The Student Handbook outlines procedures and expectations for students and their families in a variety of topics, including attendance, grading, school programs, behavior, and more. It is important for students and families to review this information and become familiar with its contents.  Attending Arts Academy Charter Middle School is a choice. By enrolling at AACMS, students and their families acknowledge that following school rules and procedures is an expectation, not a suggestion.

Please pay extra attention to these policies for the 2026-27 School Year:

Cell Phones & Headphones Policy: 

• All phones must be silenced and “off body” (e.g., placed in backpacks, lockers, or designated classroom areas) from the start of the school day until the final dismissal. If a student refuses to put their phone away or hand it in to a teacher then administration will become involved.
   
• Students are not permitted to use their cell phones during instructional periods, lunch, recess, or transition times.
   
• We understand the need for communication. In case of an emergency or if you need to reach your child, please contact the Main Office and we will ensure your message is delivered promptly.
   
• If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian, they may do so from the Main Office or Nurse’s Office.
   
• Students are not permitted to use headphone/earbuds during instructional periods or transition times and shall remain “off body” (e.g., placed in backpacks, lockers, or designated classroom areas) unless provided explicit permission by the teacher or granted by a 504 or IEP. Refusal to remove headphones will result in confiscation.
   
• AACMS is not responsible for lost or stolen phones, headphones, or earbuds.

Dress Code:
Dressing for school is a vital part of building a ready-to-learn mindset. Getting dressed for school is a powerful physical cue that separates personal time from learning time, signaling to the brain that sleep or weekend mode is over and it is time to focus.

Examples of inappropriate dress include, but are not limited to:

• Hats, hoods worn over the head, sunglasses, or other items that cover your face
   
• Articles of clothing that reference drugs, alcohol, tobacco/vaping, weapons, obscenities, sexual connotations, or that contain derogatory statements regarding gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, including clothing or insignia depicting or related to violence, gangs, or hate.
   
• Pants and shirts that expose undergarments
   
• Pajama pants, blankets, and slippers
   
• Shirts must provide full torso coverage. Tops that are strapless, sleeveless with narrow straps, or reveal the midriff, back, or chest (including cropped, sheer, or mesh styles) are not permitted on campus.
   
• Excessively short, ripped, or torn garments
   
• Meta Glasses or other wearable recording devices

Fidgets
Is it a Fidget or is it a toy?

Fidgets are . . .

• Silent
• Help you focus
• Something you don’t need to look at to use
• Often have a pattern to use, making it a mindless action
• Small enough to fit in one hand
• Contained, non-sticky, non-messy

Anything else is considered a toy. Please keep toys at home. Additional resource here

Important Links:
AACMS Code of Conduct
AACMS Attendance Procedures
AACMS Student Handbook 2026-27