PHILOSOPHY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
The curriculum at Van Buren County High School was developed based upon the varied ability levels of the student body. It is the desire of the faculty to help each student achieve to his/her maximum potential. Therefore, the classes are designed to challenge individuals of all ability levels.
The faculty attempts to get all students to do their best. The idea is that those who work hard will be better prepared to enter the adult world, will lead a more rewarding life, and will make greater contributions to his/her community, state, and nation.
INTRODUCTION
The policies and procedures contained in this handbook were developed with input from community leaders, the State Department of Education, Van Buren County Board of Education, faculty, parents, and students at Van Buren County High School.
Information and policies supplied in this handbook are in effect at the publication date, but are subject to change as the need arises.
Mascot: Eagle
School Colors: Maroon and Gold
ALMA MATER
In among the wooded mountains
Stands Van Buren High
Watching ‘ere her sons and daughters
March to glory and fame.
Sing it proudly,
Be it known,
Loud her praises tell.
Hail! O Hail!
Van Buren High
Hail! O Hail! to thee.
Mrs. Stanley Yusk
Van Buren County High School
Student Handbook
Sparta Street
Spencer, TN 38585
telephone number
(931) 946-2442
WELCOME
TO
VAN BUREN COUNTY JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL
Sparta Street, Spencer, TN 38585
Telephone: (931) 946-2442
Fax: (931) 946-2265
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is a key factor in school achievement, therefore students are required by state law and board policy to be present each day school is in session. In order to be promoted, a student in the Van Buren County school system must attend classes the state mandated minimum amount of time unless the student has to be absent because of one of the following conditions:
· Student’s personal illness (parental note/doctor’s statement)
· Illness in family requiring temporary help from student (Physician statement required)
· Death in family – Three (3) days maximum (parental note/telephone call)
· Special recognized religious activities (parental note/telephone call)
· School sponsored activities
· Court appearance (documentation required)]
· Extenuating circumstances created by emergencies which the student has no control over (parental note/doctor’s note)
All absences for these (7) reasons will be EXCUSED. All absences for other reasons will be UNEXCUSED including those that occur when a student returns to school without the proper documentation (parental not/doctor’s statement)
Students will be allowed to be absent from school six (6) days per semester, or the equivalent thereof, requiring only a note from the parent or a doctor’s statement for the absence to be excused if it is for one of the seven reasons listed above.
A student with EXCUSED absences must exceed twelve (12) days during the school year before any time missed is made up hour-for-hour.
A student missing more than twelve (12) days will be allowed to make up six (6) additional days if they were excused absences. Make-up time at Spencer Elementary School will be made up before and after school. All make-up time will be made up at Van Buren County High School on the six (6) Saturdays scheduled by the principal. If the additional absences are not made up the student will not be promoted.
No provision will be made for students missing more than eighteen (18) days since this is the maximum allowed number of days that may be missed and still be eligible for promotion. All EXCUSED and UNEXCUSED absences are included in the maximum allowable number of eighteen (18) days. However, no UNEXCUSED days can be made up.
In order for a tardy to be excused, the student must present a doctor’s statement at the time of his/her arrival. Any tardy without a doctor’s statement will be UNEXCUSED.
The same will apply to students checking out early if it is not for one of the reasons for an excused absence. Upon their return, they must present a doctor’s statement or a note from the parent or guardian for it to be excused. Any student requiring medical treatment for an extended period of time (ten or more consecutive days) will not be counted absent, but will receive homebound services when requested by the doctor.
Students participating in school sponsored activities, whether “on” or “off” campus during regular school hours shall not be counted absent. In order to qualify as “school sponsored” the activity must be school planned with standards, school directed, and teacher supervised. Students scheduled for one of these activities that do not attend will be counted absent using the same criteria as all other absences.
Students absent UNEXCUSED five (5) times will be reported to the Director of Schools who will provide the parent/guardian written notice. The seventh (7) UNEXCUSED day will require a meeting between the parent and the Supervisor of Attendance and the parents will be notified of pending legal action. The eighth (8) UNEXCUSED absence will require legal action by the system. The parent of the student and the student will be cited to Juvenile Court.
Anyone wishing to appeal a decision of the principal may request a meeting before the Attendance Review Board. After the Attendance Review hearing, parents may appeal the decision to the Director of Schools and ultimately to the Van Buren County Board of Education.
MAKE-UP WORK
Any assignment missed due to an EXCUSED absence will be given to the student upon request by the student. Arrangements for missed assignments or tests will be made up on the day the student returns school. It is the responsibility of the STUDENT, NOT the TEACHER, to initiate the request for all make-up work, including the test. However, the teachers will encourage all students to get their make-up work in on schedule, and those instructing younger students will be more tolerable, especially to students in K-3.
Students will be given the same number of days to complete the daily make-up work that they missed. Teachers will schedule a make-up test that is convenient for both parties. Students will be given a grade of “0” for all assignments missed if the absence is classified UNEXCUSED.
The following must be signed by the student and a parent or legal guardian and returned to the mentor teacher:
Cut cut cut cut cut
STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
My child, who is a student at Van Buren County Jr/Sr High School, and I have read this student handbook. My child agrees to abide by all stated policies, rules, and regulations.
I will encourage and support my child in obeying these policies, rules, and regulations. I also understand that if I have any questions regarding my child’s school performance I am to contact the principal during regular school hours.
________________________ ________________________
Student Signature date Parent/Guardian Signature date
GANG RELATED ACTIVITY
Any gang related activity will not be tolerated at Van Buren County High School. Any such activity will result in In-School Suspension with parental notification on first offense and Out-Of-School Suspension with parental notification and Disorderly Conduct charges on second offense.
LOCKERS
All student lockers are located in the main lobby and will be rented at the beginning of the school year. Lockers must be maintained in good condition. Anyone damaging a locker will have to pay for all repairs.
Lockers are the property of Van Buren County Jr/Sr High School and may be searched or inspected at any time.
All lockers are to be kept locked at all times. Students should not keep money or valuables in them. The locks are provided, but any student who misplaces one will have to pay for it at current replacement costs. Payment is due at the time the lock is lost and the student will be issued another one. All locks will be collected at the end of the school year. Any missing locks will have to be paid for at that time. Each locker will be assigned to only one student. Therefore, only one student’s possessions should be kept in it. Sharing a locker is not permitted.
PARKING
In an effort to protect the vehicles of students and faculty, the following rules are in effect:
· Student parking is permitted only in the parking area behind the school building. Each student driver will be assigned a specific parking space upon presenting a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and the payment of a parking fee.
· If a parent/guardian, spouse or friend exchanges a vehicle with a student during the school day, the exchange MUST be reported to the office. The exchanged vehicle will be parked in the student’s assigned space. Any vehicle not displaying a parking permit or parked illegally may be towed at owner’s expense and the student is subject to school disciplinary action.
· Students will leave their vehicles immediately after parking it and enter the building. Students are NOT to return to vehicles for any reason unless the administration or a faculty member grants permission.
MILITARY RECRUITERS
Parents of secondary school students have a right to request that their child’s name, address, and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without their prior written consent. Request should be addressed to the guidance counselor at Van Buren County High School.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
· The Van Buren County Board of Education provides buses for those students who are eligible to ride. Students are to remember that this is a privilege that can be revoked because of discipline problems.
· Students who ride a bus are subject to school regulations and bus safety policies from the time of departure from home until they return home. Bus conduct is the responsibility of the student, parents, bus driver, principal, superintendent, and the Van Buren County Board of Education.
SCHOOL HOURS
School begins at 7:55 A.M. Jr. High and 8:00 A. M. Sr. High each day. Teachers will be in or near their classrooms at that time. The school day ends at 3:00 P. M. each day for students and 3:15 P. M. for teachers. Students arriving before 7:55 A. M. should go to the cafeteria. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria beginning at 7:30 A. M.
INTERFERENCE/DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
“BULLYING”
The staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Any professional employee shall have the authority to control the conduct of any student while under the supervision of the school system. This authority shall extend to all activities of the school, including all games and public performances of athletic teams and other school groups, trips, excursions and all other activities under school sponsorship and direction. Such measures may include the use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order.
A student shall not use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance or any other conduct which causes the disruption, interference or obstruction of any school purpose while on school property, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school-sponsored activity, function or event, whether on or off campus. Neither shall s/he urge other students to engage in such conduct.
Harassment, intimidation and other conduct that may be considered “bullying” will not be tolerated. Students shall not engage in conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with another student’s academic development or that creates a hostile or offensive learning environment.
A student found guilty of misbehavior may receive punishment ranging from verbal reprimand to suspension and/or expulsion dependent on the severity of the offense and the offender’s prior record.
Cell Phone Policy
Any Student With a Cell Phone Out or Cell Phone Ringing:
1st Offense—Keep phone in office for parent pick up and student will receive one day of After School Detention.
2nd Offense—Keep phone in office for parent pick up and student will receive three days of In-School Detention.
3rd Offense—Keep phone one week, then parent pick-up and student will receive five days of In-School Detention.
Additional Offenses—Each additional offense will add five days to time phone is kept in the office before parent can pick up.
The distraction of Cell Phones in class, text messaging during class, making inappropriate pictures and sharing with other students, and having your cell phone stolen are all examples of the reason for this policy change. Cell phones are a good thing when used appropriately. School is not the place or time to use them.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
*** Keyboarding is required of all students either path at VBHS
*** Starting Freshmen 2005-2006, required Foundation II, Algebra I, and Technical Geometry…
COLLEGE TECHNICAL
LANGUAGE ENGLISH I ENGLISH I
ENGLISH II ENGLSIH II
ENGLISH III ENGLISH III
ENGLISH IV ENGLISH IV
SPANISH I & SPANISH II
MATH ALGEBRA I FOUNDATIONS I
ALGEBRA II FOUNDATIONS II
GEOMETRY ALGEBRA I
***TECHNICAL GEOMETRY WILL REPLACE FOUNDATIONS I (class of “09)
SOCIAL STU. WORLD HISTORY WORLD HISTORY
OR OR
WORLD GEOGRAPHY WORLD GEOGRAPHY
AM. GOVERNMENT AM. GOVERNMENT
ECONOMICS ECONOMICS
AMERICAN HISTORY AMERICAN HISTORY
HEALTH WELLNESS WELLNESS
FINE ART THEATER ARTS NONE REQUIRED
OR
VISUAL ARTS
SCIENCE (3) PHYSICAL AGRISCIENCE
AGRISCIENCE ENVIRONMENTAL
BIOLOGY BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS
CAREER NONE REQUIRED 4 COURSES IN
TECHNICAL AGRICULTURE
FACS
BUSINESS
***Duel path requires a student to meet the college requirements as well as 4 courses in a Vocational area.
CAFETERIA
All students are required to eat in the cafeteria whether they eat the cafeteria food or not. A large number of people must be fed in a short time. Therefore, it is important to leave the table and surrounding area clean. Any disruptive behavior in the cafeteria could result in placement in the alternative program or suspension from school.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF STUDENTS
The following MINIMUM earned credits denotes a student’s classification:
0-1 Freshman
2-7 Sophomore
8-13 Junior
14 + Senior
A student must have fourteen credits on the day school starts to be classified as a senior for SY 2006-2007 (transfer students’ credits from schools participating in block scheduling will be adjusted). However, a student may meet the graduation requirements (20 credits) through duel classes. Students enrolled in the GED II program and who have met all completion requirements and attendance requirements of that program during the school year will have their picture in the senior section of the yearbook and in the composite picture of the graduating class. A GED II student’s picture will only be a part of a senior section one school year. In order for a student to march in the graduation ceremony, he/she must be classified a senior at least the semester before graduation.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The conduct of the student body at Van Buren County Jr/Sr High School has been a source of pride for years. The administration and faculty are sure this will continue since all extracurricular activities are dependent on it.
No student has the right to keep another student from acquiring an education. It is the responsibility of the teacher to maintain discipline. When a problem arises, the teacher chooses the appropriate mode of punishment. The choices may include the following:
· Have a conference with the student, parent, or both.
· Students may be kept in the classroom during breaks.
· Corporal punishment.
· Assign write-off or other behavioral modifications.
NON-DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT
Students and school employees shall be provided a school environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination/harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee to discriminate against or harass an individual through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious in nature.
Such discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated. Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures, or words either written or spoken of a sexual, racial, ethnic, ore religious nature.
DRESS CODE
The dress code of Van Buren County Jr/Sr High School will not permit inappropriate dress during school hours or at extra-curricular school activities by faculty or students.
While not totally inclusive, the following list of clothing articles are considered inappropriate for school dress:
· Clothing exposing the midriff will not be allowed. Outer clothing must cover the torso while standing or sitting. Excessively low-cut tops will not be allowed.
· No see-through type garments. Undergarments should not be visible.
· No clothing with suggestive, offensive, vulgar, racist or profane words, slogans, or pictures is allowed. Clothing that advertises items that are illegal in the possession of a minor will not be allowed.
· Students are not allowed to wear any form of head covering including caps, hats bandanas, etc. in school buildings.
· Sleeveless tops and mini skirts are not allowed.
· All clothing must not be shorter than (3) inches above the knee. This includes skirts, dresses, culottes, and shorts. The pleat/slit in longer garments shall not begin more than (3) inches above the knee.
· Pants must not drag the floor. Pants cannot have holes above the knee.
Body piercing is limited to the ears.
· Heavy coats may be worn outside to and from the vocational building but removed in the building.
· Winter coats, heavy jackets, dusters, trench coats, etc. are not to be worn in the school building during the school day. Clothing of this type must be placed in a locker upon arrival to school.
· Heavy or long metal chains that are not formal jewelry are not allowed. This includes chains attached to wallets.
· Hair sprayed or dyed unnatural colors such as pink, green, blue, purple, etc. is not allowed.
Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student refusing to remove or modify his appearance shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day and will receive an unexcused absence from classes for the day. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out-of-school suspension/expulsion.
IMMUNIZATION
No students entering school, including those entering kindergarten or first grade, those from out-of-state and those from non-public school, will be permitted to enroll (or attend) without proof of required immunizations. It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to have their children immunized and to provide such proof to the principal of the school that the student is to attend. All certificates of immunization shall be on forms furnished by the Department of Health.
DRIVERS LICENSE REVOCATION-Statement of State Law
Any student fifteen (15) years of age or older can have his/her driver license revoked by the State of Tennessee for the following reasons:
· The student withdraws from school. (10 consecutive or 15 cumulative absences per semester)
· The names of students meeting one of the above two must be submitted to the state by the Supervisor of Attendance Lack of “satisfactory academic progress” interpreted as being the failure of three or more courses per semester.
Students are notified in writing of the revocation of their driver license. If the student remedies the cause of revocation (at the earliest, the end of the next semester) reapplication for license can be made to the state.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
In the view of the fact that the health and safety of children are a priority, schools will not be in session when it is considered unsafe for buses to travel on the streets and roads of the district or any other emergency that presents a threat.
Radio station(s) and T. V. station(s) will be notified if schools will not be in session. Stations are requested to broadcast the school-closing announcement as often as possible. Additional announcements of closure information shall be available by calling the Board of Education at 946-2242.
When emergencies make it necessary to dismiss school during the school day, radio and T. V. stations shall be notified and requested to make the announcement and repeat it as often as possible in order for parents to expect students early or to make arrangements for their early arrival.
TELEPHONES
The office phones are for official use only. Students may use the pay phone in the lobby next to the cafeteria. All student calls will be made during breaks between classes unless an emergency or illness. If a student is sick and need to leave school, the teacher is to send him/her to the office. The school nurse will check the student and make a final determination. STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THE TELEPHONE DURING CLASS TIME. Students are to limit phone calls to three minutes.
VISITORS
The school policy is to permit on school grounds only people who have legitimate business at Van Buren County Jr/Sr High School. Visitor parking is located in front of the main school building. All visitors must report to the principal’s office upon arrival at school. All visitors will sign in, receive a visitor pass, and sign out before leaving school grounds. No one will go directly to a classroom. Students cannot bring visitors to school. Teachers will send anyone not on their class roll to the office. Unauthorized visitors must leave the school grounds.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
· Students will not use the sidewalk in the rear of the main building to go to and from class. Classroom exterior doors are for emergency use only.
· During breaks, students will remain under the canopy or in the building.
· Students going to the vocational building will use the rear main building exit and are to follow the drive. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED AMONG VEHICLES DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
· The library will not be used as a walk through to classes.
· Jr/Sr High students are not permitted in the elementary school building during regular school hours unless the principal gives permission.
· It is the intent of faculty, staff, and students to maintain a clean school environment. Trash and recycling receptacles are located throughout the buildings. Students should pick up trash and help keep the school clean.
· Classroom exterior doors and all gym doors facing the east side of the main building are EMERGENCY ONLY exits. Before, during, and after school hours these doors are to remain closed at all times.
· Any type of recorder/player device, laser pointer, hand held game, water or toy pistol, or fireworks will be confiscated from the student.
GRADING
The grading scale at Van Buren County Jr/Sr High School is as follows:
A = 4.0 = 93 to 100
B = 3.0 = 85 to 92
C = 2.0 = 75 to 84
D = 1.0 = 70 to 74
F = 0.0 = 0 to 69
Written reports of student grades or performance in each class or subject are issued to parents at least once every 3 weeks. Report cards and progress reports will be given to each child. Refer to the calendar for dates.
The six weeks grades are determined by the following criteria:
One-third (1/3) Daily assignments
One-third (1/3) Chapter test average
One-third (1/3) Six weeks test
The semester grade is determined by adding the three(3) six weeks grades and dividing by three(3). A student cannot pass without doing daily assignments. All I’s(incomplete) become F’s with a numeric value of zero(0) at the end of the school year. Exception can be made for those hospitalized or under a physician’s care.
Please review the school calendar at the end of the Student Handbook for the “end of six weeks”. Report cards should be sent home one week after date unless weather changes the calendar.
ARTICLES PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL
The following items are prohibited and will be confiscated from the student:
· Knives
· Firearms
· Fireworks
· Illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or drug paraphernalia in student possession without student’s name on prescription and turned in to office. Possession of illegal drugs, according to state law, will require a report to the local law enforcement agency.
· Refer the student to the principal after teacher efforts are not successful.
· Assign after-school detention or in-school suspension as part of the alternative program (principal).
· Assign student to the alternative school (principal).
· Assign student to out-of-school suspension or expulsion from school (principal).
Discipline should be reasonable, humane, and administered with kindness in accordance with the policies of the Van Buren County Board of Education.
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
Medication shall be administered only when the student’s health requires that it be given during school hours. It is the parent’s responsibility to bring this medication to school and give it to the school nurse/designee and to remove any unused medication when treatment is completed. All prescription medication must be brought to school in the original container. The pharmacy label must 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
All non-prescription medication must be brought to school in the original manufacturer’s labeled container with the ingredients listed and the child’s name affixed on the container. Medication will be administered in accordance with the dosage requirements on the label. No more than one month’s supply of any medication should be brought to school.
ZERO-TOLERANCE BEHAVIOR
In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence, and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period on not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis. Zero-tolerance acts are as follows:
· Students who bring or unlawfully possess a narcotic, stimulant, prescription drug, or any other controlled substance or a dangerous weapon onto a school bus, onto school property, or to any school event or activity.
· Any student who while on a school bus, on school property, or while attending any school event or activity:
· Unlawfully possesses a narcotic, stimulant, prescription drug, or another controlled substance or dangerous weapon; or
· Commits battery on a teacher or other employee of the school.
SEARCHES BY POLICE
If public health or safety is involved, upon request of the principal who shall be present, police officers may make a general search of students’ lockers and desks, and/or students’ or non-students’ automobiles for drugs, weapons, or other contraband.
USE OF SEARCH ANIMALS
Dogs or other animals trained to detect drugs or dangerous weapons by odor or otherwise may be used in conducting searches, but such animals shall be used only to pinpoint areas needed to be searched and shall not be used to search the persons of students or visitors.
LIBRARY POLICY
All students are encouraged to use the library. Teachers should plan and schedule well in advance with the librarian class work, which requires visits to the library or extensive checkout. The following guidelines are to be followed by the faculty and students:
· Reference books should only be used in the library. These include encyclopedias, dictionaries, and/or any books labeled REF.
· Reserve books may be borrowed for one period or at the close of the school day. IF borrowed before the end of the day, they must be returned before first period the following school day.
· Magazines or other periodicals are checked out for one class period.
· All books on regular checkout may be retained for two weeks.
· Junior High students may checkout a maximum of two books.
· Senior High students may checkout a maximum of five books.
· There will be a fine of ten cents per day for each overdue book on regular book checkout.
· There will be a fine of twenty-five cents per class period on reference books, magazines, and reserve books.
· Heavily used books and materials will be placed on RESERVE to be used in the Library only so these may remain available for everyone. A five-dollar fee will be charged to any student or teacher with a bar code damaged or missing. Damage to books beyond reasonable use will result in student/teacher paying for replacement book.
· A library computer number will be assigned to each student that will indicate books, times, and dates for all rentals.
· Junior High reading class will have preference scheduling of library.
· During regular/mentor school hours Library/Hall Pass will be required. Classroom teachers will issue these. Any student without a teacher note signed by the librarian will be considered tardy with all penalties following.
HALL AND CLASSROOM USE
· Be prompt to class. Any student not in his/her seat when the bell rings is considered tardy. Three tardies equal one absence. Students with excessive tardies are subject to disciplinary action. Students tardy for class are to be sent to the office for an admission slip.
· The teacher, not the bell, dismisses class.
· It is the students’ responsibility to report to class with materials as required by their teacher(paper, book pencil, etc.). Students are not permitted to leave class to retrieve these materials.
· Classes are not to be disturbed. The office will notify teachers and students of messages. Students are not to disturb class in session.
· Students are not permitted in the halls during class time without a teacher issued pass. Verbal permission is not acceptable.
· No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom.
· No gum is allowed in the halls or classroom.
· The entrance area of the auditorium is off limits unless entering the auditorium for a program.
· The “dead hall” is only to be used with teacher permission.
· Students are not allowed behind columns in front of the library.
TOBACCO USE
The use or possession of tobacco products and paraphernalia in any form on school grounds and school buses is strictly prohibited during regular school hours. The same policy is in effect for any school activity or event sponsored by the school. The policy is necessary in that in recent legislation makes it illegal for minors to purchase or be in the possession of tobacco products in the state of Tennessee. The state now requires the school file charges against the student found with any form of tobacco products on school grounds or at school events.
Van Buren County Schools have adopted a Zero Tolerance policy toward tobacco products at school or school events. Any student reported to the administration as using tobacco products on school grounds or school buses by a teacher or staff member will be subject to severe disciplinary action. First offense will require a three-day assignment to alternative school and court prosecution. Second offense will require out-of-school suspension. Additional offenses will require ten-day suspensions or alternative school.
DAILY SCHEDULE
MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL
7:45 Warning Bell 7:50 Warning Bell
7:55-8:50 1st Period 8:00-8:55 1st Period
8:50-9:00 10 Minute Break 8:55-9:05 10 Minute Break
9:00-9:55 2nd Period 9:05-10:00 2nd Period
10:00-10:55 3rd Period 10:05-11:00 3rd Period
11:00-12:20 4th Period (Lunch) 11:05-11:35 4th Pd. (Mentor)
12:25-1:20 5th Period 11:40-1:00 5th Pd. (Lunch)
1:25-1:55 6th Period (Mentor) 1:05-2:00 6th Period
1:55-2:05 Ten Minute Break
2:05-3:00 7th Period 2:05-3:00 7th Period
2:56 First Dismissal Bell (buses, walkers, parent pick-up)
3:00 Third Dismissal Bell (drivers)
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2006-2007
August 7th Student Registration (abbreviated day)
11th 1st full day of school
21th Open House for Parents(Time TBA)
September 1st Fair Day
4th Labor Day- No School
7th Parent/Teacher Conf. 3:30-7:00
22rd End of 1st six weeks (report cards one week later)
October 12th Parent/Teacher Conf. 3:30-7:00
13th NO SCHOOL
16th Staff Development (NO SCHOOL STUDENTS)
November 7th End 2nd six weeks (report cards in one week)
22rd-24th Thanksgiving (NO SCHOOL)
December 19th End 3rd six weeks (abbreviated day)
December 20st-Jan.2rd NO SCHOOL
January 3th Return to school
15th Martin Luther King Day, NO SCHOOL
25th Parent/Teacher conf. 3:30-7:00
February 6st Writing Assessment
14th End of 4th six weeks (report cards in one week)
16th Staff Development-No School
19th Presidents Day (NO SCHOOL)
March 15th Parent/Teacher Conf. 3:30 – 7:00
16th NO SCHOOL
April 2th-5th Achievement Testing (TCAP)
2th End of 5th Six Weeks (report cards in one week)
6th Good Friday-No School
9th-13th Spring Break
May 1st-3rd Gateway Exams
18th Graduation
23rd Last Day of School
DROPPING AND ADDING COURSES
Senior High students may request a change in their schedule of classes during the first week of a semester. The request can be approved or denied by the principal or guidance counselor after a review of the student’s record. A student shall not request enrollment in a new subject after the first week of a semester unless the student’s record indicates a deficiency that must be corrected.
Students will be enrolled in a course each of the periods during the school day. A student may be enrolled in a supervised study hall upon approval of the principal or guidance counselor. The principal or guidance counselor must approve drop of courses. Certain courses completed for a semester may earn ½ unit of credit. Students should contact the guidance counselor regarding partial credit.
WITHDRAWALS
All students withdrawing from Van Buren County Jr/Sr High School will secure a withdrawal form from the guidance office. The student must obtain the signature of each teacher on the class schedule. The form must then be signed by the principal, guidance counselor, and the librarian to insure that all obligations have been met. The guidance counselor will initiate this form if the student leaves without obtaining it.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are furnished by the State of Tennessee and are issued to each student at the beginning of the school year/semester. Once issued, the textbook becomes the responsibility of the student. If lost or damaged, the student will pay for it before receiving a grade in that subject or before a grade transcript will be released. The same policy will apply to lost or damaged library books, equipment or supplies related to a content area or athletics.
AWARDS AND HONORS
All honors, awards, and scholarships will be presented each year to deserving students based upon guidelines established by the faculty and administration. The guidelines were formulated to improve the selection process. The guidelines are located in the principal’s office.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
The school holds emergency drills monthly. At the beginning of the school year, teachers will notify students of the procedures to fo