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Shadowlawn Middle School
School Rules and Behavioral Guidelines
1. Students will report directly to homeroom upon arrival to school.
Bookstore needs,
breakfast, or office business should be attended to before going
to homeroom.
2. Hall passes are required whenever students are individually allowed
to leave class.
Students must always be in their assigned areas and should never
be out of class
during class time without the permission of the teacher.
3. Students will not leave school and the supervision of their teachers
until appropriately
dismissed unless a parent or guardian signs them out early through
the attendance office.
No student will be released to anyone other than parent(s) or legal
guardian.
4. Students are to be respectful to faculty, staff, and each other.
Defiance, insubordination,
fighting, violence, or threatened violence will not be tolerated.
5. Cooperation is expected. Students will not disrupt class with
excessive talking,
horseplay, or refusal to participate appropriately in classroom
activities.
6. Students are responsible for bringing a note following an absence
from school.
Students are responsible for getting makeup work from teachers.
7. Students will not write on, deface, or damage school property
in any way.
8. Students will not gamble at any time during the school day or
on school property (bus
included).
9. Students are not permitted to have tobacco, tobacco products,
lighters, matches,
weapons, weapon look-alikes, drugs, or medicines in their possession
at any time while
on school property.
10. Students may not have radios, CD players, MP3 players, video
games, cell phones,
or laser pointers, etc. on the bus or at school.
11. Materials not related to school work should not be brought to
school; if such items are
brought, they may be confiscated and will be returned only to parents.
12. Students may not sell any item or service to other students
while on school property.
13. Parent conferences are to be scheduled in advance through the
teacher or counselor.
Parents are not to go to the classroom unless they have checked
in at the main office.
14. Gang related activities - graffiti, hand signs, written or spoken
references to gang
affiliation - are not permitted in school.
Recent
CHANGES MADE BY SHELBY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
6214.1G A N
G S
Students are prohibited from engaging
in gang-like activities while on school property or at any school
sponsored event occurring off school property. As used herein, the
phrase “gang-like activities” shall mean any conduct
engaged in by a student:
1. On behalf of any gang;
2. To perpetuate the existence of any gang;
3. To effect the common purpose and design of any gang; or
4. To represent a gang affiliation, loyalty or membership in any
gang while on school grounds or while attending a school function.
Gang-like activities include but are not limited to, recruiting
students for membership in any gang and/or threatening or intimidating
students or employees in furtherance of the common purpose and design
of any gang. Gang-like activities include but are not limited to,
wearing, possessing, using, displaying, drawing and/or hand signing
gang signs and/or gang symbols while on school property or at any
school sponsored event occurring off school property. Students are
prohibited from wearing on school property or at school sponsored
event occurring off school property, clothing, apparel or accessories
which signify membership or affiliation with any gang.
“Gang” is defined as any organization, association or
group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having
as one of its activities the commission of criminal acts or acts
in violation of school rules, which has an identifiable name or
identifying sign or symbol, and whose members individually or collectively
engage in, or have engaged in criminal activities or activities
relating to the violation of school rules.
If a student or group of students engage in any activity that appears
to be gang-like as defined in this policy, the school Principal
shall investigate and consult with the Shelby County Schools Safety
& Security Specialist in determining whether or not the activity
observed is known to be associated with a particular gang.
In all cases, students shall be granted a hearing before the school
Principal, as defined in Policy 6202, and a student’s parent
or legal guardian may appeal any suspension or expulsion that exceeds
ten (10) days to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority, the Superintendent
of Schools, and ultimately to the Board of Education as prescribed
in Policy 6209.
In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, the Principal
shall consider whether the student’s gang-like activity was
intended to: (1) intimidate or threaten other students or school
employees; (2) encourage or recruit other students to join a gang;
(3) to fulfill a requirement of a particular gang; or (4) some other
purpose.
A violation of any portion of this policy is grounds for suspension
up to 180 days and/or expulsion from school.
Adopted: 05/31/07
DRESS CODE
POLICY – see Category “C”
DISCIPLINARY
SANCTIONS
Discipline
(Offenses and Penalties by Category)
The infractions
of school discipline in the Shelby County Schools listed below are
grouped into categories according to the seriousness of the offense.
This list is not intended to be exclusive or all inclusive.
All types of infractions may not be included; therefore, modifications
will be made, if necessary, at the discretion of the school principal.
In all instances, discretion or interpretation is left to the individual
school principal to modify penalties wherever extenuating circumstances
are determined to be present.
Category
A
1.
Assault on school personnel;
2.
Threatening bodily harm to school personnel;
3.
Sale of narcotics and or drugs;
4.
Possession of a pistol, gun, firearm, knife or any potentially lethal
weapon orexplosive
on school property or at a school-sponsored activity;
5.
Evidence of use or possession of narcotics (drugs), drug paraphernalia,
substances for huffing, and/or medical preparations without proper
medical authorization;
6.
Smoking and or the possession of tobacco products by students while
in or on school, properties or under school's jurisdiction during
school hours or while participating in a school-sponsored event;
7.
Evidence of drinking or possession of alcoholic beverages in school
or at a school sponsored activity;
8.
Gang activities;
9.
Malicious destruction of or damage to school property, including
electronic media;
10.
Stealing or misappropriation of school or personal property (regardless
of intent to return);
11.
Off-campus criminal behavior resulting in a felony charge, when
the behavior poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts
the educational process.
PENALTY
: SUSPENSION: NOTIFICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES;
POSSIBLE EXPULSION FROM SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS
Category
B
1.
Open or continued defiant attitude or willful disobedience toward
a member of school staff;
2.
Vulgar, profane or rude remarks to staff member or fellow student;
3.
Physical or verbal intimidation or threats to other students;
4.
Fighting in or on school property;
5.
Possession of mace or disabling sprays.
6.
Inciting, advising or counseling of others to engage in any acts
in Categories A or B;
7.
Inappropriate use of electronic media.
PENALTY:
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION, OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION, POSSIBLE EXPULSION
Category
C
1. Truancy;
2. Unauthorized absence from class;
3. Intentional disturbance of class, cafeteria
or school activities;
4. Leaving school grounds without permission;
5. Being in an unauthorized area without permission;
6. Tampering with grades or report cards;
7. Possession of lighters or matches;
8. Possession of, access to, and/or use of pagers,
portable phones or other electronic communication devices during
school hours without written permission of the principal;
9. Inciting, advising or counseling of others
to engage in any acts in Category C.
10. Dress code violation
PENALTY: PARENT-PRINCIPAL CONFERENCE, IN-SCHOOL
SUSPENSION, BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION
Multiple
infractions of any one or more of the offenses in Category C over
a period of time by a student may result in an out-of-school suspension
at the discretion of the school principal. Truancy violations will
result in a parent-principal conference and/or in-school suspension.
Repeated violations should be referred to Student Services for further
action. (Regulation #6207)
OUT OF SCHOOL
SUSPENSION PROCEDURE
P E N A
L T I E S
SUSPENSION
OF STUDENTS
Out-of School
Suspension (Procedure #6209)
9th-12th
Grade Students
When a student
is suspended out-of-school for ten (10) or fewer days, the student
shall receive a grade of zero for all class work, daily work, quizzes,
etc. for the period of time suspended.
Any single
assignment that carries a weight of fifteen percent (15%) or more
of the final quarter grade will be considered a major assignment
and the student may complete that work and have the grade earned
included in a calculation of the quarter grade.
Assignments
weighted less than fifteen percent (15%) will be counted as minor
assignments and zeros will be recorded during the period of suspension.
Each high
school shall adopt a Restorative Credit Program. By performing
pre-approved school or community service, first-time suspended students
earn the privilege of completing and receiving credit on make-up
work for their minor assignments. This option will be available
only to students serving their first suspension of a school year.
1.
When the student is readmitted, the administrator will include on
the readmit paperwork the above criteria/stipulations.
2.
The administrator will keep a record of the student’s school
or community service documentation.
3.
The administrator will notify the teacher of the student when the
student has completed the school or community
service.
4.
At that time, the teacher and student will develop a plan for the
student to complete and have counted as a grade his make-up work,
Make-up work will be completed in a timely manner, directed by the
teacher, and in accordance with the school’s general make-up
work procedure.
Alternative
School Placements
Alternative
School placements, when available, are provided to student assigned
Out-of School (OSS) suspensions that are longer than ten (10) days.
Grade average during enrollment in the Alternative School will result
in a 10% reduction of grade average during the initial 9-week grading
period of enrollment in the Alternative School.
Conduct
grades during any out-of-school-suspension
Conduct
grades earned during the grading period (first 9-week period of
an OSS) shall be:
In-School Suspension = N (for
conduct in classroom involved)
Out-of-School Suspension =
U
OUT-OF-SCHOOL
SUSPENSION 6TH-8TH GRADE STUDENTS
When a student
is suspended out-of-school, the student will be required to complete
all missed work within a specified time to be determined by the
principal at the time of re-admittance. The student’s
conduct grade for that grading period will be “U” for
the class the student was in at the time of the offense.
- Awards
-
- In order that students may be duly
recognized for outstanding achievements, awards will be presented
at various times during the year. Honor assemblies during the
last two weeks of school will recognize and award students for
achievements earned throughout the school year. Principal's Honor
Roll is recognized for "A's" in all subjects areas and "S" or
above in conduct. Faculty Honor Roll is recognized for "A's" and
"B's" in all academic areas with "S" or above in conduct in all
areas. Art, Music, and Physical Education must receive no less
than "B" in academic and conduct areas.
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- Conferences
-
Conferences are held for gaining parental
support in an effort to improve students' performance and for
promoting understanding between the school and the home in the
interest of the student. One may be scheduled any day during
a teacher's planning time. Please allow two days notification
for the teachers. Emergency conferences may be held on one day
notification. Impromptu conferences will not be held. Teachers'
responsibilities during school hours must focus on student's
needs. Two evenings a year, one each semester, are also set
aside for parent conferences.
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- Dances and Other Activities
-
During the year activities are provided
for students to enrich their educational and social experiences.
Students who have difficulty behaving during the school year
may be excluded from participating in these activities. One
dance will be held in the fall and one in the spring.
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- Dress Code
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- Shelby County Schools students are
expected to dress and appear in a manner that meets reasonable
standards of health, cleanliness, modesty and safety. It should
remain a matter of personal pride to maintain high standards of
neatness and appropriateness of dress and appearance so as to
reflect favorably upon yourself, your parents and Shelby County
Schools. All experiences during school years should be a part
of a student's preparation to take his/her place in society as
a mature and responsible individual.
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The responsibility for the appearance
of the students begins with parents and the students themselves.
Students' clothing, make-up and hair styles should reflect neatness,
cleanliness and self-respect so that the school is a desirable
place in which to promote learning and character development.
A student who is not attired appropriately or exhibits grooming
which is detrimental and/or distractive to the school environment
shall be asked to refrain from wearing the inappropriate attire
in the future or shall be required to make arrangements for
more suitable or appropriate dress. The principal shall make
the final determination.
ACCEPTABLE attire is set forth below:
NOTE: These are not all inclusive
* Pants of appropriate size and worn
at waist
* Belts must be worn if pants have
belt loops
* Shirts must be tucked into clothing
* Waist length sweaters and appropriate
sized light weight jackets can be worn inside school for warmth
as long as appropriate shirt is tucked underneath
UNACCEPTABLE attire is set forth below:
NOTE: These are not all inclusive
* Spandex shorts and shirts
* Shorts, skirts, dresses, or slits
in dresses more than 4 inches above the knee
* Tight tops, pants, or dresses
* Sleepwear/pajamas
* Barebacked or bare midriff tops,
shirts, or dresses
* Low cut apparel, tank tops, tube
tops, spaghetti straps, or fishnet mesh shirts
* Any transparent clothing
* Hats, hoods, and headgear may not
be worn in school building or where prohibited
* Shower shoes
* Sunglasses without appropriate
doctor's note and approval of principal
* Facial jewelry (includes tongue
piercing)
* Any clothing that advertises substances
that are illegal by law for minors or that depicts violence,
profanity or is sexually suggestive in nature, or promotes any
gang or gang activity or displays language or symbols that create
a disruptive environment
NOTE: Uniforms for spirit and athletic
groups must be consistent with student dress codes when worn
during the instructional day.
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- Emergencies
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School officials will not interrupt
classroom instruction to deliver a message to a student or to
call a student out of class except for emergencies. However,
in the case of an emergency, we will be glad to assist parents
in any way. If a student is injured during the school day, we
must have current emergency numbers for each student. Parents
are asked to please be sure to include the name and number of
two emergency friends on their child's enrollment card. If the
information given changes during the year, they are to call
the school office at 373-2654 and we will update as needed.
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- Grading Scale
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Academic Grading System
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| A |
93-100 |
| B |
85-92 |
| C |
75-84 |
| D |
70-74 |
| F |
Below 70 |
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- Homework
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Students will receive homework assignments
and are responsible for the completion of all assignments. Parents
are asked to please help their child by providing the time,
place, cooperation and encouragement needed to complete assignments.
"Lesson Line" is provided to give each student the opportunity
to check daily assignments.
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- Late Arrival
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A student coming to school late must
report to the attendance office with his/her parent stating
the reason for the tardy arrival. Students will be given an
admit slip to give to the teacher. After the third unexcused
tardy, a student will be subject to disciplinary action(s) to
be determined by an administrator.
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- Lockers
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Individual locker assignments are
made the first week of school. Lockers should be kept locked.
A student should not divulge the combination to another student
unless that student is assigned to share the locker. It is wise
to share your combination with your homeroom teacher for emergency
purposes.
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- Make-Up Work
The responsibility for make-up work
rests completely on the student. Students will be given one
day of time to make up work for each day of school missed for
excused absences. Students who are out more than three days
may call the office and work will be collected to be sent home.
Work will not be sent home for illnesses that require less than
three days absence. You may call the school office (901) 373-2654,
and request work be collected for you after the third day out,
work will be ready on the fourth day for parents to pick up
in the office.
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- Medications
If under exceptional circumstances
a child is required to receive medication during school hours
and the parents cannot be at school to administer the medication,
only the school nurse or the principal's designee will administer
the medication in compliance with the regulations listed in
the Shelby County policy and guidelines. Parents must bring
medications to the office and complete a permission form for
the administration of all prescription medicine. Medicine must
be in the original container. Students may not carry medication
on the buses. We do not give non-prescription medication to
students. Please take this before and after school. (Shelby
County Policy 6405).
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- Office Hours and Procedures
Office hours are from 6:40 AM until
3:00 PM. Parents arriving for conferences should report to the
office so that the secretarial staff can notify the teacher(s)
of their arrival.
- The secretaries in the main office
are available to assist you. The busiest times of the day in the
office are 6:40-7:45 AM and 2:00-2:30 PM. Please do not call during
these times if your concern can be addressed during less busy
times.
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- Personal Property
Coats, book bags, band instruments
and other articles of value should be labeled. It is best not
to bring anything of value, including large amounts of money,
to school. The school is not responsible for loss or damage
of personal property.
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- Progress Reports
Shelby County provides report cards
each nine weeks. Parents receive a report card in an envelope.
They are asked to keep the report card and sign and return the
report card envelope. In addition to the report cards, Shadowlawn
Middle sends interim reports at the midpoint of each nine weeks.
These forms must be signed and returned to the teacher who issued
them. Parents are entitled to know the status of their child's
progress. Parent conferences are one of the best methods of
reporting student progress.
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- Social Security Number
Each student is required by law, to
have a social security number. We must have this information
for each student enrolled at Shadowlawn Middle School.
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- Textbooks
Shelby County Schools provide textbooks
for our students. Each subject area textbook must be used for
five years. It is very important that each student take proper
measures to care for all textbooks. Textbooks must be covered.
Any damage to textbooks issued to the student will result in
a textbook fine. A textbook receipt form is filled out during
the first week of school. Each parent will be asked to sign
the receipt and send it back to school. If a student loses a
textbook, he/she will be required to pay for the first book
before a second book is issued.
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- Transportation Policies
The major purpose of school transportation
is to transport students who live more than one and a half (1
1/2 ) miles from school, to school and back in an efficient,safe,
and economical manner. All students will ride on the buses assigned
to their address. Students will not be permitted to ride on
any bus other than the one to which they are assigned, with
the exception of emergencies. Each student will be picked up
and dropped off at the same stop. Students will be given a list
of the bus rules during the first week of school. These rules
must be strictly observed to provide for the safe and time-efficient
transport of all of our students. Parents and/or guardians are
responsible for the supervision of students until such time
as the child boards the bus in the morning and after the child
leaves the bus at the end of the school day.(See Shelby County
Policies 3009 & 3012)
Truancy
Unauthorized absence from school is
considered truancy and will be treated as such. This includes
absence from any class, study hall, or activity during the school
day for which the student is scheduled. Disciplinary action
shall be taken in such cases beginning with notification of
parents and/or in school suspension. Continued violation may
lead to suspension from school with readmittance only through
the superintendent. (See Shelby County Policy 6110)
PTSA
Support your student(s) and school
by becoming an active participant in the Shadowlawn PTSA. Yearly
dues are only $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students.
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- PTSA Objectives:
- * To promote the welfare of children
and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
- * To raise the standards of home life.
- * To secure adequate laws for the
care and protection of children and youth.
- * To bring into closer relation, the
home and school, that parents may cooperate intelligently in the
highest
- advantages in physical, mental,
social, and spiritual education.
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Student Check Outs
When it is necessary to check a student
out during the school day, parents are asked to send a note
with their child that morning. The note should include the child's
full name, time of check out, and reason for check out. The
student will be given a dismissal slip to come to the office
at the designated time.
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- Car Rider Dismissal
Parents are asked to drop off and
pick up students from the designated car line area on the east
side of the campus, north of the gymnasium. Please pull around
the perimeter of the parking lot to load and unload. Staff members
are on duty to assist you and to provide for your child's safety.
Students should never be allowed to exit or enter a car from
Guy Road. This creates an unsafe situation for our children.
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- Walkers and Bike Rider Dismissal
Walkers and bike riders are asked
to exit the campus immediately at the beginning of dismissal.
Those students that must cross Shadowlawn Road must cross at
Guy Road. Crossing guards are available to provide both safe
and monitored crossing situations.
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