MISSION STATEMENT AND ACCREDITATION
DeKalb Middle Schools mission
is wiring students to learn, achieve, and succeed. DeKalb Middle School is accredited as a middle school by Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Tennessee State Department of
Education.
DeKalb Middle School exists
to serve the children of DeKalb County and to make society better for all. We believe that all children can learn. In response to its mission, DeKalb Middle
School will maintain a strong curriculum and high standards of capabilities and
talents. The administration and staff of DeKalb Middle School believe that the
most important thing we can do for our students is to help them develop a
positive self-concept. Every student
will be recognized as a unique individual.
Since learning is an individual matter, the learner will be helped to
assume responsibility for his or her learning.
All students are capable of intellectual growth. Along with the teaching of basic skills,
emphasis will be placed on helping students develop personal values, social
attitudes, and group behaviors. By
being a guiding influence, the teacher will try to help each child find his or
her place in this changing society through exploration, discovery, creativity,
and self-discipline. Fundamental to
this philosophy is a rapport between students and their peers; students and
staff; faculty and co-workers; and the school and community.
The faculty and staff of
DeKalb Middle School believe that:
1.
A
child’s education is the shared responsibility of parents, teachers, community,
and students.
2.
We
believe that all students should have the right to a safe and secure learning
environment.
3.
Each
student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and
intellectual needs.
4.
All
children have the right to learn, to succeed, and to become productive citizens
based on their abilities.
5.
Positive
attitude and self-respect are the foundation of a well-balanced education.
6.
Students
learn best when given appropriate opportunities for success.
The Mission Statement and Statements of Belief
of DeKalb Middle School are closely aligned with the mission and goals of the
DeKalb County School System. Please
visit DeKalb Middle School on-line at www.DeKalbMiddleSchoolSaints.com.
The policies and procedures contained in the
handbook are the results of a concerted effort on the part of the faculty and
the administration. This information
has been carefully prepared and presented so that it will be of great value in
helping you to adjust to our school and to become an integral part of it. The ultimate purpose of education is to help
each student become an effective and happy citizen. Developing and accepting the responsibilities and obligations of
good citizenship will help us to participate successfully in the world
tomorrow. We hope that you will
participate in our varied activities and thus find those things within our
school, which will prepare you to live a better life. Remember that your success in this school will depend largely
upon your efforts. The policies set forth in this student handbook apply during
regular school hours, sports events, field trips, and other school sponsored
activities.
1.
All
students are expected to conduct themselves in such a way as to cast a good
reflection on their parents, their home, and school. Additionally, their behavior should reflect self-respect and
consideration for the rights and property of others.
2.
All
DeKalb Middle School staff members have not only the right but also the
responsibility and duty to reprimand or correct a student who is
misbehaving. Disrespect to any staff
member will result in strict disciplinary action.
3.
Students
should be present and on time each day.
Daily attendance and punctuality are essential for good work and
progress. A call may be made to each
student’s home or parent’s workplace on the day of an absence to verify the
absence.
4.
The
school encourages wholesome boy/girl relationships. Such friendships are natural and normal. However, all students to avoid violation of
accepted standards of behavior should use discretion. Visiting secluded areas with arms around each other, kissing,
holding hands, or any other public demonstration of affection or physical
contact is not acceptable at school.
5.
Students
should walk in an orderly manner inside the building. Running, walking fast, and loud noises are not permitted inside
the building.
6.
Cell
phones, radios, ipods, laser pointers or other items that could cause
disruption should not be brought to school unless authorized by the principal.
7.
Students
should not trade, swap, sale, or take orders for any items while on school
property.
8.
Obscene
or vulgar language or thievery will not be tolerated.
9.
No
beverages are to be taken into the carpeted areas of the building. Water, however, is permitted inside the
classroom.
10.
The
office telephone is for school business and may be used by students in cases of
emergencies. Permission and a pass must
be obtained from a teacher prior to using the telephone.
11.
Mid
9-week reports are sent out each nine (9) weeks to be signed by the parents and
returned by the students within a three-day period of time. May teachers provide weekly progress reports
through e-mail.
92 – 100 A E - Excellent
83 – 91 B S
- Satisfactory
75 – 82 C U
– Unsatisfactory
70 – 74 D
Below 70 F
Incomplete I
DeKalb Middle School designed and implements
an “Incomplete” work policy. Students
are expected to complete all assigned work.
Any work that is incomplete or unsatisfactory will require the student
to redo the work and submit it to his/her teacher. At any time a student has an “Incomplete” he/she will be excluded
from all extracurricular activities during or after school hours (ex.
ballgames, dances, field trips, etc.).
Regular
attendance and punctuality are essential for success in school as well as any
vocation chosen in life. Parents are
encouraged to schedule doctor and dentist appointments after school hours. When a student has five unexcused absences,
they will be referred to the Attendance Supervisor. An excessive number of unexcused absences will be grounds for
legal action in accordance with the attendance laws of Tennessee. An excessive number of absences may result
in the school requiring a doctor’s excuse for every absence. Five (5) unexcused absences during the
school will be reported to the Attendance Supervisor. The four (4) conditions under which a child’s absence from school
shall be excused are:
1.
Student’s
personal illness (a physician’s statement may be required).
2.
Death
in family.
3.
Special,
recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of the child’s
faith.
4.
Extenuating
circumstances, when upon the written request of the parent or guardian, in the
discretion of the principal and/or, when necessary, the Attendance Review
Board, composed by Director of Schools, Supervisor of Special Education, and
the Attendance Supervisor.
Upon returning to school after an absence, the
student shall bring a doctor or dentist statement or a note from home signed by
the parent or guardian, explaining the reason for the absence. The homeroom teacher will fill out an
absentee form and attach the note or statement to the form to be turned in to
the office. The student is expected to
make up all missed work. If a student is out for an extended period of time,
the parent may call the office to request that the student’s teacher’s lesson
plans to be copied, which can be picked up after 2:00 PM. Also, time absent from school because of
tardies and leaving school early will accumulate on the student’s attendance
record, even though the absence or tardy may be excused. However, if a student is tardy or leaves
school early very often, this can add up to a whole day’s absence after a
period of time. A student can only
qualify for perfect attendance is if he/she is present at school from 7:45 AM
till 2:45 PM every day.
Students should report to school on time and
be on time for each class throughout the day.
School begins at 7:45 AM. All
students tardy to school after the 7:45 AM bell, which marks the beginning of
homeroom, must report to the office to sign in and receive a tardy slip to be
given to the appropriate teacher. The consequences
for tardiness in a given semester are a follows:
1.
1st
– 5th = Warning
2.
5th
& Additional tardies = Before School Detention, After School Detention, or
In-School Suspension
Any student tardy beyond five (5) times in a
semester will be considered a chronic tardy student and more drastic
disciplinary action will be considered.
If a
student needs to leave school during the day, the parent or guardian must come into
the office and request that the child be excused. Students may NOT be picked up by anyone other than
parents or guardians unless the school has been given written permission from
the parent or guardian.
Everyone at DeKalb Middle School is expected
to dress each day with good taste. All
attire must meet normal standards and pose no threat to safety, health or call
attention in a way that disrupts the academic process. Students shall observe the following
guidelines:
1.
Body
cleanliness is required at all times.
2.
Headbands,
do-rags, and sunglasses are not to be worn at school.
3.
Shoes
are to be worn at all times.
4.
The
back, shoulders, and mid-section of the body are to be covered at all
times. Tank tops, tube tops, strapless
tops, spaghetti straps, or muscle shirts are not permitted. Clothes that are too tight are not
permitted, and low cut tops are not permitted.
5.
Shorts,
skirts, and dresses must be not shorter than four (4) inches above the
knee. Cut off shorts, spandex shorts,
and boxer shorts are prohibited.
6.
Mesh/see-through
clothing is not to be worn at school.
Clothing that is cut-off, shredded, or has holes in it is prohibited.
7.
Clothing
or jewelry with suggestive or offensive lettering, pictures, or symbols will
not be permitted. Clothing with scenes
of violence including wrestling shirts, vulgarity, sex, alcoholic beverages,
tobacco, skulls, crossbones, gang, or drug depictions will not be allowed. Clothing with musical artists is not
permitted.
8.
Proper
undergarments are to be worn at all times.
9.
Excessive
baggy pants are not to be worn to school.
Trousers and shorts must be worn and secured at the waistline. Pants should not drag the floor.
10.
Inappropriate
make-up, hair color, or visible body markings are not permitted.
11.
Body
piercings other than ears are prohibited.
12.
No
long chains around the neck or on clothing should be worn; any jewelry that can
be used as a weapon will not be allowed.
13.
All
groups will follow the dress code policy.
Administrators and teachers will check students
for dress code violations at the beginning of school and during first
period. Even though violations of the
dress code are rare, when a violation is committed the following procedures
will be followed:
1.
1st
violation – student may call parent to bring appropriate clothing to school.
2.
2nd
violation – student may call parent to bring appropriate clothing and will be
required to attend one (1) day of In-school Suspension.
3.
3rd
violation – In-School Suspension, After School Detention, or Before School
Detention.
4.
4th
violation – In-School Suspension, After School Detention or Before School
Detention.
5.
5th
violation – Suspension (up to 3 days).
6.
At
times it becomes necessary for a child to take prescription or non-prescription
medication while at school. The
medication, along with the completed necessary form, must be delivered to the
school in person by a parent or guardian of the student unless the medication
must be retained by the student for immediate administration (i.e., student
with asthma). At the end of the school
year, parents are responsible for picking up all medicine not taken by the
student.
DeKalb
Middle School will be a safe place for all students. Fighting among students is a form of violence and will not be
tolerated at school. Fighting will
result in suspension for up to ten (10) days.
DeKalb Middle School is a safe school free of violence and threats of
violence. Bullying is a violent
behavior that will not be tolerated at DMS.
Bullying makes for an unsafe learning environment and is not acceptable
behavior at school or during any school sponsored event. Any student engaging in bullying behavior
will receive disciplinary action ranging from verbal reprimand to expulsion.
THREATENING, HARRASSING,
INTIMIDATING
Every
student has the right to feel safe at school.
Threatening, harassing, or intimidating another student will not be
tolerated. A student found guilty of
threatening, harassing, or intimidating another student will result in
disciplinary action ranging from verbal reprimand to suspension and/or
expulsion dependent on the severity of the offense and the offenders prior
record.
All
uses of tobacco and tobacco products, including smokeless, are prohibited in
all of the school district’s buildings.
Smoking shall be prohibited in any public seating area, including but
not limited to, bleachers used for sporting events or public restrooms. The use of tobacco or tobacco products,
including smokeless tobacco, will be prohibited in all vehicles, owned, leased,
or operated by the district. District
students enrolled in the district’s schools will not be permitted to use
tobacco or tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, while they are
participants in any class or activity in which they represent the school
district. The school principal/resource officer shall issue any student who
possesses tobacco products a citation.
The Director of Schools, in cooperation with the juvenile court and the
local police/sheriff’s department, is responsible for developing procedures for
issuance of the citations, which shall include the content of citations and
methods of handling completed citations. Parents and students shall be notified
of these citation requirements at the beginning of each school year. Signs will be posted throughout the
district’s facilities to notify students, employees and all other persons
visiting the school that the use of tobacco and tobacco products is
forbidden. The following notice shall
be prominently posted (including ticket booths) for elementary or secondary
school sporting events: “Smoking is prohibited by law in seating areas and in
restrooms”. Any student violating this
policy shall be subject to the citation as prescribed in Tennessee Code
Annotated 39-17-0505 and the following punishment:
·
First
Offense – Parent/school official conference and before or after school
detention.
·
Second
Offense – Maximum 10 day In-School Suspension.
·
Third
Offense – Assigned or remanded to the Alternative School for the remainder of
the school year.
Students
shall be provided a learning environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic, and
religious discrimination/harassment. It
shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or any student to
discriminate against or harass a student through disparaging conduct or
communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious in nature. The following guidelines are set forth to
protect students from discrimination/harassment.
Student
discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated. Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct, advances,
gestures, or words either written or spoken of a sexual, racial, ethnic, or
religious nature which:
1.
Unreasonably
interfere with the student’s work or educational opportunities.
2.
Create
an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment.
3.
Imply
that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of
receiving grades or credit.
4.
Imply
that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for
determining the student’s grades and/or participation in a student activity.
Alleged victims of sexual, racial, ethnic and
religious discrimination/harassment shall report these incidents immediately to
a teacher, counselor, or building administrator. Allegations of discrimination or harassment shall be fully
investigated by a complaint manager. The privacy and anonymity of all parties
and witnesses to complaints will be respected.
However, because an individual’s need for confidentiality must be
balanced with obligations to cooperate with police investigation or legal
proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough
investigation or to take necessary action to resolve a complaint, the identity
of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to
individuals with a need to know. A substantiated charge against an employee
shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. A substantiated charge against a student may
result in corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension.
There will be no retaliation against any person who reports harassment or
participates in an investigation.
However, any employee who refuses to cooperate or gives false
information during the course of any investigation may be subject to
disciplinary action. The willful
filling of a false report will itself be considered harassment and treated as
such. Any student disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal in
accordance with disciplinary policies and procedures. This policy shall be published in the parent/student handbook
distributed annually to every student.
Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their
respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of
discrimination/harassment.
1.
Filing
a complaint:
Any student of this school district who wishes to
file a written or oral discrimination/harassment grievance against another
student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded, if
possible) complaint with the complaint manager. Students may also report an allegation of
discrimination/harassment to any teacher or other adult employed in the school
who shall inform a complaint manager of the allegation. The complaint should include the following
information:
a.
Identity
of the alleged victim and person accused.
b.
Location,
date, time, and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
c.
Description
of what happened.
d.
Identity
of witnesses.
e.
Any
other evidence available.
2.
Investigation:
Within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the
student’s complaint, the complaint manager shall notify the complaining
student’s parent/guardian and the principal who shall inform the Director of
Schools. The parent/guardian shall be
given the right to attend an interview of the student in a non-intimidating
environment in order to elicit full disclosure of the student’s allegations. This interview shall take place within five
(5) school days from the time the complaint was first made. If no parent/guardian attends the interview,
another adult, mutually agreed upon by the student and the complaint manager,
shall attend and serve as the student’s advocate. After a complete investigation, if the allegations are
substantiated, immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action
shall be initiated. The complaint and
identity of the complainant will not be disclosed except (1) as required by law
or this policy, or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3)
as authorized by the complainant. A
school representative will meet with and advise the complainant regarding the
findings, and whether corrective measures and/or disciplinary action were
taken. Copies of the report will be
sent to the student, principal, Federal Rights Coordinator and Director of
School. One copy shall be kept in the
complaint manager’s file for one (1) year beyond the student’s eighteenth (18)
birthday. The Director of Schools shall
deep the Board informed of complaints.
2.
Decision
and Appeal:
If the complaint is not in agreement with the
findings of fact as reported by the complaint manager, an appeal may be made
within five (5) workdays to the Director of Schools. The Director of Schools will review the investigation, make any
corrective action deemed necessary and provide a written response to the
complainant. If the complainant is not
in agreement with the Director of Schools finding of facts, appeal may be made
to the Board of Education within (5) working days. The board shall, within thirty (30) days from the date of appeal
was received, review the investigation and the actions of the Director of
Schools and may support, amend, or overturn the actions based upon review and
report their decision in writing to the complainant.
The
Director of Schools shall appoint at least two complaint managers, one of each
gender. The Federal Rights Coordinator
may serve as a complaint manager. The
Director of Schools shall insert into this policy the names, address and
telephone number of current complaint managers.
This policy shall be published in the
parent/student handbook distributed annually to every student. Building administrators are responsible for
educating and training their respective staff and students as the definition
and recognition of discrimination/harassment.
The
current complaint managers are:
Mr. Clay Farler, Complaint
Manager Mrs.
Gina Arnold, Complaint Manager
110 South Public Square 110
South Public Square
Smithville, TN 37166 Smithville, TN 37166
615-215-2102 615-215-2105
State
law prohibits any type of weapon on school grounds or property. The maximum penalty for violation of this
law is up to five years imprisonment and a $2,500.00 fine. Law enforcement officers will be notified
when this law is violated.
The
penalty for the possession of a gun shall be a one-year suspension from
school. Prior to the beginning of the
succeeding school year in which the suspension began, the student shall be
given a hearing to show cause why he should be readmitted at the beginning of
the school year.
Students
are responsible for the proper care of all books supplied by the school. T.C.A. 49-609 allows schools to withhold all
grade cards, diploma, certificates of progress, or transcripts until
restitution is made for lost or damaged textbooks. Any student found guilty of marking, carving, defacing, or
abusing the building and /or equipment will be subject to disciplinary action
which will include restitution; in addition, a written assignment, paddling,
suspension, or request for expulsion may be included.
Riding
the school bus is a privilege to students.
However, the privilege may be removed for disruptive and unsatisfactory
conduct. All students being transported
are under the authority of the school bus driver and must obey reasonable
orders from the driver, including sitting in seats assigned by the driver. The following rules and regulations insure
the safest, most enjoyable and efficient transportation for all students:
1.
Students
must be at bus stop on time. Students
should be at bus stop at least 5 minutes before bus arrives. The bus operates on a fixed schedule.
2.
While
waiting at the bus stop, students must wait on sidewalk, driveway, or as far
off traveled portion of the road as possible.
3.
Students
must wait in an orderly manner and wait until bus comes to a complete stop
before approaching the bus.
4.
If
it is necessary to cross street or roadway, students must wait until driver
signals them to cross and cross 10 – 15 feet in front of the bus to ensure that
the driver sees them.
5.
Students
must enter bus single file and be seated as quickly as possible.
6.
Upon
leaving the bus, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before standing to
exit. Standing is not permitted on a
moving bus.
7.
Exit
single file in an orderly manner and walk away from the bus.
8.
Upon
leaving the bus, cross the road in front and never behind the bus. Make sure
all traffic stops.
9.
The
bus driver shall be responsible for the order and conduct of the pupils
transported.
10. The bus driver has the
responsibility to assign seats and will be directed to do so as a matter of
policy.
11. Pupils should obey promptly
and willingly any reasonable directive of the driver.
12. Outside of ordinary
conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed. Vulgar language or gestures
are not permitted. The school bus is an
extension to the classroom.
13. Pupils must remain seated
with feet on the floor in front of them; not in the aisle or draped over the
seat back. Students must sit facing
forward while the bus is in motion as if they were wearing seatbelts.
14. Students may not board or
depart from a bus at any other stop than that which has been properly
authorized by parents or school authorities.
15. Pupils will not extend hands,
arms, heads, or objects from the bus window at any time.
16. Pupils are not permitted to
shout or gesture to passing vehicles or pedestrians from the bus.
17. Students may adjust windows
only when permitted to do so by the driver.
18. Pupils may not throw any
object including trash or paper from within or out of the bus while waiting
for, riding, or after leaving the bus.
A trashcan is usually provided.
19. Pupils must never sit in
driver’s seat, doghouse, or step area and never tamper with any operating
equipment.
20. Pupils may not exit from the
emergency door unless directed to do so by the bus driver.
21. EATING AND DRINKING FOOD AND
BEVERAGES ON THE BUS IS PROHIBITED. Neither
food nor liquids are permitted on the bus except those stored in school lunch
bags or lunch pails.
22. The use of tobacco, drugs, or
alcohol in any form shall not be permitted on the bus.
23. Animals, knives, matches,
lighters, flowers, balloons, hats and caps, radios, CD players, firearms
including cap and water pistols, explosives, glass, and other similar items
creating a safety hazard are not permitted on the bus. Necessary schoolbooks and backpacks are
permitted. Other items can and will be
taken away from pupils at driver’s discretion.
24. Students needing to ride any
bus other than their regular assigned bus must give a note to their bus driver
from their principal or parent.
25. Students desiring to take
another student home with them who does not normally ride a particular bus must
obtain prior permission from the bus driver or authorization from their
principal to assure the bus is not overloaded.
26. Teachers and coaches,
especially sponsors of activity trips, need to be aware of bus regulations.
27. Absolute quiet is required at
railroad crossings. The driver will
turn off all radios, fans; heaters, etc. and illuminate the dome light to alert
students to be quiet. This is a
requirement of the State of Tennessee, Pupil Transportation Division, and
DeKalb County School Bus System.
28. Any vandalism to the interior
or exterior of the bus is prohibited and will require payments for amount of
damage along with bus suspension.
29. Fighting, hitting, pinching,
etc. is not permitted and will be dealt with accordingly.
30. All Dekalb County School
Buses are equipped with Silent Witness camera systems. These cameras record at all times and video
will be used as needed to settle misbehavior problems on the bus.
31.
PENALTY OF MISBEHAVIOR ON BUS IS AT THE DISCRETION
OF PRINCIPAL OF SUCH SCHOOL DEPENDING ON CIRCUMSTANCES.
Minor
violations such as getting out of seat, pushing/tripping/excessive mischief,
etc will receive the following discipline:
1st Offense – 1-Day
Suspension
2nd Offense – 3 Days
Suspension
3rd Offense – 10 Days
Suspension
4th Offense –
Suspended for Balance of School Year
Major
violations such as fighting/assault, smoking, and obscene language will receive
the following discipline:
1st Offense – 5 Days
Suspension
2nd Offense – 10 Days
Suspension
3rd Offense –
Suspended for Balance of School Year
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
The
regular teachers may be absent from time to time. However, DeKalb Middle School is fortunate to have capable
substitutes to help us with our school program. A substitute teacher is an important person in our school, and
such is entitled to all the respect, courtesy, and cooperation as the regular
teacher. Students who are disrespectful
or uncooperative with substitute teachers will be subject to strict
disciplinary action.
CAFETERIA
The
cafeteria, besides being a lunchroom, is also a place where good human
relations can be developed. Students
should observe the following rules and pay close attention to the teacher’s
instructions in order to insure a proper lunchtime.
1.
Normal
conversation will be permitted.
However, if the noise level becomes too high, all talking may have to
stop.
2.
Students
should practice good manners at all times.
3.
Students
should not visit from table to table.
4.
Students
are to pick up their own papers and any spilled food. They are to return their own tray to the dishwashing area.
5.
No
more than four students shall be in the serving line at one time.
6.
Students
should not remove food or drinks from the cafeteria.
7.
Students
are not to leave the cafeteria to go to the restroom
The
price for breakfast is $1.00 ($0.30 for reduced); lunch is $1.50 ($0.40 for
reduced). Students must pay as they go through the line.
FIELD TRIPS
We
believe that field trips are an integral part of the school program. We encourage students to participate in
field trips when they are offered. In
order to participate in any field trip, students must follow the guidelines as
established by the respective teachers.
In addition, an activity release for must be signed by the parent and
returned to the school prior to any student participating in any field trip
activity.
SEARCH AND SEIZURES
Search
of lockers, persons, containers, and vehicles, T.C.A. 49-9-404, 405, 406, 407,
…. When individual circumstances in a school dictate it, a principal may order
that the above be searched in his presence or a member of the staff.
CELL PHONES
Students
may possess personal communication devices, such as cell phones, while on
school property. However, the personal
communication device must be in the off mode and must be kept in a backpack,
purse, or similar personal carryall and may not be used during school
hours. The principal or his/her
designee may grant a student permission to use a personal communication device
at his/her discretion. A device used
outside of this parameter shall result in confiscation of the device until such
time at it may be released to the student’s parent or guardian. A student in violation of this policy is
subject to disciplinary action. Use of
camera on personal devices is strictly prohibited on school property or at
school functions. A student in
violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.
PENALITIES
FOR CELL PHONE VIOLATIONS:
1.
First
offense – Parent may pick up phone.
2.
Second
offense – Phone will be held for five (5) days.
3.
Third
– Phone will be held for (10) days.
4.
Fourth/Other Offense – Phone will be held for (30) days.
TRESPASSING
In
order to insure the safety of all concerned, all visitors must report directly
to the office upon entering the building.
All visitors are required to sign-in at the office and obtain a visitor’s
tag before going into other parts of the building. Any student who is suspended is not allowed on school property
except to come directly to the office for business.
WITHDRAWALS
In
order to withdraw from DeKalb Middle School in good standing, it will be
necessary to complete the following:
1.
Report
to the office to pick up a withdrawal form.
2.
Report
to the librarian before going to homeroom in order that your library record may
be cleared during the day.
3.
As
you go to your classes, return your textbooks to your teachers and have them
initial your withdrawal form.
4.
If
your parent is not bringing you in to withdraw, you will have to take your
withdrawal form home so your parents can sign it. We must have a parent’s signature before we can officially
withdraw a student. (You may come in
and get the form and take it home first then do steps 1 to 3.)
5.
Report
to the principal for final clearance.
DISCIPLINE
One
of the most important lessons education should teach is self-discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it
underlies the whole educational structure.
It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness,
and efficiency. It is the key to good
conduct and proper consideration for other people.
With
an understanding of the purpose in a school, you should use a correct attitude
toward it, and not only do your part in making your school an effective place
of learning, but develop the habit of self-restraint which will make you a
better person.
Students
who receive multiple disciplinary infractions may result in students being
prohibited from attending school related activities, during and after school
hours (example: football games, basketball games, dances, etc.)
CODE OF BEHAVIOR AND
DISCIPLINE
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS
The
DeKalb County School System maintains high expectations that our students will
conduct themselves appropriately at all times.
At the heart of Code of Behavior and Discipline are the virtues found in
our Character Educational Program.
Students are expected to use the Character Education Virtues of the
DeKalb County School System to model positive behavior. In order to assist students, parents,
teachers, and administrators, one should understand what is expected by
positive behavior. The Character
Education Virtues are as follows:
1.
Kindness
– the desire to show genuine sympathy and interest in others’ well being.
2.
Courtesy
– the ability to display positive behaviors that may be interpreted as being
considerate, respectful, generous, polite, and mannerly in school, home, and
community.
3.
Fairness/Justice
– the conviction to consider the individual work of each citizen as an
important contribution to the common good of the school or the community.
4.
Honesty
– the conviction to say and/or do the morally right thing, regardless of public
recognition.
5.
Self-Discipline
– the ability to control one’s self for the sake of improvement.
6.
Respect
– the recognition of the basic worth and value of all human beings, which
results in an individual relating to others in a manner which reflects dignity
and honors humanity.
7.
Responsibility
– the ability of a person to think, respond, and be accountable for his/her
actions and behaviors in any given situation.
8.
Courage
– the internal strength to actively support convictions and beliefs.
9.
Perseverance–
the ability to pursue worthwhile goals in spite of obstacles and distractions.
10.
Self-respect
– the ability to use a belief in self worth to recognize that choices exist in
all situation’s and to resist negative peer pressure in making positive
choices.
In
order to insure that students behave in an appropriate manner and to insure
that all students and teachers can learn and teach in a safe environment, the
DeKalb County Board of Education has established a Code of Behavior and
Discipline. Teachers, administrators,
and any school employee are authorized to take just and reasonable measures to
establish effective school discipline.
The authority to control student behavior shall extend to the buses and
all activities of the school. Each
school principal shall be responsible for implementation and administration in
his/her school. He/she shall apply the
Code of Behavior and Discipline uniformly and fairly to each student at the
school without partiality or discrimination
Students
will receive punishment ranging from a verbal reprimand to the zero-tolerance
policy being applied depending on the severity and nature of the
misbehavior. Infractions are as
follows:
1.
Assaulting
a principal, teacher, student, or any school employee with vulgar, obscene, or
threatening language.
2.
Immoral
or disreputable conduct toward a principal, teacher, or any school employee.
3.
Engaging
in fighting.
4.
Violence
or threatened violence against a person or property of any personnel or any
student attending or assigned to any school.
5.
Possession
of a pistol, gun, or firearm on school property.
6.
Possession
of a knife or other weapons, etc., as defined in TCA 39-6-1701, on school
property.
7.
Willful
or malicious damage to or the theft of real or personal property of the school
or the property of any person attending or assigned to the school.
8.
Unlawful
use or possession of barbital or legal drugs as defined in TCA 53-10-101.
9.
Unlawful
use, possession, sale and/or distribution of drugs and alcohol.
10.
Engaging
in behavior, which disrupts a class or school sponsored activity.
11.
Assault
or battery on school employees.
12.
Willful
and persistent violation of the rules of the school or truancy.
13.
Off-campus
criminal behavior resulting in felony charges or when such behavior poses a
danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process.
14.
Use
of or the unlawful possession of tobacco.
15.
Any
other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in the school.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
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. Expelled means removed from the
pupil’s regular school or removed from school attendance altogether. Nothing in this code shall be construed to
prohibit the assignment of expelled students to the alternative school.
Zero
Tolerance acts are as follows:
1.
Students
who bring or unlawfully possess a narcotic, stimulant, prescription drug,
or other controlled substance (including alcohol) or dangerous weapon
on the school bus, on school property or to any school event or activity.
2.
Any
student who, while on a school bus, on school property or while attending any
school event or activity:
a. Unlawfully possesses a
narcotic, stimulant, prescription drug, or any other controlled substance
(including alcohol), or dangerous weapon; or
b. Commits battery on a teacher or any other employee of the system.
Students
will not possess, distribute or be under the influence of illegal drugs or
alcoholic beverages in school buildings or on school grounds, in school
vehicles or buses, or at any school sponsored activity at any time, whether on
or off school grounds. Students will
not market or distribute any substance which is represented to be or is
substantially similar in color, shape, size, or markings of a controlled
substance in the school building or on school grounds, in school vehicles or
buses, or at any school-sponsored activity at any time, whether on or off
school grounds.
Upon information that a student is suspected
of violating this policy, the principal of the school shall be notified
immediately. If it is determined that
board policy had indeed been violated, the principal shall notify the student’s
parent or guardian and the appropriate law enforcement officials, and the
student shall be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1)
calendar year. The Director of Schools
shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a
case-by-case basis.
UNSAFE
SCHOOL CHOICE OPTION
The student and his/her parent(s) or
guardian(s) are provided an opportunity to transfer to another school within
the local agency that is safe for the student.
To the extent possible, the LEA shall allow the transferring student to
transfer to a school that is making adequate yearly progress. Again, we are pleased to announce that all
the schools in DeKalb County meet all state requirements for a Safe
School. If you would like to receive
additional information or have any questions, please call Dr. Danielle Collins
at (615) 215-2116.
NOTICE TO PARENTS
DeKalb
Middle School may perform school-wide or grade level hearing screenings, eye
screenings, blood pressure checks, scoliosis, and head checks for lice. This is provided as a service to you and
your children. If you do not wish for
this service to be performed on your child, please contact the school office.
As
a parent of a student at DeKalb Middle School, you have the right to know the
professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your
child. Federal law allows you to ask
for certain information about your child’s teacher and requires us to give you
this information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for
the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers: 1). Whether the Tennessee Depart of
Education has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he
or she teaches in.; 2.) Whether the Tennessee Department of Education has
decided that teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or
qualified under state regulation because of special circumstances; 3.) The
teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and if
so, the subject of the degrees; and 4.)
whether any teacher’s assistants or paraprofessionals provide services to your
child and, if they do, their qualifications.
We
are pleased to announce that the teachers at DeKalb Middle School meet all
state and local requirements. If you
would like to receive any additional information, please call Danielle Collins
at (615) 215-2116. DeKalb Middle School is pleased to be a school wide Title I
school. The DeKalb County Board of Education encourages the involvement of
parents, both as individuals and as groups, to act as advisors and resource
people in the following ways:
1.
With
specific talents to complement and extend the instructional services of the
classroom teacher.
2.
To
serve as advisors on curriculum development projects.
3.
To
express ideas and concerns by responding to surveys and other information
gathering devices.
4.
To
be actively involved in parent-teacher groups.
5.
To
serve on citizen’s advisory committees.
This
policy has been developed through consultation with parents. Participation documentation will be
maintained. This policy will be
distributed to parents of each Title I School at a joint annual meeting.
Under
the Federal Projects Director the system shall have: 1.) Parent consultation
and 2.) Committee Representation.
Assist
schools in planning and implementing effective parent involvement and build the
schools and parents’ capacity for strong parent involvement as described in
Section 1118(e) of Title I by providing:
1.
Staff
Development
2.
Coordination
3.
Technical
Assistance
4.
Funding
5.
Training
6.
Materials
and Supplies
Coordinate and integrate parental involvement
strategies under Title I with strategies under other programs, such as Head
Start and Adult Education by:
1.
Consultation
with program directors
2.
Joint
parent meetings
3.
Shared
training sessions when appropriate.
Conduct,
through parent questionnaires and surveys, an annual evaluation of the content
and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy:
1.
To
determine the effectiveness of the policy in increasing the participation of
parents.
2.
To
identify barriers to greater participation by parents in activities authorized
by Title I.
3.
Use
the findings of the annual evaluation in designing strategies for school
improvement and revising, if necessary, LEA and school parent policies through
committees.
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS FOR
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students
over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the
student’s education records. These
rights are:
1.
The
right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of
the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school
principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies
the record(s) they wish to inspect. The
school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or
eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2.
The
right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the
parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the
school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal (or
appropriate official), clearly identify the part of the record they want
changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the
record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify
the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right
to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be
provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a
hearing.
3.
The
right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained
in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorized
disclosure without consent. One
exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school
officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an
administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including
health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving
on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to
perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant; or
therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in
performing his or her tasks. A school
official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review
an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional
responsibility. Upon request, the
school discloses education records without consent to officials of another
school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
(NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a
reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student of the records
request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward
records on request.)
4.
The
right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning
alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that
administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC
20202-460
Report
cards on statewide academic assessment can be found at: www.dekalbschools.com. Once this page has been pulled up, click on
Chamber of Commerce. After reaching the
Chamber of Commerce’s home page click on schools. The link can be found at the bottom of the page.
TRUANCY BOARD NOTICE
Beginning
with the school year 2005-2006, a Truancy Board has been established to control
excessive unexcused absences in the DeKalb County Schools. Students will be referred to the Truancy
Board after obtaining four (4) unexcused absences or twelve (12) unexcused
tardies or early sign outs during the school year. Truancy Board meetings
will be held as needed at DeKalb Middle School. T.C.A. 49-6-3001© (1) Every
parent, guardian or other legal custodian residing within this state having
control or charge of any child or children between six (6) years of age and
seventeen (17) years of age, both inclusive, shall cause such child or children
to attend public or non-public school, and in event of failure to do so, shall
be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided.
PPRA NOTICE AND
CONCENT/OPT-OUT FOR SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
The
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. 1232h, requires DeKalb
County School System to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt
your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey,
analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas
(“protected information surveys”):
1.
Political
affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2.
Mental
or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3.
Sex
behavior or attitudes;
4.
Illegal,
anti-social, self incriminating or demeaning behavior;
5.
Critical
appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6.
Legally
recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or
ministers;
7.
Religious
practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8.
Income,
other than as required by law to determine program eligibity.
This
requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student
information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical
exams and screenings.
Receive
notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of:
1.
Any
other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2.
Any
non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a
condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent and not
necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for
hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening
permitted or required under State Law; and
3.
Activities
involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from
students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to
others.
Inspect,
upon request and before administration or use:
1.
Protected
information surveys of students;
2.
Instruments
used to collect personal information from student for any of the above
marketing, sales or other distribution purposes; and
3.
Instructional
material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These
rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an
emancipated minor under State law. DeKalb County schools perform school-wide or
grade-level hearing screening, vision screening, and head checks for lice. This is provided as a service to you and
your children. If you do not wish for this
service to be performed on your child, please notify the school by August 31st.
NOTICE FOR DIRECTORY
INFORMATION
The
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal Law, requires that
DeKalb County Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent
prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your
child’s education records. However,
DeKalb Schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information”
without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary
in accordance with local procedures.
This would be in the form of a written letter telling us to allow the
schools to include this type of information from your child’s education records
in certain publications. Examples include:
·
A
playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
·
The
annual year book;
·
Honor
roll or other recognition lists;
·
Graduation
programs; and
·
Sports
activity sheets.
Directory
information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or
an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside
organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not
limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local
education agencies receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three
directory information categories: names, addresses, and telephone listings;
unless parents have advised the school that they do not want their student’s
information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If
you do not want DeKalb County Schools to disclose directory information from
your child’s education records, you must notify the school in writing by August
31st. Signing the cover
letter will give your consent for directory information to be released.
DeKalb County School System
Parent Information
Mark Willoughby
Director of Schools
110 South Public Square
Smithville, TN 37166
Phone: 615-597-4084
The
DeKalb County School System is committed to providing the best education
possible for each student. We realize
that parents play a vital role in the accomplishment of this mission so we
encourage their involvement and strive to keep them informed of their rights.
·
DeKalb
County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color,
national origin, age, or handicap in the provision of educational
opportunities, activities, or other administered programs
·
A
parental involvement policy and parent-teacher-student compact will be
distributed to parents by each Title I school.
A copy of each document may also be obtained by contacting the school
office. In schools eligible for Title I
funds, a written parental involvement policy will be developed jointly with and
distributed to parents of children participating in Title I programs. Each Title I school will also hold at least
one annual meeting for parents to inform them of the school’s participation in
programs funded under the No Child Left Behind Act. All elementary/middle schools in Dekalb County are identified as
school-wide Title I schools.
·
Parents
have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications
of classroom teachers who instruct their child. If students are provided services by paraprofessionals, parents
may also request information regarding the qualifications of
paraprofessionals. Teacher
certifications can be found by accessing the Tennessee Depart of Education
Licensing Web site (www.state.tn.us/education/lic.home.htm)
or by contacting the school principal or the school system’s Federal Programs
Director.
·
Parents
must receive notification if their child has been assigned or has been taught
for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
·
Parents
will have access to system and school report cards as developed by the State
Department of Education (usually available in late fall of each year) through
the web site (www.state.tn.us/education)
or at the school and/or system office.
Results will also be publicized through local media.
·
Parents
must receive information on the achievement level of their child on each of the
state academic assessments as practicably possible after the test is
taken. The child’s school will
distribute assessment results.
·
Parents
have access to district and school information and reports through the media
(local newspaper and radio), the System/School Report Cards available on the
State Department of Education website (www.state.tn.us),
or at the school or system’s administrative offices.
·
Parents
may visit the State Department of Education web site (www.state.tn.us) or visit the school to
access a description of the Tennessee Curriculum Standards, assessment
information, and proficiency levels students are expected to meet.
·
Parents
must be notified if their child is enrolled in a school identified for
improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Currently no school in DeKalb County has been identified as in
need of improvement.
·
If
a school fails to make adequate yearly progress, parents will be informed
regarding the availability of school choice options and supplemental education
services.
·
Under
the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any
public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under
Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111(g), or the attempt to commit one of these
offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided
an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the
district.
·
Parents
of a student identified as having limited English proficiency (ELL-English
Language Learner) must be notified in a timely manner of the child’s
participation in the ELL program, details of the program, right to waive
participation, and specific information on the child’s level of English
proficiency.
·
Parents
will be notified of their child’s eligibility for service in migrant, homeless,
or Limited English Proficiency programs.
·
Parents
must be informed of and involved in violence and drug prevention efforts
including program content and activities.
Parents may request in writing their child’s exemption from
participation in such activities.
·
Parents
will be notified regarding their rights before any third-party surveys are
distributed to students.
·
Schools
in which at least 40% of the children are from low-income families have
school-wide program authority under which schools may consolidate funds from
federal, state and local sources to upgrade the entire educational program of the
school.
·
Parents
of secondary school students have a right to requests that their child’s name,
address, and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without
their prior written consent. Request
should be addressed to the Federal Programs Director at address shown on
brochure.
·
Federal
law affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with
respect to educational records. School
Board Policy relating to student privacy and parental access to information is
available in the School Board Policy Manual located at each school and at the
central office. Notification of Rights and Release of Directory Information
under FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) will also be conducted
through local media announcements.
HOMELESS STUDENTS
The
DeKalb County Schools District does not discriminate against students because
of their homelessness.
1.
Students
who become homeless have a right to continued enrollment in their school while
they are homeless. They may enroll in
any public school that is eligible for attendance by other students who live in
the attendance area in which the homeless student is currently living.
2.
No
homeless student is required to attend a separate school for homeless students.
3.
Homeless
students shall be provided services comparable to those provided for others,
including transportation services, educational services, and meals served
through school meal programs.
4.
Homeless
students may not be stigmatized by school personnel or within school programs.
5.
The
local school district must identify a staff person to be responsible for
homeless students in the district.
If you have
questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Clay Farler, Homeless Liaison for
DeKalb County
Schools, at
615-215-2102.
Nondiscrimination Notice
DeKalb
Middle School does not discriminate in employment, and student services on the
basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or age.
Grievances should be addressed to Director of School Office, 110 South Public
Square, Smithville, TN 37166.
THIS
HANDBOOK IS AS COMPLETE AS POSSIBLE AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. CHANGES MADE AFTER
PRINTING WILL BE ADDED DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR BY THE HOMEROOM TEACHER.
WE
COULD NOT POSSIBLY LIST ALL THE RULES NEEDED TO PROVIDE AN ATMOSPHERE
CONDUCTIVE TO GOOD LEARNING. THEREFORE,
IT IS OUR HOPE THAT STUDENTS WILL ALSO USE “COMMON SENSE” AND SOUND JUDGEMENT
AS A RULE OFTHEIR CONDUCT.
2010-2011 School Calendar
DeKalb County School System
August 2 Monday Registration for all Students (Abbreviated Day 7:30 – 9:30 AM)
August
3 Tuesday First
Full Day
August
4 Wednesday Full Day of School
August
5 Thursday Administrative Day (All Schools)
(All Teachers) 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
September
6 Monday Labor
Day – No School
September
29 Wednesday End of First 9 Weeks
October
4 Monday Report
Cards Sent Home
October
5 Tuesday Parent/Teacher
Conference (3:00 – 6:00 PM)
DeKalb
County High School
October
7 Thursday Parent/Teacher Conference (3:00
– 6:00 PM-
Northside
Elem., Smithville Elem., DeKalb West School, DeKalb Middle
October
11 – 22 Fall
Break – No School (First Week Intersession)
November 2 Tuesday (Stockpile
Day) Professional Development/Instructional Day 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
No
School for Students
Nov.
24, 25, 26 W, TH, F Thanksgiving Holiday – No School
December
17 Friday Last
Day Before Winter Break (Abbreviated School Day)
(End
Second 9 Weeks)
December
20 – 31 Winter
Break – No School
January
3 Monday Stockpile
Day—No School for Students
January
4 Tuesday School
back in session (Begin third 9 Weeks)
January
6 Thursday Report Cards Sent Home
January
17 Monday Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day – No School
February
1 Tuesday Writing
Assessment 5th, 8th, 11th graders
February
2 Wednesday Writing Assessment, makeup
February
21 Monday President’s
Day – No School
March
10 Friday (End
of Third 9 Weeks)
March
14 Monday Report
Cards Sent Home
March
15 Tuesday Parent/Teacher
Conference (3:00 – 6:00 PM)
DeKalb
County High School
March
17 Thursday Parent/Teacher Conference (3:00
– 6:00 PM)
Northside
Elem., Smithville Elem., DeKalb West, Dekalb Middle
March
18 Friday Stockpile
Day – Professional Development Day 8:00 – 3:00 PM
(Begin
Fourth 9 Weeks) NO School for Students
March
21 – 25 Spring
Break
April
11 – 22 TCAP
Testing (Elementary Students) (April 13-20)
April
22 Friday Good
Friday – No School
May
25 Wednesday Administrative Day – No School
for Students (All School, All Teachers)
May
26 Thursday Last day of School (Abbreviated
Day) Report Cards