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Uniforms | Discipline | Academics | Printable M.S. Handbook
The middle school program follows all general school policies in the OLA Catholic School Parent/Student Handbook. This middle school section addresses additional areas concerning middle school students.
Middle School Policies
Assignment Book — The students are required to use the assignment book provided by the school. If the assignment book is lost, the student will pay a $6.00 cost of replacement fee.
Conferences — Conferences will be held twice annually — one conference is mandatory and one is voluntary. Other conferences may be scheduled throughout the year at the request of the school or parent. Conferences will be scheduled through the Middle School Coordinator by email at ksenay@olaschool.org. Conferences must have at least two faculty members present.
Newsletter — The Middle School Buzz is published on Thursday afternoons via the school website. This newsletter will contain the most current information related to middle school. Please make every effort to check this weekly.
Orientation Packet — The middle school orientation packet outlines specific policies and procedures regarding homework, make-up work, projects, grading policies, and communication.
Report Cards/Progress Reports — Students will receive four end-of-the-quarter report cards and four interim progress reports per year. The report card envelopes are to be signed and returned within two school days.
Test Calendar — One copy of the middle school calendar will be distributed monthly to each student with test dates, project completion dates, school events, etc., noted. This calendar is for the student. The calendars will be posted on the website should parents wish to print additional copies. Please note that the calendars may be subject to change and will be changed on the web version.
The teachers will make every effort to schedule tests/quizzes so that the students should have no more than two tests per day. Students will be notified of changes in the test calendar in advance.
The student is responsible for all work missed due to absence(s).
Tutorial Sessions — Tutorial sessions will be offered during the 2010-2011 school year immediately following dismissal. Please check the website for the assigned days.
STUDENT CODE FORRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR
The purpose of the Student Conduct Program is to promote among thestudents a sense of responsibility for one’s actions, an understandingof the element of personal choice in determining one’s behavior, and anunderstanding of consequences for one’s behavior both during and outsideof school hours. This system is designed to support, not supplant,individual classroom rules. The teacher is granted flexibility withinthe program to allow for the particular needs of the students. Allfaculty, school personnel, substitute teachers, and supervisingvolunteers are a part of this process and are expected to discipline astudent when needed.
Punch Card Program
The middle school employs an incentive type student conduct programthrough the use of punch cards in coordination with the 3- and 6-pointcitations (Refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for citation details).Each student will be issued one punch card per quarter which is kept inthe plastic sleeve of the school issued student assignment book at alltimes. Any minor infraction will result in one punch to a student’spunch card.
- Students with 10 or fewer punches in a two-week period will receive 15 additional recess time referred to as WIT (Wednesday Incentive Time).
- Students with 30 punches in one quarter will receive a detention and a parent/student conference will be scheduled with administration and middle school teachers.
- An accumulation of more than 30 punches in one quarter will result in further disciplinary actions at the discretion of the administration.
Teachers will record the accumulated punches on each student’s punchcard every Friday morning. A lost punch card will result in a studentbeing issued a new punch card with the punches from the previous Fridayplus an additional five punches. A card is considered lost if it cannot be produced by the end of that school day.
Students will be issued a new punch card at the beginning of eachquarter. Parents should ask to see the punch card on a weekly basis.Punches will not be reported on the progress reports or report cards.
Minor infractions of school rules include but are not limited to anytype of inappropriate behavior, uniform infractions, lack of allnecessary supplies/textbooks for each class, not returning any form ofschool to home communication (Thursday folder, report card, etc.),leaving trash or personal belongings in inappropriate places, chewinggum, and other infractions as deemed necessary by teachers and staffmembers.
Probation/Suspension/Expulsion
Probation
A student may be placed on probation for a trial period by the school principal. After conferences are held with the student’s parents or guardian and relevant school personnel, the principal sets conditions for release from the probation. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his/her discretion. It is the right and responsibility of the principal to determine appropriate consequences for all disciplinary measures.
Suspension
Suspension is a severe measure. Prior to suspension, the student must be advised of the reason for the suspension, the parent or guardian is given prompt notice of the suspension and the reason for the action.
A suspension may be given in cases of extreme disrespect, inappropriate behavior, or an accumulation of points based on the Student Conduct Program. (Refer to Citation Point Guidelines in the Student/Parent Handbook.) It is the right and responsibility of the administration to determine appropriate consequences for all disciplinary measures.
Expulsion
As a definition, expulsion is considered a termination of enrollment. Expulsion shall be used in response to an egregious offense. It may also be used when an excessive number of citation points are accumulated. (Refer to Citation Point Guidelines in the Student/Parent Handbook.)
- Students asked not to return the following year for behavior reasons are not considered to be expelled. The student has not been accepted for re-enrollment in the next academic year because of prior behavioral problems.
- Students not allowed to return due to failure to meet required academic standards are not to be considered expelled.
- The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools is to be informed before any action leading to expulsion is taken. It is the right and responsibility of the principal to determine appropriate consequences for all disciplinary measures.
ACADEMICS
Middle School Homework Policy
- As primary educators of their child(ren), it is the parents’ responsibility to oversee that homework is completed.
- All homework must be completed and turned in on time in order to gain full credit.
- Homework turned in one (1) day beyond the due date may receive a maximum of half (50%) credit.
- Homework turned in past the due date may receive no credit.
- Teachers will post homework daily on the web. This resource should be used as a reference and is not designed to be a substitute for the assignment book.
Middle School Project/Take-Home Test Policy*
- All projects or take home tests/quizzes must be turned in by the due date in order to gain full credit.
- Any late projects or take home tests/quizzes will receive a ten (10) point deduction for each day late. For example: A project due on Monday but turned in until Thursday will receive a thirty (30) point deduction.
- In case of a planned absence, arrangements must be made with the teacher to turn in projects.
* Any assignment turned in after the closing of gradebooks will receive no credit.
Make Up Work
Students are responsible for all work missed when absent.
There will be two test make-up days per week during the lunch/recess period. On the day of return following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to be prepared to take previously scheduled tests and quizzes.
Missed test(s) are to be made up on the first make-up day unless otherwise arranged with the subject area teacher. Tests will be given in dated order of tests missed.
In cases of prolonged absences, planned or unplanned, the family must make arrangements through the Middle School Coordinator to obtain the assignments, necessary books, and class notes missed during the absence. It is the responsibility of the parent and student to check the website daily for updates to homework assignments.
Students who miss part of a day are responsible for all missed assignments.
Middle School Exams
A cumulative Mid-Year Exam and a cumulative Year-End Exam will be given in religion, literature, grammar, math, science, and social studies. Students may be exempt from taking the Year-End Exam in any of the above classes if they meet the following criteria:
• Subject average of 90 or above in the fourth quarter
• Fewer than ten absences for the year
• Fewer than ten tardies for the year
FINAL AVERAGES
End of year final average is calculated in the following manner:
Quarter 1 = 20%
Quarter 2 = 20%
Mid-year Exam = 10% Semester 1 = Q1 + Q2 + Exam = 50% of final grade
Quarter 3 = 20%
Quarter 4 = 20%
Year-end Exam = 10% Semester 2 = Q3 + Q4 + Exam = 50% of final grade
CONFERENCES
Conferences will be held twice annually — one conference is mandatory and one is voluntary. Other conferences may be scheduled throughout the year at the request of the school or parent.
Conferences will be scheduled through the Middle School Coordinator by email at lcordell@olaschool.org.
Conferences must have at least two faculty members present.
UNIFORM/PERSONAL APPEARANCE POLICY
The OLA uniform is to be worn with pride as it represents Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School. The dress code emphasizes the word “uniform,” underscoring the need for all students to abide by the intent of the uniform code. The school determines if attire is suitable.
Students are required to arrive at school in proper uniform attire. It is the student’s responsibility to be in complete uniform each morning. Throughout the day, students are expected to maintain a neat and proper uniform appearance.
All components of the school uniform are available for inspection and for purchase at Buckhead Uniforms.
A simple hairstyle consistent with the simple, tailored appearance of the school uniform is expected. Extreme hairstyles or hair colors and excessive hair length is not acceptable. Boys’ hair must be cut above the eyebrows (not pushed back or to the side), above the collar in the back, and above the ears on the sides. For girls, hair ornaments should be limited to small barrettes, headbands, combs, or bows, which coordinate with the color of the uniform.
Additional Guidelines for Boy’s and Girl’s Uniforms:
Makeup:
• Seventh and eighth grade girls may wear pale lipstick and a light amount of makeup. Only clear nail polish is allowed for all grades.
Jewelry:
• Jewelry is limited to one thin gold or silver chain, one thin bracelet, small crosses or medals for both boys and girls. Girls may wear small gold or silver earrings or simple colored earrings no longer than the ear lobe; hoop earrings are limited to the size of a dime. Earrings are limited to one per ear. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings at all. Teachers have the discretion to ask students to remove any jewelry deemed to be disruptive.
Shoes:
• Worn-out shoes must be replaced immediately. Writing on shoes is not acceptable.
Clothing:
• Outerwear may not be worn in the classroom. Only uniform sweaters, sweater vests, or school sweatshirts may be worn in the classroom during cold weather. All items of clothing should be clearly marked with the student’s name. When uniforms become worn or are no longer of an appropriate fit, including length, they must be replaced immediately. Skorts and pant waists must fit and be worn at the waistline of the student.
Students in Grades 6 through 8 may wear the regular uniform every day not specified as a Dress Uniform Day.
• Dress Uniform Days are all school days between November 2, 2009 through February 26, 2010, all Mass days, all field trips, Archdiocesan events, every Wednesday, and any other day as specified by the Principal.
OLA’s school uniform attire must meet the following specific regulations:
BOYS’ UNIFORM: GRADES 6TH – 8TH:
Regular:
• Charcoal grey flannel slacks
• White short sleeve knit shirt, OLA logo required
• Black braided belt
• Black socks (no ankle socks/no logos)
• Black Exeter Buc or black Merrell
• Grade 8 (optional):
• Navy blue short sleeve knit shirt, OLA logo required
* Plain white undershirt only
Dress:
• Charcoal gray flannel slacks
• White or blue, short or long sleeve oxford shirt*
• Red tie with navy, green and yellow stripe (#6)
• Black braided belt
• Black socks (no ankle socks/no logos)
• Black Exeter Buc or black Merrell
Optional: Navy crew neck pullover sweater or V-neck vest with embroidered monogram or Navy sweatshirt with school logo
• Grade 8 (optional):
• Solid Burgundy tie
GIRLS’ UNIFORM: GRADES 6TH – 8TH:
Regular:
• Plaid skort (No shorter than 2 inches above the knee)
• White short sleeve knit shirt (OLA logo required)
Optional: White short sleeve knit overblouse (OLA logo required)
• White or navy knee socks
• Ladies black Buc or black/white Saddle shoes or black Mary Janes or black Merrell
Grade 8 (optional):
• Navy short sleeve knit shirt or navy short sleeve knit overblouse (OLA logo required)
Dress:
• Plaid skort (No shorter than 2 inches above the knee)
• White or blue, short or long sleeve oxford cloth blouse
• Navy sweater vest or navy crew neck sweater w/ embroidered monogram
Optional: Navy sweatshirt with school logo may be worn with sweater or vest.
• White or navy knee socks (preferred) or tights
• Ladies black Buc or black/white Saddle shoes or black Mary Janes or black Merrell
Grade 8 (optional):
• Burgundy sweater vest or burgundy crew neck sweater with embroidered monogram
Middle School Dances and other out of uniform days – Students may wear jeans, t-shirts, capris, skirts and dresses for dances. Shorts, Bermuda shorts, and flip-flops are not allowed. T-shirts must fit appropriately and be in good taste. Sleeveless shirts must have straps at least 4 fingers wide. No bare midriffs are permitted. Logos on clothing that is in conflict with our Catholic identity are not allowed. Skirts and dresses must be the length of the uniform skort.
NOTE: Citation Points will be issued for inappropriate attire. Parents will be expected to bring a change of clothing before the student is readmitted to class. Students will not be allowed to attend the dance if inappropriately dressed.
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