16-17 Student Handbook

Mount Madonna School Student Handbook – Updated 2016-2017 1

Mount Madonna School Student Handbook – Updated 2016-2017

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Table of Contents

VALUES 4 COMMUNITY STANDARDS 4

Faculty Responsibility .................................. 5 GENERAL DRESS CODE 5

Dress for Public Events ................................. 5 Dance Class Dress Code ............................... 5 Physical/Outdoor Education Dress Code ...... 6 Shoes vs. No Shoes ....................................... 6

START OF SCHOOL YEAR 6 DAILY SCHEDULE & ATTENDANCE 6

Early Departure ............................................. 6

Absences – Explained or Unexplained ......... 7 Tardies .......................................................... 7 Student Absences and Work Due ................. 7 Study Abroad and Other Academic Programs ...................................................................... 7

SICKNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL 8 Health Guidelines ......................................... 8 Accident Insurance ....................................... 8

FOOD AT SCHOOL & SCHOOL LUNCH 8 Food for Special Events or Assemblies ........ 9

ACADEMIC PROGRAM 9 Honors Programs .......................................... 9 Advanced Placement ..................................... 9

Community College ...................................... 9 Homework .................................................. 10 Tracking Homework Assignments ............. 10 Community Service .................................... 10

GRADES 10 Final Exams ................................................ 11

Report Cards and Evaluations- Middle

School ......................................................... 11

Report Cards and Evaluations- High

School ......................................................... 12

Parent/Student Access to Teacher Grade

Book for High School Classes................. 12

Honor Roll .................................................. 13

Incomplete Work Policy ........................ 13

ATHLETIC PROGRAM 14 Athletic Eligibility ...................................... 14 Sportsmanship ............................................. 14

FUNDRAISING 15 SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE 16

Clean and Sober Student Body .................. 16 Anti-Harassment ........................................ 17 Steps to Avoid or Prevent Harassment ...... 18 Child Abuse Reporting Obligations ........... 19 Swimming Policy ....................................... 19 Skateboarding and Biking Policy ............... 20 Dog and Pet Policy ..................................... 20

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 20 The Student Guidance System ................... 20 What is the Guidance Council? .................. 21

Guidance Council Members: ..................... 21 Responses to Student Behavior .................. 21 Minor Infractions ....................................... 22 Major Infractions ....................................... 22 Academic Integrity Explained ................... 22

COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY 23 Technology Philosophy ............................. 23 Personal Electronic Devices, Cell Phones, and Wireless Internet Access ..................... 23 Supervision and Monitoring Computer Use ............................................................. 23 IT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) ............... 23 Photographs and Video of Students, Faculty, Admin and Staff ........................... 24 Digital Devices- Middle School ................. 25 Digital Devices On Field Trips- Middle And High School ........................................ 25 Consequences for Violation ....................... 25 Lost and/or Broken Devices ....................... 25

WORK PERMITS 26 STUDENT DRIVERS 26

Student Parking .......................................... 26

Student Driving During School ................. 27 BUS TRANSPORTATION 27

Bus Stop Policies ....................................... 27

Bus Rider Rules ......................................... 27 Bus Citation Procedure .............................. 28 Bus Stops and Times .................................. 28 After School Activity Van ......................... 29

SCHOOL CLOSURES 29


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Mount Madonna School

491 Summit Road,

Mount Madonna, CA 95076

Tel: 408 - 847 – 2717

Website: www.mountmadonnaschool.org

Middle and High School

Student Handbook

VALUES

We are a community of learners. Faculty,

staff and students support each other in

engaging as caring, self-aware and

articulate critical thinkers, who are

prepared to meet life's challenges with

perseverance, creativity and integrity.

Our learning environment encourages

meaningful relationships based on the

values of:

• Self-Acceptance

• Empathy

• Respectful and Honest

Communication

• Cooperation

• Integrity

• Fairness

• Kindness

We recognize that each student’s

character is influenced both by classroom

curriculum and by daily life and

experience in our school community. In

all that we do, we encourage you to take

responsibility, practice self-discipline,

exercise leadership and serve and care for

one another.

We encourage older students to mentor

and care for younger students through

school-wide activities such as theater

productions, buddy programs and

athletic events.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS

At MMS there is a real friendship and

respect between faculty and students.

The MMS spirit and code are based,

ultimately, on our values of trust and

non-harmfulness to one another. We

revere these principles above all others.

At Mount Madonna School, we wish to

foster a cultural of mutual respect and

caring. Our guidelines can be summed

up under the idea that we want our

students, faculty and families to take

good care of themselves, care for each

other and to help take care of our school

and community.

In order to support an atmosphere that is

conducive to positive engagement with

others in the learning environment and

that encourages active participation in

MMS community life, the students and

faculty support the following examples

of appropriate behavior on campus.

We wish our community members to be:

• Welcoming

• Helpful and Cooperative

• Honest

• Inclusive and kind

The students and faculty agree the

following behaviors are not supported at

Mount Madonna School:

• Negative peer pressure

• Exclusion, teasing, taunting,

ridiculing or bullying in any form


• Prejudice or discrimination based on

race, gender, religion, sexual

orientation, socioeconomic class or

age

• Littering, vandalism, stealing or

destroying personal or school

property

• Violence, either verbal or physical,

active or passive

• Excessive and/or inappropriate

displays of affection

• Sexual harassment of any kind

• Use of or providing illegal substances

• Bringing inappropriate items

(weapons, pornography, drugs,

alcohol and cigarettes) to school, in

vehicles or on field trips.

• Use of technology to harm or

marginalize others

• Classroom behavior that interferes

with the teacher’s ability to teach, or

other students’ or ones’ own ability to

learn, including but not limited to

Arriving late to class

Profanity

Cheating

Disruptive behavior

Faculty Responsibility

In order to develop a culture of mutual

respect and care, faculty members and

administrators agree to model behaviors

we wish to see in the students, and

support students in developing

awareness and habits conducive to a safe

and caring learning community. The

faculty will respond to inappropriate

behavior by:

• Identifying the behavior and/or

discussion with the student

• If behavior persists, further dialogue

with the student, referrals to

Guidance/Director/or Head of School,

“work in progress” reports and

communication with parents.

GENERAL DRESS CODE

We agree that our community members

will maintain an appearance that is neat,

clean and suitable to the program of the

day. This means we agree to avoid attire

such as:

Clothing that is dirty, torn or with

holes

Clothing with negative slogans, drug

or alcohol references or demeaning

symbols or language

Clothing unsuitable to a Pre-K to 12th

grade learning environment

Dress for Public Events

(including Open House, Graduations,

Special Friends days, guest speakers on

campus, certain field trips etc.)

The standard expectation is quality

casual, although the administration or

faculty in charge may designate specific

attire for an event. Quality casual

includes: skirt and conservative top, or

dress, or collared shirts, clean slacks or

chinos with a belt and dressy shoes.

In addition to the specific elements of

these guidelines, the faculty and students

agree to act in accordance with the

boundaries and guidelines set forth in the

school handbook.

Dance Class Dress Code

• Long hair is tied back and out of eyes

(no hats).


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• No long or dangling jewelry or

scarves (for safety).

Bare feet or dance shoes (for safety).

Socks or half socks will not be

allowed.

Athletic pants/leggings of an

appropriate length (not dragging on

the floor) are required to allow you to

move freely and uninhibited.

Physical/Outdoor Education Dress Code

Bring or wear sturdy, supportive shoes.

Shoes vs. No Shoes

There are some classrooms where

everyone is asked to remove their shoes.

Please place shoes and backpacks in

designated shelves/hooks or next to the

walls. Do not leave items in the

walkways as they become hazards and

may cause others to trip.

• Shoes may be worn in the classroom

at the teacher’s discretion.

• Shoes must be worn in the labs

(including computer lab), art room

and for P.E.

START OF SCHOOL YEAR

Middle School – Middle School begins

the year with a four-day camping trip.

This trip integrates new students and

faculty, provides a wonderful outdoor

learning adventure, builds trust and

helps us transition from summer to

school.

High School – High School begins the

year with a rafting trip on the American

River that serves to bond friendships and

create an environment of cooperation

and teamwork.

DAILY SCHEDULE & ATTENDANCE

• The school day is from 9:00 am -3:25

pm. Students should not be on

campus before 8:45 am or after 3:45

pm without adult supervision. This

includes the interval between the end

of the school day and the beginning of

an evening event or activity.

• Lunch is 11:30 am to 12:10 pm.

• Five minutes are given for class

transitions.

• You are expected to stay within the

visible boundaries of the Upper

Campus during breaks and lunch.

The forest is out of bounds unless you

are with your teacher(s).

Early Departure

While we prefer that all appointments be

scheduled outside of school hours, we

realize that sometimes there is no other

choice.

• Parents/guardians must call the office

or send a note for you to be released

early.

• Please notify teachers at least 24 hours

in advance if you must miss class due

to a medical/dental appointment.

• You must “check out” with your last

period teacher, and then sign out at

the office if you leave campus for any

reason (other than scheduled field or

athletic team trips) during the school

day.


• If you miss a class, you are

responsible to find out about – and

complete – missed assignments.

• If you are not in class and not signed

out, you will be given an “unexcused

absence.”

Absences – Explained or Unexplained

• Attendance is mandatory in all classes

and at some required events. A “cut”

is cause for academic and disciplinary

action.

• Absences are recorded for each class

and the number is tallied on your

report card.

• A parent must notify the office by 9:30

am to explain an absence for that day.

If an injury prevents you from

participating in P.E. or Dance classes,

give your teacher a note from your

parent or doctor, stating the length of

time you should be excused from

class.

• Make up for class work missed is at

the discretion of the teacher.

• For excessive absences (5 or more

absences per quarter), the Guidance

Council will meet with you and your

parents to create a contract to

improve attendance. Faculty will be

informed in writing of the contract's

specifics.

• If absence problems continue, the

school administration will discuss

with your parents the appropriateness

of your continued attendance at

MMS.

Tardies

• If you are late for class, you need to

get a tardy slip from the office to gain

entry to the classroom.

• Tardies are recorded for each class

and the number is tallied on your

report card.

Student Absences and Work Due

You are responsible for all schoolwork

missed during any absence, regardless of

the reason for absence. You are

responsible to contact teachers or fellow

students in order to obtain assignments.

In all cases, you must turn in all course

work necessary for full participation in

class.

If you miss a scheduled exam due to

illness, that exam must be taken during

lunch on the first day back at school. If

you are absent due to illness, check with

individual teachers as to their policy for

when missed homework may be turned

in for full credit.

If you and/or your family plans a holiday

during which you will miss school, you

must submit a vacation form 1-2 weeks in

advance.

Study Abroad and Other Academic

Programs

If you choose to participate in a study

abroad or other academic program

outside of MMS' offerings, and you will

be away for less than a semester, it is

considered an extended absence and the

expectations for approval and


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arrangements are explained in the

previous section.

If you are considering a more long-term

study or exchange program, you and

your family should discuss these options

with the Director of High School and

Head of School prior to enrollment.

SICKNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL

Health Guidelines

To ensure a healthy environment, and in

accordance with the County Health

Department, please do not come to

school if you have any of the following or

if you feel unwell and/or unable to

participate in school activities:

• Unknown Rash

• Eye Infections

• Green Mucus

• Excessive Coughing

• Fever

• Lice

If you are too sick to stay in class, you

will be sent or escorted to the office to

rest. If you do not show signs of recovery

after a reasonable period of rest, staff will

attempt to contact your parent(s) to

arrange for transportation home. If you

are contagious, you may not be allowed

to ride the bus home.

If you are injured during the school day,

you will be escorted to the Office where

staff will attempt to contact your

parent(s). A nurse and/or doctor will be

called, if needed. If you require

immediate medical care, you will be

taken to Watsonville Community

Hospital.

Accident Insurance

If you are injured at school, on a school

trip or while participating in a school-

sponsored event, you are covered by the

school's accident policy. This policy is a

secondary policy only, with a $25

deductible to be paid by the injured

student. If you have other health

insurance, MMS's insurance company

will work with the primary insurance to

coordinate benefits.

FOOD AT SCHOOL & SCHOOL

LUNCH

The School is hosted by a vegetarian (no

meat, poultry or fish) community, Mount

Madonna Center, and must therefore

follow these rules:

• The school Snack Bar sells vegetarian

lunch, drinks and snack items during

lunch.

• All food cooked on campus, even in

the microwave, should be vegetarian.

• Non-vegetarian items should be

cooked at home and may not be

reheated in the microwave ovens.

• Non-vegetarian items should be

either disposed of at home or placed

in the garbage, not in the compost.

• Eating in the classroom is generally

prohibited; teachers can make

exceptions.

• Food and drinks (including water) are

not permitted in the computer room.

• Clean-up is announced 5 - 10 minutes

before lunch ends. You are expected

to clean up your own lunch area,


including placing items in either the

recycle, compost or trash cans.

Food for Special Events or Assemblies

• Food for group events must be

vegetarian.

• Important: NO peanuts or peanut

products – We have students who are

very allergic to peanuts.

• Check labels for any peanut product

and refrain from bringing this item

for an event.

• Please- NO items containing trans

fats, artificial food colorings, caffeine

or MSG. Studies have shown that

these are harmful to students’ health

and in addition, some students are

sensitive to foods containing these

items.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Middle School Students enroll in

English, Social Studies, Science, Math,

Spanish, Performing Arts (music, dance

and acting), Visual Arts,

Physical/Outdoor Education, Advisory

and Life Skills.

The Life Skills class provides an

opportunity to explore topics and issues

relevant to the students.

Physical/Outdoor Education integrates

physical education, health/safety and

physical and environmental awareness

(along with many other life skills) within

an outdoor context. The experiences and

tasks will challenge the mind, body and

soul as we use Mother Nature to better

understand and strengthen self, each

other and the natural, physical space that

we occupy.

High School Students are the leaders of

the campus and act as mentors for

younger students. They have a student

government organization that represents

the student body and organizes events.

Student interest has generated programs

such as Model U.N., in addition to

literary magazines, filmmaking and

photography.

Students are required to have four years

of English, Mathematics, Laboratory

Science, Social Studies and Performing

Arts and three years of second-language

acquisition. 240 credits are required for

graduation.

Honors Programs

Honors coursework is offered in both

middle and high school to challenge

those students who are performing

exceptionally in a given subject. Faculty

members establish the prerequisites to

enroll in honors courses.

Advanced Placement courses are also

available in some academic subjects.

These are college level courses, approved

by the College Board.

Community College

Students in 10th-12th grades may attend

Gavilan or Cabrillo College (with

permission of MMS) to take a class that is

not being offered at Mount Madonna

School.


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The State of California permits high

school students to enroll in academic

courses at community college during the

school year if those courses are not

offered at their high schools. Summer

school is sometimes an exception.

If you wish to attend a community

college, contact the Director of High

School to obtain the needed forms before

walk-in registration time. You will need

to take an assessment test to enroll in

most academic classes.

Homework

Home study is important, as is a balance

between school, other activities and

family time. While the following

averages of homework time may be used

as guidelines, these may vary depending

on class level, your work speed and

comprehension. You should expect to

receive more than one assignment per

night and will need to budget your time.

Major written assignments are given with

ample time for you to schedule them into

your normal workload. Average time

spent on homework is:

Grades 6-7 = 60 minutes per night

Grade 8 = 90 minutes per night

Grades 9-12 = approximately 2 hours

per night

Tracking Homework Assignments

Students and parents in grades 6 – 8

may track homework assignments

online.

Students in 6th grade are required to

use assignment books or calendars to

track homework and class

assignments.

Students in grades 9-12 are

encouraged to use assignment books

and are required to develop a tracking

system independent of the school site.

Community Service

We believe that service can be viewed as

stewardship: caring for ourselves, each

other, our families and communities, the

animal kingdom, and the earth. MMS

was built, literally and figuratively, by

volunteers. Middle and high school

students volunteer, both during and after

school, in ways that are meaningful to

them. Our stewardship and community

service program recommends the

following:

Middle School – A minimum of 6

hours/year, completed outside of school

hours, in any of the following areas:

family, school and community (the local

neighborhood may serve as community).

High School – A minimum of 8

hours/year in any of the following areas:

family, neighborhood, school, and larger

community. Pick up a Community

Service Form (in the office), have your

supervisor complete it and return it to

Bob Caplan.

GRADES

Grades are a way to communicate the

level of student performance and mastery

to you, your parents, other schools and

outside agencies. While every teacher has

his or her own grading methods, we


want each to communicate clearly about

specific grading policies, expectations,

standards and assessments. We want to

provide you with plenty of incentive and

opportunity for improvement and at the

same time, assign the grade you have

earned.

Universal grading percentages are:

97-100% = A+ 93-96% = A 90-92% = A-

87-89% = B+ 83-86% = B 80-82% = B-

77-79% = C+ 73-76% = C 70-72% = C-

67-69% = D+ 63-66% = D 60-62% = D-

The Middle School numerical point

system on report cards, and for

computing the G.P.A., is:

A+ = 4.25 A = 4.00 A- = 3.75

B+ = 3.25 B = 3.00 B- = 2.75

C+ = 2.25 C = 2.00 C- = 1.75

D+ = 1.25 D = 1.00 D-= 0.75

F = 0.00 INC = Incomplete 0.00

The High School numerical point system

on report cards, and for computing the

G.P.A., is:

A’s = 4.0 B’s = 3.0 C’s = 2.0

D’s = 1.0 F’s = 0.0

P’s = 0.0

INC = Incomplete 0.00

Honors and AP = extra 1.0

Final Exams

Final examinations are conducted in

High School at the end of each semester.

Individual faculty members determine

the content, valuation, and scope of the

class exam, which may cover the entire

semester, the entire year or some subset

of these. All honors courses require

comprehensive semester exams covering

the full course of study.

Report Cards and Evaluations-

Middle School

Quarters are approximately 10 weeks

long. The school calendar lists specific

start/end dates of each grading quarter

and semester.

Parents will be emailed Quarters 1, 3

and 4 report cards that list only letter

grades.

Parents will be emailed a formal

narrative with grades at the end of

Semester One (includes cumulative

assessments throughout quarters one

and two). Evaluations provide students

and their parents with additional

feedback to help them make

improvements in subsequent quarters.

Students and parents will be sent

Semester Two grades at the completion

of the school year. This includes all

work assessed throughout Quarters 3

and 4.

If a student’s progress in a class is

evaluated at C level or below, Mid-

quarter Reports and/or Work-in-

Progress (WIP) Reports are given to

students and sent to the parents by the

teacher. These reports are generally sent

to warn the student that additional

support is needed in order to avoid a

poor grade. However, this format may

also be used by teachers to


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communicate that a student is excelling

in something or has demonstrated

improvement in an area when an

official evaluation is not scheduled.

Parent-teacher conferences for middle

school are scheduled during tech week

in December.

Report Cards and Evaluations-

High School

Quarters are approximately 10 weeks

long. The school calendar lists specific

start/end dates of each grading quarter

and semester.

Parents will be emailed Quarter 1 and 3

report cards that list only letter grades.

These are considered progress reports

for high school students and are not

listed on the high school transcript.

Parents will be sent a formal narrative

with grades at the end of Semester One

(includes cumulative assessments

throughout quarters one and two).

Evaluations provide students and their

parents with additional feedback to

help them make improvements in

subsequent quarters.

Students and parents will be sent

Semester Two grades at the completion

of the school year. This includes all

work assessed throughout Quarters 3

and 4.

Semester grades are permanent grades

to be entered on the high school

transcript.

If a student’s progress in a class is

evaluated at C level or below, Mid-

quarter Reports and/or Work-in-

Progress (WIP) Reports are given to

students and sent to the parents by the

teacher. These reports are generally sent

to warn the student that additional

support is needed in order to avoid a

poor grade. However, this format may

also be used by teachers to

communicate that a student is excelling

in something or has demonstrated

improvement in an area when an

official evaluation is not scheduled.

Parent-teacher conferences for high

school are held during tech week in

January.

Students are ineligible to play on school

athletic teams or to serve on student

government if they receive a grade of

ʺFʺ in a 5-credit course.

Parent/Student Access to Teacher

Grade Book for High School

Classes

In an effort to help support our

students' continuing growth and

independence as learners, the high

school faculty has decided to open the

teacher grade books to you and your

high school children throughout the

school year. This means you can log in

and check your student’s grades at any

time. This is different from the

homework website where assignments

and information are posted.


Teachers should still be given a

reasonable amount of time to post their

grades. The expectation is that all

assignments and tests that contribute to

a student’s final grade will be graded

and entered in the grade book within

two weeks of when they were

submitted, but teachers may post them

sooner. Teachers will indicate when

assignments have been turned in if it

will be a while before they can enter the

final grade for the assignment.

In order to access the student grade

book you have two options:

Visit

mountmadonna.powerschool.com

Download the PowerSchool app on

your Android or IOS device. You

will need our specific district code:

DDFG.

Your login is your School Registration

user name and your password is the

one set by you when you first registered

online.

In an effort to help support our

students' continuing growth and

independence as learners, the high

school faculty has decided to open the

teacher grade books to you and your

high school children throughout the

school year. This means you can log in

and check your student’s grades at any

time. This is different from the

homework website where assignments

and information are posted.

Teachers should still be given a

reasonable amount of time to post their

grades. The expectation is that all

assignments and tests that contribute to

a student’s final grade will be graded

and entered in the grade book within

two weeks of when they were

submitted, but teachers may post them

sooner. Teachers will indicate when

assignments have been turned in if it

will be a while before they can enter the

final grade for the assignment.

In order to access the student grade

book you have two options:

Visit

mountmadonna.powerschool.com

Download the PowerSchool app

on your Android or IOS device.

You will need our specific district

code: DDFG.

Your login is your School Registration

user name and your password is the one

set by you when you first registered

online.

Honor Roll

You are eligible for the Honor Roll if

your GPA is 3.7 or above, have no grade

lower than a C, and have good conduct

and no probation in effect.

Incomplete Work Policy

There are situations that may arise

which will result in the possibility of an

incomplete grade. The situations that

are approved of are:

extended unavoidable absence or

illness,


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significant learning difference in

processing of the curriculum, or,

desire to return to material that was

not initially understood and to renew

a commitment to learning the

material.

In order to receive an incomplete grade,

a student must enter into an Incomplete

Contract. The contract form, when

completed, ensures that the student and

teacher are clear and agree on the work

to be completed, and the date of

completion. The contract is also

approved by the Head of School, to

ensure that the student is not

overextending themselves, or taking an

incomplete grade unnecessarily.

Please note the following policy

changes as of 2010:

Third and fourth quarter

Incompletes will not be allowed,

unless individually considered and

pre‐ approved by the Head of

School. The end of the year activities,

exams, trips and play practices are

time prohibitive of making up work

from previous terms.

Report cards will not be distributed

that contain an Incomplete for which

a contract was not submitted to the

registrar.

Incompletes must be resolved within

the following term.

Consecutive incompletes in one

course are not allowed. For example,

if a student receives an Incomplete

for first quarter work, that must be

resolved by the end of the first

semester. If the complete is not

resolved, an incomplete for Semester

1 work is not permissible.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM

The Middle School co-curricular program

may include volleyball, basketball and

cross-country for boys and girls. Students

compete in leagues in both Santa Clara

and Santa Cruz Counties. Middle School

Girls Volleyball teams compete in the

Silicon Valley Athletic League in Santa

Clara County.

Our High School athletic program offers

a premier volleyball program for boys

and girls in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic

League. Students also can compete in

coed cross-country in the fall, girls

volleyball, JV boys basketball in the

winter and boys volleyball in the spring.

Athletic Eligibility

Your eligibility is determined by

semester grades. To participate on the

school’s competitive athletic teams, you

must have at least an overall C average

(GPA of 2.0), with good conduct and no

failing grades in any 5 unit academic

course.

You must attend school for at least 1/2

day to participate in after-school athletics

that day.

Sportsmanship

We believe competitive team experiences

contribute significantly to the

development of character and school


spirit. Sportsmanship and fair play are

important parts of this training.

We expect our coaches, players,

cheerleaders, faculty, students and

parents to represent Mount Madonna

School in a manner that is respectful to

others, on and off the field of play. It is

our aim and desire that we develop and

maintain the highest standards of

courtesy, emotional discipline, good

sportsmanship and the ability to act as

excellent hosts and guests.

MMS will not tolerate any spectator,

either student or adult, whose

behavior is disrespectful towards

players, officials, coaches,

cheerleaders or any other spectators.

MMS will not permit any type of

spectator behavior that either detracts

from the proper conduct of the game

or disadvantages a player or a team.

FUNDRAISING

We are proud of our students’

involvement in community service and

fundraising activities and fully support

these efforts. Student fundraising

activities need the support of a faculty

adviser. To avoid overlapping

fundraising efforts (which both diminish

our success and confuse potential

donors), the school requires that any

student or staff fundraising ideas come to

the Development Committee for

discussion prior to implementation.

Fundraising refers to anything that

generates cash donations or substantial

in-kind solicitations, whether it benefits

the school specifically or is run by

students, faculty or parents to benefit

another cause.

Please note that 10% of the gross amount

raised is due to MMS to cover

administrative costs.

Please follow this process:

1. Write down a brief description of the

fundraising concept you are considering

and submit it to the Development

Committee.

2. The Development Committee will

respond to the request in a timely fashion

and consult others as needed.

3. The Development Committee will help

advise on projects, if needed. If unable to

support the project, they will try to

suggest alternatives to help the group

meet its goals.

General Criteria for project approval

include:

Timing of activity in relation to and

impact on other planned fundraising

activities.

Having a faculty advisor or school

sponsor.

Needing to use school facilities and/or

staff.

Exceptions that do not need special

approval:

Student Governance projects such as

food sales*, etc. that cover the costs of

travel, need to notify the Development


16

Office but do not require special

approval.

*Please Note: Public health laws

regarding the sale of food items must be

followed, including preparing all edibles

in a commercial kitchen. The Mount

Madonna School Development Office is

responsible for accepting all donations to

the school and issuing receipts and

acknowledgment letters under Mount

Madonna School’s 501(c) (3) nonprofit

status.

SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE

Mount Madonna School is dedicated to

offering a safe learning environment

where you can pursue your education

and process of self-discovery without

unnecessary distraction.

The School’s discipline system is

designed to promote healthy standards

of behavior necessary for maintaining a

positive learning environment, to instill a

sense of respect for self and others and to

communicate positive values necessary

for community living both in school and

later in life.

Clean and Sober Student Body

The school’s policy on drug use is an

important part of the discipline system

and addresses one of the most critical

issues facing students and their families

today.

Mount Madonna School holds as an

important value a clean and sober

student body and expects you to honor

that value of a clean and sober lifestyle,

both on and off campus. Using drugs or

alcohol takes your energy away from

your education and is a distraction to the

learning environment.

Our policy is that we will respond to the

use of drugs or alcohol by any student.

This policy is based on the school’s value

system, our sense of caring for our

students both individually and as a

group, and knowing that the results of

non-response are undesirable.

The following are grounds for immediate

school response, and may lead to

suspension or expulsion:

Bringing drugs (in any form,

including edibles), alcohol or drug

paraphernalia, including but not

limited to vaporizers and e-cigarettes,

onto campus.

Providing drugs or alcohol to other

students.

Attending any school function under

the influence of drugs or alcohol.

MMS reserves the right to search

students’ personal belongings (e.g.

pockets and/or backpacks) brought onto

campus at any time with reasonable

suspicion or cause that student is

violating the law or school policy.

Additional responses are outlined below:

First drug or alcohol offense

Generally, for a first offense, our

objective is to find an appropriate way to

help you avoid future involvement with

drugs and alcohol.

The school will discuss the situation


with the student and their parents.

Parents may be asked to have their

student evaluated for counseling, or

enrollment in a remedial drug

program, as a condition for continued

attendance at school.

Students will be asked to re‐evaluate

their commitment to continuing as a

member of the School Community. To

continue, students may receive a

conduct warning, or go on conduct

probation and enter into a contract

that outlines their conditions for

continued enrollment.

Community service hours to the

school of 4-5 hours will be required.

Athletic eligibility will be discussed

with the Athletic Guidance group

with possible suspension.

Co-curricular eligibility will be

discussed with leaders of trips and

clubs (i.e. Model UN, Field trips)

Second drug or alcohol offense

The student’s family will be consulted.

Students may be suspended or

expelled.

If a student is allowed to remain in

school, he or she will be required to

enter counseling or an appropriate

drug or alcohol program.

Students will be placed on summary

(final) probation and a contract of

behavior will be enacted. There will be

appropriate disciplinary measures.

Community service hours to the

school of 6-8 hours will be required.

Athletic eligibility will be discussed

with the Athletic Guidance group and

a minimum of one game suspension

required.

Co-curricular eligibility will be

discussed with leaders of trips and

clubs (ie. Model UN, Field trips). Any

expenses incurred will still be the

responsibility of the family whether

or not the student is eligible to

participate.

Third drug or alcohol offense

The privilege of attending Mount

Madonna School is withdrawn.

We would like to work with students

and families in a spirit of cooperation

and trust on this very important issue.

We will respond to drug or alcohol use

with the intention of making it as

difficult as possible for students to use

these substances. The risk of damage to

the individual and to the learning

community is too great for us to choose

any other course of action.

Anti-Harassment

We are committed to providing a

learning environment free from

harassment in any form. Harassment of

any student, employee or volunteer is

prohibited.

Harassment occurs when an individual is

subjected to treatment that is hostile or

intimidating because of the individual’s

race, creed, color, national origin,

physical disability, sexual orientation or

gender.

A charge of harassment will not, in and

of itself, be assumed to be true and

accurate. The school will treat allegations


18

seriously and will review and investigate

such allegations in a prompt, confidential

and thorough manner.

Confirmed acts of harassment will result

in disciplinary action, up to and

including dismissal. If a student is found

to have filed frivolous or false charges,

that student will also be subject to

disciplinary action, up to and including

dismissal.

Harassment can occur any time during

school, during school related activities, or

off-campus. It includes, but is not limited

to, any or all of the following:

Cyber-Bullying – Using technology to

insult, intimidate or hassle another

student or school employee

Verbal Harassment – Making derogatory

comments or jokes, or using threatening

words when speaking to another person.

Physical Harassment – Unwanted

physical touching, contact, assault or

deliberately blocking a person’s

movements, or any intimidation that

interferes with normal work or

movement.

Visual Harassment – Derogatory,

demeaning or inflammatory posters,

cartoons, written words, drawings or

gestures.

Sexual Harassment – Includes

unwelcome sexual advances, request for

sexual favors and other verbal or

physical conduct of a sexual nature when

any or all of the following occurs:

If a better grade, academic progress or

other favor is dependent upon

accepting sexual or intimate contact.

If rejecting sexual or intimate contact

results in a lower grade or otherwise

negatively affects academic progress

or other school-sponsored

opportunities.

If such conduct unreasonably

interferes with an individual’s

academic performance or creates an

intimidating, hostile or offensive

environment.

Some specific examples of sexual

harassment follow, but are not limited to:

Making unrequested and unwanted

sexual advances and propositions.

Making sexually suggestive

comments or using degrading words

to describe an individual or an

individual’s body.

Displaying sexually suggestive

objects or pictures.

Telling inappropriate or sexual jokes.

Retaliating (or making threats) of

physical harm or spreading rumors

after being rejected when making

sexual advances.

Steps to Avoid or Prevent Harassment

Mount Madonna School has

responsibility to:

Make all faculty, staff, students and

parents aware of this policy and the


commitment of the school toward its

strict enforcement.

Remain watchful for conditions that

create or lead to a hostile or offensive

school environment.

Establish practices designed to create

a school environment free from

discrimination, intimidation or

harassment.

You have responsibility to:

Conduct yourself in a manner that

contributes to a positive school

environment.

Avoid any activity that may be

considered discriminatory,

intimidating or harassing.

Consider immediately informing

anyone harassing you that the

behavior is offensive and unwelcome.

Report all incidents of discrimination

or harassment to the Head of School,

whether you are directly involved or

are a witness.

Discontinue the behavior

immediately, if you are informed that

you are perceived as engaging in

discriminatory, intimidating,

harassing or unwelcome conduct.

Child Abuse Reporting Obligations

In accordance with California law,

teachers and staff are obligated, under

penalty of fine and jail term, to report

reasonable suspicion of physical abuse,

emotional abuse, emotional deprivation,

physical neglect, inadequate supervision

or sexual abuse or exploitation.

In this very serious and legally narrow

area, the school will not contact parents

in advance of making a report to legal

authorities. School staff members will

make such reports in the best interests of

the child and do not, once reasonable

suspicion is established, have any legal

alternative except to make a report to the

proper authorities for investigation and

review.

Swimming Policy

MMS students may swim in the lake only

under the supervision of a certified

lifeguard during school hours.

Students must also comply with the

following MMC Rules posted at the lake:

Use of the lake is reserved for

residents, guests and Mount

Madonna School students.

Facilities at the Conference Center

(CC) are for conference guests only;

all others use the Community

Building (CB) or Farmhouse.

Swim at your own risk.

No lifeguard on duty.

Always swim with a buddy.

No swimmers under 13 years old

without supervision.

NO DIVING.

Swimsuit required.

MMS rules apply to students at all

times

Swimming is not advised in our lakes

and ponds when bacteria count is

high


20

Skateboarding and Biking Policy

Skateboarding, roller‐skating, hover

boarding, unicycles, heelies and riding on

Zuka bags and other such devices are not

permitted. The school will not cover

injuries resulting from these activities on

campus. Bike riding on roads is

permitted with helmets. Trail riding on

some pathways may be permitted under

special conditions with permission from

the school office and in consult with

MMC permission.

Dog and Pet Policy

Please leave your pets at home.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

To resolve any type of problem, please:

(a) Discuss the matter directly with the

faculty member involved, with another

trusted faculty member accompanying

you.

(b) If (a) does not resolve the problem,

your parent should discuss the matter

directly with the faculty.

(c) If (b) does not resolve the problem,

your parent should discuss the matter

directly with the appropriate Division

Director or Head of School.

(d) If (c) does not resolve the problem,

the parent should discuss the matter

directly with the Executive Council as a

whole.

A step may be skipped if a parent is not

comfortable with the communication

process at that level.

The Student Guidance System

Mount Madonna School is committed to

providing the highest level of educational

experience for our students. We are

dedicated not only to preparing you

academically and to providing you with

a wide variety of creative outlets, but also

to instilling in each of you a sense of

personal discipline and social

responsibility.

The student guidance system has been

developed to facilitate these aims by

protecting our students and their

learning environment from harmful

distractions. In order to make our

campus a safe and healthy environment,

we need the full cooperation of faculty,

parents and students. Together, we need

to be aware of students’ behavior and

how it is affecting the learning

environment.

It is important that faculty, parents and

students have thorough knowledge of

our guidance system, and that we are

consistent in the support of the rules of

behavior as set out in this handbook. It

should be understood that these

guidelines and rules are an ever-evolving

code developed in response to our

experiences.

Each year the faculty and administration

review the school rules and the guidance

system, with input from students and

parents. Your comments and suggestions

about the guidance system are a welcome

part of our dialogue. However, by virtue


of enrollment and participation at Mount

Madonna School, all students, parents

and faculty members are expected to

support the school’s rules and guiding

principles as they are stated in the

Student and Parent Handbooks.

The more open the communication

between faculty members and parents,

the better the chance that we will help

you learn how to make informed and

responsible decisions about your life.

This system is set up to guide and

promote positive behavior and

constructive change, rather than to

punish. Where there are consequences, it

is for the purpose of helping you to

become accountable for your actions and

offering you the opportunity to address

your behavior in a constructive manner.

What is the Guidance Council?

The Guidance Council is a group of 5

faculty and administrators that meets

once each week (or ad hoc as necessary)

to develop appropriate responses to, and

consequences for, individual students’

behavioral, emotional and academic

challenges. Our actions may include

calling a conference with you, other

faculty and/or parents. We also review

school policies as social and cultural

climates shift (e.g. cyber communication,

fashion, etc.). The Guidance Council's

intent is to optimize the learning

environment for students and teachers.

Guidance Council Members:

Bob Caplan (Chair)

Jivanti Rutansky (Administrator)

Shannon Kelly (Director of High School)

Lisa Catterall (Director of Middle School)

Michelle Beske (Middle School Faculty)

The Council’s interest is in supporting

behaviors that build trust, honesty,

positive relationships and a healthy

learning community and in responding

to behaviors that do not. Responses will

vary and may not be transparent to the

school community at large, due to issues

of confidentiality. The Council, through a

discovery process, seeks to learn what is

true, to understand motives for behavior,

to support change in individuals, and to

protect the School.

Responses to Student Behavior

Guidance Council responses will

generally include communication with

the student and the parents/guardians

and may also entail conferences,

contracts, referrals and in more serious

circumstances, changes in student

standing. Students may move from good

standing to conduct warning, conduct

probation, final probation and finally to

dismissal. Students may also resolve

issues and be reinstated in good

standing. Please see the Parent

Handbook for more explanation.

Our hope is that our students avoid the

probation system. Yet, mistakes do

happen. It is part of life and a part of the

learning process. No matter if you are

assigned Academic Probation or Conduct

Probation or both, we will remain

dedicated to helping you achieve success

at school.


22

In order for this system to work, support

is required from students, parents and

faculty. Student and Parent Handbooks

provide a clear statement of campus

policies and should be reviewed at the

beginning of each year.

You are expected to know and observe

the school rules. At the start of first

semester each year, there is a two-week

period for you to become familiar with

the system. However, major rules do not

fall under this grace period.

If students are engaged in off-campus

behavior (ex: harassment via electronic

media, substance use, poor

sportsmanship) that is determined to

have a negative impact on the learning

environment at school, MMS will take

appropriate action.

Minor Infractions

These are less serious infractions such as

violations of rules concerning tardiness,

inappropriate language, dress code,

classroom rules, bus decorum and facility

guidelines.

Major Infractions

These are infractions that deal primarily

with the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or

tobacco; with harassment, disrespect,

academic dishonesty, stealing or abuse of

property, persons or animals, creating

fire hazards, unexcused absences or

attendance violations and inappropriate

sexual conduct. Issues of personal and

emotional safety also fall under this

category. Other areas may include issues

relating to extreme negative attitude, self-

destructive behavior, significant

emotional disturbances or health

problems.

Academic Integrity Explained

As a student, you are responsible for

maintaining your academic integrity.

Make sure that your course work is the

result of your own effort and respect the

work of others. Cheating and plagiarism

are serious violations of academic

integrity. Established cases of academic

dishonesty result in academic sanctions

(e.g. disqualified work or failed classes)

and disciplinary sanctions (e.g. warning,

probation or expulsion).

As a matter of personal honor, resolve

now that you will always hold yourself

to a high standard of academic integrity.

This includes:

Don't Cheat – Clear cases of cheating

include copying on assignments,

using unauthorized resources during

exams, turning in another person’s

work as your own and failure to

explicitly acknowledge the sources of

information that you have used.

Don’t Enable Anyone Else To Cheat –

Assisting someone else to cheat is

cheating. Take care when “helping”

another student by sharing work with

them. Someone who enables another

person to cheat is subject to the same

penalties.

Distinguish Between Group Learning

and Unacceptable Collaboration –

Learning can be a collaborative

activity. In many of your classes, you


will be allowed, or even encouraged,

to work together with other students

on certain kinds of assignments. In

such cases, collaboration isn’t

cheating. You should always assume

that written work you turn in is to be

solely your own work. Ask questions

if anything isn’t clear.

Face the Situation – If an instructor

approaches you with a question about

the integrity of work you have

submitted, respond promptly and

honestly. It is the best way to clarify

the situation and resolve any doubts.

COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY

Technology Philosophy

Mount Madonna School recognizes that

technological tools, in all their forms

(computers, phones, cameras, game

consoles, software, etc.) are a relevant

and important part of our lives today.

Within this context we strive to teach

social and ethical responsibility, engage

technology tools in our creative

enterprises, and teach skill sets valuable

to the work place of the 21st century.

Personal Electronic Devices, Cell

Phones, and Wireless Internet Access

Personal electronic devices including cell

phones are only allowed to be used in the

classroom with teacher permission. They

may be used before and after school,

during breaks, and during lunch.

However, the primary purpose of

technology (including personal devices)

while at school should be for school

purposes. The school’s Internet

bandwidth is used by many business

units on property and any large

bandwidth activities (downloading large

files, streaming video, etc.), unless for

academic purposes, should NOT be

engaged in while on campus.

Students are allowed to use the wireless

network labeled “MMS Students”, but

are NOT allowed to use any of the other

broadcast wireless networks. The

password will be communicated at the

beginning of the year during the

Technology Review meeting with the

Technology Director. Students are NOT

allowed to plug any of their personal

devices into any physical network port

on campus.

Supervision and Monitoring Computer

Use

Use of the school’s computers by

students must be supervised by an adult

or faculty member at all times unless

special permission from the Head of

School or the Director of Technology has

been granted.

IT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Students, staff and faculty must:

1. Respect and protect the privacy of

others:

• Use only assigned accounts

• Not view, use or copy passwords,

data, or networks to which they are

not authorized

• Not distribute private information

about others or themselves


24

2. Respect and protect the integrity,

availability, and security of all electronic

resources:

Observe all network security practices

and specific classroom guidelines as

posted

Report security risks or violations to a

teacher or network administrator

Not destroy or damage data,

networks, or other resources that do

not belong to them, without clear

permission of the owner

Not connect personal computers or

wireless devices or access points to

the network without specific approval

by the network administrator

Respect the registration policies of

age‐restricted online services (e.g.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap

Chat, etc.)

Conserve, protect, and share these

resources with other students, staff

and faculty

3. Respect and protect the intellectual

property of others:

Not infringe copyrights (no making

illegal copies of music, games,

movies, or other online content)

Not plagiarize

4. Respect and practice the principles of

community:

Communicate only in ways that are

kind and respectful

Report threatening or discomforting

materials to a teacher or administrator

Not intentionally access, transmit,

copy, or create material that violates

the school’s values (such as messages

that are pornographic, threatening,

discriminatory, or meant to harass) ‐

this includes Cyberbullying

(harassment or bullying using

information or communication

technologies)

Not use the resources to further other

acts that are criminal or violate the

school’s values

Not send spam, chain letters, or other

mass unsolicited mailings

Not buy, sell, advertise, or otherwise

conduct business, unless approved as

a school project or as part of your job

function

Students must additionally:

Respect the learning environment.

Not send spam, chain letters, or other

mass unsolicited mailings

Secure digital devices and laptops in

their backpacks at all times

Only use digital devices and laptops

at the Lower School with teacher

approval

Only use personal digital devices and

laptops in Upper School classrooms

with teacher approval

Not consume food, beverages, or gum

around any computers in the

Computer Labs, Library, or any

classrooms

Photographs and Video of Students,

Faculty, Admin and Staff

Students may not take photos or video of

any other student or adult at MMS

without the permission of that person or

persons. Students may not post (via

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.)


photos or video of any other student or

adult at MMS without permission from

that person or persons, even if

permission to take the photo or video

was granted.

Digital Devices- Middle School

Middle school students may bring

personal technology devices onto campus

but they are to remain shut off and in the

backpack unless a teacher is supervising

their use. Teachers often allow and

encourage technology use in their

classrooms; for example, students

photograph the whiteboard or enter

assignments on their calendar. Some

curricular units use technology tools, and

many students will bring ways to type

their writing assignments. These uses of

technology will be permitted. The policy

is in effect from 9 a.m. until 3:25 p.m.

each school day, including during recess,

passing periods and lunch. Teachers will

support communication with parents

when absolutely necessary during recess

or lunch.

Digital Devices On Field Trips- Middle

And High School

Please contact your trip leader to learn

what the policy is for each day and/or

overnight trip as policies differ for each

field trip.

Consequences for Violation

Violations of these rules or failure to sign

the technology and/or digital

communication agreement documents

may result in disciplinary action,

including loss of one’s privileges to use

the school’s information technology

resources, confiscation of a personal

device for a period of time, or the loss of

the privilege of bringing a particular

personal electronic device on campus for

a period of time. The cost of repairing

computers or other technology resources

resulting from careless or irresponsible

use or conduct will be the direct

responsibility of the staff member,

faculty, or student and their family.

School staff may not ask a student to

show the contents of a device without

first getting either written consent from a

parent or having the parent physically

present.

Lost and/or Broken Devices

Students bringing digital devices

(phones, tablets, laptops, headphones,

etc.) to school do so at their own risk.

MMS is not responsible for damaged or

lost devices. We will make every effort to

help students find lost items.

LOCKERS

We want the campus to be a safe and

inviting place, without the risk of

tripping over books or personal

belongings left lying around. You may

keep your belongings in a backpack or

locker.

Students may request a locker and

padlock. Currently, lockers for high

school students are in the boys and girls

bathrooms in the A building and for

middle school students in C building


26

bathrooms. You may not bring your own

lock. The school keeps a record of locker

numbers and padlock combinations for

students.

MMS reserves the right to check personal

belongings brought on to campus at any

time. This includes opening and

inspecting lockers, either for a suspected

violation or at random.

WORK PERMITS

California law requires that a student

over the age of 12 who works for pay

must have a work permit on file at the

workplace. Start the permit process by

obtaining a work permit from the

Registrar. This is a three-step process and

needs time to be accomplished. If you are

looking for jobs during the year, ask the

Registrar ahead of time for instructions

about this process.

At the end of the third quarter, work

permit guidelines are sent, with the

report card, to each parent in order to

facilitate the permit process for summer

work.

Work Permits are not needed for jobs

such as babysitting and yard work.

STUDENT DRIVERS

You may drive to and from school only if

your valid license and car insurance

information are on file in the school

office. Any driver can have the privilege

of driving to and from campus, or on

campus, revoked for reckless driving.

You must follow current DMV laws,

including those regarding driving other

students. At no time are you allowed to

drive on any school field trip.

Be courteous and safe!

The speed limit:

on the property is 15 mph

when people are walking on the road

is 5 mph

on Summit Rd. between MMC and

MMS is 25 mph (signs are posted!)

on Summit Rd. between Mt. Madonna

Rd. and MMC is 35 mph, and is

primarily a no-passing zone

in Mount Madonna County Park is 20

mph

on Mount Madonna Road (oceanside)

is 15 - 20 mph, conditions and width

of road permitting

Right of Way: Cars traveling uphill on

mountain roads have the right of way!!!

Yield to those driving up the hill!

Student Parking

If you drive to school, you are expected

to park in a designated student area for

the entire school day.

Do not park your car in the:

• Upper Campus bus turnaround area

during school hours (8:30 am – 5:30

pm). This needs to be available to

buses, vans and deliveries.

• Short-term (30 minute) parking in

front of the CB or in any handicapped

spaces on campus.


Student Driving During School

You should not move your vehicle

during the school day without specific

permission from a faculty member. While

faculty may use their discretion, it is not

OK to drive around the campus because

of inclement weather or because someone

is running late.

Use only Summit Road to drive between

the Upper and Lower Campus. Don’t use

the emergency roads.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Mount Madonna School buses and

drivers comply with all California State

laws and regulations.

Bus Stop Policies

• Meet Parents on Same Side of Road –

If your parent is meeting you, the

parent must be on the same side of

the road on which the bus is stopped.

To cross the street, use the crosswalk

at the closest traffic signal.

• Parents Approve Bus Stop Changes –

Parents must call the office before 1:00

PM if you need to switch to a

different bus stop.

• No Unauthorized Stops – The bus

driver may only stop at scheduled bus

stops.

• Arrive at Bus Stop 5 Minutes Early –

Please arrive approximately 5 minutes

before scheduled pickup time. Parents

should arrive at the bus stops

approximately 5 minutes before

scheduled drop off time.

• After Driver has Closed Bus Doors –

Mount Madonna School and State law

require that once the driver closes the

bus doors, he/she must drive on and

the parent must take the student to

the next stop to board the bus.

• 6th - 12th grade students may be left

at the bus stop unattended with

parent permission. Permission to be

left unattended is set during online

registration and listed on the bus

rider list.

Bus Rider Rules

The following bus rules have been

developed for the safety and well-being

of all the passengers. The bus driver is

responsible for the safety of all

passengers and your cooperation is

needed. Consistent misbehavior will

result in the issuance of a citation and

possible loss of riding privileges.

The bus rider rules include the following:

• Observe the same standards of

conduct as in the classroom.

• The driver is in charge of the bus.

Students must obey him/her promptly

and cheerfully.

• Stay in your seat. Do not sit sideways

or backwards (it is illegal).

• Keep legs and backpacks out of the

aisles.

• No standing while the bus is in

motion.

• No throwing of any objects in the bus

or out of the window.

• Do not, at any time, extend hands or

arms out of the bus windows.


28

• Be courteous; no disrespectful or foul

language.

• Do not be disruptive.

• Keep the bus clean. Do not throw

trash on the floor or leave it behind on

the seats.

• Do not write on, vandalize or damage

any part of the bus.

• The bus driver is authorized to assign

seats. Elementary students are seated

in the front of the bus, in assigned

seats. Middle school students are

seated behind elementary and high

school students are seated in the rear

of the bus. Students must stay in their

assigned seats.

• Older students are not allowed to

“bump” younger students from

assigned seats.

• Damage to bus seats will be charged

to the student(s) assigned to that seat.

• Do not eat on the bus; drink only

from squirt-style containers (to avoid

injury to face or teeth from hard

containers).

• No play weapons of any kind on the

bus.

• No animals on the bus.

• You must never stand or play in the

roadway while waiting to board the

bus.

• If you have any problems, tell the bus

driver at the next stop or tell the

Transportation Coordinator in the

school office.

Bus Citation Procedure

1st and 2nd Citation

• A copy of the citation is given to the

parents, teacher/advisor/director and

administrator to be placed in your

student file.

• You may receive a referral to

Guidance.

• Your bus privileges may be

suspended.

3rd Citation

• You are suspended from riding the

bus for at least one ride.

• You may receive a referral to

Guidance.

• Your bus privileges may be

suspended for a longer period.

Please Note: You can be suspended from

riding the bus at any time if your

behavior is deemed unsafe for yourself or

others in the bus or nearby. Example:

standing or changing seats while the bus

is moving; throwing things on or out of

the bus

Bus Stops and Times

Ocean Side

Santa Cruz

PCC; Seabright/Broadway 7:35am

PCC; Seabright/Broadway 4:40pm

Soquel

Sunnyside Produce 7:45am

Michael’s on Main 4:30pm

Aptos

Aptos Natural Foods 7:55am

Aptos Library 4:20pm

Corralitos

Corralitos Feed 8:10am

5 Miles House 4:10pm

Freedom

Safeway; Airport/Freedom 8:18am

VFW Hall 4:05pm


Watsonville

Fruit Stand; Holohan/E.Lake 8:25am

Valley RC Church 3:55pm

Inland Side Morgan Hill

Church; Dewitt/Dunne 8:10am

Church; Dewitt/Dunne 4:05pm

Gilroy

Fortino’s Winery 8:25am

Watsonville Rd/Redwood Retreat

Road

3:50pm

After School Activity Van

After school activity vans (5:30 PM) are

available only for middle and high school

students who participate in school-

sponsored or faculty-supervised

activities, such as sports and rehearsals.

• You must sign up by 1:00 PM of that

day to reserve a seat. You are

required to follow all “bus rules”

when riding the van.

• You can get off only at the school bus

stops. Some stops (e.g., VFW) are not

used in the evenings, so check to see

where the after school van stops. If a

parent is not at a stop and no prior

arrangements have not been made,

the driver will ask another parent to

wait with the student or try to reach

the parent by phone to make a plan.

The driver may need to continue on

the route and meet the parent

elsewhere.

MMS will provide transportation to

“away games” during or immediately

following the school day (3:25 PM) to the

extent of available resources. Parents are

responsible to transport students to away

games that begin two hours or more after

the school day ends. Parents are

responsible for rides home after all

games.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

MMS remains open unless:

• Roads are closed.

• We have no electricity.

• Emergency services designated

hazardous road conditions and it is

dangerous for students and buses to

drive to MMS.

In case of bad weather, Please call the

school office at 847‐2717 after 7:30 am.

The answering machine will have a

message about road conditions and will

notify the caller if school has been

cancelled. Listen to KSCO 1080 AM. We

will inform them of our status. The

School will initiate the automated calling

system, Power Announce, by 7:15 am to

update families and staff of status at

MMS.

SECURITY/LOCKDOWN

PREPARATION

We hold at least two lockdown drills

each school year, in addition to

earthquake and fire drills. If you arrive at

campus during a lockdown or drill, you

will not be allowed into any classrooms

or offices. The security team (in orange

security vests) may be able to give you

information. If no one is available, please

return to your vehicle. Lockdown drills

generally last 20-25 minutes. We

appreciate your patience and

understanding.

16-17 Student Handbook

Documents