STUDENT HANDBOOK

The Student Handbook is mailed to each family at the start of the school year. This copy is for reference, however any discrepancies between this document and the official printed copy, or if any changes are made to the official policy, that document supersedes this one.

You can scroll through the entire document or you can click the headings below to jump to that point. You can click on the headings in the document to jump back here.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to Petaluma Junior High School!

This Parent-Student Handbook is divided into two parts.  The first is a ten-month school calendar of important dates.  The second part is information regarding procedures, rules, and policies of PJHS.  The facing page is a telephone information list of voicemail and homework hotline numbers for all PJHS Staff. 

In addition to this handbook, every student will receive a new Agenda Planner during the first week of school.  It contains helpful Study Guides and Life Skills information along with an academic planner with room to write all daily assignments.  On the bottom of each page there is a space for teacher and parent comments and signatures.  In combination, this Parent-Student Handbook and the Agenda Planner are powerful tools to take advantage of.  Invest the time to review both thoroughly.

Remember, if you have a question somebody else probably does too so don’t hesitate to ask any adult on campus or call 778-4724 between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Over the course of this year take the opportunity to increase your friendships and your knowledge; take advantage of a great school and a great group of teachers.  Get organized, be respectful, work hard and you can’t miss on a productive two years at PJHS.

Sincerely,

 John W. Lehmann, Principal, PJHS

PJHS PHILOSOPHY

We believe our primary purpose is to provide the best educational program for the early adolescent student.

We believe every student is capable of learning and succeeding.

We believe students and teachers have the right to learn and teach in a safe and supportive environment.

We strive to involve every student so that learning is satisfying and school is enjoyable.

We constantly monitor our students’ progress, adjusting classroom strategies, class level placements, and school-wide programs. Our goal is to provide students with the skills to achieve academic and physical excellence, and social and emotional well-being.

We encourage students’ pride in their school through classroom and extra-curricular activities that reward participation, service, and achievement.

Our students know we care about them and this is reflected in the friendly, personal, and enthusiastic climate at our school.

We encourage and value the involvement of parents and community members as key elements for enhancing the educational opportunities at our school.

We believe that...

LEADERSHIP

POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE THROUGH SELF ESTEEM

EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS AND PROGRAMS

PARENTAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

... are key elements at our school

WHAT PJHS EXPECTS OF YOU

The staff at PJHS will do everything they can to make your stay here pleasant and academically profitable.  As a student, you have definite responsibilities to yourself and towards your school.

We like to keep our classrooms and campus clean and neat.  Share in this responsibility by not marking on the buildings, lockers, or books you work with, and not dropping paper and litter around the school.  You should make sure that you, as an individual, are doing all that you can to keep our school attractive.  If the school looks sharp, so do its students!

In your contacts with our teachers and fellow students, the following should be kept in mind:

·        GOOD WORKMANSHIP:  Each student at PJHS should strive to earn the reputation of being a good student, thereby developing self-pride and school pride.

·        COURTESY:  Respect for the rights of others and the rights of private property constitutes a courteous attitude.  The courteous person avoids rudeness, tries to be agreeable and helpful in all dealings with others, and never attracts negative attention to him/her through rude or boisterous behavior.

·        FRIENDLINESS:  A friendly attitude is the expected behavior between teachers and students, among pupils, and toward new students entering the school.

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

While in junior high school, students must pass classes in the following areas:

               English               2 years  

               Mathematics       2 years  

               Social Science  2 years  

               Science               2 years  

               Physical Education               2 years  

               Other Electives               2 years

Students who fail classes must attend Summer School and or remedial classes, offered before or after school and on Saturdays, in order to meet the requirements to promote.  Failure to do so could result in retention.  Students who fail three or more semester classes without making them up are not eligible for participation in the Promotion Exercise, Promotion Dance, and Marine World Trip.  If you have questions concerning any of the above information, please contact the counselor at Petaluma Junior High School.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

REPORT CARDS/GRADES

Report cards will be mailed home on the dates noted in the school calendar. (Every 6 weeks)

Scholarship grades are:

               A - Denoting superior achievement

               B - Above average achievement

               C - Average achievement

               D - Barely passing

               F - Not passing/ No credit

Teachers will review the grading policy in their classes with students during the first week of school.  At “Back to School Night” the policy will be explained to parents.  Written copies of the policy will be provided.

PARENT/COUNSELOR RELATIONSHIP

The counselor plays a vital role during a child’s junior high school years.  You and your child should communicate with the counselor concerning areas such as these:

·        Promotion requirements

·        SAT-9 testing (competencies)

·        Summer School/Remediation Classes

·        Special Education Program RSP/LH

·        Family Issues

·        Peer Issues

The counselor provides additional details concerning Child Development, Progress Reports, discipline referrals, areas of deficiency, Project “GO” (group counseling offered by Petaluma People Services Center), and district or community psychological services.  Direct phone numbers for the counselors are:

               Mr. Julian Podbereski               778-4729

               Ms. Christine Ruzick               778-4730

PERIODIC PROGRESS CHECK

A periodic or weekly progress check is built into the Student Planner with a box for parent and teacher signatures along with comments.  A more formal grade check form is available in the counseling office.

PJHS NEWSLETTER

With the support of the School Site Council, we mail home our newsletter once every six weeks thus enabling us to provide information concerning programs, upcoming events, testing, counseling services, student activities and staff articles.  If you have comments regarding the newsletter or would like to volunteer help with the newsletter, please call the school office.

TEACHER VOICE MAIL AND HOMEWORK HOTLINE

Each teacher has a Voicemail and Homework Hotline extension listed in the front of this Handbook.  Use the Hotline whenever your student is absent or you want to check on the current assignments.

ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS

Attendance Office Phone Number:  778-4726 (7:30-4:00)

24 hour Attendance Message Number:  781-9631 EXT 1430

Students are required by law to attend school each day unless ill or excused for other explained absences.  A student absent more that 14 days will be notified by mail that all absences that follow must be excused by a doctor’s note.  Students with excellent attendance records usually do well in school.  Awards are given to students with perfect attendance.  *Please note that all absences excused or unexcused count against a student’s “perfect attendance.”

ABSENCES

1.      EXCUSED ABSENCE - illness

2.      EXCUSED ABSENCE - non-illness

        A.        Bereavement due to death in the immediate family

3.      UNEXCUSED/ACCEPTABLE

A.        Religious Holiday

        B.    Work with Parent Day

4.      ALL OTHER ABSENCES - are NOT considered legal by the Education Code of the State of California.

5.      CHECKOUTS - No student may leave campus during the day without authorization.  A note from the student’s parent or guardian is required, and s/he must check out from the office before leaving.  Upon return the student must first report to the attendance window.

6.      TRUANCY - is a very serious offense.  Disciplinary action will be taken through the school district and the District Attorney’s office for truancy.

7.      EXCESSIVE ABSENCES will be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) and the District Attorney.

ABSENCE NOTES

1.    ALL ABSENCES MUST BE VERIFIED.  A parent/gaurdian must call the office (778-4726 or 781-9631ext 1430) or send a note or a doctor’s verification.  Unverified absences will be recorded as cuts or Truancies.  (See “Cuts” on the Discipline Grid).

Please include the following information:

        a.     Exact number of days and dates absent

        b.     Include the specific reason for the absence

c.      Signature of parent/guardian

d.      Date the note is written

2.    Upon returning to school, students must take their absence notes to the attendance window.

3.    Absence notes are considered confidential, and are kept on file in the attendance office.

4.      A student who has been absent during the school day is not eligible to participate in any student activity that occurs after school on the same day, unless s/he is cleared by the administration.

5.      Absences which are not cleared in the office within 3 days will be considered “cuts,” and will be referred to the AP for 1 period of In School Suspension for each period missed or possible at home suspension.

6.      Doctor notes will be required for extended absences.

PJHS PHONE DIALER

Important information is sent directly to your homes every three weeks or more often if necessary.  These recorded phone messages contain useful information about important upcoming dates and events.

CLOSED CAMPUS

PJHS maintains a closed campus.  This means that students may not leave the school grounds during the day for any reason unless they have an off-campus pass approved by the office.  Once a student has left campus, they cannot return without being accompanied by a parent.

TARDY POLICY

Students are expected to be seated and ready to work when the bell rings.  Tardies are only excused for illness or doctor appointments (see “excused absences” above).  Habitual tardiness will result in disciplinary action.

Tardies 1-2:        Handled by teacher.  Consequences include:  warning, detention, and negative citizenship marks.

Tardy 3:        Students receiving three tardies in one class will be in the TARDY CLUB and will receive an after-school detention for that tardy and all subsequent tardies in any class.  Tardy Club membership will be for the semester (see discipline grid).  Habitual tardiness may result in additional discipline.  

HOMEWORK POLICY DURING ABSENCE

If a student is absent, please use the homework hotline (see teacher #’s in this handbook) to obtain homework assignments.  If class handouts are needed, please call the main office to request these items before 9:00am.  Work will be available in the office between 3:00pm and 4:00pm that day.

VACATION POLICY

We realize that sometimes parent’s vacation schedules and school breaks don’t coincide.  In order for your student to stay on top of his/her assignments, we offer parents the opportunity to do independent study contracts.  The minimum number of days for the contracts is five (5) days.  You must notify the attendance office at least 5 days in advance of your leaving and we will prepare contracts and gather homework for you.  Please call Mrs. Masciorini in the attendance office at 778-4726 for more information.

TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL

When transferring to another school, students must bring a note from a parent or guardian.  Please include your new address. The note is to be taken to the office the day before the last day of attendance.  Students must obtain a “Check Out/Transfer” form from the office and have all of their teachers sign and the librarian sign the form.  All charges and/or fines must be paid before clearance from the school will be given.

SPECIAL STUDENT RECOGNITION

PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL

Principal’s Honor Roll students are selected at the end of each semester.  Students earning a GPA of 3.7 - 4.0, with no grades less than a C-, and no unsatisfactory citizenship marks, are placed on the Principal’s Honor Roll.

COUNSELOR’S HONOR ROLL

Counselor’s Honor Roll students are selected at the end of each semester.  Students must have a 3.0 - 3.69 GPA, with no D or F grades, and no unsatisfactory citizenship marks.

RENAISSANCE PROGRAM

The Renaissance Program is designed to recognize students for outstanding academic achievement, through incentives and awards. This program honors student academic achievement and students who demonstrate appropriate LIFESKILLS.  A Renaissance Rally will be held each semester to honor these students.  This recognition program has three major goals:

1.      To focus on and emphasize academic excellence and improvement

2.      To reward such excellence and improvement

3.      To recognize and reward staff achievement and contributions.

RENAISSANCE INCENTIVES

*Students must maintain satisfactory citizenship and may not receive more than two referrals or 3 demerits during a semester.  Remember that tardies will impact your Renaissance status.

**Or recommendation by the Renaissance Review Team

SPECIAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS

E.C.I.A. TITLE I

PJHS receives federal funds to provide additional support for 7th and 8th grade students who receive a total score at or below the 25th percentile in Math or English on the SAT 9 test. Elements of support include instructional assistants, before-school tutoring, and computer use.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (SIP)

State funding enables PJHS to provide a support program designed to serve all students and improve the total school curriculum and learning environment.  Examples of such programs are Technology and Communication.  Parents, students, and staff fill out a school-wide survey in the spring.  You may wish to participate on our School Site Council (SSC). If interested, please call Mrs. Ryan in the main office at 778-4724.

RESOURCE SPECIALIST (RSP) AND LEARNING HANDICAPPED (LH)

Resource Specialist and Learning Handicapped programs are available for students who qualify.  Students placed in the Resource Specialist Program are there for one to three periods, usually in Math, Reading, Social Science or English. Students may be place in the “special day” class for four periods (one elective and P.E. would be outside of class).

BILINGUAL EDUCATION

Our school district provides classes utilizing bilingual instructional practices, bilingual assistants and specially trained teachers to assist our English Language Learners  (ELL) students.

AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP

This program is open to all PJHS students Monday through Thursday from 2:50 pm until 4:00 pm (Wednesday from 2:10 pm until 3:20 pm).  This is a drop-in program that provides a quiet classroom and structured environment where students receive help with their assignments.  Classroom location will be announced in September.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS

All students are welcome to tryout* for the following sports:  BOYS: Co-ed Soccer, Basketball, Wrestling, and Track. GIRLS: Co-ed Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, and Track. Girls may also go out for Wrestling.

*Note:  Prior to trying out for the sport, all participants are required to have a physical exam, insurance and grade check.  This paperwork must be turned in to the Assistant Principal.  No student will be allowed to try out without a release form from the Assistant Principal.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Students at PJHS play a very important roll in developing the school climate.  This is accomplished through our student council that operates within the framework of a constitution to plan activities, decide on school projects, plan assemblies, purchase equipment, recommend rules and regulations, and attend to other student matters.  We encourage students to use this forum for expressing their views on various matters.

Student council is comprised of the elected student body officers and representatives from homerooms.  Every candidate must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, no “U”s in citizenship, no “F”s in any marking period, and must have good school attendance.  Students who are already in office and do not meet this criteria, will be put on probation for one marking period.  If they do not improve, they will be removed from office.  Homeroom Reps are elected in September.  Officer elections are held each spring and fall.

ELIGIBILITY

Participation in extra-curricular activities, such as Spirit Leaders, after-school sports, and Student Government, is a valuable part of the education of all students.  Along with a student’s course of study, participation should give students opportunities to develop additional talents and skills.

To be eligible to participate in an extra-curricular activity, a student must have earned a minimum grade point average of 2.0 with no “F”s and no unsatisfactory citizenship marks for the previous grading period.  A probationary period of two weeks may be granted one time during the school year.  Follow up grade checks will be used to determine eligibility.  An ineligible student is not allowed to miss class to travel to games.  Any serious disciplinary action, such as multiple-day suspensions, will result in ineligibility or possible removal from extra curricular activities or from team sports for 30 school days.

CLUBS

All clubs are organized on the basis of interest on the part of the students.  Whenever a group of students wishes to start a club, they may contact the Director of Student Activities who will help them find a sponsor and get organized.  A minimum of ten students is required to start a club.

DANCES

Each year PJHS ASB will sponsor dances for the students at PJHS school.  Dances are limited to 400 students on a first come, first served basis; cost $5.00 ($4.00 w/ASB card). Tickets are sold for the four days prior to the dance, before school and at lunch. Tickets will be sold on Friday for $5.00.  Absolutely no tickets will be sold at the door.

All school rules apply at dances, including the dress code, and students are expected to act in a safe and appropriate manner.  All students are eligible for the dance unless they are on the Loss of Privilege list.  Students must attend school for at least four periods in order to be eligible to attend after school or evening activities.  Once students enter the dance, they are to remain for the entire dance.  Students are to be on their way home within 15 minutes after the end of the dance.  Students, who are not picked up by that time, may lose their next dance privilege.

Attendance at any PJHS dance requires the student to sign a dance contract reviewing these and other expectations. Students who do not meet these expectations while at the dance, may have their parents phoned in order to pick them up, and will lose their eligibility for the next dance as well.

STUDENT BODY CARDS

Student may purchase an associated student body photo I.D. card (ASB). These cards are used for library use, intramural equipment use, and admission to after school activities, and discounts to dances.

INTRAMURALS

A co-ed intramural program is held the last 20 minutes of lunch hour. This is a voluntary program in which students sign up for and are placed on teams.  Activities include touch football, kickball, basketball, volleyball, and softball. Homeroom points are awarded for participation and team success.  At the end of the year, the top homerooms receive prizes.

MAGAZINE DRIVE

The ASB sponsors a school-wide magazine drive as a major fundraiser for student activities.  Held early in the fall, the drive encourages participation by the entire student body, because all students will benefit by its proceeds.  The drive is a fun way to contribute to the school, and students earn a variety of individual prizes.  Details of the magazine drive will be discussed in an assembly and homerooms during the first weeks of school.  Hang on to your renewal slips for this drive.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

TRANSPORTATION/BUSES

All school rules apply at bus stops as well as on the bus.  A calm manner on your part is expected on our buses.  The lives of many children are the responsibility of the driver; one of those lives is yours.  We insist upon good behavior on our buses and at bus stops.  Our drivers have the authority to enforce the rules for your safety.  Students are to get off the bus only at their designated stop when the red lights have been activated.  Motorists are required by law to stop until the red lights are turned off.  Students may only ride their designated bus unless they have written permission from home and have turned that in to the office that same morning.

PARENT/GUARDIAN DROP OFF & PICKUP

Students are to enter and exit at the Front Foyer or by the lower path.  All students waiting for parents are required to wait in one of two places:  1) the sidewalk of the traffic circle or 2) the south parking lot by the entrance to the front circle.  Students may also walk down the path to Webster Street.  For the safety of your children the staff parking lot and the bus zone are off limits.  All students are to be off campus by 3:00PM unless participating in an after-school activity or waiting for a school bus.  

BICYCLES

Bicycles must be parked and locked in the racks provided. All bicycles must be locked individually; students may not share locks.  Damage to or loss of a bike is solely the concern of the owner.  The school will investigate and report theft and vandalism but will not assume any responsibility nor liability for bicycle damage/loss.  Bike riding, skating or skateboarding is not permitted on the campus, due to safety concerns.   Bikes must be walked to and from the Baptist Church.  For safety reasons (to students, bus drivers, and parents), students are not permitted to ride bikes or walk on Western Avenue between Bantam Way and Webster Street.

STATE LAW REQUIRES BIKE HELMETS.

SKATEBOARDS AND SCOOTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS.  DO NOT BRING THEM.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

School equipment and property (books, etc.) are provided to enhance and help students learn.  Students marking or damaging school equipment or property in any way will be required to clean the article or to pay for damage done.  The law specifically provides that parents and students are responsible for these items.  Students may be suspended for vandalizing school property.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks and library books are the property of the Petaluma School District.  All textbooks and library books must be kept clean, covered and handled carefully.  Issued texts are the direct responsibility of the student.  If textbooks or library books are lost or damaged, the student must pay them for before a new textbook will be issued.  Report cards and records will be withheld until the books or materials are paid for or returned.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION ATTIRE

Required clothing for P.E. is: purple shorts, P.E. T-shirt (sold in locker rooms at PJHS), white socks, and any color tennis shoes with ties.  Shoes must be tied tightly for P.E.  Gray or white sweatshirts and/or sweatpants are optional.  P.E. lockers are to be used for valuables and should always be kept locked.

LOCKERS

Each student is assigned a locker as a privilege.  Lockers are used to store books and personal material such as jackets, sweaters and lunches, so that students don’t have to carry them throughout the day.  Improper use of the locker may result in loss of this privilege.  Do not tell anyone your locker combination.  Do not share or trade your locker with anyone.  PJHS is not responsible for, and will not replace, items stolen from school lockers.  Students should not place valuables in the lockers, and should empty their lockers over weekends and vacations.  The lockers are owned by the school and are subject to search at any time with reasonable cause.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found articles may be picked up in the office. Your name should be put on all coats and jackets so they can be identified.  The bus garage should also be checked from time to time for lost articles.  P.E. lost and found is in the P.E. offices.  Clothing remaining unclaimed will be given to a charitable organization on a monthly basis.

HEALTH ROOM

A room is available in the Main Office for students who are ill.  If you need to go to the Health Room, be sure you go to class first to get a pass from your teacher.  Students are to sign in when they come to the office to verify attendance.  Do not bring books and purses to the Health Room.

MEDICATION

If it becomes necessary for a student to take any medication at school, a signed note from the doctor must be presented to the office.  All medication, including aspirin, must be kept and dispensed through the main office.  A school nurse is provided two days per week.  The school secretary will handle medical problems at other times.

OFFICE TELEPHONE

The office is open from 7:30am to 4:00pm.  We are here to assist you with any questions or problems.  Only students with business are allowed in the office.  Please don’t bring your friends with you.  Please do not ask to use the office phone for personal business.  A pay phone is located in the courtyard for student use.  When you know you will be staying after school for an activity, make your transportation arrangements in advance.

STUDENT INSURANCE

Student insurance is available at a reasonable cost.  Parents are urged to buy this insurance coverage for their student if personal insurance is not available.

VISITORS

All visitors must report to the office to obtain a visitor’s pass before going to any area of the campus.  Parents are always welcome to visit school and are encouraged to do so.  Please call in advance for an appointment.  Only parents, guardians, or other appropriate adults will be allowed to visit.  Students may not bring friends from out of town or other schools to visit classes.  Students who encourage non-PJHS students to come on to campus are subject to disciplinary action and are responsible for the actions of such unwelcome visitors.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT TITLE IX

Both state and federal laws and regulations prohibit sexual harassment.  Complaints will be filed with the appropriate state and federal agencies.  Detention, suspension and expulsion may result.  Our school district policy provides an educational environment free of sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment should be reported immediately to the following Title IX Coordinators:

               John Lehmann, Principal or Keri Silvers-Saez, Counselor

               Petaluma Junior High School

               700 Bantam Way

               Petaluma, CA  94952

               (707) 778-4724

*Please note complete policy on inside back cover.

FIELD TRIPS

At PJHS we realize the importance of out-of-class educational field trips, as well as extra-curricular events during the school day.   Students are expected to be on their best behavior while on field trips and must meet due dates and make-up all missed work while attending field trips and extra curricular events.  It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments before the trip.

FIRE AND DISASTER DRILLS

Fire and disaster drills are held in the fall, winter and spring.  Remember these basic rules:

• Check the instructions for emergency routes from each classroom (posted near door of classroom).
• Walk
• No talking
• Move quickly and quietly to designated areas

PJHS DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY

We believe that student discipline is an integral part of a successful junior high school experience, and is a shared commitment between students, staff, and parents.  We believe:

• All students have human dignity and worth
• Influence is greater than control
• Appropriate behavior is maintained by appropriate consequences
• School is a comfortable and safe place
• All members of our community are responsible for promoting an atmosphere for learning.

Our discipline policies are marked by the following assumptions:

• Instructional practices enable students to make appropriate choices in a climate of warmth and support
• School rules and classroom limits are clearly defined
• Consequences will increase in severity for repeated misbehavior
• Consequences will be consistently applied
• Effective communication techniques will be utilized to encourage positive relationships
• Positive behaviors will be reinforced through recognition and reward
• Students will be given many opportunities to develop positive behavior.

Our discipline system is based on five basic standards that encompass our entire communities beliefs and expectations for making our school a safe and supportive place to learn and teach.  It is the responsibility of students and staff to uphold these standards in their daily conduct and interactions with others.  Failure to uphold these standards will result in increasing levels of consequences as outlined in the discipline grid, which follows this section.

STANDARD 1:  RESPECT LEARNING                                                  

All students are to be in their seats ready to work with all necessary materials when the bell rings.  Students must respect all direct requests by teachers.  If they feel such a request is unreasonable, they are to schedule a time to discuss their concern outside of class time.  Failure to follow teacher directions may result in a disciplinary referral for defiance.  Students are to remain in their seats until the teacher (not the bell) dismisses the class.  Physical contact and horseplay are prohibited.  Students who throw any object at anytime are subject to strict disciplinary action.  Individual classroom expectations and procedures are to be followed at all times.

STANDARD 2:  RESPECT EACH OTHER

In an attempt to maintain a safe and supportive educational environment, all members of our community are expected to demonstrate a respectful attitude toward those around them.  Examples of such behavior include:  treat others as you wish to be treated, be cooperative, be courteous, use proper language, no foul language, no name calling, no spitting, no rough contact.

STANDARD 3:  RESPECT YOURSELF

Every student can develop respect for self by applying his or her best efforts at school.  By taking pride in and responsibility for your education you can gain knowledge and skills that will enable you to have continued success in the future.  Come to school prepared by bringing your materials and completed homework and projects and your self-respect will grow. 

STANDARD 4:  RESPECT THIS PLACE

The entire PJHS community is proud of the school and its high standards.  This includes the overall appearance of our school, which is maintained through the hard work of a great many people.  Students must remember that they enjoy the benefits of, and share the responsibility for, keeping PJHS as clean and neat as possible.  Ways they can help include:

1.      Pick up trash and encourage others to keep our campus clean.

2.      Keep walls and desks clean and graffiti free.

3.      Use books and materials with care. Take care of all school property as if it were your own.

4.      Eat all food in the cafeteria or courtyard. 

5.      No food is allowed in the hallways and classrooms without teacher approval.

6.      Never bring gum to school.  Do not bring sunflower seeds or other nuts to school

STANDARD 5:  RESPECT AND OBEY STATE AND LOCAL LAWS

Laws and rules are put in place to ensure that schools are safe for children and adults.  California State Law forbids tobacco, firecrackers, theft, lighting fires, alcohol, drugs and drug paraphernalia, gang related clothing or items, vandalism, and possessing dangerous items (lighters, bullets, knives, etc.), electronic signaling devices and other disruptive devices (pagers, cell phones, radios, laser pointers, games, permanent markers, etc.) on all school campuses. 

The following are some of the rules and guidelines we use at PJHS.  They cannot cover every possible situation, but these rules help us maintain a safe environment at PJHS.  The District and school discipline guidelines that follow these rules help us maintain consistent discipline on our campus.  Please note that these rules apply while students are at school, on their way to or from school, or participating in any school-sponsored activity.

BEFORE SCHOOL, Students wait in the courtyard or Cafeteria

All food is to remain in the cafeteria in the morning.  Students may sit on benches or in the risers to socialize.  Students are not to sit on the cables, backs of benches or railings.  Students are to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner at all times.  This means running, pushing, sliding, wrestling, play fighting or any other horseplay are strictly prohibited.

Students are to remain behind the yellow lines in the entrances to hallways and in front of the library and office until the passing bell rings.  Please keep these areas clear to allow for safe travel.

Sales in the courtyard will be done in an orderly fashion, lining up to purchase items.  Students will sit down once they have purchased an item.  All litter must be thrown away in the trashcans.

HALLWAYS

Students are not to be in the halls before 8:23 AM, during lunch, or after 2:50 PM without a hall pass.  Students are to go directly to the destination stated on the pass, and should present the pass to any staff member upon request without question or argument.  Signed passes are also needed to go to their locker or the bathroom during class periods.  As a matter of safety and courtesy, running in the halls, pushing, sliding, wrestling, play fighting or any other horseplay is prohibited.

LUNCH TIME

Students are to line up in the appropriate lines for the snack bar and school lunch program.  Cutting or asking for money in line is not allowed.  Students sit inside the cafeteria normally, but may sit outside with permission.  Students must get permission to get up from their seats or leave the lunchroom.  To help maintain the cleanliness of our school, students are expected to pick up and throw away all trash before being excused from lunch.  If you have left your lunch or lunch money at home, please come to the office.  Throwing any object in the lunchroom is prohibited.  Failure to obey this rule will result in campus clean up being assigned and/or an immediate suspension.   Students are to respect the authority of the noon supervisors at all times.  After 20 minutes, students are dismissed from lunch in small groups and may stay in the courtyard to socialize or go to the blacktop or field for play.

BLACKTOP/FIELD

Students are to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly manner at all times.   No food is allowed on the blacktop or field.  Teams are limited to 8 per side for touch football (No tackling is allowed) and 5 per side for basketball.  Numbers larger than this are unsafe.  Equipment is checked out for the first few minutes after lunch dismissal.  The person checking out the equipment is responsible for its return.  Students are not to interfere with P.E. classes or games in progress, walk around P.E. instructional areas.

RAINY DAY

Before school, students are to go directly to the multi-use room, and remain inside or under the covered walkways until excused by the 8:23 AM bell.  No running, pushing, horseplay, etc is allowed.

At lunch, all students eat inside and will remain seated at their table until dismissed.  Once excused to go outside, students are to stay under the covered walkways.  If open, students may go to the Library, Computer Lab, teacher’s classrooms, (with passes) or the Game Room.  Students are not to walk across the courtyard in the rain.

NUISANCE ITEMS

Those items that are deemed a nuisance to the educational process and tend to disrupt others are to be left at home.  Such items, if brought to school, will be confiscated and returned only to the parent of the student.  Repeated offenses will be viewed as acts of defiance and subject to further disciplinary action.

Nuisance items include, but are not limited to, the following items:  cell phones, pagers, gum, sunflower seeds, skateboards, skates, roller shoes, toys, water guns, balloons, radios, tape/cassette/CD players, cameras, rubber bands, sling shots, electronic games, large sums of money, glass bottles, balls, spray colognes/perfumes and misters, etc.

Students are not to bring GUM to school at any time.

SKATEBOARDS or roller blades or skates are not allowed at school.

DANGEROUS BEHAVIORS

The following behaviors are of such a serious nature that they will result in serious discipline, including suspension from school.  They include:

·        Fighting/Assault

·        Extortion/Hazing, Pushing or Bullying in the halls

·        Horseplay leading to the injury of another person

·        Spitting on another person

DRUGS-Students in possession of, under the influence of, or selling drugs, including alcohol, will be suspended for five days and face a discipline hearing at school with a possible recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion.  The police will also be notified of such instances with the possibility of arrest.

CIGARETTES/TOBACCO-Students possessing, distributing or using tobacco will be suspended.

WEAPONS/EXPLOSIVES-The possession, use, sale, or involvement with firecrackers, ammunition, pyrotechnics, knives, guns, martial arts items, or any other injurious objects, or the use of any object in a deliberately or potentially injurious manner is prohibited and students will be suspended.  Police may also be notified if the incident warrants.

GAMBLING/THEFT-Students caught gambling or stealing will be suspended.

VANDALIZM-Students who are caught vandalizing or deliberately damaging school property will be responsible for the replacement or repair of that property and subject to suspension and/or expulsion.

DRESS STANDARDS

The PJHS staff feels that appropriate school attire contributes to a positive learning environment.  PJHS standards have been established to create an atmosphere and attitude in which students perform well, feel comfortable, and do not distract others.  We appreciate the cooperation from each family in helping to maintain appropriate standards of appearance.

Offensive articles of clothing, jewelry or adornment are not allowed.  This includes, but is not limited to, items with safety pins, expressions, pictures, or words that are obscene, profane, pornographic, representative of a clear and present danger of illegal behavior, disparaging or demeaning to others (such as racial, religious, sexist, or ethnic epithets, or advocating pain, violence, death, suicide, or use or advertisement of drugs and/or alcohol). 

Immodest clothing is not allowed.  This includes, but is not limited to bare midriff, strapless shoulders, or low cut necklines, tank tops, half T-shirts, crop tops, halter tops, see-through shirts or blouses, short skirts or shorts (shorter than their fingertips when arms are at their sides), un-hemmed cutoffs, jogging shorts or extremely tight clothing.  Bicycle shorts may be worn under another appropriate garment.  Sleepwear is not allowed.

Public displays of affection are not allowed.  No kissing, hugging, arms around each other,

HATS may be worn for sun protection before school, during P.E., at lunch, and after school.  They are to worn properly.  Bandannas and other head apparel are not allowed at school.

Attire that is worn or altered in such a way to identify students with gangs is not allowed.  This includes but is not limited to, sagging pants, over-sized pants, hanging belts, and gang related initials on belt buckles.  Clothes primarily red or blue depicting gang affiliation are not permitted

Shoes that completely cover the toes and that are secure at the heel must be worn at all times.

Inappropriately dressed students will be asked to leave class until a change of clothing is received from home.  The Principal or the Assistant Principal shall determine final judgment of appropriateness.

For 8th graders participating in the end of the year promotion dance and assembly, students should wear dressy but not formal clothing.  Tuxedos, long gowns, and limousines are not allowed.  It is our intention that all students be able to attend these events with a feeling of “peer appropriateness.”  All students should dress in a neat and appropriate manner.

PROHIBITED AREAS

1.      The faculty parking lot and access points from G and H wings are out of bounds to students.

2.      Please head straight to and from school.  This means students are not to loiter in and around local businesses or private residences.

3.      The tree and shrub area around the tennis courts, along Western Avenue, and surrounding the lower fields are off limits.

4.      The corridors during lunch hours, including in front of the A and C buildings, the library alcove, and the PE steps are to be kept clear at all times.  Students may not linger in these areas.

5.      The front lawn is prohibited, unless directed there by a staff member.

CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR

Students who choose to break the rules will be issued a referral.  The referral will outline the misbehavior and list the consequence(s).  The discipline grid will be used as a guide for determining the appropriate response for a given behavioral offense.  Referrals are to be signed by the parent and returned the next day to school.  Any student who has received fifteen referrals in one year will receive a same day suspension for excessive referrals and will be placed on a behavior contract.

After Spring break, referrals for 8th graders start counting towards loss of 8th grade promotion activities.  A notice will go home in the spring explaining the specifics.

Loss Of Privilege (LOP) List

Students who receive any home suspensions, full days of In School Suspension (ISS), or referrals of any type during a six-week period prior to an event are placed on the LOSS OF PRIVILEGE list, and are not eligible to attend that activity.  The Loss of Privilege list is based on a point demerit system.  Four demerits will put a student on the Loss of Privilege list. 

Demerits are calculated as follows:

               At home suspension 4 demerits

               Full day in IHS    2 demerits

               Detention             1 demerit

Petaluma Junior High School Discipline Grid