Policies & Procedures

SEMESTER EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY

Teachers will produce semester exams for all classes that do not include an End of Course exam. Students may earn an exemption from a semester exam through fulfillment of each of the the following:

No unexcused absences
Maximum 3 Excused Absences. This includes Parent Notes, Doctors Notes, and Pre-Arranged Absences
Maximum 4 Excused Absences for Students in the Bear Scholar Society
No In-School Suspension (ISS) discipline
No Out-of-School (OSS) discipline
No alternative school placement
ALL Neptune Navigate assignments COMPLETED
An average of 70 or above FOR THE SEMESTER in the selected class.

In any given semester, because of grade requirements, a student may be exempt from one exam and not another.

STUDENT ARRIVAL

Students should arrive on time to school each day. Upon arrival at school, students will immediately enter the building. Bus riders should move from the bus directly into the school without delay. Car drivers and any passengers should be prepared to leave their vehicles within 1-2 minutes of arrival. Parent drop off and pick up is at the rear of the school behind the gym/cafeteria. Students should not be dropped off at the front of the school before 8:00 am. No students should linger in cars or in any parking lot. Student drivers who are consistently tardy to school face the possibility of losing driving privileges.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND/OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES (SBP 6.312)

Students may possess personal communication devices and personal electronic devices so long as such devices are turned off and stored in backpacks, purses or personal carry-alls. Such devices include, but are not limited to, wearable technology such as eye glasses, rings, or watches that have the capability to record, live stream, or interact with wireless technology; cell phones; laptops; tablets; and mp3 players. Students may not wear wireless earbuds (AirPods, etc.) or headphones at any time inside the school. The principal or his/her designee may grant a student permission to use such a device at his/her discretion. Unauthorized use or improper storage of a device will result in confiscation until such time as it may be released to the student's parents or guardian. A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

TARDIES TO CLASS

The first time a student is tardy to class, the teacher will give a warning.

The 2nd time a student is tardy to class, the teacher will assign a punitive written assignment. Failure to complete the assignment will result in 1 day ISS.

The 3rd time a student is tardy to class he/she will receive 1 day ISS.

Further tardies will result in increasing days of ISS.

CUTTING CLASS

Students must be in their assigned location at all times during the school day.

The 1st offence of class cutting will result in 1 day ISS and the parent may be contacted.

The 2nd offence of class cutting will result in 2 days ISS and the parent will be contacted.

Additional instances of class cutting may result in out of school suspension

MONROE COUNTY STUDENT HANDBOOK

Attendance

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his/her designee. Excused absences shall include: Student illness with a doctor note, death in the family, court appearance, religious observances, college visits, other family emergencies may be excused at the discretion of the principal. Doctor and dentist notes should specify full or partial day. A full day will not be excused unless indicated in the note.

Parents should call the school if a student will miss 3 or more consecutive days. If a student will miss 10 or more consecutive days, they must apply for homebound or they will be unenrolled.

Students may have 3 days absent excused by a parent note per semester. All notes (parent, doctor, court,etc) must be turned in to the office within 3 days of the student’s return to school. Notes turned in after 3 days cannot be accepted and the absence will remain unexcused.

Attendance is considered to be 50% of the school day or more. Students must sign in at or before 11:17 a.m. to be considered tardy rather than absent. Signing in after 11:17 a.m. will be counted as a full day absence. Signing out early, before 11:17 a.m., will result in a full day absence. To receive a partial day, students must sign out after 11:17 a.m.

5 unexcused sign in or outs will count as an unexcused absence.

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 parents(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.

*Tellico Plains High School will create a 3 day contract for students who have 3 unexcused absences in the school year. This contract will serve as a warning that further unexcused absences will result in truancy actions by the director of schools/designee.

When a student reaches 6 excused absences with a medical note, a meeting will be required with the Supervisor of Attendance, Principal, school nurse, and the YSO.

Students absent no more than three (3) hours during the school year will be eligible for a perfect attendance certificate at the end of the school year

DRIVER’S LICENSE REVOCATION

More than ten (10) consecutive or fifteen (15) reported absences unexcused 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.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND/OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

In accordance with Tennessee House Bill 0932, students may not use personal communication devices or personal electronic devices during the school day. Such devices include, but are not limited to, wearable technology such as eyeglasses, rings, ear buds or watches that have the capability to record, live stream, or interact with wireless technology; cell phones; laptops; tablets; and mp3 players.

Unauthorized use or improper storage of a device will result in confiscation until such time as it may be released to the student's parents or guardian. A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

All devices must be powered off and stored in a backpack or purse from 7:55-2:45.

If a student does not carry a backpack or purse, the device must be turned in to the office no later than 7:55 and picked up at 2:45.

Violation of Electronic Devices Disciplinary Action

Administrative Committee Procedure

1st violation: The principal or designee will confiscate the device resulting in a warning and loss of phone privileges for the remainder of the day and parents/guardians may be notified. The device is to be picked up by the parent/guardian during school hours or released to the student at the end of the school day with principal discretion.

2nd violation: The principal or designee will confiscate the device resulting in loss of phone privileges for the remainder of the day and notify the parent/guardian. The device is to be picked up by the parent/guardian during school hours or released to the student at the end of the school day with principal discretion. The student shall also receive 2 days in-school suspension (ISS).

3rd violation: The principal or designee will confiscate the device resulting in loss of phone privileges for the remainder of the day and notify the parent/guardian. The device is to be picked up by the parent/guardian during school hours or released to the student at the end of the school day with principal discretion. The student shall also receive 3 days in-school suspension (ISS)

4th violation: The principal or designee will confiscate the devices resulting in loss of privileges for the remainder of the day and notify the parent/guardian. The device is to be picked up by the parent/guardian during school hours or released to the student at the end of the school day with principal discretion. The student shall also receive 1-3 days out-of-school suspension (OSS). 5th violation or more: The principal or designee will confiscate the devices resulting in loss of privileges for the remainder of the day and notify the parent/guardian. The device is to be picked up by the parent/guardian during school hours or released to the student at the end of the school day with principal discretion. The 5th violation or more can be considered flagrant with further disciplinary consequences (but not limited to): OSS, community service, after-school detention, etc.

*Refusal to turn a personal electronic device to the principal or designee after a violation of this policy may result in 1-3 days of out-of-school suspension (OSS).

DRESS CODE (SBP 6.310) Students in Grades 5 - 12

Students shall dress and groom in a clean, neat, and modest manner so as not to distract from student learning or interfere with the operation of school.

Failure to comply with the dress code of the Monroe County School System will result in disciplinary consequences.

Any apparel, dress or grooming that is disruptive of the education process will not be permitted. Examples of this include: professional wrestling, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, firearms, explosive weapons, physical violence against a person or persons, sexual content, death – or gang-related messages.

Clothing must not be sagging and no holes, rips, tears or cuts above the knee unless leggings or patches are worn (no skin showing).

No see-through clothing of any kind will be permitted.

Shoes must be worn at all times.

Students are to wear clothing in the manner in which it was intended to be worn.

No clothing shall be worn backward, inside out, suspenders undone, etc.

No head coverings, sunglasses, or gloves will be worn in the building during the instructional day. with the exception of wearing headscarves for medical or religious purposes.

No accessory that is studded, spiked, contains chains or metal tabs, or in any way presents potential danger or harm to self or others will be permitted.

Make-up, buttons, pins, jewelry or other accessories must not disrupt the educational process.

Hair should be well groomed.

Schools may develop special dress days at the discretion of the administration.

No article of clothing, apparel, jewelry, or tattoos may be worn which implies or otherwise mentions alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex, gangs, offensive language, harming of others, hatred, or any prejudice.

Clothing must not be see-through or revealing. Undergarments shall not be visible at any time.

Shirts / Pants / Shorts / Dresses

Shirts, blouses, and dresses shall be three (3) fingers in width on the shoulder. Shirts, blouses, dresses, and outerwear should not expose the midriff, or cleavage. Pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and sweatpants should not be sagging or baggy and undergarments should never be exposed. Skirts, dresses and shorts shall be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee. Ankle-length or capri, opaque leggings may be worn under tunics or blouses that are mid-thigh length. Pajamas are not allowed. No spandex will be allowed as outerwear.

Coats

Coats and hoodies must fit the criteria of shirts. Trench coats or long coats may not be worn in the school building during school hours.

Administrative Decision

The items specifically cited in this dress code should not be viewed as “all inclusive”. The administration may make decisions about items that are disruptive to the educational process and deal with those items accordingly.

For the full Monroe County Schools dress code, see pages 28-30 in the online handbook at monroe.k12.org.

STUDENT DRIVING

Driving to school is a privilege, not a right, and will be extended to students only when proper procedures are followed.

Students must fulfill the following requirements before being permitted to drive a car on campus:

A motorized vehicle registration contract must be on file in the office.
The student driver must have a valid driver’s license.
Proof of liability insurance must be on file in the office.
A current parking decal must be displayed on the vehicle at all times. The cost of the decal is $10.00. If the decal is lost or misplaced you must purchase a new one for $5.00.
Once a student is issued a parking sticker, he/she must park in the designated student parking area. Permits are non-transferable.
Parking stickers can be revoked and driving privileges suspended for any improper behavior such as parking in an undesignated parking area, reckless driving, failure to display a valid parking sticker, or tardies. At TPHS, students must leave their cars and enter the building within 1-2 minutes of arrival.
Students should exercise caution and practice safe driving at all times on campus.
Parents should pick up students in the designated areas. Buses will pick up students in the designated area.
Unauthorized vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

10.All cars are subject to search by the administration while on campus.

Parking permits will be sold during the first week of school and each class will have a designated day in which to purchase their permit. After this week, these permits will be sold before and after school. You must come to the office to purchase your permit.

TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOLS (SBP 1.803)

All uses of tobacco and tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including but not limited to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), Juuls or any vaping device and all other associated paraphernalia are prohibited in all of the school district's buildings and in all vehicles that are owned, leased or operated by the district. Smoking and vaping shall be prohibited in any public seating areas including, but not limited to, bleachers used for sporting events or public restrooms.

Any student who possesses tobacco products, ENDS or any associated paraphernalia shall be issued a citation by the school resource officer or law enforcement officer. The director of schools, in cooperation with the juvenile court and the local (police/sheriff's department), is responsible for developing procedures for issuance of the citations which shall include the form and content of citations and methods of handling completed citations.

Violation of Tobacco-Free Schools Policy

Administrative Committee Procedure

Violation of the Tobacco-Free Schools policy (smoking, vaping, smokeless tobacco, etc.) will result in the following discipline:

1st violation: Notification of the parent/guardian. The student shall also serve 3 days out-of-school suspension (OSS). (The student will also be referred to the school resource officer (SRO). The SRO shall issue a citation to attend court-ordered tobacco cessation/vape classes. This step is not administered or controlled by the school system but by the legal system.)

2nd violation: Notification of the parent/guardian. The student shall also serve 5 days out-of-school suspension (OSS).

3rd violation: Notification of the parent/guardian. The student shall also be remanded to the Monroe County Alternative School for 7 days.

4th violation: Notification of the parent/guardian. The student shall also be remanded to the Monroe County Alternative School for 9 days. (The SRO may file a court petition for the student. This step is not administered or controlled by the school system but by the legal system.)

Over the Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications requiring administration during school hours must comply with the same rules and regulations of prescription medications. K-12 Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc., taken during school hours will require written parental permission with a current Doctor’s order to be kept on file in the school-based clinic. All medications provided by the student must be brought to school in its original container and kept in the school clinic.

Administrative Policy

ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET

The internet offers many fascinating opportunities for gaining new information. Along with these opportunities, however, there is the potential for misuse, abuse, and access to inappropriate or potentially dangerous material. The Monroe County School District will make every effort to deny access to this material and students will be trained on the proper use of the internet; however, it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial material. Therefore, it is the user’s responsibility to abide by accepted rules of network etiquette. These include but are not limited to the following:

Be polite. Do not use abusive or obscene language when communicating with others.
Do not reveal personal information about yourself or others. This includes personal addresses, phone numbers, or credit card information. The internet is not secure and other users can access this information.
Do not use the internet to access inappropriate materials. This includes but is not limited to pornography, racism, sexism, unethical or illegal solicitation or materials, which could present danger to yourself or others.
Do not download copyrighted material or software.
The potential exists for downloading files which are infected with a virus. Prior to downloading files, seek permission from your teacher. After downloading a file, it should be scanned for viruses before use.

VIOLATION OF ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET AGREEMENT

Discipline for students in grades K-12 for misuse of school provided devices (computers, Chromebooks, etc.) and/or violation of the internet acceptable use rules including inappropriate online searches, etc. which result in an alert to school and/or district administrators includes:

Level 1:

Off task, inappropriate use of apps/educational programs Discipline: Warning and parent phone call

Level 2: Continued conduct from Level 1 (off task, inappropriate use of apps/educational programs) Discipline: Parent phone call and 1-3 days of ISS (in-school suspension) or 5 days LOP (loss of privileges)

Level 3:

Inappropriate online searches or sharing inappropriate materials (not egregious or explicit) Discipline: Parent phone call and 1-3 days OSS and/or Possible loss of Chromebook privileges

Level 4:

Egregious and/or explicit materials searched or shared which may or may not issue a PSS (Possible Student Situation) Gaggle alert Discipline: Notify the Director of Schools and may include notification of law enforcement

(District procedures)

RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) PROGRAMS (SBP 4.214)

Only approved AI programs may be utilized in student instruction or in completing student work. District technology staff are tasked with overseeing the implementation of AI programs. These staff members will review artificial intelligence programs to ensure compliance with district policies as well as state and federal student data privacy laws and present recommendations to the Director of Schools for approval.

Any approved programs shall be accessible to all students. Teachers may allow students to use approved AI programs for instructional purposes.Any such use shall align with approved instructional standards and curriculum.

Prior to using AI, teachers shall ensure students are provided with appropriate instruction on the responsible use of AI.

Academic Integrity

Students shall be instructed on responsible use standards including but not limited to the following:

Effective use of generative AI;
When it is appropriate to use AI in assignments;
How to determine whether AI responses are accurate;
Users assume responsibility for incorporating AI content responsibly; and
The difference between cheating and seeking support.

Notice to Parents Please see the approved list of AI programs used by Monroe County Schools on our district website: monroe.k12.tn.us

In addition to the policies in the Monroe County Schools Student Handbook, Tellico Plains High School has the following policies:

TELLICO PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL SEMESTER EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY

Teachers will produce semester exams for all classes that do not include an End of Course exam. SDC and DE classes will have their own final test and will not have a Semester Exam. Students may earn an exemption from a semester exam through fulfillment of each of the the following:

No unexcused absences in the semester
Maximum 3 Excused Absences. This includes Parent Notes, Doctors Notes, and Pre-Arranged Absences
Maximum 4 Excused Absences for Students in the Bear Scholar Society
No In-School Suspension (ISS) discipline in the semester
No Out-of-School (OSS) discipline in the semester
No alternative school placement in the semester
ALL Neptune Navigate assignments COMPLETED
An average of 70 or above FOR THE SEMESTER in the selected class.

STUDENT ARRIVAL

HALL PASSES

Students who are outside their class after the tardy bell has rung are expected to have a

hall pass. Such passes are to be issued by teachers or other authorized persons. Any

student who is out of class during class time without a hall pass will be considered

truant and will be dealt with accordingly. Students using the restroom must have a hall

pass. All students must sign out and in on the teacher hall pass log sheets. Except in

special circumstances, no more than one student is to be out of class at one time.

TARDIES TO CLASS

The first time a student is tardy to class, the teacher will issue a warning and keep a record of the warning. The 2nd time a student is tardy to class, the teacher will assign a punitive written assignment. Failure to complete the written assignment will result in 1 day ISS. The 3rd tardy to class will result in 1 day ISS. All further tardies will result in an increasing number of days of ISS.

CUTTING CLASS

Students must be in their assigned location at all times during the school day.

The 1st offence of class cutting will result in 1 day ISS and the parent may be contacted.

The 2nd offence of class cutting will result in 2 days ISS and the parent will be contacted.

Additional instances of class cutting may result in out of school suspension.

Being outside the cafeteria during your assigned lunch will be considered as being out of your assigned area and the discipline will be the same as cutting class. Students will not take their lunch out of the cafeteria. No eating in the gym, classrooms, restrooms, etc. will be allowed.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Public displays of affection(PDA) are not allowed on campus. From the time a student is dropped off by bus or car, arrives on campus in their own car, until they leave by bus or car, no PDA is allowed. PDA is handholding, hugging, kissing or any inappropriate touching. When in doubt, keep your hands to yourself. PDA’s may result in ISS or OSS.

For the complete Monroe County Schools student handbook, go to monroek12.org then resources, student resources, student policies.

Any questions, please feel to call the school!

423-253-2530