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GENERAL INFORMATION
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
In the event of a fire or other emergency in the building, the safety of students and staff depends upon the cooperation of every person. Emergency drills are conducted regularly to practice safety procedures.
When an alarm is sounded, all students must listen to the teacher's instructions, follow directions carefully and move quickly and quietly to a designated exit. Students will be assigned to close windows and doors before leaving a room. The first two students to reach the fire doors will stop, hold the doors open until the last person leaves and then join their group.
Students must become familiar with various exit doors during the first days of school so that if an alarm sounds and they are not with a teacher, they can proceed to the nearest exit.
EQUITY STATEMENT
Upper Merion Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, national origin, sex, age, marital status or non-relevant handicaps and disabilities in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504. The district’s commitment to non-discrimination extends to students, employees, prospective employees and the community. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures or for information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and useable by handicapped persons, contact Director of Human Resources, Upper Merion Area School District, 435 Crossfield Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, 19406, (610) 205-6405.
Cost of a NSLP (National School Lunch Program) Lunch: $3.25
Cost of a NSLP (National School Lunch Program) Breakfast: $2.75
Cost of a NSLP Reduced Lunch: $0.40
Cost of a NSLP Reduced Breakfast: $0.30
There are many delicious meals to choose from every day in the cafeteria. There is a entree, a specialty item, burgers, pizza, chicken sandwiches, salads, hoagies and wraps as well as various other items every day. A meal consists of the entree, a fruit, a vegetable and a milk. Students must take at least 3 of the 5 offered components, one of which must be a fruit or vegetable, for the meal to count as a full meal. In addition, there are various items sold "a la carte" (individually priced) that students can purchase if they have cash or money on account.Students are never denied a meal unless it is in writing from a parent or guardian. Even students with no money (cash or on account) are given the choice of any complete meal in the cafeteria. These meals will still accrue normal platter charges and payment will be expected. At the end of each month, statements with a negative balance will be mailed home. Food Service will follow-up with phone calls for payments not sent in. Students at the Middle School are encouraged to ask about their account balances so they can help manage them properly. You can manage your students' cafeteria account at www.schoolcafe.com for advance and late payments as well as set restrictions and see what your student is purchasing. The main office has Free and Reduced Meal applications available upon request. If you haven’t received a letter indicating that your household is already certified as free for meals, please fill out a Free or Reduced Meal Application on www.schoolcafe.com. You don’t have to do anything if you have already received a letter from Food Service regarding your eligibility to participate in the program.All this information and much more can be found in the Food Service section of the website. Please contact Food Services if you have any questions at 610-205-8814.Students are responsible for the cleanliness of the cafeteria during and after eating. Specific cafeteria regulations will be explained by teachers on duty during the lunch period. Violations of cafeteria rules may result in loss of cafeteria privileges, detention, or suspension. Students must remain in school for lunch. The lunch period is intended to be a relaxing and pleasant break in the school day for all students. All students are expected to cooperate in keeping the cafeteria atmosphere enjoyable for everyone.LOCKERS
Each student is assigned a locker with combination locks. The general use locker is located near the student's academic team rooms. Students are able to secure all personal belongings and should share their locker combinations with no one.
The school assumes no responsibility and will not reimburse students for any personal article, equipment or cash that is lost or stolen from any locker. Each student is to use only the locker assigned to him/her and no student should allow another person to use a locker or to learn a combination. Lockers are to be kept clean and orderly; each student is responsible for any damage to the lock or locker assigned to him/her. Problems should be reported to the Main Office.
The Upper Merion Area School District retains special rights regarding lockers; students and their parents/guardians should be familiar with the district's policy on the use of lockers.
LOST AND FOUND ITEMS
All lost and found items are to be brought to the Main Office Reception Area where they are held for a reasonable time before being sent to charity organizations in the community. Students are encouraged to mark all belongings with their full names and are warned not to bring to school any valuables or money in excess of their daily needs.
MOVING-UP CEREMONY
The moving-up ceremony is the culminating activity for our eighth grade students at the Middle School. The program features brief remarks by members of the faculty and administration, a student speaker representing the class, musical selections by the Chorus and an official welcoming of the eighth grade class by the High School principal.
Appropriate dress is required by all students. Students who dress inappropriately will be unable to participate in this activity.
PASSES
Students are expected to utilize our e-hallpass software at all times when moving about the building except during changes of classes or emergency drills.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Procedures will be explained by the student's teachers. The student should have appropriate gym clothes and footwear for each physical education class. Lockers will be available for gym clothing. Locks should be brought by students, but they must be removed at the end of the gym period.
Students in the swimming cycle need swimsuits, towels, sweat suits or shorts, shirts, and sneakers.
Students in the physical education class need sneakers, shorts or sweat suits, and shirts. Gym uniforms are required in all grades.
STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCESS
The board recognizes that students have the right to request redress for complaints. Further, the board believes that respect for lawful procedures is an important part of the educational process. Accordingly, individual and group complaints should be recognized and appropriate appeal procedures shall be provided.
For purposes of this policy, a student complaint shall be any such that arises from actions that directly affect the student’s participation in an approved educational program.
The board or its employees will recognize the complaints of the students of this district provided that such complaints are made according to procedures established by board policy.
Any complaint should be discussed with the parent or guardian and with the person thought to be responsible for the problem.
If a solution is not reached, the student should discuss the complaint with the teacher, guidance counselor and/or the appropriate assistant principal.
If a solution is still not found, the student or parent should inform the building principal, in writing. The principal will reply to the student’s communication within ten (10) days.
Following the building principal’s decision, the student may send his/her complaint in writing to the superintendent for review.
VISITORS
When parents/guardians or other visitors come to the school during regular school hours, they are required to enter by way of the front doors and to sign in at the main office. Staff members will confirm appointments, give directions, and help in any other way. Visitors are asked to sign out when they leave.