Student Handbook 2006 - 2007

 

ACTIVITY DISCOUNT CARDS

 

Activity Discount Cards cost $10.00.

This cost helps to support student government, athletics, cheerleaders, music, drama, and other school activities. Students are expected to purchase a card. The activity card admits students to activities at a discount for the school year. Students can also use their activity cards at high school activities. The activity card is used in the Cafeteria as a debit lunch card and in the library to check out books. Books cannot be checked out without the card. (Replacement cost is the same price as the original card.)

 

ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE CHANGES

 

Any change of address or telephone number should be reported to the office immediately, even if the student is still in the Boise School District or the Riverglen Junior High attendance area. This is the only way we can keep our records current to insure important notices and phone calls can be received.

 

APPOINTMENT REQUESTS

 

Students who wish to meet with an office staff person (principal, assistant principal, counselor, resource officer, nurse, etc.) may fill out an appointment request form. These forms are available from any teacher.

 

ASSEMBLIES

 

During the school year, various assemblies are scheduled. In the case of activities in which there is a charge, students with a current activity card will receive a discount. Good student conduct is to be observed during these activities. The assembly programs are for the enjoyment of students. In order that everyone may hear and enjoy them, the following rules are to be observed.

1. Do not whistle or stomp your feet. The accepted method of showing approval is by clapping the hands. Disapproval is shown by silence. Booing at any time shows poor manners.

2. All talking should stop when any

      entertainment activity begins.

3. Teachers are expected to accompany their students to and from the assembly and sit with them during the assembly. Teachers will assist during the assembly wherever needed.

The privilege of attending assemblies and dances may be revoked at any time due to misbehavior.

 

ATTIRE STANDARDS AT RIVERGLEN JUNIOR HIGH

 

The schools in the Boise District are charged with establishing a school culture that enhances the teaching-learning process. The need for some sense of structure and formality in educational settings requires that student behavior and attire are compatible with the stated purpose and function of the educational institution.

1. Students are encouraged to use good judgment in selecting their clothes and in following basic community and school standards. Nothing should be worn that would advocate alcohol, tobacco products, drugs, gangs, etc.

2. Inappropriate attire is defined as attire, which creates an atmosphere or casualness, which detracts from our important mission. It is further defined as dressing or grooming in a manner that disrupts the educational process, is a threat to the learning environment or endangers the health or safety of students or any other persons.

a) Head coverings of any kind are not

to be worn in the school from 7:00 a.m. until the last tone and are not to be worn in the office or classrooms at any time.

b) No bare midriffs, bare backs, showing underwear including bra straps, halter tops, pajamas and slippers, etc.

3) Students may not obscure their identities with heavy makeup, etc.

It will be decided on a day-to-day basis, weather permitting, whether to send students outside at lunch or not. It is the students' responsibility to dress appropriately for the weather and to have a jacket/coat with them should they need to go outside.

 

AUTOMOBILES

 

If it is necessary to drive to school, students must register their vehicle with the school resource officer. During school hours students are not allowed to return to their vehicles without permission.

 

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERBLADES

 

Riverglen is a Dismount Zone. Nothing is to be ridden on campus. This includes skates and skateboards. Bicycles are to be parked in the racks provided. Reminder: bicycles should be provided with locks and licenses. The school cannot be held responsible for damage or theft while bicycles are parked in the racks.

 

BREAK

 

Break will begin at the conclusion of second period. At this time students may go to the cafeteria for food or drink. The cafeteria will be the ONLY place food or drink will be allowed.

 

BULLETIN BOARDS

 

All students wanting to post notices must have the approval of the principal, assistant principal, or student government advisor. Each homeroom has a bulletin board for the placing of notices, pictures, etc. Any student wanting to post a notice must have the approval of the classroom teacher

 

BUS RIDES WITH OTHER STUDENTS

 

Students wishing to ride home on the bus with a friend will be permitted to do so only if there is room available on the bus. Students must have a note from his/her parents. The student they are riding home with must also have a note from his/her parents. The Assistant Principal must sign ALL notes in advance to getting on the bus.

 

CAFETERIA

 

The cafeteria is open before school, break and during the two-assigned lunch periods. In order for all students to enjoy the cafeteria services, the following behavior policies and information are to be observed:

1. Orderly lines - no cutting.

2. No littering, no running, no horseplay.

3. Students are to be seated while eating.

When finished eating, students are to remain seated or must exit the cafeteria.

4. Students leaving the cafeteria may not re-enter without permission of the supervisor.

 

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

 

Although the teacher in that room sets up the rules for each classroom, the following are some general guidelines for students:

1. Students are not allowed out of the

      classroom without a pass.

2. Window shades are to be adjusted only under the supervision of the teacher.

3. Treat others with respect.

 

COUNSELING CENTER

 

The Riverglen Counseling Center stands to provide support and consistency for students academically, socially, and emotionally. Circulating throughout these components is the emphasis on career information in hopes to prepare students for thinking about future opportunities. The counseling staff also provides students with a peer mediation program that is based on the belief that as students learn more about conflict and how to deal with it, they will come to understand conflict is a part of everyday life, but is negotiable to compromise and solutions.

 

DANCES

 

Dances are for Riverglen students only. The advisor putting on the dance will determine dance times. Students must have their current-year card to buy a ticket and get into the dance.

 

DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL

 

Upon dismissal of the school day, students are not to remain in the school or near the school grounds after 2:45 p.m. unless they are under staff supervision. Unless there is a scheduled school activity, restrooms will be locked and halls cleared by 2:45 p.m.

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

Cell phones, CD players, iPod's and other electronic devices are to be kept in lockers during the school day. If students have these items on their person, they will be confiscated and returned 1) to the student on the first incident, 2) to the parent on the second incident, and 3) held until the end of the semester on the third incident.

 

EXCUSING ABSENCES

 

Parents are responsible for excusing their student's tardies and absences. Please call the attendance line at 853-0399. An answering machine is available to leave messages after hours and weekends. Any unexcused tardy or absence becomes truancy after 48 hours.

 

TARDIES

 

Parents will be notified on the fourth, fifth, and sixth tardies a student has in a class. On the fifth tardy, students will be assigned to lunch detention and to Evening School on the sixth tardy. Upon receiving a seventh tardy, the student must successfully appeal the tardy and serve an Evening School.

 

FLOWERS, BALLOONS, ETC.

 

These items are discouraged at school. Students receiving such items will be notified, but will need to leave the items in the office until after school.

 

GYMNASIUM

 

Students not actively participating in the activity in progress must be seated in the bleachers. Students in the bleachers must remain seated. Balloons are not allowed in the gym.

 

HALL PASSES AND HALL BEHAVIOR

 

Since our hallways are like highways, students are to be in the halls only at the beginning of school, at the end of school, and while passing between classes. Students in the halls during class time must be accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass from an authorized staff member. Your hall pass will be written in your Riverglen Planner. Students are to be courteous in the halls at all times. Students will not exhibit discourtesy in the halls, run in the halls, or using obscene language. Students are not allowed to have open containers of food or drink in the halls at any time during regular school hours. Students violating these rules will also be assigned detention time. The school halls are closed at 2:45, and all students must leave the building at that time unless they have permission from a staff member.

 

HONOR ROLL

 

The Honor Roll list is posted at the end of each quarter. It will list those students who received a grade point average of 4.00 (straight A's) and those students who received a grade point average of 3.50 or better.

 

INFORMATION TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS

 

During the year there will be occasional, informative newsletters sent home via the students, or in most cases, via mail. Report cards will be sent to parents/guardians via the students for each of the first three quarters unless parents pick them up during scheduled conferences. Report cards for the fourth quarter and the end of the second semester will be mailed to parents/ guardians at the end of the school year. Progress Reports for students having difficulty will normally be mailed to parents/guardians by the end of the fifth week of each quarter.

 

INSURANCE

 

Even with the greatest precautions and the closest supervision, accidents can and do happen at school. Because of this unfortunate fact, preparation needs to be made for possible medical expenses that may arise from injuries that occur at school. The school district does not provide medical insurance to automatically pay for medical expenses when students are injured at school. This is still a responsibility of the parents or legal guardians. The district is required to only carry liability insurance.

If a student is not already covered by medical insurance through a family plan or a parent wants additional medical coverage, the district does make student medical insurance available to families for their individual purchase. Brochures outlining the coverage and premiums are handed out to the students at the beginning of the school year. This form, along with the premium, should be mailed to the insurance company during the first few days of school

 

LIBRARY POLICY

 

Library hours are from 7:15 am to 3:00 p.m.

Books from the regular stacks are checked out for four weeks at a time and may be renewed once if there are no holds on that book. Reference books may not be checked out.

Students will be given five notices when their book(s) is/are overdue. After that time, the Library considers the book lost and a bill is sent home for the full replacement cost of the book. If the book is paid for and then returned, this amount will be refunded. Damaged books are assessed according to the extent of the damage and charged accordingly. ALL fines and books MUST be cleared before checking out other materials or receiving a report card or yearbook.

 

LOCKERS

 

Backpacks are not allowed in class. They are to stay in student's locker. Students will only be allowed to go to their lockers before first period, during break time, at the beginning and at the end of the lunch period, and after school. Students will need to take materials for several classes at these times. Students will be assigned a locker and a lock with a $5 charge for the use of keeping books and personal belongings. It is the student's responsibility to keep the locker clean and in good working order.

 

PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING

 

Do not change lockers or share your locker with anyone unless instructed to do so by the office. Students using another student's locker may lose their locker privileges.

1. KNOW YOUR COMBINATION!!! And, do not tell any students your locker combination.

2. Always keep your locker locked.

3. Never force the locker door shut or open. Avoid excessive noise in closing lockers.

4. Do not leave any money or valuables in your locker. Check valuables and large sums of money into the office.

5. No confetti, balloons, or items that will mar lockers in any way are allowed when decorating lockers.

 

MUSIC GROUPS

 

Riverglen's performing musical groups are organized to promote appreciation for a variety of music, to provide an opportunity for students to develop their abilities, and to serve the student body and community through performances. Students belonging to a performing music group have an obligation to the group and the school to attend all performances. In the event of illness or other emergency, a member should inform the teacher as soon as possible. The performance calendar will be discussed with each group at the beginning of the year to achieve complete understanding. Each group will plan with their teachers and parents for uniformity in dress at performances.

 

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

 

The purpose of this organization is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, and encourage good citizenship. For the scholarship qualification, an eighth grade student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.7, based on their three semesters of junior high. The remaining qualifications are subjective in nature and are considered as a whole by a faculty council. Students may not apply for membership in the NJHS, but if they succeed in the scholastic qualification, they are invited to submit an informational form to the faculty advisor, who then submits the information form to the faculty council. The faculty council consists of five faculty members appointed by the principal but may not include the principal or the honor society's advisor. Students are admitted to the honor society by a majority council vote. As with any honor not received, there exists virtually no recourse for non­ selection. The chapter plans social and service projects each semester. A formal induction ceremony for new members is held in the spring.

 

OUT OF BOUNDS AREAS

 

Gyms and locker rooms are off limits unless permission has been granted. During the school day, students are not to use the areas in front of the building, along the north side of the building or on areas of the grounds as designated by the assistant principal.

 

PERMIT TO LEAVE SCHOOL CLOSED CAMPUS

 

Students must have a written permit to leave the school grounds during the school day. Written permission, or a phone call, from parents is necessary to obtain a permit to leave. Failure to do so may result in truancy. Office personnel or a member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team must issue this permit. The only exception to this rule is when a student is on an approved activity list. If a student returns back to school with a Permit to Leave, the student must report to the office, sign in and obtain a pass before returning to class. As Riverglen is a "closed" campus, any student wishing to go home at lunch must be picked up in the office by his/her parent.

 

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

 

No public displays of affections of any kind, including handholding, will be allowed on school property.

 

REQUESTS FOR HOMEWORK

 

It is the responsibility of the student to secure his/her own homework. This is an essential and basic responsibility for all students as they mature during their years in secondary education. Teachers will make certain that assignments are clearly stated in both oral and written forms. Provision is also made for obtaining assignments in advance by using a "Prearranged Absence" form available in the main office. If necessary, teachers can be personally contacted for student assignments. Please use this as a last resort due to the tremendous workload of our teachers. Students at Riverglen Junior High each carry an assignment planner, and in most cases, this planner will cover any assignment needs. However, in most cases, students too ill to attend school are too ill to effectively complete homework. In the case of extended absences, please note the following: Counselors will request homework only after 3 full days of absences and if the student is not returning the next day. Teachers have a full day to turn in assignments. Parents should designate and notify the person who will pick up assignments and specify date and time of pickup.

 

RETURN CHECK POLICY

 

All returned checks will be charged a $20.00 fee plus the check amount, which must be paid in cash. No checks will be processed a second time.

 

SNOWBALLS

 

Absolutely no snowball throwing will be permitted on school property at any time.

 

STUDENT PLANNER

 

Your student planner is the most important single item in your school life. Your planner provides you with the information that you need to be a successful student at Riverglen Junior High School. Guard it carefully, write your name in it, and carry it to every class that you attend. It will serve as your hall pass as well as admittance to your classrooms. Your planner should be with you at all times. It is advisable to take it home with you every night.

 

TEXTBOOKS

 

Textbooks are loaned to students at the beginning of the school year. Students are encouraged to use book covers so damage can be kept to a minimum. Lost or damaged books will result in student fines to cover the cost of the damage or replacement.

 

TELEPHONE

 

Pay phones are available outside in front of the building. Students may use these phones before and after school only. The office phones are for school business and are not to be used by students at any time, except in cases of emergency. Any other school phone may be used after 3:00 p.m., but not before.

 

VISITORS

 

All visitors, including parents, volunteers, and substitute teachers must check in at the main office. Parents are considered partners at Riverglen Junior High and are always encouraged and appreciated. However, students may not bring visitors to school. Non-attending students are not allowed on campus at any time.

 

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

 

Parents or legal guardians must come to the counseling office to withdraw a student from Riverglen Junior High. Students should have with them the following: forwarding address, money for fines, library books, and textbooks. If an official record request is not received within two weeks, the student will be classified as a dropout.