Handbook

Rules and regulations are established for the safety and well being of all. Students will behave in a manner conducive to the best possible educational environment. They will avoid any behavior that is harmful to the educational environment of fellow students or themselves.

Staff members have legal authority over students while traveling to and from school and during any school-sponsored activity off campus. Therefore, all school rules apply to students going to and from school.

Students and parents should remember the administration reserves the right to establish special discipline procedures to meet special circumstances.

Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) is an approach to supporting student success in school. PBIS was developed from research in the fields of behavior theory and effective instruction. PBIS supports all students through intervention, ranging from a school-wide system to a system for developing individualized plans for specific students. School-wide PBIS focuses on the development and implementation of proactive procedures and practices to prevent problem behavior for all students and improve school climate.

Three Simple Rules

Having a few simple, positively stated rules facilitates the teaching of behavioral expectations across school settings because students will be learning through the same language. By focusing on three simple rules (Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful), it is easier for students to remember. Instruction focusing on a few simple rules will improve teaching and consistency.

Positively stated rules are important. Research has shown that recognizing students for following the rules is even more important than catching them breaking the rules. By stating rules positively, the hope is that staff will be more likely to use the rules to catch students engaging in the appropriate behavior.

The Behavioral Expectations Matrix that follows uses our three simple rules to identify specific behavioral expectations across all school settings.

 

 

 

 

Students are reminded that the computers and iPads on campus are to be used for educational purposes only. All students must have a current and signed technology permission slip on file before being allowed to use any computer. The Internet is available for research only and not for personal email, chats or other messaging.

Tampering with computers/iPads is not acceptable; this includes any affected hardware, installing or deleting applications, changing system configurations and program settings (such as passwords), and modifying or moving files. Students will be subject to disciplinary action.

What to do during class:  Stay on the apps your teacher has approved/assigned. During class discussion and/or instruction, close or flip over your iPad unless otherwise instructed. Be a responsible, safe digital citizen. If you see something, say something. The Kennedy Mobile Manager (MDM) must remain installed at all times

What to do outside of class: If you are not in a supervised classroom, your iPad needs to be in your backpack before school, after school and during brunch and lunch.

What NOT to do:  Do NOT access your personal email or social networking sites including, but not limited to FaceTime, texting apps, iMessage, etc. You may not film or photograph others, unless they have given you permission. You may not use your iPad during brunch or lunch unless you are in the library.

Take extra steps to protect your iPad: When outside of a classroom, keep your iPad in your backpack; know where your backpack is at all times. Do not let anyone else use your iPad without your consent. Do not give your iPad to anyone or share your password with others.

Update apps regularly and save battery. Apps will work best when they are updated. You can manually update apps by clicking on the App Store > Updates. If your battery is running low you can opt to manually select apps to update. You can adjust your apps' background activity in Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

Understand sites’ privacy policies. Internet sites should spell out your rights to review and delete your information.

Report unwelcome or malicious online threats. Report any online interactions that can be considered threatening to the proper authorities at school in a timely fashion.

Cell Phone/Smartwatch Usage

Cell phones must be turned OFF and secured in a student's backpack. Smartwatches should be silent and placed in a mode where they can not receive calls or messages during the school day. Teachers may use their discretion to ask students to remove smartwatches in class if necessary.  A violation of these rules may result in the phone or watch being confiscated from the student and kept in the office for the remainder of the school day. Subsequent violations may result in the phone or watch being confiscated and kept for parent pickup. Multiple violations of this rule result in student disciplinary action.

During the school day, the office telephone is restricted to students for emergencies such as injury or illness. Students may use the office phone after school for non-emergencies. Parents are asked to use the main office phone to communicate with their student during the school day and wait until after school for cell phone use including text messaging.

Headphone Usage

Students are not to wear headphones at school unless they are used for educational purposes with permission. Wearing headphones during passing periods, brunch, and lunch is not permitted.

 

Absences

The Board of Education believes that regular attendance is critical to student success in school and recognizes its responsibility under the law to ensure that students attend school regularly. Please review the district’s attendance policy in the Opening Day Packet.

By Education Code statute, excused absences are only those related to illness, injury, funerals,religious reasons or necessary visits to a physician, dentist or optometrist. All other absences are legally defined as unexcused. Any documentation related to absences must be provided to the office. 

Parents/Guardians are required to call the school office (not the teachers) before 9:00 a.m. each day the student will be late or absent. The Kennedy absence reporting line is 408-253-1525 ext. 6 and email is office_kennedy@cusdk8.org.

Excused Absences

Students who are absent from school and marked excused based on school/District determination, the student shall be given the opportunity to complete all assignments and tests that can be reasonably provided. As determined by the teacher, the assignments and tests shall be equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the assignments and tests missed during the absence.  Students shall receive full credit for work satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time. No student may have a grade reduced or lose academic credit for any excused absence when missed assignments and tests are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time. Such notification shall include the full text of Education Code 48205.  (Education Code 48980)

Unexcused Absences

Due to the collaborative, dynamic nature of in-class learning, some or all activities and assignments may not be available for students to make up at home or at school. Teachers will determine which assignments are graded, not graded, considered incomplete or excused.

Teachers are not expected to provide materials in advance of unexcused student absences. Students (or parents in primary grades) are responsible for contacting teachers upon return or accessing digital platforms used in class to receive missed assignments. 

Absences Due to Family Travel and Vacations

The District does not support the practice of taking trips/vacations on school days.  Absences due to travel and vacation are unexcused. For special circumstances, please reach out to the Principal and office staff directly. 

Excessive Absences

When a student has had SEVEN illness related absences during the course of the school year, a physician must verify any further absence for illness. 

Students who are excessively absent, delayed, tardy or truant may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

SARB/Truancy Process

• Students will receive a first warning of truancy when they accrue three unexcused same period absences or tardies of 30 minutes or more.

• Students will receive a second warning of habitually truant when they accrue five unexcused absences or tardies of 30 minutes or more.

• Students will be declared habitually truant when they accrue ten unexcused same period absences or tardies of 30 minutes or more and may be referred to SARB.

Arriving Late

Students arriving late to school, for any reason, must report to the office for an admit to class slip. If a student arrives late due to a medical/dental appointment, a doctor’s note is required to be considered excused.

Delay (late less than 30 minutes): An interruption due to a delay represents a loss of teaching and learning time. All delays are unexcused unless accompanied by a note from the office or another teacher and are accumulated each semester. Consequences for delays are as follows:

• Friday school for every five delays to any combination of classes.

Tardy (late 30 minutes or more): Interruptions due to tardy arrivals represent a loss of valuable teaching and learning time. All tardies are considered unexcused unless accompanied by a note from the office or another teacher excusing the tardy. Consequences for tardies are as follows:

• Students will receive one courtesy warning for the first half of the year and one for the second half of the year.

• Students may be assigned Friday school and/or a lunch detention for the second tardy.

• Students with excessive tardies will be declared Truant (Education Code 48260). A truancy letter will be mailed home.

First Day of School

Students are expected to be in attendance on the first day of school. If a student is absent on the first day of school, the parent/guardian must contact the school as soon as possible to report the reason for the absence. Extended family vacation/travel is considered an unexcused absence.

Students who have an unexcused absence on the first day of school will need to re-enroll and the District cannot guarantee placement at the current school site.

Homework for Absentees

Students are responsible for communicating with their teachers when they return to school to review what they missed, work out a schedule to turn in missing work, and/or take missed quizzes or tests. It is not required for teachers to accept missing work.

Leaving School During the Day

Parents checking their child out of school for any reason, must report to the office; the office will call the student out of class. Upon returning to school, students must report to the office, check-in with the secretary and sign-in to receive an admit to class slip. Written permission must be given to the office in advance to authorize someone other than a parent to sign-out a student. 

Students are not permitted to leave school grounds at any time during the school day without the permission of the school office. Students who fail to follow the proper procedure will be considered truant.

Truancy

Parents will be notified when a student has missed one or more classes or leaves campus without permission. When a student is declared truant, teachers are not obligated to assign make-up work. Friday School may be assigned and extra-curricular activities may be suspended. Additional steps will be taken if the problem persists.

Withdrawal - Transfers from School

Families are requested to notify the attendance secretary at least one week before an expected withdrawal. Students will follow their regular schedule on the final day and have each teacher sign a Withdrawal Slip which includes their current grade. At the same time, students will return all school books and iPad if applicable. Final clearance must be made with the attendance secretary during the seventh period. A forwarding address must be left with the office. If students are withdrawn before the end of the semester, their report card may not reflect a final grade.

 

 

Deficiency Notice

Deficiency notices are sent home at the midpoint of each semester for students receiving a C- or below and NI or U. If a student falls into the C- or below and NI or U range after the deficiency notice is sent electronically, the teacher may notify the parent. Parents are encouraged to contact individual teachers if a deficiency notice is received.

Homework

Kennedy teachers give homework on a daily basis for the purpose of practicing previously taught skills and concepts. Students should plan for a minimum of one to two hours for study and review nightly. Some assignments will require longer hours and students are encouraged to plan ahead for such assignments. Students should write down all their assignments in their student planner.  Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher if their child is doing more than two hours of work per night or struggling to understand how to complete a homework assignment. Students are responsible for bringing their homework with them each day. The teachers and office will not accept homework delivered to the office or classrooms after the school day begins.

Honor Policy

It is important for students to have respect for learning and pride in their own efforts and achievements. Dishonestly obtaining or giving information or material for the purpose of claiming credit or earning a grade is considered cheating.

Cheating may result in a failing grade on the assignment and a U or N in Work Habit on the report card.  The teacher will work with the student, parent and assistant principal to determine appropriate actions.

Physical Education

Uniforms are required for Physical Education (PE) class. If a student is unable to participate in PE due to an injury, a written explanation from her/his parent or guardian may be used for a three-day period.

If a modified program is required for a longer period of time, a signed medical excuse from a physician is required. Students should bring this excuse to the main office where copies will be made for the PE teacher as well as the school nurse and office file. Illness should not be an excuse - if a student is not well enough to participate in PE, he/she should not be attending school.

Report Cards

Report cards are posted to StudentVue/ParentVue two times a year. Incomplete grades must be corrected within ten school days from the end of the semester or the incomplete grade becomes an F.

 

Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco

The use, possession, sale and purchase of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or paraphernalia is strictly forbidden. Students in violation of this rule will be suspended, referred to the sheriff’s department and subject to expulsion.

Announcements

At the beginning of each school day announcements are shown to all students. 

Arrival at School

Due to the lack of supervision, students starting first period are not allowed on campus earlier than 7:57 a.m. Students that arrive at second period should not be on campus before 8:48 a.m. On Wednesdays, students should not arrive more than 15 minutes before their first class starts. 

Backpacks/Personal Possessions

Backpacks and the personal possessions placed in them are the student’s responsibility. They must not be left unattended.

Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters

Bicycles ridden to school should be ridden according to those laws that govern bicycle operations. Students must wear an appropriate helmet when riding bicycles. The school assumes no responsibility for stolen or damaged bicycles. Questions of ownership, theft or damage will be referred to school administration and/or the sheriff's department. Bicycles, skateboards and scooters are not to be ridden on school grounds, before school, during or after school hours.

Closed Campus

To ensure a proper and safe environment, all CUSD schools, including Kennedy Middle School, are closed campuses. Parents and other guests must check-in at the front office and wear a visitor badge at all times. Parents and other guests who have not properly checked-in at the front office will be escorted to the office and/or asked to leave campus. Students may not leave the campus during the day without checking out through the office. Any student who leaves campus without permission will be considered truant. Students from other schools are not allowed on campus.

Communication

Kennedy uses a wide variety of methods to communicate with parents:

• The Kennedy website:   kennedy.cusdk8.org

• For information about your child’s progress, homework expectations, behavior or to set-up a conference, please email your teacher: lastname_firstname@cusdk8.org

• For information about school-wide testing, scheduling, private school applications and social difficulties, please email your counselor: lastname_firstname@cusdk8.org

• For general concerns or policy questions please contact the administration.

• Synergy is our student database. Synergy allows parents to check their child’s grades, attendance and assignments online. Passwords and information are sent home at the beginning of the school year.

• Parent Square is our primary communication method with the school and district. Please make sure that families are connected to Parent Square at the start of the school year.

Damage to School Property/Vandalism

Damage to school property and theft are grounds for suspension from school and potentially a referral to the sheriff’s department. In addition, damage to school property will result in restitution to the school district.

Digital Citizenship

Academics: Students are expected to produce their own work.

Cyberbullying: Online social networking sites, blogs and chats are popular ways for students to interact, but some of the interactions can be inappropriate and hurtful. We are all familiar with schoolyard bullies and cyber bullying is the online equivalent. Cyberbullying is any kind of harassment, insult or humiliation that uses Internet-connected technology in some way to hurt or intimidate another student. Cyberbullying can result in emotional harm that can disrupt a student’s time at school, causing the victim emotional harm and distracting students who are naturally curious about rumors spread about a classmate. The administration reserves the right to discipline any student for online activity (whether on campus or off) that results in a disruption at school.

Displays of Affection

Kissing, hugging, hand holding, sitting on laps, and other displays of affection are not allowed on campus.

Dress and Personal Appearance

In accordance with Board Policy and AR 5132, Students are to attend school and school events dressed in a manner that is not disruptive to the normal routine of school. The dress code may be modified as appropriate to accommodate a student’s religious or cultural observance, health condition, or other circumstance deemed necessary by the principal or designee. In addition, the principal or designee may impose dress requirements to accommodate the needs of special school activities, physical education classes, athletic activities, and other extracurricular and co-curricular activities. If a student is inappropriately dressed, he/she will be referred to the office to correct the situation. 

Shoes are required at all times. Shirts must cover undergarments. Clothing must cover midriffs. Pants must be worn so they fully cover buttocks and undergarments. 

Clothing and accessories, such as backpacks and personal items, may not promote or in any way advertise cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, gangs or any illegal activity. Clothing may not have any written or pictorial representation that is deemed offensive, derogatory or otherwise inappropriate.

Drills

Fire and other emergency drills are held monthly. The drills are designed to acquaint students with emergency procedures. Classroom teachers will review all emergency procedures with their classes.

Fighting/Harassment

Fighting, threatening or harassing another student is not allowed. Violent or threatening actions will also be referred to the sheriff. If a student is having a problem and it appears that a fight is imminent, he/she should see the principal, assistant principal or a counselor for help in resolving the problem in an appropriate manner.

Harassment is any act that is severe enough to create an intimidating educational environment or a negative effect on a student. Such behavior includes verbal and visual harassment, such as offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti drawings, obscene gestures, profane or other foul language and religious, racial, ethnic and sexual slurs or innuendos. This includes any online harassment. Physical harassment includes unwelcome or offensive touching and impeding or blocking movement.

Food Service

Meal Services:

● Breakfast and lunch is offered daily to all students at no cost

● All meals come with a choice of fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk

● Vegetarian options are available daily

● Students will scan their student ID card or enter their student ID number when they pick

up a meal. Students may only use their own ID card or student ID number. 

● Students may only take one serving of food from the lunch line. 

● All menus are posted on CUSD website under Nutrition Services

Free and Reduced Eligibility

● Families are NOT required to submit a free and reduced-price meal application to

participate, but submitting an application for free and reduced-price meals may help

students and families qualify for additional programs and resources.

● In addition, this will help our schools ensure they receive the appropriate funding from

the California Department of Education based on the information you provide. A portion

of every school’s funding and other resources are determined by the needs of its

students.

● One family’s qualification and/or participation does not take away from another family’s

option to qualify.

● Complete your application online in the privacy of your home. The information

submitted on the application is confidential and has no impact on receiving schools

meals.

● Online applications are available on the CUSD website under Nutrition Services.

Forgotten Items

Kennedy has a NO drop off policy. If a student forgets an item at home, please do not bring the item to school or the school office. Due to our size and disruption to classes, we are not able to offer this service; therefore, the office staff and teachers will not accept drop-off items. Students are reminded of this during announcements throughout the year.

Health/Enrollment Cards

Each student must have an updated  Health/Enrollment card on file in the office. If there are any changes during the year, please alert the office. These include changes of address, telephone numbers, email addresses, parental employment, emergency contacts and serious medical problems. Students will only be released to authorized persons on the Heath/Enrollment card.

Immunizations

California state law requires every child to be properly immunized and directs the school district to monitor the immunizations status of every pupil. Students who are not properly immunized will be excluded from school. Check with the Cupertino Union School District for further information about immunizations.

Injury and illness

An injured or ill student must report to a teacher or the office right away. First aid will be administered if necessary. If the injury or illness is serious, office personnel will call for emergency medical assistance and notify parents immediately. If a student vomits, has diarrhea, an undiagnosed rash, pink eye and/or has a temperature of 101.4 or higher, he/she will be sent home. He/she cannot return to school until symptom free and fever free (without the use of fever reducer such as Tylenol) for 24 hours.

Library

The library is to be used for quiet activities, doing homework, reading and research. Food and drink are not permitted in the library.

Lost and Found

Lost clothing or items should be taken to the Lost and Found area in front of the office. If items are labeled, we will do our best to return them. Lost articles that are not claimed by the end of each month will be given to a charitable organization. It is important to label all clothing and property.

Medication at School

In order for any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, short-term or long-term, to be administered at school a medication authorization form must be completed and signed by a parent and a physician. Forms are available in the school office. Until the school has a signed form, medication will not be administered. Self medication forms are also available in the office for students who need to carry an inhaler.

Messages to Students

Please make arrangements with your child before he/she leaves for school regarding appointments, errands and any changes in time or place for after school pick-ups. Please do not text or email your student during the school day. Students will not be taken out of class to receive messages nor will classes be interrupted to take a message to students. The office will only take emergency messages for students.

Money

Students should not carry large amounts of cash. Students are not allowed to ask others for money or food. Repetition of this behavior is considered harassment and is subject to disciplinary action.

Obscenity

Vulgar and obscene actions or language, even in writing, will not be tolerated. Students are expected to interact and speak with each other and adults in an appropriate manner.

Stealing

Stealing will result in disciplinary action and if appropriate may be referred to the sheriff’s department.

Student ID Cards

All students are members of the Kennedy Student Body Association. The Student Body Card serves as identification and is required for school dances and library use. Replacement cards can be purchased in the office for $5.00.

Toys, Games and Nuisance Items

Because of the potential for theft and classroom disruption, personal items such as electronic games, water pistols, water balloons/toys, laser pointers, etc. will be confiscated. Students who bring special card sets to school cannot engage in any sales of these cards. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen personal items.

Transportation

CUSD does not offer home-to-school transportation.

When driving to school, use the southern Bubb road and Hyannisport parking lots. To ensure the safety of our students, there are two traffic lanes: the right is for student-drop off and pick-up, and the left is used to exit the parking lot. Please do not exceed 5 miles per hour. Please continue to move forward and do not block driveways or bus parking.  No left turn onto Hyannisport between the hours of 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Unauthorized Sales

Students may not sell candy, cards, pencils or any other merchandise, for fundraisers or otherwise, on campus.

Weapons and Fireworks

The possession or use of any weapon or fireworks is strictly forbidden. Students violating this rule will be suspended, referred to the sheriff’s department and may be subject to expulsion from the school.  Matches and lighters are considered to be weapons and are forbidden at school.

State law and district policy require the immediate suspension and recommendation for expulsion of any student who possesses, sells or furnishes a firearm; brandishes a knife; sells a controlled substance; commits or attempts to commit a sexual assault; and/or possesses an explosive, on school grounds or at a school activity. Kennedy Middle School and the Cupertino Union School District strictly enforce this law/policy.

After School Sports

Kennedy offers a variety of after school sports for all students. For more information, please visit the KMS website under Sports. Students can sign up for sports on the Valley Athletics website (https://www.valleyal.org/home). 

Sportsmanship/Eligibility: 

Athletes not demonstrating good sportsmanship can be suspended and/or permanently removed from the team.  Every student must maintain a 2.0 GPA (“C” average) or better in order to participate. An athlete can be removed from the team if behavior, academics, effort, or attendance become a recurring issue. School illness policies apply to after school sports.

Clubs

Every year students have the opportunity to create clubs. Clubs must be approved by the administration and the student council. Club requests are submitted at the beginning of each school year by students only.  

Dances and Sixth Grade Socials

The Kennedy Middle School dances are for seventh and eighth grade students. Sixth grade students participate in afternoon socials. School dances and socials are for Kennedy students only. Absolutely no visitors are allowed. Behavior expectations and the dress code are the same as a regular school day. Cell phones must be kept off and away during dances and socials. Taking photos and videos is prohibited during dances and socials and may result in disciplinary action. 

At Sixth Grade Socials, students are required to report directly to their classroom after 7th period (they may not leave campus prior to the start of the social) and must stay for the duration of the social.

At dances, snacks are available to purchase and students are expected to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the dance, no late drop offs or early pick ups are allowed. 

The administration reserves the right to remove students from a dance or social event for disciplinary reasons.

End of the Year Activities

End of the year activities are considered to be privileges. The administration reserves the right to remove students from any event for disciplinary reasons. 

The eighth grade promotion ceremony and dance are also considered to be privileges. The administration reserves the right to remove students from these events for disciplinary reasons. 

Criteria for eligibility will be communicated by school administration closer to the date of the events.

Student Council

The Kennedy Student Council is the student governing body of the school. The organization supports a variety of extracurricular activities and events such as after school sports, clubs and dances. The council consists of an elected President and Commissioners from the Leadership class. 

W.E.B. (Where Everybody Belongs)

WEB is a program that promotes positive growth in student attitudes, behaviors and beliefs by facilitating a support network. This network teams eighth grade students with incoming sixth grade students for the purpose of empowering the newcomers with ownership of their new environment. By engaging in collaborative activities, students develop their capacity to add to the climate and culture of the school. The eighth grade WEB Leaders are chosen from applications, teacher recommendations and the Spring Play Day. WEB Leaders are mentors to a group of sixth grade students. They meet their group at the orientation in August and remain together throughout the entire year supporting each other.