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Attendance It is Lester Middle School’s expectation that all students will attend school regularly and punctually. Regular school attendance is vitally important. It promotes successful learning as well as development of the habits needed for the responsibilities of adult life, especially in the workplace. Although it may be possible to make up reading and written assignments, it is not possible to replicate teacher-directed lessons, class discussions, laboratory experiences, etc. Missing this instruction may adversely affect the student’s learning and, therefore, her/his grades. Students and sponsors are responsible for ensuring that students arrive on time and attend classes regularly unless they are ill, have medical or dental appointments, have followed procedures outlined below for Advanced Notification and Request for Excused Absence, or unless an emergency occurs. Excessive absences or tardies will result in disciplinary action. Sign In and Sign Out Students who arrive late on campus must be signed in by a parent/sponsor in the registrar’s office logbook; otherwise the tardy will be unexcused. Likewise, students who leave school during the school day must also be signed out by a parent/sponsor, and signed back in upon return that day. Students will not be allowed to leave campus without a parent to sign them out, or without prior arrangements made with the administration via the telephone. Lester Middle School is a closed campus. Students are not permitted to leave the campus for any reason unless they have permission to leave school with the proper school permission form. Once students come on to campus, either by car, bus, or foot, they are to remain on campus until the end of the school day. Those students who leave campus during the day without authorization may expect to be sent home with parents . Excused Absence or Tardiness Parents or sponsors must inform the attendance office by phone, 645-2124, before 0730 hours on the day a student will be absent from school if the absence is due to illness, appointment, or other short-term reasons. If an emergency prevents you from informing the school of short-term absences before 0730, please do so as early in the school day as possible. When a student is absent, class work may be collected from the homework hotline at 645-3412. Long term (off-island trips) homework requests should be made through the registrar. Requests received before 0730 hours will be available for pick-up at 1500 hours on the following day in the Registrar’s office. Requests received after 0730 will be available for pick up two days later at 1500 in the Registrar’s office. Students will have as many days to complete and turn in the work as days absent. For example, if a student is absent two days, s/he will have two school days to complete and turn in the work. Every excused absence or tardy to school must be documented by a phone call from the parent or sponsor to the attendance office. This information should include the reason(s) and the exact date(s) and/or time(s) the student was absent or tardy. It is the student’s responsibility (1) to remind her/his parents that a phone call must be made to the attendance office, (2) to report to the attendance office before going to class. If the school does not receive verbal confirmation from a parent regarding a student's absence, the student will not be admitted to school and the absence will revert to truancy resulting in a disciplinary action. Unexcused Absence or Tardiness Examples of unexcused absence or tardiness are oversleeping, missing the bus, walking the dog, baby-sitting, going home for forgotten homework or school materials, having to take the late shuttle because of suspension, or not having a parent call the school when a student will be absent. Students whose absences or tardies are unexcused will be allowed to make up work. However, appropriate disciplinary action will be imposed. With the case of excessive absences, the school will work with the Command to help with excessive absences. Make-Up Work After an absence, students should check with all of their teachers to make sure work missed is complete. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of all make-up work. Failure to do so may result in a failing grade. Each individual teacher will determine make-up procedures in his/her class. The rule for time allowed for making up class work due to an absence will be the number of consecutive days the student was absent plus one. For example, if a student is absent Monday and Tuesday, the student will have Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to make up the missed assignments. Cases of prolonged illness or family trips off island will be given special consideration. In such cases, assignments may be obtained through the Registrar. Homebound instruction may be necessary in some cases. If parents have questions about this, they should call the Registrar or counseling center. The Homework is available on our school’s website, students and parents log in and collect assignments. Assignments will be given for core subjects only. Specialist’s area assignments will need to be collected from the classroom teacher. Advanced Notification and Request for Excused Absence If a student/sponsor desires to request that class work be provided during the prolonged absence, the request must be submitted through the Registrar’s office at least three days prior to departure. When the class work has been provided, it must be turned in to each teacher within the first two days after the return to school. If not turned in as required, all assignments may be recorded as a failing grade in the gradebook. Students will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding to this effect with the Registrar prior to departure. Please note, if family requests Advanced Notification and Request for Excused Absence after the established authorized departure date for PCSing families, and/or will not be returning until after the last day of school, no class work will be provided and students will receive a grade to date for the quarter. If this is the case, students will be expected to turn in all textbooks and materials, clear their locker, and clear the media center before leaving.
Discipline *Our policy at Lester Middle School is to strive to maintain a school environment that is safe and free from intimidation, threats, or violent acts. This includes, but is not limited to fighting, play fighting, pushing, shoving, slapping, shouting, scuffling, horseplay, running, intimidating, threatening, bullying, vandalism, arson, sabotage, possession or use of weapons, or any other act, which, in the administration's opinion, is inappropriate to the school environment. In addition, bizarre or offensive comments regarding violent events and/or aggressive behaviors will not be tolerated. *Any student who instigates, cheerleads, promotes, or displays behavior that encourages peers to participate in any unsafe and/or negative practices will be held accountable for their actions. Disciplinary steps will follow. Incident reports shall be filed. *At all times, appropriate social behaviors will be expected. Lester Middle School believes in and promotes mutual respect among staff, students, and parents. No verbal or written put-downs (slam books), teasing, name calling, vulgar language, harassment; racial or ethnic slurs will be tolerated. Students are expected to mediate any conflict with a peer only in the counselor’s office or administrative office. Any student who fails to comply with this expectation will be held accountable for their actions. Disciplinary steps will follow. Students who feel subjected to any of the behaviors listed above should immediately report this to a counselor, teacher, or administrator. All complaints will receive attention and the situation will be investigated. Based on the results of the inquiry, disciplinary action deemed appropriate by school administration will be taken. *During assemblies, students will listen attentively, respect the feelings of others, behave courteously toward speakers, performers, and guests and applaud at appropriate times. Cheering is considered to be inappropriate behavior and booing is not permitted. *School policies and procedures for student conduct apply in the school, on school grounds, and at school sponsored activities. This includes any time students are on campus before and after school, while students are participating in or observing school-sponsored activities, and on all school-sponsored trips. Management of student behavior is a responsibility shared by students, parents, the school, and the community, and consists principally of teaching and reinforcing positive student attitudes and behaviors. *Discipline is handled first by the classroom teachers/specialist/paraprofessional. For repeated offenses or more serious infractions, the student is referred to the administration. At times, the counselor(s) may be called upon to suggest intervention strategies and conflict resolution/peer mediation. *Infractions are categorized as minor and major and consequences follow a rubric established by each school. These consequences range from a verbal warning, conferences, “time out” rooms, school service programs, Saturday school, parent shadowing community service, counseling programs, lunch detention, work detail, after school detentions, and other behavior modification techniques that are within the experience of the teacher, to in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and in extreme cases expulsion. The above mentioned behavior modifications techniques must be exhausted prior to resorting to disciplinary consequences that remove a child from the school, except when a child poses an immediate threat to his or her safety or the safety of others in the school. *All students who are suspended from class or school must complete all assignments of work and exams during that period to earn credit. If the suspension period coincides with an exam period, the principal has the option to suspend and offer make-up examinations or to defer the suspension until after the exam period (including deferment to the start of the next semester). In the case of excessive discipline (over 10 incidents) the next severe offense will carry the consequence of suspension, minor offenses will result in parent shadowing. For those instances where the consequences of an infraction will result in a student being suspended from school in excess of 10 days (consecutive or cumulative) or expulsion, a Discipline Committee Hearing will be held in accordance with existing DoDDS regulations. These regulations and students’ due process rights are available in the main office of each school. In all cases, parental cooperation and support are essential in eliminating inappropriate behaviors and creating a positive learning experience for the student. Discipline for Minor or First Offenses A student maybe disciplined for relatively minor or first offenses, with written or oral reprimands or notice to parents, suspension of school or extracurricular privileges, in-school suspensions, time outs, teacher/student/parent conferences, and by any other teacher intervention deemed by the teacher to be appropriate. These minor offenses include any conduct that is not conducive to the good order and discipline of the school. Examples of conduct for which minor discipline may be appropriate include, but are not limited to:
Nothing in this paragraph precludes the impositions of more serious discipline, such as suspension or expulsion, when a child engages in repeated or multiple acts of misconduct, which individually might not warrant suspension, or expulsion. The teacher or principal may determine that the nature of the offense, in the context of all circumstances, warrants a more severe consequence. In addition, the disciplinary authority must decide whether conduct described in this paragraph, which may also be described below, should be disciplined under one of the succeeding paragraphs.
SUSPENSION A student may be suspended from school for a period of time that usually does not exceed ten days. Students who are suspended from school will not be permitted on school grounds, to attend any classes, or any school-sponsored activities for the duration of the suspension. Students who are suspended are permitted to make-up all class work and homework assignments. Our objective in removing a child from school is to modify inappropriate student behavior; it is not our goal to jeopardize academic growth. The makeup policy is the same procedures and responsibilities for a student as after an absence. Parents may provide direct escort with students to all classes in lieu of suspension when result is deemed effective by administration. LMS encourages parents to take advantage of this alternative to suspension when presented the opportunity. All detention, suspensions, or other disciplinary actions must be served in a timely manner. If a student is to be suspended from school, the student and parents/sponsor are informed of the suspension and the reason(s) for this action. The sponsor is notified in writing. Copies of suspension notices may be sent to the sponsor’s Command, the Provost Marshall and the Inspector General’s Office. A re-admission conference may be requested by administration. The purpose of suspension from school is to communicate clearly to the student and to the sponsor that the behavior that precipitated the suspension will not be tolerated at school. In order for suspension to be an effective deterrent to future behavior problems, it is extremely important that students be under the direct supervision of an adult when out of school. Suspended students may not be on, or near the school campus, or attend any school functions. Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion A student maybe suspended or expelled from school, if the principal or, in the case of suspension over 10 days or expulsion, the disciplinary committee, determines that the student has:
ExpulsionsWhen a student is subject to a prolonged suspension (over ten days) or expulsion, a written notice will be sent to the parents advising them of the reasons for the proposed discipline. Additionally, a hearing of the disciplinary committee will be scheduled, unless waived by the parent, to hear the evidence. For more information, consult DoDEA Regulation 2051.1, which is available through the official DoDEA, website: www.dodea.edu. This does not list every offense that might be subject to a consequence. Students conduct expectations apply to student conduct that is related to all school activities: 1. While on school property, 2. While en route between school and home, to include school buses, 3. During the lunch period whether on or off campus, 4. During or while going to or coming from all school-sponsored events/activities that affect the missions or operations of the school or district including study trips, sporting events, stadium assemblies, and evening school-related activities.
PROCEDURES FOR EXPULSION
Grounds for Expulsion: The principal shall recommend a pupil’s expulsion for such acts as the following: 1. Causing physical injury to another person, except in self-defense 2. Possession of any firearm, knife, explosive, other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the pupil at school or at a school activity on school grounds. A minimum 1-year expulsion is required for the possession of firearms. 3. Unlawful sale of any mind-altering substance 4. Making, or participating in the making, of a bomb threat.
Discipline of Students with Disabilities Except for short suspensions and minor discipline, the schools must give the notices required under DoD Instruction 1342.12 for convening, and convene, a Case Study Committee meeting prior to beginning any disciplinary processes that would change the student’s placement (such as by removing the student from school, or the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days, consecutively or cumulatively.) Discipline Committee The LMS Discipline Committee may be comprised of school personnel, parents, community members, or command representatives and meets to decide disciplinary matters in which an expulsion has been recommended. The principal appoints members to the committee. Additionally, this committee convenes to consider the principal’s recommendation that a student be suspended for more than 10 days (cumulative) in the school year and add input to the school discipline policy. The disciplinary committee will hear the evidence and shall forward their findings and recommendations to the school principal. Student Due Process RightsIn enforcing attendance and discipline policies, it is essential that due process be followed. DoDEA 2051.1, “Disciplinary Rules and Procedures”, dated August 16, 1996, defines the DoDDS policies on student discipline and due process. In essence, due process affords students the right to protection from arbitrary, capricious, and unreasonable decisions. Four important elements in due process procedures are
Corporal PunishmentCorporal punishment is not practiced or condoned in DoDDS. Permission to administer corporal punishment will not be sought by school officials or accepted from any parent or guardian. Other Misconduct Constituting Grounds for Disciplinary Action In addition to the specific grounds for imposing discipline, students who have knowledge of, or who participate in, the misconduct of others may also be disciplined as deemed appropriate. Students must promptly report to their teacher or principal knowledge of offenses that violate law or regulation, or that threaten the safety or personal security of any student or other person on school grounds or engaged in school activities. Failure to do so will be grounds for discipline . Notice to Law Enforcement Authorities Incidental to suspending any student, the principal of the school, or his/her designee, shall notify the installation commander, or his/her designee for law enforcement or legal affairs, of any acts that may violate local laws. Students, teachers, and other staff members have the right to a safe and orderly school environment. It is expected that students will be courteous to other students, staff members, and visitors to the school. Students will exhibit cooperation and respect for the judgment of their teachers and other school staff members. The responsibilities and privileges of students are fully explained in DoDEA Manual 2051.2.5, “Student Responsibilities and Privileges”. Students, regardless of age, are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the educational opportunities of others or disturb the orderly operation of the school. Students are responsible for regular attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, properly maintaining textbooks and other school equipment, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Students have a responsibility to notify school staff of behavior that may endanger the safety and well being of others. These responsibilities are more fully explained in DoDEA Regulation 2051.1, “Disciplinary Rules and Procedures”, dated August 16, 1996. For example, fighting at school is prohibited. Students involved in a fight will be suspended out-of-school. The discipline rubric allows one to three days out-of-school suspension for a first offense based on a student’s involvement in a fight. The number of days suspended will be assigned by the administration after the incident is investigated. The number of days assigned out of school will be based on but not limited to such things as premeditation, severity of injuries, and potential to threaten the safety of self and others.
School-Wide Behavior Management Plan The following rules apply to all students at all times, including before school, at dismissal, and all school sponsored activities and trips. The student will: I. Be Present and On Time A. Good attendance is important to succeed in school. B. If a student is absent it is his/her responsibility to ask for and complete the assignments. C. The tardy policy will be enforced by the classroom teacher. The student is to remain in his/her seat until dismissed by the teacher. II. Bring Learning Materials A. The student is expected to come to every class with the required materials including the school planner. B. Passes to lockers for materials will not be issued. III. Respect Other People and Their Property A. At all time the student should act and speak with courtesy toward adults and other students. B. The student should keep all school property in good condition. C. The student will exhibit proper classroom behavior. IV. Be Prepared to Participate V. Comply With School Guidelines A. The student will read and demonstrate knowledge of the LMS Handbook. B. All food is to be consumed in the cafeteria at lunchtime. No gum is allowed at school. C. Students will comply with the LMS dress code. D. Students will store their book bags in their lockers. E. All beverages must be in cans or foil packets, if they are part of the student’s lunch. No glass bottles are to be brought to school, water in plastic bottles. Teachers and administrators will use judgment, discretion, circumstances of the incident(s), and their knowledge of individual student’s needs in their application of consequences for negative classroom and and/or school behavior. Each classroom teacher has an approved behavior plan that addresses teacher expectations in the classroom. Team approved behavior plans may also be used in lieu of individual plans. Behavior plans will be sent to parents at the beginning of the school year. The following procedures are administrative guidelines for chronic disregard of school and classroom rules. Consequences will be progressive for offenses that are repeated or excessive numbers of total offenses. In addition, as the period of time that the student has been enrolled increases, the expectation is that the student will come to understand and support the policy of the school. Consequences may increase in severity for initial offenses as the amount of time the student has been enrolled increases. Students will receive consequences within their classroom, in accordance with the teacher’s classroom discipline policy, prior to referral to the office unless the nature of the offense is severe enough warrant immediate support from the administration. Consequences from the administration may include, but are not limited to, a warning, counseling from an administrator or counselor, parent phone call, retention in the office, lunch detention in the office, Choices, Saturday Beautification, parent shadowing, suspension, or recommendation for expulsion. Alternative Consequences Choices Choices is an after school session that focuses on decision-making. An administrator may assign students to this session if they have problems making good decisions, such as in following school rules. Sessions are scheduled from 1405 to 1500 on a weekly basis and are conducted by school personnel. In this help session students will a complete a paper explaining their problem, reflect on how they should have acted, and detail how they will respond the next time. When this task is completed, they will discuss quietly “right choices” with the sponsor. When a “Choices” session is assigned, parents will be notified by the school or by the student. If a student fails to report to a session, additional consequences will follow. If it appears that the sessions are not modifying student behavior, as designed, alternate disciplinary actions will be taken. It is expected that all assigned time to “Choices” will be served before the end of each quarter. This may require students remaining home with parents until the time is served. Once the time is served at home, parents are welcome to bring their child to school for the remainder of the school day. It is understood that when students are retained at home with parents, students may not be on school grounds during the designated time period. The final decision will rest with the administration. Detentions after SchoolIndividual teachers, teams, or administration may hold detention sessions after school. Parents will be notified by the school or by the student when a detention is assigned. When a student is assigned a detention after school, bus regulations prohibit the student riding the after school activity bus Severe Problems Severe problems that could carry suspension consequences include, but are not limited to the following:
Dangerous Items/WeaponsDoDEA has a zero tolerance for weapons and dangerous items. This includes, but is not limited to, chains, clubs, razors, laser light pointers, knives, firecrackers, pellet, BB guns, replicas, sling shots and toy guns. Students are not to have these items in their possession at any time while on school property, traveling to and from school, during the lunchtime on or off campus, or at any school-sponsored events or activities. *Laser light pointers are prohibited from DoDEA student possession or non-staff supervised use in schools or during school sponsored activities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates lasers under the Radiation Control for Safety and Health Act. The FDA has determined that hand-held laser pointers can cause serious eye damage. Please ensure that your child does not bring these items to school. We consider possession of a weapon a very serious offense, and those breaking the rule should expect extreme consequences. In addition to reporting all cases to the Base Inspector and Military Police, disciplinary action will be imposed by the school. Students who have weapons should expect severe penalty and could be expelled for the remainder of the semester or school year. In some cases, students may be expelled into the following school year. Furthermore, students who have knowledge of others who have these items are to report this to the main office immediately. Those who have knowledge and do not report this will receive disciplinary action. We live in a society where violence in schools is becoming more and more prevalent. Though we are somewhat protected in our overseas environment, we need to be both aware and proactive so that we can maintain a safe environment as well as establish sound practices for our students as they make the transition to Stateside schools. For more information, see DoDEA Regulation 2051.1 and DoDEA Manual 2051.2.
Dress Code Expectations Students’ dress and personal grooming are expected to be appropriate. There are many reasons why schools have found dress codes to have a positive effect. To summarize the research from schools across the country, appropriate dress can help:
Repeated offenders will receive disciplinary action from the administration . Students’ dress and personal grooming are expected to be appropriate. Clothing that distracts other students and/or interrupts the learning process is inappropriate, clothes may not be worn in a manner that might indicate group membership. Short shorts, halter tops, bare midriffs, see-through shirts, tank tops, T-shirts designed as underclothing or with offensive or inappropriate language or graphics to include anti-social messages, sagging pants, hats, sunglasses, headbands, berets, gloves, and clothing which is excessively torn, house shoes, slippers, Zories, flip flops, Heelies, cloth or plastic shoes, clothing that promotes violence, alcohol, drug, or tobacco use, is racially or sexually offensive, bears logos of musical or other groups that convey an anti-social message are examples of inappropriate school attire, unless medically approved will not be worn inside the school complex. Check list for School Dress Code The dress code expressed below definitely is in keeping with idea and scheme of what Marine Corps Base Camp Butler considers to be appropriate civilian dress. It is the intent of Marine Corps Base to enlist the help of all members of our community in upholding the image of the United States and to practice the "good neighbor" policy. One way to do this is to dress appropriately in public both on and off base. Unfortunately, the Marine Corps lacks "jurisdiction" to impose a strict dress code on civilian members. However, within organizational confines (such as schools), dress codes are permitted and Marine Corps Base will do all possible to support them. Respectfully, Office of the Inspector Shirts, T-shirts and Tops - Students should be able to hold their hands straight over their head and the tail of their shirt should be below their waist so that no midriff or undergarment is exposed, the majority of the shoulder must be covered. Pants, Shorts and Skirts - All items should fit at the student’s waistline. No under clothing of any kind should be visible above the outside garment when top is raised to waist level. Pants length should not exceed the top of the shoe heel. Shorts and skirts must cover the majority of the student’s thigh. Baggy, saggy, or oversized pants or shorts are not appropriate at school. Headgear and sunglasses - are not to be worn inside the school building. Hats may be worn outside and correctly. Jackets, headgear, and other items of clothing, which students may remove during the school day - should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Shoes - No house shoes, slippers, flip flops, Zories type or cloth/plastic shoes at school. Sandals MUST have a heel strap manufactured as part of the shoe, as this is a safety issue. Tennis type shoes securely tied are always permitted.
All students are expected to arrive at school properly attired. Failure to do so will result in the student changing into appropriate apparel from the office wardrobe before attending class. To minimize the time that students are not in class, the office maintains a wardrobe from which to issue clean clothing. In this way, the student does not have to wait until the parent can bring a change. Before leaving at the end of the school day, the student will exchange the borrowed clothes for his/her own. The school assumes the responsibility for washing the garments before they are reissued. Repeat offenders will receive disciplinary action such as detention, being sent home with parent, etc. Students are not permitted to wear apparel that identifies or imitates gang or group membership. Dangling belts with tails that hang, one rolled or pulled-up pants leg/sock/sleeve/etc, elastic headbands, bandannas, wave caps, durags, goggles, chains of any length or weight, hair combs/picks, headgear worn upside down, sideways, backward, etc., or any other item which might be considered regalia will not be tolerated. This administration takes a pro-active approach to gang related items. Chains that are attached to wallets are not allowed. Any items associated with potentially illegal activities will be turned over to the Military Police. It is also inappropriate for shorts or pants to be pulled down from the waist regardless of what the student may be wearing under them. Belts and pants must be worn at the waist. Oversized or non-fitted pants are not allowed to be worn at school. Non-Educational Items Students should bring to school only those items that are needed in order to do their schoolwork. Cellular phone use is not permitted during school hours. A cell phone powered on or in view is considered in use. Cell phones will be retained in the office for sponsor pick up. Non-educational items are distracting to their owners and to other students, may be a safety hazard, and/or may present an unnecessary temptation to other students to take or misuse them. The following are examples of, but not limited to, items that are not allowed at school, on school buses, on study or incentive trips, or on any school-sponsored activity: Collectible cards (baseball, football, Dragonball, etc.), skates (roller blades), scooters or skateboards, video games, radios, stereos, mp3 players, walkmans, electronic games, CD players, cellular, beepers, electrical equipment (hot rollers, irons, etc.), aerosol products (Binaca, shaving cream, air freshener, cheese, etc.), medications, (except those kept for students by the nurse), household cleaners and chemicals, toilet items (deodorant, body sprays, after shave, hair items), personal sports items or equipment, toys, water guns, slam books, and clothing or bookbags which advertise drugs or display logos with inappropriate language, alcohol, tobacco products or offensive messages. These items will be retained in the office for sponsor pick up. Repeated disregard of the above will result in disciplinary action. Any potentially illegal or stolen items will be turned over to the Military Police. If the item is considered high value, students will be sent to the office to phone their parents to come and claim it. Furthermore, as bringing non-educational items to school is a violation of school rules, the school will not be responsible for loss or theft. It will be the student’s responsibility, in concert with his/her parents, to search for it and to file the necessary police reports. While cameras are a non-educational item, we recognize that our student body is transient. Additionally, many students live far away from their friends, and school is the only place that they see each other. Cameras will not be confiscated unless they threaten the educational environment and/or safety. While students are not to bring high value cameras to school, there are several models that cost under ten dollars. Students who choose to bring cameras to school will bear responsibility for loss or theft.
Dress Code Students’ dress and personal grooming are expected to be appropriate. There are many reasons why schools have found dress codes to have a positive effect. To summarize the research from schools across the country, appropriate dress can help:
Repeated offenders will receive disciplinary action from the administration . Students’ dress and personal grooming are expected to be appropriate. Clothing that distracts other students and/or interrupts the learning process is inappropriate, clothes may not be worn in a manner that might indicate group membership. Short shorts, halter tops, bare midriffs, see-through shirts, tank tops, T-shirts designed as underclothing or with offensive or inappropriate language or graphics to include anti-social messages, sagging pants, hats, sunglasses, headbands, berets, gloves, and clothing which is excessively torn, house shoes, slippers, Zories, flip flops, Heelies, cloth or plastic shoes, clothing that promotes violence, alcohol, drug, or tobacco use, is racially or sexually offensive, bears logos of musical or other groups that convey an anti-social message are examples of inappropriate school attire, unless medically approved will not be worn inside the school complex. Check list for School Dress Code – See Image The dress code expressed below definitely is in keeping with idea and scheme of what Marine Corps Base Camp Butler considers to be appropriate civilian dress. It is the intent of Marine Corps Base to enlist the help of all members of our community in upholding the image of the United States and to practice the "good neighbor" policy. One way to do this is to dress appropriately in public both on and off base. Unfortunately, the Marine Corps lacks "jurisdiction" to impose a strict dress code on civilian members. However, within organizational confines (such as schools), dress codes are permitted and Marine Corps Base will do all possible to support them. Respectfully, Office of the Inspector Shirts, T-shirts and Tops - Students should be able to hold their hands straight over their head and the tail of their shirt should be below their waist so that no midriff or undergarment is exposed, the majority of the shoulder must be covered. Pants, Shorts and Skirts - All items should fit at the student’s waistline. No under clothing of any kind should be visible above the outside garment when top is raised to waist level. Pants length should not exceed the top of the shoe heel. Shorts and skirts must cover the majority of the student’s thigh. Baggy, saggy, or oversized pants or shorts are not appropriate at school. Headgear and sunglasses - are not to be worn inside the school building. Hats may be worn outside and correctly. Jackets, headgear, and other items of clothing, which students may remove during the school day - should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Shoes - No house shoes, slippers, flip flops, Zories type or cloth/plastic shoes at school. Sandals MUST have a heel strap manufactured as part of the shoe, as this is a safety issue. Tennis type shoes securely tied are always permitted. All students are expected to arrive at school properly attired. Failure to do so will result in the student changing into appropriate apparel from the office wardrobe before attending class. To minimize the time that students are not in class, the office maintains a wardrobe from which to issue clean clothing. In this way, the student does not have to wait until the parent can bring a change. Before leaving at the end of the school day, the student will exchange the borrowed clothes for his/her own. The school assumes the responsibility for washing the garments before they are reissued. Repeat offenders will receive disciplinary action such as detention, being sent home with parent, etc. Students are not permitted to wear apparel that identifies or imitates gang or group membership. Dangling belts with tails that hang, one rolled or pulled-up pants leg/sock/sleeve/etc, elastic headbands, bandannas, wave caps, durags, goggles, chains of any length or weight, hair combs/picks, headgear worn upside down, sideways, backward, etc., or any other item which might be considered regalia will not be tolerated. This administration takes a pro-active approach to gang related items. Chains that are attached to wallets are not allowed. Any items associated with potentially illegal activities will be turned over to the Military Police. It is also inappropriate for shorts or pants to be pulled down from the waist regardless of what the student may be wearing under them. Belts and pants must be worn at the waist. Oversized or non-fitted pants are not allowed to be worn at school.
Student Progress Grading System Official reports of academic grades are issued at the end of each marking period. Parents and students should keep these reports. Letter grades are based on a great deal more than marks received on tests, quizzes, and semester exams. They include class discussion, laboratory or hands-on experiences, homework, projects, etc. Parents should expect report cards to arrive through the Military Postal System approximately one week to ten days after the end of all marking periods. The Incomplete (I) grade may be given when the student has not been able to complete the required assignments due to late entry, prolonged illness, or excessive excused absence from school. This temporary grade is not given to students who attended class regularly and could have completed the assignments on time. When a grade of “I” is given, the counselor and the teacher will determine the length of time needed to complete the work, but this should not extend beyond a two-week period. Once the deadline has been established if the required work is not completed, the “I” will become and “F.” In preliminary computations of the student’s grade point average, the grade of “I” is equivalent to zero grade points. Please contact our Registrar for information about transcripts, registration, revalidation, enrollment eligibility, and review school records.
Daily or Weekly Progress Reports Daily or weekly progress reports may be arranged through a parent request to the teacher. Progress Reports go to parents of students who are achieving below expected levels, or who show improvement or commendable progress. These reports are mailed mid-way through the marking period but can be given at any time. Report Cards Report cards are issued quarterly, approximately every nine weeks (see the school calendar for end-of-quarter dates). A duplicate copy of report cards is kept in each student’s confidential file.
Homework Homework is defined as assignments to be done outside the classroom. These assignments are designed to reinforce classroom instruction, increase understanding and retention, transfer and extend classroom instruction, prepare for class discussion, and provide curriculum enrichment opportunities. An average student is expected to spend approximately one to one and a half hours per school day completing homework. DoDDS strongly supports the philosophy that homework is a necessary adjunct to school life that serves different purposes according to the student’s grade level. The assignment of academically appropriate homework is an extension of classroom instruction and supports the teacher’s instructional objectives. It is DoDDS policy that homework will be assigned within the DoDDS system in accordance with the needs and objectives of individual students and in support of the learning objectives of the particular curricular area. It should be recognized that homework might not always be paper and pencil tasks
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The graphics on this site were created by students in the Lester Middle School Art program. |
