ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
Ross Middle School, in conjunction with the Butler County Educational Service Center, participates in an Alternative School program. Students who chronically violate school rules may be placed in the off-campus Alternative School for a period of 3 to 80 days.
BOMB, TORNADO, FIRE DRILL AND LOCK DOWN (SAFE SCHOOL) PROCEDURES
All teachers will go over the proper procedures to follow during these drills.
BUS/TRANSPORTATION OFFICE
Ron Mandery-Transportation Office - 738-2900
BUS CONDUCT
School Transportation is an extension of school; therefore, all school rules and policies are to be followed. Students engaging in types of conduct in violation of these guidelines are subject to disciplinary measures. The following rules also apply:
1. Students are to be at the bus stops on time; the drivers cannot wait for students to walk from their homes to the buses.
2. Students will get on and get off buses at their designated stops in an orderly manner.
3. Students will ride only their regularly assigned buses and get off at their regular stops.
4. Students who wish to leave a bus at a stop other than their designated one must have written permission from their parents and these notes must be signed by the principals of their schools or their designees.
5. Students must comply with the drivers’ requests as the drivers are in charge of the buses.
6. Students must sit only in their assigned seats.
7. Students are to be out of their assigned seats only while getting on and leaving the buses.
8. Students will keep noise on the buses to a minimum.
9. Students must be absolutely quiet at railroad crossings and other places of danger.
10. Students will cross the street at least ten feet in front of the buses and upon the signal of the drivers.
11. Students must go directly to their buses when dismissed from school. When discharged from the buses they should go directly to their homes.
12. Students are not permitted to transport animals on the school buses.
13. Large objects and school projects may need to be transported by parents.
14. The emergency exit is to be used only in an emergency situation.
15. Firearms or knives or any items construed to be weapons are prohibited on the bus.
16. Students are not permitted to eat or litter on a bus.
17. Students must not throw anything while passengers in the buses.
18. Students must not hang any objects or parts of their bodies outside bus windows.
19. Other rules that seem in the best interest of safety will be administered when necessary.


BUS PASSES
Due to changes in school bus laws relative to school bus capacity we must be careful not to load buses beyond their stated capacity. Consequently, we ask that parents and students honor the following guidelines regarding bus passes:
Bus passes will be required for any change in the pick-up or drop-off address of a student.
Individual emergency requests for a bus pass must be signed by the parent or guardian and submitted to the main office no later than 1:15 p.m. each day. Pass requests must include the address where the student is to be delivered and daytime phone numbers where the parent or guardian can be reached. Passes will be approved on a daily basis and should not be submitted on a yearly or as needed basis. Approval will be given if ample seating is available to safely accommodate all of the students.
Bus pass requests for groups of students to attend birthday parties, sleepovers, etc. will not be approved.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students marking or damaging school equipment or property in any way will be required to clean the article or to pay for damages. The law specifically provides that parents and students are responsible for materials loaned to the student.
CELL PHONES
Students may not use or display electronic communication devices including but not limited to cell phones, MP3 players, CD players, etc. during the regular school hours of 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. RMS will not be responsible for investigating the loss or theft of these items.
CHANGE IN RESIDENCY OR CUSTODY
Please notify the office immediately if custody/guardianship, address or phone numbers change during the course of the year. Any falsification of such records may result in liability of tuition payment to Ross Local School District.
CHEATING/PLAGIARIZING
Pupils who cheat, or assist others in cheating, and/or plagiarize schoolwork, will receive a “zero” for that assignment. Pupils will also be required to inform his/her parents, and confirm this action by presenting a note from the parents that they are aware of the cheating incident. Additional cheating incidents will result in additional consequences.
CHANGING CLASSES
At every change of classes there will be a large number of pupils going from one room to another. In order to keep the noise and confusion to a minimum you are asked to be especially quiet and courteous. Show respect for your fellow students and make the change as quickly as possible. To help alleviate the congestion in the halls, seventh grade students may report to their lockers at the end of odd periods. Eighth graders may report to their lockers at the end of even periods. All students may go to lockers before and after school.
DELIVERY OF FLOWERS & GIFTS
Students may not receive delivery of flowers or other gift items during the school day for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions.
DRESS CODE
The Ross Middle School Dress code has been established to promote an atmosphere that allows all students to be engaged in the formal learning process while maintaining a safe and secure environment. In general, appropriate attire is defined as dress that allows for a positive learning environment to exist throughout the instructional school day, does not create an uncomfortable atmosphere for students or staff, and does not insinuate a potential for an unsafe environment.
Students may wear shorts. The appropriate length for shorts, skirts, culottes, and split leg skirts is no more than six inches above the middle of the knee. Biking shorts may only be worn in combination with another pair of shorts.
Some examples of inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to, bare midriff shirts, halter tops, tank tops, and clothing adorned with drug, alcohol, tobacco, sexual, or other disruptive signs, words, or pictures. All articles of clothing and accessories altered from their original design and articles that are disruptive to the educational process are not permitted to be worn at school. No excessively ripped, frayed, or torn clothing or clothing with holes will be permitted. Clothing purchased with rips, frays, tears, or holes are no exception to this rule. Undergarment clothing may not be exposed. Students may not wear extreme or distracting make-up, hair coloring, hairdos, or accessory attire such as spiked bracelets, dog collars, or heavy chains, or dress in a manner that the principal determines to be unacceptable in light of community standards.
Body piercing adornments are to be worn in the ears only. Students are not permitted to wear jackets or overcoats during school hours. Students must place jackets and overcoats in their lockers prior to the beginning of homeroom.
Any students that violate the dress code will have to contact their parents for a change of clothing. If unable to acquire appropriate clothing, students will spend the remainder of the school day in the ACE room. Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary action.
E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Faculty and staff e-mail addresses are available on our website www.rossrams.com.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL FORMS
It is very important to return these forms immediately. Please make sure the form is filled out completely and lists someone other than the parents to be contacted in case your child becomes ill or an emergency arises. Always keep the office informed of changes in parents' place of employment.
FIGHTING
Pupils are expected to act in such a manner at all times that the rights of all other persons are respected. Fighting is never an acceptable way to resolve a problem and will result in a three day in-school suspension and/or out of school suspension.

GRADING SCALE
Letter Grade Percentage Description Letter Grade Percentage Description
A+ 99-100 Excellent C+ 83-84 Average
A 95-98 Excellent C 79-82 Average
A- 93-94 Excellent C- 77-78 Average
B+ 91-92 Above Average D+ 75-76 Below Average
B 87-90 Above Average D 72-74 Below Average
B- 85-86 Above Average D- 70-71 Below Average
F Below 70 Failing
HALL PASSES
Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods unless a teacher accompanies them or have a hall pass in their possession. Students should carry their agendas at all times.
HALLWAYS AND LAWNS
There should be no running, scuffing, loud talking or boisterous behavior in the hallways. The lawn in front of the building is not to be used as a playground.
HONOR ROLL
Students in grades five through eight are eligible for honor roll recognition. The criteria for high honors is 3.75-4.3 cumulative grade average and honors is a 3.25-3.74 cumulative grade average. All subjects receiving a letter grade will have an equally calculated effect on honor roll status. An “F” or “I” in any subject eliminates honor roll eligibility.
Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) is calculated using the following numerical equivalents:
A+ = 4.3 A = 4.0 A- = 3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0 B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3 C = 2.0 C- = 1.7 D+ = 1.3 D = 1.0 D- = .7 F = 0
INTERIM REPORTS
Midway through each nine-week grading period, interim reports are given to all students. Students receiving an “F” in any class will have a copy of their interims mailed home.
LIBRARY
We encourage use of the library at every opportunity. The library is open daily. Failure to comply with any library rules or to cooperate with the librarian may result in some students losing their library privileges.
LOCKERS
Lockers will be assigned to students on the first day of school. No student is allowed to move from the locker that is assigned to them without the counselor's permission. ROSS MIDDLE SCHOOL is not responsible for lost/stolen locks or articles taken from lockers. Section 3313.20 Ohio Revised Code, permits the search of any pupil’s locker and the contents thereof if the school personnel or administrators reasonably suspect that the locker or its contents contain evidence of a pupil’s violation of a criminal statute or of a school rule. The Board of Education has also declared that lockers are the property of the Board and these lockers and the contents thereof are subject to random search at any time by school officials or in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, which may include K-9 searches, without regard to whether there is a reasonable suspicion that any locker or its contents contains evidence of a violation of a criminal statute or a school rule. The school personnel or administrators may also search at any time the locker and contents thereof of any pupil if any emergency situation exists or appears to exist that immediately threatens the health or safety of any person, or threatens to damage or destroy any property.
LOST & FOUND
Articles found should be returned to the office, which serves as headquarters. Any lost article, except textbooks, should be claimed there or in the “Lost and Found” box outside the main office door. Lost textbooks, when found, will be returned to the teacher’s mailbox whose name appears on the label inside the book.
LUNCHES
Students will be provided with a lunch menu each month. Students must prepay for regular school lunches by cash/check (make checks payable to Ross Middle School) or credit card (minimum of $20). Prepaying lunches can be taken care prior to homeroom. Student behavior in the cafeteria should be based on courtesy and cleanliness. Cutting line in front of others is always rude and discourteous. Students are to stay out of all hallways during lunch.
MEDICATION (Prescription)
If possible, all medications should be given by the parent at home. If it becomes necessary for a student to take any form of medication at school:
1. Each child to whom medication is to be dispensed must have on file a completed authorization form signed by his or her parent or guardian and a completed physician’s request form signed before medication will be administered to the student.
2. The medication to be administered to the student must be in the container in which it was dispensed by the prescribing physician or a licensed pharmacist when it is given to the school employee authorized to administer the medication. Students will not administer the medication to themselves.
3. New request forms must be submitted each school year and as necessary for changes in medication orders.
MEDICATION (Non-Prescription)
Generally the use of medications (or over-the-counter medications) is discouraged in the schools. The principal, assistant principal, secretary, school nurse or the office paraprofessional will dispense medication. Students may not administer medication to themselves.

1. A written request from the parent or guardian detailing the name of the medicine, dosage and the time to be given is necessary. A non-prescription medicine form may be obtained in the school offices.
2. The medication must be brought in the original container.
3. Student’s name must be clearly visible on the medication container.
The intent of this policy and these procedures is to ensure that no medications will be taken at school without administrative office approval. This includes prescription and non-prescription medication, the only difference being that the administering of prescription medication shall require a physician’s and parent’s statement: the administering of non-prescription medication shall require only the parent’s permission.
The role of the school shall be one of cooperation with the parent and student. The school shall not dispense any medication unless there is no other feasible way and all of the above guidelines have been followed.
OFFICE UPDATES
The office tries to keep accurate records on each student. Please keep us informed of any address changes, new phone numbers, or custody situations.
OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION HOME
Parents should make prior arrangements with their child regarding other means of transportation home rather than riding the bus. It is not necessary to sign your child out of school if you pick them up after 2:45 PM. Due to limited office help and disruption of classes, please refrain from calling the school or dropping by the office to pick up children without prior arrangements. We do not encourage students walking home.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Public display of affection between pupils is considered inappropriate in the school setting, and is prohibited.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be sent home with students at the end of each nine weeks unless obligations are owed. Students will receive a letter grade ranging from A to F. Numbers reflecting comments by teachers will be listed. These numbers refer to a coded comment list found on the back of the report card. The last nine week's report cards will be mailed home in a self addressed stamped envelope that will be provided by students at the end of the year.
SCHOOL FEES
Each parent will be required to pay a student fee for each child enrolled at Ross Middle School. These fees pay for art supplies, paper, science materials, magazines, workbooks, novels, etc. If a family has difficulty paying these fees, please call the office to make arrangements for delayed payment. Otherwise school fees should be paid the first two weeks by cash, check (make payable to RMS) or credit card.
SCHOOL HOURS
School begins at 8:00 AM and students are dismissed at 2:45 PM. Students are permitted to enter the building at 7:45 AM. Students should not be on school grounds after 3:00 PM, unless under direct supervision of a school employee.
SMOKING/USE OF TOBACCO
Smoking and/or use of tobacco products are prohibited and students who violate item #21 of the Student Code of Conduct will be disciplined.
SNOW DAYS
On days that the weather prohibits students from coming to school on a regular time schedule, parents/children should listen to the local radio/TV stations or check the website “cancellations.com” for school delays and closings. Please refrain from calling the school.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
There are numerous opportunities for students to participate in activities at Ross Middle School. These activities include: Football, Basketball, Track, Volleyball, Band, Drill Team, Choir, Good Morning Ross Middle School, Newspaper Staff, Student Council, Peer Groups, and many others that may come up during the school year. Students are advised to contact the people in charge of these activities to secure more information.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Any student engaging in the types of conduct either specifically or generally like the kinds of conduct listed below is subject to expulsion, suspension, removal or permanent exclusion from curricular or extracurricular activities pursuant to Sections 3313.66, 3313.661, and 3313.662, Ohio Revised Code. Actions covered by this Code of Conduct apply to students while on school property, while participating in a school activity, while representing the school district in a school-sponsored or school-related function either on or off school grounds, and/or while being transported to and from school or to and from a school-sponsored or school-related function. Compliance is mandatory.
The types of conduct prohibited by this code of regulations are as follows:
1. Damage or destruction of school property on or off school premises.
2. Damage or destruction of private property on school premises or in areas controlled by the school.
3. Damage or destruction of property belonging to a school employee or anyone connected with the school district, whether on or off school premises.
4. Assault or battery of a school employee, student or other person on school premises, while in the custody or control of the school, or in the course of a school-related activity.
5. Possession or use of self-defense chemical devices (mace).
6. Fighting.
7. Chronic misbehavior, which disrupts or interferes with any school activity.
8. Disregard of reasonable directions or commands by school authorities including school administrators and teachers.
9. Any disruption or interference with school activities
10. Presence in unauthorized areas, during school hours or outside school hours, without permission of a school administrator or teacher.
11. Leaving school during school hours without permission of proper school authority.
12. Distribution of pamphlets leaflets, buttons, insignia, etc. without the permission of the proper school authority.
13. Demonstrations by individuals or groups causing disruption to the school program.
14. Disrespect to a teacher or other school authority.
15. Skipping detention.
16. Refusing to take detention or other properly administered discipline.
17. Falsifying information given to school authorities in the legitimate pursuit of their jobs.
18. Buying, selling, using, having used, possessing or being under the influence of any controlled substance (drugs, narcotics, marijuana, etc.); or buying, selling, distributing, using, possessing, having possessed, or being under the influence of any counterfeit controlled substance (any substance that is made to look like a controlled substance, or is represented to be a controlled substance, or that you think is a controlled substance).
19. Buying, selling, transferring, distributing, using or having used any drug, medication, inhalant or other substance which can be taken internally where the student or students involved cannot show a legitimate health or other reason for the use of such substance.
20. Possessing, using, having used, or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, inhalant, or intoxicant of any kind, or selling of drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol on school premises or at a school sponsored function.
21. No student shall smoke, use or possess any substance containing tobacco, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, clove cigarettes, and chewing tobacco, or use tobacco in any other form. As provided in 3313.751, Ohio Revised Code, it shall be a violation of this rule to use or possess tobacco in any form at any time anywhere on school premises and/or at any school activity regardless of its location.
22. Turning in false fire, tornado, or disaster alarms.
23. Making a bomb threat to any school building, property, or vehicle.
24. Placing of signs or slogans on school property without the permission of school authorities.
25. Extortion of a student or school personnel.
26. Forgery of school related documents.
27. Cursing.
28. Truancy.
29. Cheating or plagiarizing.
30. Hazing of students including, but not limited to, name calling and negative, uncomplimentary or offensive remarks related to physical handicaps, race, religion, nationality, appearance or other reason are prohibited.
31. Hazing of school employees on or off school premises including, but not limited to, name calling and negative, uncomplimentary or offensive remarks related to physical handicaps, race, religion, nationality, appearance or other reason are prohibited.
32. Theft or possession of stolen property.
33. Gambling.
34. Tardiness.
35. Improper or suggestive dress.
36. Engaging in sexual acts or displaying excessive affections or other inappropriate behavior with a person of the same or opposite sex on school premises or at a school related function.
37. Publication of obscene, pornographic or libelous material.
38. Use of indecent or obscene language in oral or written form.
39. Indecent exposure.
40. Arson, inappropriate use of fire, or combustible materials
41. Failure to abide by reasonable dress and appearance codes set forth in student handbooks or established by the administration or the Board of Education.
42. Failure to abide by rules and regulations set forth by the administration for student parking.
43. Disobedience of driving regulations while on school premises.
44. Presence on school property with a communicable disease.
45. Willfully aiding another person to violate school regulations.
46. Conveying, attempting to convey or knowingly possessing a deadly weapon, look-a-like weapon, any item intended to be used as a weapon, or dangerous ordinance onto any property owned or controlled by, or to any activity held under the auspices of the Board of Education.
47. Selling, offering to sell, distributing, or possessing a controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia on school premises or at a school related function (trafficking drugs).
48. Carrying concealed weapons.
49. Aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, aggravated assault, rape, gross sexual imposition, or sexual penetration.
50. Any type of prohibited activity listed herein engaged in by a student on school premises, on a school bus, or while in the control or custody of the school district regardless of whether on or off school premises, or at a school related activity regardless of location, shall be reason for expulsion, suspension, removal or permanent exclusion from school.
51. Commission by a student of any crime in violation of the Ohio Criminal Code, Ohio Traffic Code or the Ohio Juvenile Code on school premises or while in the control or custody of the school district regardless of whether on or off school premises, or at a school related activity regardless of location.
52. Any other activity by a student, which the student knows or should know, will disrupt the academic process of a curricular or extracurricular activity while on school premises or while in the control or custody of the school district regardless of whether on or off school premises, or at a school related activity regardless of location.
53. Any action judged by school officials to involve misconduct and not specifically mentioned in other sections may be dealt with as insubordination.
54. Threats of physical harm or damage to school property, school personnel, parents, students, or other individuals, either written or verbal.
55. Behavior, which causes, results in, or may result in the creation of fear, panic, intimidation, or a threatening atmosphere.
TARDIES/EARLY DISMISSALS
If for some reason, your child will be late to school, please send a note along with the student stating the reason for his/her tardiness. Students must report to the office upon arriving at school to sign in to receive a pass to class, they do not need to be signed in by their parent/guardian. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action.
If your child needs to leave school early for a doctor's appointment or for some other reason, please send a note with the time of dismissal. If someone other than the parent/guardian will be picking up your child, please include this information in your note. It is necessary for an adult to sign your child out of school; this is done in the main office. For attendance purposes, combination of three tardies/early dismissals will count as a 1/2 day of absence. Excessive tardiness to class will result in disciplinary action
TELEPHONE
Students will not be allowed to use the office phone for personal calls. In the event a student receives a call he/she will be called out of class only in the case of an emergency. Normally phone calls for students will be handled between classes, during lunchtime or after school.
TEXTBOOKS
The Ross Local School District furnishes textbooks to all students. Each student is assigned a numbered book and is responsible for the care of the books issued. Students are required to cover all their textbooks to help maintain longevity of text use. Loss or damage will result in payment to the school.
VACATION DAYS
Students who will be absent due to going on vacation with their family may request up to five days excused absence. The school must be notified in writing in advance to the vacation days, and the request must be approved by the administration prior to missing school. Vacation days cannot be approved after a student’s absence, and the days will be considered unexcused if prior approval is not given.
VISITORS
Any visitors to the school must report to the office. All visitors are expected to leave promptly when their business is completed. Visitors to classrooms must secure a pass from the office. Students are not permitted to bring visitors to school.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
If it becomes necessary for a student to withdrawal from school, parents are to come to school and fill out necessary forms for withdraw