2007-2008 School Year

Mission Statement

The Mission of Knox Doss Middle School is to create a safe and caring environment where students know how to learn and are able to reach their full potential as persons of intellect and integrity for use in high school and beyond.

Our Beliefs

*Knox Doss Middle School believes the primary focus of school is student learning.

*Knox Doss Middle School believes each student is a valued individual who is capable of solving problems and producing quality work.

*Knox Doss Middle School believes in providing a variety of instructional and assessment strategies to support all styles of learning.

*Knox Doss Middle School believes parents, students, teachers, and the community share the responsibility of inspiring lifelong learning.

*Knox Doss Middle School believes in providing a safe, caring environment in which every individual is respected.

Administration

Principal Mike Brown

Assistant Principal Jodi Green

Assistant Principal Walt Simmons

Guidance Counselor David Delph

Guidance Couselor Rita Lowery

Sumner County Schools 2007-2008 Calendar

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of the Sumner County Schools System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, or handicap in its educational programs or activities. The following are responsible for coordinating and monitoring activities necessary for compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendents of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits descrimination on the basis of handicap. Americans with Disabilities Acts prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Information regarding the rights afforded to parents/guardians is available in the guidance office.

Daily Schedule

7th and 8th grade

6th grade

7:30 am - 8:25 am	1st pd	Announcements, pledge, etc.	7:30 am - 8:25 am	1st pd
8:29 am - 9:18 am	2nd pd		8:29 am - 9:18 am	2nd pd
9:23 am - 10:11 am	3rd pd		9:23 am - 10:11 am	3rd pd
10:16 am - 11:04 am	4th pd		10:16 - 11:34 am	4th pd
11:10 am - 12:35 pm	5th pd*	3 lunch periods	10:39 - 11:04 am	Lunch
11:09 - 11:34	1st lunch		11:09 - 11:34 am	Lunch
11:39 - 12:04	2nd lunch		11:39 - 12:34 pm	5th pd
12:09 - 12:34	3rd lunch		12:40 - 1:28 pm	6th pd
12:40 pm - 1:28 pm	6th pd		1:33 - 2:30 pm	7th pd
1:33 pm - 2:30 pm	7th pd

Bad Weather Policy

• One hour late - report to second period
• Two hours late - report to third period
• Early dismissals - When school is dismissed early during the school day, there will be no practices held that day. All students will be dismissed.

Grading Policy

Report cards will be sent home every nine weeks. A progress report will be sent home at the middle point of each grading period reflecting the progress at that time. If a student receives an "F" on a report card, the card must be signed and brought back to the first period teacher. Failure to do so will result in a phone call home by the teacher to make sure the parent is aware of the failing grade. Semester exams will be given each semester and count as 10% of the student's semester grade. The student's final grade is an average of the first and second semester grades.

A	93-100
B	92-85
C	84-75
D	70-74
F	0-69
L	Loss of credit due to absences

*The above is the new state grading scale that went into effect during the 2006-2007 school year.

Make up Work

It is the student's responsibility to ask each teacher for the work missed upon returning to class. Students will have all make up work for verified and excused absences completed and turned in no later than three days after the absence. Teachers may extend this limit for absences of more than four consecutive days or for other extenuating circumstances. It is the student's responsibility to ask the teacher for this extension.

Tests that are missed due to a verified or excused absence must be made up before or after school at the teacher's discretion. The student should request a make up time the first day he/she return from his/her absence.

Long term projects due during any absence are due the day the student returns to school. Failure to turn in these projects will result in a late grade of minus ten points (one letter grade) per day.

Make up work for an unexcused absence or out of school suspension days is encouraged; however, the grade recorded for those days is a zero. This is Sumner County School Board policy. Long term assignments and cumulative tests may be made up or turned in for a grade when the student returns from suspension or when the unexcused absence has been validated.

Cheating

If a teacher suspects a student of cheating to earn a grade, the teacher will consider an alternative test or assignment. If the student does not complete the alternative test or assignment, a grade of zero will be recorded. If a teacher has proof of cheating, the matter will be turned over to the administration for disciplinary action.

Attendance Procedures

Recognizing that absenteesim is a hindrance to education and that the progress of a student at school depends on the regularity of attendance, the Sumner County School Board has adopted the following rules and regulations for grades 6-8 based on the State Compulsory Attendance Law. Any parent, guardian, or other person who has control of a child or children, and who shall violate the provisions of this law shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Each day's unlawful absence shall constitute a separate misdemeanor.

Definitions

Absent from class - Absences are recorded each class period. Students are absent from class if they miss more than one half of that class.

Verified absences - Absences, tardies, and early dismissals are classified as "verified" if documentation of absences is presented to school officials. These absences include medical appointments, hospitalization, dentist appointments, orthodonist, death in the family, and required court appearances. Prior adminstrative approval must be obtained for recognized religious holidays, non-family deaths, or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the student.

Excused absences - Absences, tardies, and early dismissals that have written notices from a parent or legal guardian.

Unexcused absences - Absences, tardies, and early dismissals that do not have documentation of any kind.

School business - Absences, tardies, and early dismissals that are directly related to a school activity that has been approved by the principal. The student is considered present at school.

Sumner County School Board Policy

A student may have a maximum of five absences per semester that are not verified. School business, in school suspension, and out of school suspension do not count against this five day limit. After this limit has been exceeded, the parents/guardians will be notified of the child's absences and the Board policy (JB K-12, JBA). If the absences continue, the Sumner County Schools Attendance Supervisor will be contacted for further action. If absences persist, consequences may be loss of credit in that class, retention, or a court appearance for violation of the state mandatory attendance law.

Absentee Notes

After any absence, a student must have an absentee note from the office. Students will not be admitted to class when they return to school without this note. This note must be obtained before 7:25 am so the student will not be late for first period.

Verified absences will have documentation such as a doctor's note. These notes must have the student's name, doctor's name, and the date the student was seen. The doctor may include any information he/she deems important for school. These notes may not be altered in any way.

Excuse notes from parents/guardians must have:

• Student's name
• Student's grade
• Reason for absence
• Date of absence(s)
• Parent/guardian's signature
• Parent/guardian's phone number

A student returning to school with no documentation or note from home must have an unexcused absence note from the office to be admitted to class. The student must admit the proper note or documentation or the absence will remain unexcused, and the student will receive a grade of zero in all classes for that day.

Late to School

Any student arriving after the 7:30 am bell to begin first period is considered late to school and must check in through the office. The student must have a note from the office to be admitted to class. Tardies to school may be verified, excused, or unexcused in the same manner as absences. Excessive tardies will be considered a discipline problem because of the disruption to class. Following the 5th unexcused tardy students will be issued a detention by their respective administrator. If the problem persists, it may be turned over to the Sumner County Schools Attendance Supervisor for further action.

Early Dismissals

If it is necessary for a student to leave early, the parent/guardian must come in the office and sign the student out for the day. The student will not be called to from a class until the parent is in the office to pick up the child. If a student becomes ill at school, school personnel will assist the student in contacting a parent/guardian. The parent/guardian or someone the parent/guardian designates may sign the student out. Upon returning to school, the student must obtain an absentee note from the office to be admitted to class. A note from a parent/guardian should be presented at this time to excuse or verify the absence from class.

Discipline

Knox Doss has a school wide discipline plan that includes school and classroom rules, consequences, and rewards.

Rules

• Be on time and prepared for class
• Use respectful communication with teachers, staff, and other students
• Be in the appropriate place at all times - do not be out of class without a hall pass
• No gum in school
• Follow all safety procedures

Consequences

• First offense = warning
• Second offense = detention and teacher will contact parent/guardian
• Third offense = exclusion from class
  1. First occurrence = remainder of class in ISS (a detention will be given)
  2. Second occurence = remainder of day in ISS
  3. Repeated occurences will be handled by the administration

Severe behavior will result in immediate exclusion and the administration will determine the appropriate disciplinary action.

 

Rewards

• Verbal praise
• Written praise
• Class wide rewards to be assigned by the teacher
• Grade level rewards
• School wide reward

Definitions

Detention - Detention is held every morning from 6:45 am til 7:25 am and Monday through Thursday afternoons from 2:35 pm til 3:15 pm. Failure to serve detention by the third day after the detention is issued will result in one day of ISS. Students need to bring work to detention. Eating, sleeping, or talking is not allowed in detention.

In School Suspension (ISS) - The student is placed in an isolated, supervised situation. Their work is sent to them by the teachers. The student is present at school and is granted credit for all work completed while in ISS. The student is not allowed social contact with the rest of the school for the time he/she is in ISS.

Out of School Suspension (OSS) - Oss is assigned by the principal for persistent or extreme behavior. The student is not allowewd on school campus and is not allowed to attend school activities during the supsenion time. A grade of zero will be given to the student for each class during the suspension time. This grading procedure is Sumner County School Board policy.

Corporal Punishment - In compliance with the "School Discipline Act' (49-9-103 Tennessee Code Annotated) a principal, assistant principal, or teacher may administer corporal punishment to any pupil when deemed necessary. The Sumner Board of Education allows use of corporal punishment; however, at Knox Doss, all other possible solutions and disciplinary measures will be tried first.

Student Dress Code

The following shall NOT be worn at school:

• saggy or sagging pants - Pants are to be belted at the waist. Pants must not drag the floor.
• spandex
• holes in clothes - Patches must be on the outside of the garment. Wearing long undergarments does not make holes acceptable.
• suggestive slogans, vulgar captions or pictures, advertisements for drug, tobacco, or alcohol products on clothes
• caps, hats, scarves bands, bandanas, or any other head dressings
• form fitting or body conforming clothes
• bare midriffs, halters, fishnet, or tank tops
• Pajamas
• revealing necklines
• cleated shoes or roller shoes (Heelies)
• extreme hair color or hair styles

In addition, the following guidelines shall be enforced:

• Shorts may not be cut offs. Shorts and leggings must not be higher than 3 inches from the bend of the back of the knee.
• Skirt length or slits must not be higher than three inches from the bend of the back of the knee.
• No writing on the seat of the pants.
• Shoulders must be covered with sleeves. Middle school requires "capped" sleeves.
• No tinted glasses or sunglasses unless doctor prescribed.
• No body piercing except for earrings may be worn during school hours.
• Jewelry must not be distracting, disruptive, or unsafe.
• Valuable clothes and jewelry are discouraged.

Consequences for dress code violations = change or be sent home.

Inappropriate Language

Inappropriate language should not be used at any time at school or at any school-sponsored activity. Use of inappropriate language at school will result in the student being placed in ISS for a time determined by the administration. Use of such language at a school activity may result in the student being removed from the acitivity and not allowed to attend other such activities.

Disrespectful Conduct

Students are expected to be respectful and courteous to all school personnel. Disrespect toward any employee will be considered a serious infraction and will result in severe disciplinary action. Students found guilty of hitting or pushing an employee must appear before the Sumner County Schools Disciplinary Committee.

Fighting

Fighting at school, coming to school, or going home from school will result in severe disciplinary action. The nature of punishment will be determined by the degree of involvement on part of the individual student.

Physical or Sexual Harassment

Physical or sexual harassment will not be tolerated in any form. Harassment can be either physical or verbal in nature. Bullying, making threats, and intimidation are forms of harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures, or statements of a sexual nature, which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Any student that feels he/she is a victim of harassment should report the incident to a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, or principal as soon as possible. Harassment is very serious and will be handled case by case by the administration.

Use or Possession of Tobacco

Students are not permitted to smoke, use, or possess tobacco products in the school, on the school ground, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school bus. Students possessing, using, or attempting to use tobacco products will receive three days out of school suspension.

Note: Students are not at any time to have matches or lighters in their possession at school.

Note: Students aiding other students in the use of tobacco products are subject to the same punishment as described for a person using the product.

Illegal Drugs

Any student in possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia designed for the use of drugs, or any student found to under the influence of drugs, will receive the maximum ten day suspension and a hearing held by the Sumner County Schools Disciplinary Committee. Illegal drugs include alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, prescription drugs not intended for the possessor or user, or substances used as intoxicating inhalants. Possession is having one of these items on one's person or in their personal possessions such as backpacks or lockers.

Weapons or Dangerous Instruments

The Sumner County Board of Education has zero tolerance for weapons. Any student found to have brought a weapon to school or is found in possession of a weapon on school property shall be immediately removed from the general student population and shall be expelled from attending Sumner County Schools for a minimum period of one calendar year. When deemed necessary, a disciplinary committee may recommend expulsion longer than a year.

When a student is determined to a Special Education student, a M-Team meeting which shall include the Director of Schools, or his designee, will be called to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. In such cases, the Director may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis, the Director must report each case to the Board at its next regular meeting where appropriate criminal charges will be brought against the student and parents/guardians.

Any student who brings to school or who is found in possession on school property of any dangerous instrument will be immediately removed from the general student population. Within five school days, a disciplinary committee shall recommend the disposition, including possible expulsion, of the student.The Director of Schools may modify the recommendation on a case-by-case basis. The Director must report each case to the Board at its next regular meeting.

Toy weapons or facsimiles will not be permitted on school grounds. The principal will suspend students who possess toy weapons or facsimiles of weapons including water guns. Students in grades K-5 will be suspended for a time commensurate with age, maturity level, and intent as determined by the principal. The principal shall report his/her action to the director. Depending on the circumstances, he may refer a student possessing a toy weapon or facsimile including a water gun to the disciplinary committee (see item 15 below) for disposition as determined by the committee.

The term weapon shall be defined as any instrument used to cause harm to another person. The term dangerous instrument shall include but is not limited to the following:

• knives
• box cutters
• razor blades
• clubs or police batons
• pellet guns
• paint ball guns
• BB guns
• brass knuckles
• chains
• ice picks
• spiked wrist bands
• any object used in such a manner that could cause bodily harm or inflict damage to property
• any explosive device including but not limited to fireworks
• any firearm
• any item which could be perceived to be a dangerous instrument

This list is not all-inclusive, therefore, the principal shall use his/her discretion in ascertaining whether an object is a weapon as defined in this policy. Each case, regardless of the circumstances, must be reported to the Director of Schools. Full documentation is required including written statements from all witnesses.

The principal shall notify the parents/guardians of any student in violation of this policy.

The use of weapons and dangerous instruments in school plays, school bands, or any other school activity is prohibited unless sanctioned in advance and in writing by the Director of Schools.

Search of Students and Visitors

Lockers and other storage areas, containers, and packages brought into the school by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons, or any property which is not properly in the possession of the student (stolen property).

 

Lockers

Part of the student's school fees is a $5.00 locker fee. Each student will then be assigned a locker. This locker is to be locked at all times for the safely of the student's possessions. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Each student is responsible for the appearance and care of his/her locker. Lockers are the property of the school and therefore, subject to inspection at any time by the school administration.

Visitors

No person shall enter onto school grounds or into the building during school hours except students assigned to the school, the staff of the school, parents of students, and other persons with lawful and valid business at school. Any person that is not a student or a staff member must sign in through the main office and wear a nametag during their stay in the building. Parents are welcome to join their children for lunch; however, bringing food from the outside is not allowed under School Board policy.

Guidance Services

Students are encouraged to use the services of the guidance counselor. The counselor is available to help students and parents with educational, vocational, personal, and social needs. This service is provided in an atmosphere of friendship, cooperation, and confidentiality.

The guidance counselor works with students individually and in small groups. Parents, teachers, and students may refer a student to the counselor. Students needing to see the counselor should try to schedule an appointment and the let the counselor send for them at an appropriate time during the school day.

Students who need to see the counselor should leave a note in the guidance office. The counselor will send for the student at the earliest time available.

 

Library and Internet Policies

1. Students may check out two books at a time for two weeks with one renewal for each book. Students will not be allowed to check out new material if they have fines or overdue materials.
2. Fines for overdue books accrue at $0.05 per day starting the second day the book is late. There is no charge for days school is not in session or for excused absences. Fines may be paid in full or by installment.
3. Overdue and fine notices are sent out every two weeks through first period teachers.
4. Missing books will be paid for at the replacement price. If the book is found at a later time, a refund will be issued to the student minus any fine that had already accrued.
5. Report cards may be held for students with library fines or overdue book more than a month old.
6. The library is open daily from 7:15 am until 2:45 pm with additional time added as needed for projects.
7. Each student receives a library card during the first nine weeks. Replacement cost is $2.00.
8. Internet permission is reflected on the library card, and students must have their cards with them to use the internet on any computer at school.
9. At no time is a student permitted to access e-mail or chat-rooms while on school grounds.

Medication

All student medication should be adminstered at home. Under exceptional circumstances, school personnel may administer medication. Medical forms are available in the office and must be filled out before medication can be administered. Non-prescription medication must be brought to school in unopened containers with written permission and instructions from the student's parent/guardian. Prescription medications must be in the original bottle with the student's name, type of medication, dosage, and the doctor's name. Any medications given three times per day must be administered at home. The school nurse will review all medications.

Articles Prohibited at School

Problems arise each year because students bring items to school that are not necessary for class. These items may be a safety hazard or interfere with the smooth operation of school. Items such as skateboards, i-pods, electronic games, CD players, toys, laser pointers, shocking devices, and any other item that is a distraction may be taken up from the student. The students may pick up these items in the office after school.

Cell Phones

Students are prohibited from using or having cellular telephones on their person during the school day. Cell phones may be placed in lockers or students may check them in at the front office when they arrive and pick them up at the end of the day.

Students may carry cell phones while participating in off campus activities, such as field trips, if specifically authorized by the teacher. Principals may authorize the use of personal cell phones in the event of an emergency or serious situation.

Students having cell phones pictures or video tapes of events outside of school that are brought to school and used in a manner to incite disorderly conduct will be punished by their respective administrator.

The first time a cell phone is taken from a student, a warning is issued and the phone will be held by an adminstrator until such time as it can picked up by the parent or guardian. Future offenses will result in disciplinary action.

Leaving the School Building or School Grounds

Students should not leave the school building without permission of the administration. Class activities supervised by the teacher will sometimes occur outside the building. Also, there may be times when school wide activities will take place outside.

At no time should a student leave school campus without checking out in the main office. Once a student arrives at school, the student may not leave campus without permission from a parent/guardian and the main office.

School Bus Regulations

It is a privilege to ride a Sumner County school bus. This privilege depends on the student's behavior and observance of the rules. These rules exist for the safety of everyone on the bus. Violation of these safety rules may result in the student being removed from the bus. Transportation to and from school then becomes the sole responsibility of the student's parent/guardian.

1. The driver is in full charge of the bus and the students.
2. Students shall be on time. The buses are on a tight schedule and cannot wait for students who are not on time.
3. Students should not stand in the road while waiting for the bus.
4. Students shall occupy the space designated for them by the driver.
5. No student should be out of their seats or making excessive noise.
6. Students will at all times keep their arms, hands, and head inside the bus.
7. There shall not be any objects thrown on the bus or out the bus windows.
8. Large or breakable objects are not allowed on the bus.
9. All school and Sumner County Board of Education rules and regulations are in effect when students are on the school bus.
10. We are happy to accommodate your written requests to have a student ride a bus home with another student as long as the following criteria are met:

a. The student must turn in a written note into the office prior to 7:30 am containing the names of both students involved and the bus number they will be riding.

b. Students will not be allowed to make calls home to arrange for bus passes. All arrangements and the written notification must be taken care of prior to the school day beginning.

c. All requests for riding a bus are subject to the capacity of the bus in question. If a bus has a full route, no extra students will be allowed to ride.

*Violations will result in students being suspended off the bus. Persisitent problems could result in a student losing the privilege of riding the bus for the remainder of the school year.

Building Pride

We are very proud of our building. We urge each and every student to take pride in their school and campus. It will require each of us taking responsibilty to keep our campus neat and clean.

Students who destroy or deface school property are responsible for the actual cost of replacing or repairing the property. Further disciplinary action may be necessary.

Fees

Fees have been approved by the Sumner County Board of Education for supplemental classroom materials and other items for student use. The Board of Education has approved fees of $45.00 for Knox Doss Middle School. The student's first period teacher will collect fees. The money is placed into the accounts already approved by the Board and may not be used for any other expenses. The Board of Education has also approved $10.00 fee for all band and chorus students.

Textbooks

Books are issued for use by students. The students are responsible for the book issued to them. Students are not to mark or damage the books in any way. Students accept financial responsibility for the issued textbooks. To obtain a second book, payment must have been received for the first book.

Selling Items at School

All merchandise sold at school by a student must be approved by the principal in advance. Failure to do this will result in the confiscation of the merchandise. The merchandise will be returned to the student's parent/guardian.

Lunch Room

The serving area must be quiet and orderly for the lines to run efficiently. There is to be no talking except to cafeteria staff, no cutting in line, and no horseplay of any kind in the serving area. While in eating area, students must remain seated except for disposing of trach and returning trays.

There will be a six student limit at each table.Talking quietly at the tables is permitted.

Use of the Telephone

Students use of the telephone is limited to approved calls to a parent or guardian. Approval must come from an administrator or office personnel. There is a sign in book for those calls. Students should make calls between classes only and with teacher permission. The office telephones are for school business and not for students' personal use.

Accidents and Insurance

Every accident on school grounds must be reported to the main office. This includes during school hours, extracurricular practices, and school sponsored events.

Student insurance is made available to any student attending Sumner County Schools. Parents/guardians are responsible for the cost of this or any insurance covering their child.

Emergency Procedures

Each teacher will review instructions for bad weather, fire, and crisis lockdown situations. The students' responsibilities will be reviewed and practiced during school wide drills.

updated April 2008