School Culture

Our behavior system intends to create a safe learning environment where students grow towards independence, and individual differences are valued and respected. We believe:

• Social-emotional learning is equal in importance to academic learning
• Positive relationships should be cultivated and honored
• A positive school climate exemplifies trust and assumes the best intentions
• Positive interactions are a more effective tool for shaping behavior than negative interactions

All schools in the Corvallis School District promote a climate of civility and inclusiveness and an environment free of discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. Sexual orientation means an individual’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender identity, regardless of whether the individual’s gender identity, appearance, expression, or behavior differs from that traditionally associated with the individual’s sex at birth. The district urges students who believe they are victims of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation to report the incident to a teacher, counselor, or administrator as soon as possible. All reports will be investigated and treated as serious misconduct.

School-wide Recognition for Citizenship (PAWS)

Positive Acts We See (PAWS) is a school-wide behavior recognition system where students receive a PAWS card to celebrate positive student behavior. PAWS cards may be redeemed in the school store or used for a variety of activities throughout the school year. Examples of behaviors that may be acknowledged by staff with a PAWS card include:

• acts of kindness
• grade improvement
• good decision-making (seat choice, inclusive socializing)
• self-direction (reading directions and getting started on work)
• patience/positive attitude
• cleaning up, picking up litter, and helping without being asked
• individual student progress on academic, social, or emotional goal.

School-wide Recognition for Academics

Students who have earned a 3.5 or higher grade point average, are full-day students, have no “I” or “NG” grades, and have no more than two “P/N” grades will be included on the Cheldelin Honor Roll.

Students who have improved their grade point average by .5 or more will be listed on the Cheldelin Academic Improvement Roll.

Middle School Personal Electronic Device Guidelines

Unless authorized in advance by the building principal or designee, Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) are not permitted to be visible and must be silenced during the school day, by middle school students (Policy JFCEB-AR). A PED is a device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing, and/or displaying information and data (Policy JFCEB). (Examples: cell phone, smartwatch, airpods)

If PEDs are visible or in use during the school day:

• First occurrence: Staff member collects the device and turns it in to the Dean. Students can pick up the personal electronic device at the end of the day. Dean sends a written notification to families.
• Second occurrence: Staff member collects the device and turns it in to the Dean. Parents are called by the behavior support team to inform them. Parents can pick up the device at the end of the day or at their convenience.
• Third occurrence: Staff member collects the device and turns it in to the Dean. The student is placed on a device plan, where it is turned into the Dean’s office at the start of the day and picked up by the student at the end of the day.

Refusal to turn in a personal electronic device to a teacher upon request will result in the student being sent to the Dean.

Consequences for refusal to give up the personal electronic device while working with the Dean will be issued in accordance with the Middle School Behavior Matrix. 

Parents who have an urgent need to contact students during the school day should call the school office at 541-757-5971.

Behavior Consequences

CMS Behavior Matrix for Students and Parents

Behavioral consequences, coupled with skill development, help support positive behavior choices at school.  We endeavor to create a system that provides both accountability and opportunity for student growth.  For this reason, we strive to assign consequences that are proportional to the behavioral issue (i.e. short detention for tardies).  The following consequences are used as part of the School-wide Behavioral Management System.

Detentions

Detentions are assigned by administration or behavior staff for behaviors that disrupt the learning environment, or for common area infractions.  Students are to report directly to the Student Support Room (SSR) at the assigned time. Students are to bring work to occupy their time.  All students are expected to work quietly for the entire detention period.

In-School Suspension

In-school suspension is a consequence resulting from more serious or repeated disruptive behavior.  A student who is in-school suspended is placed for a period of time in the SSR or another suitable place in the school.  Schoolwork for the student is sent to that room to be completed by the student.  The student eats lunch in the SSR and is not allowed into the hall areas without being accompanied by an adult.

Out-of-School Suspension

Out-of-school suspension is a serious consequence.  A student who has broken a rule in a major way or has broken rules so often that it is entirely outside the realm of what can continue at school may be suspended.

Expulsion

Expulsion is used in only the most serious of circumstances. When a student is expelled, he or she may not be on any district school grounds at any time for the rest of the expulsion. Students who are suspended or expelled may make up school-work.

Dress Code and Grooming

The goal of the Cheldelin Middle School dress code is to balance the need for maintaining a learning-focused environment with an awareness that adolescents are unique individuals and that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective. With that in mind, we will be following some guiding principles regarding dress. These principles align with our building expectations around Safety, Responsibility and Respect and we will revisit them throughout the year.

Safety

• Clothing should not pose a safety hazard.
• Eyes should be visible at all times.

Responsibility

• Clothing should allow for a full range of motion and full participation in all school activities.
• Clothing depicting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gang related material or weapons is prohibited.

Respect

• Clothing should not portray inappropriate language or symbols nor show disrespect to others.
• Clothing should be modest, with no visible under garments. Midriff should be completely covered.
• Headwear covering the ears, such as hoods and beanies, should not be worn inside the building, during school hours or activities.

Chromebook Expectations

We are excited to introduce a new set of expectations that encourage students to take an active role in caring for their school-issued Chromebooks. This initiative aims to foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among students by promoting proper handling, regular maintenance, and respectful usage of these devices. By ensuring that Chromebooks are kept clean, charged, and used for educational purposes, students contribute to a positive learning environment that benefits everyone. This policy not only extends the lifespan of the devices but also teaches valuable lessons about digital etiquette and personal accountability, preparing our students for success both in and beyond the classroom.

Any type of damage to the power cord or device, requires that it be taken to the SPOC for repair.  Intentional misuse of a device will be referred to the Behavior Support Team.

1. Screen:
   1. Protect the screen by opening/closing the lid gently. Do not pick up the Chromebook by the open screen.
   2. Avoid placing weight or pressure on the lid.
2. Hinges:
   1. Stress on the hinges of the Chromebook creates another potential for Chromebook damage.
   2. Open/close the Chromebook gently, grasp the center of the lid and not the corner.
3. Cord:
   1. The connector on the power cord can be subject to damage if the cord is pulled or the device is moved while being plugged in.
   2. Avoid stretching the cord across an area where it can be snagged or tripped over.
   3. Move the Chromebook close to the power source and always disconnect the power cord before moving the Chromebook.
   4. Cords that show fraying or breakage should not be used on your device – Return to SPOC.
4. Cleaning the Chromebook screen:
   1. Clean with a lightly moistened (water ONLY or a spray purchased explicitly for computer screens) soft cloth.
   2. NO Windex, Lysol, or products containing alcohol, ammonia, or other strong solvents.
   3. Do NOT use paper towels or Kleenex to wipe the screen.
   4. Microfiber cloths work the best.
5. Proper handling:
   1. Carry the Chromebook with both hands.
   2. Close lid while carrying
   3. Ensure there are no school supplies (pens, pencils, etc.) when shutting the lid.
   4. A student Chromebook should be securely placed on a desk or table when using it during class—not put on your lap.
6. Safely store the Chromebook:
   1. Keep your password secure (student ID)
   2. Do NOT leave your Chromebook unattended on or off school grounds
   3. Keep your Chromebook in a secure space when not in use.
   4. Never leave your Chromebook lying on the floor, seat, bed, or other space where it will likely get stepped on or sat on. This is a common way to break your screen.
   5. Keep food and drink away from your Chromebook.
   6. Do NOT let your Chromebook get wet, and keep it out of extreme weather conditions (cold and heat). DO NOT leave in a vehicle.

Appropriate Use of School Lockers

Lockers are subject to occasional searches. Students are responsible for taking care of their lockers and for the items stored inside them. Lockers must be kept tidy and organized. When lockers are closed, the dial must be spun and the latch checked to make sure the locker is securely locked. We strongly discourage students from bringing valuable items to school, as we cannot insure the safety of items that are stored in lockers. When items of value are brought to school, they should be taken to the office for safekeeping until they are needed. For any problems with a locker, seek help at the school office.