Graham  Middle School

Handbook

2019-­‐2020

1175 Castro Street

Mountain View, CA 94040

Telephone: (650) 526-­‐3570

Fax: (650) 965-­‐9278

Michael Hermosillo, Principal

Mariko Kobata, Assistant Principal

Student Name________________________________

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ACADEMIC  STANDARDS  AND POLICIES Pursue  Knowledge

GRADING  SYSTEM

Graham  Middle School uses a grading  system  based on a normal statistical distribution. We  use the

following  letter  grades and their Grade Point Average (GPA) point values.  In certain  circumstances,

a teacher can modify grades. The modiϐied grade will  be identiϐied by a comment in the grade

report.

A student’s GPA  is computed at the end of each trimester  by  adding up the  GPA  value for  each  class

grade.  Once a student  has added their individual GPA  values together,  they  need to  divide  by  7 to

get their ϐinal GPA.

Students and parents  are  provided  with  passwords  to  Power  School to  check the  grades on-­‐line.

We  strongly  suggest that both  students  and parents monitor  your  grades on  a regular  basis.

Grade Percentage  Rage GPA  Value

A  Excellent) 90-­100% 4.0

B (Above  Average) 80-­89% 3.0

C (Average) 70-­79% 2.0

D  (Below  Average) 60-­69% 1.0

F  (Failure) 0-­59% 0.0

GOAL  PROGRAM

GrahamMiddle School’s Goal (Going Onward and Learning for my Future) Program blends three elements

that all students need for success: Academics, Behavior, and Attendance

All students will have the opportunity to join GOAL, and the “membership has it privileges!”

You are awarded Block G points for reaching GOAL:

2 Block G Points 4.0 GPA1.5 Block G Points 3.0-­‐3.9 GPA1 Block G Point 2.0-­‐2.9 GPA

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HOMEWORK POLICY

The Mountain ViewWhisman School Board has established a homework policy. According to this

district policy, homework assignments are made for the following purposes:

● Completion of unϐinished work

● Make-­‐up work assigned during absence

● Research related to class work

● Individual Study

● Creative Work including written composition

● Recreational reading for literacy and book reports

● Practice or review of content previously studied

Average Daily Homework Timet● 6 rade 60 minutes

t● 7 rade 70 minutes

t● 8

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grade 80 minutes

● Additional time for reading is required every day.

Students are responsible for completing and returning homework assignments on time. Homework

assignments should be within the minimum time allotments as suggested by the Mountain View

Whisman School Board and Graham Staff. Some students, because of individual needs, may be assigned

more or less minutes of homework per day. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the homework

assignments every day. To achieve this goal, it is important to remember to allow for a quiet study time

as well as leisure time activities.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism has become a growing concern with the numerous resources available through the Internet.

Consequences for plagiarism can be but are not limited to an F for the assignment, parental contact,

and administrative referral. Continued acts of plagiarism can result in suspension.

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 PROGRESS REPORTS

An auto-­‐dialer will be sent out to inform you that the progress report grades are now locked. Please

check PowerSchool to see the grades. It is recommended that parents of students who have received a

C-­‐ or lower contact the appropriate teacher to ϐind out what they can  do to help their child improve.

Students and parents are encouraged to use PowerSchool on a regular basis to check on their child’s

grades andmissing assignments.

STUDENTS  FALLING BELOW  A 2.0  GPA

A cumulative  GPA  of 2.0 is necessary for  participation  in extracurricular activities  suchminimum

as sports,  dances,  etc.   Student GPA’s will be checked  before  and  during extracurricular activities.

When  a student  falls below  a 2.0 GPA, the administration will make  every  effort to  conference  with

the student  and family. Also these students may  be  discussed at Bear Huddle.   The Bear Huddle

Talk  group is made up of teachers, administrators,  and  other  school personnel.  At  this conference  a

plan of action will be discussed and speciϐic  interventions  begun  to  help  bring  the  student up

academically.  Possible  interventions may  include,  but are not limited  to:

Weekly  Progress  Reports Lunchtime  Study  Hall

Skill Speciϔic Classes Agenda Checks

Academic Recovery Schedule  Change

th Grade  students must  have  a 2.0  cumulative  GPA  and a 2.0 GPA  in trimester 3 in order  to

participate  in the graduation activities.

ACTIVITIES  AND ENRICHMENT  PROGRAMS Belong/  Take  Pride

Graham  Middle School offers many  different academic and extra-­‐curricular activities  for  students.

Announcements for  these  activities  and programs are made in the Bear Tracks,  the  Graham  website,  and

in our morning announcements on GMS TV.

ACTIVITY  RULES  AND EXPECTATIONS Do No Harm/ Take  Pride

Graham  sponsors various whole  school activities,  such as dances for  all students.  For  these  and  other

activities students must follow  these rules:

● Only  Graham  students may  attend  these  activities● Students are  expected  to  follow  school  rules● Students remain at the activity  until it ends

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 ● Students who  are  on Academic Probation may  not attend  the  activity● Parents  are  required  to pick their student up immediately  after  the  event● Students who  are suspended may  not attend  the  activity

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS I Belong/  Together We  Can/  Take  Pride

Students are  encouraged to  participate  in the  different sports  offered  after  school.  Graham  competes  with

other  schools  in the  Valley  Junior High  Athletic League (Cupertino, Los Altos,  Sunnyvale). Some of the

sports  offered  are:  Cross  Country,  Volleyball,  Soccer,  Basketball,  Girl’s Softball,  Track  and Field,  and

Wrestling.  There  i a sports  donation  for  each  season  played  that helps  cover  the  costs  of buses,  coaches,

and ofϐicials.   To  participate  in after school sports, students must maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA  during

the sports season.

ARRIVAL  AND DEPARTURE TIMES Pursue  Knowledge/ Do No Harm

Students are  expected  to  arrive   7:20 a.m on Tuesday,  Wednesday,  Thursdays  and  Fridays,  and  afterafter

8:30  a on Monday  when  there is sufϐicient adult supervision on campus. All studentsmust leave

campus by  3:05 p.m unless they  are  involved  in an  adult sponsored  activity.   Students who  are  waiting  for

rides after school must wait  quietly  in designated  areas  in the  front of the  school.

ATTENDANCE Pursue  Knowledge/ Take  Pride

Regular  attendance  at school is the  ϐirst step  toward academic success. Students are  responsible  for

attending  school regularly.   Attendance  is taken  and  reported  each  class  period. Parents  will be  notiϐied  by

phone and mail of attendance  problems It is important that you call the absence line to

report your child absent.   Without a phone call or note,  the absence will be

considered unexcused after 48 hours.   To report absences please call: (650) 526-­‐3570

ext. 2680

EXCUSED ABSENCES

If the absence  is due  to   doctor, dentist appointment, or death in the immediate  family  ,illness,

parents  are  urged  to  call the  Attendance  Secretary  on the  ϐirst day  of the  absence.   If a student’s

absence was not  called in,  please bring  a note.   state  the problem, give  theAll notes  must

date(s) of absence, identify the student, and be signed by  parent or guardian.

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 Students must report to  the  Attendance  Ofϐice  upon returning  to  school.  The Attendance  Ofϐice  is

open at 7:30 a.m  to issue admit slips to  students  who  have missed school. It is the responsibility  of

the student  to pick up their admit slip before going to  their   st period class.   When a student  is ill

for  three  or more  days, a parent should  request assignments. Parents  should  contact the

Attendance  Ofϐice  and  request homework materials  to  be  picked  up the  following  day  after 3 pm.

A state  law  deϐines excused  and unexcused  absences.  Even  though  a parent has  sent an  explanation

for the absence, it may  be  recorded  by  law  as unexcused.  It is the  parent’s  responsibility  to

promote  regular  attendance, including limiting the number of times a student is taken  out of class

for medical or other family appointments.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Below  are  examples of unexcused absences. Students may be assigned an academic recovery  class

after  school supervised by  Graham  staff to make  up lost work  caused by  the  unexcused  absence.

After 3 unexcused absences  a student is  considered  a truant  by  law.

Unexcused Absences: (examples)

Oversleeping Missed BusTransportation problems Work at home  (babysitting, etc.)Suspension from  school Leaving school without permissionConcerts ShoppingVacations Non-­‐school social, professional or athletic activities

TARDINESS

Being punctual is an important habit to  develop.  Students  will be  considered  tardy  if they  are  not

in their  seat or another  teacher  designated  area by   Monday)  . At  the 7:45 bell7:50  a.m (9:25  on

(9:20 a.m  on Monday)  all students  should  be  on their  way  to  class.  Students  arriving  tardy,  but

before  the  end of GMS  TV are  to  report directly  to their ϐirst class. After  GMS  TV, students must ϐirst

report to  the  Attendance  Ofϐice  for an admit slip before  they  will be  allowed  in class.   Students

must be signed in or have  a note  from  a parent if they  are  over 30 minutes  late.

Excessive  unexcused tardies  can  result in a referral  to  the  School Attendance  Review Board  (SARB) of

the  District Attorney’s Ofϔice.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

Any  student who  will be  absent for 5 or more  days  should  contact the  Attendance  Ofϐice  and

discuss  the  possibility  of an  Independent Study  Contract. A request for  an  independent study must

be made by  a parent and  done at least a week prior to  the  absence,  except in the case of illness. An

independent study  contract  is approved  at the  discretion of the school administration. A student

must be in good academic standing to  qualify.   You may  request an  Independent Study  contract  for

the following  reasons:

● Illness or injury

● Educational alternative

● Vacation  or personal  necessity

BACKPACKS Take  Pride

Student backpacks must be clean and  free of writing. The student’s name may  appear on the  outside  of

the backpack  in one place only.  Students who  violate  this  rule  will have  their  backpacks  conϐiscated  and

parents  contacted.

BALL  ROOM I Belong/  Take  Pride

The Ball Room  is open at break, and at lunchtime. Equipment can be checked  out with  a backpack.

Students are  responsible  for  the  care of the equipment they  check out. All equipment must be returned  in

the same condition it was checked  out.

BICYCLES Do No Harm/ Pursue  Knowledge

All bicycles  are  to  be  locked  on the  bike  racks  inside the  Bike  Cage,  located  on the  blacktop.   Students

must ride bicycles  on the  street only,  and not on school grounds.  Students  are  to  walk  beside their bicycles

while  on school grounds.   wear a helmet when  bicycle  riding,  and it within theStudents  must lock

Bike Cage The school is not responsible  for  stolen or damaged bicycles.

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 SKATEBOARDS /ROLLER BLADES/ SCOOTERS Do No Harm/ Pursue Knowledge/ I Belong

Skateboards, roller blades, and scooters are allowed, but cannot be used on school grounds. Students

must wear helmets when riding bikes, skateboards and scooters.

CELL PHONES Pursue Knowledge/ Do No Harm

At the discretion of the teachers, students may be allowed to appropriately use cell phones for academic

purposes. Cell phones must be turned off during the school day. (7:50 -­‐ 2:50 p.m) They may be used

before or after school, but not any other time during the day. If a staff member hears or sees a student

using a phone during the day the phone will be turned into the ofϐice. (The school will not be held

responsible for the theft or loss of any phone).

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES AND SCHOOL CLIMATE EssentialAll Elements

GrahamMiddle School utilizes the Essential Elements to guide our classroom procedures and school

climate. There are three main groups of people that hav responsibilities that are speciϐic to their role in

the educational process. All of these responsibilities are connected to our Essential Elements.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:

● Arrive to class on time every day prepared with appropriate materials to learn

● Speak to everyone in a respectful manner

● Show respect and courtesy to everyone on campus

● Maintain and respect all necessary school supplies

● Listen and follow directions

● Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself

● Activel keep campus clean

● Activel

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y participate in class

● Enjoy school equipment, but use it properly and safely

● Persistently pursue learning

● Complete assignments both in and out of class

● Follow all school rules

PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:

● Get your child to school on time

● Model respect

● Provide your child with all the necessary educational tools he/she needs

● Talk to your child about his/her school work

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 ● Check your student’s grades on PowerSchool

● Discuss and model appropriate school behavior

● Expect your child to be successful

● Communicate with teachers

● Be actively involved in the school

● Read the Bear Tracks or Web Site

● Don’t allow your student to bring valuables to school

● Encour e your child to be actively involved in their education

● Encour

ag

age proper dress attire

● Talk about college

● Model reading

SCHOOL PERSONNEL ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:

● Respect everyone on campus

● Believe all students can and will learn

● Be on time and prepared

● Have high expectations

● Encourage students

● Give timely feedback to improve

● Actively keep campus clean

● Model appropriate use of school equipment

● Follow all school rules

● Partner with parents

CLUBS Together We Can/ Pursue Knowledge

Every year Graham has several groups that meet either before or after school, or during lunch. Some

examples of the clubs that have existed in the past are: arts and crafts, chess, knitting, Leo, math, robotics,

speech and debate. If you are interested in sponsoring a club, please contact the school ofϐice. Groups will

be promoted through morning announcements, Bear Tracks and our website.

COUNSELING Belong/ Pursue Knowledge/ Together We Can

Mountain ViewWhisman partners with CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council) to work with

students who are having adjustment problems or need to work out an issue. Some students meet in small

groups when a common need arises. Students may refer themselves or be referred by their parents,

teachers, or an administrator. Counselors may meet with a student a single time without parental

permission.

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Additionally,  we  have a full-­‐time counselor for  the  purpose of guiding students  through middle school and

preparing them  for  later  life.  Counseling  services include:  individual,  group, and academic counseling,

social skills, conϐlict mediation and referrals to community resources.

DELIVERED  ITEMS Pursue  Knowledge

If you  are  having something dropped  off from  home, please check the ofϐice to  see if it has  arrived.

Birthday greetings, bouquets, and balloons  should not  be brought to school as  they cause a

disruption in class  and will not be delivered  to the student.

DISCIPLINE  POLICY Do No Harm/ Pursue  Knowledge

It is the expectation  that   Graham  staff work  together  to  provide  an environment where  all studentsall

feel safe  and  a part of the  Graham  Bear community of learners. It is our responsibility  to come together  as

a learning community to  ensure  that others  don’t  infringe  on students’  ability to  learn  or teacher’s  ability

to  teach.

Graham  has the 2-­‐tier discipline policy consisting of a time-­‐out and an ofϐice referral.

Step 1: ClassroomManagement

Teachers  use their  personal classroom  management system.

Step  2:  Intervention  Support

After  a teacher has implemented  their  personal interventions  to  address  a student’s  behavior,  and

a student’s behavior has not improved,  the  teacher will contact the at-­‐risk team  for in-­‐class

student support.

Step  3:  Time-­‐Out

After  a teacher has utilized the at-­‐risk team  for in-­‐class support or if the at-­‐risk team  is

unavailable,  then  the teacher places a time-­‐out form  on the student’s desk as a warning.  If the

behavior  continues,  the  teacher completes  the  top  section  of the  form  and sends the student to  the

ofϐice. The student spends time in the ofϐice writing a reϐlection.  Once  the  student has  spoken  with

ofϐice staff  about the  behavior  the  student is expected  to  return  to  class  directly  and quietly.  The

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 student is also   to  stop  the  behavior  or any  other  disruptive  behavior  and to  expected positively

participate in the lesson. If a student gets 3 time-­‐outs in a week,  the  student’s  parent will be  called.

Actions  that get a student a time-­‐out form are:

Disrespectful language/actions Student needs a break

Gum chewing Distracting others

Uncooperative  behavior

Step  4:  Ofϐice  ReferralIf a student  does not return  directly  and quietly  to  class  after  being  given a time-­‐out,  then the

teacher  gives  the  student a referral  form  and sends the student back to  the  ofϐice. If a student’s

behavior  is dangerous, the student will immediately  be  sent to  the  ofϐice with  a referral.

Other  behaviors  that will earn a student a referral  are,  but not limited  to:

Direct refusal of an authority Physical Violence  (intentional)

Fighting Stealing/Destruction of property

Sexual Harassment Racial or ethnic slurs

Harassment/Bullying Profanity  toward  others

Cheating

Students will meet with either the Principal or Assistant Principal to  discuss their  behavior  and

appropriate  consequences.

Parents may  be  called.

DRESS FOR Pursue  Knowledge/ Do No Harm/ I BelongSUCCESS

The goal of the  Graham  Middle School Dress  Code is to  instill in students  the  understanding  that school is

their place of business.  The dress  code allows  for  individual choice, promotes  safety, and at the same time

discourages clique-­‐type groups  from  being formed based on clothing style and/or expense.  We  encourage

each  student to  take  his or her education  seriously,  beginning with the clothes he/she wears  to  school.

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 Dress  Code

In all  instances, a student’s appearance should not disrupt or distract  from the learning

atmosphere  in the classroom or on campus.

Not allowed:

● Low-­‐cut tops, tank tops with straps less than 2 inches wide, tube tops, mesh shirts, tops with spaghetti

straps, halter tops and shirts that reveal the midriff.

● Slippers, ϐlip ϐlops, and thong-­‐type shoes

o Shoes that permit safe movement must be worn at all times.

● Oversized clothing

● Sagging pants

● Clothing, symbols, or anything associated with gang afϐiliation

● Clothing and accessories that contain pictures or writing which are considered vulgar, profane or

sexually suggestive; which advocate racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice; or promote drugs, alcohol,

tobacco, violence or any illegal activity

● Symbols or writing anywhere on the body

● Bandanas of any color

● Pajamas

Limitations  on wearing:

● The hems of shorts, skirts and dresses must be at the ϐist length when arms are to the side

● See-­‐through sheer tops must have appropriate shirts underneath.

● Belts are to be worn so that the excess is not dangling or hanging out of the pants

● Hats, visors, caps, hoods, and sunglasses can be worn outdoors, but not indoors

● Hats and visors are worn forward at all times

ELECTRONIC  DEVICES Pursue  Knowledge/ Do No Harm

Electronic  devices  such as iPods,  Bluetooth  speakers,  video games, etc.  are  not to  be  used during school

hours. The school will not be  held  responsible  for  the  theft or loss  of these  items.

FOOD Together We  CanTake  Pride/

It is the responsibility  of at school  to  keep the campus clean and free  of trash.   Please pick-­‐upeveryone

after  yourself  and  place  all trash in  the garbage cans.   is  not allowed  on  the track  or turf ϐiel .Food

Due  to  the  messy  nature  of gum, we  do not allow  gum  on campus.

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FOOD SERVICE Together We  Can/  I Belong

Food  Service provides  food  for  brunch  and  lunch  to  students  for a minimal cost.  Families can ϐill out an

on-­‐line form  to  apply  for  free  or reduced  breakfast  or lunch any time during the school year.   Brunch  is a

10-­‐15-­‐minute  break in the morning when  breakfast  items are  available from  the Food  Service. Brunch

costs  $2.50. During lunch  a full lunch  service is available from  the Food  Service for  the  cost of $3.50. You

may  pay  at the  door for  a full lunch  or pay  in advance by cash or check. The amount will be credited  to  the

student’s account.

No student will be turned away  from  receiving  brunch or lunch.

GRADUATION  AND END OF YEAR  ACTIVITY  RULES  FOR 8TH GRADERS

Pursue  Knowledge/Take  Pride/ Do No Harm

To  qualify  to  participate  in the  end of the  year  events,  we  expect  all students to  remain focused

on learning and maintain positive  behaviors.   There  are  four  infractions that  will  disqualify  you

from  one or more  of the  end of the  year  events.   These infractions are:

● Below  a 2.0 Cumulative  GPA

● Below  a 2.0 GPA  for  T3

● Three  ofϐice discipline  referrals

● Suspension

HEALTH AND SAFETY Together We  Can

Mountain ViewWhisman School District has three full-­‐time nurses available to  assist Graham  as

necessary.

HOMEWORK CLUB Together We  Can/  Take  Pride

Teachers and/or administrators may  assign study  hall during lunch,  after-­‐school, or possibly  Saturday

School for  students  to complete  work  so they  can pass their  classes.  When  a teacher or administrator

assigns academic recovery, the student must report to  the  assigned  class.  If the  teacher or administrator

assigns after  school,  or in rare  cases  Saturday academic recovery,  the parent will be  notiϐied.

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 ILLNESS AND  INJURY Belong/  Together We  Can/  Do  No Harm

If a student becomes ill, he/she should report to  their  teacher  for  a pass  to  go to  the  ofϐice. Parents may  be

called  to come and pick up their child. If a student is injured  at school,  he/she should  report to  the  teacher

in charge.  Parents  will be  contacted if more  than  basic  ϐirst aid  is required.   If a student has  lost

consciousness  or a student has  a possible back/ neck injury, that student should not be moved.

Please report  the injury  to  the nearest adult.

LEAVING  CAMPUS I Belong/  Do  No Harm

Graham  is a closed campus and students may  not leave  during the  day.  If a student has to  leave  for  a

doctor,  dentist, or another appointment,  parents must follow  the procedures  listed  below  and sign  the

student out.

1. Before  leaving the campus, a parent must come to  the  front ofϐice and  sign the  student out.

2. Upon returning  from  an appointment,  the parent must sign the student back in and the ofϐice staff

will issue the student an admit slip to  class.

LIBRARY Pursue  Knowledge/ Take  Pride

The school library  is open  before  school,  break,  lunch,  and  after school until 3:00 p.m. The school library

offers  students  access  to  both  ϐiction  and  nonϐiction  books  to  check out for  their  reading  pleasure.  The

library  is also available for  quiet study  and research.  In addition,  teachers  periodically  bring  classes  to  the

library  to  check out books  and  use  it for  class  projects.

LITTER Take  Pride/ Together We  Can

This campus is our home, and it is your home away  from  home. It is the responsibility  of all Graham

Bears  to  keep our home clean. All trash,  including  brunch and lunch garbage must be put in the garbage

containers  provided.  Students  caught littering may  be  given a campus beautiϐication detail.

LOST  AND FOUND Together We  Can

The lost and  found  is located  by  the  staff  lounge  (next  to  the  food  pavilion).  Lost items not claimed will be

donated  to  a charitable  organization  as necessary.

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 MEDICATIONS Do No Harm/ Pursue  Knowledge

Medication may  only  be  distributed  to  students  by the ofϐice staff. Students must have  a Medication

Release  Form  on ϐile in the ofϐice.

PASSES I Belong

When  classes are  in session, a student is required  to  have  a pass  to  go to  the  ofϐice or another  classroom.

Students must get a pass from  their current teacher.

RESTROOMS Take  Pride/ Do No Harm

Students must sign-­‐out from  their class when  leaving  for  the  restroom  and must sign back in when

returning  to  class.   For  sanitary  reasons  the  students  do not use a pass  to  go to  the  restroom. Students

will  use the school  restroom  for  their  intended  purposes. Students  are  responsible  for  keeping  the

restrooms clean and free  of grafϐiti.  Restrooms are  subject to  supervision.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS Do No Harm/ Pursue  Knowledge/ Take  Pride

Substitute  teachers  are  guests  at Graham  and should be treated  accordingly.  They  are  to  be  treated  with

RESPECT  at all times. Substitute  teachers  will enforce  classroom  and school rules and be expected  to

follow  the Graham  discipline policy.

TRANSPORTATION Do No Harm/ Together We  Can

Drivers  should  be  very  careful and  courteous  when  driving on campus. It is very important that drivers

respect the speed limits and pedestrian rights  of way. Students must use the crosswalks.  Drivers,  when

dropping  off or picking  up your  child,  please  pull all the  way  forward  and  do not leave  your  car

unattended.  For  the  safety  of all,  please  follow  the instructions of the person  directing  trafϐic.

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