The rules you are about to read in this JCMS Student Handbook are in addition to our broad, discretionary authority to maintain safety, order, and discipline inside the school zone. These rules support, but do not limit our authority.

SCHOOL NEWS HOTLINE

931-268-4050

The Jackson County School News Hotline provides current information 24 hours a day regarding school activities, school openings and closings, snow cancellations and other important school events.

JCMS WEBSITE

http://www.jcms.us

JACKSON COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL MOTTO

WE RESPECT OURSELVES, OTHERS, AND OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.

JACKSON COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Welcome to Jackson County Middle School. As a student attending this school, you are expected to follow the rules established for the welfare of the entire student body. Students are expected to show high standards of performance in academics, activities, and behavior. The faculty, staff, and administration are here to assist you in any way possible.

BELIEF STATEMENT

All students have the potential to learn in a healthy and safe environment. Each student has a right to be respected, nurtured, and valued. Education is a shared responsibility of the students, family, school, and community.

PHILOSOPHY

The faculty and administrators of Jackson County Middle School believe that student learning and self-worth are important. We are committed to the education of children – mentally, physically, and socially. We believe that cooperation among parents, teachers, and administrators will promote the educational growth and development of responsible citizens. To the best of our ability we will provide a safe and caring environment to reach these goals.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our purpose is to ensure an educational experience that will result in successful, motivated students who will become lifelong learners. In partnership with the family and community we will strive to prepare each student to live successfully as a contributing member of society.

STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS

The school faculty and staff will encourage parents to become more involved in school activities by notifying parents through newsletters, individual notes, phone calls, and other forms of communication.

Parents are notified of their child’s performance every 4 ½ weeks by either progress report or report card. Teachers will make other notifications when necessary. If you have a concern dealing with your child’s education, first contact the teacher. If the teacher does not resolve this concern, then contact the principal.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

School attendance in Tennessee is mandatory until the child reaches his/her eighteenth birthday. An excused absence includes a student’s personal illness or family illness requiring temporary help from the student; death in the family; or a religious holiday. Parental excuse explaining the reason for an absence is required. It is the student’s responsibility for turning in excuses to the homeroom teacher within 3 days of an absence. The note should give a reason for the student’s absence, parent signature, and phone number where the parents may be reached. If no note is brought to school, the absence will be counted as UNEXCUSED and missed or make-up work will not be accepted. Three parent notes per semester will be accepted. No limitations are placed on doctor’s notes. The school deems seven unexcused absences excessive which will result in the student being considered truant.

TARDY

Tardy is considered as a student not being inside the classroom door when the bell rings and in the seat with appropriate materials. Per nine weeks’, upon the fourth tardy, parents will be notified. A student who receives six (6) tardies during a 9 weeks’ period will receive either ISS for one day or Corporal Punishment. Any student with seven (7) or more tardies will receive Corporal Punishment or Alternative School.

TRUANCY

Seven unexcused absences will result in the student being considered truant. A truant student and his/her parents will be required to appear before the TRUANCY BOARD, and a decision regarding all future absences will be made at that time. ALL future absences may require a doctor’s statement at this point. If it is the decision of the TRUANCY BOARD, a student may be cited to Juvenile Court following the tenth unexcused absence.

OTHER ABSENCES

Other absences of students should be pre-approved by the Administration.

MAKE-UP WORK

All homework assignments may be picked up in the office by 11:00 A.M. unless previous arrangements have been made.

HOMEWORK ON-LINE

Homework assignments can be accessed at our school website www.jcms.us. Click on assignments.

SIGN-IN/SIGN OUT POLICY

Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. are considered late to school and must sign-in at the office. All persons other than faculty, staff and students must report to the office for a visitor’s pass. This is a state law.

No student is to leave early unless officially excused and signed-out at the office. School is not officially dismissed until 2:35 p.m. A parent or other adult may sign a student out of school provided that person is on the sign-out list provided by the parent/guardian. A note must be provided the next day for the classes missed.

SCHOOL HOURS

No students are to be at school before 7:00 A.M. or after 3:00 P.M. School begins at 7:35 A.M. and ends at 2:35 P.M. Upon arrival, students should go directly to breakfast or to the gym where there are supervising teachers. Permission to leave the gym must be given by the teachers in charge.

JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RULES

GOVERNING TRANSPORTED STUDENTS

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 conditional 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 49-6-2101, states: A pupil shall become ineligible for public transportation when his/her behavior is such as to cause dissension on the school bus, or when he/she 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 rules to the school 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 to school 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 when 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 time while the bus is in motion

B. Keep arms, head, and hands inside the bus

C. Keep books, coats, feet, etc. out of aisles

D. In case of a road emergency, remain seated until the driver gives instructions

E. Be absolutely quiet when approaching or crossing 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 objects on the bus or out the bus window

D. Accept special seating assignments when given by the driver

E. Not smoke, eat, or drink on the bus

F. Not engage in any 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.

All students should be courteous to fellow pupils and driver while riding the bus. Help us keep a safe bus by your cooperation and good behavior.

VIOLATIONS

1^ST OFFENSE

2^ND OFFENSE

3^RD OFFENSE

1. Getting out of

Seat

Conference with

Student

Notice To Parents

Principal

Administer

Punishment

2. Destruction of

Property

Payment/5 days

Bus suspension

10 day bus

suspension

3. Fighting/Assault

5 day bus

suspension

10 day bus

suspension

Bus suspension

Bal. Of yr.

4. Pushing/

Tripping

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

5. Excessive

Mischief

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

6. Use of Tobacco

Products

10 day bus

suspension

Bus suspension for

Bal. Of year

7. Eating/drinking

Littering

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

8. Rude/

Discourteous

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

9. Unacceptable

Language

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

10. Disobeying

Driver

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

11. Throwing

Objects

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

12. Sticking hands/

Head out of

Window

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

13. Yelling/

Hollering

Notice to parents

3/5 day bus

suspension

6/10 day bus

suspension

14. Alcohol/drugs - Dealt with in accordance with School Board Policy on alcohol and drugs

15. Any other conduct prejudicial to good order on bus. Disciplinary action to be at principal’s discretion

Multiple offenses of any nature will be treated as second and/or third offenses. Bus riding is a privilege that may be revoked. Parents are urged to discuss this privilege with their child. By doing so, you will help us to provide the safest transportation possible for all children.

STUDENT RIDING DIFFERENT BUS ROUTE

To ride a different bus, a child must have a parent note stating the student’s destination and a phone number where the parent can be reached. This note must be documented in this office. Should a situation occur when you must call to request your child ride a different bus, please call before 1:00 p.m. When possible, always tell your child that morning what bus to ride in the afternoon. In case of snow, each parent should advise their child of what transportation to take when leaving school early.

* see glossary at end for definitions of terms below

CODE OF CONDUCT/JCMS DISCIPLINE PLAN

ALL students should strive to behave as good citizens and respect the rights and property of others. The following chart details inappropriate actions at school and the consequences. Counseling will

be provided throughout as deemed necessary. Suspension should be normally considered as last option in first offense situations. PL 49-6-4103 Corporal Punishment. “Any teacher or school principal may use corporal punishment in a reasonable manner against any pupil for good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools.” (Acts 1979, ch. 131, 1; T.C.A., 49-903, 49-9-103.)

ACTION	1^st Offense	2^nd Offense	3^rd Offense
POSSESSING A WEAPON	Expulsion and/or Disciplinary Board Meeting
USE/POSSESSION OF DRUGS/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE	Expulsion and/or Disciplinary Board Meeting
ASSAULT/BATTERY OF FACULTY/STAFF	Expulsion and/or Disciplinary Board Meeting
FIGHTING/ASSAULT	ISS/ALC/ Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
LEAVING SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
INTIMIDATION/ THREATENING	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
STALKING	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
HARRASSMENT/ SEXUAL HARASSMENT	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
STEALING	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
BITING	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
REFUSING/DISRESPECT-ING AUTHORITY FIGURE	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP 4/5^th grade – ISS/Suspension	ALC/Suspension/CP 4/5^th grade – ISS/Suspension	ALC/Suspension/CP
SPITTING (ON)	ISS/ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP	ALC/Suspension/CP
DESTRUCTION OF/DAMAGING PROPERTY or GRAFFITTI	ISS/Alternative School/CP (4/5^th grade – ISS/Suspension) + parent	ALC + unruly petition	Remanded to Sheriff’s Office custody until parent can pick up.
TAUNTING	ISS/Alternative School/CP (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	Alternative School/CP (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
PROFANITY	ISS/Alternative School/CP (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	Alternative School/CP (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
SMOKING	ISS/Alternative School/CP (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	Alternative School/CP (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
PORNOGRAPHY	Alternative School (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	Alternative School (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
SHOVING	In-School Suspension/CP/PN	Alternative School (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
PUNCHING/ HITTING	In-School Suspension/CP/PN	Alternative School (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
GESTURING/POSTURING	In-School Suspension/CP/PN	Alternative School (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
KICKING	In-School Suspension/CP/PN	Alternative School (4/5^th grade – Suspension)	ALC/Suspension
SERIOUS/PERSISTENT MISBEHAVIOR	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Parent will be contacted and a parent/teacher conference held. CP	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Parent will be contacted and a parent/teacher conference held. CP	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
FORGERY	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Parent will be contacted and a parent/teacher conference held.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
RUNNING	Verbal warning	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
CHEWING GUM	Verbal warning	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS	Verbal warning	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office of consequences.
TARDY (BETWEEN CLASSES)	Verbal warning	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
BRINGING LASERS/ TOYS/GAMES/CARDS	Verbal warning and item(s) confiscated	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
DISRESPECT OF ANOTHER’S PERSONAL SPACE./INAPPROPRIATE CONTACT	Verbal warning	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
SELF MUTILATION	Verbal warning	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.
BRINGING UNAUTHORIZED ELECTRONIC DEVICES	Verbal warning (and item confiscated)	Professional who witnessed act contact parent.	Student will be sent to office for consequences.

OFFICE CONSEQUENCES

1^ST Offense

2^nd Offense

3^rd Offense

4^th Offense

5^th Offense

Paddling*

Parent Notification

Paddling*,

Parent/Teacher conference.

Paddling*,

Parent/Teacher conference,

suspension for the remainder of the day and one full day.

No school activities for 9 calendar weeks of school.

Paddling*,

Parent/Teacher conference,

suspension for 3 days and/or alternative school. Parents must bring student back to school.

Petition filed with the court system.

*If a student cannot be paddled, he/she will be sent to ISS, suspended, or placed in Alternative School at the discretion of school administration in lieu to paddling. This will be in addition to other consequences as stated above.

Beginning at the first of the 4^th nine-week grading period, any student who is sent to In-School Suspension (ISS), Alternative Learning Center (ALC), or who is suspended from school will not be entitled to participate in school trips.

ZERO TOLERANCE OFFENSES

(This policy has been adopted by the Jackson County Board of Education)

TCA 49-6-4216. School policies and procedures – Contents – Notice to students and parents. It is the legislative intent that any rule or policy designated as a zero tolerance policy means that violations of that rule or policy will not be tolerated, and that violators will receive certain, swift, and reasoned punishment. Reasoned punishment may include a spectrum of disciplinary measures designed to correct student misbehavior and promote student respect and compliance with codes of conduct and board policies. A zero tolerance violation shall not necessarily result in a presumptive one calendar year expulsion except for those types of student misconduct set forth in Section 49-6-3401 (g). it is the legislative intent that the local school boards shall retain responsibility for development of disciplinary policies and student codes of conduct including assurances that students are afforded fair due process procedures. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit assignment to alternative school for those students under suspension or expulsion including students engaging in misconduct set forth in Section 49-6-3401 (g).

TCA 49-6-3401. Suspension of students (g) Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other law to contrary, a pupil determined to have brought to school or to be in unauthorized possession on school property of a firearm, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921, shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year, except that the director or superintendent may modify this expulsion on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the other provisions of this part, a student committing battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of a local education agency or school resource officer or unlawfully possessing any drug including any controlled substance as defined in TCA 39-17-403 through 39-17-415, or legend drug as defined by TCA, section 53-10-101, shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year, except that the director or superintendent may modify this expulsion an a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this subsection, “expelled” means removed from the pupil’s regular school program at the location where the violation occurred or removed from school attendance altogether, as determined by the school official. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the assignment of such students to an alternative school. Disciplinary policies and procedures for all other student offenses, including terms of suspensions and expulsions, shall be determined by local board of education policy.

In order to ensure a safe and secure environment, the following offenses will not be tolerated.

WEAPONS & DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS

Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, threaten, use, or attempt to use any dangerous weapons in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, or in school vehicles and/or buses of off the school grounds at a school-sponsored activity, function or event.

Dangerous weapons for the purpose of this policy shall include, but are not limited to “…any firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, bowie knife, hawk bill knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles…” or any other object or device which is used or, identified as, or used in a threatening manner as a weapon.

FIREARMS

In accordance with state law, any student who brings or possess a firearm on school property shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

In accordance with state law, any student who unlawfully possesses alcohol or any drug including any controlled substances or legend drug shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.

TOBACCO

Tobacco use or possession is an automatic petition to the court in addition to the aforesaid consequences of breaking school rules.

BATTERY

In accordance with state law, any student who commits battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school or school resource officer shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.

Violators of this Zero Tolerance Offences section shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.

NOTIFICATION OF ZERO TOLERANCE OFFENSE

When it is determined that a student has violated this policy, the principal of the school shall notify the student’s parent or guardian and the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system as required by law.

JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DRESS CODE

This policy was established and passed by the Jackson County Board of Education.

School clothing and individual grooming must not distract from the learning environment or jeopardize health or safety of others.

1. All shorts, jams, skort outfits, and skirts must not be shorter than 3 inches above the top of the knees. 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 any time, including PE and athletic events

c. Not be holey, ragged or cut

d. Not touch the floor at any time (inseam line)

3. Sweat pants should not be unnecessarily tight.

4. No midriffs, stomachs, backs, etc. should be exposed when the student is standing, sitting, reaching, etc. 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.

1. No strapless, tube tops, spaghetti strap tops, or tank tops. No shirts

with the sleeves cut out are to be worn. Sleeveless tops are allowed but no undergarments should show. The arms holes should be snug. Layered tops will be allowed.

8. Clothing must not contain any of the following:

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. No 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, chains and dog collars are not to be worn on

school grounds.

12. Pierced ears with appropriate jewelry are acceptable. Other pierced body parts are not acceptable including but not limited to eyebrow, navel, and tongue piercing.

13. No extreme hair color, such as neon green, neon yellow, neon orange or neon red. No extreme hairstyles are allowed. Braids must be worn close to the head. No extreme makeup and/or nail color including black lipstick and black nail polish.

14. No tinted glasses/sunglasses are permitted in the school building without a doctor’s order.

15. Footwear must be safe and worn at all times.

JACKSON COUNTY

MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK (2006-07)

170 Blue Devil Lane

BELIEF STATEMENT

PHILOSOPHY

MISSION STATEMENT