TABLE OF CONTENTS
School Philosophy........................................... 1
School Mission Statement.................................... 1
School Vision............................................... 1
School Beliefs.............................................. 1
NondiscriminationPolicy/Discrimination/Harassment........... 2
Transfer Option/Special Education Child Find................ 3
Parent Involvement Policy /TitleI .......................... 4
Code of Conduct............................................. 5
General School Rules................................ 5
Jackson County Board of Education Dress Code................ 7
Attendance Policy........................................... 8
Other Absences...................................... 9
Tardiness........................................... 9
Visitors............................................ 9
Sign In/Out Policy.................................. 9
20 day Absentee Policy.............................. 9
School Cancellation......................................... 9
Academics................................................... 9
Grading.............................................10
Mid 9wks Progress Reports...........................10
Report Cards........................................10
Promotion/Retention.................................10
Make-up Work........................................11
Valedictorian/Salutatorian..........................11
Classroom Interruptions.............................11
Parent/Teacher Conferences..........................11
Curriculum..........................................12
School Health Services......................................12
Medication..........................................12
Head Lice Policy....................................12
Immunizations Requirements..........................13
Transportation..............................................13
Bus Duty............................................13
Traffic Flow Procedures.............................14
Walkers and Bike Riders.............................14
School Hours........................................14
General Information.........................................15
Sexual Harassment Policy............................15
Parent-Teacher Organization.........................15
Food Services.......................................15
Disaster Drills/Extracurricular Activities..........16
Website Addresses/Newsletter........................17
Family School Compact...............................18
School Philosophy
The administration, faculty, and staff at Dodson Branch Elementary School sustain a belief that
education is a continuing process designed to assure that each student becomes a productive
citizen, academically, culturally, and emotionally. All students shall have an equal opportunity
to obtain an education that is conducive to their learning style and that will allow one to better
him/herself, the community, and the county. The schools responsibility shall be to facilitate learning
in order for students to gather facts and think for themselves to become better community members.
The faculty will maintain that each student is unique and strive to accommodate this uniqueness
without ignoring the needs and uniqueness of other students.
The administration, faculty, and staff need to work as a single unit, a hub, to assure that there is
no internal strife among each other. All faculty need to be on the same page and know what is going
on within the inner workings of the school to nurture the betterment of the students and faculty which
in turn improves the community and the entire county.
School Mission
The mission of Dodson Branch Elementary is to ensure that students appreciate and value an education,
are literate, and are value conscious by providing faculty and staff that model and reinforce these traits
along with providing an appropriate learning environment.
School Beliefs
We at Dodson Branch Elementary believe…
· The school must have a positive, nurturing environment.
· Students need a consistent structure in which to work.
· All children have different needs learning styles, and talents.
· Every child can master the basic skills they need to be successful.
· Children learn from one another. We can meet our maximum potential by working together.
· Our school is a productive part of our community and county,
· Education is the responsibility of the school, parents, and the community.
School Vision
The vision of Dodson Branch Elementary is to meet the needs and educate all students in order form
them to become productive members of society, by providing quality educational services through
trained personnel, expanded facilities, and 21st century technology.
Nondiscrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Jackson County School System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race,
national origin,creed,age,marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or
employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972
Educational Ammendments and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states: No person in the United States shall on the grounds of race,
color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any
program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI, TitleIX and Section 504 may be directed to Joe D. Barlow or
Betty Pruett at the Jackson County Board of Education, 7111 School Drive, Gainesboro, TN 38562.
If you feel you have been discriminated against or have a complaint please contact Mr. Barlow or
Mrs. Pruett at 931-268-0119. If you have a complaint, there are forms at each school and at the
Central office to register the complaint.
Discrimination/Harassment
In accordance with the policy of the Board, the following procedure governs the processing
of student discrimination/harassment grievances:
1. Any student who wishes to file a discrimination/harassment grievance against
another student or employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded if
possible) complaint with the superintendent, principal, counselor, or Title IX
coordinator. The administrator taking the complaint will document the time,
place, Complaint, and incident and immediately forward the complaint to the
grievance committee. The grievance committee will appoint a senior
administrator to investigate the grievance. The grievance shall set forth the
circumstances of the incident and identity of the students(s) or employee(s)
involoved.
2. The superintendent, or appointed administrator, shall initiate an investigation
of the incident and shall protect the confidentiality of the grievant.
3. The investigation shall be completed within ten (10) days of the filing of the
grievance. Results of the investigation, along with the recommendations and
suggestions, shall be shared with the grievant, unless it violates another student's
confidentiality.
4. If the grievant believes the issues are not resolved after considering the
recommendations and suggestions of the superintendent or investigating administrator,
the grievant may request a hearing by the grievance committee.
5. Upon receiving a request for a hearing, the grievance committee shall schedule the
hearing to occur within twenty (20) days from the date of the request.
6. Both the grievant and the person against whom the complaint was made
(respondent) may be represented by legal counsel at the hearing.
7. Within ten (10) days of the hearing, the grievance committee shall furnish a
written report of its findings and recommendations of the committee or furnish
a report to the grievant explaining why the recommendations will not be
implemented.
8. Upon receipt of the superintendent's report, the grievant may file a written appeal
with the Board. The Board shall within thirty (30) days from the date the appeal was
received, review the report and affirm, overrule, or modify the decision of the grievance
committee.
Transfer Option for Students
Victimized by Violent Crime at School
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.
Additional information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting Joe Barlow (Director of Schools)
at (931) 268-0119.
Special Education Child Find
Identification and location of children with Disabilities and /or Gifted
The Jackson County School system provides special education and related services, and special
accommodations to children who are disabled and/or gifted. Under state and federal laws, public
schools are required to provide a free, appropriate, public education to all children who are disabled
and/or gifted between the ages of three and twenty-two, and may not on the basis of disability,
discriminate against these children. This notice is part of an effort to locate and serve those children
who may need special education, gifted services and related services, and/or special accommodations. If you know a child, age three to age twenty-tow, who may qualify for special education services or gifted services and is not receiving available services, please call or write to:
Jackson County Board Of Education
Attn: Special Education Supervisor
711 School Drive
Gainesboro, TN 38562
Phone: (931) 268-0119
Jackson County Board Of Education
Parent Involvement Policy
The Board encourages the involvement of parents, both as individuals and as groups to act as advisors
and resource people in the following ways:
1. With specific talents to complement and extend the instructional services of the classroom
teacher;
2. To Serve as advisors on curriculum development projects;
3. To express ideas and concerns by responding to surveys and other information-gathering
devices;
4. To be actively involved in parent-teacher groups; and
5. To serve on citizens" advisory committees
Title 1 Involvement
Under the Federal Projects Director, the school system shall provide the coordination and technical
assistance, plan and implement the Title 1 Program according to the guidelines set forth in law which
includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Parent input into the planning, design, and implementation of the Title1 program;
2. Meaningful consultation of parents of participating children in the planning, design, and
implementation of the Title 1 program;
3. To the extent practical, conduct a parent/teacher conference with the parents of each
participating child to discuss the child's progress, placement, and training in methods the
parents can use to complement the child's instruction;
4. Make educational personnel under the Title 1 Program, including student services personnel,
readily accessible to parents;
5. Permit parents of participating children to observe Title 1 Program activities;
6. Provide opportunities for regular meetings with parents to formulate parental input into the
program;
7. Provide parents of participating children with a copy of the parental involvement policy as well
as timely information about the program;
8. Make parents aware of parental involvement requirements and other relevant provisions of the
program;
9. Provide reasonable support for parental involvement activities as parents may request
10. Coordinate, to the extent possible, parental involvement activities and strategies under other
programs;
11. Develop a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff and students
will share the responsibility for improved student achievement and the means by which the
school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve high standards.
12. Provide information to the extent practicable, on programs and activities in a language and form
that parents understand
13. Annually assess, through consultation with parents, the effectiveness of the parental involvement
program and determine what action needs to be taken, if any, to increase parental participation.
CODE OF CONDUCT- Notice- ALL RULES APPLY WHILE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS,
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION, OR AT A SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENT.
GENERAL SCHOOL RULES
· Students dress will be according to the Jackson County Board Policy (See pg. 4).
· Possession of unlawful substances (drugs, tobacco products, weapons, alcohol, drug
paraphernalia, etc.) is prohibited on school grounds and on transportation (Students who
break this rule could be subject to up to 365 days of out of school suspension and
prosecuted in a court of law).
· Respect yourself, others, and school property.
When a student is sent to the principal a variety of discipline procedures could be administered based on the level within the level the
misconduct occurred.
*Grades 5th through 8th- Students who are assigned to in school suspension (ISS) on three different occasions will receive on
the 4th occurrence one day of Alternative school.
*Grades K-8- Students who are assigned to ISS on five different occasions will receive on the 6th occurrence one day of out of
school suspension (OSS).
Discipline for LEVEL ONE
Definition: Acts that are minor but interfere with normal classroom, school, and/or bus operation.
Examples are but are not limited to: Classroom, playground, hallway, lunchroom, bus or gymnasium
misconduct, tardiness, dishonesty, abusive or foul language, and/or failure to carry out direction
(including homework).
Disciplinary Actions: Conference with student and/or verbal reprimand
Discipline for LEVEL TWO
Definition: Frequent or serious acts that disrupt the learning climate of the classroom, school, and/or
bus operation.
Examples are but are not limited to: Continuation of level one acts of misconduct, internet use violation,
use of forged notes or excuses, defiance and/or disrespect to administration, faculty, or staff.
Disciplinary Action: 2nd or 3rd conference with student and/or verbal reprimand, ISS, corporal punishment,
alternative school, suspension from school-sponsored activities, or OSS not to exceed ten (10)
school days.
Discipline for LEVEL THREE
Definition: Acts directed against persons or property whose consequences do not seriously endanger
the health and safety of others in the school.
Examples are but are not limited to: Continuation of level one and two acts of misconduct, fighting, vandalism,
stealing, minor threats to others, and sexual harassment.
Disciplinary Actions: ISS, corporal punishment, alternative school, or OSS not to exceed ten (10) school
days.
Discipline for LEVEL FOUR
Definition: Acts which result in violence to another's person or property or which pose a threat to the safety
of others in the school. These acts are so serious that they require administrative actions, which result
in immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities,
and/or action by the Board of Education.
Examples are but are not limited to: Continuation of level one, two, and three acts of misconduct, bomb threat,
major threats of violence to others, possession/use/transfer of dangerous weapons*, possession/use/transfer
of unlawful substance (e.g. drugs, alcohol, etc.)*, Or assault/battery.
Disciplinary Actions: OSS, alternative school, or other hearing authority or board action that results in
appropriate placement.
*The Disciplinary Hearing Committee for the Jackson County School System will determine disciplinary action.
Jackson County Board Of Education Dress Code (Grades K-12)
School clothing and individual grooming must not distract from the learning environment or jeopardize
health or safety of others.
1. All shorts, jams, short outfits, and skirts must not be shorter than 3 inches above the top of
the knee. Layers of shorts and cut off sweat pants are not allowed.
2. Jeans and pants should:
a. Fit or be belted at the waist.
b. Not expose underwear at anytime including P.E. and athletic events.
c. Not be holey, ragged, or cut.
d. NOT TOUCH THE FLOOR AT ANY TIME (IN-SEAM LINE).
3. Sweat pants should not be unnecessarily tight.
4. No midriffs, stomachs, backs, etc. should be exposed. Tops and T-shirts must come below
the waistbands of jeans, pants, skirts, etc.
5. Shirts must be buttoned up to within two buttons from the top.
6. No see through or mesh shirts or tops.
7. No strapless, tube tops or spaghetti strap tops or sleeveless tank tops.
8. Clothing must not contain:
a. Suggestive or foul language including inappropriate slogans.
b. References to drugs or alcohol.
c. References to tobacco products.
d. References to death, weapons, or violence.
e. References to wrestling.
f. References to the occult.
g. References to the confederacy or "rebel flag".
9. No Big Johnson, Coed Naked or any other sexually suggestive brand names are allowed.
10. Proper undergarments must be worn at all times.
11. Bandannas, toboggans, heavy chains and dog collars are not to be worn on school grounds.
12. Pierced ears with appropriate jewelry, studs, ornaments, etc., are acceptable.
13. No extreme hair color, such as neon green, neon yellow, neon orange, or neon red. Braids
must be worn close to the head. No extreme makeup and/or nail color including lipstick and/or
black nail polish.
14. No tinted glasses/sunglasses are permitted in the school building unless doctor prescribed.
15. Footwear must be safe and worn at all times. No flip-flops are permitted for safety reasons.
Teachers may determine the type of footwear appropriate for activities in their classroom, i.e.
tennis shoes for the gym floor or closed shoes for work in the ag shop.
16. Caps or other headdress for boys or girls are not allowed at school during school hours.
Medical exceptions only with permission of administration.
17. All trench/duster style coats that fall below the knee are prohibited.
18. Only clear or mesh book bags/back packs will be allowed. Purses should be of a medium size
or smaller. All instrument carrying cases and sports travel bags will be checked in upon arrival
at school at a designated area assigned by the principal.
Principals and/or assistant principals will be charged with determining all dress code violations.
Common sense and good judgment should be used in a fair and impartial manner. When extenuating
circumstances exist, modifications should be made during such time. (Example- sunglasses while
being treated for an eye infection.)
Students at Dodson Branch Elementary
1st Offense: Opportunity to change.
2nd Offense: Opportunity to change.
3rd Offense: In-school suspension.
4th Offense: Alternative School, one day
Attendance Policy
Attendance in Tennessee Schools is mandatory until the student reaches their eighteenth
birthday. The school will accept and excuse no more than five (5) parental or guardian notes
for the entire year. An excused absence includes a student's personal illness, family illness
requiring temporary help from the student, death in the immediate family, hospitalization of
immediate family, or religious holiday or event. Immediate family consists of father, mother,
siblings, grandparents, or guardian. After the fifth (5th) parental note all absences will be
marked unexcused unless the note is a doctor or health department statement. Written
excuses for an absence are required the day the child returns to school; if a note is not received
the day the student returns to school the absence will be marked unexcused (No phone calls
will be accepted only written excuses). It is the student's responsibility for turning in excuses
to his/her teacher on the day the student returns to school following the absence. The note
must state the reason for the student's absence, parent's signature, and phone number where
the parents may be reached. A truancy board will be formed to deal with the excessive
absenteeism. The following procedure will be followed in dealing with excessive absenteeism:
Upon the 5th absence from school, the teacher will notify the parent or guardian.
Upon the 7th unexcused absence, the student will be referred to the Truancy Board.
Students and parents will be required to meet with the Truancy Board. If students or
parents fail to attend the scheduled meeting of the Truancy Board, the student will be
cited to Juvenile Court. The Truancy Board will determine if mitigating circumstances
should cause absences to be excused.
If the Truancy Board finds no mitigating circumstances, the student will be informed
that upon the 10th unexcused absence that student will be cited to Juvenile Court.
Upon the 10th unexcused absence, the Attendance Supervisor will cite the student to
Juvenile Court.
Other Absences
In the event of a planned absence, a notice of at least one (1) week is
required.
Tardiness
School starts at 7:35 a.m. Anyone who is not in class by 7:45 a.m. will be considered
tardy. The individual who is dropping off the student must sign in tardy students.
Students who are tardy five (5) times will receive a day of in school suspension (ISS).
Visitors
All persons other than faculty, staff, and students must report to the office, sign in,
and obtain a visitors pass. This is a STATE LAW.
Sign In/Out Policy
Students who arrive late to school must sign in at the office before going to class.
No student is to leave school early unless officially excused and signed out in the
office by a parent, guardian, or approved parental person. A list of approved persons
to sign out a student must be provided to the office by the parent as soon as possible.
A parent, guardian, or a person on the sign out list provided by the parent, which is
kept in the office, can only sign out a child.
20 day Absentee Policy
If a student is absent 20 days or more in the school year be it an excused or unexcused
absence, unless there are extenuating circumstances such as hospitalization, etc., that
student will automatically be retained. An attendance committee will review and analyze
the circumstances the resulted in the 20 or more days of absences and will make a
determination as to the student being retained or promoted. The committee will consist
of the principal, assistant principal, school counselor, and classroom teacher.
School Cancellation/Early Dismissal, Etc.
The Jackson County School News Hotline (931-268-4050) provides 24-hour a day information
concerning school activities, school openings and closings, snow cancellations along with
other important school events.
The school suggests that an emergency procedure be set up in advance with your child in
case of an early school closing.
Academics
Grading
The issuance of grades serves to promote continuous evaluation of student performance,
to inform the student and parents of the student's progress, to reflect how well students'
understand essential skills in each subject, and to provide a basis for bringing about
change in student performance. Grades for each six-weeks will be determined from daily
work, oral and written assignments, homework, participation grades, and/or tests. The
teacher will weigh the value of grades given for various assignments within the six-week
period in computing grades. This permits the teacher to allow for individual differences
among students in the grading process. If as a parent you have a concern dealing with
your child's education, first contact your child's teacher. If the teacher does not resolve
this concern, he/she will inform you on what procedures to follow to remedy the situation.
Mid 9wks Progress Reports
The homeroom teacher will give progress reports to students the 5th week of every
9wk-grading period. These reports will consist of grades that have been accumulated by
the teacher for the four and one-half period.
Report Cards
Report cards are given to students at 9-week intervals during the course of the school
year. Report cards are to be signed by parents or guardians and returned to the homeroom
teacher within two (2) days. A replacement charge will be assessed for lost report cards.
Grades will be withheld for any indebtedness owed the school.
Promotion/Retention
The professional faculty will place a student at the grade level best suited for them
academically, socially, and emotionally. Retentions will be made when, in the judgment
of the appropriate school officials, such retentions are in the best educational interest
of the students' involved.
In grades fifth (5th) through eighth (8th), students who fail two (2) or more academic
subjects shall be retained. Attendance along with other considerations may factor
into the decision to promote or retain a student. The appropriate school officials shall
make the decisions on whether to promote or retain a student. If a student fails two (2)
subjects, they are eligible to attend summer school if the class(es) in which they failed
are offered during summer school. If the student passes the proper class(es), they may
be promoted to the next grade. If a student fails three (3) or more subjects, they may
attend summer school if the proper class(es) are offered, but may not be promoted to
the next grade.
Make-up Work
Students absent from school or who check out before school is over are responsible for
all work that is missed in each class. The student must see each teacher for which they
were absent about make-up work on the first (1st) day back following an absence.
Make-up work must be turned into the teacher(s) by the end of the third (3rd) day after
returning to school. The teacher in certain situations may make allowances. An
attempt to make-up test(s) must be made by the end of the third day upon returning
to school. If make-up work or test(s) are not made up or an attempt to make up is not
done by the end of the third day, zeros (0) will be given. Unexcused absences will result
in a "0" for any work/tests missed. For students who are absent or who checkout early,
a complete list of the current days assignment(s) and reading(s) will be available in the
office upon request.
Valedictorian/Salutatorian
The determination of valedictorian and salutatorian for eighth (8th) graders will be
established in the 3rd 9 weeks of the 8th grade year. This honor will be a culmination
of final grades received in the years of sixth (6th) through eighth (8th) grade.
Classroom Interruptions
Classroom interruptions need to be held to a minimum. Therefore
Sign Out
In order for a student to leave school early, they must be signed out in the office; the person signing the
student out must be on the students sign out list.
Phone Calls
Students will not be permitted to answer incoming personal phone calls except for emergencies. Messages
must be left with the office, and the message will be delivered to the student as soon as possible. If parents
need to speak with a teacher during the day, a message should be left with the office, and the teacher will return
the call as soon as possible.
Visitors
All persons other than faculty, staff, and students must report to the office and obtain a visitors pass. This is
a STATE LAW. Parents will not be allowed to visit with teachers during school hours without an appointment
with the teacher or prior permission of principal.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences are held each year in the fall and spring after school from 3-6 p.m.
At these times your child's teacher will discuss your child's progress in school. These meetings
are very important and need to be attended if at all possible.
Teachers may also need to talk to parents periodically either by phone or by scheduled meeting
throughout the school year. If as a parent you have a concern regarding you child's education,
you may call the office to leave a message to speak with the teacher at anytime or schedule a
meeting to meet with the teacher.
Curriculum
The students' elementary curriculum consists of but is not limited to reading, language arts,
spelling, handwriting, mathematics, social studies, science, health, physical education, music,
and art. Technology and library studies are also integrated to make the student a well-rounded
individual.
Physical Education
The proper clothing must be worn when attending physical education class. All students are required to participate in
physical education unless a physicians written statement is submitted to the office stating the reason that a student cannot
attend physical education. If your child has any medical condition such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart
condition, etc. please notify the office in writing.
Middle School Curriculum- Grades 5-8
This curriculum consists of many subjects that grades will be taken and recorded on the students' academic record.
These subjects consist of mathematics, reading, english, science, social studies, math lab, health, physical education,
music, and art.
School Health Services
Medication
If medication has to be taken during school hours, the following rules and procedures must be followed:
1. All prescription medications must be in the appropriate prescription bottle with a prescription label
bearing: child's name, name of prescription, name of physician, time to be administered, dosage and
directions for administration, and termination date for administering the medication.
2. Non-prescription medicine must be in the original container labeled with: child's name, medication
name, time to be administered, and directions for giving the medication.
3. All medications must be accompanied by a parents' note containing all the information in #1.
Also the parents must complete a medication form, which can be obtained in the office. This
form will be kept on file in the office.
4. All medications must be kept in the office at all times. Students are not to keep any type of
medicine with them at any time. Students who take any medication without following these
procedures stated above could be suspended for up to 365 days.
5. When a student is required to take medication, a parent must bring the medication in
personally. No medication is to be brought in by a student.
Head Lice Policy
The Jackson County School System has adopted a no-nit policy, which means that students will
not be allowed to return to school until all eggs (nits) are removed from the child's hair. These
nits can re-infest your child or others if not removed with prescribed treatment. Each student
that has head lice will be required to have a written release from his/her primary care physician
or authorized staff member documenting that child is free of head lice and/or nits before the child
can return to school. When returning to school, the student must report to the front office to
confirm that he/she is free of nits and/or lice. The Jackson County Board of Education No-nit
policy only allows two (2) days per year of treatment if a child is infested.
Immunization Requirements
Any student initially entering school must have a permanent Tennessee Certificate of Immunization;
the only exemptions will be medical or religious. Any student transferring from out of state or a
nonpublic school will not be permitted to enroll in school without an immunization certificate.
Students transferring from public schools within the state without proof of immunization must
obtain proof of immunization within 30 calendar days in order to remain in school.
Transportation
All students riding buses must observe all rules of the bus plus all school rules. Students must
exhibit cooperation and good manners at all times while on the bus.
Jackson County Board of Educations Rules Governing Transported Pupils
The following rules and regulations are developed to ensure a thorough understanding of proper
conduct and the safety of all students while riding Jackson County school buses. Bus transportation
is a privilege and shall be conditioned on appropriate behavior.
The rules and regulations formulated by the State Board of Education for all public schools in
Tennessee, in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated 4-6-2101, states:
A pupil shall become ineligible for pupil transportation when his behavior is such as to cause dissension
on a school bus, or when he disobeys State or Local Rules and Regulations pertaining to pupil transportation.
The bus driver shall be competent and fair in dealing with students and shall be responsible to the principal
for the conduct of students on the bus. The driver shall so plan and arrange to provide all pupils the
safest, most comfortable, and least troublesome journey to and from school; therefore, drivers are
requested to report infractions of school rules to the principal for disciplinary action.
The following are some of the rules and regulations your child can follow and by doing so will help us
transport all students in a safe and efficient manner.
1. Bus Stop: THE STUDENT SHALL
A. Be on time.
B. Stay clear of traffic while waiting for the bus.
C. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board the bus.
D. When getting off the bus, cross the street only if the driver tells you it is safe and move
away from the bus quickly. Never cross behind the bus.
2. Safety on the bus: THE STUDENT SHALL
A. Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.
B. Keep arms, head, and hands inside the bus.
C. Keep books, coats, feet, etc. out of the aisles.
D. In case of a road emergency, remain seated until the driver gives instructions.
E. Be absolutely quiet when approaching or crossing the railroad tracks.
3. Conduct on the bus: THE STUDENT SHALL
A. Avoid loud talking and yelling.
B. Avoid profane or immoral language.
C. Not throw any object on the bus or out of the bus window.
D. Accept special seating assignments when given by the drive.
E. Not smoke, eat, or drink on the bus.
F. Not engage in physical assault, which might do bodily injury to any person.
G. Take responsibility for the condition and upkeep of the bus- report any damages to the
driver at once.
Be courteous to fellow pupils and your driver while riding the bus. Help us keep a safe bus by
cooperating and having good behavior.
Bus Duty
Morning:
When students arrive at school, they are to go directly to the gymnasium. Students are not to stand in the hallways
before 7:45 a.m.
Afternoon:
Two teachers/day will be on afternoon bus duty with one teacher outside to supervise walkers and car riders. At 2:35,
buses will be dismissed. Bus students will line up in the hallway with little bus on one side of the hall and big bus on the
other side. Students will be escorted to the proper bus. At 2:45 walkers and riders will be escorted to the front of the building.
Car riders must wait outside in front of the building.
At the close of the day, all students must exit at the front of the building.
Traffic Flow
The inside and outside lanes of the circle drive are for parent pick-ups (afternoon, outside lane)
and drop-offs (morning, inside and outside lanes). In the afternoons as your vehicle approaches
the safety patrol, follow the directions from the safety patrol personnel. For the safety of all
students, there will be no pick-ups or drop-offs at the side of the building.
Walkers and Bike Riders
Students walking to and from school or riding a bicycle to school need to have a parent or legal
guardian sign a permission form. Permission forms will be sent home in the registration packet
or upon request. These permission forms need to be sent back as soon as possible.
School Hours
The school building opens at 7:00 a.m. School begins at 7:35 a.m. ends at 2:35 p.m. Upon arrival
students must go directly to the gymnasium where a supervising teacher will be on bus duty.
Permission to leave the gym must be given by the teacher in charge.
General Information
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment activity toward any student by an employee or another student or toward any
employee by a student will not be tolerated.
Sexual harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures, or words of a sexual nature which:
· Unreasonably interfere with the students' or employees' work or educational opportunities, or
· Create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment, or
· Imply that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving grades
or credit, or
· Imply that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for determining the
students' grades and/or participation in a student activity.
Victims of sexual harassment shall report these conditions to the appropriate school official.
Confidentiality will be maintained and no reprisals or retaliation will occur as a result of good faith
reporting of charges of sexual harassment.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, all of the circumstances,
including the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred, will be
investigated. The Director of Schools or designee shall be responsible for investigating all complaints
of sexual harassment. If satisfactory resolution of the complaint is not reached, the student may appeal
the matter to the Director of Schools, and ultimately, the School Board. Any student who wishes to file
a sexual harassment grievance may obtain a copy of the procedure from the school principal.
Parent-Teacher Organization
The PTO is an active organization at Dodson Branch Elementary School. All parents and guardians of
the attending students' are welcome to join; the sign up months to join the PTO are August and January.
Parents of students transferring from another school or parents of students who are entering school
late may join at the date the student is enrolling.
Food Services
Well -balanced breakfasts and lunches are served daily following menus furnished by the food services
supervisor. Free and reduced breakfasts and lunches are served to those who qualify under the federal
guidelines. Free and reduced lunch forms are made available on the first day of school and should be
returned to the school office as soon as possible.
Extra milk may be purchased at 25 cents and ice cream may be purchased for 50 cents.
Advanced breakfast and lunch payment is due to the homeroom teachers on Monday morning. Money
must be in a sealed envelope labeled with students name and grade. Payment will also be accepted
at the cash register daily.
Disaster Drills
Disaster drills are held once a month throughout the school year so students will know what to do and
expect in case of emergency. Specific instructions will be given in the classrooms on what to do for
that specific emergency. A students' personal safety will depend on the way that they carry out these
instructions.
Extracurricular Activities
4-H - Students in grades 4-8 have the opportunity to join and learn about agriculture, horticulture, etc.
Basketball- Dodson Branch Elementary has both boys and girls basketball for grades 4-8.
Cheerleading- Dodson Branch Elementary has a cheerleading squad for girls 3-8
School and County Website Addresses
Jackson County Schools: http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/jackson/index.html
Dodson Branch Elementary: http://volweb.utk.edu/school/jackson/dodsonbr/index.html
School Newsletter
A school newsletter is published each 6 weeks telling the different happenings and adventures going on
at Dodson Branch Elementary School. When you enroll your child(ren) make sure to record your correct
address so you will receive your school newsletter.
Dodson Branch Elementary
Family School Compact
Working together as school staff, parents, and students is necessary to pro9vide the educational
opportunities that your child(ren) need and deserve. Dodson Branch School faculty and staff agree
to fulfill our part of this compact to the best of our ability and challenge you as parents and students
to do your best. With such teamwork in place, we can only see positive progress and results in meeting
the goals of education in our world today. Thank you for joining us in this effort and for taking an active
role in your child's education.
As A Staff We Will:
· Believe that each student can learn at his/her own pace.
· Provide a safe environment at school that promotes learning
· Provide a high quality curriculum and instruction, which meets the Tennessee Department of
Educations standards.
· Show the due respect with our words and actions for each child and his/her family.
· Communicate with parents and students regularly by different means about the child's progress.
· Encourage parents to be involved at school through visits, conferences, parent workshops, and
volunteering.
· Schedule an annual parent-teacher conference to discuss this compact.
Teacher's signature:_________________________________________
Date:_________________________
*PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN PAGES 19 AND 20, THE FAMILY SCHOOL COMPACT TO YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER.
I have read the rules and regulations in this handbook with my child. Both my child and I understand that these are the rules and regulations of Dodson Branch elementary and will be responsible for following them.
As A PARENT/GUARDIAN(S) I (WE) WILL:
· See that my child attends school regularly and on time.
· See that my child comes to school ready to learn is well rested and has needed school supplies.
· Encourage my child to learn.
· Demonstrate a shining example for my child to follow.
· Provide a place for homework and check to see that all work is completed.
· Read to my child or have my child read to me
· Communicate and work with the school to encourage my child's learning and positive behavior.
· Read the rules and regulations in this handbook with my child. Both my child and I understand that
these are the rules and regulations of Dodson Branch Elementary and will be responsible for
following them.
Parent's/Guardian's Signature(s):_________________________________
Date___________________
As A STUDENT I WILL:
· Come to school prepared to learn and do my best each day.
· Realize that I am responsible for my own words and actions.
· Treat other students, adults, and property at school with respect.
· Develop good study habits.
· Ask questions about what I do not understand and always do my homework and class work and turn it in on time.
· Obey school and bus rules.
· Strive to do my personal best.
Student's signature:________________________________
Date_____________