Welcome to Hogg Middle School

The faculty, administration, and staff extend greetings and best wishes to you for a successful school year.  We urge you and your parents to become well acquainted with the school policies contained in this agenda.

 The policies and procedures contained herein are the results of the concentrated effort of a committee consisting of students, parents, faculty and the administration.  The information has been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value in helping you to adjust to our school and to become an integral part of it.

 Since it's founding in 1925, Hogg Middle School has maintained a reputation for excellence.  Our school welcomes you and we hope that you will always be conscious of its traditions and requirements.  May you always have the spirit to do the things that will make both you and the school outstanding.

 

The mission of Hogg Middle School is to strengthen the academic, social, and economic foundation of our community any assuring it’s students a high-quality middle school education that prepares them for future learning in the high school setting and beyond.

 

School Hours:  The first bell rings promptly at 8:30 AM.  The tardy bell rings at 8:35, at which time all students should be in their classrooms ready to start the day.  School dismissal is at 4:05 on Monday through Thursday and at 2:00 on Fridays. 

 Drop Off Procedures:  Students may be dropped off as early as 7:00 am.  Students should never be dropped off before 7:00 am, as there is no supervision before that time.  Students arriving by car are to be dropped off using the Oak Ridge Street gate behind the cafeteria.  All students arriving after the late bell, 8:35AM, are to use the main entrance and pick up a tardy slip in the Dean’s Office before proceeding to class.

 Absence from school: When a student is absent, he/she must give his/her teacher a written excuse from his/her parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence.  Excused absences are only allowed for the following:

1.      Illness of the student.

2.      Illness or death in the student's immediate family.

3.      Participation in legitimate school activities with the permission of the principal.

4.      Emergencies or extenuating circumstances as recognized by the principal or his/her designee.

The student will be given three days to bring a written excuse from the parent/guardian for an absence.  After three days, the absence becomes unexcused.  Six or more unexcused absences in a year will cause the student to be retained. 

 Make up work: Students who have excused or unexcused absences will be given an opportunity to make up work missed within five schooldays upon return to school.  It is the student's responsibility to see that the work is made up.

 Absenteeism and Tardiness: Regular attendance cannot be stressed too greatly.  Many studies prove there is a definite correlation between a student making good grades, his/her success in school, and regular attendance.  It is equally important that the students begin their day on schedule.  Tardiness breeds truancy and affects the student's progress in school.  A student is counted tardy if he/she is not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings.  The teacher keeps an accurate record of tardiness.  Students who are tardy will be assigned after school detention and/or assigned to ATS (Alternative to Suspension Center).

 Truancy: Any student who is absent from school without the consent of his/her parent or the school officials is considered truant.  Students may be assigned to the ATS or suspended from school for this offense. 

Telephones:  The main office telephone is for school business.  It may be used by students only in cases of emergency and with the permission of the receptionist in the main office.

 Parent Conferences: Parents may make appointments for conferences with teachers, counselors, or the principal by telephoning the school office.  It is necessary that teachers confirm the date and time of the parent conference.  Teachers have designated conference periods to meet with parents and cannot be pulled during instructional time to do so.  For security reasons, all visitors must first report to the main office for a visitor's pass.

 Detention:  School-wide Detention is held from 4:05 PM to 5:15 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The student must bring paper, a pencil, and something to study.  Students causing problems or not following instructions in detention will be sent home and referred to the Assistant Principal's office the following day for disciplinary action.  Students must arrive to detention on time or they will not be allowed to enter.  Failure to attend an assigned detention without a legitimate excuse from the parent/guardian will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension from school.  Students may be assigned school-wide detention by any teacher for being tardy.  A teacher may assign detention in his/her classroom on any given day as a disciplinary consequence as long as they give the parent 24-hour notice.

 School Bus Transportation:  Good pupil behavior on the school bus is important for the safety and well being of the entire passenger load.  The administration reserves the right to administer disciplinary consequences to students who behave inappropriately towards other students while traveling to and from school on a private bus service.

 The school schedules all buses to games or field trips and each bus is under the direction of a faculty member.  All students are required to return to school on their assigned bus. 

 Physical Education Classes: For reasons of health and safety, each student will dress appropriately for physical education (PE class).  Students must wear appropriate undergarments, a Hogg MS PE uniform (red, blue or black shorts and a Hogg gym shirt), and rubber-soled sports tennis shoes.  PE uniforms may be purchased from the PE teachers.  All parts of PE wear should be marked with the student’s name for identification.  Students may not wear PE clothing to class.  Students who fail to bring their PE uniform will be required to rent one for a fee of fifty cents.  The funds will be used to launder the uniforms.   

 Backpacks:  Parents are encouraged to review the contents of student backpacks periodically.  Students tend to over fill their backpacks with items that they do not need to carry around everyday.  We encourage students to plan wisely and only carry what they need.  Overloaded backpacks become a safety hazard in the classrooms and on the stairs.  They also create health hazards by putting undue stress on the student's spine. All backpacks must be clear or mesh for security purposes.

 Personal Property: Portable radios, CD players, mp3 players, ipods, cameras, Game Boys (or other electronic games), playing cards, markers, large sums of money, and other such personal property are not to be brought to school.  Many problems arise concerning articles of this nature and the school will not assume responsibility for them.  If such personal property is brought to the school, the property will be taken from the student and held in the dean’s office until the parent comes to collect them.  After 30 days, the unclaimed items will be shipped to the HISD warehouse for disposal.

 Cell Phones: As per the new HISD policy, students are NOT permitted to bring cell phones on campus for any reason.  If a student fails to abide by these guidelines, the cell phone will be confiscated by an administrator and held until a parent comes to collect it.  As per HISD policy as noted in the student code of conduct, a fee of $15 will be charged prior to the return of a cell phone that has been confiscated.

 Bicycles: Bicycles are to be parked immediately on arrival at school and left there for the remainder of the school day.  If a student rides the bicycle in an unsafe manner, that student will be prohibited from riding the bike to school.  All bicycles should be provided with a lock.  The school is not responsible for loss, theft, or vandalism.  Skateboards, scooters, and personal PE equipment such as balls, ropes, etc., are not allowed on campus.

 Textbooks:  Each classroom teacher will have a class set of textbooks available for student use.  Parents may come to the main office and request a set of textbooks to be kept at home for studying purposes.  Textbooks are the property of the State of Texas and if lost, must be paid for by the student to whom issued. 

 Halls:  Students are not permitted in the halls during classes without a signed permit that has the time and date on it.  Students are to conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner while in the hallways.  Furthermore, students should always stay to the right to facilitate the flow of traffic. 

 Smoking:  Smoking is not permitted at any time in the school building or on the school grounds.  This applies to all school-sponsored activities as well as the regular school day.  Violation of this rule constitutes a serious offense and possible suspension from school.

 Selling:  Any sales or fund raising at Hogg Middle School must have written administrative approval.  Selling initiated by individual students is prohibited.

 Gum Chewing:  Careless disposal of gum in drinking fountains, furniture, and floors presents sanitation and cleaning problems and costly repair.  Therefore, gum chewing is not permitted.  The eating of candy and chewing of toothpicks, paper, etc. is also prohibited.

 Discipline:  It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained.  Students are reminded that they must adhere to the HISD Code of Student Conduct, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.

 All major and minor offenses and their consequences are fully described in the Code of Student Conduct.  Receipt of the signatures of parents and students indicates that the Code of Student Conduct has been read and will be adhered to.  The signature forms will be kept on file.  Weapons, narcotics and other inappropriate items listed in the Student Code of Conduct that endanger lives, disrupt the educational process and are safety hazards are prohibited and students who have them in their possession will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

 Alternative to Suspension (ATS) : Students who repeatedly fail to adhere to school or classroom rules or who commit acts that seriously disrupt the school process will be assigned to the Alternative to Suspension Center for a period of up to three days, depending on the infraction.    Parents will be notified of the assignment by phone and/or in writing on the day of the assignment.  The ATS is supervised by a state certified teacher and the student will be provided with assignments from their classroom teacher so as not to fall behind in their academic studies.  Students who are assigned to ATS will be expected to follow the instructions of the ATS teacher and comply with all rules and regulations of the ATS center.  Students may be given an extended assignment in ATS by the grade level dean if the ATS classroom rules are not adhered to.  Continued failure to comply will result in the student being suspended from school.  Students in ATS will be provided with a sack lunch in the ATS center and will not join their peers in the cafeteria.

 Suspension from School: It is the philosophy of the Houston Independent School District that every student, kindergarten thought twelfth grade, should be privileged to attend school every day during the school year in order to be given thorough instruction in all subject areas.  Under certain circumstances, as stated in the Student Code of Conduct, it may become necessary to suspend a student from school attendance or assign him/her to an alternative program for misconduct when other means of correction fail or if the student is a disruptive force to the school environment.

 Lost and Found: Our lost and found is located in the nurse’s office.  Frequent checks on lost articles should be made in the main office.  Articles not claimed by the last day of school will be donated to a charitable organization.

 Cafeteria:  Students may choose to eat in the cafeteria or bring a sack lunch.  The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school.  To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced breakfast and lunch are offered at a reasonable price.  The lunchroom management and your fellow students will appreciate your cooperation in the following:

v     Deposit all lunch litter in wastebaskets immediately after you are finished eating.

v     Leave the tables and floors in a clean condition for others.

v     Food or drink must not be taken from the cafeteria.  Eating in the building or on the school grounds other than in the cafeteria or mall area is strictly prohibited.

v     While in the lunch line, do not cut in front of others or allow others to cut in front of you.

Cafeteria Duty: Students who fail to abide by the cafeteria guidelines or commit other minor discipline infractions are subject to being assigned cafeteria duty.  This involves sitting at the cafeteria duty table to silently eat your lunch and helping the custodians clean the cafeteria after students have left the lunchroom.

 Grading System: The criteria for grading academic subjects are as follows:

90-100             Excellent quality of work through mastery of subject matter.

80-89               Good quality of work.  Above average with consistent effort.

75-79               Satisfactory quality of work, average achievement.

70-74               Passing

Below 70         Unsatisfactory quality of work, failing

 Homework:  Home study is a necessary part of each pupil's educational program.  Each student must be expected to spend some time in addition to scheduled class instruction to achieve satisfactory work.  Some assignments are long-range in nature and require planned study time for their completion.  Planned study eliminates the necessity of spending to much time in completing an assignment the day before it is due.

 The ZØne:  No ZEROS allowed!  The ZØne is an in school study hall.  Students who fail to turn in an assignments on a regular basis will be assigned to attend The ZØne to complete the missing assignments and to improve their organizational skills and study habits.  This will prevent students from receiving failing grades for unfinished assignments.  Students will be assigned to attend The Zone in place of their elective class for a period of three to six weeks until they demonstrate they are capable of completing assignments on their own.  The assignment to The Zone is given by the grade level dean.

 Conduct Average:

Teachers assess student conduct as follows: 

E     Excellent citizenship

S     Satisfactory behavior, cooperates readily

P     Poor behavior, below average

U     Unsatisfactory behavior, needs drastic improvement

 Report Cards and Progress Reports: Report cards to parents will be distributed shortly after the close of the six-week grading period.  Progress reports are sent at three weeks if students are in danger of failing.  These reports are sent home with the student and are to be signed by the parent and returned to the teacher.  Parents are encouraged to schedule a parent/teacher conference when a progress report is received.

Student Agenda:  In an effort to strengthen the home-school connection and teach students to be responsible for their assignments, all students will be required to record the following information in their agenda for every academic class they attend each day: homework assignments, test dates, upcoming projects.

 Agenda Checks: Teachers will do Agenda checks randomly.  Failure to consistently and adequately record the above-mentioned information in the student agenda will result in disciplinary action such as teacher detention, or more serious consequences if the problem persists.  If a student loses his/her agenda, replacements are available in the assistant principal's office for $5.00.  A Xerox copy is available free of charge.  While most teachers will write the pertinent information on the board each day, the responsibility of accurately recording all necessary information is the student's, not the teacher's.  Parents should review their student's agenda daily to ensure that they are recording and completing their assignments. 

 School Organizations and Activities: There are a number of clubs and organizations at Hogg Middle School.  The purpose of these is to promote loyalty, school spirit, and sportsmanship.  Each student is encouraged to become a part of the extracurricular life of the campus.

 Prepared 4 Life-After School Program

Hogg Middle School has been selected as one of six middles schools in all of the Houston area to benefit from the Prepared 4 Life after school program.  This allows students to participate in enrichment activities after school that will build their confidence and prepare them to be a productive citizen in our community.  Some examples of the activities are boxing, banking, cooking, gardening, hip hop dance, skateboarding, robotics, rugby, soccer, handball, and much, much more. 

Counseling Services: Guidance services are available on a daily basis to assist the student in achieving success and coping within the limits of his/her abilities.   Any student or parent may make an appointment with the counselors.

 AnComm:  Hogg students can communicate anonymously with select staff members from Hogg to report any concerns or request advice in coping with difficult situations.  This service can be accessed at www.ancomm.com. 

 Health Care At School: The goal of the school nurse is to keep students healthy and IN CLASS.  Parents can help by making sure students go to bed at a decent time, eat a healthy breakfast, and by providing current phone numbers for emergency situations.  The nurse will contact parents when a student has a fever, is vomiting or if after being assessed the nurse thinks it is necessary for the student to return home or see a physician. 

 Memorial Herman Hogg Clinic:  Hogg Middles School is lucky to have a clinic located on campus.  A consent form must be on file in order for students to get services.  The Hogg Clinic is staffed with a nurse practitioner, a nursing assistant, and a social worker.  Parents must come and sign in at the main office and then are welcome to drop in to access services.  Students from the entire Reagan Feeder Pattern are eligible for services.

 Immunizations: All students are required to have current and updated immunizations on file in the nurse's office as required by law.  It is the responsibility of the student and parent to provide the school with an accurate immunization record.  A student may not be allowed to attend school without these SATE MANDATED immunizations.  Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contradictions or religious conflicts.  Students falling into any of these two categories MUST submit affidavits as specified by law. 

Delinquent Immunization Notices: Through out the school year you may receive notices of delinquent immunizations.  These will need to be updated as soon as possible and reported to the school nurse.  Notices will be sent in writing via the student.  A recommendation will be given to the principal that the student not is allowed to return to school until the information is updated.  If parents are not able to take time from work to have immunizations please contact the nurse for possible options for obtaining the immunization during the school day.

New Immunization Requirements: Students born after September2, 1988 are required to receive a 3 shot series for Hepatitis B and the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.  If the student has had the chicken pox, parents may write a note to the nurse stating how old they were or what year they had the chicken pox.

 Medication at School: Parents of students requiring medication during the school day MUST take the medication directly to the School Nurse in the school clinic.  Medication can only be given if the HISD Medication Policy form is filled out by a physician and signed by a parent.  This MUST be on file before any medication can be given at school.  This includes ALL prescription medication, including inhalers for asthma and ALL non-prescription medication including, but not limited to cough medicine and pain relievers.  Only employees designated by the principal shall administer medication.  Please see the nurse for any questions or to receive the HISD Medication Policy form.

 Withdrawals: Students who are withdrawing from Hogg Middle School to go to another school need to report to the main office.  A parent or guardian must accompany the student.  Parents must provide information as to what school they will be enrolling their student in, once they leave Hogg.

 Hogg Middle School: The Hogg Middle School dress code for students is a result of the efforts of a committee composed of students, parents, teachers, counselors and the administrative staff.  It is our belief that school pride is developed not only by attaining honor in extracurricular activities and in scholastic accomplishments, but by the way students maintain high standards of behavior, which are reflected in dress and grooming.

 Dress Code Violation Procedures

1^st Violation         Verbal correction by school personnel.

2^nd Violation       Phone call to the parent and a violation letter sent home with the student.

3^rd Violation        The student is sent to the dean’s office with documentation (notes from verbal warning, letter to parent, and phone call to parent.)

                                If the violation is one that can be corrected, such as removing a colored undershirt, it is to be done so immediately.  If a student is not wearing the appropriate top or bottom a phone call will be made home in an attempt to correct the problem.  If arrangements cannot be made for the student to don the appropriate garments, the student will be put in Alternative-to-Suspension for the remainder of the day.  Frequent violations of the Student Dress Code could lead to more serious consequences up to and including suspension from school. 

 An acknowledgement of receipt and willingness to comply with the dress code will be sent home to be signed by both the student and the parent and returned to the homeroom teacher no later than Friday, August 25, 2006.  (The homeroom teacher will provide copies of the dress code policies and the acknowledgement form for each student.) 

 Boys

Boys are expected to be clean, neat and appropriately dressed each day.  Hairstyles and fashions, which cause or may cause a distraction are unacceptable.  Appropriate under garments are expected.  In general, boys are to dress such that the body is covered from the neck to 3" above the knee with the exception of the arms.

Boys May Wear

§         Solid blue (6^th grade), or white (7^th grade), red (8^th grade) collared shirts.  Hogg spirit shirts are optional on Fridays only.  Shirts may not be longer than mid-thigh.

§         Solid navy blue, black, or khaki pants, jeans, or shorts (length no shorter than 3" above the knee).  All pants must fit neatly at the inseam and at the waistline.  All pants or jeans must be one uniform color with no decorations such as studs, designs, or discoloration. 

§         Any garment worn under the school uniform must be solid white.

§         Appropriate footwear includes boots, casual or dress shoes, tennis shoes, and sandals with back straps.

§         Any hairstyle that is neat and clean.  Normal hair color within the natural colors of black, brown, blond and red.

§         All neck-chains and medallions must be tucked inside the student's shirt.

§         Hogg Middle School team jerseys on game day (team members only).

 Boys May Not Wear

§         Over-sized baggy or flare leg pants.

§         Over-sized shirts that are longer than mid-thigh.

§         Muscle shirts, sleeveless shirts, or undershirts worn as outer clothing.

§         Any item identified as gang related by school officials.

§         Warm-ups or sweat pants of any kind.

§         Body piercing or clips, except for the ears.

§         Cut-off, torn, or tattered jeans.

§         Bicycle pants or spandex tops.

§         Bandannas

§         Vests or overalls

§         See-through, mesh, or fishnet shirts.

§         Clothing which reveals bare midriff or navel.

§         Suggestive jewelry, drawings, patches, and/or writing relating to drugs, sex, alcohol, Satanism, tobacco, gangs, weapons, or illegal activities.

§         Combs or rakes (Rakes are considered weapons.).

§         Thongs, house shoes, slides, slippers, swim shoes, steal-toed shoes, or sandals without straps.

§         Hats or caps inside the building.

§         Sun glasses or visors unless prescribed.

§         Key chains, pocket chains, or chains of any kind longer than 6 inches, spiked straps or rings.

GIRLS

Girls are expected to be clean, neat and appropriately dressed each day.  Hairstyles and fashions, which cause or may cause a distraction are unacceptable.  Appropriate undergarments are expected.  In general, girls are expected to dress such that the body is covered from the neck to 3" above the knee with the exception of the arms.

GIRLS MAY WEAR

§   Solid blue (6^th grade), or white (7^th grade), red (8^th grade) collared shirts.  Hogg spirit shirts are optional on Fridays only.  Shirts must be long enough to cover the stomach area.

§    Solid navy blue, black, khaki pants, blue jeans and uniform-type jumpers (not denim), skirts, skorts, or shorts (length no shorter than 3" above the knee).

§    All pants or jeans must be one uniform color with no decorations such as studs, designs, or discoloration. 

§    All pants must fit neatly at the inseam and at the waistline.

§    Any garment under school shirt must be solid white.

§    Appropriate footwear includes flats, boots, tennis shoes, platforms, (1”or less in height), and sandals with back straps.

§    Any hairstyle, jewelry, or make-up that does NOT disrupt the educational process.  Normal hair colors within the natural colors of black, brown, blond, or red are acceptable.

§    All neck chains and medallions must be tucked inside the student's shirt.

§    Decorative combs or headbands.

 Girls May Not Wear

§   Over-sized, baggy or flare led pants

§   Sleeveless shirts

§   Any item identified as gang related by school officials.

§   Warm-ups or sweat pants of any kind.

§   Body piercing or clips, except for the ears.

§   Cut-off, torn, or tattered jeans.

§   Bicycle pants, spandex tops or pants.

§   Bandannas

§    Vests or overalls

§    Tops which expose undergarments such as chiffon, mesh, fishnet, or other see-through clothing

§    Clothing that reveals bare midriff or navel

§    Suggestive jewelry, drawings, patches, and/or writing relating to drugs, sex, alcohol, Satanism, tobacco, gangs, weapons, or illegal activities.

§    Hair curlers, combs, or rakes (Rakes are considered weapons.).

§    Thongs, house shoes, slides, slippers, swim shoes, steal-toed shoes, or sandals without straps.

§    Heels that are over 1 1/2" in height

§    Hats, headscarves or gloves inside the building.

§    Sun glasses or visors unless prescribed.

§    Key chains, pocket chains, or chains of any kind longer than 6 inches, spiked straps or rings.

§    Spaghetti straps or strapless tops.

§    Excessively tight clothing or low cut tops

§    Mini-skirts, mini-skorts and denim jumpers

§    Excessively gaudy jewelry and/or make-up.