PKMS Student Handbook

PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS 

Report cards are sent after each nine week grading period. Report cards are now electronic and can be found on Parent Portal. At the end of the school year, if a student owes any fees, the report card will be withheld until all  fees are paid. 

GRADING SCALE

A 90 – 100 Excellent 

B 80 – 89 Above Average 

C 70 – 79 Average 

D 60 – 69 Below Average 

F 59 - 0 Failing

PKMS GRADING POLICY

Grading Points

Tests and Projects (Major Assessments):  45%

Quizzes (Minor Assessments):  35%

Classwork/Homework: 20%

Quarter Exams will be included in the major assessment category.

RETAKE POLICY

Students are allowed to reatke all major assessments when they receive 90 or below.  They can earn back partial points to earn up to a 90% on corrections. Test retake dates will be communictaed by your child's teacher. Students are required to partipcate in a remediation session prior to retesting.

*Retakes on Quarter Exams are not allowed. Quarter Exams contain previously assessed content. 

LATE POLICY

Late work may be turned in with a 10% deduction until the end of each unit (the day of the test).

ABSENCE POLICY

When a student is absent, they will be responsible for making up all work missed. Students will have 5 days to turn in assignments from their day of absence. After 5 days, a point deduction will occur.

HOMEWORK POLICY 

Students may have nightly homework. Different classes have different workloads. Please refer to each teacher’s class syllabus for more information about how often homework is given and how it is graded. Homework/Classwork will count for 20% of a student’s grade. 

At PKMS, homework serves several purposes:

 It allows students to independently practice content taught in class. 

It  is an essential opportunity for students to refine life skills such as responsibility, autonomy, perseverance, and time management. 

If your child is having a problem with the difficulty level of homework, please reach out to his/her teachers. We are here to help. Students are responsible for making up missed work when absent from  school including homework. Students have 5 days to submit work if absent. This also applies when a student is on a school related trip. 

PROMOTION GUIDELINES 

-Sixth grade students must pass three of the four core academic classes in order to be promoted to  seventh grade. The team could recommend summer school.  

-Seventh and eighth grade students must pass three of the four core classes in order to be  promoted. However, seventh and eighth grade students will not be promoted if they fail the same  core subject in two consecutive years. The team could recommend summer school. 

-Parent conferences for students who face potential retention will be conducted. Parents/Legal  Guardians may appeal a retention decision to the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. The  appeal must be made in writing with the reasons for disagreement with the decision within two  weeks of the notification of the retention.  

-Successful completion of summer school will be required for students who fail two or more core courses in order to be promoted to the next grade.

-Seventh and eighth grade students who are planning on participating in athletics must be promoted to the next grade in order to be eligible for participation per the South Carolina High School League rules.

-Eighth Grade students that fail more than one core subject and therefore have to attend summer school may not walk at the Eighth Grade Recognition Ceremony at the end of the year. 

SUMMER SCHOOL 

Students may attend summer school to take language arts, math, science, or social studies. A fee may be charged for each session. Summer school may be located at any of the middle schools in the Fort Mill School District. Parents  will be notified at the end of the school year if their child will be required to attend. 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 

It is important for students and parents to understand the importance of academic honesty. It is expected  that what a student turns in represents his/her academic skill and efforts, and not that of someone else.  Each teacher establishes their classroom policy and procedures for tests, quizzes, and academic work.  Students are expected to follow those rules. 

We consider academic dishonesty a serious violation of school rules. The following statements are what are considered to be academic dishonesty: 

Receiving or providing information during an assessment or for an assessment given in an earlier period. 

Using materials for tests/quizzes without the teacher’s permission. 

 Violating the teacher’s testing rules and procedures. 

Using or copying someone else’s writing or work (word-for-word – or almost so), calling it your  own, and not giving credit to the author (plagiarism.) 

 Using or copying another student’s work/assignment to turn in as your own work.  

Allowing other students to use your work on assignments with the exception of specific group, lab,  or collaborative projects. 

Having a parent or guardian complete school work.

**The above list identifies the most common forms of academic dishonesty, but other actions may be  considered

SCHOOL HOURS 

School hours are from 8:10 AM to 3:10 PM. Students can enter the building each morning at 7:45 AM and  may go to his/her homeroom at that time. The homeroom bell rings at 8:10 AM. All students should  be seated in homeroom by the 8:10 AM bell. Students are marked tardy if not in their seats at 8:10 AM.  All car riders must enter the building by 8:08AM. 

REGULAR DAILY SCHEDULE

TARDY TO SCHOOL 

To avoid the loss of instructional time, students must arrive at school on time. Students are considered tardy if he/she is unable to be in his/her homeroom seat by the 8:10 AM bell. The following are the consequences for being late to school  during each semester.

• 1st - 3rd tardy – warning and parent  notification

• 4th, 5th, and 6th tardies will result in lunch detention on the day of the tardy

• Subsequent tardies will result in after school detention and notification from district attendance/residency interventionist

EARLY DISMISSAL 

Students will not be dismissed from school between 2:50 PM and 3:10 PM. Whenever possible, medical and dental appointments should be made after school hours. Students will not  be called from class until the parent arrives to sign them out. If possible, please try to time your dismissal between class periods to avoid classroom disruptions.  Students may not leave school and return  unless they have a doctor’s note or administrative approval. Only the people listed on file at school will be  allowed to remove a student from school. A picture ID may be requested. Exceptions to these rules must  be cleared by the administration. 

AFTER SCHOOL DISMISSAL 

All students are to exit the building immediately after they are dismissed. No students may remain at school unless they are participating in a school sponsored activity or sport. 

• Car riders will report to the front  of the school where they will watch for their ride. For the safety of our students and parents, please follow merging procedures, drive slowly, and be on the lookout for students. 

• Bus riders will report to the back of the school where they will load their assigned bus. Buses will leave as soon as buses are loaded. If a student misses his/her bus, parents will be notified for pickup.  Please note that students may not guest ride other buses. 

• To help answer any after school questions, the front office will close at 4:00 PM. 

ABSENCES 

The following absences will be excused: 

• Personal illness when a doctor/parent note is received within one week of the absence

• Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family when a note is received within one  week of the absence (three day limit) 

• Religious holidays requested in advance 

• Prearranged absences for other reasons when approved by the Principal 

Five days may be covered by parent notes during the school year. All make-up work must be turned  in within five days of the student’s return to school. Students should give their absence notes to homeroom  teachers. 

Accrued student absences may not exceed ten (10) days (excused or unexcused) during the school  year. Absences in excess of ten days may result in the student’s loss of credit for the year. 

STUDENT NUTRITION

The cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch. Students will have an ID number assigned to them which they will use when food is purchased. Prices are listed below: 

• Student breakfast $1.85 

• Student lunch $3.75 

Free and reduced meal applications are processed each year at the district office. An ONLINE APPLICATION can be found on the district website. Please turn applications in as soon as possible at the beginning of the school year.

 CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES 

Electronic devices including cell phones may be brought to school and used before or after school to  communicate with parents. They must be turned off and placed in the student’s locker from 7:45 AM until 3:10 PM. A cell phone may not be used during the day unless an employee of PKMS gives permission, even to call or  text parents. Earphone usage follows the same guidelines.  

MIDDLE SCHOOL CELL PHONE CONSEQUENCES

1st Violation: warning and confiscation of phone until the end of the day 

2nd and 3rd Violation: lunch detention and confiscation of phone until the end of the day 

4th and 5th  Violation: One day of ISS and confiscation of phone until the end of the day 

 6th Violation and beyond: One day of ISS for each offense and a plan for future cell phone use at  school involving a conference with the parent. 

**Violation and refusal to give school employees the electronic device will result in additional punishment and  will result in no less than one day of in-school suspension. 

Disclaimer: Students will be given more serious consequences for the following inappropriate uses: inappropriate  taking of pictures or videos, texting or messages, any use to threaten anyone or anything at PKMS, or any major  violation of our district’s acceptable use policy. Any acts which are not covered by these regulations and which are of  such a nature as to pose a threat to the physical or mental welfare of students, teachers or other school personnel or  which create a disruption in the orderly operation of any phase of the school program may result in suspension or  expulsion. The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. Calling/Texting parents or others from the school without permission is a violation. 

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES/CELEBRATIONS – ACCEPTABLE FOOD  GUIDELINES 

Homemade or home baked foods are not allowed to be distributed to students within the classroom or  applicable classroom setting. Acceptable foods for distribution are those items that were prepared in a commercial and/or licensed kitchen, and most importantly, are packaged with a label clearly listing the  contents and ingredients of the food item. With the continued rise in severe and often life-threatening food  allergies, this policy is designed to provide consistency and minimize allergy risks in all classrooms district wide, while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students. This policy does not apply  to a student’s personal lunch. 

The policy is part of a larger, comprehensive Food Allergy Guideline approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2014, which can be found on the district’s website at www.fortmillschools.org under BOARD POLICIES. Further questions can also be directed to the principal, school nurse, or by contacting the district office at (803) 548-2527.

Students may bring in a water bottle from home. The only allowable liquid is water, students may not bring energy drinks, coffee, soda, or any other non-water drinks.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL 

Regular communication between the home and school is an excellent way to support your student.

•  To help keep parents up to date with school events and learning, administration and grade level teams will send weekly emails. The principal’s weekly flyer will be sent out every Thursday around 12:00 pm, and teachers will send weekly learning plans out every Friday. 

• Parent Portal is also another great resource to stay up to date on your child’s grades and classwork. Report  cards are available virtually at the end of each nine week period. In addition to report cards, Parent Portal allows parents and students to  review grades/attendance on a daily basis – if you are not registered for this, please ask our receptionist  how to register. 

• Sometimes parent conferences are needed to provide more information. Conferences  must be scheduled. If you would like to schedule one, please call the school, email the teacher, or send a note.

• Every teacher maintains a Google classroom where class assignments, notes, and homework may be viewed. Parents can sign up to receive notifications from their child’s Google Classrooms. 

• Our  school website (Click Here) is regularly updated with information. 

• For information on school and district camps and activities, parents can register at Peachjar.com.

If at any time a parent has a question or concern, they are encouraged to call the school. We are happy to help. (803) 835-3721 

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. For further information regarding your rights under FERPA, please refer to the “For Parents” section of the school district’s WEBSITE.

ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER CHANGE AND WITHDRAWAL

Please notify the school office immediately upon any change of address or telephone number. In case of an emergency, we need to locate parents quickly. If your student is withdrawing from PKMS, a withdrawal form must be completed. You can get this form in our front office. All books must be returned and all fees paid before the transfer will be complete.

Although the responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with each student and his/her parent/legal guardian, students are expected to show pride in themselves and their schools by having their dress and appearance in accordance with good, acceptable standards. The school administration and board discourage extreme styles of dress and grooming.

Students will dress in appropriate attire. Students are expected to dress in clothing that abides the district dress code policy. Logos or clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco, racism, hate, gang affiliation, nudity, violence, or profanity is not allowed. No clothing or accessories are allowed to disrupt the educational process. The administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate for school.

Dress code violations will be handled with dignity, discretion, and respect toward all students by school staff members throughout the district.

The board may establish such administrative rules and procedures as necessary to enforce this policy.

Proper shoes must be worn at all times for safety reasons. Shoes with cleats may not be worn outside of sanctioned athletic events.

Logos or clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco, racism, hate, gang affiliation, violence, nudity, or profanity is not allowed. No clothing or accessories are allowed to disrupt the educational process. The administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate for school.

Students may wear shorts, dresses, skirts, etc. whose length is no shorter than the mid-thigh. Tops must be long enough that they can be tucked into pants or shorts. No sunglasses may be worn in the building by students upon arrival and until dismissal. Headwear may be worn if a face covering is attached.

The following items are not appropriate for school:

• Undergarments that are visible

• Pants or jeans with holes, tears, or tattered to the extend that skin or undergarments are visible above the mid-thigh

• See-through garments showing skin or undergarments above the mid-thigh are not allowed

• Tops with straps that are less than 3-fingers wide of the student

If there is a disagreement between students and/or parents/legal guardians and the staff regarding the appropriateness of clothing, the administration will use discretion to make the decision. Disciplinary action regarding the enforcement of this policy is listed below.

Violations will result in the following:

• If violation can be resolved in a timely manner, student will remain/return to class without further disciplinary action

• Following 3 unresolved offenses/violations, all subsequent violations will require parent/legal guardian conference and detention

In all offense levels, if the article of clothing promotes extreme offenses such as acts of violence, profanity, nudity, hate-filled language, or other conditions presenting a potential disruption to the learning environment, then the student may be sent to ISS until suitable clothing is brought to school.

Student Nursing Services

School Health Rooms

Every school's health room is managed by a registered nurse. Any student who is not feeling well should obtain a pass from the appropriate staff or faculty member to visit the health room. The health room is designed to assist students with chronic health conditions and is an emergency station to care for minor injuries and illnesses that occur at school. Injuries that occurred outside the school environment should be treated at home or by a health care provider prior to returning back to school. Our school nurses cannot diagnose illnesses. A nurse cannot administer any medications without a medication consent form (see below for form M105) completed by health care provider and/or parent or guardian. 

The health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance.  Procedurally, our nurses work towards returning students back to the classroom as soon as it is advisable. However, sometimes a student may need to go home due to illness. We will request that you pick up your child if his/her medical condition is unstable, or if he/she is not capable of participating in the daily school activities. This decision is based upon an assessment conducted by the school nurse. In addition, the school must also follow the DPH (Department of Public Health) School Exclusion List for specific medical conditions to be in compliance with SC State Health guidelines.

Medication Consent Form M105

General First-Aid and Medication Administration

The school health rooms will supply the following items for first-aid purposes: Vaseline, Saline Eye Wash, Aloe Vera, 1% Hydrocortisone. If you do not wish for your child to be treated with these items, please provide your written response to your school’s nurse.

Medical Emergencies

If medical emergencies arise, the school nurse and school administrator will enact medical care deemed appropriate to the student (i.e. call 911 or transport the student to the hospital). In these cases, the schools will make every attempt to contact the parent/guardian. Please be sure to keep your student's emergency information updated with correct phone numbers. If a parent/guardian is out of town and has left their child in the care of another adult, written documentation should be on file with the school. This documentation will authorize the school to contact the alternate person in case of illness or a medical emergency.

Medical Orders, Documentation, and Devices

To ensure the safety, consistency, and legal compliance of student health services, the following requirements apply:

1. Independent Medical Orders Required

Medical orders must be written, signed, and dated by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) who is not the student’s parent or guardian.

This requirement applies even if the parent/guardian is a licensed healthcare provider. In such cases, medical orders must be completed by another independent licensed provider.

2. Medical Excuses and Documentation

Medical excuses, notes, or documentation cannot be written or signed by a student’s parent or guardian, even if that parent/guardian is a licensed medical professional.

All medical documentation must be issued by the student’s independent healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA).

3. Medical Devices on Campus

If a student requires the use of a medical device during the school day, a formal medical note from a licensed healthcare provider is required prior to use on campus.

This includes, but is not limited to:

·         Boots, slings, or braces

·         Crutches or walkers

·         Wheelchairs

4. Required Accommodations Documentation

When a medical device is prescribed, the healthcare provider must also include any necessary school-day accommodations. This may include, but is not limited to:

·         Activity restrictions (e.g., PE, recess)

·         Mobility assistance needs

·         Elevator access, extra time between classes, or seating accommodations

Permission for School Administration of Prescription Medication 

Prescription medications are medicines that require a written prescription from a health care practitioner. In order for a child to be given prescription medicine at school, the child’s health care practitioner and the child’s parent or guardian must sign a permission form. A medication permission form (M105) must be completed by the health care practitioner for each prescription medication to be given at school. Click here to download the M105 form.

A responsible adult should deliver the medicine and the permission form to the school. The medicine must be in the original container with the label on it from their pharmacy. No Ziploc bags will be accepted.

If a prescription medicine is currently being given at school and needed while your child is on a field trip, the parent/guardian must bring and supply the medicine to school by the day of the field trip. It must be in the original, marked container. Additional labeled bottles may be obtained from your pharmacy. No Ziploc bags will be accepted. 

Permission for School Administration of Non-Prescription Medication 

Non-prescription medications are medicines that you can buy without a written prescription from a health care practitioner. Non-prescription medications are sometimes called “over-the-counter” medicines.

In order for a child to be given non-prescription medicines at school, the child’s parent/guardian must sign a permission form. The medication must be in the original, marked container with the manufacturer’s seal unbroken. A medication permission form (M105) will need to be completed on each medication that is to be given at school.Click here to download the M105 form

Research has shown an association between the development of Reys’s syndrome and the use of aspirin and combination products containing aspirin. For this reason, nurses should refrain from giving these products unless there is a direct order by a healthcare provider.

If a non-prescription (OTC) medication is written as a prescription by the health care provider, the child’s health care provider and the child’s parent or guardian must sign a permission form (M 105). The medication should be in a labeled bottle by the pharmacy with the child’s name, the name of the medication, and the times of administration. Whenever possible, the expected duration of treatment shall be stated.

If a non-prescription medicine is currently being given at school or home and needed while your child is on a field trip, the parent/guardian must bring and supply the medicine to school by the day of the field trip. It must be in the original, marked container, with the manufacturer’s seal unbroken and have the M105 form completed for each medication and signed by the parent/guardian.  Additional labeled bottles may be obtained from your pharmacy. No Ziploc bags will be accepted

A responsible adult should deliver the medicine and the permission form to the school. The medicine must be in the original container with the label on it and the manufacturer seal unbroken. The dosage of the medicine cannot exceed the recommended dosage from the manufacturer without a prescription from the child’s health care practitioner. 

Our school district does not accept orders for herbal, homeopathic or non – FDA approved medications to be administered in the schools or on overnight field trips.

Students may have nightly homework. Different classes have different workloads. Please refer to each teacher’s class syllabus for more information about how often homework is given and how it is graded. Homework/Classwork will count for 20% of a student’s grade. 

At PKMS, homework serves several purposes:

•  It allows students to independently practice content taught in class. 

• It  is an essential opportunity for students to refine life skills such as responsibility, autonomy, perseverance, and time management. 

If your child is having a problem with the difficulty level of homework, please reach out to his/her teachers. We are here to help. Students are responsible for making up missed work when absent from  school including homework. Students have 5 days to submit work if absent. This also applies when a student is on a school related trip. 

SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER 

Listen to television and radio announcements  for FORT MILL SCHOOL DISTRICT # 4 (not York  County) schools. The school district website, will have information related to  closing of schools.  The FMSD and PKMS will contact all homes when there is a closing with the aid of our Blackboard  messaging system. Please keep phone numbers and email addresses current. 

Please inform your student about the procedure you expect to be followed regarding transportation in the event that bad weather may force us to close school early. Let your student know beforehand how to get home, and how to get into the house in the event weather forces us to close early. This will reduce any confusion for all of us, but especially for your student.

LOCKERS/BOOKBAGS

Each student is assigned a locker with a built-in combination; therefore, no personal locks are needed. Students should keep their locker closed and locked at all times - the school is not responsible for the contents in the student’s locker. Lockers are the property of the school and are subject to inspection by school personnel. Lockers are approximately 12” X 30” and will not accommodate larger book bags. A 12” locker shelf fits our lockers nicely and helps with organization.

LOST AND FOUND

Please write your child’s name on all personal articles including lunch boxes, jackets, gym clothes, etc. Items found with a name will be returned to students. We do maintain a lost and found closet; however, items left over nine weeks will be donated.

• Fort Mill Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Non-discrimination Inquiries (Students and Families)
Cori Hustedt, Executive Director of Student Services
Fort Mill Schools
2233 Deerfield Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715
(803) 548-8488

Non-discrimination Inquires (Employees):
Peter Olinger, Executive Director of Human Resources
Fort Mill Schools
2233 Deerfield Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715
(803) 548-8381

Non-discrimination Inquiries (Students and Families - Disabilities Inquiries)
Dr. Amy Maziarz, Executive Director of Special Services
Fort Mill Schools
2233 Deerfield Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715
(803) 548-8038

Additional information regarding non-discrimination policies may be obtained from:
Washington DC (Metro)
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1475
Telephone: 202-453-6020
FAX: 202-453-6021; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email:OCR.DC@ed.gov

Purpose:
To ensure student safety and full participation during Physical Education (PE) classes by establishing clear expectations for appropriate athletic footwear.

Required Footwear:
Students are required to wear sneakers in order to participate in PE class.

Definition of Sneakers:
Sneakers are defined as closed-toe, rubber-soled athletic shoes that provide proper support, grip, and cushioning for physical activity. They must:

• Fully enclose the foot (no sandals, crocs, slides, or slip-ons)

• Have laces or secure fastenings to keep the shoe in place

• Be designed specifically for physical activities such as running, jumping, and sports

Non-Compliant Footwear Examples Include (but are not limited to):

• Sandals, flip-flops, crocs, boots, flats, dress shoes, or any type of footwear not intended for physical activity

Consequences for Non-Compliance:

• First Offense:

  • Documented as a warning

  • Student completes an alternate assignment: bodyweight circuits and a written reflection or task during class

• Second Offense:

  • Parent/guardian will be contacted via phone call

  • Student continues with bodyweight circuits and a written assignment for the class period

• Third Offense and Beyond:

  • Student will lose points from their overall PE grade

  • Student will still complete bodyweight circuits and a written assignment

Rationale:
Proper footwear is essential for student safety and effective participation in physical education. This policy is designed to promote accountability, readiness, and safe physical activity.

Note:
Medical exemptions must be accompanied by a valid doctor’s note and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.Please ensure you come prepared for PE each day. Participation and preparation are key to success!

Acknowledgment of Physical Education Footwear Policy

By signing below, both student and parent/guardian acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Physical Education Footwear Policy outlined above.

Student Brochure

Telephones in the office are for emergency uses and for students to contact parents in regards to transportation or after school activities. Our front office staff will help students contact parents when needed.

Student Discipline

A student who is involved in school activities is a well-rounded student. We have many clubs and activities with which students may become involved. Sports, band, chorus, school musical, and academic activities are available. Students must be at school for at least half of the school day in order to participate in an extracurricular activity that day.

Students who are assigned a full day of In-School Suspension (ISS) are not eligible to participate in their after school activity on that day including as a spectator. All sports are governed by the South Carolina High School League. Eligibility is determined by the SCHSL in conjunction with school board policy. In addition, students must follow our PKMS Student Athletic Policy.

Lastly, Students must be picked up no later than 15 minutes after the termination of all school functions. Failure to abide by this policy may result in the student not being allowed to attend after school activities.

PKMS Athletic Website.

Students must take care of their textbooks. If a textbook is damaged, lost, or stolen, it is the student’s responsibility to pay for the book. Also, if the barcode on the back of the textbook is missing when the book is returned, the student may be charged the full book price.

All visitors in the building, including parents and volunteers, must sign in at the office and receive a visitor pass. Students may not have school-age visitors including out-of-town relatives. Any visitor other than a parent, grandparent, or guardian must be approved by the principal. Lunch visitors will not be permitted to bring or drop off lunches from outside vendors.

OUR VISION AT PLEASANT KNOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL

As a community of learners at Pleasant Knoll Middle School, we strive to create a safe environment focused on high achievement through a rigorous curriculum and student/teacher engagement. We work to instill a sense of community and positive citizenship while encouraging our students to SOAR in STEAM initiatives and college/career readiness.

TO OUR STUDENTS…

Welcome to Pleasant Knoll Middle School! We are excited about this school year and are glad that you are going to be a part of our student body. You can benefit from all that middle school has to offer by having a positive attitude, taking part in school activities, and participating in your classes. Teachers, administrators, and all other staff members are here to help you achieve your educational goals as you proceed through middle school. At PKMS, we believe every day is an opportunity to be kind, work hard, learn something new, to be thoughtful, connect with someone, have fun, and so much more. By working together, we will be able to create an engaging and high quality learning experience for each of our students. This handbook is a great resource that will acquaint you with school information, procedures, policies, and regulations.

Our PKMS Beliefs

• Children are our priority.

• An innovative, rigorous, and engaging education provides the foundation for success in the lives and careers of our students.

• High expectations, integrity and perseverance promote excellence.

• Everyone has worth and value and should be treated with respect and dignity.

• Recognizing achievement and celebrating success builds a culture of excellence.

• Dynamic leadership, collaboration and continuous improvement enable our schools to be globally competitive.

• The student, the family, the school, and the community share a commitment and a responsibility for student development.

• Children should be provided with the resources and facilities to achieve their greatest success.

• The school community should be a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.

Please read our student handbook thoroughly each year. Every parent and student are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook. If you have any questions about the information in this handbook, please contact the school or reach out to the administration.