Student Handbook

Leadership Team

Important Phone Numbers

Attendance

According to Cherry Creek School District Policy JH, “One criteria for students’ success in school is regular and punctual attendance.” Schools are legally required to monitor attendance, notify parents of absences, and implement interventions to address absences. When a student is “habitually truant” (four total days of unexcused absences in any one month or 10 total days of absences during any one school year), the school must initiate a partnership with parents and implement interventions to address the students’ absences.
In compliance with this law, the Cherry Creek School District notifies parents in writing regarding a student’s absences. The first letter of concern is sent when a student has missed seven or more days of school. A second letter of concern is sent after a student misses 10 or more days of school. The student will be required to have a doctor’s note, and approval from the school nurse or administrator will be needed for any further absences to be excused.

Absences

According to CCSD Policy JH, the following are excused absences:

1. A student who is temporarily ill or injured.

2. A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental, or emotional disability.

3. A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.

4. A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.

5. A student who is absent in observance of an established religious holiday.

6. A student whose absence is approved by the building principal at the request of the parent or guardian.

The following procedures are to be followed if a student is absent from school:

A parent/guardian should call the attendance office at 720-886-6111 to inform the school of the absence. The school shall determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. A physician’s verification of illness for excessive absences may be requested per CCSD Policy JH. Please be aware that when excused absences become excessive, it may be necessary to have any additional absences verified by a physician or the school nurse before it can be excused.

Pre-arranged absences:

If your student will be absent for a day or longer, a note or phone call from the parent/guardian to the attendance office (720-886-6111) should be sent as far in advance as possible explaining the absence.

Early dismissal:

Please follow the procedure below if your student needs to leave the building during the school day.

• The parent or guardian will come to the security desk and present a valid picture ID. The checkout information must be completed accurately before the student is dismissed.

•  To ensure student safety, students will not be released to leave campus solely by telephone, email, or written correspondence. And, students will not be released to those not on the emergency contact list in parent forms. 

• The parent, guardian, or emergency contact must sign students out of the building and produce a valid picture ID at checkout.

Make up work for absences:

If your student will be absent for a day or longer, a note or phone call from the parent/guardian to the attendance office (720-886-6111) should be sent as far in advance as possible explaining the absence.

Closed campus:

Horizon Community Middle School is a closed campus. Once on school grounds, students are not allowed to leave unless parents or guardians check them out of school early. 

Tardy arrival to class:

Per CCSD Policy JH: Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student without proper excuse after the scheduled time that a class begins. Because of the disruptive nature of tardiness and the detrimental effect upon the rights of the non-tardy student to uninterrupted learning, appropriate penalties may be imposed for excessive tardiness.

News of severe weather, school closures, or cancellation of bus schedules will be announced over local Denver radio and TV stations. District officials will give this information to the stations by 6:00 a.m. Check for announcements on the following:

• Television: Channels 2-WB2, 4-KCNC, 7-KMGH, 9-KUSA, and 31-FOX

• Cherry Creek School District Website: www.cherrycreekschools.org

The Cherry Creek School District’s Leadership Team may announce via the same stations, website, and with a Blackboard Connect message that a DELAYED START is in effect, or that school is canceled. If school is delayed the start times for middle schools and morning bus pickup will be delayed 90 minutes from the normal start time. When serious storm conditions develop during the day, parents are encouraged to maintain contact with the above listed resources.

Counseling Office

The counseling office at Horizon Community Middle School is dedicated to supporting our community of students, staff and families. We offer a comprehensive school counseling program that supports the academic achievement, personal and social development, and future success of our students. We are here to listen, guide, advocate and problem solve with you to help make your middle school experience successful and meaningful.

Contact a counselor:

To request a meeting with your school counselor, visit Horizon Community Middle School’s Counseling Webpage and click on the appropriate link. You may also send us an email at the addresses listed below or contact the main office and ask for counseling.

Contact a counselor:
To request a meeting with your school counselor, visit Horizon Community Middle School’s Counseling Webpage and click on the appropriate link. You may also send us an email at the addresses listed below or contact the main office and ask for counseling.

Mrs. Colson (GT): jcolson4@cherrycreekschools.org  
Mrs. Danielson (7th Grade): kcohen@cherrycreekschools.org  
Ms. Ilela (6th Grade): tilela@cherrycreekschools.org     
Ms. Bustamante (8th Grade): gbustamante@cherrycreekschools.org 

Withdrawal from school:

If you are moving or changing schools during the school year, please talk with your counselor and the registrar. You will receive a checkout form that requires signatures from each of your teachers. All textbooks, library books, and computers will need to be turned in, and all outstanding fines will need to be paid. Records will be forwarded to the next school after the new school makes that request. Parents/Guardians are entitled to receive a copy of the student’s records.

Schedule Information:

Students and families may view their student’s schedule by logging into

my.cherrycreekschools.org and clicking on the PowerSchool tile. Students must attend the classes listed in PowerSchool.

For the first few days of each grading period, the counseling department and registrar will only be making schedule repairs to correct scheduling errors. (Ex: schedule is missing a class, schedule has duplicate classes, etc.)

After schedule repairs are completed, if you have a concern about your schedule, contact your school counselor to share your concern and discuss possible solutions. Please keep in mind that elective changes are limited based on space availability and the selections you made during the registration process. All other schedule changes must be approved by an administrator and we will work collaboratively with you, your teachers, and your parents/guardians during this problem solving process. In the event that a schedule change is approved, the counselor and registrar will work together to make the change in PowerSchool and communicate that the change has been completed.

Advanced classes:

Our teachers work hard to design and lead students through rigorous, relevant and meaningful learning experiences. Teachers in all classes differentiate instructional practices to meet the needs of individual students. This may include the use of scaffolding and/or extension activities.

Advanced classes are currently offered in mathematics and Language Arts in 6^th grade and in all four core areas in 7^th and 8^th grade. Advanced classes in mathematics are taught at an accelerated pace, as the curriculum includes content from one grade level above. Advanced classes in Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies include the same academic standards as grade-level classes and are consistently taught at deeper levels. All students are encouraged to enroll in at least one advanced class during their middle school career. Students do not need to be identified as gifted (see the Gifted & Talented section below) to access or succeed in advanced classes.

School Clinic

We have a nurse and a health technician on staff at Horizon Community. The nurse provides emergency care, not treatment. The nurse is not permitted to dispense any kind of medication to a student without a “Permission for Medication” form on file for that student.

Immunizations:

Please be advised that written proof of childhood immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases must be up-to-date as required by Colorado state law (C.R.S #25-4-900). Many of you submitted this when you registered your child with the District, or it has carried over from a CCSD elementary school. If you have not already submitted this important form, you can do so by calling your family doctor to schedule an appointment NOW, or, have the completed immunization record faxed directly to the clinic at 720.886.6212. If you receive a letter stating that your student's immunization record is out of compliance, please resolve this issue ASAP. Opportunities are available for immunizations at no charge, or at a reduced rate. Feel free to call the school clinic if you have any questions about which immunizations are required.

Illness and accidents:

When students become ill at school, they may ask a teacher for a pass to the clinic. A parent will be contacted if the nurse determines that the student should be sent home. If a parent cannot be reached, the student may rest in the clinic for fifteen minutes and then will be sent back to class. In the event of a medical emergency, paramedics will be called at the nurse’s discretion. The paramedics will then make all decisions regarding treatment, destination, and hospital. It is very important that all contact information remain current in the parent forms portion of https://my.cherrycreekschools.org. 

Medications:

Students must have permission on file to take prescription medication and over-the-counter medication at school. This must be completed/updated every year. 

Over-the-counter medications:

The medication must be in the original manufacturer’s container with directions attached. A physician’s authorization will be required for dosages that are not within the manufacturer’s directions. The nurse will dispense the medication in the clinic. Students may NOT carry medication with them. Parent forms can be updated any time during the school year to indicate permission.

Prescription medications:

Prescription medications require a physician’s authorization and the medication needs to be in the original packaging with pharmacy labeled instructions. No more than a one-month supply of the medication may be kept in the nurse’s office. A new form must be completed with any changes in dosage or type of medication made by the physician.

Transportation of medications to school:

The safest procedure is for parents to take the medication directly to the clinic. Medication should not be sent with the student. 

Communication

Announcements:
Scrolling announcements are visible on televisions in the hallways and in the lunchroom for students every day in order to keep everyone well-informed! There are school announcements every morning over the intercom, as well as on slides during advisory classes. 

Parent/Teacher conferences:
Conference times are set aside in the fall and spring for parents to meet with teachers. If other meetings are desired, please contact the grade-level counselor or an individual teacher to make an appointment. 

Reporting student progress:
Notification of final quarter grade availability will be sent via email. Student progress and attendance can also be viewed anytime on PowerSchool.

PowerSchool:
PowerSchool is a web-based student information system that provides real-time information to parents, teachers, administrators, and students over the internet. Parents can check their child’s attendance, grade history, and any missing class assignments by logging into https://my.cherrycreekschools.org and clicking on the PowerSchool tile. Printed grade reports are available by request to parents/guardians without internet access.

Schoology:
Schoology is a web-based program for students and parents accessible through https://my.cherrycreekschools.org. Printable assignments, notes, deadlines, and class agendas can be found by accessing classroom pages. Teachers will update class notes frequently.

Email and voicemail:
The staff at Horizon Community Middle School use email and voicemail on a regular basis to maintain effective communication between parents and their students. Email addresses for teachers/staff can be found on the school’s website. 

Messages and deliveries:
The delivery of items and messages to classrooms creates an interruption to the learning environment for all students in the class. In case of emergency, please call or contact the main office.

Talking Points:
At HCMS, we use the Talking Points application to communicate with our families. With TalkingPoints, you can conveniently send and receive text messages to and from your student's teachers. The best part is that the messages can be translated into your preferred language. You don't have to take any additional steps to get started. Messages will automatically be sent to the phone numbers listed in PowerSchool. To enhance your experience, you can also download the optional TalkingPoints for Families app. If you need to update your phone number in PowerSchool, simply log into your account at my.cherrycreekschools.org and click on the Guardian Update tile.

Athletic Program

Horizon Community's athletic program is designed to allow students at all three grade levels to participate in a variety of sports. Practice sessions are held every day after school except Fridays. Late buses leave Horizon Community each day, except for Fridays, around 4:40 p.m. Students eligible for transportation will finish practice in time to take the late bus home. Students not riding the late bus must be picked up or leave campus by 5:00 p.m. Horizon Community's athletic teams include coed track, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, wrestling, and girls’ volleyball. Games begin at approximately 4:30 pm. Horizon Community competes with other Cherry Creek middle schools, so start times vary according to which school is hosting the match and how far the guest school must travel.

Schedules will be given to the athletes when they sign up for each sport. Student uniforms and transportation to and from the game/meet are provided. Athletic games/meets last approximately two hours. Transportation from school to home after each game/meet is the responsibility of the family.

Athletic fees and schedule:
The fees for the middle school athletic program:               
$60.00 for track (all grades)
$30.00 for 6th & 7th grade basketball & volleyball
$60.00 for 8th grade basketball & volleyball
$50.00 for wrestling (all grades)

*Visit: http://horizon.cherrycreekschools.org for game schedules.

Behavior expectations at athletic and activities events:
At athletic and activities events, Horizon students are expected to uphold our P.A.C.K. commitments. In order to attend an athletic event or performance as a spectator, students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If a student’s behavior is unacceptable, the student will be removed from the event and may lose the privilege of attending any future after school events.

Late bus procedure:
Horizon Community strives to provide a variety of after school activities. To help facilitate these activities, late bus shuttles are available Monday through Thursday to those who are eligible for transportation. These buses leave the school each day at 4:40 pm. Late bus shuttles are not available on Fridays. Students may not leave school grounds and then return to catch the late bus. Students who stay after school are required to be in an adult-supervised, school-sponsored activity. A student without an ID will not be permitted on the bus.

Student Expectations

Horizon Community students are expected to conduct themselves in a positive manner following the PACK promise. Please refer to CCSD Policy J for specific information regarding student expectations on all Cherry Creek School District property.

Behavior at school dances and social activities:
School activities provide an opportunity for students to enjoy time with their friends. They also allow time to practice the appropriate social behavior that students will use as adults. Social activities will be scheduled at the end of the school day and will end before the late buses leave. Only Horizon Community students may attend these activities. School rules that are in effect during normal school hours, including dress code, will apply at dances and social activities. Supervision will be provided during the school sponsored event. Please make sure you and your student have communicated the length of time the event will last so that arrangements can be made to have students picked up promptly.

Transportation and Bus Safety:
Student IDs are required to ride any Cherry Creek school bus. Bus transportation is a privilege, not a student right. The following expectations are enforced to ensure the safety of all students on a school bus. These expectations are taken from federal laws, Colorado state regulations, and CCSD policy. At check-in or upon entering school, each student and parent will be asked to read and sign the Student’s Acknowledgement of Responsibility as it pertains to transportation.

Students should:

• Listen to the bus driver at all times.
• Be courteous to the driver and other bus passengers.
  
• Be at the bus stop five minutes prior to scheduled pick up in the morning and on time in the afternoon.
  
• Stand a safe distance from the curb or road.
  
• Always cross the street 10 feet in front of the bus. Wait for the driver’s signal.
  
• Sit quickly and quietly in assigned seat. Remain seated, facing forward in an assigned seat while the bus is moving. The aisle is not to be blocked at any time.
  
• Have a Horizon Community student ID so you can identify yourself when asked by a driver.
  
• Not eat, drink, chew gum, or spit inside the bus.
  
• Not throw anything off the bus or have any part of their bodies outside the bus.
  
• Loud, rude, vulgar, or obscene language is prohibited.
  
• Keep the bus clean and free of damage.

State law and/or District policy prohibits the following items on school buses:

• Alcoholic beverages
  
• Smoke or stink bombs
  
• Drugs
  
• Glass Items
  
• Tobacco
  
• Weapons
  
• Explosives
  
• Animals, insects, or reptiles
  
• Fireworks
  
• Legally prohibited substances
  
• Lighters
  
• Vape Pens
  
• Other dangerous objects

All items carried by students (band instruments, athletic equipment, backpacks, etc.) must be carried in the lap, or properly secured in a vacant seat. Instruments cannot occupy needed seating space or be placed in the driver’s compartment, aisle, or in the step well.

Skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are not allowed on the school bus unless placed in a carrying bag or container specifically designed for carrying such items safely and for designated activities only.

Students are permitted to leave the bus only at their designated stops. Any changes require a parent/guardian’s written request, and approval by a school official.

Students are permitted to ride only their assigned bus. Any exceptions must be requested in writing by the parent/guardian and approved by a school official as long as there is space available.

The CCSD transportation department will provide the parents of students who ride the bus with information on specific consequences for violation of the above expectations.

Library Expectations:
The Horizon Community Library strives to provide a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere where students and staff are encouraged to read, study, and research.
Respect the right of others to enjoy a calm, quiet, and studious library atmosphere.
Enter and exit the library quietly using the front entrance.
No food or drinks are allowed in the library.
Follow circulation procedures. Any book checked out should be returned on time.
Your student will be assessed a fine if any book checked out to him/her/them is lost or damaged.
Students should check out materials for themselves, not for other students. 

Dress Code:

CCSD Middle Schools promote a positive dress code where students are encouraged to wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for an educational environment. A common dress code cultivates a safe and disciplined learning environment, which is essential to a quality educational program. 

CCSD Policy JICAB on student attire is intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and promote school order and safety. It is designed to ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.    

Clothing, accessories, paraphernalia, or body adornments may not:

• Be profane, obscene, lewd, suggestive, libelous, or vulgar.
  
• Promote the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons.
  
• Intimidate or threaten any individual or group.
  
• Expose private body parts.
  
• Disrupt the teaching-learning process.
  
• Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct.
  

Additional Clothing Guidelines:

• Clothing shall be sufficient to conceal all undergarments at all times (undergarments are any garments that are under the exterior layer of clothing).
  
• Shoes must be worn at all times.
  
• Blankets are not to be worn at school.
  
• Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as religious observation) may not be worn at school.
• Masks/face coverings are allowed for health and safety purposes only. 
  
• Hats and hoodies are permitted as long as they do not obscure the face and ears. 
  
• All student attire must support a safe learning environment in classrooms, labs, gyms, and maker-spaces.  
  

Possible Consequences for Violation of District Policies and School Wide Expectations

As students grow and develop during their middle school years, they seek to gain a certain amount of independence from adult authority; therefore, they exhibit behaviors that may not have been present during their elementary school years. The adults at Horizon Community are extremely knowledgeable regarding this process and can help students with these behaviors and give them alternative ways to express themselves. It may become necessary at times, however, to assign various consequences for inappropriate behaviors. In partnership, parents will be contacted to inform them of their student’s behavior, let them know of possible consequences, and to enlist their support. The following are the range of consequences that may be assigned in the deans’ office for infraction of school expectations, school policy, or both. Refer to CCSD Policy JICD-A for further information.

PBIS:
The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports initiative is used to establish and maintain effective school environments that maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence of all learners in Colorado. This competence is gained as a result of school personnel and families working together to provide a continuum of support for all learners.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports include the following practices:

• A common purpose and positive approach to discipline
  
• A clear set of positive expectations and behaviors (P.A.C.K.)
  
• Procedures for teaching and encouraging expected behavior (Second Step, Restorative Practices)
  
• Procedures for discouraging inappropriate behaviors
  
• Data used to guide decision making and planning
  
• Emphasis on prevention of inappropriate behaviors

PBIS also acknowledges that social and behavioral expectations are learned at home, school, and in the community. Teaching positive behavior is more effective than punishing negative behavior. We have developed school-wide expectations that are posted throughout the building. Horizon Community expects every student, staff member, and parent to remain part of the PACK and to demonstrate or model perseverance, achievement, connectedness, and kindness.

At HCMS, students earn Husky Bucks for displaying PACK Commitments and can use them to purchase items at the Husky Buck Market, open during lunches every other Friday. Students can also be nominated or nominate other students as Leaders of the PACK. We also celebrate students who demonstrate PACK Commitments through quarterly assemblies.

Restorative Practices:
Restorative practices are used as both a prevention and intervention tool to assist students in building relationships and repairing relationships when harm is caused. Each grade level is assigned a Restorative Practice coach that facilitates conversations between students when conflict arises. Through the restorative process, students have the opportunity to share their perspective, identify who was harmed, own their part, and work collaboratively to create future agreements to prevent further harm. Restorative practices work in conjunction with the discipline system, and our RP Coaches work closely with our deans to best support students, however, RP coaches do not assign consequences for behavior. This allows students the opportunity to take honest responsibility for their part and work collaboratively to repair harm. ​

Restorative Practice Coaches:

Restorative Practice Coordinator - Ms. Patterson

6th Grade - Ms. Wilkinson

7th Grade - Ms. Hooks

8th Grade - Ms. Morse

Use this link to request an appointment with an RP coach. 

Referral:
A referral is written documentation of inappropriate behavior that is acted upon by the grade level dean.

Lunch detention:
Students may be assigned lunch detention as a consequence for inappropriate behavior, including tardiness or truancy. Students will report to the lunch detention classroom and remain there for the duration of lunch and recess. During lunch detention, students will be allowed to eat lunch and work silently. 

After school detention:
Students may be assigned after school detention as a consequence for inappropriate behavior. After school detention is from 3:50-4:40. After school detention will take place in the deans’ office. Students who are assigned after school detention will be able to take the late bus home.

Saturday school:
Students may be assigned a Saturday school detention as a consequence for inappropriate behavior.

In-school-suspension:
Students may be assigned in-school suspension as a consequence for inappropriate behavior. During in-school suspension, students will not attend their classes, but will spend the day in the deans’ office. They will be able to work on schoolwork during this time. 

Out-of-school suspension:
Suspended students are restricted from participating in all aspects of the school day, both academic and extracurricular. During this time, students are not to be present on school grounds or in attendance at any school function at Horizon Community Middle School and/or any other CCSD school, or any other District sponsored activities. Violation of these terms could result in referral to law enforcement authorities for trespassing. CCSD Policy JKD-1-R also states in pertinent part: “The suspending authority shall: Provide an opportunity for a pupil to make up school work during the period of suspension. Students will receive full or partial academic credit to the extent possible for makeup work which is completed satisfactorily.” A re-entry meeting will be scheduled at the time of suspension to develop a plan for a successful return to the learning environment. 

Notice of use of video surveillance cameras:
All students, parents/guardians, and staff of Horizon Community Middle School are advised that as a public school facility, students, parents/guardians, staff, and building visitors have a right to expect privacy in connection with their actions and activities while in, on, or about the school facilities. In an effort to increase school district security, provide greater safety for student and building visitors, and to reduce vandalism and theft, many areas of the Horizon Community Middle School campus, both internal and external, shall be subject to observation and monitoring by video cameras. Video of such observation shall be available for use by Horizon Community Middle School and the Cherry Creek School District if necessary, to enforce the law and provisions of school district policy. 

CCSD Policy JICA states, in pertinent part: 
“After having weighed carefully and balanced the rights of privacy of students with the District's duty to promote discipline, health, welfare and safety of staff and students, the Board supports the use of video cameras on its transportation vehicles and in district schools.”

Backpacks:
All students will be allowed to carry backpacks.

Cell phones and other electronic devices:
The Cherry Creek School District recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration, and provides computer devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, starting in the 23-24 school year Horizon Community Middle School will enforce the following:

Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be turned off or in silent mode when entering the classroom/learning environment and shall be kept in the student’s backpack during class time (see below bell schedule).  
Students are not permitted to access their cell phones during instructional time.
Students are permitted to access their cell phones before school, during passing periods, during lunch, and after school.
Classrooms/learning environments will have a “Stoplight” system to display in their room regarding cell phones for educational purposes. Teachers will communicate with students throughout the class period indicating how technology can be used.

Red = Zero Technology
Yellow = Computers Only
Green = All Technology Accessible for Learning

If a student needs to make an emergency call during class, they may ask their teacher to use a phone located in the classroom or the Main Office.

Parents/guardians may call the Main Office at 720-886-6108 to relay urgent and important messages to students. If the message relates to different dismissal procedures, please call by 2:30 pm if possible.

Consequences for violation of this plan are as follows:
1st Offense 
The device will be placed in a locked bag and the student, at the teacher’s convenience, will deliver the device in the locked bag to the Deans' Office.
The device will be secured in the Deans' Office until the end of the school day. The student will return to class with the empty bag.
The student will receive a warning from the Dean.  
The student will sign for and pick up the device at the end of the school day.
A parent/guardian will receive notification from the Deans' Office that the device has been placed in a secure bag and stored for the remainder of the day.
2nd Offense
The device will be placed in a locked bag and the student, at the teacher’s convenience, will deliver the device in the locked bag to the Deans' Office.
The device will be secured in the Deans' Office until the end of the school day. The student will return to class with the empty bag.
The student will receive a lunch detention as related to technology misuse to be scheduled by the Dean.
The student will sign for and pick up the device at the end of the school day.
A parent/guardian will receive notification from the Deans' Office that the device has been placed in a secure bag and stored for the remainder of the day and that a consequence has been assigned.
3rd and Subsequent Offenses
The device will be placed in a locked bag and the student, at the teacher’s convenience, will deliver the device in the locked bag to the Deans' Office.
The device will be secured in the Deans' Office until the end of the school day. The student will return to class with the empty bag.
The student will receive an after school detention as related to technology misuse, to be scheduled by the dean. 

A parent/guardian will receive notification from the Deans' Office that the device has been placed in a secure bag and stored for the remainder of the day, that a consequence has been assigned, and the procedure for retrieving the device from the Deans’ Office.
The parent/guardian will come to the HCMS Deans’ Office to sign for and pick up the device at the end of the school day or at their convenience.

Refusal to place device in case:  Student and device will be sent to the Deans' Office along with a discipline referral. Consequences as related to disobedience/defiance will be applied.
Damage to Case:  If the bag or lock are damaged while in the student’s possession, the parent/guardian will be  responsible for the cost of replacement.

Our goal is to create a safe environment, conducive to learning, and free of distractions that hinder the learning process. If you would like more information, we are happy to answer any questions you may have as to how/why this plan has been adopted.

If students choose to bring personal devices, they are responsible for its safe keeping. The school is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic devices or personal items.
To maintain a safe and focused learning environment, the use of cell phones to record conflicts or fights is strictly prohibited at all times. Any student found recording such incidents will be subject to appropriate consequences handled by the deans' office, which may include out-of-school suspension and forfeiture of phone privileges while on school grounds.

Please remember that students are not to use cell phones during instructional time. Please see the bell schedule below. If you need to get an immediate message to your child, please contact the Main Office at 720-886-6108 and the message will be delivered to your student.

Relevant Board Policy: JICJ - Student Use of Electronic Communication Device

Computers:

All students are issued a computer to use for schoolwork and homework. Students are expected to charge the computer at home each night and bring the computer and charger to school every day. We do not have extra computers available for students to use when they do not bring computers, so it is important that students bring charged computers to school every day. Computers are not to be used for gaming or non-educational purposes. 
The assigned device is the responsibility of the student to keep in good working condition. The life of the device is expected to last for four years. If the device gets damaged it will need to be repaired or replaced. If the device is broken, otherwise non-functional, please return it to your student’s school to begin the repair process. All repairs or replacements must be completed by the district. The parent and student will be personally responsible for any intentional damage to or loss of the computing device while in the student’s care – on or off school property. The cost of this repair or replacement will be as follows: 

1st Incident:

Damage - $25

Loss - $50 Laptop, $35 Dell Charger, $82 Surface Charger

Following incidents:

Damage - $50

Loss - $490 Dell Laptop, $660 Surface Laptop, $35 Dell Charger, $82 Surface Charger

* District may charge a higher fee if there is indication that the damage or loss was intentional or notably negligent.

Food:
Students may have water or water bottles in class; the consumption of food or other beverages is at the sole discretion of the teacher. Open food items, including soft drinks or juice drinks should not be in the hallways or taken outside during recess. Students are expected to responsibly dispose of their food/drink containers after use. 
Our security desk is unable to accept food deliveries for students from Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc. Please refrain from ordering food to be delivered to the school. 

Forgery:
Forgery of school records, etc. is not permitted. Examples of this might be changing grades on grade reports or progress reports, students writing excuses for absence or early dismissal for themselves or other students, or signing a hall pass with a teacher’s name.

Hall passes:
During class time students are not permitted in the halls without a pass; all hall passes are provided at appropriate times by staff members. Students must check in with their teacher to receive a restroom pass, except in an emergency.

Individual student sale of item:
The selling of items such as candy, food, gum, cards, etc. by individual students who are not connected with a club or group at Horizon Community is not permitted during school hours.

Lockers:
Students who wish to use a locker will be assigned one. Complete the Google Form to request a locker. Lockers can be accessed before and after school and before and after lunches. 

Lost and found:
Lost or misplaced articles will be turned into the lost and found area, located in the commons. Students should not keep items belonging to someone else in their possession, including in their lockers. Lost articles not claimed by the end of each quarter will be given to charity. The school is not responsible for any personal items that have been lost.

School meals:
The main focus of Food and Nutrition Services is to promote healthy eating habits by encouraging students to consume well-balanced meals. We accomplish this by serving a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and by offering milk. Complete breakfasts and lunches are served at no charge to all students. 

Health is our most valuable asset. When students live healthy lives, they are more prepared to learn and achieve. If you have questions regarding your student's account, please contact Horizon Community's kitchen manager.

Profanity:
Students are expected to express themselves in an appropriate manner. Adults and students in the building are to be treated with respect at all times. Profanity is not acceptable and will be subject to the appropriate disciplinary actions. 
 
“Schools, as instruments of the state, will determine that the essential lessons of civil, mature conduct cannot be conveyed in a school that tolerates lewd, indecent or offensive speech and conduct (U.S. Supreme Court, 1986).”

Public displays of affection:
Students are expected to show respect for others and their property. No student is ever allowed to touch another student in an inappropriate manner. Public displays of affection are not appropriate in a school setting and will be addressed by staff members. Parents may be notified of such behavior.

Theft and vandalism:
Theft or vandalism will not be tolerated and may be reported to the Aurora Police Department.

Litter:
Each Horizon Community student and staff member is responsible for helping to keep our school and campus clean. Receptacles are provided throughout the campus for appropriate disposal of trash.

Weapons:
Weapons of any kind are not allowed at Horizon Community. This includes facsimiles or any item that is used, or is threatened to be used, to inflict harm upon another person, even if its primary use is not designed to do so. Refer to CCSD Policy JICI in Student Code and Discipline, Rights and Responsibilities.

Non-discrimination:
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Horizon Community Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or age in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies should be directed to Horizon Community's Compliance Officer. 

In addition to the expectations in this section, all Cherry Creek School District schools operate under the CCSD Board Policies. Complete policies may be found at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/chcr/Board.nsf/Public.