Student guidelines

Stay on the path

TJMS students stay on a path at school that facilitates meeting their academic goals.

Public displays of affection

Students are asked to refrain from public displays of affection, excluding holding hands.

Passing behavior

Students are expected to walk to their classes, keep their hands to themselves and get to class on time. If students are in the hall during class time, they must have a hall pass.

Electronics

Mobile phones may only be used in the event of an emergency (e.g., earthquake, fire, etc.). Phones that are visible in class, being used or not silenced will be addressed through progressive discipline, which may include a warning, confiscation for the day, confiscation for a parent to pick up or other office discipline. The phones in the office are for emergency use only. A pass from a teacher is required to use the phone.

Food, drinks and gum

Food and drinks are not allowed outside the commons or in co-op spaces outside the classroom without teacher permission. Students may not sell food, candy, gum or any other items for personal profit at school. Energy drinks, coffee drinks and glass containers are not allowed on the school campus.

Related: Meals

Technology use

Our computers, iPads and network are provided for educational use only. All students are issued an iPad. Students are responsible for its safe return at the end of the school year. Students must store it safely at all times, including at lunch. Do not leave your iPad unattended anywhere. Do not use it in the commons, where food or drinks can damage it.

Use it responsibly. Nothing is private on the iPad. Emails, search history, etc., are all subject to school review and monitoring. Do not use it for any form of social media, games, to attempt to view pornography, to convey profanity, abusive language or to harass others, etc. Students who attempt to access inappropriate websites; disable filters; change settings; or download music, video or pictures will be subject to the loss of privileges. Teachers must give permission before using printers. Do not share passwords with others!

Any violation(s) of these rules will result in the loss of privileges and may also lead to other disciplinary actions. All students will have access to use the technology available on district computers and iPads unless a parent completes an internet restriction form.

Balcony

Students will be subject to disciplinary action if they throw any objects off of the second-floor balcony or play on the railing.

Bikes and skateboards

Students may ride bikes on the public sidewalks, but may not ride them on school grounds or in the parking lots. Skateboards and roller blades are not allowed on school district grounds at any time.

Where and where not to be

The building is open to students at 8:55 a.m. All students are expected to be in class by 9 a.m.

Thomas Jefferson has a closed campus, and students must remain on school grounds during the school day. Once they arrive on campus, students must stay unless they have prearranged an early release, or their parent or guardian comes to pick them up and signs them out at the attendance office.

Students are expected to be good neighbors and treat our community and homes with respect.

Off-limits areas include Felida Elementary, the track (unless in PE), the parking lot and adjacent streets. Students will be considered truant and there will be consequences if they leave campus without permission or are in an off-limits area during school hours.

All students are asked to enter and depart the school building through the doors assigned to their grade level.

Buses will leave campus at 3:38 p.m., after the bus bell has sounded. Students should not be on campus after 3:45 p.m. unless participating or attending a school-sponsored event.

Related: Attendance

Personal property

The primary focus at school is to create a positive and productive learning atmosphere. Because we work together to achieve this climate, games, trading cards, large sums of money, strongly scented deodorants or perfumes, aerosol sprays or other items not needed for educational purposes do not belong at school.

Music devices, phones and headphones must be turned off and put away in class unless permission has been given to use them. Lost and stolen items are not the school’s responsibility and cannot be replaced by the school. The school will not search for or spend time tracking down lost or stolen electronic devices.

Dress and appearance

Modest and appropriate dress is an expectation at Thomas Jefferson Middle School just as it is in a place of business. Inappropriate dress or appearance that causes the disruption of the education process or presents health/safety problems is not permitted. Apparel and accessories depicting and including, but not limited to, the following are not allowed: weapons, violence, drug/alcohol/tobacco, vulgarities, insults directed to a particular group (e.g., ethnicity, culture), innuendo, gangs and sexual suggestiveness.

Also not allowed: hats, sunglasses, hoods or gloves (except outside); any other head gear (except for documented medical conditions or religious requirements); wallet chains; long belts; bandanas; pajamas; non-soled slippers; sagging pants; bare midriffs; short shorts/skirts (no shorter than three inches above knees); shoulder straps less then one inch wide; exposed undergarments or their straps; halter tops; low necklines or armholes; or drawing or marking on one’s self. Shoes are to be worn at all times.

When in doubt if an item is OK for school, ask a teacher or administrator. Students inappropriately dressed will be asked to change or call home for a change of clothes. Repeat offenders will be subject to the steps of progressive discipline (e.g., phone calls home, detentions and suspension).

Safe travel to and from school

Always travel with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency. Strangers usually pick on one person, not two.

If a car follows or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach the car; instead, turn and quickly walk the other direction.

If you think you are in any danger, yell and run to the nearest store, home or back to school.

Avoid strangers who seem to be hanging around public restrooms or school campus. Tell your teacher or another adult you trust.

If you’re ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, you have the right to say no, loudly and clearly, and leave.

Always stick to the same safe route in going to and coming from school, and never hitchhike!

If you are approached inappropriately, be sure to report it to an adult and/or call 911 immediately.

Emergency procedures

Evacuation drills (fire and earthquake drills) are required monthly throughout the school year. The object of these drills is to clear the buildings as safely and quickly as possible. Students are directed to walk quickly, calmly and quietly to their class’s designated evacuation area. Teachers will turn off the lights, close the doors and accompany their class as they leave the building. After evacuating the building, everyone waits for the all-clear signal (a single bell) before returning.

During an earthquake, drop down to the floor. Take cover under a desk or table. If that is not possible, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. If you take cover against a sturdy piece of furniture, hold it and be prepared to move with it. Hold your position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move, and then wait for the teacher’s directions to evacuate.

When an intruder alert is activated, staff will initiate lockdown procedures. The doors to the school and classrooms will be locked. No one will be allowed to enter or exit. Blinds will be drawn and lights turned off. Students must move away from the windows and exit doors, comply with the directions of the teacher and stay quiet and calm. Students who are outside of the classroom when a lockdown begins should report to the nearest classroom immediately and comply with the directions of the staff.

Failure to comply with teacher instructions or school expectations during an emergency or an emergency drill may result in discipline for the student.