Table of Contents

WRPS Mission Statement
Our Mission
We Want You Here...ATTENDENCE
Truancy
The Golden Rules...
Crossing the Line...Discipline Expectations
Consequences for student misbehavior
Bullying...
Expulsion
Service with a Smile...Counseling and/or Guidance
Give me an A...Grading
Activities Code
Everyone Needs Space...Lockers
Health Services
Getting Online... Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Looking Good...Dress
Everyone is Equal Here...WRPS Non-Discrimination Statement
Textbooks
Visitors
Personal communication/Electronic Devices
The Routine...Daily Schedule
After School Hours
2007-2008
Student Surveys
What's to Eat? Food Services
Leaving? Withdrawal Procedures
If We Knew You Were Coming...Communication

Welcome... to West Junior High School!

West offers a wide variety of educational and extra-curricular activities in which you can participate.  We urge you to take advantage of a variety of 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 if you need it.

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,

Mrs. Ginter,
Principal

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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Our Mission

West Junior High's mission is to create an environment in our school that promotes a high level of performance and desire to learn.  We are confident and expect that with students' effort and our support, students will develop a positive work ethic to grow academically now and in the future.  We are prepared to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents to achieve this shared educational purpose.

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We Want You Here...

ATTENDENCE

It is in your best interest to attend school regularly.  Frequent absences disrupt the flow of the school year as well as your academic and social growth.  The State of Wisconsin requires by law the attendence of all youth to age 18 except for illness or religious holidays.  If you have to be absent from school, you should follow this procedure:

1. Parents may call the school (422-6200) and leave a message or send a note.  The answering service will take calls from 3:30 P.M.-7:45 A.M. daily.

2. You must stop in the office when you return to school to have your planner stamped.

3. Present your planner to your teachers and write down any assignments missed during your absence.

4. Make up work from excused absences should be completed within the number of days absent or individual arrangements should be made.

The school administration reserves the right to reject any request for absence.  The administration will also determine whether or not an absence is to be excused based on state statute.

Students reporting to school late must stop in the office before reporting to class.  Individual teachers will determine credit for any missing work.  The Wisconsin Rapids School District has a closed campus policy.  You must remain on campus once you arrive unless you are leaving for an approved appointment, in which case you must sign out in the office.

Excused absences are:

1. Illness;
2. Medical appointments;
3. Funeral of an immediate family member;
4. Family emergency;
5. Court appearance;
6. Religious holidays;

In case of illness which lasts several days, you should call the guidance office and arrange to have assignments picked up.  Students are responsible for all work missed during their absences for illness or other reasons.

Just Be Here...

Unexcused absences include but are not limited to:

1. Oversleeping/Missing the bus;
2. Absence without knkkowlege of parent/guardian;
3. Not bringing a note or calling the school.

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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 a "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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The Golden Rules...

Each student has the right to an education and to utilize school facilities and programs according to established school regulations and procedures.  Every person has the right to expect courteous behavior from others as well as the right to seek and obtain help from school staff memebers.  In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning, we ask you to follow these four behavioral standards:

West's Behavioral Standards
I. Be prompt.

A. Students will be in the room when the bell rings.
B. Consequences for being late.
    1. First violation- teacher conference.
    2. Second Violation- teacher conference.
    3. Third Vioalation- student is given a 30 minute detention to be served as indicated by the teacher within three school days; parents notified.
    4. Additional Violations- are turned over to the office and parents will be notified.  Failure to serve detentions in a timely manner can lead up to and may include in-or-out of school suspension.

II. Be prepared.

  A. Students will bring everything needed for class: materials, assignments, homework.
  B. A locker pass may be given at the teacher's discretion.
  C. Students will maintain an organized locker.

III. Respect self, others and property.

  A. Dressing appropriately is expected. Students with questionable attire will be asked to change.
  B. Possessing, distributing, or using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs at West or during any school-related activity is prohibited.
  C. Name calling or put-downs of students or staff will not be tolerated.
  D. Hitting, pushing or tripping will not be tolerated.
  E. Threatening or intimidating others will not be tolerated.
  F. Vandalizing (including writing on lockers) is prohibited.
  G. Taking the property of others is prohibited.
  H. Keeping the school and grounds free of litter is expected.
  I. Opening a locker assigned to another student (even with permission) will be considered trespassing or abusing the property of others.
  J. Students will respond appropriately and respectfully to any adult in the building.
  K. Students will provide their names to adults when asked.
  L. Students should not bring nuisance items to school.

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Crossing the Line...

Discipline Expectations

If you are to be successful in school, an environment must be present that promotes learning.  Self-discipline, which produces minimal distractions and disruptions to the learning process, is the key to providing sufficient structure so that learning can be accomplished.

As mentioned, it is expected that you will respect the rights of others and also respect your own right to pursue an education.  The community at West provides an environment in which students can learn, feel safe and secure, and can seek help when it is needed.  We know that sometimes people act inappropriately.  These actions are divided into two categories: minor and major.

Minor infractions include such things as being late to class, not bringing materials, running in the halls, being loud in the halls, making inappropriate comments/gestures, throwing snowballs, hugging, kissing and other PDAs (Public Displays of Affection), as well as lunchroom problems such as running, not following directions and not cleaning up after yourself.  These behaviors will be handled primarily by the classroom teacher/supervisor whoh will discuss proper behaviors with you, have you work out plans for solving your problems and have after-school discussions with you.  They may also call your parents.  Repeated minor infractions will result in administrative action such as time after school or in-school time out.

Major infractions include fighting, disrespect to staff and guest teachers, failure to follow reasonable directions, continuous disruption, swearing at others, intimidation, harassment, assault, drugs/alcohol use/distribution/possession and bringing a weapon to school.  As defined by state statute 939.22 a "dangerous weapon" means 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.  Because of the more serious nature of these inappropriate behaviors, the consequences will involve time spent after school, parent conferences, removal from class, in-school and out-school suspension, andin some cases, a police referral.  Students who are given out of school suspensions may be prevented from participating in extra activities, including field trips.  Students bringing weapons to school or selling drugs or look alikes will automatically be involved in expulsion proceedings.  The primary focus is on protecting all of the people in the school and providing a safe and orderly environment where they can work and learn.

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Consequences for student misbehavior

Student misbehavior is dealt with primarily by the classroom teacher.  Teachers have individual discretion to give warnings, initiate parent contacts, give detentions and to send students to in-house for a time out if necessary.  When repeat infractions occur or students refuse to cooperate with the teacher, administration may be involved.

Steps taken by administration may include additional parental involvement, detentions, in-school suspension, out of school suspension, alternative placement, recommendation to the school board for expulsion, all depending on the severity and frequency of the defense.  When necessary, there may be Police liaison officer involvement and/or social services referral.

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Bullying...

Bullying is not permitted or tolerated at West 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 accordingly.  Students and staff are working hard to create a safe learning environment for everyon.

Any student who feels that they are a victim of bullying behavior is strongly encouraged to contact the office and report the behavior so that it may be addressed accordingly.

Please Note:  Transportation provided by the district is considered part of the school day.  Inappropriate behavior on the buses may result in disciplinary action at school as well as loss of transportation privileges.

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Expulsion

Expulsion is the most serious disciplinary consequence.  State law allows schools to expel students who jeopardize the health, safty and welfare of themselves or other students.  The possible reasons for expelling a student can include but are not limited to:

Conduct which endangers or threatens others.  This includes staff, students, and district officals;

Possession of a weapon;

Knowingly making threats or attempting to destroy school property with an explosive;

Repeatedly being distruptive or failing to follow school rules.

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Service with a Smile...

Counseling and/or Guidance

You are encouraged to meet our counselors and see them whenever you feel it necessary.  The counselors are here to help you with academic, social, or emotional concerns.  Make an appointment and get a pass so that you are able to talk with a counselor without waiting.  The counselors seldom make class changes,  and all schedule changes must be approved by a principal.  Other measures are usually used to solve class problems.  If you or your parents feel a conference is necessary, an appointment can be made by calling the guidance office (422-6183).  We have two counselors to meet with students:

Ms. Niedbalski (student last names from A-K)

Mr. Chip (student last names from L-Z)

In order to keep communication timely, report any changes of address or telephone number to the guidance secretary.

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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.

Family Access, the web-based access to grading and progress reports through Skyward is another option for parents to monitor students's progress.

Academic Honesty

WRPS Policy #443.9 prohibits cheating by students.  Cheating is defined as an act of deception by which a student misrepresents mastery of an academic exercise which, in fact, has not been mastered.  Consequences may include re-doing the assignment, reduction of credit, parent notification, and/or referral to administration.

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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 21 days or until your grades meet the standard.

You will sign an activity code for the first time you participate in a junior high activity.  This code will be in effect year round the entire 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 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 5142.1 states that a student locker is provided by the school district for your conveience to store clothing and school-related materials.  School lockers are the property of WRPS.  At no time does the school 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.  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 the emergency medical card which must be filled out and returned within the first few days of school.

Any prescription medication 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.

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Getting Online...

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

All students sign the AUP when they first arrive.  The policy gives the rules and regulations that need to be followed in order to access the technologies provided.  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 activites:

• 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 setting or downloading/installing software;
• 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/belts or accessories which protrude or have sharp points should be avoided;
3. Appropriate footware shall be warn at all times;
4. Pants must be worn at WAIST level.
5. The following clothing must be avoided:

• a. Clothing and/or accessories with comments, pictures, slogans or designs that are obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar or with sexual innuendo;
• b. Clothing and/or accessories which harass or threaten an individual because of sex, color, race, religion, handicap, national origin or sexual orientation;
• c. Clothing and/or accessories which advertise or promote alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal drugs or gang activity.
• d. Hats, coats, jackets, chains and outdoor vests.  Bandannas/scarves anywhere on the person.
• e. Backpacks or purses may not be taken to class or carried during the school day.

In all instances, you are to follow the instructions of staff  members when your clothing choices have called attention to you.  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.  Students who repeatedly ignore and break these guidelines will be considered noncompliant and may be issued suspension time.  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 perosn, 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/Electronic Devices

A telephone is available in the office for your use duringi the school day.  Cell phones, pagers, two-way radios, and all other electronic devices may not be used during the school day.  If cell phones are brought to school, they must be turned off and remain in the locker during the school day.

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The Routine...

Daily Schedule

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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 disruption after school will not be allowed in the building or on school property after school.

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2007-2008

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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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What's to Eat?

Food Services

This year a full, hot breakfast will be offered at WJH along with the usual a la carte items.  The cost is $1.00.  West has an automated meal system which allows students to deposit money into an account and simply enter a personal identification number (PIN) at the lunch line.  This option can be used for breakfast or lunch purposes.  We urge all students to eat nutritious meals to aid in optimizing their learning potential. 

Students are to eat and drink in the cafeteria only.  You are not to eat or have open containers in the halls or in lockers.  All eating areas should be kept neat and clean, trays are to be returned to the dishwashing counter, and waste materials put in proper receptacles.  Students may not have food delivered to school.

Students who misbehave in the cafeteria or violate the aforementioned procedures are subject to disciplinary action.

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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 in order to obtain a withdrawal form.  The withdrawal process includes clearance with teachers, the counselor, and the library.  Every withdrawal must be processed through student services.

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If We Knew You Were Coming...

Communication

Parents are encouarged to visit at any time.  Please stop in the office so we can assist you in finding the teacher(s) or other staff member who will be able to help you.  A variety of phone numbers may also be helpful in reaching staff members:

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