Page High School Handbook
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Welcome to Page High School for the 2021-2022 school year! We are dedicated to providing all our students with an exemplary educational experience. We ask that all students and parents read through the content of this agenda to familiarize themselves with school policies and helpful information about PHS.
Page HS Academic Policies and Procedures
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ACT
To meet graduation requirements, all juniors will take this test in the spring, and we encourage them to continue working on improving their score during senior year. The WCBE pays the fee. Four 35-50 minute tests are given in English Usage, Mathematics Usage, Social Science Reasoning, and Natural Science Reasoning. The school goal is an average of 26.
Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)
September 11, 2021 August 6, 2021 August 20, 2021
October 5, 2021 All PHS Seniors FREE
October 23, 2021 September 17, 2021 October 1, 2021
December 11, 2021 November 5, 2021 November 19, 2021
February 12, 2022 January 7, 2022 January 21, 2022
March 1, 2022 All PHS Juniors FREE
April 2, 2022 February 25, 2022 March 11, 2022 -
Assemblies
At all assemblies, all Page High School students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the nature of the program. Full attention is to be given to any speaker or program participant. Unacceptable behavior will result in removal from the assembly and other disciplinary procedures.
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Athletics
The Athletic Department of Page High School strives for a drug-free environment. We expect a healthy lifestyle for all of our athletes. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or any other negative life choice that hinders the full development of the individual is discouraged. Individuals who choose to partake in these prohibited substances will be disciplined by an administrator and the incident reported to the coach(es) of the individual sport(s) in which the student participates. The individual will be suspended from all Page athletics teams for one academic school year. In addition to the normal school consequences for the infraction, each coach has, at his/her option, a range of penalties, which include extra drills, probation, suspension, and/or termination from participation in a particular sport. It is the responsibility of each coach to help our youth who participate in athletics to reach their maximum potential and, in doing so, coaches reserve the right to ensure that our programs have the highest possible standards for participants, both physically and academically.
Athletic Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in athletics, a student must have passed five credits the previous semester. Students failing to pass five subjects during any semester will be ineligible the following semester. Student academic progress is monitored during the semester also, and athletes failing to make satisfactory progress may be temporarily suspended from athletic competition at the discretion of the coach or may be placed on probation until progress is made. Each student must pass a physical examination before being allowed to participate or practice with any athletic team. Each student must adhere to all the rules and regulations of the team. An athlete assigned to ISS is still required to practice but will not be eligible to participate in one game that week.
Spectator Code of Conduct
As representatives of the Page community, we ask that all spectators conduct themselves in a positive sportsmanlike manner. Spectators should support their team by refraining from derogatory remarks, chants or cheers. Any spectator/s found to be in violation of this code will be dismissed from the event and subject to be suspended from future events.
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Attendance
It is our expectation that all Page High School students will attend school every day when school is in session. We appreciate the support of parents in reaching that goal. Regular, uninterrupted attendance is an essential ingredient in the learning process. The state of Tennessee requires each school to maintain an average daily attendance (AYP) rate of 95%.
The purpose of the following policies is to establish guidelines for attendance, to clarify terms used in the process, to identify who is to assume the necessary responsibilities for attendance, and primarily to foster regular attendance for all students.
Attendance Responsibilities
Students
- Be present and on time for all classes.
- Secure assignments whenever absent.
- Make sure your parents call the Front Office by 9:00 AM on the day of the absence. 615-472-4730 or 615-472-4737.
- Bring your parents' note or medical excuse to the Front Office the morning following your absence.
Parents/Guardians
- Make sure your child is at school on time every day unless there is a valid reason.
- Call the Front Office by 9:00 AM on the day your child is absent.
- Send a note to school following the absence detailing the reason for the absence.
- For extended illness, email teachers for assignments.
Teachers
- Keep accurate attendance records and report accurate information to the Front Office every period.
- Notify assistant principals of suspected skipping or other attendance irregularities.
- Give assignments to students in a timely manner after an absence.
Front Office/Attendance Secretary
- An electronic phone system will notify parents of their daily absence by 10:00 AM.
- Monitor students with attendance problems.
- Send letters to parents after 5 unexcused absences and/or 8 total absences of any kind.
Compulsory Attendance Laws
- If a student has a total of 5 unexcused absences, a “compulsory attendance law letter” must be sent to the parents and the first tier of progressive truancy intervention is implemented, including a conference and attendance contract. State Law 49-3-3007 (e) (4); State Law 49-3-3009 (d) (1)
- Upon a student’s accumulation of additional unexcused absences (7), the second tier of progressive truancy intervention is implemented, including an attendance assessment and possible referral for outside resources. State Law 49-3-3009 (d) (2)
- If previous truancy interventions are unsuccessful, Tier 3 intervention may include a referral to Juvenile Court (10 unexcused absences). State Law 49-3-3009 (d) (3)
- If a student missed 10 consecutive or 15 total unexcused absences during any semester, the school must send a letter to the State Department of Transportation (driver license suspension) State Law 49-6-3017 (f)
In accordance with new state attendance guidelines, Williamson County Schools has implemented a Progressive Truancy Intervention Plan to monitor student attendance. Parents will be notified as unexcused absences accumulate to proactively help with truancy concerns.
- 3 unexcused absences – Parents will receive a phone call regarding unexcused absences.
- 5 unexcused absences – Parents will receive a letter, and the principal/principal's designee will schedule a meeting with the student, parent(s), and school team members to provide needed support while creating an attendance contract to monitor progress.
- 7 unexcused absences – The principal/principal’s designee will schedule an individual assessment and refer to outside agencies as appropriate.
- 10 unexcused absences – Parents will receive a letter, and a petition with Juvenile Court will be considered.
Denial of Motor Vehicle License (TCA 49-6-3017)
This recent state law applies to all persons 15-17 years of age and requires suspension action be taken in regards to persons who do not have a driver’s license as well as those that are licensed. The law requires that students be enrolled and make “satisfactory academic progress” in a secondary school. As used in this law, “satisfactory academic progress” is defined as making a passing grade in at least three full unit subjects or their equivalency at the conclusion of any regular school semester, and accumulating fewer than 15 unexcused absences. A student who fails to maintain “satisfactory academic progress,” based on end of semester grading, may not be considered to be in compliance until the student gets a passing grade in at least three full unit subjects or their equivalency at the conclusion of any subsequent grading period.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Excused Absences
Parents should phone the Front Office (615-472-4730/4737) between 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. the day the student is absent. The fax number for the school is 615-472-4751. Parents have to send a note/email (Gabrielle Livingston) or a medical excuse to school the morning following the absence. If parents only make contact by phone, the absences will be considered unexcused. WCS Board Policy 6.200 defines excused absences as:
- Personal illness/injury. The principal may require a doctor’s statement.
- Illness in the immediate family, which requires absence of the student from school. A doctor’s statement may be required.
- Death in the immediate family. Absence should not exceed 5 days.
- Extreme weather conditions.
- Religious holidays are regularly observed by people of the student’s faith. A statement from the minister or other person recognized by the given religious group may be required.
- School-endorsed activities.
- Summons, subpoena, or court order.
- Absences for other reasons as approved by the administration.
- Post Secondary Visit (up to 3) - Must submit the form to Vicki Holder Post Secondary Visit Form
Early Dismissal
Any student requesting an early dismissal must present a note signed by his parent/guardian in the front office or emailed to Gabrielle Livingston by 7:50. All notes should contain the date, specific reason for leaving, the parent/guardian’s signature, and the parent/guardian’s daytime phone number. The parent/guardian will be contacted to verify the note prior to student release and students will be given a pass for dismissal to the office at the appropriate time. In an effort to preserve instruction time and minimize classroom disruption, students will remain in class until the next class change if a note is not provided in advance. Students feeling ill must go to the clinic to see the nurse in order to be cleared for early dismissal. Students leaving without following the procedures of an early dismissal will be considered skipping and will face disciplinary action.
Early Dismissal and Return on the Same Day
Students must follow the same procedures listed above and, in addition, sign back in at Front Office upon returning to the building and receive a pass to return to class.
Athletic or Extra-Curricular Activities
Students who are ill and unable to attend school on the day of an athletic or extracurricular activity will not be permitted to participate on that date. Students involved in extracurricular and athletic activities are expected to arrive at school on time and remain in school for the entire day. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by an administrator.
Field Trips
A field trip will not count as an absence, but students will be responsible for making up all the work. The field trip sponsor will send a list of all students attending the field trip to the attendance secretary one week prior to departure. Only required field trips will be allowed after April 7.
Clinic
A student should report to class before requesting a pass to the clinic, guidance, or Front Office. The absence will be considered unexcused for that class period and others that are missed if this procedure is not followed. An assessment will be made by the nurse. Students who drive will be allowed to drive home if their condition and the parent/guardian allow. Students are not allowed to call parents and leave school without following the listed procedures. Failure to follow the rules will result in disciplinary action.
Checking in After an Absence
Upon returning to school after an absence, a note from a parent/guardian must be presented to the Front Office before school. The note should include: student name, date of absence, reason for absence, and a phone number where a parent/guardian can be reached during the day. The attendance secretary will distribute a list once a day that lists all the confirmed absences.
Late Arrival to School/Class
- All doors other than the door to the main office will be locked at the beginning of the school day (7:50). Any student who arrives late for school will enter through the front office. Students should not open any outside doors for students and adults.
- If a student arrives at school after the beginning bell has rung, a tardy pass will be issued by the Front Office. Tardy is excused only if
- The student was ill (must have a note from parents)
- The student had an appointment (must have a note from a doctor)
- All other tardies are unexcused and will be assigned detention (see below).
- If a student arrives for class after the tardy bell has rung, a detention will be assigned (see below). If a student is more than 10 minutes late, he/she must have a note from a teacher or the Front Office. If the student does not, the teacher will refer the student to the office for skipping.
Tardy Detention Policy
- Detention is served after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays (3:05-4:05).
- Students earn a detention for every tardy after one (1) warning per semester.
- Students serving detentions must report on time. Students who are tardy to detention will not be admitted. Students must bring textbooks and/or schoolwork or assignments will be given.
- If students refuse to study or follow the detention supervisor’s instruction, they will be sent home without credit for detention and referred for administrative action.
- No sleeping, talking, or food is allowed in the detention sessions or Friday School.
- Only medical emergencies will be considered as excused reasons for missing detention. Students will need to bring a note from their physician by 7:25 a.m. on the first scheduled day of school after the missed detention. Students cannot use work or athletic practices as an excuse to miss detention.
- If a student misses detention, he/she is subject to Friday School (every Friday 3:05-5:05).
- If a student is absent from school on their assigned detention date, the detention must be served on the next scheduled detention day.
Unexcused Absences
- Any student whose absence is unexcused will be expected to make up the work missed or due on dates of absence (County Policy 6.200). All missed work or tests from absences may be made up provided the student makes the request immediately upon returning to school, and provided class time is not taken from other students.
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Blue Crew
The Page High School Blue Crew Program is a partnership between students and incoming freshmen to ensure that every student is connected with a group of peers and an upperclassman mentor. Blue Crew groups meet during Prime Time every Thursday during the first semester.
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Bullying
Refer to District Board Policy 6.3032
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Bus Conduct
Bus riding is a privilege which may be revoked due to misconduct or misbehavior en route to and from school.
Consequences: First violation: written warning to student/parent(s) by driver; Second violation: conference with Principal, parent(s), student, and Transportation Official; Third violation: suspension from school bus. Multiple offenses will be treated as second and/or third offenses. These consequences are the MINIMUM. The principal has full authority to discipline students as he/she determines to be appropriate to protect the safety of students.
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Cafeteria
Lunch is a normal period and is subject to the same attendance rules as a classroom. Students are to remain in the building or outside in the appropriately designated areas. Leaving campus for lunch is not allowed. It is considered skipping and will result in ISS. Going to cars must require an administrator’s approval.
No outside food (fast food, take-out etc.) can be brought to a student.
No backpacks are allowed in the serving line.
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Cheating/Malpractice
Cheating is considered a serious violation of the process of education. It includes, but is not limited to, the willful giving or receiving of an unauthorized, unfair, dishonest, or unscrupulous advantage over other students in schoolwork or activities. It is not acceptable to practice plagiarism, which is the representation of another’s ideas or work as one’s own (original sources should always be cited); collusion, which is supporting the cheating/malpractice of another; duplication of work, which is presenting the same work for different assignments without prior permission from an instructor; or any other behavior that could create such an unfair advantage.
Some specific examples of cheating/malpractice are unauthorized copying of assignments (including computer documents and files); stealing another student’s homework and turning it in as one’s own; plagiarism; submitting pre-written work for set classroom exercises or tests; using unauthorized study aides, notes, books, data, or other information; selling or buying or sharing papers without authorization; altering an assignment or test after it has been graded; stealing tests or other materials, or passing such material stolen by others; talking or signaling to another student during a test or quiz; looking at another student’s answers during a test or quiz, or permitting another student to look at one’s own test or quiz; possessing or using “crib” or cheat sheets; leaving books open on the floor to view during a test or quiz; using unauthorized calculators, palm computers, or other electronic devices to obtain answers during tests or quizzes passing test information on to students in other classes; computer fraud; sabotaging the projects or experiments of other students. Of course, this list of examples is not all inclusive. Furthermore, intending to cheat is considered the same as cheating. Because different subjects and assignments may differ in their regard to cheating/malpractice in some ways, students should be sure to ask their relevant teacher for guidance if requirements are not clear.
Consequences: For the first cheating offense, the minimum consequence the student will receive is a grade reduction (possibly a zero) for the activity, parent contact by the teacher, and a referral of the incident to the appropriate administrator. For a second offense, at the minimum, the student will be placed in ISS for no less than three days. If a third offense occurs, at the minimum, the student will receive five days ISS or perhaps be placed in the ALC for unruly behavior. Flagrant acts of cheating, such as falsifying or changing a teacher’s records, will result in greater consequences than the minimum.
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Code of Conduct
The primary purpose of Page High School is teaching and learning. For this purpose to be fulfilled, every person—student and staff—must accept the responsibility for contributing to an appropriate teaching and learning climate:
- Students are reminded that these rules are applicable at any time the student is on any school grounds, en route to and from school, during all school activities on or off campus, and at all times the student is under the supervision of school officials.
- It is considered a fundamental understanding by each student and his/her parents that any teacher or school official has not only the right, but also the duty to insist on good behavior. The right of discipline extends to all areas of the school program.
- Respect the worth and dignity of each individual and respect the rights of fellow students.
- Exhibit good behavior and manners, dress appropriately, and use appropriate language.
- Come to school with the attitude that the purpose of being at school is to learn.
- Come to all classes with proper tools (books, pencils, etc.) and with all assignments completed.
- Be familiar with and adhere to all school policies and rules, and be willing to accept the responsibilities that accompany rights and privileges.
- Attend school regularly and be on time for all classes.
- Turn in all assignments by their due date.
- Treat others in a manner that builds them up rather than puts them down.
- Seek to make the school better for everyone by positive contributions.
- Represent the school with pride and quality behavior, both on and off campus.
- Exhibit a sense of pride toward the school and exercise proper use and care of equipment and facilities.
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Deliveries
While we realize that students forget items at home, we encourage parents to allow their students to take responsibility for their own things. Items that are dropped off in the front office will only be delivered during a student’s study hall or lunch. Items such as balloons and flowers will not be released to students until the end of the day. Due to the nature of our lunch period, we will not accept outside food (fast food, take-out). Classes will not be disrupted unless it is in regards to an early dismissal or is authorized by administration.
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Diplomas
Regular Diploma: Students who have fulfilled the requirements for graduation set by the State of Tennessee and the Williamson County Board of Education as outlined above receive a regular diploma.
Diploma with Honors: According to State guidelines, students who score at or above all of the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT will graduate with Honors.
Diploma with Distinction: According to state guidelines, students will graduate with distinction who attain a B average and complete at least one of the following:
1) Earn a nationally recognized industry certification
2) Participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools
3) Participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations
4) Earn statewide recognition or award at a skill-or knowledge-based state tournament, convention, or competition hosted by a statewide student organization, and/or qualify for national recognition by a national student organization
5) Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
6) Attain a score of 31 or higher composite score on the ACT
7) Attain a score of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement exams
8) Earn 12 or more semester hours of transcribed college credit
Williamson County Honors Diploma: To earn a Williamson County Honors Diploma, students shall complete the core curriculum and four credits of science, plus the additional path requirements which include an elective focus. Except as described in this paragraph, course requirements for the Williamson County Honors Diploma are the same as for the regular diploma. A minimum of 14 credits must be at Honors or Advanced Placement level or through dual enrollment as described below. Students must qualify for Latin honors by having a 3.75 or higher academic average on either a 4.0 or 5.0 scale.
Students who are accepted for dual enrollment or early admission to a college or university may have college courses considered for meeting the 14 honors credit requirement if the course taken at the university level is offered at the Honors or Advanced Placement level by WCS. For example, English 101 and English 102 would meet one credit requirement replacing AP English IV. When a student receives high school pass/fail credit at the middle school level, the credit will be counted as an honors class toward meeting the Williamson County Honors Diploma requirement if the class was taught at an honors level. Otherwise, the course will be listed as a high school credit but will not count toward meeting the Williamson County Honors Diploma requirements.
PHS Scholars’ Diploma: The Page High Scholars’ diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed all the requirements of the Scholars program during their junior and senior years. PHS Scholars are chosen through a rigorous application and interview process in the fall of their junior year.
AP Capstone Diploma: Students who complete AP Seminar and AP Research, along with 4 additional AP courses and exams, qualify for the AP Capstone Diploma in addition to their high school diploma.
Special Education Diploma: A special education diploma may be awarded at the end of their fourth year of high school to students with disabilities who have (1) not met the requirements for a high school diploma, (2) have satisfactorily completed an individualized education program, and (3) have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct. Students who obtain the special education diploma may continue to work towards the high school diploma through the end of the school year in which they turn twenty-two years old.
Occupational Education Diploma: Designation acknowledging completion of a specialized program intended to facilitate the development of employable skills and maintenance of a satisfactory attendance and discipline record.
Alternate Academic Diploma: Requirements of the diploma align to the academic course work and ACT requirements of students earning a regular diploma in order to ensure that all students are provided access and opportunities to learn and participate in rigorous meaningful instruction. In order to earn the AAD, a student must have participated in high school alternate assessments, earned the prescribed 22 credit minimum, received special education services, and made satisfactory progress on an IEP, satisfactory records of attendance and conduct, and completed a transition assessment that measures post-secondary education and training, employment, independent living, and community involvement.
WCS Diploma Honoring Volunteerism: Students are eligible to receive this recognition when they graduate. Students must have a minimum of 10 volunteer hours every semester when they are in high school. Please follow these guidelines:
Students cannot be paid to do volunteer work.
Volunteer work cannot be done for a family member.
The student is responsible for tracking volunteer hours and submitting them through our Volunteer Hours Form. -
Dress Code
During the first minutes of class each morning, teachers will check their students for appropriate dress. Those students not in compliance with these rules will be sent to the Front Office. Students violating the dress code are subject to disciplinary action, including detention and ISS.
(Board Policy 6.310) In order for WCS to maintain a safe learning environment that minimizes distractions, the minimum standards for acceptable clothing during the school day are as follows:
- Tops of shoulders must have a minimum of a 1-inch strap unless otherwise covered by an opaque top garment;
- Skin and undergarments must be covered with opaque clothing from the underarm to mid-thigh. Mid-thigh is defined as the mid-point between the waist and mid-knee;
- All pants, trousers, shorts and skirts must be held at the waist;
- Leggings and other compression-style garments may be worn so long as an opaque top garment covers the private body parts;
- Hats may be worn in buildings with the permission of building administration.
- Appropriate shoes are required;
- Any type of clothing, apparel or accessory, including that which denotes such students’ membership in or affiliation with any gang associated with criminal activities is not permitted (TCA 49-6-4215).
Any apparel or dress that advertises or promotes products or activity prohibited by law or by the Board of Education is prohibited (e.g., profanity, illustrations, or suggestive language, etc).
Student uniforms related to student extra-curricular activities (band, cheerleading, dance, sports team, etc.) must be in compliance with this policy during the academic day.
Any apparel or dress that is potentially disruptive to the learning environment or educational process is not permitted. Any apparel or dress that is dangerous to the health or safety of students or the lawful, peaceful operation of the school is not permitted.
Administrators and teachers shall enforce the dress code policy. The principal or his/her designee shall be the final judge as to compliance with the dress code.
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Electronic Devices
Cell Phones, I-Pods, MP3 Players
These devices may be used in non-instructional locations. If used in inappropriate places, the device will be collected by the teacher and given to the grade level administrator. Student refusal to hand over the device could result in suspension. Devices will be returned to the student after the detention has been served. If parents must contact their children during the school day, they are welcome to leave a message with the Front Office at 615-472-4730 or call them at break or at lunch, but NOT during instructional time. Devices should be turned off during class time unless otherwise instructed. This means no vibration.
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Fighting
Students involved in a fight will be suspended and referred to the ALC and are subject to a petition being filed in Juvenile Court. Students are encouraged to seek conflict resolution from school principals, school counselors, the STARS counselor, or teachers in an effort to resolve the problem prior to an outbreak of fighting. In most instances, situations leading to fights can be resolved if pre-fight intervention occurs. Students found to be inciting, setting up, or causing a fight may also be suspended.
District Policies and Procedures
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Attendance
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Technology and Chromebooks
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Dress Code
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Grading and Progress Reporting
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Athletics
Interscholastic activities in Williamson County Schools are an important part of the overall educational process. The athletic programs offer students expanded learning opportunities including self-discipline, self-esteem and teamwork. Students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to get higher grades, have better attendance and pose fewer discipline problems.
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Annual Public Notices
Annual Public Notices including FERPA, Child Advocacy Groups Contact Information, Homeless Education, Rights of Children with Disabilities and Parent Responsibilities, Section 504 Notice, State Statutory Rights of Parents and Students, Teacher Information, and the Williamson County Schools Statement of Non-Discrimination can be found on the Annual Public Notices posted to the WCS website.
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Statement of Non-Discrimination
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Child Find
Williamson County, in compliance with federal and state law, performs a countywide Child Find. Child Find uses screening to find students in both public school or private school located in the geographic region who may need special education services and supports.