Sandcreek Middle School
2955 Owen
Ammon, ID 83406
Main School Phone: (208) 525-4416
Fax: (208) 525-4438
Mr. Kent Patterson, Principal
Mr. Brody Birch, Assistant Principal
Deputy Aron Powell, School Resource Officer
Mrs. LaDawn Moad, School Secretary
Mrs. Shelli McBride, Attendance Secretary
Mrs. Carol Blatter, 7th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Danielle Malan, 8th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Melissa Smith, Counseling Secretary
Mrs. Chelsea Paskett, Bookkeeper
This Course Description Handbook is not meant to be a contract between the District and students and may be amended at any time. It is a place to explain certain information and policies, as well as describe the content of courses that may be offered at Sandcreek Middle School.
Course Description Handbook
This handbook will be helpful in understanding the required courses for 7th and 8th grade students.
This handbook also includes information about elective courses that are available for each grade level.
Redefining Excellence
Mission: Designing Success for Every Student
Vision: Using the Pyramid of Student Success we want every learner to feel safe, cared for and connected, while developing confident learners who think critically, read thoughtfully, write effectively, and share talents fearlessly.
Student Creed:
Student Expectations
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Restroom Locker Room |
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Office |
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Important Middle School Policies
The Middle School Task Force was created in May 2007 to examine middle school issues in relationship to the Idaho High School Redesign efforts. The goals of the task force were to ensure all students are prepared to be successful in high school through increased academic achievement, a relevant and rigorous curriculum, and student accountability. Through the work of this committee, the 2010 Idaho state Legislature established a state law that requires each district implement a credit system beginning no later than 7th grade. In order to comply with state law, the Bonneville School Board adopted the following policy on March 10, 2010.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CREDIT
Moving ahead to the next grade level and/or high school is not automatic and must be earned through successful completion of the District’s middle school program. Therefore, middle school students shall be required to demonstrate competence in all subject areas prior to transitioning to the next grade and/or high school. Regular attendance is also required. Any student not meeting competency and/or attendance standards will be required to follow an improvement plan and/or strategic interventions designed to prepare him/her for success at the next level of study.
GUIDELINES
DEFINITIONS
District Review Board: A committee established at the District level to hear appeals for decisions made by the school-based Credit Committee.
School-based Credit Committee: A committee established at the middle school level to determine whether a student has successfully demonstrated competency and/or attendance standards through alternative methods.
Middle School Education Plan
This worksheet will help parents and students prepare a plan for Middle School. Students should use these tables to create a schedule that is meaningful for their future and assure completion of required classes.
Advisory. Relationship building between student and teacher is an important part of this class. Students will have an opportunity to catch up on missing work, work with their advisory teacher on failing grades or participate in activities during this time.
7th Grade Students | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
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Language Arts 7 | X | X | X |
Pre-Algebra 7 OR Pre-Algebra 7/8 (Teacher recommendation and state testing scores) | X | X | X |
World History 7 | X | X | X |
Life Science 7 | X | X | X |
Elective (First) - P.E. is required as one of the electives during one of the trimesters. | |||
Elective (Second) - P.E. is required as one of the electives during one of the trimesters. |
8th Grade Students | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
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Language Arts 8 | X | X | X |
Pre-Algebra 8 OR Algebra I (pre-req of Pre-algebra) | X | X | X |
World History 8 | X | X | X |
Earth Science 8 | X | X | X |
Elective (First) - Teen Wellness is required as one of the electives during one of the trimesters. | |||
Elective (Second) - Teen Wellness is required as one of the electives during one of the trimesters. |
Advanced Opportunities
The Idaho State Department of Education offers Advanced Opportunities programs to help high school students get a jump on college. Advanced Opportunities provide state aid for students to accelerate through their K-12 education and provide support to earn college credit in high school. There are two parts to the program: 1) FAST FORWARD Program and 2) Early Graduation Scholarship.
This program is designed to help Idaho students earn eight years of credit in six years (4-high school; 2-college). Students in grades 7-12 can be reimbursed for high school overload courses. Students in this program will have opportunities to qualify for the Early Graduation scholarship. The FAST FORWARD Program provides every student attending an Idaho public school an allocation of $4,125.00 to use towards Advanced Opportunities in grades 7-12. The program was expanded by the Legislature in 2016 through the passing of House Bill 458. The fund can be used for:
Fast Forward Program
Dual Credit/College Courses offered at Bonneville Online High School during the summer will have an additional $100 course fee.
For more information, go to: Bonneville Online High School
GETTING STARTED
Step 1: - Sign the FAST FORWARD Form
Students and their parents/guardians must sign the FAST FORWARD Participation Form and turn it in to their counselor or Advanced Opportunities Coordinator in order to take advantage of the program. Signing the form indicates students/parents and/or guardians understand how the program works.
Step 2: - Create Your Account
Create an account with the Idaho Department of Education. Go to Bonneville Online website and look for the link to Advanced Opportunities Portal.
Step 3: - Meet with Your Counselor
Middle school or high school counselors can help students create or review their 4, 5, or 6-year learning plan, which helps students prepare for the future. Reviewing options and intentionally selecting classes is a critical part of making sure students get the most out of the $4,125, available through the FAST FORWARD program.
Step 4: - Register for Classes, Exams, CTS Certifications
Students must sign up for courses, college credits, exams or certification tests during the first few weeks of each trimester. Registration dates vary by each university/college granting a college credit.
Step 5: - Apply for your Money
Once students have registered for the courses at the university/college they must apply for Advanced Opportunities money to pay for the credits, tests, etc. To do that, students log into their Advanced Opportunities Account and complete a course or exam application.
Schedule Change
Important: Please read carefully
When students register, it is very important that they are thoughtful in their choices of electives. Student requests dictate how many sections and what types of electives are offered. If a student selects an elective and then wants to attend a different elective class after the master schedule has been populated, their request often cannot be honored, due to limited space in classes. Also note, that PowerSchool does not distinguish between elective and alternative elective choices. If you do not wish to take a certain elective, please do not choose it as an alternative.
Schedule changes will be made when a student is enrolled in a class they have already taken or enrolled in a class they do not have the prerequisite for or if there is a gap/hole in the student’s schedule.
If a parent has a desire for their student to be moved from one teacher to another teacher, a meeting must occur. This meeting will include the parent, student, teacher, and a school representative (either a counselor or an administrator). This may result in an entire team change.
Student Information
(The following information is subject to Board policy updates)
Abuse of School Property: Any stealing, unauthorized selling, destroying, or defacing of Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 property whether the actions take place on any school premises or at any school sponsored activities, regardless of location, is prohibited (See Abuse of School Property policy #3325).
Activity Cards: Students may purchase an activity card that will allow them admission to all middle school athletic events and discounts on high school activities. Students who do not purchase an activity card must pay full price for admission to athletic events and other school activities. Students who participate on the school athletic teams are required to purchase an activity card.
Alcohol and Drug Offenses: Use, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs by a student on any school premises or at any school-sponsored activity, regardless of location is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to buildings, facilities, and grounds on the school campus, school buses, school parking areas; and the location of any school sponsored activity. It also includes instances in which the conduct occurs off the school premises but affects a school related activity. Drug and alcohol offenses will be dealt with as outlined in the following District policies: Substance and Alcohol Abuse #3320, Searches and Seizure #3370, Suspension from Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities #3389, Extra- and Co-Curricular Chemical Use #3390, and Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing #3401. Copies of these policies are available on the District website at https://www.d93schools.org/. If you would like more information regarding these policies, please contact your school counselor or principal.
Athletics: The athletic program includes interscholastic competition for boys and girls as follows:
Athletic Eligibility: In order to participate in the interscholastic athletic program, a student must maintain scholastic eligibility, have parent permission, a current physical examination, and student accident insurance, meet the residency requirement, maintain a 2.0 GPA, comply with the attendance policy and pay the athletic fee. The current state requirement for scholastic eligibility is to pass five (5) subjects the previous trimester and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Each head coach will specify the requirements for awards. Student athletes are also bound by the requirements of District policy #3385 Extracurricular Athletic Participation and policy #3387 Extracurricular Activities Code of Conduct.
Attendance: Policy #3050 Attendances stipulate that a student is accountable for all absences and may not be given credit in a class if he/she is not in attendance at least 90% of the time.
If a student leaves school for any reason during the school day, he/she must have written permission from a parent or guardian. If the student returns to school before the end of the day, he/she must sign in at the attendance office and obtain a pass to return to class. As outlined in the Attendance Procedures #3050P1, parents or guardians must notify the appropriate school official when a student is absent from school. Administrators or designees will notify parents or legal guardians regarding their student’s attendance status.
BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT: Chromebooks, text books or other instructional material, uniforms, athletic equipment, or other personal property of the District is issued to students for their use while involved in a class or activity. It is the student's responsibility to return these items at the end of the class or activity. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn from school have the responsibility to return school property. Leaving books or equipment in a locker or some other place in the school building does not constitute returning school property. Students will be fined for lost or damaged items or District property that is not returned (See policies #3435 Payment of Fees and Returning Property and #3440 Student Fees, Fines and Charges/Return of Property).
BULLYING, HAZING, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, MENACING: Bullying, hazing, intimidating, menacing, or harassing another individual, by any District student, employee, or visitor while on any school premises or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of location is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
BUS TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL: Riding a school bus is not an undeniable right. It is a privilege that each rider is responsible for retaining by maintaining appropriate behavior while loading, riding, and unloading a school transportation vehicle.
BUS TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Transportation for school-sponsored activities will be provided by the Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 Transportation Department as deemed necessary by the building administrator or designee. Students will be required to ride District transportation to and from scheduled events unless other arrangements are approved by the building administrator or designee (See Student Travel to and from Extracurricular or Co-Curricular Activity policy #3405).
CAFETERIA: Breakfast and lunch are served everyday school is in session.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES: greater learning opportunities and establish higher-quality relationships between students and others, our school’s electronics policy is as follows. We recognize that cell phones and other electronic devices have become a common tool for communication. However, they have also become a major distraction to the learning environment, are vulnerable to theft, and can create major problems, both socially and physically, for students. Pursuant to School Board Policy #3265, instead of students carrying their cell phones with them during the day, we are encouraging cell phones to remain at home or if brought to school, students are required to leave them in their lockers, turned off or on silent during the entire school day. Unauthorized use of electronic devices will result in the device being taken to the office and returned at the end of the school day to either the child (if the first time) or a parent (if multiple incidents). Knowing of the potential inconveniences to this, we will be ensuring that messages are delivered promptly to students. To get in touch with your child, please call the school at (208) 525-4416. Students are personally responsible for the devices they bring to school. The District is not responsible for any loss, theft, or destruction that may occur (See Electronic Communications Devices #3265).
Consequences for inappropriate use of cellular phones and other electronic devices
First violation: The student’s device is confiscated and taken to the office. The student may pick the device up from the office at the end of the school day.
Second violation: The student’s device is confiscated and taken to the office. The student’s parent/guardian may pick the phone up at their earliest convenience.
Third violation: The student’s device is confiscated and taken to the office. The student’s parents may pick the device up at their earliest convenience.
Fourth violation: The student’s device is confiscated and taken to the office. The student will be required to check the phone in at the office upon arrival to school and check it out from the office at the end of the day.
CHEATING: Cheating in any form or manner on any Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 school premises or at any school-sponsored activity, regardless of location, is prohibited (See Cheating policy #3339). Plagiarism is considered cheating and is defined as submitting or presenting someone else’s work as if it is your own work.
Most commonly, plagiarism exists when:
CLOSED CAMPUS: During the school day, students are to remain on the school grounds. Students are not to leave the immediate campus during break.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS: Students are encouraged to participate in the available clubs and organizations at their school. Student clubs are allowed equal access and fair opportunity to organize and to meet on school premises during the times established for such meetings. No groups or meetings will be approved that are unlawful or which abridge the constitutional rights of any person (See Student Organizations and Clubs policy #3382).
COUNSELORS: School counselors help students through individual counseling, classroom presentations, and work with special groups to help develop appropriate social skills, encourage career exploration, and emphasize academic excellence. Counselors also provide information regarding course selection.
COMPUTER AND NETWORK AGREEMENT: District 93 Net (D93Net) is a computer network service provided by Bonneville Joint School District #93. This system is provided to enhance the educational opportunities for students. In order to receive access to this system, each student will be required to read, agree to, and sign the Signature Page #3270F form, online.
DETENTION: For minor infractions of school rules or regulations, or for minor misconduct, teachers may detain students in school, before school, or after school. (See Student Detention policy #3350).
DISTRIBUTION OF NON SCHOOL-SPONSORED MATERIAL ON SCHOOL PREMISES: Individuals in the Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 have the right to express themselves on District property. This includes the right to distribute non-school sponsored material at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner that does not cause a material or substantial disruption of the normal school activity or interfere with the educational objectives and responsibilities of the District. The principal or designee has the authority to regulate on-campus distribution of non-school sponsored publications subject to reasonable time, place, and manner.
DRESS CODE: During the school day, hats, caps, headbands, and hoodies should not be worn. Students must be neat and clean in appearance and modestly dressed. If a student’s appearance detracts from the learning atmosphere of the school, he/she will be asked to leave school until the problem is resolved.
The following attire is not appropriate:
Students should follow dress and grooming standards established by school authorities for participating in school activities (Students Rights And Responsibilities, pages 10 and 11).
DUAL ENROLLMENT: Before entering a program or activity, a nonpublic or charter school student must complete registration and gain admission to a school in the District. Parents/guardians are required to provide the school with the following:
Students who wish to dual enroll for participation in interscholastic or nonacademic activities must also complete registration and admission procedures (See Dual Enrollment policy #3030).
EMERGENCY CLOSING: If school is going to be closed because of severe weather conditions, the announcement of the closure will be on local radio and television stations and through the district mobile text notification System. Parents should listen to those stations or watch for a mobile text message and should not call the school for information (See School Closure policy #3570).
EQUAL EDUCATION, NONDISCRIMINATION AND SEX EQUITY: Equal educational opportunities are available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, ethnicity, language barrier, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, economic or social conditions, or actual or potential marital or parental status or status as a homeless child (See Equal Education, Nondiscrimination, and Sex Equity policy #3280).
FACILITY USE: All arrangements for the use of school facilities must be done in advance pursuant to the Student Clubs and Organizations policy #3382 or the Facility Rental and Fee Schedule policy #9610.
FEES, FINES, PAYMENT, RETURN OF PROPERTY: A student may be charged a reasonable fee for any course or activity not reasonably related to a recognized academic and educational goal of the District or any course or activity held outside normal school functions. The fee may be waived in cases of financial hardship.
FIRE DRILLS: Fire drills will be conducted at least once a month. Evacuation and/or lock down drills will also be conducted. All students are required to participate in these drills.
GRADING AND PROGRESS REPORTS: Pursuant to policy #2620 Grading and Progress Reports, students’ progress and achievement is reported on the basis of the letter grades: A = Superior; B = Above Average, Good; C = Average; D = Below Average, Poor; F = Failure; U = Unsatisfactory or I = Incomplete. . Students should be aware that if they are not doing well academically they should check with their teacher.
HOMEWORK: Students are expected to complete all assignments and meet deadline dates (See Make-up Work policy #2635).
INSURANCE: The District only carries legal liability insurance and does not provide insurance to pay for medical expenses when a student is injured at school.
LOCKERS: Student lockers are the property of the Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 and are provided for the convenience of students.
MAKE-UP WORK: Make-up Work is allowed for students who have excused absences, in-house detention, or temporary suspensions when such suspension is not related to an academic performance requirement.
MEDIA CENTER: Many services are provided by the media center. Teachers and students can access books, magazines, and newspapers in both print and on-line resources. Some reference items and magazines may only be available for overnight circulation. When in the media center, students are encouraged to ask the staff for assistance. They will make every effort to help locate information.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL: Medical treatment, which consists of dispensing medication, is the responsibility of the parent or guardian and the family physician or dentist and should rarely be given by school personnel. Parents or guardians and physicians or dentists are encouraged to work out a schedule for giving medication outside of school hours. On those rare occasions when it is deemed necessary that medication must be administered during school hours, school personnel may administer the medication.
NAMES AND NAME CHANGES: It is important that students use their full legal name on permanent records. In the event your name is changed while you are a student, be sure to contact the Registrar's Office to make these changes correctly (See Use of Student’s Legal Name policy #3601).
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: The District will provide a free appropriate education to any student who is eligible to receive regular or special education or related aids or services, regardless of the nature or severity of the condition necessitating such programs or services. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, students in need of special services or programs will be identified and evaluated in order that the required free appropriate education may be offered. A student may be qualified for services under Section 504, even though he/she is not eligible for services pursuant to the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Due process rights of students with disabilities and their parents under Section 504 and IDEA will be enforced (See Section 504 Students policy #2411, Section 504 Hearing policy #3212, and Special Education Handbook policy #2410).
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES: Parents are encouraged to call and request conferences with any school personnel at any time of the year. Formal parent conferences are held on two days each fall, one day in the Winter, and one day in the Spring. These may coincide with the issuing of report cards and have been adopted as a means of reporting student progress to parents (See Parent Teacher Conferences policy #2655).
PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is considered cheating and is defined as submitting or presenting someone else’s work as if it is your own work. Most commonly, plagiarism exists when:
POSTERS: Posters may be displayed in the school building with the permission of the District.
POWERSCHOOL: Parents or guardians and students can view secure student information online, including real-time attendance information, grades, detailed assignment descriptions, and personal messages from the teacher, grade history, attendance history, and school bulletins.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOR: Students on any school premises or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of location, are expected to obey District officials, protect property, maintain order and decorum, avoid excessive physical contact, fighting, and public displays of affection and conduct themselves in a positive manner (See Student Conduct policy #3285).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/NATIONAL ANTHEM: The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag or the national anthem will be offered in every classroom at the beginning of each school day. Students are requested to stand in one place, remove hats, and remain silent when the National Anthem is played or the Pledge given. No student will be compelled, against his/her objections or those of the student’s parent or guardian to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or to sing the national anthem (See Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem policy #2185).
REFUSAL TO IDENTIFY ONESELF: Any student is required to give his/her name to any school affiliated adult who requests that he/she do so while in the school, on school property, at school sponsored functions, or on the school bus. This means that if a teacher, secretary, clerk, aide, counselor, student teacher, cafeteria worker, bus driver, maintenance person, janitor, or administrator asks a student for his/her name, the student must state it. A student who refuses to give his name is considered insubordinate.
REGISTRATION: Registration for all trimesters of a school year takes place during the previous spring. Students should select classes carefully. Changes will be made in schedules only if a class has been canceled or there are scheduling conflicts. All students must fully complete the registration process before they are considered enrolled.
REPORT CARDS: Report cards are issued three times per year, at the end of each trimester.
RIGHT TO PRIVACY: The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 allows parents the right to refuse to permit disclosure of the following information in any form of directory or lists of students. Such information includes the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degree and awards received, the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student, and other similar information such as an honor roll listing. If this information is not to be released, parents should complete an Opt-Out-Form #3600F2 that is available online or from the school registrar.
SALES: The only items that may be sold in the school are those, which are sponsored by a school organization and are authorized by the administration. Students may not sell items in the school either for their own benefit or for an out of school organization.
SCHOOL SAFETY:
SMOKING: Smoking, vaping or any use of nicotine infused products is prohibited in all buildings and on all property owned or leased by the District (See Smoking on School Property policy #4350). Students may not use or have cigarettes, vape juice or oils, or chewing tobacco in their possession while on the school grounds or at school activities and will receive an automatic court referral if they are found to be in violation. (Code of Student Conduct page 12). School officials must refer students under 18 to law enforcement who are using or are in the possession of tobacco in any public place (Idaho Code § 39-5703).
SPECIAL SERVICES: Classes will be provided to students with learning and educational difficulties that have been identified through an Individual Education Program (IEP) Team process. NO OTHER students may be assigned to these classes.
SUSPENSION: Suspensions, for a temporary period of time not to exceed five (5) school days, will be imposed by the building principal for instances of serious student misconduct that is not in compliance with District policy or procedure, is disruptive to the educational process, or infringes upon the rights, property, health, or safety of others. The Superintendent may extend the suspension an additional ten (10) school days. In the event the Board of Trustees determines that it would be detrimental to other students' health, welfare, or safety for a suspended student to return to school, the Board may extend the temporary suspension for an additional five (5) school days. Days absent due to suspension from school will be counted as part of the days missed before losing credit for a course and make-up work will not be allowed for credit. A student will not be permitted at school activities, in, or around school buildings during a suspension (See Student Suspension policy #3355).
TARDINESS: Attendance and promptness are important to the achievement of students and to successful teaching. When students are tardy, their mastery of knowledge and skills is hampered. Individual Teams monitor consequences for tardies.
TESTING PROGRAMS: Students with a documented disability may be permitted to test with appropriate accommodations.
TEXTBOOKS: Students who lose or damage a book while it is checked out to them will have the expense of replacing the textbook.
TRANSFERS: School District policy #3010 Open Enrollment governs student transfers within the District as well as from outside the District. A brief description of the policy is listed below, but does not cover all aspects. For complete information regarding the policy, please check the District website at https://www.d93schools.org/ or contact your counselor or school principal.
TRUANCY: Truancy is considered any absence from class without knowledge and permission of the student’s parent and/or school authorities; leaving school without permission, after reporting to school; leaving class without permission; or absences, with approval of parents, which are excessive and/or interfere with the student's educational program. Consequences for truancy are outlined in the Attendance policy #3050 and Idaho Code §§ 33-207 and 33-207.
VISITORS: Students from other schools are not permitted to visit Bonneville District students during school hours. If a student is thinking about attending one of the schools and would like to visit the campus, they are welcome if arrangements have been made with the administration and a parent accompanies them.
WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL: Students who are transferring to another school or who are withdrawing from school must obtain a check out sheet which must be completed by the office and signed by the parent of the student. Any student who does not formally withdraw from school will not be readmitted until a hearing is held with the student's parents and the principal or designee.
Handbooks