Student Handbook

Table of Contents

2) Mission Statement

2) Expectations

2) Administration of Medication

2) Attendance

2) Bikes/Mopeds

2) Bus Expectations

3) Cafeteria Expectations

4) Care of School Property

4) Cell Phone policy

4) Church Night

4) Controlled Substances

4) Counseling

4) Detention

5) Disruptive Objects

5) Dropping/Adding Band or Choir

5) Dress Code/Student Appearance

6) Dual Enrollment Students

6) Emergency Alarms

7) Expulsion

7) Field Trips

7) Fighting

7) Hall Pass/Agenda

7) Hallway Behavior

8) Injury/Illness at School

8) Instrumental Music Lessons

8) Late Work

9) Library/Media Center

9) Lost and Found

9) Parent/Student Communication During the School Day

9) Progress Reports

9) Promotion

9) Release During School Hours

9) School Hours

10) School-sponsored Organizations

10) Search and Seizure

10) Skateboards/Skates

10) Social Events

11) Social Skills

11) Student Expression

11) Student Lockers

12) Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off

12) Suspension

12) Tardies

13) Textbooks/Library Materials

13) Truancy

13) Visitors and Guests

13) Weapons

Appendix A) Student Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities

Appendix B) Work Completion Policy

Appendix C) Food Service Policy

Appendix D) Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy

Appendix E) Student Computer Use Policy

Mission Statement

To develop knowledgeable, skilled, and productive citizens of character.

Expectations

It is expected at Perry Middle School that respectful behavior is demonstrated to all people at all times. Respectful behavior is expected of students, staff, parents and guests while they are participating in or attending school events and activities, and while on school property which includes: school grounds, buildings, busses, vehicles, etc. By demonstrating respect towards one another we can create an atmosphere of trust.

Administration of Medication at School

All medications including over-the-counter shall be administered only by the school nurse. In the event of the nurse's absence, medication will be administrated by staff having successfully completed the Iowa School Administration course; and as approved by the school nurse. All medications shall be left with the school nurse/office secretary. Only the school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, a trained staff member designated by the principal shall have access to the medication. All medications must be in the original container with the name of the medication, the student’s name, and directions for administration. All over-the-counter medications need to be in the original bottle with the name of the medication and dosage. Tylenol or cough drops must be supplied by the student if frequently needed. Written permission from a parent/guardian is also required every year at registration.

Attendance

By law, students are expected to attend class every day. Regular class attendance is a significant factor contributing to student success. Regular attendance is not only a student responsibility, but also a parent/guardian obligation. Students should make every possible effort to be in school regularly.

A parent/guardian is to call the school at 465-3531 before 9 A.M. when their son/daughter will not be attending. The call should be made each day a student is absent. A written note, signed by the parent/guardian will be needed upon the student’s return if a phone call was not made. The absence will be considered truant if no call or note was received, and disciplinary actions will be taken. Upon return to school, students must report to the office to receive their admit stamp. It is the student’s responsibility to present the admit stamp to all teachers whose class he/she missed. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the assignments within the extra time given.

Bikes/Mopeds

All bicycles are to be parked in the bicycle racks at the front of the building. For the safety of everyone, bicycles are not to be ridden on the sidewalks; and stunts and tricks on school grounds are prohibited. Students are advised to chain and lock bicycles upon arrival at school. Students who fail to follow these regulations will be subject to withdrawal of their privilege to ride a bicycle to school. Students who wish to ride mopeds to school need to notify the principal so parking arrangements can be made.

Bus Expectations

Bus riders are expected to meet the following expectations:

1. Obey the driver.

2. Remain seated at all times.

3. Talk only at a classroom level.

4. Use appropriate language.

5. Respect each other, themselves, and the driver.

6. Keep hands to self at all times.

7. Keep body inside of bus at all times.

8. Be courteous.

9. Keep the bus clean.

10. No eating or drinking on the bus.

**The driver may assign seats at any time.

The Perry Community School District Board of Education has authorized the use of video cameras on school district buses. The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior to maintain order on the school buses to promote and maintain a safe environment. Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the videotapes may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding. The contents of the videotapes are confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Videotapes will only be retained if necessary for use in a student disciplinary proceeding or other matters as determined necessary by the administration. Parents may request to view videotapes used in any disciplinary proceeding involving their child.

Cafeteria Expectations

Perry Middle School operates a closed lunch period. All students will go to the lunchroom during their assigned period unless otherwise notified. Students may participate in the hot lunch program or bring a sack lunch from home. Parents and grandparents are always welcomed.

Perry Middle School operates a breakfast program available to all students beginning at 7:30 A.M. Those eating breakfast should enter the front door and go directly to the lunchroom. When finished with breakfast students will stay in the lunchroom until dismissal for first period. Breakfast will not be served after 8:00 A.M. Eating breakfast will not be an excuse for a tardy to first hour, unless there is a school bus issue. All lunch money and breakfast money must be deposited into the student’s account between 7:30 and 8:00 am. Please attempt to keep your child’s account current, as charges add up quickly.

Students will be charged for extra entrées. A $10.00 maximum negative balance will be enforced.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and mannerly fashion in the lunchroom. The expectations are as follows:

1. Walk to and from the lunchroom.

2. Go to the end of the line. No cutting.

3. Stay at your table once seated.

4. Speak quietly and calmly.

5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.

6. Clean up your table and the floor around it.

7. Don’t throw food.

8. Return tray and any garbage to proper places.

9. No food is allowed to be taken outside of the lunchroom.

Care of School Property

Every attempt is made to maintain the school facilities and equipment in the best shape possible. Students shall treat school property with care and with the respect they would treat their own property. Vandalism and graffiti causing damage to school property may require restitution to the school district. Students responsible for damages may be subject to discipline under board policy and school district rules and regulations. They may also be turned over to local law enforcement authorities.

Cell Phone Policy

We appreciate cell phones as an effective communication device. However, during the hours of 8:05-3:26 student cell phone use is prohibited. The school has phones in the office and in every classroom. Due to the disruption in learning caused by cell phones going off in class, and text messaging during class time, cell phones are not allowed to be used in the school building during the day. If a cell phone is seen, heard, or a student is caught using a cell phone, it will be confiscated and turned in to the office.

1^st offense: Parents must pick up phone, ½ hour detention

2^nd offense: Parents must pick up phone, 1 hour detention

3^rd offense: Parents must pick up phone, 1 hour detention

Further Violations: increased consequences such as office referral, two hour after school detention, Saturday school, cell phone turned in to the office during school hours each day for the remainder of the year, and ISS.

Church Night

Wednesday night is designated as church night. Wednesday activities will be completed by 5:15 p.m. Student events will be scheduled on Wednesday only when other possibilities have been exhausted.

Controlled Substances

Tobacco, beer, alcohol, controlled substances and “look alike” substances are not allowed on school property or at any school sponsored event whether it be on or off school property.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including possible suspension and involvement of local law enforcement authorities.

Counseling

Guidance and counseling services are available to all students. The guidance counselors can assist students in a variety of areas including: peer relations, family concerns, academics, and other personal issues. Although the majority of counseling takes place on an individual basis, small groups may meet when appropriate. All conversations with a guidance counselor remain confidential unless the safety of a student is at risk.

Detention

The principal, dean, teachers and associates may arrange detentions for disciplinary purposes. A time will be arranged with the student’s parent or guardian. It may take place before or after school, or Saturdays as determined by the issuing staff member. Detentions may be scheduled after necessary teaching interventions have been conducted, or if the inappropriate behavior is of a serious nature. The following guidelines concerning detentions will be observed:

A. When necessary, students will successfully complete teaching interventions with a staff member.

B. Students will bring homework and class materials to detention sessions.

C. Detentions are to be used for successfully completing teaching interventions and the study of homework. Magazines and outside reading materials not associated with school will not be allowed. Free-reading books are permitted in detention sessions. Alternative writing assignments may be issued.

D. There will be no talking with other students during detention sessions. Students with questions for the staff member need to raise their hand to be recognized and then quietly go to the staff member to discuss and/or ask the question.

E. Failure to appear for arranged detentions will warrant additional consequences.

F. Refusal to follow rules for detention sessions will result in additional interventions and the possibility of suspension.

Disruptive Objects

A disruptive object is an object that has the potential of disrupting the learning process of other students. These items include but are not limited to: electronic devices (cell phones, radios, laser pointers, and MP3 players), skateboards, skates, and inappropriate clothing and jewelry. The objects may be confiscated from the student by any staff member and stored in the office until retrieved by a parent or guardian. Multiple offenses may result in the school holding the item for the remainder of the school year. Graffiti on agendas, notebooks, and other visible items is not allowed.

Dropping/Adding Band or Choir

At the start of each school year, students will have until the end of the first full week of school to drop/add band or choir. Students interested in adding or dropping band or choir need to pick up a form from the guidance counselor.

Dress Code/Student Appearance

There is a strong connection between academic performance, students’ appearance, and students’ behavior. Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate to their age level, does not disrupt the school or educational environment, and does not present a threat to the health or safety of anyone on school premises.

While the primary responsibility for student appearance lies with their parent/guardian, appearance that is deemed disruptive by any school staff member will not be allowed.

Examples of disruptive clothing/student appearance include, but are not limited to:

Writing on the body (hand, face, arms, legs, etc.) is not allowed.
Shorts, skorts, and skirts must be no more than 3 inches from the knee. No cut-offs.
Pajama pants are not allowed.
Pants must be worn at the waist. No sagging.
All undergarments must be covered.
Bare midriffs or cleavage, see-through mesh blouses, halter-tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, backless or strapless blouses, tops, or dresses, muscle or mesh-type shirts, and ½ t-shirts are not allowed.
Clothing with graphics or text deemed offensive to others is not allowed.
Profane, obscene, or defamatory text or graphics, ethnic slurs, and symbols of drugs, sex, gangs, alcohol, or tobacco on clothing or jewelry are not allowed.
Hats, hoods, picks, sunglasses, hairnets, bandannas, or skullcaps are not to be worn inside the school building.
For safety reasons, shoes must be worn at all times. Closed-toe shoes must be worn for any type of physical activity including, but not limited to Physical Education or Industrial Technology. Slippers are not allowed.
Studded/spiked jewelry/apparel is not allowed. Jewelry deemed distracting must be removed.
Hanging chains of any kind are not allowed.
Gang paraphernalia and/or symbols are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to the following: bandannas, belts, straps, arm/wrist bands, anything representing “colors”, and clothing that infers or is associated with gang affiliation.
Outerwear, such as zip-up coats or jackets, is not to be worn during the school day.

Exceptions for special activities or health considerations may be pre-approved by the principal.

Penalties: Students must meet dress code/student appearance expectations to go back to class. Parents/guardians may be notified when a student’s appearance is inappropriate and the problem cannot be easily resolved. Students will work on class assignments in the office until appropriate clothing is obtained. The administration reserves the right to confiscate clothing, jewelry, or other personal items that are deemed as disruptive objects. Students who repeatedly violate this policy may be subject to detention, Saturday school, or in-school suspension.

Dual Enrollment Students

Students who attend private institutions and are also enrolled in classes or participating in school activities at Perry Middle School are expected to follow the same policies, rules, and regulations as other students who are enrolled in the district.

Emergency Alarms

Fire Drills/Alarms - The fire alarm will consist of a long continuous blast. If a fire is detected, one of the small red alarm units located around the building will be pulled to activate the alarm system. Falsely pulling alarms or discharging fire extinguishers are serious matters punishable by law and may lead to suspension. Students should leave the alarm system and extinguishers alone, unless there is a threat of a fire. The following guidelines should be observed:

Students must immediately leave what they are doing and silently exit the room using the proper emergency exit (all procedures on how to exit the classroom are posted by the door).
Students must pass in single file on both sides of the hallway in an orderly fashion, keeping hands, feet and objects to themselves. Talking will not be permitted during the exit.
Students must stay with their current teacher so roll may be taken.
If a student’s teacher is not nearby, go with the nearest staff member.

Tornado Drills/Alarms – The tornado alarm will consist of a warbling blast heard over the intercom. The following guidelines should be observed:

Move quickly and quietly to the hallways or designated area in your room. Go in single file and use the emergency routes that are posted in your room by the door.
Once in the tornado shelter areas, students should kneel down on both knees, bending over at the waist and covering the head.

Ø Open containers of any kind, without prior approval, are not allowed in hallways or lockers.

Ø Walk directly to your locker.

Ø Exchange materials if necessary and move on.

Ø Aerosol sprays are not allowed.

Ø Open/close locker door gently.

Ø Stay to the right side of the hallway.

Ø Keep hands, feet, and body to self.

Ø Walk to your next class. No Loitering

Ø Obtain permission from your next teacher to

use the restroom if necessary.

Injury/Illness at school

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the school nurse or office personnel shall notify the student’s parents as soon as possible. The school district, while not responsible for medical treatment of an ill or injured student, has authorized school personnel present to administer emergency or minor first aid. In the event of student injury or illness, every attempt will be made to contact parents or guardians before the student is released to qualified medical personnel.

Phone numbers and emergency contacts must be kept current to ensure communication. Update contact changes immediately. Each year parents are required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating the procedures to be followed in an emergency situation.

Instrumental Music Lessons

Most instrumental music lessons are scheduled during the regular school day. Students will be excused from a class or study hall for lessons. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the teacher in advance of the lesson to avoid being counted absent and so that all necessary work can be completed.

In instances when the classroom teacher needs the student to stay in class because of scheduled tests or other important class work, a written pass should be obtained from the teacher and presented to the band instructor prior to the scheduled lesson.

Late Work

If you are absent from school, you are urged to have a parent/guardian request your assignments and pick them up at a designated time. Students are expected to make up all missed assignments in the event of an absence from school. Students will be given full credit provided the work is turned in to the teacher in a timely manner. All missed assignments due to an excused absence are due the number of days of the absence PLUS ONE. For example, if a student is absent for 3 days he or she has 4 school days to turn in the missed assignments for full credit. Students and teachers may make other arrangements on an individual basis.

Late work that is not related to an excused absence will be handled at the discretion of individual teachers. If a student persists in not turning in assignments, or a pattern of late work is noted, a teacher may request a homework session either before or after school. When this occurs, a parent will be contacted to arrange the homework session. If a student does not attend an arranged homework session, a disciplinary action may be taken. Teachers are available before or after school for scheduled tutorials.

Perry Middle School has a “Work Completion Policy.” This policy states that students will be expected to complete all assigned work. We have several safeguards in place, including Saturday School, for student support; however, it is ultimately the students’ responsibility to complete school work.

Library/Media Center

The library is to be used for research and study purposes. Students may use the library during advisory when excused by the advisory teacher.

Students are expected to observe the rules established concerning library materials. Among those are the prompt return of checked out materials, and receiving proper authorization before removing reference materials.

Lost and Found

All students may check the lost and found box in the office for missing items. Valuable items such as watches, glasses, and billfolds are kept under lock and must be specifically asked for and identified. Students should not carry money or other valuables to school. The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Parent/Student Communication During the School Day

From time to time it is necessary for parents/guardians to communicate with their son/daughter during the school day. We ask that families plan ahead and keep those interruptions to a minimum. To keep classroom distractions to a minimum, all non-emergency messages will be delivered to students after 2:45 P.M.

Progress Reports

Progress reports may be sent when teachers feel a student needs improvement or is showing improvement or excellence in class work. Such reports will be presented at student-led conferences or sent to parents approximately midway through each trimester, and at any other appropriate time. Throughout the school year a child’s grades may be monitored via internet through the PowerSchool program.

Promotion

Students will be promoted based on classroom performance and state assessments. A student must receive passing grades in all core subjects (reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science) in at least 12 of the 15 core classes for the year to be promoted. In addition to this, students must also average at least a 60% for the year in each core subject to be eligible for promotion. Summer school may be required for promotion. Any student in danger of failing will be notified.

Release During School Hours

Perry Middle School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave the school facilities

during school hours without prior authorization from a parent/guardian stating who shall pick up the student. The person designated to pick the student up must come to the principal’s office and sign the student out in order for the student to be released. Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day shall include, but not be limited to: illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes held in another building, and other reasons determined by the principal.

School Hours

Perry Middle School will operate from 8:10 a.m. until 3:26 p.m., except on Wednesday when students are dismissed at 2:26 p.m. Students are not to be on school property before 7:30 a.m. After school students should be out of the building and off school property by 3:30 p.m. unless under the direct supervision of a staff member. Students must have permission to enter a

teacher’s classroom before 8:05 a.m. Students are not allowed in the high school unless accompanied by an adult.

School-sponsored Organizations

School-sponsored student organizations are those which are recognized by the school district and board. School-sponsored student organizations include but are not limited to Student Council, PACE’s and the Technology Students Association.

Participation in school-sponsored student organizations is a privilege. Individual sponsors or coaches may impose rules in addition to those contained in this handbook. The privilege of participation may be suspended or canceled for violating an individual coach or sponsor's rules as well as violation of school district policies, rules or regulations. Regulations and policies shall always remain the province of the board and administration.

Search and Seizure

School authorities may, without a search warrant, search a student, student lockers, desks, or work areas based on a reasonable suspicion under the circumstances and in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel.

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Items of contraband may include but are not limited to: nonprescription controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, unauthorized medications, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property. Such items are not to be possessed by a student anywhere on the school premises or on property under the jurisdiction of the school district. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action and may be grounds for reporting to local law enforcement authorities.

It should be further understood that the school authorities have the right and the responsibility to make periodic inspections of all lockers to insure that the lockers are properly maintained and to check for cleanliness and vandalism.

Skateboards/Skate shoes

While on school property, students must carry skateboards. Skateboards are to be placed in the office immediately upon a student’s arrival to school and kept there until dismissal. Skates in shoes are not to be used in the school building.

Social Events

All school-sponsored events shall be under the control and supervision of professional school personnel. Approval for an event shall flow through the activities director and be secured from the principal before any public announcement is made. The hours and activities of the event shall be reasonable and in keeping with board policy.

School-sponsored events are open to the students enrolled in the District and St. Patrick School students.

Expectations for student conduct shall be consistent with the conduct expected during the day and the dress code will be enforced. Students with dress inconsistent with the school dress code will not be allowed to participate in the event. Students are expected to show pride in the facility during such events. Students are expected to maintain cleanliness in hallways, bathrooms, and other areas of use during a school event.

Social Skills

Perry Middle School students are expected to make appropriate decisions regarding their behavior. Perry Middle School staff have been trained in the Boys’ and Girls’ Town Social Skills program. Perry Middle School Students will be expected to learn the social skills and comply with teaching interventions associated with the program. Consequences for inappropriate behavior or refusal to comply with interventions may include detention, suspension, Saturday school, probation, expulsion, or involvement of law enforcement.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Town Social Skills students are expected to know and to follow are:

1. Following Instructions 9. Accepting Criticism or Consequences

2. Accepting “No” for an Answer 10. Greeting Others

3. Introducing Yourself 11. Getting the Teacher’s Attention Appropriately

4. Making a Request 12. Disagreeing Appropriately

5. Giving Criticism Appropriately 13. Resisting Peer Pressure

6. Making an Apology 14. Talking with Others Appropriately

7. Giving Compliments 15. Accepting Compliments

8. Volunteering 16. Reporting Other Youths’ Behavior

Student Expression

Student expression made on the school premises or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the school, therefore student expression must be responsible. Student expression must be appropriate to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be inappropriate for their level of maturity.

Students will be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is done responsibly. The expression shall not encourage the breaking of laws, cause defamation of persons, or contain obscenity or indecency. Further, the expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the educational program of the school district.

Student Lockers

Student lockers are the property of the school district. Students will be assigned a locker for storing their school materials. It is the responsibility of each student to keep the locker assigned to them clean and undamaged. Students must use the lock provided to them by the school. It is very important that students keep their locker combination to themselves.

The school strongly discourages storing items of value in school lockers and will not be responsible for items stolen from lockers. Please make sure your locker is locked at all times. Do not put your things in another student’s locker. Lockers are subject to unannounced inspections to be sure they are being kept clean and undamaged and to ensure a safe and appropriate educational environment. If items in violation of school district policies, rules, or regulations are found in student lockers, desks, or other assigned spaces, they will be confiscated and held until a parent or guardian comes to pick them up. Illegal items may be given to law enforcement officials.

Student Pickup and Drop-off

All middle school students who are transported to and/or from school in private vehicles are to be dropped off/picked up at the circle drive in front of the middle school. All middle school bus students are to immediately enter the building through the back doors and proceed to either the cafeteria or front entrance. After school, bus students are to walk down the ramp and exit out the northeast door to the bus loading area. Students who walk or are picked up in private vehicles are to exit out the front doors. Middle school students must stay in the middle school separate from high schoolers, unless given permission by school personnel.

Suspension

The principal or his designee is authorized to suspend a student from school for a period not exceeding 10 days for breach of discipline. At any time that the behavior warrants, the principal and/or the superintendent may recommend a student be brought before the Board of Directors for disciplinary action, which may include suspension beyond 10 days or expulsion.

Upon verification of facts suspension may occur for the following causes:

1. Theft.

2. Threatening, intimidating or harassing another person.

3. Use of profane or indecent language either verbally or in writing.

4. Use of tobacco.

5. Possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances.

6. Fighting.

7. Truancy and unexcused absences.

8. Insubordination.

9. Vandalism or willful damage to property.

10. Tampering with the fire alarm system.

11. Willful disruption of school or interfering with the peaceful conduct of the activities of the school.

12. Gang related symbols, signs, paraphernalia, clothing, etc.

13. Other causes not specifically outlined as they may occur.

Tardies

Students shall be considered tardy if they are not in the classroom at the assigned time. All students who are not in class at 8:10 a.m. must report to the office before going to class. First period tardies will be accumulated throughout the entire school year.

Excused Tardies

· Students late to class must have a legitimate reason, as determined by any staff member involved and their agenda signed by a staff member for the tardy to be excused.

Students tardy at the beginning of the day must report to the office and present a note from their parents/guardians, or a phone call stating the cause must be received for the tardy to be considered an excused tardy.

Unexcused Tardies

Students tardy to class without legitimate reason and pass will be admitted and recorded as having an unexcused tardy.

Unexcused tardies will result in the following consequences:

1^st tardy: Warning.

2^nd tardy: Parent contact and notice of 30 minute detention for next tardy is given.

3^rd tardy: A 30 minute detention will be assigned and home contacted.

4^th tardy: A written office referral, parent contact, and detention or Saturday School.

5^th tardy: Parent contact, Saturday school, or 1/2 day of ISS.

Textbooks/Library Materials

Basic texts and library materials are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Textbooks and library materials are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Students may be assessed fines, charges, or fees based on the principal’s or teacher's judgment for abuse, misuse, overdue, or lost books and materials.

Truancy:

Students over 5 minutes late for class will be considered truant. Truancy also applies to students found in an area they don’t belong, and students skipping school.

Consequences for Truancy:

Every time a student’s absence is considered truant a written office referral will be made. The following consequences may apply but are not limited to: parent phone call, detention, Saturday School, and in-school suspension, and juvenile court intervention.

Visitors and Guests

For the safety of students and staff, parents and visitors must check in at the front office upon arrival at school.

Weapons

Weapons and other dangerous objects have no place in any school. These items shall be taken from students or others who bring them onto school property. Parents of students found to possess weapons or dangerous objects will be contacted, and the incident will be reported to law enforcement.

Students bringing a firearm to school shall be expelled for not less than twelve months. The Superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for a student on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term “firearm” includes any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.