The Central Mountain Middle School Student Handbook is designed to help students and families understand the policies, procedures, and expectations that support a safe, respectful, and successful learning environment. While the handbook contains important information for every aspect of school life, we've highlighted several of the most frequently referenced topics below to make them easier to find. We encourage all students and families to review the complete handbook together and partner with us in making CMMS a place where every student, every day, every possibility becomes a reality.
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student's academic success. Students who attend school consistently are more likely to stay on track academically, build positive relationships, and participate in the many opportunities available at Central Mountain Middle School.
Attendance Secretary: Tammy Evelhair
Phone: 570-893-4900 ext. 2938
Email: cmmsattendance@kcsd.k12.pa.us
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Notify the school when your child will be absent.
Submit an excuse within the required timeframe following an absence
(3 days after student returns to school).
Schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.
Monitor attendance through PowerSchool.
Attendance Expectations
Students are expected to:
Arrive to school on time each day.
Attend all scheduled classes.
Remain in school for the entire instructional day unless officially signed out.
Unlawful Absences
Pennsylvania law requires regular school attendance. Excessive unlawful absences may result in meetings with school officials, attendance improvement plans, or additional interventions as required by state law.
We Can Help
If your family is experiencing circumstances that make regular attendance difficult, please contact our school counselors or administration. We are committed to working together to support every student's success!
For complete attendance procedures, including excused and unexcused absences, educational trips, and early dismissals, please refer to the Student Handbook.
Respect is one of the core expectations at Central Mountain Middle School. Students are expected to follow reasonable directions from all school staff and communicate appropriately with peers and adults.
Defiance and disrespect consistently account for the largest percentage of behavior referrals at CMMS. Because of this, we are committed to helping students develop the communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills needed to respond appropriately, even when they are frustrated or disagree with others.
Examples of defiant or disrespectful behavior include:
Refusing to follow staff directions.
Arguing or talking back to adults.
Using inappropriate or disrespectful language.
Disrupting the learning environment.
Behaviors that interfere with instruction or the safety of others.
We encourage students to ask questions respectfully, advocate for themselves appropriately, and seek support from trusted adults when conflicts arise. By working together, we can create a school culture built on mutual respect, responsibility, and positive relationships.
For complete definitions, procedures, and disciplinary responses, please refer to the Student Handbook.
To promote a focused learning environment, students are expected to keep cell phones and personal electronic devices put away during the school day.
Student Expectations
Keep phones silenced and out of sight during class. "Off and away throughout the day" is our motto!
Follow all teacher directions regarding technology use.
Use school-issued technology for classroom learning whenever possible.
Why This Matters
Limiting personal device use helps students:
Stay engaged in learning.
Reduce distractions.
Improve focus and classroom participation.
Build positive peer interactions.
Students who do not follow the cell phone policy may be subject to disciplinary consequences outlined below and in the Student Handbook.
First Offense
Reteaching of device expectations.The phone/device will be turned over to the teacher and will be given back at the end of the block.
Second Offense
Reteaching of device expectations.One detention assigned, the phone/device will be turned over to the teacher and will be given back at the end of the day (phone/device will be in the main office).
Third Offense
Reteaching of device expectations.Two detentions are assigned, parent/guardian must pick up the phone/device from the main office.
Fourth Offense
Reteaching of device expectations.One day of in-school suspension assigned, the parent/guardian must pick up the phone/device from the main office, loss of phone/device privileges.
Please review the complete Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy in the Student Handbook for detailed procedures and consequences.
Central Mountain Middle School is committed to providing every student with a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
Harassment and bullying of any kind—including verbal, physical, written, social, or electronic behavior—will not be tolerated.
Students Should
Treat others with kindness and respect.
Report bullying or harassment to a trusted adult.
Support classmates who may need help.
Use technology responsibly and respectfully. (including outside of school!)
If You See Something, Say Something
Students are encouraged to report concerns to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or trusted staff member. Reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly according to district policy. Reports can also be made to Safe2Say Something.Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late. To submit an anonymous tip, go to safe2saypa.org.
