Policies and Procedures

• Regular school attendance has a positive effect on students’ success. Students and parents need to refer to the Parish Handbook for all state and parish policies regarding excessive and excused absences.
• Upon returning to school after an absence of any length, the student must bring a signed note (on a full sheet of paper) from a parent explaining the absence. The excuse should contain the following:
• The date the excuse was written.
• The date(s) of the absence.                        
• The reason for the absence.
• Any written excuse from a parent or doctor must be presented to the office of student services upon arrival to school within 2 days of the absence.
• It is the student's responsibility to check with his/her teachers to set up a schedule for completion of all work missed.
• If an excuse is not brought within two days upon the student's return to school, a zero for work missed will be given.
• Students who are absent from class due to school sponsored activities are given excused absences.
• An excused absence is recorded as an absence.
• Students absent 10 days or more in one year may be retained or required to make up seat time.

CHECK OUT PROCEDURES

• Any student who needs to leave school due to illness must check out through the office.

• The student's teacher should call the office and ask a parent to be notified, unless the child is too sick to remain in the classroom. In that case, the student will report to the sick room and wait for a parent.
• No student will be allowed to check out unless a parent or guardian as designated on the student's emergency card comes to the office to sign him/her out.
• Students must bring a written excuse for any class missed due to checking out of school.

Philosophy

Students attend school in order to learn, and learning cannot take place when students do not act appropriately. Teachers come to school to teach, and teaching cannot be done when behavioral disruptions occur. We feel that all students can behave in such a manner that these two objectives - learning and teaching - may be met.

Behavior Rules

• Students must follow directions of school personnel.

• Students must stay in designated areas before, during and after school.
• No student may leave class or campus without permission.
• Students should have a pass to leave the classroom for any reason.
• Students should keep the campus free of litter and graffiti.
• Students must obey all duty teachers before school, at lunch and after school.
• Vulgar language or gestures will not be permitted on campus.
• Students are to refrain from actions or play that could be dangerous. Rough play, running in crowded areas, throwing things, contact sports and any inappropriate physical contact are prohibited.
• Public displays of affection are prohibited on campus.
• Students should be familiar with and follow all guidelines in the St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline and Student Records.

 School Wide Protocols

• Silent Signal -Teacher raises hand and waits for students to respond by raising hands

• Ask relevant questions at the appropriate time
• Raise hand and wait to be called on
• Respectfully listen

Lunch Detentions

If disruptive activity occurs in class, a teacher may issue a lunch detention for the next school day.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a parents signature on the form.  Failure to serve the detention or return signed form may result in additional discipline consequences.  The receipt of multiple lunch detentions will lead to additional consequences.

Per semester:

Violations                               Consequences:

After 5 lunch detentions             Afterschool Detention

After 8 lunch detentions             Saturday Detention

After 11 lunch detentions           ISS

After 14 lunch detentions           Out of school suspension

Tardy Policy

All students are expected to arrive to school and class on time. Students tardy to school must be accompanied to the front office by an adult in order to check in. Tardiness to school will only be excused for those reasons stated in the St. Tammany Parish Handbook.

Consequences for unexcused tardiness per semester:

Violations                               Consequences:

  5 tardies                                      1 Lunch Detention

10 tardies                                      Afterschool Detention

15 tardies                                      Saturday Detention

20 tardies                                      ISS

Suspensions

The St. Tammany Parish School System Handbook on Attendance, Discipline and Student Records will be given to each student at the beginning of the school year. Students and parents should refer to this handbook regarding suspensions and expulsions.

Blue List

Students who have been assigned After School Detention, Saturday Detention, In School Support, Exclusion, or Suspension will be placed on the Blue List. Students on the Blue List will NOT be allowed to attend the next school dance or, possibly, other school functions. The List starts over after each nine weeks or when determined by the administration. The Blue List will also be used to exclude students from activities that may be part of the school’s positive behavior support plan.

Possession and Use of Electronic Communication (Wireless Devices)

The student is governed by the Student Use of Instructional Technology Policy which can be found on www.stpsb.org under Policies.

The St. Tammany Parish School Board desires to promote an environment that is conducive to instruction and learning. Wireless devices used by students to communicate with others inhibit the creation of such an environment and is disruptive to the learning process. The Board also desires to protect students' personal privacy, while on school property and at school events. The emergence of camera wireless device technology has created a new set of privacy and data protection challenges for school officials. Thus, the use of any type of photographic equipment to tape images or sound recordings that are in violation of law or otherwise invade the privacy of other individuals is prohibited and will result in discipline according to policy. Any exception to the prohibition of wireless devices requires the advance permission of the school principal. This prohibition shall be strictly construed in favor of protecting the privacy of all individuals.

Under this policy, the term "wireless devices" includes, but is not limited to, cellular phones (whether analog or digital), camera phones, beepers, pagers, text messaging devices and PDA's that are used as telecommunication devices or to transmit text messages, as well as any other wireless electronic telecommunication devices.

Students shall be allowed to possess a telecommunication device (cell phone) on a school campus during the instructional day or on the bus to and from school provided the device is turned to the off position, completely stowed away, and not in use. Stowing of cell phones is defined as being placed in the student’s locker, school bag, pocket or purse and shall not be displayed in view using any type of clip or other device. If a student is found using a cell phone, displaying a cell phone, or in possession of a ringing cell phone during the instructional day or on the school bus, the disciplinary procedures as outlined in the District Handbook for Students and Parents shall be utilized as a consequence. The Superintendent or his/her designee may authorize exceptions to this policy on an individual, case by case basis. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the emergency use of electronic telecommunication devices by any student or person. Emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life or injury. Use or operation of an electronic telecommunication device shall mean the device is either visible or turned to the on position for receiving or transmitting signals. Possession and/or use of other electronic devices by students shall be prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent or his/her designee. The School System will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices.

Any student found using a cell phone, displaying a cell phone, or in possession of a ringing cell phone during the instructional day, may have the cell phone confiscated by the principal/designee and have disciplinary consequences. The parent/guardian will be required to retrieve the cell phone from the school principal/designee.

Progressive consequences will be followed as outlined below:

Use or Related Disruption

• Afterschool Detention
• Saturday Detention
• In School Suspension
• Suspension

Related disruption and/or refusal to hand over a cell phone when directed by a school system employee may result in more severe disciplinary action such as suspension and/ or expulsion.

Ear buds are not allowed outside the classroom setting.  

LMJ IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO GAMES, CELL PHONES, EAR BUDS AND CAMERAS THAT ARE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.

Each student must complete an emergency card during the first week of school. This card will be filed in the front office. All must include a local phone number to call in case of emergency. No one will be allowed to check out a student unless named on the emergency card.

BALLOONS AND FLOWERS

CAPS

FIELD TRIPS

If a student has paid for a field trip and is absent on the day of the trip, a refund will not be given. Refunds cannot be given if a student must be excluded at the last minute due to behavior issues. This is because transportation, tickets, etc. for the field trips are prepaid to the vendor prior to the trip. Hats, headphones, and cell phones are not to be brought on field trips. Appropriate school uniform is required. Although field trips are educational, they are also a privilege, and a student must maintain a satisfactory disciplinary record to attend. Students may be required to purchase a school lunch for field trips.

FOOD and DRINK    

Students may not eat in classrooms or hallways.  Only water in clear containers may be consumed in the classroom.   They may bring food and snacks to school to be consumed during lunch only. No energy drinks are permitted.  

HALL PASS

A student leaving his scheduled class for any reason must have a hall pass signed by his/her teacher with a time and destination. Detention may be assigned to those without correct passes.

HEALTH SERVICES AND REGULATIONS

Parents must fill out emergency forms that are kept on file in the office in case of an emergency. The office cannot give out any medication - including aspirin. Students with prescription medicine must keep medicine in the office with forms filled out by the parent and doctor.  

HOMEWORK HELP

State Library of Louisiana offers FREE online tutoring and academic resources for Louisiana residents. Students can get help in math, science, social studies or English from a live tutor. The service can be accessed from any computer. http://homeworkla.org/
St. Tammany Parish Library Homework Help https://www.sttammanylibrary.org/learning-tools/homework-help/

LIBRARY

Policy: Students in good standing may check out 2 books at a time.  They are checked out for 2 weeks and may be renewed for an additional 2 weeks.  Magazines and reference books may not be checked out.  Overdue fines are 5 cents per school day per book.  Overdue fines do not exceed the replacement cost of the book.

Procedures and Regulations: No gum, food, and drinks are allowed in the library.  Appropriate behavior is expected at all times.  In accordance with St. Tammany Parish policy, students are required to have a signed and current "Student Instructional Technology Use Agreement" in order to use the internet.  The library is open for general use by students in the morning before school and on designated days during lunch.  Library computers are only for school assignments.  Printouts made in black ink are 25¢ per page, color ink printouts are $1 per page.  The library has a pencil machine (25¢ each) and a pen machine (50¢ each).  

LOST AND FOUND

Lost articles should be sent to the Lost and Found in Student Services. Students should also check with their classroom teachers. Unmarked articles usually go unclaimed. Parents and students should see that everything a student brings to school is clearly labeled. Monograms or names are encouraged on book bags. The student is responsible for his own belongings. Books, book bags, and purses should NOT be left unattended. Students should NOT bring large amounts of money, expensive jewelry, or any other valuable items to school. The school will not be responsible for items lost or stolen at school.

MANDATED EDUCATION AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION

As mandated by the St. Tammany Parish School Board, students in grades K - 8 will receive instruction on the topic of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Education and Reporting. All materials that will be used in the instruction may be previewed by contacting the school administration. We would also like to encourage you to talk with your child about this topic as well as other general safety issues.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents may make appointments for conferences with teachers, assistant principals or principal by calling the school. Parent-teacher conferences are held 30 minutes before or after school.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

It is the philosophy of Monteleone Junior High that we are partners, along with all of our stakeholders, in the education of our students. We encourage and expect parents to be an active part of the school culture and to maintain frequent, ongoing communication with teachers and administration. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s grades, behaviors or classroom policies, please contact your child’s teacher by email or phone. Numerous opportunities are available to assist teachers and staff as a volunteer, serve on school committees, serve as resource speakers or otherwise be actively involved in the everyday function of LMJH. 

PERMANENT RECORDS

The permanent records of all students are kept in the main office. Records are confidential. If a student transfers during the school year or between sessions, the principal of the school in which the student enrolls must request a transcript of the student's records before any records can be forwarded. This transcript is furnished without charge by the school.

STUDENT MESSAGES

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

We at Monteleone Junior High School feel that our students must learn to be responsible for their own belongings. Any class assignments, materials and textbooks are to be brought to class on time. It is the student's obligation to have the needed supplies, and he/she will not be allowed to leave class for any reason.

TELEPHONES

Students may only use the office phone during their lunch period. Students will not be called to the phone during school hours. Telephone messages are not given to students unless there is a true emergency.

TEXTBOOKS

All textbooks at Monteleone Junior High School are the property of the State of Louisiana. Any loss or damage will result in a monetary fine. If a textbook is lost, the student must pay the original price for it before a new textbook is issued. Writing in a textbook constitutes damage to it. Most new textbooks cost in excess of $90.00, so extra care should be taken. The student should check the textbook for damage when received and make the teacher aware of any damage found.

TOBACCO, ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES/ VAPE, DRUGS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

These are all prohibited on the school grounds and at any school function regardless of where the function is held. Any violation of this rule subjects the student to a suspension or expulsion. POSSESSION OR USE WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE SAME MANNER. 

TRANSFER OF STUDENTS

Students who are leaving Monteleone Junior High to attend another school during the school year must go through the proper clearance procedure in the main office. The school secretary will give the student the necessary form to be completed. All fines and fees must be paid and all textbooks must be checked in before a student can be properly cleared. No records will be sent to another school until a student has been properly cleared.
 

The St. Tammany Parish grading scale is as follows:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

F = 0 - 59

Number grades (using the grading scale above) are recorded in the computer system throughout the nine weeks. Report cards will reflect both the number and letter grade.

Parents are encouraged to monitor their student’s grades using the Student Progress Center website found at https://jpams.stpsb.org/progress/. A link to this website can also be found on the Monteleone website and the STPSB website. If you are new to St. Tammany Parish Schools and need help registering a new user, please contact the school counselor.  

Students are required to wear their own current student ID with the picture visible on their lanyard during regular
school hours.  Student ID photos will be taken at the beginning of the school year or upon registration.  Each student will receive
one ID at no charge.  Students can purchase a temporary, one-day ID before the school day starts in the designated area for $1.00. Students who do not purchase a temporary ID before school begins will receive a lunch detention.

A second, permanent, ID can be purchased in Student Services. Students are responsible for their ID at all times.  They are not to write or mark on the front or back of the ID.  Students are not to cut, deface or place stickers or other items on their ID.  Lanyards must be breakaway and school appropriate.  IDs that have been lost or damaged must be replaced.  Students are responsible for replacement fees regardless of reason for replacement.  IDs are part of the dress code policy and students out of compliance will have disciplinary consequences.

Students are not allowed on the school campus before 8:15 am or after 3:55 pm. Students are NOT to drive cars to school.

BUS POLICIES

• Most junior high school students ride buses to school. Students must check with the School Board's Transportation Office at 898-3373 to find out where and when the bus will pick them up.

• Students must remember that the bus driver is responsible for their safety and well-being while they are on the bus. The driver must be respected and obeyed.
• Students must obey the school rules on a bus as well as at school.
• Students who violate bus regulations or who in any way endanger themselves or others by misconduct on the bus will be reported by the bus driver to the principal or assistant principal, who can bar them from riding the bus.
• A student who must ride a bus other than his/her own must have a written request addressed to the principal from his/her parents. The note must include the student’s name, drop off point, bus number, date, and contact number for parent.  The note should be brought to Student Services before school. If the principal approves the request by signing it, the bus driver will allow the "visitor" to board the bus if space permits.
• Students must be in complete school uniform for the duration of the ride to and from school.  Students not in compliance are subject to disciplinary action.