PHILOSOPHY
Our school is first and foremost an institution of learning. Behaviors that lead to a productive, cooperative working and learning environment are promoted at Whatcom. Behaviors that detract from learning will necessitate consequences designed to discourage such behaviors. It is critical that students, parents and teachers work together to promote a positive school environment.

To this end, Whatcom operates on the "Honor Level" Behavior Management Plan. Under this system, students who exhibit good behavior and consistently follow the school rules are rewarded periodically with special privileges and/or activities. Students who experience difficulty in living up to basic school expectations receive progressive consequences based upon the number and severity of infractions. A computer program tracks student behavior on a two-week window. Students who have a problem and receive consequences also receive a lower Honor Level standing. However, if students can maintain good behavior for two weeks following an infraction, they will be moved automatically back to Honor Level I and their records will be cleared. Students on Honor Level I will receive a variety of special privileges for demonstrating responsible behaviors. Students on Honor Level's III or IV may be restricted from participating in particular assemblies and activities.

CAMPUS AND CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Demonstrate respect for the rights of others.
Respect school supplies, equipment, and property.
Use appropriate language.
Put hats, coats, and bags in locker.
Report to assigned detention.
Move through halls appropriately
Consume food and drink in the cafeteria
Leave valuables at home.
Leave gum and candy at home.
Avoid public display of affection.
Dress Appropriately.
Arrive in class on time.
Come to class with materials.
Stay on task.
Wait for teacher dismissal.
Use e-mail appropriately
Dress appropriately for Physical Education class.

Consequences for violating such rules may bring a verbal reminder, detention time at noon or after school, or, if an offense is repeated, it may lead to an office referral. Parents will be notified when after school detention is given or when offenses are regularly repeated.

MAJOR OFFENSES
Unfortunately it is imperative to include major offenses which are more severe in nature. These offenses are of such a nature that they warrant an immediate referral to the principal or assistant principal. The following list of major offenses is not all-inclusive.

1. Fighting - bullying
2. Truancy
3. Blatant disrespect to staff persons
4. Use of tobacco
5. Criminal acts will require police action.

a. Substances (possession or use)
b. Theft
c. Vandalism
d. Assault
e. Weapons (possession or use)
f. Arson

6. Repeated classroom and/or behavior plan offenses
7. Successive no-shows for detention

The consequences for major infractions are severe and progressive.

Students face:

1. Saturday School (if available)
2. Short term suspension (up to 10 school days)
3. Long term suspension (one trimester)
4. Emergency expulsion (indefinite period)

In all such cases parents will be contacted and a conference conducted to review the events and consequences.

The rules as reviewed will apply to students or school property during or immediately before or after school hours, while attending a school activity, or event off the school grounds, while riding a school bus to or from school, or at any school sanctioned activity or event.

By working together we can maximize school success.

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Whatcom Middle School: 810 Halleck Street Bellingham, WA 98225. Principal: Jeff Coulter
Copyright Notice: No materials on any of the Bellingham Schools' WWW pages may be copied unless permission is clearly stated on the page. Web Contact: Penny Jewett