JFHMS

The education provided through J. Frank Hillyard Middle School must seek to enable all students to become lifelong learners and responsible, productive members of society. A successful educational process includes not only academic instruction but also student development of marketable job skills and positive behaviors and attitudes towards honesty, hard work, family, environment, modesty, civility, wellness, and country. We seek to instill and cultivate in each student "Pillars of Character" -- respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, citizenship, caring and fairness. To these ends, throughout all schools in Rockingham County, students are expected to observe a Code of Responsible Student Conduct. This code helps create and ensure a healthy, safe and effective learning environment for everyone, promotes a school atmosphere of respect, pride, self-esteem and cohesiveness, reinforces community values and positive respect for authority and discipline, and assists in readying students for employment by advancing their mature transition from the world of school to the world of work. Principals and teachers have the authority and discretion to interpret and apply this Code of Responsible Student Conduct. This Code, however, applies to all students in Rockingham County Public Schools, while present on or using school or school-controlled property, going to or from school, attending school-related events or activities, or engaging in any activity which may or does have a relationship with or an impact upon any part of the schools' learning environment or process. School HoursA warning bell rings at 8:25 each morning as a signal for students to report to their First Block classes. Classes begin at 8:27 am and run until the school day concludes at 3:09 pm. 7th and 8th graders attend four classes per day on an Odd/Even Block schedule. The 6th grade students attend the same Core classes each day, and rotate between Odd/Even Blocks for P.E. and Band /Related Arts at the end of each day. AbsencesGood attendance is necessary for a child to benefit from the school program and all efforts should be made to keep the child in school. Sick children should not be sent to school until they have recovered. When a student is unable to attend school, parents are to phone the school (896-8961) as soon as possible. Upon the student's return to school, parents are to write a note to be given to the homeroom teacher. If a student plans to leave school early, be sure to bring a note to one of the secretaries before school begins. Parents must come to the school office to sign early dismissal register. We discourage parents from picking up their child just before the school dismissal because it interferes with instruction and office procedures. If parents are planning on picking up their child on an on-going basis, please send a not stating such. School Closings and DelaysIf there is snow, ice, or inclement weather on the roads, Rockingham County Schools will broadcast on these radio and TV stations to let you know if there is a delay or if school is cancelled. The Superintendent will give his decision to delay or cancel school by 6:30 am.

WSVA - Radio	550 AM	WHBG - Radio	1360 AM
WMRA - Radio	90.7	WSIG - Radio	790 AM / 97 FM
WKCY - Radio	1300 AM	WHSC - TV	Channel 3 (Cable 11)
WLCC - Radio	106.3 FM	WVPT - TV	Channel 51 (Cable 7)
WBTX - Radio	1470 AM	WVIR - TV	Channel 2

If schools are closed (for one day or several consecutive days) because of inclement weather, when students return to school, they will proceed through the day (Odd or Even) they would have had if school had not been closed at all. After that first day back, the normal Odd/Even day designation or any addition of make-up days in the school calendar will be determined by the School Board Administration as needed. Parent Transportation Parents are requested to drop-off or pick up their children by car in the West Parking Lot before and after school. This lot is on the right side of the school. The West Parking Lot will also be the pick-up area for after-school dances. When parents are transporting their children for appointments during the school hours, they are welcome to park directly in front of the school so they can sign in or out of class at the main office. Parents may pick up their child after school at the 3:09 dismissal bell. If your regular transportation method changes in any way, be sure that you bring a note from your parent requesting permission. The note is to be placed in the "Transportation Box" in the main school office before school begins. You will be given a "Transportation Change" ticket that may be picked up after lunch in the attendance office. If you change your bus stop or change your bus, the school must receive a note from your parents verifying that you have permission. School Buses One moment of horseplay can result in tragedy on a school bus. Please follow all safety rules, and be sure to follow the directions of your bus driver at all times. Read, study, and understand your bus rules. You are accountable for your behavior both on school buses and at school bus stops. Violations of bus rules may result in a suspension of transportation privileges. Locks and Lockers All students are assigned a locker with a combination lock. Lockers are the property of the school, and the administration reserves the right to inspect student lockers for the safety of all students.

Change of Address/Telephone Number

If you have a change of address or telephone number during the school year, please notify your child's teacher or the office in writing so that we can keep our records up to date. Thanks.

Moving? Transferring Students?

Parents should notify the office when they are planning to move to another school attendance area. Cumulative records will not be sent with the pupil or parents to the next school. The receiving school will request the records after the child has been registered there. Your child's records are available to you for review at any time.

Fire Alarm

When the fire alarm sounds, line up quietly and follow your teacher's instructions. Follow the emergency exit plan on display in the classroom or area you are in at the time of the alarm. You are responsible for staying in line and leaving the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Once outside, remain in line and do not talk. When the clearance is given to reenter the building, return to your classroom quietly and in the same manner you used to exit the building. Always follow the direct supervision of your classroom teacher or the adult who is responsible for your safety at the time of the alarm.

Dress and Grooming

Students should be neat and clean, and dress should reflect accepted standards. Dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process or learning environment. Rockingham County Dress Code regulations specifically state that clothes promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, or sexually explicit messages are prohibited. Hats, tank tops, short shorts, pants worn below the waist, exposed underwear, mini-skirts, spaghetti straps, mesh shirts, skirts or tops showing the midriff are inappropriate clothing. Shoes should be worn at all times. The complete regulations are listed in the Rockingham County Public Schools Parent-Student Handbook. Shoes should be worn at all times. All clothing should be labeled or marked with the pupil's name.

The following dress/attire, for example, are unacceptable under the terms of Rockingham County Schools Code of Responsible Student Conduct adopted July 1999:

*Clothing which exposes undergarments or is worn in an unconventional manner.

*Dog collars and chains.

*Dress that inflames or defames.

*Dress promoting or depicting a drug, tobacco, alcohol, violence, or sexually explicit message.

*Dress with profane statements or meanings.

*Dress which promotes or proclaims gang activities.

*Hats or caps shall not be worn inside schools during regular school hours.

(e.g., see-through apparel, tops exposing the midriff, strapless or spaghetti string tops, body piercing. . . only customary earrings worn in the ear are allowed.)

Lost and Found

Lost & Found articles that are turned in are kept in the physical education office. If you've lost something, ask your physical education teacher to check any Lost & Found contents they may have. All items in the "Found" box which are not claimed within a reasonable time are periodically sent to local agencies which assist needy families.

School Store

Pencils, paper, and other necessary school items and supplies may be purchased from a clerk in the main office from 8:10-8:25 am.

Library

The hours of the library are 8:05 am- 3:20 pm daily. You may check out or check in books anytime during the school day. Instruction and orientation in the use of the library will be given to all students beginning in September. Checkout of books is computerized and identifies the borrowing student.

Lunches

Students are assigned and provided a 3 digit PIN number for their lunch account. School personnel encourage and accept pre-payment for full and reduced breakfast and lunches in the cafeteria during the morning hours. After students have received their breakfast or lunch and proceeded to the cashier, students will enter their 3 digit number on the input device and either pay cash for meals, or use the declining balance debit system or pre-payment. Click here to view the lunch menu and / or prices.

Health Information and Medication Procedures

In case of an illness or accident, it is important that you have complete and accurate information on your Emergency Care Card so that we can contact your parents easily and promptly. If you should become ill or injured at school, you will be assisted by our nurse. Medications will be administered under the supervision of the school nurse or other school personnel. Your parent must complete and send the office an AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICATION form, which you can download or obtain from the school's office.

Prescription drugs may be administered only with the prior written permission of the parents and the physician (physician permission is implied in the label on the original pharmaceutical package), stating the type, dosage and duration of treatment. Nonprescription drugs are regulated likewise, but without physician permission. Medications, prescribed or non-prescribed, shall be brought to the office by the parent. They should never be transported by the child on a school bus. Ask your teacher for permission to come to the office at the appropriate time to take your medication.

Out-Of-School Suspension

Most school rules fall within these guidelines. Certain behaviors should be avoided, as they will result in serious consequences for the offender. These include fighting, disrespect or vulgar language or actions towards a teacher, the use of alcohol, illegal substances, tobacco, stealing, and weapon possession. These behaviors are absolutely not tolerated, and offenders should expect Out-Of-School Suspensions (OSS) for such behavior.

Behavior Improvement Program

Other disciplinary consequences include Behavior Improvement Program (BIP). Assigned students report to the Behavior Improvement Program room immediately upon arrival to school, and remain there for the entire day. Students are required to follow a series of strict rules. They must complete all assignments sent by their teachers, for which they receive full credit. Assignments to BIP are made by the administration as a consequence of improper behavior.

Poor-School-Standing

Students may also be placed on Poor-School-Standing (PSS). Students assigned to PSS report to their first block class immediately upon arrival to school until the morning warning bell. They are to report directly to each class during class changes without walking or waiting in the halls with their friends. These students also have assigned cafeteria seats during lunch. Students placed on PSS may not attend any after school activities or programs. Each of these restrictions is in effect for the length of the student's PSS status. Students are placed on Poor-School-Standing by the administration as a consequence of serious or on-going student behavior.

Tobacco Possession & Use

Rockingham County School Board policy specifies the following consequences for students who have been found to possess or use tobacco on school property:

1st offense: 3 days Out-Of-School Suspension

2nd offense: 5 days Out-Of-School Suspension

3rd offense: 10 days Out-Of-School Suspension

4th offense: Suspension to the School Board

Electronic Devices

The use of personal radios/cassettes or disc players by students will be permitted at school or school events under guidelines by the school principal. Earphones must be used if using any radio/cassette or disc player. The school cannot, in any way, be responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of a radio/cassette or other electronic device.

The use of pagers, beepers, cell phones, and other communication devices are strictly prohibited during school hours in the school building by students. The use of video cameras in the school building, without prior approval of the principal is prohibited. The use of laser lights on school property and at any school-sponsored event is prohibited.