Explanation of Absences

When a student is absent for any reason the parent/guardian has 3 days to contact the middle school office or the absence will remain unexcused. Contact can be made by phone/voice mail at 673-3167, ext. 4; e-mail to tsmith@caro.k12.mi.us; a written note; or in Family Access under Attendance and Absence Notification.

Tardy - A tardy becomes an absence fifteen (15) minutes after the bell rings. A first hour tardy is NOT excused without an appointment slip. Students who leave early or miss more than 15 minutes from class will have an absence. 

Excused Absence - Absences due to personal illness, health professional appointments, court, funerals or religious obligations. Absences due to extenuating circumstances must have administrator approval. Documentation will be required for all of the above except illness less than 3 days. 

Unexcused Absence - Absences that are not in the excused category. Examples would be shopping trips, barber or beauty appointments, missing the bus, oversleeping, etc. 



The following are the adjustment codes you will see on the computer that I make:

A=Unexcused, no parent contact
U=Unexcused, parent contacted (overslept, beauty appts)
E=Excused by parent legitimate reason...sick less than three days
M=Excused for appointments with documentation, dentist, dr.
T=Tardy (up to 15 minutes late to class, after 15 minutes it would be an absence)
L=Left class up to 15 minutes early

MIDDLE SCHOOL DRESS CODE

It is our responsibility at Caro  Middle School to provide a positive and safe learning environment for all students to learn and perform at their best.  We believe that proper dress reflects the school and self-pride.

Parents have the primary responsibility regarding their children's school attire.  School personnel have responsibility for maintaining the school dress code.  The following rules shall be in effect at all school related activities or special events Students have the responsibility to dress in an appropriate manner, which does not interfere with, or affect the safety of themselves or others or disrupt the educational environment. No clothing will be allowed that is inconsistent with our Health curriculum and Drug and Alcohol Awareness programs which are designed to give students information about the consequences of tobacco, drug and alcohol use, sexual activity, etc

Clarification of Responsibilities:

1.   Clothing which is negative or offensive, puts oneself or others down by language/message or gestures, sexually suggestive wording or sketches, advertises or advocates violence, death, or illegal practice (drugs, alcohol, or tobacco) or may be interpreted as a sexual connotation is not allowed.

•2.   Baggy jeans or shorts or oversized clothing are not  allowed. i.e., sagging pants.

•3.   Chains and offensive jewelry are not allowed.

•4.   Gang signs and gang clothing are not allowed.

•5.   Graffiti and inappropriate gestures are not allowed.

•6.   Shoes must be worn at all times.

•7.   Pajamas, Flannel Pants, halter tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, bare midriff shirts, see-through clothing, short shorts, short skirts and exposed under garments are not allowed. Any type of clothing, tops or bottoms, that show undergarments are not allowed. Shirt and pants must overlap each other, or shirt tucked into pants or skirt. Low cut shirts are not allowed. Shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh length or longer.

•8.   Backpacks may be carried to school, but are not to be carried from class to class.

•9.   No jackets, coats, hats, or headgear of any kind (including hoods) may be worn during the school day without prior administrative approval. These items, if worn to school, are to be kept in locker during the day.

•10.   All clothing should be neat, clean and in good repair. NO TEARS, SLITS, or HOLES will be allowed.

•11.   Any other apparel will not be allowed which the principal determines to be inconsistent with community standards.

Violation of the above will be subject to consequences described in our discipline procedures. Students may need to call someone to bring acceptable clothing. If no one can be contacted, acceptable clothing may be provided or they may be placed in the Responsibility Room.