Welcome to Emily Gray Junior High School!

This handbook may be updated throughout the year as needed. Each section will include the most recent edit date.
If you have any questions about the content in our handbook, please contact the school using our contact form at

https://egjh.tanqueverdeschools.org/o/egjhs/page/contact-us

Bobcats – R.O.A.R

Responsibility, Ownership, Attitude, Relationships

Vision for Emily Gray

Emily Gray Junior High provides academic excellence and a foundation for continued learning within a safe and supportive community that empowers all students to achieve. 

The Mission of Emily Gray

Through a well-balanced curriculum and extracurricular experiences, our school sets high expectations for students to be resilient, foster positive relationships, and achieve academic success.

Dear Parents and Students,

Emily Gray Junior High School is proud to welcome you into our tradition of excellence in student achievement and community involvement. Please take time to read the information in this handbook together and discuss it as a family. As you adjust to junior high, we encourage you to explore the responsibilities and opportunities this transition provides families, and students as individuals.Our staff is committed to the mental, physical, and social growth of our students as they mark these important milestones in their education.  

It is important that all of us demonstrate good character by following guidelines put in place to support each of us in doing our very best. We are all responsible for making good decisions and learning from the choices we make. This is an important part of growing up and learning to be responsible for our own behavior. Please note that this document is not a comprehensive list of all district policies and that these summaries are not a substitute for the policies themselves. District policies can be found on the district website.

Non-Discrimination Statement: 

Tanque Verde Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the school's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact the Tanque Verde School District’s Director of Student Services.

FERPA Statement:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents certain rights with respect to their student’s education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask to amend a record should write to the school principal and clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school principal will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 

3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the students’ education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School System as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel): a person serving on the School Board: a person or company with whom the School System has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist): or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or a parent, student or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School System discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School System to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1605

TANQUE VERDE SCHOOL DISTRICT

GOVERNING BOARD
President – Beth Peterson
Clerk – Thomas Trask
Member – Jeffrey Neff
Member – Jeremy Schalk
Member – Anne Velosa

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Superintendent – Dr. Scott Hagerman, EdD
Business Manager – Elaine Armienti
Director of Communications – Kristie Stevens
Director of Teaching and Learning - Bob Hehli

AGUA CALIENTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ACES)
11420 E. Limberlost Road, Tucson AZ 85749
Phone: 749-2235
Principal – Chris Rietz
Dean of Students - Michelle Cerepak

TANQUE VERDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (TVES)
2600 N. Fennimore, Tucson AZ 85749
Phone: 749-4244
Principal – Emma Batty
Assistant Principal – Julie Laird, EdD

EMILY GRAY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (EGJH)
11150 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson AZ 85749
Phone: 749-3838
Principal – Elizabeth Egan
Assistant Principal – Alex McCane

TANQUE VERDE HIGH SCHOOL (TVHS)
4201 N. Melpomene Way, Tucson AZ 85749
Phone: 760-0801
Principal – Amy Cislak, EdD
Assistant Principal – Joel Bacalia, EdD
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director – Gary Lewis

TRANSPORTATION
Phone: 520-749-9640

TVUSD Code of Conduct
https://www.tanqueverdeschools.org/codeofconduct

TVUSD Board Policy
https://www.tanqueverdeschools.org/districtpolicies

Tanque Verde Unified School District School Year Calendar Website Link
https://www.tanqueverdeschools.org/schoolyearcalendar

SCHOOL HOURS & BELL SCHEDULE
https://egjh.tanqueverdeschools.org/o/egjhs/page/bell-schedule

ROAR: Responsibility, Ownership, Attitude, Relationships

At Emily Gray Junior High School, we are committed to students building positive relationships and doing the right thing. Our students are encouraged to conduct themselves by the principles of ROAR.

ROAR is a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program that is student-centered. Students are encouraged to nominate classmates for demonstrating ROAR on campus. Students are rewarded and recognized for their ROAR behaviors. Each classroom has a ROAR box for student nominations. Teachers teach ROAR expectations in classes and use ROAR for classroom behavior interventions. ROAR expectations are also posted around campus. 

EMILY GRAY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Admission Requirements

Tanque Verde Unified School District requires students to live within the school district boundaries. Residency of the parent/guardian or surrogate may be determined by showing the individual's presence and intent to remain in the District. Documentation of residency may include, but is not limited to, current landlord-tenant agreements, property tax statements, current closing papers and mortgage statements.

The district’s schools are required by the School Board to ascertain that all students attending Tanque Verde schools meet the District’s residency requirements.

If at any time during the school year it is determined that false or incomplete information has been submitted in order to enroll a student at any Tanque Verde school, it may require an immediate withdrawal from the school.

Open Enrollment

Arizona State law requires each school district to develop Open Enrollment Policies, allowing students  living outside of district boundaries to attend our schools. This parental choice option has been available since 1994 and is determined by local district policy. Open Enrollment status is determined on a school-year by school-year basis. There is no guarantee of continued Open Enrollment placement; students are subject to school, grade level, service capacity and program limitations. 

Student Arrival

The Emily Gray campus is open for student arrival at 7:50 am. Before this time, there is no supervision provided for students. Please plan your arrival for 7:50 am or later. The campus is locked at 4:00 pm.

Visiting the Emily Gray Campus

If you have school-related business, please report to the office to sign in and be issued a visitor badge to be worn for the duration of your visit. To be as efficient as possible concerning campus operations, visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:

• While visitors are on campus, they should follow all rules established for students.

• According to A.R.S. 15-507 a person who abuses a teacher or other school employee on school grounds or while the teacher or employee is engaged in the performance of his/her duties is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our campus safe.

Home and School Communication 

Emily Gray Junior High School emails a weekly newsletter to all parent/guardian email addresses on file to provide students and families with information about upcoming events and important dates. TVUSD utilizes our school websites, “Rooms” through Apptegy.com, and our weekly newsletters for all communication to families. Contact the school office if you need any assistance accessing these resources.

This school website is a one-stop shop for all school calendars, lunch menus, access to the school store and to manage lunch accounts, teacher information and more. 

ParentVUE & StudentVUE

ParentVUE/StudentVUE is a web-based communication tool that allows parents/guardians and students to access report cards, grades, grade book, attendance information, complete required yearly back to school registration, and update contact information throughout the year. Secured login access is issued by the school. If you are having complications with setting up your ParentVUE or StudentVUE account, please contact the school office for assistance. 

Passes

Students are not to be out of the classroom during class time without a provided hall pass from the teacher. Students called for meetings with administration, counseling, or the nurse, will receive an office pass.

Lost or Found Property

EGJH’s lost and found is in the administration office. Please label all personal items including water bottles, lunchboxes, and jackets. The school is not responsible for lost items. If you don’t want to lose it, don’t bring it to school!

Check the Lost and Found regularly as unclaimed items are donated quarterly.

Backpacks

Backpacks are suggested for carrying materials between home and school. Backpacks are not allowed in classrooms (slim computer bags and Tracker Keepers are exceptions). A backpack, slim computer bag or Trapper Keeper must fit securely inside the student’s locker. Backpacks must remain in lockers throughout the school day. 

Food from Outside Vendors

To ensure the security of our campus, delivery service through vendors is not permitted.  However, food and flowers for students brought to the school by their parents/guardians is permitted. Balloons are not allowed on campus.

Emily Gray Junior High has a long-standing rule prohibiting students from leaving campus and then returning for after-school events. In particular, this often involves students leaving campus at the end of the school day to visit the Circle K store across the street and then returning for after-school activities. Any student who wishes to attend an after-school activity must remain on campus until the event unless the student leaves with and is returned by their parent or guardian  

This policy is in place for the safety and well-being of all our students.  Returning to campus after leaving creates a significant safety concern and disrupts the structured environment of our after-school programs.

Lockers

Lockers are provided for student use and are located in our school courtyard. Locks will be provided at registration, if the lock is lost or damaged there is a replacement fee of $5.00. This fee may be reassessed each time the lock is lost or missing, requiring assignment of another. The decision to reassess the fee is made at the discretion of the office staff. By accepting a lock and locker assignment, the student and parent accept financial responsibility for damage that arises from misuse or abuse of the locker.

Because lockers are not secured, students who place items in their lockers overnight or over weekends and holidays do so at their own risk. It is also required for security reasons that students never share a locker with another student or allow another student knowledge of their locker combination. Students found to be using or entering another student locker other than their own, or changing the locks, will be subject to disciplinary action per administration. The locker must be locked at all times with the provided lock. Only locks provided by the school will be permitted. Lockers without locks will be emptied and locked by administration. The outer face of the lockers is not to be decorated without pre-approval of the office staff. Stickers are not allowed in or on lockers. Lockers must be completely cleaned out and all inside items must be removed at the end of the year.

School officials reserve the right to inspect any locker at any time, and to gain access by any means necessary. School officials may change locker assignments or revoke locker privileges if lockers are not maintained in a neat and clean fashion, student abuses, misuses or vandalizes his/her locker.

Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices updated 7/31/25

Though we do not prohibit personal electronic devices on campus, there are restrictions on their use in the school setting. Students bringing personal electronic devices including but not imited to cell phones, earbuds, headphones, smart watches, or other devices do so at their own risk. In the event of theft or damage to any such device, it is the policy of the administration to not investigate. 

Due to the new state law (HB2484) about cell phones and smart watches in school. This is an important update to our school’s cell phone and smart watch policy, effective immediately. This policy reflects both state law and district board policy, and it is designed with one priority in mind: ensuring all students can learn in a safe, focused, and distraction-free environment.

Cell phones, smart watches, and all personal electronic devices are not allowed in classrooms during instructional time (bell to bell) At no time are students to have hands-free phone devices in or covering their ears. Phones and smart watches must be turned off and stored in lockers  throughout the school day.Devices may not be visible or heard at any time during the school day, including in hallways and classrooms. Devices may not be in pockets or out of backpacks.

Any personal electronic device visible will be immediately confiscated by the teacher and passed to administration. Students may use phones during lunch only.  

Consequences for Violations for 7-12 schools in TVUSD:

• If a student uses a phone/smart watch, or if a device is visible or makes noise (including receiving notifications), the device will be confiscated and only returned to a parent/guardian.

• On the first infraction, the student may face additional disciplinary action, including suspension, and will lose lunch phone privileges for one month.

• A repeat infraction will lead to escalated consequences, including:

  • Loss of lunch phone privileges for the remainder of the school year.

  • Requirement to turn in their phone to the office each morning and pick it up after school.

This policy is in place because cell phone use during the school day interferes with student learning and classroom engagement. Our goal is to create a school environment where every student can stay focused and thrive academically and personally.  Students who need to call their parents will be able to come to the office and make phone calls.  Parents who need to leave messages for their students can do it through the front office. Students whose phone serves a medical purpose such as a continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) will need medical documentation submitted to the school health office and an administrative approval. 

Taking a photo, audio, or video recording of a teacher, staff member or student for any reason is not allowed. It may be a violation of the law in certain circumstances. Any such behavior will be treated as a violation of the TVUSD code of conduct and subject to disciplinary action.

Student Laptops

Students are required to bring their fully charged laptop/chromebook to class each day. Students may be issued a chromebook from the school once parents have completed their back to school registration and submitted the device waiver. Chromebooks are the property of the school and students are responsible for the proper care of any device checked out to them while on or off campus. At school, students are responsible to keep their chromebook in their possession or in their locker at all times, chromebooks may never be left unattended under any circumstance. Any student leaving their Chromebook unattended is considered negligent and subject to disciplinary action. If broken, damaged, or lost, parents will assume financial responsibility for any device checked out to their student regardless of how the damage or loss occurred. Chromebooks and chargers are available to borrow for use during the school day from the library in certain circumstances. 

ATTENDANCE

The Arizona compulsory attendance law, (Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S. 15-802) makes it a legal responsibility of parents to have their children in school on a regular and daily basis.

Regular, consistent attendance is directly related to successful academic achievements by students. Class attendance is an integral part of the academic process; therefore, excessive absences, either excused or unexcused, may result in a student losing progress towards successful completion of required coursework and academic requirements. It should be understood that although there are a number of procedures in place to keep students and parents aware of attendance status, it is ultimately a student/parent responsibility to keep track of attendance in each class.

Absences

Students must meet the following attendance criteria in each of their classes at Emily Gray Junior High School in order to receive credit for classes.When sickness or other obligations make an absence necessary we request that a student’s parent call the office or complete a notice of absence through ParentVue by 10:00 a.m. the morning of the absence. The attendance telephone number is 520-749-3950. Attendance can be submitted ahead of time through ParentVue. The state and county require that the school keep data of the reasons students are absent from school. For this reason parents will be asked about the specifics of the child’s absence. Examples: illness, out of town, doctor appointment. If the school does not receive a phone call or ParentVUE form with notification of absence, the school office will try to verify the absence by calling a parent. If that is not possible, the student must bring a written note signed by a parent or legal guardian giving a reason for the absence upon their return to campus. Unverified absences will be coded as truant. If parents need to call before 7:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. please call 520-749-3950 or 520-749-3838 and leave a message.

• Students must have no more than 9 absences per class for the academic year.

• Students with 10 or more absences in any class may not receive credit for that course and may be ineligible for promotion to high school.

Excused Absences

The following constitute excused absences:

• Personal illness  

• Doctor/dental appointments with documentation from the professional (Please consult the district school year calendar and make every effort to schedule appointments on non-school days.) 

• The serious illness of a family member

• The death of a family member

• A required court appearance

• Religious holidays

Consecutive Absences 

If a student is absent for more than one day, the parent needs to call every day of the absence. The office will not assume the child is still sick. State law requires that students who are absent for ten consecutive days without notification be unenrolled. 

Unexcused Absences 

An unexcused absence will occur when there is no telephone call/message or written notification of the absence from a parent or legal guardian within two school days. This type of absence may be deemed as truant and could be reported. Teachers are not required to allow students to make up work missed during an unexcused absence. Please do not put your child in a situation where they may not be able to make up school work.

Known Absences

If parents remove a student from class for vacations or other recreational purpose, please understand that:

• Teachers are not required to provide any work in advance. Teachers post assignments in Google Classroom. Please check Google Classroom for assignments. The student has a day for each day missed to complete the classroom work/homework. It is entirely up to the student to obtain the missed work and seek additional assistance at the teachers’ convenience. 

• If parents/students request homework to be provided in advance, teachers will expect this work to be completed by the date of the student’s return. If homework is not completed by the date of the student’s return, it will be considered late.

• Tests need to be made up within five school days after returning, even if the absence exceeds five days.

• Prior to the absence, notification must be from the parent or legal guardian directly to the school office, not to the teacher.

Consequences for Excessive Absences

Procedure for students who have more than 10 absences in a class:

• Families will receive written notification when a student is in danger of approaching 10 absences as well as once they hit 10 absences (and subsequent absences)

• EGJH office and/or counseling team will notify families and provide assistance in ensuring their child attends school

• Parents and students may appeal for the student to receive credit. This will be weighed by the administration for extenuating circumstances

• The following outcomes may occur when a student has excessive absences (10 or more) in a class:

  • No credit for the class and the student’s family must pay for credit recovery courses

  • Credit pending improvement in the following semester for the student while following an attendance contract

• Retention if the program is not completed successfully.

Appeal Process

• Families may submit a written appeal explaining the reason for any absences exceeding the allowed limit.

• Appeals must include appropriate documentation (e.g., medical records, family emergencies).

• The school administration will review appeals on a case-by-case basis and determine whether any absences may be exempted.

• Approved appeals may allow the student to be considered for promotion despite exceeding the absence threshold.

Truancy

Any unauthorized absence from any class, or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled is considered truancy. This also includes any after-school special-help session, Bobcat WIN time, or disciplinary session that the student has been directed to attend. Truancy is a violation of state and local attendance laws and is considered a serious offense. Please remember that TVUSD is following the guidelines that the state and county government have set. The school will notify the parent(s) of intent to take action and enforce the truancy laws. A minimum of three (3) unexcused absences may result in the school forwarding violations to the appropriate authority. 

Tardy to Class

A student is tardy to class if he/she is not in the classroom, and prepared to work, when the final bell rings. When a student is tardy to class, the teacher will sign the students’ Tracker signature page. A student must have a front office pass to have an excused tardy.  Four or more tardies constritutes excessive tardiness. Excessive tardiness will result in referral to administration for disciplinary consequences including but not limited to parental conferences or detention.

Arriving Late/Tardy to School

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their student is on time to school every day. Daily on time attendance is required. If a student arrives late to school, they must be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. Lateness due to health appointments documented by a doctor's note will also be excused. Every three tardies accumulated in a single class is equal to one absence which does count toward the nine absence maximum for earning credit.

Leaving Early

If a student has to leave early from school, the student must be signed out from the school office by the parent or guardian before leaving campus. Office personnel will not allow students to sign themselves out. Proper notification is required before students may leave with adults other than their parent or guardian.

Schedules/Schedule Changes

Students are instructed to make informed choices about their courses and to carefully review the course selections for the upcoming school year with their parents/guardians. Course requests, submitted the previous spring, will determine staffing, class sizes and the structure of the master schedule. Parent permission is required for all schedule changes. Requests for schedule changes should be made to the prior to the start of each semester. All requests for schedule changes are subject to limitations due to class size. Students must remain in scheduled classes until they are notified of approval. Schedule changes are not guaranteed and will only be made if necessary.  Schedule changes after the first day of school will be limited to teacher request.

Emily Gray Junior High School administration reserves the right to change student schedules in order to ensure students are in proper academic settings, create a safer environment, balance class size, or any other reason to improve the education of the student and educational climate of the school.

HEALTH OFFICE  

School Health Services

• Vision screening and follow-up

• Hearing screening and follow-up

• Health assessment for illness and/or injury

• Emergency and first aid

• Immunization verification and notification

• Medication administration as needed

All schools require the following forms through the Online Registration Process:  

• A completed emergency card

• A completed health history form

• Immunizations must be current for the student to enter school

Complete immunization records from a former school or physician’s office are required by AZ State Law Arizona Administrative Code 9-6-701 – A.A.C. 9-6-705 the day of entry into school. Immunizations may be obtained from private physicians or at the Pima County Health Department walk-in clinic. 

Health Office Medication Procedures

Certain health problems require that students take medication during school hours. For the student’s protection we have established the following procedures for taking medications at school.

1. Prescription Medication:  Must be in the original containers, and accompanied by a physician label and a signed parental consent form. Physician orders for medications MUST state the name of the medication, strength, dosage to be given, frequency, route, and indication (reason for giving the medication).

2. Over-the Counter (OTC) Medication: Must be in the original container. The health office tries to maintain adequate supplies to provide acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), calcium carbonate (Tums), cough drops and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to be dispensed with parent permission only. These medications are in tablet form. Please consider donating these items if your student will require them/prefers liquid. 

3. Rescue Medication: Students may carry rescue medication with them during school as long as they provide a signed form from their medical provider with permission to self carry. These may include rescue medicine for asthma, allergies and diabetes. Prior arrangements must be made for self-carry rescue medicines through the health office.

4. All Medications: All medications, including over the counter medications, will be kept locked in the health office. No student may keep non-rescue medication anywhere but in the health office. All medications must be in the pharmacy bottle properly labeled or in the original store packaging.

5. Feminine Products:  The feminine products are conveniently and privately located in the health and counselor's office. Students do not need to ask for feminine products.  They ask to use the nurses bathroom then choose their products of preference.  All other items are given to students as needed by the nurse.  

Parents are asked to notify the Health Office as soon as possible if there are changes/updates to their student’s health and/or medications. These updates must be updated annually by parents.

Injury/Illness

For the safety of ALL students, students must check in with the school nurse before going home for any illness or injury. Students should not call parents without first talking to the nurse. 

If your student needs assistance to and from class due to injury or illness please see the nurse for a pass. If your child is in need of special health services, please advise the nurse. Any change in condition should be discussed with the nurse.

Fever

A child with a fever of 100.0 degrees or higher should remain home. Parents are asked to please call the school when students are absent due to fever. If a child has a temperature of 100 degrees or higher while at school, the parent is to pick up the child immediately after notification of illness. Students should stay at home fever-free 24-hours without the use of medication.

Vomiting/Diarrhea Illnesses

Students should stay home for at least 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

Chronic Health Conditions

If your student is suffering a chronic health condition, please contact the school counselor for support and guidance. A new chronic health form must be submitted each school year.

Mandatory Reporting

School personnel are required to report allegations of physical injury, abuse, or neglect concerning minors. Reports must be made to the appropriate law enforcement officials or Department of Child Safety. Reports will always be made when a minor is the victim of serious physical harm, whether caused by an adult or another minor.  

Under A.R.S. 13-3620 a school employee may be subject to a class six felony criminal charge for failing to make a mandatory report concerning a “reportable sex offense.” A school employee may also be subject to a class one misdemeanor criminal charge for failing to make a mandatory report concerning physical injury, child abuse or neglect.

Bullying Definitions & Reporting

Emily Gray Junior High prohibits bullying in any form on school property, in a school vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event. 

"Bullying" is defined as: the repeated intimidation of students by the real or threatened infliction of physical, verbal, written, electronically transmitted, or emotional abuse, or through attacks on the property of another. It may include, but not be limited to actions such as verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs, including ethnicity, sex, gender, body shaming, verbal put-downs, and extortion of money or possessions. Bullying can be physical in form (e.g. pushing, hitting, kicking, spitting, stealing); verbal (e.g. making threats, taunting, teasing, name-calling); non-verbal/ cyber-bullying (e.g. text messages, email, social networking-such as, but not limited to “SnapChat” or “BeReal” “TikTok”); or psychological (e.g. social exclusion, spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships).

Bullying Review Process

Students have several options for reporting bullying: 

1. Contact school administration at ANYTIME. 

2. Report using Anonymous Tips online https://egjh.tanqueverdeschools.org/anonymoustips

3. Bully forms are located in the library and nurses office. Students should complete and submit the forms in these locations. The following procedures will be implemented in reviewing data:

   • School administration will collect and review “Bobcat Bully” forms.

   • Students will speak with the school administration for immediate threatening acts of bullying requiring discipline.   

   • Administration will provide interventions to help students learn self control, conflict resolution and problem solving techniques.

   • Mandatory education/interventions and disciplinary action will be provided for repeat offenders.

WIN TIME

WIN Time is 8th period, a scheduled time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. WIN Time is learning extension time for all students. The purpose of WIN Time is to give students targeted intervention,or extension, and to work on identified concepts and skills of essential standards. Teachers stamp the calendar in Trackers and students are required to attend during 8th period. 

GRADING 

The following are the grading scales used for grades and citizenship marks in all classes.

If the grade of incomplete is given, the student has 10 school days from when grades are due to make up the work or the grade will revert to the grade earned prior to the end of the grading period. Exceptions may be made at teacher/administrator discretion in long-term illness situations.

CITIZENSHIP

STUDENT LEARNING

All of these expectations listed above are intended to promote student learning.  At EGJH we value high levels of learning in every classroom. It is our goal for our students to be engaged and active participants in their learning. Teachers are committed to helping students achieve mastery of content in every subject.  Your student should be able to answer these questions each day:

Grading Periods

Grades (A, B, C, D, F) are given every nine weeks.  

Progress/Quarter Reports

Students and parents access report cards via StudentVUE/ParentVUE. Students and parents are expected to monitor grading information through StudentVUE/ParentVUE on a regular basis, no less than weekly.

It is our purpose to educate students to meet competency standards. In an attempt to make sure all Emily Gray students are successful, teachers will clearly explain all standards and expectations. 

Homework 

The purpose of homework is to help students develop good study/work habits while reinforcing the daily curriculum being taught. Due dates are given to help students learn to manage their time and to assist parents in structuring home study periods. Students should assume that homework assignments are to be completed by the date specified by the instructor unless special arrangements have been made with the teacher. The student will be given the time equivalent to the length of the absence to make up missed work. For example, if the student is absent 3 days, the student has 3 days to make up the missed assignments. This applies only to assignments given during the absence.

Retention and Failure

When circumstances indicate that retention is in the best interest of the student, the student will have individual consideration, and decisions will be made only after a careful study of facts relating to all phases of the student's growth and development. The student's academic achievement level and academic ability are important, but physical, social and emotional characteristics are also important factors. A decision should be based on sufficient data, collected over a period of time and motivated by a desire to place students in school programs where they will be the most successful. Parents will be notified of the possible recommendation to retain.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ELIGIBILITY

Activities

Athletic teams are limited in size and tryouts and cuts will apply to each sport. Students who make the team will only participate if eligible. All forms in the athletic packet must be on file prior to participation, including tryouts, practice, and competitions.

Athletics Page
https://egjh.tanqueverdeschools.org/o/egjhs/page/athletics

Fees

The athletic participation fee is to be paid upon completion of tryouts. An athlete may not participate until the fee is paid.

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

The safety of our students to and from school is our highest priority. It is the practice of Tanque Verde Unified School District to provide transportation for students of the District as follows:

• Students who live more than one mile from their school.

• Students living within the one-mile radius of their school are subject to routes that are hazardous or difficult and no other arrangements can be provided.

• Special education students whose disabilities require transportation as indicated in their individual education programs.

• If a student misses their bus, it is the responsiblity of the parent or guardian to arrange prompt transportation home.

Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off

For student safety reasons parents are not to enter the bus loop off of Tanque Verde Rd. Parents may not use the transportation lot and transportation entrance area for pick up or drop off.  Parents may use the north Emily Gray parking lot loop (main parking lot in front of the school entrance) to pick up and drop off children, or the Tanque Verde Baptist Church parking lot loop off of Tanque Verde Loop Road.  Student pick up and drop off is not permitted in the small parking lot near the fine arts wing to maintain student safety. Please see our website for complete pickup and drop-off procedures pertaining to our two designated drop off areas.

Campus Parking & Traffic Maps
https://egjh.tanqueverdeschools.org/o/egjhs/page/campus-parking-traffic

Waiting for and Exiting the Bus

1. Be at your bus stop at least five (5) minutes prior to your scheduled time.

2. Form a line at a safe distance from the curb or road while waiting for the bus.

3. Respect the property on which your bus stop is designated.

4. Use the handrail and each bus step when entering and exiting the bus.

5. Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

6. Always walk in front of the bus when crossing the street or highway and look both ways before crossing.

7. The bus driver requires a signed note from your parent or guardian, verified by the school office, if you have to get off at a stop other than your own.

Bus Notes

Bus note verification requests to the school office must be made no later than student lunch period. No bus notes will be approved after school.

Bus Courtesy

1. Quietly take your seat.

2. Talk to your friends in a normal voice. Address the bus driver only in case of an emergency.

3. Windows will be opened and closed upon request of the bus driver. 

4. Keep your head and arms inside the bus and your feet on the floor.

5. Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

6. No food or drinks are allowed on the bus without the driver’s permission.

7. No glass containers are allowed on the bus.

8. Pets and animals are not allowed on the bus. Children must arrange for private transportation when carrying them to and from school.

9. Each student will assist the driver by placing litter in a trash receptacle designated by the driver.

10. Oversized items such as large instruments, large packages, or sports equipment must remain in the front of the bus and be accompanied by the student at all times.

Bus Discipline Plan

If a student violates behavior or safety standards while riding the bus, the bus driver will prepare a “School Bus Incident Report.” This report will be submitted for disciplinary action. A variety of consequences may be imposed to address the infraction:

• Counseling

• A conference and/or disciplinary action without loss of riding privileges.

• A conference and/or disciplinary action with a loss of riding privileges.

The consequences applied will depend on the severity of the infraction and the recommendations of the bus driver. Parents will be notified by telephone and/or in writing about the incident and the subsequent consequence(s). A student who feels he or she has been treated unfairly or unjustly punished under this plan may appeal to the school principal. If a hearing is requested, the student may be accompanied by the parents and/or legal counsel. The district personnel that will participate in the hearing include, but are not limited to, the bus driver who initiated the action, the Transportation Director, and the Principal.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS, PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR BUS DRIVER FIRST. IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AT 520-749-9640.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Student Dress

The purpose of the Dress Code is to protect the health and safety of children. Because physical activity is expected daily, appropriate clothing and shoes should be worn everyday. The school dress code will be enforced throughout the year, during school hours and at school-sponsored activities. If there is any question of the appropriateness of a student's dress, that student will be referred to administration for final determination of appropriateness.

Student attire may be regulated as necessary and appropriate to maintain order and decorum within the educational system and to avoid material and substantial interference with schoolwork or discipline.

Prohibited Attire

Attire may be prohibited when it:

• Significantly interferes with the District's ability to maintain order; such as disrupting schoolwork, school programs and activities, creates disorder, or prevents any student(s) from achieving educational objectives.

• Affects the health or safety of students, personnel or visitors.

• Conveys affiliation with a criminal street gang.

• Exposes the wearer's midriff, undergarments, or undergarment areas.

• Contains or conveys obscene language, symbols or messages.

• Promotes or depicts the unlawful use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

• Violates the constitutional rights of any other person(s).

• Is inconsistent with or prohibited by the course, program, or activity.

Please see board policy section 5-300 for the complete dress code:

https://www.tanqueverdeschools.org/districtpolicies

Public Displays of Affection

Public displays of affection (PDA) are prohibited on campus. PDA includes kissing of any kind, hand holding, and excessive touching or hugging. Students engaging in an excessive display of affection will be dealt with according to the code of conduct. Cases may also be referred to administration for discipline for violation under the code of conduct.

Students should not jump on each other, give piggyback rides, hug or touch aggressively or engage in potentially dangerous touching which may result in disciplinary referral. 

Cheating/Plagiarism 

Cheating, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty are violations. Students who copy, submit, or claim credit for any work that is not their own will face consequences. AI writers, such as ChatGPT, SnapAI, or any other AI platforms, are prohibited to be used for the purpose of writing or completing any assignment in any subject. The use of AI writers will result in the same consequences as cheating/plagiarism. In addition, students who provide work for other students to copy will also face consequences. Students who engage in cheating, plagiarism, or academic dishonesty may lose credit for the assigned work or test as determined by the teacher. Cases will also be referred to administration for discipline for violation under the code of conduct. Discipline will be progressive with ongoing occurrences of cheating, plagiarism, or academic dishonesty.  

Posters

We encourage students to promote school clubs and activities on campus. Anyone wishing to put up posters and/or flyers on campus, or decorations on lockers must have approval from the principal. Posters and flyers may be dropped off with office staff for consideration. Plans for decorations must be approved by the principal. Administration reserves the right to remove any materials for any reason.

Care of Building and Grounds

It is the goal of school administration to maintain a clean and inviting campus. No student shall damage or deface any property belonging to the District. The type of discipline that may be imposed for damage to school property by students depends upon the circumstances. Students may be subject to suspension for willful damage or destruction of school property.

If a minor engages in conduct that results in damage to District property, the District may institute formal charges for the purpose of having the court order the minor, or his parent, to make full or partial restitution to the District in accordance with the law.

Gum is not allowed on campus. Students using gum and/or disposing improperly of gum which creates defacement of school property will be referred to administration. 

Student Responsibilities

Students have the right to a meaningful education that will be of value to them for the rest of their lives. In order to facilitate this, all Emily Gray students share the following Student Responsibilities:

• Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of all persons involved in the educational process and to exercise the highest degree of self-discipline in observing and adhering to school rules and regulations.

• Students have the responsibility to take maximum advantage of the educational opportunities available and seek to achieve a meaningful education.

• All members of the school community, including students, parents, and school staff members, have the responsibility to promote regular attendance at school.

• Students have the responsibility to protect school property, equipment, books, and other materials issued to or used by them in the instructional process. 

• Students will be held financially responsible for any loss or intentional damage caused to school property.

• Students have the responsibility to complete all course assignments to the best of their ability and to complete make-up work after an absence.

• Students have the responsibility to help maintain the cleanliness and safety of the school buildings and property.

• Students have the responsibility to present themselves in class at the prescribed time and with the necessary materials

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct provides students with expectations for appropriate behavior ensuring a safe learning environment for all. TVUSD strives to create a culture of learning with accountability for students who choose not to follow the Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct will be applied to all students. Every effort is made to utilize methods of positive reinforcement concerning student  behaviors. We will partner with parents to develop behavior solutions when students violate this code of conduct. School administration may increase the level of intervention using this code of conduct and the interventions described therein. Infractions resulting in a violation of student health, safety or the law, may be referred directly to school administration or law enforcement. Emily Gray Junior High will use the Tanque Verde Unified School District Code of Conduct as a guide for consequences resulting from student disciplinary infractions. The code of conduct can be found on the Emily Gray and District Websites.  

Detentions

A student may receive a lunch or after school detention (3:20-4:30pm) for infraction of school rules, misbehaving while a guest teacher/substitute is employed, and for not having their Tracker in class (including WIN Time). If a student is issued 5 detentions during the school year, every infraction thereafter, the student may be issued in-school suspension (ISS) for the entire day. Please help us keep students accountable by not making appointments, etc. on the day your child serves detention. 

Students are to be silent during detention, working on school assignments or reading. All electronic devices must be powered off and put away during detention. If a student has a missed detention they will not be allowed to go on extracurricular or field trips. If a student misses detention, they will be assigned another detention in addition to serving the missed detention.

Student Suspensions

Information regarding short term and long term suspensions are based on the discipline matrix that can be found on the Emily Gray and TVUSD websites. 

Harassment

Under no circumstances does the Tanque Verde Unified School District tolerate behavior from students or staff members which promotes the negative depiction of any person or group of people. Racism, discrimination and any form of harassment are unacceptable at our schools. TVUSD Non-Discrimination Notice can be found on the website in the Code of Conduct.

TVUSD Code of Conduct
https://www.tanqueverdeschools.org/codeofconduct