gestures/language items on them, or trench coats.
• NOclothing or headgear that displays: graffiti, swastikas, confederate flags, and other symbols, emblems, badges, etc, which reflect or present advocacy of drug, alcohol or tobacco use, violence, disruptive behavior, sexual intimidation, ethnic or racial intimidation, and/or other criminal activity.
• NObandanas may be worn on any part of the body or clothing.
• NOchains-on clothing or billfolds (chains 1/8 inch or smaller may be allowed as jewelry only)
• NOspikes-collars, bracelets, etc. having spikes or similar sharp objects will be allowed.
• NO students are permitted to have bare feet.
• NOslippers sleep or pajama wear. (exceptions may occur on special dress up days designated by administration)
• NO sunglasses, hats or gloves may be worn in the building-however; they can be worn outside of the building and at outdoor activities. (exceptions may occur on special dress up days designated by administration)

*NOTE:  Students who are not dressed appropriately will be asked to change their attire to adhere to the appropriate level of standard determined by the Fort Lupton Middle School staff.  If extra clothes are not available at school, students may be asked to call home to have a change of clothes brought to the school. A parent conference or other consequences such as ISS may occur for the student who continues to be defiant and dress inappropriately.

Gang clothing is used in the rule of three: any three like colored items or any three of the following: web belts, gang lettered belt buckles, gang colored shoe laces (Red or Blue), gang colored bandanas, gang colored shirts, or the same colored item(s) worn three days in one week.

Administrative discretion will determine clothing that is considered to be gang related with consultation of the police department and gang task force.

ASSEMBLIES/PEP RALLIES GUIDELINES

Student conduct is a sign of school spirit, school pride and maturity.  We expect to uphold our reputation as a courteous and mature student body of Fort Lupton Middle School by abiding by the following guidelines for school assembly behavior:

• Show respect for all presenters, guests and those around you.
• No food or drinks allowed at any time during an assembly.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm in a positive way, and at the appropriate time. Whistling, booing or heckling will not be allowed. 
• Please wait to be dismissed by an administrator or teacher at the end of an assembly.
• When reporting to an assembly, please wait to be escorted by a teacher or staff member. Report quietly and promptly to the assembly.  
• Upon leaving please place seat back to its upright position in the auditorium

LUNCH GUIDELINES

Ft. Lupton Middle School is a closed campus, and all students are asked to eat lunch at school. Students can bring a sack lunch, or purchase lunch in the commons. Choices include hot lunch and a la carte items. The price of a hot lunch is subject to change, and parents will find a menu in the School House News. Students are not allowed to make “to go” food orders from the school for delivery. Students may be allowed to eat lunch outside of school if accompanied by a parent.  Parents may not sign out students other than their child, regardless of parent permission.   

Breakfast

Middle School Student       $1.50

Adult w/ Milk                       $2.00

Lunch

Middle School Student       $2.50

Adult w/ Milk                       $3.00

The guidelines for Commons behavior are:

• WALK into the commons and find a seat.
• Line up in the designated area if you have a S.T.A.R.S. Card
• Quiet tables will be called to line up next.
• Orderly behavior is expected, with a conversation tone utilized by the students.
• After students get their food they are to remain seated until they are dismissed.
• Quiet tables that are finished eating will be dismissed first.
• When students are dismissed they are responsible for their own clean-up and tray return.
• After students are dismissed they are expected to go to recess

All students who eat at school, including those who bring their own lunch, must: 

• Respect adult supervisors and follow their requests.
• Not go to their classrooms, library or other areas in the building during lunch without a pass.
• Not eat lunches outside of the commons, unless there is a prearranged situation with the classroom teacher.
• Only go to their lockers during regular passing times, before and after lunch.
• Pick up paper and trash from the table and floor near sitting area.
• Wipe their own eating area after they are through eating. 
• Wait to be dismissed from their sitting area by an administrator or teacher.
• Throw all trash away before leaving the cafeteria.
• Not consume food or drink (except bottled water) in the hallways, classrooms, or on the playground.
• Not bring energy drinks to school.

If rules are not followed, students will be referred to an administrator for disciplinary action.

PLAYGROUND/FIELD GUIDELINES

The south and west fenced playgrounds/fields are reserved for students during school hours. Students are expected to act in a safe and cooperative manner and to follow these rules:

• Students will go out onto the playground/field only when there is a supervising adult(s) present.
• Tackle football is not allowed.
• Students are asked to play in the line of vision of supervising adult.
• All food and drink are to be consumed in the commons and not out on the playground/field.
• SAFETY FIRST while playing outside.
• Students will check with the supervising adult before re-entering the building to go to the nurse, counselor, office, or restroom.
• To enter the building, students will line-up at designated area and wait to enter the building when the whistle or bell rings.
• No roughhousing (rough play, wrestling, wall-ball, peg-man, tackle football, etc.).
• No standing/sitting on trash cans located on the blacktop.
• No hard balls will be allowed at school without permission from the Middle School office.
• Games are open to any student wishing to play.
• No teasing, improper language, racial slurs or comments.
• No hitting, slapping, spitting, or kicking.
• No pets on school grounds.
• No continued play after whistle blows.
• No sliding on the snow or ice and NO THROWING OF SNOW OR SNOWBALLS.
• For safety reasons, no wheeled items (e.g. skateboards. roller blades, shoes or bicycles) may be used on campus. Bicycles ridden to school must be secured at the bike racks upon arrival at school. 

An administrator, teacher or staff member will always be supervising on the playground. The adults on the playground/ field will deal with any disputes.  Students unable to follow playground/field rules may be disciplined by:

• warnings
• time-outs/sitting out games
• parent contact
• lunch or after school detentions
• community service
• suspension or expulsion, depending on the seriousness of the offense

CLASSROOM/HALLWAY GUIDELINES

Students are expected to show respect for their school building by keeping it clean. Students are expected to be in class, ready to begin, on time.  When students are in the hallway/ stairway they are expected to be on the right side, so other people can pass. Students are expected to act in a safe and cooperative manner in the classroom/hallway and follow these rules:

• NOStudent is allowed to be in the hallway without a pass.
• NORoughhousing (Bullying, rough play, wrestling, hitting, pushing, etc.)
• NOLoitering in the halls. (standing around lockers or waiting for friends)
• NOFood or drink (except bottled water) is to be consumed in hallways or classrooms, or on the playground.
• NOPublic displays of affection (hand holding, kissing, hugging etc.)
• NORunning. Students are to walk to their next class.
• NO Inappropriate language (swearing, cussing, name calling, racial slurs, etc.)
• NO Students are allowed to go to their lockers during lunch.
• NO Students are allowed in the hallways after 3:25pm unless they are requested to stay by a teacher or are participating in a supervised activity.
• NO Backpack/bagswill be allowed in any class or lunch.  Items belonging to the student must be stored in their lockers.

BUS GUIDELINES

  It is a privilege to ride a Weld County RE-8 school bus, NOT a right.  Call the Weld County RE-8 transportation office (303-857-7370), if questions or problems arise regarding bus transportation. The transportation department’s behavior expectations and safety rules will be given to your child by their bus driver during the first month of school.  Failure to abide by these rules could lead to a suspension of bus-riding privileges, or administrative action at the school(see below).

• Passengers must have parent/guardian contact transportation office to obtain permission for any change of pick up or discharge location.

• Passengers shall not take anything on the bus that is hazardous, including glass containers or objects that block the aisle or take up room of another passenger.  (Example: Skate boards, radios, large science projects or large musical instruments.)

• Passengers shall not use or possess tobacco in any form, nor shall they use or possess illegal drugs or alcohol.

• Passengers shall not consume food or liquids on the bus to and from school without the operator's permission.

• Passengers shall not indulge in fights or scuffles, throw objects from bus windows, use profane language, loud talk or distractive noises, hand gestures, or engage in any other form of horseplay on or around the bus or at the bus stop.

• Passengers shall be silent when a bus is at a railroad crossing and shall remain silent until the bus has crossed the railroad tracks.

• Passengers shall be subjected to disciplinary action resulting from failure to follow instructions of the driver, hitting or harassing other students, vandalism or unauthorized use of the emergency door, and from failure to follow the regulations of student conduct.

• Passengers shall lose their riding privileges resulting from any infraction of the rules.  Loss of riding privileges includes all field trips and activity trips using school vehicles.

Field Trip Rules:

• Food will not be consumed on the bus unless prior arrangements have been made.
• Glass containers are not acceptable.
• Carry-on bags, coolers, or team equipment must fit and be secured either under the seats or in a seat.  Aisles must be kept clear, including all of the body.
• All personal belongings, trash items (paper, cans, etc.) should be picked up and disposed of properly prior to the group exiting the bus.  Failure to comply with this expectation will result in a loss of eating privileges for that group.  The transportation Director and the Building Principal will determine the loss of privileges time frame.
• Students must be accountable at all times and must report to teachers before leaving.

A driver has the right to terminate the field trip if road conditions or student conduct is unsafe.

 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 SPORTS

Fort Lupton Middle School offers a wide variety of after-school sports during the year. The program for seventh and eighth graders is interscholastic, with scheduled competitions against other middle schools in our district. These sports include gymnastics, swimming, football, boys wrestling, girls volleyball, girls and boys basketball and track and field.

Please listen to the school announcements for specific beginning and ending dates of these seasons.  There is a no “cut” policy for any of these sport offerings at Fort Lupton Middle School.  An athletic physical examination and a participation fee are required in order to participate in each interscholastic sport.  All sports physicals MUST be current within the last year.

Students are issued a sport uniform free of charge and are expected to return the uniform in good condition or fines will be assessed.

Rules and consequences for FLMS Students participating in extracurricular activities:

1. A student that is suspended out of school will not be allowed to participate in any competition for an entire week.  This time period will begin with the time of the suspension. When the student returns, they will be required to attend all practices during the week following a suspension if they want to remain on the team.
2. A student that is suspended in-school will not be allowed to participate in either practice or competition during the day/days of suspension. In-School suspension is defined as time that a student is assigned ISS for more than one period.  This does not include lunch detention or time out.
3. These rules do not replace school rules.  These rules and consequences are in addition to the existing school rules outlined in this handbook.

General Eligibility

Students shall be eligible to represent Fort Lupton Middle School in interscholastic activities sanctioned by the Colorado Middle School Activities Association if they meet the following specific requirements:

•    The student is a bona fide undergraduate member of Fort Lupton Middle School (Exceptions should be referred to the athletic office).
•     In the judgment of the principal, students are representative of the school's ideals in matters of conduct and sportsmanship.
• Students failing two classes or more will automatically be ineligible until the grades are brought up to passing.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

(CLUBS, COMMITTEES, ACTIVITIES)

Fort Lupton Middle offers students a wide variety of extracurricular programs such as: Student Council, WEB, Athletics, Band, NJHS, Yearbook, Brain Bowl, and Choir. Some of these clubs may be fee-based activities. These offerings allow students to grow physically, socially and emotionally during some of their most formative years.  In addition, they offer short, exploratory opportunities in recreational activities that may become life-long skills.   

If you have questions or concerns regarding athletic programs or activities, please feel free to contact the Activities/Athletic Director at 303-857-7248.

We strongly encourage all Fort Lupton Middle School students to involve themselves in at least one extracurricular program during this school year.  Being involved in activities will positively impact a student’s school experience at Fort Lupton Middle School.  Challenge yourself by getting involved. 

Watch the student announcements and school newsletter for more information regarding these programs.  Remember that student involvement in the total school program will be a key factor in a student’s success atFort Lupton Middle School and in her/his future endeavors.  Any questions about clubs and/organizations should be directed to an administrator or the club’s faculty sponsor.

1. Dances:

Students must be eligible to attend dances.  Eligibility will be determined by administrative discretion.  In addition, students who have been in in-school suspension or out of school suspension,  in the week prior to the dance will NOT be eligible to attend.  Students absent for more than half the school day will not be eligible to attend.  Any exceptions will require PRIOR administrative approval.

School sponsored dances are for the enjoyment of Fort Lupton Middle School students. Students should act/behave appropriately at all times.  Once a student exits a dance, they will not be allowed to return to the dance.

Electronic Devices:

Electronic  such as PSPs, MP3 players and video games that become disruptive to the learning environment are not allowed on school property. These items may be confiscated and returned only to a parent or legal guardian.

Fort Lupton Middle School is not responsible for lost or stolen phones or electronic devices.

Cell Phones:

Cell phones may be brought to school to be used before or after school and for educational purposes only. Cell phones that are disruptive to the learning environment will be confiscated, and returned only to a parent or legal guardian. They must be turned off and out of sight during the school day. 

Fort Lupton Middle School is not responsible for lost or stolen phones or electronic devices.

• Public Display of Affection:

Students are not to engage in public displays of affection. Any such displays will result in disciplinary actions. These include but are not limited to: hand holding, kissing, hugging etc. We recognize that young people develop feelings for one another, butthere is an appropriate time and place for showing affection. 

• Valuables:

Students are asked NOT to bring valuables of any kind to school

Fort Lupton Middle School is not responsible for lost or stolen valuables.

• LOCKERS

Fort Lupton Middle school students will be assigned lockers for their convenience to store books, papers and other personal belongings.  Students will not be allowed to take backpacks or bags to any class, or to lunch.  Items belonging to the student must be stored in their lockers.  These lockers have installed locks. Students are to keep their locker combination confidential, which will provide greater security for their possessions.

• Only use the locker that was assigned to you. Students should not store valuable items in the locker, they should not be brought to school or special arrangements through teacher or administration should be made before hand.  If a problem arises with a locker partner, advise academic grade level teacher or administration.
• It is the student’s responsibility to keep the locker in good condition.  Report any problems to the main office.
• Students should not write or mark in or on the locker.  Students will be assessed a repair charge for any damage that they cause to the locker or be assigned to custodial duty to repair or clean locker.
• A locker may be opened for inspection when the school administration believes it may contain prohibited articles.  Also, locker checks may be conducted as determined by the administration in order to dispose of waste materials, recover missing books, and other school property, or for other reasons deemed appropriate by the building administration.

School administration reserves the right to remove locker privileges as a disciplinary consequence.

Students will also have P.E. lockers to store school clothes and books during P.E., and must purchase their own lock.  All problems with lockers should be reported to the school office, or head custodian, immediately. 

Student Use of School Property

BUILDING/HALL USE

Students are not to be in the hallway during class time without an authorized pass from their teacher.  Student use of the building is limited to the normal school day, between 8:05 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., and to the times and activities directly supervised by a teacher or coach/sponsor.

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER

Through the Fort Lupton Middle School Library, students have access to all materials and databases in the Weld Library District, which includes all public libraries in Weld County.  Most materials are checked out for a three-week period, and may be renewed as needed. Word processing and Internet are also available for school related projects.

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER

Library Responsibilities and Consequences

1. Students not in a scheduled class must always have a signed pass that states the student’s purpose for coming to the library.  If you do not have a pass, you will have to return to class.  There are no exceptions.
2. Return materials on a timely basis.  Most items are checked out for three weeks and may be renewed as needed. You may not check out any other materials if you have overdue or lost books.  In addition, you may not request copies of reference materials or use the computers for word processing or Internet access.
3. There is no food or water allowed in the library.  At home, keep materials away from water, food, and other hazards.  You will be charged for damages or replacement costs.
4. Students are limited to two books for pleasure.  There is no limit for books used for class projects.
5. Students should behave appropriately and respect library materials.  Those who do not will lose library privileges.

PHONES/COPIERS

Students are not allowed to use the telephone during class time. All school phones are available only for calls that pertain to school business or for emergencies. Students are not allowed to use the telephones in the teachers’ lounges or the front office.  Students are not allowed to use school copiers.

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Necessary texts and study materials will be issued to students at no charge.  Students are expected to maintain these texts and materials in good condition.  Charges will be assessed for loss or damage. The optional purchase of supplementary study materials may be recommended in some courses.  Fees may be assessed for materials or supplies in some electives.

Other StudenT AND Parent Items

ADDRESS CHANGE

Students should immediately report any change in home address, telephone number, emergency telephone number and number of their family physician, to the office.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

The following forms of communication will be utilized at Fort Lupton Middle School:School House News, the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, planners/agendas, email, phone (voice mail), progress reports, report cards, back to school nights, parent conference meetings and through the Fort Lupton Website: flms.weld8.org

HONOR ROLL

 Honor Roll– 3.5, and above, GPA at the end of the grading period

LEGAL CUSTODY

The school has no legal authority to determine which parent has access to your child.  If either parent should not be allowed access to the child, the Middle School office must have a copy of legal custody papers verifying that information.  In the absence of a legal request to limit access, it will be assumed either parent has access to the child.

LOST AND FOUND

All articles found should be turned in at the office, where owners may claim them.  Items will be retained in the office for one month after which time the items will be discarded.  Students losing or missing items of personal property should report their loss to the administrative office as soon as possible.

MEDICATION

Medicine taken at school must be administered by school personnel and must be kept in the office. The school must have written permission from your doctor and your parent or guardian before giving medication of any kind. If you must take medicine while you are in school, bring the medication to the office in the original pharmacy labeled bottle with the following information:  name of the medication, amount to be given, and time of day to be given, physician's name, and student’s name.

The school cannot administer any medication without a doctor's consent. This includes over-the-counter medication such as aspirin and Tylenol, medicated salves, and lotions.

MESSAGES AND PHONE CALLS

Students are allowed to possess cell phones or pagers on school grounds.  Cell phones must be turned off and kept out of sight until the close of the school day, or they will be confiscated.  Student may make school-related phone calls before and after school with staff permission in the office.  Students are NOT ALLOWED to use phones located in the teacher’s lounges or front office. Only messages of an URGENT nature will be delivered to students.

ACCIDENTS

Students are responsible for immediately reporting, to the teacher or coach in charge of the activity, all facts pertaining to any accident. 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In case of an actual emergency involving a fire, tornado, or some other natural disaster, all students are to follow the established procedures practiced during drills.

Fire Drills-The signal for a fire is the continuous ringing of the fire alarm.  At the signal for a fire everyone will leave the building in the manner designated.  In cooperation with local officials, the school will hold drills as requested.  All students will be directed to designated locations, which offer maximum protection.

Lock Down Drills-Lock Down procedures will be practiced at a time and place designated by the administration.  In the event of an actual lock down procedure, an announcement by the administration over the intercom will signify an impending situation.  All students and staff will be directed to execute proper procedures as discussed and practiced.

Tornado and Storm Warnings-Storm warning procedures will be practiced at times and places designated by the administration.  In the event of a tornado or severe storm, an announcement over the intercom will signify an impending emergency.  All students will be directed to designated locations, which offer maximum protection.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

An administrator must approve all schedule changes, after the start of the school year.  All schedule changes will be requested through the counselor, and then must be approved by an administrator. 

STUDENT PROMOTION – RETENTION

In order to be promoted to the next grade level, students cannot receive a failing average grade in three or more core classes.

Parents can expect to be notified by an administrator if retention is being considered due to failing grades in academic work and/or failure to complete schoolwork.  Conferences with parents, student, and teachers will develop interventions designed to help the student be successful.  If the interventions are not successful in increasing academic progress, the team, parents, and administration will meet to consider retention and determine placement for the next school year.  In some cases, students are promoted following successful completion of summer school. On the recommendation of the teaching team, the administration may promote a student not meeting the above requirements if his/her needs would be better met by proceeding to the next grade level.  Promotion or retention of any student on an Individual Educational Plan will be determined by a staffing conference/meeting.

STUDENTRESIDENCY / NON-RESIDENCY

Weld County School District Re 8's open enrollment policy is on a space available basis according to the following priorities:  in-district residents, homeless students, dependents of school employees, elementary students originally enrolled as resident students, students seeking continuous enrollment, students who have other siblings previously enrolled in-district as nonresident students, dependents of employers/employees that have employment status within boundaries of the district and students who reside in other districts within Colorado.  All non-resident students must apply each year, according to the priority that applies to them, and await approval from the building administrator and Superintendent.  Proof of legal custody (Court approved) must be provided to document in-district residency.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL

In order to legally withdraw a student from Fort Lupton Middle School a parent/student must:

• Obtain a withdrawal form from the Registrar.
• The form must be completed and returned to the office before leaving FLMS.  Also, all books and materials must be returned, and all fines paid, prior to leaving Fort Lupton Middle School.

VISITORS TO CAMPUS

1. Students are not permitted to bring school age, or younger, guests to school. 
2. Students not enrolled at the Middle School are not allowed to “visit” past teachers or friends during the schoolday.

Parent and adult visitors are welcome on the school campus. The safety of our students is our number one priority. For that reason, any adult wishing to visit the school, drop something off for their child, talk to the administration, or volunteer in the school, must sign in at the main office upon arrival on campus and wear a “Visitor” or “Volunteer” badge at all times.   Adults not wearing a badge will be asked to sign in to the office.  Adults should contact individual teachers to arrange appropriate visitation times.  School administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of visits from individuals other than a parent or guardian.

GANG ACTIVITY OR ASSOCIATION

It is the intention of the Board of Education to maintain a safe and productive school atmosphere that is free from the harmful influence of gang or gang-related activity.  The Board specifically finds that any gang or gang-related activity or the presence of any gang in the schools disrupts and interferes with school programs, and obstructs the lawful missions, processes, procedures, or functions of the schools.

1. A gang is defined as any group of two or more persons who advocate or regularly engage in drug use, violence, illegal acts, disruptive behavior, or similar acts/behaviors.
2. Students shall not engage in any actions intended to encourage or facilitate, or that have the effect of encouraging or facilitating, gangs, gang-related activities or purposes.
3. Non-students shall be prohibited from being on school premises or at any school activity if their presence or actions are intended to have the effect of encouraging or facilitating gangs, gang-related activities or purpose.
4. Without limiting the generality of the provisions of 2.0 and 3.0, students or non-students may not:
5. recruit or aid in the recruitment of gang members.
6. wear or display any clothing, accessories, symbols or signs, which indicate membership in or affiliation with any gang.
7. engage in behavior intended to threaten or intimidate students, school personnel, or others lawfully on school premises in school vehicles or attending school functions or engage in behavior intended to threaten or intimidate those individuals.
8. engage in any actions that aid or further gang or gang-related activities or purposes.
9. Displaying any of the above behavior or otherwise attempting to disrupt school operations will result in disciplinary action and/or other preventive or corrective measures at the discretion of school administration.

LEGAL CUSTODY

The school has no legal authority to determine which parent has access to your child.  If either parent should not be allowed access to the child, the Middle School office must have a copy of legal custody papers verifying that information.  In the absence of a legal request to limit access, it will be assumed either parent has access to the child.

NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF ETHNICITY, RACE AND RELIGION

A learning environment free from ethnic harassment and intimidation shall be provided for all students regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, or national origin.

It shall be a violation of Board policy as well as state law for any student or staff member to harass or intimidate any other student or staff member because of that person's race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin.  Ethnic intimidation shall include:

• Conduct that knowingly causes bodily injury to another person.
• Conduct or speech that knowingly places another person in fear of imminent lawless action directed at that person or his/her property.
• Conduct or speech that is likely to produce bodily injury to another person or damage to his/her property.
• Conduct that knowingly causes damage to or destruction of the property of another person.

Any incident believed to constitute ethnic intimidation shall be reported promptly to the building principal or assistant principal for investigation and further action, which will include reporting the incident to law enforcement authorities and may include a recommendation for suspension and/or expulsion of any student exhibiting such conduct.  For more detail, see Weld County School District Re-8 School Board Policy File: AC.