Letter from the Principal

Dear SEC Students and Parents,

Welcome to the Poteau 7^th and 8^th Grade Center. I am excited to work with parents and students in our community.

My goal and that of the SEC faculty and staff is to provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every student is valued and celebrated for their unique talents and abilities. It is our goal to build a bridge for students between the elementary and high school levels by providing foundation, building positive and meaningful relationships, and creating pathways to unique learning opportunities.

At the SEC we value communication.It is very important that we maintain communication in order for our students to be successful. Please contact your student's teachers via phone or email if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child.

The parent/student handbook has been designed to provide you with information about the school and to acquaint you with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures at the SEC. Take time to read through it with your child. If you have any questions and would like more detailed information regarding rules, regulations, policies, or procedures please feel free to call me.

I truly look forward to working with all of you as we provide the educational program for your children. My door is open or I am just a phone call away. I can't wait to share all the wonderful things that we are accomplishing at the SEC.

Sincerely,

Jennifer R. Lamb

7^th and 8^th Grade Center Principal

"Building Skilled Pirates"

Handbook Table of Contents

1. Student Welcome, Poteau Public Schools Philosophy, Note to Parents, Mission and Vision, Exit Outcomes ... pg. 5-6
2. Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silence, Student's Creed, School Spirit, Citizenship ..........pg. 7
3. Calendar and Daily Schedule pg. 8-9
4. General Rules for the Student Body
   1. Admission pg. 9
   2. Attendance pg. 9
   3. Absences pg. 9-10
   4. Tardies pg. 10-11
   5. Make-Up Work pg. 11
   6. Dress Code pg. 11-12
   7. Leaving School pg. 12
   8. Withdrawls pg. 12
   9. Use of Tobacco Products or Vapor Devices pg. 12
   10. Cell Phones / Electronic Devices pg. 12-13
   11. Other Devices and Unnecessary Distractions .......... pg. 13
   12. Bus Rider Rules pg. 13-14
   13. Illegal and Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Testing .......... pg. 14
5. Student Services
   1. Guidance pg.14
   2. Media Center / Library pg.14
6. Student Code / Student Behavior
   1. Zero Tolerance Policy /Suspicion of Student Impairment pg. 15
   2. Student Discipline pg. 15
   3. Public Display of Affection pg. 15
   4. School Rules and Laws pg. 15
   5. Fighting pg. 16
   6. Teacher Disciplinary Method pg. 16
   7. Principal Disciplinary Method pg. 16
   8. Alternative Discipline Center pg. 16-17
   9. Saturday School pg. 17
   10. Suspensions ....... pg. 17-18
   11. Discipline Form pg. 18-19
7. General School Information
   1. Cafeteria pg. 20
   2. Office Phone pg. 20
   3. Visitors and Deliveries pg. 20
   4. Insurance pg. 20
   5. Medicine at School pg. 20
   6. Emergency Drills pg. 20
   7. Camera Surveillance Video pg. 21
8. Student Activities
   1. Academic Contest and Competitive Events, Extracurricular Activities pg. 21
   2. Scholastic Eligibility Rules pg. 21
   3. Student Council pg. 21-22
   4. The National Junior Honor Society ..........pg. 22-23
   5. Oklahoma Junior Honor Society pg. 23
   6. The Superintendent's Honor Roll .. pg. 23
   7. The Principal's Honor Roll pg. 23
   8. Honor Awards pg. 23
   9. Student Clubs and Organizations Sponsors.. pg. 23
9. Academic Information and Requirements
   1. Academic Curriculum pg. 23-24
   2. Schedule Changes ..........pg. 24
   3. Class Preparation pg. 24
   4. Homework ..........pg. 24
   5. Grading System ...pg. 24-25
   6. Reports to Parents ..... pg. 25
   7. Promotion / Retention pg. 25
   8. Credit by Examination pg. 25
   9. Oklahoma School Testing Program pg. 25
10. General Guidelines
    1. Entering the Building pg. 25-26
    2. Vehicles .......... pg. 26
    3. Non-School Items pg. 26
    4. Gum, Food, and Candy pg. 26
    5. Lost and Found pg. 26
    6. Visitors pg. 26
    7. School and Work pg. 26
    8. Change of Address and Telephone pg. 26
    9. Textbooks ...... pg. 26
    10. Chromebooks and Cases pg. 26
    11. Search of Students pg. 26
    12. Backpacks, Duffel Bags, Purses/Handbags, Drawstring Bags pg. 27
    13. Care of School Property pg. 27
    14. Statement of Non-Discrimination pg. 27
    15. Safety - Hazardous Substances Statement pg. 27
    16. Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) .......... pg. 27
    17. Corporal Punishment pg. 27
    18. Bullying .......... pg 28-31
    19. Grievance Procedure for Filing and Resolving Alleged Discriminatioin Complaints (Student, Patrons, and Employees) .......... pg. 31-33
11. Parents Right to Know ...... pg. 33-34

Student Welcome, Note to Parents, Mission Statement

STUDENTS

Welcome to Poteau 7^th and 8^th grade center. Whether this is your first year or you are a returning student, we hope to make this coming year productive and rewarding. To help us attain this goal, you need to begin this school year planning to do the best you can to succeed.

The 7^th and 8^th grade center is the bridge between middle school and senior high school. While here, you will reinforce your basic knowledge, and skills; explore a variety of interest areas to broaden your education; expand your present knowledge base; and gain direction through a strong guidance program.

Education is a partnership between educators and students. As teachers and administrators, we agree to provide the opportunity for you to improve your abilities. It is your responsibility to become an active learner. The 7^th and 8^th grade center faculty and administrators challenge you to increase your knowledge, to improve your skills, and to become active in every phase of your education.

To help you better understand our school, this handbook of general information has been prepared. You should become familiar with this information to gain a better understanding of the expectations for all students. A copy of the handbook will be available online and will be given to any student who requests a written copy. It would be beneficial for the students to get a calendar or notebook to keep a list of daily assignments and activities.

PHILOSOPHY OF POTEAU SCHOOLS

The purpose of the Poteau School System is to provide guidance and instruction so each student will become a contributing, self-supporting member of an ever-changing democratic society by attaining the following attributes: an awareness of potentialities, as well as limitations; an acceptance of self; confidence in his/her own feelings; an acceptance of society; the capability to adapt to both individual needs and the needs of associates; a self sufficiency vocationally and as a consumer; literacy; and capability to advance academic, vocational, and cultural interests.

Ideally, the school climate will provide an environment in which faculty and students can experience mutual acceptance, respect, appreciation, and trust. Teachers and administrators should consider themselves coworkers, supporting each other as they strive to fulfill the educational objectives of the school in an atmosphere that recognizes the rights and dignity of each individual. Considering the maturity of the individual student and the nature of the educational process, the school will provide practice in democratic principles, emphasizing these rights, as well as individual responsibility. Such an atmosphere is possible when the student needs are central to every decision or activity in the school. Keeping these individual needs in perspective and with the ultimate goal of student education, the school is flexible enough to utilize new ideas and traditional methods to promote the best learning situation possible for the subject matter and individuals being taught; recognizing that processes to develop the elements of rational thought should be used in every part of the curriculum. At the same time, the teacher is viewed as an organizer of learning activities, a motivator, a resource person who attempts to provide the opportunity for each student to develop his unique abilities and interests at his own rate, and a utilizer of the best available instructional methods meaningful to the student. The faculty believes that all children can learn and develops education programs based on that belief.

Because, in a world of change, the most important content is "learning to learn," learning to think must also be included as a vital part of the curriculum. The basic skills (thinking, reading, writing, listening, and arithmetic) are among the priorities as content in the school. Other important aspects of the school content include an exploration of the fine arts, socialization skills, understanding of self, responsible conduct, understanding and appreciating the world in which