Marshall County High School

Dear Students and Parents,

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you to Marshall County High School for the coming year. MCHS has a history of fine academic and extracurricular accomplishments. We hope that you will join us in an effort to meet the goals which have been set, to carry on the tradition of the school, and to make this an outstanding school year. You can benefit from everything that MCHS has to offer by being actively involved in the classes and programs. We are here to make your years at MCHS successful and educationally challenging. If you encounter difficulties, we welcome the opportunity to help you as you proceed through your high school career. All students will receive a student handbook which contains pertinent information and discipline procedures for parental and student review. Students and parents will be asked to sign a card verifying the knowledge of this information. While many of the policies in this book are taken from Marshall County School Board Policies and are intended to convey the meaning of the official policies, they may not be presented in exactly the same way. For an accurate reading of official policy, please contact the administration of MCHS.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE - POLICY 6.307

Students will not consume, 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. Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on students who violate standards of conduct required by this policy. Such sanctions will be consistent with local, state, and federal laws, up to and including suspension/expulsion as well as referral for prosecution. Completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program may also be recommended.

ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM - POLICY 6.319

The goal of the Alternative Placement Program is to provide an alternative public education setting for students whose problems have attained a level beyond the home school's ability to deal with them; said school must have exhausted all other recourses prior to recommending APP, or the student must have committed a major violation of school board policy. Placement will be for a minimum of 20 days or until the student has successfully completed his/her individual improvement plan in the Alternative Placement Program.

The building will be open for students at 7:15 a.m. and will close at 3:30 p.m. Student arrival and departure should be within this time frame. Students are encouraged to arrive at school at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving prior to 7:45 a.m. must report immediately to the gym. Food and drink are not allowed in the gymnasium. Please take care of any food and drink consumption before entering the building. Students may not be in any other area of the building prior to 7:45 a.m. Also please be aware that cell phones, cd players, pagers or any other personal communication devices are not allowed in the building and will be confiscated when identified. Students who are arriving prior to 7:45 a.m. to make up work or receive tutoring from a teacher will enter the classroom through the teacher's fire door and remain in that classroom until 7:45 a.m. UPON ARRIVING ON CAMPUS A STUDENT MAY NOT LEAVE THE CAMPUS FOR ANY REASON WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE PRINCIPAL OR HER DESIGNEE. Students arriving at school after 8:15 a.m. must report to the office to be admitted to class. Students will be dismissed at 3:05 p.m. Students returning home by bus must board the bus in front of the gym promptly at the end of the school day. Students who are car riders must leave the building promptly and may not return to the building after the doors have been secured. Students must exit the campus immediately when school is dismissed. A variety of after school activities are sponsored by organizations of the school. Students must be supervised by a teacher during the activity and leave the campus immediately at the close of the activity. A teacher must be present during any activities which are conducted before or after school and must remain on campus with the students until all students have left the campus.

No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another person or otherwise be discriminated against in any athletic program of the school. Equal athletic opportunity shall be provided for members of both sexes. Interscholastic athletics shall be administered as a part of the regular school program and shall be the principal's responsibility. Principals shall ensure that school regulations regarding participation in a sport are reasonable. Athletic schedules shall be filed in each school principal's office. The principal or his/her designee must accompany an athletic team on trips. Transportation of teams to athletic games is approved by the Board, provided the team's school reimburses the Board for mileage. Bylaws of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association shall regulate the operation and control of secondary athletics. There shall be a complete annual physical examination of every student prior to his/her participation in interscholastic athletics. Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent or guardian of the student. These records shall be on file in the principal's office. It shall be the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide health and hospitalization insurance for all students participating in interscholastic athletics. No principal or teacher of any school under the control of the Board shall dismiss his/her school or any group of students for the purpose of permitting them to practice or play baseball, football, basketball, or any similar game within the regular school hours of any school day of the week without written permission from the board. This does not prevent the inclusion of regular physical training lessons in the daily school program. Students shall not be disqualified from participation on a school athletic team solely on the basis of participation in another sport except where the season overlaps by more than two weeks. Coaches and other employees of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities as part of the athletic program.

MCHS students must be present at school on game days of their respective sports and should be present at school on the day following an athletic event.

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement; and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session. Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or assistant principal. Professional documentation shall be required. Any absence without a note is automatically an unexcused absence. Out-of-School Suspension days are likewise unexcused absences. For medical absences, students must provide valid documentation for absences which details accurate dates of illness. (This includes doctors, dentists, and/or other health care agencies.) Upon returning to school, a student has three school days in which to submit a note. After three days, the absence will become permanently unexcused. Students will be allowed (3) excused personal days per semester. These days will cover the following types of absences, however, proper documentation must be presented to the office in order for the absence to be excused. Personal illness, serious family illness, family emergency - A note from the students parent or legal guardian will be required upon the student's return to school. The note should include the reason(s) for the absence(s) and the date(s) of the absence(s). Upon returning to school, a student has three (3) school days in which to submit a note. After three (3) days, the absence(s) will become permanently unexcused; Drivers license - documentation is required; Deaths in the family - one (1) day will be excused. Additional days will be excused at the discretion of the principal (program or death notice is required upon return to school); Of others - The principal may excuse absences with appropriate documentation. Religious holidays or retreats - Religious holidays will be excused with proper documentation from the parent. Religious retreats must be preauthorized by the principal with documentation from religious church agency sponsoring the retreat; Appearance in court - a personal subpoena required as documentation; Extenuating circumstances - Absences involving extenuating or unusual circumstances may be approved by the principal on a case by case basis.

Students who have been absent must present documentation for absences immediately upon returning to school. This documentation must include the student's name, reason for the absence, signature of verification of the doctor or legal guardian, and phone number where the guardian or doctor can be contacted. The student must obtain an admission slip from the assistant principal to indicate to the classroom teacher the reason for the absence and to identify the absence as excused or unexcused. The student must then have the admission slip signed by all teachers during the school day, leaving the slip with the final teacher to be returned to the office and arrange for all makeup work to be completed. A student may not enter a class after being absent without an admission slip from the office. The student must continue to report to the assistant principal's office until the absence is validated as excused or unexcused. Documentation must be provided to the assistant principal within three school days from the date of the student's return to school or the absence will be registered as unexcused.

Students desiring to leave school during the school day must bring a written statement from the legal guardian describing the necessity of the student's dismissal. The statement must be signed by the legal guardian and must include a phone number where the guardian may be reached for verification. These notes must be presented to the assistant principal prior to the beginning of the school day. A note from the doctor, dentist, or court official must be returned to the assistant principal on the following day as verification of the absence being excused or unexcused. If a student must leave school due to an emergency, he or she must contact the main office for administrative assistance in obtaining permission from the legal guardian and approval to leave. After obtaining appropriate approval to leave school, students must sign out in the front office prior to leaving school. No student will be sent from the school to perform an errand or to act as a messenger for a staff member. STUDENTS WHO LEAVE SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY WITHOUT FOLLOWING THE PROPER SIGN OUT PROCEDURES AND WITHOUT OBTAINING APPROVAL FROM THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION WILL BE DISCIPLINED.

A student must present documentation of his absence and receive a class admittance note before entering class after an absence. Absences are calculated on a block basis. Documentation must be turned in within three (3) school days from the date the student returns to school or the absence will be unexcused. Suspensions are considered unexcused absences. A grade of zero will be given for work missed due to an unexcused absence. A student who has received an excused absence is responsible for asking the teacher for make-up assignments when the student returns to class. Requests made before 8:00 a.m. for make-up work must be provided by the teacher(s) by 3:00 p.m. the same day. Make-up work must be completed and returned to the teachers within twice the number of school days or class periods absent. (EXAMPLE: If a student is absent one school day, he/she will have two (2) school days to complete the make-up work). Time spent in before school or after school detention is for disciplinary purposes and will not be construed as make-up time. Under no circumstances will detention time be substituted for class time and/or work missed. If a student has an illness that requires hospitalization or in home recovery time exceeding five (5) school days, the student or the parent or guardian may apply to the Special Education Supervisor for a homebound teacher to provide instruction. After ten (10) consecutive or fifteen (15) reported unexcused absences by a student during any semester, an attendance committee appointed by the principal will conduct a hearing to determine if any extenuating circumstances exist or to verify that the student has met attendance requirements that will allow him/her to pass the course, be promoted, to retain or obtain a driver's license or permit. After a student has five reported unexcused absences from a nine week block schedule class or nine unexcused absences from a semester class, the principal will conduct a hearing to determine the actual number of absences that have occurred and whether any extenuating circumstances necessitates the students absences. The occurrence of five (5) unexcused absences from a nine week class or nine absences from an eighteen week class renders the student ineligible to be promoted to the next grade and/or receive credit toward graduation requirements unless the principal determines the existence of extenuating circumstances which would make the student eligible to pass the grade or course. The principal shall be responsible for notifying in writing the director of schools and the parents of any action taken by the school. A student participating in a school sponsored activity, whether on or off campus, will not be counted absent. The student will be required to make up all work missed and will receive full credit for the assignment upon completion of the work. To qualify as school sponsored the activity must be school planned, school directed, and supervised by an approved sponsor. Mass exodus, early dismissal, or late arrival of all students, or any segment of students, will not be permitted for any reason except for emergencies such as inclement weather or other unavoidable situations, unless instruction time is made up in full. The Board of Education will determine the procedure for making up missed instructional days. Student attendance records will be given the same level of confidentiality as other student records. Only authorized school officials engaged in legitimate educational purposes may have access to student information without the express consent of the parent or guardian of a minor student or without the express consent of a student who has attained the age of eighteen. Foreign exchange students will be exempt from the traditional attendance policy. The Board of Education will appoint an Attendance Committee annually from names submitted by the Attendance Supervisor. The Attendance Committee will consist of the following members: one or two members of the Board of Education, a principal, a teacher or counselor, the supervisor of attendance. Any administrative decision regarding attendance may be appealed to the Attendance Committee. The parent or guardian of the student must make the appeal in writing to the director of schools within five school days following the administrative action. Any Attendance Committee decision regarding attendance may be appealed to the Board of Education. The Board may or may not hear the appeal. The parent or guardian must make the appeal in writing to the director within five school days following the action of the Attendance Committee. Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence for an entire school day, a major portion of the school day or any portion of any class, study hall or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled. Any student who misses more than fifteen minutes of a class period will be counted absent from that class. Students who have been detained by a counselor or administrator and have proper documentation will not be counted tardy or absent. Students missing less than fifteen minutes of a class period will be counted tardy and proper disciplinary action will be administered.

Automobile access to the campus is considered a privilege, not a right. Safe and courteous driving is expected of every student driver. Students who drive to school must observe the 10 mph speed limit at all times, register your car with the school administration, obtain a parking permit to display in your car window, and park in the designated areas. Student parking will be on a first come first serve basis in spaces not reserved for teachers and staff. Teachers and staff spaces will be marked reserved and may not be used by students at any time. Students must exit the automobiles immediately when arriving on campus and report to the proper assigned area on the building. Students will enter and exit the parking lots using the properly marked main accesses to the campus from Ellington Parkway. All automobiles driven by students and parked on the MCHS campus must display the parking pass issued at the time of car registration. Automobiles driven to school may not display suggestive or derogatory slogans or illustrations that would be offensive to others. MCHS is not responsible for vehicles which are damaged while on the school campus. Students who violate the guidelines of the use of automobiles and parking on the MCHS campus will be disciplined and will be subject to having their automobile access to the campus revoked.

For the safety and well-being of all students book bags should be stored in the student lockers at the beginning of each school day and remain there until the 3:05 bell rings to dismiss students from school. Notebooks, books, and pencils or pens should be carried to each class. Students are reminded to keep money or jewelry with them at all times. As a safety precaution large necklaces and pocket chains are not allowed at school. These items will be taken up and appropriate discipline will be administered by the principal or her designee.

2. Stand well off the road and clear of the bus until it comes to a complete stop

3. Load in an orderly manner and be seated before bus starts, do not move around while the bus is in motion.

6. Be careful in approaching bus stop. Students should walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. When getting off the bus, students should cross the road only after the bus driver has signaled that it is safe.

8. Reach assigned seat in bus without disturbing others, remain seated while bus is in motion.

10. Treat driver and patrols, as well as other students, with courtesy. The use of abusive or obscene language toward a driver will result in suspension from the bus.

11. Do not distract driver's attention with loud talking, laughing, or unnecessary confusion.

17. Stand on the ground and do not start across the road until the driver advises the way is clear.

18. Walk 12 feet in front of the bus before crossing the highway following the clear signal by the driver.

23. Know where the fire extinguisher is located on the bus and how to use it properly.

26. When standing in the aisle hold to the seat or other part of the bus to avoid falling if the bus makes a sudden stop.

28. Never cross a highway to the rear of the bus. Bus drivers will observe the following disciplinary procedure in dealing with student misbehavior:

Bus drivers will observe the following disciplinary procedures in dealing with student misbehavior.

3. Second incident: Five days' suspension from bus privileges; parent or guardian notified

4. Third incident: Ten days' suspension from bus privileges; parent or guardian notified

5. Fourth incident: Suspension from bus privileges for remainder of the school year; parent or guardian notified.

Anyone caught throwing objects or fighting on the bus will receive an automatic five-day suspension from bus riding privileges. Any student found destroying seats or committing any other act of bus vandalism will be required to pay for the actual damages, according to a payment schedule agreed upon by the principal and the parent or guardian before the student will be allowed to ride any Marshall County school bus again. Restitution for damages will be required in addition to other consequences that the student has incurred. Special Education children will have an M-Team meeting after the first warning. The use of abusive or obscene language will be considered a Level IV offense under board disciplinary procedures and the student will be suspended from bus riding privileges for the remainder of the year. Any student who gets off the bus at any point between the pick-up point and school must present the bus driver with a note of authorization from the parent or the principal of the school. Any student wishing to ride a bus other than his or her designated bus must have written parental permission and the approval of the principal. In the event of snow, when all main roads are clear, but some back roads are still unsafe, snow routes will be used. When snow routes are used, schools will be open and buses will run their normal routes with the exception of designated roads. Students who live on these roads and who normally ride a bus and are unable to get to school for lack of bus transportation will be given an excused absence and allowed to make up their school work when they return to school. ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING BUS PROCEDURES AND BUS ROUTES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOGLEN EZELL AT 359-4866.

The prices for lunch are $1.90 for students, $.40 for reduced lunches, and $2.40 for adult lunches. Applications for free and reduced meals must be completed every year. A student who was on free or reduced price meals last year is expected to complete a new application this year. If a student is approved for free or reduced priced meals, they can be approved for certain fee waivers. A parent must complete the back of the free and reduced application (list student names, identify fees for activities, fees or supplies, or both and sign the back of the form). JUST BECAUSE A STUDENT IS APPROVED FOR FREE OR REDUCED MEALS, DOES NOT MEAN THAT A STUDENT WILL BE ON FEE WAIVER STATUS. WAIVER FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 31, 2006. Students are expected to pay for their meals at the time of eating or at the beginning of the week. Students can deposit money in their meal account at any time (by the day, week, or month). Students may charge lunch one day only. Payment for charged meals is expected after this time. Parents should not assume a bill will be sent after the meals are consumed; but if a notice is sent, the parent is expected to pay the next day. If sending a check, the check should be made for the amount of lunch account and made to the cafeteria. No checks will be cashed. Refunds to a student will only be made at the end of the school year if requested or at the time of a student's withdrawal or graduation. A student can carry money over to the next year. Students will be expected to pay for extras at the time of purchase. Extra items cannot be charged. All students will report to the cafeteria at their assigned time. Students may talk, at a normal tone, and are to remain seated. Students who choose to disrupt will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to disciplinary action. Students should use the restroom before going to the cafeteria or before returning to the classroom. Students who are late to lunch will receive a tardy slip. Anyone found in an unauthorized area during lunch will be disciplined. Chronic violators will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Students may not use the vending machines between the hours of 11:30 and 1:30 each day.

Our cafeteria is a source of great pride to everyone. The food is well prepared, servings are generous and prices are low. Four lunch shifts take care of the entire student body. Lines form quietly and move through at a steady, rapid pace. The lunch includes a choice of meats, vegetables, bread, milk, and dessert. Ice cream also may be bought at the cafeteria during lunch period, but it shall be consumed in the cafeteria. Food or drinks may not be taken out of the cafeteria for any reason.

All students must report to the cafeteria at their designated lunch period. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

9. All students must report to the cafeteria during their designated lunch period.

For a list of Child Advocacy Groups, parents can visit the Tennessee Disability Services- Disability Pathfinder Database at http://mingus.kc.vanderbilt.edu/tdir/dbsearch.asp or the State Department of Education at http://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/indox.htm

Decisions made by school personnel - such as assistants, teachers, or assistant principals - which students believe are unfair or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules may be appealed to the school principal or a designated representative. To appeal, students will contact the principal's office in their school and provide their name, the issue, and the reason for their appeal in writing at the school office within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). If the principal does not make a decision within two school days following the date of complaint, students or parents may appeal at that time by contacting the director or designee at the central office. The information provided should include the student's name, the school, and a description of the problem. As per new federal regulation, parents have the right to know the qualifications of their child's teachers. This information can be accessed on the Tennessee Department of Education website.

Children between the ages of six and seventeen years, both inclusive, must attend a public or private school. Under certain circumstances the board may temporarily excuse students from complying with the provisions of the compulsory attendance law. A person eighteen years of age or older who applies for admission must have the application approved by the principal and director when he/she fails to enroll within thirty calendar days after school officially starts; or after he/she has dropped out of school and wants to re-enter. The compulsory attendance law shall not apply to the following: a student who has received a diploma or other certificate of graduation; a student who is enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a course leading to a GED; a student enrolled in a home school who has reached the age of seventeen.

The staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Any professional employee shall have the authority to control the conduct of any student while the students are under the supervision of the school system. This authority shall extend to all activities of the school, including all games and public performances of athletic teams and other school groups, trips, excursions and all other activities under school sponsorship and direction. Such measures may include the use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order. A student shall not use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct which causes the disruption, interference or obstruction of any school purpose while on school property, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school sponsored activity, function or event, whether on or off campus. Neither shall he/she urge other students to engage in such conduct. Harassment, intimidation and other conduct that may be considered "bullying" will not be tolerated. Students shall not engage in conduct that has the effect of unreasonable interfering with another student's academic development or that creates a hostile or offensive learning environment. A student found guilty of misbehavior may receive punishment ranging from verbal reprimand to suspension and/or expulsion dependent on the severity of the offense and the offender's prior record.

2. Proper conduct is expected of all students at school and at all school functions. Students are subject to discipline by any teacher either at school or at school functions. Refusal to follow the directions will result in disciplinary action.

3. Students who drive to school must be licensed drivers and must park in designated areas. Students may not sit in vehicles after arriving on campus or during school hours and may not leave in cars without permission from the administration. A student may not return to the parking lot during school hours.

4. Students should dress at all times appropriately to the occasion and in such a manner as not to distract from the educational process. Reasonable modesty is required. (See DRESS CODE). Special dress will be required by students when requested by the sponsor of special events.

5. Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, use or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or on school grounds, or in school vehicles and/or buses or off the school grounds at a school sponsored activity, function or event. Students are further forbidden to use any instruments or substances such as chemicals, pencils, scissors, razors, or compasses with the intent to do harm or in a manner which renders the item dangerous. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to suspension from school for one calendar year.

6. Parents and students will be held financially responsible for the deliberate destruction of school property.

7. Flagrant violation of any school rule will result in disciplinary action by the administration. Written notification must be on file if corporal punishment is refused as a disciplinary measure.

8. Recreational card games, video games, head sets, etc., should not be brought to school. These items will be confiscated by school personnel and will only be released to the parent or guardian of the owner.

9. Inappropriate language/disrespectful comments made to faculty or staff will result in disciplinary action.

10. The possession by students of electronic pagers or cellular phones on school property is prohibited. These items will be confiscated by school personnel and will only be released to the parent or guardian of the owner.

11. Students having knowledge of inappropriate conduct should report this to the administration of the school.

Any principal, assistant principal or teacher may use corporal punishment in a reasonable manner against any student for good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. Corporal punishment shall be administered only after other less stringent measures have failed, or if the conduct of a student is of such nature that corporal punishment is the only reasonable form of punishment under the circumstances.

2. The instrument to be used in administering corporal punishment shall be approved by the principal and shall take place in the principal's office or other such place out of the view of other students.

3. Corporal punishment shall be reasonable and administered in the presence of another professional employee.

4. The nature of the punishment will be such that it is in proportion to the gravity of the offense, the apparent motive and disposition of the offender, and the influence of the offender's example and conduct on others.

5. In determining the use and degree of corporal punishment, consideration will be given to the age, sex, size, physical and emotional condition of the child.

6. The witness must be informed beforehand and in the student's presence of the reason for the punishment.

A disciplinary record shall be maintained and shall contain the name of the student, the type of misconduct, the type of corporal punishment administered, the name of the person administering the punishment, the name of the witness present, and the date and time of punishment. Disciplinary records shall be filed in the school office and made available to parents or students whichever is appropriate.

Correspondence courses are available only for graduating seniors who qualify to be a senior with 16 credits at the beginning of their senior year and who need extra elective credits to be eligible to graduate with the senior class in May. All correspondence courses must be approved by the guidance counselor and principal of Marshall County High School to determine if the course will be entered on the transcript as valid credits for graduation.

Morning detention begins promptly at 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. and ends at 7:45 a.m. Afternoon detention begins at 3:15 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Any student arriving for detention after the designated time will not receive credit for that session. Any student needing to leave detention before the designated time will not receive credit for that session. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school to attend detention sessions. Students will be assigned detention by the principal or her designee, and a schedule of sessions will be planned. If the student fails to complete the detention assignment as planned further disciplinary action will be taken. There will be absolutely no interaction between students during detention. Each student must work on his or her own assignments. Any questions or comments must be directed to the detention teacher. Students who are not working on their assignments will be asked to leave and they will be counted absent for the detention session. If it becomes necessary to dismiss a student during detention, the student or his parent or guardian are responsible for transportation at the time of dismissal. Students must complete detention during the week in which it is assigned. Failure to complete detention hours will result in the hours being doubled at the end of the week.

Suspensions for more than a total of ten (10) days per incident shall be considered a change of placement for handicapped students. Prior to such action, the student's M-Team must meet and determine: whether the offense is a manifestation of the student's handicapping condition; and the appropriateness of the student's current placement. If the M-Team determines that the offense is a manifestation of the student's handicap, the student cannot be suspended. If the M-Team determines that the offense is not a manifestation of the student's handicap, the student is treated as if he/she were not handicapped and may be suspended. Either determination is subject to due process procedures and, upon challenge, placement shall be frozen pending the outcome of any administrative or judicial proceeding. If a student is suspended, education services, as determined by the M-Team, must be provided during the discipline period.

A Disciplinary Hearing Authority will conduct hearings for students who have been suspended for more than ten school days. The Board shall appoint members of the DHA which shall consist of nine members, at least two of which shall be licensed employees of the Board, appointed to one year terms and subject to reappointment. Board members shall not serve on the DHA. Each hearing shall be conducted by at least three (3) members of the DHA, one of which must be a licensed employee of the Board. The hearing must be held, a decision must be rendered, and notification of the decision must be provided to the parents and/or student and the principal no later than ten(10) days after the beginning of the suspension. Notification of the decision shall include a statement of the right of either party within five (5) days after receiving the decision to request a review by the Board.

"Directory information" means information contained in an educational record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to the student's name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent or previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. Student directory information for 11th or 12th graders shall be made available upon request to persons or groups which make students aware of occupational and educational options, including official recruiting representatives of the military forces. The student becomes an eligible student when he or she reaches age 18 or enrolls in a post secondary school, at which time all of the above rights become the student's rights.

Students shall be provided a learning environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination or 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. Student discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated. Discrimination or harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures, or words either written or spoken of a sexual, racial, ethnic or religious nature. Alleged victims of sexual, racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination or harassment shall report these incidents immediately to a teacher, counselor or building administrator. Allegations of discrimination or harassment shall be fully investigated. 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 investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a through investigation or 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. There will be no retaliation against any person who reports harassment or participates in an investigation. However, anyone who refuses to cooperate or gives false information during the course of any investigation may be subject to disciplinary action. The willful filing of a false report will itself be considered harassment and will be treated as such. No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

The Board of Education recognizes the effect which students dress and grooming have upon student behavior and commitment to learning. It further recognizes the role of parents in assisting their children in making appropriate choices regarding clothing, accessories, and personal appearance. In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and to prepare students for working environments, the board shall require that all students exercise good taste with regard to their personal appearance. Attire considered disruptive or risky to health or safety is not appropriate. The building level administrator is authorized to determine what is appropriate and in good taste within each school. Furthermore, the following rules concerning dress and grooming are mandatory to students in grades 6-12. Bottom wear - waist and below - must be size appropriate (no sagging) and worn securely around the waist. No Spandex material will be allowed. Skirts or shorts must be no shorter than four inches above the top of the knee. Girls may wear dresses that are no shorter than four inches above the knee. Top wear must be appropriate. No bare midriffs or cleavage will be allowed. Marshall County High School students must wear tops with a shoulder strap of at least three inches and which fits securely under the arms. Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops are not permitted. Any other type clothing or personal items bearing reference to alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs, drug related slogans, or any other working, drawing, pictures, etc., which in any way can be interpreted as being suggestive, obscene, or offensive, such as a reference to death, the occult, Satanism, etc., is not permitted. "gang" related slogans, names, apparel, etc., are not permitted in school or at any school related activities. Students are to wear clothing in the way it was designed to be worn -i.e. clothing worn backwards or inside out or suspenders undone - is not allowed. No see-through or cut-out clothing will be allowed. All clothing must be hemmed and must not have holes, rips, tears, cuts, or frayed edges. No hats, bandanas, hoods, sweatbands, curlers, rollers, ar sunglasses will be worn in the building. Students are not to wear jewelry, ornaments, or accessories such as excessively noisy jewelry and/or belts which distract from the educational process. No body piercing jewelry is allowed except in the ears. No heavy metal chains ( such as those made out of steel, chrome, alloy etc.) and look alike that are not formal jewelry are allowed around the neck, around the waist, or hanging from the waist into the pocket. Students may not wear metal spiked apparel or similar accessories. Tattoos should be covered. Students are not to wear extreme facial makeup that is disruptive to the educational environment. All students are required to wear their hair in such a manner that is not considered unkempt, unclean, or impairing to vision. Students are not to have the following: hair sprayed or dyed in unnatural colors (such as blue, pink, green, yellow) spiked hair or mohawks. Schools may develop special dress days or special dress occasions for the students at the discretion of the school administration. If a student cannot comply with the standardized dress code because of religious beliefs, his or her parent or guardian may write a letter explaining the situation to the Director of Schools, with a copy to the school principal. Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis. STUDENTS IN VIOLATION OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Any student fifteen years of age or older who becomes academically deficient or deficient in attendance shall be reported to the Department of Safety for driver's license revocation. A student shall be deemed academically deficient if he or she has not received passing grades in at least two full credits or their equivalency at the end of each 18-week session. A student shall be deemed deficient in attendance when he or she drops out of school or has ten consecutive or fifteen total unexcused absences during a single 18-week session. Suspensions shall be considered unexcused. the state requires that the student pay a reinstatement fee and provide documentation from the school to verify compliance with the law when they are eligible to have their driver's license reinstated.

Upon enrollment at Marshall County High School, each student will receive an Educational Planner that outlines the types of diplomas that a student may receive as well as the description of the university path for graduation and the technical path for the graduation and the list of course curriculum required for each path. The planner also describes the guideline for the honor graduate classifications.

In the event of severe weather or mechanical breakdown, the school may be closed, delayed, or dismissed early. The Director of Schools will announce the delay of school or early dismissal. Any such circumstances will be announced over all local radio and television stations. If no report is heard, it may be assumed that school will open on time.

No mid-term or final exam will be given in a course in which a Gateway Test is administered. Gateway Test will count as 15% of a student's final course grade, as specified in Policy 4.700 of the Marshall County Board of Education Policy manual. No mid-term or final exam will be given in a course in which a state End-of-course Test is administered. The End-of-Course Test will count as 15% of a students final course grade, as specified in Policy 4.700 of the Marshall Count Board of Education Policy Manual. All other eighteen-week courses will have a mid-term and final exams counting 15%.

Fighting is strictly forbidden in the school or on campus during a school activity. Breaking this rule will result in immediate and automatic suspension from school and a conference with the student's parent or guardian.

Students who destroy, damage, or lose school property, including but not limited to books, equipment and records will be responsible for the actual cost of replacing or repairing such materials or equipment. The grades, report cards, diplomas, or transcripts of a student who is responsible for vandalism or theft or who has otherwise incurred a debt to MCHS may be held until the student and the student's parent or guardian has paid for the damages. When the student and parent or guardian are unable to pay the debt, The school will provide a program of voluntary work for the student. Upon completion of the work, the student's grades, diploma, ar transcripts shall be released. Textbooks are available free to students as a loan. Parents will accept full responsibility for the proper care, preservation, return or replacement of textbooks issued to the student. The condition of each book and a book number shall be recorded by the teacher when the book is issued. The teacher is accountable for assessing fines to students whose textbooks are damaged beyond reasonable wear and tear. The life of the book is considered to be six years. Charges for the lost books will be the remaining life of the book. Damage fines will be based on the wear beyond that normally expected for one year. The following schedule will be followed for damaged or lost textbooks: 1-2 years use 100%, 3-4 years use - 75%, and 5 or more years use - 50%. Fines may be assessed for overdue, damaged, or lost library books. In no event will the one exceed the current cost of replacing the book

Fire drills will be conducted at intervals during the school year. The teacher will instruct the class as to which exit they are to use. In order that the drill may be conducted with expediency and safety, students are asked to stay in single file lines and not talk. Anyone pulling a fire station lever without a valid reason will be subject to criminal prosecution by the authorities and disciplinary action by the administration of the school. Anyone who intentionally discharges a fire extinguisher without just cause or disturbs its location without just cause will be subject to severe disciplinary consequences

Students may have access to drink machines and snack machines at a designated times during the day. Students may not have open containers in the hallways. All cans and paper must be put in proper containers. Concessions items are not to be taken to the restrooms. If the building or campus becomes littered, then the sale of concession items will be stopped. Machines may not be used during lunch period. During third period, all drink machines and snack machines are off limits due to federal regulations. Food and drinks are not allowed in the library, lecture hall, gym, or computer labs at any time. Teachers will govern the use of food or drinks in their classrooms. Students who violate these guidelines will be disciplined. Students may not bring vending items into the building from outside sources.

The primary function of the guidance department is to help the student derive a greater benefit from his attendance at Marshall County High School. To accomplish this goal the guidance counselors are available for help with any personal problems and in obtaining information that can help in making decisions about educational or vocational transitions in life. Such counseling is voluntary. The counselors maintain confidentiality regarding matters which concern the student. The effort of the counselors is directed toward helping students become increasingly independent and more skillful in solving his own problems and making his own decisions. Guidance services consist of help in occupational, educational, and personal areas in the lives of the students. Most students will be helped by learning as much as possible about more than one college. Bulletins, brochures, and other booklets are available from most of the area colleges and universities. Personal problems are entrenched in home as well as in school backgrounds and much may be gained by sharing part of the problems with another person. A student must get written permission from his teacher to visit the guidance office.

To avoid asking to leave the class, students should use the restroom and get a drink of water before the beginning of each class. To ensure the safety and educational progress of all students, hall passes will only be granted for extreme emergencies. Academic work is planned for all students for the entire class session and the class schedule does not allow time for students to leave the class. Students with special medical conditions may bring a doctor's note explaining the need for the student to use the restroom at more frequent intervals. Students may not leave the classroom to visit the guidance counselor or other school personnel. Students may not leave the classroom to use the telephone. Students may use the telephone in the office before school, after school, and during break to make emergency phone calls only.

The Homebound Instruction Program is for students who, because of health impairments, are unable to attend the regular instructional program. The program consists of three hours of per week provided by a certified and properly endorsed teacher. Students enrolled in the Homebound Program must be present for instruction as scheduled by the homebound instructor. Homebound students must provide legal or medical documentation for absences to avoid truancy petitions. The Board of Education reserves the right to require a parent or guardian to be present during homebound instruction. Students may not work at a public job while enrolled in homebound instruction since they have been deemed unable to attend a regular school program. To qualify for the Homebound Program, a student must have a health impairment of sufficient seriousness to anticipate that the student will be absent for a minimum of ten consecutive school days. The student must be certified by an appropriate health care provider as being health impaired and unable to attend the regular instructional program. The homebound teacher will conduct the M-Team meeting and will develop an IEP for the student. Homebound instruction for pregnant students shall consist of three hours of instruction per week for a period of six weeks. A homebound instruction program for longer than the six week period shall only be provided to a student who is certified in writing by her physician as having health complications that prevent her from returning to regular classes.

The federal McKinney-Vento Act protects the rights of children and youth in homeless situations to attend and succeed in school, including pre-school. The McKinney-Vento Act applies to all children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular and adequate residence, including children and youth who are: staying with friends or relatives because they lost their housing; awaiting foster placement; or living in emergency or transitional shelters, hotels, domestic violence shelters, campgrounds, inadequate trailer parks, cars, public spaces, abandoned buildings and bus/train stations.

The method of determining the Honor Roll will be uniform throughout the county. If a student has an "A" (93 or above) in every subject, he or she will be named to the "Principal's List". If a student has an average of 93 or above, with all subjects averaged together, and no grade below 85, he or she will be placed on the "A Honor Roll". If a student has an average of 85-92, with all subjects averaged together, and no grade below 75, he or she will be placed on the "B Honor Roll". Honor rolls and other student's recognitions are posted in the building and may be published in the papers or presented on radio or television. Parents not wanting their child to be recognized MUST provide written notice to the principal of the school.

In case of illness or injury, a student will be cared for temporarily by a member of the school staff. School personnel will render first aid treatment only. If emergency medical treatment is necessary, the parents will be contacted. If parents are not available, the student will be taken to the emergency room at the hospital. Remember that an emergency telephone number where parents can be reached and the name and telephone number of the student's family doctor must be on file at the school.

State law requires that every student who is admitted to public school must have evidence of a successful vaccination for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. Also required is a rubella vaccination and a tuberculin skin test. Proof of a second dose of MMR vaccine is required for attendance in all grades.

Students may be questioned by teachers or principals about any matter pertaining to the operation of a school and the enforcement of its rules. Questioning must be conducted discretely and under circumstances which will avoid unnecessary embarrassment to the student being questioned. Any student answering falsely, evasively, or refusing to answer a proper question may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension. If a student is suspected or accused of misconduct or infraction of the student code of conduct, the principal may interrogate the student without the presence of parents or guardians and without giving the student constitutional warning. If the principal has requested assistance by the police department to investigate a crime involving the school, the police shall have permission to interrogate a suspect in school during school hours. The principal shall attempt to notify the parent or guardian of the student of the intended interrogation, but the interrogation may proceed without attendance of the parent or guardian. The principal or her designee shall be present during the interrogation. The use of police women or female staff members is desirable in the interrogation of female students. If the police deem circumstances of sufficient urgency to interrogate students at school for unrelated crimes committed outside of school hours, the police department shall first contact the principal regarding the planned interrogation and inform his or her of the probable cause to investigate within the school. The principal shall make reasonable effort to notify the parent or guardian. The principal or her designee shall be present during the interrogation. Any principal or her designee having reasonable suspicion may search any student, place or thing on school property or in the actual or constrictive possession of any student during any organized school activity on or off campus, including buses or vehicles of students or visitors, and containers or packages if he or she receives information which would cause a reasonable belief that the search will lead to the discovery of evidence of any violation of the law. If public health or safety is involved, upon request of the principal who shall be present, police officers may make a general search of student's lockers and desks, or student's or non student's automobiles for drugs, weapons, or items of an illegal or prohibited nature.

Students may be placed in In-School Suspension for behavioral and disciplinary purposes. Students in this program will be housed in a separate area from other students. The educational services of the student will continue, but students will not be allowed to participate or attend any school activities during the assigned period. Students will remain in In-School Suspension until he or she has successfully completed his or her work and has maintained successful conduct for the assigned number of days. Students who are placed in In-School Suspension may not participate in school activities until after midnight of the last day of the suspension.

Student accident insurance is available for purchase on an optional basis. Applications and information brochures will be available in the main office of the school during the first week of school. Student's participating in interscholastic athletics must either purchase the insurance policy offered or present a statement signed by the parent or guardian which assures that the parent has personal insurance or is willing to accept all financial responsibilities related to participation and travel.

The school library is open during school hours from 7:45 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. All MCHS students and teachers may use the library facilities. Attention is directed to the following rules governing the relationship between the student and the library. Books are circulated for a two-week period and may be renewed for an additional two weeks. A fine of five cents per day is charged for books kept overtime. Saturday's, Sunday's, and holidays are not counted as fine days. Reserved books checked out at the close of the school day must be returned before the first period of the following school day. All books should be returned when they become due. Lost and damaged books will be paid for by the student. No book should be taken from the library without being properly charged at the circulation desk.

Lockers are assigned on an alphabetical basis to the students at the beginning of each school year. Students are to occupy their assigned locker only. Refusing to locate your books and materials in your assigned locker will result in disciplinary action. Students may use locks as if they also provide a key or combination to the lock to the student's homeroom teacher. Locks may be cut off for security purposes. Lockers are school property made available for the student's use. The school administration reserves the right to open and search any locker for justifiable reasons. When a student's locker is to be opened for investigation there will be two staff members present. The school is not liable for losses of property or textbooks resulting from the use of school lockers. All backpacks and athletic bags will be left in the lockers during the school day. Do not deface the inside or outside of the lockers with stickers or other items.

Marshall County High School is not responsible for lost items or inappropriate items which have been confiscated by a staff member during the school day or while a student is on campus or attending a school activity.

If you prefer that your child's picture or quote not be used in news articles, TV clips, or on the MCHS web site, please notify the administration of MCHS in writing prior to Sept. 1 of the current school year.

Medications should be limited to those required during school hours and necessary to maintain the child in school. A parent or guardian signature on the medical registration form is required to allow school personnel to give nonprescription medications to the student as needed. The school will provide such medication to ensure the safety of the student. All prescription drugs given during the school day shall be prescribed by a licensed prescriber on an individual basis as determined by the child's health status. Prescription medication must be brought to school in the original pharmacy label container. The container shall display the child's name, date, licensed prescriber's name, and pharmacy name,address and phone number. All prescriptions for long-term medications shall be renewed at least annually. Changes in prescription medication shall have written authorization from the licensed prescriber. All prescription and non prescription drugs documentation and log of dosage administered will be kept in the office and maintained by school personnel. All prescription and non prescription medication must be taken home at the end of each school year and then registered at the beginning of the year with proper current documentation. MCHS does not provide any type of prescription medication for student use. These items such as cough drops, tylenol, eye wash, antacid, atc. are the responsibility of the individual student and their parent. If a child's injury or illness requires the assistance of a nurse, then the staff of MCHS will contact the LMS nurse to visit the school.

Complaints may be filed if any person believes the Marshall County School System or any of the system's staff has inadequately applied the principles or regulations of Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendment Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or Due Process Rights. Inquiries regarding compliance with the notice of Nondiscrimination Policy may be directed to the Marshall County School Board, 700 Jones Circle, Lewisburg, Tennessee 37091 - 359-1581. In compliance with new federal regulations, parents have the right to know the qualifications of their child's instructional staff. This information can be accessed from the Tennessee Department of Education website.

Students shall not use, or have visible, personal communication devices, such as pagers and cellular phones, while on school property during the regular school day. In special circumstances a student may possess a personal communication device with permission from the principal. A personal communication device is a device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the processor. A person who discovers a student in possession of a personal communication device shall report the violation to the principal or his designee. The device will be confiscated and will be returned only to the parent or guardian of the student. Students who possess a personal communication device are in violation of this policy and school rules are subject to the related disciplinary action.

It is the students' responsibility at all times in all situations to protect his or her wallet and other valuables form theft. If a student must carry a large sum of money, he or she should deposit it in the office while in school. Students should keep their lockers locked at all times. Carelessness of friends who know combinations is often the cause of a loss of property. Equipment, books, etc., should be marked with the student's name. Report immediately to the main office when anything is lost. Check the Lost and Found for lost items which may have been brought to the office.

Recognizing the fact that we live in a rapidly changing society, we, the faculty of MCHS, believe that education is for life, not just a living. In order to maintain this philosophy, we believe it is necessary to raise the pupil's thinking, performance, and achievement. Furthermore, it is vital to help the individual learn to think clearly and objective and objectively in whatever life situation he finds himself. Finally, we must produce quality education by achieving the objectives of self realization, human relationships, economic and civic responsibility. Self realization can be accomplished through the development of an inquiring mind, the improvement of speech, the acquisition of better health knowledge, and the development of character. The growth of human relationships is based on respect of humanity, the development of friendships, cooperation, and courtesy in all situations. In today's world, the student must be made aware of economic efficiency through emphasis on work ethic and personal economics. To do this, he must be provided with occupational information and guides to purchasing efficiency. These objectives are less than meaningful without the development of civic responsibility. This is obtained by fostering social understanding, comprehension of social justice, observance of the law, and the need for all bases of conservation. We believe that all these objectives can be met by providing the student with learning experiences at his or her individual level in the academic, vocational, and extracurricular areas. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to prepare the student to assume his or her role as a contributing member of a rapidly changing society.

Only emergency messages will be delivered to the students. Students will not be called out of class to receive phone messages. Work related calls will not be delivered to the students. Students may only use the office phone for emergency situations where they are sick and are needing someone to pick them up.

Before school authorities administer disciplinary measures, reasonable inquiry shall be made to determine the truth of what happened. The nature of this inquiry will vary in degree with the seriousness of the offense and the consequence attached thereto. For minor offenses where corrective measures are taken by the classroom teacher. no formal procedure is required. An inquiry into the incident to ensure that the offender is accurately identified, that he or she understands the nature of the offense, and that he or she knows the consequences of the offense for which he is accused be made.

Student's academic progress will be reported to the parents or guardians at least eight times per year. Numerical grades will be used in reporting the progress of students in grades 3-12. Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled throughout the year. Parent's involvement with their child's academic progress is very important, and parents may request a conference with their child's teacher at any time. Please call the principal for an appointment if a conference is desired. In order to be promoted to the next grade, students in grades 6-8 must pass language arts, reading, mathematics, science and social studies. In order to be promoted to the next grade students in grades 9-12 must complete and or accrue the prescribed number of credits per grade level designated by the Board of Education and the State of Tennessee. A course must be successfully completed for credit to be assigned; no partial credit may be earned for a one or two credit course. Promotion to the next grade will be made only at the end of each school year. A student must earn 6 credits or more to be promoted to the 10 th grade, 13 credits or more to be promoted to the 11th grade, 18 credits or more to be promoted to the 12th grade, and 26 credits to graduate. Students may earn up to two credits in a certified summer school program to be promoted to the next grade. These must be course which are being repeated after failing the course during the regular school year or elective courses which are not required for graduation. Correspondence Courses are only available for students who have earned senior status and need additional elective credits to be able to graduate in the spring. For children with special needs, an Individual Educational Program will be developed by an M-Team composed of the student's parents, teachers, principal, resource teacher, and other specialized personnel. the student must successfully complete the requirements of the IEP to be promoted to the next grade level.

Inappropriate language or disrespectful comments will not be tolerated as part of the school environment. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action

Student progress reports shall be provided at least once every four and one half weeks during the school year. The reporting procedure shall be in writing and shall be uniform for all reporting periods during each school year. Each report shall be signed by the parents and returned promptly to the school.

The board expects all school staff, students, and parents to assume the responsibility for appropriate behavior in the school. Each student has the right to have the opportunity for a free education in the most appropriate learning environment; be secure in his or her person and protected against unreasonable searches and seizure; expect that the school will be a safe place; have an appropriate environment conducive to learning; not be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or disabilities; and be fully informed of school rules and regulations. Each student has the responsibility to know and adhere to reasonable rules and regulations established by the board; respect the human dignity and worth of every other individual; refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression; study and maintain the best possible level of academic achievement; be punctual and present in the regular school program; dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty and safety; maintain and improve the school environment, preserve school and private property, and exercise care while using school facilities; refrain from behavior which would lead to physical or emotional harm or disrupt the educational process; respect the authority of school administrators, teachers, and other authorized personnel in maintaining discipline in the school and at school sponsored activities; obey the law and school rules as to the possession or the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and other unauthorized substances or materials; and possess on school grounds only those materials which are acceptable under the law and accept the consequences for articles stored in one's locker.

Classes are scheduled for returning students according to the student's request. new students make scheduling choices at the time of enrollment. All class changes must be made during the first two days of the semester. Students will only be allowed to change classes in extreme situations. Permission to change classes will be granted through the guidance department. Students are required to be enrolled in 4 classes each session of the school year.

Special Education and related services are mandated by Federal and State Law to be provided at no cost to parents for eligible students. These services must be designed to meet the unique needs of the student and are supervised and directed in a public school setting that meets state standards. These services are provided for ages 3-22 or from preschool through high school. Placement must be provided in the least restrictive environment with other students who do not have a disability, as much as possible. Parents should contact the school guidance office for information concerning the available programs.

The Tennessee General Assembly, through TCA 49-6-4012, mandated that each local education agency formulate a code of acceptable behavior and discipline to apply to the students in each school operated by that agency. The code shall contain the type of behavior expected from each student, the consequences of failure to obey such standards, and the importance of the standards to the maintenance of a safe learning environment where orderly learning is possible and encouraged. This code of conduct has been developed to provide the school personnel with a model code for student conduct and to provide students and parents with an understanding of expected behavior and the consequences of falling to adhere to these expectations

The director of schools shall be responsible for the overall implementation and supervision of the board of education's adopted code of behavior and discipline and shall ensure that students at all schools are subject to a uniform and fair application of the code. The principal of each school shall be responsible for the overall implementation and administration in his/her school and shall apply the code uniformly and fairly to each student at the school without partiality of discrimination.

The Marshall County Board of Education has approved this code of implementation in all schools. A copy of the code will be provided to all parents, teachers and administrative staff members. Copies will be posted in the schools for student reference. Homeroom teachers and/or other appropriate school personnel shall explain and discuss the code with the students in their respective classes. This code shall be referenced in all student handbooks. The code is posted on the Marshall Co. School System web site at www.mcs.k12tn.net.

The teaching of self-discipline is one of the ultimate goals of any educational program.Self-discipline ia at the heart of the development of strong character and an enthusiasm for learning. Students who have a high degree of self-discipline demonstrate qualities such as positive self-esteem, cooperative attitude, self-confidence, respect for the rights and properties of others, and self- control. The Board of Education id responsible for promoting a free and appropriate public scholl education ; promoting and encouraging a positive working relationship with parents/guardians; keeping parents/guardians informed o their children' s academic progress and general conduct; and promoting a school environment that is safe, well organized, free of inequities, and academically excited.

Parents/guardians are responsible for serving as strong, continuous sources of support and encouragement to promote student success; ensuring that their children are punctual and attend school daily; maintaining consistent and adequate control over their children's conduct so that students demonstrate acceptable behavior in the schools; and working cooperatively with school personnel in ensuring their children's best academic efforts at him and at school.

The Marshall County Board of Education Policy 6.313 and Tennessee Code annotated in Federal Laws TCA 49-6-4018, 49-6-4001 through 49-6-4105 and 49-6-3001h describe the Levels of discipline that will be observed by students.

Minor infractions on the part of the student which impede orderly classroom procedures are considered Level 1 offenses. Misbehaviors in which the level of frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school are considered level II offenses. Acts directly against person or property, the consequences of which do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school are considered level III offenses. Acts will result in violence to another's person or property or which poses a threat to the safety of others in the school are considered Level IV offenses.

Students at MCHS take pride in their good manners and have respect for authority figures in and out of school. Students are responsible and accountable for their actions. Self discipline, which implies responsibility for one's action, is one of the important goals of education and the mark of maturity. Respect for real and personal property and pride in one's work and achievement shall be expected of all students. For your safety we are requiring that all students be picked up by 3:30 p.m. The behavior of students at MCHS should reflect standards of good citizenship equal to or excelling any school in the area. The following actions are subject to disciplinary action: gambling, profanity, cheating,theft, physical violence, disturbances, using and/or exhibiting narcotics, weapons or intoxicating liquors, disrespect for others, vandalism, destruction or defacing of other's property, pushing, running and boisterousness in the building, boy - girl relationships that are in poor taste, loitering in the restrooms, use of firecrackers or any other type of explosive or other disruption, refusing to identify oneself to a school employee, possession of electronic devices, going to the parking area without proper permission, being in an unauthorized area during lunch or at other designated times, leaving school without permission of the administration of the school, loitering in the halls, deliberate destruction of school property, refusal to accept the discipline of any teacher or disrespectful conduct shown to any teacher, and the possession of recreational games, cards, or devices.

A cumulative record shall be kept for each student enrolled in school. The folder shall contain a health record, attendance record, and scholastic record, shall be kept current, and shall accompany the student through his or her school career. The name used on the record of the student entering the school system must be the same as that shown of the birth certificate, unless evidence is presented that such name has been legally changed. If the parent does not have or cannot obtain a birth certificate then the name used on the records of such student will be shown on the documents which are acceptable to the system as proof of date of birth. The name used on the record of a student entering the system from another school must be the same as that shown on the record of the previous attending school, unless evidence is presented that such name has been legally changed as prescribed by law. When a student transfers and his or her records are requested from another school in the system, the school shall send the original record to the transfer school. When a student transfers and his or her records are requested from a school outside the county, the school shall keep the original records and send copies to the transfer school. Attendance records kept on each student become permanent property of the school system. Student records shall be confidential. Only authorized school officials may have access to student information for legitimate educational purposes without the consent of the student or parent or guardian.

Surveys for research purposes shall be allowed by the board when the project is viewed as contributory to greater understanding of the teaching - learning process, the project does not violate the goals of the board, and the disruption of the regular school program is minimal. Surveys conducted for agencies, organizations, or individuals must have the recommendation of the Director of Schools and the approval of the Board as to content and purpose. The Director of Schools shall develop administrative procedures for approving request for conducting surveys. The request shall outline what is to be done, who is to be involved, and how the results will be used and distributed. Parents shall have the right to inspect all instructional material that will be used for a survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of a federal program. No student may, without parental consent, take part in a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning political affiliations, potentially embarrassing psychological problems, sex behavior or attitudes, anti-social and demanding behavior, critical appraisals of family members, legally privileged relationships, income and religious affiliations.

Any principal ar assistant principal may suspend and student from attendance at school or any school related activity on or off campus or from attendance at a specific class or classes, or from riding a school bus, without suspending such student from attendance at school, for good and sufficient reasons including, but not limited to:

3. Violence or threatened violence against the person of any personnel attending the school

4. Willful or malicious damage to property of the school, or the property of any persons attending the school

5. Inciting, advising or counseling others to engage in any of these acts herein before enumerated

8. Assaulting a principal or teacher with vulgar, obscene or threatening language

11. Off campus criminal behavior resulting in felony charges; when the behavior poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process

12. Any other conduct prejudicial to good order on any public school In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, drug paraphernalia, 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 calendar year. Students who bring or possess a drug, drug paraphernalia or a dangerous weapon onto a school bus, school property, or to any school event or activity. Any student who while on a bus, on school property or while attending any school event or activity is under the influence of a drug, possesses a drug, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapon; or assaults or threatens to assault a teacher, student or other persons.

All textbooks are the property of Marshall County Board of Education. The board shall establish policies as it deems necessary for the care and protection of its textbooks. Such policies may include any sanctions against a pupil who fails or refuses to pay for a lost or damaged textbook at the replacement cost less stated depreciation. The principal or designee may refuse to issue an additional textbook and withhold all grade cards, diplomas, certificates of progress, or transcripts until restitution is made. Mutilation or destruction of public property must be paid for by the parents of the students responsible and additional disciplinary action may be taken. All outstanding bills must be paid in full to the school before diplomas, report cards, school records or any other school business can be conducted.

All uses of tobacco and tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and herbal chew, are prohibited in all school buildings. Smoking shall be prohibited in any public seating areas, including but not limited to, bleachers used for sporting events or public restrooms. Student use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on school premises and in school vehicles, including buses. This prohibition includes all school activities. Any student, 17 years of age or under, who possess tobacco products shall be issued a citation to juvenile court by the school principal or resource officer. Any student eighteen years of age or older who uses tobacco products on school property or possess tobacco in any school building shall be subject to the following disciplinary actions: 1st offense- five days ISS , 2nd offense alternative school, 3rd offense - recommendation of expulsion.

When a student needs his transcripts released, he must complete a transcript release form which can be obtained in the guidance office or write a letter which includes his or her full name and address, date of birth, social security number, date and full name and address of the agency or institution to which the transcripts is to be sent. After graduation, there will be a $2.00 charge for each transcript requested.

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 TCA 40-38-000, or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under TCA 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade level appropriate school within the district.

Judge Stephen S. Bowden of the MArshall County Juvenile Court informs the parents and/or guardians of students enrolled in the Marshall County School System of the state law governing truancy issues. A child's parent/legal guardian is responsible for ensuring proper school attendance of any child under 18 years of age.

A child is considered to be truant from school after acquiring a total of 5 unexcused absences from school. Once a child