THE KNOLLS CODE OF CONDUCT – A positive learning environment is one in which teachers, students and parents are working together to ensure academic growth and success.  The Knolls Code of Conduct provides the framework for this positive learning environment.  Its goal is to shape young people who are strategic, active, independent learners and who exhibit the following traits: respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and trustworthiness.  No student will disrupt the educational process at WKMS.  Disruptive behavior interrupting the learning environment requires corrective action.  The staff will make every effort to help students correct their behavior by using a fair, consistent, and progressive behavioral system.  The steps in the behavioral system include:

Ø      Warning

Ø      Verbal reprimand

Ø      Removal from class activity

Ø      Detention

Ø      Office Referral

Ø      Administrative action

 These progressive discipline steps are based on Frederick County Policies and Procedures as stated in the Frederick County Calendar Handbook.  This behavioral system supports a focused learning environment while encouraging positive behavioral change.

The Knolls Code of Conduct is based on the premises that individuals will:

Ø      Use appropriate school behavior during all school activities

Ø      Show courtesy and respect to themselves and others at all times

Ø      Use socially acceptable language free of insults, profanity, and name-calling

Ø      Demonstrate honesty in schoolwork  

To demonstrate their understanding of the Knolls Code of Conduct, individuals will:

Ø      Report unsafe or inappropriate behavior to a staff member

Ø      Arrive on time with materials and be ready to learn

Ø      Speak when appropriate

Ø      Come to class with only instructional materials.  All backpacks, coats, radios/CD players, cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, etc. must be in lockers

Ø      Settle differences without verbally abusive language or physical action

Ø      Not bully each other

Ø      Not plagiarize or cheat

Ø      Maintain a clean school by keeping the school free of litter, vandalism and graffiti, and by eating or drinking in a designated area only

Ø      Not chew gum

Ø      Not write on themselves

Ø      Wear school appropriate clothing  

The Knolls Code of Conduct includes the following dress code, which is conducive to a work environment.  Students who choose not to follow the WKMS dress code will obtain acceptable clothing from their locker or the main office.

Ø      No undergarments visible when sitting or standing

Ø      No tube tops

Ø      No halter-tops or backless clothing

Ø      No spaghetti straps

Ø      No midriff tops

Ø      No see through clothing

Ø      No muscle shirts

Ø      No short shorts or skirts (no shorter than extended fingertips)

Ø      No pajamas or loungewear

Ø      No clothing with a mention of sexual innuendo, violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco and/or any other socially inappropriate subject

Ø      No clothing that degrades any person’s gender, culture, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or occupation

Ø      No headgear (hats, visors, bandannas, etc.)

Ø      No sagging pants (below the waist – students will be required to either tie or belt the waistband so the pants do not hang around the hips)  

The Knolls Code of Conduct supports a positive learning environment.  Some behaviors pose an immediate threat to that environment and to the physical and emotional health of students and staff.  These behaviors cannot be tolerated and have severe consequences ranging from immediate suspension to expulsion.  These behaviors include:

Ø      Possessing, using, being under the influence and/or distributing drugs, alcohol, or tobacco*

Ø      Possessing a firearm and/or weapon*

Ø      Verbally and/or physically threatening/attacking a staff member*

Ø      Discriminatory practice, victimization, and sexual harassment*

Ø      Bomb threats, arson, discharging fire extinguishers, false fire alarms*

Ø      Fighting*

Ø      False identification*

Ø      Extortion*

*Please refer to the FCPS Calendar Handbook for complete definition and details of consequences.

 

CAFETERIA REGULATIONS – Windsor Knolls Middle School has three lunch periods scheduled into its daily school program, with one third of the student body in attendance at each.  Accordingly, WKMS expects that all of its students will conduct themselves properly during lunch periods, practice good table manners, and abide by the following rules:

Ø      Enter and leave the cafeteria at a walk

Ø      Form and keep a single line at each service

Ø      Go through the serving line one time only

Ø      Be seated and remain seated at the table until dismissed by a staff member

Ø      Leave the cafeteria during lunch period only with the permission of a staff member and with a pass

Ø      Refrain from pushing, jostling, and asking other students for money

Ø      Conversation at lunch tables is not only permitted, but desirable.  However, loud and boisterous talking, yelling, screaming, etc. are not acceptable

Ø      Do not throw any object – no matter how small, for however short a distance

Ø      Do not take food or drinks of any kind from the cafeteria

Ø      Do not chew gum in the cafeteria or at recess

Ø      Leave the table clean and suitable for luncheon use by other students

 SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS – In order that all students are assured a safe and secure ride to and from school, the following rules must be adhered to:

Ø      At no time will students damage the school bus

Ø      Students may only ride their assigned buses – there will be NO bus notes.  Indicate alternate bus stops on the student’s emergency card

Ø      Be at the bus stop on time

Ø      Walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks

Ø      Use the handrail when getting on and off the bus

Ø      Always walk to the rear of the bus or report to assigned seats promptly

Ø      Hands and head should always be kept inside the bus

Ø      Never eat, drink, or smoke, or use abusive language on the bus

Ø      Students should attempt to get off the bus only when it has come to a full stop

Ø      At all times, be considerate of the rights of others

Ø      Students may be suspended from riding the bus for not following bus regulations

 HOMEROOM REGULATIONS – The following rules must be adhered to in order to begin each day in an organized manner:

Ø      Be on time

Ø      Maryland school law states, “Students and teachers are to stand and face the flag and give an approved salute and recite in unison the Pledge of Allegiance.”  Students/teachers may be excused from reciting the Pledge for religious reasons, but they must still stand and be respectful and mindful of those who are participating.  Failure to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance constitutes insubordination and will result in disciplinary action

Ø      Listen attentively to morning announcements

 PERSONAL BELONGINGS – Windsor Knolls Middle School is not responsible for the loss and damage of personal property.  Individuals are responsible for taking care of their belongings.  No personal items may be left in the care of the office staff.  Please limit the amount of money brought to school.  A Lost-and-Found container is kept for any unclaimed items.

Students are discouraged from buying expensive binders and book bags, which are targets for theft.  Students should lock their personal items in their gym locker or hall lockers when not in their direct possession and should not leave their belongs unattended.  Please assist the staff in retrieving lost or stolen items by marking students’ names on all personal possessions, especially musical instruments, calculators, palm pilots, book bags, coats, hats, and other clothing.  

If an item is missing or stolen, please report the loss before the end of the school day, as the staff may be able to help locate the missing item.  Lost money is almost impossible to retrieve.  When thefts do occur, the administration does its best to investigate the matter and locate and return items to the owner.  The administration cannot, however, guarantee that any lost and stolen item will be returned.  Students who take things belonging to others or damage the personal property of others are subject to the appropriate disciplinary action and will make restitution.