General Rules of Conduct

At West Middle School, students are expected to observe generally accepted practices of courtesy and to obey the school rules for good conduct. The safety and efficiency of the school depends upon all students obeying school rules.  IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU AND YOUR PARENTS READ AND UNDERSTAND GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT FOR WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL AND THE CONDUCT CODE FOR THE MSD OF MARTINSVILLE.

Our goal is to have a conduct code that rewards good behavior, provides consequences for poor behavior, and establishes equal justice for all of our students. We publish it so that parents, students, teachers, and administrators all understand clearly the benefits of correct behavior and the consequences of disruptive behavior. Continued poor behavior could result in detentions, suspensions (in or out of school), corporal punishment, and in extreme cases, expulsion. Any teacher or staff member has the right to correct a student whenever it is necessary. Direct disobedience of a teacher’s request or order will not be tolerated.

The student is responsible to the school for his/her behavior from the time he/she leaves home in the morning until he/she returns home after school. The bus driver has instructions to report any cases of discipline to the principal’s office.

In general, the most important rule is to respect others and the property of others. Each student, staff, and faculty member has this right and responsibility.

Other things to note are the following:

• Any student who fights, threatens another student, or contributes to a fight will be dealt with by the office.

• Fighting is a serious offense which may result in suspension or expulsion. The MSD of Martinsville Student Conduct Code, included later in this section, imposes strict penalties for instances of fighting.

• Students are not to borrow money or articles from other students.

• Using obscene, profane, indecent, or inappropriate modes of expression will not be tolerated.

• Jackets, coats, hats, and other garments intended as outside wraps should not be worn or carried to classes. Likewise, book bags should not be taken to class but should remain in students’ lockers during the school day.

• Smoking is injurious to personal health and cannot be condoned by the school. Smoking on or near the school grounds is not tolerated. Tobacco in any form is also not allowed on or near school grounds. If students are found with tobacco products, the Martinsville Police Department will be contacted, and a police officer will be called to school to issue a summons for a court hearing for the student and parents.

• Valuable and personal belongings that are not necessary for classroom work are to be left at home. Water bottles, beverages, or electronic devices are not permitted in the hallways or classrooms during the school day. This includes, but is not limited to laser pens, c.d. players, electronic games, beepers, or cellular phones.

• Likewise, students should not bring baseball cards, football cards, etc. to school. The school does not accept any responsibility for loss of these items.

• Fire drills are held monthly, and other emergency drills are held periodically. When the alarm is sounded, students are to exit the building quietly and in an orderly manner, following the directions of the teachers. Once outside, students should move to a designated area where the teacher will check attendance and give further instructions.

• Threats, extortion, and sexual or racial harassment are prohibited. A student who is a victim of harassment or related activities is expected to report such actions to one of the principals. A student who is involved in any from of harassment of another student or staff member is in direct violation of school behavior policies and such action will result in suspension and/or request for expulsion. Any student who knowingly makes a false charge of sexual or racial harassment against another student or school employee, in a deliberate attempt to demean, abuse, or embarrass that individual shall also be subject to suspension and/or request for expulsion.

• We adhere to a strict "hands off" policy at West Middle School, especially in regard to boy-girl relationships.

Student Dress Code

  We expect all students to come to school clean and dressed in a manner which will promote their learning and the learning of others.  Limits will be set on grooming and cleanliness that affect learning. Students will be sent to the office by staff members if their clothing is inappropriate, and the student will be expected to call home for a change of clothes. In particular, we establish the following:

• No clothing may be worn which promotes or advertises drugs, alcohol, or tobacco or is in any way suggestive of gang-related activities. 

• No clothing may be worn which has profane or indecent language or suggestive pictures.

• No short shorts, short skirts or indecent clothing may be worn.  Although "short usually means not extending below the finger tips with arms loosely at one's side, determination of inappropriate length is also at the discretion of the administrators.   

• Shorts may be worn at school from the first day of school until Fall Break and after Spring Break through the last day of school.

• No sunglasses, bandanas, or hats may be worn inside the building.

• No spaghetti straps, strapless tops, or bare midriff tops are permitted.  Fishnet and other sheer shirts may only be worn over an appropriate shirts.

• No sunglasses, bandanas, or hats may be worn inside the building.

• Hair may not be colored in a manner that may cause distraction.  Spray-painted or glittered hair is prohibited.

• Coats or jackets are not permitted in classes and must be placed in lockers.

• All pants and slacks must be worn at the waist.  No undone belts will be allowed or undergarments revealed.  Cuffs or hems should not drag the ground.  Torn or ripped clothing is inappropriate for school attire.

• Shoes must be worn at all times.

• For reasons of safety, students are not to wear jewelry in physical education class or while participating in athletic activities.

• Attire that may damage school property or cause personal injury to others (such as chains or studded items) is not to be worn.

• Any other attire or mode of dress which is determined to be a distraction or disruption to the school process is prohibited.   Examples might be some forms of body piercing, writing or drawing on parts of the body,  hair dyed an unusual color, etc.   `

• In order to avoid confusion, the students should pass through the halls quietly, keeping to the right.

• Running, pushing, or loud and boisterous behavior will not be tolerated in the hallways. 

• ANY TEACHER OR STAFF MEMBER MAY CORRECT BEHAVIOR OF ANY STUDENT WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE THAT STUDENT IN CLASS.

Classroom Conduct

• Student behavior must conform to teacher rules. Disruption of the educational process will not be tolerated. Disrespect for teachers will not be tolerated.

• Students are expected to enter the classroom quietly, take their seats, and be ready to begin work when the bell rings.

• CHEWING GUM IS NOT ALLOWED.  Snack and soft drink machines are available to students ONLY DURING DESIGNATED TIMES.  Candy or other snacks given to students in a classroom are to only be consumed in that classroom.

• The bell is the signal for the teacher to dismiss the class and not a dismissal itself. Students are not to leave the room until dismissed by the teacher.

• Desks and other school property should be kept clean and without marks. Students should keep the classroom and other school facilities as clean as possible by placing all wastepaper and other materials in the waste containers in the classrooms or hall.

Conduct at School Activities

• The school will sponsor occasional dances to which all members of the student body are invited. Those students who have office referrals may not be allowed to come to the dance following their referral. Identification cards or some form of identification may be checked at dances if it is doubtful that you are a West Middle School student. STUDENTS MAY NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING AND RETURN TO THE DANCE. Proper behavior is expected at all school dances.

• Students should give courteous attention to speakers in the assembly programs. Applause is the accepted method of showing appreciation in the auditorium. No whistling or stamping of feet will be tolerated.

• Students’ behavior at athletic events should be enthusiastic, but not rowdy. The principles of good sportsmanship apply in victory and defeat.

Conduct on the Bus

• Bus students will ride their assigned buses to and from school unless given permission from the administration to do otherwise. Students requesting permission to ride on a bus different than the one they have been assigned must present a note signed by their parent to the office on the day of the request. A principal will then sign the note and the student should give the note to the bus driver.

• Conduct which interferes with safety may result in the loss of the privilege of riding the bus. Drivers have been instructed to report incidents of misbehavior to the principal or assistant principal, who will take appropriate disciplinary action.