WRPS Mission Statement
EJHS Mission Statement
Important Telephone Numbers
Daily Schedule
After School Hours
Dates to Remember
Visitors/Guests
Excused Absences
Truancy
Leaving?
Posters/Publications/Sales
What's to Eat?
7th Grade Students
Guidance Services
Do I Have to Carry my Agenda?
Wisconsin Rapids Junior High Staff
Discipline Expectations
Code of Conduct
Lockers
Health Services
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Dress
WRPS Non-Discrimination Statement
Textbooks
Visitors
Personal Communication
Student Surveys
6 Trait Writing: A Parent's Reference
6 Trait Writing: A Student's Reference

Welcome …  To Wisconsin Rapids Junior High!

Wisconsin Rapids Junior High offers a wide variety of educational and extra-curricular activities. We urge you to take advantage of these different opportunities in your quest to mature into a young adult. Work hard in your classes and know that you have a dedicated staff of professionals here to help you.
Your Agenda Planner has been prepared to help you get the most out of this year. The effective use of the planner should help ensure your success. 
Have a great year!

WRPS MISSION STATEMENT

Working together with home and community, we are dedicated to providing the best education for every student, enabling each to be a thoughtful, responsible contributor to a changing world.

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WRJH MISSION STATEMENT

Wisconsin Rapids Junior High is a student-centered community where everyone works together to positively influence the emotional, physical, social and intellectual growth of middle level learners.  We believe all students should have an opportunity to strengthen and increase their ability in the fundamental skills such as reading, speaking, writing and problem-solving. We believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn by exploring a variety of courses so that they may later select a field of endeavor well suited to their interests and talents.

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IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

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The Routine...

DAILY SCHEDULE

 7:21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Warning Bell
 7:31-8:19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 1
 8:24-9:14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 2
 9:19-9:44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Homeroom
 9:49-10:37 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 3
 10:37-11:07 . . . . . . . . . . . .1st Lunch
 10:42-11:29 . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 4 (8,9)
 11:12-11:59 . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 4 (7)
 11:29-11:59 . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Lunch
 11:24-12:21 . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 5 (9)
 12:04-12:51 . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 5 (7,8)
 12:21-12:51 . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd Lunch
 12:56-1:43 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 6
 1:48-2:35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Period 7

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AFTER SCHOOL HOURS
Students remaining in the building after 2:45 p.m. must be under the supervision of an adult. Students waiting for late practice will wait in areas designated by their coaches. Students who consistently cause disruptions after school will not be allowed in the building or on school property after school.

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2008-2009 Dates to Remember

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VISITORS/GUESTS

All visitors and guests are asked to check into the main office as they enter the building.  Staff members are encouraged to politely ask visitors if they are in need of assistance or to direct them to the office so that they may check in.  In some instances guest/visitor badges will be given to help identify visitors within the building.  Parents are encouraged to visit school. Calling one or two days prior to visiting is helpful. Only adults are allowed to visit students.

We Want You Here...

Laws, Attendance Procedures and Policies  
Students are expected to attend school regularly. The State of Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. 118.15) requires attendance of all youth up to age 18. Students may be absent for illness, religious holidays or emergency circumstances. If you have to be absent from school, please follow these procedures.

• Parents should call the attendance phone number, 715-424-6765, and leave a message or send a note.
• Students who have been absent should stop at the window near the main office before school starts to have their Agenda Planner stamped.
• Students are expected to make up all missed work. Students have one day for each day they have been absent to complete the assignments.
• Students coming to school late should stop at the office and sign in. Students who are late continually will have to make up the missed time after school. 

Students are not allowed in the main part of the building until 7:21. Students can come to the cafeteria or stand on the west side of the building until 7:21. Students are not allowed to enter the building and leave before school begins.

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EXCUSED ABSENCES
The administration reserves the right to decide whether or not an absence is excused according to past practice and state statute. Examples of excused absences include but are not limited to:

• Illness
• Medical appointment
• Funeral of family members
• Family emergency
• Court Appearances
• Religious holidays

If students are absent for 3 or more days, parents can call the guidance office, 422-6110, to make arrangements to pick up work. Work can be picked up during normal business hours or later by making special arrangements.

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UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Unexcused absences include but are not limited to:

• Oversleeping/missing the bus
• Absence without the knowledge of a parent or guardian
• Forgetting to notify school of an absence by telephone or note
• Missing all or part of a school day without an acceptable reason

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TRUANCY 

Missing school without an acceptable excuse for all or part of a day is truancy. Students skipping school will be processed under Municipal Code 866. This requires students missing school without an acceptable excuse to be counseled, receive school consequences, and be referred to the police for a citation and a mandatory court appearance. Students missing school often for illness will be required to bring a doctor’s excuse. If you miss school for all or part of five (5) days in one semester  without an acceptable excuse, you are considered to be an “habitual  truant” under Wisconsin State Statues 1128.15.  Parental contacts, individual counseling, program or curricular changes, possible referral to Social Services, and additional citations will be consequences of habitual truancy.

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LEAVING?   

Withdrawal Procedures
Students withdrawing or transferring to another school should report to the guidance office at least one day prior to departure to obtain a withdrawal form. The withdrawal process includes clearance with the teachers, the counselor, and the library for return of all books, fees, fines and other obligations. Every withdrawal must be verified by a parent or guardian.

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POSTERS/PUBLICATIONS/SALES

All posters and publications must be submitted to, approved by, and signed by an administrator before they are posted and/or distributed. No student may sell any product (candy bars, etc.) during school hours without administrative approval.

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WHAT’S TO EAT?

WRJH uses an automated system. Wisconsin Rapids Junior High now serves full breakfast meals.  Students are able to add money to their lunch and breakfast account daily before school. Money can be given to one of the morning cafeteria supervisors or dropped off in the office before school. Parents may also make deposits online by going to www.mymealtime.com. 

Students will be informed by the lunch supervisor when they have only one (1) or two (2) lunches left in their account. Students are able to “charge” two lunches when their account runs out. If questions arise about this, a report can be run to validate deposits into and withdrawals from an individual account.  Students will be asked to help clean up their tables and the floor before they are dismissed from the cafeteria. Students may not have food delivered to them in the cafeteria  from outside vendors. 

Students who misbehave in the cafeteria or violate any of the procedures mentioned earlier are subject to disciplinary consequences that will include not eating with their friends, or if serious enough, not being allowed to eat in the cafeteria. Students are to eat and drink only in the cafeteria unless classes are having special celebrations. Open containers are not to be in the halls or lockers and may be confiscated by teachers or supervisors.

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SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS

East’s seventh grade students will be placed on one of two teams.  This means that every student on a team will have the same math, science, social studies, and language arts teacher.  Hopefully this will help to streamline expectations and parent communication for seventh grade students.  Each team of teachers will have a common planning time during the day.  This will be a convenient time for your parents to contact or meet with your teachers.  Seventh grade teachers will communicate this time with your parents at the beginning of the school year.

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GUIDANCE SERVICES

The Wisconsin Rapids Junior High Guidance Department is designed to be of assistance to students  and parents in a variety of ways. Counselors are available to help with personal concerns and career or educational planning. Students are assigned to counselors according to grade level. It is important that students and their counselor get to know each other. Schedule changes after a grading period begins will be considered only in unusual circumstances.  Consultation with your guidance counselor, and administrative approval, is required.

Counselors help identify students’ special talents and needs. They assist in communication between parents and teachers, students and teachers and sometimes parents and students. Parent/teacher conferences are set at the end of the first marking period, but a parent/guardian can arrange a conference with teachers at any point in the school year. If a parent would like to arrange a conference with a teacher or group of teachers, the parent should contact the teacher or group of teachers during their planning time or through the guidance office. Counselors also assist students in staying organized, understanding schedules, planning for success, and assisting with peer mediators. The peer mediation program is run through the guidance office. Students should feel free to see their counselor about any concern. The guidance staff at WRJH is here for the students and wants to help in anyway they can. Stop in and make an appointment with your counselor or just drop in and say, “Hello.”

Bullying…is not permitted or tolerated at Wisconsin Rapids Junior High School.  A person is bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons.  Bullying can include physical aggression, social aggression, verbal or written aggression, intimidation, sexual harassment, or racial harassment.  Students that engage in bullying behaviors will be disciplined according to the discipline expectations outlined on page 6.  Students and staff are working hard to create a safe learning environment for everyone.

Tutoring…services are available for Wisconsin Rapids Junior High Students through the Guidance Office.  We are committed to your academic success.  Both adults and peers are available as tutors.  Tutoring services are generally available during study halls, homeroom, lunch, and after school.  If you find you are in need of a tutor, speak with your Guidance Counselor.

Peer Mediation…is a service available for you.  Conflict is a normal part of life.  If you would like help in resolving conflicts with others, request a peer mediation session by dropping a note in the yellow box outside of room 103, or talk to your guidance counselor.  Your guidance counselor is also available to help you resolve conflicts.

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DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY AGENDA?

Student passes are located in the Agenda Planner. Each student is allowed three (3) passes per quarter per class to use the restroom, get a drink of water, or get something from their locker. Emergency situations are handled by individual teachers as needed. Students need to have their Agenda Planner signed by the teacher they wish to work with during homeroom. Students should show their  Agenda Planner to adults when asked. Students need to carry their Agenda Planners to all of their classes and should refrain from cutting, mutilating, or changing it.

The Agenda Planner needs to be replaced when lost or when it is in need of repair. Replacement cost and procedures are mentioned during the start-up activities in each classroom. 

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WISCONSIN RAPIDS JUNIOR HIGH STAFF

E-MAIL
If you want to contact a Wisconsin Rapids Junior High staff member at school by e-mail, please use the following procedure.
 1) Type in the staff members’ first name
 2) Type in a period                                                          For example, Mr. Bondioli’s e-mail
 3) Type in the staff members last name                         address is: Chris.Bondioli@wrps.org
 4) Type in @wrps.org

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DISCIPLINE EXPECTATIONS

Most student management problems are dealt with in the classroom by the teacher, student, parents and perhaps counselors/psychologists.  In the event the situation is not resolved or is of a serious nature, the student may be referred to the office for disciplinary action.  The consequence shall depend on the seriousness of the offense, and upon previous referrals to the office.  Students may also receive Activity Code consequences such as missing contests or events.  The school administration reserves the right to exercise discretion where circumstances warrant.  Not all behaviors or situations are listed so the administration will decide the appropriate level that best fits the misbehavior.  In an effort to take all factors into account, the following procedures will be followed and students will be placed at the appropriate level.  With each successive referral, the students may advance on the Discipline Ladder (depending on the seriousness of the behavior).

LEVEL 1—Disrespect to a student, running in the halls, littering, tardiness, damaging a student’s property, inappropriate behavior, class disruption.
CONSEQUENCE—Conference with administrator

LEVEL 2—Pushing or minor scuffle, throwing snowballs or other objects, repeated tardiness, hourly truancy, swearing, bullying.
CONSEQUENCE—Detention (s)

LEVEL 3—Repeated classroom disruption, truancy, failure to serve detentions, possession of tobacco (State Statute sec. 1.48.983(2c)), damage to school property, repeated level 1 or 2 offenses, threatening a student.
CONSEQUENCE—In-school suspension

LEVEL 4—Fighting (Stat. 947.01), gross disrespect to faculty, using/transmitting/selling tobacco (State Stat. Sec. 1.48.983(2c)), theft, destruction of property, repeated harassment, bullying, or intimidation (State Stat. 947.013, Board Policy 411.1), possession of stolen property.
CONSEQUENCE – One (1) or two (2) day out-of-school suspension.  Referral may be made to PLO, social services or other agencies

LEVEL 5—Possessing/distributing of paraphernalia/alcohol (Wis. Stat. 125.09) or other drugs (Wis. Stat. 161), or look alike, physical attack/assault.
CONSEQUENCE – Three (3) to five (5) days out-of-school suspension.  Referral may be made to PLO, social services, or other agencies

LEVEL 6—Using alcohol, (Wis. Stat. 125.09) or other drugs (Wis. Stat. 161), false fire alarm,  threatening or intimidating staff.
CONSEQUENCE – Five (5) days out-of-school suspension.  Referral may be made to PLO, social services, or other agencies

LEVEL 7—Selling alcohol, (Wis. Stat. 125.09), prescription medications or other drugs (Wis. Stat. 161), bomb threat (Wis. Stat. 947.015), possessing, using or threatening with a weapon; weapon is defined as “any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, any device designed as a weapon of producing bodily harm, any electric weapon or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or bodily harm.” (Wis. Stat. 939.22, 948.605 & 948.61), physical attack of a staff member, repeated violation of school rules.
CONSEQUENCE – Up to fifteen (15) days suspension pending expulsion hearing before the Board of Education

A discipline file will be kept for each student referred to the office.  This file is sent to Lincoln High School when the student enrolls there.  Parents are notified in writing or by phone when students have been sent to the office for serious misbehaviors.  Once on a level, the next infraction may result in the student being advanced to the next level.  If the situation warrants, a student may be moved more than one level.  The decision will be made by the administration.  A student may earn level reductions by demonstrating improved behavior.  Each two week period without a referral will result in the reduction of one level for all but the most serious behaviors.

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CODE OF CONDUCT
The right of students to get an education is important. Sometimes a student misbehaves in class and causes a disruption. Teachers have the authority to ask for a meeting to discuss student behaviors that detract from the educational environment. After a meeting of parents, teacher and administrators, several things can occur. Students may be removed from class for up to three days the first time. Students and parents will be involved in making a plan of improvement. If things do not improve, the plan will be revisited. Students will not automatically be placed in different classes but may be withdrawn from a class and receive a grade of F. Parents are advised of all actions taken and are encouraged to be a part of the solution.

Give me an A… 

Grading
Progress reports are issued to students to take home at the end of the fifth week of each quarter. The only progress reports mailed will be for failures and, in some cases, potential failures. Report cards are issued four times per year.  The first report card may be picked up by your parents at conference time in November. The remaining report cards are distributed at the times mentioned in the school calendar. You must pay all fines or assessments before report cards are issued.

Academic Misconduct
Academic honesty is expected in all circumstances.  If you cheat, copy, plagiarize, or forge in connection with academic endeavors and/or school procedures, you will be subject to disciplinary action.

   
Activities Code 
Our school offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities which you are encouraged to join.  These activities include sports, clubs, community service organizations, and student government.  By participating in these activities, you can develop your talents and interests.  You must maintain a quarter grade point average of at least 1.51 and have less than two failures per quarter to participate.  If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be allowed to participate for approximately one month until your grades meet the standard.  

Activity codes are distributed by advisors and coaches at the beginning of each season or activity and are in effect year round.  You will sign an activity code the first year you attend junior high.  This code will be in effect during the time you are here.  Codes should be read and the signature page returned to the office.  Any violations of the code will result in not being able to participate in some contests.  The code prohibits use of alcohol, drugs, or other harmful substances.  The code requires students to follow school rules, serve detentions the day they are assigned, and be good representatives of our school.  Please read and understand the code requirements.

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Everyone Needs Space…

LOCKERS
School District policy 445.1 states that a student locker is provided by the school district for your convenience to store clothing and school-related materials. School lockers are the property of WRPS.  At no time do we relinquish our exclusive control of lockers provided.  School authorities for any reason may conduct periodic general inspections of lockers at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

You are issued your own locker. This locker will be retained and kept clean. Permission from an administrator must be obtained to change lockers. No student shall enter another student’s locker.  LOCKERS ARE NOT TO BE SHARED.  The school is not responsible for lost items.  It is recommended that you not bring valuables to  school.  Please report malfunctioning lockers to the office immediately.

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HEALTH SERVICES   
A part time school nurse is available in case you become ill or are injured. All accidents need to be reported to the nurse immediately. Any prescription needs to be left with the nurse in a labeled pharmacy bottle along with the doctor’s order. Over the counter medications, in their original container, may be kept in a student locker as long as a parental permission slip is on file in the office. Medications kept in the locker should not be shared with others. If you become ill during the course of the day, you may report to the school nurse or secretary. A parent will be called if it is necessary for you to leave school. You will not be allowed to leave school without someone contacting your parent/guardian or a responsible adult listed on your emergency medical card which must be filled out and returned within the first few days of school.

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Getting  Online…

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP)
 
All students sign the AUP when they first arrive at Wisconsin Rapids Junior High. The policy gives the rules and regulations that need to be followed in order to operate any computer at school. The computers are provided as tools to help you learn and are not to be used for recreational purposes. Students are prohibited from the following activities:

• Using the WRDN (Wisconsin Rapids District Network) for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes,
• Disrupting or disabling the WRDN,
• Using the network for personal gain or personal use, for example printing pictures to take home or for your locker, advertising your business, or selling something using the WRDN,
• Attempting to gain access to someone else’s files,
• Sharing your password with someone else,
• Sending messages that harass or offend others or disrupt the educational setting,
• Making changes to the desktop, computers settings, or downloading/installing software,
• Using or establishing a hot mail account,
• Invading other people’s privacy.

Consequences will range from a  warning to removal from the network  depending on the severity and frequency of the misconduct.  Computers are wonderful tools. Use them for their intended purpose.

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Looking Good…

DRESS

In any situation, good personal grooming is an asset. Your personal appearance should not attract undesirable attention to yourself, cause disruption, present a health problem, or present unsafe situations for you or others in the building.

The following examples will provide you with some guidelines:

1.  Any clothing which is revealing or shows undergarments is inappropriate.
2.  Loose fitting clothing, dangling jewelry or  belts, and scarves/ties should be  avoided in lab classes and the hallway.
3.  Appropriate footwear shall be worn at all times.
4.  Pants must be worn at waist level.
5.  The following clothing must be avoided:

•      Clothing and/or accessories with  comments, pictures, slogans, or designs  that are obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar  or with sexual innuendo.
•      Clothing and/or accessories which  harass or threaten an individual or  group of individuals because of sex,  color, race, religion, handicap, national origin or sexual orientation.
•       Clothing and/or accessories which  advertise or promote alcoholic bever- ages, tobacco products, illegal drugs, or  gang activity.
•       Hats, coats, jackets, chains and out door vests.  Bandannas/scarves any where on the person.

In all instances, you are to follow the instructions of staff members when your clothing choices cause concern.  The administration may ask you to alter your clothing or contact your parents for more suitable attire if one or more of these guidelines are not being followed. Individual teachers/administrators will discuss these guidelines with you during the first days of school and during orientation.  Any question can always be referred to the office.

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Everyone is Equal Here…

WRPS NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
 
It is the policy of the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, pursuant to s.118.13, Wis. Stats., and P19, that no person, on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, may be denied admission to any school in this district, or may be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, extra-curricular, pupil services, recreational, or other program.

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TEXTBOOKS  

Textbooks are furnished by the district for your use.  You are responsible for returning the books in good condition to your teachers at the end of the school year. Lost books must be paid for and damaged books will be assessed a fine according to department guidelines.

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VISITORS 

All visitors must report to the office upon arrival at school.  You are not permitted to bring relatives or friends from other schools to visit during the school day. Parents, however, are always welcome.

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PERSONAL COMMUNICATION

A telephone is available for your use in case of emergencies.  Cell phones, pagers, two-way radios, and other such devices are not permitted during the school day.  Bring your signed Agenda Planner and ask for permission before using the phone.  Cell phones are never allowed in locker rooms. 

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STUDENT SURVEYS

According to School Board Policy 441, student surveys will not be distributed without parent/guardian notification and an opportunity to request that the student not participate.  Request to inspect a survey can be made to the building principal.  For additional information, feel free to contact an administrator.

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6 Trait Writing: A Parent's Reference

The staff of Wisconsin Rapids Junior High have been trained in the 6-trait writing model.  This model defines good writing and provides a common language for teachers, students, and parents.  Writing improves when writers first learn to be assessors and critics of writing, and then to be drafters and revisers of their own writing.  The job of defining quality is never done.  At every opportunity, students will be provided with clear criteria for high performance in their writing.  The 6-trait model provides just that across grade levels and subject areas.

What are the 6-traits? 

Ideas

• Clarity
• Focus-a small, easy to manage topic
• Good information-from experience, imagination or research
• A fresh perspective
• Important, helpful details that go beyond the obvious

Organization

• A snappy lead that gets the reader’s attention
• Order and logic
• Clear connections to a main idea
• In tech or business writing, gets to the point!
• Easy to follow-but not too predictable
• A graceful ending-doesn’t just  STOP

Voice

• Sounds human-not like technospeak
• Has the mark of this particular writer
• Brings the topic to life
• Is appropriate for the audience, topic, purpose
• Shows conscious concern for the reader’s interest, informational needs
• In tech writing, doesn’t bore the reader, but doesn’t overwhelm the message either

Word Choice

• Strong verbs, precise nouns-no modifier overload
• Word pictures
• “Just right” language-suits the topic, the audience, the purpose
• Simple language used well-not written to impress
• Minimal redundancy
• Technical terms defined as needed

Sentence Fluency

• Rhythmic
• Easy to read aloud-inviting
• Varied sentence length-some long, some short
• Tendency toward shorter, crisper sentences in tech/business writing
• Purposeful sentence beginnings:
  Now, After a while, Because of this, Nevertheless, As a result, Consequently, However, Therefore... 

Conventions

• Looks clean, edited, proofread
• Easy to decode and follow
• No big, glaring errors that distract the reader or distort the message
• Spelling correct or simple words, correct or close on difficult words
• Punctuation correct
• Paragraphs for new topics, new speakers
• Quotation marks to set off dialogue
• Capitals on all proper nouns and to begin all sentences
• Noun-verb agreement
• No arbitrary shifts in tense
• Layout has eye appeal

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6 Trait Writing: A Student's Reference

Ideas

• What is my message?
• Is my message clear?
• Do I have enough information?

Organization

• Do I have a strong beginning?
• Did I tell things in order?
• Does everything link to my message?
• Do I have a strong ending?

Voice

• Do I really like this paper?
• Does this writing sound like me?
• How do I want my readers to feel?
• My favorite part is ______________.

Word Choice

• Have I used some words I really love?
• Can my reader tell what my words mean?
• Have I used any NEW words?
• My favorite word in this paper is _________________. 

Sentence Fluency

• Did I use sentences?
• How many sentences?
• How many different ways did I begin my sentences?
• Did I use some long sentences?
• Did I use some short sentences?

Conventions

• Did I leave spaces between words?
• Does my writing go from left to right on the page?
• Did I use a title?
• Did I put my name on my paper?
• Did I leave margins on the left? The right? The bottom?
• Did I use capital letters in the right spots?
• Did I use periods or question marks?
• Did I do my BEST on spelling?
• Could another person read this?

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