IMS Supplemental Guidelines

Academic Probation

The following information applies to all students interested in participating in sports, drama, or musical clubs at IMS:

In order to maintain eligibility during the current trimester, a student must maintain passing grades in all classes. Grades will be checked 10 days into the beginning of each season or activity. If a student receives any failing grades, regardless of the grade point average, the student is placed on academic probation for a 10 day probation period. During this time, the student is allowed to attend and participate in practices and games. If the student is still receiving a failing grade(s) at the end of the first probationary period, they will be placed on a second probationary period in which they may participate in practices, not in games. If the student still has a failing grade(s) by the end of the second probationary period, they will not be able to participate for the duration of the season.

After-School Help

If a student is struggling to understand material in a course or not performing at their desired academic level, that student is encouraged to take part in after-school help. IMS offers several after-school help programs that take place nearly daily throughout the school year. See the IMS website for current programs. IMS is grateful for the support of the Issaquah Schools Foundation which sponsors several of these programs. 

Assemblies

Each assembly at IMS has an important and special purpose. Whether the purpose is to recognize a national holiday or celebrate an event in the life of our school, all assemblies require student attention and orderly, respectful behavior. As in all things, our expectations for students are to be safe, respectful, and responsible. Specific assembly expectations will be reviewed prior to each assembly.

Associated Student Body (ASB)

ASB, the student government at IMS, plans and coordinates group activities for the entire school: assemblies, activity days, school parties, community service projects, and spirit events. Each spring current students have the opportunity to run for elected office at IMS or Issaquah High School (8^th grade). Incoming 5^th grade students may also apply for a pool from which two incoming students will be randomly selected to represent their peers during 6^th grade. All students may take ASB/Leadership as an elective.

ASB Card

The ASB Card is required for students to participate in school clubs or athletics. The card fee supports activity days, assemblies, speakers, school parties, after school clubs, transportation for athletic competitions, student recognition, sports equipment, officials, supervision and many other activities. ASB cards are available for purchase. If students need financial assistance in purchasing an ASB card, please reach out to the IMS bookkeeper for an application. 

ASB Activities Outside of the School Day

ASB activities are fun and memorable experiences to connect with peers and teachers outside of the classroom. In order to maintain a safe environment for all students during these activities, students must arrive for activities on time and may only leave the event at its conclusion, unless dismissal is prearranged with the administration and the parent. All school rules and regulations apply at these functions.

Attendance

Attendance is very important. Good attendance leads to success in school both in middle school and beyond. Therefore, it is very important that each student is here every day, arriving on time and staying for the entire day.

IMS Attendance Procedures

Families – Please notify the Attendance Office of daily absences before 7:30 a.m. For your convenience we have several ways to notify our staff of your student’s absence or tardy. When reporting an absence, please include your student’s full name, grade, date, reason for absence/tardy and your name and relationship to the student. Please spell your student’s first and last names.

1. Call the Attendance Office at 425-837-6800 option 1.
2. E-mail imsattendance@issaquah.wednet.edu.

• Late Arrival to School: Check in with the Attendance Office immediately before going to class.
• Absence from School: Bring a note from your parent/guardian/caretaker stating the reason for the absence. Give the note to the Attendance Office immediately upon returning to school.
• Early Dismissal: Bring a note from your parent/guardian/caretaker on the morning of your early dismissal and give it to the Attendance Office. A parent/guardian/caretaker must sign you out in the office before leaving. Your parent/guardian/caretaker may be asked to show ID and needs to be currently listed on your “Emergency Notification Form.” Students will be released only to those listed as emergency contacts on the “Emergency Notification Form.” Upon returning the same day, you must sign in with the Attendance Office prior to returning to class.
• Excused and Unexcused Absences: Please refer to District Regulation 3122 on page 24 of this handbook.
• Excessive Excused Absences: You may be asked to provide a doctor’s note for excessive excused absences. If you reach a total of 15 excused absences at any point in the school year, you will be asked to provide a doctor’s note to excuse additional absences.
• Pre-Arranged Absence: If a student must miss school for a family trip for 3 or more days, you may apply for an excused pre-arranged absence. Turn in the Pre-Arranged Absence Form at least 1 week prior to the first day of the absence to be evaluated. It may not be approved if it will cause a serious adverse effect on the student’s educational progress. The Pre-Arranged Absence Form is available on the IMS website or in the main office.
• Homework: Students are allowed one day for each day of excused absence to complete homework/classwork.
• Tardiness: Punctual attendance is a key component to student success and students will be accountable for being to each class prepared and on time. Teachers will record all tardies with daily attendance and students are subject to school consequences for repeated tardies. Refer to District Regulation 3122. A complete copy may be obtained at any school. 

Note: In order to participate in any after-school activity, sports, theatre, concerts, etc., a student must be in attendance in all of their classes. The only exceptions are: school related and approved absences (field trips), medical/dental appointments, family emergencies, or legal appointments when appropriate written verification of the appointment from the provider has been submitted to the Attendance Office upon their return. Any other emergencies or absences must be approved by School Administration on a case-by-case basis.

Canvas Gradebook and Skyward Grades

CANVAS is the main gradebook used by teachers to monitor assignments and grades throughout the school year. Teachers are required to update information every three weeks, however some update with more frequency. At the mid trimester point and at the end of the trimester, grades are updated in both CANVAS and Skyward. Families and Students are able to log into CANVAS, information on how to do so is found on the District Canvas Website. For Skyward, families should use their own Family Access login to gain access to information about their student(s), information on how to do so found on the Login Instructions for Secondary Students webpage.

Students should use their own Student Access accounts. It is important students use Student Access as they will use their accounts throughout middle and high school to monitor their progress and grades, and register for classes. For both Canvas and Skyward, it is extremely important students become proficient in using their own accounts and not those of their families. Login and password information can be obtained through your e-mail. To have your e-mail address entered or updated, contact the Registrar.

Cellular Phone and Mobile Device Use

Telecommunication/Electronic Devices

Cell phones or any other electronic devices shall not disrupt the educational process. Students are not allowed to use school telephones except in emergency situations. Cellular phone use is prohibited during the school day. Cell phones are to be turned off and put away. Families are encouraged to help their student(s) by communicating schedules and planning the materials needed for school the next day. In addition, no mechanical or electronic device shall be used to audio or video record any classroom instruction or activity on district premises immediately before, immediately after and during the school day or on district provided transportation without the express permission of the classroom teacher and administrative staff at the school. The school reserves the right to inspect a student’s personal communication device/electronic equipment, e.g., cell phone, laptop, e-reader, etc. if there is reason to believe the student has violated the Responsible Use Agreement, school rules, or engaged in other misconduct while using their device.

First Offense – The student will lose their phone on the date when the violation is committed. The phone will be delivered to the front office by either the student (with an e-mail follow up), teacher, or if an e-mail is sent to the front desk, another staff member. A note of the violation will be made in the office and the phone may be picked up by the student at the end of the day.

Second Offense – The student will again lose their phone on the date when the violation is committed. A note of the violation will be made in the office and the phone may be picked up by the student’s parent/guardian/caretaker.

Third Offense – The student will again lose their phone. At this point, a conference will be scheduled with the student, parent/guardian/caretaker and an administrator. Consequences for a third violation may include, but are not limited to, detention, in-school suspension, prolonged loss of access to mobile device, and loss of access to IMS technology based on the Responsible Use Agreement.

Fourth Offense – Check in-check out in the office daily.

Cheating/Plagiarism/Forgery

Academic integrity speaks to a student’s commitment and responsibility to pursue scholarship openly and honestly. It respects the concept that learning is the primary purpose of education, secondary to grades and credits. Academic dishonesty is defined as any action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or an unfair academic advantage or disadvantage for any other student. A student shall not attempt to earn credit or receive a grade for coursework (tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, essays) in a manner other than defined as acceptable by each instructor. Academic integrity violations are documented throughout a student’s secondary school career (grades 6-12). Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to:

• Plagiarizing or submitting any part of another person’s work as representing one’s own scholarship.
• Distribution/Sharing of Class Assignments or Test Information in either written or verbal form to another student without teacher permission.
• Unauthorized Collaboration – working with others without the specific permission of the instructor on assignments that will be submitted for an individual’s grade. This applies to in-class or take-home assignments/homework, projects, tests or labs.
• Collusion – supporting the lack of integrity/honesty by another student, as in allowing one’s work to be copied or submitted for assessment by another. Collusion also includes the use of sharing of identical or highly similar passages of one’s work, or the work of another, unless specifically authorized by the teacher.
• Technology Malpractice – any misuse or abuse of private or public technology in relation to grades or in acquiring an academic advantage, including infractions of the school technology user agreement, language translation websites, cell phone messaging or picture transmission.

All students involved in or aware of any of the above transgressions will be disciplined. and receive no credit for the assignment. Discipline will be in accordance with the IMS Handbook and may range from school discipline to suspension.

Conferences and Family Communication

School-home communication can be an important factor to a student’s success in middle school. Family/teacher conferences are scheduled by families, teachers, counselors or administrators, as needed. Teachers can also be contacted via voice mail and e-mail. We encourage you to become familiar with the Canvas learning management system as this is the primary way information is communicated to students and families.

District Canvas Website

Counselors

See Staff Directory on the IMS Website

Students may schedule an appointment with their counselor by completing an appointment slip located outside of the office next to the Attendance window. They can also e-mail the counselor requesting an appointment or request an appointment through Canvas. The counselor will call down the student as soon as possible. Appointments are prioritized by the urgency of the requests. Counselors are available to parent/guardian/caretakers for academic and social emotional issues regarding their student. Counselors are sometimes off campus, in a meeting, teaching a lesson or with a parent/guardian/caretaker or student. Therefore, if you are concerned for someone’s safety, please contact the front office immediately so we can help. If a student has a problem in class or is having difficulty understanding class expectations, they or the parent/guardian/caretaker should talk with the teacher first. If the problem continues, please submit a counseling request.

Deliveries to Students

Emergency messages may be relayed to office staff for delivery to students. Please call 425-837-6800.

Non-emergency messages and items (including forgotten homework and lunches) will not be delivered to students during class, but will be communicated in the following ways:

• Forgotten lunches and other items: Families may drop these off in the morning to a specified area and it will be the student’s responsibility to retrieve the item at lunch. No reminders will be announced. IMS is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen items.
• After school transportation issues and activities: If your student’s transportation arrangements or activities have changed during the day, a message will be sent to the student during the last class period.

District Expectations

Students are expected to follow the expectations set forth in the Issaquah School District “Rules of Conduct, K-12,” “Attendance Regulation,” “Sexual Harassment Regulation,” “Prohibition against Harassment Regulation,” and “Middle School Student Handbook Information.”

Electronic Reading Devices

Students may use electronic reading devices in accordance with District guidelines and expectations - see District Regulation 2022F2 – 6-12 Responsible Use Agreement. This opportunity is a privilege that requires extra caution and responsibility both on the part of the students and their families. This agreement excludes all cell phones and smart phones.

Emergency Procedures and Safety Drills

The safety of IMS students, staff and our whole school community is a top priority for everyone at IMS. We practice emergency drills regularly for situations such as fires, earthquakes, lockdowns and toxic chemical spills. It is our expectation that students take each and every drill seriously. Students must remain silent and follow the directions of the staff during any type of emergency drill.

In situations requiring an evacuation, when an alarm or announcement is heard, students and staff will go immediately to their assigned areas in a calm manner and line up. Emergency exit maps are posted in every room demonstrating how to most safely exit the building for the given location. IMS will also practice this within the first week of school. Students may return to the building when released and must do so in a calm, orderly and quiet fashion.

In any situation that poses a security risk to students and/or staff, an emergency lock-down will be implemented. At IMS, we will practice the procedures of both full and modified lockdowns. If we are notified or believe that a situation exists which could cause harm to students or staff, everyone will be secured in classrooms by locking classroom doors and closing window shades until the situation is safe. No one will be admitted to campus during this time. Students may not use cell phones for any reason due to safety concerns. IMS will do its best to keep students and families informed of any situation via Weekly Bulletins or other communication channels as appropriate.

Equitable Conduct Expectations 

The Issaquah School District values equity, diversity and inclusion. The District is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming school community. Our District and community are made up of people of different backgrounds, needs and perspectives. Our learning community includes people of varying races, ethnic backgrounds, abilities/disabilities, religions, ages, languages, socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender expressions or identities.

Student expectations include:

• Respect each individual, even if that person’s identity is different from your own.
• Seek to understand your impact on others while seeking to understand other’s intent.
• Communicate respectfully with others in person, on social media and in any other form.
• Use what you are learning to use good judgment and make ethical and informed decisions.
• Take responsibility for your words and actions.

We all have a responsibility to report behavior that interferes with having an equitable and inclusive learning environment that honors and respects people of all identities. If you become aware of any actions that violate the expectations above, we encourage you to speak up through one or more of the following ways:

• Tell a teacher, staff member or other trusted adult immediately.
• If you are comfortable and safe doing so, speak up in the moment to encourage more equitable and inclusive talk or action, and/or support those being hurt.
• Report it anonymously via the district's safety concern webpage. Be sure to include details such as names of people, time, location and building.

Events/Athletics Attendance

Students are fortunate to have many great community events to attend each year, many of them involving music, drama and sports. Students attending any district after school or evening event must be accompanied and supervised by families at all times, this includes IMS concerts, musicals, sports practices and games/matches, etc. Students are not allowed to be dropped off without an adult. A parent/guardian/caretaker or adult supervisor is responsible for monitoring children/sibling’s behavior during the event.

Students who do not attend school for at least 4 periods during the school day of an event may not participate in school events. These events shall include, but are not limited to: school plays, musicals, concerts, all sports activities including practices. Student at IMS are expected to be respectful while attending as an audience member or fan of any extracurricular activity or school-sponsored event. IMS expectations are as follows:

•  All student spectators will leave school upon dismissal via their regular route home (bus, walking, or family pickup)
• Student spectators are not allowed to remain on campus until an event begins. 
• Any student wanting to attend an IMS athletic event as a spectator, will need to go home via their regular route and will need to return with their parent/guardian/caretaker and stay with their parent/guardian/caretaker at the event. 
• Water only is allowed in the gym and hallways (all other food/drink, not allowed)
• During the event, hallways are closed. Students and families must stay seated in the stands, except for during breaks.
• Finally, and most importantly, as IMS Panthers and Spectators, we are welcoming to other teams, we cheer positively for our team and we do NOT cheer against another team.

Expectations for Student Behavior and Discipline

At IMS we strive to BE SAFE, RESPECTFUL and KIND, and RESPONSIBLE at all times. These expectations apply everywhere on the IMS campus – before and after school, in the commons, restrooms, locker rooms, gyms, classrooms and everywhere else on our school grounds. The purpose of these expectations is to support students with opportunities to learn positive behaviors and to maintain and strengthen an inclusive, learning-focused community.

These expectations will be posted throughout the IMS campus as reminders of the positive behaviors our students strive to model. When students are successful in modeling these behaviors, staff members and adults may recognize those students with positive incentives and recognition. The IMS staff wants to honor and recognize students for the things they do right! When we work together as a safe, respectful and responsible learning community, we contribute to a better environment for all students, staff and community to learn together.

When students make choices or engage in behaviors that are unsafe, disrespectful or irresponsible, they may be documented using an Office Data Referral (ODR) form and consequences may be assigned for minor or major behaviors. Consequences associated with minor or major behaviors may include administrative and/or restorative conferences, behavior workshops, lunch detention, after school detention, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension.

• Students receive minors for general rule violations and behavior that is inconsistent with IMS school and classroom expectations. After receiving multiple minors students will be referred to the office.
• Students receive majors for behavior that is inconsistent with IMS school and classroom expectations and significantly disrupts the learning environment and/or impacts the safety and security of IMS or any of its community members. Administrative referrals are used when immediate action is needed.
• Each case will be considered individually and repeated behaviors may result in more severe disciplinary action.
• Families will be contacted for any suspension.
• A student’s participation in school functions or activities may also be limited because of disciplinary action.

Student Support Center (SSC) and Calm Room

After engaging in unsafe, disrespectful, or irresponsible behaviors, students who need additional support with behaviors that disrupt the classroom environment may be sent to the SSC as an alternate learning location. The SSC is also used for in-school suspensions, lunch detentions and after school detentions. Students sent to the SSC are expected to reflect on their behavior and to work with the SSC staff to return to class promptly and at the most appropriate time. Teachers may use the SSC as a location for students to make up test/quizzes, work on projects or as an independent quiet place to work.

The IMS office also has a designated Calm Room space, created in partnership with the IMPTSA. Students wanting to access the calm room should work with their counselors on a plan, and check in at the main office to request a break.

Fees and Supplemental Expenses

Common fees and supplemental expenses are listed below. It is important for students to keep all receipts when paying fees. All prices are subject to change. All receipts can be viewed online through the student’s account.

• Art Supply Fee: $10.00-$15.00/tri
• Yearbook: $30.00
• Sports Fee: $50.00/sport, $20.00/intramural - $150.00 Max
• ASB Card: $35.00
• P.E. Uniform: $12.00
  • Shorts: $6.00
  • T-shirt: $6.00
• Student Planner: $5.00
• Design & Modeling/Automation & Robotics Fee: $15.00/tri
• Drama Fee: $50.00
• Photo/Media Fee:$10.00-$15.00/tri
• Field Trips: $4.00-$25.00
• Science Lab Fee: $6.00 - 6^th grade only - may be used to fund a Life Science field trip
• Independent Health & PE: $130

Some classes charge fees to cover the cost of consumable materials. Scholarships are available to students who qualify. See the Bookkeeper for scholarship applications.

Fines

Outstanding fines will remain on the student’s record until they are paid and will advance with students to upper grade levels until graduation when fines will be paid.

Field Trips

Students on field trips are excused per District Regulation 3122 School Approved Activities. Similar to any excused absence, students will have one day for every day absent to turn in classwork/homework. Students are expected to make arrangements with teachers to complete test/quizzes given on the day of a field trip in a timely fashion.

Getting To and From School

Buses

• Buses are safe, convenient student transportation.
• Traffic can be a problem. Please have your student ride the bus whenever possible.
• Failure to follow the rules of district buses may result in suspension from the bus.
• Activity buses (with limited stops) are provided for students wishing to participate in supervised after-school activities. Students must remain on campus under supervision to be eligible to ride the Activity Bus. Students who leave campus after school and attempt to return, are not eligible to ride the Activity Bus home. Activity buses leave IMS when after school activities conclude on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students must have an Activity Bus Ticket to ride the bus. Tickets are available from supervising teachers and coaches. Activity Bus routes are available in the office or on the IMS website. 
• Students may ride a bus home with a friend if they have a written request from families and submit it to the Attendance Office before school in exchange for a bus pass. As a convenience, the written request may be e-mailed to the IMS Attendance Office at IMSAttendance@issaquah.wednet.edu. This is not possible if the bus is already full with regularly scheduled passengers or during the first month or last two weeks of the school year.

Drop-off and Pick-up on Campus

• Students are allowed on campus only during open campus hours which are posted on the IMS website. Students on campus after school ends must be involved in a supervised activity.
• Drop off in front of campus only. No drop off on Evans St.
• Use walkways and crosswalks.
• Please help the drop-off and pick-up process by not blocking the traffic flow in the parking lot.

Walking To and From School

• When walking to and from school, students are expected to use sidewalks and crosswalks and to avoid walking through all private property and the IMS and IHS parking lots.

Bikes, Skateboards, Scooters and Rollerblades

• All bikes are to be locked and parked in the bike racks.
• Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades must be stored in lockers and must remain there throughout the school day.
• Bikes, skateboards, scooters and rollerblades are not to be used on the school campus. Please walk bikes and carry skateboards, scooters and rollerblades on and off campus.

Grade Reports

All students receive mid-trimester reports in October, January, and May through Skyward Family Access Gradebook. In addition to these mid-trimester reports, students also receive three official trimester report cards each year. These will be distributed via Skyward Family Access.

Grading

IMS posts to Skyward Family Access mid-trimester progress reports and end-of-trimester report cards so families can stay informed of student progress. Counselors are available by appointment to meet with families and/or students to discuss academic concerns. The majority of feedback for individual class assignments/projects/assessments are available in Canvas.

IMS uses the following letter grades and numerical equivalents:

• A 4.0 93% to 100%
• A- 3.7 90% to 92.99%
• B+ 3.3 87% to 89.99%
• B 3.0 83% to 86.99%
• B- 2.7 80% to 82.99%
• C+ 2.3 77% to 79.99%
• C 2.0 73% to 76.99%
• C- 1.7 70% to 72.99%
• D+ 1.3 67% to 69.99%
• D 1.0 60% to 66.99%
• F 0.0 Below 59.99%
• S Satisfactory
• U Unsatisfactory
• I Incomplete
• NC No Credit

Hall Passes – 10/10 Rule

If a student needs to leave a class at any time, they must sign out from the classroom and carry a designated hall pass. They should go immediately to their destination and return to class promptly. 10/10 Rule: Students will not be issued passes during the first or last 10 minutes of class to protect these crucial minutes of instructional time.

Health Procedures

The “Emergency Confidential Medical Information Form” must be completed, signed and returned annually. Immediately inform the Office of any and all changes. This form is filled out online and can be found on the ISD website.

Injuries and Illness

If a student experiences an injury or illness at school, a teacher will send the student to the Health Room where nursing or back up trained office staff will provide assistance and update families as necessary. All emergencies and injuries should be reported promptly to a staff member in order to get the student immediate support. An incident report will be completed by a staff member.

The Health Room must be alerted if a student experiences an injury during non-school hours that affects the student’s learning, ability to get around school safely or impacts the student’s normal routine in any way. Any head injury or concussion should be reported to the Health Room. Any doctor’s notes with recommendations should be referred to the Nurse to assist with accommodations.

Administration of Medications at School

Students who require medications at school must have a parent and doctor fill out an “Authorization for Administration of Medicine” or contact the school nurse. Forms can be downloaded from the district website or picked up at the IMS office. Families must bring all medication to the school office where it will be stored in a locked cabinet. It must be in the original, labeled container and not expired. Students must take medication in the presence of Health Room or trained office personnel. Students are only allowed to carry “emergency medicine” such as inhaler, EpiPen, diabetic supplies if a health care plan and medication form are completed. Over the counter medications are not allowed to be carried by or administered by students, all medication needs should come through the health room. 

Immunizations

All students must comply with Washington State Immunization Regulations.

1. Students must be in compliance with their immunizations before starting school.
2. Families must provide updated immunization status before starting school.
3. Religious, philosophical, or medical exemptions signed by a doctor are allowed. Contact the School Nurse with any questions.

District Nurse

Students and families with questions about health procedures are advised to contact the School Nurse at 425-837-6817. The health room is fully staffed each day. Students are encouraged to discuss health problems with the nurse.

A health care plan must be on file with the School Nurse if there is a life threatening health condition such as diabetes, asthma, seizures, anaphylaxis, etc. before a student may begin school.

High School Credit

All students who complete high school credit courses are eligible to have those grades and credits placed on their high school transcript. These courses for the 2022-23 school year include CC8, Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, Spanish and ASL. Families should be aware that high school level credit courses taken in the 2019-2020 school year or LATER will automatically be added to the student’s transcript, this is in accordance with District Regulation 2410. Students can request to have the course transcribed only for credit toward graduation and not include the grade in the student’s high school GPA calculation. Students can also request to have these credits removed completely from their transcript. Students should consult with their counselor to make this request, which must be done no later than the end of their junior year of high school. Please note that once the grades and/or credits are deleted from the high school transcript, the grade and credit cannot be added back and will permanently be excluded from the student’s grade point average. This will impact students who choose to skip CC6 in math and pathway 2 in science.

Homework

Students at IMS have regular homework in all core classes. This varies from week to week. The amount is approximately 10 minutes per grade level (i.e. 6^th grade = 60 minutes, 7^th grade=70 minutes, 8^th grade=80 minutes). Students are expected to use their planner to keep track of assignments and due dates as well as digital tools in Canvas and Office 365. Planners are also a great tool to communicate homework expectations with families. Families are encouraged to assist students in supporting the development of time management skills. For homework clarification, check the teacher’s Canvas page which is most up to date for class and assignment information. 

Each grade level team (6^th, 7^th, 8^th) works together to establish and maintain protocols for considering and accepting late work. Since some students may take courses from different grade levels, please refer to the course syllabus for the late work protocols in each class. Extenuating circumstances leading to late work will be addressed at the discretion of individual teachers.

IMS Expectations

BE SAFE · BE RESPECTFUL AND KIND · BE RESPONSIBLE

IMS students follow the expectations outlined in the “IMS Way” behavior matrix as well as the information included in the Middle School Handbook.

The IMS Way

Inappropriate Display of Affection

Students are expected to refrain from public displays of affection (kissing, hugging, hand holding, arms around one another, etc.) regardless of gender or relationship at school or school-sponsored activities.

Lockers

Students are encouraged to carry their items with them throughout the school day in a backpack or bag. Since we are a school with 1:1 devices, we encourage students to carry their technology in a backpack protected during the school day. Lockers are provided as needed for students as requested (for after school sports, skateboards, physical needs, etc.) Students must only use their assigned locker. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged goods belonging to students. Lockers are provided for student convenience and are the property of the Issaquah School District (ISD). The ISD retains the right to access any locker in the event there is a safety or health hazard to any persons or property. Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their locker and they must not disclose their combination to other students. Any defacement or damage or abuse of locker privileges will result in disciplinary action. Fines will be assessed in such instances. Lockers are a part of the school hallway and outside of lockers should not be decorated. Lockers and locker combinations are not to be shared with other students other than school-assigned locker partners.

Lost and Misplaced Items

Lost and misplaced items are located in the Commons and PE offices. Smaller items are kept in the office. Students should check these areas regularly for lost items. Lost and misplaced items are given to local charitable organizations at the end of each trimester. IMS is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen items.

Lunch

Students may purchase a full lunch for $4.25 and any of several a la carte items. Prices are subject to change. A student’s lunch account must have sufficient funds to purchase a la carte items. A la carte items (i.e. chips and bottled beverages) will not be allowed to be charged to the account without sufficient funds. A student will be allowed to charge a hot lunch. The front office will contact the family for the purpose of reminding them to send additional funds or to offer the opportunity for the family to apply for meal assistance if necessary.

Applications for meal assistance are available online or by contacting the Food Service Office at 425-837-5060. Applications are also available in the office of each school building.

Food Services partners with Myschoolbucks.com, a service that allows the use of credit cards to make payments for a student’s lunch account. There is a $3.25 fee per credit card transaction charged by Myschoolbucks.com, however, the use of their website to monitor a student’s lunch balance is free. It is also free for users of Myschoolbucks.com to set up e-mail notifications when their student’s lunch balance reaches a specified dollar amount. Families are encouraged to utilize this free service in order to receive automated reminders when their student’s lunch balance is low. Log on instructions and a link to Myschoolbucks can be found on the district and the IMS websites.

Students and families may not bring food to share with friends at lunchtime, this includes for celebrations, birthdays, etc.

Students and families are not allowed to use a food delivery service to have lunch delivered during the school day, (ex: Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Door Dash, Pizza delivery, etc.)

Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA)

Issaquah Middle School welcomes all families to participate in PTSA. This group has a monthly meeting where community input is sought and school information is shared. Families are urged to contact PTSA Board members if they have questions, concerns, or wish to get involved. More information is available on the IMS website.

Promotion Regulation

Issaquah School District Regulation 2421P lists the guidelines for promotion to the next grade at the middle school level.

Repeated Misconduct

Students are not to repeatedly fail to comply with district regulations or school expectations or with directions of school personnel during any period of time the student is properly under the authority of the school personnel.

Schedule Changes

• Core class requests (Language Arts, Social Studies, Math and Science) including advanced courses are made by students and families during the course request process. Changes to core class requests will not be made during the school year. There will be no schedule changes to core classes outside of the course request window.
• Electives are scheduled around core classes. Some electives may not be offered for the current school year and others may not fit in a student’s schedule, therefore, choices are NOT guaranteed. Students are encouraged to take a variety of elective classes during middle school. Students should be prepared to take any elective class including those that are not top choices. There will be no schedule changes for electives outside of the course request window.
• If students have a scheduling problem or concern, they should make an appointment to see their counselor.

Sports Programs

Fall

• Cross Country (co-ed)
• Softball (boys)
• Volleyball (girls)

Winter 1

• Basketball (girls)
• Wrestling (boys)

Winter 2

• Basketball (boys)
• Soccer (girls)

Spring

• Track (co-ed)

ISD follows all Title IX requirements.

All students who wish to participate in sports must have:

1. ISD Athletic Registration Packet completed online via Final Forms which includes a physical. Physicals are valid for two (2) years. Incoming 6^th grade students must have a physical completed on or after January 1 to be eligible for the upcoming school year.
2. Coach’s Confidential Emergency Authorization Form each season;
3. Sports fee of $50.00 per sport, with a maximum per student of $150.00 - Intramural sports are $20.00 each;
4. Paid ASB card;
5. If financial assistance is needed to cover the cost of Sports participation, please reach out to the IMS Bookkeeper. Scholarships are available.

Other information:

• Online registration must be completed online via Final Forms.
• All sports registration materials and fees must be completed 5 days prior to the beginning of the season before a student can turn out for a sport.
  • V/JV Softball, V/JV Volleyball, V/JV Girls’ Basketball, V/JV Boys’ Basketball and V/JV Soccer – fees are not due until after tryouts and team selection.
• IMS follows ISD League rules and regulations for athletic participation.
• Athletes must be in compliance with academic requirements. See Academic Probation below.
• All sports bags and athletic equipment must be stored in lockers, students may check out a locker for their sport’s needs.
• Activity buses (with limited stops) are provided for students wishing to participate in supervised after school activities. Activity buses leave IMS when after school activities conclude on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Students must have an Activity Bus Ticket. Tickets are available from supervising teachers and coaches.
• If a family chooses not to use the activity bus service, students must be picked up on time.

Student Dress

Appropriate clothing in a school or at school events contributes to a positive and quality environment at school, thus student clothing must be appropriate for an academic atmosphere. Students dress and grooming may not:

• Disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from school activities.
• Create a hazard to the student’s safety or to the safety of others. For example, students are required to wear appropriate footwear at all times.
• Promote by printed work or symbol the use of illegal substances or other prohibited activities, including but not limited to intimidation, harassment, sexual innuendo, vulgarity, and obscenities.

If school officials reasonably believe a student’s dress or grooming is objectionable under these provisions, the principal or designee will ask the student to make appropriate corrections. If the student refuses, the student is subject to discipline. See District Regulation 3224.

Student Recognition

Students are encouraged to develop leadership skills and may be recognized through programs such as:

• ASB Recognition Awards
• Clubs, Sports, and Fine Arts Awards
• Honor Roll (3.5 GPA or higher)
• Panther Bucks
• Most Valuable Panther Recognition
• Panther High Fives

Birthdays/Celebrations: Students at IMS are expected to support and celebrate one another. All students will receive positive recognition throughout the year and we ask that personal gifts, flowers, balloons, cakes, treats, etc. be saved for after school. 

Substitute Teachers

Substitute teachers are our guests at IMS and all students are expected to treat them with respect and to follow all directions. Consequences for failing to meet expectations when a substitute teacher is present will be more severe.

Textbooks

The majority of IMS textbooks are available online and in classes, links will be made available in class and through Canvas and Class link. Students may also checkout textbooks as available for use at home. Fines are charged for lost or stolen books, water damage, missing pages, mutilation of books and materials. Most books cost between $20.00 and $90.00. When a textbook is lost or stolen, the student responsible for the book must pay for it before another book will be issued. When a lost book is returned, a refund will be issued.

Transfer/Withdrawal

Students withdrawing from IMS should contact the Registrar prior to their last day. The Registrar will need the following information: the intended last day of attendance at IMS, the name of the new school and the city and state where the school is located. Students are responsible for returning all textbooks and library books, PE lock (if currently taking PE) and cleaning out their locker. A withdrawal form will be given to the student their final day which will be taken to each teacher to sign and should be returned to the Registrar at the end of the day.

Transportation

Students are expected to follow all transportation guidelines for a safe bus ride. All IMS rules and expectations also apply on buses and at bus stops.

Visitors

In order to maintain a safe campus, all visitors and volunteers are expected to sign in at the office, provide a reason for being on campus and wear a visitor badge/sticker. Please be prepared to show ID as IMS cannot make any exceptions to this procedure.

Classroom visitations by families/community members must be pre-arranged with the Principal and with the teacher(s). Students from other schools are not eligible to visit IMS or attend IMS activities.

Volunteers

Volunteers are an integral part of the IMS program and enrich the curriculum and program. The IM PTSA helps to coordinate all parent and community volunteer activities at IMS. Families looking for volunteer opportunities should contact the PTSA Volunteer Coordinator. All volunteers must complete the district volunteer application and be approved. The online application is available on the IMS website.

Weekly Bulletins

Sign up to receive Weekly Bulletins from the District or any ISD school via e-mail on the ISD website. We highly encourage the use of Weekly Bulletins as this is our primary communication tool for families.

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are available for purchase online and through the IMS Bookkeeper to order. We only order the amount of yearbooks that are purchased by students and staff and close sales in the spring. Weekly Bulletin information will include the final date to order each year. If students need financial assistance in ordering a textbook, please reach out to the IMS bookkeeper for an application. 

Students are expected to model kindness and respect when writing in yearbooks. Profanity and inappropriate references to other students are not acceptable and will result in consequences and replacement costs.