Kanopolis Middle School is a student-centered school distinctly different from other settings because Middle School provides a bridge between elementary school and high school. A balance between academic goals and human needs is stressed for this critical period of adolescent development.
Kanopolis Middle School believes all students will learn teamwork, cooperation, character development, individual responsibility, individual differences and respect for themselves and others. Students, parents, teachers, counselor and administrators share in the responsibility of making sure the students receive the best possible learning experiences and education. Programs offered at KMS provide a strong, basic foundation in academics, plus opportunities to discover areas of interest through unique educational and social experiences. This shared responsibility enables every student to develop and grow to individual maximum potential during the middle level education years.
Students are not excused if they are absent from school all or a significant part of the day without a valid excuse acceptable to the school employee designated by the Board of Education to have responsibility for the school attendance of the student. A significant part of a school day will be interpreted to mean one scheduled period. Excessive tardiness will be considered as a significant part of the school day.
When a student is absent from school, the parent or guardian should notify the school office by 8:30 A.M. the day of the absence. If the office has not been notified, the school will attempt to contact the parent. Upon returning to school, the student must report to the school secretary and present a written excuse from the parent stating the reason for the absence.
When a student has unexcused absences for three consecutive days or five or more days per semester, the student will be considered truant. After the fourth unexcused or the second consecutive unexcused absence, the principal will schedule a hearing with the student and parent. A truant shall be reported to the administrative judge of the local judicial district.
One of the most significant life skills to be learned by students is the ability to accept the responsibility for one's actions. Promoting learning and responsibility for one's behavior is part of effective teaching. Consistency and fairness are essential elements of an effective behavioral program. Students must learn that they, and they alone, have control over their decisions are ultimately accountable for their behavior.
All teachers at KMS will establish guidelines for their classrooms. The teachers will discuss the guidelines with the students to ensure that they are fully understood. It is essential to understand that classroom guidelines will be different for each teacher. Guidelines will be established according to each teacher's goals, objectives and teaching styles.
General Behavior Expectations
Behavior Consequences
Consequences will be invoked for behavior contrary to the listed expectations in any class, school area or school activity or incidents which may have effects on school discipline or on the school general welfare. Penalties which may be invoked are as follows. These actions are necessary to ensure the safety and well being for all students and to encourage non-violent methods to resolve conflict.
Suspension or Expulsion K.S.A. 72-8901
Harassment
Any unwelcome gestures or comments between student and student, staff and student, or student and staff, which are offensive or cause discomfort, should be reported to the principal.
It is expected that students of KMS will use good judgment concerning personal appearance. Abbreviated shorts, halters and other brief or revealing attire, sagging, clothes with inappropriate messages, signs or emblems are not acceptable. No hats will be worn in any school buildings. School staff will require a student whose dress or appearance is considered improper to change to different attire.