Admin/Staff

Students

The Student Handbook covers the rules, procedures and policies that govern students at our school. Some of the topics are book marked by the links below. Other topics can be found in alphabetical order among those links listed below. Please feel free to contact the school with any questions or for clarification on any issue.

Last Updated on October 27, 2011

Trickum PTSA & Student Handbook

The following academic subjects are taught in the Gwinnett County Middle Schools, and all students are required to participate in these courses.

Language Arts - The language arts program at Trickum Middle School focuses on helping our middle school students become fluent readers and writers. Language arts teachers will help students understand the elements of clear writing and guide them as they produce a variety or written pieces. Reading instruction will assist students to understand clearly the material they read and will provide numerous strategies that will improve comprehension of both required and pleasure reading. The goals of our program are supported by the superior instruction and variety of high quality instructional materials.

Mathematics - Sixth grade students will be using Middle School Math, Course 1 by Prentice Hall. Seventh grade students will be using Applications and Connections, Course 3 by Glencoe. This is a pre-algebra approach. Eighth grade students are placed in Honors Algebra or Algebra and use the McDougal Littel Series. These courses will provide an integrated approach to the study of algebra, geometry, measurement, probability, and statistics. Five curricular goals for all students have been identified:

1. Learning to value mathematics

2. Becoming confident in their ability to do mathematics

3. Becoming mathematical problem solvers

4. Learning to communicate mathematically

5. Learning to reason mathematically

Science - Our science program is laboratory based with "hands-on" experiments. In sixth grade a physical science curriculum is taught. In seventh grade, students study life science with emphasis on live specimens. Students in grade eight will learn earth science. In this program of study, students will develop interests and knowledge in space science, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. A laboratory approach is emphasized to encourage participation and internalization of learning.

Social Studies - The social studies program combines a study of geography, culture, history, civics and economics within various world regions. Sixth grade students study The Americas, Europe and Oceania. Seventh grade studies Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, while eighth grade students study Georgia's connection to the world.

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At Trickum Middle School our students also take connections courses. Some of the courses may change year to year. New courses are added according to needs and interests of students. All students will not necessarily take all connections courses listed below.

Art - This course offers the students an opportunity to express emotions and feeling and connect art with academic classes through drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and printmaking while learning to appreciate art as a creative vehicle both personally and for others.

Band - This course offers the student an opportunity to advance in the area of instrumental music. Live performance and individual improvement are combined to form the Trickum Middle School sixth, seventh, and eighth grade bands.

Chorus - This course offers the students an opportunity to incorporate a variety of aspects of music, vocal singing, score reading, live performance, and musical drama in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Computer Applications - This course will focus on real-life application of computer technology using word processing, database, spreadsheet, communications, and presentation software.

Drama - This course offers students the opportunity to explore the basic facets of drama techniques, literature, and acting techniques. Students are exposed to a variety of plays and playwrights to aid them in becoming better observers of drama and life.

Foreign Language - There are two delivery models for foreign language. First, nine-week courses which introduce students to languages and cultures are offered in grades 6, 7, and 8. Spanish is taught in the sixth grade, French in seventh, and German in eighth. In addition to these courses, qualified students can take full-year Spanish or French in seventh grade.

General Music - Students in general music will have the opportunity to study music and enjoy self-expression through musical experiences. Students will learn sight-reading, music, history, music careers, national and international music styles, and experience playing different musical instruments.

Health - The health course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop physical, mental, and social well-being through the study of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, first aid, human sexuality, and consumer health. All students will take a nine-week health course each year.

Journalism - Journalism is a writing-centered course that exposes students to a variety of media formats. Students are expected to write and understand feature stories, straight news stories, editorials, and critical reviews. Additionally, the school newspaper is designed, written revised and edited by Journalism students. As present and future consumers, students are also required to discern between balanced and biased news coverage. This course should ultimately provide learners with the skills to convey information clearly and concisely.

Peer Leaders - This course provides students with opportunities to learn skills in leadership, communication, assertiveness, and group dynamics. After participating in a nine week training program, these students will use the skills they have learned to lead small groups of peers.

Physical Education - Activities in a planned program provide the opportunity to develop healthier bodies and attitudes toward physical fitness. There is a focus on improved physical fitness of all students.

Study Skills/Reading Connection - This class will be assigned to students who have not yet mastered the basic skills of language arts. Students will be identified for this course through Student Study Team and/or CRCT performance levels. The length of time students are placed in this course is a minimum of eighteen weeks. Students will continue to take their language arts class from the academic language arts teacher while they are scheduled into the Language Arts Connections class.

Study Skills/Mathematics Connection - This class will be assigned to students who have not yet mastered the basic skills of mathematics. Students will be identified for this course through the Student Study Team. The length of time students are placed in this course is a minimum of nine weeks. Students will continue to take their mathematics class from the academic mathematics teacher while they are scheduled into the Study Skills/Mathematics Connection class.

String Orchestra - This is a year long class where students will have the opportunity to play the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students do not need any prior experience to join in the sixth grade. String orchestra students will have many opportunities to perform at school concerts, festivals, and honor orchestra performances.

Technology Education - Students explore new technologies in a series of self-directed modules that introduce them to real life applications of technology in the workplace. Among the fifteen available modules are robotics, computer aided design, computer numerical control, radio communications, space, flight, engineering, computer animation, and lasers.

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A Student Agenda is issued to each student at the beginning of the school year or upon entering Trickum Middle School. This agenda provides each student with a method of recording daily assignments, homework, assigned projects, and/or long-range assignments necessary for successful achievement in his or her academic work. The agenda is also an organizational tool for students to record their ongoing achievement.

The Trickum teachers expect daily use of the agenda. Parents are encouraged to review with their children its importance and use in completing daily homework assignments. Parents and teachers are also encouraged to utilize the agenda for comments to monitor students’ daily or weekly completion of assignments. The agenda should be kept in front of the student’s three-ring binder. The agenda will also serve as our hallway passes. Should an agenda be lost or accidentally destroyed, a replacement is required and may be purchased from the school’s bookkeeper for $5.00.

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We have three major means of communication between our parents and our school staff:

Monday Mail

The Principal’s office sends home a newsletter with the students every Monday with news and calendar information. As long as a parent is signed up for the GCPS Parent Portal, you will receive this newsletter electronically at the email address you used to sign up for the portal. If you are not signed up for the portal, your child will be bringing home a hard copy each week. To sign up for the GCPS Parent Portal, please stop by school to fill out the appropriate paperwork.

Please check the Trickum web site for the latest in school information and updates.

www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/TrickumMS

For directions on contacting teaches and staff by phone, please click the link below. Then click on the link for directions at the top of the contact page. You will then find the list of department phone numbers.

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ATTENDANCE

The importance of punctual and regular attendance for every student cannot be emphasized enough. Any student who is absent must have a parent/guardian notify the school by telephone no later than 9:40 a.m. on the day of absence. If the student has been absent for more than one day, the parent may request homework or books by calling our front office. The school will make every effort to call the parent/guardian after 10:30 a.m. if the school has not been notified of a student’s absence.

EXCUSED - UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

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Students are not allowed in the building or on the property of Trickum Middle School before 8:55 AM or after 4:15 PM. Students will be admitted to the building at the 8:55 AM bell. The only exceptions to this policy will be for students who have been assigned to before school, after school, evening or weekend programs or activities under the direct supervision of certified faculty or staff members. No supervision or liability will be assumed by employees of Trickum Middle School for students who are on campus without authorization.

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 TELEPHONES

Students are allowed to use the clinic telephone for emergencies only with a note from their teacher. (This does not include requesting parents to deliver homework, lunch money, or items left at home, or trying to arrange for afternoon transportation.) Please also see the Cell Phones and Electronic Devices section.

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Dress Code:

• Shorts, skirts and dresses may be no more than 4 inches above the top of the kneecap. Wearing leggings does not alter the 4 inch rule.

• Pants must not come below the heel of the shoe.

• Shirts and dresses must have a shoulder width of 3 inches or more.

• Shirt lengths must cover the midriff and undergarments at all times, including when arms are raised.

• Clothing should fit properly with waistline of pants/shorts/skirts fitting at the waist. Flip flops and bedroom shoes are not to be worn at school. All shoes must have a hard sole.

• Pajamas or sleepwear (including dorm pants) are not to be worn at school.

• Jewelry or accessories that may be used as a weapon are not allowed at school.

• Clothing may not be ripped or torn.

Students are not allowed to display clothing or symbols that have been identified by the Gwinnett County Police Gang Taskforce as being commonly identified with gangs. Garments, jewelry, body art and tattoos that communicate gang allegiance are not allowed to be worn at school, and no item may be worn in a manner that communicates gang affiliation.

• Gang related attire includes but is not limited to the following: students rolling up one pant leg, long bulky chains and necklaces, gang-styled belt buckles (belt buckles which have Old English script letters and symbols), large oversized pendants on necklace and chains, bandanas, altering clothing from its original form to change the names and/or intended marking on the clothing, sweatbands and/or headbands, and draping articles of clothing, towels, or other objects out of pants pockets or over the shoulder or neck area.

• This rule is subject to updates as additional wearing apparel becomes identified as gang affiliated or disruptive. You should consult the Trickum Middle website frequently to be informed about additions or changes to this rule.

Items NOT suitable for school attire include, but are not limited to: Wallet chains, spiked rings, spiked bracelets, two or three finger rings, sunglasses, mesh or see-through jerseys, torn clothing, short shorts, oversized clothing, strapless dresses, clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or displays violence, satanic symbols, or suggestive language, spaghetti straps, tank tops, muscle shirts, midriff jerseys, baggy pants, unnatural hair color, (ex. Green, blue, purple, etc.), spiked hair styles (Mohawks) hats, caps, headbands, visors, bandannas, or any other head covering. (Exceptions for religious or medical reasons to be granted by the principal.)

• 1st offense: Teacher will send student to the grade level phone to call home for a change of clothes. Student does NOT return to class until he or she has changed. Student will be provided a "suitable cover" when available if clothes are not brought from home.

• 2nd offense: Same as above and an Administrative detention will be assigned.

• 3rd offense: Student reports directly to ISS for the day.

• Parents are notified each time. Should the student continue with dress code violations, parent and administrator will discuss future consequences.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES -

Ipods, Mp3 players, and electronic games are not permitted on the school bus or at school. This is a distraction to classes, and the school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen property. (See Student Discipline Handbook). These items may be collected, and parents will need to make an appointment to pick them up from the grade level administrator.

CELL PHONES and PAGERS - Please be aware of the following Trickum Middle School guidelines:

• Cell phones/electronic communicators must be turned OFF during the school day. This applies to instructional and non-instructional times such as lunch, class change, car pool area, etc. (Please note that simply turning a phone to silent or vibrate does not comply with this guideline.)

• Cell phones and electronic communicators are not to be used on the bus ride to or from school.

If you decide to send your child to school with a cell phone, please have him/her secure the phone in his/her locker or backpack. If your child is interested in using an e-Reader, he/she should make arrangements to do so with their SSR teacher. There is always some risk that an electronic device may be lost or misplaced, and the school cannot be responsible for replacing a lost or stolen item.

 SKATEBOARDS / TOYS / LASER POINTERS -

Skateboards are neither permitted on a school bus nor allowed at school. Toys and other items that detract from the school’s orderly environment are also prohibited. Laser pointers are specifically prohibited.

 BICYCLES -

BALLOONS -

Balloons that are delivered to school cause an inconvenience for the student and a disruption in the classroom. Students find it difficult to carry them from class to class, and they can cause a safety hazard on the bus. Therefore, we discourage this type of delivery.

GUM CHEWING -

Students will not be permitted to chew gum at school. We take pride in the fact that we have a clean school and want to keep it that way. Students violating this rule may face disciplinary action either by the classroom teacher or the administration.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION -

Kissing, holding hands, or other overt signs of affection are not appropriate for a school setting. Students violating this rule may face disciplinary action either by the classroom teacher or the administration.

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LOCKERS -

Lockers are not the private property of the students and are issued to students as a service and for their convenience. Students are responsible for the contents of their lockers. Lockers may be searched at any time by the administration without the student’s consent.

GYM -

The gym is the physical education classroom and is not to be used by students unless under the direct supervision of an assigned faculty member or designee. The school is not responsible for items left in the locker room secured or unsecured. Rules to follow while in the gym are:

1. Students are not allowed in the gym unless authorized and supervised.

2. Students should not give out locker combinations.

3. Valuable items should be secured in lockers assigned to students or locked in the coach’s office during class.

TEXTBOOKS -

Textbooks are the responsibility of the students; fines will be charged for misused, abused, or lost books. Students will be expected to pay for books at the replacement cost. The student’s name and grade are to be placed inside the book.

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We invite your child to start the morning with a warm, delicious meal. Breakfast is served everyday in our cafeteria from 8:55 to 9:15 a.m. As of this printing, prices for breakfast are expected to be as follows:

The school cafeteria offers a variety of delicious and nutritious foods each day. We use a computer system in our cafeteria. You may deposit money to your student’s account several ways; you can use the online system at www.mealpayplus.com, send in a check, or pay in cash. Students in middle school are permitted to purchase a la carte items along with their meal. Charging is restricted to two consecutive times; students will then be given a partial meal. As of this update, prices for lunch are expected to be as follows:

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CHEATING -

Whether you give or receive information during a test or assignment, a consequence will occur. Parents will be notified by the classroom teacher or administrator.

FIGHTING/BULLYING/HARASSMENT -

The faculty and staff of Trickum Middle School will not tolerate verbal or physical harassment of any kind. Students who exhibit this type of behavior will be subjected to severe disciplinary measures. Violators may face suspension and/or a disciplinary panel. (See Student Discipline Handbook).

STOLEN PROPERTY -

When students either find or are given property that does not belong to them, this property must be turned in to an adult. If stolen property is discovered in a student’s possession, severe disciplinary action will be taken. This includes possession, transmitting, or selling stolen property. (See Student Discipline Handbook.)

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All students have been issued the Gwinnett County Public School Discipline Handbook, which will be enforced, by teachers and administrators of Trickum Middle School.

If students refuse to cooperate, the following measures may be taken based on the severity of the incident and the professional judgment of the adult in charge: 1) Confer with the student; 2) Written notification sent home; 3) Confer with parent/student; 4) Set up specific plan of behavior for the student, emphasizing expectations; 5) Detain the student before or after school; (the school will give a 24 hours notice); 6) Isolate the student; 7) Refer to the administration.

The following forms of discipline may also be enforced by the administration: 1) In-school suspension; 2) Detention before or after school and/or Saturday detention; 3) Parent shadowing; 4) Periods of isolation; 5) Out of School Suspension; 6) Disciplinary panel, which could result in expulsion.

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Student progress is reported in various formats:

• Progress Reports are issued every 4 ½ weeks.

• Semester Report Cards reflect overall grades for each reporting period.
• Parents will be contacted if the grade drops below a C after the mid-semester report.
• Parents are encouraged to monitor grades via the Parent Portal.

The current Grading Scale was adopted by Gwinnett County Public Schools:

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Homework equips the student with skills and attitudes essential to promoting personal, social, and academic growth. It provides the student with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of specific skills. Homework may be classified into three areas:

1. Assignments that reinforce the instructional programs for mastery of Gwinnett’s Academic Knowledge and Skills.

2. Assignments that develop and enrich thinking skills.

3. Assignments that provide practice, additional problem solving, and/or skill development.

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If a student is absent for two consecutive days because of illness, parents may call (770) 921-2705 to retrieve class work and/or assignments.

It is the Trickum policy to allow students the opportunity to contact teachers upon their return to obtain assignments that have been missed. Teachers will determine the amount of time needed to have all assignments completed. It is the student’s responsibility to request and complete make-up work.

If a student does not submit a missing assignment by the end of the eighth week of the grading period, the student will earn a zero percent as his or her grade for that assignment.

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Rationale: An important mission of Trickum Middle School is to foster and encourage students' academic success. Our late work policy is designed to support mastery of concepts in all academic areas.

Policy: The purpose of assignments, projects, and homework is to provide meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for practice and mastery of important skills. For an assignment graded on a 100 point scale, when a student chooses to not complete or turn in his/her work on time, the following penalties will occur:

EXCEPTIONS TO THE POLICY

The late work policy may not apply to the following:

• assignments which were missed because of student absenteeism. These assignments will be handled according to Trickum Middle School's absentee policy; based on whether the absence was excused or unexcused.

• any assignments for which students are given credit for completion only. These will be handled by each teacher or team of teachers.

• Saturday Detention work may be assigned by an administrator to complete missed or late assignments.

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Trickum Middle School has a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan in place and parents are invited to view the plan at the Main Office of the school. The safety and security of our students is of paramount importance. Fire drills are held each month and tornado and lockdown drills are conducted at least once a year. Disaster alerts are indicated by alarm signals and/or intercom announcements. Evacuation routes and tornado drill instructions are posted in every room of our school. We also work closely with state and local emergency preparedness personnel to ensure our Emergency Preparedness Plan is in accordance with acceptable practices at all levels.

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