Library/Media Center

The BFMS library has a variety of resources available for student research and reading.  At certain times throughout the day or week there may be classes scheduled in the library. The library expectations are:

• Quiet environment
• Follow directions and stay on task
• Respect yourself, others and library materials
• Pick-up after yourself (push in chairs, return borrowed supplies, throw trash in recycling or the garbage bin
• Return books on time.
• No eating food, chewing gum, or drinking beverages in the library.

Heath Office (802 463-4366 ext 310)

Taking care of yourself during the middle school years is very important particularly as your body and your brain undergoes this phenomenal period of growth. We encourage:

1. Eight to ten hours of sleep on school nights.
2. A healthy breakfast
3. A healthy snack for snack time 
4. A water bottle (These should not be shared)
5. Regular exercise and physical activity
6. Frequent hand washing
7. Clothing appropriate for the weather
8. Sensible footwear

• The school performs vision and hearing screenings, per the Standards of Practice for Vermont School Health Services. They are also performed as needed. If you have a concern about your child, please contact the Health Office.  
• Immunization records are audited and updated on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with state law.  Please notify the Health Office if any new immunizations are received. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the school has this information.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a yearly care visit with a certified health care provider for all school-aged students. Well care visits focus on age-specific screening, prevention, and the overall physical, social, and emotional health and well-being of children and adolescents.  The following does not replace the need for a yearly well care visit.
  • Exams and screenings done to complete the child’s sports clearance form
  • Urgent visits to health care providers for an injury, or illness.
• Our school nurse supports this recommendation. If you would like more information please contact her at 802-463-4366 ext 310.

Medications

• Students who receive prescription medication at school, can obtain a prescription medication order and permission form in the Health Office or their licensed medical professional’s office. The student’s licensed medical professional and parent must fill the permission form out prior to the medication being administered at school.   
• Medications must be delivered to the school in the original labeled pharmacy container.  
• An adult must deliver them to the school. They will be stored in a locked cabinet.  
• Medications at school will be administered by the school nurse or by a delegate trained by the school nurse.
• If it is required that a student receive non-prescription or “over the counter” (OTC) medication at school, this must be indicated on the student health form.  
  • An adult must deliver them to the school nurse.  
  • Parents are encouraged to bring the medications to the school in the original package with directions for administration.  
  • The dose request must agree with the recommended dosage.  
  • They will be stored in a locked cabinet.  
  • Medications at school will be administered by the school nurse or by a delegate trained by the school nurse.  If the family does not supply their own OTC medications the school will administer such medications (i.e. pain reliever, calamine lotion, etc.) with parental permission, from our school supplies. 
• STUDENTS MAY NOT CARRY ANY PRESCRIPTION OR NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS AT THE BELLOWS FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL.  
  • A student who requires an emergency medication is the only exception to this rule if the student has written permission, by a licensed medical professional, parent/guardian and the school nurse.

Student Expectations When Visiting the Nurse

Time in the Office

• Nurse visits should be brief just enough time to treat or check on you.
• If you need to stay longer, the nurse will contact your parent/guardian.

Medications

• Never carry medication (including cough drops or pain relievers) without permission.
• All medications must be kept in the nurse’s office with the correct paperwork.
• Take medications only as directed and at your scheduled time.

What Not to Do

• Don’t come to the nurse’s office just to skip class or avoid a test. You MUST check in with your teacher before going to the Nurse.
• Don’t leave the classroom without permission unless it’s a true emergency.
• Don’t bring friends with you unless they are also feeling unwell or injured or truly assisting you.
• Don’t walk into the Nurses treatment area without her permission.
   

Respect & Responsibility

• Be courteous and patient- the nurse may be helping someone else.
• Follow directions the first time.
• Return to class promptly with a pass when you’re cleared to go.

School Counseling

BFMS has two school counselors and a school clinician who serve a variety of functions within the school. Our guidance programs are directed to the unique developmental stages of the emerging adolescent and provide support in relation to three primary areas.

• Student & Family Resources- Situational and informal assessment, crisis support, short-term individual and group counseling, as well as information and referrals for community-based services and counseling. The guidance counselor may refer to Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) for students who need more in-depth or on-going social/emotional support. HCRS counseling is only available on a referral basis, is subject to availability, and requires a parental intake completed prior to any services being provided.
• Academic Information- Class schedules, student registrations, students transferring/ transitioning in and out of BFMS.
• Self Exploration/ Career Education- School guidance has a number of self-assessment/career education resources for use with individuals, families, and classrooms. BFMS also works in partnership with VSAC-the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, a pathway to college organization, whose counselor meets monthly with interested 7/8th graders.

Emergencies

In a crisis, the counseling office will coordinate with administration, school nurse, and/or crisis response teams as needed. Safety plans will be created when necessary to support student well-being.

Use of Counseling Space

The counseling room is not a hangout spot and should be used for its intended purpose. Students may use the space during lunch or recess only with prior approval. Teachers must notify the counselor when sending a student, especially during class hours.
 

Parental Involvement

Parents/guardians may be informed and involved when appropriate, especially if ongoing support is needed. Parent permission may be required for participation in certain group counseling programs.
 

Confidentiality

Counseling sessions are confidential except in cases where:
 

• Someone is being hurt.
• Someone is planning to hurt themselves or others.
• There is abuse or neglect.
• Legal obligations require disclosure.
   

Expectations for Behavior

Respect the space, the counselor, and others. Maintain confidentiality (what is shared in the room stays in the room, unless someone is being hurt or is in danger). Use appropriate language and behavior. No cell phones allowed in the counseling space. Snacks, food, and drinks are allowed only with permission.
 

Appointment Guidelines

Non-emergency visits should be scheduled in advance. Students are expected to return to class promptly after appointments. Counselors will either walk student(s) back to class, or write a pass and communicate with the receiving teacher that the student is on their way back.  The counselor may meet students individually, in small groups, or during classroom guidance lessons.
 

Access to Counseling Services

Self-referral: Students may request to see the counselor by asking their teacher or asking another trusted adult to call one of the counselors. Teacher/Staff referral: Staff may refer students to counseling for academic, behavioral, or emotional concerns. Staff must call the counseling office first to ensure counselor availability before sending students. Emergency access: In case of a crisis (e.g., feeling unsafe, harm to self or others), students may access the counselor immediately through the nearest adult or administrator.
 

Physical Education (PE)

Goals of PE

• Promote physical fitness and healthy habits
• Build teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-confidence
• Develop skills in a variety of sports and activities
• Encourage lifetime physical activity
   

Dress Code

• Athletic shoes/sneakers with laces- no sandals, boots, or slippers/slip-ons
• Non-dress without a valid excuse may result in point deductions
   

Participation

• Full participation is expected every day unless excused by a note from a parent or doctor
• Excused students may be asked to complete alternate assignments
• Repeated non-participation can affect your grade and learning progress
   

Behavior Expectations

• Follow all directions the first time
• Show respect to teachers, classmates, equipment, and facilities
• Practice good sportsmanship: encourage others, be a team player, win/lose respectfully
• Use appropriate language and behavior at all times
• Stay in designated areas unless given permission to leave
   

Safety

• Always warm up before physical activity
• Use equipment only as instructed
• Report all injuries or unsafe situations to the teacher right away
• Keep hands and feet to yourself—no horseplay!
   

Grading Policy (Typical Breakdown)

• Participation & Effort: 40%
• Preparedness/Changing shoes: 25%
• Skill Development & Assessments: 15%
• Sportsmanship/Behavior: 20%
   

Consequences for Misconduct

• Verbal warning
• Loss of participation points/grade level weekly incentive points
• Parent contact
• Behavior referral to administration (if repeated or severe)