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SDMC Minutes
Oct. 22, 2009

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AWARDS

At the end of each school year, one award of excellence is given to an 8th grade student for each subject area, and to one boy and one girl of each cluster, recognizing outstanding achievement.

Awards listed below are given to recognize significant contributions and achievement on the part of our 8th grade students:

BACKPACKS

Backpacks or bookbags may be brought to school, but MUST remain in the student's locker throughout the instructional day.

BUSSES

As a bus rider at Lanier Middle School, I agree to:

If problem behavior occurs regarding bus riding, disciplinary action will be taken. The following disciplinary actions are from HISD's Administrative Procedures, 318.320. Lanier Middle School administration will use the following disciplinary steps:

IF INCIDENT IS SEVERE IN NATURE, STRONGER DISCIPLINARY ACTION WILL OCCUR. 

HISD Transportation Services may utilize cameras to record student activity.

CAFETERIA

Students may chose to purchase food and eat in the cafeteria or bring a sack lunch and dine on one of the two patios.   All other areas are off-limits during lunch.  The assigned lunch period is an opportunity to enjoy being with friends and enjoy a well-prepared lunch from the cafeteria, sack lunch from home, or personal favorites from the snack machines or snack bar.  The following guidelines will assist all in making lunchtime a more enjoyable experience.

  1. Arrive on time to lunch.
  2. Purchase all food items desired from vending machines before entering the cafeteria.
  3. Purchase all food items desired from snack bar or cafeteria line, then select a place to sit.
  4. Remain seated in the one selected seat until the end of the lunch period.  If the student would like to return to the snack machine or snack bar, he/she will need permission from your section supervisor.
  5. Upon completion of lunch, trash receptacles will be available for disposal of trash.
  6. At the 5-minute signal (lights switched off/on), clean the eating area (table and floor).  A cloth will be provided for each student to wipe his/her space.
  7. When the dismissal bell rings, walk (DO NOT RUN) to class.  BE COURTEOUS.   Keep the noise level at a whisper - classes are in session.

Consequences
Remember that your behavior is your choice.  If you CHOOSE to act inappropriately during lunch (outside the above stated guidelines), you will be assigned to lunch in the PUP House.  You must bring a sack lunch from home.   The consequence for a first offense is one day of PUP House assignment at your lunch period.  Parents are notified.  An increase in lunchroom offenses brings on an increase in responding consequences.

Patio Privilege
Enjoying the outdoors with your friends at lunch is a group privilege shared by all students assigned to your lunch period.  The guidelines and consequences for cafeteria dining are relevant on the patio as well.  As a CONSEQUENCE of inappropriate behavior on the patio, the Patio Staff Monitor can assign individuals to lunch in the PUP House and/or choose to close the patio to all students of that lunch period.  Eating on the patio is a group responsibility that goes beyond your personal space.  Encourage others to dispose of their trash responsibly.  Do not complain about cleaning up "unidentified trash" and/or cans that may appear in your area.

COATS/JACKETS

Coats and jackets may be brought to school, but must remain in the student's locker throughout the entire instructional day, including P.E. class.  In addition to the short-sleeved uniform shirts, only the official Lanier uniform sweatshirt can be worn in the building or during the instructional day.

COMMUNICATION

Communication within our school is of vital importance to the entire school community.  Lanier hopes to improve communication within our school community by establishing a system for communication between parents, students, teachers, and administration.

When the concern involves the classroom:

  1. The student should speak directly to the teacher, at an appropriate time, to discuss concerns.  Appropriate times might include passing periods, or an appointment made before or after school, but should not interrupt classroom teaching and learning time.   Concerns might also be offered in writing, and the teacher can arrange a conference with the student.
  2. Students also have the option of speaking with their Advisory teachers to gain perspective on the issue from another teacher’s point of view, and to seek help with problems that can easily be handled at the school level. (ie: I was absent yesterday and my teacher is absent today.  I need a signature for my coach stating I am pasing class…what do I do?)
  3. If concerns continue, the student should speak with his/her parent to discuss the issues, gaining parental perspective of the problem and determining if the issue warrants further contact with the student’s teacher.
  4. Based upon the discussion between parent and student, parents may elect to contact the teacher directly, either by phone or by parent conference to discuss the concerns of the student and parent.
  5. If a resolution of the issue is not possible, the parent’s and student’s next venue would be the student’s administrator.  Please call or make an appointment to see your administrator.  Students may elect to see the administrator by themselves, or to bring their parents for a conference.  These conferences may or may not include the teacher, as warranted by the issue.
  6. If the administrator is not able to mediate a resolution to the issue, the parent may make an appointment to see the principal of the school.

When the concern involves school policy:

  1. The parent should call the student’s administrator to verify or clarify the policy.
  2. The parent may share, either verbally or in writing, concerns regarding the policy with the school principal.
  3. If further action is desired, the parent may request that a discussion of the issue is placed on the agenda of the SDMC.  Parents are weldome to attend all SDMC meetings, and to represent their views to the committee.

A few words about Praise:

Praise is always appreciated when a job well-done is recognized.  Be it verbal or in writing, your thoughts are greatly valued.  All praise directed at the administration level regarding teachers and faculty will be shared with those who are named.

CONFERENCES

Arrangements can be made for parent conferences with individual teachers, academic teams and grade-level administrators.  These meetings must be prearranged and cannot be guaranteed on a drop-in basis. 

All visitors to the building must report immediately to the main office on the second floor for a visitor’s pass. A listing of faculty and staff members' e-mail addresses can be found here.

COOPERATIVE DISCIPLINE

Cooperative Discipline is a philosophy of social learning that emphasizes the responsibility of all members of the community and establishes an environment for social learning that emphasizes courtesies and expectations.

Students choose their behavior, and are responsible for the effect of the chosen behavior on the community.  Within this system, there are clear limits stated as a "Code of Conduct" based on the vision and values of the entire school community.  It is the responsibility of teachers to provide consistent modeling of appropriate community behavior and consistent supervision and correction of student behavior.

Students of community behavior, should remember the following:

  1. I am responsible for learning the expectations of my community.
  2. I choose the ways that I behave.
  3. I understand that my appropriate behavior impacts positively within my community.
  4. I also understand that my inappropriate behavior impacts negatively within my community.
  5. I know that I am accountable to my community for my chosen behavior

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.  Information is available on test-taking skills, extracurricular needs, dates of tests scheduled, career choices, as well as other academic, social, vocational, or personal concerns.

       Any student or parent may make an appointment with their child's grade level administrator.  Students wishing to meet with their administrator during the school year must request, and fill out an administrator referral form.   Advisory teachers will be happy to assist in filling out referrals and delivering them to the grade level administrator.  Upon receipt of the referral, the grade level administrator will meet with the student as soon as possible.

CRIMESTOPPERS

Lanier Middle School participates in the Crimestoppers program.  If you encounter anything that seems unlawful or suspicious, report it to an administrator, teacher or any staff member in the school. If you are uncomfortable reporting to school personnel, you should call Crimestoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

FIELD TRIPS

Lanier teachers search the community for the best opportunities for off-campus learning experiences to emphasize classroom curriculum.

In order for teachers to make the necessary arrangements for transportation and reservations, students are asked to return written parental permission in a timely fashion. Students must submit a properly signed field trip permission slip at least twenty-four hours prior to the field trip. 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 the school on their assigned bus.

Dress and conduct appropriate to the situation are expected.

GSG (ADVISORY)

The G.S.G. advisory class meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 9:32-10:05.

The G.S.G. class is comprised of students from all three grade levels.  Students will remain with the same group and teacher for all three years. The goal of the G.S.G. is to build strong, positive relationships among the students as well as the G.S.G. teachers.  Each G.S.G. is led by a student leader who assiss the teacher with teambuilding activities and discussion topics within the group.  The G.S.G. time also provides an opportunity for sharing concerns, dilemmas and issues that impact middle school students.  Finally, communications to parents (Purple Page, etc.) are distributed during the G.S.G. time on Fridays. 

HALLWAYS

Students are not permitted in the hallways during class time without the signed hall pass in their student planner.   The hall pass area of the planner must include the time, destination, and teacher's initials.  Note: Should a student misplace/lose their student planner, the student will be required to purchase a replacement from the Main Office (before/after school only) prior to leaving a classroom again.

Hall passes will ONLY be used for the following reasons:

Students may request Hall Passes for personal emergency only.  They must have their planner in order to request a Hall Pass.   Students are required to pass quickly and quietly through the halls between classes as well as before and after school.

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 too much time in completing an assignment the day before it is due.

IMMUNIZATIONS

All students are required to have current and updated immunizations 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 attend school without documentation of state required immunizations.

Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individualized basis for medical and religious conflicts. Students falling into these categories must submit affidavits as specified by law.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION CENTER

The Lanier ISSC is an alternative on-campus placement site for students exhibiting frequent or repeated inappropriate behavior within the Lanier community. An administrator may assign a student to the ISSC for one or more days.

An attempt will be made to contact the parent before a student is assigned to the ISSC. Administrative approval will be required in order for these students to participate in U.I.L. activities during ISSC assignment.

INTERNET/E-MAIL

Internet use is available in the Library Media Center and other computer labs for students who, with their parents, accept the terms and responsibility of the following agreement. Student use of network resources will be considered publications and will be governed by Board Policy 740.300 regarding Student Publications.

Lanier Middle School's Internet Use Policy

Beginning with the 1997-98 school year, Lanier established an Internet Use Policy for the students at the school. Students and their parents are required to read this document (which is sent home as part of the student enrollment packet), and sign it, returning it to the school's librarians. A copy of the policy and the form are included below.

Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, potentially offensive to some people, and inappropriate for classroom use. Access to such resources will not be permitted. If inappropriate materials are inadvertently encountered, the student must notify the teacher or library media specialist immediately. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, Lanier Middle School supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.


Internet Rules

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to access instructional and reference materials and communicate with others. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. Access is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. Access entails responsibility.

Individual users of the District computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with District standards and honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the District is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network. Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private.

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.

As outlined in HISD Board Policy 668.000, copies of which are available in the school library, the following are prohibited:

Also prohibited are the following:

Student communications using networked resources will be considered publications and be governed by Board Policy 740.300 regarding Student Publications.

Student misconduct may result in a loss of Internet access as well as disciplinary or legal action as outlined in The Code of Student Conduct.

LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

When a student is to leave the campus during the school day, he/she must bring a note from a parent stating the reason, the time to be picked up, and the telephone number for verification. The student is to bring the note to the Attendance Office before school starts that day. The student will be given a permit to meet the parent in the Attendance Office at the designated pick-up time, then be signed out.

At no time, will a child be released to any person other than the parent or a person listed on the enrollment card. Special arrangements can be made but only with written permission from the parent and photo identification (Texas driver license) presented by the person picking up the child.

LOCKERS

Students' lockers are assigned by their GSG teachers and are to be used for storing school supplies. Gym lockers will be assigned by their Physical Education teachers. Students will need two good quality combination locks, one for the regular locker and one for the Physical Education locker.

Students should never bring valuables to school.  They should always make certain their lockers are locked. The should never share their lockers with any other students.

LOST & FOUND

Lost and found articles of clothing are held in T-25 (temporary building 25). Purses, jewelry, house keys, and books are kept in the main office. All personal articles need to be permanently marked with owner's name. Students may look for lost items before and/or after school and during passing periods only. Articles not claimed by the last day of school will be donated to a charitable organization.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students who are absent will be given an opportunity to make up work missed upon return to school. The number of days afforded to students for make-up work, will be equal to the number of days absent. It is the student's responsibility to see that the work is made up. During an extended absence, work may be requested (with 48-hour notice) from the grade level administrator. For absences of one instructional cycle (two days), it is recommended that students contact a classmate for information about the day's instruction and assignments.

MEDIA CENTER

The Lanier Media Center (Library), located on the west side of the third floor, is open from 7:45 to 4:15 daily. The staff and aides of the media center desire to assist you in locating all materials. A copy machine is available for student use. Copies are 15 cents each. Fines on overdue books are 10 cents per school day.

MEDICATION

Administration of medication is allowed only by order of a physician and with parental consent as recorded on HISD form 40.3740. This form must be on file before the medication is administered. Students bringing medication to school are to take it to the nurse in the clinic. Medications administered at school are to be maintained on campus by the school nurse and be for the treatment of chronic, long-term medical conditions. The administration of short-term medication therapies, such as antibiotics, can be arranged during non-school hours.

A special hall pass will be noted in the assignment book of students requiring extended periods of medication administration. This will legitimize movement in the halls with proper documentation.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

The National Junior Honor Society of Lanier Middle School is an honor organization whose purpose is to recognize students who excel in academics as well as leadership, citizenship, service, and character. This organization is open to all 7th and 8th grade students who maintain a grade point average 92.5 or above, and an E average in conduct with no more than 2 S’s in any one grading period or 2 S’s in conduct for multiple grading periods.

After first semester grades are recorded, 7th and 8th graders who were not previous members of the National Junior Honor Society, but who now qualify, will be invited to join. Any NJHS member who falls below a 3.7 grade point average (92.5%) academically, or whose conduct is not maintained at an E average will receive written notice of probationary status. The student will have one grading period (nine weeks) to return academic and/or conduct performance in accordance with the National Junior Honor Society standard. If the standard is not regained, the student will be removed from the NJHS roll.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Skate boards and personal PE equipment, such as balls, ropes, etc. are not allowed on campus. Portable radios, cameras, large sums of money, and other such personal property are not to be brought to school. Many problems can arise and the school cannot assume responsibility for them. If such personal property is brought to school, it will be taken and held in the student's grade level administrator's office for the parent to pick up.

SALES AND FUNDRAISING

The sale of any item for non-Lanier fund raisers must be approved in writing by the principal. Selling or fundraising initiated by individual students is prohibited. Fundraising for Lanier clubs and organizations is restricted to before and after school only.

STUDENT PLANNER

The student is the central link in the school community communication chain. The student is the messenger in many ways, keeping the lines of communication open between parents and teachers.

It will be the student's responsibility to:

  1. Have the official Lanier Middle School Student Assignment Book in every class each day except for Physical Education.
  2. Copy the homework assignment at the beginning of every class. If there is no assignment, the student will write "none" in the space provided.
  3. Request Hall Passes for personal emergency only. You must have your planner in order to request a Hall Pass.
  4. Consider using the planner for personal planning as well (i.e., club meetings, sporting events, parties, family events, etc.).
  5. Be sure your parents see your planner every night.

It is the parent's responsibility to:

  1. Ask to see the assignment book every day.
  2. Monitor homework assignments and their completion.
  3. Sign the planner at the end of each week so the teacher knows you are up-to-date on your child's assignments.
  4. Send notes regarding absences the day following the absence.
  5. Include your child in planning family events and recording them in the student's planner.

It is the teacher's responsibility to:

  1. Use the assignment book as a means of communication with the parents, expecting a response from the parent.
  2. Have clear, concise homework assignments posted for students to record in their daily planner.
  3. Have clear, concise expectations of special projects including check-point dates and final due dates.
  4. Assist the student in appropriate use of hall passes, never allowing a student to leave the classroom without a pass.

NOTE: Columns have been added to the student planner for teacher and parent initials. This addition will only be utilized if, in fact, the teacher or grade level administrator determines that initials are necessary in order to facilitate student success. It will be the student's responsibility to request the teacher's initials prior to leaving class each day.

SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS AND CAMPS

View a list of summer assignments and summer camp opportunities here.

Supervision

TELEPHONE

We request that parents and students take care of personal business before they part company for the school day.  The school telephones are for school business, not for the personal use of students.  Students may use the four pay phones (located by room 308, the teachers lounge, room 114, and the hallway between the gym and cafeteria), during the 6-minute passing time between classes.   The phone near the cafeteria may also be used during supervised lunchtime with permission from lunch supervisors.  Additionally, students that choose to use the pay phone must understand that it is their responsibility to have proper change and to arrive on time to the next class. 

Only emergency messages will be delivered to students during the instructional day.

TEXTBOOKS

For each textbook issued, students should write, in ink, their name, their teacher's name, and the semester of the year issued.  All books must be covered as required by state law.  Textbooks are the property of the State of Texas and, if lost, damaged, or stolen, must be paid for by the student to whom they are assigned.

TRUANCY

Also known as "skipping school", truancy is a crime.  It is a class C misdemeanor for a minor child to be in a public place without the company of a parent or permission of the school during school hours. [Houston City Code 28-172(a)].

Violation of this ordinance may result in criminal charges against the parent. A student absent from school without parental or school permission is truant. Refer to the Houston ISD Student Code of Conduct for specifics.