Madison Academic Magnet High School

Student Handbook
2019 – 2020

Madison Academic Magnet High School

Office number 427-3501         Fax number 427-3587

MADISON ACADEMIC MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT:
Madison Academic Magnet High School will create a model of academic excellence and will meet the need of every student to master grade level curriculum and state mandated standards to become life-long learners.

MADISON ACADEMIC MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of Madison Academic Magnet High School is to provide a rigorous secondary curriculum that ensures our students master the academic skills that will enable them to become life-long learners.

MADISON ACADEMIC MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
Madison Academic Magnet High School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum through courses dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth.  All students are monitored and evaluated each grading period.  A student is placed on academic probation if (1) the grade point average falls below 2.0 (based on a 4.0 grading scale) for one full term and/or (2) the student fails one or more subjects for the term.  Academic probation is for one full term and is an opportunity for the student to improve.

If the student ends the probationary term with a grade point average of 2.0 or greater and with no failing grade(s) for that probationary term, he/she will be allowed to continue for the following term and will no longer be on academic probation.  Failure to meet these conditions will result in transfer to the student’s zoned school.

A student who has been returned to his/her zoned school because he/she has failed academic probation may return to Madison Academic Magnet High School if he/she meets the following conditions:
1.  He/she must attend his/her zoned school for 2 academic terms.
2.  He/she must have a 2.0 GPA during 2 academic terms with no failing grades.
3.  He/she must take honors classes in the core academic areas during the 2 academic terms.
4.  The sibling clause will not apply to a student applying to return to Madison.
5.  The student will be placed on the waiting list for his/her grade level and will be allowed to return provided space is available.
M

Alma Mater       O Madison
O Madison, we love your hallowed name.
Emboldened by your high ideals and aims,
Our hearts will ever cherish thy halls and quick’ning vision,
And ne’er our thoughts, O Madison, could long forget your charge.
Though we must leave, ‘tis thee we love,
For as we wander through the years to be
O Madison, we’ll ever sing of thee.
	  Music by Calixa Lavalee
	  Lyrics by Robert Redding
Faculty and Staff
	
Principal			Chad Guthrie
Assistant Principal		Frankie Spearman-Taylor
Bookkeeper 			Marilyn Mulvain
Attendance Secretary		Gloria McDonald
Counselors			Natalie Lochridge, Sonya Patrick
Librarian			Mary Tims
English	Molly Coffman, Chris Clark, Threvia Williams, Lindsay Manley, 
Sara Billingsley 
Speech				Sara Billingsley/Jennie Gibson
Journalism			Sara Billingsley
Theatre Arts			Jeremy Young 
Chorus				Lindsey Patterson
Art 				Christy Hays
Band				Kristy White
French				Margaret Spires
Spanish	Jon Jones and Tiffany Soriano
Math	Susan Montgomery, 
Breanne Oldham, Robin Turner, 
Anita White
Computer Tech.		Brain Buchholz and 
Garry Carroll
Science	Joey Balcunas, Broderick Baker, Melanie Hurst, Malea Mullins
Social Studies	Jennie Gibson,  Gale Phillips, 
Linda Lane, and Jada Seaton
Morgan Tyler
Wellness/PE			Darrell Maxwell and Gina Nelson

Athletics
Athletic Director		Darrell Maxwell 
Baseball	Chris Clark	
Basketball (B)			Adam Simpson	 
Basketball (G)			Kitty Allen	
Cheerleading			Sara Yarbrough
Cross Country			 Brian Buchholz (B)/(G)
*Football	Tyler Reeder 
Golf				Darrell Maxwell 
Soccer	Israel Siller (B) (G)
Softball			Kitty Allen	
Tennis				Deb Wichlan
Track				Brian Buchholz (B)/ (G)
Volleyball			Kellie Cavitt

*All Madison Academic football players will be part of
Southside football team.

JACKSON –MADISON COUNTY SCHOOLS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
CORE CURRICULUM

	English 	4 credits

	Mathematics (1 must be Algebra I)……………………………...3 credits
	Science (1 cr. in a life biology; 1 cr. in a physical science) ……3 credits

	Social Studies 
   U.S. History	1 credit
    Econ. /U.S. Gov		1 credit
	   W. History, W. Geography or Mod. History		1 credit
Wellness	1 credit
   or JROTC		2 credits

Students will be required to complete the core curriculum and one of the following three paths.

                                    UNIVERSITY PATH
Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, & Geometry required)	3 credits
	Foreign Language (same language)		2 credits
	Fine Arts		1 credit

	Electives	11 credits
	                                   
	                                   TECHNICAL PATH
Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, & Geometry required)	3 credits
Program of Study in one career cluster 	4 credits
Electives 	10 Credits

                                           DUAL PATH
Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, & Geometry required)	3 credits
Foreign Language (same Language)	2 credits
Fine Arts..........................................................................1 credit
Program of Study in one career cluster	4 credits
Electives	 7 credits
Grand total required for graduation	28 credits

Madison Academic High School Graduation Requirements
(FOR STUDENTS ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL IN 2009-2010 AND THEREAFTER)
28 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

English	4 credits
Mathematics (1 must be Algebra I)	4 credits
Science (1 credit in biology, 1 credit in physical science)	4 credits                               
Social Studies
     U.S. History	1 credit
     Econ./U.S. Government	1 credit
     World History or Modern History	1 credit 
     Other Social Studies courses 	1credit
Foreign Language (same language)	3 credits
Wellness	1 credit
Fine Arts	2 credits
Computer Technology	1 credit
Speech	1 credit
Physical Education	1/2 credit
Personal Finance	1/2 credit
Electives	3 credits

**Beginning with the 2019/2020 9th grade class, all students must take a science class each year at Madison.

DIPLOMAS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL 

A. HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
To earn a regular high school diploma, students attending Madison Academic High School must earn the prescribed 28-credit-minimum and have a satisfactory record of attendance and discipline.
B. END-OF-COURSE EXAMINATIONS
End-of-course examinations will be given in English I, English II, English III, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, U.S. History, Biology I, Chemistry, and Physics. The weight of the EOC examination of the student’s final average shall be ten percent (10%) in the 2016-2017 school year, fifteen percent (15%) in the 2017-2018 school year; and shall be twenty percent (20%) in the school year in the 2018-2019 school year and thereafter.6 
Final exams in all non-EOC courses will count 25 percent (25%) of the final average.

MAKE-UP POLICY FOR END-OF-COURSE EXAMINATIONS Guidelines established by the State Board of Education will be followed when a student is absent for the administration of the end-of-course examinations.

C. GRADUATION RECOGNITION CRITERIA

HONORS GRADUATE: Students who have met the graduation requirements and maintained an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher will graduate with Honors. 
RECOGNITION: NOT YET DETERMINED

STATE HONORS GRADUATE: The student must benchmark on all 4 subject areas of the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT. 
ACT BENCHMARKS: English: 18, Math: 22, Reading: 22, Science: 23. 
RECOGNITION: GOLD TASSEL

STATE DISTINCTION GRADUATE: The student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete at least one of the following criteria: earn a nationally recognized industry certification, participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools, participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations, be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist, attain a score of 31 or higher composite score on the ACT, attain a 3 or higher on at least two advanced placement exams, or earn 12 or more semester hours of transcripted postsecondary credit.
RECOGNITION: GOLD CORD

ACADEMIC SCHOLARS GRADUATE: The student must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and successfully complete 8 designated honors courses.
RECOGNITION: GOLD STOLES

TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARS: A student must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and successfully complete the requirements for a CTE focused plan of study (3 or more credits in Agriculture, Culinary Arts, Marketing, Business, Information Technology, Manufacturing, or Automotive). 
RECOGNITION: WHITE CORD

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN: The student(s) must meet the requirements for the Academic Scholars Seal. Also,  the student must have completed 4 of the 8 high school terms in the Jackson-Madison County School System, including both terms of the senior year. 

TN SCHOLARS GRADUATE: The student(s) must complete 80 hours of community service, 95% attendance rate, maintain a C average, NO suspensions, take (2)AP or Dual Enrollment Courses, and complete the required paper work by the appointed deadline.
RECOGNITIOM: MEDAL/SCHOLARSHIP: (Colleges must be a participant of the program.)

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Students who have met the graduation requirements and earned at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester enrolled at a public high school shall be recognized at graduation for this accomplishment.  Students graduating prior to 202 will be grand-fathered in.
RECOGNITION: GOLD MEDALLION WITH GREEN RIBBON

It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation of meeting one or more of these criteria.  The counselors will provide a form, in April, for the student to complete supporting this documentation. 

Calculation of Grade Point Average on a 4.0 Scale:

A. Final averages in both quarter and term classes are used in calculating GPA.

B. The scale is as follows:

A (93‑100) = 4 points
B (85‑92)  = 3 points
C (75‑84)  = 2 points
D (70‑74)  = l point
F (below 70) = 0 points

MADISON ACADEMIC COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT
All freshman entering Madison Academic in the fall of 2006 and thereafter must complete 60 hours of documented community service as a requirement for graduation.  The counselors will provide a community service log to keep track of hours and will monitor completion of community service hours.  Each student is required to complete and log at least 15 hours at the completion of each academic year. Community service hours served as after school detention on Tuesday and Thursday (2:30-4:30) for excessive tardiness and other infractions may not be counted toward this graduation requirement.

TENNESSEE EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT
Students who have met the graduation requirements and earned at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester enrolled at a public high school shall be recognized at graduation for the accomplishment.  Students graduating prior to 202 will be grand-fathered in. 

GRADE PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
(2019-2020 school year)

Students are assigned to a specific grade level according to the number of units acquired by an individual pupil. Assignment will be made as follows:

	Freshman 	……successful completion of 8th grade
	Sophomore 	minimum of 6 units passed
	Junior 	minimum of 14 units passed
	Senior 	minimum of 20 units passed

GRADING SYSTEM:

A.	Effective with the 1995‑96 school year, a student passes or fails a course on a term basis.

B.        The weight of the EOC examination of the student’s final 
            average shall be ten percent (10%) in the 2016-2017 
            school year, fifteen percent (15%) in the 2017-2018
            school year; and shall be twenty percent (20%) in the
            school year in the 2018-2019 school year and thereafter.6 

            Final exams in all non-EOC courses will count 25 percent   
            (25%) of the final average.

C.	The final grade at the end of a term (18 weeks/90 days) will be determined by averaging the two nine weeks, multiplying that average by three, adding the final exam grade, and dividing that total by four.

The final grade at the end of a full-year course will be determined by averaging the four quarter grades, multiplying the average by three, adding the final exam grade, and dividing that total by four.
	The End-of-Course exams will constitute the final exam grade in these courses.

D.	Weighting for honors courses and National Industry Certification courses shall include the addition of 3 points to the grades used to calculate the student’s final average (each 9 weeks and the final exam) in these courses.

Weighting for Advanced Placement courses shall include the addition of 5 points to the grades used to calculate the student’s final average (each 9 weeks and the final exam) in these courses.

A student passes or fails on a term basis.  The student should not repeat the course under the same teacher when possible. 

The work of a student whose grades are satisfactory but are withheld because of failure to complete the required work shall be reported as incomplete (I). 
If the incomplete is not removed in the time designated by the administration, it will then become an “F”.

E.	Grade level classification is based on a student’s maximum potential to earn high school credit.  Individual consideration will be given to a transfer student whose high school offered less than eight (8) credits per year.  The student’s counselor will evaluate the student’s transcript and determine the appropriate grade level based on the student’s maximum potential to earn credit.

No student within two (2) points of the passing grade of 70 will fail a course unless a minimum of two (2) instructional interventions has been documented. 

High school diplomas shall be granted to students who have met all requirements for graduation.  All summer school candidates (those lacking 2 credits or less to graduate) may voluntarily participate in graduation exercises by marching and being seated after the graduates.  The summer school graduates may be recognized by standing as their names are called.

GENERAL RULES, REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES,
AND CODE OF BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS (Policy 6.203)
Any student entering school for the first time must present: 
1.	A birth certificate or officially acceptable evidence of date of birth at the time of registration;1 

2.	Evidence of a current (within the past twelve (12) months) medical examination.2 There shall be a complete medical examination of every student entering school for the first time. This applies to Pre-K, kindergarten, and other students for whom there is no current health record; and if evidence of the exam cannot be obtained, the student must provide evidence of current physical exam within six (6) weeks of admission to school.
 
3.	Evidence of state-required immunization.3 
The name used on the records of a student entering school must be the same as that shown on the birth certificate unless evidence is presented that such name has been legally changed through a court as prescribed by law. If the parent does not have or cannot obtain a birth certificate, then the name used on the records of such student will be the same as that shown on documents which are acceptable to the school principal as proof of date of birth. 
A child whose care, custody and support has been assigned to a resident of the district by a power of attorney or order of the court shall be enrolled in school provided appropriate documentation has been filed with the district office.4 
A student may transfer into the school system at any time during the year (a) if his/her parent(s) or legal guardian moves his/her residence into the school system, (b) if the student’s parent/guardian is an employee of the district pursuant to TCA 49-6-3113(b)(2), and/or (c) if the student is approved by the Superintendent for out of district status pursuant to TCA 49-6-3104(a). 
Students entering the system from being institutionalized shall be admitted to the Alternative School Program for a period of two weeks and/or 10 school days before attending their zoned school. 
Parents, guardians, or legal custodians of students who enter school who have been judged delinquent for an offense involving murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault or reckless endangerment shall notify the principal by providing the abstract of record5 required by law or other similar written information. This information shall be shared only with school employees who have responsibility for classroom instruction of the student. Such information is otherwise confidential and shall not be released to others except as required by law. The written notification shall not become a part of the student's record.6

SCHEDULE CHANGES
All schedule changes must be completed before the beginning of the term and then only for one of the following reasons (Board Policy 4.605):
A. Student failed to take or successfully pass a prerequisite course.
B. Student failed a course required for graduation.
C. Student failed a course, registered for the course again, and was assigned the same instructor.
D. Student has an unbalanced schedule:  that is, a balance among academic and elective courses between terms.
E. Student is enrolled in a subject for which credit has already been earned. Schedule adjustment is required because of a course taken in summer school.

ABSENCES
Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and therefore, students are expected to be present each day that school is in session.  Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused, as determined by the principal or his/her designee.  School Board Policy 6.200 gives a description of excused absences.  (Policy 6.200)  

When a student is absent from school, a parent's note stating the reason for the absence must be brought to the office as soon as he/she arrives at school. An admission slip to class will be issued. Students who are not in class by 7:15 with an admit slip will be counted tardy.

ATTENDANCE POLICY SPECIFIC TO HIGH SCHOOLS (Policy 6.200)
Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session.
The attendance supervisor shall oversee the entire attendance program which shall include:1
1.	All accounting and reporting procedures and their dissemination;

2.	Alternative program options for students who severely fail to meet minimum attendance requirements;

3.	Ensuring that all school age children attend school;

4.	Providing documentation of enrollment status upon request for students applying for new or reinstatement of driver's permit or license; and 

5.	Notifying the Department of Safety whenever a student with a driver's permit or license           withdraws from school.2
Student attendance records shall be given the same level of confidentiality as other student records.  Only authorized school officials with legitimate educational purposes may have access to student information without the consent of the student or parent/guardian.3
Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal/designee.  Excused absences shall include:4
1.	Personal illness/injury;

2.	Illness of immediate family member;

3.	Death in the family;

4.	Extreme weather conditions;

5.	Religious observances;5 

6.	College visits;

7.	Pregnancy; 
8.	School sponsored or school endorsed activities;6

9.	Summons, subpoena, or court order; or

10.	Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control

Parents of elementary, intermediate, or middle school students will be allowed two (2) discretionary days per year.
The principal shall be responsible for ensuring that:7
1.	Attendance is checked and reported daily for each class;

2.	Daily absentee sheets contain sign in/sign out sheets and indicate students present or absent       for the majority of the day;
3.	All student absences are verified;

4.	Written excuses are submitted for absences and tardiness; 

5.	System-wide procedures for accounting and reporting are followed;

6.	The principal may require verification from an official or other source to justify excessive   Absences; and

7.	Students who are withdrawn from school are tracked and coded correctly.
TRUANCY
General
Students shall be present at least fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled school day in order to be counted present. Students receiving special education services may attend part-time days, alternating days, or for a specific amount of time as indicated in their Individualized Education Plan.8
If a student is required to participate in a remedial instruction program outside of the regular school day where there is no cost to the parent(s) and the school system provides transportation, unexcused absences from these programs shall be reported in the same manner.9  
Students who are absent five (5) days without adequate excuse shall be reported to the director of schools/designee who will, in turn, provide written notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student's absence. The director of schools/ designee shall also comply with state law regarding the reporting of truant students to the proper authorities. If a student accumulates a total of five (5) unexcused absences, then he/she is subject to referral to juvenile court.7
The director of schools/designee shall develop appropriate administrative procedures to implement this policy. 
Progressive Truancy Intervention Plan10
Students with three (3) unexcused absences shall be subject to the progressive truancy intervention framework outlined below. 
Tier I
1.	A conference with the student and the student’s parent/guardian;

2.	An attendance contract, based on the conference, signed by the student, the parent/guardian, and an attendance officer. The contract shall include:

a.	A specific description of the school’s attendance expectations for the student;
b.	The period for which the contract is effective. The term of the contract must not exceed ninety (90) school days or continue beyond the last day of the semester, whichever comes first; and
c.	Penalties for additional absences and alleged school offenses, including additional disciplinary action and potential referral to juvenile court; and 

3.	Regularly scheduled follow-up meetings to discuss the student’s progress.
If the student accumulates additional unexcused absences in violation of the attendance contract, he/she shall be subject to the additional intervention tiers. 
Tier II
If a student accumulates additional unexcused absences in violation of the attendance contract in Tier I, the student will be subject to Tier II.
Under this tier, a school employee shall conduct an individualized assessment detailing the reasons a student has been absent from school.  The employee may refer the student to counseling, community-based services, or other services to address the student’s attendance problems.
Tier III
This tier shall be implemented if the truancy interventions under Tier II are unsuccessful.  
These interventions shall be determined by a team formed at each school.  The interventions shall address student needs in an age-appropriate manner.  Finalized plans shall be approved by the Director of Schools/designee.
MILITARY SERVICE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN
School principals shall provide students with a one-day excused absence prior to the deployment of and a one-day excused absence upon the return of a parent or custodian serving active military service.    
Principals shall also allow up to ten (10) excused cumulative absences per year for students to visit a parent/guardian during a deployment cycle. The student shall provide documentation to the school as proof of his/her parent's/guardian's deployment. Students shall be permitted to make up schoolwork missed during these absences.11
GRADES 9-12
A.	High School Attendance Incentives
This incentive plan allows 11th and 12th grade students to be exempt from the class final exam if they have maintained a specified balance of number of absences and class average.  The purpose of the plan is to ensure students maximum instruction.  
1.	A parent (s)/guardian (s) may decline to allow their child (ren) to participate in the incentive program by providing a letter stating that preference to the principal within the first two (2) weeks of the term. 
2.	This plan is handled class by class and does not exempt the student from any End of Course Testing
3.	* For purposes of this policy an absence is any day the student is not in a class due to an excused/unexcused absence or suspension.
* School related absences (i.e. field trips) are not counted as absences for this policy.
* In-school Suspension (ISS) is not an absence because the student is at school.
* Three (3) tardies to a class = 1 absence.
* Students will still have the option to take the exam in any class if they choose to do so; however, this final exam grade will not be calculated in the final course average if it lowers the final grade.
At the end of the grading period, teachers will notify students eligible for exemption in their by a date established by a district attendance committee
4.	Semester Classes
An 11th or 12th grade student who misses no more than:
3 days and has an A average in a class
2 days and has a B average in a class
1 day and has a C average in a class would be exempt from the exam in that class.
B.	Attendance Incentives
Students with perfect attendance will have five percent (5%) of the final exam score added to their exam grade.  (Example:  final exam score of 80 x 5% = 84 final exam grade.)  This incentive applies to End of Course Tests and final exams.
C.	Tardiness
Tardy is defined as being a late arrival or an early dismissal from a class period.  Three tardies will be one absence.  Students who miss more than 45 minutes of a 90 minute class will be counted absent.
D.	School Related Absences

1.	Students will be allowed two (2) college days to be taken at their discretion beginning the second term of the junior year.  These days are excused absences.  Students must have prior approval of the principal.  In addition, during their senior year, students will be allowed to participate in the annual College/Career Day.  The director of schools/designee shall ensure that this policy is posted in each school building and disseminated to all students, parents, teachers and administrative staff. 
2.	All club meetings, pep sessions, assemblies or other group meetings, workshops and athletic events will be held before school, after school or during a regularly scheduled activity period.
3.	Teachers will make every possible effort to restrict field trips to the ninety-minute period in which the students are in that teacher’s class.
4.	Teachers will limit their requests for activities which cannot be confined to their own class time.  Principals will grant approval only to those activities which are educationally sound and which must occur within the school day.
5.	A teacher may request that a student be disallowed from school-related absences if the absences for that student exceed ten (10) per term. The principals and/or his designee will determine eligibility for school-related absences after such a request is filed.
6.	Students will not be penalized for absences due to school-related activities that are approved by the principal.
MAKE-UP WORK
All missed assignments or tests (whether from excused or unexcused absences) may be made up.  The teacher is responsible for providing all missed assignments.  The student or parent/guardian may make the request for make-up work during the period of absence, or on the day the student returns to school.  A teacher’s instructional time may not be interrupted by these requests; however, information regarding make-up work will be provided within two (2) days.  The student will have a minimum of two (2) days per day absent to complete the make-up work. 

STATE-MANDATED ASSESSMENT
Students who are absent the day of the scheduled EOC exams must present a signed doctor’s excuse or must have been given an excused release by the principal prior to testing to receive an excused absence. Students who have excused absences will be allowed to take a make-up exam. Excused students will receive an incomplete in the course until they have taken the EOC exam. 
Students who have an unexcused absence shall receive a failing grade on the course exam which shall be averaged into their final grade. 
CREDIT/PROMOTION DENIAL
Credit/promotion denial determinations may include student attendance, however, student attendance may not be the sole criterion.12 If attendance is a factor, prior to credit/promotion denial, the following shall occur:
1.	The student and the parent/guardian shall be advised if student is in danger of credit/promotion denial due to excessive absenteeism.
2.	Procedures in due process are available to the student when credit or promotion is denied.
DRIVER'S LICENSE REVOCATION 2
More than ten (10) consecutive or fifteen (15) reported unexcused absences by a student during any semester renders a student ineligible to retain a driver's permit or license, or to obtain such if of age.
In order to qualify for reclaiming a driver's permit or license, the student must make a passing grade in at least three (3) full unit subjects or their equivalency at the conclusion of a subsequent grading period. 

ATTENDANCE HEARING13
Students with excessive (more than 5) unexcused absences or those in danger of credit/promotion denial shall have the opportunity to appeal to an attendance hearing committee appointed by the principal. If the student chooses to appeal, the student or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided written or actual notice of the appeal hearing and shall be given the opportunity to address the committee. The committee will conduct a hearing to determine if any extenuating circumstances exist or to determine if the student has met attendance requirements that will allow him/her to pass the course or be promoted. Upon notification of the attendance committee decision, the principal shall send written notification to the director of schools/designee and the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student of any action taken regarding the excessive unexcused absences. The notification shall advise parents/guardian(s) of their right to appeal such action within two (2) school days to the director of schools/designee.
The appeal shall be heard no later than ten (10) school days after the request for appeal is received.
Within five (5) school days of the director of schools/designee rendering a decision, the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a hearing by the board, and the board shall review the record.  Following the review, the board may affirm or overturn the decision of the director of schools/designee. The action of the board shall be final.
The director of schools/designee shall ensure that this policy is posted in each school building and disseminated to all students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff.
Voluntary Pre-K Attendance 
The board may establish an early childhood education program to address the educational needs of eligible four-year old children. The program will provide educational services in accordance with state law and the policies, rules, and regulations of the state board of education and the department of education.1 
While enrollment in an approved pre-kindergarten program is voluntary2, attendance is a key factor in student achievement; therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session.  
EXCUSED ABSENCES
Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the site-level administrator.  Excused absences shall include, but not be limited to:
1.	The child has a personal illness or injury; 

2.	The child has other ongoing health related ailments which temporarily prevent attendance;

3.	The child contracts a communicable disease (virus or flu);

4.	Religious observances; 

5.	Death in the family; and

6.	Limited medical/dental/therapy appointments.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Students who have four (4) or more unexcused absences within one (1) month shall be reported to the site-level administrator who will, in turn, contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student and determine the child’s participation status in the program. The site-level administrator shall document all communication attempts to contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the outcomes of those attempts.
Students who have five (5) or more unexcused absences in a three (3) month period shall be reported to the site-level administrator who will, in turn, contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student and develop an attendance plan with the help of the parent(s)/guardian(s) and other appropriate school personnel. The attendance plan shall:
1.	Identify the reasons for the absences;
2.	Include a specific plan and date for establishing regular attendance or alternative services that meet the student’s educational goals; and 

3.	Include the documentation of services and student outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the attendance plan. 
DISMISSAL
Students who are absent five (5) days or more within one (1) month or ten (10) days in one (1) year without adequate excuse may be terminated from the program. The site-level administrator shall submit dismissal documentation to the Department of Education’s Voluntary Pre-K director for approval.
The district shall not dismiss a student without first implementing an attendance plan, unless there are special circumstances approved by the state VPK director.
Once dismissal is approved, a waiting list applicant who meets eligibility determinations may fill the vacant position. 
The student may re-enter the program after a 30-day waiting period and a parent conference if there are any available vacancies. 
DISTRICT VOLUNTARY PRE-K CONTACT
Voluntary Pre-K Coordinator
731-664-2500

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
All students at Madison Academic Magnet High School are expected to conduct themselves in a mature, polite manner. 
Students who persist in conduct that disrupts the learning atmosphere and threaten the order of the school will be subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary procedures and student misbehaviors, such as tardiness, profanity, harassment, forged notes, and vandalism are outlined in Board Policy 6.313. Possible disciplinary actions include in‑school suspension, corporal punishment (Policy 6.314), detention (Policy 6.315), and/or suspension/expulsion/alternative school (Policy 6.316). An outline of Student Behavior Rights and Responsibilities as described by JMCBE Policy 6.301 is posted within the school building.
6.208 Release during school hours
The following procedure will be observed with regard to dismissal of students: 
1.	No student will leave school prior to regular dismissal hours, except with the approval of the principal or his/her designee and parent. K-8 students will be permitted to leave school prior to regular dismissal time only in the company of a parent, legal guardian, school employee, police officer, court officer, or a person designated in writing by the parent(s). 

2.	No student will be sent from the school during school hours to perform an errand or act as a messenger. 

3.	When dental and medical appointments cannot be scheduled outside school hours, parent(s) must send a written request for dismissal or call for the student in person. 

Children will be released only upon the request of the parent whom the court holds directly responsible for the child, or who is the parent or guardian registered on the school record.
5. No principal or teacher shall permit a change in the physical custody of a child at school unless:
(a) The person seeking custody of the child presents the school official with a certified copy of a valid court order from a Tennessee court designating the person who has custody of the child; and
(b) The person seeking custody gives the school official reasonable advance notice of his/her intent to take custody of the child at school.
6. High School students may be released for jobs and approved training at centers according to the requirements of state law and regulations.

CODE OF BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE
(Policy 6.300)
The principal of each school shall be responsible for implementation and administration in his/her school and on school buses serving the school.  He/she shall apply the Code uniformly and fairly to each student at the school without partiality and discrimination.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Policy 6.301)
The Board expects all school staff, students, and parents to assume the responsibility for appropriate behaviors in the school.  Each student has rights and responsibilities as outlined in Board Policy 6.301. [Code of Behavior and Discipline policy]

GROUP GANG ACTIVITY OR ASSOCIATION  (Policy 6.3101)
This policy applies to any “criminal gang” or member of a “criminal gang” as defined by state law in grades 6-12.  A “criminal gang” is a formal or informal ongoing organization, association or group consisting of three (3) or more persons that has:

1.	As one of its activities the commission of criminal acts; and
2.	Two (2) or more members who, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity.1
Groups/gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process.  Therefore, the Board prohibits students from engaging in the following activities:

•	The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming, which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with a criminal gang; any activity that encourages participation in a criminal gang or facilitates illegal acts of criminal gang;

•	Incidents involving initiations, hazing, intimidations, and/or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited;

•	Any gang-related conduct that is seriously disruptive to the educational process or endangers persons or property.
•	A violation of this policy may result in a referral to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority for Alternative School Placement, suspension, or expulsion, in accordance with board policy.
•	The administration will provide service training in group/gang behavior and characteristics to facilitate staff identification of students at-risk and promote membership in authorized school groups and/or activities as an alternative.

Use of Personal Communication Devices 
and Electronic Devices in School (Policy 6.312)

Students may not display, use or have on or in an operational mode any electronic device. Such devices include but are not limited to: wearable technology such as eyeglasses, rings, or watches that have the capability to record, live stream, or interact with wireless technology; any mobile telephone, cellular telephone, laptops, tablets, mp3 players, laser pointer or pen or any other type of telecommunications or imaging device during school day hours. However, a teacher may grant permission for the use of these devices to assist with instruction in the classroom, and teachers are encouraged to integrate the devices into their course work. Students must store any electronic devices in the school office or in vehicles, backpacks, purses, pockets or carry-all so that the devices are not visible during the school day. Electronic devices which are visible during school day hours will be presumed to be on and operational and in violation of this policy. 

Students assigned to an Alternative School may not use or have in possession any electronic device including but not limited to: wearable technology such as eyeglasses, rings, or watches that have the capability to record, live stream, or interact with wireless technology; any mobile telephone, cellular telephone, laptops, tablets, mp3 players, laser pointer or pen or any other type of telecommunications or imaging device during school day hours, except as expressly permitted in connection with a class assignment. 
Any possession of an electronic pager by a student on school property, without the express authorization of the principal or principal’s designee, is not permitted. 1 

Students are prohibited from using electronic devices in any manner that interferes with or is disruptive of the educational process, which violates the security or integrity of educational materials or tests, or which invades the privacy of students, employees, volunteers or visitors. Unauthorized use or improper storage of a device will result in confiscation of the device until such time as it may be released to the student’s parent or guardian. A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the principal.
In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the following offenses shall not be tolerated:
WEAPONS & DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS
Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, use, or attempt to use any dangerous weapon on school buses, on school property, or while on school sponsored outings.1
Dangerous weapons for the purposes of this policy shall include, but are not limited to, a ﬁrearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inﬂicting death or serious bodily injury or anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.2
Violators of this section shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.
Firearms3
In accordance with state law, any student who brings to school or is in unauthorized possession of a ﬁrearm on school property shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.4
DRUGS
In accordance with state law, any student who unlawfully possesses any drug, including any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event, shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.4

ASSAULT
In accordance with state law, any student who commits aggravated assault5 or commits assault that results in bodily injury6 upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or school resource ofﬁcer shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.4
ELECTRONIC THREATS
In accordance with state law, any student who transmits by an electronic device any communication containing a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee and the transmission of such threat creates actual disruptive activity at the school that requires administrative intervention shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.4
NOTIFICATION
When it is determined that a student has violated this policy, the principal of the school shall notify the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system as required by law.7

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES (Policy 6.313)

The following levels of misbehavior and disciplinary procedures and options are designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties.1

MISBEHAVIORS:  Level I (Classroom Teacher Level)

Minor misbehavior on the part of the student which impedes orderly classroom procedures or interferes with the orderly operation of the school, but which can usually be handled by an individual teacher.

	Examples (not an exclusive listing):

	Classroom disturbances
	Classroom tardiness or truancy
	Cheating and lying
	Abusive language/Profanity
	Nondefiant failure to do assignments or carry out directions
            Leaving school property without permission
	Harassment (If not continuous or severe)

	Disciplinary Procedures:

	Immediate intervention by the staff member.
	Determine what offense was committed and its severity.
	Determine offender and that he/she understands the nature of the offense.
	Employ appropriate disciplinary options.
	Record of the offense and disciplinary action maintained by staff member.
	Provide notice to parent/guardian.

	Disciplinary Options:

	Verbal reprimand
	Special Assignment
	Restricting activities
	Counseling
	Withdrawal of privileges
	Issuance of demerits which might affect citizenship or deportment grades
	Strict supervised study
	Parent/guardian conference

MISBEHAVIORS:  Level II (Principal or Designee Level)

Misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school.  Included in this level are misbehaviors which do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others but whose educational consequences are serious enough to require corrective action on the part of administrative personnel.

	Examples (not an exclusive listing):

	Continuation of unmodified Level I behaviors
	Habitual school or class tardiness
	Habitual school or class truancy
	Possession, smoking or use of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and electronic 
	     cigarettes
	Using forged notes or excuses
	Insubordination/Defiance
	Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious)
            Dress code violations, including wearing, while on grounds of a public school during the regular
	     school day, clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts 
	     the learning environment.

	Disciplinary Procedures:

	Student is referred in writing to principal for appropriate disciplinary action.
	Principal meets with student and teacher.
	Principal hears accusation made by teacher, permits student the opportunity of explaining his/her 
		conduct, denying it or explaining any mitigating circumstances.
	 Principal takes appropriate disciplinary action and notifies teacher of action.
	Record of offense and disciplinary action maintained by principal and a copy of any out-of-school 
		suspension notices sent to the director of schools or designee.

	Disciplinary Options:

	Counseling
	Teacher/schedule change
	Probation
	Behavior modification
	Peer counseling
	Referral to outside agency
	In-school suspension
	Detention
	Suspension from school-sponsored activities or from riding school bus
	Out-of-school suspension not to exceed ten (10) days
	Parent/guardian conference

MISBEHAVIORS:  Level III (Principal or Designee Level)

Acts directly against persons or property but whose consequences do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school.

	Examples (not an exclusive listing):

	Continuation of unmodified Level I and II behaviors
	Fighting (simple) with the exception of students who have been deemed to have acted in self-
	     defense or defense of another 
	Non-gang related graffiti/Minor Vandalism
	Stealing or misappropriation of school or personal property (regardless of intent to return)
	Threats to others
	Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious)
	Bullying/Extortion

	Disciplinary Procedures:

	Student is referred in writing to principal for appropriate disciplinary action.
	Principal meets with student and teacher.
	Principal hears accusation by accusing party and permits offender the opportunity of explaining 
	conduct.
	Principal takes appropriate disciplinary action.
	Principal may refer incident to the director of schools and make recommendations for consequences.
	If student’s program is to be changed, adequate notice shall be given to the student and his/her
		parents of the charges against him, his/her right to appear at a hearing and to be represented by a person of his/her choosing.
	Any change in school assignment is appealable to the Board.
	Record of offense and disciplinary action maintained by principal and a copy of the disciplinary
		action taken sent to the director of schools or designee.

	Disciplinary Options:

	Counseling
	In-school suspension
	Detention
	Restitution from loss, damage or stolen property
	Out-of-school suspension not to exceed ten (10) days
	Expulsion
	Parent/guardian conference

MISBEHAVIORS:  Level IV (Principal or Designee Level)

Acts which result in violence to another’s person or property or which pose a threat to the safety of others in the school.  These acts are so serious that they usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and action by the Board.

	Examples (not an exclusive listing):

	Unmodified Level I, II and III behaviors
	Death threat (hit list)
	Extortion
            Making a threat, including a false report, to use a bomb, dynamite, and other deadly explosive or 
	     destructive device, including chemical weapons
	Major school disturbance/Riot
	Possession/use/transfer of dangerous weapons *
	Fighting with intent to do bodily harm
	Battery on a teacher or other employee of the school system or school resource officer * 
	Battery on a student that results in serious bodily injury2 *
            Gang activity or association in violation of Policy 6.3101
	Vandalism (Major)
	Theft/possession/sale of stolen property
	Arson
	Possession or sale of any narcotic, stimulant, prescription drug, legend drug, or any other
	     controlled substance *
	Consumption, possession, use, sale, distribution of or being under the influence of alcohol
	Use/transfer of unauthorized substances 
	Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious)

	Disciplinary Procedures:

	Disciplinary referral is written and submitted to the principal or designee.
	Principal confers with appropriate staff members and with the student.
	Principal hears accusation by accusing party and permits offender opportunity of explaining
	     conduct.
	Parents are notified and have conference with principal.
	Law enforcement officials are contacted.
	Incident is reported and recommendations made to the director of schools or designee.
	Complete and accurate reports are submitted to the director of schools or designee.
	Student and/or parent is given an opportunity for a hearing before disciplinary hearing authority.

	Disciplinary Options

	Expulsion
	Alternative schools
	Other hearing authority or Board action which results in appropriate placement
	*  Expulsion/Remand for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year subject to modification by the director of schools on a case-by-case basis.  Remand to an alternative program shall be governed by the Alternative Schools Program Policy 6.319. 

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

1.	A student shall not be suspended solely because charges are pending against him/her in juvenile or other court; however, off-campus criminal behavior resulting in felony charges may result in suspension when behavior poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process.  Also, students may be suspended/expelled for any act which is determined to impact the progress, safety or efficiency of the school or disruptive, threatening or violent actions that endanger the safety of other students or Jackson-Madison County School System employees.

2.	A principal shall not impose successive short term suspensions that cumulatively exceed ten (10) days for the same offense.3

3.	A teacher or other school official shall not reduce or authorize the reduction of a student’s grade because of discipline problems except in deportment or citizenship.

4.	A student shall not be denied the passing of a course or grade promotion solely on the basis of absences except as provided by board policy.

5.	A student shall not be denied the passing of a course or grade promotion solely on the basis of failure to:
a. 	pay any activity fee;
b. 	pay a library or other school fine; or
c. 	make restitution for lost or damaged school property.

6.	Students eligible for special education shall be served in accordance with the laws and rules relating to special education.

7.	Withdrawal of privilege includes, but is not limited to, loss of classroom privileges, loss of parking privileges, and loss of extracurricular/athletic or other school-wide privileges.

MISBEHAVIORS:  Bus Conduct

The following consequences shall occur when student misbehaviors result in disciplinary referrals by transportation personnel to the school principal(s).

Elementary Schools

Referrals	Consequences

2 referrals or fewer	warning, ISS, or detention
3 referrals	2 days bus suspension
4 referrals	3 days bus suspension
5 referrals	5 days bus suspension
6 referrals	10 days bus suspension
7 referrals	riding privileges revoked for the remainder of 
	     the semester (or school year)
Middle and High Schools

Referrals	Consequences

2 referrals or fewer	warning, ISS, or detention
3 referrals	3 days bus suspension
4 referrals	5 days bus suspension
5 referrals	10 days bus suspension
6 referrals	riding privileges revoked for the remainder of 
	 the semester (or school year)

Major infractions including cursing the driver, bullying and intimidation, throwing objects inside or out of the windows, and fighting will be grounds for immediate suspension for the remainder of the semester or the school year.  Students will continue their school assignments while suspended from bus privileges, but will be required to find another means of transportation to and from school.  Truancy laws will remain in effect for the period of bus suspension.  Policy 6.309 shall govern zero tolerance offenses and Policy 6.319 shall govern alternative school assignments.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT/Paddling (Policy 6.314)
Corporal Punishment is prohibited in the Jackson-Madison County School District.
Corporal Punishment to a student by a parent or a legal guardian is prohibited on school property.
The Director of Schools shall be responsible for developing and implementing in-service training programs for teachers and staff in the use of alternative, positive measures of discipline.

DETENTION (Policy 6.315)
Students may be detained before or after the school day as a means of disciplinary action.  The student will be given at least one day of notice before detention; parents will be informed before detention takes place; students in detention will be under the supervision of certified staff members; detention will not exceed two hours after the official closing of the school day but may be administered several days in succession; and teachers must have the approval of the principal before detaining a student. [Code of Behavior and Discipline policy]

SUSPENSION/EXPULSION/REMAND (Policy 6.316)
DEFINITIONS: 1
 In-school Suspension: removal from attendance at a specific class, classes or school-sponsored activity without suspension from attendance at school. 
Suspension: dismissed from attendance at school for any reason not more than ten (10) consecutive days. Multiple suspensions shall not run consecutively nor shall multiple suspensions be applied to avoid expulsion from school.
Expulsion: removal from attendance for more than ten (10) consecutive days or more than fifteen (15) days in a month of school attendance. Multiple suspensions that occur consecutively shall constitute expulsion. 
Remand: assignment to an alternative school which shall be available only for expulsions. 

REASONS FOR SUSPENSION/EXPULSION: 

Any principal, principal-teacher or assistant principal (herein called principal) is authorized to suspend, expel or remand a student from attendance at school, including activities sponsored by the school,  regardless of the location of the activity. A student may also be suspended from attendance at a specific class or classes (in school suspension), or from riding a school bus, without suspending such student from attendance at school. All suspensions shall be made with good and sufficient reasons, including, but not limited to the following: 2 

1. Violation of any board policy; 
2. Willful and persistent violation of the rules of the school;
3. Immoral or disreputable conduct, including vulgar or profane language; 
4. Violence or threatened violence against the person of any student of Jackson-Madison County School System personnel attending or assigned to any school; 
5. Willful or malicious damage to real or personal property of the school, or the property of any person; 
6. Inciting, advising or counseling of others to engage in any of the acts herein enumerated; 
7. Making a threat, including a false report, to use a bomb, dynamite, any other deadly explosive or destructive device including chemical weapons on school property or at a school sponsored event; 
8. One (1) or more students initiating a physical attack on an individual student on school property or at a school activity, including travel to and from school; 
9. Engaging in behavior which disrupts a class or school sponsored activity; 
10. Any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in any school. 

These offenses shall automatically require expulsion: 
1. Possession of a pistol, gun or firearm on school property; 
2. Possession of a knife or other weapons as defined in TCA 39-17-1309, on school property; or at school sponsored events; 
3. Assaulting a principal, teacher, school bus driver or other school personnel with vulgar, obscene or threatening language; 
 4. Initiating a physical attack on a teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school or school resource officer, or an individual student on school property or at a school activity, including travel to and from school or a school activity. 
5. Unlawful use or possession of barbital or legend drugs, as defined in TCA 53-10-1013 or alcohol; 3 
6. Making a threat, including a false report, to use a bomb, dynamite, any other deadly explosive or destructive device including chemical weapons on school property or at a school sponsored event; 
7. Off-campus criminal behavior resulting in felony charges and the student’s continued presence 32 in school poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process
 
If as a result of an investigation, a principal or his/her designee finds that a student acted in self-defense under a reasonable belief that the student, or another to whom the student was coming to the defense, may have been facing the threat of imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, then, the student may not face any disciplinary action.4  

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: 5 

1. Students given an in-school suspension in excess of one (1) day from classes shall attend either  special classes attended only by students guilty of misconduct or be placed in an isolated area  appropriate for study; and 
 2. Personnel responsible for in-school suspension will see that each student is supervised at all times and has textbooks and classwork assignments from his/her regular teachers. Students given in-school suspension shall be required to complete academic assignments and shall receive credit for work completed. 

PROCEDURES FOR OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION: 6 

1. Unless the student’s continued presence in the school, class or school-related activity presents an immediate danger to the student or other persons or property, no principal shall suspend/expel any student until that student has been advised of the nature of his/her misconduct, questioned about it, and allowed to give an explanation. 
2. Upon suspension/expulsion of any student (in-school suspension in excess of one (1) day), the principal shall make an immediate attempt to contact the parent or guardian to inform them of the suspension/expulsion. The student shall not be sent home before the end of the school day unless the parent or guardian has been contacted. 
3. The principal shall notify the parent or guardian and the director of schools or designee in writing: 
 a. Of the suspension/expulsion and the cause for it; and 
 b. A request for a meeting with the parent or guardian, student and principal, to be held as soon as possible, but no later than five (5) days following the suspension/expulsion/remand. 
4. Immediately following the scheduled meeting, whether or not attended by the parent or guardian or student, the principal shall determine the length of the suspension/expulsion/remand and set conditions for readmission. If the principal determines the length of the suspension to be between six (6) and the maximum of ten (10) days, the principal shall develop and implement a plan for correcting the behavior when the student returns to school. 
5. If at the time of the suspension the principal determines that an offense has been committed which, in the judgment of the principal would justify an expulsion or remand for more than ten 10) days, he/she may expel or remand the student unconditionally for a specified period of time or upon such terms and conditions as are deemed reasonable. 
6. The principal shall immediately give written or actual notice to the parent or guardian and the student of the appeals process for the decision to expel or remand for more than ten (10) days. The notice shall include a statement that, unless the student’s parent or guardian requests an open hearing in writing within five (5) days of receipt of the notice, any hearing will be closed 3 to the public. 7. If the suspension/expulsion occurs during the last ten (10) days of any term or semester, the student shall be permitted to take such final examinations or submit such required work as necessary to complete the course of instruction for that semester, subject to conditions prescribed by the principal.

STUDENT DISCIPLINARY HEARING AUTHORITY (Policy 6.317)

The principal, principal-teacher, or assistant principal shall immediately give written or actual notice to the parent or guardian and student of the right to appeal the decision to expel for more than ten (10) days. An appeal to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) 1shall automatically occur for all students expelled or remanded for more than ten (10) school days. 
The Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA)1  will conduct hearings for students who have been suspended, expelled or remanded for more than ten (10) school days. The Board shall appoint members of the DHA which shall consist of nine (9) members, (maximum number must not exceed total membership of Board) at least two (2) of which shall be licensed employees of the Board, appointed to one (1) year terms and subject to reappointment. Board members shall not serve on the DHA. 
The director of schools shall appoint a chairman of the DHA from the members appointed by the Board. 10 The chairman shall perform the following duties: 
1. Identify the members of the DHA assigned to hear each individual case; 
2. Prepare and disseminate the written record of the proceedings of each hearing; and 
3. Set the time, place and date for each hearing. 
The DHA hearing shall be held no later than ten (10) days after the beginning of the expulsion or remand. Within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving notification of the initial disciplinary decision, the DHA shall give written notice of the time and place of the hearing to the parent or guardian, the student, and the principal, principal-teacher or assistant principal who ordered the suspension, and any other appropriate person. 
After the hearing, the DHA may take the following actions: 
1. Affirm the decision of the school principal, principal-teacher, or assistant principal;
2. Order removal of the expulsion or remand unconditionally.
3. Order removal of the expulsion or remand upon such terms and conditions as it deems reasonable;  
4. Assign the student to alternative placement; or  
5. Suspend/Expel/Remand the student for a specified period of time.* 
Each hearing shall be conducted by at least three (3) members of the DHA, one of which must be a licensed employee of the Board. The hearing must be held, a decision must be rendered, and notification of the decision must be provided to the parents and/or student and the principal no later than ten (10) days after the beginning of the expulsion or remand. The DHA shall prepare a written record of the proceedings, including a summary of the facts and reasons supporting its decision. Notification of the DHA's decision shall include a statement of the right of the parent or guardian, the student, and the principal, principal-teacher or assistant principal within five (5) days after receiving the decision to request, in writing, a review by the director of schools. Absent a timely appeal the decision of the DHA is final. Upon receipt of the response from the director of schools, the parent or guardian, the student, and the principal, principal-teacher or assistant principal may request an appeal, in writing within five (5) days to the Board of Education. Absent a timely appeal the decision of the director of schools is final. 
The Board, based upon a review of the record and without granting a Board hearing, may affirm, overturn or modify the decision of the DHA or director of schools; provided, that the Board may not impose a more severe penalty without first providing a hearing before the Board. The decision shall be put into writing to the parent/guardian and student. If the Board decides to grant a hearing, the Board may affirm, overturn or modify the decision of the DHA or director of schools or it may impose a more severe penalty than previously imposed. The Board shall give written notice of the time and place of the hearing to the parent or guardian, the student, and the principal, principal-teacher or assistant principal who ordered the suspension, and any other appropriate person. The notice of the hearing shall include a statement that, unless the student's parent or guardian request an open hearing in writing within five (5) days of receipt of the notice, any hearing will be closed to the public.2 If the hearing is closed to the public, the Board shall not conduct any business, discuss any subject, or take a vote on any matter other than the appeal to be heard. The decision shall be put into writing to the parent/guardian and student. The decision of the Board is final.

Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students (Policy 6.318)
The Board may deny admission of any student (except those in state custody) who has been expelled or suspended from another school system in Tennessee or another state even though the student has established residency in the system in which s/he seeks enrollment.
After a request for enrollment is made, the director of schools shall investigate the facts surrounding the suspension/expulsion from the former school system and make a recommendation to the Board to approve or deny the request.
The Board shall not deny enrollment beyond the length of the imposed suspension/expulsion.
If the action of the Board is to deny admission, the director of schools shall, on behalf of the Board of Education, notify the Commissioner of Education of the decision.
Any school system that accepts enrollment of a student from another school system may dismiss the student if it is determined subsequent to the enrollment that the student has been suspended or expelled from the former school system.1

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAMS (Policy 6.319)

The Board shall operate an alternative school program for students in grades 5-12 who have been expelled from regular school programs for more than ten (10) days. Jackson-Madison County School System may provide such students with the opportunity to attend alternative schools except for commission of specific violations of Board policy. Students expelled for the following shall not be admitted to the JMCSS Alternative School Program: 2 
  Students who bring or possess a firearm on school property, on a school bus, or while attending any school event or activity; 
 Off-campus criminal behavior that results in a student being legally charged with a felony and the student’s continued presence in school poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the education process; or 
 Acts in violation of Board Policy 6.3101, Group/Gang Activity or Association. 
Placement 
Students attending an alternative school location other than at their home school shall provide their own transportation. Students assigned to the Alternative School Program who chooses to leave the district and then return shall complete their assignment at the Alternative School before returning to their zoned school. Upon completion of Alternative School Program assignment, students shall be returned to their zoned school and shall forfeit all rights to return to any previously approved magnet or academic school outside of their zoned location for the remainder of the school year. 
Operations 
Alternative school programs shall be operated in accordance with the rules of the State Board of Education2 and instruction shall proceed as nearly as practicable in accordance with the instructional programs at the student's home school. All course work completed and credits earned in the alternative school shall be transferred to and recorded in the student's home school. Credit earned and progress made shall be granted as if the work were performed in the home school. No student may graduate based solely on attendance in alternative schools.1 
With exceptions required by special education laws, such change in a student's program shall be determined by the disciplinary hearing authority in accordance with the suspension policy of the Board and based upon recommendations from a team composed of the principal, the school guidance counselor and the student, with or without the parents being present. 
Teachers in alternative schools shall be certified by the state and shall be selected on the basis of interest and ability to work in alternative situations. Student-teacher ratios shall be small enough to allow for adequate instruction but shall be determined by the age, behavior and academic achievement of students in the program. Sufficient textbooks, equipment and supplies shall be provided at the alternative school. 
The student shall be subject to all rules of the school and violations of such rules may result in the student's removal from the school for the duration of the original intended suspension or expulsion. The final decision on such removal shall be made by the chief administrator of the alternative school.			S

THE SCHOOL DAY
A. The school day begins at 7:15 and ends at 2:15.  There will be a breakfast served each morning. All students must be in class at 7:15. There are four ninety minute classes per day.  Madison Academic High also has a mentoring period from 8:45 until 9:00.  
Mentoring schedule – Monday-12th grade, Wednesday-11th grade, Thursday-10th grade, and Friday-9th grade.  This time is designated for receiving extra help from teachers when needed.  Each student is assigned a mentoring teacher at the beginning of the school year.  Mentoring is mandatory and students will be assigned after school detention if mentoring is missed.
B. Students who are present in class for 45 minutes and leave are considered to be tardy. 
If a student is in class less than 45 minutes, it is counted as an absence. 
C. Students must be present at least 3.5 hours during the school day to be counted as present for the school day.
D. Students with 5 unexcused days will receive a truancy WARNING letter in the mail. The next 5 unexcused days will result in a 10 day truancy letter that will require an appearance in Juvenile Court.

LOCKERS
Each student is issued a locker.  It is strongly suggested that a combination lock be placed on the locker.  No student shall use a locker other than his own. The school is not responsible for items misplaced or taken from lockers. Lockers may be inspected and searched at any time by administration.

REPORT CARDS
  QUARTER =9 Weeks/45 Days TERM=18 Weeks/90 Days
  SCHOOL BEGINS AUGUST 3, 2015.

At the end of each 4‑1/2 weeks, ALL students will receive a progress report.
All quarter courses will receive a report card. (1/2 Credit)
(Quarter Grade x 3 + Quarter Exam divided by 4)
All term courses will receive a report card, indicating the first 9 weeks grade only.
(Term Grade averaging the two nine weeks, multiplying that average by three, adding the final exam grade, and dividing that total by four).
				
SCHOOL VISITORS
Visitors are to report to the office upon arrival at school. This includes parents and relatives. Visitors are not allowed to visit with students at any time unless permission is given by the principal. Any parent or legal guardian can eat lunch with a student. Former students can visit teachers only who are on planning at the time of their arrival. All other visitations will be permitted after school. 

DRESS CODE (Student Dress Code – Policy 6.310)
The Jackson-Madison County School System must be environments in which work can be accomplished by adults and students.  Staff will dress professionally and students’ dress will fall within the following guidelines in order to create an orderly setting in which teaching and learning can occur without distraction. In addition appropriate attire will to help young people prepare for the world of work.  Standardized expectations related to student dress will assist our mobile student population as students move from school to school within the district.

The school administrator will make the final decision about whether an article or style of dress falls outside these guidelines.

Teachers and school administrators will be held accountable for the enforcement of these guidelines.  These guidelines will be applied consistently to all students unless a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) indicates otherwise.  All requirements except the one for skirts apply equally to boys and girls. Principals are allowed, the Director's authorization, to designate discretionary days i.e., picture day, homecoming week.)
	
General:
1	No hats/caps or bandanas may be worn in the building.
2	Students will wear shoes and not bedroom slippers or rubber beach shoes (crocs are acceptable).
3	Other items determined by the school leadership team to be distracting to educational environment are prohibited.
4	No underwear, undershirts or camisoles are to be visible.
5	No hoods over the head at school and no “grilled” teeth.

Shirts:
1	polo-style collared shirt black, white, one additional color as approved by that school--short or long sleeve (a sleeve must cover the shoulder)
2	tucked in at all times
3	sized to fit, neither skintight nor sagging
4	turtlenecks allowed if they are black, white or a school color and are worn under a polo style shirt
5	required to be solid colored
6	no holes or tears

	Pants: 
1	sized to fit, neither skintight, bagging or sagging (must be worn at the waist)
2	no holes, tears or shredded hemline
3	khaki, black, or navy  pant
4	no cargo style pants or pants with deep pockets in the front or back
5	shorts (same colors noted above) and must at least touch the top of the knee when standing 
6	capris (same colors noted above) are acceptable
7	no sweatpants, wind pants or pajama pants
8	belt worn with belt loops

	Belts:
1	must be black or brown
2	buckle no larger than 2'' X 2'' square and no specialty or logo, oversized or      wording allowed

	Skirts:
1	solid color (same colors noted above)
2	hemline must at least touch the top of the knee when standing

Outer garments:
1	sweaters may be worn and do not have to be tucked in (a sweater is not a long sleeved t-shirt or flannel shirt)
2	coats and jackets may not display emblems or writing other than the designer or school name in the size described in the Shirts section

	Jewelry:
1	large chains, key chains or other objects may not hang from belts or clothing or be worn as jewelry (“large” is to be determined by the school administrator)
2	no items with spikes
3	no items with symbols related to drugs, alcohol, adult clubs or magazines, gangs or violence are allowed

	Sweaters:
1	cotton, cotton/poly blend or fleece style ---black, white or approved school color and must be 
collared and no hood
2	may have a full length of 1/4 zipper
3    short or long sleeved
	      4    vest styles are acceptable if a student wears a 
             sweater, an approved uniform style shirt or 
             turtleneck must be worn underneath

Dress Code Violation Disciplinary Action:  
	First offense – warning/make provisions if possible and referral written.  
	Second offense – parent contacted, referral written, and in-school suspension (after school detention).  
	Third offense – referral written, parent contacted, and one day out of school suspension.  
Fourth offense – referral written, parent contacted, two days out of school suspension.  
	Fifth offense – consequences at the discretion of the principal or designee.

DRESS AND GROOMING
Students shall dress in a clean, neat and modest manner so as not to distract or interfere with the operation of the school. (Policy 6.310) 

Condigo de Vestuario Estudiantil (Policy 6.310e): GRADOS Pre-Kinder-12vo
Las escuelas del sistema escolar de Jackson-Condado Madison deben ser ambientes donde tanto estudiantes como adultos puedan desempeñar su trabajo. El personal docente deberá vestirse profesionalmente y el vestuario de los estudiantes deberá ser de acorde a las pautas establecidas a continuación, para asi crear un ambiente disciplinado en el cual pueda llevarse a cabo enseñanza y aprendizaje sin distracciones, y asi ayudar a nuestros estudiantes a prepararse para el mundo del trabajo. Una expectativa estandar en relación al vestuario estudiantil asistirá a nuestra móvil populación estudiantil a medida que los estudiantes se vayan cambiando de escuela a escuela en nuestro distrito escolar. El administrador escolar hará la última determinación en caso que algún artículo o estilo de vestir no esté dentro de las pautas establecidas, y también decidirá la manera apropiada de vestir durante actividades extracurriculares. Los maestros y personal administrativo estarán a cargo de imponer y asegurar que las pautas establecidas sean obedecidas. Estas pautas serán aplicadas consistentemente a todos los estudiantes a menos que el Plan de Educación Individual de un estudiante (IEP) indique algo diferente. Todos los requisitos de vestuario, exceptuando las faldas, aplican igualmente a los varones y a las niñas. Los directores de cada escuela tienen permitido, con la autorización de la Directora de Escuelas, designar días discrecionales (es decir, día de fotos, semana de Homecoming, etc.). El acoso/intimidación de estudiantes no será tolerado. Los estudiantes que acosen o intimiden a otros serán disciplinados según las provisiones del 6.313.
General:
• No se permiten gorras/sombreros ni bandanas o pañuelos de colores en el edifi cio escolar
• Ninguna ropa interior, camisetas o camisolas deben ser visibles
• No se permitirán capuchas sobre la cabeza en la escuela
• Se prohiben cualquier otros artículos que el personal docente considere sean una distracción al ambiente educativo
• No se permitirán placas en los dientes
• No se permiten sudaderas
• No se permiten pantalones estilo buzo o sudadera, pantalones de pijama, ni pantalones de mezclilla (jeans) 
Joyas/Alhajas:
• Cadenas/collares largos o grandes, llaveros, u otros objetos no serán permitidos colgar de los cinturones o la ropa, ni ser usados como joyas (el tamaño “grande” será determinado por el personal administrativo de la escuela)
• No se permiten artículos con clavos grandes o piezas de metal grandes
• No se permiten artículos que lleven símbolos relacionados con drogas, alcohol, revistas o clubs de adultos, maras o pandillas, o violencia Camisas:
• Estilo polo, con cuello, de color negro o blanco (un color adicional aprobado por la escuela), manga corta o manga larga (manga debe cubrir el hombro)
• No debe llevar ningún estampado, texto impreso, ni logotipo (con excepción del logotipo de la escuela)
• No se permite que tenga hoyos o que esté rota
• Metida en la cintura del pantalón
• Debe quedar a la medida, ni muy socada ni muy fl oja
• Las camisas cuello de tortuga son permitidas si son color negro, blanco, o un color escolar y son llevadas puestas bajo una camisa de estilo de polo o suéter.
Pantalones: Todos los pantalones deben tener lazos de cinturón o presillas, y ser:
• Deben tener frente plano o plecas, color caqui, azul marino, o negro
• Se permiten pantalones estilo capri, frente plano o plecas, color caqui, azul marino, o negro
• No se permiten pantalones de estilo de carga o pantalones con bolsillos grandes en el frente o atrás
• No se permiten pantalones con ningún tipo de escritura, logotipos, o diseños
• No se permitirán pantalones que tengan hoyos o que estén rotos, ni que lleven el dobladillo o ruedo desgarrado o hecho trizas, ni pantalones muy socados, ni tampoco que esten muy holgados, anchos, fl ojos, colgados, o caídos; deben llevarse a la cintura.
Shorts:
• Deben tener frente plano o plecas, color caqui, azul marino, o negro, y deben llegar hasta la rodilla cuando la persona esté de pié
• Shorts o falda-pantalón (Kinder-4º grado únicamente) - color caqui, azul marino, o negro, y deben llegar hasta la rodilla cuando la persona esté de pié
• Deben quedar a la medida, no muy socados, ni tampoco muy fl ojos; deben llevarse a la cintura.
Faldas:
• Deben ser de un solo color (los mismos colores que se mencionan arriba)
• El ruedo debe llegar hasta la rodilla cuando la persona esté de pié
Jumper:
• Color caqui o azul marino, y deben llegar hasta la rodilla cuando la persona esté de pié
Fajas/Cinturones: (Grados 1-12)
• Deben usar un cinturón de color negro o marrón (café) con una hebilla de color plata o de oro
• Hebilla de un tamaño inferior a 2 "x 2" pulgadas cuadradas y no debe llevar ningún texto impreso, ni logotipo de especialidad
Suéteres:
• Algodón, mezcla de algodón/poliéster, o de lana - negro, blanco o color de la escuela aprobado
• Debe tener cuello y sin capucha
• Pueden tener una cremallera (zipper) de largo completo o de un 1 / 4 de largo
• De manga corta o de manga larga
• Estilo chaleco son aceptables
Si un estudiante lleva un suéter puesto, también debe llevar puesto debajo del suéter una camisa de uniforme o camisa estilo cuello tortuga.
Zapatos:
• No se permiten zapatos con tacones de mas de 2 pulgadas de alto
• No se permiten zapatillas, ni zapatos de andar en casa / pantufl as
• No se permiten chancletas / sandalias
• No se permiten crocs
• No se permiten zapatos con ruedas
Prendas exteriores:
• Cada director presentará a la Directora de Escuelas, y proporcionará a los padres, los requisitos de cada escuela en relación con el uso de abrigos y chaquetas en su escuela.

GROUP/GANG ACTIVITY OR ASSOCIATION (Policy 6.3101)
This policy applies to any “criminal gang” or member of a “criminal gang” as defined by state law in grades 6-12. A “criminal gang” is a formal or informal ongoing organization, association or group consisting of three (3) or more persons that has: 

1. As one of its activities the commission of criminal acts; 

2. Two (2) or more members who, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity. 1 

Groups/gangs which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process. Therefore, the Board prohibits students from engaging in the following activities: 
 The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming, which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with a criminal gang; any activity that encourages participation in a criminal gang or facilitates illegal acts of criminal gang; 
 Incidents involving initiations, hazing, intimidations, and/or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited; 
 Any gang-related conduct that is seriously disruptive to the educational process or endangers persons or property. 2

A violation of this policy shall result in suspension or expulsion in accordance with Board policy. Students found to have violated this policy shall not be eligible to participate in the Alternative Schools Program. 
The administration will provide service training in group/gang behavior and characteristics to facilitate staff identification of students at-risk and promote membership in authorized school groups and/or activities as an alternative.	    

USE OF THE TELEPHONE 
Office phones are for school business and are not available for student use except in emergencies.  

BUS STUDENTS (Policy 6.308)
No student may ride a bus other than his/her designated bus unless permission is given by the principal. (All bus conduct is governed by guidelines in Policy 6.308).  The Jackson-Madison County School System may use video cameras on school vehicles transporting students to and from school or extracurricular activities.  Video surveillance shall be used only to promote the order, safety and security of students, staff and property.  Students in violation of bus conduct rules shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established Board policy and regulations governing student conduct and discipline.  The director of schools is directed to develop procedures governing the use of video cameras in accordance with the provisions of the law and established Board policies. Jackson-Madison County Board of Education Administrative Procedure 6.308 outlines the use of video cameras on school transportation vehicles.

Promoting Student Welfare (Policy 6.400)
The Director of Schools shall develop procedures, programs, and plans to promote and protect the health and welfare of students. These should provide, at a minimum, for the following:1
1. A student guidance program;
2. Student health services, including the administration of medications;
3. Student psychological services;
4. Student wellness plans;2 and
5. Student social services.
The development of these programs and the scope of the services provided shall be consistent with state law and regulations.
Physical Examinations and Immunizations (Policy 6.402)
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS1
The principal shall ensure that there is a complete physical examination of each student by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner prior to:

1.	Entering school for the first time.2 This applies to Pre-K, kindergarten, and other students for whom there is no current (within the past twelve (12) months) health record; and

2.	Participation as a member of any athletic team or in any other strenuous physical activityprogram.3

Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent or guardian of the student.  These records shall be on file in the principal's office. 

For students transferring from other school systems, a current (within the past twelve (12) months) physical examination obtained in the county and state they are transferring from will be acceptable.  This is provided the exam is signed, stamped and dated by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.  The exam should have been obtained within the past twelve (12) months.  If evidence of the exam cannot be obtained, the student must provide evidence of a current physical examination within six (6) weeks of admission to school.

Screening tests for vision, hearing, scoliosis and lice may be conducted at appropriate times. Parents/Guardians will receive written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere or tend to interfere with a student's progress.

In general, the school district will not conduct physical examinations of a student without parental consent to do so or by court order, unless the health or safety of the student or others is in question.4

IMMUNIZATIONS
No students entering school, including those entering  Pre-K through twelfth grade, those from out-of-state, in-state and from non public schools, as well as those entering from outside the United States, will be permitted to enroll (or attend) without proof of immunization, as determined by the Commissioner of Public Health.2,5 It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to have their children immunized and to provide such proof to the principal of the school which the student is to attend.5

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is spread by sharing common airspace with infected individuals.  It is well recognized that most countries have a higher incidence of TB than the United States.  Students entering the Madison County School System from another country should have a tuberculin skin test at the time they enter the school system or proof of a negative tuberculin skin test administered within the six months prior to entering the school system. Proof of the TB test and proper immunizations must be available before school admission is granted.
Exceptions, in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, will be granted to any child whose parent or guardian shall file with school authorities a signed, written statement that such measures conflict with his/her religious tenets and practices; or due to medical reasons if such child has a written statement from his/her doctor excusing him from such immunization.6

Proof of exceptions will be in writing and filed in the same manner as other immunization records.

A list of transfer students shall be kept at each school throughout the school year in order that their records can be monitored by the Department of Health and Environment.
Child Abuse and Neglect (Policy 6.409)
All personnel shall be alert for any evidence of child abuse or neglect, and shall immediately and without investigation report any knowledge or suspicion that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect.1 The report shall be made to law enforcement or to the Department of Children's Services.2 (See administrative procedures.)
The report shall include:3
1. The name, address and age of the child;
2. The name and address of the parents or persons having custody of the child;
3. The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect; and
4. Any evidence to the cause or any other information that may relate to the cause or extent of the abuse or neglect.1
The person reporting shall be immune from liability and his identity shall remain confidential except when the juvenile court determines otherwise.4
Child abuse is defined as any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition which is of such nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect or which on the basis of available information reasonably appears to have been caused by such. A list of possible indicators of abuse and neglect is included in administrative procedures.
The director of schools shall develop reporting procedures, including sample indicators of abuse and neglect, and shall disseminate the procedures to all school personnel. However, nothing in the reporting procedures shall eliminate the staff member's legal responsibility to directly make a report to the authorities stated above.5,6

INVESTIGATIONS
School administrators and employees have a duty to cooperate, provide assistance and information in child abuse investigations 7 including permitting child abuse review teams to conduct interviews while the child is at school; the principal may control the time, place and circumstances of the interview, but may not insist that a school employee be present even if the suspected abuser is a school employee or another student. The principal is not in violation of any laws by failing to inform parents that the child is to be interviewed even if the suspected abuser is not a member of the child's household.8
Student Wellness (Policy 6.411)
The board recognizes the value of proper nutrition, physical activity, and other health conscious practices and the impact that such practices have on student academic achievement, health, and well­ being. In order to provide an environment conducive to overall student wellness, this policy shall be followed by all schools in the District.1
COMMITMENT TO COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH
All schools shall implement the CDC's Coordinated School Health approach to managing new and existing wellness related programs and services in schools and the surrounding community based on State law and State Board of Education CSH standards and guidelines. The district's Coordinated School Health Administrator shall be responsible for overseeing compliance with State Board of Education CSH standards and guidelines in the school district.
SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL2, 3
A district school health advisory council shall be established to serve as a resource to school sites for implementing policies and programs and develop an active working relationship with the county health council. The council shall consist of individuals representing the school and community, including parents, students, teachers, school administrators, school board members, health professionals, school food service representatives, and members of the public. The primary responsibilities of the council include but are not limited to:
1.	Developing, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and as necessary, making recommendations as to physical activity and nutrition policies;
2.	Ensuring all schools within the district create and implement an action plan related to all School Health Index modules;
3.	Ensuring that the results of the action plan are annually reported to the council; and
4.	Ensuring that school level results include measures of progress on each indicator of the School Health Index.
The State Board of Education's Coordinated School Health and Physical Activity Policies shall be used as guidance by the council to make recommendations. The board will consider recommendations of the council in making policy changes or revisions.
Additionally, each school will have a healthy school team consisting of teachers, students, parents and administrators.2 The team will hold healthy school team meetings during the school year to assess needs and oversee planning and implementation of school health efforts. 
The Director of Schools/designee will ensure compliance with the wellness policy, to include any updates to and information about the local wellness policy, on an annual basis. at a minimum, and a Triennial Assessment, including progress toward meeting the goals of the policy, that will be made available to the public.
COMMITMENT TO NUTRITION
All schools within the District shall participate in the USDA child nutrition programs, which may include but not be limited to, the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program (when applicable), and the After School Snack Program.4,5,6 When school snack programs are offered they will meet all the USDA program standards. The JMCSS school nutrition supervisor shall be responsible for overseeing the school district's compliance with the State Board of Education Rules and Regulations for sale of food items in the school nutrition department programs that include school breakfast, lunch, a la carte and snack programs.  
Meals shall be accessible to all students in a non-stigmatizing manner. Foods and beverage will not be used an incentive, reward, or punishment. Students will be given adequate time to enjoy healthy meals and relax in a pleasant environment. Good nutritional habits shall be encouraged. Additionally, all food sold during school hours including student vending machines, fundraising items, and concessions must meet guidelines set forth by the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act, 2010, Smart Snacks in Schools.4,5,6 The district’s coordinated school health administrator/designee, school nutrition supervisor/designee, and school principals/designee shall be responsible for overseeing the schools’ compliance with the State Board of Education Rules and Regulations for sale of food items in the school district.2,5,6
The District will promote healthy nutrition through various activities, offering contests, surveys, and taste-tasting, providing nutrition related newsletters, informational links on the district website, displaying healthy eating posters and bulletin boards in dining areas, and participation in informational booths at various community functions. Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in school nutrition standards. Marketing and advertisement shall apply to the following examples (not limited to only these examples): exterior of vending machines, posters, menu boards, coolers, trash cans, and beverage cups. Food and Beverage Marketing do not apply to the following examples: personal clothing, personal items and foods brought from home.
All schools shall be provided a list of suggested foods and beverages for classroom parties and classroom snacks that are Smart Snack compliant. Opportunities to integrate nutrition into health education classes such as engaging videos and printable worksheets shall be provided to educate students. Nutrition Education will be offered as part of a standards based program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote and protect their health as outlined in the State Board of Education Health Education and Lifetime Wellness Standards. 
JMCSS students and staff shall learn the importance of eating healthy and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle. Schools will participate in Smarter Lunchroom techniques, strive to obtain certification in the Healthier US School Challenge, incorporate school gardens and enhance the current Farm to Tray program.
COMMITMENT TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 
The board recognizes that physical activity is extremely important to the overall health of a child.  Schools shall support and promote physical activity.  Physical activity may be integrated into any areas of the school program. Physical Education classes shall be offered as part of a standards based program designed to provide developmentally appropriate moderate to vigorous physical activity as an integral part of the class.
The following opportunities for physical activity shall be provided:7

130 minutes of physical activity each full school week for elementary school students. Elementary schools must offer at least one period of physical activity that is at least 15 minutes each day. 
90 minutes of physical activity each full school week for middle and high school students. 
The grade levels, elementary, middle, and high should align with how the district identities the school. JMCSS may choose to integrate more student physical activity time for elementary, middle, and high school students during the school week than what is required by law.
In addition to the district’s physical education program, non-structured physical activity periods shall be offered as required by law.7 Non-structured physical activity will consist of temporary withdrawal or cessation from usual school work or sedentary activities.7 During the school day, physical activity shall not be employed as form of discipline or punishment. Schools shall continue to offer after school sports and activities.
Physical activity may include walking, jumping rope. playing, volleyball or other forms of physical activity such as recess and free play activities that promote fitness and well-being. JMCSS will promote classroom physical activity breaks, such as SPARK, Go Noodle, Action for Healthy Kids, Brain Breaks, and other action based and energizing brain breaks. Walking between classes during class period changes, restroom breaks or after school athletics will not be considered as physical activity. 
Regarding most updated physical activity law, Physical Education may count towards meeting the physical activity law, but the physical activity law shall not replace the current physical education program.
COMMITMENT TO CURRICULUM3
All applicable courses of study should be based on State-approved curriculum standards.
SCHOOL HEALTH INDEX3
All schools within the district shall annually administer a baseline assessment on the recommended School Health Index modules. Results shall be submitted to the School Health Advisory Council and reported to the State Department of Education.

RECORD KEEPING COMPLIANCE8
The district will conduct as assessment of the wellness policy every three years, at a minimum. The assessment will determine: compliance with the wellness policy, implementation of the wellness policy, how the policy compares to model wellness policies, and progress made in attaining the goals of the wellness policy. 
Updates or modifications to the wellness policy shall be based on changes in district priorities, changes in the community needs, wellness goals met; new health science, information, emerging technologies, and new Federal or state guidance standards issued. Any updates to and about the wellness policy will be made available to the public on an annual basis. The wellness policy will be updated at least every three years, following the Triennial Assessment. 

HOMELESS STUDENTS (Policy 6.503)
A homeless student shall have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.1 
Homeless students are individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.2 Homeless students include:2
1.	Students sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; students living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; students living in emergency or transitional shelters; or students abandoned in hospitals;

2.	Students who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;

3.	Students living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or trains stations, or similar settings; and

4.	Migratory students who are living in circumstances described above.
ENROLLMENT 
Homeless students shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e. academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency) or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines.3 Parents/guardians are required to submit contact information to the district’s homeless Liaison.3
PLACEMENT
For the purposes of this policy, school of origin shall mean the school that the student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled, including a preschool/pre-k program.4 School of origin shall also include the designated receiving school at the next grade level when the student completes the final grade level served by the school or origin.4
Placement shall be determined based on the student’s best interest.5 At all times, a strong presumption that keeping the student in the school of origin is in the student’s best interest shall be maintained, unless doing so would be contrary to a request made by the student’s parent/guardian or the student in the case of an unaccompanied youth.6 When determining placement, student-centered factors, including but not limited to impact of mobility on achievement, education, health, and safety, shall be considered.6 The choice regarding placement shall be made regardless of whether the student lives with their homeless parents/guardians or has been temporarily placed elsewhere.7
If it is not in the student’s best interest to attend the school of origin or the school requested by the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth, the director of schools or his/her designee shall provide a written explanation of the reasons for the determination, in a manner and form that is understandable to the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth.6 The written explanation shall include a statement regarding the right to appeal the placement decision.6  If the placement decision is appealed, the district shall refer the parent/guardian or unaccompanied student to the homeless coordinator who shall carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with the law.8 Upon notice of an appeal, the Supervisor of Pupil Services shall immediately enroll the student in the school in which enrollment was sought pending a final resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals.8
RECORDS
Records ordinarily kept by the school shall be maintained for all homeless students. Information regarding a homeless student’s living situation shall be treated as a student education record and shall not be considered directory information.9
SERVICES10
The Homeless Coordinator shall ensure that each homeless student is provided services comparable to those offered to other students within the district, including transportation, special education services, programs in career and technical education (CTE), programs for gifted and talented students, and school nutrition. 
The director of schools shall designate a district homeless coordinator who shall ensure this policy is implemented throughout the district. The homeless coordinator shall ensure:
1.	Homeless students are quickly identified and have access to education and support services, to include Head Start and district pre-k programs;

2.	Coordination with local social service agencies and other entities providing services to homeless students;

3.	Coordinate transportation, transfer of records, and other interdistrict activities with other school districts;

4.	Coordinate transportation to the school of origin or choice for homeless students;

5.	Refer homeless students and their families to health care services, dental services, mental health and substance abuse services, and housing services;

6.	Assist homeless students in obtaining immunizations, medical or immunization records, and any additional assistance that may be needed;

7.	Public notice of the educational rights of homeless students is disseminated in places frequented by parents/guardians of homeless students, including schools, shelters, public libraries, and soup kitchens; and

8.	Unaccompanied youth are enrolled and informed of their status as independent students.
The Supervisor of Pupil Services shall develop procedures to ensure that homeless students are recognized administratively and that the appropriate and available services are provided for these students. The director shall ensure professional development is provided to school personnel providing services to homeless students.

SCHOOL PROPERTY (Policy 6.311)
Students are responsible to the principal for any damage to, or breakage of, school property. Students writing on desks, tables, chairs, furniture, walls or school property will be disciplined.  If damage is extensive, a fee will be assessed.  Grades, diploma, and/or transcripts may be withheld until fees are paid. [Code of Behavior and Discipline policy]	               	be disciplined. A fee will be assessed if there is extensive damage. In addition, .	BEHAVIOR
	
TOBACCO FREE SCHOOLS (Policy 1.803)
State law requires the school principal or resource officer to issue a juvenile court citation to any student who possesses a tobacco product. Parents and students shall be notified of citation requirement at the beginning of each school year. All uses of tobacco and tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, are prohibited in all school district buildings.

LEAVING THE CAMPUS
Students may not leave the school premises during school hours without permission from an administrator. Students have been warned that this is an OSS offense. Disturbances and reckless driving by students will not be permitted at any time. Once a student arrives on campus, permission to leave must be obtained.

FIRE DRILLS
When the fire alarm sounds, students are to exit the building in a quiet, orderly manner under the supervision of the teacher. Teachers should take their roll books and call the roll. A bell will sound for returning to the building.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN (Policy 3.202) 
The director of schools shall be responsible for developing, maintaining and acquiring board approval of the district Emergency Preparedness Plan, 1which shall include procedures for bomb threats, civil disturbances, armed intruders, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes or other severe weather, and medical emergencies.
The principal of each school shall develop and implement emergency preparedness drills which shall be approved by the director of schools. When appropriate, such drills shall be held in conjunction with emergency response agencies. These procedures shall be in written form and distributed to all staff, students and parents. The principal shall be responsible for ensuring that one fire drill requiring full evacuation is given every month during the school year with an additional fire drill to be conducted within the first fifteen (15) days of school.2 He/she shall ensure that an intruder drill is conducted within the first thirty (30) days of school.2  He/she shall also ensure that three (3) additional safety drills are given during the school year.2  These drills may cover inclement weather, earthquakes, armed intruders or other emergency drills that do not require full evacuation. A record of all fire or safety drills, including the time and date, shall be kept in each school's office.2
 In the event of any threats to safety, students will be retained at school when less than one hour of warning time is given, unless parents or persons authorized by the parents pick up their children. Any school with an AED shall conduct a CPR and AED drill to ensure students are aware of the steps that must be taken in the event of a medical emergency requiring the use of an AED. The principal shall be responsible for ensuring the drill occurs.3 The principal shall regularly check the quantity, locations, and conditions of fire extinguishers and shall give all school personnel instructions on how to properly use fire extinguishers.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES/PANDEMIC FLU
In the event of medical emergencies, such as a pandemic flu outbreak, school officials shall cooperate and consult with the local and state health departments and other local emergency or healthcare providers in protecting students and the community from further infection. The director of schools shall develop procedures for health emergencies in accordance with state law and regulations.4 
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED)3 
Each school and facility may determine to provide access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). AED devices purchased or donated for use in Jackson-Madison County Schools must meet the specifications provided by the system. AEDs will be placed in a prominent location for timely access by the designated members of the emergency response team who have been trained in the operation of AEDs and CPR. The AED/CPR procedures and names of the trained responders must be listed in the school and system emergency plans.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT (Policy 3.203)
The principal shall develop a Crisis Management plan for use in times of crisis, including suicides, shootings, and death of a student, parent or employee. Within the development of such plan, the principal shall appoint a Crisis Team which shall deal with specific situations, make decisions, and disseminate information in the event of a crisis. Members of the Team shall consist of the principal, guidance counselor, and at least two other staff members designated by the principal.

SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
The School Counseling Department provides services that include career guidance, transcript services, scheduling classes, distributing scholarship information, counseling students, and coordinating of standardized testing.  

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER 
Madison Academic Magnet High School Library is located on the second floor. The library media center is for the use of all students and teachers. It is a place for reading, studying, and relaxing. It is important that the center be a place where these activities can take place easily and without unnecessary noise or other distractions. As a library user you will be expected to help maintain a quiet, orderly center where students can work and relax. A student entering the media center on a pass slip from a class should present the slip immediately to the librarian. When he is ready to return to class, he should have the librarian sign it and take it back to his teacher.

MEDICINES (Policy 6.405)
If under exceptional circumstances a child is required to take non-prescription or prescription medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the principal or the principal’s designee will assist in self-administration of the medication to competent students.  All personnel assisting with medication administration should adhere to regulations as outlined in school board policy.  
All medications must be delivered to the principal’s office in person by the parent or guardian of the student unless the medication is required for immediate self-administration (i.e. asthma inhalers).  Parental authorization will be required for a child to keep an asthma medication on his/her person, otherwise, all asthma medications, including inhalers and nebulizers, will be kept in the office.

Before any medication is taken at school, the student must have a written statement from the physician that provides the following information:
	1. Name of the child
	2.Name of the drug
	3.Drug dosage
	4.Times of drug administration
	5. Possible drug side effects, if known
	6. Termination date for self administration of the medication
	7. The physician’s name, phone number, and the diagnosis or reason the medication is needed will be required.
	8. Route of drug administration
A statement from the physician outlining emergency care will be required if a prescribed medication could necessitate a serious reaction (e.g. a diabetic child that requires insulin in response to blood sugar levels.  The physician according the blood sugar level should order the amount of insulin).  

Written consent from the parent to dispense the medications should be obtained.  The form in the medication manual should be used.  If the dosage of a medication or directions to give a medication changes, the parent will be required to complete a new authorization form to reflect the changes on-prescription medication will be dispensed at school for only a two-week period with parental authorization.  Parents must pick up any remaining medication or it will be disposed of by designated school personnel.  Should a student need to take a non-prescription medication at school for a period greater than two weeks, a physician’s statement with the name of the medication and why it is needed will be required.

The parent or guardian is responsible for informing the designated official of any change in the student’s health or change in medication.

Blood Glucose Self Checks – Upon written request of a parent or guardian, and if included in the student’s medical management plan and in the Individual Health Plan (IHP), a student with diabetes shall be permitted to perform a blood glucose check or administer insulin using any necessary diabetes monitoring and treatment supplies, including sharps.  The student shall be permitted to perform the testing in any area of the school or school grounds at any time necessary.  Sharps shall be stored in a secure, but accessible location, including the student’s person, until use of such sharps is appropriate.  Use and disposal of sharps shall be in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA).

SCHOOL HEALTH NURSE PROGRAM
The Jackson-Madison County School System will provide school health nursing services as long as funding is available.  Each of the five registered nurses has four to five schools and will be at the high school one day per week.  Nursing services include assessment for possible referral to a physician for diet consultation, individual wellness teaching, and help to improve attendance, and first aid.  The nurses will also be available for education and community resource support for students with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and sickle cell anemia.  The School Health Program is designed to promote healthy living and positive wellness choices for teenagers so that they can become healthier adults.

GEMS (Gifted Education in Madison County Schools) Program
The program for high academic achievers, whose needs go beyond what the general education class can meet, is the GEMS Program.  This is a Special Education Program and students must meet the State of Tennessee criteria in order to be served.  The Tennessee State Department of Education requires that students go through a screening process where a School Screening Team reviews the student’s academic records (including grades, student risk factors, other standardized testing information, and classroom interventions) to determine the need for individual screening.  If individual screening is recommended, parental permission is required in order to proceed.  The individual screening process includes evaluations in the areas of Academic Achievement, Academic Performance, and Creative Thinking.  The School Screening Team will review the results of the individual screening, parent information, school records and any other pertinent data.  If the student meets the identification criteria set by the Tennessee Department of Education in one of the following areas: Academic Achievement, Academic Performance, or Creative Thinking, the student will be referred for the Comprehensive Evaluation, which is the cognitive (IQ) portion of the evaluation.  If alternative assessment strategies or instruments should be used, the School Screening Team will determine that prior to the administration of the Comprehensive Evaluation.  Results of the assessment are shared with the parent and an Individual Education Plan is developed to address the needs of the student. Any student in grades K-12 may be referred for screening.  For additional information, please call 664-2545.

DRUG‑FREE SCHOOLS (Policy 6.307)
In order to protect the rights of students, to safeguard the learning environment, and to contribute to a "Drug Free" community, the Board’s plan for dealing with alcohol and drugs shall include the following:  (1) appropriate ways for handling alcohol/drug-related medical emergencies; (2) guidelines for reporting alcohol/drug incidents and illegal activities; (3) guidelines for referral of students who may have an alcohol/drug problem and/or considered “high risk” to agencies and other sources of appropriate help; and (4) effective working relationships with appropriate community agencies, such as alcohol/drug service providers, law enforcement agencies and judicial officials.  Students will not consume, possess, use, sell, distribute or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school‑sponsored activity, function or event whether on or off school grounds.  This includes but is not limited to abuse of inhalants and prescription drugs. Upon information that a student is suspected of violating this policy, the principal of the school shall be notified immediately. If it is determined that board policy has indeed been violated, the principal shall notify the student's parent or guardian and the appropriate law enforcement officials. Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on students who violate standards of conduct required by this policy. Such sanctions will be consistent with local, state and federal laws, up to and including suspension/expulsion as well as referral for prosecution. Completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program may also be recommended. Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation programs will be made available through the school office.  

STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING (Policy 6.3071)
Students will be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year or at the time of enrollment that they shall be subject to testing for drugs and alcohol during the school year. Principals are authorized to order drug tests for individual students when there is a reasonable cause to believe that:
1. The school board policy on alcohol and drug use has been violated;
2. A search of lockers produced evidence of the presence of drugs and/or alcohol;
3. A search of persons and containers produced evidence of a presence of drug and/or alcohol;
4. A search of vehicles produced evidence of the presence of drugs and/or alcohol; or
5. Through observation or other reasonable information reported by a teacher, staff member or other student that a student is using drugs and/or alcohol on school property.
Upon receiving reasonable information, the principal shall take the following steps:
1. Call the student into the principal’s office or another private place;
2. Summon an appropriate witness to the proceeding and to assist in furtherance of the proceeding;
3. Inform the student of the substance of the information available to him/her, which is the basis for the determination that a test is necessary;
4. Inform the student of the procedures which shall be followed in administering the test;
5. Give the student an opportunity to decline the test and inform the student that if the test is not taken the penalty shall be expulsion from school and a hearing before the disciplinary hearing authority;
6. Notify the parent or guardian of the student of the impending test.
The appropriate witness shall take the student to a designated place in the school and collect a specimen from the student. The specimen shall be taken in a manner which will protect the privacy rights of the students and which will assure that the integrity of the specimen itself is not compromised. The type of specimen taken shall depend on the substance in question and the test performed on the specimen shall be appropriate for accurate detection of the substance in question. Once taken, the principal shall give the specimen an identifying number which in no way will reveal the identity of the student. The principal will forward the specimen for analysis to a laboratory accredited by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment and designated by the Board. Upon receiving a written, certified copy of the analysis from the laboratory, the principal shall do one of the following:
1. If the results of the analysis are negative, all evidence of the individual test, including all records in the school that the test was ordered and the reasons therefore, shall be destroyed.
2. If the results of the analysis are positive, the student and parents or guardian shall be given the written notice of the result. In addition, they shall receive referral information which shall include counseling, in-patient, out-patient, and community-based drug and alcohol treatment programs.

Random Drug Testing
Due to the severity of the drug use problem, both locally and throughout the State, students involved in any voluntary extracurricular activities shall be subject to random drug tests. Parents and students will be informed of this policy prior to participation and shall sign a consent to the drug testing and a release of information as a condition of participation.

ZERO TOLERANCE OFFENSES (Policy 6.309)
In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the following offenses shall not be tolerated:

WEAPONS & DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS 
Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, use or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, or in school vehicles and/or buses or off the school grounds at a school sponsored activity, function or event.1  Students found to be in felony possession of a dangerous weapon, on or off campus, and whose continued presence in school poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process shall also be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.  Dangerous weapons for the purposes of this policy shall include, but are not limited to a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 9212 or anything manifestly designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury or anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.3 For the purpose of this policy, “serious bodily injury”  means bodily injury that involves; (A) a substantial risk of death; (B) protracted unconsciousness; (C) extreme physical pain; (D) protracted or obvious disfigurement; (E) protracted loss of substantial impairment of a function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or (F) a broken bone of a child who is twelve (12) year of age of less.4 Moreover, pepper spray and mace, or products similar to pepper spray or mace shall not be allowed on school property. Such products shall be considered dangerous weapons for the purposes of this policy and disciplinary procedures.  Violators of this section shall be subject to expulsion from school for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. 5

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 
 In accordance with state law, any student who unlawfully possesses any drug including any barbital or legend drug as defined in TCA 53-10-101, or alcohol shall be expelled for a period of not less than one  (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.6 
ASSAULT
 In accordance with state law, any student who commits aggravated assault as defined in TCA § 39-13-102 upon any teacher, principal administrator, any other employee of the school or school resource officer or another  student shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. 

ELECTRONIC THREATS OR MEDIA SITE 
In accordance with state law, any student who transmits by electronic device or on a social media site any communication or display of a firearm, weapon or dangerous instrument containing a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee and the transmission of such threat creates actual disruptive activity at the school that requires administrative intervention shall be expelled fora period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. 7 

OFF-CAMPUS CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR 
Students determined to have engaged in off-campus criminal behavior resulting in a felony charge and whose continued presence poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. 

GANG ACTIVITY 
Student in grades 6-12 engaging in activity that is violent, threatening and/or intimidating, harassing in nature, for the purposes of criminal gang recruitment, and other actions for the promotion of criminal gangs including use of codes and symbols shall be subject to expulsion for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. 

NOTIFICATION 
When it is determined that a student has violated this policy, the principal of the school shall notify the student's parent or guardian and the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system as required by law.8

SPECIAL EDUCATION
Students eligible for special education shall be served in accordance with the laws and rules relating to special education.

TRANSFER OPTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF A VIOLENT CRIME AT SCHOOL
Under the State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, a public school student who is the victim of a violent crime or the victim of an attempted violent crime shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district. 

GRIEVANCES AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (Policy 1.802)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that: No otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States…solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 provides that:  No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall be discriminated against in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge of employees, employee compensation, job training and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

COORDINATOR
The director of schools shall designate a school service center employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, including any investigation of any complaint alleging non-compliance with the Acts or alleging any actions that would be prohibited by the Acts.

NOTICE
The Board shall make available the name, office address and telephone number of the ADA/Section 504 coordinator.
Methods of initial and continuing notification may include the posting of notices, publication in newspapers and student and employee handbooks and distribution of memoranda or other written communications.

In accordance with federal law, the district shall release information regarding the professional qualifications and degrees of teachers and the qualifications of paraprofessionals to parents upon request for any teacher or paraprofessional who is employed by a school receiving the Title I funds and who provided instruction to their child at the school.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The coordinator will hear ADA/Section 504 complaints. Complaints shall be submitted orally or in writing to the coordinator who will endeavor to accomplish prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited by the ADA/Section 504. The coordinator will respond to all complaints within twenty (20) days with a written response as well as information on further grievance procedures that may be followed if the complaining party is not satisfied with the coordinator's proposed resolution. There will be no retaliation against any person who files a complaint pursuant to this policy. Failure to abide by this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Section 504 Due Process Hearing Request
At any time a complaining party may request a hearing before an impartial hearing officer designated by the LEA. The request for a hearing must be in writing and signed by the requesting party and sent to the ADA/504 Coordinator. The LEA shall ensure that not later than forty-five (45) days after the receipt of a request for a hearing —
a. a final decision is reached in the hearing; and
b. a copy of the decision is mailed to each of the parties.
The hearing officer may grant specific extensions of the forty-five (45) day timeline at the request of either party.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY (Policy 1.8021)
The School District of Jackson-Madison County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, or age in the provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits. The School District of Jackson-Madison County does not discriminate on the basis of gender or disability in the educational programs and activities that it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, respectively. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to The School District of Jackson-Madison County. Inquiries concerning Title IX, Section 504, or the Americans with Disabilities Act should also be directed to the Director of Pupil Personnel. Charges of violations of this policy should also be directed to the Director of Pupil Personnel. Complaints/inquiries regarding compliance with these regulations may be submitted in writing to: 
DECLARACION DE LA POLITICA PARA NO-DISCRIMINACION
LA POLITIE OU NODISCRIMINATION
Employee or Student Related Equity Issues
Director of Pupil Personnel
Jackson-Madison County School System
310 N. Parkway
Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: 731-664-2534

MEDIA ACCESS TO STUDENTS (Policy 6.604)
School administrators shall be authorized to grant permission and set parameters for media access to students in their respective schools.  Media representatives shall be required to report to the administration for prior approval before accessing students involved in instructional programs and activities not attended by the general public. The media may interview and photograph students involved in instructional programs and school activities including athletic events. Such media access shall not be unduly disruptive and shall comply with Board policies.  Each year parents/guardians will be given the option to withhold permission for public news media interviews or photographs of their child at school.  Specific parental/guardian permission must be obtained if the story or photograph covers topics of a sensitive nature.  If any student is to be filmed or videotaped and will be identified or a primary subject of the filming or videotaping, prior written consent/release/waiver will be obtained from the student’s parent/guardian.  District employees may release student information to the media only in accordance with applicable provisions of the education records law and Board policies governing directory information and personally identifiable information.  Parents will be advised of the Board’s media access to students’ policy at the time of the students' registration and each fall in the student/parent handbook.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS (Policy 6.704)
The student shall be allowed to responsibly express himself/herself and to disseminate his/her views in writing. Any student may submit articles and editorials for school-sponsored publications.  The procedure for submission of materials shall be published and distributed to all students.  School-sponsored publications shall adhere to commonly accepted community standards, and no printed material may be distributed which is obscene or libelous or which may create a material and substantial disruption of the normal school activity or appropriate discipline in the school.  School publications shall be under the control of the principal and each school shall have a faculty sponsor who reviews all publications proposed to be distributed in the school by a student or school group.  If a request for distributing any portion of a student publication is denied by the faculty sponsor, the decision may be appealed to the principal, then to the director of schools, and ultimately to the Board.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING CONTROLS (Policy 3.403)
All students must have a parking permit in order to park on campus.  This permit must be displayed on the rearview mirror at all times when parked on campus.  Students will be informed by the administration of the designated parking areas.  Permits may be obtained in the office for a fee of $5.00.  Students must not park in areas reserved for administration, faculty, or visitors.  Fire lanes, bus lanes, and all driveways shall be kept open.  Students are not permitted to drive on campus with loud music playing.  Students that arrive late or leave early must do so in a manner that will not disturb or disrupt classes.  Students are not permitted to go to cars between classes without permission.  Students are not allowed to linger or loiter in cars or on the parking lot of the school campus.  Students who violate these regulations are subject to loss of driving privileges on campus. 

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS (Policy 4.301)
Madison Academic Magnet High School offers a wide variety of interscholastic athletics.  Madison Academic’s Athletic Director coordinates the 2015-2016 athletic programs.  No person shall, on the basis of gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another person or otherwise be discriminated against in any athletic program of the school. Equal athletic opportunity shall be provided for members of both sexes. Interscholastic athletics shall be administered as a part of the regular school program and shall be the principal’s responsibility. Principals shall ensure that school regulations regarding participation in a sport are reasonable. Athletic schedules shall be filed in each school principal’s office. The principal or his/her designee must accompany an athletic team on trips. Transportation of teams to athletic games is approved by the Board, provided the team’s school reimburses the Board for transportation costs. Bylaws of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association shall regulate the operation and control of middle and secondary athletics, including magnet schools, except that to the extent any TSSAA bylaw permitting participation by students who are not enrolled and attending during the regular school year in the Jackson-Madison County School System is consistent with this policy. In the event that the school's insurance provider does not extend coverage to an athlete, that athlete must provide proof of independently secured catastrophic coverage, and liability coverage, with the school system as a named insured, of not less than the limits set forth in Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-20-403.3
There shall be a complete annual physical examination of every student prior to his/her participation in interscholastic athletics.4 Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent or guardian of the student. These records shall be on file in the principal’s office. Parental permission must be obtained before physicals are conducted. It shall be the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian to provide health and hospitalization insurance for all students participating in interscholastic athletics. No principal or teacher of any school under the control of the Board shall dismiss his/her school or any group of students for the purpose of permitting them to practice or play baseball, football, basketball or any similar game within the regular school hours of any school day of the week without written permission from the Board or the Board's designee. This does not prevent the inclusion of regular physical training lessons in the daily school program. Students shall not be disqualified from participation on a school athletic team solely on the basis of participation in another sport except where the season overlaps by more than two weeks. The Board specifically forbids the recruitment of students in any fashion. Participation in interscholastic athletics or marching band shall not be substituted for the lifetime wellness graduation requirement. Coaches and other employees of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities as part of the athletic program. Administrative procedures governing the activities of extracurricular groups, including but not limited to, athletic teams and bands, during times of extreme weather shall be followed (Refer to 4.301 Administrative Procedures). All coaches of a sport or cheerleading and/or band directors shall be CPR certified.
Home School Students
In addition, a home schooled student wishing to participate in extracurricular athletics shall be eligible if the following qualifications are met:
1. The student shall be enrolled in a home school study program in compliance with Tenn. Code Ann.§ 49-6-3050(b)(1) and Board Policy 6.202 and be registered with the director of schools by August 1 of the current school year. The student must be enrolled in a home school conducted by his or her parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and the student must be taking a minimum of five (5) academic subjects or the equivalent administered by the parent(s) or guardian(s) which count toward graduation.
2. The student must have a legal residence within the school district. By August 15 of the school year, the parent or guardian must make application to the principal of the school in which the home school athlete would be assigned by virtue of the student’s residence as required by Policy 6.205. 
3. The home school athlete shall meet the same academic standards required of a student athlete who is enrolled and attends a school in the District to participate in the athletic program; however, the Director of Schools or his/her designee in which a home school athlete wishes to participate shall work with the parent or guardian to ensure that the home school athlete is academically eligible. If a home school student’s course of study does not include five (5) academic subjects, then the Director of Schools and the parent shall develop an alternative measure of academic progress and submit the same to the TSSAA for approval. In no event shall a home school student be eligible to participate if the student is not receiving the minimum of four (4) hours per day of instruction administered by their parent/guardian or if the student has fallen three (3) months or more behind the student’s appropriate grade level. Proof of academic eligibility shall be provided by the Director of Schools or his/her designee to the TSSAA each semester.
4. The home school student must provide to the Director of Schools or his/her designee proof of basic medical insurance coverage and both independently secured catastrophic insurance coverage and liability insurance coverage which names the School System and TSSAA as an insured party. The insurance must be in place before the home school student practices or participates and must be no less than the limits set forth in Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-20-403.
5. The home school student must pay an annual non-refundable participation fee in the amount of $150.00 for each athletic sport in which a home school athlete participates. The participation fee shall be paid in full prior to the first regular season contest for each sport. The participation fee is in addition to any fees or equipment/uniform costs that regularly enrolled student athletes are required to pay.
6. The home school student must meet all TSSAA eligibility requirements.
7. The home school athlete must adhere to the same standards of behavior, responsibility, performance, and code of conduct as other participants of the team. The opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, and home school students who fail to adhere to the standards of behavior, responsibility, performance and code of conduct are subject to discipline including but not limited to dismissal from the team.
8. A home school athlete only has the opportunity to try out for a member school’s athletic team. Ultimate decisions on the roster are left to the coaches. No student is guaranteed participation, but only the opportunity to try out for a position on the team, subject to the other provisions of this policy. Any home school athlete that is selected to a team will be allowed to participate in all team related functions, activities and events.
9. No home school student serving a suspension or expulsion from this or another school system is eligible to participate during the period of suspension and/or expulsion.

USE OF THE INTERNET (Policy 4.406)
The Jackson-Madison County School Board supports the right of staff and students to have reasonable access to various information formats and believes it incumbent upon staff and students to use this privilege in an appropriate and responsible manner.  All computers utilize blocks or Internet filters that protect students from material that is harmful to them.  Student use of Internet will be monitored.  Internet safety measures shall be implemented that effectively address the following:  controlling access by students to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; safety and security of students when they are using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, preventing unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding students; and restricting students’ access to materials harmful to them.  A written parental consent shall be required prior to the student being granted access to electronic media involving district technological resources.  The required permission/agreement form, which shall specify acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, access privileges and penalties for policy/procedural violations, must be signed by the parent/legal guardian of minor students (those under 18 years of age) and also by the student. This document shall be executed each year and shall be valid only in the school year in which it was signed unless parent(s) provide written notice that consent is withdrawn.  In order to rescind the agreement, the student’s parent/guardian (or the student who is at least 18 years old) must provide the director of schools with a written request. 

STUDENT DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT AND BULLYING/ INTIMIDATION AND CYBERBULLYING (Policy 6.304)
The Jackson-Madison County Board of Education has determined that a safe, civil, and supportive environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. In order to maintain that environment, acts of bullying, cyber-bullying, discrimination, harassment, hazing or any other victimization of students, based on any actual or perceived traits or characteristics, are prohibited.1 

This policy shall be disseminated annually to all school staff, students, and parents.  This policy shall cover employees, employees' behaviors, students and students' behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop. If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, this policy is in effect if the conduct 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.

Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment.

DEFINITIONS

Bullying/Intimidation/Harassment - An act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, and the act has the effect of:

	•	Physically harming a student 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. 
•	      Defining a student in a sexual manner or conduct impugning the character of a student   
      based allegations of sexual promiscuity. 

Bullying, intimidation, or harassment may also be unwelcome conduct based on a protected class (race, nationality, origin, color, gender, age, disability, religion) that is severe, pervasive, or persistent and creates a hostile environment. 

Cyber-bullying - A form of bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, text messaging, emails, social networking sites, instant messaging, videos, web sites or fake profiles.

Hazing - An intentional or reckless act by a student or group of students that is directed against any other student(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student(s) or that induces or coerces a student to endanger his/her mental or physical health or safety.  Coaches and other employees of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities.3

“Hazing” does not include customary athletic events or similar contest or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS 
Alleged victims of the above-referenced offenses shall report these incidents immediately to a teacher, counselor or building administrator.2 All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy to the principal/designee. All other members of the school community, including students, parents, volunteers, and visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy. 

While reports may be made anonymously, an individual's need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to cooperate with police investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough investigation or to take necessary actions to resolve a complaint, and the identity of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a need to know.
 
The principal/designee at each school shall be responsible for immediately notifying the parents’ alleged victims of the receipt of, investigating, and resolving complaints. Once a complaint is received, the principal/designee shall initiate and investigation with forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of the report.4 If a report is not initiated within forty-eight (48) hours, the principal/designee shall provide the director of schools with appropriate documentation detailing the reason why the investigation was not initiated within the required timefreame.4 The determination of whether an act substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefit from the services, activities, or privilege provided by a school behavior, after consultation with each of the student’s teachers, parents, and an assessment by the Professional School Counselor and/or District Crisis Counselor.
The principal/designee shall notify the parent/legal guardian when a student is involved in an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying. The principal/designee shall provide information on district counseling and support services. Students involved in an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying shall be referred to the appropriate school counselor by the principal/designee when deemed necessary.1,4

The principal/designee is responsible for determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this policy, and such act shall be held to violate this policy when it meets one of the following conditions:

It places the student in reasonable fear or harm for the student’s person or property;

It has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;

It could substantially interfere with a student’s academic performance; or

It could substantially interfere with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. 

Upon the allegation of a violation, the principal/designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each alleged incident. All investigations shall be completed and appropriate intervention taken within twenty (20) calendar days from the receipt of the initial report.4 If the investigation is not complete or intervention has not taken place within twenty (20) calendar days, the principal/designee shall provide the director of schools with appropriate documentation detailing the reason why the investigation has not been completed or the appropriate intervention has not taken place.4

Within the parameters of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, a written report on the investigation will be delivered to the parents of the complainant, alleged victim, parents of the accused students, and to the Director of Schools when the investigation is concluded.

RESPONSE AND PREVENTION
School administrators shall consider the nature and circumstances of the incident, the age of the violator, the degree of harm, previous incidences or patterns of behavior, or any other factors, as appropriate to properly respond to each situation.

A substantiated charge against an employee shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. A substantiated charge against a student may result in corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension.
An employee disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision by contacting the Federal Rights Coordinator or the employee Complaint Manager as set forth in Policy 5.501.  Any student disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision in accordance with disciplinary policies and procedures.

REPORTS
When a complaint is filed alleging a violation of this policy where there is physical harm or the threat of physical harm to a student or a student's property, the principal/designee of each middle school, junior high school, or high school shall report the findings and any disciplinary actions taken to the director of schools and the chair of the board of education.  

By July 1 of each year, the director of schools/designee shall prepare a report of all of the bullying cases brought to the attention of school officials during the prior academic year.  The report shall also indicate how the cases were resolved and/or the reasons they are still pending.  This report shall be presented to the board of education at its regular July meeting, and it shall be submitted to the state department of education by August 1.  

The director of schools shall develop forms and procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of this policy and TCA 49-6-4503.

RETALIATION AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS

Retaliation against any person who reports or assists in any investigation of an act alleged in this policy is prohibited.  The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act.

False accusations accusing another person of having committed an act prohibited under this policy are prohibited. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have falsely accused another may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension and expulsion.

STUDENT CONCERNS, COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES (Policy 6.305)
The Board desires that all matters will be settled at the lowest level of responsibility and will not hear complaints or concerns which have not advanced through the proper administrative procedure from the point of origin.
School Level Complaint Procedures
Students, parents, or legal guardians who believe that decisions made by, or actions of, school personnel are unreasonable or in violation of law, policies of the Board or individual school rules may request a review by the school principal (or a designated representative if the principal is absent more than two days).
1.	To request a review, students or parents must contact the principal's office within two days.  The request and resolution must be documented on a School Level Complaint Form, signed by the complainant and the school principal, with a copy provided to the complainant.  Where possible, the issue will be decided confidentially and within five school days.

2.	Within five school days following the principal's decision, the student or parent may appeal that decision to the School Service Center.
School Service Center Complaint Procedure
1.	To appeal to the School Service Center, the student or parent will submit a written request for a review, along with the completed School Level Complaint Form, to the Office of Pupil Services.

2.	A School Service Center administrator will attempt mediation between the principal and complainant.

3.	Where mediation fails, one or more complaint managers shall complete an investigation within ten (10) working days of the date filed.  The results of the investigation will be shared with the complainant and the school principal.

4.	A complainant may appeal the results of the investigation by requesting a hearing before the Grievance Committee.

5.	Upon receipt of the request for a hearing by the grievant, a hearing date shall be set within twenty (20) working days of the request.
6.	Within five (5) working days of the hearing, the Grievance Committee shall furnish a written report of its findings and recommendation to the director of schools.

7.	The director of schools shall act within five (5) working days upon the recommendation of the Committee or furnish a written response to both parties explaining why the recommendation will not be implemented.

8.	Upon receipt of the response from the director of schools, the grievant may, if the issue has not been resolved to his/her satisfaction, appeal in written form within five (5) working days to the Board of Education.  The Board shall, within thirty (30) working days from the date the appeal was received, review the report and the actions of the director of schools, and may affirm or modify the decision and report their decision in writing to the grievant.
If a student feels his or her concerns have not been satisfied on the local level, the student is free to contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Atlanta Office, Southern Division, 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Suite 19T70, Atlanta, GA  30303-3104, phone (404) 563-6350.
Appointing Complaint Managers
The director of schools shall appoint at least two student/parent complaint managers, one of each gender.
The director of schools shall insert into this policy the names, addresses and telephone numbers of current complaint managers. (see note)
This policy and administrative procedures shall be published in the parent/student handbook distributed annually to every student.  Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment.
(Note:  Title IX regulations require districts to identify the name, address and telephone number of the person who is responsible for coordinating the district's compliance efforts. A policy should not be adopted with a person's name in it; rather, the identifying information can be added and amended as necessary.)

INTERFERENCE/DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (Policy 6.306)
The staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Any professional employee shall have the authority to control the conduct of any student while under the supervision of the school system. This authority shall extend to all activities of the school, including all games and public performances of athletic teams and other school groups, trips, excursions and all other activities under school sponsorship and direction. Such measures may include the use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order. A teacher, principal, school employee or school bus driver, in exercising the person's lawful authority, may use reasonable force when necessary under the circumstances to correct or restrain a student or prevent bodily harm or death to another person. A student shall not use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance or any other conduct which causes the disruption, interference or obstruction of any school purpose while on school property, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school-sponsored activity, function or event, whether on or off campus. Neither shall s/he urge other students to engage in such conduct.
Harassment, intimidation and other conduct that may be considered "bullying" will not be tolerated. Students shall not engage in conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with another student's academic development or that creates a hostile or offensive learning environment. A student found guilty of misbehavior may receive punishment ranging from verbal reprimand to suspension and/or expulsion dependent on the severity of the offense and the offender's prior record.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS (Policy 6.702)
Student organizations are an extension of the academic curriculum and are intended to complement the basic instructional program.  The principal, in cooperation with the faculty and student body representatives, shall approve all clubs and organizations within the school. One or more staff members will serve as sponsors of each activity and will attend all meetings.  Each sponsor will evaluate the activity and make recommendations concerning changes, continuance, or deletion from the school’s activity program. An approved copy of the aims, objectives, and constitution for each organization will be kept on file in the principal’s office. The director of schools shall approve all requirements imposed by clubs, which have restricted membership.  The nature of any initiation shall be outlined and presented in writing to the club sponsor and the principal of the school for approval prior to the actual initiation. Hazing by students acting alone or with others is strictly prohibited. Any organization which permits an initiation to go beyond the scope of activities planned and previously approved will be suspended until reinstated by the principal. Sororities, fraternities, and all secret organizations are prohibited. [part of the Code of Behavior and Discipline policy]

CLUBS AT MADISON ACADEMIC MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
       
Student Equal Access (Policy 4.802): Schools may allow students to form clubs or groups that meet before, during, and/or after school. Requests to form such clubs or groups shall not be denied based upon the religious nature or beliefs of proposed club or group. If permitted, school administrators shall ensure that all clubs and groups have the same abilities to access facilities and advertise their meetings. 1,2,3,5 No funds shall be expanded by the school for any such meeting beyond the incidental costs associated with providing meeting space. Groups meeting under this policy may be required to pay a reasonable fee for compensating school personnel in the supervision of the activity.  No student may be compelled to attend or participate in a meeting under this policy. A student or a group of students who wish to conduct a meeting under this policy must file an application with the principal at least three days prior to the proposed date.  The principal shall approve the meeting if he/she determines that: 1) The meeting is voluntary and student-initiated; 2) There is no sponsorship of the meeting or its content by the school, the Board, or its employees; 3) The meeting will not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of the school’s educational activities or conflict with other previously scheduled meetings; 4) Employees of the district are to be present in a non-participatory monitoring capacity; however, no employee shall be required to attend in this capacity if the content of the meeting is contrary to the beliefs of the employee; and 5) Non-school persons will not direct, control or regularly attend.  SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS4 If the Board or principal authorizes an event at which a student is to speak, a limited public forum shall be established for such student speakers. The appropriate administrators shall ensure that: 1) the forum is provided in a manner that does not discriminate against a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject, 2) there is an appropriate method of selecting speakers which is based on neutral criteria, and 3) student speakers do not engage in speech that is obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd, indecent or promotes illegal drug use. To the extent possible and practical, prior to events in which students will speak, notice shall be provided orally and/or in writing that the student’s speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position or expression of the Board and its employees.  Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, notice of this policy shall be provided in student handbooks and staff handbooks.  
 A brief description of each activity is included below:
Academic Decathlon – It is open to students in grades 10-12 who express an interest in academic competition.  Each member is required to attend after school and other study sessions.
Art Club – This club is open to students that express a desire for art, art-making, and communicating their art/talents to others.  Members must attend meetings regularly and participate in the functions, trips, and fundraisers of the club.
Beta Club – This club emphasizes service, character, and academic superiority.  Members from second-semester ninth graders and all of grades 10 through 12 must maintain a semester B average.  To receive special recognition at graduation, students must not miss more than three meetings, pay dues, have 25 hours of community service turned in by the May meeting, participate in required fundraisers or service projects, and have been a member for four of the seven eligible semesters. 
Chess Club – This club is open to students who have a desire to participate and challenge others in the game of chess.
Computer Club – The computer club is open to all students who are interested in computer technology.  Projects are presented to faculty for school web site.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – Any student, especially athletes, may be a part of FCA.
Homecoming Royalty – The Homecoming court is nominated and voted on by the student body.  Students only vote for young ladies in their respective grade.
Literary Club – This club is open to all students who have an interest in reading and the discussion of literature.
Miss Madison Pageant – This pageant is open to all young ladies.  The winner will be based on beauty, poise, interview, and talent.  All participants pay a non-refundable registration fee and must sell at least one ad and at least ten tickets.
Mu Alpha Theta – Students in this organization are selected based on academic performance in mathematics and teacher recommendations.
National Honor Society – This organization emphasizes service, character, and academic superiority, but is open only to Juniors and Seniors who have, and maintain, a cumulative average of 92 or above.  To receive recognition at graduation, members must attend all meetings, pay dues, have 25 hours of community service turned in by the May meeting, and be a member for three of their four eligible semesters.  This club membership is by invitation only.
Newspaper Staff – Students on the newspaper staff must express a desire to learn about the field of journalism.  A journalism (newspaper) class is taught both semesters.  This class produces the school newspaper.
Writers' Inc– This club is open to all students who enjoy original writing, reading, and recitation.
Forensics Team—The Forensics Team is open to students who are interested in competing in Forensics tournaments throughout the school year.
Student Government Association – This organization is composed of class officers and elected officers of the student body.
Theater Arts (Drama) – Students must participate in play production as a member of the cast or crew.
Tri-M (Music) – Any student interest in vocal or instrumental music may become a member of this organization.
Yearbook Staff – This organization is open to 10-12th graders who apply and have positive teacher recommendations.

TEXTBOOK SELECTION, DISTRIBUTION AND CARE (Policy 4.401)
Textbooks are property of the Board and shall be returned at the end of the school year, upon completion of the course or upon withdrawal from a course or school.  Parents are to sign an agreement stating they will be responsible for the textbooks received and used by their children.  The following reimbursement schedule shall be used as a guide for collecting fines for lost or destroyed books:
   
    Age of Book		Amount Collected
    1- 2 years		100% of replacement cost
    3- 4 years		  75% of replacement cost
    5 or more years	  50% of replacement cost

The Board shall approve and periodically review a schedule of fines for damaged books.  In cases where the book is damaged to the extent it is no longer useable, the amount collected shall conform to the reimbursement schedule for lost books.

If, after hearing the student’s explanation and other investigation as necessary, the principal determines that there has been willful loss or damage of the textbook he/she shall assess the appropriate fine and notify the parents in writing.  

The principal may include with the notice a provision stating that failure to pay the fine imposed within a reasonable time may result in the imposition of one or both of the following sanctions:

1.	Refusal to issue any additional textbooks until restitution is made; and 
2.	Withholding of all grade cards, diplomas, certificates of progress, or transcripts until restitution is made.
The principal may waive the assessment of fines when in his/her judgment the student is the victim of uncontrollable circumstances and not responsible for the damages.

STUDENT RECORDS ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS (Policy 6.601)
Within the first three weeks of each school year, the school system will notify parents(s) of students and eligible students* of each student’s privacy rights.  For students enrolling after the above period, this information will be given to the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student at the time of enrollment.  The notice will include the right of the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student to:  (1) inspect and review the student’s education records; (2) seek correction of items in the record which are believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights, including the right to a hearing upon request; (3) file a complaint with the appropriate state or federal officials when the school system violates laws and regulations relative to student records; (4) obtain a copy of this policy and a copy of such education records; and (5) exercise control over other people’s access to the records, except when prior written consent is given, or under circumstances as provided by law or regulations, or where the school system has designated certain information as “directory information.”  Parent(s) of students or eligible students have 2 weeks after notification to advise the school system in writing of items they designate not to be used as directory information.  The records custodian will mark the appropriate student records for which directory information is to be limited, and this designation will remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student.

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

STUDENT FEES AND FINES (Policy 6.709)
School fees are defined as follows:  
1.	Fees for activities that occur during regular school hours, including field trips;
2.	Fees for activities and supplies required to participate in all courses offered for credit or grades;
3.	Equipment and supplies required to participate in interscholastic athletics and marching band, if taken for credit;
4.	Fees or tuition for courses taken for credit or grade during summer school;
5.	Fees required for graduation ceremonies;
6.	Fees for a copy of the student’s records; and
7.	Refundable deposits for locks or other security devices required for protection of school property when used in conjunction with courses taken for credit or a grade.

School fees are not:
1.	Fines for overdue library books;
2.	Fines for the abuse of school parking privileges and other school rules developed for the safe and efficient operation of the school;
3.	Charges for lost, damaged, or destroyed textbooks, library books, workbooks, or other school property;
4.	Charges for debts owed the school;
5.	Refundable deposits for locks or other security devices required for protection of school property when used in not-for-credit extracurricular activities;
6.	Costs to participate in not-for-credit extracurricular activities, including athletics; and 
7.	Tuition for non-resident students.
No fee will be charged any student as a condition to attending school, but students shall be responsible for normal school supplies, such as pencils and paper.  School fees will be waived for students who receive free or reduced-price school lunches.  The application for determining eligibility for free or reduced-price lunches or a form supplied by the State Department of Education shall be used to verify student eligibility for fee waivers.    

TESTING PROGRAMS (Policy 4.700)
The Board shall provide a system-wide testing program which shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated.  The purposes of the program shall be to:
      1.  Assist in promoting accountability;  
      2.  Determine the progress of students;
      3.  Assess the effectiveness of the instructional program and         
           student learning;
      4.  Aid in counseling and guiding students in planning future   
     education and other endeavors;
      5.  Analyze the improvements needed in a given instructional 
           area;   
      6.  Assist in the screening of students with learning 
           difficulties; 1,2 
      7.  Assist in placing students in remedial programs;
      8.  Provide information for college entrance and placement;
           and;
     9. Assist in educational research by providing data. 
The director of schools shall be responsible for planning and implementing the program which includes:
      1.  Determining specific purposes for each test;
      2.  Selecting the appropriate test to be given;
      3.  Establishing procedures for administering the tests;
      4.  Making provision for interpreting and disseminating the 
           results;
      5.  Maintaining testing information in a consistent and 
           confidential manner; and                                                                                                                                     
      6.  Ensuring that results are obtained as quickly as possible,                       
           especially when placement in a special learning program
           might be necessary.  
State-mandated student testing programs shall be undertaken in accordance with procedures published by the State Department of Education.3
Student scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program’s grades three through eight (3-8) shall comprise fifteen (15%) percent of the student’s final grade in the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics, reading/language arts, science and social studies.4  The director of schools may exclude Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program scores from students’ final grades in the subject areas of mathematics, English/language arts, science, and social studies if scores are not received by the district at least (5) instructional days before the end of the school year.5
The weight of the EOC examination of the student’s final average shall be ten percent (10%) in the 2016-2017 school year, fifteen percent (15%) in 2017-2018 school year; and shall be twenty percent (20%) in the 2018-2019 school year and thereafter.6
The director of schools may exclude end-of-course (EOC) scores from students’ final grades if scores are not received by the district at least five (5) instructional days before the end of the course.6
Any test directly concerned with measuring student ability or achievement through individual or group psychological or socio-metric tests shall not be administered by or with the knowledge of any employee of the system without first obtaining written consent of the parents or guardians.2
Results of all group tests shall be recorded on the students’ permanent records and shall be made available to appropriate personnel in accordance with established procedures.5
No later than July 31 of each year, the Board shall publish on its website information related to state and board mandated tests that will be administered during the school year.  The information shall include: 6
      1.  The name of the test;
      2.  The purpose and use of the test;  
      3.  The grade or class in which the test will be administered;
      4.  The tentative date or dates that the test will be administered; 
           and;  5. The time and manner in which parents and students     
           will be notified of the results of the test.
Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year and for school years thereafter, the testing information shall also be placed in student handbooks or other school publications that are provided to parents on an annual basis.  
                                           
Jackson-Madison County Schools
Special Education Department
The following information is provided to meet the requirements of the Tennessee Legislature's Public Chapter 585.
Tennessee Department of Education Contact Information
Answers to many questions and much helpful information may be obtained from the State Department of Education by calling 1-888-212-3162 or visiting http://www.state.tn.usleducationlsoecedlindex.htm .

Child Advocacy Group Contact Information
In addition to the state and local resources available to parents and children, there are many agencies and organizations that offer support, information, training, and help in advocating for persons with disabilities in Tennessee. A few of these organizations are listed below:
The ARC of Tennessee is on the Internet at http://www.thearctn.org/
545 Mainstream Dr., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615.248.5878 Toll-free: 1.800.835.7077
Fax: 615.248.5879 Email: pcooper@thearctn.org  
Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP) is on the Internet at   http://www.tnstep.org/ 712 Professional Plaza, Greeneville, TN 37745
West Tennessee: (901)726-4334 fatima.ellisclark@tnstep.org
Middle Tennessee: (615) 463-2310 joey.ellis@tnstep.org
East Tennessee (423) 639-0125 Ext. 11 beth.smith@tnstep.orgt
Disability Law and Advocacy Center of TN is on the Internet at http://www.dlactn.org
2693 Union Avenue, Suite 201
Memphis, TN  38112
  1-800-342-1660 (Toll free) 
  901-458-6013 (TTY) 901-458-7819 (FAX)
Tennessee Voices for Children is on the Internet at http://www.tnvoices.org/main.htm 
West Tennessee: (Jackson Area) 731-660-6363 Fax: 731-660-6372
Middle Tennessee 1315 8th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37203
615-269-7751 Fax: 615-269-8914 Toll Free:  800-670-9882
E-mail: TVC@tnvoices.org
East Tennessee: (Knoxville Area) 865-609-2490 Fax: 865-609-2543

These are but a few of the organizations available to help with information, training, and advocacy. For a more extensive list visit the Tennessee Disability Services -- Disability Pathfinder Database: http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/tennesseepathfinder 

PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 990 

HOUSE BILL NO. 2548 

By Representatives Hill, Hardaway 

Substituted for: Senate Bill No. 2488 

By Senator Gresham 

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to student participation in extracurricular activities. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE: 
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, is amended by adding the following as a new, appropriately designated section: 49-6- (a) Each school shall notify the parents or legal guardians of all clubs and organizations available to students attending such school by prominently displaying the information in the school’s student handbook, or other standard or policy guidebook that contains the policies and procedures of the school and is distributed annually. The list shall include:
 (1) The names of the clubs and organizations, including any abbreviations or acronyms:
 (2) The mission and purpose of the clubs and organizations; and (3) All financial requirements associated with membership in the club or organization. 
(4) Notification of the option set forth in subsection
 (b) to prohibit a student from participating in any club or organization. (b) No school shall permit a student to become a member or participate in any activities of a club or organization if the parent or legal guardian of such student has tendered a written communication prohibiting such student from such membership or participation. In order to be valid, the written communication shall be signed and dated by the parent or legal guardian. 

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2012, the public welfare requiring it.