Learning and success require commitment. We must each determine to do the best we can in order to reach the goals we set for ourselves. We are committed to providing the very best possible and challenging programs. The curriculum is designed for you, to meet your individual needs and to equip you with knowledge, skills, and attitudes for a successful future.
The staff certainly hopes this handbook of information will be helpful to you and your parents. We also hope everyone will have a great school year.
Sincerely,
Bill Hatcher
Principal
The purpose of this organization is to bring into closer relationship the home, the community, and the school so that parents, relatives, community members, and teachers may cooperate more intelligently in the training of our children. The membership of this organization shall consist of the people interested in pursuing the goals of the organization. One very important purpose of the club is to recruit parent and community volunteers to help with every phase of life at Caton's Chapel Elementary School. Through the efforts of the Caton's Chapel Community Club, our walking track, playground equipment, and several school improvements are now in place and being enjoyed by our students. Our RIF reading program and several school community sports teams are supported by this organization. Improvements are always needed, opportunities to help are great, and the personal reward and satisfaction you will receive is limitless. Please be an active member of this group, which will meet the first Tuesday of each month.
OFFICERS
President - Libby Cantrell
Vice-President - Suzi Campbell
Secretary - Brenda Ferguson
Treasurer - Lori Jimnack
No person shall enter onto the grounds or into the buildings of any school during the hours of student instruction, except students assigned to the school, the staff of the school, parents of students, and other persons with lawful and valid business on the school premises.
Vehicles parked on school property by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, or dangerous weapons.
Felony: State law prescribes a maximum penalty of six (6) years imprisonment and a fine not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000) for carrying weapons on school property.
A Student may be subject to physical search because of the results of a locker search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member, student, or other person, if such action is reasonable to the principal.
Child abuse - All school personnel will be alert for any evidence of child abuse or neglect. Child abuse is defined as any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition in which is of such nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality, abuse or neglect or which on the basis of available information reasonably appears to have been caused by such. Staff members having knowledge or suspicion of any child who is suffering from abuse or neglect will report such harm immediately. The report will be made to the judge having juvenile jurisdiction or to the county office of the Department of Children Services or to the office of the child law-enforcement where the child resides.
The report will include the name, age, and address of the child, the name and address of the parent or person having custody of the child, the nature and extent of the abuse or neglect, and any evidence to the cause or any other information that may relate to cause or extent of the abuse or neglect.
Non-Discrimination Policy - Caton's Chapel School follows the Title VI non-discrimination policy which states, "The Sevier County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in provision of educational opportunities, programs, activities, or employment opportunities and benefits."
Inquiries or grievances should be directed to Larry Stott, Title VI Coordinator, at 226 Cedar Street in Sevierville, Tennessee 37862.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - , a federal law, requires that the Sevier County School System, with certain exceptions, obtain the written consent of parents prior to disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. The purpose of directory information is to allow the Sevier County School System to include information from you child's education records in certain school publications such as honor roll; graduation programs(K & 8th grade); their picture published in school yearbook; or a drama production. Without your parental signature on this school form, your child will not be included in school publications. Elementary Schools do not deal with military recruiters. This is high school only.
Title I - Caton's Chapel Elementary School is a school-wide Title I project school. Parent involvement is promoted by our Title I Parent Involvement Coordinator Marcie Williams. Our first Title I parent meeting will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. Also, parents of students in a Title I school may request information about qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals that instruct their children.
"Parents' Right to Know" - Caton's Chapel School will furnish each individual parent information on the level of achievement of the parent's child in each of the State Academic Assessments.
Parents of students at Caton's Chapel will receive notifications if a teacher is employed for four or mor consecutive weeks is not highly qualified.
Safe School Choice - Every public school shall annually notify parents that if their child is the victim of a violent crime at school, the child has the right to attend another grade-appropriate public school in the district.
Bullying will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly.
Field Trips
All grades will participate in educational field trips. The same good manners and rules of conduct that apply at school and on the bus will be expected of students participating on field trips. Expenses for these trips will be the responsibility of each student. Information concerning the purpose of the trip, place to be visited, cost, chaperones, etc., will be sent to parents in a timely manner. Students participating in field trip must turn in a signed permission slip from their parent or guardian. Telephone calls for permission will not be accepted.
Student's who have been suspended out of school, placed at the Alternative School, or who have been placed in in-school suspension for multiple offenses will not be allowed to go on field trips.
Students who stay at home on the day of the field trip will be counted absent.
Special Activities
We will offer a wide range of special interest activities designed to deepen interests of our students. Some of these are listed below:
- 4-H
- This is open to all students in 4th -8th grades. It is sponsored by the County Agricultural Extension Office. They have several areas in which the students are encouraged to participate: Model contest, bread baking, talent show, etc.
- DARE Program
- This is provided for 6th grade students by the Sevier County Sheriff's Department. It focuses on decision-making skills.
- Junior Beta Club
- This is a national honor society open to grades 5-8.
- Spelling Bee
- We have a school spelling bee for students in grades 5-8 with the winners advancing to compete in the countywide spelling bee.
- Advanced Placement Math Program
- This is only open to students who qualify. Students may qualify for the program by meeting three criteria: High standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, and passing a placement test. Seventh grade students can participate in the Pre-Algebra Class. Eighth grade students can participate in the Algebra Class. Upon successful completion of the Algebra class and final exam, they will earn high school credit.
- School Dances
- These will be announced from the office on a monthly basis.
- RIF Program
- This is sponsored by our Community Club and the Federal Government. Each child in the school may choose three books during the year.
- Young Authors' Contest
- This is open to students in 1st - 4th grades in May.
- Junior Authors' Contest
- This is open to students in 5th - 8th grades in April.
- Yearbook
- Our annual yearbook will be compiled by volunteers and distributed toward the end of the school year on a first come first serve basis.
- Various Poster and Essay Contest
- School and county wide.
- Academic Field Day
- County-wide
- Athletic Field Day
- School and County-wide
- Farm Day
- This is an agriculture field trip taken by 4th graders in May.
- Fun and Fitness Day
- This physical fitness program is for 5th graders in May.
Caton's Chapel Elementary sponsors basketball teams for seventh and eighth grade boys and girls. It also sponsors seventh and eighth grade girls volleyball. All teams participate in regular season games and various tournaments. Come out and support the Lady Hornets and Hornets.
Academic
All students will receive instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, Art, Music, and Computers. Special courses include CSA, Band, Pre-Algebra (7th), Algebra (8th), and Resource.
Physical Education
Physical Education is a required portion of a well-balance educational program. Students are expected to participate in all physical education activities unless excused by a parent or doctor's note. All students must wear tennis shoes and appropriate clothing. Seventh and eighth grade students are expected to dress out in the appropriate clothing and tennis shoes. Students not dressing out will be given a written assignment to be completed during class time. Grading is based on participation and attitude.
Guidance
Guidance is an integral part of the total school program. The primary function is to provide a comprehensive guidance program for all students and to specifically provide activities to meet the needs of the individual student. The counselor will be available to meet with teachers, students, and parents to provide support and enhance the educational opportunities for the students.
Library
The library is located in the center of our building. It is a fully equipped facility designed to support and expand the academic programs while also providing enjoyable recreational reading material for all students. The library is available for both individual student research and class research projects. Books may be checked out on a one-week basis. Fines may be assessed for books that are returned late, damaged, or lost. If a library book is lost or damaged, the student who checks it out is responsible for paying for it. Grade cards will not be issued nor cumulative records sent to a new school until all student obligations are cleared.
Band
Band is an elective subject offered to students in grades five through eight. Enrollment is for the full year. Each student will provide his own instrument. If a lease-purchase agreement is desired, please contact one of the band instructors for details.
Elementary School Grading Scale
Grading will be uniform within the elementary schools in grades 1 through 8 as follows:
A ......95-100
A- ......93-94
B+ ......90-92
B .......85-89
C+ ......83-84
C .......75-82
C- ......73-74
D ......70-72
F .....Less than 70
Grade cards may be held if the student has an obligation (such as library fine, lost or damaged textbook, lunch charges, etc.) which has not been paid. Records will not be sent to other school unless all student obligations are met.
Six Weeks Grading Periods
1st Six Weeks Ends ... October 3
2nd Six Weeks Ends November 17
3rd Six Weeks Ends .January 16
4th Six Weeks Ends March 2
5th Six Weeks Ends .April 24
6th Six Weeks Ends June 7
Wednesday, October 11
Tuesday, November 30
Tuesday, January 24
Monday, March 13
Monday, May 2
Wednesday, June 7
Absences
Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and therefore, students are expected to be present and on time each day that school is in session
The attendance supervisor will oversee the entire attendance program, which will include:
- All accounting and reporting procedures and their dissemination;
- Alternative program options for students who severely fail to meet minimum attendance requirements;
- Ensuring that all school age children attend school;
- Providing documentation of enrollment of driver's permit or license' and
- Notifying the Department of Safety whenever a student with a driver's permit or license drops out of school.
Absences and tardies will be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his / her designee using the following criteria as set forth by the Board.
Excused absences and tardies result from the following:
- Personal illness;
- Illness of immediate family member;
- Death in the family;
- Extreme weather conditions;
- Religious observances;
- School bus failures;
- Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergencies over which the student had no control.
Other absences and tardies will be unexcused.
Students participating in school-sponsored activities whether on or off campus will not be counted absent. In order to be school-sponsored, the activity must be school planned, school oriented, and/or teacher supervised. All missed class work and tests must be made up when a student has an excused absence or is out of class on a school-sponsored activity.
If a student is absent from school, he/she must bring a parent or doctor's note to the office so that an admission slip can be obtained for admittance into class their first day back to school. Otherwise, the student will receive an unexcused absence from the office.
When a student's tardiness or absence is unexcused, the student will be allowed to make up tests missed. Regular class work will not be made up and the student will receive a zero for that work. If there is no graded assignment taken for the unexcused absence, the student will receive negative three points from his daily grade; for the unexcused tardy, a negative one point.
For grades K-8, parents/guardian notes will be accepted by the principal for each event of student illness in a semester or term.Such events will be considered excused. These events or occasions may be one or more days. If the illness becomes extended (four or more days), the principal may request a medical statement to verify the illness. After four occasions in a semester or term, medical or other professional statements provided by a doctor, dentist, etc., may be required by a principal for each occasion. If requested by the principal, failure to provide the statements will cause the absence to become unexcused.
Students leaving school before 11:40 will be counted absent. If a student stays home on the day of a field trip he/she will be counted absent.
If it is necessary for a student to leave school early or check out, a parent or an adult on the emergency card must come to the office to check the student out. Class time missed will be excused for the same reasons as a full day excused absence. Any students absent for an excusable reason is responsible for completing work missed as a result of leaving early. Otherwise, the student will not be allowed to make up missed assignments. Please do not pick your child up early unless absolutely necessary.
Afternoon Dismissal
Afternoon dismissal begins at 3:15. Parents will pick up students who are car riders at the front entrance to the building after buses leave. Please do not block our building entrance and driveway. A teacher will be on bus duty until 3:30 every afternoon and all students must be picked up before this time.
Any student having five or more unexcused absences will be considered for possible truancy actions including Truancy Court, which is held in the Sevier County Board room at the Sevier County Schools Central Office every Wednesday.
Make up Work
Students who have been absent from school with an excused absence are allowed to make up any work missed during this time. Board policy grants one school day for each excused absence to make up work beginning with the day the student returns to school. It is the student's responsibility to see each teacher and request needed assignments.
Family Vacations
The Sevier County Board of Education recognizes that families may request a vacation. Parents should make such requests directly to the school principal in the form of a written request. Upon returning from vacation, a note is needed from the parents stating that you were on an approved vacation and your child is returning to class. The board allows the principal to approve one family vacation per year for a student for up to five days. If a more than five days are requested, that principal will refer the request to the Central Office with a recommendation for approval or disapproval. If any request is disapproved, the parents may appeal the decision to the Board.
Daily Schedule/Tardies
The school day at Caton's Chapel begins at 8:15 and ends at 3:15. Students who arrive before 7:50 must go directly to the gym for supervised bus duty. Students will be dismissed from the gym at 7:50 to report to their homerooms or breakfast in the cafeteria. No Student should arrive at school before 7:15. There will be no teacher on duty to supervise students before 7:15.
If a student is late for school and arrives in his or her class after 8:20, he or she must bring a note signed by a parent including a telephone number where the parent can be reached. Unexcused tardies will result in disciplinary action.
Students are considered tardy (unexcused) even if parents have difficulty getting them to school in the morning. The tardy policy is:
- Three unexcused tardies- parent notification by homeroom teacher or principal.
- Five unexcused tardies results in a letter of warning from the principal.
- More than five tardies may result in referral to the county attendance officer.
Release During School Hours
The following procedure will be observed with regard to dismissal of students:
No student will leave school prior to regular dismissal hours, except with the approval of the principal and parent. Elementary students will be permitted to leave school prior to regular dismissal time only in the company of a parent, legal guardian, school employee, police officer, court officer or a person designated by the parent (s).
Parent-Teacher Communication
Teachers believe that parent-teacher communication is very essential in the educational process of children. Parent-Teacher conferences will be scheduled during the school year. Parents are encouraged to contact the school whenever the need arises. If you call during the school day, the office will give the teacher a message to return your call.
Visitors
We encourage parents to visit the school. However, all visitors must sign-in at the office and receive a visitors pass. Students from other schools may not visit school or classes during the school day.
Student Messages
We will be unable to deliver messages to students, except in cases of an emergency. We understand that parents may feel the need to get in touch with studentS during the school day, but we cannot stop the instruction of the other students in the class for any reason other than an emergency. The nature of the emergency must be specified to a school official before classroom activities will be interrupted. Under normal circumstances, emergencies exist when conditions arise that make it impossible or impractical to delay the message later. After school arrangements, meeting places, pick-up times, and so forth, should be made between the child and the parent before the student arrives at school in the morning.
Telephones/Cell Phones
Office telephones are for school business purposes only. If a student becomes ill or is injured during the school day, office personnel will call and notify the parent. Students will not be permitted to make telephone calls during the school day. Cell phones during school hours are prohibited and will be confiscated if they are seen or heard during school hours. Cell phones must be turned off and put away during school hours. Cell phones that are confiscated must be picked up in the office by a parent/guardian. Repeated offenses may result in disciplinary action.
School Closing WEATHER
Announcements concerning the closing of schools in Sevier County due to inclement weather will be make on local radio and TV stations. WSEV (105.5) in Sevierville is usually the first station to have information on school closing. Please listen to this station and do not call the school. We will need to keep the lines free for emergency use.
Cameras
Camera have been placed throughout the school for your child's safety.
Education is a process of growing and learning to live in society as a contributing, participating member of the group. Discipline is the development of self control, character, responsibility, restraint, fair play, and (consideration for the other person) encompass both of these ideas.
School rules and regulations are based upon Sevier County Schools' Code of Student Conducted Discipline and will be followed at all time - both at school and at school sponsored activities. A copy of this policy is on in the office. During the first week of school, teachers will review The Code of Student Conduct and Discipline with all students. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects consideration for the rights and feelings of others, in addition to pride in our school and self-respect. Blatant disregard for, or continued violation of these rules will result in appropriate disciplinary action to include, but not limited to: removal of extra-curricular privileges, parent notification, after school detention, isolated study, in-school suspension, bus suspension, corporal punishment, Alternative School placement, out of school suspension, or expulsion.
General Policies on Conduct
- All Staff members have not only the right but also the responsibility and duty to reprimand or correct a student whom is misbehaving. Disrespect by students toward any staff member will not be tolerated. We believe respect for all staff members should be shown by students at all times.
- Students should be present and on time each school day. Daily attendance and punctuality are essential for good work and progress.
- In class, good citizenship means students always do assignments, bring materials to class and, in general conduct themselves in an acceptable manner.
- Boy - Girl relationships are a natural part of growing up. However, we feel that obvious or open displays of affection (kissing, holding hands, arms around each other, and so forth) are not appropriate in the school, on buses, on school grounds, or on field trips.
- Obscene or vulgar language or gestures will not be tolerated; Name-calling is unacceptable behavior.
- Damage, destruction, or defacing of school property will not be tolerated.
- Chewing gum is not permitted on campus.
- Cell phones, skateboards,radios, tape recorders, cameras, baseball cards, or any type of trading cards or collectable cards and other valuable possessions should not be brought to school. Students are not permitted to bring items to sell at school.
- Students may not drive any motorized vehicle to school.
- Students will not be allowed to take part in any after school activity if they are not in school on that day.
For Grades K Through 5
Clothing will be appropriate to the season and should be neat, clean, inoffensive, and decent. Some examples of inappropriate attire are headgear/ sunglasses (unless prescription or required by physician) worn in the building; are midriffs; obscene or profane language; lewd pictures; symbols of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, or drug paraphernalia on clothing; hair rollers; clothing which allows undergarments to be visible when the student is sitting or walking; tank tops or mesh shirts worn as outer garments. For health and safety, some type of reasonable footwear in necessary. Bookbags must be constructed from material (s) that allow the contents of the bag to be visible.
Short pants and mini-skirts may be permitted in grades 4 & 5 as long as they are no shorter than four inches above the top of the kneecap. The ability of the child to play comfortable without revealing undergarments shall be the determining factor for gauging the appropriateness of length in grades K through 3. Purposely frayed clothing is not permitted in any grade level.
A student will not dress, groom, or wear or use emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols where the effect thereof is to distract unreasonably the attention of other students, or otherwise to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school.
To ensure the health and safety of students, the school principal or his/her designee is allowed to further restrict manner of dress of style or hair in specific curriculum areas.
Any student not attired in accordance with the foregoing policy shall be subject to disciplinary consequences or per board policy. In addition to the foregoing when a student is attired in a manner that is likely to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, the principal shall take appropriate action.
For Grades 6 through 12
The Sevier County School System recognizes the effect which student dress and grooming have upon student behavior and commitment to learning. Attire considered disruptive to health or safety is not appropriate. The following rules concerning dress and grooming are mandatory in grades 6-12.
Bottom Wear
(Waist and Below-pants, skirts, shorts, skorts)
Bottom wear must be size appropriate for the wearer with no sagging or bagging, and must be worn securely at and around the waist so asnot to reveal undergarmentsand to prevent pant legs from touching the floor. Large bell-bottoms which expose less than one fourth of the top of the foot, large pockets, cargo pockets, spandex or leggings shall not be allowed. Skirts, shorts or skorts must be no shorter in length than two (2) inches above the knee in grades 9 through 12 and no shorter in length that four (4) inches above the knee in grades 6 through 8. Slits must be no higher than two (2) inches above the knee in grades 9 through 12 and no higher than four (4) inches above the knee in grades 6 through 8.
Belts
Belts are required if pants have belt loops. Belts must be fabric or leather only.
Top Wear(Waist & Above)
Shirts must be size appropriate for the wearer having sleeves which cover the Deltoid muscle, and be worn either tucked in or no more than three inches below the top of the waist band but in no event shall the bottom of the shirt cover any portion of a pocket opening. Bare midriffs shall not be allowed. Size appropriate fleece pullovers; light jacket; long sleeve crewneck, v-neck, or cardigan sweater vests, or sweatshirts may be worn over and approved shirt.
Girls may wear dresses appropriately sized for the wearer with the length no shorter than two inches above the knee in grades 9 through 12 and no shorter than four inches above the knee in grades 6 through 8. Dresses may either have sleeves or be a sleeveless dress as long as no undergarments are visible. Dresses will not have string or spaghetti straps but will have straps that come to the edge of the shoulder.
Shoes
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Coats
Coats, heavy jackets, or raincoats shall not be worn inside the building unless otherwise directed by the school principal or his/her designee in an unusual situation.
All Apparel
Clothing shall be neat, clean, hemmed and shall not have holes, rips, cuts, or frayed edges. Articles of clothing shall not be worn which imply or promote alcohol, sex, drugs, tobacco, violence, gangs, racial slurs, or offensive language.
Head
No headgear or sunglasses will be worn in the building (except those worn for obvious medical reasons and the results therefore.)
Accessories
Any accessory that is studded, spiked, contains chains or can tabs, or in any way presents a potential danger or harm to self or others is prohibited.
Other
Tattoos whether permanent or temporary will be covered if possible. Visible body piercing jewelry (except of the ears) is prohibited. This includes belly and tongue piercings. Hair is not to be sprayed or dyed in unnatural colors (such as blue, pink, green, orange, yellow, etc.), spiked, or mohawked.
Special Days
Schools may develop special dress days for special occasions at the direction of the school principal.
Special Situations
If a student cannot comply with the standardized dress code based on special conditions or religious beliefs, his or her parent or guardian may write a letter explaining the situation to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, with a copy to the school principal or his/her designee. Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis. To insure the health and safety of students the school principal or his/her designee is allowed to further restrict manner of dress or style of hair in specific curriculum areas (shop, chemistry lab, etc.)
Bookbags
Bookbags must be constructed from a material that allows the contents of the bookbag to be visible. Any band instrument or necessary sports bag must be dropped off at an area designated by the building level principal.
Any student not attired in accordance with the foregoing policy shall be subject to disciplinary consequences as per board policy. In addition to the foregoing when a student is attired in a manner that is likely to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, the principal shall take appropriate action.
Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol, Weapons
A student shall not use or have possession of tobacco products, drugs, or alcohol in any form on school premises, on school buses, or on school sponsored activities. A student may be suspended for unlawful use, possession, or distribution of barbital or legal drugs, marijuana, and/or alcohol. Use or possession of tobacco shall subject the student to in-school punishment, placement at the alternative learning center, or suspension.
Students will not possess, handle, transmit, use or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, or in school vehicles and / or buses or off the school ground at school-sponsored, function or event. Students are further forbidden to use any instruments or substances such as chemicals, pencils, scissors, razors, or compasses with the intent do harm or in a manner which renders the item dangerous. Students who violate this policy are subject to suspension or expulsion. Various laws also require that a student be expelled for at least one year for having a gun on campus.
Sevier County Schools Asbestos Plan The Sevier County Schools System has an asbestos maintenance program that has aggressively identified, removed or encapsulated all asbestos related products. Sevier County Schools continues to monitor on a biannual basis, and in accordance with State and Federal guidelines, any remaining asbestos material.
For additional information you may contact Lary McCroskey LEA at the Sevier County Board of Educational at 453-4140.
Cafeteria
Forms are available to all students for free or reduced breakfast or lunch. These may be obtained from the office or from the cafeteria manager. Please complete the information and return it to the school office or cafeteria manager as soon as possible.
Both breakfast and lunch are served daily. All students are encouraged to participate in our lunch program. Menus for each week's lunch are printed every Sunday in The Mountain Press. Payment is made daily, weekly, or monthly for meals as the student passes the cash register.
Students who do not wish to eat in the cafeteria may bring a lunch from home. Leaving the campus during the lunch period or having the lunch catered is not permitted. Beverages should be brought in a thermos, can or plastic bottles. Glass bottles and carbonated drinks are not permitted in the cafeteria. Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their child.
Cafeteria rules are much the same as classroom rules. Students are asked to use their manners and show respect to cafeteria employees and teacher aides.
Note: When school is delayed, breakfast is not served (for example, delayed opening due to snow or flood).
The following prices have been approved for meals for the school year 2005 - 2006 by the Sevier County Board of Education:
STUDENTS LUNCH BREAKFAST ========================================== K - 3 $1.60 $1.30 4 - 6 $1.70 $1.30 7 - 8 $1.75 $1.30 9 - 12 $1.85 $1.35
ADULTS LUNCH BREAKFAST ======================================== School Personnel $2.35 $1.50 Visitors $3.35 $2.00
Transportation
Sevier County provides bus transportation for students according to state guidelines. Riding a bus is a privilege and students are expected to observe proper rules of conduct and good manners at all times. Failure to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Bus schedules, routes, and drivers are determined by the transportation department. Questions related to transportation should be made to Danny Ellis, Transportation Supervisor, at 453-3568.
The bus driver is in complete charge of students riding the bus. The driver's instructions must be followed the first time given at all times. The driver has the authority to assign seats on the bus. Students who plan to ride a bus to which they are not regularly assigned should bring a signed note from their parent requesting this privilege and receive permission from the office.
Rules for Bus Conduct are:
- Riders must obey bus driver. Follow directions first time given.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- No cursing, swearing or loud talking.
- Do not eat, drink, or chew gum.
- Gross misconduct such as fighting or possession/use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons will result in action as noted in the discipline code.
- When getting on/off the bus, always cross in front of the bus.
- Keep all parts of body and objects inside the bus.
- Stay in seat facing forward.
- Good conduct and rules of safety must be observed at bus stop.
- All loose objects not required for school may not be brought on buses.
(Once official notification made to principal of offense.)
- First Offense:
Student warned for violation of rules. (Written or phone notification to parents or guardian from individual school). - Second Offense:
Bus riding privileges suspended for up to three days. - Third Offense:
Five days suspension of bus riding privilege. - Fourth offense:
Ten day suspension of bus riding privilege, and meeting with Board or designee.
Vandalism or Damage to Bus
Student and parent/guardian are responsible for damage to bus or other personal property. Transportation will be denied until cost is recovered.
Accidents and Illnesses
Accidents or illnesses, which occur during the school day, should be reported immediately to the teacher in charge. Office personnel should also be notified. Office personnel will provide temporary care. Parents will be notified at home or at work. Names and telephone numbers of a relative or neighbor should be provided on the emergency card. These people will be called id the parent cannot be reached. If emergency medical attention is required, the student will be taken to the nearest medical facility. Please sign the portion of the emergency card that allows us to care for your child and designate the medical doctor you prefer. The teacher or office personnel will place calls concerning an accident or illness. Students will not be allowed to call home requesting to be picked up.
Medicines
The Sevier County Board of Education acknowledges the fact that students occasionally must take prescription medicine during school time as prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist or non-prescription medicine as requested by a parent/guardian. When medicines must be taken during school hours, the student must be competent to self-administer the medication with assistance and must adhere to the following procedure:
- Medications must be delivered to the homeroom teacher either by the parent or by the student unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration (such as students with asthma). If the medication is sent with the student, the parent should seal the medication in an envelope to guard the medication during travel from home to school. The medication must be brought to school either in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician or in a manufacturer's original container and labeled with ingredients listed and the student's name affixed to the container.
- Complete written instructions signed by the parent will accompany all medications to include student name, name of medication, name of physician (prescription medicine), time to be administered, dosage, and directions for administering medication, possible side effects (if known), and termination date for administration. Alternatively, parent may pick up a medication administration form from the office or homeroom teacher.
- The homeroom teacher will keep an accurate record of the administration of the medication, keep the medication in a locked cabinet or room until dosage is administered to the student, and return unused medication to the parent at the terminiation date.
- Students failing to follow these procedures will be considered for possible violations of the drug and alcohol abuse policy.
- All information about the medicine will be considered confidential.
- WE CANNOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO TAKE MEDICINE WITHOUT A PERMISSION FORM OR WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH MEDICATION.
Textbooks are furnished to each student in Sevier County at no cost to the individual. Each person signs a textbook agreement form at the time of enrollment and agrees to pay for any damage or loss of the book according to a scale adopted by the Sevier County Bard of Education. All books must be returned to the appropriate teacher before grades or cumulative records will be released. Records and notice of promotion will not be released until all obligations are met.
Lost and Found
Any items that are found at school should be turned in to the office. Items that have been lost should be inquired about in the office. It will be helpful if personal items such as jackets, purses, Bookbags, etc. are marked with the student's name. If found, these items can be returned to the proper person.
Supplies and Materials
Some classes require students to purchase supplies, materials, or workbooks. Students may buy paper and pencils at school. Often you can find a teacher's classroom materials list at area stores.
Lockers
Lockers are available for seventh, and eighth grade students during the first week of school. Lockers are property of the school and can be inspected at any time. Students need to keep lockers in good condition.
Homework Policy
We believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. We give homework because it reinforces what has been taught in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons and helps students develop self-discipline, responsibility, and organizational skills.
We expect students to follow these guideline when completing homework assignments:
- All assignments will be completed.
- Students are responsible for making up homework missed due to absence.
- Homework will be turned in on time.
- Students will turn in work that is neatly done.
Each teacher will clearly define his/her homework policies and expectations to students. This definition will include information about making up missed work, effect on grades, expectation about quality, etc. As the word "homework" implies, there must be a close and supportive relationship between the home and school relating to homework. Parents are urged to provide encouragement, as well as time, for students to participate in the important component of education.
Lice Infestation and No-Nit Policy
As an effort to curb and control the outbreak of pediculosis, the Sevier county Board of education will follow these guidelines:
First Occurrence
- If a child is found to be infested with lice and /or nits, the parent or guardian will be called to the school.
- The parent or graudian will be required to take the child(ren) from the school. A page of recommendations will be given to the parent or guardian in order to effectively deal with all clothing, bedding, clothe toys, combs, hair brushes, etc., which may harbor the lice.
- The parent or guardian will be given the preferred pediculicide (shampoo) with instructions for the proper use.
- The parent or guardian will be instructed that the child (ren) be treated and returned to school within three calendar days or the next school day following the expiration of the three calendar days time limit should the three day requirement fall on a day in which school is not in session. A child may return to school within the three-day requirement if they become lice AND nit free.
Within a one-mouth span of time, the same procedures listed above and with a particular effort to counsel the parent or guardian to insure that the correct procedures were followed after the first occurrence. Additionally, the parent or guardian will be made aware of the consequences of a third occurrence within a one month span of time.
Third occurrence
Within a one-month span of time of the second occurrence, the procedures listed in the first occurrence will be followed. School and/or medical personnel will pursue additionally legal action to compel the parent or guardian to comply with all recommendations given them.
Repeated Occurrences
Four or more occurrences of lice infestation (as determined by School or Medical Personnel) in a semester may result in days missed because of that infestation being treated becoming unexcused absences. Any failure to comply with the three-calendar day requirement, as listed under the first occurrences, will result in a referral to the school system attendance department.
Cameras
Cameras have been placed throughout the school for your child's safety.
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