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Ortiz is all about learning...

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Mission Statement / Spirit / Contact Information …………….. 04

Welcome / Purpose …………….. 05

Visitation / Hours / Attendance and Tardy Policies …………….. 06

School Supplies, Textbooks, and Academic Policy …………….. 08

HISD and OMS Discipline Policy / Non-Discriminatory Policy …………….. 09

Campus Police / Sexual Harassment / PDA …………….. 10

Student Dress Code …………….. 11

Rules and Regulations: ALL AREAS …………….. 12

Rules and Regulations: AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM …………….. 13

Rules and Regulations: IN THE CLASSROOM …………….. 15

Emergency Evacuation Plan …………….. 16

Parent / Student Permission Form …………….. 17

Notification about Pesticide Applications …………….. 19

Daniel Ortiz, Jr. Middle School Dedication & History Ortiz Data From 2011—2012

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Table of Contents

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Student & Student & Student & Student &

Parent Parent Parent Parent

HandbookHandbookHandbookHandbook

2012201220122012----2013201320132013

Ort i z Midd le Schoo l

Ortiz Middle School

6767 Telephone Rd. Houston, TX 77061

Phone: 713-845-5650 Fax: 713-845-5646

http://www.ortizmiddleschool.org

Preparing our students for college

Mr. David Barragato Mr. Terry Lynch Ms. Ruth Ruiz

6th Grade Associate Principal

7th Grade Asst. Principal

8th Grade Asst. Principal

Noelia Longoria, Principal

Connie Smith

Dean of Instruction

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Daniel Ortiz, Jr. Middle School

Our mission is to motivate and inspire students to excel in learning and in life.

Administrative Staff

Noelia Longoria Principal

Connie Smith Dean of Instruction Dave Barragato Associate Principal: 6th grade

Terry Lynch Assistant Principal: 7th grade

Ruth Ruiz Assistant Principal: 8th grade

Anh Nguyen Business Manager

Instruction Support Staff

Damon Jasso ESL Coordinator

Lisa Boze Literacy Coach

Colors: Navy, silver, and white Mascot: The Mighty Eagle Slogan: “Home of the Mighty Eagles”

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Dear Parents, You are the most important people in your children’s lives. We value you and look forward to working with you to ensure that your children are safe and successful at Ortiz Middle School!

Please help us to help your children by:

• Supporting all school and classroom rules for student conduct.

• Providing the school with your current address and home, work, cell, and emergency telephone numbers.

• Making sure that your child is on time and attends school every day. Ortiz officially starts at 7:45 a.m. Please do not drop students off at the school before 7:30 a.m. Leaving your child unsupervised before the official school start time is a student safety hazard.

• Providing school personnel with any student informa-tion that may affect your child’s ability to learn and/or to behave at school.

• Making sure that your child is prepared for school each and every day.

• Promptly contacting your child’s teacher, counselor or administrator with your questions and concerns.

T he purpose of this handbook is to provide students and parents with the rules, regulations, and policies that

have been put into place in order to ensure a safe and secure campus and a high standard of education.

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SCHOOL VISITATION and HOURS VISITORS: All visitors and parents are to report to the main office to sign in and receive a pass prior to going anywhere on the campus. A photo ID must be pre-sented in order to obtain a visitor’s pass and the pass must be visible at all times during the visit. SCHOOL HOURS: School begins: Monday – Friday at 7:55 a.m. School ends: Monday – Friday at 3:15 p.m. *Please consult the HISD calendar for student holidays.

ARRIVAL: Students are to report directly to the cafeteria each morning. The building will open at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. No students are allowed on school property prior to 7:00 a.m., due to NO supervision. Any student arriving before the official school start time, must participate in tutorial time with core subject teachers and or “Eagle Study Time” with grade level assistant principals. Breakfast is served in the classroom starting at 7:45 a.m. DISMISSAL: Students need to be picked up by 3:15 p.m., unless they are staying for a sponsored after school activity, in which case students must be picked-up im-mediately after the activity is over.

ATTENDANCE: The Texas Compulsory School Attendance Law requires that all stu-

dents attend school from ages seven (7) to eighteen (18). It is expected that all

students are on time and attend school every day, unless there is a reason for an

excused absence. The City of Houston Mayor’s Anti-Gang office will investigate all

unexcused absences and enforce the Compulsory School Attendance Law.

Note: Students missing more than 15 minutes of class time are considered absent.

REASONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES: � Illness and/or doctor appointments � Death in the family � Weather or road conditions that make traveling dangerous � Participation in school activities with permission from the principal � Juvenile court proceeding documented by probation officer � Emergencies/reasons deemed acceptable by the principal or superintendent.

**A student absent for any reason, other than for a documented healthcare appointment, will not be allowed to participate in school related activities on that day or evening.

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ATTENDANCE Continued:

WRITTEN REASON FOR ABSCENCE: If a student must be absent for the entire day, or a portion of the day, a written excuse from the parent/guardian must be pro-vided and brought to the attendance office upon the student’s return. The note should include: the date and time of absence, the reason for the absence, and the parent/guardian’s signature. If a written excuse is not provided, the absence is documented as unexcused. Note: Students are given 3 days, per absence, to turn in any makeup work. LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL — AFTER 7:55 AND BEFORE 8:15: Any student who arrives to school after 8:00 will report to the cafeteria where they will be docu-mented as tardy and receive disciplinary consequences. Notes from a parent/guardian will be accepted, but will not excuse a tardy. LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL - AFTER 8:15am: Any student who arrives to school after 8:15 must report to the attendance office to sign in and obtain a pass. Note: Students who arrive after 8:15 are marked absent from 1st period. TARDY TO CLASS: All students are expected to report to class on time. There are four minute passing periods between classes. Note: Students with excessive absences, late arrivals, or tardies will be referred to the administrative team and attendance authorities.

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SCHOOL SUPPLIES

• Students are required to have standard school supplies at all times.

• Backpacks are allowed, but must be mesh or clear.

Academic Policy Information about the new 2012-2013 Houston ISD Grading Policy is forthcoming. Each parent/guardian is responsible for all textbooks signed out

ONLINE GRADEBOOK SYSTEM: HISD has GradeSpeed to record grades. ParentConnection and StudentConnection are a part of this system and will provide parents and students with the ability to check recent and upcoming assign-ments, daily grades, attendance information, and more. CHEATING/ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Cheat-ing will not be tolerated. If a student is caught cheating; the teacher will give the student a written referral to his/her grade level principal. TUTORIALS: Ortiz offers tutoring to all students and requires it of students who are hav-ing difficulties in a core subject area. You will be notified if your child is recommended for tutorials.

• Parents/Guardians can begin checking out textbooks starting September 4, 2012. Staff is available from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to check out books. Please call the school if you need to make special ar-rangements for textbook check out.

• You will not be able to check out text-books if you have lost books from the previous year or have not paid the replacement cost.

• A valid drivers license is required for all textbook checkouts.

• Write your name, in pen, in the front cover of each of your textbooks.

• You will sign and keep a copy of the text-book receipt when you check out books.

• Books are to be used only by the student to whom the books are issued to. DO NOT loan your books to your friends. If they lose the book, YOU will be charged for it.

• Keep books clean, as there is a charge for any damages. If a book is damaged when you check it out, let the staff know immediately.

• USE AND KEEP THE BOOKS AT HOME. Please do not play with barcodes; if one comes off, there is a charge for replacement.

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HOUSTON ISD DISCIPLINE POLICY The Houston Independent School District has strict guidelines that govern student discipline and disciplinary actions. These policies can be found in the “HISD Stu-dent Code of Conduct” handbook. All administrators abide by the policies written in the handbook. Please consult the “HISD Code of Student Conduct” handbook or call an Ortiz administrator if you have any questions or concerns. Examples of behaviors that are subject to discipline are:

• Tardiness (to class or to school), Truancy, Skipping Class

• Bullying or Harassment of other students

• Leaving the school grounds without permission

• Being in an unauthorized area

• Possession of and/or under the influence of a controlled substance

• Possession of firearms, lighters, knives, and other prohibited items

• Inappropriate display of affection and/or sexual harassment

• Disruption in the cafeteria/hallways/other areas on the campus

• Violation of classroom rules/procedures/dress code policy

• Any other infraction as outlined in the HISD Code of Student Conduct Note: All students/parents will receive a copy of the HISD “Code of Student Con-duct” 2012-2013. ORTIZ MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY The Ortiz Middle School discipline policy strictly follows the HISD Code of Student Conduct. Any infractions of the Code of Student Contact will be documented by the teacher or administrator and disciplinary action will follow. NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, veteran status or political affiliation in its educational or employment programs and activities.

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The campus police are responsible for assuring the safety and well being of all students and staff. The primary goal is to prevent and suppress delinquent conduct that may threaten the safety and security of the campus. FIGHTING: Fighting will not be tolerated at Ortiz.

• If a student is threatened physically, it should be reported to an adult immediately.

• Students who fight will be suspended.

• All fighting incidents are reported to the campus HISD Police Officer, who will issue a citation when appropriate, which mandates a court ap-pearance by the parent and student.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT &

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA): “Sexual harassment and PDA are not ac-ceptable at any time on the school campus, at school related activities that are off-campus, or on the buses.”

TBA HISD Police Officer

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STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY All Ortiz students are required to wear the school uniform. The uniform must fit the student properly, not to exceed one (1) size above the correct size. Baggy or sagging pants, cargo pants/shorts and oversized shirts are not allowed. UNIFORM SHIRTS: Polo (collar) and Ortiz logo Crew style are the only shirts that are permitted. Ortiz Logo Crew and polo shirts are available for purchase at school.

� Solid red polo with collar for all 6th grade students—white T-shirt only worn as undershirt � Solid white polo with collar for all 7th grade students—white T-shirt only worn as undershirt � Solid blue polo with collar for all 8th grade students—white T-shirt only worn as undershirt � Official school T-shirts with school logo only in appropriate grade level colors is also permit-

ted. These T-shirts can be purchased at school. � Official school crew shirts with school logo only in appropriate grade level colors are also per-

mitted. � Shirt must have buttons, no zippers, and no logos larger than the size of a “quarter” if other

than the Official Ortiz Logo. PANTS / CAPRIS/ SKIRTS and BELTS:

� All bottoms should be khaki ,navy, or black cotton or polyester blend

� Skirts are to be knee length or longer � Bottoms must be worn at the waist, not

on the hips or lower SHOES / Footwear:

� Footwear must be worn at all times. � Tennis shoes, canvas or leather shoes are permissible during school hours.

JACKETS / SWEATERS:

� Only jackets/sweaters with zippers or button down fronts are allowed. � No pullover jackets/sweaters/hoodies.

� Students may purchase Ortiz jackets at school.

No Clothing referring to drugs, violence, tobacco, or inappropriate topics allowed! No Walking shorts/sport shorts/skorts/jumpers Teeth grills of any kind are not permissible

Spandex or Lycra tops or pants, no tights Caps, hats, du-rags, bandanas or headwear of any kind

Skirts that are above the knee Wallet chains, large belt buckles are not allowed

Suspenders, studded belts, No body piercing is allowed (face, lip, nose, chin, eyebrow, etc. ) other than the earlobes: pea sized studs, nickel sized hoops only

Clothing that allows under garments to be visible No cut/shaved hair designs/symbols/lines/words are allowed in hair. No Mohawk haircuts are allowed (strip of hair with clean shaved sides)

Large tote bags/purses are not permitted: no animal/cartoon character small backpacks….all packs/bags must be mesh or see through

Flip flops, sandals, high heels, backless shoes, house shoes/slippers and shoes with wheels, no mix-match shoes are allowed

Clothing referring to drugs, violence, tobacco, or inappropriate language No Oversized pants, jeans, bell bottoms, hip huggers, tights, overalls, or cargo pants/shorts (multiple oversized pockets)

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Rules and Regulations: All Areas

CELL PHONES, CAMERAS, MUSIC DEVICES, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Cell phones are to remain completely off (not on silent or vi-brate) during the school day. Students may use the school phones, with permission, for emergencies. Cameras, music de-vices, video games, and other electronic devices are not permit-ted at school. Note: Inappropriate use of cell phone or any other electronic de-vise will result in the item being confiscated and turned into the grade level administrator. A $15.00 administrative fee will be charged and a parent / guardian is required to pick-up the device from the administrator. Using a cell phone to film a fight or take inappropriate pictures will result in serious disciplinary conse-quences, including possible suspension. GUM, CANDY, FOOD, DRINKS: Chewing gum is not permitted. Eating or drinking anywhere ex-cept the cafeteria is not permitted. Students who habitually vio-late this rule will be given a written referral to their grade level principal. INK PENS, MARKERS, AND OTHER WRITING SUPPLIES: Ink pens, markers, and other writing supplies that may cause permanent damage are not permitted. Students are to carry and use pencils ONLY! Teachers may provide students with pens, markers, and other writing materials for use in the classroom only.

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Rules and Regulations: AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

Note: All students must have a written PASS from a staff member if they are not in their assigned classroom. Students in the hall without a pass will receive disci-plinary consequences. HALLWAYS AND RESTROOMS: Students are expected to behave appropriately in the restrooms and hallways. This includes no running, pushing, littering, or any other behavior that would be disruptive or destructive to the school environment.

CAFETERIA RULES:

• All students will sit at assigned tables.

• Speaking at conversational volume is permitted.

• Students will remain seated until di-rected.

• Playing with food is prohibited.

• No food, drinks, straws, etc. are to be taken out of cafeteria without per-mission.

• Students are to enter and exit cafeteria in an orderly manner.

• Student are expected to wait in food lines in an orderly manner.

Note: Non-compliance of cafeteria rules will result in loss of privileges or other disciplinary action.

LIBRARY RULES:

• Conversational tones are expected at all times.

• Students will not be allowed entrance without a written pass.

• All books must be returned on time.

• Late books will be subject to late fees.

• Fees will be charged for damaged or

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Rules and Regulations: AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM continued

CLINIC RULES and REGULATIONS:

According to board policy #675.330, school personnel, including the nurse, cannot administer medications for short-term illnesses. Medication for long term illness requires parents to con-tact the nurse. Students are not allowed to bring any kind of over-the-counter medicine to school such as aspirin, Tylenol, or cold medicines. If under exceptional circumstances the student is required to take medication during school hours, and the parent cannot be at school to administer medications, only the school nurse or the nurse’s designee will administer the medication in compliance with the following regulations:

Written orders from the physician must be on file with the school nurse stating:

• Student’s name • Name of drug • Dosage • Purpose of the medication • Time of day medication is to be given • Anticipated number of days it needs to be admin-

istered at school

Note: The medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.

Medication will be stored in a locked cabinet. The physician on the written form must specifically state any exception to this provision. An individual record will be kept of such prescription medication administered by school personnel. If it is determined that the student is ill enough to be sent home, the student will not be released from school until a parent or guardian has been notified and has given permission for the student to leave school.

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Rules and Regulations inside the Classroom

BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS:

Students are expected to be prepared for school and for their classes everyday. Being prepared includes having your necessary materials and supplies, and being on time (in assigned seat when tardy bell rings). Supplies include paper, pencil, binder, and anything else that is needed for class. A student who is unprepared for class is in violation of the classroom rules.

HOMEWORK POLICY:

The homework policy of Ortiz Middle School is that homework is required of all stu-dents. A normal homework assignment is intended to accomplish course goals out-side the classroom. Student Responsibility:

• Understand the homework assignment(s) before leaving school • Take home all necessary materials needed to complete the assigned task • Complete homework on time • If student is absent, he/she has 3 days to make-up and turn-in missed assignments and/or homework.

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EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN

In the event of a major evacuation, the following plans in place. Building Evacuation – behind Ortiz at the track field (off of Dillon St.) * Parent pick-up * Identification is required * Sign for your child Campus Evacuation – Fiesta Mart (corner of Telephone Rd. on Bellfort St.) * Parent pick-up * Identification is required * Sign for your child Area Evacuation – Barnett Sports Complex (6800 Fairway) * Parent pick-up * Identification is required * Sign for your child Note: Students will NOT be released to parent / guardian without proper documentation on file.

The school will use the Ortiz Enrollment Form file to verify Parent / Guardianship. ** Picture identification is required ** Please keep enrollment information updated/current

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PARENT / STUDENT PERMISSION FORM

Please remove this page, fill out the form, and return it to school.

Cut-line

Ortiz Middle School Permission-to-Post Student Work

I give permission for my child’s work and/or picture to be posted on the school webpage, in the school newspaper, around the campus, and/or other public places related to the educational setting for the 2012-2013 school year. ______________________________ _____________________________ Student’s name (please print) Parent’s signature/date

Ortiz Middle School

Parent Permission Form and User Agreement

_________My child may use email and the Internet while at school. _________ My child may not use email and the Internet while at school. Parent name (print): ______________________________________________ Parent signature/date: _____________________________________________

As a user of the Ortiz Middle School computer network, I agree to comply with the school rules regarding computers, the Internet, and email.

Student name (print) _____________________________________________ Student signature/date____________________________________________

Grade: ____________________ Homeroom Teacher: _______________

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Additional Instructional and Support Staff Roger Martinez Math Department Chair Kellee Sanchez Science Department Chair TBA English Department Chair TBA Social Studies Department Chair Natasha Smith Special Ed. Coordinator

ORTIZ HIGHLIGHTS Ortiz Middle School offers an exceptional college preparatory education. At Ortiz, we have a well-rounded, remarkable curriculum that includes engineering, an award-winning jazz band, an outstanding karate program, a strong computer literacy program, AVID, APEX Online courses for credit and high school credit, and a full selection of pre-ap classes for all core subjects to craft a unique middle school experience. Among the programs and re-sources students have access at Ortiz are: • Gateway to Technology • Award Winning Ortiz Jazz Band • Pre-AP Courses • APEX Online Courses for High School Credit • Zone Champion Athletic Department • Disciplined Karate Program • Afterschool Tutorials • Impressive Library • State-of-the-Art Video and Computer Technology

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Ortiz Middle School: Advanced Media Team Publication

D aniel R. Ortiz, Jr. was a native Houstonian, born and raised in Magnolia, a neighborhood in Houston’s East End. He was a devoted family man, loyal friend, and dedicated educator whose community involvement, and peer recognition provided him with a deep understanding of his responsibility to give back to his city and community.

Daniel R. Ortiz, Jr. graduated as a product of the HISD school system with the Charles Milby Sr. High school class of 1955. He graduated from University of Houston with a BS degree in History Education and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He began his professional career in HISD as a history teacher and English teacher, then continued to serve through-out his career as an assistant principal at George Washington and McReynolds Jr. High Schools, principal of Marshall Jr. High, Assistant Superintendent of HISD- Area V and lastly, Associate Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of HISD School Administrators. Mr. Daniel Ortiz, Jr. became one of the District’s highest ranking adminis-trators at a time when few Mexican Americans served in leadership roles. On August 31, 1992, Mr. Ortiz retired as Superintendent of School Opera-tions for HISD. Daniel Ortiz, Jr. was an exemplary educator and served as a role model for children and employees whose lives he touched. Daniel Ortiz, Jr. Middle School was named in his honor in October 2002.

Ortiz Middle School 6767 Telephone Rd. Houston, TX 77061-2056

Phone: 713-845-5650 Fax: 713-845-5646 http://wwww.ortizmiddleschool.org

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ORTIZ DATA AT A GLANCE 2011—2012