WCMS Handbook

   
    WHITE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
    Descriptor Term:    File Name:    Issued Date:
    Attendance Policy    J-4    3-26-09
        Rescinds:    Issued:
            
            
 





The White County Board of Education believes that regular attendance is of crucial importance for educational achievement.  Experiences that occur in the classroom are essential components of the learning process.  Time lost from class tends to be irretrievable in terms of opportunity for instructional interaction.  Each student should attend school every day.

Tennessee law specifies that in addition to earning satisfactory grades, a student must attend class for a specified number of hours to be eligible to receive credit for a course.

The board affirms that the primary responsibility for regular attendance resides with the parents/guardians and the individual student.  

The White County Board of Education shall adhere to Tennessee State Laws pertaining to student attendance.  Furthermore, the board is committed to the implementation of a student attendance policy that is non-discriminatory, discourages dropouts, and encourages regular attendance.  

1.    To obtain credit in a class, no more than three (3) unexcused absences per term shall be permitted.
2.    Following an absence, a student must present to school attendance personnel documentation explaining the absence.
3.    Documentation for an absence must be made in writing by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and should include the name of the student, the date(s) he/she was absent, the reason for the absence, and parent’s/guardian’s signature.  A statement from a health provider must specify the date(s) to be excused.  Written documentation must be presented within three (3) school days.
4.    State law specifies the reasons for which a student may be absent from school.  Those valid reasons are as follows:  
a.    Personal illness
b.    Serious illness of an immediate family member
c.    Court subpoena
d.    Death in the immediate family
e.    Observance of religious holiday
f.    Others as approved by principal
5.    All unexcused absences beyond three (3) must be made up through Saturday School or an after-school program.  Unexcused absences must be made up within ten (10) school days.  Excessive absences will result in credit being withheld.  
6.    Three (3) tardies will be equivalent to one unexcused absence.
7.    A student must be in attendance for at least one-half of the class period to be counted as present.
8.    Once a student has missed three (3) unexcused days in a course, the teacher/principal will notify the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).  Each notification will be documented by the teacher and placed in the student’s record.  
9.    If notification of parent(s)/guardian(s) does not correct the student’s attendance problem, the White County Attendance Supervisor will be notified.  
10.    After five (5) unexcused absences in a semester, the student will be referred to juvenile authorities.
11.    Student suspensions will not be counted against the student in awarding of grades, but will follow the procedures for unexcused absences.
12.    Students with consistently good attendance will be rewarded by being allowed to earn exemption from semester exams.  Students who are exempt must:
•    Miss no more than one (1) day* and have at least a 70 average
•    Miss no more than two (2) days* and have at least an 80 average
•    Miss no more than three (3) days* and have at least a 90 average
•    Miss no more than four (4) days* and have at least a 99 average
*Exam day is counted as one of the absences.
Any student who misses more than four (4) days (excused or unexcused) will be required to take the semester exam.  Any student who is assigned to in-school suspension for more than two (2) days or alternative school will be required to take semester exams.
13.    Based on the White County High School Prior Approval Policy, the following school-related activities shall not be counted as absence from class for the purpose of this attendance policy:
•    School-sponsored field trips
•    Special school events which may require early dismissal from school
•    Other activities initiated by and scheduled by the school
Prior approval absences are limited to three (3) per semester.
14.    As soon as a parent anticipates a student’s extended absence because of a severe, prolonged, or chronic illness under a physician’s care, the parent shall notify the superintendent.  The superintendent shall make arrangements for homebound or other appropriate instruction.  If a student completes the work as instructed by the homebound teacher, days missed will not be counted against the student for the attendance policy purposes.

Final Warning

It is the responsibility of parents or students to contact the school to request an attendance hearing with a school-level committee.  Parents who disagree with the decision of the school committee may appeal to the White County Attendance Review Committee, which is appointed by the superintendent of schools.  The review committee will consider the reason for excessive absences and make a decision by majority vote.  Based on the decision of the committee, credit may be restored in one or more courses.

Parents of students who disagree with the decision of the attendance review committee may appeal to the White County Board of Education.  The decision of the White County Board of Education is final.





Items 12 and 13 do not apply for White County Middle School.

ABSENTEE NOTES FROM PARENTS
 
         After being absent, students should report to the office with a written excuse from the parent to obtain an admission note. This should be done prior to reporting to homeroom. Remember, students will be excused for only four reasons: (1) sickness, (2) serious family illness, (3) a death in the family, and (4) religious holidays. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teachers to obtain missed work and to turn in the work when completed. If a student is absent 3 or more days, parents/guardians may call the office for assignments.
 
SIGNING IN/ SIGNING OUT
 
            Students arriving late to school must sign in at the office and obtain a pass to class. Students are not to leave school early unless officially excused with the approval of the administration and signed out by a parent/designee. Due to safety reasons, no student will be allowed to walk to or from WCMS for any reason. All students must be picked up or delivered by parent, guardian, or school bus.
 
EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSALS
 
            If school closes during the school day for an emergency, such as inclement weather, we advise that all students ride a bus. This is very important since phone service might be interrupted. If your child is unable to ride a bus, please submit a departure plan in writing to your child's homeroom teacher. Your cooperation will help us in our team effort to provide safety for every student. Please stay in contact with the media for current advisories.
 

-BUS CONDUCT-
 
The school bus is an extension of school activity; therefore, students are to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with the established standards for classroom behavior and safety.
Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on the bus. All reasonable directions given by the bus driver must be followed.
The bus driver is to inform a student’s principal of any serious discipline problem, and the principal may be called upon to assist if necessary. A student may be denied the privilege of riding the bus if the principal, after consulting with the driver, determines that the student’s behavior causes disruption on the bus, or if the student disobeys state or local rules and regulations pertaining to student transportation.
The suspension of a student from riding the school bus will follow the same procedures as for any other school suspension. No student will be allowed to ride any other bus when suspended from his/her own assigned bus.
 
Students must follow these rules of bus behavior:
1.     Remain well back from the roadway while awaiting the bus.
2.     Wait until the bus has fully stopped before trying to board.
3.     Remain in seat until destination is reached.
4.     Keep hands, arms, and heads inside the bus.
5.     Keep articles such as athletic equipment, books, and musical instruments out of the aisles.
6.     Use the emergency exits for emergencies only, and do not touch safety equipment on the bus.
7.     Ask the bus driver’s permission before closing or opening windows.
8.     Refrain from throwing objects in and out of the bus.
9.     Refrain from lighting matches, spitting, littering, or using tobacco on the bus.
10.  Refrain from rude, discourteous, and annoying conduct.
11.  Refrain from fighting, pushing, tripping, or scuffling types of behavior on the bus and at bus stops.
12.  Wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing the street at a bus stop. When crossing a street is necessary, always do so far enough ahead of the bus so that the bus driver’s face is always visible.
13.  Allow younger students to board the bus first.
14.  Keep balloons or other personal items that may obstruct the view of the bus driver off
the bus.
 
 
STUDENT PROCEDURES FOR BUS CHANGES
 
Any student wishing to ride a bus other than the student’s designated bus must have written parental permission and the approval of the principal or his designee. All authorization notes must be processed by 12:00 noon.
 
Any student who gets off the bus at any point between school and the drop-off point must present the bus driver with a note of authorization from the parent and principal. All authorization notes must be processed prior to the dismissal of bus students.

-FOOD SERVICES-
 
A well-balanced meal is served every day at WCMS. Plate lunches include milk and a dessert and are sold for the very reasonable price of $1.50. Students may pay for lunches each day in the cafeteria beginning at 7:00 A.M., prior to homeroom. It is recommended that students pay for multiple days in advance, thus reducing the volume of students paying daily. All lunch payments will be entered into a computer data bank, relieving students of the responsibility of keeping up with lunch tickets. A breakfast program will be provided at each student's expense. There is no free or reduced breakfast.
 
 
CAFETERIA RULES
 
1.     Students must walk in the cafeteria and not run.
2.     Students must remain at assigned tables and not visit other tables.
3.     Students should be up only to get food or to return a tray.
4.     Each student must return the tray to the proper place before leaving the cafeteria.
5.     Teachers will bring students to the cafeteria and then return to escort the students back to their class.
6.     Food and drink must remain in the cafeteria and not be taken to the classrooms or academic wings.
 

VISITORS TO WCMS
 
Visitors are always welcome at WCMS, but to ensure the safety of our students, we require that all visitors sign in, obtain administrative clearance to enter the academic areas, and then obtain a visitor's pass at the office. This pass will be returned to the office when the visitors leave the building. Any visitor in the school building without a visitor’s pass will be asked to leave. WCMS students are not permitted to bring visitors at any time unless approved by the administration.
 

 
Descriptor:
File Name: J-73
Issued Date: 5-15-2009
 
Use of Cellular Phones &
 
 
 
Electronic Devices
Rescinds:
Issued:
 
 
 
The increase in use of cell phones and personal communication devices by students during the school day has become far more than a distraction in the school environment. These devices are being used by students as a means of cheating on tests, taking inappropriate pictures and video of students and staff for sharing and posting across the internet, threatening and/or bullying other students, and engaging in an excessive amount of social interaction during instructional time.
Definition of Electronic Devices. Cell phones, iPod, DVD, CD, MP3 players, video games, electronic accessories, etc.
Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used on school grounds from 7:40-3:00 except in the student parking lot.
Cell phones that ring, beep, or are being used (talking or texting) will be confiscated. If a student has a phone OUT in plain sight, it will be assumed that the phone is in use.
Cell phones being used to bully, harass, or threaten a student or teacher will be confiscated and possibly turned over to the School Resource Officer for investigation.
Please keep in mind that anything brought onto school grounds is subject to search by school officials, according to Tennessee state law.

IF A PARENT CALLS THE OFFICE TO GIVE A STUDENT PERMISSION TO LEAVE, AND THE STUDENT HAS NOT USED THE OFFICE PHONE, WE WILL ASSUME SAID STUDENT HAS USED A CELL PHONE, AND IT WILL BE CONFISCATED. LIKEWISE, IF A PARENT CALLS AND ALREADY KNOWS SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED IN CLASS, AT SCHOOL, ETC. AND THE STUDENT HAS NOT USED THE OFFICE PHONE, WE WILL ASSUME A CELL PHONE HAS BEEN USED, AND IT WILL BE CONFISCATED.

When any communication device is turned on or is in a place that is visible, the following will occur:
1.     1st offense- Device placed in office and parent will pick-up. Student assigned (1) day in-school suspension.
2.      2nd offense- (3) days In-school suspension. Parent must pick-up device.
3.      3rd offense- ISS (3) days and phone held for the rest of the semester.
NOTE: Any student caught using a cell phone to film a violent. vulgar. or offensive act will be punished as if it is their (3rd) offense and lose their phone privileges for the rest of the semester. Exception: A student may use their cell phone during the school day in emergency situations only, or if they get permission by their teacher or school administrator. All other excuses will not be tolerated and the above rules will apply. (Emergencies are situations that are critical, and must be real and confirmable.)
 
Some cellular phone usage may require the Administrator to move immediately to the level of the offense as warranted by the gravity of the act. Therefore, it is possible for a student with no prior cellular phone violations to be given (10) days out of school and a student disciplinary hearing or any other level of punishment as determined solely by the principal.
Violations that may require such actions are:
The principal's actions are in no way limited by the foregoing categories.
-Texting during a test
-sexually explicit pictures
-threats against students or staff and refusal to cooperate with rules governing cellular phone usage
-school related threats made by cellular phones
 
 
White Co. Board of Education, its schools, or employees assume no liability or responsibility for the loss or damage of device.
Devices used on school buses are at the discretion of the driver. Violations should be reported to principal for discipline.

EXAMINATION OF CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
If the school principal or his/her designee has reasonable suspicion that a cell phone, personal communication device, or camera is used in violation of this policy, the principal and/or his/her designee may review the history of the cell phone with respect to the call list/log text messages sent, and/or photographs taken. The principal and/or his/her designee may also review the contents of a cell phone if they have reasonable suspicion to believe that any student's or other individual's safety and/or health are in danger. This shall be set forth in the handbook for each school and disseminated to the parents and/or guardians of each student.
 
 
 
 
 

FIELD TRIPS
 
            To provide a unique learning experience, WCMS offers several opportunities for students to go on field trips. Students who have been suspended from school, assigned to alternative school, or assigned two or more times to in-school suspension may forfeit a minimum of one field trip during a semester.

FIRE, DISASTER, OR EMERGENCY DRILLS
 
Upon hearing a fire drill signal, students will leave the classroom in an orderly line following the instructions of the teacher. When the building has been entirely cleared, a signal will be given for all persons to return to their classes in the same order as they left. There will be no talking, pushing, or playing of any kind during a drill. All teachers will have drill information posted in their rooms.

           
In order to meet the needs of students at White County Middle School, we have developed our All Star Advisory Program. Each student will be assigned an advisor at the beginning of the school year. This advisor will help accomplish the following objectives:
 
*          Provide an environment and activities that will foster bonding within an advisory group so that students will feel accepted and valued by teachers and peers
 
*          Help students cope with academic concerns and set goals which will facilitate positive school experiences
 
*          Give students avenues through which to discover their uniqueness so that they might come to appreciate the many differences among people
 
*          Help students develop positive relationships through experiences that utilize group dynamics
 
*          Promote critical thinking skills through discussion and problem solving activities so that students can learn to make responsible choices
 
*          Develop listening skills and an understanding of the roadblocks that hinder effective communication
 
*          Build self-esteem in students so that they might become confident, capable young people who accept responsibility for their own actions
 
*          Heighten student awareness of good citizenship by providing opportunities for meaningful contribution to their school and community
 
*          Provide opportunities for student involvement through shared decision-making
 
*          Improve home/school communication and relationships
 

-DRESS CODE-
 
At WCMS students are to dress and be groomed in a clean, neat, and modest manner that does not distract or interfere with the operation of the school, nor pose a safety risk for the student.
Any student who fails to comply with this dress code will be sent to the office immediately. He/she will be asked to call home to have a parent bring appropriate clothing. The student will not be allowed to return to class until dress code conforms to policies. He/she will be placed in in-school suspension if the correction cannot be made immediately.
 
Students are not to wear the following:
 
Sagging, baggy, or wide leg pants
(“Sagging/baggy” means no exposed underwear; pants should be worn at the natural waistline.)
Long pants that drag the floor
Spandex
Holes in clothes
Suggestive slogans on clothes; such as death/violence, vulgar captions, pictures or advertisements for tobacco, drugs, or alcoholic products
Headdress for boys or girls
Form fitting or body conforming clothes
Halters or other tops exposing bare midriff, tank tops, fishnet or see-through clothing
(“Bare midriff” means when a student lifts his/her arms, the midriff
should not be exposed; when a student sits, the back should not be
exposed; when in doubt---wear an undershirt.)
Revealing necklines
Flip-flops/ shower shoes/ beach shoes/ cleated shoes/ shoes with wheelies
Clothing or articles related to gangs, including wallet or belt chains
Extreme hair color (unnatural colors, distracting slogans in hair, distracting styles)
Extreme make-up/nail polish
Leggings without standard length dresses/skirts
Shorts, skirts, or slits in skirts higher than 3 inches from the bend in back of the knee
Tinted glasses/sunglasses, unless doctor prescribed
Immodest sleeve cuts revealing bare shoulders
Body piercing jewelry, except for earrings
Distracting, disruptive, unsafe jewelry
Safety pins on clothes or personal items
Valuable clothes and jewelry
Oversized backpacks or bags (All must fit into lockers.)
 
Any mode of attire that disrupts the learning environment or has the potential for creating a negative influence in the classroom is not to be worn. Take pride in yourself.
 

-DISCIPLINE-
 
            General school rules violations are usually handled by the classroom teacher, hall monitors, cafeteria monitors, or bus monitors. Each teacher posts his/her classroom rules, which provide the guidelines for disciplinary actions within the classroom setting. While not a complete list, the following are some examples of general misbehaviors:
           
Tardiness
Running in the building                                              
Student in the hallway without a pass                        
Possession of objects that disturb learning
(laser lights, yo-yo's, cd’s, cd players, etc.)    
                   Disruptive noises or behaviors
                  Chewing gum
                  Failure to do assignments or carry out directions
 
            Disciplinary options include—
                        Verbal reprimand
                        Special assignments
                        Restricting activities
                        Assigning work details
                        Counseling
                        Withdrawal of privileges
                        Demerits
                        Detention, either during lunch or after school
                        Corporal punishment
                        In-school suspension (by administrator)
                        Out-of-school suspension (by administrator)
                       
           
Major violations, which would endanger the personal rights and/or safety of students or school personnel, will be referred to school administration for disciplinary action. Some examples of major infractions are as follows:
 
Repeated or severe classroom disturbance     

Fighting
Vulgar language                                             

Theft
Obscene gestures                                           

Vandalism
Possession or use of unauthorized substances           

Forgery
Possession or use of weapons                                               

Dress code
Possession or use of tobacco  

Cheating Gambling               

Making threats
Bullying                                                                    

Hazing
Sexual harassment
Possession of electronic communication devices, including cell phones
 
Disciplinary options include—
                        Detention
                        Corporal punishment
                        In-school suspension
                        Out-of-school suspension
                        Restitution for lost, damaged, or stolen property
                        Alternative school
                        Appearance before the school board
Suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year, subject to modification by superintendent on a case-by-case basis.

 
Fighting cannot and will not be condoned under any circumstances at White County Middle School. Any student participating in a fight at WCMS will be dealt with severely.
 
            1st offense = Five days in-school suspension
            2nd offense = Ten days alternative school
3rd offense = Suspended and referred to the White County Board of Education discipline committee
 
These are MINIMUM penalties. Circumstances of a fight may alter the order or degree
of punishment.

 
            It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to be armed, any firearm, explosive, knife, or other weapons of any kind which are not used solely for instructional or school sanctioned ceremonial purposes. Also, it is an offense for any person to possess or carry a weapon in any public or private school building or bus, on any public or private school campus or grounds, recreational area, athletic field or any property owned, used, or operated by any board of education, school, etc., of any public or private educational institution.
            A violation of this is a Class E felony. State law prescribes a maximum penalty of six (6) years imprisonment and a fine not to exceed three thousand dollars for carrying weapons on school property. In addition, any student that brings a weapon to WCMS for the purpose of being armed may be suspended from school for a period of no less than one (1) calendar year.
 

 
            The use of, or possession of, tobacco on school property is a violation of school board policy and Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1505(b), which specifies that a law enforcement officer or school principal will issue any student who violates this section a citation. The citation will require the student to appear in the Juvenile Court.
 
 
 

 
As defined in section 52-1201 (TCA) the unlawful use, sale, or possession of barbital, legend drugs, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia is prohibited on school campuses in White County. Violation of this policy will result in a student being suspended from WCMS and referred to the White County School Board with zero-tolerance recommended.
 

 
            In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, drug paraphernalia, violence, and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The superintendent will have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis. Zero-tolerance acts are as follows:
 
1.     Any student who brings or possesses a drug, unassigned prescription drug, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, or a dangerous weapon on a school bus, onto school property, or to any school event or activity
2.     Any student who while on a school bus, on school property, or while attending any school event or activity
a.     is under the influence of a drug, or
b.     possesses a drug, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapon, or
c.     commits battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, or any other employee
 
 
 

 
            It is the objective of the faculty, staff, and students of White County Middle School to keep and maintain our school at its highest performance level. Any student or person who defaces or destroys school property will face appropriate disciplinary action, as well as charged the total dollar replacement cost of the defaced or destroyed item.
 
 

 
1.         A student will not be suspended solely because charges are pending against him/her in juvenile or other court.
          
2.         A principal will not impose successive short-term suspensions that cumulatively exceed ten (10) days for the same offense.
3.         A teacher or other school official will not reduce or authorize the reduction of a student’s grade because of discipline problems, except in deportment or citizenship.
 
4.        A student will not be denied the passing of a course or grade promotion solely on the basis of absences, except as provided by Board Policy.
 
5.         A student will not be denied the passing of a course or grade promotion solely on    the basis of failure to--
a. pay an activity fee
b. pay a library or other school fine
c. make restitution for lost or damaged school property

 
 
 
 
 
 
·      Parents of a student identified as having limited English proficiency (ELL – English Language Learner) must be notified in a timely manner of the child’s participation in the ELL program, details of the program, right to waive participation, and specific information on the child’s level of English proficiency.
 
·       Parents will be notified of their child’s eligibility for service in migrant, homeless, or Limited English Proficiency programs.
 
·       Parents must be informed of and involved in violence and drug prevention efforts including program content and activities. Parents may request in writing their child’s exemption from participation in such activities.
 
·       Parents will be notified regarding their rights before any third-party surveys are distributed to students.
 
·       Schools in which at least 40% of the children are from low-income families have school-wide program authority under which schools may consolidate funds from federal, state, and local sources to upgrade the entire educational program of the school.
 
·       Parents of secondary school students have a right to request that their child’s name, address, and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without their prior written consent. Requests should be addressed to the federal projects director at address shown on front of this brochure.
 
Federal law affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to educational records. School Board Policy relating to student privacy and parental access to information is available in the School Board Policy Manual located at each school and at the central office. Notification of Rights and Release of Directory Information under FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) will also be conducted through local media announcements.
 
The White County School System is committed to providing the best education possible for each student. We realize that parents play a vital role in the accomplishment of this mission so we encourage their involvement and strive to keep them informed of their rights.
 
·White County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion, or handicap in the provision of educational opportunities, activities, or other administered programs.
 
·A parental involvement policy and parent-teacher-student compact will be distributed to parents by each Title I school. A copy of each document may also be obtained by contacting the school office. In schools eligible for Title I funds, a written parental involvement policy will be developed jointly with and distributed to parents of children participating in Title I programs. Each Title I school will also hold at least one annual meeting for parents to inform them of the school’s participation in programs funded under the No Child Left Behind Act. All elementary schools in White County are identified as school-wide Title I schools.
 
·Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of classroom teachers who instruct their children. If students are provided services by paraprofessionals, parents may also request information regarding the qualifications of paraprofessionals. Teacher certifications can be found by accessing the Tennessee Department of Education Teacher Licensing Web site (www.k-12.state.tn.us/tcertinf) or by contacting the school principal or the school system’s federal projects director.
 
Parents must receive notification if their child has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified
 
·       Parents will have access to system and school report cards as developed by the State Department of Education (usually available in late fall of each year) through the web site (www.state.tn.us/education) or at the school and/or system office. Results will also be publicized through local media.
 
·       Parents must receive information on the achievement level of their child on each of the state academic assessments as soon as is practicably possible after the test is taken. Assessment results will be distributed by the child’s school.
 
·       Parents have access to district and school information and reports through the media (local newspaper and radio), the System/School Report Cards available on the State Department of Education website (www.state.tn.us/education), or at the school or system’s administrative offices.
 
·       Parents may visit the State Department of Education web site (http://tennessee.gov/education/ci/standards/index.php) or visit the school to access a description of the Tennessee Curriculum Standards, assessment information, and proficiency levels students are expected to meet.
 
·       Parents must be notified if their child is enrolled in a school identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Currently no school in White County has been identified as in need of improvement.
 
·       If a school fails to make adequate yearly progress, parents will be informed regarding the availability of school choice options and supplemental education services.
 
Under the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111 (g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district.
 
 
 

 
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the White County School System, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, White County School System may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the White County School System to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:
 
·       A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production
·       The annual yearbook
·       Honor roll or other recognition lists
·       Graduation programs
·       Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members
 
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. [1]
 
If you do not want White County School System to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 15 of the current school year. White County School System has designated the following information as directory information:
 
-Student’s name                                                             -Participation in officially
-Address                                                                       recognized activities and sports
-Telephone listing                                                          -Weight and height of members of
-Electronic mail address                                            athletic teams
-Photograph                                                                  -Degrees, honors, and awards
-Date and place of birth                                           received
-Major field of study                                                      -The most recent educational
-Dates of attendance                                                       agency or institution
-Grade level                                                                   attended
 
 
 
 

 
 
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school offi cial] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate.
Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con sent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an ad ministrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or com pany with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, audi tor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educa tion record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are
 
 
 
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
White County School System
 
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
 
·      Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)-
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family
3. Sex behavior or attitudes
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility
·       Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of-
1.     Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding
2.     Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law
3.     Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others
·       Inspect, upon request and before administration or use-
1.     Protected information surveys of students
2.     Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes
3.     Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum
 
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
 
White County School System has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. White County School System will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:
·       Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution
·       Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED
·       Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above
 
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
 

To: Parents
From: Sandra Crouch, Director of Schools
Re: White County School System Non-Discrimination Policy

Please review the following information:
White County School System affirms that it will comply with Title VI Of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Title VI states:
No person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Anyone who believes that the school system has discriminated against them or another individual may file a complaint. The complaint can be sent to:

Kemberly Marcum, Title VI Coordinator for White County School System
And/or
Lesley D. Farmer, ESQ, Director Office of Civil Rights Tennessee Department of Education And/or
The Office of Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education PO Box 204B, 04-3010 Atlanta, GA 30301-2048

It is the policy of the White County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability in its educational programs or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (1972 Educational Amendments), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with Title VI, Title IX, or the Americans with Disability Act should be directed to:

Title VI and Title IX Coordinator for White County School System Kemberly Marcum And/or
Lesley D. Farmer, ESQ, Director Office of Civil Rights Tennessee Department of Education And/or
The Office of Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education PO Box 204B, 04-3010 Atlanta, GA 30301-2048

Inquiries or complaints regarding Section 504 should be directed to:
Section 504 Coordinator for White County School System David Copeland
And/or
Tiffany Baker Cox, ESQ, Director Office of Civil Rights Tennessee Department of Education And/or
The Office of Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education PO Box 204B, 04-3010 Atlanta, GA 

 
 
Parents/guardians please sign and date this form and then have your child sign and date it, indicating that you both have read and understood the contents of the White County Middle School Student Handbook. Signing this form does not mean that you agree with the rules/procedures; it simply means that you have had the opportunity to review them. Have your child return this form to his/her homeroom teacher where it will be kept on file.
 
 
 
 
__________________________                           ___________________
 
Student’s Signature                                            Date
 
 
 
 
__________________________                           ___________________
 
__________________________                                             Date
 
Parents’/Guardians’ Signatures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[1] These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s armed forces.

White County Middle School

300 Turntable Road

Sparta, TN 38583

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

     I would like to extend a warm welcome to each student at White County Middle School.  As we open the 2010-2011 school year, we have new state, national, and federal standards that present heightened challenges to every student, parent/guardian, and teacher.  This school year WCMS has implemented a new plan that has changed the procedure of placing and scheduling students.  The State Department of Education assisted our school with a student data driven procedure for the placement of each student.  Hopefully, this plan will provide our students the opportunity to be nationally competitive.  As a team, let us resolve and dedicate our efforts toward a year of excellence in education for every student.

     Last year's efforts will be continued and refined to give special attention to each student's individual educational needs.  In order to meet the required educational goals and objectives for students, individual indicators have been identified and will be used to guide specific scheduling and instruction.

     Every student is encouraged to develop personal goals for accomplishing educational excellence.  Students are expected to be responsible, dependable, cooperative, and considerate of others.  Each day students should arrive at school on time, stay until all classes are completed, and dedicate their endeavors toward achieving excellence.  In return, the faculty at WCMS is well trained and prepared to challenge students with programs that enhance their unique abilities.

     Parents/guardians are a critical component of a successful school.  Your assistance and support are absolutely essential for your child's educational success, and many opportunities will be available for your involvement.  Let us all resolve to work as a cooperative team to make WCMS a safe learning institution that is drug and violence free, enabling all students to reach their full potential.

     Parents/guardians and students please take this handbook and familiarize yourself with the policies and guidelines herein.  Realize, however, that no handbook can encompass every circumstance that may arise.

Sincerely,

Paul T. Steele

ACADEMICS

     The Curriculum offerings at WCMS include five core subjects--mathematics, language, reading, science, and social studies; and seven related arts courses--art, music, physical education, technology, band, and two newly developed ones; STEM and a vocabulary RA.  Students must pass at least three core classes and maintain an overall average of 70 in order to be promoted to the next grade.

REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS

     Report cards are issued every 6 weeks.  Progress reports will be sent home twice each six-weeks grading period.  The first time will be at the three-week midterm interval.  the second time they will accompany the report cards at the end of the six weeks grading period.

Grading Scale

A = 100 - 93

B = 92 - 85

C = 84 - 75

D = 74 - 70

F = Below 70 - Failure

PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES

     Parents are ALWAYS welcome and encouraged to visit WCMS at every opportunity; however, security adn your child's safety are crucial and must be protected continuously.  Therefore, an administrator or guidance counselor must arrange all parent-teacher conferences.  All conferences will be held in the office.  WCMS hosted an open house on August 19, 2010, from 3:15-6:15 P.M.  Twice throughout the year, school-wide  parent-teacher conferences will be held at WCMS.  Those dates are November 30 and March 10.  Teachers will be available on these dates from 3:15 until 6:15 P.M. to meet with parents/guardians.

SPECIAL HONORS

     Students at WCMS are recognized for academic achievement, scholarly attitude, and good citizenship.  The following are various honors or awards for these accomplishments:

Honor Roll

Perfect Attendance Certificates

"Spotlight" Awards

"Who's Who" Achievement and Service Award

"Caught Being Good" Awards

End of year teacher awards in subject areas

Academic Field Trip

     Students must maintain passing grades to remain eligible to participate in any interscholastic sport.  TSSAA guidelines for eligibility are used.  To be eligible to participate in an athletic contest a student must have been academically promoted to the next higher grade.  Any student repeating a grade is ineligible to participate.  A student who is ineligible at the beginning of the school year may gain eligibility the second semester by passing five (5) subjects the first semester.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and CLUBS

(Other activities and clubs may be established during the school year.)

Band

Cheerleading

Drama

S.W.A.T.

4-H

Art Club

Energy team

Junior Scholastic

Annual Staff

Math Club

Newspaper Staff

Student council

Youth Act

Chorus

FCA-Fellowship of Christian Athletes