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Welcome to Kit Carson, Home of the Pioneers!

Phone Numbers

Main #: 916-277-6750

Voicemail #: 916-658-2701

Kit Carson Designated as an International Baccalaureate World School!

Kit Carson has been authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School by the International Baccalaureate World Organization. This is the result of many years of research, planning and reflection about our school by the staff. In addition to beingauthorized for the Middle Years Programme (7th-10th), this year we will apply for authorization for the Diploma Programme (11th-12th).

Becoming an International Baccalaureate World School allows Kit Carson to join a community of schools committed to developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. IB schools share a common philosophy of commitment to high quality and challenging international education.

For more information about this exciting transition, please visit the Kit Carson web site at

Mr. Chapa

Principal

“The road to college begins here”

This ASSIGNMENT PLANNER (Agenda) is an important tool to help you be successful at Kit Carson. It will be used every day to record all of your assignments, both due and completed. This will help you organize work to be done and will help you get all assignments in on time. You are expected to use it daily. There is also important information about the school within the pages that should be reviewed frequently. In addition, the assignment planner is a useful communication tool between the student, the parent and the school. Parents should be checking the assignment planner and monitoring homework daily. Please take care of the assignment planner, use it and keep it at all times. This is one of our ways of helping you assume responsibility for your own learning.

The Kit Carson handbook, (the first pages of the planner), provides information about rules, policies, academic requirements, and student privileges and responsibilities. Kit Carson staff members understand that your middle and high school years can be exciting, challenging, productive and occasionally confusing. By working together, we expect every student to leave Kit Carson college and career ready. Together we make a difference.

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DAILY SCHEDULE

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Regular Schedule, 7th and 8th GradesMinimum Day Schedule

1st Bell 8:031st Bell 8:03

Period 18:08-8:59Period 18:08-8:42

Period 29:03 – 9:54Period 28:46-9:30

Period 39:58 – 10:49Period 39:34 – 10:08

Period 410:53-11:44Period 410:12-10:46

Lunch11:44-12:14Period 510:50-11:24

Period 512:18 –1:09Period 611:28-12:01

Period 61:13 – 2:04Period 711:-12:28

Period 72:08-2:58Lunch12:28-12:58

Regular Schedule, High SchoolMinimum Day Schedule

1st Bell 8:031st Bell 8:03

Period 18:08-8:59Period 18:08-8:42

Period 29:03 – 9:54Period 28:46-9:30

Period 39:58 – 10:49Period 39:34 – 10:08

Period 410:53-11:44Period 410:12-10:46

Lunch11:44-12:14Period 510:50-11:24

Period 512:18 –1:09Period 611:28-12:01

Period 61:13 – 2:04Period 711:-12:28

Period 72:08-2:58Lunch12:28-12:58

Minimum day dismissal is at 12:28 on designated days. There is no afternoon bus service on minimum days, so students will have to arrange for alternate transportation home on these days.

Early Out Thursday, High SchoolEarly Out Thursday, 7th and 8th

1st Bell 8:031st Bell 8:03

Period 18:08-8:59Period 18:08-8:42

Period 29:03 – 9:54Period 28:46-9:30

Period 39:58 – 10:49Period 39:34 – 10:08

Period 410:53-11:44Period 410:12-10:46

Lunch11:44-12:14Period 510:50-11:24

Period 512:18 –1:09Period 611:28-12:01

Period 61:13 – 2:04Period 711:-12:28

Period 72:08-2:58Lunch12:28-12:58

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My Class Schedule:

Period Class TeacherRoom #

Period 1 - ______

Period 2 - ______

Period 3 - ______

Period 4 - ______

Period 5 - ______

Period 6 - ______

Period 7 - ______

ACADEMIC POLICIES

All students are expected to read and follow all Kit Carson academic policies and guidelines. Complete details for each of the following policies can be found on the Kit Carson web site at

--Academic Honesty Policy

--Technology Use Policy

--Works Cited Guidelines

--High School Graduation Guidelines

--University of California A-G Course Requirements

GRADE REPORTING

Academic progress is officially reported eight times a year in the form of report cards and mid-quarter progress reports. The purpose of these notices is to inform parents of their child’s academic progress. It is very important that in addition to receiving these formal reports, parents keep in regular contact with their child’s teachers. It is important not wait until the last several weeks of the reporting period to contact a teacher about academic difficulty. That contact should be made as early as possible.

It is the responsibility of both teachers and parents to establish regular communication about student progress.

INFINITE CAMPUS STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

The Infinite Campus Student Information System is available to assist parents in accessing real-time information about their child’s progress in school. By logging on to Infinite Campus, parents can obtain up to date information about academic progress, attendance, behavior, and classroom assignments. Please call the school office to obtain your log on password and PIN. Infinite Campus can be accessed at

HOMEWORK

Homework is an important part of the academic program at Kit Carson. It is expected that students will have approximately 30 minutes of homework per class per night. If no assigned homework is given, students should always be working on long-term projects, reading assignments, or make-up work.

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STUDENT INFORMATION/EMERGENCY CARDS

It is very important that the school have a correct address and phone number for all of our students at all times. When you change residency or phone numbers, please notify the office. Every student must have a current and accurate emergency card on file, and doing so will ensure we can make contact with parents/guardians in a timely manner.

CONTACTING TEACHERS

If you need to reach a teacher you can do so by email or phone. The email addresses are listed on the school webpage at . If you would like to contact a teacher by phone, please call 916-277-6750 and leave a message.

ASES AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

ASES provides homework assistance, academic enrichment, sports recreation and a nutritious snack each day from the end of school-6:00 p.m. All of this is provided in a structured environment free of charge. The program functions with four agreements that students are expected to follow at all times: be respectful, be safe, be responsible and have fun. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year while space is available. More information can be found in the school office or by contacting the ASES site coordinator.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Criteria For Participating in Extra-Curricular Activities

In accordance with District policy, Kit Carson has set standards that all students are expected to achieve. The following rules and standards outline the criteria for participation in extra-curricular and end of the year activities.

The list of activities includes, but is not limited to:

  • Dances
  • Sports
  • Field trips
  • Assemblies
  • Field Trips
  • 7th grade picnic
  • 8th grade Promotion Ceremony

To participate in activities, students must meet the following criteria:

  1. Students must pass all of their assigned classes.
  2. Students must receive satisfactory or above citizenship in all classes.
  3. Students must have satisfactory attendance.
  4. All text books and library books must be returned or paid for.
  5. All monetary debts must be paid. This includes textbooks, library books, gym locks, art fees, PE uniforms, etc.
  6. No suspensions in the grading period during which the activity takes place. This includes in-house suspensions.
  7. A student must have a minimum of 70 merits.

STUDENT BODY CARDS

Student Body cards may be purchased from the Student Activities office. Possession of a Student Body Card gives the student:

  1. Admission to school dances at a reduced rate.
  2. An identification card.
  3. Reduced admission to high school athletic events.
  4. Library Checkout.

DISCIPLINE EXPECTATIONS, PROCEDURES AND CONSEQUENCES

Kit Carson is committed to providing students with a safe and productive learning environment. The goal of our learning environment is to promote high expectations for all, positive self-esteem and clear limits with consistent and logical consequences.

Rules and Expectations

At Kit Carson we believe that every student has the right to learn and every teacher has the right to teach in a positive learning environment and a healthy, safe, enjoyable atmosphere. All decisions made will be made to protect and ensure these fundamental rights.

  1. Respect for learning and a safe learning environment.
  2. Respect the personal rights and property of others.
  3. Respect school property, facilities, materials and equipment.
  4. Respect for the safety of students, staff and visitors, (i.e. No physical contact, pushing, shoving, or “play fighting.” No inappropriate displays of affection. No throwing of any objects. No verbal harassment or abuse.)
  5. Respect and follow all campus rules & expectations, policies, and procedures.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS

  1. Upon entering the room, all students must get busy! Warm up is on the Board.
  2. Be in your seat when the bell rings completing the directions on the board or the overhead.
  3. Bring all materials to class daily. This includes your agenda.
  4. Eating and/or drinking in class are not allowed. Sunflower seeds and gum are prohibited on campus.
  5. Students should be respectful of all classroom rules and directions. Learning should continue with no interruptions.
  6. Stay on task the entire class period.
  7. The school motto is: The Road to College Begins Here. All efforts should be directed to that goal.

When students follow the rules and expectations:

  • They will learn and take responsibility for their actions and choices.
  • They will be allowed to attend special school events. They will receive recognition and awards.
  • Class atmosphere will be positive and encouraging.
  • Students will have better understanding of the content.
  • Student grades will be better.
  • Students will be well prepared for high school/university/dream job.
  • Students will feel pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Our goal is to educate students to be successful learners and productive citizens looking forward to their college years.

Progressive Discipline Policy

A progressive discipline policy is used at Kit Carson in each classroom. Each time a student is not able to follow school wide and classroom rules he or she will progress to the next step in the discipline policy. This discipline policy gives students a chance to re-think poor behaviors before getting a referral.

  1. Warning
  2. Change of seat
  3. 10 minute detention with the teacher
  4. ‘Yellow Card’ referral – Sent to work silently in another room. No other consequence if student appropriately modifies behavior.
  5. Referral –Entered into discipline record on Infinite Campus. Sent to in-house detention in the detention center. Will serve lunch detention at the next opportunity. Community Liaison will facilitate communication with parent from the Discipline Center (DC).

After receiving a referral, the student is expected to ‘fix it’ with the teacher concerned, otherwise the student may not be allowed back in class, at the discretion of the teacher.

When a student is sent to work in another classroom, they must bring a copy of the yellow card referral with them. Poor behavior in the next classroom will result in aReferral and the student will be sent to the discipline center.

The progressive discipline policy is used by teachers in all classes, EXCEPT in the case of a major infraction when the student shall receive Referral and sent to the Discipline Center immediately.

Any student receiving two referrals in one day shall be assigned in-house suspension.

Students that have received a referral shall also receive a phone call home from the teacher concerned.

MOBILE PHONES AND ELECTRONICS

Portable audio equipment and cell phonesare allowed to be brought to school. However, Kit Carson assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Students may only use these items before school (before 8:15 bell), at lunch, or after school, and only with headphones. Phones/electronics must be turned off at all other times. They may be used in class only with explicit permission from the classroom teacher for educational purposes. Any electronic device that is seen or heard during passing periods, or during class will be confiscated, to be given back only to a parent or guardian.

Students refusing to surrender the device to a teacher/staff member will be referred to the administration and may face further consequences.

GUM

Gum is not allowed at Kit Carson Middle School. Because we take pride in maintaining a clean campus, we must avoid getting gum on the carpet, on computers, in books, under desks and on the gym floor.

PASS POLICY

We have a no pass policy at Kit Carson. No student is to be out of an assigned class unless it is an emergency. In the case of an emergency, students must be given a pass; the pass is your agenda, signed by your teacher with date and time. Students found out of class without a hall pass, referral, or other authorization will be considered tardy or truant and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are expected to take care of school property. Students who damage or lose books will take the responsibility of paying for the damaged or lost books.

Parents and guardians have a responsibility to the community for damages caused by their children to school property before, during, or after school. The California Education Code 48909 states that “any student who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise injures in any way property belonging to the school district is liable to suspension or expulsion, and the parent or guardian shall be liable for all damages so caused by the student.

School Dress Code

Students attending Kit Carson should dress as they are preparing for college. Appropriate clothing must comply with the following guidelines. Students who wear inappropriate clothing will contact their parents to bring the proper clothing to school. If parents are not available, the student will be provided with loaner clothes in order to avoid missing class time. If loaners are not available, students will be held in the Discipline Center. Repeat offenders will be assigned detention. Persistent repeat offenders may face suspension.

  1. All tops must cover shoulders to the edge of the shoulder. No mesh, see-through, strapless, spaghetti straps, tank tops, overly revealing or overly large shirts may be worn.
  1. Shoes must be athletic shoes, loafers, or oxfords. No sandals, flip-flops, thongs, house-shoes, slippers are allowed.
  1. No excessive wearing of any color, especially but not limited to red and blue, in any clothing, shoes, accessories, or on backpacks. The administration has full responsibility to determine the appropriateness of clothing and will communicate that to students and families on an individual basis.
  1. No sagging pants will be allowed.
  1. Shorts/skirts must extend beyond the tips of fingers when arms are hanging normally on the students’ side. In addition an administrator will determine that shorts/skirts are too short or revealing even if they meet the policy criteria.
  1. Any clothing that reveals an individual’s mid section cannot be worn to school.
  1. Any item of clothing deemed inappropriate or disruptive to school activities by the administration is not allowed.

Prohibited CLOTHING OR accessories

  1. Hats are to be worn outside only.
  2. Clothing deemed gang-related in any way. It is up to the discretion of the administration to make this determination.
  3. Short shorts or mini skirts.
  4. Spaghetti straps and/or tank tops.
  5. Shirts must not be longer than finger-tip length.
  6. Electronic game systems.
  7. Sagging pants.
  8. Any other items that, at the discretion of the administration, disrupt school activities.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

In order to make satisfactory progress in school, regular attendance is essential and an important key to success. Students with excessive absences will receive attendance letters and a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) hearing. They may also be put on a contract with the school and/or the district. Students missing more than nine (9) days may be considered excessively truant.

Students who are absent must have verification from the parents in the form of a note or a phone call indicating the nature and date of the absence. An excused absence is illness, quarantine, doctor or dentist appointments, or funeral for immediate family.

After an Absence

  1. Upon returning to school, a student must bring a note explaining the absence (signed by a parent or guardian.) The note must have the date(s), the reason for the absence, and a current phone number.
  2. The office will issue re-admits from the outside window, beginning at 7:30 a.m. You must get the re-admit before first period. Obtaining a re-admit is not an excuse to arrive tardy to class.
  3. Clerks will check “health” or “other” as a reason for the absence or write “truancy pending”, if there is no note. The student will receive the carbon copy (pink) and obtain signatures of all of his/ her teachers.
  4. To clear a “truancy pending” a note should be brought to the attendance office within two days of the absence.

If a student does not bring a note to clear the truancy within two days, truancy will be noted on the student’s attendance record.

  1. Students leaving on vacation before a holiday or at the end of school should inform both the office and their teachers.

Early DismissalS

If, for some reason, a student needs to leave campus during regular school hours (i.e. dentist or doctor appointment), he/she must submit to the attendance clerk a written note, signed by parent or guardian. Early dismissals should be requested before school.

Attendance windows open at 7:30 a.m. Before leaving the school with an early dismissal, the student must sign-out in the office.

A student requesting an early dismissal because of illness must check out through the office. An early dismissal will be issued only if the office is able to contact the student’s parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.

A student returning to school from an early dismissal is to check in with the office, have the time stamped on the early dismissal, and then go to class. The procedure is necessary to maintain accurate attendance records.

Identification will be required of all persons who are requesting early dismissal for a student. Only individuals who are listed on the student emergency card will be allowed to sign out a student early.

TARDINESS

In order for students to receive full benefit from their courses, they must arrive at school and report to class on time. It is also distracting and unfair to others to have students coming late to class. Kit Carson emphasizes the importance of punctuality and insists that each student arrives at school and for class on time.