III      LUNCH PROGRAM

The school participates in an approved lunch program for all children.  Students may purchase their lunch or bring a sack lunch.  Lunches may be purchased daily, weekly, or monthly through the cafeteria.  Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their children, after being properly checked into the school (Bookstore or Security).  Applications for financial assistance may be obtained through the school office.  Teachers will accompany students to the cafeteria and will escort them back to class afterwards.  Parents should periodically check with the cafeteria manager to prevent negative account balances.

PROCEDURES FOR CAFETERIA USE

A.    Students enter the cafeteria for lunch through the east doors (by the elevator).  Students will return to class after lunch using the west doors (by the gymnasium).

B.     Students’ behavior will be guided by the Lifeskill of PATIENCE (to wait calmly for someone or something) at all times.  Walking to the serving lines and maintaining orderly behavior is expected. 

C.     Four students may sit at each table.

D.    Students are expected to clean the table and the area around it before leaving the cafeteria. 

E.     The Lifeskill of CARING (to feel and show concern for others) should be used to leave a table clean for others.

F.      Students exit the cafeteria from lunch through the west doors by the gymnasiums.

 IV      EARLY DISMISSALS

If it is necessary to leave the building during school hours, students must bring a note of explanation signed by their parent/guardian.  Students are to take the note to the attendance clerk before 8:50 a.m.  If parents are picking up their child/children, they must sign them out of school through the bookstore (or office).  Parents may not go directly to the classroom.  A request by phone is not considered an official release from school.  STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP FROM THE BOOKSTORE ATTENDANT OR ATTENDANCE CLERK IN THE MAIN OFFICE.  Please allow at least ten minutes for this process.  Students will be released to a parent, guardian, or other persons listed on their emergency sheet ONLY.  Students will be called to the office AFTER being signed out. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE STUDENTS ALLOWED TO LEAVE SCHOOL WITHOUT SPECIFIC PERMISSION FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

V       AFTER SCHOOL

The school building should be cleared of all students by 3:35 p.m. unless the student is participating in the “EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM.”   Parents must enter the building to sign out students scheduled for “Extended Day” that are leaving at any time prior to 4:15pm.    

VI      PERSONAL ITEMS

A.    SCHOOL SUPPLIES - All personal items should be marked with the student's name for identification purposes.

B.     TEXTBOOKS - Textbooks are furnished by the school and are issued at the beginning of the year.  IF THE STUDENT LOSES OR DAMAGES A BOOK WHILE IT IS CHECKED OUT TO HIM OR HER, PAYMENT MUST BE MADE FOR THE LOSS OR DAMAGE.

C.     BOOKSTORE - A bookstore is provided for student use near the entrance to the main office.  The bookstore carries most school supplies and locks.  It is open daily.  When the bookstore is open, all students will be checked in or out there.

D.    LOST AND FOUND – Students who find lost articles are asked to take them to the office where the owner may claim them.  Students should regularly check and claim what belongs to them.  Lost and found items are easier to return to the owner IF the student’s name is located on the article.

E.     Students are to bring to school ONLY those items necessary for a successful learning environment.  This means that cell phones, games, toys, gum, candy, gym equipment, iPods, CD’s and players, skateboards or unnamed items that do not relate to the classroom needs are prohibited!

F.      PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Students are expected to dress out for physical education classes.  The physical education teacher will supply students with the details of the required dress.  Students SHOULD use a second lock for securing personal items in the locker room.

VII    LOCKER USAGE

A.    Lockers are provided for all students for convenience and storage of their educational and personal belongings.  Coats, jackets, backpacks, and book bags are to be kept in student lockers during the school day.  These lockers should be locked with a combination lock at all times; key locks are not permitted.  THE SCHOOL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITEMS LOST OR TAKEN FROM THESE LOCKERS.  Students who participate in physical education classes will also need a second lock for the locker room.

B.     Students are permitted to go to their lockers before or after each class provided that they are on time for their next class.  A five-minute period is given between classes for students to accomplish this task.

C.     Students have no expectation of privacy as to lockers, desks, or other school property temporarily assigned for their personal use.  School personnel may remove from lockers any articles that are prohibited at school or could be used to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.

D.    DO NOT SHARE LOCKERS.  Students are to use only the locker that has been assigned to them by their record teacher.  Switching lockers is strictly prohibited.  Problems with locker assignments should be brought to the direct attention of the record teacher.

E.     Students will need to use their AGENDA PASS BOOK to leave class during instructional time.             

VIII   REST ROOM USAGE

 Students may use the rest rooms before and after school, during the break time, or at lunch.  Only "emergency" trips to the rest room are to be allowed, with teacher approval in the Agenda/Pass book, during class time.  Parents need to provide a medical statement in unusual instances.

IX      ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL 

A.    If a student is ill and must be absent from school for any part of the day, the parent must call the school office at 833-9701 and report the absence by 9:00 a.m.

B.     If a student must be absent because of a vacation or a trip, parents are asked to notify the attendance clerk in advance about a planned absence.  The students should use the Lifeskill of INITIATIVE (to do something because it needs to be done) to make arrangements with the teachers to determine if some advance homework or study can be assigned and completed while they are absent from school.

C.     If a student has been absent for more than three days due to an illness, they must first report to the nurse before going to class. 

D.    Students attending secondary schools shall be in attendance a minimum of ninety percent (90%) of the instructional time scheduled for any particular class/course in that school (or grade) and make satisfactory academic progress in order to be unconditionally recommended for a passing grade.  All absences (excused and unexcused) shall be included in the calculation of the 90% attendance minimum except that the excused absences for religious holidays shall not be counted for the purpose of determining a student’s eligibility for promotion or credit.  All absences must have a written or verbal explanation provided by the parent/guardian within 48 hours of the student’s return to school.  An absence for which no acceptable explanation is received shall be deemed unexcused.  Principals shall review all students’ attendance records reflecting absenteeism in excess of 10% of the scheduled instructional time and shall make a determination, after such review, regarding a recommendation for a failing grade based thereon.  Parents/guardians shall be notified, in writing, of any recommendation for a failing grade due to excessive absenteeism (absences exceeding 10% of the scheduled instructional time).  Actions leading to failing grades due to excessive absenteeism may be appealed by the parent/guardian. (School Board Policy 2204-R)     

X       TARDIES

A.    Students who are late to school miss important classroom instruction, are not well prepared for the school day, and cause a disruption to class.  Students arriving after 8:45 a.m. should report to the bookstore or office to receive an "ADMIT TO CLASS" slip.  Parents are asked to send a note with the student to assist with admitting the student into school.     

B.     In consideration for those who prepare classes and activities for the students, all students are expected to be prompt to and prepared for classes and school activities.  The Lifeskill of ORGANIZATION (to plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly way; to keep things orderly and ready to use) is expected of all students.  Continued tardiness reflects an attitude lacking consideration for oneself and others.  Students who are habitually tardy to class will be referred to the counselor for proactive intervention.  Further tardiness after this intervention shall be considered a disciplinary problem.

XI     COUNSELORS          

 A counselor is available to help assist students and parents with the Lifeskill of PROBLEM-SOLVING (to create solutions in difficult situations and everyday problems).  This may include scheduling and other social and schoolwork problems.  You are encouraged to talk with your counselor when you need help.  6^th Grade and 7^th Grade with last names beginning with A-H, work with Ms. Vick, and 7^th Grade with last names beginning with I-Z, and 8^th Grade, work with Mrs. Moore.

XII    DISCIPLINE

A.    ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO DISCIPLINE THEMSELVES AT SCHOOL AND AT SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THEIR BEHAVIOR WILL BE A CREDIT TO THE STUDENT, HIS/HER FAMILY, THE SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY.  The Lifeskill of INTEGRITY (to act according to a sense of what’s right and wrong) should guide student behavior at all times.         

B.     PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE

It is expected that the following guidelines will provide our school with fair and consistent regulations to ensure that every student has the opportunity and the positive atmosphere to affect their maximum learning potential at Thoreau Demonstration Academy:

1.      The administration, staff and parents of Thoreau Demonstration Academy commit themselves to provide a safe, clean and orderly environment that will enable all students to learn.

2.      Recognizing that every child has a right to an education, we also believe that every student should practice the Lifeskill of RESPONSIBILITY (to respond when appropriate, to be accountable for your actions).  They should not do anything that will interfere with the teacher's right to teach or another student's right to learn.

3.      Thoreau is a demonstration middle school site that promotes the Tulsa Model Community Guidelines of:  Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Attentive Listening, No Put-Downs, and Personal Best, Mutual Respect and Right to Pass.

4.      Most students accept their rights and responsibilities in our school environment.  However, some students may exhibit behavior that restricts or impedes the learning process.  Therefore, guidelines are written to give these students an opportunity to change inappropriate behavior as well as to protect the rights of the majority of the student body.

C.     Copies of the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT with school and district policies and regulations concerning student discipline may be obtained from the principal/assistant principal.

D.  DISCIPLINE PLAN

1.      Students are expected to be on time to class and seated with appropriate supplies when class begins.

2.      Students should remain seated while lessons or directions are being given and the teacher is taking roll.  (Pencils should be sharpened before class begins.)

3.      Any behavior that bothers someone else or interrupts the lesson is inappropriate.

             a.      A summons for a detention may be issued for a minor offense.

              b.      Summons given to the student are to be signed by the parent and returned 
             to the school.

                c.      A referral and immediate removal from the classroom may result from a second 
              minor offense in the same period.

4.      This summons shall serve as adequate notification that a detention for a lunch, before school, after school or extended day detention may be issued for, but not limited to, the following:

a.      gum chewing, eating in the halls/classroom

b.     tardies (three or more)

c.      talking at an inappropriate time/place

d.     disruptive behavior

e.      homework not completed

f.      not bringing required materials to class

g.     failure to follow teacher directions

h.     uniform violations

     5.  The following disruptions will result in a referral and appropriate intervention with the principal or the assistant principal:  fighting, personal threats, destroying property, cheating, stealing, disrespect to the teacher, obscenity, leaving class without permission, bullying, disruption of the educational process, failure to follow Tulsa Public School Board Policies, administrative regulations or state and federal laws.

     6.  The guidelines for the In-School-Intervention Program in the current Tulsa Public Schools Code of Student Conduct will be followed.  Parents will be contacted by telephone or by referral when a student is placed in this program or is suspended from school.

E.    Students using Tulsa Public Schools transportation are expected to follow the Rules and Regulations established by the Transportation Department.  Applications for riding school busses are to be completed by the parents and returned to the school office each year the student will be using this service.  Copies of these rules may be obtained from the Transportation Department or at the school office.

XIII   HEALTH SERVICES

A.    Thoreau has a full-time registered nurse.  The following are some of the rules and regulations that students need to know:

1.      If a student is absent for three or more days due to illness, that student must report to the clinic between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m., before he or she returns to class.

2.      If a student needs to be excused from PE, he/she should bring a note from their parent to the clinic before 8:45 a.m.  If a student needs to be excused from PE for more than six weeks, he/she must bring a note from their doctor.  The student will

also need a written release to return to PE classes.

3.      An Agenda/Pass to the clinic is required after 8:45 a.m.

4.      Parents are asked to furnish the school nurse with a history of any medical problems that students have.

5.      If a student is injured or becomes ill in school, their parent will be notified immediately.  It is very important that the phone number where parents can be reached when students are in school be kept up to date.

B.     MEDICATION - Medication will be given to a student only with the written permission of a parent, the legal guardian or person responsible for the student's care.  Designated employees may not administer medications requiring invasive routes.  Prescription medication must be in a currently dated prescription vial or properly labeled container that correctly states the student's name, the name of the physician or dentist and direction for administering the medication.  Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) may only be administered with written permission of the physician or dentist.  Non-prescription medication must be in properly labeled containers with instructions for administration.  A new authorization form must be filled out for each change of medication and renewed each school year.  Medication that is not reclaimed by the last official day of school closing will be destroyed according to policy.  The regulations on administering medicines to students are available, upon request.

C.     ELEVATOR USAGE – Elevator usage is limited to students who have special health needs.  Parents are directed to contact the school office to receive permission for student usage.  A member of the Thoreau staff or student chaperone will assist the student on the elevator. 

XIV   STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAMS 

A.    HONOR ROLL - Each quarter and semester those students, who have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above with no D or F grades, will be on the honor roll. 

B.     TRIBES – Student accomplishments will be recognized during their Tribes program.  Students are expected to use the Lifeskill of EFFORT (to do your best) every day.

XV    EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

A.    STUDENT COUNCIL - Representatives are elected by the students of their grade to fill delegate and alternate posts for each class in grades 6-8.  The regular process of nominations, campaigns, and voting create a council of student representatives.

B.     NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY - Thoreau National Junior Honor Society is composed of students who have completed three semesters of middle school with an accumulated semester grade point of 3.5 and who exhibit excellent leadership, citizenship, scholarship, community service, and character.   Officers are elected. 

C.     ACADEMIC BOWL TEAM - Academic Bowl team is a competitive group that meets regularly and enters contests with other Tulsa Public Schools.

D.    ATHLETICS - A variety of sporting activities are available on a voluntary basis.  These activities may take place in the school building or on the school grounds and they are supervised/coached by Tulsa Public School employees.  The following athletic sports are conducted by the Tulsa Public School System:  football, boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball and cheerleading.  Other athletic sports may also be conducted by the Tulsa Junior Athletic Association.  The TJAA is NOT associated with or a part of the Tulsa Public School System.   Students are expected to use the Lifeskill of COOPERATION (to work together toward a common goal or purpose).  Practices/games take place outside of the curricular day.  Parents shall be responsible for transporting any student to and from these events.  STUDENTS ARE NOT TO BE LEFT AT SCHOOL UNSUPERVISED.

In the event a student voluntarily withdraws from a Thoreau sporting team once the season has begun. said student will NOT be allowed to participate on any other Thoreau sporting team for one calendar year.

E.     TIMBERWOLF GUIDES – This program provides opportunities for leadership and companionship for new students to Thoreau.

F.      THOREAU YEARBOOK – This is a student publication printed yearly to cover local school news.

G.    TECHNOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION – Students enrolled in Technology Education classes are eligible for this club.         

XVI   FIRE DRILLS (Chirping sound with strobe lights)          

Students are expected to practice the Lifeskill of COMMON SENSE (to use good judgement), during fire and disaster drills.  During a fire drill it is necessary for you to follow the directions given by your teacher and to:

1.      Form a single line with your classmates as you leave the room.

2.      File quickly out of the room when the alarm sounds with the student nearest the door going out first.

3.      Walk in an orderly line and avoid crowding or pushing; walk quickly but DO NOT RUN. Remain with your class as you leave the building, and continue walking until all students are at assembled by TRIBE in the gathering area by number.

4.      Walk out quietly and remain silent so that all students may hear directions.

5.      MOVE QUICKLY AND IN AN ORDERLY FASHION TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE EXIT IF YOUR EXIT SHOULD BE BLOCKED.

6.      Roll should be taken by the supervising adult at the gathering area.

7.      Walk silently back into the building at the sound of the ALL CLEAR signal.

XVII         DISASTER DRILLS (Announcement over the PA system)

During a disaster drill it is necessary for you to follow the directions given by your teacher and to:

1.      File quickly and quietly to the assigned classroom or hallway when the announcement is given.

2.      Form a single straight line along the wall area that has been designated.

3.      Remain away from windows, doors, auditoriums, gymnasiums, etc.

4.      Remain quiet in order to hear instructions and information given by your teacher.

5.      Walk silently back to your classrooms after the ALL CLEAR signal is given.

XVIII        PARTIES

     Only those parties predetermined by the principal will be allowed.

XIX   LIBRARY - Hours:  8:45 – 3:30  M – F

Book Checkout:          All library materials removed from the library must be checked out.  All books should be returned to the library on or before the date stamped.  Books may be checked out for two weeks and renewed once if no one has requested the book.

Over due Books:         A fine of 5 cents per day will be charged for late books.  Weekends, holidays, or   any day school is not in session are not included in the fine.

Overnight Books:  Magazines and some reference books may be checked out overnight.  These books are due back in the library during “TRIBES” the next day.  A fine of 25 cents per day will be charged for late overnight books.

Computers:  Resources include Microsoft Office Suite and numerous CD and on-line information retrieval systems.  A complete listing of databases and reference CD-ROMs may be obtained in the library or by accessing the Resources section of the Thoreau webpage – www.tulsaschools.org/thoreau.

 Network Computers:  The use of the networked computers at Thoreau is a privilege.  Students must abide by the rules outlined in the District’s appropriate use form.  Students may not 1) download programs, games, or images to the hard drive; 2) order items or subscribe to services over the internet; 3) change internet or other computer system configurations; 4) load personal games or programs that have not been purchased by Thoreau. 

Appropriate Use Forms:  Students and parents must sign a TPS Appropriate Use Form before the student will be allowed to use the computers or the Internet.  The form will be valid for all three years of middle school and will be kept on file in the student’s cumulative folder.

Talent Release Forms:  Parents and students are requested to sign a Talent Release Form in order for the student’s work or picture to appear on the Thoreau webpage, in brochures, newspapers, or in KECT and school video productions.

Sequoyah Books:       The Thoreau library encourages students to read the Sequoyah list selections.  Both the Children's List (grade 6) and Young Adult List (grades 7 & 8) are available.  These books are popular and are in great demand.

Copies:  Photocopies or computer printouts required by class assignments are limited to 5 pages.  Additional copies may be printed at 5 cents per page.

XX    HOMEWORK 

Assignments are given to help the student use the skills that they have learned.  The purpose of homework is to enrich and extend the learning experience.  It is the responsibility of the student to:

1.      Have a special place in your Agenda/Pass book for writing assignments and due dates.

2.      Students are expected to use the Lifeskill of CURIOSITY (a desire to investigate and seek understanding of one’s world) by asking questions of the teacher for more information.

3.      Check with your teacher immediately if you find that you are unable to complete the assignment.

4.      Have a definite time and place for doing homework.

5.      Complete all assignments in a neat and careful manner and turn them in on schedule.

6.      Enroll in an extended day study hall for assistance.

7.      Access Thoreau math textbook, worksheet and online help at classzone.com