Williamson County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

See the district website for more information.

Although every effort will be made to update the handbook on a regular basis, Williamson County Schools reserves the right to change this handbook and any content within, without notice, except as may be required by state and federal law. As a result, the online version of the handbook shall be the official version.

Version Date: July 19, 2022

Athletics

All students participating in interscholastic athletics must have a current athletic physical form, concussion release form, and cardiac arrest form on file with the athletic department prior to participation in any tryout or practice. Forms may be submitted on Final Forms. Information regarding individual teams and expectations for student athletes may be found on the school’s website. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.301 for additional information.

Custodial Issues/Parenting Plan

Custodial parents/guardians must inform the school immediately upon any changes in custody, especially court restraining orders. Non-custodial parents may contact the school regarding access to their student’s academic progress. All families with a parenting plan must have that plan on file with their child/children’s front office(s), along with any subsequent orders or changes to the parenting plan or court order establishing the primary residential parent. See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.209.

Drug-Free Schools

Students shall not unlawfully possess, handle, transmit, use, be under the influence of, share, or sell drugs or any controlled substances in any way in school buildings, on school grounds, or on other grounds used for school purposes, (including parking lots or athletic facilities), on school buses, or at any school sponsored activity (See WCSB Policy 6.307).

Emergency Closings

Parents/guardians of Williamson County Schools students will receive school closure notifications by phone, text, email, mobile app, and social media. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download our app for free. Search for Williamson County Schools.

The district aims to notify parents/guardians and staff members of delays and cancellations by 9:00 PM the night before. If not possible, the district will begin notifying families as early as 5:00 AM the morning of the day school is closed.

Parents/guardians will be notified only at the main number on file in the phone notification system. If school is dismissed during the day, parents/guardians will receive notification to all of the phone numbers on file.

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations

See school website for information about activities, club, and organizations.

Field Trips

Students may have the opportunity to participate in several field trips as extensions of classroom activities throughout the year. Teachers will notify parents/guardians concerning field trips and send home permission forms for parent/guardian's signature. The school must have on file written permission from the parent/guardian before a student may go on a field trip. If the written permission slip is not returned by the due date, the child will not be able to attend the field trip. Students will travel by bus to and from all off-campus trips.  Any exceptions to this procedure must be approved by the principal. See the WCSB Policy 4.302 for more information. 

Fire, Tornado, and Emergency Drills

See Williamson County Board of Education policy 3.202 for more information on emergency procedures.

Moment of Silence or Prayer

Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1004):

In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of approximately one minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school day. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time but shall maintain silence for the full time. It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer.

Parent and Family Communication

Ongoing communication from school to home and from home to school is essential. Your ideas, questions, and concerns are important. Teachers, administrators, and some support staff have a WCS e-mail address.  Although you may wish to communicate with your child’s teacher by e-mail, please be aware that e-mail is not always confidential.  Please do not send time sensitive information by e-mail. It is our goal to return parent/guardian communication in all forms within 48 hours on Monday-Friday when school is in session.

Photography and Videography Guidelines

The WCS Communications Department has provided the following guidelines for parents regarding photography and videography in schools. The purpose of the guidelines is to address problems that have occurred at some schools when parents have taken pictures at school and posted them on online social media sites.

• Parents are advised not to post on social media any pictures taken at school that include any children other than their own.
• Picture-taking at non-public school events: These events occur before, during, and after school and include class parties, field trips, assemblies to which the public is not invited (ex. talent show during the day, etc.) Parents are encouraged to take photos/video of their own children but should not take photos/video of other children.
• Picture-taking at public school events: This includes events that are open to the public such as Back to School Bash, Family Fun Night, etc.  Parents may take photos at public school events that include other people's children but should avoid posting these photos to social media.

School Nutrition Program

See the WCS website (here) for more information about the school nutrition program.

Student Enrollment

All new students will register online using their Family Access account login.  If you choose not to use the online registration, paper packets can be picked up in the front office. Returning students should submit the intent to return documentation on Skyward each year. If you need computer access or assistance, you may contact your front office. See WCS website (here) for more information about open enrollment and other enrollment options.

Student Fees

See WCS website (here) for more information about student fees.

Student Withdrawal

If a move or other circumstance requires a withdrawal from school, a withdrawal form must be completed, all WCS issued materials and devices must be turned in, and a student must be in good standing with the library and cafeteria. Once all requirements are met, a parent/guardian may withdraw a student from school. Contact your school for more information regarding withdrawal.

Textbooks

Parents and guardians shall accept full responsibility for the proper care, preservation, return, or replacement of textbooks and instructional materials, including Chromebooks. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.401 for more information about textbooks and instructional materials.

Transportation

Bus Riders

See the WCS website (here) for information, policies, and practices regarding bus transportation.

Car Riders

Your school will communicate with you at the beginning of the school year regarding procedures for car riders.

Walkers/Bikers

Your school will communicate with you at the beginning of the school year regarding procedures for walkers and/or bikers.

Parking/Driving on Campus

Parking and driving on campus are privileges. See school website for polices and procedures regarding parking and driving privileges.

Visitors to Schools

1. All visitors must enter and exit through the main office doors.
2. Parents/guardians, visitors, and volunteers must present photo identification to enter the building.
3. All visitors must sign in and out in the office and wear a visitor or volunteer sticker/badge at all times.
4. School personnel escort visitors touring the school.

See WCSB Policy 1.501 for additional information.

Assessment

Three components play a critical role into every Williamson County Schools student’s educational program: a solid curriculum, effective instruction, and quality assessment. Curriculum, derived from state standards, defines what students need to know. Instruction is the practice of teaching each student that curriculum. Assessment is used to measure the student’s progress and mastery of what is being taught.

Please make every effort to have your student at school on time during assessment windows. No absences will be excused for family trips during these windows. You may view the district assessment resources here.

Attendance

Consistent attendance and punctuality is a cornerstone of student progress and success. If students repeatedly miss school or are often tardy, it puts them at risk for misunderstanding concepts that are taught and reinforced while they are not present. Additionally, student attendance is one of the categories the federal and state governments use to evaluate schools and assess whether or not they are making adequate yearly progress. Consistent attendance is a priority for Williamson County Schools.

Tardies and Early Dismissals

Students arriving after the start of school are tardy. See WCS website here for start times and dates for Late Start Days.

Early dismissals are strongly discouraged within 30 minutes of the end of the school day due to the interruption of instructional time in classes and are a disruption to the regular dismissal process. Instructional time continues until dismissal.  Office personnel must verify the identification of individuals when releasing a student. The parent/guardian must sign the student out in the office when the parent/guardian arrives to pick up the student, stating time and reason, and office personnel will call the student to the office when the parent/guardian arrives to pick up the student.  

Parents/guardians must communicate in writing the permission for someone to pick up a student other than the parent/guardian. Office personnel will ask for a state-issued photo ID when someone comes to school to check out a student. Students may not be picked up from car services such as Uber and Lyft.  These companies prohibit minors from being transported alone.

Late arrival and early dismissal may be excused for the following reasons: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances. 

Excused Absences

As detailed in Williamson County Board of Education Policy 6.200, excused absences include: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) Principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Written Documentation

The Williamson County School Board Policy 6.200 requires written parental or medical documentation for all absences, tardies, and early dismissals. This documentation ensures that school personnel are fully and accurately informed about your child. All absences are considered “unexcused” until a note is sent, preferably within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. When a student’s absences exceed 8 days, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse all future absences.  Notes are kept on file for the school year.  Parents/guardians may also send an email with all appropriate information to the school’s front office.

Notes should state:

• Child’s name
• Teacher’s name
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence
• Doctor’s note attached (if applicable)
• Parent or guardian signature

School Notification

When a student accumulates a total of 8 total absences, all other absences will be considered unexcused unless a doctor’s note is presented within 48 hours of returning to school. 

In accordance with state guidelines for schools related to truancy, Williamson County Schools has implemented a three-tiered system to monitor attendance.  Parents/guardians will be notified as unexcused absences accumulate (recorded) to proactively help with truancy concerns.

• 3 unexcused absences - parents/guardians will be notified via email or phone.
• 5 unexcused absences – Tier II truancy intervention begins, and a meeting will be held with family and school personnel. The team will create a contract to support the family and ensure subsequent school attendance. Follow-up meetings will be planned to monitor progress.
• If the student continues to accumulate absences, Tier III of truancy intervention may be triggered and additional interventions, including potential juvenile court referral, will be established.
• The Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Regulations (ESSA) defines students as "chronically absent" after 18 absences per year, regardless of excused or unexcused. Students who accumulate 18 or more absences will be considered “Chronically Absent” and reported to the state.

Grading System

See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.600 for information regarding the grading system.

Homework

Homework is defined as purposeful academic assignments given to students by teachers, which are to be completed outside of class time. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.609 for more information on homework.

Response to Intervention (RTI)

A general education initiative, Response to Instruction and Intervention, or RTI, is a comprehensive framework for supporting students academically that focuses on high-quality instruction and evidence-based interventions.  Instruction and intervention is tailored to meet the needs of the student through the use of initial screening data. Screening data come from assessments designed to identify student strengths and areas of need in reading, mathematics, and written expression.

Student Progress

Student performance may be accessed through Skyward Family Access for all students. Parents/guardians may request that a printed copy of their student’s report card be sent home each nine weeks. More information regarding student progress polices can be found in WCS Board of Education Policy 4.603.

Communicable Diseases

No student shall be denied an education solely because of a communicable disease, and his/her educational program shall be restricted only to the extent necessary to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease.

When determining whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the Williamson County Schools Illness Guidelines.  Please note that your child should not be sent to school until he/she has been fever free for at least 24 hours without taking a fever reducing medication.

If the school nurse determines that your child needs to leave, we ask that you or an emergency contact pick up your child within the hour that you are called.

If you have any other questions regarding health services, policies or procedures, please visit the Williamson County Schools Health Services Site.

Immunizations

No students entering school, including those entering kindergarten or first grade, those from out-of-state, and those from nonpublic schools, will be permitted to enroll (or attend) without proof of immunization, as determined by the Tennessee Commissioner of Health. It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to have their children immunized and to provide such proof to the school for which the student is to attend.

Exceptions, in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, will be granted to any student whose parent/guardian files with school authorities the following:

1. A signed, written statement that such immunization and other preventative measures conflict with the parent’s or guardian’s religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury;
2. A written statement from the student’s doctor excusing the student from immunization due to medical reasons;
3. Any student determined to be homeless, pursuant to federal law, may not be denied admission because of the student’s lack of immunization records due to being homeless.

Proof of exceptions will be in writing and filed in the same manner as other immunization records.

Medicines

The school nurse may only administer medications that are provided and authorized by the parent/guardian. Students should not have prescription or over-the-counter medicines on their person or stored in their locker. You can find the medication authorization form here.

Physical Examinations

Each student shall have a complete physical examination prior to:

1. Entering public school for the first time
2. Participation as a member of any interscholastic athletic team on an annual basis.

Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent/guardian of the student. These records shall be on file in the student’s record. 

Screening tests as required by the Tennessee Departments of Education and Health will be conducted. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere or tend to interfere with their student's progress. 

In general, the school will not conduct physical examinations of a student without parental consent or by court order, unless the health or safety of the student or others is in question.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment may be defined as physical contact and is distinguished from a reprimand, a suspension, or an expulsion. Corporal punishment shall not be administered as a method of correcting inappropriate behavior in Williamson County Schools per WCSB Policy 6.314.

Discipline

Discipline in Williamson County Schools is student centered, responsive, and timely. Students will be responsible for abiding by the district’s Student Code of Conduct, WCS Board of Education Policy 6.300. Consequences for inappropriate student conduct are stepped and may include, but are not limited to, detention such as Friday or Saturday School, In-School Suspension, Out-of-School Suspension, and Alternative Learning Center placement.

Disciplinary Hearing Authority

A Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) shall conduct appeals for students who have been suspended for more than ten (10) school days. Upon receiving notification of the request to appeal the suspension decision, the DHA shall provide written notification to the parent(s)/guardian(s)of the student, the student, and any other appropriate person of the time, place, and date of the hearing. The hearing shall be held no later than ten (10) days after the beginning of the suspension.

For more information, refer to Williamson County Board of Education Policy 6.309.

Dress Code

Students should dress appropriately for comfort, weather and learning. Students will follow the guidelines set forth by Williamson County School Board policy 6.310. 

1. Tops of shoulders must have a minimum of a 1-inch strap unless otherwise covered by an opaque top garment;
2. Skin and undergarments must be covered with opaque clothing from the underarm to mid-thigh.
3. Mid-thigh is defined as the mid-point between the waist and mid-knee;
4. All pants, trousers, shorts and skirts must be held at the waist;
5. Leggings and other compression-style garments may be worn so long as an opaque top garment covers the private body parts;
6. Hats may be worn in buildings on special occasion as permitted by administration;
7. Appropriate shoes are required;
8. Tennis shoes with non-marking soles are required for physical education.
9. It is recommended that students wear tennis shoes for recess.  Please do not send students in flip flops or shoes without a back as this can result in injury.

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).

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 advertises or promotes products or activity prohibited by law or by the Williamson County Board of Education is prohibited (e.g., profanity, illustrations, or suggestive language, etc).

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.  Parents/guardians will be notified and asked to bring appropriate clothing if a student is in violation of the dress code.

Interrogation and Searches

See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.303 for more information regarding interrogation and searches of personal belongings and lockers.

Student Discrimination/Harassment/Bullying/Intimidation

Williamson County Schools has determined that a safe, civil, and supportive environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. In order to maintain that environment, acts of bullying, cyber-bullying, discrimination, harassment, hazing, or any other victimization of students, based on any actual or perceived traits or characteristics, are prohibited.

Bullying is not tolerated. We ask all parents/guardians and students to report any bullying to a teacher or staff member in the building. The report will be investigated by administration within 48 hours.  The investigation and required intervention will be implemented within 20 calendar days.  Administration will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of all students involved.  Administration will also provide information regarding any support services available. Administration will follow investigation procedures and definitions set forth in WCS Board Policy 6.304. Behavior that is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension as deemed by administration.

Definition:  Bullying is defined by Tennessee law as any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance.  Bullying is: 1) repeated, 2) intentional harm, 3) against someone perceived with less power. 

Bullying has the effect of:

1. Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property.
2. Knowingly placing the student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property.
3. Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
4. Creating a hostile educational environment.

If a student needs help with resolving a conflict or if a student feels that he/she is being bullied, he/she should communicate with a staff member such as a teacher, counselor, or administration.

If a student or parent/guardian does not feel comfortable reporting a bullying incident directly to a WCS teacher or administrator, he/she can submit a Bullying Report. The student can leave his/her name or submit the report anonymously. An incident can also be reported through the WCS App. Falsifying reports will not be tolerated, and consequences will be given if it is determined that a bullying report has been falsified.

Suspensions

See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.316 for more information regarding suspensions.

Title IX & Sexual Harassment

In order to maintain a safe, civil, and supportive learning environment, all forms of sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex are prohibited. This shall cover employees, employees' behaviors, students, and students' behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop in accordance with federal law.

The Title IX Coordinator shall respond promptly to all general reports as well as formal complaints of sexual harassment and may be reached at any time by phone or email.  

For additional information concerning Title IX and sexual harassment, see board policy 6.3401 or the Title IX website.

Zero Tolerance

The following are zero-tolerance offenses that will result in a calendar year expulsion:

1. Bringing to school or being in unauthorized possession of a firearm or any dangerous weapon on school property;
   
   
2. Possession of drugs or alcohol, including any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event;
   
   
3. Aggravated assault; and
   
   
4. Assault that results in bodily injury upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or school resource officer.

For more information, refer to Williamson County School Board policy 6.309.

English Learners

If the inability to speak and understand the English language excludes a student from effective participation in the educational programs offered by WCS, WCS shall take reasonable actions to provide the student equal access to its programs. Students who are English learners (EL) shall be identified, assessed, and provided appropriate services. No student shall be admitted to or excluded from any program or extracurricular activity based on the student’s surname or EL status.

The Superintendent shall evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s language assistance programs to ensure EL students will acquire English proficiency and the ability to participate in the standard instructional program within a reasonable period of time.

Parents/guardians of EL students shall be given notice of, and information regarding, the instructional program within the first thirty (30) days of the school year or within the first two (2) weeks of a student being placed in a language instruction educational program.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 4.207.

Homebound Instruction

The homebound instruction program is for students who because of a medical condition are unable to attend the regular instructional program. The homebound instruction program shall consist of three (3) hours of instruction per week while school is in session for a period of time determined, on a case-by-case basis, by WCS.

To qualify for this program, a student shall have a medical condition that will require the student to be absent for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive instructional days, or for an aggregate of at least ten (10) instructional days for a student who has a chronic medical condition. The student shall be certified by his/her treating physician as having a medical condition that prevents him/her from attending regular classes. The services provided to the homebound student shall reflect the student’s capabilities and be determined by the homebound instructor, after consultation with appropriate professional staff of the student’s assigned school.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 4.206.

Homeless Students

Homeless students shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e., academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency) or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to submit contact information to the district’s homeless coordinator. The Superintendent shall ensure that each homeless student is provided services comparable to those offered to other students within WCS, including transportation, special education services, programs in career and technical education, programs for gifted and talented students, and school nutrition.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.503 or visit the WCS website.

Migrant Students

The District shall:

1. Identify migratory students and assess the educational and related health and social needs of each student;
2. Provide a full range of services to qualifying migrant students including applicable Title I programs, special education, gifted education, vocational education, language programs, counseling programs, elective classes, fine arts classes, etc.;
3. Provide migratory students with the opportunity to meet the same statewide assessment standards that all students are expected to meet;
4. To the extent feasible, provide advocacy and outreach programs to migratory students and their families and professional development for district staff; and
5. Provide parent(s)/guardian(s) an opportunity to participate in the program.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.503 for more information.

Section 504 and ADA Grievance Procedures

WCS is committed to maintaining equitable employment and educational practices, services, programs, and activities that are accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. To discuss concerns or seek resolutions related to Section 504 or the ADA, contact Student Support Services. SSS shall respond to all complaints within twenty (20) days with a written response as well as information on further grievance procedures that may be followed if the complaining party is not satisfied with the coordinator's proposed resolution.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 1.802 or visit the Student Support Services website here.

Students in Foster Care

Students in foster care, including those awaiting foster care placement, shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e., academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency) or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines.

WCS and the child welfare agency shall determine whether placement in a particular school is in a student’s best interest. Other parties, including the student, foster parents/guardians, and biological parents/guardians (if appropriate), shall be consulted. If the child has an IEP or a Section 504 plan, then the relevant school staff members shall participate in the best interest decision process. This determination shall be made as quickly as possible to prevent educational disruption.

WCS shall collaborate with the local child welfare agency to develop and implement clear and written procedures governing how transportation to a student’s school of origin shall be provided, arranged, and funded. This transportation will be provided for the duration of the student’s time in foster care.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.505.

Students from Military Families

A student who does not currently reside within Williamson County shall be allowed to enroll if he/she is a dependent child of a service member who is being relocated to Tennessee on military orders. To be eligible for enrollment, the student will need to provide documentation that he/she will be a resident of the district on relocation. Within thirty (30) of enrollment, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student shall provide proof of residency within the district. 

Students with parent(s)/guardian(s) in the military may also be eligible for excused absences related to his/her deployment.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.506.

Students with Disabilities

Williamson County Schools, 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.

There are two types of screening. The first is a general screening of preschool age children throughout the school year. These screenings are on-going and serve preschool-aged children. The other kind of screening is only for school-aged children. A child can be referred for screening by school personnel, the family and/or individuals in the county (physicians, child care providers, etc.) This should be done any time it is suspected that a child has a disability.

Visit the Student Support Services tab on the WCS website (here) for more information.

Use of the Internet

Williamson County Schools supports the right of students to have reasonable access to various information formats and believes that it is incumbent upon students to use this privilege in an appropriate and responsible manner. Students will be given appropriate instruction in internet safety as a part of any instruction utilizing computer resources. Before students are allowed access WCS instructional resources online, both the child and parent/guardian must read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy, the Video Conferencing form and the Authorization District Device form. These forms will be made available in Skyward prior to the start of school for review and acceptance. If your child violates these policies, they could lose technology access while at school.

For more information, refer to Williamson County Board of Education policy 4.406.

Use of Personal Communication Devices

Personal communication devices of any kind may not be used to take pictures, video, or audio recording in the school setting. Personal communication devices of any kind are only to be used during the school day for instructional purposes only, at the direction of a teacher. Students take full responsibility for personal communication devices at all times. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Please see WCS Board Policy 4.605 for current Graduation Requirements and WCS Board Policy 4.6051 for Credit Requirements.

Credit Recovery is an opportunity for students to complete coursework outside of the normal school day or during study hall to pass a course previously failed. To apply for Credit Recovery, students must have earned a grade of 50% or higher in the failed course. Upon admittance to the Credit Recovery program, students will keep a folder of required materials and will need to master all Credit Recovery modules for that course. The grades
for each mastered module will be averaged to compile a credit recovery grade. If the average is 70 or higher, students will receive credit for the course, which will be entered on the transcript as a 70. Students interested in Credit Recovery should speak to their
school counselor. There is a $50 fee per semester course for Credit Recovery.

GRADING POLICIES & SYSTEMS

Please see the following WCS Board Policies:
4.600 Report Cards and Grading Systems
4.604 Credit for Prior Courses
4.6041 Advance Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs

SEMESTER EXAM POLICY

Please see WCS Board Policy 4.7001.

DROP-AND-ADD POLICY

Valid schedule change requests are considered only during the first ten (10) school days. Valid course or level changes do not include dropping a level because students change their minds
over the summer, want a different teacher, desire a more favorable schedule, have not done the summer reading or desire to have classes with friends.

Full-year courses may not be dropped at the end of the first semester. Exceptions to this policy can be made only by the Principal. If the exception is granted, the student will be required to take an equally challenging semester course.

For many classes, a teacher recommendation is necessary. Parents who wish to override a course
recommendation may do so by completing a course override form. If a parent overrides a student into a course, the student must remain in the course for the full school year. Students can obtain override forms from their school counselor.

Problems with a Class: A student who is experiencing problems in a class will not be removed from the class outside the policies stated above. When problems develop, the following procedures should be followed:
1. The students should consult the teacher for ways to improve.
2. The student is expected to engage in the solutions offered by the course instructor. This may include but is not limited to one-on-one tutoring with the teacher, small group tutoring offered before or after school, or additional remediation projects.
3. If the problem still exists, the parent should talk to the teacher.
4. If the problem persists, the parent can request a school meeting that includes the teacher, the student, the parent(s), the appropriate school counselor, and the grade-level assistant principal. The team will form a plan of action to improve student performance in the class. The action plan will be monitored by the parent, student, teacher, and administrator for a minimum of two weeks.
The minimum two-week plan of action will include:
a. The student must meet with the teacher of the class to formulate a plan for success.
b. The student must have a satisfactory level of attendance and effort shown in the class (Teacher Discretion)
c. The student should complete all in-class and homework assignments and assessments in the class
d. The student should attend at least four (4) documented tutoring sessions.
At the completion of the two-week plan of action, the administrator will determine, with input from the teacher, whether a class change is warranted. No schedule changes shall be made by counselors without admin approval and counselors will communicate to the involved teachers.

Please review the WCS Student Handbook and WCS Board Policy 6.200 for information about student attendance policies and tiered attendance intervention.

PROCEDURES FOR LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL

If a student arrives to school more than 10 minutes late, he/she must report to the Attendance Office. The student should have a note from a parent/guardian explaining the late arrival and present it to the Attendance Secretary. Only one family emergency note is allowed per semester (e.g., car trouble). The student will sign-in, be given a note to enter class, and be issued a lunch detention. A student may not enter first period class after the first 10 minutes without a note from the Attendance Office and may not bring in outside food to class.  Lunch detentions will be assigned by the teacher after being 10 minutes late to school.

Students will be considered absent for that class period if the student is more than 20 minutes late. Excessive tardies to school may result in additional lunch detentions, ISS, and/or a revocation of parking privileges.

PROCEDURES FOR EARLY DISMISSALS

Planned Early Dismissal: When a student has a planned early dismissal, the parent/guardian should send a handwritten or emailed note to the attendance office by 8:00am.  No phone calls will be accepted. Please include:

• Student's Name- FIrst and Last
• Date & Time of Dismissal
• Reason for Dismissal
• Phone number where parent/guardian can be reached to verify early dismissal

The student will be given an early dismissal permission slip to present to their teacher (in the class in which dismissal occurs) The student should sign out in the attendance office prior to departing school and sign back in if returning after an early dismissal on the same day.  The student should present any requested documentation to the attendance office on the next school day.

No student will be allowed to sign out after 2:15 pm.

Unplanned Early Dismissal: If an early dismissal needs to occur due to unforeseen circumstances, a parent should show a photo ID to the attendance office and sign the student out. The student will then be dismissed as soon as they can be called from class without disrupting instruction.  No phone calls requesting early dismissals will be accepted.

TARDY TO CLASS

The following applies for students who are late to class: 

# OF TARDIES	SCHOOL ACTION
1ST through 4th Incident(s)	Lunch Detention and/or other Tier I Disciplinary Intervention
5 or more tardies	Administrative referral and additional Tier I or Tier II Interventions

SKIPPING CLASS/SCHOOL

Any student who is absent from class, or more than 10 minutes late to class, for an unacceptable reason is: a) considered to be skipping, b) the absence is unexcused and c) will be referred to an administrator via an office referral.

Based on the severity and frequency of the skipping, the student may receive Restorative Intervention and/or Tier I or Tier II level consequences.

• In order to get a driver’s permit, the student must have a compulsory attendance letter from the Attendance Office that verifies the criteria below. A two-day turnaround is required for all requests, so please plan accordingly.
• Students must not have accumulated more than ten (10) consecutive or fifteen (15) total unexcused absences during any semester.
• Please note that driver’s permits and licenses will be revoked if the above criteria are not maintained.

Please review WCS Board Policy 6.311 for information about student vehicles on school campuses.

Williamson County Schools requires completion of the Checkpoints Program for all new student drivers.  Once students have met all the state requirements and completed the Checkpoints Program one-hour training, parents and teens will create a “Checkpoints” teen driving agreement and students will be eligible for a parking permit. 

Students are reminded that driving to school is a privilege, not a right.  The following rules apply to the parking lot and student driving:

• All students must register their cars with the Attendance Office. Students must complete a vehicle registration form and pay the appropriate parking fee ($10).  Replacement permits will be issued at an additional charge. 
• The current year’s permit must be located on the rear-view mirror so that the number is visible from the outside. 
• Sale or transfer of permits between students or to any other car is prohibited.
• Cars may be parked only in designated student parking lots.
• School Administration reserves the right to tow any vehicle that is not parked in its designated area of the parking lot, or in a lined parking space.
• Students are not allowed to go to their cars during school hours without the approval of an administrator. 
• Students who leave campus without the permission will be subject to the loss of parking privileges, whether driving a vehicle or not. 
• Parking violations, such as parking in the faculty lot, parking in a prohibited area, speeding, or going the wrong way on a one-way street, will result in the loss of the parking permit and/or additional school consequences.
• Students who drive to school and park on school property agree to the search of their vehicles by administrators who have “reasonable suspicion” that the student’s car contains drugs, alcohol, weapons, or other items not permissible at school.

Items that are dropped off in the Attendance Office will be delivered during the student’s study hall period. Deliveries such as balloons, flowers, gifts, or fast food are prohibited during the school day. Students are not permitted to use any mobile delivery service. Any food brought for approved school-wide or class celebrations must have a food label and be pre-packaged.

Centennial High School uses the Restorative Practices framework to work with our students in all areas of their school day. The goal of Restorative Practices is to teach students to build community, manage conflict, and repair harm caused by actions or decisions. CHS high expectations and clear accountability measures, and the staff intentionally build relationships with students to model and encourage growth and success.

As a Centennial community, we believe in the importance of academic honesty. When a student achieves success on their own merit, it provides a feeling of pride, confidence, and accomplishment. As a community, we ask each student to always practice academic integrity. 

 Violations of academic integrity include cheating, plagiarism, lying and/or forgery, and inappropriate use of technology.

 Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following: Communicating with another student during a test, quiz, or any other form of evaluation, copying or allowing copying on any assessment or assignment, using unauthorized notes or devices, attempting to cheat, submitting falsified information for grading purposes, obtaining a copy of and/or information about an examination or giving information about such examinations without the knowledge of the teacher, removing a test paper from the classroom without permission, relaying information or accepting information concerning test items and/or format, using resources meant solely for teacher use.

 Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the following: presenting, as one’s own the words, works, or opinions of someone else without proper acknowledgment, borrowing the sequence of ideas, the arrangement of material, or the pattern of thought of someone else without proper acknowledgment.

 The following are examples of plagiarism: failure to document with quotation marks any material copied directly from other sources, failure to provide a bibliography, use of another’s work as one’s own, particularly in creative expression, i.e., themes, poems, musical compositions, artwork, or book reviews.

 All violations of the CHS Academic Integrity policy will be referred to the appropriate administrator. Depending on the severity and/or frequency of the violation, the student may receive Tier I or Tier II level consequences.

COURAGE to show respect and demonstrate integrity:
          Responsibility and Self-Discipline

COMMITMENT to solve problems:
          Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication

CHARACTER demonstrated through service:
          Empathy and Generosity

COMMUNITY is strengthened through a diverse, supportive, and inclusive culture:
          Resilience and Trust

Centennial High School has been building a tradition of excellence since its opening in the fall of 1996.  As a part of Centennial, students are asked to help contribute to that tradition.  By maintaining high personal expectations for success, utilizing open communication with staff and fellow students, and following the guidelines listed below, students increase their opportunities for success and help to make Centennial an excellent school.

Centennial Code of Conduct:

• Take responsibility for your education, decisions, words, and actions.
• Act in a way that best represents your school, parents, community, and self to promote a safe, healthy environment in which to learn.
• Be active in the school and community.
• Maintain a balance between academics, co-curricular activities, and community projects, continually giving your best effort to each.
• Support your fellow students and their activities.

EXPECTATIONS FOR CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
The classroom is certainly the most critical area of an educational institution, and your teachers expect your behavior and attitude in the classroom to reflect the importance of learning.  Classroom expectations are: 

• Arrive to class on time.
• Be prepared for class with all materials necessary for class that day.
• Be attentive and engaged for the duration of every class.
• Show respect and consideration for others.

Each teacher may establish additional expectations and procedures for their classroom.

CONSEQUENCES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
CHS follows the WCS Tiered system for behavior and consequences as outlined in the WCS Code of Conduct found in WCS Board Policy 6.300. Please refer to this document for definitions of behaviors and guidelines for tiered interventions and consequences. 

Teacher-Assigned Consequences
          Teachers may assign after school or before school classroom detentions for failing to meet academic or behavioral expectations in their classrooms. 

Lunch Detentions
          If assigned a lunch detention, the student should report to the detention room within the first five minutes of their lunch period and should stay for the duration of lunchtime. Lunch is brought to the student, or they may bring their own from home.
          Electronic devices are not permitted in detention. Students arriving late to detention will not be admitted and the consequences shall be the same as the student having failed to serve detention.

Friday School
          Friday School may be assigned by an administrator as a Tier I or Tier II consequence. Friday School will be held weekly from 2:55–5:55 pm on Fridays. The activities permitted during Friday School are silent study and school/community service. Electronic devices are not permitted in Friday School except for the school-issued Chromebook 

In-School Suspension (ISS)
          ISS may be assigned by an administrator for Tier I to Tier III behaviors. Electronic devices are not permitted in ISS except for the school-issued Chromebook.
          The amount of time a student spends in ISS may be reduced based on their participation in Restorative Practices.

          If a student does not meet behavioral or academic expectations during ISS time, a parent conference and/or an extension of the ISS assignment may occur. Students reaching 10 days of ISS during one academic year will be placed on a behavior contract. Failure to meet the guidelines of the behavior contract could result in a juvenile court petition or ALC placement.

          NOTE: Students are not allowed to participate in any athletic practice session, contest, game, rehearsal, or performance on the day of an ISS assignment.

SCHOOL AND STUDENT RIGHTS

Written, Verbal, and Symbolic Expression
          The school has a responsibility to maintain an appropriate educational environment.  Students have a right to express themselves; however, it cannot obstruct the education of another student or disrupt the school day.  Posting or distribution of any written material must be approved in advance by the administration prior to its dissemination.

Searches and Interrogations
          Please refer to WCS Board Policy 6.303 

Due Process
          Students have the right to due process, which means the school must allow a student(s) the opportunity to tell his or her side of the story when implicated.

CONDUCT AT SCHOOL AND AROUND THE BUILDING

Please recognize that guidelines for behavior apply at all times that students are on campus and/or in proximity to the school campus, on school-sponsored field trips, on school buses, at school bus stops, while traveling to or from school, while at school-sponsored events and activities, and at any other time or place that student conduct may affect the safety and/or well-being of other students and/or staff.

Students may be subject to disciplinary action for any conduct that takes place off-campus and/or outside of school where there is a reasonable belief by school administration that their behavior has caused or will cause disruption to Centennial’s educational process or environment or has interfered or will interfere with the safety and/or well-being of students/staff.

Students may not be present in any unsupervised or locked area of the building (e.g. athletic facilities, locker rooms, weight rooms, band room, gyms, labs, classrooms, parking lot, etc.).  Students should be supervised by faculty/staff at all times. Students must leave the campus at the end of the school day unless they are involved in a supervised activity.

DISRUPTION OF THE SCHOOL DAY
The following are considered disruptions to the school day. Depending on the severity and/or frequency of the disruption, the student may receive Tier I to Tier IV level consequences:

• Excessive displays of public affection
• Intentional interference with school operations or instruction
• Throwing objects or dropping any liquid or object from balconies or staircases
• Engaging in card play or games involving money
• Bringing any prohibited items to campus (fireworks, lighters, matches, illegal substances, obscene or libelous materials, tobacco/e-cigarettes, etc.)
• Insubordination or disrespect toward CHS staff
• Disrespect towards other students
• Inappropriate language or gestures
• Horseplay or pranks
• Fighting or verbal disputes
• Vandalism or theft
• Bringing unauthorized visitors to campus or ordering deliveries using a mobile app

SCHOOL SAFETY VIOLATIONS

The safety of students and staff is the number one priority at CHS. The following actions may compromise student safety or wellbeing and are not permitted. Engaging in these actions may result in Tier I to Tier III level consequences. 

• Opening a locked exterior door to allow individuals into the building.
• Propping open an exterior door to the school.
• Using the elevator without specific permission from the school nurse.
• Leaving the building with permission through a door other than the attendance office.
• Leaving the building at any time without permission.

MEDICATION

Please see the WCS Student Handbook for information about prescription and non-prescription medications on campus.

DRESS CODE

Please see the WCS Student Handbook for information about dress code.

HARASSMENT, SEXUAL HARRASSMENT, & BULLYING

Please see the WCS Student Handbook for information about all forms of harassment and/or bullying.

TECHNOLOGY USE

Please see the WCS Student Handbook for information about appropriate use of technology.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Please see the WCS Student Handbook for information about zero tolerance policies and appeals.