Dickson Elementary School

Dickson Elementary School
Student Handbook

WELCOME
   The administration and staff would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Dickson Elementary School. The information in this handbook has been compiled to help you succeed at this school. The entire staff is here to assist you with your education.
   During the 2007-08 school year, we look forward to a cooperative and committed home-school partnership. Parent involvement is encouraged and welcomed. There are numerous opportunities to be involved in your child’s education on a regular basis.
   Come and share in our vision of excellence in education. Welcome to DES.

SCHOOL INFORMATION
Main Office                                         740-5837
School FAX                                         441-4136
Child Care                                           740-5839
Cafeteria                                              740-5840
Board of Education                             446-7571
Transportation                                     740-5970
Homework Hotline                              298-6636
School Hours:                       8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Office Hours:                         7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Information concerning schools, programs, and policies can be obtained online at:
www.dicksoncountyschools.org

SCHOOL CALENDAR
2007-08
Aug 1                                      School begins
Sep 3                                         Labor Day
Oct 1-12                                      Fall Break
Nov 21-23                 Thanksgiving Holidays
Dec 20          Half Day – Dismissal 11:00 a.m.
Dec 21-Jan 4                           Winter Break
Jan 7                                  Staff Development
Jan 8                       Students return to school
Jan 21           Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Feb 18                     Presidents’ Day Holiday
Mar 10-21                                Spring Break
May 26                      Memorial Day Holiday
May 29        Half Day – Dismissal 11:00 a.m.
May 30                              Report Card Day

CHARACTER COUNTS

Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship

CONTENTS

Admission Requirements
Opening and Closing of School Day
Extended Child Care Program
Attendance
Early Dismissal
Tardiness
Withdrawing From School
Dress Code
DES Discipline Policy – Quiet Room
Behavior Class / Alternative School
Gum / Personal Items
Student Behavior
Pupil Transportation
Damage to Property
Lunch / Breakfast Sales
Care of Sick or Injured Pupils – Medication
Communicable Diseases
Provision of Textbooks
Reporting of Pupil Progress
Corporal Punishment
Use of School Phone
Messages / Scheduling a Conference
Physical Education
Custody Restrictions
Insurance and Supplies
School Safety
Drugs and Tobacco
Weapons
Saturday School
The Defensive School Bus Rider
Rules for Bus Conduct

1.   ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
    Children between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) years, both inclusive, must attend a public or private school. A parent/guardian or legal custodian who believes that their child is not ready to attend school at the designated age of mandatory attendance may make application to the principal of the public school which the child would attend for a one (1) semester or one (1) year deferral in required attendance. Under certain circumstances the Board may temporarily excuse students from complying with the provisions of the compulsory attendance law.
    Students should live in the DES zone to attend Dickson Elementary School. In order to meet the criteria, the student must reside with the parent or legal guardian and the 911 address can be verified (if requested). If a student does not live in the DES zone, the legal guardian must request special permission by completing an out-of-zone form. In order for out-of-zone attendance to be approved, space must be available at the out-of-zone school.
    The name used on the records of a student entering school must be that as shown on the birth certificate unless evidence is presented that such name has been legally changed through a court as prescribed by law. If the legal guardian does not have, or cannot obtain, a birth certificate then the name used on the records of such student will be that as shown on documents which are acceptable to the school principal as proof of date of birth.
    In order to enroll in school, a student must provide proof of immunization against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, and mumps. Evidence of a current (within one year) medical examination, signed by your health provider, must also be provided. Children entering school for the first time must also provide a birth certificate (to show positive proof of the child’s date of birth).
    Satisfactory proof of age must be provided. Kindergarten students must be five years of age, and first grade students must be six, by September 30th of the current year. No child shall be eligible to enter first grade without having attended and earned promotion from an approved kindergarten program.
    All students are required to have a social security number. The social security number will be recorded on the permanent record and will serve as the student’s ID number throughout their school career.

2. OPENING / CLOSING OF SCHOOL DAY
    The building will be open at 7:15 a.m. each school day. Students who arrive before 7:15 a.m. will be supervised in the before school day care program (and will be charged a drop-in fee). Under no circumstances should children be left unattended.
    The bus room will be in the gymnasium from 7:15 a.m. until 7:45 (when breakfast is being served).
School hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
It is necessary for the school to have reliable information about how your child is to go home in the afternoon. You will be asked to provide this information when your child enters school. After that, any change in the regular routine (such as being picked up early, or by a different person, or riding a different bus, etc.) requires a note from the parent. If we do NOT have a note, we will send a child home the regular way.
    Afternoon dismissal will be as follows: 2:55-Car Riders are dismissed to the gym, 3:00-Early bus riders are dismissed to the bus room, 3:07-Late bus riders are dismissed to the bus room. Car riders and walkers will be dismissed from the building at 3:00 p.m. Parents of car riders must have a school issued “tag” in order to pick their child from the curb. “No Tag – No Child.” Those without tags must come in and check out their child or children. All car riders must be picked up by 3:30 p.m. Those children remaining after 3:30 will be sent to the DES Day Care where they may be charged a fee.
    To insure the safety of our students, the bus lane located to the east (cafeteria) side of our building is closed to traffic between the hours of 7:00-8:00 a.m. and again between 2:30-3:30 p.m.
    Parents who drop off and pick up their children are asked not to block the street since buses need to pick up the children on schedule as well as emergency vehicles which may need to get through. Three lanes have been provided: the right for parking, the center for pick-up and drop-off of students, and the left for thru traffic.

3.   EXTENDED CHILD CARE PROGRAM
    A school age child care program is offered before and after regular school hours and during the summer months. The program provides educationally enriching quality care for students during the hours when there may be no adult supervision in the home. Children have the opportunity to engage in activities which benefit them emotionally, physically, and educationally. A special time is allotted for homework.
    Hours during the school year are 6:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Summer hours are 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Information concerning applications and fees are available upon request.

4.   ATTENDANCE
    In order for students to be successful, attendance at school on a regular basis is a necessity. Parents/guardians are urged to insure their child is at school, on time, each day possible. Parents are urged to schedule vacations, out-of-town trips, doctor visits, etc. in such a manner as to not interfere with the education process, whenever possible.
    Parents are asked to send a signed note with your child the day he/she returns stating the reason why the child was absent.
    Absences in excess of eighteen (18) days each year must be made up in a board approved alternative program. See Board Policy 6.200 for details.
    The student is excused for the day(s) of the absence, not the material covered in his/her classes. It is the responsibility of the student (not the teacher) for make-up of all subject matter covered during the absence within a reasonable amount of time.

5.   EARLY DISMISSAL
     Students will not be permitted to leave school premises during the school day without request of the parent/guardian and the approval of the principal.
    Tennessee law requires that all students leaving school grounds early should be signed out in the office. This is so we can be certain the child is being transported safely and legitimately from school. Our aim is to protect the child, not to inconvenience the parent.
    A student must be present 3 hours and 16 minutes before they are counted present for that day.
    Students who continue to be checked out early may be assigned to a board-approved alternative program. See Policy 6.2080 and 6.2081 on the schools’ website.

6. TARDY POLICY

Recognizing that punctuality and the opportunity to learn affects the academic progress of a student at school, the Dickson County elementary principals and supervisor have adopted the following tardy and early check out policy.
School begins promptly at _8:00 a.m._. Any student arriving after the _8:00 a.m._ bell is considered tardy. Students arriving after the __8:00 a.m._ bell will be issued a tardy slip.
School ends at _3:00 p.m._ Students leaving before this time will be documented as checking out early. Tardy and early checkouts slips are filed and maintained in the office. Students who are chronically late or checked out early will be assigned the following consequences.

3 Tardy/Check out Slip-Written reminder of policy to parent
4 Tardy/Check out Slip-Second written reminder with a post script from principal
5 Tardy/Check out Slip-Miss/walk at recess
6 Tardy/Check out Slip-1 hour ISS
7 Tardy/Check out Slip-2 hour ISS
8 Tardy/check out Slip- Half Day ISS
9 or more- Saturday School or After School Detention

The cycle starts over at the beginning of the second semester. (January)

After the fourth tardy/early check out, consequences may be waived by the principal for the following reasons:

Physician statement related to the day of tardy or early check out
Death in immediate family
Proof of required court appearance of student
Recognized religious holiday
Extreme emergency as determined by the principal

Perfect Attendance: Policy 6.2052
Annual perfect attendance will mean being present each day for the entire school day. This means students who check out early or check in late will not be recognized as having perfect attendance for the school year.

May 29, 2007

Each student will receive a copy of the DES Tardy Policy in his or her registration packet.

7. WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL
Any student withdrawing from school must be cleared through the office. A withdrawal form may be obtained from the office and should be filled out by the parent/guardian. All obligations must be cleared before a transcript of his/her records will be forwarded to the new school.

8.   DRESS CODE
Basic Principle:
    Safety is a primary concern for all students in Dickson County. At Dickson Elementary School, it is our belief that our dress should reflect one’s self-dignity and that it should not be a disturbing influence on either the wearer or observer. Student dress should be appropriate, clean, and neat. Proper dress and personal hygiene are essential elements for appropriate personal interaction in everyday life. Each student will receive a copy of the DES Dress Code in his or her registration packet.
Rules:
1. Students must remove hats upon entering the building.
2. Clothing selections must cover the midriff and back as well as being appropriate in length. (No short skirts, dresses or short-shorts allowed.) Length can be no shorter than finger length when hands are held by the side. Tank tops, biking shorts, tops with spaghetti straps, bandannas, and sweatbands are not acceptable attire for school. Sleeveless shirts and tops must have a shoulder strap of at least two (2) inches and fit snugly around the arm. Clothing with holes or rips by intentional design or by normal wear and tear should not be worn to school.
3. Clothing should fit properly – not excessively tight or loose.
4. Under no circumstances should students wear clothing that is obviously too large (especially pants). Droopy or sagging pants are UNACCEPTABLE. At no time is it appropriate for any underwear to be showing on either male or female students. It is highly desirable that shirts with long tails be tucked in.
5. No clothing or accessories will be allowed which advertise drugs, alcohol, sex, gang activity, violence (including all professional wrestling), tobacco, or disrespectful attitudes. Garments (pants, shorts) with wording on the backside may not be worn.
6. Flip-flops are strongly discouraged due to safety issues. Appropriate footwear is required for physical education class and will be communicated by the physical education teacher.
7. To alleviate these problems, faculty members shall refer students to the office for disciplinary reasons.
8. Parents will be expected to assist the school in dealing with any infraction of the school DRESS CODE. Failure to do so may result in the following consequences.
     1st Violation – Incident Documented
     2nd Violation-Parent called for change of clothes.
     3rd Violation- Student assigned to Quiet Room -1 day.
     4th Violation- Student may be suspended -1 day.

9. DES DISCIPLINE POLICY - QUIET ROOM
Each student will receive a copy of the DES Discipline Policy in his or her registration packet. Each time a child is sent to the office he or she will bring home a DES Discipline Referral Form. This form is our way of communicating that your child was referred for administrative intervention. The form should be signed and returned the next school day. Your signature acknowledges that you have seen and reviewed the document. Students may be assigned to the Quiet Room for as little as 30 minutes or as much as three days depending upon the number of times the student has been referred to the office and/or the severity of the offense.

Students may be assigned to the Quiet Room for inappropriate behaviors that occur anywhere on school grounds and for inappropriate behaviors occurring while on school sponsored activities off school grounds.
Students may also be assigned to the Quiet Room for failure to complete assignments on a regular basis.

10. BEHAVIOR CLASS / ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
    Students who are violent and/or chronically disruptive may be assigned to a class (or classes) at an off-campus site. Special Education will provide behavior classes at the New Directions Academy (NDA). Eligible students will be those students who do not seem to be able to control their behavior. The New Directions Academy is for students who willfully and persistently violate school rules, commit a zero tolerance offense serious enough to remove them from their home school.
    The building principal, assistant principal, or designee may request a Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) hearing or a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) at any time.
    Students may be assigned for the following reasons:

students who are suspended due to zero tolerance issues
students who consistently exhibit inappropriate behavior and who refuse to adhere to reasonable rules, regulations, and procedures necessary for the orderly operation of a school
Students who (due to unique situations) are referred because it is felt that this placement would be in the best interest of the student and the school.

Special education students will be placed at the alternative school by the IEP team. Regular education students will be referred to the alternative school through a hearing process. A Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) panel consisting of three central office certified personnel will adjudicate each individual case and make recommendation for placement.

11.   GUM / PERSONAL ITEMS
    The chewing of gum or other substances is not permitted on school property.
    Personal items, including toys and pets, should not be brought to school unless specifically requested by a teacher. The school and its personnel are not responsible for any personal items brought to school.

12. STUDENT BEHAVIOR
    Each student is responsible for his/her own conduct. Students will show respect for themselves and others. Any type of physical or verbal contact that subsequently poses serious danger or threat to others will not be tolerated.
    Sexual and/or racial harassment will not be tolerated. Any type of language which is threatening or abusive to students or adults is strictly prohibited.
    Fighting (whether threatened, real, or pretend) will not be tolerated and will be dealt with strictly. All persons involved in such actions are subject to disciplinary action, regardless of the cause.
    The classroom teacher will establish a uniform set of guidelines for behavior in his/her classroom. The principal and assistant principal are responsible for maintaining discipline throughout the school. Whenever it becomes necessary to refer a student to the principal, determination will be made in a fair and consistent manner at the earliest possible time. Such actions as warning, written assignment, isolation, in-school detention, after-school detention, Saturday School, corporal punishment, suspension from school, referral to Special Education IEP team or Disciplinary Hearing Authority panel, petition to juvenile court, or any other appropriate action may be used when necessary.

13.   PUPIL TRANSPORTATION
    Buses serving Dickson Elementary School are bus numbers 8, 9, 24, 38, 43, 44, 45, and 58. DES students may ride these buses only and will not be allowed to get off their assigned bus and on to another bus at another school. Visitors or friends going home with them will be allowed to ride a bus on a space available basis only and with a note signed by the building principal or assistant principal.
    The school bus driver and the principal are jointly responsible for the conduct of students on buses. The school bus driver will report any misconduct on the bus to the student’s principal.
    Bus drivers will not put children off the bus going to or from school. However, with the approval of the principal, the driver may refuse service on the next regular trip and continue to do so until the pupil and parents have cleared the matter with the principal. The principal will notify the bus driver when the matter has been settled.
    Misbehavior on the bus will be dealt with most severely because it infringes on the safety of everyone on the bus. All children should be encouraged to be aware of good conduct procedures and to follow them.
    Students will not be allowed to get off the bus until they have reached their destination. This is for their protection and your (and our) peace of mind.
    Any type of glass bottle, container, or vase as well as balloons are not allowed on school buses.
    Refer to the County Wide Student Handbook for Disciplinary Procedures. (Policy 6.3080)

14. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
Damaging property in any way will be met with suitable punishment, and the student will be expected to reimburse the school for whatever damage was done. Any property directly connected to the school, including school buses, is covered by this rule.

15. LUNCH / BREAKFAST SALES
    Each class will be allowed thirty (30) minutes for lunch. Classes will go to lunch in an orderly fashion at a designated time. Students will be expected to complete their meal in the allotted time and will not be allowed to take food or drinks out of the cafeteria.
    No glass-bottled drinks should be brought to school. If your child is allergic to milk, they may bring a drink in a thermos or other container.
    All lunch monies will be paid to lunchroom personnel for lunch and breakfast. Please send your child’s lunch or breakfast money on the first day of each week with their name (first and last), teacher’s name, and their lunch number on the outside of the envelope. If your child is absent, credit will be given on his/her next week’s lunch or breakfast. According to school board policy as well as state and federal regulations, no student may charge breakfast. Students in grades K-5 will be allowed only one day of lunch charge in the cafeteria. No ala carte items will be charged.
     Prices for school year 2007-08 will be included with the beginning of school information and will be posted in the cafeteria. Cost for adult visitors will be $3.00 per meal.
    The cafeteria may offer extra items and ala carte items for sale at prices posted in the cafeteria. Ice cream is $ .50.
    Breakfast will be served each morning from 7:15 a.m. until 7:45 a.m.
    Information concerning the school lunch program should be directed to the Food Service Director for Dickson County (446-7571 - Ext. 15200) or Kay Eaton, DES cafeteria manager (740-5840).

16.   CARE OF SICK / INJURED PUPILS – MEDICATION
    Vital information will be gathered when the student enrolls containing the following information:
    A. Name of parents or guardian and home telephone number.
    B. Other telephone numbers where parents or guardian can be reached during the day. It is vital that two alternate operating numbers are listed for each student. Please keep the numbers updated.
    C. Names of relatives or friends (and phone numbers) who could be contacted if parent or guardian cannot be reached.
    When illness occurs, parents (or persons listed on the student’s information card) will be notified and student will be made as comfortable as possible until someone comes to get the student.
WHEN AN INJURY OCCURS:
    A. First aid will be administered if needed. The school nurse will be consulted.
   B. Minor injuries will be treated and student will remain in school under observation. If, in the judgment of school officials, medical treatment or consultation is advisable, parents, guardian, or other designated person will be notified as soon as possible.
SERIOUS INJURIES
    A. Ambulance will be called to transport student to the hospital. At the same time parents or guardian will be notified. If parents or guardian cannot be located immediately, the emergency room attendants in the hospital will call an available physician.
    B. Teacher and principal will gather all information relative to accident or injury indicating time, place, witnesses, etc. and complete an accident report. This report will be sent to the office of the Director of Schools.
    Medication shall be administered only when the student’s health requires that it be given during school hours. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to bring the medication to school and remove any unused medication when treatment is completed. All prescription medication must be brought to school in the original container. The pharmacy label must include the following information:
         Name of Student
         Prescription Number
         Name of Medication and Dosage
         Administration route or other directions
         Date
         Licensed Doctor’s / Practitioner’s Name
         Pharmacy name, address, and phone number
    All non-prescription medication must be brought to school in the original manufacturer’s labeled container with the ingredients listed and the child’s name affixed to the container. A note from the parent/guardian must be included to give specific information as to dosage and time. Students will self-administer the medication with assistance from school staff and should be competent to do so. School staff is not responsible for any side effects or complications which may occur as a result of taking this medication. Students will not be permitted to take any medication without a written note from parents.
    The school nurse is available to take care of the needs of all sick or injured students while at school. Problems which occur outside of the school day should be administered to by the parent/guardian. The school nurse is available for consultation on medical conditions which may be affecting the child’s performance while at school.

17.   COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
    It shall be the duty of school authorities to exclude from any public, private, or church-related school any child who is infected with or suspected of having any of the following diseases: measles, rubella, mumps, infectious hepatitis, chicken pox, pediculosis, scabies, and other illnesses designated by the local health officer as requiring exclusion.
    If one of these diseases is suspected, the teacher or principal should refer the child to the school health nurse. If the school health nurse is not available, the child will be sent home with the recommendation that the child’s physician be contacted for diagnosis and treatment. The child shall be excluded from school until school personnel have received satisfactory evidence that the child has been treated.
    It shall be the responsibility of the principal or school nurse to notify the parents in event a child has pediculosis (head lice). A letter will be sent home with the child explaining the condition, requirements for readmission and deadlines for satisfactory completion of treatment.
    Upon exclusion, satisfactory evidence must be submitted to school personnel that the student has been treated for pediculosis (head lice). This evidence will include but may not be limited to:
    1) Proof of treatment with a pediculicide product
    2) Satisfactory examination by a school health official
    Any subsequent incidents of head lice for that student during the school year will require submission of satisfactory evidence of treatment for head lice. In addition the student must be found free of nits by a school health official.
    A student will be expected to have met all Board requirements for treatment and be back in school no later than one school day following exclusion for head lice. All days in excess of the allowable period will be marked as unexcused and referred to the attendance director at the proper time.

18. PROVISION OF TEXTBOOKS
The parent agreement slip must be signed and returned to the teacher before books will be issued. Each student will be furnished a sufficient supply of textbooks for all his/her subjects. At the end of a unit of study, all books previously distributed to the students will be returned to the teacher. The teacher will examine the book, and if it has been in any way unduly abused, mutilated, lost or destroyed, a charge will be issued against the student. He/she will be expected to pay for the damage as soon as possible.

19. REPORTING OF PUPIL PROGRESS
    Each student will receive a report card four times per year. Report cards will be sent home after the end of each nine weeks grading period. Parents should take time to go over each area of the card and to give praise and encouragement to the child. The card should be assigned and returned to school the following day.
    In accordance with the policy as set forth by the Dickson County Board of Education, Dickson Elementary School invests the classroom teacher with the responsibility of deciding whether or not a student is to be promoted. The teacher will consider each child’s level of ability, achievement, and maturity in making his/her decision, but the primary measure of the student’s achievement will be the teacher’s determination of the student’s mastery of the basic skills as set forth by the Tennessee Department of Education and as supplemented by the local education agency. Board policy will be strictly adhered to in all cases.
    Weekly and Mid-Quarter progress reports should be reviewed by the parent/ guardian, signed and returned (when requested). The teacher will notify both students and parents of regular schedule for progress reports to be sent home.

20.   CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
    Dickson Elementary School reserves the right to administer corporal punishment, when it is deemed necessary by the principal or assistant principal. This is done as a last resort, but it must, unfortunately, be used on some occasions. Corporal punishment will always be administered in a humane manner by the principal or assistant principal and in the presence of another faculty member.
    If the parent or guardian does not want the use of corporal punishment with his/her child, such objection shall be made in advance, in writing, to the principal of the school. This notice is for a period of one year only. Suspension may be the alternative procedure used. Refer to Policy 6.3140 on the schools’ website.

21.   USE OF SCHOOL PHONE
    Dickson Elementary School provides a school telephone (740-5837) to be used for business matters. It is very helpful for your child to know where they should go each afternoon so phone calls are not necessary.
    Students will be called to the phone only in cases of an emergency. Teachers will not be called out of class to accept a phone call.

22. MESSAGES/SCHEDULING CONFERENCES
    It is strongly recommended that messages be handled prior to the beginning of the school day. Interruption of classes will be held to a minimum.
    A. Parents who need to get a message to their child should call the office prior to 2:00 p.m.
    B. Persons or organizations with announcements to be made to the school should call prior to 2:00 p.m.
    C. Classes will not be interrupted for teachers to take phone calls. Teachers will return phone calls during their assigned planning time.
    D. Parents desiring a conference with his or her child’s teacher should schedule the conference during the teacher’s planning time. The planning time of your child’s teacher has been written on the front page of this handbook/agenda. Call the school during the teacher’s planning time and set up a conference.

23. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students are expected to take PE on a regular basis. Students will be required to wear proper shoes while in gym class. Any student who cannot take PE because of medical reasons should supply his or her teacher with a note stating the reasons for excusing the child from PE. The school reserves the right to require a doctor’s statement for any student who does not participate in physical exercise on a regular basis.

24.   CUSTODY RESTRICTIONS
    The school is interested in the welfare of every child and will seek to protect that welfare in any way possible. We realize there are difficult situations in some instances which result in one parent placing custody restrictions on another.
    If there are custody restrictions, it is the responsibility of the parent to see that the school has a copy of the court order on file.

25.   INSURANCE AND SUPPLIES
    Several plans of school insurance are available to be purchased through Scholastic Insurors. School insurance is offered on a voluntary basis. Please see brochure for prices, details, and coverage.
    All students are expected to maintain appropriate supplies such as pencil, paper, crayons, etc. Individual teachers may recommend certain reasonable supplies for their classes. A backpack (without rollers) or book bag of some sort is strongly recommended.

26.   SCHOOL SAFETY
    The safety and well-being of all students and staff is a priority. Monitoring devices are located throughout the building. All visitors are required to check in and out through the main office and receive a visitor’s pass. Unauthorized persons on school property will be asked to leave immediately. Failure to do so will result in notification of proper authorities.
    Entrance doors to Dickson Elementary will remain locked in order to restrict entrance. All visitors must enter the building through the front door next to the office area.
    Tennessee State Law delegates to teachers and principals the duty and authority for maintaining disciplined climates in their respective classrooms and schools (TCA 49-6-3401). Response procedures and guidelines for emergencies and crises have been implemented for dealing with such emergencies as fights or explosion, tornado, earthquake, bomb threat, bus wreck, custody/kidnapping, disturbances / demonstrations, criminal activities, weapons, drug/alcohol abuse, child physical/sexual abuse, severe weather, gang related activities, and other disasters which require an immediate response.

27.   DRUGS AND TOBACCO
    A. The possession or use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, marijuana or any pill, capsule or other similar substance which is not aspirin or a drug prescribed for the individual who is in possession thereof, in school or at school sponsored activities, will subject the student to suspension and the filing of a petition in juvenile court for Dickson County, Tennessee. A recommendation may be made by the administration to the Board of Education that the offender remains out of school for at least the duration of the semester.
    B. The use or possession of tobacco products by a Dickson County student while under the direct supervision of a school board employee will be in violation of the Board’s policy and state law.
    C. The use or possession of tobacco and/or tobacco products by a Dickson County student on any Dickson County school campus or bus will be in violation of the Board’s policy. The appropriate action will be administered by the student’s building principal.

28. WEAPONS
The possession of any type of weapon (or firearm or other object used for destruction) on school property will not be tolerated. The weapon will immediately be confiscated and, if necessary, the case will be petitioned to the proper court.

29.   SATURDAY SCHOOL
    The Dickson County Board of Education has established policies for Saturday School. Saturday School is an extension of the regular program to help educators better meet the goals of our schools. While one of the chief aims is to improve attendance, this will also enable us to discipline students without their removal from the regular classroom setting, thereby jeopardizing academic status, and to teach responsibility, both for their actions and for their consequences.
    Failure to attend an assigned Saturday School may result in referral to the Special Education IEP team or the Alternative School Hearing Panel for determination of proper placement.

30. THE DEFENSIVE SCHOOL BUS RIDER
A “defensive school bus rider” is one who will do everything possible to prevent an accident by behaving and obeying all school bus safety rules.
Leaving for School

Get up early enough to be on time
Dress properly for the day
Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes ahead of time
Do not run or play ball at the stop
Do not play in or near the road
Do not allow a dog to follow you to the bus stop
Wait until the bus stops and the door is open before stepping near the bus. Take a seat quickly.

On the Bus

Always sit, do not move around
Face the front. Talk just above a whisper.
Do not throw things on the bus.
Do not fight or fool around.
Never put any part of your body outside the bus window.
Do not eat on the bus.
At railroad tracks, there must be absolute silence.
Do not bring anything alive on the bus for any reason.

Arriving at Destination

Do not get up until the bus is stopped.
Use hand rail.
Move immediately away from the bus.
If you drop something, do not pick it up. Wait until the bus leaves and ask an older person to get it.

IF YOU HAVE TO CROSS THE ROAD
A. Go in front of the bus about 10 giant steps so you can see the driver’s face. If you can see his/her eyes, he/she can see you.
B. Proceed to the left side of the bus and stop to look for cars.
C. Do not expect drivers to stop.
If you do not have to cross the road, stay away from the side of the bus.
Always remember, if you can touch the side of the bus, then you are too close.

31. RULES FOR BUS CONDUCT
1. Aisles and step-well should be kept clear at all times from articles such as athletic equipment, books, and musical instruments.
2. The emergency door shall be used for emergencies only.
3. Students are not permitted to open or close windows without permission of the bus driver.
4. Students are under the supervision of the bus driver, and all reasonable directions given by him/her shall be followed.
5. Throwing objects in and out of the bus is prohibited.
6. Lighting matches, spitting, littering, and use of tobacco are prohibited on the bus.
7. Students shall refrain from rude, discourteous, and annoying conduct.
8. Fighting, pushing, tripping, or scuffling types of behavior are prohibited on the bus and at bus stops.
9. Wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing the street at a bus stop. When crossing a street is necessary, student shall always be far enough ahead of the bus so that they are able to see the face of the driver and he/she may adequately observe them.
10. The use of all radio and tape players is banned on all buses.
11. Students must sit on seats as assigned by the driver.
12. Do not bring anything alive on the bus for any reason.
13. Students shall remain seated while riding the bus.
14. Excessive noise or behavior which disrupts a driver will not be tolerated.
15. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her immediate area clean.
16. Students getting off the bus at a destination other than their own or riding a bus other than their assigned bus must have prior approval from the principal at the request of the parent or guardian and a yellow bus form signed by the principal at the child’s school.
17. The consumption of all food and drinks is banned on buses.
18. All students will ride their assigned bus.
19. Students will not willfully and persistently violate bus rules.
20. Immoral or disreputable conduct or vulgar or profane language is prohibited.
21. Violence or threatened violence against the driver or any personnel assigned to the bus is prohibited.
22. Fighting is prohibited.
23. Students are not to willfully or maliciously damage the bus or property of persons riding the bus. Parents and students will be financially responsible for damages incurred.
24. Assaulting the driver or other students with vulgar, obscene, or threatening language is prohibited.
25. Possession of a gun or weapon of any kind is prohibited.
26. Students will not display a knife of any kind.
27. Possession or use of any alcoholic beverage, illegal drugs, or marijuana is prohibited.
28. Students will not incite, advise, or counsel others to engage in any of the acts described elsewhere.
29. Students will not engage in any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline on any public school bus.
30. Plants, flowers, and/or balloons are prohibited.
31. Students will follow the dress code stated by their school while on the bus.
32. Musical instruments that cannot be held in students’ laps without taking up extra seating cannot be carried on the bus.