Baxter Springs Middle School Handbook 2003-2004

WELCOME
On behalf of the administration, faculty, and staff of Baxter Middle School we extend a warm welcome to all students. The handbook is not all inclusive therefore the principal, or his designee, retains the right to issue penalties for acts of discipline not specifically stated herein and to alter any penalties as he or his designee considers necessary. Furthermore, the principal reserves the right to amend any provision in this handbook which he or his designee deems to be in the best interest of the educational process. We expect every staff member to be treated with respect and dignity as a student should receive the respect of the staff.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS
Assemblies are offered to enhance the curriculum with information and/or entertainment. Many times members of the community, parents, and others will visit our school to observe the program being presented. With this in mind we ask that student behavior be refined and courteous at all times as each student is responsible for the impression made for the school as a whole. Prior to a general assembly, students are to report to their classrooms. Textbooks and other materials are to be left in the room with the exception of purses and other valuables which may be carried into the assembly.
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ATTENDANCE PHILOSOPHY
Parents, school board members, teachers, and administrators must work cooperatively to formulate an attendance policy and procedure that will ensure a goal of obtaining maximum attendance. At Baxter Middle School we concur with the fact that a significant part of a student's experience in any given subject area is derived from examinations, discussions, participation in academic activities, and classroom peer relationships. Any absences from class must be considered very important by the student, parents, teachers, and administrators. Everyone's goal will be to have every student attend classes 100% of the time. If a student is to be an effective worker or college student his or her habits while in high school affect the student's employment habits and entire future. It is important that teachers and parents understand that absences must be held to a minimum. If a student plans to attend school and receive maximum learning experiences then they must be in attendance 100% of the time. Any absences affects grades and excessive absences may cause a lowering of a grade or failure of a class.

Regular school attendance, successful completion of school assignments, and resulting grades are closely related. Middle school students know this and constantly make their choices and adjustments accordingly.

The primary responsibility for good attendance rests with the student and his/her parents or guardians. It is expected that the parent or guardians will notify, by phone, the school whenever their son or daughter is absent.

The school will make every effort possible to maintain accurate attendance records for every student enrolled. In an effort to build better communication, a student's attendance record will be mailed home each quarter along with their grade sheet. It is our hope that this information will facilitate wise decisions on the part of our students and a clearer picture of the student's overall educational performance.

Parents are urged to schedule all medical and dental appointments outside of the regular school hours. We feel strongly that student class time should not be interrupted by non-emergency appointments and would appreciate parental cooperation in this matter.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY:PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

1. If a student is absent for a day or more or arrives late, the parent or guardian must call the school on the day or days of the absence, before the day the student returns to school.
   
2. The parent or guardian should state the reason for the absence. Any absence will be regarded as unexcused if the school is not notified within two (2) days when a student is absent.
   
3. The middle school principal or his designee will determine whether a student's absence will be excused or unexcused. A student's absence will be excused for:
   a) Personal illness/injury
   b) Personal family matters
   c) Approved pre-arranged absences
   
4. Excused absences - The student will have one day for each day of absence to make up work. It is the responsibility of the student to request make-up work from teachers and successfully complete and turn in on time.
   
5. Exams - Students are responsible for making up exams.
   
6. Anticipated absence - Students having prior knowledge of an anticipated absence are to notify the principal prior to the absence. Any work due the date of the absence must be turned in prior to the absence, otherwise it will be considered late and will be subject to the same penalties as other late work.
   
7. Students and parents are asked to wait at least two (2) days before asking for homework assignments in regard to long term absences.
   
8. If at any time during the school day it is necessary for a student to leave school, parents/guardian are to come into the office to sign their child out of school. We should not be asked to release students without first contacting parents or guardians. Students who leave without checking out will be considered absent and will be subject to disciplinary action.
   
9. When a student returns to school from a professional appointment, a verification from the doctor or dentist must be turned into the office.
   
10. In order to attend or participate in a school activity, the student must be checked in to school and attend from the start of fourthhour. Extenuating circumstances will be handled by the administration. The parent/guardian should notify the administrator incase of these situations.
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UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Definition - Any absence, for reasons other than those listed in the excused absences, is considered to be unexcused unless prior written approval has been given by the principal. No make up work or examinations of any kind will be permitted for unexcused absences. All out of school suspensions are considered unexcused absences.
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ATTENDANCE AT ACTIVITIES
Students who attend activities must be seated in the gym, stadium, etc.. Students will not be allowed to sit in the commons or wander around the halls during activity time. Students are regulated by the same rules as if school were in session.
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BEHAVIOR - CLASSROOM

A basic right of each student at Baxter Springs Middle School is the right to learn, without interference by the behavior of another student. This right must be protected. Students who continuously disrupt the learning of others by their lack of attendance or unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Social adjustment, including attitude, is the basic responsibility of the home. The basic responsibility of the school is for skill development and continued learning. Thus, at Baxter Middle School, support will be given to protect the student's right to learn, giving priority to the teaching staff's time to teach, as opposed to dealing with disciplinary and attendance problems. Making it clear to parents and legal guardians that they and their students have a responsibility for purposes of social behavior and attendance habits.
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BEHAVIOR - SCHOOL GROUNDS
Once you arrive at school you are to wait at the door to come in. Doors are opened at 7:45 a.m.. You are to come in immediately.

Do not throw snowballs or any objects on the school grounds.

Do not ride your bike on the sidewalk nearest to the building or on the school grounds. Be sure to lock your bike to the bike rack on the southwest corner of the building.
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BEHAVIOR - CAFETERIA
Behavior in the dining room should be based on courtesy and cleanliness. This means leaving the area in the condition you would like to live in. Students are not to go into the areas where classes are being held during their lunch period. If you need to get books, pencils, paper, etc. for your next class, wait until the bell rings.

Baxter Middle School has three lunch periods with approximately one-third of the student body scheduled into each. Accordingly, it is expected that all students conduct themselves properly during the lunch periods, practice good table manners, and abide by the following rules:

1. Enter and leave the cafeteria at a walk.
   
2. Go through the serving line one time only.
   
3. Be seated and remain seated at your table until finished eating. Do not take food or drinks from the cafeteria.
   
4. Leave the cafeteria only after trays have been properly disposed of and your eating area has been cleaned appropriately.
   
5. Refrain from pushing, jostling, and asking luncheon neighbors for money.
   
6. Conversation at lunch is desirable, however, loud and boisterous talk, yelling, screaming, etc. is not acceptable.
   
7. Students are not to throw any object in the cafeteria.
   
8. Leave the table clean and suitable for use by other students. Students may bring their own lunches if desired. Any student bringing their lunch, like those eating the school lunch must eat it in the cafeteria area only. Credit on lunches will only be extended to $10.00. A-la-carte items may not be charged. School lunch program sheets with free and reduced lunch forms attached will be provided for every student.
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CHURCH NIGHT
Wednesday night is church night in the Baxter Springs community. As a result, no school activities should be scheduled after 6:00 p.m.. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of their church.
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CLOSED CAMPUS
Students will not be allowed to leave the building once they get to school unless their parents or a contact person designated on their Personal Data form comes in to sign them out. Unless school is in session, students should not be around the school without good reason.
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COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
In any institution the size of Baxter Middle School, it is inevitable that there will arise complaints on a number of subjects. If and when these arise part of the solution lies in the following of certain procedures. When a legitimate complaint arises, the following procedures are to be taken:

1. Obtain a complaint form from the office.
   
2. Fill out the form describing the complaint in detail and return the signed form to the office.
   
3. A reply from the principal regarding the disposition of the complaint will be given within a weeks time.
   
4. A personal conference with the principal may be arranged if you disagree with the disposition. Top

DISCIPLINE - POLICY AND PROCEDURES: DETENTION
Detention will be held after school from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.. Students can be assigned one or more periods of detention depending upon the infraction. Detention form must be signed by the student. Signing your detention form does not mean you agree. Refusing to sign your detention form automatically doubles your detention. Detentions are to be served on the following date they are assigned. Students are responsible for their own transportation home after detention has been served.

Detention reminders are given to the student 6th hour on the day they are to serve their detention. If you do not get a detention reminder, this does not mean you do not have detention. You have signed the detention form and are responsible to be at detention.

Detentions may be assigned by the office for the following reasons:

1. Excessive tardies
   
2. Disruptive activities which interfere with the teacher's ability to teach or any student's opportunity to learn
   
3. Any items included in the discipline consequences
   
4. Other items deemed appropriate by the administration or their representative
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Detention procedures:

Students are to come prepared to work constructively during the entire time. The teacher is there for supervision not assistance.

1. Students are not to communicate in any way with anyone.
   
2. No sleeping or laying of head on desk.
   
3. No food or drink of any kind.
   
4. The student and their parents are responsible for transportation afterwards.
   
5. Any student that is late or sent out will be subject to the rules as stated in the handbook.

This policy is not meant to replace the teacher's right or responsibility for maintaining classroom discipline. Teachers may still keep students after class or use other methods of classroom management.
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ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CENTER (ALC)
Any student who appears to require a high degree of supervision and structure in order to be encouraged to improve his/her functioning in school will be assigned to the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) under direct supervision of a certified supervisor for the purpose of completing regular classroom assignments. The atmosphere within the ALC will be purposely austere, and students will have to earn their way back to the regular classroom. Students assigned to ALC will be required to report at 8:00 a.m. and will be dismissed at 3:10 p.m.. Students will buy a sack lunch or bring a sack lunch. Students will stay in ALC for lunch. Students will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular or co-curricular activities while assigned to ALC. Any student dismissed from ALC will be suspended from school for three (3) days and be required to finish his/her assigned ALC time when they return to school.

The student will not be allowed a choice of selecting ALC or Out-Of-School suspension; this assignment will be made by the administration. A student will be assigned to ALC only twice for the same offense in the school year.

Days spent in the ALC will be excused absences only in that the student's work will be counted.
Parents/guardians will be notified concerning assignment to ALC.
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SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
Students may be assigned a Saturday Workshop for misconduct, tardiness, or truancy by the administration. Saturday workshops will be held at the high school and will begin at 8:00 a.m.. The main entrance doors will be open at 7:45 a.m.. Doors will be locked at 8:00 a.m. and students arriving after 8:00 a.m. will not be allowed in the building and will be subject to further disciplinary action. The Saturday workshop is four hours and will end at 12:00 p.m.

Students are to bring textbooks and other work that will keep them busy for the full time. They may read library books. No newspapers or magazines will be allowed unless assigned, in writing, by a teacher. If students do not bring an adequate amount of work the supervising teacher will provide work for them to complete satisfactorily. Students will not be allowed to sleep, nor bring food or beverages. Students are to observe all school rules.

Students failing to attend or being dismissed from a Saturday workshop will be suspended from school for three (3) days the following school day by the administration.
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SUSPENSION OFFENSES
Acts of unacceptable behavior that may result in suspension or expulsion UPON THE FIRST OFFENSE, depending upon the severity of the infraction, or which may result in suspension for repeated infractions, include but are not limited to the following:

Possession, consumption, or sale of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, narcotics, marijuana, addictive drugs, or drug paraphernalia, in any of its form at school or any school sponsored events, regardless of location, is prohibited.

1. Possession, threat, or use of lethal weapons.
2. Vandalism or destruction of school property.
3. Theft of property and/or extortion of any type or amount.
4. Failure to comply with reasonable requests from the administration, teaching staff, and other school employees.
5. Fighting, intimidation, or threatening by word or deed (Harassment).
6. Possession and/or ignition of any form or fireworks.
7. Excessive tardiness or absence.
8. Open defiance of authority, use of profanity or vulgarities.
9. Repeated violations of school regulations.
10. Violation of State and Federal Gun Policy.
    

Any of the above infractions will result in the student being suspended from school for up to five school days. Parents/guardians will be notified by telephone and letter. A parent/guardian conference may be required before the student is allowed to return to school. Although no credit is given for required assignments missed during this time it is recommended that students keep up with homework in order to minimize the educational loss.
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DRESS CODE
Students know what constitutes proper apparel in the classroom and other occasions in an educational setting, and not contrary to good public taste. A student's pride in his/her school and own maturity should create an atmosphere of dignity and self-respect without constant supervision and enforcement. However, school authorities do reserve the prerogative on counseling and requesting change in student's manner of dress and grooming.

All shirts, blouses, and dresses shall have sleeves, and all shirts and blouses shall be long enough to be tucked into pants or shorts. Shirts and blouses shall also have modest neck lines that are not revealing. All shorts, skirts and dresses shall be of modest length in which the hem does not rise above the finger tips when hands are at the side in a relaxed position. No clothing should have inappropriate writing or advertising, or revealing rips or tears. Undergarments shall not show.

Shoes will be worn, hats shall not be worn inside during the school day, and heavy coats will be left in lockers. Sunglasses and wallet chains will not be allowed. Facial, tongue, or body piercing (except for ears) will not be allowed. Extreme makeup, unnatural hair styles or colors or the wearing of inappropriate accessories will not be allowed.

Appropriate personal grooming is conducive to a desired learning environment. Any practice judged distracting or disruptive will be dealt with on an individual basis. The final decision concerning questionable dress will be made by the administration. Any student that is in violation of the dress code will be required to change clothes or be sent to ALC until the individual's dress is in compliance with the school policy.
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ELIGIBILITY
To participate in interscholastics, a student must carry five new subjects and pass at least five subjects to be eligible the following semester.

To participate in intramurals, you are not allowed to make a F in any nine-week or six-week class. Summer school does not count for eligibility.
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GENERAL CLASSROOM RULES
Students are to be on time to class, or have a pass explaining their tardiness. Unexcused tardiness is not permitted. A student is considered tardy when they are not in their seats, prepared for class when the tardy bell rings.

Always be polite. Extend courtesy to those around you. Use words like please and thank you. Try never to embarrass anyone.

If you wish something, raise your hand, and wait until you are recognized by the teacher. Then ask fully and completely.

The bell does not dismiss the class - the teacher does. It is expected that you will take pride in your school. Before leaving class, each student is responsible for cleaning the area around his/her desk or work station.

Whenever there is a guest in the room, whether a teacher or student, the guest is to be treated with respect. You are in school to learn. If you do not understand something, ask. It is your responsibility to ask for work missed, the same goes for missed tests. Teachers will not come to you - it is your responsibility to ask them. Extra help will be available to anyone who wishes it. Please see the teacher and they will arrange a convenient time. The class will proceed in an orderly fashion, consequently there will be relevant quiet unless otherwise instructed. If you wish to speak, raise your hand, and you will be recognized.

If you need to go to the lavatory or see the nurse, go to the teacher's desk, and ask quietly.

Obscene, profane or vulgar language, hitting, mocking, destroying property, cheating, and bad manners will not be tolerated at any time.

Passes to leave class: You need a pass to go from the classroom to almost anywhere. If you're sick (really sick) you can depart and save the clean-up. Students will normally not be excused from any classroom. All books, papers, and pencils for class should be taken with you. Students checking out of a classroom to go to another room for an extended period of time must have a request slip from the teacher to which he/she is going before obtaining a transfer pass.
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Grading System:
Grade cards will be issued to students and mailed home after each nine week period. The grades used are:
A --------Superior(90% - 100%)
B---------Above Average(80% - 89%)
C---------Average(70% - 79%)
D---------Below Average(60% - 69%)
F----------Failing( 0% - 59%)
I-----------Incomplete
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Incomplete Grades:
A grade of incomplete is given at the end of any marking term during which the student has not submitted all required work. A student has 10 school days to make up an incomplete. Failure to do so will result in the grade permanently changing to an F.
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Progress Reports:
Reports of sub-standard work are mailed home during the fifth week of each nine-week period. Additional reports may be sent at the discretion of the teacher. If you make a F in any class, you will attend study club for the next six weeks or nine weeks.
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HALL CONDUCT
Students are to pass quietly through the halls, always keeping to the right. Proper conduct in the halls is expected of every student. Running, pushing, and shoving, are prohibited. Students are asked to refrain from forming large groups in the hallways which hinder other students from passing.
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HANDS-OFF POLICY
The "Hands-Off" policy for students will be enforced at Baxter Springs Middle School. "Hands-Off" includes any display of affection that goes beyond hand-holding in the school or on school grounds. Teachers will warn students and report those warnings to the office. The second warning may result in aparent/student/administrator conference.
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LOCKERS
Each student is provided a locker for storage of textbooks and student materials. These lockers are for the personal use of the student and are not to be tampered with by any other students. At no time should a student leave money in his/her locker. Lockers are the property of the school and are subject to search with reasonable cause. Student lockers are to be cleaned out prior to leaving school at the end of the year and locks turned in to the office. Writing on lockers is vandalism and will be treated as such. You are to stay in the locker assigned by the office.
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MEDICATION
If it becomes necessary for a student to take any form of medication at school, a signed note from doctor and parent/guardian must be presented to the office. All medication will be kept in, and dispersed through the office.
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SCHOOL CLOSING - INCLEMENT WEATHER
The decision to close school is made by 6:30 a.m.. The school closing announcement will be broadcast by the official school radio station, KKOW, and television stations KOAM, KSN, and KODE. Announcements for cancellations on non-school hour programs and athletic events due to inclement weather or other reasons will be announced over the radio station, KKOW, once the decision is made by the proper authorities. If school is cancelled, athletic events and practices will also be cancelled unless approved by the administration.
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SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
All students outside the city limits may ride the school bus. On activity trips, students will be brought back to the middle school and parents are expected to pick them up. The Board does not provide bus service to home after activity trips.

All students riding in a school vehicle to attend a school sponsored activity must return in a school sponsored vehicle. Students must ride in school sponsored vehicles to be eligible to represent Baxter Springs Middle School as a member of a team, squad, or group. Spectator attendance does not require school sponsored transportation. Any exception to this transportation policy must meet one of the following conditions:

1. The parent or legal guardian of a student must be at the activity and sign the student out from the sponsor.
   
2. The parent or legal guardian of a student comes to the school at least one day in advance of a specific activity and personally signs a form, provided by the school, that allows the student to be turned over to the responsibility of another adult after the activity. The adult must be out of high school, over the age of 18, and personally takes responsibility for the student in the presence of the sponsor. Notes and telephone calls will not be acceptable.
   
3. In extreme emergencies, the principal has the authority to release the student without the one day notice and signing of the release.

All functions at school concerning students and teachers, play practices, club meetings, and other activities-- A teacher must be present at all activities and the schedule confirmed in the office.
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BUS CONDUCT
1st time - Warning
2nd time -1 Day off the bus
3rd time - 3 Days off the bus
4th time - 5 Days off the bus
5th time - Off the bus permanently
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STUDENT INSURANCE
Any injury obtained at school should be reported immediately to the teacher, coach, or to the office. USD # 508 provides the following medical insurance coverage for students. Please contact the administration for explanation of benefits. All insurance coverage for students is classified as secondary coverage, which means that it takes affect on medical expenses which are not covered by other medical insurance.

1. All students - classroom/bus/activity
2. Activity Students - KSHSAA Activities Treatment for injury and claim must be filed within 90 days.

Parents are ultimately responsible for filing the claim and payment of treatment.

The school day plan is available to all students grades 9 through 12. Coverage to and from school and school sponsored activities is available. The cost for the nine month term of school and year round coverage (24 hours for the full year) varies yearly and will be determined prior to the opening of school.

If you desire to purchase this insurance, the school will collect the fees on registration day. A list of students who have paid the insurance fees and the money collected will be forwarded to the local insurance agency. All claims will be filed with the agency.
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TARDIES
Students are expected to be in the classroom, in their seats, and ready for class, at the sound of the tardy bell. Tardiness will not be an acceptable form of student behavior by Baxter Springs Middle School students. First hour tardies will be handled by the office. All students tardy for first hour are to report to the office for an admit to class. Detention will be assigned by the office for first hour and by teachers after first hour. The penalty for tardiness is outlined in the discipline section of this handbook. A student is not excused for oversleeping or poor management of time prior to school starting.
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TELEPHONE USE
Students will not use the office phone except in an emergency and with staff permission. In the event a student receives a phone call, he/she will only be called from class if it is an emergency. Normally, phone calls for students will be handled between classes, during lunch time, or before and after school. The phone in the hall across from the office is for student use.
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VISITOR PERMITS
Visitor permits will be restricted and granted by the administration only to members of approved groups and to those with official business with the counselor or main office. Persons requesting to relay messages to students, teachers, or other employees shall stop in the office to make the proper arrangements. Those who do not comply with this regulation will be considered unauthorized persons and will be asked to leave the school grounds. Those who continue the practice will be reported to the authorities and charged with trespassing, as loitering on school property is a violation of State law governing public schools. This restriction does not apply to parents of students attending Baxter Middle School, as parents are encouraged and invited to visit the school to become acquainted with the educational program. If parents will contact the office, a guide will be provided and the proper arrangements made.
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EVACUATION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Each teacher will be responsible for assisting any disabled students in his/her charge to the South exit on each floor. Building administrator will be responsible for assisting any disabled visitors to the South exit area.

In the cafeteria, gym, band room, and tech lab each teacher will be responsible for assisting any disabled students in his/her charge to the nearest accessible exit or safe refuge area. Each building administrator will be responsible for assisting any disabled visitors to the nearest accessible exit or safe refuge area. Disabled occupants will be assisted to one of the following meeting places outside the school:

Bike Rack - South of School
Sidewalk - North of School
Sidewalk - West of School
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Discipline Consequences

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