This is your STUDENT HANDBOOK HEY! This is your STUDENT HANDBOOK You need to know what it says. Give it to your parents to read. St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS)

When you are at school, the school acts as your parent. Your teacher, principal and other school personnel are here to help you learn and develop good personal habits.

. We expect you to WORK HARD AND BE NICE!

A PICTURE ID is REQUIRED Your parent has to show a PICTURE ID when checking you out of school. This is for your protection.

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE All children between ages 5 and 16 are required to attend school. You are expected to be at school every school day and on time. Attend school every day to get ready for the next grade.

THERE ARE LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL ABSENCES If you are sick, your absence is lawful. Sleeping late and not coming to school is an unlawful absence. If your parent has questions, have him/her check with your teacher, counselor or the school secretary. Remember your parent needs to send a note to school when you are absent. Taking vacations during school is an unlawful absence.

BE ON TIME TO SCHOOL Be on time to school. This is called being punctual. This is an important habit. It will help you be successful - like get a good job and keep friends.

NEED MEDICINE IN SCHOOL? Your doctor has to sign a school form and the school nurse will talk with you and your parents about taking medication at school. Do not bring any medicine to school. Only your parent can bring it to the school nurse.

Students seeking help Do you need help? Talk to your counselor. Counselors talk to kids about school, learning, feeling sad or mad, bullying, and being afraid. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?? If you are in a situation that you know you need help with, seek help from a teacher, counselor, school nurse or assistant principal.

DRESSING for SCHOOL THE DRESS CODE School is a place for learning. Dress comfortably and neatly. Make a good impression and feel good about yourself!

SMILE Your bus may have devices on it that record your words or take pictures of your actions. Stay in your seat and talk quietly. Your school building may also have these devices Obey all school rules!

NEWSPAPERS * TV * INTERNET * DISPLAYS Sometimes your picture or a display of your work will be used for public information or by the media. If you do NOT want your picture or your school work to be shared with others in the public, your parent must sign the “form” USE OF STUDENT IMAGES AND LIKENESSES IN PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS to say NO. Otherwise, your picture, name and/or school work could be on display.

SCHOOLS ARE DRUG-FREE ZONES No drugs are allowed on school property. Let your teacher/counselor know if you think there are drugs in your school. Keep your school safe and drug free.

Bullying/Harassment Don’t let people “harass” you. Sometimes this is called bullying. If someone bothers you and does not stop, let your teacher or counselor and parent know. Your parent may want to talk with someone at school, too.

NO WEAPONS AT SCHOOL Schools need to be safe places. Let a teacher or counselor know if there is a weapon or something dangerous at school RIGHT AWAY. On the bus…let the bus driver know RIGHT AWAY. Let your parent know if you feel unsafe at school or any place.

WEAPONS A weapon is anything that could be used to hurt someone, like… a knife, gun, firecracker or razor.

TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT Be healthy - stay away from cigarettes. This also means that NO ONE is allowed to smoke on school grounds. This includes teachers, parents, and other visitors.

OOPS I brought something to school that I should not have… Tell any adult at school right away! If you are on the bus give it to the bus driver.

MAKE-UP WORK If you miss school, you need to ask your teacher for make-up work.

Enjoy School Computers Using the computer is fun. Work carefully. Keep your computer labs neat and clean. Follow directions. Your teacher will monitor your computer activity.

Be a student of good character.

People with good character are: CARING FAIR RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE TRUSTWORTHY “A Good Citizen”

Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

OUCH THAT HURTS! BULLYING (lack of respect toward others) Targeting a peer and making threatening, repetitive actions that result in the victim feeling powerless. BUS MISBEHAVIOR (irresponsibility) Standing, distracting the driver, running on the bus, eating on the bus….endangering the safety of others.

Ouch! Again… DISRESPECT (lack of respect) Inappropriate comments or physical gestures to teachers or staff members or others. FIGHTING (lack of caring) A physical confrontation involving two (2) or more students.

MOST FIGHTS CAN BE AVOIDED Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Go get help from an adult RIGHT AWAY. If you see someone fighting, get help right away. STOP BULLYING – STAND UP for yourself by talking with your teacher, counselor and parents.

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT Some behaviors could result in suspension or expulsion from school. DO NOT BRING TO SCHOOL Alcohol Drugs Guns Knives Or things that may look dangerous or illegal. Be kind – Do not hurt or threaten anyone. SCHOOL SHOULD BE A SAFE PLACE for everyone.

You are accountable for knowing everything in it. READ YOUR HANDBOOK… You are accountable for knowing everything in it.