Middletown AreaSchool District

The District Dress Code has been revised for all students. The new guidelines are posted on the FOR PARENTS and FOR STUDENTS pages on raiderweb.org and are included in all District Handbooks.

NEW for the 2022-23 school year, elementary marking periods will run on a Trimester basis (3 times a year) instead of four quarters a year. Middle and High School marking periods will remain on a quarterly basis. In addition, K-2 Report Cards will use Standards-Based criteria instead of letter grades.

More details regarding these changes will be communicated to parents/guardians of elementary students at a later date.

MARA will be offering “Raider Care” at Reid Elementary for students in K-5. Registration will open on August 8, 2022. Go HERE for more information.

When the District communicates a Delay and then needs to pivot to a Virtual Day, students will need to be ready, regardless of the length of the Delay, to start their Virtual Day at the following times:

• Middle and High School will begin virtual learning at 9:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.

• All Elementary Schools will begin virtual learning at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.

Exact class schedules for Virtual Learning Days will be communicated at a later date and included in each teacher’s Google Classroom or Canvas site.

We previously informed parents/guardians about this important new resource but we want to take this opportunity to let you know where to find it easily on raiderweb.org throughout the school year. It is located on the “For Students,” “For Parents,” and “For Staff” webpages. This resource is available to all members of your household and the Middletown community. Please share the Care Solace link often on your social media sites.

The District’s iPad Guidelines, which parents are required to review as part of their student verification process, have always included the following statement:

• iPads and covers should remain free of any permanent writing, drawing, stickers or labels that are not the property of MASD.

Unfortunately, students are continuing to deface their iPads with stickers and writing. Therefore, a $20.00 Cleaning Fee has been added to the Fee Schedule which will be charged to parents if their students’ iPads contain any stickers or writing when they are turned in at the end of the school year. Please remind your students that their iPads are property of the District and are not personal property that can be decorated.

The School Board adopted a new Electronic Devices Policy which reflects changes to how cell phones, iPads, headphones and other electronic devices are to be used in the instructional setting.

Electronic devices include all devices that can take photographs; record audio or video data; store, transmit or receive messages or images; or provide a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet. The following guidelines are included in Board policy:

• The Board prohibits possession of laser pointers and attachments and telephone paging devices/beepers by students in district buildings; on district property; on district buses and vehicles; and at school-sponsored activities.
• The District shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device.
• The taking, storing, disseminating, transferring, viewing, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or other means, including but not limited to texting and emailing, is prohibited. Because such violations may constitute a crime under state and/or federal law, the District may report such conduct to state and/or federal law enforcement agencies.
• Violations of this policy by a student shall result in disciplinary action and may result in confiscation of the electronic device. The confiscated item shall not be returned until a conference has been held with a parent/guardian.
• The building administrator may grant approval for possession and use of an electronic device by a student for the following reasons: 1) health, safety or emergency reasons; 2) an individualized education program (IEP); 3) classroom or instructional-related activities; 4) other reasons determined appropriate by the building principal.
• The building administrator may grant approval for possession and use of a telephone paging device/beeper by a student for the following reasons: 1) student is a member of a volunteer fire company, ambulance or rescue squad; 2) student has a need due to the medical condition of an immediate family member; 3) other reasons determined appropriate by the building principal.

SCHOOL-SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

MASD Elementary Schools

1. Students are permitted to bring cell phones with them to school.
2. All cell phones must remain in backpacks/cubbies (Fink – lockers).
3. Headphones/earbuds and other listening devices may only be used in classrooms with teacher permission. Students will be prohibited from wearing any type of headphones/earbuds while in the hallways.
4. If students need to place a phone call during the day, they must request to go to the main office to use the office phone.

Middletown Area Middle School

1. Students are permitted to bring cell phones with them to school.
2. All cell phones must remain in lockers at all times.
3. Cell phones may not be used in classrooms, hallways, or cafeteria.
4. Headphones/earbuds and other listening devices may only be used in classrooms with teacher permission. Students will be prohibited from wearing any type of headphones/earbuds while in the hallways.
5. If students need to place an emergency phone call during the day, they must request to go to the main office to use the office phone or they can use their cell phone while in the office. Desk phones are also always available for any student to contact home during the day.

Middletown Area High School

1. Cell phones may be used before school, between classes, during lunch, and after school.
2. Cell phone use is prohibited in classrooms, restrooms, health suites and school offices.
3. During school hours, cell phones must be silenced at all times in order to maintain a conducive learning environment.
4. Headphones/earbuds and other listening devices may only be used in classrooms with teacher permission. Students will be prohibited from wearing any type of headphones/earbuds while in the hallways.
5. If students need to place an emergency phone call during the day, they should request to go to the main office to use the office phone or they can use their cell phone while in the office. Desk phones are also always available for any student to contact home during the day.

Consequences for Students in All Grade Levels:

1. Warnings: students will be given three warnings before consequences begin.
2. Violations:
   • First Violation: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated and turned into the main office until the end of the school day. Students may retrieve their phone at the end of the day.
   • Second Violation: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated and turned into the main office until the end of the school day. The student’s parents will be contacted and informed of the failure to follow the school’s cell phone policy. Students may retrieve their phone at the end of the day.
   • Third Violation: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated and held in the main office until the student’s parents meet with the building administration. Additional consequences may be issued at this time.

NOTE: Additional disciplinary consequences will be imposed for student non-compliance.