Whitford Student/Parent Handbook

Many people have wondered about the significance of the train as the emblem of our school.  The train represents the old Whitford railroad station from which this area derives its name.  As far as is known, the three-sided green and yellow station which used to stand across from the Chevron service station at the intersection of Allen and Scholls Ferry Roads was named for W.A. White and A.C. Bedford, prominent capitalists of New York City, who were directors of the Oregon Electric Railway Company during the early history of the line.

The Bertha-Beaverton Railroad was completed in 1872 and later a branch was added that went through present-day Whitford and extended as far west as Forest Grove.  At first the railroad used steam engines, but in 1900 the change was made to electric engines.

Prior to 1920 the small one-room schoolhouse which stood near the present-day McKay School was known as Whitford School.  All eight grades were enrolled there with two students to a desk and a large pot-bellied stove in one corner.  Toward the rear of the building was a small balcony which was above the cloakroom.

This area had become known as Whitford because of the railroad's importance.  However, around 1920 when the electric railway was discontinued through Whitford because of the horseless carriage's popularity and because of debts acquired during the extreme rationing of World War I, the school became known as McKay after the McKay family which owned the property between present-day Progress and Allen Avenue.

Whitford Intermediate School was constructed during the early 1960's and opened its doors for the first time to seventh and eighth graders in the fall of 1963.

During the first year of Whitford's existence, student elections were held to choose colors and a school emblem.  Gold and Brown were the chosen colors because they blended with the new school's decor.  Wesley Kimber designed the winning emblem which was worked out in mosaics by Whitford's first eighth grade as a gift to the school from the Class of '63.  This emblem is displayed in Whitford's front hall.

The railroad theme suggested "The Coachmen" as a fitting name for the Whitford student body.  Thus ensued the Coachmen's Code and "Rules of the Road," former names for the student handbook.

The school colors were changed by the student government in 1966-67 to Columbia Blue and White.

The Whitford-specific information that follows is listed by topic. While we hope this helps answer most of your questions, we realize that we cannot list everything students and families need to know in such a limited space. Please feel free to contact our school for further information.

The information contained in this handbook is intended to inform parents and students regarding a few of the most common questions at Whitford Middle School.  The staff at Whitford MS believe it is essential for the school and home to work together to promote learning and foster healthy social growth.  We hope this handbook provides you with helpful information to enhance your child's education.

Address:   Whitford Middle School, 7935 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton, OR  97008

Telephone:  503-356-2700

Attendance Line:  503-356-2700

email protocol:  firstname_lastname@beaverton.k12.or.us

Whitford website:  https://whitford.beaverton.k12.or.us/

Principal:  Zan Hess

Assistant Principal:  Mariah McCarty

Whitford Middle School provides a program that is designed to serve the needs of the middle school student.  Our primary goal is to meet the educational needs of our students while recognizing the unique social and emotional development at this stage of early adolescence.  Whitford provides a gradual transition from the more sheltered world of elementary school to the broad choices of high school.

Daily Schedule

Each student is assigned to seven graded classes each semester:  Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, PE/Health, and two electives.  Students will meet in all their classes each day, and on rotating days they will have either an additional period of math or science (for a total of eight classes each day). Students are also assigned to an Advisory class to support social-emotional needs as well as online learning/organization strategies. 

Assignments and Homework

Each teacher has established homework expectations.  Teachers will share this information with students in their classes, with parents at Back-to-School Night, and on the class syllabus.  Parents are encouraged to help their students complete assignments by providing regular study periods at home and asking to see completed assignments, the student's binder, or the class calendar.  Parents should expect students to have some amount of homework every evening, even if that homework consists only of reading time.

Oregon Content Standards

The Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century calls on students, parents, educators and the business community to promote higher academic standards in schools and set specific standards for students in order to prepare them for the challenges they will face after high school.  Common Core Standards describe what teachers will teach.  Content Standards identify what students should know and be able to do in the content areas of:  English (reading, literature, writing, speaking), Mathematics, Health, Physical Education, Science, Social Sciences, the arts and second languages.  All lessons at Whitford  are linked to Common Core Standards through learning targets.

Assessing and Reporting Student Achievement

The Beaverton School District and teachers at Whitford are committed to the core ideas of a standards-based learning system through:

• clear learning targets in all content areas and all grade levels
• all classroom instruction and assessments aligned to learning targets
• providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate growth and learning
• increased use of formative assessment practices; providing feedback focused on student growth and supporting improved instruction
• consistent scoring guides and rubrics to determine a student's level of learning and indicate what a student must do to improve
• regular reporting of progress on each learning target
• reporting academics and behaviors separately
• placing the highest value on teacher judgment and expertise

The Academic Learning Targets for each course taught at Whitford can be found on the class syllabus or on the District Teaching and Learning webpage.

Chromebooks and School Devices

Chromebooks and school devices should only be used for school projects and assignments, and they should be used in accordance with the responsible digital citizenship lessons we've taught in school.  When students are doing research using a web browser and inadvertently find an inappropriate site, they must quickly leave the site and inform a teacher.  Students should also avoid any tampering with district settings or attempt to circumvent filters on their Chromebooks.

Personal Electronic Devices (P.E.D.)

In general, the only possessions appropriate to have at school are those that relate to the educational process. If a student needs to bring a cell phone or P.E.D. to school, the Whitford expectation is that devices are “Off and Away”  from 9:15-4:10. 
 Students should keep their phones in their locker or backpack the entire school day if they must be brought to school (with students accepting the risk of possible loss).  Students are no longer allowed to use these devices during passing period or lunch as we focus on encouraging students to engage in face-to-face conversations with peers and limit social media exposure during the school day. 

Inappropriate use of cell phones or electronic devices will result in a consequence.

• A first offense of this policy will result in a restorative conversation between student and adult. 
• A second offense will result in checking the device into the office for the remainder of the school day. The student will be given the device back at the end of the day.
• A third offense will result in the device being checked into the main office for the duration of the day.  The parent or guardian will need to pick up the device in the main office.  

Students with repeated cell phone issues will be subject to a plan of action to change behavior for their misuse of technology.

Parents:  Please do not text your student during the school day to relay a message as students may face consequences if they are instructed by you to watch for a text on their phones.  If you must communicate with your student during the school day, please email their BSD email account.  Students will likely use their Chromebooks at some point during the day and may ask a teacher for permission to check for email communication from home.  In the event of an emergency, contact the school and we will communicate promptly with the student.

Students worried about their P.E.D. being damaged, lost, or stolen should not bring such items to school. The school or district cannot be responsible or replace personal possessions that are damaged, lost, or stolen at school.

Dual Language Program

The mission of the Beaverton School District dual language program is to honor and develop multilingual, multi-literate, and multicultural students through rigorous, culturally inclusive education.  Students in a Dual Language program experience core curriculum taught in both English and Spanish.  This program begins at the elementary school level and continues through high school (at select school sites around the district).  Students who do not live in the Whitford boundary may attend Whitford to participate in the Dual Language program.  In addition to the core content taught in the program, we support students in meeting the following goals for Dual Language students:

• all students value their bilingualism as a positive asset;
• all students attain a high level of academic biliteracy in English and at least one other language;
• all students meet and exceed grade-level learning targets;
• all students learn to value and appreciate the diversity of ​our community’s cultures;​

• all students graduate with an Oregon Seal of Biliteracy, and are successful and well-prepared to thrive as global citizens.

Summa Program

As part of Beaverton's Talented and Gifted program, five middle schools in the district host a Summa Program.  Students who do not live in the Whitford boundary may attend Whitford to participate in the Summa program.  This program consists of accelerated core classes in the 5th through 8th grades for students who are eligible based on standardized testing criteria:

• 99th percentile (age-based) on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CoGAT), or 99th percentile on the total Reading or total Math Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), AND

• 97th percentile or higher in a different area: Total ITBS Reading, total ITBS Math or CogAT full version 

For more specific information about the Summa program and how to apply, please visit the BSD Summa webpage.

For curriculum details, please see the Physical Education and Health descriptions in the ACADEMICS tab.

As we continue to implement safety protocols through the 2021-22 school year, students will not be asked to dress down for PE.  Students will, however, have access to the locker room to store their backpacks during PE class and change shoes for PE class as needed.

Students will participate in PE/Health daily as one of their 7 regular classes.  

Students will be excused from P.E. with a note from their parent/guardian for reasons of illness or injury.  If a student does not have a written or verbal excuse from a parent or guardian, he/she will be asked to participate.  Notes must be presented at the beginning of class and will not be accepted to excuse a student from participation in a previous class period.  

In addition to the policies and practices that are specific to Whitford MS and stated in this handbook, Whitford also carefully observes the policies of the Beaverton School District as set forth in the Beaverton School District Student/Family Handbook.  Please read both of these handbooks carefully. If you do not have access to a computer and would like a copy of the handbook you may request a copy from the main office.

All students are expected to behave in a manner that demonstrates safe, responsible, respectful, and kind actions. These expectations are the same whether students attend school in the physical building or during distance learning online.  At Whitford, students are expected to:

• dress for success (see section on Dress Code)
• bring their binder and all needed materials to class each day
• be in the classroom on time and ready to learn
• use class time wisely, be on task, listen attentively
• show respect and courtesy to others
• use appropriate language
• respect other people's property
• meet teacher expectations and follow individual classroom rules
• know and obey all school rules

When these expectations are met, the result is a productive learning environment where every student's right to learn is fostered and protected.

There are many ways students at Whitford can become involved beyond the classroom.  Some activities include:  service activities, grade level events, student celebrations, assemblies, fundraisers and a variety of after school clubs.

Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District

Middle School sports are organized through Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District.  In the past, offerings have included competitive football, basketball, soccer, baseball, track and field, and cross country.  Program and fee information are available in the school office and through your local Parks & Recreation site.  For more information, call:

• Sports Leagues - Tualatin Hills Athletic Center:  503-629-6330
• After School Sports:  503-629-6340

Competitive teams are also formed through the high school your child will attend.  For more information, call:

• Beaverton High School Athletic Department:  503-356-2830
• Southridge High School Athletic Department:  503-356-2890

Fundraisers and Donations

Socials

Student Advisory Council

(The following information pertains to both in-person as well as distance learning expectations.)

Student Responsibilities 


• It is the responsibility of the student to attend classes. 

• It is the responsibility of the student to consult teacher websites and planners to know about assignments missed due to absences and to complete them. 

• It is the responsibility of the student to arrange notification (note, phone call) from parent/guardian regarding absence within the appropriate time. 
• It is the responsibility of the student to arrive in class on time, ready to learn. 


Parent/Guardian Responsibilities 


• It is the responsibility of the parent to see that their student attends classes unless under condition of personal or family illness, legal or family obligations, religious holiday, or a significant family emergency. 
• It is the responsibility of the parent to call the Attendance Line at 503-356-2701 to report an absence by 3:50 p.m. on the day of the absence. 


School Responsibilities 


• It is the responsibility of the school to provide a quality education that honors the time students spend in our classes.
• It is the responsibility of the school to accurately record absences and provide notice to parents when students are not present. 


Contacting/Meeting with Teachers

For Students:
Problems are most easily solved when the student deals directly and promptly with the teacher. Students should speak privately with their teachers whenever they have a question or concern. The best time to do this is usually before or after class. Most teachers are available to work with students before or after school with prior arrangements.

For Parents and Guardians:
The staff of Whitford Middle School looks forward to working with parents and guardians in order to provide opportunities for student success. Making an appointment is the most efficient way to see a staff member. This can be accomplished by contacting your child’s teacher or counselor by phone or e- mail during the day.  For the safety of Whitford students, all visitors upon arrival must enter through the front entrance and obtain a visitor’s pass at the main office.

All Whitford Middle School staff have access to e-mail at the following address: firstname_lastname@beaverton.k12.or.us.

Telephone Messages to Students

Messages for Whitford students should be given before the student reports to school for the day, eliminating the need for individual messages delivered to students during the school day.  However, if you need to relay an urgent message to your child, please call the front office.  Do not text them on their cell phone as it should be off and away during class time (please see information about electronic devices below).  Students are not excused from class to accept phone calls, except in emergency situations.

Bullying and harassment are unwanted, aggressive behaviors that involve a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. It includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. It has the effect of:

1. Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property;
2. Knowingly placing a student in reasonable fear or physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property;
3. Creating a hostile educational environment including interfering with the psychological well being of the student.

The District is committed to providing a safe, positive and productive learning environment for all students. The district will not tolerate hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing, bullying and cyberbullying, as well as teen-dating violence by students in schools or school campuses, school sponsored buses, school-related or school-sponsored events, or through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network. The physical location or the time of access of a computer-related incident may not be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated pursuant to this policy when such incident has the effect of substantially interfering with or disrupting another student or employee’s rights.

Students are encouraged to report incidents of harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, and teen-dating violence to any staff member. Bullying Report Forms are also available from counselors and in the main office. Once reported, a prompt investigation will be conducted and appropriate steps will be taken.  Students may also report concerns at the SafeOregon Tipline (through this link or at the top of the Whitford homepage).

“Cyberbullying” is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio or video) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identity. In addition, any communication of this form which substantially disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational environment may also be considered cyberbullying. Students will refrain from using personal communication devices or district property to harass or stalk another. Reports of bullying MAY be reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO). 

At the conclusion of the school day, students riding a school bus are to proceed directly and promptly to the bus loading area at the east end of the school. Students who miss the bus will need to call a parent or guardian to arrange for transportation home. Students not riding buses are expected to either leave campus or wait for their ride in front of the school.

Students are expected to ride their own bus home from school each day.  If students wish to go home with a friend or leave the bus at a stop other than their own, they must bring a note for signed by a parent for administrative approval prior to the end of the school day.  Approved notes are good only for the date listed directly on the note and are subject to seat availability (as determined by the bus driver).  For long- term bus route or stop changes, please contact the transportation department directly at (503) 356-4200 or https://transtime.beaverton.k12.or.us/TSR/ 

Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately when riding the bus.  This includes:

• Remaining seated while the bus is in motion with arms, hands and heads inside the windows.
• Being courteous to the driver and all other passengers.
• Using appropriate language.
• Respecting district property by keeping the seats/floor clean and undamaged.
• Following any other instructions about bus conduct given by the bus driver.

Whitford Middle School is committed to maintaining an appropriate climate in our school and making every effort to be consistent in establishing an acceptable dress code. A dress code policy enables the school to promote a safe and appropriate educational setting which is free from unnecessary disruptions or outside influences.  Our main purpose as an educational institution is to assist students in presenting themselves in a manner that promotes a positive and productive school environment, personal pride, and academic success.

Beaverton School District Disruptive Appearance/Student Dress - Code 10:

Dress and grooming are primary responsibilities of students and parents/guardians. However, students may be directed to change dress or grooming if it interferes with the learning process or school climate, is unclean, or threatens the health or safety of the student or others. Clothing, jewelry, or wording/graphics on clothing or on the person (e.g., tattoos) that is sexually suggestive, drug or alcohol-related, vulgar, which depicts violence, insulting, gang membership related or ridicules a particular person or group may be prohibited.

Students' dress shall be modest, neat, clean, and in keeping with health, sanitary, and safety practices. Beaverton School District Middle Schools have worked to establish a consistent set of dress expectations or standards that all students and staff are expected to follow:

Hats and Head Wear

Students may wear hats and hoodies as long as they can be identified from the front and profile view.  Face paint and masks that prevent us from identifying a student are not permitted.

Minimum Safe Attire

Student attire and grooming must permit the student to participate in learning without posing a risk to the health or safety of any student or school district personnel.

1. Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent (for example dresses, leggings, or shorts) and shoes.
2. Shirts and dresses must have fabric in the front and on the sides (under the arms).
3. Clothing must cover undergarments (waistbands and straps excluded).
4. Fabric covering breasts, genitals and buttocks must be opaque.
5. Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, wood shop, and other activities where unique hazards exist.
6. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

District Dress Code

District policy provides: “Attire or grooming depicting or advocating violence, criminal activity, use of alcohol or drugs, pornography, or hate speech are prohibited.” All BSD students are expected to comply with the requirements of this policy.  Specifically:

1. Clothing may not depict, advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.
2. Clothing may not depict pornography, nudity or sexual acts.
3. Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other protected classification.
4. Clothing must not pose a threat to the health or safety of any other student or staff.
5. Enforcement must accommodate clothing worn by students as an expression of sincerely held religious beliefs (head scarves, for example) and worn by students with disabilities (protective helmets, for example).

Breakfast is served daily from 8:55 - 9:25 am.  No meals will be served after 9:25 am so that students may get to class in a timely manner.  Lunch is served by grade level between 10:58 and 1:00.

In each lunch period of the school day, students have available for purchase a variety of foods.  They may select the menu which includes a hot entree, vegetable, fruit, dessert and milk; the menu which includes a salad, fruit, dessert and milk; or other a la carte options.  For those students who bring their lunch from home, milk may be purchased separately.  Each lunch period, food sales will stop 5-10 minutes before the end of the lunch period so students can finish eating and be punctual to class.

Because of health department regulations concerning sanitation, students should wash their hands before eating and are not allowed to share any portion of their meals.  Students may deposit money into their accounts using their memorized personal ID numbers (ID numbers should not be shared with other students as it is linked to the meal account).  They are encouraged to make their deposits before school.  Meal prices and menus are available on the district website.

Student Meal Accounts

Students may pay for their meals with cash or a check.  Parents may deposit money in a student's account with cash or a check (with the school cashier or in the cafeteria dropbox), or online through the SchoolCafe system (there is a fee for this online service).  When your student is promoted to high school or transfers to another school within BSD, the student's account balance will transfer with them.  

Free & Reduced Lunch

If a family is experiencing financial need, parents may complete one application for free or reduced price meals for all students in their family.  The Free and Reduced Lunch Program application is available online, or an application is available in the main office.  The application process and each student's meal benefit status are completely confidential.  Families may apply for meal benefits at any time throughout the school year, even up to the last day of school.  However, a new application is required for each school year.  For more information, please call the Nutrition Services Meal Benefits Office at 302-356-3957.

Health Room

If students become ill, they should speak to their teacher and report to the Main Office Health Room.  Parents will be contacted if a student is unable to return to class.  Students may not leave campus unless someone listed in their emergency contact screen is able to come for them.

Illness

If a child has a fever, the child should remain at home for at least 24 hours after the fever breaks. Please refer to the Too Sick for Schoo? document if you have additional questions.

Prescription Medication

The administering of any prescription medicine by school personnel to students is only possible if accompanied by the parent's written directions and approval.  The medicine must be in the original, properly labeled prescription containers.  Parents will complete a medication record and authorization card in the school office.

Over-the-Counter Medication 

Students at the elementary and middle school level may not carry any non-prescription medication on them (this includes Tylenol, ibuprofen or even cough drops).  These medications must be stored in the office with proper documentation from the parent as to when it may be administered to a student by school staff.  

Inhalers

The only exception for a student to carry medication is in the case of an asthma inhaler.  All proper documentation for this medication from a doctor and the parent must be on file in the office for this exception to be made.

Volunteers will be allowed to enter schools during the school year.  Safety protocols must be followed by all visitors.

Just as we have expectations for behavior in classes, we also have expectations for behavior online.  Those expectations are outlined below:

Zoom meetings (or other video programs used to gather students together):

1. Students should enter online using their first and last names as well as a school-appropriate profile picture/background.  Students may be asked to briefly show their face to confirm their identity and them may use a profile picture or neutral background afterward.  Students who do not accurately identify themselves will not be allowed to enter the meeting.
2. Students may not share entrance codes to meetings with anyone other than members of the class holding the meeting.
3. Follow the directions for engaging in participation that will be shared by the teacher -- when to make comments, when to unmute yourself, how to raise your hands, etc.
4. Any chat functions available during a meeting are to be used strictly for the purpose of the meeting.  Distracting or irrelevant comments no intended for the entire class are not to be shared.
5. If students set up a meeting using social media sites between themselves and classmates without the supervision of a teacher, the expectation of appropriate conversation continues.  Students are asked to report inappropriate conversations to teachers, counselors or administrators. (Students will not be able to initiate meetings with other students using Zoom.)
6. Generally speaking, any comment that would not be made in front of a teacher in a class at Whitford is a comment that should not be made in a virtual classroom.
7. Students who are unable to abide by these expectations may be muted or eventually blocked from entering virtual classes or assemblies.