TABLE OF CONTENTS

Quick Reference

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Important Phone Numbers And Times

Sequoia Office: 225-0020    Mon. - Fri. 7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Regular School Day: 8:35 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.            Wednesdays: 8:35 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. 

Parent Conferences (November 2nd - November 6th): 8:35 A.M. - 12:10 P.M.

Home School: 225-0076      Mon. - Fri. 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Welcome to Sequoia

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Welcome to Sequoia Middle School. We are excited to begin a new school year filled with opportunities to learn, grow, build new friendships, and achieve new goals. This handbook has been designed to help students and families become familiar with our school, our expectations, and the policies that help keep Sequoia a safe, respectful, and successful learning community. Please take a few moments to read through it together, as it will answer many of the questions you may have throughout the school year.

Aim

We will challenge each student academically, build relationships, and foster the development of each student’s gifts and talents. We will emphasize the reality that success is earned through a strong work ethic and personal responsibility.

Vision

Our school empowers all students to achieve their personal best, embrace learning, and become caring, contributing citizens who can succeed in an ever-changing world. 

Mission

To provide students with the knowledge and mindsets to help them be successful throughout their academic careers and beyond.

Priorities

• Build and maintain relationships

• Challenge students academically and provide a variety of pathways and supports for success

• Continue to build a positive school culture

• Build local community and family partnerships

• Promote a strong work ethic and personal responsibility

Beliefs

• All individuals are valued.

• Building relationships among students and adults is essential for learning and growth.

• Each of us makes a difference.

• Student learning, growth and achievement is our primary focus.

• Collaboration is essential to success.

• Successful individuals demonstrate: Responsibility, Adaptability, Empathy, Communication, Critical Thinking, & Perseverance.

Expected Student Competencies

• Basic Skills - reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking

• Thinking Skills - creative, decision making, problem solving, visualization, reasoning, how to learn

• Personal Qualities - responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, accountability

• Resourceful - manages time, money, materials, facilities, and human resources, good work ethic

• Interpersonal - works as team member of diverse groups

• Information - acquires, evaluates, organizes, maintains, interprets, communicates, utilizes technology

• Technology - selects and applies technology for tasks

Attendance & Office Procedures

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Attendance, Absences, And Tardies

Regular attendance is essential to student learning and success. California law requires students between the ages of 6 and 18, unless otherwise exempted, to attend school full time (Education Code 48200). Families are responsible for ensuring students attend school each day and arrive on time and ready to learn.

All absences must be reported and verified. Excused absences may include illness, quarantine, medical, dental, optometric or chiropractic appointments, attendance at a funeral, jury duty, or court appearances.

When Your Student Is Absent

1. A parent or guardian should call the school office at 225-0020 before 10:00 A.M. to report the absence. Once the absence has been verified by your phone call, a written note will NOT be necessary.

2. Upon returning to school, the student should provide the office with any required documentation regarding the absence and check with teachers for missed assignments and make-up work.

3. Students are responsible for completing assignments and schoolwork missed due to absences, including absences for athletics, field trips, and other school activities..

Independent Study

If you anticipate that your student will be absent for three or more consecutive school days for personal reasons, please contact the school office in advance to determine whether an Independent Study agreement can be arranged.

Students and families are responsible for completing the required work according to the terms of the Independent Study agreement, which must be arranged prior to the absence.

If a student under a doctor's care is expected to be absent for two or more consecutive weeks, the parent or guardian should contact the school office for information about Home and Hospital Instruction

Tardies

Being on time is an important part of being ready to learn. Students are expected to be in class with the necessary materials and prepared to begin when the tardy bell rings. Arriving late interrupts instruction for both the student and the classroom. Students should make every effort to arrive at school and to each class on time. Three or more tardies may result in school-based intervention and parent/guardian contact.

Health Office

The Health Office is located in the Administration Building and is staffed from 8:15 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on days school is in session.

Illness & Injury

Students who become ill during the school day must receive permission from their teacher before reporting to the Health Office. Students should not call or text a parent/guardian directly to arrange to go home. Health Office staff will contact a parent or guardian when necessary.

Injuries that occur at school, on school grounds, during practices, or at school-sponsored athletic or extracurricular activities should be reported immediately to the staff member in charge and the Health Office.

Medication at School

All medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, must be kept in the Health Office and may only be administered with the required written authorization. Medication must be provided in its original container and handled according to school and district procedures. Students should not carry medication unless specifically authorized and must not share medication.

Telephone & Student Messages

To minimize classroom disruptions and protect instructional time, families are encouraged to make after-school transportation and other arrangements before the school day begins. Students may use a classroom telephone with teacher permission and may use a school phone after school for emergency purposes only.

Messages from parents or guardians during the school day should be directed through the school office and will be delivered to students as appropriate. Please do not call or text your child’s cell phone during the school day, as personal cell phone use is not permitted and can disrupt the learning environment.

Deliveries

To protect instructional time and maintain an uninterrupted learning environment, deliveries for students—such as gifts, flowers, balloons, and similar items—will not be accepted by school personnel or delivered to students during the school day. Students are also asked not to bring these items to school.

If a student forgets an essential item, such as school materials, lunch, or homework, a parent or guardian may drop it off at the school office. Students are responsible for checking the office and picking up their items at an appropriate time. 

Food Delivery Services (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc.) Students may not order food through food delivery services during school hours.

Parents or guardians may arrange for food to be delivered to their student; however, the delivery must arrive during the student's scheduled lunch period. Students will not be called out of class or permitted to leave class to pick up a food delivery. Leaving class for a delivery interrupts instruction and results in unnecessary time away from learning.

Food deliveries that arrive outside of the student's scheduled lunch period will be held in the office and may be picked up after school. The school is not responsible for late, missed, incorrect, or undelivered food orders.

Closed Campus

Sequoia Middle School is a closed campus. Once students arrive on campus, they must remain on campus throughout the school day unless they are checked out through the school office by an authorized parent or guardian.

Students who are not participating in an approved after-school program, study hall, activity, or other supervised school program must leave campus by 3:15 P.M.

Visitors/Guests

Parents and guardians are always welcome at Sequoia. All visitors must check in at the school office before entering campus. Visitors will be issued a visitor badge, which must be worn and visible while on campus.

For the safety of our students and staff, Sequoia's campus is closed to the general public from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. This includes school grounds and facilities such as the track, basketball courts, fields, and other outdoor areas while school and after-school programs are in session.

Student visitors and other guests are not permitted on campus during these hours unless they have received prior approval from the principal or designee.

Contact & Emergency Information

Please notify the school office promptly if there is a change to your student's address, phone number, or emergency contact information. Keeping this information current is essential so the school can communicate with families, especially in the event of an emergency.

Student information may only be released to individuals who are listed and authorized as emergency contacts in Aeries. Parents and guardians are responsible for keeping this information accurate and up to date.

Families attending Sequoia on an interdistrict transfer must maintain a current address on file with the school. Failure to provide updated address information may affect the student's interdistrict agreement to attend Sequoia.

Withdrawal

If a student will be withdrawing from Sequoia during the school year, a parent or guardian should notify the school office at least one school day in advance whenever possible.

The school will need the reason for the withdrawal and information about the school the student will be transferring to. The office will provide families with any necessary withdrawal forms and instructions.

Campus Services & Programs

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Food Services

Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to all students during the 2026–2027 school year. Meals are served each school day, and current menus are available through the Redding School District website and sent out via Sequioa’s Newsletter on Parent Square.

Transportation

Riding the school bus is a privilege. Students who ride the bus are expected to:

• Ride only their assigned bus.

• Arrive at their designated bus stop on time.

• Board the bus promptly after school.

• Follow all bus safety and passenger conduct rules.

• Follow the directions of the bus driver at all times.

Bicycles, E-Bikes & Other Wheeled Transportation

Students may ride bicycles, e-bikes, or skateboards to and from school. Helmets are required, and bicycles and e-bikes must be secured in the designated bike racks. Skateboards must be secured for the school day in a classroom with teacher permission. These items may not be ridden on campus; bicycles, e-bikes, and skateboards must be walked while on school grounds. 

E-motorcycles, motorcycles, mopeds, rollerblades, Heelys, and similar motorized or wheeled recreational devices may not be brought to or used on campus. Students are expected to follow traffic laws and practice safe behavior when traveling to and from school.

The school is not responsible for personal transportation items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

RALLY (Reaching All Youth) After-School Program

RALLY provides Sequoia students with a safe and supervised environment before and after school. The program is available to all Sequoia students and offers a variety of opportunities throughout the school year, including academic support, enrichment activities, recreation, clubs, sports, and other activities. A snack is provided to participating students at no cost. RALLY is designed to provide homework assistance and academic enrichment while encouraging positive peer interactions, recreation, and opportunities for students to explore new interests and develop new skills.

Program Hours
Monday–Friday
Morning: 7:00–8:30 A.M.
Afternoon: 2:35–6:00 P.M.

Students are expected to attend at least three days per week, arrive prepared to participate, and remain for the entire session unless other arrangements have been made. All Sequoia schoolwide behavior expectations and policies apply while students are participating in RALLY.

Lost And Found

All efforts will be made to return lost and found articles that are labeled. Check for lost items in the cafeteria. Articles turned in are kept a reasonable length of time or until they are claimed. The one who claims the article is expected to identify it. MAKE IT A POINT TO LABEL YOUR BELONGINGS WITH PERMANENT INK.

Academic & School Success

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Academic Responsibility

Academic success remains our highest priority. Students are expected to complete assignments, participate in classroom learning, and demonstrate their best effort each day. Teachers may assign homework or projects to reinforce classroom learning, provide opportunities for independent practice, or prepare students for upcoming instruction. Families are encouraged to establish routines that support learning at home and communicate with teachers whenever academic concerns arise. Students participating in extracurricular activities are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress and classroom behavior.

Aeries Online, Report Cards And Progress Reports

Students and families can use Aeries to monitor current grades, assignments, and academic progress throughout the school year. Families will receive information from the school about accessing their Aeries account.

Report cards are issued after the end of each trimester. At mid-trimester, progress reports are provided for students earning a C- or below in one or more classes. Progress reports are intended to keep students and families informed and provide an opportunity to address academic concerns before the end of the trimester.

Homework

Homework and assignments are an important part of the learning process. Students are responsible for keeping track of assignments, completing work on time, and making up work missed due to absences.

Students and families are encouraged to check Aeries regularly to monitor assignments, grades, and academic progress. If a student is having difficulty with assignments or course content, students and families should communicate with the teacher for support

Counseling

Sequoia is committed to supporting students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Counseling and guidance services are available to students for individual needs as well as ongoing support. Counselors and Health Center staff can also help connect students and families with outside resources and community agencies when additional support is needed.

Students who would like to meet with a counselor should follow the school's process for requesting an appointment. Parents or guardians who have concerns about their student's academic, social, or emotional well-being are encouraged to contact the school for assistance.

Awards & Recognition

Sequoia celebrates students for their achievements and positive contributions to our school community. Students may be recognized throughout the school year for academic achievement, attendance, positive behavior, and participation or achievement in extracurricular activities.

Trimester awards are presented to recognize students for their accomplishments and efforts during each trimester. Award recipient letters will be sent home from teachers if you student is receiving an award. 

Activities & Schoolwide Expectations

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

PBIS 

Sequoia Middle School uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for all students.

Through PBIS, students are taught clear expectations for behavior in classrooms and throughout campus. At Sequoia, students are expected to be:

• Safe

• Responsible

• Respectful

These expectations are taught and reinforced in different areas of the school through our Behavior Matrix, helping students understand what positive behavior looks like throughout the school day.

Students who demonstrate Sequoia's schoolwide expectations may be recognized with Spartan Cash, special activities, privileges, and other incentives. PBIS gives students opportunities to be recognized for making positive choices and contributing to a welcoming school community.

Student Activities And Assemblies

Students are encouraged to participate in school activities, clubs, assemblies, rallies, and other opportunities that build connection, pride, and school spirit. Students are expected to demonstrate Sequoia’s schoolwide expectations by being safe, responsible, and respectful at all school events.

Extracurricular

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular sports and activities. To be eligible, students must receive approval and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA with no F grades. Grade checks may be conducted at any time throughout the season, so students are expected to maintain academic eligibility throughout their participation.

Schoolwide Expectations

Students are expected to help maintain a safe, responsible, and respectful school environment.

• Follow the cell phone and electronics policy at all times.

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself and use respectful language and behavior.

• Eat only in areas designated by staff and help keep campus clean.

• Keep personal belongings secure. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Do not sell or distribute items, including food, on or near campus without school authorization.

• Do not bring glass bottles, permanent markers, paint pens, aerosols, or sprays to campus

Dances

School dances are a privilege earned through appropriate attendance, academics, and behavior. Students suspended during the same trimester may not attend. Student body cards are required. Once students enter a dance, they must remain until the dance ends or until a parent/guardian picks them up. The school dress code applies at all dances.

Safety, Respect & Harassment

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Safety

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Students must walk in building areas, keep hands and feet to themselves, avoid climbing or jumping from school facilities, and immediately report threats or unsafe conditions to an adult. Threats of violence are taken seriously and may be referred to law enforcement.

Emergency Plan

Sequoia maintains emergency procedures to help protect students and staff during situations such as fires, lockdowns, evacuations, and other emergencies. Students and staff participate in safety drills throughout the school year so they are familiar with what to do in an emergency. During an emergency, students must remain with their teacher or supervising staff member, follow directions, and remain calm. Depending on the situation, students may be directed to evacuate to a designated safe area or remain secured inside a classroom or other location.

Families will receive information and instructions from the school or district when appropriate. During an emergency, please rely on official school or district communication for updates and reunification information.

Bullying And Cyberbullying

Bullying is unwanted aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power and is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated. Bullying may be physical, verbal, social, or electronic and may include:

• Hitting, pushing, threatening, or damaging another person's belongings.

• Name-calling, hurtful teasing, taunting, or threats.

• Spreading rumors, intentionally excluding others, or public humiliation.

• Sending or posting harmful messages, images, videos, rumors, fake profiles, or other content intended to harm or embarrass another person.

Students who experience or witness bullying or cyberbullying should report it to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or other trusted staff member as soon as possible. Reports will be taken seriously and addressed according to school and district procedures.

Harassment And Discrimination

Racial, sexual, and disability-based harassment or discrimination is prohibited. Prohibited conduct includes slurs, degrading comments, jokes, rumors, unwanted sexual conduct, retaliation, physical intimidation, interference with access or accommodations, and conduct that creates a hostile educational environment or interferes with a student’s opportunities. Students should report concerns to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. School personnel will act promptly to stop prohibited conduct, investigate concerns, prevent recurrence, and provide appropriate support. Complaints are addressed under the district’s uniform complaint procedures.

Gangs And Human Trafficking Awareness

Gang-related intimidation, threats, signs, gestures, graffiti, clothing, or other activity are not permitted. Concerns may be referred to law enforcement and may result in disciplinary proceedings. Human trafficking resources and reporting information are available through the school office and local agencies.

Discipline & Due Process

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Discipline

Students are expected to take responsibility for their choices, cooperate with peers and adults, and respect themselves, others, and property. When behavior interferes with learning or safety, the school may use restorative practices, detention, behavior plans, suspension, referral to law enforcement, a pre-expulsion process, expulsion proceedings, restitution, or other appropriate interventions.

Drug-, Alcohol-, Tobacco-, And Vape-Free Campus

Possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, vapes, marijuana, unlawful prescription medication, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substances is prohibited and may result in discipline and referral to law enforcement or other agencies.

Examples Of Serious Misconduct

• Causing, attempting, or threatening physical injury; fighting; bullying; hazing; intimidation; or gang activity.

• Possessing, selling, or furnishing a weapon, dangerous object, fireworks, matches, razor blades, or similar items.

• Possessing, using, selling, or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, marijuana, unlawful medication, or a controlled substance.

• Robbery, extortion, theft, possession of stolen property, vandalism, graffiti, or other property damage.

• Sexual, racial, or disability harassment; profanity or obscenity; major disruption; or defiance of authority.

Detention, Suspension, And Expulsion

Teacher detention may be assigned before school, after school, or at lunch. Families are responsible for transportation. A missed detention must be promptly rescheduled; repeated failure to serve detention may lead to additional consequences.

A suspended student must remain away from all school campuses and school-sponsored activities for the length of the suspension. The student may not attend a dance during the trimester of suspension and may be restricted from the next interscholastic athletic event. Teachers may require missed work to be completed.

Expulsion proceedings may result from serious physical injury, fighting, weapons, drugs, assault or battery on an employee, robbery, extortion, or when other interventions are not feasible or have repeatedly failed. The School Attendance Review Board (SARB) may review cases involving excessive absences or repeated behavior concerns.

Due Process

• Students must be informed of the accusations against them.

• Students must have an opportunity to accept or deny the accusations.

• The factual basis for the accusations must be explained.

• Students who deny an accusation must have an opportunity to present an alternative factual account.

Off-Campus And Online Conduct

School officials do not generally police non-school, off-campus activity. However, off-campus or online conduct may be addressed when it affects school safety, substantially disrupts the educational environment, or occurs in connection with a school activity or athletic event.

Campus Supervisors And Passes

Campus supervisors support safety before school, after school, and during lunch and must be treated respectfully. Students who are out of class must carry a dated, timed, and signed pass that is visible to staff. Only one student name is permitted on each pass.

Key School Policies

SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Cell Phone And Electronics Policy

Students may bring a cell phone or personal electronic device to campus only with parent/guardian permission and a completed annual permission contract.

• Devices may be used before the first bell and after the dismissal bell only.

• During the school day, phones, smart watches, AirPods, headphones, earbuds, tablets, laptops, cameras, MP3 players, and other personal electronics must be turned off and stored in the student’s backpack - “Away for the Day.” Devices may not be kept on the student’s person.

• Students without a backpack or bag must check devices in at the office for the day and pick them up after school.

• Cell phone use is not permitted on the bus. Students who need to contact home may use the office phone or a classroom phone with teacher permission.

• Exceptions apply during a declared emergency, with staff permission in an emergency or perceived threat, when required by an IEP or 504 Plan, or when a licensed physician determines the device is essential for the student’s health.

• Students who are ill must report to the Health Office so staff can contact home. Parents should contact the office when they need to deliver a message.

• A device that is visible, audible, or vibrating during the school day may be confiscated and must be picked up by the student’s parent or legal guardian. Repeated violations may result in loss of device privileges and additional disciplinary action.

Sequoia Middle School is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronics brought to campus.

Eighth-Grade Graduation Requirements

To earn a diploma of promotion at the end of eighth grade, a student must:

• Be enrolled as a full-time eighth-grade student.

• Earn at least a 2.0 grade point average and have no F grades for the third trimester.

• Attend at least 90% of the school year. Students who do not earn a 2.0 GPA in the second trimester will be placed on academic probation.

To participate in graduation activities - including the ceremony, eighth-grade field trip, and graduation party - a student must also:

• Meet the academic and attendance requirements above, including being present at least 90% of the time (162 days) with no truancies during the last trimester.

• Demonstrate appropriate behavior throughout the eighth-grade year. Disciplinary referrals, suspensions, or alternative placement may result in restriction from one or more graduation activities.

• Return all textbooks, library books, Chromebooks, chargers, and cases, and pay any cafeteria charges or other fines.

Parents/guardians will be notified after each reporting period when a student is not meeting promotion standards. Appeals may be considered by the principal when special circumstances exist.

Dress Code

Sequoia’s dress code supports a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment. Clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and footwear must be appropriate for school and safe for students and staff. The administration may address new trends that are not specifically listed below.

Footwear

• Wear proper footwear at all times. Flip-flops, slides, slippers, high heels, and backless shoes or sandals are not allowed during the school day.

• Some classes, including PE and science labs, require closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes. Sandals and shoes must have a fastened heel strap. Military boots are not allowed.

Clothing Coverage And Fit

• Shorts, skirts, and pants must have at least a 3-inch inseam and fully cover private body parts and undergarments. Holes or rips may not be above the 3-inch inseam.

• Tops must cover undergarments and the midriff at all times. Low-cut, halter, tube, one-shoulder, backless, strapless, off-the-shoulder, open-sided, netted, and see-through tops are not allowed.

• Pants must be worn at the waist, hemmed, and kept off the ground. Sagging is not allowed.

Safety And School Appropriateness

• Chains, spikes, armor, or other potentially dangerous jewelry or accessories are not allowed.

• Blankets are not allowed. Hoods, beanies, knitted headwear, earmuffs, and sunglasses must be removed when entering buildings.

• Masks and face coverings such as ski masks, neck gaiters, and balaclavas are not allowed. Medical masks intended to reduce the spread of germs may be worn.

• Costumes, onesies, and costume-style makeup may be worn only for approved special events, spirit days, or holidays. Full-face paint is not allowed.

• Clothing or accessories may not promote tobacco, vaping, marijuana, alcohol, drugs, violence, sexual content, illegal acts, hate, discrimination, inappropriate language, or gang affiliation.

• Writing or drawing on a person’s face, body, clothing, or personal items is not allowed. Clothing, shoes, backpacks, and other personal items may be marked only with the student’s legal name.

Students who violate the dress code will be directed to the office to change into approved clothing. The goal is to return the student to class as quickly as possible. Dress-code decisions are made by the administration.

*Students are expected to demonstrate SAFE, RESPONSIBLE, and RESPECTFUL behavior at all times.*

Sequoia Middle School reserves the right to modify or amend this handbook as necessary to meet student needs and maintain a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment.