Parent Handbook

Francis Scott Key Middle School 910 Schindler Drive

Silver Spring, MD 20903 301-422-5600

Francis Scott Key’s Foundations

Vision Statement In partnership with parents, students, and community,

Francis Scott Key Middle School is teamed to expect excellence and to ensure student success.

Through rigorous instruction focusing on academic skills, technological competencies, and essential learning skills, students will gain confidence and

competence, to become lifelong learners.

We will provide a safe, supportive, nurturing environment for a culturally-diverse student population to promote

student achievement and academic success.

Goals

In partnership with parents, students, and community,

Francis Scott Key Middle School will:

Ensure Success for Every Student Provide an Effective Instructional Program

Strengthen Productive Partnerships in Education

5 P’s

Prompt Polite

Prepared Persistent

Proud

FRANCIS SCOTT KEY MIDDLE SCHOOL 2011-2012

Francis Scott Key Middle School

ADMINISTRATION/MAIN OFFICE 301-422-5600 (phone) 301-434-1375 (fax)

Ms. Myriam Rogers.………….…...…..…………………...…...Principal Ms. Shella Cherry ….…….…Assistant Principal (Grades Six & Seven) Mr. David Dove………………..…...Assistant Principal (Grade Eight) Ms. Joan Herbold………..……….....Administrative Secretary (Rogers) Ms. Diana Perez……..….…………….………...……Secretary (Dove) Ms. Cynthia Pappas…...….....Attendance Secretary/Secretary (Cherry) Ms. Denise Eden …….……………..……………......Financial Specialist Ms. Usha Khatri …………………......……Instructional Data Assistant Ms. Eva Tripoulas……………………………...……… Office Assistant

FACULTY MEMBERS Ms. Jennifer Amobi……………………...………Foreign Language Mr. Troy Benesh…………………………….…..…….....Humanities Ms. Rachel Bennett……………………..Special Education-English Ms. Susan Boehm ………………………………………………..Art Mr. Julian Bolton…………………………………..………..Science Ms. Michelle Brooks…Resource Teacher - English as a Second Language

Ms. Stacey Brooks….……………………Special Education-Science Ms. Alexis Browsh………..…………………English/Language Arts Ms. Samantha Candia…………………………….………….Science Ms. Mandy Choubineh…….…………...………..Foreign Language Ms. Cassie Claxton-Gall…….………..…..…English/Language Arts Ms. Treva Coates…………….……….. MYP Coordinator/Algebra Ms. Claire Copps……………..…………Special Education-English Ms. Teresa Dixon-Settles……………………..…Special Education Ms. Susheela Durgam……………………………………….Science Mr. Kendel Goff………………………….Special Education- Math Ms. Denise Gray……………………………………………….Math Ms. Sheri Griffin……………………………………………….Math Ms. Aisha Griffith……………………………………….Humanities Ms. Debra Haskins………..………….Physical Education & Health Ms. Abby Hendrix……….……..…….. Resource Teacher –Science Mr. Troy Horsley………..………………………Reading Specialist Ms. Johanna Imbesi……………………………..Speech Pathologist Ms. Gerry Jangha……..……………….….…English/Language Arts Ms. Maggie Jones ................…Resource Teacher- Foreign Language Mr. Tony Kalargyros……………………...Resource Teacher- Arts Ms. Janis Key……………………………………………….…Math Ms. Constance Kinder…………………….…Alternative Education Ms. Deborah Layton…………………..……….Instrumental Music Mr. Kurt Long……………………………………………….Science Mr. Kevin Lorensen…………….……………..………………Math

8 M

SPECIAL SERVICES BUILDING SERVICES HEALTH ROOM Ms. Katherine Scheig, RTSE Mr.Yusuf Umar, Manager Ms. Rose Starin , Nurse Ms. Rachel Sharlin, Paraeducator Mr. Juan Ventura, Assistant Manager Ms. Sarita Speed, Health Room Tech. Ms. Bridget Spriggs, Paraeducator Mr. Geoffrey Powell, Plant Equipment Officer Ms. Carol Sullivan, Paraeducator Ms. Pamela Herasingh Mr. Neville Voglezon, Paraeducator Ms. Blanca Miyashita Ms. Kimberly Williams, Paraeducator Mr. Peter Pokowa MEDIA CENTER Mr. Dan Wilson, Paraeducator Mr. Collin Smith Ms. Diane Auxier, Media Specialist Ms. Sharon Zitomer, Paraeducator Mr. Davedason Thangiah Ms. Lauren Glascoe, Media Assistant CAFETERIA SECURITY ASSISTANTS Ms. Mei Chang, Manager Mr. Thomas Blewett Ms. Gloria Abarca Mr. Ray Owens IT SYSTEM SPECIALIST Ms. Lucianne Castro Mr. Timothy Shelton Ms. Ana Diaz Mr. Jinyu Wu Ms. Eva Tripoulas, Lunch Room Aide

COUNSELING OFFICE 301-770-8024 (phone) 301-230-5441 (fax)

Ms. Starr McCoy-Snead ………………………………………Resource Ms. Geraldine Crawley ………....….………..… Grade Eight Counselor Mr. Joel Dechter.………………………....…...... Grade Seven Counselor Ms. Sophia Franklin ………………………………Grade Six Counselor

Ms. Victoria Lee………………..…….…….……...Counseling Secretary Dr. Nayoung Kim…………………………………....….….Psychologist Ms. Jackie Miller……………………………...………….…..……...PPW

Mr. Jeremy Lott……………...……..…....Physical Education & Health Mr. Todd Mattis…………………….……………….…...………Math Mr. Mark McCoy………………..…..………... Special Education-Math Ms. Kristine Menna………………….………….………………..Science Mr. James Moir…….Resource Teacher- Physical Education & Health Mr. Carlos Molina-Rosales …………………….……Foreign Language Mr. Daniel O’Connor…………………... Physical Education & Health Ms. Sarah Parlopiano……………………..………… Special Education Ms. Felicia Parson………….…………………..……Computer Science Mr. Jeff Peang-Meth………………….….Resource Teacher-Humanities Mr. Timothy Phelps………………….…...……………..…Math/Science Ms. Melanie Pilgrim…………………………….English/Language Arts Ms. Amanda Plunkett….……………………..….English/Language Arts Mr. Salvador Rivera-Casiano...……………………...….…Music/Chorus Ms. Karen Robertson………………...…..……....English/Language Arts Ms. Karen Rosenblatt….……………………..…………… Humanities Ms. Colleen Roux…………………………….…English/Language Arts Ms. Katharine Scheig..………..….Resource Teacher- Special Education Ms. Kara Shedlauskas……….…...…………….Resource Teacher –Math Ms. Samantha Stakem …………………………….…Foreign Language Ms. Rebecca Suh…………………...……..…………..….… Humanities Ms. Yvette Sullivan ………………………………...Physical Education Ms. Loraine Vitelozzi………..……………………………………Health Ms. Ayasha Ware……………………………..…………....…….Theater Ms. Ashley Washington …………….…………..English/Language Arts Ms. Helen Webster……………….…………Staff Development/Reading Ms. Nancy Whittier…………………..………………..…….Humanities Ms. LaKresia Whittington…...Resource Teacher- English/Language Arts Ms. Amora Williams…………………………Foreign Language & ESL Mr. Cardell Williams……………………………………………….Math Ms. Tamara Woolf ……………………. English as a Second Language Ms. Jessica Yi……………………………………………………….Math

General Information for Parents

2011-2012

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

Students who have a 2.0 average with no more than one “E” in the previous marking period are eligible to participate or practice in

any extracurricular activity during the next marking period. The eligibility period begins on the day the report card is issued. Grades

reported as incomplete shall be considered passing grades until changed. Incomplete grades that are not changed to a passing grade

within ten school days after the report cards are issued will be considered failing grades, for eligibility purposes, until they are

changed.

This regulation does not govern activities related to course objectives, extension of a graded course in a middle school, such as concert

or drama presentations for class, which would adversely affect the student’s grade.

Students declared ineligible may petition the activity sponsor to be reinstated provided the student has shown evidence of progress

toward meeting eligibility status. Students who make this request must wait at least two weeks after report cards have been distributed.

The principal will make the final decision regarding the petition.

ALL SCHOOL SPORTS DAY

All School Sports Day is a special event where all students at Francis Scott Key Middle School will have the opportunity to participate

in a special field trip to any one sports facility (bowling, ice skating, roller skating, or the Rockville Sportsplex). All School Sports

Day will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012. Details outlining fees and permission slips will be distributed closer to the date of

the trip. This experience is unique to Key Middle School and is enjoyed by all students and staff.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS

All students will arrive to Key Middle School and may access the building beginning at 7:30 A.M.

Students may enter the building through the doors nearest the rotunda and the cafeteria.

All students who are eating breakfast will report directly to the cafeteria.

Students may access the hallways, classrooms, courtyard, and media center during the morning hours.

BACKPACKS

Backpacks may be used to transport materials to and from school. They must remain in the student’s locker during the day. Please be

advised that backpacks on rollers may not fit into lockers. Small, string backpacks and large tote bags will be treated like a backpack

and will be expected to be stored in the student’s locker.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Back-to-School Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2011, at 6:30 P.M. Specific communication will be coming soon!

BOOKBAG DAY (Tuesday)

After the first two weeks of school, all informational materials for parents/guardians, such as monthly calendars, will be distributed on

Tuesdays. Please ask students to check their book bags each week to give you items intended for family. Unscheduled and emergency

information is distributed as required.

BOOKS AND OTHER SCHOOL-OWNED MATERIALS

Books and other school-owned items loaned to students must be returned in the same condition they were received. Students are

financially responsible for all lost and/or stolen items. If an item is stolen, it should be immediately reported to the teacher and to the

main office. All reasonable attempts will be made to recover the item, but if the item cannot be found, the responsibility for paying

for the replacement of the item still remains with the student. Students should keep all receipts for replaced items so that they may

receive a refund if the lost/stolen item is found at a later date.

CHANGING STUDENT/FAMILY ADDRESS

In order to change your child’s address you must send or bring a copy of one (1) of the following documents to the

Counseling Secretary, Ms. Victoria Lee, at Francis Scott Key Middle School Counseling Office. Please include the child’s

name and your phone number so that the secretary can confirm receipt of appropriate documentation.

Appropriate Documentation

Homeowner's Lease

Homeowner’s Property Tax Bill or Settlement Sheet

Shared Housing Form with Homeowner’s Lease (or) Property Tax Bill with three (3) supporting documents

showing the parents name and new address.

Example of Shared Housing Supporting Documents

Maryland drivers license or Maryland ID card

Current phone, cable or utility bill

Medical or car insurance bill

Current pay stub or letter from employer

Bank statement

CLASSROOM VISITS

Parent/Guardians are welcome to visit the school and their student’s classrooms. Please check-in in the main office on the day of your

visit to receive a Visitor’s Pass.

CODE BLUE & CODE RED

When a code blue or code red is announced by an administrator, all students and staff must remain in their classrooms. Students must

remain with their class and the member in charge of the area until given the “all clear” signal by and administrator.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Chile & Welfare Services (to report child abuse or neglect, call the 24-hour report line): 240-777-4417

Child & Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Services: 240-777-1450

Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County: 301-942-7700

Drawing the Line: 301 217-1966 (to report underage drinking)

Mental Health and Addiction Services- Intake Office 240-777-1430 (Voice), 240-777-1398 (TTY)

Operation Runaway: 800-204-8600

Police Non-Emergency: 240-773-5390

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-204-8600

Youth Crisis Hotline (24 Hours): 301-315-4000

CONNECT-ED

Communication between the school and the Francis Scott Key Middle School community is important. The school will inform the

Francis Scott Key Middle School community with personalized voice messages to all members of the school community or to groups

within the community through a phone system called Connect-ED™. It also has an attendance feature that can be used in conjunction

with the MCPS online attendance program to send a message to the parent/guardian of an absent student.

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

The counselors at Francis Scott Key Middle School are here to help in many ways. Counselors are available to assist with the

development and achievement of academic and social goals. They are available to discuss school and personal concerns maintaining

confidentiality. Students are encouraged to visit their counselor by completing a counseling request form for an appointment.

Students must have a pass from the classroom teachers to visit the counselor during class time.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The discipline policy will be reviewed with all students at the beginning of the year as well as throughout the year. Students, staff,

and families are expected to be thoroughly familiar with the school policies. The School’s Discipline Policy is located in Appendix A

and in the front section of the student planners.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS

Students will listen to afternoon announcements at 2:38 p.m. and remain in their last class until the bell is rung at 2:40 p.m.

Teachers should dismiss sections of their class at a time, to ensure student safety as they exit the classroom and into the

hallways.

Once students have exited the building, they are not permitted to reenter.

Students who are attending after-school activities will be dismissed at the bell and are expected to report to activities by 2:50

p.m. Teachers who sponsor after school activities or have after school appointments /detentions with students will meet their

students at 2:50 p.m. and obtain busses passes from the After School Activities Coordinator at that time.

ED-LINE

ED-Line is an online tool that parents/guardians can use to access their student’s grades on a daily basis. An access account and

password will be set up for families and for students. This information will be distributed at the beginning of school.

Parents/guardians may also contact Ms. Felicia Parson (Felicia_Parson@mcpsmd.org). Access to the ED-Line site can be reached

directly from the Key Middle School webpage at (http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/fskms/) or at:

https://www.edline.net/InterstitialLogin.page.

FIELD TRIPS

Students will have several opportunities to participate in educational activities away from the school. These field trips are designed to

enrich the curriculum. Students should remember that the discipline policy remains in effect during field trips. All student obligations

must be paid in order to participate in the field trip. Information requested (permission form, health form, and money) must be

returned in before the deadline to be considered eligible to attend. Students should be cleared from their financial obligations before

attending the field trip. Financial obligations could include Arts or PE fees, over due or lost media center materials, textbooks, etc.

GRADESHEETS/PROGRESS REPORTS/INTERIMS

Teachers will send grade sheets (printouts) home with students every two weeks.

The expectation is that the grade sheets will be signed by parent/guardian and returned to teachers.

INTERIMS

Every teacher is required by MCPS Policy to send an MCPS Interim Progress Report to parent/guardian whose student is in

jeopardy of failing the marking period, and/or whose letter grade has dropped more than one letter. In addition, teachers are

required to send an MCPS Interim Progress Report to parent/guardian of students who are in danger of earning a “C” or less in

a Gifted and Talented (GT) class. MCPS policy indicates that students achieving a “C” in a GT class should be counseled

regarding strategies to improve. Student who achieve a “D” or an “E” should receive support; however, they may be removed

from the GT class should their performance not improve.

Beginning of Marking Period

Grade Reports

Interims with Grade Report

Grade Reports

End of Marking Period

Professional Day

Report Card Distribution

MP 1 8/29/11 9/14/11 9/28/11 10/12/11 10/28/11 10/31/11 11/10/11

MP 2 11/01/11 11/16/11 12/9/11 1/14/12 1/20/12 1/23/12 2/1/12

MP 3 1/24/12 2/8/12 3/2/12 3/14/12 3/29/12 3/30/12 4/12/12

MP 4 4/10/12 4/25/12 5/14/12 5/30/12 6/12/12 6/13/12 6/21/12

HALL PASSES

Students must have a pass any time they leave a classroom. The pass must be written in the student planner or on the MCPS General

Use/Hall Pass form.

HEALTH ROOM

The health room is staffed with a health technician & a community health nurse (RN). It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

HONOR ROLL

Students qualify for the honor roll if they maintain a “B” average for the 9-week grading period. Students are permitted no more than

one “C” if it is balanced with an “A” and no grade less than a “C” for the grading period to qualify. Honor roll students will earn a

certificate and will have their names posted in the school and in the quarterly school newsletter.

LOCKERS

Each student is assigned a hall locker and a physical education locker to be used for storing school-related possessions. Locks will

be distributed to students when the Parent/Child Reunification Form (Appendix B) is returned to school. Students must keep their combinations private and avoid storing valuables in their lockers. The school is not responsible for lost or

stolen property. Students may visit their locker in between all periods, but should be reminded to use their time wisely when moving

in the hallways

LOST AND DAMAGED PROPERTY

The school is not responsible for lost or damaged personal property of students. This includes, but is not limited to backpacks,

cameras, cell phones, MP3 players (i-pods), musical instruments, etc.

LUNCH

Students receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) number to purchase their lunch. Lunch money can be deposited to student

accounts by cash or check (payable to Francis Scott Key Middle School Cafeteria and should include the student’s name and PIN to be

properly credited. Families may use myLunchMoney.com, a new online service to make a prepayment using a credit card. Parents

also can check meal account balances, sign up for recurring payments, and much more. Go to myLunchMoney.com to register.

Check deposits to student accounts should be made in the morning before school begins and given to the cafeteria manager by using

the LUNCH Prepayment Forms (Appendix A) Students may not use another student’s PIN. Secondary school prices for lunch are as

follows:

SECONDARY SCHOOL PRICES Lunch Meal $2.75 Reduced Lunch Meal .40 Breakfast Meal $1.30 Reduced Breakfast FREE Milk .60

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP)

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is one of three programs offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). MYP

is a flexible instructional framework designed for students in Grades 6 through 10 that encourages students to become critical thinkers,

life- long learners, and responsible global citizens. As an authorized MYP school, Francis Scott Key Middle School offers the Middle

Years Programme to all students in Grades 6 through 8. For more information about the IBO visit the website at www.ibo.org

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

The Outdoor Education Program, based at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center serves students in grades K-12

throughout the county. Grade six students at each middle school participate in the three day/ two night residential outdoor education

program. Students are accompanied by their teachers and other school staff who provide instruction and supervision during their

stay. An outdoor education teacher, who has already provided planning assistance, will be on-site for orientation, program

coordination, and to provide direct instruction to students. While in residence, students learn about various aspects of the environment

as they participate in activities that cannot be carried out at the home school. These activities provide opportunities to put into practice

the thinking processes, skills, and strategies developed in the classroom. By sharing this twenty-four hour day experience with fellow

grade six students, teachers, and parent volunteers, each student gains a better understanding of others. There is a per student fee that

covers expenses. More information can be located online at: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored/pinfo.htm.

This year our sixth graders are scheduled to attend Outdoor Education either September 12-14 or September 19-22, 2011.

PTSA - Key Family Nights

The Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30 P.M. at Francis Scott

Key Middle School. A complete schedule will be distributed and information is also frequently updated on the web at:

http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/fskms/ptsa.htm.

School and PTSA communication is available via the FSKey list mail group. The list has daily announcements and other important

school information. Key families can also join the FSKey Listserv by completing the following steps:

1. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FSKeyMS

2. Click on the “join” button and follow the instructions,

RENAISSANCE – Program Descriptions

The Renaissance Program is a school-wide program that recognizes and rewards positive behaviors and accomplishments of students

at Francis Scott Key Middle School.

Art Stars- Arts Teachers select students who are excelling in the area of the various art classes. Students who are selected

earn a party and a certificate. All Art Stars also earn a field trip that is held at the end of the year.

End of the Year Awards- An award ceremony is held at the end of the year to recognize students for academic excellence,

academic diligence, participation in some extra-curricular activities, perfect attendance, etc.

Got the Point!- Students who improve their GPA .5 from the previous marking period will celebrate in a quarterly party to

receive a certificate and a small gift of recognition.

Key Cash- Students who demonstrate positive behavior around the school will earn “Key Cash”. Key Cash is given by a

staff member or substitute in the building. Key Cash can be redeemed at the school store, dances, and during Renaissance

Day.

Honor Roll- Students who earn honor roll status will celebrate in a quarterly party to receive a certificate and a small gift of

recognition.

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)- PBIS is a national program intended to focus on improving a

school’s ability to teach and support positive behavior for all students. This is done by using a school-wide design for

discipline for all students in all settings, monitoring student behavior data, and rewarding students for their positive

behaviors.

Student of the Month- School staff members nominate students who consistently exhibit the 5 P’s. Two students from each

grade level are awarded each month. Students of the Month earn Renaissance T-shirts, gift cards, a certificate, and a pizza

party where their family and one friend may attend.

SCHOOL & MCPS WEBSITES

There are two websites for your resource:

Montgomery County Public Schools: http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/

Francis Scott Key Middle School: http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/fskms/

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Supplies of pencils, pens, highlighters, paper, notebooks, and binders are the responsibility of the students. A three-ring binder with

dividers and a Francis Scott Key Middle School Time Tracker (Student Planner) is required.

STUDENT PLANNERS

Student planners will be distributed during homeroom on the first day of school and cost $8.00.

A limited number of replacement planners are $8.00 and can be purchased in the school store.

If a student does not have his/her planner, a Planner/Homework Sheet will be provided.

Planner Use

Students are expected to write their DAILY homework in the planner to be stamped, signed, or initialed by the teacher (PE as

necessary) to indicate that the homework was recorded.

Teachers can write notes to parents

Parent/guardians can write notes to teachers

TEACHER CONTACT

Teachers can be contacted by phone or by email. Communication should be returned within 24 hours. Families may call the main

office, be transferred to your voicemail and leave a message at 301-422-5600. You may also email the teacher by visiting our

school website at (http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/fskms/staffpage.htm) and “click” on the name of the teacher you wish to write.

TESTING

Final exams are mandatory for the following courses:

Algebra US History (Grade 8)

Geometry All Foreign Language Courses

The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) is a test of reading and math achievement that meets the testing requirements of the federal

No Child Left Behind Act. The test is given each year in early March in reading and math for grades three through eight. The

MSA/Science will continue to be field-tested in grades five and eight.

The High School Assessments (HSA) determines if a student has demonstrated mastery of the Maryland Content Standards. Students

are required to take the HSA if enrolled in Algebra.

TRANSPORTATION- BUS Safety: a team effort

Students

Students are responsible for their behavior and self-control on the bus and at the bus stops at all times. Disorderly students can

threaten the safety of all riders by distracting the bus operator making the bus ride to and from school an unpleasant and even

intimidating experience for other students. School buses are an extension of school, and students are expected to adhere to the same

standards of behavior on a school bus as in the classroom.

Students are expected to obey the instructions of the bus operator just as they would follow the instructions of teachers and school

administrators. Students must remember that riding the school bus is a privilege for most students, not a right, which can be revoked if

the student fails to observe basic standards of conduct and safety.

Parent/Guardians

Parent/guardian can help further the safety of all students by making sure their student knows the bus rules and etiquette that help

ensure safe, orderly, and pleasant bus trips. Parent/guardian also should make sure their student knows their bus route number, located

in windows on the sides of the bus, near the front .

For elementary and middle school students, it is recommended that a parent or other adult wait at the bus stop with the students to

monitor and supervise their behavior and help with any problems, such as a late bus. Both students and adults should stand near the

bus stop, not more than 150 feet away, where they can observe the bus as it arrives.

Bus stops are selected to provide safety and convenience for most students, and to economize on fuel and time that students spend on

the bus. Parent/guardian should not request the driver to make additional stops. Regulations prohibit bus operators from stopping

between designated bus stops.

School bus rules

At the bus stop, students are expected to: Arrive five minutes before the scheduled time.

Maintain an orderly line in preparation to board the bus promptly, without shoving or pushing.

Stay out of the roadway.

Be considerate of nearby yards, driveways, houses, buildings, and private property.

On the bus, students are expected to: Behave appropriately, just as if they were in a classroom.

Keep the aisle and emergency door clear of obstructions.

Keep their arms, feet, and head inside the bus at all times.

Be seated and make room for others to sit as well.

Standing and moving to another seat while the bus is in operation is not permitted.

Discard trash in appropriate containers.

At all times, students may not: Bring animals, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, glass containers, or explosives on the bus.

Use vulgar language or gestures, fight, or engage in sexual harassment or other improper and/or illegal conduct.

Throw any papers or objects in the bus or out of the windows.

Operate the emergency door without permission.

Smoke, drink, eat, or play radios without headphones.

Damage or deface any part of the bus.

Ride a different bus than the one they have been assigned to, unless they have written permission from a parent that has been

approved by a school administrator.

Consequences of Misconduct The bus operator notifies the principal of details pertaining to a disciplinary problem with a student on the school bus. A bus operator

may return a student to the school, or call the police, if the student poses a serious threat to the safety and health of other riders. The

principal reserves the right to remove a student from the bus for an extended period of time for inappropriate behavior on the bus.

Students who violate the behavior and safety rules may have bus-riding privileges denied temporarily or permanently by the school

administration in accordance with the following procedures:

The school administration will warn the student and notify parent/guardian of the possibility of denial of bus privileges.

If the disciplinary problems continue, the administrator will confer with the parent/guardian and student prior to the suspension

of riding privileges or, depending on the severity and nature of the behavior problem, suspend riding privileges immediately.

The administrator will notify the parent/guardian in writing of complaints received and the conditions of the suspension of the

student’s riding privileges.

The student’s riding privileges may be restored by the administrator after a conference with the student and/or parent/guardian

and consultation with the transportation supervisor. The administrator will notify the bus operator in writing of the

reinstatement of the student’s riding privileges.

In addition, students may be suspended from school as a result of misconduct on buses or receive lengthy bus riding

suspensions for serious infractions.

School busses may be equipped with cameras. The bus video recordings maybe made while riding the school bus and these

records may be viewed by school or law enforcement personnel for training, discipline, or safety purposes.

WATER BOTTLES / WATER FOUNTAINS

Students are permitted to bring water bottles to class. This privilege does not extend to any other beverage. There are vending

machines in the building that sell bottled water.

WEATHER

During snow or icy weather conditions, school officials may close school all day, delay opening for two hours, or close early.

Parent/guardians should have contingency plans in place to take care of students on such days.

These decisions are announced on local radio and television stations, MCPS Channel 34, and on the MCPS Web Site at

www.montgomeryschoolmd.org or on www.schools-out.com. A recorded announcement also may be heard by dialing 301-279-3673.

School Closures

When schools are closed, all school and community activities are canceled, including athletic practices and events. Private

daycare providers in schools may elect to stay open if the administrative offices are open. In extreme conditions, the

administrative offices may be closed.

Schools Delayed Opening

If schools are closed or delayed, the announcement is made no later than 6:00 a.m. (or the night before if possible). Schools may

open two hours late, and all operations, including bus transportation, are delayed by two hours from the regular schedule.

Schools Early Dismissal

If schools are closing early, the announcements are made by 11:00 a.m. Schools may be closed two and a half hours early, and all

operations affecting dismissal of students, including bus transportation, will be activated two and a half hours earlier than the

regular school closing time. School and community activities for the afternoon and evening are canceled.

WITHDRAWING A STUDENT

Parents must notify the counseling secretary or counselor in writing, stating their new address, contact phone numbers, or school

name. Parents must allow two (2) school days for the student(s) to return books, receive final grades, or pay fees, if necessary.

Appendix

A LUNCH- Prepayment Forms

B Parent/Child Reunification Form

C Parent/Guardian & Student Contract

Appendix A

LUNCH- Prepayment Form

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

2011-2012 Cafeteria News and Secondary School Meals Information

Food and Nutrition Services serves more than 12 million meals annually. We support healthy meal options for students and

continually explore new ways to enhance the nutritional contribution and student acceptability of meals. For more

information, visit us on the Web at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/foodserv

The cafeteria continues to offer the convenience and

flexibility of SNAP, a computerized cash register system.

Depositing funds into a cafeteria account eliminates the

need for a child to carry money every day. Students enter

their Personalized Identification Number (PIN) to access

their account. The PIN for students returning to the same

school remains the same. New students receive their PIN

on the first day of school.

Any money left on a student’s account last year is available

for spending this year. Prepayments to a student’s account

may be made prior to the start of school.

To make a prepayment:

• Use myLunchMoney.com, an online service to

make a prepayment using a credit card. Parents

also can check meal account balances, sign up for

recurring payments, and much more. Go to

myLunchMoney.com to register.

• Complete the form below and include a check

payable to the cafeteria. Please put the child’s

first name, last name, and PIN number on the

front of the check.

Check Acceptance Policy

Checks used to pay for school meals must contain an address,

phone number, and student PIN number. Returned checks are

subject to recovery for the face value and Maryland state allowed

fee of $35 through an electronic debit or paper draft to the same

account. Your payment by check constitutes your acceptance of

these terms. If you have any questions concerning our check

acceptance policy, please call CHECKredi at 1‐800‐239‐1222.

SECONDARY SCHOOL MEAL PRICES

Lunch Meal $2.75

Reduced-price Lunch Meal $0.40

Breakfast Meal $1.30

Reduced-price Breakfast Meal $0.00

Milk $0.60

What is a School Lunch? Students are offered a variety of choices and may select up to

5 components of a meal at the regular meal price. A complete

meal includes:

2 oz. of meat/meat alternate

2 different fruits/vegetables

1 serving whole grain/breads

8 oz. of milk: fat free or 1%

Free and Reduced‐price Meal Applications

Families who meet certain federal income standards are eligible for

free or reduced‐price meal benefits. All children use a PIN number

so confidentiality is maintained and no child is overtly identified as

receiving free or reduced price meals. Applications for meal

benefits are sent home with the youngest in family in the

information packet given out at the start of each school year. Only

one application is needed for all students in a household. A new

application must be completed for any family requesting assistance

this school year.

PREPAYMENT FORM Please make the check payable to the cafeteria and include the name of your school. Please put your child’s first name, last

name, and PIN number on the front of the check. This check is for cafeteria purchases ONLY. Please list each student

separately and bring payment to the cafeteria manager. Thank You!

Student Name _________________________________________ PIN _____________ Amount $ __________

Student Name _________________________________________ PIN _____________ Amount $ __________

Student Name _________________________________________ PIN _____________ Amount $ __________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name ___________________________________________________________________

14

Appendix A

LUNCH- Prepayment Form (in Spanish)

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Montgomery

2011-2012 Información de la Cafeteria y las Comidas de la Escuela Secundaria

El alimento y la nutrición mantiene servicios más de 12 millones de comidas anualmente. Apoyamos las opciones sanas de

la comida para los estudiantes y exploramos continuamente nuevas maneras de realzar la aceptabilidad alimenticia de la

contribución y del estudiante de comidas. Para más información, visítenos en el Web en

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/foodserv

La cafetería continúa ofreciendo la conveniencia y flexibilidad

de un sistema automatizado de la caja registradora.

Depositando fondos en la cuenta, ya sea en efectivo o cheque,

evita que el estudiante tenga que traer dinero cada día. El

número de “código personal” para los estudiantes que

regresan, seguirá siendo igual. Los estudiantes neuvos

recibirán su código el primer día de clases.

Si al terminar el año escolar el estudiante tiene un balance en

su cuenta, este dinero será automáticamente acreditada para

el próximo año escolar. Si usted desea, se puede hacer un

depósito por adelantado en la cuenta de el año de la escuela.

Para realizar un prepago:

• Usar myLunchMoney.com, un servicio en línea para

hacer pagos anticipados a su hijo de la cafetería de la

cuenta a través de Internet con una tarjeta de

crédito / débito. Al crear una cuenta en línea segura,

los padres pueden administrar a su hijo en cuenta la

comida cómoda y sencilla. Ir a myLunchMoney.com

para registrarse.

• Completar el formulario que aparece a continuación

incluir un cheque a nombre de la cafetería. Por favor,

poner al niño el primer nombre, apellido y número

de PIN en la parte frontal del control.

Politica de aceptacion de cheques

Los cheques para pagos de comida para la escuela deben

tener impresa la direccion, el número de telefono, y el

número de identificacion del estudiante. Los cheques que

sean devueltos por el banco estaran sujetos al valor nominal

mas un pago de $35.00, que el Estado permite por un giro

electrónico de débito a la misma cuenta, cuando Ud. decide

hacer un pago con cheque esta aceptando estos terminos. Si

Ud. tiene cualquier pregunta con respecto a esta poliza por

favor llamar a CHECKredi al 1‐800‐239‐1222.

Precios de la comida a la escuela secundaria

Almuerzo $2.75

Almuerzo precio reducido $0.40

Desayuno $1.30

Desayuno precio reducido $0.00

Leche $0.60

¿Qué es un Almuerzo Escolar? Los alumnos se les ofrece una variedad de opciones y

puede seleccionar hasta 5 componentes de una comida

en el precio de la comida regular. Una comida

completa incluye:

• 2 oz. de carne / carne alternativa

• 2 frutas / vegetales

• 1 porción de grano entero / panes

• 8 oz. de leche sin grasa o 1%

Precio Reducido de Comida Gratis Aplicaciones Las familias que cumplan con ciertos estándares

federales de ingresos son elegibles para comidas gratis

o precio reducido beneficios. Todos los niños utilizan un

código PIN de forma que se mantenga la

confidencialidad y ningún niño sea abiertamente

identificados como gratis o precio reducidos. Las

solicitudes de beneficios de las comidas son enviados a

casa con el joven en la familia en el paquete de

información dada al comienzo de cada año escolar.

Sólo se necesita una aplicación para todos los

estudiantes en un hogar. Una nueva aplicación debe ser

completada por cualquier familia que solicite la ayuda

este año escolar.

Forma de depósito por adelantado Por favor, haga el cheque a nombre de la cafetería y de incluir el nombre de su escuela. Por favor, ponga a su hijo el primer nombre,

apellido, y número de PIN en la parte frontal del cheque. Esta verificación es sólo para compras cafetería. Haga una lista de cada

estudiante por separado y hacer el pago al administrador de la cafetería. Gracias!

Nombre del estudiante__________________________________________ PIN ____________ $ ____________

Nombre del estudiante__________________________________________ PIN ____________ $ ____________

Nombre del estudiante__________________________________________ PIN ____________ $ ____________

Nombre de padre/madre/Tutor _________________________________________________________________

15

Appendix B

Parent/Child Reunification Form

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Rockville, Maryland

Parent/Child Reunification (PCR) Authorization for Release of Student

Name of Student: Date of Birth:

Name of School: Francis Scott Key Middle School Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

I certify that I am the custodial parent/legal guardian of the above named student, and I grant permission for my student to be

released to any of the following individuals in the event of an Emergency/Crisis that requires the school to release the students

using parent/child reunification protocols at my student’s school. (Each section must be completed.)

My child may be released to the following individuals. (Additional names may be included on a separate piece of paper. If

additional names are attached, parent/guardian must initial here: _______.)

Name: Relationship to student:

Address: Phone:

Name: Relationship to student:

Address: Phone:

Name: Relationship to student:

Address: Phone:

Parent/Guardian Information:

Parent/Guardian Name: Work Phone:

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

Parent/Guardian Name: Work Phone:

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

Student’s after-school daycare provider: Phone:

I understand that my student will be released only to those listed on this form. This form is for PCR use only; no other

use is intended or authorized. If this form is not completed and returned to my student’s assigned school, MCPS staff

may refer to the Emergency Information Card, Form 565-1. I will contact the school if this information changes during

the school year.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Grade: ________

16

Appendix C

Parent/Guardian & Student Contract

Francis Scott Key Middle School

Expectations Contract for School and Transportation

We have read and discussed the Francis Scott Key Middle School’s Parent Handbook, and we agree to abide

by the rules and expectations of the school and bus transportation. We have read the school Discipline Policy

& Procedures and we understand that the student may face consequences due to behavioral choices which

may include having school privileges suspended. We realize that bus video recordings maybe made while

riding the school bus and these records may be viewed by school or law enforcement personnel for training,

discipline, or safety purposes. We also understand that the student may face consequences due to behavioral

choices on the bus and at the bus stop which may include having transportation privileges suspended. Our

signatures below represent our agreement to follow the policies and procedures for school and

transportation. We further understand the bus rules for safety include, but are not limited to, the following:

No teasing or bullying

Remain in my assigned seat at all times

Remain seated in my seat at all times

Keep my arms and legs out of the aisle at all times

No hanging out the window

No throwing any objects

Treating all students and the driver with respect

No inappropriate gestures or comments

Not using inappropriate language

We have read and fully understand the above.

Student Name: (Print) ________________________ (Signature) __________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: (Print) ____________________ (Signature) _______________________