The purpose of this handbook is to provide students and parents with information about the programs and policies of their school. Students will invest over 4,000 hours of their time in the middle school years. Parents will invest hundreds of hours of their time in school related activities and as taxpayers also will invest several thousand dollars in school taxes.
The amount of time and money invested calls for an equal amount of effort to be invested by students, parents, faculty and staff. Where a full effort is not made, the lost investment of time and money cannot be made up. Therefore, the information in this handbook has been put together to help get the most possible out of the investments of time and money.
Our faculty and staff recognize that the quality and success of our students' future is linked to their success in school. We are committed to the goal of helping students get the most out of their investment of time.
Items covered in this handbook are ones that remain generally constant from year to year. Therefore, this handbook should serve as a handy reference for all three of the middle school years.
Information on items that change from year to year will be covered in monthly or bimonthly newsletters. Such newsletters are passed out to students to hand-carry home. The newsletters are for both students and parents. Placing newsletters in students' hands gives them access to the information, gives students part of the responsibility for communication between school and home and allows us to do so on an economic basis.
We hope that you will take time to go over the contents of this handbook with your children. It is the responsibility of the parent and student to familiarize themselves with this handbook. We believe this is an important step in helping make the middle school years successful.
The mission of Drew Middle School, in collaboration with parents and community, is to successfully educate all students to high levels of academic performance in a caring, safe, clean and healthy environment, where students will become responsible citizens, develop self worth and value lifelong learning.
Drew Middle School is a Detroit Compact School. The Detroit Compact is a program that will guarantee high school graduates a good job or college scholarship. Graduates will meet tough standards, which include high scores on nationally standardized tests, high levels of attendance and punctuality and evidence of leadership and teamwork skills.
Drew Middle School was accredited by the Michigan State Board of Education May 8, 1991, and has met the standards of the Michigan Accreditation Program. Accreditation processes provide assurance that a school has met standards of educational quality, conducted a rigorous self-study and hosted an external visitation, developed a well-evidenced improvement plan predicated on desired student outcomes, and with the approval of their board of education, implemented that plan toward providing enhanced educational equity, excellence and accountability.
We have been granted "Interim Status" under the new accreditation process. Interim Status is given to schools with at least 51 percent or more of its students receiving satisfactory scores on at least one MEAP test in a three year period.
Drew Middle School was named one of Michigan's top secondary schools for the 1985-86 and 1986-87 school years by the Michigan Department of Education, and recognized by the Michigan State Board of Education. The purpose of the recognition program is to identify successful public schools. For a school to be recognized, there must be evidence that its students are developing a foundation of academic skills; that there exists strong leadership and effective working relationships between school, parents and others in the community; orderly and conducive learning atmosphere in the school; and effective resolution of problems that affect student learning and the school's daily operations.
Grade 6 / Length
Grade 7 / Length
Grade 8 / Length
* Students may enter the building at 7:30 a.m. during poor weather
conditions (determined by the school). They are to remain in the front
hall and are expected to unless involved in school programs.
Students are encouraged to join school organizations.
Attendance at school and each class is the responsibility of the students and the student's parents. Students who are chronically absent jeopardize their chance for promotion. Excessive absences and tardiness will not be permitted and will result in appropriate supportive assistance, and if necessary; disciplinary action. A written note from a parent is expected following any absence.
Absent policy - Students are expected to be in school at least 95 percent of the time. A student can be absent no more than 10 days.
Tardy policy - The policy involves a parent and counselor in an attempt to eliminate a problem of tardiness in school.
Step 1: Second tardiness - Student is counseled and a warning letter goes to parents.
Step 2: Third tardiness - Student is given a suspension letter A parent must call the counselor the following day between 8:05 and 8:25 a.m., or the student will be excluded from classes.
Step 3: Fifth tardiness - Student will be issued a letter A parent must return with the student for a conference in the Adjustment Center.
Step 4: Continued tardiness - Guidance, referrals and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
Half day dismissals are at 11:15 a.m. Early dismissals are at 1:25 p.m. Lunch is not served on half days. Notes regarding half days and early dismissals are sent home to parents by way of their child.
Only parents/legal guardians can authorize early dismissal of a child from school. This is done through the student's counselor or an administrator who has had a phone contact with a parent/legal guardian. A note from a parent is not sufficient to release a student early.
The goal of Drew's dress code is to have a school conducive to learning, to prepare our students to enter the world of work knowing how to appropriately dress for success, and to reduce or eliminate the threat of physical harm. We hope that all students and parents will support the dress code.
Garments not permitted
Jewelry not permitted
Note: Outer garments including light-weight jackets, hats, etc.,
worn in schol must by placed in locker.
Outer clothing/jewelry not listed which, when worn, is disruptive to the educational process also is not permitted.
Any student who violates the dress code will be subject to the following:
1st offense: In-school suspension. The offense will be recorded in the
Adjustment Center and a parent notified.
2nd offense or more: Code of conduct enforced for "insubordination."
Student suspended for one day. Student must return with a parent or guardian.
The most important rule during an emergency in school is to follow directions. In the event of a power failure, tornado or fire alarm, students are to remain calm and listen for and follow directions.
In the event school is to be closed after the student arrives in the morning, the student may be sent home only if the student is sure someone will be at home when he/she arrives. If no one will be home, the student will be directed by an administrator and/or his/her teacher on what to do.
If the school is closed because of ice or snow, it will be announced by radio or television.
All students are entitled to attend a school that puts emphasis on a safe learning environment. To this end, it is the policy of Drew Middle School to counsel both students and parents regarding undesirable student conduct. In addition, the staff is guided by the Detroit Board of Education Student Code of Conduct of which all students will receive a copy. The Adjustment Center is the office that interprets and works with students who refuse to follow the Student Code of Conduct.
The administration requests that students not bring tape recorders, radios, record players, electronic games or electronic pagers to school. If they are broken or stolen, the school cannot be held liable. If these items are brought to school, they will be taken and returned to parents only!
Parents and other adult visitors are always welcome, but must first report to the office. Classes must not be disturbed. Parent-Teacher conferences should be held during a teacher's preparation period.
Visitors must secure written permission (visitors pass) from an administrator before visiting a classroom. Visitors who fail to do so may be referred to police officials. There are no student visitors.
Homework is a valuable learning activity and is considered a part of the classroom instruction. Students are assigned homework on a regular basis. The frequency and amount will vary from class to class. However, students should have homework each day. It should be a rare occasion for a student to say, "I don't have any homework," or "I got it all done at school." Homework involves study. Study includes weekly spelling lists, reviewing written answers to questions (not just finding the answer and putting it on paper), re-reading assignments, reviewing notes taken in class, and/or taking notes on reading assignments.
Students will be responsible for completing and returning all assigned work. Teachers will correct, record and return assigned written work. Parents are encouraged to provide support for their child by arranging time and a quiet work area for homework activities and giving general help but expecting the child to work independently.
A parent can determine a student's progress in class through homework assignments. A student should be able to tell or show a parent what is being studied in class.
If a child is out two (2) or more days, a homework request can be made by contacting the counselor. Arrangements for homework in advance knowledge of extended absences may be made with the student's teachers.
Textbooks will be issued to all students. These textbooks are the responsibility of the student and the parent/s, and in the event they cannot be accounted for, must be replaced at the expense of the parent/s. These books must be returned in good condition at the end of the semester, school year or whenever the student leaves Drew Middle School.
A "Detroit Public Schools-Parent/Student Agreement for Textbook Use" will be given to your child. "The Parent/Student Agreement" must be completed and signed by a parent. The white and pink copies must be returned to school before textbooks can be issued. This should be done immediately so your child will not be deprived of any instruction.
Notebook paper, pencils and ballpoint pens are supplied to all students at the beginning of each semester Students are encouraged to have a three-ring notebook in which to keep notes, handouts, quizzes and tests. The ability to organize materials for several areas of study is an important skill, as are organizational skills in life.
School locks are provided for all gym classes. Gym clothes are to be provided by the student/parents and are to be worn only in gym class.
There are several tests that are administered to our students during the academic school year The MAT (Metropolitan Achievement Test) measures reading comprehension, math computations and applications. The MEAP (Michigan Educational Achievement Program) measures minimum reading, math and science skills students should be able to master at a given grade level. The results of the tests give administrators and teachers an indicator for determining improvement strategies for those objectives that need particular emphasis for academic growth during the school years.
Counseling services are available for students in the school. These services include educational planning, interpretation of test scores, study help and school and/or social concerns. During the course of the school year, counselors will be contacting all students in the building either as a group or on an individual basis. Students must have a pass from their teacher to see their counselor.
Progress reports are mailed home to parents during the year These reports are intended to communicate to parents how their child is doing in different subjects and/or when the child needs to make improvements.
Parent letters will be given to students when a teacher needs to communicate to a parent regarding concerns.
Marking periods are reported every ten (10) weeks. There are four scheduled report cards sent home during the school year. A student's progress is expressed using the following alphabetical interpretations:
A Excellent progress B Good progress
C Fair progress D Unsatisfactory progress
F Failing I Incomplete
Students who achieve a 3.0 grade point average or better are placed on the academic honor roll each card marking. Academic class grades are averaged together and non-academic class grades are averaged to arrive at the honor grade point average. Students can also make the citizenship honor roll by receiving ones (1s) and no more than two twos (2s) each card marking. The academic and citizenship honor rolls are posted each card marking outside of the counseling complex.
The staff of Drew Middle School wants to encourage the parents of our students to be actively engaged in their child's education. One of the ways this can be accomplished is through Drew's Parent Teacher Student Association. This organization meets the third Monday of each month from September through May to share interests and concerns.
Candy sales, bake sales and school pictures are ways of raising extra money for club activities and for other special purposes.
To help students develop to their highest level of accomplishment, a number of specialists are available to service students' individual needs.
They include:
Resource Teacher, Scoliosis Screening Therapist, Speech Therapist, Sight and Hearing Screening, School Social Worker, Math Development Teacher, School Psychologist, Computer Lab Specialist, Language Arts Specialist, Paraprofessionals, Math Specialist, POHI School Nurse, and Physical Therapist
Lockers are used for storage of outside clothing and school supplies. Each homeroom is assigned to a locker bank with two students sharing a locker. To prevent theft it is important that students share their locker combination or keys only with their assigned partner. Students must purchase their own locks.
Students have four (4) minutes passing time between classes and may use this time for locker and lavatory needs. There are five (5) locker periods during the day. They are:
Periodically, there will be general inspection of lockers; in the event stolen articles, drugs, weapons, etc., are found in that locker, the individuals to whom it has been assigned will be held responsible. In the event there is a reason to believe an inspection of the individuals' locker is necessary, whenever possible, the student or students will be present during the inspection.
Students must have a pass to be in the halls during class time. Students are to walk on the right side of the halls in an orderly manner, with a minimum of noise, and arrive at their classes on time. Students are not to run or play.
Free bus tickets are available for students who live more than a mile and a half from school. Applications for free bus tickets are available in the main office.
Students who do not get free bus tickets can purchase a student bus card and ride the DOT bus at a reduced price. Student bus cards can be purchased from the bookkeeper in the office.
Students are to use the lavatory during passing time. Passes to the lavatory will be issued only in emergencies.
Drew Middle School has a breakfast and hot lunch program. It is necessary to complete an application to qualify for free or reduced lunch/breakfast. Students may purchase or bring a lunch to school. Students are not permitted to leave the building for lunch. All food must be consumed, and/or disposed of, before leaving the cafeteria. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
Career Day is held to increase the student's awareness of the world of work. Career Day speakers are invited from all areas of the work force. Speakers enlighten the students as to what their job entails, the level of salary and any other phase of their job. Students are given the opportunity to hear several speakers during the day and ask questions regarding their careers.
The purpose of School Spirit Day is to promote school spirit a positive climate and team togetherness. We have two designated school spirit days: Red and Black Day and Blue Jean and T-Shirt Day. The first Friday of each month we encourage students and staff to dress in red and black. The last Friday of each month students and staff dress in blue jeans and T-shirts.
Each month, teachers in each hall select an outstanding student based on citizenship, academic progress and overall improvement. The students receive a pin, and their picture is placed on display for all to view.
"Safety Tips When Walking" was developed by the Office of Pu pil Personnel from a more comprehensive document by the Detroit Police Department titled "Personal Safety Tips for Women at Home and Protective Measures to Prevent Rape."