We want you to do well in the 7th and 8th grade so you will move on to become a successful high school student at the O’Bryant; and so you are prepared to attend the “best colleges.” To this end, we have established certain expectations for our middle school students that we believe will help you to excel. The following are some frequently asked questions about what we expect from you:
What should I do when I arrive at school(before homeroom starts)?
All 7th and 8th grade students are to proceed directly to the 2nd floor upon their arrival at school. Students may not leave the 2nd floor before school other than to go to the first floor cafeteria for breakfast or to go to the library.
Students are not allowed in classrooms without adult supervision; and are not allowed to loiter in the locker area or hallways.
All 7th grade students must wait for the start of school in Cafeteria B (street-side cafeteria). No 8th graders are allowed in Cafeteria B before school.
All 8th grade students must wait for the start of school in Cafeteria A (field-side cafeteria). No 7th graders are allowed in Cafeteria A before school (other than to see Ms. Choi)
What happens if I am tardy to school?
All 7th and 8th grade students will be seated in class by 7:25 AM. Students who are late to homeroom are subject to the following consequences:
1st offense > warning by homeroom teacher
2nd – 4th offenses > homeroom teacher calls home and assigns lunch time detention, student completes reflection during detention
5th + offenses > homeroom teacher assigns after school detention, student completes reflection during detention, Mr. MacLeod calls home
What happens if I am tardy to class (period 2 – 6)?
All 7th and 8th grade students will be on time for class. Students who are late to class are subject to the following consequences:
1st and 2nd offenses > teacher calls home and assigns lunchtime detention; student completes reflection during detention
3rd + offenses > teacher assigns after school detention, student completes reflection during detention, Mr. MacLeod calls home
What happens if I cut class?All 7th and 8th grade students will attend all of their classes. Students who skip class are subject to the following consequences:
1st offense > teacher calls home and teacher assigns after school detention, student completes reflection during detention; Mr. MacLeod notified
2nd + offenses > teacher refers student to Mr. MacLeod; Mr. MacLeod calls home and has student complete reflection, student subject to disciplinary hearing
When can I go to my locker?Grade 8 students may only go to their lockers: before school, after 2nd period; before lunch, and at the end of the school day (escorted by teacher).
Grade 7 students may only go to their lockers: before school, before lunch, and at the end of the school day (escorted by teacher).
Where do I eat lunch?
All 7th grade students eat during 1st lunch period (between 3rd and 4th periods)
All 8th grade students eat during 2nd lunch period (between 4th and 5th periods)
Students in the homerooms of the following teachers eat in Cafeteria B (street-side cafeteria) during their assigned lunch period: (1st lunch: Gray, Keung, Tamerat) (2nd lunch: Hall, Lawrence, Lazo)
Students in the homerooms of the following teachers eat in Cafeteria A (field-side cafeteria) during their assigned lunch period: (1st lunch: Chaney, Hodjat, Terry) (2nd lunch: Marotta, Mendillo, Tapia)
All students will sit by homeroom at their assigned table. We will consider revisiting this policy for the 8th graders at end of September.
No more than two students (one boy, one girl) may leave the cafeteria at a time to go to the lavatory. Students must ask for permission and take a lavatory pass.
All students will be dismissed from the cafeteria by homeroom and will be escorted to their next class by the teacher of their next class.
How should I act when I travel off the floor?When possible, students will be escorted by a teacher when they have to travel off of the floor. Whether or not you are being escorted, you must proceed in an orderly and respectful manner.
How am I expected to act at school as well as on the way to and from school?
All 7th and 8th grade students are expected to comply with the Code of Discipline of the Boston Public Schools as well as the School-Based Rules. In addition, we expect all 7th and 8 grade students to demonstrate respect for themselves and others through their words and actions. We have a zero tolerance policy for bullying, name calling, harassment and fighting.
Remember that the Code of Discipline must be followed even when you are on the school bus or on the MBTA (to/from school).
What happens if I misbehave?
Your parents/guardians will be called and depending on what you did, you might receive a detention (lunchtime or after school) or a conference might be arranged with your parents/guardians (which may result in a suspension).
Can I use my cell phone at school?
Cell phones must not be used during school hours and must be turned off (not just on vibrate) and put away. Cell phones will be confiscated in accordance with BPS policy.
If a family member needs to get in touch with you during the school day, they should call the main office, Mr. MacLeod or Ms. Choi and the message will be promptly communicated to you. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be permitted to make a telephone call in the main office or in Mr. MacLeod or Ms. Choi’s office.
Can I use an IPod, GameBoy, PSP or other electronic device in school?
No. These items must be put away as soon as you enter the building. We strongly suggest that you don’t even bring them to school.
Does the school have a dress code?
Yes. Students should dress in a modest fashion. Shorts and skirts must be no more than 3 inches above the knee. Revealing shirts (low-cut, halters, spaghetti strap, etc.) or shirts with obscene or other inappropriate words or images can not be worn. Hats, doo-rages, scarves and other headgear must be removed as soon as you enter the building. For more details, please read the School-Based Rules.
When and where do detentions take place?
Lunchtime detentions are held in room 3-226 for students assigned to Cafeteria B (street-side cafeteria) and in room 3-239 for students assigned to Cafeteria A (field-side cafeteria).
Students must report directly to the detention room (not the lunch line) when they are assigned lunchtime detention. Students will be allowed to obtain lunch after the line diminishes
Students must complete a reflection during lunchtime detention; and must be silent during lunchtime detention.
After school detentions are held on Thursdays from 1:50 PM to 2:30 PM in room 3-242.
A 24 hour notice letter will sent home to parents/guardians so alternative arrangements can be made for transportation home.
Students must complete a reflection during after school detention; and must be silent during after school detention.
What is a reflection?
When you fail to meet our expectations, we want you to think about what you did (or didn’t do) and what you can do (or not do) in the future to avoid this same behavior. Depending on the circumstances, you will be required to complete the following reflections during detention: Tardy to Homeroom Reflection, Tardy to Class (Periods 2-6) Reflection, Cut Class/Unexcused Absence Reflection, Behavior/Problem Solving Reflection.
When and how will I be dismissed from school?Students whose 6th period classes are located on the street-side of the building (Lazo, Lawrence, Tamerat, Gray and Keung) will be dismissed through the exit door/stairway across the hall from 3-216.
Students whose 6th period classes are located on the 2nd floor, field-side of the building (Tapia, Marotta, Chaney, Hodjat and Terry) will be dismissed through the exit door/stairway across the hall from 3-209.
Students whose 6th period classes are located on the 3rd floor, field-side of the building (Mendillo and Hall) will be dismissed through the exit door/stairway across the hall from 3-308.
Can I stay in the building after dismissal?
All 7th and 8th grade students must leave the building at dismissal unless they are supervised by an adult and we have the explicit permission of their parents/guardian for them to stay at school.
Students scheduled to take the school bus must do so unless we have the explicit permission of their parents/guardians for them to get home otherwise.
How often will I receive homework in my classes?
All 7th and 8th grade students should expect to receive homework in every class almost every night (including weekends).
How much time should I spend on homework each night?
All 7th and 8th grade students are expected to spend approximately 2 – 3 hours every night working on homework.
We have high expectations for you and are confident that you will rise to the challenge.
Have a great year!
Remember O’Bryant “PRIDE”
Perseverance
Respect
Integrity
Discipline
Excellence
