| Please note:
The policies and procedures set forth in this handbook are in addition to
those established in the Reading School District Dress and Discipline Code.
FACULTY AND STAFF
Administrative Offices
Mrs. Himmelberger Office
Ms. Barbera Office
Ms. Schuler - Guidance Room 110B
Health Room Room 102
Monday – Jan Jackson
Tuesday – Terrie Le
Wednesday – Janne Brown and Kathe Behm
Thursday – Charlene Skimski
Friday – Anne Martino
Mrs. Levanti – Reading Coach Room 110A (Days B, D, E-pm)
Blue Team
Mrs. Kennedy Room 212– Language Arts
Mr. Focht Room 111 - Math
Mr. Truckermiller Room 106 - Science
Ms. Violini Room 204 - Social Studies
Orange Team
Mrs. Botch Room 210 - Language Arts
Ms. Travis Room 109 - Math
Mr. Tyson Room 107 - Science
Mr. Barrell Room 208 - Social Studies
White Team
Mr. Kindon Room 101 - Math
Mrs. Rathman Room 206 – Social Studies
Mrs. Shipe Room 103 - Science
Mrs. McMahan Room 211 – Language Arts/ Resource Teacher
Mr. Anastasio Room 105 – Resource Teacher
Mr. Notobartolo Room 211 – Educational Assistant
Specialists
Ms. Maloney – Art Room 112 (Days A, C)
Mrs. Nace – Music Room 202 (Days A, C)
Mr. Johnston - Phys Ed Gym (Days B, D, E)
Ms. Shearer –Librarian Room 201 (Days B, D, E)
Mr. Reber – Strings Room 202 (Every Wednesday after 12:30)
(Every Middle – School Day E – until 12:00 noon)
Mr. Tomrell – Band (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Custodian – Mr. Hickerson (p.m.)
Mr. Slapkowski (part time – a.m. – Thomas Ford –
emergencies only)
Lunch Staff – Ms. Brown
Assemblies and Incentive Programs
Assemblies are presented throughout the year to honor students for their
achievements, to recognize them for their participation on teams and school
organizations, to provide information on special topics such as drug
awareness, and to provide entertainment at special times of the year such as
holidays. Students are expected to behave appropriately at all assembly
programs.
There are times when laughter and applause are appropriate; however,
whistling, hooting, untimely clapping, loud remarks, and shouting are never
permitted. In general, students should avoid bringing attention to
themselves. The focus of everyone’s attention should be directed at the
stage. Misconduct at assemblies will result in disciplinary action such as
removal from the program, school detentions, exclusion from future assembly
programs, and/ or suspension from school.
Students will be called by team to assemblies and should fill in the
multipurpose room from back to front leaving an aisle in the middle and an
aisle on either side. Students are to enter and exit assembly programs in
silence.
Students who receive more than 10 demerits each month will not be permitted
to attend any non-academic assemblies for the month.
Books
All students are required to have a book to read with them at all
times.
These books are to be individual interest books. Textbooks do not count as
your required student book. Appropriate newspapers and other publications
are acceptable. These publications cannot contain any offensive, profane,
or sexual advertisements or content. This includes gaming magazines and
sports magazines which may not contain pictures, photographs, cartoons or
inappropriate materials.
Breakfast
Students are permitted to enter the building at 7:30 for breakfast.
Students who are not eating breakfast are allowed to sit in the cafeteria.
Students are to sign the appropriate sign in sheet, pick up their breakfast,
and sit down. Students who sit to eat breakfast are to remain seated and
may not leave the cafeteria until dismissed for homeroom.
Students are responsible for cleaning up their own messes and spills at
breakfast. Students making messes, throwing food, etc. at breakfast, will
assume clean up duty at the end of breakfast.
Students are prohibited from leaving school property once they have
arrived. Students may read, do homework, or talk quietly until 8:00.
Students who abuse these privileges will be removed from the general
cafeteria area during breakfast.
Busses
Busses are a privilege, not a right. Students who behave inappropriately on
the bus may lose their bus riding privileges which will result in the
parent’s responsibility in getting their child/ children to school.
Students “home schools” will not change as a result of a child losing bus
privileges due to their behavior.
Be sure to be at your bus stop on time each and every day. It is your
responsibility to be there 5 minutes before your scheduled pick up time.
Horseplay or inappropriate behavior that takes place at the a.m. or p.m. bus
stop is a school discipline and/ or police matter. Be sure to conduct
yourself appropriately.
Be sure to learn your a.m. bus number and your p.m. bus number.
Cafeteria
Students are to report to lunch in an orderly manner using the “in”
door. Students are to report to their assigned table and remain seated
until a lunch staff instructs their table to get their meals. Students are
not to leave their seats without permission. Students should enjoy their
meal and conversation and keep the volume at an acceptable level so as to
not to infringe upon the rights of others.
Students are responsible for throwing away their own trash and
cleaning up any messes. Students are to remain seated until properly
dismissed. Students are to exit through the out doors.
Cell Phones and Electronics
As per district policy, cell phones are NOT permitted to be used at
school. Use is interpreted as any cell phone function or feature. Cell
phones, PSP’s, iPods, MP3 players, and other electronic devices may not be
used at any time during the school day. These electronic items must be kept
in a student’s backpack or coat and may not be carried on the child’s
person. It is the child’s responsibility to safeguard this and any other
device he/ she brings to school.
Cell phones must be turned off before boarding the bus in the morning and
may not be turned on until arriving home.
Any electronic device or phone that is out for any reason during the school
day will be confiscated and returned only to the parent or guardian. If
confiscated a second time, the phone will be returned only to a parent or
guardian at the end of the school year. Repeated violations will be grounds
for suspension or expulsion. This is a district-wide policy.
Classes and Course Descriptions
Art
Students will explore various art media through experimentation and art
production. Students will study art history that is relevant to the various
studio projects they will create throughout the year. Students will practice
and participate in critical thinking through various art criticism
activities.
Com-Tech Clubs
Students will explore a variety of interests and career pathways. These
clubs will provide students with hands on experiences, field trips, and an
awareness of technology and communication used in each of their chosen
areas.
Health
Students will receive one-half year of health comprising of the following
curriculum: planning for a healthy lifetime, caring for oneself, social and
emotional health, body systems, and drug, alcohol, and tobacco awareness.
Students will use computers to view health related power point presentations.
Integrated Learning Systems (ILS)
Students will have access to individualized learning systems in both math
and reading. These programs will address the students’ current ability
level and progress them at their own pace throughout the school year.
Students will have ILS three times per week in a lab setting.
Language Arts
Students will become better writers and readers through the use of the
Elements of Literature book and technology. Throughout the year, we will
teach, model, and practice communication skills. We will emphasize correct
listening, speaking and writing skills incorporating technology where
appropriate. Projects will include but not be limited to: written reports,
oral reports, research reports, and PowerPoint presentations
Library Technology
Students will use computers and other instructional media to conduct
research on the internet, develop keyboarding skills, and enhance
communication abilities and methods. Library Technology is a full year
course.
Library
Students will read and interpret a variety of literature across genres.
Research skills will be enhanced through library lessons. Library is a half-
year class.
Math
Pennsylvania state standards and assessment anchors will be taught to all
students. Real-life math applications will be explored through hands on and
interdisciplinary models. Programs such as Microsoft Excel will be used to
collect and analyze data.
Music
Students will learn about American/Patriotic music, musical form, music
theory and African music/ rhythm and drumming. Through this course, the
students will gain skills in singing, listening, composition and cultural
relations. By the end of the school year, the students will be able to
read, write and perform music of various degrees of difficulty. Technology
is planned for this course to aid in music composition.
Physical Education
Students will receive year round instruction which includes exercises, motor
skills, sportsmanship, and effort/behavior. This year's PE curriculum will
consist of low-impact activities involving group learning as well as
individual learning. Activities involve games utilizing height restrictions
on any bouncing ball including rolling activities, cardiovascular activities
(relays) no-net volleyball, and fitness for life games including jump rope.
This is an ongoing curriculum.
Science
The science curriculum focuses on learning and applying the scientific
method for scientific problem solving and real life situations. Other areas
the curriculum will focus on include the metric system, the Earth's waters,
and concepts associated with motion, forces, and energy.
Through the basic knowledge of scientific operations and concepts,
technology tools will be utilized to enhance the learning experience,
increase productivity, and promote creativity. These tools include, but are
not limited to, the use of various computer programs, virtual field trips,
and the Internet which will occur simultaneously throughout the year.
Technology research tools will also aid students in locating, evaluating,
and collecting information from a variety of sources, as well as enhance
problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Social Studies
Social Studies will introduce to students a number of Social Studies
concepts and skills with a focus on the United States. In this class,
students will use the 5 themes of geography to understand and evaluate the
changing world around them. Students will also use various computer
technologies for research, writing, and presentations.
Some activities to be done through the computers will include Web
quest/Scavenger Hunts, State Projects Working on mapping skills – i.e.
latitude and longitude, and Power Point Presentations
Computers
Computer usage is a privilege, not a right. Students not using computers
appropriately, or operating technology in anyway that could cause damage or
harm will have their computer usage privileges revoked. Any student
defacing property will be charged for the full cost of replacement.
Students are prohibited from accessing any website that contains offensive,
vulgar, profane, violent, terroristic, or sexual content. Chat rooms, other
than those used under the direction of a teacher for instructional purposes,
are strictly prohibited. Students may not access MySpace, Xanga, etc. on
school computers. Computers are not to be used for gaming purposes or music
listening/ downloading, except for special circumstances (rewards) or
instructional purposes and when permitted to do so by a teacher. Students
who access such material, without the consent of a teacher, are to be
immediately sent to the office. Such offenses may result in suspension or
further disciplinary action.
Teachers may use discretion to ban any website they feel to be
inappropriate. Any websites that are found to contain questionable material
must be reported, or an email containing the website/ web address must be
forwarded to the principal immediately.
Demerits
Students will receive demerits for violation of school, classroom,
or team rules. Demerits can be received for not having homework or class
materials, being late to class, being late to school, disruptive behavior,
chewing gum, not wearing uniform, etc.
Students who receive more than 10 demerits within a month’s time period will
forfeit their right to attend any incentive program/ assembly during that
time period.
Detention
Club (teacher) Detention – Instead of Club, students who receive
this detention will go to “club detention”. This detention will be served
in a classroom with a designated teacher. Club detention is issued to those
students who do not comply to classroom procedures, fail to do homework, are
off task (non-defiant), or are late to school (unexcused). Students will be
notified of their need to attend detention when it issued. Student “No-
Shows” will be issued an After School Detention.
Students must be at club detention by the start of the bell. If they are
late due to their own actions, they will serve their club period detention,
and will also be noted as a late and will receive additional detentions.
After School Detention – This detention will be used with repeat offenders
who have not
changed their behavior as a result of documented classroom interventions
(ie: demerits, moving of seat, verbal reminders, teacher detention).
After school detention will also be issued to students who are disrespectful
and defiant towards staff, those students who have committed more serious
infractions (ie: minor altercations, verbal abuse of another student, lying,
etc), and those students who have cut less punitive detentions.
After school detention will run from 3:00 – 4:00. Students are to report to
detention at the 3:00 bell and are to be there no later than 3:05. Students
who receive after school detention must have a parent, or other adult
identified on their emergency card, pick them up by 4:00. After school
detention will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students will
receive one day notice for detention. It is his/ her responsibility to make
his/ her parent aware of the detention and make arrangements to be picked up
no later than 4:15. An attempt to call home will also be made. Student “No-
Shows” will be suspended.
Detention will not be held on days when there is an adjusted
schedule (ie: early dismissals, snow delays)
Discipline
The discipline model at CT is based on a two-tiered system. The first tier,
Level I, is characterized as teachers, administrators, guidance, parents,
and students collaboratively working to eliminate minor classroom problems.
Such behaviors can be worked on, modified, and improved by using positive,
problem solving strategies. The emphasis is on solving problems and
diminishing unwanted behaviors, not punishment.
Types of classroom situations which should be handled by Level I
intervention procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Late to class/not in seat at bell
• No book/pencil/supplies
• Dropping books/pencils
• Talking/laughing in class
• Not paying attention
• Chewing gum/eating food
• Writing/passing notes
• Being of out seat
DISCIPLINE - LEVEL I PROCEDURES
Step 1.
Teachers will explain, teach, model, and reinforce the rules, practices, and
procedures that are a daily part of classroom operations. If needed, use
class time to focus on problems which may have surfaced since the original
explaining/modeling of expectations.
Step 2.
Working with individual students to focus on certain behaviors takes time
and effort, but it is effective in bringing about change. The following
initiatives, practices, and procedures are to be employed.
A. Private conferences with the student to discuss the situation.
Write down some ideas/procedures which may help improve behavior.
B. If the conference does not bring the desired results, a phone call
to the parent to explain the situation is warranted.
Step 3.
A. Demerits are given at this level
B. Seek help from guidance, SAP, IST, and/or administration.
C. Move seats, switch sections
D. Monitor progress and report to parents
E. Discipline forms will be written on the student from this point on.
Consequences will be assigned in accordance with the CT Discipline Code.
Detention, and/or suspension will result from further problems.
DISCIPLINE - LEVEL II PROCEDURES
After Level I interventions have proven ineffective, LEVEL II discipline
procedures will be instituted. Referral forms will be filled out on the
student at this point.
Driveway
Due to safety concerns, the school driveway is off limits to parent
traffic between the hours of 7:00am – 8:30am and also from 2:30pm – 3:45pm.
Parking is only permitted in designated spots at the bottom of the drive.
The driveway must be unobstructed at all times to allow for lunch and supply
deliveries as well as any emergencies. For safety reasons, this restriction
also applies during evening events at the school. Please park on the
streets around the school.
Electronic Devices
Students are not permitted to have any electronic devices on at
school during any part of the school day. MP3’s, IPOD’s, Gameboys, etc. may
be confiscated. The school, nor the teachers, will be held responsible for
any lost or stolen item that a student has brought to school.
Homeroom and Late to School
All students are to report to homeroom by 8:00. Any student late to
homeroom, for reasons other than a late bus or excused tardy, must sign in
at the office, and receive a late slip before being admitted into homeroom.
Students will receive club detention for being late to school without a
written excuse. Over sleeping and missing the bus are not acceptable
excuses.
Interim Reports
- Interim reports are distributed to each student in the middle of
each of the four marking periods. They serve as an indicator of the quality
of work being done by the student.
- In some cases, interim reports indicate a weakness in an academic
area that needs improvement. In other cases, interim reports reflect an
excellent effort in a specific academic area that deserves recognition.
These reports are to be taken home, signed by a parent or guardian, and
returned to the teacher who issued them.
- Parents are encouraged to call the school to arrange conferences
with teachers to discuss any concerns they might have regarding the
education of their children.
* Mid-year failure notifications are also distributed at the end of the
2nd quarter for those students in danger of failing for the year.
Lost and Found
All articles found in the building or on school grounds should be
turned over to the school office. If the item is not claimed in 30 days it
will be discarded. Anyone losing an article should call the main office to
see if it has been turned in. Cases of suspected stolen articles should be
reported immediately to a teacher.
Mandatory Tutoring
Any student receiving a grade of “F” in Science, Social Studies,
Math, or Language Arts must attend mandatory tutoring sessions during Com-
Tech Clubs. Attendance in mandatory tutoring is used for students who are
failing but proficient in a given subject area, or those students who are
negligent in their classwork, or are chronically absent. Students in
mandatory tutoring may lose privileges offered to students who are in
clubs.
Passing Classes
Students have 2 minutes to pass classes between periods. Students
may not use the bathroom during these times, nor are you permitted to go
back to homerooms to collect belongings. Cameras will monitor all
hallways. Students not acting appropriately will receive demerits,
detention, or other appropriate consequences.
Supplies
Students are responsible for treating school, teacher, and peer
property with the utmost respect. Any deliberate or neglectful behavior
will result in disciplinary action and reparations will be made to the
affected parties.
Students are expected to have the required learning materials, as
determined by their classroom teachers, each and every day in the classroom.
Uniform Policy
Student uniforms promote self-respect, equality, and help to maintain a
positive learning climate
According to the Reading School District’s Dress and Discipline code, all
students must be in the proper uniform each day.
Students not in the proper uniform shall be subject to consequences set
forth in the Reading School District’s Dress and Discipline code.
The accepted uniform at our school is as follows.
Tops:
~ Colors: Blue (any shade), Red (no pink), Black (no grey), White
~ Shirts must be a dress shirt, or have collars.
~ No t-shirts
~ Straps must be no less than the width of three fingers
~ No midriffs
~ No logos larger than a fist
~ Shirts may not be longer than the top of the thigh or they will be
tucked in
~ Shirts must be properly fitted
~ No hoodies
~ No plaid
~ No stripes covering more than 10% of the shirt
~ Sweaters and fleece may be worn, but must meet the same criteria as
the uniform tops
Bottoms:
~ Colors: Blue (any shade), Black (no grey), Tan or Khaki
~ Must be properly fitted around waist
~ No shorter than fingertip length
~ No sweats or athletic pants
~ No demin
~ No tight fitting pants/ skirts
~ No cargo pants
Shoes:
~ See RSD Policy
Dress Down Policy
~ Dress Down days will be held on most payday Fridays. Announcements
will be made.
~ Student donations - $1.00
~ No inappropriate clothing
~ No clothing that indicates criminal, obscene, or offensive behavior
~ Clothing must overlap, no midriffs may show
~ No spaghetti straps
~ Undergarments may not be seen
~ No Hoodies
This policy is subject to change upon oral notification. (Dec. 06)
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