Handbook

Email: MeekerAttendance@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Phone: 253-571-6570

Attendance is the single-most important factor in determining academic achievement.

Meeker strongly encourages scheduling appointments and family vacations outside of the school day.

The following are methods of communicating with the school to receive an excused absence:

​The parent/guardian emails MeekerAttendance@tacoma.k12.wa.us on or before the day of the absence. The email must include:

• Student’s first and last name
• Date(s) of the absence
• Reason for the absence

If the parent/guardian was unable to email, the student brings a note from a parent/guardian to the Attendance Office following an absence. The note must include:

• Student’s first and last name
• Date(s) of the absence
• Reason for the absence

An absence will be considered unexcused if the parent/guardian does not excuse the absence within two (2) days following the student’s return to school. The Becca process will be followed for unexcused absences.

Arriving Late

Arriving Late:  Students must check in at the attendance window with a written note from a parent/guardian stating the reason for an arrival 10 minutes after the start of the day. Students will receive consequences in alignment with the school’s discipline policy if arriving late without a District defined excused reason.

Leaving Early 

Notes for an early release must be brought to the attendance window before school on the day of the early release.  Parents/Guardians or an authorized contact must come into the Main Office and sign out a student that is being dismissed before the end of the school day.

Pre-Arranged Absences

Pre-Arranged Absence forms are available from the attendance desk in the main office.  Make your request at least three (3) days prior to the planned absence.

Requests for Homework

For an absence of one or two days, please contact the teacher and/or frequently check Schoology.

Washington State Attendance Requirements  

State law and district policies and regulations require daily and punctual attendance of all students unless officially excused. Parents/guardians and students are both responsible for assuring attendance.

District Defined Excused Absence Reasons

Parents must provide the school with a valid reason for an absence before it can be excused. The following constitute valid reasons for excused absences according to state law:

• Personal illness, health condition, or medical or dental appointment
• Appearance in court when required by law
• Disciplinary action, i.e., in-school or short-term suspension
• Religious observance
• Family emergency, i.e., funeral, death, hospitalization to name a few (Check with Administrator)
• School-approved activities, field trips, pre-arranged absence approved by the principal.

The Guidance Office staff processes student enrollments and withdrawals. Meeker counselors are available by appointment during the school day. Please email MeekerRecords@tacoma.k12.wa.us or call  253-571-6560 to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment & Records

Add and Drop Class Policy

Once the student schedule has been determined in the spring of the year, changes in the schedule are rarely made.  Only exceptionally valid reasons for a change will be considered. Once school has started, the principal or designee must approve requests for changes before any changes are made.

Scheduling Hub

The Health Room is available for students who are not well enough to attend class. The Health Room is available for temporary care, and is not intended for long-term care or for issues that can wait until the end of the school day. Students may also visit the Health Room to take pre-arranged medication. The Health Room is open daily during school hours. Students must have a timed and signed pass upon arrival in the Health room, unless it is during their lunch period. If medical attention is necessary during class time, students must obtain a pass from their teacher before leaving for the Health Room. Students may only visit the Health Room between classes if they have obtained a pass from the teacher whose class they will be attending next. All visitors to the Health Room will be signed in and logged for future reference. If students are too ill to return to class, a parent/guardian will be contacted and arrangements will be made for early dismissal.

For immunizations, medication at school and other health-related information, please visit Tacoma Public Schools' Health and Wellness page.

Immunizations

All students in Tacoma Public Schools must provide medically verified up-to-date immunization records before enrolling. Attendance at Meeker Middle School is dependent upon accurate and current immunization information. For all new enrolling students the Meeker nursing staff will review records.

Medications

District Policy allows only oral medication, specifically prescribed by a physician, to be given at school if there is no other way to schedule the administration of the medication.  (Medications also include drugs which are traditionally viewed as over-the-counter products: Advil, Tylenol, Claritin, etc.)  

The following procedures must be followed if your student needs to take medication at school:

• The medication must be in a container labeled by the pharmacist at the time the prescription was filled.
• Please send only the amount the student will need to take at school.
• Many pharmacists will label two containers, one for home and one for school.
• A form must accompany each medication.
• The form must be signed by the physician indicating the medication, dosage, and the length of time the medications is to be given at school.  This form must also be signed by a parent/guardian.  Forms are available in the Health Room or on the District website.
• If the student needs to carry an inhaler on his/her person, the physician must indicate this in writing.
• If the student has a medical need for emergency medicine such as medication for a bee sting or allergy, that “epi-pen or equivalent” must be in the nurse’s office before the student may attend classes.

Crutches

It is a District requirement that students needing the use of canes, crutches, walker aids and/or wheelchairs at school must have written authorization from a health care provider and bring the form to the Health Room.

Accident or Injury at School

While the Meeker staff work hard to prevent accidents, they occasionally happen.  If you are injured at school, immediately report the injury to the nearest adult, who will report to the nurse.  The nurse will further examine and report to parents.

Insurance

The school district does not have insurance to cover student injuries occurring at school.  It is our suggestion that families purchase low-cost student insurance that is offered to all students. Except in life threatening situations, hospitals and physicians will not be able to treat a student without parent permission.

Associated Student Body (ASB)

The Associated Student Body (ASB) is the governing group that represents all students. Elected ASB Representatives plan, advocate for, review and allocate money for extracurricular activities. Representatives to ASB are elected annually by their classmates.  In order to participate in ASB, clubs, or sports, a student must purchase an ASB membership.  If a student cannot afford to purchase an ASB membership, please contact the Guidance Office.

Identification Cards

We furnish an initial Meeker Identification (ID) card to each student at no cost.  It is the responsibility of the student to keep this ID card with him/her at all times during school.  ID cards are required to  ride the bus. Although the first ID card is provided at no cost, there will be a $5.00 charge for each replacement card payable in the main office.

Bus Transportation

Bus transportation is provided for any Meeker student living outside a one (1) mile radius from school. A Meeker Student ID card is required to ride the bus.  If a student needs a temporary bus pass the student must come to the main office before school or during lunch to obtain a slip for the bus driver’s records.  For additional bus information, please see the district website.

Riding a Different Bus

Students intending to ride another bus must have a note requesting a one-day exception signed by a parent/guardian.  The note must be taken to the main office before school to receive a bus pass.

Bus Discipline

Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right.  Proper behavior is expected on all buses at all times.  Any student abusing the privilege of riding the bus could have his/her riding privileges revoked. (Reg. 6605R)         

After School Activity (ASA) Bus

An After-School Activities (ASA) bus will be provided for students who participate in sports or other after school clubs and activities.  A Meeker ASA Bus Pass and Student ID card is required to ride the ASA bus.

For after school emergency questions, please call First Student (253) 272-7750.

Our common bell schedules can be found on our bell schedules page.

View Bell Schedules

All Tacoma Schools operate on a closed campus policy. When students arrive at school, they must remain on campus until dismissal, unless excused through the Attendance Office. Students must bring a written parent/guardian request to the attendance office before leaving campus for early dismissals. Students are subject to disciplinary action for going into the parking areas without permission during the school day or leaving campus without permission. ​

For the safety and security of our students, staff and the community, visitors to Meeker must check in at the Main Office and be approved to visit campus during the school day. Students may not have food or other items delivered to campus by outside vendors.

Students must depart school by 2:55 p.m. daily unless they are in a supervised activity with a Meeker or Club Beyond staff member. Offenders will be disciplined accordingly. 

Meeker Middle School’s new dress code to be implemented in 2023-24 promotes a positive, inclusive, safe environment that helps students focus without distraction on learning.  The dress code below honors school spirit, student comfort, individual expression, and busy family life.  The code was developed with student, staff, and parent input.  Students who are out of compliance with this code will be asked to remedy the situation.

Dress Code

“NO CELL BELL TO BELL”

1. Cell phones/Bluetooth Earbuds-headphones must be put away and in silent mode on school grounds.
2. Cell phone use is prohibited during the school day, including lunch and lunch free time.
3. Students who need to call a parent/guardian may do so in the office. Parents/guardians who need to reach their student may call the office and someone will relay a message or bring the student to the phone.
4. During the instructional day, including lunch, cell phones must remain either in a student’s backpack or locker. If your student needs a backpack for this purpose, we will provide a backpack.
5. This means cell phones are not allowed to be visible in the commons, restroom, hallways, stairways, classroom, during lunch time, or during field trips. Cell phones also cannot be visible during after-school events except for instances when calling home is necessary to communicate after school schedule and/or transportation.
6. The use of headphones is permitted in the classroom but will be limited to academic purposes only, with school provided or approved headphones. Students may bring their own NON-Bluetooth headphones. 
7. Wireless earbuds and headphones are not allowed. Because we will closely monitor the use of earbuds, hoods and hats that cover ears may not be worn.
8. Students will be subject to disciplinary action if they use their cell phones or wireless earbuds during the day.
9. The school and its staff are not responsible for any damage to or theft of a student’s cell phone or wireless headphones. Students must properly secure and take care of their own phones and headphones. 
10. During any safety drills or emergencies, cell phone use is prohibited to ensure safety. Communication regarding school emergencies will come from Administration via phone, text, and email. 

If a student violates the school’s cell phone/Bluetooth earbud-headphone policy, the following will occur: 

• First offense: Staff member will remind student of the policy and will take the cell phone/Bluetooth earbud-headphone. The student will receive cell phone/earbud-headphones back at the end of the period and will be expected to put it away in a backpack or locker.
• Second offense: The student’s cell phone/Bluetooth earbud-headphone will be confiscated and held in the Main Office until the end of the school day. The teacher will contact the student’s guardian and inform them of the student’s violation of the school’s cell phone/earbud-headphone policy. The student may pick up their phone/earbud-headphone after school.
• Third offense: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated and held in the Main Office until the student’s guardian can pick it up. The student will receive lunch detention to review the cell phone/earbud-headphone policy. Guardians will receive a phone call from the school administration.
• Fourth Offense: The student will be placed on an individual cell phone contract, which may result in turning the cell phone in to the Main Office at the start of the school day. Guardians will receive a phone call from the school administration.

If a student violates the school’s cell phone/Bluetooth earbud-headphone policy and refuses to give their cell phone/Bluetooth earbud-headphone to the teacher requesting it, school administration or Campus Security Officer will be called. The cell phone will automatically be kept in the office that day. Further consequences will be determined by the above offense list, depending on the student’s number of offenses.

Please note that the administration reserves the right to adjust these consequences on a case-by-case basis, if needed. For example, extreme behaviors that break the law or engage in bullying or harassment of other students may result in exclusionary discipline. 

It is important that you and your student read and discuss the Student Use of District Technology page, which includes the District’s Acceptable Use Policy for Digital Resources. A summary of the regulation follows. Complete text is available on the Tacoma Public Schools website. 

In using the district digital resources, students accept the responsibility to:

1. ​Utilize the digital resources for educational purposes only;
2. Abide by district policies and federal/state laws, including Copyright laws;
3. Adhere to school guidelines on use of the network, and notifying staff prior to using the internet;
4. Use good behavior and respect district property; do not destroy, modify, delete, or add software to district computers without permission.
5. Use digital resources in a legal, moral, and ethical manner. Do not access or process obscene, pornographic, or other inappropriate materials.

Tacoma Public Schools reserves the right to review and monitor activity on the network for responsible use consistent with the District’s Acceptable Use Policy for Digital Resources and Regulation; and to remove a user’s privilege to access the network at any time the District determines that the user is engaged in unauthorized activity or for violating the Policy. Disciplinary actions, if any, shall be consistent with the district’s standard policies and procedures.

​Individual lockers are available for all Meeker students. Malfunctions should be reported to the main office. Do not use your locker to store items of significant value. For personal security, students should not tell anyone their combination. Students are requested to keep their belongings in their own lockers.

Meeker Middle School and Tacoma Public Schools are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Our Campus Security Officer has an office in the Main Office. In addition to supporting the safety and security of Meeker Middle School and all of its students and staff, our Security Office handles the following issues:

• Student parking​
• Lost or stolen items
• Turning in items found on campus or belonging to Meeker students
• Confiscated items

Students may access the Security Office before school and after school and should refrain from visiting the Security Office during class time.

Security Officers

Security officers monitor all areas of the buildings, grounds, and adjacent areas of the school to maintain standards of conduct and behavior of students during class hours and at off-hour educationally oriented functions. They also interact with students in the social context of school and make contact with non-students who may come to campus. Security officers provide a liaison between the school and the community, assist in the investigation of alleged criminal activity, and make referrals to appropriate authorities for further investigation. Security also assists the students in better understanding the rules and regulations of the school, as well as city, state and federal laws. Security and administration also conduct “hall sweeps” to ensure that all students are in class during instructional time or have the proper pass to be out of class with teacher permission.
 

Search & Investigation Policy

Meeker Middle School will conduct searches and seizures per Tacoma Public Schools' Policy and Regulations if needed. Please refer to Tacoma Public Students' Student Rights page for detailed information.

Board Policy 6540

Board Regulation 6540R

Lost & Found

Students who find a lost article should turn it into the Security Office at their earliest convenience. To ensure prompt recovery, lost or stolen articles should be reported immediately to security. 

Students bringing personal property on to school district property do so at their own risk. The school district does not assume responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen property.

Food and beverages may be consumed only in the cafeteria (except for teacher-directed events), water can be taken to class in a clear water bottle.  Students must store lunches in their locker during class time. Students should bring only enough food for oneself to consume in a sitting. Any food/beverages items purchased at lunch must be consumed in the cafeteria and properly discarded before leaving the cafeteria.  Chewing gum is not allowed at any time. Students may bring a clear water bottle to consume only water. Students may not have food or other items delivered to campus by outside vendors.

Schools provide students with most of the books, materials and equipment they need for class. Fees may be charged to students for consumable supplies, materials used on projects that are taken home or field trips. Students will be charged for any property or materials that are lost, stolen or damaged.

All fees and fines are to be paid to the Meeker Main Office. You can also make a payment online by clicking the button below. Please contact the Office Coordinator (253) 571-6555 for financial assistance and/or payment plan information.

MYSCHOOLBUCKS VIA FAMILY APP

 

Meeker Athletics

Meeker Middle School adheres to the Washington State law regarding the United States flag procurement, display and exercises. RCW 28A.230.140 states:

"The board of directors of every school district shall cause a United States flag being in good condition to be displayed during school hours upon or near every public school plant, except during inclement weather. They shall cause appropriate flag exercises to be held in each classroom at the beginning of the school day, and in every school at the opening of all school assemblies, at which exercises those pupils so desiring shall recite the following salute to the flag: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". Students not reciting the pledge shall maintain a respectful silence. The salute to the flag or the national anthem shall be rendered immediately preceding interschool events when feasible."​

As a Wolverine, you can participate in extra-curricular activities including clubs and sports.  Sign up for a club or after school activity on the Family App. If you do not see a club offered that you would like to have, we may be able to start a new club. Even your parents can volunteer and get involved around our school!  See the main office for a volunteer form.

If for any reason a student’s telephone number or address changes, even temporarily, please email the Guidance Office at MeekerRecords@tacoma.k12.wa.us. Meeker Middle School must have current information for emergency purposes.​​​​​

Parents are welcome at Meeker Middle School during the day and in the evening for student events.  During the school day, photo ID is required for all visitors/volunteers to enter the front doors of the building. Classroom visits must be pre-arranged through the teacher at least 24 hours in advance as per the teacher contract.  Students attending other schools from within or outside the district will not be allowed to visit.

Tacoma Public School’s volunteer registration process requires all parents/guardians and community volunteers to complete a Volunteer Form and a Washington State Patrol Criminal History background check before being able to volunteer. Forms are available on the Tacoma Public Schools volunteer website. You must bring your current driver’s license to the main office when submitting your form. Forms should be completed a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to volunteering. You must complete the volunteer registration form each school year if you plan to work with or around our Meeker students.​​​​​