Caro Middle School Handbook

● Homework

Homework is an integral part of the educational program.  It serves as an intellectual discipline, establishes study habits, and assists in the development of strong work ethic.  In addition, it fosters student initiative, independence, and responsibility. Homework is an educational tool.

Homework is defined as out-of-class tasks assigned to students as an extension or elaboration of classroom work. There are three types of homework: practice, preparation, and extension. Practice assignments reinforce newly acquired skills. For example, students who have just learned a new method of solving a mathematical problem should be given sample problems to complete on their own. Preparation assignments help students get ready for activities that will occur in the classroom. Students may, for example, be required to do research on a topic to be covered later in class. Extension assignments are frequently long-term projects that parallel class work. Students must apply previous learning to complete these assignments, projects and term papers.  

A Student’s Responsibilities
1.  To know what the assignment is before leaving class.
2.  To complete the assignment on time.
3.  To seek help when having difficulty on an assignment.
4.  To do his/her own work.
5.  To use time wisely.

A Teacher’s Responsibilities
1.  To make the assignment clear.
2.  To show the relevance of the assignment to class work.
3.  To be available to help students having difficulties with classroom content.
4.  To collect, assess/grade (or evaluate), record and return the assignment in a timely manner.
5.  To use homework as part of the student’s assessment.  
6.  To a due date for homework.
7.  To be aware of the various learning styles and deliver instructions accordingly.
8.  To be aware that students have activities outside of school which provide valuable and necessary life lessons for them.
9.  To use homework to reinforce and practice, expand and extend, to create and apply, to prepare and gain background.  
10.  To be sensitive to the unique factors inherent in group assignments.

A Parent’s Responsibilities 
1.  To monitor homework completion.
2.  To encourage student success by;

     *Monitoring academic performance and attendance
     *Promoting positive relationships
     *Maintain open communication with staff

A School’s Responsibility
1.  To provide quality education for every student.
2.  To treat all stakeholder groups with dignity and respect.
3.  To meet the needs of the whole child. 

● Honor Roll

Students are eligible to earn “Honor Roll” at the conclusion of each trimester. Students on the “Honor Roll” must have earned a “B” average (3.0 GPA) or better. The grading scale for students in grades six through eight is as follows:
93-100 A
90-92 A-
87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-82 B
77-79 C+
73-76 C
70-72 C-
67-69 D+
63-66 D
60-62 D-
59-0 E

● Report  Cards

Caro Middle School relies on Skyward Family Access as the primary tool to communicate student progress. Family Access allows parents and guardians to check their students’ grades at their convenience from a computer or from a mobile Skyward app. Midterm grades are printed and made available for pick up at parent teacher conferences during both the first and second trimester. In addition, at the end of each trimester, parents can opt to receive report cards in the mail by modifying their preferences on Skyward Family Access. Otherwise, Caro Middle School does not send report cards until the completion of the school year in an effort to reduce our use of paper and resources. All students will receive a final report card at the completion of the school year reflecting all three trimesters’ grades.

● Effective Study Skills

Making Time for Studying
Studying doesn’t have to be a drag.  If you get organized, you’ll get more done in less time, earn better grades and have more time to spend with friends. By using a little time each day to review your notes, complete homework assignments, and prepare for the next day of class, you will remember more information, and avoid having to cram for tests.  Your planner will help you use your study time effectively.  List all of your homework assignments and check them off when they are completed.

If an assignment will take several days, like a research paper or studying for a test, break the project into small, more manageable parts and divide them over several days.  By breaking up the assignment, you will accomplish more without feeling overwhelmed.

When to Study
●  Good organization will help you complete your homework. Plan a block of time each evening at home to complete your assignment.  
●  Start by studying the hardest subject first since it will require the most time and energy.  
●  Arrange your time in manageable blocks.
●  Allow more time for subjects which need improvement.
●  During the time you plan to study, avoid the temptations to call your friends, watch television, or do anything except study.   

Where to Study
●  Find a quiet place to study.  Listening to the radio or television will only pull your attention away from your studies.  
●  It is easy to get sleepy sitting in a soft chair or lying on your bed.  Sit in a straight back chair.  A well-lighted area will make it easier to read and keep you alert.  Open a window for fresh air.   
●  Make a study kit that stores all of your supplies.  This way you will be using your time for homework, not searching the house for a ruler or colored pencils.  Include a dictionary, pens, highlighters, pencils, paper, paper clips, note cards, a protractor and a calculator in your kit.

● In-Person Course Offerings

6th Grade Courses

Language Arts 6  Duration: Full Year
The sixth-grade language arts curriculum has a focus on spelling and grammar as developed in the textbook. It is a research-based series developed by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. Students will use Daily Language Reviews to practice basic grammar conventions, parts of speech, spelling, and editing techniques. Students will develop a variety of writing samples with a focus on narrative, argumentative, and informational models. Students will use journals to expand their writing skills in sentence and paragraph structure. Students will work through an intense study of sentence structure starting with simple sentences and working up to compound sentences.

Math 6  Duration: Full Year
Sixth Grade Math is the foundation for more advanced classes in the math department.  Topics introduced are Number Systems with fractions and Decimals; Number systems with both Positive and Negative numbers; Algebra basics with Expressions; Equations and writing equations; Ratios and proportional relationships; Intro to many Geometry concepts and formulas.  Statistics and Probability are both introduced.

Literature within the Arts 6 Duration: Full Year
The Sixth Grade Literature within the Arts curriculum uses the Holt McDougal Literature 6 textbook. It provides a wide range of texts for the curriculum including fiction, nonfiction, video, interactive media, and poetry while meeting the requirements of the Common Core Standards. Many award-winning novels are utilized in the reading program. Students are also encouraged to do independent reading by scheduled visits to the media center, selecting books of their own choosing, and composing various book projects.

Science 6 Duration: Full Year 
This course focuses on basic concepts in chemistry and physics and encourages the exploration of new discoveries in the field of physical science. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures and has students examine the chemical building blocks of our physical world and the composition of matter. Additionally, students explore the properties that affect motion, forces, and energy on Earth. Building on these concepts, the course covers the properties of electricity and magnetism and the effects of these phenomena. As students refine and expand their understanding of physical science, they will apply their knowledge to complete interactive labs that require them to ask questions and create hypotheses.

Social Studies 6 Duration: Full Year 
Designed to introduce students to the study of geography, this course helps students master important concepts in physical and human geography. Comprehensive and organized by region, this middle school course helps students understand the Earth’s physical and human diversity. Students analyze population and settlement patterns and evaluate the ways that human activities modify the physical environment. While studying humans around the world, students compare development, standards of living, systems of government, and economic factors across the globe. In addition, students gain a rich understanding of global cultures and the historical factors that have shaped the world around them. All units in the course are parallel and include studies in physical and human geography, ancient cultures, regional studies, and modern issues.

6th Grade Elective Courses

Art  Duration: One Trimester
Students will explore the 7 Elements of Art–Line, Shape, Form, Value, Color, Texture, and Space–in a series of comprehensive units with an emphasis on project-based and skills-based learning. They will be exposed to basic art media and processes, such as drawing, sketching, and painting that will provide a foundation for cross-curricular connections with a focus on Literature. A survey of art criticism, aesthetics, and art history will be covered in this course using supplemental reading materials.

Band 6   Duration: Full Year   
In this class sixth grade students will study instrumental music, establishing the fundamentals of music notation, performance, sight-reading, technical development, and vocabulary through year-long activities. Securing an instrument is the responsibility of the student. Students perform at two concerts throughout the year and attendance is required at these concerts held after school hours.

Choir 6-8  Duration: Full Year 
This is a performance choir for both male and female students.  The students explore various composers and elements of music including theory, history, and style through performance.  Much time is spent in each rehearsal pursuing musical excellence in vocal technique, music literacy, and sight singing. A choir student’s grade will be based on participation in choir rehearsal, concerts (two of which are outside of school time), singing tests, and music literacy exercises.

Physical Education 6 Duration: One Trimester 
This will be a class of Physical Education topics. Some of the Physical Education units that will be covered are Fitnessgram, Soccer, Football, Frisbee games, Bowling, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Team Handball, Volleyball, Swimming, Badminton, Kickball, Softball and Track, and Field. 

STEAM  Duration: One Trimester 
Using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math concepts, students will develop critical thinking skills through experimentation and problem-solving. Students encounter real-world applications of design in this course.

7th Grade Courses

Language Arts 7  Duration: Full Year 
The seventh-grade language arts curriculum has a focus on writing and grammar developed from the Writing and Grammar Bronze Level Edition textbook by Prentice Hall. Students will develop a variety of writing samples with a focus on narrative, argumentative, and informational models. Students will also write structured journal entries throughout the year. Students will review simple sentences and then work through an intense study of sentence structure starting with compound sentences and working up to compound-complex sentences. Students will review all eight parts of speech along with clauses, phrases, complements, verbals, and vocabulary. Together with sentence structure, the grammar concepts will allow students to provide fluent, appealing writing.

Math  7 Duration: Full Year
Math 7 is a continuation of the ideas from Math 6 with the deeper integration of Algebra Concepts in all areas.  This course is designed to prepare students for 8th Grade PreAlgebra.  Topics discussed are ratios and proportional relationships, algebraic operations with integers, rational and irrational numbers, creating and solving algebraic expressions and equations, constructing geometric figures as well as key characteristics about them, and applications of statistics and probability. 

Literature within the Arts 7 Duration: Full Year
This course builds upon skills developed in Literature 6 to move toward more sophisticated strategies needed to become independent learners. The course incorporates engaging literary selections on a variety of topics using the Holt McDougal Literature textbook as well as various novels, non-fiction texts, and multimedia materials that meet grade-level Common Core standards. Each unit culminates with benchmark skills of comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. In addition, students apply their learning and develop their own interests through regular use of the library to see literature as a lifelong pursuit. 

Science 7 Duration: Full Year
Seventh Grade Science is a general science course with an emphasis on Earth Science.  Students will start the year learning about the scientific method, metric system, graphing, lab materials and the effective ways to use them, earth's spheres, (hydro, geo, bio, and atmo), solar system, weather & climate, natural disasters, natural resources, and human impact on the earth.   Students will explore these topics individually and in small groups using google classroom: including- written material, demonstrations, laboratories, and technology.

Social Studies 7  Duration: Full Year
Providing students with an opportunity to learn the diverse history that has shaped our world, this course delves into the development of civilization from the rise of ancient empires through the year 1500. Middle school students enrolled in this exciting and informative course investigate the development of medieval societies, the effects of the Renaissance and the Reformation, and the progress made during various periods of revolution, industrialization, urbanization, and reform. Over the course,  students analyze the effects of human activity on the continuing development and interdependence among nations in the modern world.

7th Grade Elective Courses

Art  Duration: One Trimester
Students will explore the 7 Elements of Art–Line, Shape, Form, Value, Color, Texture, and Space–in a series of comprehensive units with an emphasis on project-based and skills-based learning. They will be exposed to basic art media and processes, such as drawing, sketching, and painting that will provide a foundation for cross-curricular connections with a focus on Literature. A survey of art criticism, aesthetics, and art history will be covered in this course using supplemental reading materials.

Band 7  Duration: Full Year  
PREREQUISITE: Sixth Grade Band 
In this class seventh grade students will study instrumental music, establishing the fundamentals of music performance, sight-reading, technical development, and vocabulary through yearlong activities. Students perform at two concerts throughout the year and attendance is required at these concerts held after school hours.

Choir 6-8  Duration: Full Year
This is a performance choir for both male and female students.  The students explore various composers and elements of music including theory, history, and style through performance.  Much time is spent in each rehearsal pursuing musical excellence in vocal technique, music literacy, and sight singing. A choir student’s grade will be based on participation in choir rehearsal, concerts (two of which are outside of school time), singing tests, and music literacy exercises.

Computers 7­ Duration:  One Trimester 
The aim of this course is to advance the students within the confines of keyboarding and Google applications. The students advance their keyboarding skills to a level that prepares them for current and future typing responsibilities. The students also explore the different Google applications using project-based learning to better prepare them for future use. Students will also discuss and apply knowledge on digital citizenship. 

Physical Education 7 Duration: One Trimester
This will be a class of Physical Education topics. Some of the Physical Education units that will be covered are Fitnessgram, Soccer, Football, Frisbee games, Bowling, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Team Handball, Volleyball, Swimming, Badminton, Kickball, Softball, and Track and Field. Health topics that will be covered will include Social & Emotional Health, Nutrition & Physical Activity, Safety, Alcohol, Tobacco & Other drugs.

8th Grade Courses

Algebra 1 Duration: Full Year
PREREQUISITE: Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra
This is a college preparatory course.  The first semester will focus on expressions, equations, functions, properties of real numbers, solving linear equations, graphing linear equations and functions, writing linear equations, solving and graphing linear inequalities, solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities.  The second semester will focus on: Exponents and exponential functions, polynomial functions, factoring methods, quadratic equations and functions, radicals, and geometric connections, rational equations and functions, probability, and data analysis.

Language Arts 8 Duration: Full Year
The Eighth Grade Language Arts curriculum is focused predominantly on writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Curriculum materials used for the course are Glencoe/McGraw/Hill's Writer's Choice - Level 8, as well as the Sadlier Oxford - Vocabulary For Success Level C primer.  In Language Arts 8 students will complete multi-faceted writing assignments ranging from impromptu journal entries to formal academic papers that cover narrative, informational, and argumentative (research-based) topics. Individual student work may also manifest as oral presentations or brief speeches. Grammar units will place specific emphasis on sentence composition and syntax, proper diction, proofreading skills, and writing-based elements such as active vs. passive voice and parallel structure.  Weekly vocabulary lessons and quizzes will aim to increase student vocabulary to higher levels while comparatively strengthening usage and context skills that will be required in 9th grade and beyond.  Students will review simple and compound sentences and then work through an intense study of sentence structure with compound-complex sentences. 

History 8 Duration: Full Year
This course engages and inspires students to learn about the rich and diverse history of America’s native peoples, early European colonization and settlement in America, and the creation of a new nation through the Civil War. Middle school students enrolled in this course will closely examine major changes brought about by the nation’s reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, and progressive reforms and consider the implications each of these events had on the expansion of the United States’ global influence through modern times. Over the course, students engage in interesting course content that encourages students to think carefully about the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the twenty-first century.

Pre-Algebra 8 Duration: Full Year
This class is designed to give our students a strong foundation in Algebra while also preparing them for future study in geometry, probability, and data analysis.  The clearly written lessons make even difficult math concepts and methods understandable by providing numerous stepped-out examples in their book and extra help with a Note-Taking Guide that assists students to become better at taking notes and taking tests.  Each lesson's exercise set includes a wide variety of exercises ranging from basic exercises that help students develop and practice skills to challenging exercises that involve logical reasoning and problem-solving.

Literature within the Arts 8 Duration: Full Year
The Eighth Grade Literature curriculum is both a novel-based and primer-based curriculum.  Students will complete literature selections and activities out of both the Holt McDougal Literature 8 anthology, as well as through individual novels that discuss adolescent-based themes such as coming-of-age experiences, individualism, survival, and personal responsibility.  Students will also work on literature projects covering multi-genres such as biography, fiction, and nonfiction.  Periodic visits to the school Media Center will also foster and encourage independent interests by the student.  

Science 8 Duration: Full Year
Examining a broad spectrum of the biological sciences, Life Science is a course for middle school students that builds on basic principles of scientific inquiry and translates those skills to more complex, overarching biological themes. The course includes units that help students understand the definitions, forms, and classifications of living organisms and learn to analyze the diversity of each unique group of living organisms. Other units introduce students to the structures and functions of cells, cell theory, and cell reproduction. These larger themes are then applied to other topics, such as genetics, Darwinian theory, and human biology and health. An introduction to ecology draws all of these concepts together to examine the interrelationships that help to maintain life on Earth. 

8th Grade Elective Courses

Arts  Duration: One Trimester
Students will explore the 7 Elements of Art–Line, Shape, Form, Value, Color, Texture, and Space–in a series of comprehensive units with an emphasis on project-based and skills-based learning. They will be exposed to basic art media and processes, such as drawing, sketching, and painting that will provide a foundation for cross-curricular connections with a focus on Literature. A survey of art criticism, aesthetics, and art history will be covered in this course using supplemental reading materials.

Band 8   Duration: Full Year
PREREQUISITE: 7th Grade Band
In this class eighth grade students will study instrumental music, establishing and advancing the fundamentals of music performance, sight reading, technical development, and vocabulary through year-long activities.  Students perform at numerous concerts throughout the year, including MSBOA Festivals.  Attendance is required at concerts held after school hours.

Choir 6-8  Duration: Full Year
This is a performance choir for both male and female students.  The students explore various composers and elements of music including theory, history, and style through performance.  Much time is spent in each rehearsal pursuing musical excellence in vocal technique, music literacy, and sight singing.  A choir student's grade will be based on participation in choir rehearsal, concerts (two of which are outside of school time), singing tests, and music literacy exercises.

Health/Physical Education 8   Duration: Full Year
This will be a combined class of Physical Education and Health topics. Some of the Physical Education units that will be covered are Fitnessgram, Soccer, Football, Frisbee games, Bowling, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Team Handball, Volleyball, Swimming, Badminton, Kickball, Softball, and Track and Field. Health topics that will be covered will include Social & Emotional Health, Nutrition & Physical Activity, Safety, Alcohol, Tobacco & Other drugs.

German 1   Duration: Full Year
German 1 is an introductory course designed to develop in students the knowledge, understanding, and skills involved in learning German.  The course covers the development of the four skills of foreign language learning: listening, reading, speaking, and writing, with an emphasis on speaking skills.  Audiovisual materials supplement the basic textbook and provide cultural insights and information.

Spanish 1   Duration: Full Year
Spanish 1 is an introductory course designed to develop in students the knowledge, understanding, and skills involved in learning Spanish.  The course covers the development of the four skills of foreign language learning: listening, reading, speaking, and writing, with an emphasis on speaking skills.  Audiovisual materials supplement the basic textbook and provide cultural insights and information.

Careers  Duration: One trimester
This course prepares middle school students to make informed decisions about their future academic and occupational goals. Through direct instruction, skill demonstrations, and practice assignments, students learn how to assess their own skills and interests, explore industry clusters and pathways, and develop plans for career and academic development.

Online/Blended Learning Course Offerings

Online Learning Courses or Blended Learning Courses will be available on a limited basis for eligible Middle School students. For more information, please visit Policy 2370.01

Regular school attendance is directly linked to student achievement. Regular and punctual attendance is of value not only in school, but also throughout life. Caro Middle School appreciates families that encourage their child’s regular and timely attendance, while communicating with the school when illness, appointments, etc. interfere with their child’s school schedule.

Attendance Policy

■ Michigan law requires regular school attendance. Therefore, the school has the  responsibility of keeping complete attendance for every student. Attendance is taken each hour in every sixth, seventh and eighth grade class. When a student is absent for any reason the parent/guardian has 3 days to contact the middle school office or the absence will remain “unexcused”. Contact can be made by phone/voice mail at 673-3167, ext. 2001; e-mail to [email protected]; a written note; or in Family Access under  Attendance  and Absence Notification.
■ The school will make every effort to communicate attendance concerns with families.  Parents will receive a phone call daily when their student is absent or tardy as documentation of attendance. In instances of excessive, unexcused absences, parents will be contacted to develop a plan to improve their student’s attendance..
■ Absence Definitions
    ● Tardy - Students are tardy if they are not in their seats and prepared for class when the bell rings.  A tardy  becomes an absence fifteen (15) minutes after the bell rings. A first  hour tardy is NOT excused without an appointment slip. Students who leave early or miss more than 15 minutes from class will have an absence.
    ● Excused Absence - Absences due to personal illness,  health  professional  appointments, court, funerals or religious obligations.  Documentation will be required for all of the above except illness less than 3 consecutive days.
    ● Unexcused Absence – Absences that are not in the excused category.  Examples would be shopping trips, barber or beauty appointments, missing the bus, oversleeping, driver’s ed, etc. or when a student’s behavior excludes them from the class for more than 15 minutes of the class period, etc.
■ For security reasons, students will not be allowed to leave for appointments unless a  parent or guardian contacts the office. Students are not to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without permission from office personnel and without signing in/out on the sign-out sheet in the office.
■ Students are responsible for obtaining any work missed on the days absent. This includes students who are suspended.

Make-up Work

Obtaining and completing make-up work is the responsibility of the student. A student should ask the teacher for the work missed during an absence. If the homework IS NOT requested before or during the absence, the student is allowed the same number of days to make up work, as they were absent. 

Two full days absence is required to request make-up work before returning and if requested it MUST be completed and handed in on the day the student returns to school. The office must be called before 9:00 a.m. to have the assignments ready to pick up at the end of that day. Only 5 days of work can be requested at a time. If a student will be absent or suspended more than 5 days, they must return the completed assignments from the first five days before requesting the remaining days work.

Athletic Goals and Objectives

 Our main goal is to develop student-athletes into more effective citizens in a democratic society.
 1.Learn TEAMWORK. We must all work together in a democratic society and to do this, we must develop self-discipline, respect for authority, and the spirit of hard work and sacrifice. Just as in a family or occupation, we must learn to place the team and its objectives higher than personal desires.
2.Learn to be SUCCESSFUL. We live in a very competitive society. We do not always win, but we will be successful when we continually strive to do so. We can learn to accept defeat only by striving to win through dedication and by developing a desire to excel and overcome defeats.
3.Learn SPORTSMANSHIP. When we do our best and can honestly tell ourselves, success and defeat can be accepted like a true sportsperson. We need to develop desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty, cooperation, and dependability.
4. Learn to IMPROVE. The desire to improve is essential to good citizenship. As athletes, we must establish goals and must constantly try to reach these goals, trying to better ourselves in the skills involved and in those characteristics set forth as being desirable.
5.Learn to ENJOY. To be successful, we must learn to enjoy what we are doing. Achieving goals and contributing will cause enjoyment through participation.
6.Learn to DEVELOP DESIRABLE PERSONAL HABITS. To be an alert and active contributing citizen, it is important to be physically fit and mentally alert. Physical fitness, exercise, and good health habits will develop this alertness.

Conflict Resolution Process
 All complaints MUST be heard at the lowest possible level BEFORE intervention by a higher authority can occur. A 24-hour “cooling off” period must be granted before any complaints are initiated. Complaints must be made within 10 days of the incident. For the sake of all parties, the entire process must be concluded within 30 days of the incident.

This system works very well and we are committed to abide by it.

Step 1: Start with the source - The player will speak directly to the coach. A cooling-off period will be granted for all parties before the resolution is sought. This meeting should be done in private, away from practice sites and game arenas, and should be conducted face to face. Students who do not feel comfortable speaking solely to the coach may request a parent to be present, however, the meeting should be conducted by the athlete.

Step 2: Move to the Program Head - This step is necessary only if the issue is in regards to a subordinate or assistant or JV coach, etc… If going to the source does not resolve the problem, then the head of the program should be notified and they should attempt to facilitate a solution. If the “source” is the head of the program, move to step three.

Step 3: Contact the Athletic Director - If an agreeable solution is not reached then the Athletic Director will conduct a meeting between the parties in an attempt to find a resolution.

Step 4: Contact the Principal - If an agreement is still not reached, then the principal will conduct a meeting between the parties in an attempt to find a resolution.

 Step 5: Notify the Superintendent - At this point in the process, individuals who still believe their disputes still need to be resolved adequately can submit a written narrative of their complaint to the Superintendent. A copy of this will be given to all concerned parties, who will be afforded the option of a written rebuttal. After the Superintendent has reviewed the documents a meeting can be conducted in a final attempt to resolve the dispute.

Step 6: Request non-partisan School Board mediation - This final step is appropriate only in extreme circumstances and shall follow the same process laid down for the Superintendent

Injury Policy/Concussion Return to Participation Following Illness or Injury 

Injury Reporting - Students absent from practice due to extended illness or any athlete who sustains an injury while participating for Caro Community School or on his/her own time needs to report the injury to their coach.

Concussions - Any Athlete suspected of having a concussion is required to complete an MHSAA Post Concussion Consent Form before returning to practice/events. The clearance from the doctor must be unconditional. It is important to recognize that blows to the head can cause a variety of injuries other than concussions (e.g., neck injuries, and more serious brain injuries). Please be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible for any other medical concerns. Please be advised that your son/daughter will not be allowed to return to play until he/she has no symptoms and has been cleared in writing using a Return to Activity and Post-Concussion consent form from the MHSAA (you may pick a form up in the Caro High School Office) by an authorized health care provider (M.D. or D.O. or PA or Nurse Practitioner) for this type of injury. 

Academics
It is a privilege, not a right, to compete in athletics at Caro Community Schools.  While learning remains the priority, athletics enables students to experience further success and engagement beyond the school day.  To ensure that all athletes are prioritizing learning accordingly, student-athletes must pass and/or meet IEP requirements to be eligible for competition.  Beginning in the third week of each trimester, student athletes’ grades will be checked each Monday.  Student-athletes that have an E(s) in ANY class at the time grades are checked, will result in the following:

1st Offense:  Student athlete receives a warning
2nd Offense:  Student athlete must sit out one contest
3rd Offense (and further offenses):  Student athlete sits out one week of contests

With each offense, the athletic director or designee will talk with the student-athlete and communicate with their parents to inform them of their eligibility status.  They will work together to develop a plan to prioritize learning to ensure that the student-athlete is successful moving forward.

In addition to the above expectations, the MHSAA and/or Caro Athletic Policy require students to earn a passing grade for all classes at the end of each trimester. (https://www.mhsaa.com/portals/0/documents/ad%20forms/eligibility%20summary.pdf)  If students do not pass ALL classes at the end of a grading period/trimester, it will result in the following:

•  Students that fail one class at the conclusion of a trimester must not participate in the first week of competition during the next trimester. Example:  Student fails one class at the end of the fall trimester.  They cannot compete during their first week of contests during the winter season.
•  Students that fail three or more classes at the conclusion of a trimester are not eligible to compete in athletics throughout the following trimester. Example:  Student fails three classes at the end of the fall trimester.  They are not eligible to compete during the winter trimester.

With the exception of students that fail a class at the conclusion of a trimester, students start each trimester with a clean slate.  If a grade check reveals an “E” a student would receive a warning each trimester, regardless of if they had previously received a warning or further offense during a prior trimester.  

Students must be in school at least three hours in order to participate in after-school activities unless prior administrative approval has been granted. The absence must be medically or parent-excused. If students have an appointment for medical, dental, court, etc., they must provide a “return to school/work” form from the doctor (etc.) in order to participate in extracurricular activities that day. This form must include the time and date of the appointment.

Lastly, student-athletes will abstain from any conduct that shall discredit the athlete, team, or school. If the student is suspended (in-school or out-of-school) the consequences will be as follows:
1st Offense: Suspension from the next contest
2nd and any further Offenses:  Suspension from competition for the entire week
3rd Offense: Students can remain on the team, but cannot compete in any contests for the remainder of the season.

Dances

Middle school dances are scheduled throughout the school year. Our dances are limited only to students who attend Caro Middle School.  Dances are held after school from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Dances are school functions, so all school rules apply. It is the student’s responsibility to conduct him/herself in a safe and appropriate manner while at a dance. Students with 4 or more teacher or office referrals will not be allowed to attend dances for the rest of the year. The student must have paid all fines greater than $10 in order to attend.  Exception: All 8th graders may attend the 8th Grade Dance in the spring, unless suspended or absent the day of the dance. If absent more than three of the school day hours, the student may not attend the dance or other school functions.  (Reminder:  Absences for barber or beauty appointments, shopping trips, etc. are “unexcused”.)  Strapless dresses are prohibited. Dresses must be at least mid-thigh length, nothing see-through to allow under garments to be seen and hoods are not to be worn.  Students who do not follow the dress code will have their money returned to them at the door and will not be able to attend the dance.

Clarification of Responsibilities

1.  All school rules apply.
2.  Once a student enters the dance, he/she cannot leave until the dance is over without parental permission.
3.  Walk at all times.
4.  Food/beverages are only allowed in designated areas.
5.  Please dance appropriately.
6.  Students are to respect the authority of all chaperones.
7.  School dress code will be enforced.
8.  Dances end at 5:00 p.m. Students MUST be picked up by 5:15.
9. Students must be in attendance for at least 3 hours the day of the dance or they may not attend.
10. Cell phones are prohibited.

Violation of the above items may result in exclusion from future dances and/or subject to the same consequences as described in our discipline procedures included in this handbook.

Field Trip Qualifications

To qualify for a class field trip during the year as well as the end of the year, a student must meet the following criteria:

1.  The student must have passed all trimester classes.
2.  The student must be passing all classes for the current grading period in which the trip takes place. 
3.  The student must not have been assigned more than 3 teacher or office detentions or a major level discipline referral during the year to the date of the trip.
4.  The student must not have been suspended from bus privileges.
5.  The student must not have received 4 or more Lunch Detentions.
6.  The student may be disqualified by excessive absences as determined by the administration.
7.  The student must have been enrolled as a full time student in Caro schools by the last scheduled school day in January and remain enrolled for the remainder of the year or submit an appeal to be considered.
8. The student must have paid all fines, debts and returned all library books.

If there is considerable improvement in a student’s behavior and/or grade during the year, the administration and staff retain the privilege of making exceptions to any of the above rules. An appeals committee will be used to determine a student’s eligibility. The committee’s decision is final.

**Education is a learning and growth process. Improvements in academic work and in behavior will be recognized and rewarded.

Classroom Expectations

Individual teachers will facilitate expectations through a collective development of a Social Contract.

The teacher will implement the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Discipline model if the Social Contract is violated, which includes the following questions: 

     *  What are you doing?
     *  What are you supposed to be doing?
     *  Are you doing it?
     *  How will you fix it?

Our discipline policy is set by the school board and is explained in the Middle School Code of Conduct found on our school webite. 

Cafeteria Expectations

Caro Middle School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. They must also sign in and out in the office. It is the student’s responsibility to conduct him/herself in a safe and appropriate manner while in the cafeteria.

Clarification of Cafeteria Expectations

1.  Students should wait patiently in a single file line.
2.  Walk at all times.
3.  Please sit appropriately at your table.
4.  Please clean up your area.
5.  Please get permission from the supervisor before leaving.
6.  Please use restrooms closest to cafeteria.
7.  Please act respectfully while in the cafeteria and transitioning to your next location.
8.  Sit at the table you choose. Please choose wisely

Hallway Expectations

It is the student’s responsibility to conduct him/herself in a responsible, respectful, and safe manner while in the hallway.

Clarification of Expectations

1.  Walk at all times.
2.  Keep hands and feet to yourself.
3.  Use acceptable language.
4.  Throw away trash.
5.  Clean up after yourself.
8.  Peer interaction should be school appropriate.
7.  Keep Chromebooks closed while moving in the hallway.

Violation of the above items will be subject to the same consequences as described in our discipline procedures.

Caro Middle School PBIS Mission Statement

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports encourages students to be respectful, responsible, and safe.  This helps students develop successful strategies to become better readers, in turn leading to overall success in school and in the community as a whole.  

Caro Middle School Behavior Expectations Matrix

Nondiscrimination

Any form of discrimination or harassment can be devastating to an individual's academic progress, social relationships and/or personal sense of self-worth. Caro Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its educational programs or activities. Equal educational opportunities shall be available to all students. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students. For more information regarding sexual harrassment, please visit the Sexual Harassment reference document or scan the QR code below.

Student Conduct

Students and parents must realize that acceptable conduct comes from a positive concern for self and others. Every teacher has not only the right but also the duty to insist on orderly behavior. However, each student also has the responsibility of self-discipline. The rules that follow are guidelines to help students understand the choices and consequences involved in their behavior.

Code of Conduct

Device Policy handbook

1:1 Device Policy

Dress Code

The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parents or guardians. The school district is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student and that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student. All staff and students should understand that they are responsible for managing their own attire without regulating the clothing choices of others. 

Students MUST wear: 

● A shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms) 
● Clothes worn in a way that the entire torso is fully covered
● Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress, or shorts) 
● Footwear 

Students MAY wear: 

● Fitted pants, including leggings, yoga pants and “skinny jeans” 
● Backpacks and purses to school, but must keep these items in their locker during the school day.
● Tank tops and sleeveless shirts.  

Students MAY NOT wear: 

● Coats/Hats/Hoods 
● Spaghetti straps or tube tops
● Violent images or language 
● Costumes 
● Images depicting drugs, weapons, alcohol, profanity, pornography, or hate speech - including racist or discriminatory comments, displays, or acts
● Images that create a hostile or intimidating environment 

In all cases, administration will determine what is appropriate based on the dress code. Students wearing inappropriate clothing may be asked to change, to go home to retrieve more appropriate clothing, or may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Caro Community Schools respect that religious and/or medical needs/practices may present alternates to this policy for consideration. 

Students and/or staff are encouraged to consult with administration when uncertainty arises.

After School and Lunch Study

Homework help is available to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students through a “Study Group” program. Study Group meets every Tuesday and Thursday, to start five minutes after school ends and lasts for one hour. Teachers are available to answer questions and give homework support.

Students may be assigned to Lunch Study if they fail to do their homework or are failing classes. In Lunch Study a student reports to a designated room to eat, study and/or complete assignments during their lunch period. Teachers that assign a student to Lunch Study must give students some credit for the assignment (50% or more recommended). A student may also be assigned to attend After School Study if they are unable to complete assignments during Lunch Study or if deemed necessary by a parent or staff.

Electronic Devices

In order to reduce disruptions to the learning environment, and protect individual’s right to privacy, the following devices may not be used from the time a student enters the building until the last bell of the day at 3:18, without prior teacher or administrative approval:          

• Headphones and earbuds
• Electronic recording devices (visual or audio images from cell phones)
• Computerized games
• Cell phones, cameras

If the student brings such devices, the school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items and they are to be kept turned off and locked in assigned lockers throughout the school day. If these devices are, inappropriately used, any staff member can confiscate the electronic device.  The parent or guardian will be responsible for picking up confiscated electronic devices. Use of photographic or video-recording devices in restrooms or locker rooms at any time, or in any way that is exploitative, will result in appropriate discipline.

Organizational Help

The Caro Middle School staff believes that students need to develop organizational and study skills in order to achieve school success. We also believe that the consistent use of a daily organizational tool by students will help to develop these skills.  Therefore, as a staff, we promote the use of daily organizational tools such as Google Calendar in Caro Middle School to achieve the following student outcomes.

All sixth graders are taught how to utilize Google Calendar at the start of the year.  Google Calendar serves as a tool in the following ways:

•  To increase organization of self and school assignments.
•  To improve study habits in and out of school.
•  To improve student success in life.

Web Page/Photo Usage/Email Permission

As a school, we want to celebrate your child and his/her work.  Therefore, there is a possibility that your child(s) picture may be published on an individual classroom or sports related website.  Their name may appear in articles on said websites; however names WILL NOT be used in captions of pictures.  Filtered email accounts are also issued to students in grades 3rd-12th.

If you would prefer that your child(s) name and picture ARE NOT used on an individual classroom or sports related website or that your child not be issued a filtered email account, please contact your child’s Principal’s Office in writing with your request.