Our Philosophy and Goals page 1 Our Program page 1

Grading

4.0 A Outstanding 1.0 D Below Average

3.0 B Above Average 0.0 F Failing

2.0 C Average
Official grades are issued four times per year for all subjects on the West Valley Middle School report card.
In the middle school, it is essential that the students understand how they are graded. Grades at this level are partly a measure of effort and partly a measure of ability. Each teacher will inform parents and students of their grading procedure at the start of school, including how homework, projects, and tests are graded as well as how the overall grade is computed.
GUM

Students may not bring gum to school.

HOMEWORK

West Valley Middle School believes that homework is an important part of the instructional program. It is a valuable tool to support our students’ efforts to master grade level standards. Teachers may assign up to 30 minutes of homework daily. West Valley Middle School encourages teachers and parents to support and communicate with each other regarding homework assignments, while promoting and maintaining the student’s sense of responsibility. Properly implemented, homework will lead to increased level of mastery and to the development of good study habits.

Consequences for failure to do homework: Students may be required to complete their work at recess and/or after school. Grades may be lowered for incomplete work. A conference and action plan will be delivered for students who repeatedly fail to complete homework assignments.
Requests for homework : When a student is ill or an extended time away from the classroom is anticipated, parents should request any homework or class work that will be missed. When requesting work for an extended period of time, please give the request in writing to the teacher at least 10 days prior to your departure. Fewer than 10 days may be insufficient time for the teacher to prepare all assignments. Grading for such work may be changed to meet the goals of the assignment. Teachers will inform the parents of their grading criteria.

Late Assignments: The penalty for late assignments is a 10% reduction in the assignment grade per day it is late unless there are reasonable extenuating circumstances.

Incomplete Grades

Any student who has completed less than 50% of the work in a class will receive a grade of incomplete. The teacher will give the student a list of work, which must be completed within one month to replace the incomplete with a grade. Students must complete the required work to advance to the next grade level. Normally this applies to students who have been absent for large blocks of time.

Lockers and Locks

Locks for the lockers will be provided for the students and distributed to them at the beginning of the school year. Students must use the lock provided by the school. Students will be required to return these locks to the school at the end of the school year.  There is an $10.00 replacement fee for lost or damaged locks.
The school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Students should not share their locker combination with anyone. The administration reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time. Locks intentionally placed on the wrong locker will be removed and the student will receive disciplinary action.
Lockers may be visited before and after school and during breaks. Most teachers will not allow trips to lockers during class, even to get forgotten homework, so students must be sure to bring all supplies to class before each period.

Lost and Found

Unclaimed items will be place in the lost and found bin located in the multi-purpose room. Students losing property should make a thorough search in all likely areas and search the Lost and Found bin before inquiring in the school office. Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of each month to a local shelter.
LUNCH

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  Our Hot Lunch program offers a nutritious lunch on a daily basis. Menus are located in the office. Parents can purchase lunch cards in the office for a day/week or month at a time. Payment is due prior to lunch via cash or checks written to Michelle’s Luncheon . Vegetarian options are also available.
  
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  Parents may opt to provide a cold lunch. Microwaves are available in our vending machine room.
  
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  Lunches forgotten at home should be brought directly to the School Office marked with the Child’s name. In order not to disrupt class, lunches should not be brought to the classrooms. Be sure to tell your child to check in the office any time he or she does not have their lunch.
  
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  For safety, students may not share their lunches, snacks, or drinks with other students.
  

MEDICAL NEEDS

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  No student may be given Prescription and/or Over the Counter medication at school without written permission from the parent or Physician. Medications are administered in the School Office only. All medications should be brought to the School Office and clearly labeled with the child’s name. Please put the medication in a Zip-Lock Bag which is also labeled with the child’s full name (use a waterproof marker for labeling).
  
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  A parent must notify the school in writing if any student is taking medication, has food allergies, and/or other medical problems.
  
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  Medical Authorization slips are located in the office.
  
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    Daily or Frequent Medicine or Occasional as needed Medicine – Parents need to come to the office to complete a Medical Authorization Slip before we are able to distribute any medication to our students. Students will be asked to come to the office to receive their medication at the time(s) indicated on the Medical Authorization Slip. Please remember, all medication will only be distributed in the office. All medication needs to be placed in a zip lock bag, with the student’s name clearly labeled on the bag.
    

MOVIES

Movies rated “G” or “PG” are shown at West Valley Middle School during the school day for educational purposes and after school for recreation. If a teacher wishes to show a movie rated “PG-13”, a permission slip will be sent home.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is and shall be the policy and practice of Action Day/Primary Plus/West Valley Schools, in the admission of students or the hiring of employees, not to discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical ability or ancestry.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Your active participation helps to make our school a more productive and enjoyable experience for our students. At home, you can be involved by discussing with your student daily assignments and events that occurred throughout their day and by becoming aware of school policies. At school, you can be involved by becoming a parent volunteer, chaperoning fieldtrips and dances. You may also wish to join our parent group, the West Valley Community Club, to play a more significant role in our school.

PARKING

Please drive safely, slowly, and cautiously in and near the school. Park only in designated parking areas. Parents must follow handicap, bus parking, no parking zones, and traffic arrow directions. Thank you!