Windsor Middle School

Attendance

Contact: Maria Schuster
Email: mschuster@wusd.org
Phone: (707) 837-7737 ext. 40003

Regular attendance is important to student success at Windsor Middle School. Parents or guardians must verify their student’s absence within 48 hours. Verification can be provided by phone, in writing, or in person at the attendance office. Absences not verified within 48 hours will be marked as unexcused.

When submitting a message or note, please include:

• Student’s full name

• Grade level

• Date(s) of absence

• Reason for the absence

Late Arrivals and Early Release:

• Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. must check in and receive a late pass from the front office.

• Students not in class when the tardy bell rings will be marked tardy.

• If a student needs to leave school before 8:30 a.m., a parent or guardian must notify the office in writing or by phone.

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Tardy Policy

Definition:
A student is tardy if they are not in their seat or classroom space when the tardy bell rings.

Tardy Consequences:

• 1st–4th Tardy: Student receives a warning and is reminded about the importance of being on time.

• 5th Tardy: Student is assigned after-school detention on Tuesday or Thursday from 2:45–3:25 p.m.

• 6th Tardy: Student is assigned Saturday School.

Note: Tardy consequences reset after the 6th tardy and at the start of each grading quarter.

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Absences and Short-Term Independent Study

Contact: Lorena Nuno
Email: lnuno@wusd.org
Phone: (707) 837-7737 ext. 40007

If a student will be absent for 3 to 15 consecutive school days, parents may request a Short-Term Independent Study Contract. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. To receive credit:

• The work must be completed within the assigned time frame.

• The signed contract and completed work must be returned to the attendance office on the day the student returns.

Unexcused Absences:
Students with three or more unexcused absences may be assigned after-school support or Saturday School. These sessions help students stay on track with their learning.

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Counseling

Contacts:

• Lenor Goff – lgoff@wusd.org, ext. 41103

• Paolo Breschi – pbreschi@wusd.org, ext. 41106

Counselors are available for:

• Scheduling conferences or discussing school resources

• Support with peer conflicts or emotional concerns

• Guidance on academic performance and transition to high school

• Class schedule or program changes

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Schedule Changes

Students may not request class changes until after the second week of the semester. Requests for corrections (e.g., missing classes or incorrect placement) will take priority. Requests based on teacher preference are generally not granted. Class sizes may limit changes.

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Promotion and Eligibility

• Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, dances, and non-academic field trips.

• Students with more than three semester F's during 6th–8th grade are not eligible to participate in the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony.

• Students who do not meet promotion criteria may be placed on an academic contract and required to attend Saturday School.

For questions, contact Counselor Lenor Goff.

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School Activities and Dances

• No student will be denied access to events due to inability to pay.

• A permission slip and signed Code of Conduct are required.

Rules for Attendance:

• Students must attend school on the day of the event.

• No bags allowed at events (bag check will be available).

• Students must arrive within 30 minutes of the start time.

• Students must stay in designated areas during events.

• A parent must be present for a student to leave early.

• Students must be picked up immediately after the event ends.

• Students with recent suspensions or Saturday School (within 1 month) may not attend.

• Behavior expectations apply at all events.

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Athletics

Contact: Melissa Shaw
Email: mshaw@wusd.org
Phone: (707) 837-7737 ext. 40013

Windsor Middle School athletics promote sportsmanship and teamwork. Students must attend school on the day of the sporting event to participate.

Sports Offered:

• Cross Country

• Flag Football

• Basketball

• Volleyball

• Wrestling

• Track and Field

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Athletic Clearance Process

1. Schedule a sports physical.

2.  Register your student for athletics at AthleticClearance.com.

3. Provide proof of accident insurance. If not insured, visit the WUSD website for affordable options.

4. Maintain a 2.0 GPA. One-time academic waiver available.

5. Sign the Athlete and Parent Behavior Code of Conduct.

6. Await clearance confirmation via email from the athletic office.

Registration opens before each season. Watch for announcements.

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Food Policy

• Food may only be eaten in the cafeteria during break and lunch.

• Students must keep home-brought food in backpacks during class.

• No food is allowed in classrooms or the library.

• Food deliveries (e.g., DoorDash) are not accepted at the front office.

• A clearly marked “Nut-Free Table” will be provided in the cafeteria.

• Teachers conducting food-related activities must notify parents and accommodate student dietary needs.

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District Civility Policy

The Windsor Unified School District is committed to respectful and orderly environments. Staff and the public are expected to interact civilly.

Key Points:

• Staff and families must treat each other with respect.

• Abusive behavior (e.g., yelling, threats, offensive language) is not tolerated.

• Disruptive individuals may be asked to leave or have the conversation ended.

• Law enforcement may be contacted for non-compliance.

This policy promotes safety, professionalism, and a positive learning environment.

Windsor Unified School District: Grades 6–12 Behavior Guidelines

At Windsor Unified School District, a culture of respect guides the behavior and actions of our school community. School policies and rules are enforced:

• On campus

• While traveling to and from WUSD

• During any school-sponsored event

The purpose of the behavior matrix is to provide a predictable, progressive, and uniform guide for responding to challenging and unsafe behaviors. It supports:

• Objectivity and consistency

• A safe environment for all

• Clarity to help reduce disproportionate responses

The overarching goal is to maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning space, where discipline keeps the focus on learning.

When appropriate, restorative practices will be used. These approaches help students:

• Take responsibility for their actions

• Rebuild damaged relationships

• Foster community through reflection and repair

Restorative practices may be referred to as:

• Positive discipline

• Responsive classroom methods

• Empowerment circles

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Restorative Practice Examples

Violation	Possible Punitive Consequences	Restorative Consequences
Bullying (including electronic acts)	- Detention - Saturday School - Suspension	- Restorative conference with those identified as bullies to explore reasons for behavior - Restorative conference with victims to understand the impact
Theft / Receiving Stolen Property	- Detention - Saturday School - 1–3 Day Suspension	- Return stolen item with verbal or written apology - Replace item or pay restitution

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Additional Notes

• The violations listed above are not exhaustive or necessarily progressive.

• School administrators may assign disciplinary categories based on:

  • Collected evidence

  • California Education Code

  • Best practices

  • The context of the incident

• Students may receive consequences for:

  • Committing a violation

  • Attempting a violation

  • Assisting or provoking a violation

• Serious incidents involving drugs, alcohol, weapons, sexual misconduct, or threats must be reported to law enforcement.

• Other incidents may also be reported at the school's discretion.

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Legal References

• Sections 48900.2, 48900.3, and 48900.4 apply only to students in grades 4–12.

• Section 48900(k) applies only to students in grades 9–12 and cannot be used as grounds for expulsion.

• Hostile environment definition: Behavior that is severe or pervasive enough to materially disrupt classwork or create an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

Violations Involving a Person
Violation	Minimum Offense	Intermediate Offense	Maximum Offense
Assault 48900(a)(1)-(2)	3 Day Suspension Notify law enforcement	5 Suspension May Recommend Expulsion	May Recommend Expulsion Must Consider Recommendation for Expulsion if caused serious physical injury 48915(a)(1)(A)
Assault or Battery on a School Official 48900(a)(1)-(2)	5 Day Suspension Notify law enforcement Must Consider Recommendation for Expulsion 48915(a)(1)(E)	NA	NA
Bullying (including electronic acts) 48900(r)	Detention Saturday School	Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion
Extortion/Robbery 48900(e)	1-3 Day Suspension	3 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension Shall Consider Recommendation for Expulsion 48915(a)(1)(D)
Physical Altercation 48900(a)(1)	Detention Saturday School	Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion
Fighting 48900(a)(1)	3 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension	May Recommend for Expulsion
Instigating a Fight 48900(k)	Detention	Saturday School	Saturday School
Aiding or Abetting the infliction or attempted affliction of physical injury 48900(t)	Saturday School	1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension
Harassment/Hazing 48900(q)	Detention Saturday School	Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension
Hate/Bias Related Acts Or Violence 48900.3*	Detention Saturday School	1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion
Profanity Directed toward Staff or Student 48900(i) or (k)+	Detention	Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion (i)
Horseplay	Detention	Saturday School	Saturday School
Sexual Harassment/Misconduct 48900.2*	Detention Saturday School	Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension
Sexual Assault/Sexual Battery 48900(a)(1)-(2), (n)	Must Recommendation Expulsion 48915(c)(4)	NA	NA
Theft/Receiving Stolen Property 48900(g) or (l)	Restitution Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion
Harassment, threats or Intimidation** 48900.4	Detention Saturday School 1 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion
Threatening, or Intimidating a Complaining Witness 48900(o)	Detention Saturday School 1 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion

 

Violations Involving Drugs and Alcohol
Violation	Minimum Offense	Intermediate Offense	Maximum Offense
Drug Possession (Alcohol and Drugs) 48900(c)	3 Day Suspension Brief Intervention and Notify law enforcement	5 Day Suspension Brief Intervention and Cited by police	5 Day Suspension Possible recommendation for expulsion "Must Consider Expulsion for unlawful possession of a controlled substance 48915(a)(1)(C)"
Drug Use (Alcohol and Drugs) 48900(c)	3 Day Suspension Brief Intervention and Notify law enforcement	5 Day Suspension Brief Intervention and Cited by police	5 Day Suspension Possible recommendation for expulsion
Drug Paraphernalia 48900(j)	Brief Intervention or Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension Possible recommendation for expulsion
Nicotine/Tobacco Possession 48900(h)	Saturday School and Brief Intervention	1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension
Nicotine/Tobacco Use 48900(h)	Saturday School and Brief Intervention	1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension
Selling a Controlled Substance 48900(c)(d)	Must Recommendation for Expulsion 48915(c)(3) Notify law enforcement	NA	NA

 

Violations Involving Property, Facilities, and Safety
Violation	Minimum Offense	Intermediate Offense	Maximum Offense
Arson 48900(f)(k)	5 Day Suspension	NA	May Recommend Expulsion
Brandishing a knife at another person 48900(b)	Must Recommend Expulsion 48915(c)(2)	NA	NA
Possession of a knife or other dangerous object 48900(b)	3-5 Day Suspension Administrative Conference	5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion	5 Day Suspension Must Consider Recommendation for Expulsion 48915(a)(1)(B)R
Possession of imitation firearm 48900(m)	3-5 Day Suspension Administrative Conference	5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion	5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion
Possessing, selling or furnishing a firearm 48900(b)	Must Recommend Expulsion 48915(c)(1)	NA	NA
False Fire Alarm 48900(k)+	Saturday School 1 Day Suspension	3 Day Suspension	May Recommend Expulsion
Possession of an Explosive 48900(b)	Must Recommend Expulsion 48915(c)	NA	NA
School / Terrorist Threats 48900.7	3-5 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension	May Recommend Expulsion
Disruption of School Activities 48900(k)+	Detention	Saturday School	Saturday School
Unauthorized Entry to School Facilities/Trespass 48900(k)+	Detention Saturday School	3-5 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension
Vandalism/Destruction and/or Defacement of Property 48900(f)	Restitution Detention Saturday School	Restitution Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	Restitution 3-5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion

 

Violations Involving Culture and Instruction
Violation	Minimum Offense	Intermediate Offense	Maximum Offense
Cheating, Forgery, or Plagiarism 48900(k)+	Parent Conference Possible Loss of Credit	Loss of Credit Detention Saturday School	Loss of Credit 1-3 Day Suspension
Closed Campus Policy Violation 48900(k)+	Detention	Saturday School	5 Day Suspension
Defiance 48900(k)+	Detention	Saturday School	1-3 Day Suspension
Disruption 48900(k)+	Detention	Saturday School	1-3 Day Suspension
Dress Code 48900(k)+	Change Clothes	Change Clothes Parent Contact	Detention
Electronic Device Gambling 48900(k)+	Confiscation Pick up at end of day Saturday School	Confiscation Parent Pick up Conference 1-3 Day Suspension	School Confiscation daily for 7 days 3-5 Day Suspension
Gang Related Behavior 48900(k)+	Saturday School	3-5 Day Suspension	5 Day Suspension
Obscene Language or Actions 48900(i) or (k)+	Detention Saturday School	Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension	3-5 Day Suspension May Recommend Expulsion ((i) only)
Tardiness 48900(k)+	Warning and/or Classroom Consequence	Detention Saturday School	Saturday School SART Referral
Truancy 48900(k)+	Saturday School	Saturday School SART Referral	Saturday School SARB Referral
Unauthorized Use of Technology 48900(k)+	Verbal Warning and potential loss of privileges	Saturday School 1-3 Day Suspension and potential loss of privileges	3-5 Day Suspension and Loss of Computer Access

 

MANDATORY RECOMMENDATION TO EXPEL OFFENSES
Violation	Consequence
Possessing, selling or furnishing a firearm. (Education Code 48900(b), 48915(c)(1))	Parent/guardian conference, suspension from school. Mandatory recommendation to expel. Report to law enforcement.
Brandishing a knife at another person. (Education Code 48900(b), 48915(c)(2))	Parent/guardian conference, suspension from school. Mandatory recommendation to expel. Report to law enforcement.
Unlawfully selling controlled substances. (Education Code 48900(c), 48915(c)(3)	Parent/guardian conference, suspension from school. Mandatory recommendation to expel. Report to law enforcement.
Sexual assault/sexual battery - Committed or attempted as defined in P.C. 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, or 289, or sexual battery as defined in P.C. 243.3. (Education Code 48900(a)(1-2), 48900(n), 48915(c)(4))	Parent/guardian conference, suspension from school. Mandatory recommendation to expel. Report to law enforcement.
Possession of an explosive (Education Code 48900(b), 48915(c)(5))	Parent/guardian conference, suspension from school. Mandatory recommendation to expel. Report to law enforcement.

 

Electronic Devices

Students may use personal electronic devices (phones, tablets, etc.) only during non-instructional times, such as:

• Before school

• Break or lunch

• After school

Violations of this policy will result in:

• First Offense
  The phone will be confiscated for the duration of the class period. It will be returned to the student at the end of the class.

• Second Offense
  The phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the school day. The student may pick up the phone from the office at the end of the day.

• Third Offense
  The phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the school day. A parent or guardian must come to the school to pick up the phone.

• Fourth Offense
  The student will not be allowed to bring a phone to school for one week.

  • If a phone is brought, it must be turned in to the front office each morning.

  • The student may retrieve the phone after school.

⚠️ Students bring devices at their own risk. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged electronics.

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Dress Guidelines

The dress code is designed to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment while allowing students to express their individuality.

While on campus or attending school events, students must:

• Dress in a way that does not interfere with learning, morale, or the school's image.

• Follow the Windsor Unified School Board Dress Code Policy.

Dress Code Requirements:

• Clothing, jewelry, and personal items (e.g., backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles) must be free of:

  • Crude, vulgar, or profane content

  • Sexually suggestive images or messages

  • Drug, alcohol, or tobacco references

  • Racist, prejudiced, or offensive symbols

• Undergarments must be covered at all times.

• No attire with gang-related significance, as confirmed by the Windsor Police Department.

🚫 Failure to follow the dress guidelines may result in disciplinary consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

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Public Displays of Affection

To maintain a socially and emotionally safe environment, the following are not allowed at school, on buses, or during school events:

• Kissing

• Excessive or intimate physical contact

Violations may lead to disciplinary action at the discretion of school administration.

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Sales of Food and Other Items

• Students are not allowed to sell any items during the school day.

• School organizations may conduct sales if pre-approved by food services and held at designated times.

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Interdistrict Transfer Agreement – Statement of Good Standing

Students attending a Windsor Unified School District (WUSD) school through an approved Interdistrict Transfer must remain in good standing to continue enrollment.

Requirements for Continued Enrollment:

Academic Standing

• Maintain passing grades

• No Ds or Fs on a students report card

Attendance

• Attend at least 95% of school days

• Arrive on time

• Avoid chronic tardiness or truancy

Behavior and Conduct

• Follow all school and district behavior expectations

• Comply with the WUSD Code of Conduct and applicable sections of the California Education Code 48900

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

• Support the student in complying with the terms of the transfer agreement

• Be aware that failure to meet these expectations may lead to revocation of the transfer

📢 Families will be notified if a student is at risk of non-compliance.

California Education Code

The California Education Code is a collection of all laws directly related to California K–12 public schools. These sections are created and revised by the Governor and the Legislature. The California Department of Education (CDE) administers and enforces both state and federal education laws.

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Terms and Other Means of Correction: Restorative Practices

Restorative practices are used, when appropriate, to help students accept responsibility and rebuild relationships. These methods aim to prevent conflict and repair harm, rather than remove students from the academic setting.

Restorative practices may include:

• Positive discipline

• Responsive classroom strategies

• Empowerment-focused discussions

These approaches foster a sense of community and support student accountability.

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Informal Talk / Warning / Student Conference

A brief conversation between the student and a teacher, counselor, advisor, or administrator to review expectations and behaviors.

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Family Conference

A meeting involving the student, family, teacher, counselor, and/or administrator to discuss behavior concerns and possible consequences.

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Loss of Privileges

Students may lose access to events and activities such as:

• Sports

• Dances

• Rallies

• Intra-mural games

• School-sponsored programs

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Increased Supervision

Students may be assigned additional adult supervision as a disciplinary response.

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Detention

A supervised time held outside instructional hours. If a student fails to attend, further consequences such as Saturday School or loss of privileges may be assigned.

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Saturday School

Note: Saturday School is not available at every school site or grade level.

Assigned for:

• Unexcused absences

• Excessive tardies

• Other discipline alternatives

Students complete academic work and may also participate in community service on school grounds, including:

• Beautification projects

• Peer or teacher assistance programs
  (Per Ed Code 48900.6)

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Teacher-Imposed Suspension

A teacher may suspend a student from class for the day of the infraction and the following day. A parent-teacher conference will be arranged.
(Education Code 48910)

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Brief Intervention (BI)

Note: BI is not available at every school site or grade level.

Brief Intervention involves 3–4 sessions using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. It is offered in place of suspension for drug- or alcohol-related offenses. Parent/guardian consent and student participation are required.

Eligibility:

1. Possession of substances, alcohol, or tobacco – eligible for BI.

2. Under the influence – 1-day suspension with BI option upon return.

3. Selling controlled substances – not eligible for BI; expulsion will be recommended.
   (Per Ed Code 48900(c), 48900(d), 48915(c)(3))

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Suspension and Expulsion

In-School Suspension

A temporary removal from class (up to 10 days), but not from school. May be served at the student's regular school or another district facility.

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Out-of-School Suspension

Temporary removal from school (1–5 days). During this period:

1. Student must stay home under adult supervision between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

2. Student may not visit campus unless pre-approved and accompanied by a guardian.

3. Attendance at school events, including weekends and holidays, is not allowed.

4. Students are responsible for requesting missed work. Teachers may provide assignments at their discretion. (Ed Code 48913)

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Re-Entry Meeting

Held after suspension or expulsion to support student transition. The meeting may address:

• Safety plans

• Academic reintegration

• Communication protocols

• Trusted adult identification

• Relationship restoration

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Expulsion

Expulsion is the removal of a student from their current educational setting due to serious infractions or repeated violations.

Expulsion Types:

• Class I: May recommend expulsion if other methods fail or safety is threatened.

• Class II: Shall recommend expulsion unless an alternative correction is more appropriate.

• Class III: Must recommend expulsion.
  (Per Education Code 48915(c) and 48915(d))

Learn more by clicking HERE to go to the CDE Expulsion Guidelines

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Due Process

All students are entitled to due process in disciplinary matters. Families have the right to appeal disciplinary actions.

To appeal: Submit a written request for a meeting with the school principal or designee. (Education Code 48914)

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Student Advisors

The following staff help enforce school rules and maintain campus safety:

• Suzanne Knott
  Email: sknott@wusd.org
  Phone: (707) 837-7737 ext. 45100

• Niki Bryant
  Email: nbryant@wusd.org
  Phone: (707) 837-7737 ext. 46115

• Josh Claassen
  Email: jclaassen@wusd.org
  Phone: (707) 837-7737 ext. 45101

 

For any questions regarding Windsor Middle School’s Handbook, please contact Assistant Principal, Sarah Bryant at sbryant@wusd.org or (707) 687-7546

Do you have questions about our discipline matrices and their application, or any of our other discipline practices? Please reach out to our Assistant Superintendent Educational Services, Brian Williams, at bwilliams@wusd.org.