Embedded Files
Student Conduct Policy & Regulation
Student Conduct Policy & Regulation
As a school, our priority is to ensure a safe learning environment, free from disruptions. Rules and regulations are established for the safety and well-being of all students in our school. Behavior that interferes with the teaching and learning or safety of our students will not be tolerated. Failure to abide by Falls Church Education Community Rights and Responsibilities, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School rules or to maintain appropriate conduct will result in disciplinary consequences. Henderson is a positive behavior system school in which modeling and consistency are an integral part of our daily operations. To maintain the integrity of our classroom instruction, students who are disruptive will be asked to refocus or removed from the learning environment. The safety and security of every student is extremely important and rules and regulations have been set forth to preserve a safe learning environment.
ATTEND ALL CLASSES, ARRIVE ON TIME AND COME PREPARED TO LEARN
Be in your assigned place or seat when class begins with necessary supplies and materials. Backpacks are not permitted in class. Please keep them in your locker.
Period attendance is taken for all classes and class tardies are recorded by the teacher.
Students must always have a hall pass when unaccompanied by an adult.
RESPECT THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PROPERTY OF OTHERS
Handle textbooks, library books, laptops and other school materials with care.
Never open anyone else’s locker and do not share your locker combination with others.
Show pride in Henderson by helping to keep classrooms, halls, restrooms, the Cafétorium, and grounds clean.
RESPECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
● Show respect toward the staff, teachers, substitutes, and classmates – at all times.
● Take care of your personal belongings, those of your classmates, and those of your teachers.
● Bullying behavior will not be tolerated. Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. If you experience or witness bullying, please report it to an adult immediately.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones/Electronics must be off and away throughout the day! This policy applies to all spaces, including classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, lockers, and bathrooms. If they are brought to school, all personal electronics must remain in the student's locker throughout the school day. Failure to follow this policy will result in confiscation of the personal device. This includes cell phones, smart watches, and wireless headphones.
Attendance
Attendance
Attendance, punctuality, and participation in each and every class, each and every day, are key to academic success. Parents/guardians are requested to notify the middle school attendance office within the first hour of the school day if a student will be absent. Please contact the Attendance Secretary at (703) 720-5702 in regard to absences. Students who are absent during the school day or leave early due to illness cannot participate in after-school activities.
If you are absent for one day, you should get your assignments from your teacher. Be prepared to make up missed tests or assignments within one school day upon return. In the event of a three-day or longer absence, assignments may be requested through the counseling office at 703-720-5706. (Work assigned/given prior to a prearranged absence is due the day the student returns.)
Students who are habitually late are subject to warning letters, conferences, after-school detentions, lunch detention, In-School Suspension, or other consequences that the administration deems necessary for making up the missed time.
As required by state law, the fifth unexcused absence during the school year will result in the notification of the attendance officer and a compulsory conference with the parent/guardian to develop an attendance plan for the student. Additional unexcused absences will result in the notification of the attendance officer or the Superintendent, with a complaint to the juvenile or domestic relations court to be filed.
Dress Code
Dress Code
At Mary Ellen Henderson Middle and Meridian High School, the student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.
Please review the Dress Code Policy.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity
At Meridian High School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, and consistent with the IB Learner Profile, we strive to be principled learners. In the spirit of mutual trust and intellectual honesty, we act with integrity, and with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. We strive to frame our discussions about academic integrity in a positive light as a way to demonstrate good character.
Please Review the Academic Integrity Policy for more information.
Acceptable Use & Regulation
Acceptable Use & Regulation
USE TECHNOLOGY RESPONSIBLY
● Students are expected to follow the FCCPS technology acceptable use policy, which needs to be signed in agreement before students will be issued laptops.
● Technology use violations will be classified as “major” or “minor” violations.
Minor violations include off-task behaviors, such as visiting websites instead of doing classwork, or refusing to put away technology immediately when asked to do so by a faculty member.
Major violations include visiting violent or inappropriate websites, playing games not linked to Schoology, or sending inappropriate messages via social media. Also, changing your wifi settings or downloading unapproved material on the device will result in a major violation.
● For damaged devices and chargers the following fee structure will be implemented: $50 for damaged computers, $25 for damaged chargers.
Prohibition Against Harassment
Prohibition Against Harassment
We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for every student. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic. Harassment in any form is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to:
Verbal harassment: Offensive jokes, slurs, name-calling, or any language that belittles or demeanes others.
Physical harassment: Unwanted touching, threats, or any form of intimidation.
Cyber harassment: Bullying, trolling, or any malicious behavior online.
We encourage all of you to be mindful of your words and actions and treat each other with kindness and empathy. If you witness or experience any form of harassment, we urge you to speak up and report it to a teacher, counselor, or any member of the school staff. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and we are here to support you.
PROHIBITION AGAINST HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION - POLICY JFHA/GBA
Bus Regulations
Bus Regulations
Students must remember that riding the bus is a privilege and that violation of the student code of conduct applies to FCCPS-provided transportation. Students who fail to comply can have their bus privileges suspended or revoked.
Backpacks
Backpacks
Backpacks must remain in the student's school-assigned locker throughout the school day. This helps to keep the building safe and gives classrooms the space for students and staff to move around freely.
Disciplinary Procedures and Expectations
Disciplinary Procedures and Expectations
Students who choose to violate school rules will be subject to consequences. The severity of the violation and the student’s individual discipline record will be considered when assigning consequences. Because of the various influences that affect the disposition of discipline cases, it is difficult to codify offenses/consequences. Alternative consequences deemed appropriate by the administration may be assigned.
If a student has violated a school rule within the classroom, the teacher will initiate certain procedures to correct the observed behavior. The teacher will work cooperatively with the student, parent/guardian, and counseling staff to assist the student in understanding their responsibility for a change in conduct. Teachers and Administration can/may assign the following consequences for inappropriate behavior:
● Verbal Requests and Prompts to curb the behavior
● Classroom Refocus
● Teacher/Student private parent/guardian contact
● Conference with student and or parent/guardian and or team
● Classroom lunch detention, after-school detention, or meeting with the teacher
● Privileges revoked
● In School Suspension (ISS)
Students assigned to In-School Suspension are excluded from participating in regular classes for a day(s) or a portion of the day assigned and parent/guardians are notified. Any misbehavior or failure to meet the requirements will result in Out-of-School Suspension. A student assigned ISS may not participate in after-school activities or take the Late Bus home.
● Out of School Suspension (OSS)
A student may be suspended by a school administrator for no more than ten consecutive days. Parents/guardians will be contacted by phone and notified in writing via U.S. Mail. During the time of suspension, the student is not permitted on school grounds or to attend any school-related activities. For further details please see below.
FCCPS School Board Policy JFC STUDENT CONDUCT
9.26P - Student Suspension / Expulsion
9.26R - Student Suspension / Expulsion (Regulations)
MEHMS Guide to Being a Global Citizen- PBIS Matrix - Google Docs.pdfPage updated
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