Rincon Middle School Student Handbook 2026-2027

Please read this information carefully. The school administration and staff are ready to assist you in every way so you may benefit from the experiences you have at Rincon.

• School hours: M, Tu, W, F 8:00-2:45pm; Thursday 8:00-1:00pm
• Gates open 7:40am / First bell 7:55am / Tardy bell 8:00am
• Office hours: 7:30-4:00p M-F
• School phone: (760) 432-2491
• Health Office hours: 7:30-4:00p M-F, (760) 432-2491 x 26841
• Attendance Office: 7:30-4:00p, (760) 432-2491 x 26805, voicemail 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Library hours: 7:30-3:00p (M, T, W, F); 7:30-1:50p Thursday

At Rincon Middle School, we value creating a safe, focused, and welcoming environment for all students. To support this:

• Closed Campus: Rincon is a closed campus before, during, and after school to ensure student safety.
• Visitor Check-In: All visitors are asked to sign in at the front office. Visitors will be admitted only if they have a designated and appropriate purpose.
• Protecting Learning Time: Classroom instruction is very important and will not be interrupted for phone calls or forgotten items (such as lunch money, homework, or textbooks).
• Deliveries for Students: Parents and guardians may drop off items at the front office. Students may check for deliveries during passing periods or with a teacher's pass.
• Special Items: To maintain a positive learning environment, balloons, flowers, and similar items are not permitted on campus.
• Outside Deliveries: The school cannot accept deliveries from outside food or flower services. Families who bring food may only provide it for their own child.

Please be aware that our campus is equipped with 24-hour video surveillance.

• The Escondido Union School District will actualize the unlimited potential of every learner. We will all be empowered, encouraged, engaged, and committed.
• In EUSD, equity is achieved when all students receive the resources and support they need to be successful.

• Rincon students are guided toward independent, resourceful behavior to broaden their capabilities and sense of self-worth.
• Teachers, students, and staff work to facilitate an awareness, respect, and appreciation of diverse cultures to value the rights of others while developing the skills they need to become responsible citizens of the 21st century.
• All students will be prepared academically to broaden their future choices in life.

• B: Believe in yourself and others. Be open to new ideas. Learn from mistakes. Look for solutions.
• A: Set goals, embrace challenges, persevere, take ownership, and follow through.
• R: Show respect, practice self-control, take pride in school, help make RMS safe and positive.
• K: Think kind, welcome and accept others, make someone's day brighter.

Our school furnishes one set of textbooks per student during the school year. Students are responsible for the textbooks assigned to them and must either return or pay for the books when the students leave Rincon or at the end of the school year. Students' textbooks will be assessed for damage.

Students are responsible for all items checked out to them. At the end of the school year, all items (including textbooks and iPads with keyboard case, charging cables and bricks) are collected. Report cards and yearbooks will not be issued until all items have been returned and/or all fees have been paid.

All students are provided a district-issued iPad to be used for educational purposes only. Students are responsible for charging the iPad every night, and bringing it to school every day. Students are responsible for proper use and care of the iPad and all accessories. Students will name their iPad properly, First and Last Initial. Please review the district policy of digital citizenship. If the iPad is damaged by the student, fees may ensue to repair/replace the device.

Each student received a set of corded headphones that will be required when using the iPad while on campus. If the headphones become damaged or stop working for any reason, please bring the headphones to the school Librarian. However, there is a fee to replace the headphones:

• 1st offense = $5
• 2nd offense = $10
• 3rd offense = $15

• Advisory: 8:00-8:20
• Period 1: 8:24-9:09
• Period 2: 9:13-9:58
• Nutrition: 9:58-10:06
• Period 3: 10:10-10:55
• Period 4: 10:59-11:44
• Lunch 1: 11:48-12:18
• Period 5: 12:22-1:07
• Period 6: 1:11-1:56
• Period 7: 2:00-2:45

• Advisory: 8:00-8:20
• Period 1: 8:24-9:09
• Period 2: 9:13-9:58
• Nutrition: 9:58-10:06
• Period 3: 10:10-10:55
• Period 4: 10:59-11:44
• Period 5: 11:48-12:33
• Lunch 2: 12:37-1:07
• Period 6: 1:11-1:56
• Period 7: 2:00-2:45

• Period 1: 8:00-8:33
• Period 2: 8:37-9:10
• Nutrition: 9:10-9:21
• Period 3: 9:25-9:58
• Period 4: 10:02-10:35
• Lunch 1: 10:39-11:09
• Period 5: 11:13-11:46
• Period 6: 11:50-12:23
• Period 7: 12:27-1:00

• Period 1: 8:00-8:33
• Period 2: 8:37-9:10
• Nutrition: 9:10-9:21
• Period 3: 9:25-9:58
• Period 4: 10:02-10:35
• Period 5: 10:39-11:12
• Lunch 2: 11:16-11:46
• Period 6: 11:50-12:23
• Period 7: 12:27-1:00

• Advisory: 8:00-8:28
• Period 1: 8:24-9:09
• Period 2: 9:13-9:58
• Nutrition: 9:58-10:06
• Period 3: 10:10-10:55
• Period 4: 10:59-11:44
• Period 5: 12:22-1:07
• Period 6: 1:11-1:56
• Period 7: 2:00-2:45

• Friday, November 20th
• Friday, December 18th
• Wednesday, March 24th
• Wednesday, June 9th

• Advisory: 8:00-8:09
• Assembly 1: 8:13-8:53
• Period 1: 8:57-9:37
• Period 2: 9:41-10:21
• Nutrition Break: 10:21-10:31
• Period 3: 10:35-11:15
• Period 4: 11:19-11:59
• Lunch 1: 12:03-12:33
• Period 5: 12:37-1:17
• Period 6: 1:21-2:01
• Period 7: 2:05-2:45

• Advisory: 8:00-8:09
• Period 1: 8:13-8:53
• Assembly 2: 8:57-9:37
• Period 2: 9:41-10:21
• Nutrition Break: 10:21-10:31
• Period 3: 10:35-11:15
• Period 4: 11:19-11:59
• Lunch 1: 12:03-12:33
• Period 5: 12:37-1:17
• Period 6: 1:21-2:01
• Period 7: 2:05-2:45

Nurse available daily. All medications must be stored in the health office.

There is a nurse in our health office each day from 7:30am to 3:30pm. A student who becomes ill or is injured during the school day will be sent to the health office with a pass. Parents who are picking up ill or injured students will be called from the nurse to come into the health office to sign the student out. Parents will be required to present identification and/or check in with Hall Pass through the front office. Students should not call parents from their own phone to come to pick them up. Parents will be contacted first, followed by emergency contacts. If no one can be contacted, the student will remain at school, unless paramedic care is needed.

Students with medical problems that occur during the school year, and require restriction for more than three days from any school activity, will need written verification by a physician. Notes from a doctor or healthcare provider should be turned in to the school nurse. Parent notes may be given to the PE teacher and are only allowable for up to 3 days.

All medications needed by a student during the school day must be kept in the health office, including all over-the-counter medications. Any exception to this must be authorized in writing by a physician. Please understand that these regulations are state law and are for the protection of ALL students.

• Be at school and on time at all points in the day
• Prepared and focused
• Dressed for success
• Codes of conduct

At Rincon, every school day is an opportunity to learn and grow. Our district-wide agreement is that all students are expected to be in class during designated times so they don't miss valuable instruction.

• School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.
• We ask families to help ensure students arrive on time every day.

Consistent attendance helps students feel prepared, connected, and successful. Every day counts, and every minute matters!

At Rincon Middle School, we believe that being present and on time is an important part of learning and success. Arriving to class on time shows respect for yourself, your classmates, and your teachers.

• Being in Class on Time: Students are expected to be inside their classroom when the tardy bell rings. This helps everyone begin learning together without interruptions.
• Passes During Instruction: If a student needs to be outside of class during instruction, they must carry a pass for their intended location. This ensures safety and accountability while keeping learning time protected.
• Tardiness: Students arriving after the bell will be marked tardy in PowerSchool. Teachers will also record a tardy infraction, which follows our Rincon Middle School Tardy Policy and School-Wide Progressive Discipline Guidelines.
• Arriving Late to School: Students who arrive late to school should first report to the attendance office to check in and receive a pass before heading to class.
• Passing Periods: Students have four (4) minutes between classes. This is time to transition calmly and safely to the next class, including restroom use. Planning ahead helps ensure students are ready to learn when the bell rings.

Let's BARK and be on time to every class!

Students are expected to use technology at school for educational use only, be responsible with technology equipment, keep their account and personal information private, and use technology to communicate with others respectfully.

Educational Use of Technology: I will

• use academic programs to learn
• create projects to show I have learned
• follow all teacher-directed technology activities to help me learn
• stay within network filters and protection

Educational Use of Technology: I will not

• view or download non-academic videos
• spread rumors using technology
• copy work that is not mine and claim it as my own (plagiarizing)
• search for, create, print, or distribute inappropriate images or content
• install unauthorized software
• visit proxy sites
• use my own device in the classroom or on the school network

Responsible Use of Technology Equipment: I will

• keep my hands clean when using technology
• carry equipment with two hands or leave it on the desk
• return equipment at the end of the day or period to my teacher, as instructed

Responsible Use of Technology Equipment: I will not

• harm school equipment by vandalizing or damaging the equipment
• eat or drink around equipment
• take school technology equipment home without staff permission

Keeping Accounts Private: I will

• speak only with school staff about my school account information
• speak only with school staff about my personal information (home address, phone, etc.)
• notify school staff if another student is using my account information
• log out of any online sites or computers before shutting down

Keeping Accounts Private: I will not

• give out my password to other students
• share my lunch number with other students
• share my personal information online with others
• log in to any account not assigned to me
• leave a computer or site logged on

Communicating Respectfully with Technology: I will

• create only academic posts and comments when communicating online
• speak or write about others in a respectful way
• notify an adult about any bullying I see
• keep any evidence of bullying, harassing, or stalking online

Communicating Respectfully with Technology: I will not

• use technology to bully anyone by stalking, harassing, name-calling, embarrassing, intimidating, frightening, or any other means
• write or say mean things about others using technology

Students may use Apps tools for personal projects but may not use them for:

• Unlawful activities
• Commercial purposes (running a business or trying to make money) or personal financial gain (running a website to sell things)
• Inappropriate sexual or other offensive content
• Threatening another person
• Misrepresentation of California Public Schools, staff, or students. Digital environments sustained by GAFE are not public forums. They are extensions of classroom spaces where student free speech rights may be limited.

Any progressive combination of the following:

• Warning/student conference: Administrator will provide student a warning and reteach the rules.
• Parent contact/conference: Administrator will contact parents to inform them of violation and consequences/potential future consequences.
• Access Restriction: Access to Google Apps for Education is considered a privilege accorded at the discretion of the district. The district maintains the right to immediately withdraw the access and use of Apps when there is reason to believe that violations of law or district policies have occurred. In such cases, the alleged violation will be referred to the principal for further investigation and account restoration, suspension, or termination. As part of the agreement with Google, the school also reserves the right to immediately suspend any user account suspected of inappropriate use. Pending review, a user account may be terminated as part of such action.
• Fee for Damaged or Lost Instructional Materials: Our district recognizes the responsibility to ensure that books, materials, equipment, supplies, and other resources necessary for student participation in the district's educational program are made available to students at no cost. All students are provided an iPad that has an estimated value of $450.00. Other qualifying students are also provided an internet hotspot with an estimated value of $80.00 for connectivity and access to online resources. Students are responsible for safeguarding and protecting technology equipment. Property must be returned in a timely manner, with no more than usual wear and tear. Parents or Guardians are liable for the replacement cost or reimbursement for lost or willfully damaged district books, supplies, or property, or for district property loaned to a student that the student fails to return. Fees may be imposed for up to the full replacement value for textbooks and library materials. Fees may also be imposed for lost or willfully damaged technology equipment up to the amounts listed in the below fee schedule. Upon notification and due process, the district may withhold the student's grades, diploma and transcripts until all fees have been paid.
• Loss of Privileges: The use of technology is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a loss of those privileges. In cases of inappropriate use, school and EUSD staff will decide what consequences are appropriate. Students can lose privileges, like their network accounts, at any time for inappropriate use.

• iPad damage or replacement: $45.00
• iPad Charging Brick or Cable damage or replacement: $15.00
• iPad Rugged Case damage or replacement: $20.00
• Headset or Earbud damage or replacement: $5.00
• Orbic Hotspot damage or replacement: $20.00
• Orbic Hotspot Wall Charger: $2.50

• iPad damage or replacement: $115.00
• iPad Charging Brick or Cable damage or replacement: $25.00
• iPad Rugged Case damage or replacement: $40.00
• Headset or Earbud damage or replacement: $10.00
• Orbic Hotspot damage or replacement: $40.00
• Orbic Hotspot Wall Charger: $5.00

• iPad damage or replacement: Up to full replacement value
• iPad Charging Brick or Cable damage or replacement: Up to full replacement value
• iPad Rugged Case damage or replacement: Up to full replacement value
• Headset or Earbud damage or replacement: Up to full replacement value
• Orbic Hotspot damage or replacement: Up to full replacement value
• Orbic Hotspot Wall Charger: Up to full replacement value

Our Gate to Gate policy ensures your child receives an exceptional, distraction-free education. By keeping personal devices powered down and stored in backpacks we protect critical learning time and foster deep human connections. This policy prioritizes student academic success, mental well-being, and physical safety above digital engagement.

• Gate to Gate: Cell phones must be turned off or completely silenced and stored in backpacks upon entering school grounds.
• AirPods/Headphones: This applies to headphones and AirPods as well.

• Teachers will use the Progressive Discipline Procedure to address policy violations.
• Persistent violation (e.g., 3 Behavior Documentation [LinkIt!]) might result in an Office Discipline Referral (ODR).
• An ODR may result in: an administrator conference, parent contact, temporary confiscation of the device.

Staff will:

• Issue a warning
• and/or escort students to the AP office to temporarily confiscate the item.

Confiscated items are securely stored in the AP Office for the remainder of the school day.

• 1st Offense: Device returned to the student at the end of the day.
• 2nd Offense: Parent must pick up the device from the office.
• 3rd Offense and beyond: Parent must pick up the device from the office, and possible corrective action applied.

Using a cell phone or other personal device to harass or bully another student may result in any progressive combination of the following:

• Teacher notification/parent contact/conference
• Correction & conference with student
• Loss of nutrition break/lunch or preferred activity
• ALC/Restorative activity
• Behavior contract/module/No Contact Contract
• Small group counseling
• CSAT referral
• Suspension at principal discretion
• Law enforcement contact

We encourage our students, staff, and visitors to dress respectfully and as scholars to maintain a safe and positive learning environment. We understand the current fashion trends and availability of appropriate clothing. The dress code also applies to backpacks, notebooks, and personal belongings.

• Clothing with opaque material that covers all undergarments and private body parts
• A top or shirt that fully covers the torso
• Bottom: pants/sweatpants/shorts/skirt/leggings
• Shoes: closed toes or containing a heel strap

• Any article of clothing for religious purposes
• Hats
• Hoodies, sweatshirts, pullovers, jackets
• Fitted pants, leggings, yoga pants, skinny jeans
• Tank tops or spaghetti strap shirts that do not show undergarments
• Athletic attire
• Jewelry that does not pose a safety risk to the student or others
• Sunglasses
• Clothing with logos or brands that do not violate Education Codes

• Any image, brand, or logo that violates Education Codes
• Violent language or images
• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity)
• Hate speech, profanity, or obscene/lewd images
• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class
• Any clothing or item that is associated with gang affiliation or activity

• 1st Offense: Change into PE clothes to replace the piece of clothing that violates dress code
• 2nd Offense: Change into PE clothes and a phone call home
• 3rd + Offense: Change into PE clothes, phone call home, and lunch detention

It is required that all students “dress out”, or wear a PE uniform every day during PE. Loaner clothes are available in the event that a student forgot their PE clothes after taking them home to be washed.

Students with excessive “non-suits” or use of loaners will be subject to infractions and classroom teachers will follow the progressive discipline procedures. This includes classroom consequences and parent contact. Please talk to your PE teacher or the school office if you require a replacement set of PE clothes. They are available for purchase all year long.

If it is necessary for a student to not participate in physical education due to an injury, the student must have a written note from the parent stating the reason, which is signed and dated. A parent may excuse a student for no more than three consecutive days without a doctor's note. If the student has a doctor's note, this must be taken to the nurse's office. The doctor's note should state what the student can or cannot do and should indicate the date upon which the student may return to physical activity in P.E.

If the student needs an accommodation regarding changing (ie: location) or PE clothing (ie: sweat pants, soccer shorts, etc), consult the classroom teacher to determine a plan for success in the PE space.

• 1st offense: Loaners issued, warning
• 2nd-3rd offenses: Loaners issued, parent/guardian contact, classroom consequence
• 4th and beyond: Loaners issued, parent/guardian contact, office discipline referral (ODR)

EVERY DAY COUNTS! Students need to be at school every day.

Start time:

• 8am every day

Dismissal time:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 2:45pm
• Thursdays: 1:00pm
• Minimum days: 11:48am

In the event a student is absent, it is their responsibility to talk with their teachers about the work they have missed.

If you are sick, please stay home. Have your parent or guardian report your absence on our attendance line at 760-432-2491 x 26805 anytime from 7:30am-4:00pm.

• Voicemail is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

If a student needs to be picked up early or checked out from school for an appointment, a parent or legal guardian must enter the school administration office with a form of identification. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian will be reporting to the school to pick up the student, the parent or legal guardian must call the school. Students will not be called out of class until the appropriate person has arrived in the school administration office. Students will not be called out of class after 20 minutes before the end of the school day.

The school provides students with a planner/agenda book. Students should bring this planner with them to school every day for daily recording of class activities/work, homework, tests, and projects. The planner is an important tool in time management and organization.

If you need to charge your device at school, simply ask your teachers for a space to do so. Be responsible with your equipment as you bring it to and from school daily.

All students will receive a picture ID card. Students are required to bring their ID card to school each day for checking out books, sports equipment at lunch, purchasing tickets for dances, and other school activities. Students who lose their ID card must request a replacement at the library. The cost to replace an ID card is $5.

Check out the lost and found in the teal box by the Assistant Principals' offices and lunch area.

Students may receive breakfast before school or at nutrition break, not at both.

Before School:

• Bulldog Cafe is open at 7:40
• Must SIT and eat/stay at the tables.
• Dispose of trash in correct containers

Nutrition Break:

• Bulldog Cafe is open
• Must SIT and eat/stay at the tables.
• Dispose of trash in correct containers

The pavilion is open to all students to hang out if not having breakfast.

Unstructured time for nutrition break:

• Socialize
• Stay in nutrition area (lunch tables and pavilion)
• Demonstrate BARK

• Must SIT and eat/stay at the tables
• Eat for 15 minutes, dismissed by noon time supervisors
• Dispose of trash in correct containers: food waste (leftovers, partially eaten food) goes in the green can; wrappers, containers, milk cartons in the grey can; plastics, cans in the blue can. When available, use the share basket for uneaten/unopened items.

Unstructured time for remainder of lunch:

• Socialize
• Stay in lunch area (lunch tables, pavilion, field, basketball courts)
• Play a pick up game (basketball, soccer, volleyball, football)
• Demonstrate BARK, including sportsmanship
• Return checked out equipment

If you are going to a teacher's classroom, you must have a pass.

Students may enter campus:

• 7:40am at Front Gate and Access Road Gate
• Once a student is on campus, they must remain at Rincon until a parent/guardian signs them out or until the end of the school day.

After School EXPLORE (ELOP):

• EXPLORE classes start at 3pm (enrolled students must check into X-Track then proceed to class after supper)
• EXPLORE classes end at 4pm

We encourage students to wait at the front of the school to be picked up at dismissal time. This is the safest place for students. Once a student exits the school, they may not return to campus unless they register as a visitor in the school office.

It is very important for all students to arrive to school and home safely each day.

• Students who walk should remain on sidewalks and cross streets at corners or controlled intersections.
• Please be respectful of our neighbors, and do not walk on lawns, leave garbage, or disrupt our neighborhood.

Students who do not follow these rules may be assigned school corrective actions.

X-Track Morning Time:

Front Gate opens at 6:00 a.m. (must be enrolled in program)

• Once a student is on campus, they must remain at Rincon until a parent/guardian signs them out or until the end of the school day.

X-Track After School:

• X-Track M, T, W & F Check-In at 2:45pm & Thursday at 1:00pm

Once a student exits the school, they may not return to campus unless they register as a visitor in the school office.

It is very important for all students to arrive to school and home safely each day.

• Students who walk should remain on sidewalks and cross streets at corners or controlled intersections.
• Please be respectful of our neighbors, and do not walk on lawns, leave garbage, or disrupt our neighborhood.

Students who do not follow these rules may be assigned school corrective actions.

Parents or guardians should help plan a safe route to school that does not involve a shortcut through private property.

Bikes, skateboards, and scooters may NOT be ridden on school property (this includes the parking lot).

Upon arriving to school, students will immediately bring their bicycle, skateboard, or scooter to the designated storage area. They may not be brought onto campus at any time. Bicycles and scooters are to be stored in the bike rack located at the gate along the front driveway (behind the MPR). It is strongly recommended that students use a bike lock.

Skateboards are to be stored in the rack inside the front gate to the school (by the office). It is strongly recommended that students use a lock.

The school is not responsible for bicycles, skateboards, or scooters that are damaged or stolen. Students who do not follow the above rules will receive consequences that may include the following:

• 1st offense: Warning
• 2nd offense: Parent notification
• 3rd offense and beyond: Detention, temporary or permanent loss of privilege

All behavior expectations/codes of conduct apply at school dances. School dances are for Rincon students only. To purchase a dance ticket, students must have a current Rincon I.D. card. Students may not purchase a ticket for another student. Students must stay in the dance area during the dance, unless a parent picks up a student early. Inappropriate dancing is not allowed and may result in loss of dance privileges, or other consequences. All students should arrive at the dance and enter within 15 minutes of the start of the dance. Parent notification will be made if a student arrives after this period. Failure to follow the above rules could result in disciplinary action.

Students on academic probation (below 2.0 GPA) may not be eligible to participate in the promotion ceremony. Students on academic probation must meet with their 8th-grade teachers, participate in school academic assistance opportunities, and work to recuperate missing points to be considered for promotion participation.

Students who are on campus before 7:40 a.m. and/or after 3:15 p.m. must be enrolled in the free Boys' & Girls' Club program, or X-Track, which is held at our school. If you are interested in joining X-Track, head to the front office for an application form and see the staff in the X-Track room on campus.

Bulldogs, we want to encourage you to do your best in school and to be on your best behavior. RMS ASB and Administration have planned several enjoyable activities this year. See possible events below.

• Dance(s)
• Attendance Incentive Activities
• iReady Incentive Activities
• ASB Lunch Activities
• Yearbook Signing Parties
• 8th grade HARBOR CRUISE
• Play Pass
• Game Room

Requirements for participation: These activities are special privileges for students with good citizenship.

Parents will be notified if a student meets any of the following criteria:

• 1. 5 or more classroom behavior documentations
• 2. 3 or more detentions (ex: tardy/discipline)
• 3. Suspension (Out of School)
• 4. Alternative Learning Center (ALC)
• 5. Receiving an “N” or “U” in any class citizenship grade at Trimester Progress Reports or Trimester Report Cards
• 6. At the Principal's or Assistant Principal's discretion

Students placed on the LOP list WILL NOT be eligible for any RMS extracurricular activities. During the 3rd Trimester, any student placed on the LOP list three weeks before the end of the school year will be unable to earn their way off the list. For example, an 8th-grade student who has purchased a Harbor Cruise ticket and then has his/her privileges revoked will not be refunded.

Yes, however, ALL of the following terms must be met:

• 1) Two weeks without tardies; no student has arrived on campus.
• 2) Two weeks without behavioral-related detentions
• 3) Two weeks without any ALC placement or out-of-school suspension
• 4) Two weeks without any Office Discipline Form (ODR) and/or fewer than two behavior documentation
• 5) Composition of a handwritten Personal Reflection/Persuasive Essay in which you state why you should be removed from the LOP list (minimum of 250 words)*
• 6) With the Principal's or Assistant Principal's discretion

*Example of Personal Reflection/Persuasive Essay structure: Five (5) paragraph essay answering each of the following questions in a paragraph.

• 1. What happened?
• 2. What were you thinking at the time?
• 3. What have you been thinking about since?
• 4. Who was impacted and how?

• Controlled Substances and Alcohol
• Harassment, Threatening, and Use of Force
• Making Threatening Statements
• Bullying Policy
• Sexual Harassment Policy and Hate Violence
• Harassment, Intimidation, and Threats and Possession of a Dangerous Object
• Other Behaviors and PDA

Controlled substances are commonly known as drugs and are prohibited at school. Some examples of controlled substances include marijuana, fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine. Alcohol can include but is not limited to beer, vodka, tequila, and wine. In the Escondido Union School District, possessing, furnishing (providing for another student), or selling a controlled substance or alcohol are considered education code violations of 48900(c). Educational codes are rules that are enforced by schools and must be followed.

Education Codes:

• Offered or sale of substance represented to be alcohol, intoxicant, or other drugs (sugar, oregano, vitamins) 48900 (d)
• Paraphernalia: Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell drug paraphernalia 48900 (j)
• Possession Controlled Substance: of marijuana or alcohol 48900 (c)
• Consumed a controlled substance: marijuana or alcohol 48900 (c)
• Sale of alcohol or intoxicant (alcohol, inhalant) 48900 (c)
• Furnished a Controlled Substance: Furnished a controlled substance, marijuana or alcohol, without the sale 48900 (d)
• SOMA: Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold SOMA 48900 (p)

If you violate this educational code, you will receive a suspension, have police contact (possible arrest) and the sale of a controlled substance will have you recommended for expulsion.

Harassing, threatening and/or use of force on another is a violation of school education code and can result in unsafe behavior and sometimes injury. All forms of harassment, threats, and force are against school rules and will not be condoned at Rincon Middle School.

• Hazing: Pressuring another to participate in an act they perceive a negative to be accepted into a group 48900 (q)
• Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil witness in person, on paper, or through electronic devices: threatening to harm, humiliate, or damage the property of another student, or school staff that reported an incident. 48900 (o)
• Bullying: Engaged in act of bullying toward a pupil or personnel in person, on paper, or through electronic devices (any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including in writing or an electronic act, that would cause reasonable fear of harm, or be substantially detrimental to the health or mental health, or academic performance of the target) 48900 (r)
• Caused, attempted or threatened to cause physical injury (hitting another student or threatening to physically harm or kill another student or staff) 48900 (a1)
• Aided or abetted the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person (helped to plan to physically harm, or assisted in physically harming another student or staff) 48900 (t)
• Force or Violence: Willfully used force or violence to cause physical injury not in self defense 48900 (a2)
• Harassment or Intimidation: Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation against district personnel or students that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of school personnel or students by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment 48900 (.4)
• Sexual Harassment: Committed sexual harassment in person, on paper, or through electronic devices (4th grade and up). Telling sexual jokes, making comments about another's body, sexual gestures, asking to engage in a sexual act, spreading rumors about sexual activity or sexual orientation and is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to have a negative impact upon the victim's academic performance or to create a hostile, or offensive educational environment 48900 (.2)
• Hate Violence: Caused, attempted to cause, or participated in hate violence (4th grade and up) (threatening, or taking action to physically harm another student due to his/her sexual orientation, race, gender, or disability) 48900 (.3)
• Robbed or extorted: Taking or attempting to take, or compelling another to give, something of value through the use of a dangerous object, force, threats, or intimidation 48900 (e)
• School threat: Made terrorist threats in person, on paper, or through electronic devices. Threatening to physically harm a group of individuals, or destroy school or staff property using a dangerous object 48900 (.7)

Appropriate touching is:

• High fives
• Fist bump
• Elbow bumps
• “Dabbing”

You might think that touching someone in an inappropriate way is funny and a joke. You might have done this to your sibling or have seen a friend touch someone else inappropriately.

Inappropriate touching is:

• Tackling someone
• Slapping or hitting someone
• Pantsing someone
• Touching the butt, genitals, or breasts of another student
• Any touching that makes another student feel uncomfortable.

Appropriate touching is something that both you and the other person are comfortable with: appropriate touching should NOT make anyone feel uncomfortable.

These actions come with serious consequences. In the Escondido Union School District, putting your hands on someone's butt, genital area, or breasts is considered to be sexual assault and battery, which is a violation of Educational Code 48900(n). Educational codes are rules that are enforced by schools and must be followed.

If you violate this educational code, even if it was just as a joke, it is an automatic recommendation for expulsion. The Escondido Police Department will also be contacted, and could press charges against you for breaking the law.

It is NEVER okay to threaten to physically harm another student or a staff member. You might be saying this because you are mad or because you think it is a joke. These kinds of statements are not jokes and will be taken seriously.

For example, making statements about beating someone up, killing them, or wishing they would harm themselves.

There are serious consequences that can affect your future. You control your actions, and you are responsible for making good decisions about your behavior on campus. Do not do something that can get you in serious trouble as a joke or because you are mad. Think before you act and speak!

• Don't use inappropriate touching as a way of joking with your friends or others
• If you see other people touching in an inappropriate way, tell them to stop and let an adult know.
• Don't joke or threaten to physically harm others
• If you hear someone threaten another student or staff member, tell an adult right away.
• Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable on our campus!

Making threatening statements is a violation of educational code 48900 a1. The consequences of violating this ed code can be:

• Suspension
• Recommendation for expulsion
• Involvement from the Escondido Police Department

If you SEE or HEAR something, SAY SOMETHING! Find an adult to help you or file a report on our See Something, Say Something link on our school website!

“Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils as defined in section 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4, directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

• 1. Placing a reasonable pupil or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil's or those pupils' person or property.
• 2. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health.
• 3. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her academics.
• 4. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Bullying is not tolerated at Rincon. All incidents should be reported to the school office. There are several ways that students, parents, and staff can report incidents of bullying on our campus:

• Bully Box reports: Bully boxes are located in our main office, AP office, and library. Complete the form and put it in the box.
• Incident reports: Any student can complete an incident report involving bullying in our AP office, or in our counselors' office.
• Online reports: On our school website, click on the white “See Something, Say Something” hyperlink and complete the form. Once completed, this information is shared electronically with our administrators.

EC 231.5, 48980(g), 48900.2: Escondido Union School District will not tolerate sexual harassment by anyone participating in any Escondido Union School District program or activity. This includes student-to-student or peer sexual harassment as well as harassment between a student and any Escondido Union School District participant. Escondido Union School District takes all complaints of sexual harassment seriously, investigates and addresses identified sexual harassment, and if the investigation results in the determination that sexual harassment has occurred, takes reasonable, immediate corrective action to stop the harassment, eliminate a hostile environment, and prevent future sexual harassment. Alleged pupil sexual harassment in violation of Escondido Union School District policy and procedures can be found online at the Escondido Union School District website (opens in a new tab). A pupil in grades 4 to 8, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has committed sexual harassment as defined by EC 212.5.

EC 48900.3: A pupil in any grades 4 to 8, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause or participated in an act of hate violence, as defined in EC 233(e).

EC 48900.4: A pupil enrolled in any grades 4 to 8 inclusive may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against school district personnel or pupils, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of either school personnel or pupils by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

• Possessed an imitation firearm: Possessing a look-alike gun that poses no risk to safety 48900 (m)
• Possessed dangerous object: Possessing dirk, dagger, ice pick, knife having a blade longer than 2.5 inches, folding knife with a blade, razor with an unguarded blade, Taser, or stun gun, as, any instrument that expels a metallic projectile through the force of air pressure 48900 (b)
• Sold a dangerous object: sale of a dirk, dagger, ice pick, knife having a blade longer than 2.5 inches, folding knife with a blade, razor with an unguarded blade, Taser, or stun gun, as, any instrument that expels a metallic projectile through the force of air pressure 48900 (b)

• Nicotine: Possessed or used tobacco or nicotine products 48900 (h)
• Damaged school or private property: Tagging, purposely breaking school equipment and student/staff materials 48900 (f)
• Engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity: Repeated cursing, degrading jokes, or comments 48900 (i)
• Committed an obscene act: Making inappropriate gestures, giving the finger, pantsing, grabbing or showing own body parts 48900 (i)
• Received stolen property: Receiving or buying stolen iPods, cell phones, clothing, bikes, scooters, or skateboards 48900 (i)
• Stealing or attempted to steal: Theft of school equipment, student or staff property 48900 (g)

Students shall refrain from excessive Public Displays of Affection (PDA) or other unprofessional conduct while on campus or while attending and/or participating in school-related activities. Consequences may include warnings, parent notification, ALC or suspension.

When a student behavior becomes severe, an administrator can suspend from school. According to state law, a student may be suspended or expelled from school for the following acts, committed at school or at a school activity off-campus, or while going to or coming from school. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Controlled substances: possession/offering/arranging or negotiating to sell; use/under the influence; selling/furnishing
• Harassment, intimidation, or threats: assault or battery upon a school employee; hazing; physical injury to others; sexual harassment/sexual assault
• Hate violence
• Bullying
• Possession of a dangerous object: imitation firearms; weapons or other dangerous objects
• Damage to school or private property
• Extreme profanity or obscenity
• Robbery or extortion
• Stealing
• Terrorist threats

When a student behavior becomes severe/repeated in a classroom, a teacher can suspend the student from their classes for up to two consecutive days. The teacher will have utilized the progressive discipline procedure, contacted the student's parent and will have made office contact to suspend a student from class. The student will be assigned to the Alternative Learning Center or another supervised location for the duration of the classroom suspension.

Being expelled from school means that you can't attend any school in the Escondido Union School District for at least the rest of the school year. This also goes on your record, so other schools will know that you have been expelled.

A recommendation for expulsion means that you will have to attend a hearing, and the school board will ultimately decide if you can remain in our school district or not. If you are recommended for expulsion, you will not be allowed to go to our school while you wait for the decision to be made.

The following are causes for mandatory expulsion or mandatory 5-day suspension (Ed Code: 48900b, 48900c, 48900n, 48900p):

• Sold a controlled substance 48900 (c)
• Possessed, sold, furnished, or used a firearm, or explosive, or used a knife (brandishing): Possessing a firearm, brandishing a knife, possessing an explosive. An explosive is a bomb, grenade, rocket with a propellant charge, missile with an incendiary charge. 48900 (b)
• Committed sexual assault and battery 48900 (n)