Student Handbook / Home

Confiscation: Items that are prohibited on school grounds or are a distraction will be labeled as to ownership and turned over to the office. These items may be returned to the student or parents at the Administrator’s discretion. (Note: beepers, cell phones, etc. may be turned over to Knox County Security.)

Hazing: Name-calling, inflammatory or disrespectful remarks, harassment (verbal or physical) is prohibited at all times and is subject to disciplinary consequences.

In School Suspension (I.S.S.): I.S.S. is a consequence sometimes given for inappropriate behavior. This consequence involves placement of the student in a special class for at least one-half day with a designated staff member. Students are expected to complete regular academic assignments, participate in some form of school service, and follow the schedule and guidelines outlined by the staff member in charge.

Out of School Suspension (O.S.S.): This is a consequence given for persistent misbehaviors of such a serious nature as to warrant being prohibited from school attendance. Students who receive O.S.S. are subject to the following rules:

The student is not allowed on campus at any time.
The student is not allowed to attend any school function, including, but not limited to, athletic events, dances, or school performances.

Long Term Suspension: Any out-of-school suspension that is longer than four consecutive days is considered “long term.” A disciplinary hearing will be held before any long-term suspension has been given.

Initial Hearing/Disciplinary Hearing: When information is received by the Administration indicating that a student has committed a violation that could result in a suspension of more than four days, meetings will be scheduled for the following purposes in the order given below:

Hearing Notification (Includes Administrator and Student + Parent/Guardian)

To present information concerning the violation.
To hear the student’s statement or statements of others who may have information relative to the violation.

I.E.P. Team

To determine if violation is a manifestation of the Special Ed certification.
To determine if placement/programming is needed.

Disciplinary Hearing (For Special Ed. if not manifestation and all regular Ed.)

To determine guilt or innocence.
To determine the appropriate consequences for the violation.

Search and Seizure: According to Knox County Board Policy Handbook (JCAB), school lockers, backpacks, pocketbooks, etc. are subject to search. (Guidelines concerning such searches are outlined in the Knox County Policy Handbook available in the school office.) Parents will be contacted after the student is searched.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors shall be removed from the base school for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year.¹ The Director of Schools has the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis. Zero tolerance acts are as follows:

Any student who while on a school bus, on school property or while attending any school event or activity:

unlawfully possesses a legend drug or any other controlled substance;
knowingly possesses a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921;
commits aggravated assault on a teacher, a School Resource Officer (SRO), an officer of the law assigned to patrol a Knox County School property or other employee of the school system.
Possession of explosive or incendiary device

It is the Board’s intent that the Director of Schools exercise his power to modify and ensure that no student shall be out of school for more than two semesters for a zero tolerance offense. The Director of Schools shall consider each zero tolerance case for placement in the alternative school program.

Reference KCS Board Policy J-194 - Zero Tolerance Offenses

RESTRICTED AREAS

Students are not allowed in the following areas:

Parking lots during school hours without administrative permission.
Rooms or areas designated “Staff Only.”
Any unsupervised area during classes w/o
In the building after 4:00 without staff supervision for a school activity. .

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING OR CYBER-BULLYING

Knox County Schools prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, bullying and cyber-bullying. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate students in a safe and orderly environment. All Knox County School’s staff is responsible for ensuring this is faithfully implemented in all areas under their purview or direct supervision.

“Cyber-bullying” means bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices;

“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities or performance, and:

If the act takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation or at any official school bus stop, the act has the effect of:

Physically harming a child or damaging a student’s property;
Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property;
Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
Creating a hostile educational environment; or

If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, it is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.

Students who feel they are being harassed, bullied or intimidated may report this concern to any teacher or school administrator or the office of the Superintendent using any means of communication with which they feel comfortable.

Consequences and appropriate remedial action for students who commit acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may range from behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion. The appropriate action will be consistent with established Board Policy, case law, Federal and State statutes.

Reference KCS Board Policy J-210 - Harassment of Students and J-211 - Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying or Cyber-Bullying

GUIDELINES FOR MEDICATION

No medication of any kind shall be self-administered by students, even with the assistance from school nurses or other school personnel, except when medication must be given on a long-term basis and is necessary to be given during school hours in order for the student to remain in school. Over the counter (O.T.C.) medications are included in these regulations. Any student who is required to take medications must comply with the following regulations:

The school system has the final decision-making authority with respect to the administration of medications and to reject requests for administering medications.
A medical health care provider who has the legal right to write a prescription must provide written orders. The order must include the name of the drug, dosage, frequency or time interval, route or method of administration, time to be administered, possible side effects, and method of storage.
One medication per form is allowed on the Physician Forms and the forms must be renewed each school year. If the medication is changed, a new Physicians Form is required.
A parent/guardian signature is required on the Physician Form for administration of self-medication before a student can be assisted with self-medication.
All medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, must be brought to school by a responsible adult. Students may not carry medications of any kind on their person with the exception of asthma inhalers, Epi-pens, or insulin delivery systems with the written permission from a parent and authorization by a medical care provider.
All medication must be in appropriate containers that are properly labeled by a medical care provider or pharmacy. An over-the-counter medication prescribed for a student must be provided in its original, unopened, unexpired container with the original label and have the student’s name written on the container.
Upon receiving medication at school, the quantity of medication received must be confirmed and documented.
All medications self-administered must be documented.
School Nurses will monitor the administration, documentation, and storage of all medications.
The parent/guardian is responsible for picking up an unused medication at the end of the treatment or of the school year.

Failure to follow the medication policy may result in a Zero Tolerance offense.

Reference KCS Board Policy J-352 - Medication

ATTENDANCE

The Board recognizes that good attendance at school is basic to student learning. Attendance is a key factor in student achievement; therefore, students are expected to be present each day that school is in session. Parents have both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility to see that children are present every day that school is in session.

For these reasons, the Knox County Board of Education has adopted the following policy on student absences.

Acceptable (excusable) conditions for students being absent from school include:

Personal illness;
Illness in family temporarily requiring help from

the child;

Death in family;
Recognized religious holidays regularly

observed by persons of the student’s faith;

Verifiable family emergency
For students with a parent or guardian who is deployed as a member of the US Armed Forces, the following excused absences shall apply provided the student furnishes appropriate documentation of the service member’s deployment:

An excused absence for one day when the member is deployed, an excused absence when the service member returns from deployment, and excused absences for 10 days for visitation when the member is granted rest and relaxation leave and is stationed out of the country.

In order to be counted present on any and all accounting attendance records, students shall attend school for a time period of three (3) hours and fifteen (15) minutes per school day. Students participating in school-sponsored activities whether on or off campus shall not be counted absent. In order to qualify as “school sponsored,” the activity must be school-planned, school-directed, and teacher-supervised.

Reference KCS Board Policy J-120 - Attendance

BUS CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS

Bus transportation is provided for Knox County students who live outside the Parental Responsibility Zones (PRZ) for each school. A map of these zones, as well as a listing of bus stops and pick-up times, is available in the Guidance Office or the Knox County Transportation Office.

Discipline on our school buses is a priority in order to insure the safety of all children. Bus transportation provided by the Knox County School System is considered to be an extension of the school day. Therefore, just as appropriate behavior is expected in the classroom, it is expected on the bus. Knox County bus rules are posted on each bus; failure to cooperate with driver may result in removal of student riding privileges and/or suspension from the bus.

BUS DISCIPLINE CODE

(Handled by Administration)

LEVEL I VIOLATIONS

· Eating or drinking on the bus

· Failure to remain seated

· Improper boarding/departing procedures

· Refusing to obey driver

· Loud, rude, or abusive behavior

· Profane language/obscene gestures

· Any behavior jeopardizing safety

· Other

LEVEL II VIOLATIONS

· Third violation of Level I behavior

· Tampering with bus equipment

· Fighting/pushing/tripping

· Bringing articles aboard the bus of injurious or objectionable nature

· Destruction of property (Principal to determine if parent/guardian is responsible for damages and the appropriate amount.)

· Possession and/or use of tobacco products

· Profane language/obscene gestures

· Throwing objects in or out of bus

· Hanging out bus window

· Other

LEVEL III VIOLATIONS

· Third violation of Level II behavior

· Physical assault/verbal threat directed to bus driver

· Attempting to set fire to seat, hair, clothing, etc.

· Possession and/or use of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia

· Possession of weapon

· Use of chemical substance with intent to do bodily harm

· Unapproved use of emergency exits on bus

· Other

CONSEQUENCES –

LEVEL I VIOLATIONS

· Written reprimand (maximum 1 warning)

· Bus riding suspension (3 to 5 days)

· Out-of-school suspension

· Assigned seating

CONSEQUENCES –

LEVEL II VIOLATIONS

· Bus riding suspension (minimum 5 school days)

· Repeat occurrence of Level II violation (minimum 15 school days bus riding suspension)

· Out-of-school suspension

CONSEQUENCES –

LEVEL III VIOLATIONS

· Bus riding suspension (minimum 30-maximum 180 school days)

· Out-of-school suspension

· Action by the Board of Education (up to and including expulsion)

· Appropriate legal action

DRESS CODE

KCS Board Policy J-260 - Dress Code

The following expectations for student dress have been established to promote a safe and optimum learning environment. Apparel or appearance, which tends to draw attention to an individual rather than to a learning situation, must be avoided. In matters of opinion, the judgment of the principal/designee shall prevail.

The following standards will be observed in all Knox County Middle and High Schools:

Pants must be worn at the waist. No sagging allowed.
Shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen, back, shoulders and must have sleeves. Shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts with no midriff visible. Low-cut blouses, shirts, or tops or extremely tight tops, tube tops, or any top that exposes cleavage are prohibited.
Head apparel, except for religious or medical purposes, must not be worn inside the school building.
Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor and outdoor activity.
Clothing and accessories such as backpacks, patches, jewelry, and notebooks must not display:

(1) racial or ethnic slurs/symbols,

(2) gang affiliations,

(3) disruptive, vulgar, or sexually suggestive language or images; nor, should they promote products which students may not legally buy; such as alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be beyond mid-thigh length.
Sleepwear, pajamas, and/or blankets cannot be worn in school.

Prohibited items include

(1) large, long and/or heavy chains,

(2) studded or chained accessories,

(3) sunglasses, except for health purposes,

(4) sleepwear, and

(5) skin-tight outer materials without appropriate coverage.

The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student's attire is within the limits of decency and modesty. Administration should strive for consistency so the dress code is applied evenhandedly to male and female students.

The principal may allow exceptions in special circumstances or occasions such as holidays or special performances and may further prescribe dress in certain classes such as physical education, vocational classes, and science labs.

Any student not attired in accordance with this policy shall be subject to correction of the violation. If a correction cannot be made, the student shall be subject to additional disciplinary measures as described in Policy J-191 “Misbehaviors and Disciplinary Options.”

This policy does not preclude individual schools from implementing standardized dress policies with permission from the Director of Schools and the Board of Education after extensive consultation with parents, teachers, and students.

Any deviation from the system-wide policy must be submitted in writing to the middle and high school directors for review and recommendation to the Director of Schools and the Board of Education.

RELATIONSHIPS

No pushing, scuffling, or horseplay
No harassing, or name-calling
NoD.A (public display of affection)
No Fighting (unacceptable)

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT MESSAGES, PACKAGES, FLOWERS

To avoid excessive announcements, interruptions, and the overloading of office personnel, only emergency messages or packages (such as forgotten lunches, lunch money, etc.) from parents or guardians will be accepted for distribution to students during school hours. Students will be called to the office between classes only. Deliveries such as flowers, balloons, etc. will be distributed to students at the end of the school day. The school will not accept deliveries on high volume days – i.e. Valentine’s Day.

CAFETERIA GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR FOOD AND DRINK

All food and drinks must be consumed in DESIGNATED AREAS only, unless by special permission.
Eating areas are to be left clean and trash-free and trays properly returned to designed area.
Visitors are not permitted in the cafeteria during lunch periods without administrative approval.
Each student is to use his/her personal cafeteria number only. This number is not to be used by any other student, with or without the permission of the owner.
Students must present all food and drink items to a cashier for payment. Food or drink not presented and paid for will be considered stolen, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be assigned.
All school behavior guidelines should be followed during lunch.
No food and drink (except water) is permitted in classrooms or other instructional areas except by special permission.

PERSONAL CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Personal Communication Devices (PCD) and personal electronic devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, camera, recorder, CD players, iPods, MP3 players, netbooks, laptop or notebook computers or iPads may be stored in backpacks, purses, or personal carryalls. However, the use of the devices during class-time is forbidden unless approved for an academic activity by the principal or the principal’s designee. This is not intended to discourage the use of these devices for instructional purposes, but to establish parameters and appropriate oversight for their use. Improper use or storage of PCDs and electronic devices may result in confiscation of the device until it can be released directly to a student’s parents and/or guardians. A student in violation of this policy is subject to related disciplinary action.

Students may possess PCDs while on school property. The devices may be used before and after school. At all other times the PCD must be in the off mode. The principal or the principal’s designee may grant a student permission to use a PCD during class time for a specific academic purpose or at other times for other purposes that the principal deems appropriate.

Students are prohibited from taking unauthorized photographs or making unauthorized recordings of others at school, on school transportation or at school sponsored events.

WARNING: The taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a CRIME under state and or/federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate state or federal agencies, which may result in arrest, criminal prosecution, and LIFETIME inclusion on sexual offender registries.

Reference KCS Board Policy J-240 - Use of Personal Communication Devices in School

GRADE REPORTING AND GRADING SCALE

All class grades are cumulative, representing all class work from beginning of the course to the date of the report. Each successive report is not the average of previous grade reports; rather, it represents the compiled scores of all daily lessons, homework, projects, quizzes, examinations and other classroom assignments during the entire 22, 45, 67, or 90 days covered by the report. Progress reports and report cards will be distributed within 5 days of the end of the grading period.

Grade Percentage Range

A 93 - 100

B 85 – 92

C 75 – 84

D 70 – 74

F 0 - 69

The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment (TCAP) results will compose 15% of second semester grades in math, reading/language arts, science and social studies for students in grades 3 - 8.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY NOTICE

The Knox County School System affirms that it will comply with Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Age Discrimination Act in Employment Act of 1967.

No person shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or veteran status, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or be subjected to discrimination in employment opportunities or benefits.

Anyone who believes that Knox County Schools has discriminated against them or another individual may file a complaint. Knox County Schools has designated the following people to handle such grievances to comply with the law. Student complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the Section 504 Compliance Coordinator, Room 909 of the Andrew Johnson Building at (865) 594-1540. Complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or veteran status should be directed to the Title VI, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Room 1517 of the Andrew Johnson Building at (865) 594-1918 and/or the following:

Title VI Coordinator, Tennessee Department of Education

and/or

The Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education

P.O. Box 2048, 04-3010

Atlanta, Georgia 30301-2048

UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE NOTICE

Under the Tennessee State Board of Education Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-11(g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district.

Additional information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting Brian Hartsell at 594-1502

Reference KCS Board Policy J-290 - Unsafe School Choice

KNOX SCHOOLS STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Knox County Schools (KCS) is an equal opportunity provider of services and employment. KCS respects, celebrates and encourages diversity that positively contributes to the community. KCS believes diversity encompasses but is not limited to: ethnicity, race, gender, economic circumstances, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, education level, philosophy and geographic location.

KCS will not discriminate or limit access to any educator, principal, student, or community member on the basis of gender, race, national origin, religion, color, disability, or age. The participants of this proposal are reflective of the above commitment to compliance. The resources of the Knox County Schools (TN) and their grant partners are broad in their support of the various needs of the students and families and ensure equitable access. At a minimum, reasonable accommodations are offered as defined by federal law. KCS will also meet the needs of participant’s if/when unique situations and circumstances occur. Support services include but are not limited to hearing, speech and vision services, physical access management, health related support for various limitations, curricular differentiation and advisement for multiple skill levels and learning sites, academic mentorship, and broadly focused guidance for students.

The Knox County Schools (TN) continue to be committed in its support of all equity statues as required by Federal law and actively pursues compliance on an ongoing basis. A formal grievance process that is open and accessible has been established for monitoring compliance and addressing concerns.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be made to the Knox County Schools, director of Human Resources, 912 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.

Knox County Board Of Education

Reference KCS Board Policy B-230 - Civility Code

It is the intent of the Board to promote mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct among district employees, parents and the general public. This policy provides rules of conduct that both permit and encourage participation in school activities and communication between parents, community members and school district personnel. This policy also identifies those behaviors that are considered inappropriate and disruptive to the operation of a school or other school district facilities. It is not the intent of the Board to deprive any person of his or her right to freedom of expression.

EXPECTATIONS

Students, faculty, staff, parents, guardians and all other members of the community shall:

Treat one another with courtesy and respect at all times.
Take responsibility for one’s actions.
Be cooperative, to the greatest extent possible, toward one another and in solving problems based on what is in the best interest of students.
Refrain from behavior that threatens or attempts to disrupt school or school district operations; physically harms someone; intentionally causes damage; employs loud or offensive language, gestures, or profanity; or inappropriately shows a display of temper.

RESPONSE TO UNCIVIL BEHAVIOR

The Board does not condone a lack of civility by anyone, and recognizes the following appropriate administrative avenues for aggrieved parties to seek action or redress.

A student who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner reflective of the Code of Civility should report such behavior to the appropriate building level administrator.
A parent, guardian or community member who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner reflective of the Code of Civility should report such behavior to the staff member’s immediate supervisor or the student’s appropriate building level administrator.
An employee who believes that he or she has not been treated in a manner reflective of the Code of Civility should address the concern through the appropriate supervisory chain. If personal harm is threatened, the employee shall notify their supervisor and may also contact law enforcement. If a communication such as voice mail or e-mail or any type of written communication is demeaning, abusive, threatening or obscene the employee is not obligated to respond.
Any visitor on school district property who has breached this Civility Code may be directed to leave the premises by an administrator or security officer. If such person does not immediately and willingly leave, law enforcement may be called.

Knox County Schools

2019-20 Calendar

AUGUST

August 1 - Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day);

Orientation for 6^th and 9^th graders

August 2 - In-service Day (1/2 day-School based);

Administrative Day (1/2 day–Teacher Work Day)

August 5 - First Day for Students (1/2 day for students)

August 27 - Student Holiday - In-service (Building)

SEPTEMBER

September 2 - Labor Day – Holiday

September 5 - End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period

September 17 - Constitution Day (Students in school)

OCTOBER

October 4 - End First 9-weeks Grading Period (43 days)

October 7-11 - Fall Break

NOVEMBER

November 5 - Student Holiday - In-service Day

November 14 - End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holidays

DECEMBER

December 20 - 1/2 day for students - End Second 9-weeks Grading Period (46 days) End First Semester (89 days)

December 23-January 3 - Winter Holidays

2020

JANUARY

January 6 - Student Holiday - In-service Day (1/2 day—School based); Administrative Day (1/2 day–Teacher Work Day); (

January 7 - First Day for Students after Winter Holidays

January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Holiday

FEBRUARY

February 7 - End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period

February 17 - Student Holiday - In-service Day

MARCH

March 3 - Holiday

March 13 - End First 9-weeks Grading Period (Third 9-weeks Grading Period) (46 days)

March 16-20 - Spring Break

APRIL

April 10 - Holiday

April 13 - Holiday

April 22 - End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period

MAY

May 21 - Last ½ Day for Students End Second 9-weeks Grading Period (Fourth 9-weeks Grading Period) (42 days) End Second Semester (88 days)

May 22 - Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day) – Last Day for Teachers