Handbook

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Handbook

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK

ATTENDANCE, TARDIES AND ABSENCES

The Hamilton County Board of Education believes in the establishment of a tradition of regular school attendance for each student. This establishes the first step toward a successful academic career culminating in a high school diploma and is an essential concept to learn for the job market.

The Hamilton County department of Education has a State approved system for maintaining attendance records for each student enrolled in the district.

Excused Absences

• Personal Illness-Students are excused who are sick and whose attendance would be detrimental to their health and the health of other students. A physician's statement may be required.

• Death in Immediate Family-Students may be excused for three days in the event of a death in their immediate families including mother, father, step-parent, brother, sister, or grandparent. Extenuating circumstances may require a longer period of excused absence.

• Family Illness-Students having an illness in the family which requires them to give temporary help will be excused from attendance after receipt of a physician's statement concerning the necessity of the student's assistance.

• Religious Holiday-Students shall be excused on special or recognized religious holidays regularly observed by that particular faith. Prior approval is required should these days occur while school is in session.

• Personal-Students who are absent for a good cause-doctor, dental, or court appointment-which cannot be scheduled at times other than school hours may be excused upon proof of appointment. Prior approval by parent or guardian and the principal or his designee
is required.

• Approved School Sponsored Activities-Students shall be marked present when participating in a school sponsored activity away from the school building.

School personnel have the responsibility to keep both students and parents informed as to the academic impact caused by absenteeism. Each middle school will establish an Attendance Appeals Committee to hear appeals of absences over (5) absences in a nine week grading period. When hearing appeals for absences over five per nine weeks, the school's Attendance Appeals Committee may differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. The attendance Appeals Committee will determine the impact of absences over five in a nine week grading period, but may lower an average above 70 to a 69 which is failing. A grade of less than passing shall remain at that level. If the absences are continuous and the reasons documented with legal excuses, the principal may bypass the appeals hearing and allow the student to make up the work. Parents shall be notified by letter, telephone, or personal contact after the third unexcused absence in any nine weeks. Parents are to be made aware by letter, telephone, or personal contact of the date and time for an appeals hearing and may be present. It is the responsibility of both the student and parents to contact the school in the event an appeal is to be made on excessive absenteeism.

Excessive Absences

The law requires that school officials report to the court parent, guardian, or other person in a parental relationship with a child who is unlawfully absent from school for any five days during the school year (this means an aggregate of five days) without adequate excuse. After five days absence without adequate excuse, a student is referred to the social worker. The social worker will notify the parents by written notice that their child must attend school on a regular basis. If after three days, the child continues to miss school or there is no response from the parents, a legal notice will be delivered by an attendance teacher. The legal notice will notify the parents that a petition is being filed in court charging a child with truancy or neglect against the parents. If the student continues to miss school after court consent, the petition will be sent directly to the juvenile judge. TCA 49-6-3007

Explanation of Absences

Students who are absent from school must bring a written statement explaining the absences, signed and dated by the parent or guardian for presentation to the appropriate school official. The appropriate school official at Signal Mountain Middle School is the student's first period teacher. It must state which of the excused reasons listed above, the student claims in order for it to be excused. This note should be filed on the first day the student returns and no later than five school days.

Other Attendance Concerns

• Students are required by state law to be in school more than half of the day to be counted present---3 hours and 30 minutes. If the day is shortened to a half day, the student must stay the entire half day to be counted present. Students must be counted present in order to participate in extracurricular activities.

• Unexcused absences can result in 90% credit given on assignments given the days absent.

• IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO GET HIS/HER MAKE-UP WORK AFTER AN ABSENCE.

• Early Dismissal-When dental and/or doctor appointments cannot be arranged after school or on Saturdays, we will dismiss a student during school hours if a note from home is brought to the office for approval in the morning. When parents arrive to pick up a child for early dismissal, they must come by the office and sign their child's dismissal log card.

• Illness at School-After arriving at school, students must not leave campus during the school day unless they have permission from the office to do so. Students who become ill must be dismissed from the office before going home.

• Tardiness-Students must arrive at school and be in their class by 7:25 AM. Students are allowed to go to their lockers at 7:15 AM. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instruction time. Any student who arrives at school after 7:30 must go to the office and get an admit to give to their 1st period teacher. Hamilton County Department of Education policy indicates that three (3) tardies will equal one (1) absence. After three tardies to school or class a student will be assigned Saturday School.

• Pick up of Students-Students who are not picked up within 20 minutes at the end of an activity will be prohibited from attending future activities and may be delivered to the Signal Mountain Police Station to await their parents.

FINANCIAL CONCERNS

Students should not bring large amounts of money to school. Please include the name of the student in the memo section when writing a check for any particular reason. There will be a $20 charge for any checks returned due to insufficient funds.

ATHLETICS

AUGUST-Boys and Girls Cross Country, Softball, Football, and Cheerleading
OCTOBER-Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Soccer, and Cheerleading
JANUARY-Wrestling and Volleyball
MARCH-Boys and Girls Track, Boys and Girls Tennis, Golf, and Baseball
Age and academic achievement determine athletic eligibility. Two or more Fs in a nine week grading period cause ineligibility for the next nine weeks. This includes the fourth grading period which determines eligibility for fall sports. Proof of insurance coverage is required of students participating in athletics. Coaches of specific sports reserve the right to have stricter guidelines. Students participating in school sports must have a sports physical before trying out for any sport. This along with parental permission must be indicated on the proper TSSAA sports permission form. All three forms must be complete.

AWARDS

At SMMS, we recognize academic and athletic achievement and good character in various awards programs.

BICYCLES AND MOTOR VEHICLES

All bicycles must be parked in the bicycle rack near the upper parking lot---not on the grass or bank. Other than arriving and departing by the bicycle owners, this area is off limits to all students at all times.

CAFETERIA

Students can buy plate lunches, including meat, 2 vegetables, roll and milk for $2.35 The price for adults is $3.85. Prices are subject to change. All students are required to go to the cafeteria during lunch period. Food is not to be taken out of the cafeteria and fast food and/or sodas are not to be brought into the cafeteria. Students may not purchase items from the vending machines during lunch hours. In order to create a pleasant environment, students must not run, shove, horseplay, break line, be excessively noisy and should keep their hands to themselves at all times. Students must clean up after themselves. Throwing food is a suspendable offense.

CHEATING

SMMS students will abide by the Honor Pledge "I neither gave nor received assistance on this_."

• The first offense of cheating will result in an automatic zero and parent notification.

• The second offense of cheating will result in an automatic zero and out of school suspension.

SMMS students are expected to practice good character at all times. Following these rules will make life pleasant for yourself and others_..

• Keep the restrooms clean

• Do not eat or drink in hallways or class rooms

• Do not chew gum

• Show respect for others_Teachers and Students

• Refrain from public display of affection

• Keep to the right and do not run in the halls.

At SMMS you are expected to show good character. Unacceptable behavior by others does not excuse you from your responsibilities as a student at SMMS. You are held accountable for your own actions in all circumstances.

PRACTICE RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, PERSEVERANCE, CARING, SELF-DISCIPLINE, CITIZENSHIP, HONESTY, COURAGE, AND FAIRNESS AT ALL TIMES!!!

DISCIPLINE/SCHOOL POLICIES

Disciplinary Action:

A student who for any reason neglects or refuses to abide by the educational standards of the school or whose conduct is detrimental to the school may expect to receive such consequences as but not limited to the following_..

• Suspension from extra-curricular activities as determined by the teachers, coaches, or administrators

• After school academics

• Removal from class/In-School Suspension

• Suspension pending a parent conference with teacher and/or principal

• Suspension from school

• Expulsion from school by the Hamilton County Department of Education (removal from the rolls)

• Saturday School

• Extended Evening School

• Alternative School

• Shadowing (a parent/guardian will attend classes with student)

• Work detail

• Attitude Learning Packets
Classroom Management Guidelines:

• Verbal warning

• Written reprimand/documentation

• Letter home to parents

• Phone call to parents

• After School Academics

• Detention

• Work Detail

• Office Referral

Zero Tolerance:

The following will result in a suspension of at least a calendar year:

• Possession of a Firearm or an Explosive or Incendiary or Poison Gas device.

• Striking a School Employee or School Resource Officer.

• Unlawfully possessing any controlled Substance or Drug.
The following may result in a calendar year suspension:

• Possession of a Knife, any device with a sharp blade or any device capable of injuring or disabling another individual.

• Possessing, transferring or receiving Drug Paraphernalia, "look-a-like" Drugs or Non-Prescription Drugs.

The above includes possession on school property, a school bus or a school sponsored activity and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.

SUSPENSIONS:

For good and sufficient reasons any principal or principal/teacher of any public school is authorized to suspend a pupil from attendance at such school, including its sponsored activities, or from riding the school bus. All school work must be made up as an unexcused absence with the adjusted value (70%). Reasons for suspension may include, but not be limited to__

• Willful and persistent violation of the rules of the school or truancy.

• Immoral or disreputable conduct or vulgar or profane language.

• Violence or threatened violence against the person of any one attending or assigned to the school to include volunteers involved in school business (includes fighting or other physical contact).

• Willful or malicious damage to real or personal property of the school, or the property of any person attending or assigned to the school. Parent or guardians of a student under 18 years of age or a student 18 years or older shall be responsible for all damage intentionally, willfully or negligently inflicted on school property by that student.

• Inciting, advising or counseling others to engage in any of the acts herein enumerated.

• Marking, defacing, or destroying school property.

• Possession of a pistol, gun, or firearm, real or look-alike, operable or non-operable, on school property, a school bus or at any school event or activity.

• Possession of a knife or other edged weapons(s), or any other weapon as defined in TCA 39-17-1301, on school property, a school bus, or at any school event or activity.

• Assaulting a school faculty or staff member with vulgar, obscene or threatening language.

• The unlawful use or possession of any illegal or prescription drug or drug paraphernalia on school property, a school bus, or any school event or activity.

• Any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in the school.

• Off-campus criminal behavior resulting in felony charges; when behavior poses a danger to persons or property, or disrupts the educational process.

• The use, sale or possession of alcohol on school property, a school bus or at any school event or activity.

• Possession of any chemical, such as tear gas or mace, which has the capacity to injure or make an individual defenseless.

Examples of Suspendable Offenses:

• Fighting

• Violence

• Gambling

• Smoking, chewing or possessing tobacco

• Stealing

• Using vulgar or profane language

• Showing disrespect, insubordination or blatant refusal to comply with a directive from an adult

• Destroying school property

• Throwing food

• Cheating

• Willful and persistent violation of school rules and regulations

• Attendance violations/Excessive tardiness

• Sexual Harassment

• Excessive dress code violations

• Possession of items not allowed at school (i.e., laser pointers)

Beeper/Pager:

Students shall not possess or have on their person a beeper/pager while attending school or a school sponsored activity without the permission of the school principal. The punishment for the first violation of this policy shall be confiscation of the device. Punishment for any repeat violation(s) shall be a minimum punishment of suspension from school and could result in a student being expelled from the school system. This also applies to any type of wireless telephone.

Searches:

Lockers are school property and are subject to search at any time.

Search of students and containers:

A student may be subject to physical search. A student's pockets, purse or other containers may be required to be emptied because of the result of a locker search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member or other student if such action is reasonable to the principal. In order to facilitate a search which is found to be necessary, dogs or other animals trained to detect drugs may be used to conduct searches, but such animals shall be used only to pinpoint areas needing to be searched.

Sexual Harassment:

Sexual harassment toward any student by an employee, other student or an individual with the school system will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment shall be defined as conduct, advances, gestures, words of a specific sexual nature or words which are commonly accepted to have a sexual connotation which interferes with the student's work or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported to the school principal immediately!

DISCRIMINATION

It is the policy of Signal Mountain Middle School not to discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual with a disability, solely by reason of his/her disability, in admission or access to, or treatment in education and program or activities sponsored by Signal Mountain Middle School. Inquiries regarding compliance with this policy should be directed to Mr. Robert Walter, Principal or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Students must have permission from the teacher to have such items or they will be confiscated. Do not bring any items that would disrupt any educational activities at school. These would include but not be limited to_walkman cd/radios, game boys, etc.

FIELD TRIPS

To widen students' horizons, teachers at SMMS plan educational field trips. Students will be ineligible for field trips if they are assigned_..

• Alternative school - One time

• Extended evening school - One time

• Suspension - Two times

Teachers may use professional judgment to eliminate any student from field trips due to behavior or lack of academic performance and/or effort.

FOOD/DRINKS/CANDY/GUM

Food, drinks, and candy are not allowed in the halls or class rooms without permission from teacher. Gum chewing is not allowed anywhere on school grounds.

VENDING MACHINES

Vending machines are provided for student use. These machines are not to be used during school hours without administrative/teacher permission. These are for before and after school use.

GRADING SCALE

A = 93 - 100
B = 85 - 92
C = 75 - 85
D = 70 - 74
69 and below F

STAR ROLL/HONOR ROLL/ACADEMIC LETTERS

Students who maintain a B average or above in all classes and nothing lower than an S in conduct will be selected to be on the Honor Roll. Students who maintain an A average in all classes and nothing lower than an S in conduct will be selected to be on the Star Roll. A suspension during a nine week period will disqualify someone from being on the Honor or Star Roll for that quarter. Students who maintain Honor and/or Star Roll Status for the first three quarters will be honored with an Academic Letter provided by the superintendent of schools.

COMPOSITION OF GRADES

40% Teaching Assessment Tasks (Daily work, homework-not more than10%, quizzes, and teaching tasks

40% Performance and/or Assessment Tasks (tests, essays, performance assessments)

20% Summative Assessment Tasks ( midterm exams, midterm assessment tasks, final quarter exams, final assessment tasks)

Homework plays an important role in a child's education. It is an extension of the learning that takes place in school. Homework provides practice and drill that reinforces classroom learning and gives opportunities for independent study, research and creative thinking.

Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for the students to work and by seeing that assignments are completed. Students are expected to record assignments daily in their agenda mates throughout the year and are encourage to use teacher internet sites. The amount of homework will be determined by grade level teams and the individual teacher.

MAKE UP WORK

• Excused absences entitle students to make up work missed within five days.

• Students are responsible for requesting make up work.
• If a student has been absent more than two days, a parent may request make-up work.

• When a parent requests make-up work, the teacher should be given one school day's notice to allow time to gather the assignments and get them to the office.

• Use of lesson line and teacher internet sites will allow students to remain current on assignments.

• If a student's absence is unexcused, he/she will be allowed to make-up work within five days for reduced credit.

PROMOTION/RETENTION GUIDELINES

Promotion requires that a student pass Math and English (or Language Arts taught as a block of English and Reading) and any two of the following academic classes: Science, Social Studies, and Reading (if taught as a separate subject from English). Foreign Language taught for a full year may also count as an academic class, but can not be remediated in summer school. Language Arts encompassing both English and Reading shall count as two academic classes. Other guidelines are as follows__.

• Passing is based on the year's average.

• A minimum grade average of 70 for the year's average in each academic subject must be obtained.

• With one failing grade, a student may be promoted unless that failure is in Math or English.

• With four or more failing grades, a student will be retained.

• Exceptions may be made for students who score at the 50th percentile or above in the failed curriculum area on the state mandated standardized achievement test.

• The Light's Retention Scale may be administered as a guide in considering retention and/or promotion.

• THE PRINCIPAL HAS THE FINAL DECISION ON PROMOTION OR RETENTION.

HALL CONDUCT

• Keep to the right.

• Don't run.

• Students in the halls during class must have a hall pass.

• Passes may be requested by the student only for emergency, use of the restroom or for first aid.

• Students are not to go to lockers before 7:15.

• Students must keep their hands to themselves at all times!

LOCKERS

Each student is assigned a locker in which books, book bags, supplies, coats and other articles are kept. Coats and book bags are not to be taken to classes. No stickers/decorations of any kind are to be put on the outside of lockers. Lockers are the property of the school and can be searched at any time.

TELEPHONE

The telephone is a business phone available to students for emergencies. To make calls from the office phones, students must (1) get a phone pass from a teacher and (2) get permission from office personnel. Cellular phones, beepers, and/or pagers are not permitted.

VISITORS

We welcome visitors at SMMS

• When visiting the school, please come first to the office and secure a visitor pass. If you need to talk to a teacher, be certain to make an appointment at a time convenient to both of you so that class time is not lost.

• Please do not go to a classroom to ask the teacher to step into the hall.

HEALTH RECORDS/MEDICATION

Each student must have the Emergency and Health information form completed and signed by a parent. These forms are kept on file in the school office. Please list someone other than parents to call in an emergency. We will notify parents first, but in cases we are unable to contact parents, please list a friend, relative, or neighbor that can take responsibility if necessary.

Medication is not dispensed to students. This includes, but is not limited to, aspirin, Tylenol, cough medicine, and/or antibiotics. However, when children require long-term prescription medication such as Ritalin, the medication will be administered by the principal or his designee in compliance with the following Hamilton County Department of Education Board Medication Policy_..

"Medications should be limited to those required during school hours and necessary to maintain the child in school. Medications should be administered by school nurses or other non-medical school personnel designated by the school principal. Any student who is required to take medication during the regular school day must comply with the following regulations._..

• A written Medication Consent Form (included in agenda mate) for prescription medications has been provided to the parent by the Health Services Department. This form must be completely filled out and signed by both the parent/guardian and child's licensed health care provider

• A new permission form must be provided to the school at the beginning of each new school year. The permission form must be updated when there is a change in dosage or time of medication.

• Medication must be brought to the elementary school office by a parent or guardian in the original prescription bottle and refilled in like manner. No medication is to be brought to or from school by the elementary student.

• Middle and High School students are permitted to bring medication to school provided it is taken to the office or clinic immediately upon the student's arrival at school. Medication must be in the original prescription bottle and refilled in like manner. Failure to follow this regulation can result in a student being suspended.

• If medication is administered by non-medical school personnel, the school nurse will provide instruction on the proper administration of medication, the potential benefits and side effects, Any medication given will be documented on forms provided by the Health Services Department.

• All medication will be kept in locked areas.

• Any unused medication must be picked up by parent or legal guardian at the end of the school year. Unused medication that is not picked up on or before the last day of school or medication that has expired, will be properly disposed of by the school.

• School nurses will monitor storage and proper documentation of medications administered, on a regular basis, to insure that medications are handled properly.

• All medications administered will be given in accordance with the above guidelines.

• Prescribed emergency medications to address life-threatening situations must be readily accessible to the students at all times. These may be in the student's possession or in a designated location as is appropriate to the situation. (field trips, etc.) Examples of these medications include but are not necessarily limited to asthma inhalers, epi-pens, glucose tablets, etc.

• The school system retains the right to reject request for administering medication that are not in compliance with the above guidelines.

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SIGNAL MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL 2007-2008 DRESS CODE

Student dress should exemplify an atmosphere where learning is of high importance.

Students may not wear any type of dress that is distracting to the learning environment. Decisions regarding school dress will be made by the professional judgement of teachers/administrators.

Students who choose not to comply with the student dress regulations or dress down day regulations will be subject to disciplinary action which includes, but is not limited to, a more restrictive dress code and/or suspension.

Students who violate the short length rule three (3) times will be required to wear slacks for the remainder of the school year.

SHIRTS AND TOPS

OXFORD CLOTH DRESS SHIRTS: Solid white or light blue, may be long or short sleeves, but must have collars.

POLO/GOLF STYLE SHIRTS: Solid red, white, navy, or black. May be long or short sleeves with collars. No more than 3 buttons. Snaps not permitted.

SWEATSHIRTS: Solid red, white, navy, or grey. Crew neck or hoods with long sleeves

FLEECE: Solid red, whte, navy, or black. Pull over. No full-length zippers. Long sleeves.

Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
Must be solid with no different colored trim.
No words, pictures, logos, embroideries, etc on any clothing are permitted.
Small name brand logos are permitted.
Solid color t-shirts are permitted under dress code shirt. No wording seen will be allowed.
Long sleeves may not to be worn under short sleeve shirts.
SMMS shirts/jerseys can be worn with administrative approval.
Sleeveless are not permitted.
Cap sleeves are not permitted.

SLACKS AND SHORTS

SOLID NAVY OR TAN/KHAKI DRESS CHINO STYLE SLACKS, CAPRIS, OR SHORTS.

If slacks, capris, or shorts have belt loops, a belt must be worn.
Slacks, capris, shorts must be hemmed or cuffed…not rolled up, not frayed.
Shorts must be at least mid thigh in length. No shorter!
Cargo, denim, corduroy slacks or shorts are not permitted.
Zip off pant legs are not permitted.
Pockets on pant legs are not permitted.
Pants cannot drag on floor when walking.
Slacks, capris, and/or shorts must not be tight fitting.
Pants must be at waist line. No hip huggers/low riders or baggy.
Rolled-over waists are not permitted.
Skirts/skorts are not permitted.

SHOES

LEATHER OR TENNIS SHOES.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Shoes must cover entire foot.
No sandals, clogs, combat boots, work boots, or cowboy boots.
Socks must be worn at all times.
No heels over 2”.

OTHER ITEMS

No ruffles, fringe, or velour on any clothing.
No hats, jackets, or coats are to be worn in the building.
Clothing may not advertise tobacco, alcohol, drugs, inappropriate behavior, immoral conduct, offensive symbols, etc.
Students may not wear any type of dress that is distracting to the learning environment.
Hair must be a natural color.
Students who violate the short length rule can be required to wear dress slacks for up to the remainder of the year.
Students who choose not to comply with the dress code will be subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to a more detailed dress code and/or suspension.

DRESS DOWN CODE
 
T-shirts/sweatshirts with sleeves are permitted...no tobacco, alcohol, or inappropriate wording or pictures. Any color or patterned polo or oxford cloth shirt with sleevdress down code
 
T-shirts/sweatshirts with sleeves are permitted...no tobacco, alcohol, or inappropriate wording or pictures.

Any color or patterned polo or oxford cloth shirt with sleeves is permitted. Sleeveless and/or tank tops are not allowed.

Shirts and tops must hang below the belt line at all times. Jeans and denim are permitted... shorts must maintain appropriate length (mid-thigh).

Sweat pants, athletic shorts, spandex, sleep wear, etc. are not allowed. must wear shoes and socks...(safety concerns)
es is permitted.

Sleeveless and/or tank tops are not allowed. Shirts and tops must hang below the belt line at all times. Jeans and denim are permitted...shorts must maintain appropriate length (mid-thigh).

Sweat pants, athletic shorts, spandex, sleep wear, etc. are not allowed. Must wear shoes and socks...(safety concerns)

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Inclement Weather
Call 209-1100 ext 7002

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Zero Tolerance Offenses
(resulting in expulsion)

According to state and federal law, a student who commits a zero tolerance offense is expelled for one calendar year, unless modified by the Superintendent. This includes offenses on school properties, including buses and at school-sponsored activities. All violations will be reported to local law enforcement officials.

The following are zero tolerance offenses:
Possession of a weapon, firearm or explosive, flammable or poison gas device, such as mace. Possession, use, sale of illegal, prescription, non-prescription, or counterfeit drugs or drug paraphernalia. Striking a teacher, principal, administrator or any other employee of the Hamilton County Department of Education.

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Library Information and Fees

Search SMMSEagles.com Search www Signal Mountain Middle School 315 Ault Road Signal Mountain, TN 37377 Principal: Mrs. Lisa Huskey Phone: (423) 886-0876 Fax: (423) 886-0894 webmaster:bryant_r@hcde.org