Roosevelt Middle School Student Handbook

2023-2024

As a community of learners, RMS strives to create an innovative, rigorous, culturally relevant learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and a culture of respect.

RMS Commitment Statement

The Roosevelt Middle School staff stands together against bigotry, harassment, bullying, and any form of discrimination.

We support a learning community where there is cooperation, fairness, and mutual respect.

We believe students learning at the highest level is the rule… not the exception.

The RMS staff believes in a world where everyone… our students… our staff… our parents… and our community celebrate the strength and power of diversity.

We stand together as a united school committed to supporting the success of all students.

Regardless of where a student worships, where a student comes from, what language a student speaks at home, the color of a student’s skin, or whom a student loves, every individual adds to the mosaic of our school community.

Our differences, not our similarities, are what make us stronger as a whole.

Current Contents:

Click on a bookmark below to go directly to a specific page.

Whom To Contact For Help

Program Highlights

School Supplies

Planner Overview

Family Supports

School Policies

4J School District Technology and Internet Use

Roosevelt Middle School Expectations

Families Getting Involved

WHOM TO CONTACT FOR HELP

All office staff can help with illness or injury.

Assistant Principal - Mike Yocum. Student behavior and discipline issues, bullying and harassment concerns/reporting, scheduling concerns, and IEP support.

Attendance Secretary - Theresa Elmore. Student attendance, planned absences, excusing absences,lost items, locker help, arriving late, and medication disbursement.

Classroom Teachers. Curriculum and instruction, academic pacing, classroom dynamics, homework, and grades.

Counselor – Lee Baker. Friendship issues, getting along with others, personal issues, 504 Plans, school transitions, and class/course load concerns.

Head Cook - Leah Waddington. Cafeteria meal payments and credits.

Principal – Courtney Leonard. Safety, staffing, academic programs, discipline appeals, budget, professional development, grants, French Immersion, AVID, and any other instructional program needs.

Psychologist - Maggie McGill. Current and potential special education needs

Registrar – Kelly Ayres. School enrollment, transcripts, report cards, school choice, school records, Parentvue access, and all demographic changes including phone and address.

School Secretary - Skye Stier. Financial issues and fees, free and reduced meal forms, building use, calendar, website, announcements, and eNews requests.

Volunteer Coordinator - Laura Fuhriman.  Volunteer opportunities.

Staff Email Addresses. Go to the Roosevelt website:        https://roosevelt.4j.lane.edu/index.php/staff-directory/.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Office open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             School days 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Roosevelt Office  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          541.790.8500

24-hour Attendance Recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            541.790.8525

24-hour Spanish Attendance Recording . . . . . . . . .           541.790.8507        

24-hour Attendance Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            dialroosevelt@4j.lane.edu

Roosevelt fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          541-790-8505

District 4J Office .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         541.790.7700

Absence reporting, attendance concerns. Contact the attendance secretary or leave a message on the attendance line.

Address/contact information change. Report changes in demographic information to the registrar.

Cafeteria meal account. Meals are free for all 4J students through the 2023-2024 school year, but we encourage all families to submit the Free & Reduced Meal Application.  

Conflicts: Check in with your advisor or the counselor for help.

Course changes: Talk with your House advisor who will work with the assistant principal and registrar if changes are made.

Drug/alcohol/violence: Talk with the counselor, the advisor or one of the administrators.

Excused absences: Families should call the attendance line, 541.790.8525 or in Spanish 541.790.8507 or email         dialroosevelt@4j.lane.edu.

Financial questions: Contact the school secretary.

Illness/injury: Students who are ill or injured should immediately report to the office.

Insurance: Contact the office for a school accident insurance form.

Locker Help: Locker problems should be reported to the advisor or the office.

Lost & Found: Check the lost and found before school, at lunch or after school for lost items.

Planned absences: Request a form from the attendance secretary.

Student messages: Messages for students are posted on our message table in the office.

Tardiness: Sign in at the office before going to class.

Theft: Complete a theft report in the office and talk with one of the administrators.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

We believe students should have ownership  of and invest in their own educational opportunities. Our processes are designed to empower students and help facilitate meaningful decisions and choices.

Required Courses for 6th graders

• Year-long Language Arts (or French Immersion)
• Year-long Math
• Year-long Social Studies (or French Immersion)              
• Year-long Science
• Year-long quarter rotation sequence including a health class, P.E., Drama, and Empower
• Year-long elective: Offerings include Band, Orchestra, Art, or Doing It All

Required Courses for 7th & 8th graders          

• Year-long Language Arts (or French Immersion)            
• Year-long Math
• Year-long Social Studies (or French Immersion)              
• Year-long Science                                                                
• A year-long, every other day Health & Physical Education course         
• Year-long, every other day electives: Offerings include Band, Orchestra, Spanish, Art, Cooking, Leadership, or Science & Technology

Complete information on program requirements and course offerings are in the Curriculum Guide available at:  https://roosevelt.4j.lane.edu/ under the Course Descriptions and Preference Form tab.

House Advisory Program

The House advisory system is one of the most important components of the Roosevelt program. Licensed staff members advise approximately 25 students (known as House) for the three years they attend Roosevelt. House is multi-grade (6th, 7th & 8th graders) and meets multiple times per week. Advisors become well-acquainted with their advisees and assist them to attain the best experiences while at Roosevelt. Advisors and housemates, along with the CORE leaders, orient new students to our school. An advisor also advocates for House members and is a staff person to whom students can turn when they need help. Occasionally, there may be a difficulty between the advisor and student. Families are strongly encouraged to first speak directly to the advisor to try to resolve any issue. If the problem cannot be resolved directly, then the family should meet with an administrator, who will offer a mediation between the family and advisor. As a last resort, the administrator may make an advisor change.

Advisors ensure that the following activities occur:

• Maintain an open line of communication with families concerning advisees and their academic program
• Develop a relationship between the advisor and advisees to reinforce, guide and develop confidence, self-esteem, responsibility and good decision-making
• Help students gain an understanding of the goals and structure of the Roosevelt program
• Develop cooperative, supportive relationships among House members

Creating Our Roosevelt Environment (CORE)

Our highly successful CORE program welcomes incoming 6th graders to Roosevelt. Eighth graders apply to serve as CORE leader role models for 6th graders, who are divided into teams of 8-10 members. Each CORE team is then assigned two CORE leaders who serve as mentors and friends for the school year. The CORE program has proven to enhance academic success through peer support. It allows successful older students to pass on positive traditions to younger students and introduce them to the Roosevelt community. After the September kick-off orientation, social follow-up activities, designed to foster a feeling of safety and security for 6th graders, are scheduled.

Homework Club

Roosevelt offers an opportunity for students to catch up on their class work and get additional academic support. We offer Homework Club both before and after school: Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 8:55 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 3:40 - 4:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays, 2:35 - 3:00 p.m.

Activity Night

Activity Night is a twice-a-year fun and safe opportunity for all Roosevelt students to socialize in a safe and familiar place. Included are dancing, karaoke, bingo, food and more. Activity Night is for Roosevelt students only.

Track & Field

Our track coach wants you to know three things before track practice begins in early March:

1. Participation is available for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Scholarships are available to eligible students. All forms can be picked up and dropped off at the Roosevelt office.
2. All participants in sports must have accident insurance on file.
3. Students who participate in interscholastic athletics are required to have a physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner prior to the first sport in which they participate. Furthermore, the state requires all students to have a physical examination every two years to participate in extracurricular sports. Students with a suspected health problem need to have an annual physical examination by a physician.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

ROOSEVELT SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST – 2023-2024

PLANNER OVERVIEW

One of the challenges at middle school is to be organized and stay current with classes.  

The planner is an effective tool to help students do this and a way for staff, students and families to communicate effectively. The planner is a versatile tool to be used with other digital platforms such as Canvas, Google and others. Students can track their assignments in their planner as well as online via Canvas.  

We suggest the following strategies to use the planner:

• Record all your assignments for the week. Check with your teacher and on Canvas to cross-reference.
• Record all your assignments in the correct section of the planner.
• Think about… what can I do to improve my organization?

Student responsibilities:

• Bring your planner to class each day.
• Record all assignments in your planner whether they’ve been given to you on Canvas or in class.
• Use your planner as a self-check to see if you have completed all your assignments.
• Record “no assignment” if there was no homework.
• Share your planner with your family to let them know what is happening in class.

Family responsibilities:

• Track your student’s assignments in the planner daily.
• Contact your student’s House advisor if you have serious or ongoing concerns.
• Use the planner to communicate with your student’s House advisor or teachers.  

Teacher/House advisor suggestions:

• Show students how to use their planners.
• Routinely check students’ planners to confirm use.
• Post assignments we expect students to write in their planners.  
• Clarify class work, homework and objectives to students.

FAMILY SUPPORTS

Roosevelt’s counseling staff work together with advisors and the administrative team to support students, families, and staff. Our goal is to provide assistance for solving problems that may interfere with student learning. If a problem arises, families  should always begin by contacting their student’s advisor. If the family or advisor believes additional help may be required, the counselor, principal, or assistant principal may be contacted via email or by phone at 541.790.8500.

Financial Assistance

Some Roosevelt students may need financial assistance during the school year. We have access to good used clothing and scholarship funds.  We appreciate any contributions our community makes to our Family Support account. If you know of a student in need, please contact the student’s advisor, the counselor, or the school secretary.

Health Services

Roosevelt shares a nurse with several other schools. The nurse is scheduled at Roosevelt one morning each week. Health services are also available by scheduling an appointment at one of the School Based Health Clinics located at Churchill High School and North Eugene High School. A nurse practitioner and nurse staff those clinics. Their services are available to Roosevelt students free of charge. The clinic numbers are: Churchill 541-790-5227 and NEHS 541-790-4445.

Medications at School

With two exceptions noted below, ALL medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) must be locked in the health room and in their original containers. Families must sign a form allowing office staff to dispense the medications to students. These forms may be picked up in the office. Exceptions to locking medications in the office are:  (1) with the written consent of the family, students may carry and self-administer one-day’s dose of non-prescription medication (such as Tylenol for headaches, ibuprofen for dental pain, or Sudafed for cold symptoms) and (2) with the written consent of the family and school administrator, students may carry and self-administer one day’s dose of non-controlled prescription medications, including asthma inhalers and allergy medications like Epinephrine.

4j Wrap-Around Services

The goal of the wraparound program is to ensure underserved families receive equal access to resources, advocacy, mentoring, and learning opportunities. Wraparound provides on-the-ground services to families such as a clothing closet, food pantry, and immediate response to basic needs. RMS families can also access student safety and wellness resources on the district website.  

ADDITIONAL RMS INFORMATION

Hall Lockers and Bags/Backpacks

Hall lockers belong to the school. Each student is assigned their own locker by the advisor. Students should not share lockers as they are only large enough to accommodate one student. Students must keep backpacks and bags in their lockers throughout the school day and may not take them to classes.  Students use passing times to go to lockers between classes or at lunch.

Students, below are more pointers for your locker:

• All phones and other devices stay off and away in your locker all day.  
• Keep your combination confidential and do not share with friends. The front office can assist with a new combination when necessary.
• Keep the locker your advisor assigns.
• Avoid overfilling your locker.  Packing it too full can damage the locker.
• Keep money and valuables on you or at home, not in your locker.
• Keep your locker clean and respect school property.
• Locker decorations may not utilize scotch or masking tape or any stickers. All decorations must be easy to remove.  Our custodial staff thanks you for your cooperation.
• Keep any pictures in lockers in good taste for a school environment.

The health and safety of students, staff, and visitors are at the heart of these policies.

Library/Media Center

The Library/Media Center is open when supervision is available. Students are welcome to use the library as long as they follow rules guiding appropriate behavior. Students who borrow books from the library are expected to treat them with care and return them by the due date. Students are responsible for lost library books and textbooks. Students must settle with the library staff before the end of the year for any lost materials.

School Hours

The front vestibule area opens at 7:30 am for early drop-off and the building opens at 8:15 am. This area is not supervised before school. Beginning at 8:30 am students may move around the building. Roosevelt is a closed campus and once students arrive at school they must remain at school. Students must exit the building at the end of the school day unless they are involved in a supervised activity.  

School Insurance

A voluntary school accident insurance program is offered as a service to students. Information and forms are available in the school office. Payments of premiums and processing of claims are handled directly through the insurance company.

Transportation/Anything with Wheels

We strongly encourage alternative modes of transportation to and from Roosevelt - walk, bike and roll to school. Per 4J policy, students must walk their wheels anywhere on school property.

Violation of this policy may result in loss of skating or riding privileges or other consequences, including being cited for trespass. Students must walk their wheeled transportation on school property and store and lock it in the bike paddock or skateboard/scooter dock. All bikes, skateboards and scooters must be locked up outside – no bikes, skateboards or scooters are allowed in the building. Please make sure students have a lock for their bike, skateboard or scooter and that they securely lock them in the outdoor areas provided. Under Oregon law, all bicycle riders under 16 years of age are required to wear helmets.  

Roosevelt Website (https://roosevelt.4j.lane.edu)

We encourage families and students to visit our website to learn about our school. On the site you will find the following information: communication updates, monthly calendar, upcoming events, Roosevelt staff directory, email and web pages, Roosevelt library, Roosevelt eNews, volunteer information and more.

SCHOOL POLICIES

Compulsory Education

Roosevelt provides a six-period schedule addressing Oregon state standards and providing access to electives. At the middle school level, Oregon (OAR 581.022-1620) requires students to participate in a minimum of 900 instructional minutes per year. Therefore students are expected to take a full schedule.  

Attendance

It is very important that families call the Roosevelt attendance line, 541.790.8525, or in Spanish 541-790-8507, when your student is unable to be present at school. If your child is absent three consecutive school days, or has irregular attendance, a note from a health care provider may be required.  

Attendance Law

• Compulsory Attendance: Oregon Revised Statute 339.020 states:  “ . . . every person having control of any child between the ages of 7 and 18 years who has not completed the 12th grade is required to send such child to and maintain such child in regular attendance at a public full-time school during the entire school term.
• Irregular Attendance: Oregon Revised Statute 339.065 states:  “Eight unexcused one-half day absences [or the equivalent thereof] in any four-week period during which school is in session shall be considered irregular attendance.”
• Excused Absences: Oregon Revised Statute 339.065 states:  “An absence may be excused . . . if the absence is caused by the pupil’s sickness, by the sickness of some member of the pupil’s family, or by an emergency.  A principal or teacher may also excuse absences for other reasons where satisfactory arrangements are made in advance of the absence.” The Roosevelt staff primarily limits “other reasons” to doctor or dentist appointments that cannot be made outside the school day.
• Truancy: Oregon Administrative Rule 581-021-0077 states: “The failure to send the student and to maintain the student in regular attendance is a Class C violation.” The superintendent may issue a citation.    

Tardiness

All students should be in class, seated and with the proper materials before class begins. Chronic tardiness is considered a serious issue. Administration will work with students to support their on-time arrival to school and class. Students who report after 9:00am must come to the office immediately for a ‘we’re glad you made it’ slip before reporting to class.  

Planned Absences

If a student plans to be absent for three or more consecutive school days, please inform teachers in advance and contact the attendance secretary. Please pick up a Planned Absence form from the office, take it to each teacher and return it with a parent/guardian signature, to the attendance secretary. Students are expected to monitor assignments in Canvas and make up any missed assignments.

Absences and Extra-Curricular Activities

Students who miss school, excused or unexcused (including suspensions), are not allowed to participate in after-school events on the same day, such as activity night, track meets, evening fundraisers, drama events, and concerts. The only exception is if a student missed school due to a school related activity such as a field trip.

Students Arriving/Leaving During the School Day

Anytime students arrive or leave during the school day they must sign in/out in the office. Students may only leave with a guardian or with an  adult listed in our information system as an emergency contact.

If you know your student will need to leave school during the instructional day, please call the front office to excuse your student at a specific time. We will send a note for your student to be excused from class to come to the office and sign out. Please park and come into the office to pick up your student.  

If an unexpected appointment comes up, please call the office as early as possible. Please note, students may not leave school during the school day for appointments or any other reason without a parent/guardian or approved emergency contact coming to pick them up. On rare occasions, administration may work with a parent/guardian to authorize the student to leave without a parent/guardian or emergency contact picking the student up.

Academic Integrity

Roosevelt Middle School is committed to developing students of character who demonstrate civic, social, and personal responsibility. The life skills we value and expect from students are effort, honesty, respect, responsibility, perseverance, and self-discipline.

Roosevelt students are responsible for understanding and abiding by this Academic Integrity Policy. They will take the time to do their own work. They will be honest and will learn without cheating, lying or taking shortcuts on classwork, homework, projects, or exams.

Students should always discuss with teachers if they are confused or uncertain about an assignment or grade. Self-advocacy is always a preferred route to completing assigned work with academic integrity.

Canvas & ParentVue

Canvas is a student learning management system used to provide digital access to a syllabus, student progress on assignments, and a communication tool for students and families. Parents/guardians can request a Canvas Pair Code here.

Synergy ParentVue is a website offering secure, private access to school and student information, including grades, attendance, school calendar, and teacher contact details. ParentVue offers a single sign-on to view school information for all 4J siblings, regardless of grade level or school of attendance. Parents can see information about their children only, and cannot see the records of other students. While the website is accessible over the internet, access is secured via a username and password. Parent activation keys are mailed with first mid-term progress reports. If you would like yours before that time, please contact the registrar and be prepared to come to the office and show picture ID.

Homework Requests

We encourage students to check Canvas to obtain any missed assignments and message teachers. We also encourage students to initiate a conversation with their teachers.  

Schedule Changes

Giving students the opportunity to express their preferences to select classes the spring before school starts in September  is intended to encourage choice as well as exploration. We encourage students to explore classes they might not have otherwise considered. We expect students will remain in the classes in which they are enrolled. There are times, however, when a student’s schedule needs to be changed for various reasons. If a schedule truly must change, then students and parents start by speaking with the House advisor.  If the advisor is supportive of the change, they will meet with an administrator and advocate for the change. The administrator makes the final decision. Students must be enrolled in the course before they begin attending.

RMS CAFETERIA AND NUTRITION SERVICES INFORMATION

Eugene School District 4J offers healthy meals every school day to support student learning. Meals are free for all 4J students through the 2023-2024 school year, but we encourage all families to submit the Free & Reduced Meal Application.  Approval for free or reduced meals may also qualify your student for other cost-savings opportunities available to students and families, such as reduced participation fees for 4J athletics and activities, Kidsports, the City of Eugene, and other after-school programs, plus low-cost high-speed internet or mobile hotspots.  Learn more at:  http://www.4j.lane.edu/nutrition/freelunchbenefits/.  Although meals are free for all 4J students through the 2023-2024 school year, students do need their student ID number to receive a school breakfast or lunch.        

Below is the Oregon Expanded Income Guideline to assist in determining if your family will qualify for free or reduced meals and the other available benefits:

You may apply, or re-apply, any time during the school year. A new application is required every school year. Submit one application for all students in your household. Applications are confidential.

Complete an application online: https://www.ode.state.or.us/apps/frlapp - or complete a paper application:

*  Download an application from http://www.4j.lane.edu/nutrition

        *  Request an application to be mailed

            *  Pick up an application from any 4J school or the 4J Education Center

For access to weekly menus, go to https://family.titank12.com/, select “Check District Menu” and enter “Eugene School District 4J” in the search field. Filter to your student’s school, then use the arrows to rotate to the menu week desired. Hover over any item to see nutrition information or use filters for allergens and dietary restrictions.

Need help?  Call: 541-790-7656; Email: nutrition@4j.lane.edu; Mail: 4J Education Center, 200 N. Monroe Street, Eugene, OR 97402.

Food consumption at school is limited to the cafeteria unless otherwise directed by a staff member. Plans and locations for lunchtime club meetings will be developed and announced to students. Drink containers must be plastic or reusable materials with resealable tops (no glass, cups, or cans). All trash must be picked up before the bell. Students may not have food delivered by vendors to campus.

General School Conduct

• At Roosevelt we all pitch in to keep our spaces clean and neat.
• Keep backpacks, binders and clothing in lockers, not in classrooms, on benches, or on the floor.
• Use garbage, recycling, and compost bins for waste.
• Use kind, safe and respectful language. Roosevelt does not tolerate any language that hurts or disrespects any group of people in our community.
• Use our hallways courteously. Share space when using lockers and halls. Be safe and walk at all times.
• We do not permit energy drinks at Roosevelt.

Elevator Use 

Roosevelt is committed to full accessibility of our facility to all students and patrons, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who need access to the elevator to move to and from the second floor will meet with a front office staff member to get an elevator pass. The student will be given instructions on use and what not to press (emergency, fire, etc.). Students with an elevator pass must use the pass responsibly and may travel in the elevator with one escort (only if necessary), selected by staff. Students and families are responsible for turning in the elevator pass each day in the office, before leaving the building, and then picking it up in the morning if the pass is still necessary. When the student and family feel the pass is no longer needed, they will inform the office staff.

Personal Property and Money

Inappropriate personal property and large amounts of money should be left at home. These items are vulnerable to theft and/or are disruptive. At a minimum, these items will be confiscated if they are not well managed. The school will not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property.

Cell Phones/Personal Electronic Devices

Cell phones and other personal electronic devices (including smart watches) may not be used by students on the Roosevelt campus from 8:30 am until the end of the school day, unless needed for documented medical, 504 or IEP reasons. All personal electronic devices are to be kept in student lockers if brought to school. Electronic learning devices may be allowed in the classroom and students are expected to follow school technology rules and use the devices for a school purpose. Additional information about technology is found in the Responsible Use Policy Agreement. Failure to comply with personal electronic device expectations will result in consequences.

Additionally, earbuds and headphones are to be in student lockers unless requested by the teacher for school purposes. Students bringing electronic devices to school do so at their own risk.  

Roosevelt is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.  

Please do not text or call students on personal devices during the instructional day. If families need to communicate with students during the school day, then please call the office (541-790-8500) and have a note delivered. Please help reduce disruptions during the school day.  Students can also use the front office phone before or after school, during breaks and at lunch.

Unacceptable use of personal technology devices by students may result in suspension or revocation of personal device privileges and/or other disciplinary action. Unaccept­able uses include but are not limited to:

• Use of a personal technology device in a manner that violates any school-issued tech restrictions.
• Use of a personal technology device to gain or give an advantage in a testing situation.
• Downloading and installing district-licensed software/apps on per­sonal technology devices unless specifically allowed by the licensing agreement.
• Use of a personal device during school hours or non-school hours that causes a material and substantial disruption to the educational environment, or creates a foreseeable risk of the same. This could include filming, taping or photographing others without consent.

Recommended Discipline related to Electronic Devices

• First Incident: The student will be given a warning and asked to turn off the device and put it away in their locker.
• Second Incident: A minor referral may be written. Families may be called and the device may be confiscated, to be picked up by the student or parent/guardian at the end of the day.
• Third Incident: A major referral may be written. The student may lose privileges.

Dress Code/Guide

At Roosevelt, students’ freedom of expression is a priority. We strive to enforce these values and to maintain a non-judgmental learning environment. However, we do understand that some articles of clothing can be unsafe, distracting, or harmful to students. Limitations to student expression should be constantly reviewed due to changing styles, and generally, students cannot wear:

• Anything that causes a class disruption (i.e., students needing to adjust their clothing or drawing class attention away from the lesson)
• Any clothing that could be potentially dangerous to the student or others around them
• Any articles of clothing that display or depict weapons, violence, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
• Any clothing that is considered in violation of our harassment and discrimination policy

Staff members handle potential dress code violations and follow these guidelines:

• The conversation should be private from other students.
• Freedom of expression is centered in the conversation.
• Conversations should involve families.
• Administrators will resolve disagreements regarding appropriate dress.

Illegal Substances (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, other drugs)

Possession, being under the influence of any illegal substance, including alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, or selling or distributing drugs, will result in an immediate school suspension and/or additional consequences as determined by administration. In addition, Roosevelt may report to the police incidents involving drugs, alcohol or serious violations of the law, including possession of any weapon. Those reports may result in a police interview, citation, or arrest.

All students must follow the policies outlined in the 4j Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.  

Self-referral for Substance Abuse

The Roosevelt staff strongly believes that all students have the right to an education in a drug-free environment. In an effort to be proactive and supportive, our substance abuse policy contains a self-referral clause. Students who are concerned about their involvement with drugs are encouraged to ask a staff member for assistance. The staff member will help the student contact the school’s counselor or an administrator who will identify appropriate supports for them. We want to make sure that students who seek help can do so in a confidential manner without fear of any disciplinary action.

Student Visitors

Student visitors are not allowed at Roosevelt. If you have a question, please contact administration.

Volunteers and Visitors

All volunteers, parents and visitors in the building during the school day are required to report to the office, sign in and get a visitor badge. Your cooperation with this 4J School District safety policy is greatly appreciated.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited weekly. Students who do not want to say the pledge are expected to stay seated quietly and listen respectfully as classmates complete the pledge.

Religious Instruction

Oregon Revised Statute (ORS 339.420) allows secondary students who have written permission from their parents to be released from school for up to one hour per week to attend religious classes.

4J School District Technology and Internet Use

The purpose of district-owned technology is to enhance the educational experi­ence of students and to increase the operational and educational efficiency and effectiveness of staff. This includes access to the internet, information services, databases, email and other communication tools. Students are expected to use technology for educational purposes and in an appropriate manner. Teach­ers and other supervising adults are expected to guide and supervise students who use district technology. District guidelines are summarized below. More complete guidelines for the use of the district network and other technology are available on the district’s website www.4j.lane.edu/cis/appropriate_use.

Email Accounts

All district students are issued a district email account. All student email users are expected to use commonly accepted practices. Middle school students have their district email accounts activated automatically unless a parent or guardian has denied access at the building level or filled out a denial form at the district level. Once activated, email accounts remain activated until the student is no longer a district student or the parent denies consent.

Unacceptable Uses of District-Owned Technology

The unacceptable use of the 4J network, equipment and other technol­ogy may result in suspension or revocation of network privileges, equip­ment privileges and/or other disciplinary action. Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to:

• Violation of school board policy, district administrative rules or any provision of the most current version of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, found at http://www.4j.lane.edu/superintendent/srrh/.
• Violation of any local, state, or federal law. This includes but is not limited to transmission of copyrighted materials, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secrets.
• Use of district technology to organize activities that are clear viola­tions of the law or district rules.
• Use of profanity, obscenity, or other language that may be offensive to another user.
• Posting information or images that could be a form of harassment or could promote a negative culture in the school environment by causing a student or staff member to feel uncomfortable or unsafe at school.
• Knowingly accessing inappropriate materials or sharing inappropri­ate materials or their sources with other students.
• Use of district technology to access vulgar and plainly offensive, obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit language or material in any form.
• Use of district technology for financial gain, commercial activity or illegal activity (e.g., hacking).
• Use of district technology for political activity.
• Accessing another person’s individual account.
• Copying and/or downloading commercial software, apps or other material (e.g., music) in violation of federal copyright laws.
• Creating and/or placing a computer virus on the network.
• Activity with a malicious intent to disrupt the network.
• Any form of vandalism, including but not limited to damaging technology equipment (e.g., computers, tablets, printers, projectors, interactive equipment, etc.) or networks or disrupting the operation of the network.
• Installation of unapproved equipment (e.g. wireless access points, routers, switches, network cabling not provided or approved by the district’s Technology Department), unapproved or unlicensed soft­ware/apps, or changing of district settings.
• Bypassing of district-specified filtered internet websites on devices used by students.

ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

As a community of learners, RMS strives to create an innovative, rigorous and culturally relevant learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and a culture of respect.

Minors & Majors (M & Ms)

Roosevelt’s behavior guidelines are to ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff. These guidelines are intended to promote respectful behavior and maintain an environment where teachers may teach and students may learn. Roosevelt Middle School strives to promote positive relationships among students and staff, and we believe all students deserve to be heard, respected, valued, and understood. Another value at Roosevelt is the idea that conflicts can be resolved through compassion and a shared understanding of the perspectives of others. Staff will strive to manage discipline in a way that provides a learning experience for students and recognizes students’ individual differences. In addition to these guidelines, students are expected to be aware of and follow the policies as listed in the Eugene School District 4J “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.” Copies are available online at https://www.4j.lane.edu/superintendent/srrh/.

The role of the House Advisor is to inform students and to manage low-level behaviors (minors). When more serious behaviors occur (majors), House Advisors act as an advocate for the student. Teachers, advisors and staff can refer students for unacceptable behavior and recommend consequences. Administration decides on all consequences, including decisions on suspension and community service, and may recommend expulsion to the superintendent. Our goal is to maintain a safe and respectful environment and to support students as they learn and grow.

Minor Referral Procedures

Minor Offenses include but are not limited to:

• Low-level disruption
• Mild inappropriate language
• Disruptive use of technology
• Running in halls
• Horseplay (playful pushing, wrestling, etc.)
• Riding bike, skateboard, scooter on school property
• Use of backpack at inappropriate times.
• Beverage in a non-sealable container (pop-top, aluminum, glass, etc.)
• Littering
• Abusing school property (ex. kicking a locker, throwing a book)
• Unacceptable use of technology (disruptive)

Procedures for MINOR Offenses:

Minor Referrals are designed to re-teach students about school rules. Consequences are left to the advisor or teacher for these infractions. When a pattern of behavior occurs 3 times, administration and the advisor work together to change student behavior. Three cumulative minors become a major. Repeated minor level offenses become a major.  

• 1st Minor Notification: Advisor discusses incident with student and reviews Behavior Guidelines..
• 2nd Minor Notification: Advisor contacts parent and may take corrective action. Student is warned of next step.
• 3rd Minor Notification: A third MINOR offense becomes a MAJOR and consequences may result. The advisor informs an administrator.

Major Referral Procedures

Major offenses include but are not limited to:

• Fighting and/or assault including dangerous horseplay
• Harassment including verbal, physical, ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, or religious
• Targeted racial or biased language
• Bullying, intimidation
• Violent threats to others or property
• Extortion
• Possession of lighters, matches, or flammables
• Insubordination, defiance, refusal
• Theft
• Vandalism (including graffiti)
• Unlawful gambling
• Possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, illegal drugs, or unauthorized legal drugs
• Minor level offenses with a guest teacher
• Possession and/or use of a dangerous weapon
• Academic dishonesty
• Truancy including skipping and excessive tardiness
• Substantial disruption
• Gang related activity or dress
• Profane or obscene language
• Serious technology violations (including cyber bullying)
• Pantsing another student
• Leaving class without teacher permission
• Cheating/lying, plagiarism
• Violation of any policy listed in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

Procedures for MAJOR Offense

In most instances, a conference will be held as soon as possible following the incident. Specific responses depend on the seriousness of each situation. If a student is suspended from school, the administrator will determine the length of the suspension (a maximum of ten school days) and make appropriate contact with parent/guardian to ensure the student’s safe arrival home. During a suspension, the student may not attend or participate in any district activities such as concerts, activity nights and district sponsored athletics and may not be on the Roosevelt campus.

Students and families need to be aware that school personnel may work closely with the Eugene Police Department and/or the 4j Office of Student Safety. Possession of drugs, vandalism, theft or assault may be reported to the Eugene Police Department and may result in disciplinary consequences.

Harassment/Bullying

Roosevelt is committed to a safe and welcoming environment for all students. Harassment/bullying is not acceptable at Roosevelt. To report bullying, harassment, or intimidation, please complete the RMS Student Safety Reporting Form available in the office, from any staff member, or complete it at  https://tinyurl.com/m2fw3em2.

If you have experienced bias, racism or discrimination please report here: https://tinyurl.com/2rev47dt

School board policy JB prohibits harassment, intimidation, hazing, bullying, cyberbullying, teen dating violence and retaliation, as defined by school board policy, against students on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, including athletic activities, on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop.

Students may face disciplinary consequences for any off-campus behavior that would disrupt the educational process or the operation of the school or district.

Definitions:

a. Bullying, harassment or intimidation means any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities or performance; that takes place on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-sponsored transportation, or at any official school bus stop; and that has the effect of:

• Physically harming a student or endangering a student’s property;
• Knowingly placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property; or
• Creating a hostile educational environment.
• It may be based on, but is not limited to, the protected class status of a person.

b. Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to harass, intimidate or bully.

c. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment may include such actions as sex-oriented verbal kidding, teasing or jokes; subtle pressure for sexual activity; physical contact such as patting, pinching, or brushing against another’s body; or demands for sexual favors.

d. Hazing means intentionally taking action or creating a situation that inflicts physical harm, psychological harm or distress on a student regardless of the consent or location of the participants. Hazing occurs when the action or situation has the purpose or effect of demeaning or humiliating a student or group of students. Hazing is typically but not exclusively committed as a form of initiation, discipline or rite of passage for a particular club, team or activity and almost always includes new members showing subservience to existing members. In considering a hazing case, it is not a defense that the student subjected to hazing consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.

e. Protected class means a group of persons distinguished or perceived to be distinguished by disability, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, marital status, socioeconomic status, source of income, cultural background, familial status, physical characteristic, or linguistic characteristics of a national origin group.

f. Teen dating violence means a pattern of behavior, within a dating relationship, in which a person uses or threatens to use physical, mental or emotional abuse to control another person, or threatens sexual violence against another person, when one or both persons in the dating relationship are 13–19 years of age.

g. Retaliation means acts of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment toward a person in response to previously reported harassment.

Student Responsibility

Students are expected to refrain from harassment, intimidation, bullying; sexual harassment; cyberbullying; hazing; teen dating violence; or retaliation. Students who violate these rules may be disciplined.

Students are expected to hold their peers to the standards established by policy and this handbook and are encouraged to bring violations to the attention of a teacher, counselor, administrator or other staff member. These reports may be made anonymously.

Reports and Complaint Process

The district is committed to preventing and responding to incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, hazing, teen dating violence or retaliation. Staff and volunteers will follow school board policy requiring that such incidents be reported to the school administrator, or to the superintendent where the administrator is believed to have been involved.

Students and parents who have experienced an incident of bullying, harassment, intimidation, cyberbullying, hazing, teen dating violence or retaliation are strongly encouraged to contact the school principal or other staff member to report it. If the administrator is believed to be involved, the report may instead be made to the superintendent’s office.

Administration will respond quickly and appropriately to investigate and resolve such reports, making an effort to provide the student with a practical, safe, private and age-appropriate way to discuss the matter. Interim measures necessary to provide a safe educational environment may be considered. When reports are substantiated, administration will take sufficient measures to remediate and prevent recurrences. Examples include: Support from counseling and/or administration to address the needs of the victim; support, interventions or consequences to address the behavior of the perpetrator; and safety plans where appropriate. Parents/guardians will be notified in a timely manner, within the constraints of laws governing the confidentiality of student records.

If students and families cannot resolve the issue working with the school administrator or staff, they may submit a complaint to the superintendent’s office. The form, and the district publication Bullying, harassment & discrimination: Step-by-step complaint process, is available from school offices or from the superintendent’s office at the 4J Education Center, 200 North Monroe Street, Eugene, OR 97402, 541-790-7706.

Guest Teachers

Being a guest teacher is a particularly difficult job because it means working in a classroom full of unfamiliar students. All students are expected to make an extra effort to be helpful and cooperative. Roosevelt’s behavior guidelines apply.  Students who receive a minor for disruption, defiance or disrespect may receive more severe consequences than minor consequences after consultation with the advisor, regular teacher and the guest teacher.

Off-Campus Behavior

Students may face disciplinary consequences for conduct that occurs off school premises at school-related or supervised functions or while traveling to and from school. Disciplinary consequences may be pursued if the behavior has a threatening effect on student safety or physical or mental health, or if the behavior would otherwise tend to disrupt the educational process or the operation of the school.

Investigation by Law Enforcement Officials

School officials are faced with a dual responsibility. First, they must safeguard students’ rights; second, they must cooperate with law enforcement officers. When an officer is investigating illegal acts that are not school related, school administrators will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent. However, we cannot impede the investigation even if we cannot reach the parent.  We will contact families as soon as possible. Principals may involve a police officer investigating violations of school policies and rules, including student interviews, without first contacting parents. If, during the course of the investigation, a student becomes a suspect in an illegal act, the administrator will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent or guardian before allowing the interview to proceed. If parents cannot be present, an administrator will act in place of the parent/guardian.

Duty to Inform About Threats

Oregon law requires schools to inform parents if their son or daughter’s name appears on a targeted list - a “hit list” - that threatens violence or harm or when he or she receives a threat of violence or harm from another student. When students’ names appear on a list threatening violence or harm or they receive other threats of violence or harm by another student, we will attempt to meet with parents personally or talk by telephone within 12 hours of learning about the threat. We will tell parents the specific threat, who made it (if we know), and the action we are taking to respond. We will also send parents a notice within 24 hours stating that your son or daughter did receive a threat. Our number one priority will be to make sure that school is safe for your student.

If your student makes a threat of harm to another student, we will let you know that they made the threat. We will also let you know the corrective action we will be taking, including informing the parents of the student who received the threat, under guidelines of a MAJOR referral. We follow a similar process for informing staff when they receive a threat from a student, and are required by the district’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to inform the police.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Eugene School District 4J has adopted important policies and procedures in compliance with tougher state laws. Out-of-school suspensions may be up to ten school days. Expulsions may last one full school year. Because of the seriousness of these and other changes, we encourage you to carefully review the current Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook with your student. The handbook is available in the Roosevelt office and online at 4J’s website: https://www.4j.lane.edu/superintendent/srrh/.

Nondiscrimination

Eugene School District 4J policy AC prohibits discrimination or harass­ment in educational programs, activities, services or employment on the basis of the person’s actual or perceived protected class status, including disability, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, marital status, socioeconomic status, source of income, cultural background, familial status, physical characteristics, or linguistic characteristics of a national origin group.

It is a violation of district policy for any student or employee to discriminate against a student or employee, or to harass a student or employee, based on the student or employee’s actual or perceived protected class status.

The district expects that staff, volunteers and students will provide equal treatment and access to educational programs, services and aid to students without regard to their protected status.

The district will investigate all complaints, formal or informal, of dis­crimination or harassment of a student or employee based on a student or employee’s actual or perceived protected status, and will take appropriate corrective, remedial, and disciplinary measures for substantiated violations of this policy.

For prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints alleging dis­crimination and harassment based on protected status, parents and stu­dents are urged to contact the school principal or, if they believe the principal is involved or has not resolved the matter, the superintendent’s office. Employees who witness or reasonably suspect discrimination or harassment must report the matter to the school administrator or to the superintendent’s office.

For more information about student complaints, please refer to the district publication Bullying, harassment & discrimination: Step-by-step com­plaint process, available from school offices or the superintendent’s office.

The district complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regula­tions, including Title VI, Title IX, Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Oregon law. Please contact the superintendent’s office for any questions pertaining to district compliance.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS GETTING INVOLVED

Volunteer

Roosevelt loves our community volunteers and we could not manage without them. We need all kinds of help, from volunteering in the library and the office to signing up families for eScrip at school events to chaperoning at activity nights and much more.  If your student is not too excited to see you on campus, we can find something for you to do where your paths will not likely cross.  For more information, please visit the Roosevelt website at https://roosevelt.4j.lane.edu/index.php/volunteer/ to see if there is something that interests you.  

If you would like to  volunteer, contact Laura Fuhriman, Volunteer Coordinator, 541.790.8500 or email her at fuhriman_l@4j.lane.edu. We are confident we can match you to an activity that works for you and Roosevelt.  

Parents/Guardians are Invited

Becoming a member of Site Council or PAR (Parents At Roosevelt) will allow you to take an active part in Roosevelt affairs.  PAR is the parent-led volunteer organization that supports RMS students and staff, connects and informs parents, and is one of the many ways parents can get involved in the school. There are no membership fees to join PAR – all RMS parents are automatically members and encouraged to participate in any and all ways that work for them.

• What does PAR do?  PAR fundraises throughout the year to secure supplemental funding for staffing. PAR also provides teacher grants which go to support field trips, purchase books and other supplies, all of which provide greater learning experiences for all students. Our biggest fundraiser, Showcase Roosevelt, is held in the spring. PAR also sponsors Parent Education Nights. These presentations cover current teen topics such as anxiety, self-esteem and confidence-building, identity, social media and substance use. We work with local experts to bring you the most current information, ideas, and resources available. Please contact us with topics you would like to see presented and discussed for future events. PAR hosts teacher and staff appreciation events throughout the year. We invite families to participate by contributing items, usually food or drinks, for these occasions. PAR works with staff and students to put on two Activity Nights during the school year. These are fun-filled evenings for students to enjoy music, games and dancing in a safe, supervised environment.
• How can I be involved with PAR?  Attend a PAR business meeting (stay tuned for meeting days and time), volunteer at an Activity Night, participate in a Parent Education event, volunteer for Showcase Roosevelt, read the minutes from PAR business meetings in eNews (all families are automatically subscribed), fill an open leadership position (with support from PAR leadership), such as activity night chair, EEF chair/liaison, fundraising chair, or eScrip support. Follow PAR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/parentsatroosevelt and on Instagram: @parentsatroosevelt.

Weekly Roosevelt eNews

Our weekly eNews keeps you informed through weekly news briefs. Content includes calendar highlights, updates from administrators, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more. Weekly updates are sent to all families by a parent volunteer, through a confidential list serve. You’ll recognize the eNews when it arrives in your in-box because in the subject line you will see: "[RMS] eNews" and the date. It is our intent to include all Roosevelt families on our eNews distribution list, but sometimes errors happen. If you wish to receive the Roosevelt eNews but you are not on the list, please email rmsenews@gmail.com to be added to the list. Also, please know, you can always opt out. For questions or problems, email rmsenews@gmail.com. Roosevelt eNews is a service of Parents at Roosevelt, in cooperation with Roosevelt Middle School, and is produced by volunteers on privately owned equipment.

Sign Up for eScrip

It’s easy to support Roosevelt by signing up for eScrip. New merchants are joining our large number of contributors. Go to https://www.escrip.com and identify Roosevelt Middle School, ID #67230454, as the recipient of the merchant’s donation. Register the numbers of your debit, credit, and club cards and use those cards to make your usual purchases at participating stores. If you are already signed up for eScrip, thank you! Please check and make sure your registered card information is current, and that Roosevelt Middle School is your eScrip group. Questions? Please call the office. Thank you for supporting RMS through your participation in eScrip.