2008-2009 Student “Handbook” King Lab
Every student at King Lab can be an excellent student. The following information will help you to accomplish the goal of becoming an excellent student. Please speak to a teacher or administrator if you have questions.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY “Intelligence plus character-that is the true goal of education.” At Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet School all students are expected to exhibit appropriate behaviors at all times while working to develop social and academic life skills that will lead to success. Respect and responsibility are cornerstone behaviors that will be promoted and reinforced at King Lab. To that end, there are a number of habits, characteristics, and actions that students can model which will promote a positive and healthy school culture. The following principles will help define these important habits and behaviors. The list provides a framework for your performance at King Lab. It all starts with the Three B’s; Be Responsible, Be Respectful and Be Ready to Learn. BE RESPONSIBLE Responsibility can be defined as duty. It is your duty to help keep our school safe so that all students have the opportunity to take advantage of a rigorous learning environment. Arriving to school and class on time, being prepared, cooperating with teachers and peers, keeping hands feet and objects to oneself, putting trash in garbage cans, and caring for personal belongings are actions that will promote a positive environment at King Lab. These are just a few of the duties you have as a King Lab student. Fulfilling these responsibilities will contribute to your growth as a successful member of the school community. BE RESPECTFUL To show respect is to show honor and consideration towards yourself and others. Showing others respect through the use of good manners and appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication is expected at King Lab. Maintaining eye contact, using a person’s name when in conversation, listening without judging, and keeping arms relaxed at one’s side are ways to show other people respect. In contrast, rolling of the eyes, using a loud voice, smacking lips, and making wild, exaggerated arm movements can project disrespectful messages to others. To ensure that communication is respectful and inviting, follow the parameters outlined above to promote positive personal exchanges. BE READY TO LEARN Being on time and attending school daily allows you to make the most out of your school experience. A very famous American comic once illustrated the importance of being present and its relationship to being successful in the following statement, “Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.” It is expected that you come to school every day and arrive on time. Doing this will keep classroom disruptions to a minimum and will allow you and your peers the opportunity to maximize class time for learning. EFFORT & COMMITMENT Using your capabilities to the fullest extent is critical in the process of becoming an active and productive citizen. Developing a good work ethic will also build a foundation for becoming an exemplary student. Making a consistent effort to complete homework, participating in class and other healthy school activities will enrich your experience at King Lab and make you a more enlightened person. Make the choice and commit to give your best effort everyday.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS Student dress should be conservative as to keep distractions to a minimum and to promote a positive environment. Dress and appearance will be safe, appropriate, and not present a health problem. Outerwear such as hats, coats, and gloves will only be worn outside of the school. These items are to be removed upon entering the building. Skirts/shorts will be at least fingertip length. Shirts must cover the torso and shoulders. Undergarments must be concealed by clothing apparel. Always make appropriate clothing choices as you plan for school. Being respectful to yourself and others through appropriate dress is encouraged. REST, EXERCISE, AND DIET To ensure that you achieve at the highest level of performance, it is critical that you get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and exercise daily. Sleep at least eight hours daily and establish morning and night time routines that will allow you to be rested, organized, and prepared. HOW TO HANDLE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS: WHEN TO GO TO THE NURSE Politely ask a teacher to see the nurse if you are not feeling well. You must always have a pass to see the nurse. You should see the nurse if: • You ate breakfast but your stomach hurts feel as if you may vomit • You have a medical condition (i.e. asthma, diabetes, allergies, etc.) that require medical attention • You have been sick, attempted to come to school, but are not feeling well When not to see the nurse: • You just exercised and are sweating and feel tired • You did not eat breakfast/lunch and your stomach hurts • You did not get enough sleep and you are feeling tired • You need a snack or a drink YOU ARE UNPREPARED FOR CLASS If you do not have your supplies, books, or homework for class, you should take responsibility for your actions by making an effort to correct the situation. Friends are often helpful when a pencil or paper is needed and seeing a teacher is the appropriate action if work has not been completed or you need a textbook for the day. YOUR LOCKER WILL NOT OPEN The best way to deal with locker problems is to be proactive about caring for your belongings and your locker. Write down your combination in a safe place and give it to your homeroom teacher. Do not give your combination to any other student. Keep your locker clean and organized. Keep your combination lock locked on you locker at all times. Often times, lockers fail to open as a result of being overstuffed with papers and books. If your locker will not open, it is important that you do not physically abuse it by kicking or punching it as this may damage the locker. Proceed to class immediately and inform an adult of your problem on the way if you are having locker problems. The adult will then notify the office and the locker issue will be addressed. It is important to move to class as soon as possible as to not arrive late. FORGETTING TO TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE Cellular phones must be turned off (powered off) and stowed away (out of sight) while in the school building. Phones cannot be on “silent” as they must be powered down before entering King Lab. If you forget to turn off your phone before entering school, simply see an adult and explain that you would like to turn off your phone as you forgot to do it earlier. Confiscated phones are only returned to parents. Students may ask permission to use the Main Office phone for emergencies.
YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE NOT BEING TREATED FAIRLY If you feel an adult or student is not treating you fairly, it is important that you deal with the situation in a mature way. First, work to think about what you want to say rather than reacting. For example, if a teacher instructs you to change seats, it is best to move and then discuss the situation discretely with the teacher at a later time. Reacting immediately to the teacher’s request by informing him/her that you do not feel that moving your seat is fair may be viewed as an act of defiance or disrespect. However, discussing the situation privately, one-on-one with the teacher after class would allow you to let the teacher know how you feel without leading to bigger problems. Think before you act. YOU ARE LATE FOR CLASS OR SCHOOL If you are late to school, ask your parents to send a note with you excusing you. Parents can also call the Main Office. If you are late to class, go to class and sign the tardy form inside the class. Students must be seated in their assigned seat before the tardy bell rings in order not to be considered tardy. Middle school students may enter the building at 7:50 a.m. Elementary students enter at 7:55 a.m. An adult will let you know when it is permissible for students to enter early. ANOTHER STUDENT IS “TALKING ABOUT” YOU “Seek to understand, then to be understood.” -Stephen Covey Hearsay is “second hand” information. Often times, information is passed along from student to student and is received by you second-hand and may not be true or accurate. If you feel someone is saying inappropriate things about you, it is recommended that you find a way to respectfully discuss the issue with the other person privately. Confronting another child in front of friends or classmates can make the situation more threatening and cause the problem to escalate. Asking questions without making accusations is also important. For example, saying “I heard you were talking about me and I am going to…” implies that the other person is guilty before you have discussed the issue. Find a way to ask the person if there is a problem, inquire about the nature of the problem, and then share your thoughts. If you cannot handle the problem in a peaceful way, it is best to find an adult who can help you resolve the issue. SOMEONE APPROACHES YOU AGGRESSIVELY We have the honor of bearing the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a champion of American civil rights. Although Dr. King was a man of strength and honor, he always used peaceful methods to solve problems. If someone threatens your safety at anytime, move away and make a verbal declaration that you do not wish to engage in fighting. Say, “leave me alone” or “Stop!” Let everyone know that you want to respect the legacy of Dr. King’s dream. IF YOU ARE HUNGRY Food must be kept in your locker until lunch time. If possible, make sure that you eat a good breakfast before coming to school. Eating in the hallways and/or the hallways is not permitted. Lunch time in the cafeteria is a great time to enjoy your food and to socialize with your friends. Once you have walked into the cafeteria, have a seat and wait until your table is called. Food and drink may not be removed from the cafeteria. WHAT TO DO AT RECESS TIME Part of your responsibility as a King Lab student is to find an activity that is safe and fun during recess. Activities that include aggressive play are unsafe and therefore unacceptable such as tackle football. This also includes games such as “tag” where students run uncontrollably and push others aggressively. Speak with your friends and peers about organizing a game of softball, 4 Square, kickball or basketball. Try to include as many people as possible; don’t exclude someone that really wants to play. Consider that during these games some people are not as talented as others and therefore do not play at high levels. Do your best to encourage everyone during recess. Students are also encouraged to sit and talk with their friends about healthy topics. Because of bad weather, recess is sometimes held indoors. In these cases, students are welcomed to play board and card games such as UNO and chess.