This year’s schoolwide academic focus will be reading. Each period will include a minimum of 6 minutes of reading in every class, every day. Stewart’s attitude focus will be “do to others what you want done to you.” These two values will anchor the foundational guides to our academic and social emotional practices this school year. They will be revisited and explored on a weekly basis.

Students will not line up at the door prior to the bell. Instead, students must have all of your materials out and be actively working until the bell rings or until dismissed—whichever is most appropriate.

Think Time is a management method to give students an opportunity to reflect on a situation that is impacting classroom performance. It is also a student’s opportunity to explain their thinking in that situation. Students should proceed to the prearranged location (usually another teacher’s room) if asked to go to think time. Think time is not a time to debate or argue with a teacher. Moreover, Think Time is not intended to be punitive or disciplinary. However, Think Time is a step in the disciplinary process if the actions or behavior is repetitious.

Students will look like they are in class for the duration of the period and prepared for learning. This means backpacks are removed and moved off the desks. Students should have their supplies with them every day. If students do not have supplies, they may borrow paper and pencil from the teacher or a peer. Students may not be left sitting without materials in front of them.

Our main office is here to help with:

• Payment of fines
• Purchase ID Cards, ASB stickers, etc.
• Appointments with Administrators
• Transportation
• Locker assignments
• Uniform questions/concerns
• Lost Textbooks
• Lost and Found for keys, glasses, wallets etc.

Any student entering the office, for any reason, must stop and check in at the front desk.

Deliveries

If you need to bring something to your child, such as a lunch or athletic gear, please bring it to the office. Please, no balloons or bouquets; they’re not allowed in the school.

Bring a note from your parent or guardian if absent or have them call before 7:40. Go to the attendance office to get a re-entry before going to 1st period. If you don’t bring a note or a parent doesn’t call, it is considered unexcused.

Get a pass from your teacher to see the counselors. They can give personal guidance, information on grades, study help or conflict resolution with others at school. Students must not leave classroom learning opportunities unless there is a true emergency.

Counselors

• Mrs. Noble: 253-571-2207 Last Names A-L
• Mr. Frazier: 253-571-2205 Last Names M-Z

Get a hall pass from your teacher if you are not feeling well and go to the nurse. If you need to take medication, see the nurse. Don’t keep any medicines with you. They belong in the nurse’s office. This is school district policy. Students using crutches may only do so with written doctor’s orders. Students must see the nurse upon re-entry after injury.

View Map & Safety Tips

Parents or guardians must provide the school with a valid, written reason for an absence for it to be excused. The following constitute valid reasons according to district policies and state law:
• Personal illness
• Mental health day
Personal medical or dental appointments
• Appearances in court when required by law
• Disciplinary action – short- or long-term suspensions, in-school suspension, expulsion
• Religious observances
• Family emergency approved by the principal (i.e., funeral, death, hospitalization, etc.)
• School-approved activities (field trips and partnerships)
• Planned family activity that has been pre-approved by the principal

In all cases, the principal determines whether an absence is excused or unexcused.
All other tardies to school will be considered unexcused, including missed buses and oversleeping.

Students who have 3 unexcused tardies will be assigned to lunch detention. If tardiness becomes a recurring problem, parents or guardians will be notified. Continued unexcused tardiness during the school day will be subject to disciplinary consequences including but not limited to lunch- or after-school detention, parent/guardian notification, or other administrative action.

When a student is not in class when the bell rings, he or she is considered tardy. A student arriving to school late must check in at the attendance window for a tardy slip. A tardy less than 10 minutes will be recorded in the attendance system by the teacher. Students more than 10 minutes late to class are considered truant and will be asked to to go the attendance office for readmittance. Appropriate consequences will be assigned.

Parents or guardians must request approval from the principal or assistant principal in writing at least three days prior to the planned absence. The principal may consider the student’s academic record and the expected impact of the absence in approving or denying the request. Parents/guardians and students may be asked to sign an agreement to make up missed work or complete special assignments or the absence may become unexcused. Missed assignments may be obtained by checking schoology or emailing your student’s teachers.

It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to notify the school or a student’s absence or tardy by calling 253-571-2208 the day of the absence or tardy. Upon return, the student must provide a signed, written note from his or her parent/guardian. Parent/guardian may also send an email to the attendance secretary. The note/email must include the student’s full name, the parent or guardian’s full name, the date of the absence or tardy, the reason for the absence or tardy, and the parent or guardian’s signature with daytime telephone number. Note/email must be presented to the attendance office prior to the student returning to class. The school must carry the absence/tardy as unexcused until a note is received. Note/email must be received in a timely manner in order for the school and parent/guardian to be in compliance with the state’s Becca Law.

If a student must leave school during the day for any reason, a dismissal slip must be obtained from the attendance office. A written request for early dismissal, to include the time and the reason for the dismissal, is to be presented to the attendance office between 7:45 a.m. and 8 a.m. on the day of the requested dismissal. Parents should attempt to schedule pickup outside of the lunch hours (11:15-12:45) since students are hard to find during this period. Students will not be called out of class early to wait for pickup. Please come a few minutes early to allow time for them to be called out of class.
Anyone picking up a student must be on the authorized pickup list and bring photo identification.

If a student becomes ill during the day, the nurse or office will issue an early dismissal slip after contact with a parent or guardian and authorization that the student may leave school early. Parents and guardians should be prepared to provide valid identification prior to the release of a student.

This is assigned to students by teachers/staff to be served in the classroom, prior to the student going to lunch or as an alternative location for consuming his or her lunch. After completing the class detention, the student should obtain a pass from the teacher and return to the lunchroom area.

This is assigned to students by administration or designee and will be served in the ISS room at the discretion of the lunch detention supervisor. Students assigned to lunch detention are expected to report to the ISS supervisor and check in. Students with excessive tardies to lunch detention will be assigned Thursday school or after-school detention. Students sit in assigned seats. No talking is allowed. Students may not leave until dismissed.

Individual teachers may assign detention to students and hold detention in their classrooms. Certificated staff have the authority to detain a student after school for up to 30 minutes with due consideration for bus transportation. Longer detentions will be assigned with appropriate parent or guardian written notification. After-school detention may also be assigned by the office – by the administrator or his or her designee. Students assigned to after-school detention will report to the commons room by 2:50 p.m. It is the student’s responsibility to inform all parties when a conflict occurs. Student and a parent or guardian will need to make arrangements for transportation home following detention. However, the 4:30 activity bus is available to return students to their elementary school.

Single-Class Suspension

Student is removed from a particular class for a pre-determined amount of time. This may require either late arrival or early dismissal each day.

Short-Term Suspension

Administered by the principal or assistant principal, or designee; student is removed from school up to 10 days.

Long- Term Suspension

Administered by the principal or assistant principal, or designee; student is removed from school for 11 or more days, or until the beginning of the next semester.

Emergency Expulsion

Imposed when a student is considered a danger to himself or herself, or is considered a continuing disruption to the educational process. Student is removed from school and the principal/assistant principal arranges a parent conference, usually within three days.

Expulsion

Loss of the right to attend district schools and programs, and the right to be admitted to district property.

Stewart students should strive to act with honesty and integrity to embody the PRIDE trait of “Integrity.” Students with integrity take responsibility for their actions and are willing to accept the consequences resulting from those actions. Students demonstrate academic honesty by consistently acknowledging the ideas and work of others.

All afterschool activities meet in the commons for accountability. At the end of the school day, students may not leave campus and return later for a practice/activity. If a student is staying after school they must be with a supervised adult.

Stewart students should be proud of themselves and their school. They demonstrate this through polite and courteous behavior. Our good conduct at assemblies is an indication of the pride we feel in ourselves and our school.
• Enter in an orderly manner at an appropriate noise level.
• Sit and remain in your assigned section.
• Show respect for all. Be quiet and attentive for each speaker. Clap as appropriate.
• Booing, shouting and whistling are inappropriate. Show school spirit.
• Follow staff directions for dismissal.
• No food or backpacks at assemblies.

Learn more about Tacoma Public Schools middle school athletics rules and policies

To participate students must have:
• A current physical exam
• An ASB card and emergency contact card
• Forms signed through Final Forms (go to https://stewarttacomashools.org/athletics and click on Final Forms portal)
• Attended school at least a half-day on the day of an event or practice.
• Please contact Co-Athletic Directors Mrs. Hathaway or Coach Scott with questions

View Attendance & tardiness procedures

View Bell Schedule

For security reasons we discourage students from riding bicycles to school. Despite our attempts to provide security, bikes can be easily stolen. The school is not responsible for damage or theft. If you choose to ride your bike to school, please remember:
• Wear a helmet while riding.
• While on campus, walk your bike.
• Park your bike in one of the school racks, perpendicular to the rack.
• Lock your bike.

Skateboards must be checked-in with an adult upon arrival.

Eating in the cafeteria is a privilege. Students who do not follow staff directions will be required to eat elsewhere.
• Breakfast begins at 7:53 a.m.
• Follow directions of all staff the first time they are given.
• Clean up after yourself.
• Use a Level 1 voice. Talk to people at your table in a conversational tone.
• When staff is asking for your attention, stop, look, and listen for their instructions.

New process replaces free and reduced-price meal application

While meals for Tacoma Public Schools students are free for the 2022-2023 school year, we will ask families to fill out Household Information Surveys that collect data to support supplemental education programs. This replaces the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application process. 

How can families access the Household Information Survey?

• Students who receive state benefits such as through the SNAP program may not need to fill out a form. Families who are “directly certified,” or otherwise identified as eligible for benefits, will soon receive an email or letter from the district confirming this and do not need to fill out the survey.
• Families who are not directly certified will soon get a link or instructions on how to fill out the Household Information Survey. 
• If you don’t receive this survey or a letter confirming your certification by the end of September, please contact your school’s office coordinator or Patsy Neas, pneas@tacoma.k12.wa.us or 253-571-3378.

Do you need a letter to qualify for low-income benefits and discounts?
If you need a qualifications letter for services such as free ASB cards or discounts on certain services, contact Patsy Neas at pneas@tacoma.k12.wa.us or 253-571-3378. 

Learn More on TPS Nutrition Services Site

To make life easier for families and students we require a one-time fee of $15 to cover one binder and all general classroom supplies, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, and paper. Consumable supplies will be replenished throughout the year in advisory class. Backpacks are also available at the office.

Permanent marking pens such as Sharpies and other brands are NOT allowed at school. Teachers will confiscate any Sharpies seen.

Cell phones are not permitted in classroom spaces. During class your device is put away. You have a district issued laptop for any internet access you might need. You may sign for one from the main office if you left yours at home and it is needed in class.

Parents, if you can avoid it, please do not text your child during school hours. Parent texts may be returned during the next passing period, outside of classroom space. Parents are never allowed to call a student during class time. Parents can also contact (253)571-2200 and a message will be transferred to the student.

Cell phones are allowed to be used in passing and at lunch time. They must be used responsibly and never at the expense of another student/staff member. This means:
• You do not take pictures or videos of other people without their permission.
• You do not allow other students to have possession of your device.
• A lost or damaged cell phone is not the school’s responsibility. Parents assume the responsibility for the security of cell phones when students bring them on campus.

Staff may take away devices used irresponsibly.

• 1st offense: Student may pick up phone in the office at the end of the day and sign for it. Warning.
• 2nd offense: Parent must pick up phone.
• 3rd offense: Parent conference with administration.

Compliance with this policy is a matter of courtesy and respect. Violations may also be subject to consequences spelled out in the Tacoma School District’s Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) policy, student privacy regulations, and other state and federal laws.

Contact your child’s advisory teacher or the office for information about conferences. Formal student-parent-teacher conferences are held in the fall and spring. Most conference appointments last between 20-30 minutes.

Every Wednesday, students are encouraged wear a college or high school T-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, or sweater. Pants must follow the regular dress code.

Jump to discipline policies

Stewart Middle School conducts regularly scheduled emergency drills. When drills require students to exit the building, they are assigned routes and gathering areas. In all cases, students must:
• Remain with assigned staff at all times
• Follow directions of staff
• Behave in an orderly manner

Closures due to bad weather or unsafe road conditions are announced on most local radio and TV stations. The call numbers for local stations include: KOMO (AM 1000), KIRO (AM 710), KMPS (FM 94.1), and KLAY (FM 1480). Please also access the district website or facebook. You may also call 253-571-1000 beginning at 6 a.m. for information. The district may also issue an automated call. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date with the office.

Students are expected to follow all school rules, have a parent-signed permission slip, and wear their Stewart school uniform while on school-sponsored field trips unless otherwise specified by teachers or trip leaders in advance.
Students are expected to be on their best behavior. Failure to comply with behavior expectations may result in consequences including, but not limited to:

• Return to school
• Detention
• Suspension
• Loss of future field trip/activity privileges

Also, students may be prohibited from participation on certain field trips if one or more of the following apply:

• The student has been suspended.
• The student has numerous situation reports.

Students are to ride to and from field trips via district-approved transportation. Volunteers must be cleared by the office at least 48 hours prior to the day of the field trip.

Students will be using many items that belong to the school. These include textbooks, library books, musical instruments, uniforms, locks, and science and athletic equipment. If school equipment is lost or damaged, there may be a fine issued to cover the repair or replacement of the item. If school property that is checked out to a student is stolen, it remains the student’s responsibility to pay for it. Reference: Tacoma School District Regulation (3520R).

Food, beverages, and treats may be consumed in the cafeteria only, except for special occasions approved by administrators/teachers. Energy drinks and gum chewing are prohibited on school grounds.

PG-rated versions of music, media, and movies are used at dances, assemblies, and in class presentations. Students may not use music, media, or movies without prior review and approval by an administrator or designee.

Students who are out of class must carry a hall pass from a teacher. This includes trips to the office, the nurse, and the restroom. Students are expected to take care of personal business and use the bathroom during passing times. Students will not be issued hall passes during the first and last 15 minutes of class.

Keep hands and body to yourself. Avoid inappropriate play, pushing, and loitering.
• Use an indoor voice.
• Be courteous to everyone.
• Don’t disrupt other classes.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Halls cleared by 2:55 p.m.

Lockers are assigned for storage of sports garments and band instruments and materials.
Parents may also request a locker for their student with accommodation support requests.

Students must not share lockers or give their locker combination to anyone. The school is not responsible for items lost or stolen at school. Please leave your valuables at home.
Entering or vandalizing another student’s locker is a serious offense and is subject to detention, suspension, and/or police action.

Students are required to suit up for PE every day, unless excused by a doctor. Students should dress appropriately. Non-suit/non-compliance will affect a student’s grade.
• Official Stewart PE uniforms may be purchased in PE class.
• Black athletic shorts and plain gray T-shirts are acceptable.

All students are issued a school ID card on picture day at no cost. ID cards are required to ride the bus, purchase meals, and assist with campus security. Replacement of a lost card is $5. Students can purchase replacement cards in the office.

Stewart does not allow students outside of class the first and last 15 minutes of class. When approved, students must carry a hall pass. Students who abuse restroom or hallway privileges will be placed on the No Hall Pass list and required to wait for an adult escort.

The principal, assistant principal, and/or an authorized representative with reasonable suspicion has the authority to investigate and correct student misconduct. To maintain order and discipline in the school and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student and his or her effects and may seize any illegal or unauthorized materials discovered in the search. As used in this policy, the term “unauthorized” means any item dangerous to the health or safety of students or school personnel, any item considered disruptive to the functions and mission of the school, or any item described as unauthorized in the school rules cited in this handbook.

A student’s failure to permit searches and seizures as provided in this policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action.

All searches by school employees shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive. In other words, a student’s person and personal effects are searched only when a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.

Stewart assessments are designed for progress and not compliance. In a standards-based system, a student can demonstrate mastery of a set of standards and move immediately to a more challenging set of standards.

Our Grades

• Exceeding (100)
• Meet/ Exceeding (90)
• Meeting (85)
• Approaching (75)
• Beginning (65)
• No Evidence (57 or E)
• Missing (calculates as 50%, mi)

BAME Common Language at Stewart
Use 100 points as the total and convert students’ BAME score into a numerical value using the following table

• B = Beginning = 1
• A = Approaching = 2
• M = Meeting = 3
• E = Exceeding = 4

90% of final grade comes from summative score and 10% from formative score

Students may use telephones only for emergencies or other needs – for example, if a teacher requests same-day detention or after-school student and a student needs to arrange a ride home. A phone will be available at 2:45 p.m. in the main office.

Telephone Emergency Calls

If there is a family emergency, please call the office and not the student on their cell phone. Following this policy will allow staff to help parents manage the student’s response to the emergency. Students should not use their cell phones to make emergency calls between 8 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. If an emergency requires that a student contact a parent during the day, the school will make a phone available to the student.
To attend games, sports practices, and other after-school activities, students should make transportation arrangements in advance.

Telephone Messages to Students

We understand the need to get messages to your child. We cannot guarantee delivery of messages left after 2:40 p.m.

Textbooks distributed to students must be returned. Please treat all books with care. Student responsibilities: Replacement costs range from $10 to $75. Fines will be assessed for exceptional wear and tear, damage, broken spines, lost bar codes, etc.
Textbook fines must be paid before report cards are issued.

The purpose of the uniform /school dress code is to unify our student and focus on academic culture. Stewart administration reserve the right to restrict any clothing items or accessories that it deems disruptive. 

Shirts & Hoodies

Acceptable

• Every Day: Gray, green, white or black and logos must be smaller than a fist
• Wednesdays Only: High school and college gear, the logo must be on the shirt
• Students can wear school-approved clothing such as sweatshirts and shirts sold at the school and school sports and club shirts

Not Acceptable

• Pinning or tying shirts
• Midriff showing
• Low-cut shirts
• Inappropriate logos
• Blankets

Pants, Shorts, Capris, & Skirts

Acceptable

• Students can wear tan, khaki, jean or black-colored pants, slacks, jeans, sweatpants, shorts, capris, and skirts (longer than their fingertips)

Not Acceptable

• Pajamas
• Leggings
• Sagging
• Items with rips, tears, frayed, holes, cuts, alterations or embellishments

Footwear

Acceptable

• Students can wear any shoes with heel straps or backs that also cover their toes

Not Acceptable

• Flip-flops
• Sports sandals
• Slippers
• Soft-soled shoes

Jewelry, Accessories, Hands & Outerwear

Acceptable

• Students can wear accessories that are safe, non-suggestive, and not disruptive to the learning environment
• Belts must be worn properly

Not Acceptable

• Hats
• Bandanas
• Durags
• Scarves
• Wrist/ sweatbands
• Spikes, dog/leather collars, and chains

PE Uniforms

Acceptable

• Students can wear athletic gear such as dry fit shirts, sweatpants or shorts and tennis, running, or basketball shoes for PE class

Not Acceptable

• Students cannot wear their PE class uniform outside of PE
• Dress shoes (they damage the gym floor)

The district offers digital access to library materials, databases, and the Internet. The district uses Internet filtering for all its networked computers. However, it is not possible for the district to completely limit access to inappropriate content. Therefore, it is important that each student’s parent or guardian carefully considers and makes an informed decision whether to permit the student to have access to the district’s digital resources, including the Internet. Students will be allowed to access the Internet unless the student’s parent or guardian specifically notifies the school in writing that they do not want their student to use the Internet.

The district reserves the right to review and monitor activity on the network for responsible use consistent with the district’s Acceptable Use Policy for Digital Resources and Regulations. The district also reserves the right to remove a user’s privilege to access the network at any time the district determines that the user is engaged in unauthorized activity or is violating the policy. Disciplinary action will be consistent with the district’s standard policies and procedures.

Valuables such as large sums of cash, earbuds, cameras, and other electronic devices, as well as jewelry, should not be brought to school. Loss is common; so is theft or “borrowing.” Students are expected to bring their computer daily. Stewart staff will not be responsible for the replacement or recovery of such items.

Parents or guardians are welcome to visit school any time. It is necessary for all visitors to check in at the office and receive a visitor pass. If a parent or guardian wants to visit their child’s class(es), arrangements must be made with each teacher and administration at least 24-hours prior to the visit.