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
- Additional Information for Students and Parents
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
Christy Burkhard - 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
2026-2027 Bell Schedule (update coming soon)
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. Please download the BVSD app for important and timely updates. Text messages will be sent to parents who have opted - in to receive them.
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 a bin in the student center. 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.
-
Warnings and Discussions with an administrator
- Detention: Detention may be assigned before, after or during school hours. Students will be supervised in a space for 10-30 minutes and will be given the opportunity to eat lunch if detention is assigned during lunch.
- In School Suspension: Students may be removed from classrooms to work in an alternative setting in the main office.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
2nd Offense: Phone will be taken away and turned into the Main Office for five days.
-
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:
-
Conference with student, teacher, parent and/or administrator.
-
Creation of a modified assignment to replace an assignment that is in question regarding this policy.
-
Grade reduction to no higher than the lowest passing/meets standard grade for the assignment in question regarding this policy.
-
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 Schoology. Students have access to this site and parents must go through their student’s account to view the site. Infinite Campus serves as the access point for grades, but should not be relied on for full assignment information.
Student information regarding grades and missing assignments can be found through accessing Infinite Campus.
Additional Information for Students and Parents
Backpacks
- Backpacks must be stored in lockers from the start of 1st period until the end of the school day. This includes any binder, book bag or other item that is worn on the shoulder.
- Backpack exceptions: Some students may have administrative permission to carry a backpack in an effort to support their success at school. Please see your counselor for more information.
Bikes, Scooters Skateboards, and Anything Else on Wheels:
Students may ride bikes, scooters, and skateboards to and from school, but not AT school.
- During school hours (8:00-3:30) and once students enter campus at the crosswalk or parking lot (if entering from the gym side of the building) bikes, scooters and skateboards are not to be ridden anywhere on campus. This includes the fields, parking lots and other paved areas.
- All e-bikes and e-scooters should be parked on the west side of the building (library side).
- Non-motorized bikes and scooters should be parked on the east side of of the building (parking lot side).
- Students should secure skateboards in the cafeteria as soon as the building opens.
- Students on bikes should walk their bike to and from the bike racks once they have entered campus or are exiting campus.
Chromebooks and Personal Computers (see BVSD JS Policy for further guidance)
- Students using technology on campus should expect to be monitored through Go Guardian in every class. This includes email communication, web browsing, and other computer activities.
- Students should have their devices closed until they are directed to open them by a teacher.
- Technology, including Chromebooks, is not to be used during passing periods or during lunch.
- Students who abuse the privilege of using a personal computer will be issued a BVSD device at their expense and will not be allowed to use their personal computer at school.
Lockers
- Lockers are used for storing class materials, backpacks and other supplies. Lockers are not to be used to store items that should reasonably be thrown away. Students are responsible for any items stored in their locker. The school is not responsible for any personal items that are stolen or damaged.
- Lockers should be kept clean and organized. Magnets may be used to hang things, but tape or other adhesive is not allowed. Please use locker shelves to maximize storage.
- Students are allowed to decorate the inside of their lockers and may decorate their friends' lockers on the outside on special occasions.
- Lockers may be searched if an administrator determines that it is necessary to do so.
- Students are not to store large amounts of food or drinks. Food items that are taken from students will not be returned.
- Students should not gather in large groups around locker spaces.
- Students should not change lockers without permission (please notify Ms. Okada if you need to switch lockers).
Hall Passes
- Students will remain in class the first ten minutes and the last ten minutes of class.
- Students leaving class must have a hall pass or should expect to be sent back to class.
- Students should use the restroom during passing periods and not expect to be given permission to use the restroom during class unless there is an emergency or medical necessity.
Lunch time and Cafeteria Expectations
- Lunch is a no screen time of day.
- Students are expected to wait in line and not cut. Students found cutting will be sent to the back of the line.
- Food may only be eaten in the cafeteria or in the table area of the courtyard.
- The library is often available for quiet work and reading. A sign in the cafeteria will indicate if the library is open or closed. Students who go to the library are expected to remain there until the end of lunch.
- Students may NOT go to their lockers during lunch. Cubbies in the cafeteria are available for students to leave their lunch boxes and supplies they may need for the next class.
- During lunch, students can use the restrooms between the Foods and Art classrooms or the single use restroom in the hallway. Students may not hang out in the restroom and groups of students will be asked to leave.
- The stairs leading up to the weight room and the hallway leading to the gym and music classrooms are off limits during lunch.
- Parents may drop off lunch to students, but outside vendors are not allowed on campus.
- Students may be assigned a seat in the cafeteria or work detail in the cafeteria if they leave a mess behind, throw food, or otherwise disrupt the environment.
Outdoor Expectations - Before, During, and After School
- Students are expected to remain safe while outside after lunch. Football games are touch only, and all other activities must be done in a way that keeps all students safe.
- Playground equipment will be distributed by a staff member and should be returned to the cart at the end of lunch.
- Play on the field will be allowed by permission only. Students should not expect to use the field when there is limited staff or when the weather is bad.
- Students should not climb trees and should stay off the rock in the center island.
- On bad weather days one gym may be available during lunch as well as activities in other locations.
Other
- The sale of items is not allowed on campus unless the sale items are part of a school approved fundraiser.
- Lost and found items will be placed in the student center right inside the front doors. These items will be donated at the end of each month.
- Students are given a four minute passing period and “on time,” means that students are to be in their seats when the bell rings. Students who are not, may be marked tardy.
- Only personal items that are necessary should be brought to school. The school is not responsible for damage or loss of items. Unnecessary items may be taken by a staff member and may be retrieved at the front desk at the end of the day.
- Student visitors are not permitted during the school day. This includes shadowing students and visiting classrooms. Parents should check in at the front desk when picking up students for appointments during the day. Siblings picking up younger students are asked to wait outside.
- Students who are found to be vandalizing restrooms can expect to be escorted by an adult to the restroom at designated times of day.
- For more information on the BVSD student conduct code please visit BVSD Student Conduct and Discipline Code.