RVMS Student Handbook

Welcome to the PACK

"The strength of the pack is the wolf
And the strength of the wolf is the pack."
-Rudyard Kipling

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

ABSENCES

ATTENDANCE NUMBER:  303-387-2302

A parent/guardian must call to excuse an absence; otherwise, the absence will be marked unexcused on record.

When reporting an absence, please provide the following information:

1. Student’s name and grade; please spell the last name
2. Date and reason for absence; if illness, please note primary symptoms
3. Your name and telephone number

Our school day begins at 7:25 am. Class attendance is an integral part of the educational process, and students are expected to be in attendance every day school is in session as required by law (C.R.S. 22-33-104) and Board policy. All middle school-age students are required to attend public school, with some exceptions as provided by law. According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent, guardian, and legal custodian to ensure that every such child under his/her care and supervision attends school. Poor attendance negatively impacts student achievement. We will handle continuous absences of students on a case-by-case basis; however, the district has policies we will follow that are aligned with state guidelines and state law regarding school attendance.

Excused Absences are those resulting from temporary or extended illness, injury, family emergencies, absences excused by the principal through prior requests of parents or guardians, absences occurring as a result of the denial of admission to the school district's schools, absences that occur when a student is in the custody of a court or law enforcement authority, and any other absence approved by the principal. Excused absences are subject to state school attendance laws.

Unexcused Absences are those deemed unacceptable by the principal, regardless of the prior approval or knowledge of the parents. A student is considered habitually truant if the student has at least “four or more unexcused absences from school or from class on four or more different days in a one-month period or ten or more unexcused absences from school or from class on ten or more different days in a school year.”

TARDY POLICY

Students are expected to arrive for class and be seated by 7:30 am. In those instances when students are running late, parents are expected to report the tardiness to the attendance line. Students are to sign in at the security desk upon arrival. Excessive tardiness to school may result in disciplinary action. 

NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCES TO PARENTS

In the event that a student is truant from school or from assigned classes, school personnel shall make a reasonable effort to notify parents, guardians, or legal custodians as quickly as possible. If excessive absences interfere with a student’s ability to be successful, a reasonable effort shall be made to notify the parents, guardians, or legal custodians so that remedial action can be taken.

ATTENDANCE CONTRACTS

Some students with unique attendance-related problems may be placed on personalized “Attendance Contracts” to meet their individual needs. In these rare instances, those students will be held accountable to their contracts rather than the “General School Attendance Accountability Rules.”  Students whose attendance does not improve while on a contract will be referred to the Truancy Review Board (TRB) process.

ABSENCES AND AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Students must be in school for at least a 1/2 day (4 hours) to attend or participate in activities and/or athletics on that day unless the event resulting in the absence is school-sanctioned.

LATE ARRIVALS & EARLY DISMISSALS

Parents and guardians must report student late arrivals by calling the school’s attendance line. When leaving a message, please include the reason for the late arrival and the expected arrival time. Students are to be signed in at the security desk upon arrival.

Students who need to leave school during the day must be checked out at the security desk and checked back in upon their return. Only a parent, guardian, or an individual listed as an authorized emergency contact may sign a student out during school hours.

PRE-PLANNED ABSENCES

Parents should report all pre-planned absences by calling the school’s attendance line and notifying their child’s teachers in advance. Students are required to pick up a Pre-Planned Absence Form from the main office at least one week prior to the absence. This allows teachers to provide any assignments or materials that will be missed during the time away.

Please keep in mind that a significant portion of learning takes place through in-class instruction, discussion, and activities that cannot be replicated through textbooks or worksheets. As a result, not all assignments can be provided in advance for extended absences. Teachers will use their discretion to determine which materials or tasks are appropriate to share prior to a student's absence.

MAKE-UP WORK 

Students with excused absences will have their school work accepted up to two weeks after the assignment due date; teacher discretion may be used for extraneous situations. At the end of each quarter, all late work will be submitted by the determined schoolwide date.  In general, late work is accepted up to two days after the due date.

Back to Top ↑

GRADING  & HOMEWORK

The purpose of grade reporting at RVMS is to give students (and families) ongoing and separate feedback regarding academic progress (Content Knowledge) and behaviors (Work Habits) that support student learning so students can continue to grow. Content Knowledge and Work Habits are graded on an 8-point IB scale and are recorded in Infinite Campus.

HOMEWORK

We believe homework is an integral part of the learning process and should be assigned only to support student preparation for class to make more efficient use of instructional time.  Homework is one determining factor in a student’s work habit grade and, combined with other information, will provide an overall picture of student progress.

HONOR ROLL

Honor Roll certificates are awarded quarterly based on the criteria listed below. Year-long eligibility is based on the grades earned during the first three quarters of the school year. Students will be recognized for the year-long Honor Roll in May.

PAW Award: All A's in Work Habits
Honor Roll:

• All A's and B's in Content Knowledge and
• All A's and B's in Work Habits

Principal's Honor Roll

• All A's in Content Knowledge and
• All A's and B's in Work Habits

Back to Top ↑

SCHEDULE CHANGES

The master schedule is built around student requests. Schedule changes are, therefore, limited and considered individually, based on student needs. Requests for team changes will not be honored unless there are extremely unique circumstances.

Back to Top ↑

MEDICATION AT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Seventh and eighth graders may assume responsibility for bringing to school and self-administering their prescription medication with a signed (parent and healthcare provider) “Permission/Contract to Carry Medication” form on file in the school office, and providing they carry only enough for one day in an appropriately labeled bottle or original packaging. Any parent or guardian who chooses not to have their child carry medication and requests that medication be administered by school staff during the school day will need to provide a signed Provider Medication Release form and supply the medication to the school office.

Middle School does not supply/administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) or any over-the-counter medication.  Students may carry a one-day dose of over-the-counter medication in the original bottle/package in their backpack for personal use.

Back to Top ↑

STUDENT MESSAGES & DELIVERIES

It is important that instructional time be focused and uninterrupted by voicemails and text messages.  Therefore, communication between students and parents needs to happen through the main office.  Any messages left for students will be delivered during non-instructional time and during lunch periods.  In case of an emergency, please contact the main office, and we will deliver a message to your student immediately.  Our goal is to support communication between you and your child, but also to honor instructional time (See Cell Phone/Electronic Device Contract).

DELIVERIES

Students are not allowed to have food delivered to school by outside vendors. Deliveries of forgotten items, food, flowers, etc. will only be delivered during non-instructional time. Larger items, such as flowers/or balloons, will remain in the main office until after school.

Back to Top ↑

WEATHER CLOSINGS & DELAYS

If a delay or cancellation is to be implemented, families will receive a text message and email via the school messaging system no later than 6:00 a.m., and notifications are sent to local media agencies and posted on the district website and social media channels. You may select to receive text notifications (SMS) for emergency and/or school closures through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

In the event instructional days are lost because of snow or other emergency closings, it may be necessary to extend the school calendar. Note: If necessary, up to three additional days are scheduled in June for storm make-up days. In addition, parents are urged to formulate emergency plans for their students in the event that such an emergency should develop.

DELAYED SCHEDULE

The School District has approved a delayed busing schedule for those days when the weather and roads are initially bad and then improve.  On delayed schedules, secondary schools will begin 90 minutes later than normal.  Students riding the bus should arrive at bus stops 90 minutes later than the normal pick-up time.

Back to Top ↑

CLOSED CAMPUS

Ranch View Middle School is a closed-campus school. Students are not permitted to leave the school building or school grounds at any time without the permission of school personnel. Leaving school grounds without permission will result in disciplinary action. If a student misses any part of a class, he/she will be considered truant and may be required to make up the missed time. Students are considered on school grounds after departing the school bus, a private car, or walking onto school property.

Back to Top ↑

LOCKERS

Ranch View Middle School does not have lockers for general use.  Lockers are available for students in P.E. and/or band. Students who are currently enrolled in P.E. will have lockers assigned to them by the P.E. teachers. Since there are varying sizes of lockers in the locker room, it might be necessary to share the locker space with others. Please note: to ensure maximum use of lockers, periodic locker cleanouts will occur with students receiving ample notification. Students who fail to clean out their lockers will have items cleaned out and placed in the lost and found.

Musical instrument storage is within the confines of the band room; students will be able to store and lock their musical instruments. There is no reason for students to carry instruments during the day unless they choose to do so. They can bring them to the band room at the beginning of the day and lock them up at this time. The music teachers will be available after school so that students can get their instruments to take home. Orchestra students can store their instruments in the orchestra classroom when they first report to school in the morning and can pick them up from there at the end of the school day. 

Back to Top ↑

VISITORS

Per State Law, all visitors to our building MUST check in at the security kiosk when entering the building and show proper identification. Our front doors are equipped with a buzzer and a camera.  Please press the button once and then open the door. Students are discouraged from having visitors during instructional time.

Back to Top ↑

ANIMALS IN SCHOOL

Students are not permitted to bring pets of any kind to school. With the increase in the number of students with moderate to severe allergies to animals, it is imperative that we protect these students from an allergic reaction.

Back to Top ↑

STUDENT FEES POLICY

Forms of payment: School fees are to be paid online on MySchoolBucks.com.  If necessary, payments can be made by check or cash to the Finance Office. For detailed financial policies or general questions, please contact the Finance Office at 303.387.2311.

Back to Top ↑

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The seventh and eighth-grade athletic programs emphasize student participation as part of the Douglas County Middle School philosophy.  We do not cut students from any of our athletic programs based on their skills. Through coaching, practice, encouragement, and competition, students can improve their skills. Teams develop an attitude that reflects sportsmanship, spirit, cooperation, and pride. Details about registration can be found on our website under Athletics.

RANCH VIEW SANCTIONED ATHLETICS

FALL

Boys & Girls Cross Country
Girls Volleyball
7th/8th Grade Co-Ed Flag Football
Unified Soccer

WINTER 

Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Unified Co-Ed Basketball
Boys & Girls Wrestling

SPRING 

Boys & Girls Track
Unified Track

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Students wishing to participate in athletics must have the following on file in the main office before they will be allowed to practice.

1.        A current CHSAA Physical Form, which is valid for 365 days or one year, from the date of the physical, is to be on file with the school prior to participation.  The CHSAA Physical Form can be downloaded from the RVMS website. No other forms will be accepted.

2.        A parent must complete athletic registration, including emergency contact information, on MySchoolBucks for each sport. The coaches then receive this information, which is taken to each athletic event.

3.        The Athletic Registration fee, $95.00 for each sport, must be paid as part of the registration process.

4.        Students who have not paid fines for lost or damaged books/materials or lost or damaged athletic equipment/uniforms may not be allowed to practice or participate in athletics or other school activities until fines are paid and equipment is returned.

5.        Eligibility is checked weekly.  If a student receives a “U” in work habits for the week, he/she will be allowed to practice; however, he/she will have to sit out one game.  Students must be in school by 10:30 a.m. to participate in a scheduled event or practice.  If your child is sent home from school due to fever, suspected illness, or a head injury, your child will not be allowed to participate in that afternoon’s athletic events without a clearance note from your healthcare provider.

PRACTICES

Practices typically take place after school from 2:55 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We request that parents pick up their children by 4:30, and it is the responsibility of students and parents to make arrangements for rides to leave campus no later than that time.

GAME TRANSPORTATION

Parents are responsible for making transportation arrangements for students to all away games/competitions, as well as pick-up from all away and home games/competitions.

ATHLETIC LOCKER SPACE

Student-athletes will be provided a locked storage area for athletic gear storage.  Students may use their P.E. lockers.  

STUDENT SPECTATORS

After-school athletic contests normally begin at 4:00 p.m. Parents and students are encouraged to attend these events. The following guidelines will be in effect for student spectators: (1) Spectators are not allowed to roam the building; (2) Before the contest begins, student spectators are to remain in the vicinity of the contest area; (3) All school and District policies and procedures are in effect for spectators at after-school contests;  (4) All spectators must access the gym through the athletic doors on the north side of the building.

GYM USE

Food and drinks (except water) are not allowed in the gym.  Shoes that may cause damage to the gym floor are not allowed.

Back to Top ↑

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Clubs and activities are offered according to student interest and faculty sponsorship. Meeting times and fees may vary according to the activity, and online permission will be required. They are listed on our website under Clubs and & Activities. 

STUDENTS STAYING AFTER SCHOOL FOR ACTIVITIES

Students staying after school must be attending a school-sponsored event or be supervised by a staff member.  No students are to be in the building without supervision. 

Back to Top ↑

TRANSPORTATION

Bicycles:  Bicycle racks are available to students who ride their bicycles to school. If a student chooses to ride his/her bike to school, the school assumes no liability for any damages or theft that could occur. Students are encouraged to lock their bicycles when parking at the bicycle rack. Students may not lock bikes to trees or other items on school grounds.

Scooters, skateboards, etc.: Students who ride scooters and skateboards to school  MUST leave them in the storage area at the entrance of the building. Students are not allowed to take scooters or skateboards to the classrooms.  Scootering and skateboarding are NOT allowed on school property, please walk them to ensure safety of others that are nearby during arrival and dismissal times.  

School Bus Rules:  Students and parents should review the information regarding the school bus rules for DCSD. This can be found in the Code of Conduct and the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Booklet. The booklet will be available during the Express Check-in and on the District website.  All students will be required to sign the Student Code of Conduct, which includes information outlining bus rules and procedures for transportation to and from school and/or field trips. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SMART TAG and MUST PRESENT THIS TO RIDE THE BUS.

Back to Top ↑

PERSONALLY OWNED PROPERTY

Students assume full responsibility for personal property that is brought to school.  If students carry valuables, they should keep these items on their person at all times.  Personally owned devices should be turned off and kept in a student’s backpack at all times. Technology may be used for instructional purposes at the discretion of the teacher only.  The unauthorized use of any portable electronic device may cause school personnel to confiscate the item.

Back to Top ↑

CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

RVMS Cell Phone Policy

Student Expectations:

1.  I understand that having a cell phone is a privilege that I will not take advantage of.
2. Effective from 7:30 am-2:45 pm, my communication device is off or in airplane mode and in my backpack. This applies to cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and headphones.
3. I will not lend my device to another student. I will report any lost or stolen personally owned devices.
4. I will not send inappropriate, hurtful, or threatening text messages, or send or post any pictures or videos of anyone without my parents’ and the person’s permission.
5. I understand that I am responsible for the safekeeping of my communications device.
6. It is my responsibility to report any harmful, threatening, or bullying behavior (written, picture or video) to Safe2Tell, police, parents, or staff members immediately.
7. Failure to give my phone to school personnel is an act of defiance and may result in suspension.
8. I understand that if I need to contact a parent during the school day (7:30-2:45), I will use the phone at the office with the teacher's permission.

Parent Expectations:

1. I have read and will reinforce the student’s expectation policy, and contract with my child.
2. I will monitor my child’s use of his/her cell phone.
3. I will ensure my child understands the dangers of texting/interacting with people they are unfamiliar with, posting pictures and/or videos, and posting to social media.
4. I will monitor my child’s communication devices. It is my responsibility to report any harmful and threatening behavior (written, picture, or video) to Safe2Tell, police, or staff members immediately.
5. I will not call my child’s cell phone during school hours as students’ phones will be off or on airplane mode. This would result in a tech violation for my child for disrupting class.
6. For any communication, emergency or otherwise, during the school hours of 7:30 – 2:45, I will call the front office number at (303) 387-2300.
7. I understand if my child needs to contact me, there are phones in the classrooms and office my child may use with permission.

Policy Violation Enforcement:

• If a student is using a device that is not permitted or using any device inappropriately, the devicewill be confiscated and the student may be subject to discipline.
• I understand and accept the school’s policy on communication devices. I agree that if I violate any part of the expectations within this contract, the school consequences will be enforced and used as a guideline for school administrators.
• This cell phone policy starts with the first bell and ends with the dismissal bell.
• The consequence can be changed at the discretion of the administration based on the severity of the infraction.
  • 1st offense - Cell phone confiscated, brought to the office until the end of the school day
  • 2nd offense - Cell phone confiscated, brought to the office until the end of day and parents notified
  • 3rd offense - Cell phone must be checked into the office for two weeks
  • 4th offense - Cell phone must be checked into the office for four weeks

Back to Top ↑

LASER POINTERS

Due to the serious injuries that may result, laser pointers are NOT allowed on school property, including school buses. If a student brings one to school, it will be confiscated, and parents will be asked to pick it up from school.

Back to Top ↑

LANGUAGE

We expect all students to use respectful and appropriate language while in the school building. The use of foul or offensive language is not acceptable and may result in disciplinary action.

Back to Top ↑

TREATMENT OF GUEST TEACHERS

Students are expected to treat guest teachers (substitutes) with the same respect as they would their regular teachers. Guest teachers are here to help continue your learning, and your cooperation is essential.If you need assistance while your regular teacher is absent, you're encouraged to reach out to a counselor or another trusted staff member for support.

Back to Top ↑

FOOD/DRINK IN HALLWAYS

To help keep our school clean and safe, food and drinks are not allowed in the hallways. Students may eat during supervised breaks or lunch periods in the commons area only. Students should not walk around classrooms or hallways with food or beverages. If you are found eating in the hallway, you may be asked to dispose of the food. Water is the only drink permitted outside the commons area. Teaching teams may choose to schedule designated snack times within their classrooms at their discretion.

Back to Top ↑

LUNCHROOM EXPECTATIONS

1. Clean up after yourself.
2. Be respectful of others.
3. Must be sitting at a table when in the lunchroom, not standing or walking around
4. All food and drink should be consumed in the commons
5. The use of good table manners is expected
6. Students must stay in the assigned area
7. No eating in the bathrooms or library

As all RVMS students are expected to demonstrate responsibility and citizenship on a regular basis, all students will be assigned one week (5 days) of “community service”, following lunchtime. During this time, lunch hosts will assist staff in straightening up the commons following their lunch shifts. Student participation will result in a work habits grade for Enrichment.

Back to Top ↑

UPPER RAILING

For everyone’s safety, nothing is to be thrown from the upper railing to the lower floor. This behavior is dangerous and strictly prohibited. Students who engage in this activity will receive consequences.

Back to Top ↑

ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR

1. Sit in assigned areas.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Respect the speaker or presenter.
4. Dismiss as directed by an administrator or an adult in charge.
5. During the assembly, if you need to leave for any reason, please talk with your teacher quietly and leave with minimal disturbance.
6. If you are called out of the crowd by an administrator or other adult, you are expected to leave without any undue attention brought to yourself.
7. After leaving the assembly, return to the class noted by the teachers.
8. Failure to be on your best behavior may lead to disciplinary action.

Back to Top ↑

STUDENT DRESS STANDARDS -Policy JICA

Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for all school activities and to maintain a high standard of dress. School administration and staff will consistently enforce dress code policies as outlined. The dress code will apply to all students regardless of racial identity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural or religious identity, household income, and body size/type. Student safety and dignity will be respected at all times. The dress code will be addressed with students individually and confidentially. The following general standards will be in effect:

1. Head coverings, including hats and hoods, are not allowed to be worn in school between the hours of 7:30 am and 2:45 pm.  
2. Reasonable cleanliness of wearing apparel is expected as a matter of general health and welfare. If a family has financial difficulties, please contact a counselor at the school.
3. Shoes must be worn with hard soles per Colorado State Law.  
4. Short shorts/skirts, bare midriffs, halter tops, spaghetti straps, sheer/see-through shirts, swimsuits, etc., or excessively tight clothing is for a more casual time and not for school.
5. Students are welcome to wear shorts and skirts. We just ask that they provide full coverage and completely cover the student’s bottom.
6. Clothes will not be worn that cause or are likely to cause disruption to the educational process. Clothes making statements with sexual innuendos or advertising alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco/cigarettes don’t belong in school. Occasionally, there are T-shirts that are clearly offensive, and students are asked to change them. Backpacks displaying inappropriate messages will not be allowed at school.
7. Wearing apparel that interferes with or endangers oneself or others while he/she is participating in classroom activities will not be worn. The decision as to the safety or unsuitability of the clothing is a matter of the judgment of school personnel.

Should a staff member find a student in violation of the dress code policy as outlined above, the following options will be presented:

1. Student will be asked to put on their alternate clothing item to be worn for the remainder of the school day.
2. Student will be provided with temporary school-issued clothing to be worn for the remainder of the school day.
3. Student’s parents may be called to provide alternate clothing to be worn for the remainder of the school day.

Back to Top ↑

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

All students will review the student code of conduct found on the Douglas County School District website.  It will fully outline the Board of Education Policies regarding student behavior in the Douglas County Schools. All students will be asked to sign that they have reviewed a copy of this information.

SEARCHES - Policy JIH

To protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student, backpacks, storage areas, or personal effects.

A search may occur whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.

WEAPONS IN SCHOOL - Policy JICI

The Board of Education has determined that the possession and/or use of dangerous or deadly weapons by students at school is detrimental to the welfare and safety of those students and others in the school community. Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing any dangerous or deadly weapon in a school building, on school grounds, at any school-sanctioned activity or event, or while being transported in a school-approved vehicle, without the authorization of the school or the school district, is strictly prohibited. Such weapons include, but are not limited to, any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, including, without limitation, any pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun; air gun or spring gun; slingshot; bludgeon; brass knuckles, knife, or artificial knuckles of any kind. Expulsion is mandatory for all violations of this policy.

SMOKING AND OTHER USES OF TOBACCO BY STUDENTS - Policy JICG

In accordance with DCSD behavior policies, smoking is not allowed by anyone on campus, at school activities or events, or on school buses. Student use, possession, sale, or transfer of tobacco products and all smoking materials are prohibited in school buildings and on school grounds. Students, staff, and visitors are prohibited from using tobacco on school buses at any time and at all school-sponsored activities or events conducted on school property. Douglas County law makes it a Class 2 Petty Offense for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or use any type of tobacco product. Law enforcement will be contacted.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT REGARDING DRUGS AND ALCOHOL- Policy JICH

Student use, possession, distribution, gift, purchase, exchange, sale, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited in all District schools, on all school grounds and District property, at school-sanctioned activities or events, when students are being transported in vehicles dispatched by the District, and at any time or in any place where the student’s conduct interferes with or disrupts the educational program or operations of the District.

Compliance with the standards of conduct set forth in this policy is mandatory for all students. A violation shall subject a student to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution.

NON-DISCRIMINATION/NON-HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS AND STAFF – Policy JBA

Individuals or groups are in violation of this policy if, on school grounds, at school-sanctioned activities or events, or in vehicles dispatched by the District, they:

1.        Make demeaning remarks directly or indirectly, such as name-calling, racial slurs, or “jokes”, or physically threaten or harm an individual on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or ancestry.  

2.        Display visual or written material or deface school property or materials to demean the disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or ancestry.

3.        Damage, deface, or destroy the private property of any person because of that person’s disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or ancestry.

Students or staff members who believe they or any other student or staff member has been the subject of harassment and/or discriminatory behavior will report the incident immediately to the school administrator, appropriate supervisor, or their designees. Complaints about harassment or discriminatory behavior will be investigated immediately.

Any student who violates this policy by engaging in conduct defined above that directly or indirectly causes intimidation, harassment, or physical harm to another student or staff member will be subject to disciplinary action.  

Consult the Student Code of Conduct for in-depth information.

Back to Top ↑

IMPORTANT DATES

Back to Top ↑