WELCOME TO
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL
School Year 2009-2010
On behalf of the entire faculty, we would like to welcome you to Steamboat
Springs Middle School. We are looking forward to assisting you in fulfilling
your educational goals. SSMS has a history of fine academic and extra-
curricular accomplishments. We expect you to meet the goals that have been
set, to carry on the traditions that have been established and to make our
school an even better place. You can benefit from everything SSMS has to
offer by being actively involved in your classes and the programs that are
offered. If you encounter difficulties, we encourage you to seek out anyone
on our staff, and we will do our best to help you. We are here to make your
years in school as successful, yet educationally challenging, as possible.
Sincerely,
Tim Bishop, Principal Jerry Buelter, Assistant Principal
Margie Briggs-Casson, Counselor Alison Hobson, Counselor
Steamboat Springs Middle School
Vision Statement
SSMS is a community of learners that dedicates itself to the continual
development
of critical thinkers while empowering and challenging all to be successful.
SSMS is a safe place that encourages its members to take risks, where the
atmosphere
is positive and stimulating, rigorous yet compassionate,
and respectful to all who work and learn together.
Mission Statement
Steamboat Springs Middle School will:
Provide a learning environment for our students that are
appropriate
for their stage of cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.
Provide a diverse, integrated curriculum that ensures the
students
meet or exceed district content standards and recognize the exploratory
nature of middle school students.
Create a sense of community where students, staff, and
parents
believe they belong and are able to contribute.
Provide an opportunity for all students to experience
success.
Encourage an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for
diversity
and individuality.
Help create a climate that fosters interaction and
involvement with
our community.
Behavior expectations:
It is the goal of Steamboat Springs Middle School to create a
safe
and positive environment that will allow productive learning to occur.
Students are expected to adhere to the SSMS code of Safety,
Self-
Control, Respect and Responsibility at all times.
SSMS Behavior Expectations
“Know the Code”
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
GENERAL INFORMATION
School Office Hours
The Middle School office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During those
hours, the office will be open for phone calls, parents to stop by, or items
to be delivered. Students are asked not be in the school building after 3:45
p.m. unless they are involved in sports or any other after-school activity
with a sponsor. If there is an activity they’re attending later, we ask that
they leave and come back at that time.
School Closing Emergency Plan
The Steamboat Springs School District has never closed its schools due to
snowfall levels. However, schools will not open if the temperature drops to
40 degrees below zero. Fortunately, this does not happen very often. If it
does, please check the local radio stations listed below. You will hear
whether the schools will be closed for the day or may operate on an
alternative schedule:
KBCR -- AM 1230 KIDN -- FM 95.5
KFMU -- FM 104.1 or FM 105.5
KOA -- AM 850 KRAI -- FM 102.3
Should you need additional information, you may contact the school office,
the transportation office (879-1057), or the school district office (879-
1530).
Enrollment Forms
Student enrolment forms giving personal information such as current address
and phone numbers and email address need to be filled out at the beginning
of each school year. Please be sure to contact the office if any of this
information such as address, phone numbers or email changes during the
school year.
Visitors
School District policy requires that all visitors check into the office upon
first entering the campus. Student visitors, age 11 to 14, may attend school
with a friend only by obtaining advanced permission from the administration.
School Buses
Students can be bussed to the Middle School if they live on a scheduled
route or can get to a scheduled pick-up point. The bus will arrive at school
at approximately 8:15 a.m. and leave by 3:30 p.m. Please call the school
transportation department at 879-1057 for specific bus route questions. Bus
route information will also be in the local newspaper a week or two before
school begins in the fall, and students will be given a list of rules and
regulations on the first day of school. When the bus arrives at the school,
students should exit the bus and walk around the outside of the bus line-up.
For safety reasons, students should not cut between buses or go through the
parking lot. ANYTIME a student is to ride a different bus, A NOTE FROM THE
PARENT IS TO BE SENT TO THE OFFICE FOR APPROVAL AND A SIGNATURE. NO special
bus requests will be taken the first two weeks of school. After school, all
students are to walk around the outside of the bus line-up OR use the
designated crosswalks.
School Supply List
A complete list of all required supplies for each grade is included in the
first day packet. Lists will also be provided to the local stores by August
1st. All items should be able to be purchased locally. If you have any
questions, please call the office.
Textbooks
Textbooks are issued to students at no charge, and normal wear and tear is
to be expected. Textbooks should be covered for longer wear. However, if a
book is lost or damaged, the student will be expected to pay for it. The
usual replacement cost for a textbook is
$45.00 - $75.00.
The Steamboat Springs School District does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or
activities. Please direct inquiries to: Anne Muhme, Assistant to the
Superintendent, P.O. Box 774368, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, 80477, (970)
879-1530.
Community Service
All students are encouraged to do volunteer work in their community. Eighth
graders are required to do eight hours of community service for the year as
part of their graduation requirements. Students with the most community
service hours at the end of the year earn tickets to Elitches in Denver. Any
unpaid volunteer work (not for families or family businesses) is acceptable.
Some examples are Booster Club, Scouts, church, Steamboat promotional
activities, 4-H, babysitting, or helping the elderly. Students need to turn
in a form (avalible in the office)signed by a parent or the adult in charge
of the activity, to the office. The needs to needs to indicate the activity
(including hours worked) and date along with a signature. If you have any
questions, please call the office at 879-1058.
Student Withdrawals/Transfers
If students are going to move out of town, PARENTS MUST NOTIFY THE COUNSELOR
(871-3587) at least one day in advance, by phone or in writing. The student
will then need to come to the office on his/her last day of attendance to
take a withdrawal form to each teacher.
Messages/Phone Calls
Messages and deliveries for students from home should be left at the office
to be delivered to students. However, we would ask that these be kept to a
minimum to help encourage responsibility in our middle school students and
to keep from having to interrupt classes any more than is necessary. Notes
via phone calls to students must be received prior to 3:00 p.m. There is a
courtesy phone in the office for student use before school, after school, or
during lunch. Students misusing the phone or being rude or inappropriate on
the phone will have their privileges revoked for a period of time.
Bicycles, Skateboards, and Scooters
Students are welcome to ride their bicycles to school if they wish. The
bicycles are to be placed in the racks located in the front of the school,
and they should be locked securely. Skateboards must be stored in the office
during school hours. Students are not to ride bikes, skateboards, or
scooters in the bus loading areas. For safety reasons, none of these modes
of transportation may be ridden anywhere on the school grounds. The school
is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property.
Cell Phones and electronic devices (ipods, game players, etc.)
If cell phones must come to school, they must be turned off and kept in
students’ lockers during school hours; text messaging by students has become
a huge problem during class. Cell phones may not be used during school
hours. The courtesy phone in the office is available before school, during
breaks, during class with a note from teacher, lunch and after school.
Electronic devices such as ipods and game players, etc... may not be in
classrooms, but may be used during the lunch hour, before or after school.
If a student’s cell phone and/or electronic devices are taken by staff for
breaking the rules, they will need to be picked up by a parent.
The school will not be responsible for lost, stolen, missing or damaged
items.
Personal Belongings and Lockers
All personal belongings such as clothing, books, sports equipment, etc.
should be clearly labelled in indelible ink. Items turned in to the office
will be placed in the Lost and Found. Lost and Found will be cleaned out at
the end of each school quarter. Hundreds of dollars in lost and found items
are donated each year to charities because they are not claimed.
Students are to keep their belongings in THEIR OWN LOCKERS. Students are not
to be changing lockers, sharing lockers with a friend, or sharing their
combination with anyone else (not even a "best friend").
The school will not be responsible for lost, stolen, missing or damaged
items.
Backpacks
Backpacks are to be used to bring materials to and from school. We expect
students to unload their backpacks and arrange their books and notebooks in
their lockers. We encourage students to carry to class only those books and
materials needed for each hour. Backpacks are not allowed in the classrooms,
media center or the hallways. If backpacks, books, or binders are left in
the arcade, they will be put in Lost and Found. The school will not be
responsible for lost, stolen, missing or damaged items.
Tardies
Students need to be at the school no later than 8:15 in the morning, in
order to be in class by 8:20 a.m. All students are expected to be in the
classroom each hour before the passing period ends. Being in the hallways
without a pass from a teacher or the office (except during passing periods)
is an unexcused tardy. Parents may excuse a student’s tardy by calling the
attendance office 871-3597 or sending a note on the same day. The attendance
office strives to clear up all tardies and absences in the same day.
Absence Policy
Students are expected to be present and punctual for all their classes. Each
day a student is out of school, a parent/ guardian is to call the attendance
office (871-3597) that morning, prior to 9:00 a.m. if possible. Written
excuses will not be necessary if the office has had contact with parents by
telephone. It is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher for
make-up work by calling in the morning and leaving a message for their
teachers. The homework is brought to the office by the afternoon for pick
up. Students are allowed two days to make up work for each day of illness.
Leaving the School
We operate a closed campus. Students are not to leave the school premises at
any time without a parent/guardian (or another adult designated by the
parent/guardian). A Permit to Leave the Building maybe obtained in the
school office, upon parental permission by phone or written note. Upon
returning to school, a student will need to check in to the office to
receive a pass back to class.
Pre-Arranged Absences
If a student knows ahead of time that he/she will be absent, a
parent/guardian should call or write a note so that a prearranged absence
form may be obtained from the office. It is recommended that the prearranged
assignments be requested several days prior to the absence, but no more than
a week in advance. Assignments are due upon the student's return to school
unless otherwise indicated by the teacher.
Homework Policy
Homework is an essential part of the school program. The purpose of homework
is to reinforce fundamental skills, enrich learning, promote responsibility,
foster good work habits and develop independence and initiative. It is
recommended that each student do an average of five hours of homework each
week. Homework could include but not be limited to: assignments from
teachers, preparation for tests, work on current and long-term projects,
reading, research, make-up work, review of notes from class and enrichment
activities. Some students are self-motivated and self-disciplined, while
others may need more structure and encouragement. A specific study area, the
least amount of distraction possible and a consistent study time at home are
all very helpful. If you have any concerns about the amount of time that
your child is spending on homework, please consult your child's teacher(s)
or the school counselor.
Grading System and Academic Progress
Students will receive academic evaluations of their performances at the end
of each quarter. These evaluations are based on test scores, homework,
attendance, attitude, and effort. It is a students’ responsibility to ask
teachers how they arrive at a grade. In most cases, it will be explained
prior to the receiving of the grade. If parents have questions, they are
encouraged to contact the teacher. Parent-Teacher conferences are held
during November and March. Call the office (879-1058) a week in advance for
information and to set up appointments. Students are encouraged to attend
their conferences. If parents wish to meet with a teacher at another time,
please contact the teacher directly via their voice mail. A teacher voice
mail list is included in students’ first day packet.
Grade Explanations:
Grade
A = Excellent
B = Good
C = Satisfactory
D = Having Difficulty
P = Passing
F = Failing
Ex = Excused with Credit
NC = No Credit
Inc = Incomplete
(The student has ten school days after the end of the quarter to complete
class work)
W = Withdrawal
Honor Roll
Our school honors those students who excel academically. A list of students
with a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) or above is posted quarterly, mailed in
the monthly school newsletters and sent to the local newspaper The Steamboat
Pilot.
Physical Education
All sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students will participate in P.E.
Students may be excused from P.E. (for medical reasons) with a written note
from a doctor. Please specify in your written excuse whether or not your
child may still dress out for class and participate in non-exertive
activities. If the excuse needs to extend beyond three days, a doctor's note
will be required. If a student becomes ill or injured during the school day,
the school nurse may provide a written excuse for the student. Students are
not to be calling home for a verbal excuse from P.E. Students are required
to dress out daily in appropriate attire, including a SSMS T-shirt (which
can be purchased during P.E. for $8.00). Students are responsible for
keeping their clothes in a LOCKED locker. Locks are rented to students for a
$5.00 deposit.
Extracurricular Activities
Steamboat Springs Middle School offers a wide variety of extracurricular
experiences for students. These include interscholastic athletics, musical
events, Destination Imagination, school dances, Student Council, Peer
Helpers, Green Team and variety of clubs, drama productions and individual
class activities. If students desire to participate in an extracurricular
program, they are required to maintain a minimum standard of scholastic and
behavioural eligibility. Additional requirements are necessary for athletic
participants.
General Athletic Philosophy
The philosophy of the Middle School Athletic Program is two-fold. The first
of these is active participation by the athlete. We encourage all seventh
and eighth grade students to involve themselves in our athletic program. We
do not permit the cutting of an athlete from the program because of ability.
It is our desire to play as many participants as possible in a contest.
Although the playing time in contests may be minimal, we feel that they gain
much from practice sessions. The second phase of our philosophy deals with
competition. It is our desire to maintain a high level of competitive spirit
among our athletes. We feel that we should enter each contest with the idea
of winning. This does not mean, however, that we will attempt to win at all
costs, nor is it our basic belief that winning is all that matters. We want
our athletes to have fun and enjoy their participation in the athletic
program. This will be achieved if a large amount of competitive spirit
persists in the attitudes of each of the athletes. A complete schedule of
all athletic events for this year is included in the student's first day
packet.
All school sports are on a pay-per-sport basis; the fee for each sport at
the Middle School level is $50. If your child will be participating in more
than one sport, or if you have more than one Middle School child
participating, the family fee will be $100. If you also have High School
participants in the family, the family fee will be $200.00. This fee would
cover all children in your family for all sports during this school year.
Participation in school sports will not be denied for those students with
financial need. Please contact Mike McCannon 879-1058 if you have any
questions.
All athletic participants must have a form on file with the school showing
proof that a physician completed an examination within the last year. These
forms may be picked up in the office and are also available at the
individual doctors' offices. Additionally, insurance coverage is required
for any student participating in a school sport. For parents without
personal insurance coverage, inexpensive school insurance may be purchased
for any student. The form is included in the student packet on the first day
of school and should be turned in with cash or a check to the school office.
Finally, we would certainly appreciate having any parents who are able to
help with clocks, taking tickets, or other various duties at home sports
events. Call Mike McCannon if you are able to volunteer some time.
School Lunch
The Cafetorium is open in the morning for a snack breakfast from 7:40 – 8:20
a.m. a full breakfast is $1.50. For lunch, students may bring their own, buy
a full meal, or choose from several a la carte selections. Lunches will be
eaten in the Cafetorium, and students are responsible for proper disposal of
all their trash. A full lunch price for this year are $3.00 daily and there
are many ala carte items avalible. The lunch program POS (Point of Sale)is
where you put money on your student's account, they have a four digit number
that they use to access their account.Checks should be made out to "SSMS
school lunch" or go to mynutrikids.com to utilize the online payment option.
The school would appreciate it if you would write checks for
the exact amounts. We encourage the students to take responsibility for
themselves and provide their own lunch daily. Since we operate a "closed
campus," students are not permitted to leave for lunch unless they are with
their parents or another adult designated by phone or written note from the
parents. Large groups of students leaving school grounds for lunch are
discouraged, and tardy returns may be considered unexcused. A Permit to
Leave the Building must be obtained in the main office.
Media Center
The media center is open every school day from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Students have access to books, periodicals, videos, compact disks, books-on-
tape, computer workstations, and several on-line databases accessed through
the middle school home page. We encourage students to access the databases
for information first rather than going directly to the Internet. Our media
center is a member of The Steamboat Springs Community Libraries. The MARMOT
library catalogue provides simultaneous access to all community library
resources and can be accessed via the World Wide Web from your home.
Materials may be checked out for two weeks at a time. There are no fines,
but students will receive disciplinary referrals if materials are overdue
more than one month.
Nursing Services
The middle school provides an on-site nurse or trained nurse's aide in the
event of accident, injury, or illness. Additionally, certain health
screenings and immunizations are offered periodically, and parents will be
notified when available. Medications,
including those purchased over the counter, will only be dispensed as
prescribed by a doctor and with written permission from parents. Parents
must deliver medications directly to the nurse, as students are NOT allowed
to transport medications to or from school. Please call the nurse at 871-
3594 if you have any health concerns or questions.
Dress for Success
Standards for dress and appearance at the Middle School will support the
academic setting and emphasize that learning is our main purpose. The
purpose of the dress code is to emphasize that school is the students' and
staffs’ place of work and that respect for other members of society and
oneself places some restrictions on the nature of dress and grooming. Attire
of both students and staff should meet generally accepted standards of
decency in an academic environment. Attire shall not be disruptive or
distracting to the learning process.
• Clothing, accessories and/or tattoos may not display obscene
(violent or sexual) pictures, graphics, messages, symbols or double meaning
statements. Clothing may not have alcohol, drug, or tobacco advertising or
statements of any type. Clothing cannot be demeaning toward or target any
culture or ethnic group. This standard applies to all school sponsored or
related activities and events.
• Clothing should not bare any part of traditional private areas. The
back must be covered from the shoulder blades down. NO undergarments will be
showing.
• Shirts must go over top of pants.
• Pants must be worn no lower than the top of hip level.
• Clothing will be no shorter than mid-thigh.
• Footwear must be worn at all times.
• Hats or hoods may not be worn in the building during
regular school hours.
• For “Spirit Dress Days” during the school year clothing must still
follow “Dress for Success” standards. Hats may be worn only at pre-approved
events.
• This dress code applies to academic and extra curricular situations.
Appropriate attire will be expected at all school related activities such as
athletic events, field trips, and dances.
Consequences and Enforcement
It is the responsibility of all students, staff and parents to make this
dress code effective. It will be expected that all members of the Middle
School community will help establish and enforce this concept to support the
learning environment. If anyone is in violation of the dress code, they will
be sent to the office and asked to change their attire to meet the standard.
Parents may also be notified. If a repeat violation occurs, more serious
consequences will be taken, including parent conferences, in-school
suspension, or removal of the right to attend specific school sponsored
events.
Dealing with Problems
A parent’s first approach should be to discuss the situation with the child
and show objectivity and support of both child and teacher. If the issue
does not seem to be resolved, the next step is to discuss it with the
teacher involved. It has been our experience that most situations are
resolved at this level. If it needs to go beyond this step, then the
counselor or principals are available for consultation.
Second Chance Room
When a student is disrupting a class and preventing other students from
learning, the teacher may send the disruptive student to the second chance
room for the duration of that class. This allows the instruction to continue
without interference. While in the second chance room, a student will be
given the opportunity to complete the class assignment or homework. This
allows students to refocus their thoughts and to reflect on their actions.
Technology
A half-cent sales tax funds technology at Steamboat Springs Middle School.
Student work is saved to a main file server, so students do not need
computer disks. lf a student needs to transfer files between school and
home, he or she will need to use a flash drive or see Kandise Gilbertson.
All computers are networked and have Internet access. This allows students
and staff effective use of online resources for educational purposes.
Students must follow the following SSMS Computer Code:
SSMS Computer Code
I understand that the opportunity to use the computers is a privilege and
that they are to be used for educational purposes. I realize that violating
the code will result in a written referral and/or loss of computer
privileges for a set amount of time. I also understand that intentional
destructive behavior could result in legal consequences. ALSO SEE “KNOW THE
CODE” BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS SHEET.
SAFETY:
1. I will handle all technology equipment properly and avoid rough
handling, unauthorized moving/disconnecting of equipment, or other abusive
behaviour.
2. I will keep computer stations and lab free of trash, logged out, and
straightened up when I leave.
3. I will leave food and/or liquids outside the computer lab.
4. I will leave all backpacks and binders away from the computers and
keep my chair “four on the floor” and I will keep my hands and feet to
myself.
5. I will only access the computers/internet with adult supervision.
6. I will keep all personal and school information safe and private.
SELF-CONTROL:
8. I will only use approved programs or CD’s on the school’s computers.
9. I will preview before printing.
10. I will keep my user name and password private and respect the
privacy of others.
11. I will only access approved and appropriate sites.
RESPECT:
12. I will handle all technology equipment properly and avoid rough
handling, unauthorized moving/disconnecting of equipment, or other abusive
behaviour.
13. I will keep my user name and password private and respect the
privacy of others.
14. I will only access the computers/internet with adult supervision.
15. I will only download music, screensavers, photos, or anything else
from the internet that is for a class assignment. I will not join in chat
groups, IM, games, or email at school.
16. I will respect the ownership of other’s work and abide by copyright
laws.
RESPONSIBILITY:
16. I will use the computers for an appropriate purpose and will avoid
changing or using inappropriate settings or actions.
17. I will keep computer stations and lab free of trash, logged out, and
straightened up when I leave.
18. I will leave food and/or liquids outside the computer lab.
19. I will keep my user name and password private and respect the
privacy of others.
20. I will access the computers/internet for educational purposes only.
21. I will keep all personal and school information safe and private.
22. I will only download music, screensavers, photos, or anything else
from the internet that is for a class assignment.
IN GENERAL, STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO MAINTAIN
A STANDARD OF BEHAVIOR THAT IS NOT DETRIMENTAL
TO ANY OF THE SCHOOL POPULATION.
