EDWARD BELLAMY MIDDLE SCHOOL
HANDBOOK
2009-2010
314 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Phone: 594-3527
FAX: 594-1837/594-1838
Guidance: 594-3414
Special Ed. 594-1836
Matthew T. Francis – Principal mfrancis@chicopee.mec.edu
Noelle Colbert – Vice-Principal (8) ncolbert@chicopee.k12.ma.us
William Holt – Vice-Principal (7)
Carole Rege – Vice-Principal (6)
The Chicopee Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability in admission to, access to, employment in or treatment in its programs and activities.
Welcome to Edward Bellamy Middle School
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the Edward Bellamy Middle School. Our dedicated and highly professional faculty and staff look forward to working closely with you and your child to provide a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment which we hope will instill and strengthen a love of learning of school that will last a lifetime. Our teachers are continuously planning innovative, relevant and exciting learning activities to enhance the academic, social and emotional growth of your child.
We realize the important role the middle school plays in establishing a continuing foundation for your child’s educational future. Therefore, we strive for excellence by setting high standards and expectations within our school community. We truly believe that a strong home-school connection positively impacts your child’s education. We look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year. Together, we will be better prepared to provide the very best for all students. Please become our partners in creating an “exceptional” educational journey for your child.
This handbook has been designed to provide you with valuable and important information regarding policies and procedures, as well as information specific to Bellamy Middle School. This handbook is meant to be a reference, it is in no way meant to be a substitute for regular and ongoing communication with our staff. Please feel free to contact us if we can be of any assistance, or if you have any additional questions or concerns,
Sincerely,
Matthew T. Francis
Principal
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Edward Bellamy Middle School is to provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment where all students can develop the fundamental principles and skills needed to foster a desire to engage in life-long learning. Through the ongoing guidance and support of parents, teachers and the community, Bellamy students will become active, responsible and contributing members of society.
· Edward Bellamy Middle School believes all students can succeed academically and strives to meet this goal by setting high expectations.
· Edward Bellamy Middle School staff will foster in our students the love of learning and the understanding that learning is a life-long process.
· Edward Bellamy Middle School is committed in its work to provide a strong, positive home-school connection. Extensive opportunities are offered throughout the year to foster this connection.
· Edward Bellamy Middle School believes that all children need to feel safe and secure to reach their full potential. We believe our mission statement is to create an environment where all students can learn.
HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
At Edward Bellamy Middle School we strive to maintain a strong home school connection. In order to strengthen this connection, a quarterly newsletter is sent home. This newsletter contains important information from the Principal, upcoming school events and much more. To contact teachers via e-mail use first initial, last name @chicopee.k12.ma.us. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, Vice-Principal or Guidance Counselor via phone or e-mail.
SCHOOL HOURS
7:40 A.M. – 2:08 P.M.
SCHOOL DAY
All grades will attend school from 7:40 A.M.– 2:08 P.M. The school doors open promptly at 7:40 A.M. and parents are reminded that students should be ready to enter the building at that time.
Please remember that teachers have morning duties in the school. If you have information to share with the teachers, please send in a note or call the office and a note will be placed in the teacher’s till. If you wish to have a conference with a teacher or team, please either call guidance (594-3414) or send a note to the teacher.
MORNING DROP-OFF/AFTERNOON PICK-UP
Students should be dropped off no earlier than 7:20 and picked up in the visitor’s parking lot (2:08). Under no circumstances should anyone park in the “tow away” zone, directly in front of the school.
DISMISSAL
If you are having your child dismissed and the person is not on the biographical emergency information list, please send a note with your child’s name, HR, ID # and the person’s name who will be dismissing the child, to your child’s home room teacher on the morning of the dismissal. We cannot accept phone calls for dismissals. This is imperative to ensure your child’s safety.
NO SCHOOL AND EMERGENCY DISMISSALS
Cancelling school or even delaying school for various reasons are sometimes marginal decisions. However, such decisions will be made as early as possible by the administration. You will be notified by ConnectEd.. It is imperative that your “Home” phone number is current in order for ConnectEd to notify you. Cancellations will also be available on any of the local TV and radio stations.
SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST
6th grade lunch 11:04 – 11:34
7th grade lunch 11:34 – 12:04
8th grade lunch 12:04 – 12:34
The prices of a school breakfast and lunch are as follows:
Breakfast - $1.00 Reduced Breakfast - $ .20
Lunch $1.60 Reduced Lunch - $ .40
Milk - $ .50
Applications for free and reduced lunch will be sent home at the beginning of the school year. All students are required to return this form. If your financial circumstances should change during the year, please have your student ask for a form in the office. If a student brings lunch from home they may not bring any glass items to school.
Lunch may be paid for the entire year, a half year, by the month, weekly or daily. You may call our cafeteria for more information: 594-3531.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERBLADES
These items may not be brought to school at any time.
HOMEWORK POLICY
The term “homework” refers to an assignment to be prepared during a period of supervised study in class or outside of class.
The purposes of homework are to improve the learning processes, to aid in the mastery of skills, and to create and stimulate interest on the part of the student.
Homework is a learning activity which should increase in complexity with the maturity of the student. With increased maturity, learning should become an independent activity. This should be established through consistent assignments which encourage students to investigate for themselves and to work independently as well as with others.
Homework assignments should be consistent in terms of the amount given each day and the time required for each assignment so that a pattern of meaningful homework can be established by the teacher and/or the student.
The information for any homework assignment should be clear and specific so that the student can complete the assignment.
Homework assignments should take into consideration individual differences of students such as health, ability, conditions at home and educational resources at home. Homework should not require the use of reference materials not readily available in most homes, school libraries, or the public library and should require the use of those materials only when the student has had instruction in the use of them.
There are many other learning activities in the life of a student besides homework. Such tings as participating in school activities, pursuing cultural interests, participating in family living and exploring personal interests should be considered by teachers when planning consistent assignments. Homework is not to be used as a form of punishment under any circumstances.
MARKING SYSTEM
Each term will include a minimum of eight (8) numerical grades, which are to include any combination of tests, quizzes, written work, class participation or whatever measure teachers will adapt for their classroom. The marking of a 3, 4 or 5 in effort or conduct negates your child receiving high honors or honors and being a candidate for National Junior Honor Society membership. Please see attached student contract regarding grading procedures.
EVACUATION DRILLS
Evacuation drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution. It is essential that when the first signal is given, everyone obeys orders promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible. The teachers in each classroom will give the students instructions.
TELEPHONES
The office telephones are business phones and are not to be used by students. If a legitimate emergency occurs the student should see his/her Vice-Principal or Counselor. An emergency is NOT homework, lunch money or permission to stay after school or go to a friend’s house.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL
A group of individuals have been elected to serve as an advisory council to comply with the Education Reform Act of 1993. The council includes teachers, parents and community members. They are commissioned to prepare plans that set a direction for the school in curriculum and other matters.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Student’s dress and appearance must not distract from the educational process. Certain types of clothing are likely to disrupt the functioning of the school and are therefore inappropriate in the school setting. Examples of inappropriate dress include the following: see-through clothing, short shorts, hats, bandanas, bare backs, bare midriffs, soiled or torn clothes, inappropriate printed material or graphics displayed on clothing, flip-flops, spaghetti straps, basketball (sleeveless) shirts, as well as others. Students will be asked to remove or change the inappropriate article of clothing. Refusal to do so will result in the student being insubordinate and may receive disciplinary action.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION AND ADMINISTRATION DURING FIELD TRIPS
1. School Nurse may delegate prescription medication administration to
another responsible adult.
2. Written consent from the parent or guardian for the named responsible
adult to administer the medication shall be obtained.
3. Written consent from the parent or guardian for the administration
of emergency drugs (i.e., Epi-pen, Asthma Inhalers) shall include
emergency phone numbers, emergency transportation information and
conditions under which medication should be administered.
4. The School Nurse shall instruct the responsible adult on how to
to administer the medication to the student.
5. The nurse shall arrange to have the parent/guardian send in a single
dose of the medication in a prescription container.
6. Grade level teachers will notify the School Nurse when field trips are
being arranged. (see field trip policy)
SCHOOL CLINIC
Except for emergency first aid, treatment is the parent’s responsibility.
Standing Protocol:
* Medi-Qick First Aid Spray – apply topically as directed for
minor cuts, scratches and insect bites.
* Caladryl – apply topically as directed for insect bites.
* Sting Relief-Sting Kill – apply topically as directed for insect
bites and stings.
* Vaseline Petroleum Jelly – apply topically as directed for dry
skin.
* Throat Lozenges – for relief of throat infection.
* Nurses to call in case of serious illness or accident.
HEAD LICE AND NIT POLICY
If nits or lice are present, the student will be dismissed from school by the school nurse and the child must be treated with a pediculicide shampoo before admission back to school.
The student’s hair will be examined by the school nurse before re-entering school. If the nurse concludes that the treatment has been ineffective the student will be excluded. The school nurse has the authority to require the parent to provide proof of the treatment (ex. label or box).
The first treatment should be followed by a second treatment approximately one week later to insure the remaining nits are killed.
Parents should examine all members of the family for head lice and treat those who have lice or nits. The school nurse will provide assistance and information (ex. pamphlets and brochures) upon request of parent.
PROPERTY
Our school building grounds deserve the same care and respect as private property does. Restitution will be required for all damages to public and personal property.
CLASS PLACEMENT
The assignment of students to classes is the responsibility and decision of the Principal in consultation with the appropriate faculty and staff. The criteria employed by the Principal and staff in determining class placements shall include, but are not limited to; total class size, ability, racial and ethnic diversity, specific academic strengths and equitable distribution among gender. It is on the rare occasion that a student will be moved into a different class assignment.
ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER CHANGE
It is the responsibility of every parent or guardian to ensure that the school has an updated home address and telephone number on file in the office. It is also imperative that we have a phone number of someone other that the parent that we can contact in case of emergency. PLEASE remember that this requirement is important to insure the health and safety of your child or children.
POLICY ON STUDENT SUSPENSION
See Student’s Rights and Responsibilities.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES REQUIRING 504 PLANS
The Chicopee Public Schools does not discriminate in providing equal access to programs, services and activities on the basis of disability. Students with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities are protected from discrimination by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The school district will identify students who are disabled within the meaning of Section 504, will develop a 504 Plan for each of those students, and will provide them with appropriate accommodations.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
(6, 7, and 8 grade)
The goals of the ELA teams are to encourage the continued development of critical thinking through reading and writing. Students will analyze various genres of Literature and enhance comprehension while incorporating Mass. English Language Arts Standards. Students will also focus on writing skills through various specialized programs which will improve their written expression:
Library Visits
Novel Sets
Research Project
Media Based Instruction
Read 180
Lindamood Bell
Step Up
Accelerated Reader
Encourage Independent Reading
Journaling
ELL
Poetry
Newspaper Club
Smartboards
Informational Literature
MATHEMATICS
A. GRADE 6
Welcome to sixth grade. Math in sixth grade will be an exciting experience. Some of the areas you will be studying include; number sense, geometry, measurement, algebra and patters, data, statistics and probability. You will be required to use critical thinking skills, organizational skills and computational skills. In addition, you will learn how to use writing skills to communicate in mathematics. In order to be a successful learner you will need to come to class prepared, complete your homework assignments and participate in class.
B. GRADE 7 / 8
The grade 8 mathematics curriculum covers a wide range of skills and concepts which prepare each student to succeed in high school. This curriculum will also provide the necessary tools to enable each student to be proficient on the MCAS. Learning how to answer MCAS questions will include showing and explaining all of your work, through a variety of problem solving strategies.
The 8th grade curriculum guilds on prior grade knowledge in the following areas:
Number Sense
Patters, Relations and Algebra
Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability
Measurement
Geometry
Every student is expected to arrive to class promptly with a pencil, notebook, math book and completed homework. Students will demonstrate their willingness to learn by actively participating in daily class discussions and calculating multi-step problems. The 8th grade teachers look forward to helping you achieve your full math potential.
GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
Sixth graders will study the origins of human beings in Africa and the early civilizations that flourished in the Mediterranean area. They will study the religions, governments, trade, philosophies and art of these civilizations as well as the powerful ideas that arose in the ancient world.
The Bellamy Middle School 8th grade social studies course is entitled U.S. Civics and Government. Students explore the origins and processes of the American system of government. With special attention given to the U.S. Constitution, we examine the influences and impact of the “rules of the country”. Additionally, students are taught about the election process, the origins of the Civil Rights Movement, duties and responsibilities of American citizens, the functions of congress and the presidency, and the role of the judicial branch in our everyday lives. Two textbooks are used; America’s Past and Promise (Mason, Lorna, et. al. McDougal-Littell, Evanston, IL: 1997) and American Civics (Hartley, William H., and William S. Vincent. Holt, Rinehart, and Vincent; Austin, TX: 1998). Classroom instruction includes interactive Smartboard© technology, multimedia presentations, group discussion/role playing, and graphic organizers.
EXPLORATORIES
A. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Edward Bellamy Middle School Physical Education curriculum is a comprehensive program that is based on developmentally appropriate physical activities. The focus of the program is to offer activities that meet the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of all students, as well as being in alignment with the state frameworks and national standards.
A student choice program meets these objectives by offering the students a wide variety of team, individual, cooperative, team building, rhythmic and fitness activities. This provides the students with the opportunity develop; 1) competency in physical skills,
2) a higher fitness level and, 3) knowledge necessary to maintain fitness for a lifetime of active participation.
Program Objectives:
* Introduce students to a variety of different physical activities
* Develop skills that will help students achieve
* Develop sportsperson ship, leadership, respect for self and others
and responsibility
* Promote life-long wellness for all students
Requirements
* Combination Lock (for their personal Physical Education locker)
* Athletic footwear
* Students need to change into; t-shirt/sweatshirt and athletic shorts/pants
B. HEALTH
This course is designed to help students understand the basic mental, emotional and physical functions to help the students deal effectively within their environment. Special emphasis is placed on student-to-student and adult-to-adult interactions. Areas of study correspond with state frameworks and include nutrition, physical fitness, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, mental health, human growth and development and communicable diseases.
C. BEGINNING SPANISH
This course is designed for students with no or minimum of Spanish experience. Emphasis of this course is on the acquisition of the four language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will develop a base vocabulary and learn simple grammatical constructions needed for essential communication. Spanish will be used with daily class routines. Lessons will center on familiar situations; meeting people, family, school, food, etc. A study of various aspects of the Spanish culture will also be included.
E. ART/SMART VISUAL ART PROGRAM
Mission:
The fine arts are a cultural force capable of elevating the quality of living in the home, school, community and world. The study of fine art heritage builds an understanding of our culture in relation to the world at large. Art appeals to the aesthetic, emotional, spiritual and physical nature of human life and is adaptable to every age and degree of mental and physical development. Rewarding and satisfying participating in fine arts experiences is possible and desirable in order to provide the venue for students to express their ideas and feelings about the world.
Program of Study:
The Bellamy School’s ART/SMART visual arts program advances student’s appreciation of artistic expression through exploration in drawing, painting and sculpture. A student-centered, interdisciplinary approach balances the exploration of artistic traditions, the development of concepts and the building of skills. Using a newly acquired, aesthetic vocabulary, students learn to express themselves, create and problem solve. The ART/SMART program cultivates inquisitive, independent thinkers who synthesize the greater world through the arts.
The intention of the ART/SMART program is to guide the student into an informed appreciation of art and a life-long interest in learning more about art and creative thinking. The program covers four interrelated disciplines in art. These include perception, creative expression, culture and heritage and informed judgment.
ART/SMART Objectives:
1. To provide an atmosphere that encourages the development of imagination
intuition and creativity
2. To develop communication, observation and listening skills
3. To foster the freedom and skills necessary for aesthetic expression
4. To explore a variety of media, processes and techniques
5. To work cooperatively, collaboratively and respectfully
F. COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Computer Technology covers the following topics: Basic keyboarding skills, Microsoft Office Suite, Computer Components and Internet Research.
* Basic keyboarding – the focus of the Basic Keyboarding unit is to improve
the student’s keyboarding skills through the use of a computer based
typing tutor
* Microsoft Office Suite – This unit will cover Microsoft Word, Excel and
PowerPoint, Students will learn how to create, format, save and edit
Microsoft Word documents. There will be an introduction to Microsoft
Excel in which students will learn to create, save and edit simple
spreadsheets. The students will also create PowerPoint presentations.
* Computer Components – the course will cover the parts of the computer
and their function within the computer. (i.e. input, output, processing
and storage)
* Internet Research – the focus will be on using the Internet to complete
research for academic assignments. The students will be introduced
to methods of determining the validity of information found on the internet
G. BAND 6TH, 7TH & 8TH
The goal for instrumental music students at Bellamy Middle School is to learn to play an instrument as an individual and within a group setting. Band is a full year course. Students must learn to read and play standard music notation as well as learning the physical demands of their chosen instrument. Students are also taught the value of; discipline, dedication, determination, desire, pride and respect. These values are stressed in the classroom and expected of the students outside the classroom as well. The normal setting will be in the classroom during the school day. However, there are several events that take place outside of school hours that the students are expected to attend. The band will march on Chicopee Day at the Big E and at the City of Chicopee’s Memorial Day Parade. The band will also perform a winter and spring concert. Also, there may be other opportunities for the band to perform throughout the year. The skills learned in band will progress every year so that the students will be prepared for playing at the high school level.
H. MUSIC APPRECIATION
The main goal of this course is for students to have a better understanding of music and musicianship. Students will learn to read and write music using standard notation. This notation will also be utilized in learning different instruments, such as the drum set and the keyboard. An overview of the history of western and non-western music will also be examined. Students will be exposed to such artists as Bach, Beethoven, Buddy Bolden, Scott Joplin and many others from various genres. This exposure will be provided by way of written and audio examples. Attention will be given to style and instrumentation as well as cultural importance. Students will also take part in a recording project. This small group project will expose students to digital recording and the similarities between different computer programs. This project will produce a short audio book and a small individual report. The topic will relate to major social events in history and current social events locally.
I. APPLIED SCIENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
The applied Science through Technology Lab. Formerly known as the TLC Lab. Is a state-of-the-art class that is centered around an integrated system of software and hardware to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s skilled professionals. Only through hands-on, experimental learning in authentic workplace contexts can they choose, plan, and articulate their career pathways goals. In addition, students must begin to develop fundamental workplace skills. The Applied Science through Technology Lab is able to do this through:
· Core themes based on technological literacy standards
· Modular and group-project formats
· Student-directed instruction
· Use of technological problem solving method