Materials

Textbooks and School Materials

Depending on the course, students may be assigned a textbook and/or materials for classroom and/or home use. Each student is responsible for the book(s)/materials assigned to them and it should be kept in a safe location.. Books and materials must be cared for properly. If a textbook or material is lost or damaged, the student will be charged a replacement cost per FCPS Regulation 500-05.

Computer Use/One-to-One Devices

All TMS students will be assigned an FCPS Chromebook. This initiative will allow all students the ability to access FCPS digital resources necessary for academic success. In addition, an FCPS Chromebook must be used for state testing. While a fee is not charged for the assignment of a Chromebook, repair costs will be billed if damages occur. FCPS recommends keeping the assigned device in the proved case at all times. Additional FCPS technology information, including device usage agreement, repair costs, and technology regulations can be found HERE.

All students must follow the rules of computer usage as cited in Regulation 434-01 of the Frederick County Board of Education. Consequences will be imposed in accordance with FCPS regulations governing student behavior (Regulation 403-01). Students are responsible for their behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. While using technology, students will use appropriate language and follow the same code of conduct as required by FCPS and the school building policies. 

The school system reserves the right to review the content of all FCPS accounts. Network administrators may review files and communications to keep the network working properly and to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files will be private. FCPS will not guarantee the availability or access to the Internet and will not be responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or other difficulties. Computer or printer problems at school or home cannot be used as an acceptable excuse for not meeting an assigned deadline. 

 TMS Cell Phone/Earbud Policy

In an effort to work together to ensure appropriate use of cell phones for students, we wish to take this opportunity to remind parents and students of the rules for having a cell phone at school. Our FCPS Regulation is linked if you would like to review it. Regulation 434-01 Technology Use, Students.

At TMS cell phone expectations are as follows: silent, away, and out of sight unless directed by the teacher during classroom instruction.  All work should be able to be completed with the use of chromebooks or your personal device.

 If a student violates this cell phone and/or earbud policy:

• For the first offense, the student will be asked to bring the device to the front office where they can sign for/pick it up at the end of the day. 

• If a student violates the policy more than once, they will be asked to bring the device to the front office and a parent/guardian will need to sign for/pick up the device. 

• If a student violates the policy more than twice, disciplinary action may be taken by administration and the parent will be required to pick up the device.

Book Bags/String Bags

Students are required to use their lockers to store all materials, including backpacks.  Students may not carry backpacks from class to class. Students are to carry their Chromebook in the original case. All other binders, books, and handbags/small purses may be carried to class. Additionally, students may use a string bag to carry their PE shoes/clothing from their hallway locker directly to the gym. The string bag used to carry the PE clothing/shoes should not be taken to any other classes.  If a student continues to violate this rule, staff members will follow progressive disciplinary steps. All personal belongings except for lunch boxes are to be placed in student lockers during lunch time.  

Lockers

Combination locks will be provided for all hall lockers to protect individual property and books. Each student will be assigned a locker. 

• The assigned locker is the only one that any student is allowed to use. 

• Students are responsible for the contents of their lockers. 

• Backpacks, coats and all other personal belongings should be stored in student lockers.

• Students are not permitted to carry backpacks/string bags. 

• Students will still be required to carry binders, folders, etc. 

• Students have four minutes to transition between classes which includes time to stop at their locker to switch out school supplies/materials.

• All backpacks, coats, and personal items must be stored in student lockers before lunch shifts. NO backpacks are permitted in the cafeteria during lunch due to safety concerns. 

Personal Belongings

Thurmont Middle School and FCPS are not responsible for the loss and damage of personal property. 

• Students are responsible for taking care of their belongings. 

• If an item is missing or stolen, it is essential that the student report the loss before the end of the school day while there is still a chance to locate the missing item.

• Lost money is almost impossible to retrieve. Please limit the amount of money your student brings to school.

• No spray perfumes, body sprays, colognes, or deodorants are allowed in the school. 

• Students are discouraged from bringing expensive binders, toys, purses or other valuable items to school, all of which are targets for theft. 

• Students should lock personal items in their lockers when not in their direct possession, and they should not leave belongings unattended.

• Students are not to give other students their locker combinations. 

• When thefts do occur, the administration does its best to investigate the matter and attempt to return items to the owner. Students who take things belonging to others or damage the personal property of others are subject to disciplinary action and can be required to make restitution. 

Lost and Found

Students are responsible for their own property.

• All items should be clearly marked with a student’s name. 

• The school maintains two lost and found areas: one in the office and one in the cafeteria.

• Although the school will make every attempt to help locate lost property, the responsibility lies with the student. The school is NOT responsible for a student’s personal property.

• Please leave valuables at home. Skateboards, roller blades, etc. are not permitted on school grounds.