Telephone: (865) 980-1300
Fax: (865) 980-1281
Principal: Jesse A. Robinette, Ed.D
Guidance: Becky B. Stone
Name _____________________________________________________________
Grade Level __________ First Period Teacher
____________________________
We have reviewed and understand the information
contained in this agenda planner.
We also understand that if we deface, destroy, or
alter this planner in any way,
it will invalidate the planner and hall passes,
and we will be required to purchase a replacement.
Student
signature ____________________________________________
Parent(s)
signature ___________________________________________
Learning Today Leading Tomorrow
TABLE OF CONTENTS
School
Blount County Schools
Calendar
..
...
..p. 5
Absence
Tracker
p. 6
Registration Information, Required State Immunizations, Emergency Info,
Contact Information, Medical Information, Illnesses, School
Supplies
.
..p. 7
Fees/Fines,
Payment Information, Visitor Policy, School Closing Information, Student
Records, Release of Directory Information, Media Access to Student
.
.p. 8
General
School Policies, Student Dress Code
..p. 10
Hall
Procedures, Lunch Procedures, Emergency Procedures
..
..p.
13
Attendance Policies
.
..p.
15
Admit Slips, Tardiness, Truancy, Dismissal/Release
of Students
..p. 16
Homework,
Make-up Work, Semester Exams, Academic Recognition, Retention/Promotion,
Academic Integrity Policy
.
p. 17
Discipline
The teachers and
administration of
Welcome to
Please become familiar with the
contents of this agenda planner. Space is provided after the school
information section for students to record assignments in the daily assignment
section. Parents should check this
section daily for alerts about academic progress, behavior, and daily as well
as long-term assignments. The hall passes located in this planner are the
only authorized hall passes at
The administrators and staff feel
that our school is exceptional; we hope and expect that it will be a source of
pride to students and parents and that it will provide the opportunity for
students to grow, explore, learn, and mature.
We encourage the practice of the Lifelong Guidelines and Lifeskills.
TRUSTWORTHINESS: To act in a manner that makes one worthy of
trust and confidence
TRUTHFULNESS: To act with personal responsibility and
mental accountability
ACTIVE
LISTENING: To listen attentively and with
intention to understand
NO
PUT-DOWNS: To never use words, actions,
and/or body language that degrades, humiliates, or dishonors others
PERSONAL
BEST: To do one's best given the
circumstances and available resources
CARING: To feel and show concern for others
COMMON SENSE: To use good judgment
COOPERATION: To work productively with others
COURAGE: To have the ability to take risks
CURIOSITY: To investigate
and seek understanding of one's world
EFFORT: To do ones best
FLEXIBILITY: To be willing to alter plans when necessary
FRIENDSHIP: To make and keep
a friend through mutual trust and caring
INITIATIVE: To do something of one's own free will
because it needs to be done
INTEGRITY: To act according to a sense of what is right
and wrong
ORGANIZATION: To plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly
way
PERSEVERANCE: To keep at it
PRIDE: To have satisfaction from doing one's
personal best
PROBLEM
SOLVING: To create solutions to difficult situations and every day problems
RESPONSIBILITY: To respond when appropriate, to be
accountable for one's actions
RESOURCEFULNESS: To respond to challenges in creative ways
SENSE
OF HUMOR: To laugh and be playful without
harming others
We hope this year will prove to be a
splendid experience for students and parents!
Learning Today
Leading
Tomorrow
The
v All students can learn, achieve, and succeed
through appropriate learning opportunities.
v All students are valued individuals with unique
intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs.
v A safe learning environment encourages responsible
and respectful behavior.
v Learning is a shared responsibility of school,
students, parents, and community.
v Learning is a life-long process.
Learning
Today
Leading Tomorrow
Blount County Schools 2007-2008
Calendar
(abbreviated day dismissal at 12:00 noon)
6First
full day of school
3Labor
Day
5End
of first nine weeks
8-12--Fall
break begins
15Professional
development for teachers (no students)/Report Cards sent home this week
5Parent
Conference day (no students)
21Abbreviated
day for students
22--23Thanksgiving
Holidays
14-19
Semester Exams
19End
of second nine weeks
20Winter
Break begins
3First
day of second semester/Report Cards sent home this week
21Martin
Luther King, Jr. Holiday (no students or teachers)
15Professional
Development for teachers (no students)
18Presidents
Day Holiday (no students or teachers)
4Professional
Development for teachers (no students)
14End
of third nine weeks
17-24Spring
Break/Report Cards sent home upon return to school
31Parent
Conference Day (no students)
Absence
Tracker
A student is allowed 14 parent notes PER YEAR,
including early outs and tardies. Once
those 14 parent notes are used, then a doctors note is required upon students
return or the absence will remain unexcused.
Thirty absences per year regardless of
excused/unexcused will be considered for retention.
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(After
a student reaches 5 unexcused full-day absences, a truancy board referral will
be issued.)
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of Absence, Tardy, Early Out |
Signature
of Faulty/Staff |
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of Absence, Tardy, Early Out |
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of Faulty/Staff |
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GENERAL SCHOOL
INFORMATION
All students entering a
Tennessee State Law
requires immunizations for entrance into middle school. All students must have
the immunizations documented on a Green Card which is issued by the Blount
County Health Department or a physician when the shots are completed. Please contact the Blount County Health
Department at 983-4582 for questions or concerns. The immunizations required for middle school
enrollment include:
Each student is required
to have a white emergency card on file with the following information:
During the year, the
need may arise for the school to contact a students parent/guardian by phone,
mail, or email. Maintaining an up-to-date address, working telephone numbers
(home, work, and cell), and email address at the school office are important
for this reason. In addition, announcements can be emailed to parents if
requested. Please notify the school immediately when your household has a
change of address, telephone number, or email address during the year.
Any student
taking a medication prescribed by a medical doctor must bring the medication to
the office in the original prescription bottle with a copy of the physician's
statement giving the dosage and times to be given. In addition,
over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, cold medications, etc.,
will not be given without a parents
permission. Students are not allowed to carry any medication to,
from, or during school.
If a student is ill before the school day begins,
please do not send him/her to school. If a student becomes too ill to remain in
class, he/she should obtain a nurse referral and have his/her agenda planner
signed by his/her teacher in order to see the nurse in the office. If necessary, the school nurse will contact
the parents by phone and recommend that the student be taken home. A student
who is diagnosed with a contagious disease or condition such as pink eye,
chicken pox, ring worm, impetigo, or head lice will be sent home from school
and must remain at home until the condition or disease is corrected.
School Supplies
In order to purchase
consumable classroom materials and pay for copy expenses, we ask that
parent/guardians pay $25.00 for these school supplies, which enhance our
academic programs. Students are expected to have an adequate personal supply of
necessary academic materials (i.e. paper, pencils, pens, etc.) throughout the
school year.
Fees/Fines
In accordance
with
The school will
accept cash or personal checks to pay
for fees, pictures, yearbooks, field study expenses, and any other school
related expenses; however, a service charge will be added on any check that is
returned to the school for insufficient funds. All checks should be made
payable to
The school is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00
p.m. Parents are always welcome to
visit the school. Any visits during the school day, however, should be arranged
in advance with the principal and/or teachers. Only parents/guardians are
allowed to come eat lunch with their child. Pets and animals should not be
brought into the school building unless prearranged with the office as part of
a class project. For the protection of the students and security of the school,
any person entering the building during the school day is required to report
directly to the office before going to any other part of the school. All visitors are required to wear a visitors
pass in a highly visible location. No
student will be permitted to leave the building with a visitor without checking
out through the school office.
School Closing Information
During periods of
inclement weather, when buses may have difficulty traveling to and from school,
school may be closed or delayed. All students and parents should listen to the
radio and television stations for closing announcements. Please do not call the school office. School
closing information can also be obtained by calling the Blount County Hotline:
984-1213, 984-1214, 984-1215, or 984-1216.
Student
records are protected under Section 438 of the General Education Provisions
Act. The statute governs disclosure of records maintained by educational
institutions, which receive federal funds. The statute provides that such
institutions must provide parents of students access to official records directly
related to the student; that an opportunity be provided for a hearing to
challenge such records on grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate; that institutions must obtain
written consent of parents before releasing personally identifiable data about
students from records other than a specified list of exceptions; that parents
and students must be notified of these rights; that these rights transfer to
students at certain points; and that an office and review board must be established. This office is the Family Policy Compliance
Office of the U.S. Department of Education charged with investigation and
adjudication of violators and complaints under Section 438. A copy of the policy and administrative
regulations adopted by the Blount County Board of Education in compliance with
Section 438 may be obtained by contacting Blount County Schools at 984-1212.
Release of Directory Information
Blount
County Schools has designated certain information contained in the education
records of its students as directory information for the purposes of the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The following information regarding students is considered directory
information: name, address, telephone
number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in
officially recognized sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams,
years of attendance, diploma awarded and honors/awards. This institution may disclose directory
information for any purpose at its discretion without the consent of the parent
of a student or an eligible (non-minor) student. Parents of students and eligible students
have the right, however, to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of
the above information as directory information.
In that case, this information will not be disclosed except with the
consent of the parent of a student or as otherwise allowed by FERPA. Any parent or student refusing to have any or
all of the designated directory information disclosed must file written
notification to this effect with the principal of the school where the student
attends on or before August 06, 2007. In
the event a written refusal is not filed, this institution assumes that neither
the parent of a student or an eligible (non-minor) student objects to the
release of the directory information.
Media Access to Students
Each
year parents/guardians will be given the option to withhold permission for
public news media interviews or photographs of their child at school. Specific
parental/guardian permission must be obtained if the story or photograph covers
topics of sensitive nature. If any student is to be filmed or videotaped and
will be identified as the primary subject of the filming or videotaping, prior
written consent, release, or waiver will be obtained from the student's parent
or guardian. District employees may
release student information to the media only in accordance with applicable
provisions of the education records law and Board policies governing directory
information and personally identifiable information. School administrators are
authorized to grant permission and set parameters for media access to students
within the school. Media representatives are required to report to the
administration for prior approval before accessing students involved in
instructional programs and activities not attended by the general public. The
media may interview and photograph students involved in instructional programs
and school activities including athletic events. Such media access will not be
unduly disruptive and shall comply with all Board Policies.
Blount County
Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion,
national origin, age or disability in provision of educational opportunities or
employment opportunities and benefits pursuant to the requirements of Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as codified in 42 USC 2000D, Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, Pub. L. 92-318, and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-
336. Inquires concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Americans with
Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act should be
directed to the Blount County Schools Human Rights Officer Alisa Teffeteller at
984-1212. Charges of violation of the above may also be directed to the
Director of Schools, Mr. Alvin Hord at 984-1212.
Americans
with Disabilities Act
The Federal
Americans with Disabilities Act protects persons with a disability, those who
associate with the disabled, and those who help or encourage others to exercise
rights granted by the act. Blount County Schools wants to ensure that these
rights are protected, and that everyone can participate in or benefit from the
system's programs, services, and activities offered. Each person has the right to ask for a
reasonable accommodation if it has not been provided. The
Special Education Services
Blount County Schools provide a full range of
special education services for students with disabilities whose educational
needs cannot be met through the regular education program. Students who have
disabilities that meet the criteria established by the State Department of Education and/or the federal government
are afforded due process rights under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA). Conditions that may qualify a student for these services
include: specific learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional
disturbance, and developmental delays.
Students suspected of any of
these conditions have the right to a comprehensive evaluation by a
multidisciplinary team, a free and appropriate education with non-disabled
students to the greatest extent possible, and due process rights. All records
and information regarding the assessment and Individualized Education Program
(IEP) of the student are kept confidential and can only be released with
parental consent. Parents have the right to review the records upon request.
For more information or to make a referral, contact Blount County Schools at
984-1212.
Section 504
Section 504 of
the Americans With Disabilities Act is a civil rights statute which provides
that: no otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States
shall, solely by reason for his/her handicap, be excluded from the
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination
under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Section
504 covers many children not eligible for services under IDEA. It defines a
qualified individual with a disability as one who is: of an age during which
non-disabled individuals are provided with educational service; has a physical
or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life
activities (for example, any student receiving services under IDEA is
automatically qualified, students with medical needs, or students with
diabetes) or is regarded as having such an impairment by the LEA; or has a
record or history of such impairment (for example, a student with learning
disabilities who had been decertified as eligible to receive special education
under IDEA). Blount County Schools has written assurances of
non-discrimination, an employee designated to coordinate efforts to comply with
Section 504, grievance procedures to resolve complaints, notices of
non-discrimination, and written procedures based upon federal guidelines for
the referral of students for 504 service plans. Each school has a 504
coordinator. Our coordinator is Ms. Becky Stone; the system coordinator is Dr.
Jane Morton.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The teachers and
administration of
General School Policies
1.
Be respectful of
everyone emotionally, verbally, and physically
2.
Students are not
permitted to use items or act in such a manner that poses a health or safety
hazard to themselves, other students, or teachers/staff
3.
Backpacks carried
to and from school must be clear or mesh and must be kept in student
lockers during the school day
4.
Only necessary
academic materials are to be brought into classrooms; backpacks and other items
must stay in lockers
5.
Only water in a
clear plastic container is allowed in classrooms; sodas, juices, and other
drinks may be purchased only for consumption after school
6.
Chewing gum is
not allowed
7.
Selling items at
school is limited to authorized school fundraisers or events
8.
Students should
follow the Academic Integrity Policy
9.
Public displays
of affection are not allowed
10. Valuable, expensive, and/or electronic items
such as toys, cell phones, laser pointers, jewelry, cd players, iPods, mp3
players, and video games
must be kept at home
Student Dress Code
Each
student has the right to dress and groom himself/herself in an individual way;
however, every aspect of the student dress code must be followed. Each student
is expected to keep himself/herself neat and clean.
Items
that are not allowed to be worn at school should also not be brought to school.
1. Any clothing, accessory, or grooming that could
cause disruption to the educational process is not allowed
2. Shoes must be worn at all times; shoes with wheels
built in, slippers, and house shoes are not permitted
3. Skirts must be at the knee in length and modest in
fit (even with leggings, shorts, or pants underneath)
4. Shorts must be no more than two (2) inches above
the knee and modest in fit (i.e. not sagging or too tight)
5. Clothing must be neat in appearance (i.e. not
torn, cut off, or damaged in any way or with any holes) and
commercially sewn
6. Clothing must be appropriately sized (i.e. not
sagging) and worn in the proper manner (i.e. pants worn at the waist);
belts should be worn to ensure compliance with this rule
7. Shirts must have at least capped sleeves and
must not expose the back or midriff or must not be see through
8. Clothing and accessories must not be sexually
suggestive (i.e. not low cut, revealing, or tight)
9. Clothing and accessories must not depict or imply
reference to illegal substances, drugs or alcohol, or vulgarities
10. Clothing and accessories must not depict or imply
negative slogans, racial/ethnic slurs, or gang affiliation especially bandanas
of any color
11. Head coverings (hats) of any kind must not be worn
in the school building
12. All tattoos, brands, and visible body piercings
(excluding the ears) must be covered or fully removed
13. Wallet chains and chains of any kind must not be
attached to or worn on clothing
14. Sweat pants, spandex shorts, and pajamas must not
be worn
15. Outerwear such as jackets, coats, oversized
sweatshirts are to be placed in the student's assigned locker and not
worn in the classrooms
16. Any hairstyle, coloring, or other grooming that
distracts from the school setting is not allowed
Please
note that when a student, in the judgment of faculty, staff, or administration,
is attired in a manner which is likely to cause disruption or to interfere with
the operation of school, the principal shall administer appropriate punishment
which will range from asking to change attire to suspension.
If a student cannot
comply with the dress code based on special medical conditions or religious
beliefs, his or her parent/guardian may write a letter explaining the situation
to the Director of Schools or his designee and provide a copy to the principal.
Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis. The school principal may
allow special dress on occasions such as field studies, field days, theme days,
school spirit days, etc. The principal may allow special dress for specific
classes or further restrict dress in certain classes such as gym, vocational
classes, science labs, etc.
Care of School
and Personal Property
Students must not mark
school furniture, walls, ceilings, floors, or equipment with pen, pencil,
marker, or any other instrument.
Students must not tamper with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, plants,
trees, any electrical system, or any other furniture or items in the
school. Anyone who willfully defaces,
damages, or destroys school property through vandalism, arson, or larceny, or
who creates a hazard to the safety of students will be referred to the proper
law enforcement agency. If items are
damaged, students will be expected to pay full replacement costs, including all
textbooks and library books.
Lockers
are provided for the convenience of the students. Students making use of school
lockers will be advised that such use is a privilege granted by the school
system and on the conditions specified by the principal. The student has the
responsibility to take care of his/her assigned locker, be responsible for the
contents, and may be charged for damages. Failure to comply with the conditions
of use will result in the student's forfeiting the privilege using the locker. All students must have a lock on his/her
assigned locker. Book bags, backpacks, outerwear such as
jackets, coats, or oversized sweatshirts, and any other non-class related
materials are to be kept in student lockers during the school day. The building principal or designee has the
authority to examine the contents of any locker located on school premises when
he/she has sufficient reason to believe that the contents of the locker may
include elements which: present an immediate threat to the health, safety, and
welfare of the student body; are illegal to possess; would
contribute to the disruption of the normal educational program; or have been
reported lost or stolen
Cell Phone
Policy
In accordance with Board
Policy 6.312, students shall not possess personal communication
devices, such as pagers or cell phones during the school day. The school day
includes busing to and from school. A personal communication device is a
device that emits and audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or
otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor. Any faculty, staff member, or administrator
who discovers a student in possession of a personal communication
device shall report the violation to the principal and confiscate the device;
in addition, if any faculty, staff member, or administrator suspects a student
of having a cell phone or pager, he or she has the right to conduct a search
for such a device (please see discipline policy under searches for more
information). Possession of student cell phones (or pagers) on campus is not
allowed regardless of whether or not it is or has been in use or whether or not
the phone is turned on or off. The following disciplinary actions will be
implemented:
First
Offense: Device is confiscated; parent must pick up device
after school; parent and student must sign policy acknowledgement.
Second
Offense: Device is confiscated for two weeks and parent
must pick it up after school; parent and student must sign policy
acknowledgement.
Third
Offense: Device is confiscated, battery removed and
retained until end of semester; student will receive a three day
suspension; parent must pick up device at reinstatement parental conference.
As a service to students,
the National Junior Honor Society operates the school store located in the
concession stand. Prices of the products
sold will be kept as low as possible. The school store will be open several
mornings before school. Any suggestions for the school store should be directed
to the National Junior Honor Society.
The media center
is open to all students for research, Accelerated
Reader testing, and reading for pleasure.
Materials are selected and placed into the library collection based on
state standards, curriculum needs, and upon teacher and student requests.
Students may check out a maximum of two books at a time, except reference and
reserve materials, for a two-week period. Reference books circulate for a
17-hour period only. A checkout receipt
is issued to the student each time he/she checks out a book that lists the day
the book(s) should be returned. Receipts should be used as a bookmark to remind
students to return their books in a timely fashion. Students may return books
any time during the day that they are due or prior to the due date. A fine of
$0.25 per day per item is charged for all books returned after the return
date. Reference books are charged $0.25
per hour for every hour they are overdue. Students are expected to return their
books in a timely manner. No allowances
will be made for absences, either excused or unexcused, or suspensions. Receipts are issued each time a student pays
a fine and should be kept in order to verify that all fines have been paid to
the Media Center. No duplicate receipts will be issued. Students must
use their own cards for check out. It is against library policy to obtain books
for friends or siblings. Any books checked out on a students card are the
financial responsibility of that student. No items will be circulated to any
student if it is in need of repair. Students will be liable for any damage to
items checked out on their card from the Media Center. The following charges
will be assessed for repairable damage:
$5.00 for damage to spine of book
$5.00 for damage to cover of book
$0.50 to $2.00 per page for individual pages
depending on severity of damage
Replacement
cost will be charged for lost books or for wet, soiled, dog-chewed, student
repaired items, or as determined by the librarian. Books
that cannot be restored to their original state will be charged replacement
cost (this includes crayons, ink, liquid damage, stains, etc.). Circulation privileges will be suspended
until restitution is made in full. Books
that cannot be restored or repaired to their original state will be charged to
the student at replacement cost. Circulation privileges will be suspended until
restitution is made in full. Refunds of replacement copies (less any
applicable fines for the book being overdue at the time of payment) will be
refunded only if another copy of the book has not been purchased to
replace the lost copy and the lost book has been found in good condition. All
materials will remain the property of Heritage Middle School.
One free library
card is issued to students at the beginning of each school year or upon their
transfer into HMS. These cards are color coded for identification of parental
permission for Internet access. Lost cards can be replaced for $5.00 and are
made once a week. New bar code numbers
are assigned to each replacement card for the security of student records.
Replacement cards or new cards for students who have transferred into HMS
during the year, must be obtained in the media center. Students must not
bend, wash, or otherwise deface their cards.
If cards are damaged in any way, the library has the right to refuse use
of that card. Each student is
responsible for keeping up with his/her card and for all materials that are
checked out on that card. If a student transfers from HMS, library cards are to
be returned to the Media Center. New
cards will not be reissued to returning students if their cards were not
returned prior to their transfer.
Students are expected to strictly
adhere to the following guidelines while in the Media Center:
Anyone not following these guidelines will be asked
to leave the Media Center.
Morning/After School Procedures
Students
arriving at school before 8:05 a.m. will report to their designated area.
Students arriving between 7:15-7:30 a.m. should report to the cafeteria;
students arriving between 7:30-8:05 a.m. should report to the gymnasium.
Students will be dismissed from their designated area to first period by grade
level starting at 8:05 a.m. First period begins at promptly at 8:15 a.m.
Students are considered tardy if they are not in the classroom when the bell
rings. Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. must check in through the office. (See
attendance section). Students dropping off bus or excuse notes will be given an
admit slip if the tardy bell has rung.
Car riders will
be dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Students should immediately report to their
designated area at the end of each grade-level wing by 3:20 p.m. For safety
reasons, car riders are not allowed to be picked up in the lower parking lot at
the front of the school. After 3:45 p.m., all remaining car riders will be
escorted to the main office to wait for their rides.
At 3:20 p.m., all
bus riders and students staying after school for extra-curricular activities
such as a club meeting or athletic team practice will be dismissed to their
designated areas. No student should be in the halls after 3:25 p.m. unless they
are exiting the building or have a pass from a staff member.
A Walkers
Permission Note must be on file for any student walking to or from
school. These forms may be secured in
the office. A copy is kept on file in
the office, and the student must carry a copy at all times. Students are not
allowed to walk to the high school to obtain a ride from a sibling, friend,
or parent. Students whose parents work at the high school must ride a
designated bus over to the high school. Students waiting for a ride from a high
school student must wait in the designated car rider area until the ride
arrives here at the middle school. Students may not stay after school for
activities unless under the direct supervision of a teacher, coach, or parent.
Hall Procedures
1.
Go directly from
one class to the next, stopping only at locker or to use restroom or water
fountain
2.
Avoid gathering
in the hall in a manner that blocks traffic
3.
Walk quietly and
quickly through the halls
4.
Keep to the right
side of the hallway
5.
Keep halls neat
and clean
6.
Keep feet or
hands to self--not on walls or on other students
7.
Follow any
teacher's first request while in the hallway
8.
Carry a signed
agenda planner whenever in hallway during class time
9.
Carry a nurse
referral in addition to a signed agenda planner when visiting the nurse
Lunch Procedures
1. Respect the teachers/staff, cafeteria personnel, and
each other
2. Walk at all times--to and from the cafeteria
3. Go through the lunch line in single file; do not
cut line
4. Go through the line only once.
This means to get everything you want the first time.
5. Sit in assigned area and use appropriate voice.
6. Wait until the cafeteria monitors have checked your
tables and instructed you to leave
7. Help keep the cafeteria clean at all times.
8. Exit only when dismissed by a teacher.
9. Do not go to the office on the way to lunch or from
lunch.
10. Do not leave the cafeteria without permission by
the staff on duty.
Emergency Procedures
Heritage Middle
School is required to conduct safety drills to guarantee the safety of the
student body in the event of an emergency or disaster. Teachers will review
with students all emergency procedures, and students should learn the school
signals for all disaster drills. During
such drills, students must follow the instructions of the teacher or other
adult in charge. No talking is permitted during the entire
drill. This silence allows the staff
to clearly address the students if additional information needs to be relayed
to the students. Teachers will be
notified via the public address system when drills are complete.
1. Fire: The fire
alarm will sound and alarm lights will flash. Students should be familiar with
the exit routes from various areas of the building and listen for directions.
2. Tornado/Evacuation: Announcement of these drills will come over the
public address system. Students should
move from the room quickly, quietly, and in a single file line following the
directions of the teacher or other adult in charge to the designated assembly
area.
3. Lockdown: Announcement of these drills will come over the
public address system. Students should move into the area designated by the
teacher that is away from all doors and windows and sit quietly until the all
clear signal is given.
PARENT INFORMATION
We believe that
the administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents should treat one
another with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
They should always remember that our partnership benefits the student
and be willing to approach each situation positively. Collaboration, communication, cooperation,
and caring are shared expectations of educators, parents, and the
community. Parent support and
involvement at Heritage Middle School is vital to our students and the schools
success.
Rights and Responsibilities of Parents
Throughout these pages,
parents includes single parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful
control of the student. Parents responsibilities shall include:
Rights and
Responsibilities of Students
All students are
entitled to enjoy the basic rights of citizenship recognized and protected by
law for persons of their age and maturity. All Blount County schools foster a
climate of mutual respect for the rights of others. Every student is expected
to respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and staff.
Students shall exercise their rights responsibly in compliance with rules
established by the Blount County Board of Education. These rules of conduct are established to achieve
and maintain order in the school. Students who violate county or school rules
shall be subject to disciplinary measures designed to correct the misconduct
and to promote adherence by all students to their responsibilities as citizens
in the school community.
Student responsibilities for establishing positive personal responsibility
habits include:
Parent Communication
Highly Qualified Teachers
Parents also have the right to review
teacher qualifications. The State of Tennessee annually verifies that Tennessee
teachers meet requirements for the positions that they hold. Federal Law (No
Child Left Behind) allows parents to ask for certain information about the
qualifications of their childs classroom teacher. Please contact the Personnel
Office of Blount County Schools at 984-1212 for more information about these
requests. Parents may also visit the State Department of Education website at
www.state.tn.us/education and look for the teacher certification/licensing department
page.
Absences are one of the major causes for lack of
academic progress, and the requirements for school attendance are mandated as
part of state and county laws. A parents obligation is to see that his/her
student is in school every day. Random phone calls will be made to the home or
the parents place of employment to verify a students absence.
When a student is absent, he/she should return to
school with a note, dated and signed by the parent, explaining the reason for
the absence; a doctors statement can also be brought if the child was seen by
a physician. If a note is not received within three days of the child
returning to school, the absence is unexcused. Parent notes can
only be used to excuse a student fourteen times for the whole school
year; after those days, a doctors statement will be required. Excusable
absences by parent notes or doctor statements include:
Five unexcused absences per nine weeks will result
in failure in any subject or grade (excluding days suspended for disciplinary
reasons.) In addition, five unexcused absences will result in the student being
reported to the Blount County Juvenile Truancy Board. Any student with thirty
absences, excused or unexcused, will be considered for retention per Blount
County Board of Education Policy.
Administrators
and counselors can initiate an attendance contract and/or procedures for a
student to carry a daily and weekly attendance and class progress report, if
deemed necessary. Parents may also
request, through an administrator or counselor, that the attendance and class
progress report form be used.
1. Every effort should be made to schedule medical or
other appointments outside the regular school day
2. Families should plan vacations at the same time
school vacations are scheduled to avoid student absences
3. A student must attend school all day in
order to qualify for participation in an extracurricular activity after school;
any exceptions must be granted by the principal or designee
4. A student must attend school all day in
order to qualify for perfect attendance; checking out early or checking in
late does count as absences.
5. Parents who would like to obtain daily assignments
due to illness may do one of the following:
a. Check the teachers website
b. Notify the school and request assignments
(available within 24 hours and may be picked up in the office)
Admit Slips
In order for a student to
be admitted to class after an absence, he/she will be required to obtain
an admit slip after any
absence (full day, tardy, early out). An admit table will
be located in the main entrance foyer each morning. Students who
have been absent will need to stop by the admit table the morning after
their absence with an excuse note (doctor note or parent note) to obtain
their admit slip. Students
are allowed 14 parent notes per year, including early outs and tardies.
Students will then need to take their admit slip to each class and show their
teacher. If a student comes to class after being absent without an admit
slip, he or she will be sent to the admit table or office (if first
period has begun) to obtain a slip, and he/she will be marked tardy to
class. Students have three days in order to turn in an excuse and have the
absence changed from an unexcused to an excused absence.
Tardiness
If a student arrives at
school after the 8:15 bell rings, his/her parent must check the student in
through the office. If a parent does not escort the student to class, the tardy
is unexcused unless a doctors note is provided. If a student comes
to class after being absent without an admit slip, he or she will be sent to
the admit table or office (if first period has begun) to obtain a
slip, and he/she will be marked tardy to class. If a student loses his/her
admit slip during the day, he/she will also be sent to the office to obtain a
new admit slip and will be issued a tardy to class. In addition to morning tardies, a student is
considered tardy if he/she is not in the classroom when the bell rings. The
following are the consequences per semester for tardiness to the same class:
one tardy to a class will result in a warning; two tardies will result in being
assigned one hour after-school detention; three tardies will result in being
assigned two hours of after-school detention and equals one unexcused absence;
four tardies will result in being assigned three hours of after-school
detention; and five or more tardies will result in being assigned ISS.
Truancy
When
a student is somewhere in the school or outside of the school without
authorization, does not attend class as expected, leaves the school without
authorization, or willfully fails to attend school without the
parent/guardians knowledge, he/she will be considered truant. Disciplinary
action will be taken at the school level. Five unexcused absences will also
result in the student being reported to the Blount County Juvenile Truancy
Board.
Dismissal/Release of Students
No student will
be permitted to leave the campus unless he/she normally rides the bus home or a
parent or guardian picks up him/her, gives permission for another adult to pick
up him/her, or gives permission to ride a bus home with another student.
Permission notes are required for students to ride home (either by bus or car)
with another student. Each student involved must have a permission note
signed by his/her parent stating with whom he/she is riding home (including bus
number if applicable) and a phone number where parents can be contacted to
verify the note. Students are to pick verified notes up after school
before exiting the building to load buses or cars. Any adult picking up a
student during school hours must report to the office to sign the student out.
Grade Information
Students are
responsible for taking all grade reports home to parents. Progress reports are
sent home at the middle of each nine-week grading period (4 1/2 weeks). Grade
reports are sent home at the end of each nine-week period. Parents should
contact the school if grades are not received when expected. See school
calendar for dates. The statewide
grade system is as follows:
A 93-100 Excellent
B 85-92 Above
average
C 75-84 Average
D 70-74 Below
average
F 69 and below Failure
Homework
will be required, and the amount will vary daily. Homework includes any class-related
assignment to be completed outside of class; the term homework does
not include make-up assignments, tutoring, or extra-credit work. Homework will
be well-designed, purposeful, and serve as an extension of in-class
learning. Parental involvement and
supervision should be kept to a minimum; however, parents should ensure that
the home environment encourages students to complete homework and study. The
positive effects of homework include: reinforcing lessons taught in school;
stimulating further interest in the topics taught; developing within the
student independent and disciplined study-skills and responsibilities; motivating
students to think, to follow directions, and to make comparisons and judgments;
allowing students to raise additional questions; fostering a desire to learn
both in and out of school; and providing the student with the opportunity to
apply learning on an individual basis
Students who have
excused absences will be required to make up work (tests, projects, papers,
special assignments, etc.) for credit. Students are responsible for securing
assignments and turning in the missed work. The teacher will designate the
nature and due date of the make-up work. Students who fail to request,
complete, or turn in required make-up work will receive zero credit. Pre-assigned
projects, special reports, papers, etc., must be turned in by the original deadline
as assigned by the teachers. According to Board Policy, work missed during
unexcused absences must be made up although students will not receive credit for completing this work.
Semester Exams
Semester exams
will be given during the last week of classes in each core subject area (math,
science, social studies, language arts, and reading). These exams will be worth
five percent of the students overall semester grade in the given subject area.
The only exception to this policy is for students taking Algebra I. Algebra I
students will take a teacher-created semester exam first semester; then, they
will take the Gateway exam in place of a semester exam second semester.
According to Board policy, this Gateway exam must count twenty percent of the
second semester grade. No student will be exempted from taking semester exams
for any reason.
Academic Recognition
Academic achievement is
recognized through honor rolls that are compiled each nine weeks. Grades in all
subjects are used in determining the honor students. Every effort is made to
print honor roll lists in newsletters and local newspapers and to post them on
the school web site. Pictures of selected students are also displayed on our
Academic Achievement Wall of Fame for each nine-week grading period. Parents
who object to their students name being listed or picture being displayed
should notify the office in writing.
Retention/Promotion
The responsibility for retention
or promotion is a matter of professional judgment on the part of the teacher,
principal, and/or supervisor. The decision is made by a committee and is based
on evaluation of academic, physical, social, and emotional growth. Primary
reasons for retention include: indifference or lack of effort on the part of a
capable student, physical or social immaturity, failing three out of five core
subjects, and frequent absences.
Academic Integrity Policy
We expect that
all students will complete assignments with honor and integrity. Representing
someone elses work as your own is dishonest. It compromises your integrity and
diminishes what we stand for as a school community. Cheating can take many
forms but always involves taking information from another student or
individual. Examples of cheating can include but are not limited to:
·
Collaboration on
assignments such as taking or sharing answers without teacher permission
·
Turning in a
graded assignment from one teacher to another teacher without permission
·
Obtaining test
answers and/or questions from other students in advance of an exam
·
Giving or receiving
answers on a test, project, quiz, or other assignment from another student,
sibling, adult, or other source with or without his/her knowledge
·
Taking credit for
group work when little contribution was made when contrary to the established
assignment criteria
·
Coping, faxing,
or duplicating assignments that will be turned in as original work (e.g.
copying material from the Internet without providing proper citations)
·
Exchanging
assignments by print-out, disk transfer, or modem then submitting as original
·
Writing formulas,
codes, and/or key words on your person or object for use in a test
·
Using hidden
reference sheets during a test
·
Using programmed
material in watches, calculators, or other battery-powered devices when
prohibited
·
Taking someone
elses assignment and submitting it as your own, with or without his/her
knowledge
·
Submitting
material (written or designed by someone else) without giving the name of the
author, artist, or source (e.g. plagiarizing or submitting work created by
family, friends, or tutors)
·
Stealing test
materials from teachers belongings, unauthorized use of a teachers computer
files and grading programs, and falsifying grade reports or changing a grade
book
·
Not following
additional specific guidelines on cheating as established by department, class,
or a particular teacher
The following actions will be taken
in regard to students who violate this academic integrity policy:
First
Offense (all steps are to be taken)
Second
Offense (all steps are to be taken)
Third
Offense (all steps are to be taken)
Each incidence will be recorded during your childs
middle school years.
Any student who wishes
to appeal these penalties may do so through the middle school Advisory
Committee. The student must file an appeal within ten (10) school days from the
date of notification.
Field studies are
scheduled by various classroom teachers throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement
different aspects of the classroom curriculum. Parents will receive notices of
field studies in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be asked to sign
permission forms. Fees will be requested from each student to pay for
transportation or admission costs.
Parents are encouraged to attend field study outings with their student.
Students will be denied the privilege to participate in a field study if they
do not meet the following requirements for the entire school year:
·
Maintain a 93%
attendance rate (no more than seven absences per semester/nine weeks)
·
Maintain A's,
B's, and C's in all classes
·
Maintain positive
behaviors at school without receiving an assignment to in-school-suspension or
out-of-school suspension
Students and/or
parents/guardians may appeal the decision of a student's eligibility to attend
field studies due to extenuating circumstances by submitting a written request
to the Appeals Committee.
Athletic Policy
Participation in
athletics at Heritage Middle School requires the student athlete to pass three
of the five core subjects as well as their electives in the semester before
participation. For example, in order to play baseball in the spring of 2008,
the student athlete will have to have passed three of five classes including
electives in the fall semester of 2007. These are the guidelines of the TSSAA,
the governing body of middle and high school athletics. The Athletic Director
of Heritage Middle School will check grades of student athletes to ensure
adherence to these guidelines. Student athletes who have two or more failing
grades will be placed on athletic probation until the student has passing
grades. All grades will be checked
before tryouts as well as periodically throughout the season of the sport.
Students must be present the entire day of school in order to be eligible to in
that days athletic events.
DISCIPLINE
General Discipline Policy
Schools are
established for the benefit of all students. The educational purpose of the
schools is accomplished best in a climate of student behavior that is socially
acceptable and conducive to the teaching process. Student behavior which
disrupts the process or which infringes upon the rights of other individuals
will not be tolerated. Students in Blount County Schools are expected
at all times to adhere to the rules of conduct established by the Blount County
Board of Education and their individual schools. Students are expected to show
respect for others while at school or any school related event. The school has
jurisdiction over its students during the regular school day and while going to and from school on
county transportation. The school's jurisdiction also includes any
school-related activity, regardless of time or location, and any school-related
misconduct, regardless of time or location. The classroom teacher will address
minor discipline problems in a routine manner, which may include after-school
detention. Repeated disruptive incidents or major infractions will be handled
by an office referral. In most cases, parents will be contacted regarding the
office referral. Any principal,
principal-teacher, or assistant principal may suspend/expel any student from
attendance at school or any school-related activity on or off campus or
from attendance at a specific class or classes, or from riding a school bus,
without suspending such student from attendance at school (in-school
suspension), for good and sufficient reasons including, but not limited to:
Behavior |
RANGE
of Possible Consequences |
|
Lack of participation in class, failure to bring materials or complete
work |
Parent conference to suspension |
|
Inappropriate dress and appearance |
Change clothes to suspension |
|
Tardiness to class |
2 tardies: 1 hour After-school detention; 3 tardies: 2 hour detention
and equals one unexcused absence; 4 tardies: 3 hour detention; 5 or more
tardies: ISS |
|
Truancy/Unexcused absence |
Failing class to suspension; see attendance policy |
|
Communication devices, electronics, and lasers and any other item that
disrupts the learning environment |
Items confiscated to suspension |
|
Foul or profane language |
Suspension to expulsion |
|
Repeated violation of school rules |
Suspension to expulsion |
|
Fighting or threatening violence |
First offense: Five day
suspension; second offense: referral to Disciplinary Hearing Authority |
|
Harassment |
Minimum five days suspension to referral to Disciplinary Hearing
Authority |
|
Damage of Property/Vandalism |
Restitution and Suspension or Expulsion; report to law enforcement |
|
Assault and Battery; endangering life, health, or safety |
Suspension or Expulsion; report to law enforcement |
|
Using or possessing tobacco |
First offense: one day
suspension; Second offense: two day suspension; Third offense:
five day suspension; Fourth offense: Referral to Disciplinary Hearing
Authority ALL OFFENSES: Court Citation |
|
Using, being under the influence of, possessing, transmitting any
alcoholic beverages, intoxicants of any kind, drugs (or look-alike drugs) or
drug paraphernalia |
Referral to Disciplinary Hearing Authority; report to law enforcement |
|
Bomb threat, falsely activating fire alarm, or other act which
deliberately creates a circumstance warranting evacuation or lockdown |
Suspension and Referral to Disciplinary Hearing Authority |
|
Using, possessing, handling, or transporting a weapon |
Referral to Disciplinary Hearing Authority; report to law enforcement |
Investigations: Students may be questioned by teachers and principals regarding any
matter pertaining to the operation of school and/or the enforcement of its
rules. Students may be questioned by school officials without parental
permission or without parental presence.
If a crime is being investigated by the Blount County Sheriffs office,
the officer must attempt to notify and receive parental permission before doing
so. The principal or designee shall be present during the questioning of the
student when conducted by Blount County Sheriff's office.
Searches: Any principal or designee having reasonable suspicion may search any
student, place, or thing (such as students belongings or locker) on school
property or during any organized school event held on or off campus. Police
officers may make a general search of students' lockers, belongings, desks, or
automobiles on campus if public health or safety is involved.
Fighting: All students who choose to handle disputes by hitting or striking
another student will be disciplined according to the above policy. "He/She
hit/pushed me first" is not a valid reason for participating in a fight.
Students should utilize the counselors or SRO who are trained to help resolve
conflicts/differences.
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments: Students will not possess, handle, transmit, use,
or attempt to use any dangerous weapon on school grounds at any time, or in
school vehicles and/or school buses, or off the school grounds at any school
related event. Weapons may include, but are not limited to, firearms,
explosives, knives of any kind, blackjacks, metal/brass knuckles, or any other
instrument or substance used in a manner with which to do harm to another
person. Students guilty of violating this policy will be expelled for a period
of not less than a year.
Detention Procedures
Each grade level
is responsible for establishing guidelines, times, and policies for
after-school detention. Detentions will be held after-school at least one day
each week for one hour. Individual classroom teachers will assign detention as
part of their classroom discipline. Parents will be notified of their students
assignment to after-school detention either in writing or by phone call. Students
can only be assigned three detentions each semester; any additional infractions
worthy of detention will result in in-school suspension for the rest of that
semester. Students can only be assigned a total of five detentions per year;
any additional infractions worthy of detention will result in in-school
suspension for the rest of the year.
In-School
Suspension Procedures
Students
assigned to in-school suspension shall report with all books and materials to
the office by the 8:15 a.m. bell. These students will be placed in the ISS room
where they will be supervised at all times. The supervising teacher
will see that students have all textbooks and classwork assignments from
his/her regular teachers. Work completed in ISS will be given to teachers so
that students will receive credit for their daily work. Students will also be
expected to follow additional ISS-specific rules and procedures concerning
lunch, bathroom breaks, etc. Students may only
be assigned in-school suspension three times in any one semester and five times
in any one school year. Any referrals warranting assignment to in-school
suspension after such point will result in being suspended out-of-school or
referred to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority.
Suspension
Procedures
When a principal or designee determines that a student should be
suspended, the following procedures will be followed:
1. Except as provided in number two below, a meeting
will be held prior to the suspension of any student. At this meeting, the student will be entitled
to a written or oral statement of charges, a summary of the evidence against
the student will be presented if the student denies the charges, and the
opportunity to explain his/her conduct
2.
The meeting shall
precede the suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct
requires immediate removal. In such
situations, the meeting will follow the suspension as soon as reasonably
possible following the date of the suspension
3. Following the suspension, the parent/guardian of a
suspended student will be notified in writing.
The notification will include the dates of the suspension, description
of the students misconduct, and the action taken by the principal or designee.
4. Students may be given the option to attend the
suspension center at the Everett Learning Center by the principal or designee.
Students are counted present and allowed to make up missed work if they attend
the Everett Learning Center. If students do not attend Everett Learning Center,
they will be counted absent and not allowed to make up work missed.
5. Parents or guardians may appeal suspensions to the
Disciplinary Hearing Authority in writing within five school days.
The
parent/guardian must clear the suspension before the student can return to
school. To clear a suspension, the parent/guardian
must meet with principal and sign a reinstatement conference form. Suspensions cannot be cleared via the phone.
Internet Access
A parental consent form is
required before a student is granted access to electronic media. This form is
returned to the media center, and then the student is issued a library card
indicating whether the student has permission to access the Internet. This card
must be placed on the keyboard when using a school computer to access the
Internet. The form specifies acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, access
privileges, penalties for policy violations, and is only valid for the school
year in which it is signed. In order to cancel the agreement, the students
parent/guardian must provide the Director of Schools with a written request.
1. Acceptable use: The use of the Internet must be in support of
education and research and consistent with educational objectives of the school
system. Use of other organizations' networks or computing resources must comply
with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in
violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This material
includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene
material, or material that is protected by a trade secret. Use for commercial
activities and buying or selling items is not acceptable.
2. Privileges: The use of the Internet is a privilege, not
a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those
privileges. Blount County Schools believe that the use of this privilege must
be in an appropriate and responsible manner. Administrators will deem what is
inappropriate use and their decision is final. The administrators may suspend
privileges at any time as required.
3. Net Etiquette: Students are expected to abide by the generally
accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the
following:
4. Do not send or display offensive messages or
pictures
5. Be courteous and polite, use appropriate
language--profanity, obscenities, or harassment are not permitted at any time
6. Do not use the network in such a way that would
disrupt the work of others
7.
Vandalism/Unauthorized Access: Vandalism will result in the cancellation of
privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy
data of another user, the Internet, or other networks that are connected to the
Internet backbone including, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of
computer viruses, hacking, unauthorized access, or trespassing in another persons
file. Also, altering settings on the school-owned computers is not permitted.
8.
Safety Measures: Heritage Middle School utilizes technology that
blocks and filters Internet access for students to material that is
inappropriate. On-line activities of students are monitored. All data including
e-mail stored or transmitted on school system computers shall be monitored;
students have no expectation of privacy regarding such data. E-mail
correspondence may be a public record under the public records law and may be
subject to inspection.
No Child Left Behind Safe Schools Clause
Under
the Tennessee State Board of Educations Unsafe Schools Policy, any public
school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined in TCA 40-38-111
(g) or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under TCA
30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level
appropriate school within the district.
District Policy Against Harassment
Everyone at Blount County Schools has the right to
feel respected and safe. Students need to know about the policies
preventing sexual harassment and harassment because of race, color, national
origin, or disability as well as bullying and intimidation. Students shall be provided a learning environment
free from sexual, racial, ethnic and religious discrimination/ harassment or
bullying and intimidation. It shall be a violation of this policy for any
employee or any student to discriminate against or harass a student through
disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or
religious in nature. The school district prohibits any and all
forms of harassment because of race, color, sex, national origin, and
disability. The following guidelines
are set forth to protect students from discrimination/harassment. Student
discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated.
Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct,
advances, gestures or words either written or spoken of a sexual, racial,
ethnic or religious nature which:
1.
Unreasonably
interfere with the student's work or educational opportunities
2.
Create an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment
3.
Imply that
submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving
grades or credit
4.
Imply that
submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for
determining the student's grades and/or participation in a student activity.
It will also be a violation of district
policy for any teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this
district to tolerate sexual harassment or harassment because of a student's
race, color, national origin, ethnicity, or disability as defined by this
policy, by a student, teacher, administrator, other school personnel, or by any
third parties who are participating in, observing, or otherwise engaged in
activities including sporting events and other extra curricular activities
under the sponsorship of the Blount County Schools. For purpose of this policy,
the term "school personnel includes school board members, school employees,
agents, volunteers, contractors, or persons subject to the supervision and
control of Blount County Schools. The school system will act promptly to
investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of
harassment because of race, color, sex, national origin, or disability; to take
appropriate action to protect individuals from further harassment; and, if it
determines that unlawful harassment occurred, to appropriately discipline any
student, teacher, administrator or other school personnel who is found to have
violated this policy, and/or to take other appropriate action reasonably
calculated to end the harassment.
A harasser may be a student or an adult.
General harassment may include the following when related to sex, race, color,
national origin, or disability: name calling, pulling on clothing, graffiti,
notes or cartoons, unwelcome touching of a person or clothing, offensive or
graphic posters or book covers, or violent acts For purpose of this policy,
sexual harassment and harassment because of race, color, national origin, or
disability of a student consists of verbal or physical conduct relating to an
individual's physical or mental impairment when:
1. The
harassing conduct is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects a
student's ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or
activity, or creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational
environment;
2. The
harassing conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably
interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or
3. The
harassing conduct otherwise adversely affects and individual's learning
opportunities
Examples
of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment include:
a. sexual advances;
b. touching, patting, grabbing or pinching
another person's intimate parts, whether that person is of the same sex or the
opposite sex;
c. coercing, forcing or attempting to coerce
or force the touching of anyone's intimate parts coercing, forcing or
attempting to coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another;
d. graffiti of a sexual nature;
e. sexual gestures;
f. sexual or dirty jokes;
g. touching oneself sexually or talking
about one's sexual activity in front of others;
h. spreading rumors about or rating other
students as to sexual activity or performance;
i. unwelcome, sexually motivated or
inappropriate patting, pinching or physical contact. This prohibition does not
preclude legitimate, non sexual physical conduct such as the use of necessary
restraints to avoid physical harm to person or property, or conduct such as
teacher's consoling hug of a young student, or one student's demonstration of a
sports move requiring contact with another student; or
j. other unwelcome sexual behavior or words,
including demands for sexual favors, when accompanied by implied or overt
threats concerning an individual's educational status or implied or overt
promises of preferential treatment.
Examples
of conduct which may constitute harassment because of race or color include:
a. graffiti containing racially offensive
language;
b. name calling, jokes, or rumors;
c. threatening or intimidating conduct
directed at another because of the other's race or color;
d. notes or cartoons;
e. racial slurs, negative stereotypes, and hostile
acts which are based upon another's race or color;
f. written or graphic material containing
racial comments or stereotypes which is posted or circulated and which is aimed
at degrading individuals or members of protected classes;
g. a physical act of aggression or assault
upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to race or color; or
h. other kinds of aggressive conduct such as
theft or damage to property which is motivated by race or color
Examples
of conduct which may constitute harassment because of national origin or
ethnicity include:
a. graffiti containing offensive language
which is derogatory to others because of their national origin or ethnicity;
b. threatening or intimidating conduct
directed at another because of the other's national origin or ethnicity;
c. jokes, name calling, or rumors based upon
an individual's national origin or ethnicity
d. ethnic slurs, negative stereotypes, and
hostile acts which are based upon another's national origin or ethnicity;
e.
written or graphic material containing ethnic comments or stereotypes
which is posted or circulated and which is aimed at degrading individuals or
members of protected classes;
f. a physical act of aggression or assault
upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, ethnicity or
national origin; or
g. other kinds of aggressive conduct such
as theft or damage to property which is motivated by national origin or
ethnicity.
Examples
of conduct that may constitute harassment because of disability include:
a. graffiti containing offensive language
which is derogatory to others because of their physical or mental disability;
b. threatening or intimidating conduct
directed at another because of their physical or mental disability;
c. jokes, rumors, or name calling based upon
an individual's physical or mental disability;
d. slurs, negative stereotypes, and hostile
acts which are based upon another's physical or mental disability;
e. graphic material containing comments or stereotypes which is posted or circulated and which is aimed at degrading individuals or members of protected classes;
f. a physical act of aggression or assault
upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, an individual's
physical or mental disability; or
g. other kinds of aggressive conduct such as
theft or damage to property which is motivated by individual's physical or
mental disability.
Minimum
Consequences for harassment violations for sixth to eighth grade:
1. First
offense: Minimum five days
out-of-school suspension and student/parent conference; sensitivity training
for student
2. Second
offense: Ten days out-of-school suspension and student/parent conference;
sensitivity training for student
3.
Third offense: Suspension pending referral
to Disciplinary Hearing Authority
If any words or actions make a student feel
uncomfortable or fearful, the student needs to tell a teacher, counselor, the
principal, or Human Rights Officer. A student may also make a written report
which should be given to a teacher, counselor, the principal or Human Rights
Officer. A student's right to privacy will be respected as much as
possible. All reports of sexual
harassment and harassment based upon race, color, national origin, or
disability are taken seriously, and appropriate action will be taken to
investigate such claims, to eliminate that harassment, and to appropriately
discipline any persons found to have engaged in such conduct. The school
district will also take action if anyone tries to intimidate a student or take
action to harm a student because a student made such a report. This is a
summary of this district's policy against sexual harassment and harassment
because of race, color, national origin, or disability. A complete copy of the
policy is available at the Blount County Schools Central Office upon request or
on the Blount County School website. Harassment based on race, color, sex,
national origin, or disability is against the law. Discrimination is against
the law. The Human Rights Officer for Blount County Schools is Dr. Jane Morton
who can be contacted at 984-1212.
District Policy
Against Bullying and Intimidation
Bullying/Intimidation
Students shall be provided a safe learning
environment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to bully,
intimidate, or create a hostile educational environment for another student.
Bullying and intimidation are defined as
The
policy addresses conduct taking place on school grounds, at any
school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation, or at any
official school bus stop immediately following deboarding. Alleged victims of
the above-referenced offenses shall report these incidents immediately to a
teacher, counselor or building administrator. Any
allegations shall be fully investigated by a complaint manager. The privacy and
anonymity of all parties and witnesses to complaints will be respected.
However, because an individual's need for confidentiality must be balanced with
obligations to cooperate with police investigations or legal proceedings, to
provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough investigation or to
take necessary actions to resolve a complaint, the identity of parties and
witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a
need to know. There will be no retaliation against any person who reports
harassment or participates in an investigation. However, any person who refuses to cooperate or gives false
information during the course of any investigation may be subject to
disciplinary actions. The willful filing of a false report will itself be
considered harassment and will be treated as such. An employee disciplined for violation
of this policy may appeal the decision by contacting the Director of Schools.
Any student disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision in
accordance with disciplinary policies and procedures.
Complaint Procedure
Decisions made by
school personnelsuch as aides, teachers, assistant principals, and
principalswhich students/parents believe are unfair or in violation of
important policies of the Board or individual school rules may be appealed to
the school principal or designated representative. To appeal, students/parents
will follow these steps:
1. Shall have a conference with person at the level at
which the complaint originated
2. If the complaint is not resolved, a conference with
the principal will be held
3. Consultation with appropriate grade level system
supervisor
4. Conference with director of schoolspresenting
appeals in writing; the director will respond in writing to the student/parent
and school principal within five (5) days
5. Final appeal is to the Blount County Board of Education
Bus Procedures/Discipline
Students are
under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on his/her bus, and
all reasonable directions given by him/her must be followed. Any student who
gets off the bus at a school or home other than his/her usual place or who
wishes to ride a bus other than his/her designated bus must have parental and
principal permission.
Video cameras may
be used to monitor student behavior. Bus drivers may make special seating
arrangements when they feel it is necessary. Students may open windows with the
driver's permission only. Students are not permitted in the driver's seat, to
talk to the driver unless necessary, and must remain behind the restraining
line. Band instruments must be held in the student's lap or on the floor under
the student's feet. The instrument should never be placed in the aisle of the
bus.
School Bus Disciplinary Code
Level
I Violations:
Eating
or drinking on bus after warning
Failure
to remain seated on bus after being warned
Improper
boarding/departing procedures after being warned
Refusing
to obey the driver
Loud,
rude, or abusive behavior
Profane
language or gestures
Any
behavior jeopardizing safety or good order of the bus
Consequences
may be as follows:
·
Warning by bus
driver
·
Written reprimand/parent
contact
·
Suspension of bus
riding privileges (one to five days)
·
Suspension of bus
riding privileges (five days minimum for repeat of Level I violations)
·
Out-of-school
suspension
·
Third violation
of Level I action to be referred to Disciplinary Hearing Authority
Level
II Violations:
Tampering
with bus operating or emergency equipment
Fighting,
pushing, or tripping
Bringing
articles aboard the bus of injurious or objectionable nature unless approved by
driver
Destruction
of property
Possession
and/or use of tobacco products
Profane
language/obscene gestures
Throwing
objects in or out of the bus
Hanging
out of bus window
Consequences
may be as follows:
·
Bus riding
suspension (five days minimum)
·
Bus riding
suspension (minimum ten days for repeat occurrences of Level II violations)
·
Out-of-school
suspension
·
Third Violation
of Level II action to be referred to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority
Level
III Violations:
Physical
assaults/verbal threats of a violent nature, as defined in TCA directed to the
driver
Attempting
to or setting fire to seat, hair, clothing, etc.
Possession
and/or use of illegal substances
Possession
of a weapon
Use
of chemical substances with the intent to do harm
Consequences
may be as follows:
·
Refer to
Disciplinary Hearing Authority
The
principal or his/her designee will investigate and determine which consequences
to impose when a violation is reported. Discipline will be implemented based on
federal and state guidelines for special needs students. The student and/or
parent will be responsible for payment of any damages or destruction of
property or lose bus-riding privileges.