Harpers Ferry Middle School
People Helping People
""Quality Education for Every Student"
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
As required by federal laws and regulations, the Jefferson County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, handicapping condition, marital status, or national origin in employment or in its educational programs and activities. Inquiries may be referred to Martin Soltis, Title IX Coordinator, Jefferson County Board of Education, P.O. Box 987, 110 Mordington Avenue, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone # 725-9741, or Pat Blanc 504 Coordinator, Jefferson County Board of Education, P.O. Box 987, 110 Mordington Avenue, Charles Town, WV 25414, Phone # 725-9741: or to the Department of Education's Director of the Office for Civil Rights.
Harpers Ferry Middle School
School Mission
Dear Parents and Students:
The mission of Harpers Ferry Middle School is to give each student the opportunities to achieve to the best of his/her abilities in a safe and caring environment. Our goal is to develop self-discipline and individual responsibility in your child to meet the challenges that he or she will face in our society. Over the past years, our school has followed a successful discipline plan that supports the right of each student to an education in a calm, safe and secure environment.
It is important that parents, school staff and students work together to maintain a positive educational atmosphere. The rules and procedures at Harpers Ferry have been established for the protection of students. Students are expected to respect these rules as well as the people responsible for carrying them out. The staff needs the support of parents in promoting acceptable behavior and teaching each student to learn to be responsible for his or her own actions.
With your continued cooperation and support, the school year will be a positive and motivating experience for the students of Harpers Ferry Middle School. We wish to work together with you for the benefit of the children for whom we are responsible.
Joseph R. Spurgas
Principal
Harpers Ferry Middle School
Main Office - 535-6357
FAX - 535-6986
Web Address:
www.boe.jeff.k12.wv.us
Staff
Joseph Spurgas - Principal
Eric Vandell – Assistant Principal
Andrew Slye – Guidance Counselor
Francine Hall - Secretary
Patricia Chrystal - Cafeteria Manager #535-6926
Roy Banjoman - Athletic Director
Charles Wall - Band Director
Coaches
Roy Banjoman – Athletic Director, Head Football, l, Track
Ryan Milbourne – Asst. Football, JV Girls Basketball
Rick Jackson – Asst. Football, Wrestling
Francine DeRonda – Cross Country
Michael Cunningham – Volleyball
Jennifer Dunkin – Cheerleading
Chonda Kosanovich – Asst. Wrestling, Asst. Track
Keri Spies – Track
Harpers Ferry Middle School
Faculty 2013-2014
NAME
/ SUBJECT / ROOMMs. Jackie Adams / Special Education / 602
Mr. Malcolm Ater / Special Education / 116
Mr. Gregg Banas / Social Studies 6 / 103
Mr. Roy Banjoman / Physical Education / Gym
Ms. Beth Barnes / Language Arts/Reading 7,8 / 701
Ms. Michelle Bonbright / Family and Consumer Sciences / 102/104
Ms. Michelle Carver / Art / 113
Ms. Julie Corriveau / Science 7 / 206
Ms. Jennifer Dunkin / Social Studies, Math / 204
Dr. Robin Good / Science 8 / 115
Ms. Mary Elton / Read 180 / 802
Ms. Jill Fornadley / Read 180/Social Studies 7 / 802
Mr. Jason Hoffman / Science 6/ Math 6 / 112
Ms. Charity Huff / Health/PE / 801
Ms. Adele Knott / Media Specialist / Media Center
Ms. Christine Kowalski / Language Arts/Reading 7 / 202
Ms. Joanne Krywcun / Computer Ed./Keyboarding / 101
Ms. Carrie Lamp / Social Studies 7 / 201
Mr. Jim Lawson / Agricultural Science / 111(Shop)
Ms. Jennifer Lowe / Science 6 / 106
Ms. Emerald Lynch / Spanish / 301
Ms. Courtney McCauley / Math 6,7,8 / 801
Mr. Dennis Moore / Language Arts/Reading 6 / 107
Ms. Toni O’Connor / Social Studies 8 / 402
Ms. Cheryl Perks / Special Education / 302
Ms. Connie Robeson / Music/Chorus / 126/Auditor.
Mr. Andrew Slye / Guidance Counselor / Guidance
Ms. Vickie Sperry / Language Arts/Reading 6 / 108
Ms. Keri Spies / Health/Physical Education / 401/Gym
Ms. Courtney Stewart / Language Arts/Reading 7,8 / 702
Ms. Nancy Bateman / ESL / 204
Ms. Thomasa Vandell / Math 8 / 602
Mr. Charles Wall / Band/Math / 126
Ms. Randall Webb / Math 7 / 205
Ms. Dawn Welsh / Language Arts/Reading 8 / 502
Ms. Assunta Wight / Special Education / 109
School Improvement Council
A School Improvement Council has been established at Harpers Ferry Middle School for the 2013-2014 school year. Its purpose is to propose alternatives to the operation of the school. These alternatives may: increase administrative efficiency, enhance the delivery of instructional programs, promote community involvement in the school system, or generally improve the educational performance of the school.
Members for 2013-2014
Principal - Joseph Spurgas
Faculty – Julie Corriveau, Thomasa Vandell, Andrew Slye
Service Personnel - Keith Whitehair
Community - Dixie Wiltshire, Paul Ranalli
Student – (To be elected)
Parents - (To be elected at PTO meeting)
School Business Partners
Harpers Ferry Middle School has numerous school business partners – Appalachian Trail Conference, Eackles-Spencer Funeral Home, Harpers Ferry/Bolivar Public Library, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, HFHS Alumni Association, Jefferson Security Bank, Meadow Farms Nursery, River Riders, and the Town of Bolivar. These organizations have supported us in many areas: academic awards, attendance awards, tours of their businesses, aid in recycling, etc. We hope to continue our partnership and give to them as well as they have given to us.
Jefferson County Schools
2013-2014 Grading and Reporting Periods
First 9-Week Period
Grading Period BeginsThursday, August 22 / Mid-point of 9 weeks
Wednesday, September 25
Grading Periods Ends
Friday, October 25 / Report Cards Issued
Friday, November 1
Second 9-Week Period
Grading Period BeginsMonday, October 28 / Mid-point of 9 weeks
Wednesday, December 4
Grading Periods Ends
Friday, January 17 / Report Cards Issued
Friday, January 24
Third 9-Week Period
Grading Period BeginsMonday, January 21 / Mid-point of 9 weeks
Wednesday, February 19
Grading Periods Ends
Friday, March 21 / Report Cards Issued
Friday, March 28
Fourth 9-Week Period
Grading Period BeginsMonday, March 24 / Mid-point of 9 weeks
Wednesday, April 30
Grading Periods Ends
Tuesday, June 3 / Report Cards Issued
Friday, June 13
Grading Scale
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 65-74
F 0-64
Safety First
FIRE AND EMERGENCY DRILLS
There will be one scheduled fire drill held during the first two weeks of school and at least one each month thereafter for the remainder of the school year. Each of your classroom teachers will inform you as to which exit you will take in leaving the room to proceed from the building. (The exit will vary depending upon which room you are in at the time the alarm is sounded.) Whenever the alarm is sounded you are to proceed under the direction of your teacher in an orderly fashion, as quickly as possible, in a single file taking the proper exit out of the building. Once outside of the building, you are to line up in a single line at which time the teacher in charge will take the class roll.
These drills are extremely important and should be taken seriously. Any student not fully cooperating in making these drills orderly is endangering the lives of other people in the building. The fire doors will close automatically and are to remain closed until the drill is completed. Three brief rings of the school bell will signal that all is safe and you may reenter the building.
EMERGENCY CODE PROCEDURES
All schools today are required to have an emergency plan in addition to fire procedures to deal with safety concerns such as medical emergencies, intruder threat, natural disasters, etc. Throughout the school year the administration in partnership with county officials will conduct several drills designed to protect your child in the event of a real emergency. While we hope these drills will actually never be enacted, we believe a proactive approach will help prepare all of us in that event.
SOLICITATION
There will be no selling or trading of any personal items of any kind during school hours (Example: gum, candy, CDs, electronic games, etc.) Items will be confiscated and disciplinary action taken.
RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
The following rules, regulations and policies are presented to give students a clear understanding of the conduct expected of them while they are a student at Harpers Ferry Middle School. The policies have been developed over a period of time to promote the proper environment for them to be educated and insure the satisfactory operation of the school. It is a student's responsibility to read and become familiar with these policies. This listing of policies is not intended to be all-inclusive. In matters not covered, we trust your good judgment to choose the proper avenue of conduct.
The authority and discipline of school teachers over school students shall exist throughout the school session, during public exercises held in the school buildings or on the grounds, during athletic games held on the school grounds and whenever such exercises or games are participated in by students or are under the auspices of the school or for benefit of the school.
Upon arrival at school, all students are to remain on the school grounds until the dismissal bell ending the school day. Students are not allowed to leave the school at lunchtime. Nutritional lunches are available in the cafeteria or students may bring a lunch from home.
DRESS CODE
Our aim at Harpers Ferry Middle School is to provide an atmosphere where learning can flourish and the security and dignity of each person is protected.
To Parents: We need your help and support to enforce our dress code. Remember, the more casual the students’ dress, the more casual their behavior and attitude toward school.
1. All shirts, sweaters and blouses should cover the shoulders, midriff, chest area and underarms. Muscle tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, and some sleeveless tops are unacceptable.
2. See-through clothing and swim attire are inappropriate.
3. All shorts and skirts should be an appropriate length. A good way to check the length is to have your child stand with arms and fingertips down. Shorts and skirt lengths should touch to the longest fingertip.
4. Clothing should fit appropriately. Clothing that is skin-tight or low cut is not appropriate.
5. Pants should be an appropriate length and not drag on the ground.
6. All students are required to place all jackets, coats and heavy pullovers in their locker.
7. Clothing that degrades any person, gender, culture, religion, or occupation is unacceptable.
8. Clothing that depicts or promotes pornography, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence or cult/gang related activity is unacceptable. This includes items promoting brand names such as Playboy or Budweiser.
9. Gang related articles/dress such as bandanas. Chains (including wallet chains), headbands, rolled up pants, and gang related jewelry are unacceptable.
10. Hats, head coverings, or sunglasses may not be worn in the building.
11. Any type of attire that is disruptive to the school environment is unacceptable.
12. Pajamas and bedroom slippers are unacceptable.
13. Underwear must be covered by pants/shorts.
14. “Heelies” or shoes with any type of wheel or roller are prohibited on school property.
Violations of this dress code may include school provided clothing, calling home for appropriate clothing, etc. Repeat offenders of the dress code will be subject to disciplinary action.
LOCKERS
All lockers (gym and hall) are provided by the school as a convenience to the students, and they do not become the exclusive property of the student. They are provided for the express purpose of keeping clothing, books, lunches, and other materials necessary to the school day.
The Principal reserves the right to enter any student locker at any time he feels it necessary and proper to do so. Unannounced locker inspections will be held to insure lockers are clean and organized.
Students are not to tell anyone else the combinations to their lockers. Large amounts of money or things of great value should not be left in lockers. The school shall not assume responsibility for items taken from lockers. IF YOU GIVE THE COMBINATION OF YOUR LOCKER TO ANOTHER STUDENT, THE SECURITY OF THAT LOCKER HAS BEEN VIOLATED.
Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of school and that is the locker he/she is to use for the entire year. At the close of school you will be responsible for returning the lock from that locker. Do not trade lockers with another student. If it is necessary for you to change your locker, check in the office so the records can be changed accordingly. It is your responsibility to take care of your locker and your possessions. Students must keep their lockers locked. If a student loses his combination lock, he/she must pay $6.50 to the office. No other lock will be issued until this fee has been paid.
School lockers may be visited by students between all classes.
Lockers are to remain locked when not in use.
BOOK BAGS
Students are permitted to use book bags to bring books, gym shoes, lunches, etc. to and from school. Book bags are not allowed in classrooms. Your book bag is to be stored in the school locker during the day. Unless granted special permission, repeat offenders of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
STUDENT TRAFFIC
School building traffic regulatory measures are as follows: Students may move up and down all stairs in the school building (please stay to the right side of the steps and hall). Only 7th graders are allowed on the 2nd floor unless you already have permission to visit the media center or your class is located on the 2nd floor. No one is allowed to use the elevator without permission of the administration. Students are required to move at an acceptable pace in between classes. Students who repeatedly stop in the hallways to socialize or loiter will be subject to disciplinary action.
CHANGING OF CLASSES
Students have four minutes between classes. This is ample time to use the restroom and then reach anywhere in the building with a little time to spare. Teachers in the annexes may give additional time. There are no excused admissions to class for being tardy. The fourth tardy to class will result in disciplinary action. Students are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times. Loud talking, running, slamming locker doors, etc., is not acceptable.