DCMS Addendum Handbook

Dodge City Middle School office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The school telephone number is 620-471-2100. The school fax number is 620-227-1731.

Incomplete Work
Class time is given for students to complete their work. If the student doesn’t complete the assignment in the allotted class time, then they are still expected to complete the assignment. If teacher assistance is needed, the student is expected to make arrangements with the teacher to complete the work.

Make-up Work
The student must complete make-up assignments in order to receive credit for such work. If guardian requests, make-up work will be gathered for the students who have been absent three or more days. In order for a student to receive credit for work missed during absences, work must be made up within the same number of school days as the absence, plus one day of grace. Students may be asked to stay after school to make up work and guardian will be notified.

Missing Assignments
All missing assignments will be recorded as missing in Skyward. Missing work will be accepted with the following conditions:

• If a student is missing three (3) assignments the advisory teacher will make contact with the guardian by the preferred method of communication.
• Missing assignment sheets will be printed and handed out to students weekly during advisory class. Teacher signature may be required for completion of missing assignments.
• Each team has developed accountability standards for missing assignments that will be communicated to families at the beginning of each school year.

Activities/Membership Behavior Policy
Various methods are used to report unsatisfactory or undesirable student conduct: disciplinary notices, home reports, and/or phone calls to parents. If a student's conduct is unsatisfactory or undesirable, that student cannot hold offices nor maintain membership in the following organizations:

National Junior Honor Society

• The purposes of NJHS as found in the NHS and NJHS constitutions:
  • To create enthusiasm for Scholarship
  • To stimulate a desire to render Service
  • To promote Leadership
  • To develop Character
  • To encourage Citizenship

Middle School strives to fulfill each of these purposes.

Requirements for new & returning members of NJHS at Middle School:

1. Must complete 5 hours of Community Service and turn in Community Service Verification Form by the January deadline
2. Must have a 3.6 GPA from the previous semester that includes all regular level and enriched classes with no grades lower than a “C”
3. Members must demonstrate satisfactory conduct. Satisfactory conduct for the school year is defined as:
   1. Having no school suspension nor discipline referrals on file in the office,
4. Must consistently show exemplary behavior on campus and be a positive role model for other Dodge City students
5. Notification letter will be sent out to qualifying students.

An appeal must be made within seven school days after the designated notification date of membership.

For all members (new or returning):

1. Once a membership is attained, members must continue to maintain grades and conduct standards laid out in the NJHS constitution in order to retain membership in the organization.
2. A member is placed on probation for a maximum of one semester for failing to meet grade or conduct standards before being dismissed from the organization.
3. Being a member of Middle School NJHS DOES NOT mean you will be granted membership into NHS at DCHS.
4. Once a member is dismissed from the organization, membership may not be regained at Middle School.

Throughout the year the NJHS will hold meetings (dates are announced on the morning announcements, in the newsletter and posted on the website). If you have further questions, please contact the sponsor.

After School Supervised Safety Zones 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

• After School Supervised Safety Zones are the Front Island or Morgan Street stairs.
• Any student left outside the school after 3:45pm may wait in the vestibule.

Use of Crosswalks

• All students are to use the designated crosswalks when crossing the street.
• Any student who crosses over the street will not be allowed back on campus.

Making after School Arrangements

• Prior arrangements must be made by the teacher and families for students to stay after school, to include the date and time of the student’s release.
• Students who are not picked-up at the designated time may wait in the vestibule.

Attending Athletic Events

• Students who are staying after school to attend athletic events located at DCMS will need to report to the Main Gym by 4 pm.

After School Programs

•  Any student who participates in an after-school program will be supervised at school until the guardian picks their student up from school or walks home. Each program has a pick up and release time.
• Coaches will remain with athletes until picked up on all game days, home or away. Coaches will communicate with families via various methods (talking points etc.)

At Dodge City Middle School, students show their consideration for the speaker or performer by giving their undivided attention. Families are always welcome to attend student award assemblies.

The student awards are designed to help Dodge City Middle School promote and achieve excellence in academics, attitude, activities, and action. Students who meet the criteria are awarded a sticker signifying the level they have achieved. This program will start the first day of class with the first stickers being issued after the first nine weeks. Students will have to meet all the requirements during the first nine weeks to obtain a sticker. Stickers will be reissued after each grading period.

Privileges, including incentives and team recognition, are provided for Gold, Red and Silver Stickers. Students who meet the academic criteria will be awarded a certificate and have their accomplishments published. There are three levels of stickers: Gold, Red and Silver. The criteria are as follows:

Gold Sticker

• 3.8 - 4.0 Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
• No disciplinary referrals/behavior

Red Sticker

• 3.5 - 3.79 Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
• No disciplinary referrals/behavior

Silver Sticker

• 3.0 - 3.49 Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
• No disciplinary referrals/behavior

Cardinal Award

• Grade Point Average 3.6 - 4.0 in two out of three nine-week period
• No discipline referrals.

At 7:30 a.m. Front doors and Athletic doors will open for the students. Students choosing not to eat breakfast will wait in designated grade level area until dismissed to class. Breakfast will be available from 7:25 am-7:45 am.
Teachers who request for students to arrive prior to 7:30 a.m. will make arrangements with families and students.

Students may be responsible for lost or damaged technology provided by the district.

Student Chromebook Protocol

• The Chromebook is school property that you are being allowed to use. Any action that violates existing Board policy or public law will be reported to proper authorities.
• If the student is using an app or website inappropriately, it may result in consequences or loss of privileges.
• Student Chromebook will be filtered through the district’s technology department.
• School staff members have the right to check any material stored on a student’s Chromebook.

Student Responsibilities – Chrome Book Care
The student will:

• Use their Chromebook in a responsible and ethical manner,
• Be responsible for keeping their Chromebook in good working order,
• Report any Chromebook damage to their advisory teacher,
• Use only a soft cloth to clean the screen, no cleaners of any kind,
• Not have any writing or stickers on the Chromebook.

Student Responsibilities – Chrome Book Usage
The student will:

• Use Chromebook only when directed by the teacher.
• Will not deter from Teacher’s Go Guardian restrictions
• Use earbuds only when permission has been given by a teacher.
• Only play music if permission has been given by the teacher
• Not access games unless directed by a teacher.
• Not take photos or videos unless it is being used in a project assigned by a teacher,
• Not use any social media sites during school,
• Will not use Chromebook in restrooms, locker rooms or in the cafeteria, hallways, or during passing period
• Use the school approved passwords and screensavers.
• Keep the originally installed apps on the laptop in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times,
• Be responsible for making sure their Chromebook is charged and ready for the next day.
• Students will pick up and drop off their device each day with their advisory class.

Corporal Punishment shall not be permitted in the school district. Corporal Punishment is defined as punishment administered by an adult to the body of a child, ranging in severity from a slap to a spanking.

Common Behavior Expectations (CBE)
Behavior expectations are procedures and rules that are taught to students to encourage positive behaviors and prevent problems behaviors. They form important building blocks for a positive school culture. These expectations can address how students treat each other and the teacher, and how they operate in the classroom. They can also address how students behave outside of the classroom, such as the cafeteria, athletic events, vestibule, library, hallways and stairs, restroom, bus and more. For maximum benefit, behavior expectations should be consistent from classroom to classroom and teacher to teacher— just like the academic standards. Further, for students who may have difficult home lives, this consistency and routine can provide the structure and stability they crave.

Student Behavior Matrix
Be REAL
Respect, Effort, Attitude = Learning

School-Wide Expectations
Respect

Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.

• Classroom
  • Focused, positive talk & respecting differences allows learning and teaching to occur
• Hallway and Stairs
  • Be respectful and considerate of others and property
• Restrooms
  • Be Courteous of other people and respect each other’s privacy
• Cafeteria
  • Maintain appropriate voice level in lunchroom
  • Follow lunch line procedures
• Activities
  • Pay full attention to whomever is speaking nad participate
  • Represent your school appropriately

Effort

With hardwork and effort, you can achieve anything

• Classroom
  • Challenge yourself and focus on learning
• Hallway and Stairs
  • Keep moving and stay to the right
  • No ear buds in ears/no technology
• Restrooms
  • Use good hygiene (wash hands) and place paper towels in trash can
• Cafeteria
  • Clean up after yourself & table
  • Be respectful of others space (eat/touch only your food)
• Activities
  • Show appreciation & school spirit
  • Make a positive impression

Attitude

A postitive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circimstances having power of you!

• Classroom
  • Failure is not final, it is a step in learning (perseverance)
  • Be considerate of others learning
• Hallway and Stairs
  • Take pride in the school
  • Represent school/community in a positive way
• Restrooms
  • Be mindful of the community space while having brief/positive interactions
  • Wash hands (exercise good personal hygiene)
• Cafeteria
  • Positive interactions
• Activities
  • Positively support the activity

Learning

• Behavior expectations are procedures and rules that are taught to studnets to encourage positive behaviors and prevent problems behaviors. They form important building blocks for a positive school culture.
• These expectations can address how students treat each other and the teacher, and how they operate in the classroom. They can also address how students behave outside of the classroom, such as the cafeteria, playground, quad, library, hallways, restroom, bus and more.
• For maximum benefit, behavior expectations should be consistent from classroom to classroom and teacher to teacher – just like your academic standards.
• Further, for students who may have difficult home lives, this consistency and routine can provide the structure and stability they need to crave. 

CONSEQUENCE PROGRESSION

1. Non-Verbal Cue
2. Verbal Cue
3. Private Verbal Discussion with Teacher (Parent Contact)
4. Teacher Chosen Consequence (Parent Contact with Response)
5. Discipline Referral

Three minutes are allowed for passing between classes. This time should be used for getting a drink of water. Students must pass in an orderly fashion. Be kind, courteous, and do not push or shove other people in the halls. There is to be NO RUNNING IN THE HALLS or OUTSIDE WALKWAYS or excessive noise in the hall area. There will be a 3:20 p.m. bell to remind students to clear the hallways. Students should be in their assigned areas at this time if participating in any after-school activity.

During the School Day:
Students have access to free drinking water throughout the school day, including meal service. Hygiene standards for all methods delivering drinking water will be maintained.
Students are allowed to have plastic clear/translucent individual water bottles containing clear liquids in the classroom.

Meals purchased at fast food outlets to be consumed at school must not be brought to school in their original containers. Caffeinated beverages and/or Sodas are not allowed in sack lunches to be consumed in the cafeteria. (Elementary/Middle School)

The Middle School Wellness Policy can be viewed on the district website www.usd443.org. Parents and community members are encouraged to participate on district and school wellness committees.

Drug-Free Schools and Substance Abuse Policy

General Policy Statement

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance (including alcohol and "look-alike" substances) is strictly prohibited in any school building, on school property, or at any school-sponsored activity. This prohibition extends to all electronic vaping and inhalation devices regardless of their contents.

Vaping and Electronic Inhalation Devices

To maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, the district utilizes a unified policy regarding vaping that focuses on the delivery method rather than the substance contained in the device.

• Items: All electronic vaping and inhalation devices are prohibited on school grounds. This includes, but is not limited to, traditional vapes, "wellness diffusers," vitamin vapes, and aromatherapy inhalers.
• Medical Exception: Prescription medical inhalers (such as those used for asthma) remain permitted when used in accordance with established district health policies.

Search and Seizure Protocols

The district reserves the right to conduct searches to ensure the security of the school environment.

• Lockers and School Property: Lockers and desks are district property and are subject to random searches at any time.
• Canine (Drug Dog) Searches: Trained dogs may be used to search for controlled substances in lockers, desks, common areas, and parking lots.
• Safety Protocol: During any search involving trained canines, all students and staff will be removed from the area being searched. At no time will students or staff come into contact with the dogs.
• Reasonable Suspicion: An alert by a trained dog constitutes reasonable suspicion for an administrative search of the specific locker, backpack, or vehicle.

Sanctions and Consequences
Violations of the drug-free and vaping policies are subject to disciplinary action in alignment with the USD 443 Discipline Handbook and Board Policy JDDA. Sanctions may include the following:

• Suspension: Immediate short-term suspension from school.
• Expulsion: Recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion for the remainder of the school year.
• Law Enforcement Notification: Mandatory notification of local law enforcement for illegal substance violations.
• Rehabilitation/Education: Requirement to complete a drug and alcohol education or treatment program as a condition for remaining in or returning to school.

Board Policy References

• JDDA: Drug-Free Schools
• JCAB: Searches of Property
• JCABB: Searches of Students

District Stance: “District-Issued Only” In compliance with Kansas Senate Bill 2299, the district operates a “Bell-to-Bell, Device-Free” policy. The district’s official stance is: If the district did not issue the device to you, it is not allowed inside the school building. This applies to all classrooms, passing periods, lunch, and restrooms.

Absolute Prohibition on Personal Technology This policy applies to any and all technology not owned or issued by the district. If the district did not give it to you, it is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to:

• All cell phones and smartphones.
• Smartwatches, GPS-enabled watches/devices, and phone watches (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.).
• Wireless earbuds/headphones (AirPods, Beats, etc.).
  • Testing Accommodations: The district will provide required headphones/earbuds for testing or instructional purposes as needed.
• Personal tablets or gaming devices.

Athletic and Activity Travel (Non-Instructional Trips)

• The Departure Rule: Students leaving for school-sponsored athletic or activity events (e.g., away games, music competitions) may retrieve their personal devices from their vehicle or another building-designated storage location only after they have been officially dismissed from their academic classes for travel. Buildings may determine the most appropriate storage location for devices prior to dismissal (e.g., Main Office, Athletic Office, etc.).
• Instructional Field Trips: This exception does not apply to instructional field trips. Field trips are considered an extension of the classroom, and the “Device-Free” building policy remains in effect for the duration of the trip.
• Usage: Once the athletic/activity bus departs school grounds, personal devices may be used at the discretion of the head coach or sponsor to coordinate late-night pickups with parents.

Authorized Storage

• Vehicles/Home: Students are directed to leave personal devices at home or in a locked vehicle.
• Main Office Check-In: If a student brings a device into the building, it must be checked into the Main Office or another building-designated location immediately upon entry. Buildings may establish additional procedures for device storage and retrieval based on operational needs.
• Backpacks: Backpacks are NOT considered an authorized storage location for personal devices.

Communication & Emergency Procedures

• Parent/Student Contact: Parent/Student Contact: All contact during the school day must occur through the school’s Main Office or other building-designated location.
• Emergency Phone Use: Students needing emergency communication may use a school phone in the Main Office or another building-designated location as determined by administration.

Exceptions (Last Resort) Personal device use is a last resort only for documented IEP/504 requirements or medical necessities. Documentation must be on file with administration.

Discipline Progression: If a device is seen or heard and was not properly checked into the office or other building-designated location, the following discipline progression will apply. Buildings may establish procedures for how confiscated devices are stored and managed based on the operational needs of the building.

• 1st Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Student picks it up after school.
• 2nd Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Parent/Guardian must pick it up.
• 3rd Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Parent/Guardian picks it up + detention.
• Refusal to Surrender: Refusal to immediately surrender a device to a staff member is a cell phone violation and insubordination/defiance. This results in an immediate administrative referral, and the student will bypass the 1st offense (student pick-up).
• Continued Violations: Repeated violations may result in additional disciplinary consequences and/or parent conferences as determined by administration.
• Documentation: Violations will be documented in Skyward.

Automobile Permit to Drive on School Premises
It is understood that when a student obtains a permit to drive, that student assumes the responsibility to obey all rules and laws concerning the operation of an automobile. The student is to drive directly to the school building in the morning, park in front parking lot off Morgan Street, and leave the automobile parked until he/she leaves for the day. A permit is for the driver of the automobile only; this does not authorize the transportation of any passengers. Any violations of the permit agreement can result in the loss and suspension of a permit.

DEFINITION OF A TARDY
Tardy is defined as a student not being in his/her assigned area when the tardy bell rings. Each teacher determines assigned areas. Any student who is 5 minutes late or more will be marked late (L) in skyward by the teacher. Failure to come to class without an admit slip, when needed, constitutes a tardy. The policy starts over every nine weeks (or) is cumulative over any consecutive nine-week period.

1ST TARDY – The teacher will notify the student of the tardy and issue a verbal warning.

2ND TARDY – The teacher will notify the student of the tardy and will also make contact home regarding the tardy. (phone call, email, Parent Square)
*If there are (2) tardies in one day, the student will be assigned an Office Detention*

3rd TARDY – The teacher will notify the student of the tardy and enter an EXCESSIVE TARDY into Skyward. The student is assigned (1) Office Detention and the office will notify the guardian.

Any additional consecutive or consistent tardies will be considered Excessive Tardies and may
result in further disciplinary action.

Building administrators will make all FINAL individual evaluations to determine if any clothing or other similar items are likely to be disruptive or create a potential health or safety problem. Failure to comply with the non-uniform policy will result in the loss of privileges or disciplinary actions.

Guidelines for Attire

• Top Apparel
  • Polos, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Turtlenecks, Spirit/Organizational Shirts, 1/4 zip & full zip are allowed– Red, White, Gray, and Black are the only colors allowed
  • Solid/Plain Colored Top Apparel without any logos are allowed.
  • Solid/Plain top apparel with a brand name logo (Nike, Adidas, Champion) Manufacturer logos may not exceed 2inches x 2inches in dimension. (see size below)
  • Top apparel must be worn right side out. All undershirts or camisoles must be a solid color. Undershirts and camisoles may not have lettering or logos visible.
• Bottom Apparel
  • Pants, Shorts, Skirts, or Jumpers
  • (Khaki or Black in color or Blue/Black Jean)
  • Shorts may not be longer than the lower part of the kneecap but not shorter than fingertip length with arms at the side
  • Skirts and jumpers may be longer than the kneecap, but not shorter than fingertip length with arms at the side.
  • All clothing must be hemmed. No slits, holes, or fraying are allowed in the legs of pants, shorts, skirts/jumpers. No second layer of clothing may be worn underneath to mask holes in outer garment. There are no under garments or extra layers visible under the bottom apparel.
• Spirit and/or Organizational Shirts
  • Students will be allowed to wear DCMS affiliated t-shirt or sweatshirt (Red, black, white, or gray in color) any day of the week. This does not include the P.E. t-shirt or any outside affiliated organizations shirts, without Administrator approval.
• Physical Education Dress Standards
  • DCMS Physical Education clothing will consist of red shorts or sweats, gray t- shirts, and sneakers.
  • The t-shirts will have the DCMS Physical Education logo on them. The shirt will have the student’s first name and last name written, by hand, on the front.
  • Sneakers or tennis shoes will be worn at all times during Physical Education classes. Shoes must be worn the proper way and tied tight.
• Non-Uniform Day Dress Code
  • Parents/Guardians are expected to illustrate concern, provide guidance, and have knowledge of what their child is wearing to school. Below are the guidelines for students to help them avoid attire that interferes with the learning environment.
• Non-uniform day guideline examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Clothing that is revealing or is suggestive may not be worn, such as off the shoulder tops. Appropriate lengths for shorts, skirts, dresses, and shirts will be determined by building principals.
  • Midriffs, spaghetti straps, strapless tops, backless shirts, T-shirts with large armholes and tank tops may not be worn.
  • There are no under garments or extra layers visible under the bottom apparel.
• Other General Uniform and Non-Uniform Day Dress Code Guidelines
  • Suspenders will not be permitted
  • Students must wear proper footwear with traction (NO SLIPPERS)
  • Clothing, accessories or hairstyle cannot be worn in a manner that becomes disruptive or promotes inappropriate or illegal activities or behavior (i.e.gang-related, drug or alcohol related, violence, sex, profanity, etc.)
  • All clothing must be hemmed. No slits, holes or fraying are allowed in the legs of pants, shorts or in skirts/jumpers. No second layer of clothing may be worn underneath to mask holes in outer garment.
  • All jackets and coats must be stored in backpack or advisory class.
  • Head gear may not be worn in the building. Hats, caps, hoods and hairnets will not be permitted. Sunglasses and dark glasses, unless prescription, are considered inappropriate attire. During Spirit Week, permission may be granted.
  • Gang related attire such as “colors” or bandanas and clothing with vulgar, profane, obscene or derogatory messages, or messages concerning illegal substances or
  • alcohol will not be permitted.

Uniform apparel may be purchased at DCMS, DCMS online store, The Locker Room, Fully Promoted and V&M Stitch or your place of choice.

DCMS
2000 6th Ave | 620-471-2100

The Locker Room Address
503 N. 2nd Ave  | 620-227-8833

Fully Promoted
1909 N 14th Ave Suite B | 620-227-3100

V&M Stitch
605 N 2nd Ave | 620-390-9220