General Info
PBIS School-Wide Procedures
Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Ready
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence based framework that helps design effective environments and supports that, when implemented with fidelity, increase teaching and learning opportunities for all students. A vital piece of PBIS is to proactively teach, model and reinforce positive behaviors expected of all students in our schools. Our PBIS school-wide procedures are being respectful, responsible and ready. These expectations will be used in all settings throughout the building. This is THE BULLDOG WAY and students will have a common expectation of these three elements.
To help students understand the procedures a matrix was created to help students understand how The Bulldog Way can be shown in every area of the building.
PBIS Bulldog Way Matrix
Appearance/Dress Code
To create a safe and productive learning environment, students must follow a dress code that demonstrates physical cleanliness and school-appropriate attire and appearance. Students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to wear clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Students who need assistance with appearance/clothing should go to the Student Services Office.
Some articles of clothing that are acceptable outside the school setting may not be considered appropriate for the school day, and as a result, should not be worn to school. Students are expected to wear clothing which is suitable for learning and promotes respectable student-teacher relationships, as well as student-student relationships. The responsibility for the dress and grooming of a student rests primarily with the student and his or her parents or guardians, although the school administration maintains the right to determine the appropriateness or suitability of any student attire. Additionally:
Attire or grooming depicting or advocating violence, criminal activity, gang-related activity, use of alcohol or drugs, vaping, pornography, or hate speech are prohibited.
Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent (for example dresses, leggings, or shorts) and shoes. Clothing must cover the chest and torso and lower extremities. Shorts with a minimal inseam and unreasonably short skirts are not acceptable. Shirts must cover the abdomen, cleavage, shoulders, and back during normal classroom activities.
Clothing may not be see-through and must cover undergarments.
Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, and other activities in which unique hazards or specialized attire or safety gear is required.
Hats and other head coverings are not permitted except as a practice of religious beliefs or medical necessity.
Apparel designed for outdoor wear (coats, sunglasses, etc.) shall remain in student lockers during the school day.
Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon are prohibited.
Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups is prohibited.
A student who violates these standards shall first be asked to resolve the infraction. Should the violation continue, students will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Coats
Clothing designed for outdoor seasonal wear must be stored in lockers during school hours. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, bulky coats, parka coats, letterman coats, blankets and light jackets designed for outdoor wear. Students are encouraged to wear sweatshirts, fleece material, and puffy vests if needed during the school hours.
Public Display of Affection
Positive relationships between students are encouraged through verbal communication. However, students shall refrain from all Public Displays of Affection (PDA) while on campus or while attending and/or participating in a school-related activity. PDA includes any physical contact that may make others in close proximity uncomfortable or serves as a distraction for themselves as well as the learning environment. Display of Affection—or PDA—includes physical contact including, but not limited to, cuddling, and kissing at school or a school-sponsored activity between two students typically in a relationship.
Cafeteria Expectations
Lunch is a time for socializing and relaxing. Students are expected to follow all school policies during lunch. All students are expected to clean their table, discard any waste in trash cans, and respect all adult supervisors. Any student not meeting these responsibilities will be considered insubordinate and may be assigned to restricted seating in the cafeteria for a designated period of time. Continued violations may result in the students' loss of cafeteria privileges and their assignment to the in-school suspension room during lunchtime.
Cell Phones and/or Communication Devices
The use of cell phones/personal electronic devices during the curricular day is a privilege, not a right. The district wants to ensure that cell phones or other personal electronic devices do not interfere with classroom instruction or cause problems for students or staff while on district property. Staff and students will teach, review and discuss why this is critical supporting students to transition into the learning environment. To prevent classroom distractions and preserve academic integrity, cell phones will not be seen on person or heard during class time (this includes hallways/bathrooms) unless directed by the classroom teacher. If a student brings a cell phone, smart watch, or any other wifi/data accessing communication device to school they will be responsible for following these guidelines:
Devices should be turned off and stored in student backpacks or lockers at all times during school hours.
Phones and any other communication device should not be used for any personal reasons during the school day.
If a student has the cell phone or personal electronic device out during the school day they will be asked to put it away. We want to ensure students develop strong skills to follow through with instructions and rules. A student who refuses to put the device away or turn it over to the office will be considered insubordinate and receive an office discipline referral for technology violation with consequences appropriate. Bettendorf Middle School is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or other electronic devices. Students choosing to bring cell phones to campus must have them off or silenced and away in a backpack or locker The telephone in the Main Office is available for student use before school, after school, and in between classes.
The use of non-district owned recording devices on school property and at school events shall be regulated. Students, parents and community members will not be permitted to take recordings of other students or employees during school hours unless the recording is authorized in advance by building administration. Students and employees found to violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures consistent with board policy and applicable student and employee handbooks. This policy will not be construed or enforced in a way that infringes on employee activity otherwise protected by law. See Board Policy 804.6 - Use of Recording Devices on School Property for additional information.
Cell phones with cameras and other portable handheld technology devices capable of storing and/or transmitting and/or receiving images are banned from use for any purpose in locker rooms and restrooms at ALL times. Students may be disciplined for any use of handheld technology devices in school locker rooms or restrooms. At no time are students or visitors authorized to video capture, photograph, or audio record others in the school building, on school property (to include school vehicles), or at school activities (unless prior approval has been given to the audience to record a public performance, such as a game, honor assembly, concert, contest, etc.), without the consent of a teacher, coach, or school administrator.
Cell phones may not be used to conduct any activities which violate state and/or federal law, Board policy (Acceptable Use Policy, Academic Policy, Unlawful Harassment Policy, and Bullying Policy) or school rules and can result in a search of cell phone by security and/or school personnel.
Inappropriate or illegal use of a device or a prohibited item will cause the item to be taken away from the student and returned at a later date determined by the administrator. Students found in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline and, in cases where a law may be violated, law enforcement may be contacted.
We teach, prompt in bell ringers and remind students of cell phone expectations to support transitioning into the learning environment for the day. Consequences for violations of the cell phone / electronics expectations are as follows:
1st Offense: All students are expected to follow school technology procedures and policies. Students who are found with cell phones or personal devices will be prompted by adults to put away in an effort to make responsible decisions and follow school expectations. The violation will be documented with a minor or major office discipline referral using a range of responses.
2nd Offense: Staff will remind students of the options to put the phone away or have it confiscated by the classroom teacher. The phone will be returned at the end of the class period the day the phone was taken. The violation will be documented with a minor or major office discipline referral using a range of responses.
3rd Offense: Students will be reminded of the school process and forfeit the device to the main office/or set location. A guardian will be called to pick up the device from the main office and have a conference with the student and staff. The violation will be documented with a minor or major office discipline referral using a range of responses.
4th Offense: Students will be reminded of the school process and forfeit the device to the main office/or set location. A guardian must retrieve the device and the student may not have the device at school for the remainder of the quarter. If there are less than three weeks remaining in the quarter when the third offense occurs, the student will not be allowed to have the cell phone / device at school for the remainder of the following quarter as well. The violation will be documented with a major office discipline referral using a range of responses.
5th Offense: Students will forfeit the device to the main office/set location. A guardian will be called to pick up the device from the main office, have a conference with the student and staff to support interventions, the violation will be documented with a major office discipline referral using a range of responses, and the student may not have the device at school for the remainder of the school year.
The use of cell phones or other electronic communication devices for harassment, cheating, plagiarism or other inappropriate purposes may result in suspension from school and/or the loss of cell phone use privileges on campus for the remainder of the school year. The mere presence of a cell phone during an exam/quiz is strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of testing protocol. Electronics used in this manner may result in the student(s) receiving an F grade and students may lose credit for the course in addition to a suspension from school. Cheating of any kind may result in a suspension from school sponsored events. The length of suspension will be determined by the administration.
Earbuds and Headphones
For the safety of all individuals in the building these devices are only allowed in classroom environments with teacher permission via your school issued chromebook/electronic device. Earbuds and Headphones are not allowed to be in use, or on/over the ears in the hallway at any time. This expectation does not include ADA devices or other such equipment that could be district approved or part of an accommodation plan.
BMS Dance Policies
In order to promote a healthy, safe, enjoyable opportunity for all students, to belong and have positive experiences at school BMS hosts school dances. We expect the following rules for all dances.
All informal dances are for current Bettendorf Middle School students only.
Students must provide photo identification (student ID) when entering all dances.
Students who leave the building during a dance will not be readmitted.
Students must be in good standing in order to attend BMS dances.
Food and Beverages
Building cleanliness is an important component of a learning environment. For the safety of ALL students and staff due to food related allergies or needs we ask that all food and beverages be disposed of prior to entrance into the building. All food and beverages, excluding water, are to be consumed in the cafeteria and are not permitted in classrooms and hallways.
Deliveries for Students
In an effort to maintain an educational climate and ensure the safety of students and staff, BMS does not deliver food, flowers, packages, or gifts of any kind to students for individual special occasions. Parents and friends are encouraged to celebrate student accomplishments and special events through the home address of the student. Food deliveries from food chains will not be accepted by office staff.
Lockers
Students will be assigned a hall locker each year. Students are to use only their assigned lockers and are reminded to spin the dial every time to secure it. DO NOT give your locker combination to another student and DO NOT share your locker with others. If the locker is broken or items have been stolen from the locker, immediately report this information to the Security/Main Office.
Theft/Loss of Student Property
Students are advised to leave all valuables, including cell phones and money at home. The staff of Bettendorf Middle School is not responsible for the loss of any student property. Students should report stolen property to the main office & security for investigative purposes and the potential recovery of the stolen/lost article. Students are advised against leaving items unattended and unsecured.
Grading Guidelines
Bettendorf Middle School teachers expect students to work to their fullest potential. Using established guidelines, teachers gauge a student’s academic progress on individual studies throughout the year. This progress is recorded quarterly in the form of a report card, which is made available to students and parents via Infinite Campus. In addition, the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus provides 24-hour access to student grades and assignments.
Every course should include a syllabus where students and families can review course content, standards, grading practices, curriculum resources, pacing guides, materials needed, and other pertinent information.
Grading Rubric
