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Soldiers Memorial Middle School
2010- 2011
Home of the Blue Devils

1510 Legion Street
Tazewell, TN  37879
Telephone:  (423) 626-3531
Fax:  (423) 626-2151
Email:  soldiersmemorial@k12tn.net
School Web Address:  http://www.claibornecountyschools.com/smms

 

          Sandra K. Williams                                            Dr. Vickie Evans Welch
         Principal                                                     Assistant Principal

*WELCOME*

     This handbook is to provide you with the guidelines that are followed at Soldiers Memorial Middle School.  Every member of the staff is here to help you have a successful and enjoyable year.  Read this book carefully.  Each student is responsible for reading the following information, knowing the rules and guidelines, and sharing the content with his/her parents or legal guardian.
     Soldiers Memorial Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age or handicap in the provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits or any other activities educational or otherwise.

 

MISSION STATEMENT
     The mission of Soldiers Memorial Middle School as a shared community, transitional school is to promote resourceful, responsible, lifelong learners by providing a challenging and meaningful curriculum.

 

WHAT IS A MIDDLE SCHOOL?
     The middle school is an organizational pattern and concept designed to serve students in the intermediate grades -  fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades - giving consideration to the special developmental characteristics of this age group.
     Students will be placed in a class schedule as determined by scores earned on the TCAP Achievement tests administered during the previous school year.  Efforts are directed toward keeping the instructional program flexible, emphasizing creative learning, and providing a climate that encourages independent study on the part of the student.  Reading and Math skills are emphasized in the instructional program, and the skills of the elementary school are strengthened and extended in the middle school curriculum.
     Opportunities are provided in the specialized instructional areas for preparing students for departmentalization in the high school.  The following is a brief outline of the program:

ACADEMIC: Reading, Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Algebra, Literature                    

ENRICHMENT: Physical Education, Library, Computer Education, Band, Health and Wellness, School Clubs

Each of the instructional areas embraces, in the materials and teaching procedures, instruction in:  study and work habits, library skills, independent study, thrift, conservation, health, citizenship, and the development of character and morality.  Provision is made for the development of ideas of group and individual behavior; and to this end, physical education, intramural sports and games, and other organized student activities are directed.

SCHOOL WEBSITE
     Our school website is www.claibornecountyschools.com/smms.

  1. Teacher Assignment Web Sites
  2. General Information
  3. Daily Cafeteria Menu
  4. Current Events

GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL DAY
7:00  AM     Students arriving are to report to the cafeteria and remain there until 7:30 AM
                    (All students must be dropped off at the front door only.  Students are not
                    allowed to enter at gym doors, lobby of gym, side doors, etc.).
7:30  AM     Students report to first period class.
8:00  AM     School day begins.
Lunch          11:15 AM - 12:45 PM.  A 25-minute lunch period will be assigned for each
                    student during this time.
2:55  PM      Call for 1st bus load students who ride buses, walk, or have early private 
                     transportation.
                    Walkers are to leave the building and not return unless supervised by a
                     member of the faculty.  Early private transportation students must be picked
                     up ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD SIDE OF THE BUILDING.  No
                     motorcycles or motorbikes will be permitted at school.  All walkers must
                     bring a note to school from parent(s) giving them permission to walk.
3:05  PM      Call for 2nd bus loads and late private transportation (after 3:00 PM).
                     Students who ride 2nd bus loads or have private transportation are to report to
                     the cafeteria and remain there until transportation arrives.  Late private
                     transportation must be done at the front of the building.
3:30  PM      Students who have private transportation must be picked up at this time.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Materials that are not necessary for learning purposes or school activities should not be brought to school.  (Examples: knives, radios, ipods, portable cd players, tape recorders, matches, toys, pets, hats, hazardous items, etc.) Careful and thoughtful use of school equipment and materials is expected of every student. You are expected to show courtesy in your classes, assemblies, and other activities. In the cafeteria, you are responsible for maintaining careful table manners and behavior.Good sportsmanship, good  manners, cooperative attitude, and desirable personal habits are your contribution to your school’s fine reputation. You are not to leave the school grounds without written permission from the  principal’s office.  This written permission should be given to your Advisor before leaving. There will be no smoking on school property. Insolence or disrespect of any kind is considered sufficient cause for disciplinary action. Inappropriate reading material should not be brought to school. All students who participate in fund-raising activities for the school are responsible for turning in money or returning the sale items.  If the sale items are lost or stolen, it is the responsibility of the student to pay for such items. We expect each student at Soldiers Memorial Middle School to observe all safety rules for himself/herself and for the safety of others.  Please observe all such rules in the building and on the playground.  Common sense should prevail. Walking in the halls is the rule. After any scheduled in-school event, students are expected to follow their regular schedules.  This means students will go to classes even though the class time may be shortened by the activity. The chewing of gum will not be permitted.

CELL PHONES
Students may possess personal communication devices, such as cell phones, while on school property, however, the personal communication devices must be in the off mode and be kept in a backpack, purse, or similar personal carry-all and may not be used during school hours. The principal and his/her designee may grant a student permission to use a personal communication device at his/her discretion. A device used outside these parameters shall result in confiscation of the device until such time as it may be released to the student's parent or guardian. A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

The first offense will result in the confiscation of phone to be returned at the end of the school day.

The second offense will result in confiscation of the phone to be picked up by parents and phone not permitted back on school property.

The fourth offense will result in a 3 day suspension.

The fifth offense will result in another 3 day suspension.

The sixth offense will result in petitioning to court for unruly behavior (repeatedly disobeying school rules).

Use of the phone in an improper or illegal manner on school grounds such as (but not limited to), threatening texts or inappropriate pictures or videos, will result in the notification of the legal authorities.

Use of cameras on personal communication devises is strictly prohibited on school property or at school functions. A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

Use of cameras on personal communication devices is strictly prohibited on school property or at school functions.  A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Personal electronic devices such as CD players, Ipods, or MP3 players may be stored in backpacks, purses, or personal carry-alls.  However, the use the devices during school hours are strictly forbidden.  Use or improper storage of the personal electronic device will result in confiscation of the device 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.

Claiborne County
Bullying/Intimidation Policy

     Students shall be provided a safe learning environment.  It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to bully, intimidate or create a hostile educational environment for another student.  Bullying and intimidation are defined as either physically harming a student or damaging his/her property, or knowingly placing the student in reasonable fear of such, or creating a hostile educational environment.  The policy addresses conduct taking place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation, or at any official school bus stop immediately before boarding and immediately following deboarding.

     Alleged victims of the above-referenced offenses shall report these incidents immediately to a teacher, counselor, or building administrator.  Any allegations shall be fully investigated by the discipline committee.

     The privacy and anonymity of all parties and witnesses to complaints will be respected.  However, because an individual’s need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to cooperate with police investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough investigation, or to take necessary action to resolve a complaint, the identity or parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a need to know.

     Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of bullying and intimidation.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
CLAIBORNE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

          The following policies have been adopted in order to comply with state law.  This is to ensure a safe and secure learning environment in Claiborne County schools that is free of drugs and alcohol, drug paraphernalia, violence and dangerous weapons.  Swift, certain, and severe disciplinary action will be imposed to students who endanger the learning environments.

I.   Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
     In an effort to ensure a safe environment for students and employees, all persons        are prohibited from possession or use of any weapon and use of any object as a weapon  on school grounds, in school buildings or on school buses, before, during, after school, or at any school sponsored activity.  Examples of weapons or articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/to intimidate other persons include:  firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives, chains, etc. Any student who engages in these behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year.  The superintendent shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis.
     Use of any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict or threaten bodily harm and/or to intimidate, coerce or harass is prohibited.  Examples are belts, pencils, compasses, scissors, replicas of weapons, etc.   Conduct of this nature is prohibited.
(Gun Free Schools Act of 1994, Section 1401(1)(2); Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1309; 18 U.S.C. 921).

II.   Drugs and Alcohol Possession, Use and Distribution
     Students who possess, use, purchase, exchange, or barter for, receive or offer to take receipt of, or negotiate to purchase or take delivery of drugs (including Marijuana) or alcohol, or a substance similar to or thought to be such substance, or drug paraphernalia (including  electronic devices) shall be EXPELLED for not less than one (1)  calendar year.  (Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-417; Tenn. Code Ann.  49-06-4214; Tenn. Code Ann. 49-6-4216).

     Students expelled under the zero tolerance policies set forth above  shall not transfer to another school in the Claiborne County School System,  nor shall the Claiborne County School System accept a student expelled under the zero tolerance policies of another school system.

CLAIBORNE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY POLICY

          The Legislature for the State of Tennessee has adopted a “School Security Act” to

regulate and control security on public school property:

          WHEREAS, it was the intent of the general assembly in enacting this legislation to

secure a safe environment in which the education of the students of Tennessee may

occur, and

          WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Board of Education for Claiborne County,

Tennessee, to secure a safe environment in which the education of the students of

Claiborne County may occur; and

          WHEREAS, the Board of Education recognizes the position of the schools in

loco parentis and the responsibility this places on principals and teachers within each

school to secure order; and

          WHEREAS, the Claiborne County Board of Education desires to protect the

principals and teachers from harm and injury and to give full support including, legal and

other assistance for any assault upon an employee acting in the discharge of his or her

duties.

          NOW THEREFORE, the Claiborne County Board of Education hereby adopts the

following policy:

         As circumstances warrant, appropriate action will be taken by the Claiborne County

    Board of Education administrative staff or superintendent of schools.

         If any person is found to violate this policy, the principal of the school shall be

    authorized to refuse entry onto school grounds to persons who do not have legitimate

    business at the school and to request any unauthorized person or persons engaging in

    unacceptable conduct to leave the school grounds.

         The superintendent or designee is authorized to request assistance of law enforcement

    officers in cases of emergency and to seek prosecution to the full extent of the law when

    persons violate the provisions of the Board of Education policy regarding trespassing on

    school grounds, damage to school property, loitering, and disruptive activity.

         The Claiborne County Board of Education also encourages all principals and teachers

    to file a report with the appropriate law enforcement agency and request investigation by

    the appropriate law enforcement agency, including but not limited to the Claiborne

    County Sheriff’s Department and Attorney General.

         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the principals shall provide a copy of its policy to

    all parents and students at the beginning of each school year, beginning during school year 1997-1998. 

    SCHOOL PROPERTY DAMAGE

              Any student who is guilty of defacing, destroying, or injuring property (books, equipment, records, etc.), will be held responsible for the actual cost of replacing or repairing such materials or equipment, according to the current value of this property.  Students are responsible for books, locks, equipment, etc., assigned to them.  They are also responsible for damage they may inflict on other school property such as school buses, desks, buildings, windows, and lockers.  This conduct also includes after-school hours.

    ATTENDANCE

    1. Students are expected to be in attendance each school day.  The class roll will

    be checked at the beginning of each period.

    1. Parents are urged to schedule dental and medical appointments outside school

    hours, Parents must send a written request for dismissal to the school or call for the pupil in person.

    1. Every minute a student is not at school will be recorded on the computer as

    time missed from school toward absences.

           ABSENCES AND TARDINESS

     When absent from school, you will need a note from your parents or doctor  stating the reason for the absence.  The note is to be presented to the office upon your return to school.

    When absent or tardy, the student should present a note from the office to the first period teacher and to each teacher whose class he/she was absent from or
     tardy to.

      POLICY ON RETAINING STUDENTS

           In order to be promoted to the next grade, a student must have an overall end of year grade card average of 70.
      CURRICULUM
      Academic Subjects                                                               Related Arts Subjects
      Reading                                                                                    Computer Education
      Mathematics                                                                             Library
      Language Arts                                                                         Physical Education
      Science                                                                                    Band
      Integrated Social Studies                                                        Health and Wellness
      Spanish                                                                                   
      Algebra
      Literature

           Each academic subject (Reading, Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Integrated Social Studies, Spanish, Algebra, and Literature) counts as one subject.  In order to pass from one grade level to the next, a student must have an overall average of 70 or above on the yearly average grades.

      POLICY ON PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS
      Rules and Guidelines for Elementary Athletics

      ACCIDENTS
           In case of an injury which needs medical attention, an attempt will be made to contact the parent for advice.  If a parent cannot be reached, the student will be taken to the physician listed on the student’s identification card.  The school does not assume responsibility for payment of these bills.  In case of injury, a report will be filed in the school office by the teacher.

      APPEARANCE, DRESS, AND GROOMING
           The student and his/her parents must face up to the responsibilities of dressing appropriately for the occasion, with a high standard of personal cleanliness maintained at all times.  Cleanliness, neatness, and appropriateness will be stressed.  Some suitable type of footwear must be worn in school for safety and from a health point of view.  Extreme styles of dress and hairstyles are to be discouraged.  Teachers and administrators will have the prerogative to take appropriate action if some student persist in coming to school dressed in a way that is distracting and interfering with the learning process of their classmates.  Only rubber-soled shoes may be worn for gym classes. Dress code enforced by the Claiborne County Board of Education Policy.

      LIBRARY
           The library is a school facility open to everyone.  In addition to books, such items as tape recorders and filmstrip viewers are also available for use with permission.  Please observe the following rules in using this facility.

      1. Respect the rights of others to quiet study by not creating a disturbance.
      2. Respect books and equipment by handling them carefully.
      3. Observe rules governing use and checkout of materials.
      4. Return books on time.  Pay fines promptly if books are not returned on time.
      5. If books or other library materials are lost, they must be paid for by the one responsible.

      LOST AND FOUND
           All articles found will be placed in the office workroom.  Any student seeking a lost item may seek permission from the secretary to check in the lost and found box.  Please mark all of your articles for easy identification.

      TRANSPORTATION
      Previous to loading:

      1. Be on time at the designated school bust stop.
      2. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
      3. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before entering.
      4. Be careful in approaching bus stops.
      5. Do not move toward the bus at the school loading zone until it has been brought to a complete stop.

      While on the bus:

      1. Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times, after entering and until leaving the

      bus.

        • Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.
        • Remember that loud talking and laughter or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver’s attention and may result in a serious accident.
        • Treat bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your own home.  (Damage to seats, etc., must be paid for by the offender).
        • Bus riders should never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.
        • Books, lunches, or other articles should not be left on the bus.
        • Keep books, packages, coats, and all other objects out of the aisles.
        • Help look after the safety and comfort of small children.  Do not talk to the driver while the bus is in motion.
        • Do not throw anything out of the bus window.
        • Do not leave your seat while the bus is in motion.
        • Horseplay is not permitted in, around, or on the school bus.
        • Be courteous to fellow students, the driver, and the patrol officers or driver’s assistant at all times.
        • Be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing stop.
        • Remain in the bus during an emergency unless directed otherwise.

        After leaving the bus:

        1. Cross the road, after getting off the bus (at least ten(10) feet in front of the bus) but only after looking to be sure no traffic is approaching from the other direction.
          DO NOT WAIT AND GO BEHIND THE BUS.
        1. Be alert to the danger signal from the driver.
        2. The driver will not discharge riders at places other than the regular bus stop at home or at school unless by proper authorization from parents or school official.

        Educational trips:

        1. The above rules and regulations would apply to any trip under school sponsorship.
        2. Pupils shall respect the wishes of a competent chaperon appointed by the school.

        BUS REFERRALS
             Our first concern is for the safety of our students.  While riding the bus, students are expected to remain in their seats at all times.  Students are to refrain from doing anything that would distract the bus driver from focusing on driving.  Students who do not follow bus rules will receive bus referrals with the following consequences:
             1st Offense:   Warning to both the student and the student’s parents.
             2nd Offense:  3-Day Suspension from the bus.
             3rd Offense:   5-Day Suspension from the bus.
             4th Offense:   10-Day Suspension from the bus.
             5th Offense:   Suspended from the bus for the remainder of the year.

             Violent offenses result in all previous consequences becoming null and void.  Students will not be allowed to ride the bus for the remainder of the school year.

        REPORT CARDS
             The grading system set by the Claiborne County  Board of Education and used by this school is as follows:
             A -   93-100
             B -   85 - 92
             C -   75 - 84
             D -   70- 74
             F -    Any grade below 70
             P -    Pass   (Only Physical Education, Library, Computer Education and Health & Wellness)
             F -    Fail    (Only Physical Education, Library, Computer Education and Health & Wellness)

             Report cards are issued every six (6) weeks and must be signed by the parents and returned.  Grades received will represent the teachers’ evaluations of the progress made by the student.  The evaluations will emphasize scholastic achievement, but also worthwhile habits, attitudes, and skills necessary for the full development of the child.
             In no way is the report card intended to compare the work and experience of one student with that of others.
             A planned parent-teacher conference can be scheduled at the request of the parent or teacher.  Parents may call the school office to schedule a conference.
             Special reports are sometimes sent home between reporting times whenever progress or school behavior and attitude are not up to expectations.
             If questions should arise about grades, please contact the person concerned during school hours.

        TEXTBOOKS
             Basic textbooks are supplied without charge, and students are responsible for paying the cost of a replacement when books are lost or damaged.
             At the end of the school year, students are expected to turn in their books in reasonably good condition.  Students will be required to pay for damages such as broken bindings or covers, torn, defaced, or missing pages, lost books, etc.  If this is not taken care of, the student’s grade card will be held at the end of the year.

        FIRE DRILL REGULATIONS

        Teachers will explain fire drill procedures and exit routes from classrooms the first few days of school.

        1. The signal for a fire drill will be one continuous ringing.
        2. Students will form a line in single file behind the leader to go out the door.
        3. Monitors will close all windows.
        4. Students should walk, not run, in orderly fashion to exits.  If the assigned exit area is blocked, proceed to nearest exit.
        5. In case of an actual fire, teachers will direct students away from the fire area.
        6. If the fire alarm sounds during class-changing times or during dinner periods, students are to exit the building via the nearest exit.
        7. Students should wait until one long ring indicates all clear.  Then, they should reenter the building in an orderly manner.

        STUDY TIME
             Students who use their study time wisely will find less need to do large amounts of study at home.  The following rules will help you during study time.

        1. Plan your work and bring all necessary books and materials with you.
        2. Work alone during study periods unless your teacher permits group work.  Your activity should not disturb or distract other students.
        3. Sometimes, with proper permission, the library is available during study time for research, books, information, or just browsing. (Check library schedule).

        COURTESY
             “Please”, “Thank You,” and “Excuse Me” should be heard frequently at Soldiers Memorial Middle School.  Common acts of courtesy will make everyone’s day more pleasant.  Courtesy, of course, goes beyond words.  It includes respect for teachers and fellow students by your actions as well.  It includes respect for the building, furniture, and equipment; and it includes consideration of others’ rights.  Courtesy is contagious.

        INSURANCE
             School insurance will be available to each student.  Any student participating in any athletic event (football, basketball, cheerleading) must have school insurance.

        LOCKERS AND LOCKS
             Lockers will be assigned by Advisors to 7th and 8th grade students only.  Students are expected to keep this assigned locker throughout the year unless circumstances make it necessary for a change to be made.  Students are responsible for furnishing their own lock for their locker.  The responsibility for security of a student’s locker rests primarily with the student.  Please keep your locker neat and clean.  Sufficient time has been allotted in each student’s schedule for locker breaks.  STOPPING AT LOCKERS IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR BEING TARDY TO CLASS!

        USE OF TELEPHONE
             The telephone is for school business and is not for student use except in cases of emergency.  The student must obtain office and teacher permission before using the telephone and may use only the telephone in the front office or the nurse’s office.

        VISITORS
             Parents and other visitors are always welcome at Soldiers Memorial Middle School.  For the protection of students at Soldiers Memorial Middle School, we insist on the following:

        • All visitors must register at the office before visiting by identifying themselves and giving reasons for the visit.
        • Parent-Teacher conferences are encouraged; however, parents desiring a conference must call the school office for an appointment with a specific
          teacher at that teacher’s planning time.  (Soldiers Memorial Middle School’s telephone number is 423-626-3531).
        • Since school is a place to learn, younger brothers, sisters, and studentsregistered at other schools may be distracting to students of  S.M.M.S.
          These visits should be discouraged.

        WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL POLICY
             Students are to return all books assigned to them, including all textbooks, workbooks, library books, etc.  Students are to return all equipment issued to them (sports uniforms, etc.).  Students who cannot return these items must pay for them.  Students are to pay any money owed to S.M.M.S. (lunch charges, unreturned library books, picture money, etc.).  Students are to enroll at another school as soon as possible.  The new school will request the records of that student.  The records will be released if that student has paid all debts and returned all school property.

        STUDENT HANDBOOK
             Students will be issued a student handbook upon enrollment at S.M.M.S.  The student’s name will be written on the front of the handbook.  The student is responsible for keeping up with the handbook.  The handbook is to be taken to each class with the student.  This enables the student to write down assignments, projects due, test dates, upcoming events, etc.  In the event a student loses his/her handbook, the student may purchase a second one from the office.  The handbook will be issued upon payment.

        INFORMATION
             We realize it is impossible to answer all questions that you will have regarding the program at Soldiers Memorial Middle School and the general rules and regulations.  We hope that you will feel free to ask questions that we have not answered.  We are eagerly anticipating this school year, and with your cooperation and help, the program at Soldiers Memorial Middle School is an assured success.

        *DISCLAIMER: Condensed for the web. Please visit the front office for full Student Handbook.