Benson Middle School

Student Handbook2018-2019

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

To our Phabulous Phantoms:

Welcome to Benson Middle School! We look forward to an exciting and productive year for each of our students. Although you will see some new faces throughout the building, please be assured that our faculty and staff will continue to create a positive culture of learning, where all students can experience academic, social & emotional success. Beginning with the 2018/2019 school year, we enter Restart. This intiative gives us a unique opportunity to examine the beliefs and behaviors of our school community and to make changes to ensure that we are providing a collaborative school environment anchored by effective teaching and learning in every classroom, every day, for every student!

The first bell rings at 7:50AM. Students have the opportunity to eat breakfast or report to homeroom at this time. All students must be finished with breakfast and in homeroom before the tardy bell rings at 8:20AM. Please understand that students should not be dropped off before the opening of school. First block begins at 8:25AM and dismissal will begin each day at 3:45PM.

Please take the time to read through your student handbook, especially noting expectations regarding student behavior, discipline, and dress code. I would like to challenge each of you to to make the 2018/2019 school year your best year yet. We believe in each of you! Our administration, faculty and staff are here to serve your educational needs and to ensure that you have a Phenomenal year! Again, welcome back, and we look forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Dana JerniganPrincipal

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NON-DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT

Educational activities in the Johnston County Public Schools are governed by the philosophy of simple fairness to all. Any student of Johnston County Public Schools, who feel that they have been discriminated against because of their sex, race, age, or handicapping condition should contact:

Dr. Ross RenfrowPost Office Box 1336, Smithfield, NC 27577 (919) 934-6031

JCPS VISION STATEMENT

Compassionate and competent school innovators will engage each student in relevant and personalized learning experiences in preparation for careers, college, and life.

JCPS MISSION STATEMENT

To empower our students to students to enrich their world by facilitating learning through relationships, and relevant, innovative experiences.

BMS MISSION STATEMENT

At Benson Middle School, we will educate, empower, and equip all students to become caring, contributing citizens who can succeed in an ever-changing world.

As a student of Benson Middle School I will:

Believe in myselfExcel academically, socially, and morally Nurture healthy relationshipsStrengthen Awareness of Self, Others, and Community Own my learningNever give up

VISITOR INFORMATION

Visitors are always welcomed at Benson Middle School; however, visitors must register in the school office. Please follow these guidelines:

Schedule all meetings as far in advance as possible and during teacher planning periods.The administration will assist you with immediate concerns. County policy requires all visitors to complete a volunteer form before visiting classrooms.

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TELEPHONES

The office telephone is a business phone and should not be used by students except for emergencies. Classroom interruptions will not be made for incoming personal phone calls. Arrangements concerning afternoon activities should be finalized before arriving at school.

Incoming emergency messages will be relayed to students as soon as possible.

LOCKERS

Each student in grades 5-8 is assigned a locker for the storage of school supplies, equipment, and clothing. It is the student’s responsibility to see that his/her locker is kept in order at all times. Since lockers are a permanent part of the building, students are expected to keep them in good, usable condition. Lockers should be visited at designated times or with teachers’ permission.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

The school principal and other administrators may conduct a search of a student if they believe the student has drugs, weapons, alcohol, or other materials in violation of school rules or state law. The search may include inspection of clothing, purses, wallets, knapsacks, and other personal property.

Benson Middle School Discipline Policy-2018/2019

Students at Benson Middle School are expected to follow these rules at school and at all school events. Please carefully review Benson Middle School Expectations Matrix which is pictured and linked below:

**School Rule: Respect yourself, others and school property.

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JOHNSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD POLICIES

Benson Middle School is governed by Johnston County Public Schools Board Policies. Policies specific to Students are listed under Board Policy 4000. Parents and students are reminded that they need to read carefully the Johnston County Board of Education Student Code of Conduct that each student is given on the first day of school. This is to be signed by a parent/guardian and student. One copy must be returned to the homeroom teacher.

FREQUENTLY REFERENCED POLICIES ARE LINKED BELOW

Student Code of Conduct

The student code of conduct at Benson Middle School follows the guidelines set forth in the Johnston County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct policy 4200.

In-school suspension assignments may be for partial days or whole days. Parents will be contacted when a student has been assigned to in-school suspension.

The principal will contact the parents of students involved in major infractions when necessary. Disciplinary action will be taken when appropriate after an investigation of such incidents.

JCPS Dress Code

The Johnston County Board of Education Policy related to student dress and appearance is located here: Link

The Johnston County Board of Education Regulation of student dress and appearance is located here: Link

BMS DISCIPLINE

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Discipline Consequences1st Incident Verbal Warning2nd Incident Student/Teacher Conference w/ Behavior Strategy3rd Incident Parent Contact (Teacher) w/ Behavior Strategy4th Incident Administrative Referral

To activate documents below, please go to the Benson Middle School Website and open the 2018-2019 Student Handbook:

● BMS Discipline Pyramid ● Parent Call Log Template (Word)● Parent Call Log Template (Excel)● Expectations Matrix

Parents should always be notified when any of the above disciplinary measures are implemented. In the event that a child receives OSS, that child is prohibited from being on any Johnston County Public Schools property for the duration for that suspension including any after school activities.

**The administration and the School Improvement Team reserve the right to evaluate the stated disciplinary procedures throughout the school year and make changes or adjustments as we deem necessary. Parents will be notified in writing of any changes that may occur.

ATTENDANCE

The Johnston County Board of Education Policy regarding attendance can be found here:● 4110 & 4110-R

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The North Carolina Compulsory School Attendance Law (G.S. 115C-378) contains the following requirements:● The parent, guardian, or custodian of a child shall notify the school of the reason for each known

absence of the child in accordance with local school board policy. Johnston County Board Policy requires that a parent furnish a note signed by the parent stating the reason for all absences and tardiness.

● Every parent, guardian, or other person in this state having charge or control of a child between the ages of seven and 16 years shall cause such child to attend school continuously.

NOTE: Legal action may be started against you if your child accumulates ten unexcused absences. If you are found guilty in court of failure to comply with the North Carolina Compulsory School Attendance Law, you may be fined, ordered to serve an active jail sentence, or both.

SCHOOL HEALTH

Our school is served by a Public Health nurse from Johnston County Public Schools. The nurse is present at BMS on a rotating basis. Emergencies arising when the nurse is not present will be managed by office personnel. The BMS nurse follows the State of North Carolina Student Immunization Law, which requires all students to be adequately immunized according to their age and grade level. If an immunization record is not on file at school, the nurse will be contacting the parent/guardian for this information.

Medication at School

Medication Policy - All medications administered in Johnston County Schools, whether over-the-counter or by health care provider prescription, must be authorized in writing by a health care provider. All medications administered by school personnel must have a written request/permission signed by the parent or legal guardian. (GS 115C-307).

All medications, prescription and over-the-counter, must be brought to school by the parent and must be in the original container with label directions intact.

Parents do have the option of coming to school and administering medication at the appropriate times.

In order to protect your child’s safety, there will be no exceptions to this policy. Medication forms are available in the school office.

Asthma –Any student with an asthma diagnosis who needs an inhaler at school must have a written asthma action plan from the student’s health care practitioner. (GS 115C-375.2)

Diabetes – Senate Bill 911 addresses the need for a Diabetes Care Plan written by the student’s health care practitioner for all students with diabetes. The parent or guardian is responsible for having this care plan and any diabetic supplies necessary in place prior to the student beginning the school year.

Immunizations -North Carolina General Statute (GS) 130A-152 requires “every child present in this state” to be immunized against certain diseases, according to a timeline that is established by the state Commission for Health Services and published in the North Carolina Administration Code (NCAC). Parents/Guardians are advised to contact their local health care provider or the Johnston County Health Department for more information concerning any immunizations.

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Tdap Vaccine – A booster dose of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine is required for all children before entering 7th grade that are enrolled in public school if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.

Meningococcal Vaccine - This vaccine can prevent the Meningococcal Disease which is caused by a bacteria and can be fatal. One dose of the vaccine must be administered to any student entering 7th grade or by the age of 12.

Human Papillomavirus – Vaccines are available for young girls to prevent the spread of this virus that is a known precursor to cervical cancer.

Influenza – The flu vaccine prevents the flu, a common and highly contagious disease that can cause serious illness, and even death. The peak season for flu is November through April. The ideal time for students to get a flu shot is October.

Meningitis – A rare but sometimes deadly disease which strikes adolescents and young adults. Vaccination can prevent most cases of the disease and is recommended for children and adolescents 11 through 18 years of age.

Head Lice – Johnston County School Policy affirms a “no nit” policy. Students who have been excluded from school due to the presence of head lice or nits shall not be allowed to return to school until they are lice and nit free. Head lice cases that have not been resolved within three days per occurrence will be counted as unexcused absences after the three-day period.

BUSES

Students should be on time at the designated school bus stops and should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter.

While on the bus, students should follow the posted bus rules and directions of the driver at all times. Any misconduct on the bus can cause the driver to be distracted and jeopardize the safety of the students on the bus as well as other vehicles on the road.

Bus Rules

Students are to ride the assigned bus at all times and enter and exit only at their assigned stop. Students may not ride another student’s bus without bringing a note from the parent and securing permission from the principal. Parents will be called for confirmation. Students are expected to:

● Follow directions of driver at all times.● Look for hand signals prior to crossing the road.● Remain in your assigned bus seat when the bus is in motion.● Speak in a normal tone of voice - no shouting or use of profanity or abusive language.● Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself. Items should not be thrown on bus.● Treat the driver and other students with respect.● No cell phones, Ipods, or other electronic devices on the bus.● No eating or drinking on the bus.

Consequences of Bus Misconduct

1st offense...Written warning issued and parent notified by administrator2nd offense...Counsel with student; parent notification and maximum 3 days off the bus3rd offense...Maximum of 5 days off bus4th offense...Maximum of 10 days off the bus

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5th offense...Minimum of 10 days off the bus and student may be suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year

Major offense may result in immediate and permanent suspension from the bus.

BELL SCHEDULES

Bell schedules for the 2018-19 school year are listed below. 2018-19 BMS Daily Schedule2018-19 BMS Early Release Schedule 2018-19 BMS 2hr Delay Schedule

MORNING PROCEDURES

When students arrive, they should report to the cafeteria if eating breakfast or go directly to homeroom. Students coming out of the cafeteria or heading straight to homerooms should travel in this manner:

- 6th, 7th and 8th graders will travel down the Enhancement Hall (Chorus/Art/Band)- 5th graders will travel down the Cafeteria Hall toward 5th Grade Hall

EARLY DEPARTURE AND DISMISSAL

It shall be the policy of the Johnston County Public Schools to release children to parents or legal guardian upon the request of either parent. If the parent/guardian is not known by the principal, the principal may require satisfactory identification before release of the child.

In the event one parent requests his or her children not be released to the other parent, the first parent shall be informed that the children shall be released to either parent upon request, unless a valid North Carolina court order awarding custody is presented. In such case the custody provision will be honored.

In no case shall a person other than an authorized parent or guardian be permitted to take a student from school until or unless the principal is satisfied that such person has the approval of the authorized parent or guardian. If a student is to leave school during the school day, a parent can come to the front office to sign him or her out. The student will then be called to the office. No teacher may release a student without permission from the office. Once a student arrives on campus in the morning, he will remain at school until dismissed.

It is expected that students are to be picked up by 3:50 pm unless they are on campus at the request of a teacher. Students must be under the supervision of a teacher or staff to remain on premises.

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria is opened daily to serve well-balanced breakfasts and lunches. Students from families whose income meets certain requirements are eligible for either free meals or reduced price meals. The application for “Free or Reduced Meals” will be sent home at the beginning of the school year or the form may be obtained from the main office. You can also apply online at www.LunchApplication.com. Students who pay for their meals are subject to the following price schedule:

Meal Price

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Reduced Breakfast for Grades K-12 Free

Breakfast for Grades K-12 $1.40

Reduced Lunch for Grades K-12 $.40

Lunch Grades K-8 $2.30

Students are expected to have courteous behavior in the cafeteria. This means leaving the area in which you eat clean and ready for the next student to arrive. Students are to remain in the cafeteria until their teacher directs them to leave. At no time are pupils allowed to take food outside the cafeteria.

SCHOOL COUNSELING

All students in grades 5-8 are served by our guidance counselor. Classroom guidance, testing services, individual and small group counseling, and consultation services are available for students, teachers, and parents. This counseling program focuses on three areas of development: academic, career, and personal/social. Appointments should be made in advance for conferences. Emergency situations will be handled as they arrive.

MEDIA CENTER

The Benson Middle School media center focuses on the ability to find and use information. In addition to books our technology-rich learning environment has many informative resources and focuses on the process of learning rather than dissemination of information. The Benson Middle School library media program combines effective learning and teaching strategies and activities with information access skills. We believe that strong media and technology programs are essential for the education of our students. Please refer to the JCPS website (johnston.k12.nc.us) and click on Students for great student online resources.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents are encouraged to visit with the teachers and administrators when the need arises.Conferences can be arranged with all academic teachers during teacher planning period, or before and after school. Please call the school at 919-894-3889 or contact the teacher by email to arrange for a conference that will meet your specific needs.

TRANSFER OR WITHDRAWAL

Parents must notify the school prior to withdrawal of students. Students transferring must get a withdrawal form, from the office, which the teacher will fill out. This is so the student can be admitted into a new school with proper up-to-date information.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will only be printed for the first nine weeks of the 2018-2019 school year. For any subsequent grading periods, report cards wil only be printed by request. Parents may request access to student grades via the Parent Portal link, located on Benson Middle School’s Home Page. Use this link to access the page and click on the “Parents” tab. http://bms.johnston.k12.nc.us/. Parents will need to complete the portal application and come in the next day for the password/username. Please contact Mrs. Rashida Yellock, Mrs. Tiffany Parrish or Mrs. Dana Jernigan if you need help with this process.

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PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are sent during the mid-point of each nine week grading period to parents of all students. If a student receives a failing grade, another progress report is issued two weeks later. All progress reports must be signed by a parent and returned to the teacher.

GRADING POLICY

Benson Middle School adopted a school-wide grading policy so parents and students will know how assignments are weighted for each content/elective class. The policy is listed below. Please review this carefully. The policy will be monitored and adjusted at each grading period. Parents and students will be notified of changes.

Benson Middle School Grading Policy

Grades reflect what students have learned and that students have taken responsibility for completing work in a timely manner. All grades issued will follow the approved JCPS grading scale (listed below):

● All grades and grading practices must reflect student understanding.● No grade can be attached to any task, including extra credit work, unless it supplies evidence of

achievement of a learning target. (i.e. Bringing in an extra copy of a novel for extra points; donations; community service; bringing back interims or report cards signed -all of these are items that cannot have a grade attached to them in any fashion.) Teachers should provide meaningful feedback.

● Homework: Homework grades will consist of multiple opportunities for a student to demonstrate success and reinforce learning.

● Corrections and Retakes (on tests and quizzes): Retakes Students that have scored a 74% or lower, are eligible to retest. The retest will be a different test from the original assessment. Students will receive the highest of the 2 scores. Remediation will be provided to the student before retest. Remediation can take place during CE time in small group setting, after school tutoring, or during class. Students that do acquire a grade of 75% or higher may also have the opportunity to increase their grade by completing test corrections. Each test correction will be awarded one point each- with a maximum of 5-points allowed- with the maximum grade achievable being a 100%.

● Timeliness: Within two weeks of the due date, teachers should have assignments graded and entered online.

● Updating Grades in PowerSchool: Parents have the ability to view grades on PowerSchool through the Parent Portal. Teachers should update grades on PowerSchool at least one time each week.

● Teachers will administer a variety of graded assignments per quarter. Students will receive the grade earned on assessments, such as tests and quizzes (unless corrections/retakes are completed).

● The following are the minimum decided on as minimums per quarter:

BMS has a school-wide Reading & Math grading policy for each quarter:

6 grades Independent Practice (homework) 10% weight

5 grades Assessments (test, quizzes, projects) 50% weight

6 grades In-Class (group/individual work completed in classroom 40% weight

BMS has a school-wide Science & Social Studies grading policy for each quarter:

5 grades Independent Practice (homework) 10% weight

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4 grades Assessments (test, quizzes, projects) 50% weight

5 grades In-Class (group/individual work completed in classroom 40% weight

BMS has a school-wide Elective grading policy for each quarter:

4 grades Independent Practice (homework) 10% weight

3 grades Assessments (test, quizzes, projects) 50% weight

4 grades In-Class (group/individual work completed in classroom 40% weight

● If a student is failing at any point after three weeks into the quarter, the teacher will make contact with the parent or guardian by PHONE CALL or CONFERENCE.

● Cheating and academic misconduct will not be tolerated. Students who engage in this will need to complete an alternate assignment. S/he can still receive full credit but should be referred to administration for appropriate consequence aligned in the Student Code of Conduct.

Grading Scale & Grade Reports (progress reports and report cards)

All courses will use the grading scale approved in JCPS and state Board of Education policy:

Grading Scale

A = 90-100 D = 60-69

B = 80-89 F = 0-59

C = 70-79 INC=Incomplete

Progress Reports and Report Card Distribution Dates:

Quarter Progress Reports Report Cards

1st Quarter September 19 October 29

2nd Quarter November 14 January 10

3rd Quarter January 30 March 18

4th Quarter April 10 May 30

HOMEWORK

Homework is the purposeful continuation or extension of the instructional program and shall be a part of the instructional experiences of each student. Homework shall be carefully planned and evaluated. Teachers consider the importance of student participation in planned family and community activities when assigning homework over weekends and holidays.

TESTING

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Benson Middle School administers the NC End-of-Grade tests, MAP benchmark tests, and an End-of-Course test in Math 1. All promotions and retentions will be handled per student according to Johnston County Board of Education Policy 3435 on Student Promotion and Accountability.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Many students remain after school on a regular basis to participate in the school’s extracurricular programs. Students are expected to follow all school rules and regulations when participating in any event, on or off the BMS campus, when representing BMS. At all times, school rules and jurisdiction still apply. Parents must provide transportation for prompt pick-up for all after school activities.

GIFTS SENT TO SCHOOL

It is understood that students like to be recognized on special occasions and birthdays. However, helium balloons, flowers, and other similarly cumbersome items may not be transported home on school buses. Because of the number of students involved and limited space, flowers and balloons may not be delivered to school on Valentine’s Day.

PHOTOGRAPHIC PERMISSION

Representatives from the news media or school system employees doing filming or photography in classrooms may do so only with prior permission from the principal.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Any check written to Benson Middle School or Johnston County Board of Education that is returned for Insufficient Funds or for not having an account at the bank on which the check is drawn, is liable to Benson Middle School or Johnston County Board of Education in an amount of $30.00 processing fee and the amount of the check.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In case of snow and other dangerous weather or emergency situations, a decision may be made to close or delay school. These decisions are made after the National Weather Services and local weather bureaus have been consulted. As soon as a decision is made, Crystal Roberts, Chief of Communication and Enagagement and Information Liasion for Johnston County Public Schools, will send out a ConnectEd message and post school closings and delays on the county website and promptly contact media. Please do not call school offices or radio and television stations. Telephone lines must be kept open so that news media can receive special information from schools and business regarding schedule changes.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Benson Middle School is involved in many activities. If you are interested in becoming a part of one of these clubs, listen to announcements at the beginning of school for meeting times and more information on joining. Various clubs will be offered throughout the school year, based on student interest.

ATHLETICS

Athletics is a valuable part of our total program at BMS. Our athletes develop good sportsmanship as well as healthy bodies. We are proud of our teams and coaches and support them with “PHANTOM PRIDE.”

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A physical examination is required before a student tries out for a sport. Physical forms can be picked up in the main office. Other requirements include:

● Student must be in the 6th, 7th or 8th grade (NOTE: Only 7th or 8th graders for football)● Student must have a cumulative average of 70, and cannot be 15 years of age before October 15th of that

school year

Sports offered at BMS

Fall – Football, Volleyball, Boys’ Soccer, CheerleadingWinter – Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, CheerleadingSpring – Boys’ and Girls’ Track, Girls’ Soccer, Softball, Baseball

AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING

Please refer to teacher websites for information regarding weekly after school tutoring in all academic subject areas.

MAINTENANCE AND REVIEW OF STUDENT RECORDS

We will maintain cumulative records according to Johnston County Board of Education Policy. All student records shall be kept up-to-date and tended with appropriate measures of security and confidentiality. An inspection log is placed in every student record for the purpose of recording the names of all individuals reviewing the folder as well as the reason for the review. A parent or guardian shall be allowed to review records of the student upon proper request. A student who has attained his eighteenth birthday shall have access to his records upon proper request.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Students are expected to provide their own materials for school. Students are issued textbooks and may check out books from the media center. A list of necessary materials is available in the school office and on the school webpage.

HALLS

Students should be in the halls only when monitored by a staff member or if they have a pass. Students are expected to walk quietly in the hallways and on the right hand side.

CARE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS Benson Middle School takes personal pride in the appearance of its buildings and grounds. To keep our school attractive so we can continue to be proud of it, we need total cooperation from everyone. Students and teachers are encouraged to take a few minutes at the end of each day or period to straighten up the classrooms. No materials should be left on the floor, and desks should be left in good order. Students should refrain from defacing the walls or furniture or from throwing trash on the grounds. Your cooperation will be the key to keeping our school neat and attractive.

CELL PHONES and other ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell Phone Use

Students may use personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, for instructional purposes only. Students are not permitted to listen to music or use devices for entertainment purposes during instructional times.

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BENSON MIDDLE SCHOOL’S 2018-2019 CALENDARTo view a copy of the student calendar, please visit Benson Middle School’s webpage.

JCPS CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

Please refer to the 2018-2019 Parent Gazette for all information related to the Code of Student Conduct (Policy Code 4200). For information on Student Dress and Appearance, see Policy Code 4220. For information pertaining to Bullying and Harrassment, refer to Policy Code 4225. English and Spanish versions of the Parent Gazette are linked below:

● English Version: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5BrwsGBnY1JeTNOeVlFWkJWRU0● Spanish Version: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5BrwsGBnY1Jd25jaFJGdDYteWs

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