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School Personnel
Available to Assist You:
Principal: Mr. John Gilmer
Assistant Principal: Ms. Delois Knight
Assistant Principal: Ms. Kasandra Berry
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Paula Boruszewski
Guidance Counselors: Ms. Marilyn McKenzie, Mrs. Zoe Bozeman, and Mrs. Mary Hawthorne
Financial Secretary/Bookkeeper: Mrs. Cindy Newman
Attendance: Mrs. Bonnie Mandara
Special Education Secretary: Mrs. Raina Dixon
Receptionist/ Medical Records: Mrs. Diane Briggs
Attendance: Mrs. Tina Free
Receptionist/ Student Records: Mrs. Audrey Evans
Library: Mrs. Jenny Bryan
Cafeteria Manager: Ms. Sharon Dodson
Lead Cashier: Mrs. April Lamkin
Plant Manager: Mr. Michael Gamble
Mt. Pisgah Middle School is dedicated to the purpose of
training minds and building skills that will be useful and required, now and
in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to have certain rules to ensure each
individual the opportunity to benefit from the program. This agenda outlines
some of our school policies.
The school faculty will offer many opportunities to each student. In return,
each student will be expected to be cooperative, interested, and enthusiastic
in classroom and extracurricular activities. As a citizen of this school, each
student is expected to follow the rules that are established for the welfare
of the entire student body. Following the rules will help all students to become
better school citizens. BE PROUD OF YOUR SCHOOL! Take good care of it. As a
school citizen, each student is expected to conduct himself properly.
Any type of aerosol spray, cologne, perfume, or highly fragranced lotion may not be brought to school.
Students are encouraged to be in attendance and prompt in reporting to school every day school is in session. Time out of school represents a loss of valuable instructional time. Excessive absences and/or tardies result in the development of poor work habits. Truancy is defined as absence from class or school for any portion of a period or day without proper permission from parent or school official. Students who are truant will be subject to disciplinary action. Continued truancy will result in disciplinary action and/or referral to juvenile court.
Mt. Pisgah Middle School hours are 9:00-4:00. If a student is tardy, he/she
must be signed in by a parent/guardian in the office and receive an admit slip.
Failure to do so can result in the student being marked absent for the entire
day. Students entering the classroom after 9:00 a.m. are considered tardy.
The practice of checking students out of school should be reserved for emergency
reasons only. Every effort should be made to schedule appointments after school
hours. However, if a student must leave school early for some permissible reason,
the parent or guardian must come to the school office and sign the student out.
Students are not to leave the school grounds unless their parent/guardian has
signed them out through the office. Students who leave without being checked
out will be considered truant. Students will be called to the office after parents
arrive for check-out. Students lose valuable instructional time while waiting
for parents who are unexpectedly delayed. Students must be checked out prior
to 3:30 p.m. if leaving early. The student sign in/sign out books will be collected
at 3:30 so late arrivals and early departures can be entered in the computer
for accurate attendance records.
NOTE: The school can release students to their parents, legal guardians, or
those listed as emergency friends on the registration card. Please keep the
registration card information up-to-date by informing the office if a change
must be made. Anyone who seeks to check out a student must present picture identification.
Each student who has been absent must present a note that provides the reason
and dates of absence to his homeroom teacher within two school days. Failure
to do so will result in an "unexcused absence." Continued unexcused
absences are a violation of Tennessee's Compulsory Education Law and could result
in disciplinary action by the school and referral to Juvenile Court.
Students who have not been tardy, have not checked out early, and have attended
school everyday will be recognized for perfect attendance.
Students may use book / cinch bags to transport books, lunches, and P.E. clothes to and from school. However, students will not be allowed to carry book / cinch bags from class to class during the school day. Students should store their book / cinch bags in their lockers when they arrive at school and take them home when they depart from school.
1. Walk
in an orderly manner into the cafeteria.
2. Move quietly through the serving lines.
3. No food is to be thrown. Students who throw food will be assigned ISS.
4. Keep voices at an appropriate volume at all times.
5. Use good table manners at all times.
6. Remain at the table that you are assigned. Visiting from table to table will
not be permitted.
7. Take all trash with you when you are dismissed.
8. No food or drink is permitted out of the cafeteria.
9. Cooperate with all cafeteria personnel.
Conferences may be scheduled Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday mornings at 8:15 a.m. Please call the office at 756-2386 to arrange a conference. Please allow two days notification for the teachers. Emergency conferences may be held with one day notification. Impromptu conferences will not be held.
The following are the procedures for all dances held at MPMS:
1. Only
Mt. Pisgah Middle School students are allowed to attend.
2. School rules and dress code apply at all dances.
3. Teachers and parents chaperone all dances.
4. Student dance is expected to be age appropriate. Students not complying will
be removed from the dance.
5. No child will be released early unless a parent is present to pick him up.
6. No student will be allowed to walk home from school dances.
7. Pictures may be available at an additional charge.
8. Refreshments may be available for purchase.
Delivery of commercial products (balloons, flowers, etc.) to any student is prohibited. Delivery of personal items is discouraged because it interrupts valuable instruction time. If a student has reason to believe something will be brought in, it is his responsibility to check between classes to see if it has arrived. Forgotten lunches will be left in the office before lunch begins at 10:45 a.m.
Shelby County Schools' students are expected to dress and appear in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty, and safety. It should remain a matter of personal pride to maintain high standards of neatness and appropriateness of dress and appearance that reflects favorably upon yourself, your parents, and Shelby County Schools. All experiences during school years should be a part of a student’s preparation to take his/her place in society as a mature and responsible individual.
The responsibility for the appearance of the students begins with parents and the students themselves. Students’ clothing, make-up, and hairstyles should reflect neatness, cleanliness, and self-respect so that the school is a desirable place in which to promote learning and character development. A student who is not attired appropriately or exhibits grooming which is detrimental and/or distractive to the school environment shall be asked to refrain from wearing the inappropriate attire in the future or shall be required to make arrangements for more suitable or appropriate dress. The principal shall make the final decision.
Some guidelines of ACCEPTABLE attire are set forth below:
NOTE: These are not all inclusive.
• Pants of appropriate size and worn at waist
• Belts must be worn if clothing has belt loops
• Shirts must be tucked into clothing so that waistbands are visible
• Waist length sweaters and appropriate sized light weight jackets can
be worn inside school for warmth as long as appropriate shirt is tucked underneath
• Shoes must be buckled or tied
Some guidelines of UNACCEPTABLE attire are set forth below:
NOTE: These are not all inclusive.
• Spandex shorts and shirts
• Shorts, skirts, dresses, or slits in dresses more than 4 inches above
the knee
• Tight tops, pants or dresses
• Sleepwear / pajamas
• Barebacked or bare midriff tops, shirts, or dresses
• Low cut apparel, tank tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, or fishnet
mesh shirts
• Any transparent clothing
• Hats, hoods, and headgear may not be worn in school building or where
prohibited
• Shower shoes, flip-flops
• Sunglasses without appropriate doctor's note and approval of principal
• Facial jewelry (includes tongue rings)
• Any clothing that advertises substances that are illegal by law for
minors or that depicts violence, profanity, or is sexually suggestive in nature,
or promotes any gang or gang activity or displays language or symbols that create
a disruptive environment
NOTE: Uniforms for spirit and athletic groups must be consistent with student
dress codes when worn during the instructional day.
All personnel shall be responsible for consistently enforcing violations of the dress code and when necessary reporting to the site administrator / designee. When the site administrator / designee determines that a student's attire is in violation of this policy, the student will be required to modify his / her appearance, clothing, and / or apparel to be in compliance with the dress code. Appropriate action will be taken at the time the violation occurs, and when necessary, a home contact will be seeking parental cooperation and assistance. The student may be taken home by the parent to modify unacceptable appearance or dress and return to school. When arrangements for correction in appearance or dress may not be accomplished, the student will be placed in a supervised area to complete his / her school assignments apart form the regular school setting for the remainder of the school day. This placement will be in-school suspension in middle and high school, and an alternative, supervised area in the elementary school. In the case of questionable dress or grooming that is not specifically covered in the Dress Code Policy #6205, the school administration will make the final decision, which will be supported by the Superintendent and Board. Appropriate action will be taken and the parent will be contacted.
Middle and high school apparel for athletic competition or school related extracurricular
activities or performances may be worn, consistent with board policy, contingent
upon the approval of the principal.
FIRST OFFENSE: Parent or guardian will be contacted. Student will be required
to change into acceptable clothing to remain in his / her regular program. Absence
from class during this time will be unexcused.
SECOND OFFENSE: Parent or guardian will be contacted or conference will be held.
Student will be sent home to change into acceptable clothing and will be assigned
a detention or ISS. Absence from class during this time will be unexcused.
THIRD OFFENSE: Parent or guardian will be contacted. A conference will be held
which involves the parent, student, and school. Repeated violations will be
deemed defiance and the student will be suspended form school based on the severity
of the infraction. Absence from class during this time will be unexcused. A
parent or guardian conference must be held with school administrators prior
to the student’s return to class.
In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, please be assured that Mt. Pisgah Middle School does have a plan in place to respond to any type of disaster that can be anticipated. We at Mt. Pisgah Middle School take emergency preparedness very seriously and are committed to the safety of each student.
Should a natural disaster or other emergency occur, parents will be provided
instructions and information through the news media. Parental cooperation in
following those instructions will be vital in ensuring the safety of our students.
Parents will not be permitted to enter the building to locate and take their
children without following the instructions provided. Pick-up locations and
procedures will be announced as dictated by the prevailing circumstances. If
necessary, some or all students may be taken to an alternative location for
parent pickup. If available, the school cafeteria will be our centralized pick-up
point. Students will only be permitted to leave with the listed guardian or
emergency contact person listed in our records. Parents may wish to update their
contacts with the school. In the case of a non-critical crisis in which school
is dismissed early, every effort will be made to provide parents with adequate
notification through the media.
Lastly, parents are asked not to telephone the school in the event of a disaster.
If the telephones are working, we will need them to make calls to emergency
agencies, news agencies, and school system support personnel.
School officials will not interrupt classroom instruction to deliver a message to a student or to call a student out of class except for emergencies. However, in the case of an emergency, we will be glad to assist you in any way. If a student is injured during the school day, we must have current emergency phone numbers for each student. Please be sure to include the name and number of two emergency friends on your child's enrollment card. If this information changes during the year, please call the school office at 756-2386, and we will update as needed.
A =
93 -100
B = 85 - 92
C = 75 - 84
D = 70 - 74
F = 69 and below
Students who have not been able to complete work due to extended excused absences
may be issued an "I" for incomplete. The incomplete work must be completed
prior to the end of the next nine weeks. If it is not completed, the grades
will be entered as "0".
Due to the unsanitary conditions created by the improper disposal of gum, students are not permitted to chew gum during the school day. Students who violate this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action.
Anytime a student is out of any class, he must have a hall pass from a teacher.
Students will receive homework assignments and are responsible for the completion of all assignments. Please help your student by providing the time, place, cooperation, and encouragement needed to complete assignments. Teacher web pages are provided to give each student the opportunity to check daily assignments. Students should plan to spend 45 minutes to one hour on homework each night.
In order that students may be duly recognized for outstanding achievements, awards will be presented at each grade level each nine weeks. We will also honor our students who have exhibited academic achievement and excellence throughout the year at our Honor's Assembly at the end of the school year. In the 5th grade, Principal's Honor Roll is all A's in academic subjects, all E's in specialty classes, and an E, G, or S in conduct. In grades 6 - 8, Principal's Honor Roll is recognized for all A's in academic and specialty classes and an E or S in conduct for all classes. In 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, Academic Honor Roll is recognized for 2 A's and 2 B’s in all academic classes, no grades lower than a B in specialty classes, and an E or S in conduct for all classes. Academic Honor Roll in the 5th grade is recognized for 2 A's and 2 B’s in academic areas, E's, G's and S's in specialty classes, and an E, G or S in conduct.
Immunization laws require all students entering 7th grade to show proof of adequate immunization against Hepatitis B. The requirement is state law and may result in your child being excluded from school until the requirements are met or documented.
Complete immunizations are required for all students attending school within 30 days of enrollment. If the immunization record is not received within the above time period, your student will not be allowed to attend Shelby County Schools.
Individual locker assignments are made the first week of school. Lockers should be kept locked. A student should not divulge the locker combination to another student unless that student is assigned to share the locker. Students who do not have a lock may lose their locker privileges. Lockers are the property of the school and may be searched when deemed necessary by the administration. Direct all locker concerns to an administrator.
Labeling coats, jackets, sweaters, etc. is recommended. Misplaced items will be taken to the gym. Books that have been found will be returned to the teacher. Items that remain unclaimed for a period of time will be donated to a charitable organization.
Please do not call the school and ask for assignments. While a child is home sick we want him/her to concentrate on getting well. Students will be given one day to make up work for each day of school missed for excused absences. Students need to be responsible for asking the teacher what was missed during the absence. Please see the teacher’s web page for specific assignments.
Students are not allowed to bring any medication to school, nor are they allowed to keep any type of medication on their person. This includes aspirin, prescriptions, etc., but excludes inhalers, which may be kept with the student as long as the appropriate form has been filed with the office. If you have any questions, call the office.
The following requirements must be met before school personnel will dispense
medication to students:
1. Nonprescription
or "as needed" medications will not be dispensed at school unless
authorized by a physician.
2. A physician's written order is required for all medication. In most cases,
the prescription label on the medication container is considered to be a "written
order."
3. All medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, must be in the original
container.
4. All medicines must be labeled with the name of the student, the dosage to
be administered, and the specific time the dosage is to be administered.
5. A completed and signed "Parents' Authorization for the Administration
of Medication at School" form must accompany each medication.
6. All medications will be dispensed only as directed on the prescription label
and the Parent Authorization form; these two must correspond. A phone call or
written note from a parent will not suffice for a change - this must come from
the physician.
Please contact the medical records secretary with any further questions.
The National Junior Honor Society is a national scholastic and service organization.
To be eligible, a candidate must be a 7th or 8th grader and must have a 3.6 on a 4.0 scale accumulative grade point average.
Enriched courses will receive an additional point, i.e., A=5, B=4, etc. The candidate will then be evaluated on the basis of excellence in service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Eligible students must not have more than three days of ISS and will not have any out-of-school suspensions during their eligibility year. Students will not have a conduct grade lower than an “S”(i.e., no N’s or U’s). The selection of each member to the chapter will be by a majority vote of the faculty council.
Office hours are from 8:15 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Parents who have a scheduled conference should come to the office so the secretarial staff can notify the teacher(s) of their arrival.
The secretaries in the main office are available to assist you. The busiest times of the day in the office are 8:45 - 9:30 and 3:45 - 4:15. Please do not call during these times if your concern can be addressed during less busy times.
Coats, book bags, band instruments, and other articles of value should be labeled. It is best not to bring anything of value, including large amounts of money, to school. Personal property, including but not limited to, MP3 players, cameras, CD players, cellular phones, expensive jewelry, and electronic games, etc. may not be used by students during normal school hours. The school will NOT accept responsibility for the loss of personal property. These items will be confiscated and returned only to parents.
There is a phone available in the office that students may get permission to use only in the case of an emergency. Students remaining after school hours for school sponsored activities must make prior arrangements to be picked up.
Shelby County Schools provides report cards each nine weeks. You will receive a report card in an envelope. Please keep the report card and sign and return the report card envelope. In addition to the report cards, Mt. Pisgah sends interim reports at the midpoint of each nine weeks. These forms must be signed and returned to the teacher who issued them.
During the school day, the side and back doors are secured at 9:00 a.m. After 9:00 a.m., parents and students are required to enter and exit through the front doors. State law requires all visitors and parents to sign in at the main office and wear a visitor pass while in the school building.
Each student is required to have a social security number or an assigned identification number. We must have this information for each student enrolled at Mt. Pisgah.
The SAP program is offered to students as a free community service by Shelby County Schools. Participation in SAP is voluntary and provides students with help needed to overcome problems that interfere with their education.
Students may be referred to SAP by parents, teachers, school staff, or the student himself. The SAP Core Team then gathers teacher observations, academic, and other school related information that will be used during the assessment. The assessment is provided by a mental health professional. Feedback from the assessment will be given to the parents and the members of the SAP Core Team.
Some
of the problems a student may have include
• Abuse
• Academic difficulties
• Alcohol or other drug use
• Concern about other's alcohol or drug problem
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Family separation or divorces
• Health concerns
• Relationship problems
• Thoughts of running away or suicide
If you have any questions about SAP, call Mt. Pisgah and ask to speak to the SAP Coordinator.
In order to help our students develop academic and personal achievement, we have adopted the following code for honest performance. Instructional tasks which are assigned by the teacher should reflect the work of the student receiving the grade. Students who knowingly represent another's work, information, or knowledge as one's own are considered to be in violation of the Student Code for Honest Performance. Below is a list of examples. Note: This list is not all inclusive.
1. Copying
homework or allowing someone to copy your homework.
2. Giving or receiving answers on a test, quiz, or other assignment.
3. Talking or passing notes during a test.
4. Using a book or notes to provide answers, unless allowed by teacher.
5. Taking someone else's AR test or allowing someone to take your AR test.
6. Plagiarism.
If a
student has been observed violating the Code for Honest Performance, our teachers
will take all of the following steps:
1. Notify the student in private.
2. Notify the parents of the cheating and the grade.
3. Refer the student to the counselor.
4. Schedule a make up for the assignment. The grade from the new assignment
will be averaged with a zero.
5. Assign the student an "N" in conduct for the nine weeks.
6. Complete paper work for a Detention Hall.
7. Complete an office referral for any repeat offense. The grade for the assignment
will be a zero. Schedule a make up assignment; however, no points will be earned.
The sole purpose of this assignment is to allow the teacher to assess the student's
progress.
Note: Violation of the Code for Honest Performance on homework will result in a loss of credit for that assignment.
Appropriate behavior, respect for oneself, and respect for the feelings of others will ensure the best possible school and learning environment for a successful year. Each student has a responsibility to himself and to every other member of our learning community. At Mt. Pisgah, students are in a safe environment where the focus is on learning. Student behavioral standards designed to encourage Responsibility, Integrity, Cooperation, and Effort (RICE) are the focus around which our school discipline program is developed.
To respond appropriately and be accountable for your actions; to use good judgment; to seek solutions; to bring supplies and be prepared
To be honest, sincere, and of sound moral principles; to show respect for all individuals and property.
To feel concern for others; to wait calmly; to work together toward a common goal; to follow directions; to be recognized before speaking or leaving a seat
To try your hardest; to change plans or course of action when necessary; to keep working until the job is done; to demonstrate the desire to learn and know about things.
All students will practice good conduct. Good behavior is expected and appreciated. The following are expectations of all Mt. Pisgah Middle School students.
1. Arrive
to class on time.
2. Move through the building in an orderly manner.
3. Come to class with all necessary materials.
4. Follow classroom, lunch, and bus rules.
5. Follow dress code policy.
6. Respect school property and the property of others.
7. Use appropriate language.
8. Settle conflicts appropriately.
9. Treat peers and staff with respect.
The teacher or administrator will arrange conferences in an effort to correct behavior when deemed necessary.
Mt. Pisgah Middle will hold detention at 8:00-8:40 a.m. each day. Students and parents will be notified of the day and time of the assigned detention. Detentions may be given for rule infractions and for conduct marks. Any student arriving late or not attending an assigned detention will be assigned a Friday afternoon detention from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
It is incumbent on the staff and administration to maintain an environment which is conducive to learning. Therefore, students who disrupt the learning environment for repeated infractions or for severe infractions of school or district policies may be assigned In-School Suspension.
Serious violations of bus conduct rules may result in loss of bus service for a period of time.
Actions that may result in out-of-school suspension include, but are not limited to, a continued defiant attitude toward staff, intimidation of other students, threats to harm other students, and fighting. Missed assignments shall be allowed to be made up provided that the student/parent initiates a request for the work.
Expulsion is the removal from school for one calendar year with a referral to the alternative school. Offenses which will result in expulsion and notification of law enforcement authorities include: possession of illegal substances, possession of weapons, threatening bodily harm to school personnel, or assaulting school personnel.
Grade levels, Band, Chorus, General Music, Orchestra, and Art have a list of needed materials for the 2008-2009 school year. Some teachers might require additional supplies. Make sure that your name is on ALL school supplies.
•
1 inch 3 ring binder
• band instrument
• band book
• metronome
• pencils
•
1/2 inch 3 ring black binder
• Paper
• Pencils
• Uniform (formal and informal)
•
3 ring binder with clear paper protectors
• pencil
• Essential Elements 2000
Book 1 -- 6th grade
Book 2 -- 7th grade
Book 3 -- 8th grade
• instrument
• shoulder rest (violin or viola)
• practice mute
Students will be assessed a fee. Students who have art 5 days a week will pay a fee of $25. Students who have art less frequently will pay a fee of $10. Art teachers will provide students will additional information the first day of class.
On the morning of the day before the student's last day, the student should bring to the office a written statement from his/her guardian requesting withdrawal. The student will receive a withdrawal form to circulate among his/her teachers, the librarian, and the textbook coordinator. All textbooks will be collected. Each teacher will list the grade for the subject he/she teaches the student. The librarian must indicate that the student’s library record is clear. In addition, before the withdrawal is completed, all other records, including financial obligations, must be cleared.
When the information on the withdrawal form has been completed, the student
should return the form to the office. One copy will be given to the student
and the other copies will be retained in the school office. Please be sure to
include the student's new school name and address so we may forward all necessary
records.
The Shelby County School System provides textbooks for our students. Each subject area textbook must be used for five years. It is very important that each student takes proper measures to care for textbooks. Textbooks must be covered. Please do not use adhesive covers. A textbook receipt form is filled out during the first week of school. Each parent will be asked to note any damages, sign the receipt, and send it back to school. Any damage to textbooks issued to the student will result in a fine. It will be the student's responsibility to know where his textbooks are at all times. If a student loses a textbook, he/she will be required to pay for the book and a second book will be issued.
Students will ride on the bus assigned to their address. Students will not be permitted to ride on any bus other than the one to which they are assigned. Each student will be picked up and dropped off at the same stop. Students will be given a list of the bus rules during the first week of school. These rules must be strictly observed to provide for the safe and time-efficient transport of all of our students. Students who do not follow the rules may have their bus privileges suspended. All bus concerns should be discussed with an administrator.
A systemwide web-based student management program allows administrators, teachers, parents, and students access to grades, attendance, tests, and other student data.
Although the faculty and administration make every effort to avoid problems, parents and students will occasionally disagree with the decisions that are made with regard to discipline or grades. In most cases, problems can be resolved when parents speak to the person who is directly responsible for decisions that have been made concerning a student. The appropriate route for help with a concern is teacher or sponsor - school counselor - assistant principal - principal - Central Office Administration.
Individual Teachers:
o Classroom Concerns
o Assignments
o Make-up Work
o Academic Progress
o Improvement or Decline in Student Performance
o Grade Concerns
o Grading Policy or Related Questions
o Classroom Behavior
o Teacher Detentions
Group of Teachers:
o Parent Conferences
o Special Projects
o Grade Level Rules or Procedures
School Counselors:
o General Academic Concerns
o Social or Emotional Concerns
o Attendance Concerns
o Nonviolent Peer Conflicts
Assistant Principal:
o Scheduling Concerns
o Discipline Concerns
o Special Education Concerns
o Curriculum Concerns
o Lost Textbooks
Principal:
o Curriculum Concerns
o Discipline Concerns
o Staff Concerns
Click here to see the 2009-2010 school calendar
