To the Students & Parents of Kennedy Middle School:
The purpose of this student/parent handbook is to help bridge the information gap that often occurs when students enroll in a middle school program. This handbook is designed to give you the information students need to find success and to acquaint you with the procedures, rules and opportunities at Kennedy Middle School.
Kennedy Middle School is an excellent school. The teachers and students who have worked and studied here have set high standards. Scholarship, honor, integrity, sportsmanship, and honesty are the important values that have been developed and stressed at Kennedy Middle School.
Russ Ottey Principal
| The Student/Parent Handbook is included in each student's Student Planner. It should be reviewed and signed by both the student and a parent/guardian. |
Responsibility
Student Responsibilities
· Be punctual to school and classes
· Come to class prepared with paper, books, pencils, Handbook/Assignment Book, etc.
· Complete all assignments in a timely and orderly manner
· Follow the Student Behavior Policy to enable all students to acquire the fullest education possible
Parent Responsibilities
· Be involved in the education of your child
· Supervise homework (when & how)
· Emphasize the importance of school and be supportive
· Be involved in students' behavior in and out of school
· Maintain open communication with the school
Teacher Responsibilities
· Inform parent of procedures used in classroom policy
· Maintain communication with the home
· Provide an environment conducive to learning
· Respond to the diverse needs of all students
· Maintain and increase sensitivity and awareness of the changing needs of students (social, emotional, and physical)
· Plan for incentives which will encourage positive behavior and academic achievement
· Be approachable and willing to help students
Administration/Counselor Responsibilities
· Coordinate communication between teacher, school, and home
· Support teachers
· Provide leadership in running whole school
· Provide incentives to encourage positive behavior and academic achievement
· Provide a school-wide discipline policy which promotes an environment conducive to learning
· Provide "support" personnel as they are available and as the need arises.
Our Mission
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The mission of John F. Kennedy Middle School is to provide all students with an exemplary education in a positive, nurturing environment from which they will acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that foster success in future education, careers and citizenship in our democratic society. The priorities of the principal and staff reflect this vision. The mission of the Cupertino Union School District is to provide a child-centered environment that cultivates character, academic excellence, and embraces diversity. District families, community, and staff join as partners to develop creative, exemplary learners with the skills and enthusiasm to contribute to a constantly changing global society. Goal 1, Student Achievement: Provide an intellectually challenging, developmentally appropriate, standards-based instructional program for each child. Goal 2, Support Services: Provide resources and programs designed to support students' diverse academic, social, and emotional needs. Goal 3, Human Resources: Attract, develop, and retain a highly competent, effective, and diverse staff. Goal 4, Financial Stability: Ensure financial stability and program growth by optimizing the acquisition and management of financial resources and district assets. Goal 5, Leadership: Develop and foster individual and collective leadership capacity throughout all levels of the educational organization. |
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August 24, 2006.........................Students Return September 4, 2006.........................Labor Day September 29, 2006........................Staff Learning Day November 10, 2006.........................Veterans' Day November 22 - 24, 2006................Thanksgiving Recess December 18 - Jan 1, 2007...............Winter Recess January 15, 2007..........................M.L. King Day January 29, 2007........................Staff Learning Day Febraury 19-23, 2007..................Mid-Year Recess April 16-20 2007.........................Spring Recess May 14, 2007 .............................Staff Learning Day May 28, 2007..............................Memorial Day June 15, 2007.............................Last Day of School |
How to Reach Us
The office is open, and the telephones are in operation from 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Monday through Friday.
| General | (408) 253-1525 |
| Fax | (408) 257-5777 |
| Attendance | (408) 253-1528 ext:6 |
| Administration | (408) 253-1525 |
| lastname_firstname@cupertino.k12.ca.us | |
| Webpage | www.cupertino.k12.ca.us/kennedy.www/default.htm |
GENERAL GUIDELINES AND POLICIES 2006 - 2007
(Alphabetical)
ABSENCE POLICY
Regular attendance at school is the first step toward academic progress. Kennedy and the Cupertino Union School District have set expectations for attendance in order for students to be promoted to the next grade (see Promotion Policy). Please call the office before 9:00 a.m. each day your child will be absent. Absences may be reported on the absence telephone number 253-1525 extension 6. Messages may be left on the school voice mail after school hours. If you are unable to call the school, please send a note with your child to the office when he/she returns. We require a note from the doctor when students miss school due to appointments. The office is open at 7:30 a.m. and students are asked to bring notes from home before 8:15 a.m. All absences must be verified each day.
When a student arrives late, including zero period, he/she must sign in at the office before he/she may return to class.
Please Note: When planning to take one or more days of vacation other than scheduled by school, notify the school office prior to leaving. District policy states that any student out of school more than ten days will be withdrawn and may lose their place in school.
Excused/Unexcused/Truancy: The State of California defines absences in three categories:
1. Excused: Excused absences, tardies, or delays are given only for illness, medical or dental appointments, religious observance, or death in the family. All other absences are unexcused. Teachers will provide make-up work for excused absences. When a student has had five absences during the course of the school year for illness, any futher absence for illness must be verified by a physician. After ten absences, in the school year for illness, the student may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB), if necessary.
2. Unexcused: Any reason for an absence,tardy or delay other than those given above will be considered an unexcused absence even though the parent may have given permission for the student to miss school. The student will be admitted to class, but teachers are not obligated to provide make-up work. (see consequences for tardies )
3. Truancy: When a student is absent/tardy for one or more class periods without parental permission, he/she will be considered (under the law) truant. Teachers are not obligated to provide make-up work. Saturday School will be assigned. Students who leave class or any designated area without permission will be considered truant.
Homework/Classwork Requests:
The parent may request to pick up homework/classwork for students who are absent due to illness on the second consecutive full day. Parents must call the office before 9:00 a.m. for this service. Make-up work must be picked up between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. in the office.
Independent Study Contracts:
When a student will be absent for an extended period of time (five to ten days) due to family trips or vacation, an Independent Study Contract may be requested from the office two weeks prior to the absence. The staff will provide assignments for the student that will provide for continuity of learning.
Consequences for Tardies/Delays
Following are the consequences for unexcused tardies and delays for any reason other than illness or doctor appointment:
Tardy - Late thirty minutes or more :
Delay - Late less than thirty minutes:
Four unexcused delays to any one class in one trimester:
Five unexcused delays:
Please Note: Attendance in a "0" period class is a privilege. If a student is tardy to "0" period more than 5 times in a trimester, he/she may be removed from the class. If a student has a consistent pattern of absences from A"0" period, he/she will be removed from the class.
Experience has demonstrated to us that some students have more than five delays during a trimester, but the delays are to multiple classes. Therefore, the office will monitor student delays to all classes. When a student receives five cumulative delays (delays to different classes) he/she will be assigned to Saturday School. This may result in two Saturday Schools being assigned to a student. One from a teacher for five delays to that class and one from the office for five cumulative delays.
Consequences for U's
One U in citizenship on the report card:
Two or more U's in citizenship on the report card:
ACCIDENTS
When an accident occurs, it must be reported at once to the teacher in charge who will then report it to the office. Proper medical referrals will be made when necessary.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements will be made each morning over TV. These announcements will include information which will concern you, such as meetings, assemblies, change in time schedules, etc. The announcements will also be posted in the library. It is the student's responsibility to know and remember the daily announcements.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, ROLLERBLADES, PAGERS, WALKMAN RADIOS, and CD PLAYERS
1. For the safety of students, teachers and visitors, bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades to be ridden within the inner courts, pavilion, corridors, between school buildings and parking lots at any time.
2. Students who wish to ride their bicycles to school must have a Kennedy Bike Registration form on file in the office. It is expected that they ride their bikes in strict accordance with state and city laws. The bike must have reflectors, be properly licensed, and locked when parked. Students must wear a helmet.
3. When leaving the campus (during school hours) students will go to the office first and then to the bike enclosure. Students must remove their bikes from the bike enclosure by 3:00 p.m. unless participating in after school activities.
4. All bicycles on campus will be locked in the bicycle enclosure. Skateboards are to be kept in lockers provided for this purpose and requested by the student, not in a teacher's room, in the office, or carried around school.
5. Riding bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades anywhere on school property is not allowed.
6. Electronic devices/ear phones and laser pointers, are not to be used or worn on campus.
Penalties for Violation of Bicycle, Skateboard, Rollerblade, Electronic device and Laser Pointer Regulations:
1st Offense: Bike, skateboard, rollerblade, laser pointer or electronic device will be confiscated for one day to one week and student will be assigned school service.
2nd Offense: Students will lose bicycle, skateboard, rollerblade, laser pointer, or electronic device from one week to the entire school year, depending upon the seriousness of the offense.
3rd Offense: Leads to loss of bicycle, skateboard, rollerblade, laser pointer, or electronic device privileges for remainder of the year.
Security: Bicycles, skateboards ,electronic devices, etc. are brought to school at the risk of the owner. The school provides only minimal security (lockers in which skateboards, on request, may be stored and a fenced area locked during school hours for bikes). When a question of ownership, theft, or damage occurs, the school will assist the student where possible but will refer the problem to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office or Code Enforcement Officer when necessary.
CLOSED CAMPUS
In order to better insure a proper and safe environment, Kennedy School has a closed campus. This means that all adults must check in to the school office when entering school grounds and students are not permitted to leave school grounds during the day without parent permission and notification to the office. Students who have been granted permission must be signed out by a parent/guardian in the office before leaving.
All students are under supervision of the school once they arrive on campus until they leave. Failure to abide by the closed campus will result in Saturday School. (Please note that this means no 7-11 store once you have arrived at school!)
Any student who leaves school early without permission will be considered truant.
COMMUNICATION
At Kennedy, we believe that communication between school and home to be a vital part of the educational process. The cardinal rule to remember is: When in doubt, call! Most concerns and misunderstandings can be taken care of with a simple telephone call or e-mail.
Since teachers see many students throughout the day, it is important for parents to contact the teachers instead of waiting for the teacher to call. Just call and leave a message for the teacher or send an email (lastname_firstname@cupertino.k12.ca.us). A counselor or administrator may also be able to answer your questions. A good rule of thumb for contacting school personnel is:
1. Contact the teacher: for information about your child's progress, homework expectations, behavior, etc. in that teacher's class.
2. Contact the counselor: for information about school-wide testing, student's overall performance, placement, scheduling, private school applications, etc.
3. Contact the principal or assistant principal: about general concerns, general questions, activities, policies, etc.
In addition to parents calling the school, Kennedy uses a wide variety of methods to communicate with parents:
1. News & Views: Our most important publication! This newsletter is mailed home at the end of each month.
2. Deficiency Notices & Report Cards: Deficiency Notices are sent out at the end of the sixth week of each trimester. Report Cards are sent out at the end of each trimester.
3. Parent Connect: Parents may log on through the internet to check students academic progress and class information.
4. Grade Print-Outs: Many teachers use computer generated print-outs or on-line grading programs to communicate with students and parents regarding academic progress. Frequently teachers require students to return print outs with a parent signature. Students who forge their parent's signatures on any document will receive an S- in citizenship on the first offense and a U in citizenship on the second offense.
5. Informational Meetings: Special meetings such as Curriculum Night, Electives Night, and Parent Orientation Night are designed to give parents the opportunity to meet staff members and to learn more about Kennedy's programs.
6. Conferences & SST's: The most effective method for solving problems or concerns are conferences with the teacher, counselor and/or administrator. Conferences are either arranged by the school staff or requested by the parent calling the counselor.
7. Special Needs: For students experiencing severe academic or behavior problems, special contracts, plans, and support can be arranged.
8. Success, Inc: For Students receiving a failing grade in one or more core subjects at a report period (deficiency notices or report card), an after-school tutorial program is offered to assist in improving the academic deficiency. Success, Inc. meets three times a week from 3 to 4 pm and is staffed by Kennedy teachers.
CORRIDORS
For the safety of yourself and others, do not run in the corridors, the courts, the walks, or the pavilion. Remember to walk on the right hand side of the corridor. Benches are for sitting only.
DEFICIENCY NOTICES
Deficiency notices are sent home at the end of the sixth week
of each trimester if a student is receiving a D, F, or U in grades
and/or citizenship. After the sixth week, if a student's
performance falls into the D, F, or U range, the parent will be
notified by the teacher. Parents are encouraged to contact
individual teachers by telephone or in writing if warning notices
are received.
DISCIPLINE
General Guidelines
In any school it is necessary that rules and regulations be established for the safety and well-being of all. The general guidelines for student behavior at Kennedy can be made with three statements of rights:
1. All students have the right to feel safe at school. Behavior that threatens the safety of others is not tolerated.
2. All students have the right to the best possible education we can provide. Behavior that interferes with the learning process is not tolerated.
3. Students and teachers have the right to be treated with respect. Behavior that is disrespectful towards staff and students is not tolerated.
Specific Regulations: These regulations cover specific situations at school. When in doubt, students should refer to the general guidelines.
NOTE: California Educational Code 48900 states that students may be suspended or expelled for inappropriate behavior while going to and from school.
Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco: The use, possession or sale (including purchasing) of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or paraphernalia including matches, lighters, or papers is strictly forbidden. Students in violation of this rule will be suspended and referred to the Sheriff's Department and may be subject to expulsion from the school district. Unauthorized and/or illegal use of legal substances will also have serious consequences.
Campus Behavior: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner at all times. The school rules apply coming to school, while at school, going home from school, and at all school sponsored events.
Classroom Rules: Teachers will establish their classroom rules and expectations and will communicate these to students and parents. In general students are expected to:
1. Arrive to class on time with the necessary materials.
2. Give the teacher and the lesson their full attention.
3. Complete all assignments on time.
4. Do nothing which stops others from learning and the teacher from teaching.
5. Treat the teacher and other students with respect.
6. No eating or drinking allowed in class (water is acceptable.)
Teachers will discipline students who are not behaving properly in class, and will provide students and parents with the strategies she/he plans to use to ensure proper behavior. The teacher will keep the parents informed as to continuing problems.
Severe or constant discipline problems will result in suspension from the class and a Student Behavior Report sent home to the parent/guardian with copies to the administration. The teacher will contact the parent and set up a parent conference. The principal or assistant principal will determine further actions to be taken.
Displays of Affection: Students are asked to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Kissing, hugging, hand holding, and other displays of affection are not acceptable on campus.
The administration reserves the right to establish special discipline procedures to meet special circumstances.
Fighting/Harassment: Fighting, threatening, or harassing other students will result in suspension. Since it is often impossible to determine who started a fight, both parties may be suspended (except in cases of adult-witnessed self-defense). Students who persist in harassment, violent or threatening actions will be referred to the Sheriff's Department and may be subject to expulsion from school. Harassment is defined as repeated physical or verbal annoyance.
Gum: Due to the fact that wads of gum are apt to be found in the corridors, under desks, on the floors, etc., gum chewing is not allowed on school grounds at any time. Students found chewing gum will be assigned gum scraping duty. Repeated classroom offenses will result in lowered citizenship grades. Chronic offenders may lose end of year rewards. Do not bring gum to school.
Littering: Keeping a campus of our size clean is not an easy task. Students are expected to cooperate by picking up their trash and other paper products in their area. Students who litter will be assigned trash pick up during their brunch, lunch, or after school.
Money: Students should not carry more than $20 in cash at any time. This policy protects parents and students from the loss or theft of their money.
Spitting: We consider spitting to be a bad habit which will not be tolerated.
Stealing: Students guilty of stealing will face suspension and referral to the Sheriff's Department.
Vandalism: Students are to respect private and school property. Suspension and restitution will be required for vandalism. Students will also be referred to the Sheriff's Department. Students should remember that the school considers writing on walls, lockers, and benches to be a particularly annoying form of vandalism and it will not be tolerated at Kennedy.
Vulgar/Obscene Language or Acts: Vulgar and obscene language, writing or acts have no place at school. Students are expected to speak with one another and adults in an appropriate manner. After the first offense the student will call their parent and will be assigned school service. The second offense will result in a loss of school privileges, subject to administrative discretion.
Weapons/Fireworks: The possession or use of any weapons or fireworks of any kind is strictly forbidden. Students violating this rule will be suspended, referred to the Sheriff's Department, and may be subject to expulsion from the school district. Students are not to bring matches or lighters to school. Since sissors are considered dangeros objects, they should not be in the students' possession.
Zero Tolerance: The following are treated with zero tolerance: fighting, possession or selling of drugs, and possession of weapons. Therefore, no warnings will be given prior to suspension/expulsion for these offenses.
DRESS CODE
Students shall attend school dressed in a manner which is appropriate for school, clean, not hazardous to their safety or to the safety of others, or disruptive to the normal routine of the school. State law requires that shoes be worn at all times. The wearing of chains is not permitted. Specific details and examples of inappropriate clothiing include, but are not limited to
Consequences for Dress Code Violation:
1st Offense: Student will wait in the office and parent will be notified to bring a change of clothes.
2nd Offense: Student will wait in the office and parent will be notified to bring a change of clothes. Student will receive Saturday School.
3rd Offense: Student will wait in the office and parent will be notified to bring a change of clothes. The student will be suspended for at least one day.
ELIGIBILITY/DISCIPLINE REQUIREMENTS FOR END-OF-YEAR ACTIVITIES
We consider the graduation ceremony, graduation dance, and the end-of-year trips to be privileges students earn. In order to take part in these activities students must have the qualifications listed after each activity.
1. Be eligible for promotion to the next grade and not required to attend summer school.
2. Pass the citizenship and grade check completed in June, (no "F" grade or two or more U's for the current trimester, and no more than six ""U" grades in citizenship for the year including the current trimester.)
3. Not be removed from these privileges by the Principal or Assistant Principal for disciplinary reasons. Students who receive six or more discipline reports during the school year will not be allowed to attend the end-of-year part.
4. Have all book , cafeteria, and other fines paid.
Graduation Ceremony and Graduation Dance:
1. Be graduating from Kennedy and not required to attend Summer School.
2. Not be removed from these privileges by the Principal or Assistant Principal for discipline reasons.
FIRE AND EARTHQUAKE DRILLS
Fire and earthquake drills at regular intervals are required and are an important safety precaution. It is essential when the first signal is given that everyone obey orders promptly. The teacher in each classroom will give the students instructions. In the case of a minor or moderate earthquake, and following the "drop and cover," school will continue as usual with normal dismissal and transportation. The District approved procedures for a major or disastrous earthquake are:
1. Teacher commands "Drop," and students hold safety positions as long as necessary.
2. Teacher takes class to open space if desirable or necessary.
3. School will remain in operation indefinitely. Students will be care for at school and will be provided food and needed medical aid.
F/2U SOCIAL EXCLLUSION POLICY
In order to participate in school activities, we expect student to maintain good grades and conduct. The following policy and procedures will be used to determine students' eligibility for student activities:
1. Students must not have any "F" grades or more than one "U" in citizenship from two different teachers.
2. "Activities" is defined as any student activity provided by the school that is outside the regular instructional program; i.e., dances, clubs, end-of-year activities,etc. In addition, state law mandates a 2.0(C) average for participation in sports.
3. Students may be reinstated for activites by not haveing any "F" grades or more than on "U" in citizenship by the next Progress Report or Report Card.
HOMEWORK
Homework is a vital part of the educational program at Kennedy. Students should expect approximately two hours of homework each night. We strongly recommend that students plan their homework so they do some each night instead of waiting until the last minute. Parents should check the assignment book on a regular basis.
Parents are urged to contact the teacher if their child suddenly starts to indicate that there is no homework or is consistently doing more than two hours of homework on a regular basis.
Teachers will be contacting parents if students miss enough work so that it adversely affects their grades. Detention and other forms of discipline may be used until the student has made up the work.
Students are reponsible to bring their homework with them each day. The office will NOT interrupt classes or page students during the school day to pick-up homework.
HONOR POLICY
Cheating is a real obstacle to learning and hinders the development of proper values regarding honesty and personal integrity. It is important that students develop respect for learning and pride in their own efforts and achievements.
Cheating is dishonestly obtaining information or material for the purpose of claiming credit or earning a grade such as:
Cheating is also giving information or material for the purpose of helping another person claim credit or earn grades dishonestly. Examples of this type of cheating are:
Help outside the classroom: Do not take advantage of parents, friends, or classmates by asking them to help you obtain a grade dishonestly.
If in doubt about any of the above, check with your teacher. Cheating on an exam or quiz is a zero on the test and a "U" in citizenship for the parties involved. Cheating on homework (including plagiarism, forging, copying, etc.) will result in a zero on the assignment and an N in citizenship for the parties involved for the first offense. For the second offense, the student(s) will receive an automatic "U" in citizenship. A warning that a "U" will be given for any further incidents will be issued by the teacher to the parties involved in the incident. The Assistant Principal will be notified and the teacher will call the parents.
Students should be reminded that this policy will be enforced from the first day of school. There will be no grace period. It is our hope that through strict enforcement of this policy students will develop the proper respect for learning and develop pride in their own accomplishments.
IMMUNIZATION
California State law requires every child to be properly immunized and directs school districts to monitor the immunization status of every pupil. Students who are not properly immunized will be excluded from school. Check with the Cupertino Union School District if you need further information about immunization.
LOCKERS (Outside)
Lockers are no longer available for general student use. Texts will be distributed to students to keep at home during the year. Duplicate sets of texts have been purchased for classroom use.
Several sets of lockers have been retained for specialized use. Students who need to store musical instruments, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. during the school day will have the opportunity to check out a locker for this purpose.
Please be sure you are aware of the following:
1. Never share your combination with anyone. It is the student's responsibility to keep his combination secret. This is the most common reason that students have problems with lockers. Beware of people trying to look over your shoulder to see your combination.
2. There will be NO sharing of lockers. Students who are found sharing lockers will face having both lockers taken away.
3. Students are responsible for keeping their lockers clean and free of writing. Any student found writing on a locker will face losing his/her own locker.
LOST AND FOUND
Students who find lost articles should take them to the red "Lost and Found" bins outside the community room. Personal items should be taken to the office. Lost articles which are not claimed by the end of each month will be given to a charitable organization. Be sure your name is on all your clothing and property.
LUNCH AND SNACKS
Kennedy has the pay point system. We encourage its use as this eliminate the students' need to carry cash to school and facilitates a fast lunch service. Envelopes must be trned in directly to the kitchen by students before school and during brunch. The cafeteria is available for those students who wish to buy a complte lunch and a la carte items.
Snacks may be purchased in the cafeteria during brunch. Lunch tables and additional benches have been provided for students' use. Students who cut in line or bother others for money or food may lose brunch or lunch privileges.
Students are responsible to come to school with their lunch or purchase a lunch from the cafeteria each day. Parents may not deliver lunches to school.
Lunch Passes: Students are not permitted to go home for lunch unless the parent signs them out in the office.
Vending machines: Vending machines are open for use before and after school only.
MEDICAL AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS
If at all possible, appointments should be made outside of school time. If it is necessary for a student to have an appointment during the school day, the student must present to the office a request from the parent or guardian giving the necessary information so that the pupil may be excused. Please try to vary appointment time throughout the year. The student will be required to check out through the office when leaving the campus and to check in the office upon returning. Students must bring a note from thei doctor verifying the appointment.
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
We know that it is occasionally necessary to call the office to give an emergency message to your child. However, the office receives many messages that could have been given to your child before he/she came to school.
Please make arrangements with your child before he/she leaves for school regarding appointments, errands, any changes in time or place for after school pick-up, etc. The office will take emergency messages for students, but unless it is an extreme emergency students will not be taken out of class to receive messages nor will classes be interrupted to take a message to a student.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Kennedy offers a rich and varied physical education program covering basic conditioning, team sports, individual sports, leadership, and sportsmanship. By state law, physical education is a required course that students must pass in order to be promoted to the next grade. A P.E. uniform is required. Students that have a medical excuse are to report to their PE class and participate to the extent they are able.
If your doctor feels that you should be excused from PE activities for a period longer than three days, you must bring an excuse signed by the doctor specifying the number of days to be excused, as well as the reason for the excuse.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
Students should be aware that Kennedy School strictly enforces this policy:
1. Students are expected and encouraged to achieve to their highest potential. A student who earns at least a D grade average is promoted to the next grade. Using the scale A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, F=0, a student must receive 6 points or more in the three trimesters of a year's course work.
Here is an example of how the promotion policy works:
John earned an "F" grade the first trimester in English and a "D" grade the second trimester. So far, John has earned 2 points. He must get at least a "B" grade (4 points) the third trimester in order to pass English and be promoted to the next grade.
2. A student may complete course requirements for subjects failed through successfully repeating the course(s) at summer school, or a contract between the student, the parent and the Principal. The Principal will monitor a contract for a course failed in June and assure completion by August 6.
3. Students are required to attend classes at least 85 percent
of the days from the date of enrollment. In the absence of extenuating
circumstances, failure to meet this requirement will result in
repeating the grade. Home teaching is available during prolonged
illness or convalescence.
4. After consulting the appropriate staff members, the Principal
may promote a student who has failed to complete a course. The
Principal will note the decision and the reason for that decision
in the student's file. The Principal may arrange for the student
to take an alternate course to meet the District requirements.
Please Note:
1. Students must pass all courses to be promoted (this means academic
courses, PE, and electives).
2. 85% attendance means that students may not miss more than 27
days in the school year if they started school on August 23. (It
would be fewer days if the student had enrolled after August 23.)
Although this sounds like a large number of days, if a student
averages 3 days of absence per month, he/she will become dangerously
close to not being promoted. Parents and students should also
note that in the attendance policy, there is no distinction made
between excused and unexcused absences. It is vital that students
make every effort to come to school regularly.
REPORT CARDS
The report card is the one reporting device which is used regularly for all students. Its major purpose is to inform the student and his parents of his progress in school. Report cards are issued three times a year. Your 6th period teacher will give you a copy to take home. The final report card will be mailed home.
Incomplete grades must be made up within 10 school days from the end of the trimester or the incomplete becomes an "F".
SIGN OUT PROCEDURE
Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without permission from the school office. If a student must leave the campus because of illness or any other emergency, the student must be signed out in the office by a parent or guardian. The Sheriff's Department requests that a student carry a "Permit to Leave School" pass whenever it is necessary to leave the campus during the school day. It is helpful when we receive a note or phone call from the parent in advance. Students who fail to follow the proper procedure will be considered truant.
STUDENT PLANERS AND BINDERS
All Kennedy students are expected to bring the following items to school each day:
In addition, students will be expected to complete and carry the student planner that will be provided at the beginning of the year. It is the student's reponsibility to see that her/his Student Planner is filled out properly on a daily basis. Teachers will be doing spot checks on Student Planners and may issue a grade.
TELEPHONE / CELL PHONES
THE USE OF THE REGULAR OFFICE TELEPHONE IS RESTRICTED TO EMERGENCIES. Please do not ask to use the office telephone except in case of a real emergency.
It is recognized that cell phones have become a necessity in many families for purposes of safety. To prevent them from becoming a nuisance or disruptive to school business, the following procedures and consequences are in place.
1. Cellphones must be turned off during the school day and stored inside the student's bacl[ack
2. Cellphones may be before or after the school day.
3. In case of an emergency, students must use the office phone.
Consequences for misuse.
1st infraction: loss of cellphone for one day
2nd infraction: loss of cellphone for one week
3rd infraction: loss of cellphone for remainder of the school year.
TEXTBOOKS
The school furnishes books to all students. This is done with the hope that this major investment will be properly safeguarded. Damage to textbooks will result in the replacement of the textbook. Lost or damaged textbooks must be paid for and replaced immediately. The money for these must be paid to the office at the time of damage or loss. All texts must be covered. The end-of-year trip, report cards and diplomas will be withheld until lost or damaged textbooks are paid for.
TRANSPORTATION
The Cupertino Union School District does not offer home-to-school transportation for students enrolled in the regular middle school program. As alternative forms of transportation, we would like to suggest that you consider:
· Santa Clara County Transit buses
· carpooling within your neighborhood
· walking or bicycling
· parent transportation: Use only the southern Bubb Rd. and the Hyannisport parking lots. To ensure the safety of our students we ask that you form a single lane only and do not exceed 5 M.P.H. Please pull to the end of the parking lot to drop your child off. DO NOT BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY.
TUTORIALS
Teachers are available during the week to assist students with problems and/or make-up work. The student should make arrangements with the specific teacher he wants to see. Students are not allowed to miss another teacher's class in order to make up missed work during the school day.
VISITORS
All adult visitors to the campus should first check in with the office and make their presence known. Parents/visitors cannot wander on campus or go directly to the classrooms.The secretary will direct you to the room or person you wish to visit. School maps are also available in the office.
Student Visitors: It is not normally our policy to allow student visitors on campus. Please do not embarrass your guest or us by bringing him or her to school. No visitors are allowed at the dances at any time.
WITHDRAWAL - TRANSFERS FROM SCHOOL
In order for all necessary records to be completed, students are requested to notify the attendance secretary at least two days before the expected withdrawal. Students will follow their regular schedule on the day of clearance and complete the individual class withdrawal during the class period. Final clearance must be made with the attendance secretary during the last period. A forwarding address, with zip code, must be left with the secretary.
STUDENT ACTIVIES
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
Kennedy offers a wide variety of boys and girls after school sports teams. In order to be eligible to participate a student must maintain a "C" average (2.0 based on a 4.0 scale) and not have more than one "U" in citizenship on midterm Deficiency Notice/Report Card. Students failing to meet and maintain this standard will be disqualified from participating until the next Deficiency Notice or Report Card. Participating status may be reinstated by the administration after the student meets the standards.
CLUBS
The teachers at Kennedy actively sponsor many after school and lunch time clubs such as Chess , Math, Guitar Debate, Science, Lend-a-Helping-Paw, etc. Students are encouraged to participate.
DANCES/6th GRADE SOCIALS
The Kennedy Student Body Sponsors regular dances/socials plus a graduation dance each year. The dances, which are well-chaperoned by administrators, teachers,and parents, are fun social activities for our 7th and 8th grade students. Sixth grade students will be provided with an afternoon social on dance days. Dance rules are:
1. Dances are for Kennedy students only. Absolutely no visitors are allowed.
2. We ask parents' help in seeing to it that students do not arrive too early and are picked up as soon as the dance is over.
3. A small fee may be charged for entrance to the dance and for the snacks.
4.The dress code for dances is the same as that for the regular school day.
5. Students are to treat one another with respect and courtesy. Extreme displays of affection are inappropriate.
6. Students suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be removed from the dance and turned over to their parents or the Sheriff's Department.
7. Once students arrive at the dance,they may not leave until the dance is over unless the parent arrives to release the student early.
8. Students must arrive bythe beginning of the dance or be accompanied by an adult to gain admittance to the dance after it has started.
9. Students who are suspended, truant on the day of the dance, who have over due school library books, or are on the F/2U list, may not attend the dances.
10. Students who have been suspended since the previous dance may not attend the next dance.
Chaperones are always needed for the dances. Contact the PTA or check the News & Views for information about chaperones for Kennedy dances.
HONOR ROLL
Honor Roll Certificates are awarded to 7th & 8th grade students who earn them as outlined below. How to determine whether you have qualified for Honor Roll or Honorable Mention is also explained. Grades from all subject count. A student may not have any U's.
Honor Roll: An average of 3.333 or above is needed to qualify.
Honorable Mention: An average of 3.000 to 3.320 is needed to qualify.
| A | = | 4.000 | C | = | 2.000 | |
| A- | = | 3.670 | C- | = | 1.670 | |
| B+ | = | 3.330 | D+ | = | 1.330 | |
| B | = | 3.000 | D | = | 1.000 | |
| B- | = | 2.670 | D- | = | 0.670 | |
| C+ | = | 2.330 | F | = | 0.00 |
Example: (6 classes)
Two A grades = 8.00
Two A- grades = 7.34
One B+ grade = 3.33
One B- grade = 2.67
Total: 21.340 points divided by 6 classes equals 3.556 grade point average. This student qualified for Honor Roll.
1. All conduct and effort grades must be satisfactory. A "U" mark would disqualify the student.
2. Each trimester a student makes Honor Roll his/her name will be published in the News & View. Each trimester thereafter that the student make Honor Roll a sticker will be placed on a certificate that will be awarded at the end of the year.
3. Each trimester a student makes Honorable Mention his/her name will appear in the News & Views.4. A student must be on the Honor Roll the first five trimesters of his/her 7th and 8th grade school year to earn a Lamp of Knowledge Award.
4. Transfer students from other middle schools may carry grades over from the previous school. Contact the school office concerning this.
KENNEDY KOMMEDATIONS
The Kennedy Kommedations Program is designed to provide recognition to students who are showing academic, behavior, or personal improvement; providing a significant service to the school or teachers; or providing special help/assistance to other students. Kennedy Kommendations are presented several times a year in special presentations.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
Membership in the National Jr. Honor Society is limited to students who can earn a 3.670 grade point average for two successive trimesters immediately prior to the installation ceremony. Students earning this average are invited to apply for membership and must complete an application to be reviewed and accepted by a faculty committee.
To be accepted in the Society students must:
1. Earn a 3.670 grade point average for two successive trimesters (grade point averages are not rounded up).
2. Show evidence of good character by not having U's in citizenship grades during 7th and 8th grade.
3. Show evidence of leadership at school or in the community, service to the school and community, and involvement in activities at school and in the community. Ten hours of community service is required in the current scool year.
4. Be selected by the faculty committee for membership.
5. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed by the faculty committee.
8TH GRADE SPECIAL AWARDS
During late May or early June each year, the teachers and parents join together to honor those 8th graders selected as outstanding in their departments (English, history, math, PE, art, music, drama, science, etc.). In addition, the schools' highest awards are also presented at this time - Outstanding Scholar and Citizenship Award. We hope you will be one of those honored at Awards Night!
STUDENT CABINET
Kennedy has an active Student Cabinet organization that supports sports, dances, clubs, awards, music, and other extracurricular activities. The Student Cabinet meets once every three weeks under the direction of a faculty advisor. It consists of six officers plus representatives for each advisory class.
Student Cabinet Members are elected in September. Student must be in the 7th or 8th grade to run for office in September. Sixth grade students may run for 6th grade Rep. in January. Students must have a "C" average with no D's, F's, or U's in citizenship and no suspensions in order to qualify for office. Members who fail to meet the academic standards will be removed from office the trimester following the trimester that the disqualifying grades were earned. Members who fail to meet the school discipline standards may be removed immediately.
Students are encouraged to take part in student government and leadership activities. Not only can it be fun to be involved but, it also is a valuable learning experience for our future leaders.
W.E.B. (Where Everybody Belongs)
WEB is a program that promotes positive growth in student attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs by facilitating a support network. This network teams eighth graders with incoming sixth graders for the purpose of empowering the newcomers with ownership of their new environment. By engaging in collaborative activities, students develop their own capacity to add to the climate and culture of the school. The eighth grade WEB Leaders are chosen from applications, teacher recommendations, and the Spring Play Day. WEB Leaders are mentors to a group of sixth graders. They meet their group at the orientation in August and remain together throughout the entire year supporting each other.
YOSEMITE TRIP
Each year in March, the Science Department sponsors a five day outdoor education experience in Yosemite National Park for selected 8th grade students. Biology, geology, ecology, natural history and other science related topics are studied in the beautiful setting of Yosemite. Students will be hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the five very active days. For many Kennedy students, the Yosemite trip is one of the highlights of their eighth grade year.
In order to be eligible for the trip, students must meet strict academic and behavioral requirements. A fee is also charged. Information about fees and dates will be published by the Science Department. The selection criteria for Yosemite are:
1. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and not have any "F" grades, any "U's" or two "N's" in conduct for the first trimester in the eighth grade.
2. Eighth grade students will have a progress report check done during the second trimester to ensure continued eligibility for the trip. They must not have any "D", "F", or "U" marks in any current class or 2 "N" marks from two different teachers. In addition, they must not have been removed from the trip by the administration for disciplinary infractions.
3. Students who meet the academic and citizenship requirements declare their intention to become a candidate for the trip by having their parents/guardians attend the Yosemite Parent Information Night in December and paying a deposit to the Science Department.
4. A list of eligible candidates will be reviewed by all teachers for a final evaluation using the following standards:
a. Attitude
b. Responsibility
c. Self-discipline
d. Ability to miss five days of school
e. General discipline
5. The final list of approved candidates will be put in order using a random selection. If there are more candidates than spaces available, those candidates remaining will be placed on a waiting list to replace students who for some reason are not able to make the trip.