Skip to main content

Troy Middle School

Student Handbook

Troy Middle School Trojan head with banner Troy Middle School Trojans

Troy Middle School Student Handbook Addendum

 

Dr. Matthew Frederickson, Superintendent

Mrs. Ashley Higgins, Principal 

Mrs. Brittany Hosmer, Assistant Principal 

Mr. Chad Clark, Assistant Principal and Activities Director 

 

Policies, Regulations, and Forms may be amended by the Lincoln County R-III Board of Education at their sole discretion.

 

General Information

General Information 

  • Troy Middle School 

    Mission, Vision, and Commitments

    Lincoln County RIII Mission: 

    All learners will achieve success through exemplary experiences, trusting relationships, and superior instruction. 

    Lincoln County RIII Vision: 

    LCR3’s vision is to inspire, strengthen, and maximize growth for every learner through exemplary experiences, trusting relationships, and superior instruction designed to promote achievement and a lifetime of success. 

    Troy Middle School Vision: 

    As Trojans, we will approach each day enthusiastically in a collective effort to achieve an inclusive environment for each learner to grow both academically and emotionally. 

    Troy Middle School Mantra: 

    Be Respectful 

    Be a Leader 

    Be Your Best Self 

    Choose Kindness

     

    Troy Middle School Hours and Contact Information

    Lincoln County R-III District Student School Year Calendar

    Troy Middle School Bell Schedule

     

     

  • Character Education

    With the support of the Lincoln County R-III Board of Education, we have taken a district-wide approach to character education for our students. Although building events and activities may vary, the monthly character trait focus is the same across all grade levels. It is our intent that students from kindergarten through grade twelve will realize the importance of these traits in developing good character and also encouraging a caring climate in all of our schools. 

     

    Lincoln County R-III Character Traits and Definitions 

    August: Enthusiasm 

    I am excited about helping others. I will set my goals high and do my best each day. I am eager to learn and share knowledge online and excited about all opportunities to engage with others. 

    September: Self-Control 

    I act appropriately when I manage my thoughts, words, and physical behavior. I show my digital willpower by making good choices and using my devices at appropriate times. 

    October: Accountability 

    I am someone people can depend on to honor my commitments. I am responsible for my thoughts, words, actions, and choices. I admit my mistakes and work to correct them. I am responsible for my actions online and will be mindful of my digital footprint. 

    November: Respect 

    I am polite, courteous, and caring. I honor others and myself. I will treat all people with dignity and value property. I am still the same person online; I follow the digital Golden Rule and give the same esteem I expect to receive from others in the virtual world. 

    December: Humility 

    I am teachable regardless of how much I know, and I appreciate that everyone has different strengths. I will remain free from arrogance and recognize the needs of others. I am mindful of others online. I can celebrate my strengths but not at the expense of others. 

    January: Integrity 

    I am honest and sincere with others and myself in my words and actions. I choose to do the right thing even when no one is looking. I use my digital compass to help guide me to make only the best choices online all the time. 

    February: Compassion 

    I care about the feelings of others. I will treat all people with kindness. I seek only positive digital environments and will be tolerant of others’ opinions and differences.

    March: Encouragement 

    I use positive words and actions to motivate others and myself to not give up when faced with challenges or obstacles. I will promote online safety and use best practices by helping others be good digital citizens. 

    April: Citizenship 

    I am a good citizen who respects authority, obeys laws and rules, chooses to vote, and protects the environment. I practice good habits and actions when I participate in the digital community by thinking before I share or post. 

    May: Gratitude 

    I am a thankful person. I am mindful of those who help and care for me. I appreciate those who support me in achieving my goals. I show my gratitude for online resources that are available to me by always citing my sources. 

    June: Attitude 

    I will think and act in a positive way towards others and myself. I will show kindness and a positive approach towards everyone online. 

    July: Service 

    I make a difference in the lives of others by being helpful and giving. I will be a good digital citizen by offering my assistance to others online and in class.

     

    Troy Middle School Behavior Matrix

    Trojans will be respectful, responsible, and accountable each day. Trojans will demonstrate these traits by meeting the social and academic expectations as follows:

    Respectful Interactions  Trusting Interactions  Safe Choices
    The Trojan Way (Everywhere/Everyday) 
    • I can respond appropriately. 
    • I can use kind words.
    • I can advocate for myself. 
    • I can be honest.
    • I can be reliable. 
    • I can be supportive.
    • I can be aware of my surroundings. 
    • I can be respectful.
    • I can rely on my trusted adult. 
    Cafeteria 
    • I can ask for permission to leave my seat. 
    • I can keep the cafeteria clean by cleaning up after myself. 
    • I can sit in my assigned seat. 
    • I can be respectful toward cafeteria staff. 
    • I can be respectful of my tablemates. 
    • I can follow cafeteria expectations 
    • I can respect boundaries. 
    • I can go to the requested destination. 
    • I can focus and eat my lunch. 
    Technology 
    • I can stand up to inappropriate use.
    • I can use technology at school for schoolwork only.
    • I can treat equipment with care.
    • I can come to school with a charged iPad.
    • When needed, I can politely ask for a charger. 
    • I can use my iPad for schoolwork.
    • I can be responsible for my iPad and the iPads of others. 
    • I can put my cell phone and earbuds in my backpack.
    • I can keep personal information and passwords private.
    • I can prevent cyberbullying 
    • I can model digital citizenship. 
    • I can THINK before I “send”.
    Restrooms
    • I can respect the privacy of others. 
    • I can clean up after myself. 
    • I can make a quick return to class or the designated area.
    • I can flush and wash my hands. 
    • I can request an electronic pass prior to leaving the classroom. 
    • I can prevent horseplay. 
    • I can report incidents to a trusted adult. 
    • I can respect no technology 
    Hallways/Stairways
    • I keep my voice low.
    • I can use appropriate language.
    • I can pick up trash.
    • I can go directly to my destination. 
    • I can move with a purpose. 
    • I can request an electronic pass prior to leaving the classroom.
    • I can walk on the proper side of the hall.
    • I can report spills.
    • I can limit electronic use and pay attention. 
    • I can keep my hands to myself.
    Bus 
    • I can listen to the driver. 
    • I can use appropriate language. 
    • I can clean up after myself and others. 
    • I can be on time. 
    • I can report directly to my bus. 
    • I can stay seated.
    • I can use appropriate voice volume. 
    • I can keep all of my personal possessions in their appropriate places. 
    • I can respect boundaries. 
    Classroom 
    • I can be an active listener. 
    • I can use positive words. 
    • I can respect my educational future and the educational future of others. 
    • I can be an active listener. 
    • I can be supportive. 
    • I can have a growth mindset. 
    • I can respect the viewpoints of others. 
    • I can utilize technology appropriately. 
    • I can contact my teacher. 
    Distance Learning 
    • I can find a quiet place to work at home. 
    • I can mute myself when appropriate.
    • I can complete assignments on time. 
    • I can be on time for scheduled meetings. 
    • I can be an active listener. 
    • I can have my iPad charged. 
    • I can utilize technology appropriately. 
    • I can contact my teacher. 
    School-Sponsored Activities
    • I can use appropriate language. 
    • I can use positive words. 
    • I can show manners. 
    • I can show positive support. 
    • I can be responsible for myself and my items. 
    • I can be on time and prepared. 
    • I can report incidents to a trusted adult. 
    • I can participate appropriately. 
  • Troy Middle School Curriculum

    6th Grade Required Classes 

    • English Language Arts 
    • Math 
    • Science
    • Social Studies 
    • P.E./Health

     

    6th Grade Exploratory/Electives (By Quarter)

    • Art
    • Band (year)
    • Career Exploration
    • Choir (year) 
    • Agricultural Science (AG)
    • Design and Modeling (PLTW)
    • Family and Consumer Science 
    • Computer Science for Innovators and Makers 

     

    7th Grade Required Classes 

    • English Language Arts 
    • Math 
    • Science 
    • Social Studies 
    • P.E./Health 

     

    7th Grade Exploratory / Electives (By Quarter) 

    • Art 
    • Band
    • Career Exploration 
    • Choir (year) 
    • Medical Detectives 
    • Agricultural Science (AG)
    • Automation and Robotics (PLTW) 
    • Family and Consumer Science 

     

    8th Grade Required Classes 

    • English Language Arts 
    • Math 
    • Science
    • Social Studies 
    • P.E./Health/ Design Your Future

     

    8th Grade Exploratory / Electives (By Quarter)

    • Art
    • Magic of Electrons
    • Green Architecture (PLTW) 
    • Band (year)
    • Design Your Future
    • Choir (year) 
    • Trojan News
    • Family and Consumer Science I, II
    • Agricultural Science (AG) 

     

    Troy Middle School Activities

    ACTIVITIES, CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS 

    MUSIC GROUPS 

    ATHLETICS 

    7th and 8th Grade

    Archery Club (competitive) 

    6th 8th grade Choir 

    Cheerleading

    Art Club 

    7th & 8th grade Show Choir (competitive)

    Dance

    Battle of the Books (competitive) 

    6th 8th Band 

    Cross Country - Fall

    Drama Club

    7th & 8th Jazz Band 

    Football - Fall

    Epsilon Beta 

    Softball - Fall

    Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

    Volleyball - Fall

    Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) 

    Basketball - Winter

    National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) 

    Wrestling - Winter

    Robotics (competitive) 

    Track - Spring

    Student Advisory Group 

    Technology Student Association (TSA)

    Yearbook

     

    ELIGIBILITY TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: 

    The District provides opportunities for individual students to grow physically, socially, and intellectually through their experiences in self-discipline and their contribution to team effort that is made possible through competitive interscholastic athletics. The purpose of secondary school athletics is both educational and recreational. Emphasis shall be upon the development of good attitudes among students and the public toward losing situations as well as winning situations, with a focus on how well the team or individual played the game with respect to skills and sportsmanship. 

    Interscholastic athletic competition for secondary school students is to be provided in a variety of sports. Students are allowed to attain the privilege of representing their school in interscholastic athletics by meeting the standards of eligibility as set forth by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). These standards include academic requirements (passing 6/7 classes), citizenship, age maximums, and passing medical examinations, to name a few. MSHSAA eligibility requirements are regularly discussed between coaches, sponsors, athletes, and participants. A complete list of MSHSAA eligibility requirements can be located through the TMS athletic department or the official MSHSAA website. 

    While extracurricular activities do offer educational experiences, they are a privilege. As such, extracurricular activities may be withheld from any student as a condition of discipline. Furthermore, all policies that apply to the regular school day also apply to extracurricular activities. In addition, coaches and sponsors may establish 

    policies for their groups in addition to those stated herein. Students demonstrating unacceptable behaviors may be suspended from participation in extracurricular activities. A student must attend at least 3.5 hours of a school day in order to participate in an after school MSHSAA sanctioned event on that same day.

     

     

General Expectations

General Expectations 

  • Assemblies

    Students must sit in the section assigned to their class. Students are expected to behave appropriately and give courteous attention at all times. 

    Arriving before school/leaving after school 

    The building opens at 7:05 am and all students must stay in the cafeteria/canteen until the 7:15 am. release bell. At the end of the day students are expected to leave campus promptly. Students not involved in extracurricular activities, receiving after-school tutoring or participating in other scheduled activities must leave the building by 2:30 pm. 

    Between Classes/Late to Class 

    The time between classes is meant to be a passing period. There is to be no loitering, students are to travel from one class to the other with possible stops at their lockers or the restroom as needed. Students are not to be out of academic areas between classes. Getting a drink or going to the restroom will not be accepted as valid reasons for being tardy. 

    Cafeteria Rules

    Students are not to leave the cafeteria areas during lunch; students should not be in the academic wings for any reason during their lunch period. If a student needs to use the restroom, they are to use the restroom designated by a supervising faculty member. Students are to finish their entire lunch in  the commons area. Only packaged food and drinks with lids are allowed out of the cafeteria area. It is teacher discretion as to the consumption of food and beverage in the classroom. Students elsewhere during lunch without permission face disciplinary action. 

     

  • Hall Passes

    During class time students are not to be out of their classroom without a hall pass. Students must have a pass set up through the electronic pass system to leave a classroom. 

    Locker Assignments 

    Students in 6th and 7th will be assigned lockers for the storage of books, clothing, personal articles, etc. Students in 8th grade will be assigned lockers upon request. Students are not allowed to change lockers or share a locker with another student. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Students are required to use school issued locks and clean out their assigned locker at the end of the year. Replacement locks can be purchased for $10. Maintaining and cleaning out gym lockers are the students’ responsibility.

    Lost and Found Articles 

    Lost and found is located in the hallway outside the Canteen doors. Unclaimed items will be donated to local community assistance organizations. 


  • Lunch Accounts 

    Chartwells School Dining Services serves students with well-balanced meals at affordable prices. All students have a meal account that is used to keep track of student deposits and purchases. Parents can view the balances of their child’s meal account via Infinite Campus. Students can deposit money in their account by placing cash/check in an envelope and turning it into the deposit box located in the cafeteria or by making a deposit online. Students are required to keep meal accounts current. 

    Meal Charges Policy 5550

    Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to maintain consistent meal account procedures throughout the District. Unpaid charges place a financial strain on District finances. The Food Service Department is responsible for maintaining food charge records and for notifying the District’s building administrative offices of outstanding balances. 

    Administration

    1. Student Groups
      1. Elementary students will be allowed to charge a maximum of ten ($10.00) dollars. 
        1. These meals charged will include only the menu items of the reimbursable meal. 
        2. Once the maximum of $10 has been met, the student may receive a designated menu alternate for both breakfast and lunch. 
      2. Middle school students will be allowed to charge a maximum of ten ($10.00) dollars. 
        1. These meals charged will include only the menu items of the reimbursable meal. 
        2. Once the maximum of $10 has been met, the student may receive a designated menu alternate for both breakfast and lunch. 
      3. High school students are not allowed to charge any meals. 
        1. If the meal account is negative the student may receive a designated menu alternate for both breakfast and lunch. 

    Physical Education Excuses

    Students requesting to be excused from physical education for medical or other reasons must have a written excuse from a doctor or parent. Grade reductions are made for parental excuses. There is no grade reduction for an excuse signed by a doctor. In order to be exempted from taking physical education, a physician's statement is required.

    Restroom Dismissal

    Students will not be excused from a classroom to use the restroom unless it is determined by the teacher to be an emergency. Students should use the restroom during passing time.

     

  • School/District Communication App

    The Lincoln County R-III School District partners with ParentSquare to provide families with a FREE mobile app available in Google Play or the Apple App Store. Search for ParentSquare, download, and log in using the email address that is on file with LCR3. ParentSquare is convenient and customizable to your family’s needs. It provides a one-stop-shop for all of your children in the LCR3 School District by providing a personalized feed, building calendars, lunch menus, and direct communication with teachers, sponsors, and coaches. ParentSquare is also the platform that the district and its schools use to notify parents in an emergency, school closings, or with general updates and reminders. It helps prevent missed connections from your school by storing push notifications in your app regardless of incorrect contact information or poor cellular reception. Download the ParentSquare App for FREE today. To find out more and customize your language and delivery methods, visit the ParentSquare information page on our website.

    School Event Pick Up Policy

    For all athletic events, practice, or club meetings held after school students are to make arrangements to be picked up as soon as possible at the conclusion of a school activity. Approximate ending times are announced so students can inform parents/guardians when to pick them up. Teachers assigned to supervise activities appreciate student cooperation. The names of students who have not been picked up fifteen (15) minutes after an event will be given to the administration, and those students will be subject to the loss of attendance privileges to extra-curricular activities. Anyone leaving the area or building prior to the end of the event will not be allowed to return to the event. After leaving, the student must immediately leave the school premises unless waiting in a designated area for transportation.

    Valuable Personal Property 

    Troy Middle School is not responsible for any personal property brought to school by students. Personal property should not be left unattended. TMS is not responsible for recovery, reimbursement or replacement of lost, stolen or damaged personal property. Student personal property includes, but is not limited to: purses, wallets, watches, jewelry, book bags, credit cards, cash, checks, electronic devices, notebooks, books, and band instruments.

  • Use of the Elevator 

    The elevator is available for use by students who have a medical need and/or other type of need, which would require the elevator. The main office and the library each have a key and will open the elevator for students when asked. 

    Work Completion (Make-up Work/Missing Work/Late Work)

    Class work assigned during a student’s absence is expected to be completed. Students will be granted a minimum of 2 days for each day missed. In instances of absences, which are longer than two weeks in duration, a longer period of time may be granted. It is the student’s responsibility to take the initiative to make up work. 

    Students who are absent more than one day may request homework by calling the office NO LATER THAN 10:00 a.m. If students know they are going to be absent, they should pick up homework in advance from their classroom teachers. 

    Students are expected to complete all work assigned. Work will be accepted until the day of the unit assessment. Students who CHOOSE NOT to complete assignments (to the expectation level set by the teacher) will be subject to interventions and/or disciplinary consequences (see below). 

    - Educational Interventions: Teacher/student conference, phone call home, mandatory in school tutoring (before school, during lunch, or during elective classes), mandatory after school tutoring, Saturday school, team isolation 

    - Disciplinary Consequences: Lunch Detention, After School Detention, Saturday Detention, ISS. 

    * Definition of “work” - any assignment and/or assessment given by the teacher. 

     

Student Services

Student Services 

  • Academic Lab

    The goal of Academic Lab is to assist learners in reaching his/her goals and supporting them in all areas to progress through grade level curriculum in an alternative setting. During Academic Lab, students will be provided with support in a small group setting to work on targeted skills, such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, and/or assistance in developing organizational skills to enhance classroom success. Academic lab will be on an A/B schedule opposite of a student’s physical education class for 6th and 7th grades.

    Accelerated Courses

    Troy Middle offers accelerated learning opportunities for eligible students in several key subjects. Students may qualify for advanced placement in 6th and 7th grade Math, Algebra 1, Physical Science, and 7th-8th grade English. Eligibility for these rigorous courses is based on meeting specific success criteria. Transfer students who were previously enrolled in accelerated classes at their former schools will be automatically placed into the corresponding accelerated courses at Troy Middle. Algebra 1 and Physical Science courses will contribute to a student's high school GPA and credit hours.

    Flight Program

    This program is designed to enhance the regular curriculum for students who are academically/intellectually gifted. Qualifications for this program would be under the direction of Student Services at Lincoln County R-III Central Office.

     

  • Grade Reporting

    Report cards are issued every nine weeks (quarterly). Recorded on each student's grade card will be the grades for each subject, the number of days he/she has been absent, and their conduct grade. 

    The following grading scale is used at TMS:

    90 - 100 = A (4.0) 

    80 - 89 = B (3.0) 

    70 - 79 = C (2.0) 

    60 - 69 = D (1.0) 

    Below 60 = F

    Math Success

    Math Success is a program designed to assist the learner in reaching his/her goals with math while providing students with the unique tools they need to thrive. In the Math Success program, students will receive targeted, data-driven instruction.

    National Junior Honor Society

    Requirements for gaining membership include:

    A. Open to any 6th/7th grader who has a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher after 3rd quarter.

    B. Must complete a membership application

    • Must receive 90% of the points on the essay and the Teacher Evaluations surveys.

    Members must be in good standing in the area of discipline

    • Receiving one or less discipline referrals during the school year.

    Requirements for maintaining membership include:

    1. Members must maintain GPA at 3.5 or higher
    2. Members must attend 75% of all full member meetings 
    3. Members must complete 20 service hours (5 of which need to be Chapter sponsored)
    4. Members must be in good standing in the area of discipline.
    5. Quarterly checks will be done to monitor grades/behaviors/service hour
      • If you are not meeting the expectations, you will receive a written warning asking you to make improvements by the end of the next quarter.  If you are not meeting the expectations at the end of the next quarter, you will be withdrawn from NJHS.

    NJHS Appeals Process (What to do if you do not receive an invitation to apply for NJHS or if you aren’t granted membership after the application process)

    Step 1: Consult with the chapter adviser.

    • Your first inquiry should always be with the faculty member assigned to serve as the adviser (or sponsor) of the chapter at your school. The adviser will give you a specific reason why you did not qualify for membership.

    Step 2: Appeal to the principal.

    • Should the response from the adviser be insufficient or unsatisfactory, the final decision will be made by the building principal. 
  • Promotion Policy 

    It is important for TMS students to understand that they will be accountable for the successful completion of their scheduled course work. Failure of coursework is not acceptable. 

    Grades earned in the core classes (Science, Math, English, Social Studies) will be considered prior to promotion to the next grade level. Students who earn a failing semester grade may be required to successfully complete Academic Recovery during the year, and/or Summer Academic Recovery, after school tutoring or Saturday school before being promoted to the next grade level. Those students failing to attend or successfully complete the required interventions will be reviewed for possible retention. 

    Students who have not met the requirements of the core classes (passing 7 out of 8 possible core classes during the 2 semesters of the year) may be required to attend Academic Recovery during the year and/or Summer Academic Recovery to catch up on course level expectations that were not met during the school year. Student’s having 12 or more absences per semester will need to complete attendance make-up after school or during Saturday school to ensure promotion to the next grade level. 

    All Missouri schools may be mandated by legislation that students perform at specific levels regarding their reading skills. These skills will be evaluated through multiple testing instruments. 

    Appeal Process 

    The final recommendation on student promotion/retention will be made by the Teacher Support Team to the school administration. Student promotion/retention appeals will be considered upon written request to the office of the superintendent by the student or the student’s parents/guardians. All written appeal requests may be made to the office of the superintendent within ten (10) days of receipt of notification of promotion/retention from the Teacher Support Team. 

    Reading Success

    Reading Success is a program designed to assist the learner in reaching his/her goals with reading while providing students with the unique tools they need to thrive. In the Reading Success program, students will receive targeted, data-driven instruction. 

    Reading Success Plans (Policy and Regulation 6215) 

    Utilizing a state-approved reading assessment, the District will assess the level of reading readiness for all students enrolled in Kindergarten through grade 3. Newly enrolled students in grades 1 through 5 shall be assessed at the time of enrollment. 

    At the beginning of each school year after initial screening, the District will create a Reading Success Plan for eligible students. The Plan will be consistent with the guidelines issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to include but not be limited to measures of reading proficiency, strategies for addressing reading deficiencies, timelines for measuring improvement and information on screening. 

    The district will implement a reading success plan as required by state statute. Any student, parent, or guardian who has questions or concerns related to reading performance should contact their student's building principal.

    RISE Program

    Goal – RISE is a behavior intervention program for 6th-8th grade students. 

    Schedules – Based on individual student needs as determined. This will be determined by the Building Intervention Team.

     

  • Saturday School

    Students who are behind in their class work or need extra help may be recommended and/or required to attend Saturday School. At Saturday School students can get extra help and time to work on assignments that they have not completed. Saturday School is from 8 – 11 a.m. and is scheduled on an as needed basis.

    School Counselor’s Department

    Troy Middle School offers the services of a guidance department to each student. The counselor’s objective is to assist students in securing an education. Guidance services offered: 

    1. Assist students in realistically appraising themselves and the world of work.
    2. Aid students in deciding whether or not to go to college and in choosing a school, which will best fill their needs.
    3. Assist students in finding jobs through various agencies. 
    4. Aid students in their attempt to identify and eliminate causes of academic difficulties.
    5. Assist students in identifying and solving problems of a personal nature.
    6. Assist students in choosing high school subjects, 

    Tutoring

    Students who are behind in their class work or need extra help may be recommended and/or required to attend tutoring sessions after school. Tutoring is held on Tuesday and Thursdays from 2:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.