The school day is as follows:
7:00 Doors open
7:20-7:45 Breakfast
7:50 Students dismissed with their teachers
2:50 Car-riders dismissed; bus 57 dismissed
3:00 All other students dismissed
3:05 Walkers may leave building
1. The doors of the school will open by 7:00 a.m. All students must go to the bus room (gymnasium), and remain seated until they are dismissed. The breakfast bell rings at 7:20 a.m. for those who choose to eat breakfast. At 7:50 a.m. the bell dismisses students to their classes.
2. Students will not go to other classrooms during class periods unless they are designated to do so.
3. Students will remain in class at all times during regular class time. If a student must be in the hall for any reason, he/she must possess a hall pass issued by a teacher.
4. Students held over from a class for disciplinary reasons may not ask a teacher for a tardy slip to get in to their next class. Every student is expected to properly conduct themselves in each class so as not to have to be late to their next class.
Information from The Parent Institute states “research shows that children who are in school most of the time do better on state tests. It also shows that attendance is the single most important factor in school success. Being late for school hurts a child’s learning, too. A student who is late 10 minutes every day will miss 30 hours of instruction during the year. Children can copy notes or make up an assignment, but they can never get back what’s most important: the discussions, the questions, the explanations by the teacher and the thinking that makes learning come alive. Your child’s success in school depends on having a solid educational background- one that can only be gained through regular school attendance.”
The following are some helpful tips to improve your child’s school attendance:
Our school policies are:
1. The office may notify parents of absences daily.
2. A note or telephone call from parents/guardian is required the day the student returns after being absent in order for the absence to be considered excused or unexcused. The note is to be brought to the office as soon as the student arrives at school in order to receive his/her admit slip. The admission slip is to be shown to each of your teachers and given to the last period teacher who returns it to the office at the end of the day. An absence is considered unexcused until the note or call from home is received from your parent/guardian to verify absence.
3. All excused missed work must be made up within the three days of returning to school unless the assignments were made prior to the absence. Teachers and students will work together to see that assignments are completed. It is the responsibility of the student to see that this is done. Any missed tests may be made up in the after school program, before school, or at the teacher’s discretion.
4. A student is allowed ten (10) absences, with note from guardian, to be excused. All absences thereafter must have a doctor’s statement as to reason for absence before it is considered as excused absence. All doctors and dentists provide medical statements. If your tardiness or absence to/from school is due to a visit to the doctor or dentist, please bring the medical excuse with you. When a student has been put on doctor statements for absenteeism, the statement must be brought to school upon the return of the student to school. Medical statements from doctors/nurse practitioners a week after the absence will not be accepted. Previous history of absences or tardies will be considered, therefore, the principal may require doctor’s statement for absences at any time. After a student has accumulated three unexcused absences, the school sends the guardian a letter. Upon the fourth unexcused absence, the student is reported to the attendance director. Upon the fifth and sixth unexcused absence the director speaks to the guardian. Upon the sixth unexcused absence, the student is petitioned to juvenile court by the attendance director.
5. Unauthorized absence from school is considered truancy and will be treated as such. This includes absences from any class or any activity during the day for which the student is scheduled. This absence is considered “hooky” and will be disciplined.
TARDY TO CLASS
It is important for all students to be in their seats and ready for class when the bell rings. It disturbs the entire class when a student gets to class after the class has begun. Students have ample time to go from one class to the next. Students must be in their seat when the teacher indicates the beginning of class or the student may be considered to be tardy. No loitering in the hallways.
1. A note or a phone call from a student’s parent/guardian will be required for a student to leave school property for any reason. No student is allowed to call home to get permission to go home with another student.
2. Middle school students are not permitted to go to the elementary school, senior high school, or any other school in the county during school hours. If it is a school day at William James Middle School then you are expected to be in attendance.
3. If a student must leave school grounds during the day, he/she must sign out in the office and upon return sign in at the office.
4. A parent/guardian may pick up their own child but no other child without written permission from the parent/guardian of the other child.
1. Students waiting to be picked up by parents/guardians or family may wait for them in the designated area.
2. Bicycles are to be parked and chained to the bicycle rack in front of the school. Locking the bicycle to the rack is at the discretion of the student. William James Middle School is not responsible for theft or damage to the bicycle.
3. Riding the bus is a privilege extended to students of Dickson County. Any disobedience, disturbance, or misconduct on the bus could result in suspension or loss of the privilege to ride the bus. The bus driver and principal are responsible for the conduct of students on the buses. All students being transported are under the authority of the bus driver and are expected to obey his/her requests. The bus driver, with approval of the principal, may refuse service for misconduct. Students are not allowed to get off the school bus except at school or their home. Students who are suspended from riding the bus may not ride any other bus in Dickson County. Once a student is suspended from riding the bus, it is the responsibility of the parent to see that the student attends school. The school bus rules are in the county-wide student handbook.
Research shows that students who fail do so because of not doing homework. Homework is an important component of the middle school program. As an extension of the daily school plan it should receive the same consideration given to the other aspect of the school curriculum. Homework helps students develop good study habits. It is well planned by teachers and is relevant to the concept being taught with quality rather than quantity being emphasized. The purpose of homework is to reinforce and/or strengthen skills introduced in the classroom. Long term assignments may be used to develop creative expression. Homework is also a method of informing parents about topics being taught in the classroom. Studying for a test is an important component of homework. Responsibility in getting homework completed and having it at school the next day, or the day it is due, is also a purpose for homework-fostering completeness of work and closure of tasks. No spur-of-the- moment assignments are given, nor is homework given as punishment. Students need to be well informed so that the homework can be completed with accuracy and efficiency. A homework assignment book is recommended for all students. Students may write down all assignments from each class and allow for communication between school and home. These homework assignment books may be purchased at various stores.
In an effort to reduce failure and promote success, after school detention will be utilized to make up assignments missed. Teachers/ administration will assign after-school detention as deemed necessary to make up assignments missed. Students will be notified the day before they are assigned to stay after school. Students will report to the designated room upon the dismissal from school. Teachers will provide a list of assignments. Students will bring the necessary books, paper, and pencils necessary to complete the assignments. Students will be dismissed at 4:00.
Supplies may be purchased before school begins or between classes. No supplies are to be bought during class time. If a student finds himself/herself without paper or pencil for the day, ask in the office for paper or pencil. Supplies are usually kept in the office for just such emergencies.
Textbooks will be issued to each student as soon as the parent/guardian agreement form has been signed and returned to the school office. Any loss, damage or destruction of these books will result in a charge to the student. Books are checked periodically by each teacher for proper ownership and condition. Each student is responsible for the care of these textbooks. Your textbooks are expensive. Book covers are provided by the school to be put on the textbooks. Keep up with your own textbook so you will not have to purchase them at the end of the year.
Dress and grooming of students should be in good taste and not detrimental to the educational environment and public image of the school. when students are attired in a manner that causes a disruption in the school, the administration will take appropriate action. The school administration reserves the right to make a final decision regarding appropriate dress in school and at school sponsored events.
The following types of clothing must not be worn:
Girls and boys may wear pants that come to or below the knee; however, no elastic waist athletic shorts may be worn except in gym class. Girls' dresses or skirts must be of knee length or longer. All appropriate shirts/tops must be long enough to be tucked inside pants should it become necessary. Sleeveless shirts or tops must have a width of three inches or more at the shoulder. Undergarments must not be visible. When students wear pants having a waistband below the waist, a longer shirt must be worn.
WJMS students are prohibited from wearing, while on school property, any type of clothing, apparel, or accessory that denotes such student's membership in, or affiliation with, any gang or group associated with criminal activities.
Students having dress code violations will be sent to the office by their teacher. The following consequences will be assigned:
Any unclaimed clothing in dressing rooms or locker rooms will be collected at the Christmas break and the end of the year and taken to the Goodwill Industries in Dickson. Please put your name in your clothing with permanent marker or laundry pen so they may be returned to you.
Any book(s) left in the hall, on top of lockers, in the gym, outside of the building or anyplace except in your locker will be turned in to the office. Students are responsible for locating their lost books. Books are expensive tools for learning. Please keep up with them. The textbook agreement form must be signed and dated before texts will be issued to students.
Insurance coverage can be bought through the office, but is not required. However, it is advisable all students have insurance coverage.
Students should not bring large amounts of money to school. Money may be left in the office for claiming in the afternoon before going home. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen money.
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Hands are to be kept off other students. No hand holding, hugging, or kissing in school or anywhere on school property will be allowed.
A locker will be issued to every student. It is wise to have a lock on your locker. Should you wish to have a lock on your locker, they can be purchased in area stores. Eight grade students, who have a locker in the wide hallway, MUST have a lock on their locker. Lockers will be issued by the first period teacher. There will be no swapping of locks or lockers unless approved by the issuing teacher. Lockers are subject to inspection at any time by the principal or person designated by the principal. It is wise for you to not share your combination, key, or locker with any other student. In case of illness or your parent comes to get your books, we will look in the locker assigned to you and no further. Should you choose to use a lock, your spare key or combination must be given to your issuing teacher or office. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or missing items from your locker.
Fire drills will be held at regular intervals as required by law. It is necessary that when the alarm is sounded everyone follow instructions and exits the building by their proper route as indicated on the wall of the classroom. Students and teachers must remain outside until the all-clear signal is sounded.
Tornado drills will be held as a safety precaution. Safe areas for each room are posted on the wall in each classroom, and your teacher will instruct you to these areas. No one is to leave his/her position until told to do so by the principal or the assistant.
Emergency evacuation will be followed the same as the fire drill routes. Proper authorities will be notified immediately. After the building has been evacuated, teachers will have the following duties: remain with your students as far away from the building as you can safely go; check to make sure all students for which you are responsible are present and accounted for, determine if anything unusual is around or any unrecognized parked vehicles are on the property. Students and teachers will return when the principal and authorities have determined it is safe to return to their rooms.
Should Dickson County experience ice and/or snow, the schools will not open. The director of schools will determine whether or not roads are hazardous before school buses begin routes. The director will notify the television and radio stations of the closing of schools. The snow information number is 441-1994.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTIONREPORT CARDS AND NOTICES OF FAILURE
Report cards are sent home to parents/guardians at the end of each nine week grading period. Report cards may be withheld for the following reasons: loss or damage to library books or textbooks, IOUs to the cafeteria or office. A parent/guardian may receive a student’s grades at any time by contacting the school. Report cards are to be signed at the bottom of the card and return the bottom portion. Failure notices are mailed to parents at the end of the third nine week grading period. Mid nine week progress reports are sent home with students to parents/guardians at the mid point of each nine week grading period. The eighth grade related arts classes are on a nine week grading period. The sixth and seventh grade related arts program are on a twelve week grading period. Related arts classes in the sixth and seventh grades are a pass/fail course while the related arts courses in the eighth grade will receive numerical grades.
In the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students must pass four of the five academic subjects (math, science, English, social studies, literature) to pass to the next grade. If two academic classes are not passed, the student is eligible to attend summer school to repeat the grade. If three or more academic classes are not passed, then the student must repeat the grade the next year. Report cards are sent home to parents/guardians after each nine week grading period.
Courses Offered
Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade
Math Math Math
*Pre-algebra *Pre-algebra
*Algebra
English English English
Science Science Science
Literature Literature Literature
Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies
*Special criteria must be met to be placed in these classes.
Related Arts Classes for Sixth and Seventh:
Art; Music; Computers; Health; Physical Education: Media (7th only)
Related Arts Classes for Eighth Grade:
Art; Music; Computers; Health; Physical Education; Intro to Technology; Careers
An Internet Permission form must be completed for each student and turned in to the office yearly.
The Dickson County Board of Education makes every effort to safeguard student’s Internet access from unauthorized contact or from undesirable sources on the Internet. In addition to classroom monitoring, the county has in place a filtering system designed to block unwanted content from appearing on computers. Because of the changing nature of Internet access, it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial materials on the network, however all available precautions have been taken
All students are expected to conduct themselves with responsibility and appropriate behavior at all times. Students are to conduct themselves as to reflect favorable upon themselves, their families, their community, and their school. Students are expected to:
· come to school
· respect others
· be a responsible person and accept the consequences for not being a responsible person
· be prepared for classes
· be willing to listen and participate in class
· respect classmates and their belongings
· learn to tolerate other’s opinions and differences
When students fail to respect others and be responsible for own actions, other consequences will take place. It is the responsibility of each teacher to maintain discipline in his/her classroom and on school property. The staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Demerits are one means to establish, but not limited to, maintaining appropriate behavior of students. Discipline referrals to the office as well as contacting parents will be used as means to succeed with appropriate behavior at school.
1. Enter and be seated as soon as you arrive. You may not leave classroom unless your teacher gives you permission to do so.
2. Be in your seat and quiet, with all necessary materials ready, before the teacher begins the class. Students not in their seat when the teacher indicates the beginning of class are considered tardy.
3. Drinks or food are not allowed in the classroom without special permission of the teacher.
4. Keep your hands and feet in their proper place, out of the aisle and to yourself.
5. Notes are not allowed whether writing one, passing one, reading one, or holding one.
6. Grooming items are not to be used in the classroom.
7. Be neat and orderly in the classroom.
8. Treat everyone with kindness and respect.
9. You are expected to participate in class everyday. Be alert and attentive, have homework current, and be a positive influence on the class.
1. No running in the hallways-travel to and from classes and activities in an orderly manner.
2. Keep hallway noise to an appropriate level. (The quieter the better.)
3. Avoid physical contact in the hallways. (Keep hands and feet to yourself.)
4. Assigned lockers are for your things only. Use your lock on your locker and do not share your locker with another student unless assigned a shared locker.
5. No loitering in the hallways. There is plenty of time to get to your classes if you do not waste it. If you find you do not have enough time to go to the bathroom, ask your teacher for permission to go instead of being late.
Fighting
Fighting will not be tolerated. Severe disciplinary action will be taken. It is the policy of this school that both parties involved in a fight are disciplined.
Damage to School Property
Any student damaging school property, school buses, defacing furniture or walls or lockers shall pay in full for damages and shall subject himself/herself to disciplinary action.
Radios, cameras, tape players, MP3's, CD players, beepers, earphones, cards, playing cards, sports cards, toys, electronic games, laser lights, pictures, magazines, and/or equipment, or any other items causing a disruption should not be in a student's possession during the school day. Teachers may take these items up and turn them in to the office where the parents may pick them up. If an item is taken up the second time, it will be placed in the MAY box to be returned at the end of the school year. The school will not be held responsible for any items taken up during the school day.
Cell Phones
Personal cell phones are not to be used during the school day. Any student possessing a cell phone must keep it turned off and put away. If a student uses his/her cell phone, allows someone else to use the phone, or uses someone else's phone the Dickson County Board of Education policy 6.3120 procedure will be followed.
Knives and Gun
It is a felony to carry weapons on school property. State law prescribes a maximum of six (6) years imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $3,000 for having weapons on school property.
According to Policy JCBC students enrolled in the Dickson County School System shall not possess, smoke, use or consume tobacco or tobacco products or possess paraphernalia at any time either while on school premises, or any school provided conveyance or while attending or participating in any school sponsored activity regardless of the location. The use and/or possession or tobacco products and/or tobacco by a student while under the direct supervision of a school board employee will be in violation of the board’s policy as well as state law. The appropriate punishment will be administered. School board policy will be followed.
The possession or use of alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs in school or at school sponsored activities will subject the student to an indefinite suspension and be reported to the juvenile authorities. School board policy will be followed.
Gum and Soft Drinks
Gum chewing will not be allowed on school property during the school day including activities inside and outside the school building. Demerits will be issued for gum. Soft drinks may be purchased from the machines during the times they are turned on. They are not to be drunk in the classroom unless allowed by the teacher. Drinks are to be disposed of properly in the recycling barrels that are placed around the school. Candy is not to be eaten in the classroom unless allowed by the teacher for special occasions.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment is used by this administration as a deterrent to change student’s behavior. It will be used when all other forms of disciplines have been exhausted.
In-School Suspension
A student may be placed in in-school suspension for accumulation of demerits, persistent violation of school rules, or any other misconduct or misbehavior requiring disciplinary action. Students placed in in-school suspension are required to complete all academic assignments as well as any in-school suspension assignments. Students who are assigned to the ISS will be notified the morning they are to go in to the ISS room. Teachers will send the academic assignments to the office by 9 a.m.
Suspension
Any principal or teacher-principal of any public school in this state is authorized to suspend a pupil from attendance at such school, including its sponsored activities, or from riding a school bus, for good and sufficient reasons. Good and sufficient reasons for such suspension may include, but not be limited to:
1. Willful and persistent violation of the rules of school or truancy
2. Immoral or disreputable conduct or vulgar or profane language
3. Violence or threatening violence against the a person of any personnel attending or assigned to a any public school
4. Willful or malicious damage to real or personal property of the school, or the property of any person attending or assigned to the school.
5. Inciting, advising, or counseling or others to engage in any of the acts hereinbefore enumerated.
6. Marking, defacing, or destroying school property
7. Assaulting a principal or teacher with vulgar, obscene, or threatening language.
8. Possession of a knife on school property
9. Possession of a pistol, gun, or firearm on school property
10. Unlawful use or possession of barbital or legend drugs
11. Any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in any public schooL
12. Insubordination
In the classroom the teacher is in charge. All students are under the jurisdiction of the administration, teachers, and secretaries and must comply with their directions. This includes teachers who may not teach the student in question. Substitute teachers are to be afforded the same cooperation and respect as regular teachers. Repeated violators of any request by a teacher will be judged as insubordination. Students are to follow the teacher’s instructions, to have appropriate materials to complete assignments, and to cooperate with the activities of the class. Students are to participate in their classes including physical education. It is required for all students to dress out (have a change of clothing and shoes) in their physical education class. Defiance, or refusing to follow the teacher’s parameters for the class, is not permitted. After a warning that the student’s behavior is considered defiant and/or inappropriate, if the behavior persists, the student will be referred to the office. Consequences for insubordinate behavior include but are not limited to: after-school detention, in-school suspension, Saturday school, parent-teacher conference, corporal punishment, or any other measure deemed appropriate.
Any student who is suspended from school will have the opportunity to make up the work missed in Saturday School or the after school program. The work will be made up the three days following the suspension. If Saturday school follows the return from the suspension, the Saturday school will be utilized or the first after-school will be utilized to make up work missed. Arrangements must be made with the parent for pick-up of the child when he/she stays after school. Teachers will forward the work to the appropriate teacher for make-up to be done. If the student fails to complete all the assignments, he/she receives zero on all incomplete assignments.
Students may be assigned after-school detention to make up missing assignments. Students who miss more than one assigned detention in a two week period will be assigned one full day of ISS to make up the work. Students who persistently fail to do assignments and accumulate zeros, additional measures will be investigated.
Alternative Discipline Measures
The focus of the entire program of discipline and rewards is to promote and encourage an environment conducive to learning. Special emphasis is placed on the idea that effort toward positive behavior by all students will accomplish this goal.
When attempts to correct problems within the school day have failed, other measures will be taken. After school detention, Saturday school, in school suspension, out of school suspension, Discipline Hearing Authority meeting, behavior contracts, alternative school, and finally referral to juvenile authorities will be means to help students to make adjustments necessary to fit smoothly into the school population. Any disciplinary measures taken will fall within the guidelines prescribed by the Dickson County Board of Education. These guidelines are posted on the wall of each classroom.
It is possible to work off accumulated demerits. If and when a student goes two calendar months without receiving any demerits, the current demerit total will revert to zero (0).
Students sometimes fail to keep parents informed on issues concerning discipline. Parents are often unaware that any problem exists until a suspension or Saturday school is required. To help prevent this, these requirements will be enforced:
If the student:
q Has ISS: The parent will be notified of the discipline status. Student is given a form to be signed by the parent notifying parent that student was in ISS.
q Must attend Saturday school: parents will be notified in writing and a telephone call will be made to remind the parents of the Saturday school. Should a student fail to attend the Saturday school, the parent must contact the principal as to the reason he/she missed the Saturday school. Failure to contact the principal will result in further disciplinary measures.
q Has out of school suspension: a parent/guardian must come and get the child the day of the suspension and must accompany the student back to school when they return and confer with the administration.
Students and parents must realize no set of rules can possibly cover all situations. In addition to demerits, students may be required to complete other tasks after infractions. For example, a student found guilty of writing on the bathroom wall or furniture may be required to stay after school and clean the walls or furniture that day. The amount of work required would depend on the severity of the damage done.
It is our hope and desire that these guidelines will seldom be used and that everyone will strive to be an asset to the excellent student population that already exists here at William James Middle School.
Student Council
A student council will be established at the beginning of each year to represent each grade level and help plan for each grade level and school–wide activities.
Band
Any student may become a member of the band. Students must have the approval of their parent/guardian and meet with the Band Director. Instruments are kept in the band room during the day. Band meets during the related arts time. Band meets everyday during these times. It is important that students realize if you are a member of the band, you are making a commitment to meet everyday with band for the entire year.
Volleyball, football, boys and girl’s basketball, baseball, and softball are athletics activities offered to all students. Students who play athletics are expected to maintain passing grades throughout the school year. Coaches check on student’s grades and behavior periodically throughout the school year in order to help students maintain the goal of passing academic subjects and good behavior.
Cheerleaders
Cheerleaders are chosen in the spring. A panel of judges selects them. Cheerleaders are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is an asset to William James Middle School. We expect cheerleaders as well as all sports people to exemplify the high standards of our school. The eligibility rules are:
· Must have and maintain a passing grade in each subject
· Must be approved by the faculty before the selection process
· Must agree to abide by the general cheerleading rules and TSSAA/TMSAA rules for cheerleaders
Athletic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to participate in middle school athletics a student must not be 15 years of age on or before August 1 and must pass 3 of the 4 academic subjects the previous semester. To remain eligible and free from probationary status, a student must maintain passing grades in the four (4) academic subjects and maintain proper conduct at school games and trips
The Athletics Substance Abuse Council at William James Middle School shall be comprised of the following members:
· Principal of William James Middle School
· Head coaches of all sports at William James Middle School
· Two female students
· Two male students
In the interest of the well being of all concerned, the following policies have been developed to deal with infractions involving alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco products. These policies apply to all cheerleaders, managers, football players, basketball players, volleyball players, baseball and softball players, and/or any other student directly associated with any athletic team at WJMS.
Drug and Alcohol Offenses
First Offense
The council will first await the decisions/punishment made by the proper authorities. After reviewing these decisions, the Council will make decisions on a case- by- case basis.
Second Offense
The student athlete will be permanently suspended from participation in athletics at William James Middle School.
Tobacco Products Offenses
First Offense (Possession or Use)
The student will be suspended from play for one week’s contests. This is to be the following football game, or the next two basketball games, or softball/baseball games, or volleyball games.
Second Offense (Possession or Use)
The student will be suspended for a half season of play. This penalty will be carried over to the next season if that student returns to William James the following year.
*The coach of the affected sport will determine what physical training or punishment will be required for reinstatement to the team for both first and second offenses.
Third Offense
The student will be permanently suspended from participation in athletics at William James Middle School.
William James Middle School does not have a school nurse. In the event of an emergency the nurse from White Bluff Elementary School is called.
No medication will be administered by school personnel. Any medicine a student must take during the school day must be placed in the medicine box which is kept in the office. When a student must take his/her medicine, the student will come to the office to take it. All medicines are self-administered. When a student must take prescription medicine at school, the Authorization form for self-administering of medication must be completed by the doctor and brought to school and it is kept on file in order for that student to take the medicine. The form needed is included with this handbook information.
Students, who have the need for non-prescription medicines while at school, will keep the medicines in the office and come to the office for self-administering of that medication. If a student needs non-prescription medicines while at school, the parent is to bring an unopened new bottle with student name on it to be left in the office.