School Handbook

Because of Kansas Statute KSA 72-111, the compulsory attendance law, and because attendance has a direct effect on academic achievement, we expect students to attend school daily. Pupils who know in advance that they must miss school for urgent and unavoidable reasons should contact the school and make arrangements for advance assignments. It is the pupils responsibility to see that all work has been made up in the allotted time which by BOE policy is the number of days absent plus one.

1. Parents are to call by noon if the student is ill and not coming to school.
2. Students needing to leave school during the day must be signed out through the office by a parent or emergency contact. If they return to school during the same day, the student should check back into the office to get a pass before returning to class.
3. If a student arrives at school after 8:00am, the parent is expected to contact the office regarding the reason for the student’s late arrival. Tardies are excused for late buses, medical appointments, funeral or required appearances in court. Documentation must be provided. Students who arrive late to school for any reason not listed above will be unexcused.
4. Absences will only be excused for illness, doctor, or dentist appointments or for family death or serious illness.
5. If a student is to be absent for a long period of time because of illness or the parent knows in advance their child will be absent for several days for urgent and unavoidable reasons, the parent will need to complete a “Request to be Absent” form in the office prior to the absence.
6. Excessive absences (more than 12 days total) will require a doctor’s note for all future absences or will be considered unexcused and subject to regular truancy procedures.
7. Upon reaching three consecutive unexcused days, five nonconsecutive unexcused days in a semester or seven or more unexcused days total, the student will be referred to either Department of Children and Families Truancy Unit or the District Attorney’s office.
8. Any student who is to be excused from Physical Education classes must have a written excuse from the doctor.
9. When a parent wants a student excused before the end of the day, the parent will need to call ahead of time. This will shorten your wait time. Parents will still need to come into the office to sign out their child.

Tardies

All Wichita middle school students are expected to arrive at school on time each day. Students who are not in class after the final bell has rung are considered tardy and expected to report to the main office to sign in and receive an admit slip. Students will be given excused admit slips for late arrival for the following reasons: late buses, medical appointments, funeral or required appearances in court. Documentation must be provided in order to receive an excused admit slip. Student who arrive late to school for any other reason will be given an unexcused admit slip and may be issued a school consequence/intervention. Passing periods are five minutes each. Students who are not inside the threshold of the classroom door when the bell rings and who do not have a valid pass are tardy. All students will begin with zero tardies at the beginning of each quarter (9 weeks).

Truesdell’s Tardy Policy:

Truesdell’s Tardy Policy:

• Tardy 1 & 2 – Teacher warning
• Tardy 3 – 5 – Lunch detention and parent contact
• Tardy 6 or more*– After School Detention/ISS assigned by administration and parent contact.

*Consequences for excessive tardies are at the discretion of Administration.

Students must live 2.5 miles or more from their assigned school to qualify for transportation to that school.

For questions about WPS transportation and busing, call 316-973-2190.

The district does offer the FirstView app that helps families track their student's school bus. Families will need a security code from the school office to use the app.

Students who are eligible to ride a bus will be assigned seats on the bus and will be expected to remain in that seat the entire time. All students are expected to follow regulations set up for bus riders. Students who choose to disregard any of the bus policies will have disciplinary action taken, ranging from a verbal warning to suspension from the bus and/or school. Riding the bus is a service provided by the district and can be denied when chronic or serious misbehavior occurs on the bus or at the bus stop.

Bus Rules and Regulations

1. Always obey the driver and/or Aide. The driver is in charge of the bus.

2. Bring only school appropriate items on the bus.

3. Drivers will assign seats. Students are required to comply.

4. Be ready and be on time at your bus stop; the driver will NOT wait if you are late.

5. When waiting for the bus, stand back from the edge of the street or road. NEVER play in the street.

6. Do not litter on the bus.

7. Do not shout or be loud; act on the bus as you should in the classroom.

8. Do not move about or try to get on or off the bus while it is in motion.

9. Students will not be allowed to get on or off the bus at an unauthorized stop.

10. Keep hands, head, and arms in the bus at all times. Windows must be half way up.

11. Never throw objects out of the window.

12. When leaving the bus, cross far enough in front for the driver to see you pass safely.

13. Any damage to the bus is to be reported at once to the driver.

14. Profane language is not allowed.

15. Smoking, lighting lighters, or striking matches on the bus is strictly forbidden.

16. Fighting and play fighting are not allowed.

17. No pets, eating, balloons, or glass objects are allowed on the bus.

18. Musical instruments that can be held on the lap or placed under the seat may be transported.

19. WEAPONS, REAL OR FAKE, ARE NOT ALLOWED.

20. When the bus approaches a railroad crossing, all riders are required to be at a voice level zero until after the bus safely crosses the railroad.

Riding the bus is a privilege.  Students not following the bus rules will receive a Write-up Slip by the driver.  The Bus Supervisors will deal with the student to assign appropriate consequences.  Students with a third write-up (or those with severe behaviors) will lose bus riding privileges. 

Appropriate student behavior/dress is necessary to provide a quality learning environment. Most students ARE appropriately dressed and their efforts in this regard ARE appreciated. Please remember:

1. Clothing or items that gives the impression of any gang affiliation, that advertise drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, contain references to weapons, sex, profanity or anything that can be construed as obscene are not allowed.

2. All Shirts must cover bras, bra straps, and underwear.

3. Shorts and skirts must be finger-tip length or longer.

Sunglasses, chains, dog collars, studded/zippers/rings/grommets clothing or accessories are prohibited.

4. Hard soled shoes must be worn at all times throughout the school day.

5. Onesies are not permitted.

6. Pants/jeans should fit correctly and not expose underwear. Sagging and or dragging are not permitted. Pants with holes or tears are allowed with discretion.

7. Students should wear coats or jackets to school. Blankets are to be kept in backpacks or lockers.

The above dress code is not intended to be all-inclusive. The dress code/expectations will be applied fairly and equally. Students will be given the option of changing or calling home to get different clothing. Changes or additions may be made based on the need to maintain a proper learning environment. The decision of the building administration will be final in all disputes concerning student dress. Truesdell Middle School will not assume responsibility for any personal clothing items lost, damaged or stolen.

If a student becomes ill at school, notify the teacher and a pass to the Nurse’s office will be recorded in the student’s agenda. The Nurse will either allow the student to rest and return to class or phone the parent to take the student home.  Every effort will be made to contact one or both parents. Children are never sent home, for any reason, during the school day until a parent or legal guardian is notified. Any rashes or bites need to be reported to the Nurse.  

If necessary, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be immediately contacted if a child experiences a serious or life-threatening injury. The office will attempt to make contact with the parent after the EMS has been called. 

Medication at School

School nurses follow special regulations to safely and legally administer medication at school. Medications (with the proper paperwork) will be administered only as prescribed by a doctor. Students should stay home until they are temperature free (without medication) for 24 hours. Please read the

following guidelines and keep them in a convenient place for future reference. Medication not meeting these guidelines cannot be given.

Non Prescription (over the counter) Medication

This includes Tylenol, cold tablets, Ibuprofen (Motrin), cough syrup, etc. The parent’s and the physician’s signature and the original bottle providing current and accurate information is required.

Short Term Prescription Medication

This includes medication that will be given for less than two weeks such as antibiotics, cough medication, etc. The parent’s signature and bottle with a pharmacy label showing current and accurate information is required. The physician’s signature is optional.

Long Term Prescription Medication

This includes medication that will be given for an extended time period. The physician signature is necessary.

Authorization for medication or procedure to be administered at school & field trips:

 The Request to Administer Medication at School forms are available in the school health room. Ask the pharmacist to put the medication in two bottles, one for school and one for home.

If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse before sending medication to school.

The district uses the ParentVUE online portal to give parents to access information about their student's attendance, assignments and grades. Students are also able to access this information through StudentVUE.

ParentVUE allows parents to quickly and easily update their family contact information, which is vital in order to maintain strong home-to-school connections. 

Parents and students are encouraged to check ParentVUE/StudentVUE on a weekly basis.

School Hours 

School hours are 8:00am -3:10pm. Office hours are 7:30am - 4:00pm during the school year. Students will be allowed in the building at 7:40am. 

Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classes to observe. Parents will need to make appointments if they need to speak to their child’s teacher(s). Visitors must check in at the office upon entering the building for a Visitor’s Pass. Former students are not allowed to visit during the school day. Teachers may not be interrupted while teaching.  

Students are required to have an agenda. If a student loses their agenda, a new one will need to be purchased. Using your school agenda will help you stay organized, help your teachers communicate with you and your parents, and serve as your hall pass at school.  This agenda has been prepared to enable students and their parents or guardians to know and understand the procedures, policies, and regulations of Truesdell Middle School. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of rules and regulations. Items that fall outside those listed in this agenda will be handled at administrative discretion.  

Students are expected to carry their student IDs at all times.  Student IDs are required to attend all after school activities (dances, athletic events, etc.), any off campus events and request passes from class. If you lose or damage your ID, you will be required to purchase a new one from the office. The cost of a replacement ID is $3.00.  

All students will be given a mesh or clear backpack to carry school items in. If you purchase your own backpack, it MUST be a see-through backpack. 

Students will receive grades on a 9-week (quarterly) basis. Progress reports of how your student is doing in each of their classes will be accessible via Parent Vue every three to four weeks. You can stay up to date on student’s grades by accessing Student Vue/Parent Vue. You can download the app or go to the district website at USD259.org.  

Every parent is encouraged to attend the Fall and Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parent involvement is critical for the student’s academic success. Your child’s teacher will be available to meet during both the Fall and Spring Conferences. 

We will do our best to make sure we communicate all things that are going on at Truesdell by/through: 

1. Student Agenda 

2. Report Cards and Progress Reports 

3. Flyers – sent home 

4. Parent-Teacher Conferences 

5. Parent Link (Automated Calls) 

6. TMS website – www.usd259.org/truesdell or Facebook 

7. Morning Announcements 

8. ParentVue/StudentVue 

*** Any items or messages intended for students must be delivered/submitted to the main office by 2:20 to ensure timely delivery. 

The After-School Program (ASP) includes tutoring, homework help, technology, recreation times, and snack. It also includes various field trips offered to students free of charge. This program is highly recommended for any student requiring additional support academically. Students may enroll at any time throughout the school year. The ASP runs Mondays – Thursdays from 3:20-5:00pm. Check late bus availability for your address in the main office.  

*Hours are subject to change 

It is the parent’s responsibility to inform the school when there is a change in address, phone number, place of employment, or emergency phone number. If necessary, the person listed under emergency will be contacted for course of action if the office cannot contact the parent or guardian. Emergency services will be immediately contacted if a child experiences a serious or life-threatening injury. The office will make every effort possible to contact the parent in an emergency.  

Much of the tone and atmosphere of the school day is set by the types of activities allowed to occur. Therefore, the following is expected: 

1. Students are to be out of the school building and off the school grounds by 3:20 p.m. unless previous arrangements have been made between the parent and the administration or the student is participating in an after-school activity. 

2. The following activities will not be allowed on school grounds or in any part of the building: 

• Running, horseplay or other similar types of behaviors. 

• Lack of respect to staff or students 

• Sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, public display of affection (hand holding, embracing, kissing) and/or any personal contact which displays poor taste, lack of respect to the person touched or behavior not accepted in public.  

• Profanity 

• Fighting 

• Bullying 

• Theft/stealing (extortion) 

• Weapons of any type 

• Students selling unauthorized items 

3. Sharpie Markers (or similar permanent markers) are only permitted on the last day of school during the yearbook signing.  Sharpies will be confiscated at any other time. No writing on any part of body. 

4. Students may consume food and/or drink in the cafeteria only. Students consuming food and/or drink in unauthorized areas will have those items confiscated.  

5. Students are not to enter the staff lounges and staff restrooms. 

6. Students should not leave class while class is in session. If a student must leave, the agenda must be signed by the teacher and accompany the student.  Students will not be given a pass during the first 10 minutes of class and during the last 10 minutes of class. 

7. Birthdays/Holidays – No parties, flowers, balloons, etc. All delivered items will be kept in the main office until the end of the school day.  

INCIDENT REFERRALS FORM 

Chronic or serious infractions of school policy will result in an Incident Referral. The Incident Referral is given to a building administrator who handles the discussion and consequences for the infraction. Dealing effectively with the problem may require a telephone call to the parent and/or a letter home. Parents are encouraged to call if there are questions regarding the incident. 

KEEPING STUDENTS AFTER SCHOOL 

Any teacher requiring a student to stay for detention or make-up work after school will contact parents 24 hours in advance of keeping a student after school.  The teacher must stay with the student until he/she has been picked up by a parent, gets on the late bus or walks home.  Teachers should verify with the parent during the initial phone call to the parent how the student will be getting home.  

Truesdell Middle School will not assume responsibility for any personal electronic devices (i.e.: cell phones, iPads (tablets), laser pens, video games, etc.) that are damaged, lost or stolen.   

BOE POLICY 1464: 

14) Middle Schools: While in the school building, students may not use Personal Electronic Devices unless permission is granted by an administrator. At all other times, these devices must be silenced and stored away. 

If parents need to contact their student, they are asked to call the office.  

The first and second offense will result in the device being confiscated. The student will be permitted to pick up the device from the office at the end of the day.  On the third offense, the device will be confiscated and will only be returned to a parent or guardian. 

We provide breakfast for all students free of charge.

Lunch fees can depend on family income. Complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application annually to qualify for free lunch and adjustments to school fees. 

The district uses an app called School Cafe to allow families to see menus.

The district uses LINQ Connect to pay for meals.

Costs: $4.45 per lunch 

A la carte food is paid extra daily with cash or lunch account.  There must be money in the account to purchase a la carte. 

Breakfast 

Breakfast is served to students as they enter their grade level locations.  

Lunch 

Lunch is closed.  Students must eat lunch at school in the cafeteria.  Students go to the cafeteria in a single file line on the second tile with the teacher.  There is no shoving, running, yelling, pushing, or cutting.  Food must be eaten in the cafeteria.  Students are to clean their lunch area and stay seated until dismissed.   

A student going to lunch with a parent must be signed out by the parent from the office and returned to the building within the allotted lunch period.  Students are not allowed to go to lunch with another student.  Students should return to school on time to avoid disruptions to instruction and the learning environment. Outside food will be delivered to students during their lunch.  

School activities such as dances and field trips may be attended by TMS students only and must have their TMS ID.  If a student brings a guest, they will be asked to leave along with their guest. Students who are absent (unexcused) from school and any student suspended the day of or the day following the activity may not participate in the event. 

Students are not required to change clothes for PE. Tennis shoes must be worn.  

Lost and found clothing items are located at the main entrance of the school. Students need to check with the office if missing a book or other item. Each year jackets and coats are left in lost and found and are never claimed. (We donate remaining items to a local charity periodically.) If you miss anything, please call the office immediately.  Any personal items left in a locker after the student has exited will be labeled and sent to the office.  These items will be disposed of after a reasonable amount of time has passed. 

In order to check out a library book, students are required to have their TMS ID.  A student may have up to two books checked out at one time.  There is a book drop in front of the library where books may be returned between classes.  Good library manners are essential to show RESPECT for others and good care of library materials.  You have the RIGHT to a quiet place to work.  Books and materials are provided by the school and must be paid for if damaged or lost.  It is your RESPONSIBILITY to bring paper and pencil. 

Students may request to be assigned a locker. It is the student’s RESPONSIBILITY to keep his/her locker neat and clean both inside and out! School personnel may inspect lockers at any time. To prevent stolen items, do not share locker combinations at any time!  Students are only permitted to visit lockers during the designated locker times, before and after school and before and after lunch. 

Only 7th & 8th grade students may participate in competitive interscholastic sports. Eligible students may try out for boys’ cross-country, basketball and track or girls’ cross-country, volleyball, basketball, and track.  Participants of all competitive sports must meet the following criteria: 

1. Academic eligibility to be part of the team is determined by a student passing at least five classes the previous quarter.  Fall sports eligibility is determined by the final grades at the conclusion of the previous school year.  To participate in an athletic contest, the student must currently be passing all of his or her classes.  Any student, who reaches the age of fifteen on or before August 1 of this school year, shall be ineligible for eighth grade competition. 

2. All students must obtain a physical signed by parents and physician prior to the first day of try outs/practice. The KSHSAA physical forms are available in the office at TMS or on the district website www.usd259.org. One physical is good for the entire academic year.  Additionally, all athletes must complete a concussion form and catastrophic insurance form.  All documents must be uploaded to Rank One. https://rankonesport.com/content/Parent/Parent   

Athletes who receive an after-school detention must serve as scheduled.  Involvement in the athletic programs a privilege, not a right.  The coaches work hard and are the final word in who participates or not. 

When students are not being successful in class, there may be a variety of explanations.  Many times, students and parents immediately decide that a change of teachers is the best answer.  Usually, that is not the problem.  Whenever a student has a classroom problem, the parents and/or student should discuss the concern with that particular teacher and/or team.  If the problem cannot be resolved, then the principal or assistant principal will be happy to have a conference with the parents, student, and teacher.  Schedule changes will not be made except to balance class sizes or correct an error in a schedule.  Administration has the final approval. 

Statement of BOE Policy 2310: The principal is authorized to carry out the procedure most suitable to the building for the protection of students and personnel in case of an impending storm. 

Upon a tornado warning, everyone in the building will assemble into the FEMA Saferoom.  Once the doors are secure, they will not be opened until we are given the “All Clear” by the district.  Any patrons that arrive at TMS after we have secured the FEMA Saferoom doors will need to follow the signage that leads directly to the SECONDARY SHELTER AREA which is located in room 807.   We will not open the FEMA doors for anyone, including parents, once they are closed.  We cannot jeopardize the safety of patrons already in the Saferoom during this time.  This location is the SAFEST place for your child to be!  Our Secondary Shelter Area is provided for all patrons that arrive after the warning and after FEMA doors have been locked.  Rooms without windows, such as restrooms, etc. are the second safest locations in our building.  However, these areas are NOT constructed according to FEMA guidelines.  IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE BUILDING AT THE TIME OF THE WARNING, please do not leave the safety of your home to pick up your loved ones.  Remember, your students are in the safest place possible and traveling during inclement weather poses an unnecessary risk to you. 

Field trips are planned to enhance learning. Students who go on field trips should remember they represent themselves during the activity and the school and their team. Behavior that is unacceptable at school is unacceptable on field trips. In accordance with board policy, students may lose the opportunity for further field trips if they have been disciplined for inappropriate behavior on a previous school trip during the school year.