MISSION STATEMENT

The students and staff of J.L. Simpson Middle School are committed to promoting self-discipline, motivation, and academic excellence within a safe, supportive environment. Support is provided for the development of personal skills to promote individual self-sufficiency and responsible citizenship through an environment which embraces differences and an appreciation of cultural diversity. We strive to assist students with the development of personal strengths and talents, as well as respect for self and others, to enable them to become productive citizens in their communities.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year Mustangs! Please take a moment to read the mission statement above and reflect on how you will be part of the important work before us.

Each year gives us new opportunities.  I encourage you to establish personal and academic goals for this year.  I expect each of you to try your best each day.

Success can be defined in many, many ways. Think about the following:

“Success is a journey, not a destination.”

Ben Sweetland

During your journey this year, there will be many opportunities for you to grow. I hope you will consistently work hard and work with determination as illustrated by the picture above.

We have a history that we can be very proud of here at Simpson Middle School. It is up to each of us to do our part to continue our reputation for excellence.

We are the Mustangs…

We are Simpson Middle School…

Make the 2011-2012 school year your best year ever!

Sincerely,

Chad D. Runfola

Principal

CALENDAR

DAILY bell schedule

STUDENT SERVICES & INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS

Although the school office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:28 p.m.

The school office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  If there are questions or concerns about any aspect of the school, parents are encouraged to call (571) 252-2840.  The principal, faculty, and staff are ready to be of service.  An attendance line is available for all absences; call (571) 252-2842.  The direct number for the clinic is (571) 252-2841; 8^th Grade - (571) 252-2848; 7^th Grade - (571) 252-2847; 6^th Grade – (571) 252-2846

All visitors must report to the main office to sign in and receive a Visitor’s Pass.  All persons except registered and enrolled students and employees of Simpson Middle School are classified as visitors.  Students may not bring friends from other schools or siblings to attend classes.

It is extremely important that the school be notified immediately of a change in a student’s address or phone numbers during the school year.  Please notify both the main office and the clinic of these changes. You will have to fill out the Change of Address form for your student and show proof of residency which could be a signed lease, signed deed, signed settlement papers or mortgage statement.

A dean and a counselor have been assigned to each of the academic houses.  They are available to assist students in solving problems and meeting responsibilities. Students are encouraged to make an appointment when they feel there is a need.

FOOD SERVICE

The school Type A Lunch price is determined by the School Board. The price for breakfast is $2.00 and the price for lunch is $3.10.  You may pay ahead on-line with Café Prepay or have your child bring money to pay on his/her student lunch account. Milk is provided with the plate lunch.  If a student brings a lunch from home, the student may purchase milk or other items.  A la carte items will be available to students, offering a selection of hot and cold sandwiches, salads and desserts.  Free and reduced-price meals are available to those students whose parents qualify.  Applications are available through the main office.  The charging of lunches is discouraged.  Checks for lunch should be made out to the County of Loudoun.  To contact the cafeteria you may call (571) 252-2843.

Students must be prepared for each class.  Although some classes have special requirements, generally students are required to have textbooks, notebooks, paper, pencil and/or pen.

In Loudoun County, it is generally necessary to close schools occasionally because of snow, ice, or other emergency conditions.  When conditions require schools to be closed for the entire day, announcements are made over the local radio and television stations and LCPS’ Web site at www.loudoun.k12.va.us.  Calls will also be made using the Connect-Ed® system. When conditions require that students be dismissed early and sent home, announcements are made over local radio and television stations as soon as possible to notify parents in advance of the time students are released.  When early morning conditions require that schools open late, the local radio and television stations will announce the opening time and school will dismiss at the regular time.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL.  It is essential that the telephone line be kept open for emergency calls.

Textbooks are issued to each student without charge.  Each student is responsible for the care of those books issued to him/her.  Several times during the year, books will be checked and students will be charged accordingly for excessive damage and lost books.  Students are encouraged to use book covers.

Any student excused from a class must have an Agenda with a hall pass which is signed, dated, and timed by the excusing teacher.

Students may remain in the building for an activity or to work if under the supervision of a teacher or designated representative of the administration.  Parental permission is required.  All notes should be brought to the House Office before class. Students are to leave the school grounds immediately after school is dismissed if not remaining for an activity after school. 

All students will participate in SOL testing in the spring.  Sixth and seventh graders will take SOL tests in the areas of reading, math, and history.  Eighth graders will take SOL’s in writing, reading, math, civics and Science.  The results are mailed to parents at the end of the school year along with the final report card.

All lockers (gym and hall) are provided by the school as a convenience to the student, and they do NOT become the exclusive property of the student.  They are provided for the express purpose of keeping clothing, books, lunches, and other materials through the school day.  Defacing the locker (inside or outside) by writing, scratching, or the pasting of stickers/pictures is forbidden. The principal/designee reserves the right to enter any student locker at any time when he feels it necessary and proper to do so.

Locker problems should be reported to the dean or physical education teacher.

Locker combinations are not to be shared with friends.

Although the yearbook is published in the spring, copies must be ordered and reserved in the fall.  Extra copies will not be available for sale in the spring.

Early in the school year, individual student pictures are taken and made available to parents for purchase.

Lost and found items may be claimed in the main office, gym office, and the house offices.  Clothing and other appropriate items should be clearly labeled with the owner’s name.  Unclaimed items will be donated.

The SCA is a committee of student representatives selected at the beginning of the school year and whose goal it is to develop and conduct activities for students and community service.

The privilege of transportation to and from school is extended to most students of Simpson Middle School.  While on the school bus, students are under the direct supervision of the bus driver.  During the first week of school, proper procedures to be followed when riding on the bus will be discussed.  Basically students are expected to remain seated, keep inside the bus, talk in a manner which does not disturb the driver, and behave in a manner that is expected at school.

Inappropriate behavior will result in the loss of transportation privileges.  Students who ride to school on a particular school bus are expected to return home on the same bus unless excused in writing by the office.  Such permission will not be granted unless a request (preferably written) from parents or guardian is made.  Once the temporary change is verified, a bus pass will be issued to the student.  He/She will in turn present the pass to the bus driver.  All notes to ride another bus must be brought to the House Office before class. 

Students are not permitted to get off the bus at Loudoun County High School to meet a sibling or a parent, so please note that bus passes will not be issued for this purpose.

Students who attain all A’s and B’s in their subjects  for the nine weeks will be eligible for the Honor Roll.

Parents suspecting that their child may have a disability which impacts his/her educational performance are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor to set up a Child Study Team meeting to address these concerns.

Periodically, students may experience significant academic problems that cannot be addressed through typical parent/teacher conferences or home/school interventions.  In such circumstances, parents may want to discuss a referral to the Child Study Team with their child’s dean or guidance counselor to discuss student issues and develop strategies to address the student’s learning, behavior, communication, or development.

For some students, the regular school program does not fully meet their needs.  School personnel are constantly screening students for possible placement in alternative or supplemental programs for which they are eligible.

To help students be more successful in school, the deans and counselors at Simpson Middle School developed an after school study program called Connections.  Students work with teachers individually or in small study groups to complete homework or work on school related projects.  The program has proven helpful in getting students to complete school tasks and improve their grades. 

Students are provided an academic update at the midway point of each quarter. The term interim refers to students receiving a D or F and should be returned to the teacher with parent signature.

Parent-teacher conferences are an effective means of communicating with parents and are encouraged.  Although individual face to face conferences are not specifically scheduled as in elementary school, parents should not hesitate to contact the school and make an appointment for a conference with a teacher and/or counselor.

REPORT CARDS

At the end of each reporting period (nine weeks in length), a report card will be issued to the students to be taken home to parents.  Reporting symbols and their numerical values are:

The alphabetical designation will be used on the report card.

The nine-weeks grades will be a composite of all evaluations made during the grading period.  This will include daily assignments, homework, quizzes, class participation, projects, and test grades.

Semester examinations will be given to all eighth graders and some seventh graders taking high school credit courses.  Examinations will not be given to sixth and seventh graders with the exception of students taking high school credit courses.  Eighth grade examinations will count one-seventh of the semester grade.  However, the foreign language and Algebra I examinations (taken for high school credit) will count one-fifth of the semester grade.

Final grades will be given to all students.  For eighth graders, it will be determined by averaging the two semester grades.  For sixth and seventh graders, it will be determined by averaging the four nine-weeks grades unless taking a high school credit course.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

CLINIC AND SCHOOL NURSE

The school has a registered nurse on duty each day.  She is available for administering first aid and prescribed medication.  If a student becomes ill, he/she should request permission from the classroom teacher to see the nurse (emergencies excepted).  If it appears that a student is unable to return to class, parents will be notified and the student sent home.  The telephone number for the clinic is (571) 252-2841.

The parents of students who require oral medication are requested to administer such medication at home, if possible.  If students must take medication at school, parents should supply the medication and written instructions from the attending physician stating dosage, type of medication, and how it is to be administered.  All medication must be delivered to school by a parent and kept in the clinic.  This includes cough drops, aspirin, Tylenol, ointments, etc.  The nurse will administer the medication according to the directions of the physician.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRILLS

Emergency evacuation drills for the building are held each month during the school year except in September when one is held each week.  The proper procedure to be followed in the event the building must be evacuated will be thoroughly discussed by teachers during the first week of school.  Additionally, procedures for caring for and releasing students to parents are practiced.  Evacuation drills for school buses are also held early in the school year and again the second semester.  The bus driver will review thoroughly the procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency.

Other emergency preparedness procedures practiced include a Code Blue “lock-down”,  threats, tornado and extreme weather, as well as, “Shelter in Place.”  An inventory of staff members and their certifications related to health and safety is completed each year.  Staff is then reassigned duties each year based on their skills, certifications and schedule.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance in school is necessary to obtain the benefits of a free, public education.  The General Assembly of Virginia has recognized the importance of regular attendance by enacting a compulsory school attendance law for persons of school age.  It has also provided for penalties for students who absent themselves, for parents and guardians who do not require their children to attend school, and for others who may encourage or induce students to be absent or who employ or harbor absent students.

Students have a responsibility to attend all scheduled classes and other assigned activities unless excused by the principal.  Appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against students who fail to accept this responsibility.

Please schedule all vacations outside of the LCPS calendar when school is in session and students are scheduled to be in class.  Currently, the last day for students is June 18.  Semester/Final exams will not be given early.

Absence from school for any period of time will result in loss of learning.  All students who are absent will be required to make up all work missed regardless of the reason for the absence.  *Parents are requested to call the school and indicate that their child will be absent for the day.  The attendance line for reporting all absences is (571) 252-2842.  *Homework may be requested on the second consecutive day of absence and you may leave the message on the attendance line.

There are circumstances that may prevent a student’s attendance in school.  Such absences, when justifiable, are classified as excused absences for which there is no penalty. The principal will excuse students who are absent for any of the following reasons:

(a)  Personal illness

(b)  Death in the family

(c)  Medical or dental appointments

(d) Court appearances

(e) Religious holidays

The principal may excuse students who are absent for any of the following reasons:

(a) Illness in the immediate family which requires the student to be absent

(b) Emergencies

(c)  Trips or activities which enhance or extend the student’s education, when approved by the principal in advance of the expected absence

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

All absences not excused by the principal or his designee or that are caused by the student’s suspension from school are classified as unexcused absences.

Absences caused by a student’s suspension from school are classified as suspension absences, which shall not result in further disciplinary action.

In the event that telephone or email contact has not been made, a student must report to the House C office before class with a note signed by the parent or guardian.  The note should contain the following information:

(a) The full name of the student

(b) The reason for the absence

(c)  The exact date(s) of absence

(d) Signature of the parent or guardian

Any student who fails to bring a note on the day following an absence and the absence has not been verified will be given an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE.

A student who arrives at school after the official start of the day should report to the office of the attendance secretary.  In most instances, a parent or guardian would be bringing the child to school and should accompany him/her to the main office for official check in.

Unexcused tardies will be addressed by the dean and could include displinary action.

Students are never to leave the school building or grounds without official written permission.  Students who violate this rule are subject to suspension from school.  Students may be officially released to their parents during the school day for one of the reasons given for excused absence.  A parent or guardian must pick up and sign out his/her child in the main office.  All notes for early dismissal should be brought to the House Office before class.

The parent or guardian should accompany the child to the main office for sign in.

Whenever a student is absent, regardless of the reason, a reasonable amount of time, consistent with the length of absence, will be given to make up work missed.  Upon return from an absence, the student is responsible for initiating immediate action to make up the work.  Upon such request, the teacher will provide assignments, tests, and other work that must be made up and indicate when it is due.  Failure to complete make-up work within the time allowed will result in a failing grade for those assignments, tests, and other work.  Make-up work turned in within the time allowed will be graded on the same basis as other work.  Upon request, the school will collect assignments for students absent two days.  The parent should call the school before 9:00 a.m. to make the request for work.

TARDIES

Realizing that a student may be detained on occasion, each student is allowed three unexcused tardies to school per semester without penalty.  He or she may be assigned disciplinary consequences at the discretion of the principal or designee if tardies exceed the three per semester.

SCHOOL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID A DISCIPLINE REFERRAL

·         If you should have a strong disagreement during a class, follow the teacher’s direction, but arrange to speak with him or her privately after class.

·         If you are experiencing difficulty in a particular class or situation, speak privately with the teacher and voice your concerns in a respectful manner.

Use the resources of your guidance counselor or dean if you are experiencing a communication or behavioral problem. Students and parents should talk daily about school because of its’ obvious importance.

RESPECT

Respect is the cornerstone of our community. Student actions should consistently communicate kindness and support for others as we come together each day to learn and grow. Negative behaviors towards others undermines our school’s mission and purpose. Respect is positive and promotes healthy relationships that foster success.

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE

Students are expected to do their own work on all tests, papers, projects, and other work assigned to be done on an individual basis.  Any student who turns in another’s work as his own or who assists or gives his work to another student may be given a failing grade on that work.  The incident shall be reported to the principal/administrator and to the parent(s) and shall be recorded on the disciplinary record of the student(s).

The authority and discipline of school staff over school students shall exist throughout the school session, during public exercises held in the school building or on the grounds, and during intramural events held on the school grounds.

Each teacher will establish rules and procedures for his/her classroom.  They will be consistent with the procedures outlined in this publication and will be thoroughly discussed during the first week of school.  Students are expected to abide by them throughout the year.

HALL BEHAVIOR

Students are expected to walk in an orderly fashion in the hall.  Shoving, running, and disorderly conduct are not appropriate and will result in disciplinary action.

Students are expected to respond to all staff members appropriately.  They should follow the direction of the staff member without question or excuse.  If a staff member asks a student to give them their name, they are expected to do so or be subject to disciplinary action.

No student will be called from a class or activity to answer a telephone call unless an emergency exists.  The office phones are for official business and not available for student use, without permission.

Students bringing cell phones, pagers, MP3 or CD players, electronic games, ipods, etc. to school are required to place them immediately in their locker upon entering the building.  These items must remain there until dismissal.  These devices discovered later in school by staff are to be turned in to the dean on each occurrence with a referral.  On the first occurrence, at a minimum, the dean will contact the home requesting the parent to pick it up in person and disciplinary consequences may be assigned.  On the second occurrence, the dean will call home and assign one day of In-School Restriction.  On the third occurrence, the dean will report the matter to an assistant principal.  Further disciplinary consequences may result, to include a possible suspension out of school.

CAFETERIA

Students are expected to sit quietly in the cafeteria and enjoy their food with classmates.  All food must be eaten in the cafeteria.

COMPUTER MISUSE

Any student involved in this activity may be suspended from school.  Misuse may include but is not limited to accessing confidential information, altering information or sending hostile information or graphics, or using it for non-educational purposes.

The building and equipment are provided by the taxpayers of the county at a great expense.  It is hoped that every student will develop a pride in keeping the school clean and furniture in good repair.  Any student who is found defacing or destroying any school property is subject to suspension from school and liable for the damage.

Any student who provokes or participates in a fight, verbally or physically, is subject to disciplinary action not to exclude suspension from school and face possible charges through the court system.

Students shall not possess, distribute, use, or be under the influence of alcohol on school property, including school buses, during any school-sponsored activity at any time.  Violations of this policy will result in suspension from school as outlined in Loudoun County School Board Policy §8-35.

Any student involved in harassing, intimidating, shaking down, or participating in gang-type actions will be suspended.

Any student involved in making life-threatening statements, written or spoken, or graphics depicting such, either to or about students,  staff or any person(s), may be subject to suspension.

Students cannot make threats jokingly or otherwise.  Threats are taken seriously and investigated.

GAMBLING

Any student involved in gambling is subject to disciplinary action not to exclude suspension from school.

Students should always treat each other with respect and contribute to a postive, healthy school climate. Aggressive, negative behaviors towards others which could be verbal, non-verbal, and/or written, is a serious issue. A student’s mental, emotional and physical well-being is important.  A student bully will face consequences to possibly include suspension out of school.

ENDANGERING CONDUCT

A student’s action that puts another individual in harms way will face disciplinary action.

Any student who pulls down another student’s pants will face serious disciplinary action.

TOBACCO

Possession or use of tobacco products is in violation of school board policy and will result in disciplinary action not to exclude suspension from school.

Students shall not use, possess, or distribute drugs or drug-related paraphernalia, or be under the influence of illegal drugs while on school property or in connection with any school activity.  Violators may be expelled from school, assigned to an alternative program, and/or face charges through the court system.  Possession or distribution of counterfeit or “look-alike” drugs is strictly prohibited and will be dealt with in the same manner as possession or distribution of any other drug.

Instances of curse and abuse are subject to violations of law and may be reported to the local School Resource Officer.

The primary responsibility for the proper dress and grooming of students rests with the parent or guardian of each student.  The school has the responsibility, however, to see that the cleanliness, dress, and grooming of students do not present a danger to the health or safety of themselves or their fellow students, do not prevent them from performing regular required school activities, do not cause a disruption of the orderly functioning of the school, or do not cause excessive wear or damage to school property.  The following guidelines will be observed by all students:

(a) Please remember, last Fall’s outfits may be too small!!

(b) All shirts, sweaters and blouses should cover the shoulders, midriff, chest area and underarms.  A good check for proper coverage is to have your child lift their arms over their head to be sure everything is covered.  Strapless, tank tops, t-back or racer backs, spaghetti strap tops and some sleeveless tops are unacceptable.  A good rule of thumb is straps should be three fingers widths wide with no underwear showing.

(c)  See-through and swim attire are inappropriate.

(d) All shorts and skirts should be a decent length.  A good way to check the length is to have your child stand with arms and fingertips down.  Shorts and skirt lengths should touch the fingertips.  Then have your child bend over to be sure everything is covered.

(e) Clothing should fit appropriately.  Clothing that is skin-tight or low cut is not appropriate.

(f)  Pants should be an appropriate length and not dragging on the ground.  Pants should not be so low cut on the hips that shirts are unable to meet and cover the midriff at all times, not just when standing still.  No underwear should be exposed.  Pajama bottoms and other sleepwear are not appropriate attire for school.

(g) All students are required to place all jackets, coats, etc., in their locker.  They may keep a sweater or sweatshirt in their locker to use in classrooms that are too cool.

(h) Clothing that degrades any person(s) gender, culture, religion and occupation is unacceptable.

(i)   Clothing that depicts or promotes pornography, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence or cult/gang activities is unacceptable.

(j)   Gang related articles/dress such as bandanas, wallet chains, chains, headbands, rolled up pants,  or jewelry are unacceptable.

(k)  Hats or head coverings may not be worn in the building.

(l)   Dark glasses, unless approved by the principal, may not be worn in the building.

(m)  Shoes must be worn at all times.  Bedroom slippers are not appropriate for school.

(n) Chains are not permitted.

**Any type of attire including hair color/make-up that is viewed as a disruption to the school environment is unacceptable.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students are expected to dress properly and to participate in physical education.  Proper dress includes shorts or sweatpants, t-shirt, socks and sneakers.  P.E. attire can be purchased from the physical education teacher.

MISCELLANEOUS

Toys, radios, tape recorders, CD players, electronic games, palm pilots, cameras and laser pointers are not permitted at school.  They will be confiscated, held, and returned to parents upon request.  Gum, and soft drinks (including the caffeine drink known as “Jolt”) should not be brought to school.  Open containers (canteen-style, squeeze or glass bottles, etc.) will not be permitted.

Book bags and other luggage may be used to transport materials to and from school, but must remain in the assigned hall locker during school.  Coats, heavy jackets, and winter outerwear may not be worn during the school day.

LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEAPONS POLICY §8-32

The use or possession of any weapon or explosive on school property constitutes grounds for suspension, which may include long-term suspension or expulsion.

Possession or use of a weapon by a student while under the control or supervision of school system personnel or on school property is prohibited.  The term “weapon” is intended to be construed broadly and includes any instrument or device which, by its design or use, is capable of causing inury, harm, or threat of injury or harm to the physical well-being of another person.  A “weapon” as used in this policy includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Category A:

1.   Any stun weapon or taser;

2.   Any pistol, shotgun, rifle, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind whether loaded or unloaded, whether operable or inoperable;

3.   Any dirk, Bowie knife switchblade, ballistic knife, any knife three inches or longer, or razor, slingshot, spring stick, brass or metal knuckles, or blackjack;

4.   Any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as nunchahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain;

5.   Any disc of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades, and which is designed to be thrown as a throwing star or oriental dart;

6.   Any weapons of like kind as those enumerated in items 1 through 5 thereof;

7.   Any weapon, including a starter gun, which will, or is designed or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any such weapon;

8.   Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or

9.   Any “destructive device” defined as (i) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket; (ii) any weapon, including shotguns; and (iii) any combination of parts either designed intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device described in this subsection and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.  “Destructive device” shall not include any device which is not designed or redesigned for use as a weapon and which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety, or other similar device.

Category B:

1.   Any knife or other instrument or device, not included in Category A, having as a part thereof a blade designed to cut or a point designed to penetrate.

2.   Any instrument or device, not included in Category A, which has as one of its designed purposes use thereof as a weapon.

3.   Any chemical or chemical compound that produces an adverse effect on the normal functions of the human body.

4.   Any instrument, device, or substance, not included in Category A, which could injure, harm, endanger, or induce fear in another person, including “toy” or “look-alike” weapons.

Penalties for Violation

Any student who violates this policy with respect to a Category A weapon shall be expelled from Loudoun County Public Schools (the School Board may, however, determine, based on the facts of the particular case, that special circumstances exist and another disciplinary action or term of expulsion is appropriate).  Any student in violation of any other terms of the policy shall be subject to expulsion from Loudoun County Public Schools, or to such lesser disciplinary action, including long-term suspension, as may be deemed appropriate.

SUSPENSION

Suspension of students is recognized to be a serious form of punishment which may have grave consequences for the student.  School administrators must enforce such laws, regulations, and policies that prescribe expected student behaviors and must maintain a school environment that protects the rights of all students and school personnel.  A student may be suspended by the principal or his designee for behavior which interferes with the education of others, prevents the orderly operation of the school, threatens any individual’s physical well-being, or knowingly violates a rule for which the penalty is suspension.  Cause for suspension shall include, but shall not be limited to, any of the following:

1.   Willfull or continued disobedience of school rules and regulations or school personnel

2.   Defiance of the authority of any teacher, principal, or other person having authority in the school

3.   Conduct that endangers or threatens the physical well-being of other students or school personnel

4.   Physical assault upon another person, including fighting and nonconsensual touching

5.   Damaging in any way any property of the school or any person

6.   Theft or attempted theft of school property or the personal property of another person

7.   Participation in unauthorized occupancy of any part of a school building or grounds or presence on any school property and violation of a directive, or failure to leave promptly any school property after having been directed to do so by the principal or other person in charge

8.   Use or possession of any weapon or explosives, including fireworks, on school property

9.   Violation of attendance regulations, including leaving school without permission

10. Cursing or verbal abuse of another person or directing obscene gestures to another person

11. Willful interruption or disruption of any school or part thereof

12. Any threat to bomb, burn, or damage in any manner a school building or other school property or the property of another person

13. Violation of the alcohol policy

14. Violation of the drug policy – Violations of the law will be reported to the School Resource Officer

15. Violation of the policy on use of tobacco

16. Lying or giving false information, verbally or in writing, to a school employee, including forgery or the knowing use of forged writing

17. Failure to abide by restrictions or punishments of a lesser nature

18. Violation of any law of the Commonwealth while on school property or of any policy for which the prescribed punishment is suspension

19. Unauthorized or illegal use of, or access to computers, software, telecommunications, and related technologies; any willful act that causes physical, financial, or other harm or otherwise disrupts information technology

20. Participation in a group, mob, or gang activity that involves inciting, intimidating, harassing, threatening, or committing an assault or other act of violence

21. Disruptive behavior

22. Other good and just cause

23. Other sufficient cause

Furthermore, the principal may at his discretion recommend an involuntary transfer, long-term suspension or expulsion for any of the aforementioned offenses.

Acceptable standards of behavior for school are extended to the bus and bus stop, and will be enforced in a likewise manner.  However, in certain instances, a bus suspension is the logical consequence. Suspension of students from the bus is recognized to be a serious form of punishment, which may have grave consequences for the student and parent or guardian.  A bus suspension is not a suspension from school, therefore students are expected to attend.  It is the responsibility of the parents and/or guardians to provide transportation for the student to school.  Depending on the severity and/or number of incidents of unacceptable behavior, a student’s privilege of riding the school bus may be permanently revoked.  In some instances, suspension from school may result.

For infraction of school rules, a student may be detained beyond the regular school hours as a means of discipline.  This assignment will be made by the principal or his designee.  Parents will be notified in advance of the reason for detention and of their responsibility to provide necessary transportation for the student.  Detention hall meets from 3:30 p.m. until 4:28 p.m.  It is a time for quiet study.  On the day detention hall is assigned, the student will be given notification of the assignment, which is to be signed by his parents and returned to the office the next day.  Failure to report for assigned detention hall will result in further disciplinary action.  Transportation from detention hall may be provided by the parents or the student may ride the Activity bus.

For an infraction of school rules, a student may be assigned lunch detention as a means of discipline.  This assignment will be made by the principal or his designee.  Failure to report for assigned lunch detention will result in further disciplinary action.

In-School restriction is the temporary assignment of a student to a special room within the school for disciplinary purposes.  Students will be expected to complete remedial work in the academic areas.  Upon completion of these assignments, they will be allowed some time to begin regular classwork.  The room is supervised by an adult employee of the Loudoun County school system.  Failure to meet any of the requirements of In-School restriction may result in suspension from school.

SSD meets from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.  No bus service is available for students participating in SSD.  Students assigned to SSD must bring appropriate schoolwork and/or reading material.  Students should also come prepared to participate in community service projects, which may include manual labor.  Students may not listen to music while in SSD. Students who do not come prepared, arrive late, leave early, sleep, talk or otherwise are disruptive will be sent home and/or assigned appropriate additional penalties.  Failure to report to SSD will result in further disciplinary action.

2011-2012 Vocabulary Words

The vocabulary words were selected by the Simpson Middle School staff, and our teachers consider a firm understanding of them essential to the subjects they teach.  The words can also be found on the J.L. Simpson website.

Sept. 12-16  Language Arts

Summarize-give a short version; tell the main points

Predict-tell what is going to happen in the future

Describe-tell what something is like: paint a word picture: give details about it

Sept. 19-23  Math

Variable-a symbol (usually a letter) that is used to represent an unknown number

Product-the answer to a multiplication problem

Proportion-an equation that shows that two ratios are equivalent

Sept. 26-Sept. 30  Science

Observation-the act of using your senses to note and record facts that could lead to the formation of an inference

Inference-the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion based on observations

Theory-an explanation supported by many experiments

Oct. 3-7  Social Studies

Apathy-lack of interest

Climate-the kind of weather a place has

Diverse-not alike, different

Oct. 10-14  Physical Education

Aerobic exercise-any exercise that causes you to take in large amounts of oxygen and raise your heart rate (ex. walking, dancing, jumping rope)

Wellness-an interactive process of becoming aware of and practicing healthy choices to create a more successful and balanced lifestyle

Anaerobic exercise-requires short bursts of energy and less oxygen intake (example weight lifting, sprinting, and football)

Oct. 17-21  Music

Rhythm- sounds following an orderly arrangement with accents occurring at certain set times

Tempo-the speed at which music is or ought to be played

Intonation-producing musical tones, relation of tones to their key

Oct. 24-28  Manufacturing

Technology-the study of the industrial arts or applied sciences

System-a group of things or parts working together

Innovative-a new way of doing things

Nov. 7-11  Art

Realism-the realistic and natural representation of people, places, and things in a work of art

Abstraction-an exaggerated or simplified representation of people, places, and things that depart from accuracy

Non objective-artworks having no recognizable subject matter (not recognizable things like houses, people, trees)

Nov. 14-18  Keyboarding

Directory-container used to organize folders and files on a computer disk or drive

Network-a group of two or more computer systems linked together

Hardware-computer related objects you can actually touch; keyboard, monitor, disk drive

Software-the programmed instructions for an application

Byte-units used to measure capacity of memory in a computer

Nov. 28-Dec. 2  Language Arts

Onomatopoeia-a word formed from the imitation of natural sounds

Infer-reading between the lines; what are they trying to say

Explain-tell the meaning so someone else can understand

Dec. 5-9  Math

Descending-arranged from greatest to least

Ascending-arranged from least to greatest

Quotient-the number that results from the division of one number by another

Dec. 12-16  Science

Conclusion-a decision, judgment, or opinion reached by reasoning after careful experimentation

Hypothesis-something assumed after research and thought because it seems likely to be true; an educated guess

Control-a standard for comparison

Jan. 3-6  Social Studies

Federalism-a form of government in which power is divided between the federal government and the states

Grassroots-usually associated with local politics

Implied powers-powers that are not specifically stated in the Constitution

Jan. 9-13  Physical Education

Muscular endurance-ability of a muscle group to repeat the muscles’ movement for long periods of time

Body composition-is the proportion of bones, muscle, fluid, and fat that make up body weight

Physical fitness-the ability to complete your daily tasks and workout without fatiguing

Jan. 17-20  Music

Accompaniment-part in a musical composition designed to serve as background for more important parts

Dynamics-the loudness or softness of a composition

Melody-the main tune in a piece

Jan. 24-27  Manufacturing

Perpendicular-lines that intersect at right angles

Parallel-moving in the same direction and equidistant from each other

Measurement-the process of finding the size or amount of something

Jan. 30-Feb. 3 Art

Primary colors-the colors yellow, red, and blue from which all of the other colors may be mixed

Elements of design-basic components used by the artist including line, shape, color, space, form, value, and texture

Palette-any flat surface on which paint is mixed

Feb. 6-10 Language Arts

Symbolism-anything that stands for or represents something else

Foreshadowing-the use of clues that suggest events that have yet to occur

Flashback-a section of literary work that interprets the sequence of events to relate an event from an earlier time

Feb. 13-17  Math

Estimation-the act of making a careful guess

Ratio-a comparison of two numbers by division

Circumference-the distance around a circle

Feb. 21-24  Science

Mass-the amount of matter in an object; the measure of the inertia of a body

Analyze-take apart and look at it; break down, come up with reasons, describe it

Independent variable-the factor adjusted by the experiment

Feb. 27-March 2  Social Studies

Oppression/persecution-to keep down unjustly or by cruelty

Industry-any branch of business, trade, or manufacture

Integration-the opposite of segregation; available to ALL races

Textile-the process of making cloth

March 5-9  Physical Education

Flexibility-range of movement possible at various joints

Cardiovascular fitness-the ability of the heart and respiratory system to supply oxygen to muscles during exercise

Muscular strength-ability of a muscle group to apply maximal force against resistance one time

March 12-16  Music

Staff-a set of five parallel horizontal lines joined together by a brace

Embouchure-the position of the lips and mouth when playing a wind instrument

Compose-write music

Harmony-notes organized in music to produce a chord

March 19-23  Manufacturing

Prototype-the first one of its kind, original

Specification-indicating exact details, specific

Vertical-straight up and down, perpendicular to a horizontal line

March 26-March 30  Art

Principles of design-ideals found in the best designs including balance, rhythm, contrast, unity, emphasis, pattern and movement

Craftsmanship-quality, taking the time to plan, carry-out, and pay attention to the details of a project

Still life-a picture of inanimate objects such as food, flowers, books or clothing

April 10-13  Language Arts

Hyperbole-intentional exaggeration to create an effect

Alliteration-the repetition of initial consonant sounds

Personification-a type of figurative language in which a nonhuman subject is given human characteristics

April 16-20  Math

Congruent-having the same measure

Diameter-the distance across the circle through the center point

Equation-a number sentence containing an equals sign

April 23-27  Science

Dependent variable-results from the action of the independent variable

Volume-the amount of space that matter occupies

Density-the mass of a material divided by its volume

Matter-anything that has mass and takes up space (volume)

April 30-May 4  Social Studies

Perception-how you observe, understand and interpret something

Precedent-a ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in a later, similar case

Suffrage-the right to vote

Tariff-a tax on imports or exports

 May 7-10  Music

Improvise-spontaneous performance of music without previous practice or written notes

Chord-the sounding of two or more notes together

Notes-a symbol used to represent the length of a sound and the pitch of a sound

Rests-a symbol standing for a break in the sound with a definite duration

May 14-18  Manufacturing

Horizontal-parallel to the horizon, level, flat

Dimension-the measurements of something in length, width, and height or depth

Inventor-a person who makes something that did not exist before

May 21-25-Art

Collage-a picture or design created by adhering flat elements such as newspaper, wallpaper, photographs, cloth, string, etc. to a flat surface 

Narrative art-art which represents elements of a story

Mural-a large design or picture usually created on a wall of a public building

Media/medium-the material or technique used by the artist to produce a work of art-- for example, pastel, oil paint, or plaster

May 29-June 1  Language Arts

Metaphor-a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things

Simile-a figure of speech in which the words as, like, or, and than are used to make a comparison between two basically unlike ideas

Imagery-the description or figurative language used in literature to create word pictures for the reader by using the senses

June 4-8  Math

Radius-the distance from the center of a circle to any point on the circle

Equivalent-having the same value

Prime number-a number greater than 1, with exactly two factors: 1 and itself

Evaluate (math)-to find the value of an expression