WELCOME

Dear Parents and Students of EAST RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL. Welcome to one of "Hamblen County's BEST" middle schools. We are happy that you are here and look forward to working with you. We work closely with students, and we welcome parents into the school; so do not hesitate to call us or come into our office if you have questions or concerns. Our staff, faculty, and administra- tion are here to serve you. Let's have a great year as we are "The school that cares!"

EAST RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL GOALS

1. To provide each student with an environment for learning.

2. To instill in each individual the desire to be a productive citizen and student.

3. To equip each student with the knowledge necessary for moving forward in the ever changing society.

4. To provide a way for each student to complement academic studies with an understanding of recreational and cultural appreciation.

5. To provide opportunities for positive involvement of parents and other community members in school activities.

ATTENDANCE

Establishing good attendance habits is a trait we are sure you want to instill in your child. The rules and procedures discussed below are established by the Hamblen County Board of Education and by the staff of our school to provide safe procedures for being in school on a regular basis.

TARDIES AND EARLY DISMISSALS

School hours are 7:50 A.M. until 3:05 P.M. The following is a list of excused tardies and early dismissals:

1. Late Bus

2. Illness with doctor's note

3. Death in the family

4. Religious holiday

5. Medical/Dental appointment

6. Court appointment

7. Principal approval

 

TARDIES

Students are considered to be tardy if they arrive after 7:55 A.M. each morning. If arriving late, the student must sign in at the office. Students with unexcused tardies are subject to receive consequences based on the following:

Tardy #1 Warning
Tardy #2 Warning
Tardy #3 One class period detention.
Tardy #4 One class period detention (parent contact)
Tardy #5 One class period detention (parent contact)
Tardy #6 One day in-school suspension (parent contact)
Tardy #7 One day in-school suspension (parent contact)
Tardy #8 Student will be subject to receiving an office referr
al.

 

EARLY DISMISSALS
The State Department of Education requires that a student be present 3 hours and 31 minutes of a school day to be counted as "present" for the day. Students are allowed 5 early dismissals for reasons other than emergencies and medical/dental appointments. Consequences of exceeding 5 early dismissals will result in application of the tardy policy above. If it is necessary for a student to leave early, a parent or guardian must come to the school's office to sign the student out of school. If the student is to leave with anyone other than parent or guardian, he/she must have a signed note from the parent/guardian. Under no circumstances may a student sign himself/herself out of school.

ABSENTEE POLICY

The Hamblen County Board of Education and East Ridge Middle School recognize that there will be times when a student has to be absent. Formulating an attendance policy which will meet everyone's need is just not possible. We also recognize that a student should be in school on a consistent basis for maximum learning to take place. The following guidelines have been adopted in order to limit the number of days a student can be absent.

Absences will be classified as either "excused" or "unexcused" as determined by the principal or her designee in charge of attendance. When a student is absent, the school should be contacted by the parent/ guardian. Upon return to school it is the responsibility of the student to present a note signed by the parent/ guardian in order to receive an excused absence for day(s) out of school based on the following criteria.

Absences will be excused for:

1. Personal illness (parent/guardian note will be accepted for five days each semester; after five days a physician's statement will be required to receive an excused absence).

2. Death in the immediate family (should not exceed three days)

3. Illness of parent/guardian requiring student to be absent (written note required from parent/guardian)

4. Recognized religious holidays

5. Court summons (actual time in court only)

6. Doctor/Dentist appointment (medical proof required)

7. Out of town trip (counted as part of five excused days allowed each semester)

8. Church related trip

9. Hardship absence approved by principal (family vacations are discouraged during regular school year.

A student is excused for the day(s) absent, but not from the responsibility of doing the work assigned or completed during this time. It is the responsibility of the student, not the teacher, for make up work in all subject matter covered during an absence.

Following are listed the absences which are unexcused. Unexcused absences are those which are not considered appropriate absences under the attendance laws and policies.

1. Truancy

2. Cutting class

3. Missed the bus

4. Trouble with auto

5. No note from parent/doctor/dentist

#3 and #4 are unexcused because bus transportation is provided.

This is not an inclusive list. Determination of excused/unexcused absences will be made by the teacher and/or the administration.

HOMEWORK WHEN ABSENT FROM SCHOOL

Homework assigned prior to an absence is due on the first day of return from the absence. After returning from an excused absence, the student has the number of days missed to make up an assignment. For example, a student misses Monday and Tuesday and returns Wednesday, he/ she will have until the beginning of class on Friday, to turn in the assignment. It is the students responsibility to retrieve missed assignments and to get them turned into the teacher. Students and parents are encouraged to communicate with the teachers and principals when problems arise with homework assignments and/or attendance. Students are encouraged to get a "homework buddy" some one who would get their homework together for them or call them. If the home work buddy is not in the same classes, homework needs to be requested in the morning from the home base teacher.  School functions or events are not to count as an absence, but the student is responsible for any work missed.

For safety purposes, we ask that you phone the school before 8:00A.M. if your child is absent. The phone call should include the child's name, home base, and the reason for the absence. Remember we also must have a note from the parent/ guardian when the child returns to school to follow the guidelines for excused/unexcused absences.

All make up work connected with an unexcused absence will be given to the student upon request, but will be graded as late work and will not receive full credit. A student on suspension must have his work ready to turn in when he/she returns to class.

Middle school students cannot receive credit for a class if they miss more than 10 days per semester within a school year regardless of the grade received. However, a class absence can be waived for grading purposes if missed assignments are turned in within the guidelines listed.

BUS CONDUCT

In view of the fact that bus service is an extension of the classroom, the board expects students to conduct themselves with the established standards for classroom behavior.   Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on his/her bus and all reasonable directions given by him/her are to be followed.

The principal of the student transported shall be informed by the bus driver of any serious discipline problems and may be called upon to assist if necessary. A student may be denied the privilege of riding the bus if determined by the principal that his/her behavior is such as to cause disruption on the bus, or when he/she disobeys state or local rules and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation. A first offense will result in five (5) days suspension from the bus. A second offense which results in a suspension will be for 30 days. The third offense will result in expulsion from riding the bus for one calendar year.  Parents and bus driver will be notified of any action taken by the principal when a bus discipline problem arises.

In the p.m. any student who desires to get off the bus at any location between the school and the pickup point must present the bus driver with a note granting permission by his/her parent/guardian and approved by the principal or designee (signature required) of the school that the student attends. Parents are not permitted on buses except on field trips and while acting as chaperones. Violations of this rule will result in the suspension of bus privileges for their children for a minimum of thirty (30) days. A second occurrence will result in expulsion of bus privileges for one (1) year.

CONFERENCES

Conferences between parents and teachers are encouraged. They must be arranged by appointment. School personnel have the responsibility for class and planning, but will be pleased to hold conferences that have been previously scheduled.

 Call the school office at 581-3041 to set up an appointment with a teacher, counselor, or an administrator.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:00 A.M.. Upon arrival, students will report to the gym or to the cafe if eating breakfast. Dismissal from the gym or cafe will be at 7:50 A.M.

After school, when the correct bus is called, the students are to walk quietly to board the buses. Late bus riders will report to the cafe when called. Car riders are dismissed at 3:05 if their ride is waiting or will be in front by 3:20. Car riders who will be picked up after 3:15 will wait in homebase until all remaining students are called to the cafe and then will go to the gym foyer to wait for their ride. (All students should be picked up by 4:00 P.M. at the latest.) For safety reasons students remaining on campus after 3:45 P.M. are required to be in supervised areas.

DISCIPLINE

The discipline plan that follows is designed to allow you to make choices on your behavior and to know what consequences that choice will present to you.

It is based on the premise that everyone is responsible for his/her own action. You will be held responsible for the things you do or fail to do, not what someone else does or does not do. Your first responsibility is to decide how you should conduct your self while you are at school. Your second responsibility is to be prepared to accept the consequences of your actions.

There are some discipline problems that do not constitute an immediate consequence other than a warning. However, the administration does reserve the right to administer another level of consequences if consistent violations occur.

The most important place in this school is the classroom. Every thing else revolves around this area and therefore good discipline becomes more of a factor here than anywhere else. Teachers will provide you with the rules and consequences similar to the ones that follow.

1. Keep hands, feet, objects, and inappropriate comments to yourself.

2. Follow teacher's routine classroom procedures.

3. Allow the teacher to teach and other students to learn.

CONSEQUENCES ARE ALSO THE SAME WITHIN OUR SCHOOL

1. Warning
2. Change to a designated seat
3. Detention and parent contact
4. Office visit
5. Severe clause

SEQUENCE OF OFFICE REFERRAL

FIRST OFFICE REFERRAL:

ALP/OSS one day parent notification

SECOND OFFICE REFERRAL:

ALP/OSS ~ one day guidance referral and parent notification

THIRD OFFICE REFERRAL:

ALP/OSS one day and parent notification. Behavior contract optional

FOURTH OFFICE REFERRAL:

OSS ~ one day guidance referral and parent notification

FIFTH OFFICE REFERRAL:

OSS two days ~ guidance referral parent conference Behavior contract optional

SIXTH OFFICE REFERRAL:

OSS 3 days ~ behavior contract optional. Mandatory visit to the alternative school for orientation.

SEVENTH OFFICE REFERRAL: Placement in the alternative school.

INFRACTIONS IN ANY AREA
1. Student improperly dressed

2. Improper boy/girl relationship

3. Distribution/selling of unauthorized material or candy

4. Purchase drinks and food items at improper times

5. Failure to sign in or sign out

6. Littering

7. Language (no profane or vulgar language)
8. No shoving, tripping, or pestering other students

There are some disciplinary problems that demand and require an immediate consequence. Therefore, punishment for the following will usually be an office referral.

1. Cutting classes
2. Cutting school
3. Violation of teacher classroom discipline plan

4. Severe classroom disruption

5. Overt refusal to obey a teacher

6. Physical abuse of other students
7. Stealing

8. Destruction of school property
9. Use of profanity

10. Changing/altering grade or grade card
11. Forging of a teacher pass

12. Use/discharge of fireworks

13. Disrespect/insubordination to an adult
14. Repeated violation of school rules

15. Throwing objects which could do harm

There are some disciplinary problems that will demand immediate suspension and possible notification of Police.

1. Possession of a gun
2. Commission of a crime
3. Possession or using alcohol or drugs
4. Using an instrument or chemical with intent to do harm
5. Violent confrontation with teacher or student
6. Representing a material which is similar in size, shape, and/or color as a drug
7. Verbal/physical threat

CHEATING

If a student is found guilty of cheating, the teacher shall collect the student's paper, mark a zero for the work, and notify the parent and office immediately as to action taken. The parent should be notified that a second offense will result in an office referral.

 

PROFANITY POLICY

The use of profane or vulgar language is prohibited.

FIRST OFFENSE: Three days placement in the ALP with parent notification.

SECOND OFFENSE: Ten days placement in ALP with parent notification.

THIRD OFFENSE: Possible placement in Alternative School.

HARASSMENT, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, AND DISCRIMINATION

The policy of Hamblen County Schools requires a learning and working environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, and discrimination of any type. The school system prohibits any form of harassment, sexual harassment, or discrimination based on age, religion, disability, race, or national origin. It will be a violation of this policy for any student or employee of the school system to sexually harass, or discriminate against a student or an employee through conduct or communication in any form. This policy will be enforced in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A copy of this policy will be sent home at the beginning of each year.

GANGS

No gang organizing or activity will be tolerated. Any attempt to participate in a gang through dress, activity, and/or conversation will demand immediate administrative action with possible suspension and/or expulsion.

BULLYING

“Bulling happens when someone with more power unfairly hurts someone with less power over and over again. “ Types of bullying behavior are taunting, spreading rumors, passing nasty notes, and physical aggression.  Bullying is not accepted at East Ridge Middle School.  Such action will result in a step on the school’s discipline plan.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE/CELL PHONE POLICY

Students may not possess pagers, cell phones, or similar electronic communications equipment on school buses during student transportation to and from school.

In Grades 6-12, students may not possess pagers, cell phones, or similar electronic communications equipment in Hamblen County school facilities ( or other facilities under the supervision of schools officials) during school hours, with school hours defined as 7:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or upon a student's morning entry to the facility. Students in Grade 6-12 may carry cell phones on extracurricular activity trips as permitted by coaches, sponsors, teachers, or other school officials.

FIRST OFFENSE: Warning (device released to parent/legal guardian only).

SECOND OFFENSE: One day ALP placement (commonly termed in-school suspension). (device released to parent/legal guardian only).

THIRD OFFENSE: Three-day ALP placement (commonly termed in-school suspension) and alternative school orientation (device released to parent/legal guardian only).

FOURTH OFFENSE: Placement in alternative school for term specified by current alternative school handbook.

SEVERE DISRESPECT OR THREATENING OF STAFF MEMBER

FIRST CONSEQUENCE: Minimum of ten days out of school suspension.

SECOND OFFENSE: Placement in alternative school or expulsion.

FIGHTING POLICY

The penalty for being involved in a fight (defined as an exchange of physical blows such as hitting, slapping, pushing, shoving, grabbing, etc.) will be three to five days out of school suspension. If you are challenged, you are encouraged to walk away and seek help of a school official. Students who instigate fights but are not actively involved (that is, students who carry rumors, put others up to fighting, carry information back and forth between other individuals who eventually fight) subject themselves to the same penalties as those involved in the fight. If it can be determined that a student was "jumped" and had no recourse but to defend himself/herself, he/she will not be subject to a suspension; however, they must have done everything they could do to avoid the fight. We will not hesitate to suspend if we feel it is warranted. This decision will be made by the administrator handling the problem.

FIRST OFFENSE: Three days out of school suspension or recommendation for placement in the Alternative School or expulsion. SRO involvement.

SECOND OFFENSE: Three days out of school suspension or recommendation for placement in the Alternative School or expulsion. SRO involvement.

THIRD OFFENSE: Possible placement in the Alternative School or expulsion and SRO involvement.

ASSAULT POLICY

Any physical assault by a student on an employee of the Hamblen County Board of Education shall result in expulsion for one (1) year with possible petition to court.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL

Students will not possess, distribute, or be under the influence of illegal drugs (as defined by state law) or drugs for which they do not have a prescription in school buildings or on school ground or in school vehicles or buses or at any school sponsored activity. If board policy has been found to have been violated, the principal will notify the student's parent or guardian and appropriate law enforcement officials, and the student will be placed in the alternative school for not less than one calendar year. Students will not possess, market, or distribute any substance which is represented to be or is similar to a controlled substance in school buildings or on school grounds, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school sponsored activity. The penalty for possession, marketing, distribution of such substances will result in placement of the student in alternative school.

Students will not possess, distribute, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages in school buildings or on school grounds or in school vehicles or buses or at any school sponsored activity. The penalty for first offense will be placement in alternative school for 90 days. After completing 45 "good" days, students may request admittance to the regular school program. To reduce placement of time in alternative school proof of completion of 45 good days, 20 hours of community service, and an alcohol/drug counseling and education program approved by the principal of the alternative school must be submitted to the director of schools.

All students of East Ridge Middle School have been read and explained the policy on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

 

USE OF TOBACCO

Use and/or possession of all tobacco products by students is prohibited in all school buildings, on the school campus, and on school transportation vehicles during school hours. School hours shall be interpreted to mean the period of time beginning with the first bus pickup and/or arrival at school in the morning and ending with the last bus drop and/or departure from school in the afternoon. This policy also applies to all school bus trips. Students who violate this policy shall receive the following discipline:

FIRST OFFENSE: Three days in ALP with parent notification and citation to Juvenile court.

SECOND OFFENSE: Suspension for ten (10) days out of school with parent notification. Orientation session at alternative school.

THIRD OFFENSE: Placement in the alternative school or expulsion.

DRESS CODES/ STUDENT APPEARANCE

Students are expected to come to school clean, neat, and dressed in a manner of good taste. Students inappropriately dressed will be required to make necessary changes in their appearance or clothing before being admitted to class.

STANDARDIZED DRESS, GRADES 6-12

SLACKS. BLUE JEANS. PANTS

§          Leggings and stirrup pants will be permitted provided the top garment meets the guidelines outlined for skirts, dresses, or shorts.

§          Pants will be neat and worn at the waist line.

§          Pants will be hemmed

SKIRTS. DRESSES

§          Skirts and dresses will be a minimum

length of mid-thigh and may include pleated, A-line, or straight style skirts.

§          Skirts and dresses with a pleat or vent will be permitted if the top of the split or vent is no higher than mid-thigh.

§          No wraparound skirts will be permitted

§          Skirts will be hemmed.

SHORTS

§          Walking shorts or Bermuda shorts

will be permitted and will be a minimum length of mid-thigh.

§          Shorts will be hemmed.

SHIRTS. BLOUSES

§          Tank tops or halter tops will not be permitted.

§          Shirts and blouses will not have written slogans or messages which contain advertisement of drugs or alcohol.

§          Shirts and blouses will not contain vulgar or sexually explicit messages (direct or implied).

§          Shirts and blouses will not contain

any messages, slogans, or symbols that promote racial discord or is related to gang activity.

§          Sleeveless shirts will cover the area from the base of the neck to the edge of the shoulder and will fit appropriately around the underarm.

§          Shirts and blouses will be an appropriate length, coming to the top of pants, shorts, or skirts at all times.

JACKETS

Biker jackets, trench coats, and large bulky jackets will not be permitted.

WIND SUITS AND WARM UP SUITS
Wind suits of nylon variety will be permitted.

Cotton sweat pants and jammer  style slacks will not be permitted.

FOR ALL APPAREL

§          Clothing must be neat.

§          No large holes, rips, or tears will be allowed in any wearing apparel.

§          Clothing will fit properly and will not be unreasonably tight or unreasonably baggy.

§          Students will wear appropriate undergarments.

§          Women will wear a bra.

§          Undergarments will not be visible.

SHOES

§          All students will wear shoes.

§          No flip flops will be permitted.

§          No head wear of any type will be worn inside the building.

§          Hair bows and barrettes will be permitted, providing they are of reasonable size and subtle color.

HAIR

Hair will be worn in a manner that does not disrupt the educational process and does not call attention to the individual.

JEWELRY
Facial jewelry will be limited to the ear.  Three earrings per ear will be permitted. Tongue bars and tongue rings are not permitted.

TATTOOS

§          Tattoos will not contain written slogans or messages which exhibit references to drugs or alcohol.

§          Tattoos will not contain vulgar or sexually explicit messages (direct or implied).

§          Tattoos will not contain any symbol that promotes racial discord or is related to gang activity.

SYMBOLISM

The board prohibits the display of any symbol on school property or on any object (such as a book bag, automobile, school locker, etc.) that promotes racial discord or is related to gang activity.

Principals have the right to take appropriate actions to correct any student whose clothing appearance, while not specifically covered by this policy, is considered by said principal to be out of compliance with the board's stated goal or to be disruptive to the educational process.

CONSEQUENCES:

FIRST OFFENSE: Student will be asked to come to the office and requested to change or make adjustments to the offending garment, or call parents. The student will not be allowed to return to class until the situation has been corrected.

SECOND OFFENSE AND SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES:

Students will be assigned ALP or OSS according to his/her place in discipline hierarchy. Parents will be notified.
 
CAFETERIA

1. Keep hands, feet and inappropriate comments to yourself.

2. Try to be as quiet as possible.

3. Clean up your space as you return your tray.

4. Choose your seat each day and do not change places for that day.

5. Carbonated drinks are not allowed during lunch.

6. Remember this is your cafe, treat it with care.

ASSEMBLIES

1. Follow assembly instructions as given to you by a teacher, administrator, or adult speaker.

2. Sit where you are assigned to sit.

3. Avoid talking, yelling, clapping, or indicating approval or disapproval when such is not appropriate, (example: some require silence and some such as a pep rally require audience participation. Even at pep rallies there is a time to cheer and a time to listen.) Booing is never appropriate.

FEES

A material fee is requested for each student at the time of enrollment at the beginning or during the year. This fee is used in providing classroom materials for instruction. Parents and students are informed of the amount each year. These fees are approved by the Board of Education.

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS

There are two types of emergency drills fire and disaster drills. During the drill, students are directed to move through the hall ways quietly and orderly and/or to use proper exit. Teachers will explain the procedure to students at the beginning of the year.

GRADING SYSTEM

East Ridge Middle School adheres to the following grading scale as approved by Hamblen County Board of Education.

100-94 =A

93-87 = B

86-76 = C

75-70 = D

69-0=F (unsatisfactory)

Report cards are issued to students at the

conclusion of each six weeks grading period. Related arts grades (Art, Keyboarding, Chorus, Teen Living, Technology, Band, and Physical Education) are put on grade cards every nine weeks.

REWARD POLICY

Rewards may be earned through self-motivation, attendance, good behavior, and/or good grades. Some of the school wide rewards are listed below.

1.AII A's gets an ice cream sundae or comparable treat for the first five six weeks periods. Students who receive all A'S for three six weeks receive an East Ridge pin.

2. Bear Paw recipients may drop their reward slips into the Bear Paw box for periodic drawings for free admission into East Ridge School activities.

3. Students selected as most improved or best all around each six weeks will receive a certificate and refreshments.

4. Students who exemplify outstanding qualities of character as outlined in the Character Counts programs will receive special recognition.

5. Honor roll students will be recognized each 6 weeks.

Note: Rewards are subject to change from year to year.

AWARDS NIGHT
Each year you will have an opportunity to be rewarded with one of the following awards on Awards Night. The list does not contain all the awards, but it does contain the ones that are presented on consistent

basis.

A. Highest Academic Achievement:

This award is presented to the student(s) on each grade level that has the highest grade point average.

B. Presidential Physical Fitness Award: Presented to those students who per form at or above the standards set on the Presidential Physical Fitness Test.

C. Presidential Academic Fitness Award: Presented to those students who per form at or above the standards set by the Presidential Academic Fitness Test.

D. Ray Kroc Award: Presented to two eighth grade students based on a wide variety of standards including academics, responsibility, personal achievement, and many other characteristics.

E. 4-H Award:

Presented to one student on each grade level who exhibits outstanding 4-H involvement.


F. East Ridge Perfect Attendance Awards: Presented to those eighth graders who maintain perfect attendance while at tending East Ridge Middle School.

 

 

G. PTO Service Award:

Presented to two eighth grade students based on service for and toward others.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

Guidance services are available for students or parents in the school. These services include assistance with educational planning, occupational information, study help, assistance with home, school, and/ or social concerns, or any questions the student may feel he/she would like to discuss with the counselor. The guidance phone number is 581-3041.

INSURANCE

Accident insurance is available to any student to purchase at the beginning of the school year. Forms may be obtained from the home base teacher.

STUDENT ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT

All accidents in the school building, including the grounds, practice sessions, and school sponsored events, must be re ported to the office. If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student will be given permission by the teacher to re port to the office. The parent or guardian will be notified.

LIBRARY

Use of the library at every opportunity is encouraged. Students may check out books for two week periods with the privilege of renewal. Ideally the library should be used for reference work and teacher supervised study. Social visiting is not appropriate and may disturb those who are working. There is a fine of five cents ($.05) per day on over due books. Any lost or damaged library books must be paid for by the student.

LOCKERS AND LOCKS

Students will be assigned a locker by their homeroom teacher. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her assigned locker clean both inside and outside. Damages caused by misuse will be charged to the student responsible. Any locker malfunction should be reported to the office. Lockers are school property and are subject to search at any time. Locks are permitted by teachers only.

LOST AND FOUND

All articles found in the grade levels are taken to a central location within that grade level. Proper identification and description by the owner will be required for the article to be redeemed. Articles found outside the grade levels will be brought to the office and then taken to a central location.

OFF CAMPUS TRIPS

The educational curriculum is enhanced during the school year by related field trips. Parental permission is required and students must pay their way. Teachers may deny field trip privileges to students who have a record of misbehavior.

PARENT COMMUNICATION

The policies, rules, and procedures presented in this parent/student handbook are to be communicated to parents by students. All students are to ask their parents to read this handbook so parents will know its contents. All students are expected to have a copy of this handbook in their possession during the school year. Besides the handbook, communication by teachers and administrators will continue throughout the year with school newspapers, progress reports, phone calls, and notes/letters from individual teachers and administrators.

PARENT/SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

East Ridge Middle School has an active PTO organization. Parents and teachers are working together to provide a meaningful education for each student. Notices about PTO events will be provided through newsletters/ newspapers. We encourage each parent to be involved in all school activities.

SALE OF SCHOOL ITEMS

Class materials such as paper, pencils, pens, and folders in various sizes and forms and other student items are available in the school store at reasonable prices. The store is open each morning from 7:40-8:00. School pictures and yearbooks are available at appropriate times of the year.

The prices of these items are determined yearly by the cost of production. Fundraising sales are held on a school wide basis. Students are not permitted to sell private items at school.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

In the event of severely inclement weather or mechanical breakdown, school may be closed or starting time delayed. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. School closing, delayed starting time, or early dismissal will be announced over radio or television stations. Please do not call the school. Let your child know ahead of time how he is to get home. Telephone lines must be kept open for emergencies.

 

TELEPHONES

Messages and deliveries from home should be left in the office. Students will be called out of class only in an emergency. Students may use the telephone in the administrative office, with permission only, if it is absolutely necessary.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks, paperbacks, library books, and other school materials assigned to a specific student are the responsibility of that student and must be returned or paid for. Permanent personal copies of textbooks may be purchased by parents directly from the Tennessee Book Company at the wholesale price. Details are available from the school office.

LUNCH ROOM CHARGE POLICY

Students are not allowed to charge lunches or breakfast except in emergencies. In this case, only the office may issue a charge slip a maximum of three (3) consecutive times unless some special arrangement is made in advance. The charge will be due the following day. Students are encouraged to pre pay by the week.

FAST FOODS

Our cafeteria staff works very hard to provide a nutritious and "tasty" meal for our students. We very much encourage parents and grandparents to visit our school and have lunch with them. We very much, however, discourage the bringing of fast foods from area eateries into the school as it takes away from our cafeteria program. It is such a practice that can become too large making it very impractical. We, also, cannot allow students to be taken off campus during lunch due to our short schedule.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Many items that middle school students possess are inappropriate to bring to school. Items which include radios, walkmans, cassette players, CD players, cameras, electronic games/toys, cap guns, water guns, trading cards, playing cards, and large sums of money should not be brought to school. If brought to school, items may be confiscated by teacher and held in the office until picked up by parent or guardian.

VANDALISM AND PROPERTY DAMAGE

Parents or guardians will be held responsible for any damage the student might do to the furniture, lockers, books, and other property of the school system. If students willfully destroy school property, suspension and subsequent expulsion may be necessary. If a student should happen to damage something by accident, it should be reported to a teacher or to the office immediately. Students are expected to take care of all school property, the building and grounds, and help protect the school by discouraging and reporting vandalism or property damage by others.

BICYCLES /MOTORBIKES

Because of the tremendous amount of automobile traffic on our campus, students may not ride bicycles, motorbikes, or skate boards to or from school.

VISITORS

Parents and other citizens are welcome to visit our school. We must, however, insist on the following for your child's protection.

1. All visitors must report to the school office to identify themselves and explain the reason for their visit before making a visit in any locality of the building.

2. A visitor pass is required.

3. High school students are not to visit our school during the day except to contact a brother, sister, or parent through the school office.

KEEPING US INFORMED

Parents are requested to call the school regarding any change of address. Please keep us up-to-date with residence and business telephone number changes. The school needs to be able to reach parents in case of an emergency.

MEDICINES

No school official or teacher will routinely dispense medication to students except in unique situations in which a child's health is dependent upon medical aid. If under exceptional circumstances a child is required to take oral medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the principal or the principal's designee will administer the medication in compliance with the following regulation.

Written instructions signed by the parent will be required and will include:

1. Students name

2. Name of medication

3. Name of physician

4. Time to be administered

5. Dosage and directions of administration

6. Possible side effects, if known

7. Procedure to follow in event of occurrence

of side effects or in event of overdose

8. Termination date for administering the medication

9. Telephone number of physician and phone number where parent can be reached during school hours.

 

All medication must be delivered to the principal's office unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration (i.e. students with asthma). All medications delivered to the principal's office shall be accompanied by a note from the parent/guardian stating the date the medication was delivered, the name of the medication, and the amount delivered to the principal's office.

Non-prescription medication must be delivered to the principal's office and may be administered only with the written request and permission of a parent or guardian. The medication will be administered in accordance with label directions or written instructions from the student's physician.

THE ADMINISTRATOR/DESIGNEE WILL:

1. Inform appropriate school personnel of the medication being administered.

2. Keep an accurate record of the administration of the medication.

3. Keep all medication in a locked cabinet.

4. Return unused prescription to the parent or guardian only.

5. Record medications received and for each student, identified by the student's name, the type of medication received, and the amount of medication received.

6. Ensure that a consent form signed by the physician and parent/guardian is in the student's medication file and that such consent form states that the student is capable of self administration of the medication and that the student's condition for which the medication is authorized or prescribed is stable.

 

EAST RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL CALENDAR

2005-2006

August 5…………………Registration

August 9…………………First Full Day of School

September 5……………..Labor Day (no school)

October 31……………….Fall Break (no school)

November 23-25……….Thanksgiving Holidays

December 16…………….Early Dismissal (11:15 a.m.)

December 17 – Jan 2…….Winter Break (no school)

January 3…………………Return to School

January 16……………….MLK Day (no school)

February 20………………Presidents’ Day (no school)

April 3 – 7…………………Spring Break

April 14…………………...School Holiday

April 17 – 21……………..Terra Nova Testing

May 17…………….……..Last Full Day of School

May 19……………………Grade Card Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAMBLEN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

210 East Morris Boulevard Morristown, Tennessee 37813 Phone (423) 586-7700. Fax (423) 586-7747

The mission of Hamblen County Schools is to educate students so they can be challenged to successfully compete in their chosen fields.


SCHOOL BOARD COMMITMENT TO STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

The Hamblen County Board of Education believes that improvement of student achievement is the most significant task of the school district. We affirm our intent and commitment to the improvement of student learning by:

§          Openly evaluating data on student achievement indicators;

§          Discussing processes that affect the instructional program;

§          Examining the impact of the district's course of study on learning;

§          Reviewing or revising district goals to focus on student progress;

and

§          Striving to find methods to remove barriers to learning.

Furthermore, this board commits to informing district staff, students, parents, and community about student achievement in our schools and how our local data compares to common measurements in Tennessee, nationally, and with relation to other comparable school districts.

Therefore, the Hamblen County Board of Education resolves that:

§          Each student in our district is expected to participate in school for the ultimate purpose of academic scholarship;

§          Every employee of our public schools will devote his or her work toward ensuring and enhancing students' learning success;

§          The director of schools will recommend and implement initiatives and expenditures that clearly support and advance student learning success; and

§          The board of education will devote meeting time to topics that directly support and enhance student learning success.