School Information

DCSD Student Rights and Responsibilities Code of Conduct
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Bear Claw.jpgMesa Middle School Student Expectations 
Bear Claw.jpg

“Procedures, Practices and Policies”

(updated as of 10/10/19)


NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE: The Douglas County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, genetic information, or physical characteristics, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to, treatment of, or employment in educational programs or activities. The School District’s Compliance Officer is Ted Knight, Assistant Superintendent, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0067. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. 


ITEM

MMS PROCEDURES

CELL PHONES (Personal Electronic Devices)


 


Student Technology/Cell Phone Policy at Mesa

The DCSD technology/Cell Phone  policy:

  • Asks students to use technology responsibly, however school administration may guide the extent of its usage within the building.

  • Inappropriate technology use is a discipline issue. It takes away student learning time and damages both peer relationships and student/staff relationships.

  • Bringing a cell phone or electronic device to school is a privilege.

Mesa

Expectations 

Student Expectations when using technology:

  • Your phone MUST be off and in your backpack during school hours (7:30-2:45)

    • Unless a staff member allows it for use as an educational tool. 

  • Using technology (social media, text, etc.) in a way that threatens or harms myself or others inside or outside of school is prohibited. 

  • You MUST report any harmful, threatening, or bullying behavior (written, picture, or video) to Safe2Tell, police, parents, and/or staff members immediately. 

  • If asked, failure to give my phone to school personnel is an act of defiance and will result in additional school consequences. 


Parent Expectations:

  • I will monitor my child’s use of thier technology device and reinforce the student expectation, policy, and contract with my child.

  • I will ensure my child understands the implications of misuse of technology (social media, texts, etc.) that threatens or harms them or others, and will report any harmful, threatening, or bullying behavior (written, picture or video) to Safe2Tell, police, parents, or staff members immediately.

  • I understand if I call or text my child during the school day, it may result in a tech violation for my child. 

  • I will call the Mesa Main Office at: 303-387-4750, for any communication, emergency or otherwise, during school hours of 7:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.



TECHNOLOGY/CELL PHONE  VIOLATION STEPS:

Should a staff member find a student in violation of our technology policy as outlined above, it  will be addressed in the following manner:


1st offense: Teacher provides warning regarding use of device.

2nd offense: Device confiscated, provided at the end of class, parents/guardians notified.

3rd offense: Device confiscated, brought to the office until the end of the day, parents/guardians notified.

4th offense: Device confiscated, parents/guardians pick up the device from the office. The student will lose the privilege of bringing the device on campus indefinitely and an incentive plan may be created to earn the privilege back in the future.  


Helpful Tools in Monitoring your Child’s Device:

DRESS


Student Appearance at Mesa

The Mesa dress code highlights the following values:

  • Students and parents/guardians understand their primary responsibility to appropriate grooming and dress, which contributes to a productive learning environment.

  • Students are allowed to dress comfortably for school to engage fully in the educational process.

  • Students understand that they are responsible for managing their own appearance.

Student Appearance Guidelines

  • Hoods, hats, sunglasses, and earbuds/headphones are OFF when inside the building.


  • Shoes are required at all times within the building. Soft-soled slippers are not considered shoes, also excludes roller shoes.


  • Appropriate CONTENT - clothing free from profanity, hate speech, gang affiliation, drugs, alcohol, or weapons.


  • Appropriate COVERAGE - clothing that covers the chest, buttocks and midriff. Undergarments must be covered, including bra straps if wearing a tank top.


  • Costumes, costume masks, swimwear, onesie pajamas, pajamas sets, and robes are considered inappropriate for school. Spirit days will be the approved days for themed apparel.  


DRESS CODE VIOLATION STEPS:

Should a staff member find a student in violation of the dress code policy as outlined above, the dress code will be addressed by the following:


1st offense: Student will be asked to change and parent/guardian will be notified.

2nd offense: Student will be asked to change and conference will be set with parent/guardian. 

3rd offense: Student will receive a consequence and parent/guardian will be notified.


School administration and staff will consistently enforce dress code policies as outlined.  Dress code will apply to all students regardless of racial identity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural or religious identity, household income, and body size/type.  Student safety and dignity will be respected at all times.  Dress code will be addressed with parents and  students individually and confidentially. 


ITEM

MMS PRACTICES

FOOD and DRINKS

-It is recommended that parents/guardians monitor their students consumption of heavily caffeinated beverages (i.e. energy drinks such as Monster, Red Bull, Amp, etc.) Energy drinks may increase heart rate, blood pressure, cause dehydration, make students feel jittery, and lack focus.

-Students are expected not to bring energy drinks onto school property.

-Plastic, capped beverages may be allowed per team and classroom teacher discretion. This privilege may be revoked at any time. 

-Drinks are not permitted in glass containers.


-Food consumption outside of lunch will be individually decided upon per team or classroom teacher.

TECHNOLOGY ETHICS

-Violations of integrity (including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access/use, copyright violations, damage/neglect, irresponsible use of social media) are grounds for disciplinary action.

-Security systems for computers exist to ensure that computers and systems are functional for all users.  User responsibility is the ultimate safeguard against misuse; however, when misuse is discovered, disciplinary measures will be taken against violators.

-Students may use the Internet if their parent/guardian signed the approval form during the registration process. 

PUBLIC DISPLAYS of AFFECTION

-Inappropriate and/or unwanted touching of another student is not allowed and may result in disciplinary action.


ROLLER BLADES, BIKES, SKATEBOARDS and SCOOTERS

-Students will be responsible for their bike and scooter by locking them up on the bike rack. If a student brings a skateboard to school, they will place it in the skateboard box by the security office. 


-Students are not allowed to ride these anywhere on school grounds.

PERSONAL ITEMS

-Students are responsible for their personal property (backpacks, clothes, cell phones, money, etc.).

-Band and physical education lockers should not be used to store money or valuable personal items. 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

      -Students are responsible for coming to school prepared for class with the necessary school supplies. If a student runs out, they will notify their parents/guardians.  If students and their parents/guardians are having a hard time paying for basic supplies, the need to let a counselor know.

HOMEWORK

-Homework is a student’s responsibility.  The amount of homework a student has each week may fluctuate depending on a student’s learning style, work ethic, and teacher expectations.  Completion of homework is an expectation.  Unfinished class work that is taken home to complete is not considered part of their weekly homework time.  If a student regularly exceeds the two-hour weekly homework guideline, parents should contact the teacher(s).  Together, we can establish strategies that will help students maintain a school/life balance.

-Teachers in the pod/team will communicate with one another about assignments, tests/quizzes and homework as to not overwhelm students during any given evening or week with multiple hours of homework.  If a student has multiple assessments (3+) over a 2 day period, the student can seek out their teachers to see what other arrangements can be made if possible.  The student needs to understand that adjustments may not be possible. 

-Homework is an integral part of the learning process.  It requires students to prepare for class in order to make more efficient use of class time.  Also, homework provides practice of skills introduced in the classroom, e.g. practice problems.. 

-Homework enhances and reinforces study skills. 

-Homework may be measured as part of a student’s work habits grade. 

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

-If a student is absent, they may access homework by logging onto the Mesa Middle School website and searching under their academic team. 

-It is the student’s responsibility to make up their work and to talk to their teachers if they have any questions.

-For each day missed, students will be given the same number of days plus an additional day to make up missed work. 

LATE WORK

-Work should be turned in on time.  Work turned in late will only be accepted if it is still relevant and meaningful, generally within the unit being taught.  This is subject to teacher discretion.  An assignment turned in late will be evaluated based on the Content Knowledge demonstrated, however it may receive a low Work Habits grade.

MEDICATION

-Students may carry their own over-the-counter medications (like acetaminophen).  Only a one-day supply in the original container, plastic bags are not allowed.

-For prescription medication, students must have a “permission to carry” medication form on file with the health assistant.  The medication must be in the pharmacy labeled bottle with only a one-day dose allowed.

  • Disciplinary action will be taken if a student distributes or abuses prescription or over-the-counter medication.  

Emergency Medication for Life Threatening Health Condition

-Parents/Guardians must report to the School Nurse if a student is carrying such medication.

-An emergency health plan will be made for the student as a reference for the school. 

ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE TIMES

-Students may arrive to school at 6:45 A.M. and must leave by 3:00 P.M. unless they have made arrangements to meet with a staff member beyond the regular school hours or if they are participating in a club/sport/activity.

TARDIES

Tardy to School

-If a student is tardy to school in the morning, THEY MUST REPORT TO THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE.  The student will be given an admittance pass to the appropriate class after signing in.

-An excessive number of tardies becomes an attendance issue and may result in disciplinary action by administration as they will monitor 1st period tardies in IC.


-Students are expected to report to school early enough to be organized and ready for class. Students who report to class after 7:30 am will be considered tardy.

-The school will accept tardy notes from parents/guardians for legitimate reasons such as professional appointments, court dates, bereavement, and illness excused by Doctor’s notes. 


Tardy After 1st Period

*Please treat this as any other behavior.

-When you feel that tardiness has become an issue, have a conversation with student.

-When tardiness continues to be an issue, call home.

-If you have had conversations with both student and parent and feel this is still an issue, write a referral with these interventions documented.  Looking at this student’s situation as a whole, administration will decide next steps.

ABSENCES and AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Middle School Activities and Athletics Handbook: LINK


ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT  

The student participating in the athletic programs of Douglas County Schools:  

  • Must be in attendance at school the day of a game or practice, except in the case of a doctor’s appointment or any other excused reason, other than illness; and in case of illness, must be at school at least one half day  (minimum 3 1/2 hours).

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

(TBD)

Middle School Activities and Athletics Handbook: LINK


Mesa Middle School Athletic Eligibility Practice: LINK 

HEALTH ROOM

-If a student is not feeling well, they must check in with their teacher (unless it is an emergency) to request a pass  to go to the health room. 

-Parents/Guardians will be notified and an assessment will be made to see if a student should go home or stay in school.  If a student stays in school, they will be sent back to class.

VISITORS

-Students are not allowed to bring guests to school at any time during the school year.  This also applies to school dances.

-Previous MMS students must pre-arrange with a staff member and main office 48 hours prior to visit.  This must be supported by administration prior to allowing the visit to happen.

LOST or STOLEN ITEMS

-Students will report any lost or stolen item to the Office immediately.

-The school does not have insurance to cover loss or damage to any student’s personal items.

-If used inappropriately, personal items of a student may be confiscated by school personnel .

-A lost and found area is in the commons.  Students can check there if something is missing.

-Lost cell phones, money and other valuable items are typically turned into the main office.

MESSAGES and DROP-OFF ITEMS

-In order to protect the academic atmosphere, we ask that students not  receive messages during class.  In an emergency, the main office can get the message to a student very quickly.  General messages will be delivered to students during lunch and at the end of the day.

-Items that are dropped off for students at the main office will be left for them to claim.  It is the student’s responsibility to check with the main office to see if their parents/guardians have delivered any items.