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A WORD ABOUT SAFETY AND CHARACTER IN OUR SCHOOL Your school is as safe as we all make it. The best things that you can do to make it even safer are simple: don’t tease, don’t bully, don’t make fun of other people, don’t put people down, be friendly and polite to everyone, don’t isolate or squeeze out other people and hurt their feelings. Treat each other the way that you want to be treated. Help each other. These are the things that will make your character strong. Respect, courage, honesty, caring, citizenship, cooperation, fairness, responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence are habits that we have to work on every day as we deal with each other at school. If you know of another student who is alone, talk with them. Tell an adult. If you have reason to think that someone has a weapon at school or if someone talks about hurting anyone here, tell an adult.

Tennessee Compulsory School Attendance Law: T.C.A. 49-6-3001, 3007, 3009. "Every parent guardian, or other person residing within the state of Tennessee, having control or charge of any child or children between the ages of seven (7) and seventeen (17) years, both inclusive, shall cause such child or children to attend public or nonpublic school, and in event of failure to do so, shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided." Definitions: Absent: means a student not being in attendance at the school or class to which he is assigned. Missing more than half of a class counts as an absence. Absences, Two Categories: Excused: absences tolerated by the school system under the law because the cause and benefits of the absence to the student as verified by proof outweigh the benefits, which would have been achieved by attending school. For absences of a full or part day to be considered excused, a written note from the parent, guardian, or a doctor must be provided. After an accumulation of five days of excused absences, the parent/guardian must file more formal documentation with the principal to assure classification as an excused absence. Adequate reasons for absences include the following: 1. Student’s personal illness, medical appointment, or hospitalization verified by a licensed physician, dentist, or health agency. If the illness or hospitalization is to exceed ten consecutive days, the parent or guardian should apply for homebound instruction after the first five days of consecutive absences. 2

2. Death of a family member, or of a non-family person if absence approved by the principal. 3. Special recognized religious holidays regularly observed by a particular faith. A parent note must be submitted to the principal prior to the student being absent for a religious holiday. 4. Required court appearances. Verification of court appearance times from appropriate authorities must be provided. 5. Approved school related activities. Prior approval is required. 6. Vacations/trips with prior approval by the principal. A note from the parent/guardian shall be submitted prior to any vacation or trip. Principal approval is required. Vacations/trips taken without prior approval will be considered unexcused. 7. Other extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student. For such absences to be excused, they must be approved by the principal. Students shall make up work missed during excused absences. Unexcused: absences which are not verified or which do not meet valid reasons for absences. Out-of-school suspensions are considered unexcused absences. Work missed during unexcused absences should be made up but will receive a zero for each day or in each class missed. Procedure When Returning from an Absence: 1. The student must bring a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian, stating the child’s full name, grade, date(s) of the absence, and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the note. 2. This should be brought to the office before school begins. 3. Even if a student does not have a note from home, he/she must still report to the office for an admit slip. 4. The student has a maximum of four (4) school days to bring a note for an excused absence. Failure to comply will result in an unexcused absence. 5. Any class work missed must be made up at the teacher’s convenience. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher concerning a make-up schedule. This should be done before or after class. All work must be completed prior to the next grading period. The teacher will allow five (5) days to turn in make-up work. 6. Please do not call the office for make-up work unless the student has been absent at least three (3) consecutive days.

Any Principal of any public school in this state is authorized to suspend a pupil from attendance at school or any school-related activity on or off campus, or from riding a school bus, for a period of one (1) to ten (10) days for good and sufficient reasons including, but not limited to (1) Willful and persistent violation of the rules of the school or truancy; (2) Immoral or disreputable conduct, including vulgar or profane language; (3) Violence or threatened violence against the person of any personnel attending or assigned to any public school; (4) Willful or malicious damage to real or personal property of the school, or the property of any person attending or assigned to said school; (5) Inciting, advising or counseling of others to engage in any of the acts herein enumerated; (6) Possession of a pistol, gun, or firearm on school property; (7) Possession of a knife, etc., as defined in TCA 49-6-1701 on school property; (8) Assaulting a principal or teacher with vulgar, obscene or threatening language; (9) Unlawful use or possession of barbital or legend drugs as defined in TCA 52-10-101; (10) Engaging in activity which disrupts a class or school-sponsored activity; (11) Off-campus criminal behavior resulting in felony charges, when behavior poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the education process; (12) Any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in any public school. Note: Suspended students are not to return to school for any reason during their suspension without a parent. Unaccompanied students will be considered trespassers and prosecuted as such. Out-of-school suspensions are considered unexcused absences. Students with unexcused absences will be given a zero (0) for work missed in each class from which they were absent. No make-up work will be permitted for unexcused absences. In the event a suspension occurs during the last ten (10) days of any semester, however, the student may be permitted to take such final examinations or submit such required work as is necessary to complete the course of instruction for that semester, subject to the actions of the principal, or the final action of the Board of Education upon any appeal from an order of a principal continuing a suspension.

1. Alcoholic Beverage includes alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every liquid or solid containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer and which is fit for beverage purposes either alone or when diluted, mixed, or combined with other substances.

2. Illegal drugs includes controlled substances, prescriptions not intended for the possessor or user, over-the-counter substances used for pain relief, substances sued as an intoxicating inhalant, or any other substance which is portrayed as one of the above. Drug paraphernalia are also forbidden.

3. Use shall mean the introduction of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages into the body in any manner or the indication of action or behavior that such introduction has taken place.

4. Possession will mean either having alcoholic beverages or drugs on the person, or in the immediate vicinity of the person, or among the student’s personal possessions (locker, car, etc.)

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS The Sumner County Board of Education has zero tolerance for weapons. Any student found to have brought a weapon to school or is found in possession of a weapon on school property shall be expelled from attending Sumner County schools for a minimum of one (1) calendar year. When deemed necessary, a disciplinary committee may recommend expulsion longer than one year. Where appropriate, criminal charges will be brought against the student and parents or legal guardian. When a student is determined to be a Special Education student, an IEP-Team meeting, which shall include the Director or his designee, will be called to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. Any student who brings to school or who is found in possession, on school property, or at any school-sponsored activity on or off campus, of any dangerous instrument will be immediately removed from the general student population. Within five school days, a disciplinary committee shall recommend the disposition, including expulsion, of the student. The Director of Schools may modify the recommendation on a case-by-case basis. The Director must report each case to the Board at its next regular meeting. Toy weapons or facsimiles will not be permitted on school grounds. Students who possess toy weapons or facsimiles of weapons including water guns will be suspended as determined by the principal. The principal shall report his action to the Director. Depending on the circumstances, the principal may refer a student possessing a toy weapon or facsimile including a water gun to the disciplinary committee (see item 15 below) for disposition as determined by the committee. The term weapon shall be defined as any dangerous instrument. The term dangerous instrument shall include but is not limited to the following: Knives, box cutters, razor blades, clubs or police batons, paint ball guns, pellet guns, BB guns, brass knuckles, chains, ice picks, spiked wristbands, any object used in such a manner that could cause bodily harm or inflict damage to property, any explosive device including but not limited to all fireworks, any firearm; and any item which could be perceived to be a dangerous instrument such as a toy or non-working device. This list is not all-inclusive; therefore, the principal shall use his discretion in ascertaining whether an object is a weapon as defined in this policy. Each case regardless of the circumstances must be reported to the Director of Schools. Full documentation is required including written statements from all witnesses. The principal shall notify the parents or legal guardian of any student found in violation of this policy. The use of weapons and dangerous instruments in school plays, school bands, or any other school activity is prohibited unless sanctioned in advance and in writing by the Director of Schools. An employee found to possess a weapon on school property shall be disciplined up to and including dismissal. Criminal charges may be filed. Any other person in violation of this policy will be removed and appropriate criminal charges filed. This includes anyone with a legal permit from Sumner County or the State of Tennessee to carry a gun except that a person acting under authority of a governmental law enforcement agency shall be exempted. 6

SEARCHES Any principal or his designee having reasonable cause for a search, may search any student, place, or thing on school property or in the actual or constructive possession of any student including during any organized school activity off campus, including buses, if he receives information which would cause a reasonable person to believe that the search will lead to the discovery of evidence of any violation of the law or any violation of the school rules or regulations of proper standards of conduct and/or any object or substance which, because of its presence, presents an immediate danger of harm or illness to any person. A student may be subject to a physical search (with a witness). We may require a student to empty pockets, purse, or other containers.

Announcements will be made twice daily (2nd and 6th periods). Any messages from parents to their child must be called in by 8:00 am or before 1:20 pm. Students are responsible to listen for any announcement that is made and must be quiet and in their seats. Messages received after 1:20 pm may not reach the student in time for school dismissal.

Student behavior in the cafeteria should be based on courtesy and cleanliness. This means leaving the table and surrounding area clean and orderly. At no time are students allowed to take food, drinks, containers, or straws out of the cafeteria. Students are expected to remain seated at all times. Scuffling, breaking line, or throwing drinks or food will result in strict discipline, possible out-of-school suspension. Students may not call out or order food to be delivered here. Lunch payments may be made for one week up to a month in advance. Payments should be made on Monday or Tuesday morning before school. Student payments for lunch will be maintained in the cafeteria computer. Students are not allowed to charge their lunch. Any student who will miss lunch due to financial problems should see the principal or assistant principal. CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES Student cell phones and mp3 players may not be seen or heard at school. Texting is not allowed. When a student is in violation of the cell phone or electronic device policy, the following steps will take place: 8

1st Time – The cell phone or electronic device will be taken to the office and locked up. Assistant Principal will notify the parent. A parent must come to the school to pick it up no sooner than the next day. 2nd Time – Same as 1st offense. The student will be assigned ISS. 3rd Time – Same as 1st offense. The student will be assigned OSS.

NOTE: Any student in violation of the dress code will be sent to the office and will have to change into appropriate clothing before returning to class. Absence from class due to dress code violations will be considered unexcused and work may not be made up. Repeated dress code violations will result in disciplinary action. Please plan your daily outfits with the dress code in mind. When a student is in violation of the dress code (e.g. holes, sagging pants, etc.), the following steps will take place: 1st Time – The secretary will contact the parent and the student will be required to change into appropriate clothes. 2nd Time – Same as 1st time. The student will be assigned ISS. 3rd Time – Same as 1st time. The student will be assigned OSS.

of a petition in Juvenile Court for unruly behavior, and referral to the School Board Disciplinary Committee for a hearing. FIRE ALARMS Fire alarms are located throughout the building. They should only be used in case of a fire. If any student is found guilty of pulling a false alarm, he/she will be automatically suspended from school for five (5) days and referred to the State Fire Marshal for prosecution. FIRE DRILLS When a fire drill is conducted, we expect our students to leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Fire drill plans for evacuation have been given to each teacher. Students are to follow the specific instructions of the adult in charge, regardless of the period of the day when the alarm is sounded. Stay with your teacher and do not mix with other classes. Because of the safety issue involved, it is critical that every student gives total cooperation to the school or emergency officials on the scene. If a student is between classes when the alarm is sounded, he/she should walk immediately to the nearest exit. Once outside, quietly await instructions from an adult. GIFT DELIVERY Hawkins Middle School requests that you do not send special occasion balloons, flowers or gifts to your child at school. Such items will not be delivered to classrooms and cannot be transported on school buses. GRADES AND GRADING SCALE We expect middle school students to be responsible for getting information to their parents. Report cards will be sent home via the students the first 3 grading periods. Report cards at the end of the year will be mailed home. In addition, Progress Reports will be sent home with the students at the mid-point of each marking period. Refer to the school year calendar provided in this handbook for approximate dates that signal the end of the marking period. If your son or daughter does not bring these reports home, the office should be notified immediately. The Sumner County Board of Education has set the following grading scale for use by all middle schools: A 100-93 D 74-70 B 92-85 F 69 and below C 84-75 GUIDANCE SERVICES The middle school guidance program is directed toward providing counseling to all students. The counselor is available to help parents and students. These services are focused on the following Needs of the students: personal, social, educational, and vocational. The service is provided in an atmosphere of friendship, cooperation, and confidentiality. Students may stop by between classes to sign up for an individual session with the counselor. The student must then be on time for class and wait for the counselor to call him/her to guidance. Do not wait in the office for the counselor who may be in a classroom conducting a class. Parents and teachers may refer a student to the counselor. The guidance counselor works with students individually, in small groups, and in the classroom. 1 1

HALL PRIVILEGES Any student in the hall must have a hall pass from the teacher to whose classroom he/she is assigned during the period. HOMEWORK Time is allotted during the school day to complete most assignments, but often the student will find it necessary to work some time each evening on tasks they were unable to complete during the school day. Typically middle school students should spend about 60 minutes on homework or reading each evening. We encourage you to limit TV and video game play on school nights. HONOR ROLL Students must have made an "A" in all subjects for the nine weeks to be placed on the "A" Honor Roll. The "AB" Honor Roll will include all students who have no grade lower than a "B" for the nine weeks. ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS Any student who becomes ill or injured must report to the office. If necessary, the secretary will make every effort to contact the parents. The home phone will be tried first, work phone second, and the emergency phone number will be called last. This procedure makes it imperative that you home, office, and emergency numbers are current. The student is not to make his/her own call. The parent is required to come in and sign his/her child out when they are too ill to remain at school. A parent who is aware of a serious illness, such as asthma, epilepsy or diabetes, should notify the office each year and ensure that any vital treatment such as an inhaler is on hand in the office in the event of an emergency. Every accident in the school building, on the school grounds, at practice sessions, or at any athletic event sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the school office. LOCKERS A locker will be issued to each student. Only combination locks obtained from the school will be allowed on lockers. The lockers are the property of Hawkins Middle School and are subject to inspection by authorized school personnel. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lockers offer minimal security and items of unusual value should not be placed in the locker. It is the student’s responsibility to keep his/her own locker locked and not share it with others. Any student using a locker that is the property of the school system has no right of privacy in that locker or its contents. All lockers or other storage areas provided for student use on school premises remain the property of the school system and are provided for the use of students subject to inspection, access for maintenance, and search. If your locker is damaged or in need of repair, report it to the office immediately. LOST AND FOUND Lost and found items should be turned in or claimed in the office. 1 2

MEDICATION Student medication should be administered by the parent at home whenever feasible. With written request of the parent and approval of the family physician and school administration, medication may be self-administered by the student in the presence of school office personnel. In such cases, medication should be brought to the office at the beginning of the school day to be self-administered by the student in our presence at the proper time. Whether prescription or otherwise, medication must be brought to school in its original container. (Pharmacies will give you a second labeled container for school if you ask.) A Consent for Medication Administration form must be completed and signed before we will accept or dispense any medications for your student. If the medication will be given routinely, send the proper amount to last one week. Students should arrange to take their medicine during the class changes and lunch break. At no time may any student be in possession of any medication outside of the above regulations. Inhalers may be carried by students only in extreme cases and with the expressed consent the principal based on the written orders of a physician. MOMENT OF SILENCE State law requires that we begin every day with a moment of silence. During this time all talking and movement shall cease. Any students in the hall are expected to stop movement and be quiet until the moment is over. Anyone failing to comply may be subject to disciplinary action. PERFECT ATTENDANCE At Hawkins Middle School, the Sumner County award for perfect attendance shall be given only to those students who have not been absent from school, have not had a single tardy to school, and have not had a single early dismissal. In this case perfect shall mean perfect. PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT Physical and/or sexual harassment will not be tolerated in any form. Harassment can be either physical or verbal in nature. Any student using threatening or inappropriate language toward another person may be guilty of harassment. Any student who feels they are a victim of any form of harassment should report the incident to their teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or assistant principal as soon as possible. PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS A member of the class will participate unless physically unable to do so. The parent or doctor should verify any limitations. The grade will be derived from the participation, dressing out, and written tests. The PE teacher provides protection for all valuables left in his/her care. The school and the PE teachers are not responsible for valuables left in locker rooms during class. If a note is on file from a doctor limiting physical education activities, that student may not try out for any athletic or cheerleading until the restriction is lifted. SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS The bus drivers are in charge of all students who ride their buses. Any student who misbehaves on the bus may be suspended from riding the bus. Any student wishing to ride a bus other than his/her designated bus must have written parental permission and approval by the principal or his designee. Any student who gets off the bus at any point between pick-up point and school must present the bus driver with a note of authorization from the principal of the school. When a bus is 1 3

used to transport students to any away event, those students are expected to ride that bus to and from the event. The privilege of riding a Sumner County School bus is conditioned on the student’s behavior and observance of the rules that are posted in each bus. Any student who violates any of these rules will be reported to the Principal and are subject to suspension from the bus. Bus suspensions are considered a serious matter and will be reported to the Director of Transportation and the School Board. SELLING ITEMS AT SCHOOL Soliciting and/or sales are not permitted. School clubs and organizations must secure permission from the principal in order to sell items of any type. Failure to do this will result in the confiscation of the merchandise. The merchandise will be returned to the parents upon their request. Other disciplinary action may also be taken against the student. STUDENT INSURANCE Voluntary student accident insurance is offered to all students. Insurance materials will be provided at the beginning of the school year to parents/guardians. It is the student’s responsibility to avail themselves of this coverage and make application when entering school. Application for insurance can be made at any time throughout the year. STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS Our school adheres to a "hands off" policy for student relationships. When the policy is violated we will contact the parents and may require a conference. Have respect for yourself and your fellow students. Penalties will include: first offense-warning, second offense-a write-up and parent notification, third offense-a write-up, referral to administration and parent notification. TARDY POLICY Students arriving late to school in the morning must report to the office before going into the rest of the building. Students may present a parent note with legitimate reason for being late or the parent may come into the office and sign the child in. A parent note is sufficient for the first 5 tardies. The student will then be given an excused note to class. Students late without a note or parent to sign them in will be given an unexcused pass to class and the teacher will issue a write-up for tardy. A pattern of tardy to school will result in a referral to the attendance officer or in disciplinary action. Students tardy to any other class during the day will receive a write-up for each tardy. It is important to be responsible and to demonstrate good work habits by being in your seat ready to work when it is time to start class. TELEPHONE The office telephone is for business purposes only. Callers are asked to leave a message since students will not be called to the phone. Only emergency calls will be delivered during a class period. If the student needs to call home, he/she may do so between classes. There is a student phone available but "using the phone" will not excuse a tardy to class. A student who is sick is to come to the office where school personnel will contact a parent or guardian. Students may not use cell phones during school. 1 4

TEXTBOOKS Each student is responsible for the book issued to him/her. Students are not to mark or damage books in any way, and the numbers are not to be changed. The student must pay for books that are lost or damaged. Additional textbooks will not be issued until the lost or damaged book has been paid for. TORNADO AND BAD WEATHER DRILLS The signal for a Bad Weather Drill will be given over the intercom system. The adult in charge will instruct students where to go. Remember to sit on the floor, cover the head, be silent, and listen for instructions. Because of the safely issues involved, it is critical that every student gives total cooperation to the school or emergency officials on the scene. VISITORS All parents, as well as professional staff from other schools, are welcomed and encouraged to visit our school. We do require that guests come to the office, sign in and wear a nametag while visiting. Strangers without visitor nametags should be reported immediately. Out of respect for the teacher as a professional and for the purposes of school security, parents may visit classrooms only with an appointment with the teacher and the advance permission of the principal. Students from other schools or school systems are not allowed to visit during school hours, including lunch. For safety, never open an outside door for a visitor. All visitors must enter the building from the front doors. WITHDRAWALS OR TRANSFERS If a student is moving to another school during the year, he/she should notify the guidance office at least one day prior to the final day at school in order to secure the proper clearances for a transfer. Records will not be sent if any obligations remain. CHEERLEADER SELECTION POLICY

cheerleaders have catastrophic insurance. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY It is the policy of the Sumner County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, or handicap in its education programs or activities. Inquiries should be directed to Louise Smith at the Sumner County Board of Education at 451-5200. STUDENT RIGHTS AND SERVICES 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, Tennessee Department of Education 710 James Robertson Parkway Andrew Johnson Tower, 5th Floor Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0380 Phone: 615-741-2851 Fax: 615-253-5567 or 615-532-9412 Other agencies include: The ARC of Tennessee, toll-free at 1-800-835-7077 Support and Training for Exceptional Parents, 615-463-2310 Tennessee Protection and Advocacy, 1-800-287-9636 Tennessee Voices for Children, 1-800-670-9882 For a more extensive list visit the Tennessee Disability Services Disability Pathfinder Database at