Student Handbook

Schedule

The school day extends from 8:50 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. with a homeroom period and a 45-minute lunch/recess period.  Students may enter the building at 8:50 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:05 p.m., unless under the supervision of a teacher for make-up work or a scheduled activity.  

Please be advised that there is no supervision before 8:45: students are not to be present on school grounds before 8:40 a.m., except for those who participate in supervised school activities.

Rogers Class Schedule

9:00 –   9:05 a.m. Homeroom    

9:05 –   9:50 a.m. Period 1    

9:50 – 10:35 a.m. Period 2  

10:35 – 11:20 a.m. Period 3  

11:20 – 12:05 p.m. Period 4 - 5th Grade Lunch

12:05 – 12:50 p.m. Period 5 - 6th Grade Lunch  

12:50 –   1:35 p.m. Period 6 - 4th Grade Lunch  

1:35  –  2:20 p.m. Period 7    

2:20 –  3:05 p.m. Period 8        

Activity Period

An activity period is held from 8:10 – 8:50 a.m. Students entering the building for musical activities must enter through the main entrance and students entering for the physical education intramural program must enter through Door 9.

Activity Meeting Days

INTRAMURALS – 4th Grade A

INTRAMURALS – 5th Grade C

INTRAMURALS – 6th Grade B

BAND – 4th Grade D and S

BAND – 5th Grade B and E

BAND – 6TH Grade A and C

ORCHESTRA – 4th Grade D and S

ORCHESTRA – 5th Grade B and E

ORCHESTRA –  6th Grade A and C

CHORUS – 5th and 6th Grade D and S    

Before School

Students enter the building at 8:50 AM.  Exceptions to this rule include morning activities that begin at 8:10 AM.  At 8:50 AM, students enter the building, grab breakfast if they chose, and are expected to go to their hall lockers and then proceed to their homeroom.  Students must be in their homeroom by 9:00 AM. 

After School

Students required to meet with a teacher or attend a school activity/meeting after school are to report quickly to their destination.  Those staying after school for any reason should make transportation arrangements in advance. All students walking home must report home and be off campus by 3:15 PM. 

Visitors

Visitors to our building shall go directly to the main office prior to conducting business in the building.  The District utilizes an electronic visitor management system (Raptor System) in order to ensure the safety and welfare of its students, staff and guests.  When any visitor including parents and volunteers wish to enter our building during school hours, he or she must present a valid state or government issued photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license.  All visitors must wear their visitor’s pass while on campus.

Student requests for friends to visit Rogers’ classes or to attend social activities will not be honored. 

Homeroom Procedures

The homeroom period is five minutes in duration (9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m.).  During this time:

• Attendance is taken
• Attention is given to school-wide or grade level announcements
• Pledge of Allegiance is recited
• Excuses for absence and dismissal are collected

The homeroom period is an important part of the day during which students prepare themselves for the day as well as complete the activities outlined above.  It is a community bonding time.  If your child arrives to homeroom after 9:05 a.m., they will be marked tardy and will need to sign in at the Health Office. 

Recess Activities

A recess period is scheduled for midday along with each lunch period.  Outside recess will be used as often as possible.  Students must dress appropriately for the weather.  During inclement weather, recess is indoors.

Breakfast/Lunch Program

For the school year, the student lunchroom offers a variety of complete breakfasts and lunches free for students. Breakfast is offered from 8:50-9:15. Families may choose to pay for additional items like snacks or additional lunches in advance using MY SCHOOL BUCKS located on the district website. Students may bring a lunch or snacks from home and supplement it with a la carte items such as milk, cereal, yogurt, bagels, chips, crackers, cheese, etc. 

If food or snacks present a challenge for you or your family, please reach out to any of our staff. We have significant access to resources and will work to ensure no one goes hungry. 

Locks and Lockers

Lockers will be used to store all bags, coats, and personal items not intended for classroom use. Students are able to grab personal care items from their locker on their way to and from the bathrooms. Lockers are the property of the school district.  A locker will be assigned to each student at the beginning of the school year.  A student is then responsible for:

• keeping their locker clean, inside, and out
• not defacing his/her assigned locker or any other locker
• reporting broken or faulty lockers to homeroom teachers
• There is a $5 fee for lost or stolen locks  

A student shall not keep any item in a school locker that might cause disruption on school property. Locker theft should be reported to the office.

Locks: The district provides a lock to each student so that students can secure their belongings.  Students should not share their combinations with other students.  Locks should be used to secure lockers at all times. 

We strongly urge students to observe these precautions:

• Don’t share the combination with anyone other than staff members and parents.
• Snap the lock completely and spin the dial.
• Keep your locker locked at all times! 

Bicycles

Please be sure your child knows and follows safety rules when riding their bicycles.  Bicycles should be parked in the bike rack next to the main building.  Please note that the school district assumes no liability for bikes parked on school property.  Students must provide their own locks and lock their bicycles.  

Lost and Found

The school is not responsible for damage or theft of personal belongings.  A student who finds items of value in the school building or on school grounds is required to turn them into the office.  Lost items may be claimed before and after school.  The Lost and Found is located on shelves outside the cafeteria. The lost and found is donated at the end of each month. 

Staff Voicemail

To leave a voicemail message for a staff member, please dial 336-3150, choose “Directory” and follow the prompts to spell the name.

Staff E-Mail

To email a staff member, use the following format: First name, underscore last name @westiron.monroe.edu (no spaces) Example:  john_smith@westiron.monroe.edu 

Infinite Campus Contact Information

Parents/guardians are responsible for submitting up to date contact information each school year. It is integral that we have your up-to-date contact so that we can reach you in case of emergency.

Building Communication and Updates

The Rogers Middle School Newsletter is sent monthly. 

Weekly updates are sent on the last day of the school week (if applicable). 

Emergency drills will be communicated through a Blackboard message to families during the week of the drill. 

Absence Procedures

Absence from school for any reason should be reported by telephone on the day of absence before 9:30 a.m. Please call the Health Office at 336-3030.  An answering machine will take calls prior to the start of the school day.  Please give your child’s name and the reason for his/her absence.

Following this call, it will be assumed that the student is at home until such time as he/she returns to school.  If a pupil is absent and the absence is not reported, the school will attempt to contact the parent/guardian.

On the day of return to school following an absence, the student must bring a written statement from the parent/guardian identifying the date(s) of and specific reason for the absence.  A similar statement is requested for all instances of tardiness and/or early dismissal.

If a student arrives after 9:05 a.m., they must report to the health office and sign in. Students with appointments during school hours may be excused only upon the written request of their parents/guardians.  The request must be specific and must be given to homeroom teachers before school.  Students leaving school for early dismissal must report to the health office and sign out.  Then, they will be released to an authorized adult (listed on Infinite Campus).

For absences of two or more days, parents may call the school office to obtain homework assignments.   The school needs 24-hour notice before the materials are to be picked up.  Parents may pick up assignments and materials from the main office from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. If a student is going to be absent for a long period of time due to a serious illness or injury, parents should contact the student’s counselor or classroom teacher(s). 

Vacations

Absences for vacations are considered illegal under New York State law.  The school/teachers are not responsible for providing assignments or make-up tests a student misses during an illegal absence. 

Health Office Services

The Health Office, located next to the Rogers Main Office on the first floor, is open during the day to support students who become ill or injured at school.  No student who is ill or injured should leave the school grounds without first reporting to the Health Office.  

Health Screenings 

Students are screened yearly according to NYS guidelines.  The screening, based on grade level, includes vision, hearing and scoliosis checks.  If there are concerns regarding hearing or vision at any grade level, please contact the Health Office at 336-3030.   Physical Examinations:  

New York State law also requires each student to have a physical exam upon entering kindergarten as well as 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades or when entering a new school district.  We recommend you use your private physician for this exam.  If you do not have a private physician, or if documentation of the physical exam is not received, at your request a physical may be provided by our school physician or nurse practitioner. 

Immunizations

When a child enters the school district, parents/guardians are required to provide proof that the student has been properly immunized according to New York State guidelines.  Failure to provide proof of immunizations or to obtain the required immunizations is serious and will result in the student being excluded from school until the requirement has been met.  

Medication Policy

Students are not permitted to carry or keep prescription medication or over-the-counter medication in their lockers.  Students may be permitted to self-carry medications after an evaluation by the school nurse and with written permission from their physician and parent.  If a student requires medications, please contact the Health Office.

*Any medication, including over the counter medication, must be handled through the process outlined below:

1. A written order from the physician indicating the name, dosage, frequency, and route of the prescribed medication. 2. A signed parental permission to administer medication form is required.

3. Medication MUST be in the original prescription container labeled by the pharmacy. If it is an over the-counter medicine, (i.e., Tylenol, cough medicine, etc.) it must be in the original container.

4. Medication MUST be delivered to school by a parent/guardian or designated adult.  

5. Medication orders MUST be renewed at the start of each school year.  The order must be dated after July 1st.  

If a child has an injury that requires the use of the elevator in school, a written order must be obtained from the student’s physician. A written excuse from a physician is also required if a student cannot participate in physical education due to illness or injury.   

Accidental Injury Coverage

The school district has contracted with an insurance carrier to provide limited coverage for accidental injury suffered by a student during school, on the way to or from school, and during school-sponsored and supervised activities, including athletics.   Any injury should be reported immediately to the school nurse, teacher, or supervisor in-charge. 

Emergency Drill Procedures

Throughout the year, Rogers School will hold a variety of emergency drills.  Staff members will explain the purpose and procedures related to each drill at the beginning of the school year and provide reminders throughout the year.  

1. Shelter-in-Place  

Shelter-in-Place is used to shelter students and staff inside the building.  

2. Hold-in-Place

Hold-in-Place is used to limit movement of students and staff while dealing with short term emergencies.  

3. Evacuation

This procedure is used to evacuate students and staff from the building.  

4. Secure Lockout

The Lockout is used to secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school.  

5. Lockdown  

The Lockdown is used to secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school.   

Emergency Closings

There may be times, due to adverse weather or other emergencies, when it will be necessary to close one or more schools.  To inform the community, the district will implement the Media Notification Plan.  Using assigned secure codes we directly contact major television and radio stations (WROC-8, Spectrum News, WHEC- 10, WHAM-13, WXXI, WHAM, 1180 AM, WXXI, 1370) with details of the situation.  If school is closed on successive days, the announcement will be repeated each day.

Should it be necessary to close school during the day, the district will take actions to ensure the safety of children and staff and the Media Notification Plan will be implemented.  

Students will be released in accordance with instructions on each child’s emergency form.  Parents/guardians and students should review the procedures to be followed if the student arrives at home and an adult is not present.  If conditions permit, buses will be available to transport students who regularly ride the bus.

Please review with your children, neighbors, and relatives the plans you have pre-arranged, should an early dismissal or emergency school closing occur.  We appreciate your efforts to keep your family’s personal contact information up to date throughout the school year as home, work, and cell phone numbers change.  It is crucial that parents understand the emergency notification procedures we are using and that you think about how you and your children will respond under these rare circumstances.

Please do not call the school during adverse weather conditions.  Outside lines are limited, and the school needs to be able to receive communications.  No child will be dismissed without notifying a parent or the authorized adult designated on the Emergency Closing Form. 

Transportation

Questions about transportation should be directed to the Transportation Office at 336-2992.

Students being bused to Rogers School are scheduled to arrive at approximately 8:45 a.m. and depart at approximately 3:05 p.m.

If there are questions concerning the Urban-Suburban school buses during a snow emergency or at any other time, you may call the Urban Suburban office at 249-7045 or West Irondequoit Transportation at 336-2992.

Bus Rider Expectations

Look both ways before crossing street.  Be sure there is no oncoming traffic.  

Be at designated bus stop on time – not more than 10 minutes before your scheduled bus arrival time in the morning.

Observe all safety precautions while waiting for the bus:                

• Stay on side-walks.  Do not stand/wait in the road.

• Do not push, pull, or chase others.

• Avoid trespassing on private property.

• Avoid excessive noise.

Wait until the bus has come to a full stop before entering the roadway to board the bus or leaving your seat to get off the bus.

Take a seat as soon as you board the bus.  Do not change seats while the bus is moving.

Conduct yourself properly at all times:

• Demonstrate positive behavior and appropriate behavior.

• Do not throw anything on the bus, out of the bus, or at the bus.

• Do not distract the bus driver while the bus is in motion.

• Keep track of your personal property.

• Eating, drinking of any beverage, and smoking, in any form, are not allowed on the bus.

Note: Warn the driver of approaching danger if you have reason to believe the driver is unaware of such danger. If the bus driver permits open windows, keep your arms and head inside the bus.  Listen carefully to and obey the driver at all times.  The driver is in charge at all times.

Transportation privileges may be suspended for disregard of the bus rider rules. 

Bus Departure

Upon leaving school at the end of the school day, students may quietly socialize in a designated area before entering the bus.  Those who behave in an inappropriate manner such as running, chasing, or other types of hard play will jeopardize their bus privileges and be subject to disciplinary action. 

Academic Information

Homework – Homework is an effective aid to learning and is assigned for the following reasons:

• To reinforce skills learned in the classroom
• To provide independent practice
• To complete work not finished in the classroom
• To make up work missed due to absence
• To develop self-discipline, responsibility, and organizational skills
• To allow sufficient time for creative projects 

If there is no written work, students should review material or study ahead for quizzes and tests. Silent, sustained reading in a book of choice is also an alternative.  

Study Skills and Habits

Study habits and skills that have proven to be effective include:

1. Use a planner for assignments. Each child is given a Rogers Student Planner on the first day of school.  If a child loses his/her planner, replacements are available at the Main Office for $5.00.

2. Organizing all materials and supplies needed for assignments.  

3. Setting up a study schedule with appropriate breaks to avoid fatigue.

4. Studying material daily in small segments rather than waiting until the day before a test.

5. Requesting assistance from the teacher or additional staff 

Report Cards

We operate using a trimester schedule.  At the conclusion of each semester, report cards will be generated and will be available to access on Infinite Campus. 

Physical Education Expectations

Changing clothes for physical education class is not required. Sneakers are required to participate in physical education class.   Documentation excusing students from physical education classes is needed by medical personnel  

Field Trips

Field trips are scheduled by teachers to provide enrichment opportunities for students.  Parental permission given in writing is required before participation is permitted.  Special approval of the Board of Education is required for trips of long distance or which would entail overnight accommodations. 

4th Grade - Helmer Nature Center, Colonial Belle, Irondequoit Community Tour, Rochester Museum and Science Center

5th Grade - Helmer Nature Center, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Red Wings Education Day

6th Grade - Outdoor Education 

Extracurricular Activities

There are a variety of extracurricular activities offered to students at Rogers School, ranging from musical groups to intramural and special interest clubs.  Information about these activities is made available to students in homeroom through the announcements as well as flyers posted throughout the building.  Students are invited to join any activities that meet their interests.  Activities are offered each year. 

Academic Intervention Services (AIS)

Academic Intervention Services Students identified as needing additional support in reading, writing, and/or math are supported in the AIS program.  Placement in AIS is based on test scores, classroom performance, and teacher input. Parents are notified in writing if this extra support is provided to their child. 

School Counseling

The Rogers School Counselors provide services and programs that contribute to the social, emotional, and educational development of each student. All students meet regularly with the counselors through group guidance within the classroom. Topics discussed in group guidance classes include school adjustment, peer relationships, child sexual abuse, drug abuse (including alcohol), problem solving, career awareness, educational planning, and orientation to the next grade.  In addition, students may meet with the counselors individually or in small groups as the need arises. The counselors help students to:

• clarify their self-concept through information about their abilities, achievements, aptitudes, and personal characteristics
• learn how to develop responsibility and to make sound decisions by considering all available information
• learn ways to improve relationships with others
• learn to set and strive toward realistic goals The counselors also communicate and/or consult with parents and teachers as the need arises. 

School Psychologist

School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.  They support students’ ability to learn and the teacher’s ability to teach through services such as group and individual counseling, conducting psychological evaluations, and functional behavior assessments, and providing consultation to parents and teachers.  School psychologists’ partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and others to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.  Parents who have questions about how the services of the school psychologist might support their child may contact the school psychologist. 

School Social Worker

The school social worker interacts with parents and students in a variety of situations. The school social worker helps in obtaining information on a new entrant, gathering a social and developmental history prior to a review by the C.S.E. (Committee on Special Education), and/or assisting in identifying community resources available to the family.

Speech/Language Pathologist

The speech and language pathologist assess identified students’ strengths and weaknesses in the areas of sound production, social language, use of learning strategies, as well as the use and understanding of language. The speech and language pathologist supports staff and students directly and/or through consultation. Parents with questions may call the Rogers office to contact the speech/language pathologist.

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Community Schools

 

West Irondequoit School District Code of Conduct

In compliance with the New York State Project SAVE legislation, the purpose of the Code is to assure the orderly functioning of our schools, the safety of all persons involved with our schools, and the security of school property. The Code governs the conduct of all persons, including students, on school grounds and at school functions. The Code describes appropriate conduct, prohibited conduct, responses to violations, and other related issues.  It seeks to establish and maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect, self-restraint, civility, and trust.

The Code of Conduct includes district-wide information and expectations.  Please review this document for further information.   

Student Conduct

Rogers Middle School believes that every child has the right to a safe, orderly, and productive educational experience. We will promote high expectations within a fun and exciting learning environment.

Rogers's students will:

• show respect for other people by demonstrating polite, courteous behavior and language (such as please, thank you, excuse me).

• show respect for other people by avoiding name calling, teasing, or inappropriate language.

• show respect for other people by refraining from inappropriate gestures or physical provocation.

• show respect for everyone’s safety by demonstrating self-control.

• show respect for authority by following directions from staff members.

At Rogers School, we C.A.R.E.

Cooperate with all members of the school community

Appreciate and accept each other’s differences

Respect ourselves, others, and property

Excel by doing our best, through trying our hardest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunchtime Expectations  

The cafeteria is a place where students eat lunch in an orderly and relaxed atmosphere.  Students typically choose their own tables and then will be expected to remain in their seats for the lunch period.  Staff members may change student seating arrangements as needed.  Remember these important points:  

• Students are expected to stay at their seat and not move from table to table.  This helps to develop consistency with the students and staff in regard to establishing daily seating arrangements.  

• Disruptive behavior and food throwing will not be tolerated.  

• All students seated at a table share the responsibility of maintaining a clean area.  Being asked to pick up litter is a reasonable request.  

• Saving places or cutting in the serving lines are unfair; students are asked to please wait their turn.  

• Students are discouraged from borrowing food or money from other students.  In an emergency, see the Cafeteria Supervisor or a staff member for assistance. 

It is the student and family's responsibility to provide a bagged lunch at the start of the school day. We will not accept food delivery services or fast food drop off at our main office window. Students may also enjoy a lunch from our cafeteria. 

School Telephone

The phone in the Main Office is available for use on an emergency basis. We ask that children make only necessary phone calls pertaining to school activities during the school day.  Plans for going over to a friend’s home after school should be made the evening before.   

Cell Phones, Electronic Devices, and Social Media

Please see the dedicated page around The Student Internet-Enabled Device Policy. 

The responsible use of electronic devices, cell phones and social media before, during and after the school day is critical to promoting healthy decision making and a positive climate and culture at Rogers Middle School. Inappropriate use that includes but is not limited to harassment, bullying, threatening or intimidation of any kind or that creates a disruption to the normal business of the school day will result in school-based consequences to include in-school or out-of-school suspension (s). If the conduct occurs off school grounds and causes or threatens to cause ill will towards a student, the building, or its staff, the conduct will be treated just as if it had occurred at school, and the school administration will impose consequences in accordance with the inappropriate conduct.    

Cell phones, smartwatches/watches with calling features, sound producing equipment, cameras, and novelty items such as laser pointers are prohibited. Students are discouraged from bringing these types of equipment into school, since the equipment could be damaged or stolen, as well as cause disruption to the instructional day. Recording or taking pictures of people on school property without their permission may result in disciplinary consequences. Teachers may confiscate such items if they are used/worn during school hours. The teachers or principal will return them to students at the end of the day. If a second violation occurs, the equipment will be held until the parent comes and picks the item up in the office. If a third violation occurs, the item will only be returned to a parent, and it will not be allowed to be brought back into school for the remainder of the year.

Please be advised that for all West Irondequoit students in grades 4-8, personal cell phones or watches that function as phones, are to be stored in the student’s locker while at school.  Students not adhering to this rule will be prompted to return the phone to the locker or have it confiscated for the day.   Family support in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

In general, the children respond positively when a person in charge addresses student misbehavior. In cases of severe or repeated misbehavior such as fighting, theft, or defying authority, students will be referred to an administrator.

Actions for continued or severe misbehavior could be one or more of the following:  

• Restorative meetings and supports
• Conferences with teachers, counselors, and administrators  
• Arrange to keep the child after school  
• Parents/guardians notified in writing of offense and consequence  
• Phone call to parents/guardians (infractions needing parents/guardians’ immediate attention)  
• Replace/restore damaged property  
• Suspend from certain school activities  
• Temporary removal from classroom setting
• In-school suspension  
• Out-of-school suspension  
• Follow-up with school counselor, psychologist, or social worker  
• Community service (help around the school)
• In all our dealings with student behavior, we strive to preserve the child's dignity. It is important that school personnel and parents work closely together to help children learn appropriate modes of behavior.