IMPORTANT DATES:

            September 5                MAGAZINE PRIZE DAY
            September 10              MAGAZINE SALES COLLECTION
            September 11               MAGAZINE PRIZE DAY
            September 17              MAGAZINE SALES COLLECTION
            September 19              MAGAZINE PRIZE DAY
            September 23              “GOTTA EAT NIGHT,” Cheeburger Cheeburger, Burtonsville
            September 24              MAGAZINE SALES COLLECTION
            September 24              SCHOOL PICTURES
            September 25              BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT, 7:00 p.m.
            September 30              ROSH HASHAAH—Schools and offices closed.
            October 2                    INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTS issued.
            October 9                    YOM KIPPUR—Schools and offices closed.
            October 17                  MSTA Convention--Schools closed for students.

Dear Friends and Families of Lime Kiln Middle School,

Thanks to Mrs. Monk and her wonderful Hospitality Committee for the welcome back luncheon for the staff! The Texas BBQ theme was so much fun—we’re loving the bandanas—and the food was delicious!

The email addresses have all been entered into TeacherEase this week. All accounts will be available for viewing as of September 15th. This gives our teachers a week to enter their class lists and grades. Any questions regarding TeacherEase can be addressed to Bob Keddell (rkeddell@hcpss.org). Expectations for parents and teachers will be published in next week’s Leopard’s Tale.

Just a reminder that the drop off and pick up area for students is in the teachers’ parking lot. The circle in front of the school is for our smaller buses. Please do not use the circle before the opening of school or until all of our buses have left after dismissal. Thanks for your cooperation.

The procedures for resolving school issues are as follows:

Speak with the teacher.
Speak with the team leader.
Speak with a school administrator.
Speak with a central office administrator.
Attempt to resolve the issue with the Ombudsman.

These procedures are also found on the school system’s website at:
http://www.hcpss.org/files/brochureresolvingconcerns.pdf

Please support the annual PTA magazine fundraiser! A special thank you to all the parents who come in on collection and prize days! We are also having several homeroom competitions—the 7th grade competition between Ms. Derreth’s and Mr. Shifflett’s homerooms is heating up with Mr. Shifflett winning the first week handily! The 6th grade winning homeroom this week was Mrs. Matthews’ and the 8th grade winner was Ms. Johnson’s homeroom. Keep up the good work!!

Sincerely,
Brenda Thomas

PICTURE DAY INFORMATION…Our school has contracted Lifetouch Photography as our official yearbook photographer. Lifetouch offers a variety of portrait packages and background styles for your selection. Each student will receive a picture day flyer with payment envelope on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd. If your child does not receive this flyer, additional copies will be available in the main office. In the interest of security, check, money order or credit card payment is recommended. Parents preferring to pay with credit card may prepay on-line at payments.Lifetouch.com. Simply follow the on-line instructions. Photographers will not be able to open payment envelopes in order to make change for cash customers. If cash is your preferred method, please include the exact amount in your payment envelope. ALL STUDENTS will be photographed for Yearbook purposed but only those making payment with a completed order form on picture day will receive a portrait package.

Lifetouch Photography can provide additional information regarding picture day directly to parents and guardians by calling 800-445-1189 or local 410-644-7700 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm or via e-mail at UCAnswers@Lifetouch.com

FROM LIFETOUCH PHOTOGRAPHY--VOLUNTEERS FOR PICTURE DAY…Volunteers are needed for picture day! Volunteers will be asked to distribute camera cards, keep lines orderly, assist students with grooming needs and answer questions. We ask that each parent volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours in exchange for a complimentary package “A1” of your child. We estimate that two parent helpers for the morning and two parent helpers in the afternoon would be sufficient to keep students flowing to the camera efficiently. All volunteers need to register with the Lifetouch office prior to picture day.

If you are available to assist on picture day, please call one of the convenient telephone numbers below and let us know that you want to volunteer on picture day. Please call 410-644-7700 or 800-445-1189. We appreciate your partnership in working together for a successful picture day.

HEALTH EDUCATION NEWS…Students do not need to return a permission form to participate in HIV/AIDS or Family Life and Human Sexuality instruction. However, parents must sign and return the appropriate EXCLUSION form if they prefer their student not participate in these areas of instruction. Forms are available in the front office and from Mrs. Abrams. Each current Health student has received a copy of these forms.

The annual Family Life and Human Sexuality Parent Orientation is scheduled for October 2nd from 6:30-7:00 pm. Please come if you would like an overview of the unit objectives or would like to see they types of materials used for instruction. This orientation is for parents only.

Deana Abrams, Health Educator

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER (YDC) NEWS…The Lime Kiln Youth Development Center focuses on service learning and the addressing of the 21 nationally recognized “success factors” for middle school students. The "success factors" include the following.

1. Academic Success                 8. Communication Skills          15. Physical Health
2. Citizenship/Contribution      9. Local Real Connections        16. Respect for Diversity
3. Creativity                             10. Global Connections           17. Sense of Autonomy
4. Decision-Making                    11. Emotional Health               18. Social Ethics
5. Facing Challenges                  12. Family                                19. Taking Initiative
6. Active roles w/adults           13. Leadership Opportunities 20. Vision for the Future
7. Career Awareness                 14. Peer Relationships             21. Technology & Research

     The Lime Kiln Middle School Youth Development Center is preparing this year’s
offerings and seeking student participation as well as parent support. The “Aqua
Havens Green Team” application will be announced and distributed next week to
quickly involve students in this service-learning program…(the fish can’t wait). We
are also working on potential programs in bridge, art, chess, classical theater,
rock climbing, rocketry and other possible offerings to be announced on back to
school night.
     Rocketry is a special activity always accomplished through "creative"
financial support that we would like to offer again, but really need to have a
community sponsor to keep the possible cost of the program at an affordable level.
The YDC is open to all sponsorship suggestions from the community for this program.
     Finally, watch this space for exciting new family Saturday YDC programs.
     Questions? Please email Bob Keddell . . . rkeddell@hcpss.org

School Administrator’s Guide

to Policy Notification

2008-2009

The following are policies that all school principals are directed to inform all students, parents/guardians, and staff at the beginning of each school year, and at other times when deemed appropriate.

Acceptable Use of Computer Technology (Policy 8080)
Alcohol, Other Drugs, Prescription Mediation and Over the Counter Products (Policy 9230)
Attendance (Policy 9010)
Civility (Policy 1000)
Discipline (Policy 9200)
Discrimination (Policy 1010)
Dress Code (Policy 9210)

Grading and Reporting (Policies 8010 and 8020)

Pupil Transportation – Student Conduct (Policy 5210)
Sexual Harassment (Policy 1020)
Student Assault and/or Battery on School Staff (Policy 9270)
Student Representation (Policy 2010)
Student Rights and Responsibilities (Policy 9020)
Tobacco-Free Environment (Policy 1050)
Safe School Environments (Policy 1040)
Weapons (Policy 9250

Acceptable Use of Computer Technology (Policy 8080)
      Computer hardware and software, Internet resources, and all associated files and data are to be used in a responsible, ethical and legal manner. The misuse of the school system’s computer technology is grounds for discipline, ranging from the temporary or permanent termination of user privileges to suspension, expulsion, or termination.
      Students are responsible for their behavior on school computer networks. Students may not reveal personally identifiable information, such as home phone numbers, addresses, or social security numbers.
      Where independent access to the Internet is available, parent permission is required, and both the student and the parent or guardian must sign a Use of Internet Permission Form. By signing this form, the student agrees to provisions of this policy and user guidelines.
      Students will access only those network resources for which they have obtained permission, using the account assigned to them. Students may not access online games or install software on school system equipment without the permission of a faculty member.
      Students may not create, access, download, store, or print files, messages, or images that:

Depict profanity, obscenity, the use of weapons, or violence
Promote use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products
Contain sexually suggestive messages
Are sexually explicit or obscene
Depict gang affiliation
Contain language or symbols that demean an identifiable person or group or otherwise infringe on the rights of others
Cause or are likely to cause a substantial or material disruption to school activities or the orderly operation of the school
Contain rude, disrespectful, or discourteous expressions inconsistent with civil discourse and behavior
Constitute bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, or intimidation in violation of Policy 1040, Safe School Environments.

Violations of this policy by a student may result in disciplinary action under the guidelines of Policy 9200, Discipline and the Student Code of Conduct.

Alcohol Other Drugs, Prescription Medication and Over the Counter Drugs
(Policy 9230)
The possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and other drugs on school premises or at school-related or school-sponsored activities is prohibited. Prescription medication and over-the-counter products require written medication orders
and are to be administered in accordance with school system Health Services procedures. Legal searches and seizures related to this policy may be conducted on school property. Confidentiality is guaranteed for students who seek counseling for drug or alcohol abuse problems.
For a first offense, a student found using or in possession of alcoholic beverages or other drugs will be suspended from school for up to 30 school days and will be suspended from attendance at, participation in, and practice for, all extracurricular and school activities for 30 school days. Exclusion from commencement exercises is only applicable if it occurs during the suspension from school. The student will be referred for mandatory counseling in a licensed addictions program.
A second offense results in a suspension of up to 45 school days and suspension from attendance at, participation in, and practice for all extracurricular activities for the remainder of the current semester and the next consecutive semester. Exclusion from commencement exercises is only applicable if it occurs during the suspension from school. The student will be referred for mandatory counseling in a licensed addictions program.
A third violation results in expulsion.
Possession or use of prescription medication or over-the-counter products in the absence of, or inconsistent with, a written medication order, will result in a suspension of up to 30 school days for a first offence. A school administrator may consider a lesser consequence than suspension under certain circumstances.
A second offence may result in suspension from school for up to 30 school days and from attendance at, participation in, and the practice for, all extracurricular and school-related activities for 30 school days. The student may be referred for mandatory counseling in a licensed addictions program.
      A lesser consequence can be considered based on the consequence for the first offense.
      A third offense, may result in a suspension of up to 45 school days and suspension from attendance at, participation in, and practice for all extracurricular and school-related activities for the remainder of the current semester and the next consecutive semester. The student may be referred for mandatory counseling in a licensed addictions program. Consequences for a third offense are also dependent on the consequences assigned for the first two offenses.
      Students who distribute or intend to distribute alcohol or other drugs on school property will be suspended from school for not less than 45 school days or expelled. If suspended, the student also will be suspended from attendance at, participation in, and practice for all extracurricular and school-related activities for the remainder of the semester and the next consecutive semester. The student will be referred for mandatory counseling in a licensed addictions program.
      A second violation results in expulsion.
      A school administrator may consider a lesser consequence than suspension if the student distributes an over-the-counter product that can be clearly identified. If this condition is not met, the administrator will suspend the student for up to 45 school days.
      A second offense results in a suspension for up to 45 school days and suspension from attendance at, participation in, and practice for all extracurricular and school-related activities for the remainder of the semester and the next consecutive semester. The student will be referred for mandatory counseling in a licensed addictions program.
      Subsequent violations will result in suspension of not less than 45 school days or expulsion. If suspended, the student also will be suspended from attendance at, participation in, and practice for all extracurricular and school-related activities for the remainder of the semester and the next consecutive semester. The student will be referred for mandatory counseling in a licensed addictions program.

Attendance (Policy 9010)
Regular daily attendance is vital to the continuity of classroom instruction and participation in school activities. Therefore, students are required to be in school or to be attending a school activity each day school is in session. In recognition that situations do arise that necessitate absence from school, the Board of Education allows students to be lawfully absent for a death in the family, illness, a court summons, hazardous weather as determined by the Superintendent, work release, religious obligation, declared State emergencies, suspension, or for other emergencies or set of circumstances which in the judgment of the Superintendent or designee constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence.

Civility (Policy 1000)
The Board of Education has set clear expectations for civil behavior that supports a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment on school property and at school-related activities. Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:

Rude, insulting, or demeaning language and/or actions
Persistently unreasonable demands
Intrusive and/or interruptive behavior
Displays of temper
Harassment and intimidation
Threatening and/or abusive gestures and behavior.

Each individual is responsible for behaving in a civil manner and for cooperating in resolving incidents of uncivil behavior.
When resolution is not reached through cooperative agreement either party involved may cite this policy and notify the other person that they are ending the conversation or the interaction and removing themselves from the situation by ending a phone call, walking out of the room, or requesting the other individual leave the room.

Discipline (Policy 9200)
Student behavior is the shared responsibility of the school, the student, and the home. The professional staff at a school has the responsibility for taking appropriate action when a student is involved in a situation that is not conducive to a safe and orderly environment.
Disciplinary consequences should be designed to change inappropriate behavior, encourage responsible actions, and promote the development of self-discipline. The student has the right to be informed of the reasons for disciplinary action. The Board of Education has approved the following forms of discipline:

Alternative Educational Settings are settings within or outside of the home school designed to accommodate the needs of students who have demonstrated, due to disciplinary reasons, an inability or unwillingness to function in a regular setting, or who present a serious physical threat to themselves or others. Alternative educational settings include but are not limited to in-school suspensions, Saturday School, Homewood Center, and evening school.
Behavior Intervention Plan is a proactive strategy designed to address problem behaviors exhibited by a student in the education setting through the use of positive behavior interventions, strategies, and supports.
Detention is the placement of a student in a supervised school setting during the school day, before or after school, and on Saturdays.
Expulsion is the removal of a student from school, either for a specified period of time or permanently, as determined by the Superintendent or designee.
Restricted Access limits the time a student may be present on school property to the academic school day.
Suspension is the denial of a student’s right to attend regular classes and school for a specified period of time for cause.

          This policy applies during school hours as well as at other times and places, including but not limited to, school buses, school-sponsored events, field trips, athletic functions, and any other activity where school administrators have jurisdiction over students. Other procedures may apply when a student is receiving special education services or has a 504 plan.
            Disciplinary action may also be taken for off-campus incidents in accordance with Policy 2980, Students Charged with Community or Reportable Offenses.
            Any student who is suspended from school is precluded from attendance at or participation in extracurricular or school-related activities during the period of the suspension. When a graduating senior is suspended for 10 days or less, and the period of suspension includes the day of commencement, the student may appeal directly to the Superintendent.

Discrimination (Policy 1010)
      The Board of Education is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from discrimination, fosters equitable opportunities, and values diversity and commonality. To that end, the Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation in its educational program, including co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and in the workplace.
      Furthermore, the Board recognizes its responsibility to promote the worth and dignity of all individuals through curriculum, instruction, professional development, and resource selection. Employees and third parties share responsibility for the health, safety, and general welfare of students and for contributing to an environment free from discrimination.
      It is a violation of this policy for any student, employee, or third party to engage in acts of discrimination in schools, school system offices, or at school-related activities. It is a violation of this policy to engage in retaliation with regard to allegations of discrimination. Violations of this policy are cumulative; subsequent offenses may affect the nature and severity of the consequences.

Dress Code (Policy 9210)
Student dress and responsibility are the basic responsibility of students and their parents/ guardians as long as they are consistent with the school system’s responsibility to ensure that school environments are healthy and safe, and conducive to student learning. It is a violation of this policy for any student to wear attire that interferes with the educational mission of the schools, is disruptive to the school environment, or that could endanger the health or safety of that student or others during school hours and school activities. This includes, but is not limited to, attire that:

Unduly exposes or reveals skin or undergarments. This may include: tank tops; halter tops; tops which are strapless, low cut, or expose the midriff; pants worn low or loose that expose skin or undergarments.
Causes or is likely to cause a substantial or material disruption to school activities or the orderly operation of the school. This may include buttons, display bands, armbands, flags, decals or other badges of symbolic expression.
Involves any form of headgear inside the school building during the school day. Specific examples of headgear include hats, visors, scarves, and bandannas, sweatbands and forehead bands. Hats and headgear will be confiscated based on each school’s policy.
Depicts profanity, obscenity, the use of weapons, or violence.
Promotes use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products.
Contains sexually suggestive messages.
Depicts gang affiliation.
Contains language or symbols that demean an identifiable person or group or infringe on the rights of others.
Contains rude, disrespectful, or discourteous expressions inconsistent with civil discourse and behavior.

Alleged violations arising from attire worn for medical reasons or as an expression of a student’s religious practices shall be given special consideration before a final determination is made. Personal appearance is expected to meet health and sanitary standards. Any disciplinary action for a violation of this policy is administered using the Howard County Student Code of Conduct and the Discipline Policy.

Grading and Reporting
(Policies 8010 and 8020)
The Board of Education is committed to ensuring that all students meet or exceed rigorous performance standards. Accordingly, grading and achievement information must be determined in a consistent manner and regularly reported to students and their parents. Grading and promotion within the school system is based on the degree of success the individual student has achieved in the educational program. Decisions regarding promotion, retention and acceleration are made based on a student’s performance and academic progress over the entire school year.
The grading system for kindergarten through Grade 8 includes evaluation, effort, and instructional codes and/or comments. When the performance of any K-8 student is below grade level the teacher, with appropriate participation of parents, will develop strategies and apply appropriate interventions to assist the student.
The decision to retain or accelerate a student is based on a number of factors that may include but are not limited to:

Academic achievement level
Demonstrated progress in response to academic interventions
Age of the student
Previous retention or acceleration
Attendance record
Parental concerns
Developmental, health, and emotional factors
Report card
IEP or 504 Plan

An elementary student who is not performing on grade level in reading and mathematics will automatically be considered for retention.
Middle school students must meet the following requirements or automatically be considered for retention. To pass from one grade to the next, a middle student must pass all courses and receive a final grade of not lower than “C” in English, social studies, reading, mathematics, and science. A student who does not meet this requirement may be recommended to attend summer school. Any student below grade level in reading and/or mathematics at the end of eighth grade will be required to participate in appropriate interventions.
In high school, an 11-letter grading system is used to indicate the achievement of each student in relation to attainment of course objectives. No plus or minus signs are used for official records. The following factors are used in determining level of achievement:

Competence
Assignments and preparation
Participation
Daily classroom work habits

School staff will communicate with students and parents on a regular basis the level of academic performance in the essential curriculum (Grades K-8) or in relation to attainment of course objectives (Grades 9-12) as measured by county, teacher-made and other assessments, and by teacher observations via individual conferences, progress reports, and report cards.
Pupil Transportation – Student Conduct (Policy 5210)
It is the school system’s responsibility to provide safe transportation for students who ride school buses to and from school and on school-related trips. The school bus driver is responsible for ensuring that students behave in a safe and responsible manner and that any behavior that interferes with the safe transportation of students is prohibited.
This policy applies to all students, public and nonpublic, for whom bus transportation is provided by the Howard County Public School System, with the exception of special education students. Behavior problems with special education students are dealt with in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Student infractions of the rules/guidelines regarding student conduct on school buses may lead to the temporary suspension of transportation services.

Safe School Environments
(Policy 1040)
The Board of Education is committed to providing a nurturing, respectful educational and work environment where the worth and dignity of individuals is valued and their safety and rights protected. Behaviors that compromise this commitment, interfere with school operations, or are otherwise contrary to the basic mission of public schools will not be tolerated.

      Threats, profanity, defamation, harassment, intimidation, bullying, physical attacks, gang related activities, and hazing are prohibited on school property, on a school bus, at a school bus stop, or in connection with any school-related activity. These behaviors also constitute a violation of policy when they have a direct effect on the order and general welfare of the school, such as negatively affecting the safety or learning environment of a classroom, even when they do not occur on school property or at a school-related activity.
      Students, employees and third parties engaging in these behaviors are subject to disciplinary and/or legal action. Students who violate this policy may also be subject to appropriate educational interventions and/or counseling.

Sexual Harassment
(Policy 1020)
      The Board of Education of Howard County is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from sexual harassment. To that end, the Board of Education prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its educational program, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and in the workplace, as required by law.
      Employees and third parties share responsibility for the health, safety and general welfare of students; for contributing to a school environment free from sexual harassment; and for maintaining appropriate relationships with students. Employees, students, and third parties may be subject to disciplinary action or consequences for inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature, even when the behavior does not rise to the level of sexual harassment as defined by prevailing federal and state laws.
It is a violation of this policy for any student, employee, or third party to engage in sexual harassment or to engage in retaliation with regard to complaints of sexual harassment.
      Sexual harassment of an individual is the unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with a student's ability to learn, study, work, achieve, or participate in school activities or with an employee’s/third party’s term, condition, or privilege of employment/ relationship with the school system. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: offensive language; visual harassment such as derogatory posters, photography, cartoons, drawings, clothing or gestures; offensive touching; unwelcome sexual advances or sexual contact; spreading rumors about or evaluating someone for their sexual behavior; taunting or ridiculing someone because of perceived or actual sexual orientation; or pressuring someone for sexual activity.
      A student who chooses to file a sexual harassment complaint must do so orally or in writing with a teacher, school counselor, school-based administrator, or the Title IX Coordinator for action in accordance with established procedures. All such reports must be filed with or forwarded to the Equity Assurance Coordinator for investigation.

      A school system employee or third party who chooses to file a sexual harassment complaint must do so with the Title IX Coordinator or with a school-based administrator or supervisor as appropriate. All such reports must be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator for investigation.
      In all phases of complaint resolution, every reasonable effort shall be made to maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of all parties. These efforts may be limited by the school system's legal and regulatory obligation to investigate and address allegations of sexual harassment.
      Upon completion of an investigation of a complaint received by the Title IX Coordinator, the Coordinator will send a prompt, written report of the findings and actions to be taken, if any, within confidentiality guidelines to the appropriate parties.
            Violations of this policy are cumulative; subsequent offenses may affect the nature and severity of the consequences. Use and/or exhaustion of these procedures is not a prerequisite for the filing of complaints with the Office for Civil Rights.

Student Assault and/or Battery on School Staff (Policy 9270)
In order for learning to take place, the school environment must be safe and orderly. Therefore, any physical assault by a student on a school staff member is strictly forbidden. Any student who violates this policy will be suspended from school and subject to transfer. Any student involved in a second assault on school staff will be expelled.

Student Representation
(Policy 2010)
The Board of Education recognizes the value of contributions of students in the regular meetings of the Board and encourages this participation by establishing the position of Student Member to the Board of Education of Howard County and by establishing the position of student representative in each high school. The Student Member is elected by a plurality of student voters in Grades 6 through 11 countywide and serves a one-year term beginning with the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board in June. Student representatives are elected in their high schools and serve a one-year term.

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities (Policy 9020)
The responsibilities and rights of all citizens are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, the due process amendment of the U.S. Constitution and federal and state laws. The rights of the individual are preserved only through the protection and preservation of the rights of others. Students have a responsibility for their own learning, for their personal conduct, and for the manner in which they exercise their rights. Students must accept the consequences of their actions. Students have the responsibility to participate in the educational program offered by their schools and, in doing so, are bound by the policies of the Howard County Public School System.
Students have specific responsibilities and rights related to school attendance, student expression, disciplinary action, due process, search and seizure, student records, student activities, use of school facilities, and non-discriminatory practices.

Tobacco-free Environment (Policy 1050)
The use or possession of any tobacco product or cigarette rolling papers by students is prohibited in school buildings and on school grounds.
Elementary students found to be in violation of this policy will be disciplined in accordance with the discipline policy. Middle and high school students found in violation of the policy will, upon first offense, be assigned to Saturday School for the purpose of attending a tobacco management class. Failure of the student to attend the tobacco management class will result in a 5-day suspension. For a second offense, a student will be suspended for a period of up to 10 days and will be required to complete a tobacco management program. A third offense results in a suspension of up to 30 days and requires completion of a tobacco management program. Any further violations may result in expulsion.

Weapons (Policy 9250)
The presence of weapons on school property poses a serious threat to the safety and well being of students and staff. It is unlawful for any person to carry or possess any rifle, gun, knife, or deadly weapon of any kind on any public school property in the state of Maryland. A weapons, as defined by school system policy, includes: any gun, dirk knives, bowie knives, switchblade knives, star knives, buck knives, hunting knives, throwing stars, razors, metal knuckles, nunchakus, explosive devices, or any other object or implement intended to cause harm to another or used in such a way as to cause harm to another. Any student found in possession of a weapon on school property will be suspended and the police notified. Possession of a gun, or any implement possessed under a circumstance that would reasonably lead a person to believe it was a gun, will result in expulsion.

Copies of entire policies and supporting procedures are available on the Howard County Public School System website at www.hcpss.org.

Howard County Public School System

Making the Grade

Middle School Promotion Standar

The first goal of the Howard County Public School System
is to ensure each student meets or exceeds rigorous
performance and achievement standards.

To ensure students are prepared for the academic rigors of high school and the Maryland High School Assessments, the Board of Education of Howard County has established the following policy regarding promotion at the middle school level:

“Decisions regarding promotion, retention and acceleration shall be based on a student’s performance and academic progress over the entire school year.”

“When the performance of any middle school student is below grade/curriculum expectations, the teacher and/or grade-level team will, with the knowledge and appropriate participation of parents, develop strategies to improve the student’s achievement.”

Middle school students must meet the following requirements or be considered for retention:

Pass all courses.
Receive a final grade of not lower than “C” in English, social studies, reading, math and science.

Any student who is below grade level in reading and/or mathematics at the end of 8th grade will be required to enroll in a designated reading and/or mathematics intervention course in 9th grade.

Students with Individualized Education Programs

Retention of a diploma-bound special education student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be considered by the IEP team.
The provisions of this policy do not apply to a certificate-bound special education student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

From the PTA:

The PTA is in search of 6th grade parents who are interested in organizing an icebreaker activity as an after school program. Last year's 6th grade parents put together activities to help students get to know one another. This is a program that will need to be started very soon. Sherri Tatum chaired this committee and did an excellent job. She wrote a work plan and is willing to share what was done last year with those who are willing to take it on. If this sounds like something you and/or others can do, please contact Sherri at statum1@verizon.net or (301) 854-1582. Jeanne Lineberry, PTA President

Direct Donations - Direct Donation Letters and Envelopes came home the first day of school and can be sent in with your child to their homeroom teacher. The PTA provides many valuable services for you and your children at Lime Kiln Middle School. To be able to provide these services, the PTA raises money throughout the school year with several different fundraisers. One alternative the PTA offers those families who do not wish to participate in fundraisers or do not have the time to sell is direct donation. The PTA estimates that it spends $60.00 a year for each child on items such as helping to purchase TeacherEase, the grading program so many parents and students rely on, as well as over $10,000 worth of PTA cultural arts events such as drug and smoking awareness. Your donation is completely tax deductible and you will receive a receipt acknowledging your gift. Donations of any size are welcome, and every dollar will be used to support our students and teachers. If you have any questions, please contact Leanne Glueck, lglueck@earthlink.net, 301-604-7150

LKMS PTA Membership Needs You!

Show the strength of our numbers. Demonstrate our partnership in Education.

Sign-up to be a LKMS PTA member NOW.

Envelopes are available in the Front Office

Box Top$ for Education – Support Lime Kiln Middle School by clipping those box tops and dropping them in the box in the entry way near the office. Each box top is worth 10 cents so start clipping!!!!!

EASY MONEY – “Gotta Eat” ‘Fridge Note

Come out and support your Lime Kiln PTA at this year’s “Gotta Eat” nights!

Cheeburger Cheeburger (15755 Columbia Pike-Burtonsville-301/476-9274): Tuesday, September 23rd from 5pm-9pm (15% of all sales will be donated to the Lime Kiln Middle School PTA when the attached flier is presented at check-out. Offer is good for both eat in or take-out orders.)

Kloby’s Smokehouse (7500 Montpelier Road-Laurel-301/362-1510): Tuesday, October 21st from 4pm-8pm (10% of all sales will be donated to the Lime Kiln PTA)

Thank you!! - We would also like to thank all of the volunteers who have signed up to help on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Drive, including our coordinators, Sharon Dass and Maureen Bentz. We are still in need of a co-chair for this committee to work along with Kelly Cidre, the current chairperson. Kelly is available to train the co-chair step-by-step on how to run a successful Magazine Drive, which is essentially over by October. If you are interested in co-chairing this committee, please contact Sherri Tatum at statum1@verizon.net. We Need You!

Download printable flyer...Click here

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

RHS Boosters to host 6th Annual Homecoming
Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Reservoir High School Boosters will host its 6th Annual Homecoming
Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the school’s extra-curricular groups and athletic
Teams on Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 6:00 – 8:00pm in the Reservoir
School Cafeteria.

The price is $5.00 a plate in advance and $6.00 a plate at the door. Children
Under 5 are free. (No tickets will be issued; a reservation list at the door.) The
Eat-in price includes: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, Bread, Drinks & Dessert and
an evening of socializing with the Reservoir Community.

For reservation requests or questions, please contact Brenda Hoe at 301.943.0925
or email kaainoa2@juno.com or Ginny Stone at 301.776.4906 or email dngstone@gmail.com