The Don’ts of Middle School: How to Avoid Demerits and Referrals Middle School Orientation Rocky Mount Preparatory School August, 2009

Why do we have demerits? In our school we have rules and procedures. Procedures are simply expectations, but rules have consequences attached. Demerits are how we enforce the rules. Think of demerits as speeding tickets on the Middle School Highway!

Demerits are for simple rules violations and are easy to spot. Here are some typical demerit offenses: Late to class—This is up to the individual teacher, but usually if you enter the room after the tardy bell, you are subject to two demerits. Horseplay—This is simply aggressive play that might lead to a fight or result in an injury (also two demerits).

More Two Demerit offenses… Dress Code Violations (discussed elsewhere) Coming to Class Unprepared (at teacher’s discretion) Excessive talking—this is simply carrying on a conversation in class that is a distraction and not related to the classroom activity at the time. A verbal warning is issued first. Bringing food or drink to class—Note: some teachers will allow plain bottled water, but clear this with each individual teacher.

Three demerit offenses include… Late to School (unexcused)—please check in at the Front Desk if you arrive after 8:00 a.m. Bring the late slip to your teacher to be admitted to class. Public Display of Affection— please do not hug, kiss, or otherwise make inappropriate contact with another student.

More Three Demerit Offenses… Out of Pocket—You must be accounted for at all times. If you are out of class without permission, you are “out of pocket” and subject to demerits. Head on Desk or Asleep in Class— You are here to learn. If you are having trouble getting enough sleep, please talk to a teacher so we can help.

There is ONE Four Demerit Offense: Chewing Gum! Why is this a big deal? Ask our custodial staff how long it takes to get gum scraped off a tile floor or a desk or how hard it is to remove from carpet!

Referrals are reserved for… Repeat offenses that normally would result in demerits. Repeated disrespect or disobedience. Major violations of rules that involve dishonesty. Conduct that endangers other students.

Disrespect of a teacher or another student is not tolerated! Office Referrals are automatically given when a student uses vulgar language or gestures directed at a teacher or another student. when a student repeatedly refuses a direct instruction from a teacher or shows disrespect for a teacher either verbally or non-verbally. when a student makes remarks or advances to another person of a sexual nature.

Any action that is dishonest is subject to Office Referral. Lying, cheating, and stealing are not tolerated! If it is found that a student forged a parent’s signature on a note from home, that student will receive an Office Referral.

Office referrals are also given… For skipping class or leaving the school grounds. For smoking, drinking, or gambling. For vandalism or defacing school property.

Referrals are given for any action that might endanger another person. Harassment of another student, including physical acts such as wedgies and swirlies. Possession of any item that may commonly be used as a lethal weapon. Fighting or inciting another person to fight.

Ten Demerits in 4 ½ Weeks= Three days after school detention. Demerits are wiped clean at the end of the Progress Report period. Subsequent detentions may be longer at the principal’s discretion.

Referrals may result in A student receiving after school detention. A student receiving out of school suspension of at least one day. Subsequent suspensions result in longer terms of suspension. If a student receives multiple suspensions, that student may be asked to withdraw from Prep. We are serious about behavior issues here; your family chose for you to come to this school, so you need to be on board!

For your consideration… In groups of no more than four, discuss What rules at Prep that were discussed in this presentation do you think are most important? What rules do you disagree with? Why? Is there a rule that was not presented that you believe should be put in place at Prep?

Let’s all understand… …that rules are here for the protection of all students and teachers. Let’s make this a great year in Middle School at Prep!