Student Handbook

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Table of Contents

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance at school is the first step toward academic success. Students
are responsible for attending school regularly, according to the law. Attendance is taken
and reported each class period. Parents will be notified by phone and mail of attendance
problems. Perfect attendance awards are presented at the end of the year.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

If absence is due to illness, doctor or dentist appointments, death in the
immediate family, etc., parents are urged to call the Attendance Secretary on the first
day of the absence. Even if telephone contact has been made, the school requires a note
from the parent when the student returns to school. All notes must state the problem,
give the date(s) of absence, identify the student, and be signed by a parent or
guardian.

The Attendance Office is open from 7:30 - 7:50 AM to issue admit slips to
students who have missed school. Admit slips will only be issued before 7:50 AM. It is
the responsibility of the student to pick up their admit slip before going to their 1st
period class.

When a student is ill for three or more days, assignments should be requested by
a parent. Parents should contact the Attendance Office and request homework materials
to be picked up the following day after 9:00 AM.

State law defines excused and unexcused absences. Even though a parent has
sent an explanation for the absence it may be recorded by law as unexcused. It is the
parent’s responsibility to promote regular attendance, including limiting the number of
times a student is taken out of class for medical or other family appointments.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Below are examples of unexcused absences. Students may be assigned after
school detention supervised by Graham staff as a consequence for unexcused absences.
After three unexcused absences a student is considered a truant by law. Legal
authorities will be contacted for appropriate action.
Unexcused Absences:
- Oversleeping
- Missed Bus
- Transportation Problems
- Work At Home (baby-sitting, etc.)
- Suspension from School
- Leaving School Buildings Without Permission
- Concerts
- Shopping
- Skiing or Other Outdoor Activities
- Vacation
- Non-School/Social / Professional / Athletic Activities
- Truancy (cutting school)

TARDINESS

Being punctual is an important personal habit to develop. Students will be
considered tardy if they are not in their seat or another teacher designated area by 7:55
AM. At the 7:50 bell all students should be on their way to class. Students arriving
tardy, but before 8:05 AM are to report directly to their 1st period class. After 8:05 AM
students must first report to the Attendance Office for an admit slip before they will be
allowed in class. Students will receive consequences for tardies to class for each
trimester.

Consequences for Tardies to 1st Period
1st Tardy: Verbal warning by teacher and Attendance Office staff
2nd Tardy: Telephone call home by Attendance Office staff
3rd Tardy: Telephone call and/or letter home by Attendance Office staff
4th Tardy: Letter to student’s home by Assistant Principal
5th Tardy: Parent/Student conference with Principal or referral to school detention
6th Tardy: Referral to school detention, School Attendance Review Board (SARB)
or revocation of intra/inter district transfer when applicable
Late to Class Policy for Periods 2-8
1st Time Late: Verbal Warning and documentation in roll book
2nd Time Late: Teacher consequence notice and documentation in roll book
3rd Time Late: Teacher consequence notice, parent notification, and documentation in
roll book
4th Time Late: Office consequence notice and documentation in roll book
5th Time Late: Office consequence notice and documentation in roll book
6th Time Late: Referral to office for Administrative intervention, administrator and
parent conference
7th and succeeding Late: Referral to office for Administrative intervention or
referral to School Attendance Review Board (SARB)

LEAVING CAMPUS

Graham is a closed campus and students may not leave during the school day. If
a student has to leave for a doctor, dentist, or other appointment parents must follow the
procedures listed below. In all cases the student must receive permission from the
Attendance Office before leaving campus. Parents must come to the office to notify the
staff that they are removing their student from the school. Students who leave without
prior permission will be considered as cutting school.
1. The student should come to the Attendance Office before school with a signed note
from home. They will receive a pass to leave class at the appropriate time.
2. Before leaving campus, a parent must come to the front office and sign the student
out.
3. Upon returning from an appointment the parent must sign the student back in and
the office staff will issue the student an admit slip to class.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Any student who will be absent for an extended period of time should contact
the Attendance Office and discuss the possibility of an Independent Study Contract. A
request for independent study must be made by a parent and done at least a week prior
to the absence, except in the case of illness. This request may be made for the following
reasons:
- Illness or injury
- Educational Alternative
- Vacation/Personal Necessity

HEALTH AND SAFETY

A school nurse is no longer part of the staff. However, a district nurse and staff
members who have formal first aid training are available to assist when needed.

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARDS

It is essential that emergency cards be complete and up-to-date at all times in the
office. Please fill out your child’s emergency card completely at the beginning of the
year. It is very important to inform the Attendance Office with any address and phone
changes (especially emergency contact phone numbers) during the year. When we have
a serious accident we need parental help immediately. It is both frustrating and
frightening to find a partially completed card or call and find an out-of-date phone
number.

ILLNESS AND INJURY

If a student becomes ill he/she should report to their teacher for a pass to go to
the Attendance Office. Parents may then be called to come and pick up their child.
Unfortunately, students who do not feel well cannot be accommodated in the
Attendance Office. The parent must decide if the student is to stay in class or to go
home.

If a student is injured at school he/she should report to the teacher in
charge. Parents will be contacted if more than basic first aid is required.

MEDICATIONS

No medication may be distributed by the school unless accompanied by a
doctor’s note. Students who need medication must provide their own. All medications
must be turned into the Attendance Office and a doctor’s note must be on file before the
medication can be administered.

PE MEDICAL EXCUSES

All students must dress and participate in PE class on a daily basis. A parent’s
note will be accepted to excuse students for injuries on a limited basis. If a student needs
to be excused from PE for longer than 3 days a doctor’s note must be provided.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND POLICIES

GRADING SYSTEM

Graham Middle School uses a grading system based on a normal statistical
distribution. We use the following letter grades and their Grade Point Average (GPA)
point values.

GRADE PERCENTAGE RANGE GPA VALUE

A (Excellent) 100 - 90 % 4.0
B (Above Average) 89 - 80% 3.0
C (Average) 79 - 70% 2.0
D (Below Average) 69 - 60% 1.0
F (Failure) 59% - Below 0.0

The student’s GPA is computed at the end of each trimester by adding up the GPA
value for each class grade. For 6th grade Math the GPA value is multiplied by 1.5 before
adding its value to the other classes. Once a student has added their individual GPA
values together they need to divide by 7 to get their final GPA. A student’s GPA is what
makes them eligible for placement on one of the 3 different school honor rolls.

HONOR ROLLS

There are three honor rolls students can be eligible for based on their GPA.
Principal’s Honor Roll: Students who receive a GPA of 4.0 (All A’s)
Academic Honor Roll: Students who receive a GPA of 3.99 - 3.33.
Merit Honor Roll: Students who receive a GPA of 3.32 or below and who do not have
any D’s, F’s or negative teacher comments/citizenship grades on their report card.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Halfway through the trimester teachers will notify parents of students who are
receiving a C- or below grade in their class at that time. Progress reports are designed to
help parents know what classes their students need help with during the trimester. It is
recommended that at this time parents of students who have received a progress report
get in touch with the appropriate teacher to find out what they can do to help get their
student back on track.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

An incomplete grade (I) may be issued to a student at the end of a trimester due
to incomplete work, however the work must be completed by the third week of the
following trimester so that a regular letter grade may be assigned. Failure to complete
the assigned work will result in an F grade.

STUDENTS FALLING BELOW A 2.0 GPA

When a student falls below a 2.0 GPA, the administration will make every effort
to conference with the student and notify the parents by mail of the student’s progress.
One such conference may include a Student Study Team (SST) made up of teachers,
administrators, and other school personnel. At this conference a plan of action will be
discussed and specific interventions begun to help bring the student up academically.
Possible interventions include:
- Weekly Progress Reports
- Lunchtime Study Hall
- After School Study Hall
- Skill Specific Classes
- Agenda Checks
- Peer Tutoring
- Schedule Change

8th grade students need a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to receive a diploma and
participate in the graduation ceremony and other graduation activities.

RETENTION

If a student’s cumulative GPA for the year drops below a 2.0 he/she will be
considered for retention. The parents will be notified of the possible retention. All
students who are in danger of being retained will be assigned specific interventions to
aid the student in their success. If the Student Study Team (SST) believes that repeating
a grade is in the best interests of the student the Principal or Assistant Principal will
confer with the parents and student by May 25 or as soon as final trimester grades are
known (Mountain View-Whisman School District Board Policy).
When considering a student for retention the SST will take into account the
academic performance, basic skills tests, minimum competencies test, work habits,
attitude, age, maturity, school attendance, and benefit to the child from another year in
the same grade. The final decision for retention is made by the Principal.

HOMEWORK POLICY

The Mountain View-Whisman School Board has established a homework policy.
According to this district policy homework assignments are made for the following
purposes:
- Completion of unfinished work
- Make-up work assigned during absence
- Research related to class work
- Discriminate use of radio, television, etc.
- Individual Study
- Creative Work including written composition
- Recreational reading for literacy and book reports
- Practice or review of content previously studied
Minimum Weekly Assignment
6th Grade: 200 minutes
7th Grade: 240 minutes
8th Grade: 280 minutes
Average Daily Assignment
6th Grade: 50 minutes
7th Grade: 60 minutes
8th Grade: 70 minutes

Homework may be started in class. Students are responsible for completing and
returning homework assignments on time. Homework assignments should be within
the minimum time allotments as suggested by the Mountain View-Whisman School
Board and Graham Staff.

Some students, because of individual needs, may be assigned more or less
minutes of homework per day. If students do not have a written homework assignment
they are expected to reread previous assignments, read ahead, read for recreation, study
for upcoming quizzes or tests and/or work on projects or papers they know are due at a
later date. These tasks are also part of daily homework assignments.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete homework assignments every day.
To achieve this goal it is important that students remember to allow for quiet study time
as well as leisure time activities. Learning should have priority over telephone calls,
television, video games, and other activities.

INCOMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS

Each teacher will establish a procedure for turning in assignments. When
students do not complete their assignments some or all of the following procedures may
apply.
- Students may be given a chance to make up work.
- Parents may be contacted and made aware of the situation.
- Teachers may modify assignments for those students needing special assistance.
- Parent conferences.
- Deficiency notices may be sent home (can be computer print outs of grades).
- Extra classroom privileges can be taken away until assignments are completed.
- Detention with the teacher.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism has become a growing concern with the numerous resources available
through the internet. Consequences for plagarism can and are not limited to a F for the
assignment, parental contact and administrative detention. Continued acts of plagiarism
can result in suspension.

RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES

Students are expected to arrive after 7:30 AM when there is sufficient adult
supervision on campus. All students must leave campus by 3:15 PM unless they are
involved in an adult sponsored activity. Students who are waiting for rides after school
must wait quietly in designated areas in the front of the school.

DELIVERED ITEMS

If an item needs to be delivered to a student, please drop the item off at the
office. The office staff will see that the student receives the delivery as soon as possible.
Birthday greetings, bouquets, and balloons should NOT be brought to school as they
cause a disruption in the classroom.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones are not to be used during regular school hours. Such use will result
in confiscation. If a student needs to make a call to their family, they can use a school
phone. Electronic signaling devices (pagers, beepers) are not allowed at school directed
by Ed. Code 48901.5. These devices will be confiscated by an adult. The school will not
be held responsible for theft or loss of these items. The parent will be expected to pick
up the device at school. Subsequent offenses will be subject to detention or suspension.
Other electronic devices such as CD players, Walkman's, and MP3 players are
not to be used during school hours or at school sponsored activities. These devices will
be confiscated as well. A parent will need to pick these items up. Again, the school will
not be held responsible for the theft or loss of these items.

WEAPONS

Students must not carry weapons or dangerous items or objects to school or
school sponsored activities. It is a crime to bring any weapon on school grounds. This
includes clubs, toy guns, chains of any kind, knives of any type or size, pipes, stun or
tazer guns, or any object that can be construed to be a weapon. Failure to comply to this
rule will result in police involvement and may include detention or suspension as well.

HARASSMENT

Graham Middle School maintains a strict policy prohibiting harassment because
of race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability,
blindness or severely impaired vision or any other basis protected by federal, state, or
local law ordinance or regulation. All such harassment is unlawful.
Irrespective of law, Graham Middle School believes that all such harassment is
offensive. Violation of this policy by another student may result in discipline, which
may include suspension or expulsion, depending on the nature and seriousness of the
violation.

Unlawful harassment because of race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity,
religion, age, physical or mental disability, blindness or severely impaired vision or any
other protected basis includes, but is not limited to, verbal contact, inappropriate
pictures or drawings, physical conduct/contact, and retaliation for taking action.

BACKPACKS

Student backpacks must be clean and free of writing. The student’s name may
appear on the outside of the backpack in one place only. Students who violate this rule
will have their backpacks confiscated.

LOST AND FOUND

The Lost and Found is by the mail room. Lost items not claimed in the lost and
found will be donated to a charitable organization at the end of each trimester

FOOD

Food candy or drinks are not allowed in unless it is a school sponsored event.

GUM CHEWING IS NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS AT ANY TIME!

LITTER

It is the responsibility of everyone to keep this campus clean. All trash, including lunch
garbage, must be put in the garbage containers provided.

LUNCH TIME

Students are expected to WALK not run to the lunch area. While at lunch all
students are expected to observe the following rules.
- Deposit all trash.
- No shoving, running, or throwing items.
- The field and area surrounding the Sports Pavilion is off limits.
- No food/drink are allowed outside the eating area.

LUNCH PASSES

A lunch pass is required in order to go home for lunch. Written parent
permission must be on file before a pass can be issued. Students must go directly home
and return directly to school.

PASSES

When classes are in session, a student is required to have a pass to be out of class.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

Substitute teachers are guests at Graham and should be treated accordingly.
They are to be treated with RESPECT at all times. Substitute teachers will enforce
classroom and school rules and have the right to issue referrals to the office. The first
time students fail to comply with this guideline they will be referred to the office. This
referral can result in detention time, Saturday School, or suspension.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies and rallies are a part of the curriculum and as such are designated to
be educational as well as entertaining experiences. They provide one of the few
opportunities in school to learn formal audience behavior. Regardless of the type of
program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative.
Students are expected to arrive and depart in an orderly manner. Students should
remain seated until their rows are dismissed by a teacher.

RESTROOMS

Students will use the school restrooms for their intended purpose. Students are
responsible for keeping the restrooms clean and free of graffiti. Restrooms are subject to
supervised use if these rules are not followed.

RELATIONSHIPS

Students are expected to show maturity and respect in their relationships. Any
displays of affection: hand-holding , hugging, kissing; are considered inappropriate
for a middle school.

DETENTION

Detention may be assigned by the administration or teachers. Students assigned
to detention by the administration will report to detention on Friday afternoon for 1 or 2
hours. Students must bring work to do. When a teacher assigns detention, the student
reports to that teacher for the designated time.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students who receive failing grades in their classes will be put on academic
probation and have activity privileges taken away.

GRADUATION & END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY RULES FOR 8TH GRADERS

8th graders earning below a 2.0 cumulative GPA will not be allowed to
participate in graduation, end of the year activities, nor receive a diploma. 8th graders
who have suspensions, excessive detentions or other administrative consequences
during the last part of the year will lose end of the year activity privileges. The school
will make every effort to notify parents and students in the spring regarding the criteria
for participation in 8th grade activities.

DRESS CODE

The goal of the Graham Middle School Dress Code is to instill in students the
understanding that school is their place of business. The following regulations allow for
individual choices, promote safety, and at the same time discourage clique-type groups
from being formed based on clothing style and/or expense. We encourage each student
to take his or her education seriously, beginning with the clothes he or she wears to
school.

The dress code applies to the school day (coming to school and leaving school),
and to all school-sponsored events including sports, drama presentations, dances, and
onsite events.
Clothing must cover undergarments at all times. Oversized pants are to be belted at the
waist to prevent sagging and bagging.
- Low cut tops, tank tops with straps less than 2" wide, mesh shirts; see-through sheer
tops, halter tops and shirts that reveal the midriff are not allowed. These tops are not
allowed even if covered with a jacket .
- Shoes that permit safe movement must be worn at all times. Slippers, shower shoes,
flip flops, and thong-type shoes are not allowed.
- Shorts and skirts must have at least a 4" inseam.
- Skirts and dresses must be no shorter than mid-thigh.
- Symbols or devices associated with gang intimidation or gang affiliation are not
allowed at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, bandanas, hair nets, do-rags,
and one pant leg rolled up. No belt is to be worn so that the excess is dangling or
hanging out of the pants.
- Students may not dress predominately in one color if the wearing of that color is
determined to be potentially gang related.
- Hats, visors, caps, and sunglasses can be worn outdoors but they are not permitted
indoors. Caps are to be worn, brim/visor forward. Skull caps are not permitted.
- Symbols anywhere on the body are not allowed.
- Pajamas can not be worn to school.
- Clothing and accessories may not contain pictures or writing which are considered
vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive; which advocate racial, ethnic, or religious
prejudice; or which promote drugs, alcohol, tobacco or any illegal activity.
In all instances, a student's appearance should not disrupt or distract from the learning
atmosphere in the classroom or on campus.

CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL CLIMATE PLAN

Graham Middle School believes every student has a right and responsibility to
learn, every teacher has a right and responsibility to teach, and every parent has a right
and responsibility to support a home/school partnership for student learning.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:

- Arrive to class on time every day prepared with appropriate materials and books.
- Maintain all necessary school supplies during the course of the year.
- Speak to everyone in an appropriate and respectful manner.
- Show courtesy and respect to any adult on school campus.
- Keeps hands, feet, and objects to oneself at all times.
- Use school equipment properly and safely.
- Respect school materials and maintain texts in a good condition
- Help keep the campus litter free.
- Keep chewing gum at home.
- Leave all valuables, collectibles, toys, stuffed animals, games, etc. at home.
- Leave all electronic devices (pagers, beepers, CD players, Walkman's, MP3 players) at
home. Cell phones are allowed with a parent note on record with office.
- Listen to and follow directions the first time they are given.
- Plan ahead to provide necessary materials and equipment needed for school success.
- Complete their own work on homework, projects, tests, etc.

PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:

- Be sure students arrive at school on time.
- Arrange medical appointments before or after school when possible.
- Provide your student with the necessary educational tools to be successful.
- Remind your student daily of the importance of respecting each other.
- Discuss with your students how to converse with adults.
- Practice situations at home that your student might encounter at school.
- Reinforce the importance of proper care of school and personal property.
- Assist the school by making sure all valuables remain at home.
- Help your child understand the safety and monetary issues involved with bringing
valuables to school.
- Discuss appropriate behavior with your student and set an appropriate example.

SCHOOL PERSONNEL ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:

- Encourage daily attendance at school.
- Enforce and be consistent with policies.
- Keep parents informed of tardies after first tardy.
- Be on time and prepared for class every day.
- Show students respect through actions and words.
- Discuss with students how to converse with adults.
- Hold students accountable for their actions and words.
- Demonstrate proper usage of school and classroom equipment.
- Keep classrooms clean and organized and help keep the campus litter free.
- Refrain from asking students to bring valuable items to school.
- Set appropriate examples, discuss and support appropriate behavior.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN

All teachers are responsible for maintaining discipline in their classroom. Every
teacher is responsible for doing the following to ensure their management plans are
understood.
- Each teacher’s plan will be included in the beginning of the year information to parents
and submitted to the Administration annually.
- Classroom rules are posted in each classroom.
- Teachers keep detailed documentation of behavioral infractions, i.e. annotated dates,
infractions, and consequences. Use detention and referral forms for documentation.
- Teachers will exhaust their classroom management plan before referring a student for a
classroom disruption to the Administration. In the case of more serious incidents, a
referral may be made without first contacting parents.
- Interventions that may be implemented before referring a disruptive student to the
Administration are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list.

TEACHER INTERVENTIONS

- Adjust seating
- Isolation
- Written assignment (letter of apology, essay, etc.)
- Conference with counselor
- Conference with parents
- Written behavioral contract
- Parental visitation to classroom
- Conference with other teachers
- Completed progress report: daily/weekly
- Conflict resolution strategies

TEACHER REFERRAL PROCESS

When a student consistently disrupts a classroom several steps are taken before a
student is referred to the office. In serious cases referrals to Administration may be
made immediately. In those cases students will be notified that the referral process is
beginning.
1. Private conference between teacher and student. If the behavior is particularly
disruptive during one class period a teacher may opt for a student time-out with
behavior essay.
2. Teacher assigned detention at break, lunch, or after school. A teacher may opt for a
student behavior essay to be signed by parents in place of or in addition to the teacher
detention.
3. Parental notification of situation if not previously notified of behavior.
4. Administrative referral sent to office and administrative consequences assigned.

ADMINISTRATIVE REFERRAL PROCESS

When a student is referred to the office several steps are taken when an
administrative consequence is assigned.
1. Conference with student.
2. Conference with referring person on an as needed basis.
3. Assign consequences accordingly.
4. Document the student’s discipline history: date, referring person, description of
incident, action taken.
5. Annotate action taken on referral form.
6. Call parent or guardian.
7. Return a copy of the referral to referring person.
8. Send a copy of the referral to the student’s home.

CHRONICALLY REFERRED STUDENT CONSEQUENCES

Options for chronically referred students may include but are not limited to the
following consequences.
- Group conference (parents, teachers, student, administrators)
- Behavior contract
- School Detention
- Suspension
- Cancellation of intra-district transfers
- Independent Study Contracts
- Home Teaching
- Alternative Educational Facility
- Expulsion

TRANSPORTATION

Drivers should be very careful and courteous when driving on campus.
It is very important that drivers respect speed limits and pedestrian right of way.
Students must use crosswalks.

BICYCLES

All bicycles are to be locked in the school bike cage. No bikes are to be locked at
the Mountain View Sports Pavilion (MVSP) except during after school sports. Bikes
locked at any other location will be removed by the custodian. A parent will then have
to come and pick up the bike. Students should observe the one lock rule. The school is
not responsible for locks damaged due to violations of the rule. The bike cage will be
locked at 8:00 AM and opened at 2:50 PM.
Any student leaving campus during school hours may request the bike cage to
be unlocked by coming to the Attendance Office. Students must ride bicycles on the
street only and not on school grounds. Students are to walk beside their bicycles while
on school grounds near buildings, on walkways, or in the parking lots.
Bikes stolen from campus will be reported to the police and become a police
matter. The school is not responsible for stolen bicycles. Students should not leave
bicycles unattended or in the school bike rack when staying after school.

ONE LOCK RULE

Since security cannot be guaranteed all bicycles must be individually locked and
those with quick release wheels should have the wheels locked to the frame. Students
should have their name or identifying marks on the frame of their bike, and it must be
licensed with the proper authorities.

SKATEBOARDS/ROLLER BLADES/SCOOTERS

Skateboards, roller blades, and scooters are allowed, but can not be used on
school grounds. Students must check in these items in the office.
Students must wear helmets when riding bikes and scooters.

ACTIVITIES AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Graham Middle School offers many different academic and co-curricular
activities for students. There are ample opportunities for students to become involved in
this wide variety of activities at school.

ACTIVITY RULES

The Student Council sponsors various whole school activities for students of all
grades levels to participate in. For these and all other activities students must follow
these rules:
Activity Rules
- Activities are attended by Graham students only.
- Students are expected to follow all school rules.
- Doors close 15 minutes after the activity begins.
- Students are to remain at the activity until it ends.
- Students who are on Academic Probation may not attend the activity.
- Parents are required to pick their student up immediately after the event.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS

Boys and girls are encouraged to participate in the different sports offered after
school. Graham competes with other schools in the Valley Jr. High Athletic League.
Some of the sports offered are: soccer, basketball, girl’s softball, and track.
For each sport a student participates in there is a fee that must be paid to help
cover costs of transportation, as well as coaches and officials fees. Also each student
must have a signed doctor’s emergency form on file with the Physical Education
Department before they are allowed to participate in any practices or games. Read More»

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS PARTICIPATION POLICY

Students may attend and participate in a Graham sports activity if they:
- Have a 2.0 or above grade point average (GPA) on their previous report card.
- Have a 2.0 or above grade point average (GPA) during the sport season.

FOOD SERVICE

The school’s Food Service provides food for breakfast, brunch, and lunch to
students for a minimal cost. Read More»

BALL ROOM (not to be confused with a Ballroom - which we don't have)

The Ball Room is open before school, at break, and at lunch time. Equipment can
be checked out with a valid student body card or an item of personal property. Students
are responsible for the care of the equipment they check out. All equipment must be
returned in the same condition it was checked out. Students are not to bring their own
balls to school.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Elections for officers and representatives are held at the end of September.
Students maintaining a 3.0 grade point average are eligible to run for student council
offices, and become actively involved in student council.

STUDENT STORE

A student store is operated by the Student Council and student body. The
student store is open at break and after school. Various snacks and drinks are available
for purchase as well as other student articles.

LIBRARY

The school library is open before school, at break, lunch, and after school. The
school library offers students access to both fiction and non-fiction books to check out for
their reading pleasure. The library is also available for quiet study and research. In
addition teachers periodically bring classes to the library to check out books and use it
for class projects. The library has recently been updated and includes a computerized
card catalogue system and access to the internet for student research.

COUNSELING

Graham Middle School has CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council)
School Link Services counselors to work with students who are having adjustment
problems or need to work out an issue. Some students meet in small groups when a
common need arises.. Students may refer themselves or be referred by their parents,
teacher, or an administrator.

ELECTIVE PROGRAM

Graham offers both instrumental and vocal music. Students interested in
participating in music may take Band, Orchestra, or Choir as an elective. Performances
and concerts take place during the school year. Many concerts are held after school or in
the evening. Besides music, Graham offers several different types of elective courses
including art, computer technology, Spanish, student activities, school publications, and
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). All students have the opportunity
to request their first choice for their elective. Students request electives in the spring for
the following year.

NOONTIME ACTIVITIES

The Mountain View Recreation Department and Graham’s PTA offer various
activities at lunch for students who would like to participate. These activities can include
an intra mural sports program, activity clubs, and other clubs based on interest.
Participation is voluntary and a list of the offered clubs is posted at the beginning of the
trimester.

DANCE TROUPE

The Graham dance troupe is made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
interested in modern and jazz dance. Students practice during lunch and after school.
Performances are usually held in coordination with the musical concerts. Read More»

TWEEN TIME

Tween Time is a program offered by the Mountain View Recreational
Department as an after school program. Tween Time sponsors different supervised
activities for students to participate in after school. Monthly calendars of the offered
activities are available from the Tween Time program room. Some activities include a
homework center, sports teams, art clubs, and a supervised recreational program. Read More»

Graham Middle School
1175 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 526-3570
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