Barbara Bush Mi
    515 Cowboys Pkwy • Irving, TX 75063-8728 • 972-968-3700 • FAX 972-968-3710

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Current Policies & Procedures

Barbara Bush Middle School complies with C-FB ISD District Policies. 
VIEW C-FB DISTRICT STUDENT HANDBOOK
 

The following policies are specific to our campus and are printed in the Student Planner.  You may want to print out an MS Word document of the Student Planner Policies.

Policies are divided into four main categories:  academic policies, behavior policies, dress code, and safety & security policies.
Academic Policies Behavior Policies
Dress Code


Click images for larger pictures of acceptable dress.

Safety & Security Policies

ACADEMIC POLICIES
Includes Attendance, Computer Use, Grading, Homework, Progress, Testing

   ATTENDANCE / ABSENCES / WORK SENT HOME

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS - To earn credit in a course, state mandate requires that a student attend at least 90% of the days the class is offered.  Students cannot miss more than nine days each semester to meet the 90% requirement.  Students who do not meet the 90% requirement must attend summer school.

When absence occurs, the parent should notify the attendance office by telephone 972-968-3700, the day of the absence. A written note or email should be provided within 3 days of the absence.  If a student has a medical appointment, a school excuse from the doctor is required.  Illness causing more than 3 days of absence requires a Doctor’s note. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the missed assignments from teachers.

Please note: For extended absence or suspension (3 or more days), a parent can request that work from  teachers be sent home on the 3rd day.  Work is not sent home for 1 or 2 days of absence or suspension; the student receives that work from teachers upon return to school.  Work for students absent due to disciplinary suspension is not provided until after the student is allowed to return to school.

Make-up Work Due to Student Absence
Students shall have a time equal to the number of days absent from class to complete all missed assignments.  For example, if a student is absent two days, he receives two extra days to complete the work missed during the two-day absence.
 

   HOLIDAYS

We encourage families to review the school schedule and plan trips and vacations so students are not missing school.  Holidays for the 2007-2008 school year are:
 
September 3 (Mon) Labor Day Holiday
October 8 (Mon) Fair Day/Columbus Day
November 19-23 Fall Break / Thanksgiving
December 24-Jan 4 Winter Break
January 16-18 Early Release @ noon (Semester Exams)
January 21-22 (Mon-Tue) Student Holiday  / Teacher Workday
March 17-21 Spring Break
March 24 (Mon) Bad Weather Day #1
May 23 (Fri) Bad Weather Day #2
May 26 (Mon) Memorial Day Holiday
June 3-5 Early Release @ noon (Final Exams)
Last day of school is Thursday, June 5
 
You may view the school's full dates & events calendars from any of our webpages by clicking on the Calendar link in the box at the top of each page.

   COMPUTER USE

Barbara Bush Middle School provides students with networked computer labs and Internet access.  District policy forbids students from using the Internet unless immediately supervised by an adult.  Students may only access sites approved by a teacher; a district filter limits access to inappropriate sites.  Student accounts may be suspended for improper use.

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   GRADING POLICY

Grades are developed according to District Policy.  Nine-weeks grades are given as follows:
  • 60% of grade is based on summative activities such as major projects and tests.
  • 40% of grade is based on formative activities such as homework, class work, quizzes, and class participation.
  • A minimum of 9 grades are used to assess student performance, and at least 3 of these are summative grades.
  • Semester finals are 20% of the final semester average.

Three proactive procedures all schools must follow regarding nine-week grading:

  • Teachers must give students a summative assessment once each three weeks.
  • Progress reports must be sent home each three weeks. (See Progress Report Schedule).
  • Teacher may not assign a summative assessment project during the last week of the grading period.

Follow this link the the BBMS Grading Policy in MSWord format for more details on grading.
 

   HOMEWORK PROGRAM

Research shows that properly constructed and assigned homework results in significant gains in student achievement because it extends learning beyond the school day. 

Students do not do homework in class.  Assume students alway have 60-75 minutes of homework, reading, or studying to do every night.  Band and orchestra students are expected to practice their instruments every evening for 30 minutes.  The Student Planner should have notes about homework or project deadlines.  Studying, not just homework, should be a daily habit:

  • Review class notes
  • Work on practice exercises for areas of difficulty
  • Read sections of a chapter that were covered in class
  • Read a library book

Students and parents can expect to see three (3) types of homework assignments:

  • Preparation - background information for next day's class
  • Practice - knowledge/skills students have learned in class
    [Worksheets, questions/problems from textbook, writing, band/orchestra practice cards]
  • Projects - Apply knowledge, extend learning, creative assessment

Parents can best help their child by knowing what the homework assignment is and by providing a good environment to work in.  For students to be successful with homework, parents can:

  • Provide an uncluttered, quiet place to do homework.
  • Provide a schedule for completing homework that fits the type of assignments given.  [If your child seems to be spending too much time on homework, please contact us.]
  • Give periodic encouragement and prompting.  It is not a good idea to sit with a child and help with homework; students need to work alone and apply what was learned in class.  [If your child cannot complete most work alone, please contact the teacher.]

Teachers like to see that an adult has checked a child's completed homework.  Completed assignments should be reviewed before the child puts them away.  For band or orchestra students, the adult can be the audience while the child plays pieces he/she has been practicing.

Regular homework assignments are expected to be finished and ready to hand in for the next class day.

  • Students receive a 0 (zero) for a missing assignment.
  • Everyone turns something in.  Students without assigned homework write an explanation on a sheet of paper about why the assignment is missing.
  • Project assignments have progressive deadlines and grades for various activities.

Follow this link to the BBMS Homework Program in MSWord format for complete details.
 

   LATE WORK POLICY - None Accepted

No late work is accepted for formative assignments.  Work completed at the end of the period is graded as is and the grade stands.

Summative assignments are accepted one day late with a reduction of 15 points or two days late with a reduction of 30 points.  After the second day, no credit is given for a late summative assignment and a grade of zero is recorded in the grade book.

Please review the BBMS Grading Policy for details on Late Work.
 

   PROGRESS REPORTS & REPORT CARDS

At the end of every 3-week and 6-week cycle, a computer-generated Progress Report is sent home with every student to notify them and their parents of their status.   Parents sign the report & return it to school.  Upon return of a signed report, the student receives a second copy for parents to keep.  Dates for sending home Progress Reports are posted on this school website and displayed on the school marquee outside the building.

At the end of every 9-week grading period, each student receives a computer-generated Report Card that contains information for parents regarding their child's academic achievement, conduct, and absences.  Report cards are issued on the Friday following the end of a 9-week grading period.  Parents sign the report card & return it to school.  Upon return of a signed card, the advisory teacher gives the student a second copy for parents to keep. 

Nine-Week Period Date Report Cards Sent Home
Aug 27 - Oct 31 Friday, November 2, 2007
Nov 1 - Jan 18 Friday, January 25, 2008
Jan 23 - April 4 Friday, April 11, 2008
April 7 - June 5 Mailed home by June 13, 2008

   PROMOTION, RETENTION & AWARD OF CREDIT

In grades 6-8, promotion to the next grade is based on the following three criteria:

  • A student must maintain an overall average of 70% in three core subjects (math, science, language arts, social studies).
  • A student must pass his/her TAKS tests.
  • A student must be present for 90% of the school year.

Summer school is mandatory for students who do not meet these requirements.
 

   TESTING - RETESTS

If a student fails a test or other summative assessment, the student has the opportunity to improve the grade to a maximum grade of 70.  It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher to retake tests. 
 

   TESTING - SEMESTER EXAMS

All semester exams are comprehensive of material covered on major assessments and tests throughout the semester and count 20% of the semester grade.  A portion of the exam (20%) is in essay form and is given 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester.  The remaining 80% is in a form determined by the teacher.  Exams are given in all subjects, including electives.  Because of the difficulty of these exams, no more than 3 are given in one day. Students are released early from school during these exam days.

It is important that students not be absent for any reason during these exam dates:
     January 16, 17, 18, 2008 and June 3, 4, 5, 2008.

Students must be clear of all fees or outstanding money/materials, including textbooks and library books, owed the school before being able to take their final exams.
 

   TAKS TESTING

The State of Texas requires students to take the Texas Assessment of Knowledge & Skills Test (TAKS) during the year.  Test dates are:
  • 7th grade Writing - February 19, 2008
  • 8th grade Reading – February 19, 2008
  • 8th grade Math - April 8, 2008
  • 6th & 7th grade Math - April 29, 2008
  • 6th & 7th grade Reading - April 30, 2008  (8g retest)
  • 8th grade Science - May 1, 2008
  • 8th grade US History - May 2, 2008
  • 8g retests for Math - May 13, July 1; 8g retest for Reading - July 2

Students who do not pass any single TAKS test are required to attend Summer School.
 

   TUTORIALS

Tutorials are provided before school for students needing individual re-teaching or retesting. Teachers stamp the student's planner when required to attend tutorials.  Only students with a stamp in their planner are admitted through the hallway doors between 8:00 and 8:20am.  Students attending tutorials may not visit their lockers and must remain in the tutorial room until 8:40.

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BEHAVIOR POLICIES
Includes Bus, Cafeteria, Citations, Make Your Day, Planners, Tardies

   BUS RULES

Students who are eligible to ride a bus are required to return a completed Bus Rider Card to their bus driver within the first week of school.  Students who do not follow bus guidelines are subject to disciplinary action including possible removal from the bus.

The following are inappropriate behaviors on the bus subject to disciplinary action:

  1. Disrespectful or uncooperative behavior towards driver
  2. Boarding or departing the bus at a stop other than the assigned stop
    (based on where the student resides)
  3. Refusal to sit in assigned seat or denying another person a place to sit
  4. Refusal to remain seated while bus is moving; failure to follow safety rules concerning sitting properly on the bus (feet on the floor and out of bus aisle)
  5. Throwing items within the bus or through the bus window; extending items or body parts out of the window
  6. Taking or handling emergency equipment or door handle; exiting through emergency door
  7. Distracting driver with screaming, whistling, shouting, or any loud noise making
  8. Writing upon, destroying, or disfiguring any part of the school bus
  9. Scuffling or fighting on bus
  10. Using profanity,  inappropriate language, or gestures
  11. Striking matches or using any form of tobacco
  12. Littering, eating or drinking on the bus

Consequences of improper conduct on bus:
Step 1 & 2  - Warning, Conduct Report signed by a parent
Step 3 - Bus privileges denied for 5 days
Step 4 - Bus privileges denied for 10 days
Step 5 - Bus privileges denied for 20 days
Step 6 - Bus privileges denied for remainder of year

(These consequences may have been amended by Transportation following publication of our school handbook.)  The building administrator has the authority to skip steps for serious violations.

Riding with friends - Students who are eligible to ride a bus (based on their address) and need to ride a different bus for a one-time situation may do so with a note from a parent signed by an administrator. This must be done prior to 3:00 pm.

NOTE:  Students not eligible to ride a bus (based on their address) may not ride any bus for any reason at any time and may be subject to disciplinary action. This is an insurance and liability issue for the district's transportation department.
 

   CAFETERIA GUIDELINES:  Breakfast & Lunch

Students are expected to use cafeteria facilities in a respectful and appropriate manner.  Seating charts may be used at the discretion of the Administration and Staff/Monitors.  Student movement may be restricted to control the flow of the large number of students.

Students are expected to:

  • Have no more than 8 students seated at a table
  • Appropriately handle food items & dining materials
  • Not bother or handle other students' plates/food
  • Not engage in game playing (i.e. cards, arm wrestling, etc.)
  • Maintain a clean table and floor area.
  • Maintain appropriate voice levels (as if in a restaurant or home) and keep conversation to the table at which seated
  • Ask permission from staff to leave cafeteria to use restroom facilities
  • Follow all directives from staff, including the picking up of items, without argument

Students should get all needed items while in the food court.  Once students leave the food court and enter the seating area, they may not return to the food court.  Once seated at a table, students remain seated and must ask permission before getting up from the table. 

LUNCH PARTIES - Parents are discouraged from having parties during lunch.  This causes disruptions in an environment already challenging to maintain, and may cause students not involved in the celebration to possibly feel left out. Lunch parties are not typical in middle school.

Convenience foods brought for students remain in the office and are not delivered to the student in the classroom.  It is the student’s responsibility to come to the office to obtain the meal at lunchtime.   This should only occur on special occasions and not on a frequent basis.
 

   DANCES

Barbara Bush Middle School sponsors two dances during the school year - a Fall Dance and a Spring Dance.  Dance Permission forms are required for entry and contain behavior and dress code expectations.  Dances are restricted to students currently enrolled in BBMS.  After arriving, a student may not leave until the dance is over, unless with a parent.  Parents should pick up their child promptly at the end of the dance.
 

   DISORDERLY CONDUCT & CITATIONS

The campus has jurisdiction over its students during the school day as well as evening and weekend school-related activities.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - DISRUPTION OF LEARNING
Students found guilty of behavior that constitutes disorderly conduct or disruption of learning may be subject to a citation by our Irving Police Dept School Resource Officer.  Disorderly conduct is defined as any behavior that is non-compliant, may be verbally abusive, and causes a disruption of the school environment (cafe, gym, hall, or classroom).  This includes a student yelling or screaming in anger at another person, the use of profanity, behavior that repeatedly disrupts the classroom instruction, or a physical altercation. This behavior may be between student & adult or student & student.

TICKETS - The following offenses may be referred to the School Resource Officer for recommendation of issuance of a citation (ticket) as they are criminal offenses. At BBMS these behaviors are not tolerated in the school environment and have school consequences in addition to the citation.

  • Classroom Disruption (see above)
  • Criminal Mischief (vandalism)
  • Disruption of school transportation (bus behavior)
  • Fighting or Assault
  • Possession of tobacco/alcohol/drugs
  • Profanity
  • Theft or Robbery
  • Any other criminal offense deemed inappropriate

   FIGHTING

Barbara Bush Middle School has ZERO TOLERANCE for fighting on campus.  Students fighting on campus are subject to a minimum of 2 days home suspension as well as a referral to the Irving Police Department for possible issuance of a citation.  Citations range from $400-$500.  BOTH PARTIES ARE PENALIZED regardless of who initiated contact.  One person hitting first does not give the other student the right to hit back.

Conflict problems are expected to be resolved through non-violent methods.  Students should refer difficulties to the Counseling Office for assistance.
 

   HALL PASSES

TEACHERS decide whether a student may leave the classroom for any reason.  All teachers have a standardized hall pass where the student's name and destination are recorded.  Students in hallways without a hall pass are considered to be skipping class and have chosen Step 5.

Students are expected to take care of personal needs during pass periods.  This includes restroom visits and getting materials out of lockers.
 

   MAKE YOUR DAY SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Make Your Day is a citizenship and discipline program which encourages everyone involved to become responsible for their own behavior.  The Make Your Day philosophy is based on one premise: no one has the right to interfere with the learning, safety, or well being of others.

Each day, students are asked to follow our school expectations so all students have the opportunity to learn in a positive, caring atmosphere.  Students are given the opportunity to make choices, and then to take responsibility for their choices, to self-evaluate and self-correct.

The foundation of Make Your Day:

  1. All students are capable of success.
  2. Making appropriate choices at school, coupled with open communication between home and school will generate student success.
  3. Parents must be directly involved in their students' behavioral and academic process.

Students have the ability to make choices at several levels to redirect their behavior towards more positive actions.  When the student chooses, a parent is asked to come to the school and offer assistance.  Students reflect upon and evaluate their choices at the end of each class period.  At the end of each day, students communicate with home and school about their daily progress.

Make Your Day gives students the opportunity to develop their decision making skills and experience the consequences of their own actions.  The program is divided into two parts:  points (citizenship)and steps (discipline).  The following is a brief synopsis of the Make Your Day Self-Management Program.

POINTS - Students have the opportunity to earn points in each class period.  Students must earn about 95% of the total points for one day in order to Make their Day.  Students earn points by not interfering with the learning, safety, or well-being of others and by doing what is expected.  Students self-assess during each class and verbally award themselves points, then record the points in their planners.

During a day with a regular schedule, 410 points are possible.  In order to Make their Day students must earn 400 out of the 410 possible points.  School days with different schedules will have different point totals to match the amount of classes students have that day.

Students who do not earn enough points to Make their Day take home a notice with their own explanation as to why they did not earn enough points to Make their Day.  Each morning offers the student the opportunity to start afresh; every day is a new day.

STEPS - Steps provide the student a place to reflect on the behavior that allowed them to choose Steps.  Students that successfully complete Steps return to their classroom work immediately following the exit conference.

Step 1:  While on Step 1, a student sits in a chair facing away from the learning activity for a few minutes.  The child is asked to reflect on the misbehavior.

Step 2:  While on Step 2, a student stands facing away from the learning activity.  The child is expected to communicate the effects of their misbehavior on others.

Step 3:  While on Step 3, a student stands facing away from the learning activity while reading the school expectation.

Step 4:  Student has requested an immediate conference with his/her parent and teacher.  Student calls parent and requests to conference immediately at school.  Student remains in an alternate classroom (Buddy Room) until parent arrives.  Upon arrival, student, teacher and parent discuss student actions which led to Step 4.  The parent decides if the student is ready to return to class.  The student must return and progress successfully down through Steps 3-2-1.  If the parent believes their student will be unable to successfully complete the required steps, the student goes home and the conference is rescheduled for the next day.

ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS OF MAKE YOUR DAY PROGRAM

  • Concerns - An opportunity for students and teachers to help other students address behaviors.  Concerns are designed to assess citizenship and to let students and teachers non-judgmentally address interfering behaviors in others.  Teachers may address students who are not meeting expectations.
  • Recourse - When a student feels a teacher has mistakenly allowed them to choose steps, recourse is an opportunity for the student to share his/her perspective on how he/she did meet expectations to avoid interfering with another person's learning.
  • Shadowing - If a student chooses to tease, talk to, or otherwise interact with another student who is on steps, that student has chosen to join the student on that particular step.
  • Automatic Step 4 - Behaviors that indicate a student's choice for an Automatic Step 4 include:
    • Dress code violations and ID badge violations
    • Leaving steps without an exit conference
    • Walking away from staff when asked to choose steps
    • Public display of affection
    • Shadowing a Step 4
    • Interfering with a Step 4 conference.
  • Step 5 / Automatic Step 5 - Any student who violates a CFB District policy that results in suspension.  These are outlined in the Student Handbook.  Behaviors that indicate a student's choice for a Step 5/Automatic Step 5 include:
    • Horseplay or any "games" that results in physical contact, including hitting, slapping, flicking, play fighting, slap boxing, knuckle games, "licks," "lashes," "necks," pushing, shoving, kicking, or tripping.  Keep hands & feet to yourself!
    • Verbal confrontation when aggressive or directed at a person
    • Drug, alcohol, and weapon offenses
    • Extreme tardiness regarded as truancy
    • Student becomes uncooperative or disruptive in a Buddy Room.  Parent or guardian is requested to immediately pick up child at school.  Student cannot return to school without a Step 4 conference

For more information about the Make Your Day Program at BBMS, please email Mrs. Rhonda Shepard or call her office at 972-968-3726.
 

   PLANNER GUIDELINES

Barbara Bush Middle School has established the Student Planner as a means of assisting parents, teachers, and students to increase communication and to work together to improve student responsibility.  The Planner allows students to keep up with due dates for assignments and teachers to communicate with parents.  Parents are encouraged to write notes to the teacher and create two-way communication.  We also ask that parents periodically review planners with their children and discuss areas that can be worked on as well as give rewards and praise to students who are meeting goals.  Students are expected to have their own planner in their possession AT ALL TIMES

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS - Students are expected to write down all homework and project assignments and due dates in their planners. Teachers provide a portion of class time for students to complete this task.

LOST PLANNERS - Students are expected to purchase another planner within a week after their planner is lost.  If the original lost planner is found, students are expected to turn it in to Student Services.  Students cannot have two planners at any time.

MAKE YOUR DAY POINTS - Each week of the Student Planner provides an area to tally points earned in each class through the Make Your Day Program.  We ask parents to periodically review that their child is Making His/Her Day through responsible behavior.
 

   TARDIES

Attendance is taken seven times per day, during the first 5 minutes of each class period.  Tardies are viewed as a disruption to the classroom.  Students are considered tardy if they are not inside the classroom when the bell rings, or do not return from lunch with the rest of the class.

Students must arrive to school and be in 1st period by 8:50 or they are considered tardy.  The only situations that do not result in an unexcused tardy are:

  • Doctor/Dentist appointment (with note from doctor)
  • Student illness (with note from a parent)

The following reasons are considered an unexcused tardy even though they may be out of the student’s control:

  • Traffic
  • Carpool/ride late picking up
  • Car trouble
  • Oversleeping

Students who are late to class are choosing Step 1.  Habitual tardies can result in Step Contracts.  Students tardy more than 5 minutes into class are considered truant and and are choosing an Automatic Step 5.  Referral to Student Services is necessary.

If a teacher needs to hold a student after class, a pass is written for that student admitting them to their next class so they are not counted tardy.  Passes must be obtained before entering the next class or it is considered a tardy.

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DRESS CODE
Includes Standardized Dress, Grooming, and ID Badges

   STANDARDIZED DRESS

All clothing items and student grooming must meet the district’s dress and grooming policy, which can be found online in the C-FB STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT.

Barbara Bush Middle School follows a "standardized" dress code.

  • Solid, long or short sleeved Red, White or Navy Blue shirts:
    1. T-shirts, collared Polo style shirts, or hoodless sweatshirts; no tank tops or sleeveless shirts permitted.
    2. Must overlap waistband by at least 4" but not longer than fingers when extended down leg.  Oversized or extra long shirts, including Tall-T's are not permitted.
    3. No non-Bush logos larger than 2 x 2 inches
    4. Any shirt worn under a standard shirt must be solid red, white, or navy-blue and cannot extend beyond the outside shirt.  Sweaters or hoodless sweatshirts worn over a standard shirt must be solid red, white or navy-blue.
  • Navy Blue or Khaki pants, capris, or shorts:
    1. Fit at waist & crotch.  Oversized, baggy, or saggy pants, not worn at waist are not permitted.
    2. Properly hemmed, cuffed, or stitched
    3. Not longer than bottom of shoe's heel; pant legs may not drag the floor.
    4. Not shorter than 4" from top of knee
    5. NO large outside pockets stitched to the outside of the pants, such as cargo pants.
  • Navy Blue or Khaki skirts or skorts:
    1. Fit at the waist
    2. Not shorter than 4" from top of knee & at or below fingers when extended straight down side of leg.  This includes the highest point of slits in skirts.  Pulling down skirts or shorts to meet the length requirement at a standing still position is not accepted if at any point in the day movement causes the attire to rise to a point above acceptable limits.

Parents with questions about dress or families who may need financial assistance can call the school @ 972-968-3700.

Administrator decisions regarding appropriateness of items worn to school is final, including color, style, and length of item.

Students may NOT wear the following items:

  1. Clothing that is lewd, offensive, vulgar, obscene, or that promotes violence, death, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
  2. Grooming or attire that disrupts learning, or that could cause injury, or that could be used as a weapon.
  3. Ripped, torn, frayed,  or cut-off clothing.
  4. See-through, tight or revealing clothing.  Students with stomach, cleavage, or undergarments exposed, including visible bra straps, are in violation even if it can be "covered up" after the fact; mere exposure during school is cause for violation
  5. Items not worn as intended such as overall straps unattached, pant legs pushed up under the knee rather than down at the ankles, pant legs folded up in a large cuff, not "even" on both sides (ex: pant legs and shirt sleeves must be BOTH up or down), or clothes worn backwards.
  6. Hats, caps, bandanas, skull caps, sweatbands, head scarves (with religious exceptions) and other head dress of any nature are not permitted.  Bandanas or items made of bandana patterns are forbidden, and will be confiscated and not returned.
  7. Extreme or overly long jewelry including medallions larger than a quarter, multiple chains, or utility chains used as jewelry or attached to clothing for other purposes, such as securing wallets.
  8. Belts worn in a manner where the end is not secured within the belt loops of the pants and extends below the waist area.
  9. Items inappropriate to be worn inside such as coats, jackets, hooded sweatshirts, gloves or sunglasses.  These items must remain in lockers during school hours.  Long trench-style coats or oversized bulky coats are prohibited on campus.
  10. Mismatched shoes or shoe laces.
  11. Items not intended to be worn to school such as house shoes, slippers, flip flops, or pajamas.

Athletic uniforms that are temporarily issued to students and are the property of the school are to be worn only  during competition games and on special recognition spirit days.  School items such as warm ups & jerseys are not intended to be worn during a normal school day.

GROOMING GUIDELINES:

  1. Hair must be clean and neat & a natural color, including streaks (i.e. no purple, orange, etc.).  Hair must be evenly cut, not covering the eyes, and not excessively tall in height.  Boys' hair may not be longer than the shoulders.  Symbols, numbers, or letters may not be shaved or cut into the hair or eyebrows.
  2. "Loose" items such as combs, picks, and pencils may not be worn inserted in the hair.  This includes glasses not worn on top of the head.
  3. No lipstick, eye or facial make-up that is extreme or distracting (i.e. black lipstick, glitter, etc.).  No items applied to facial area, tongue, or any visible body area, such as safety pins, nose/eyebrow rings, spacers, decals, stickers, temporary tattoos, or decorative "stones".  This includes writing on the hands, arm, or facial area.  No writing on hands, arms, or facial area (except for religious reasons).

Students with questionable dress code violations are sent to Administration where the final decision is made.  Regardless of the decision, the student is provided a written notice in their planner to notify teachers of the decision throughout the day, in case of further questions.

Administration reserves the right to require students to change into alternate clothing if parents are unable to bring an appropriate change of clothes.
 

   ID BADGES

For safety and security purposes, the district requires all middle school students to wear a school-issued ID Badge & lanyard on campus at all times.  Badges must be worn with the picture visible to others and cannot be altered in any fashion with drawings, stickers, or other added items.  Badges may not be altered in any fashion with drawings, stickers, or other added items.  Badges may not be damaged in any manner, including bent corners or chew marks.  Students may not wear another student's ID badge.

Students without their ID Badge for the day are expected to report to the Temporary ID Badge Station in the morning between 8:00-8:40.  Temporary ID badges cost $1.00.  After 4 temporary ID badges are charged, parents are called to clear the student's account

Lost ID badges/lanyards should be paid for & replaced before the start of the next school day.  Replacement ID Badges are $3 and lanyards are $2.

ID Badge violations or students without an ID Badge at any time during the day are choosing an Automatic Step 4.

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SAFETY & SECURITY POLICIES
Includes Arriving at School, Backpacks, Cell/School Phones, Lockers, Medication, Prohibited Items, Supervision, Visitors

   ARRIVING AT SCHOOL & BREAKFAST

The building is not open until 7:45 a.m.  Students arriving at school enter the building through the cafeteria patio door--not the front door.   At 8:00 the cafeteria begins serving breakfast, and non-breakfast students move from the cafeteria to the gym.  Breakfast students move immediately to the gym after completing breakfast.  Breakfast is served 8:00 - 8:30am.

Once students report to the gym, they are not allowed to leave.  Students remain in the gym until dismissed at 8:40, when they proceed to their locker and then to their first class. 

Students who need to go to tutorials between 8:00 - 8:20 am must have a tutorial stamp in their planner to be allowed into the classroom hallways.  Students are not permitted to go to lockers or to be wandering any halls between 8:00 and 8:40 am.
 

   BACKPACKS / BOOKBAGS

Backpacks may only contain textbooks, library books, notebooks, and lunch sacks and may only be used to carry books to and from home and school.  Due to safety issues, book bags, shoe bags, sling bags and backpacks cannot be taken into classrooms, the media center, or the cafeteria during lunch.  Purses must be carried, not worn across the back.  Lockers with combination locks are provided for students' storage of items.  Students are to remove all books from the bag before storing it in their lockers.  This prevents the lockers from jamming.  The school is not responsible for unauthorized items.
 

   CELLULAR PHONES / SCHOOL TELEPHONES

Students are not permitted to use a cellular phone during the school day while on campus (8:00-4:00).  Those found in violation are taken up, returned only to a parent & charged a $15 fee (cash only).  Students found misusing phones may also be subject to disciplinary consequences.  During school hours, parents and students may communicate with each other via the school phone system.  For student safety & security during hours the school office is closed, students may then use a cell phone.

Students are not allowed to use the office phone for personal calls except in cases of emergency or with permission from a staff member.  Students who receive permission from a teacher to use the phone during class must have a pass from the teacher. 

Students are not allowed to use the phone between classes.  Transportation arrangements should be made prior to coming to school; therefore, students should not need to use the telephone after school.
 

   DELIVERIES AT SCHOOL

Only school related items are delivered immediately to students.  Lunch items such as convenience foods or birthday cakes are kept in the office for the student to pick up at lunch time.  Other items such as flowers or balloons are accepted in the office where the student can obtain them at the end of the school day.

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   EARRINGS

Earrings may not be worn in the gym during athletic activities, including athletic team practices and games, and physical education classes.
 

   FOOD / DRINK

No open food/drink items are allowed in classrooms or hallways, and will be confiscated and thrown away. It is not necessary for students to be actually eating or drinking these items; it is the mere possession of these open items that is in violation of school policy.

By Texas State Law, carbonated soft drinks & candy cannot be sold on campus so vending machines are not available to students.
 

   LEAVING SCHOOL (prior to 3:50)

If it is necessary for a student to leave school, a parent must come inside to the attendance office to sign the student out.  The student is called to the office when the parent arrives; students are not allowed to wait in the office for the parent to arrive.  Upon returning during the school day, the parent must come inside and sign the student back in through the attendance office.

It is against the law to release students to any person who is not a legal guardian.  Students are not allowed to leave with an adult not listed on the student’s registration card unless the attendance office is notified by the parent/guardian.
 

   LOCKERS

Each student is provided with a locker for the storage of school supplies and textbooks.  Students should use only  the locker they have been assigned.  Do not allow other students to have access to your locker or locker combination.  The school is not responsible for privately owned items stored on school property. Cameras, laser pointers, radios, CD/cassette players, video games, skateboards, rollerblades, card collections, beepers, cellular telephones, and other valuables are not to be brought to school and should not be stored in lockers.  In the athletic/PE locker room areas, students must use the combination locker provided by the coaches.

THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ITEMS THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY LOCKED IN LOCKERS. Any problems with hallway lockers should be reported immediately to the Reception/Attendance area and athletic locker problems should be reported to a coach.

In order to maintain their good condition, no items are to be attached to or displayed on the inside or outside walls of the locker.  Decorating lockers is an inappropriate use of school property.  This includes items such as posters, signs, stickers, pictures, hooks, mirrors and tape.

Only sealed food items that are required for lunch are appropriate to store in lockers. Opened chips bags and drink containers cause food particles and crumbs to be spilled inside lockers creating an unsanitary environment. 

Lockers are the sole property of Barbara Bush Middle School and under the jurisdiction of the school, notwithstanding the fact that they are assigned to individual students.  The school retains all rights and privileges to open, inspect, reassign, and to confiscate contraband which may be in violation of school policies or state law.
 

   MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

ALL medication, prescription or non-prescription, MUST be in the original container, properly labeled, and left in the clinic during the school day.  Students are not allowed to be in possession of or administer medication without the knowledge of the clinic.  This includes non-prescription items such as aspirin, medicated lotion, sore throat/cough lozenges, and vitamins.  Although some of these items may be viewed as harmless, it is left to the determination of clinic personnel to verify and monitor the appropriate use of these items.  Students are also prohibited from giving other students any portion of their medication. 
 

   PROHIBITED ITEMS

Besides the obvious illegal items of weapons, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, there are other items that are prohibited from being brought onto campus. Such items will be confiscated and turned in to Student Services.
  • Aerosol cans - due to the potential danger of aerosol sprays, students are forbidden to possess any aerosol spray cans (i.e., hair spray, deodorant, cologne, etc) on school property, at school events, at extracurricular events, and on school buses.  Aerosol items are confiscated, thrown away and possible disciplinary action may be given.
  • Bandanas/skull caps/hats
  • Cameras
  • Utility chains – wallet or necklaces
  • Communication devices (pagers and cellular phones)
  • Glass-containers - Items in glass containers may break and create a safety problem, even if carried in a purse.  This includes items such as perfume and nail polish.  All items will be confiscated and only returned to a parent.
  • Laser pointers
  • Lighters, matches, or flammable/incendiary devices
  • Magazines, photo albums or other personal items nonessential to learning that may cause disruption
  • Music players such as CD/tape/radio players
  • Skateboards or Rollerblades or Scooters - District policy prevents the use of these items on school property before, during, and after school hours.
  • Spiked wristbands, necklaces or chains
  • Toys & games such as stuffed animals, cards, cars, balls, yo-yos, and dice.

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   SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)

To assist in providing a safe learning environment for students and teachers, a School Resource Officer from the Irving Police Dept. is assigned to BBMS.  The SRO's role is to work jointly with administration as much as allowable, but the SRO also may need to work independently as an officer of the law.  The SRO has the same authority to question students about events as an Administrator or teacher.  Parents are not required to be notified prior to any questioning of students by the SRO.  It is improper for any Administrator or teacher to interfere with a police investigation.  Citations issued by the SRO are independent and separate from school consequences and authority.
 

   SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS

Students are under district supervision from 8:00 am to 4:10 pm, or until the last public school bus picks up students.  Supervision for after-school and weekend campus-sponsored activities ends 15 minutes after the activity ends.  Parents are expected to pick up their students immediately after the end of the activity.  Students on campus later than 15 minutes after the event will be banned from all future after-school activities, even if a participant.
 

   VISITORS

Parents of students are welcome to visit the school and learn more about their child’s educational setting, but strict security procedures must be enforced. 
  • Visitors must report to the office and have their driver's license or state-issued ID scanned for security purposes.
  • Visitors approved to be in the building are issued a Visitor Badge to be displayed at all times.  Visitors without district or school issued ID will not be allowed in the building.
  • Parents must have prior approval by Administration or the teacher before entering classroom areas.
  • Non-family members/friends are not allowed to visit a student during the school day or lunch time for social purposes.

To maintain building security and student safety, faculty and students must NOT open any outside door for any person attempting to enter the building.  Morning entry before 8:50am is through the cafeteria patio doors; after 8:50am, all persons entering the building must use the front entry and check in at the office.
 

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Page Updated May, 2008
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