Expectations and Examples
Cell Phone Agreement

Terman Middle School does not encourage students to bring cell phones or electronic communication system to school. This is to maintain a safe, distraction free environment.  If it is necessary for a student to carry a cell phone a signed agreement is required. This agreement will be sent home the first day of school and will be kept on file in the main office.

  • Student cell phones must be turned OFF during school hours (8:05-3:05). Silent or vibrate mode is not acceptable. Phones may not be used for checking messages or time of day, text messaging, games, photos, or videos during school hours.  Inappropriate use of cell phones, including threats and harassment, may result in further disciplinary action.
  • Parents needing to contact a student should contact the office (650) 856-9810 directly. Students may use an office phone to call parents during breaks or in case of an emergency.
  • If a cell phone rings/buzzes/vibrates during school time or a student is found using it, it will be confiscated for the rest of the school day. The student will be able to pick up the cell phone in the office at the end of the school day. If a second incident occurs, the parent/guardian will be required to pick up the cell phone from the office, and the student will loose the privilege of bringing a cell phone to school for the remainder of the school year.

The staff, school and district assume no liability for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones at any time.

 

Expectation

Clarifying Specific Examples

Students are expected to treat all people with respect, follow the directions of the adults in charge, and follow through with their responsibilities.

Students will not disrupt school activities or defy the authority of staff members engaged in the performance of their duties.

Students are expected to meet academic responsibilities, be prepared for class and complete class work and homework.

Students are required to follow each teacher’s individual classroom rules and procedures and come to class prepared with necessary materials and homework.

Students are expected to behave in an acceptable manner at all times.

Swearing, bad manners, spitting, rudeness and a lack of respect for people and property are not acceptable.

Students are expected to act with honesty and integrity.

Students are expected to follow the Academic Honestly Policy.

Students are expected to treat each other with respect. Terman is a “hands off” school.
  • Unnecessary aggressive physical contact (roughhousing) with another student will not be tolerated.
  • Boyfriend/Girlfriend physical contact is not appropriate at school.

Students are expected to bring in only appropriate items to school and to school sponsored activities and events.It is strongly recommended that students leave all and any small electronic devices at home.

Items that are never allowed include:

  • Matches, lighters, spray cans, laser pointers, drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, look-alike drugs or cigarettes, weapons and/or dangerous objects, such as poppers, imitation weapons and/or imitation dangerous objects, water balloons, squirt guns and other water toys.
  • Personal electronics and other valuables are brought to school at students’ own risk. The school assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage of such items.

Items that require permission from the principal as well as a contract signed by the student and parent/guardian include:

  • Cell phones or any other electronic communication systems.

Dress Code

Clarifying Specific Examples

Students are expected to dress in a manner that:

  • Allows participation in the learning environment.
  • Is not a distraction to the learning environment.
  • Does not pose a health or safety risk to the student or to others.
  • Promotes a positive image.
  • Clothes that fit comfortably.
  • Baggy pants are prohibited on campus.
  • Earrings may be no larger than a quarter (25¢ piece).

Undergarments should not show or be exposed, therefore:

  • Pants should be worn at the waist (no sagging)
  • Straps on shirts should be at least 2 inches wide (no spaghetti strap tops).

Excessive skin should not be exposed:

  • No strapless, tube or halter tops, or short tops
  • Tops must be long enough to keep the midriff covered. (A good test is that the midriff should remain covered when a student is raising up his/her hands.)
  • Tops must be long enough to meet the upper portion of the shorts, pants or skirt that is being worn.
  • Shorts/skirts must reach below the length of the fingertips (arms extended down straight to the side).

Shoes must be worn at all times and should allow students to move safely about the school and participate in classroom activities:

  • Closed toe and closed heel shoes are recommended.
  • High/heeled and/or platform shoes should not be worn.

To promote a positive image, clothing may not have offensive remarks or markings, including references to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or sex. This also applies to backpacks, binders, jewelry, etc.

Tardies and Absences

Clarifying Specific Examples

Students are expected to be on time every day to every period. The first bell rings at 8:05 a.m. every day.
Teachers will review “on time” procedures during the first weeks of school.

A student is considered tardy if not in the classroom at the beginning of the period. Students will be marked tardy unless they arrive with a written excuse from a staff member. Students arriving 10 minutes late for class will be marked absent.

Back


Top

 

Part of the
Palo Alto Unified School District
Webmaster | updated 8/08