Middle School Contact Information

Northeast Middle School Northwest Middle School

Robinette Armstrong- Principal……….610-371-5772
John Zulick- Assistant Principal………610-371-5772
Main Office…………………………….610-371-5772
Guidance……………………………….484-258-7577
Guidance……………………………….484-258-7579
Health Room…………………………..610-371-5772
Joel Brigel-Principal………………….610-371-5882
Angel Zimmerman-Assistant Principal.610-371-5882
Main Office……………………………610-371-5882
Guidance………………………………610-371-5882
Health Room………………………….484-258-7266

Southern Middle School Southwest Middle School

Geina Beaver-Principal………………610-371-5803
Manny Savignano-AssistantPrincipal..610-371-5803
Main Office…………………………610-371-5803
Guidance……………………………610-371-5803
Health Room…………………….....484-258-7485
Dennis Campbell-Principal………..…610-371-5935
Kate Gallagher- Assistant Principal….610-371-5935
Main Office…………………………..610-371-5935
Guidance………………………………610-371-5935
Health Room………………………….484-258-7206

This handbook is a School-Issued Instructional Resource. It is used DAILY!

Students Must Have this Handbook at ALL TIMES.

This Agenda Belongs To:

NAME

ADDRESS
CITY/STATE/ZIP

Student ID #

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 General Information
After-School Programs
The middle schools run several after-school programs. These programs are geared to give
students help in specific academic areas, as well as to keep students involved in school-
sponsored activities. We encourage all students to become involved in at least one activity.
These activities are pre-scheduled and announcements are made on a daily basis to notify
students about upcoming activities.

American Reading Company Initiative

Students will be required to carry their American Reading Company (ARC) folders with
them at all times.

Arrival
Students should arrive to school no earlier than 8:15 AM.

Assemblies
Students are expected to act appropriately during all assemblies and presentations. Failure to
do so will result in removal from the assembly. Serious and/or chronic offenses will be
referred to administration.

Attendance (School and Class)

It is crucial that all students attend their assigned classes on time each day. In middle school,
it is the responsibility of each student to follow his/her daily schedule to get to each assigned
class. All student absences from school must have a parental note, date, and reason for the
absence. State law provides for absences for the following reasons:
1.) Personal illness
2.) Death in the immediate family
3.) Required court appearance
4.) Religious holiday
5.) Quarantine
6.) Emergency as determined by the principal
Further information may be requested at the discretion of administration. Any absence over 3
days requires a doctor’s excuse/note. Failure to supply the information requested will
automatically result in an unlawful absence. Unlawful absences will result in fines. Also, any
student who is absent from school is prohibited from attending any school activities on the
days of absence. In addition, students who are chronically late to school could receive fines.
The number of minutes that a student is late will accumulate into a half day absent. Please
refer to the Reading School District Handbook for more detailed information regarding
attendance procedures.

5 and 10 Day Letters

When a student accumulates five days of excused absences by parental notes, a “5 Day
Letter” will be sent to the parents. The purpose of this letter is to inform the parents that their
son/daughter has had five days of excused absences by parental notes. Once a student
accumulates 10 days of excused absences by parental notes only, a “10 Day Letter” will be
sent to the parents. The purpose of this letter is to inform parents that from the date of the
letter until the end of the school year, all future absences must have a letter or excuse from a
physician. If not, the absences will be considered unlawful.
Backpacks

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The use of backpacks is prohibited at the middle school, including gym backpacks that are
not transparent or mesh. Approved bags can be used for Gym purposes only.

Breakfast
All students will be eating breakfast in their homerooms each morning.

Cafeteria
Students are required to eat lunch in the school cafeteria; however, students may pack their
own lunch. Students may go to their lockers before lunch. Each student is expected to do the
following on a daily basis to ensure safety and security in the cafeteria:
1.) Get to the cafeteria on time: Students are given an additional 2 minutes after the
late bell to get to the cafeteria. Late to lunch without a teacher pass will result in
lunch detention.
2.) Remain quiet during announcements: Security Officers and Teachers will have
announcements in the beginning of each lunch period. Once the Zero Noise
signal has been given, all students must remain quiet during announcements and
must continue to do so until told otherwise. When permitted, students should
maintain “quiet conversations.”
3.) Be courteous in the lunch line: Students are directed into a lunch line by security
officers. It is expected that all students will not push or cut in front of other
students in the line.
4.) Keep your area clean: It is each student’s responsibility to keep his/her area clean
and to dispose of all trash when directed to do so.
5.) Leave in an orderly fashion: Due to the fact that classes are in session all day,
students must remain quiet in the stairwells and hallways after being dismissed
from the cafeteria.

Calendars
The Middle School produces a monthly calendar that will come home with students at the
beginning of the month, in addition to being posted online at www.readingsd.org. Please use
these calendars to ensure that everyone is aware of late starts, early dismissals, and important
events.

Cameras/Surveillance
The middle schools have several cameras located in specific locations that serve to ensure a
safe and orderly environment for all students. These cameras are monitored by security
officers and administration. Evidence from these cameras is used in both discipline and
police matters. Additionally, security and administration have portable cameras that may be
used for emergency and/or investigatory purposes.

Charges
Students are responsible for books, calculators, locks, music equipment, and/or other items
that are issued by the school. If any issued item is lost and/or damaged, students are
responsible to pay the replacement cost for the item(s) at prevailing prices. Students with
charges may be prohibited from attending school-sponsored activities.

Computers
All students are supervised while working in any of the computer labs or with any of the
mobile labs. While working on the Internet, students may only access sites that are approved
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by the supervising teacher and district protocol. Accessing inappropriate sites will have
disciplinary consequences.

Conferences
Parent conferences occur in November and January. However, any parent or guardian should
feel free to schedule a conference at any other time by contacting the school. Students are
strongly encouraged to come to the conference, when possible.

Contact Information
It is the responsibility of each student and parent to ensure that contact information, such as
correct address and phone numbers, are on file in the office at all times.

Daily Announcements
Announcements are made each day by the principal on the intercom or television system. All
students are expected to remain silent and seated during announcements.

Demerits
There are several expectations for all Middle School Students:
1.) Late to Class – All students are expected to get to class within the time allowed.
2.) No pencil – All students are expected to have a pencil with them at all times.
3.) Out of Seat Without Permission – All students are expected to remain in their
assigned seats until given permission to move.
4.) Excessive Talking – There are many times throughout the day when students are
encouraged to work cooperatively with other students. However, when the
teacher uses the Zero Noise Signal to get the class quiet, it is the expectation that
students will not talk to each other without permission.
5.) Chewing gum - No gum is allowed in school.
6.) At Locker Without Permission – All students are given the opportunity to go to
their lockers before school starts, before lunch, and after school. Students may not
go to their lockers at any other times without a valid pass from their teacher.
7.) Running in the Hallway – All students are expected to walk appropriately in the
hallways.
8.) Screaming in the Hallway – All students are expected to use a “conversation
tone” in the hallways.
If these expectations are not met, students will receive a demerit, a noted violation of
established expectations. These demerits are recorded on a monthly sheet. Once a student has
reached 10 demerits in 1 month, the student will be prohibited from the monthly incentive
program. If a student does not have his/her demerit sheet, the student will receive a teacher
detention for “No Demerit Sheet” and will be excluded from the monthly incentive program.
If a student does not have his/her demerit sheet on the day that the demerit sheets are
collected, he/she will be excluded from the incentive program.

Detention
The Middle School has 3 types of detention: (Detentions may vary between Middle Schools)
1.) Teacher Detention: Students can receive a Teacher Detention for classroom
violations, lack of planner, and/or to complete missed work. Teacher Detentions

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 will be dismissed by 3:40 PM, unless parental notification has been made.
Failure to report to a teacher detention will result in a Team Detention.
2.) Team Detention: Students can receive a Team Detention for classroom
violations, dress code violations, extensive classroom/cafeteria/hall violations,
lack of planner, and/or to complete missed work, etc. Team Detentions will be
dismissed by 3:50pm. Failure to report to a Team Detention will result in a
School Detention.
3.) School Detention: Students can receive a school detention for more severe
discipline consequences. School Detentions will be dismissed by 4:10 PM.
Failure to report to a school detention may result in in-school or out-of-school
suspension. Only official notes from a doctor, lawyer, judge, JPO officer, or
clergy man/woman will be accepted as excuses. These notes must be presented to
administration by 8:25 AM on the day after the scheduled detention. Parent notes
will not be accepted. Failure to report to a School Detention can result in
Suspension.

Dress Code
It is the expectation that all students will follow the established dress code policy everyday. If
a student is found to be in violation of the policy, he/she will receive notification of specific
consequences. Please refer to the Student Dress Code pages at the end of the handbook.
There are several times throughout the month and quarter when Dress Down Days are
sponsored. At times, these days are used as fundraisers for local charities and clubs. These
days are announced via the daily announcements. On established “Dress Down Days,”
students must wear school appropriate attire: no jeans with holes/tears, no tank tops/muscle
shirts, no flip-flops/sandals, no exposures, no hoods attached to tops, nothing shorter than 3
inches above the knee (even with leggings underneath), no pajamas, no tights as pants, no
drug/alcohol/violence references, and nothing that is specifically prohibited on any
announcements establishing the Dress Down Day.

Discipline
The Middle School has high expectations for student achievement and student responsibility.
Each student has the right to a safe and calm environment for learning. When a student is
violating this right for herself/himself and/or others, he/she has violated an expectation and
will be dealt with by multiple measures, including teacher-level consequences, team-based
consequences, guidance counseling, and administration. Generally, teachers determine the
level of violation and work with the student, parents, guidance counselor, and administration
to assist the student to be successful. There are violations that would automatically be
referred to administration:
1.) Illegal/controlled substances
2.) Weapons
3.) Inappropriate gestures
4.) Administrative Defiance
5.) Fighting
6.) Vandalism
Any occurrence of disorderly conduct, possession/distribution of illegal substances,
vandalism, weapons, and/or gang activity will also result in police action. Additionally, these
offenses and general/chronic discipline problems could also be referred to alternative
education services. Please refer to the Reading School District Student Handbook for
additional information regarding these policies.

Early Dismissals/Medical Appointments

There are several times throughout the school year that students will be dismissed early from
school. The 1st Monday of each month will have an early dismissal for middle school
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students. Additional early dismissals will be noted on each month’s school calendar. In the
case of medical appointments, parents must report to the main office to pick their child up on
the day of the appointment. Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule doctor and dental
appointments for after school hours.

Electronic Devices
As per Reading School District policy, students may bring electronic devices, including cell
phones, onto school property. However, students may not use these devices during the school
day while in classes, halls, lavatories, or any other part of the building. In particular, cell
phones must be turned off upon entering the school building and must remain off until
dismissal. All electronic devices must be kept out of sight. If a student brings an electronic
device to school, he/she holds complete responsibility for its safekeeping. The Reading
School District, and/or adults within the building, will not be held responsible for the
safekeeping of student electronic devices. Students violating this rule will have the items
confiscated and parents/guardians must come to school to retrieve the item(s).

Emergency Drills
In complying with local regulations, the middle school will have emergency fire and/or
weather drills at least once each month. During these times, students must remain silent and
follow adult directions to exit and re-enter the building appropriately. Failure to comply with
these rules could result in a police citation.

Field Trips
Field trips are a privilege for students to gain academic experiences outside of the classroom.
Students who have failed to follow expectations in the classroom will not be provided with
the opportunity to participate in field trips off school property. Moreover, student who do not
have physicals on file with the nurse are not allowed to participate on school field trips.

Food
Middle school students may not bring food into the school other than a pre-packed lunch.
This includes any food products that are to be shared in the classroom. Any students found to
have food or drink products on their person after entering the school building will have the
items confiscated and discarded. Drinks that are brought from home in a pre-packed lunch
must remain un-opened until the lunch period begins. The middle school reserves the right to
inspect all food and drink items at any time.

Fundraisers
Throughout the year several fundraising opportunities for the school, clubs, or the PFO will
be offered to students. Student participation is not mandatory, but offered to all students.

GoMath
Students are required to carry their GoMath workbooks at all times.
Guidance
Every middle school student has access to a school counselor. Every student has the
opportunity to receive interventional support. At times, students may be assigned to speak
with a school counselor by a teacher or administrator.

Hallways
At the middle school, it is the expectation that all students will be able to walk from class to
class appropriately. Students must walk on the right side of the halls, use the appropriate up
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or down staircases, keep moving without loitering, and have quiet conversations. Running,
pushing, shouting, screaming, singing, dancing, going to any lockers without permission,
going into lavatories, loitering in stairwells, inappropriately gesturing/touching others,
disrespecting others, and/or walking to restricted areas of the building will not be tolerated.
During hall sweeps, students who are found out of class without a pass directly from a
teacher will have an automatic school detention.

Incentive Program
Each month, the middle school will hold an incentive program for students who received less
than 10 demerits. These programs will include Movies, Faculty v. Student Athletic
Competitions, Sports Events, Day Dances, Faculty Fun Days, and other events. Students who
are not eligible for these events will be assigned to an alternate location for the time of the
event. In addition, students who receive a teacher detention for “NO DEMERIT SHEET” and
students who do not have a demerit sheet by the end of the month will not be allowed to
participate in the incentive program.

Interims
Middle School students receive interim reports half-way through each quarter to note
successful/unsuccessful progress in specific subject areas. Parents and guardians must be
made aware of a potential failure in any area. Students are expected to take these interim
reports home to parents as soon as they are distributed. These interim reports must be
returned to the Team Leader.

Lavatories
Lavatories are generally available on each floor of the middle school. Students must ask
permission from a classroom teacher to go to the lavatory. Also, students are responsible to
have each teacher sign his/her planner to denote each lavatory trip. Generally, students are
permitted to use the lavatory before lunch, during lunch, and after lunch. Students with
specific medical conditions may be given additional consideration. Additionally, the Middle
School works very hard to maintain clean and functioning lavatories. If there are any
problems in the lavatories, students are expected to inform an adult in the building as soon as
possible. Any students who are caught not keeping the lavatories clean and orderly will
receive severe consequences under a vandalism designation.

Leaving the Building

Students are not allowed to leave the building during the school day. Legitimate reasons for
leaving school early include being sent home by the nurse or having to leave for a medical
appointment. In either case, students must be picked up by a parent or guardian with proper
identification (must be on the pickup list on file). Students will not be allowed to leave the
building without a parent/guardian present. Students are dismissed at 3:25 PM, unless they
are attending rehearsals, meetings, practices, or school/team/teacher detentions. Students who
remain in the building after 3:25 PM must be under the supervision of a teacher and should
not be in the hallways without permission. Once students have left the building, they should
go directly home and NOT LOITER on or around school property.

Library
The library is available during specific days and times. Please listen to the announcements to
determine when books are available to check out.

Lockers/Locks
All middle school students are issued an individual locker on the 1 st day of school. The
lockers and the locks remain the property of the Reading School District regardless of student
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use. Additionally, locks become a student charge if lost and/or stolen. Students are
discouraged from sharing their individual locker combination with anyone. Locks have a
replacement value of $5.00, but textbooks and other supplies could cost well over $300 if
items are stolen from a locker. Students are not permitted to supply their own locks.

Mediation
Mediation is available at the middle school. Students are always encouraged to seek the
assistance of adults in resolving difficult situations with others. It is expected that all students
will abide by the results of the mediation. Continued problems between the same individuals
should be reported to administration.

Medication Policy
As per the Reading School District Policy, all medication that is medically necessary must be
stored in the Health Room with the medical professional. Unless specifically told to do so by
the medical professional, no student should ever have any medication, prescription or over-
the counter, with them at any time during the regular school day.

Parent-Faculty Organization
The middle school has a Parent-Faculty organization that meets at least once per month.
Parents and guardians are strongly recommended to attend these events, as they will provide
information regarding the school and ways in which to help students to become more
successful. Please note the dates of these meetings on each month’s school calendar.

Passes
All students must have a pass with them in the hallways at all times. No student should ever
be in the hallway at any point without the pass. Students should never leave a classroom
without the permission of the classroom teacher.

Personal Property
All students are discouraged from bringing any valuable personal property onto school
grounds. The school will not be held responsible for lost and/or stolen items, including items
left in the locker rooms.

Picture Day
Individual student pictures will be taken in the fall of each school year and as needed
throughout the school year. Every student will have his/her picture taken. These pictures will
be used to update individual cumulative files and Student ID cards, as well as general
identification purposes.

Report Cards
All 1st Quarter Report Cards will be available at the school during our November
conferences. Parents and/or guardians must pick the report card up during the conference
times. All 2nd Quarter Report Cards will be sent home, with the exception of select students
who are in need of an additional conference. Those students must have a parental conference
scheduled in January. All subsequent report cards will be sent home.

School Delays and Closings Due to Inclement Weather

These local radio stations will announce school delays and closings: 850 AM WEEU, 1340
AM WRAW, and Y102 FM WRFY. Channel 9 television station will also broadcast
information about school closings and delays. You can also check the Reading School

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District Website at www.readingsd.org. Please do not call the school to obtain information
about school delays and closings.

School Visitors
During the school day, all doors will be locked. All school visitors must report to the front
doors and report to the main office. Parents and guardians are welcome to visit student
classes; however, 24 hour notice is required to be provided to administration. Administration
maintains the right to deny school access, when necessary, and during all emergency drills.

Security Searches
According to Public Law 167 and Reading School District Policy, all persons entering a
school may be required to submit to a metal detector scan and/or personal search. This policy
includes the search of district-owned lockers. These searches will occur frequently and all
students will receive a parental notification letter when searched.

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The middle school has a Student Assistance Program that is a confidential service to help
students remove barriers to learning. Students may be referred to the SAP program by other
students, teachers, parent/guardians, community members, or themselves.

Suspensions
Students who have consistently failed to meet school expectations or students who have
violated major offenses will be suspended from school. There are 2 types of suspensions:
1.) In-School Suspensions: Students can be assigned to a restricted classroom called
TPC, for a period, a day, or several days, as determined by the severity of the
offenses. This type of suspension may also include approved community service.
2.) Principal Suspensions: Students can be assigned to an out-of-school suspension
for 1 to 10 school days, as determined by the severity of the offense. Additionally,
students are not permitted on school property during school hours from 7:30 AM
to 4:00 PM, or during any before or after-school activities. Additionally, students
may be restricted from school activities for an extended period of time at the
discretion of administration. Non-compliance will result in police referrals.
Students and parents/guardians must attend a reinstatement conference with
administration before returning to school. This type of suspension may also
include approved community service after reinstatement.

Tardiness to School
All students are expected to come to school on time. If a student is late, he/she will face
discipline consequences and potential truancy fines. All late students must report to the
designated area to receive a pass to be admitted to class.

Telephone
If necessary, students may use the school phone to call home for an emergency. Students are
not allowed to receive phone calls/ texts during the school day on their personal cell phones.

Truancy
According to Act 29, students and parents/guardians could face a fine of $300, court imposed
classes, and/or jail time if students do not attend school. If a student is having problems with
truancy, please seek assistance from the school counselor.
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Middle School CHAMPS
Initiative
CHAMPS is the positive expectation initiative in the Reading
School District. CHAMPS is an acronym for…

“Courteous, Honorable, Accountable, Motivated, Prepared and

Successful”

These are character traits that have been determined to be vital

for individuals to become good students, good people and
positive contributing members to society.

Why Are We Doing This CHAMPS Thing?

We want to reverse our thinking and teaching about behavior and
discipline. When most of us discuss behavior in school, we focus
on and think of poor decisions that students make and what NOT
to do. CHAMPS is turning that all around. CHAMPS is a positive
behavior philosophy that talks about and shows us WHAT we are
supposed to do.

How Do I Become a CHAMP?

You will see posters around the building that tell you what each
trait in CHAMPS looks like in different parts of the building (see
reverse side). Everyday and time that you exercise and practice
the character traits of CHAMPS, you are a CHAMP! However, as
you continue to display these positive behaviors on a consistent
basis, your teachers will recognize your behaviors with reward
points.

What are Reward Points?

You will receive reward points in a number of ways. Currently,
your teachers should be rewarding students with CHAMPS
BUCKS to be redeemed in the school store.

What Can I Get with My CHAMPS Points?

This school year, you can redeem your CHAMPS Bucks for things
such as pencils, pens, dress down passes and more. These items
are currently part of the school store inventory.

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 School-Wide Positive Behavior
 Say “Please” and “Thank you”
Courteous  Use library voice
Use Kind
Language
 Use positive language
 Compliment others
 Model positive behavior
Honorable  Follow all school-wide/class expectations
Respect
Myself and
 Allow teachers to teach and students to
Others learn
 Report any concerns to teacher
 Arrive on time for school and class
Accountabl  Model positive behavior and language
e  Take action to correct mistakes
“My Actions
are My
Responsibili
ty”
 Come to school prepared to learn
Motivated  Participate in class and school activities
Do My Best
 Take action to correct mistakes

 Wear dress code clothing

Prepared  Have all materials/agenda needed for
Have All
Materials
class
Needed for  Turn in homework
School  Complete all assignments

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2015-2016 Data Tracker

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IRLA Levels 2nd Quarter
Present Level 3rd Quarter
September 4th Quarter
Level
October Level
November Level Study Island Math Levels
December Level Math Study Island
January Level FALL Level
February Level GOAL
March Level Math Study Island
WINTER Level
April Level
Math Study Island
May Level
SPRING Level
June Level

Study Island Reading

Levels
Reading Study Island
FALL Level
MY GOAL
Reading Study Island
WINTER Level
Reading Study Island
SPRING Level

Student Overall Goals

My Goals in Reading ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

My Goals in Math ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

My Goals in Social Studies __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

My Goals in Science _______________________________________________________

GoMath Benchmark
1st Quarter

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 READING SCHOOL DISTRICT DRESS CODE

POLO SHIRT SWEATERS

 Boys & Girls  Boys & Girls
 White, Blue,  White, Blue,
Black, Red, Black, Red,
(SOLID)

DRESS SHIRT BLOUSE (with

(Long Sleeve) collar)
 Boys & Girls  Girls
 White, Blue,  White, Blue,
Black, Red, Black, Red,
(SOLID) (SOLID)

DRESS SHIRT
(Short Sleeve) KHAKI /DRESS
PANTS
 Boys & Girls
 Boys & Girls
 White, Blue,
Black, Red,  Khaki (Tan),
(SOLID) Navy Blue,
Black

TURTLENECK
(Full)
SHORTS
 Boys & Girls
 Boys & Girls
 White, Blue,
Black, Red,  Khaki (Tan),
(SOLID) Navy Blue,
Black

TURTLENECK
(Mock)
SKIRT/SKORT
 Boys and
Girls  Girls
 White, Blue,  Khaki (Tan),
Black, Red, Navy Blue,
(SOLID) Black

*Shorts and skirts must be within 3 inches of the knee.

NO EXCEPTIONS!

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 UNACCEPTABLE DRESS CODE ATTIRE

T-SHIRT TANK TOP

NO!
Flip-Flops or High Heels
Footwear such as heels and flip-flops can be
hazardous to the safety and well-being of all
students. As a result, these types of footwear are
unacceptable.
SPAGHETTI HOODIES
STRAPS

DENIM SWEATPANTS
BAGGAGE:
Purses- must be no larger
than a sheet of 8x11 inch
paper.

Gym Clothes should be

CAMOUFLAGE PAJAMAS
PANTS
transported in either:
Mesh drawstring or
grocery
Bag

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 LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD
Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

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 LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD
Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

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LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD

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Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD

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Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD

Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials
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 LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD
Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

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 LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD
Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

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 LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD
Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

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 LAVATORY AND HALL PASS RECORD
Date Time Purpose Initials Date Time Purpose Initials

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