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Section III:  How to be Successful at MacArthur

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

In order for students to be successful in class, they must have the correct materials.

In an effort to stress organizational skills, all students will maintain and carry with them to

each class a 3-ring binder notebook that is at least 3 inches thick. Each notebook is to

be divided into separate sections for each academic area. Parents can expect to buy 4-5 binders per year because they wear out. Every student should also have the following

school supplies: 

Items we strongly suggest to have at home:

Items that are not allowed on campus at any time:


Organization Skills

Using Your Agenda:

At Home:

Skills for Listening

Good listening require skill and practice. Itıs important to know how to listen effectively when you need to pay attention to a teacher or classmate presenting information.

1.  Listen actively.  To be a good listener you must:

2.  Listen accurately.  To be a good listener you must:


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Using Context Clues

When you come across a word that you donıt know, you can often figure out its meaning from the other words in the sentence. The other words form a familiar context, or setting, for the unfamiliar word. Looking closely at these surrounding words will give you hints, or clues, about the meaning of the new word. Seven common types of context clues are listed below with examples.

Types of Context Clues:

Clues from synonyms:

Sara had an ominous feeling when she woke up, but the feeling was less threatening when she saw she was in her own room

Clues from antonyms:

Jorge had always been quite heavy, but he looked gaunt when he returned from the hospital.

Clues contained in comparisons and contrasts:

Riding a mountain bike in a remote area is my idea of a great day. I wonder why some people like to ride motorcycles on busy six-lane highways.

Clues contained in a definition or description:

Manatees, large aquatic mammals (sometimes called sea cows), can be found in the warm coastal waters of Florida.

Clues that appear in a series:

The campers spotted sparrows, chickadees, cardinals, and indigo buntings on Saturday morning.

Clues provided by the tone and setting:

It was a cool and breezy fall afternoon. Hundreds of fans were gathering for the last game of the season, and the student jazz band was entertaining the crowd. It was an auspicious event.

Clues derived from cause and effect:

The amount of traffic at Washington and Main doubled last year, so crossing lights were placed at that corner to avert an accident.

(Write Source 2000)


CORNELL NOTETAKING SYSTEM

One of the best ways to help you remember important information and review for a test is to take notes during class. Note taking can seem difficult at first, but if you follow these note taking tips you should have an easier time perfecting this skill.

                                                        Class:                                                       Date:

Recall Clues and Questions               Notes: The Cornell Note taking System

Preparing the system                    1.     Use standard 3-hole paper

                                                     2.     Use one side of paper only.

                                                     3.     Use a black or blue ballpoint pen.

                                                     4.     Draw a line 1/3 from the left side of the paper.

                                                     5.     Write ideas and facts on the right side of the line.

                                                     6.     Skip lines between major ideas.

Using the system                          1.     Record notes simply

                                                     2.     Write key phrases, not entire sentences.

                                                     3.     Donıt make an elaborate outline.

                                                     4.     Write down all key terms and definitions.

                                                     5.     Include all relevant examples.

                                                     6.     Use an abbreviation system.

                                                     7.     Write as neatly as possible.

                                                     8.     Leave blank space when you miss ideas, to add information after asking the teacher or a classmate for clarification.

After the lecture or reading         1.     Read through your notes as soon as possible after the lecture or reading.

                                                     2.     Rewrite illegible or abbreviated words that you may forget.

                                                     3.     Check the spelling of any uncertain words.

                                                     4.     Improve the organization of the notes by highlighting, numbering, and bulleting items.

                                                     5.     Write keywords or questions in the recall column that prompt the information in the note-taking column.

Review method                              1.     Cover the right side of your notes with a piece of paper.

                                                     2.     Using the questions or key words in the recall column, recite aloud the facts and ideas of the lecture or reading in your own words.

                                                     3.     Slide the paper down and check that portion of your notes to see if you remembered all the critical information.

                                                     4.     Check off questions in the recall column that you should continue to review more seriously.

(Kinsella, San Francisco State University, 5/02)

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QUALITY OF CLASSWORK AND HOMEWORK

Students should always strive to do their very best on all of their work. Here are questions you can ask yourself about each assignment:

1.             What are you learning?

2.             Why do you need to know this?

3.             How do you know when your work is ³good enough²?

4.             What can you do to make your work better?

Here are some tips for double checking assignments before you turn them in. You should always assess your work in these three ways:

1.        Is the work neatly written or typed?

  1. ·      Is it readable?
  2. ·      Is the handwriting well formed?
  3. ·      If using a computer, was the correct font and size used?  Did I use spell check?
  4. ·      If the assignment calls for it, is the work designed neatly and completely?

2.        Is the work organized and complete?

3.        Were the teacherıs directions followed completely?

PARENTS:

Using these standards, parents must check each assignment every day to see that it has been completed.


Preparing for a Test

1)    Ask Questions

2)    Review the material

3)    Study your notes.

4)    Taking a test.


 

 

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Taking Writing Tests

In a writing test, you write an essay that answers a specific question. This kind of test involves several steps. You read the questions, think about what you know, plan your answer, and, finally, you write your answer.

Understanding the question is key to writing a good essay. Read the question or prompt carefully‹at least two times. As you look for the key word or words that tell you exactly

what to do. Here are some key words you will often find in essay questions.

Compare means ³tell how these things are alike.²

Contrast means ³tell how these things are different.² Some essay questions ask you to  compare and contrast.

Define means ³tell what a word or subject means, what its function or role is, what group or category it belongs to, and how it is different from other members of the group.²

Describe means ³tell how something looks, sounds, or feels.² In some cases, you may even describe how something smells and tastes.

Evaluate means ³give your opinion.² Write about good points and bad points. It is very  important to tell why you have this opinion and to give facts and details that support it.

Explain means ³tell how something happens or how it works.² You should give reasons,  causes, or step-by-step details.

Identify means ³answer who? What? When? Where? And why? About a subject.²

List means ³include a specific number of examples, reasons, or causes.²

Outline means ³organize your answer into main points and specific examples.² In some cases, you will use an actual outline.

Prove means ³present facts and details that show something is true.²

Review means ³give an overall picture of the main points about a subject.²

Summarize means ³tell the important points in a shortened form


STUDY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

MacArthur students can always seek help from their teachers. There are, however, additional programs that students should attend in order to achieve at least a ³C² grade. Each of these programs is supervised by a credentialed staff member.  A brief explanation  of each one is listed below.

Study Smart Study Hall:  This program provides a quiet and structured place for students to work on their assignments during lunch.  Student participation is voluntary.  A few students, however, may be assigned to participate in this program by a counselor or    an administrator.  A teacher is there to assist students or help with assignments.  Open Monday through Thursday.

Tutor Corps:  This program is designed to match CJSF Honor Society tutors with those students who have been assigned additional help by their teacher or counselor. Students are assigned a specific number of tutorial sessions and upon their completion the studentıs record of attendance is returned to the teacher.

Mac Computer Lab:  For those students with parent permission, the Mac Lab is

open Tuesday and Wednesday after school from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Availability is

determined on first-come, first-served basis.

Study Skills Class: This program is designed to help students who need to improve their organizational and study techniques. This class meets for three weeks. Students  may be referred to this program by their teacher, their counselor or their parent. Registration is needed for participation.

Math Skills Assistance:  It is expected that EVERY student will be at grade level in math. Students who do not meet math standards may be required to attend tutorial sessions, Summer School and/or additional class during the school year.  This class will take the place of their elective.  Teachers will conduct tutorial sessions throughout the year.  These sessions will be held before or after school or during lunch.

Saturday Math Academy:  Teacher-recommended 7th graders who are taking pre-algebra and 8th graders who are taking algebra are recommended for this program. Parent participation at meetings is necessary.  Classes meet on Saturdays and students must attend each session.  Students receive state standards-based instruction and tutoring

from MacArthur teachers.

Language Arts Skills Assistance: It is expected that EVERY student will be at grade level in reading and writing skills. Students who are far below these standards may be required to attend tutorial sessions, Summer School and/or an additional class during the school year.  Teachers will conduct tutorial sessions before or after school or during lunch.

Library: The Library is maintained as a quiet place to read, do homework, or study. Students may not eat in the Library and they must be quiet. The Library is open every day in the morning at 7:25 a.m., at lunch, and after school until 3:00 p.m.


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CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

         Douglas MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School has been designed to help students focus on academic success. It is expected that every student will operate fully within the framework of the Code of Student Conduct. Students who choose not to follow the Code of Student Conduct will be appropriately disciplined.

CAMPUS CONDUCT

         Because MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School is a community of students gathered for the purpose of formal learning, where each respects himself, others, and the school, all students are expected to:

1.          Demonstrate acceptable behavior in the classroom, on the school grounds, and on the way to and from school.

2.          Comply with the District mandatory Uniform Policy.  (See pg. 25)

3.          Attend classes on time, every day, unless out of school for a valid reason (e.g. illness or bereavement).

4.          At no time deface, damage, destroy, steal, or litter school district property or the property of other persons.

5.          Be honest, courteous, respectful, and show good manners.

6.          Show respect for our country and its symbols through participation in appropriate patriotic activities.

7.          Move quietly and in an orderly manner throughout the campus. Walk while on campus.

8.          Bring reading material daily to all classes.

9.          Refrain from inappropriate or public displays of affection.

10.         Eat food in the lunch area only, and help maintain a clean campus by putting all trash in the proper containers.

11.         Obey directions for seating, conduct, and dismissal at assemblies.

12.         Maintain the standards of MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School when not under the direct supervision of a teacher or supervisor and when attending school functions off campus.

13.         Complete the registration process for all bicycles being ridden to school. Bicycles must be securely locked in the bicycle racks.

14.         Obey all traffic regulations when riding to and from school. It is the law that all students riding bicycles must wear helmets.

15.         Use the library responsibly, respect the rights of others, use materials properly, and return books on time.

16.          Promptly pay for lost, damaged, and/or overdue library books and textbooks.


STUDENTS WILL NOT AT ANY TIME:

1.             Cheat, forge signatures on school documents, or copy other studentsı work.

2.             Leave campus during school hours. Parents must come to the office and sign the student out of school.

3.             Use profane or vulgar language or make obscene or suggestive gestures.

4.             Make any threat to commit, attempt to commit, or commit any physical violence against school personnel or other students.

5.             Push, hit, kick, ³play fight,² wrestle, tease, or call teachers or other students names or participate in any form of ³hazing² against another student or students.

6.             Bring any form of toys, balls, bats or similar equipment, collectibles such as trading cards, pogs, etc., playing cards, magic cards, collector cards, electronic/computer games, stuffed animals, cameras, radios, tape/CD  players, laser pointers or recorders, or electronic telephone beepers/pagers onto the campus. 

7.             Chew gum on campus at any time or at any school-sponsored event.

8.             Loiter on or near school grounds after school.

9.             Run at any time on the campus, including the parking lot.

10.         Climb trees, fences, or buildings on campus.

11.         Throw rocks or other objects (dirt, food, etc.).

12.         Touch, lift, push, sit upon, or deface any vehicle on or near the school grounds.

13.         Change lockers without permission from the office or share lockers or locker combinations with friends. 

14.         Use a lock other than a school purchased lock.

15.         Privately buy or sell candy or other items on campus.  This does not include school-wide fundraisers.

16.         Use, possess, or distribute tobacco, any controlled substance (including marijuana), narcotics, alcohol or intoxicant, or other contraband on a school campus or at any time when under the jurisdiction of the school.

17.         Possess or use lethal weapons (including knives), or any item that may be constituted as a weapon (brass knuckles, razors, etc.), explosive devices or any form of caps, poppers, fireworks, stink bombs, or replicas thereof.

18.         Take medication at school without a written notification from parents and doctors. The medication must be in an original box or container with a pharmacy label attached and turned into the health office.

19.         Ride bicycles, skateboards, or roller skates on school grounds, especially the parking lot, at any time (including athletic events and practices).

20.         Leave class for any reason or come to the office without a pass from the teacher or supervisor.

21.         Leave campus during the school day for any reason without permission from the Attendance Office.

22.         Be in a restricted area (near lockers and classrooms) during Nutrition and Lunch, unless authorized to do so. Students must remain inside the white boundary lines during Nutrition. Students are permitted to be on the blacktop and field areas (located behind the P.E. building), during Lunch.  

23.         Possess or distribute ³look-alike² drugs, substances or drug paraphernalia or possess items that have likenesses of drug-related pictures on them (e.g. a picture of a marijuana plant).

24.         Use ³gang type writing² on books, notebooks, or any personal or school item.

25.         Gamble. Any form of wagering or betting for money or items is against school rules. Wagering in any manner is also outlawed by State and Federal law pertaining to minors.

26.         Spank or strike in any way, pour liquid upon, ³egg² students or otherwise participate in any form of harassment of a student.

27.         Spit on sidewalks, buildings, other people or any school property. 

28.         Bring permanent marking pens (markers), highlighters or Liquid Paper ( ³white out²) to school. 

29.         Fold or tear out pages in the student Agenda.

30.         Write on backpacks, except the studentıs name.

31.         Have non school-related materials in or on their binder and backpack (e.g. pictures of ³pop² stars or personal pictures).

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

         The goal of MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School is to provide a variety of opportunities that allow students to realize their academic potential. In order to provide a classroom environment that is conducive to learning, it is expected that all students will:

1.        Enter and exit the classroom in a quiet and orderly manner.

2.        Be in their seats and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

3.        Be prepared, at all times, with a covered textbook, school Agenda, pencils, pens, a notebook, and paper. If textbooks are lost, damaged, or stolen, the student will pay the full cost for their replacement.

4.        Follow all directions of the classroom teacher and other school staff, and obey the rules and regulations of each classroom in order to avoid disturbing others.

5.        Complete all work that is assigned and any make up work missed due to absences.

6.        Attend class on time every day unless ill or with an excuse that has been validated by the office.

7.        Attend to personal grooming during times that students are not sitting in class. Personal grooming items must be kept in the studentıs purse, pocket or locker during school hours.

8.        Use the bathroom facilities before and after school, during nutrition, during lunch and between classes rather than during class time.

9.        Eat only in designated areas. Students may not eat in the classroom during class time.

 

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Implementation of the Uniform Policy in Grades K - 8


This is a mandatory uniform policy for all students in K-8 schools beginning July 1, 1997.  The Board expects students to give attention to personal cleanliness and to wear clothes that are suitable for the activities in which they participate.  Studentsı clothing must not cause a distraction to school activities, create a hazard to safety of the student or others, and may invade the rights of others.  The basic District uniform colors are navy blue bottoms and white tops.  Your school will advise you of any other guidelines they may have.  The following apply:

1.0 Model of dress for girls:

2.0 Model of dress for boys:

1.0    General guidelines for school attire:

4.0   An occasional ³spirit day² may be declared by the site, at which time students may choose to wear school logo shirts, spirit shirts, or special activity shirts.

5.0   Parent who choose not to have their students wear uniforms may be exempt from this policy by:

a)  requesting an exemption form in the local school; b) completing the application; and c) submitting it to the designated   administrator at the studentıs school.  Any student who applies for exemption from the Mandatory Uniform Policy must comply with the previously established District Dress Code (AS 5131)

6.0   No student shall be suspended from class or from school, be expelled from school or receive a lowered grade as a result of not complying with Board policy.

7.0   No student shall be considered non-compliant with this policy in the following instances:

The following procedures will be followed to assure that the Uniform Policy is administered consistently across the District (AR-5132.56.4):

 

MacArhtur dress code
2005-2006 School Year

For students on Waiver


PURPOSE

A studentıs dress and general appearance should not be such that it draws undesirable attention to the student; nor should dress and appearance detract or interfere with teaching and learning in the classroom and on the campus. It is expected that all students shall maintain their person and clothing in a modest, clean, and age-appropriate manner consistent with the District and/or the MacArthur Dress Code and compatible with the instructional program.

UNACCEPTABLE CLOTHING

·       No athletic team clothing or accessories.

·       No trench-type knee length coats (unless for inclement weather).

·       No clothing, haircuts and accessories worn in a manner that could be associated with gang or group affiliation.

·       No knee socks with over-the-knee shorts.

·       No gang writing on anything, including the body or on personal property.

·       No extreme styles.  (Examples:  Gothic, or wild combinations)

 

BOYS

HAIR

·       Hair will be clean and neatly groomed above the eyebrows and above the shirt collar. Layers must be blended. Use at least a #2 blade.

·       No extreme hairstyles.

·       Only the studentıs natural hair color is permissible.  No dyed hair.

·       No eyebrow designs or shaved eyebrows.

FOOTWEAR

·       Socks must be worn with all shoes.  No extreme styles of socks allowed.

·       Footwear must be appropriate for school activities.

·       Shoes must be enclosed.  Straps. laces and buckles must be fastened or tied.

PANTS, SHORTS AND OVERALLS

·       All pants and shorts must fit appropriately.

·       Pants must be properly hemmed and sewn at the bottom.  No torn or frayed bottoms.

·       No army fatigues, camouflage-type clothing, sweat pants, gym shorts, sweat and/or jogging outfits (matching or not).

·       Pants must be worn at the hips.

BELTS AND SUSPENDERS

·       If pants, shorts or overalls have belt loops, a belt must be worn.

·       No initialed belt buckles may be worn.

·       Belts cannot hang down

SHIRTS AND OUTER GARMENTS

·       All shirts must be appropriately fitted at the shoulders and tucked in so that the waistband is visible. If the shirt cannot remain tucked in, it cannot be worn.

·       Except for MacArthur logos, no pictures, characters, logos or print of any kind may be worn.

·       No tank tops, mesh shirts, airbrushed shirts.

·       No shirts worn as jackets.

·       All tops must fit appropriately.

·       All shirts must have a collar

·       MacArthur T-shirts such as clubs, All-Stars, ASB, and Pentathlon are allowed.

HATS, SUNGLASSES, JEWELRY AND EARRINGS

·       No sweatbands, bandanas, hairnets and combs in the hair.

·       Pre-approved plain hats or visors, in white, black, or gold, are allowed for outdoor use only.

·       No body piercing.

·       No earrings

·       No jewelry that is dangerous or distracting

PERSONAL GROOMING ITEMS

·       Personal grooming items must be kept in the studentıs backpack or locker and can only be used in the restroom or P.E. locker room.

GENERAL ITEMS

·       No tattoos or writing on the body.

·       No oversized, baggy clothing.

GIRLS

HAIR

·       Hair will be clean and neatly groomed.

·       No extreme hairstyles.

·       Only the studentıs natural hair color is permissible.  No dyed or streaked hair.

·       No eyebrow designs or shaved eyebrows.

FOOTWEAR

·       Footwear must be appropriate for school activities with heels not to exceed 2 inches.

·       Socks or nylons must be worn with all shoes.

·       Sandals with heel straps are allowed.

PANTS, SHORTS AND OVERALLS

·       All pants and shorts must fit appropriately.

·       Shorts must reach mid-thigh.

·       No army fatigues, camouflage-type clothing, sweatpants, sweat and/or jogging outfits (matching or not).

·       Pants must be properly hemmed and sewn at the bottom.  No torn or frayed bottoms.

BELTS AND SUSPENDERS

·       If pants, shorts, or overalls have belt loops, a belt must be worn.

·       No initialed belt buckles.

·       Belts cannot hang down.

DRESSES, SKIRTS AND JUMPERS

·       Dresses, jumpers, skirt hemlines, and slits may not be higher than 3 inches from the top of the kneecap.

·       No dresses with spaghetti straps or cutout designs.

·       No dresses that are strapless or off the shoulder.

SHIRTS, BLOUSES AND OUTER GARMENTS

·       No white T-shirts, with or without pockets, can be worn as an outer shirt.

·       All blouses and shirts must be appropriately fitted and tucked in so that the waistband is visible. If the top cannot remain tucked in, it cannot be worn.

·       Except for MacArthur logos, no pictures, characters, logos, or print of any kind may be worn

·       Small logos are permissible.. 

·       No low-cut or tight fitting shirts, blouses, or tops that show the stomach.

·       No tube tops, tank tops and sheer clothing that does not have a dress code-approved top underneath.

·       No shirts worn as jackets.

·       All tops must fit appropriately.

PERSONAL GROOMING ITEMS

·       Personal grooming items must be kept in the studentıs purse, backpack, or locker and can only be used in the restroom or P.E. locker room.

·       Lightly applied blush on cheeks, black/brown mascara, and non-colored chap stick may be worn. No other makeup items are acceptable.

·       No white-tipped acrylic nails (natural only).

·       Clear nail polish may be worn. Nails, natural or artificial, can be no longer than ¼ inch above the fingertips.

HATS, SUNGLASSES, JEWELRY AND EARRINGS

·       Earrings should be no more than 1 inch in length and no more than 2 per ear.

·       No body piercing.

·       No jewelry that is dangerous or distracting.

·       No bandanas, curlers, hairnets or headbands across the forehead

·       Pre-approved plain hats or visors, in white, black, or gold, are allowed for outdoor use only.

GENERAL ITEMS

·       No tattoos or writing on the body.

·       No oversized, baggy clothing.

 

 

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FOR STUDENTS NOT ON WAIVER


   GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS WEARING UNIFORMS

   Tops:       Any solid colored top with sleeves and a collar, tucked in at the waist so that the waistband is visible.

   Bottoms:  Navy Blue, black and Khaki colored pants and shorts (boys and girls); skirts, culottes, skorts (girls). 

                  No jeans   

   Plain (no logo or design) jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts.

SPECIAL NOTES

·       District Policy states that uniforms are mandatory. If this causes a financial hardship, parents may sign a waiver in the school office. We do, however, strongly recommend uniforms.

·       As with all school rules, the Dress Code will be enforced while students travel to school, are at school and on the way home. Students must also follow the Dress Code at all school-related field trips and activities.

·       If students come dressed or groomed (haircut, etc.) inappropriately, parents may be called to bring a change of clothes or take the student home to change or have a hairstyle corrected. VIOLATIONS OF THE DRESS CODE WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.    

·       Since it is not possible to include every style, trend, or haircut in the Dress Code, those items that are not specifically mentioned will be dealt with on an individual basis.

·       As fashion trends change, there may be a need to modify the Dress Code. When this occurs, parents will be notified in the Parent Newsletter. Students, please call the school at (714) 513-9819, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for clarification prior to a clothing purchase or hair appointment, or bring the clothing to school for approval.

·       The Administrative Staff will make final interpretation of the Dress Code.

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS

Students who choose to disobey either the Uniform Policy or the MacArthur Dress Code will receive one or

more of the following consequences: warning, campus clean-up, detention, Saturday Work Program, suspension, and/or removal from MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School. Please note the

seriousness of consequences 4, 5, 6 and 7.

4th DRESS CODE VIOLATION:  Loss of waiver,; return to uniform

5th DRESS CODE VIOLATION: Saturday Work Program

6th DRESS CODE VIOLATION: 2-day suspension from school

7th DRESS CODE VIOLATION: Return to home school

These are some examples of dress code violations:


Too Revealing

Midriff Showing

Too Short
     

Underwear Showing

Inappropriate Logo

Hats, caps, etc.
     

Pajamas

Inappropriate Logo

Chains, Spikes, etc.