Index

Message From Principal

Dear Students,

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Cumberland Gap High School, we welcome you to the 2008– 2009 school year. With anticipation and excitement, we are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that a new school year presents. I assure you that my staff and myself will do everything in our power to help make this a rewarding year for you. I only ask that you apply yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. We hope that you will take pride in your work and in your school to help our staff make this a productive and rewarding year.

We have added some new courses to our curriculum to give you more opportunities to help prepare for the competitive job market. Whether your goal is to attend college after you graduate, attend a technical school, or immediately enter the job market, it is our goal and desire to assist you in every way possible.

It is important that you read this handbook and become familiar with the rules and regulations outlined so you understand your responsibilities and expectations of acceptable behavior. If you have any questions please feel free to ask my staff or myself. I look forward to an exciting year and I wish you the very best.

Sincerely,

Troy R. Poore, Principal
Cumberland Gap High School

Cumberland Gap High School
Student Handbook

Cumberland gap High School does not discriminate against race, color, national origin, sex or disability.

*Proper rules of conduct are expected at all times. Even though an item is not listed in the student handbook it does not prevent the student from disciplinary action.

Mission Statement:

The mission of Cumberland Gap High School, as a student centered, community based school, is to graduate productive, socially responsible citizens and lifelong learners through positive learning opportunities.

Administration / Faculty:

Administration
Mr. Troy Poore - Principal
Mr. DeLynn Cline - Assistant Principal
Mr. David Hamilton - Assistant Principal

CAPS Coordinator
Mr. Brian Hubbard

Guidance and Athletic Directors
Mrs. Melissa Douglas - Guidance Councelor
Ms. Starla Ray - Guidance Councelor
Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson - Guidance Councelor

English Department
Mrs. Mary Compton
Mrs. Emma Cox
Mrs. Shannon Graves
Mrs. Debra Jessie
Mrs. Kellie Little
Mrs. Alison Manning

Foreign Language Department
Mrs. Angela Brumbach
Mrs. Jean Ann Robertson

Math Department
Mr. Ronnie Bussell
Mr. Dennis Cline
Mrs. Mary Compton
Mr. Mike Crockett
Mrs. Charlotte Hopper

Science Department
Mr. Larry Anderson
Mrs. Alice Brooks
Ms. Tracy Brooks
Mr. Charles Sears
Mr. Greg Snyder

Social Studies Department
Mr. John Davis
Mr. Dennis Edwards
Mr. William Jesse
Mr. Rick Shipley

Special Education Department
Mr. Jim Heatherly
Mr. Brett Moore
Mr. Mark Noel
Mr. Neal Pucciarelli

Vocational Department
Mr. David Barnard
Mrs. Pam Baughcum
Mr. Wade Breeding
Mrs. Daphne Brooks
Mr. Brad Burkhart
Mr. Brian Hubbard
Ms. Donna Long
Mr. Bobby Pearman
Mr. Dan Pearman
Ms. Karyn Roney
Mr. Darin Sandifer

Wellness/Fine Arts/Drivers Ed./Library/Computer Lab
Mr. Bobby Gilbert
Mr. Shaun Jessie
Mr. Sherrill King
Ms. Patty Russell
Mrs. Linda Smiddy
Mr. Joe Wolfenbarger
Mrs. Linda Yonts

Claiborne County School Calendar 2008 - 2009

Bell Schedule:

Top Cat Incentive Program:

The purpose of this honors program is to instill pride in accomplishments, to promote academic effort, attendance, and character development. Students will have an opportunity to earn a black card, silver card, or black and silver card each semester.

Black Card: A black card will be awarded to students who have perfect attendance, 4.0 GPA for the semester. These students will receive a luncheon, student activity card pass, student discount card, certificate, and free admission to CGHS home athletic events (Does not include tournament or regional playoff games.)

Silver Card: A silver card will be awarded to students who have all A's & B's for the semester. These students will receive a certificate and a student discount card.

Black and Silver Card: A black and silver card will be awarded to students who have perfect attendance for the semester. These students will receive a certificate.

Unsafe School Choice Option

Students who attend persistently dangerous public schools or have been victims of a violent crime at school are allowed to transfer to a safer public school.

General Rules of Conduct

No chewing gum will be allowed in the school building.

No cards will be allowed in the classroom.

Tennessee Public Law #368 makes students and any area accessible to them subject to search in order to uncover dangerous weapons, drugs, and other prohibited items (including a search of the student's person). The search of lockers, cars, and school buses is also authorized. Metal detectors and trained dogs may also be used in making searches. The search law now applies to visitors on the campus as well as students. Any violation of this and/or vandalism must be reported to the proper officials.

Communication Devices - Students shall not posses personal communication devices, such as pagers and cell phones, while in the school building.

Grading System:

* Any student with an "F" for any six weeks will not be allowed to leave school early for any school sponsored activity (field trip, sports event, etc.)

Academic Progress Reports:

At the end of the third week of the six week grading period we will send home a progress report for each student in each particular class.

Graduation Requirements:

**Regular Diploma - All Classes**

Core Curriculum - 14 ½
     · English - 4
     · Math - 3
     · Science - 3
     · World History or Geography - 1
     · Economics -- ½
     · US Government -- ½
     · US History - 1
     · Wellness - 1
     · Computers -- ½
               University Path
                    · Foreign Language - 2 (Must be same Language)
                    · Fine Arts - 1
                    · Electives - 3½
               Technology Path
                    · Technology Cluster - 4
                    · Electives - 2½

Total Credits Required - 21

ACT Testing

ACT Testing Dates:
9-13-2008
10-25-2008
12-13-2008
2-7-2009
4-4-2009
6-13-2009

Attendance Policy:

In order to meet the requirements for promotion and/or graduation, a student in Claiborne County Schools shall have an approved record of attendance.

The parent/guardian of a student who has five (5) unexcused absences shall receive a letter from the school principal confirming the absences; also, the attendance officer shall receive the same information.

A letter shall be sent to the parent/guardian at the end of the next five (5) unexcused absences. Furthermore, on the tenth (10) unexcused absence, the parent/guardian and the student will be summoned to meet with the truancy board or to appear in juvenile court. Also, the student will not be allowed to leave early for any school sponsored activity (field trips, sports events, etc.) for the remainder of the school year.

The principal may require a doctors excuse at any time that absences (excused, unexcused or a combination of both) are determined by the principal to be excessive.

When a student is present and an assignment is made, he/she will be held responsible for that assignment on its due date. If the student is present when an assignment is made, but absent on the due date, the assignment will be due the day he/she returns to school. Makeup work will be provided for those students who miss assignments due to absences. The following conditions apply to the makeup work:
   • Make-up work will be on a day to day basis.
   •Homework will not be able to be made up for an unexcused days missed.
   • A zero (0) will be applied to any assignment not turned in when due, with due being       determined by the provisions listed above.
   • Makeup work will be given to students upon their return to school; students requesting       makeup work will not interrupt teachers   during class time. Instead, students should       inquire about makeup work before or after class.
   • Missed Test Due to Absence - If test was assigned prior to absence, test will be given first       day back to school, otherwise a day will be allowed for preparation.

The school will accept a doctors’ excuse only if it is received within two (2) days of the students return to school.

The following is a list of absences that will receive excuses:
   • The students’ personal illness verified by a parent/guardian or doctor.
   • Death in the family not to exceed three (3) school days.
   • Recognized religious holidays regularly attended by persons of that particular faith.
   • Absences excused by the principal prior to the occurrence.
   • School sponsored activities.

Late Arrival to School/Class:

Unexcused tardy to school or class will result in one (1) hour after school detention per offense. (3:00 - 4:00pm)   A student will have (3) days to perform the hour after school detention and if the hour is not performed the student will be suspended (1) day.

Student Driving:

Students who drive must be registered with the school and a current registration permit visible. The cost of registering a vehicle is $10.00. Student parking is limited to the student parking area and all registered vehicles will be issued a parking space. The following is a list of guidelines on the use of the parking lot.
   •Students may not park in faculty/staff, visitor designated area, or in any no parking zone.
   •Parking permits may not be used by or sold to another student.
   •If a vehicle is driven to school, which does not have a permit, you must pick up a temporary permit     from an administrator. If another vehicle is driven on a regular basis, the student will be required to     purchase a permit for that vehicle also.
   •Parking is at the student(s) own risk. Cumberland Gap High School assumes no liability for     damaged vehicles.
   •The speed limit on campus is 15 MPH. Excessive speed, reckless driving, running stop signs, and/or     squealing tires is prohibited and will result in immediate suspension of driving privileges.
    Parking a vehicle on school grounds entitles a designee of the principal to search that vehicle upon     reasonable suspicion that a school policy has been violated.

State Attendance and Drivers License Policy:

Any student fifteen (15) years of age or older who becomes academically deficient or deficient in attendance shall be reported to the Department of Safety for driver's license revocation.

A student shall be deemed academically deficient if he/she has not received passing grades in at least three (3) full subjects or their equivalency at the end of semester grading.

A student shall be deemed deficient in attendance when he/she drops out of school or has ten (10) consecutive or fifteen (15) days total unexcused absences during a single semester. Suspensions shall be considered as unexcused absences.

A copy of the notices sent to the Department of Safety by the attendance officer shall also be mailed to the student's parents/guardian.

Before/After School Hours:

Students who arrive at school early must stay in one of the following areas. Students are not permitted to leave school after arriving unless they have followed checkout procedures with the office.

Cafeteria

Lunch - Students are to remain in cafeteria during lunch.

Gym

Upon arrival to school, students must leave vehicles and proceed to the gym or cafeteria. Once a student arrives on campus, he or she cannot leave without proper authorization. The student cannot return to their vehicle until the school day has ended. Students who return to their vehicle during the school day will be subject to disciplinary action.

Students are to vacate the building in the afternoon by 3:45 p.m. unless they have prior teacher or administrator approval.

Students awaiting an afternoon bus must remain in the gym or breezeway areas. Other areas are off limits.

Alcohol and Drugs:

No student shall use or be under the influence of any narcotic, amphetamine, barbiturate, hallucinogenic drugs, marijuana, alcoholic drinks or intoxicant of any kind:
   • On school grounds and immediately before and after school hours.
   • On the school grounds at any time when the school is being used by any school group.
   • Off the school grounds at a school sponsored activity, function, or event.

No student shall sell, give, exchange, or transfer any substance listed above at any of the places listed in the same. Any student who violates this section shall be subject to discipline according to the zero tolerance policy.

Intoxication from overt abuse of prescribed drugs shall be considered in the same manner as intoxication from illegally obtained substances. However, directed use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a doctor and individually prescribed for the student, shall not be considered a violation. Students taking these as other medications must have parents to come in and (1) fill out permission/authorization for these medications to be given at school and (2) bring medications to the office and give to the appropriate personnel. Any alleged violations shall be reported to proper authorities.

Discipline:

The principal of any public school is authorized to suspend a pupil from attendance at such school for incidents described in this section except items under zero-tolerance which result in immediate suspension pending review by the school discipline committee and recommendations to the principal or to the school board for further actions, including its sponsored activities, or from riding a school bus, for good and sufficient reasons. Good and sufficient reasons for such suspensions may include, but shall not be limited to:

   1. Willful and persistent violation of the rules of the school or truancy.
   2. Immoral or disruptive conduct or vulgar or profane language.
   3. Violence or threatened violence against any personnel attending or assigned to any public school.
   4. Willful or malicious damage to real or personal property of said school, or the property of any         person attending or assigned to said school.
   5. Inciting, advising, or counseling of others to engage in any of the acts herein before enumerated .
   6. Marking, defacing, or destroying school property.
   7. Assaulting a principal or teacher with vulgar, obscene, or threatening language.
   8. Any other conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in any public school or at a school        sponsored activity.
   9. Hazing (to place someone in an embarrassing or humiliating situation by forcing them to        do menial or foolish task) ...... Order of action:
            1. Suspend up to 10 days depending on severity of incident.
            2. To be recommended to alternative school!
            3. Refer to school discipline committee for further action which could result in permanent                 expulsion.
   10. One on one fighting ...... Order of action:
            1. Suspend up to 10 days depending on severity of incident.
            2. To be recommended to alternative school!
            3. Refer to school discipline committee for further action which could result in permanent                 expulsion.
   11. Multiple attack ...... Order of action:
            1. Call law enforcement.
            2. Automatic suspension with review by school discipline committee.
            3. The school discipline committee acts or recommends further action to the school board                 which could include expulsion.
    12. Tobacco Policy
          Students shall not use or have in their possession tobacco products in any form on school           premises (school property begins at the gate) or on school buses during school hours. This also           includes any school event or activity.

TCA Section 6. 39-17-1505 B.
Any person who violates this section shall be issued a citation by a law enforcement officer who has evidence of the violation. The citation shall require the person to appear in Juvenile Court for the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred. At the time of issuance of the citation, the tobacco product shall be seized as contraband by the law enforcement officer or principal.

A violation of this section will impose a fine of not less than $10.00 nor more than $50.00. The Juvenile Court may also impose community service work.

Zero Tolerance:

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free from drugs, violence, and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than (1) one calendar year. The superintendent shall have the authority to modify this suspension on a case by case basis. Zero tolerance acts are as follows:
   1. Students who bring or possess a drug or dangerous weapon on a school bus, on to school       property, or to any school event or activity.
   2. Any student while on the bus, school property, or while in attending any school event or activity ...       Under the influence of a drug, or possess a drug or dangerous weapon, or committing battery on a       teacher or other employee of the school.

Student Dress Code:
1. All shirts and blouses must be long enough to go past the waistline to overlap the pants/shirt/shorts,     etc., covering the back, with no cutouts or see-through elements. No holes in pants above the knees.     If pockets are not mostly showing, the shirt must be tucked.
2. Pants, skirts, skorts, and shorts must be worn so that the waistband (top of pants) is above the hips     and the length is past the fingertips..
3. Clothing of a type, or worn in such a manner, so as to reveal undergarments or bare skin between     the upper chest and mid-thigh is not permitted.
4. Dresses must cover the back with no cutouts or see-through elements.
5. Sleeveless shirts, blouses and dresses must come up to the armpit.
6. No sleeveless Shirts.
7. Clothing must be worn appropriately (nothing inside out, nothing backwards, no one rolled up pant     leg, no unfastened bib overalls, etc.) and clothing must not be tight fitting, such as knit or spandex     bicycle/biker pants.
8. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing, headwear, jewelry, tattoos or other articles of     personal appearance that:
         · Depict profanity, obscenity, the use of weapons, or violence.
         · Promote the use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products.
         · Contain sexually suggestive messages.
         · Contain language or symbols that degrade gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnic             values.
         · Endanger health or safety.
9. Gang-related styles are prohibited. This includes any combination of clothing , which, upon guidance     of law enforcement agencies, is considered gang related. Due to changing trends of gang attire,     clothing, jewelry accessories, and grooming styles, restrictions may change as necessary.
10. Some examples of prohibited clothing include but are not limited to are:

11. The wearing of hats, caps, bandanas, or sunglasses is not allowed in school. Medical exceptions       will be considered by the administration.
12. There is to be no jewelry affixed to a student's nose, tongue, cheek, lip, or eyebrow. No visibly       pierced jewelry shall be worn except in the ears.
13. Non-jewelry chains that could be used to injure others, such as wallet chains, cannot be worn or       carried at school.
14. Transparent or mesh book bags are required if used. No duffle bags are allowed. Athletes are to       leave their team bags with coach or teacher upon arriving at school.
15. Shop and lab rules apply.

         · Exceptions to policy shall be given consideration when an authorized activity, such as athletics            or band, requires different attire. Other exceptions may be granted by the administration upon            request.
         · The school administration reserves the right to disapprove any items not addressed in this policy            but considered disruptive to the school. Decisions to disapprove items will be based on the goal            of providing a safe and disruptive free environment for the education of all students.
         · Principals will have the authority to suspend or waive restrictions of this policy for events such            as, but not limited to, proms, homecoming dances, or school sponsored activities aimed at            promoting school spirit.
         · Violation of the dress code will result in the following actions.

Damage to School Property:

Students who destroy or damage school property (including school buses) shall be responsible for the damages according to the value set by the school administration and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Announcements and Posters:

All posters/flyers/announcements to be displayed at Cumberland Gap High School must first be approved by an administrator.

The individual(s) posting the poster/announcements are responsible for removing them.

Non-school related announcements can only be posted on the bulletin boards.

Posters are not to be placed on plaster walls. Appropriate placement of approved posters should be on brick or block walls or on bulletin boards.

Students in Hall During Class Time:

No student shall be in the halls during class time unless they are sick or have an emergency. Students who are in the halls during class will be subject to disciplinary action.

Communication and Electronic Devices:

Personal communication devices - beepers, pagers, cell phones, CD players, or tape players will not be allowed on school grounds. Students who violate this policy will face disciplinary action. Confiscated items will be held until the last day of school or released to the parent or guardian.

Laser pointers and laser lights will not be allowed on school grounds. Students who violate this policy will face disciplinary action and the confiscated item(s) will be held until the last day of school or released to the parent or guardian.

Cell phones can and will be confiscated if the phone is turned on during the school day. Cell phones can be confiscated for up to two weeks.

Display of Affection:

Display of affection between students will be limited to hand holding. Students violating this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Military Information:

Parents have the right to request that their child’s name, address and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without prior written consent.

Transfer Students:

Admission of new/transfer students during the year.
• Parents/guardian and student conference with counselor and/or school administration required for application for admission.
• Students shall have the following:
     1. withdrawal papers (including grades, attendance, etc.)
     2. health records
     3. if applicable; special ed., IEP
• Applications for admission should indicate previous discipline incidences and incidences of legal action.
• A two (2) day waiting period will be allowed for:
     1. processing application
     2. developing schedule
     3. follow up with previous school
     4. verify change of residence within your attendance or transportation area.

Intra-county transfers:
1. For transfer in the county, proof of a change of residence or approval from the Department of     Education warranting a change of school.
2. Transfers during a semester without a change of residence will not be allowed until the end of     semester and then must have approval from the schools involved and the Department of Education.
3. Send all necessary records and attendance on computer to other school.

Lockers:

Each student will be assigned a locker and it is the student’s responsibility for all articles in lockers; therefore, the school will not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen articles. Students can rent a lock from the school but they will not be allowed to bring their own lock from home. Students who choose not to lock their locker should carry their valuable possessions with them. Students are not to place stickers or posters of any kind inside or outside of locker. Administration will check lockers at random.

Student Telephone Calls:

Except in emergencies, students will not be called from classes to answer a phone call. Messages may be taken from a parent or guardian only for delivery to a student. Students will not be allowed to use school phones unless approved by school administrator. A public telephone will be located in the hallway outside the gymnasium. Calls are not to be made during class time. Students may use the phones during lunch or between classes. Each call should be limited to two (2) minutes so other may use this privilege.

The State of Tennessee furnishes textbooks with the understanding that parents are responsible for loss or damage of the textbook. Textbooks are property of the Claiborne County Board of Education. Payment for lost textbooks is:

Age of Book ....................Reimbursement Amount
1 or 2 years .....................100 % of replacement cost
3 or 4 years .......................75 % of replacement cost
5 or more years ..................50 % of replacement cost

Students who lose a textbook will be required to pay the replacement cost plus shipping. Grade reports or transcripts will not be issued if lost books or fees are not cleared.

Vending Machines:

Drink and snack machines are placed in the building. The machines will remain on campus provided students are responsible in seeing that all trash is properly disposed of. The administration will discontinue this privilege if students fail in this responsibility. These machines are full service machines and this means the company that stocks these machines are in complete control of stocking and handling the money. The school is not responsible for any of this. All soft drinks and snack machines will only be available after third lunch.

    -Glass containers are not allowed on school grounds due to the safety hazard.
    -Candy sales are not permitted during the school day. An exception may be made by the principal.
    -No soliciting for any organization outside of the school on school grounds.

During Lunch:

Students will have lunch during a specified time. All food must be eaten in the cafeteria. Students are not allowed to check-out for lunch and return to school after lunch.

Visitors:

Parents are always welcome at Cumberland Gap High School. We ask that an appointment be made to see a teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator.

The school policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at the school.

All visitors must report to the main office first to receive a visitor’s pass.

Visitors will not be issued a pass unless they are approved by one of the administrators.

An administrator may refuse to issue a visitor’s pass anytime they feel it is in the best interest of the school to do so.

Any person found on the school grounds without permission is trespassing and is subject to arrest by police authorities.

Athletics:

Cumberland Gap High School is a member of the TSSAA and follows all requirements set by the TSSAA.

Athletes must be in school all day on a game day. A doctor’s excuse or Principal’s approval must be presented for participation.

A student athlete who is suspended out of school will not be allowed to participate in any athletic activities.

Student athletes will not be allowed to participate in practice if the student was not in school that day.

An athlete who quits or is dismissed from a sport will not be allowed to begin another sport until the sport from which he/she quit/dismissed is concluded.

Each student athlete will be required to raise $100.00 for a athletic participation fee. There will be a fundraising program for all athletes to raise the fee.

Student Organizations and Sports:

**Clubs/Extracurricular Activities**
Band
Beta Club
BPA (Business Professionals of America)
Drama Club
FCCLA (Family Community and Career Leaders of America)
FFA Organization
HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America)
Junior Beta Club
Key Club
National Honors Society
Scholars Bowl
Skills USA
Spanish Club
TSA (Technology Students of America)

**Sports**
Baseball
Basketball
Bowling
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Dance
Football
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track
Volleyball

No Child Left Behind

Parents will receive notification if the district employs a teacher for a over four weeks who does not meet highly qualified requirements. Contact your child's teacher or principal for more information.

Qualifications of teacher and paraprofessionals who instruct their child can be reviewed at the school at the central office.

Parents have the right to request that their child's name, address, and phone number not be released to military recruited without prior written consent.

The district has a written parent involvement policy, IF you have not seen one and would like one, contact your school.

If a child were to become a victim of a violent crime, parents will receive written notification that their child has the right to transfer to another school within the district.

Parents of students in schools identified as unsafe are notified in writing of their rights.

If you need assistance with interpreting your child's Report card, T-Cap or Gateway scores, contact you school.

Tennessee Department of Education Contact Information

Tennessee Protection and Advocacy (TP&A) is on the Internet at http://www.tpainc.org/

416 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212

1-800-287-9636 (Toll free) or 615-298-1080
615-298-2471 (TTY) 615-298-2046 (FAX)

Tennessee Voices for Children is on the internet at: http://www.tnvoices.org/main.htm

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

http://mingus.kc.vanderbilt.edu/tdir/dbsearch.asp

On the Web page, select your count and the service you desire from the drop-down lists and click "Submit"

Tennessee Department of Education Contact Information

Answers to many questions and much helpful information may be obtained from the State Department of Education by calling 1-888-212-3162 or visiting http://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/index.htm

Legal Services Division
Division of Special Education, Tennessee Department of Education
710 James Robertson Parkway
Andrew Johnson Tower, 5th Floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0380
Phone: 615-741-2851
Fax: 615-253-5567 or 615-532-9412

West Tennessee Regional Resource Center
100 Berryhill Drive
Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: 731-421-5074
Fax: 731-421-5077

East Tennessee Regional Resource Center
2763 Island Home Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37290
Phone: 865-594-5691
Fax: 865-594-8909

Child Advocacy Group Contact Information

In addition to the state and local resources available to parents and children, there are many agencies and organizations that offer support, information, training, and help in advocating for persons with disabilities in Tennessee.

A few of these organizations are listed below:

The ARC of Tennessee is on the Internet at http://www.thearctn.org
44 Vintage Way, Suite 550
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-248-5878
Toll Free: 1-800-835-7077
Fax: 615-248-5879
Email: pcooper@thearctn.org

Support and Training for Exception Parents (STEP) is on the internet at: http://www.tnstep.org/
712 Professional Plaza
Greeneville, TN 37745