Frequently Asked Questions: District 97 Middle School Behavior Expectations

We want everyone to be respectful, responsible, and safe at school. This means following some specific rules for backpacks, lockers, cell phones, moving between classes, using the bathroom, and lunch and social time.

Turn off your cell phone and keep it in your locker until the end of the school day.

Ask your teacher to use the phone in the classroom and/or in the main office.

Yes, cell phones should be off and stored in lockers during the school day at Brooks and Julian middle schools. Previously, since 2020, students were expected to keep their phones in their pockets or backpacks during instructional time.

 No, principals have the authority to restrict cell phone use during the school day per the board of education’s policy.

If you need to use your phone for health reasons, get a pass from the nurse at the beginning of the school year and keep it with you during the school day.

Research shows students focus better and do better socially and academically without phone distractions. You can watch this 2-minute video to learn more about why.

Yes, but remember to keep it off and stored in your locker during the school day.

We recognize that when we are clear on teaching expectations and supporting students to meet them, we will be successful in creating a positive learning environment.

• First time: Your phone will be stored in the office until the end of the day. When you pick it up at the end of the day, an adult will help re-teach the expectations with you so that they are clear.
• Second time: Your phone will be stored in the office until the end of the day, and your parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted. You can pick it up at the end of the day, and an adult will help re-teach the expectations with you so that they are clear.
• Third time: Your phone will be stored in the office until the end of the day, and your parent(s)/guardian(s) must pick it up from the office. You and your parents will discuss whether to keep the phone at home or turn it in daily until the end of the Trimester. If you don’t turn your phone in daily, you’ll need to meet with your student success coach or associate principal after school for a “re-teach” or skill-building session.

The school isn’t responsible for lost or stolen phones. If yours gets stolen or damaged, it won’t be repaired or replaced by the school.

You’ll get your locker and lock before the first day of school at District 97 Middle School Connection and at our middle school welcome nights. That way, you will have time to practice unlocking and locking your locker. Please know that staff will always be available to support you with this process—just let them know if you need help. If you prefer to learn at a time when there aren’t other students in the hallway, we are happy to find a time to do that.

You will be able to use your locker before school, before and after lunch, and at the end of the day. If needed, you can visit your locker during class time with a pass. Getting organized to have the things you need may take some time. Learning these skills, however, will be a good thing to know and we are ready to work with you so that you can be successful.

Lockers help you:

• Reduce clutter.
• Minimize distractions in class.
• Practice organization and planning skills.

There are many ways to be organized, and we want you to find the best method that works for you. To help you with this, we’ve put together a locker checklist (see below) that you will receive at the beginning of the school year. This tool may be helpful to you, or you may need another. We look forward to helping you find the right organization method for you.

Students should:

• Morning: Get the materials for your morning classes, store your coat and cell phone if you have one, and head to class.
• Before Lunch: Check if you need anything from your locker, store your class items, and lock your locker.
• After Lunch: Hang up your coat, store your lunch items, get materials for your afternoon classes, and head to class.
• End of Day: Grab your homework, grab your cell phone if you have one, and lock your locker.

Yes, but make sure to store it in your locker during the school day to help keep classrooms and hallways clear.

Using lockers for your backpacks keeps everyone safe, helps you stay focused in class, and teaches you important skills like being organized and planning ahead.

• Safety: Backpacks piled up around classrooms and common areas can create tripping hazards.
• Focused Learning: Keeping backpacks in lockers helps reduce distractions in the classroom.
• Skill Building: Using lockers for your backpacks is a great way to practice important skills like organization and planning.

Keep your cell phone in your locker during the school day. This will help you focus on learning.

Let an adult know if you have trouble with your locker. Teachers can help you get your lock working or get help from one of our custodians if something needs to be fixed. They can also look up your combination for you. If needed, the adult helping you can give you a pass.

Do your best to learn your locker combination by heart, practice using your lock, and always keep your locker locked when you’re not using it. Don’t share your combination and don’t use other students’ lockers.

No, students should not carry cinch sacks or purses. Seventh- and eighth-graders will have the most to carry with three classes before lunch. Remember, students don’t need to carry everything from their supply list during the school day. Please refer to the locker checklist for guidance.

Yes, students can use small bags, such as pencil cases, to carry their menstrual supplies if needed. Menstrual supplies are also available in the bathrooms. If students need any special support with this expectation, they should speak with a school adult for support.

Use of trapper keepers/case-it with shoulder strap/handle is fine. If there are students who are interested and are not able to access, they can talk with a social worker, student success coach or any school adult. Schools have access to Angel Funds that can be used to purchase these items. Our staff will also be following-up proactively with students who may benefit from such a product. 

Yes, wearing your ID helps everyone stay safe and makes it easy to know who is in our building, which is especially important during emergencies.

Get a temporary ID from your first period teacher.

Request a replacement from the main office. The first lost ID is replaced for free, however, there will be a small fee for any additional replacements.

Use kind words, walk, keep to the right side of the hallways and stairs, and keep your hands, feet, and things to yourself. Put away Chromebooks and headphones.

Use the bathroom during passing periods. If you need to use the bathroom during class, you must have a pass.

Use the nearest bathroom, keep it clean, and let an adult know if anything is broken.

Yes, wear your ID, stay in your assigned area, and leave backpacks and cell phones in your locker. Bring your coat and clean up after yourself.

If you need to leave early or arrive late, make sure you have a pass.

We’ll talk about these expectations during the District 97 Middle School Connection and welcome nights. You’ll also learn about them in advisory during the first two weeks of school and again at the start of Trimesters 2 and 3. Your family will get information about the “Big 5” before school starts, and we’ll keep talking about the expectations and supporting you throughout the school year.

If you don’t follow an expectation, a staff member will remind/re-teach you the expectation. If you continue to not follow the same expectation, a behavior intervention record (BIR) will be completed by the staff member. You will then meet with a teacher from your teacher team and you will complete a self-reflection, which will be shared with parent(s) or guardians(s).

Start by talking to your teacher team. If you need more help, contact your student success coach or associate principal.

Feel free to suggest any additional questions or topics you would like to see in the FAQ by reaching out via Let’s Talk.