- What are Bret Harte's regular school hours and office hours?
- Regular school hours are: 8:15a.m. - 2:30p.m. The school's office hours are 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (summer hours are shortened and will vary).
- Is there a holiday schedule of when the school is closed?
- Please check the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) Calendar for the 2006-2007 school year for official school closures.
- How do I notify the school that my child is ill?
- The Bret Harte Absence Hotline is 997-2122. When absent, a student's parent or guardian must call the absence hotline the same day. If the school has not been notified by the 5th day following the absence, the absence will be unexcused. Excessive un-excused absences will be forwarded to the District's Truancy Department.
- How do I get a message, or bring forgotten items, to a student?
- Classes are interrupted for EMERGENCIES ONLY. Forgotten items (i.e. bag lunches, assignments or projects) may be left on the designated table in the cafeteria for students to pickup between classes. Items should be placed in a bag with the student's name and grade clearly marked on the outside. Special delivery items such as balloons, flowers and presents will not be delivered to classrooms. These items will be held in Student Services until the end of the day. Messages should be left at Student Services and will be delivered to the student when appropriate.
- What times can I drop off/pick up my child?
- Please do not drop students at Bret Harte prior to 7:45 AM. At that time breakfast is served and adult supervision is available. When you are waiting to pick up a student at the end of the school day, please wait in or near your automobile and kindly adhere to all traffic flow and parking signs. If your student does not arrive at the car by 2:45 PM you are welcome to come to the main office and have them paged.
- How to pull child out of school early? What are the policies regarding medical appointments during school hours?
- Appointments should be made before or after school whenever possible in order not to interrupt the educational process. If an appointment must be scheduled during the school day please adhere to the process below:
- send a note requesting permission for the student to leave specifying time, date, and reason, the note must be presented to the attendance office prior to 1st period
- only adults listed on the emergency form may sign a student out of school early
- adults must come in to the attendance office to sign their student in and out
- verification of appointments may be required
- Please note: Vacations planned outside of the normal school holiday schedule are not considered excused absences.
- What if my child becomes injured while at school?
- If a student becomes ill or injured at school they should report the situation to the supervising adult. When necessary we will contact a parent/guardian and students will be sent home. If a student is to leave campus, he/she must be checked out of school by a person listed on the student emergency form. Please be sure this form is up to date.
- What if my child is late?
- Students are required to be in their assigned learning place when the bell rings at 8:15AM. All tardies are recorded in the electronic attendance system. Consequences for the first two tardies are assigned by classroom teacher in accordance with his or her classroom discipline plan. The third, and all tardies after, will result in a behavior referral. Saturday School is assigned for the fifth tardy.
- How do I volunteer to help in the classroom?
- Please see the Community Club page dedicated to Volunteer Coordination for more information.
- How to contact child's teachers?
- Each Bret Harte instructor has an email address and voicemail account. More details on how an individual teacher prefers to be contacted can be found on that teacher's webpage.
- How to learn my child's specific schedule?
- All schedules are made available to students immediately prior to the start of school. If a schedule is lost, students may get a replacement from the office for a $1 copying fee. Parents may also access his or her child's schedule on-line through Parental Internet Viewer ("P.I.V.").
- Where can I get appropriate clothes for PE?
- California Sport Design is the official supplier of Bret Harte PE clothes. They are located at 2878 So. Bascom Avenue or call (408) 559-1988 with any questions. They will be on campus selling clothing prior to the start of school - for the 2006/2007 school year this date is 18 August. The school and district policies regarding PE can be found in the Bret Harte Physical Education Handbook.
- What is the Homework Center?
- The Homework Center is located in the Library/Media Center. It operates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 2:35PM - 4PM. The center is staffed by teachers and tutors. Roll is taken each day and late bus transportation is provided. Textbooks can be checked-out for use during homework center times with valid ID card.
- How can I learn about the various after school sports program/
- Please check the Athletics section of BretHarte.net. If the information you are looking for is not listed there, please feel free to contact Ms. Amy Yorkey and she will get you the information you're looking for.
- What sports can my child go out for?
- Most sports programs are open to all students (though there may be some eligibility variances per program). However, per the SJUSD policy, a student must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average and no failing classes. On the day of a meet or game, students must attend at least four classes that day in order to compete.
- How to contact the coach?
- Almost all coaches in the After School Sports programs are parent volunteers. As such, contact information will be given out to players and their families directly from the coach. Parents whose children participate in these programs should have all up to date information.
- What if my child misses the school bus?
- If your child misses his or her regular bus, there is a 4:15PM late bus that operates Mondays - Thursdays. If you student misses both of these buses, then he or she should go to the school office and contact a parent or guardian.
- Does the school have a Cafeteria?
- The cafeteria provides breakfast, ala carte items and lunch. Students may arrive 30 minutes before school to eat breakfast. The cafeteria maintains all accounts whether you pay in advance or on a daily basis. Applications for free/reduced lunch are available in the student services office. Cutting in line is prohibited and the stage and stairs are off limits.
- How do I pay for lunches?
- There are several ways for a student to pay for lunches. As mentioned above or through the Student Store Lunch Cart. Parents will receive information at the beginning of the school year with specific directions.
- What if my child is having academic or emotional difficulty? What if my child is having difficulty with a specific teacher?
- All concerns for your child's welfare and any difficulties he or she may be having should be discussed with a specific teacher to brought to the attention of the school Principal or Vice Principal.
- Is Bret Harte my "Neighborhood School"?
- The SJUSD Information Line is (408) 535-6410. SJUSD has two enrollment centers: Burnett Enrollment Center at 110 East Hedding Street and the Erickson Center at 4355 Pearl Avenue.
- How many students are enrolled?
- There are approximately 1,250 students at Bret Harte.
- What is the teacher/student ratio?
- The master schedule is designed with 31 students per class for each period. Actual numbers of students in classes may vary.
- What is "Student Services"?
- An area in the main office that provides information on all student related activities.
- Does Bret Hare have school dances and what are "Bronco Nights?"
- Only Bret Harte students may attend social activities and Bronco Nights. To purchase a ticket to Bronco Night, each student must have a signed permission slip and show their ID card. To enter the event students must have a ticket and their Bret Harte ID card. Students with uncleared debts, uncleared absences, unattended Saturday School or overdue library books may not attend Bret Harte functions. Students are not permitted to leave the activity prior to the scheduled ending time. All district and school rules are enforced including dress code - NO EXCEPTIONS! All students are expected to leave campus within 15 minutes after the activity. Students will wait in front of the main office for parent / guardian pickup. Inappropriate dancing will result in disciplinary action. For more information, please see the Bronco Nights page.
- How much homework can my 6/7/8th grader expect?
- Homework is subject to the teacher's curriculum and specific class requirements.
- How can I learn more about a course's specific curriculum?
- An email to the teacher should provide more detailed information about a curriculum. Please feel free to check out the Bret Harte Website for more information about academic programs.
- What is "The Wheel"?
- To learn more about the elective program at Bret Harte, please visit thewheel.php.
- How do I sign up for 8th grade electives?
- Unlike the 6th and 7th grade (see "The Wheel" above), 8th graders elect a yearlong elective. Information on elective choices is sent home with 7th graders toward the end of the school year.
- How much do yearbooks cost?
- Yearbook cost varies by may range from $40 - $55 each.
- What do I do if I lose my student ID?
- Replacement may be obtained through Student Services, however replacement fees may be charged.
- Can I request a specific teacher?
- Although concerns may be shared with the Principal staff, parents may not request a specific teacher.
- How can I start a new club at Bret Harte?
- Please contact the Bret Harte Principal regarding new clubs.
- Is there a Bret Harte Student Council?
- Bret Harte does have a Student Council. For eligibility and further information please contact Student Services.
- What is sold at the student store?
- The Bret Harte Student Store is open daily at snack break and at lunch. Students may purchase snacks and clothing.
- Where is the "Lost and Found"?
- Lost clothing items are stored in the cafeteria. After one week clothing will be donated to charity. Jewelry, purses and valuable items are kept in Student Services. Lost library books and textbooks will be returned to the library. Students finding a lost item should turn it into Student Services.
- What are the rules regarding electronic equipment (i.e. cell phones and CD players)?
- Students may not use items like cell phones or CD players during school hours. If a student is found doing so, items may be confiscated and then only released to a parent or guardian.
- Is there a Student Handbook?
- Yes, and will be made available on line soon.
- Where can I find the current "AR" list?
- Accelerated Reader information can be found on the website's AR Page.
- Does the school have any policies on Academic Dishonesty?
- All students are required to do their own assigned homework, class work and testing. Copying another student’s work, copying exact wording from a web site or book, and putting your name on a project finished by another student or group are all examples of academic dishonesty. Consequences for each incidence of academic dishonesty could include Saturday School with the possibility of suspension.
- What kinds of grades are given at Bret Harte?
- Letter grades are used to report student progress in all classes. You will receive a progress report at each six-week interval during the year. The progress reports are a teacher's notification to parents regarding the student’s progress up to that point. After the 18th week of each semester (and final exams) the semester grades are then recorded on the student's transcript.
- How can I learn my overall GPA or check grades?
- Grades and GPA can be easily accessed through the PIV. The PIV is the Parent Internet Viewer (PIV). This web-based tool can be found on every page of this website and can be used by parents to monitor their student's academics and attendance throughout the year. A password and ID number is required to access the system. Please e-mail Mr. Bejarano or Ms. McMillian with your student's name and grade level.
- Will a student always be promoted to the next grade?
- No. However, a decision to retain a student is made on a case by case basis. In general, students with failing semester grades in Language Arts or Math, or scoring below the 25th percentile on the California State Standards Test, may not be promoted to the next grade. Students with failing grades must attend summer school, if they pass summer school, they may be promoted to the next grade.
- What is the school dress code and how rigidly is it enforced?
- Students shall dress appropriately for daily attendance and all school activities. Dress should not distract, disrupt or be unsafe. In general, dress should be conservative, when in doubt, DON’T WEAR IT! If a student arrives in any inappropriate items the following will occur: students will be required to change to appropriate loaner or PE clothes and/or receive a behavior referral. Inappropriate items will be confiscated and released only to a parent/guardian.
- OK, but what is considered "Inappropriate Dress"?
- In accordance with the SJUSD Handbook and established dress code at Bret Harte Middle School, the following are NOT ALLOWED:
- athletic apparel (unless issued by the school)
- pajamas or other sleep related attire, including slippers of any kind
- more than one item of red or blue clothing
- obscene words or pictures, ethnic or religious slurs, sexually suggestive language or pictures, alcohol/drug/gang related symbols or language on anything brought to or worn to school
- hats, head or hair coverings, head bands or visors
- clothing, colors or possessions related to gang activity
- sagging pants (pants must be worn above the hip bone with a belt, no undergarments may be exposed)
- short shorts or mini skirts (shorts must have a 4" inseam, skirts below mid thigh)
- torn or cut openings in clothing, no see-through clothing
- tube tops, spaghetti straps or tank tops with less than a 2" shoulder strap
- bare midriffs or low cut tops (bottom of shirt must cover lower garment)
- coats, jackets or sweaters to cover inappropriate clothing
- chains, steel toed shoes, large jewelry, or items that may present a danger to anyone
- bare feet
- Can I ride my bike/skateboard to school?
- Bike racks are located in the front of the school. All bikes and helmets must be locked to the bike rack. Helmets are expected to be worn and bikes are to be walked on campus. Skateboards must be chained to the bike rack.
- Does the school have a plan for Emergency situations?
- In preparation for emergency situations, all staff and students participate in regularly scheduled fire, earthquake, and emergency drills. Planning, training and drills are based on a comprehensive emergency plan provided by SJUSD. If you are a visitor when an emergency occurs please report to the student assembly area. If an emergency occurs during school hours or school activity all students are to follow the directions of school personnel. If an emergency occurs when students are not in class (passing, snack break or lunch) students will assemble with their 5th period teacher. Students will be released only to authorized adults in an emergency situation, please be sure your student's emergency information is updated regularly. Bret Harte has an Emergency Preparedness Committee.
- Can I bring a guest to school with me?
- Student visitors are not allowed on campus. All adult visitors must check- in with the School Secretary in the Main Office to secure a visitors pass. Parents/Guardians who wish to confer or visit with a teacher must contact the teacher via voice mail or e-mail message and pick up a visitor's pass in the main office prior to a scheduled meeting.
