Welcome to Swatara Middle School

1. Welcome to Swatara Middle School Back to School Night 2015-16 Follow us on Twitter @SwataraMSinfo

2. Introductions Principal – Mrs. Fowlkes Assistant Principal – Mrs. Iachini Assistant Principal – Mr. Brindle Building Secretary – Mrs. Omslaer Attendance Secretary – Mr. Holloway Guidance Secretary – Mrs. Smith Guidance Counselors Mrs. Smith: 6th and 7th Mrs. Alicea: 8th School Nurse – Margaret McConnell Cafeteria – Ron Feger PTSO President – Patrea Womack

3. About Swatara Middle School • Swatara Middle School students are comprised of students from four of the district’s elementary schools including: Tri-Community, Paxtang, Lawnton, and Chambers Hill Elementary School. • Our Students will move on to East High School

4. Arrival to School • Designated Bus drop off area • Located on the driveway beside track/field and in front of the school building. • No cars are permitted to drive up this ramp or in front of the school, between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:00 am and between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. • All students must enter through the cafeteria doors. Walkers/car riders must come to this entrance. (With the exception of our small buses and/or vans that drop students off in the front) • Parents designated drop off area • Parents are to drop off students at the parking lot entrance. After school, you may wait in the parking lot to pick up your child.

5. Daily Arrival/Dismissal • Students arrive & enter cafeteria 7:20 a.m. • Students with any dismissal note, dr. note, excuse note, etc. must turn in them in to the faculty member staffed at the attendance table in the cafeteria in the mornings. • Students are released from cafeteria at 7:25 a.m. • Students must be in Homeroom by 7:40 a.m. • Students are late to school at 7:45 a.m. • Student Dismissal 2:30 p.m. • Busses Depart 2:37 p.m.

6. Attendance • Important and Mandatory! • Please inform the office of your student’s absence by calling the office at 939-9363, and leave message on Absence extension. • If your child is absent, you must submit a note* within 3 days of absence. If a note is not turned in, it is considered an unlawful absence, and you will be notified in a letter by the school. *Dr’s note required for 3 day or more absence. • Notes and other office paperwork are collected by a faculty member at the cafeteria entrance as students enter the building. Homeroom teachers do not collect notes or office paperwork. • Early Dismissal: • If your child needs to leave early for an appointment, please send the note in to school ahead of time. They are to give the note to the faculty member assigned to the attendance table in the morning in the cafeteria. He/She will give them a yellow dismissal slip for their teacher. When returning from appointment, they should have a Dr’s excuse with date and time. • Educational Trip: • Forms are available online or in the office. • They must be turned in at least 7 days before the day of the trip.

7. Transportation • There are fewer stops at the secondary level. • Students may not ride another student’s bus (except for emergencies). • “Play Dates”, sleepovers, school projects, or evening plans are not emergencies. • Please call SMS office if you have any questions.

8. Moving • If you are planning on moving, you need to do the following. • Come into the school to fill out paperwork and bring in lease or new mortgage documentation and updated drivers license. • If you are moving out of the district: • Come in to withdraw your child by signing paperwork in order for you to register at new school district

9. Student Code of Conduct Handbook • Please read the handbook carefully and return the signed letter to school as soon as possible. • Please review the electronic device policy.

10. Dress and Grooming The following are prohibited: • Gloves, hats, caps, hoods (worn on head), scarves, sunglasses, or headphones are not permitted • Camisoles, spaghetti strap, halter, tank tops, or muscle shirts • Leggins, Jeggins, Spandex,Yoga Pants (Unless covered to Mid-thigh) • Sagging pants, shirts w/explicit pictures (weapons/violence/sexual innuendo), belt buckles of weapons • Pajama tops and/or bottoms • Exposure of undergarments • Consequences for inappropriate dress: • 1st offense- Clothes must be turned inside out, changed • Sent to ISS room if not changed (not on record) • 2nd offense- Detention, change clothes and parents contacted • 3rd offense- ISS

11. BULLYING • CDSD School Board has passed a Bullying Policy (218,3) which can be found on the District Website. • Bullying shall mean unwelcome verbal, written, electronic or physical contact directed at a student by another student or students, or by an adult. • Bullying is occurring when there exists an imbalance of physical, psychological, or social power between the aggressor and the victim, favoring the aggressor. • Instances of bullying, either being the victim or a witness, should report the incident to either a teacher, counselor or administrator.

12. School Communications • We invite you to explore our school’s website for updated school information and other community activities. • You will find more information on eCommunications • Follow us on Twitter @SwataraMSinfo

13. Thank you for coming Please follow your child's schedule.