Rocky Mountain Middle School Handbook

Rocky Mountain Middle School

3443 N. Ammon Road
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401

Main School Phone: (208) 525-4403
Fax: (208) 525-4469

Mr. Jared Dotson, Principal
Mr. Mike Strobal, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Elisabeth Billman, Head School Secretary
Mrs. Clarissa Mecham, School Secretary
Ms. Amanda Corbett, Attendance Secretary
Mrs. Tress Hunsaker, Bookkeeper

Ms. Nikie Bone, Counselor
Mrs. Ilene Ricks, Counselor

You Need to Have a Plan!

This course description handbook will be helpful in understanding the required courses for 7th and 8th grade at Rocky Mountain Middle School and the expectations for success as a student. In this booklet, you will find information about courses, and student expectations and how to progress to high school.

Our school…

• Ensures high levels of learning for all students,
• Establishes a safe environment,
• Encourages positivity and growth, and
• Empowers students to be life-long learners.

Please note: This handbook is not meant to be a contract between the district and students. It may be amended at any time. It is a place to describe the content of courses that may be offered, as well as explain certain information and policies at Rocky Mountain Middle School.

Schoolwide Expectations for All Students

At Rocky Mountain Middle School, WE ARE STINGER STRONG! 
What does it mean to be “Stinger Strong?” 
I am a SAFE, RESPONSIBLE, and RESPECTFUL learner every day!

At Rocky Mountain Middle School, we utilize positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) to assist students and educators. It is the only approach to addressing behavior that is specifically mentioned in IDEA law and is implemented in all 50 states.

KEY FEATURES OF PBIS:

PBIS is an evidence-based framework developed to assist school teams in providing preventative, positive behavioral support for ALL students. This system of support includes:

• Clearly defined behavioral expectations
• Social and behavioral skills instruction
• Positive and proactive discipline
• Active supervision and monitoring
• Positive acknowledgment
• Data-based decision making

OUTCOMES OF PBIS:

• Increased Academic Performance
• Increased School Safety
• Decreased Problem Behavior
• Decreased Bullying Behavior
• Established Positive School Cultures

As a part of what we are doing with PBIS, we have school-wide expectations for every area of our school that are required of all students. These expectations are aligned with the Code of Student Conduct outlined by Bonneville School District #93. Students and parents should be familiar with the Code of Student Conduct for all expectations. Rocky Mountain's school-wide expectations are listed below.

• Safe: 
  • Keep yourself to yourself and think before you act. If you are about to do something that will hurt someone physically or emotionally, don’t do it.
• Responsible: 
  • Be ready, prepared, and on-time to learn. Do your best and learn from your mistakes.
• Respectful: 
  • Respect fellow students and all adults, respect others’ property, and have a good attitude.

Important Middle School Policies

The Middle School Task Force was created in May 2007 to examine middle school issues in relation to the Idaho High School Redesign efforts. The goals of the task force were to ensure all students are prepared to be successful in high school through increased academic achievement, a relevant and rigorous curriculum, and student accountability. Through the work of this committee, the 2010 Idaho State Legislature established state laws that require each district to implement a credit system beginning no later than 7th grade. In order to be in compliance with state law, the Bonneville School Board adopted the following policy on March 10, 2010:

MIDDLE SCHOOL CREDIT POLICY

Moving ahead to the next grade level and/or high school is not automatic and must be earned through successful completion of the District’s middle school program. Therefore, middle school students shall be required to demonstrate competence in all subject areas prior to transitioning to the next grade and/or high school. Regular attendance is also required. Any student not meeting competency and/or attendance standards will be required to follow an improvement plan and/or strategic interventions designed to prepare him/her for success at the next level of study.

GUIDELINES

1. Seventh (7th) and eighth (8th) grade students are required to meet the following by the end of the school year.
   1. Attain 80% of the total credits attempted.
   2. Earn a passing grade for at least two (2) grading periods in each of the classes attempted.
   3. Have no more than twelve (12) absences per grading period.
2. Middle school staff will determine and implement appropriate interventions designed to assist students’ academic achievement.

*Students using an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may establish alternate requirements or accommodations in accordance with the Disabilities Education Improvement Act and be eligible for promotion to the next grade level.

*Limited English Proficient (LEP) students may have alternate requirements or accommodations to credit requirements as deemed necessary for the student to become eligible for promotion to the next grade level.

Middle School Education Plan

The table below will help parents and students have a plan for middle school and beyond. Students should use these tables to create a schedule that is meaningful for their future and assure completion of required classes. Advisory is a 10-minute class at the beginning of each Monday. It is scheduled for all students. Activities for Advisory include: working with students on goal-setting, character development, career development, school announcements, silent sustained reading and assemblies.

Advanced Opportunities

The Idaho State Department of Education offers Advanced Opportunities programs to help high school students get a jump on college.  Advanced Opportunities provide state aid for students to accelerate through their K-12 education and provide support to earn college credit in high school. There are two parts to the program: 1) FAST FORWARD Program and 2) Early Graduation Scholarship.

Idaho’s Advanced Opportunities Program now allocates $4,125 to every student in grades 7-12 who attends an Idaho public school. The goal is to help students get a jumpstart on college. So, how can students use their $4,125? The money can be used to pay for dual credit classes, which allow students to earn college credit while they’re still in high school. They can also pay for overload classes, AP exams, professional certifications, and more.

GETTING STARTED

Students interested in pursuing Advanced Opportunities may be overwhelmed with the application process and college-level terminology. Here are some helpful tips for success:

• Meet with the school counselor/college and career advisor
  The school district will have Advanced Opportunities available locally. By meeting with a counselor, students can learn more about individual career development and academic planning.
• Develop a learning plan
  Having a plan sketched out is critical to effectively taking advantage of Advanced Opportunities. A learning plan should include high school courses needed for graduation and could include courses such as dual credit, workforce training, or other advanced coursework. This should be a fluid document because long-term goals are likely to change. Thoughtful and intentional planning will help ensure that the credits earned will apply toward the certificate or degree intended.
• Contact Colleges/Universities
  Idaho colleges have personnel available to assist you in planning for the transition between high school and college. Reach out to the dual credit offices across the state to learn about the options available for high school students. Do not feel limited to just local colleges, as many colleges/universities have both online and satellite campuses.
• Create an Advanced Opportunities account
  By creating an account, a student will be able to track where funds are, request payment for courses and exams, and view the status of payments. Accounts must be activated by their school before funds are allocated. Students should check with their local school district to learn more about the local application process for Advanced Opportunities funding.
• Scheduling changes are contigent on availability. We can not guarantee that a student gets the classes they request. The counselors work through requests as quickly able.