Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:

Welcome to Meridianville Middle School.   2004-05

Link back to Homepage

We are excited about the opportunities that await us as we begin a new school year. As a staff, we are anxious to get started.

To aid in getting off to a good start, we have prepared this handbook in hopes that it will serve as an easily read source of general information.  It will not replace the documents produced by the Board of Education, such as the Student Code of Conduct, but will provide some of the more specific information, policies and procedures that we use at Meridianville Middle.

Our goal is to provide an atmosphere of learning that will be challenging, but yet characterized by a spirit of love and care.  We have high hopes and expectations for every student who enters our school.  Our desire is to equip them with the academic tools, work ethic and attitude they will need to be successful at the high school level.

On behalf of our entire faculty and staff, we look forward to working with your children.  We appreciate your support.  Let’s have a great year.

Sincerely,

Tom Highfield
Lori Shotts
E. Quinn Headen
 

A Message from our PTO

Welcome to the 2004-2005 school year. We are expecting a tremendous year.  The people involved with MMS are a very special group.  A large part of the momentum and support is provided by you, the parents.  Our school deserves the best we can give, and I want to thank you for providing that support.  There are so many ways we can help; with finances, encouragement and of course, with our time.  If there are needs that you see, or ways that we can help, please feel free to call your PTA officers.

Linda Finnegan, President   Tammy Elders, Treasurer
 (H) 828-5371     (H) 851-6807
 (C) 658-5371     (C) 509-0706

Cristall Brown, Secretary   Sandy Goode, VP Hospitality
(H) 828-7799     (H) 828-5805
(C) 759-0436     (C) 468-5805

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents

General Information                  Page
* Important Dates         3
* Grade Reporting Periods        3
* Knowledge and Observation of School Policies and Procedures   3
* School Day          3
* Instructional Program        4
* Faculty and Staff         5
* School Arrival and Departure (Car Riders and Bus Riders)    6
* Student Absence Procedures        6
* Excused and Unexcused Absences       7
* Checking into School        7
* Checking out of School        7
* Who May I Send to Check My Child Out of School     7
* Excused and Unexcused Check-ins and Check-outs     7
* Make-up Work         7
* Parent / Teacher Conference        8
* Visits to Our Campus        8
* Morning Information        8
* Afternoon Information        8
* Medication          9
* Messages and Forgotten Items       9
* Telephone Usage         9
* Items Delivered to Students        9
* Test Schedule         10
* Grading System         10
* Lunch and Breakfast Prices        10
* Lockers          10
* Valuables          11
* Textbooks          11
* Fundraisers          11
 
Student Policies and Guidelines
* Madison County Student Code of Conduct      12
* Expectations of Students Representing the School     12
* Student Conduct         12
* Consequences for Misbehavior       13
* Fighting          13
* Prohibited Articles         13
* Student Dress         13
* Student Expectations for Riding the Bus      15
* Bus Route Changes         15
* Use of Elevator         15
* Athletics          16
* Other Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations    16
* Academic Eligibility for Athletics       17
 
 
 

General Information

Knowledge and Observation of School Policies and Procedures
Students will be issued a variety of materials on the first day of school.  These materials are extremely important as they contain state, county and local school policies and procedures.  These will serve a variety of needs ranging from "beginning of the year" information to that which will guide throughout the year.  Although we take class time during the first few days to go over these materials, it will be the responsibility of the student and parent to familiarize themselves with this information to insure a problem-free, successful, and fulfilling year.

Important Dates for 04-05
 

* Opening Day for Students (Full Day)   July 29
* Labor Day Holiday     September 6
* First Intercession      October 4-15
* Parents Day      October 4
* Veterans Day Holiday     November 11
* Thanksgiving Holidays     November 24-26
* Last Day of First Semester    December 17
* Christmas Holidays     Dec 20-Jan 4
* Students Return for Second Semester   January 5
* Martin Luther King Holiday    January 17
* President’s Day      February 21
* Third Intercession      March 14 - 25
* Weather Day (1)      April 22
* Weather Day (2)      April 25
* Last Instructional Day for Students   May 26
* Memorial Day      May 30

Grade Reporting Periods
Nine Weeks Beginning Date Ending Date  Report Cards
* 1  July 29   October 1  October 22
* 2  October 18     December 17  January 12
* 3  January 5  March 11  March 30
* 4  March 28  May 26  June 3
 

School Day
* The school day begins………..7:55 AM (Warning Bell at 7:53 AM)
* The school day ends………….2:50 PM for  6th  &  3:00 PM for 7th / 8th
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bell Schedule
 

7th and 8th Grade       6th Grade

Morning Schedule      Morning Schedule

7:20  Supervision Begins     7:20  Supervision Begins
7:45  Dismissed from Sup     7:45  Dismissed from Sup
7:53  Warning  Bell      7:53  Warning Bell
7:55  1st Period Begins      7:55  1st Period Begins
7:55-8:05 Homeroom      7:55-8:05 Homeroom
8:05-8:55 1st Period Instruction     8:05-9:00 1st Period Instruction
8:55-9:10 Reading Period      9:05-10:05 2nd Period Instruction
9:15-10:03 2nd Period Instruction
10:08-10:56 3rd Period Instruction
11:01-11:49 4th Period Instruction
 

Mid Day and Lunch Schedule
11:54-1:14 5th Period
 
Lunch A
11:54-12:19 Lunch
12:19-  1:14 Instruction
 
 

Lunch B        Mid Day/Lunch Schedule (6th)
11:54-12:24 Instruction     10:08-10:56 3rd Period Instruction
12:24-12:49 Lunch      11:01-12:30 4th Period Instruction
12:49-  1:14 Instruction      11:01-11:26         Lunch
         11:26-12:30         Class
Lunch C
11:54-12:49 Instruction     12:35-1:35 5th Period Instruction
12:49-  1:14 Lunch
 

Afternoon Schedule      Afternoon Schedule
1:19-2:07 6th Period Instruction    1:40-2:40 6th Period Instruction
2:12-3:00 7th Period Instruction    2:40-3:00 Reading Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Faculty and Staff

 6th Grade Faculty with Areas of Teaching Responsibility
 
 

6th Grade
Tammie Burger                        Math and Reading
Krista Hunter    English and Reading
Jean Henderson   Science and Reading
Jennifer Sticker   Social Studies and Reading
 

7th and 8th Grade Faculty by Departments

Math Department    Social Studies Department
Liz Smith     Billy Hill
Sarah Raby     Henry Phillips
Brent Davis     Jamie Putman
TBA      Gary Hopper

Science Department    Computer / Technology Department
Jennifer Elam      Mary Hughes
Kyle Franklin                     Stanley Fields
Mollie Webster    Ann McDonald ­ Proctor (Mac Lab)
Anthony Bell

Language Arts Department   Performing / Visual Arts Department
Delesa Dean     Emily Wolfe
Beth Davis     Susan Henry
Jamie Ragland
Cheree Trulson    Physical Education Department
Denise Johnson    Cindi Markham
Monte Britton     Ron King
Patricia Rievley    Jay McElyea ­ Aide
Mary Bagwell - ACE    Linda Martin - Aide
Terri McElyea - ACE
 

Special Services Department   Music Department
Paula Edwards     Allan Weinberg
Glenn Pettaway
Melanie Hall     Library / Media Department
Alex Hughes     Missy King
Mollie Davidson    Jane Poarch- Aide
Carla Rowley
 
 
 
 

Staff by Areas of Responsibility

Administration    Counseling Department
Tom Highfield     Stephanie Carr
Lori Shotts     Kevin Brodt
E. Quinn Headen

Office Staff     Plant Manager
Karen Stephens - Secretary   Powell Shockley
Belinda Lance - Registrar
Phyllis Watson - Accountant   Alternative Placement Program
Heather Curry ­ Nurse   Pam Maddox

Transportation Department   Child Nutrition Program
Cristall Brown     Shirley Steelman ­ Manager
Diwana Perry     Carol White
Joe Durham     Kim Dixon
Lawin Hillis     Virginia Huggins
Virgil Ikard     Janie Cowan
Margaret Lanford    Fran Tielking
Kathy Miller     Donna Walker
Terri Smart

Custodial Department
Ray White
Betty Dupree
Dwight Lanford
Julia Jones
 

School Arrival and Departure
* Bus riders will be dropped off and picked up in the back of the school in the bus zone. Their arrival and departure times will depend on bus schedules.

* Car riders should be dropped off and picked up in the front of the school in the designated area (car rider’s line please do not park in the parking lot for student drop off or pickup). Students should be dropped off no earlier than 7:30 AM and picked up no later than fifteen minutes past dismissal.

Student Absence Procedures
Students who are absent from school will need a school issued pass in order to be admitted to class the following day. To obtain a pass, a note from a parent or guardian explaining the absence will be required. Homeroom teachers will take these notes from home and issue students their pass to be admitted to classes. (Notes will be coded excused or unexcused according to the reasons below.)

Excused and Unexcused Absences
By law, absences may be excused for the following reasons; personal illness, death in the immediate family, weather situation, legal requirements, legal quarantine, and prior approval by an administrator.

Students who have absences that do not fit into the above categories are subject to receiving an unexcused absence.  Unexcused absences normally carry with them the inability to make up work.  With this in mind, parents and guardians are urged to place a premium on attendance, allowing students to miss school only when necessary and for excused reasons.

Madison County Board of Education Attendance Policy
Ten or more unexcused absences within a school year place a student in jeopardy of losing credit and possibly repeating a grade.  In addition, it should be noted that students and parents who willfully neglect attendance are in danger of being referred to the truancy officer for legal action.  Parents may be prosecuted.

Checking Into School During the Day
When situations arise causing a student to be late to school, parents or guardians are asked to accompany students into the building or supply them with a signed note from themselves or a doctor stating the reason.  A check-in slip will be issued to students for entry into classes.

Checking Out of School During the Day
Many times check-outs are unavoidable due to sickness and appointments.  However, we would encourage as many as possible to be scheduled after school.

Check-outs will be handled in the registrar’s office (Mrs. Lance). They will be permitted only with the consent of a parent or guardian or designee.  For the safety of our students, we would ask that you physically come in to the building to handle the check out so that we may be sure that they are leaving with an approved person.

For appointments and situations where students know in advance  he or she will be checked out during the school day, it is advised that a note from home be turned in at the beginning of the day.  This prior notice will help the process go faster.

Who May I Send to Check My Child Out of School?
Our preference is that a parent or guardian physically come into the school to handle the check-out. However, we realize that at times you may need to designate others to handle this such as grandparents, siblings, or even friends or neighbors. We will be happy to honor your request providing you fill out the appropriate paperwork.  Paperwork will be sent home at the beginning of the year.

Each year we have situations where we have to make difficult decisions regarding check-outs. With this in mind, we ask that you take time to designate any additional people who you would allow to handle a check-out should a need arise.  Also, if there are unique situations in your family that you want us to be aware of, please let us know.  Please understand that the safety of your child is of the utmost importance to us.

Excused and Unexcused Check-Ins and Check-Outs
Reasons for check-ins and outs will require codes just as absences.  Time from school missed for the following reasons will be coded as excused; personal illness, death in immediate family, weather situations, legal situations, legal quarantine, and principal approval.  Students who miss time for other reasons are subject to receiving an unexcused absence for class time missed.

Make Up Work
Students who miss classes for an excused reason will be allowed to make up their work within a given time period.  It should be noted that the responsibility will fall upon the student to ask for make up work and also to make arrangements with the teacher for times, places, etc. (Unexcused absences normally carry with them the inability to make up work.  Teacher discretion may be used in unusual situations.)

Parent / Teacher Conferences
Communication between parents and teachers is encouraged.  Most can be handled by phone or written communication. However, some situations may be better served by a conference.  Parents may call the school office to leave messages with teachers or to arrange for a conference.

For the protection of class time for all students, teachers should not be interrupted during instructional times for conferences or phone calls.  Recommended times for conferencing and phone calls are during teacher planning periods or before school.

Visits to our Campus
For the safety of our students, all parents, guardians, volunteers, or visitors of any type must sign in at the main office.  Any visits to teachers or classrooms during the school day must be approved by the administration.

Parents, guardians, grandparents are welcome to have lunch with their children or grandchildren on occasion.  We ask, however, that you sign in at the office.

*Students are not allowed to bring visitors to school.

Morning Information
Instructional time begins at 7:55 AM. Official supervision of all students will begin at 7:20 AM. Our 7th and 8th grade early arrivers will report to the gymnasium. Our  6th grade early arrivers will report to their designated area in the 6th grade downstairs hallway. With this in mind, we ask that students who are car riders not be dropped off before 7:30 AM.

A 7:45 bell will ring to dismiss early arrivers to their classroom areas.  This time will be used as general preparation for the school day such as visiting locker, restroom, etc.  The warning bell will ring at 7:53 AM for students to begin moving to their first period classes.  First period instruction begins at 7:55 AM.

Breakfast will be available to students in the cafeteria each morning, provided they arrive to school in time to eat and get to class on time.

Afternoon Information
The afternoon dismissal bell for the 6th grade will be at 2:50 PM.  Supervision will be provided by the staff for boarding of buses and for loading of cars. Supervision for bus riders will be until each child is loaded.  Supervision for car riders will be until 3:05 PM.

The afternoon dismissal bell for the 7th and 8th grade will be at 3:00  PM.  Supervision will be provided by the staff for boarding of buses and for loading of cars.  Supervision for bus riders will be until each child is loaded.  Supervision for car riders will be until 3:15 PM.

Students who are not riding the bus should have rides pre-arranged before they get to school.  Use of the phone after school for rides should be for emergencies and special situations only.

We would ask that car riders be picked up in a timely manner.
 
 
 

Medication
It is illegal for any type of medication to be brought on school grounds unless it is approved through the office by way of a medication release form with a physician’s signature. These forms may be picked up in the main office.  All medication will be kept in a designated area and dispensed from the main office or the nurse’s office.  Students are not permitted to carry the medication around the school on their person or leave it in their lockers.

We ask that medication be brought to school by a parent/guardian and not transported to school by the student.
 

Messages and Forgotten Items
In an effort to keep class disruptions to a minimum, students will not be permitted to leave class to make or take phone calls, except in the case of an emergency.  (Forgotten items do not constitute an emergency.)

However, important messages from parents/guardians will be forwarded to students.  In the event that returned calls are necessary, students will be allowed to do so at an appropriate time and place.

Telephone Usage
Telephones may be used only with permission from a staff member. It should also be noted that usage is not a right, but a tool to meet needs.  We ask our faculty and staff to make judgements that limit students to emergencies and special situations. Student must bring a phone pass to the office in order to use the phone.

Items Delivered to Students
From time to time we realize that emergencies and unavoidable situations occur making it necessary for items to be delivered to students.  However, we ask that sound judgement be used so that interruptions to class time will be kept to a minimum.

With this in mind, we also discourage parents from bringing in fast food to students during lunch.  Flowers and balloons, although well intended, would also fall into this request.  Many times arrangements are assembled with plastic and glassware that could pose safety problems within crowded halls and on buses.

It should be noted that we reserve the right to disallow items in school or on buses that in our opinion might pose a safety hazard or potential disruption.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Test Schedule
In order to prevent students from having more than two major tests on a given day, teachers will work to adhere to the following test schedule.  It should be noted that this applies to major tests only.  Normal daily assessments may be administered as determined by the teacher.

* Social Studies   Monday and / or Thursday
* Math / Electives   Tuesday and / or Friday
* Science    Monday and / or Wednesday
* Literature / Reading  Tuesday and / or Thursday
* English / Spelling   Wednesday and / or Friday

Grading System
* A 90-100
* B 80-89
* C 70-79
* D 65-69
* F 0-64

Lunch and Breakfast Prices
Lunches     Breakfast
* $1.75 Students   $1.00 Students
* $2.25 Employees   $1.50 Employees
* $3.00 Adult Visitors   $1.75 Adult Visitors
* $0.40 Reduced   $0 .30 Reduced

There will not be a price increase in student or adult meals for the 2004-2005 SY.

1. It is the parent’s daily responsibility for providing lunch money, a sack lunch, or an application requesting approval for a free or reduced lunch. If a family does not qualify for free/reduced meals, it is their responsibility to provide lunch money. It is board policy to allow a maximum of two meals to be charged for K-8th grade students who have lost or forgotten meal money. Charging a la carte items will not be allowed. After two meal charges, a student will be referred to the principal. For a student who has charged two meals, a peanut butter/jelly sandwich and milk may be given.

2. A fee of $25.00 will be charged for a check returned for insufficient funds (NSF). The family will be notified and given fifteen (15) days to pay the fee. If not paid, they will receive a notice through certified mail, advising them that they have ten days to clear the returned check or it will be turned over to the District Attorney. Only two returned checks will be allowed per school year, per family. At that point, students will be put on a cash only basis for the remainder of the school year.
 

Lockers
Lockers will be made available for all students.  Students are asked not to leave valuables in lockers due to the fact that the school cannot be responsible for items that might be taken. (Students are asked not to rig their lockers or give out their combinations.)  The school reserves the right to search lockers when there is reasonable suspicion that something of question is possibly contained on the inside.
 
 

Locker rental fees are as follows:
* No Charge  6th Grade
* $ 5.00  7th and 8th Grade

Valuables
Students should use good judgment in what they bring to school, knowing that there is a chance that it could be stolen. In fact, they should leave money and other valuables at home except for those absolutely necessary for school.  The school cannot be responsible for money, clothes, and other items left unattended in dressing rooms, classrooms, or other places on school grounds.

Physical Education Teachers will have a designated place for valuables during P.E. class time for those who ask.  Do not leave valuables (money) in your PE lockers.  Lockers should be locked if clothing is left in them.

Textbooks
It should be noted that textbooks are property of the State of Alabama.  Therefore, any book that is lost or damaged must be paid for by the student to whom it was issued.  Students are asked to use extreme caution when laying them down or leaving them unattended.  It should be noted that students will not be issued replacement books or new books at the beginning of the year until lost or damaged textbooks are paid in full.

Fundraisers
The school will have a major fundraiser in the fall to benefit the school in general and to meet supplemental needs of the classroom.  Other individual organizations, teams, and even PTA may do minor ones to specifically address a need.  Please understand that everything we raise goes back to providing a better service to our students We appreciate any help that you can give the school in this regard.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Student Policies and Guidelines

Madison County Student Code of Conduct
The Madison County Student Code of Conduct will be issued to each student during the first days of school.  This is an exhaustive guide to the Board of Education policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.  Although the staff will spend time going over the code during school, students and parents are encouraged to take time at home to read and become familiar with this document. Its purpose is to serve as an informative guide including expectations, rights and responsibilities.  Although the purpose of this handbook is not to duplicate the Student Code of Conduct, the major headings found in the code are listed below for reference sake.

 * Student Rights
* Student Responsibilities
* Parent Responsibilities
* Knowledge and Observation of Rules of Conduct
* Due Process
* Right to Learn
* Attendance
* Denial of Driving Privileges
* Release of Information
* Student Dress
* Riding a School Bus
* Checking a Student out of School
* Assembly
* Participation in School Programs and Activities
* Right to Free Speech
* Moment of Silence
* Student Publications
* Media Coverage of School Events
* Respect for Person, Privacy, and Property
* Threatened Physical Harm to Students or School Employees
* Prohibited Substances and Devices
* Medications
* Communicable Diseases
* Classification of Violations and Consequences
* Public Notice Statements (504, IDEA, ADA)
* Discrimination and Harassment
* Student Sexual Harassment
* Employment Discrimination Policy
* Notice of Receipt
 

Expectations of All Students Representing the School
Students who represent Meridianville Middle School in any form should realize their responsibility in presenting themselves in a way that would reflect the utmost in character and "class".  This would include students individually representing the school, students on a field trip, or teams collectively, such as athletic / scholastic teams, cheerleading squads, performing groups, etc.

Student Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mannerly and respectful way while at school, on the bus, and at school activities.  Our philosophy is that students should realize that there are times and places that certain behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable.  It will be our goal to help students use good judgement when it comes to making these decisions.
 
 
 
 
 

Consequences for Misbehavior
Dependent on the class and severity of the offence, the Madison County Board of Education endorses the following consequences for misbehavior:

 * Conference with the student
* Verbal reprimand
* Withdrawal of privileges
* Parent conference
* Demerits
* Temporary removal from class
* Detention
* In-school suspension
* Corporal punishment
* Alternative Education Program
* Out-of-school suspension
* Transfer
* Referral to an outside agency
* Expulsion
* Referral to the criminal justice system
* Restitution of property and damages where appropriate
* Other consequences determined to be reasonable and appropriate by the school principal.
 

Fighting
Students involved in a fight before, during, or after school will face suspension of some type. This also applies to any school activity.  Students and/or parents are encouraged to alert a teacher or administrator if there is a problem of any nature that could result in a conflict.  Efforts will be made to help students work through situations.

Prohibited Articles
Students will not be allowed to bring beepers, cellular phones, radios, cd players, video games, toy guns, water guns or any other article prohibited by the board.  This would also include anything that in the judgement of the faculty or staff would interfere with or disrupt the school environment.  Some articles may be allowed during after-school events  and/or with special permission.

Student Dress
The Madison County Board of Education believes that good grooming and personal appearance are essential elements in the teaching and learning process.  Students are expected to dress in such a manner to ensure their health and safety.  Grooming and dress must not constitute a distraction or interfere with the educational opportunity of other students.

Dress, unnatural color of the skin, or other parts of the body, that draw excessive or unnecessary attention to the extent it is disruptive, potentially disruptive, or suggestive of disruption or violence, are not allowed.

Dress suggestive of potential violence, disruption, physical harm to employees, students, or visitors, is prohibited.  Principals and other administrators have the authority to use discretionary judgement to prohibit such dress based on past or current circumstances.

Unless otherwise specifically stated or addressed, rules and regulations contained in the Dress Code apply to normal school hours.  However, such rules and regulations may be enforced at any school function or activity where the wearing of such dress is not appropriate for the type activity or is determined to be potentially disruptive or dangerous.

Rules and regulations in the dress code apply to all students, unless exceptions are granted due to a student’s disability, medical condition, or other exceptions approved by the principal.

The principal or his/her designee has the authority to determine inappropriate dress and violations of this policy.

Any student violating the dress code may be suspended for the remainder of the day.

Students must comply with the following guidelines:

Coats and Outer Garments
* Coats and outer garments are not to be worn inside the buildings, and are to be taken immediately to a locker and remain there until authorized dismissal from school.

Jewelry and Body Piercing
* Except for normal piercing of the ears and wearing of earrings that do not distract or draw unnecessary attention, wearing of other body piercing items on any part of the body is not allowed.  Wallet chains and / or oversized chains are not allowed at school or on the school buses.

Pants, Shorts, Dresses and Skirts
* Appropriate dress for students must be worn that does not reveal the body in an inappropriate manner, e.g. clothing must not be too tight, too short, bare at the midriff or sides.  Sundresses, off the shoulder tops, spaghetti straps, tank tops, sheer or see-through clothing, and clothing with holes may not be worn.
* The length of the pants should not be such that they touch the floor when standing.
* Pants should not be excessively baggy, sagging, or otherwise obviously distracting and concealing.
* Shorts, skirts, and dresses too short in length are not allowed.  A general guide to length is that the item should fall below the tips of the fingers when arms are fully extended to the side; however, due to physical differences in some students, this guide may mean some items are too short.
* Athletic Shorts and sweatpants are not acceptable.

Skirts, Blouses, and Tops
* Clothing must not include pictures, writings, symbols, etc., promoting, acknowledging, or suggesting drugs, tobacco products, alcohol, sexual activities, gangs, groups, individuals, or activities that would be considered potentially dangerous, disruptive, or hazardous to the student, to other students, or to the school environment.
* Skirts, blouses and tops should be "tucked in"; however, those that do not extend below the top of the pockets may be worn "untucked."  Such garments are not to be too tight, or bare at the midriff or sides.

Book and Athletic Bags
* Book bags must be made of a clear or mesh material that allows all contents to be seen without opening the bag. Book bags are to be used as a tool in getting books to and from school.  They are not permitted in the classrooms and must be stored in a student’s locker.
* Athletic bags are not allowed inside the school building, except to be carried to the athletic facility of the intended purpose of the bag.
Tardies
* Students will be allowed to have three tardies per semester.  After three tardies, students will be sent to the office for disciplinary action.  (detention, ISS, suspenion
Footwear
* Shoes or sandals must be worn.  Foot apparel determined to be dangerous or a safety hazard may not be worn.

Head Coverings and Sunglasses
* Hats, caps, bandanas, and other head coverings are not permitted in the school building during regular school hours.  Sunglasses are not to be worn in the school or on school buses.

Additional
* Students must be neatly dressed, clean, and well groomed.
* Hair must be worn in such a way that it does not impair vision and is not considered unsafe or hazardous.
* With the approval of the principal, students in school-sponsored activities, e.g., dance team, cheerleaders, drama class, etc., may dress in a manner that does not conform to the dress code only for the purpose of the activity.

Note
* Please understand that, as a staff, we will attempt to make fair and equitable judgments relative to student dress.  These judgements are not easy, especially as new fads and fashion statements many evolve during the school year that may not fit exactly with the code.  In cases that are not clear-cut, we will reserve the right to make the decision we feel is appropriate.
* We ask parents and students alike to help us honor the policy by wise selection and purchase of clothing throughout the year.
 
 
 

Student Expectations for Riding the Bus
Bus Riders will be assigned a bus and given a set of rules to be followed during the course of the year.  Parents and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these rules realizing that riding the bus is a "privilege" that can be suspended if behavior becomes a problem or if safety is impaired. Designated bus stops can be set based on 2/10’s rule.   Although, the Student Code of Conduct has a set of rules for students to take home, bus drivers will also take time to explain expectations.

Bus Route Changes Due to Special Circumstances
Bus route changes are not uncommon.  Mechanical breakdowns, sickness, special situations, and other emergencies often cause route changes and result in students having to ride different buses.  These are often unavoidable and can cause students to get home at an earlier or later time.  Bus routes and emergency routes will be listed on the school website.  We ask your patience in these situations if and when they occur.  Please know that students will always be notified during the day so they will know which bus to board.

Use of Elevator
The use of the elevator is not designed for general student use.  It is specifically designed for students with handicapping conditions.  If a student needs to use the elevator due to an injury, etc. he/she should get it approved beforehand.

Athletics
Girls      Boys
* Fall  Volleyball    (Henderson)   Football     (Davis)
* Winter  Basketball   (Markham)   Basketball (Putman)
* Spring  Softball       (Britton)    Baseball    (Bell)
* Spring  Soccer        (Phillips)    Soccer      (Phillips)
* Spring  Track       (Markham)   Track       (Markham
* Year Round Cheerleading  (Sticker/Rievely)

*All competitive athletics at the middle school level fall under the rules and regulations of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).

*In the State of Alabama, competitive athletics in the public schools begin in the 7th grade. Students below the 7th grade must compete with community league teams.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other Extracurricular Activities, Clubs and Organizations
 * Student Government Association
* Band
* Scholars Bowl
* Homepage / Computer Team
* Yearbook
* Tumbling Team
* Drama
* Color Guard
* Fellowship of Christian Students
* 4-H
* Student Ambassadors
* Golf Club
 

 
Academic Eligibility for Athletics
To be eligible for participation in athletics, certain grade requirements must be maintained. Although certain situations might require an in depth look into the actual policy, the basic rule for students to remember is that they must have passed five subjects the previous year with a minimum of a 70 average.
 

Trying out for Athletic Teams, Organizations, Performances, etc.
Some teams, organizations, and performances have open participation where no try-out is required.  However, many others require try-outs such as athletic teams, drama performances, and scholastic teams.  In try-out situations, please understand that decisions are difficult and will be made as fairly and justly as possible.  The following items are needed order to participate on an athletic team:   physical, insurance waiver, copy of birth certificate, insurance card and social security card.
 

* Although physical or mental ability is obviously a necessary requirement for any team selection, coaches and sponsors reserve the right to factor other things into their decisions. These may include, but are not limited to, variables such as responsibility, leadership, attitude, classroom performance, and behavior.
* Students and parents should be aware that final team selection rests in the hands of the coaches and sponsors.
* Coaches, Sponsors, or Administration reserve the right to remove students from participation if circumstances arise that are not in the best interest of the student, team/group, or school.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our Mission

Meridianville Middle School is striving to produce well-educated and
responsible students prepared for future academic success.  We will accomplish this by providing a safe, nurturing and academically challenging environment, which includes the implementation of effective, innovative teaching and management methods.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Meridianville Middle School
12975 Hwy 231-431 North
Hazel Green, Alabama 35750
 Telephone   256-829-1165
Fax   256-829-1104
 
 

Web-site

http://www.madison.k12.al.us/meridianville/meridianville/htm
 
 
 
 

Meridianville Middle School
Home of the Eagles