Apex Middle School

A Community of Learning

COUGARS

2007-2008

400 East Moore Street

Apex, NC 27502

Telephone: (919) 387-2181

apexms.wcpss.net

APEX MIDDLE SCHOOL

“HOME OF THE COUGARS”

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Cougar Parents and Students:

Welcome back to another fun and exciting year here at Apex Middle School. The staff and faculty of Apex Middle are excited about the start of the 2007-2008 school year. We look forward to working with parents and students towards our “high expectations” for the 2007-2008 school year. This student agenda will help in your organization and inform you of school rules, procedures, and expectations. We hope that parents and students will review and use the agendas often. The agendas can be another communication tool between school and home. Please let the Cougar staff know if you have questions or concerns. Good luck on the start of another exciting school year. Go Cougars!

Tim Locklair,

Principal

APEX MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Apex Middle School will provide a safe and orderly educational climate that

promotes character development and intellectual and emotional growth.

AMS OFFICE AND GUIDANCE STAFF

PTA

The Apex Middle School PTA warmly welcomes all new and returning students. The parents and teachers who make up our PTA are dedicated to giving you, our students, the best educational opportunities available. We sponsor cultural arts assemblies, academic excellence awards and receptions, the Reflections competition, the monthly online PTA newsletter, Eighth Grade end-of-year celebrations, and staff and teacher appreciation activities. This year’s PTA will be sponsoring a variety of after-school clubs and activities, as well as supporting the instructional program of Apex Middle School, with funds earned through our only fundraiser which is held in late August. Please check the AMS website (apexms.wcpss.net) to see a list of our officers and their phone numbers.

CAMPUS VISITORS

All visitors are required to obtain permission from the office upon entrance to the campus. We welcome parents and volunteers on our campus to be involved with their students and to help support the excellence that is AMS.

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Apex Middle School recognizes its responsibility to provide each student with an opportunity to receive an education and to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. AMS students share this responsibility. Students are expected to show good citizenship at all times and to follow instructions given to them by any teacher or staff member. Students who do not fulfill their responsibilities will be dealt with firmly to protect the rights of all students and staff members. Students are asked to read and develop a thorough understanding of the information presented in the Wake County Public School System’s (WCPSS) Student/Parent Handbook 2007-08 and Apex Middle School’s (AMS) Student Handbook.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

At the end of each grading period, students receiving all A’s and B’s are recognized in their teams. Students also receive a letter from the principal recognizing academic accomplishment. Honor roll lists are published in the local newspapers.

An Academic Excellence night will be held to recognize and honor those students who have excelled academically by maintaining honor roll grades. Students who have maintained straight A's through their middle school careers will receive a special recognition.

GRADING

Grade Scale

A 93 - 100 Excellent Achievement

B 85 - 92 Good Achievement

C 77 - 84 Satisfactory Achievement

D 70 - 76 Minimal Achievement

F Below 70 Unsatisfactory Achievement

Conduct Grade

1 - Excellent, 2 - Above Average, 3 - Average, 4 - Below Average, 5 - Unacceptable

Interim Reports will be sent to parents the weeks of:

9/25, 12/3, 2/25, 5/5.

Report cards will be distributed: 11/2, 1/25, 4/11, 6/18

PROMOTION/INTERVENTION POLICY

To be promoted, students shall:

• Demonstrate proficiency in grade level language arts and math by scoring Level III or IV on End-of Grade Tests.
• Attain a passing course grade in language arts, math, either social studies or science, and a minimum of 50% of remaining courses taken.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade students will have End of Grade (EOG) tests in reading & math. 7 th grade students will take the NC Writing Assessment. 8 th grade students will take the NC Computer Skills test. Algebra and Geometry students will also take End-of-Course tests in late May.

GRADING/HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY

Grades will document a student's mastery of specific objectives and skills, as well as knowledge learned over a marking period or semester. The purposes of homework are to practice and review and to reflect and extend objectives taught in the classroom. Teachers will provide clear and specific dates and directions to complete homework assignments and short/long term projects. Students will be expected to demonstrate accountability in meeting deadlines and due dates for homework and projects. However opportunites may be given, at the teacher's discretion, with possible deductions in grades, to students who fail to turn in assignments for work that is incomplete and/or late.

STUDENT PLANNERS

Student planners are useful in middle school. They improve communication between the school and home. Students record assignments, projects, and tests in their planners helping them to better organize their time. Assignments are less likely to be forgotten or misplaced if students are responsible for writing their homework assignments in the planner. Parents are encouraged to regularly check the planners to see what homework is being assigned and that it is completed. Using the planner correctly on a daily basis is an expectation for all Apex Middle School students.

COMMUNICATION

PARENT - TEACHER

Parents are encouraged to initiate contact with teachers regarding questions or concerns. Teachers may be contacted by note, telephone 387-2181, or email. The office receptionist will leave teachers a message to return your call as soon as possible. Please call or email in advance to schedule a conference.

SCHOOL – PARENTS AND STUDENTS

The principal will electronically deliver a phone message each weekend highlighting the upcoming week’s activities. Parents may also see the message at our website (www.apexms.wcpss.net).

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STUDENT SERVICES

GUIDANCE SERVICES

Guidance services are provided for students at Apex Middle School by trained counselors. These services include individual, small group, or classroom sessions with a grade level counselor. During a class period, students needing to see a counselor must have a pass signed by their teacher. Students may obtain an appointment request form from any teacher or the guidance office and return the completed form to guidance. Students will be contacted by a counselor as soon as possible.

MEDIA CENTER

The media center is open from 7:45-3:30 and a pass is required. The loan period is three weeks, except for reference books that are overnight and due the next day before homeroom. Report cards will be delayed until overdue books are paid for or returned.

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the school program. To encourage healthy habits, the cafeteria serves nutritious breakfasts and lunches at reasonable prices. The standard lunch costs $2.00 and includes an entrée, two vegetables, one fruit, and milk. The standard breakfast is $1.00 and includes an entrée, milk, and juice.

All students are required to go to the cafeteria with their teacher. The lunch period is a chance for students to relax and enjoy the company of friends. This is also a time when courtesy and consideration become especially important. All plates, drink cans, and trash are taken to the appropriate area after eating.

Students who forget their lunch may get three free servings of fruits and vegetables to get them through the day.

Cafeteria Rules Include:

• Go directly through the serving lines before placing items on tables or sitting down.
• Purchase all food items at once.
• Cutting in line, saving places for others, buying food for others, changing seats, or throwing food are not allowed.
• NO food or drinks are to be taken from the cafeteria.
• Leave the table neat and clean for those who follow.

Students are allowed to leave the cafeteria halfway through the lunch period to go to the blacktop area. Students use the restroom and drinking fountain in the cafeteria.

Parents and students are encouraged to place money in a cafeteria account. All checks should have the students’ 4 digit number on them. Students are not permitted to charge individual items or meals in the cafeteria. Free and reduced price breakfast and lunch programs are available to students who qualify. Applications will be passed out during homeroom the first days of school and can be picked up in the office later in the school year.

MEDICATION

If medication for a student’s well being and ability to function in school cannot be scheduled outside the school day, school officials may administer the medication if one of the following criteria is met:

• The medication is submitted along with a Parent Request and Medication Form (Wake County Public School Form #1702) completed by both the parent and the physician. This must be kept on file in the school office (this includes both prescription and over the counter medications that need to be administered on an ongoing basis by staff).
• If, during an acute illness, a student needs to take a prescribed medication such as antibiotics, a parent may send a note requesting that school personnel administer the medication for up to 10 days. Only send the doses that must be given at school. The pharmacist label on the bottle will serve as the physician order.
• Students may carry one dose of over the counter medication for relief of minor discomforts-headaches, cramps, muscle aches, etc. Any student carrying a bottle with more doses or sharing medication will be investigated for possible suspension.
• Students may self medicate with asthma inhalers if ordered by their doctor. There still must be a #1702 form completed and on file in the office. This is a prescription medication and staff should have information on file about the medication - especially for emergency purposes.

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

Students who become ill at school may request permission from their teachers to call home using the intercom phone in the classroom. When the parent or guardian arrives to check the student out, the student will be called to the office.

SCHOOL NURSE

Our school is served by a public health nurse part of each week. Emergencies arising when the nurse is not present will be managed by office personnel.

North Carolina’s Student Immunization Law requires all students to be adequately immunized according to their age and grade level.

INSURANCE

A student accident insurance program is available to all students at the beginning of the school year on a voluntary basis; applications are sent home the first week of school. Parents mail completed applications and premiums directly to the insurance company. Students participating in interscholastic and intramural athletic programs, as well as cheerleading, must either purchase this insurance or provide an insurance waiver form (obtainable from the office or school coach), if covered by other insurance.

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GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Textbooks are provided free of charge to the students. Students are asked to place a protective cover on their textbooks. We also expect students to bring pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, and their planner to class. All students are encouraged to purchase a Casio fx 115 calculator.

If textbooks are lost, stolen, or damaged, students will be charged for them. Lost books must be paid for before a new book can be issued. If the book is found, the office will reimburse the student for the cost.

LOCKERS

Lockers are issued to students at the beginning of the school year by their homeroom teacher. For security reasons, students may not exchange lockers, combinations, or locks. Students are responsible for keeping their lockers clean. Any locker malfunction should be reported to the teacher. Any personal property placed in the locker is the responsibility of the student. Students are responsible for any damage to the locker or lock.

Student lockers remain the property of the school. School authorities have a responsibility and a right to examine the contents of a locker for health, safety, or security reasons.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Students are responsible for personal belongings brought to school. Do not leave any valuables in lockers or in physical education locker rooms. Only money needed for lunch or after school events should be brought to school. Students are urged not to leave books, purses, jackets, or other belongings unattended. All personal items need to be marked with a student’s name.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and Found orange containers are located in each building. Students who find items or books are required to turn them in to the appropriate school personnel. Any item not claimed will be given to charity at the end of each month.

HALL PASSES

A hall pass is required by students who are out of class. A pass must be signed by the student’s teacher.

TELEPHONE

Before coming to school in the morning, students should make all arrangements regarding after-school pick-up, doctor appointments, early dismissal, sporting events, lunch money, or riding a different bus. The phones in teachers’ rooms are for emergencies only.

BALLOONS AND FLOWERS

Students may not take balloons or large bouquets of flowers to class or on buses. Parents and students are discouraged from delivering these items to school.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The eight Wake County Public School System character education traits are emphasized throughout AMS. Staff, students, and parents are reminded of the character trait being reinforced each month through a variety of activities.

September - Responsibility, October - Respect, November - Courage, December - Kindness, January - Self-Discipline, February - Integrity, March - Perseverance, April - Good Judgment

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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

CLUBS

A number of after-school clubs will be offered each semester. A brochure listing all clubs will be sent home in August and January. The PTA makes many clubs a possibility through their sponsorship and support.

BETA CLUB

7 th and 8 th grade students who earned a 3.75 grade point average in the spring semester and who possess good character and strong leadership qualities will be asked to join the AMS Junior Beta Club. The club pledges to lead by serving others in the school and community. (Students earn 4 points for an A, 3 points for a B, 2 points for a C, 1 point for a D, and 0 points for an F).

DANCES

Only AMS students with prior permission are allowed to attend AMS dances. Permission forms are distributed on the Friday before the dance. Tickets are sold Monday-Friday during the week of the dance. No tickets are sold at the dance. NO EXCEPTIONS. All school rules apply to dances and social activities. No student may leave early unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Students who have been in ISS or suspended out of school since the last dance will not be allowed to attend the next dance. For the last dance of the year, records will be checked up to the day of the dance.

EXPECTATIONS

During extracurricular activities, students are to be in a designated area with a supervising faculty member. Students who attend extracurricular activities are expected to conduct themselves appropriately. It is the parent’s responsibility to pick up students at the designated time from any extra curricular event. Failure to do so may result in the student being excluded from future events.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Student safety is a priority of the Apex Bus transportation system. IT IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT, TO RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS. In order to make our buses as pleasant and as safe as possible, students must follow all school rules. Special attention must be paid to the following:

• Stay seated at all times.
• Body parts and other items are to stay inside the bus windows.
• Fighting, profanity, and throwing items are prohibited.
• All school rules are in effect on the bus.
• Use your designated bus stop at all times.

Each bus driver has the right to add additional requirements and to assign students to a specific seat on the bus. Disciplinary problems reported by the driver will be handled by a school administrator.

Students requesting permission to ride a bus other than their assigned bus must bring a note from a parent/guardian stating the student’s name, date, route to ride, reason for request, and phone number for verification. Students are to bring these requests to the office before homeroom, and may pick up their bus permission note at lunch time or at dismissal time. This note is then given to the bus driver.

Violation of any rules may result in a temporary or permanent suspension from school transportation services and/or other school imposed disciplinary measures. Serious or repeated violations may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Wake County Transportation Policy.

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ATTENDANCE

WHEN A STUDENT IS ABSENT

When the student returns to school, a dated note must be sent within two days giving the date of the note, the student’s name, the date of the absence, the reason for the absence, and the signature of the parent or guardian. The student should give this note to the homeroom teacher. Failure to bring a note will constitute an unexcused absence.

Homework assignments may be requested when the student will miss two consecutive days. Please allow teachers 24 hours to gather assignments for the student. Assignments and books can be picked up from the office between 3:15 and 4:00pm.

ABSENCES

Valid conditions for excused absences include:

• Illness or injury that makes the student physically unable to attend school.
• Isolation ordered by the State Board of Health.
• Death in the family.
• Medical or dental appointment.
• Participation as a party under subpoena as witness in a court proceeding.
• Observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student’s parent(s).
• Participation in a valid educational opportunity (such as travel.) Prior approval is required from the principal through the use of Request for Absence form which is available in the office.

In the event of an absence, a student shall be entitled to make-up all work. The student will have:

• One day for each day absent for absences from one to three days, or
• Two days for each day absent for absences exceeding three days.

The responsibility for securing and arranging for make-up work rests with the student at the middle school level. Students are encouraged to contact a classmate or study -buddy for make-up work. Parents may call the grade level counselor and request make-up work for extended absences.

• Any absence not meeting the requirements of an excused absence shall be an unexcused absence.

CHECKING OUT OF SCHOOL EARLY

To be counted present, a student must be in attendance at least one-half of the student school day. Students who must leave school before 3:05 PM for a medical/dental appointment or some other valid reason, must abide by the following procedure:

• The office will call the student from class when a parent or guardian comes to the office to sign the child out of school.
• Upon returning to school, the student and parent report to the office for the parent to sign the student in.

EARLY RELEASE

Apex Middle School will dismiss early on 4 separate dates to provide time for Staff Development for the Apex Middle School Staff. These dates are: 10/05, 2/8, 3/20, 5/1.

TARDIES

Students are expected to report to school and to all classes on time per board policy. Students have ample time to change from one class to another. Excessive tardies will result in disciplinary consequences.

INCLEMENT WEATHER INSTRUCTIONS

In case of snow or other dangerous weather or emergency situations, a decision may be made to close or delay school. As soon as a decision is made, local radio and television stations are notified and a notice is posted on the school system’s web page at http://www.wcpss.net.

CONDUCT POLICIES AND DISCIPLINE

Apex Middle School’s high expectations for all students:

• follow classroom/school rules
• respect others
• use appropriate language
• wear appropriate clothing
  • no spaghetti straps or strapless clothing
  • no bare midriffs and backs or see-through clothing
  • no short shorts, sagging pants, or excessively tight clothing
  • no head coverings of any kind
  • no clothing which advertises products prohibited by law to middle school students
  • no profane, vulgar, offensive, or obscene clothing
  • no chains or spikes that could be used or perceived as weapons
  • no symbols associated with intimidation or violent groups
  • no attire which exposes cleavage
• no cheating
• no radios, tape players, headsets, pagers or other electronic devices on during the school day
• no gum, candy, or carbonated beverages on campus
• no laser pointers
• no class/event disruption
• no horseplay or fighting
• no inappropriate use of the internet or e-mail
• no tobacco products/lighters
• no drugs or alcohol
• no theft
• no vandalism/property damage
• no threats of any kind
• no sexual harassment
• no weapons (guns, razor blades, knives, etc.)
• no gang related clothes, paraphernalia or activities

A student violating school board policies or Apex Middle School’s rules will be disciplined according to the severity of the misconduct and/or accumulated incidences of referral.

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WAKE COUNTY CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

All students are responsible for complying with and are expected to be familiar with the WCPSS Code of Student Conduct and school board policies governing student behavior and conduct. All Code of Student Conduct policies are contained in the WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook, which is distributed to all students and parents at the begining of each schohol year or upon enrollment in the WCPSS. If there is a conflict between the rules expressed in this handbook/agenda/planner and the Code of Student Conduct policies, the WCPSS Code of Student Conduct shall take precedence.

Todos los estudiantes son responsables de cumplir cony familiarizarse con el Codigo de Conducta Estudiantal de WCPSS y las politicas dela Junta de Edu cacion que gobiernan el comportaimiento y la conducta de estudiantes. Todas las politicas de Codigo de Conducta Estudiantil se encunentran en el manual de WCPSS de Estudiantes/Padres, el cual se distribuye a todas los padres y estudiantes al principio de cada ano escolar of al matricularse en el WCPSS. Sihay unconflicto entre las reglas expresadas eneste manual de Estudiantes/Padres yel manual/agenda/planificador de la escuela desu hijo(a) las reglas expresdas en este manual deven tomar prioridad.

DETENTION

Detention may be assigned for violations of school or classroom rules. A student assigned to after-school detention will be notified in writing at least a day prior to the detention so that parents may make transportation arrangements. Early morning or lunch detention may be assigned by a teacher, team, or administrator.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)

In-school suspension is a program of discipline and guidance designed to provide assistance to students in an isolated school setting. Students are assigned to ISS after their conduct has warranted removal from the classroom. An administrator assigns a student to ISS, and the parent is notified of the assignment to ISS.

Guidelines for ISS

• Students assigned to ISS will be marked present and receive credit for their work.
• Students must take all books and other school supplies to ISS after homeroom.
• Students will be given regular classroom assignments that will be graded by their teachers.
• Students who are assigned to ISS and who refuse to follow the rules will be given an out-of-school suspension.
• A student assigned to ISS must remain for the full number of days even in the event of absences.
• Students will attend no school function or participate in extracurricular activities if they are in ISS on the day of the activity.

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)

Serious misbehavior is a violation of school board policy and may result in an out-of-school suspension. Due to the seriousness of the infraction, students are sent home for a specified number of days. A parent will be notified by phone of the occurrence and number of days the student is suspended. A suspension letter will be sent home confirming the duration and reason for suspension. Students are given the opportunity to complete assignments, and credit will be given for the work. Completing this work will allow students to keep up with the class content during the suspension. Students may not participate in extra-curricular activities or return to campus during OSS.

Internet Use and Email

All school computers are networked and have Internet access. This opens up many opportunities, but at the same time, requires strict regulations about use.

• Students must access the Internet using their own log-in name and password.
• Students must log off after each session.
• Students should not share their log in name and password with other students or let other students have access under their name.
• Students may only visit approved, appropriate web sites.
• Downloading inappropriate materials or hacking into other people’s folders, web sites, or networks is prohibited.
• Internet privileges on school computers are allowed unless a guardian signs a form to deny access.
• With teacher approval, e-mail privileges on school computers are allowed with signed parental permission.

CONSEQUENCES FOR UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET AT APEX MIDDLE SCHOOL

If a student violates any part of this policy, the consequences will be:

First Offense: Students will lose their Internet privileges for four weeks and could result in ISS or OSS. The teacher will phone the parent or guardian. Any assigned work will be completed with pen and paper using traditional texts and resources.

Second Offense: Students will lose their Internet privileges for one month. The teacher will phone the parent or guardian. Any assigned work will be completed with pen and paper using traditional texts and resources.

Third Offense: The Internet privileges will be revoked for one semster and could result in ISS ore OSS. The teacher will phone the parent or guardian.

If students violate other WCPSS or Apex Middle School rules while on the Internet, other disciplinary procedures may follow.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

2007-2008

Seventh and eighth grade students interested in participating in athletics in the 2007-2008 school year should familiarize themselves with the following eligibility requirements and athletic policies. Listed below are the sports seasons and the athletic programs during that season.

Fall Winter Spring

Cheerleading, Cheerleading, Soccer - boys, Football, Basketball, Track, Soccer - girls, Softball - girls, Volleyball - girls

2007-2008 Sport Season Dates

• FALL SPORTS SEASON: The first tryout/practice day is Ausust 27, 2007, and must begin by August 29, 2007, The first regular season playing date is the week of September 17, 2007, depending on the conference and the sport.
• WINTER SPORTS SEASON: THe first tryout/practice day is November 13, 2007 for Central Conference Schools and November 19 for Norther and Southern Conference Schools. The first regular season playing date is December 6, 2007.
• SPRING SPORTS SEASON: THe first tryout/practice day for Central Conference schools is February 11, 2008. The first tryout/practice day for Northern and Southern Conference schools is February 15, 2008. The first regular season playing date is the week of March 3, 2008, depending on the conference and the sport.

Eligibility: In order to be eligible for any athletic activity, the athlete:

• Must meet all eligibility requirements prior to the first tryout/practice date.
• Must have a completed and signed Middle School Athletic Participation Form prior to the first tryout/practice date.
• Must not participate if he/she becomes 15 years of age on or before October 16, 2007.
• Must receive a medical examination once every 365 days by a licensed medical physician, physician’s assistant or family practitioner in the United States.
• Must meet promotion requirements to be eligible for fall semester. Students retained by the school willo be ineligible for the fall semester.
• 4 Semester Rule - No student may be eligible to participate at the Middle Shool level for a period lasting longer than 4 consecutive semesters beginniing with the students' first entry into 7th grade. The pricipal shall have evidence of the date of each player's entry into the 7th grade.
• Must earn passing grades (D or better) in one less course than the required core courses each semester to be eligible for participating during the succeeding semester. Passing grades must be attained in language arts and mathematics. In addition to the core course requirements, at least fifty percent of all remaining courses must be passed.
• Must not have more than 14 total absences (85% attendance requirement) in the semester prior to athletic participation. This is a State Board of Education requirement. According to Board Policy 6860, students who participate in interscholastic athletics must meet all requirements of the State Board of Education.
• Must purchase regular school accident insurance or provide proof of insurance coverage by filling out the insurance information waiver on the Middle School Athletic Participation Form.
• Must not participate (practice or play) if ineligible.
• Must not participate (practice or play) in any athletic event if suspended or is actively serving in the in-school suspension program for that day or days.
• Must be present in school the entire day in order to participate in practices or games.
• A student upon first entering grade seven (7) is academically eligible for competition on middle school teams. All requirements must be met the first semester (fall) in order for this student to be eligible for athletic participation the second semester (spring).
• A player must practice a total of six (6) days before playing in a game in all sports except football, where a player must practice nine (9) days.
• A player injured requiring medical attention and/or absent due to illness must meet eligibility requirements and must have practiced the required number of days above (# 1). This player may not participate in practice or a contest without a doctor’s note. Students absent from athletic practice 5 or more days due to illness or injury shall receive a medical release by a licensed physician before re-admittance to practice or play.
• If school is not in session or school closes early, no practice or game will take place. There will be no practice on Saturdays (this includes year round schools), holidays, or vacation days.

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