Campus Policies

Please follow your updated schedule beginning August 10, 2023.

*Note: some classes are mixed grade levels so please double check with your teacher for which lunch you have.

ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL:

To ensure the safety of students, once they arrive on campus, they must enter the cafeteria. Children may enter the cafeteria as early as 7:15 am. We will have staff members on duty beginning at 7:40 am to supervise students.

CAR/VAN RIDERS:

Students should be dropped off near the cafeteria door, on the south side of the campus. Parents should follow traffic signs and directions of staff on duty, pulling all the way forward in the drop off line. Parents should not allow students to exit the vehicle before they have pulled forward, or run between cars in the parking lot.

Parents should not drop children off on the northbound side of Dennis Lane (closest to the soccer fields) and allow students to cross the street. These crosswalks are not staffed with crossing guards and should not be used. Students are welcome to cross the street at the light near Richland Avenue and Dennis Lane.

STUDENT WALKERS:

Students should obey all traffic laws and use caution when using crosswalks or in parking lots, and students should not run through traffic lanes when cars are present. Once on campus, students should not leave campus for any reason. Bike riders should walk their bikes once they have entered the school grounds, and may lock their bikes up in the bike area near the flagpoles at the southeast corner of campus.

DISMISSAL:

Immediately after students are dismissed from school, they are to leave the school grounds unless they attend any of the school sponsored after-school programs. Children cannot loiter on the school grounds after being dismissed because there is no adult supervision. Teachers will be on duty until 4:00 pm, and students should be picked up or have left the school grounds by this time. Parents are responsible for making sure students know where they will be picked up and by whom. Parents wishing to pick their child up before school dismissal must go to the main office to sign students out.

CAR/VAN RIDERS:

Parents or van transportation that pick up children from campus must pick them up from the lane closest to the school. Students will not be able to use the crosswalks on Dennis Lane, and will have to cross at the corner of Richland Avenue and Dennis Lane only.

These guidelines are determined for the safety of all students. Parents wishing to pick their child up before school dismissal must go to the main office to sign students out. (See section below about picking up students early.)

STUDENT WALKERS:

Students walking home from school must walk immediately home after leaving school property. Loitering on the school grounds after 4:00 pm is not permitted. For the safety of all children, students will not be allowed to wait outside of the school building for a ride after 4:00 pm, due to the lack of adult supervision. Should a student remain on campus excessively late (after 5:00 pm), a phone call will be made to the parent to remind them of the school’s policy and our concern for the student’s safety.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:

After school activities, tutorials and clubs may meet after school.  Please create a plan with your scholar for where they will be picked up and at approximately what time.  Look for information from teachers and coaches on any upcoming after school club events that may be taking place. 

PICKING UP STUDENTS EARLY:

Parents must go to the front office/attendance office and sign their child out of school with the school secretary. If there is an emergency or special circumstance, please call the office ahead of time to make arrangements. Students will not be released to anyone not listed in the student’s file as a person authorized to pick up the child. Only after the parent or other authorized person signs the child out will the child be released to the parent or other authorized person. Once the dismissal process has started at 3:15 pm, children will not be allowed to leave early and the parent must follow the established dismissal procedures for the safety of all students.

DESIGNATION OF PARENT/GUARDIAN PICK UP:

As part of the enrollment process, the student’s parent/guardian must designate the persons who are authorized to pick up the student from school. Only those persons will be allowed to pick up the student. If it is necessary for someone other than the designated person to pick up the child, the parent must notify the school in writing and specifically identify the person who will be picking up their child. Authorization for this person to pick up the student must be given to the school secretary either in person, by email or fax. School personnel will require proper identification of the person before releasing the child.

FAMILY DISPUTES OR CUSTODY ISSUES:

The school will not be involved in decisions relating to custody or family disputes with respect to picking up a child from school. The school will assume both parents have equal right to access to their child, including the right to pick up the child from school, unless the school has been provided with a certified court order which specifically limits the access of the parent to his or her child at the school. A divorce decree setting out custody or visitation schedules is not sufficient to prohibit access of a parent unless the decree specifically so provides. Parents involved in divorce or custody proceedings should make every effort to manage these issues without disruption to the student or school environment. Parents who fail to comply with this request may be removed from the school campus by the police.

Communication with Parents

Communication with parents is very important to the successful school experience. Vivian Field may use a variety of methods of communication, such as those listed below. Do not hesitate to reach out to the teacher or campus administrators by phone or email if you have any questions or concerns about your child or communication with or from the School. The following are examples of communications you may expect from the School.

STUDENT CHROMEBOOKS:

All students will use their chromebooks to record homework, upcoming assignments, projects and tests. 

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION:

Communication regarding grades, behavior, tutorials, student’s level of success in following the classroom management plan, etc. will be sent via email to the email address on file in Parent Self Serve, sent home with the student, or mailed home to the address on file.

PHONE CALLS:

Parents may be contacted by teachers, administrators and automated phone calls to discuss their child’s grades, attendance, behavior or to share upcoming campus events. If there is a language barrier, an interpreter will be contacted to provide the information to the parent.

PARENT SELF SERVE:

Parents can access student grades and attendance information, check discipline and contact their child’s teachers through the Parent Self Serve website. Parents are able to set up a Parent Self Serve account and sign up for daily, weekly, or monthly emails with grades and attendance information. Parent Self-Serve can be accessed by visiting Parent Self-Serve (account required).
Student Self-Serve

STUDENT RECORDS ACCESS & PRIVACY:

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s educational records. These rights include the following:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access.
• The right to seek amendment of the student’s educational records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. [Contact Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington D.C. 20202-5920.]

Communities in Schools (CIS)

Jailine Garcia is the Community in Schools liaison and her office is located at Vivian Field. Ms. Garcia provides students with community support and builds relationships that empower students to succeed inside and outside of school. CIS only provides services to certain students that have been identified and approved by Ms. Garcia. Please contact Ms. Garica at 972-968-3900 if you would more information regarding CIS services.

 

 

We will utilize the Make Your Day citizenship and discipline program at Vivian Field Middle School. Make Your Day is a school-wide program that allows teachers to teach and students to learn. Students will have 3 in-class steps, and Step 4 will be the removal from class. Step 5 is administered by an administrator and can result in removal from campus.

Make Your Day Overview:

• Consistent behavioral and academic expectations throughout the school
• Non-confrontational, non-judgmental
• Encourages student ownership of behavior and responsibility that contributes to a positive learning environment
• Student behavior choices result in consequences that are consistent, logical and predictable

Goals of Make Your Day:

• To help students develop a sense of reality regarding the consequences of their behavior
• To intrinsically reward and encourage consistent learning behavior
• To reduce recognition and reinforcement of poor or inappropriate behavior
• To teach and provide opportunities for students to develop and practice decision-making skills regarding their behavior

If a child chooses Step 4, a parent conference must take place before the student will be admitted back into class. Students will be placed in a buddy room until a parent is contacted for the conference. Parents will be notified of their child’s choice regarding a Step 4 by phone as well as a letter sent home with the child.

School Commitment of Excellence

We believe that every child …

• has the capacity to learn, grow, and develop into a knowledgeable, reflective, caring, ethical, and contributing citizen.
• must have access to the very best programs and practices a school can offer, with teachers who set high expectation for all students.
• must be engaged in learning that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory.
• thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a learning environment where trust and respect are paramount and where family and community are actively involved.
• faces significant life choices and needs support in making wise and healthy decisions
• deserves educators who are prepared to work with this age group, who are themselves lifelong learners, and who are committed to their own ongoing professional development and growth.

Teacher Commitment of Excellence

Therefore, we proudly dedicate ourselves to becoming the best school educators that we can be and an active advocate for all children and youth. As part of the school faculty, I fully agree with and commit to the following:

• I will exhibit the rigor required to ensure actions are based on educational best practices and will do whatever it takes to meet individual student needs.
• I will attend and participate in all staff meetings and professional development to ensure best teaching practices become universal for continuous improvement.
• I will “go the extra mile” by being available before and after school during tutorial times to work with students and parents, and addressing any concerns.
• I will respond to communications from students and parents within forty-eight (48) hours, during the school week.
• I will remain focused on standards and excellence leading to results that support and implement the mission of Vivian Field and the district.
• I will utilize data to support and measure curricular and academic achievement.
• I will protect the safety and well-being of all Vivian Field students and staff members and further organizational goals by enforcing all rules, codes, policies, procedures and values of Vivian Field and the school district.
• I will promote Vivian Field and, its staff, students and community in a positive way at all times.
• I will contribute to the school by offering my suggestions in constructive ways.
• As a returning member to the Vivian Field campus, I will offer my support and guidance through modeling, chairing of events and helping out where I can to support new to staff and new teachers. I will also actively seek out leadership opportunities for myself and communicate these with the campus administrators.

Parents/Guardian Commitment of Excellence

As a parent, I fully agree with and commit to the following:

• I will keep my contact information (address, phone number, email, emergency contacts, etc.) up to date, and contact the school office to make changes as needed.
• I will make sure our child arrives at school every day before the start of classes and is there until school is dismissed for the day every instructional day on the school calendar unless my child is sick or there is an emergency.
• I will pick my child up from school on time or accept the consequences or penalties.
• I will notify the school by 9:00 am if my child is unable to attend school. I understand that daily attendance is essential to student success.
• I will make arrangements so my child can be at school before or after the school day for tutoring, detention or other after school programs when required or needed.
• I will always help my child in the best way I know how and I will do whatever it takes for him/her to learn. This also means that I will check my child’s homework every night, contact the teachers with any concerns, and support literacy by encouraging my child to read 20 minutes every night.
• I will communicate respectfully with faculty and staff both in person and via correspondence.
• I will read all papers that the school sends home, sign if necessary, and return the next day.
• I will participate in all meetings and conferences concerning my child.
• I will support the academic expectations and curricular programs of the school including allowing our child to go on school field trips, including out-of-town experiences.
• I will be a role model for my child as I follow the rules, codes, policies, procedures and the core values established by the school.
• I will adhere to school attendance policies ensuring the academic success of my child. I will ensure that my child follows the school rules, codes, policies and procedures so as to protect the safety, interests and rights of all individuals in the classroom.
• I will encourage my child to make positive choices and adhere to the campus discipline policy. I will support the school as it administers consequences in response to student behavioral choices in accordance to the school’s Choices System discipline policy. I understand this may include coming to the school for Choice 4 conferences if my student is removed from class, and attending restorative conferences that are scheduled.

Student Commitment of Excellence

As a student, I fully agree with and commit to the following:

• I will arrive at school every day by the start of classes in order to guarantee a full instructional day.
• I will strive to become a global citizen by acting as a thinker, risk-taker and balanced student.
• I will approach my learning with creativity, curiosity and enthusiasm.
• I will attend tutoring, detention or any other support services that are needed as required by school officials.
• I will work, communicate and behave in accordance with the district’s Student Code of Conduct.
• I will complete all of my homework every night and attend tutorials as assigned.
• I will contact my teachers if I have a question or concern related to my academic or social well-being.
• I will be respectful and cooperative toward my parents, teachers and peers.
• I will be principled in all my actions and accept responsibility for them.
• I will conduct myself appropriately during the school day, and make positive behavior choices. I will follow the Make Your Day discipline system, and understand the consequences of Steps 1-4.
• I will be knowledgeable of and follow all school rules, codes, policies and procedures.
• I will always behave in a caring manner that protects the safety, interests and rights of all individuals in the classroom and school community, and in an inquiring manner that is conducive for learning.
• I will be a reflective, open-minded member of my learning community who will show empathy, tolerance and respect.
• I will maintain academic integrity ensuring my work is my own.
  Note: This Commitment to Excellence is reviewed regularly and parent input is sought in the review process. Notice of opportunities for parents to participate in the review will be provided by the Campus administrators or the Campus Behavior Coordinator

Grading

The grading scale for all courses and grade levels is as follows:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
F = 68-0

Vivian Field will adhere to the CFBISD Dress Code for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Per District Dress Code:

Dress Code

The district establishes dress and grooming guidelines so that instruction and activities are not disrupted.

We expect the dress of all students to meet community standards and school policies with regard to safety, health, cleanliness and appearance.

Some basics to remember include:

• Shoes must be worn at all times.
• All apparel must fit properly and must be worn in the appropriate manner intended.
• Shorts can be worn provided they are not cut-off, athletic shorts, boxer shorts and/or are made of spandex. Shorts or skirts should be no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee or shorts should be no longer than the knee. Shorts must be hemmed and frays must be stitched.
• Clothing items with provocative, offensive, violent, or drug-related pictures or slogans as well as those advertising alcoholic beverages or tobacco products should not be worn to school.

Please note that all building administrative decisions regarding student dress are final. Students who disregard the dress code will be subject to disciplinary interventions.

The district’s complete dress code is outlined in the annual Student Handbook and the Code of Student Conduct. The Code of Student Conduct is distributed at the beginning of the school year.
 

Campus Technology Policy

Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used in the building or on the school grounds during the school day, with the exception of the school cafeteria. Student may use their phones in the cafeteria before school and during lunch only. The school day is from 8:10 am-3:25 pm. Use, display or evidence of possession of a paging or cellular device in the school building between the hours of 8:10 am and 3:25 pm will result in confiscation of the device. These items may be retrieved for a $15 fee. (Cash Only)

This policy is in accordance with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District’s Acceptable Use for Technology Resources agreement, Vivian Field Middle School – page two of the Acceptable Use agreement.

Note from the Principal: Through Vivian Field’s social-emotional homeroom program we understand the need adolescents have to be supported in executive functions, or, decision making skills. Personal technology can be a significant distraction even for mature adults. Since cell phones are allowed only during lunch and are considered a privilege, we may arrive at the decision to suspend the lunch privilege option. Reasons for doing so are related to below examples, though this is not an exhaustive list:

• Excessive tardies or absences
• Disruptive classroom conduct or impeding the learning of others
• Removal from class by a teacher or substitute
• Frequent use of public profanity at school
• Failure to comply with school expectations and rules

We understand that digital communication is frequent between parents and children, but our front office staff is well versed in handling emergency calls that you may need to make to your child during the school day. If your child has their cafeteria access privilege suspended, the phone can simply be checked into my office for safe and secure keeping from the time he/she arrives at school in the morning until the afternoon dismissal bell.

It’s my sincere hope and goal that your child could earn back his/her cafeteria access privilege if that circumstance arose and greatly improve his/her academic progress and/or conduct patterns. Please contact me if you have questions or concerns. I want to partner with you for the utmost benefit of your child.