School Hours and Attendance
Regular,
timely attendance is important for developing a responsible citizen and
an involved active learner. Many of the hands-on classroom activities
enrich curriculum concepts and develop teamwork and a sense of
belonging.
School Hours: The
school day begins at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 1:55 p.m. Students should
arrive by 7:35 a.m. at which time an outside bell rings for students to
enter the building. The cafeteria is open for breakfast beginning at
7:00 a.m. Should students remain after school for academic and athletic
programs or for extra help or detention, late buses depart at 3:30 for
those students who normally ride the school bus or CATA bus.
Tardiness:
Students arriving to school after 7:40 must sign in at the office
in order to receive a tardy slip that will admit them to class. Parents
may be requested to sign in their child if tardiness becomes excessive.
Students who are tardy or absent can be excluded from school activities
for that day or for the weekend if on a Friday.
Absence: We
count on the parent/guardian to phone the school on the day of the
absence and follow up with a note explaining the absence upon returning
to school. The school does make an effort to contact parents of absent
students on a regular basis using an automated calling system. Students
who are tardy or absent can be excluded from school activities for that
day or for the weekend if on a Friday.
The school department does not condone families scheduling vacation while school is in session.
When
it becomes apparent that a student will be absent from school for an
extended period of time, parents should contact the guidance counselor
immediately to request homework assignments and/or make-up work. The
guidance counselor will make appropriate arrangements to have work
provided for the student. In a case where a student will be unable to
attend school for an excessively long period of time, parents may
request that tutorial services be provided.
When
a child has excessive absences parents will be notified of the school's
concern. When we feel these absences are affecting academic success, a
petition for a C.H.I.N.S. will be seriously considered.
Early Dismissal: Students
will be dismissed early either as a result of a parental note having
been brought to the homeroom teacher or by a phone call from the
parent/guardian during the school day. At the time of dismissal, the
student must meet the parent/guardian in the Main Office and officially
sign out. If anyone other than the parent/guardian is picking the
student up, this must be clearly stipulated by the parent beforehand.
Medical Two full
time registered nurses are available to monitor immunizations,
administer first aid and dispense medications. Students may not keep
medicine on their person or in their lockers. All medications must be
delivered to the Nurses' Office by a parent or guardian in a
pharmacy-labeled container, accompanied by a parental note indicating
the dosage, schedule for administration and the reason. Long-term daily
medications must be refilled on schedule.
In
case of illness or injury during school hours, effected students should
report to the nurses with a note from their teacher. Permission to
leave school due to illness or injury can be obtained from the nurses
only after the parent or designated emergency person has been contacted.
Parents or a designated person must pick students up in the Nurses'
Office.
Transportaion
The
Gloucester Public Schools provide bus transportation for students who
live more than 1.5 miles from school free for grade 6 students and with a
fee for grades 7 and 8. Students needing to ride a bus other than their
assigned bus must have a note or telephone call from their
parent/guardian and must see an administrator for approval. If there are
questions regarding transportation please call the transportation
manager at (978) 282-3001.
CATA also
provides bus service for a fee for those students living within the 1.5
mile range. You may call (978) 283-7196 for more information.
Parents
are requested to drop off and pick students up at the rink parking lot
between 7:20 and 7:30 in order to facilitate a timely and safe movement
of traffic and students. In the afternoon, students should also be
picked up in the rink parking lot to avoid interfering with the buses.
Lockers
Each
student is assigned a hall locker and is expected to keep them in clean
and usable condition. If there is reason to suspect that stolen
property or illegal materials are contained within a student's locker,
school personnel reserve the right to search lockers at any time.
Backpacks must be kept in lockers during the day.
Fire Drills/Emergency Response Drills
Regulations
require that a fire drill be held periodically during the school year.
Each exit in the school is clearly indicated. The exit to be used is
clearly indicated in each classroom. The sound of the fire alarm is the
signal to leave the building immediately by the designated exit.
Students are expected to exit in an orderly manner and follow their
teachers to the prearranged area outside the building where they should
line up for the purpose of attendance. Lock downs,
building evacuations, and other emergency response drills are also
conducted periodically in accordance with district procedures.
Co-Curricular Activities
Co-Curricular Activities: Drama, Yearbook, Band, Jazz Band, Student Council, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Basketball, Track & Field.
Code of Conduct
The
O'Maley Innovation Middle School community strives to create a safe, nurturing
environment that is personal, encourages active learning, embraces
diversity, and promotes personal and social responsibility. We are
committed to a tone of decency (mutual respect and responsibilities) and to high expectations
for student performance. We believe that everything a school does
should be directed toward the education of its students to the maximum
extent possible. Every situation, even a disciplinary one, is used to
deepen understanding and apply knowledge. There must
be certain expectations for all individuals in order for a community to
grow and succeed. Our goal at O'Maley Innovation Middle School is to develop
students who are self-disciplined and are able to make good judgements
about their behavior. Our expectations for behavior center around the
right for all to enjoy an orderly atmosphere conducive to learning. Most
of the guidelines for behavior will come from your teachers. Together,
you will discuss norms for behavior so that a clear understanding
develops. The faculty and staff will support you and help you to develop
a broad sense of responsibility toward the school community.
show courtesy and respect towards others use acceptable language at all times, free of name calling, insults, or profanity settle differences without put-downs, threats, bullying, or fights ask staff for help as needed for conflict resolution interact with each other safely without pushing or roughness keep the school clean and free of litter share equipment and demonstrate good manners take care of school grounds, property, and equipment
come to school and class on time and be prepared to learn and think listen, follow directions, participate and cooperate walk in a safe and orderly manner in school buildings use skateboards, in-line skates and bikes only at a safe distance from others outside the building, parking areas and driveway leave
at home toys, games, gum, radios, CD players, laser pens, pages, and
any electronic devices that distract from learning--cell phones are
permitted but are expected to be put away and remain off during the
entire school day dress appropriately for a learning environment value honesty: cheating, lying and forgery undermine learning
Consequences for Poor Choices: Student
who fail to meet O'Maley's positive behavior expectations will face
certain logical consequences. Due process is followed to ensure fairness
and help teach citizenship in a free and open democratic society. If a
student misbehaves, appropriate consequences may include:
Exceptions
to policy: As indicated or modified by the laws governing Chapter 766
(Special Education) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
Smoking and smoking material: In
accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 37H, the O'Maley Innovation Middle
School, including school grounds, is a tobacco-free environment. The
school is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable, productive
environment for students and staff. Possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons: All
are illegal on school property and governed by M.G.L. Chapter 71,
Section 37H and 37H 1/2. Activities involving these may lead to
suspension, expulsion, and/or police action. All discipline incidents and consequences are confidentially documented.
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