Student Guide
Summersville Middle School is committed to the development of each individual's fullest potential. Building upon the base that all students can learn, we maintain curricular goals and instructions to reflect our high expectations for all.
Summersville Middle School is committed to the belief that each student is entitled to a quality and equitable education. We believe that learning must be achieved in an atmosphere of cooperation and with a clear focus. We believe in an approach which recognizes and addresses individual differences of learners.
urriculum development encompasses the needs of all students. We endeavor to provide experiences in all areas of development including academic, vocational, physical, social, and the arts. Our primary goal is to provide the opportunities for students to develop transferable skills in order to solve problems in a variety of life situations. The staff is acutely aware of the influence we exert over the lives of students. We strive to remain a positive influence.
Summersville Middle School is a diverse learning community that supports and challenges the individual student's growth intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Summersville Middle School provides a safe, nurturing environment than empowers students with basic skills and the critical thinking ability that will enable them to become productive members of a diverse and increasingly interdependent world.
Visitors to SMS
All visitors to SMS are required to sign in with the school secretary in the office. Visitors who will be in the areas other than the office are required to obtain a visitor's pass. Student visitors are not permitted.
School Insurance
Nicholas County Board of Education does not provide insurance for students injured while at school. There are two types of school insurance available to SMS students: 24-hour coverage and school time only coverage. Insurance forms are available to students at the beginning of each school year. Participation is voluntary.
Lunch & Breakfast
Breakfast is served daily in the school commons area from 7:40 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Paid lunches will be $1.35 and reduced lunches .40. Paid breakfast will be .70 and reduced price will be .30. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Education. Free and reduced lunch applications are available to students throughout the school year in the office. Meals can be paid for daily; however, parents are encouraged to make meal payments in advance. Checks made payable to SMS can be sent to school with the student to cover cost of meals weekly or for any period of time. Advance payment permits less time waiting in line and prevents the loss or misuse of lunch money.
Bus Procedures
Students are to ride their assigned buses to and from school. If it is necessary for a student to ride a bus other than the regularly assigned bus, the parent must send a note to school with the student indicating the reason for riding another bus and giving a phone number where the parent can be reached for confirmation. Upon confirmation, the note is sent to the bus driver permitting the student to ride. Students are not permitted to use school phones to make arrangements to ride home with another student. Arrangements to ride home with another student must originate at home except in case of emergencies.
All accidents are to be reported to the office or to a teacher. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment will be provided and the parents will be notified. Each student is to have an emergency procedure card completed and returned to SMS. This card will alert SMS staff to health care issues specific to each student as well as contact information of the parents or other designated emergency contacts.
Medication at School
All medications will be kept and dispensed by the counselors and/or designated teachers. All prescription medicine must be brought to school by a parent or guardian and given to the counselor with the required documents completed by a physician. School personnel are not allowed to dispense any over the counter medication even with parent permission.
When students find unclaimed items throughout the school, they are expected to bring them to the office for the owner to claim. Students are reminded to keep items in their lockers or in their possession at all times.
Students in middle school are beginning to take on more responsibility. One of these responsibilities is to remember to bring all necessary items to school. Phone calls will be allowed for emergencies only and at the discretion of the teacher, principal, counselors, or secretaries. The student must have permission before coming to the office. Students will not be called from classes to accept telephone calls except in emergency situations. Keep in mind that it is difficult to positively identify parents and authorized contacts over the phone. Students need to make arrangements to go home with other students before they come to school. Students will not be allowed to use school phones to make arrangements to travel home with another student.
Electronic devices (cell phones, personal CD players, MP3 players, games, etc.) and other valuable personal items
Such items categorized above are not to be brought to school. Hair dryers, curling irons, hair straightners and other similar items are also prohibited. These items can be confiscated. Confiscated items may be kept for a day, until parents come in for a conference, or until the end of the school year. Students in possession of these items will face disciplinary action consistent with the Summersville Middle School and Nicholas County Board of Education discipline policies.
Tobacco
The use or possession of tobacco products at any time on school property is prohibited. This includes athletic events, curricular or extra-curricular events, and on the bus. Students in violation of the tobacco policy will be referred to law enforcement and could face a fine in excess of $100.
Lockers are available for the convenience of the students and may be rented for a cost of $2.00. Lockers will be assigned at the beginning of school. Students are not to change or share lockers except by permission of the principal or counselors. Each student is responsible for the contents of his/her locker. No student is to give his/her combination to any other student, nor should a student allow another student to keep anything in his/her locker. Students are allowed to go to their lockers at the designated times only.
Lost Textbook Policy
Students who fail to return textbooks prior to leaving school will be assessed a replacement fee. Student planners are provided for each student at the beginning of the school year at no cost to the student. Student planners may be replaced for a fee of $5.00.
Athletics
SMS offers interscholastic athletic programs for all students. The West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) governs all secondary school athletic teams. WVSSAC policies can be accessed at www.wvssac.org . The following athletic programs are available for SMS students.
| Boys | Girls |
|---|---|
| Football (7th & 8th only) | Basketball |
Basketball |
Cheerleading |
| Wrestling | Track |
| Track |
Any student interested in participating in any athletic program must provide the following information to SMS athletic director Mr. Rocky Roberts:
NICHOLAS COUNTY ATTENDANCE POLICY
Admit to Class after Absence
It is the policy of the Board of Education that all students enrolled in Nicholas County Schools shall expected to attend school on a regular basis. It is to be expected that illness will occur and situations will arise that make it imperative for students to miss school, however, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to limit student absences to those deemed absolutely necessary.
When students have been absent from school for a full day, any part of the day, or have been signed out, they must bring a written, signed note from their guardian, or a physician's statement upon return to school from the absence. All absences (including bus absences and suspensions) require a note from a parent, physician, or court official in order to return to class. Failure to bring the proper documentation for an absence will result in that absence being recorded as unexcused. All unexcused absences over five days will result in a letter sent home requesting a meeting and will be reported to the attendance director. Continued excessive unexcused absences could result in a court date in the presence of a prosecuting attorney. Notes from home are limited to five per semester.
Excused Absences
The West Virginia State Department of Education defines excused absences as those which have been approved by the school for the following reasons:
| A. | In alternative setting |
| B. | Bus, failure to run |
| C. | Calamity (fire, flood, etc.) / Health exclusions (example: lice) |
| D. | Death in family |
| H. | Homebound instruction |
| I. | Illness in family / Illness verified by physician / Illness verified by parent |
| L. | Leave of educational value / Legal obligation (with verification) |
| M. | Medical appointment / Military |
| R. | Religious holiday |
| X. | School approved curricular/extra-curricular activity |
Summersville Middle School Absence Policy
Summersville Middle School students who accumulate 15 unexcused absences or more in a semester will not be permitted to attend or participate in any extra-curricular activities or any school-sponsored events during the remainder of the semester.
Transfer and Withdrawal from SMS
When it becomes necessary for students to transfer to another school or withdraw from school, they are to schedule a meeting with the guidance counselor to make appropriate arrangements. A transferring student must fill out a transfer form, return all books (including library books), and take care of any other obligations. Likewise, a withdrawing student must do the same, as well as fill out necessary forms and validate the state age requirement for withdrawal. Both transfers and withdrawals are to be done under the supervision and guidance of the parent(s).
End of School Day Procedures
All students not leaving the building at 3:08 p.m. are to report to the commons area. Any student staying after school must be participating in a school-sponsored activity. Please do not check students out after 2:45 p.m. unless it is an emergency. Students who are picked up by parents will be released immediately after the buses leave. Picking students up prior to bus departure creates traffic congestion and delays evening arrival times of other students.
Report Cards
Student report cards are sent home with students at the end of each the six grading periods. Report cards are sent home approximately one week after the grading period ends. End of school year report cards will be mailed to the student's home and will arrive home approximately two weeks after the end of school. The Nicholas County Board of Education publishes the school calendar in the Nicholas Chronicle at the beginning of the school term. Further notification in the Nicholas Chronicle will appear near the end of each grading period.
Parent – Teacher Conference
Parent – Teacher conferences are held a minimum of two times each year. Dates and times of parent – teacher conferences will be published in the Nicholas Chronicle and/or printed on the student's report card. Individual parent – teacher conferences can be arranged at any time throughout the school year by phoning the school counselors.
STUDENT CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBLITIES
All students enrolled in Nicholas County Schools are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner so as not to disrupt the educational process. Each student has the right to receive this education. This privilege and right does not exceed that of another student.
SMS students are responsible for showing proper respect to teachers and other students in regard to property, space, and feelings. Students are further responsible for their actions at all times in the classroom and elsewhere. Students are responsible for bringing all materials and supplies (pencil, paper, textbook, etc.) necessary to complete classroom assignments.
West Virginia Board of Education Policy #4373 authorizes the Student Code of Conduct for West Virginia students; The State Code of Conduct applies to all students enrolled in public schools in West Virginia . The code is as follows:
It is the policy of the board that procedures be implemented and maintained to fulfill the intent of the West Virginia State Board of Education Policy 4373. The procedure should assure the following major points in the state policy:
Conduct Violations and Recommended Actions
Sequence of Action
STEPS:
| Misconduct | Disciplinary Action | |
|---|---|---|
1. |
Fighting | Step II (1st Offense) |
2. |
Forgery, Theft, Larceny. | Step II |
3. |
Hazing | Step II |
4. |
Insubordination (Open persistent defiance of authority – teacher, principal, or other school staff and/or disorderly conduct.) |
Step II |
5. |
Intimidation of other students or staff, use of profane language |
Step II |
6. |
Possession/use of tobacco (or accessory) or possession of laser light |
Legal Action |
7. |
Disrespect of school personnel. (Vulgarity) |
Step III |
8. |
Defacing of school property | Step III |
9. |
Destruction or damage to school property. | Step IV |
10. |
Setting off or tampering with fire alarm. | Step IV |
11. |
Possession of controlled substances, alcohol, or dangerous object (chains, knives, sections of pipe, etc.) (or accessory.) | Step III |
12. |
Disrespect of school personnel. | Step III |
13. |
Assault and battery. | Step III |
14. |
Destruction or damage to school property. | Step IV |
15. |
Inciting a riot. | Step IV |
16. |
Use of alcohol beverage or illegal drugs or excessive use of over the counter drugs or “home remedies.” | Step V |
17. |
Assault and battery of school personnel. | Step V |
18. |
Possession/use of deadly weapon (or accessory) such as firearms. | |
19. |
Selling or delivering alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs or controlled substances. | |
20. |
Excessive discipline violations. | Step VI |
Library Regulations
The library will be open throughout the school day. Students may come to the library from a class with a pass signed by the teacher. The librarian, with the help of the Language Arts department, conducts library orientation and instruction for all students at the beginning of each school year. While using the library, students are to abide by the following rules: All students in the school are entitled to use the library to check out books. They must remain in good standing according to library rules, or library privileges will be revoked.
Please use the library wisely and make it work to your advantage.
Guidance and Counseling
The SMS Guidance Department offers a wide variety of services for students:
Students are encouraged to visit the counselor. An appointment may be made with the counselors. If an appointment is made, the counselor will call you as soon as possible. Teachers and administrators may also make referrals to the guidance office. Students should report to class first and receive permission from the teacher before coming to the counselor's office.
Achievement
All students enrolled in Nicholas County Schools are expected to put forth their best effort in the pursuit of an education. This expectation is established and emphasized in the West Virginia Code of Conduct.
Curriculum
The curriculum at SMS is in total compliance with guidelines and standards established by the West Virginia State Department of Education.
Credits
At Summersville Middle School students must earn a total of four credits, three of which must be core classes, to advance to the next grade. One half credit will be awarded for each subject passed each semester. Core classes are English, reading, math, science, social studies and enrichment (the rotation classes of art, health, music and P.E.)
Testing
Ability/achievement tests will be administered to students each school year. Seventh grade students with sixth grade WESTEST scores at the distinguished level may participate in the Johns Hopkins University Talent Search (this is voluntary.)
SMS HONORS
Honor Roll
All students having a 3.0 average or above will be placed on the honor roll. The grade point average is determined by giving all numeric grades a value. The values to be given are as follows:
Add up all points and divide by the number of classes. This will give the Grade Point Average (GPA.)
Guidelines used by the Summersville Middle School Faculty Selection Committee of the National Junior Honor Society to decide eligibility for induction.
Sixth Grade Students for the school year 2006-2007 and all future students.
Once the student has successfully passed through the previously mentioned procedures then the faculty/staff is invited to come and express any concerns. Faculty must present documentation dealing with questionable situations that might affect the decision of the committee. Students are voted on for acceptance to proceed to the next step toward induction or not to proceed.
After the vote the candidates are then presented with a bid. The bid is opportunity for the candidate to tell about himself or herself by filling in the information requested. Some information might not be complete, as the candidate may not have experienced those specific area requested. The bids are to be turned in on a specific date and will be read by a member of the Faculty Committee. The Faculty Committee will then reconvene for the final vote in favor of or not in favor of induction. These are the guidelines that the Faculty Committee has established to achieve success for the National Junior Honor Society at Summersville Middle School .
Induction will take place in September or October of the student's eighth grade school year.
Drugs, Alcohol, Weapons, and Tobacco Products
Items listed above are illegal for sale, possession, and/or use in the public schools of West Virginia . SMS will follow the disciplinary guidelines set forth by Nicholas County Board of Education in dealing with such. At no time will they be tolerated. The use of these items can lead to expulsion from the Nicholas County school system.
Hall Passes
Students will be expected to carry their planner as a hall pass. Students not carrying their planners will be sent back to class. A page of hall passes will be provided for each semester. Student's must budget the number of hall passes for the semester. Once they gone, a student is not to leave the classroom. Please note there are several hall passes available for each semester. When a student purchases a replacement planner, a pro- rated number of hall passes available in the handbook will be crossed out.
Art Club
The Art Club is made up of all ninth grade students in ART 1 class. This organization has various projects to advance art in the school, community, and county.
National Junior Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society is a national organization. Membership is an honor bestowed upon second semester 8th grade students who have a 92% grade average (or above) over three semesters while in junior high school, and who according to the faculty, exemplify good leadership qualities and service through their good character.
Jr. Hi-Y
Jr. Hi- Y is a club sponsored by the Ohio-WV YMCA. During the year, club members participate in service projects for the school and community, attend Model UN to learn how the United Nations functions, and may attend Camp Horseshoe for leadership training.
PAWS Club
Protecting Animals with Students. Activities include finding homes for unwanted pets or animals.
While the Nicholas County Board of Education endeavors to allow students to choose their own styles of dress, makeup, and hair, it is necessary that their selections do not disrupt the learning process, constitute a health or safety hazard, or be immoral, profane, or obscene (West Virginia Board Policies 4373 and 2421). Articles of clothing are prohibited which are intentionally worn to harass, intimidate, or bully. Additional provisions are as follows:
Nicholas County Technology Use Policy
General Policy:
The purpose of the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNet), which was the original Internet backbone network, was to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. Access to the Internet for Nicholas County Schools is provided in the spirit of that original intent for academic achievement. The use of the Internet must be in support of education and consistent with the educational objectives of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE). Use of other networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Users must also be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the West Virginia Network for Educational Telecomputing (WVNET), specifically the “WVNET Security Policy and Procedure.” This is in accordance with the following state policies: West Virginia State Policy 2460, Use of Internet by Students and Educators and 2470, Use of Technology by Students and Educator. Copies of Policy 2460 and 2470 are available upon request.
With connections to computers and people all over the world, also comes the availability of material that may not be considered appropriate or have educational value. On a global network, it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial materials. It is the responsibility of the student, parent, teacher and administrator to ensure that access to telecommunication networks, computers and the Internet provided by the school, county, RESA, and state educational systems is not abused.
Privileges:
The use of the Internet, as part of an educational program is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate or unauthorized use or safety violations could result in revocation or suspension of that privilege. Each student who will access the Internet, will be provided acceptable use training and shall have an acceptable use form, signed by a parent or legal guardian on file. No temporary accounts will be issued, nor will a student use an Internet account not specifically created for him or her. Based upon the acceptable use and safety guidelines outlined in this document, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and the WVNET system administrators will determine what is appropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the county technology coordinator, school administrators, school network administrators, and/or local teachers may deny user access at any time. Additionally, the State of West Virginia may pursue legal action to recover damages as a result of inappropriate use or safety violations of the network.
Accountability and Responsibility:
The use of telecommunications in the classroom is an extension of the user's responsibility in the classroom/lab. Therefore, it is the educator's responsibility to ensure that classroom activities that utilize Internet-related and other technologies focus on appropriate and specific learning goals and objectives. The use of technology applications must be authorized by the educator. Specific examples of unauthorized use include, but are not limited to:
Nicholas County Schools will adhere to policies set forth in section 3.4 of State Board of Education document, “Use of Internet by Students and Educators” (2460).
Click here for the Technology Use Policy Form
Summersville Wellness Center
30 Grizzly Road
Summersville , WV 26651
Phone: (304) 883-3900
Fax: (304) 883-2080
Dear Parent or Guardian:
The Summersville Wellness Center is pleased to offer medical, mental health counseling, health education and dental services to all Nicholas County High School and Summersville Middle School students.
Because adolescents go through rapid physical and emotional changes, have significant risks to their Health, and have problems getting to health services, we provide the following services: treatment for acute illnesses, follow-up for long-term illnesses (asthma, diabetes, etc.), laboratory tests, physical exams, sports physicals, health education, immunizations, and individual, family and group mental health counseling.
The New River Health Association will bill private insurance, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program for eligible students. Parents of students enrolled in the Wellness Center will not be charged for co-payments or deductibles.
If you would like your child to receive services or to continue services at the Wellness Center , please return the attached student information update form to the school. If your child is not enrolled in the Wellness Center we will send a consent packet for you to complete.
The Summersville Wellness Center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 3:00 . The Wellness Center is located in an office complex in the parking lot of NCHS.
Attached is a list of common questions and answers regarding the Summersville Wellness Center .
We would love to hear from you directly if you have further questions. Please feel free to stop by the Wellness Center or call us at 883-3900.
Summersville Wellness Center Staff
Joy Woods, PA – Medical Provider
Martha Workman, LPN – Nurse
Deborah Morris, MSW – Mental Health Provider
Betsy Martin – Care Coordinator
The Summersville Wellness Center is a project of New River Health Association
Questions and Answers about our Wellness Center
What is a Wellness Center ?
Wellness Centers are health centers based in a school and provide the students with medical, mental health, dental, and health education services. School-based health centers work to improve the health of students, increase access to health care, and decrease time lost from school by providing health care in the school. Services provided include: acute care for illness or injury, physical exams and sports physicals, medically prescribed laboratory tests, health education for students and parents, immunizations, follow-up for long term illnesses, individual, family, and group mental health counseling, and dental services with referral.
Is it free?
The New River Family Health Association (NRHA) will bill private insurance, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for eligible students, but parents of students enrolled in the wellness center will not be responsible for co-payments or deductibles. If you should receive a bill for services, please call our billing office to resolve the matter. If you have any questions about billing, or if you should receive a bill from NRHA, please contact our billing department at 469-4725.
Will signing up at the Wellness Center mean that we can't use our family doctor? If we have a family doctor, do we need the Wellness Center ?
If you have a family doctor, you can still use the Wellness Center . You may find it convenient for your child to get medical care if they get sick or injured at school. Or you may want your child to be able to use the counseling, dental, and health education services offered through the Wellness Center . When we complete a physical exam or provide immunizations, we can send the results to your family doctor upon your request. This service is not meant to replace your family doctor, it is meant to compliment the services your family doctor provides and to help students who do not have a family doctor.
Can I select which services my child can use at the Wellness Center ?
Yes. The Wellness Center services are listed on the consent form and there is space for you to write in which services you do not want your child to receive. Wellness Center staff will check your consent form before they see your child and will know which restrictions you have placed on your consent. Parents are always encouraged to contact the Wellness Center staff with questions or concerns and are welcome to accompany children to their appointment.
Will my child's medical information be kept confidential?
Your child's medical information will be treated with strict confidentiality. If you would like the wellness center to discuss your child's condition with the school, please contact us. Otherwise, it is your responsibility to notify the school of any medications, allergies, or medical problems that may affect your child during school. By signing the consent form you are giving the wellness center and the Nicholas County School nurses permission to communicate and share medical information regarding your child's medical condition on a needed basis and with the understanding that this information will continue to be treated in a confidential manner. Also, by signing the consent form, you are giving the Nicholas County Board of Education permission to release your child's immunization records to the wellness center.
Who do I call for more information?
Please call with additional questions, suggestions or concerns, or to obtain information on applying for Medicaid or CHIP at 883-3900.
©2007, Nicholas P. Belmont