Patch MS: Policies and Procedures

For the protection of students and staff, all visitors must report to the school’s front office immediately upon arriving at the school.  A visitor is any person (to include parents, sponsors, and legal guardians) not enrolled or assigned to the school requesting entry to the building.

Visitors must provide authorized identification to gain access to the DoDEA school.  The visitor will be issued a visitor badge that must be displayed above the waist while on DoDEA school property.  The school administrator has the final determination on visitors authorized to be at the school.  While on DoDEA school property, visitors may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the school’s front office. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before the visitor can access a different location within the school.  When leaving the school, visitors must sign out and return the visitor's badge to the school’s front office. 

Classroom Observations

Parents are welcome to visit the school and classrooms to observe the school’s programs for brief periods of time that do not interfere with instruction. Approval by the school administrator is required for this type of visitation.

Learn more about volunteering at your school's Get Involved page.

DoDEA school administrators, in partnership with sponsors/family members, students, and military leaders, promote communication through the establishment of advisory committees to address issues (school initiatives, procedures and policies) locally. This is a system-wide way for parents to get involved in their child’s local school. Consult your child’s school to learn more about school advisory committees.

Learn more about SAC's at your school's Get Involved page.

Proof of Eligibility: The sponsor does not need to be present at registration, as long as the parent or other adult registering the child has all the necessary paperwork, in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, “Eligibility Requirements for Education of Elementary and Secondary School-Age Dependents in Overseas Areas,” September 20, 2006, as amended, and DoD Instruction 1342.26, “Eligibility Requirements for Minor Dependents to Attend Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS),” March 4, 1997. 

The following documents are necessary to complete the registration process:

1. Proof of age;
2. Medical records, including information on medical conditions, medications, and all dates and types of immunizations;
3. Official documents to support eligibility (e.g., letter of employment, contract, permanent change of station [PCS] orders, etc.); and
4. Proof of on-base residence (applies to students enrolling in DoD domestic schools).

Contact the registrar at your child’s school to update your child’s information or visit your school's registration page for more information on enrollment. 

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Regulation 2095.01, “School Attendance,” August 26, 2011, as amended, school attendance is mandatory. All students are required to attend school to ensure continuity of instruction and that they successfully meet academic standards and demonstrate continuous educational progress. School attendance is a joint responsibility between the parent or sponsor, student, classroom teacher, school personnel, and, in some cases, the Command. Students with excessive school absences (or tardiness) shall be monitored by the Student Support Team to assist in the completion of all required work and successful mastery of course objectives.

Daily student attendance is identified based upon a quarter of the school day formula. Students will be identified as present or absent, based on the following criteria:

1. Absent up to 25% of the school day = absent one-quarter of the school day
2. Absent between 26%–50% of the school day = absent one-half of the school day
3. Absent 51%–75% of the school day = absent three-quarters of the school day
4. Absent 76%–100% of the school day = full-day absence

DoDEA considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school for reasons other than school-related activities:

1. Personal illness;
2. Medical, dental, or mental health appointment;
3. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family;
4. A death in the student’s immediate family or of a relative;
5. Religious holiday;
6. Emergency conditions such as fire, flood, or storm;
7. Unique family circumstances warranting absence and coordinated with school administration;
8. College visits that cannot be scheduled on non-school days; and
9. A pandemic event.

Unexcused absences may result in school disciplinary actions. An absence from school or a class without written verification from a parent or sponsor will be unexcused. Student attendance is calculated based upon the date of enrollment in a DoDEA school, which may occur anytime during the school year. Student attendance monitoring is designed to provide a continuum of intervention and services to support families and children in keeping children in school and combating truancy and educational neglect. Parents should notify the school of their child’s absence 30 minutes after the start of the school day.  Too many unexcused absences may trigger the Student Support Team to convene.

More about DoDEA Attendance Policy (dodea.edu/StudentServices/Attendance)

The Principal may authorize an accelerated withdrawal of a student who must withdraw from school 20 or less instructional days prior to the end of a semester, in accordance with Section 3.1.d, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01, “High School Graduation Requirements and Policy,” [TBD]. Accelerated withdrawal will only be considered if the parent/sponsor presents PCS orders. The parent or sponsor must present verification of the date required for the student to depart from the school (e.g., PCS orders). All of the conditions of an accelerated study program outlined by the student’s teachers must be met prior to withdrawal in order for grades to be assigned and credit to be granted. Students who withdraw prior to the 20-day limitation of the accelerated withdrawal policy will receive “withdrawal” grades rather than final grades. In this case, the sponsor/parent should notify the school two weeks prior to the date of withdrawal.

DoDEA accepts the official courses, grades and earned credits of middle school (grades 7–8) and high school (grades 9–12) students who transfer to a DoDEA school from other DoDEA schools or who earn course credits in an accredited non-DoD system (public or private), correspondence, online, and/or home-school program. The accreditation for the sending school or school system must be from one of the six U.S. regional accrediting associations, one of the U.S. state education agencies, or by a public- or state-supported system of accreditation for public or private education programs in a foreign nation, in accordance with Section 4.7, of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1367.01. Please contact your child’s school for questions regarding course credit transfer process and approval.

At the beginning of each course or grade level, every DoDEA teacher shall make available information regarding grading policy and course requirements to parents and students. This information will be provided to parents and students by the end of the first month of the school year or by the end of the first month of the semester in the case of a semester course.

If any student demonstrates unsatisfactory progress or achievement, teachers must notify parents with enough time to correct the deficiency. Notification must occur as soon as unsatisfactory achievement is evident, and not later than the midpoint of the nine-week grading period.

Timely and accurate reporting of student progress shall be accomplished for students in grades 4–12, using the approved DoDEA Electronic Gradebook (EGB) System. All assignments (e.g., quizzes, tests, examinations, homework, speeches, etc.) that are used to assess and report student progress shall be promptly evaluated and/or graded, posted in the EGB, and returned to the student. The normal period of evaluation and posting should be no longer than ten calendar days from the day the assignment is collected, with reasonable exceptions for large projects. At a minimum, one assignment or grade should be recorded per week in the EGB System. To create an account and access the EGB System, please visit the DoDEA SIS Gradebook for instructions.

A traditional letter grading system will be used for grades 4–12 report marks.

For purposes of calculating a student’s high school GPA, the following scales shall be used:

The DoDEA School Meals Program (SMP) supports academic achievement by providing nutritious meals to your students through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.  

• The School Meals Program is a budget friendly and convenient program for parents that can save time, energy, money and reduce stress.  
• Households must reapply every school year for free and reduced-price meals, beginning no earlier than July 1st.
• All meals must be paid for in advance or at the point of sale.
• A best practice is to fund your child’s account every pay day through the next pay day.

Visit your school's School Meals Program page for more information and the latest school menus.

Students are expected to actively participate in the educational process, including school-sponsored activities in and outside of the classroom, as deemed appropriate. Students should bring to the attention of a school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others.

Students shall:

1. Comply with policies, procedures and standards for student behavior;
2. Refrain from conduct or behavior that is disruptive;
3. Respect the rights and human dignity of other students and all school employees;
4. Attend school and classes regularly, and punctually and make a conscious effort in all classes;
5. Participate in and take advantage of educational opportunities provided by DoDEA schools;
6. Assist school employees in operating a safe school by abiding by the laws of the United States, the local military installation, the host nation, and DoDEA policies, regulations, and procedures;
7. Properly maintain school property and use school property and equipment for educationally authorized purposes;
8. Promptly bring to the attention of a DoDEA school employee behavior or activities that may endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others and to cooperate with school threat assessment procedures; and
9. Promptly report to the DoDEA School Principal, or another DoDEA school employee, incidents or complaints, including, but not limited to, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or non-sexual harassment, based on race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation or status as a sponsor, parent or legal guardian; intimidation, hazing, bullying (including cyberbullying), or retaliation against persons who report or participate in the investigation of such incidents herein.

Students are expected to dress in a manner that complies with the school’s dress code policy as directed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Students Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Please refer to your school’s Web site or school handbook for specific dress code policy.

Management of student behavior is a responsibility shared by students, sponsors/parents/guardians, teachers, and the military command and school communities in general, in accordance with DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1353.01, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 6, 2021. Student behavioral management consists of teaching and reinforcing positive student attitudes and behaviors. Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff with courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students with courtesy, fairness, and respect. All students will be disciplined in a fair and appropriate manner. School administrators shall operate and maintain a safe school environment that is conducive to learning. School administration will ensure prompt investigation and response to incidents or complaints involving students made by students, parents, teachers, or DoDEA staff members.

In accordance with the policy stated in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01, “Student Disciplinary Rules and Procedures,” April 7, 2021, discipline shall be progressively and fairly administered. Disciplinary actions include, but are not limited to, verbal reprimands, conferences, detention, time-out, alternative in-school placements, school service programs, community service and counseling programs. Other behavior management techniques will be considered prior to resorting to more formal disciplinary actions that remove a student from school for a suspension (short or long term). Long-term suspension or expulsion following a first offense may be considered when a student poses an immediate threat to his or her safety or the safety of others (e.g., offenses involving firearms or other weapons, fighting or violence, or the possession, use, or sale of drugs). Additional rules and procedures can be reviewed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1347.01.

DODEA students have the Right to a discrimination-free learning environment in which no individual, on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or status as a parent, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination in a DoDEA-conducted or -sponsored education or training program or activity, pursuant to Executive Order 13160, DoD and DoDEA policy, and Federal law.

Students shall treat teachers, administrators, and other school staff as expected within the code of conduct, to include courtesy, fairness, and respect; and teachers, administrators, and other school staff shall treat students as expected within the code of conduct in this Issuance, to include courtesy, fairness, and respect. 

In the wake of school violence throughout the world, it is important to analyze the causes of violence and implement preventive measures to assure that every student and adult will feel secure in the school environment. DoDEA implemented a system-wide Bully Prevention program as a part of the Safe Schools and Character Education program.

Bullying is defined as a means to have power over another and it takes many forms: physical, verbal, and indirect such as gossip and isolation. Bullying leaves long-lasting scars for its victims. Bullies have a higher incidence of antisocial behavior, domestic violence and crime as adults. Society pays a heavy toll for tolerating bullying behavior and bullies.

In DoDEA schools and community, bullying will not go unchallenged and will not be tolerated. All students, staff members, parents and the community play vital roles to ensure our children are not bullied, do not act as bullies, and will not allow others to bully. Our schools have a moral obligation to provide our students and the school community with the proper information, prevention strategies, and defenses to create a safe, accepting and caring environment for all.

Each student, together with the student’s parent or guardian (if applicable), shall acknowledge and sign Form 700, “Use of DoDEA Internet and Use of Information Technology Resources,” before he or she is assigned a user account. In accordance with Enclosure 4 of DoDEA Administrative Instruction 6600.01, “Computer Access and Internet Policy,” February 16, 2010, the following are required of all students:

1. Students shall use DoDEA information technology (IT) resources, including computers, electronic mail, and internet access, only in support of education and for research consistent with the educational objectives of DoDEA; 
2. Students shall respect and adhere to all of the rules governing access to, and use of, DoDEA’s IT resources; 
3. Students shall be polite in all electronic communication;
4. Students shall use courteous and respectful language and/or images in their messages to others;
5. Students shall not swear, use vulgarities, or use harsh, abusive, sexual, or disrespectful language and/or images;
6. Students who misuse DoDEA IT resources are subject to disciplinary measures; and
7. Students’ accounts will be deactivated upon transition out of a DoDEA school.

The signed agreement (Form 700) is to be retained in the administrative office at the student’s school for the duration of the student’s enrollment. A copy will be provided to the student and, if applicable, the student’s parent or guardian.

Use of personal social media between parents/teachers/students is discouraged.  The only acceptable form of social media communication between parents/teachers/students is through official school social media.

Student transportation is defined as the transportation of students from their assigned bus stop to school at the beginning of their school day, during the mid-day and for return to their assigned bus stop at the end of the normal scheduled school day.  DoDEA principals are responsible for monitoring student loading/unloading zones when students are coming and going from school sites, including administering discipline.  A school bus or any device operating to provide student transportation will function as an extension of the school.  The walking distance for students in grade 6 and below should not exceed one mile from the student’s primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  Students in grades 7–12 may walk up to 1.5 miles from their primary residence to the school or designated bus stop.  These distances may be slightly expanded or contracted to conform to natural boundaries such as housing areas or neighborhoods.  In locations having middle schools, which include grade 6 (i.e., grades 6–8), the walking distance criteria shall be the same as the criteria for grades 7–12.  

Transportation is not authorized to take students to their homes or to eating facilities for their mid-day meal.  No other transportation between the assigned bus stop and the school will be charged to commuting transportation unless stated in a special education student’s IEP and/or required by Section 504 guidelines.  “Curb-to-curb” only applies to students with disabilities who require such service as documented in the student’s IEP.  DoDEA District Superintendents, in coordination with the District Logistics Chief and the supporting military installation commanders, will establish a commuting area to determine eligibility for transportation of dependent students.

School Bus Safety

• In Europe, TRAFFIC IS NOT REQUIRED TO STOP for loading and unloading school buses. American children must follow this life-saving rule!
• Some Patch Middle School buses are assigned a Safety Monitor. The primary function of this adult is to assist the driver in monitoring safety issues occurring “outside of the bus” they are not responsible for monitoring student behavior.

Parents must ensure that their children understand and follow the 10 School Bus rules listed below:

1. Obey the driver or adult.
2. Enter and exit the bus safely, and always show your bus pass.
3. Students should remain properly seated and use seatbelts when available.
4. Keep your hands, feet and other body parts to yourself.
5. Do not throw things.
6. Put nothing out of the window.
7. Remain quiet, and do not disturb the driver or others.
8. No profanity, indecency, smoking, prohibited items, or vandalism.
9. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum.
10. Be responsible, be safe.

The school has established expectations for students’ behavior while riding school provided transportation. Students are expected to follow the bus driver's and DoDEA personnel’s instructions when boarding, riding or leaving the bus. They are to take a seat immediately and remain seated until the bus arrives at school or the scheduled bus stop. These expectations extend to behaviors at the bus stop prior to pick up and departure. Students who violate the school's transportation code of conduct or do anything that diverts the driver’s ability concentrate on driving risk having their bus riding privileges suspended or revoked. In the event of a school bus suspension, the student and their sponsor must schedule a meeting with the USAG Garrison Commander and school administration to discuss the circumstances of the suspension and a plan for improved behavior. Students may not resume riding privileges until this meeting is complete. The Garrison Commander has the authority to extend any suspension at his/her discretion.

Bus Behavior - See the Patch Middle School Discipline Matrix

Management of DoDEA student behavior is a responsibility shared by DoDEA students, sponsors/parents/legal guardians, teachers, and the military and school communities and consists of teaching and reinforcing positive DoDEA student attitudes and behaviors. Discipline should be progressively, equitably and fairly administered, is sequential and preplanned, and normally occurs in a hierarchy of consequences for repeated offenses of the same behavior. 

"Do the right thing, even when nobody is watching."

The Patch MS staff and administration work diligently to encourage students to develop and demonstrate the behavior that will help them be successful citizens.

These are our expectations for students:

P articipate respectfully
A ccept responsibility
T reat each other kindly
C ome prepared
H elp each other

Based on the previously mentioned policy we only use the rubric as a guide because we believe that each incident is specific to the situation. As a team our counselors, team deans and assistant principal work diligently to investigate every incident and ensure that students are supported but held accountable for their actions. This rubric should provide you with an idea of the disciplinary actions that may be taken based on the severity of the incident.  The listed infractions are only a sample of the type of incidents that may occur in each category. Administration reserves the right to apply disciplinary consequences as they deem appropriate.

School hours are 0800 - 1435. Students should not arrive earlier than 7:50 AM.  Your cooperation in this matter will greatly enhance the safety and security of our students. Students arriving late will need to stop by the Main Office to get a tardy slip.

Good communication is essential to a positive and productive school year. Patch Middle School communicates with parents and sponsors through newsletters, the school website and e-mail notifications. The administrative team works with community leaders to ensure a level of transparency between organizations to support student success.

Books, keys, coats, and other personal items that are found in the building or on the campus should be turned in to the attendance office. Lost and found is located in the Forum (lunch room.) Items of value will be kept in the main office. Unclaimed items will be given to charity organizations during winter, spring, and summer recesses.

Students may bring a sack lunch to school, purchase lunch in the lunch room with cash or with a lunch account that parents can set up through the customer service desk at the PX. The lunch menu is available at http://odin.aafes.com/nutrition/.

Pack Pride should be followed at all times, especially in the cafeteria. Keeping the cafeteria clean is everyone’s individual responsibility. It is an expectation of the school that student’s clean up their eating area before leaving the cafeteria. Being responsible and respectful applies to each student. Your good behavior and manners reflect highly upon you, your family, our community and all of Patch MS.

Cafeteria Expectations:

1. No running, shoving or horseplay
2. Stay seated while eating
3. Eat your own food
4. Clean up your mess
5. Use inside voices

Recess Expectations:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given
2. No shoving or horseplay
3. Use equipment properly
4. No fighting, name calling, teasing or cursing
5. Stay within the playground boundaries
6. Stop playing and head back to the gathering area when the whistle blows

Book bags must be carefully stored and safely secured in a locked locker prior to the beginning of first period. Book bags are not allowed in the classrooms, hallways, study-areas or cafeteria at any time. Book bags must not be left unattended at any time. Do not bring unnecessary or valuable items to school that can be lost, stolen, or damaged. No book bags or large bag of any kind are allowed in classrooms.

Each student will be assigned a locker. Students are permitted to open their lockers before and after school and during passing periods. Students are also allowed to access their lockers with permission from their teachers during class. Sharing lockers is a violation of school policy.

Each student is responsible for maintaining his/her locker. Students are responsible for the locker assigned to them. Responsibility includes:

• Keeping their lockers clean and free of debris and graffiti
• Reporting needed repairs to the Attendance Office
• Preventing and reporting vandalism to a locker
• Keeping combinations confidential. 

In the interest of safety, school administration has established a “Closed Campus Policy”. Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds on their own during the school day. The school cannot be responsible for students who violate school rules and leave school grounds. Only in special cases, and with approval from parents and administration, are students allowed to leave school grounds during the school day. In ALL cases, sponsors or their delegated representative must sign out students leaving school with a valid ID. A student’s school day begins at 0800 and ends at 1430.

Each student is responsible for protection of his/her property. Students are advised not to carry large amounts of money or valuables. Students are encouraged to immediately report acts of theft and/or missing items. The school will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property i.e. cell phones, IPods, all electronic devices, collectible cards, etc.

For safety reasons, all visitors and volunteers must report to the school front office immediately upon entering the school. A visitor/volunteer is someone who is not a school employee or student and enters the school during operating hours. The school administration has the final determination on visitors/volunteers authorized to be at the school. When visiting, volunteers/visitors may go only to the approved area indicated as their destination when signing in at the front office. All visitors will receive an appropriate visitor’s badge, which is to be displayed conspicuously at all times while on school grounds. Any change to the designated location must be approved by the school’s front office before visiting a different location within the school. Upon finishing their visit, visitors must check out at the front office, return the visitor’s badge, and exit the school. Parents are welcome to visit the school and classrooms to observe the school’s programs for brief periods of time that do not interfere with instruction; prior arranges with the school and teachers are required.

Guest Visitors

Students must plan ahead if they desire to bring a guest to school. A visitor’s guest pass form must be picked up at the attendance office prior to the guest’s appearance at school. No DODEA student is permitted to visit our school while his/her DODEA school is in session. This guest pass form must be signed by the student’s teachers and then presented to the attendance office for approval by an administrator no later than one day prior to the guest visit. There should be a valid educational purpose for the visit, such as a visit by a German school. Siblings will not be brought to school as guest visitors.

A variety of after school clubs and activities may be offered dependent upon volunteers and student interest. Some typical middle school activities may include: chess, math counts, book clubs, drama, art, newspaper, and robotics. Participation may be limited. Some special-activity clubs may require a fee. The after-school activity information sheet must be completed before any student may remain after-hours. The club or activity sponsor may provide a copy of this information sheet to students. It is the student’s and parent’s responsibility to complete this information sheet and return it to the sponsor or main office.

Students are expected to dress in a manner that complies with the school’s dress code policy as directed in the DoDEA Administrative Instruction 2051.02, “Students Rights and Responsibilities,”  Enclosure 2 (3,c,1) and Enclosure 2 (5,l)  (DoDEA Administrative Instruction 2051.02, Student Rights and Responsibilities,” April 17, 2012).

Students should come dressed for success, and all clothing should be appropriate for an educational setting focusing on comfort, safety, and education. Inclement weather may be more common than not during the winter months. Appropriate attire is essential and safety must be taken into high consideration. Standards for dress are designed to promote health, safety, contribute to the teaching and learning climate, and to promote a positive image while at school and within our communities.

Changes in dress code, deemed appropriate and necessary by the school principal, may be announced, implemented and enforced during the course of the academic school year. Final determination of acceptable dress code and grooming rests with the principal or his/her designee.

Students who cannot immediately conform to the requirements of the dress code standards will be required to change into acceptable clothing.  If a student does not have clothing readily available to meet these standards while at school, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing. Everyone’s attention in maintaining these standards is mandatory: students, faculty, staff, parents, all stakeholders. Repeat violations of the dress code will result in disciplinary actions.

Patch Middle School utilizes a restorative discipline approach which is a proactive strategy used to create a culture of connectivity and care where all members of the school community thrive. The process of restorative justice offers a more sustainable, equitable, and respectful alternative to dealing with misbehavior. 

Restorative practices help make schools safer and more caring places, creating pathways to opportunity and success by focusing on the following areas we hope to make Patch Middle School a campus where compassion and understanding are central to all decisions and practices. In order to ensure that these practices continue to grow on our campus, we would like to share with parents and students some key points of the process:

Immediate/ Direct Reporting:  It is essential that any and all incidents are reported immediately. This provides the school with an opportunity to begin addressing the issue and helps to quicken the restorative process. Incidents can be reported to any adult staff member and will be directed to administration for the implementation of next steps. 

Empowerment and support:  Students who have been wronged work with the grade level counselor or school psychologist to clearly articulate their feelings, establishing boundaries and developing a plan for addressing any future situations where they feel that their rights and or personal space is not being respected. 

Behavior/Action Ownership:  Students who have been identified as having stepped outside of the school’s behavioral expectations will provide a statement of their understanding of the events and will work through the process of accepting personal responsibility for their actions, developing an understanding that poor choices do not define us, only provide an opportunity for growth. 

Mediation:  Peer mediation is a process that helps students work towards positive resolutions for both students in order to avoid further trouble. This conflict resolution process helps students develop the skills to advocate for themselves and establish clear boundaries for what they feel are appropriate ways to interact. Because this process is new to most middle school students, sessions are facilitated by an impartial adult. This person ensures that students respond to one another appropriately and that all parties have a stake in the resolution and development of a process for moving forward. 

Consequences
Though Patch Middle School is committed to using restorative alternatives for disciplinary infractions, we fundamentally believe that all actions must be addressed. Part of the process is accepting the consequences for individual actions. The following disciplinary/consequence range from administrative counseling to long term suspension depending on the severity and circumstances surrounding the infraction. The following chart is a referenced matrix for disciplinary action that may be applied. Please remember that all consequences are at the discretion of administration. 

School Cancellation and Unscheduled Dismissals
On occasion it may be necessary to cancel school because of inclement weather. Fog, snow, and ice may make it impossible for school buses to make their normal runs. Road conditions may be so hazardous that even the safety of the students who normally walk to school could be endangered. At such times, school will be canceled for the entire day, including for "walkers.” The decision to delay or cancel bus transportation is made by the USAG Commander.  Late opening or cancellation is typically announced on AFN (FM 102.3) before 0600, at least twice between 0600 – 0700, and after the 0700 news.  Information concerning weather/ road conditions and school closures is available on the Garrison web-site at www.stuttgart.army.mil.  Information can also be obtained by calling 475-ROAD (475-7623).  There should be no need to call the school for this information.  If there is no announcement on AFN, school will begin and will be dismissed as usual. If you do not receive AFN, plan with a friend or someone in your unit to call you and inform you of any changes in the school day.

The U.S. Army Garrison and DoDEA Schools are committed to making our community and school safe, caring, and welcoming places for all our children and youth. We will treat each other with respect, and we will refuse to tolerate bullying in any form in our community or at our school.

Our community and school define respect as follows: Treat others with the dignity and regard with which you would want to be treated.

Our community and school define bullying as follows: Bullying is a mean and one-sided activity intended to harm where those doing the bullying get pleasure from a targeted child’s pain and/or misery. Bullying can be verbal, physical, and/or relational; have as its overlay race, ethnicity, religion, gender (including sexual orientation), physical, or mental ability; includes all forms of hazing and cyberbullying. It can be and often is continuous and repeated over time, however, once is enough to constitute bullying.

Bullying that happens off of school grounds, including all forms of cyberbullying can impact the feeling of safety the targeted child has upon returning to school with the perpetrator(s) and can create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for all students. The school and the Civilian Misconduct Action Authority (CMAA) will address these actions when necessary for the well-being and safety of the community and all students involved. All suspension and expulsion documents, if forwarded to the CMAA, may be used as aggravating factors when considering administrative action in juvenile civilian misconduct under Army Europe Regulation 27-9.

Examples of bullying include but are not limited to:

• Taunting
• Using put-downs, such as insulting or making fun of someone’s race, religion, physical ability or disability, mental ability or disability, gender—including perceived or actual sexual orientation
• Threatening or ganging up on someone
• Stealing or damaging another person’s things (stealing or damaging can also be considered a criminal offense)
• Spreading rumors about someone
• Physically hurting a targeted child, including, but not limited to hitting, kicking, tripping, pushing, shoving
• Unwanted touching, patting, grabbing, hugging, kissing, cornering, blocking passage, bumping (can be considered a form of assault which is a criminal offense)
• Shunning or purposefully excluding a targeted student or trying to get other students not to play with targeted child
• Using a cell phone, gaming device, the Internet, or other social media to threaten, stalk, ridicule, humiliate, taunt, spread rumors, lock out of a game, or hack into a targeted child’s account
• Hazing, i.e. “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, or holding office in an organization”

Adults in our community and staff at our school will do the following to prevent bullying and help children feel safe:

• Closely supervise children and youth in all areas of the Child, Youth and School (CYS) Services and school (to include the school and playground)
• Watch for signs of bullying behavior and stop it when it happens 
• Teach the Steps to Respect program and/or other supplemental Social Skills lessons to increase awareness and empowerment in all children and youth in our school and CYS Services (It is the school culture and social environment that these policies, procedures, and programs create as well as reflect)
• Provide training opportunities for students and families regarding awareness and prevention of bullying
• Take seriously families’ concerns about bullying and create a procedure for reporting
• Look into all reported bullying incidents and respond quickly and appropriately
• Assign consequences for bullying based on the school discipline code.
• Maintain open communication between CYS Services staff and school staff for optimal support of all children involved in a bullying incident
• Provide immediate consequences for retaliation against students who report bullying

Children and Youth in our Community will do the following to prevent bullying:

• Treat each other respectfully
• Refuse to bully others
• Refuse to let others be bullied
• Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied
• Report bullying to an adult
• Try to include everyone in play and social interaction, especially those who are often left out

Discipline Procedures for Bullying in School

Consequences for bullying will always include a procedure for holding accountable for their actions the perpetrator(s) and any bystanders who played an active supporting role in the bullying. Other procedures can range from positive behavioral interventions to expulsion from school. These consequences are dependent on the nature and severity of the behavior, the age of the student and the student’s past behavior. The purpose of these procedures is for holding student(s) accountable for the bullying, preventing another occurrence, and protecting the targeted child.

Consequences for bullying may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Notify parents/guardian of the incident and consequences
• Assisting the perpetrator(s) to find more appropriate ways to relate to peers
• Conference with teacher, principal, and/or parent
• Referral to school counselor
• Corrective instruction
• Behavior management plan
• Temporary removal from the classroom
• Loss of school privileges
• Classroom or administration detention
• In-school suspension
• Out of school suspension
• Legal action
• Expulsion

Note: If the school can handle the behavior problem internally, it is within their right to do so. Should the behavior escalate, or present a danger to the order, discipline, and safety of the Garrison, the individual should be referred to the Assistant Civilian Misconduct Action Authority (ACMAA). Any behavior that constitutes a criminal act or breaks the law must be reported to the military Police with a notification to the ACMAA.

Discipline Procedure for Bullying in CYS Services

Consequences for bullying will always include a procedure for holding accountable for their actions the perpetrator(s) and any bystanders who played an active supporting role in the bullying. Other procedures can range from positive behavioral interventions to removal from the program. These consequences are dependent on the nature and severity of the behavior, the age of the youth and the youth’s past behavior. The purpose of these procedures is for holding perpetrator(s) accountable for the bullying, preventing another occurrence, and protecting the targeted youth.

Consequences for bullying may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Notify parents/guardian of the incident and consequences
• Assisting the perpetrator(s) to find more appropriate ways to relate to peers.
• Conference with youth and/or parent
• Referral to Social Work Services, such as Social Work Services, Garrison Chaplain and Military Family Life Counselors
• Corrective instruction
• Behavior management plan
• Community Service—as determined by the CMAA
• Temporary loss of CYS Services program privileges as determined by Program Director and CYS Services Coordinator
• Loss of logistical support as determined by the CMAA
• Legal action
• Removal from all CYS Services programs

Note: If CYS Services can handle the behavior problem internally, it is within their right to do so. Should the behavior escalate, or present a danger to the order, discipline, and safety of the Garrison, the individual should be referred to the ACMAA. Any behavior that constitutes a criminal act or breaks the law must be reported to the Military Police with a notification to the ACMAA.

Support for a Target of Bullying

The effects of bullying on the targeted youth cannot be over emphasized. Isolation, lack of friends and/or support, and a feeling of helplessness that targets of bullying experience can be devastating. The Garrison and School will ensure that targeted youth receive all support necessary. Actions may include but are not limited to:

• Notify parents/guardians immediately of the incident. Give them the method to use to report any further targeting of their child.
• Take effective measures to keep the targeted youth safe at school and at CYS Services; give him/her tools to stand up to the perpetrator(s), and support to keep the targeted youth from succumbing to the bullying.
• Identify a person or persons to whom the targeted youth can safely report any further bullying incidents.
• Should the targeted youth appear to be in immediate danger of hurting himself/herself; parents will be notified without delay. If parents are not available, the Military Police will be contacted and asked for an immediate and emergency referral to Social Work Services.
• Should the behavior be a concern to the well-being and safety of the community, the ACMAA will be contacted.
• Provide referrals to counseling services, such as Social Work Services, Garrison Chaplain and Military Family Life Counselors.
• Maintain open communication between CYSS staff and school staff for optimal support of the targeted youth.

Important note on Discipline vs. Punishment:

Punishment is adult oriented, imposes power from without, arouses anger and resentment, invites more conflict, exacerbates wounds rather than heals them; is preoccupied with blame and pain; does not consider reasons or look for solutions; does something to a student; involves a strong element of judgment; and demonstrates a teacher’s ability to control a student.

Discipline is not judgmental, arbitrary, confusing, or coercive. It is not something we do to students. It is working with them. It is a process that gives life to a student’s learning. It is restorative, and invites reconciliation. Its goal is to instruct, guide, and help students develop self-discipline—an ordering of the self from the inside, not an imposition from the outside.

The process of discipline does four things the act of punishment cannot do:

1. Shows students what they have done.
2. Gives them as much ownership of the problem that they can handle.
3. Gives them options for solving the problem.
4. Leaves their dignity intact.

For mistakes, mischief, and mayhem that unintentionally or intentionally create serious problems of great consequence, the Three R’s—restitution, resolution, and reconciliation—are incorporated into the four steps of discipline.

R.S.V.P.--Consequences need to be Reasonable, Simple, Valuable, and Practical.

Matt Ziglar Suzanne V. King
COL, LG CYS Services Coordinator
Commanding USAG Stuttgart

Sonja Rodriguez
Principal
Patch Elementary School

Lisa Bell
Principal
Robinson Barracks Elementary School

Tessa Moss-Beaman
Principal
Stuttgart Elementary School

Shawn Knudsen
Principal
Patch Middle School

Rick Renninger
Principal
Stuttgart High School

Note of explanation:
Civilian Misconduct Action Authority = Garrison Commander
Assistant Civilian Misconduct Action Advisor = staff member that serves as action advisor to the Garrison

If your student will be absent or late, please email or call the Attendance Office before 1000. The Attendance Office will begin contacting parents regarding unreported absences at 1000.

• All students being checked in or out MUST come to the Attendance Office first.
• If you will be picking up your student during school hours, please notify the Attendance Office before your arrival and we can have your student waiting for you in the front office. This is important as students may not be in their classroom (student may be eating lunch, at the field during recess, etc) so it may take some time to locate your student.
• Students can sign themselves in upon ARRIVAL regardless of reason for their tardy. However, an authorized contact with proper identification will be needed to DISMISS a student during school hours.
• If your student will be absent for more than 3 consecutive school days for any reason, please have him/her stop by the Attendance Office for a PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCE FORM.

Riding school buses is a PRIVILEGE that may be suspended or revoked if a student does not behave in a safe and proper manner. The time students spend going to and from school is an extension of their school day. School buses are an extension of the school campus. As such, principals are equally as responsible for discipline on school buses as they are on school campuses. Principals may take disciplinary action for school bus misconduct consistent with Attachment 2 or may process them in accordance with procedures available for other school discipline. Nothing in this handbook precludes the principal from exercising appropriate discipline, including suspending the student from school or from school related activities, for misconduct on school buses.

All students are expected to adhere to the bus rider rules outlined below and throughout this Student Transportation Handbook.

Telephone Messages
Because students are not permitted to carry or access their cell phones or other electronic devices during the school day, all messages from parents to students will be conducted through the attendance office. Though it will be challenging to relay last minute messages we will do our best to ensure your student is notified as soon as possible. No messages will be delivered after 1400.
 

Electronic/ multimedia devices (e.g. cell phones, smart phones, tablets, gaming devices)
No electronic device (e.g. headphones, cell phones, handheld gaming devices, iPods, iPads, Kindles and cameras) will be seen, used or heard in the school buildings from 0750-1435 to include lunch. Teachers have discretion over the curricular use of such devices in their classroom but must obtain administrative approval for such items to be used during the school day. These items are to be turned off and put away before entering the building each morning. The school assumes no responsibility for electronic devices brought to school. Students are not permitted to send or receive text messages during the school day. 

• 1st Offense: Warning: Student is instructed to store device appropriately
• 2nd Offense: Device is confiscated and can be retrieved from main office after school.
• 3rd Offense: Device is confiscated, and student is given one (1) day after school detention. Parent must meet with administrator or designee to retrieve the device and discuss progressive consequences

Tools Used to Assist with ADHD
Any tools, gadgets or devices which are meant to assist students with ADD/ADHD deal with fidgeting and concentration concerns need to be approved by administration prior to their use.

Internet Use
Patch MS has a great deal of technology available to students.  Each student will have a computer account that will allow him or her to access the internet, school resources, online databases, virtual libraries, Google Apps, cloud storage, teacher e-mails, links to online textbooks, as well as a connection to up to date assignments and grades.  

Students are encouraged to appropriately use the technology provided by the school.  Inappropriate use or violations of the DoDEA Internet Agreement will results in consequences ranging from individual counseling to termination of all computer privileges as well as other disciplinary consequences.  DoDEA form 6600.01 details the policies and responsibilities of appropriate computer and internet use.

Tardiness

• Students must be seated when the tardy bell sounds or as directed by the teacher.  

• If student receives four (4) unexcused tardies during a quarter the must serve one hour of after school detention. 

• Students who arrive late to school must go to the attendance office to collect a pass.

• Students who arrive late to class (between instructional periods) will be subject to teacher consequences.

Off-Limits Areas
Patch Middle School is a closed campus. Any student found in off-limits areas will be subject to suspension from school. The Sponsor and parent will be called for immediate pick-up, along with Military Command notification to the Sponsor’s Commander. The elementary school, teen-center, food court, Child Development Center, Shoppette, Commissary and all other surrounding facilities, are off-limits to all middle school students during school hours.  Stairwells and any other areas that are not specific to a student’s daily schedule are considered off-limits. If you have any questions about an area, please see an administrator. 

Prohibited Items and Activities

• Students are not permitted to sell items on campus without the express permission of campus administration. 
• Community members, parents, teachers and students are not permitted to post flyers or posters of any kind without the express permission of campus administration.

Students are not allowed to be in possession of the following items while at school or while attending a school function:

• Knives or weapons of any kind (real or replications.) This includes pocket knives of any size, laser pointers and Swiss Army Knives.
• Tobacco products (including vapes, e-cigarettes), Alcohol, drugs or paraphernalia that would promote the use of these items. 
• Aerosol sprays of any type.

Items permitted on a limited basis:

• Skateboards, scooters, and bikes and other wheeled transportation devices are permitted
  • They may not be used on school premises during school hours. 
  •  These items must be safely stored during school hours and the owner retains full responsibility for security of these items.
  • If items are found abandoned in hallways or classrooms they will be confiscated and only returned to the sponsor or guardian of record.

Administration reserves the right to modify the list at their discretion.

Every student is expected to maintain a school binder and planner/agenda to record and organize all their assignments. Parents are encouraged to check the agenda and binder on a regular basis, as they contain standards being taught, expectations, classroom assignments, homework, and hall passes to include use of Advisory time. Planners will be issued by the school.

Advisory meets each B-Day for a total of 80 minutes. Students are to use this time daily to work on class assignments, visit other teachers in the buildings for assistance in making up work, completing assignments, and seeking out help as necessary.  Students must request from their receiving teacher(s) permission prior to attending another Advisory other than the regularly assigned Advisory teacher.  Students are to report first to their assigned Advisory teacher, follow all instructions, and provide the Advisory teacher with their class planner as evidence of prior scheduled appointments with others to include other teachers, nurse, administration, counselor, etc.  

Locker Use
Each student will be assigned a locker. Students are permitted to open their lockers before and after school and during passing periods.  Students are also allowed to access their lockers with permission from their teachers during class. Sharing lockers is a violation of school policy.  

Each student is responsible for maintaining his/her locker. Students are responsible for the locker assigned to them. Responsibility includes: 
•    Keeping their lockers clean and free of debris and graffiti 
•    Reporting needed repairs to the Attendance Office 
•    Preventing and reporting vandalism to a locker 
•    Keeping combinations confidential. 

Planner/Agenda
Every student is expected to maintain a school binder and planner/agenda to record and organize all their assignments.  Parents are encouraged to check the agenda and binder on a regular basis, as they contain standards being taught, expectations, classroom assignments, homework, and hall passes to include use of Advisory time.  Planners will be issued by the school.

School Supplies
Textbooks, workbooks, and other instructional supplies are provided by DoDEA on loan. The proper care and use of these items should be stressed to help students develop and maintain a feeling of personal responsibility for books or supplies furnished for their use. It is recommended that parents replace textbooks and library books that are lost or damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Other supplies such as pens, pencils, rulers, crayons, writing paper, etc., are to be purchased by parents. The student’s teacher and subject requirements will determine the types of specific supplies.

To ensure clarity in communication with parents, the basic guidelines regarding provision of school supplies are listed below.

Parents are expected to provide the following for their children as needed.  The local PX will have a more specific grade level list.

• 1 Headphones or Ear Buds with 3.5mm plug
• Rubber eraser 
• Colored pencils 
• Glue (sticks, bottled) 
• Pocket folders 
• Highlighters 
• Pens and pencils 
• Composition Books
• Crayons/color pencils
• Book bag or backpack 
• Spiral notebooks 
• Plastic supply box 
• Notebook dividers 
• Gym shoes     Notebook - 3-ring binder 
• Paints (watercolor) 
• Colored markers 
• Tissues (1 box, max.) 
• Paper - loose leaf
• Scissors