General Student Information
PARENT PICK UP AND DROP OFF (BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL)
It is important that parents/guardians follow all established district rules for picking-up and dropping-off students before and after school Students being driven to school will be dropped off in the front of the school buildings. Students will enter the building through the Old Commons entrance. Busses will unload in the back of the school building by the cafeteria. Students will enter the building either through the cafeteria or 4th grade doors. This practice is in place to ensure the safety of students, staff, parents, bus drivers, and physical property. Those who do not follow this policy or who try to park between buses may be subject to law enforcement referral.
AM drop off time - 7:35-7:45 PM pick up time - 3:10-3:20
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/CONTACT INFORMATION
Students who move during the school year should notify the office of the new address and the date of move as soon as they know of the change. If your new address represents a change in schools/district you MUST complete the appropriate paperwork (available in the district office) in order to continue attending at the School District of Random Lake.
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
(Policy 5136 - PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES)
"Personal communication devices" ("PCDs") as used in this policy are defined in Bylaw 0100.
Students must follow the school rule regarding use of PCDs during the school day, at school-sponsored activities, and while on District property. This typically will include not using PCDs during class time, as the District has provided technology to students where appropriate for reaching established educational goals. Students who use PCDs while on District property, outside of the school day, must follow all rules and guidelines of the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy 7540.03. During emergencies, the District may require PCDs and/or other student-owned technology to be turned off so emergency networks are not overwhelmed.
Students may listen to personal devices prior to the first bell and after the last bell or during the day/class with teacher permission. It is at each teacher’s discretion when and if personal listening devices may be used during class. Students must abide by each teacher’s classroom policy. Devices may be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of class or end of day if procedures are not followed. Continued infractions will be referred to the office. Student personal devices are not allowed out for use during the lunch period.
It is highly recommended for any student bringing a cell phone/electronic device to school to leave it in their locker or backpack. Students are expected to abide by the same guidelines for appropriate behavior and use of these devices as they are with school-owned property. The school district assumes no liability for loss of or damage to cell phones/electronic devices that a student chooses to bring to school.
Misuse of Devices - Students using personally owned electronic devices are subject to the same guidelines for appropriate behavior and use as they are with school-owned electronics. Specifically, students who use electronic devices during the school day or while on school property at any time, or at school-sponsored events, may not possess or share with others any form of illegal data, including pornography, use devices for the purpose of intimidation or threats toward others, or for tampering with the operation of or information stored on devices belonging to the School District of Random Lake. The use of a camera phone or recording device in locker rooms and restrooms is strictly prohibited.
Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which can include suspension or expulsion. Parents will be notified in all situations, and police may be involved for severe instances. The electronic device involved may be confiscated from the student. It will be returned to the parent or turned over to the police in severe cases.
If a phone or electronic device is confiscated, the following consequences will be in place:
First Confiscation: Student will be allowed to pick up the phone/electronic device from the teacher after class.
Second Confiscation: The phone/electronic device will be held in the office until the end of the day.
Third Confiscation: The phone/electronic device will be held in the office until a parent picks up the device at the end of the day.
Fourth Confiscation: The phone/electronic device will be turned in to the office upon the student’s arrival at school and may be picked up by the student at the end of their academic day. This procedure will be in place for the remainder of the school year.
NOTE: Refusal to surrender a device will result in an office referral to the principal.
COMPUTER NETWORK USE
Philosophy/Scope of Policy: The School District of Random Lake recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technologies change the ways that information may be accessed, communicated and transferred by members of society, those changes may also alter instruction and student learning. Telecommunications, electronic information sources and networked services significantly alter the informational landscape for schools by opening classrooms to a broader array of resources.
The District generally supports access by students to the rich variety of information resources available through public computer networks. It expects that school staff will blend thoughtful use of such information throughout the curriculum and that staff will provide guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of such resources.
The District believes that the benefits to students from such information access exceed the disadvantages. However, the District believes that the privilege of this access also requires every student to act responsibly. The District further believes that the parents/guardians of students share the responsibility to enforce school and district standards for utilization of the computer networks accessible through the School District of Random Lake, and encourages them to do so.
To these ends, the District requires signed parental notification for students to have access to computer networks. It also has established an ACCEPTABLE USE policy for the use of the computer networks, including significant penalties for the violation of said rules.
Rules and Conditions - Use of Information Technology
The Information Technology resources provided by the School District of Random Lake are to be used only for instructional purposes. These rules ensure equitable and appropriate access for all students. The term “information technology” refers to more than just computers. It also includes the District’s voice/data network, Internet access, programs and software, and all associated devices.
PRIMARY RULE: Students must not engage in any action involving information technology that has a negative impact on themselves, others, the school, or the District.
At the discretion of District staff, activities that have a negative impact include waste, abuse, and vandalism.
Examples:
Wasting Internet access by watching YouTube videos or downloading programs/music/other multimedia not related to a classroom project or activity.
Abusing the data network by accessing the system with someone else’s username.
Vandalizing technology hardware by removing keyboard keys or inflicting other damage.
RULE: Students must not attempt to get around computer, application, and network security.
District computers are secured to prevent tampering. The network is secured to keep files and data private. User accounts are issued to all staff and students to provide equal access to information technology resources.
RULE: Students must not access inappropriate material from or with any form of media.
At the discretion of District staff, inappropriate material includes: sexually explicit images/videos/sounds, references to illegal substance use and abuse, and references to weapons and incendiary devices.
Accidental access to inappropriate material should be stopped immediately and reported to the teacher or another staff member.
RULE: Students must not send or retrieve copyrighted materials or otherwise violate copyright rules.
Programs, pictures, music, movies, and other media are very often owned by another party. Accessing or using them in ways other than the owner intended is a violation of the law and shows disrespect for the owner’s work.
RULE: Students must agree to follow any supplemental rules for use of information technology that may be set by their teacher(s) or other District staff.
Teachers and other staff members may enforce more specific rules/procedures for using information technology. A teacher or staff member may, for example, decide a specific website is not to be accessed even though the website is not blocked by existing District rules.
CONSEQUENCES: Consequences for breaking any of the rules will be determined by District administration on a case-by-case basis and can include anything from temporary or permanent loss of computer or Internet privileges, to suspension from school, or to police action.
EMAIL USE
The Random Lake School District expects students to use email in a responsible manner in accordance with established District policies and rules. Students should realize that the use of email and electronic information sources (such as Google Drive) is a privilege, not a right.
All Random Lake School District email accounts are owned by the District, and therefore, not private. The District retains the right to review, audit, intercept, access, and disclose all messages created, received, or sent over email or other electronic information sources. (WI Statutes 120.12)
DRESS CODE
Appropriate dress is the responsibility of the students and their parents. The school also has the responsibility to establish dress standards that promote a positive and proper learning environment. Expectations pertaining to student attire are necessary in order to maintain decorum and a positive academic atmosphere.
Students are not to wear clothes that are:
Distracting, causing classroom disruption, or are inappropriate for the school setting.
Clothing that displays profanity or advertises alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
All styles, and the manner in which the clothing is worn must cover the student’s private areas and underwear at all times. The length of shorts, skirts, and dresses must adequately cover the buttock area.
Torn, cut/slashed or frayed material that reveals any area of skin or undergarment near a private area is considered inappropriate.
Shoes must be worn in school except for approved activities.
Hats, hoods, or other headgear are not allowed in school unless approved by administration.
Coats and/or jackets are not to be worn in the building. Winter coats must be worn outside at recess when the temperature falls below 10 degrees. If a student doesn’t have a coat with them they will have to stay inside.
Students may be asked to wear offensive clothing inside out or may be provided with a garment to wear over it. Decisions regarding the appropriateness of a student’s attire will be made on an individual basis by the teachers/administration.
Students participating in physical education classes are required to wear certain types of clothing as determined by the physical education staff.
FACILITIES USE POLICY
The facilities of the school district are provided primarily for the educational use of students of the District. The use of all school facilities by school groups and school related groups takes precedence over use by non-school related authorized users. School facilities are not available for community use during regularly scheduled school hours or when otherwise in use for school activities. If you are interested in using school facilities, please contact Kim Bullard in the District office to obtain reservation forms and information.
FOOD IN CLASSROOMS
Food is not permitted in classrooms unless it is part of a teacher-approved classroom activity , teacher permission, or has had prior administrative approval. Birthday and other celebratory events that involve food should be kept to a minimum due to food allergies. Classrooms in which food has been permitted must be cleaned up and the food disposed of in a sanitary and approved manner.
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
The School District of Random Lake Comprehensive Counseling Program is an integral part of the primary educational mission of the district. This program supports, facilitates and encourages classroom instruction and student achievement. Our district counseling program is proactive and preventive in its focus. It assists students in acquiring and using lifelong learning skills. More specifically, our district counseling program employs strategies to enhance academics, encourage self-awareness, foster interpersonal communication skills, provide career awareness, develop employment readiness and impart life skills for all students. Counseling services are also available through the PATH program. For more information, contact the school counselor.
HALLWAY CONDUCT
It is a student’s responsibility not to block hallway traffic. Students should walk through the hallways quietly without shoving or tripping and help keep the hallways clean by using appropriate trash containers for litter. Volume should be a level 1 and hands and feet should be kept to yourself.
HALL PASS PROCEDURE
Students should not be in the halls during any class period unless a teacher accompanies them or they have permission from a teacher or other staff member.
LASER POINTERS
Laser pointers are not allowed on school grounds. If a student brings a pointer to school, the pointer will be confiscated and not returned. In addition, the use of a laser pointer is subject to criminal penalty under 1999 Wisconsin Act 157.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students in grade 5 –8 must have proper attire for P.E. classes on the first day of activity. This will consist of a t-shirt, shorts, gym shoes, and socks. Students provide their own attire. Shorts must be athletic style (this does not include cut-off jeans or spandex cycle shorts, or sweatpants). T-shirts must have sleeves, be a full length, and be clean with no rips or holes. Clothing must follow the dress code. The student’s name should be on all clothing articles.
Lockers for P.E. uniform storage will be provided for all students who bring a lock. Combination locks are best for this purpose. No one will be allowed to store uniforms in a locker without a lock on it.
If you must be excused from participating in PE class, a note from a physician substantiating a physical problem which prohibits your participation in physical education classes, must be presented to the office.
TELEPHONE USE
The phone in the office is for the purpose of calling home for something essential for school. Examples include calling a parent to bring a book or an instrument or getting permission to stay after school with a teacher.
STUDENT OF THE QUARTER
Students are recognized each quarter in the areas of math, ELA, science, social studies, music, art, and physical education. Selections are based on one or more of the following: performance, attitude, participation, effort, citizenship and/or improvement.
VISITORS
On occasion, requests are made by parents or students that a school age guest or visitor be allowed to attend classes with one of our students. The school does not encourage this type of visitation, as it generally is disruptive to the ongoing educational process. If a sound educational reason may be given, “a written request” should be completed and submitted to the office 24 hours in advance of the visitation. The principal will make a decision after a conference with the students’ teachers.
LUNCH PROGRAM
The Random Lake School District uses a debit account system. Student lunch account deposits are accepted online or via check in the middle school office. The food service department enters all deposits into lunch accounts.
The lunchroom management and your fellow students will appreciate your cooperation in the following:
Return all trays and utensils to the dish washing area.
Deposit all lunch waste in provided wastebaskets.
Do not throw food or cartons. Leave the table and floor area in a clean condition for others.
Students causing a disturbance in the lunchroom may be prohibited from using it.
Students that participate in the hot lunch program should follow these procedures:
Payments can be placed in the deposit box in the middle school office or deposited at the lunch check out stations in the cafeteria during the assigned lunch period.
A student will be permitted to deplete their lunch account to a negative $10 balance. The parent/guardian will then be notified via email when the balance is negative.
When a student lunch account is depleted to a $0 balance, a student will not be allowed to purchase a la carte items.
As of June 1st each year, accounts must remain above $0 for students who make lunch purchases.
Neither the kitchen nor the office will provide credit for students to eat lunch.
Families leaving the district may request the balance of their lunch account be refunded to them. All requests must be made in writing. Refunds will be processed through the Food Service Department.
Nondiscrimination Statement (per board policy 8500
The following statement applies to all programs administered by the District that are funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
E-mail: program.intake@usda.gov.
LUNCH HOUR/RECESS
If a student’s behavior in the cafeteria and/or recess requires a supervisor to remove the student, standard disciplinary procedures will apply.
INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA CENTER (LIBRARY)
The library is a place to go to use research materials, check out a book, work on a project, or spend some time quietly reading. All students entering the library for any reason are expected to sign in at the circulation desk. Library materials are often expensive and are meant to last. The library may also be used when a class has a substitute teacher.
GENERAL LIBRARY RULES:
Return all books promptly. Others may be waiting for them.
Books can be checked out for two weeks, with the possibility of renewal.
You are responsible for any book checked out in your name.
Appropriate behavior in the library is essential. Students should remain seated unless you are looking for materials.
Familiarize yourself with the electronic card catalog on your device . If you have forgotten your device, one can be borrowed from the librarian for card catalog use only.
The librarian is entitled to the same courtesy given to classroom teachers.
Water is permitted in a closed water bottle.
Library use is a privilege. Don’t abuse it – you may lose it!
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
It shall be the policy of the School District of Random Lake to provide safe and orderly transportation for all students between home and school as well as during school sponsored activities. Because bus riding is a privilege rather than a right, it is expected that all students shall adhere to the adopted rules and regulations.
BICYCLES
Park and lock bikes in the space provided for them. Never handle anyone else’s bike without permission. The school is not responsible for stolen bikes, bicycle parts or personal items left on a bike.
FIELD TRIPS
A student must have a signed parent/guardian permission slip to participate in a field trip. Permission slips will be sent home by the classroom teacher and will include details about the trip. Due to liability concerns, failure to return a signed permission slip by the stated deadline will exclude the student from the trip. Some field trips involve admission costs or other fees that must be returned by a specific deadline. This information will be provided on the permission slip.
Transportation to and from the field trip destination will be provided by the District unless the field trip is within walking distance of the school. Any field trip within walking distance of the school may be taken without signed parent permission when it occurs within a 2 mile radius of the school. All students must ride to the trip destination on the transportation provided. In some instances, a child can be released to the parent/guardian at the conclusion of the trip. A signed and dated statement taking full responsibility for the child must be submitted to the principal prior to leaving the school for the field trip destination.