Student
Handbook
Table of Contents
Warren County School System Mission/Vision Statement
Warren County Schools Belief Statement
Reporting
Procedures for Unexcused Absences
Arrival at School/Departure from School
Students Who Are Brought and Picked Up By Parents
Weapons
and Dangerous Instruments Policy
Chewing Gum/Eating During Class
Money, Valuables, and Other Items
Guidelines for School-Sponsored Activities
Administrative Services/Visitors
Section
504 Informational Notice
The Warren County School System educates every student every day.
Core Values
• High expectations for all
• Excellence In teaching and learning
• Respect for the individual
• Resources for support students
• A community with shared ownership, shared purpose, and shared commitment
Warren County Schools Belief Statement
We believe that within the educational community of the
• Every child deserves caring competent; and qualified teachers every day
• All individuals have the right, the obligation, and the capacity to learn
• All people have inherent worth and should be treated with respect
• Teaching and learning flourish in safe, dean, disciplined, and nurturing environments
• Family, school, and community &e vital partners in the development of students
• Implementation of clear standards for learning supports continuous improvement of student achievement
• Accountability is essential to achieving Improvement
• Integrity is fundamental to leadership and to all successful relationships
• Every Individual has a responsibility to contribute to the community
• It is the responsibility of all adults associated with the WCSS to be positive role models for youth
• Every person is responsible for his or her actions.
• Students will demonstrate significantly improved academic achievement
• Warren County School System will have quality teachers, principals, and staff in all schools.
• Students will graduate on time.
• Warren County School System will collaborate and communicate effectively with parents and the community
• A long-range facilities plan will be developed, Implemented and updated as needed to ensure quality facilities and learning environment.
• All schools and system facilities will be well maintained, dean, safe and orderly.
The faculty of
We further believe that the faculty and staff must develop a child-centered attitude that will allow children to search for answers to life's questions.
We believe that through the acquisition of skills and knowledge, each child can be assured the opportunity of attaining his or her greatest potential by fostering good citizenship and a strong sense of self-worth, each child can also be assured the opportunity of a sense of belonging.
We maintain that with the decline in the social and moral fabric of our society, the hope for the future of our children is a cooperative effort among the school, the home, and the community.
We believe that ultimately it is our responsibility to provide a supportive, positive emotional climate in which students can learn. We believe that every child can learn and that every child can make a valuable contribution to the learning environment and to our greater society.
On the first day back to school after an absence, the student must bring with him/her a note written and signed by the parent/guardian stating reason for absence; statement from a doctor, dentist, eye doctor, etc., verification from funeral home (if death in family), or verification from court (if appearance is required). This must be presented to the homeroom teacher to be sent to attendance clerk. If after three days upon the student’s return no note is received, the absence will automatically be unexcused. All absences are classified as excused or unexcused. Excused absences include: (1) personal illness with a parent note-number of notes accepted will be at discretion of principal/attendance clerk. After this, a doctor's statement will be required. (2) Illness of immediate family with a verification from doctor or hospital, not parent not accepted. (3) Death in family with a verification from funeral home. (4) Court appearance with verification from court clerk. (7) Extreme weather conditions, such as flooding. etc. (8) Religious observance (a five-day notice is requested) (9) Circumstances which, in the Judgment of the principal, create emergencies over which the student has no control.
When an absence is created by a doctor’s, dentist
appointment, or court appearance, etc. the excuse will only apply to the amount
of time the student misses,(i.e. if the appointment is
at
School hours are from
Students will not automatically be excused for being tardy because parents bring them in late. The only excused tardy will be one that is accompanied by a signed note from the parent with the reason stated, if the reason is an excusable one. Once a student arrives at school and is tardy to any subsequent classes, the tardies will be handled through each class or office.
Students are expected to be in their seats when the class bell rings. Just inside the doorway will earn the student a tardy for that class.
Once a student arrives on campus, he/she cannot leave without signing out through the office. Any student leaving school during the school day must be signed out in the office by parent or designee. Students may not be dismissed by a note or over the phone. The responsible person must come in and sign the student out. Identification may be requested. If the person’s name is not on the yellow sign-out card, he/she cannot check the student out.
Any student checking out will be unexcused unless a note is brought the next day. The parent or designee signature and reason on the sign-in/sign-out sheet does not count as documentation. Students who are at school less than one-half of the instructional day will be counted absent for the school day.
A student is considered to have perfect attendance If (1) he/she has not missed any days of school or (2) has not accumulated time out of class amounting to 420 minutes (or more). Please note: This in accordance with WCBOE Policy JB. Time will accumulate due to tardies and leaving school early. If a student has greater than 0.99 actual days absent (420 minutes), he/she is considered not to
have perfect attendance and will not receive a perfect attendance certificate.
Reporting Procedures for Unexcused Absences
When a student commits his/her fifth unexcused absence, a letter will be sent to the parents or guardian by the school in which the student is enrolled. The parent/guardian has three days to contact the attendance clerk to correct these unexcused days. Failure to do so will result In these days staying unexcused.
If and/or when a student commits his/her sixth unexcused absence, a letter will be sent to the parents or guardian from the Juvenile court system requiring the parent/guardian and student to appear before the truancy board.
If and/or when a student habitually commits unexcused absences, It will be turned over to the attendance director for court action.
Arrival at School/Departure from School
School hours are from
7:40-7:50. If you wish to speak to your child’s teacher at length, please make an appointment with the teacher.
Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on his/her bus and all reasonable directions given by the bus driver will be followed.
Any misconduct in which it becomes necessary for the driver to report to the principal may result in the student being ineligible for transportation. Suspension from riding the school bus is progressive.
· First offense - up to a three-day suspension from riding the bus.
· Second offense five-day suspension from riding the bus.
· Third offense - off the bus for the remainder of the school year. Student and parent(s) must appear before the board of education before the bus privileges maybe reinstated.
Any student who gets off the bus at any point between the pick-up point and school or any student wishing to ride a bus other than his/her designated bus must present a note to the bus driver with authorization by the parent and signed by the principal
Students Who Are Brought and Picked Up By Parents
Students who are transported to school in the morning
should have their parent/guardian let them out at the main entrance only. No
other entrance points are permissible. Help us keep all students safe by
complying by these rules. The pick-up time in the afternoon will be
In order to make sure that our students are safe,
teachers are required to remain at the school until the last child is picked up
by a bus or parent Please understand that the school day ends at
Please read other valuable notices and information found in your child’s school handbooks rules, policies, health related information, attendance, etc.
Parents may request a prior-arranged absence by sending a note to the principal or coming to the school and explaining to the principal the reason for the upcoming absence and the dates that will be affected. The arrangements must be approved by the principal and teachers. All work missed during an excused absence must be made up.
It is the responsibility of the student to consult with a teacher whose class he/she has missed to determine the make-up work that is necessary. The teacher is not responsible for asking the student for such work. Failure of the student to initiate a request for the makeup work will result in lost opportunity for credit for the missed work.
Students must request make-up work on the day they return to school and class. Make-up work must be completed within the time determined by each individual teacher. In case of a prolonged illness, teachers will set a reasonable time limit for the work to be completed.
Suspensions are
unexcused absences.
Breakfast is served each morning from
A full lunch is provided for $1.25. The reduced price is 40 cents. This includes one choice from the meat group, two from the vegetable/fruit group, one bread, and one milk. We encourage all students make wise nutritional choices and participate In the school breakfast/lunch programs.
We encourage all parents to send lunch money for a week,
two weeks, or a month-long period. As
students bring their checks or money to our cafeteria during a designated time,
the computer will credit the child’s account as your child continues to eat
during the week(s), the appropriate amount will be automatically deducted. The
computer keeps a record to guard against mistakes.
Parents are welcome to eat with their child. Parent meals cost $2.50 (excluding holiday meals which will be $3.00). Be sure to sign the visitor’s log In the main office and obtain a visitor’s badge.
The Warren County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in the provision of educational opportunities, programs, activities, or employment opportunities and benefits.
In compliance with the state and federal law, the Warren County school district will provide to each protected student with a disability, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extra-curricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected student with a disability, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.
These services and protections for "protected students who are disabled" are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.
For further information on the evaluation procedures and
provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact Linda Wilson
or Joyce Dunlap at
This student handbook is not a complete listing of all Warren County School Board Policies. You may view the school board policy handbook in the Executive Principal’s office or the Superintendent of Warren County Schools’ office.
Sexual harassment activity toward any student by any employee or another student will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures, or words of a sexual nature which,
1. Unreasonably interferes with a student’s work or educational opportunities; or
2. Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment, or
3. Implies that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving grades or credit; or
4. Implies that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for determining the student’s grades and/or participation in a such activity.
Acts of verbal, physical, or sexual aggression will not be tolerated. Students should report any incident of harassment to his/her teacher, guidance counselor, or principal.
Confidentiality will be maintained and no reprisals or retaliation will occur as a result of good faith reporting of charges of sexual harassment.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, all of the circumstances; including the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred, will be investigated. The superintendent shall be responsible for investigating all complaints of sexual harassment If satisfactory resolution of the complaint is not reached, the student may appeal the matter to the superintendent, and ultimately, to the Board.
(1) Verbal reprimand;
(2) Counseling sessions;
(3) Parent conferences;
(4) After School Detention;
(5) Out-of-School Suspension;
(6) Discipline contract;
(7) Court- Juvenile or General Sessions
*Note: A discipline contract or behavioral compact may be used at any level as a preventative or intervention method.
All suspected or incidents of abuse will be reported to
the authorities (as per TN state law). If you suspect abuse in any form, call
There should be little need for the students to have to leave the classroom during the class period If it is necessary to be in the hall during class time, students MUST HAVE In their possession THIS HANDBOOK, appropriately signed by the supervising teacher. Students found in the hail without the signed handbook will be sent back to class or dealt with appropriately.
Class changes should be completed quietly with consideration of other students. Keep halls open to traffic at all times. Walk on the right. Do not block the traffic by sitting or standing in the middle of the halls. Help keep your school clean by discarding trash in the provided cans.
Student dress is an important part of school life In keeping with the educational goals of our school, students are expected to dress and groom themselves with a sense of responsibility Students in grades 5-8 observe the following.
Each student, while exercising his/her right to an individual way, will show a high degree of respect for the standards of decency, cleanliness, and style generally accepted by the school and the community.
1. Hats caps other head coverings, and sunglasses will not be worn inside the building Bandannas may not be displayed or worn in any manner.
2. See through clothing, tank tops or clothes revealing the midriff back, buttocks or chest are not acceptable Please make sure that your clothes meet this standard not only standing, but also when sitting, stretching, bending, and/or stooping.
3. All shirts (tops) possessions, and school supplies will contain no slogans, phrases mottos, pictures, or messages of any kind which can be found offensive by ANY PERSON This includes anything “off-color” and (but not limited to) wrestling, rock band South Park, etc. Warren County School logos, i.e. Irving College logo, WCMS Eastside etc are allowed All tops can be either crew neck (like a tee-shirt) or with a collar V-necked collars are acceptable as-long as they do not plunge low Shirts must have sleeves (no sleeveless tops) This is for boys and girls both. Additionally shirts must be long enough to tuck into pants. Again, no midriff or stomach exposure What is ALLOWED Manufactures logos emblems and brand names such as Nike Arizona Cap, Old Navy, Tommy, Duck Head, etc. may be displayed on the outside of the shirt. Students may wear any Warren County School System school item as well as shirts representing college and university teams.
4. Clothing with holes above the mid-thigh are not acceptable.
5. Shorts or skirts shorter than knee length are not acceptable (grades 5-8) Shorts for grades K-4 will be at the teachers discretion (common sense) Form-fitting clothing such as Spandex or biking shorts are not acceptable as an outer garment.
6. Shoes will be worn at all times.
7. All pants will be worn at the waistline. Belts shall be fastened. If suspenders and/or gallowses are worn they will be fastened over the shoulder to the attached clothing, not hanging free.
8. NO CHAINS.
9. Any decorative medallions or necklaces deemed dangerous or inappropriate will not be tolerated.
10. Students shall riot wear any clothing or accessories to clothing in a manner or fashion that shall be distracting to the educational setting of Irving College School This includes, but is not limited to, such jewelry as “nose rings” “tongue rings” or “eyebrow rings.”
11. Students are prohibited from wearing any type of clothing, apparel or accessory that denotes membership or affiliation with any gang or exclusive discriminatory group.
The student body will be advised of the dress code during
the first few weeks of school. Students will be given a grace period in which
to understand and comply with the dress code Once students have had time to
understand and adapt to the policy appropriate measures will be taken to Insure
compliance of the policy which could include, but not held exclusively to
The intent of the Dress Code of Irving College Elementary School is to provide an atmosphere of appropriateness, respect, safety and positive image which is commensurate with a desirable school environment. Any manner of school dress not promoting the above will be subject to review by the school administration.
The final say as to whether an article of clothing meets the dress code lies in the hands of the student’s homeroom teacher. Any disputes will be handled by the Principal or Principal Designee. Please note that ANY TEACHER can question a student’s compliance with the dress code not just the homeroom teacher. Remember, if you question if something meets the dress code or not, it probably does not.
Backpack and/or
Book Bags
Students may transport books, paper pencils and school items to and from school in backpacks or book bags. When students arrive in their classroom (for grades K-4) or at their locker (grades 5-8), they are to remove school items from their backpacks or book bags and store the bag or backpack in their locker until school dismissal. For safety concerns no backpacks or book bags will be allowed in grades 5-8 classrooms. They are to be put inside lockers, not beside of or in front of.
It is the philosophy of
Use or possession of tobacco products in any form on school premises shall be prohibited. To “use” shall mean any holding of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, and inhaling and exhaling of the smoke of tobacco, or any chewing or dipping of any tobacco product.
Students are prohibited from using any tobacco products on school property, school buses, or at school sponsored events. Penalties for violation are as follows:
· First Offense: Parent conference is required.
· Second Offense: Principal will require a parent conference. Student and parents are required to attend a smoking cessation class conducted by the Director of Health Service of Warren County Schools.
· Third Offense: Principal will require the students, accompanied by parents, to attend a conference with the Discipline Review Committee and cited to Juvenile Court for illegal possession of tobacco products.
· Fourth Offense: Principal will suspend student until the Discipline Review
· Committee meets.
If any of the above punishments are not completed, then an automatic suspension is imposed and the parent must return to school with the student.
Students shall conduct themselves with disciplined respect for all school policies, personnel, and property. Language: Inappropriate, profane, or vulgar language will not be condoned. Students who engage in such language will be disciplined. Fighting: Fighting will not be tolerated in any form. Students who fight may face suspension from 1-10 days. The length of the suspension may be determined by previous fighting, seriousness of the fight, and the circumstances involved. Alcohol/Drugs: It is the policy of the school board that teachers/principals must report to the law enforcement officials any student who is in possession of, or use of, drugs/alcohol on school property or at school-sponsored events. The student will be immediately suspended from school, turned over to the law enforcement officials, and the parents notified.
In addition, the matter will be taken before the Disciplinary Board of the Warren County School System to determine additional action to be taken, which may include expulsion (or the remainder of the school year.
Please Note: Whenever statements of a threatening nature are made, they will be taken seriously. Any statement, verbal or written, that implies a threat of violence is greatly discouraged. The faculty and staff do not consider this to be a joking matter.
Students Check Yourselves: Make It a matter of habit before you walk into the school building that you check yourself to make sure that you did not accidentally bring an item that could be a disruption to the educational process or be a violation of school rules, dress code, or state law. If you did accidentally bring something of that nature to school, IMMEDIATELY turn it in to the office or the principal. It will be returned to you at the end of the day.
Weapons
and Dangerous Instruments Policy
Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, use, or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, or in school vehicles and/or buses or off the school grounds at a school-sponsored activity, function, or event Students are further forbidden to use any instruments or substances such as chemicals, pencils, scissors, razors, or compasses with the intent to do harm or in any manner which renders the item dangerous.
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to suspension for a period of up to one year. If the offense involves a student who brings a firearm (as defined In the Federal Gun Free Schools Act) to school, the student will be expelled from the school for a period of not less than one year. The Superintendent of the Warren County School System may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Upon information that a student is suspected of violating this policy, the principal of the school shall notify the student’s parent or guardian and the appropriate law enforcement officials as required by law. After inquiry and obtaining the facts of the accusations, the principal shall take appropriate action.
In addition, any threats made by a student to another student must be report to a teacher or principal.
Students and all personnel are not to have Items delivered to them at school. All floral deliveries such as flowers, balloons, stuffed items, etc, must be made to your home address. These objects may not be transported on the bus.
School phones are for emergency use only and students may
use the phone in the office. Emergency calls do not include forgotten lunch money,
forgotten items, permission to stay after school, or permission to go home with
another student
All beepers, pagers, and cellular phones are prohibited on school campus by students.
Chewing Gum/Eating During Class
Eating and drinking during dais are disruptive to the learning process and cause a great amount of work for our janitorial staff; therefore, students will not be allowed to eat in the classrooms. The only exception to this is when a teacher or principal plans in advance for food to be used in a reward system, such as a pizza party or popcorn/Coke party for perfect attendance, etc.
Chewing gum is not allowed on campus. We insist on this policy because of the damage to the furniture, carpet, etc., as well as the lack of manners many times displayed by students chewing gum. Although, in and of itself, gum chewing is not a serious offense, the teachers and administration consider the disregard of a strict school rule an offense. Students who chew gum will be disciplined. Continued disregard will result in a conference with the student’s principal, and parent(s).
Each student in grades 5-8 will be assigned a locker for personal use. Students may bring a combination lock if they wish. Locks will not be issued at the school, but locks are recommended. In the event a keyed lock is used, a duplicate of the key MUST be given to the student’s teacher or to the attendance office in an envelope with the child’s name on it. Lockers are school property and are subject to search.
Notice: Lockers and other storage areas, containers, and packages brought into the school by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons, or any property which is not properly in possession of the student (T.C..A. 49-6-4204, Public Chapter 636(1994)). A student may be subject to a PHYSICAL SEARCH because of the result of a locker
search or because of information received from a teacher, staff member, student, or other person, if such action is reasonable to the principal (T.C.A. 49-6-4205).
Textbooks are issued by the teachers. All books are recorded by number by the teacher according to the condition of the book. Lost or damaged books (including library books) are to be paid for before another textbook maybe issued or before school records may be transferred to another school or before grade cards can be released.
Money, Valuables, and Other Items
The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Students should not bring large amounts of money or valuable items to school. Students may not bring radios tape players music boxes video games CDs or players, skateboards, rollerblades, baseball cards or any other type of toy to school unless prior approval has been given by the teacher.
Students that owe money for textbooks library books, pictures, or any school fund raisers will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular or school-wide activities. Again, our goal is to teach responsibility.
Guidelines for School-Sponsored Activities
Students who engage in misconduct off campus and at events not considered school-sponsored but may be inferred to be a disruption to an orderly school environment; upon return to school, may receive a ‘cooling-off’ suspension ranging from 3-5 days the length to be determined by the principal.
No Items are to be brought to school to be sold unless they are stems being sold by this school ins fundraising activity. No items may be sold for personal profit. All fund-raisers will be cleared through the administrative staff.
Report cards are distributed at the end of each six weeks. If your child fails to bring home a card at this time, you need to phone the school and ask why. Lost cards will be replaced through the office upon a receipt of a note from the parent requesting a duplicate card. A poor grade on your child’s report card should alert you to the fact that there maybe some type of problem. Our office will be happy to assist in scheduling conferences upon request.
The grading scale
is as follows:
A: 93-1O0 Outstanding Achievement
B: 84-92 Above Average
C: 75-83 Average
D: 70-74 Below Average
F: Below 70 Unacceptable Achievement
E = Excellent S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory
Administrative Services/Visitors
Parents are always welcome at
The Warren County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in provision of educational opportunities, programs, activities, or employment opportunities and benefits.
If your child has a medical condition that might require
special action, please contact one of the School Nurses in Health Services at
This is intended to serve as an informational guideline in preventing the spread of communicable diseases in the schools. Please refer to these guidelines throughout the school year. A student should be kept home when the following symptoms persist:
+ Temperature of 100 degrees or more
+ A dry, hacking or productive cough
+ Purulent (green, yellow, the color unusual) nasal or eye drainage
+ Diarrhea
+ Skin rashes or eruptions: such as scabies, chicken pox, or impetigo
+ Complaints of earache severe stomachache sore throat, severe headache
+ Red throat, swollen glands around jaw, ears, or neck
+ Nausea and Vomiting
+ Lethargy (general complaint of muscular aches and pain)
+ Head or body lice must be treated with appropriate medication before returning to school.
THE SCHOOL POLICY IS LICE
We want to encourage you not to send medications to be administered at school. But, if that is necessary, there are specific guidelines we must follow in order to comply with state law. You will find these guidelines below:
Students required to take prescribed medication must have an ‘Administration of Medication’ form completed and on file. This form is available from the school nurse or the school and MUST BE COMPLETED when medication is delivered to the principal’s office by the parent or guardian of the student. (Students do not complete the form or transport medication to school.) Medication will be kept and given to the student at the designated time.
The school is not permitted to administer medication, including aspirin, Tylenol, etc. at the student’s request. NOTE: Any student possessing, selling, giving, sharing, or misrepresenting any medication in any form including, but not limited to any type of over-the-counter medication or health aide (such as vitamins), will be subject to full prosecution under the Drug Free Schools Act.
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 regulations:
· The medication must be delivered to the principal s office in person by the parent or guardian of the student unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration (i e, students with asthma);
· All prescription medications must be brought to school in the original container labeled by the pharmacy to include the following information: Name of student, prescription number, name of medication and dosage, administration route or other directions, date, licensed prescriber’s name, Pharmacy name, address, and phone number.
Non prescription medication may be administered only with the written request and permission of the parent or guardian. All nonprescription medication must be brought to school in the manufacturer’s container with ingredients of the product listed on the container and child’s name affixed to the container. 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 except medication retained by a student per physician s order; and
4. Return unused prescription to the parent or guardian only.
The parent or guardian is responsible for informing the designated official of any change in the student’s health or change in medication. A copy of this policy shall be provided to a parent or guardian upon receipt of a request for long-term administration of medication.
The entire process of education is enhanced when the
school and family work together. In compliance with the law, this policy has
been developed as a statement of
A.
its operation, making school performance profiles and individual assessment results available, and providing activities and communications such as but not limited to, newsletters informational meetings surveys, parent representation, school agendas and conferences.
B Shared Responsibility- Irving College will work with parents to provide opportunities such as, but not limited to developing a school compact providing volunteer opportunities providing incentive programs, scheduling regular parent teacher conferences and promote open communication.
C Building
Capacity for
D
Accessibility:
In compliance with state and federal law the Warren County School District will provide to each protected student with a disability without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected student with a disability the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.
The Warren County School System affirms that it will
comply with Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972 Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VI
& Title
School System has discriminated against them or another
individual may file a complaint. Warren County Schools has designated the
following people to handle such grievances to comply with the law. Student
complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to
Linda Wilson, Director of Special Education, at
Rights of parents and students through the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) are available in print in the office of Irving College Elementary at your request. We strive to protect your confidentiality at all costs. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) HR 107110 Parent Notification Brochure is available in the office for your information.
Section 504 Informational Notice
Section 504 is an Act which prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:
· Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity such as caring for ones self performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing and speaking, breathing, learning and working.
· Has a record of such impairment.
· Is regarded as having such impairment.
In order to fulfill it’s obligation under Section 504,
the
The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act which include the responsibility to identify evaluate and, if the child is determined to be eligible, to afford access to appropriate educational services.
If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by professional staff of the district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.
FERPA also specifies rights related to educational records. This act gives the parent or guardian the right to: (a) inspect and review his/ her child’s educational records; (b) make copies of these records; (c) receive a list of all individuals having access to these records; (d) ask for an explanation of any item on the records; (e) ask for an amendment to any report on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the child’s rights; (f) a hearing on the issue if the school refuses to make the amendment.
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact
Joyce Dunlap, Section 504 Compliance Coordinator, at
The Warren County School Board requires that all students
using the Internet at any location in all schools in
8th grade).
Our
Parents play a vital role in this mission. The Board encourages the Involvement of parents (Policy IFCE) and wants to keep them informed as to their rights.
• Warren County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, or handicap in the provision of educational opportunities, activities, or other administered programs.
• Parents have the right to request information about the professional qualifications concerning their child’s teacher(s) and should be
Informed if their child is served by any paraprofessionals providing educational assistance, and if so, their qualifications.
Teaching certifications can be found by accessing the Tennessee Department of Education, Teacher Licensing Web Site (tennessee.gov/education/lic_home.htm) or contacting the system’s Human Resources Director.
• Parents must receive notification if their child’s teacher in a core curriculum subject is being taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher not highly qualified.
• Parents will have access to system/school report cards as developed by the State Department of Education and available (usually in late fall of each year), through their web-site (tennessee.gov/education), or at the school and/or district office.
• Parents will be informed if their child is enrolled in a school identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring, an explanation of what this means, academic comparison with district and state, steps being taken to improve achievement, parent involvement, etc.
• Parents will be informed by annual notice regarding the availability of supplemental educational services if a school fails to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP).
• Parents must receive annual academic results [mid-reporting periods, end of reporting periods, TCAP Achievement results (grades 3-8), Writing Assessment (grades 5,8,11), End-of-Course and Gateway Exams, in a timely manner as required by local Board policy and the Tennessee Department of Education.
• Parents of a student identified as limited English
proficient (ELL — English Language Learner) must be notified in a timely manner
of their child’s participation in an
A parental involvement policy is available in the school s handbook or by contacting the school office.
Title I Schools: A written parental involvement policy will be developed jointly with and distributed to parents of children participating in Title I Programs
This includes an animal meeting for parents to inform them of their school’s participation in programs (eg. Title I) funded under the No Child Left Babied
Act.
• Schools and parents must be notified of school wide program authority under which schools can consolidate funds from federal, state, and local sources to upgrade the educational program of the entire school (qualification: 40% of students must be from verified low income families).
• Parents can visit the state’s web site (www.state.tn.us) or system’s website (www.warrenschools.com) to access a description of the curriculum (Tennessee Curriculum Standards), assessment, and proficiency levels students are expected to meet.
• Parents have access to district and school information and reports through the media (local newspaper and radio), and the System/School Report Cards available on the State website or at the system’s administrative offices.
• The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. For more info contact the system’s homeless liaison.
• Section 9532 of the NCLB act shall provide any student who attends a persistently dangerous school, or any student who had been the victim of a violent crime while at school the opportunity to attend a safe school.
The appropriate paper work and procedure is on file in your principal’s office.
The School Board Policy relating to student privacy and parental access to Information is available in the School Board Policy Manual located at each school and the Central Office. Notification of Rights and Release or Directory Information under FERPA, Family Education Rights and Policy Act, are also done through media announcements. This Federal law affords parents and student; (over 18 years of age) certain rights with respect to educational records. Parents will be notified of any change in Board policy. More information on FERPA is available in school handbooks or at the Central Administrative Office.
• Students and parents are encouraged to participate in safe and drug-free school programs to prevent student violence and drug use. Parents can request in writing their child’s non-participation in such activities.
• School health requirements, policies, and procedures (eg. immunizations, medication at school, etc.) are
available from the WCSS Health Services Office
• Parent/Student Rights in Identification, Evaluation, and Placement- A complete description of the rights granted by federal law to students with disabilities is available by contacting the Special Education Department of the Warren County School System. The intent of this law is to keep parents fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with any of those decisions.
• CHILD FIND REQUIREMENT UNDER IDEA— Warren County
Schools has the responsibility to locate, identify, and evaluate all children
ages 3 to 22 years suspected of having a disability. If you have any questions
or concerns, please contact the Special Education Director at
