200 Caldwell Street • McMinnville, TN 37110

(931) 473-6557 or (931) 473-6558

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome to WARREN COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL! This is an important year

for all of us. Throughout the year each of us will be learning more and more about each

other and about what being in the middle school means. We want your year(s) with us to be

some of the best you have ever experienced.

There are many new responsibilities associated with being in middle school. You

will have more adjustments to make and more responsibilities to accept than ever before.

You must work hard to balance schoolwork and social life. You have many obligations

such as attending school every day, completing your assignments, and behaving

appropriately. Parents, we encourage you to stay involved in your child's education.

Encourage him or her to read; check to see that homework is completed. Insist that your

child remains in school all day, not checking out during the day to leave unless it is an

absolute necessity. If we ALL work together, we can make WARREN COUNTY MIDDLE

SCHOOL a place students want to be!!!

Enclosed in this assignment book you will find important handbook information

pertaining to our middle school. Please read all items carefully. All students are responsible

for knowing the contents of the handbook. After reading the handbook, parents and

students should sign the form included in the registration packet denoting that you have

reviewed this handbook. After signing, please return to your homebase teacher. As a

middle school student, you are responsible for your own behavior. We want to make sure

that you know and understand the standards set forth by your school and school system.

Sincerely yours,

Betty Wood

Principal

We appreciate our Partners in Education

Visit: WCMiddleSchool.com

Math, Reading, Science Williams, Connie: Team Leader 110

Social Studies, Science Burrell, Megan 108

English, Reading Williams, Donna 109

Social Studies, Reading Moore, Monica: Team Leader 103

English, Reading Davis, Kim 105

Science, Reading Watson, Jeff 104

Science, Reading Jennings, Debbie: Team Leader 114

Math, Reading Blankenship, Mary Ann 115

English, Reading Panter, Lori 117

Social Studies, Reading Jacobs, James 119

Resource Krause, Anita 222

Math, Pre-Algebra, Language Arts Southard, Eileen: Team Leader 214

Geography, Reading Griffith, Farrah 213

Science, Reading, Language Arts Clayborne, Kelly 215

Resource Pedigo, Alene 214-A

Geography, Reading Gibbs, Amanda: Team Leader 220

Math, Pre-Algebra, Language Arts Brady, Mary Jo 217

English, Reading Bragg, Lynn 210

Math, Pre-Algebra Barnes, Jennifer Team Leader 212

Geography, Reading Dunlap, Kevin 207

Literature Garrison, Nancy 345-RA

Science Miller, Donald 356-RA

American History Maynard, Becky 354-RA

American History Brownyard, Alan: Team Leader 205

English Fuston, Randi 204

Math, Algebra I, Pre-Algebra Gant, Pansy 201

Science Collins, Joe 202

ESOL: Grades 6-8 Hargrove, Sharon 111

Special Education, CDC I Allison, Christie 353-RA

Special Education, CDC II Dishman, Courtney 102

Special Education, CDC II Skillin, Alice 113

Success Program Pepper, Dianne 112

Library/Media Specialist Prater, Syd: Team Leader Library

Art Hutchings, Ann 351-RA

Band TBA Band Room

Computer Technology I Whitlock, Brent 344-RA

Computer Technology III Redmon, Cindy 241-RA

Technology Britton, Joyce 342-RA

Teen Living Bryant, Dianne 243-RA

Physical Education Greer, Mary: Team Leader Gym

Physical Education Davis, Mendi Gym

Physical Education Underhill, Larry Gym

Physical Education Wilson, Frank Gym

Guidance Counselor Hale, Nancy 108-A

Woods, Linda 204-A

Secretary Grissom, Barbara Principal Wood, Betty

Attendance Holmes, Kim Assistant Principal Walker, Jimmy

Attendance Assistant Fisher, Leanne Assistant Principal Rogers, Kristie

Office Adm. Assistant Bouldin, Cleta

Materials Clerk TBA

Library Assistant Jones, Rita

Teacher Assistant Eschenbacher, Donna

Teacher Assistant Gann, Linda

Teacher Assistant Mullican, Charlotte

Teacher Assistant McColloch, Pam

Teacher Assistant Prater, Linda

Teacher Assistant Templeton, Diane

Cafeteria Monitor Brown, Dorothy

Night Watchman Black, Benny

The mission of WCMS is to provide for the unique (ever changing) needs of our diverse

adolescent population in a safe, secure, and caring environment. We are dedicated to exercising the body,

stimulating the mind, and nurturing character development through:

High Expectations

Challenging Curriculum

Accessible Resources

Our goal is to help all students meet the state and national educational benchmarks and to prepare

them for their next educational level.

The faculty of Warren County Middle School believes that middle school children have special

needs and interests that must be met if a love of learning - lifelong learning - is to take place. We believe

that our school environment must be student-centered and must provide a structured, orderly place for

learning. We recognize the critical role of the middle school in the development of the total person.

We believe that a broad-based, child-centered curriculum designed to cater to the uniqueness of the

early adolescent is a necessity. We further believe that the faculty and staff must develop a child-centered

attitude that will allow children to search for answers to life's questions.

We believe that fundamentals - reading, study skills, thinking skills - must be stressed if a child is

to become academically capable. We believe that physical education and intramural sports must happen

daily if a child is to become physically and mentally sound. We believe that extracurricular activities must

be encouraged if a child is to become socially confident. We believe in the enhancement of each student's

self-esteem if a child is to become personally secure.

We believe that through the acquisition of skills and knowledge, each child can be assured the

opportunity of attaining his or her greatest potential. By fostering good citizenship and a strong sense of

self-worth, each child can be assured the opportunity of attaining a sense of belonging.

We maintain that with the decline in the social and moral fabric of our society, the hope for the

future of our children is a cooperative effort among the school, the home, and the community.

We believe that ultimately it is our responsibility to provide a supportive, positive emotional

climate in which students can learn. We believe that every child can learn and that every child can make a

valuable contribution to the learning environment and to our greater society.

We are committed to understanding and meeting the needs of early adolescents. As we examine,

develop, and implement programs, activities, and practices, we strive to make them developmental and

age-appropriate. As a result, we will work toward incorporating the following recognized components of

exemplary middle schools.

- A staff which is knowledgeable about and committed to the early adolescent.

- Interdisciplinary Team Organization.

- An Advisor/Advisee Program.

- An Exploratory Program.

- A curriculum based on the needs and characteristics of early adolescents.

- A wide variety of instructional strategies.

- A flexible block master schedule.

- An emphasis on heterogeneous grouping with opportunities to group and regroup students within

the block.

- The inclusion and collaborative model of special education.

Principals who are knowledgeable about and committed to middle school philosophy, programs,

and practices.

MIDDLE SCHOOL A school designed for the special needs of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

INTRAMURALS A schedule of voluntary activities which will allow the student to participate in

academic or athletic competition.

RELATED ARTS Classes which may include art, music, chorus, creative writing, computers, teen

living, technology ed., foreign language, visual arts, etc.

TEAM A group of about 130 students who share the same teachers and classes.

TEAM LEADER The teacher who organizes team activities and meets with students each day.

TEAM MEETING A time when teachers, as a team, meet to discuss students' needs and plan team and

class activities.

HOMEBASE The time when students report to a designated teacher at school with whom they

will participate in activities related to orientation and transition throughout their

middle school years.

This handbook is designed to help you, as students and parents, prepare for the year. We believe

that your full potential can only be realized in an environment that is safe and orderly, with each student

taking responsibility for his or her actions. We expect only the best from our students, and we will

continue to strive for excellence in all our programs. Please read this handbook carefully, and if you have

any questions concerning rules and policies, do not hesitate to discuss them with your teacher or the

administration.

The purpose of this homework organizer is to help students become better organized. An organized

student will do better in school. It is human nature that we try to remember too much; and the more we try

to remember, the more we are apt to forget. It will be the student's responsibility to take this to every

class, every day. It is important to use this organizer daily. As you do, you will find yourself spending less

time trying to remember what it is that you are supposed to be doing each night after school.

TIPS FOR USING YOUR HOMEWORK ORGANIZER:

....As soon as any assignment is given, write it down on the dated page in the appropriate section.

....As soon as you complete the assignment, put a check in the box that follows each assignment.

....If you have been absent, schedule your make-up work into your schedule.

....Bring this book to school and class each and every day.

All students will have the following core subjects:

- English

- Math (different levels of instruction)

- Science

- Social Studies

- Literature/Reading.

Each student will be assigned to a ?Team.? This team will serve as your child's teachers in all

academic areas.

PRIME TIME, the WCMS Advisor/Advisee Program, is an important and necessary component

for schools that embrace the middle school concept. For thirty minutes each day, students meet in a more

relaxed environment with an assigned teacher and group of classmates. The focus for PRIME TIME is to

enable students to learn skills necessary for life that are not considered necessarily academic, i.e. conflict

resolution, becoming responsible students and citizens, how to deal with difficult people, bullying,

developing greater understanding of self and others, interpersonal skills, and social responsibility.

Our Project Wisdom Program provides a Quote of the Week and a daily reading to help impart to

young people positive values and responsibility. ?Love In The Big World,? a Character Education

Program, provides activities and resources to assist students in character development and recognition. A

major focus for 8th graders is career exploration and preparation for selecting their high school

curriculum. A major goal for PRIME TIME is to provide all students the opportunity to know and be

known well by at least one teacher who may serve as mentor and advisor to them during these potentially

turbulent years of adolescence.

Although PRIME TIME is an extension of the guidance program, students will still have the

opportunity to see a guidance counselor concerning problems of a more personal nature, academic

concerns, career choices, and planning.

The ?READING RENAISSANCE? Program consists of several components. The ?Accelerated

Reader? Program has been the cornerstone of our reading program since becoming a middle school in

1994. The ?STAR? component identifies each student's reading level for prescriptive purposes and was

implemented in the fall of 1999.

Implemented Fall, 2000, ?D.E.A.R. TIME?: ?Drop Everything and Read.? Based on the belief that

good readers become good readers by reading, thirty minutes has been built into the master schedule each

day to provide an uninterrupted time for students to READ. They will be given options for their personal

selections, with an emphasis placed on ACCELERATED READER books. This is not a study hall or a

time for reading instruction, as students will have a regular reading class each day in addition to

?D.E.A.R. Time.? This silent reading time will be in addition to the prescribed 20 minutes each night that

we ask every student to do.

The research on schools that have implemented this sustained silent reading time has been

impressive citing a rise in library circulation by as much as 150%, impressive growth on standardized

reading tests, as well as significant improvement in student reading habits.

As a part of the middle school program, students will be offered different related arts/exploratory

courses that will enrich and enhance the regular academic program. Students will participate in these

programs in two, 45-minute segment blocks. One of these segments will include a physical education

program for all students every day. (If the student participates in band, this will substitute for physical

education.) The other segment will consist of the following: Art, Computer, Library, Fast ForWord, and

Safety Skills. In addition to the above, the 7th and 8th grades will also have Technology Education,

Computer Applications, and Teen Living.

7:40 - 7:45 Transition from Bus room 05 mins

7:45 - 8:20 Prime Time begins

8:25 - 9:10 First Period

9:15 - 9:55 Second Period

10:00 - 10:45 Third Period

2:00 - 2:45 Seventh Period

Warren County Middle School offers a wide array of extracurricular activities for students. We

encourage all students to become a part of our before and after-school programs. Being involved keeps

students off the streets, but more importantly makes school fun! We know that student involvement

produces academic achievement as well.

Our extracurricular activities include many athletic teams, drama, service clubs, and academic

clubs. We have something for everyone. Get involved.

Any and all students involved in extracurricular activities must submit to random drug testing per

The Warren County Board of Education. Additionally, all school rules and expectations continue to apply

to all students as they participate in these activities. Violation of these rules and expectations may result in

removal from the club or activity and sanctions for other activities may be administered.

On the first day back to school after an absence, the student must bring with him/her a note signed

by the parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence. This note is to be presented to the homebase

teacher who will turn it in to attendance. If after three days upon a student's return to school a note is not

received, the absence becomes automatically unexcused. All absences will be classified as either excused

or unexcused. Excused absences shall include:

- Personal illness up to five days per school year with a parent's note; thereafter, a doctor's

statement is required.

- Illness of immediate family member.

- Death in the family.

- Extreme weather conditions.

- Religious observances, a five-day notice is requested.

- Circumstances, which in the judgment of the principal, create emergencies over which the

student has no control.

When the absence is created by a doctor's appointment, court appearance, etc., the excuse will

apply only to the reasonable amount of time involved including time for travel. (i.e. A student having an

appointment at 2:00 p.m. would not be excused the entire school day.)

Perfect Attendance

To be eligible for perfect attendance, a student must be in attendance for a length of time equal to

the state's minimum hourly requirement for a school day. To have perfect attendance, a student's

attendance record must indicate that the actual day absent at years end is .99 or below or less than 420

minutes away from school the entire year.

Students who sign in late and check out early will accumulate time, and when this time reaches

420 minutes or 7 hours, the student will be considered absent one day.

(Warren County Board of Education Policy)

Student absences are checked on a daily basis by the attendance office. When students have

accumulated five unexcused absences, a five-day letter will be sent. This letter requires the parent to

contact the attendance office in order to explain or verify the absences. Further unexcused absences will

result in you and your child receiving a summons to appear before the Warren County Truancy Board

and/or the Juvenile Court of Warren County.

School hours are from 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. The busroom will be open with teacher supervision

beginning at 7:00 a.m. No student is to arrive at school prior to 7:00 a.m. Students arriving before 7:40

a.m. each morning must report to the busroom until the dismissal bell. The only exception is students who

ride a bus and participate in the school breakfast program. Bus riders may proceed directly to the cafeteria.

Breakfast is served from 7:00 until 7:35 a.m. Any student desiring to eat breakfast should enter the

cafeteria and proceed immediately through the breakfast line. Students should take trays to the designated

eating area. Following breakfast and return of trays, the students should proceed to assigned busroom.

Sixth and seventh grade students should go to the gym. Eighth grade students should go to the non-eating

area of the cafeteria.

Students are prohibited from being on school grounds before or after school hours unless involved

in a school authorized or school-sponsored activity.

Due to snow or other inclement weather, school opening may be delayed by two hours. This means

that school will begin at 9:45 a.m. IMPORTANT: ON THESE DELAYED DAYS, SCHOOL

SUPERVISION WILL BEGIN ONLY ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL

DAY. The busrooms will not be opened or unlocked prior to 8:45 on these mornings. Please help us keep

everyone as safe as possible.

Please plan for, and arrange with your child, transportation alternatives that he/she is to follow

when school is dismissed early for weather or other circumstances. Students that routinely ride a bus will

be placed on a bus when school is dismissed early. Students who are transported to/from school by private

vehicle will be dismissed according to this parental devised plan. Please inform your child as to what to do

if school is dismissed early. Please provide additional phone numbers on the student's yellow card to

assist in student pick-up, including cell/mobile numbers. Telephones will be available for emergency use.

The school bus is an extension of school activity; therefore, students will conduct themselves on

the bus in a manner consistent with the established standards for safety and classroom behavior.

Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on his/her bus, and all

reasonable directions given by him/her will be followed.

Any misconduct in which it becomes necessary for the driver to report to the principal may result

in the student becoming ineligible for transportation. Suspension from riding the school bus is progressive.

First offense - up to 3-day suspension from the bus. Second offense - 5-day suspension from the bus.

Third offense - off the bus for the remainder of the year. Student and parent(s) may appear before the

Board of Education to request reinstatement.

Any student who gets off the bus at any point between the pick-up point and school, or any student

wishing to ride a bus other than his/her designated bus must present the bus driver with a note of

authorization from the parent which has also been signed by a school administrator.

Students who transfer from bus to bus while en route to and from school shall be expected to abide

by the discipline policies of the school system and the school campus on which they arrive.

Students leaving campus may not return to campus to ride a bus or for any other reason.

A complete set of Transportation Guidelines and a Parent/Student Contract will be included in the

student registration packets.

Students who are transported to school in the morning should have their parent/guardian let them

out at the designated area only. These entrances and exits are identified. No other drop-off points are

permissible. Do not use the bus ramp or teacher parking lot for drop-off or pick-up. The parking area, bus

ramp, and busrooms are supervised, whereas other areas of the campus might not be. Help us keep all

students safe by complying with these rules. Students who ride with the parent/guardian in the afternoon

are also to be picked up in the designated areas only. The pick-up time in the afternoon will be 2:45 p.m.

Students who have not been picked up by 3:00 p.m. will report to the busroom (lunchroom). This includes

all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Definitive transportation arrangements should be made by parents and

students prior to school each day. Our dismissal of students is dependent on these arrangements.

Parents picking up 7th or 8th grade students in the afternoon must observe and follow the

displayed signs. Staff members will be on the parking lot to assist with traffic flow. The parking lane

closest to the lunchroom will be an EXIT ONLY lane. This lane will be blocked to entering traffic from

2:00-3:00 p.m. each day. Those exiting from this lane will be allowed a right turn only.

If you enter lane 3 or 4, you must exit to the left on Caldwell Street or proceed straight onto Rebel

Hill Street.

In order to make sure that our students are safe, teachers are required to remain at school until the

last child is picked up either by a bus or by a parent. Our school day ends at 2:45 p.m., with the last bus

departing Warren County Middle School at 3:15 p.m. All parents must make arrangements to have their

children transported from school by 3:15 p.m.

When a parent does not arrive on time to collect his/her son or daughter, teachers must remain at

school with that child. Warren County Middle School does NOT provide after-school childcare. Please be

prompt.

If an emergency arises, please call the school and inform the teachers on bus duty about the

problem so they, and your child, will not be unnecessarily worried.

Students walking to school must report immediately upon arrival to campus to their designated

supervised area (6th and 7th graders to Gym, 8th grade to cafeteria). Walkers will be dismissed at 2:45

p.m. They are to immediately depart campus by designated routes. No lingering in the parking lot or other

campus areas.

School hours at Warren County Middle School are from 7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Teachers are

instructed to take roll at 7:45 a.m. and log all tardies. Students arriving to homeroom after the 7:45 a.m.

bell are tardy. Students will not receive an excused tardy because parents brought them late.

Tardies are cumulative on the attendance record. All homeroom tardies are reported as time out of

school, possibly resulting in the student accumulating one or more unexcused days of school.

Students at Warren County Middle School are expected to learn responsibility. Tardies will be

considered on a six-weeks basis. If a student receives a third tardy in a six-weeks period, he/she will be

assigned After-School Instruction. If the student is tardy four or more times in a six-weeks period, a parent

conference will be required and additional After-School Instructions or alternative disciplinary measures

will result. Tardies accumulate through all class periods each six weeks. The tardies do not have to be in

the same class.

Once a student arrives on campus, he/she cannot leave without checking out through the office.

Any student leaving school during the school day must be signed out in the office by the parent or

designee. Students may not be checked out by anyone not on the emergency card. The responsible person

must come in to sign the student out. Identification may be requested.

If it is necessary to check out during the day, students are requested to do so only between classes

so as to minimize classroom interruptions. (Please see daily bell schedule.) Please work with us in keeping

your child in school for the entire day. Please make doctor and dentist appointments, whenever possible,

after school hours. Much instructional and office time is consumed in this checking-out process. All time

missed during any school day is cumulative, and a student may miss a number of days because of early

check-outs or late arrivals.

Parents may request one prior-arranged absence by sending a note to the principal to explain the

dates and reasons for the upcoming absence. The arrangements must be approved by the principal and

teachers. The administrative decision will be based on attendance record. All work missed during an

excused absence must be made up.

No prior arranged absences will be accepted for the last ten days of school, and no tests will be

administered early. All students are required to attend the same number of days for school each year, and

students should not plan to leave school early. Students who miss the last few days of school due to

unexcused absences run the risk of failing.

Students participating in school-sponsored activities whether on campus or off campus shall not be

counted absent (limited to six school-sponsored activities per year). All work should be requested prior to

absence and submitted within three days of absence. To qualify for ?school-sponsored,? the activity must

be school planned, school directed, and teacher supervised.

It is the sole responsibility of the student to consult with a teacher whose class he/she has missed to

determine what make-up work is necessary. The teacher is not responsible for asking the student for such

work. Failure of the student to initiate a request for make-up work will result in a lost opportunity for

credit for the missed work.

Students must request make-up work on the day they return to class. Make-up work must be

completed within a three-day period. In case of a prolonged illness, teachers will set a reasonable time

limit for the work to be completed.

made up, and the student will receive zeros (0's) for those grades.

Students should have a minimum of 30 minutes to one hour of homework in addition to the

required 20 minutes reading time each night (AR). Involve your child in establishing a regular time, place,

and procedure for homework completion each night. Even students who say they do not have any

homework on a particular evening can spend time in review or preparation for future tests or assignments.

Check through the Info Line to insure that assignments are correct.

Our thanks to the Southern Standard for providing the homework information system and to Ben

Lomand Telephone for providing the telephone lines that comprise the homework information system at

WCMS. We request that students and/or parents call to obtain assignments that have been missed due to a

student's absence. It is requested that all make-up work be received in this manner instead of parents

calling school during the regular school day. This allows for better instructional time for all students due

to less class interruptions.

Remember also, your child's best friend may be the most complete ?source? for finding out what

was missed during class.

HOW TO USE THE INFO PLUS LINE--Free Calls 24-Hours a Day

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Call 474-2134.

2. Wait for greeting and instructions ?to please press slowly and firmly when entering the 4-digit

code now.?

3. Enter the code of your choice from the following menu. (REMINDER: These numbers, as well

as other Warren County Middle School numbers, are listed on refrigerator magnets supplied by

our PTO and Partners in Education.)

Principal Betty Wood

School Announcements 2700

PTO/Parent Line 2701

SIXTH GRADE TEAMS

Prospectors 2705

Navigators 2706

Trailblazers 2707

SEVENTH GRADE TEAMS

Explorers 2708

Pathfinders 2709

Crockett's Rockets 2712

EIGHTH GRADE TEAMS

Boone's Bears 2710

Discoverers 2711

Resource - Grade 6 2714

Resource - Grade 7 2715

Resource - Grade 8 2716

CDC I 2717

CDC II 2718

SSS 2719

Enrichment 2720

Band 2721

K12 Planet is a web site that bridges the gap between school and home. It provides an easy-to-use,

secure, and comprehensive school-to-home portal that gives parents and students instant access to grades,

attendance, homework assignments, announcements, and school activities. K12 Planet is updated

automatically from the school's student information system and is password-protected.

Using their secret password, parents and students gain access to their grades, attendance records,

homework projects, library collections, activity schedules, upcoming events, plus a host of ageappropriate

learning resources. By monitoring their own progress and taking responsibility for themselves,

students organize their schedule, homework, and priorities. It enables them to plan for their school career

and it lets them communicate with school staff anytime, from anywhere. Parent are also able to check

student progress at any time. Students and parents will be given passwords and log-in numbers at the

beginning of each year. Please feel free to contact the school for more information.

Breakfast is served each morning from 7:00 - 7:35 a.m. A nutritious breakfast is provided for $.75.

For students on reduced rates, the cost is $.30. Students who are eligible for free lunch are also eligible for

free breakfast. Students must apply for the free/reduced lunch prices each year. Forms will be provided

through the guidance office, and all forms are treated in a confidential manner.

A full lunch is provided for $1.25. The reduced price is $.40. This includes one choice from the

meat group, two from the vegetable/fruit groups, one bread, and one milk. Pizza, burgers, and sandwiches

may also be purchased separately or as part of the full lunch, with such items counting as a meat and a

bread. We encourage all students to make wise nutritional choices and to participate in the school

breakfast/lunch programs.

We encourage all parents to send lunch money for a week, two weeks, or a month-long period. As

students bring their checks or money to our cafeteria during their lunch time, the computer will credit your

child's account. As your child continues to eat during the week(s), the appropriate amount will be

automatically deducted. Cafeteria personnel give your child his/her balance every day. The computer

keeps a record to guard against mistakes. The middle school does not sell meal tickets, but does assign

each student a personalized number that he/she must memorize. Once students qualify for free or reduced

lunch, there is no way they can be distinguished from the paying students.

There should be little need for the student to leave the classroom during the class period. If it is

necessary to be in the hall during class time, students must have in their possession this handbook

appropriately signed by the supervising teacher. Students found in the hall without the signed handbook

will be sent back to class or dealt with appropriately. Students are NOT to knock on doors or interrupt a

teacher's class without an administrative pass.

Change class quietly and be considerate of other students. Keep halls open to traffic at all times.

Walk on the right. Do not block the traffic by sitting or standing in the middle of the halls. Help keep your

school clean by discarding trash in cans provided.

Student dress is an important part of school life. In keeping with the educational goals of our

school, students are expected to look their best at all times, showing a sense of respect for themselves and

their school. Dress should never distract from school activities or prove a hazard to the student's safety or

to the safety of others.

1. Hats, caps, and other head coverings are not to be worn in the school building. No hair paint or

coloring of ornate nature.

2. See-through clothing, tank tops, or clothes revealing the midriff, stomach, back, chest, or

shoulders are not permitted.

3. All shirts (tops), possessions, and school supplies will contain no slogans, phrases, mottos,

pictures, or messages of any kind (with the exception of Warren County School logos). This

includes, but is not limited to wrestling, rock bands, professional sports, South Park, etc. All tops

can be either crew neck (like a T-shirt) or with a collar. Shirts must have sleeves (no sleeveless

tops). Additionally, shirts must be long enough to tuck into pants. No midriff or stomach

exposure. What IS allowed: Manufacturers' logos, emblems, and brand names such as Nike,

Arizona, Gap, Old Navy, Tommy, etc., may be displayed on the outside of the shirt. Students

may wear any Warren County School System or middle school item as well as shirts

representing college and university teams. All tops can be either crew neck (like a T-shirt) or

with a collar.

4. Jeans with holes in them are not acceptable. Jeans and pants must not sag, bag, drag, or expose

undergarments. Pants must fit at the waist and in the length.

5. No shorts, skorts, or miniskirts. Any skirt or dress must be knee length. Girls are permitted to

wear capri pants, and boys are permitted to wear the equivalent - clamdiggers. No athletic shorts

of any length are permitted.

6. Students are not permitted to wear lounge pants/pajama bottoms to school.

7. Form-fitting clothing such as spandex or tights will not be permitted.

8. Shoes must be worn at all times.

9. Bandannas are prohibited (even on special dress-up days).

10. Clothing with galluses or suspenders must be fastened over the shoulders. Additionally, pants

with straps, chains, or other attachments are not permitted.

11. No chains.

12. Students will not wear cosmetics, or any clothing, or accessories to clothing in a manner or

fashion that will be distracting to the educational setting. This includes, but is not limited to,

such jewelry accessories as ?nose rings,? ?tongue rings,? or ?eyebrow rings.?

13. Students are prohibited from wearing any type of clothing, apparel, or accessory that denotes

membership or affiliation with any gang or exclusive discriminatory group.

The student body will be advised of the dress code during the first few weeks of school. Students

will be given a grace period in which to understand and comply with the dress code. Once students have

had time to understand and adapt to the policy, appropriate measures will be taken to insure compliance of

the policy. ASI and suspensions will result if a student fails to comply with school rules.

The intent of the Dress Code of Warren County Middle School is to provide an atmosphere of

appropriateness, respect, safety, and positive image which is commensurate with a desirable school

environment. Any manner of school dress not promoting the above will be subject to review.

Students may transport books, paper, pencils, and school items to and from school in backpacks or

bookbags. When students arrive in their team area, they are to remove school items from their backpacks

or bookbags and store the bag or backpack in their locker until school dismissal. No backpacks or

bookbags in classrooms.

The Warren County Middle School adheres to the ?hands-off? policy. Mutual respect is our goal.

Due to the charges of sexual harassment as well as providing an atmosphere that promotes mutual respect,

all students will keep all hands and objects to themselves. Violation of this policy will lead to disciplinary

action. Parents may be required to come to school for a conference concerning this problem.

physical, or sexual aggression are not allowed. Any incidents should be reported to a counselor, teacher,

or principal. Confidentiality will be maintained. Incidents should be documented and investigated.

Sexual harassment activity toward any student by an employee or another student will not be

tolerated. Victims of sexual harassment shall report these conditions to the appropriate school official.

Confidentiality will be maintained and no reprisals or retaliation will occur as a result of good faith

reporting of charges of sexual harassment.

In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, all of the circumstances,

including the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred, will be

investigated. The Director of School shall be responsible for investigating all complaints of sexual

harassment.

Students reported for sexual harassment may face: conference with the principal to determine level

of understanding, counseling sessions, after-school instruction, or suspension from school.

It is the philosophy of Warren County Middle School that all students, parents, and school staff

work together to create a school environment that promotes academic excellence while providing a

physically and emotionally safe school. We strongly feel that all students can learn. Any inappropriate

behavior/conduct which might prevent a child from achieving his/her maximum potential must be dealt

with accordingly.

At Warren County Middle School, established disciplinary measures are used to correct

inappropriate behavior. Student conferences, parent conferences, counseling, conflict resolution, After-

School Instruction, In-School Suspension, and Suspension are some disciplinary measures which may be

taken.

The intent of any disciplinary action is to correct inappropriate behavior/conduct. If this does not

take place, alternative measures must be taken. For example, after a student receives any of the above

mentioned disciplinary actions several times, it must be assumed that the particular action is not effective;

thus, we will move to the next level of disciplinary progression from lesser to more severe consequences.

Inappropriate behavior/conduct will not be tolerated.

After-School Instruction (ASI) will be assigned to students by teachers or the principal whenever

students fail to follow school, team, or classroom rules. ASI will be assigned at least one day in advance

since students must stay after school two hours with a teacher who will supervise study, campus clean-up,

or assigned work.

Students will serve no more than three ASI's in a semester. After three ASI's have been served,

students will be assigned ISS, and a parent meeting with the team (and principal if needed) will be

scheduled. Chronic or continual disregard for rules or disruption of our academic environment will result

in a referral to the discipline board.

Consequences for nonattendance: Failure to attend ASI will result in assignment to ISS. It is the

parent's responsibility to provide transportation for his/her child after ASI. Please be prompt in picking up

your child from ASI. ASI ends at 5:00 p.m. on assigned dates.

Whenever students fail to carry out initial disciplinary assignments, commit reoccurring offenses,

or engage in extreme acts of misconduct, they may be assigned to In-House Suspension. In-House

Suspension is an alternative to sending children home from school. Students will be assigned to In-House

Suspension only by an administrator of Warren County Middle School for a specific amount of time. The

student will receive a letter to take home stating the offense and the specific arrangements of the In-House

program. Students will be counted present at school and will receive their assignments in a designated

room away from the normal routines and privileges of the traditional school day. A certified teacher will

be in charge of the program. Failure to complete this assignment will result in suspension from school.

The use or possession of tobacco products in any form on school premises and on school buses by

students shall be prohibited. To ?use? shall mean any holding of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, and inhaling

and exhaling of the smoke of tobacco, or any chewing or dipping of any tobacco product.

Students are prohibited from using any tobacco products on school property, school buses, or at

school-sponsored events.

Penalties for Violation:

First Offense

1. All offenders cited to Juvenile Court.

Students shall conduct themselves with disciplined respect for all school policies, personnel, and

property.

LANGUAGE -

Inappropriate, profane, or vulgar language will not be condoned. Students who engage in such

language face suspension.

FIGHTING -

Fighting will not be tolerated in any form. Students who fight may be subject to the Zero

Tolerance Policy, suspended from school, or placed in In-House Suspension.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS -

It is the policy of the school board that teachers/principals must report to the law enforcement

officials any student who is in possession of, or use of, drugs/alcohol on school property or at schoolsponsored

events. Because of potential concerns, bottles/resealable bottles are prohibited from being

brought onto campus.

Students possessing, using, or under the influence of drugs/alcohol will be immediately suspended

from school, turned over to law enforcement officials, and the parents notified. In addition, the matter will

be taken before the Disciplinary Board of the Warren County School System to determine additional

action to be taken, which may include expulsion for the remainder of the school year.

In order to insure a safe and secure learning environment, the following offenses will not be

tolerated:

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.

Dangerous weapons for the purposes of this policy shall include, but are not limited to, ?...any

firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, bowie knife, hawk bill knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot,

switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles...?

Violators of this section shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.

In accordance with state law, any student who brings or possesses 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.

In accordance with state law, any student who unlawfully possesses any drug including any

controlled substance or legend drug shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year. The

Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.

In accordance with state law, any student who commits battery or threatens battery upon any

teacher, principal, administrator, or any other employee of the school or school resource officer shall be

expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year. The Director of schools shall have the authority to

modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.

When it is determined that a student has violated this policy, the principal of the school shall notify

the students' parent or guardian and the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system as required by

law.

The disciplinary board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Director of schools in zero

tolerance appeals.

Students are not allowed to chew gum any place on campus. We insist on this policy because of

the damage done to the furniture, carpet, etc., as well as the lack of manners many times displayed by the

gum chewer. Although, in and of itself, gum chewing is not a serious offense, the teachers and

administration consider the disregard of a strict school rule an offense. Students who chew gum will be

disciplined.

Eating and drinking during class are disruptive to the learning process and cause a great amount of

work for our janitorial staff; therefore, students will not be allowed to eat in the classrooms. The only

exception to this is when a teacher or principal plans in advance for food to be used in a reward system,

such as a pizza party or popcorn/coke party for perfect attendance, etc. Other break times may be provided

on a regular basis with the designated areas set aside where students may have a snack. Access to vending

machines is limited to teacher granted, teacher supervised.

Students are not to possess white-out or permanent or dry markers personally! These items are

frequently misused or abused on school grounds. Use is restricted to teacher issued, teacher supervised.

Conflict is the stuff of life. As long as there are people who work, play, and live together, there

will always be conflict. Rather than have conflict act as a destructive force, it is critical that we educate

people, especially our children, to understand conflict and learn skills to deal with it creatively and

constructively.

A school-based mediation program will exist as an adjunct to a total school conflict resolution

program. Conflict resolution skills will be taught to all students as a preventative educational program.

There are many skills and strategies for resolving conflict before mediation. Mediation is a method of

resolving conflicts after other strategies have been tried.

Mediation is a process of resolving disputes and conflicts with the help of a neutral third-party, a

mediator, who facilitates the process. Mediation allows disputing parties to bring their problem to the

mediation table in order to cooperatively work out their differences. Mediation is nonjudgmental. The goal

is not to determine guilt or innocence, but rather to work out differences constructively.

Mediation is a new way to address old problems such as kids arguing, pushing, name-calling,

fighting. Sound familiar? It has been proven that more and more time is spent disciplining than in

teaching. We hope through mediation this problem will be solved.

Children understand and trust other children. They speak the same language and share common

concerns. Student mediators do not pose a threat to other students because they do not represent authority.

A student mediation program sends an important message to students. ?In our school we can talk over our

differences. We don't have to fight to get justice. Mediation allows us to attack the problem and not the

person.?

Disputes involving weapons, drugs, and physical/sexual abuse are not cases for mediation. Cases

involving stealing and fighting may or may not be considered for mediation, depending on the

circumstances and school board rules. It is important that these disputants have an opportunity to talk over

their actions and try to resolve their dispute fairly and constructively.

Students who agree to become mediators are told that the information revealed by disputants is

confidential, EXCEPT in cases that involve weapons, drugs, or abuse. Such cases will be referred to the

principal or principal's designee. Cases are not discussed with other students at any time.

If disputants fail to resolve their conflict, their case will be referred to the person who is in charge

of discipline.

Students and all personnel are not to have items delivered to them at school. All floral deliveries,

flowers, balloons, stuffed items, etc., must be made to your home address. These objects may NOT be

transported on the school bus.

School phones are for emergency use only, and students may only use the phone in their guidance

counselor's office. Emergency calls do NOT include forgotten lunch money, forgotten items, permission

to stay after school, or permission to go home with another student. Teachers, students, and parents are

expected to make arrangements for after-school activities or to cancel after-school activities in advance ?

not the day of an activity. If a student must call home due to illness, the counselor will make the call to the

parent. Beepers, paging devices, and cell phones are prohibited at WCMS.

those special needs and the appropriate responses at school and on the bus through an Action Plan.

This is intended to serve as an informational guideline in preventing the spread of communicable

diseases in the schools. Please refer to these guidelines throughout the school year. A student should be

kept home when the following symptoms persist:

? Temperature of 100 degrees or more

? A dry, hacking or productive cough

? Purulent (green, yellow, thick, or unusual) nasal or eye drainage

? Diarrhea

? Skin rashes or eruptions: such as scabies, chicken pox, or impetigo

? Complaints of earache, severe stomachache, sore throat, severe headache

? Red throat, swollen glands around jaw, ears, or neck

? Nausea and Vomiting

? Lethargy (general complaint of muscular aches and pain)

? Head or body lice must be treated with appropriate medication before returning to school

We want to encourage you not to send medications to be administered at school. But if that is

necessary, there are specific guidelines we must follow in order to comply with state law. You will find

these guidelines below.

Students required to take prescribed medication must have an ?Administration of Medication?

form completed and on file. This form is available from the school nurse or the guidance counselor and

MUST BE COMPLETED when medication is delivered to the principal's office by the parent or guardian

of the student. (Students do not complete the form or transport medication to school.) Medication will be

kept and given to the students at the designated time.

The school is not permitted to administer medication, including aspirin, Tylenol, etc., at the

student's request.

NOTE! Any student possessing, selling, giving, sharing, or misrepresenting any medication in any

form including, but not limited to any type of over-the-counter medication or health aide (such as

vitamins), will be subject to full prosecution under the Drug Free Schools Act.

No school official or teacher will routinely dispense medication to students except in unique

situations in which a child's health is dependent upon medical aid. If under exceptional circumstances a

child is required to take oral medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to

administer the medication, only the principal or the principal's designee will administer the medication in

compliance with the following regulations:

The medication must be delivered to the principal's office in person by the parent or guardian of

the student unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration (i.e.

students with asthma).

All prescription medications must be brought to school in the original container labeled by the

pharmacy to include the following information:

Nonprescription medication may be administered only with the written request and permission of a

parent or guardian. All nonprescription medication must be brought to school in the manufacturer's

container with ingredients of the product listed on the container and child's name affixed to the container.

The medication will be administered in accordance with label directions or written instructions from the

student's physician.

The administrator/designee will:

1. Inform appropriate school personnel of the medication being administered;

2. Keep an accurate record of the administration of the medication;

3. Keep all medication in a locked cabinet except medication retained by a student per physician's

order; and

4. Return unused prescription to the parent or guardian only.

The parent or guardian is responsible for informing the designated official of any change in the

student's health or change in medication.

A copy of this policy shall be provided to a parent or guardian upon receipt of a request for longterm

administration of medication.

Each student will be assigned a locker for personal use. Students may bring a combination lock if

they wish. Locks will not be issued at school. Students will not share their locker with anyone nor occupy

unassigned lockers. Lockers are school property and are subject to search. Locks are recommended. If

locks are used, an extra key or combination should be given to the homeroom teacher in order to handle

emergencies or expedite procedures.

students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons, or any

property which is not properly in possession of the student. (T.C.A. 49-6-4204, Public Chapter 636

(1994))

search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member, student, or other person, if such

action is reasonable to the principal. (T.C.A. 49-6-4205, Public Chapter 636 (1994))

Textbooks are issued by the teacher. All books are recorded by number by the teacher according to

the condition of the book. Lost or damaged books (including library books) MUST be paid for before

another textbook may be issued or before school records may be transferred to another school or before

grade cards can be released.

Students that owe money for textbooks, library books, pictures, or any school fund raiser will not

be permitted to participate in any extracurricular or school-wide activities.

The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Students should not bring large amounts

players, skateboards, rollerblades, baseball cards, cameras, or any other type of toy to school unless prior

approval has been given by the teachers. Possession of electronic pagers and cell phones is not allowed.

No items are to be brought to school to be sold unless they are items being sold by this school in a

fund-raising activity. No items may be sold for personal profit. All fund raiser will be cleared through the

administrative staff. In addition, no personal items are to be brought to school by students for the purpose

of trading, selling, or displaying.

Report cards are distributed at the end of each six weeks. If your child fails to bring home a card at

this time, you need to phone the teacher to ask why. A poor grade on your child's report card should alert

you to the fact that something has gone wrong. Our guidance office will be happy to assist in scheduling

conferences upon request. Please call 473-2672 for an appointment as classes will not be interrupted. Mid

six-weeks reports will also be sent from your child's team.

The grading scale is as follows:

A = 93-100 Outstanding Achievement

B = 85-92 Above Average

C = 75-84 Average

D = 70-74 Below Average

F = Below 70 Unacceptable Achievement

Parents are welcome at Warren County Middle School. We do ask, however, that all parents and

other visitors report to the visitor's center/attendance desk upon entering and should obtain a visitor's

pass. Parents and visitors should also sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving the building. We

think these precautions are necessary for the protection of our students.

Students should not bring friends or relatives to school to go to classes with them. This often

causes a disruption to the class. Our principal and assistant principals will be happy to meet with parents

whenever they have a concern. It is always wise to phone for an appointment ahead of time to insure a

prompt meeting time.

drug paraphernalia, or dangerous weapons. (T.C.A. 49-6-4204, Public Chapter 636 (1994))

All students will be issued a WCMS Handbook/Assignment Book. If lost, students must purchase

a replacement book through the office. Since this handbook will serve as a student's hall pass when

verified by his/her teacher, it is imperative that it not be lost. If it is lost, it must be replaced as soon as

possible.

Throughout the year, policies may be amended as the need arises.

Below is a list of characteristics which seventy-five percent (75%) of all children in the in-between

ages of twelve to fifteen exhibit during this difficult developmental stage. We want you to be familiar with

these so that when your child displays behaviors which are unlike his/her pre-adolescent self, you will be

somewhat comforted to know that these erratic and seemingly abnormal behaviors are really quite the

norm for this period of time.

? rapid growth in height and weight; poor muscular control

? awkwardness, restlessness; easily tired, but may not sleep

? appetite ranges from starvation to gorging

? nail biting, stammering, blushing, and frequent stomach upset

? at war with time (never begins soon enough)

? difficulty in concentrating so task completion is poor

? wants economic independence without showing responsibility

? sees criticism as a personal attack; poor sense of reality

? uses language (vulgarities, obscenities) to impress others

? ignores adult help in planning; wants to be left alone

? strong sense of loyalty to peers; conformity to peers

? frequent crushes; insecurity; extremes in dress/speech

? aggressive, argumentative, defiant, critical, daring

? feelings of persecution, moodiness, depression

? easily excitable, excessive talking, impulsive actions

? devaluation of parents' importance and parents' values

Please note that some children will exhibit NONE of these characteristics while others will exhibit

one or more. Remember that each child matures at his/her own unique pace.

The Warren County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion,

national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in provision of educational opportunities, programs,

activities, or employment opportunities and benefits.

In compliance with state and federal law, the Warren County School District will provide to each

protected student with a disability, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related

aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and

obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate

to the student's abilities. In order to qualify as a protected student with a disability, the child must be of

school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or

access to an aspect of the school program.

These services and protections for ?protected students who are disabled? are distinct from those

applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education

programs.

For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected

handicapped students, contact Linda Wilson or Joyce Dunlap at (931) 668-1728.

If you or someone you know is being neglected or abused, call the Department of Children

Services (473-1524) or Hotline number 1-877-237-0026. Your call will be confidential, but questions will

be asked concerning the name, age, and address of the possible neglect/abuse victim and facts about how

the person is being neglected/abused. Another choice would be to tell a school system employee

(principal, teacher, counselor, nurse, etc.).

A pamphlet called ?Parents Information Notice? has been produced to provide additional

information regarding national, state, and local guidelines. These pamphlets are available upon request

from the school or the System Administrative offices.

It is the intent of the Warren County School Board to see that the working conditions for school

system employees be safe and free from harassment. To that end, any employee who feels threatened,

harassed, or intimidated by a parent, guardian, student, or other member of the public while performing

duties for the school system, can direct the temporary removal or exclusion from the premises of any

person engaged in such inappropriate behavior. The school system employee shall immediately notify the

appropriate law enforcement authorities and the central office of the school system of the situation. Any

person threatening, harassing, or intimidating a school system employee shall be prosecuted to the full

extent of the law.