Student/Parent Handbook
Jordan-Elbridge
International Baccalaureate
Middle School
Parent Quick Guide 2026-2027
District Mission
To cultivate the BEST in personal growth and achievement
Our School’s Mission
Jordan-Elbridge Middle School helps young people create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Our School’s Vision
Jordan-Elbridge Middle School is a premier IB World School that prepares every student to be a changemaker and take transformative action within and beyond the school community.
Our School’s Core Values
Jordan-Elbridge Middle School places supreme importance on
Intercultural Understanding
Service
Reflection
Welcome back!
I hope that every student had an opportunity to enjoy the summer and spend some quality time with family and friends. I also hope that you are well-rested for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. I am excited by the opportunity to serve as the Principal for Jordan-Elbridge Middle School, an International Baccalaureate World School.
Parents, please take some time to read this handbook with your child. Educational success starts with a strong home-and-school partnership. Parental support for school policies and procedures is necessary for academic and social/emotional growth.
Students, please become familiar with the information in this handbook. The intent of these policies and procedures is to ensure a positive, safe, and healthy school environment for all.
Let’s get off to a great start and have an excellent year!
Mrs. Alexis Ridlon
Principal
Part I – Student Services
Visitor policy
Because a school is a place of learning and because the district is charged with maintaining the safety of all students and staff, the following rules are enforced:
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Any person who is not a regular student or staff member is considered a visitor.
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Visitors are welcome to attend all school functions that are open to the public.
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All visitors must report to the main office upon being allowed into the building. All visitors are required to sign-in and wear an identification badge. Before leaving the building, all visitors must return to the main office and sign-out.
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All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property as detailed in the district’s code of conduct.
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Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the principal or his/her designee.
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Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave and law enforcement may be called as warranted.
Attendance
New York State now has requirements holding each school accountable for students who have chronic absenteeism. New York State defines chronic absenteeism as a student missing 10% of the school days (18) in a school year. We will be monitoring daily attendance and reaching out to parents and guardians as we become concerned about a student being chronically absent from school. Regular school attendance is directly linked to academic success. After being absent from school, students are to give their written excuse to the nurse. If your child is going to be absent from school, please notify the Health Office at 689-8520, extension 2011, or notify the nurse or secretary via ParentSquare.
Tardiness
Students who enter the school building after 7:35am are required to report directly to the main office to sign in and to secure a pass to their assigned class.
Early dismissal
If your child needs to leave prior to the end of the school day, we ask that you provide a note and that your child give the note to the nurse. The secretary will then give the student a pass to give to his/her homeroom teacher. Upon arriving to pick up your child, parents are asked to report to the main office door, buzz the secretary and your child will be dismissed to you. Please know that as a safety precaution you may be asked to show a form of identification. Note: Students can be released only to a parent or the individuals listed on the child’s emergency card. In order to enforce custody agreements, the school must be given a copy of the court order containing the judge’s signature.
School closings
ParentSquare will notify families of any school closings or delays. As well, ParentSquare will notify parents of any weather-related early dismissals.
Transportation
A.M. parent transport
There is no building supervision prior to 7:15am. Parents are asked to drop students off no earlier than 7:30am in front of the bus garage. Please do not enter the circle while buses are dropping off students.
P.M. parent transport
Self-transport students will be dismissed at 2:35pm. Students may be picked up in front of the bus garage.
Students with bicycles
Students who choose to ride their bikes to school are asked to
• place their bike in the rack located next to the Ramsdell east entrance
• walk their bicycles once on school grounds
Requesting transportation
Parents are required to submit a request for transportation each school year. If you are going to self-transport your child, the transportation office needs to receive written notice so that they can keep this information on file. So as to avoid overcrowding on the buses, district personnel can only honor written requests to change a student’s drop-off or pick-up location if the request is due to a permanent change in daycare arrangement. Should you have any questions regarding busing, please contact the Transportation Department at 689-8500 extension 5601 and 5602.
ParentSquare
The district uses ParentSquare as its main method of communicating with families. All parents have access to ParentSquare and can also download the app on their phones. Teachers may make posts about their classrooms and curriculum, and may also reach out to parents via direct message. Parents are encouraged to interact with teachers using these features. Please remember to be respectful when communicating, including using business/office hours to send direct messages to staff. If you have an urgent need, remember to contact the main office when needed.
Services by office
Cafeteria services
Jordan-Elbridge Central School District will provide lunch and breakfast to students free of charge. Any questions regarding food services should be directed to the Food Service Director at 689-8500, extension 5701.
Health office (Located in the hallway to the left of the lobby doors)
The school nurse provides basic first aid, conducts height, weight, vision and hearing assessments, maintains student health records, and serves as a liaison between home and school. The school nurse does not diagnose any medical conditions as this is the responsibility of your family doctor. New York State Education Law does not permit school nurses to dispense any internal medication, including aspirin, unless the following conditions are met:
A written order from a physician indicating the medication, dosage and duration of order is provided. Written parental permission for the administration of the medication is provided. A supply of medication with a label that contains the student’s name, type of medication, doctor’s name, time(s) to be given, and dosage is provided.
The school nurse is required to maintain a file of each child’s immunizations. The school nurse will contact the parent or guardian of any student who is lacking a required immunization. By New York State Education Law, any failure to comply, within 30 days from notification, will result in a student’s immediate suspension from school until said requirement is met.
Notes: *Medicine cannot be transported back and forth by students via the school bus.* Physical education is required for all students. In order for a student to be excused from PE class, the school nurse must be provided a written release from a physician.
Guidance office
The purpose of the guidance department is to help students meet with success in school. The guidance counselor will help students learn more about themselves, their interests, and their special abilities. The guidance counselor is available to assist with both educational and personal concerns.
Library
Students are encouraged to use the library to do independent research, view library materials, and engage in leisure reading and/or to study.
Reference and reserved materials, including current magazine issues, are to be viewed in the library only. However, overnight borrowing of these materials may be arranged with the librarian.
Books may be borrowed for three weeks and renewed once.
Failure to return materials may result in the loss of library privileges. Students who lose, misplace or damage library materials must make a monetary reimbursement to the school. The librarian shall determine the fee according to replacement costs.
Academics
International Baccalaureate report cards
JEMS reports student achievement via an IB report card four times per year. The IB report card parameters are explained in a separate handbook for students, which they will receive at the beginning of the year. Information about grades, academic recognition, and grade reporting will be presented to students during the first week of school and to parents at the grade level “Back to School” night. This information can also be found on the school website.
Academic recognition
Refer to the International Baccalaureate student handbook for academic recognition.
National Junior Honor Society
In the spring of a student’s Year II, he or she may begin the process of applying for acceptance to the National Junior Honor Society. Eligibility is decided based on students’ marking period scores and a “clean” discipline record. Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be required to fill out an application to provide information about his or her character, leadership, and community service. Students who are interested in being a member of the Junior Honor Society should make an extra effort to lead, be a member in school activities, clubs, and community organizations, and perform volunteer work.
Student council
The purpose of the Student Council is to promote school spirit and school pride. The Student Council officers and individual class officers are elected in the fall of each year.
Retention
A student’s failure to be promoted to the next grade level is a multi-faceted decision. Factors for consideration include the child’s age, physical size, academic history, current academic transcript, and emotional maturity. All relevant parties would have input to such a decision, including the student, the student’s parents, teachers, guidance counselor and the building principal.
Acceleration policy for students in 8th grade
The District will provide an opportunity for 8th grade students to be accelerated in Life Sciences Biology and Algebra I. Screening of students for possible placement in this program will take place at the end of the 7th grade year. Students will be able to enroll in Living Environment upon required grades, the recommendation of their teacher, and signed parent agreement. Successful completion of the course and the Regents exam will result in the student receiving one high school credit.
A parent/guardian must give permission for a student to participate. All parties need to know that acceleration is difficult and will include mandatory attendance at scheduled review classes.
Part II - Student Behavior and Discipline
This section of the handbook outlines specific expectations for student behavior at the Jordan-Elbridge Middle School facility. Additionally, the District’s Code of Conduct, Character, and Support is available for review on the district’s website. All students, staff and community members are subject to the Code of Conduct when on school grounds or at school functions.
Student responsibilities
A student shall not act in such a manner which disrupts the rights of others or which causes disorder or infringes on the rights of others. A school is a place of learning and it is important for all members of the school community to act in a manner considerate of the rights and feelings of others. Students learn from each other. Older students need to be conscientious that younger students are often impressionable. Students are expected to show respect for faculty and other members of the school community. A relationship based upon respect creates a harmonious environment. For the educational process to proceed in an orderly fashion, certain minimum standards of behavior must be required of all students.
All district students have the responsibility to:
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Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property
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be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct
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attend school every day unless they are legally excused
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be on time and prepared to learn
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work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward the highest levels of achievement
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conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship
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react to direction given by teachers, administrators and other personnel in a respectful manner
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work to develop mechanisms to control their anger
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ask questions when they do not understand
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seek help in solving problems
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dress appropriately for school and school functions
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accept responsibility for their actions
All district parents have the responsibility to
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recognize that the education of their child is a joint responsibility
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ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time
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insist that their child be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code
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help their child to understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment
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know the school rules and help their child understand them
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convey to their child a supportive attitude toward education
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build good relationships with all school staff
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help their child deal with peer pressure
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inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance
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provide a place for their child to study and complete homework assignments
Cell phones
Students are not to use their cell phones during the instructional day, as per New York State law. They may bring their cell phones to school, but must put them away in their lockers by the first bell. Cell phones must be turned off and must remain in lockers until the final instructional bell at 2:30pm. Students are allowed to use their cell phones at after school events based on the discretion of the supervising adult, but must follow the code of conduct expectations for cell phone use.
Lockers
All students will be assigned a locker with a combination lock. Students are encouraged to use their lockers to store items throughout the day. Students are not allowed to carry backpacks during their school day.
Detention
After school detention is described in the district’s Code of Conduct, Character, and Support. Detention is held M, T, TR, and F. We will do our best to notify parents that students have detention. Students in grades 6-8 will be expected to stay regardless of parent contact unless a parent has made other arrangements with the principal or teacher.
Class attendance
Students are required to attend all classes and study halls. Students who fail to attend classes and study halls will be subject to the consequences outlined in the district’s Code of Conduct, Character and Support.
In-school suspension
In the event that a student is placed on in-school suspension, he or she will be supervised by an adult in a reflection room where the student will be asked to complete class work and any related homework A student serving an in-school suspension will not be permitted to attend classes nor will he or she be able to participate in or attend any school activities during the period of the in-school suspension. Students service in-school suspension will also complete a reflection activity and where appropriate, will be seen by a member of the guidance office staff.
Out-of-school suspension
In the event that a student is suspended from school, he/she may not attend classes, participate in school functions, or attend any school-related activities. Upon returning to school, the student and his/her parent may be asked to have a re-entry conference with a building administrator. Note: A suspended student may be required to make up all class work, homework and/or tests given during the student’s suspension. Suspended students also have the right to receive up to 3 hours of tutoring per day at the discretion of the parent. The parent also has up to 24 hours to meet with the building administrator to contest the suspension.
Dress code
Students are expected to be clean and neat in personal appearance and clothing when they attend school. Hats will not be worn in the school building. Additionally, a student’s dress, grooming and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, make-up and nails, shall
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be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process
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ensure that underwear is completely covered with other clothing
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include footwear at all times
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not include items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous or derogatory to others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability
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not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities
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provide enough coverage that undergarments are not visible
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make reference to violence, guns, weapons, profanity, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, or make offensive statements about religion or gender.
Students who violate the dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item.
Bus rules
Bus safety is the responsibility of all persons on the school bus. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and responsible for your safety. Help your bus driver to keep your bus neat and do your part to make his/her driving safe. Students must follow all rules that are posted on the school bus.
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Be on time at the scheduled stop or when going home at the close of the school day.
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Wait until the bus comes to a full stop before attempting to get on or off. When waiting for the bus, be sure to stand at least 3 feet back from the edge of the pavement until the bus comes to a full stop.
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Wait for the driver’s hand signal before crossing the road or street and cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
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Leave no books, lunches, papers or other articles on the bus. Also, do not bring water guns, sharp objects, or any large items on the bus.
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Refrain from talking to the driver while the bus is moving.
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Be courteous and responsible at all times.
Study hall
Students must bring texts and materials to study hall. Each student is expected to recognize the purpose of study hall and to respect the rights and needs of others. It is recommended that students use this time to develop good study habits and to maintain high academic standards.
Payment for technology
Students are required to pay for Chromebooks and textbooks that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
School dances
Dances are not open to the public. Only students enrolled at the Jordan-Elbridge Middle School are allowed to attend. Students are to stay in the building for the length of the dance. No alcoholic beverages, controlled substances or tobacco products will be allowed in the school building or on school grounds. Students engaged in behavior that is inappropriate for a public place will be asked to immediately stop. If the student refuses, he or she will be directed to leave school property. Any student involved in or encouraging a fight, damaging property or infringing on the rights of others will be dealt with in accordance with the district’s Code of Conduct, Character, and Support and may be subject to prosecution. Students must meet the same standards of dress as those for the regular school day. Anyone who does not will be directed to leave school property. No pupils are to be in the parking area, in cars or out, except as they are entering or leaving school grounds. Chaperones will check the parking areas periodically. Pupils loitering in these areas will be directed to leave the school grounds immediately. Students who violate any of these rules will be suspended from attending dances for the remainder of the school year, as well as face additional disciplinary action as warranted.
Athletics
Student academic eligibility 6-8
Please refer to the academic eligibility policy on the JECSD Academics website page.