handbook-2012-2013-for-action-agendas

Western Mennonite School Equipping students for a life of faith and learning

Welcome to Western Mennonite School. We are excited you have chosen Western as a place to grow both academically and spiritually. This handbook has been developed to inform students and their parents of the policies and procedures of WMS. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where you are able to learn and mature in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

We are looking forward to working with you and your parents. We encourage you to get involved in the various activities and programs at Western.

Please review the Student Handbook. All students and parents are required to sign an agreement to comply with these stated guidelines in order to attend WMS. We’re glad you’re here and we are excited about the 2012-2013 school year!

Darrel Camp, Ed.D. Principal

Table of Contents WESTERN MENNONITE SCHOOL CALENDAR ........................................................................................................ 4 WESTERN MENNONITE SCHOOL MISSION AND GOALS ........................................................................................ 6 Christ-Centered .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Academic Excellence ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Nurturing Community ................................................................................................................................................ 6 Peace and Service ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Enrichment Opportunities .......................................................................................................................................... 6 COMMUNITY STANDARDS ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Philosophy .................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Standard of Conduct ................................................................................................................................................... 7 Student Rights and Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................... 7 ACADEMICS ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 Graduation Requirements ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Homework Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 Grading ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Academic Integrity Policies ....................................................................................................................................... 9 National Honor Society ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Dropping Classes...................................................................................................................................................... 10 Incomplete Grades.................................................................................................................................................... 10 Honor Passes Policy and Guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 11 Academic Support .................................................................................................................................................... 11 Study Hall ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Supervised Study Hall .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Dorm Learning Center (DLC) .................................................................................................................................. 11 Dorm Evening Study Hall ........................................................................................................................................ 11 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................................... 12 Eligibility .................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Missing Class ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 Physical Requirements ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Student Body ID Cards ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Tri-River League ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 GENERAL INFORMATION...................................................................................................................................... 13 Campus Guests and Visitors .................................................................................................................................... 13 Lost and Found ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Prescription Drugs .................................................................................................................................................... 13 Personal Property ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Movies, Videos, & DVD’s ....................................................................................................................................... 13 Library Media Center ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Technology Use Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Guidance Office ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 School Office............................................................................................................................................................ 15 School Closure and Notification of Schedule Changes............................................................................................ 15 DAILY BELL SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................................. 16 STUDENT ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Student Council ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Clubs......................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Banquets ................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Spiritual Renewal Week ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Benefit Auction ....................................................................................................................................................... 17 STUDENT POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS ............................................................................................................. 18

Restorative Action .................................................................................................................................................... 18 Weapons ................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Fireworks .................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Harassment / Bullying .............................................................................................................................................. 19 Student Grievance Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 19 Substance Abuse Prevention Policy ......................................................................................................................... 20 Theft ......................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Damaged Property .................................................................................................................................................... 21 Attendance ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Absences and Tardies ............................................................................................................................................... 22 Leaving Campus ....................................................................................................................................................... 22 Detention .................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Social Standards ....................................................................................................................................................... 23 Dress Code ............................................................................................................................................................... 23 Student Hours ........................................................................................................................................................... 24 Telephone Calls ........................................................................................................................................................ 24 Cell Phones / IPods / MP3 Players and Similar Devices ......................................................................................... 24 Personal Computers.................................................................................................................................................. 24 Conduct on Buses ..................................................................................................................................................... 24 Vehicles on Campus ................................................................................................................................................. 24 Campus Speed Limit ................................................................................................................................................ 24 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ................................................................................................................................. 25 SEVIS/Other Required Documents .......................................................................................................................... 25 English Proficiency .................................................................................................................................................. 25 Testing ...................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Questions/Concerns .................................................................................................................................................. 25 SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 26

WESTERN MENNONITE SCHOOL CALENDAR FIRST SEMESTER Aug. 13-14 ............... Mon.-Tue. ...... Senior Registration Aug. 15..................... Wed. ............... New Student Social/Orientation 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 16-17 ............... Thu.-Fri. ......... Junior Registration Aug. 20-21 ............... Mon.-Tue. ...... Sophomore Registration Aug. 23-24 ............... Thu.-Fri. ......... Freshman Registration Aug. 24-25 ............... Fri.-Sat. .......... Student Council Orientation Aug. 27-31 ............... Mon-Fri. ......... F/S Retreat (27thh) // In-Service Week // Workday (31st) Sept. 2 ...................... Sun. ................ Dorm Open for All Students 8:00 a.m.

Sept. 3 ...................... Mon. ............... Labor Day Holiday Sept. 4 ...................... Tue. ................ First Day of School - MONDAY SCHEDULE Sept. 7 ...................... Fri. .................. Small Group Breakfast/Service Afternoon Sept. 11 .................... Tue. ................ School Pictures Sept. 14 .................... Fri ................... Last Day to Add/Drop Class for 1st Semester Sept. 15 .................... Sat .................. Fundraising Dinner at Salem Convention Center Sept. 22 .................... Sat. ................. 15th Annual Western Benefit Golf Tournament Sept. 26 .................... Wed. ............... “See You at the Pole” Oct. 3 ........................ Wed. ............... A cappella Sight Reading at Corban Oct. 4 ........................ Thu. ................ Concert Choir Sight Reading at Corban Oct. 5 ........................ Fri. .................. Statewide In-Service – WMS in Session Oct. 11 ...................... Thu. ................ End of 1st 6-Weeks Oct. 11-14 ................ Thu.-Sun ........ Hospitality Homes (Dorm Closed 6:00 p.m. Thursday - 5:00 p.m. Sunday) Oct. 12 ...................... Fri. .................. ½ Day In-Service // ½ Day Grading/Work Day– NO CLASSES Oct. 17 ...................... Wed. ............... PSAT 8:15-12:00 for Grades 9, 10 & 11 Oct. 17 ...................... Wed. ............... Middle School & High School Fall Concert 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 18 ...................... Thu. ................ Picture Retake Day Oct. 19 ...................... Fri. .................. Parent/Teacher Conferences – NO CLASSES Oct. 20-21 ................ Sat.-Sun .......... Western Singers Retreat Oct. 22-26 ................ Mon.-Fri. ........ Pioneer Spirit Week Oct. 24 ...................... Wed ................ Math Afternoon Oct. 25 ...................... Thu ................. Mennonite College Fair for Grades 8, 10, 12 Oct. 26 ...................... Fri. .................. National College Fair for Juniors (All Day) Oct. 26 ...................... Fri. .................. Middle School Fall Festival (6 th & 7th Periods) Oct. 29-Nov. 2.......... Mon.-Fri. ........ Fall Spiritual Renewal Week Nov. 7....................... Wed. ............... Middle School Visitors Day Nov. 9-10 ................ Fri.-Sat ........... Fall Drama Production (7pm each night & Matinee Sat.) Nov. 14..................... Wed ................ High School Visitors Day Nov. 15-17 ............... Thu.-Sat. ......... Fall Drama Production 7pm (Matinee only on Sat.) Nov. 20..................... Tue ................. End of 2nd 6-Weeks Nov. 20-25 ............... Tue.-Sun ......... Hospitality Homes (Dorm Closed 6:00 p.m. Tuesday-5:00 p.m. Sunday) Nov. 21..................... Wed. ............... ½ Day In-Service / ½ Day Grading/Work Day – NO CLASSES Nov. 22-23 ............... Thu.-Fri. ......... Thanksgiving Break Dec. 8 ....................... Sat .................. High School Christmas Banquet Dec. 13 ..................... Thu ................. Grandparent’s Day Dec. 18 ..................... Tue ................. Middle School Social/ Middle School Christmas Concert 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19 ..................... Wed. ............... Choirs at the Capitol (Performing at 12:00 p.m.)

Dec. 20 ..................... Thu ................. High School Christmas Concert 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 21 ..................... Fri. .................. Senior Portraits Due for Yearbook Inclusion Dec. 24-Jan. 4 .......... Sat.-Fri. .......... Christmas/New Year Break (Dorm closed Dec. 21 at 6:00 p.m. - Jan. 6 at 12:00 noon) Jan. 7 ........................ Mon. ............... Classes Resume Jan. 15-17 ................. Tue.-Thu......... 1st Semester Exams / Middle School Activity on Wednesday (16th) Jan. 17 ...................... Thu. ................ End of 1st Semester – NO MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES Jan. 18 ...................... Fri. .................. Teacher Grading/Work Day - NO CLASSES Jan. 18-20 ................. Fri.-Sun .......... High School Student Council Retreat Jan. 21 ...................... Mon. ............... Martin Luther King, JR Holiday - NO CLASSES

SECOND SEMESTER January 22 ................ Tue ................. 2nd Semester Begins // MONDAY SCHEDULE January 22-25 ........... Tue.-Fri. ......... Cultural Awareness Week February 1 ................ Fri ................... Last Day to Add/Drop Classes for 2nd Semester February 6 ................ Wed. ............... Middle School Visitors Day February 8 ................ Fri. .................. Middle School Winter Festival // High School Valentine Social February 9 ................ Sat. ................. Benefit Concert February 11-15 ......... Mon.-Fri. ........ Pioneer Spirit Week February 14-17 ......... Thu.-Sun......... Education Leadership Gathering February 15-18 ......... Fri.-Mon ......... Hospitality Homes (Dorm Closed 6:00 p.m. Friday-5:00 p.m. Monday) February 18 .............. Mon. ............... President’s Day Holiday – NO CLASSES February 19 .............. Tue ................. MONDAY SCHEDULE February 20 .............. Wed. ............... High School District Choir Festival at Linfield College February 22 .............. Fri. .................. Student Intent to Return Forms Due February 27-Mar. 2 .. Wed.-Sat......... State Basketball Tournament at Pendleton February 28 .............. Thu. ................ End of 4th 6-Weeks March 1 .................... Fri. .................. ½ Day In-Service / ½ Day Grading/Work Day – NO CLASSES March 8 .................... Fri. .................. Parent/Teacher Conferences – NO CLASSES March 11 .................. Mon ................ National Honor Society Induction Celebration 7:00 p.m.

March 22 .................. Fri. .................. Awareness Day March 25-29 ............. Mon.-Fri. ........ Spring Break (Dorm Closed Friday, 3/22 at 6:00 p.m. - Monday, 4/1 at noon) April 1 ...................... Mon. ............... Easter Holiday – NO CLASSES (Dorm Opens at Noon) April 2 ...................... Tue ................. MONDAY SCHEDULE April 9-11 ................. Tue.-Thu......... Middle School Testing April 12 .................... Fri ................... Junior/Senior College Tours April 12-16 ............... Fri.-Tue. ......... MSC Music Festival in Philadelphia, PA April 17 .................... Wed. ............... Middle School Choir Festival at Delphian School April 18 .................... Thu ................. End of 5th 6-Weeks//Hospitality Homes (Dorm Closed 6:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday) April 19 .................... Fri. .................. ½ Day In-Service / ½ Day Grading/Work Day – NO CLASSES April 22-26 .............. Mon.-Fri. ........ Spring Spiritual Renewal Week April 27 .................... Sat. ................. Jr./Sr. Banquet May 4 ....................... Sat. ................. 41st Annual Western Benefit Auction (Student Participation Required) May 6 ....................... Mon. ............... Auction Appreciation Day //A cappella Recording - NO CLASSES May 7 ....................... Tue. ................ MONDAY SCHEDULE May 8 ....................... Wed. ............... Middle School Visitors Day May 9 ....................... Thu. ................ High School State Choir Competition at GFU May 10 ..................... Fri ................... Student Election Assembly May 10-11 ................ Fri.-Sat ........... Spring Musical Performances (7 p.m. each night & Matinee Saturday) May 14 ..................... Tue ................. College Prep Night for Juniors and their Parents 7:00 p.m.

May 15 ..................... Wed. ............... High School Visitors Day May 16-18 ................ Thu.-Sat .......... Spring Musical Performances (7 p.m. Thu. & Fri., Matinee only on Sat.) May 22 ..................... Wed. ............... National Honor Society Blood Drive May 23 ..................... Thu ................. HS/MS Small Group Breakfast and Service Afternoon May 27 ..................... Mon. ............... Memorial Day – NO CLASSES May 28 ..................... Tue. ................ MONDAY SCHEDULE May 29 ..................... Wed. ............... MS Social // Middle School Spring Concert 7:00 p.m. // New Student Council Orientation May 30 ..................... Thu. ................ High School Spring Concert // Awards Night 7:00 p.m.

June 3-5 .................... Mon.-Wed ...... Final Exams // Middle School Pioneer Days Monday & Tuesday June 5 ....................... Thu. ................ End of 2nd Semester //No Middle School Activities /8th Grade Graduation 7:00 p.m.

June 6 ....................... Thu ................. Teacher Grading/Work Day - NO CLASSES June 7-13 .................. Fri.-Thu. ......... High School Mini-Term June 14 ..................... Fri. .................. Work Day // Senior Graduation Practice 1:00-3:00 June 15 ..................... Sat. ................. Senior/Family/Faculty Reception 1:00 // Commencement 2:30 June 16 ..................... Sun ................. Dorm Closes at Noon High School Class Days 174 June 17 ..................... Mon. ............... End of Year F/S Meeting // Work Day Middle School Class Days 168

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WESTERN MENNONITE SCHOOL MISSION AND GOALS Equipping students for a life of faith and learning Western Mennonite School equips students for a life of faith and learning by providing an educational experience highlighted by five key distinctions: Christ-centered, academic excellence, nurturing community, peace and service, and enrichment opportunities.

Faith and Learning Goals of WMS: Christ-Centered  Teach the Bible as the inspired word of God, upholding an Anabaptist interpretation  Encourage, mentor, and disciple students to develop a personal relationship with Christ, recognizing the presence of the Spirit in daily life  Invite students to examine the centrality of Christ’s teaching in all aspects of life  Model and teach the way of Christ in dealing with life issues, conflicts, and reconciliation Academic Excellence  Prepare for a lifetime of learning by challenging students to develop analytical and critical thinking skills  Commit to help each student reach individual academic goals through offering modifications and individual help as needed  Offer a broad program of college/university preparatory, technological, practical arts, and fine arts courses  Promote the value and contributions of all peoples and cultures Nurturing Community  Provide a holistic education focusing on the intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical development and wellness of each student  Honor a diverse school community by actively pursuing an anti-racist identity  Promote and mentor students in developing a Christian life of gratitude, service, peacemaking, justice, and stewardship  Encourage active participation within the school, church, and global community by helping students to form relationships of accountability and respect Peace and Service  Provide experiences for students to lead, serve, and share their faith journey within the school, church, and global community  Teach and model an active, purposeful lifestyle of concern and justice for all people  Promote an awareness and understanding of God’s creation by focusing on the care and stewardship of the earth  Assist students to identify and develop personal spiritual gifts and abilities Enrichment Opportunities  Provide various experiences for students to develop gifts and interests in athletics, art, drama, and music  Offer off-campus educational and exploratory experiences  Encourage development of life-long relationships among students and faculty/staff through worship, weekly small groups, and dorm life experiences  Establish connections to broader church institutions and agencies WMS was founded by and associated with the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference (U.S.) and relates to both the Pacific Southwest (U.S.) and Northwest (Canada) Mennonite Conferences. WMS is a member of the Mennonite Schools Council and the Mennonite Education Agency and is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.

5/23/2002

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COMMUNITY STANDARDS Philosophy Admitted students must agree to help bring unity to the Western Mennonite community by supporting the Western Mennonite School Community Standards and guidelines listed in this student handbook. The WMS Community Standards will be made available to students and their parents through information distributed annually at the time of enrollment.

Standard of Conduct The WMS Standard of Conduct is a guide for WMS students and families and is in effect while a student is enrolled at WMS. It is a code consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ, and while not exhaustive in nature, it is representative of behaviors WMS students and families are expected to follow. Any student or family who is unwilling to abide by the following Standard of Conduct will be asked to withdraw from WMS. As a student and family of Western Mennonite School I sincerely resolve to: 1. Be open to the influence of Jesus Christ and His followers, respectfully listening in chapels, small groups and classes.

2. Allow others to seek truth about Christianity.

3. Treat others in a respectful and courteous manner.

4. Be trustworthy in words and actions.

5. Believe the best about somebody or a situation. If I have questions I will go directly to those involved.

6. Refrain from being involved in any activity that could negatively represent my family, friends, school, or me.

WMS administration understands that members of its community may fall short in their fulfillment of the Standard of Conduct. This may result in disciplinary action from administration. When these times happen, WMS administration expects its students and families to reaffirm their commitment to the WMS community by re-establishing a lifestyle that supports the school’s Standard of Conduct.

Student Rights and Responsibilities WMS students have the right: 1. To be heard as a responsible member of a community of faith and learning.

2. To be encouraged for behavior that shows responsibility and consideration of others.

3. To have conversation kept in confidence when they come to a staff member for counseling (exceptions include items covered under mandatory reporting rules).

4. To be treated with courtesy and respect when confronted by a staff member on a discipline issue.

5. To be dismissed from school only after careful attempts at correction by the school community (in the spirit of Matthew 18: 15-20) fail to bring about sufficient evidence of changes in attitude and behavior.

6. To know the standards of behavior expected of them as well as the consequences of misbehavior.

7. To privacy which includes privacy in respect to the student’s school records.

8. To equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination including the responsibility not to discriminate against others.

WMS expects each student to share in the responsibility for self-discipline and for ensuring the health and safety of those around them by reporting inappropriate behavior to the correct authorities.

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ACADEMICS Graduation Requirements

To receive a diploma from Western Mennonite School, the following criteria must be met: 1. Attendance in high school for eight, full semesters including mini-term participation each year and Bible each semester.1 2. Enrollment in school throughout the regular school day. The regular school day is from the beginning of first period to the end of last period in the day.2 3. Completion of all special teacher and administrator requirements relating to school policy.

4. Satisfactory completion of 25 credits (each semester is ½ credit) including all of the courses on the Standard High School Plan. Satisfactory completion means to have received a grade of A, B, C, or D. A grade of C- or better in 16 core classes is required to meet Oregon University System (OUS) and many other university entrance requirements.

5. Students may select the standard plan or the honors plan. The Standard Plan meets requirements for entry into a community college, trade school, and a small number of open admissions colleges and universities.

The Honors Plan meets the requirements for entrance into moderately to highly selective universities and colleges, OUS system, and NCAA system. It includes two years of global languages and a minimum of 16 core class credits. All core classes must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

6. Specific course requirements for each graduating class can be downloaded from the school website (www.westernmennoniteschool.org).

1

Bible and Mini-Term requirements may be modified for transfer students. Transfer students may need additional elective credits to meet graduation requirements.

2 Exceptions to this requirement must be worked out between the Principal and the parents.

Homework Policy Teachers will give homework in the various academic areas. Homework will vary according to subject and what is accomplished in the classroom each day. Parents are encouraged to become involved in their student’s progress by accessing the school’s online grading program at https://wms.PowerSchool.com regularly, and to be prepared for them to have homework every day.

Grading Semesters are broken up into three six-week grading periods. At the end of the third six-week grading period of each semester a grade report will be issued showing the student’s semester grade. Semester grades are the formal, permanent grades that become part of the high school transcript. Students and parents can view current six-week grades by accessing Power School and are encouraged to do so often. Instructions on accessing Power School are distributed at the beginning of the school year.

1. WMS teachers will use the following letter grade scale on six-week and semester reports based on the related percentage scale of assessed work completed by the student; teachers are granted flexibility in applying it within reasonable boundaries.

A+ = 98-100 C = 73-77 A = 93-97 C- = 70-72 A- = 90-92 D+ = 68-69 B+ = 88-89 D = 63-67 B = 83-87 D- = 60-62 B- = 80-82 F = 59 and below C+ = 78-79 8

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2. Comprehensive exam grades are to be calculated into semester grades, not to exceed 20% of the final grade (10%-15% is recommended).

3. Teachers will use discretion when assigning a borderline grade, based upon the student’s effort and cooperation.

4. A grade of “F” for the semester indicates that the student did not learn or produce enough effort to receive credit, and must therefore repeat the class. When a teacher does assign a failing grade for the six-weeks or semester, they will meet with the student and parents to determine a plan for improvement.

5. Grades below a “C-” in core classes may not meet college entrance requirements.

Academic Integrity Policies Rationale WMS wants to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, judgment, and wisdom that they will need to live in society as educated adults. We expect students to take responsibility for their own learning and want them to feel the pride that comes with academic achievement. When a student submits another’s work as one’s own or cheats on assignments or tests, the value of education is diminished and academic progress and character development are compromised.

Academic Dishonesty “Academic dishonesty” is defined as any form of cheating, deceit, or plagiarism in an individual’s academic work. The following are a few examples:  Plagiarizing papers by using incorrectly cited/uncited material from other sources  Submitting someone else’s paper as your own work  Turning in a paper that has been purchased or obtained from the internet  Collaborating with other students on assignments when it is not allowed  Submitting the same paper in more than one course (or from another year of study) without the knowledge and prior approval of the teachers involved  Copying from someone else's work or allowing someone to copy your work  Cheating on exams  Not following the guidelines specified by the instructor for a "take home" test or exam

Potential Consequences For all forms of academic dishonesty at WMS, instructors may decide academic consequences on an individual basis, given the nature, provability, and severity of the offense. In addition to academic consequences the Assistant Principal may pursue and assign disciplinary action. Potential consequences may include:       

Grade reduction on the assignment in question Grade of zero (0) for the assignment in question with no opportunity to make up the work in any way Notification to your parents of academic dishonesty Conference with the individual student, his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) and an administrator Suspension for repeated offenses Failing grade for the 6 weeks or semester (no credit for the course) Inclusion of the citation in your disciplinary record

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Plagiarism, a Definition The advent of the internet has given rise to an ever-increasing use of ‘cut and paste plagiarism’ in all levels of academics. Plagiarism is academic fraud or theft; any level of plagiarism in an educational institution cannot be tolerated.

“Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as if it were your own. . . Plagiarism can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Intentional plagiarism is cheating; it’s when you deliberately copy another person’s words or ideas without acknowledgment” (University of Iowa).

Be aware: "Forms of plagiarism include the failure to give appropriate acknowledgement when repeating another's wording or particularly apt phrase, paraphrasing another's argument, and presenting another's line of thinking. You may certainly use other person's words and thoughts, but the borrowed material must not appear to be your creation. In your writing, then, you must document everything you borrow; not only direct quotations and paraphrases, but also information and ideas."

Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 1998.

All WMS courses use the MLA style of citation as the school-wide standard. If a student has any concerns or questions about how to cite material for a particular assignment, the student has a responsibility to consult his/her teacher, or the head of the English Department, before submitting the work in question. **Policy materials paraphrased and synthesized from a variety of sources, including MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, The University of Oregon, The University of Iowa, Purdue University, Oxnard High School, Staples High School, Limestone Community High School, Kent-Meridian High School, and Falls Church High School.

National Honor Society The focus of the National Honor Society is scholarship, character, service and leadership.

Scholarship Qualifications for Induction  Students must be at least a second semester junior  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 for 5 semesters  Students must have attended WMS at least one semester The annual NHS Induction Ceremony for both students and parents is held in March.

Dropping Classes Students may request to drop or change a course during the first two weeks of each semester with parental permission. Requests must be made on the Add-Drop Form available at the guidance office.

Incomplete Grades An incomplete grade (I) may be assigned by a teacher on a six weeks or semester report because of prolonged illness, an approved trip, or emergency that has interfered with completion of a class. A student must complete his or her work before the deadline specified on the Contract for Incomplete Grade Form. A final course grade will be calculated based upon work submitted by the specified deadline.

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Honor Passes Policy and Guidelines Honor passes are issued to students after the first six-seek grading period to students who attain a 3.5 GPA and have no grades below B-. Subsequent Honor Passes are distributed at the end of each six-week grading period.

Special privileges awarded to students with honor passes include permission to arrange a supervised place of study other than the library during assigned study hall. Students with honor passes may also request one “class cut” per six-week grading period that must be pre-arranged with teachers, not to exceed two cuts in any one class per semester. Teachers have the option of denying a specific request.

Academic Support Students receiving a six-week GPA less than 2.0 and/or receiving one “D” or “F” for a class will be assigned to Academic Support for the following six-weeks. Academic Support takes precedence over any after-school extra-curricular activity and meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15 to 3:45. Exceptions are granted with the approval of the assistant principal.

Study Hall Students with a scheduled study hall must report to the library or other designated classroom for study unless permission is granted otherwise. Each student must sign a study hall contract of expectations and guidelines.

Study skills and time management skills are emphasized and encouraged. Students are accountable to the study hall monitor and librarian, who will assign a grade each six weeks, based upon demonstration of the study hall guidelines and expectations.

Supervised Study Hall Supervised study hall is an opportunity for struggling students to receive direct help and be accountable to an adult supervisor in a focused learning environment.

Students are assigned to supervised study hall because of at least one of the following:  Parents who request it  Being on academic probation  Receiving less than a 2.3 GPA in a six-week grading period  Receiving more than one F in a six-week grading period  Receiving more than two D’s in a six-week grading period Dorm Learning Center (DLC) A resource room will be dedicated to all dorm students to use during scheduled study hall periods. The DLC will be monitored by 1-3 adult supervisors.

Dorm Evening Study Hall Dorm students are required to be in quiet study from 8:00-9:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday. They must be in the library. Any day student on campus with permission during study hall must cooperate with dorm staff and follow the same guidelines that dorm students do during study hall.

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Having fun and displaying excellent sportsmanship is a priority in all of our extra-curricular activities at WMS. We desire that students see the importance of team play, character building, discipline and respect for coaches, directors and each other.

Eligibility In order to be eligible to participate in athletics and other school sponsored extra- curricular activities a student must meet OSAA eligibility requirements and have passed all classes receiving a 2.0 GPA or higher according to the previous six weeks grades. Students who have not met these criteria will be assigned to after school academic support which must take priority over school sponsored extra-curricular participation. Students in after school academic support may participate as long as they meet the provisions that the Assistant Principal approves for the continued involvement in school sponsored extra-curricular activities.

Additionally, each week reports will be run detailing the student’s grades for the current grading period. Any participant in extra-curricular activities found to have a failing grade will not be allowed to participate in practices or in games for the following week and will be required to attend academic support for the week in which they are not allowed to participate. Grace may be extended at the discretion of the assistant principal and/or teacher if it is determined that the current grade is insufficient in reporting actual academic progress and/or an acceptable plan has been agreed upon to turn in missing work.

Missing Class Students missing class for any reason other than school sponsored field trips, funerals, medical appointments, or emergencies will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities on the day of the absence unless approved by the Assistant Principal.

Physical Requirements OSAA (Oregon Schools Activities Association), which governs school athletics, requires that all students participating in school athletics, both middle school and high school, receive a sports physical examination every two years. Every student must have a current school Sports Pre-participation Examination Form on file in the school office before he/she is eligible to participate on any athletic team. This includes pre-season practice.

School Sports Pre-participation Examination Forms are available in the Student Services Office or can be downloaded from the OSAA website: www.osaa.org. This form should be completed by the doctor at the time of the scheduled visit. Most doctors’ offices do not have these forms available. We recommend appointments be scheduled early in the summer to ensure that eligibility is acquired for the start of pre-season practice. Physical forms are due in the Student Services Office before the first practice of any sport. If a student does not have a physical form on file, they will not be able to participate in a sport until a form is turned in.

Student Body ID Cards This card is produced from the school pictures taken at the beginning of the year and is given to students to provide free admission to home games and student admission price at away games.

Tri-River League WMS is a member of the Tri-River League within the OSAA 2A division. More information can be found on the OSAA website at www.osaa.org.

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Western Mennonite School

GENERAL INFORMATION Campus Guests and Visitors Permission must be obtained from administration prior to guests arriving on campus. Off-campus guests must report to the office and get a visitor badge or name tag to be worn while on campus. Off-campus visitors must pay for cafeteria meals at the office. All visitors are expected to leave campus by 8:00 p.m. unless the Dorm Director grants special permission. All visitors are expected to abide by the guidelines of WMS while on campus. Visitors wanting to visit classes in session are required to schedule the visit through the Admissions Office.

Lost and Found Articles that are found are placed in the barrels in the hallway, except jewelry and electronics, which are held at the Student Services Office. Students may only claim their lost articles and not someone else’s. Any items that are unclaimed will be donated to charity at the end of each six-week period.

Prescription Drugs Any student taking prescription drugs should take the medication to the Dorm Director or the Student Services Office.

Personal Property Personal property, including money, is the responsibility of the student. WMS will provide reasonable safeguards including lockable lockers in the high school for the protection and safekeeping of personal property.

The school does not assume responsibility for anything lost, stolen, and/or damaged. Students are strongly encouraged to leave valuable personal items not necessary for class work at home.

Specific searches may be made of a student’s personal property, e.g., locker, vehicle, dorm room, and /or person (pockets, wallet, etc.), if there is reasonable concern that the student may be in possession of substances that are in violation of school policy or someone else’s property. An administrator, or designee appointed by school administration, and at least one other school employee, will conduct all searches.

Movies, Videos, & DVD’s Any videotape or digital video movie with a rating of “PG” requires prior approval of a Dorm Director or faculty member before it is shown to students as part of the school program in any setting, including the classroom, dorm, or during Mini-term. Any video or movie with a rating other than “G” or “PG” requires specific approval of the Principal’s Advisory Council before being shown in part or whole.

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Library Media Center Library hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Academic Center Library offers students a place to study and pursue personal interests that will enrich their lives intellectually and spiritually. The library provides books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and online databases that support and encourage individual research and recreational reading. Library computers provide access to the internet, word processing, desktop publishing, and multimedia presentation software. The library has a fully automated online catalog that allows students to search the library database from multiple locations throughout the school. Because the library is a shared and busy environment, students are expected to keep this area quiet and be respectful of those working and studying. Food and drink are not allowed in the library with the exception of bottled water.

Technology Use Policy Western Mennonite School offers students the privilege of computer use including educational software and access to the Internet. The primary purpose of the school’s technology is to support the educational and faith objectives of WMS. All students using a computer on campus, including personal laptops, are expected to comply with the following:        

Each student must read, sign, and follow the Acceptable Technology Use Policy Each student must pass a quiz on the acceptable use policy to receive a password Students bringing a laptop to school must register that laptop with the systems administrator Each student is allowed a limited amount of memory space for storage (a warning of limited memory will be displayed when a student is near that limit) The systems administrator and teachers are able to view student folders All student folders will be deleted at the end of each academic school year Sharing your school password may result in the loss of computer use Consequences for student violation of the Acceptable Technology Use Policy are: 1st offense = loss of computer privileges for the day – Assistant Principal informed, parents contacted, note placed in Assistant Principal’s student management file. nd 2 offense = loss of computer privileges for one week – Assistant Principal informed, parents contacted, note placed in Assistant Principal’s student management file.

3rd offense = loss of computer privileges on campus for the semester – Assistant Principal informed, parents contacted, note placed in Assistant Principal’s student management file.

These guidelines are in place to protect the privacy of all members of the Western Mennonite School Community and to safeguard the integrity of the system. Any activity that interferes with the operation of the school’s network or Internet will be considered vandalism. All labor and materials costs incurred due to vandalism will be billed to those responsible for that vandalism.

Guidance Office The Guidance Counselor assists students in grades 6-12 in their spiritual, social, emotional, academic, and career development. This is done through individual appointments for career, academic, or social-emotional counseling, classroom presentations, testing services, college fairs and visits, and work-based or service learning. More details regarding Guidance and counseling services can be found on the school website.

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School Office Special permission must be granted for students to enter the office area for any reason. Students should conduct business from outside the office window during the day.

Office Hours Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Office Contact Main Office Phone: 503-363-2000 Fax: 503-370-9455 Email: dorai@westernmennoniteschool.org Website: www.westernmennoniteschool.org To report absences or tardies Sheila Fahndrich: sfahndrich@westernmennoniteschool.org Administration Principal: Darrel Camp Email: dcamp@westernmennoniteschool.org Assistant Principal: Zig Derochowski Email: zigd@westernmennoniteschool.org Business Office Operations Manager: Patrick Rausch Email: prausch@westernmennoniteschool.org Bookkeeper: Laura Young Email: lyoung@westernmennoniteschool.org After Hours – Phone Answered by Students Monday–Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

A student will be available to answer calls after office hours. To place calls, please dial 503-363-2000. If a student is not available for assistance, follow instructions on the voicemail system to reach faculty, staff and dorm personnel. For student messages, please press 0 and leave a message on the main office voicemail. The messages will be retrieved and delivered the following morning.

For direct access to faculty, staff and dorm personnel, please dial 503-371-3612. Follow the phone system directions to speak with the person you are trying to reach or to leave them a voicemail message.

School Closure and Notification of Schedule Changes To notify students, staff and parents of school closures due to inclement weather, the following system will be used: TextCaster: All families will be asked to sign up for text caster notification. With TextCaster, WMS can notify families of any changes to the normal schedule via automated voicemail, email and text messages.

School Closure: Announcement will be made by 6:30 AM through TextCaster, on major radio and television stations, at www.FlashAlert.net and Western Mennonite’s website.

Day Student Parents: Parents have the final authority on sending their students to school during inclement weather as weather and road conditions may vary from area to area.

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DAILY BELL SCHEDULE Monday 7:30 - 8:20 8:45 - 9:31 9:35 - 10:21 10:25 - 11:11 11:15 - 12:01 11:49 - 12:35 12:39 - 1:25 1:29 - 2:15 2:19 - 3:05 3:15 - 4:00

Thursday Faculty/Staff Meeting 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4A (11:11-11:45 1st lunch) 4B (12:01-12:35 2nd lunch) 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period Student Council Meetings Teachers Available (3:10-3:40)

Tuesday 7:15 - 8:05 8:15 - 9:01 9:05 - 9:51 9:55 - 10:20 10:25 - 11:11 11:15 - 12:01 11:49 - 12:35 12:39 - 1:25 1:29 - 2:15 2:19 - 3:05 3:10 - 3:30

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Western Singers 1st Period 2nd Period Chapel 3rd Period 4A (11:19-11:53 1st lunch) 4B (12:06-12:40 2nd lunch) 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period Teachers Available

Friday Western Singers 1st Period 2nd Period Chapel 3rd Period 4A (11:11-11:45 1st lunch) 4B (12:01-12:35 2nd lunch) 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period Teachers Available

Wednesday 7:15 - 8:05 8:15 - 9:01 9:05 - 9:51 9:55 - 10:20 10:25 - 11:11 11:15 - 12:01 11:49 - 12:35 12:39 - 1:25 1:29 - 2:15 2:19 - 3:05 3:10 - 3:30

7:15 - 8:05 8:15 - 8:58 9:02 - 9:45 9:49 - 10:29 10:34 - 11:19 11:23 - 12:06 11:57 - 12:40 12:44 - 1:28 1:32 - 2:16 2:20 - 3:05 3:10 - 3:30

7:15 - 8:05 8:15 - 9:05 9:09 - 9:59 10:06 - 10:56 11:00 - 11:49 11:34 - 12:23 12:27 - 1:17 1:21 - 2:11 2:15 - 3:05 3:10 - 3:30

Western Singers 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4A (10:56-11:30 1st lunch) 4B (11:49-12:23 2nd lunch) 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period Teachers Available

Breakfast: Western Singers 1st Period 2nd Period Small Groups 3rd Period 4A (11:11-11:45 1st lunch) 4B (12:01-12:35 2nd lunch) 5th Period 6th Period 7th Period Teachers Available

Monday 8:00-8:30 a.m.

Tuesday-Friday 7:30-8:00 a.m.

Evening Dinner: Monday-Friday 5:00-5:30 p.m.

Student Handbook 2012-2013

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES Student Council These leaders direct the organization that is known as the Student Council Executive Committee. The purpose of this organization is to present issues before the high school community, to coordinate student committees and to promote good student/faculty relationships.

Student Council Executive Committee 2012-2013 Advisor.................Robby Gilliam President ...............Haley Knieling, senior Vice-President ......Oliver Wisseman, junior Secretary ..............Grace Park, senior Ministries Chair ...Anna Polivka, junior Social Chair ..........Karli Mast, senior Spirit Chair ...........Hunter Gutierrez, senior

Class Representatives 2012-2013 Seniors................ Natalie Chen, Taylor Berkey Juniors ................ Jennah DuBois, Jon Stubblefield Sophomores........ Amy Rausch, Wyatt Roth Freshman ............ Angeli Jocson, Joseph Polivka MS Student Council Executive Committee - TBA Advisor............... Chris Woodard

Clubs Science Olympiad, Book Club, International Club, Art Club and Ski Club have been offered in the past. Future clubs are based on student interest.

Banquets Students attending must be in 9th grade or above. Those attending these events must follow the dress and grooming regulations of the school.

Junior/Senior Banquet Students who bring a guest must properly fill out a “guest pass” application from the Assistant Principal’s office. The guest pass application must be filled out two weeks in advance and the student will be notified if their guest has been approved or denied.

Spiritual Renewal Week WMS has two special weeks with a guest speaker sharing in daily chapels. A theme is followed throughout the week with a focus on spiritual growth and renewal among our students and faculty/staff. One week is designated in the fall and one in the spring. Parents are encouraged to attend chapel and to support the school community in special prayer during these weeks.

Benefit Auction The annual Western Mennonite Benefit Auction, held on the first Saturday in May, is our largest school fundraiser and helps provide funds for the student grant program. Auction day is counted as a school day and all students are required to participate on the day of the auction.

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STUDENT POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS Restorative Action Discipline at WMS is not focused on punishment, but on restorative justice that creates a healthier and safer community. Restorative action responds to harm that has been done. We desire to invite full participation and consensus, and work towards healing what has been broken. We want direct accountability where certain individuals are responsible for causing harm or hurt. Appropriate repair will be expected. Our hope is to bring unity and health where there has been division. Our goal is to strengthen the community and individuals to prevent further harm.

Restorative Action Consequences 1) Teacher Options:       

Verbal or Written Warning Lunch Detention/After School Detention Essay/Problem Solving Sheet Work Detail Assistant Principal Referral Restorative Action Session Parent/School Conference

2) Administrative Options:    

Same as Teacher Options In-School Suspension Suspension Expulsion

Weapons Gun-Free School Guns and other dangerous weapons such as knives are not permitted on campus or at any school-sponsored activity. Any exceptions must have the approval of the principal. Any student who brings a gun or dangerous weapon to campus or knowingly possesses a weapon while on campus will be suspended immediately and indefinitely pending results of an investigation. If a gun is used in a threatening manner, the student will be dismissed for the remainder of the year and the police will be notified (ORS 330.250).

Fireworks Due to Oregon laws no fireworks are permitted on campus. Violators may be suspended and/or fined (ORS 166.360-.370).

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Harassment / Bullying Western Mennonite School is committed to maintaining a school environment in which all individuals treat each other with respect and dignity and one that is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation and harassment. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion.

Students who feel they have observed or been subjected to such treatment are to inform their parents and immediately report the matter to one of the school officials designated below.

Bullying is defined as follows:  Social, gender and racial slurs, slander and verbal abuse.  Unwelcome physical contact such as pushing, restraining, hitting, kicking, biting, and spitting.  Threatening, slanderous, or abusive messages in written notes, texts, emails, or social networking sites.  Any behaviors that create an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive school environment.

Sexual harassment is defined as follows:  Sexual flirtations, advances or requests for sexual activity or photographs.  Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, sexually related comments and joking.  Graphic or degrading comments about a person’s appearance.  Displaying sexually suggestive/vulgar words or images including cartoons, text messages, social networking sites, and email messages.  Any uninvited physical contact or touching, such as patting, pinching, or repeated brushing against another’s body.  Any behaviors that create an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive school environment.

If you would like to review the full harassment policy and procedures document, it is available from the assistant principal, guidance counselor, and is on the school’s website. Complaint forms are also available from these individuals and may be downloaded from the website. The following individuals are specifically authorized to receive complaints and to respond to questions regarding harassment of any nature. All complaints will be promptly investigated.

Darrel Camp, Principal 503-363-2000, ext. 101 (work) dcamp@westernmennoniteschool.org

Zig Derochowski, Assistant Principal 503-363-2000, ext. 102 (work) zigd@westernmennoniteschool.org

Darlene Fritz, Guidance Counselor 503-363-2000, ext. 231 (work) dfritz@westernmennoniteschool.org

Ron Litwiller, School Board Chair ron@mennonitevillage.org

Student Grievance Policy It is the philosophy at Western Mennonite School that students have an inherent right to express their personal opinions, desires, and complaints, and that the school has a responsibility to address itself to those expressed concerns. Any student who contends that they have been subject to a violation, misinterpretation, or inappropriate application of student policies and/or administrative guidelines, shall make direct application to administration to air his/her concerns. If administration is the subject of the complaint, the student will file the complaint to the board chair.

All possible efforts will be made to resolve grievances informally prior to proceeding with formal action.

Should these efforts fail, the student in question shall submit formal application by letter to the Personnel Committee of the board to arrange a hearing on the matter.

If, following the hearing before the Personnel Committee, the student is still not satisfied; they may request a hearing before the school board.

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Substance Abuse Prevention Policy Purpose The purpose of this policy is to educate and help direct students away from substance abuse and toward healthy, safe, and drug-free lives throughout their school years. This policy also provides preparation for life after high school as many businesses now conduct similar testing programs. We hope that this policy, which includes drug testing and random searches, will help our students turn away from the ever-present drug culture.

Expectations This policy is in effect while a student is enrolled at WMS and applies to tobacco, alcohol and other illegal drugs. The possession, use, delivery, transfer, or sale of tobacco, alcohol, or any other illicit drugs while on school property or while attending any school function is expressly forbidden. We expect, furthermore, that students will not purchase, supply, or use harmful or illegal substances at any time during their years at WMS. Any student in violation of this policy can expect to be suspended and/or expelled from school and reported to their parents and the appropriate law enforcement agency for possible legal action.

School-Wide Testing In recognition of the health risks and dangers associated with the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit drugs, a school-wide drug testing program has been instituted. Testing will occur unannounced on a random basis.

However, the school reserves the right to test any student who at any time exhibits cause for reasonable suspicion (as determined by WMS administration) of drug and/or alcohol use.

In recognition that attendance at WMS is a privilege and not a right, the school requires that all students immediately submit to drug testing when called upon as part of their commitment to making WMS a drug free school. Students who refuse to be drug tested will be treated as if there is a violation of policy.

Testing Procedures All testing for illegal drugs will be conducted by a professional agency using the student’s urine. Testing will be paid for by WMS and will either be completed on site or at a lab of WMS’s choice. Any positive test will be submitted to another agency for verification.

Students found to have illegal drugs in their possession will be asked to immediately submit to a drug test at a professional agency off campus. In this circumstance the parent will pay for the drug testing.

Administration will notify the students and parents of the results as soon as possible.

Consequences First offense: Parents will be notified immediately of the violation. In the case of possession of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs, the administration may report the student to law enforcement agencies. The student will be suspended for up to five school days and immediately will be ineligible for participation in all extracurricular activities for up to ninety days. Individuals participating in athletics may miss up to 1/3 of the games in the current or upcoming season. Evidence will be required showing that the student has received professional intervention through assessment by an approved agency and has enrolled in an approved educational or counseling program. In addition, students will be required to submit to random drug tests (minimum of one per month), paid for by the parents, the rest of the school year. In the event that the positive test occurs at the end of the school year, testing through the summer and following semester will be required. Where fees for services are involved, the family will accept responsibility for payment.

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Second offense: Parents will be notified immediately of the violation. In the case of possession of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs, the administration may report the student to law enforcement agencies. The student will be expelled from school and from all school activities for the remainder of the semester. If the offense occurs within the last four weeks of a semester, the recommendation for expulsion will include the next semester as well. Re-enrollment after this period of expulsion will require evidence that the student has received professional intervention and is no longer involved with illegal activities. In addition, students will be required to submit to random drug tests (minimum of one per month), paid for by the parents, for a period of time designated by administration. Where fees for services are involved, the family will accept responsibility for payment.

Searches Specific searches may be made of a student’s person, locker, vehicle, dorm room, and /or other personal property if there is reasonable concern that the student may be in possession of substances that are in violation of school policy. An administrator, or designee appointed by school administration, and at least one other school employee, will conduct all searches.

Self-Referral Students and their families are encouraged to contact the school administration for help with tobacco, alcohol and other drug-related problems, with the assurance that such contacts will be handled sensitively and confidentially. A student who self-refers to the school and is making satisfactory progress in following the recommendations of WMS administration and an approved drug treatment agency will not be liable to disciplinary actions if the self-referral occurs prior to a random drug testing day.

Conclusion We hope that clearly outlining lifestyle expectations in terms of tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit drugs will make it easier for all to choose a healthy, safe, and drug-free life. By standing together, we as members of this Christian community, seek to enable each individual to honor God’s intention for our bodies and our health.

Theft If a student is found to be in possession of another student’s belongings without that student’s permission, it will be considered theft. Theft of any kind is absolutely prohibited. Potential consequences of being found guilty of theft may be restitution, detention, suspension or expulsion. Additionally, law enforcement officials may be notified.

Damaged Property Students are responsible to report any damage, either intentional or accidental, to the school office. Any repair costs due to damage on campus by students will be paid for by the student or added to the student’s account.

Attendance There is a definite correlation between class attendance and academic success. Irregular attendance is one of the prime factors associated with student failure and frustration with his/her school experience.

Since our society is extremely time oriented, we must prepare our students to function well in it. Because interruptions caused by tardiness and/or absences seriously interfere with effective teaching and learning time, we have instituted the following attendance policy: By state requirements, a student who misses more than 15% of class time in any high school course may not receive credit for the course. Therefore, parents of a student missing more than 10 classes of a course within a semester will be issued a warning. If the student’s absences increase above 13 classes, the student will not receive credit for the course without approval of an appeal to the Principal’s Advisory Council.

The student should continue to attend class and complete coursework while awaiting the council’s decision.

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Absences and Tardies Office Explanation It is the expectation that parents/guardians contact the school’s Student Services Office (SSO) the morning of an absence or in the case of a morning tardy. The SSO can be contacted by one of the following methods: 1. Phone call (503-363-2000 x110) 2. Email Sheila at sfahndrich@westernmennoniteschool.org 3. Written note of explanation signed by parent or guardian Sign-In; Sign-Out Any time a student leaves the campus during school hours they must personally sign-out at the Student Services Office and sign-in if they return before school is out.

Pre-arranged Absence Assignment Check Sheet (Blue Sheet) An assignment check sheet (blue sheet) is available for all pre-arranged absences that are not related to school activities when the absence is one day or more. A blue sheet can be picked up at the SSO. A completed blue sheet gives the student an excused absence if accompanied with permission from a parent. A copy of the blue sheet will be provided to the student so they will know what assignments are due upon return.

Unexcused Tardies and Absences All tardies and absences are unexcused unless the SSO is contacted by the parent/guardian. A student is considered absent after ten minutes into the class period.

Tardy Consequences When a student has accumulated 4 tardies in one class they will be assigned to Detention. Any additional tardy may result in after school detention, lunch detention, work detail on campus, parent conference, and/or InSchool Suspension.

Unexcused Absences Consequences Unexcused absences may result in a week of lunch detentions. Continual unexcused absences may result in lunch detentions, after school detentions, work detail on campus, parent conference, In-School Suspension, and/or Out of School suspension.

Leaving Campus 1. Because Western values a community atmosphere and cares for its students, it operates a closed campus where students must obtain permission to leave campus. To leave campus, students must receive permission from the Assistant Principal. There is no guarantee permission will be granted.

2. Off campus permission is given only to students whose parents have given permission and are in good standing.

3. No one is ever to leave campus without permission from the Assistant Principal, the main office staff, or a dorm leader.

4. After receiving permission to be off-campus, students must personally sign out at the Student Services Office before they leave. The student must sign back in if they return before school is out.

Detention Detentions can take place during lunch or after school and is a time designated by a teacher or Assistant Principal in which the student is given a consequence they must serve. The consequences may include but are not limited to study time, work detail, or quiet time. If students miss assigned detentions they could face further consequences such as missed activities, in-school suspension, all day work detail, suspension, or expulsion.

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Social Standards Students, parents, and faculty may have different views regarding dating as commonly practiced in U.S. society.

WMS encourages group activities and friendships over dating. If students choose to date they must maintain the following standards while they are on campus or at school sponsored events:  Couples may be together only within the campus circle when they are at school. To be in other places, couples must get prior permission from the Assistant Principal.  Couples must be in well-lighted areas.  Couples may hold hands or sit side-by-side, but further physical contact is not permitted.  Middle School Students: no physical contact.

Violations of Social Standards If couples violate the above standards, the following procedures will occur: 1st Violation - Warning – The couple meets with an administrator and the policy is explained.

2nd Violation – The couple is given a notice from the school administration, and a letter or email is sent to parents reminding them of school policy and their student’s behavior.

3rd Violation – A two-day social campus will be given to the couple. During a social campus, the violating couple is not to be together.

4th Violation – Each student involved in the violation will receive a one-week suspension from school on alternating weeks. A parental conference will be required either before the suspension begins or at its termination.

5th Violation – As deemed necessary by administration.

Dress Code Western Mennonite School’s dress code is designed to allow some freedom of expression by our students and create an atmosphere that doesn’t interfere with classroom learning. Decent and modest attire is expected, both at school, and at all school related functions. Administration understands that determining what is decent and what is modest can be very subjective in nature and thus not every detail can be addressed within this policy.

Therefore we ask that you cooperate with the SPIRIT of this policy (decent and modest) as stated above and respect the judgment of Western’s administration, faculty, and staff.

The following are common examples of dress related items that would be considered inappropriate:  Tank tops, halters, backless, strapless, tube top, or spaghetti strap shirts; low cut blouses; any cleavage, viewing of any undergarments (such as sports bras) or see-through clothing that reveals an inappropriate top. Appropriate tops would only allow the neck, head, and arms below the shoulder to be shown.  Clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence, or has questionable messages.  Clothing that exposes the midriff, underclothes, or cleavage.  Pants that are tight fitting like spandex or sag and/or show underclothing.  Hats or bandanas during the school day.  Skirts, dresses, and shorts that are more than 2 inches above the knee (we realize this may vary slightly due to the growth of your child, but we stress modesty with this rule).  Clothing with holes or rips that expose skin/underclothing or that is in inappropriate locations.  Cut-off t-shirts or shorts.

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Students who are found to be in violation of the Western Mennonite School dress code will be asked to change into appropriate clothing which may cause them to be sent home (time spent outside of class by students to correct dress code violations will be unexcused). The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of a student’s dress at any time.

Student Hours All day students are to leave campus by 8:00 p.m. or 30 minutes after an on-campus evening event ends unless special arrangements are made and permission is obtained from the Dorm Director.

Telephone Calls Students will be called to the telephone during school hours only in the event of an emergency. Important messages will be delivered to the student and/or their mailbox. If a student needs to make a personal call during the school day and don’t have a cell phone to use they may request use of the office telephone. Personal calls should only be made during breaks, between classes, and over lunch. Non-emergency long-distance calls are the responsibility of the student and can be made after purchasing a calling card.

Cell Phones / IPods / MP3 Players and Similar Devices Cell phones, IPods and MP3 Players are to be turned off during the school day. These items can only be used during the school day with the direct permission of a faculty or staff member. Failure to comply will result in the device being confiscated for a period of time.

Cell phones, IPods and MP3 Players used outside of the school day but at school sponsored events or on school property must have appropriate content on them. Failure to comply will result in the device being confiscated for a period of time. Repeat offences will result in the student not being allowed to have a device on campus.

Faculty/staff and administration can search devices at their discretion.

Personal Computers Personal computers may be used during the school day but only for school work. Computers must have appropriate content on them. Failure to comply will result in the device being confiscated for a period of time.

Conduct on Buses Students who ride school-owned buses to school-sponsored activities will be notified of the rules and regulations governing their conduct. A student who disobeys the requests of the driver or chaperones will be reported to an administrator. The privilege of riding the bus may be suspended. Students who ride Salem/Keizer buses will adhere to Salem/Keizer’s rules. Any violation of Salem/Keizer’s rules may result in disciplinary action by WMS as well.

Vehicles on Campus Students who use personal vehicles for transportation to and from school are expected to comply with the following regulations, which are for the protection of the entire school community:  All vehicles driven by students must be registered with the Student Services Office.  Vehicles are to be parked neatly and in designated areas and are not to be driven during the school day except by special permission from the Principal or Assistant Principal.  Students involved in after-school activities are not to move their vehicles until the activity is over and they leave campus.  The administration reserves the right to revoke the privilege to bring a vehicle on campus in the case of serious and/or repeated violations of safety and use.

Campus Speed Limit The campus speed limit is 10 miles an hour. Please drive safely.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SEVIS/Other Required Documents All International Students must provide the following prior to beginning classes at WMS:  Enrollment Form (signed and completed)  Enrollment Contract/Financial Agreement  Tuition Fees  Proof of Bank Account Balance (certificate of deposit)  School Sports Physical (if planning to participate in a sport)  Completed Immunization Record  Copy of Valid Passport  Copy of Valid F-1 Visa and I-94  Copy of Signed, Stamped I-20 It is the student’s responsibility to assure that all SEVIS documents are kept current; any documents due to expire soon need to be renewed prior to the expiration date. Students need to get I-20 signed yearly (prior to leaving the school) for re-entry into the United States.

English Proficiency Full English proficiency is not a requirement for admissions to WMS. Students entering grades 9-10 should have a SLEP score of 40 or more; students entering grades 11-12 should have a SLEP score of 45 or more.

Improving English proficiency is an important part of the International Program at WMS. Because of this, International Students are required to speak, read, and write in English during school hours and during most of their non-school hours. Limited time will be allowed for communicating in their native language during nonschool hours.

Testing All International students will take the SLEP test (spring) to determine progress toward English proficiency.

Juniors and Seniors will also take TOEFL iBT preparation and examinations each year. It is highly recommended that the SAT and ACT examinations are also taken as many Universities require International Students to take both TOEFL and ACT or SAT as part of their application process.

Questions/Concerns International Students should contact Robby Gilliam, Dorm Director, if they have any questions or concerns.

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SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES FOR LIVING I Corinthians 3:11 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Galatians 5:13-14 “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Ephesians 4:2-3 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 5:1 “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

I Peter 2:13 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men.”

I Peter 3:8-9 “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

I John 5:3 “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”

Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE—NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

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Student Handbook 2012-2013

Western Mennonite School