The purpose of this handbook is to provide all students and parents with information that is pertinent to their success at Middleburgh Central School.

The Student Handbook is also available in pdf format HERE.

The handbook is divided into three parts:

PART I :  GENERAL INFORMATION

PART II:  REGULATIONS & POLICIES

PART III:  REQUIRED NOTIFICATIONS

 

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PART I:  GENERAL INFORMATION

BELL SCHEDULES

LUNCH SCHEDULE A	LUNCH SCHEDULE B	LUNCH SCHEDULE C
Homeroom/Attendance – 8:08 – 8:13	Homeroom/Attendance – 8:08 – 8:13	Homeroom/Attendance – 8:08 – 8:13
Period 1 – 8:13 – 8:54	Period 1 – 8:13 – 8:54	Period 1 – 8:13 – 8:54
Period 2 – 8:57 – 9:39	Period 2 – 8:57 – 9:39	Period 2 – 8:57 – 9:39
Period 3 – 9:42 – 10:24	Period 3 – 9:42 – 10:24	Period 3 – 9:42 – 10:24
Mindfulness (Pd4) – 10:27 – 10:30	Mindfulness (Pd4) – 10:27 – 10:30	Mindfulness (Pd4) – 10:27 – 10:30
Period 4 – 10:30 – 11:12	Period 4 – 10:30 – 11:12	Period 4 – 10:30 – 11:12
LUNCH A – 11:15 – 11:45	Period 5B – 11:15 – 11:57	Period 5C – 11:15 – 11:57
Period 5A – 11:48 – 12:30	LUNCH B – 12:00 – 12:30	Period 6C – 12:00 – 12:42
Period 6A – 12:33 – 1:15	Period 6B – 12:33 – 1:15	LUNCH C – 12:45 – 1:15
Period 7 – 1:18 – 2:00	Period 7 – 1:18 – 2:00	Period 7 – 1:18 – 2:00
Period 8 – 2:03 – 2:45	Period 8 – 2:03 – 2:45	Period 8 – 2:03 – 2:45

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BOARD OF EDUCATION – MEETING DATES

Parents and members of the community are encouraged to attend and participate at public Board of Education meetings.  Please visit the district’s website for the most up-to-date meeting schedules.

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CALENDAR

Click here for the district calendar.

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CONTACT US

Sometimes it is not clear who best to speak with about resolving a problem or answering a question. By following this chain of command, parents, students, and residents can get their questions and concerns addressed quickly and efficiently. The main district telephone number is (518) 827-3600.

Topic/Area	1st Contact	2nd Contact	3rd Contact	4th Contact	5th Contact
Academics	Teacher	School Counselor	Principal	Superintendent
Athletics	Coach	Athletic Director	Principal	Superintendent
Attendance	School Nurse	Counselor	Principal	Superintendent
Behavior	Staff Member	Principal	Superintendent	Board of Education
Board Members	President of Board	Board of Education
Board Policies	Board Clerk	Superintendent	Board of Education
Budget	Business Administrator	Superintendent	Board of Education
Building Use	Director of Facilities	Superintendent
Calendar	Superintendent	Board of Education
Classroom Procedures	Teacher	Principal	Superintendent
Curriculum	Teacher	Principal	Superintendent	Board of Education
Extracurricular Activities	Advisor	Principal	Superintendent
Facilities Maintenance	Director of Facilities	Business Administrator	Superintendent
Health Services	School Nurse	Principal	Superintendent
Lunch Program	Principal	Superintendent
Personnel Matters	Principal/Supervisor	Superintendent	Board of Education
Scheduling	School Counselor	Principal	Superintendent
Special Education	Teacher	Principal	Director of PPS	Superintendent	Board of Education
Transportation (Behavior)	Bus Driver	Head Bus Driver	Principal	Superintendent
Transportation (Stops, Runs, etc)	Head Bus Driver	Director of Facilities	Business Manager	Superintendent

POSITION	EMPLOYEE	EMAIL	PHONE NUMBER
Superintendent	Mark Place	mark.place@mcsdny.org	518-827-3625
Jr-Sr High School Principal	Matthew Sloane	matthew.sloane@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x2606
Athletic Director	Gregg Johns	gregg.johns@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x2739
Board Clerk | Secretary	Kim Lawyer	kim.lawyer@mcsdny.org	518-827-3625
Business Administrator	Robyn Bhend	robyn.bhend@mcsdny.org	518-827-3623
Director of Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)	Stella Ritter	stella.ritter@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x3681
DASA Coordinator	Matthew Sloane	matthew.sloane@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x2606
Director of Facilities	John Youmans	john.youmans@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x2120
Head Bus Driver	Rich Vilegi	rich.vilegi@mcsdny.org	518-827-3630
Registrar	Laurie McGeary	laurie.mcgeary@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x2601
School Nurse	Jennifer Adams	jennifer.adams@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x2609
School Counselors	Kelly Pacatte Paul Pierce	kelly.pacatte@mcsdny.org paul.pierce@mcsdny.org	518-827-3600 x2601

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PART II:  REGULATIONS & POLICIES

ACCELERATED COURSEWORK

Eighth Grade Acceleration for Diploma Credits

Eighth grade students may take appropriate high school courses. The Superintendent or designee will determine whether an eighth grade student is eligible to take high school courses using criteria that examines each student’s readiness. By the end of seventh grade, accelerated students must receive instruction designed to facilitate their attainment of the state intermediate learning standards in each subject area in which they are accelerated.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement examinations afford students the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing in many colleges and universities. The College Board administers a variety of AP examinations in May of each year. The District will determine a student’s readiness for enrollment in any AP class.

Dual Credit for College Courses

Students who have demonstrated intellectual and social maturity may choose to matriculate at any one of the colleges that have a cooperative agreement with the District. Students who wish to enroll in college-level coursework must meet all academic, grade level, and coursework requirements. These opportunities may include early admission to college, collegiate-level work offered in the high school, or other means of providing advanced work. The administration will review and approve any college courses before they are taken during the school day. The Board may choose to pay the cost of tuition and other related costs for high school courses that are included in the high school course catalog or the distance learning catalog by including the costs in the general fund or federal grant budgets. The Board will not pay for any tuition or other related costs for enrollment in college courses not included in the approved catalogs.

Students Online Coursework

The District may offer students the ability to complete general education and diploma requirements for a specific subject through online instruction or blended coursework that combines online and classroom-based instruction. To receive credit for online coursework, students must successfully complete an online or blended course and demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes for the subject by passing the Regents exam or other assessment in the subject area.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7220: Graduation Option/Early Graduation/Accelerated Programs

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ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTERS & THE INTERNET

The Board of Education is committed to optimizing student learning and teaching. The Board considers access to a computer network, including the Internet, to be a powerful and valuable educational, research, and business tool, and encourages the use of computers and computer-related technology in district classrooms and offices for the purpose of advancing and promoting learning and teaching.

All users of the district’s computer network and the Internet must understand that use is a privilege, not a right, and that use entails responsibility. The district reserves the right to control access to the Internet for all users of its computers and network. The district may either allow or prohibit certain kinds of online activity, or access to specific websites.

All users of the district’s computer network and equipment shall comply with this policy and regulation. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action as well as suspension and/or revocation of computer access privileges.

No Privacy Guarantee

Individuals using the district’s computer network should not expect, nor does the district guarantee privacy for electronic mail (e-mail) or any use of the district’s computer network. The district reserves the right to access and view any material stored on district equipment or any material used in conjunction with the district’s computer network.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7315: Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Guidelines

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ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF STUDENTS

All students, except those arriving on the buses, are encouraged to arrive at school no earlier than 7:45 AM when the cafeteria will begin serving breakfast and monitors are on post.

No students are allowed to be upstairs prior to 8:03 AM without a pass.

All students should be in their 1^st period class and in their seats by 8:08 AM in the morning.

NO students in grades 7-12 are to leave the school building or grounds between 8:03 AM and 2:45 PM without written consent from parent/guardian and the approval by the superintendent, principal, or nurse.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

The Board of Education recognizes that consistent attendance is a critical factor in a student’s ability to achieve their fullest academic potential. Students have a right and responsibility to attend school on a daily basis. Consistent attendance contributes to a positive school climate while inconsistent attendance diminishes the student’s ability to effectively use school resources, as well as having a negative effect on the entire school community.

Expectations

The District’s expectation is that parents/legal guardians will notify the main office of the appropriate school when the student is expected to be absent from school for the day or for an extended period of time during the school day.

In cases where the school is not contacted by the parent/legal guardian regarding the student’s absence, the school will notify the parent/legal guardian when the student is absent from school (unless it is determined that it will be a long absence), usually within the first two hours of the school day. It is the parent’s/legal guardian’s responsibility to ensure that the school has all up-to-date addresses, phone numbers and any other contact information.

Recognizing that there are times when students need to leave school for various reasons, written requests from the parent/legal guardian for the release of students generally will be honored. The appropriate time and reason for absence shall be recorded on the attendance record and reported pursuant to state requirements and district record keeping procedures. The Building Principal and/or designee shall assume this responsibility or shall designate an individual to review and approve all requests.

When notification has not been provided, a written excuse will be required upon the student’s return. An absence, tardiness, or early departure shall be assumed to be unexcused until the designated school attendance personnel has received written notification. Failure to produce a written excuse within two school days upon return shall result in the absence being permanently designated as unexcused.

Excused Absences

The reasons and applicable documentation deemed acceptable for an excused absence when school is in session, include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Personal illness;
2. Illness or death in the family;
3. Impassable roads or weather;
4. Required court appearances;
5. Quarantine;
6. Attendance at health clinics;
7. Approved college visits;
8. Military obligations;
9. Religious observance;
10. Disciplinary detention of incarcerated youth.

All other absences for any other reasons will be deemed unexcused absences.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7110: Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy

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ATTENDANCE:  CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Athletic Participation

The Athletic Director is responsible for monitoring a student athlete’s absence and tardiness. A student may not participate in practice and/or competitions on days absent for the entire school day unless there are special circumstances and permission is granted by the Athletic Director and/or Building Principal.

Extracurricular Participation

Advisors are responsible for monitoring a student’s absence and tardiness. A student may not participate in extracurricular activities on days absent unless there are special circumstances and permission is granted by the Advisor and/or Building Principal.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7110: Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy

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ATTENDANCE:  DENIAL OF CREDIT

At the end of the marking period in which a student exceeds 23 unexcused absences for a full year course (or 12 for a half year or every other day course), a denial of credit hearing will be held.  This hearing will be conducted by the Principal and a committee including school counselors, social workers and teachers.  The committee will make a recommendation to the Superintendent as to the appropriate course of action suited to the individual circumstances of the student.  The consequences may include full or partial loss of course credit.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7110: Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy

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ATTENDANCE:  FAMILY VACATIONS

Vacations during other than school breaks will be recorded as unexcused and are strongly discouraged. Despite the best efforts of teachers and parents/legal guardians, it is impossible to make up for missing the teacher-directed instruction and class discussion. Make-up work may be provided.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7110: Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy

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BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROGRAM

To promote good nutritional habits, Middleburgh Central School participates in the Child Nutrition’s Community Eligibility Provision which allows one daily free breakfast and one daily free lunch for all students for the 2025-2026 school year. The breakfast program will run from 7:45 AM—9:30 AM. All students should be in their first period class by 8:08 AM. Student’s lunch time will be listed on their schedules. Students purchasing snacks or an additional breakfast/lunch will be charged according to the MCS cafeteria rates.

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BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Middleburgh Central District furnishes transportation to those students whose disability or distance from the school make the service essential. Except as otherwise mandated in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), riding these buses is a privilege and may be withdrawn if the student does not comply with the rules and regulations set forth in this District.

Bus drivers shall be held responsible for reasonable and acceptable behavior of students while riding the school bus. Students riding school buses are expected to conform to the rules of conduct in order to permit the bus driver to transport his/her passengers safely.

The Board of Education, the Superintendent and/or his/her designee has the authority to suspend the transportation privileges of children who are disorderly and insubordinate on buses.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7340: Bus Rules and Regulations

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CLASS ADVISORS

Class of 2029 (9th):   Mrs. Hunter        

Class of 2028 (10th): Ms. Tomic, Mrs. Misenhimer       

Class of 2027 (11th): Mrs. Hurst, Ms. MacMillan

Class of 2026 (12th): Mrs. DeJong, Mr. Bornt

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CLASS OFFICERS

At the first class meeting the following officers will be elected:

President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two (2) Student Government Representatives.

A list of officers will be submitted to the office by the second week in September.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board of Education of the Middleburgh Central School District is proud of the students and the seriousness with which they approach their education. The Board is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive, and district personnel may deliver, quality educational services without undue disruption or interference.

The student Code of Conduct’s purpose is to identify positive behavioral interventions, define a tiered approach to addressing misbehavior, and to address specifically defined behaviors and their consequences.

The Code of Conduct is updated on a yearly basis and is provided to students in an abridged format that will be provided to each student at the start of the school year. The full un-abridged version can be obtained from the main office or on the school’s website at https://www.middleburghcsd.org/

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy: District Code of Conduct

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COURSES:  ADDING OR DROPPING

ADDING A COURSE:

No courses may be added after ten (10) school days in September or after the start of the second semester for spring semester courses.

DROPPING A COURSE:

Students wishing to drop a course must do so by the following dates:

1st Semester & Full Year Courses: 3rd Friday of the 1st Semester

2nd Semester Courses: 3rd Friday of the 2nd Semester

In the case where mitigating circumstances are present, a committee made up of the student, his/her parents/guardians, the teacher, school administration, and guidance counselor will meet and resolve the issue. Students dropping a course must obtain a drop form from their school counselor.

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DANCES

In an effort to provide safe, social activities for our students, the procedures below shall be followed for the approval of dances.

1. Dances will be for Middleburgh School students, grades 6-12 only.
2. Middleburgh Junior-Senior High School students may invite one guest with prior approval and a completed approval form.
3. Students removed from school for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed in any of the school dances.
4. No refreshments are to be served in the gym unless approved by an Administrator.
5. A list of chaperones is to be submitted to the administration one week prior to the dance.
6. Decorations must be removed from the gym immediately after the dance.
7. Once a student enters the dance, he/she is not to leave. Students who leave the dance will be denied re-admission.
8. No one will be admitted after the first hour, unless returning from a school activity or prior permission is granted.
9. Students who are suspended in-school or out of school will be considered to have violated the conditions of a good school citizen. Students who violate these conditions will not be able to attend school dances for two school weeks.
10. Students must sign in at regular school dances.
11. Students who have not attended school the day of the dance or the day before if it is on a Saturday, may not attend without special permission from the Principal or the Superintendent.

Invited Guests

1. Middleburgh Junior-Senior High School students may invite one guest with prior approval.
2. Approval forms must be completed and turned into the Main Office by 3:00 p.m., two days prior to the dance.
3. Approval forms may be obtained from the Main Office.
4. Middleburgh Junior-Senior High School students’ guests must be attending an accredited Junior-Senior High School program in grades 7 -12 with the exception of Prom and Winter Ball.

Students’ guests must be in grades 7-12 and not older than twenty years of age to attend the Prom and Winter Ball.

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DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS

In order to ensure students’ safety, students may only be released from school into the custody of authorized individuals. The main office maintains a list of authorized individuals. No student may be released to the custody of any individual who is not the parent or guardian of the student, unless the individual’s name appears upon the list. Parents or guardians may submit the names of individuals authorized to obtain the release of their children from school at the time of the child’s enrollment.

A parent or guardian may amend a list submitted pursuant to this regulation at any time, in writing, with a signature of the parent or guardian. Certified copies of any court orders or divorce decrees provided by the custodial parent, which restrict a parent’s ability to seek the release of his/her child, shall be maintained in district offices.

If anyone seeks the release from school of a student, he/she must report to the main office and present satisfactory identification. If the person seeking the release of a child exhibits to the school official an out-of-state custody order, the superintendent will be called.

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DOWNTOWN PRIVILEGE

1. After the first five week marking period, only students in Grade 12 are eligible for this privilege. Students must not be failing any classes to qualify.
2. Students who are eligible must obtain written permission from parents or guardians at the beginning of the marking period the student is eligible.
3. Before leaving school, each individual student must sign out on the green student sign-out sheet. You are not to sign anyone else out or ask anyone else to sign you out.
4. This privilege is effective only during a student’s SCHEDULED lunch period and ONE free period. Students are not allowed to go downtown when they have a scheduled class.  If they return to the building with food, please take it to the cafeteria.
5. Students are responsible for returning to their next period class on time. Tardiness will be reported by teachers involved. Two reports of lateness will result in suspension of this privilege.
6. If a student is on the FAILING LIST they are not eligible for this privilege.
7. If a student is TARDY to school on any given morning, this privilege is lost for that day.
8. If a student has in-school detention, lunch detention, or NO hallway privileges, they are not allowed to sign out for that day.
9. Students are prohibited from entering any bars or liquor stores during this time. Purchase use or possession of any alcoholic beverage or narcotic drug during this time is also prohibited. Violations will result in permanent loss of privileges.  SMOKING IN PUBLIC IS PROHIBITED.
10. Students themselves are responsible for policing this privilege and are to use their best judgment in dealing with or reporting any violations.

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DRUG & ALCOHOL USE

No person may use, possess, sell or distribute alcohol or other substances, nor may any person use or possess drug paraphernalia on school grounds or at school-sponsored events, except those prescribed by a physician.

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EARLY GRADUATION

A student may be eligible for early graduation (fewer than eight semesters) if the student completes all requirements for graduation, excluding physical education. The District will consult with appropriate personnel, the student, and persons in parental relation, and consider factors such as the student’s grades, performance in school, future plans, and benefits to graduation early in making its decision.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7220: Graduation Option/Early Graduation/Accelerated Programs

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EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

The Superintendent of Schools may delay, close, or dismiss students/staff early when hazardous weather or other emergencies threaten health or safety.

CLOSURES AND DELAYS:

The Superintendent will coordinate with the Director of Facilities to determine if there is a need to delay or close school based on information gathered from local and town sources. The Superintendent will begin procedures to post information on the school website and to make robocalls to staff and families. For full-day closures, the superintendent will initiate robocalls through ParentSquare and information will be posted to local TV stations and websites no later than 6AM.

TV Stations: WNYT | WTEN |WRGB (Albany)

 

Websites:              http://wnyt.com/closings/

                                     http://www.schoolclosingsnetwork.com

 EARLY CLOSINGS:

The decision to close school early will be made in coordination with the Director of Facilities. The decision to close early requires several hours of planning. In most cases, we will attempt to serve all lunches before closing.

Notifications will be sent through ParentSquare if an early closing is to occur.   Parents are requested to avoid calling schools on days of poor weather as it is important to keep school phone lines open.

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EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS

Students under 18 who are interested in working papers may pick up applications in the Counseling Center.

Despite the attraction of having a part-time job after school hours, students should give careful thought to the amount of time and energy such a job can demand. Students should remember that school responsibilities always take precedence over such jobs. Additionally, state labor laws are very specific about the amount of time students are permitted to work when school is in session.

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ENTERING & EXITING THE BUILDING

All entrances are locked at all times. Entrance to the building after 8:00 AM shall be through the main entrance only. Students are not to open any other doors for anyone seeking entrance into the building.  At the end of the school day, students may exit through the main lobby or cafeteria.

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FEES, FINES AND CHARGES

Students are expected to exercise reasonable care in the use of school equipment and any damage done to library books, textbooks or other school equipment including athletic and musical equipment due to misuse or negligence must be paid for by the student. Lost or damaged textbooks will be immediately reported to the office for payment. Other school equipment which is damaged should be reported to the building principal, who will determine if negligence on the part of the student was the cause of the damage. If so, the student and the student’s parents will be expected to pay for such damage.

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FIRE DRILLS

The principal is responsible for conducting fire drills in order to instruct students and staff in exiting the school building in an emergency in the shortest time possible and without confusion and panic. Fire drills shall include instruction on fire drill exits and fire alarm boxes, as well as fire drill procedures.

All students are expected to cooperate with staff members during fire drills, and to leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner. The exit route is posted in each room. Students must stay with their teacher.

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GRADUATION PARTICIPATION

Any student who has satisfactorily completed all graduation requirements will be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony and all related graduation activities of his or her graduating class subject to certain exceptions. Students may be prohibited from participating in the graduation ceremony or related graduation activities as a consequence of violating the District’s Code of Conduct.

The District permits any student to participate in the graduation ceremony and all related graduation activities of his or her high school graduating class, if the student has been awarded a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential or a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential, but has not otherwise qualified to receive a Regents or local diploma. While permitted to participate, these students are not required to participate in the graduation ceremony or related graduation activities of his or her high school graduating class. For purposes of this policy, a student’s high school graduating class is the twelfth-grade class with which he or she entered into ninth grade.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7221: Participation in Graduation Ceremonies and Activities

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Credits Required for Graduation

Subject	Regents Diploma	Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation	Grade Level Taken
English Language Arts	4	4	9–12
Global History I & II	2	2	9–10
US History & Government	1	1	11
Participation in Government	½	½	12
Economics	½	½	12
Math	3	3	9–11
Science	3	3	9–11
Foreign Language	1	3*	9–11
Health	½	½	9–12
Fine Arts	1	1	9–12
Physical Education	2	2	9–12
Electives	3½	1½
Total Credits Required	22	22

* Students may be exempt from the 3-unit foreign language requirement for an Advanced Designation Regents Diploma if the student earns a 5-unit major in Occupational Ed., Music, or Art.

Regents Exams Required for Graduation

Exam	Regents Diploma	Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation
English Language Arts Regents	✓	✓
US History & Government Regents	✓	✓
Global History & Geography Regents	✓	✓
Algebra I Regents	Must pass one Math Regents with 65+	Must pass two Math Regents with 65+
Geometry Regents
Algebra II Regents
Earth Science	Must pass one Science Regents with 65+	Must pass two Science Regents with 65+
Living Environment
Chemistry
Physics
Foreign Language	No Exam Required	Must pass State Approved Exam
Number of Regents Exams Must Pass	5	8

4+1 Option: Students may also earn a Regents Diploma by passing four exams (English, one Math, one Science, one Social Studies) plus at least one other Regents Exam or a state-approved Career-Tech Ed Program and Assessment.

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HOMEWORK

Students are assigned homework for the purpose of increasing their knowledge or skills. Students will be expected to complete all homework on time. Students who do not submit homework on time are still obligated to complete it. Homework provides excellent opportunities for developing good study habits, provides for individual differences and abilities, and encourages self-initiative on the part of the student.

Middleburgh Central School believes that parental involvement in students’ homework is essential to making homework an integral part of the educational program. Parents should encourage and monitor homework assignments.

Parents and the school share the responsibility for student learning. Parents can assist their child(ren) with homework by:

• providing a study area free of distractions and with good lighting
• asking questions about the content of student homework
• giving requested assistance, but letting the student do his or her own work
• avoiding undue pressure
• helping create a “homework habit,” at the same time each night

The bulk of student work will be completed in the classroom. Teachers create dynamic, engaging lessons that maximize student learning during the instructional period. The purpose of homework is to enhance the learning process by either reinforcing classroom learning or by enriching school experiences. Homework will not be assigned for busy work or punishment.

GENERAL HOMEWORK GUIDELINES:

Middle School: 7-8

30-60 minutes per day total.

High School: 9-12

1-2 hours per day total.

If parents are concerned that their child is receiving either too little or too much homework, they should contact the child’s teacher.

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HONOR ROLL & MERIT ROLL

At the end of each marking period student grades will be averaged. A high honor, honor roll, and merit roll list will be generated for students in grades 5-12.

 High Honor Roll: 89.5% or higher    

Honor Roll: 84.5% – 89.4%  

Merit Roll:  80.0% – 84.4%

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INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

Interscholastic athletics for boys and girls are an integral and desirable part of the district’s secondary school educational program. Individual and team sports shall be based upon comprehensive physical education instruction and intramural activities, seeking broad participation from all secondary students. Lifetime or carry-over sports are to be particularly encourage and supported. Parity in the number and kind of sports activities for girls and boys is a clear objective of the district.

Student eligibility for participation on interscholastic teams shall include:

1. Authorization by the school physician
2. Written parent or guardian consent
3. Endorsement by the school principal based on established rules and various league and State Education Department regulations.

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LOCKERS AND VALUABLES

Students in grades 9-12 will be able to obtain a locker upon request. Students in grades 7 and 8 will be assigned a locker and a lock to keep your coat, books and papers in. Students should not bring money or valuable property to school. The school cannot be held responsible for its loss. Students are to refrain from bringing to school any items that are not needed for instructional purposes. Your locker should be locked at all times. If you choose NOT to use your assigned locker, you can turn your lock in at the Main Office. YOU MUST USE ONLY THE LOCKER ASSIGNED TO YOU. Your locker is school property and is subject to periodic inspection by the school and/or law enforcement personnel (including the K-9 patrol).

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MARKING PERIOD INFORMATION:  2025-2026

	Start Date	End Date
Quarter 1	Thursday, September 4, 2025	Friday, November 7, 2025
Progress Report 1:  Friday, October 3, 2025
Quarter 2	Monday, November 10, 2025	Friday, January 30, 2026
Progress Report 2: Friday, December 12, 2025
Quarter 3	Monday, February 2, 2026	Friday, April 17, 2026
Progress Report 3: Friday, March 6, 2026
Quarter 4	Monday, April 20, 2026	Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Progress Report 4: Friday, May 15, 2026

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MEDICATION

If your child is taking any medication, even over the counter medicines, the nurse must be notified. The medicine must be accompanied with a Doctor’s order and parent signature on the appropriate forms. All medicine must be in the original container.  Under the laws of NY State, the only school personnel authorized to administer medication, including aspirin, are qualified school nurses.

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MILITARY RECRUITERS

Pursuant to the Every Student Succeeds Act, the school district must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of high school students. The district must also notify parents of their right and the right of their child to request that the district not release such information without prior written parental consent.

Parents (or students 18 years of age or older) wishing to exercise their option to withhold their consent to the release of the above information to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher learning must notify the building principal by October 15th in any school year.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7242: Military Recruiters’ and Institutions of Higher Education

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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

To be eligible for membership, the candidate must be a member of the sophomore, junior or senior class. Candidates must have been in regular attendance at Middleburgh Junior-Senior High School for the equivalent of one semester before they may be considered for membership.

Students may not apply for membership in the National Honor Society. Selection for candidacy to the Chapter is based on the student’s demonstration of outstanding scholarship (at least 88%), leadership, character and service.

A student who qualifies academically must submit a sealed letter of reference from a faculty member at MCS, a resume detailing leadership experience, service activities, and extracurricular activities, and a verification sheet signed by both student and a parent/guardian by a date specified by the faculty council. The faculty will be asked to fill out a survey on each candidate’s service, leadership, and character, to aid the faculty council in their selection.

The faculty council will meet to review the candidate’s information. The faculty council will use a point system to determine selection based on the following criterion: academic average (20%), faculty survey (40%), resume (20%), and a letter of reference/discipline records (20%).

Once inducted, members must maintain the standards that were used as a basis for their selection. Induction ceremonies for new members will be held in the spring of each school year.

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PASSES

All students are required to have an e-Hall Pass when in the halls during regularly scheduled class periods. If a student is found without a pass it may result in a detention being assigned. Students are to be in their assigned place at all times. Permission to see or work with a teacher must be obtained in advance and the student is to have an e-Hall Pass from the teacher.  Students are not to be in the halls when classes are in session without an appropriate pass. Students are not to loiter in the hallways, auditorium, cafeteria, gym, or restrooms.

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PROGRESS REPORTS TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Middleburgh Central School’s formal reporting system includes report cards and/or forms developed by the professional staff and issued periodically, scheduled conferences between parents/guardians and teachers, and interim reports issued as needed or required. However, student grades are available online through SchoolTool.  We encourage parents/guardians to monitor their child’s progress. Parents/Guardians are also urged to visit the school and to meet with the school counselor and teachers whenever necessary. However, please schedule all such visits in advance.

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PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS

Promotion/Retention

Middle School Students (7-8). Students who fail one or two core courses shall have the failure evaluated and a determination made as to the reason for the failure. In typical cases, the student will be promoted, but may be assigned to a lower academic ability group. The decision shall be arrived at by consensus from a case conference approach involving teacher, Principal and guidance counselor.

Students who fail more than two core subjects shall fail for the year. Foreign languages in 7th and 8th grade are considered core subjects.

High School Students (9-12) In general, promotion from one class to the next shall be contingent upon the passing of all required subjects and the accumulation of 4 or 5 units of credit at each level.

Student Acceleration

Acceleration will be considered on an individual basis based on a student’s academic record, attendance, and social and emotional growth.

Retention/Acceleration

A decision to retain or accelerate shall be arrived at by consensus from a case conference approach involving but not limited to the teacher, Director of Instructional Support Services, counselor and parent/guardian.

Factors to be considered include teacher recommendation; classroom achievement and attitude; standardized test scores; social and emotional development; results of the family conference; and, for identified students, recommendations by the Committee on Special Education. Standardized test scores will not be the sole or primary factor in the decision. If a consensus cannot be reached, the decision of the Building Principal shall be final.

No student will be retained without an appropriate educational plan defining what will occur that is instructionally different for the student. Once the educational plan has been implemented, the student will be monitored regularly. The educational plan will be revised until the student demonstrates acceptable performance.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7210: Student Evaluation

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REGENTS EXAMS:  COURSE WORK REQUIREMENT

Only students who have completed the specific course work will be permitted to take Regents exams in that particular subject. Students challenging for 6 1/2 credits may take the Regents exam.

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REGENTS EXAMS:  SCIENCE LAB REQUIREMENT

Students scheduled to take a Regents Exam in science must first satisfactorily complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences with satisfactory laboratory reports. Students may not be admitted to a science Regents exam without the laboratory requirement first being met.

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SCHOOL PROPERTY

The Middleburgh Central School District states that lockers, desks, and other such storage spaces remain the exclusive property of the school district and students should have no expectation of privacy with respect to these areas.

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SEARCHES

The Board of Education is committed to ensuring an atmosphere on school property and at school functions that is safe and orderly. To achieve this kind of environment, any school official authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty on a student may question a student about an alleged violation of law or the district Code of Conduct.

Students are not entitled to any sort of “Miranda”-type warning before being questioned by school officials, nor are school officials required to contact a student’s parent/guardian before questioning the student. However, school officials will tell all students why they are being questioned.

In addition, the Board authorizes the superintendent, principals, and the school nurse to conduct searches of students and their belongings, in most instances with exceptions set forth below, if the authorized school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will result in evidence that the student violated the law or the district Code of Conduct.

An authorized school official may conduct a search of a student’s belongings that is minimally intrusive, such as touching the outside of a book bag, without reasonable suspicion, so long as the school official has a legitimate reason for the very limited search.

An authorized school official also may search a student or the student’s belongings based upon information received from a reliable informant. Individuals, other than the district employees, will be considered reliable informants if they have previously supplied information that was accurate and verified, or they make an admission against their own interest, or they provide the same information that is received independently from other sources, or they appear to be credible and the information they are communicating relates to an immediate threat to safety. District employees will be considered reliable informants unless they are known to have previously supplied information that they knew was not accurate.

Before searching a student or the student’s belongings, the authorized school official should attempt to get the student to admit that the student possesses physical evidence that the student violated the law or the district Code of Conduct, or get the student to voluntarily consent to the search. Searches will be limited to the extent necessary to locate the evidence sought.

Whenever practical, searches will be conducted in the privacy of administrative offices and students will be present when their possessions are being searched. Searches will be conducted in the presence of two adults whenever possible.

The full un-abridged version of the student Code of Conduct contains additional information regarding searches. It can be obtained from the main office or on the school’s website at https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/middleburghcsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CHUM2E558CF8

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy: District Code of Conduct

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SENIOR PORTRAITS

Lifetouch Studios is our school photographer for senior portraits. Since this is a portrait for the formal section of the yearbook, the district has established the following guidelines to have more uniformity to this portion of the book. If students do not use Lifetouch Studios for senior portraits, we cannot guarantee a photo for other publications. Portraits submitted from other studios must follow the following guidelines:

1. Head and shoulder pose only
2. Traditional backgrounds—plain backgrounds with no special effects.
3. Props are NOT allowed. No other objects are allowed in the picture.
4. No outdoor pictures
5. No tee shirts with any writing, advertising, pictures, logos, etc.
6. No hats
7. No proof. A 2”x3” wallet size photo is needed. Please turn in a total of 4 photos (used in the yearbook and the newspaper)

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SMOKING, VAPING & OTHER TOBACCO USE

The Board recognizes that the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), cannabis (marijuana), drugs, counterfeit and designer drugs, over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and other and other similar substances is a serious problem with legal, physical, emotional, and social implications for our students, as well as the entire community. Therefore, the consumption, sharing, selling, use, and/or possession of, these and similar substances, as well as drug paraphernalia are prohibited in accordance with law and regulation, District policy, the District Code of Conduct, and/or other similar documents.

Applicable Board Policies:
Board Policy #7320: Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs and Other Substances (Students)

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STUDENT CLASS RANKING

For the purpose of determining the Valedictorian, Salutatorian and the ranking of every student in each graduating class, a weighted ranking policy will be used. Class rank will be calculated at the end of the Junior year and a final determination will be made at the close of the second marking period of the Senior year, with full year courses being projected out. PE will be used in determining class rank as well as all credit bearing classes taken in the Senior year.

Courses are divided into three levels of ranking:

Level 1 – are all the local courses; courses not having a prerequisite course
Level 2 – courses that have a prerequisite course of Grade 9 level course or above and all Regents level courses.
Level 3 – are all college or advanced placement courses, where students have the option of receiving college credit.

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STUDENT PARKING

Students with a valid driver’s license may be eligible to drive to school and park on school grounds. Sections of the school parking lot are allotted to such students. Also, be reminded that student’s vehicles are subject to search at the principal’s discretion. Misuse of driving privileges may lead to revocation of the parking permit and driving privileges.

Parking on school property is a privilege and is limited to students in good standing with prior approval. All students wishing to park on school property will need to complete a vehicle registration form and parking contract. Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense and are subject to search by authorities.

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STUDY HALL GUIDELINES

1. Students are to enter and leave the quiet study room in an orderly manner.
2. All students will sit in an assigned seat and should have their assignments and books when they come to the room. Students will remain in their assigned seats until the bell to end the period.
3. There will be no electronics allowed in the quiet study room.
4. There will be NO food and drink allowed in the quiet study room.
5. Students will be allowed limited time when they must leave the room; students will be allowed 3 minutes to go to their locker (one at a time with locker pass), and 5 minutes to go to the bathroom (one at a time with bathroom pass).
6. There will be NO games, including card games, allowed during the quiet study period.
7. Students on the failing list, or who are tardy to school for that day/period, will lose all sign out privileges and will not be allowed to leave the quiet study room.

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SUMMER SCHOOL

Students in grades 9-12 who fail a course of study may attend summer school to make up credit. For purposes of figuring an average, the grade earned at MCS will count as 50% and the summer school grade will count as 50%.

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TARDINESS

Students in grades PK-12 who report to school late must sign in with the main office. Students whose bus arrives late to school shall report directly to the main office and receive a bus tardiness pass to present to the classroom teacher.

Students must be in their room at the beginning of the period or be considered tardy. Being tardy for three classes in grades 7-12 will result in a detention.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPANTS

In order to participate in any extra-curricular activity on any particular day, participants must be in school by the beginning of 2nd period except on performance days when they need to be in school the entire day unless they have a valid excuse. Examples of valid excuses would be a doctor’s note or work release.

It is the responsibility of the extra-curricular activity advisor to verify the attendance/punctuality of all participants.

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TUTORING

Tutoring is available for students after school.  The principal will create a schedule for subject-specific tutoring Mondays through Thursdays as needs arise.

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PART III:  REQUIRED NOTIFICATIONS

Please visit our Required Notifications page.

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