Spangdahlem 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.

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. 

The sponsor or guardian must sign their student in or out through the main office if they are arriving late (after the 0800 bell) or leaving school early.

All students who are to be dismissed earlier than the regular dismissal time are required to sign-out with a parent/sponsor in the front office. Only the school nurse or administrator has the authority to send sick students home. Parents are contacted to pick up the student. Failure to follow the above rule will result in an unexcused absence.

Bullying in any form is a social injustice and will not be tolerated at SPANGDAHLEM Middle School.

Bullying is the deliberate mistreatment of one child or a group of children by another, either emotionally or physically. We believe that bullying others is wrong because:

• it hurts feelings
• it can hurt physically
• it can make people feel worthless, powerless, and unsafe
• it inhibits learning

Please help us to stamp out bullying by refusing to be involved in any bullying situations. If you are aware of bullying going on, please have the courage to speak out, report the incident to an adult, or complete an “Incident Report” in the main office where an administrator can assist you. Administration will promptly investigate and respond to incidents or complaints involving students made by students, parents, teachers, or DoDEA staff members. Complaints may include, but are not limited to, incidents of discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, bullying (including cyber-bullying on social media platforms, or retaliation. Administration will ensure that no retaliation is taken against a student for raising concerns, reporting claims, or filing complaints alleging discrimination or harassment (including sexual harassment, intimidation, hazing, or bullying (including cyber-bullying) based on race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religions, age, sexual orientation, or status as a parent or for testifying, assisting or participating in any matter in an investigation or other proceeding raising such claims. A student who is found by the Administration to have made an intentional false claim, complaint etc. may be disciplined in accordance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

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. Riding school buses is a privilege, not a right, which may be suspended or revoked if a student does not behave in a safe and proper manner in accordance with DoDEA behavior expectations. The standards are there to help ensure the safety of all children while riding the bus and strict compliance is expected at all times.

1. For safety purposes, parents/sponsors should:
   1. Ensure students are at their bus stop a minimum of 5 minutes prior to bus departure time and that students always carry their bus pass with them when they ride the bus. Students must be registered with the bus transportation office to ride a school bus. Students are only authorized to ride the bus for which they are registered for, unless prior coordination and approval has been received from the bus transportation office.
   2. Be aware that German Law does not require traffic to stop for school buses during loading/unloading. Students should exit the bus and wait on the sidewalk where the driver can see them. After the bus has departed, the student should proceed to the nearest pedestrian crossing, or if no crossing is available, cross the street only after ensuring it is safe to cross. Younger students should be taught and reminded regularly about proper road crossing procedures.
   3. Develop alternate home/family plans in case school is dismissed early because of inclement weather, etc.  


2. Proper conduct of children is the responsibility of parents/sponsors.
   1. Parent/Sponsor responsibility for proper student conduct includes student’s en-route to/from the bus stop, at the bus stop, on the school bus, and at school.
   2. Students reported for misconduct/safety violations on or around a school bus, may have corrective action taken, to include loss of riding privileges and notification being sent to the parent/sponsor’s commander. Additionally, parent/sponsors are liable for damages caused by their student(s).
   3. Teach and expect proper and appropriate student conduct.

If a student is written up by the bus driver, appropriate disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the principal or designee.

Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature from students or adults (of the same gender or not) that is sufficiently serious that it prevents or limits one’s ability to learn, study, work, or participate in or benefit from DoDEA school programs and activities, both on and off school premises, such as interfering with a student’s schoolwork, making a student feel uncomfortable or unsafe at school, or substantially interfering with one’s physical or psychological well-being. Sexual harassment is, but is not limited to: verbally offensive comments; language; jokes; whistles; terms (sweet thing, babe, etc.); leering; gestures; sexually oriented posters, notes, or pictures; pornography of any kind; physical touching, patting, rubbing, cornering, or bumping.

Student Procedures:

1. Report incident to teacher, counselor, or other staff member.
2. Student will fill out an Incident Report, which will be forwarded to the Administration.

ADULT-TO-STUDENT SEXUAL ABUSE, SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, AND OTHER INAPPOPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR OR CONDUCT:

All DoDEA employees and volunteers hold positions of trust and are responsible for establishing and maintaining professional distance with students. Adult-to-student sexual abuse, sexual harassment, or other inappropriate behavior or conduct demonstrate a lack of professional integrity and a breach of authoritative power of adults who are in positions of trust, and such are unacceptable and shall not be tolerated in DoDEA. Incidents of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, or other inappropriate behavior or conduct shall be reported promptly in accordance with DoDEA requirements.

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT:

DoDEA remains firmly committed to providing all students with a safe, supportive, and non-discriminatory learning environment. Every child is entitled to feel safe in school and while participating in school-related activities. DoDEA has a responsibility to address all complaints of sexual harassment, which includes addressing its effects and taking steps to prevent further/future behavior. Sexual harassment by or against students will not be tolerated in DoDEA schools.

Such misconduct can consist of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples of behavior that may constitute sexual harassment include:

• Commenting or teasing someone about their sexuality, body parts, or sexual development.
• Texting, IM’ing, e-mailing, or otherwise sharing sexually graphic material, both written and visual.
• Pulling down someone’s pants or shorts, flipping skirts, pulling at or lifting up shirts, snapping bras, kicking in the groin.
• Unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature from an unwanted pat, hug, or kiss, to groping or grabbing of another person’s private body parts and, in extreme cases, sexual assault or rape.

You are encouraged to visit the DoDEA Sexual Harassment and Awareness Prevention webpage at: www.dodea.edu/sexualharassment to learn more about sexual harassment, what to do if you feel you have been sexually harassed, and to obtain point-of-contact information for regional Equal Employment Opportunity Programs (EEOP) Complaints Managers. Unresolved matters concerning sexual harassment, or any other inappropriate sexual behavior, may be reported through the chain of command. The DoDEA chain of command is located at: https://www.dodea.edu/aboutDoDEA/command.cfm .

Students at SPANGDAHLEM Middle School are expected to demonstrate academic honesty at all times. Plagiarism and/or cheating will not be tolerated. Students are responsible for neither giving nor receiving assistance (written, oral, or otherwise) on tests, examinations, final evaluations or class assignments that are to be graded as the work of an individual. This means that students do their own work and do not copy work from other sources such as classmates, books, or online sources. Any suspicion or evidence of forging, cheating, or plagiarizing the work of others will be investigated. In compliance with DoDEA guidelines, any student who is in violation will receive no credit, an appropriate consequence for the particular assignment, and a letter will be sent home to be signed by the parents and returned to the teacher. A copy of the letter will be filed in the student’s discipline folder for the period of the school year.

The Spangdahlem Middle School Education program is organized on the basic assumption that all students will attend school/class regularly and punctually. Adherence to the school attendance policy is the responsibility of the parents and students. Parents will be consistently and periodically informed of student absences in order for them to exercise parental control and responsibility. The purpose of this action is to establish patterns of good attendance and to assure that educational programs have an opportunity to be successful. No unauthorized absence will be taken lightly. If a student is going to be absent, a parent/sponsor is required to notify the school by 8:00 am on the day of the absence.

The sponsor or guardian must sign their student in or out through the main office if they are arriving late (after the 0800 bell) or leaving school early.

All students who are to be dismissed earlier than the regular dismissal time are required to sign-out with a parent/sponsor in the front office. Only the school nurse or administrator has the authority to send sick students home. Parents are contacted to pick up the student. Failure to follow the above rule will result in an unexcused absence.

Parents and other responsible adults are always welcome at school. If you know in advance that you will be visiting your child's classroom, we encourage you to notify your child's teacher ahead of time so they are prepared for your visit. We do not allow students to bring friends or other non-registered students to school due to liability and space restrictions. In addition, parents may not bring younger siblings, other children, or babies with them when they visit or volunteer in a classroom. This can be a serious distraction from the learning environment for all students.
Visitor Badges

DoDEA policy mandates use of visitor badges and positive identification of all visitors and contractors. In compliance with this policy, upon arrival, ALL visitors are required to come to the school office, sign in, show identification, and receive a visitor's badge. All visitors MUST sign out and return the visitor's badge upon leaving the building.

Students are expected to dress in a manner that complies with the school’s dress code policy as directed in DoDEA Administrative Instruction 2051.02, “Students Rights and Responsibilities,” April 17, 2012.
SpMS has drafted a new, gender-neutral, gender-respective dress code that supports student creativity and expression while maintaining a professional, academic environment. In general, neatness, decency, cleanliness and safety constitute the guidelines that all students are expected to follow in dress and grooming. Students dress and appearance that interferes with normal classroom instruction will not be permitted. See diagram for Standard dress requirements:
 

In Addition:

• All students will wear shoes (appropriate for educational activities, i.e., athletic shoes for PE, protective shoes for science labs) Flip flips, thong shoes, and shoe without a back strap are prohibited for student safety throughout the school day. For sanitary and safety reasons, shoes must be worn at all times.
• Garments with foul, provocative, racially inflammatory, sexist or tasteless words and pictures will not be permitted. Nor will any apparel with advertisements for tobacco, alcohol or drugs be permitted.
• Hats or any other headgear are not to be worn by members of either sex in the classrooms.
• No pajama bottoms or slippers should be worn to school. (Except for Spirt Days)
• Transparent clothing is not considered adequate cover.
• No student shall present himself or herself to the school in a manner that is plainly offensive or likely to cause disruption. The school, in its discretion, shall prohibit any cosmetics, jewelry (such as fighting rings or chains or similar attachments), and clothing which it deems to have a substantial and disruptive or dangerous effect on the school atmosphere. Clothing items with gang affiliation or intention to cause provocation will not be tolerated.
• Costumes may not be worn at school except on approved occasions.

The school administration reserves the right to decide what clothing is appropriate. Exemptions to dress code may be requested by a parent for religious or philosophical belief, disability, medical reason, or due to financial hardship.

Electronic devices may be used before and after school on campus. During school hours electronic devices will not be used, this includes hallways, cafeteria, restrooms, lunch/recess, and some classrooms. Use of electronics during classroom instruction is at the individual teacher’s discretion. Improper use and violation of this policy will result in a Behavior Notification with a consequence.

Please call the main office at DSN 452-7205 or CIVILIAN PHONE: 06565-617205, if you need to notify your child with an emergency message.

Students, regardless of age, are responsible for conducting themselves in a safe manner that does not disrupt the educational opportunities of others or disturb the orderly operation of the school.

The Spangdahlem Middle School faculty believes that students can learn and can be taught to manage their own behavior. With that belief, the faculty has established three general rules of conduct guiding the behavior of students:

1. Students will respect the rights and property of themselves and others;
2. Students will behave in such a manner as to create a positive learning environment;
3. Students will respect the health and safety of others.

Consult the Student Handbook for behaviors that will result in consequences.

Homework is an integral part of school and must be carefully prepared. A daily homework preparation period of approximately one to two hours is considered appropriate and is likely to be the overall average. However, the amount of homework students need to do will depend on the difficulty of their academic program and their capabilities. Agendas are provided for students to record their homework assignments daily.

We use video surveillance equipment at the entrances and on school grounds.

There are times when weather situations could result in school being closed. Parents/Guardians will be notified with our Emergency Notification System---AtHoc. Please verify your correct phone numbers and emails with the main office.

Please contact AAFES at SMPCustSvc@aafes.com

Spangdahlem-Benelux SMP Manager: JaminL@aafes.com

Obtain a 10 digit DoDEA student ID# for all children from the school registrar

This is one of the many ways for parents/guardians may become actively involved in their child’s education. The School Advisory Committee is comprised of Parents, School Liaison, Command Representative, and Faculty and staff to voice concerns which may impact the school and the community environment.

Meeting Dates- Please refer to the Spangdahlem AB School Liaison and/or SPMS Facebook page

Please call the school at DSN 452-7205 or CIVILIAN PHONE: 06565-617205

• Classroom Teacher
• Attendance/Registrar Ms Trixy Hicks
• Counseling/Scheduling Mr. Michael Murphy

Administrative

• Ms Regina Florence, Principal
• Community Superintendent Ms Melissa Hayes +32 2717 9925
• Superintendent Mr. Kent Worford +32 2717 9925

If you have a concern with academics/behavior in the classroom, we ask that you follow the chain of command when possible. Meet with the classroom teacher or arrange a phone conference. Parent/Teacher Conferences may be set up via email or contact the office.
Firstname.lastname@dodea.edu

Principal’s Honor Roll---All As
A and B Honor Roll (No C’s or below)

Bulldog’s Best

In addition to earning a place on the Honor Roll, you have been selected as Bulldog’s Best! With this award, it is evident that you lead the rest in all that you say and do. As a student, you accept responsibility for your work and your behavior indicating the importance of education. Self respect and respectful attitudes and behaviors toward others assist to make you a good role model in the school environment. Your helpfulness to your teachers and peers makes each day run a little smoother. We all recognize that you can be counted on to be trustworthy and fair when interacting with your classmates and school personnel.

Citizenship

A good citizen is an individual who upholds the rights and responsibilities of society. You are being honored for citizenship because: you are kind and considerate; you follow the school rules and the guidelines set by your teachers; and you behave with integrity. By doing these things you set an example for other students to follow and you serve as a positive role model.

Core Classes Awards Criteria

Science Academic Excellence Awards will be given to students that have earned at least 95% or above within awarded grading period. The individual teacher may set a higher standard based upon the individual curriculum standards and expectations.

• Science Teachers may also present students with a MOST IMPROVED and/or BEST EFFORT award, but these will be limited to two per grade within each awarded grading period. These two awards will be based upon student’s individual capabilities, attempts, and the discretion of the teacher.

Social Studies Academic Excellence Awards will be given to students that have earned at least 95% or above within awarded grading period. The individual teacher may set a higher standard based upon the individual curriculum standards and expectations.

• Social Studies Teachers may also present students with a MOST IMPROVED and/or BEST EFFORT award, but these will be limited to two per grade within each awarded grading period. These two awards will be based upon student’s individual capabilities, attempts, and the discretion of the teacher.

English/Language Arts Department teachers may award certificates to students demonstrating academic excellence (as many as five to six). The individual teacher may set a higher standard based upon performance and classroom expectations.

• English Language Arts teachers may also present a Most Improved and/or Best Effort award (as many as five to six). These awards, if presented, will be based upon the individual student’s performance and at the sole discretion of the awarding teacher.

Math Academic Excellence Awards will be given to students that have earned at least a 90% per semester for math 6th /7th/8th/Algebra.

Special Education Excellence Awards in Reading or Math or Learning Strategies will be given to students who earn an A or show significant improvement.

Elective Classes Awards Criteria

• BAND Achievement Awards for students scoring 97% or higher on Semester grades; Awards for Best Effort, Most Improved and Special Acts will be given at the discretion of the instructor
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION Fitness grams are given to students that meet performance goals provided by Fitness gram.
• HEALTH Excellence in Health Education is given for 95% or above.
• ART Excellence Awards are given to students that have earned a 96% or higher for the award period.

AVID Academic Excellence Awards will be given to students that have earned at least 90% or above within awarded grading period. The individual teacher may set a higher standard based upon the individual curriculum standards and expectations.

8th grade Awards’ Ceremony

President's Award for Educational Achievement - recognizes students who show outstanding education growth, improvement, commitment or intellectual development in their academic subject cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher which is includes the GPA for the 1st -3rd quarters of the current school year.

In order to finalize EOY Awards, grades will be reviewed the week prior to the 8th grade Awards ceremony to determine eligibility for Principal’s, and A/B Honor Roll.

When parents have questions or concerns, they should call the school office who will then give a message to the teacher. The parent may also contact the teacher via e-mail. The parent and teacher should create a plan that addresses the needs of the student to make the student more successful. If that plan fails it is appropriate to solicit the help of the grade level guidance counselor as well to mediate the situation. If the issue involves any other staff member, parents are asked to discuss this directly with that person, and then contact one of our counselors before referring it to an administrator. If the concern is still not resolved, parents should then ask for the assistance of a school administrator who will try to help them. Any problems, which cannot be resolved by discussing them with the teachers or administrators, may be referred.

MEMORANDOM FOR Guardians of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) School Bus Riders

SUBJECT: Use of Video Surveillance on DoDEA Spangdahlem School Buses

1. To promote the welfare and safety of all school bus riders, DoDEA’s Spangdahlem student transportation contractor, Faber Bus & Taxi, will implement the use of a passive onboard video surveillance system on select buses commencing on Wednesday, 9 March 2022.
2. Faber Bus & Taxi shall comply with all Federal and Host Nation surveillance regulations and laws in its video monitoring operations.

Please feel free to see attached Memorandum