Student Handbook
Use the sections below to view information from the Coleman Environmental Magnet Middle School Student Handbook. The information on this page is also provided in the student agenda for each student. Please reach out to our school administrators with any questions.
- Administration & Important Phone Numbers
- Academics
- Activities/Athletics
- Attendance & Tardies
- Bicycles, Skateboards, Rollerblades
- Buses/Transportation to School
- Cafeteria/Recess Expectations
- Cell Phones, Electronics, Etc.
- Coleman Parent/Guardian Communication
- Counselor/Success Coach
- Crime Stoppers/Speak Up
- Conferences/Report Cards/Progress Reports
- Disaster Drills
- Discipline
- Dress Code
- Hallway Behavior
- Health Services
- Lockers
- Lost and Found
- Pupil Information
- Spirit Weeks
- Student Bulletin
- Student Leadership
- Telephone Use
- Textbooks
- Toys
- Visitors/Orange Chair
- Withdrawal From School
- Summaries of a Few Board of Education Policies
Administration & Important Phone Numbers
Principal
Karen Waterman-Overgaard, 973-6630
Assistant Principals
Monique Brown (Last Names A-L), 973-6611
Zach Sims (Last Names M-Z), 973-6611
A Hall Office
Vanessa Dempsey, 973-6611
E Hall Office
973-6600
Attendance/Truancy
Corrie Mater, 973-6604
Bookkeeper/Principal’s Secretary
Kelly Pettriess, 973-6630
Cafeteria
Kham Jinkins, 973-6608
Counselor (Last Names A-L)
CleoAnne Hundley, 973-6660
Counselor (Last Names M-Z)
Katie Erickson, 973-6615
Future Ready Advocates
Tyrone Berry & Caylin Loggins, 973-6636
Registrar
Katricia Collier, 973-6601
School Nurse
Katy Martin, 973-6628
School Social Worker
Channon Hankins, 973-6666
School Psychologist
Kiffany Althouse, 973-6746
Success Coach
Laura Almquist-Parks, 973-6658
Transportation
Edith Perez Favela, 973-6603
Academics
At Coleman, academic excellence is the standard. Students are expected to arrive to each class on time, work diligently with each teacher, comply with classroom/school rules of conduct, and complete all assignments. It is the responsibility of each student to attend school each day, avoid disruptive behaviors, and focus on academic goals. In order to help our students improve their current grades, we offer Cougar Time during After School Program (ASP) for 45 minutes of homework completion and school-wide tutoring during the school day. This allows students to get assignments turned in before the teacher’s due date.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is using someone else’s writing as your own without proper documentation. Whether the words come from a friend’s paper or a school textbook, the author must be properly acknowledged in your paper. Otherwise, this serious offense can be considered copying, cheating, or even stealing. Reading other people’s work helps you become a better writer. You should never be afraid to build upon the information you read to show your teacher what you’ve learned.
Give credit to the authors you use. When in doubt, cite the work — it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Activities/Athletics
After School Program
After School Program (ASP) is open to all Coleman students. Parents/guardians may enroll their student in ASP by obtaining an application during enrollment or in the E Hall Office. A completed application must be on file for students to participate. There is no cost for students to participate in ASP. Students involved in ASP are engaged in supervised activities Monday through Thursday from 2:20-4:00 p.m. A snack is provided for participants. A late bus is available to certain locations. Parents/guardians must pick up their students by 4:00 p.m. Late pick-ups are not allowed.
Some activities include, but are not limited to:
- Tutoring
- Computers/technology
- YMCA sponsored events
- Intramurals
- Recreation activities
Athletics (7th and 8th graders only)
Fall: Cross Country (Boys and Girls) and Volleyball (Girls only)
Winter: Basketball (Boys and Girls)
Spring: Track and Field (Boys and Girls)
- Academic eligibility is established by KSHSAA (Kansas State High School Activities Association).
- A student must have passed five (5) classes of unit weight the previous semester in order to participate.
- A current sports physical must be on file before a student is allowed to try out (volleyball & basketball) or practice.
- A new physical must be obtained for every school year.
- Physicals must be done after May 1.
- Spectators who display inappropriate behavior at games could be excluded from future athletic contests.
- Spectators who are not picked up promptly at the end of the event could be excluded from future athletic contests.
- USD 259 Wichita Public Schools and school events are tobacco, drug, and weapon free zones.
- No pets allowed on school property or at school events.
- Students with an excused or unexcused absence more than half of the school day are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities scheduled for that date.
Spectators
Students must be at a home event by 2:20 p.m. Students must have their ID on and visible. Only positive cheers are allowed. If a student leaves, they will not be allowed to re-enter the game. All students need to be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the game.
Attendance & Tardies
The state attendance laws are explicit in the definition of valid excuses for absence from school. A student is expected to be punctual and regular in attendance at school. The parent/guardian is charged with the duty of keeping the student’s attendance regular.
Notification of an Absence
Parents/guardians of students absent from school are to call the attendance line, 973-6604, by 7:30 a.m. the day of the absence. Please leave the following information on voicemail:
- Identify yourself
- Student’s name
- Date(s) of absence
- Reason for absence (please be specific i.e., doctor’s appt., illness, out of town, etc.)
An absence may also be excused by sending a written excuse from the parent/guardian to the office upon the student’s return. Parents/guardians are required to contact the attendance office to request excused absences within 72 hours of the absence. Failure to contact the attendance office within 72 hours will result in the absence remaining unexcused.
Reminder: Students arriving to class after half the class has been in session will be counted absent for that class. Example: A student must be seated in class within the first 20 minutes of a 46-minute class period. Students MUST attend at least ½ school day minimum to attend or participate in ANY afterschool activity or event.
Leaving During the School Day
When a student needs to leave school during the day, the parent/guardian is to call or send a note with the student to be taken to the E Hall Office before school. The student will be issued an excuse slip, which indicates the time she/he is to check out of school. The student must present the excuse slip to the teacher and sign the checkout sheet in the E Hall Office when leaving and again upon returning to school. Leaving for lunch is discouraged.
Excused Absences
Absences will only be excused for the following reasons:
- illness
- doctor’s or dentist’s appointments
- a family death or serious illness
- court/judicial duty
- school-sponsored activities
Excessive absences will result in a doctor’s memo being required.
Homebound Referral/Extended Illness
A parent/guardian needs to call the attendance clerk (973-6604) if a student will be absent for an extended illness. When it is determined that, because of a physical or mental health problem, a student shall be absent for three weeks or more, the parent/guardian shall contact the counselor at 973-6600 to determine if a homebound referral is necessary.
Request for Absence
All other absences (other than those absences listed above) are unexcused unless approved by a principal prior to the absence. A Request for Absence form should be completed, signed by the parent/guardian, and returned to school for approval for absences concerning out-of-town trips, weddings, family vacations, etc., one week in advance. There are only three (3) days of prior principal approved absences allowed for the school year for a student in good academic standing.
Unexcused Absences
Upon reaching 20 hours of unexcused absences, it will be required that the student and the parent/guardian meet with a school official to discuss the absenteeism. Upon reaching 35 hours of unexcused absences (three (3) consecutive days anytime during the school year, five (5) days in a semester, or seven (7) days in a school year), or 96 hours of excused absences, the student and parents/guardians will be referred to either Social Rehabilitation Services Truancy Unit or the District Attorney’s office.
Make-Up Work Policy
If a student is absent two or more days, the parent/guardian may call the office and request assignments. Teachers must have 24 hours’ notice to gather assignments. Assignments to be picked up are kept in the E Hall Office. It is the responsibility of the student to make up assignments that were missed due to absences (BOE P1472). The student needs to ask the teacher for work missed upon returning to class. Students have the time they were absent, plus one additional day to turn in make-up work.
Late to School/Tardies
Coleman practices S.T.A.R.T. On Time (Safe Transitions And Reduced Tardies).
All Wichita middle school students are expected to arrive at school on time each day. Students who are not in class after the final bell has rung are considered late and expected to report to E Hall Office to sign in and receive a class admit slip. Students will be given excused admit slips for late arrival for the following reasons: late buses, medical appointments, or required appearances in court. Documentation must be provided to receive an excused admit slip. Students who arrive late to school for any of the reasons not listed above will be given an unexcused admit slip. Unexcused lates include oversleeping, work issues, flat tires, traffic, stopped by train, car trouble, missed bus, etc.
Passing periods, except between 1st and 2nd hour, are four minutes each. Students who are not inside the threshold of the classroom door when the bell rings or who do not have a valid pass and/or permission are tardy. All students begin with ZERO tardies at the beginning of each quarter (9 weeks).
Tardy Consequences
- 1st-3rd tardy: Phone call home
- 4th-6th tardy: Phone call home and Lunch Detention with Assignment
- 7th-9th tardy: Parent/guardian Phone call home and After School Detention with Assignment
- 10th+ tardy: Parent/guardian phone call home, In-School Suspension with Assignment, and Meeting with Administration and Parents/Guardians per Discretion of Administration
- Failure to Serve: Parent/guardian receives a phone call to inform parent/guardian of administrative consequence* and In-School Suspension
*Consequences for excessive tardies are at the discretion of the School Administration and may include loss of passing period, escort to class, multiple after school detentions, in-school suspension and/or parent/guardian meeting.
Bicycles, Skateboards, Rollerblades
- Students need to lock their bicycles on the bike racks.
- The school is not responsible for missing or damaged bicycles.
- Students who ride skateboards or rollerblades to school may keep them in their locker.
- Skateboards, rollerblades, and bicycles may NOT be ridden in school, in the parking lot, or on school grounds.
Buses/Transportation to School
Students who are eligible to ride a bus will be assigned seats on the bus and will be expected to remain in that seat the entire time. All students are expected to follow regulations set up for bus riders. Students who choose to disregard any of the bus policies will have disciplinary action taken, ranging from a verbal warning to suspension from the bus and/or school. Riding the bus is a service provided by the district and can be denied when chronic or serious misbehavior occurs on the bus or at the bus stop.
The district does offer the FirstView app that helps families track their student's school bus. Families will need a security code from the school office to use the app.
Bus Rules and Regulations
- Always obey the driver and/or Aide. The driver is in charge of the bus.
- Bring only school appropriate items on the bus.
- Drivers will assign seats. Students are required to comply.
- Be ready and be on time at your bus stop; the driver will NOT wait if you are late.
- When waiting for the bus, stand back from the edge of the street or road. NEVER play in the street.
- Do not litter on the bus.
- Do not shout or be loud; act on the bus as you should in the classroom.
- Do not move about or try to get on or off the bus while it is in motion.
- Students will not be allowed to get on or off the bus at an unauthorized stop.
- Keep hands, head, and arms in the bus at all times. Windows must be halfway up.
- Never throw objects out of the window.
- When leaving the bus, cross far enough in front for the driver to see you pass safely.
- Any damage to the bus is to be reported at once to the driver.
- Profane language is not allowed.
- Smoking, lighting lighters, or striking matches on the bus is strictly forbidden.
- Fighting and play fighting are not allowed.
- No pets, eating, balloons, or glass objects are allowed on the bus.
- Musical instruments that can be held on the lap or placed under the seat may be transported.
- WEAPONS, REAL OR FAKE, ARE NOT ALLOWED.
- When the bus approaches a railroad crossing, all riders are required to be at a voice level zero until after the bus safely crosses the railroad.
Vehicles
- Circle Drive is for drop off and pick up only. When using Circle Drive, please pull your vehicle all the way forward to maximize the number of vehicles in the drive.
- The bus lane runs behind the school building.
- Designated visitor parking stalls are in the north parking lot by the flagpole.
Cafeteria/Recess Expectations
Breakfast
Breakfast is free for all students and is served in the cafeteria starting at 6:30 a.m. Students going to breakfast must enter through the west entrance (circle drive) and go directly to the cafeteria. Students must remain in the cafeteria until the 6:50 a.m. bell. Food must be eaten in the cafeteria. No food is sold after 6:50 a.m. unless students arrive on a late bus. Students must be in class by 7:00 a.m. The cost of breakfast is $1.35.
2nd Chance Breakfast
Students who do not eat breakfast before school may eat 2nd Chance Breakfast. Breakfast will still cost $1.35 with free and reduced assistance available. Students must have their ID in order to eat 2nd Chance Breakfast. Second hour teachers will set their own policy for where their students eat their breakfast. Students must still be on time to their next class, and finish eating their breakfast within a few minutes of arrival.
Lunch
Lunch is closed. Students must eat lunch at school in the cafeteria unless they are attending a group or going to a teacher. Students will be escorted to the cafeteria or recess by their teacher (voice level 0 in the hall). A la carte items are served during lunch time most days. Money can be put on student’s ID to purchase a la carte; cash can be used as well. The student’s ID is the student’s lunch card. Students that do not have their ID will wait until students are served and will be given permission to join the lunch line by lunch supervisor for efficiency purposes. Food and drink must be consumed during the allotted lunch time in the cafeteria, the Private Dining room, or teacher supervised area. There is no food or beverage (besides water) allowed in the halls or classrooms. The cost of each lunch is $2.40.
Lunch fees can depend on family income.
Complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application annually to qualify for free lunch and adjustments to school fees.
The district uses an app called School Cafe to allow families to see menus.
The district uses LINQ Connect to pay for meals.
A parent/guardian may bring their child outside food if they are eating lunch with their child. Deliveries are not allowed and will be held in the office until the end of the day.
Recess
- Students must have their student ID card to participate in recess.
- Student recess is east of the cafeteria, or in cases of inclement weather, the competition gym.
- First recess students will exit the southeast building door and re-enter the cafeteria door.
Private Dining (Detention) Procedures
Students assigned to Private Dining will be escorted by 5th and 6th hour teacher to recess door or cafeteria by their teacher and will wait (voice level 0) to be escorted to Private Dining. Students who have Private Dining will eat in the Private Dining Room and will have their binder and a book to read, student will have 20 minutes to eat and then they are to read or work on an assignment.
Cell Phones, Electronics, Etc.
BOE Policy 1464: “Student use of Personal Electronic Devices during the school day is regulated as set forth below:
2) Middle Schools: While in the school building, students may not use Personal Electronic Devices unless permission is granted by an administrator. At all other times, these devices must be silenced and stored away.
4) Students also will comply with BOE Policy 1230 – Acceptable Device and Communication Use by Staff, Students, and the District.
5) Personal Electronic Devices include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, including smart phones; tablets; student-owned computers; accessories such as headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other AV or technology equipment; and other personal communication devices that have the potential to be disruptive to the educational process.
6) The school day is the time between the beginning time and ending time set for the building the student attends and extends to school-related activities.
a) Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their cellular telephones and other Personal Electronic Devices. The Wichita Board of Education shall not assume responsibility or liability for the theft, loss, or damage to a cellular phone or other Personal Electronic Device, nor does it assume responsibility for the unauthorized use of any device.
7) Students using personal electronic devices to record and/or distribute disruptive, violent, or inappropriate behavior is prohibited."
(Subpoints #1 and #3 of BOE Policy 1464 pertain to Elementary and High Schools respectively.)
Consequences may be given at the discretion of administration for students who continually violate the Personal Electronic Devices policy.
Students will power off and store all devices upon entering the building. This does not apply to school issued devices. At the conclusion of the day, 2:10 p.m. bell, Student may power on their devices. Appropriate use is still expected at all times including the bus.
Electronics that are being used inappropriately will be confiscated by any school personnel who find them. The items will be given to the office for safekeeping. They will only be released to the parent/guardian of the student who owns the device and/or brought the device to school. Refusal to do so will constitute open defiance and result in more severe disciplinary consequences.
1st Offense |
|
2nd Offense |
|
3rd Offense |
|
4th+ Offense |
|
Consequences may be given at the discretion of administration for students who continually violate the Personal Electronic Devices policy.
Coleman Parent/Guardian Communication
- Parent Newsletter – An electronic school newsletter will be emailed weekly. This newsletter will contain information related to school and a calendar of upcoming events. A copy will also be posted on the school website.
- Coleman Website/Web Calendar – Parents can check the district website regarding on- line calendars and other information: www.usd259.org/coleman.
- ParentVUE – Online access is available for parents to view students' current progress in classes. For more information call the office at 973-6600.
- Parentlink – Occasionally information regarding attendance and events will be delivered via automated voice message or email.
- Social Media – Follow our pages to stay in the loop.
- Facebook: Search “Coleman Environmental Magnet Middle School” or go to www.facebook.com/ColemanUSD259
- Twitter: @ColemanUSD259
- Instagram: colemanusd259
Counselor/Success Coach
Students who need to see a Counselor or Success Coach can fill out a request form in the A Hall Office during passing period or request a pass from their teacher. The Counselors or Success Coach will send for the student as soon as possible. The Counselors and Success Coach help students with personal problems, scheduling, conflicts, and career information.
Crime Stoppers/Speak Up
Crime Stoppers is a program designed to allow individuals to exercise good citizenship by reporting information regarding crimes or for those who have been the victim of a possible crime. At Coleman, any student or staff member may anonymously report information leading to the apprehension of parties responsible for criminal activities by coming to the A Hall Office and filling out a Crime Stoppers report. Tips may given through the p3 tips app or through the WPS website. Rewards are given for information that proves to be helpful. No one ever learns your name when you make a Crime Stopper Report or Speak Up tip.
Conferences/Report Cards/Progress Reports
The easiest and best way for parents/guardians to monitor their students’ academic performance/progress is to utilize ParentVUE. Progress Reports are issued each nine-week period and a report card will be issued after each semester. Parent-Teacher-Student conferences will be held twice a school year, once each semester. See your school calendar for dates. Parents/guardians may also schedule to meet with teachers during team time. Progress reports will be sent home with students at the mid-point of each nine-week grading period. This will give an approximate grade and indicate student strengths and areas to work on for the students.
Disaster Drills
Students and staff must always be prepared to meet an emergency. School staff and substitute personnel will be familiar with emergency drill procedures (fire, severe weather, and shelter-in-place). Emergency drills must be taken seriously. Instruction for the students’ safety may be given at any time during the drill.
Discipline
Discipline Policy
The goal of disciplining students is to modify student behavior so they can be successful in school. All in-school suspensions (ISS), out-of-school suspensions (OSS), and/or expulsions will be initiated by an administrator. The teacher is in charge of the classroom and is responsible for normal classroom discipline. Students will comply with the established classroom behavioral expectations. The teacher may contact the parent/guardian, assign a classroom detention, rotate a student to another classroom, and/or refer the student to the team in order to change the disruptive behavior. Teachers can assign their own classroom detentions and students are expected to serve those detentions in the teacher’s room or in the team detention room. Behavior identified as extreme and disruptive will be referred to the administration. An administrator will resolve the problem with a conference with the student, team action, Private Dining (lunch detention), parent conference, student behavior contracts, ISS, OSS, and/or reassignment hearing. Some students may have behavior plans that guide their discipline procedures.
Team Conference Concerning Student Behavior
Teams may conduct team-student-parent conferences as one of the steps to correct inappropriate chronic behavior or excessive rotations from classes. In an effort to correct student behavior teams may:
- restrict student passing periods
- self-contain the student for one or more days
- restrict the student from team activities
The team leader is responsible for informing the assistant principal and contacting the parent/guardian about the conference.
Rotations
A teacher may choose to rotate a student to another classroom. This is an opportunity for the student to get refocused before returning to class and is generally not accompanied by an office referral. However, repeated rotations can lead to office referrals and/or a parent/guardian meeting.
Sample Consequences:
- Private Dining/Lunch Detention
The Private Dining room is for office assigned detentions, repeated dress code violations, and hall sweeps/tardies. Students must follow the Private Dining room CHAMPS expectations or more serious consequences will be assigned. - After-School Detention (ASD)
ASD will be assigned to students for multiple tardies (please see START on Time policy), or students may be assigned to ASD by the administration. Students are to report to the ASD room immediately after school. If a student does not follow the ASD’s CHAMPS or does not serve their ASD, then more serious consequences may be assigned. - In-School Suspension (ISS)
ISS will be used as a consequence for serious infractions and when other intervention strategies have been tried and the student has failed to correct the behavior. Students assigned to ISS are to report to the In School Suspension Room. They will need to follow ISS CHAMPS expectations. Students are to report to ISS with their binder and a leisure book to read. - Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
Certain actions by students are subject to out-of-school suspension. Students who are suspended from school are not allowed on Coleman school grounds or adjoining property, or on any other Wichita school property, nor may they attend any school function. - Disciplinary Hearing
Disciplinary Hearing offenses include, but are not limited to:- A student who brings to school, or has been in possession of a weapon, including any firearm or replica firearm at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion from the school district for 186 school days (BOE Policy #1466).
- Possession of a dangerous weapon including a firearm or realistic replica firearm at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity.
- Any student who is found to have committed assault and/or battery upon any school district staff member at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion from the school district for 186 school days (BOE Policy #1462).
- Any student who is selling or trafficking drugs, drug paraphernalia and/or other controlled substances at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion for 186 school days (BOE Policy #1465).
- Possession or use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or other controlled substances at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity.
- Chronic misbehavior at school.
- Those events that lead to a suspension could result in an expulsion.
- Sexual Harassment of Pupils states that “USD 259 will not tolerate sexual harassment of a pupil by another pupil, employee, or others. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action against any pupil or employee involved, including possible expulsion of the pupil and termination of the employee” (BOE Policy #1116).
- Bullying (BOE Policy #1464, AIP#2)
Dress Code
COLEMAN COUGAR STANDARDIZED DRESS EXPECTATIONS
Tops
- Colors: White, Black, Orange
- All tops must be solid color, logo no larger than a quarter
- Long-sleeved t-shirts and thermals are not allowed unless it is a Coleman spirit shirt
- Undershirts – Must be a top dress code color. PE shirts are not allowed as an undershirt.
- Allowable Styles in solid school colors:
- Polo shirt – must have collar
- Oxford dress shirt – must have collar, long or short sleeved
- Blouse – must have collar, long or short sleeved
- Sweaters/Sweatshirt – crew, V-neck, or buttoned sweater
- Turtleneck
- Coleman spirit shirt/sweatshirt: for purchase in the fall.
Jackets
Jackets can only be worn outside of the building. Jackets will need to be kept in the students’ locker. Students may only use their jackets for recess and at dismissal. A jacket is considered anything that can be zipped up.
Bottoms
- Colors: Khaki (Tan), Dark Blue (Navy), Black
- All bottoms must be solid color, logo no larger than a quarter
- No blue jeans or denim of any kind
- No athletic or sweatpants/shorts
- No skinny jeans, jeggings, or tights
- No sagging pants/slacks
- Allowable Styles:
- Pants/Slacks - fit at the waist
- Shorts – No more than 3” above knee
- Skirts/Jumpers/Dresses – No more than 3” above knee (even if leggings are worn), shorts must be worn underneath skirts
- Leggings – may be worn under skirts in place of shorts, must be a bottom dress code color
Shoes
- Should provide adequate support and safety, cover toes and include a supportive backing at all times.
- No flip-flops, slides, house shoes, or shoes with wheels
General Expectations
- Student ID’s must be worn on a lanyard around the neck or clipped to the shirt collar during the school day and at school sponsored events.
- Coats/jackets, hats, backpacks, purses, and blankets are to be kept in lockers during the school day.
- Bandanas, bandana prints, head coverings, scarves, sunglasses, and combs/picks are not to be worn.
- Headbands may be worn, but they cannot have a logo larger than a quarter.
- Chains, wallet chains, or spiked apparel are not allowed.
- Jewelry, choker collars, socks, belts/buckles, hair styles, tattoos may not detract from the learning environment.
- Pajama pants are not allowed.
- Hoodies may only be worn on Wear College Wednesdays and Dress Down Days. Hoods are not to be worn inside the building.
Students not in compliance with dress code will be asked to change clothes or call home for a change. Students may be asked to wait in In-School Suspension (ISS) until a change is brought from home. Students are subject to detentions, or In-School Suspension (ISS) for repeated dress code violations. Administration will make the final decision regarding any dress code violation.
If you need financial assistance for clothing, please contact our Social Worker at 973-6666 or the United Way help line at 211.
Jeans Days
Students may wear standardized dress, or they may wear jeans (no holes or tears, no skin showing). Students may wear a college shirt, college sweatshirt, or college hoodie.
Wear College Wednesday
Each Wednesday, students are permitted to participate in “Wear College Wednesday.” Students must wear standardized bottoms but are permitted to wear a college t-shirt or hoodie as their top.
COLEMAN COUGAR NON-STANDARDIZED DRESS EXPECTATIONS
Coleman Environmental Magnet Middle School has non-standardized dress expectations for dress down days and other school events not requiring adherence to the standardized dress code. It is expected that students make choices with dignity, self-respect, and common sense in determining appropriate dress on these occasions. Any student unsure if something conforms to non-standardized dress expectations should check with an administrator before wearing it.
Specific non-standardized dress expectations are listed below.
- Student ID’s must be worn on a lanyard around the neck or clipped to the shirt collar.
- Clothing may not display or promote profanity, alcohol, drugs, gang association, sex, racist, ethnic, or sexist slurs, or derogatory statements of any kind. Any question as to the appropriateness of the message will be left to the discretion of the administration.
- Clothing must cover both shoulders and upper chest and must be long enough to cover skin at the waist.
- No see-through clothing, shirts with no sides, low cut shirts, tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, bare mid-riff, back-outs, or spaghetti straps will be permitted.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses may be no more than 3” above knee.
- All Jeans, pants, athletic shorts or pants, must remain at the waist.
- Jeans are to have NO holes or tears; no skin can show.
- No Jeggings, tights, or form fitting pants.
- Coats/jackets, hats, backpacks, and purses are to be kept in lockers during the school day.
- Hooded clothing items are allowed, but the hoods are not to be worn inside the building.
- Bandanas, bandana prints, head coverings for non-religious purposes, sunglasses, and combs/picks are not to be worn.
- Chains, wallet chains, choker collars, or spiked apparel is not allowed.
- Shoes should provide adequate support and safety.
- No flip-flops, slides, house shoes, or shoes with wheels.
Students not in compliance with non-standardized dress expectations will be asked to change clothes or call home for a change. Students may be asked to wait in In-School Suspension (ISS) until a change is brought from home. Students are subject to disciplinary action for repeatedly violating non-standardized dress expectations. Administration will make the final decision regarding any non-standardized dress violation.
Student Photo ID Cards
Student safety is of primary importance. We use photo ID cards at Coleman to help us identify students. In addition to identification, student ID cards are used as library cards and lunch cards. Expectations regarding the use of and care for these cards is listed below:
- Student ID cards must be displayed at all times during the school day. The ID must be displayed on a lanyard around the neck or on a clip attached to the shirt collar.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of and securing their own ID card.
- ID cards must never be written on, marked on, scratched, defaced, cut, or mutilated in any way. This applies to both the front and back of the ID card.
- ID cards that have been written on, marked on, scratched, defaced, cut, or mutilated must be given to administration and a new one purchased the next school day.
- Lost ID cards must be replaced with the purchase of a new one the next school day. ID cards may be purchased before school and after school.
- Found ID cards must be promptly submitted to a staff member.
- Replacement ID cards and lanyards may be purchased with the Bookkeeper’s office. ID cards cost $3.00, and lanyards cost $2.00.
Temporary Student IDs
Students without their ID card must promptly report to their classroom teacher for a temporary ID sticker. Stickers should be visibly displayed on the student’s chest and worn the entire school day. Each issuance of a temporary ID results in a loss of recess. Repeated failure to adhere to these expectations may result in administrative disciplinary action.
Hallway Behavior
Hallway Expectations
We are committed to providing all students with safe and orderly passing periods. Therefore, any student failing to meet hallway expectations will be firmly addressed.
Hall Passes
A student should NEVER be in the hall during class time without a properly displayed ID badge, a physical pass from class, and a digital pass submitted via eHall Pass. If students are released late from a class, they MUST obtain a pass from that teacher to avoid being counted late to the next class. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a pass if he/she leaves a classroom. Students will not be given a pass during the first or last 10 minutes of class.
Hall Sweeps
Hall sweeps are conducted after each passing period to ensure that students can get into class in the most efficient manner possible. Please see the "Attendance & Tardies" section above.
Health Services
If a student becomes ill in school, he/she should request a pass from the teacher to see the nurse. Students who are ill MUST call home from the nurse’s office. Students should not leave the building without authorization from the nurse. If the nurse is not in, students are to report to the A Hall Office. Policy restricts school personnel from giving students any medication, including aspirin. Prescribed medication is given at school only upon a written request from both the parent/guardian and the student’s attending physician. These written requests are required before administration of either short term or maintenance medication is allowed. Students must have received one dose of medication without an adverse reaction prior to any doses given at school. We also ask that parents/guardians notify the school nurse if there are health conditions that may require attention, such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, etc. Immunizations must be current. The nurse can be reached at 973-6628.
Lockers
Sharing lockers or locker combinations is not permitted. Students should never have belongings of another student in his/her locker. Students caught sharing lockers or locker combinations will be subject to administrative disciplinary action. Lockers must be locked at all times. Students may use their lockers only during locker allowance times. Students may only access their lockers during approved locker times or with a pass from a staff member.
Locker times: Before school, before lunch/recess, after lunch/recess, and after school.
Lost and Found
Pupil Information
It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to inform the school immediately if there is a change in address, telephone number, place of employment, or emergency telephone number. This information is critical in times of emergency. We will only release a student to a person listed on the Pupil Information Form.
Spirit Weeks
Spirit weeks may occur throughout the school year which allow students to participate in themed days by wearing appropriate attire/items and/or participating in activities. Participation is optional. All participants must follow the guidelines for the spirit weeks. Students not participating will follow normal dress code expectations.
Student Bulletin
Student Leadership
Several opportunities exist for students to become involved in leadership responsibilities at Coleman. Below is a list of some of the leadership activities in which students can participate. For more information, call the school.
The following are student leadership possibilities:
- Student Council (STUCO)
- AVID Ambassadors
- Student Tech Team
Telephone Use
The office telephone is a business phone and should not be used by students except for important matters during the school day. Students who become ill may ask permission to see the nurse and may use the phone in the nurse’s office if necessary. Students are not allowed to use cellular phones at school (see section above).
Textbooks
Textbooks are furnished by the school district and are rented at the beginning of the year. A student who loses or damages a book while it is checked out to him/her will be expected to pay for it. A replacement will be issued after payment has been made. It is the responsibility of the student to identify upon issuance any damage to the textbook; otherwise, the student assumes responsibility for that damage at the end of the year when books are returned. The student’s name and the teacher’s name who issued the textbook MUST be inside the front of the book in the designated area. This will facilitate return of lost or misplaced books.
Toys
Visitors/Orange Chair
All visitors will need to present a current PHOTO ID (driver’s license, military ID, government ID). Parents/guardians, guests, and visitors must use DOOR #1 and should report to the main office when they enter the building. When signing in, they will be given a visitors’ badge. Former students will not be allowed to visit school during the school day. Students may not have a sibling or a student from another school visit or attend school with them.
Parents/guardians, guests, and visitors are welcomed to visit with the understanding that this time is not a time to conference with the teacher. There may not be any class disruptions to the learning environment. Please look for the Orange Chairs located in each classroom.
Withdrawal From School
If a student is withdrawing from school, a parent/guardian should notify the office prior to the student’s last day of attendance. The student will carry a withdrawal (exit) card and check out with each teacher, the bookkeeper, and the librarian. The student will need to return books and school-issued technology to the appropriate teachers or to the office.
Summaries of a Few Board of Education Policies
P1116 SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
USD 259 will not tolerate sexual harassment of a student by another student, employee, or others. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action against any student or employee involved, including possible expulsion of the student and termination of the employee. Sexual harassment is defined as: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term of the student’s academic opportunities, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as a basis for academic decisions affecting such student, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the student’s school performance or it creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment whether or not the person engaging in the conduct intends to create that effect.
P1119 HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, OR GENETIC INFORMATION
USD 259 will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of a student based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or genetic information by another student, employee or others. Students and employees who violate this policy shall, after proper investigation, be subject to sanctions including possible suspension and/or expulsion of the student and termination of the employee.
P1230 ACCEPTABLE DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION USE BY STUDENTS
All learners and staff will utilize technology resources to meet the district’s mission and goals. All district sites, online content, and services shall be in support of reaching WPS’s district mission and goals. The district maintains the right to remove inappropriate information or usage. Administrators, teachers, and other appropriate district employees will decide what is inappropriate use. Violating this policy may result in: restriction or loss of network access; loss of student device; disciplinary or legal action including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and/or criminal prosecution under appropriate local, state, and federal laws; disciplinary action as assigned by school administration; and assessment of the cost and payment of damages to hardware/software.
P1462 STUDENT BEHAVIOR – ASSAULT AND/OR BATTERY OF STAFF MEMBER
Any student who is found to have committed battery upon any school district staff member at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity, shall be recommended for appropriate disciplinary action up to and including an expulsion from the Wichita Public Schools for 186 days. Any student who is found to have committed an assault upon any school district staff member at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity, shall be recommended for appropriate disciplinary action up to and include an expulsion from the Wichita Public Schools for 186 days.
P1464 PUPIL BEHAVIOR-REGULATIONS
All students are held responsible for their personal actions. The right to attend a Wichita Public School carries with it the obligation to maintain acceptable behavior. Rules and regulations apply to all students attending school functions held on school grounds, in school buildings, school vehicles, or at a school-sponsored activity or event, or at other facilities and while utilizing school property. Violations of the rules and regulations may be subject to disciplinary action and reported to local law enforcement, if appropriate.
P1465 ALCOLHOL, DRUGS, DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, AND/OR OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Any student who intends to or is selling, manufacturing or trafficking (as defined in AIP #1) alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia, inhalants, and/or other controlled or uncontrolled substances, such as, but not limited to, over the counter medications or unauthorized prescription drugs, or any student who possesses such substances in an amount that exceeds the reasonable personal need of the average user of the substance possessed (as determined in accordance with AIP #2), at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall be recommended for appropriate disciplinary action up to and including an expulsion from the Wichita Public Schools for 186 school days. Any student who possesses, uses, or appears to be affected by or whose conduct appears to be altered by alcoholic beverages, drugs (except as medically prescribed), and/or other controlled substances, such as, but not limited to, unauthorized prescription drugs, or possesses drug paraphernalia at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
P1466 POSSESSION OR USE OF WEAPONS
Any student who is found to have brought, handled, transmitted, or to have been in possession of a weapon, as defined in AIP 1a and b, including any firearm or replica firearm at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion from the school district for 186 school days. Any student who is found to have brought or to have been in possession of any article (as defined in AIP 1d) at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school district for 186 school days. Any student who uses any article (as defined in AIP 1e) to inflict bodily harm or to place a person(s) in fear of bodily harm at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school district for 186 school days.
P1470 SEARCH AND SEIZURE – STUDENTS AND THEIR PERSONAL POSSESSIONS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES
The student has control over property in the student’s immediate possession, the student’s locker, desk, work station, and other similar assigned areas of school property; but such control may not be exclusive. When a reasonable suspicion arises that use or possession of a student’s property or assigned school property, is illegal, illicit, disruptive, or a danger to the general welfare of students and staff, the principal or designee has the authority to conduct a search and confiscate items considered illegal, illicit, disruptive, or a general nuisance to the educational process.
For full BOE Policies, please visit the district website: www.usd259.org