FAQs & Policies
Attendance
Regular School Hours
8:30 a.m. Office opens
8:45 a.m. Buildings are open to students
9:00 a.m. Classes begin
3:25 p.m. School is dismissed.
3:45 p.m. Campus is closed to students unless involved in a supervised activity.
Attendance
If your child is going to be absent, please call the office at 541-790-5500 after 8:30 a.m. on the day of your student's absence. If you prefer, you may leave a message on our attendance line, 541-790-5525 at any time.
If your child will need to leave campus during the regular school day, please notify the office with a note or phone call before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. We will issue a yellow off-campus permit to your child that they can show to their teacher when it's time for them to come to the office to be picked up.
This permit lets teachers know that the office has received confirmation of an appointment and that a student is cleared to leave class.
Attendance is a crucial factor to school success. Oregon State law mandates that students maintain regular attendance. The administration may excuse an absence or a tardy in the case of emergency, student illness, or death in the family. Parents may request, in writing if possible, that an absence or tardy be excused by contacting the office. Written requests should note the specific reason for the absence or tardy. In the event of chronic nonattendance due to illness, the administration will require communication from the child's doctor before absences will be excused.
Tardy Policy
Students are expected to be in the classroom with all materials ready to work when class begins. Kennedy allows a generous five-minute passing time between each class. This provides students with ample time to walk from class to class with stops at lockers or restrooms as needed. During passing time there may be time to visit for a moment; however, the purpose of passing time is to get from class to class. Kennedy will send home a phone (dialer) message each time your child is tardy to class.
Hall/Off Campus Passes
• Kennedy is a closed campus.
• Any student out of a scheduled class must have a hall pass issued by a staff member.
• Students are expected to remain on the school grounds during the day. Once a student arrives on campus he/she is not permitted to leave campus without a parent's note. Parents must call or send a note to the office if a student is to be dismissed early.
• Students with parent permission to leave school early will be issued an off campus pass from the office.
• Students must check out through the main office before leaving campus.
• Students leaving school without permission will be considered truant and disciplinary action may be taken.
Student Messages
We ask that you please make your personal plans before school. We are not able to guarantee delivery of messages after 3:00 p.m. unless it is an emergency. We try to minimize student messages so as to not interrupt teachers during instruction. Classroom phones are for teacher use and emergencies. Students may use the student phone in the front office before school, during lunch, or after school.
Student Telephone Use
• A student telephone is available in the office.
• The phones in classrooms are for teacher use only.
• Students may use the office phone before school, after school, or during lunch break.
• Line up and wait outside the office door until the phone is available.
• Keep phone calls to one minute.
Student Visitors
• Students are strongly discouraged from bringing student visitors to school.
• Advance administration permission is always required.
• Requests for permission must be made at least two days in advance.
• Visitor should be student of middle school age who is in good standing at his/her home school.
Opportunities
Student Opportunities
Kennedy offers students a wide variety of optional activities to help make school an enjoyable experience - the following is a partial list. Ask any teacher how you may get involved.
- StarQuest (Florida Trip) | Learn more
- Band | Learn more
- Kennedy and Kidsports Athletics | Learn more
- Site Council | Learn more
- Yearbook | Learn more
- Robotics Club, Homework Club, Activity Nights, Fall and Spring Socials, Talent Show, Chefs Move to Schools, Mentors Program, Garden Project, Student Leadership, and Spirit Week | Learn more
Student Recognition
In addition to excellent grades, students may be recognized for their positive contributions in a wide variety of ways. These include:
- PRIDE Program | Learn more
- 7th & 8th Grade Multicultural Awards | Learn more
- Honor Roll | Learn more
- Knights of Honor | Learn more
- Informal Personal Recognition
Student Body Cards
Income from the sale of Kennedy student body cards helps to support school-based activities such as athletics, 8th grade celebration activities (end-of-year trip, promotion ceremony and dance), activity nights and more.
The $5 card allows students to get into each of our Activity Nights at a discounted price. All proceeds fund Kennedy student activities.
Student body cards are required for identification at Westmoreland dances and, occasionally, businesses offer discounts to students with a valid card. Many families who fly domestically and internationally also find that these student ID cards are very helpful.
Cafeteria
A variety of options are available for students when it comes to lunch here at Kennedy.
Students may bring a lunch from home or bring cash, and purchase one of the a-la-carte items from our specialty cart. If a student only wants milk, a carton costs 50 cents.
A traditional hot lunch is also an option. Parents can also put money into their child's account by going online to the MealTime Online website. You can also bring a check or cash to the Kennedy cafeteria. Checks should be made out to 4J Nutrition Services.
Breakfast is served each morning, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Lunch . . . Regular: $3 . . . . Reduced Price: .40
Breakfast . . . Regular: $1.50 . . . Reduced Price: .Free
Free and Reduced Lunch Forms
Families are encouraged to fill out the application for free and reduced lunches. Remember – forms must be re-submitted every year in order for students to qualify for this program. While these forms can be returned to the Kennedy office, processing will go more quickly if the forms are mailed directly to the district office at 200 North Monroe St., Eugene, OR, 97402.
• Click here to go to our DOWNLOADABLE FORMS page.
Student Health
Counseling Services
Kennedy's counselor can help students and parents in the following areas: individual and group counseling, student schedules, and academic advising. To see the counselor, please sign up in the office. Parents can call 541-790-5500 for an appointment.
Medications at School
There are times when it's advisable for your middle school student to carry his / her own medication, and 4J policy does allow for this. Here's how it works, along with our guidelines:
Medication consent forms are available in the front office.
- Students may carry an inhaler or any other emergency prescription medication with written consent of both a parent and administrator.
- Written consent from both a parent and an administrator is needed if a student is to carry and self-administer one day's dose of non-controlled prescription medication (an antibiotic to be taken with lunch, for example). However, so-called 'controlled' medications such as Ritalin (for ADHD) may not be self-administered.
All controlled medications, including those taken on a regular basis during the school day, are kept locked in the office. Parents are required to fill out a form authorizing the school to administer medication to their student. Medication must be in its original bottle with the label intact.
If you know that your student occasionally gets headaches, dental pain (from having braces adjusted, for example), a stomach ache or allergy symptoms, you may bring non-prescription medication (Tylenol, cough drops, etc.) in its original container to be kept in the office. Simply fill out a medication form, and authorized staff will be able to administer the specified dose to your student.
Students should never share their medications.
Student Attire
The responsibility for dress and grooming of a student rests primarily with the student and his/her parents or guardians. A student's dress or grooming should not affect participation in school classes, programs, or other school-related activities, except as provided below.
1. Student Dress and Grooming
Student dress and grooming shall be clean and in keeping with health, sanitary, and safety practices. Because of health and safety considerations, students are required to wear shoes while on school property or while participating in school-sponsored activities that may occur off school property.
When a student is participating in the educational program or a school sponsored activity, dress and grooming will not substantially disrupt the activity or constitute a threat to the health and safety of the student or others. Provisions for dress and grooming for special activities should arise directly out of the needs of the activity.
2. Clothing with Vulgar and Plainly Offensive, Obscene, or Sexually Explicit References, or Illicit Drug References
Clothing with illicit drug or alcohol messages, or encourages the use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol is prohibited. Clothing with vulgar and plainly offensive, obscene, or sexually explicit references, graphics or comments is also prohibited.
In the event a student is in violation of our dress and appearance standard, he/she will be asked to go to the office to call home for appropriate clothing. If possible, student may use office "loaner" clothing for the day. This standard is in effect for all school events including: Activity Nights, socials, athletic games, and fieldtrips. Because of health and safety considerations, students are required to wear shoes while on school property or while participating in school-sponsored activities that may occur off property.
The following is prohibited at school or at school-related activities: No student shall wear or display clothing or other objects that are commonly considered evidence of membership or affiliation with any gang if it disrupts or is likely to cause a substantial disruption or material interference with school and school activities.
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Personal Property
Personal Property and Money
Personal property and large amounts of money are vulnerable to theft. Lockers are not a safe place to store valuables. The school will not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal property. If you can't live without it - please don't bring it to school!
Backpacks
Students are encouraged to use backpacks, but all backpacks must remain in locker during the day. For safety reasons, no backpacks will be allowed in classrooms.
Bikes, Skateboards, and Rollerblades
Bikes, skateboards and/or rollerblades may not be ridden on school grounds during school hours (7:00am to 5:30pm). A bike rack is located in front of the building. While it is in an area that is frequently monitored, the school can't guarantee the safety of bikes in the bike rack. Students are encouraged to lock bikes securely. Skateboards should be stored in the owner's locker. Kennedy will not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property.
Electronic Devices
All electronic games, phones, and music players must be turned off and out of sight during the entire instructional day (9:00 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.). Any electronic devices found to be on during the day will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day. The second time a device is taken, the student's parent will have to pick up the device from an administrator. Earphones should not be worn, nor be visible, during the school day. Kennedy will not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
Markers, Paint and Whiteout
Students are not permitted to have permanent markers, paint, or whiteout at school. Graffiti is an ongoing problem and a major expense for our school. Permanent markers, spray paint, and whiteout are identified as principle graffiti tools. Please do not bring these items to school!
Food, Candy, and Drinks
Food, candy, and drinks are allowed only in the cafeteria unless a staff member has given prior approval. No drinks are allowed in lockerbay. Please - no glass containers on campus.
Checks At School
At the request of the school district auditor, we cannot cash checks to give students spending money for the day. Thanks for your understanding!
Lockers
Lockers are the property of the school district and must be kept clean and in good condition.
- Use the locker for school materials only.
- Don't keep money or other valuables in lockers.
- All items posted in lockers must be appropriate for a school environment.
- Keep combinations confidential.
- For extra security, a second lock from home may be put on the locker.
- Don't change lockers without approval from the office.
- Students/parents may be held responsible for damage to lockers.
Behavior
Guest Teachers and Volunteers
Students are expected to follow all reasonable instructions given by adults at Kennedy Middle School. Guest teachers, other substitute staff, and volunteers are to be treated with respect at all times.
Student Relationships
Sometimes middle school students develop very close relationships with other students. Planned social activities such as afternoon socials and activity nights provide opportunities for appropriate socializing among students. While on school grounds students are expected to limit expressions of affection to holding hands.
Computer Use
All students will be encouraged to use technology available to them at Kennedy. Appropriate use of computer equipment is essential. Any misuse of equipment may result in student being restricted from further access to equipment. Rules to live by:
- Always use appropriate (approved) sites.
- No gum, candy, or liquids when using computers.
- Carry computers with both hands.
- Place computers on desktop – never set portable computers on floor or on your lap.
- Use only your identification and password when using computer.
- Report any problems immediately.
Work Expectations
- All school papers must be headed with the student's name, date, and class in the upper right hand corner.
- Work must be handed in on time. Late work will not usually be accepted unless arrangements are made with the teacher.
- Reminder- Student is responsible for contacting the teacher for work missed whenever he/she is absent from class.
Gang Activity
The presence of members of gangs and gang activities on campus or at off-campus, school-sponsored activities is likely to cause a substantial disruption or material interference with school and school activities. A "gang" is defined as a group that identifies itself through the use of a name, unique appearance, or language, including hand signs, the claiming of geographical territory, or the espousing of a distinctive belief system that frequently results in criminal activity. (ORS 336.109 (2))
The following activities are prohibited at school or at school-related activities:
1. No student shall wear or display clothing or other objects that are commonly considered evidence of membership or affiliation with any gang if it disrupts or is likely to cause a substantial disruption or material interference with school and school activities.
2. No student shall commit any act, or use any speech, verbal or nonverbal, showing membership in, or affiliation with, a gang if it disrupts or is likely to cause a substantial disruption or material interference with school and school activities.
3. No student shall commit any act that furthers gangs or gang activity including, but not limited to, wearing garb or displaying symbols directly associated with affiliation of a known local gang, soliciting others for membership in any gangs or inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person. Such acts are presumed to undermine the school's basic mission, and will create an immediate danger to the orderly operation of the school.
Rules for Specific Locations
1. In all areas appropriate voice and language are expected and appreciated.
2. Be safe – walk, don't run.
3. Respect others.
Restrooms Cafeteria Courtyard |
Field Area Assemblies Locker Bay/Breezeway |
Misconduct
Students are expected to follow Kennedy's Behavior Guidelines at all times. This includes the time while at school, at school-sponsored events such as field trips and athletic events, and while coming to school and returning home.
Students who fail to follow these guidelines will be in violation of the School District 4J student conduct rules found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Consequences will result from violations of these expectations. These range from a conference in order to re-teach expectations, to suspension or expulsion. Consequences will be progressively more serious if student continues to violate the rules.
The following behaviors are prohibited (partial list):
- Substantial disruption
- Willful disobedience
- Truancy
- Excessive Unexcused Tardies
- Theft
- Property damage
- Profane/obscene language, or inappropriate gestures
- Use of physical violence or aggression
- Possession of a weapon
- Any form of harassment
- Possession and/or use of fireworks, matches, or lighters
- Threat
- Bullying/Teasing/Taunting
- Spreading rumors
- Failure to follow rule(s)
- Failure to follow directions
- Disrespect
- Disrespect towards a Guest Teacher
- Cheating/Forgery/Lying
- Possession of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol
- Misbehavior during an Emergency Drill
- Noncompliance
- Unsafe behavior
See 4J Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for information about suspension and expulsion guidelines. Copies of the student handbook are also available in the office.
Kennedy Middle School is part of