New Student Registration
Registration
Process
Please call the school to set up an appointment with the counselor
to register your student.
(402)426-3678
* The
following is information you will need to bring with you the day
you register your student:
- Birth
Certificate.
- Immunization Record.
Note: Any other student records from the previous school would also
be welcome at this time.
* The following is
information that will need to be completed the day you
register your student.
- NEW STUDENT
INFORMATION form.
- The MEDICATION
PERMIT form should be
completed only by those students who intend to take medication
while at school. Students who need to take aspirin for any reason
must also complete a MEDICATION
PERMIT form.
- SCHOOL HEALTH
SCREENING UPDATE form.
- A PARENTAL
CONSENT form is needed for
all those students in grades 7 - 8 who plan to participate in
Nebraska School Activities Association sanctioned activities. Those
activities are: basketball, football, volleyball, track and
wrestling. Parents should read carefully the consent form and NSAA
eligibility rules. If you have any questions concerning activity
participation should be directed to Mr. Marty Rogers, Activities
Director at 426-4941.
(Students participating in athletics must also have a current
physical in order to participate.)
- DOCUMENTATION OF VARICELLA
(Chicken Pox) DISEASEform.
- COMMUNITY
VOLUNTEER form.
- Suggested
Supplies List.
- The Blair Community Schools Census Card will need to be filled
out the day you register your student.
Physical Examination
Information
- RULES AND REGULATIONS for SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS information.
- Only for students entering 8th grade:
PREPARTICIPATION
ATHLETIC PHYSICAL EVALUATION Form page 1 - Filled out by the student
and the parent, and page 2 - Filled out by the
physician!
The following forms may
need to be filled out the day you register your student. They
will be provided to you at the time you register.
Student Accident Insurance
Information concerning insurance for students in grades 6 - 8 will
be provided the day you register your student. Parents should be
aware of the fact that the district does not carry accident
insurance for students, therefore this is a parent
responsibility.
Catastrophic Insurance - The Nebraska School Activities Association
will pay the premium for this insurance for athletes participating
in sports sponsored by the Association. Students must be under the
direct supervision of a full-time school employee who has the
responsibility of directing the group. Details concerning
Catastrophic Insurance may be obtained from Marty Rogers,
Activities Director, at the high school.
Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application
This application can be filled out the day you register your
student. The application must be received and approved before you
can receive Free or Reduced-Price meals. If you have any questions
regarding the Food Service Program, please contact: Sheryl Rolland
at 426-5926.
On-line Student
Information System
This system is designed for parents to access their child’s
academic information from their own computer. The information that
will be available includes: attendance, behavior management,
gradebook, report card, progress reports, and the student’s
schedule. Parents wanting to have this access will need to complete
the attached sign up form on the schools web site.
School Bus Service -
Transportation Application
School bus transportation is a
service provided by the Blair Community Schools at no cost to
eligible district riders. To be eligible for bus services the
student must live outside the Blair City limits. If your child
qualifies for bus services please fill out the application form the
day your student registers. If you have any questions regarding
Transportation services, please call Chuck Hall at
426-4509.
Additional Middle School Information
PARENT
PICK-UP/UNLOADING OF STUDENTS
Parents may use the loop located on the east side of the building
to pick up and unload students. NO DOUBLE PARKING IS
ALLOWED!!!!!!
Please do not use the bus loop located on the west side of the
building. This area is congested and is restricted to bus loading
and unloading.
STUDENT ABSENCES
FROM SCHOOL
Parents should stress the importance of school work and the value
of daily attendance. Please call the school office (426-3678)
before 9:00 a.m. if your son or daughter is absent. A voice mail
system is also provided. If your child must be out of school
because of a reason other than health or family emergency, please
call the office prior to the absence to arrange a make-up work
schedule. If a student is absent for more than 3 days in a row, the
school nurse may make a home visit.
Parents are requested to send a note of verification for any
absence from school. This note should state the reasons for the
absence and the dates involved. Notes should be delivered to the
office immediately upon a student’s return.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
FOR MIDDLE LEVEL STUDENTS
Attendance at Otte-Blair Middle School is very important. It is at
this age that lasting habits are cultivated, which help to ensure
student success during the high school years. By School Board
policy, all students must be in compliance with 79-201 of Nebraska
School Law.
Notifications will be sent home for all middle level students. All
notifications of class absences listed below will be sent by
regular mail to the student’s parent or legal guardian on the
following schedule:
5th absence.........1st notification
10th absence.......2nd notification
15th absence.......3rd notification
In a situation when a student is absent in excess of five non
excused days in a quarter, parents will be notified to review
services available to encourage better attendance.
In accordance with Nebraska’s compulsory attendance statutes
(79-201 and 79-209), the Washington County Attorney will be
notified when a student reaches: 1.) 5 unexcused absences in a
quarter; 2.) a total of 20 days of absences, excused or
unexcused.
MESSAGES TO
STUDENTS
Messages for students will be delivered at the end of the day.
Parents should use discretion and attempt to limit the number of
messages and calls to school. Students are responsible to pick up
their own messages. With the exception of emergencies, messages
will not be delivered to the classroom. MESSAGES WILL ONLY BE TAKEN
FROM PARENTS or SPECIFIED INDIVIDUALS.
STUDENT
FEES
Listed below are the Student Fees that will be needed at the
beginning of the school year. Parents with specific financial need
regarding fees should contact Mr. Jim Sides or Mr. Mark Gutschow,
Administrators at 426-3678.
Physical Education (Blair Community Schools)
Uniform $20.00
Activity card $20.00 (Blair Community Schools)
Required for students involved in activities
Uniform Usage $5.00 (Blair Community Schools)
Required when the school provides a uniform for an activity
Lunch Purchases (Blair Community Schools Food Service)
$2.25 x the number of lunches
Student Accident Insurance
See information packet for specific costs
HANDLING OF
MONEY
Separate checks must be written for all individual accounts. For
example, lunch money, P.E. fees, activity cards, etc. are all
different accounts and need to be handled separately. Each check
should be made out to the Blair Community Schools with an
indication in the "memo" portion of the check detailing the reason
for the payment. At no time will the office cash a check for
cash.
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
Students who are enrolled in physical education classes (grades 7
& 8 only) are required to have a gym uniform. The cost of this
uniform is $20.00 ($10.00 for a T-shirt and $10.00 for shorts.)
Checks should be made for the exact amount to Blair Community
Schools. Grades 7 & 8 also will be issued a lock for their gym
locker. A $3.00 fee will be charged if a student loses the lock
during the year. No locks from home may be used on the gym
lockers.
ACTIVITY
PASSES
Students involved in a sport or activity in grades 7 and 8 are
required to purchase an activity pass at a cost of $20.00. All
students have the option to buy an activity pass at the office,
which is a permanent sticker attached to the student’s
identification card. This pass provides a student admission to all
middle and high school home activities during the school year at a
substantial savings. Replacement I.D. cards will be given to
student at a cost of $3.00 each.
Prices for admission this year are $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for
students high school age and younger. Adult passes are available at
the middle school, the school administration building or any home
athletic event for $35.00. This pass enables the adult holder, as
well as any elementary age children, to attend all home athletic
events during the school year.
These passes will not be honored at tournaments and post-season
contests.
UNIFORM USAGE
FEE
Students involved in any activities requiring a uniform purchased
by the School District, will be charged a $5.00 fee. Any questions
should be directed to Marty Rogers, Activities Director at
426-4941.
LUNCH
PROCEDURES
Students use a computerized lunch system that automatically stores
any number of “lunches” purchased. As the student “pays” for
his/her lunch, the computer will subtract a lunch until all lunches
purchased are used; only one lunch may be purchased per day using
this system. Checks should be made to Blair Community Schools Food
Service for the exact amount. Students may also purchase lunches by
paying cash; correct change is encouraged.
ATHLETIC PRACTICES
AND PHYSICALS
Students, regardless of grade, must have a current physical
examination before they may participate. The 7th grade physical is
good for all sports. Blair Schools, in cooperation with the staff
of the Blair Clinic, conducts physicals for all athletes in the
spring. If a student does not have a physical examination at this
time, he/she should make arrangements to take care of this.
ASSIGNMENT
NOTEBOOK/AGENDA
All students will be given an assignment notebook. The assignment
notebook is an organizational tool that will help assist students
to succeed at Otte-Blair Middle School. This also includes the
Student/Parent Handbook. In the front of the handbook is a form
dealing with parent notification and field trip permission that
needs to be returned to the student’s homeroom teacher.
DRESS
AND GENERAL APPEARANCE
The following items will not be acceptable for wear during
school:
a. Soiled, cut, torn, excessively tight or revealing clothing.
b. Shorts that are excessively short.
c. Skirts that are excessively short.
d. Clothing bearing logos for alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or clothing
bearing profane sexual messages.
e. Hats, sunglasses, or shoes not normally used for street
wear.
f. Tank tops and other loose fitting, bare shoulder tops.
g. Underwear worn as outerwear.
h. Shorts or pants that are pulled down below the normal waist
line.
i. Coats and other outer wear need to remain in lockers during the
school day.
j. Other clothing which is distracting or inappropriate for the
school environment.
When, in the opinion of the building administrator, a student is
dressed or groomed in such a manner as to violate the Board of
Education’s policy, the school administration will advise the
student of the violation and take appropriate action. When possible
and appropriate, the administration will contact the parents,
present the problem and seek their cooperation. Should disciplinary
action be required, Board of Education policies and state statutes
will be followed. Students who miss school time in order to change
into appropriate clothes will make up the time missed in detention
periods.
The Policy for students participating in activities which are
representative of the individual, school and community shall be
outlined by the respective activity sponsor.
Students participating in co-curricular activities automatically
assume a role of leadership in our school and community. Their
conduct and attitude are frequently used to judge our school.
Personal appearance is one of the important facets of this
leadership responsibility. Students should take pride in their
personal grooming and follow the standards set by the sponsors or
coaches in relationship to the particular activity in which they
are involved.
VALUABLES
Students must not bring valuables to school unless it is absolutely
necessary to the educational program. Please avoid bringing
excessive amounts of money, expensive clothing, jewelry, cameras,
expensive calculators, etc. Check to see that all musical
instruments are covered under your household insurance policy. The
school district does not provide insurance for personally owned
instruments.
The school carries no insurance for lost, stolen or damaged
articles and therefore, parents and students should be very careful
about what is brought to school. Your cooperation in dealing with
this matter is appreciated.
PROGRESS
REPORTS
Progress reports for all students are sent home at mid-quarter.
These reports are to be signed and returned to the student's
homeroom teacher.
Progress reports will be sent home with students.
Parents are urged to contact their child’s teacher at school
426-3678 should their child receive an unsatisfactory progress
report.
ARBOR
FAMILY COUNSELING/STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Blair Community Schools, in association with Arbor Family
Counseling, 11605 Arbor Street, Suite 106, Omaha, NE 68144,
(330-4700), are once again offering a limited amount of free
counseling services. This program includes such things as:
Academic Counseling Relationship Skills
Parenting Strategies Stress Management
Family Counseling Youth Suicide
Group Counseling Substance Abuse
Depression Kid’s Fitness
Sexual/Physical Abuse
Parents and students are encouraged to contact their child’s School
Counselor should they desire more information.
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
The Blair Community Schools, in cooperation with the Blair Police
Department, are conducting a program targeted to help young people
who are in need of special assistance. A police officer assigned to
the middle school, confers with students and staff, to promote
positive aspects of police/community relations. Students and
parents interested in information concerning this service, should
contact Mr. Leon Haith, Student Services Director, at 426-2610.
TARDINESS
Students should not be tardy to school or classes, and the
Student-Parent Handbook is very specific about the penalties for
tardies. Both students and parents should consult the handbook for
further information. Students who are tardy to school are given
three tardies prior to being issued a consequence. Students who are
tardy to classes during the day are given three tardies prior to
being issued a consequence by the classroom teacher.
VISITORS
Visitors will check in at the office and receive a “visitor’s pass”
which will be worn at all times. No one is to enter a class without
approval from the office. We encourage parent visitation of classes
and often allow others to observe classes.
A
FINAL MESSAGE
Please take the time to study the Student-Parent Handbook included
in your student’s agenda. It will acquaint you with additional
policies and procedures at Otte-Blair Middle School. We want to
assure you that we will do our best to help your child experience
academic, social, and emotional growth. With your help and
cooperation, your student will have a productive and rewarding
educational experience. Should you have any questions, now or in
the future, please call. The middle school office is open Monday
through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Finally, best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding school year.
Good Luck. Your success will be our success.
Jim Sides, Principal Jean Hundtoft, School Counselor
Mark Gutschow, Assistant Principal Brian Slominski, School
Counselor
