O’Brien Middle School

2025-2026

 Handbook & Resource Guide

 

5000 Silver Lake Road Reno, NV 89506

Phone: (775) 677-5420 • Fax: (775) 677-5423

www.washoeschools.net/obrien

School Mascot – Lion

School Colors – Green & Blue

 

Non-Discrimination Statement: The Washoe County School District and O’Brien Middle School are committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnic group identification, marital status, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, age, mental or physical disability, military or veteran’s status in educational programs or activities, and employment as required by applicable federal and state laws and regulations.  No District employee, including, without limitation, administrators, faculty, or other staff members, nor students shall engage in acts of bullying, harassment, or discrimination on the premises of any public school, school-sponsored event, or school bus in the district.  Prohibited behaviors include cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, hazing, intimidation, and retaliation.

You are a valued member of this community! 

Disclaimer: This handbook contains references to Board Policies and other documents pertaining to the rules and regulations of the Washoe County School District.  O’Brien Middle School and Washoe County School District reserves the right to revise any of these documents during the course of the school year.  For the current version of any of these documents, please check the District’s website at www.washoeschools.net/Policy or O’Brien’s website at www.washoeschools.net/obrien throughout the year.

Table of Contents

 

 

 

MISSION

O'Brien Middle School’s mission

is to develop critical thinkers who are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for the future.

 

 

VISION

O'Brien's vision is to build confidence,

inspire lifelong curiosity, and develop responsible, engaged members of society.

 

 

Welcome to the 2025 – 2026 School Year

Dear O’Brien Families,

We are excited to welcome you to the 25-26 school year at 5000 Silver Lake Road! Your teachers, administrators, and support staff have been planning and preparing all summer to bring you a year of learning, love, and leadership. We hope to see everyone at Prideland Day Orientation on August 4 from 8am-11am.  We will also host Open House from 5:00pm-6:30pm on August 28. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

First Day of School Guidance

Our school buses will arrive on campus between 7:00-7:15am daily. For the safety of our learners, the earliest time that students are permitted on campus is 7:00am. When students arrive on campus by bus, they will be dropped off behind the school near the courtyard and student entry doors depicted in orange on the map above. Students who are dropped off or who walk to school must utilize the Student Entrance Walkway designated in orange on the map. The family drop off route is depicted in blue and should allow for a safe and smooth traffic pattern.

 

What to Expect the First Week

The first day of school is Monday, August 11^th. School will begin at 7:30am daily. School will end at 1:54pm every day except for Wednesday when school will end at 1:06pm. We will spend the first week of school community building and learning how to access resources and navigate our learning community and classroom policies and procedures. Learners will familiarize themselves with the P.R.I.D.E. Matrix, accessible on our website and within this handbook, and will also experience their first social emotional learning lessons.

 

Student Drop Off, Pick Up, & Transportation

PLEASE BE AWARE THERE IS NO DROP OFF OR PICK UP IN THE PARKING LOTS OR THE FRONT BUS LANES. The student entrance is located at the back of the school. Students should use the sidewalks on the south side of the school to enter and exit the school.

WCSD Transportation will continue to be provided to students that live in areas where transportation had previously been provided.  Parents must register for bus transportation by accessing https://www.washoeschools.net/Page/176. The routes with times and locations for stops will be published on WCSD website in the days just before school starts.  If students will be dropped off in the morning or will be walking, we are asking that students arrive no earlier than 7:00am and no later than 7:20am.  This will allow our learners to eat breakfast before heading to class. Once students arrive on campus via bus, family transportation or by walking, they are required to remain on campus until the end of the school day unless a guardian picks up their child early by checking them out in the main office.  This is a safety expectation as we want to ensure that students remain within the safest learning environments. All guests picking up our learners must present a valid photo ID.  Please direct specific transportation questions to the Transportation Department: (775)377-7769.

 

 

Safety

 

Safety is of the utmost importance to us as we foster a secure, healthy environment for ALL members of the O’Brien learning community.  O’Brien continues to maintain a zero-tolerance policy for violence, bullying, alcohol and drug use, hate speech, or discriminatory behavior of any kind.  These behaviors are taken seriously, and any learner engaging in said behaviors will receive both consequences and restorative lessons.  We expect our scholars to respect each other, our staff, our campus, and themselves.  The policies and procedures found in this handbook are meant to support the highest of expectations for safety. Your learner will participate in monthly fire, shelter in place, and evacuation drills as we empower them to not only behave safely but also to have safety centered mindsets. One area of safety that is often outside of our access and jurisdiction is social media. If you see something that may have a negative impact on a learner or our learning environment, please report it immediately by calling (775) 677-5420, or by utilizing the Safe Voice Reporting system at  http://safevoicenv.org/ .

   

 

Family Engagement

 

Thank you for taking the time to read through this handbook with your child.  We hope to cultivate a strong and supportive connection with our families. If you are on Instagram, please consider following us at < obrien_lions > and be sure to update your annual contact information as you register your child to ensure you receive our weekly Connect Ed messages each Sunday evening beginning August 3^rd. Additionally, we invite you to browse our website: washoeschools.net/Obrien > on a regular basis. We host many family and community events throughout the year, primarily on Thursdays.  You will also find our “Prideland Families” section that will provide you with up-to-date information at your fingertips!  

 

Family Resource Center

The North Valleys Family Resource Center (FRC) is housed here at O’Brien Middle School on the northwest side of campus by our fields. This resource center is designed to provide families in the North Valleys area with access to resources like housing assistance, emergency assistance with bills, cloths and Food Bank access as well as referrals for counseling and other helpful services that may support your family and or your learner.  The FRC is open Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.  Phone: (775)227-7271 or (775)227-5031.

 

Academic Conditions

Your student will learn within a smaller learning community, referred to as their “Pride” each year they attend O’Brien. They will have a team of math, ELA, science, and social studies teachers along with their counselor and will remain together throughout the year. This is designed to create a personalized experience where your learners are known by name, face, and needs.  Grades are updated every Monday, so we encourage you to check in with your child every Tuesday or Wednesday to access Infinite Campus and explore your child’s progress and set goals for the week.

O’Brien Whole School Policies

All policies are in place to create a safe and enriching environment for all members of our learning community.  Policies are subject to change and exceptions may occur based on student needs and staff discretion.  The intent of each policy is to set high yet fair expectations that assist in teaching learners how to engage in academia and society productively.  We believe that families are our most important partner in helping to ensure that all learners access the richest learning environments. We ask that families check in with their children each morning to ensure that they are in dress code and that all items stored in their backpacks and on their person are safe and appropriate. Additional teacher, team, and department-based policies may be found in the syllabus of each teacher that your scholar has.

 

 

DRESS CODE POLICIES

 

Student Attire

All scholars of the learning community must adhere to WCSD’s dress code policies, which can be found on our district website: https://www.washoeschools.net/domain/1594

 

PE Required Dress

Students taking PE are required to wear exercise clothes.  Shirts must be uniform and can be purchased for $5.00 from the school, and bottoms can be black or grey, preferably without pockets, and from a student’s personal wardrobe. 

 

 

Disclaimer: If a color or style of shoes, backpack, or accessory is associated with any misconduct and/or poses a safety risk, the school reserves the right to implement a safety plan prohibiting future use of problematic color(s), style, and any other article of clothing that correlates with risk. Safety plans may impact singular students or the whole school.

 

Dress Code Progressive Behavior Expectations & Outcomes

1^st Dress code violations will result in a warning along with an opportunity to have parents drop off appropriate clothing or borrow loaned clothing if it is available. 2^nd dress code violations will result in a lunch detention and a phone call home along with an opportunity to have parents drop off appropriate clothing or borrow loaned clothing. 3^rd dress code violations will result in the same consequence as the 2^nd code violation and will trigger a major behavior referral. Students who have had a 3^rd or more dress code violation may be held in ISS for the day if they aren’t able to change into dress code appropriate clothing.

 

Student IDs

Students are required to carry their Student ID daily. Student IDs are required to board the school bus, to obtain served lunches, to check out items from the library, and to present upon staff request for identification and safety purposes. Students will also need their Student ID to access the restroom, hydration station, athletic equipment at lunch, or other specified resources throughout the year. If a learner loses their student ID, the school will replace it at no cost the first time.  Any additional occurrences will cost the student $1.00 each time.

 

Backpacks  

We are pleased to continue providing all needed learning supplies to all learners daily. Students are invited to utilize a backpack to store lunch from home, a water bottle, library books, and any personalized supplies if desired.  Backpacks must adhere to dress code requirements. 

 

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY POLICIES

 

Laptop Usage

For the 2025-26 school year, each student will have access to an O’Brien laptop in every class except PE. These devices are to be utilized for academic purposes only. Students and families may be required to reimburse the school for lost, damaged, or stolen laptops. 

 

Progressive Behavior Expectations & Outcomes Regarding Laptops

The 1^st occurrence of laptop misuse or abuse will result in a warning and a parent phone call. A 2^nd occurrence of laptop misuse or abuse will result in a teacher or team detention and parent contact. The 3rd occurrence of laptop misuse or abuse will result in restricted access determined by the student’s learning team.

 

Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Devices

Cell phones and personal devices are to be unseen and in silent mode once on campus before school, during lunch, or after school. Teachers will collect cell phones at the beginning of each class and secure them in a clear, locked storage cabinet during class time; students phones are then returned at the end of class. Students are only permitted to access personal devices in a supervised setting with staff member permission for the device to be taken out and used for family communication or for academic or reward-based purposes. O’Brien Middle School and WCSD will not be liable for lost, damaged, or stolen devices and families are encouraged to have their children keep valuables, including cell phones, personal devices, or ear buds at home. Students and parents are welcome to utilize the main office to make and receive phone calls. Additionally, while we strive to teach learners how to be upstanding citizens in a digital world, it is the responsibility of each family to monitor student engagement in social media and web-based activities. We encourage families to regularly walk through social media and web-based activities being accessed to ensure that they are positive and empowering.

 

Progressive Behavior Expectations & Outcomes Regarding Cell Phones

The 1^st technology violation receives a warning. A 2^nd violation will result in a parent phone call along with the phone being confiscated and secured in the main office for student pick up; a minor behavior documentation will occur. A 3^rd violation results in a call home and the phone will be confiscated and secured in the main office for the parent to pick up. A 4^th violation results in a major behavior referral; the phone will also be confiscated and secured in the main office for parent pick up. The student will then be placed on a technology behavior plan moving forward.

 

Earbuds and Speakers

Students are NOT permitted to use earbuds on campus unless directed and supervised by staff.  Students may not bring Bluetooth speakers to campus as playing music or videos aloud is not permitted.

 

 

FOOD & DRINKS

 

All members of the O’Brien learning community are encouraged to carry and utilize water bottles. Hydration stations are located throughout the building for these purposes and water bottles are permitted to be utilized in classroom settings unless otherwise specified by a staff member for safety purposes related to a specific lab or activity. As a general rule, all other types of food or drink may only be accessed and consumed in the cafeteria and outdoor eating space attached to the cafeteria. Students who are pre-issued a lunch pass by a staff member may carry their lunch to the elective classroom door or academic wing door where their teacher will meet them.  All others will consume their lunch in the cafeteria before being excused to play outside or engage in intramural activities during lunch. Exceptions will be made for medical purposes as directed by staff. No gum is allowed in the gym or performance classrooms.  Students may chew gum quietly in other environments, and those who use gum carelessly will be assigned school beautification and may lose their privilege of possessing and chewing gum.

ATTENDANCE

 

Attendance plays an essential role in a learner’s success. Students who miss class time are at a greater risk of falling behind academically, socially, and emotionally. Our learners are expected to attend school on time 90% or more of the time when healthy to receive the optimal benefits of learning.  Students who miss school more than 10% of the time are considered chronically absent and prompt school interventions and support.

 

There are no excused or unexcused absences in WCSD.  The types of absences are exempt and non-exempt.  Absences for which documentation is provided by a medical, mental, or behavioral health professional are exempt from consideration when calculating chronic absenteeism.  All other absences, regardless of reason, are considered non-exempt and count towards chronic absenteeism. 

 

If your child is ill and has symptoms that may be contagious (E.g., fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea), please keep your child home from school.  It is the responsibility of the student to request make-up work from their teachers when they return to school after an absence.  Students have the number of days absent plus one day to complete the work and be considered on time. Most assignments can be found on a teacher’s Canvas classroom portal.  Our learners are also encouraged to email their teachers for work or clarification of work.

 

Students Attendance in WCSD is governed by NRS Chapter 392 as well as Board Policy 5400 and all attached Administrative Regulations and Procedures. Please visit the WCSD Policy website for detailed information on policies. 

Tardies

Learners are considered “present” and “on time” for class when they are seated in their assigned seat before the tardy bell rings at the onset of each class period.

 

Tardy Progressive Behavior Expectations & Outcomes

A 1^st tardy will result in a warning. A 2^nd tardy will result in a teacher implemented consequence. A 3^rd tardy will result in a minor behavior referral and a phone call home. Students who earn 2 or more minor behavior referrals for tardies will be issued a major behavior referral by their individual teacher or by their teacher team if 2 or more minor behavior referrals and documented parent phone calls have been made by one or more teachers.

 

 

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

  

Rewards, Recognition, & Currency:

Lion Loot is a virtual currency that students may earn by showing attributes within our Lion P.R.I.D.E. matrix which stands for Productivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy.  Students may utilize Lion Loot to purchase items from the student store or other rewards and raffles. This, in addition to PRIDE Awards, positive behavior referrals, and achievement raffles are a part of our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) system established to help realize our mission and vision reinforcing those actions and attributes that inspire academic, social and emotional growth within our learners.  Our learners and families will use the Minga application that houses various daily information from students passes, behaviors, and general site social messaging.

 

 

PRIDE Behavior Matrix	Productivity  Complete tasks effectively.	Respect  Treat people and situations with kindness and consideration.	Integrity  Be honest and honor commitments.	Determination  Keep going until goal is reached, even if you must change your path.	Empathy  Recognize others’ perspectives; respect their differences.
Before & After  School / Bus Pick-Up	-Use sidewalks & crosswalks  -Look both directions and cross carefully   -Walk to assigned destinations on time	-Say please and thank you to bus drivers  -Use school-appropriate language  -Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself	-Tell the truth at all times  -Keep environments clean  -Follow bus safety rules	-Follow bus driver’s directions  -Be prepared for where you’re going next   -Communicate issues with staff member(s)	-Be considerate of others’ space  -Help others  -Communicate issues with staff member(s)
Hallways	-Walk safely; keep moving   -Arrive to your destination on time  -Follow emergency procedures and codes	-Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself  -Use school-appropriate language  -Keep environments clean	-Help others  -Communicate issues with staff member(s)  -Have your pass visible	-Use the most direct route to your destination  -Arrive to your destination on time  -Have all learning materials ready for class	-Be considerate and help others  -Use indoor voices  -Say excuse me, please, and thank you
Cafeteria	-Walk safely   -Have I.D. and/or money ready  -Finish eating lunch in the cafeteria	-Patiently wait your turn in line  -Say please, thank you, and excuse me  -Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself	-Keep area clean; throw away trash  -Report issues to a staff member	-Remain seated   -Stay in the lunchroom until released by staff  -Choose positive activities during free time	-Show patience  -Be considerate towards others  -Eat your own food
Main Office	-Communicate your purpose promptly and clearly  -Follow directions  -Cooperate with others	-Use your inside voice  -Use school-appropriate language  -Say please, thank you, and excuse me	-Report unsafe behaviors  -Communicate honestly  -Help others	-Use the most direct route to and from the office  -Remain calm and quiet while waiting  -Participate in solutions	-Listen actively to others  -Demonstrate patience  -Participate in positive ways
Library, Testing Rooms	-Stay focused and on task  -Avoid distracting others  -Come prepared with learning materials and ID	-Care for technology and other resources properly  -Access only approved programs, sites, and files  -Use your inside voice	-Put honest effort into your work  -Keep eyes on your own task/test	-Ask for help when needed  -Use technology and resources creatively, appropriately, and efficiently   -Choose positive activities during free time	-Use appropriate volume  -Be considerate of others using the space  -Assist others when possible and needed
Assemblies,  Social Functions, & Athletic Events	-Enter and exit bleachers safely  -Follow directions of staff members   -Actively listen to presenters	-Keep facilities clean  -Follow policies regarding food and beverage  -Keep hands, feed, and objects to yourself	-Show positive school spirit  -Choose positive activities during free time  -Report unsafe behaviors	-Focus on the event and encourage the same in those around you  -Remain seated until released by staff	-Demonstrate appreciation with appropriate applause  -Demonstrate patience entering and exiting  -Recognize that your experience may be different from others
Field Trips, Guest Speakers	-Be where you’re supposed to be   -Actively listen and participate  -Listen attentively and participate fully	-Say please, thank you, and excuse me  -Use school-appropriate language  -Treat others the way you want to be treated	-Keep facilities clean  -Represent OSA with pride	-Cooperate with chaperones and presenters  -Challenge yourself to learn something new   -Share experience with others	-Accept that your experience may be different from others  -Show interest in the experience  -Make choices that help, not harm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O’Brien Middle School 2025-2026 Regular Bell Schedule

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday		Tuesday		Wednesday Early Release		Thursday		Friday
Advisory	7:30-8:00	Advisory	7:30-8:00	Advisory	7:30-8:00	Advisory	7:30-8:00	Advisory	7:30-8:00
1st Period	8:04-8:54	1st Period	8:04-8:54	1st Period	8:04-8:46	1st Period	8:04-8:54	1st Period	8:04-8:54
2nd Period	8:58-9:48	2nd Period	8:58-9:48	2nd Period	8:50-9:32	2nd Period	8:58-9:48	2nd Period	8:58-9:48
3rd Period	9:52-10:42	3rd Period	9:52-10:42	3rd Period	9:36-10:18	3rd Period	9:52-10:42	3rd Period	9:52-10:42
1st Lunch 10:42-11:12	4th Period 10:46-11:36	1st Lunch 10:42-11:12	4th Period 10:46-11:36	1st Lunch 10:18-10:48	4th Period 10:52-11:34	1st Lunch 10:42-11:12	4th Period 10:46-11:36	1st Lunch 10:42-11:12	4th Period 10:46-11:36
4th Period 11:16-12:06	2nd Lunch 11:36-12:06	4th Period 11:16-12:06	2nd Lunch 11:36-12:06	4th Period 10:22-11:04	2nd Lunch 11:04-11:34	4th Period 11:16-12:06	2nd Lunch 11:36-12:06	4th Period 11:16-12:06	2nd Lunch 11:36-12:06
5th Period	12:10-1:00	5th Period	12:10-1:00	5th Period	11:38-12:20	5th Period	12:10-1:00	5th Period	12:10-1:00
6th Period	1:04-1:54	6th Period	1:04-1:54	6th Period	12:24-1:06	6th Period	1:04-1:54	6th Period	1:04-1:54
50-Minute Classes		50-Minute Classes		42-Minute Classes		50-Minute Classes		50-Minute Classes

 

 

Lunch Assignments determined by 4th period Teacher

 

 

 

Extended Advisory Schedule

2025-2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advisory (75 min)	7:30-8:45
1st Period	8:50-9:32
2nd Period	9:36-10:18
3rd Period	10:22-11:04
1st Lunch 11:04-11:34	4th Period 11:08-11:50
4th Period 11:38-12:20	2nd Lunch 11:50-12:20
5th Period	12:24-1:04
6th Period	1:08-1:50
42-Minute Classes

 

Testing Schedule

2025-2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Testing (120min)	7:30-9:30
Advisory	9:30-9:45
1st Period	9:49-10:22
2nd Period	10:26-10:59
3rd Period	11:03-11:36
1st Lunch 11:36-12:06	4th Period 11:40-12:13
4th Period 12:10-12:43	2nd Lunch 12:13-12:43
5th Period	12:47-1:20
6th Period	1:24-1:57
33-Minute Classes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2-Hour Delayed Start Schedule

2025-2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advisory	9:30-9:45
1st Period	9:49-10:22
2nd Period	10:26-10:59
3rd Period	11:03-11:36
1st Lunch 11:36-12:06	4th Period 11:40-12:13
4th Period 12:10-12:43	2nd Lunch 12:13-12:43
5th Period	12:47-1:20
6th Period	1:24-1:57
33-Minute Classes