Sam Houston Elementary School

207 Oakdale Drive Lebanon, TN 37087 Phone 615-444-7494 http://www.samhouston.us

Beth Allison, Principal Anita Gray, Assistant Principal

Dear Parent/Guardian,

It is our pleasure to welcome everyone to Sam Houston Elementary. The faculty and staff join us in saying we are happy to have you as part of the Sam Houston family. We look forward to a year of discovery and academic growth for all of our students.

Our students in kindergarten through fifth grade use agenda books. These first few pages contain important information that will familiarize you and your child with our policies and procedures. We suggest that you review these pages together.

The Sam Houston agenda book has been designed to assist your child in organizing his/her assignments. We hope that this program will improve organizational skills and promote responsible, independent learners. In addition, we feel that this book will serve as a useful source of continued communication between school and home. We ask for your participation and support as we work together to educate the children of this community.

Please sign below stating that you and your child have read and understand the policies and procedures contained in this agenda book.

Your signature below represents that you have received, read and understand the following Lebanon Special School District policies and procedures and will abide by them and all other information contained in this document:

AHERA Notice FERPA/Disclosure of School Directory Information Meal Charge Policy Technology Acceptable Use Policy and BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) Textbook Agreement Discipline Code

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Student’s Signature Teacher’s Signature

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Parent’s Signature Date

LEBANON SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HISTORY The Lebanon Special School District of Wilson County, Tennessee was created by a special act of the Tennessee General Assembly in 1901. Originally, the school district corresponded with the Tenth Civil District.

The Act of 1901 created a school board composed of three members to govern the school district. The board members are elected at large by the voters of the district, and serve for a term of six years. One member is elected each two years at the time of the local general elections. These board members receive no pay for their services. The school board is responsible for the appointment of the superintendent.

There are no requirements in the law creating the district concerning school board meetings, but for many years the board has held regular monthly meetings. The board meets in the office for the Superintendent at 701 Coles Ferry Pike on the second Monday night of each month. This is always an open meeting. Visitors are welcome to attend.

MISSION, VISION, AND BELIEF, STATEMENTS OF THE LEBANON SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mission: Committed to a community of excellence.

MISSION, VISION, AND BELIEF STATEMENTS FOR SAM HOUSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mission:

Beliefs: The beliefs of Sam Houston Elementary: *Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. *Teamwork and positive relationships between students, parents, teacher, and the community are an integral part of every child's education. *Teachers should create and design challenging and engaging activities for students that lead, encourage, and motivate them in those activities. *Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process and have appropriate opportunities for success. *Instructional decisions are made based on formal and informal assessment analysis. *Current and emerging technology will be used in adhering to the state curriculum in an engaging, relevant, and individualized manner. *By promoting good citizenship, stressing obedience, respect, cooperation, and independence we believe our students will develop the character traits necessary to become responsible citizens of our world.

Vision: The commitment to excellence in teaching and learning inspires and empowers all children, equipping them with the tools they will need to be successful in a globally changing world.

Beliefs: The beliefs of the Lebanon Special School District are: *Our concept of “community” is defined as any collective group working toward a common purpose (examples; the classroom as a community; the school or system as communities; the communities of Lebanon Tennessee, the nation, and/or the world). *Our concept of “learner” includes students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders in the educational process. *When making decisions, we will keep our focus on what is best for children- all children. *We must provide continuous systematic assessment of students that guides the instructional decision- making process. *It is imperative that we ensure a seamless and successful transition for students as they cross grades, schools, and systems. *Each community must create and sustain an atmosphere of high expectations with commitment to continuous growth and development for all learners. *We must foster an excellent teaching and learning culture where successes are celebrated and teamwork are emphasized. *Each stakeholder in the educational process is respected and valued. *It is our responsibility to explore and implement “best practices” which are supported by educational research when they meet our data driven identified student needs. *It is the community’s responsibility to develop citizens of high character that will be invested participants in the ever-changing world. *Students and community members should be effective users of current and emerging technology. Students should be challenged in the academics, fine arts, language, and physical education. *The organization of the school and system should be flexible in supporting the diversity of learners and in challenging them in all areas. *Learners must have opportunities which actively engage them and inspire them to take ownership of their education so that individual success will become habitual.

*Family and Community partnerships extend the opportunities for learning. *Each child belongs to all of us. *We must nurture critical thinking that will empower the community to solve current and future problems.

Our commitment to preparing our students academically, socially, and technologically will drive our daily decisions to ensure that each student will achieve lifelong success.

Sam Houston Elementary School colors are red and white. The school mascot is the tiger.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students entering school for the first time must have the following required documents;

● Birth Certificate (certified copy) ● A recent physical (completed in current year) ● Proof of legal address ● Documentation of immunization: Permanent Tennessee Certificate—green in color (4) DPT (Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus), (4) Polio, (2) MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) (3) Hepatitis B (required effective July 1, 1999) You are encouraged to check with your doctor or local health department early to avoid last minute problems for school entry. If you are transferring from out-of-state, you must furnish a Certificate of Immunization before entering school. This can be obtained from your doctor or local Wilson County Health Department.

BUILDING SECURITY/VISITORS

For the safety of our students and staff, all visitors and parents are required to stop by the office upon entering the building. Please enter through the front door, as other entrances to the building will be locked. You will be asked to sign a visitor’s form and wear a visitor’s badge while inside the building. Whenever you are ready to leave the building, please go by the office and return your badge. Any time you are picking up your child early, we will call him/ her to the office to be signed out by you.

You are welcome to visit your child’s classroom at any time; however, the teacher cannot take time to discuss your child’s progress at that time. The teachers at this school remain at school until 3:15 every afternoon or later, if necessary for parent conferences. At this time, a student’s progress or any problem the student might have is discussed. The conferences are private and confidential. Appointments with teachers may be made through the office. Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled each fall for the benefit of student education.

RECORDS

Please notify the school immediately if you have a change of address or telephone number during the school year. It is extremely important that the school maintain up-to-date phone numbers and addresses of its students. Please be sure that the school has phone numbers and names of at least two other people who may be contacted in cases of emergency or mix-up in communication. Each student has a permanent Attendance and Scholarship Record for grades kindergarten through twelve; only school personnel and parents have access to these official records.

COURT DOCUMENTS

If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must furnish a legal document granting custody and/or guardianship to the parent or guardian. If custody is not permanent, a Temporary Custody Order is required. Due to circumstances involving individual matters, other legal documents may be required.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

LSSD will utilize School Messenger, our parent notification system, for all inclement weather. You will be asked to designate a specific phone number for School Messenger to contact you with recorded information regarding closures, early/late dismissals, and any other emergency situations. We will also notify you with all the local TV Stations and W.A.N.T. Radio 98.9 in Lebanon. Please remember that we cannot release your child to go home with a neighbor or friend unless you have placed them on the contact list in the office so we may contact you regarding the release of your child.

EMERGENCIES

If emergencies occur system wide or at your school, School Messenger will notify you. School officials will not interrupt classroom instruction to deliver a message to a student or to call a student out of class. However in case of an emergency, we will be glad to assist you in any way. Because emergency situations can arise, we must have current emergency numbers for each student. Please be sure to include the name and phone number of two emergency contacts on your child’s enrollment form. If this information changes during the school year, please call the school office at 444-7494.

ATTENDANCE

Students are required by state law to be in school a majority of the day to be counted present. This means that during a regular day, the students must be in school for at least three hours and thirty-one minutes. Please keep this in mind when planning early dismissals for your child. The law requires that school officials report to the juvenile court any student who is unlawfully absent from school excessively. In the state of Tennessee, that is defined as five days of unexcused absences in the school year. There are five reasons that we consider to be excused absences/tardies. They are:

1. Personal illness (a doctor’s note may be required)

2. Death in the family 3. Religious observance 4. When unique opportunities for a trip should occur, teachers should receive at least two weeks

notice to prepare make-up work. The days missed will be counted as absences.

5. Circumstances, which, in the judgment of the principal and/or designee, create emergencies

over which the student has no control.

When a student is absent and returns to school, he/she must bring a note signed by the parent to explain the absence. Otherwise the absence will be considered unexcused. Unexcused absences may result in “O’s” for the work missed. Students with excessive excused and unexcused absences may be required to appear before the attendance board. If a student is absent for more than three consecutive school days or in excess of five days per six weeks, a doctor’s note, including diagnosis may be required.

CONSEQUENCES FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

After five days of unexcused absences, a letter will be sent to parents. The parent and the student will be required to appear before the attendance board which may include teachers, the attendance officer, guidance counselor, principal and/or designee, and possible a law officer. The student and parent will sign a contract which will commit them to no more unexcused absences. Failure to appear before the board or comply with the attendance contract will result in an automatic referral to the Juvenile Court. If the student and the parent comply with the attendance board’s contract, they may be able to avoid referral to court. However, if you have attended an attendance board meeting within a school year and your child is in another grade, you will not be required to attend another attendance board meeting and may be referred to court. However, five days of unexcused absences constitutes a Juvenile Court referral if necessary.

TARDINESS/EARLY RELEASE

Our school hours are from 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. The first bus arrives at 7:05 a.m. Car riders or walkers should not arrive at the school until after 7:10 a.m. Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast or to the gym. Arrival at school on time is expected. Late arrival causes class disruption. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. MUST HAVE A PARENT sign them in at the office.

Early release is discouraged but when children are checked out of school early, parents/guardians must come to the office to sign them out. We will call for students from the office when the parent/guardian arrives. Only those persons

5 listed on the student's registration form may sign them out. You are asked to fill out this Release Authorization at the time of registration. Anyone who picks up a child must be eighteen (18) or older. Identification may be required.

A call or notice to the parent/guardian will be made for those who are tardy and/or picked up early on a regular basis. A student will receive one unexcused absence for every three unexcused tardies and/or early releases. The

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES:

Pre-kindergarten / SIDE

1:30 Pre-Kindergarten Early Intervention / SIDE

Teachers escort students to cars.

Grades K- 5 2:50 Daycare & Early Bus / FRONT 1)

K-1 Car riders / SIDE

Grades 2-5 Car riders / REAR

Students released in groups by staff. Students should be picked up by 3:10.

3:00-3:10 BUS Grades K-5 FRONT

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES:

The building is open for students each day at 7:00AM.

FRONT ENTRANCE: Students accompanied by adults

Pre-K and Early Intervention students attendance policy will then apply to these absences.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

FRONT ENTRANCE: Buses; Daycare

SIDE ENTRANCE: Pre-Kindergarten

REAR ENTRANCE: K-5 car riders

The school cafeteria is operated for the students. is to be eaten in the cafeteria. A definite time for eating will be assigned each student. After eating each student is to return his/her tray to the tray window before leaving. No carbonated drinks, cans or glass containers are permitted in the cafeteria. FREE/REDUCED LUNCHES

Every student is given an application for free-reduced lunch at the beginning of the school year. Applications are always available in the school office.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INFORMATION

Meals may be paid daily or in advance weekly or monthly. It is recommended that you pay in advance. Please keep your child’s lunch account up to date. Any charges should be paid within the week. Breakfast is free to all students and served in the classroom. Lunch for students is $1.55, reduced $.40, Staff $2.25, Visitor $3.00. Extra milk is $.30 and tea/lemonade is $.50.

Students have twenty-five minutes to eat lunch. Parents are welcome to eat with their children and will pay for their lunch in the cafeteria. Rules of good conduct apply in the cafeteria as in the classroom. Students may not get out of

All food, whether purchased in the cafeteria or brought from home, their seats without permission from the cafeteria monitor or educational assistants. Misconduct in the cafeteria will be reported to the teacher/principal.

ILLNESS OR INJURY

School personnel/school nurse will administer first aid treatment for minor injuries. If emergency medical treatment is needed, parents will be contacted. If parents cannot be contacted, local physicians and/or hospital personnel will administer medical assistance. At times it is necessary to call parents to pick up a sick child. This is another reason the school needs the names and telephone numbers of at least two people who are authorized to pick up a child if parents are not available.

SCHOOL CLINIC

Our clinic is staffed with a school nurse. At the beginning of each year, parents are asked to fill out a medical history form, which supplies the school with important medical information. If a child is sick or injured, they are sent to the clinic with a clinic pass. This record contains the date, complaint, and/or medication given.

HEAD LICE

When students are found to have head lice, we are required to send them home for treatment. In order to prevent the spreading of lice to others, students must be free of lice and nits before returning to school.

FILING A COMPLAINT

Any student of the school district who wishes to file a discrimination/harassment complaint against another student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded if possible) complaint with the complaint manager. Students may also report an allegation of discrimination/harassment to any teacher or adult employee in the school who shall inform the complaint manager of allegation. The complaint should include the following information.

1. Identify the alleged victim and person accused. 2. Location, date, time and circumstances surrounding incident. 3. Description of what happened. 4. Identification of witnesses if any; and any other evidence available.

COMPLAINT MANAGER

The Complaint Manager for Sam Houston is April Burress; she may be reached at 615-444-7494 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. The Federal Rights Coordinator is Dr. Melinda Bone, 701 Coles Ferry Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087, and 615-449-6060 ext. 1031.

TRANSFER OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS VICTIMIZED BY VIOLENT CRIME AT SCHOOL

Under the Tennessee State Board of Educations’ Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111(g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district.

ACADEMIC POLICIES REPORT CARDS Report cards are issued at the end of each nine-week period. Parents are encouraged to return these cards the next day. If there are questions concerning grades, please contact your child's teacher.

CONFERENCES

A Parent-Teacher conference day is scheduled each year, but a parent may request a conference at any time. A teacher may also find it necessary to ask a parent to come to school for a conference. We encourage frequent communication between the school and home. However, we do not encourage or allow unscheduled hallway conferences concerning problems. These tend to interrupt scheduled activities and are not very productive.

GRADES

Student progress is reported to parents at the end of each nine weeks. There will be a mid-term progress report sent each nine weeks to inform families of student progress at a mid-way point of each reporting period. Teachers are certainly willing to provide a report of grades and/or progress at any time upon request.

AWARDS

Students receive recognition at school through our Tiger Awards scheduled at the end of each nine- weeks. 4. Terrific Tiger Award - Awarded to one student in

1. Principal's List - All A's on report card. (2 2. Honor Roll - All A's and B's on report card. (2 3. Perfect Attendance - No absences during each nine weeks. each class each nine weeks. 5. Other awards: Character Counts, Most Improved, Writing, Math & Reading 6. Accelerated Reading Awards

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECESS

Children must present a doctor’s statement, if they remain in the room frequently at playtime. In general, a teacher is to use her/his judgment for letting a child miss physical education or recess for health reasons. We strongly recommend that students wear tennis shoes for scheduled PE classes.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are furnished at no cost to students. Each year, parents sign a statement of responsibility for damaged or lost textbooks and library books. If this occurs, parents are responsible for the cost of the book.

HOMEWORK INFORMATION

Students are to write their assignments for each class each day in their agenda book. Teachers and parents may communicate with each other through the agenda book. Parents have access to each homework assignment through the agenda book. Students should carry the agenda book home each day.

WITHDRAWALS

Parents of any student withdrawing from school should notify the school in advance. Teachers will summarize the student’s progress and prepare the student’s records for forwarding to the new school. When a student transfers to another school outside of the Lebanon Special School District or Wilson County Schools, a transcript of student records will be sent to the new school. If the transfer is within the Lebanon Special School District or Wilson County Schools, the entire permanent record is sent to the new school. These records are sent through the U.S. Mail; since parents are not permitted to hand carry them.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

Retention is sometimes necessary. It is our goal for all students to have reasonable achievement before leaving each grade. A pupil may be retained at any grade level and should be, if it is deemed to be in his/her best interest. The teacher and the principal shall make the final decision concerning promotion/retention.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Under the No Child Left Behind law, every parent has the right to request information about the qualifications of classroom teachers and or teacher assistants working with children. You may contact the central office to find out if a teacher has met state qualifications and licensing requirements for the grade level and subject areas being taught; if the teacher is teaching under a waiver; what kind of degrees are held by the teacher; and if the child is provided services by a teacher assistant, the qualifications of the assistant.

CONDUCT DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY All students are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen in all circumstances and towards all people at Sam Houston Elementary School.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Our School Board believes that acceptable behavior is essential to an effective school program and each principal and teacher should work to create a school environment favorable to the development of self- discipline and self- direction. The principal shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective discipline within the school. Teachers are responsible for and shall have such authorization as is necessary, for the maintenance of good order in the school and the promotion of a conducive learning environment. Pupils shall comply with all school rules and regulations of the school system. Failure to comply with rules and regulations shall result in such punishment as may be prescribed by the teacher or principal. The authority to control pupil conduct shall extend to all activities of the school, including all school-sponsored field trips, games, and other school related events.

EXPECTATIONS OF SAM HOUSTON ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:

Sam Houston is committed to the implementation of a School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS). Expectations are implemented school-wide and taught to all students.

Students meeting these expectations are provided: Praise and Congratulations

Positive notes or telephone calls home Classroom rewards

PLAYGROUND RULES

PAWS rewards redeemable for incentives PAWS celebrations throughout the school year

Students failing to meet these expectations may receive the following consequences: Teacher counseling

Good conduct is expected on the playground at all times. The following guidelines will be used:

1. Stay in the designated playground area at all times. 2. No tackling games are acceptable. 3. Climbing is only allowed on designated equipment. 4. Ropes are to be used for jumping activities only. 5. Skateboards and roller-skates are not to be brought to school. 6. Children are never to leave the playground without first receiving permission from the teacher. 7. Balls and other toys are not to be brought to school for use on the playground without teacher permission.

rules and procedures may be required by teachers to promote safety for all students.

BUS RIDERS

Other

Parent contact Loss of privileges Reflective writing

Administrative referral

In-School Suspension Other consequences as deemed appropriate by the administration may be issued.

Out-of-School Suspension

The Rules and Regulations formulated by the State Board of Education for all public schools in Tennessee, in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-2102, state:“A pupil shall become ineligible for pupil transportation when his behavior is such as to cause dissension on a school bus, or when he disobeys state and local rules and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation.”

The following are violations in which your child could receive a bus suspension: Getting out of seat, Pushing/Tripping, Excessive Mischief, Eating/Drinking/ Littering, Disobeying Driver, and Hands/ Head out of Window, Destruction of Property, Fighting/Assault, Smoking/Use of Tobacco, Rude/Discourteous/ Unacceptable Language, Throwing Objects, and Yelling/Hollering/Other. Any other conduct prejudicial to good order on the bus such as attitude and/or foul language towards the driver shall result in a bus suspension for a time period to be determined by the principal. These following rules are the guidelines regarding bus stops to further ensure their safety: Please discuss with your child the following guidelines regarding bus stops to further ensure their safety.

1. Be on time. 2. Stay clear of traffic while waiting for the bus. 3. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before boarding. 4. Cross the street ONLY when the driver tells you it is safe. 5. Never cross behind the bus. 6. Riders must be absolutely QUIET at railroad crossings

“RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS IS YOUR PRIVILEGE: DON’T LOSE YOUR PRIVILEGE.” HOW PARENTS CAN HELP WITH DISCIPLINE Parents are responsible for their student’s behavior in school and are asked to work with the school to maintain good relationships. Parents are asked to help in the following ways:

1. Take initiative in learning school rules and help their student understand the behavior expected. 2. Take the opportunity to visit the school, talk with school staff, and get information about student progress.

3. Respond promptly to the school’s request for conferences and to examine all details of any problem or

situation in which the student is concerned.

4. Exchange telephone numbers with the school for assistance with problems or questions. 5. Assist the school in deciding and reinforcing suggested remedies to identified problems.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students may be in possession of cell phones and personal electronic devices (including CD players, I- pod’s, MP3 players and hand held gaming systems). However, the device must be in the off mode and must be kept in the backpack, purse, or similar carryall and may not be used during school hours. A device used outside these parameters shall result in the confiscation of the device until a parent can come and pick it up. A student in violation of this policy is subject to related disciplinary action. The school will assume no responsibility for these devices should they become lost, damaged, or stolen.

DRESS CODE

School uniforms are not required at Sam Houston; however, students may not dress in any way that is distracting to other students or that interferes with the educational process.

● * Obscene pictures, symbols of lewd, profane, or suggestive language shall not appear on clothing. ● * Pictures and/or slogans promoting alcohol, tobacco products, or other items deemed improper or distasteful are not

permitted.

● * Clothes should be worn properly: no dangling straps, no holes, and no pants below the waist.

Underwear should not be visible.

● * Shorts and skirts should be of appropriate lengths.

Tops/Shirts should cover the stomach and back

● * Tennis shoes are recommended on PE days. Administration reserves the right of judgment regarding the acceptability of clothing and appearance.

District Level Parent/Student Information District Level Parent/Student Information 2020-2021 School Calendar

Registration Day First Day of School Abbrev. Day/Parent/Teacher Conf. Stockpile Day/No Students Labor Day Holiday Fall Break Report Cards Stockpile Day/No Students

Thanksgiving Holidays Abbreviated Student Day

Lebanon Special School District (LSSD) has a management Plan for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 on file in the Office of the Director of Schools, 701 Coles Ferry Pike, Lebanon, Tennessee. This plan has been inspected by the State of Tennessee and all deficiencies and inspections have been approved. Anyone wishing to preview this document can contact the Office of the Director of Schools and set up an appointment. The phone number is (615) 449-6060.

BULLYING

The Lebanon Special School District has adopted the Olweus Bullying Prevention definition of bullying. "A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself."

This definition includes three important components: 1. Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions; 2. Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time; and 3. Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength.

Students often mistake CONFLICT for Bullying Behaviors. Learning to solve social conflicts is a part of a student’s social development. Administrators, teachers and counselors are available to assist students in this developmental process. To determine the difference between conflict and bullying, please refer to the following chart.

Conflict

*Can happen on one occasion *Individuals involved are evenly matched

Bullying

*Imbalance of power *Happens repeatedly

*Problem can be resolved and parties *Parties involved are not friends can be friends again *Purposeful targeting of one person by another person or group If you are not sure if your situation is a conflict or bullying behavior, report the incident to an adult in the building for assistance.

LSSD Expectations:

Students will treat each other with respect. Students will not bully others. Students will help others who are left out or bullied by telling an adult at school if it occurs.

DISCIPLINE CODE

WHAT THE SCHOOLS EXPECT OF STUDENTS Students are expected to:

● ▪Respect the rights and dignity of each member of the school community (student, employee of the Board of Education, or any other person lawfully present on school grounds or in attendance at school-related activities) ● ▪Help maintain a positive learning environment and to ensure that his or her own actions do not interfere with the ability of any student to learn and to achieve ● ▪Ensure that their own conduct does not endanger the safety and health of themselves or of any other member of the school community ● ▪Ensure that their behavior complies with the laws of the United States, laws of the State of Tennessee, and county and municipal statutes ● ▪Comply with rules of the school and to be in their assigned location throughout the day ● ▪Refrain from inciting, advising, or counseling others to engage in conduct which violates the rights of any

member of the school community, interferes with the ability of any student to learn and to achieve, endangers the health and safety of any member of the school community, violates the laws to which they are subject, or which does not comply with rules of the school.

Student behavioral policies apply at all times on school grounds, off school grounds, at any school activity or event, or while students are being transported to and from school or school- related activities.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT SCHOOL DISCIPLINE Tennessee law lists twelve major violations, which cause disciplinary actions to be taken against a student. It also gives the administrator the authority to discipline students for other good and sufficient reasons, which violate school board policies or reasonable school rules. Tennessee and Federal law lists major violations, which must carry a zero tolerance policy. These violations will result in an expulsion from the student’s current educational setting for a minimum of one calendar year.

MAJOR VIOLATIONS AND MISCONDUCT Subject to Zero Tolerance Policy The superintendent shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by- case basis. Zero tolerance acts are as follows: (1)Students who bring or unlawfully possess a drug or a dangerous weapon onto a school bus, onto school property

or to any school event or activity. (2) Any student who while on a school bus, on school property or while attending any school event or activity:

(a) unlawfully possess a drug or dangerous weapon (b) commits battery on a teacher,or other employee of the school

(c) assault on another student including sexual assault.

MAJOR VIOLATIONS AND MISCONDUCT Subject to Disciplinary Action Profane or obscene language directed against another person; Disrespect towards any school employee including bus driver; Fighting; Assault and battery against another student or threatening another student with bodily harm; Extortion (threatening harm to get money or property, or to force another to act against his or her will); Bomb threats (and other similar threats); Inciting other students to disorder or violations of rules; Harassment towards any student or school employee including sexual harassment; Robbery by force; Stealing; Misuse or destruction of school property, including buses; Arson (willful and malicious burning of school property); Activating fire extinguishers or alarms; Disruptive behavior in classroom, other parts of school, on school bus, or school-sponsored functions; Refusing to comply with lawful directions or order from school board employee; Using tobacco in school; Gambling; Truancy; Excessive tardiness; Inappropriate display of affection; or Inappropriate dress, particularly the wearing of gang or hate group clothing; Other reasonable rules (established by the principals and teachers) of which students are given prior notice. As other laws regarding discipline are enacted by the legislature, they will be incorporated in LSSD’s regulations and policies.

POSSIBLE DISCIPLINARY ACTION Moderate Corrective Measures Initial disciplinary actions may include in-school counseling, parent contact and conference, or work assignment before or after school. Subsequent offenses may result in probation, detention (at appropriate time), or in-school suspension. When positive efforts have not succeeded in correcting negative behavior of a student, other corrective measures are authorized, including corporal punishment, suspension, and exclusion.

Corporal Punishment Corporal punishment may be administered by the principal, assistant or associate principal, or by a professional employee, according to provisions of the LSSD Board Policy.

Corporal punishment is administered: only after more positive actions have been taken...privately in the presence of a witness in a manner which is not degrading or embarrassing to the student being disciplined humanely, with reasonable restraint, and never in anger...so that no part of the head or face is struck Parental objection, medical statement, or statement by a psychological examiner indicating the possibility of risk to a student’s well-being may be filed with the school at any time within a given school year. The objection will be honored.

Suspension Suspension of a student is denial of admittance to school grounds or activities until agreement is reached in conference with the parent, at which time permission is given for re-admittance. The principal or his/her designee is authorized to suspend a student from attending school or any school-sponsored activity, and also to suspend a student from riding a school bus. Suspensions may be given for the following reasons:

● ▪To impress upon the student the consequences of negative behavior, and to involve the parent in helping to change such behavior. ● ▪To allow a period for reflection by the student, to protect safety and well being of the student or others with whom he or she is in contact. ● ▪To permit a student to remain at home until psychological and/or medical examination can be arranged to assist educational planning in the best interest of the student.

Expulsion Expulsion of a student is denial of enrollment in any school of the school system for a period not to exceed one (1) school year, except in violation of the Gun-Free Schools Act in which the student is subject to a period of not less than one (1) year. The Board of Education may expel a student on the recommendation of the school principal and superintendent. After consulting school staff members, parents and other persons who can offer advice about appropriate plans for the student, the principal may complete a recommendation for expulsion and forward it to the superintendent. The parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified of the action, and have an opportunity to reply if they wish.

SEARCHES 49-6-4204 Search of Lockers: School lockers and desks, which have been assigned to a student, are and remain school property. School officials may inspect them at any time. The search may be in the student’s presence or in the presence of other members of the faculty. (Acts 1981, ch. 368,2.)

49-6-4206 Search of Persons: In an emergency situation where a student has used or displayed a dangerous weapon or drug, the principal may conduct a search as is necessary under the circumstances, including search of the student’s person, to locate and recover such dangerous weapon or drug before any student can be harmed. (Acts 1981, ch. 368,2.)

49-6-4206 Search of Containers: In other situations, a student’s pockets, purses, or other container may be required to be emptied if a search of a locker or other area used for storage by the student has disclosed the presence of a dangerous weapon or drugs. If it seems probable to a principal, from the results of a locker search or from information received from a teacher, staff member, or other student, that a particular student has a dangerous weapon or drug concealed on his person, he shall be subject to physical search. (Acts 1981, ch. 368,2.) 49-6-4206 Search of Vehicles: If, as an accommodation to students’ parking spaces or facilities are provided for students’ use or parking by students is allowed on school property, than as a condition to such parking privilege, vehicles owned, operated, or used by such students and parked on school property shall be subject to search for dangerous weapons or drugs if the student is otherwise found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon or drug through a search authorized under this part and there is reasonable cause to believe that dangerous weapons or drugs may be in a vehicle owned or operated by that student, or in which that student is carried as a passenger, and such vehicle is located on school property. (Acts 1981, ch. 368,2.)

49-6-4209 Report of probable cause by principal to law enforcement officer: It shall be the duty of the principal of a school who has probable cause to believe, either as a result of a search or otherwise, that any student is committing or has committed any violation of 39-4901, or 52-1498-52-1448 upon the school ground or within any school building or structure under his supervision to report such probable cause to the appropriate law enforcement officer. (Acts 1981, ch. 368,2.)

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP WITH DISCIPLINE Parents take an interest in all aspects of the student’s life in school or away from school. Each parent is responsible for the student’s behavior in school, and is asked to work cooperatively with the school staff to maintain good relationships. Parents are asked to help in the following ways:

● ▪To take initiative in learning school rules for good behavior and to help the school in making clear to the student the behavior expected of the student ● ▪To communicate with school personnel to be sure the student is adjusting to school regulations and maintaining acceptable behavior ● ▪To take every opportunity to visit the school, to talk with school personnel, and to get first-hand information concerning the student’s progress in each area of his or her school life ● ▪To respond promptly to the school’s request for parent/staff conferences, and to examine all details of any problem or situation in which the student is concerned ● ▪To exchange telephone numbers with the staff members for quick assistance with problems or questions

● To assist the school in deciding and reinforcing suggested remedies to identified problems.

HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS Harassment activity toward any student by an employee or another student will not be tolerated including sexual harassment! Sexual harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words of a sexual nature which:

1.Unreasonably interferes with the student’s work or educational opportunities; or 2.Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment; or 3.Implies that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving grades or credit; or 4.Implies that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for determining the student’s

grades and/or participation in a student activity. Victims of sexual harassment shall report these conditions to the appropriate school official. Confidentiality will be maintained and no reprisals or retaliation will occur as a result of good faith reporting of charges of sexual harassment. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes harassment, including sexual harassment, all of the circumstances, including the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred, will be investigated. The Director of Schools designee (615-449-6060), shall be responsible for investigating all complaints of sexual harassment. If satisfactory resolution of the complaint is not reached, the student may appeal the matter to the superintendent, and ultimately to the Board of Education.

DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW! The Tennessee Department of Education is responsible for ensuring that the children of Tennessee have the opportunity to receive an education and enhance their intellectual abilities. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed to ensure that all persons of the United States receive equal rights, opportunities, and treatment regardless of race, color, or national origin. Title VI of this Act creates the right to be free of discrimination in any program that is financed by federal funds in whole or in part. Title VI prohibits any public school system or school from:

● ▪preventing a person from enrolling in a school, class, or extracurricular school activity based on race, color, or national origin. ● ▪arbitrarily placing a student in a school or class with the intent of separating the student from the general population of students because of the student’s race, color, or national origin. ● ▪setting higher standards or requirements as a prerequisite before allowing minorities to enroll in a school, class, or activity. ● ▪unequally applying disciplinary action based on a student’s race, color, or national origin. ● ▪failing to provide the necessary language assistance to allow limited English proficient students the same

opportunity to learn as English proficient students.

● ▪administering tests or other evaluative measures which by design or by grading so not to allow minority

students the same opportunity to present a true measure of their abilities.

● ▪providing advice or guidance to minority students with the intent to direct minority students away from schools,

classes, or educational activities based on their race, color, or national origin.

฀ providing facilities and/or instructional and related services to minority students, which are inferior to those, provided to non-minority students.

The LSSD complies with this act and will ensure that our students and employees have a discrimination free environment in which to work or be educated. Any complaints may be addressed to Director of Schools, Title VI Director, 701 Coles Ferry Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087, 615-449-6060. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE TO COMPLY WITH TITLE IX SECTION OF THE FEDERAL EDUCATION AMENDMENT OF 1972 The LSSD Board of Education is making every effort to comply with implementing Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap. The following procedure is established by which a student, or the parent or legal guardian acting on behalf of a student, may seek relief from an alleged wrong due to discrimination. For students, or parents or guardian of students, the steps of appeal for a solution are:

1. Any professional employee, immediate supervising teacher, homeroom teacher, counselor, or Student Resource Officer 2. The school principal 3. The Title VI & IX Director 4. The Grievance Review Board 5. The Board of Education

The Grievance Review Board (GRB) will be made up of three members; two people from the community and one professional person within the system. An alternate will be selected for the professional person in case he is involved in the alleged wrong. The findings of the GRB will be reported to the School Board. Every effort will be made to resolve the problem without proceeding through all the steps, preferably at the first step.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Annual Notice of Student Education Record Privacy The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive federal funds.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their child’s education records. When a student reaches the age of 18 or attends a post-secondary school or college, the parent’s rights transfer to the student and the student is then an “eligible student” under the law. Under FERPA, parents and eligible students have the following rights:

1. To inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school within 45 days of the school’s receipt of written request. The request should identify the records being inspected. The school is not required to provide copies of the records and may charge a fee if copies are requested. The following staff person may be contacted to seek access to your child’s record:

Name of Staff: Principal or Assistant Principal or designee of the school, which has your child enrolled. 2. To request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. The request must be in writing and clearly specify: (a) the part of the record requesting to be changed, and (b) why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to a hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement in the record about the contested information. The school is not required to consider request for grade or disciplinary decisions, opinions of school officials in the education record, or the child’s special education determination. The following staff person may be contacted to request an amendment to your child’s record: Name of Staff: Principal or Assistant Principal of the school, which has your child enrolled:

3. To control disclosure of their child’s personally identifiable information from their education record. Parents

may request that the school, with certain exceptions, obtain their written consent prior to the disclosure of student information. An exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school staff with legitimate educational interests, such as a person employed by the district; a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as attorney, auditor, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a grievance or disciplinary committee or assisting another school official; and/or official of another school district in which a student seeks to enroll. A school official has legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill a professional responsibility.

4. To file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with requirements of FERPA at the following address: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

5. Within the System, for students, or parents or guardian of students, the steps of appeal for a solution are:

1. Any professional employee, immediate supervising teacher, homeroom teacher, counselor, or Student

Resource Officer

2. The school principal 3. The Director of Schools Office, 701 Coles Ferry Pike, Lebanon, TN, 37087, (615) 449.6060 4. The Grievance Review Board 5. The Board of Education

Your signature on the Master Signature Page of this Agenda book grants permission for this school to use names, school work and/or photographs of your child in the school yearbook, newspaper, school newsletter, district/school websites if he/she earns this honor or it is appropriate. If permission is not granted please contact your child’s school to fill-out the appropriate paperwork.

MEAL CHARGE POLICY The LSSD Board of Education current Meal Charge Policy is as follows:

Students will be permitted to charge lunches and are encouraged to pay the next day. After the third charge, a note will be sent to the student’s home notifying the parent of the charges. The parent is responsible for paying the charges within two days. There will be a total of five charges permitted. After the fifth charge, the child will be sent to the principal and permitted to charge at the principal’s discretion. A statement with outstanding charges at the end of each month will be mailed to the student’s home. Checks will not be accepted after the second returned check.

We would like to encourage you to pay for your child’s breakfast and lunch on Monday of each week. (You may pay for one or several weeks in advance.) This helps the children go through the line faster and helps avoid lost or forgotten money. You may send a check (with your child’s name on it) or cash. This will be turned in to the teacher and then sent to the cafeteria cashier. If you want to take the money to the cashier yourself you may do so. As the student goes through the line, he/she punches his/her number to be counted and the amount paid for lunch is deducted from the amount.

If there is a change in family income or the number of people in a household during the school year, you may apply for free or reduced meal price meals.

The Meal Charge Policy requires a parental signature. Your signature on the Master Signature Page of this Agenda book acknowledges your agreement and compliance.

MEDICATION POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Personnel of the LSSD will not routinely administer medication of any form. Medication will be administered in unique situations, as determined by the principal and/or school health nurse, and limited to those required during school hours and where as the child’s health is dependent upon medical aid.

The following guidelines shall be followed within the district’s medication policy:

● All medication must be brought to the principal’s office by the parent/guardian in the original pharmacy labeled

container;

● All medication requires parental consent; ● All prescription drugs given in school shall be prescribed by a licensed medical provider; ● Prescription medication brought into school must have a signed doctor’s order and parental consent. The form

will be available at each school.

● The following written information is required by the medical provider before the administration of medicine by

school personnel: ฀ Child’s name ฀ Name of medication ฀ Name of physician and phone number ฀ Time to be administered ฀ Dosage ฀ Any known possible side effects ฀ Termination date for administering medication ฀ Parental/guardian permission

● Medication will only be administered by the principal, school nurse, or principal’s designee; ● Each dosage of medication administered shall be documented with the initials* of the person administering or assisting the child in self-administration (*signature kept on file);

● Children are not to self-administer drugs at any time without parental consent, school system personnel supervision, and appropriate authorization from a health care provider (if prescription); ● Children are not to carry medications of any kind on their person with the exception of asthma inhalers, Epi-Pens or insulin delivery systems with written permission from a parent and authorization by a medical health care provider; ● Any long-term prescription medication being administered at school must be reviewed at least annually by the licensed medical provider, and any changes shall have written authorization from the medical provider; ● All non-prescription drugs are encouraged to be given by an alternative dosage schedule to minimize medication in school; however, parents/guardians may provide written request for with the following requirements: ● ฀ ▪Child’s name ● ฀ ▪Name and signature of parent/guardian and phone numbers (home and work) ● ฀ ▪Name of medication, dosage, route to administer, frequency and time to administer (any medication

identified as to give “as needed” shall require a phone call to parents prior to administration);

● ฀ ▪Discontinue date ● ฀ ▪Reason medication is needed ● ฀ ▪Medication in small unopened bottle ● The school system retains the right to reject the request for administering non-prescription medications; ● School nurses will monitor the administration, documentation, and storage of all medications on a regular basis;

and

● The parent is responsible for picking up any unused medication at the end of the treatment or at the end of the

school year. Any medications not picked up shall be destroyed.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

LSSD seeks to involve parents in jointly developing the school district’s local plan for parent involvement and in the process of school review and improvement through the participation of parents on each school’s Family Engagement Council. LSSD seeks to provide coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective parental involvement activities to improve student achievement and school performance by funding through Title I resources. LSSD seeks to build the schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parental involvement by using Title I resources in an efficient and effective manner.

LSSD seeks to coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies under Title I (Part A) with other parent involvement strategies, including but not limited to, Parents as Teachers, State- run preschool programs, and Title III language instructional programs.

Information regarding other possible programs may be found on the school system’s website at www.lssd.org.

LSSD seeks to conduct, with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving the academic quality of the schools served with Title I (Part A) funds, including:

● Identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in parental involvement activities, with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background. ● Using the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement; and, ● Revising, if necessary, the LSSD’s parental involvement policies.

LSSD seeks to involve parents in the activities of schools served under Title I (Part A) by providing Family Engagement Nights at the Title I Schools periodically throughout the year, allowing parents to interact with their children in an academically relevant manner.

Parent involvement plans include strategies to include parents in professional development available to staff and parents under NCLB through evening classes led by school system personnel and community members.

LSSD seeks to involve parents and community members in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Title I program through parent surveys at each Title I school and representation on the Title I Advisory Council.

NOTICE TO PARENTS

฀ Parentsmayrequestinformationaboutthequalificationsofteachersandparaprofessionalswhoinstructtheir child.

฀ Parentshavetherighttorequestthattheirchild’sname,address,andtelephonenumbernotbereleasedtoa military recruiter without prior written consent. ฀ Shouldyourchild’sschoolbeidentifiedasunsafe,youwillbenotifiedofyourrights.NOTE:LSSDdoesnot currently have any schools identified as unsafe.

฀ Shouldyourchildbecomethevictimofaviolentcrimeatschool,youwillhavetherighttotransferyourchild to another school within the LSSD.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES For a complete copy of the LSSD Transportation Guidelines, please visit our website at www.lssd.org.

TECHONOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY and BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology)

Lebanon Special School District (LSSD) recognizes that access to technology in school gives students greater opportunities to learn, engage, communicate, and develop skills that will prepare them for work, life, and citizenship. We are committed to helping students develop 21st-century technology and communication skills. To that end, we provide access to technologies for student use. This Acceptable Use Policy outlines the guidelines and behaviors that users are expected to follow when using school technologies or when using personally owned devices on the school campus.

Usage Policies

All technologies provided by LSSD are intended for educational purposes. All users are expected to use good judgment and to follow the specifics of this document as well as the spirit of it: be safe, appropriate, careful and kind; don’t try to get around technological protection measures; use good common sense; and ask if you don’t know.

Web Access

LSSD provides its users with access to the Internet, including web sites, resources, content, and online tools. That access will be restricted in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) regulations and school policies. Web browsing may be monitored and web activity records may be retained indefinitely. Users are expected to respect that the web filter is a safety precaution, and should not try to circumvent it when browsing the Web. If a site is blocked and a user believes it shouldn’t be, the user should follow protocol to alert a technology staff member or submit the site for review.

Technologies Covered

LSSD may provide Internet access, desktop computers, mobile computers or devices, online collaboration capabilities and more. As new technologies emerge that support teaching and learning, LSSD will attempt to provide access to them. The policies outlined in this document are intended to cover all available technologies, not just those specifically listed.

Security

Students are expected to take reasonable safeguards against the transmission of security threats over the school network. This includes not downloading, opening or distributing infected files or programs and not downloading or opening files or programs of unknown or untrusted origin. If you believe a computer or mobile device you are using might be infected with a virus, please alert a technology staff member.

Network Etiquette

● Users should always use the Internet, network resources, and online sites in a courteous and respectful manner. ● Users should recognize that among the valuable content online there is also unverified, incorrect, or inappropriate content. Users should use trusted sources when conducting research via the Internet. ● Users should also remember not to post anything online that they wouldn’t want parents, teachers, or future colleges or employers to see. Once something is online, it’s out there—and can sometimes be shared and spread in ways you never intended. ● Users should not plagiarize (or use as their own, without citing the original creator) content, including words or images, from the Internet. ● Users should not take credit for things they didn’t create themselves, or misrepresent themselves as an author or creator of something found online. Research conducted via the Internet should be appropriately cited, giving credit to the original author.

Personal Safety

● If you see a message, comment, image, or anything else online that makes you concerned for your personal safety, bring it to the attention of an adult immediately. ● Users should never share personal information, including phone number, address, social security number, birthday, or financial information, over the Internet without adult permission. ● Users should recognize that communicating over the Internet brings anonymity and associated risks, and should carefully safeguard the personal information of themselves and others.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying will not be tolerated. Harassing, dissing, flaming, denigrating, impersonating, outing, tricking, excluding, and cyberstalking are all examples of cyberbullying. Don’t be mean. Don’t send emails or post comments with the intent of scaring, hurting, or intimidating someone else. Engaging in these behaviors, or any online activities intended to harm (physically or emotionally) another person, will result in severe disciplinary action and loss of privileges. In some cases, cyberbullying can be a crime. Remember that your activities are monitored and retained.

Personally Owned Devices/BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology)

The Lebanon Special School District is committed to preparing all students and teachers to fully integrating applicable technology into academic content to acquire, share and evaluate information, achieve media and technology literacy, and maintain a safe and ethical environment. We have implemented a plan that allows students to bring their own digital devices to school. As part of this plan students will be able to access our guest wireless network using their own technology tools during the learning day. Added benefits of this plan will allow access to digital textbooks and increase access to learning content. With classroom teacher approval, students may use their own devices in the classroom to access and save information from the Internet, communicate with other learners and use productivity tools provided by LSSD. All approved devices must allow access to the Internet through a fully functional web browser and be capable of accessing the LSSD guest network. All Internet access from any personal devices shall occur using the LSSD guest network or the school network. Internet access from a cellular network is not permitted by students at any time. Responsibility to keep privately owned devices secure rests with the individual owner. For more information please see the full BYOT document found at lssd.org/BYOT.

Limitation of Liability

LSSD will not be responsible for damage or harm to persons, files, data, hardware, or personal devices. While LSSD employs filtering and other safety and security mechanisms, and attempts to ensure their proper function, it makes no guarantees as to their effectiveness. LSSD will not be responsible, financially or otherwise, for unauthorized transactions conducted over the school network.

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy

Violations of this policy may have disciplinary repercussions, including:

● Notification to parents ● Suspension of network, technology, or computer privileges ● Suspension from school and school-related activities ● Legal action and/or prosecution

The Technology Acceptable Use Policy and BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) requires a parental signature. Your signature on the Master Signature Page of this Agenda book acknowledges your agreement and compliance.

TEXTBOOK AGREEMENT

I hereby agree that I will be responsible for all free textbooks used by my child. I hereby further agree that I will reimburse the LSSD Board of Education for the value of any book or books that are badly damaged, destroyed, or misplaced which my child has used during the current scholastic year.