Middleton High School

 

                Welcome to Hardeman County Schools and to Middleton. This handbook is designed to be a basic source of information.  It is an outline and a guide to assist students and parents in becoming familiar with the procedures of the school.  Additional information could be provided during the school year.

                A primary responsibility of the school system is the development of an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of each individual who is a citizen of the school community.  The school is a community, and rules and regulations of a school are the laws of this community.  A basic responsibility of the citizens of any community is to respect its laws.  Disciplinary action for violation of the rules of the school community may be taken by the school for infractions of these rules. If an infraction also breaks the laws of the local, state or federal government, the appropriate law enforcement authorities will be notified.

                The Hardeman County School system will provide a program of educational services that is both challenging and rewarding.  The educational environment must be favorable if students are to benefit from the opportunities that are offered within the school community.  Good discipline is essential in the learning environment. This handbook will assist parents and students in knowing the philosophy and regulations that are important to an orderly educational program.  However, the basic rule for this community as well as the world in which we live is to do the things that one knows to be right.

 

School Telephone Numbers

 

Main Office---------------376-8391

Guidance------------------376-0620

Band-----------------------376-8104

Cafeteria------------------376-8226

 

2007-08 Academic School Year Calendar

 

Aug 6 -------------------First day of School

Aug 31------------------No school for students

Sept 3 ------------------ Labor Day

Sept 21 ----------------- No school for students

Oct 4 – (3:30 – 6:30)—Parent Teacher Day

Oct 5 – (8:00 – 11:00)—Parent Teacher Day

Oct 8-12 ----------------- Fall Break

Nov 21, 22, &23 -----Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec 19 (1/2 day) ----Christmas Holiday

School Calendar Con’t (2^nd. Semester)

Jan 3 -------------------Students return to school

Jan 21 -----------------Martin Luther King Day

Feb 15 ---------------- Presidents’ Day

March 18—(3:30 – 6:30) –Parent Teacher Day

March 20--- (8:00 -11:00) –Parent Teacher Day

March 21-28 ------------------ Spring Break

April 25 ------------------- No school for students

May 16 -------------------- No school for students

May 22—(1/2 day) ------Last Day of School

 

Attendance

               

                Attendance is a key factor in student achievement.  Students are expected to be present each day that school is in session.  If a student must be absent due to illness or an emergency, he should be aware of the following guidelines concerning each school’s attendance policy.

                Absences will be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the attendance board. Excused absences shall include: personal illness – the school may require a doctor’s statement if it is deemed advisable, illness in the immediate family, death in the immediate family – the absences arising from this is limited to three days, unless reasonable cause may be shown by the parent or guardian for a longer absence, observance of religious holiday, legal summons to attend a court or other legal meeting – the school will require proof of attendance, circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control. Other absences may be pre-approved by the principal.  These must be requested in writing a week in advance.

                Unexcused absences constitute truancy.  Under Tennessee state law, minors are required to attend school. If they accumulate unexcused absences, they may be in violation of this law as well as school policy. Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence from all or any portion of any class, study hall, or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled. Truancy may result in disciplinary action and/or court action.

                The attendance policy is designed to determine legitimate absences. Students participating in school sponsored activities whether on or off campus could be counted absent.

                It is the student’s responsibility to count absences in each class and to make appointments to meet with the attendance committee, if needed. An appointment should be made as soon as possible when the student returns to school from an absence.  Students should bring documentation with them to the meeting.

                The first five absences of each semester do not require a meeting with the attendance board. After the 5^th  absence, each student will be required to provide the attendance board with appropriate documentation for being absent. A telephone call or letter from parent/guardian is not accepted as proper documentation.

 

Return to School from an Absence

 

                When a student incurs an excused absence, the student may request and complete makeup work according to the following guidelines:

If the student is returning from an absence at the beginning of a school day, the student will go directly to their first period class. No admission slip will be necessary. If the student is returning after first period has begun, the student will follow check-in procedures as described below.

It is recommended that a student who is absent contact a classmate to find out what work is missed and have the work when the student returns to class.

If a student has missed class five times or less during the semester, he/she will have the opportunity to make up work that has been missed unless the absence is deemed unexcused because it was due to a disciplinary infraction. The sixth absence and any absence thereafter in any class is considered unexcused until excused by the attendance board.  Students may not make up work for an absence that is unexcused.  The grade on that work will be counted as a zero.

Immediately upon return to school from an excused absence, the student should make arrangements with each teacher to make up the work missed. The students will make-up the work within the time set by each teacher for make-up assignments. Assignments that are not made up will be reflected in your grade.

Any student who feels that his/her absences beyond five should be excused may appeal to the attendance board. The student should set up an appointment with Mr. Cabanaw in order to meet with the board.  At this meeting, the student should have documentation (doctor’s note, court summons, etc…parental notes or phone calls are not sufficient) for all days absent, not just the days exceeding five.  It becomes extremely important for students to keep up with doctor notes, etc. even though it may be the first absence.

                Teachers will allow the student to make up work on days that are being appealed. If an absence is determined to be excused, the work will be graded. If the absence is unexcused, the student will receive a grade of 0.

                The student will start the appeals process as soon as possible when he returns to school. The attendance board will meet one day each week. An appointment needs to be made by the student to meet with the attendance board.

                Students who miss class for a school-sponsored activity will obtain assignments prior to the absence and turn in work the day they return. The student is responsible for the work assigned, test deadlines, etc., on the day of return.

                Any student who is absent from a class for 10 consecutive unexcused days (other than long-term suspensions) or 15 total unexcused days in a semester will automatically receive a failing grade for the semester in that class

                Students are responsible for following these guidelines, requesting work missed, or making arrangements with the teacher concerning missed tests.

 

Morning Tardies

 

                All students are expected to be at school and in their assigned classroom at 8:00 a.m. each school day.  All students have ample time between classes to reach their assigned classroom.  In the event a student arrives at school after 8:00 a.m., or if they are not seated in their class on time, they will be counted tardy.

                Students who arrive at school after 8:00 must check in at the office. First time---warning, second time--- five page written assignment, third time--- ten page written assignment and the parent will be contacted by phone and letter, fourth time--- ISS(in school suspension) or corporal punishment (student’s choice), fifth time three day home suspension.

 

Late Check-in/ Early Check-out procedures:

 

                Hardeman County Schools have a closed campus policy. This means that a student who arrives late or a student who must leave before the end of the school day must check in or out through the office. Once a student arrives on campus, he/she will not leave the campus without being dismissed through the office. Even a student over the age of eighteen must have a parent or guardian check the student out before the student is dismissed from campus. The student will remain in class until the parent or guardian has made contact with the administration.  The office will then contact the teacher to send the student to the office to sign out.

                Only the student’s parent or guardian may check the student out unless there is a written authorization, properly signed and notarized, to release the student into the care of someone other than the parent or legal guardian on file in the office.  In case of an emergency, the principal or his designated representative may take the appropriate action regarding the check-out of a student when a parent or legal guardian cannot be contacted.

 

Class Changes/ Protection of Class Time

 

                No student will leave the classroom until the bell has rung and the teacher has dismissed the class. Class changes should be orderly with students keeping to the right side of the hallway. Students will not be allowed in the hallway to get materials from their lockers after the bell has rung for class to begin, therefore, students are encouraged to take all materials they need with them to class. Students should go directly from one class to another. Loitering in the halls is not permitted.

                Students are prohibited from interrupting a class to give a message to a fellow student. The student that interrupts a class will be sent to the office for appropriate disciplinary action.

                All deliveries of gifts and flowers to the school must be made through the school office. The school office will accept delivery of personal gifts from florists after 2:00 p.m. only.

Students who receive gifts during the school hours may pick them up at the office at the end of the school day.

 

 

Sex Equity Guidelines

               

                It is the policy of the Tennessee Department of Education and Hardeman County Schools not to discriminate against any student, employee, or applicant on the basis of sex.  Students will not be excluded from participating in or having access to course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, extracurricular activities, or other school resources based on unlawful discrimination. Anyone, employees or students, will be able to address grievances should they feel that they have had a student or employee intimidate, threaten, harass, coerce, discriminate against, or commit or seek reprisal against anyone who participates in any aspect of the discrimination complaint process associated with this policy.  Any students who feel their rights have been threatened or violated should take the following steps to correct the situation:

1. The student will notify the teacher in charge as quickly as possible.
2. If the student cannot notify the teacher, he/she will notify the principal, assistant principal, or guidance counselor.
3. The teacher, guidance counselor, or assistant principal will notify the principal.
4. The principal or his designee will investigate the allegations and contact the Director of Student Services.
5. A written report, with findings and outcome, will be on file with the Director of Student Services.

 

Grading Policies

 

                Senior Ranking:  All students will be ranked on their longitudinal average based on all courses through the last semester of school.

 

                Grading System: Grades are determined by the teacher. Semester averages will be computed in the following manner.  There will be a total of five grades: each 9 week’s average will be counted two times and the semester exam grade will be counted once. The second semester exam grade in Gateway classes and End-of-Course classes will be a compilation of the Gateway score (75%) and final exam (25%). [Example: First nine weeks x 2, plus second nine weeks x 2, plus semester exam. This total divided by 5 equals the semester average.] The yearly average will be computed by adding the two semester averages and dividing by two.  In order to be eligible for the Honor Roll a student must have as many or more grades in the 93-100 range and in the 85-92 range, with no grade below 85 in any subject, and no “U” in conduct. Grade classification: A=93-100, B=85-92, C=77-84, D=70-76, F=0-69.

                Report Cards: Report cards are distributed during the first period class on the fourth day following the end of each grading period. If the fourth day falls on a Friday, report cards will be issued the following Monday. If the fourth day falls on the day preceding a holiday, report cards will be given out the first day following the holiday.  MHS report cards are computer generated and report card slips are to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to school the next day. There will be a fifty cent replacement charge for lost or destroyed report cards.

                Semester Exams Exemptions:  All students who have shown academic integrity through regular attendance, good conduct, and classroom excellence will be rewarded. Therefore, these students will be exempt from semester exams.  The following criteria will determine eligibility:

       The student will have an “S” grade in conduct in the class for exemption.

       The student will have an average of 93 or above in a class for exemption

       A student shall have no more than 3 excused absences in the semester. Any unexcused absence will make a student ineligible for exemption from an exam. A school-sponsored absence (field trip, athletic event, etc...) does not count against exemption.

       He/she is not repeating a class or in a basic class.

       Seniors may not exempt the second semester exam in Gateway or End-of-Course class.

      No student may exempt the second semester exam in any Gateway class.

Each teacher will determine exemption eligibility for their class.

 

Classification of Students:

                Sophomore (10^th grade) 4 credits

                Junior (11^th grade) 8 credits

                Senior (12^th grade) 14 or more credits

Students may earn ½ credit in any course in which they have not previously received credit and the grade is 70 or above for the semester.

 

Correspondence Courses

                Correspondence courses may be requested through the guidance office. A student may take a correspondence course only to meet graduation requirements. The student is responsible for all costs. The guidance office will assist the student in requesting the course, administering the exam, and entering the final grade into the student’s record. Any correspondence course that is taken for high school credit must be approved by the principal and/or guidance counselor before application is made for the course.

Code of Student Conduct

 

                Development of Good Discipline is one of the most important goals of education. In order for Middleton Middle School and Middleton High School to maintain the best possible and safest learning environment, the administration and faculty have expectations of the students. These are as follows:

       Demonstrate appropriate school behavior: Classroom behavior that assures the right of every student to learn and the right of every teacher to teach in a safe and secure environment.  Appropriate out-of-class behavior demonstrates respect for the personal and property rights of other students, faculty and staff.

       Appropriate use and care of the buildings and facilities of the school.

       Adherence to acceptable standards of courtesy, decency, morality, and compliance with provisions of civil law.

       Unless involved in after-school activities, students are expected to depart for home by bus or car at the end of the school day. Loitering, either before or after school will not be allowed.

       Any students in the building after school hours must have a sponsor in the area in which the activity is taking place.

       Any material to be placed on the class bulletin boards must be cleared by the office. Material placed on class bulletin boards must have prior approval from the classroom teacher.

       No chewing gum allowed in school.

       Outward signs of affections are not allowed at school.

       All students are under the supervision of all teachers and school employees whether the teacher has the student in class or not. This includes all activities or events sponsored and supervised by the school as well as in the hallways. Students will demonstrate respect for school employees at all times.

       Students who have been suspended are not permitted to attend ANY school functions, practices, activities, etc… or to be on school property while the suspension is in effect.

       There should be no visible signs of any type of gang affiliation to include but not limited to: dress, bandannas, hand towels, hand signs, etc….
       Off campus activity deemed detrimental to school safety can be subject to school disciplinary actions, and may lead to suspensions.

 

Visitors on Campus

                All visitors must check in at the main office. Visitor passes are not issued for visitors to visit a school all day. A visitor’s pass must be approved by the administration.

 

Bus Discipline

 

                Due to the seriousness which involves the safety of other students, any discipline problems on the bus will be handled as follows:

1. Warning
2. 5 day suspension from the bus
3. 10 day suspension from the bus and a meeting with a parent or guardian
4. Suspension for the remainder of the semester from the bus
5. Suspension for one(1) year from the bus

**Remember riding a school bus is a privilege, not a requirement.

 

Disciplinary Policy

 

                The Hardeman County Schools Disciplinary Policy consists of 4 levels and operates with the following being understood:

1. Punishment does not negate financial responsibility.
2. ALL RULES apply to campus and off-campus school activities.
3. Situations listed are intended to be general in nature.  Individual incidents could result in a modification of the levels or consequences.
4. Multilevel disciplinary policy provides due-process to all students.

Notations: The following consequences are not all-inclusive and the administration may use whatever techniques they deem necessary and effective.

                Once a student achieves a specific LEVEL they remain at that LEVEL unless progressed to the next higher level.

                Students placed in ISS (In School Suspension) will be allowed to do or to make up their school work.  Students sent home or placed on home suspension will have unexcused absences and will not be permitted to make up work.

 

Level 1

Discipline handled by the staff or teacher

 

Examples of Behaviors: Disrupting Class, Chewing Gum, Sleeping, Horse playing, Not following Instructions, etc……

 

Consequences:

1. Verbal Warning
2. Teacher intervention techniques (isolation, writing assignment)
3. Teacher intervention techniques
4. Teacher Parent Contact

 

Movement to next level when: Student commits 5^th infraction within the semester.

 

Level II

Discipline handled by the administrator

 

Examples of Behaviors: Skipping Class, Dress Code, Disrespect, Disruptive Arguments, Non-directed Profanity, Gambling, Excessive/Unmodified Level 1 Behavior

 

Consequences:

All approved actions short of suspension

1. ISS or Corporal Punishment --(student’s choice)
2. Corporal Punishment
3. Parent – Administrator Conference
4. Suspension

Movement to next level when: Student commits 4 Level II offenses within the school year

 

Level III

Discipline handled by the administrator

 

Examples of Behaviors: Simple Fighting, Tobacco, Theft, Vandalism to school or private property, Threats or Harassment to employees or students, Knives (not weapons), Directed Profanity, Excessive/Unmodified Level II Behaviors

 

Consequences: Minimum 3 day home suspension

 

Movement to next level when: Student commits 3 level III offenses within the school year.

 

Level IV

Discipline handled by the administrator

 

Examples of Behaviors: 2^nd. Offense – knives, beepers, phones, fighting, Zero tolerance offenses, severe fighting, Sexual acts, Excessive/Unmodified Level III Behaviors

 

Consequences: Long-Term Suspension, Expulsion, Long-Term Placement in Alternative School

CD Players, Headphones, etc…

 

                All electronic devices (other than school allowed calculators) found at school will be taken up and returned only to a parent or guardian. If there is a second offense, disciplinary action will be taken.

 

Zero Tolerance

 

                Zero tolerance means these activities will not be tolerated and punishment will be swift, reasoned, and certain. Zero tolerance violations include:

                Battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, or other employee of the local education agency, bus driver or other contracted personnel, or any authorized volunteer.

                Possession/Use/Transfer of dangerous weapons.

                Unlawful possession of any narcotic or stimulant drug, prescription drug, or any other controlled substance (including marijuana)

                Sale/distribution/transfer of any narcotic or stimulant drug, prescription drug or any other controlled substance (including marijuana)

Zero tolerance offenses will result in expulsion for a period of not less than one calendar year subject to modification by the Director of Schools on a case-by-case basis.

 

Arriving at School Each Day

 

                Upon arriving by bus or car to the school you must go to the cafeteria to eat breakfast or directly to your first period class. No one is allowed in the halls or at the lockers until the bell rings at 7:52

 

Other Information

 

Medicine:

 With the exception of emergency medicines such as asthma inhalers, if a student has to take medication, the medicine should be left in the main office.  This includes over-the-counter medications. A parental consent form and physician’s order must be brought to the office before we can dispense any medication including over-the-counter medications. A student may get a pass to come and take his/her medicine. The medicine must be brought to school by a responsible adult in the original unopened pharmacy container which lists the following information:

1. Student’s name
2. Prescription number
3. Medication name and dosage
4. Special directions for administration
5. Date
6. Licensed prescriber’s name
7. Pharmacy name, address, and phone #

 

Food & Drink:

                Students are not allowed to have food and/or drinks in the classroom.  Any soft drinks purchased in the instructional areas must be consumed during class break time.

 

Money Receipts:

                All students should receive a receipt for any money in amounts over one dollar.  The receipt should be kept by the student in case a problem arises.

 

Private Property:

                Students are warned and advised not to bring valuables, expensive personal property or belongings, and large amounts of money to school.

 

Telephone Usage:

                Students are not allowed to use the phone for personal calls. In case of an emergency, parents will be contacted by the school staff.  Incoming calls for students will be taken and delivered at an appropriate time.

 

School Closings:

                In the event of inclement weather, students are advised to listen to local radio stations and the Memphis and Jackson television stations for announcements concerning school closings.

 

Lockers:

                A locker will be assigned to each student. He/she is to keep and use only the locker assigned. The student may place a lock on his/her locker if not shared by another student. Middleton Middle/High School retains no responsibility for items stolen from lockers.

 

School Records:

                School records will be released only to authorized personnel.

 

Fire / Tornado Drills and Earthquake Procedures

 

                These will be explained by the teacher of each class. Maps and detailed instructions will be posted in all rooms and areas of the school.

 

 

 

Selling on Campus

 

                Solicitations of funds or the sale of merchandise and/or services on campus for outside organizations or individuals is not allowed by students or faculty.  All fund-raising activities by school organizations and adult support groups must be approved in advance by the administration.

 

Drivers License

 

                When any student who is age 15 or older applies for a Tennessee Driver’s License, they must present certification that they are in compliance with the present compulsory school attendance laws.

1. Get a request for driver certification in the main office.
2. Fill out and return to the office.
3. Request must be turned in by Wednesday in order to receive certification on Friday.

 

Cafeteria

 

1. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. until 7:52 a.m., allowing students time to be in first period no later than 8:00 a.m.
2. At lunchtime, students will pass to and from the cafeteria in an orderly manner.
3. All students must stay in the cafeteria during their assigned lunch time.
4. Permission to leave the cafeteria before dismissal time must be obtained from the on-duty staff member.
5. Table manners and good conduct are expected from all students.
6. Federal regulations state that no commercially prepared foods will be allowed in the cafeteria. They will be taken up.

 

Administrators and Counselors

 

                If you need to see an administrator or counselor, please sign up to see them by either signing the roster in the counselor’s waiting area, or writing a note to the person that you wish to see.  Do Not miss class to see them.

 

 

 

 

End of School Year Obligations

 

                Any student that owes money for lost books, damaged books, library fines, fundraiser fines, or etc… will have his report card held at school until the debt is paid. A person will be at school between 8 – 11 a.m. one week after school is dismissed for summer break to collect fines and issue report cards.

 

 

Tenn. Code Ann. ~49-6-4017

 

                The policies set forth in this handbook have been adopted by the Hardeman County Board of Education in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. ~49-6-4017.  The discipline policies described within this handbook are posted in the display case outside the school office, and copies are available upon request within the office. This handbook is being distributed to all teachers, administrative staff, and students.  The policies herein are to be discussed in detail with each student.  The student is to carry the handbook home to be reviewed by the parents/guardians.  Both the students and parent/guardian are to sign the last page to signify that they have reviewed the school policies. Students should return this page which will be kept on file.

 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act  (FERPA)

                The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires Hardeman County Schools, with certain exceptions, to obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, Hardeman County Schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Hardeman County Schools to include this type of information from you child’s education records in certain school publications.  Some examples include: a program, showing your student’s role in a school play or another kind of school program; the school yearbook or annual; Honor roll or other types of recognition lists; Graduation programs; and Sports activity sheets, such as those for football or basketball games, showing weight and height of team members.

                Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture call rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies(LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent (See note below).  These three categories are: names, addresses, and telephone listings.

                If you do not want the Hardeman County Schools to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the school in writing. Hardeman County Schools has designated the following information as directory information:

                Student’s name

                Dates of attendance

                Major Field of study

Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

Weight and height of members of athletic teams

                Degrees, honors, and awards received

The most recent educational agency or institution attended

Note: These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110) the education bill; and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by Section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s armed forces.

 

 

Hardeman County Schools

Parental Notification under NCLBA

(No Child Left Behind Act)

                As the parent of a child attending a school that receives federal funds, you have certain rights. You have a right……

~ To request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s teacher.

~ To be provided information on the achievement level of your child on state academic assessments as soon as possible after the test is given.

~ To be informed that your child is placed in a Limited English Proficiency program.

~ To be notified if your child’s school has been identified for improvement or corrective action and what this means.

~ To school choice and supplemental educational services if your child’s school fails to make adequate annual progress.

~ To be involved in an ongoing manner in planning, review and improvement of your child’s school program.

~ To be informed of the content of safe and drug-free programs and to request in writing that your child be withdrawn from the program

~ To refuse to participate in the National Assessment of Education Progress

~ To request that your high school child’s name, address, and phone number not be released to a military recruiter without prior written consent

~ To protect your child’s privacy relative to third party surveys, sensitive information, instructional materials, etc…

~ To be notified of any waiver the school district requests of the U.S. Secretary of Education concerning provision of (No Child Left Behind)

~ To comment on the proposed terms of any flexibility agreement entered into with the US Department of Education.

~ To request information on homeless education at the Board of Education (658-2510)

 

The school system does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or disability in the operation of its educational programs and activities, including employment practices.

 

 

(For Kindergarten through High School)
Current Policy & Rationale for Change

•Presently

The Tennessee State Board of Education suggests that the criteria for a standard dress policy adopted by local boards of education should require standard dress clothing to be:

•Simple
•Appropriate
•Readily available
•Inexpensive
Hardeman County School Board Policy # 6.310 states the following: “Students shall dress and groom in a clean, neat, and modest manner so as not to distract or interfere with the operation of the school.”
•Rationale for Change

The Hardeman County School System has the responsibility to enhance the educational focus, provide a safe and secure school, and establish an orderly learning environment. It is also our belief that by teaching students a proper and professional standard of dress it will aid our students in having a greater opportunity for success upon exiting our schools as well as having a positive effect upon the student’s self esteem. In addition, standard dress will enable school personnel to easily recognize outside intruders and deter gang affiliation and activity. Changing fads and trends put increasing pressure on parents, students, and staff as well as deter from the educational mission of the schools.
The Manual on School Uniforms published by the U.S. Department of Education states the following as potential benefits of standard dress.

Promoting school safety
•Easily identify intruders in school
•Decrease violence and theft
•Minimize overt symbols of gang activity

Improving discipline 1

•A standard dress policy alone will not solve all the problems of school discipline, but it can be one positive contributing factor to discipline and safety.
•(TN State Board of Education-Uniform Clothing for Public School Students #4.203)

Enhancing the learning environment
•Help students concentrate on their work
•Instill a sense of school spirit, social pride, and social acceptance
•Aid students in resisting peer pressure
•Test scores increase due to students being more focused
•Reduce classroom distractions

STANDARD DRESS FOR HARDEMAN COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:

Shirts – Only golf-type shirts (no zippers) and button-front shirts will be permitted. Only the top 2 buttons may be unbuttoned.
1.Must have a collar.
2.Must be a solid white or the designated school color.
3.Must be the appropriate size.
4.May be long or short sleeves.
5.Must not have any writing or pictures.
6.Must be tucked in and remain tucked in at all times.
7.There are to be no logos on the shirt other than the official school mascot logo that is allowed on the designated schoolcolor shirt.
8.Only white tee shirts may be worn underneath the approved golf or button-front shirt.
9.Short sleeve tee shirts may be worn with the approved short sleeve shirts.
Sweatshirts/Sweaters must be solid white or the designated school color. Solid color sweaters with v-necks, crew necks, cardigans or vests in the approved colors may be worn, but must be worn over the approved shirts. No brand names or wordings are allowed.
1.There are to be no logos on the sweater or sweatshirt.
2.Sweaters, sweatshirts, and vests should hang at the waist/belt line.
3.Hooded sweatshirts/sweaters of any kind may not be worn.
4.Sweaters or sweatshirts are not to be tied over the shoulders or around the waist.
5.Mock turtlenecks or turtlenecks in approved colors may be worn under the approved shirt. They must be solid color, the same color of the approved shirt, and can not be worn by themselves only. Short sleeve turtlenecks may be worn under the approved short sleeve shirts.

Pants – Only khaki colored or navy blue twill pants (hemmed or cuffed) of a cotton or blend will be permitted.
1.Pants must be worn and fitted at the waist line.
2.Low slung, baggy seat, baggy legged, or bell-bottom pants are not permitted.
3.Shorts may be worn in grades K-3 but must come to the knee and be of the approved color and material that is required for pants. Shorts can not be worn after grade 3.
4.No jeans or jean type pants – khaki jeans are not allowed.
5.No rivets on pants.
6.Cargo pants, carpenter pants, or overalls are not permitted.
7.Pant legs can not be rolled up exposing the leg.
8.There are to be no holes, rips, or tears.

Belts must be worn through the belt loops and buckled. The belt
buckle must be a plain buckle and shall not exceed 1 ½ inches in
width. The belt must be brown or black, and not have any writing or
logos

Skirts/dresses – All skirts must be solid, khaki colored or navy blue, and be a twill cotton or blend.
1.Skirts must go to the knee.
2.There must be no slits in skirts above the knee.
3.All dresses that are worn must be solid khaki colored or navy blue and go to the knee.
Footwear-
1.Shoes are to be worn at all times.
2.Dress/casual shoes, sandals, or athletic shoes are to be worn and must be properly fastened.
3.Flip flops are not to be worn.
4.Boots are not permitted.
5.Shoes with heels taller than 1 ½ inches are not permitted

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Coats/Jackets –

1.All outer wear is to be removed and put in the locker or designated area during the school day.
2.Large, oversized coats and jackets or trench coats are not permitted within the school building.
3Coats and jackets must not have drug, alcohol, gang related, gambling, or other such messages or pictures.

Headwear

1.No headwear is to be worn in the school building.
2.No sweatbands are to be worn in the school building.

Expectations & Consequences-

Students are expected to adhere to the standard dress policy at all times during the regular school day. If a student arrives at school and is not in compliance with the standard dress policy he/she will not be allowed to attend classes. The student will be detained and a parent will be called to bring appropriate clothing for the first violation. The second violation will result in a one-day in-school suspension; and subsequent violations will result in a conference with parents for further disciplinary consequences. (Note: elementary school principals may take special circumstances into consideration when there are violations of the standard dress policy.)

Teachers and staff members-

Teachers and all staff members are to dress in a professional manner. The standard dress of teachers and staff should not fall to a lower standard than that of the students. Consideration will be given in certain circumstances such as athletic coaches while not in the classroom and certain vocational teachers.
•In matters of opinion pertaining to both the standard dress policy for the students and the expectations for the staff, the judgment of the administrator will prevail.
•All teachers, principals, and other employees of the Hardeman County School district must carry out the above school board policy and all other policies of the Hardeman County Board of Education and the State Board of Education.