The Accelerated Reader Program
Parent Involvement Opportunities
General Information for Students
Student Procedures Following Any Absence
Health Services/School Nurse/Medication Policy
Inclement Weather-Closing of School
Military Command Assitance/Notification
Student Visitors to the School
School-Wide Discipline Procedures
Extended Suspension or Expulsion From School
Student Responsibilities and Privileges
Student's Rights and Responsibilities
The
mission of Mannheim Middle School is to create an environment where
everyone
experiences the adventure of learning at his or her highest level.
Department of the
Army
|
DoDEA |
| USAREUR
& 7th
Army POC: DSN 377-4100 |
Director, DoDEA Office of Dependent Education 4040 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203-1635 |
| USAG Baden-Wuerttemburg POC: DSN 373-1310 |
Superintendent, Heidelberg
District Mr. Frank Roehl Assistant Superintendent Dr. Deborah Berry Dr. Harriet Hunter-Boykin DSN 388-9373/9383 |
| USAG Mannheim POC: DSN 380-1500 |
Principal, Mannheim Middle School Ms. Sheila Smith DSN 380-9181 CIV 0621-720050 |
| Schools Liason Officer DSN 380-4212 |
CIV: 0621-720050
DETMO
0621-718-809-513
Fax
0621-7200555
Registrar
0621-720-0515/ 050
Counselors
0621-7200513/
Nurse
0621-720-0524
Supply
0621-7200525
MES
380-4705
MP
114
MHS
380-4092
Fire
117
Home Page: http://www.mann-ms.eu.dodea.edu/
Email: MannheimMS.Prinicipal@eu.dodea.edu
Mannheim Middle School
provides education and related services for approximately 325 students
in
grades 6-8. The staff of 39 includes 25
teachers, 4 resource educators, 5 educational aides, 4 support staff in
the
office and supply, and 1 administrator.
Our school is a member of the North Central Association of
Colleges and
Schools. This is the largest American
educational accrediting agency and has the most member schools covering
the
largest geographical areas. Our school is committed to a belief that
all
students can learn, achieve, and succeed.
We believe in maintaining high expectations regarding student
achievement and conduct and in working in close partnership with all
parents
and the community to ensure attainment of our expectations. We have an OPEN DOOR POLICY.
Parents are always welcome to visit our classrooms, cafeteria,
and
playground. Parents must sign-in at the
main office and pick-up a visitor’s badge.
School Improvement is
defined in simple terms as “the school and community working together
to ensure
success for all students”. At Mannheim Middle School, this process of
improvement is governed by a standing committee. Members
of the faculty serve on the various subcommittees that
meet regularly. Parents are invited to participate as members of these
committees.
Our school operates on a flexible block
schedule. Core and encore classes meet
every other day. Core
classes are language arts, social studies, math and science. Encore classes can include art, foreign
language, music, P.E., video production, and family and consumer
science.
Students study language arts, reading, math, science, and social
studies. Sixth graders have two wheels of
quarter
classes to include such special subjects as physical education,
keyboarding,
art, exploring foreign languages, music, and family and consumer
science. Seventh and eighth graders may
take
semester-long classes in those same subjects.
They also have an option to study German I, German II, Spanish
I,
Spanish II and Algebra, for high school credit. Other
possibilities are band, drama, and video technology,
Mannheim
Middle School is committed to improving student achievement by using
standards
to guide instruction. Standards are
statements of specific expectations, which identify what students
should know
and be able to do at each grade level.
Our guiding document is the Community Strategic Plan, which
states, “All
students will meet or exceed challenging standards in academic content
so that
they are prepared for continuous learning and productive citizenship.” You can find all of your grade level
standards at this link: http://www.dodea.edu/instruction/curriculum/DoDEA_Content_Stand.htm
The
Accelerated Reader Program
It has been proven that when
students read more, their comprehension improves, vocabulary expands,
reading
test scores increase, and performance improves in all academic areas. Accelerated Reader is a comprehensive,
state-of-the-art computer program that encourages reading practice and
motivates students toward greater reading achievement.
It combines the best in children’s
literature with software that confirms completion and comprehension for
each
book. Each student picks his or her own
book from a wide selection in the media center. There
are books on every level and for every interest. When
students have finished the book, they take a test in the media center,
computer
lab or classroom. The program provides
an instant score and immediate reinforcement in a way that is both
encouraging
and fun. The reading teachers in the
school set the number of points which are to be obtained by students
every nine
weeks. A print out of all student scores will be given to teachers
every two
weeks so that progress can be closely monitored.
Students are allowed to check out three books
or
magazines at a time. They may keep the
materials for two weeks. Mannheim
Middle School Information Center (IC) is networked and connected to the
Internet. We have over 10,000 books and
magazines, plus a large number of videos.
Our school Information Center follows the recommended DoDDS
policy of
open library/flexible schedule as outlined in the American Library
Association’s publication, Information Power (1988).
Students must have a purpose for being in the Information
Center. Only appropriate behavior will
be accepted. All students must share
and be polite.
The rules for the IC are as follows:
The hours for the Information Center are
8:00-3:15. The IC will be closed from
12:30-1300 for lunch.
The mission of the Information Center program
is to
ensure that students, staff, and other community members are effective
users of
ideas and information in an environment which integrates all elements
of
educational and information technology into the curriculum. The Mannheim Middle School Information
Center is committed to preparing our students to be life long learners
by
providing them with the tools to access information in a thorough and
efficient
manner.
Study trips, planned and supervised by the
teacher,
are arranged to enhance classroom instruction.
These are considered an integral part of the school curriculum. Parents are often encouraged or requested to
act as chaperones. Before a student may
participate, parents must sign an authorization form.
As these trips are part of the curriculum, all students are
expected to attend. SCHOOL POLICIES FOR
STUDENT BEHAVIOR APPLY TO ALL SCHOOL TRIPS.
The school has one counselor
who can help students with educational, vocational, and personal
problems. Students are seen individually
and in small
groups. The counselor also gives a
thorough orientation to all new students and assists new and returning
students
with course selections. The counselor
will introduce herself to all students during the first few
weeks of
school and will discuss the services available through the guidance
department. Students and parents are
encouraged to visit the counselor whenever assistance is needed.
In consonance with DOD
Instruction 1342.12, a Case Study Committee (CSC) has been established
at our
school to assist with the monitoring of the special educational needs
of some
students. The committee consists of an administrator, a parent, a
regular
classroom teacher(s), a special education teacher, an evaluation
specialist,
and a guidance counselor. In addition, the team may include DoDEA or
military
department resource educators, such as psychologists, social workers,
occupational, physical or speech therapists, or school health
personnel. The
CSC utilizes community medical and school resources to encourage the
child’s
success in the school program. A Mannheim Middle School Pupil Personnel
Services Handbook is available upon request.
The Child Find program was
designed to locate children and youth with disabilities between the
ages of 3
and 21 who are not enrolled in the DoDDS school system.
In order to make proper determinations, the
committee may recommend that the referred student receive further
testing and
evaluation. In cases where the student
is experiencing extreme educational difficulties and there are
indications of a
possible learning disability, the student will be referred to the Case
Study
Committee.
After school activities/athletics for middle school and elementary school age students are the responsibility of Yourth Services, not DoDDS-E. DoDDS-E does not have authority nor does it receive funding to initiate such services.
Mannheim Middle School sponsors a number of
activities for students. Meetings are held
either after-school or during lunch. Each
year the activities/clubs will change to meet the needs of students and
abilities of our staff.
Participation
in school clubs and extra curricular activities fosters a strong and
healthy
school spirit. Membership in extra
curricular activities is open to all Mannheim Middle School students. Information and meeting schedules will be
announced in the fall. We encourage you
to get involved. Further information
can be obtained from the Guidance Office at 380-9181.
Our
offerings for this year
may include the following: Computer
Club, Student Council, Intramurals, National Junior Honor Society,
Tutoring
Club, Pre-Law Society, Reading Clubs, After School Band and
Chorus,Yearbook
Club, Drama Club and Art Club.
NJHS
The National Junior Honor
Society is an organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting
scholarship,
leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Seventh
and eighth graders who have a 3.30 grade point average
(GPA) are eligible for consideration by the Faculty Council. The Council evaluates each individual and
determines the inductees. Membership in
NJHS is an honor bestowed by the Faculty Council, not a right gained
solely by
a GPA. Inductions are conducted one to
two times per year.
Mannheim Middle School students have the
opportunity
to receive the services of an adult mentor.
Military members, as well as civilians and some parents,
volunteer to
spend time each week with students who would benefit from the addition
of
another adult role model in their lives.
Mentors serve as tutors, role models, advocates, friends, and as
caring
individuals who provide help, support, and guidance to our students in
developing the skills and self-confidence necessary for a fulfilling
life.
In compliance with DSA
2000.9 “Homework Policy”, dated November 29, 1990, the following
amendments
have been added for MMS. All bold
printed items are MMS additions.
Definition:
Homework is defined as
assignments to be done outside the classroom to reinforce classroom
instruction, which increase understanding and retention, transfer and
extend
classroom instruction, prepare for class discussion, and provide
curriculum
enrichment opportunities.
Policy:
(a). Establish
appropriate
range of hours per week of homework to be assigned.
Homework will be assigned according to
grade level. Homework rang is 5 to 7 hours per
week, not to
exceed 60
minutes per evening: 6th and 7th grade. Homework range is 5 to 10
hours per week, not to exceed 90 minutes per evening: 8th
grade.
(b). Homework
assignments are reinforcements for classroom curricular areas and are
assigned
to support student learning as appropriate for the ability of the
student.
All homework will be assessed and returned to
the
student within 3 working days of completion.
(c). Assigned homework
will reinforce instruction accomplished in
class. It will not introduce new or unfamiliar concepts or skills.
(d). Homework
assignments shall be designed to meet the needs and abilities
of
individual students.
All homework submitted late or resubmitted by
a
student will receive a partial grade. The range of partial grade
awarded will
be 50%-75%, as determined by the team.
(Teams will establish the specific percentile and send to parent
in
writing).
(e).
Homework will be done
outside class time, not during the instructional period.
(f). The impact
that homework has on a student and family is considered when
assignments are
made. In making homework assignments,
consideration is given to school events and other subject area
requirements.
All homework graded and
recorded will
not exceed 10% of the total grade for the subject, for grades 6-7-8.
(g).
As appropriate to the
nature of the assignments, teachers shall evaluate and return homework
assignment to students and shall periodically inform students and their
parents
of the student’s academic progress and mastery of learning objectives.
Every teacher will inform the student’s
parents at
least bi-weekly, if a student is not completing homework assignments. (Documentation must be in writing and
logged).
The
following percentiles reflect the letter grade for each student at
Mannheim
Middle School:
90%-100%
A
80%-89%
B
70%-79%
C
60%-69%
D
59% F
Grade
Point Averages per quarter and/or semester will never be recorded below
59%.
Quarter
and/or Semester grades will be determined by the following:
Tests
and quizzes
Class
work
Special
projects (this may include a comprehensive test for courses that
require high
school credit).
10%
Homework
PARENT
INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Mannheim
Middle School actively encourages parents to participate in the
educational
process. We have formal and informal
programs available to parents who are able to volunteer valuable time. Please consider becoming a part of one of
the following:
Parents
are encouraged to make appointments for conferences with teachers. Although there are two full days set aside
for formal conferences, conferences are conducted throughout the school
year at
the initiation of either the parent or teacher. Parents
find that a team conference with the student’s teachers
present is a beneficial technique for all.
Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s academic
progress
throughout the school year. Conferences
can be arranged by sending a note to the curriculum leader, e-mailing
the
teachers, and/or counselor, or by phoning the main office.
General Information for
Students
It is your responsibility,
as a student, to acquire and maintain a good attendance record.
Experience has
shown that absence is a primary cause of failure in school. Every
effort should
be made by you and your parents to see that absence from school is
limited.
Student
Procedures Following Any Absence
When you
have been absent, you are required to bring a note from your
parent/guardian
explaining the absence, to include dates and
your parent’s /guardian’s
signature.
1. Students who
have been absent for any reason must report to the
main office in the morning, present a note signed by the parent with
the
date(s) and reason for absence, and receive an ADMIT SLIP to class
before
attending classes following an absence.
2. Students
without a note from their parent will receive an Unexcused
Admit Slip. They will be
required to bring a note from their parent the following day and
request an Excused Admit Slip to present to their
teachers to clear their absence. Unexcused
Admit Slips will remain as Unexcused
absences if not cleared by student.
3.
All
Admit Slips will be given to
students in the main office.
4.
Students
are required to present the Admit Slips
to their teachers as a
re-admit to class following ANY absence. Students not having an ADMIT
SLIP are
to be sent to the main office immediately on a pass by the classroom
teacher.
5. Sign-In and Sign-Out
students arriving at school after the tardy bell or leaving the school
during
the school day are required to sign-in and/or sign-out in the main
office. A
note from the parent or presence of the parent is required.
6. Excused absences
are authorized for the
following reasons only:
Truancy/Absence
from school without permission from either your parent/guardian or
school
official will result in administrative action and will be reported to
the
Sponsor’s Commander and the Civilian Misconduct Officer.
It is the student’s responsibility to be in
class on
time, prepared and ready to learn. The
first unexcused tardy is between you and the teacher.
On the second unexcused tardy, the teacher will call or send a
note (which is to be returned signed) to parents. On
the third and subsequent unexcused tardies, the teacher will
issue a consequence. Students face
discipline referrals to the administration on all subsequent unexcused
tardies
beyond three. You are expected to be in class ready to work at the
designated
time. Going to your locker is not a valid reason for tardiness. If you are detained by a teacher, or for
any other reason that is legitimate, you must get a pass before going
to class
from the person who detained you - not from the main office. If
your bus is
late, report to the main office before going to class. Depending upon
the
severity and frequency of the offense, tardiness may result in
administrative
disciplinary action.
If we must evacuate the building between
classes,
leave the building by the nearest exit and report to the teacher you
just left
at the holding area.
All students are expected to
have a pass issued by a staff member if it is necessary to be out of
class
during class time. Students are
expected to stay to the right and walk quietly through the halls and
stairways. Running, pushing and playing
in the halls will not be tolerated.
Keeping the hallways clear of litter enhances both the safety
and beauty
of our school. Likewise, public displays of affection are not permitted.
Health Services/School Nurse/Medication Policy
Students: You
must ask permission and obtain a pass
from your classroom teacher, if you need to see the School Nurse during
class
time.
Do not sign out
for illness or injury without first reporting to the School Nurse and
signing
out in the Main Office. Students will
not be released from school without parental notification.
Based on DoDEA
Health Service Guide, DS Manual 2942.0, the School Nurse does
not administer medication (cough drops, Tylenol, and aspirin)
to students. The only medication that may be administered and kept at
school is
medication prescribed by a Medical Doctor and is required for chronic
conditions (ADHD, asthma, diabetes, heart problems, bee sting
allergies).
The following
is required:
1)
Written
permission from the parent
2)
Written
order from the prescribing medical doctor
3)
Medication
must be in the original pharmacy bottle and labeled with student’s
name, time
to be taken, amount to be taken, and name of the medication.
Medication
permission forms are available from the school nurse.
Students who
require medication to be taken short-term (i.e. antibiotics) should
take their
medication at home, before or after school.
If the medication must be administered at school, a permission
to
medicate must be completed by the physician.
Students are not allowed to bring medication to school without
the
proper permission form signed by the doctor and parents.
If a student brings medication to school
without the proper written permission, the parent will be called to
administer
medication to the child and to pick up the medication.
The school nurse may not administer
medication without a medication permission form signed by the doctor
and
parent.
Parents: it is extremely
important that you have on file both parents’ duty, home, and cell
phone
numbers. At least one emergency contact name and phone number should
also be on
file in the nurse’s office. If your
home, cell, or duty numbers change during the school year, you must
contact the
school. The school must be able to
contact a parent/sponsor in the event of an emergency.
If the school cannot reach a parent/sponsor,
your commander will be notified.
The Mannheim Middle School
office hours are from 0730-1600. Office personnel will be available to
assist
students and parents during these times.
School is open to students
at 0755 and classes begin at 0805. With a pass from a teacher,
counselor,
administrator or other staff member, students may enter the building
before
0755.
Walkers should coordinate their departure
from home
so as to arrive between 0755 and 0800.
Upon arrival at school during inclement weather, students may
enter in
the multi-purpose room to await the 0805 entry bell.
Inclement
Weather-Closing of School
1)
Listen
to AFN beginning at 0600 hours for announcements regarding adverse
weather
conditions and possible impact on Mannheim Schools.
2)
If
the USAG Commander decides to close schools because of adverse weather
conditions, it will be announced over AFN that all Mannheim Schools are
closed.
Teachers and students do not report to school.
3)
If
it is announced that classes in Mannheim Schools will start two hours
late due
to late buses, resident student walkers do not report to school until
1010.
4)
If
it is announced that Mannheim school buses are not running, school will
be in
session and the radio will let you know what time school will begin.
5)
If
you do not hear any announcements made in reference to Mannheim
Schools, then
schools are open. Teachers and students are expected to report to
school on
time.
6)
If
you have any questions or doubts as to whether school is in session or
delayed,
call the school.
7)
Points
of clarification:
a.
The
USAG Mannheim Commander makes the decision to close schools on post, or
to
release classes/students/staff early.
b.
The
USAG Executive Officer makes the decision to delay school openings.
c.
When
no announcement on AFN is made about Mannheim Schools, the schools are
open.
d.
Heidelberg
Area Schools do not include the Mannheim Schools.
e.
Any early
release
of students or staff from schools, because of adverse weather will be
coordinated by The
School Liaison Officer and School Principals.
Locks and lockers are
provided by the school as a convenience to you. You will sign for a
lock and locker, and then you are totally responsible for the lock, the
locker, and its contents. You are authorized to be in your locker
only during the
designated
times: before and after school, before and after lunch.
The lock is a strong
combination type with a master key control. The master key will be used
only in
the following circumstances:
(1)
in
the event that the lock combination becomes jammed
(2)
in
the event of a bomb threat when the Military Bomb Squad considers it
necessary
to search every locker
(3)
in
the event that military/school administrator have cause
for an
authorized search
(4) parents may request entry
Because
of these search possibilities, only school-issued locks are permitted
on the lockers. No private locks are allowed on the lockers.
Remember that locker privacy does not
guarantee locker security.
If your lock
is stolen or your locker is opened and possessions are stolen, these
are the
most common causes:
1.
You gave
away or shared your
combination with someone.
2.
You
were careless and let
someone look on while you worked the combination.
3.
You
failed to close the lock
properly, spin the dial, and check to see if it was secure.
Therefore:
Do not share
or trade your lock, give out your combination, or let others see your
combination. The school will issue one lock for each
student. If a student's lock is lost, stolen or broken the
student will be responsible for replacing the lock.
Valuables should not be
brought to school. If it is necessary
to bring such articles to school, they should be left in the main
office for
safekeeping. Mannheim Middle School assumes no responsibility for such
items and items are brought at the student's own risk Students need to
secure all personal items
using
provided lockers in PE or hallways.
Mannheim Middle School is not responsible for stolen items.
1. It is
the student’s responsibility to contact teachers and make up
any missed work.
2. Students
who miss classes shall be given the opportunity to make
up work missed.
3. Teachers
will grant two (2) days make-up time for each excused day
the student is absent.
4.
Students
receiving an unexcused absence may make up their work for a reduced
grade. Students are responsible for all
work
assigned during their unexcused absence.
Truancy and suspensions from school are considered unexcused
absences.
Military
Command Assistance/Notification
1.
If
the school administration is unable to contact either parent, a call
for
assistance is then initiated to the sponsor’s commander. If the
commander (or
his/her bonafide representative, e.g. XO or CSM) cannot be contacted,
the
school administration will then request assistance from the community
CSM
(380-1510/1520) who will either locate and summon the commander, or
respond to
the situation personally.
2.
Mannheim
Middle School reports all serious student behavioral problems to
parents as
soon as possible. To ensure fast, appropriate concern and action is
taken in
response to student discipline, MMS will provide a copy of the student
Profile
Report from the school Information System, to the affected commander,
provost
marshal office and family member assistance officer upon request.
Serious
student discipline includes, but is not limited to:
a.
weapon-,alcohol-,
or drug-related incidents;
b.
thefts/larcenies;
c.
fighting/assaults;
d.
vandalism;
e.
sexual
misconduct;
f.
repetitive
disrespect.
Throughout the school year,
the Mannheim Middle School staff is committed to providing students
every
opportunity for successful completion of the school year and subsequent
promotion to the next grade.Recognizing, however, that
occasionally a
student may
benefit from repeating a grade level, a placement committee will
be
formed to include teachers, a counselor, the assistant principal, the
parents
and, if appropriate, the student. The committee will make a
recommendation to
the principal, who is the deciding authority.
See Locks and Lockers and Lost
Items/Theft sections.
Student Visitors to the School
If you have a friend or
visitor who would like to visit your school, you must first obtain
permission
from each of your teachers. No later than the day before,
pick up the permission form from the main office, take
it to each teacher for signatures, and return the form to the main
office for
approval. This form will serve as your visitor’s pass. Visitation of
children
who are younger than middle school age students (i.e., little brothers
and
sisters) or older is not allowed. During the first and last week of the
school
year student visitation will not be endorsed by the administration.
The
earliest a student can withdraw from school with full credit will be
posted.
In order to receive full credit for the school year, a student must be
enrolled
in the Acceleration Program 30 days prior to PCSING. Early withdrawals
for
reasons other than PCS moves or emergency leave are discouraged and may
adversely affect student grades.
Acceleration Procedures:
1)
Sponsor
must bring a copy of the PCS orders (30 days prior to the requested
withdrawal
date of the students) to the Registrar’s Office and fill out the
necessary peperwork.
2)
Student
will receive from the Records Office a Request for Early Withdrawal
form,
which he/she must take to each of his/her teachers for a signature.
3)
No
more than three days prior to student’s departure from Germany, he/she
will
check out of school following the regular procedures—clearing with each
teacher, supply, media center, etc., as indicated on the school
clearance
form.
4)
Final
Clearance with the Registrar is required when all other signatures have
been
obtained.
If a student is moving
during the school year and not within the accelerated time frames, the
sponsor
should
still provide the Registrar’s Office with a copy of the official PCS
orders upon receipt and
complete a withdrawal form. Sponsors are requested to do this at least
two weeks before the student’s
last
day. On his/her last day, the student
will take a clearance sheet to all assigned teachers, the counselor,
media
specialist, school nurse, and guidance counselor for final clearance. Any
lost or damaged books, supplies, or equipment must be paid for on or
before
final clearance. A copy of the
official transcript will be ready for pick-up at the close of the
student’s
final day, if a two-week advance notice of withdrawal was given.
School
–Wide Discipline Procedures
All
students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that
does not
disrupt the educational opportunities of others and the orderly
operation of
the school. Students are responsible for regular attendance,
conscientious
effort in classroom work, proper maintenance of textbooks and other
school
equipment, and adherence to school rules, regulations and expectations
for
learners. All students have a
responsibility to notify school staff of behavior that may endanger the
safety
and well being of others.
Every
student is expected to give his/her name upon request to any adult in
the
school. Refusal or supplying a false name will result in disciplinary
action.
Students are to appropriately respond to reasonable teacher requests
without
question. If the student does not understand the reason behind the
request,
he/she should ask at an appropriate time (at the end of class/after
school) for
explanation.
Consequences for
non-compliance with school rules are designed to modify unacceptable
behavior
and to hold students accountable for their actions. Consequences begin
with the classroom teacher but may be elevated to the administrators
when necessary and include a range of action specified in the “Table of
Recommended
Consequences
DoDEA Regulation 2051.1” (Department of Defense Education Activity
Disciplinary
Rules and Procedures August 16, 1997).
Chain of
Command for Parents’
Questions/Concerns:
·
Teacher
·
Administrator
·
District
Superintendent’s Office
·
European
Area Office
·
DODEA
Who is
responsible for
appropriate student behavior?
·
Everyone: parents,
students, teachers, administrators, and other school staff.
·
Military/civilian
sponsors have the responsibility to ensure their students act
responsively,
appropriately, and respectfully.
What are the
expectations of MMS students?
Students should
conduct
themselves in a manner that does not interfere with the learning,
safety, or
well being of others.
Anywhere
on a school campus or at a school-sponsored trip or activity, students
should:
·
Be polite
and respectful
of others.
·
Keep hands,
feet, and
objects to self and limit touching of others.
·
Be prompt
and prepared
for class.
·
Use
appropriate language
and a conversational voice.
· Eat, drink, and “hang