Guilford Middle School

2015-2016
Student and Parent
Handbook

This book belongs to:

PRINCIPALS MESSAGE
Welcome to Guilford Middle School for the 2015-2016 school year! We are excited to
have you as part of our student body and hope that this year will be your best school year ever.
This student handbook is a guide for Guilford Middle Schools procedures, rules, and
schedules. It will assist you in getting organized and will be a regular source of information for
you and your parents. We need all of our parents/guardians continued support in order for you
to continue your school journey successfully.
Guilford Middle School will provide you the best opportunities to grow and develop to
your maximum potential. It is your responsibility to take advantage of these opportunities in
order to be successful. We expect nothing but your very best! from all of our tigers. Our
Guilford Middle School staff will strive to stay in tune with you, to help you, and to cheer you on
with admiring and hopeful hearts.
Patrice W. Brown, Principal

VISION STATEMENT
Inspiring community minded students who value life-long learning, are accomplished critical
thinkers, and are prepared to be tomorrows leaders.
MISSION STATEMENT
GMS equips students with the confidence, vision, skills, and knowledge to both see and actively
reach for a better tomorrow for themselves, our community, and our nation.

GUILFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

CONTACT NUMBERS
Office.................................................................. (336) 316-5833
Counseling (Grades 6-8) .................................... (336) 316-5835
Cafeteria ............................................................ (336) 316-5839
FAX ..................................................................... (336) 316-5837

Guilford Middle School

Student Handbook

Absences

Page 2
All absences require a signed note from the parent/guardian explaining the absence, delivered
to the office within 3 days upon the students return. If a note is not received within 3 days of
the absence, by law, it will be recorded as unexcused. (Refer to Guilford County Schools Student
Handbook 2015-16, Attendance Policy K-12) Note: Arrival after 11:40 a.m. or early dismissal
before 11:40 without returning is considering an absence for the day.
In accordance with Guilford County Schools Policy students are limited to six (6) absences per
semester. All absences in excess of six must be made up. Guilford Middle School will notify
students who need to make up time and opportunities for make-up time will be provided. (See
GCS Policy-STUDENT ATTENDANCE K-12-P. 79.)

Academics/Make-Up Work
Students are expected to complete all classroom and homework assignments. If you miss an
assignment, your teacher will have you call your parent/guardian. The teacher may also inform
them by email that you have until the following day to complete and turn in the assignment. If
the work is not completed and turned in it will result in an after school study hall.
Students are responsible for all work missed when absent from school. Immediately upon
returning to school following an absence make arrangements with your teachers to get
assignments and complete your work. Parents/Guardians must request missing assignments by
8:30 a.m. in order to pick it up by the end of the school day.

Arrival
*Students may not arrive on campus before 7:45 a.m.*. Students arriving between 7:45 a.m.
and 8:05 a.m. must go to the new gym and wait for the 8:05 bell. Pick up-Drop-off is on the
Guilford College Road side. Please do not enter the Bus/Staff parking lot between 7:45 and
8:30 or 2:45 and 3:30. Do not drop off or pick up students by the Fire Lane on Lindley Road.

Athletics
To be eligible to participate in sports you must (1) be in the 7th or 8th grade, (2) have passed 3 of
4 Core subjects the previous semester, (3) been in regular attendance (no more than 13
absences in the previous semester, and (4) present a current, completed Sports Physical form
(obtainable online, from your coach or in the front office), and (5) present a current, valid Proof
of Residence (acceptable forms: lease agreement, power, water, gas, oil).

Awards/Honor Roll
Eligibility for End-Of-Year awards are:
Tiger Award (6th,7th, 8th) : Be involved in extra-curricular events (clubs, athletics) within the
school or community, show growth on EOGs, take charge of personal conduct, participate in
community service projects, and be prepared daily for class.
Presidential Academic Excellence Gold Award (for 8th grade only): Maintain Level IV or V on
Reading and Math EOG grade 6-8 and maintain a 3.5 GPA (A/B Honor Roll) grade 6-8.

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Presidential Academic Achievement Silver Award
: Achieve 4 or 5 on Reading and
Math or Level 3 with at least 10 points growth, improvement, commitment or intellectual
development.
Honor Roll (6th,7th, 8th) : "A" Honor Roll and "A/B" Honor Roll is awarded to those students
maintaining all As or As and Bs. Award recipients per grade level will be selected/approved by
the Administrative Team.
The Outstanding Service Award (6th,7th, 8th) : recognizes students who have participated in
service to their fellow man above and beyond the required service learning of Guilford County.
(6th,7th,

8th)

After-School Activities
Students are not permitted to stay on campus after school while waiting for the start of an
athletic activity, event, or dance unless supervision is provided. Students must leave campus at
3:05 and return for the start of the event.
DANCES: Students must be in good-standing to be eligible to attend any afterschool dances.
Permission to attend will be at the discretion of the Administrative Staff. Any student not
picked up promptly after the dance will not be allowed to attend the next dance at GMS.

Bicycles
You may ride your bicycle to school with your parent/guardians permission. You may not ride
your bicycle on the sidewalk, driveway or parking lot of the campus. It must be parked in the
bicycle rack by the old gym. It is your responsibility and Guilford Middle School will not be
responsible for loss or damage.

Book Bags
Book bags must be able to fit inside your locker with the door closed. Your book bag/backpack
is to be placed in your locker upon arrival at school and remain there until the end of the day.
You will be given specific locker times to retrieve/exchange items needed for class.

Bus Safety
(1)Be at your stop on time. (2) Sit in assigned seat until bus has arrived at school or your bus stop.
(3) Do not be disruptive or loud. (4) Keep feet and objects out of aisle. (5) Do not throw anything
from the bus. (6) Do not consume food, candy or drinks on bus. (7) Do not willfully damage the
bus in any way. Violation of any of the bus rules and regulations may result in a bus suspension
and/or other disciplinary action. Consequences for Bus Safety violations will be in accordance
with 2014-2015 Guilford County Schools Student Code of Conduct.

Cafeteria Costs/Charges
Breakfast is provided to all students at No Charge. Lunch-$2.75/Reduced-$.40. Students may
charge a meal if needed but payment is expected within one week of the charge (School
Nutrition Services).
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Cafeteria Procedures
Students may only go through the line once and may only purchase one dessert. Food is not to
be taken from the cafeteria. We encourage students to develop healthy eating habits.
Bringing outside food for other students is not permitted.

Car Riders
Car riders are to enter the campus on the Guilford College Road side only and be dropped off
and picked up in the circle by the old gym. For safety reasons do not drop off/pick up students
on the Lindley Road side or the Fire Lane by the mobile quad unit on Lindley Road. Do not
enter the bus parking lot (that faces Lindley Road) before 8:15 a.m. or after 2:30 p.m.

Cell Phones/Electronics/Tablets
Students are not permitted, to have cell phones or any other electronic devices in the
classroom (nor in the pocket, notebook, pencil pouch, etc.) with the exception of school issued
Amplify Tablets at any time. Cell phones may not be used inside the building during school
hours and are to be turned off immediately after entering the school building including
cafeteria, stored in the locker until 3:05 and not turned on until you have exited the building.
Cell phones will be confiscated for up to 10 days and released only to a parent/guardian.
Students who need to use the telephone must obtain permission from a staff member.
Consequences: **CHANGE** - 1st offense-1 day-parent/guardian pick up item in office the
next school day; 2nd offense-5 days-parent/guardian pick up item in office; 3rd offense-10
days-parent/guardian pick up in office; Changes/amendments to this for repeated offenses
are at the discretion of the Principal.
Consequences for Cellular Phone and Other Electronic Devices violations will be in accordance
with 2015-16 Guilford County Schools Student Handbook Rule 27, page 38.
Students are expected to follow the guidelines for Amplify Tablets included in the Student
Agreement for Use of Electronic Mobile Devices.

CUB
Consequences for Unacceptable Behavior (CUB) is the alternative to Out of School Suspension.
Students are encouraged to make wise choices and to realize that all actions have
consequences. If the action(s) result in assignment to CUB, the student will be in an isolated,
structured, supervised area where he/she will continue academic work and receive appropriate
intervention. Students who do not complete assignments provided by their teacher will remain
in CUB the following day until the assignments are completed.

Discipline
Students are expected to follow Student Discipline Policy JD and JD-P in accordance with the
Guilford County Schools Student Code of Conduct which is found in the Guilford County 20152016 Schools Student Handbook.

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Student Handbook

Dress Code

Page 5
Students are expected to dress daily in Standard Mode of Dress (SMOD). There is no opt out
policy. A SMOD closet will be maintained for students needing assistance for any Standard
Mode of Dress issue. Guidelines for SMOD can be found on the Guilford Middle School website
and or in the front office. A copy of the GMS SMOD Guidelines is printed on the last page of
this booklet. Consequences for Dress Code violations will be in accordance with 2015-2016
Guilford County Schools Student Code of Conduct Page 85.

Early Dismissals
Students leaving school early must bring a note to the office before 8:10 a.m. signed by a
parent/guardian that includes the parent/guardians telephone number. Staff will be notified
of all early dismissals and students will be waiting in the office. It is important that we protect
the instructional time by limiting the telephone calls and interruptions during class time.

Expectations
GMS PROPS

Preparation
(Be on time, materials ready)
Respect
(Focus on Instruction)
Ownership

(Take Responsibility)
Pride
(Go the EXTRA Degree)
Safety (Move on campus
(Move on campus quickly,
quietly, safely)

Fees Owed
If you are missing text books, media center books or have unpaid fees you will be in jeopardy of
losing end-of-year privileges. In addition, your parent/guardian will be required to pick up your
last report card in the front office.

Forgotten Items
Items you may have forgotten to bring to school may be left in the office by your
parent/guardian. Please be sure your students name and homeroom is on each item. Students
will be notified just prior to class change to avoid interruption in instructional time.

Gifts/Parties
The school office will not accept gifts, balloons or flowers delivered to the office for students.
Birthday parties in the cafeteria or classroom are prohibited. However, you may bring store
bought pastries to share with your students classmates during lunch time.

Inclement Weather
When predicted inclement weather threatens to make road conditions unsafe for school bus
travel, the decision to close, delay or open schools will be made by the Director of
Transportation. The decision to close or delay school will be announced to the news media,
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Page 6
shared via Connect-Ed , posted on the GCS Website (www.gcsnc.com), GCS social media
outlets and broadcast on GCSTV 2 not later than 5 a.m. by the Chief of Staff. If school opens at
the normal time, an announcement will not be made. If inclement weather occurs after the
school day has begun, a decision regarding early release will be made as quickly as possible. No
school activities, games, practices, rehearsals, performances, etc., shall take place when school
is closed or dismissed early due to inclement weather, unless permission to proceed has been
coordinated by the Chief Information Officer and the Chief Student Services Officer.

Leadership Team
Each grade level has a leadership team representative who will actively participate in
discussions and decisions to support the School Improvement Plan. The representative will also
gather feedback and communicate relevant information to all constituents. The contact
information for our parent representatives will be available on the school website or by
contacting the front office. Minutes from the team meeting will be posted to the GMS website.

Leaving Classroom
Students are expected to sign the student in/out log when they leave the classroom and when
they return during the instructional day. Students not in class must have a pass.

Lockers
You will be assigned a locker by your homeroom teacher. Lockers are school property loaned
to students and subject to search at any time by school administrators.
Do not share your combination with anyone
Do not use your friends locker nor allow them to use yours.
Do not place stickers or signs inside or outside your locker and do not write on it.
Do not keep anything in your locker that you would not be willing to show school
officials. Administration has authority to search any locker at any time.
Do not bring locks from home for your locker. They will be removed by the school.

Messages
Students will not be called to the telephone during instructional time except in the case of an
absolute emergency. The Office Staff will take messages for students, post them on the blue
screen (in-class TV) and/or notify the student at class change. Students are not allowed to
send or receive text messages during the school day. (Please see Cell
Phones/Electronics/Tablets section of GMS Handbook, page 4.)

Parent Expectations
A direct relationship exists between student success, parent involvement and support for staff.
You are encouraged to form a partnership with Guilford Middle School Faculty and Staff.

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Please help your student meet school expectations, dress appropriately daily in SMOD, be
prepared for class, leave unnecessary items at home, communicate regularly with your
students teachers by exchanging email addresses, and keep your contact information current.

Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A)

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Guilford Middle School is a strong voice and advocate
for our students and a resource for our families. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to
participate by joining the P.T.A. Memberships are $5.00. Note: Change for 2015-16 P.T.A.
no longer accepts checks and can only accept cash.

Promotional Practices
The criteria for promotion to the next grade include, but are not limited to the following:
successful completion of all academic courses (grade D or better), scoring Level III or IV on
EOGs, low absenteeism or successfully making up absences in excess of 7 days per semester.
Failure to meet these guidelines will result in the students status coming under review by an
Appeals Committee from Guilford Middle School. Test scores, classroom work, report card
grades, and attendance will be considered and Principal will make a recommendation for
retention in the current grade or placement in the next grade at that time. This
recommendation may include a referral for summer academic enrichment program (s),
completion of summer enrichment packets prior to a placement decision being made.

Report Cards
Report Cards are issued at the end of each nine weeks grading period. In addition, teachers
send out progress reports during the mid-nine weeks. Both report cards and progress reports
are to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the school.

Report Card/Interim Schedule

Interim Reports
Grading Period
Ends
Report Cards to
Students

QTR 1
9/23/15

QTR 2
12/3/15

QTR 3
2/23/16

QTR 4
5/4/15

10/23/15

1/20/16

3/24/16

6/08/16

11/4/15

2/2/16

4/12/16

Mailed

Student Led Conferences

Twice yearly, parents or guardians will be asked to participate in a student led conference with
their child. He/She will choose several examples of his/her work to show you and will practice
leading a conference with you. At that time you will receive the report card. This is an
important part of your students academic year. Please be supportive and make every effort to
attend.
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SMOD Free Days

We will observe some SMOD Free Days throughout the 2015-16 school year. Students will be
informed during Morning Announcements, by ConnectEd, and published in the newsletter and
calendar. The SMOD Free Day Guidelines are as follows:

The following are dress guidelines for the PTA Dance and SMOD Free Day Only:
Students will be expected to keep themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed at
all times. Any form of dress or appearance which is considered destructive and
detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the school, or any dress which might, in
any way prove embarrassing to the student, will not be permitted. This includes
but is not limited to clothing that has pro-violent, hate, race, or offensive
words/graphics.
The following items of clothing have been determined to be unacceptable:
Spandex knit pants/shorts/leggings/jeggings, jeans with holes above the knee,
tank tops/muscle shirts, mesh or see-through clothing, halters (or halter like tops)
or midriffs, tops that expose cleavage are not permitted, tops must have straps
that are at least two inches wide, hats (male or female), bandannas (male or
female), hanging chains, sagging pants, chokers or wristbands (which could be
considered dangerous), sunglasses, short shorts, short skirts, short dresses and
track shorts split on the side, shoes with rollers on the bottom as well as other
items deemed inappropriate attire by school administrators. Skirts, dresses, and
shorts must extend down to the students knee. Leggings do not allow for shorter
skirts or shorts. NO pajamas, bedroom shoes or night clothing attire should be
worn to school. Profanity, suggestive slogans, and/or references to alcohol, drugs,
or tobacco products on clothing are prohibited. Students wearing inappropriate
clothing will be required to immediately change to appropriate clothing and/or
call home for appropriate clothing.

Teacher Conferences
If a parent wishes to schedule a conference with a teacher, please send a note to the
homeroom teacher, call during the teachers planning period, or email. Conferences can be
scheduled before school, during planning time, and after school only. A 24-hour notice is
required to schedule conferences.

Teacher Requests
Guilford Middle School cannot honor specific teacher requests. However, you may submit, in
writing, characteristics and teaching styles that you feel are best suited to your childs academic
needs, and the Administrative staff will make effort to accommodate your request.
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Transportation Changes
We cannot be sure that last-minute messages regarding transportation changes can be delivered
between 2:30 and 3:05 due to scheduling and the high volume of business/calls at that
time. Please make afternoon arrangements at the beginning of each day with your student(s).
Any changes to students transportation arrangements must be made in writing (fax or email is
acceptable), or they will not be honored after 1:00 pm. Students will not be permitted to ride
home with a friend without parent or guardian written permission.

Visitation Procedures
All visitors are required to sign in at the front desk before they visit and sign out after their
visit is concluded at the computer in the Administrative office A Visitors badge will be
printed from that computer that you will be required to wear at all times during your visit.
An emergency situation may arise that doesnt allow for time to schedule an appointment. If
you experience such a situation, check in at the Administrative office and explain your situation
to one of the administrators in charge and he/she will do their best to respond to your
situation. Parents will not be permitted to enter classrooms without an appointment and/or
approval from an administrator. Requests for classroom visits/observations/conferences
should be made to the Principal twenty-four (24) hours in advance.
It is our goal to accommodate parents in a way that will not disrupt teaching and learning and
will permit us to maintain a safe and orderly school. Therefore, we require that
parents/guardians/visitors schedule appointments for the previously listed visits. Do not
enter a classroom without signing in at the office. (*For lunch visits, prior scheduling is not
required for custodial parents or guardians. No one, however, who is not a custodial parent or
guardian, will be permitted to have lunch with a child without written authorization from the
custodial parent or guardian.)
Parents are encouraged to visit the school for any of the following reasons:
To confer with a teacher or team of
To confer with counselor, social
teachers with 24-hour prior notice
worker or psychologist
Observe a class that their child
To confer with an administrator
attends with 24-hour prior notice
Have lunch with their child
Provide volunteer services

Walking Home
A student may walk home with a parents/guardians written permission and observe pedestrian
safety rules, crossing only at designated crosswalks. Written permission must be received in
the office by 1:00 p.m.

Guilford Middle School

Student Handbook

Ambro, Lilli-Speech ambrol@gcsnc.com

Lysiak, Sidonie-P.E. lysiaks@gcsnc.com

Anderson, Angela andersa@gcsnc.com

Martin, Lynn-Life Skills martinl2@gcsnc.com

Anderson, Craig-7th- andersc@gcsnc.com

McClanahan, Jill-6th - mcclanj@gcsnc.com

Azzu, Joe-6th - azzuj@gcsn.com

McNaught, Mary Elise-8th - mcnaugm@gcsnc.com

Ballesteros, Carla F.-Asst. Principal -

Mehaffey, Suzanne-Data mehaffs@gcsnc.com

floresc@gcsnc.com

Murphy, Mary Beth 8th

Bean, Erica-6th beane@gcsnc.com

murphym3@gcsnc.com

Beard, Kecia-AU beardk@gcsnc.com

Murray, Leslie-Counseling - murrayl2@gcsnc.com

Boyd, Charlotte-Reading lab boydc@gcsnc.com

ONeal, Sharlenceia-7th - oneals@gcsnc.com

Brown, George-T/A EC browng@gcsnc.com

Ostrom, Ingrid-ED/LA ostromi@gcsnc.com

Brown, Patrice, Principal brownp9@gcsnc.com

Payne, Bill-T/A paynew@gcsnc.com

Cox, Sean-8th - coxs2@gcsnc.com

Pruitt, Casey-7th - pruittc@gcsnc.com

Cruthis, Carl-Band cruthic@gcsnc.com

Rao, Julie-8th - raoj@gcsnc.com

Denny, Aislynn-Media dennyb@gcsnc.com

Ratliff, Gabrielle-7th - ratlifg@gcsnc.com

Draper, Holli-Counseling draperh@gcsnc.com

Ross, Jarrod-Treasurer rossj3@gcsnc.com

Drye, Shannon-6th dryes@gcsnc.com

Seabrook-Spencer, Leah-EC/Math

Edmonds, Elizabeth-Office

seabrol@gcsnc.com

edmonde@gcsnc.com

Sexton, Paul-Spanish sexton@gcsnc.com

Everett, Nancy-CUB everetn@gcsnc.com

Sexton, Steve-P.E. sextons@gcsnc.com

Fowler, Lindsey-Chorus/Orch.

Shanks, Jane-7th - shanksj@gcsnc.com

fowlerl1@gcsnc.com

Spruill, Jacqueline-8th - spruilj@gcsnc.com

Fox, Lauren-Soc. Worker foxl2@gcsnc.com

Stone, Samantha-7th - stones@gcsnc.com

Garner, Kim-T/A garnerk@gcsnc.com

Strickland, Meghan-6th - strickm5@gcsnc.com

Good, Haywood-Technology goodh@gcsnc.com

Terzigni-Chris-6th terzigc@gcsnc.com

Granger, Kevin-Asst. Principal

Thompson, Edna-8th - thompse3@gcsnc.com

grangek@gcsnc.com

Torrence, Karen-Art torrenk@gcsnc.com

Griffin, Danielle-EC-6th - griffid@gcsnc.com

Walter, Christian-ESL walterc2@gcsnc.com

Hobson, Jennifer-6th hobsonj@gcsnc.com

Walz, Margaret-Caf. Mgr. walzm@gcsnc.com

Holmes, Melanie-Bus. Tech

Waters, Tameka-7th - waterst@gcsnc.com

holmesm@gcsnc.com

Watts, Josephine-EC-8th - wattsj@gcsnc.com

Hurley, Josh-EC-7th hurleyj@gcsnc.com

Williams, Georgia-Counseling

th

Lail, Calyn-7

- lailc@gcsnc.com

williag4@gcsnc.com

Lawhorn, Enjoli-7th - lawhorne@gcsnc.com

Williams, Trina-EC T/A williat3@gcsnc.com

Leicht, Stacy-Curr. Fac. leichts@gcsnc.com

Wise, Jhiauna Jones-8th - jonesj12@gcsnc.com

Little, Carrie-8th - littlec2@gcsnc.com

Yates, Ashlee-6th yatesa2@gcsnc.com

Guilford Middle School

Student Handbook