Family/Student Handbook

Items that are disruptive to the school environment are not allowed and may be confiscated.

1. Any items that are a disruption to the educational process are prohibited.

2. Gum is not allowed on this campus at any time.

3. NO sharpies or permanent markers of any kind.

Vista Verde takes pride in providing a safe environment for students and staff members. Weapons of any kind, including, but not limited to, knives, guns, firecrackers, or any other item, which could be perceived as a weapon, are not allowed on campus. Students possessing any item perceived as a weapon will face consequences in accordance with Governing Board policy.

We understand that friends and parents like to celebrate various occasions; however, balloons, flowers, cakes, cookies, candy, presents, and bouquets cause many distractions and are not allowed on campus or on the bus. This policy helps protect instructional time and ensures that all students are treated equal. 

We, the students of Vista Verde Middle School, agree to join together to stamp out bullying at our school. We believe that everyone should enjoy our school equally and feel safe, secure, and accepted regardless of color, race, gender, popularity, athletic ability, intelligence, religion, or nationality. Bullying is any repeated behavior that subjects a student to insults, taunts, or challenges that are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from a student being treated in this manner. Bullying can be pushing, shoving, hitting, and spitting, as well as name calling, picking on, making fun of, laughing at, and excluding someone. Bullying causes pain and stress to victims and is never justified or excusable as “kids being kids.” The victim is never responsible for being a target of bullying. 

We the students agree to:

• Value student differences and treat others with respect.
• Not become involved in bullying incidents or be a bully.
• Be aware of the school’s policies and support system with regard to bullying.
• Report honestly and immediately all incidents of bullying to a faculty member.
• Be alert in places around the school where there is less adult supervision.
• Support students who have been or are subjected to bullying,
• Talk to teachers and parents about concerns and issues regarding bullying.
• Work with other students and faculty to help the school deal with bullying effectively.
• Provide a good role model for younger students and support them if bullying occurs.
• Acknowledge that whether I am being a bully or see someone being bullied, if I don’t report or stop the bullying, I am just as guilty.

La version en español de la agenda escolar para el alumno esta disponible en la oficina.

If you need to report bullying or any other concerns, please use the Anonymous Tips website.

Students and Staff of Vista Verde Middle School shall have the right to attend school without fear of harm, threat, intimidation, or harassment. Students shall not bother or annoy another person physically, verbally, or mentally. The use of language or gestures, which insult, intimidate, or negatively affect another person’s feelings, will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual, ethnic, or religious harassment. Consequences will be immediate and consistent with Governing Board policy. Students are to immediately report bullying/ harassment to an administrator.

In order to keep the cafeteria clean, safe, and attractive, the students must observe the following guidelines:

1. Walk to and from the cafeteria.

2. Clean up after yourself. Place all trash in the garbage cans.

3. Students must stay within the yellow boundary lines during the lunch period.

4. No throwing of any kind.

5. If a student goes into a teacher’s classroom or the Media Center at lunch he/she must have a pass.

6. All food must be eaten inside cafeteria.

The library is open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. During lunch periods, a library pass must be obtained from the duty aides. The students may study, read, do research, internet use, or play games. Students are allowed to check out two books at a time using their photo I.D. and may keep them for two weeks. Lost or damaged items are to be paid by the borrower. Books returned late may result in assigned lunch detentions.

Students are to conduct themselves in such a manner as to respect the learning and safety of others. Every person on campus deserves the utmost respect, consideration, and courtesy. Abiding by the rules and guidelines outlined in this planner will ensure student success at Vista Verde.

• Understand those who are different from me.
• Speak against discrimination.
• Support targets of hate.
• Promote respect & foster a prejudice-free school.
• Believe that one person can make a difference.
• Respect individual dignity.

Verbal or written threats to bring harm to any person or group of people are unacceptable. All threats will be evaluated and treated seriously. Disciplinary consequences may include a warning, detention, suspension, or expulsion.

The Student Council sponsors after-school dances during the school year for all students attending Vista Verde. The last dance of the year is for 8th grade students only. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from all school dances.

1. All dances will require an admission fee.

2. The school dress code applies for all dances. There are no formal or semiformal dances.

3. Parents must pick up their child within 15 minutes after the dance has ended, or the student may not be eligible to attend the next dance.

Student Dress, Conduct and Appearance PVUSD schools are places of learning where students can express themselves while also promoting each school’s behavior motto. We value that student dress can highlight the cultural and religious diversity and the individuality of our students. Appropriate student dress contributes to a safe workplace and educational atmosphere and the success of the entire school community. Clothing students might wear in social settings or outside of school may not be appropriate to wear to school. We want all students to be dressed appropriately for a successful and safe learning environment. 

Please wear the following: 

• Clothing that is not see-through and covers a student’s undergarments, chest and torso when standing or sitting. Clothing should have a back and straps and should fit closely under the arms. 
• Clothing that is of adequate length to cover the student’s bottom at all times. 
• Clothing that has appropriate language. Clothing should be free from references to violent images, tobacco/vaping, drugs, alcohol, sexual references, profanity, or language that demeans others. 
• Appropriate footwear for a safe learning environment. When selecting footwear, students should be responsive to the specific safety needs of each school and/or classroom, as determined by the teachers and administration.

Headwear may be worn on campus, but should be removed in the building or classroom if asked by a staff member. Students will not be asked to remove headwear that is worn for cultural and/or religious reasons. 

If there is a concern regarding student dress, a staff member will ask the student to go to the front office to address the issue. The student and a front office staff member will discuss the concern, and if deemed necessary, the student will be provided appropriate clothing to change into or may wait in the office for appropriate clothing to be brought to them. Administration will have a discussion with the student regarding how to create an environment for success as well as potential consequences if there are further dress code concerns. Requests for exceptions to the dress code should be brought to the school administration.

Fire, emergency evacuation, and lockdown drills are conducted periodically. Staff members will give directions for evacuation procedures according to the directions that are posted in the classroom. Students are to be quiet and listen for instructions from their teachers. Talking or misbehaving during a drill is dangerous and will be considered a discipline issue. Attendance is taken during these drills, so students need to remain with their teacher at all times, or they will be marked absent.

The possession, use, or sale of drugs, alcohol, “look-alikes,” or paraphernalia at school or on the way to and from school, will result in suspension or expulsion and possible criminal prosecution (ARS 13-3401-3411).

SMOKING/TOBACCO

Tobacco products, electronic cigarettes or other similar devices, lighters, and matches are prohibited on any school property or grounds. Smoking and/or possession of tobacco are in violation of the Arizona State Law ARS 13-3622. Violations of this rule will result in consequences ranging from detention to suspension.

Students are permitted to use cellphones and other electronic devices before/after school, passing periods, and at lunch only. Use of these devices is prohibited in classrooms during instructional time. The expectation for devices is to be off or silent and away in backpacks. Students are not allowed to take any photographs or video at school. Repeat offenders will receive school consequences. Vista Verde is not responsible for the theft, loss or damage of electronic devices.

Students who associate themselves with gangs or gang-like activity through dress, hand signs symbols or disruptive and/or destructive behavior will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Governing Board policy.

It is the expectation that all students and staff display their ID badge at all times. Replacement badges will cost $5.00.

Students are not allowed to leave the classroom during class period without their student planner signed by a teacher, or a pass signed by a staff member.

Students are responsible for their personal property. Should you find a personal or school property item, take it to the office. If a student has lost any property, she/he can check with the front office to see if the article has been turned in. Personal items turned in, but never claimed, will be donated to a welfare organization at the end of the school year.

STUDENT VALUABLES

Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money to school or any other items of value. The school is not responsible for personal property.

Each year Vista Verde Middle School schedules two formal Parent/Teacher Conferences during the second and third quarters. Parents may also make individual appointments for conferences with teachers, counselors, school psychologist, or administrators by telephoning the school office at (602) 449-5300 or by e-mailing the staff member directly.

Parents are invited to attend school with their child especially if the child exhibits behaviors that are inappropriate. As a courtesy to our faculty, we ask that shadowing initiated by a parent be arranged at least one day in advance. A visitor pass will need to be issued through the office on visitation days. Parents are encouraged to become involved with their child’s education.

Vista Verde Middle School provides an environment for students, which is educational, safe, predictable, and positive. The PAWS and Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) systems are tailored to meet Vista Verde needs and concerns. PAWS is our systems approach for establishing the social culture and individualized behavioral supports needed for VVMS to be an effective, PAWSitive learning environment for all students. Campus-wide, it is expected that student will be:

• Prepared

• Accountable

• Willing to Participate

• Safe

Reasonable school-wide expectations are set, allowing the VVMS campus to be a safe and predictable school environment. These expectations are provided in the “VVMS Behavior Expectation Matrix.”

Discipline is based on whether the behavior is a major or minor incident as defined in the “Major vs. Minor Incidents” chart.

The goals of the PAWS and PBIS systems is to establish a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to do their best and are acknowledged for their success.

A written parental excuse is required if your child cannot participate in P.E. up to 3 days. If your child cannot participate in P.E. for more than 3 days, a written doctor’s excuse will be required. The excuse must be specific and presented to the nurse prior to the start of class, and the nurse’s office will verify excuses.

Dress Uniform Required

1. Plain gray T-Shirt – NO LOGOS (Name on left side).

2. Solid black elastic waist shorts (Name on left outside leg).

3. “Tennis” shoes, securely tied, NO street shoes.

PE Uniforms available in adult sizes from the PE Department. T-Shirts are $8.00. Nylon tricot shorts are $12.00. 

Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies, furniture, equipment, and school buildings. Students who damage school property or equipment will be required to pay for the damage or replace the item. If the damage is done deliberately, disciplinary action will also be taken.

Vista Verde has a variety of clubs and organizations for students of all interests. We encourage students to get involved in activities such as: National Junior Honor Society, School Council, Clubs, and a variety of other activities and sports.

The Student Council is an organization through which the students may provide input regarding school decisions and policies. The Council promotes leadership, initiative, and self-control among its members. Elections are held through the Social Studies’ classes in the fall.

Visiting teachers are guests in our school. Students are expected to show them the same respect as they would any adult on campus. A student who misbehaves for the visiting teacher may receive a conduct referral and sent to the AC room for the remainder of the class period. There may be further consequences from the regular teacher upon their return.

HOMEWORK

Homework is an essential part of a student’s education, and both students and parents can expect homework to be assigned daily. Parents can monitor their child’s homework by regularly reviewing the student’s planner or our school’s website. Homework is a valuable learning activity and is appropriate at all grade levels.  Parents need to be advised of what is expected of their children and how they can reinforce the educational value of the assigned work. Each school handbook must include information regarding homework. Principals must communicate the district homework policy to all teachers. Governing Board Policy 4.4.1.

Parents have the capability to look daily at their child’s progress through the Infinite Campus online gradebook. A confidential password may be obtained through your child’s counselor. Infinite Campus Internet access is available through our school’s library, front office or at the local library, if needed. If a parent has any questions concerning his/her child’s homework, please contact the teacher by email or by calling (602) 449-5300.

HONOR ROLL

Academic excellence is encouraged and recognized through the Honor Roll. The Honor Roll is determined at the close of each quarterly grading period. A grade point average of 3.2 to 3.9 (no C’s) is required to earn Honor Roll status, and a 4.0 grade point average (all A’s) is required for inclusion on the Principal’s Honor Roll.

MAKE-UP WORK

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all assignments are obtained and made up upon return from any excused absence. If a student is absent 2 or more consecutive days, a parent may call the Attendance Office at (602) 449-5301 and request homework to be picked up. Students returning from an excused absence will have an amount of time equivalent to the number of days absent to complete and turn in assignments. For prearranged absences, including suspension, makeup work must be completed by the day of return or as individually arranged with the teacher. It is up to the parent and student to make sure that the homework is received by all teachers.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Deficiency reports are mailed home at mid-quarter for those students receiving a grade of D or F. The intent is to reflect the student’s current academic standing and to provide the student with ample time to improve his/her grades, if necessary. If you do not receive your child’s progress report in the mail, you are encouraged to contact the Registrar at (602) 449-5312.

REPORT ACADEMIC PROGRESS TO PARENTS

The Paradise Valley Unified School District is dedicated to the continuous development of each student. It is a Governing Board belief that teachers should make every effort to assure success of every student in every class. Teachers, in working with students and parents as partners, should document efforts that have been made when a student is not making adequate progress in a class or subject of study. The criteria for assigning grades or other evaluation marks should be developed to accurately reflect student learning and should be mathematically fair.

Parents of students in grades 2 through 12 will be able to monitor progress of their students in all classes through an electronic system provided by the district. Teachers will keep these records up to date by entering data no less frequently than once every two weeks. Grade reports, to serve as official records of progress, will be issued to parents of students in all grades at the end of each quarter.

In grades 7-8, interim notices will be sent each quarter to parents of students who are failing or are in immediate danger of failing. Upon request and for a limited period of time, parents may receive a weekly progress notification in specific subject areas. In certain cases, a teacher may find it necessary to notify a parent directly to warn of the possibility of failure. In any case, no student may receive a failing semester or course grade if parents were not notified of that potential in time for remediation to occur. 4.3.1.