Welcome to Forks River Elementary School! This booklet has been prepared to help students and parents become acquainted with our policies and procedures. We ask that you and your parents read it carefully and keep it for easy reference during the school year.

On behalf of the entire staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you and your child to Forks River Elementary School. It is always exciting to begin another school year. My goal is for every student to have a safe, happy, and productive school year. Education is a joint effort between school and family. Working together; we will be able to reach this goal. 

It is an honor to be your child’s principal. Please feel free to call or schedule an appointment with me if you have any concerns. I am here to help you in any way that I can. 

Sincerely, 

Leslie M. Pope, Principal 

Dear Parent/Guardian: 

We ask that you review the Student Handbook with your child. Please complete the information below after your review. 

My child, __________________________________________, and I have reviewed, understand, and agree to attend school daily under the conditions of this Student Handbook. 

Student Signature 

Parent/Guardian Signature 

Date

The mission of Forks River School is to provide a safe, encouraging, and caring climate that creates a foundation for lifelong learning for all students to accomplish their highest level of academic achievement and character development each day by Focusing on Reaching for Success.

Forks River School, in partnership with its community and parents, will develop students who have a learner’s heart, are honorable in speech and conduct, and effective citizens with compassion for our world.

FRS feels that a quality education should be provided to ALL students. During the process of developing our beliefs, we utilized research-based information and data to drive decisions and promote the use of the shared decision making process. We hold high expectations for all students. The beliefs align policies and procedures to maintain a focus on achieving the goals for student learning. Finally, we strive to achieve proficiency and beyond for all students linking together our beliefs, mission, and vision. 

• We believe that all students, as a faculty and staff, should enjoy a learning environment that is free from violence and hazardous situations while also fostering collaboration among staff and stakeholders promoting a high performance learning culture. 

• We believe that instruction should utilize research-based information and data to drive decisions to include activities that involve students in social, emotional, spiritual, and physical growth while offering a wide variety of extracurricular activities. 

• We believe students should apply their abilities to every learning situation and that we, as educators, should provide every tool and resource available to assess the most positive and productive result. 

• We believe that the school is, first and foremost, established to provide opportunities for the growth and development of the students’ self-esteem, self-confidence, decision making ability, and integrity as they become citizens of our communities. 

• We believe a child’s education is the joint responsibility of the school, the family, and the community to enforce all policies and procedures in a fair and productive way while effectively communicating both internally and externally with all parties involved. 

• We hold high expectations for all students on a daily basis in all areas of the curriculum and extracurricular activities providing a clear purpose and direction for student success. 

The Smith County School Board and the State of Tennessee believe that regular attendance in school accompanied by the responsibility to study and participate in school activities is essential to the learning process. Students are expected to arrive at school promptly each day. 

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal; where applicable. Excused absences shall include: 

1. Personal illness (a doctor's statement is preferred). 

2. Illness of immediate family. 

3. Death in the family. 

4. Subpoenaed court appearance.

A student shall be required to have a note from the parent stating the reason for the absence. Each student is allowed only 5 parent notes per school year. The student is unexcused until a note has been presented at school after any absence, a note from parents or a doctor MUST be sent to school OR the absence will be unexcused. On the first day back to school, the student must check in at the office with his/her note. All absences on the computer attendance program shall be either: 

E Excused

U Unexcused 

S Suspended 

Students participating in school sponsored activities, whether on or off campus, shall not be counted absent. In order to qualify as "school sponsored," the activity must be school planned, school directed, and teacher supervised. 

After any five (5) unexcused absences during the year, including suspensions, the student’s name will appear on a truant list printed by the Board of Education. Not sending a note will result in an unexcused absence regardless for the reason of the student’s absence. The student along with the parent/guardian will then be required to appear before the Truancy Board at the appointed time. The student’s attendance will be monitored for the remainder of that school year and the next year. If a student receives any future unexcused absences after appearing before the truancy board, further action may be taken. Any administrative decision regarding attendance may be appealed initially to the superintendent and ultimately to the Board. The appeal shall be made in writing to the superintendent within five (5) days following the action or the report of action, whichever is later. 

Any student not in their classroom at the 8:00 a.m. bell will be sent to the office to sign in. To be excused, students must provide a doctor’s note or provide circumstances in which the student has no control per principal discretion. Any student leaving before dismissal at 2:45 p.m. must provide the office with a doctor’s statement the following day to be excused. (Principal discretion) After receiving a total of 4 unexcused tardies or early checkouts, the student will receive detention. Any student leaving school must check out from the office. All parents should check in at the office before their child is excused. Please do not interrupt the student’s class. Someone will call for them to come to the office. Parents will be asked to fill out permission forms designating whom they allow to pick up their child. Only persons whose names appear on this form will sign out that child. 

EXCUSED ABSENCES – the student must make arrangements for make-up work immediately upon returning to school. All make-up work will be completed within three (3) days of the student’s return to school. If a student fails to complete the make-up work in the time required, a zero will be earned for the make-up work. The above arrangements will be made so that class time is not taken from other students. 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES – A student will be allowed to make-up his/her work for unexcused absences; however, a grade of zero will be given for assignments on the day of the absence. Suspended days are unexcused absences and make-up work will be given for the student to complete. 

All visitors must check in with the principal before proceeding into the building. All students arriving before 8:00 a.m. are to go directly to the gym. Students are not allowed in any other part of the building without permission of a teacher or staff member. When dropping off students, let them out as quickly as possible to prevent traffic backup. If you need to come in the building, please park on the left side of the parking lot by the sign or in the lined parking spaces. Please do not block the drop-off/bus lane. 

Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are to go to the office to sign in. In the afternoon, please wait in your car in the pick-up line in the front of the building. Your child will be brought to you. Please pull as far forward as possible in the car line to help keep the traffic under control. Do not block the driveway by leaving an unattended vehicle in the drop off lane. 

Homework is assigned by each teacher at his/her discretion and can be counted as a part of your child’s grade. 

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 0-59

Daily grades count two thirds and test grades count one third. 

Any student in grades 5-8 will be exempt from final exams if they meet the following criteria:

Final Grade Attendance Requirement

95-100 No more than 5 absences

90-94 No more than 4 absences

85-89 No more than 3 absences

80-84 No more than 2 absences

75-79 No more than 1 absence

70-74 No absences

The final exam will count as a test grade in the last 9 weeks of school.  If a student is not exempt from final exams, they will be required to take the assessment before promotion to the next grade.

• Principal’s List students consist of those students who have an average of 80-89 for the grading period.  

• Honor roll students will be determined by having an overall average of 90-100 for any one nine week period.  

• Perfect attendance is granted to those students who have no absences.

• Students who are tardy still qualify for perfect attendance.  

Students who meet these standards, and who do not request otherwise, will have their names submitted to the principal for release to the news media.

All Forks River School students in grades pre-k through 8th grade will receive a report card at the end of each nine weeks grading period. This report card shows the grades that the student has earned. The report card should be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school as soon as possible.

The school will make every attempt to provide an educational opportunity in which each child can make progress. In cases where progress is not evident, the guiding philosophy shall be as follows. Students will be retained only when it is in their best interest as determined by the principal and teacher.

Textbooks are furnished to your child by the school system on a loan basis and should be treated as borrowed property. Students must pay for the loss or abuse of textbooks

FRS does not have a formal Parent Teacher Organization. However, all parents and community members are encouraged to be a part of our school community. Parents are encouraged to attend school events, support fundraisers, and volunteer for numerous activities during the school year.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are held in the fall of each year. We also welcome your requests for conferences. It is very important that you know what is going on with your child at school.

Physical Education is an integral part of the instructional program and is required as part of the State curriculum. All children will be required to participate regularly unless a doctor’s excuse is presented. In addition, teachers schedule play times for their class.

Each staff member at FRS accepts responsibility for the maintenance of discipline and for the promotion of a program for the development of wholesome human relations. A student’s behavior should conform to acceptable standards of conduct as established by the school board, principal, and teachers. 

The staff requests parental support in helping maintain appropriate conduct in the school. Children’s behavior should reflect self-respect and consideration for the rights, feelings, and property of others. Please remember it is for the safety of your child and the other children that we must have expectations for the students’ behavior.

BEHAVIORS: LEVEL I 

This level includes minor misbehavior on the part of the student which impedes orderly classroom guidelines or interferes with the orderly operation of the school but which can usually be handled by an individual staff member. 

Examples (not an exclusive listing) 

• Classroom disturbances 

• Classroom tardiness 

• Cheating and lying 

• Abusive language 

• Failure to do assignments or carry out directions 

• Wearing, while on the grounds of a public school during the regular school day, clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts the learning environment

• Victimization of any student (harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious), bullying, cyber-bullying, and/or hazing) 

Disciplinary Procedures 

• The staff member intervenes immediately. 

• The staff member determines what offense was committed and its severity. 

• The staff member determines who committed the offense and if he/she understands the 

nature of the offense. 

• The staff member employs appropriate disciplinary options. 

• The record of the offense and disciplinary action shall be maintained by the staff 

member. 

Disciplinary Options 

• Verbal reprimand 

• Special assignment 

• Restricting activities 

• Counseling 

• Withdrawal of privileges 

• Issuance of demerits 

• Strict supervised study 

• Detention 

• Corporal punishment 

• In-school suspension 

• Trauma-informed practices such as awareness of behavioral patterns, mental health supports, restorative practices, RTI2B, multi-tiered system of supports, and behavior intervention plans 

MISBEHAVIORS: LEVEL II 

This level includes misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school. These misbehaviors do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others but  have educational consequences serious enough to require corrective action on the part of administrative personnel. 

Examples (not an exclusive listing) 

• Continuation of unmodified Level I misbehaviors 

• Using forged notes or excuses 

• Disruptive classroom behavior 

Disciplinary Procedures 

• The student is referred to the principal for appropriate disciplinary action. 

• The principal meets with the student and the staff member. 

• The principal hears the accusation made by the staff member and allows the student the opportunity to explain his/her conduct. 

• The principal takes appropriate disciplinary action and notifies the staff member of the action. 

• The record of offense and disciplinary action shall be maintained by the principal. 

Disciplinary Options 

• Teacher/schedule change 

• Peer counseling 

• Referral to outside agency 

• In-school suspension 

• Transfer 

• Detention 

• Suspension from school-sponsored activities or from riding school bus 

• Out-of-school suspension 

• Trauma-informed practices such as awareness of behavioral patterns, mental health  supports, restorative practices, RTI2B, multi-tiered system of supports, and behavior intervention plans 

MISBEHAVIORS: LEVEL III 

This level includes acts directly against persons or property but whose consequences do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school. 

Examples (not an exclusive listing) 

• Continuation of unmodified Level I and II misbehaviors 

• Fighting 

• Vandalism (minor) 

• Use, possession, sale, distribution, and/or being under the influence of tobacco or 

alcohol 

• Use, possession, sale, or distribution of drug paraphernalia 

• Use, sale, distribution, and/or being under the influence of drugs 

• Stealing 

• Threats to others 

• Victimization of any student (harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious), bullying, 

cyber-bullying, and/or hazing) 

Disciplinary Procedures 

• The student is referred to the principal for appropriate disciplinary action. 

• The principal meets with the student and the staff member. 

• The principal hears the accusation and allows the student the opportunity to explain his/her conduct. 

• The principal takes appropriate disciplinary action. 

• The principal may refer the incident to the Director of Schools and make 

recommendations for consequences. 

• The record of offense and disciplinary action shall be maintained by the principal. 

Disciplinary Options 

• In-school suspension 

• Detention 

• Restitution from loss, damage, or stolen property 

• Out-of-school suspension 

• Social adjustment classes 

• Transfer 

• Trauma-informed practices such as awareness of behavioral patterns, mental health  supports, restorative practices, RTI2B, multi-tiered system of supports, and behavior intervention plans 

MISBEHAVIORS: LEVEL IV 

This level of misbehavior includes acts which result in violence to another’s person or property or  which pose a threat to the safety of others in the school. These acts are so serious that they usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the Board. 

If a student’s action poses a threat to the safety of others in the school, a teacher, principal, school employee, or school bus driver may use reasonable force when necessary to prevent bodily harm or death to another person.

Examples (not an exclusive listing) 

• Continuation of unmodified Level I, II, and III misbehaviors 

• Death threat 

• Extortion 

• Bomb threat 

• Possession, use, and/or transfer of dangerous weapons 

• Assault that results in bodily injury upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or a school resource officer* 

• Aggravated assault* 

• Vandalism 

• Theft, possession, and/or sale of stolen property 

• Arson 

• Possession of unauthorized substances (e.g. any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug)* 

• Use or transfer of unauthorized substances 

• Victimization of any student (harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious), bullying, cyber-bullying, and/or hazing) 

• Electronic threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee 

Disciplinary Procedures 

• The principal confers with appropriate staff members and with the student. 

• The principal hears the accusations and allows the student the opportunity to explain his/her conduct. 

• The parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified. 

• Law enforcement officials are contacted. 

• The incident is reported, and recommendations are made to the Director of Schools. • If the student’s placement is to be changed, adequate notice of the charges shall be given to the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) and his/her right to appear at a hearing. 

Disciplinary Options 

• Other hearing authority or Board action which results in appropriate placement 

* Designates zero tolerance offenses.

PROCEDURES FOR VIOLATION OF STUDENT USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES 

1. First Offense - Three days in-school suspension. 

2. Second Offense - Five days in-school suspension. 

3. Third Offense -Ten days placement in the Smith County Alternative School. 4. Fourth Offense - Five days Alternative School and five days out-of-school suspension with a loss of any privilege under this policy for the remainder of the school year. 

5. Category III Offense - suspension (mandatory for 20 days). • All confiscated electronic devices must be picked up at the school by the parent • The Smith County School System is not responsible for lost or stolen devices. 

Rules for School Computer Use 

Students are prohibited from: 

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures 

Use of obscene language 

Harassing, insulting or attacking others 

Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks Violation of copyright laws 

Trespassing in another's folders, work or files 

Intentional misuse of resources 

Using another's password 

Use of the network for commercial purposes 

Revealing your personal address or phone number or that of another person 

Bullying Policy 

Students shall be provided a learning environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic and religious Discrimination/harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or any student to discriminate against or harass a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature. The following guidelines are set forth to protect students from discrimination/harassment. Student discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated. 

Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words either written or spoken of a sexual, racial, ethnic or religious nature which: 1. Unreasonably interfere with the student's work or educational opportunities; or 2. Create an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment; or 3. Imply that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving grades or credit; or

4. Imply that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for determining the student's grades and/or participation in a student activity. 

Bullying/Intimidation/Cyber Bullying 

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 a complaint manager (as set forth in Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances 6.305). 

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 of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a need to know. A substantiated charge against an employee shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. A substantiated charge against a student may result in corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension. 

Smith County Schools also prohibits cyber-bullying, defined as harassment/intimidation through use of Internet social networking sites or other telecommunications technologies such as telephones, cell phones, text messaging and camera phones. Cyber bullying that begins off-campus can be considered school related if it interferes with school activities, causes a disruption at school or interferes with the rights of students. 

Behavior that facilitates or exacerbates harassment, intimidation, bullying, and/or hazing will not be tolerated under this policy. Facilitation includes behavior intending to prolong, expand, or escalate conflict including, but not limited to, delivering insulting or threatening messages on behalf of one of the parties involved, creating a video or interactions in which one student is being harassed, intimidated, bullied, or hazed by one or more other students, or disseminating information about such incidents via social networking sites and/or other telecommunications technologies such as telephones, cell phones, text messaging and camera phones. 

False Claims of Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation

A student will not slander/libel (make an untruthful oral [spoken] or written statement about a person that harms the person's reputation in the community) any teacher, administrator, school district employee or other person acting in an official capacity at the school by making false claims of harassment, including sexual harassment, or other inappropriate behavior. Additionally, students will not create an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Claims found to have been falsely alleged will also be investigated. False claims submitted knowingly are subject to disciplinary consequences as determined by the building principal. 

• If the determination is made that the offense reaches the level of a disciplinary hearing, the principal must contact the director of schools for further action. There will be no retaliation against any person who reports harassment or participates in an investigation. However, any employee who refuses to cooperate or gives false information during the course of any investigation may be subject to disciplinary action. The willful filing of a false report will itself be considered harassment and will be treated as such. An employee disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision by contacting the Federal Rights Coordinator. Any student disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision in accordance with disciplinary policies and procedures. 

Tennessee Law Concerning Suspension 

The administration of Smith County Schools is authorized to carry out disciplinary and related procedures necessary for the successful operation of the school under Tennessee Law concerning suspension and disciplinary action. Tennessee law allows principals to suspend students for good and sufficient reason upon satisfaction of due process. 

General School Rules and BYOD Policy 

● School rules apply to all school grounds, including but not limited to: cafeteria, gym, playground, etc. 

● Students will be respectful to all faculty, staff, and other students. 

● The rules of the school and each classroom teacher should be followed at all times. 

● No chewing gum or tobacco product is allowed in school. 

● No toys, games, cards, radios, CD players, cameras, tablets, chromebooks, or other items may be brought to school for play or instruction without special permission from the teacher. The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. 

● No obscene pictures, magazines, or books will be brought to school. 

● Students, who deface or injure any of the school property, including school buses, shall pay in full all damages. 

● No glass bottles or glass containers of any kind will be allowed at school.

● No profanity, ugly talk, or gestures are to be used at school. 

● Fighting is never allowed at school, on the playground, or on the bus. 

Immediate, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. 

● No hats are to be worn at school or on the bus, without special permission from the teacher. 

● No students will be allowed to run in and out of ballgames. If you leave the game, there will be an admission to return. Students should be 

accompanied by an adult at all after school events unless prior 

arrangements have been made with the teacher. 

● Basketball players and cheerleaders must pass their subjects to participate

● Students should be attentive during assembly and ballgames. No booing referees or other players during any school event. 

● No playing in the restrooms. 

● No running in the halls. Students will travel through halls in straight lines, and in an orderly fashion. No talking in the hall or lunch lines. 

● No loaning or borrowing of money. Students must use their own money 

Detention 

Detention is provided by Forks River School on a weekly basis for students who misbehave. It is used for Kindergarten- 8th grade. Detention is not optional and a notice will be sent to the parent to notify them of the date assigned. Detention is a one-hour period that will be used in a productive manner. Students assigned to detention should not ask to speak to anyone or to go back to the classroom to get a forgotten item. A detention student should use the restroom before coming to detention. Students assigned to detention should not make noise of any kind. Students may not put their heads down or sleep in detention. Students are not to communicate with other students in any way. A detention student is to be productive. If the detention teacher feels that a student has not been productive, an additional hour of detention may be assigned. 

Alternative School 

The Smith County Board of Education provides an Alternative School for students in grades 7-12. Students who are assigned Alternative School will receive the appropriate paperwork of his/her placement there. Parents must sign the notice in order for the child to be able to attend. Should the notice not be signed, then the student will be suspended from school. 

Tobacco and Dangerous Weapons 

The possession or use of any tobacco product, weapon, or dangerous instrument is prohibited. Weapons can be defined as any instrument that is used to harm another person. Immediate disciplinary action will be taken in each case. 

Zero Tolerance

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this suspension on a case-by-case basis. For the purposes of this section, “expelled” means removed from the pupil’s regular school or removed from school attendance altogether, as determined by the school official. Nothing in this section shall be constructed to prohibit the assignment of such students to an alternative school. Zero tolerance acts are as follows: 

1. Students who bring or possess a narcotic or stimulant drug, including marijuana, or dangerous weapon onto a school bus, onto school property or any school event or activity. 

2. Any student who while on a bus, on school property, or while attending any school event or activity (a) possess a drug or dangerous weapon or; (b) commits battery upon a teacher, principal, administrator or any other employee of a local education agency. 

Any student while on a school bus, on school property, or while attending any school event possessing drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, or intoxicated (either by drugs or alcohol) will be disciplined according to school policy. 

Bus Conduct 

1. Emergency doors will not be used except for emergencies; 

2. No loud talking or yelling; 

3. Remain seated; 

4. Objects will not be thrown; 

5. No use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol; 

6. No food or drink; 

7. No fighting; 

8. No rude, discourteous or unacceptable language; 

9. Obey the driver at all times; 

10. No destruction of property; 

11. A bus driver has the authority to assign seats; and 

12. Any other conduct prejudice to good order on the bus. 

The bus driver will report the rider to the principal of the school and the principal has full authority to discipline the student just as if the student were in school. Rules 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 may justify suspension on the first offense. This will be done at the principal's discretion. 

For the first offense, a letter will be sent to the parent(s). 

The second offense is a three (3) day suspension. 

The third offense is a five (5) day suspension. 

The fourth offense is a ten (10) day suspension. 

All suspensions over ten (10) days constitute due process. 

Playground Rules 

Swings 

 No jumping out of swings

 No standing up in swings 

 Students must sit while swinging 

 Only one student per swing 

 Students must swing front to back, not left to right 

Slide 

 No walking up the slide 

 Students must slide down in a sitting position 

 Students may only slide down one at a time 

Fence 

 Student must stay within the fenced in area unless accompanied by a teacher 

Cafeteria Rules 

All school rules will apply while students are in the cafeteria. In addition, students will not be allowed to exchange or throw food. Students are asked to talk quietly among their table so that announcements can be heard by all students. Students will clean up after themselves before leaving the cafeteria at breakfast and lunch. 

Dress Code 

Students shall dress and groom in a clean, neat and modest manner so as not to distract or interfere with the operation of the school. When a student is attired in a manner which is likely to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, the principal shall take appropriate action, which may include suspension. School clothing and individual grooming must not distract from the learning environment or jeopardize health or safety of others. Students who do not comply with the dress code will be subject to disciplinary action.

All apparel or accessories worn to school may not display or advertise the following: 

• Gang affiliation or gang sign, Sexual themes, Tobacco products, Ethnic groups or signs, Profanity, Racist overtures, Alcoholic products, other suggestive or offensive sayings or graphics, Drugs or drug paraphernalia.

• Apparel considered too revealing will not be permitted. 

• Clothing may not reveal cleavage or midriff. 

• Clothing with holes must have appropriate clothing under so no skin is showing.

• Undergarments must not be visible.

• Clothes worn with holes above the knee must have an appropriate garment worn beneath them or be patched. No skin should be revealed.

• All pants must be size appropriate at waistline and inseam. In addition, graphics or words on the seat are prohibited.

• Extreme hairstyles, which draw undue attention, are prohibited. Example: Spiked, Mohawks, etc.

• All hair must be of natural color. No green, yellow, purple, orange, red, pink, etc.

• All makeup must be of natural color and moderately applied.

• Only ear piercings with appropriate jewelry is acceptable.

• Students may not wear metal spiked apparel or similar accessories.

• No chains or dog collars to be worn or carried to school.

• Sunglasses, hats, hoods or pajamas are not to be worn except with special permission from the principal.

• No visible tattoos, including temporary tattoos.

• No drawings with markers or pens on your arms or hands.

• Shorts and skirts must come to the tips of your fingers when arms are straight to your side.

• Sleeveless shirts must be 2 inches wide.

• Leggings are permissible with the appropriate dress, top, or skirt.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES for Dress Code Violation

• First Offense: Verbal reprimand with chance to correct and/or administrative remedy 

• Second Offense: One (1) day in-school suspension

• Third Offense: Three (3) days in-school suspension

• Fourth Offense: Suspended three (3) days

Medicines 

No student is to have any kind of medicine or drugs in his or her possession while at school. If he or she is found with these at school, disciplinary action will be taken. Do not send any medicine to school with your child. 

Prescription Medication: 

A permission form is required (obtainable from the principal) from the parent giving the teacher permission to assist the child when taking the prescribed drug. The medicine is to be in the original prescription bottle with the directions on the label as prescribed by the doctor and accompanied by written permission from the doctor’s office. Please only have the school give prescription medicine in extreme cases. For medication that is prescribed to be given three times a day, please give a dose before school, one after school, and one at bedtime. 

Over the Counter Medication: 

School personnel will not administer over-the-counter medications unless requested specifically by the parent or legal guardian. A signed statement from the parent detailing the dosage to be administered, the time(s) for administration and the ailment for which the medication is being dispensed must accompany the request. A permission form for over the counter medication is available from the principal. 

ALL medication must be brought in by the parent. 

If your student has a health problem (such as asthma, severe allergies, seizures, diabetes, a heart condition, etc.) please let your child’s teacher and the principal know about this as soon as your child enrolls at FRS and at the beginning of each school year. If you have any questions, you may call FRS at 897-2676. 

Pediculosis (head lice) 

When head lice are discovered at school the parents of the child will be notified immediately. Continuous reoccurrences will be reported to the school social workers and nurse. 

Steps for reentry: 

1. Evidence of treatment is required from the parent. This may be a box top from the shampoo, Health Department or doctor’s verification. 

2. The principal or her designee must inspect the student upon return.

Student Health Screening 

As required by the Tennessee Department of Education, mandated student Health Screening will be conducted in all Smith County Schools annually. Mass data does not include any identifying information. All information is private and confidential. This data analysis is reported to the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Department of Health. 

We will be screening to determine if your child has a health risk that needs medical attention and/or might affect his/her classroom work. 

The Screenings that will be conducted are as follows: 

● Vision – Grades Pre-K, K, 2, 4, 6, and 8. 

● Hearing – Grades Pre-K, K, 2, 4, 6, and 8. 

● Scoliosis – Grade 6 only (optional screening) 

● Dental – (optional screening) 

● Blood Pressure – Grades K, 2, 4, 6, 8, and High School Wellness Course 

● Height and Weight – Grades K, 2, 4, 6, 8, and High School 

Wellness Course 

● Pacer Test, timed event – Grades 4, 6, 8, and High School 

Wellness Course 

Other students that could be screened are those new to the school system and those suspected of having a vision and/or hearing problem by their teacher. 

These screenings do not qualify as an examination and parents are encouraged to make sure their child has annual medical checkups as well as bi-annual dental checkups. 

Epi – Pens –If your child has been prescribed an emergency epinephrine injection for severe allergic reactions, continue to provide their medication to the school. The dose is specific for your child and it is important that they have their own medication available. 

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal infections can be treated with drugs such as penicillin. Still, many people who get the disease die from it, and many others are affected for life. This is why preventing the disease through use of meningococcal vaccine is important and is recommended for teens, pre-teens and high risk students. Your doctor or school nurse can give you more vaccine information if you are considering the vaccine. 

If you have any questions regarding this information, or if you wish for your child to be excluded from any part of the health screenings, please contact the School

Nurse and/or Coordinated School Health Nurse at (615) 735-9625 or (615) 735-2083. 

Breakfast and Lunch 

Breakfast is offered to all students beginning at 7:20 a.m. 

The school receives financial aid in the areas of Title 1, food service, and other instructional programs for the amount of students that participate in free and reduced lunch. Students are in no way identified as free or reduced because the meal program is all computerized. We strongly encourage those students that are eligible for free or reduced meals to enroll so these programs can continue. 

All students are encouraged to eat lunch at school, but students may bring their lunch. The school cannot provide a place to keep lunches brought from home cold or heated. You may pay for lunch as far in advance as you like in an envelope. Label it with your child’s name, grade, and the total amount enclosed. School board policy does not permit the school to allow students to charge meals. We can permit a three-day grace period. After this, the school is permitted by the school board to refuse to serve those students. 

The prices for all food for school lunches are bid each summer. These updated prices will be announced at the beginning of the school year. 

Change in Student Information 

It is imperative that the school office be notified immediately of a change of address, telephone number, or of a change in emergency information during the academic school year. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE EMERGENCY INFORMATION – INCLUDING AN EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER – ON FILE IN THE OFFICE AT ALL TIMES. 

Lost and Found/Valuables at School 

A lost and found box is maintained in the school. Students finding any items should turn it into the box. Students who lose an item may request permission from their teacher to check for the lost item. At the end of the nine weeks, unclaimed items in the box will be donated to the help center. Please make sure anything that your child brings to school is labeled with his/her name. It is best that your child does not bring anything valuable to school. The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. 

Permanent Records 

Records are kept on each student enrolled. According to the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the parent/guardian or student age 18 or over is permitted to inspect and review

educational records relating to the student. Upon graduation or withdrawal, records will be sent to the next school. 

Inclement Weather-Student and Faculty 

When severe weather creates hazardous conditions, the regular school schedule may be suspended to ensure students’ safety. It is the parent /guardian’s responsibility to monitor news reports via television and radio stations. Announcements are normally broadcast between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. The following local radio stations will announce school closures: 104.1 FM and 1350 AM. Students may also watch the TV for information concerning the closing of school. The TV stations will be notified as soon as possible. TV stations that normally broadcast Smith County School closing include channels 2, 4, and 5. When school is not in session or dismissed early due to inclement weather, all scheduled events in which students are involved in that evening will be postponed or canceled. Out of county activities will be at the principal’s discretion. 

If school begins late because of inclement weather, children, faculty, and staff members should not arrive at the school any earlier than 15 minutes before the starting hour. (I.e. if school begins at 10:00 a.m., children should arrive no earlier than 9:45.) Teachers with bus duty will follow the assigned bus duty schedule. Buses run on a delayed schedule if school opening is delayed. Please discuss alternate transportation plans with your child in case of an early dismissal. 

Safety Drills 

Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of your child during normal school hours. Periodic fire, tornado, and other safety drills are executed to make sure students learn proper safety procedures and adhere to all safety guidelines. There is also an all hazards plan in place for emergencies. 

Student Use of Telephone and Student Messages 

Students will not be called from their classrooms for telephone calls unless in the case of an emergency. Students are only allowed to use the telephone for emergency purposes only. 

Educational Field Trips 

Properly supervised and planned educational field trips are an important part of the instructional program. A signed permission form from a parent or guardian is required for all field trips. School buses will normally be used for field trips. The classroom teachers on an as-needed basis will select field trip chaperones. Field trip deadlines must be enforced so that transportation, ticket and meal reservations may be made in a timely manner. 

Video Surveillance and School Visitors 

FRS is equipped with 24 hour video surveillance cameras inside and out for the safety of each student.

All visitors to the school must report to the office before going to any room. Visitors must sign in, and a visitor’s badge must be worn in the building. This policy is for the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Please note that no smoking is allowed within fifty feet of the school building. 

Special Gifts Received at School 

Parents often wish to have gifts delivered to students on special occasions. Please understand that items must be delivered to the office. The students will receive them at the end of the day. It is also a Smith County Bus Rule that no balloons or glass vases be allowed on buses. 

Fundraising 

There will be several fundraising activities sponsored by the school each year. While we hope that everyone chooses to take part, participation is strictly voluntary and at the parent’s discretion. 

Snacks /Water Bottles

Snack/ice cream is available at our school. Sodas are not allowed at school. Students may purchase snacks at our school or bring a snack from home.   No outside food or drink unless part of a snack or lunch should be consumed at school. These items need to be in an unopened container and a spill/leak proof container.

All water bottles/cups must have a completely closed/secured lid (not just a straw with a cap) and stored securely. Teachers reserve the right to have all water bottles/cups placed in a secure location within the classroom. Students are allowed multiple water and bathroom breaks throughout the day and therefore bottles/cups will remain in the room. The cafeteria provides water for breakfast and lunch.

Residency Requirements 

All students attending Smith County Schools are required to be a resident of Smith County. Proof of residency is required. The Board of Education recommends that each child attend the school in their home area; however, at the beginning of each school year, parents may enroll their children in the school of their choice. Once a student has enrolled, transfers to other county school will be permitted only under the following conditions: 

1. The student’s parents/legal guardian move to a new school area; 

2. A student starting the school year outside his/her home school area may transfer to their home school. They must then stay at this school for the rest of the year unless they move again. 

Student Withdrawals/Transfers 

Please notify us immediately if your child is withdrawing from FRS. The new school will contact us regarding the transfer of records. No records will be released until all fees are paid and books including those borrowed from the library are returned. Your child will be counted as absent until we receive a request for records from the new school. 

Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination Policy 

Smith County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, in its programs and activities. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the 

non-discrimination policies: Angel Williams 615-735-9625

You may also direct inquires to the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. 

The OCR office for Tennessee is 

located at: 

The OCR National Headquarters is 

Atlanta Office 

Office for Civil Rights 

U.S. Department of Education 61 Forsyth St. S.W., Suite 19T70 Atlanta, GA 30303-8927 

(404) 974-9406 

(404) 974-9471 (fax) 

(877) 521-2172 (TDD) 

OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov 

Annual 504 Notice to Parents 

located at: 

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights 

Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg. 

400 Maryland Avenue, SW 

Washington, DC 20202-1100 (800) 421-3481 

(202) 453-6012 (fax) 

(877) 521-2172 (TDD) 

OCR@ed.gov

In compliance with state and federal law, the Smith County Board of Education will provide to each protected student with a disability without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected student with a disability, the student must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected students who are disabled” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. 

For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of service to protected disabled students, contact: 

Name: Angel Williams, 504 Coordinator 

Address: 126 SCMS LN, Carthage, TN 37030 

Telephone No: 615-735-9625 

Harassment and Sexual Harassment 

The Smith County Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the right of all students and employees within the school system to learn and work in an environment that is free from all forms of harassment and/or sexual harassment. The school system prohibits any form of sexual harassment or harassment based upon age, religion, disability or race/national origin. It shall be a violation

of this policy for any student or employee of the school system to harass a student or an employee through conduct or communication in any form as defined by this policy. It is the policy of the Smith County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, religion, creed, age, marital status or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by the herein references federal status. Any employee or student of this school system shall be punished for infractions of this policy as provided for herein. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of harassment or sexual harassment by a student or an employee of the school system, or any third person with knowledge or beliefs of conduct that may constitute harassment or sexual harassment should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school system official as designated by this policy. The school system encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each school or available from the school system. 

ELL Services 

English as a Second Language (ESL) services are provided to all limited English proficient students, including immigrant children and youth. ESL helps ensure that all children achieve at high levels in core academic subjects and can meet the same challenging state academic achievement standards. 

Parent Rights 

Parents may request information about the qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals who instruct their child. 

Parents may request that their child’s name, address and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter. 

Parents have the right to transfer their child to another school within the district if he/she is the victim of a violent crime at school. 

English Language Learner Services are available. Please contact your child’s school for more information. 

Homeless Children and Youth 

For homelessness or families in transition, families living in a hotel, or if you lack stable and adequate housing, please contact Misty Smith at 615-735-9625 for further information. 

Advocate Groups 

Life Care – Nashville Referral Line – 615-781-0013, Cookeville Referral Line-931-528-0051, Lebanon Referral Line -615453-1606, Valley Ridge Mental Health – 615-666-8070, Youth Villages – 1-866-791-9223, Tennessee

Commission on Children and Youth – 615-741-2633. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)