Student Handbook (Spanish)
VALLEY CENTER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Dear Valley Center Intermediate School Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We are excited for a fresh start and anxiously await the
return of all our students to the classroom. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been diligently
preparing for the upcoming year. We trust you had a wonderful summer and are delighted about the
new opportunities this school year will bring.
At VCIS, we actively encourage our students to embody our core values encompassed in "Be The
CHANGE":
● C - Care for others
● H - Help One Another
● A - Always do what’s right
● N - Never Give Up
● G - Get It Done
● E - Everyone Has Value
Our staff is committed to influencing every student academically, behaviorally, and socially.
Together, we foster the development of positive character traits, guiding them toward leadership
within our community. We look forward to partnering with our families to ensure every student
thrives at VCIS and in their future endeavors.
The following student handbook has been prepared as a guide and is not meant to be all inclusive of
all school policies. Interpretation of items in the handbook and those things that are not in the
handbook shall be the responsibility of the building principal. In the event the rules and regulations
set forth in this Handbook conflict in any way with the policies set forth by USD No. 262, Board of
Education, then the Board policies shall govern.
If you have any questions regarding any policy in this handbook or any questions regarding Valley
Center Intermediate School, please give us a call or email. Let’s have a great 2024-25 school year!
Heath Elliott
Principal
Valley Center Intermediate School
737 N Meridian Ave
Valley Center, KS 67147
(316) 755-7060
heath.elliott@usd262.net
Valley Center USD 262 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion,
handicap/disability, or age as to treatment of students in programs and as to employment. Persons having inquiries concerning the District's compliance with Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination Act may contact, the school district's ADA and Section 504 coordinator, 143 S. Meridian, Valley Center, KS, 67147, Telephone: (316) 755-7000.
ARRIVAL / DISMISSAL / EARLY DISMISSAL
Intermediate School Hours
8:00 School doors open
8:00 Breakfast Served
8:00 Soft Start in Classrooms
8:30 Warning Bell for Soft Start Clean Up
8:35 Classes Begin
3:50 Car Rider Dismissal
3:55 Bus Rider Dismissal
Car Line Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures:
Please drop-off and pick-up your student on the east side of the Intermediate School. Students can then enter the building using the main entrance on the east side of the intermediate school or the northeast entrance by the cafeteria.
VCIS has two turning lanes in the front car-line to help with traffic flow. The right lane should be utilized as a right turn only, and the left lane being a left turn only. Parents/guardians entering the car line should pull all the way up to the car in front of them to ensure space for incoming cars towards the end of the line. Parents/guardians can also utilize the carline on the north side of the building to help with congestion.
If parents/guardians do need to park and escort your child into the office for any reason please use the angled parking stalls located on the east side of the car line. There is no parking permitted in the lanes to help the car line run smoothly, decrease any congestion, and help keep our scholars safe.
Bus Drop-Off/Pick-Up Location:
Students will be dropped-off and picked-up on the west side (behind) of the Intermediate School. Students should be notified by their parent/guardian of any changes in dismissal procedures before coming to school. This can be accomplished by informing your child verbally and then by sending a written note to the school office and classroom teacher. In the event of an emergency, the office will accept a phone call to relay the information to the classroom teacher for dismissal procedures to be changed that day. Students who have temporary bus assignment change need to provide a written note from the parent requesting the change to the school office. If COVID-19 policies are in place, students may not be able to ride other buses.
ASSEMBLIES / PROGRAMS
Assemblies and programs are planned to enhance learning opportunities. Some typical assembly themes include music, athletics, academic recognition, cultural presentations, and professional speakers. Special attention to etiquette and good citizenship is expected of all students.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY
Regular attendance is necessary to the success of your student. Students with regular attendance maximize their learning opportunities. We believe that the major responsibility for regular school attendance belongs to the parent and student.
Consequently, the following regulations have been adopted:
A. The Compulsory Attendance Law makes it mandatory that any child under the age of seven (7) years who is enrolled in school or who has reached the age of seven (7) years and is under the age of eighteen (18) years shall attend school continuously each school year. Any child who is inexcusably absent from the school of enrollment on any three (3) consecutive school days or five (5) school days in any semester or seven (7) school days in any school year, whichever of the foregoing occurs first, shall be considered truant and not attending school as required by the Compulsory Attendance Law. A child is inexcusably absent from school if the child is absent or misses more than two (2) hours of instructional time in the school day. In accordance with Kansas law, all school age children who are not attending school will be reported to either the Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services or to the Sedgwick County District Attorney, whichever is appropriate for the age of the child.
B. When a student is absent, parents are requested to call the school between the hours of 8:00 and 9:00 A.M. to report the nature of a student’s absence. If no phone call is received in the office by this time, an attempt will be made to contact a parent or guardian to determine the reason for the absence. If no contact is made, a written note or phone call is
required from the parent or guardian when the student returns to school. We request that this occur within 48 hours of the absence. Parents requesting homework should call before 9:00 A.M. and homework may be picked up at the end of day.
C. For pre-planned absences, the student will present a written note from a parent and request assignments at least two days in advance. This prevents last minute confusion or delays from occurring. Students should request assignments in advance and have the work completed upon return.
D. Students with excused absences will be allowed to make up missed assignments and will be given full credit. It is the responsibility of the parent to make arrangements with the teachers. The student will be granted the number of days missed plus one to complete the assignments.
E. Absences will be recorded on a yearly basis.
1. Any time absences become a concern, a faculty member may request a parent conference. Teachers and counselors may be invited to a parent conference.
2. Exceptional cases: when a student is not in class and receiving school-approved, outside instruction, such as, homebound, hospital-bound, or institutional-bound situations, the student is not counted absent nor does this policy apply. When a student is not in class due to a school activity, this is not counted as an absence but make-up work is always required.
F. Excused and Unexcused Absences
The principal or his designated representative shall be responsible for determining if an absence is excused or unexcused.
The following criteria will be considered in making this determination:
1. Excused Absences:
a. Personal Illness
b. Death in the family
c. Medical or legal appointment
d. Absence requested by parent in writing and approved by administration prior to the absence.
e. Doctor-ordered absence
f. School activities (must be a participant)
g. School-sponsored educational field trips
h. In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension
i. Other as approved by the administration
2. Unexcused/Inexcusable Absences for Substantial part of a School Day:
a. “Substantial Part of the School Day” is defined as being inexcusably absent after more than two (2) hours of instructional time.
b. All absences that do not fall into the categories of excused absences.
c. Leaving school when school is in session without obtaining permission and signing out in the office.
G. Excessive Absences
USD 262 is committed to the philosophy that every student should attend school each day whenever possible. Regular attendance allows students to benefit from the educational opportunities provided by school staff. When students are absent, they miss valuable learning experiences, including, but not limited to: direct teacher instruction, class discussion, problem solving, teamwork, and social skills. Research shows a direct correlation between regular attendance and student success.
Chronic Absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10 percent or more of school days, for both excused and unexcused reasons. This places students at risk of not being successful academically.
BAND
Instrumental music is available to all fifth graders. At the beginning of each school year, the band instructor will meet with the students and demonstrate various types of band instruments available to them. The band director will also schedule a parent meeting. During the parent meeting it will be possible to rent or purchase a band instrument.
*Students who enroll in band will be allowed to drop within two-weeks from the start of the first and second semester.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
Our school goal is that students will conduct themselves with respect and safety towards all peers, adults, and school property.
In the event inappropriate actions are committed, the parents will be contacted concerning the student’s behavior. If the inappropriate behavior continues, further discipline actions will be implemented by the administration. Actions could include any or all of the following without regard to any particular order:
CONFERENCE
Each student is an individual, and the control and correction of student misconduct would first involve
teacher-student conferences. If acts of misconduct continue, parents may be asked to confer with the teacher and/or other school personnel. The desired goal is to resolve problems and forestall serious disciplinary action.
OFFICE-TIME-OUT
During the school day students may be placed in a time-out area in the office and provided opportunities to compose themselves and contemplate behavioral choices. They will fill out a Be the Change reflection sheet whenever they come to the office for an office time-out. Students are expected to take ownership for their choices, develop steps to improve future behavior, and make restitution as appropriate. Students will be supervised during this time and will return to their normal schedule once they have benefited from the time-out opportunity.
DETENTION
A teacher or principal may detain a student. The nature of the misconduct and policy will dictate the amount or length of the detention period. Parents will be notified by either email/phone call or a discipline form. Detentions typically take place the day after the offense has occurred.
DIVERSION
Unlike a conference, the student is given a particular consequence (i.e. 1 hour detention) that will not be applied unless the student is involved in a similar inappropriate act in a specified period of time. If the student repeats a similar inappropriate act, he/she will receive the consequence from the first incident as well as the consequence from the second incident.
IN-SCHOOL-SUSPENSION (ISS)
A student continues to attend school in a restricted setting. The student is required to use his/her time and energies working on class assignments and/or other learning material. Failure to work in ISS results in additional consequences. Violation of ISS rules may result in additional days of ISS or out of school suspension. A student on ISS is not eligible to practice or participate in any school activity, actively or as a spectator, during the days covered by the suspension. This restriction includes, but is not limited to, athletics, plays, dances, debates, field trips, performances, commencement, etc.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)
A student may be suspended from school by the principal for a period not to exceed ten (10) days. Reasonable effort will be made to provide verbal notification to parents. Written notification will follow and a copy of such notification will be filed with the superintendent. Procedural due process as required by state statutes shall be followed. While suspended, a student may not return to any school property without administrative permission.
A student on OSS is not eligible to practice or participate in any school activity, actively or as a spectator, during the days covered by the suspension. This restriction includes, but is not limited to, athletics, plays, dances, debates, field trips, performances, commencement, etc.
The following types of conduct are never permissible:
1. Fighting.
2. Defiance of school staff.
3. Use of profanity.
4. Refusal to prepare assignments or to participate in class.
5. Possession of weapons or other dangerous objects.
6. Possession or use of tobacco.
7. Possession or use of any controlled substance.
8. Gambling.
9. Vandalism.
10. Bullying/Harassment
If a student’s actions are determined to be a misdemeanor or felony or involve weapons or illegal drugs at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity, an immediate report will be made to the local law enforcement agency.
Expulsion/Long-Term Suspension
The Board of Education may suspend or expel or, by regulation, authorize any certified employee or
committee to suspend or expel any pupil guilty of:
a. willful violation of any published regulation for student conduct adopted and approved by the BOE;
b. conduct that substantially disrupts, impedes, or interferes with the operation of any public school;
c. conduct which endangers the safety of others or which substantially impinges upon or invades the rights of others at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity;
d. conduct which, if the pupil is an adult, constitutes the commission of a felony or, if the pupil is a juvenile, would constitute the commission of a felony if committed by an adult;
e. conduct at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity which, if the pupil is an adult, constitutes the commission of a misdemeanor or, if the pupil is a juvenile, would constitute the
commission of a misdemeanor if committed by an adult; or
f. disobedience of an order of a teacher, peace officer, school security officer or other school authority, when such disobedience can reasonably be anticipated to result in disorder, disruption, or interference with the operation of any public school or substantial and material impingement upon or invasion of the rights of others.
Per Kansas State Statute, notification to law enforcement will be given for all students found in
possession of a weapon or illegal drug or who have engaged in an act or behavior which resulted in, or was substantially likely to have resulted in, serious bodily injury to others, at school, upon school property, or at a school supervised activity. A report will be made to the appropriate law enforcement agency as soon as practicable, but not to exceed 10 days from the student act, excluding holidays and weekends. In turn, law enforcement will notify the division of vehicles as soon as practicable, but not to exceed 10 days from the date of the student’s act, excluding holidays and weekends. The law enforcement report shall include the student’s name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number and a description of the act committed by the student. Students may lose their Driver’s license for up to one year as a result of this notification. Additionally, Social Services may be notified. This could result in an investigation to insure the wellbeing of the student expelled.
Be The Change Behavior System
Valley Center Intermediate School has used a character card system since the building was created. This model has been changed and modified in the past couple of years to try and do what is best for our students. With that in mind, our behavior system now uses our VCIS core values as the foundation of this system. The Character card system gives teachers the opportunity to provide immediate feedback for students not following the behavioral expectations of the school. When the teacher signs a student’s card, the student has a verbal and visual reminder that the behaviors expressed were inappropriate. The card lets the students know where they stand in relation to consequences, providing a behavior changing phenomenon for students who might typically push the behavioral
envelope. The card places the responsibility of positive behavior on the shoulders of the student. Consequences are outlined and students are taught expected behaviors.
The Character card system also allows the building to celebrate the positive behavior success of our students. With opportunities for extended freedoms, prizes and rewards, students should find themselves motivated by the positive possibilities rather than the negative consequences. Scholars have opportunities to earn rewards each month, and will receive a new character card each quarter.
Character Card Procedures:
Each month all scholars will be given a character card tied to our core values:
C-Care for Others
H-Help One Another
A-Always Do What’s Right
N-Never Give Up
G-Get it Done
E-Everyone Has Value
The character card system provides proactive and reactive responses for behaviors tied to our building wide expectations/values. The character card system allows the building to celebrate the positive behavior success of our students by earning weekly and monthly rewards for following our school wide expectations. The character card system also allows for the opportunity to provide immediate feedback for students not following the behavior expectations.
Teachers provide a verbal conversation and visible reminder when scholars are not demonstrating expected behavior.
Character Card Procedures
● Scholars are given a character card at the beginning of each month
● Scholars receive weekly and monthly incentives for not receiving card marks
● Scholars can receive a mark on their card for not demonstrating building expected behaviors.
● Scholars can receive consequences for negative behaviors for each card mark received
● Scholars will need to have their card in order to receive rewards, if scholars lose their card they will miss out on rewards for 5 days before receiving a new card.
Character Card Weekly/Monthly Rewards
Weekly Rewards:
At the end of every week scholars with no card marks will have the opportunity to earn rewards. Some privileges include: Electronic device days, front of the line and free seating during lunch; and many other incentives as determined by the classroom teacher.
Monthly Rewards:
At the end of every month scholars with no card marks will have the opportunity to earn a reward or celebration. This school-wide celebration will be organized by the faculty and staff. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities as a celebration for their positive behavior.
Buzz Bucks
Scholars will receive 5 buzz bucks every Friday for not having any card marks that week. Scholars also have the opportunity to earn additional buzz bucks during their Specials classes for following building expectations.
Character Card Mark Consequences
1. Conference with student
2. Student completes reflection sheet that is emailed to parents
3. Student completes reflection sheet and phone call to parent
4. Student completes reflection sheet in reflection room with staff member
5. Student completes reflection sheet during lunch in the office and discipline referral submitted in Infinite Campus
6. One hour of ISS
7. Two hours of ISS
8. Half day of ISS
9. Full day of ISS
10. Team meeting with student, parent, teacher, mental health staff, and principal
Individual Behavior Plans If scholars continue to not follow building wide expectations, at the team meeting it could be determined the student needs an individual behavior plan to further support their social emotional/behavioral needs.
BICYCLES / SCOOTERS / SKATES / SKATEBOARDS
Bicycles/Scooters are to be parked in the racks provided outside the intermediate school. At all times bicycles and scooters should be walked on school grounds, school sidewalks or when using the crosswalks. Skateboards, skates, shoes with wheels and motorized scooters are not allowed. It is recommended that all bicycles and scooters be padlocked. USD 262 Valley Center School District will not be responsible for damaged or stolen property.
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD)
Acceptable Devices
Students at VCIS can use a variety of personally owned devices including, but not limited to: tablet devices, “smart” phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), netbooks, as well as any device with similar capabilities. This device list could be expanded based on new technologies and devices being introduced to the public. Unacceptable devices include, but are not limited to: gaming devices or consoles, laser pointers, modems or routers, DVD/Blu-Ray players, and televisions.
Educational Uses
The personally owned devices may be used for a number of different educational purposes. Some of the uses include classroom activities, homework, and any other educational opportunity that this tool enhances. Students are expected to act responsibly and thoughtfully when using any electronic device. If a student is using the device to cheat on an assignment or assessment then that student is subject to disciplinary action. Students are expected to check with school administrators and/or teachers when they are unsure if a device is acceptable for use in school.
Appropriate/Inappropriate Use and Communication
Personally owned devices are permitted for use during the school day for educational purposes and/or in approved classrooms/locations only. Students may not utilize any technology to harass, threaten, demean, bully, humiliate, intimidate, embarrass, or annoy their classmates or others in the community. Students must be aware of appropriateness of communications when using district or personally owned devices. Inappropriate communication is prohibited in any public messages, private messages, and material posted online by students. It is prohibited to use any personally owned devices in locker rooms, restrooms, and nurse’s offices. Students are not permitted to use any electronic device to record audio or video media or take pictures of any student or staff member without their permission. The distribution of any unauthorized media may result in discipline including suspension, criminal charges, and expulsion. Personally owned devices used in school are not permitted to connect to the Internet through 3G, 4G, or other content service providers.
Personally owned devices must access the internet via the District’s content filtered wireless network.
The District shall not be liable for the loss, damage, misuse, or theft of any personally owned device.
The District reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, and review a personally owned device or file when administration has a reasonable suspicion that a violation has occurred. The student is responsible for the proper care of their personal device, including any costs of repair, replacement or any modifications needed to use the device at school.
BULLYING
Valley Center Schools do not tolerate bullying of any form. Bullying means: a) any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat either by any student, staff member or parent towards a student or by any student, staff member or parent towards a staff member that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that such gesture, act or threat creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of:
a. Harming a student or staff member, whether physically or mentally;
b. Damaging a student or staff member in reasonable fear of harm to the student or staff member; or
c. Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s or staff member’s property;
d. Cyberbullying; or
e. Any other form of intimidation or harassment prohibited by the district.
If the issue involves a direct threat, we encourage students/staff to come to the office immediately to report the situation. If students would rather remain anonymous, they can fill out the online bullying form found on the webpage. Bullying can be reported via the Speak Up program. The staff takes every bullying report seriously and bullying will not be tolerated. We encourage parents to tell their children to “speak up” and tell school staff members, teachers or administrators about the bullying. Students who have bullied others in violation of school policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and expulsion. If appropriate, students who violate the bullying prohibitions shall be reported to local law enforcement.
DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT
No student or staff member should be subject to harassment for any reason by any student or staff member. The district is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment free from discrimination, insult, intimidation, and harassment due to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, or disability.
Harassment involves bullying behavior (see above) directed at someone because of their race, color, religion, sex, natural origin, age, or disability. Sexual harassment may result from verbal or physical conduct or written or graphic material. Sexual harassment may include but is not limited to: verbal harassment or abuse of a sexual nature; pressure for sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implication; unwelcome touching; or suggesting or demanding sexual involvement.
Any incident of discrimination, including acts of harassment, shall promptly be reported to the building principal, another administrator, the counselor, another certified staff member, or the district compliance coordinator for investigation and corrective action by the building or district compliance officer. Any student who engages in discriminatory conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from school.
For a complaint of harassment to be fully resolved, it may be necessary for the victim to make a written report to be used as evidence against the accused. If a claimant of harassment is not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint by the Administration, the claimant may file a grievance with the District Grievance Officer, Robert Reed. His office is at 143 S. Meridian and his phone number, during school hours, is 755-7000. Information regarding Title IX complaints including procedures for filing a complaint can be found on the district website under “District Information” and the subcategory of “Title IX information” http://www.usd262.net/about/about-our-district.