MURRIETA MESA HIGH SCHOOL 2009-10 RAM TRACKS TABLE OF CONTENTS

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MURRIETA MESA HIGH SCHOOL
Pursue Your
Passion...
Leave a
Legacy!
2009-10 RAM TRACKS
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
24801 Monroe Ave Murrieta, CA 92562
Website: http://www.mesarams.com
MURRIETA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Education: Robin Crist · Kenneth Dickson · Paul F. Diffley · Kris Thomasian · Margi Wray
Superintendent: Dr. Stan Scheer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
School Contact Information.......................................
Table of Contents.....................................................
Principal’s Message.................................................
Mission Statement...................................................
Academies, Pathways..............................................
Administration & Support Staff.................................
Frequently Asked Questions....................................
Policy for Class Changes and Grades.....................
Homework & Finals.................................................
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
1
1
2
2
3
4
4/5
5
6
CODE OF CONDUCT
School-Wide Rules....................................................
Dress Code..............................................................
Behavior & Discipline Matrix....................................
Parking Program......................................................
Sexual Harassment..................................................
Uniform Complaint Procedure..................................
Attendance Policies……………………………………
PE & ATHLETICS
Physical Education Information..................................... 17
Athletic Program & Eligibility........................................ 17
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
6
7/8
9/10
11
11
12
12/13
LIBRARY & HEALTH INFORMATION
Library Information...................................................
Health Office ..........................................................
Activities & Clubs........................................................... 14/15
Dance Information........................................................ 15
Academic Organization................................................. 16
Community Service Requirements............................... 17
Graduation & UC/CSU Admission Requirements.......... 18
POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
ACT & SAT, PSAT Dates............................................
Helpful College/Career Websites………………………
19
19
STUDENT PLANNER
13
14
Bell Schedule/AB Calendar........................................... 20
Map of Campus.............................................................. 21
2009/10 Student Planning Calendar................................ 22
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MISSION STATEMENT
MMHS MISSION STATEMENT
We at Murrieta Mesa have a
Relentless Belief in
and an Unwavering Commitment
to our Students!
It’s Not a Job….It’s our Passion!!
P.R.I.D.E
Purpose
Responsibility
Integrity
Duty
Excellence
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Welcome Inaugural Ram students and parents,
Welcome to Murrieta Mesa High School, Home of the Rams!! We are very excited to open a
phenomenal facility with outstanding staff members who are thrilled to “Pursue our Passion and
Begin our Legacy!” Murrieta Mesa will have an educational program that includes academies at
the freshmen and sophomore level. These schools within a school will incorporate integrated
projects and instructional activities amongst a common group of students and staff. Mesa will
also offer College and Career Pathways in the junior and senior years in the areas of
Business/Culinary, Engineering, Liberal Studies/Education, Medical and Visual/Performing Arts.
These pathways will allow students to find and pursue their passion and additionally promote
relevant and meaningful learning. Students will have the ability to participate in internships with
area businesses related to their College and Career interests.
We challenge each and every one of our Rams to become involved at Mesa through athletics,
activities and clubs. There will be many opportunities for student involvement at Mesa. We want
all of our students to feel that Mesa is their home and have RAM Purpose Responsibility Integrity
Duty and Excellence.
Parents, you are an integral part of our high school family. You are an essential component to
the success of Mesa. We need your help in our library, in the office, in classrooms and with
various on-campus activities. Please check our website frequently for information regarding
upcoming activities, athletics and parent informational meetings. In order to keep you informed
of upcoming RAM events and parent volunteer activities, please keep your e-mail and telephone
numbers updated. We are excited to begin our legacy with our RAM students, staff and families!!
We look forward to our many firsts this year!
Mary Walters
Principal
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ACADEMIES
The academies at the freshmen and sophomore levels provide our students with a personalized
educational experience in which they have common core teachers. This allows for the
development of integrated curriculum and the inclusion of a variety of instructional strategies,
activities and projects. The students take all courses that will prepare them for college entrance
and provide opportunities to explore courses within the college/career pathways. AVID
methodologies are incorporated in all of the courses. This “School within a School” environment
provides students with a strong foundation and the support necessary for success in junior and
senior courses and future college/career goals.
PATHWAYS
The college and career pathways will provide our junior and senior students with the opportunity
to pursue areas of interest in the following areas: Liberal Studies/Education, Engineering,
Medical, Business/Culinary and Visual/Performing Arts. Students will take required courses for
graduation and college entrance. Students will have the ability to pursue a relevant and
meaningful education by enrolling in on-line, Career Technical Education (CTE) and college
courses. Students will have common teachers that will allow for the development of integrated
curriculum and the inclusion of a variety of instructional strategies, activities and projects.
Students will have the ability to participate in partnerships and internships with area businesses
related to their field of study.
NONNON-DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT
All students at Murrieta Mesa High School are ensured an equal opportunity for admission in and
access to the educational and co-curricular programs. MMHS’ policies, procedures, and
practices ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender
(including sexual harassment), physical or mental disabilities. This is in compliance with title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier for
admission and participation in any program. All students have equal education facilities and
evaluation procedures, and there shall be equal allocations of vocational education funds. This
non-discrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, all
the Vocational Education Programs and activities.
UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES
When a student, parent/guardian or community member has a complaint alleging that a specific
action, policy, procedure or practice is discriminatory or wishes to file a formal complaint in
another area of concern, the district and MMHS follows the uniform complaint code. Complaints
are made in writing and submitted either to Mrs. Walters, Mrs. Beach-Hedges or to the district
office. All parties involved in the complaint shall be notified of the complaint. The usual
procedure includes a meeting/hearing and notification of the decision is made to all. The
complainant is also notified of his/her right to appeal the decision to the next level.
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ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT STAFF
Administrative Staff
Principal.........................................................................................................................................Mary Walters
Assistant Principal ......…...…........................................................................................ Martina Beach-Hedges
Athletic Director.....................................................................................................................................Bill Bree
Activities/USB Director......................................................................................................................Erin Moran
Counseling Staff
Freshmen Class of 2013....………………………………………………………………………….. Adriana Alarcon
Sophomore Class of 2012…………………………………………………………………….……….. Erika Bennett
Support Staff
Athletics/USB……………………….....................................................................................................Ann Baker
Attendance Clerk ……...............................................................................................................Michelle Lemus
Bookkeeper…..………...................................................................................................................Felice Quisol
Campus Security..........................................................................................Tamara Hernandez, Sally Krueger
Guidance Technician……..................................................................................................................Cori Isbell
Health Technician...............................................................................................................................Holly Carr
Hearing Itinerant…………………………………………………………………………………….Carole-Ann Bader
Kitchen............................................................................................................ Jennifer Collins, Zandra Orozco
Library Technician............................................................................................................................Lisa Rivera
Locker Room Attendant ………..........................................................................................................................
Maintenance……………………………………………………………………………………………….Bill Cammall
Receptionist.................................................................................................................................Mary Johnson
School Nurse................................................................................................................................Cathy Owens
School Resource Officer/SRO....................................................................Murrieta Police Department Officer
School Psychologist................................................................................................Linda Lucas/Karen Mobley
School Secretary……………………………………………………………………………………….Melinda Cohen
School Speech………………………………………………………………….………………………………………..
Theater Technician…………………………………………………………….………………………………….……..
Technology Support…………………………………………………………………………….………Grace Tiangco
Workability……………………………………………………………………………………….….……Susan Axelrod
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MESSAGES & DELIVERIES
Please make travel, lunch, clothing and other arrangements with your student before he/she arrives at school. Bouquets
of flowers, balloons or other gifts should be delivered to the home and deliveries from florists will not be accepted at the
front office. While we join with you in the celebration of special occasions, these items are disruptive to the learning
environment. Calling into or delivering messages and items to classrooms are disruptive to the learning environment.
Students should be responsible for remembering their own books, lunches, clothing, sports equipment or other
necessities; therefore we do not deliver any items to classrooms. Please encourage your student to accept the
consequences if they neglect these responsibilities. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to reserve this function
for true emergencies.
CLOSED CAMPUS
MMHS is a closed campus. During the break/lunch periods, students are to remain in the Quad area. All other areas are
considered out-of-bounds and unauthorized. Students are not permitted off campus at any time unless a parent/guardian
provides a written request. Attendance personnel will verify all requests. Loitering before or after school is not permitted
and students who disregard this rule will be assigned Saturday School.
SCHOOL VISITATIONS
Parents, guardians, and community members are welcome to visit the school. If you desire to meet with an administrator,
please call ahead for an appointment, as most drop-in requests are difficult to accommodate. Classroom visitations
require a 24-hour advance notice to ensure that someone will be available to accompany you. All visitors must check-in
at the front office and show a current photo ID before a guest pass is issued. We guard our learning time intensely;
therefore, it is important not to disturb teachers and students during class time. In order to maintain a safe and orderly
learning environment, students’ friends or visitors without specific school business are not allowed on campus at any time
during school hours.
COMMUNICATIONS
In this age of information, MMHS administration has found it beneficial, timely and cost effective to use technology to
communicate with parents on a regular basis. Email and phone systems are used to communicate regular and
emergency information to students and parents. The Ramblings is the MMHS on-line newsletter which is utilized in place
of a traditional paper newsletter. This is a great way to find out about current and upcoming school activities, testing,
important events, sports, community service opportunities and breaking news. The MMHS web home page
(www.mesarams.com) is a great place to find out information about school programs, departments, testing, report card
and progress report dates, PTSA and Site Council, newsletters, the student calendar, bell schedules, maps, student
leadership, sports, clubs, event pictures, contact information for all staff and much more. While the vast majority of
families have internet access, other forms of communication are utilized which includes: the daily newscast to students in
all classrooms at the start of 3rd/4th periods, a school-to-home automated telephone system for attendance and
notification of important and emergency issues.
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PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Often, parents want to contact a teacher and should do so via telephone or email. Every teacher has a telephone with
voicemail, as well as an email address. All of this contact information can be found on the MMHS website at
www.mesarams.com under Staff Directory. You should expect messages to staff to be returned within a 24-hour timeperiod, which is a professionally accepted standard. We appreciate your patience in this regard, as teacher contracted
work hours are from 7:45 am to 2:45 pm daily and most have limited time to return calls during these hours.
SECURITY
There are staff, protocol and systems in place to assure a safe environment for all students and staff. MMHS is a closed
campus and students may not leave campus during school hours without the appropriate authorization. All visitors are
required to provide picture ID, sign in at the Reception Desk and receive a guest pass. Specially trained Campus Security
Staff and administrators supervise all areas of campus and meet regularly with the local police department. A Murrieta
Police Department officer is also assigned to campus during school hours. Students and vehicles parked on school
property are subject to search based upon reasonable suspicion and safety issues. Administration reserves the right to
determine the basis for reasonable cause for search. MMHS has an extensive video-surveillance system, along with a
24-hour security patrol, as deterrents to crime. The district provides regular InterQuest canine visitations to search for
illegal substances. All students, staff and community members are encouraged to utilize the We-Tip hotline (7 days/week,
24 hours/day) to report suspicious campus activity or crime information at 1-800-78-CRIME.
STUDENT PARKING/DISMISSAL RULES
Students must obtain a parking permit (from the Bookkeeper) before they may park a car in the student lot. At that time,
they will receive parking regulations that require a parent signature. Students who do not follow parking regulations will be
ticketed and assessed a fine or ultimately denied parking privileges. Students may park on campus in the student lot in
front of the gym. Students may not loiter in parking lots at any time (before, during or after school) - those who do, will be
assigned Saturday School. Students with four tardies per semester will have their parking pass revoked with no
refund. MVUSD is not liable for any loss, damage or theft in parking lots.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONES/IPODS/MP3
Cell phones/IPODs/MP3 players are not to be seen during the school day. Cell phones are only to be used in emergency
situations. Please refer to the policy on electronic devices located within the handbook.
POLICY FOR CLASS CHANGES AND GRADES
At Murrieta Mesa High School, registration is based on a year long schedule. Students are enrolled in a full seven period
day. Schedule changes can only be considered for the following four criteria:
1. An incomplete schedule/scheduling conflict.
2. Course already completed.
3. Prerequisite not met.
4. Missing a graduation requirement.
Request for schedule changes must address one of the above and must be submitted to the appropriate counselor on the
class change request form and will not be accepted after the fifth day of the semester.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS
We believe that students benefit from the learning that takes place in the classroom even in the case of a student who is
failing the course. A withdraw/fail grade is an administrative option in extreme circumstances. When this situation
presents itself, the student will be removed from class with a grade of “WF”. This grade will appear on the student’s
permanent transcript. The student will be assigned to attend On Campus Detention (OCD) for the remainder of the
semester instead of attending the class in question. When a class is dropped after the six week point in the semester, a
grade of “WF” shall be assigned.
FINAL EXAMS
Each semester ends with a final exam or culminating activity in each subject area, wherein the grade is an important
component of the semester grade. Final exams are scheduled for the last 2-3 days of each semester. Final exams are to
be taken on the day scheduled (see the current school calendar for scheduled dates). On the rare occasion that a student
needs to make up a final exam, the student must make arrangements to take the exam within the first two weeks of the
following semester. The final grade will be calculated with the current grade in the class and a zero on the final until a
grade change is submitted by the teacher upon completion of the final exam. The expectation is that all students take their
final exams on the dates scheduled by district/school administration.
GRADING SYSTEM
Most courses at MMHS are taught on a semester basis and are worth five credits per class per semester. Grades are
computed on a four point scale:
A = 4 pts. B = 3 pts. C = 2 pts. D = 1 pt. F= 0 pts.
Advanced Placement classes use a five point grading scale:
A = 5 pts. B = 4 pts. C = 3 pts. D = 1 pt. F = 0 pts.
Computerized progress reports are distributed to students at the six-week and twelve- week time period. Semester report
cards are mailed to the address given at orientation. Weekly and daily progress report forms are available for students in
the Guidance Center.
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HOMEWORK & FINALS POLICIES
HOMEWORK
The homework philosophy is relevant and directly related to course objectives. The purpose of homework is one of five
examples listed below:
Introductory Homework
Learning Homework
Reinforcing Homework
Assessment Homework
Performance Homework
Introduce a new concept of information to be used later in class
An assignment that adds to a student’s knowledge base that can be done independently
An assignment that strengthens a student’s knowledge base
An assignment to be graded that helps guide instruction
An assignment designed to allow the student an opportunity to demonstrate
understanding and learning
Although the Murrieta Valley Unified School District recognizes that quality is more important than quantity, the following
guideline is suggested in our Board Policy: Grades 9-12 may have 75 – 120 minutes of homework up to four days per
week. It should be noted that in grades 7 – 12, the homework time may vary according to type and number of subjects a
student is taking. AP Courses also may require homework/reading beyond the four days per week. Many times AP
exams are given in the time period immediately following Spring Break, which will require students to study and prepare
over spring vacation.
Make-up Homework Policy: When a student is absent from school, it is his/her responsibility to contact teachers
upon returning to school regarding make-up work. (The teacher may also be contacted via email or telephone. The
student may also refer to the assignment sheet prior to returning to school to get homework assignments.) The time
allotted for making up missed work will vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the absence, the actual time out
of school, and the teacher’s classroom policy. The make-up policy for missing assignments when a student is not absent
is at the discretion of the individual teacher. Please read individual teacher guidelines for their specific homework
and late homework policies. Some teachers, although not all, accept late work which may be turned in during the
unit/chapter of study or within a specific time period with a penalty such as a reduced grade based upon the lateness of
the assignment. Assignments may be corrected/resubmitted at the discretion of the teacher. Students are encouraged to
correct/resubmit assignments when the opportunity arises.
SCHOOL-WIDE RULES & REGULATIONS
The goal of MMHS is to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment. MMHS rules are based on a few simple
considerations: good taste, courtesy and safety. Students should occasionally review the rules listed below, as they will
be held responsible for knowing and following them at school and school related events.
Progressive discipline consequences will be assigned to students who repeatedly fail to follow these established rules
which could ultimately lead to suspension from school. On-campus detentions (OCD) is used for students who are sent
out of class for behavior reasons, non-suits in PE, those who missed a Saturday school or who violate dress code and are
awaiting correction. Students are expected to follow the rules in OCD and any class work they miss may be sent to the
OCD classroom. OCD is the first step of progressive discipline that can lead to suspension, with Saturday School being
utilized for repeat offenders. Students may be put in OCD in lieu of suspension as an opportunity to address an infraction
at the administrator’s recommendation. If students are sent out of OCD for behavior reasons, the student will be
suspended.
The Rules are as followed:
1. Students are to exhibit acceptable standards of behavior at all times on campus and during school activities.
2. To ensure student safety, MMHS is a closed campus. Students are not permitted to leave campus at any time. This
includes break and lunch periods. Parents must check students out of school.
3. Students must have their student identification card in their possession at school and while attending school related
activities.
4. Students MUST have their ID card and a hall pass if out of class during assigned class time. Students being
requested by the office will be sent an office call slip. Students are not to be released without a pass.
5. Student parking is permitted only in the student parking lots with a current parking permit. If parked in any other
location, the offense will result in a citation. Reckless driving is not permitted. Any student driving recklessly on campus
may be cited and/or have parking privileges revoked. No refunds will be made if student’s parking privileges are revoked.
Parking lots are out of bounds during class time, passing periods, break, and lunch. Loitering on school property before or
after school is not permitted. Students who receive four tardies in a semester will have their parking pass revoked
with no refund. AT MMHS, driving is a privilege, not a right!
6. Food and drinks are not permitted in the classroom, offices or hallways at any time. Bottled water is permitted if
capped and stored out of sight. At lunch, keep MMHS beautiful and throw away all trash.
7. Skateboards, roller blades, scooters and bicycles are not to be ridden on campus at any time (day or night). These
items will be confiscated. These items may be locked in the bicycle rack during school hours.
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8. MMHS related publications, posters and announcements may only be distributed with prior administrative approval and
only in designated posting areas. (Outside publication or flyers must be MVUSD approved)
9. No sharpie pens or any other type of permanent marker may be carried by students on campus at any time.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
The electronic device policy, based on recent legislation (listed below), allows students to have cell phones on campus for
emergency situations only. Therefore, cell phones are allowed on campus but must be silenced and out of sight during
school hours. Students will not be given permission to leave class to return or answer a cell phone call. Students may
not have cell phones out during class for checking time, calculating, picture taking, text messaging, incoming/outgoing
calls, electronic bullying, electronic threats, or “sexting” (pornography sent via cell phone) or for any other reason.
Absolutely no cell phones, cameras or recording devices are allowed in locker rooms.
The school strongly discourages bringing other electronic devices to school that have no educational purpose. This
includes any audio or video devices such as headphones, MP3/MP4 and CD players, games, etc. They may not be used
in school without specific permission from staff. If you choose to bring a cell phone or any other electronic
device, you do so at your own risk. The school does not have staffing to investigate or be
responsible for loss or theft of any electronic devices. Loss or theft of any item should be reported
to the School Resource Officer.
California Education Code Section 51512 provides for...disciplinary action to be taken if a
student uses, without expressed permission from a teacher, any electronic recording or
listening device:
“The Legislature finds that the use by any person, including a pupil, of any electronic listening or
recording device in any classroom of the elementary and secondary schools without the prior
consent of the teacher and the principal of the school given to promote an educational purpose
disrupts and impairs the teaching process and discipline in the elementary and secondary schools,
and such use is prohibited. Any person other than a pupil, who willfully violates this section, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any pupil violating this section shall be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action.
CONSEQUENCES
First Offense – The electronic device is taken away by the staff member and placed in a secure location. The
student may pick up the device at the end of the day.
Second Offense – The electronic device is taken away by the staff member and taken to the office. The parent
must come in to pick up the device from an administrator.
Third Offense – The electronic device is taken away, taken to the administration office. The parent must pick up
the device. The student will be assigned a Saturday School for defiance.
CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES “NO GO LIST”
The “No-Go List” is distributed on Mondays. Students may be placed on the list by an administrator for a number of
various infractions or for un-served discipline. If a student needs to schedule an alternative time or activity to serve the
consequences before the next Saturday school, he/she needs to see their administration. All students on the “No-Go List”
not cleared by an administrator cannot participate in any co-curricular or extra-curricular activities. Please note that this
includes athletes, band members, actors, field trip participants and any other school sponsored activities.
MMHS DRESS CODE
All students are expected to know MMHS Dress Code expectations. Parents we need your support with this, so we ask
that you review the Dress Code with your student prior to shopping for school attire so that school-appropriate clothing is
chosen. School clothing should be safe, appropriate for a variety of instructional or educational activities so therefore
students should be properly/modestly dressed and should not cause undo attention or be offensive to others. Students
who violate the Dress Code will meet with a school administrator and assigned the following consequences listed in the
Discipline Matrix.
NOTE: Students who are not appropriately dressed will be brought to the office and placed in On-Campus Detention
(OCD) classroom until someone can bring the student appropriate clothing. Our focus is on learning, and we don’t want
students to miss instructional time, yet we need to make sure our students are dressed appropriately for instructional
activities on campus.
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INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING
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Clothing that exposes undergarments (sagging or low cut pants, low cut tops and tops that
show bra straps)
Garments that, when standing, sitting or walking, show stomach or back (whole or partially)
Any sports jersey (except MMHS teams)
Hats - only ‘MMHS’ solid green, silver or gold hats are approved to be on campus. Hats must
be removed when entering a classroom or office. No other hats may be carried on
campus.
See-through or garments with netting
Pajamas or slippers (except during Spirit Week)
Garments with pictures, wording and/or symbols depicting the following:
o Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs or associated paraphernalia
o Sexually explicit content or numbers
o Lewdness or Obscenity (including nudity or nude silhouettes)
o Offensive Content (including foul language)
o Hate or Defiance
o Violence or Weapons (brass knuckles, grenades, guns/knives)
o SRH, Metal Mulisha, Iron Cross or German Helmets
o Gang affiliation or living or belonging to a particular town or part of a town
Garments that are intimidating or endanger a student
Hair nets, do-rags or bandanas
Hanging belts
Belt buckles with inappropriate symbols or initials
Chains or spiked apparel or accessories
Safety pins as jewelry or accessories
Red colored shoe laces
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Tube tops
Any top exposing any part of bra (including straps)
Low cut tops that expose cleavage
Tops that expose most to all of back (single strap, razor back and halter tops)
Skirts/shorts/skorts MUST 4” above the knee even if leggings or tights are worn underneath.
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FEMALE SPECIFIC ITEMS NOT ALLOWED
MALE SPECIFIC ITEMS NOT ALLOWED
Bandanas
Sagging pants
Extremely tight pants
Tank-style shirts exposing underarms
Consequences
First Offense – The student is brought to the office and the parent is called to bring the
student a change of clothing.
Second Offense – The student is brought to the office and the parent is called to bring the
student a change of clothing and an after school detention is assigned for defiance.
Third Offense – The student is brought to the office and the parent is called to bring the
student a change of clothing, additionally an after school detention is assigned for defiance
and a Saturday School is assigned.
Administration reserves the right to determine appropriate dress code
MMHS Discipline Matrix - CODE OF RESPONSIBILITY
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It is the responsibility
of every MMHS student to know and follow school rules. By doing so, you will be a productive and
successful member of the MMHS learning community. Student behavior is expected to reflect the MMHS mission statement.
We expect for our students to be self directed learners who demonstrate concern and respect for others. If students make
poor decisions, they will be held accountable for their actions.
This matrix lists the most common violations, but other forms of behavior may also result in discipline. California State law says that a
student may be disciplined, suspended or recommended for expulsion based on "reasonable cause". Please note that the discipline
matrix also applies before and after school (on the way to school, on the way home from school) and at school sponsored activities.
Students with disciplinary issues or uncleared attendance will be placed on a "NO GO LIST" for student activities, including athletics.
Administrative team monitors student activity privileges.
Behavior
Expectation:
PRIDE - Purpose,
Responsibility,
Integrity, Duty,
Excellence
School Rule Based Upon
CALIF. EDUCATION CODE
1st
Consequence
2nd
Consequence
Severe or Repeated
Violations
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
MVUSD utilizes InterQuest Canines for random school facility searches.
The primary goal of this program is to discourage students from bringing anything illegal to campus.
Students confronted with any situation regarding drugs/alcohol are expected to: 1) Walk away; 2) Report the incident to an administrator; 3) Not accept any drugs, alcohol or
dangerous objects; 4) Immediately report to an administrator if something has been placed on your person or in personal belongings (backpack, PE locker, car, purse wallet).
Model positive behavior
and contribute to the
well-being of the school
community.
Alcohol or illegal drugs are not allowed on any part of campus
including parking lots or at any school related activity. You may not
unlawfully possess, use, sell or otherwise furnish or be under the
influence of, or unlawfully offer, arrange or negotiate to sell, any
controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind.
Nor can you sell, deliver or otherwise furnish to any person another
liquid substance or material and represent the liquid, substance or
material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
Engage in higher-level
thinking and contribute
to a clean school
environment.
You may not possess or use tobacco or any product containing
tobacco or nicotine. Nor may you possess or unlawfully offer,
arrange or negotiate to sell any drug paraphernalia.
Act with personal
integrity and follow
school behavioral
expectations.
You may not commit or attempt to commit robbery, theft or extortion
nor may you steal or attempt to steal school or private property.
Contribute to a clean
and orderly school
environment and treat
others with respect.
You may not cause or attempt to cause damage to school or private
property.
Uphold a culture of
safety and respect for
others and contribute to
a positive school culture.
Use or possession of any dangerous object is prohibited. You may
not possess, sell or otherwise furnish any firearm or knife, or any
explosive or other dangerous object. Nor may you possess an
imitation firearm, meaning a replica of a firearm that is so
substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as
to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.
Think about character
before acting out and
make the right choices
for your future.
You may not disrupt school activities or otherwise willfully defy the
valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school
officials or other school personnel engaged in the performance of
their duties.
Use every opportunity to
make the right choices
and positively influence
others.
Gambling in any form is not permitted on campus and may result in
suspension.
Five day
suspension.
Behavior contract.
For sales,
mandated referral
for expulsion,
M.P.D.
involvement.
Five day
suspension.
Recommendation
for expulsion. For
sales, mandated
referral for
expulsion. M.P.D.
involvement.
Five day suspension.
Recommendation for
expulsion. For sales,
mandated referral for
expulsion. M.P.D.
involvement.
SMOKING, POSSESSION OF TOBACCO OR SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA
Referral to M.P.D.
with citation and
referral to SmokeFree program.
Sat. School
Second offense
and thereafter two day
Suspension,
referral to M.P.D.,
citation.
Three to Five Day
Suspension, referral to
M.P.D., citation.
Three to five day
suspension and
referral for
possible
expulsion. Police
involvement.
Five day suspension and
referral for possible
expulsion. Police
involvement.
Two to five day
suspension.
Behavior Contract
Three to five day
suspension.
Three to five day
suspension.
Five day suspension.
Behavior contract.
Possible
recommendation for
expulsion. Referred
to M.P.D.
Five day
suspension.
Referred for
expulsion.
Referred to M.P.D.
Five day suspension.
Referral to MPD. Referred
for expulsion.
OCD class
suspension or
suspended one to
five days, parent
conference.
Possible behavior
Contract
Three to five day
suspension.
Behavior contract.
Suspended five days.
Recommended for
alternative placement
and/or for expulsion.
Saturday School.
Two day
suspension.
Three day suspension.
ROBBERY, THEFT AND EXTORTION
Three to Five day
suspension and
referral for
possible
expulsion.
Behavior contract
Police involvement
THROWING FOOD/OBJECTS
WEAPONS
DEFIANCE
GAMBLING
DEFINITIONS: OCD - On Campus Detention
M.P.D. - Murrieta Police Department
SARB - Student Attendance Review Board
S.R.O. School Resource Officer
MMHS Discipline Matrix - CODE OF RESPONSIBILITY continued
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Behavior
Expectation:
PRIDE - Purpose,
Responsibility,
Integrity, Duty,
Excellence
School Rule Based Upon
CALIF. EDUCATION CODE
1st
Consequence
2nd
Consequence
Severe or Repeated
Violations
LEWD CONDUCT/PORNOGRAPHY/SEXTING (pornography sent via cell phone)
Model positive behavior
and act with personal
integrity.
Public display of affection beyond holding hands is not
appropriate in the school environment. Lewd conduct, sex
texting or possession or viewing of pornography of any type will
not be tolerated. You may not commit an obscene act or
engage in habitual profanity or vulgarity, which includes cursing.
One to five day
suspension and
possible referral to
M.P.D.
One to five day
suspension and
possible referral to
M.P.D.
One to five day suspension
and referral to M.P.D. and
possible referral for
expulsion.
FIGHTING/HARASSMENT/HAZING/ ELECTRONIC BULLYING/ELECTRONIC THREATS
Students experiencing harassment or intimidation are expected to do the following to avoid an altercation and disciplinary action: 1) Walk away; 2) Report the incident to an
administrator; 3) Seek help from a teacher, campus security, counselor or administrator to resolve the situation.
Treat others with
respect and
compassion and do
everything possible to
resolve conflicts
peacefully.
Fighting, harassment or intimidation are not tolerated. You may
not cause or attempt to cause or threaten to cause physical
injury to another person or willfully use force or violence upon
the person of another, except in self-defense. You may not
harass, threaten or intimidate any student who is a complaining
witness or a witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the
purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or
retaliating against that student for being a witness, or both. Nor
may you engage or attempt to engage in any form of hazing.
Model positive behavior
and act with personal
integrity.
You may not cause or attempt to cause damage, or steal or
attempt to steal, school or private property. Restitution will be
required for all damaged/stolen property and charges will be
filed with M.P.D.
Take personal
responsibility for
academic performance
and act with integrity.
Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating,
copying from other sources homework, projects, tests, notes,
using notes without permission, forging, altering or duplicating
school or teacher documents or signatures, plagiarism and text
messaging regarding test data or information.
Engage in classroom
activities and utilize
effective work habits.
Students are discouraged from bringing any type of electronic
devices (CD, MP3, cell phones, iPods, pages, cameras etc.) to
school. When visible, in use and/or disruptive to learning
environment, they will be confiscated and turned in to the
Administrative office.
Embrace the culture of
continuing education
and follow school
behavioral
expectations.
A truancy is defined as: a student who is found off campus, out
of class or out of bounds during the school day without a hall
pass.
Display a motivation for
learning and utilize
effective work habits.
Timeliness to class is an essential aspect of academic success.
Students who are not in class when the bell rings are deemed
tardy. Students who are more than 30 minutes late to any class
are deemed truant. See tardy policy.
Students must obtain a
parking permit from the
Bookkeeper which must
be visible in the parked
car at all times.
Student parking is only permitted in student designated lots.
Cars must follow vehicle code guidelines to be parked safely.
See Parking Program in Student Handbook for details.
Contribute to a positive
school culture and
model positive
behavior.
All students will dress in compliance with the MMHS Dress
Code. See Dress Code in the Student Handbook for details.
Three to Five Day
Suspension. Referral
to Conflict
Resolution/Anger
Management Program.
Possible charges filed
with M.P.D. and/or
arrest.
Four to Five Day
suspension. Referral
to Conflict
Resolution/Anger
Management Program.
Charges filed with
M.P.D. and/or arrest.
(Within the student's tenure
in MVUSD) Five Day
Suspension, arrest by
M.P.D. involuntary transfer,
possible expulsion, charges
filed with M.P.D.
DAMAGED/STOLEN SCHOOL/PRIVATE PROPERTY - VANDALISM
Two to five day
suspension. Behavior
contract.
Five day suspension
Five day suspension and/or
referral for expulsion.
Loss of credit for
assignment/test/project
with no make-up
permitted, parent
notification, conference
with AP/Counselor and
Two Day Suspension.
Conference with
AP/Counselor and parent,
student 'withdrawn' from
class, notation of
unsatisfactory conduct on
transcript. Student
scheduled in OCD
remainder of semester. No
early release/late start
granted. Replacement
course for semester not
allowed. Credit can only be
recovered in summer
school.
Device taken for the
remainder of the day.
Device will be given to
parent.
Third offense and
thereafter- considered
defiance - see Defiance.
Device taken and given to
parent.
Saturday school and
referral to SRO.
OCD Suspension and
possible referral to SARB.
Repetitive tardiness
will result in Saturday
School.
On campus suspension
and possible referral to
SARB.
Municipal citation
issued.
Parking permit revoked
with no refund of fee.
Change clothing-wait
in OCD until proper
clothing received.
Considered defiance.
Suspension one to five
days. See Defiance.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Loss of credit for
assignment/test/project
with no make-up
permitted, parent
notification, conference
with AP/Counselor and
Saturday school.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Warning. Device taken
for the remainder of the
day. Device may be
returned to student at
end of school day.
TRUANCY
Saturday school and
possible citation by
SRO.
TARDINESS
Tardy lock-out/ after
school detention and
loss of warm-up points.
STUDENT PARKING
Municipal citation
issued.
DRESS CODE
DEFINITIONS: OCD - On Campus Detention M.P.D. - Murrieta Police Department
Change clothingstudent waits in OCD
until proper clothing is
received.
SARB - Student Attendance Review Board - SRO - School Resource Officer
-11
MMHS PARKING PROGRAM
Murrieta Mesa High School has a parking program to ensure safety and to prevent unauthorized vehicles from parking on
campus. All vehicles parking in MMHS parking lots must have a permit ($10 from Bookkeeper). In the event you arrive on
campus without a permit, a temporary one-day permit may be obtained by contacting the bookkeeper. Students may only
park in the student lot. Students who have four unexcused tardies per semester will have their parking permit
revoked with no refund given.
•Every vehicle parked on the MMHS campus during school hours must have a site issued parking permit visibly displayed.
•Every vehicle parked in any parking lot on the Murrieta Mesa High School campus must possess a parking permit in
accordance with violation 0100.
•The parking permit must be hung from the rearview mirror with all numbers facing through the windshield.
•Each vehicle that parks in any MMHS parking area must have the front of the vehicle leading into the marked stall. Each
stall will be clearly marked enabling the driver to know where the vehicle is to be parked. When the vehicle has come to
rest, the front of the vehicle will be facing into the stall.
•Each vehicle parked in a marked “reserved” stall must display a permit which is designated to park in that assigned
“reserved” stall. No students shall park in stalls designated for staff.
•The student parking lot located off Monroe, through the main school parking entrance on the left is the student lot.
•Visitor/Staff parking is located off Monroe by the main entrance (in front of the Administration Building).
•All students wishing to park on campus need to purchase a parking permit from the Bookkeeper and have it correctly
displayed
•No vehicle shall park along the red curb. All vehicles must be parked in a designated painted stall
•Vehicles shall not park in an area that is designated by the Murrieta Fire Department, Murrieta Police Department or
Murrieta Mesa High School. The curbs will be painted red with the Murrieta City Municipal Code or Riverside County
Code stenciled in white.
•No vehicle will be parked in an area that is designated as no parking. The ‘no parking’ area will either be clearly stenciled
as ‘no parking’ or properly marked stalls will be visible indicating cars may park in this area. This will exclude buses and
emergency vehicles. A violation will result when a car is not properly parked in a visibly marked stall.
•No vehicle shall park taking up more than one marked stall. Failure to do so by parking in a manner that doesn’t allow
another vehicle to park in a properly marked adjacent stall will result in a violation
SEXUAL HARRASSMENT
WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT?
· Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
· Uninvited behavior that makes being in the school offensive, negative, unfriendly and/or intimidating and leads to a
hostile environment that makes learning difficult.
· “This for That/Something for Something Else” is another form of harassment. Examples: The manager at the fast food
place in which you work says that you will be fired if you do not engage in certain behaviors with him/her; someone
blocking the door and refusing to let you through unless you agree to certain behaviors.
FLIRTING
Flirting
Welcomed behavior
Leaves you feeling positive
Respectful
Fun
Flattering
Enjoyable
VS
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual Harassment
Un-welcome behavior
Leaves you feeling negative
Disrespectful
No fun
Unpleasant
Illegal
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OFTEN GOES UNREPORTED.
REPORTING IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET HELP.
WHAT CAN BE DONE? TAKE ACTION!
ASSERT YOURSELF: Tell the harasser to stop the behavior. Tell him or her aloud or in writing what behaviors you find
offensive.
CALL FOR HELP: Ask for the help of someone you trust — your friends, parents or a person in authority. Tell them of
your problem. Enlist friends as witnesses.
TAKE NOTES: Keep a detailed, written record of what was said and done to share with the person who investigates your
complaint.
INFORM AUTHORITIES: Report the offensive behaviors to a teacher, counselor or principal. Give details and provide
witnesses. This action may stop the behavior.
OPEN A CASE: File a complaint with you counselor of administrator against the person who is harassing you.
NEVER GIVE IN: If you are not satisfied with the results of your complaint, continue to take action and get help from your
principal.
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Sexual Harassment is based upon the impact on the victim, not the intentions of the perpetrator.
If a student has been proven to have caused sexual harassment,
He/she will be suspended from school and possibly recommended for expulsion
UNIFORM COMPLAINT
COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
When a student, parent/guardian or community member has a complaint alleging that a specific action, policy, procedure
or practice is discriminatory or wishes to file a formal complaint in another area of concern, the district and MMHS follows
the uniform complaint code. Complaints are made in writing and submitted either to Mrs. Walters, Mrs. Beach-Hedges or
to the district office. All parties involved in the complaint shall be notified of the complaint. The usual procedure includes
a meeting/hearing and notification of the decision made to all. The complainant is also notified of his/her right to appeal
the decision at the next level.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Call the Attendance Line:
(24 hours – 7 days a week)
Expected Behavior
Good attendance is a priority at MMHS and a key to academic success. Students are expected to be on time and
prepared for each class. We need parent assistance in ensuring that this occurs and in following re-admit procedures
properly and in a timely manner.
Re-admittance Procedures and Calling in Absences
Parents should call the attendance line on the day their student is absent. If a parent has not called, students should
return to school after an absence with a signed note from a parent or guardian that includes the reason and date(s) of the
absence. Students are considered truant if the parent has not called the Attendance Line or sent a note to school
with the student at the time of readmission. It is important that all absences are cleared within a 3-day period as
California Education Code states that teachers do not have to give makeup work for unexcused absences. Parents:
Please contact your student’s grade level Assistant Principal if your student will miss five or more days due to serious
illness, hospitalization or injury.
To report an absence, please call the attendance office at Murrieta Mesa. This is a 24-hour number with full voicemail
capacity. Please contact us on or before the day of your student’s absence and leave the following information: a) the
student’s name (spell the last name), b) date of absence, c) reason for absence, d) your name and relationship to student,
and e) a contact phone number.
Calling in an Off-Campus Pass for Student Drivers
To assure your student’s safety and to eliminate forged notes, please call the Murrieta Mesa attendance office. Please
call at least 1 hour PRIOR to the time the student is required to leave. You may also call the Attendance Line the
previous day to leave the departure information. If you send a note with your student, you will be contacted by the
Attendance Office to verify the note. If we are not able to contact you, the student will not be allowed to leave campus.
Students are not allowed to leave with other student drivers during school hours.
Arriving late to school
Please provide a written note or call the attendance office if your student is late for school; please indicate the reason for
the late arrival i.e. (illness, doctor’s appointment or personal). Instruct your student that he/she needs to report to the
attendance office when arriving at school in order for the absence/tardy to be cleared. Be aware that the teacher’s tardy
policy is still in effect even if a parent clears the tardy. Your student is considered truant until the absence is cleared. The
school will only clear absences with a verified written note or telephone call from a parent/legal guardian. Please include
the date(s) of the absence, reason for the absence, and sign the note. Students cannot write and sign notes for parents.
This is considered a forgery and students will receive a student behavior referral to administration. Please keep in mind
that teachers require absences to be cleared by the next class meeting. Email messages cannot be accepted.
Picking Up a Student Early
Please come to the Attendance office and present picture identification to the clerk and sign an Off-Campus Pass.
Students will not be released to any individual not listed on the Emergency Card (filled out annually during registration), or
you must make prior arrangements with the Attendance Office. Students will not be called out of class prior to the parent’s
arrival. Please understand, if you wish to pick up your student after 2:00 pm, it may take longer due to staffing
and dismissal procedures. If you need to take your student from a PE class, please call at least 1 hour prior to the time
the student is required to leave; otherwise students will be called out of class when parent or guardian arrives. Please
note that retrieving a student who is in PE without prior notice may take an extended amount of time.
Truancy
Truancy is defined as: a “student who is found off campus or out of bounds during class time without a valid excuse or any
student who is out of class later than ten minutes without a hall pass or readmit”. The consequences for truancy include,
but are not limited to: Saturday School, On Campus Detention (OCD), parent meetings, suspension, a referral to the
School Resource Officer (SRO) for consult and/or citation and referral to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
Unverified Absences - The Murrieta Valley Unified School District Board of Education wishes to emphasize the
importance of school attendance. Therefore, students in grades nine through twelve with excessive unverified absences
(20 absences per semester) shall receive a failing grade and shall not receive credit for the class(es), Board Policy 5121.
-13
Tardiness and Tardy Consequences
Timeliness to class is also an essential aspect of academic success. Students who are not in class when the bell rings,
are deemed tardy. Please provide a written excuse for each tardy in excess of 30 minutes or phone the Attendance
Office prior to arrival with the reason for the late arrival (illness, doctor appointment, or personal). A student is marked
tardy within 30 minutes and truant after 30 minutes if they arrive with no excuse for being late. Students with an
unexcused tardy to the class will receive an after school detention. Students have 3 days to serve the detention. Failure to
serve this detention will result in a Saturday School being assigned. Failure to attend Saturday school will result in
suspension. Students with excessive excused tardies will be assigned tardy consequences and the parent will be notified.
Students with multiple tardies in one day or week will receive an after school detention as well as a Saturday School for
defiance. Continued concerns with tardiness will result in parent meetings and possible suspension.
Personal Business/Family Trips
Students who miss school for pre-planned family trips or other personal business need to notify the attendance office prior
to the start of the absence. They must also notify each teacher in writing five school days in advance if they want to
request work for the period of time they will be absent. These absences are unexcused according to state guidelines. It
is the student’s responsibility to turn in makeup work on the day the student returns to school. Please note that makeup
work completed during personal business/family trips may not coincide with class work and academic progress may be
adversely impacted. We strongly recommend personal business/family trips be scheduled during breaks. Final exams
will not be given early due to vacations or family trips. Students must prearrange pre-planned trips and make
arrangements with the teacher to take the exam when the students return from the trip. In order to not compromise
common examinations, early finals will only be given in extreme situations. See Final Policies for more information.
LIBRARY INFORMATION
HOURS
The library at MMHS is open from 7:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students may come in before school
and after school, during break and during lunch. During class time students need a pass to visit the library.
LIBRARY WEB SITE
In our traditional library setting there is a collection of books, multimedia materials, and magazines. Our “virtual” library is
a huge information universe accessible via the library web page: www.mesarams.com. Click on the library link.
There are 5 extensive online databases which require special web address and passwords. (See below.)
The library web page also has links to help with research projects, assignments and links to other useful sites on the
internet:
EBSCOHost
Reference books, magazines, newspapers & more:
http://search.ebscohost.com
User ID: s9313793
Password: password
Encyclopedia Britannica Online
General encyclopedias for all grade levels plus links to
Online resources:
http://school.eb.com
User ID: mvusd
Password: Library
Infotrac-Thomson Gale Electronic Reference
Specialized encyclopedias & reference books in many subject areas
http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/
Password:
COIN
Your Career Exploration Connection:
http://www.coin3.com
Click: Green “go”
Click: Coin career Library
Site ID: LCA13864
Login: teachers
Please contact Lisa Rivera, Library Media Technician, at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A Murrieta Mesa High School ID card is required to check out library and text books. Student ID with the Internet logo is
required to use a computer in the library. Computers are assigned at the library front desk.
Books are checked out for a three-week period, and notices are sent to students who have overdue books. No overdue
fines are charged but students who ignore overdue book reminders are restricted from all book check-out and computer
uses until books are returned or paid for.
Textbooks are also checked out through the library. Students keep a copy of their text at home and use a class set at
school during class time. Copies of textbooks are available for use in the library when students need to do homework. All
books are returned or paid for at the end of the school year. With the exception of textbooks for AP classes, textbooks
cannot be kept over the summer.
The library environment is reserved for quiet study. Students should seat themselves at existing seating, no more than six
per table, and conversation is limited to tutoring fellow students or small group cooperative assignments.
HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION
-14
EMERGENCY CARDS
Please keep information on this card current. It is the only way to locate parents in the case of an emergency or if a
student is ill. Students are not dismissed from school due to illness or injury unless a parent, guardian or designated
person is notified. Call to update change of home or work phone numbers. We need to have at least two local phone
numbers that we can contact. Also, please note any health concerns regarding your student that either we or the hospital
may need to know.
All RAMS must carry their ID cards!
IMMUNIZATIONS
All students enrolling in school must show proof of adequate immunizations. High school students are required to have a
minimum of 3 Polio and 3 DPT-one dose of each must have been given after the 2nd birthday. Additionally, they are
required to have 2 MMR (given on or after the first birthday) and 3 Hepatitis B. Please check with your own health care
provider or contact the school nurse if you need additional information.
The District website has all immunization requirements or you may contact the health office if you have any questions or
need assistance.
MEDICATION
Ed. Code 49423 states that any student taking medication during school hours, must fill out a special form in the health
office and it must be signed by the doctor and the parent. Medication must be brought by the parent/guardian to school in
the original prescription container. Medications cannot be brought to school and kept in purses or pockets. This also
pertains to ANY over the counter medications. Also, if your student takes medication at home for a health problem, a three
day supply is recommended to keep at school in the event of an emergency or disaster. Note: Students are not allowed to
carry over the counter medications for any reason!
SPORTS PHYSICALS
Any student planning to participate in a sport (including spirit groups) must have a sports physical. The Athletic
Department will notify students/parents when physicals are available through the school.
HEALTH PROBLEMS
If a student has any health problems we need to be aware of, such as arthritis, scoliosis, hearing loss, heart problems,
diabetes, allergies, etc. please notify the School Nurse so we can work together in making necessary adjustments to
ensure each student’s success at MMHS. Feel free to contact the health office if you have any health concerns or
questions.
HEALTH OFFICE PROCEDURE
For the students’ convenience, a phone is located in the health office. The phone is available during break and lunch. If
needed during class time, students may ask for a pass to the health office from their teacher. Cell phones are not allowed
during class time.
HEALTHY STUDENTS LEARN BETTER – Holly Carr, Heath Technician
ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS
WELCOME
Welcome to Murrieta Mesa High School! We hope you will join a team, club or organization as part of your educational
experience at MMHS. Our student activities program will host many events such as dances, assemblies, community
service projects, recognition programs and cultural events that are designed to ensure all students are actively engaged in
school. The Activities Office is located by Ovation Court and the student store and you are always welcome to stop by our
offices to find out about upcoming events and information about clubs or organizations. The student store will sell Ram
gear such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats and snack items. Join us as we begin our legacy with Ram Pride!
USB CARDS
USB Cards are the main source of income for our campus activities, recognition programs and athletic events. The USB
Card is an identification card and provides a variety of discounts for Murrieta Mesa High School students.
• Free admission to home athletic events (CIF Playoffs and tournaments are excluded)
• A discount at social events, dances and cultural events.
• A discount on the yearbook and video yearbook.
• Discounts at local businesses throughout the community.
The USB Card is priced at $30.00. Activities supported by USB Cards are social events, academic recognition programs,
athletic recognition programs, cultural programs, assemblies, academic clubs, academic organizations, and publications
such as the yearbook, newspaper. We hope you will purchase an USB Card and save money while you attend MMHS.
There is a $10 replacement charge for lost or damaged I.D. or USB/I.D. Cards
-15
ACADEMIC LETTERS AND RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
MMHS sponsors a number of academic recognition programs during the school year. During the fall semester of each
year, academic letters are awarded to eligible juniors and seniors based on their cumulative grade point average. In order
to be eligible for an academic letter a junior or senior must have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and an USB Card.
GENERAL POLICY FOR SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
1. Administrators and faculty members have full authority to admit, refuse admission to, or dismiss any student /guest
from any event.
2. All MMHS students bringing a guest to MMHS events are responsible for their guest’s conduct.
3. Participants at events are to be courteous, friendly, and polite. School regulations apply to students and visitors at all
times during the event both on and off campus.
4. All events will be scheduled at the discretion of the Principal, Activities Director, and Student Government.
5. At all events, all students will be asked to present a Student ID card at the ticket office and at the entrance door.
6. Guests at formal school dances will be required to obtain a guest pass before the dance and present a photo ID and
the guest pass at the entrance door. Guest passes are due at the Activities Office forty-eight hours before the
scheduled event. No guest passes will be issued at the time of a dance. Murrieta Mesa High School students must bring
their I.D. card when attending school dances and activities.
7. Students are not to loiter on or near campus after school events. At events at other sites, the same rule applies.
8. Students or guests who do not display appropriate behavior at a school event will be required to leave. Parents will be
contacted and required to pick up their son/daughter immediately. Until such time as they arrive, the student or guest will
remain with the administrator in charge.
9. Any student placed on home or in-school suspension by an administrator or who is on expulsion status will be placed
on the “no-go” list and may not attend or participate in school events for the duration of the suspension or expulsion.
RAM DANCES
Several school dances are held during the school year. Some dances follow athletic events, while others are for an entire
evening such as a semi-formal/formal dance open to all MMHS students. Students must have I.D. cards to attend any
school dance. Students must attend school on the day they attend a dance. Students must follow the MMHS dress code
for dances. The cost of dances may vary, and in most cases, a savings is enjoyed by USB card holders. When your date
for the semi-formal/formal dance is not a student of Murrieta Mesa High School, you must obtain a guest pass from the
Activities Director and obtain a signature of approval from your administrator and an administrator from the guest’s school.
REMINDER: All Murrieta Mesa High School students are responsible for the action and behavior of their guests. All
guests must be under the age of 20. A student who leaves the dance may not return. All students who attend the semiformal/formal dances must have a 2.0 GPA, their name cannot be on the no-go list, and/or have any library or
bookkeeping debts. The wrist band policy will be enforced for inappropriate dancing as outlined on the dance behavior
rules and permission slip.
WRIST BAND POLICY
All students that attend Murrieta Mesa dances will be given a wrist band. If spoken to regarding inappropriate behavior,
their wrist band is cut off. If they are spoken to a second time, they will be excused from the dance and parents will be
contacted. There are NO refunds for inappropriate behavior.
DANCE POLICY
To prevent inappropriate dancing and ensure the safety of your student(s), please read over the following dance rules
with your student.
Dance Behavior Rules
All Students MUST Stand while Dancing
Both feet must be on the ground, break-dancing excluded from this rule
No dancing while bending in an acute or 90˚ angle with the partner behind them.
No Inappropriate Touching
No touching someone below the waist
Dancing face-to-face and front-to back is accepted as long as there is ample space between dance partners
No Dancing that could potentially Hurt Others
No jumping on other people
No mosh pits
Activities Director: Erin Moran
-16
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
Murrieta Mesa High School offers a variety of organizations on campus. All co-curricular organizations have a minimum
G.P.A. requirement. A student who falls below the G.P.A. requirement will be ineligible for participation in outside
activities until the next grading period in which they meet the G.P.A. requirement. A Club Rush Day is held during the first
semester of each year in the courtyard where you can meet members and sign up if you are interested. New clubs may
be formed if they meet school and MVUSD guidelines. Contact the USB Director or member if you wish to start a new
club. Clubs meet during lunch or after school. Listen to the daily bulletin for meeting information. Below is a list of groups
currently chartered by USB.
PERFORMANCE GROUPS
MARCHING BAND
CONCERT ORCHESTRA
DRAMA
PERFORMANCE CORPS
CONCERT BAND
CONCERT CHOIR
Aerobic Fitness
Art Club
AVID
Ballet Folklorico
Black Student Union (BSU)
California Scholastic Federation (CSF)
Chess Club
Drama/Thespian Club
Earth Club
Engineering Club
Fellowship of Christian
Athletes
Friday Night Live
Friends of Rachel
Future Entrepreneurs
Green Team
Interact Club
Model United Nations
Mountain Riders
RAM Productions
Si Se Puede
Snow Riders
Student Venture
World Languages
ACADEMIC ORGANIZATIONS
CSF MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a prestigious organization, exclusive to the state of California, whose
purpose is to foster high standards of scholarship, service and citizenship. Scholarship and citizenship are the basic
requirements to be eligible for the Federation. Students must have a 3.0 Academic GPA and nothing less than a
satisfactory citizenship mark on their report card. Points are issued for particular course and grades and become the
determining factor for qualification. Service is reflected through projects conducted by each Chapter. CSF students must
remain ready to be called upon to provide any needed service for our school and community. A monthly calendar of
meetings and events will be provided at the beginning of each semester.
One of the main functions of CSF is to recognize academic accomplishments in tangible ways. Beginning the second
semester of 10th grade, a student with an academic 3.0 GPA or higher may apply for membership based on the previous
semester’s grades. Membership is for the duration of one semester and members must reapply each semester, along
with paying their annual $10 dues. Members who are active members for four of the six semesters are considered “life
members” and students who are eligible all 6 semesters are considered 100% members. Attendance at CSF meetings is
mandatory in order to remain eligible as an active member. All CSF members receive honor cords to wear at graduation.
Life members receive a CSF certificate of Life Membership and 100% members receive a CSF certificate of 100%
Membership with an embossed gold seal. Colleges and Universities throughout California have set tuition scholarships
aside specifically for CSF life and 100% members. In addition, CSF offers $1250.00 scholarships to 10 CSF seniors from
each region throughout the state. Those 10 finalists compete for one additional $750.00.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school
level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in
the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their
accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and
community service. In order to be nominated for membership in Murrieta Mesa High School’s chapter, students must
exceed rigorous criteria involving character, leadership, public service and ethics. In addition, members must maintain a
3.5 GPA for nomination and for active status. Membership requires the NHS student to maintain an outstanding grade
point average, remain active in a school sponsored community project, and attend all NHS meetings. Should any of these
areas be neglected, membership will be subject for review by the NHS Faculty Council.
At the beginning of each new school year, eligible student candidates will have their names submitted to the MMHS
th
faculty leader for nomination. Any 10-12 grade student with a 3.5 GPA or higher is considered an eligible NHS
candidate. Following a faculty nomination, each nominated student will be given a candidate survey and recommendation
packet to complete. Each candidate’s packet will then be reviewed by the NHS Faculty Council. Acceptance into the
society is announced once the council has made its decision. Potential NHS Officers will be appointed by the NHS
Faculty Council and elections will take place during the first meeting after new members have been announced. A
monthly NHS calendar will be available at the beginning of each semester designating dates, times and locations of
meetings.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PE UNIFORMS
All students are expected to dress in their physical education uniform for physical education class. The uniform consists of
a MMHS T-shirt, shorts and shoe laced rubber soled tennis/athletic shoes. Socks must also be worn. In addition to the
uniform, students may wish to wear sweats for cold weather days. MMHS sweatshirts, sweatpants, and hooded
sweatshirts are also available for purchase. Pants, jeans, jackets and flannels are not permitted.
Sweats may be green, black, grey, or white. Sweats may not be cutoffs, and may not have any lettering or designs other
than Murrieta Mesa High School designs and logos. The Physical Education Department will not accept half shirts, torn or
altered shirts, or clothing with inappropriate writing displayed. Student’s name must be written clearly on the front of
his/her physical education shirt and shorts and should be written in any other physical education attire to prevent loss or
theft. Borrowing or sharing uniforms between students is prohibited.
Clean physical education uniforms are available for loan to students who have an emergency or economic need. The
student’s I.D. Card is required in order to borrow a uniform for class.
LOCKS/LOCKERS
All students enrolled in a physical education class will be assigned a locker to store their physical education uniform and
his/her street clothes and personal belongings. Each student is responsible for securing their own belongings. There is no
sharing of locks or lockers.
MMHS reserves the right to remove any locks (locks placed on a locker not assigned to that specific student or locks left
on large lockers by students who do not have physical education that period). The school accepts no liability for lost or
stolen clothes or locks. Students are required to clean out their lockers at the end of the semester. Anything remaining in
or on the lockers will be removed and discarded.
Dance and Aerobics Classes:
Teacher will make suggestions for attire and footwear on the first day of class.
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
To participate in athletics at Murrieta Mesa High School, a student must:
1. Have earned a minimum 2.0 or “C” grade point average on a 4.0 scale. (See Board Policy 6145 A&B).
Students first entering high school from the eighth grade and not meeting initial eligibility requirements due to a grade
point average below 2.0 will be allowed one probationary period to remain eligible to participate in interscholastic
athletics. The probationary period shall not exceed the fall progress report period or be allowed for any other time other
than the period from the start of the school year to the first 30-day progress report.
2. Complete a MMHS Athletic Participation Handbook.
3. Must purchase a USB Card to receive any awards, letters or certificates.
FALL
(AUGUST 20 - NOVEMBER 2)
Football – JV/Frosh
Girls Volleyball – JV/Frosh
Co-ed Cross Country -JV
Girl’s Golf-JV
Girl’s Tennis-JV
Boy’s Water Polo-JV
Cheerleading – JV/Frosh
WINTER
(NOVEMBER 10 - FEBRUARY 8)
Boy’s Basketball – JV/Frosh
Girl’s Basketball – JV/Frosh
Girl’s Water Polo-JV
Boy’s Soccer – JV/Frosh
Girl’s Soccer -JV
Wrestling -JV
Cheerleading - JV/Frosh
SPRING
(FEBRUARY 17 - MAY 9)
Softball – JV/Frosh
Baseball – JV/Frosh
Co-ed Track-JV
Boy’s Tennis-JV
Boy’s Golf -JV
Co-ed Swimming -JV
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community Service at Murrieta Mesa High School is 40 clock hours of volunteer work. Students may not work for a family
member for money or for credit. Community Service must be completed for an approved non-profit organization. It can be
for more than one organization. Colleges often look for students that have been involved in consistent long-term service
with one organization. An adult overseeing the service must sign off the community service form. Check with your
counselor if you are not sure if the job is appropriate for community service. Check the website and bulletin boards in the
career center for community service opportunities. Community service log sheets are located in the counseling office and
the career center.
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GRADUATION AND UC/CSU ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
To earn a high school diploma from Murrieta Mesa High School, a student must:
1. Successfully complete a minimum of 250 semester credits for sophomores. Pending the MVUSD Board approval, the
credits for graduation will be adjusted from 250 to 230 for the incoming class of 2013.
2. Successfully complete the specific requirements as indicated below:
3. Community Service: Each student must participate in 40 hours of volunteer work in an approved non-profit community service
Project or program.
4. Pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in both English and Math.
MINIMUM
MMHS Graduation
Requirements
English
4 years
40 credits
California State University
University of California
Minimum Eligibility Requirements for
Freshman University Admissions
Minimum Eligibility Requirements for
Freshman University Admissions
4 years
4 years
Math
3 years
30 credits
Algebra I required
3 years - Algebra I, Geometry,
and
Algebra II
3 years required
4 years recommended
Science
3 years
30 credits
(1 yr life)
(1 yr physical)
(1 yr additional)
3 years
30 credits
(1 yr Wld. History)
(1 yr U.S. History)
(1 yr Gov/Econ)
1 year
10 credits
2 years of lab science required
Biology, Chemistry
2 years required
Biology, Chemistry or Physics
3 years recommended
2 years – World History and US
History
2 years – World History and
U.S. History
2 years of the same World
Language
2 years of the same World
Language
3 years recommended
1 year Visual Performing Art
Art-Music-Drama-Dance
Social
Science/
History
World
Language
Visual/
Performing
Arts
Physical
Education
1 year
10 credits
Health
Intro. to
Computers/
Careers
Electives
1 semester
1 semester
10 credits
TOTAL
1 year of the same UC/CSU
approved Visual/Performing Arts
*refer to UC/CSU a-g list
2 years
20 credits
70 credits
250 CREDITS =
Class of 2012
230 CREDITS =
Class of 2013
Academics Electives: refer to the
UC/CSU a-g approved course list
1 year required from UC/CSU
a-g approved course list
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How to Earn Alternative Credits Toward Graduation:
Students may earn college credits while still attending high school. The following three criteria must be met to earn these credits: (Ed.
Code 48800)
1. The course subject is included in the high school course of study or is approved by the high school Counselor.
2. The student must be in good academic standing at the high school.
3. The student applies in writing for the credit. The student must complete the community college/school/parent agreement and turn it
in to their Counselor.
POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING
The Murrieta Mesa High School counseling department offers a comprehensive program that supports academic
achievement, inspires personal growth and provides a foundation for developing future educational and career goals. We
meet with each student at various times during the school year to review your progress toward graduation and reaching
your post-high school goals. For your interests and concerns, check out the numerous resources and Guidance Event
Calendar available to you through our MMHS Website: http://www.mesarams.com and then, click the Counseling tab
for additional information.
Plan on attending the numerous guidance events scheduled on the school calendar to learn more about high
school preparation, meeting university/college requirements, financial aid, college testing and career planning.
Visit the College and Career Center
Visit the College and Career Center in the main office to review college and career information, gain assistance
with online searches, obtain work permits, and learn about upcoming career and college sponsored
presentations.
“The Ramblings” (email newsletter) will keep you up to date on all parent and student events.
2009-2010 TESTING DATES
ACT TEST DATES
REGISTRATION POSTMARK
SAT TEST DATES
REGISTRATION
POSTMARK
Sept. 12, 2009
Aug. 07, 2009
Oct.* 10/18, 2009
Sept 9, 2009
Oct. 24, 2009
Sept. 18, 2009
Nov. 7, 2009
Oct. 1, 2009
Dec. 12, 2009
Nov. 6, 2009
Dec. 5, 2009
Oct. 30, 2009
Feb. 06, 2010
Jan. 5, 2010
Jan. 23, 2010
Dec. 15, 2009
Apr. 10, 2010
March 5, 2010
March 13, 2010
Feb. 04, 2010
June 12, 2010
May 7, 2010
May 1, 2010
March 25, 2010
June 5, 2010
April 29, 2010
PSAT October 17, 2009
*Sunday administrations usually occur the day after each Saturday test date, for students who
cannot test on Saturday due to religious observance. For the test administration on October
10, the Sunday test date has been moved to October 18 to avoid conflict with the Jewish
holiday of Simchat Torah.
Helpful College/Career Websites
COLLEGE EXPLORATION
1. www.csumentor.edu - (Cal State)
2. www.ucop.edu/pathways - (UC)
3. www.aiccu.edu - (Private)
4. www.gocollege.com
5. www.embark.com
6. www.petersons.com
7. www.collegequest.com
8. www.californiacolleges.edu
9. www.collegeispossible.org
FINANCIAL AID
1. www.fastweb.com
2. www.sssc.com
3. www.salliemae.com
4. www.pin.ed.gov
5. www.fafsa.ed.gov
6. www.studentaid.ed.gov
TESTING
1. www.collegeboard.com
2. www.act.org
3. www.review.com
ATHLETICS
1. www.ncaa.org
CAREER EXPLORATION
1. www.erissworks.com/riverside
Riverside County employment
development site with links to
classified job listings.
2. www.caso.com
Extensive directory of distance
learning locations
3. www.myfuture.com
Site directed at teens researching
careers and colleges.
4. www.jobshadow.org