- General Information
- Attendance
- Behavior
- Curriculum Information
- After School Sports
- Student Activities
- BULLYING
HYDE SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS: POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORTS (PBIS) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hyde Middle School has implemented the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) program. PBIS is a nationally recognized program that we have adopted with the support of our school district. PBIS is a systematic approach to promoting positive behavior. This is done by establishing consistent expectations, rewards, and consequences for behavior that does not meet school-wide expectations. Research has shown that recognizing students for following the expectations is even more important than catching them breaking the rules. Visit www.pbis.org for more information.
Hyde utilizes the PBIS Rewards App as our way to acknowledge students who are meeting expectations. Students who receive PBIS Points can enter into our weekly drawing to win prizes. PBIS Points can also be redeemed for a variety of rewards in the online and on campus PBIS Student Store and for entrance into exclusive events throughout the year. Students can access the PBIS Rewards app through Clever, and parents/guardians will be sent access information at the beginning of the school year.
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General Information
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL AT SCHOOL To ensure student safety, students may not arrive on campus more than 10 minutes before the start of their first class, and they must depart campus no more than 10 minutes after their last class, unless enrolled in a school-sponsored, after-school activity. Students may wait for a ride outside of the school office. Students who do not follow this policy may receive a school consequence. Habitual offenders may be referred to the sheriff’s department. BACKPACKS/PERSONAL POSSESSIONS Backpacks and personal possessions are the student’s responsibility. They must not be left unattended. BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS AND SCOOTERSBicycles should be ridden on streets according to those laws that govern bicycle operations. Bicycles must be locked in the bike cage and skateboards and scooters must be stored in the bins in the office. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and other wheeled forms of transportation may not be ridden on campus grounds. The school assumes no responsibility for stolen or damaged equipment. CLOSED CAMPUSIndividuals not enrolled or employed at Hyde may not be on campus without permission and a visitor’s pass from the office. COMMUNICATION
FOOD SERVICE The cafeteria features a variety of foods and beverages during brunch and lunch. Meals are free for all students. Students must scan their own student ID card for both brunch and lunchtime meals. Students should only take one serving of any item from the cafeteria. LUNCH AND FORGOTTEN ITEMS To encourage student responsibility and avoid classroom disruptions, we do not deliver items, or call students up to collect items, during the school day. We do not accept parent drop offs. Students who forget their lunch may access a free meal at the cafeteria. GUIDANCE COUNSELORS Guidance counselors help promote academic, social-emotional, and career growth for students. They promote positive attitudes among students toward self, family, peers and community. Students/parents can contact counselors through the office or email. HEALTH / ENROLLMENT CARDS Each student must have a completed Health/ Enrollment Card on file in the office. If there are any changes during the year, please alert the office. These include changes of address, telephone number, email address, emergency contact person and serious medical problems. Students will only be released to authorized persons on the Health/Enrollment Card. IMMUNIZATIONS California state law requires every child to be properly immunized and directs the school district to monitor the immunization status of every pupil. Students who are not properly immunized will be excluded from school. Contact the Cupertino Union School District for further information. INJURY AND ILLNESS An injured or ill student must report to a teacher or the office right away. If the injury or illness is serious, office personnel will call for emergency medical assistance and notify parents immediately. LIBRARY The library is to be used for quiet activities during class, brunch, and lunch. Students may complete homework, read, and/or conduct research. Student iPads may be used for educational purposes only. Food and drink are not permitted. LOCKERS A limited number of lockers are available for those students with medical needs. Submit a request with a doctor’s note to the assistant principal. LOST AND FOUND Lost items should be taken to the Lost and Found rack outside of the office. Unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization at the end of each month. MEDICATION AT SCHOOL In order for any medication, whether prescription or non-prescription, short-term or long-term, to be administered at school, a Medication Authorization Form must be completed and signed by a parent and a physician; forms are available in the school office and online. Until the school has a signed form, medication will not be administered. Self Medication forms are also available for students who need to carry an inhaler. OFFICE HOURS: The front office is open from 7:30am to 4:00pm |
Attendance
Hyde Middle School values the success of each and every student. Research has shown that attendance is critical to student success in school, so we expect all students to arrive at school on time, every school day. We have developed attendance policies and procedures in order to comply with California state law. Our goal is to make sure parents and students are aware of any absences and its impact on the student’s learning.
For the most current policies, please review the District’s attendance policy.
ABSENCES
In California, each person between the ages of 6 and 18 years old, who is not legally exempt, is subject to compulsory full-time education. There are only a few instances in which an absence is considered to be excused: (1) a student’s personal illness, (2) a medical appointment, (3) a funeral for an *immediate family member, or (4) justifiable personal reasons, which have been requested and approved by the school principal at least 5 school days in advance.
Absences for reasons other than the ones mentioned above are unexcused and count towards truancy.
*An immediate family member is defined as: the parent or guardian, sibling, grandparent, or any other relative living in the household of the student.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
Parents need to report their student’s absence every day the student is absent, preferably before 9AM. You can report an absence by:
Filling out the form on our website (click on the ‘report an absence’ icon)
Emailing our Attendance Secretary at hyde_absence@cusdk8.org
Calling our 24hr absence line at (408) 252-6290 ext. 6. Make sure to spell your student’s name and specify their 6-digit student ID number.
ABSENCE NOTIFICATIONS
Parents will be notified through email, text and voicemail when a student has missed one or more classes or leaves campus without an acceptable excuse. Please contact the school as soon as possible upon receiving this notification.
ARRIVING LATE TO SCHOOL
Students arriving late to school, for any reason, must report to the front office before going to class. If your student arrives within 30 minutes of the start of class, they will be marked as ‘delay’. Delays are cumulative and impact your student’s attendance record. If your student arrives 30 or more minutes after the beginning of class, they will be marked as ‘tardy’. Tardies are cumulative and are considered to be truancy under California Education Law.
LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
Parents checking their child out of school must report to the front office; the student will be called out of class. Upon returning to school, students must report back to the front office to sign in. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds at any time during the school day without the knowledge of the school office.
TRUANCY
Students are declared truant if they miss more than 30 minutes of instruction without an excuse for at least three times during the school year. Any student declared truant will receive a formal notification and may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). When a student is declared truant, teachers are not obligated to assign make-up work, detention or school service may be assigned, and extra-curricular activities may be suspended.
We request that parents notify the school attendance secretary at least one week before an expected withdrawal or transfer.
WORK FOR ABSENTEES
Students are expected to make up all work missed during their absence. Absent students should check teachers’ google classroom and/or website for assignments and email the teacher to ask what they missed. If arrangements are made with the teacher, homework may be picked up at the front office between 3:30PM-4:00PM.
Behavior
GENERAL GUIDELINES
In school, it is necessary for students to follow a code of conduct for the safety and well being of all. Guidelines for student behavior at Hyde Middle School can be summarized as: Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful. Staff members have legal authority over students traveling to and from school and during any school-sponsored activity on or off campus. The administration reserves the right to establish specific discipline procedures to meet special circ*mstances.
Fighting, threatening, or harassing another student may result in suspension. Violent or threatening actions can be referred to the Sheriff’s Department. If a student is having a problem and it appears that a fight is imminent, he/she should see a staff member for help in resolving the problem.
Harassment is any act severe enough to create an uncomfortable educational environment or a negative effect on a student’s school adjustment. Harassing behavior includes verbal and visual harassment, such as offensive posters, cartoons, drawings, gestures, profane language and religious, racial, ethnic or sexual slurs/innuendos. Physical harassment includes unwelcome or offensive touching, and impeding or blocking movement.
- Brunch and Lunch
- Damage to Property/Vandalism
- Detention
- Dress and Personal Appearance
- Displays of Affection
- Fighting/Harassment
- Gum Chewing
- Obscenity
- Stealing
- Tobacco/Alcohol/Drugs/Vape Machines
- Unauthorized Sales
- Weapons and Fireworks
Brunch and Lunch
Students may play a variety of sports during brunch and lunch and socialize anywhere on campus except behind the gym and the north end of the track and field. Athletic equipment may be provided with a check-out system, and students may bring their own equipment. Students who habitually display unsafe or disrespectful behavior may be prohibited from certain areas or activities by the administration. Food and drink are only allowed inside the gates. Students should always be visible to an adult supervisor.
Cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices must be turned off during the school day, including lunch and brunch, and kept in the student’s backpack. If a device rings, vibrates, or a student uses it during school hours without permission, it may be confiscated and the student may pick it up in the office at the end of the school day. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
School devices may be used in class for educational purposes with permission from the teacher. They may not be used during brunch and lunch. All students must have a current and signed technology permission slip on file before being allowed to use any device. Failure to follow the usage policy may result in school consequences. Parents are responsible for setting usage guidelines at home.
Cameras and other digital recording devices are not allowed for use at school unless permitted by a teacher for educational purposes. A student may never take photographs of students, staff, or school activities unless permitted by a staff member. Failure to follow this rule may result in school consequences, including suspension.
Headphones and/or speakers are not to be worn or used on campus unless approved by a Hyde Staff member for educational purposes only. Students who repeatedly violate our cell phone & technology expectations outlined in this handbook, will receive disciplinary action.
Damage to Property/Vandalism
Damage to school property is grounds for suspension and in some cases referral to the Sheriff’s Department. Damage to school property may result in restitution to the school district.
Detention
Assignment to detention and/or consequences may be given for behavior or attendance issues at school.
Dress and Personal Appearance
Students are to attend school or school functions dressed in a manner that is respectful, clean, and appropriate. The staff and administration reserve the right to determine whether clothing is appropriate for the school setting. If students are dressed inappropriately, they will be referred to the administration office and asked to change into their PE uniform. More than one offense may result in disciplinary action.
Shoes are required at all times. Shirts must cover undergarments. Clothing must cover midriffs. Pants must be worn so they fully cover buttocks and undergarments. Clothing and personal items such as backpacks may not contain any written or pictorial representation deemed offensive, derogatory or otherwise inappropriate.
The dress code shall be modified as appropriate to accommodate a student's religious or cultural observance, health condition, or other circ*mstance deemed necessary by the principal or designee. In addition, the principal or designee may impose dress requirements to accommodate the needs of special school activities, physical education classes, athletic activities, and other extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
Displays of Affection
Kissing, hugging, hand holding, sitting on laps, and other displays of affection are not allowed on campus.
Fighting/Harassment
Fighting, threatening, or harassing another student may result in suspension. Violent or threatening actions can be referred to the Sheriff’s Department. If a student is having a problem and it appears that a fight is imminent, he/she should see a staff member for help in resolving the problem.
Harassment is any act severe enough to create an uncomfortable educational environment or a negative effect on a student’s school adjustment. Harassing behavior includes verbal and visual harassment, such as offensive posters, cartoons, drawings, gestures, profane language and religious, racial, ethnic or sexual slurs/innuendos. Physical harassment includes unwelcome or offensive touching, and impeding or blocking movement.
Gum Chewing
Gum is not to be brought to, or chewed, at school.
Obscenity
Vulgar and obscene language, writing, acts, orpictures will not be tolerated and are subject to school consequences. Students are expected to interact and speak with one another and adults in an appropriate manner.
Stealing
Students taking items not belonging to them may be suspended and referred to the Sheriff’s Department.
Tobacco/Alcohol/Drugs/Vape Machines
The use, possession, sale or purchasing of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or paraphernalia is forbidden. Students may not use any form of a vaporizing device and those that are in violation of this rule may be suspended, referred to the Sheriff’s Department, and subject to expulsion.
Unauthorized Sales
Students may not sell candy, cards, pencils or any other merchandise, for fundraisers or otherwise, on campus.
Weapons and Fireworks
The possession or use of any weapon or fireworks is strictly forbidden. Students violating this rule will be suspended, referred to the Sheriff’s Department and may be subject to expulsion from the school. Matches and lighters are forbidden at school.
State law and district policy require the immediate suspension and recommendation for expulsion of any student who possesses, sells or furnishes a firearm; brandishes a knife; sells a controlled substance; commits or attempts to commit a sexual assault; and/or possesses an explosive, on school grounds or at a school activity. Hyde Middle School and the Cupertino Union School District strictly enforce this law/policy.
Curriculum Information
ELD PROGRAM
The English Language Development (ELD) program is for students who have limited English proficiency. All beginning ELD students will receive designated instruction in the English language. All ELD students receive language support as needed in their mainstream language arts, math, social science, and science classes. Students who meet district requirements for state testing in ELD, state testing in content, and teacher observation will be reclassified into mainstream classes.
HOMEWORK
Students are expected to write homework assignments in their physical or virtual planner each class period. In case of absence, students should contact their teachers to obtain missing work.
HONOR POLICY
Cheating is dishonestly obtaining or giving information or materials for the purpose of claiming credit or earning a grade. Cheating may result in a zero on the test and a U in Conduct for the parties involved. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:
Giving or receiving answers from other students.
Acquiring answers from other sources such as cheat sheets, notes, and books.
Giving or soliciting test questions or answers.
Copying, receiving, or giving homework answers.
Copying, allowing someone to copy, or handing in someone else’s work.
Claiming credit for something not read or done.
Plagiarism and forgery, including utilizing AI.
PHYSICAL FITNESS PARTICIPATION
If a student is unable to participate in daily physical education, a written explanation from a parent may be used for a three-day period. If they require a modified program for a longer period of time, a signed medical excuse from a physician is required. Students should bring this excuse to the office, where copies will be made for the PE teacher, the school nurse, and the office file.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Grades are live and visible to parents and students at any time via Parent/StudentVUE. Proficiency notices are sent home midway through the semester for students receiving a C-, D, F, N or U. If a student falls into the D, F or U range after the progress report is mailed home, the teacher will notify the parent. Parents are encouraged to monitor their student’s grades weekly and contact individual teachers if a progress report is received.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued two times a year and can be accessed by families through Parent/StudentVUE.
TEXTBOOKS AND DEVICES
Students are responsible for all curricular materials issued to, or used by them. If an item is lost or damaged, it becomes the student’s responsibility to pay for a repair or replacement. End-of-the-year activities, report cards, yearbooks, and diplomas may be withheld until lost or damaged items are repaired or replaced.
After School Sports
Hyde offers a variety of after school sports for students in all grades. Please visit www.valleyal.org for tryout dates and seasons. One week prior to the tryout date for each sport, an announcement will go out to both students and parents notifying them that signups are now happening. Parents will then need to go to www.valleyal.org and complete a tryout waiver form for their child prior to the first day of tryouts. No student will be allowed to participate in the tryouts without a completed waiver form. For team sports that have cuts, players will participate in tryouts that may last up to 4 days with multiple cuts during the process. Tryouts will run from approximately 3:15-5:00 PM for each day of tryouts. *If an athlete is unable to make the first day of tryouts, it is the athlete’s or the athlete’s parents’ responsibility to notify the coach or Athletic Director (AD) of the absence.
CRITERIA USED DURING TRYOUTS
- Determine the best players, athletes, and competitors.
- Determine the proper position for each player.
- Determine the correct combination for the strongest possible starting unit.
- Determine the first line replacements and possible realignment of positions to keep team strength.
- Passion and enjoyment of the specific sport.
- Positive attitude and compliance with rules.
- Energy and effort.
SPORTSMANSHIP/ELIGIBILITY POLICY
Athletes not demonstrating good sportsmanship can be suspended and/or permanently removed from the team. Every student must maintain a 2.0 GPA (“C” average) or better in order to participate. An athlete can be removed from the team if behavior, academics, effort, or attendance become a recurring issue. Students must be able to fully participate in their physical fitness class during the day in order to try-out, practice, and play. Students who are absent from school the day of a game are not eligible to play in that afternoon’s game.
Student Activities
8TH GRADE PROMOTION CEREMONY AND DANCE
The eighth grade promotion ceremony and party are also considered to be privileges. The administration reserves the right to remove students from any event for disciplinary reasons.
DANCES AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
School social activities are for Hyde students only; visitors are not allowed. Behavior expectations and dress code are the same as a regular school day.
Students must arrive within 15 minutes of the start of any event and must be picked up immediately after the event. Once students arrive, they may not leave unless released to a parent or guardian by an administrator. Administration notification for attendance, academic, or behavior issues may affect a student’s eligibility for these activities. In addition, students must attend school for the full day on the day of the event.
END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITIES
End-of-the-year activities are privileges. Criteria for event eligibility will be communicated by school administration. School administration reserves the right to remove students from any event for disciplinary reasons.
HONOR SOCIETY
The mission of the Honor Society is to help students develop citizenship, scholarship, leadership and service skills. Members provide the community with a minimum of ten hours of volunteer service per semester. Application for membership occurs each semester and is open to eighth graders only. Each semester students must qualify and apply for membership. To become a member, a student must earn a GPA of 3.75 or better (this includes all classes). Students must also have satisfactory marks in citizenship and effort. Eighth grade students who have been at Hyde for more than one semester and believe they qualify should contact an Honor Society teacher advisor.
STUDENT CLUBS & LUNCH ACTIVITIES
Hyde offers a variety of clubs and activities throughout the school year. Clubs meet at lunchtime and are supervised by teachers. Students may propose a student-led club by following the directions outlined in the announcements.
Hyde also offers other activities during lunchtime. Students should check the announcements for Leadership, Student Council, and spirit activities happening throughout the year.
ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB)
Hyde’s ASB supports a variety of extracurricular activities and events such as after-school sports, clubs, and dances. ASB meets regularly under the direction of a faculty advisor.
WHERE EVERYBODY BELONGS (WEB)
WEB is a program that promotes positive growth in our students’ attitudes, behaviors and beliefs by facilitating a support network for sixth graders. This network teams eighth grade students with incoming sixth grade students for the purpose of empowering the newcomers with ownership and knowledge of their new school. Fun social activities are planned throughout the school year.
YOSEMITE
Each year the district organizes an outdoor educational experience in Yosemite National Park for eighth grade students, weather and conditions permitting. See the CUSD Website for more information about the trip. Students must meet academic and behavioral criteria in order to be eligible for the trip. Students with more than one suspension, more than two “U” in conduct on their first semester report card, or other serious behavior problems that affect the safety of the students and staff on the trip are subject to administrative removal.
Parents/guardians must attend the Yosemite Parent Information Night in the fall. The final list of candidates will be put in place using a random selection process. If there are more candidates than spaces available, those students remaining will be placed on a waiting list.
BULLYING
Hyde Middle School supports a bully-free learning environment. Bullying occurs when a student, or a group of students, attempts to take power over another student. The main ways in which bullying may happen are:
Physical bullying, when a student uses physical force to hurt another student by hitting, punching, pushing, pantsing, shoving, kicking, spitting, pinching, getting in their way, or holding them down. It is also bullying to interfere with another student’s belongings, to take or break their possessions, and to demand or steal money.
Verbal bullying, when a student directs words at another student with the intention of putting them down or humiliating them. This includes threatening, taunting, intimidating, shouting, insulting, sarcasm, name-calling, teasing, put downs and ridiculing. It is also verbal bullying when a student uses hostile gestures towards
another student, such as making faces, staring, giving the evil eye, and eye rolling.
Relational bullying, when a student influences another student’s friendships and relationships through deliberately leaving them out, spreading gossip and rumors about them, whispering, giving them the silent treatment, ostracizing or scapegoating. This also includes writing words or creating cartoons, posters or drawings about another student designed to hurt or humiliate that student.
Cyberbullying refers to the use of cell phones, text messages, emails, instant messaging, chat rooms, web blogs and social networking sites to bully another individual in any of the ways described above. Examples of cyberbullying are sending threatening or insulting messages by phone and email, posting untrue information or embarrassing pictures about another individual on message boards, blogs or social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, etc., using another student’s email address or IM name to send messages that make the student look bad, impersonating an individual online, creating a web page devoted to putting down another individual, and forwarding a text message or email that was meant for your eyes only.
Bullying in any form is not allowed and will not be tolerated at HMS. Students can report any incidents to a staff member. Parents are encouraged to contact any school personnel, including the school principal, assistant principal, or the guidance counselors, to report concerns about bullying or student conflicts.
