CMS Student Handbook

	BE SAFE	BE RESPECTFUL	BE RESPONSIBLE
Everywhere	Keep hands and body to self Walk with purpose	Be kind and compassionate Use appropriate voice levels, words, and actions Eat in designated areas Follow posted and verbal directions	Use proper routes to and from  Dispose of all trash items properly Keep personal devices and belongings in backpacks during the school day
Bathrooms	Report behaviors and conditions to adults when needed	Give privacy to others	Wash hands with soap Keep bathrooms clean
Office	One person at a time at the help counter Watch out for doors opening and student traffic flow	Greet staff politely Wait patiently for each person’s turn without interrupting Keep calm and communicate clearly	Take care of office concerns at the appropriate time
Cafeteria	Patiently stand in line	Wait your turn Take only what you plan to eat	Take only one entree item Place unwanted food items in the share bin
Field & Blacktop	Stay within the boundaries Check on injured students and get help when needed	Keep field and blacktop areas food/trash free	Share space and equipment
Locker Room	Keep personal belongings out of walkways	Practice good hygiene Be mindful of others and space	Put away equipment Return found and lost items
Library	Walk into library space Ask for help to reach books	Keep voices low Push in your chair when you leave	Return checked out materials in a timely manner
CUSD Technology & Cyberspace	Only communicate with those you know Log out of shared devices	Share only school related and/or school appropriate material	Stay on task Use school devices for school purposes only Have a fully charged school device for the day
Bike Cage	Dismount and walk your bike in and out of the cage Obey traffic rules, such as wearing a helmet Walk bikes on sidewalks when approaching and leaving school campus	Wait for your turn to enter and exit	Lock your bike securely in an appropriate space Remove your bike daily

 

ABSENCES: If you are absent, tell your Parent/Guardian to contact the office to report your absence and the reason why before 9:00am.  The Absence Reporting Form can be found on the CMS website.  Your Parent/Guardian may also call the CMS Attendance Reporting Line at (408) 245-0303, option 6, before 9:00am.  If your Parent/Guardian does not report your absence, CMS Office will call to find out where you are and why you are absent.

Excused reasons to be absent from school: illness, injury, medical/dental appointments, religious observances, and death in the family.

Unexcused reasons to be absent from school: just didn’t feel like it, don’t want to take a test.

ARRIVING TO SCHOOL LATE:  If you are arriving late to school for any reason, you MUST first report to the Office to sign in.  If you are late to school more than five times without an excused reason, you may be assigned consequences such as (but not limited to) conference with your Parent/Guardian, detention, reflection, loss of privileges including attending school activities.

It is important for you to be at school on time.  Plan on leaving your home early enough to get to school on time.

ILLNESS: If you are sick, it’s important that you stay home to rest.  If you are sick and absent for more than eight times, a doctor’s note with a medical reason for your absence is needed.  Instead of going to a doctor to confirm your illness absence, your Parent/Guardian may also bring you to the closest CUSD school for the Office staff to check up on you.  You have up to five days from your absence to turn in a doctor’s note.  If you wait past the five days to turn in a doctor’s note, your absence code can no longer be changed.

TRUANCY: You are considered “truant” if you have three or more unexcused absences.  In this case, your teachers do not have to let you make up the assignments.  This means you may receive a “0.”  

Cutting one or part of a class is also marked as unexcused absence, thus considered truant.   Examples of cutting class are as follows: leaving campus without permission, walking around campus instead of being in class, using going to the bathroom as an excuse to avoid class.  

If you need a break, ask your teacher for one.

HOMEWORK IF YOU HAVE AN EXCUSED ABSENCE:  You are expected to make up the work missed during your excused absence, including for medical reasons.  If you are absent one or two days, check your Google Classroom for assignments and/or follow up with your teachers by email and/or when you return to school. Your teachers may adjust assignments as they see fit.

LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE DAY:  If you need to leave early for school (example is doctor’s appointment), tell your Parent/Guardian to write a note explaining the reason why you need to leave early and bring that note to the office in the morning before school starts to pick a “Permission to Leave School” slip, see below.

For safety reasons, you are not allowed to leave CMS campus at any time during the school day without the office knowing.

CMS COURSES:  

Required: English Language Arts, Math, Social Science, Science, Physical Education Two additional courses, examples: English Language Development, Intervention (Reading or Math), Special Education related, Electives

MATERIALS FOR CLASS: The following items are the basic school supplies you should have: binder paper, pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, glue stick, markers, binder. Other materials may be suggested by your teachers. If you need any of these materials, ask your teacher.

You will also have a school-assigned Chromebook. It is your responsibility to care for the Chromebooks, including fully charging the Chromebook each night before school the next day.  Some of your teachers will have chargers in the classroom.  If not, there are Chromebook charging stations in the library that all students may use during brunch and lunch.  

If you damage or lose your Chromebook, accident or not, let Ms. Khanna in the library know.  Depending on the damage, your Parent/Guardian may be asked to pay for repairing or replacement.  It’s best that you take care of the Chromebook.

HOMEWORK: Homework is practice of skills and concepts taught in class.  You are expected to complete homework.  Sometimes teachers will assign unfinished classwork as the homework, so it’s best that you use your class work time wisely.  There may be days in which you will have a little homework, and there may be days in which you will have a lot of homework.  

If you are spending more than two hours each night on homework, contact your teachers. 

LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Make sure you know each of your teacher’s late work policy.  You can always talk to your teacher about making up late work for credit.  If you continually turn in late work, your teacher is less likely to work with you on second chances.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Learning is for you.  Knowledge if for you.  Learn because it’s important that you know this information to help you become a better you every day.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:  This is also known as cheating, which is giving or getting or giving information or material for the purpose of helping yourself or someone else to claim credit or grades dishonestly. This also includes asking a friend to help claim credit or grade dishonestly. Examples of cheating may include but are not limited to:

• Getting answers from others unless you have permission from your teacher. 

• Changing your answers when your teacher is going over the answers to a test.

• Getting test questions or answers from students who have already taken a test.

• Giving test questions or answers to students who haven’t taken the test yet.

• Letting someone else copy your answer when a teacher is reviewing it to submit for regrading.

• Allowing someone to look at your answers or giving the answers in any other way during a test.

• Copying homework or receiving answers over electronic devices (emails, text, etc) and/or other mediums.

• Allowing someone else to copy your homework or giving answers over electronic devices (emails, text, etc) and/or other mediums.

• Copying or handing in another’s work as your own.

• Claiming credit for something you have not read or done.

• Filling in answers on a classmate’s work (paper or electronic) while you are correcting it.

• Helping a student claim credit for work that the student has not read or done.

If you are in doubt about any of the above, check with your teacher.  Consequences for Academic Dishonesty may include:

• A Bear Pride Reminder with consequence issued (teacher managed)

• A zero or deduction in points for that particular assignment

• U in Conduct on the student’s report card for that particular semester

• Conference with teacher and Parents/Guardians

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES:  If a student is unable to participate in physical education, a written excuse by a Parent/Guardian will excuse a student from physical activity for up to three school days. If a student needs to be excused for a longer period, a doctor’s note explaining the reason is mandatory and must be submitted to the Front Office first. A doctor’s note explaining accommodations that can be made and/or what a student can or cannot do is also helpful in helping the PE teacher make modifications to safely allow the student to participate at some level. 

Students are expected to make up any missed work when unable to participate. Students who are unable to participate for more than two weeks may be given alternate assignments to cover time missed, excluding test runs (mile, 2-mile).  These runs will be made up when the student is able to. During the time a student is unable to participate in PE, whether Parent/Guardian or doctor excused, the student will be unable to participate in the after school sports program.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORMS:  Standard PE/exercise apparel, including close toe athletic shoes, is necessary for safe participation.  School or street clothes (worn under or over PE attire) is not considered exercise appropriate clothing. 

“CMS logo” PE uniforms are optional for purchase and sold through the CMS PE Department. During colder weather, students may wear sweatpants and sweatshirts over their required PE uniform or PE specific leggings underneath their shorts. Other “CMS logo” PE gear available for purchase (all sold by the CMS PE Department): sweatshirts, sweatpants, and leggings. 

At Cupertino Middle School, we believe the social and emotional well-being of students is essential to their learning success.  We have implemented a program called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS: www.pbis.org).  PBIS is a nationally recognized program with a systematic approach to promoting positive behavior.  This is done by establishing consistent school wide expectations and recognizing and rewarding those students who meet them.

WHAT IS BEAR PRIDE?  We believe all students should be safe, respectful, and responsible.  Please refer to the full behavior expectation matrix on the inside front cover of this planner.

PBISRewards APP & THE BEAR BAZAAR: To acknowledge students who meet expectations, ANY CMS Staff, including teachers, counselors, office staff, etc) may assign points for being safe, respectful, and/or responsible.  Student redeems accrued points for PRIZES at The Bear Bazaar!  Scan the QR Code on the left or go to www.tinyurl.com/PBISRewardsCMS for more information on how to use the PBISRewards app.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Information about all the activities offered at CMS are announced daily.  They are also displayed around campus and on our website under Student Activities. 

Meal Services: All meals served during brunch and lunch are of no cost to you.  If you take a meal, you must also take a choice of fruit or veggies.  Milk is optional.  If you do not want any parts of your meal, put it on the share because someone might enjoy it.

There are vegetarian options.  If don’t see any, please talk to Ms. Rainy or any of the cafeteria staff to help you get a vegetarian option.

You will scan your ID card when you pick up a meal, so make sure you wear your ID at all times.

CONTACTING STAFF: All CMS staff members have email and voicemail. Staff will return calls and or emails within 48 hours during the school week (M-F). Teacher email addresses and phone extensions are available on our school website.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DRILLS:  Emergency preparedness drills are held throughout the school year. Drills are designed to acquaint students with the emergency procedures. Students are to keep voices off, walk, and follow all instructions carefully. An emergency exit diagram is posted in each CMS space (classrooms, gyms, library, etc.).

HEALTH SERVICES/MEDICATIONS:  A complete guide to student health, including medication and forms) is available on the District website (www.cusdk8.org/departments/student-support-services/student-health-services). Hard copies of these forms are available in the front office as well.  If students need medication administered during the school day, please note the following:

• CMS does not supply any medication to students, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Benadryl, Tylenol, etc. Medications must be supplied by the student's Parents/Guardians.

• Each medication, whether prescription or OTC, should be accompanied by a signed doctor's order (see Student Medication Authorization Form)

• Each prescription medication should have a pharmacy label. All medications should be in the original box/container. The label should match the doctor's order.

• The Student Medication Authorization Form must be completed, front and back, and signed by both the physician and the student's Parents/Guardians. Each prescribed and/or OTC medication must be listed on the Authorization Form.

• For anaphylactic allergy medications, including EpiPens, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Action Plan Protocol must be completed.

• Please remember to check the medication periodically to make sure that it does not expire during the school year. Expired medications will be discarded.

• If a student is expected to administer their own medication(s), the medication(s) must be stored in the CMS Health Office and the Self-Administration Form must be completed and signed by the student's doctor and a Parent/Guardian.

• All medication orders for the following school year must be dated after the end of the current school year.

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL:  Students must come to the office for initial care if they are ill and must call parents from the office and from a school phone line, not personal cell phones. Any student who vomits or presents with a fever at school must go home. In the event of an emergency, 911 will be called first, then the Parent/Guardian.

LIBRARY:  Most books are available for check out, while some books, magazines, and encyclopedias may only be available reference work in the library. Students have the privilege and responsibility to use the library computers for accessing online assignments and curriculum and utilizing online informational databases. Students may also print academic materials as permitted by the teacher. Inappropriate materials that lack literary, sociological, political, government, or scientific content is prohibited (e.g. gaming, social media, videos for entertainment purposes, etc.).

LOST & FOUND: Found items should be taken to the Lost and Found shelves outside the office. Found valuables (jewelry, retainers, smartphones, watches, glasses) should be taken directly inside the Front Office. Students are to check the Lost and Found during brunch, lunch, or before/after school. PE locker rooms also have their own Lost and Found bins. Unclaimed items will be donated to charitable organizations at regular intervals. 

POSTERS/FLYERS:  If students would like to post flyers around campus, they will need the approval of a site administrator.

SECURITY OF PERSONAL ITEMS: Students should not bring any valuables (monetary or emotional) to school. A recommended amount of cash to carry for emergency purposes is $10-20.  Students receive instruction in properly concealing valuables left in the locker room. CMS is not liable for any lost, stolen, or broken personal property and will make every attempt to help locate missing items. Students should report any missing items through the CMS Incident Report; students are welcome to fill out the CMS Incident Report in the office. Students taking items not belonging to them will be subject to standard discipline up to and including suspension or referral to the Sunnyvale Police.

INTERNET SAFETY:  Students receive instruction at all grade levels regarding digital citizenship and Internet safety. Students and Parents/Guardians have electronically signed the CUSD Technology Use Agreements as part of the Opening Day Packet. Students who violate the CUSD Technology Use Agreements may be subject to disciplinary action.

TEXTBOOKS & LIBRARY BOOKS:  Textbooks and library books are provided on a loan basis. Students assume responsibility for all books issued to them, and must pay for any loss or damage. Textbooks are assigned codes, and codes are recorded by the Teacher when textbooks are distributed at any point during the school year. 

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS:  All visitors and volunteers must sign in and out in the Front Office and wear a Volunteer or Visitor badge. Non-CMS students are not permitted to visit during the school day.

WORK PERMITS: Work permits can be obtained through the Academic Counselors.  Typically, work permits are only distributed to students who are 14-years-of-age or older.  For more information refer to the California Department of Education for detailed information around work permits.

MONITORING GRADES:  Students and Parents/Guardians may check grades at any time via StudentVUE and ParentVUE.  For assistance with StudentVUE and/or ParentVUE, please email office_cupertino@cusdk8.org.

PROGRESS REPORTS:  Progress Reports are issued once during each semester to inform Parents/Guardians of their student’s progress when concerns arise. Only those students with grades C- or below, or with a U or N in Conduct or Work Habits, receive a progress report.  

REPORT CARDS:  Report cards are issued at the end of each semester.  CMS’ academic year is made up of two semesters.  

The letter system of grading is used in relation to achievement in the various subject areas. An A indicates excellent achievement, B indicates above average achievement, C indicates average achievement, D indicates below average achievement, and F indicates unsatisfactory achievement. In some cases, a Credit/No Credit system of grading may be put into place. Students who are identified as English Language Learners and have been enrolled in the American school system for less than two years may have a Making Progress (MP)/Not Making Progress (NP) grade.

A second mark may be given in each subject for Work Habits: O indicates outstanding; S indicates satisfactory; N indicates needs improvement, and U indicates unsatisfactory. The same marks are used to indicate Conduct, which includes: being safe, following classroom rules, being punctual, accepting responsibility, demonstrating sportsmanship, and respecting the rights of others. A temporary grade of Incomplete is issued whenever a student needs time to make up work, following an extended absence near the end of a semester. A permanent grade for an Incomplete would then be issued ten days after report cards are distributed. A No Mark (NM) may be given due to extenuating circumstances.

Grade Point Average: The following point system is used to determine grade point averages:

A = 4.00                B+ = 3.33           C+ = 2.33              D+ = 1.33 F = .0.0  

A- = 3.67              B = 3.00              C = 2.00                D = 1.00 CR = 4.0      

B- = 2.67              C- = 1.67             D- = .67              NC = 0.0

No Mark (NM) = not included in GPA

Making Progress (MP

When students do not meet the behavior expectations, they may be subject to various consequences (depending on the severity of infraction). Parents will be contacted by phone and/or email, for support and assistance in dealing with the problem.

BEAR PRIDE REMINDER FORM (MINOR REFERRAL): A Bear Pride reminder form is used to inform the parent of any minor issues at school and does not impact a student’s permanent record. Multiple Bear Pride Reminder forms may result in disciplinary action. For repeated minor infractions, staff will utilize CMS’s Progressive Discipline:

When students do not meet the behavior expectations, they may be subject to various consequences depending on the severity of infraction.  Parents/Guardians may be contacted by phone and/or email. BEAR PRIDE REMINDER FORM (MINOR REFERRAL): A Bear Pride reminder form is used to address any minor issues at school and does not impact a student’s permanent record.  Multiple Bear Pride Reminder forms may result in disciplinary action. For repeated minor infractions, Staff utilizes the CMS’s Progressive Discipline: Classroom  Teacher Managed Teacher warnings Classroom interventions Student/ Teacher conference 1st Bear Pride Reminder Form Parent/ Guardian is contacted  Bear Pride Restitution assigned 2nd Bear Pride Reminder Form Parent/ Guardian is contacted  Bear Pride Restitution assigned Check In Check Out may be considered 1st Discipline Report Student/Admin conference Consequence assigned by Admin 2nd Discipline Report Consequence assigned by Admin Possible Friday Reflection 3rd Discipline Report Any of the following Student placed on behavior contract  Possible suspension from class/school  Loss of privileges   DISCIPLINE REPORT (MAJOR REFERRAL):  If the incident is more severe, a Discipline Report will be created by the school administrator. In cases like these, there may be degrees of severity, and the administrator will use his/her discretion in determining the consequences to be assigned.  Discipline Reports do not impact a student’s record, however, depending on the severity of the behavior, it may result in a U in Conduct/Work Habits on a student’s report card, class/school suspension or expulsion - all of which are reported on a student’s record.  Multiple Discipline Reports may result in a loss of privileges such as school activities (including socials) and/or end of year activities.  With a Discipline Report, the administrator will meet with the student and the parent/guardian will be contacted.  One or more of the following consequences may be given: After-School Reflection Behavior Contract (with or without parent signature) Campus Assigned Restriction Classroom Suspension Community Service Detention Law Enforcement Contact Loss of Privileges Recommendation for Expulsion Removal From Extracurricular Activities Student/Parent meeting Suspension for 1-5 days Reference: Ed Code Suspension or Expulsion [48900 - 48927]

DISCIPLINE REPORT (MAJOR REFERRAL): If the incident is more severe, a Discipline Report will be created by the school administrator. In cases like these, there may be degrees of severity, and the administrator will use his/her discretion in determining the consequences to be assigned. Discipline Reports do not impact a student’s record, however, depending on the severity of the behavior, it may result in a U in Conduct/Work Habits on a student’s report card, class/school suspension or expulsion - all of which are reported on a student’s record. Multiple Discipline Reports may result in a loss of privileges such as dances, school activities, or end of year activities.

With a Discipline Report, the administrator will meet with the student and the parent/guardian will be contacted. One or more of the following consequences may be given:

• After-school reflection/detention
• Community Service
• Campus Assigned Restriction
• Loss of Privileges
• Behavior Contract (with or without parent signature)
• Student/Parent meeting
• Removal from extra-curricular activities
• Classroom suspension
• Suspension for 1-5 days
• Law Enforcement Contact
• Recommendation for Expulsion

Reference: Ed Code Suspension or Expulsion [48900 - 48927]

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: Students are expected to be safe, be respectful, and be responsible when interacting with staff and students.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS:  Students are to consider what is appropriate to wear in their “job” of being a student. Students are expected to dress in a manner that is professional, respectful, clean, and safe. Part of life skills is for students to learn is how to navigate different situations, including dressing for school vs. dressing for going to the mall vs. dressing for a formal dinner, much in the same ways adults do. With this in mind, the following are the “dress for success” expectations for students:

• Shirts, bottoms, and shoes required at all times.

• Clothing must be at a sufficient length to conceal undergarments and body areas they are intended to cover when standing, sitting, squatting, or bending at the waist. 

• Clothing must have fabric on the front, shoulder, back, and side and must cover the chest, stomach, buttocks.

• Pants/shorts should be worn at the waist and not sagging at/below the buttocks.

• Clothing, accessories, and personal items such as hats, backpacks, devices, etc. may not contain any written or pictorial representation deemed offensive, derogatory, or otherwise inappropriate, including drugs and drug paraphernalia brands,

• CMS Administration and Staff reserve the right to determine whether clothing is appropriate for the school setting.  If determined to be inappropriate, students may be asked to change into PE wear or parents may be called for a change of clothing.

BULLYING/FIGHTING/HARASSMENT (EdCode 48900):  CMS is meant to be a safe space for ALL students. Disrespectful and mean behavior will be addressed. Bullying is deliberate and often repeated behavior intended to hurt or harm another physically and/or emotionally. CMS addresses four types of bullying:

1. Verbal: teasing, name calling, taunting, threatening

2. Social: telling others not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors, embarrassing someone in public

3. Physical: hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting, tripping, pushing, taking or breaking someone’s things, mean, or rude hand gestures

4. Cyber: overt or covert bullying behaviors using digital technologies such as but not limited to social media, instant messaging, texts, emails, websites, and other online platforms. Examples include: abusive or hurtful texts, emails, posts, images, videos, inappropriate gossip or rumors, and/or imitating others online or using their login

Harassment (verbal, visual, physical, sexual, cyber-type** via text message, social media,  email, etc.) is any act that is severe enough to create an intimidating educational environment or negatively affect a student's school experience. Harassment and bullying are similar.  The distinction between bullying and harassment is that bullying becomes a form of harassment when the behavior is directed towards the victim’s race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, and/or national origin. Such behavior includes offensive comments, posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawing, objects, gestures, profanity, foul language, religious, racial, ethnic, sexual slurs or innuendoes, unwelcome or offensive touching or impeding or blocking movement. Harassment may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension. 

Any student experiencing discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and/or theft or witnessing another student experiencing as such is encouraged to notify CMS Staff immediately. The CMS Incident Report can be used at any time to report difficult situations directly to CMS Administration. Students are encouraged to fill out the CMS Incident Report to help resolve issues quickly and confidentially.  

See QR Code on the right or go to www.tinyurl.com/CMSIncidentReport.

CELL PHONE/ELECTRONICS:  Cell phones, devices, and other electronics and accessories (including earphones/ earbuds/Airpods) must be turned off while on school campus during the instructional school day and kept in the student’s backpack at all times. 

A student may never take photographs of students or school activities using a personal camera or personal cell phone/device for privacy and confidentiality reasons.  Students taking a course where taking photos or videos is part of the course requirements must wear specific badges and must use CMS issued electronic devices. 

DANGEROUS ITEMS: Knives, firearms, or other dangerous instruments that present a serious danger to students and staff are forbidden at CMS sponsored events on or off campus. California state law, CUSD policy, and regulations of California Education Code require the immediate suspension and recommendation for expulsion of any student who possesses or furnishes a firearm, knife, explosive (such as but limited to: matches, lighters, firecrackers, and poppers/snappers), or other similarly dangerous object on school grounds or at school events off school grounds. Such behavior may be referred to the police.

DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION:  Students are to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Bear Pride guidelines include “keep your hands and body to self” which includes embracing, kissing, and touching - which are not allowed at CMS.

DRUGS/TOBACCO PRODUCTS/ALCOHOL: The use, possession, or sale of drugs, tobacco products (including e-cigarettes/vape pens), or alcohol at CMS or CMS sponsored events are prohibited. Students caught using, selling, or possessing drugs, tobacco products, and/or alcohol on CMS campus or CMS sponsored events shall automatically be suspended from school. The police may be called, and the student may be subject to expulsion.

EATING AREAS: Students are to eat in the designated areas. On days when weather conditions are unfavorable, classrooms may be made available for indoor eating. No food, drinks, or wrappers are allowed on the fields or blacktop as these spaces are the “PE classrooms.”  No food or food services may be used for deliveries to students. Food is not to be eaten during class time unless approved by the teacher.

GAMBLING: Gambling and betting of any kind is prohibited. 

HALL PASS: Students are permitted to leave class at the discretion of the teachers. Students must first sign out and carry a hall pass any time leaving the classroom. Requests for students to be out of class for special activities, such as field trips, rehearsals, after school sports games, etc., must be approved by CMS Staff in advance.

MISCELLANEOUS PROHIBITED ITEMS:  Objects of nuisance (such as but not limited to electronic games, squirt guns, permanent markers, aerosol spray cans, laser pointers, modeling glue, white-out, silly string, slime, and water balloons) are prohibited.  

NO DROP OFFS:  Students are expected to be prepared for school each day; it is their responsibility.  If projects or assignments due are forgotten, if PE clothes are forgotten, if instruments are forgotten at home, CMS discourages Parents/Guardians these drop offs to the Front Office.  

SELLING PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL: Students should not be selling or buying personal items at CMS or CMS sponsored events. There should be no exchange of money or goods between students for any reason.

SUSPENSION: Suspension is a consequence that removes a student from a class or from school for a period of time. Teachers are not obligated to provide make-up work to students who are suspended.

VANDALISM: Damage to school or personal property may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension and restitution to CMS, CUSD, or victim. Graffiti is considered a form of vandalism. Parents/Guardians will be notified of known vandalism, and the offender may be responsible for reimbursement for damages. The police may also be contacted. 

VULGARITY, OBSCENITIES, PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS:  Obscene, vulgar, immoral, or indecent language, writings, pictures or acts are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. The possession or display of pornographic materials is considered a very serious offense.

WHEELED TRANSPORTATION:  Bicycles, skateboards, scooters or any other wheeled transportation are to be walked on CMS campus, before, during, or after school hours. Anything with wheels for transportation are to be stored in bike cages, skateboard racks (by the office). Skateboards/scooters may not be carried from class to class. Bikes may not be locked to outside school fences as the fire code does not permit so.

Students are encouraged to participate in school activities. It is expected that each student behaves in a responsible manner while in attendance.

ELIGIBILITY: In order to participate in extracurricular activities, students are expected to maintain good grades in both the academic and conduct areas. The following guidelines will be used to determine students’ eligibility:

AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS:  The CUSD After-School Sports Program has been organized to provide students with the opportunity to participate in formal athletic events. A donation per sport may be requested. This supports the cost of league fees, coaches, uniforms, and officials/referees. Grade checks will be done one week before tryouts and at intervals during the season by the CMS Athletic Director. It is the student’s responsibility to fill out the Grade Check Form with most current grades and conduct evaluation, then have each teacher sign off on its accuracy. Forms must be turned into the Front Office prior to tryouts. In order to be eligible to try out and participate in the season, after-school sports participants must demonstrate and maintain a C average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and must have no more than one U in conduct. 

CLUBS: All students are encouraged to participate in any club offered at CMS. 

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD: Student Identification Cards will be distributed at the beginning of the school year after picture day and should be carried at all times. The Student ID Card is important for identification and participation in CMS activities and for purchasing cafeteria items.  Students will be given a lanyard to carry their ID cards.

SOCIALS: In order to ensure that the socials are enjoyable for everyone, students are adhere to the following:

• School identification is required for admittance to all school socials. Replacement ID cards are available in the office or at the dance for a small fee. Electronic identification is an acceptable form of school ID for social entry.

• Dress for Success section of this handbook applies.

• Students who need to arrive late or leave early must communicate in advance with CMS Administration.

• Students are released 15 minutes prior to end time.

• Students are to remain in the designated areas.

• Socials are for CMS students only; guests may not attend.

• Students who are absent from school on the day of the dance due to illness, may not attend the social.

• Cell Phone section of this handbook applies.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: 

Student Council - Students shall be in the 7th or 8th grade, have earned a minimum “C” grade point average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale), and have no D’s or F’s the previous semester.  “U’s” in conduct or work habits from the previous semester will also disqualify a student from participation. Students must have no suspensions for the current or previous semester to run for a Student Council Cabinet. Elected Student Council Officers are expected to enroll in the Leadership elective class. 

The Student Council shall be the governing body of the school. It shall be composed of the Student Council Cabinet and elected representatives from each extended 3rd period class. All Student Council members are expected to attend meetings regularly.

Parent-Student-Teacher Advisory Group (PSTAG) - first offered and available to 7th and 8th students who ran for Student Council Cabinet and were not elected.  6th grade representatives of PSTAG are elected in the fall by 6th grade vote.

Students are recognized for outstanding academic or social achievement.  

8th GRADE TOP SCHOLARS/8th GRADE OUTSTANDING SCHOLARS:  Students who achieve a 4.0 GPA during their years at Cupertino Middle School are named Top Scholars. Students who achieve a grade point average of 3.95-3.99 during their years at Cupertino Middle School are named Outstanding Scholars. The GPA is calculated after the first semester of the 8th grade year.

8th GRADE AWARDS may include the following: Departmental or Academic Improvement in Music, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, PE, World Language, Industrial Technology, Mathematics, Art, Photography, Yearbook, Foods; Principal’s Award, Karl Stempel Memorial Art Award, Marjean Clark Memorial Math Award, Randall Binkley Memorial Science Award, Phil Hegland Memorial Technology Award, Girls’ Sportsmanship Award, Todd Clark Sportsmanship Award, Outstanding Athlete, and the Barbara Widen Memorial Service Award. Other recognitions may include Optimism and Bear Pride awards to students who show exceptional conduct and citizenship as well as positive contributions to CMS.

INTENT: CUSD shall maintain an educational environment free from harassment, intimidation, or insult on the basis of an individual’s sex. Action will be taken when necessary to eliminate such practices or remedy their effects. Sexual harassment, as defined and otherwise prohibited by California state and federal statutes, constitutes an unlawful form of sexual discrimination. 

DEFINITION:  Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by an individual constitute sexual harassment when:

• Submission to such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual’s employment, academic status or progress;

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual;

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance;

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education or employment environment; or

• Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the education institution.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of parties involved in a complaint. Files pertaining to complaints handled under this process will not be made available to non-CUSD employees.

COMMUNICATION OF POLICY:  The Superintendent shall establish a procedure for complaints of a sexual harassment nature and this procedure will be communicated within CUSD and the CMS community. Complaints involving students shall be processed pursuant to the Uniform Complaint Procedure policy.