CMS Student Handbook

ABSENCES: If you are absent, tell your parent/guardian to go to ParentSquare to report your absence and the reason why before 9:00 am.  Your parent/guardian may also call the CMS Attendance Reporting Line at (408) 245-0303, option 6, before 9:00 am.  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, didn’t want to take a test, family trips/vacations

ARRIVING TO SCHOOL AND CLASS PERIODS LATE:  If you are arriving late to school for any reason, you MUST first report to the office to sign in, even if the black gates are open.  If you are late to school more than three times without an excused reason, you may be assigned consequences such as (but not limited to) conference with your parent/guardian, After School 15 detention, reflection, loss of privileges including attending school activities.  This includes being late to classes throughout the school day.  It is important for you to be at school and in class on time, so don’t linger to socialize when the warning bell rings during brunch/lunch and passing periods.  

ILLNESS: If you are sick, it’s important that you stay home to rest.  If you are sick and absent for more than seven 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 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, going to the bathroom as an excuse to avoid class.  

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. It is up to the teacher to accept assignments if you have an unexcused absence.

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. For safety reasons, you are not allowed to leave CMS campus at any time during the school day without signing out from the office by your parent/guardian.

School is about learning.  It’s not fair to take advantage of your parent/guardian, friends, classmates, or artificial intelligence by asking them to do your work.

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.
• Using artificial intelligence (AI) software or other technology to complete assignments that are intended to be your original and authentic work and thinking (ideas, paragraph and essay writing, math answers, science answers, world language translation, analysis, problem-solving, etc), as determined by your teachers.

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
• 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

GOOGLE CLASSROOM: Many teachers use Google Classroom to post lessons and assignments.  It’s critical for you to check in your Google Classroom daily.  

MATERIALS FOR CLASS: The following items are the basic school supplies you should have: binder paper, pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, gluestick, markers, binder.  Other materials may be suggested by your teachers.  If you need any of these materials, talk to your teacher. Textbooks are loaned to you.  It is your responsibility to take care of the textbooks.  If you damage or lose your textbook, accident or not, let your teacher know.  Your parent/guardian may be asked to pay for the replacement.  

You will also have a school-assigned Chromebook.  It is your responsibility to care for the Chromebook, 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 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 or preparation 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 regularly spending more than a total of 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.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE) EXCUSES:  If you are unable to participate in PE, a written excuse for up to three days (so you can recover) is needed by your Parent/Guardian.  If you need to be excused for more than three days, a doctor’s note explaining the reason is mandatory and must be submitted to the office immediately.  A doctor’s note explaining accommodations that can be made and/or what you can or cannot do is helpful for your PE Teacher in keeping you safe when it comes to participating in physical activities.

You are expected to make up any missed work when you are unable to physically participate.  If you are unable to participate for more than two weeks, you may be given alternate assignments to cover time missed, excluding runs (mile, 2-mile).  These runs must be made up when you are able to.  If you are unable to participate in PE, whether Parent/Guardian or doctor excused, you will also be unable to participate in the after school sports program IF you are on a team.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE) UNIFORMS:  Standard PE/exercise clothing, including close toe athletic shoes, is necessary for safe participation.  School or street clothes (worn under or over PE attire) are not considered exercise appropriate clothing.  It’s important to change in and out of your PE clothes for health and sanitary reasons; it’s not good for your skin to stay in sweaty clothes all day.

• Acceptable PE clothing: T-shirts, athletic shorts/leggings, sweatpants, sock, sneakers
• Street clothes (not acceptable PE clothing): dresses, jeans, slides, sandals, boots

“CMS logo” PE uniforms are optional for purchase and sold through the PE Department.  During colder weather, you may wear sweatpants and sweatshirts over acceptable PE clothing 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. 

SCHEDULE CHANGES: Schedules are carefully prepared. Schedule changes may happen under very special circumstances.  No schedule change will be considered unless there is a sound educational reason.  “I don’t like the class anymore” is not considered a sound educational reason.

STUDENTVUE:  This is a site where you check your grades and assignments (especially completed or missing ones).

At Cupertino Middle School, we believe your social and emotional well-being are very important.  We have implemented a program called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) where we encourage you to be the best you.  We know that everyone makes mistakes, and we believe it’s about learning from your mistakes and being better.

WHAT IS BEAR PRIDE?  We believe all students should be safe, respectful, and responsible.  Please refer to the Bear Pride Expectations chart on page 3 of this planner.

PBISRewards APP & THE BEAR BAZAAR:  When you demonstrate Bear Pride expectations of being safe, respectful, and responsible or making good choices, ANY CMS Staff, including teachers, counselors, office staff, etc) may assign you Bear Pride points.  The more points, the better!

You can redeem your points for all kinds of rewards during the school year at the Bear Bazaar (our student store), such as stickers, food items, gift cards, CMS spirit wear, and special privileges around campus…and MORE!  More information will be shared with you in September about the Bear Bazaar.

BEYOND BEAR RECOGNITION:  Beyond Bear Recognition is a way for CMS Staff to honor students for going above and beyond with Bear Pride.  Should you receive a Beyond Bear Recognition, your parent/guardian will receive an email with a certificate that highlights your Bear Pride moment.

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

CLOSED CAMPUS:  All of campus, including the track and fields, are closed to the public during school hours and during after school activities.  Students may not leave campus during brunch/lunch without parent permission.

CONTACTING STAFF:  All CMS staff members have email.  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 practices, such as fire drills and disaster drills, are held throughout the school year.  These drills are designed to help you understand what to do in an emergency.  You must take these drills seriously, meaning keep your voices off, walk, and follow all instructions carefully.  An emergency exit map is posted in each CMS space (classrooms, gyms, library, etc.) by the exit, so remember to look for it.

HEALTH SERVICES/MEDICATIONS:  If you need to take medicine (including cough drops) during the school day, it all must be taken in the office with office staff supervising..  You may not keep medicine in your backpack unless your doctor has given permission to self-carry.  

Tell your Parent/Guardian that they must complete special medication forms for you to have medicine at school and can find all the required forms on the CMS website.  If any CMS Staff finds medicine in your backpack without the required forms, the medicine will be taken away for your Parent/Guardian to pick up at the office.

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL or FEELING SICK AT SCHOOL:  Before contacting a parent/guardian, you must come to the office for initial care if you are feeling sick.  Our Office Staff can help you with basic care.  They will help decide if your Parent/Guardian needs to be called to come pick you up.  If it’s an emergency, 911 will be called first, then your Parent/Guardian.

INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY SAFETY:  You are to use your Chromebook for learning purposes.  You are to search on the Internet for learning purposes.  Your Google Drive should hold only school assignments and projects.  If you violate any of the three, there may be an investigation and possible disciplinary action.  

Your cusdk8 login and password must remain private.  DO NOT GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO FRIENDS.  The only people who should have your cusdk8 login are your parents/guardians.

LIBRARY:  Most books are available for check out, while some books and encyclopedias may only be used  in the library. You may print academic materials with the permission from your Teacher.  Gaming, YouTube, movie/show streaming, and social media are not allowed.

LOST & FOUND: The Lost and Found is located next to the office door.  More valuable items (smartphones, watches, jewelry, retainers, glasses) are usually inside the office.  PE has its own Lost and Found.  It’s your responsibility to check the Lost and Found.  Unclaimed items in the Lost and Found are packed up and donated every few months.

MEAL SERVICES/EATING AREAS: All meals served during brunch and lunch are of no cost to you.  Scan your ID card when you pick up a meal, so make sure you wear your ID at all times.  If you take a meal, you must also take a choice of fruit or veggies.  There are vegetarian options.  If you don't see any vegetarian options, please talk to the cafeteria staff to help you get a vegetarian option.  Milk is optional.  If you do not want any parts of your meal, put it in the share cart nicely because someone might enjoy it.

There are many designated eating areas on campus.  On days when weather conditions are too hot or when it’s raining, 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,” let’s all respect that.  Food deliveries from DoorDash or similar businesses are not allowed.  Unless the teacher allows it, no food is allowed to be eaten during class time.

MISCELLANEOUS PROHIBITED ITEMS:  Objects of annoyance(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.  You are here at school to learn.

NO DROP OFFS:  Part of Bear Pride is learning responsibility.  It is your responsibility to be ready for school every day.  If you forgot something, DO NOT ASK your parents/guardian to drop it off to you.  The office will not accept drop offs.  This includes having your parent/guardian meet you at the gate to hand off whatever you forgot.  Part of being responsible is accepting the consequences of forgetting.

POSTERS/FLYERS:  If you would like to post flyers around campus, you will need to talk to the Assistant Principals first for permission.

SECURITY OF PERSONAL ITEMS:  You should not bring anything you consider special or valuable to school.  A recommended amount of cash to carry for emergency purposes is $10-20.  CMS is not responsible or liable for any lost, stolen, or broken personal property.  We will do our best to help you locate missing items.  

If anyone takes items that don’t belong to them, there may be an investigation and possible disciplinary action such as suspension or referral to the Sunnyvale Police Department.

STUDENTSQUARE:  This is a site where you can find all CMS announcements for club, sports, events, classroom updates.  

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS:  All parents/guardians, visitors, and volunteers must sign in and out in the Front Office and wear a Volunteer or Visitor badge.  You may not have non-CMS students visit during the school day.

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 or skateboard racks (by the office.  If you are late to school, bring your bike/skateboard/scooter to the office as the cages will be locked.  Skateboards/scooters may not be carried from class to class.  Bikes may not be locked to outside school fences as it violates the fire code.

WORK PERMITS:  If you are 14 (and older) and would like to have a paid job, you can get a work permit from the Academic Counselors.

You can check your grades at any time using StudentVUE.  If you need help to access StudentVUE, ask any of your teachers or your Academic Counselor.

PROGRESS REPORTS:  Progress Reports are issued once during each semester to inform you and your parents/guardians of how you are doing in your classes.  You will only receive a Progress Report if you have a C- grade or below or a U (unsatisfactory) or N (needs improvement) in your Conduct (classroom behavior) or Work Habits.  Progress Reports will be posted in your StudentVUE.  

REPORT CARDS:  Report cards are given at the end of each semester.  It will be posted in your StudentVUE.  CMS’ academic year is made up of two semesters.  A No Mark grade may be given for extenuating circumstances.

CONSEQUENCES - IT’S ABOUT BEING A BETTER YOU

When you are not demonstrating our Bear Pride expectations of being safe, respectful, and responsible, you may be assigned consequences.  We understand that mistakes happen, and we will help you “make it right” in these instances.  We may also contact your parent/guardian to let them know.  Together, this is about you learning and being a part of a school community that cares and supports each other. 

BEAR PRIDE REMINDER FORM (MINOR REFERRAL):  You may receive Bear Pride reminder form for minor mistakes. This reminder may include consequences such as (but not limited to) self-reflections, self-improvement plans, campus clean ups, and mini-learning assignments.  If you need reminders in the classroom, those will come from your Teacher directly.  If you need reminders during brunch/lunch, those will come from Assistant Principals directly.  

DISCIPLINE REPORT (MAJOR REFERRAL): If you are regularly receiving Bear Pride Reminders and/or you’re not demonstrating an effort to make more positive choices to be a better you, expect to now have a disciplinary conversation/meeting with Assistant Principals and maybe even your teachers and/or parent/guardian.  Keep in mind your actions in the classroom will affect the Conduct part of your grades, and consequences at this level may result in a loss of privileges such as school activities, such as field trips, socials, etc.  If serious enough, consequences may also include suspension.

All students deserve to be at a school where they feel SAFE and are RESPECTED.  It is everyone's RESPONSIBILITY at CMS to make that happen.

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]

All students are encouraged to participate in CMS activities.  While attending school activities, we expect you to demonstrate Bear Pride expectations.  CMS Administration 

Student Identification Cards will be distributed at the beginning of the school year on picture day and should be carried at all times.  The Student ID Card is important for identification, participation in CMS activities, and for purchasing cafeteria items.  In addition, it’s practice in the real world because adults are required to always carry identification!

8th GRADE PROMOTION CEREMONY & PARTY:  The 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony and Party are considered to be privileges.  

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS:  All students are welcome to try out for after-school sports.  Part of tryouts is completing the grade check form, which is your responsibility to complete.  If you make the team, your grades will be checked again during the season, this time by CMS Athletic Director.  In order to be eligible for after-school sports, you must demonstrate and maintain a C average in all your grades and must have no more than one U in Conduct. 

CLUBS: All students are encouraged to participate in any club offered at CMS.  Clubs are a great way to meet new people and find new interests!

FIELD TRIPS, PRESENTATIONS, AND END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES: End of the year activities are celebrations and privileges.  Criteria for each event eligibility will be communicated; the first criteria will always be a review of your Conduct (remember, Conduct is a part of your grades).  CMS Administration reserves the right to remove these privileges for disciplinary reasons.

SOCIALS: In order to ensure that the socials are enjoyable for everyone, all students attending will follow these requirements:

• Bring your Student ID to be admitted to all school socials.  Replacement ID cards are available in the office or at the dance for a small fee.  A photo of your Student ID is an acceptable form of school ID for social entry.
• Follow the Dress for Success section of this planner.
• Communicate if you will arrive late or leave early a day in advance with CMS Administration.
• You will be released 15 minutes prior to end time.
• For safety reasons, you must remain in the designated areas of the social.
• Socials are for CMS students only; no guests are allowed.
• If you are absent from school on the day of the social due to illness, you may not attend the social.
• School cell phone/electronics device rules apply.

STUDENT COUNCIL CABINET: This is an opportunity for 8th Grade Students only.  Elections are in the Spring (for the following school year), and the criteria as follows:

• A minimum “C” grade point average (no D’s or F’s) on the report card
• No “U’s” in Work Habits or Conduct on the report card
• No suspensions for the school year

IF elected, Student Council Officers are expected to enroll in the CMS Leadership elective class the next school year where they will learn more about leadership.  The Student Council is the governing body of the school and is composed of the Student Council Cabinet and elected representatives from each 3rd period class.  The Student Council Cabinet are expected to attend council meetings regularly.

STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES (3rd PERIOD CLASSES): This is an opportunity for all students (outside of the elected Student Council Cabinet).  3rd period classes will vote for their class representative to participate on the Student Council, where schoolwide projects are initiated, discussed, planned, and implemented to better CMS school experience for students.  Student Council Representatives are expected to attend monthly meetings and report back to their 3rd period classes.

PARENT-STUDENT-TEACHER ADVISORY GROUP (PSTAG), STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: This is an opportunity for students interested in working with CMS Administration, Parents, and Teachers to review school goals and plans for improvement, representing student body.  PSTAG Student Representatives are expected to attend every after school PSTAG meeting.  There are only three PSTAG positions, one for each grade level.  Applications will be shared directly to the students through StudentSquare by CMS Administration in September.  

WHERE EVERYBODY BELONGS (WEB): This is an opportunity for 7th and 8th Grade Students only.  WEB Student Leaders help create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for 6th Grade Students and new-to-CMS 7th and 8th Grade Students through various activities throughout the school year.  Applications are in the spring for the following school year.

BATHROOM USE:  The bathroom is a shared community space.  It takes all of us to keep the bathrooms safe and clean.   It’s disrespectful and irresponsible to vandalize the bathroom.  Bathrooms will be closed should this happen.

You also should not take advantage of bathroom privileges.  Assistant Principals and Student Success Liaisons will monitor the bathrooms and hallways throughout the school day to make sure these spaces are used responsibly at all times.

BULLYING/HARASSMENT/FIGHTING (EdCode 48900):  CMS is meant to be a safe space for ALL students.  Disrespectful and mean behavior will be addressed.  We look at bullying and harassing behaviors as deliberate and often repeated words and/or actions intended to hurt or harm another physically, intellectually, and/or emotionally.

CMS looks at bullying in the following ways, none of which are acceptable:

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: 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, threatening, or hurtful texts, emails, posts, images, videos, inappropriate gossip or rumors, and/or imitating others online or using their login

CMS looks at 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 school environment or negatively affect another student’s school experience.  Harassment and bullying are similar.  Bullying becomes a form of harassment when the behavior is directed towards someone else’s race, color, religion, gender, disability, age, or culture. 

Fighting is never okay.  

Bullying, harassment, and fighting may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.  If you are experiencing discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying or if you know of another student having these experiences, you are  encouraged to notify CMS Staff immediately.  The CMS Student Incident Report can be used at any time to report difficult situations directly so that the issues are resolved quickly and confidentially.  This incident report form can be found in the main office at CMS, and completed with administration.

CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES:  Your cell phones, smart watches, other devices 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.  Smartwatches should be on airplane or school mode.  If you violate this, your electronic device may be confiscated for pick up at the end of the school day.  If you regularly violate this, we will hold a meeting with your parent/guardian to discuss.

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

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:  You are expected to demonstrate Bear Pride: to be safe, be respectful, and be responsible when interacting with everyone here at CMS.  Remember, your behavior at school is a part of the Conduct grade on your report card.

DANGEROUS ITEMS: Knives, firearms, or other dangerous objects that pose a danger to everyone are never allowed at CMS.  California state law, CUSD policy, and regulations of California Education Code requires immediate suspension and possible recommendation for expulsion of any student who brings a firearm, knife, explosives (such as but limited to: matches, lighters, firecrackers, and poppers/snappers), or other similarly dangerous objects on school grounds or at school events even when off campus. Such behavior may also be referred to the Sunnyvale Police Department. We are committed to keeping everyone safe at CMS.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS:  Dress appropriately for school and all school activities.  This means wearing clothes that are respectful, clean, and safe.  An important life skill for you to learn is how to dress for different occasions.  With this in mind, the following are the “dress for success” expectations for all students here at CMS:

• Shirts, bottoms, and shoes required at all times.
• Clothing must not be “see through” and must be at a sufficient length to cover undergarments and body areas they are intended to cover when standing, sitting, squatting, or bending at the waist.  This means stomachs, too!
• Clothing must cover the front, shoulders, back, and side and must cover the chest, stomach, and buttocks. 
• Pants/shorts must 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 have any written, representation, or pictures that represent offensive, derogatory, or otherwise inappropriate, including tobacco, vape, drugs, and any of previously listed paraphernalia brands.
• CMS Administration and Staff reserve the right to determine whether your clothing is appropriate for school.  If determined to be inappropriate, you will be asked to change or your parent/guardian will be called to bring a change of clothing.

DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION:  Your conduct and behavior matters and are important.  Hand-holding, embracing, kissing, and touching are not allowed at CMS (regardless of gender).  It’s best to keep your entire body to yourself.

DRUGS/TOBACCO/VAPE PRODUCTS & ALCOHOL: These are never allowed at CMS.  If you have any of this at CMS, including after school events, you will be suspended.  Such behavior may also be referred to the Sunnyvale Police Department.  We are committed to keeping everyone safe at CMS.

GAMBLING: Gambling and betting of any kind is prohibited. 

HALL PASS: You are allowed to leave class with your teacher’s permission. You must first sign out and always carry a hall pass every time you are out of the classroom. Requests for you to be out of class for special activities, such as field trips, rehearsals, after school sports games, etc., must be approved and arranged by your teacher in advance. 

SELLING PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL: There is no selling or buying personal items at CMS. There should be no exchange of money or goods between students for any reason.

SUSPENSION: Suspension is a disciplinary action 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.  You may also be required to pay back CMS, CUSD, or the victim. Graffiti is considered a form of vandalism.  If this happens, your parent/guardian will be notified. The Sunnyvale Police Department 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 and not appropriate for CMS.  We are committed to keeping everyone safe at CMS.

Students are recognized for outstanding academic or social achievement.  

8th GRADE AWARDS may include the following: 

8th Grade Students are recognized for outstanding academic or social achievement.  These students are nominated by CMS Staff.  Awards are announced at the 8th Grade Promotion Practice in June and highlighted in the promotion program.

Barbara Widen Service Award: Barbara Widen was a CMS secretary who did so much outside of her job responsibilities because she wanted our school to be the best place for Students and Staff.  This award is for a student who dedicates their service to CMS to be the best place for everyone.

Karl Stempl Memorial Art Award: Karl Stempl was previously an art teacher at CMS.  His role involves fostering creativity and helping students develop their artistic skills.  The student awarded is one who demonstrates an unique art vision and flair.

Marjean Clark Math Award: Marjean Clark was a beloved Math Teacher at CMS.  She made math fun, and every student who had Ms. Clark enjoyed math as well.  The student awarded is one who demonstrates a love and talent for math the way Marjean did.

Todd Clark Sportsmanship Award: Good sportsmanship is the cornerstone of athletic competition.  Todd Clark was an amazing student athlete at CMS who played sports with values of fairness, respect, and integrity in athletic competition, win or lose.  True sportsmanship fosters camaraderie among all athletes and upholds the spirit of the game.  The student awarded is one who demonstrates sportsmanship the way Todd Clark did.

Phil Hegland Technology Award: Phil Hegland was a CMS Staff Member who was passionate about making sure CMS Students had access to technology.  The student awarded is one who demonstrates cutting technology knowledge and skills and is always ready to help others learn responsible technology use.

Randall Binkley Science Award: Randall Binkley was the one of the first teachers who pushed what is now known as the beloved 8th Grade Yosemite trip.  He loved teaching about Science and submerging students in a world of Science.  Randall Binkley championed girls to pursue Science during a time in which the field was predominantly male.  The student awarded is one who demonstrates a love and talent for science the way Randall did.

Superintendent’s Award: Superintendent Stacy Yao recognizes the student who exemplifies the CUSD Portrait of a Learner.  This student takes ownership in their learning; for being a deep, critical thinker; for being a strong communicator; for being a collaborator; for being a creative and civic minded problem solver; for showing innovation; for seeking out challenges while working in collaborative teams to deepen understanding and solve complex problems; for being a self-directed student who is intrinsically-motivated, curious, confident, and inspired, often considering the greater good and working toward common goals for the community benefit; and for being a  joyous, engaged learner.

Principal’s Award: This award embodies the spirit of Bear Pride: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible.

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.