School Hours

School hours for the 2007-2008 school year are from 7:55 A.M. to 3:12 P.M. Doors will be secured at 4:00 P.M. Students arriving prior to 7:20 A.M. will go directly to the gym upon arrival to school and sit in designated areas.  Students must remain in the gym until dismissed.  Unless under the direct supervision of a teacher or other staff member; students may only be in the building between 7:00 A. M. and 3:30 P.M.

 

General Rules

In keeping with the student goals and objectives established by the Tennessee School Board Association and the Dickson County Board of Education:

 

1. Students will not deliberately deface or destroy the school facility or any school property.  If this action does occur, the students will pay for the cost of damages. In addition, disciplinary action will be imposed.
2. Students will go directly to and from school and not play or quarrel en route. Any misbehavior which occurs while en route to or from school will be dealt with by the school.  It should be noted also that parents have the right to file civil petitions against students who infringe on the rights of their children en route to and from school (i.e., fighting, harassment, etc.)
3. After arrival, students may not leave the school campus without going through early dismissal procedures.
4. Students using profane, indecent, insulting or threatening language on school grounds or while engaged in school-related activities will be subject to disciplinary action.
5. Possession or use of explosives on school premises is prohibited.
6. Gambling or possession of gambling devices including but not limited to playing cards or dice on school premises is prohibited.
7. Food and drink will not be consumed in the building except at a designated time and place. (To include gum)
8. Students will not have in their possession tobacco (in any form), lighters or matches.
9. Students’ will not have knives, box cutters, razor blades, guns, (toy or real) or other unlawful weapons in their possession while at school or at school functions outside of the regular school day.
10. Items not allowed, but not limited to are as follows: radios, headsets, hood ornaments, cellular phones, beepers, cards of any type, dice, CD /cassette players, MPS players / IPODS, water guns, skateboards, stuffed animals, electronic games, collector’s items, etc. If these items are found, they will be confiscated. The school is not responsible for the loss of such items.
11. Proper conduct is expected at all school related events during or after school. Students who do not exhibit proper conduct will be suspended for future events.
12. Students are expected to behave in a courteous way at all assembly programs. Those who disturb will not be allowed to attend the next assembly. Instead those students will report to a designated area for detention where they will be expected to complete a special assignment.
13. Students are expected to move through the halls without excessively loud talking, running, or other disruptive behavior.
14. Students are not permitted to enter the faculty lounge.
15. Students must obtain prior approval from the office to sell or post items at school. Any unauthorized selling will result in disciplinary action.
16. Bullying or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

 

All students will obey the rules of the school and the directions of all teachers and staff while on school property or at school related activities.  If students fail to concur, they will be subject to consequences. Students must submit to consequences prescribed for inappropriate conduct. If a student or parent refuses to accept consequences, the offending student is subject to suspension.

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF SCHOOL RULES

 

Students who violate school wide and/ or classroom rules will receive disciplinary action which is appropriate for the particular offense. Efforts will be made to communicate with parents to help prevent further misconduct by students. Some of the consequences which could result if a student fails to adhere to established rules are:

1. Verbal reprimand
2. A student conference
3. Special duties / activities
4. Isolation
5. Lunch detention
6. Loss of privilege to participate in reward activities
7. Parent contact
8. In-school suspension
9. Saturday School
10. Suspension/ expulsion
11. Behavior modification class
12. Corporal punishment
13. Any other form deemed necessary

 

DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINARY TERMS

 

Behavior Contract: Contract between teachers, student, and parent which targets specific behaviors. Rewards and consequences are clearly defined.

 

Behavior Documentation: Teachers will maintain documentation of student behavior offenses. The word “offense” means any significant behavior that is in violation of classroom rules, school rules, or district rules.

Teachers will inform students of each offense and of the following consequence if another offense occurs. Severe offenses are those behaviors which result in automatic office referral, the teacher will provide the administration with a copy of the student’s Discipline Documentation Record. Special education teachers will determine and inform the administration of behaviors which are or are not a manifestation of a student’s handicapping condition. These students will be disciplined accordingly.

 

Behavior Modification Class: 3-5 days in ISS. Students will be required to work on class work and work on behaviors which caused them to be placed in the class.

 

Discipline Documentation Record:

A record of a student’s discipline history (offenses and consequences)

 

In-School Suspension: A suspension within the school building in which students are removed from the regular school population for a designated period of time. The students are closely supervised in a structured environment. In addition, students who are placed in in-school suspension (ISS) have the responsibility of completing their regular classroom work assigned by their teacher or teachers. While students are in ISS, they may not attend school activities.

 

Lunch Detention: A detention which requires a student to be isolated from his/her peers during the lunch period.

 

Out-of-School Suspension: A suspension from school classes and activities for a designated period of time. In order to be officially readmitted, a parent must come to school with his/her child for a conference.

 

Student Behavior Referral Form: A form which is completed and sent to the office when a student becomes an office referral. (The administrator handling the matter records his/her action and informs the teacher)

 

STEPS IN THE DISCIPLINE CYCLE

 

First Offense: The students will have a conference with the teacher after class. The teacher will explain the inappropriate behavior.

 

Second Offense: A telephone call to the parent or note home by the team to be signed by the parent and returned to the teacher who assigned the offense.

 

Third Offense: Office Referral.

 

Fourth Offense: One day of isolation or other appropriate action such as a note sent home to the parent by the student or in the mail.

 

RESULTS OF OFFICE REFERRALS

 

Office referrals will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Attention will be given to severity of the offense, discipline record, and any other factors the administration feels is germane to the situation.

 

Students may not reschedule a detention  or Saturday School: Parents may request that a detention or Saturday School be rescheduled by calling the school or by sending a written request including a telephone number where they may be reached for verification. Requests will be granted at the principal’s discretion depending on the nature of the request. If the request is granted, the detention or Saturday School must be rescheduled at that time.

 

If a student is absent on the day of scheduled detention or Saturday School, he/she will be placed  in ISS upon returning to school and expected to attend the next scheduled detention or Saturday School. If he/she is absent a second time the result will be an out-of-school suspension or behavior modification class.

 

SEVERE BEHAVIORS RESULTING IN AUTOMATIC OFFICE REFERRALS

1. All violations of the law will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
2. Profanity
3. Leaving the classroom without permission
4. Continuous disruption in the classroom (teacher can’t teach – students can’t learn)
5. Serious public display of affection (PDA) – teacher discretion
6. Inappropriate physical contact, verbal language or body language
7. Aggressive Behavior
8. Fights: (mutual aggressive  behavior – lows are exchanges)
9. Theft
10. Extortion, intimidation, or harassment
11. Verbal abuse of teachers or other adults
12. Skipping school / class
13. Destruction of school property
14. Possession and /or selling drugs or alcohol
15. Assault
16. Possession of weapons
17. Possession of tobacco products to include lighters
18. Acts of vandalism or property destruction involving safety of a student
19. Disrespect toward teachers and staff
20. Harassment (sexual, religious, racial, ethnic, etc.)
21. Bullying

 

TENNESSEE STATE LAW

 

A minor shall not, directly or indirectly, purchase or acquire smoking material, smoking paraphernalia, or smokeless tobacco product. Any minor so purchasing or acquiring is subject to juvenile proceedings (Section 30-15-409, Tennessee Code Annotated)

 

ZERO TOLERANCE BEHAVIOR

 

Prior to commencement of fall classes for the 1996-1997 school year, and annually thereafter, each local county Board of Education is required to file with the Commissioner of Education written policies and procedures developed and adopted by the Board.

 

1. To ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, drug paraphernalia, violence, and dangerous weapons; and
2. To impose swift, certain and sever disciplinary sanctions on any student who brings a drug, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapon onto a school property or to any school event or activity; or who, while on a school bus, on school property or while attending any school event or activity is under the influence of a drug or possesses a drug, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapon; or assaults or threatens to assault a teacher, student, or other person.

 

 

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM

 

Regular school attendance is vital to the academic success of a student.  Therefore, it is imperative that a student attend school everyday.

 

State law requires that a student be in attendance 90% of the academic school year, and requires the principal to notify the parents when a child has accumulated five (5) unexcused absences.  The “No Child Left Behind” legislation requires schools to have 93% attendance.

 

A note or phone call from a parent or guardian will be required the day you return after being absent.  An admission slip will be written and must be shown to each of the student’s teachers and will be collected by the last period teacher. 

 

All missed work must be made up within three (3) days after returning to school.  It is the responsibility of the student to see that this is done.

 

If the student misses one day and that day was a scheduled test, the student should be prepared to make up the test on the next day that he/she attends school.  If a student misses one day and returns on test day, then the student shall take the test as scheduled – provided the test was announced prior to the absence.

 

Unexcused Absences

For every unexcused absence a student has, they will be assigned Saturday School.

 

Excessive Absences 

Students who have excessive absences, defined as more than 9 days first semester, 18 second semester, will be assigned to Saturday School.  This may be appealed to the principal if the student is doing well academically.

 

PLEASE DO NOT ASK TEACHER TO SEND WORK UNLESS THERE IS AN EXTENDED ILLNESS BEYOND ONE DAY.

 

 

WARRANTED ABSENCES

 

Absences for reasons other than illness may be excused; if, in the judgment of the principal they are warranted.  For example, attendance at a special event of educational value (prior approval required by administrator.) 

 

ILLNESS

 

If a child becomes ill at school, his temperature will be taken and if there is a fever, care providers will be called.  If care providers cannot be reached, the student will be sent back to class.  In case of an emergency, and if care providers cannot be reached, an ambulance will be called.  We suggest that care providers who work outside the home make special provisions for someone to call to take care of the student in the event of illness while at school. 

 

POLICY ON MEDICINES

 

All prescription and non-prescription medications shall be sent to school in original container and turned in to the principal’s office immediately upon arrival to school unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration (i.e. students with asthma).  Non-prescription medication may be administered only with the written permission of a parent or guardian.  The medication will be administered in accordance with the label directions or written instruction from the student’s physician or parent.  Verification from the care providers stipulating the medical use is required for all drugs.  Medicines (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen) will not be distributed to students unless furnished by care providers.

 

The parent or guardian will be responsible for informing the designated official of any change in the student’s health or change in medication.

 

BUS REGULATIONS

Riding the bus is an extension of school.  Therefore, bus students must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the established safety standards of Charlotte Middle School as well as the guidelines for appropriate behavior set forth by Charlotte Middle School.

 

The students are under the supervision and control of the driver while on his/her bus.  However, bus service, like all other school activities, is the responsibility of the building principal; therefore, all communication involving the bus will be directed to him/her or his/her designee.

 

To ensure a safe and orderly means of transportation, the following guidelines are established for the bus riders.

 

1. Students are to ride to and from school only on assigned buses.  Students must be picked up and delivered to their assigned stops, and may not have friends who are not assigned to the particular bus ride with them.
2. Be at the bus stop prior to the arrival of the bus.
3. Go directly to an available seat and be seated.
4. Keep aisles and exits clear.
5. Keep noise to classroom level.
6. Keep head, hands and objects inside the bus.
7. Respect the rights and property of others.
8. Obey the driver promptly and respectfully.
9. Remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and use the emergency door only in an emergence.
10. Bring no drugs, weapons, hazardous materials, or animals onto the bus.
11. Do not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.
12. Do not harass other students on the bus or at the bus stop.
13. Do use profanity, or eat/drink any food item wile on the bus.

 

Failure to adhere to these and other established rules and regulations will subject the student to disciplinary measures which may vary from a verbal reprimand by the driver to suspension from the bus by the principal.

 

The parent/legal guardian is held legally responsible for any damage done to the bus and/or bus equipment by his/her child.

 

CONSEQUENCES OF BUS MISCONDUCT

 

Students who require disciplinary action due to bus misconduct are referred to the principal with a bus disciplinary report.  A copy of this report with the summary of the action is distributed to the parent, the driver, the transportation department, and a copy is kept for the school records. 

 

1^st Offense:  Warning

2^nd Offense:  3 days off the bus

3^rd Offense:  5 days off the bus

4^th Offense:  10 days off the bus

5^th Offense:  Loss of bus riding privilege for the remainder of the school year.

 

Depending on the nature of the offense other consequences may be assigned.  Also, depending on the severity of the offense, a student could be assigned up to the maximum consequence the first time the offense is committed.

 

DRESS CODE

 

The Charlotte Middle School dress code has been devised with the idea of promoting a positive, safe learning atmosphere for each student and the school.  Neatness, cleanliness, good taste, and common decency will be the guiding standard of appropriateness to all student dress.

 

1. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be worn so the cuff/hem extends beyond the fingertips.
2. Cutoffs with frays, pants with holes, pants split up the side, etc., may not be worn.  (Fringed pants, pants which have a hem and fringe are acceptable).  No fringed shorts. 
3. Pants must be worn at the waist.  If pants are too large, they must be secured with a belt.  Sagging pants are not acceptable. 
4. No pajama bottoms, loungers, or pajama style pants. 
5. Belts are to be buckled at all times.  Suspenders and straps are to be worn over the shoulders.
6. Halter tops, low necklines, tube tops, muscle shirts, tank tops or any revealing clothing may not be worn to school.  Any shirt which comes above the top of the pant with the student holding their arms straight out will be deemed inappropriate. 
7. Sleeveless shirts are allowed for girls if they extend to the shoulders are well fitted under the arm. 
8. All shirts which extend below the bottom of the zipper must be tucked.  Shirts must be buttoned.  All jackets and sweatshirts must be of reasonable length and well fitted.  (Not overly large.)
9. Clothing which advertises substances that are illegal for teens and pre-teens (drugs, alcohol, tobacco products) or language or writing that is otherwise inappropriate or offensive (sex, profanity, racial or ethnic slurs, gang related attire, etc.) may not be worn.
10. Sunglasses, hats, caps, or other head coverings to include but not limited to: headbands, scarves, sweatbands, etc. are not to be worn to school or school sponsored events. 
11. Footwear will be worn at all times.
12. Rings will be worn in the ears only.  No belly rings, tongue rings/studs, nose rings or other piercing will be allowed. 
13. Boxer underwear may not be worn as external clothing.  Underwear may not be exposed.
14. Gothic make-up or attire, unnatural hair colors, etc. are not allowed.

 

Any mode of attire or appearance which has the potential of creating a disruption in the classroom should not be worn to school.

 

Any student who fails to comply with the dress code will be sent to the office immediately.  The student may not return to class until attire meets the school dress code.  He/she will be placed in ISS if the correction cannot be made immediately.  Continued violation of the dress code will result in further disciplinary action.  The school may furnish appropriate clothing. 

 

Charlotte Middle School has the right to modify this policy as necessary and reserve the right to determine what may be disruptive or unsafe. 

 

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 

To be eligible for Charlotte Middle School athletics, a student must not be 15 years of age on or before September 1^st and pass four (4) subjects the previous semester.  To remain eligible and free from probationary status a student must maintain passing grades in four (4) subjects and maintain good conduct at school, games and on trips. 

 

CHEERLEADERS

 

Cheerleaders are selected during the spring.  Cheerleading is a privilege and cheerleaders are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is an asset to Charlotte Middle School.  We expect cheerleaders to exemplify the high standards of our school.  Cheerleading is a year long commitment.  Cheerleaders will not be allowed to quit cheerleading to participate in any other athletic activity which coincides with cheerleading. 

 

TSSAA SPORTSMANSHIP RULES FOR CHEERLEADERS

 

1. Remember that your most important responsibility is one of leadership.
2. Set the tone for what is acceptable behavior on the part of the cheerleading section.
3. Display only signs that are positive and welcoming and not antagonizing or disrespectful to visitors.
4. Choose the right cheers at the right time.  Eliminate cheers against the other team and never cheer an opposing player’s mistake.
5. Stimulate and control positive crowd response.  Cheer positively.  DEMAND EXCELLENCE. 

 

TELEPHONES

 

Phone calls may not be made for personal reasons.  If a student is ill, the office personnel will contact the parents.  Students will not be called to the phone unless it is an emergency.  A message will be taken to the student by the office personnel after class. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

State law requires that we begin every day with a moment of silence.  School announcements will be made each morning.  Announcements may also be made at the end of the day. 

 

 

 

VISITORS

 

Students are not allowed to bring visitors to school without permission.  All visitors must report to the office immediately upon entering the building for a visitor’s pass.

 

STUDENT LOCKERS

 

Students are issued lockers for personal use in keeping notebooks, supplies, coats, etc.  Students who have locks must make sure that they remain locked and should not give their combinations to anyone.  Lockers should be kept in good condition.  Students shall not write on lockers.  Decals and stickers shall not be placed on lockers.

 

Combinations/spare keys to locks should be turned in to the office.  Locks will be cut if students cannot open their lock.  Should there be any reason to believe a locker contains stolen items and/or items that are hazardous to the health and welfare of the students, a search may be conducted.

 

LOST AND FOUND

 

Items that are found should be turned in to the office.  Inquire about lost items there.  Unclaimed items are disposed of periodically.

 

TRANSFERS

 

When a student transfers to another school his/her records will be forwarded to the new school when all debts are settled. 

 

 

 

 

BAND

 

Any student may become a member of the band.  Students must have the approval of their parent or guardian and meet with the band director.  Band is an elective class; therefore, students must provide their own instruments and instrument books.  The school provides uniforms, large instruments, and some music.  Because band is a scheduled class which receives a grade, not just an extra-curricular activity, it is necessary for the student and parents to make a year long commitment to the school as a member of the band.  This commitment may be re-evaluated by the students, parents, and band director at the beginning of each school year. 

 

SUPPLIES AND BOOKS

 

All supplies must be bought before school or between classes.  No supplies will be sold during class.

 

Textbooks will be issued to each student after the parent or guardian has signed a “Parent Agreement Form.”  Any loss, damage or destruction of these books will result in a charge to the student.

 

EVACUATION PLANS FOR DISASTER SITUATIONS

 

Fire Drills will be held at regular intervals as required by law.  It is essential that when the alarm is sounded everyone follows instructions and exits the building by their proper route.  Students and teachers should remain outside until the all-clear signal is given. 

 

1. Signal to Exit – Fire alarm or continuous blowing of coach’s whistle.
2. All-Clear Signal - Radio contact with each team leader.

 

Tornado Drills will be held as a safety precaution.  Safe areas for each room are posted and your teacher will instruct you to these areas. 

 

Emergency Evacuation – If an emergency should arise that would require evacuation of the building; fire drill routes would be followed. 

 

Level Three Emergency – This emergency is reserved for serious conditions.  This is a lock down emergency.  The following SOP should be strictly adhered to. 

 

1. Students move to the nearest teacher occupied room.
2. Teachers make sure no one is in your hallway from your door.
3. Students are to sit quietly against the inside wall away from the door and window.  (Obviously, if the emergency is on the outside of the school, teachers will position students against the safest wall). *
4. If possible, teachers are to lock their door.
5. Stay off the intercom/radio unless you have pertinent information.
6. Await further instructions.
7. We will not resume normal activities until we say “All Clear” over the intercom system.

 

*Students in the cafeteria will stop and drop.  At this time cafeteria personnel will assess the situation and move students accordingly. 

 

Detailed instructions for school safety are documented in the Charlotte Middle School Crises Plan.

 

 

EARLY DISMISSAL

 

Parents must fill out the ‘Early Dismissal Form’, and discuss the procedure with the student.  If everyone understands what to do in the event of an emergency it will result in a more efficient dismissal process.

 

COURSE OF STUDY

 

Any parent may access the objectives of their child’s courses by going to our web site and clicking on the link to the state course objectives.  All parents are welcome to schedule a meeting with their child’s teachers, during their team meeting time, to discuss progress and course objectives.  There will also be P.T.O. presentations to help parents to understand their child’s course of study.

 

 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

 

We encourage all families to become involved with the learning process at Charlotte Middle School.  Our P.T.O. meets regularly; anyone may go to our web site (www.dicksoncountyschools.org) and click on Charlotte Middle School to find time and dates for meetings, events, and other important information.