Corvallis Middle School

Handbook

ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT STAFF

Mr. Bob Easton Principal

Mr. Daniel Owens Assistant Principal

Ms. Patricia Sierra Counselor

INTRODUCTION

The staff at Corvallis Middle School welcomes you and would like to introduce you to this valuable handbook. The information provided here is will

inform students and parents of school policies, procedures, and regulations. We believe that the school reflects the efforts for educational excellence put

forth by the entire school community.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS

8:35 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

8:35 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Wednesdays.

8:35 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Selected minimum days

STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT

The Associated Student Body government (ASB) is the body responsible for student affairs such as approving the organization of clubs and activities,

selling ASB cards, and dances. All ASB officers are elected by the student body and are expected to act in a responsible manner at all times. Information

about activities, dances, rallies, and student government can be found in the school bulletin, on the marquee in front of the school, and on the school

website ( www.corvallisms.org)

ASB ELECTIONS

Anyone wishing to run for an ASB or class office must secure a petition from the A.S.B. Advisor. These petitions are to be filled out and returned by

specific deadlines. Candidates are asked to follow campaign guidelines issued with the petition.

I.D. CARD/ASB STICKER

Each school has been directed by the State of California to institute security measures on campus. One of those measures is that every study must carry their

I.D. cards with them at all times. Each student will have a picture taken for the I.D. card early in September. If you lose your I.D. card you must

purchase another one from the Finance Office for $3.00.

After school programs

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, students may attend our after school programs. Classes are offered to help students improve

reading, writing, and mathematics. Students may also stay for homework help, or to participate in extra activities such as cheerleading or

sports. A late bus leaves the campus at 4:10 p.m. on these designated days. Students who are not participating in organized after school

programs must leave the campus as soon as school is out and will not be permitted to ride the late bus home.

CAFETERIA/SNACK BAR

Corvallis Middle School’s cafeteria supplies a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, pastries, beverages, and at least one hot dish daily. Students are

responsible for making sure their leftovers and trash are placed in the trashcans provided in the cafeteria and around campus.

TEXTBOOKS

All students are issued textbooks for core educational classes. Any textbook returned will be credited to the student who was issued the textbook

originally. Students who return a textbook that was not issued to them will not receive credit for returning the book. An obligation will remain on the

student’s record until the correct book is returned. It is important that students keep careful track of all books issued to them.

LOST, DAMAGED, OR STOLEN TEXTBOOKS - Students should take care to keep their textbooks in a safe and secure place. Students who cannot

return lost or stolen textbooks will be required to pay for the textbook before a replacement textbook can be issued. Students with financial hardship should

see the principal. Students who damage or deface textbooks will be required to pay for the textbook. Students are responsible for replacing any textbook

issued to them that is returned damaged. It is the student’s responsibility to keep books in good condition and in a secure area to prevent other students

from damaging the textbook in any way. Textbooks damaged by graffiti will be confiscated and the student charged for the replacement of the book.

LOCKERS

Students in Physical Education are issued a P.E. locker. Students are not to keep valuables in their lockers and should not give their locker combination

out to another student. Corvallis Middle School is not responsible for articles stolen from lockers. The required lock is a MASTER COMBINATION

LOCK, available for purchase in the school office for $4.00. The law provides that if there is a reason to believe something is prohibitive, illegal, or

dangerous inside the locker, it may be searched. The student assigned to the locker will be held responsible for all items inside. Do Not Share a Locker.

FREE/REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM

Information regarding this program and application forms are sent directly to the student’s home during the summer. Applications must be renewed each

school year. Any student who did not receive an application in the mail may request one in the administration office during the school year.

STUDENT INSURANCE

Student accident insurance is optional. Forms for regular insurance and athletic insurance will be available at the beginning of the year in the Physical

Education department or the Administration Office.

CLOSED CAMPUS

In accordance with district policy, Corvallis is a closed campus. Students are not allowed off the campus during school hours for any reason.

CAMPUS SECURITY

Campus security and the safety of our students are a high priority. In addition to the administrators and counselor, the campus staff assists in

supervising the campus and school activities. Students can report vandalism or other school related problems to any staff member and the problem

will be forwarded to the appropriate school official.

VISITORS

All visitors must obtain a visitor's pass from the Administration Office. Parents are required to provide the office of any classroom visitation at

least 24 hours prior to the visit. Please call the front office at: (562) 868-2678 to make an appointment. Brothers, sisters, cousins or friends may not

accompany students to school.

TELEPHONES

Students are not allowed to use the telephones during class time. Cell phone use is prohibited on campus at all times. Students using cell phones

during school hours will have their phones confiscated. Students needing to use the phone during school hours due to illness or emergency may use the

phone in room 30.

BICYCLE SAFETY

It is the policy of the Board of Education to ensure the highest level of safety for students who ride bicycles to and from school. Students who ride

bicycles to school must wear a helmet to prevent head injuries. It is the responsibility of the student to lock his or her bike in the bicycle rack. It is at your

own risk. Neither the district nor school assumes any responsibility for the loss or damage of bicycles.

DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS

It is important that classroom interruptions be kept to a minimum. Please do not bring or send items to school, such as balloons, flowers, gifts, cakes, etc.

Any non-essential item may be kept in the Office to be picked up at the end of the school day to pick up the item.

STUDENT SERVICES

GUIDANCE SERVICES

Corvallis Middle School has a school Counselor. Students and parents can make appointments to meet with the counselor by visiting or calling the

school attendance office. Here some activities are planned and peer mediations are conducted. An open invitation goes out to any student who wants

to be involved in school activities or who needs a little help solving a problem to come to room 30.

STUDENT INFORMATION - Addresses and Telephone Numbers

Up-to-date and accurate student information is critical. Parents must notify the school office whenever there is a change of address or phone number for

the parent or student. This would include work address and phone number. Parents may request new emergency cards to fill out at any time during the

school year. These may be obtained in the school office. If your address has changed you must present proof of residence (utility bill, mortgage bill) along

with a valid I.D.

TUTORING

Students may find that they need some additional instruction in subject matters. Tutoring is available before and after school. See the counselor for the schedule.

WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

When transferring or withdrawing from school the parent/guardian must come to the school office and fill out an affidavit of school

withdrawal. All books must be returned to the office and any fines or obligations paid. The student's new school will request student

records.

GRADE REPORTS

Students' grades are reported at the Middle School level at the conclusion of each trimester. Additionally, progress reports will be sent to all students between

the 6th and 8th week of the first trimester and the 5th and 7th weeks of the second and third trimesters. The format of the progress report will be decided by

each individual teacher per Middle School Mid Trimester Progress Reports of the K-12 Guidelines for Grading.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS/EARLY CHECKOUT

All students must attend a full schedule of at least six, and up to seven, periods. Parents who want to check out students during the school day must go to

Room 30. All parents picking up students early must sign a student release form. This procedure is for the student’s protection. Students will not be released

to anyone not specified on the Emergency Card without your prior permission.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND ATTENDANCE

The school is a setting in which respect for rules and common decency is expected of all staff and students. Rules and regulations are established to maintain

a safe environment that is conducive to learning. All students are required to behave in a responsible and mature manner toward all members of the staff and

to one another at all times: in the classrooms, on school grounds, and at all school related activities. Students must recognize that proper rules of conduct

in classroom situations will vary from teacher to teacher; it is the responsibility of the students to adapt to these variations.

The teacher will exercise professional judgment regarding appropriate disciplinary measures in the classroom. If more extensive discipline is required,

the teacher may refer the student to the counselor or an administrator. The Discipline/Attendance Policy is a guide to be used by the school to ensure

acceptable student conduct at Corvallis Middle School. The following is an explanation of the most common forms of discipline:

DETENTION - Students may be assigned detention for a variety of infractions of school and or classroom rules. Detention will be held during nutrition,

lunch and/or after school

IN-HOUSE SUSPENSION - Students may be assigned in-house suspension for a full day or for a number of periods during the school day.

HOME SUSPENSION - Students assigned home suspension must remain under their parent or guardian’s supervision for the day. Students on

suspension may not be at school or in the community during school hours. Suspended students are not allowed on campus or at any school function.

JUVENILE CITATION PROGRAM – District policy allows students to be cited for certain infractions of school rules, Ed Code #5475.

The following outlines class and school infractions and consequences for these infractions. Disciplinary action is progressive and may vary based on

the severity of the incident and student disciplinary history. All disciplinary action for each of the classroom and/or school violations listed will be preceded

by a counseling/conference session with a teacher, counselor and/or administrator.

Suspendable Offenses

The following violations are suspendable offenses and are enforced at school and to and from school:

1. Causing, attempting to cause or threatening to cause physical injury to another person. This includes fighting or instigating a fight at school or on the way to or from school

2. Possession, use, or sale of intoxicating liquor on or near the school grounds

3. Stealing or extortion. Extortion is getting money or other goods by threats

4. Damaging, destroying, or defacing school or other property, including graffiti damage. (Markers

of any kind are not to be brought to school

5. Use or possession of tobacco on or near school grounds

6. The use of profane, vulgar, obscene, or degrading language, writing or pictures

7. Flagrant disobedience and/or defiance of school staff authority

8. Selling, buying, or using firecrackers, caps, bullets, or other such explosive devices, including matches and cigarette lighters

9. Hazing-defined as any act that disgraces any fellow student, this includes spanking on birthdays.

10. Truancy

11. Gambling on or near school grounds

12. Leaving the school grounds without permission

13. Beepers, phones, all electronic devices are not to be used during class time and should not be brought to school. Staff will not be spending time to locate or investigate if lost or stolen.

14. Pulling of a fire alarm with intent to cause havoc

15. *Possession, use, sale, or furnishing of knives, guns, or other weapons on the School grounds

16. *Use or possession or sale of dangerous drugs

17. *Sexual harassment

All violations of above rules could result in one or more of the following: in-house suspension, suspension,

citation, referral to district guidance committee for adjustment transfer or expulsion. If there is more than

one violation of BP 5495, a student will be recommended for expulsion.

*According to the Education Code and Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School Board Policy, the principal or superintendent may under certain circumstances,

by law, recommend a student’s expulsion for committing the acts in numbers 15, 16 and 17 of the above. Any student who is expelled by the School

Board cannot attend any school within the district during the period of the expulsion.

BREAKING SUSPENSION RULES

Students are considered in violation of suspension if they are on any campus, within sight of the school, or in attendance at any school-related activity

while under a suspension order. Students must be at home during school hours and cannot be on any school campus within the district.

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ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLY TO STUDENTS ON THE WAY TO OR FROM SCHOOL, WHILE ON CAMPUS, OR

WHILE ATTENDING SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.

ARSON

Any person who attempts to or sets fire to any building, locker, or property on campus is guilty of a felony.

BICYCLES ON CAMPUS

Bicycles are to be walked onto campus but may be ridden in the parking lots. Any violation of vehicle regulations will be treated as overt defiance.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY

Any student or group of students hitting, attacking, or participating in physical abuse on school personnel or students will be arrested.

CROWD CONTROL: Any student who runs to a fight or draws a crowd faces possible disciplinary action including suspension.

BUS RULES

Bus rules are made for one reason – student safety. If a bus driver must discipline a student, he or she is distracted from the safe operation of the bus.

Pupils transported in school buses are under the authority of the bus driver. Disorderly conduct or refusal to submit to the authority of the driver may result

in suspension or expulsion from bus transportation and further school discipline.

CELLULAR PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students may not use cellular phones on campus at any time. If a mobile communications device or other electronic or digital device rings or makes noise

during class time, is used for inappropriate activities, or in any other way causes disruption of school activities, the device will be confiscated. On the

first occasion, the phone will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day. On the second occasion, a parent must retrieve the phone from

the office. On the third occasion, the phone will not be returned until the end of the school year. Other electronic devices such as mp3 players, cameras,

video games, etc., are not allowed on campus. Please do not allow your student to bring these devices to school, as they pose a high theft risk, and the

school is not responsible for the recovery of prohibited items.

Students are responsible for their electronic or digital devices when bringing them to school. The School and District are not responsible and will

not investigate lost or stolen electronic or digital devices. (Board Policy 5412-Student Conduct)

CLASSROOM/CAMPUS MISCONDUCT

Any student who is disrespectful, insubordinate, defiant toward adult personnel, disorderly, or creates a disturbance is demonstrating poor behavior. NOTE:

A student is sent directly to the counselor or administrator for a major offense such as: fighting, threatening to fight, profanity, vandalism, or obscenity.

DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Displays of affection are inappropriate for students at Corvallis Middle School and not allowed at school.

FACE-TO-FACE CONFRONTATION

Verbal abuse, arguing, name-calling or other types of confrontational behavior are unacceptable and may lead to suspension. It is the responsibility of

the student to inform school administration of potential conflicts so that positive intervention can be implemented.

FOOD

Any student throwing food, ice, or water will be disciplined. Students may be held liable for the cost of the cleaning or repairing school property.

FIGHTING

Students who fight on campus are jeopardizing their opportunity to remain at Corvallis Middle School. Fighting on campus is an unacceptable way of

solving problems.

FIRECRACKERS AND EXPLOSIVES

Possession of explosive materials, firecrackers, cherry bombs, etc. is against State Law. These items are not permitted on the school campus or at any

school-sponsored events.

GRAFFITI - VANDALISM

The defacing or destruction of school, staff or student property will not be tolerated. Students who graffiti any surface of the campus will face disciplinary

action and will be held financially responsible for repairs and clean up. In addition, students in possession of any object that can be used for defacing school

or private property will face disciplinary action and may receive a citation from School Safety or Norwalk Public Safety. These items may include but are

not limited to: permanent markers, spray paint, or any sharp object that could be used to mark a surface.

Students may not use graffiti on their personal property. Student backpacks, notebooks, clothing and books must be free from graffiti or other defacing marks.

These items will be confiscated and the parent will be required to pick them up.

GAMBLING

Pitching coins, throwing dice, or any other kind of gambling will not be tolerated.

GROUPINGS OF STUDENTS

Students are prohibited from grouping in such a manner, or in such numbers, that the group creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

educational environment.

GUM

Chewing gum is prohibited on the campus.

HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS (Bullying)

No student may verbally abuse or harass another student, threaten another student with bodily injury, or engage in any gang type activity.

CITY OF NORWALK DAYTIME CURFEW LAW.

It is unlawful in the City of Norwalk, for a student under the age of 18 to be in a public place unsupervised between 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on days when

school is in session. Students will be cited with fines up to several hundred dollars.

LOITERING

Students are not permitted to loiter in front of the school or in restricted areas on campus. Students loitering will be cited for poor conduct.

OPEN AND OVERT DEFIANCE

Any student who persistently defies school rules and school authority will be considered defiant. Belligerence and hostility directed toward school authority

or personnel are defiant actions.

OBSCENE ACTS

Any student who uses obscene language, gestures or engages in obscene acts shall be cited for defiance.

PROFANITY

Use of vulgar and profane language will not be tolerated in any form.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Items that are prohibited on campus during school or at school sponsored events include but are not limited to the following: Cell phones must be switched

off and put away. Radios, headsets, tape players, CD players, beepers, lasers, cameras or any other electronic devices will be confiscated.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

School officials may search individual students and their property when there is a reasonable suspicion that the student is violating the law or the rule of

the school or district. The Board urges discretion, good judgment and common sense in all cases of search and seizure. Because lockers are under the

joint control of the student and the district, school officials have the right and ability to open and inspect any school locker without student permission when

they have reasonable suspicion the search will disclose evidence of illegal possession, or when odors, smoke, fire, and/or other threats to student health,

welfare or safety emanate from the locker. Notification of this policy will be posted throughout the secondary campuses.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT/ASSAULT

Any student who engages in the sexual harassment of anyone in or from the District may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including

expulsion. Engaging in sexual harassment acts can be verbal, gestures, and/or physical contact, that are severe or pervasive as to have a negative impact on

the student's academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Sexual assault as defined in Section 261, 266c, 286, 288,

288a, or 289 of the Penal Code or committed a sexual battery as defined in Section 243.4 of the Penal Code.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: POSSESSION, USE OR SALE ( Board Policy 5495)

First Offense - Recommendation for Transfer

On the first occasion of unlawful use, possession, (except possession for sale), or being under the influence of a controlled substance, alcohol, or

intoxicant of any kind, the student will be suspended and recommended for transfer to another school. Any incident that may constitute cause for transfer

shall be thoroughly investigated by the Principal or designee. In addition to the transfer, the receiving school/ program shall invoke additional

educational requirements such as counseling, enrollment in rehabilitation programs, or any other combination of activities appropriate to enhance the

success of the student.

Second Offense - Recommendation for Expulsion

On the second occasion of unlawful use or possession (except possession for sale), or being under the influence of a controlled substance, alcohol, or

intoxicant of any kind, the involved student will be recommended by the principal to the superintendent for expulsion from the school district.

USE OF TRAINED DOGS

In an effort to keep the schools free of drugs, the district uses specially trained non-aggressive dogs to alert staff to the presence of substances prohibited by

law or district policy. The dogs may sniff areas around lockers, vehicles within the student parking lots or at district-sponsored events as long as they are

not allowed to sniff any person.

A. These inspections shall be unannounced and made at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee.

B. Students and parents/guardians shall be informed of this policy at the beginning of each school year.

C. Dogs shall not be used in rooms occupied by persons except for demonstration purposes, with the handler present. When used for demonstration

purposes, the dog may not sniff the person of any individual and shall be well separated from the audience.

Only the dog’s official handler will determine what constitutes an alert by the dog. If the dog alerts on a particular item or place, the student having the use

of that place or responsibility for it shall be called to witness the search.

THEFT/EXTORTION

Any person who steals, extorts or possesses another’s property, without their permission, is guilty of theft.

TERRORISTIC THREATS

Any statement, whether written or oral, by a person who threatens to commit a crime, which will result in death or great injury to another person or property,

is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out.

TOBACCO

Any student using or in possession of tobacco, matches, or a lighter on school premises, within sight of the school, or at school‑sponsored events, shall

be subject to disciplinary action.

WEAPONS

When students are at school, traveling to and from school, or at any school-related activity, they are not to have any weapons, objects, or

instruments in their possession, which may cause bodily harm. Look-alike weapons are subject to the same disciplinary actions.

[E.C. 48900 (b), (m), and 48915 (c)]

A. Student conference

B. Sheriff Department contacted. Student arrested and Juvenile Citation issued

C. Parent contacted

D. Suspension

E. Referral to Local Guidance Committee

F. Referral to District Guidance Committee for expulsion.

ATTENDANCE

ABSENCES ‑ POLICY STATEMENT

Corvallis Middle School is committed to providing an atmosphere that is conducive to positive learning for all students. A major goal of the entire staff is to maintain this environment and to foster and nurture school pride and self‑discipline. An integral part of self‑discipline is maintaining good attendance habits.

Every absence affects a student's learning experience. Although a few absences each year for illness and school

business are unavoidable, the student should strive to be in class, on time, each day. Family vacations, during

school days, are considered parent violations and will be marked accordingly. Every effort should be made to

schedule medical and dental appointments and family vacations during non‑school hours. Communication from

school to home is important. Students and parents are advised of attendance procedures as follows:

A. Absences must be excused by a phone call or written note from the parent upon the student’s return from

the absence. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence, which may affect a student's participation grade

in some classes or eligibility for the next grading period in sports and activities.

B. Parents will receive a phone call via the Attendance Office when their child is absent. Attendance Office

phone number to report absences: (562) 868-3903. Absences must be cleared within three (3) days of the absence.

C. We also use an automated system that will notify parents of absences.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR ATTENDANCE INFRACTIONS - Truancies will not be tolerated. Verified truancies are

defined as absences without parent permission for either all or a portion of a given day.

A. Students who are truant will be given Saturday School.

B. Students who have four (4) or more verified incidents of truancy during the previous grading period may not

be eligible to participate in any co‑curricular and/or extracurricular activities.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR TARDINESS

A. Students who are excessively tardy from class will be assigned a detention.

B.

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Parents will be notified by phone or by letter.

C. Students who have negative attendance will be recommended to Local Guidance, SART and/or SARB.

CORVALLIS MIDDLE SCHOOL

UNIFORM/DRESS CODE

All students at Corvallis Middle School are required to wear the Corvallis uniform. This uniform consists of a burgundy polo shirt with

school logo, and navy blue khaki pants, shorts, skirts, or skorts such as Dockers or Dickies. No student shall wear articles of clothing,

jewelry, or accessories, which in the opinion of school administration, pose a threat to the physical well‑being and safety of the student or

others. The following items are prohibited on campus, school activities, and all athletic events.

A. Students shall not wear jackets, sweaters, outerwear or accessories related to unauthorized groups or gangs. Gang or group‑related apparel include but

are not limited to: bandanas, head bands, chains hanging from belt loops, dangling belts, insignia belts, gang markings, hair nets, jewelry with gang symbols,

or any clothing, backpacks, or notebooks which the sheriff or school consider gang related.

B. All tops must meet the top of the student’s pants, shorts, or skirt when hands are raised.

C. Pants with holes or tears located between the knee and the waist are not acceptable.

D. Clothing should be clean.

E. Pants or shorts are to fit properly and be worn at the waist (no sagging). Pants or shorts are not to be more than two inches larger than the waist size of

the student.

F. Pant legs should not touch the ground. Pants and shorts must be hemmed or cuffed with no split seams. (No fringe/fraying allowed)

G. No long shorts are allowed (the hem must be no more than one inch below the knee).

H. High knee socks or socks touching the bottom of the leg of shorts are not allowed.

I. Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. Flip-flops, shower shoes, and opened-toe sandals are not allowed.

J. Sunglasses are not to be worn indoors. (This includes wearing them on the top of the head.)

K. Students (regardless of gender) may only wear approved Corvallis Middle School hats, which are not altered in any way, while on campus. Hoods are not

to be worn. Hats are to be removed upon entering any room on campus. Bandanas and other material used for headgear are not to be worn on campus for

any reason.

L. Shirts shall not be excessively long or baggy. Shirts shall not exceed one shirt size in width (for example, a student that can wear a small should not

wear a shirt that is larger than a medium). Shirts shall not extend beyond the hips.