Athletic Eligibility

 

To be eligible to participate in athletic contests during any semester:

1.   No student shall be eligible to compete in middle school sports during any school year if the student becomes 15 years old on or before September 1.

2.   All student athletes shall maintain an overall average of 75 for each grading period and pass four out of five subjects (Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education/Related Arts, Science, and Social Studies).  Students must maintain the status of   “Improving” or “Satisfactory” in Citizenship.

3.   Students who have been suspended or assigned to the Alternative School are not eligible.  Students who have been suspended from the bus cannot ride the team bus to away events.

4.   All students must pass to the next highest grade to be eligible.

5.   All athletes must be enrolled in CCMS before competing in sports at the school.

6.   All athletes must have insurance to cover them in case of injury.

7.   All athletes must have had a physical examination no earlier than May 25 before they may compete.

8.   All athletes must have a signed parent consent form on file with their respective coach.

 

Attendance

 

1.   TARDINESS

      Students are expected to be in their homeroom by the 7:45 a.m. bell (unless on a late bus).  Car riders, who arrive at school after 8:00a.m., must report to the attendance office to sign in and to obtain a tardy admission slip.   

2.   TRUANCY

      At the first instance of truancy from school or from a class, the parents shall be contacted by telephone or letter.  The parent and the student may have to come to school for a conference.  Instances of truancy may result in a recommendation for an Alternative School assignment, suspension, or expulsion.

3.   CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT

Students who need to leave school during the school day must be signed out through the Attendance      Office. This allows school personnel to locate a student should the need arise.  If a student checks out, he/she is to leave school at that time.  If   the student returns to school, he/she must sign back in.  Students cannot be released by telephone or notes without special permission by the administration.  Students will be released only to those who are listed on the  Release Authorization Form. 

 

      Students are required to have notes for any check-in or check –outs.

 

(Note:  students will not be checked out to leave school after 2:45 p.m. unless absolutely necessary.   Students will not be called from class to check out until the person checking them out arrives.)

 

4.   EXCUSED ABSENCES

      Each school year students will be permitted ten (10) days as an excused absence and/or tardy according to the following:  (a) personal illness, (b) family illness which requires student help, (c) a death in the immediate family, (d) recognized religious holidays, (e) required court appearances, (f) cultural or educational activities (with advance approval), or (g) other emergency extenuating circumstances.  The student is excused for the day(s) or absences, NOT the material covered in his/her classes.  Upon returning to school, the student must have an excuse containing the (a) date(s), (b) reason for absence, and (c) the signature of the parent or guardian.  Notes will not be accepted after 3 days of the student’s return.  Any other absences will require a doctor's excuse or an excuse signed by the principal.  Students will be permitted to make up work missed during an excused absence.

 

 

 

5.   MAKE-UP WORK OR EXCUSED ABSENCE WORK

      Students who are absent have the responsibility to call a friend who is on their team or to call the Homework Information Line to find out assignments.  Students are also encouraged to ask a friend to bring work home.  The Homework Information Line phone numbers are:  723-5177, 723-5178, or 723-5179.  Students who have been absent more than three consecutive days may request their assignments through the Guidance Office.  Requests must be made before 8:30 a.m. if assignments are to be picked up that afternoon between 2:00 and 3:00.

6.   UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

      An unexcused absence from a class may result in a grade of zero for that day's work.  Any student missing five unexcused days will be required to appear before the "System Attendance Committee" with his/her parents for a decision by the committee.  Failure of parents to attend the committee meeting may result in a petition to Juvenile Court.  Unexcused tardies and unexcused checkouts will also result in disciplinary action.  

 

Before and After School

BEFORE SCHOOL

Students who do not ride a bus are to be dropped off behind the building:

      Sixth Grade - behind 6th grade wing

      Seventh Grade - behind 7th grade wing

      Eighth Grade - behind 8th grade wing

Students who come to school prior to the arrival of the first school bus approximately 7:15 will report to the following areas:

      Sixth Grade - Cafeteria

      Seventh Grade - Gym

      Eighth Grade – Gym

 

BREAKFAST

 Students who arrive by car must report to breakfast before 7:45 a.m.  Students arriving by car after that time will not be permitted to go to breakfast. 

 

THE 7:45 BELL

Students are to be in their homeroom or at breakfast by the 7:45 bell (the second bell).  Students who arrive by bus after 7:45 are to go straight to homeroom without stopping at their locker, the restroom, the water fountain, etc.  Students who arrive by automobile after 8:00 are to go straight to the attendance office to sign in and to obtain a tardy admission slip. 

 

AFTER SCHOOL

Students are dismissed from the last class to board the buses.  Therefore, they are to go to their locker before reporting to seventh period   Students who ride a school bus will be dismissed at 2:55.  Car riders and walkers will report to the following areas:

      Sixth Grade - End of   the sixth grade hallway

      Seventh Grade – End of the 7th grade hallway

      Eighth Grade - Cafeteria

These students will be dismissed after the buses leave.

Sixth and seventh graders who leave school by automobile are to be picked up at the back of the building.  Eighth graders are to be picked up in front of the cafeteria entrance.  For multiple pick-ups, they should be picked up as follows:  any seventh graders first, any sixth graders second, and finally, any eighth graders (in front of the commons entrance).    Students who walk will be dismissed at 3:15 for safety reasons.

 

 

Bus Conduct

 

1.   Be on time at the bus stop.

2.   Practice safety on the way to and from the school bus.

3.   Take your seat and stay there.  No moving around.

4.   Share a seat with any other two pupils.

5.   Bus seats are to sit on and not for reclining.

6.   Face the front.

7.   Keep books and other articles off the aisle floor.

8.   Refrain from throwing any object on the floor or at others.

9.   The rear door is for emergencies only.  Use the front door to enter and leave the bus.

10. Violations of safety procedures such as opening emergency doors or windows, pushing while exiting, etc., are strictly prohibited.

11. Respect the rights of your fellow students.

12. Talk to the driver as little as possible.

13. Do not smoke or use tobacco in any form while on the bus.

14. The bus driver is in command; respect and obey the driver.

15. Enjoy your ride, but be reasonably quiet.

16. Any student who rides a bus to school will be considered in school.

17. A pupil shall become ineligible for public school transportation when his/her behavior is such as to cause dissension on a school bus, or when he/she disobeys state and local rules and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation.

18. No eating or drinking will be allowed on the bus.

19. No knives will be allowed on the bus.

20. No leaning out of windows (arms, hands, legs, etc.)

21. No gestures or shouting at passers-by.

22. Throwing objects out of the window is prohibited.

23. Any student who is disrespectful to a bus driver is subject to school and bus suspensions.

24. Students must have a note signed by the parent and the principal or assistant principal before getting off the bus anywhere except his/her home or original pick-up point.  Drivers will use discretion in honoring these notes.

25. Students are not allowed to get off the bus and ride with someone in a car or walk unless permission is given by the school principal.  Students who violate this will be reported to their school principal.

26. Student projects, etc. may be brought on the bus but must be held in the student's lap.  Candy may be brought onto the bus but cannot be sold or eaten.

27. Animals, reptiles, etc. shall not be brought onto the bus.

28. Any student or parent who verbally or physically abuses a driver shall be charged and arrested for assault.  Students shall receive school and bus discipline as well.

29. When a student is suspended from riding a bus, he/she cannot ride in the afternoon except in an emergency as designated by the student's principal.

30. Students suspended from school or from riding a bus cannot ride a bus on a field trip or any other trip including athletics, band, etc.

Note:  The second minor infraction of bus policies will result in a three-day bus suspension.

 

Cafeteria

 

BREAKFAST:  Breakfast begins serving at 7:20.  Car riders who arrive after the 7:45 bell will not be served breakfast.

 

LUNCH:  Students are expected to eat in the school cafeteria.  If a student brings his/her lunch from home, he/she will eat with the team in the cafeteria.  Delivering food to students during lunch time is discouraged.  Students who bring drinks with them are to bring only canned drinks.  Drinks in resealable containers cannot be brought from home.

 

1.   If a student brings his/her lunch, or if a student is not eating, he/she will move directly to a seat.

2.   No one will be permitted to leave the cafeteria to go to a classroom without a corridor pass and another student to escort.   Classes are in session during lunch.

 

BOTH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH:  The following   will  not be permitted:

      a.   Throwing food

      b.   Cutting line

      c.   Loud boisterous behavior

      d.   Talking to students at other tables

      e.   More than one person per chair

      f.    Moving chairs from another table

      g.   Taking food/drinks from cafeteria

      h.   Feet in chairs

      i.    Throwing away plates or silverware

      j.    Popping bags

        k. Other inappropriate behavior

Contacting the School

 

        When a parent calls the school and wishes to speak to a teacher, an e-mail will be sent to the teacher.  Parents requesting a team conference need to contact the Guidance Office to set a time for a conference.  If a parent needs to give a student a message, a note will be sent to the student (unless it is an emergency).  The administrators will speak to a parent who calls if they are available, if not, the secretary will take a message and the administrator will return the call.

 

 

 

Daily Time Schedule

 

Breakfast Begins……………………………………...7:20

Car Rider Tardy Bell………………………………….8:00

Channel One; Raider Vision & Homeroom………...7:55-8:05

First Period……………………………………. ...8:09-8:55

Second Period …………………………………   8:59-9:45

Third Period…………………………………...9:49 - 10:55

Fourth Period……………………………….. .10:59 - 12:35

Fifth Period……………………………………12:39 - 1:45

Sixth Period……………………………………..1:49 - 2:55

Bus Rider Dismissal Bell……………………………….2:55

Car Rider Dismissal Bell……………………………….3:00

 

 

Discipline

 

Students at Coffee County Middle School are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times.  Character Education is stressed because we believe this process will contribute to a more peaceable school environment for our students and provide them with life-long skills for solving problems.

 

However, at times, students may need to be disciplined for violations of class, school, or system-wide rules and policies.  All class rule violations will be handled by the teacher.  More serious class rule violations, as well as school and system-wide violations, will be reported to the Assistant Principal.  A record will be kept of all reported violations that are made by each student and will be reflected on his/her Citizenship grade.

 

When a student chooses to violate the rules under which CCMS operate, the consequences may include, but are not limited to:

       a.  Counseling

         b.     Physical activity

       c.  Report to parents

      d.   Restriction of privileges

      e.   In-Team Detention

      f.    Corporal punishment

      g.   Bus  Reports  (Board policy to be followed)

      h.   In-School Detention

       i.   Alternative School assignment

      j.    Suspension

      k.   Expulsion

      l.    Court action

     

     

If a parent objects to the use of corporal punishment for his/her child, the parent must notify the school in writing each year.

 

1.   SUSPENSION

      A student who is suspended will receive a zero on any lessons assigned while he/she is suspended.  A copy of the suspension report will be placed in the permanent record.

 

2.   ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL

          Students who are assigned to the Alternative School will have to arrange for transportation to and from the Alternative School.  All work will be made up under the direction of the Principal of the Alternative School.  The student must show satisfactory improvement at the Alternative School before he/she can be readmitted to CCMS.  The Alternative School Principal and the CCMS administration will decide if the student should be readmitted.

 

     Readmitted students from the alternative school will report to ISD and earn their way back into the   regular classroom.

 

The more major offenses and repetition of major or minor offenses will result in stronger discipline measures.  Several small offenses could result in a permanent suspension.  A copy of the suspension report will be placed in the permanent record.

 

Zero Tolerance

 

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis. Zero-tolerance acts are as follows:

1.           A student determined to have brought to school or to be in unauthorized possession on school property of a firearm, as defined in 18 V.S. C. 921.

2.           A student committing battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the Coffee County Schools, or school resource officer.

3.           Any student unlawfully possessing any drug including any controlled substance as defined in TCA 39 – 17 – 403 through 39 – 17 –  415, or legend drug as defined in TCA 53 – 10 – 101.

 

Fees

 

1.   LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS - Students who lose or damage textbooks, library books, or paperback reading books will be responsible for paying for them.  Grades will not be issued until the books are paid for.

 

2.   SCHOOL SUPPLIES - School supplies may be purchased from team leaders or assigned teachers.

 

3.  MONEY OWED - When a student owes money at the end of the school year (cafeteria, library, fund raiser, shop, etc.) the student's grades and report card will be held until the money is paid.

 

 

Grading System

 

     100 – 93 =  A

       92 -  85 =  B

       84 -  75 =  C

       74 -  70 =  D

        69 -  0  =  F

 

Conduct grade/effort grades will be assigned by each classroom teacher for each of their students.

 

The semester average is the average of the two nine week’s   grades.  All grades will be recorded numerically except for conduct/effort grades.   These grades will be recorded as “Satisfactory,”  “Improving,” or “Unsatisfactory.”

 

Guidance and Counseling, School Resource Officer, School Nurse

 

The counselors, nurses and S.R.O.  will assist students with problems or questions pertaining to both school and personal life by means of individual or group counseling.  Students must obtain permission from the teacher whose class they will be missing before going to the Guidance Office, School Nurse, or  S.R.O.   Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns they may have.

 

Hall Pass

 

When leaving a regularly assigned place, students must have a student/handbook pass.  Students have the responsibility of keeping up with their handbook/pass at all times.   Students without a pass or authorized permission will be disciplined.

 

Items to Leave at Home

 

Certain items are to be left at home unless prior teacher permission is given.  These include (but are not limited to)

(1) electronic devices, such as:  radios, CD & tape players, cassettes, CDs, video games, pagers, cell phones,

(2) Laser pointers,

(3) toys, such as:  stuffed animals, pacifiers, games, yo-yos,

(4) collectables, such as trading cards,

(5) comic books and magazines,

(6) any type of gambling device, such as:  cards, dice,

(7) inhalants, such as:  markers, "White-Out," 

(8) personal items, such as: mouthwash, cologne, body spray

(9) Students are not permitted to sell any items at school, school-related activities, or on school buses unless it is a school-related activity authorized by the school administration.

 

NOTE: electronic devices (such as:  radios, CD & tape players, cassettes, CDs, video games, pagers, cell phones) are not part of the regular school program and should be left at home.  In some instances, students may need an item for after school purposes.  In these instances, items should not be powered on during the school day and are the responsibility of the individual student.  The school will not be responsible for items that are lost or stolen.

 

Faculty members have been requested to take any items that disrupt the school day to the office.  Parents will need to come to school for the return of these items.

 

 

Cell  Phone  Policy

 

Cell phones are not to be seen, heard or used during school hours.  School hours are defined as the period of time between the first tardy bell in the morning to the last dismissal bell in the afternoon.  When a student enters the CCMS campus, the cell phone is to be turned off.   Phones may be turned on after 3:00 p.m.

 

Consequences for cell phone violation:

1st Offense – Phone confiscated till end of day, Parent Contacted

2nd Offense – Phone confiscated for 3 weeks (15 days) , Parent Contacted

3rd Offense – Phone confiscated for 6 weeks (30 days) , Parent Contacted

4th Offense – Phone confiscated for 9 weeks (45 days) , Parent Contacted

5th Offense – Phone confiscated for 12 weeks (60 days) , Parent Contacted

·                per board policy

 

Note:  The school will not be responsible for items that are lost or stolen.

 

Library Media Center

 

Coffee County Middle School students are fortunate to have an established library of over 10,000 books and reference materials.  The library receives subscriptions to 45 magazines as well as The Manchester Times  and The Tennessean.

Students may check out their books according to the following rules:

a.   Books are due one week from the day they are checked out.  Books may be renewed.

b.   Students are charged five cents for each day they fail to return the book after the date due.

c.   If a student has lost a book, he/she should report it to the librarian and the overdue fine will stop.  If the book is not found by the end of the semester, payment for the book is expected.

d. Reference materials may be checked out with special permission. Please be considerate of others and return materials on time so that others may use them.

 

Students who wish to use the computers in the library for research will need to provide their own disk and paper.

 

 

 

 

Lockers and Locks

 

All lockers are subject to search.  Lockers should be kept neat and free from accumulated trash.  They are the property of Coffee County Middle School and may be checked periodically by teachers, principals, and/or law enforcement officials.  Failure to maintain the locker properly (as determined by the homeroom teacher) will result in the loss of locker privileges.  Items are not to be placed on top of lockers.

 

Book bags and large coats are to be left in the locker during the school day.  All personal items should have the student's name on it.  Lockers are not to be changed or shared.

 

Students are advised to keep locks on lockers.  Homeroom teachers must be provided with a copy of the combination or a duplicate key, or a student will lose their locker privileges until they provide the homeroom teacher with the necessary items.

 

Lost and Found

 

You may check for or report lost articles (except for clothing) in the office.  All found articles (except for clothing) should be turned in to the office.

 

Medication

 

For the protection of both the ill or injured child and the staff, no school official shall dispense medication of any kind to students except in unique situations in which a child's health is dependent upon emergency aid.

 

All students who take medication during the school day must have appropriate documentation for self-administration.  This includes all prescription medications and all over-the-counter medications (such as aspirin, cough drops, eye drops, and nasal spray).

 

The student's parent or guardian must give permission in writing for school personnel to assist with self-administration of medications for any medication used during the school day.  The prescribing physician must also give written permission including name of medication, dosage, time, and possible side effects along with their signature.  The written form must match the medication bottle provided by the pharmacy.  At no time will the Coffee County School System administer any prescription or over-the-counter medication without appropriate documentation.  This is for the safety of the student.

 

Medications are to be brought to school and picked up in their original container provided by the pharmacy and by the student's parent or guardian.  It is the parent's responsibility to bring their child's medication to school.  Failure to do so is a violation of the system-wide drug policy.  Under no circumstance will medications be transported on the school bus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nondiscrimination Policy

 

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR ALL COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOLS

 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973 require school districts to have officially adopted policy statements of nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, handicap, national origin and race.

 

          “It is the policy of the Coffee County School System not to discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment policies as required by Titles VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

     It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and lifestyles open to women as well as men in our society.  One of the objectives of the total curriculum and teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate bias on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, religion and disability.  The curriculum should foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country and an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as member of a pluralistic society.”

 

Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 may be directed to:

               Deputy Director of Schools

             Coffee County Board of Education

                  1343 McArthur Street

                  Manchester, TN  37355

                  Phone: 723-5150

 

 

 

  Free Appropriate Education Policy

 

Homeless Children & Youth Have the Right to a Free, Appropriate Public Education

 

Who is homeless:

   Anyone who, due to a lack of housing, lives

·        In emergency or transitional shelters

·        In motels, hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds, abandoned in hospitals, or awaiting foster care

·        In cars, parks, public places, bus or train stations, or abandoned buildings

·        Doubled up with relatives or friends

·        Migratory children living in these conditions

Where can homeless children and youth attend school?

·        The school the children attended before becoming homeless or was last enrolled in (school of origin)

·        The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is temporarily living

            How can delays be avoided when enrolling a homeless child or youth in school?

·        Homeless children must be enrolled immediately

·        If school records are unavailable, ask that the records be sent electronically or shared over the phone.

·        Ask that a student’s immunization record be transferred over the phone from the sending school to the receiving school

·        Contact your school district, principal, counselor, or local homeless education liaison with any concerns.

 

For additional information, contact Mr. Joe Pedigo at the Superintendent's Office.

 

Student Rights and Services

 

Tennessee Department Of Education Contact Information:  Answers to many questions and much helpful information may be obtained from the State Department of Education by calling 1-888-212-3162 or visiting http://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/index.htm

 

Legal Services Division

Division of Special Education, TN Department of Education

710 James Robertson Parkway

Andrew Johnson Tower, 5th Floor

Nashville, TN 37243-0380

1-615-741-2851

 

Promotion/Retention Policy

 

In order to be considered for promotion at the end of the regular school year, students in grades 6-8 must achieve a 70 average or above in at least four of the five following subjects--Language Arts, Mathematics,  Science,  Physical Education. and Social Studies--and must pass at least one semester of their Related Arts. 

 

Recognition

 

Students will be recognized at Coffee County Middle School in a variety of ways.  These include: 

GOLD ROLL:  To be eligible for the Gold Honor Roll, a student must have no grade below a 93.

SILVER ROLL:  To be eligible for the Silver Honor Roll, a student must have no grade below 93 except for one grade which must be at least an 85.  The citizenship grade must be the status of   “satisfactory”

BRONZE ROLL:  To be eligible for the Bronze Honor Roll, a student must have no grade below an 85.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE:  To be eligible for the Perfect Attendance Certificate at the end of the school year, a student must have been present each school day with no check-ins or check-outs.  (Note:  the report card does not accurately reflect a student's perfect attendance status.)

ACADEMIC  RECOGNITION:  Students who make either the Gold Roll or the Silver Roll three times out of four (first three quarters and the semester) will be eligible to attend either the Academic Recognition Ceremony for grades six, seven, and eight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report Cards and Progress Reports

 

Progress Reports are issued in the middle of each nine weeks.  Report cards are issued approximately eight school days after the end of the nine-week grading period.  A second duplicate will have to be obtained from the principal.  Report cards and Progress Reports are expected to be returned within five school days of being issued.  Any student caught with altered grades or having duplicate report cards without permission will be referred to the Principal or Assistant Principal.

 

School Clothing Standards

 

The CCMS school clothing standards are designed to give clear guidelines due to increasing concerns of staff, parents, and students.  Current fashions are at times very revealing and can be inappropriate to be worn at school.  Students’ dress and grooming shall be appropriate, clean, and neat.  It is expected that a student’s appearance and personal hygiene will not be a distraction to others nor interfere with learning.  School clothing standards apply to ALL school events.  The administration and teachers have the right to determine if attire or appearance is inappropriate for school.  In matters of opinion, the judgment of building administration will prevail.  Teachers and administration have the authority to take appropriate action when violations of these dress standards occur.  School Clothing Standards are subject to modification at any time.  

 

1.  Dress that is disturbing or distracting in school is inappropriate.

 

2.  Students’ dress and grooming shall be appropriate, clean, and neat. 

 

3.  All clothing should be size appropriate.

 

4.  Skirts, shorts, and skorts (a skirt-shorts combination) must reach or extend to a

      minimum length of 4” above the center of the kneecap (even when worn with  

      leggings).

 

5.  All pants must be worn at the waist:  no sagging or low-riding.

 

6.  Pants, shorts, etc. should have no slogans across the seat.

 

7.  Torn clothing is prohibited.  Any jeans with holes must have a permanent patch.

 

8.  Undershirts and tank tops must be worn with another cover-up shirt.  Shoulders,

     backs, chests, and midriffs must be covered.  No low-cut tops are allowed.  Shirts

     must be long enough to be tucked in if requested.

 

  9.  Clothing that advertises substances that are illegal for teens (drugs, alcohol, tobacco

  products) or that is otherwise inappropriate (sex, profanity, weapons, etc.) is not

  allowed.

 

10.  Clothing or possessions which promote/display inappropriate messages are not

       allowed. Apparel with lewd, vulgar, obscene, or suggestive language/design is not

       allowed.

 

11.  No see-through clothing is allowed.

 

12.  Any dress, apparel, or jewelry worn to school that might indicate “gang affiliation”

       or could be interpreted as having “gang affiliation” is prohibited.

 

13.  Any dress, apparel, or jewelry that has rings, spikes, or chains is not allowed.

 

14.  Visible body piercing jewelry except for earrings is not allowed.  Band-aids will not

       be allowed to cover  piercings.  

 

15.  Tattoos that display drugs, sex, alcohol, or tobacco products must not be visible at

       any time.

 

16.  Top coats may not be worn.  No more than one lightweight outer garment with

       pockets may be worn.

 

17.  Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times:  no house shoes, etc.

 

18.  Head coverings such as bandanas, scarves, sweatbands, caps, “do-rags,” or hair nets

       can not be worn or seen during school times or functions.  Except as approved by the

       principal on an individual basis.

 

19.  No radical or extreme hairstyles or hair colors that may cause disruption will be

       allowed.

 

20.  Eyes are a reflection of a student’s health and attention.  Therefore, hair must be

       brushed, or combed so that both eyes are visible at all times.

 

·        School personnel reserve the right to ban or not allow any attire or grooming that might be disruptive.

 

For Physical Education classes, all students are required to wear gym shorts or sweats and a shirt for class.  Girls are to have red pants or shorts and a solid white shirt.  Boys are to have black pants or shorts and a solid white shirt.  Students are to have their first and last name on the front and back of their shirt in large letters.  All students must dress for class whether they participate or not.

 

CONSEQUENCES for violations of the School Clothing Standards:

1.  First violation – A warning will be given to the student.  The student will do what is necessary to correct the dress code violation.  Parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing to school if needed.  If a parent is not available, student will be provided with “loaner clothes” if available.

 

2. Repeated violations – Repeated violations in dress code, or the refusal to follow the direction of the administrator/teacher regarding the code will result in more extreme disciplinary action.  This may include ISD or suspension.

 

Student Conduct

 

All school personnel have the right and the responsibility to enforce school rules.  All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects self-respect and consideration for the rights and property of others.

 

All school rules, including dress code, apply at any school activity--this includes before and after school events and indoor and outdoor activities.

 

The following conduct is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from school:

 

1.   Students shall not engage in disorderly conduct.  Examples of disorderly conduct include, but are not limited to:

      a.   Running in hallways.

      b.   Making unreasonable noise.

      c.   Using language or gestures that is profane, lewd, vulgar, or abusive.

      d.   Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

      e.   Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community.

      f.    Trespassing.

      g.   Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or internet/intranet account; assessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of Coffee County Schools' Acceptable Use Policy.

 

2.   Students shall not engage in conduct that is insubordinate.  Examples of insubordinate conduct include, but are not limited to:

      a.   Failing to comply with directions of teachers, school administrators, or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.

      b.   Lateness for, missing or leaving school without permission.

      c.   Skipping detention.

 

3.   Students shall not engage in conduct that is violent.  Examples of violent conduct include, but are not limited to:

      a.   Assault.

      b.   Battery.

      c.   Possessing a weapon.  Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function.

      d.   Displaying what appears to be a weapon (look-a-likes).

      e.   Threatening to use any weapon.

      f.    Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of another.

      g.   Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.

 

4.   Students shall not engage in conduct that endangers the safety, health, or welfare of others.  Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to:

      a.   Lying to school personnel.

      b.   Stealing the property of another.

      c.   Discrimination, which includes the use of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, or disability as a basis for treating another in a negative manner.

      d.   Harassment.

      e.   Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.

      f.    Hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity, organization, club, or team.

      g.   Selling, using, or possessing obscene material.

      h.   Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing, or swearing.

      i.    Smoking or use of tobacco.  Possession of tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia.

      j.    Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing, or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either.  "Illegal substances" include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alike drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as "designer drugs."

      k.   Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

      l.    Gambling.

      m.  Indecent exposure

      n.   False reporting of a fire, bomb, or other danger.  Misuse of all or other emergency protocols.  Misuse of fire or other safety equipment.

 

5.   Students shall not engage in misconduct while on a school bus.  It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on buses to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver.  Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior.  Excessive noise, pushing, shoving, and fighting, or other misconduct will not be tolerated.

 

6.   Students shall not engage in any form of academic misconduct.  Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

      a.   Plagiarism.

      b.   Cheating.

      c.   Copying.

      d.   Altering records.

      e.   Assisting another student in any of the above actions.

 

Other Student Expectations:

IN HALLS:  Loitering in the halls before and between classes causes tardiness and invites trouble.  Crowded hallways leave no room for running, shoving, or horseplay.  Homeroom teachers should demonstrate how to close lockers properly,  Lockers are not slammed shut.  Students are not permitted in areas of the building away from their team without teacher approval.  Students are to have a hall pass if they are in the halls during class time. 

 

IN ASSEMBLIES:  Coffee County tradition means that courtesy is always automatic!  Entering and leaving the gym is done in a quiet and orderly way.  The appearance of someone on stage or at the microphone is the automatic signal for silence.  Whistling and booing are always in poor taste.  Students will be dismissed from the gym two rows at a time by team.

 

BOY-GIRL RELATIONSHIPS:  This is a natural part of growing up; however, the school cannot permit obvious or open displays of affection, such as kissing, hand-holding, "arm-around," and so forth.  This policy also applies to school grounds, field trips, and school-sponsored activities.

 

OTHER RELATIONSHIPS:  Students are not always in pleasant situations and must learn how to deal with circumstances that may arise.  Fighting, obscene gestures, or name calling are never ways to solve problems.  Respect should always be shown to other students as well as school personnel and staff.

 

DRINKS, Candy, & GUM:  Students will be permitted to have snacks only at designated times.  No drinks may be brought from home in resealable containers (note:  two-liter bottles may be brought for pre-approved, designated events.  The bottles MUST still be sealed when given to the teacher).  Resealable drinks purchased after gym must be consumed prior to leaving gymnasium.  Chewing gum or candy is not allowed anywhere at any time during school hours unless there is a special school event that allows it.

 

CLASSROOM INTERNET USE:  Students will be required to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. Students are not permitted to chat/Instant Message at school.

 

BALLGAMES:  Stay off the court or field.  Do not boo, stomp on the bleachers, or throw objects in any direction.  Long after the ball game is forgotten, students' conduct will be remembered.

 

GENERAL CONDUCT:  Common sense usually tells us what is and is not acceptable behavior.  Just because the "rule book" does not specifically identify a certain behavior does not mean that such behavior is all right.  The principal and the staff have the right to determine whether or not a student's conduct is acceptable.  "Horseplay" is both dangerous and disruptive, and will not be tolerated.

 

THE BUILDING:  Students are expected to not misuse the building or its contents.  Destroying or defacing any property belonging to the school, a teacher, or another student is not permitted.  Students are encouraged to help keep the building and school grounds free from litter.  Any intentional damaging or defacing of school property (including buses) will result in payment by the student/parent for the cost of repair or replacement.  Other disciplinary action may also be appropriate.

 

OTHER:  In addition to these school rules (and any others not in this handbook that are deemed necessary), students at CCMS are also guided by policies of the Coffee County Board of Education, the Minimum Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee State Board of Education, and state law.

 

Any student who steals the property of others will be suspended from school.  Any student who is guilty of this offense may be charged by the administration and taken before the Juvenile Court System of Coffee County.  This also applies to any student who is guilty of having stolen property in his/her possession.

 

 

Telephone

 

Students will not be called to the phone from class unless the message is urgent.  Please do not use the phone unless it is absolutely necessary.  If it is necessary to use the phone after school, or at school activities, use the phone at the front entrance.  Students are not permitted to use the phone except between classes.  Students are not permitted to use the phone to ask their parents to come and pick them up.  Any call to parents to pick up a student because of sickness or any other reason must be made through the Nurse’s Office before 2:30.  Students are not to come to the Attendance Office until after the end of first period to make phone calls home.

 

Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol, Pyrotechnics, and Weapons

 

It is a violation of school board policy to USE or POSSESS alcohol, drugs, paraphernalia, tobacco, pyrotechnics, or weapons.  This also includes items designed or intended to resemble the above.  Any prescription drugs taken at school may be taken only under school guidelines (see the section on "Medication").  Pyrotechnics are defined as matches, lighters, fireworks, or ammunition.  Weapons include pocket knives.

Updates

 

All policies and procedures cannot adequately be set down in writing.  The school administration, therefore, reserves the right to eliminate, change, or add to these policies when notification is given.

 

Visitors

 

Visitors are welcome to visit our school.  To ensure the safety of our students, all visitors must report to the Principal's Office immediately upon entering the building with the exception of those who have business in the Guidance Office.

 

Warning--Asbestos

 

An environmental engineering firm inspected CCMS in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for asbestos-containing materials.

 

Asbestos-containing materials are located within CCMS.  Located in the Principal's Office is a list and a drawing of the areas in CCMS that have asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM).  Procedures have been taken to help control the potential risk that may be associated with airborne asbestos fibers.  Warning posters and labels have been placed at all locations where asbestos has been found.

 

For additional information, contact Joe  Pedigo, Asbestos Program Manager, at the Superintendent's Office.