Dear Students:

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year at Rosa Parks Middle School! With students, staff, and parents working together, we will have multiple successes. This will be an outstanding school year in which we focus on increasing your skills at thinking critically, acting responsibly, and contributing positively to the school and community while valuing multiple perspectives. While we know that the start to this school year differs from previous years because the first semester of the year will be virtual, we will meet the challenge and have a fantastic year. Remember, “Excellence, excellence, we expect excellence!”

Along with an engaging and rigorous instructional program, Rosa Parks offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities that you can pursue. From sports activities to drama productions, from robotics to digital art, you will have fun, make friends, and maximize your potential as a learner and member of our school community. We will try to create some of these same opportunities virtually. In middle school, you make key choices that will pave the way for you to achieve your college and career goals. In addition to academic growth, you will make strides in social emotional learning. We will work with every student to develop the habits that lead to high academic achievement and positive social interactions.

While the staff will provide you with multiple opportunities within a welcoming, intellectually stimulating school environment, ultimately the personal decisions that you make will determine your success in school.

I am asking that you make four commitments--to put forth your best effort academically, become involved in an extracurricular activity, treat other students and members of the school staff respectfully, and engage in service that supports your community.

I look forward to working with you and your families this year.

Sincerely,

Jewel Sanders

Principal

VISION

Rosa M. Parks Middle School is a welcoming, intellectually stimulating environment in which all students will demonstrate significant growth in their abilities to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute positively within diverse settings while valuing multiple perspectives.

MISSION

We will ensure that all students access high-quality instruction, a challenging curriculum, and engaging school activities so that they are poised to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities (ECCHO: Equity and Choice Create High Opportunities for each student). The relationships among students, staff, and the community will create a positive school climate characterized by active participation, open communication, continuous growth, and positive contributions to the community.

CORE VALUES

Honesty

Respect

Responsibility

Perspective

KEY BELIEFS

ECCHO: We share the belief and responsibility for the success of every student and that Equity and Choice Create High Opportunities for each student.

General Information

Arrival at School

The virtual school day is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Via Zoom, students must arrive to class on time and ready to work. The first class begins Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9:00 a.m.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for good schoolwork. Each student is urged to build good attendance habits. The attendance secretary will call parents using the Connect-Ed system when students are absent. If unexcused absences continue, a parent conference will be scheduled to determine next steps, including referral to the pupil personal worker. Students may be referred to the pupil personnel worker, then to an Attendance Matters meeting and ultimately to the Truancy Review Board (TRB). Students may not leave school grounds once they have arrived to school. This is considered skipping / cutting and will result in a consequence.

Absence from School

In case of an absence, a written statement dated and signed by the parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence must be presented (electronically) to the attendance secretary within (3) days of the student’s return to school. Absences will only be considered excused under the following circumstances: illness of student, doctor’s appointment, death in the immediate family, court summons, activity/work approved or sponsored by the school, or observance of a religious holiday. A student is counted present for a full day if he or she is in attendance four hours or more of the school day. A student is counted present for ½ day if in attendance for at least two hours of the school day, but less than four hours. If a student

is absent from school, the student cannot participate in after school or evening activities.

After-School Activities

After school activities currently are being restructured to support an online program. Information will be shared once a program is established .

Awards & Student Recognition

In early September, students will attend grade level Expectations of Excellence assemblies where they learn about the standards for achievement at Rosa Parks as well as the strategies necessary to meet those standards. Students are expected to set goals for their achievement at the beginning of the school year & monitor their progress on reaching those goals.

Throughout the year, students can be nominated for recognition through the Student-of-the-Month programs. Students are recognized for Student-of-the-Month for academic achievement and outstanding effort, as well as being a PE star, Arts/Tech Star, and World Language Star. These students also exhibit character traits that include our core values: honesty, responsibility, respect, and perspective.

Throughout the school year, students attend grade level assemblies where they receive recognition and awards for their hard work and positive character. Some of the awards presented at the last assembly are:

1) President’s Award for Educational Excellence – This award is given to eighth grade students who have had a GPA of 3.5 or higher since the sixth grade and who have earned a score of “Advanced” on Maryland State Assessments taken at Rosa Parks.

2) Principal’s Writing Award – These award recipients are chosen by the English teachers on each team based on students’ skills at writing multi-paragraph essays, well-structured paragraphs, and written responses on formative and summative assessments.

3) Grade Level Awards – Students can be nominated for these awards by their peers or by their team of teachers. Grade level awards generally recognize students who model the four core values of the school, while meeting high academic standards.

Computer Use

Use of school computers must be for educational purposes only. MCPS security tracks students’ online activity. Students who make inappropriate web searches or attempt to break through the school system’s firewall to access inappropriate sites will be referred directly to the principal. Students should never give their login and password to others. Students should never leave their computers unattended without logging out.

Students at Rosa Parks Middle School will be assigned Chromebooks for use in school. Students are solely responsible for the Chromebooks issued to them and must adhere to all guidelines/rules. This Additional expectations for computer and technology use are found in the technology handbook.

Delayed Opening

of school due to weather conditions or other emergencies, announcements will be made by radio or TV stations no later than 6:00 a.m. Information will also be available on the MCPS website: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ In order for us to keep our phone lines clear for emergencies, we ask that parents and students refrain from calling the school.

Early Departures

Students who wish to leave early during the school day must electronically send a signed note by their parent/guardian to the attendance secretary at the beginning of the school day stating the time of departure and the reason.

Eligibility Requirements for Participation in Extracurricular Activities

1. Extracurricular activities are school-sanctioned events which:

a. meet outside the school hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

b. are not required as part of course objectives

2. Academic eligibility is the right to participate for a nine-week period or portion thereof. In order for a student to be eligible to participate for a nine-week (45 school days) period, Montgomery County policy states, "students in Grade 6 through 12 must maintain a 2.0 average with no more than one E (failure) in the previous marking period to be eligible to participate in any activity representing the school or hold an office in any school-sponsored organization.”

3. Students must submit a medical evaluation certifying that they are physically fit to participate as a member of a team. A medical examination is valid for two calendar years from the date of the physical.

4. In addition, there is a $30.00 annual participation fee.

Grading Policy

Rosa Parks Middle School uses the standard county report card. Letter grades are issued in all subjects. Students are graded on objectives set forth by MCPS curriculum. Report cards are distributed four times during the school year. Dates are TBD. Students and parents are encouraged to meet with teachers directly to discuss strategies for improving grades.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the instructional process. It reinforces, enriches, and enhances instruction and encourages families to become more involved with education. Each teacher’s course expectations handout will include a statement about the purpose of homework for that class. Homework may be assigned regularly and is due on the designated due date and/or deadline. There are two categories for homework: homework for practice and homework for mastery.

Homework Procedures for Extended Absences

In the case of an extended absence (three or more consecutive days), a parent/guardian should contact the counseling secretary at 240-740-3310 or via email. This work will be available the next day after 2:00 p.m.

Interim Reports

Interims for all students will be available to parents via the myMCPS Portal (formerly Edline). Interims will be available quarterly. The dates are TBD. Parents without active Canvas / Synergy accounts will receive an interim report in the mail approximately 5 weeks into each quarter.

Lunch

Lunch will be 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. each school day. MCPS will provide breakfast and lunch meals to all Montgomery County children and all MCPS students (regardless of age) at more than 60 MCPS sites across the county and more than 30 community-based programs. A list of sites is available on the MCPS website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/meals/.

Promotion Policy

A student who passes three out of the four academic subjects (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies) will be promoted to the next grade. If a student fails math and/or English, then one of those subjects must be made up during the summer session. A student who fails three of the four academic subjects for the school year may not be promoted to the next grade.

Substitute Teachers

There will be times during the school year when a substitute teacher will be in the classroom in place of the regular classroom teacher. Students are expected to treat these teachers with the same respect as the regular classroom teacher and staff members.

Tardiness to School

All students must be in class ready to work by 9:00 a.m. each day. Students who arrive in class after 9:00 a.m. will be marked tardy. Tardy slips will be considered unexcused unless a statement, dated and signed by a parent/guardian, is submitted with one of the following reasons: illness of student, doctor’s appointment, death in the immediate family, court summons, activity/work approved or sponsored by the school, or observance of a religious holiday. When a student is tardy to school more than 5 times, his/her parent will receive written notification. If tardiness continues, a parent conference will be scheduled to determine next steps, including referral to Pupil Personal Worker.

Three-Ring Notebook

Since students have many different subjects and teachers at Rosa Parks, organization is essential. Teachers will assist students with this organization by developing a consistent and systematic procedure for keeping all class work together. Therefore, students are encouraged to have a three-ring notebook that contains the following:

1. Plastic zippered pencil holder with holes to attach to notebook rings (#2 pencils, blue or black pens, eraser, highlighter, and calculator)

2. Dividers

3. Student Assignment Book/Handbook

4. Loose leaf paper

There may be additional suggestions for each individual class.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The maintenance of discipline in the school is essential to an effective learning climate and is the responsibility of students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Student conduct that disrupts the school environment or violates the rights of others will not be tolerated.

Students are expected to follow all school and classroom rules without being reminded. When students engage in behaviors that disrupt the classroom or distract others from learning, they could be sent to an alternative location in the school to continue their work independently. Students might also be referred to their team leader or a grade level administrator so that a behavior intervention process can be initiated.

In addition to exclusion from any extracurricular activities (e.g. teams, class activities, assemblies, etc.) as a result of chronically violating school rules or failing to meet school expectations.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

In general, students are expected to:

1. Show self-respect and demonstrate respect and civility to other students, staff and adults.

2. Arrive to classes on time, prepared to work.

3. Use appropriate language.

6. Respect personal and school property.

7. Dress appropriately.

8. Treat all visitors with respect.

9. Obey state laws -- the following items and activities are prohibited: cigarettes, e-cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, hazardous objects, laser pointers, incendiary devices and gambling.

Dress Code

Clothing or tattoos which are distracting or disruptive to the educational environment are prohibited. Rosa Parks Middle School defines articles of clothing and tattoos that are offensive or disruptive as the following: sexually suggestive, racially offensive, ethnically offensive; promotes alcohol, drugs, weapons, or gang activity. Any jewelry that promotes alcohol, drugs, and/or weapons are prohibited. Items such as chained wallets, baseball caps, bandanas, short shorts/skirts, around the neck and strapless halter tops, off the shoulder tops, crop tops (revealing the midriff); any garments that are too tight, see-through and/or reveal underwear or any portion of the buttocks; pants that reveal boxers/briefs, or any other clothing articles which are found by staff to be disruptive or distracting are strictly prohibited. Shorts or skirts should be longer than shirts. Shirt straps should be at least as wide as one finger. No hoods should be worn during the instructional school day. Students wearing offensive articles will be asked to turn them inside out, change into their P.E. clothes, or call home for a change of clothes.

Physical Education Dress Code

Students are required to change their clothes in order to participate in physical education. Failure to do can impact a student’s grade. Parents are strongly encouraged to purchase an official RPMS PE uniform for their children. Uniforms will be available for purchase online.

If students are not in uniform, they are required to wear plain, athletic t-shirts that are white or gray, along with gray or black shorts. Students must be easily identifiable in PE class, and they must be in clothing that is appropriate for physical activity. Sweatpants and sweatshirts can be worn in colder weather.

All students must wear tennis shoes for PE for their safety. Flip flops, boots, sliders and sandals are strictly prohibited. In addition, students are not permitted to wear tank tops or shorts that do not cover the buttocks, as these items are too tight and too revealing for PE.

DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS

Each teacher, grade level, or department will determine consequences for the following infractions. However, when a staff member makes the professional judgment that any of the following inappropriate behaviors interfere with the safety of another individual, the staff person will contact and/or send the student to the administrator immediately.

Disrespectful Behavior

Definition: Student's lack of consideration for the feelings, honor, and esteem of others, including all adults and students.

Disruptive Behavior

Definition: Student behavior that disturbs or interrupts the normal teaching and learning process.

Lack of Preparedness for Class, Inattentive or Off-Task Behavior

Definition: Student fails to come to class with necessary materials, sleeps in class or engages in other behavior that prevents his or her full attention to the assigned task.

Class Tardiness

Definition: A student’s failure to be in class when the tardy bell rings.

Students will be referred to an administrator immediately for the following disciplinary infractions.

Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation

Definition: Intentional conduct, including verbal, physical, or written conduct or an intentional electronic communication that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially interfering with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or with a student’s physical, psychological well-being, or overall safety.

To report a bullying incident, MCPS Form 230-35 (Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form) should be completed and submitted to a counselor or administrator.

Class cutting: Willfully not attending any portion of an assigned class, leaving a class without permission.

Computer Abuse: Computers and appropriate networks are provided for students and staff for educational purposes only, as cited in IGT-RA (appropriate use of computer networks). Infractions may be followed by loss of computer privileges and referral to an administrator. Abuse or vandalism is prohibited. IGT-RA, along with a technology handbook, will be distributed to students at the beginning of the school year.

Destruction of Property: The action or process of destroying school or private property. This also applies to computer equipment and technology.

Extortion: The act of attempting to secure money or property through threat of physical harm.

Forgery: Signing another's name, falsifying a school document.

Gambling: To play or bet on games of chance for money.

Harassment: The act of repeatedly troubling, worrying, or tormenting another person who wants to be left alone.

Hazing: The act of subjecting a student to mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or harassment for the purpose of initiation into an organization.

Intimidation: The act of frightening another person by physical contact such as pushing, tripping, bumping, etc.

Obscenity and Profanity: The use of coarse or abusive language.

“Pants-ing”—pulling down a student’s pants; this is unacceptable regardless of the location—hallway, locker room, classroom, outside, etc.

Plagiarism: Taking of another's findings, interpretations, or texts and intentionally presenting them as one's own without proper attribution.

Physical Attack: Deliberately attempting to harm another person by throwing something at him/her or by striking, kicking, pushing, or tripping the person or attempting to do so when the one attacked has not physically harmed the other.

Racial Epithet: Derogatory word or phrase characterizing a person of another ethnic group.

Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other inappropriate verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that takes place under any of the following circumstances: *When submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of employment, instruction or participation in other school activities; *When submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used by the offender as the basis for making personnel or academic decisions affecting the individual subjected to sexual advances; and/or *When such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual's work and/or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.

Smoking: Being observed holding a lit cigarette or an e-cigarette, exhaling smoke/vapors, having a lit cigarette or an e-cigarette in his/her mouth, or found behind an obstruction from which smoke or vapors were observed.

Tardiness (Excessive): When a student repeatedly is not in the appropriate class when the bell rings, despite teacher/team interventions.

Theft: Taking personal property that is not rightfully theirs and/or the possession of stolen property.

Vandalism: Deliberately damaging or defacing school property.

Verbal abuse: Willfully intimidating, insulting, or using coarse or bad language about or to another person.

Weapons: Firearms, knives, or any other implement that could be used in a lethal way.

Willful disobedience: Deliberately not following the instruction of an adult in school or on the school bus. Failing to identify oneself to a staff member

MCPS Student Code of Conduct

For additional information regarding inappropriate behaviors and consequences please access the link to view the full version of the MCPS Student Code of Conduct handbook: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights/.

Detention

When necessary, teachers will assign a student a lunch or after-school detention. Students are required to attend assigned after-school detentions when teachers have followed Montgomery County policy, which includes giving the parent and student a 24 hour notice. If a student does not attend, a teacher may notify the parent, refer the student to an administrator, and double the original detention.

Students can be assigned an administrative detention before school or after school. After-school detentions run from 3:15 – 4:20 p.m. Friday detentions from 3 – 5 p.m. can also be assigned. Students can be asked to complete community service for the school during their detention time. No eating, drinking, cell phone or computer use will be allowed during detention (except Zoom). Students should use the restroom prior to the start of the detention. Failure to show up for detention or failure to arrive on time can result in an increase in the number of detention days served.

PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENSION

Students will be suspended when they engage in behavior that is judged to be disruptive and detrimental to the school environment.

Prior to any suspension for disciplinary reasons, students must be given an informal hearing, including:

a) An oral or written notice of the charges

b) An explanation of the evidence

c) An opportunity to present his/her side of the story.

Many colleges request students to report a record of suspension as a part of the admissions process.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Each student involved in a discipline action has a right to fair treatment. In order to ensure such treatment, Rosa Parks has established procedures for the consideration of student problems and for processing of student complaints.

Students who feel unfairly treated by a teacher should ask the teacher about an appropriate time to discuss the issue. Students can also consult with their counselors about the best way to approach the matter with the teacher.

If discussing the matter with the teacher directly does not resolve the issue, students should talk with their team leader about the problem.

Once the team leader intervenes, if the matter still is not resolved, students should request to see their grade level administrator.

If the issue continues to be unresolved, the student should request to see the principal.

A GUIDE TO A STUDENT’S RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Annually, all students will receive a copy of the MCPS Guide to A Student’s Rights & Responsibilities.

A full version can be found at: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights/

Dolphin Dollars

As an incentive for appropriate behavior, students will receive Dolphin Dollars when staff members observe them demonstrating one of our four core values: honesty, respect, responsibility or perspective. Students can submit these dollars to their team leaders for prizes and have the opportunity to win a grand prize in the quarterly drawing.

GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATIONS & INFORMATION

Middle schools provide students with the supports they need to be successful. Rosa Parks has one team per grade level. Each team has two team leaders who are tremendous resources for students. The role of the team leaders is to:

• Be the “go to” person on the team for student, parent and teacher concerns

• Coordinate team efforts to recognize and celebrate student successes

• Work with the counselor to schedule and facilitate student/teacher and parent/teacher conferences

• Support classroom teachers in their instructional programs

• Support students with academic, social and emotional concerns

• Monitor the progress of all students

• Provide and promote a positive school climate on the team

• Assist in conflict resolution

• Provide time for student academic support outside of the classroom

• Act as a liaison between administrators, parents and teachers.

The staff at Rosa Parks has high expectations of all of our students. In order for students to do their best, they must come to class prepared to work. We recommend the following supplies:

• A 3-ring binder (with dividers for each subject) and all current assignments and papers

• Rosa Parks Middle School assignment book

• Two #2 pencils with erasers

• Two ball point pens, with blue or black ink

• A red-ink pen for checking work

• A highlighter

• Plenty of lined, loose-leaf notebook paper

• The appropriate textbook, with a cover on it (where applicable)

• A calculator

• A ruler

HOW TO DO "GRADE A" WORK

Whenever students are given any assignment, they should always do their best! Students who follow the tips below show their teachers that they care about producing high quality work.

• Be sure that you clearly understand the instructions and due date when an assignment is given.

• Write legibly in pencil or in blue or black ink using manuscript form (you may also print your work using a computer).

• Include a title on your work.

• Make corrections neatly by erasing or drawing a single line through your mistakes.

• Answer questions in complete sentences using proper grammar and spelling.

• Make effective use of class time to get as much done as possible.

• Attempt to answer all questions or solve all problems in the assignment to your best ability. Do not skip questions/problems.

• Never copy the work of other students or allow others to copy your work.

• Check all of your answers to be sure they are correct.

• If your assignment has more than one page, assemble the pages in correct order and staple them together.

• Do not turn in assignments that are smudged, stained, folded, crumpled, torn, or marked up in any way.

• Turn in all of your work on time.

• Always keep your papers in the rings and in the correct section of your notebook so you can find them easily.

EXPECTATIONS FOR CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR & PARTICIPATION

We expect the following of all Rosa Parks students every day:

• Walk calmly and quietly through our halls and in our classrooms.

• Come to class prepared with all required materials.

• Be in your seat by the time the tardy bell rings, copying your homework into your assignment book and working on your warm-up activity.

• Do not bring hats, coats, book bags, radios, CD/tape players, electronic games, cell phones, iPods, or food to class.

• Be quiet and attentive when you are supposed to be listening.

• Follow directions.

• Participate in a positive way by raising your hand, asking relevant questions, and making appropriate comments.

• Avoid asking to leave the classroom unless it is urgent.

• Use your class time wisely, working on your assignments until they are completed.

• Complete and turn in all of your classwork and homework on time.

• Treat everyone in the classroom with respect.

• Clean up after yourself.

• Be familiar with and obey all school rules, as stated in the Rosa Parks Middle School agenda book.

• Try your hardest--do your best