LAKE RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Home of the Wolves
12350 Mohican Road
Woodbridge, Virginia22192
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2009-10
ADMINISTRATION
Mrs. Jo C. Fitzgerald, Principal
Dr. Sheila L. Huckestein, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Erin M. Meade, Assistant Principal
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
703.494.5154 (Office)
703.494.8246 (FAX)
703.494.7531 (Cafeteria)
What time is it? It’s time to learn! Everyone can!
INTRODUCTION
As reflected in our mission statement, the school motto is “It’s time to learn. Everyone can!” The primary goal of Lake Ridge Middle School is learning. Our hope is to develop the unique talents of our students and to assure they have the skills, knowledge and emotional well-being necessary for success in the 21st century.
The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are those we feel are necessary for students to grow, develop and succeed. The information has been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value to students in both adjusting and succeeding at Lake Ridge Middle School.
STUDENT APPEARANCE
Students shall be appropriately dressed for school and while participating in all school functions. The dress should not exert a disruptive influence on the educational program. Students are not permitted to wear or display items which represent drugs, alcohol products, tobacco products, gang membership affiliation or which project violence or interfere with the orderly operation of the school. Furthermore, the wearing of clothing or jewelry that through design or graphics displays/projects violence, injury, death or sexual innuendo is expressly forbidden. Clothing should cover all undergarments with all shirts having a defined sleeve. Midriffs, revealing sundresses with thin straps, tank tops, tube tops, halters, see-through blouses, spandex clothing and hats/visors/bandannas are not appropriate for school. Skirts and shorts must be at least knuckle length (second knuckle-not fist), as measured by an individual’s arm by his or her side with hands flat. Coats are to be placed in the student lockers upon entering school. Sweaters and other items may be worn if the classrooms are cold. Students who come to school without proper attention to cleanliness or dress may be sent home to be properly prepared to learn and/or given proper clothing provided by the school.
Dress for Physical Education Classes:
Students shall be properly dressed for physical education in the proper shoes, white socks and the standard school gym suit. For the students’ protection, jewelry cannot be worn. Failure to wear the proper clothing will result in a lower achievement grade. Wearing clothing not belonging to the owner may result in disciplinary action.
STUDENTS DRESS TO LEARN.
ACTIVITIES
Lake Ridge Middle School has various clubs, athletic and evening activities students may enjoy as participants or spectators. Students who have appropriate grades in conduct, achievement and who have maintained satisfactory behavior may attend. Those individuals on academic/conduct ineligibility or redline may not attend. Students must be in attendance for a minimum of one half day in order to participate or attend any after school event. All walkers are to go home after the school day ends and return back at 4:30 p.m. when sporting events begin. Once you enter an event you are to stay until it is over or you need to go home. Re-admittance is not permitted. Students must have a current physical dated after May 1, 2009 and on file in the Lake Ridge Middle School office to try out and participate in any athletic team.
ACTIVITIES & CLUBS
BLUES BAND
CHEERLEADING (Spring Tryouts)
DANCE TEAM (Spring Tryouts)
ECOLOGY CLUB
FAMILY CAREER & COMMUNITY LEADERS OF AMERICA (FCCLA)
LACROSSE CLUB
LADIES OF LAKE RIDGE
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION
TENNIS
TUTORING (Language Arts/Math on Thursday afternoons)
WOLVES AGAINST DRUGS
WOLF SPIRIT CLUB
WORLD LANGUAGE CLUB
YEARBOOK
FALL SPORTS
BOYS’ FOOTBALL
BOYS’ SOCCER
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
GIRLS’ TRACK
WINTER SPORTS
GIRLS’ JV AND VARSITY BASKETBALL
BOYS’ JV AND VARSITY BASKETBALL
WRESTLING
SPRING SPORTS
BOYS’ BASEBALL
GIRLS’ SOCCER
GIRLS’ SOFTBALL
BOYS’ TRACK
SCHOOL DANCES
School dances begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. (with the exception of the 8th Grade Dance which ends at 9:30 p.m.) Students must bring a signed “Parent Permission Form” to purchase a ticket.
The following dance policies will be enforced:
· Only Lake Ridge Middle School students may attend the dance. Students must present identification.
· A dance ticket is not to be given to any other individual.
· Students on the academic/conduct ineligibility and/or redline list may NOT attend dances.
· Students absent from school on the day of the dance may NOT attend.
· Students must be in attendance a minimum of ½ day in order to attend a dance.
· Students who leave the dance early (before 9p.m.) must have their parents come in the school to pick them up.
· At 9:00 p.m. (SHARP), students will be dismissed to leave the dance.
· Students must maintain proper dress and conduct.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to be in school, except in cases of emergency or for reasons as explained in the code below. Any other reasons for absences or failure to bring in a written excuse within two days will result in an unexcused absence. Make-up work is not given for unexcused absences and the grade of zero is received. Five unexcused absences in a grading period shall result in the student failing the class for the nine weeks.
· Personal illness – the school may require the certificate of a doctor if it is deemed advisable.
· Illness in the family – all school work should be current.
· Medical and dental examinations and/or treatment of the student when such appointments cannot be scheduled other than during school hours.
· Death in the family.
· Observance of a religious holiday – Any student of any religion shall be excused if his/her absence was for the purpose of observing a religious holiday consistent with his/her creed or belief.
· Any other reason must be excused by the school prior to the absence.
· Vacation plans for families – please send a note in advance of the vacation to notify teachers of the absence from school. Teachers are not required to give homework prior to planned absence. Students will be able to collect missed work upon return to school.
NOTE: Students may not participate in any after school activity on the day of an absence from school.
Student must be present at least one-half day to participate in any after
school activity (3 ¼ hours).
school activity (3 ¼ hours).
Steps to follow when absent:
· Parents will be notified of a student’s absence via the autodialer and e-mail if an e-mail address has been provided.
· Parent/guardian must write an excuse giving the student’s name, date, dates of absence, reason for absence and his/her signature.
· Submit the written excuse to the advisory teacher within two days of student’s return.
· Ask all teachers for make-up work assignments. Assignments that are not made up will be reflected in the grade. Each student is responsible for seeing that make-up work is completed. Students are given one day for each day of absence to complete work unless different arrangements have been approved by the teachers.
BUS REGULATIONS
Riding the school bus is a privilege. Improper conduct on the bus will result in that privilege being
denied. Lake Ridge Middle School students who live more than one mile from the school building are permitted to ride the school and activity bus. Students, by regulation, are not allowed to cross any major intersections, including Old Bridge Road.
denied. Lake Ridge Middle School students who live more than one mile from the school building are permitted to ride the school and activity bus. Students, by regulation, are not allowed to cross any major intersections, including Old Bridge Road.
Should a student need to ride a bus other than his/her own, a parent must write a note requesting such a change. The note is to be brought to the main office for approval no later than the end of advisory the day of the change. Requests for bus passes will not be accepted by phone. Bus students are to go immediately to the buses as soon as they are dismissed from school in the afternoon.
An activity bus is provided on Thursday afternoons beginning September 25. Any regular bus rider is eligible to ride the activity bus. The bus leaves Lake Ridge Middle School at approximately 4p.m. Activity bus schedules are condensed and include only those areas within the designated LRMS boundaries. Please refer to the activity bus schedule on the web page or listed on the back of the Activities and Club Handbook for times and stops.
BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
First Offense:
Student may be placed on bus probation for a specific time period, allowing the student to ride the bus under close supervision.
Second Offense:
If the second offense occurs during the probationary period, the student will be suspended from the bus for a one-week period and placed on bus probation for the remainder of the school year. If the second offense does not occur during the probationary period, this will result in bus probation for two weeks.
Third Offense:
Bus suspension three weeks.
Other:
A severe offense may result in immediate bus suspension should the act endanger the individual or others.
CAFETERIA
703.494.7531
Lunch/Breakfast money is to be brought to the cafeteria in the morning during the advisory time so it can be placed in your account. Students can access their accounts by punching in student numbers on a keypad in the cafeteria line. Parents are asked to write the student’s ID number and whether the money should go toward lunches, breakfast, and/or a la carte on the memo line of the check. Student meal accounts may also be managed on-line at www.mylunchmoney.com.
THE CAFETERIA RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
If meal money is forgotten, students may charge up to a maximum amount of $4.30. After such time, students will be referred to the administration (PWCPS 460-2). A la carte items may not be charged. Payment is expected the following day. The cafeteria staff will remind students when an account is $5 or less.
After you purchase your meal, choose a seat and remain seated. Sit no more than 12 students per table.
Use appropriate eating manners at all times, be courteous, and speak in an acceptable “indoor” volume.
Cloths to wipe the tables are located next to the tray drop-off area. Students are asked to wipe down their tables and make certain all trash is picked up before they are dismissed.
Wait until a supervisor dismisses your table.
Food and drinks are consumed in the cafeteria or in the classroom under supervision only.
TELEPHONE
Students will not use the office phone for personal calls, except in emergency situations. Staff permission is required. Students will not be called from class for personal phone calls. Emergency phone calls for students will be handled between classes, during lunchtime or after school. The pay phone in the lobby is for student use. Students should keep fifty cents in quarters with them at all times so they may call home for non-emergency situations. Forgotten gym bags, musical instruments, homework, etc., are considered non-emergency calls.
CHILD ADVOCACY
Parents and guardians are encouraged to take a vital interest in their child’s school program. They are encouraged to visit the school and meet all staff members involved in the education of their child. Classroom problems are best resolved through parent-teacher communication. If you are dissatisfied for any reason with the educational services at Lake Ridge Middle School, please call the teacher, the grade level counselor or administrator for assistance. All staff members have access to e-mail. If after this contact, the parent chooses to appeal a school decision, the appeal is to be made in writing and delivered to the school principal within three school days. A response will be written within five school days. The next and final appeal is to the area associate superintendent, within three school days, again in writing. The area associate superintendent will respond in writing within five school days. All appeals must be made in writing, stating the student’s account of the incident as well as the reason for believing the discipline is unjustified. The appeal must be hand delivered to the appropriate office. Please refer to the Code of Behavior under “Appeal Procedures” and School Board Policy 731.
SCHOOL CLIMATE
The appearance of the school is a vital part of our education. We must all take part in keeping our school clean. Gum is NOT permitted because of the ugliness it presents when chewed or disposed of improperly. Graffiti or destruction of property is costly and should be reported to the main office immediately. We take pride in our school and we must all work together to keep it the pleasant and comfortable setting we enjoy.
2009-10
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Sept 08 First Day of School
Sept 17 Back-to-School – 7:00 p.m.
Oct 13 Interim Reports Sent Home
Nov 02 End of First Grading Period
Nov 03 Teacher Inservice/Workday
Nov 10 Report Cards Go Home
Nov 11 Veterans' Day Holiday
Nov 25 Early Dismissal
Nov 26-27 Thanksgiving Break
Nov 30 School Reopens
Dec 22 Interim Reports Sent Home
Dec 23 Early Release (1 hour)
Dec 23 Early Release (1 hour)
Dec 24-31 Winter Break
Jan 01 New Years Holiday
Jan 04 School Reopens
Jan 18 Martin Luther King Holiday
Jan 29 End of Second Grading Period
Feb 01 Teacher Inservice/Workday
Feb 08 Report Cards Sent Home
Feb 15 Presidents’ Day
Mar 15 Interim Reports Sent Home
Mar 29-31 Spring Break
Apr 1-5 Spring Break
Apr 6 School Reopens
Mar 29-31 Spring Break
Apr 1-5 Spring Break
Apr 6 School Reopens
Apr 16 End of Third Marking Period
Apr 19 Teacher Inservice/Workday
Apr 22 Open House & Ice Cream Social
Apr 26 Report Cards Sent Home
Apr 26 Report Cards Sent Home
May 27 Interim Reports Sent Home
May 31 Memorial Day Holiday
Jun 18 Last Day of School
Jun 28 Report Cards Mailed Home
The purpose of the school clinic is to administer limited first aid to students. If it appears a student is unable to return to class, arrangements will be made to send him/her home. Parents are expected to arrange transportation for getting their children home or to a doctor. Please remember that students will only be released to those individuals listed on his/her emergency card. Photo identification is required as proof of identity.
If, in the judgment of the school, the child needs immediate medical attention, the local rescue squad will be called. Rescue squad professionals will make the decision whether he/she shall be transported to the hospital. A student is not permitted to remain in the clinic for more than fifteen minutes, except under extreme circumstances. He/she will be sent home or returned to class. Each student must secure a pass from his/her subject teacher and check into the main office. Failure to comply constitutes a class cut. Frequent visits to the clinic may result in a request for an examination by a physician.
Should a student need to go home, a parent or individual on the emergency card will need to provide transportation. Students may not walk home under these circumstances.
MEDICATION
If it becomes necessary for a student to take medication at school, a parent or guardian must complete a regulation form. All over-the-counter and prescription medications will require additional physician consent. Emergency medications such as inhalants also require physician consent. These rules are to protect the students and to enforce the Code of Behavior. Any medication that is required at school must be brought to school by a parent or guardian. Please refer to PWCS Regulation 757.4
DISCIPLINE
One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it is underlying in the educational structure. It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration of other people.
With an understanding of the purposes of discipline in the school, students form correct attitudes making school an effective place of learning and develop the habit of self-restraint.
The administration of Lake Ridge Middle School firmly believes that a school cannot function unless the desired school discipline is maintained. This desired school discipline is determined by the majority of students and teachers. The administration will take all possible steps to safeguard the learning environment at Lake Ridge Middle School.
Specific disciplinary issues unique to Lake Ridge Middle School are discussed below, as well as in the Prince William County Public Schools’ Code of Behavior. Lake Ridge Middle School enforces a discipline policy referred to as “redline.” Students who earn six or more discipline points are placed on redline and are restricted from extra-curricular school activities, movement in the hallway during class time and participation in pep rallies and school programs. Redline is discussed later in this guide.
Detentions, earning one point toward redline, are given to students who fail to comply with a school regulation or fail to assume responsibilities and duties necessary to the welfare of themselves or others. The appropriate form is to be returned the next school day with a parent signature, noting the date the detention will be served. Detention begins at 2:45 p.m., and ends at 3:45 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After-school activity buses run on Thursdays only. Unexcused absences from detention may result in in-school suspension or additional consequences.
In-school suspension (ISS) is a more serious consequence for a student who has not followed the school rules or who has continued, after other alternatives have been tried, to disrupt the instructional day. This counts as two points toward redline. Students report to the designated ISS classroom at 7:55 a.m. with all textbooks and lunch or lunch money. Students may purchase a bag lunch and will not be permitted to go to their lockers at the end of the day. The work is collected for the day by the ISS coordinator and the student completes all work while in the ISS room.
Out-of-school suspension (OSS) is a very serious consequence which results in the student losing the privilege to attend school for a specified number of days. Each day of OSS counts as three points toward redline. These absences are unexcused and may result in the individual earning zeros on the work completed during the duration of the suspension.
Additional information regarding alternatives and consequences can be obtained through the Prince William County Public Schools’ Code of Behavior. Please refer to this document for all provisions governing students, school activities at school and away from the school and school-sponsored activities. Reminder: Students are responsible for their behavior at any school or property in PrinceWilliamCounty.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Academic Eligibility:
If a student fails more than one subject, the student shall be declared ineligible for the next grading period. This rule applies to practice, as well as game participation and all other non-academic school activities before, during and after school and is effective the day after report cards are distributed.
Assembly Probation:
If a student prevents another student or staff member from enjoying an assembly, the student will not be permitted to attend assemblies for nine (9) weeks.
Conduct Eligibility:
To be eligible to represent a school in any activity, students must maintain acceptable conduct. A student may not have more than one “U” (unsatisfactory) in conduct. If a student who has two or more “unsatisfactory” marks in conduct, the student shall be declared ineligible for the next marking period. This rule applies to practice, as well as game participation and all other non-academic school activities before, during and after school and is effective the day after report cards are distributed.
Discipline Eligibility or Redline Students:
A student will be placed on redline following the accumulation of six (6) points based on disciplinary referrals. Each detention counts as one point, in-school suspension counts as two points, out-of-school suspension counts as three points toward the redline restriction. In the event a student accumulates 6 or more points, he/she is placed on redline and cannot participate in or attend any extra-curricular activities before, during or after school for twenty school days. Students are restricted to classrooms during the class period and will not be allowed to leave without the permission of an administrator. This restriction serves to refocus the student’s behavior toward academics and continues to support positive behavior and responsibility.
In the event a student is issued a disciplinary referral after being placed on redline, he/she will be placed on redline for an additional 20 day period from the date of the offense. A student who goes 20 consecutive days without a referral will be removed from redline as long as no additional detentions are earned. Any additional detentions, or other disciplinary referrals, will result in redline restriction for 20 days. This is to include dances, assemblies, pep rallies, club meetings, athletic practices and games, field trips (non-curricular) and any other privilege afforded to students.
FIRE DRILLS
· Fire drills are held at irregular intervals throughout the school year. Remember these basic rules:
· Check the instructions posted beside the door inside each classroom indicating how to leave the building in case of fire.
· Walk. NO talking. Move quickly and quietly to the designated area. Listen for additional directions.
GRADING SYSTEM
The evaluation of student achievement is one of the important functions of the teacher. The academic grades are computed using letter grades in the case of sixth and seventh graders. Numerical grades are used for computing achievement in the eighth grade. When averaging an individual’s grade, the total quantity of work completed is also taken into account. If a student completes less than 65 percent of the work assigned, the individual earns an achievement grade of “F” for the nine weeks. Report cards are issued every nine weeks with interim grades distributed at the 4 ½ week mark so parents are informed of the progress his/her child has made from the start of the grading period. An “incomplete” is given only in those cases where the student has not been able to complete the assignments due to illness, an emergency, or by a pre-arrangement approved by the administration. All incomplete work is to be completed by the arranged time span or the grade will convert to an “F.”
ACADEMIC
A = 4.0 90-100
B+ = 3.4 87-89
B = 3.0 80-86
C+ = 2.4 77-79
C = 2.0 70-76
D+ = 1.4 67-69
D = 1.0 60-66
F = 0 59 and below
CITIZENSHIP & EFFORT
0 = Outstanding
S = Satisfactory
U = Unsatisfactory
Make-up work is to be completed and is the responsibility of the student to request when he or she has been absent. Work can be completed and graded for all excused absences, using the guidelines set forth under excused absences. A student has one day to make up the work when he/she is absent one day, two days to make-up work when absent two days, etc. unless other arrangements have been approved by the teachers and administration.
EARLY DISMISSAL
When a student needs to leave school early due to a pre-arranged reason, the individual is to bring the written note from the parent to the main office in the morning before advisory. A dismissal pass will be issued to the student. We request students stay in class until the parent comes to check the student out of school because traffic and other conditions can cause a student to sit in the office for an extended amount of time thus missing valuable instructional time. All students must be checked in and out through the office by a parent, guardian or approved contact with proof of identification via photo ID. Any individual leaving the building without permission will be disciplined.
WALKERS
All walkers are to arrive between 7:45 and 7:50 a.m. with advisory beginning promptly at 7:55 a.m. Eighth graders enter through B or C trail doors, seventh graders through C or D trail doors and sixth graders through E trail doors. Walkers are reminded that they must report directly to school in the morning and directly home after school. Any deviation from that procedure requires a note from a parent and must be approved by an administrator. Alternative arrangements will not be taken over the phone. Walkers wanting to attend athletic events must go home first. Students are not permitted to wait at school. Students may return to school at 4:30 p.m. to attend games/meets.
SCHOOL COUNCELING
The School Counceling Department functions as an integral part of the total educational program. The program is designed to help each student achieve his or her potential educationally, physically and socially. Some of the services provided are as follows:
· Insuring a smooth transition from elementary to middle school.
· Providing counseling on an individual basis and/or small group basis.
· Providing a career unit at each grade level.
· Scheduling students at all grade levels.
· Using test results to encourage academic growth.
· Recognizing positive behavior and contributions of students.
The School Counceling Department also provides:
· Scheduling of parent/teacher conferences.
· Homework packets for students absent three or more days.
· Teachers need 24 hours to properly collect necessary work for the student; therefore, work will be picked up one day after the request is made by the parent.
EDULINK
Edulink is an Internet-based program that allows parents and students to check grades, attendance, class schedules and more from any computer with Internet access. The login and password are the same as the ones for School Fusion. Passcodes for creating accounts may be picked up in the school office between the hours of 7:45am and 4:00pm.
HONOR ROLL
An honor roll will be published at the end of each nine week grading period.
Principal’s List:
· All grades used to determine eligibility for the Principal’s Honor Roll will be averaged on a nine-week basis.
· In order to be eligible for the Principal’s Honor Roll, a student must earn an “A” in achievement in each class in which he or she is enrolled.
A/B Honor Roll:
· All grades used to determine honor roll status are averaged on a nine-week basis.
· The student must have a “B” average with no more than one “C” in achievement. There must be at least one “A” to bring the “C” to a “B” average.
LOCKERS
Lockers are issued to students at the beginning of the year by advisory teachers. Lockers should be kept locked at all times. Students should not share locker combinations with each other as they cannot expect their property to be safe. The school cannot be held responsible for missing articles. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her assigned locker clean both inside and outside. Damages caused by misuse of tape, etc., will be charged to the student responsible. Any locker malfunction should be reported to the office. Students are cautioned not to bring valuables to school.
Students are encouraged to bring a lock from home to be used during their physical education time to safeguard personal items. All valuables are to remain locked at all times.
BACKPACKS NEED TO BE SECURED IN LOCKERS. Because of the excessive weight of the books and the crowded halls backpacks may only be carried when entering or leaving the building. String bags may only be used going to and from P.E. and may not be used to carry books during the school day.
*BACKPACKS WITH WHEELS ARE NOT PERMITTED*
LOST AND FOUND
Small articles such as glasses, rings, and watches are kept in the main office. Coats, bookbags, etc., are stored in the wooden cabinet in the cafeteria. Articles found in and around the school should be turned into the main office or put in the lost and found cabinets in the cafeteria. If you have lost any items, look in the above places. If you still cannot find the item, check all of your classrooms, and then notify the office so we can assist you.
Students are encouraged to use the library before and after school when they have work to do. The library is open from 7:20 a.m., to 3:25 p.m., each day. On Thursdays, the library remains open until 3:45 p.m.
Students using the library before school must enter the building through the front door and report directly to the library. Students must be in the library no later than 7:40 a.m. Students arriving after 7:40 a.m., will wait outside the school until the entry bell rings at 7:45 a.m. If school opening is delayed due to inclement weather, the library will not be open before school.
· Students are expected to be polite and on task.
· Students may check out three books at a time.
· Students with overdue materials may not check out material.
· Students should bring supplies they may need such as paper, pencil, 3.5 “ computer disk, etc.
· Students are encouraged to ask a librarian if they need assistance.
LIBRARY COMPUTER USE
Computers are available for students to use in the library. Only students accompanied by teachers may be in the computer lab. Library computers may be used only for valid educational purposes. Students will abide by the technology guidelines specified in the Code of Behavior. Students may not access private e-mail accounts in the library.
Students may print only with the permission of a librarian. Printing will generally be limited to one short article and one page of pictures per project. Students may also print the final draft of a class project.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students are advised not to bring personal property hobby materials, toys, expensive watches, large sums of money, etc.) to school and he/she does so at his/her own risk. Lake Ridge Middle School cannot be responsible for lost or unsecured stolen items. Students are permitted to have cell phones, but they must remain off. Confiscated equipment must be retrieved by a parent or guardian.
The school store will operate from 7:55 to 8:10 a.m. each morning. The store is located next to the Guidance Department. Basic school supplies are available.
TARDINESS
Promptness to class is very important. Students should be seated and ready to work when the bell rings. When a student accumulates three unexcused tardies to a class, the student will receive a detention. After three unexcused tardies, each additional unexcused tardy to this class will earn a detention and/or may result in further disciplinary action. Please note that the front office secretaries DO NOT issue hall passes for students late to a class.
TARDY TO SCHOOL
Any student arriving late for school must report to the main office for a pass before going to class. Students are required to bring a written note from a parent or doctor stating the reason for the lateness. Tardiness resulting from private transportation problems will not be excused. Tardiness will not be excused for the following reasons: waking up late, missing the bus, broken alarm clock, finishing homework or project, babysitting, trips to the airport, visiting sick relative in the hospital, family discussions or repeated family emergencies. Unexcused tardies will accumulate as above resulting in a detention after three and a detention for each unexcused tardy thereafter. If a student has accumulated multiple detentions for tardies to school, this may result in further disciplinary action and referral to the truancy officer.
VISITORS
All visitors are to enter Lake Ridge Middle School through the front doors and check into the main office. A government issued ID is required to visit any area other than the front office. Parents may visit classrooms, attend school functions, eat lunch with his/her child, etc., with permission from the front office. Other visitors will only be approved by the administration when instructional time is not disrupted and there is an educational nature to the visit. School age relatives and friends are not permitted to visit during regular school hours.
