Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

Technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum and appropriate and equitable use of computer systems and the Internet shall allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means. Internet access is coordinated through the Davenport Community Schools wide area network and the Mississippi Bend AEA 9 access to the Internet. To ensure the smooth operation of the network, end users must adhere to established guidelines regarding proper conduct and efficient, acceptable, ethical, and legal usage. Employees and students shall be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet prior to being allowed access through school facilities. Employees and students shall sign a form annually acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement.

Acceptable Use: The use of district computer systems and the Internet- including the use of email, chat, instant messaging- must be in support of education and research and consistent with the DCSD Strategic Plan, educational objectives, and the terms and conditions of this agreement. Use of other organizations' networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for those networks. Transmissions that violate any district, state, or U.S. regulations are prohibited. These transmissions include, but are not limited to copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities or political lobbying is prohibited.

Privilege: The use of the district computer systems and the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of that privilege and possible additional actions.

Netiquette: (Network Etiquette) - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Language

Do not be abusive in your messages to others. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any inappropriate language.

Privacy

Note: Electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. Illegal activities are forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, threats, harassment, stalking, and fraud.

Disruption

Use of network in such a way that you would disrupt or limit the use of the network by other users is prohibited. This includes distribution of jokes; lists, chain mail and other unauthorized uses of the system. Remain on the system long enough to get the needed information, then exit the system. continued

Private Property: Assume that all communications and information accessible via the network are private property. Credit all sources and respect all copyright laws.

No Warranties: The Davenport Community School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the information or services provided through the network. The District will not be responsible for any damages. This could include loss of data or service interruptions. While the District maintains and Internet Filter to restrict access to inappropriate sites- including those with visual depictions that include obscenity, pornography, or are harmful to minors- no filter system is perfect. Ultimately, it is the users responsibility to comply with the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Do not use another individual's account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to access the network as anyone other than your assigned User ID may result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the district's computer resources.

Vandalism: Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software, or data of another user, or any of the above listed agencies of other networks. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or breaching security measures.

Safety: Do not reveal your personal home) addressor phone number or those of other students or colleagues.

References: Children's Internet Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. §254(h). Iowa Code §279.8(1995). Board Policy 605.06 Internet: Appropriate Use (Revised 5/28/02; Board Policies 101.01 Board-Community relations; 101.02 Information Dissemination; 103.02 Use of District Communication Systems; 504.6 Parent and Student Rights and Responsibilities; 501.13 Attendance Records; 604.11 Professional and Curriculum Library; 605.13 Technology and Instructional Materials

Harassment

It is the policy of the Davenport Community Schools to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment.
It shall be a violation of this policy for students to harass other students and employees through conduct of a sexual nature or conduct designed to reduce the dignity of that individual with respect to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, or any other form of harassment. Students who believe they have suffered harassment by students or employees shall report such matters in a timely manner to a teacher, a counselor, or a building administrator.

Proactive Disciplinary Positions K-12

The following is the Board of Education statement which reaffirms existing statement 504.1.

1. Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia... The Davenport Community School District will not tolerate the possession, distribution, sale, or use of drugs or drop paraphernalia on school grounds. This would include alcohol and look-alikes.

   In all cases of possession or use, the student will be removed from school. The student will be required to go to the Center for Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc. (CADS) or another comparable agency and complete their treatment program. The student may also be referred to the Administrative Advisory Council as a recommendation for alternative placement or expulsion through the Board of Education.

   In the event of a second offense, the student will receive an out-of-school suspension and be referred to the Administrative Advisory Counsel as a recommendation for alternative placement or expulsion through the Board of Education.

   Any student involved in the distribution or sale of drugs (illegal, prescription, or look-alikes) will receive an out-of-school suspension and be referred to the Administrative Advisory Counsel as a recommendation for expulsion through the Board of Education.

2. Weapons... The Davenport Board of Education intends to provide a safe environment in which students and staff can learn and work. The possession of any item designed to harm people, such a gun, knives, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, act., in prohibited. Any student in possession of any of these items on school grounds will receive an out-of-school suspension and be referred to the Administrative Advisory Council as a recommendation for expulsion though the Board of Education

3. Gang Activities... Gang related activities growing out of the display of "colors," symbols, signals, signs, etc.., will not be tolerated on school grounds. Students in violation will receive an out-of-school suspension and may be referred to the Administrative Advisory Counsel as a recommendation for alternative placement or expulsion though the Board of Education.

4. Assault... (verbal) assault on school employees or on the part of one student to another may result in an out-of-school suspension with possible referral to the Administrative Advisory Counsel as a recommendation for alternative placement or expulsion through the Board of Education. continued

5. Assault & Battery... on school employee's) or on the part of one student to another student will be dealt with firmly. Students engaging in this type of behavior will be subject to the discipline code of the school district, which will include out-of-school suspension and a referral to the Administrative Advisory Council as a recommendation for alternative placement or expulsion through the Board of Education, depending upon the severity and circumstances of the act.

6. Fighting... is considered a severe breach of school discipline. All students willingly participation in a physical confrontation (fighting) may receive an out-of-school suspension. In addition, a referral could be made to the Administrative Advisory Council as a recommendation for alternative placement or expulsion thought the Board of Education.

7. Bullying Behavior... Our district has decided to have a written anti-bullying procedure to school to all children, parents, and staff that bullying, eight physical or verbal, is not tolerated in school.

   A child is bullied when one or more children expose him or her repeatedly and over time to physical or verbal abuse or if there is a display of over bigotry or intolerance of one child to another. The attacks or assaults need not necessarily be direct but may take a less visible and indirect form such as social isolation and exclusion from the group. Bullying knows no boundaries of age, sex, gender, race or ethnic background.

   Any student engaging in this type of behavior will receive and out-of-school suspension with possible referral to a Discipline Review Committee for alternative placement or expulsion through the Board of Education.

8. Sexual Harassment... Federal guidelines describe sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where: a) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person's educational development; or b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by and individual is used as the basis for an educational decision affecting such individual; or c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Any student engaging in this type of behavior will receive an out-of-school suspension with possible referral to the Discipline Review Committee as a recommendation for alternative placement or expulsion through the Board of Education. continued

9. Chronic Breaches of the Discipline Policy... repeatedly violating rules of the school that are necessary in carrying out the school's purpose or an educational function is considered a serious breach of discipline. Students who engage in serious chronic breaches of discipline are subject to out-of-school suspensions. Upon the third out-of-school suspension, the building administrator will refer the student to the Discipline Review Committee to determine if the student is in need of a more appropriate school setting (administrative placement in another school), an alternative school placement, or recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion. The parents) and student are required to attend a meeting with the Council at the Administrative Service Center where the student's records can be reviewed and a fair determination made.

Police Officers may be involved and/or charges may be filed with the Police Department after a thorough investigation on any of the above.

Athletics

Williams competes interscholastically with Davenport's five other intermediate schools and occasionally with other districts. Available sports are:

To compete in a sport, all athletes must be academically eligible, have a good record of citizenship, have a physical examination by a licensed physician on file with the nurse, and have submitted written parental permission to compete in a specific sport. All students have the opportunity and are urged to participate in intramural athletics. The supervised intramural activities begin at 8:30 A.M.

Sixth graders will have the opportunity to participate in Youth Sports Foundation Football, Future Falcon Wrestling, and Y Basketball. All students should listen to the daily announcements to find out about other activities being offered.

Bicycles/Mopeds

Bicycles and moped riders must exercise care in approaching and leaving the school grounds. Pedestrians have the right of way. Bicycles and mopeds are to be parked in the bike rack area and LOCKED. Bicycles should not be ridden near the entrances to the building. Moped riders must possess a moped license.

Skateboards

Students are not to use skateboards as a means of transportation when on school grounds. Skateboards are allowed at Williams but must be able to fit into the student’s locker for storage.

Laser Pointers

Laser pointers are illegal and dangerous. Laser pointers are not to be brought onto school grounds or into the building. Failure to comply may result n a recommendation for expulsion.

Book bags/Backpacks/Purses

Book bags, backpacks, large pocketbooks, and purses are not to be taken to class. These items are to be left in the student's locker.

Conduct To and From School

Students are to go directly to and from school and are not to loiter or trespass on private property. The school has authority over student behavior on the way to and from school. Fighting, loitering, smoking or other inappropriate behavior will be dealt with by the administration and may lead to suspension. Students should use the crosswalks to cross the streets.

Lockers

are provided for the convenience of students. You should be sure that clothes or other valuables are never left unattended and are locked securely when not in use. The school cannot be responsible for items left in lockers. Lockers are issued to you as a service and for your convenience, but the school cannot guarantee the security of the lockers. Additionally, lockers are not your property and may be searched periodically. You will be held responsible for the contents of your locker. If you vandalize or abuse a locker, charges will be assessed.

Fire/Disaster/Emergency Drills

Fire drills are held periodically throughout the year. When the fire signal sounds the student near leads the class to the proper exit. Students are to get completely away from the building. Hurry, but do not run. Keep calm and quiet!

Disaster drills are held several times throughout the year and are signaled by an announcement on the P.A. system or by a series of short sounds of the passing tone. Each classroom is assigned to a protected area of the building. When the drill is announced, students pass to an assigned area moving quickly, calmly, and quietly!

Emergency drills are held several times during the school year. The emergency procedure is designed to secure the building, students, and staff in the event of an emergency.

Nurse and Medication at School

A registered nurse or a health Para educator is assigned to Williams. The Nurse/health Para educator will determine if a student is ill enough to go home. Students must have a pass from their teacher in order to go to the Nurse's office. When the school nurse is not available, students should go the Main Office for assistance.

If a student must take medication during school hours, the medications must be furnished to the nurse/health Para educator in a prescription or original container. The school must also have written authorization from the attending physician in order to administer the medication. This is a requirement for both prescription and over-the-counter medication. A medication can be picked up at the school, or the doctor's office can fax the information to (563) 391-0149, attn: Nurse.

Change of Address or Telephone

It is extremely important that the school maintain proper records at all times in case there is an emergency involving a student. Any change of address, phone number, or family situation should be reported to the main office.

Skills for Life

The Davenport Community School District has set goals for their students to learn Skills for Life. These skills, along with academic goals, help students to become well-rounded citizens and reach their full potential. At Williams Intermediate, the Skills for Life are infused throughout the entire school day.

Skills for Life

Make up Work

Each student is expected to make up work missed due to absence. Please arrange an acceptable timeline with you teachers for which to turn in make up work. The time from 8:15 to 8:50 and 3:35 until 3:50 is available for students to make up missed class work. School work comes before any other school activity.

Attendance Procedures

Being at school EVERYDAY makes success in your classes much easier. Regular attendance is essential to your achievement. You are a very important person at school and the staff would like to help you be successful EVERYDAY. Plan to attend school for each of the 180 days of the school year!

If you are absent... Have your parent or guardian call the attendance office (391-6550) as soon as possible after 7:00 A.M. An attempt will be made to contact those parents or guardians who do not contact the attendance office the first day of a student's absence.

Arrange make-up work by asking your teachers for it when you return, unless you are absent more than three days. In cases where a student is absent more that three days, the parent may request teachers to collect homework for the student during the absence.

Visitors

Parents and adult guardians are welcome to visit classes. Prior arrangement for such visits is requested. Friends, relatives, and former students from other schools will NOT be granted permission to visit. All visitors are to check in at the main office.

Advisory Period (AP)

• An affective educational program designed to focus on the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, psychological, and ethical development of students

• A program providing a structured time during which special activities are designed and implemented to help adolescents find ways to fulfill their identified needs.

• Intended to provide consistent, caring, and continuous adult guidance at school through the organization of a supportive and stable peer group that meets regularly under the guidance of a teacher serving as advisor.

Official Calendar 2003-2004 

1st semester begins; 2 Hour Early Dismissal	August 21
2 Hour Early Dismissal	August 22
Labor Day - No School	September 1
Open House	September 8
Mid-Term	September 19
Grades Go Home	September 24
In-service Day - No school	September 26
Parent-Teacher Conferences	October 2 - 3
1st Quarter Ends	October 24
In-Service Day - No School	October 27
Mid-term	November 25
Thanksgiving Break - No School	November 26 - 28
Grades Go Home	December 3
2 Hour Early Dismissal	December 19
Winter Break - No School	December 22 - January 2
End of the First Semester	January15
In-Service Day - No School	January 16
Martin Luther King Day - No School	January 19
Mid-term	February 13
President's Day - No School	February16
Grades go Home	February 19
End of 3rd Quarter	March 19
Spring Break	March 22 - March 26
In-Service Day - No School	April 9
No School	April 12
Mid-term	April 23
Grades Go Home	April 28
Memorial Day - No School	May 31
2 Hour Early Dismissal; End of 2nd Semester	June 2

 

Bell Schedule
1st	9:00 - 9:20
2nd	9:24 - 10:10
3rd	10:14 - 11:00
4th	11:04 - 11:49
5th	11:53 - 1:08
6th	1:12 - 1:57
7th	2:01 - 2:46
8th	2:50 - 3:35

2 Hour Early Out
1st	9:00 - 9:20
2nd	9:24 - 9:49
3rd	9:53 - 10:20
4th	11:24 - 10:50
6th	10:55 - 11:20
5th	11:24 - 12:36
7th	12:41 - 1:06
8th	1:10 - 1:35

Building Hours

The building opens at 8:50 A.M. School is dismissed at 3:35 P.M. Breakfast is available from 8:30 to 8:50.

Students will only be allowed in the building before 8:50 to eat breakfast or if they have a pass from a teacher to make-up work, take care of detentions , or receive additional instruction. Students are expected to be out of the building at 3:45 P.M. unless they are assigned detentions, make-up work, additional instruction, or are involved in a school activity.

Students are not permitted on school grounds before 8:30 A.M. and must leave before 3:50 P.M. unless under the supervision of a staff member.

Cafeteria/Lunch

The lunch line and cafeteria of Williams will be a safe and clean environment where the students and staff interact with courtesy and respect. We have the following student expectations:

1. All students will treat each other with dignity and respect.

2. All students will use good manners at all times.

3. When in line to receive lunch, students are to be single file against the wall. (No cutting allowed.)

4. Students are responsible for cleaning their area before being dismissed to go to class.

Dress

Personal appearance is one measure of a person's self-image. Williams' students are traditionally well groomed and neat, and demonstrate a high level of self-esteem. There are occasions and situations where students do not meet general expectations of appropriate dress. Styles of clothing that prove to be disruptive to the educational process pose a threat to the safety and/or health of self or others, or are in violations of any lawful statute will not be permitted in school. The enforcement of this dress code will assist in maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone at Williams.

As the weather changes, remember to dress in non-bulky layers, and to always wear, at a minimum, a t-shirt that covers the entire torso to the waist (no spaghetti straps). Undergarments should not be visible. Pants, shorts, and sweatpants must be fitted around the waist and may not sag or expose undergarments. Coats and jackets (heavy fall or winter) MUST be kept in lockers during school hours. No clothing should be tied around the waist.

It is at the discretion of the administration and staff of Williams to ask students to remove items of clothing or accessories that may disrupt the safe and healthy learning environment at Williams.

Recognition Assemblies

will be held throughout the year for 6-7-8 grade students to recognize academic achievement and other accomplishments. Academic achievement are given to students based on Grade Point Average (GPAs):

Academic Excellence	4.00
First Honors	3.50 - 3.99
Second Honors	3.00 - 3.49

GPAs are determined by the length of the course in relation to the school year and there grade received in the course. Letter grades receive the following weight: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, and F=0.0. Courses that meet all year receive a weighting of 1.0. Courses that meet all year receive a weighting of 1.0. Courses that meet half of the school year receive a weighting of 0.5 and so on.

Grading System

Report cars are given to students every nine weeks. Grades are usually Marked A, B, C, D, or F. If a student has not completed important work, an "I" for incomplete may be given. A letter grade will be given before the next grading period.

The Davenport Community School District approved the following grading scale:

Counseling Services

Many services are provided by the counselors and are coordinated through the counseling office. You may wish to visit with your counselor about any of the following:

• Special personal concerns or problems

• Class schedules

• Community counseling resources and programs

• High school plans or registration

• Career Choices

• Standardized Test Results

The counselors also consult with principals, parents, and teachers about students' academic achievement, special education and personal needs, The counselors may arrange parent conferences for parents and teachers. Parents wishing to talk to a counselor will need to set up an appointment with their child's counselor.

• Dr. Carol Daniels

• Julie Newman

Fees

Remember to pay your fees and fines! Service fees are per semester. Prompt payment of fees is important. Those fees buy textbooks for our school and will be necessary for consideration for any class trips. School planners are also required at the cost of $5.00.

Complaints Against School Personnel

Whenever a citizen is aggrieved at the action of an employee of the school district the citizen may communicate this to the employee's immediate supervisor. Every effort should be made to encourage the complainant to put his or her complaint or concern in writing. School district forms are available for this purpose to aid the complainant in providing necessary information such as what happened and what was wrong, from his or her perspective.

Public Notice

It is the policy of the Davenport Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, March status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum content and instructional materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and life styles open to women as well as men in our society.

Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, Title VI, or Section 504 may be directed to:

Program Director of Equity
Davenport Community Schools
1606 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
Telephone (563) 336-3805

or to the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 211 East Maple Street, 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319, or to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Kansas City, Missouri.

Equal Educational Opportunity

Children enrolled in the Davenport Community School District shall have an equal opportunity for a quality public education without discrimination regardless of their race, creed, sex, March status, national origin or disability.  Equal opportunity in compliance with state and federal laws, shall apply to programs and activities offered by the school district.  Any questions regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity should be directed to the District Superintendent (563-336-5000).

Access to Student Records

In order to facilitate the educational process of the student, records on each student are kept in the building that the student is currently attending.  Questions regarding student records at Williams should be directed to the Guidance Office.  The records contain information about the student and student's achievements, family background data, aptitude tests, educational and vocational plans, honors and activities, discipline data, objective counselor or teaching ratings and observations, and external agency reports.

The following persons, agencies, and organizations may have restricted access to student records without prior consent of the parent or student over the age of 18 years.  Any other access to student records shall be only upon the written consent or upon court order to legally issued subpoena.

• School officials, teacher and AEA personnel with a legitimate educational interest.

• Officials of other school in which the student proposes to enroll.

• Representatives of state and local government when auditing and evaluating Federal Education Programs.

• Officials connected with a student's educational financial aid application.

• Government officials to whom information is to be reported under state law adopted prior to November 19, 1974.

• Organizations, which process and evaluate standardized tests.

• Accrediting organizations for accrediting purposes.

• Parents and legal guardians of dependent children, regardless of child's age.

• Appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.

Information from a student's educational records designated as directory information by the school district may be released without the consent of parents.  Parents will have an opportunity to deny the release of directory information without their consent in a notice stating their rights under federal law.  This notice will be distributed annually.  Directory information includes, but is not limited to student's name and address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and other similar information.

Student records are reviewed and inappropriate material removed periodically and at a minimum whenever a student moves from the elementary level to the middle school level and from middle school to high school level and when a student transfers out of the district.  Those records not of permanent importance are destroyed within three years of graduation or discontinued attendance.  Parents of students under age 18 and students over the age of 18 may exercise the opportunity to review educational records of the student, to obtain copies of the records, to write a response to material in the record, to challenge the content of the record on grounds of inappropriateness, inaccuracy or an invasion of privacy, and to have the records explained.

Williams Intermediate School

Student Handbook

2009 - 2010

3040 N. Division Street
Davenport, Iowa 52804

Principal:  Mr. Scott McKissick
Associate Principal:  Mr.  Joe Flaherty

Main Office:  (563) 391-6550
Fax:  (563) 391-0149