Student Handbook
Welcome to Cougar Country!
At Southern Hills Middle School, we believe that excellence starts with the courage to try and to fail. We aspire to create an inclusive space where every student is challenged to be their best. We recognize that students are unique learners and commit to recognizing their strengths even as we work to address their needs.
At Southern Hills we meet you where you are, help you build the skills you need, and prepare you for the journey ahead. Together, we learn and grow through curiosity and perseverance.
Learn Bravely. Lead Kindly
Student Handbook
- Contact Us
- Administration and Support Staff
- School Information
- Student Information
- Attendance
- Student Conduct
- Academic Information
Contact Us
Address:
1500 Knox Dr.
Boulder CO 80305
Main Office: 720-561-3400
Attendance: 720-561-3402 or email attendance at southernhms.attendance@bvsd.org
BVSD Security (24-hour Dispatch) 720-561-5051
Safe2Tell call 1-877-542-7233 or visit safe2tell.org
CO4Kids (Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline) 1-844-264-5437
BVSD Security (24-hour Dispatch) 720-561-5051
Safe2Tell call 1-877-542-7233 or visit safe2tell.org
CO4Kids (Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline) 1-844-264-5437
Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention
To report sexual harassment, email TitleIX@bvsd.org
Safe2Tell call 1-877-542-7233 or visit safe2tell.org
CO4Kids (Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline) 1-844-264-5437
Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention
To report sexual harassment, email TitleIX@bvsd.org
Administration and Support Staff
Administration
Melinda Murphy - Principal
Sarah Digiacomo - Assistant Principal
Counselors
Chris Congedo (A-K)
Jen Luecke (L-Z)
Front Office Staff
Julie Okada - School Office Manager
Emily Sutterer - Attendance/Athletics
Meghan Weber - Registration
Ellen Youl - Health Room Assistant
School Safety Advocate
Carrie Burger
School Information
This Student Handbook is meant to be an informational source for students and for parents. Students and families are responsible for reviewing and following the guidelines in this document. We recommend that you keep this document accessible by bookmarking this page on your computer/device and/or printing this document.
Building Information
2025-2026 SHMS Bell Schedule
Building Hours 8:00-3:30
Students are not permitted to be in the building until 8:00 am and must leave (unless they are participating in a staff supervised activity) by 3:30. Staff supervision in the morning begins at 8:00am in the courtyard. Please do not drop off students prior to morning supervision hours.
Inclement weather: Students should plan on cold mornings and wear appropriate attire as we do not open the building prior to 8:00 am when staff supervision begins.
Band instruments: Students should enter through the cafeteria to drop instruments off and exit the building through the band hall.
Skateboards should be secured in the racks in the cafeteria prior to the first bell at 8:15.
Visitors
All visitors must check in at the front desk and present identification.
School Closings/Emergencies
In the event of a weather closure, BVSD sends emails and phone calls to families and employees. Text messages are sent to those who have opted in to School Messenger notifications. A notice is posted on the BVSD website and alerts are sent to the official Mobile App.
Emergency Drills
Drills are announced throughout the school year. Parents can be expected to be notified of planned drills as well as communicated with if an emergency arises which causes the school to go into a hold, secure status, evacuation, shelter in place or lockdown via email and text messages. Parents must opt into School Messenger updates to receive text messages.
Health Room
The health room is available for students who need care during the day including medication. Please contact the front desk to speak with the health assistant.
Library
The library is available during posted hours. This may vary day by day due to classes who are working in the library or other events.
Posters and Announcements
We do not make announcements or post any posters for organizations outside of BVSD.
Student Information
Field Trip
Field trip participation is a privilege not a right. Students must have permission to participate in any field trip two weeks prior to the field trip. The walking field trip form, required to be signed by all parents, must be completed in order for students to receive their schedule during photo/locker day. This form allows students to utilize the Fairview campus and the park during class time. This form will be issued via email at the beginning of each year.
Athletic Participation
All student athletes must have a physical completed prior to the start of the season. Please plan ahead as students cannot participate until the physical form is completed and submitted to SHMS. Parents must submit the CHASAA Physical Form. Newsletters containing information and schedules will be shared prior to the start of each athletic season.
Student Fees
All SHMS students pay a $20 academic fee each school year in addition to the required 1:web fee for BVSD issued Chromebooks. This academic fee supports math and other curricular needs in core content areas. Fees are also assigned for elective classes other than Spanish and French. All fees have been approved by the Board of Education.
Fees can be paid here: https://bit.ly/3Ct0xmL. 1st semester fees will be invoiced in the fall and 2nd semester fees will be invoiced in January. Fees are due before December 1st in the fall and before April 1st in the spring.
Families who qualify for free and reduced lunch receive an automatic fee waiver. Please see Julie Okada for more information or questions.
Lockers
Lockers are used for storing class materials, backpacks and other supplies. Students should not store excessive amounts of food in their lockers and are responsible for any items they bring to school. Lockers may be searched when it is deemed necessary by an administrator.
Lost and Found
Lost and found items are stored in a bin in the cafeteria near the auditorium doors. Items are donated at the end of each month.
Attendance
BVSD Policy JH was revised and approved on March 12, 2024. In addition to the responsibilities listed below, we want to make you aware of the changes that will be implemented beginning the 2024-25 school year:
Tardies and Partial Absences
1. If a student is less than 5 minutes late to class, they will be marked Tardy in Infinite Campus.
2. If the student is more than 5 minutes late, it will be marked as a Partial Absence in Infinite Campus. Teachers will make a note in IC indicating the time the student arrived at class.
3. 5 Tardies or 3 Partial Absences will convert to one Unexcused Absence.
2. If the student is more than 5 minutes late, it will be marked as a Partial Absence in Infinite Campus. Teachers will make a note in IC indicating the time the student arrived at class.
3. 5 Tardies or 3 Partial Absences will convert to one Unexcused Absence.
4. Tardies exceeding five in a semester will result in students serving lunch detention in the office for 10 minutes. Additional tardies will result in additional consequences being assigned.
Revisions to Policy
1. Parents/Guardians have 48 hours to excuse their student’s absence.
2. Parents/Guardians are able to excuse single period absences, without documentation.
3. Make-up work will be provided for all absences upon request. The student will be allowed the same number of days that were absent plus one, to turn in this work. The teacher will provide alternative assignments for missed in-class work.
4. Students will not receive credit for make-up work not finished or completed after the designated deadline.
5. In the case of Unexcused absences, the teacher will reduce the score to 75% of the earned grade.
6. The calculation for the absences resets at the beginning of each semester. Attendance contracts and/or Support plans remain in place.
2. Parents/Guardians are able to excuse single period absences, without documentation.
3. Make-up work will be provided for all absences upon request. The student will be allowed the same number of days that were absent plus one, to turn in this work. The teacher will provide alternative assignments for missed in-class work.
4. Students will not receive credit for make-up work not finished or completed after the designated deadline.
5. In the case of Unexcused absences, the teacher will reduce the score to 75% of the earned grade.
6. The calculation for the absences resets at the beginning of each semester. Attendance contracts and/or Support plans remain in place.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities for Attendance
Report absences by leaving a message on the attendance line at 720-561-3402 or email attendance at southernhms.attendance@bvsd.org
1. Provide documentation for absences due to official appointments (medical or legal). Documentation may be brought to the Attendance Office in person, sent with your student, or scanned and emailed to southernhms.attendance@bvsd.org
2. If a student needs to leave school during the day, call the Font Office (720-561-3400) at least an hour ahead of time so a pass may be written to release them from class.
3. If a student needs to leave school due to illness, they must check out from the Health Room.
4. Request a pre-arranged absence when you know in advance that your student will miss school for an event such as a family activity, club sports or religious observance. A pre-arranged absence form may be picked up in the Attendance Office and must be signed by the student’s teachers and an administrator before the day of the absence.
2. If a student needs to leave school during the day, call the Font Office (720-561-3400) at least an hour ahead of time so a pass may be written to release them from class.
3. If a student needs to leave school due to illness, they must check out from the Health Room.
4. Request a pre-arranged absence when you know in advance that your student will miss school for an event such as a family activity, club sports or religious observance. A pre-arranged absence form may be picked up in the Attendance Office and must be signed by the student’s teachers and an administrator before the day of the absence.
5. Check attendance records in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and maintain regular communications with teachers, administrators, and the Attendance Office so we can support you and your student(s).
Student Responsibilities for Attendance
1. Understand that absences and tardies will interfere with your academic success. Unexpected absences could result in partial credit for the work missed that day. Excessive absences will be addressed with parents, teachers, and administration.
2. Contact teachers ahead of time for pre-arranged absences and immediately upon returning to school after an absence to arrange make up work.
3. If you need to leave during the school day, check out from the Attendance Office and back in when you return.
4. If you need to leave school due to illness, check out from the Health Room.
2. Contact teachers ahead of time for pre-arranged absences and immediately upon returning to school after an absence to arrange make up work.
3. If you need to leave during the school day, check out from the Attendance Office and back in when you return.
4. If you need to leave school due to illness, check out from the Health Room.
Student Conduct
Below is helpful information for general topics regarding the SHMS and BVSD code of conduct for students. This is not an exhaustive list but covers common topics.
As a school in the Boulder Valley School District, Southern Hills Middle School follows the rules, policies and regulations outlined in the BVSD Student Code of Conduct.
Establishing a safe and learning-focused school is a priority at Southern Hills. We have high academic and behavior expectations, but we also know that learning from your mistakes is an important part of being a middle school student.
The administration will assign consequences in accordance with district policy and state regulations. Consequences will be determined on an individual basis, based on several issues related to the student behavior (i.e. the infractions, student discipline record, student’s willingness to accept responsibility, previous offenses of the same nature, etc.). We partner with parents in an effort to work together through any assigned disciplinary consequences.
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Warnings and Discussions with an administrator
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Lunch Detention: Students will be supervised in a space for 10-30 minutes and will be given the opportunity to eat lunch. Lunch detention may also include community service assignments such as assisting cleaning up the cafeteria after lunch or Lunch Detention.
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Before/After School Detention: Students will be assigned up to 30 minutes of detention before or after school which may include community service assignments (see above).
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In School Suspension: Students may be removed from classrooms to work in an alternative setting in the main office.
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Out-of-School Suspension: Students may be removed from the school environment for up to ten days. An out-of-school suspension prohibits a student from participating in any extracurricular or after hours activities for the duration of the suspension.
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Declaration of Habitually Disruptive: A student can be placed on the Habitually Disruptive Plan when behavior by the student is persistent, willful and overt. Upon this declaration, students may be suspended or, as per Colorado State Law, expelled depending on the severity of the infraction.
Classroom Behavior
Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class. This includes having all materials with them (books, notebooks, pencils, etc.). Students are expected to know and follow the classroom guidelines as outlined by their teachers. Students are expected to speak appropriately and respectfully to their teacher and peers at all times. Swearing, racially charged/racist or otherwise harassing language will not be tolerated.
Hallway Behavior
Students are to walk no more than two across in the hallways. Running in the hallways, gathering in large groups, shouting, swearing, or using otherwise inappropriate language, and/or causing a disruption to other students is never permitted.
Dress Code
SHMS follows BVSD Policy JRDC on student dress. The Board of Education recognizes that students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are primarily responsible for determining the students’ personal appearance (clothing, hairstyle, jewelry, headgear, hats, book bags, etc.)Students participating in PE are expected to follow the SHMS guidelines as outlined in the syllabus of the PE department. Safety and the ability to fully participate in PE are the priority of these guidelines.
Food and Drinks
Food is not to be consumed in classrooms unless a teacher has given express permission (during class celebrations, for example). Students may bring water into classrooms but may not have any other beverages. Students may eat in the cafeteria area or in designated areas. Students are to keep all opened containers of food and drink out of their lockers for sanitation and health reasons. Students are not to bring excessive food to share or sell any food or drinks. Students handing out food may have it taken and not returned. Energy drinks are discouraged and may be confiscated by staff members.
Cell Phone & Personal Technology Devices (PTDs)
At SHMS we know that technology and access to social media has a devastating impact on developing brains and social skills. As a staff we pride ourselves in following BVSD Policy JRCT very consistently.
In accordance with this policy, students are not to have cell phones, smart watches, or earbuds with them during the day. This means that students must keep cell phones in their lockers and should not use them during the day. The office phone is available all day for students to use if they need to contact a parent or guardian. Students with backpack passes may not carry their cell phone in their backpack but should keep it in their locker or turn it into the office.
Students not following the cell phone and personal technology expectations will have the following consequences imposed.
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1st Offense: Phone will be taken away and turned into the Main Office. Students may pick up their phone at the end of the day.
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2nd Offense: Phone will be taken away and turned into the Main Office for five days.
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3rd Offense: Phone will be taken away and turned into the Main Office for the remainder of the semester. If there is less than three weeks remaining in the semester students will lose their phone privileges for the remainder of the year.
Student Use of Technology
Student use of technology, including the Internet and electronic communications, is a privilege, not a right. Students shall use district computers, devices and computer systems in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. Refer to BVSD Policy JS-E1, JS-E2 for further information. Personal computers and tablets may be used if a student abides by the expectations of teachers. Students who violate or abuse this privilege (playing games, refusing to utilize Go Guardian) may be told that they must use a BVSD issued Chromebook.
Student use of technology, including the Internet and electronic communications, is a privilege, not a right. Students shall use district computers, devices and computer systems in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. Refer to BVSD Policy JS-E1, JS-E2 for further information. Personal computers and tablets may be used if a student abides by the expectations of teachers. Students who violate or abuse this privilege (playing games, refusing to utilize Go Guardian) may be told that they must use a BVSD issued Chromebook.
Thefts and Reporting
Students are reminded to secure bicycles, valuables, and their lockers. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items such as skateboards, bikes, scooters, cell phones, etc.. Students who lose or have reason to believe their personal property has been stolen/vandalized are advised to make a report with the School Safety Advocate, Carrie Burger.
Students are reminded to secure bicycles, valuables, and their lockers. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items such as skateboards, bikes, scooters, cell phones, etc.. Students who lose or have reason to believe their personal property has been stolen/vandalized are advised to make a report with the School Safety Advocate, Carrie Burger.
Academic Information
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to respond to academic challenges with the highest degree of integrity and honesty that support the culture of the community. No student shall engage in scholastic dishonesty, which includes, but is not limited to; cheating on a test, using AI to complete assignments, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing work.
Teachers will inform SHMS administration of academic dishonesty concerns. Confirmed academic dishonesty events will be documented as behavior violations. Responses/Consequences could include:
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Conference with student, teacher, parent and/or administrator.
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Creation of a modified assignment to replace an assignment that is in question regarding this policy.
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Grade reduction to no higher than the lowest passing/meets standard grade for the assignment in question regarding this policy.
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Modifications for future assignments designed to limit concerns similar to those for the assignment in question regarding this policy, including requiring work to be done in supervised environments or handwritten assignments.
Counseling and Course changes
Counseling services are available for every student at SHMS. Counselors support students in academic concerns such as course selection and change and transitioning to high school. Counselors also support students through navigating difficult situations with friends, reports of bullying, and connecting students to resources such as mental health services or other community resources.
Students seeking course changes should speak to their counselor, however, course changes are not given without administrative approval and are not frequently granted.
Awards and Honor Roll
Honor Roll recognition is awarded to students who earn a 3.5 - 3.9 Grade Point Average for a given semester or school year. Honor Roll with Distinction recognition is awarded to students who earn a 4.0 Grade Point Average for a given semester or school year. Honor Roll recognition awards are sent by email to families in January for fall semester grades and in June for spring semester grades.
Homework and Class Information
Daily work and homework assignments are found through the SHMS Daily Work Site. Please bookmark this site.
Student information regarding grades and missing assignments can be found through accessing Infinite Campus.