Parent-Student Handbook

 

 

The foundation of Foothills Middle School is built on the students we serve. We believe that the development of the whole student is a shared responsibility of school, family, and community. Our goal is that students will be challenged and engaged, develop confidence and leadership, and make connections during these important middle school years to best prepare them for high school, college, and career.

 

Please review the handbook to become familiar with our rules, procedures, and guidelines. The contents of this handbook will answer many frequently asked questions. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We trust that your time at Foothills will be meaningful and memorable.

Table of Contents

15 Minute Tech Free Time (page 7)

Absences - Classwork/Homework Request (page 9)

Academic Honesty (page 6)

Activities: Eligibility (page 6)

After School Supervision  (page 2)

Afternoon Pick-Up (page 10)

Attendance and Tardy Policy (page 8)

Before School Supervision (page 2)

Bell to Bell, No Cell (page 7)

Dress Code (page 4)

Dropping Off Items at School (page 3)

Electronic Devices (page 7)

Emergency Student Release (page 3)

Fire Alarms (page 3)

Health Aide (page 5)

Homework Policy (page 6)

Honor Roll (page 6)

Independent Study (page 8)

Leaving Campus  (page 2)

Lost and Found (page 4)

Make-Up Work for Excused Absences (page 6)

Meals at School - Guidelines (page 5)

Morning Drop-Off (page 10)

On-Site Boundaries (page 2)

Parent Volunteers (page 3)

Permit to Leave Campus (page 2)

Personal Property (page 4)

Report Cards and Progress Reports (page 6)

Student Absence Procedures (page 8)

Student Emails (page 7)

Student Passes (page 3)

Traffic Safety - Bicycles/Skateboards (page 10)

Traffic Safety - Drivers (page 10)

Traffic Safety - Pedestrians (page 10)

Traffic Safety - Traffic Map (page 10)

Traffic Safety (page 10)

Truancies (page 9)

Use of Computers (page 7)

Visitors on Campus (page 3)

 

Your good behavior and your respect for the feelings of others will create the best possible community for all Highlanders to experience a positive and successful year.

 

At Foothills students are expected to be RESPECTFUL  RESPONSIBLE   RESOURCEFUL by adhering to the following guidelines:

 

At Foothills we….

• believe every student has the right to learn and every teacher has the right to teach
• are prepared and ready to learn with necessary materials
• show respect for people and property
• walk to/from class
• have a teacher/office issued hall pass when outside of class 
• use school appropriate and respectful language 
• keep our hands to ourselves
• do not chew gum while on school campus
• do not sell items at school
• keep athletic equipment at home
• lock all bikes, skateboards, and scooters in the bike rack area
• refrain from gambling or playing games for money anywhere on campus
• refrain from play fighting, fighting, hitting, punching, pushing, playing tag, or any unnecessary roughness
• walk our bikes, skateboards, and scooters on campus when taking them to the bike area. Roller blades, roller skates, shoes with wheels, etc. are not permitted on campus and are not to be ridden to school.

Progressive Discipline Plan

1. Verbal warning
2. Reflection time
3. Parent notification 
4. Referral to school administrator
5. Repeated referrals will lead to detention
6. Restorative Panels/Circles

*Some infractions will result in immediate referral to administration

Safety and security are essential to a happy, healthy and productive learning environment. To ensure the safety and security of all students, Foothills is a closed campus. Permission is always required to leave campus. This requirement is in effect for the entire day from arrival on campus to departure at the end of school activities. 

Before School Supervision - Students should not be dropped off before 8:00am unless they have a 0 period class. Students who arrive early need to wait in the quad or covered table areas until school begins.  

After School Supervision - Students should leave campus immediately after school unless they are participating in a prearranged school activity (sports, clubs, events). Foothills does not provide student supervision after school.

Leaving Campus - Students may not leave the school campus without administrative permission or being signed-out in the office by a parent/guardian. This restriction covers the entire day, from initial arrival on campus to departure at the end of school activities. 

Students may not leave school after arriving in the morning. Students may not leave school to go out for lunch. Students may not leave campus at the end of the school day and return to school for pick-up or after school activities. School supervision ends at 2:55 p.m. Students attending after school activities/events must stay for the entire event and may not leave campus unless prior arrangements have been made with school administration or administrative designee. 

Permit to Leave Campus

A "Permit to Leave Campus" form is required if students need to leave school during the school day. Prior to the beginning of the school day a written parent request is required to obtain this permit. Students must present the permit to their teacher before they will be dismissed.

When a student leaves campus early, parents are required to sign out their student on the clipboard located in the office.

Parents are encouraged to secure non-school hour appointments for dental and medical examinations outside of the instructional day so that important class work is not missed. Written permits to be off campus, when issued, must be carried by the student, signed at his/her destination and returned to the school office.

On-Site Boundaries

Students will be expected to know normal school boundaries.

• Upon arrival at school, students must immediately go to the quad or upstairs covered lunch area and remain there until the 8:20 a.m. bell rings.

• Students are not allowed in the hallways, on the lower field, or off campus before school, during the 10-minute break, or at lunch.

• No food may cross the bottom of the PE ramp.
• After 3:00 p.m. students waiting for their rides must wait by the gate in front of the office.
• Students will be in areas visible to a supervisor at all times while on our campus. Areas that do not meet this standard include, but are not limited to, behind the locker room, behind the 8th grade hallway, the stage area, and the parking lots. The lower field is off limits before school, during break, during lunch and after school.

Student Passes

Students are required to be in their assigned areas at all times. No student may leave an assigned classroom or instructional area without the following:

A "Hall Permit" or note, signed by the teacher with whom the student is enrolled, or a personalized room pass must be carried.

Additional destinations not specified on a permit are off-limits. Repeated violations may result in loss of hall pass privileges.

 

Fire Alarms

The purpose of the fire alarm is to provide access to receiving help in the event one suspects that there might be a fire. If a student pulls a fire alarm when there is no indication of a fire, the following consequences may apply: 

• Suspension
• Parent conference
• Behavior contract
• A report of the incident to Arcadia Police Department.

Dropping Off Items at School

In order to build responsibility in our students and ensure that our campus is safe and secure throughout the instructional day, the office does not accept any deliveries. This includes lunch, gifts, homework, sports equipment, etc. Students who forget lunch will be able to purchase a cafeteria lunch or charge it to their student account.  Note:  as of September 2022, school lunches are offered free of charge to any student.

Parent Volunteers

Scheduled parent volunteers are always welcome at the school. Volunteers are required to sign in at the office upon arrival at the campus. Parent volunteers will be issued a visitor pass that will permit them to enter campus.

 

Visitors on Campus

Foothills Middle School is a closed campus. Visitors are not allowed without the expressed permission of the Principal or designee. Requests must be made to the Principal or Assistant Principal prior to an approved visit, not the day of the visit.

Emergency Student Release

In the event of a major disaster, the students will be safely evacuated to a designated area on campus, and supervised by staff. The site disaster container will enable the staff to provide additional medical, survival, and sanitation supplies.

In the event of an earthquake, wildfire, or other emergency, parents are asked to comply with direction from staff or authorities.  The field gate near the flag pole in front of the school is where Foothills staff will assistant parents to check-out their students from campus. Parents will receive instructions on how to locate their children and will be required to provide identification to the school staff at the gate prior to leaving school grounds. Your cooperation and patience will be appreciated.

Dress Code

The Governing Board believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. Foothills Middle School expects students to wear clothing that is suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Students shall not wear clothing that presents a health or safety hazard or causes a substantial disruption to the educational program.

The following dress code guidelines shall apply to all regular school activities:

1. Clothing, jewelry, and personal items shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other insignia which is vulgar, lewd, obscene, profane, or sexually suggestive or which promotes the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or other illegal activity.
2. Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Flip flop style footwear is prohibited unless approved by administration for special events. All shoes must have a back/strap. Appropriate footwear must be worn during PE.
3. Hats may be worn for sun protection or warmth.  Beanie or knit caps are also permissible.  Bandanas, doo rags and some colors and logos on headwear may be prohibited for safety reasons if they are determined by school administration to be gang related apparel.  Hats may be requested to be removed in classrooms based on classroom rules or staff request.
4. All clothing should offer free range of motion while not exposing undergarments at all times. All tops must have straps. See-through tops are prohibited.

* Students shall be allowed to wear sun-protective clothing, including but not limited to hats, for outdoor use during the school day.  (Education Code 35183.5)

A student who violates or refuses to comply with the dress code may result in disciplinary action.

 

Personal Property

The school cannot be responsible for the loss of student property. Students are required to maintain personal control of their belongings at all times. Students must lock valuables in lockers during PE classes. Electronic devices, games, cameras, expensive watches and jewelry, and other valuable items are not to be brought to school. Electronic devices brought to school are the sole responsibility of the owner and are brought to school at the student’s own risk. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen electronic devices. School resources will not be used to investigate lost or stolen electronic devices. Students are encouraged to leave electronic devices at home. Students should not bring sums of money beyond what is needed for reasonable daily school expenses.

Lost and Found

Books, clothing, money and other property found in and around the school should be turned in to the school office immediately. Students losing property should make a thorough search in all likely areas, check the lost and found cart outside the main office door, and/or inquire at the office for lost items.

Important Guidelines for Meals at School

Foothills supports the guidelines set by the state for providing healthy meals at school. Please note the following recommendations:

• Students and parents may not share food with others. Many children are allergic to certain foods or have dietary restrictions.
• Students are encouraged to eat what is provided for them, to help parents monitor their children’s diet.
• Parties and celebrations of birthdays and other events are not allowed during the school day. Parents and students are not permitted to provide foods such as pizza, cakes, drinks, or other foods to share with students.
• Parents may not drop off food for their child(ren). If a student forgets his/her lunch, the cafeteria will provide one charged to the student's account. Note:  as of September 2022, school lunches are offered free of charge to any student.

 

Health Aide - The health aides are on campus from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The aide is the consultant for students concerning health problems. The health aide issues excuses from physical education, gives first aid for injury or sudden illness sustained at school, contacts parents when necessary, maintains health records, and supervises vision and hearing screenings. The health aide does not give medications (including aspirin) except on written order of a physician. All medication must be held in the nurse's office. P.E. excuses must be brought to the office before school starts. Students who have an inhaler prescribed for use on campus will need to have it certified by a physician for proper use by the District Nurse.  Please email her at [email protected].

Students who are vomiting or have a temperature over 100 degrees should not be sent to school and should remain at home until their temperature is normal for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

If your student needs to be excused from PE, please send a signed note that includes the date and the student's full name. A parent note can excuse a student from PE up to three days; anything longer requires documentation from a physician.

Please note that while a student is excused from PE by a parent request or physician order, the student will not be permitted to participate in any physical activity before, during, or after school, unless specifically noted in writing. This includes lunchtime sports and activities, extracurricular sports, Drill/Dance team, marching band, or club participation that requires physical activity.

REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued semesterly and are mailed home approximately one week following the close of the grading period. Students and families are encouraged to check PowerSchool on a regular basis to monitor student progress.

Progress grades are available in PowerSchool mid-quarter and mid-semester to students and families. Students in danger of receiving a D or an F grade (N or U in Citizenship/Work Habits) are encouraged to contact their teachers if there are concerns. Parents may monitor ongoing progress by logging into PowerSchool at powerschool.ausd.net and may contact the teacher with questions.

HONOR ROLL

Honor Roll is based on semester grades, citizenship, and work habits. To be eligible for Honor Roll, an overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required along with an O/S for all Work Habits and Citizenship marks.

HOMEWORK POLICY (BP 6154)

Homework shall be reasonable, relevant, and something students can do on their own;

Homework shall be assigned when needed, to meet one or more of the following educational objectives:

 

1. provide an opportunity to practice and/or reinforce skills and knowledge learned in the classroom
2. extend and reflect on what was learned in the classroom

iii. prepare students for future classroom activities 

1. transfer knowledge and apply skills in content or subject matter previously learned in the classroom

Make-Up Work for Excused Absences: 

Students shall be given the opportunity to make up school work missed because of an excused absence or suspension and shall receive full credit if the work is turned in according to a reasonable make-up schedule. Students will be allowed one day per each day absent to make up assignments.  (B.P. 6154) 

Activities: Eligibility Requirements

Any student wishing to participate in a competitive sport, drill team, dance team, or student government must meet eligibility requirements throughout the entire time of participation, including tryouts. Students must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. Grades will be checked at progress report and semester grade report periods. If a student has less than a 2.0 at the progress report, the student will be placed on probation until the progress/semester grade report. If the student has not achieved a 2.0 at the subsequent grading period, after being placed on probation, the student is ineligible to continue in that activity. Students receiving a U in citizenship will follow the same procedures as above. More than one U in citizenship at any quarterly grading period (progress or grade report) will result in dismissal without a probation period. 

Academic Honesty

The giving, receiving or use of unauthorized information during a test is not allowed and could be considered academic dishonesty or cheating. Homework is not to be copied or relinquished for copying. This includes taking and/or sharing screenshots or pictures. Plagiarism, either in the form of copying in whole or partial text from any source is not permissible. Academic dishonesty will affect work habits/citizenship, assignment/assessment grade, and parents will be notified.

Middle and High School Student Use of the Computers and the Internet

Access to computer technology and the Internet is available in all Arcadia Unified classrooms, libraries and labs.  The Arcadia Unified School District recognizes the educational value of instructional technology.  Our goal in providing access to computer technology and the Internet is to promote educational excellence by building student telecommunications and research skills, and supporting critical and creative thinking.  Arcadia Unified School District will make reasonable efforts to protect students and staff from adverse consequences as a result of their experiences with the Internet.  However, all users must exercise individual vigilance and responsibility to avoid inappropriate and illegal interaction with Internet service. Please refer to the ANTP Technology Section on our district website for more information.

15 Minute Tech Free Time - Our school has implemented a 15 minute tech free time at the beginning of lunch. All electronics must be put away during the first 15 minutes of lunch.

Bell to Bell, No Cell - Students will be able to use their cell phones during the breaks between classes and during lunch (after the tech-free time), but will not be allowed on their phones during class. Cell phones can be a serious distraction in the classroom and negatively impact learning. Our goal with this new rule is to help our students reach their full learning potential in the classroom.

Earbuds/Airpods (bluetooth and non bluetooth) are to be used for academic purposes during class time when permitted.

Students are not allowed to use the camera function or any audio/video recording function of the smartphone on campus without the explicit permission of the Principal or his/her designee, AND without the consent of the subject being photographed or filmed, including before, during, or after school, and at school sponsored events. No recorded images from a student’s electronic signaling device may be shared with the greater public including, but not limited to, social networking sites, printed materials, email, instant messaging, video chat, picture mail, or any other present or future public forum. Students are not permitted to use their phones and/or take pictures or videos in the student bathrooms and/or school locker rooms. Any attempt to use an electronic signaling device to bully, harass or intimidate a student or staff member will result in immediate school disciplinary action(s) including detention, suspension, or expulsion. 

Electronic devices brought to school are the sole responsibility of the owner and are brought to school at the student’s own risk. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen electronic devices. School resources will not be used to investigate lost or stolen electronic devices. Students are encouraged to leave electronic devices at home. Possession or use of laser pointers, unless used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose is prohibited unless the student first obtains permission from the principal or designee. (BP 5131.2)

Student Emails

All students are assigned an AUSD email account (ID #@students.ausd.net, for example [email protected] This is a vital communication tool and students are expected to check this regularly for important information from the school regarding upcoming events as well as information from teachers about class assignments and projects. Students are encouraged to keep in touch with teachers and ask questions both in person at school and also at home via email. Student email accounts are to be used for school purposes only.

Before a student can gain access to school computers and Internet resources, the student must review the District’s Acceptable Use Policy under the direction of a qualified staff member, understand responsibilities as a user, and sign the Acceptable Use Policy. Student Acceptable Use Policies are signed by teachers and kept on file. The Acceptable Use Policy is reviewed and signed by each parent, as part of the Parents Rights and Responsibilities packet.

Attendance & Tardy Policy

A school education represents a very important opportunity for your child to learn important skills necessary for living in modern society. To take advantage of this opportunity, regular school attendance is essential. School begins promptly at 8:25 a.m. Students who arrive on-time each day are proven to attain better grades, are more self-confident, have more responsible behavior, and have a greater desire to pursue higher education and develop their talents. To ensure that students attain this goal we have developed the following procedures for excessive absences and/or tardies:

1. A letter is sent to the home to indicate a pattern of concern in regard to excessive absences or tardies.
2. Parents will receive a second letter with continued concerns in attendance and will receive a call from the assistant principal to discuss how school and home can work together to solve the attendance problem.
3. A SART (School Attendance Review Team) meeting will be held with parent, student, and assistant principal to develop a plan to improve attendance habits.
4. If a student continues to be absent/tardy after being placed on a SART contract, the student will be referred to SARB (School Attendance Review Board). Parents and student will be invited to attend this meeting.

Students need to be in their seats when the bell rings at 8:25 a.m. Students arriving after the 8:25 bell will report directly to the office.

It is expected that throughout the day all students should be in their classrooms, prepared to work when the bell rings at the beginning of each class period.

 

Student Absence Procedures

Satisfactory school progress is dependent upon regular attendance. The only excused absences are those resulting from illness, medical/dental appointments, court appearances, or a death in the immediate family. All other absences are considered unexcused.

When a student is absent, parents are requested to call the school on the day of the absence. Upon return, students must report to the office before going to class. Students will verify their absence with a written excuse from the parent/guardian, and receive their readmit slip.

Students must attend 4 periods of school to participate in any extracurricular activities such as sports, concerts, performances, or dances that occur on the same day.

 

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Satisfactory school progress is dependent upon regular attendance. Parents are strongly encouraged not to plan trips or other activities during the school year that would interfere with expected attendance.

There are very rare occasions when a family knows that their child will be away for a determined period of unexcused absence. It is expected that the office will be notified two weeks before this absence, so that work can be assigned, materials gathered and your child can be placed on Independent Study. This will provide an opportunity for him/her to keep up with assignments. Students will be assessed by their teachers for work completed while on Independent Study.

 

TRUANCIES

Truancy is anytime that a student is absent from a single period to a full day without the permission of the parent. A student is also considered truant if he/she has been absent without a valid excuse for 3 days in one school year or if he/she is 30 minutes late for four days. In either situation the days do not have to be consecutive.  Parents will be notified of student truancy.  Continued truancy will result in additional measures of intervention to support positive school attendance.

 

CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK REQUEST

In case of absence, the procedure for obtaining assignments is as follows:

• Students should refer to each teacher’s learning management system (website, Google Classroom/Schoology) where assignments are posted on a regular basis or email teachers. Students/parents may also contact teachers directly to request assignments.
• Please note teachers may not check emails until after instruction has ended and will require reasonable time to respond. If a concern is urgent, please contact the office by telephone.
• Upon returning from an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the teachers about missing classwork/homework.

The following information is designed to improve traffic flow for our students and parents and community members. Please read these guidelines carefully. If you have questions, we encourage you to call the school. Everyone is responsible for following the traffic guidelines.

Morning Drop-Off

• Your child should not arrive on campus before 8:00 a.m., unless they attend a “0” period class. Upon arrival, students are to proceed to the quad area where supervision is provided at 8:15am.
• When pulling into the front parking lot, please move your car as far FORWARD as possible before unloading students. There are two gates on each side of the carline for students to enter campus. Please remind your students to have everything ready so they can exit the car quickly and safely. 
• Please watch for pedestrians crossing in the parking lot crosswalk
• NEVER park in the no parking zones
• Please do not drop off students on Oakhaven Ave. Students should not walk through the parking lot for safety reasons.

 

Afternoon Pick-UP

• Dismissal time is at 2:45 p.m. on regular days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday)
• Dismissal time on Wednesdays (early release) is at 1:55 p.m., 12:15 p.m. on minimum days, and 11:40 a.m. on Thursday collaboration days. 
• The school’s front parking lot is CLOSED to through traffic after school. The lot will be opened 15 minutes after dismissal.
• Students may be picked up in the front of school along Sycamore Avenue past the red curb area
• Do not pick up and drop off students on Oakhaven Ave.
• Students should be picked up no later than 3:00 p.m. each day, unless an activity or class requires them to stay later
• There is NO school supervision after school each day. Students may not remain on campus unsupervised.

Drivers

• Drivers who wish to enter the Foothills Middle School parking lot (morning arrival only) must enter via the East driveway (at Second Avenue)
• Eastbound, northbound and westbound traffic will be permitted to enter the parking lot
• Exiting traffic must make a left turn only out of the parking lot onto Oakhaven Avenue
• Drivers must follow the direction of crossing guards at all times.
• For safety reasons, NO cars should use Oakhaven Avenue for morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up

Pedestrians

• Pedestrians crossing Sycamore Ave. must use the East crosswalk at the intersection of Sycamore Ave. and Second Ave.
• Pedestrians crossing Oakhaven Ave. must use the crosswalk at the corner of Sycamore and Oakhaven Ave.
• Pedestrians must follow the direction of crossing guards at all times.

Bicycles/Skateboards

• Bicycle riders should walk their bikes on the sidewalk of Sycamore Ave. and anytime they are on campus.
• Helmets are required by law for all bicycle riders under 18 years of age.
• Bicycles must be parked and locked in the bike compound located at the East end of the school, adjacent to the Daycare building.
• Students need to lock up their skateboards in the bike compound on the skateboard lock.  If assistance is needed, please ask the office. Skateboards are not permitted on campus during the school day.