WELCOME TO WALTER J. BAIRD MIDDLE SCHOOL
    

The heart of the middle school philosophy is to provide an environment for learning specifically designed to meet the educational and social needs of the child  in grades seventh (7th) and eighth (8th).  Middle school is a  gradual transition between life in elementary and high school.

The middle school experience places high priority on the following goals for each student:

1.  Acquisition of basic skills and knowledge:

Assist students in making progress in acquiring and applying skills and knowledge;

2.  Development of positive self-concept:

Assist students in understanding self, makingresponsible decisions, and developing acceptable methods for relating to others;

3.  Personalization:
                 

Assist students in realizing their individual growth potential.

4.  Transition:

Assist students during a unique period of fluctuation in their personal and school lives.

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Mission Statement
     To provide opportunities for academic and behavioral success by equipping students with the necessary skills and tools to be successful in high school.

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Vision Statement
     To provide the best learning environment for the development of positive attitudes and student achievement.

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2008-2009 School Calendar
July 21                                        Registration Day
July 22-23                                  Staff Development (No Students)
July 24                                        Stockpile Day(No Students)
July 25                                        Work Day (No Students)
July 28                                        First Day of School
August 29                                   Stockpile Day (No Students)
September 1                              Labor Day (No School)
October  6-17                            Fall Break
November 26-28                      Thanksgiving Holidays
December 19                              Abbreviated Day (Early Dismissal)
December 22-January 2           Christmas Holidays
January 5                               Stockpile Day  (No Students)
January  6                                   Return to School
January 19                                  Martin Luther King Day
February 16                                Presidents’ Day
March 16-27                              Spring Break
April 10                                      Good  Friday (No School)
May 1                                          Stockpile Day (No Students)
May 22                                        Work Day (No Students)
May 23                                        Report Card Day

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THE IDEAL STUDENT
     School is a place where teachers and students work together to ascertain learning and experience that will prepare them for the work of life.  An ideal student observes the following practices of good citizenship at school:
1.  Is always prompt in attendance and assignments.
2.  Enters and leaves the building in an orderly manner.

3. Avoids boisterous conduct in the halls and cafeteria.

4.  Respects the authority.
5.  Is considerate of others at all times.
6.  Becomes attentive when the tone to begin class sounds.
7.  Practices good classroom conduct in the presence of teachers
      and substitutes.
8.  Always goes to class with all materials necessary.
9. Takes care of books and materials supplied to the student
    during the year.

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LEBANON SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HISTORY:
     The Lebanon Special School District of Wilson County, Tennessee was created by a special act  of the Tennessee General Assembly in 1901.  Originally, the school district corresponded with the Tenth Civil District.
     The Act of 1901 created a school board composed of three members to govern the school District.  The board members are elected at large by the voters of the district, and serve for a term of six years.  One member is elected each two years at the time of the local general elections.  These board members receive no pay for their services.  The school board is responsible for the appointment of the superintendent. 
     There are no requirements in the law creating the district concerning school board meetings, but for many years the board has held regular monthly meetings.  The board meets in the office of the Superintendent at 701 Coles Ferry Pike on the second Monday night of each month.  This is always an open meeting.  Visitors are welcome to attend.

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LEBANON SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT:
Mission:  Committed to a community of excellence.
Vision:  The commitment to excellence in teaching and learning inspires and empowers all children, equipping them with the tools they will need to be successful in a globally changing world.
Beliefs:  The Beliefs of the Lebanon Special School District are...

                 
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS AT
Walter J. Baird Middle School

GENERAL CONDUCT:
     All students are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen in all circumstances and towards all people, in and out of school.  Walter J. Baird is as respected as the students who attend it and only as good as the school and community desire it to be.

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TRUE BLUE CORE VALUES:
     Walter J. Baird Middle School has adopted the following core values:
1.  Respect
      Respect at Walter J. Baird is showing a high or special regard, esteem, and honor for one’s parents, teachers, persons in authority, fellow students, and oneself.  When respect is shown, there is a positive interaction between all parties.  Respect is shown by being trustworthy, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, reverent, and honest to all persons.

2.  Responsibility
      Responsiblity is being accountable for one’s actions and realizing that actions have consequences.  It is maturing from “It got lost” to “I lost it”.  Responsiblity is coming to school daily, on time, and getting the job done while you are here.

 3.  Participation
       At Walter J. Baird, participation means contributing your talents, your time, and your thoughts and ideas to classwork and discussions, homework, to curricular and extracurricular activities.

 4.  Compassion
       Compassion is treating others like you want to be treated, and putting others and their situations before your own.

All Walter J. Baird faculty, staff, and students are expected to adhere to these values.

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ATTENDANCE:

Under the Compulsory School Law of Tennessee, all children under the age of 17 are required to attend school.  The law states that students absent more than five days without proper excuse are in violation of law 1409:
1.Student’s personal illness
      (Physician’s statement may be required)
2.Death in the family
3.Religious holidays regularly observed by persons of his faith.
     Poor attendance constitutes one of our greatest educational losses.  Most absences are unnecessary, and we want students to realize the importance of attending every class each day Walter J. Baird School is in session.  Not only do students need to be here every day for their education, but each day they miss, the school loses money due to the Average Daily Attendance requirements.
     Should a student find it necessary to be absent from school, he/she should have his/her parents or guardian notify the school.  In the event the school is not notified, the office will attempt to contact the home to find out the reason for absence. 
     Upon return to school, every student must have a note from his/her parent or guardian  when he/she is absent or leaves school before regular dismissal.

Sample Note for being absent:

Date of Return to school________________________
________________________________was absent
(First name)                               (Last name)
___________________________due to _________________
(Give dates)                                                         (Reason for absence)
                                                                 _______________________
                                                              (Signature of parent or guardian)
A doctor’s note is an acceptable excuse.
     An absentee form will be given to the student when he/she returns to school by the assistant principal.  This slip will be necessary for admission to any class missed while absent.  The teacher of every class missed is to sign the absentee form, and it is the responsibility of the student to see that each teacher signs it.

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WJB - WHERE LEARNING COMES FIRST
Work with us; play with us.  Students who are passing all classes and have not been to the office five (5) times for discipline referrals are encouraged to participate in extracurricular  activities at WJB.  Sports, clubs, dances, drama, and ball games are many of the extracurricular activities offered at WJB. (Students who are failing any subjects or are on the 5-timer list will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities).
Students who do not meet the above standards are encouraged to use more self-discipline, do all class work, and homework to meet these standards to be successful.  After school tutoring programs, learning lab,  and content mastery in the school day are set aside to assist all students in being successful.

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CONTENT MASTERY
      Content Mastery is a 45 minute period set aside in the school day to assist students in meeting curriculum standards.  Teachers assign students to content mastery who need enrichment activities, who have not mastered standards, or who have missed instruction.  These students are given more individualized instruction and alternative learning strategies to insure their success.  The Content Mastery period  also serves as a tool for building confidence in our students and establishing positive relationships with other students and teachers.

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LEARNING LAB
      Walter J. Baird Middle School institutes the “Power of I” as proposed by Making Middle Grades Work.  Students are not allowed to take 0’s on assignments.  Assignments not turned in or not turned in at a high level of performance are given an I or incomplete.  Students who do not get these assignments turned in in a timely manner are assigned to the Learning Lab where extra help is given them.  Zeros are not acceptable at Walter J. Baird.

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EMERGENCIES
     School officials will not interrupt classroom instruction to deliver a message to a student or to call a student out of class except for emergencies.
      However, in case of an emergency, we will be glad to assist you in any way.  If a student is injured during the school day, we must have current emergency  numbers for each student.  Please be sure to include the name and phone number of two emergency contacts on your child’s enrollment form. If this information changes during the school year, please call the school office, 444-2190, and we will update our records as needed.

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HALL PASSES
     Students are not permitted in the halls during class period unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass from an authorized staff member.

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TARDINESS
     If students are late for school, they must come to the office for a tardy slip.  The tardy slip will be marked with excused or unexcused.  If the slip is excused, the student may make up any work missed.  If the tardy slip is unexcused, the student may not be allowed to make up any work missed.  Three unexcused tardies will result in  in-school suspension.            
     Because we feel a  middle school student is old enough to assume the responsibility of getting out of bed on time to get to school by himself, no tardy slips for oversleeping will be excused.  Teachers will handle tardiness in class as a Level One discipline. 

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ARRIVING ON CAMPUS-AFTERNOON DISMISSAL
     Any  student coming to school by car must be brought to the rear entrance of school and be picked up at the same place in the afternoon.  Seventh (7th) grade drop off/pick up area is behind the library.  Eighth (8th) grade drop off/pick up is behind the gym.  All students should load from outside lanes.  Please keep middle lane open for cars to exit. All students should be picked up by 3:20 or other arrangements must be made.

BIKES/SKATEBOARDS
      Bicycle riders are to park their bicycles in the bicycle rack provided by the school.  Bicycles should be locked since the school is not responsible for any vandalism.   Skateboards are not allowed on school premises.

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VISITORS
      Only students from Walter J. Baird School and their parents or guardians will be permitted at school.  Visitations by others must have principal permission.  Parents are always welcome at Walter J. Baird.  All guests are requested to come by the office to sign in and again to sign out.  A visitor’s pass is required.

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ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONES
     Radios, tape players, CD players, I-Pods/MP-3 players,
electronic games, are not allowed  in school.   Pagers, cellular phones, or other  communication devices should not be brought to school.  If so, they will be taken up and turned into the office  and student will be sent to In School Suspension.  Cell phones will be returned only to parent/guardian.

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BEHAVIOR IN THE HALL
     All students should keep their hands to themselves and off of other students.  This includes pushing, shoving, holding hands, etc.  Public display of affection is prohibited.

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PARENT CONFERENCES
     The teachers at Walter J. Baird School remain at school until 3:10 every afternoon or later, if necessary for parent conferences.  At this time a student’s progress or any problem the student might have is discussed.  The conferences are private and confidential.  Appointments with teachers may be made through the guidance office.  We would like to ask that all parents visit and take part in their child’s classes.  Please plan on visiting your child’s classes this year.  Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled each fall and spring for the benefit of student education.  Please plan to attend.

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TELEPHONES
      Phones are available in the main office and in each pod area.  Students must have permission to use the phone.

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 LOCKERS
     The rental charge for lockers is $2.00 per student.  Lockers will be issued during the first week of school.   All lockers are to be kept neat.  If a lock is lost, a $5.00 replacement fee will be charged.  All students are responsible for having locks on their lockers at all times.  If a student has a question concerning lockers, the student should see his advisory teacher.
     Students should not give out their combinations to other students.

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LOST AND FOUND
     There is a lost and found area in the Commons.  If something is found, please turn it into the office.  If something is lost, check in the office to see if it has been turned in.  Any unclaimed articles will be disposed of at midyear and at the end of the school year.

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TEXTBOOKS
     All students are responsible for all textbooks issued to them and books checked out of the library.  Any lost or damaged  textbook is the financial responsibility of the parent/guardian.

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REPORT CARDS
      Progress reports are sent home at the middle of the nine weeks.  Report cards will be issued to students approximately one week after the end of each nine weeks.   Report cards should be promptly returned with the parents’ signature. The following is a schedule for report cards  for 2008-2009: 
                                    1st nine weeks - October 1st.
                                    2nd nine weeks - December 17th
                                    3rd nine weeks - March 11th
                                    4th nine weeks - May 23rd

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GRADES
The grading system at Walter J. Baird School is as follows:
                                    A..........100-93
                                    B..........92-85
                                    C..........84-75
                                    D..........74-70
                                    F..........Below 70
                                    I............Incomplete:Failure unless completed.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
Principal’s List:     All  “A’s”
Honor Roll:            No grade lower than a “B”
WJB Pride:            No grade lower than a “C”.
All honor roll’s and principal’s lists will be published in the Lebanon newspapers.

ACADEMIC HONORS BANQUET
     Walter J. Baird School has an Academic Honors Banquet in the spring for those students who have successfully maintained a 93 or above average in core subjects with no grade below  93 in any related arts class for the school year.  Those candidates must have been  Walter J. Baird students two of the last nine weeks.

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HOMEWORK INFORMATION
     Students are encouraged to purchase an agenda book from the school.  Agenda books cost $6.00.  Students are to write their assignments for each class each day in their agenda book. Teachers and parents may communicate with each other through the agenda book.  Parents have access to each homework assignment through the agenda book.  Students should carry the agenda book home each day. 

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MAKE-UP WORK
      Students with an excused absence may make up homework missed.  The number of days given to make up the work is equal to the number of days missed plus one (1) day.  If a student is going to be absent more than two (2) days, please call before 7:45 a.m. for homework.

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CAFETERIA
     The school cafeteria is operated for the students.  All food, whether purchased in the cafeteria or brought from home, is to be eaten in the cafeteria.  A definite time for eating will be assigned each student.  No carbonated drinks are permitted in the cafeteria.

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WITHDRAWALS
     In order to withdraw from Walter J. Baird School in good standing, it will be necessary to complete the following:
1.  A parent/guardian must report to the office and explain the reason for the withdrawal.  Students will be given a withdrawal form.
2.  They will  check with the librarian and cafeteria during the day in order that their library and lunch record may be cleared.
3.  Their  textbooks will be returned to their teachers.
4.  As the student goes to classes, teachers will record  grades on the form provided.
5.  The student will report to the office for final clearance.

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BELL SCHEDULE

Advisory                   7:55 - 8:05

1st Block                   8:08 -  9:34         Hounds Related Arts
                                                                           8:08 - 8:50
                                                                           8:52 - 9:34
                 
2nd Block                  9:37 - 11:03       Force Related Arts                                                                                              9:37 - 10:19
                                                               10:21 - 11:03
                                                                                             
3rd Block               11:06 - 12:57                  Eagles Related Arts
                                                                            11:06 - 11:48
                                                                            11:50 - 12:57

                                     1:00 -  1:30         Reading For Success (R4S)

4th Block                      1:30  - 2:55         Dolphins Related  Arts
1:30 - 2:09                                                             2:11 - 2:55

Dismissal                    2:55                           1st Bus Load
                                    3:00                           2nd Bus Load
                                    3:05                           Car Riders
                                    3:10                           Walkers/After School Activities

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MEDICATION POLICY
      Personnel of the Lebanon  Special School District will not routinely administer medication of any form.  Medication will be administered in unique situations, as determined by the Principal and /or School Health Nurse; this shall be limited to those required during school hours and where as the child’s health is dependent upon medical aid.
      All  prescription drugs given in school shall be prescribed by a Licensed Medical Provider.  Prescription medication must be brought to the Principal’s Office in the original pharmacy labeled container.  Medication will only be administered by the principal, school nurse, or principal’s designee.  The following written information is required by medical provider before administering medication by school personnel.
                  1.  child’s name
                  2.  name of medication
                  3.  name of physician and phone number
                  4.  time to be administered
                  5.  dosage
                  6.  possible side effects, if known
                  7.  termination date for administering medication
                  8.  parental/guardian permission
     All prescriptions for long-term medication shall be renewed at least annually.  Changes in prescription medication shall have written authorization from the licensed prescriber.
     Each dosage of medication administered shall be documented with the signature of the person assisting the child in self-administration.
     All nonprescription drugs are encouraged to be given by alternative dosage schedule to minimize medication in school.  However  parents/guardians may send written request for nonprescription medication with the following requirements:
                  1.  child’s name
                  2.  name and signature of parents/guardian and phone                                   numbers (home and work)
            3.  name of medication, dosage, route to                                          administer, frequency and time to administer ( any medication requested as needed, needs phone call prior                        to  giving medication)
                  4.  discontinue date
                  5.  reason medication is needed
     The school system retains the right to reject request for administering nonprescription medications.  Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

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Walter J. Baird School
School Uniform Policy

The following are the guidelines for our School Uniform Policy:

Basic Uniform/Uniforms:
Solid navy blue, khaki, or hunter green colored bottoms.  Includes pants, skirts, knee length walking shorts, skorts, and jumpers.
Solid white, navy blue, or hunter green shirts.     
                                    NO  blue jeans or denim of any kind.
                                    NO  gingkos, or pipe style will be allowed.
                                    Belts will be required for clothing designed for belts.  All shirts must be tucked into pants and clothes shall be within one size of the student’s actual size.
Tee shirts and pullovers shall not be worn and shirts must have a collar.  Henley shirts with buttons and tab collars are permissible.
Shirts, sweaters, or sweatshirts must be free of logos*, writing, or symbols.
                                    *Logos less than the size of a quarter will be permitted on shirts.  The logo must be of an appropriate nature.
School sponsored and principal approved collared shirts may be worn.
Accessories:      
     Only solid white, navy blue, or hunter green sweaters, vests, and coats.  No striped or patterned combination of colors will be permitted.
Shoes: 
     Any color or style of shoes that you feel goes with the uniform may be worn to school.  We strongly suggest and urge you not to buy expensive designer dress shoes or expensive gym shoes.  We recommend that loafers, oxfords, and low cut tennis shoes without logos or trademarks be considered.  Socks should be free of logos and trademarks.
NO  flip-flops or shoes with thongs between the toes will be permitted.
Jackets/Coats:
     All jackets/coats worn to school with any writing or logo must be placed in the lockers or other designated areas.  Jackets/coats without writing or logos are permitted to be worn by students anytime-approved colors only.
The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student’s attire/appearance is within the limits of decency and modesty; is supportive of a positive learning climate; and/or promotes a safe school environment.  The principal may allow exceptions for school wide programs or special class activities.
You do not have to buy a specific brand of uniform.  Clothes made by any company are acceptable, as long as they comply with the above requirements.
**THE ABOVE DRESS CODES APPLY TO BUS RIDERS FROM WJB AND CHUE**

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P.E. Dress:
     All students are required to dress out each day for physical education class.  Dress consists of shorts, T-shirts, socks, and tennis shoes. (No Turf shoes)

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 ATHLETICS
     Walter J. Baird Middle School sponsors basketball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, golf, and dance teams.  We expect our athletes to be good representatives of Walter J. Baird wherever they go.  All athletes are required to have health insurance in order to try out or to participate if selected.  All athletes are expected to always follow school and team policies and procedures.  Walter J. Baird Middle School is a member of the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association.

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BUS RIDERS
     The Rules and Regulations formulated by the State Board of Education for all public schools in Tennessee, in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-2102, state:
“A pupil shall become ineligible for pupil transportation when his behavior is such as to cause dissension on a school bus, or when he disobeys State or Local Rules and Regulations pertaining to pupil transportation.”
The following are violations in which your child could receive a bus suspension:
Getting out of seat,   Pushing/Tripping,   Excessive Mischief,   Eating/  Drinking/  Littering,  Disobey Driver, Hands/Head out of Window,  Destruction of Property,  Fighting /Assault,  Smoking/Use of Tobacco,  Rude/ Discourteous/unacceptable Language,  Throwing Objects,  Yelling/Hollering
     Any other conduct prejudicial to good order on the bus such as attitude and/or foul language towards the driver shall result in a bus suspension for a time period to be determined by the principal.
      These rules are developed to assist us in transporting your child in a safe and efficient manner.
     Please discuss with your child the following guidelines regarding bus stops to further ensure their safety:
1.  Be on time.
2.  Stay clear of traffic while waiting for the bus.
3.  Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before boarding.
4.  Cross the street ONLY when the driver tells you it is safe.
5.  Never cross behind the bus.
6.  Be absolutely QUIET at railroad crossings.

                  “RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE” 
                                    DON’T LOSE THIS PRIVILEGE.

LEBANON SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT DISCIPLINE CODE

WHAT THE SCHOOL EXPECTS OF STUDENTS
Students are expected to:
...Respect the rights and dignity of each  member of the school community (student, employee of the Board of Education, or any other person lawfully present on school grounds or in attendance at school-related activities)
...Help maintain a positive learning environment and to ensure that their own actions do not interfere with the ability of any student to learn and to achieve
...Ensure that their own conduct does not endanger the safety and health of themselves or of any other member of the school community
...Ensure that their behavior complies with the laws of the United States, laws of the State of Tennessee, and county and municipal statutes
...Comply with rules of the school and to be in their assigned location throughout the day
...Refrain from inciting, advising, or counseling others to engage in conduct which violates the rights of any member of the school community, interferes with the ability of any student to learn and to achieve, endangers the health and safety of any member of the school community, violates the laws to which they are subject, or which does not comply with rules of the school.
     Student behavioral policies apply at all times on school grounds, school related trips, off school grounds, at any school activity or event, or while students are being transported to and from school or school related activities.

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Walter J. Baird Middle School Discipline Plan

Level 1
      The resolution of Level 1 behaviors is primarily the responsibility of teachers, support personnel, and parents/guardians.  Notification of parent/guardian is recommended at each occurrence, but is mandatory on the third.  Administrative and parental assistance can be initiated without engaging the formal referral process if the teaching team deems it necessary.  Documented evidence of persistent behaviors, appropriate interventions, and administrative notification, moves the matter to Level 2 after the fifth occurrence.  A variety of interventions should be attempted.  A recommended list of interventions is provided and should reflect the personal classroom management style of the teacher.

Level 1 behaviors include, but are not limited to the following:

Behaviors
Being inattentive
Derogatory remarks
Disobedience
Distracting others
Excessive and/or loud talking
Tardiness
Failure to do assigned work
Failure to bring necessary materials to class
Failure to pay school fines, fund raising commitments, or return equipment
Defiant behavior
Inappropriate physical contact
Littering
Loitering
Possession of electronic devices, toys, etc.
Forgery
Not returning progress reports
Pushing and shoving
Throwing objects
Not dressing out for PE
Cheating
Any or all of the following interventions may be used to address
 Level 1 behaviors

                  Assigned school service relative to behavior (cleaning
                  room, clean desks)
                  Behavioral contracts/behavior management plans
                  Brief hall conference with student
                  Classroom activity exclusion
                  Classroom behavior management plan
                  Classroom meeting
                  Conference
                  Conference with Administration, pro-active
                  Consultation/intervention with other teachers/counselors/support personnel
                  Contact with parent/guardian (site, phone, letter,visit)
                  Controlled  ignoring
                  Cooling off/time out
                  Incentives/positive reinforcers
                  Nonverbal correction
                  Peer mediation
                  Seating change
                  Supportive confrontation
                  Teacher initiated detention
                  Temporary Alternative placement (another class)
                  Temporary removal of items that disrupt
                  Use of verbal de-escalation methods
                  Verbal correction
                  Withdrawal of privileges within the classroom
                  Writing assignments

Level 2

These interventions are the responsibility of school-based administration, with assistance from teachers, support staff, and parents.  One or more interventions may be utilized. 

Level 2 behaviors include, but are not limited to the following:

Behavior
Altering/destruction of school records
Assault
Discriminatory conduct
Distribution, possession, exhibition or offensive materials
Damage to property
Fighting
Fireworks/incendiary objects
Gambling
Gang related behavior
Profanity and/or obscenity
5-Level 1 behaviors
Possession of harmful objects

Possession of stolen property
Not returning Report Cards
Reckless behavior
Inappropriate lunchroom behavior
Temper tantrum/out of control behavior
Theft
Trespassing
Verbal abuse
Disrespect

Level 2 Interventions

First Occurrence
                  Parent/guardian conference with administration/teacher
                  Parent/guardian In Class 
                  In School Suspension
                  Out of School Suspension
                  Referral to outside agency or authority
                  Restitution or assigned school service
                  Corporal Punishment

Subsequent Occurrence
                  Parent/guardian conference with administration/teacher
                  Parent/guardian conference with administration/staff to
                  establish behavioral plan
                  Parent/guardian In Class
                  In School Suspension
                  Out of School Suspension
                  Alternate education placement
                  Peer mediation
                  Referral to outside agency or authority
                  Restitution or assigned school service
                  Corporal Punishment
                  Recommendation for expulsion

Level 3

These interventions are the responsibility of school-based administration and central office personnel, with assistance from teachers, support staff, and parents.  One or more interventions may be utilized.  Board of Education and Central Office action may also be necessary.

Level 3 behaviors include, but are not limited to the following:

Behaviors
Use/possession of tobacco
Sexual misconduct
Arson/attempted arson
Battery
Bomb threats, use or transporting explosives
Burglary
Distribution or sale of alcohol/drugs or look-alike
                  alcohol/drugs
Extortion
Fire alarms
Group violence
Interference with school personnel
Persistent Level 2 behaviors
Possession, use or reasonable suspicion of being under
                  the influence of alcohol or drugs
Robbery
Sexual harassment
Staff assault
Threats with a weapon or instrument
Use/possession of a weapon
Use of a legitimate tool as a weapon
Vandalism
Other matters as covered by the Director’s Office or School Board
Disorderly conduct

Interventions

First Occurrence
                  Out of School Suspension (up to10 days)
                  Alternate education placement(On-site or Off-site)
                  Possible recommendation for expulsion (includes look-
                  alike firearms)
                  Mandatory recommendation for expulsion for firearms
                  Consultation/referral to policy agency and possible
                  arrest
                  Restitution or assigned school service
Subsequent Occurrences
                  Out of School Suspension (10 days or more)
                  Consultation/referral to policy agency and possible
                  arrest
                  Alternate education placement (On-site or Off-site)
                  Mandatory recommendation for expulsion for firearms
                  Recommendation for expulsion

In School Suspension (ISS):  Students assigned to ISS must report to school at the regular time, but they must report to the ISS room upon entering the building.  Students present in ISS are not counted absent and the work they complete will count toward the nine weeks grade.  Serving in ISS does not penalize a student academically.  Teachers will send assignments to the ISS teacher and students should be prepared for a full day of academic study.

Out of School Suspension (OSS):  The more serious level of suspension is OSS.  Students are not allowed to attend school or any school event or activity during the period of suspension.  The days a student misses during OSS are counted as unexcused absences.  The school work must be made up so that it can be counted toward the nine weeks grade.  Parents are urged to have the student do the work he/she is missing in class during the time they are out of school.

After School Activities:  Students receiving disciplinary actions may be restricted from attending or participating in after-school activities for a length of time as determined by the administration.  Any disciplinary infraction at an after-school activity may be grounds for a permanent ban from any after-school activities.  Failure for the student to have a ride at the activity at the appropriate time may lead to restrictions being placed on the student’s attendance at these activities.
        
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP WITH DISCIPLINE
     Parents take an interest in all aspects of the student’s life in school or away from school.  Each parent is responsible for the student’s behavior in school, and is asked to work cooperatively with the school staff to maintain good relationships.  Parents are asked to help in the following ways:

...To take initiative in learning school rules for good behavior and to help the school in making clear to the student the behavior expected of the student ...To communicate with school personnel to be sure the student is adjusting to school regulations and maintaining acceptable behavior

...To take every opportunity to visit the school, to talk with school personnel, and to get firsthand information concerning the student’s progress in each area of his or her school life

...To respond promptly to the school’s request for parent/staff conferences, and to examine all details of any problem or situation in which the student is concerned

...To exchange telephone numbers with the staff members for quick assistance with problems or questions

...To assist the school in deciding and reinforcing suggested remedies to identified problems.

HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
     Harassment activity toward any student by an employee or another student will not be tolerated including sexual harassment!  Sexual harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words of a sexual nature which:
                  1.  Unreasonably interferes with the 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;
                  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 student activity.
     Victims of sexual harassment shall report these conditions to the appropriate school official.  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  harassment, including 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 Office of the Superintendent, Title IX Director (Assistant Director of Schools, 615-449-6060), 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 of Education.
                  Assistant Director of Schools,  Title IX & VI,
                  701 Coles Ferry Pike
                  Lebanon, TN  37087
                  615-449-6060

DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW!
     The Tennessee Department of Education is responsible for ensuring that the children of Tennessee have the opportunity to receive an education and enhance their intellectual abilities.
     The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed to ensure that all persons of the United States receive equal rights, opportunities, and treatment regardless of race, color , or national origin.  Title VI of this Act creates the right to be free of discrimination in any program that is financed by federal funds in whole or in part.
     The Lebanon Special School District Board of Education is making every effort to comply with implementing Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap.  The following procedure is established by which a student, or the parent or legal guardian action on behalf of a student, may seek relief from an alleged wrong due to discrimination.

Filing a Complaint--  Any student of the school district who wishes to file a discrimination/harassment complaint against another student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded if possible) complaint with the complaint manager.  Students may also report an allegation of discrimination/harassment to any teacher or adult employee in the  school who shall inform the complaint manager of the allegation.  The complaint manager is our 8th grade guidance counselor, Melinda Bone. The complaint should include the following information: 
                  •Identify the alleged victim and person accused                                     
• Location, date, time, and circumstances surrounding incident 
                  •Description of what happened. 
                  •Identification of witnesses if any; and
                  •Any other evidence available