To All Stakeholders:

I would like to welcome everyone to New Market Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year!  Students, I am looking forward to seeing how much you grow this school year.  Our goal is to help you gain further knowledge and skills academically and socially.  It is important to show empathy and kindness to others and have a positive growth mindset in all you do.  These things will help you grow into productive citizens with good character!

I am proud to say at New Market Elementary School we all work together for the betterment of our students and community.  Please use us as a resource if needed.  As an organization, we are constantly growing and making improvements.  If you see an area we can improve or an area we do well, please let us know.  We value ALL feedback.  If we work together we can accomplish great things! 

Best wishes for an amazing school year!

Jacob Bellissimo, Principal

New Market Elementary School

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Jefferson County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability in any of their programs, practices, or activities.

For more information or questions, please contact:

Director of Federal Programs, Jefferson County Schools

P. O. Box 190, Dandridge, TN 37725

865-397-3194

1.    Be Respectful:  of others and yourself

2.    Be Responsible:   with your words, actions, behavior and with belongings

3.    Be Engaged:  with others and the learning process

4.    Be Prepared:   be here on time, with your belongings and ready to learn

COVID-19 guidelines and protocols for Jefferson County Schools working in conjunction with the Department of Health will be followed.  All COVID protocols/guidelines will supersede many of the student handbook items until further notice.

The following protocols and guidelines are specifically for New Market Elementary School. These protocols/guidelines supersede many protocols and guidelines already established in the New Market Elementary Student Handbook. Parents indicate receiving and understanding COVID-19 protocols/guidelines by signing the acknowledgment page on the front of the printed handbook. These guidelines will remain in effect until further notice. Please know when guidelines are lifted, New Market Elementary School will notify parents via blackboard one call, Remind, Class Dojo, social media, and/or the school website.

Parent(s)/guardian(s), upon request, shall be given the opportunity to review the Asbestos Management Plan. Requests can be made by contacting central office at 865-379-3194.

To schools:

Students, including those in kindergarten, are expected to attend the school in the school zone to which they are assigned by virtue of the residence of their legal and/or custodial parent(s). Residence is defined as the location of property where the student lives in a dwelling with the parent on a daily basis, eating meals, sleeping, playing and performing what are considered routine family activities.

An application to attend school outside a student's zone of residence must be submitted to the principal. Permission will be considered under the following conditions:

• The student's attendance will not cause the student/teacher ratio to exceed the state guidelines in the class or grade-level for the out-of-zone school.

• The parent will provide regular daily transportation to and from school.
• The receiving principal agrees that the enrollment of the student will not adversely affect the efficiency of the operation of the school.
• The director shall establish specific procedures for such enrollment.

To classes:

The principal shall be responsible for assigning all students to classes.   Students who enter the system from another school system are to be placed by the principal in the grade and/or level as indicated by records from the former school. If the student's placement is inappropriate in the grade or level assigned, he/she may be reassigned by the principal to another grade level. Parents shall be kept advised.

Truancy:

Beginning July 2018, Tennessee Public Schools will be following a new TN law (TCA 49-6-3007) regarding truancy which requires schools to implement progressive truancy interventions for students who violate compulsory attendance requirements.  These school-based interventions will be designed to address student conduct related to truancy in hopes of minimizing referrals to juvenile court.  Per TCA 49-6-3007, if the student is absent from school for a total of 5 days during the school year without adequate excuse and has progressed through the tiered process per Jefferson County Schools Board Policy 6.200, then the student is subject to Juvenile Court.

We are asking for your help from the beginning of this school year.  We want to make sure you are knowledgeable of the TN expectations and are aware of the importance of excused vs unexcused absences.

Although truancy has become a major concern across TN, in Jefferson County our parents have made great improvements in truancy violations over the past years.  Jefferson County Juvenile Court worked with 300 families in 2001.  By 2017 this number had been reduced to less than 100 families attending court.  We are proud of our Jefferson County truancy reduction rates.

Chronic Absenteeism:

Chronic Absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10 percent or 18 total days for the entire school year. Any absence from school is included in the definition of Chronic Absenteeism: excused days, unexcused days and out of school suspensions.

New state requirements asking schools to track Chronic Absenteeism and support students who are absent for any reason are also beginning July 2018.  Your child must be present 195 or more minutes in a school day for it to be counted as a full attendance day. Attending less than 195 minutes in a school day will count as an absence. If your child's absences are excessive, the school will contact you and begin student supports and interventions after 9 total absences.

In Jefferson County 1 in 8 school age children are involved in Juvenile Court for numerous reasons including delinquency, dependent/neglect and other offenses.  Truancy is one of the leading indicators of low reading abilities, failing grades and later dropping out of school.  Please help us keep your children in school every day. 

Progressive Truancy Intervention Plan

Tier I of the progressive truancy plan shall apply to all students within the district and include schoolwide prevention-oriented supports to assist with satisfactory attendance.

Tier I

Tier I of the progressive truancy intervention plan shall include schoolwide prevention-oriented supports:

1. Notification of the Attendance Policy each school year.

2. Conferencing with the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s).

3. Education on the importance of school attendance.

Tier II

If a student accumulates a minimum of 5 unexcused absences in violation of the attendance policy as addressed in Tier I, the student will be required to receive Tier II interventions.

Tier II of the progressive truancy intervention plan shall include the following:

1. Each school will initiate a referral process for students of concern due to attendance.

2. A conference with the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s);

3 An attendance contract, based on the conference, signed by the student, the parent(s)/guardian(s), and an attendance supervisor or designee. The contract shall include:

a. A specific description of the school’s attendance expectations for the student;

b. The period for which the contract is effective; and

c. Penalties for additional absences and alleged school offenses, including additional disciplinary action and potential referral to juvenile court; and

4. Regularly scheduled follow-up meetings to discuss the student’s progress.

5. Individualized assessment by school employee of the reasons a student has been absent from school; and

6. If necessary, referral of the child to counseling, community-based services, or other in-school or out-of-school services aimed at addressing the student’s attendance problems.

Under this tier, the attendance contract will be initiated or updated with the parent/guardian and student.

Tier III

This tier shall be implemented if the truancy interventions under Tier II are unsuccessful. Tier III may consist of 1 or more of the following:

1. School-based community services;

2. Participation in a school-based restorative justice program;

3. Referral to a school-based teen court; or Saturday or after-school courses designed to improve attendance and behavior.

These interventions shall be determined by a team formed at each school. The interventions shall address student needs in an age-appropriate manner. Finalized plans shall be approved by the Director of Schools/designee.

Breakfast and lunch are offered daily in our cafeteria for a nominal fee.  Every effort should be made not to charge meals.  In such cases where breakfast and/or lunch charges occur, they shall not exceed five (5) days in length per student.  After the fifth day of charges, the student will receive an alternate breakfast/lunch that will also result in additional charges.

Free or reduced meal prices are available to those students who meet the eligibility criteria.  Applications for free/reduced meals are available in the main office.  These applications have to be processed and approved through our student nutrition department. 

Meal money must be prepaid and can either be sent by the student to be added to the student’s lunch account or be paid online through My Payments Plus website.  There is a link on the Jefferson County Schools Student Nutrition Page: https://www.jc-tn.net/departments/student-nutrition. Meal prices can also be found by following this link. 

Students are responsible for the proper care of ALL technology, books, supplies, and furniture supplied by the school.  Students who disfigure property or cause damage to school property or equipment will be required to pay for the damage or to replace the item.  Disciplinary action will also be taken.  Any unlawful act taking place on the school grounds or on buses not only makes the student subject to penalties which the courts may prescribe, but also could result in suspension or dismissal from school.

Students shall not make any use of a cellular phone, smart watch, beeper, pager, or any other personal electronic device on any school campus during the hours of the school day (including arrival and dismissal times). This includes all forms of message modes currently available in electronic communication devices, i.e., voice communication, text messages, and transmission of visual images.  Use of cameras on personal communication devices is strictly prohibited on school property during school hours. Students that violate this policy in areas where others don’t have a reasonable assumption of privacy are subject to a law enforcement referral.

The inappropriate use of an electronic device while on a Jefferson County School Bus is prohibited. Examples of inappropriate activity may include, but is not limited to, viewing, playing, listening, or sharing material that is not suitable for all ages.

Students involved in inappropriate activity, or that refuse to comply with the driver’s request, will be subject to disciplinary measures by school administrators. Drivers shall complete a bus referral form and submit to building administrators.

The Jefferson county School System is not responsible for loss and/or damage of personal electronic devices.

No one should post photos – other than their own-on social media without explicit permission of the child’s parent(s).  Refer to Policy Regarding Pictures of Students signed by parents upon student registration.

Any student who has a change in address or telephone number should report this change to the school IMMEDIATELY.  There may be occasions where it is imperative to reach a parent/guardian in the event of an illness or other emergency.  Thank you for keeping us informed!

The Board presumes that the person who enrolls a student in school is the student's custodial parent. Unless a Tennessee court specifies otherwise, the custodial parent shall be the one whom the school district holds responsible for the education and welfare of that child.

Parents or guardians shall have the right to receive information contained in school records concerning their minor child.  The Board, unless informed otherwise, assumes there are no restrictions regarding the non-custodial parent's right to be kept informed of the student's progress and activities. If restric­tions are made relative to the rights of the non-custodial parent, the custodial parent shall be requested to submit a certified copy of the court order which curtails these specific rights.

Unless there are specific court-imposed restrictions, the non-custodial parent, upon request, shall be given access to all of the student's educational records, including but not limited to, the student's cumulative file and the student's special education file, if applicable.

No principal or teacher shall permit a change in the physical custody of a child at school unless:

• The person seeking custody of the child presents the school official with a certified copy of a valid court order from a Tennessee court designating the person who has custody of the child; and
• The person seeking custody shall give the school official reasonable advance notice of his/her intent to take custody of the child at school.

A school nurse is available to assist students with medical needs.  Medications should be kept in the clinic with the school nurse.  Students may not carry medicine of any kind throughout the school day.  Parents, not students, should bring in and pick up all medications.  All prescriptions shall bear the name of the medication, directions for administration, and the name of the student.  A parent must complete a Self-Administration of Medication form that can be obtained from the school nurse.  School personnel cannot provide medication such as aspirin or Tylenol for students.  Medicines (Board Policy 6.405)

School Counseling Services are available to EVERY student.  The School Counselor will provide prevention and intervention on a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

·      Academics and Attendance

·      Social and Emotional Learning

·      Careers

·      Personal Safety

This is conducted through classroom lessons, small groups and individual sessions.  Referrals to the counselor may be made by the student, parent, teacher, or other educational representative at any time.  For more information on school counseling services or additional resources available to families, please contact the school and speak with your child’s counselor.

Behavior Plans

After discussion with an administrator, a teacher may place a student on a behavior plan.  This will be more formal than the typical classroom plan.  A student with a formal behavior plan may be referred to an administrator sooner than a student without a formal behavior plan.  A student may also be placed on a behavior plan for a relatively serious offense or continued misconduct. An administrative plan gives the student a specified period of time in which to prove that he/she will obey school rules. Administrative behavior contracts may be extended into the next semester or school year.

In-School Suspension (ISS)

One of the disciplinary options used at New Market Elementary School is in-school suspension. It is isolated study for students who have violated certain school policies (Policy 6.316). Students are assigned to in-school suspension by the administration only, and students must report directly to the designated area with all books, pencil, and paper. Students assigned ISS will have all school privileges revoked during their assignment, and may not re-enter the regular school program until all in-school suspension time has been served. Failure to comply with ISS rules could result in the student being assigned additional time in ISS or being placed on OSS.

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

According to T.C.A. 49-6-3401, any school administrator of any public school in this state is authorized to suspend a pupil from attendance from such school, including its sponsored activities, or from riding a school bus, for good or sufficient reasons.  T.C.A. 49-6-3401 also provides that if a principal or assistant principal determines that an offense has been committed which would justify suspension for more than ten (10) days, he/she may suspend a student unconditionally for a specified period of time or upon such terms and conditions as may be reasonable.  The student, the parent or guardian, or any other person holding a teaching license who is employed by the school system (if requested by the student) may file an appeal to a disciplinary hearing authority (DHA) for any suspension over 10 days.  The appeal must be in writing, and it must be filed with the director of schools within five (5) days after receipt of the notice of suspension (Policy 6.316).

Note:  If a student is suspended out of school on the day of an after-school activity/game, he/she will NOT be allowed to attend the activity/game.

Early dismissals disrupt the learning day and are strongly discouraged.  Requests for early dismissals must be made in writing or in person by the parents.  A photo ID will be required.  Parents are to enter only at the main entrance and go straight to the front office.  If you send someone else to sign your child out, please contact the school in advance to give permission (signed and dated written permission is necessary).  This is for your child’s protection. 

The academic day ends at 3:00 PM.  No early dismissals will be allowed after 2:45. At 3pm students will be dismissed for Car Riders, Bus 09 first load and Bus 50-11 (also carries students to the Boys and Girls Club pickup at the middle school).  Bus riders will line up at the front doors of the school and will be escorted onto the bus. 

Car Riders will walk to the gym and sit in their designated area by grade level. 

Bus riders (2^nd load) will be called to the commons area to sit by bus number at 3:30PM. These buses usually arrive and are loaded by 3:50PM.

Note:  A student going home by any other means than his/her normal transportation must have a note signed and dated by a parent/guardian.  This note should be turned in to the front office.  Office staff will verify the change.  Students will NOT be allowed to ride a bus home with another student this year.  Please make arrangements to pick up your child and their friend through the car rider line.

Students should dress appropriately at all times. Dress should never distract from school activities or prove a hazard to the student's safety or the safety of others. If, in the judgment of the school administration, a student is not appropriately attired or exhibits grooming which constitutes a distraction or disturbance to the school environment, the student may be sent home and not be readmitted until he/she is properly attired or groomed. Note:  The Jefferson County Schools dress code is considered to be a minimum standard.  Principals may modify only to the extent that it is a higher standard (Policy 6.310).

The following attire is considered inappropriate:

• Hats/bandanas
• Tank tops, jerseys, shirts, blouses, sweaters, or dresses which are inappropriately revealing or suggestive (NO spaghetti straps for students 3^rd-5^th)
• Jeans with revealing holes above the knee
• Clothing that allows undergarments to be visible when standing or sitting
• Clothing that has obscene or profane language, depiction of alcoholic beverages or unlawful substances, and or gang related
• Clothing which exposes the midriff 
• Sleeveless tops with large armholes or with shoulder straps narrower than 2”

Additionally:

• Pants must be secured/belted at proper waist level.
• Shoes must be worn at all times. Please wear appropriate footwear for physical education. 
• Piercings must be confined to ears.  No piercings will be allowed in the nose, lips, eyebrows, or other body parts while at school.
• Face Mask are considered an extension of the dress code.  Please avoid wearing any clothing that may be offensive or cause undue disruption to the learning day.

Final decisions as to whether student dress or grooming is inappropriate shall be made by the principal.  The following progressive interventions will be followed:

• Verbal Warning – child may be required to turn shirt inside out or borrow school shirt.
• Notice sent home with student for return with parent signature.
• Phone call home.  Parents may be expected to bring appropriate clothing.
• Loss of privileges in classroom or recess.
• Referral to the office – A student may be required to change clothes.

Students shall not consume, use, possess, give, exchange, transfer or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, hallucinogenic drug, marijuana, or intoxicant of any kind. This also includes, but is not limited to, abuse of inhalants and prescription drugs. The above violations are subject to disciplinary action if they occur on school real property; at a school activity at any time whether on or off campus; or in a school vehicle.

When a principal/designee determines that a student is in violation of this policy, the student will be suspended from school following the suspension guidelines in Board Policy 6.309 for Zero Tolerance Offenses. The principal shall also notify the proper law enforcement authorities.

Abuse of prescribed drugs and/or over-the-counter drugs and/or look-alike drugs shall be considered in the same manner as illegally obtained substances. Students shall not attempt to market or distribute any substance, which is represented to be or is substantially similar in color, shape, size or markings to a controlled substance.

Students under prescribed medications must identify themselves to appropriate school officials upon arrival at school and the prescribed medication shall be retained during the school day and administered by the principal's designee, except for self-administered medication such as inhalers. A parent must complete a Self-Administration of Medication form that can be obtained from the school nurse.  All prescriptions shall bear the name of the medication, directions for administration. When a principal or designee determines that a student is in violation of the above policy, the student will be suspended from school following the suspension guidelines in Policy 6.316.

THERE ARE NO SCHOOL FEES REQUIRED FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR.

·      Must be paid for in cash (no checks).  Due to bookkeeping procedures.  No refunds are allowed unless the trip is cancelled.

·      Loss of privilege to attend a field trip due to inappropriate behavior will result in forfeiture of money paid.

·      Parents may chaperone.  Parents must attend the volunteer training class and pass the background check in order to chaperone students. 

·      Please consider this quality time to be spent with your child and do not bring younger/older siblings.

·      Parents must provide their own transportation and be responsible for obtaining directions prior to the trip.  Please do not rely on following the bus, as you can easily get separated.

Academic/Instruction Related Trips:  Field trips designed to stimulate student interest and inquiry and to provide opportunities for social growth and development are considered appropriate extensions of the classroom.

To be educationally beneficial, a field trip requires thoughtful selection, careful advance preparation of the class, and opportunities for students to summarize the experience at the conclusion of the trip.  To this end, teachers and principals will be expected to consider the following factors in selecting field trips:

1.     Value of the activity to the particular student group or groups;

2.     Relationship of the field trip activity to a particular aspect of classroom instruction;

3.     Suitability of the activity and distance traveled in terms of the age level;

4.     Mode and availability of transportation; and

5.     Cost – Cost per student shall not be calculated so as to include the payment of the cost of any school personnel, or others, except the sponsor (s) of the group or club which takes the trip.

The director of schools shall develop an administrative procedure to establish a system of grading and assessment for evaluating and recording student progress and to measure student performance in conjunction with Board adopted content standards for grades K-8.  The grading/assessment system shall follow all applicable statutes and rules and regulations of the State Board of Education.  The grading/assessment system shall be uniform district-wide at comparable grade levels except that the director of schools shall have the authority to establish and operate ungraded and/or unstructured classes in grades K-3.

The director of schools shall submit a copy of the grading, reporting and assessment systems to the Board before the system is implemented.  These guidelines shall be communicated annually to students and parents/guardians.

Parents are encouraged to check their child's folder (all grade levels) as well as access grades (in grade level 3-5) on Aspen. 

• Student login is their lunch number.
• Grades provide feedback between teachers, students and parents. 
• Communication regarding student grades helps promote understanding and learning and NMES welcomes that communication! 

Conduct grades are based on behavior and shall not be deducted from scholastic grades:

·      All K-3 report cards reflect the reading level.

·      Kindergarten students get progress marks showing growth and improvement without letter or number grade designations. 

·      Grades 1 and 2 students receive reports that reflect their progress in academic areas and will NOT be assigned letter or numerical grades.

·      Grade 3 students receive progress marks reflecting skill acquisition and letter/number grades.

·      Grades 3-5 get letter/number grades.

·      All students receive informal “mid-term” reports each nine-weeks to take home to parents.

Students are held responsible for work assigned and for following individual teacher’s directions on making up work missed due to illness.

·      Students’ permanent records are available to parents for review upon request through the office.

·      Report cards will not be given at the end of the school year if money is owed to the school (cafeteria, library, lost or damaged textbooks).

The TN Department of Education Uniform Grading Policy will be used in grades 3-5:

Grade              Scale               Percent Range

A                      4.0                   90-100

B                      3.0                   80-89

C                      2.0                   70-79

D                      1.0                   60-69

F                      0.0                   0-59

Any physical disorder should be explained to the teacher at the beginning of the school year.  Medical or dental appointments should not be made during school hours.  Students should not return to school after a contagious disease until the doctor says it is safe.  No students shall be excused from regular participation in the physical education program except by a physician’s written statement.

In order for a student to be excused from school due to a medical reason, the student must be counted present for the school day.  No student that reports to the clinic first thing in the morning with parent/guardian will be excused.  The following are medical reasons in which the child will be sent home:

·      Fever of 100.3 or greater

·      Vomiting (noted by school nurse or teacher)

·      Head injury

·      Injury received at school that requires further medical care

·      Undiagnosed rashes

Lice Policy (Board Policy 6.4031)

Homework is often a necessary extension of classroom learning.  New Market Elementary School believes that homework has a definite place in the educational program.  Teachers may give assignments for a variety of purposes, and students are expected to bring homework assignments back to class according to the due date given by the teacher. Student grades will reflect the completion of all work, including outside assignments.  Homework is also part of the student’s preparation for achievement tests and graduation. 

Students in Jefferson County will participate in projects using the Internet in a directed manner to support curriculum and research activities.  Teachers and students will use the Internet to participate in distance learning activities, to ask questions of and consult with experts, to communicate with other students and individuals and to locate material to meet their educational and personal information needs.  The administration reserves the right to revoke a student’s Internet/computer privileges.  These guidelines are provided so that you are aware of the responsibilities involved with using the Internet.  A student WILL NOT

·      Use offensive or inappropriate language, or language that would promote violence or hatred, and do not respond to such.

·      Reveal his (or other’s) personal address, phone number, or credit card information.

·      Use the network in such a way as to disrupt use of the network by others or abuse access time.

·      Harass anyone by sending uninvited communication.

·      Send electronic information from accounts that do not belong to him without the owner’s authorization.

·      Access unauthorized or inappropriate areas on the network.

·      Make unauthorized copies of software or information.

·      Access the network at the school without a signed Internet Use agreement.

·      Transmit any material in violation of any state or federal regulation.

·      Use the network for commercial or for-profit purposes.

·      Use the network for product advertisement or political lobbying.

·      Damage computer, computer system, or computer networks.

·      Access obscene, pornographic and/or sexually explicit material on the network.

·      Invade the privacy of other network users.

·      Use the network in ways that violate school policies and behavior standards.

Any items produced by students will not be posted to the Internet without written parental permission.  If permission is granted, items will be considered fair use and available to the public.  A written parental request shall be required prior to a student being granted independent access to electronic media involving district technological resources.  The form must be signed by the student and by the parent/legal guardian of any student under 18.  This form shall be kept on file by the school as a legal, binding document.  If the parent(s)/guardian(s) wish to second the agreement, they must do so in writing.

The goal of the library is to provide resources for classroom and individual use in sufficient quantity, quality, and variety to implement the instructional program in all areas, and to support the development of the user.

New Market students go to the library as part of the special area rotation.  Books are borrowed for two (2) weeks at a time with one renewal.  Library skills, reference skills, and research skills are taught individually and in groups.  Lost or damaged bools must be paid for by the end of the school year.  Please help your child take good care of the books that are your responsibility.  However, if the librarian or classroom teacher sees fit, due to irresponsibility, that child or the child’s class may lose that privilege for a period of time.  It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure students have turned in their library materials.  If you wish that your child not be allowed to check out books, please submit this request in writing to the school librarian, Sarah Reno.

1. The principal or designee should notify the parent by telephone upon finding nits or lice and request the student be removed from the school no later than the end of the school day for immediate treatment. If parents are unavailable to pick up students then they may ride school transportation home.

2. Parents or guardians picking up students who have been identified with nits or lice shall be shown the infestation evidence and given appropriate information regarding treatment of the child, other family members, and the home environment.

3. Upon exclusion, satisfactory evidence must be submitted to school personnel that the student has been treated for pediculosis (head lice). This evidence may include but is not limited to proof of treatment with a pediculocide product, satisfactory exam by a principal, his/her designee, or a school nurse.

4. Students that have been cleared of nits or lice will be re-examined in 7 calendar days (or closest school day if 7th day falls on weekend or holiday) by the principal's designee. Students found to have nits or head lice on re-examination will once again be excluded until they are lice free.

5. The administration shall take steps to identify appropriate procedures for the control of lice outbreaks including records, personnel training, treatment of students, procedures for handling student clothing and other personal items and appropriate custodial procedures.

6. Principals are authorized to provide up to three (3) excused absences (1 excused day per incident) annually for students who have lice infestations.

Students and/or parents must report to the main office to do the following things:

• Enroll in school
• Turn in a note for an absence
• Check in (if tardy for first period)/check out for early dismissal
• Report a student accident
• Obtain an application for free/reduced meals
• Check for lost items
• Obtain insurance forms
• Withdraw from school

In case of absence from school, a parent is asked to make arrangements to receive their child’s homework. 

Students are expected to:

1. complete each assignment to the best of their ability
2. turn in assignments when they are due
3. seek help when necessary
4. adequately study for tests or quizzes announced by teachers.

Parents are expected to:

1. provide the environment necessary for the development and nurturing of good study habits
2. closely monitor the quality and extent to which assignments are completed

There are two designated conference dates during the school year for the purpose of discussing student progress or other pertinent information.  Parents who would like to request additional meetings may make appointments for conferences with teachers by calling the school, sending a note or emailing the teacher.  Conferences shall be physically accessible to all students, parents and/or guardians.

All parents and visitors must sign in at the office first.  For the protection of our students, our gym doors will be locked at 8:00 each morning.  We must insist that all visitors enter the building by the exterior front door to sign in and receive a visitor’s pass.  Parents and visitors who do not sign in will be requested to return to the office to do so. Students will only be called to the office to see a visitor in cases of extreme emergency. Students may not bring guests to our school.

Parents may NOT go into their child’s classroom during the school day to speak with a teacher, as this interrupts the instructional program. They may request an appointment by calling the school, sending a note, or emailing the teacher. 

Parents may NOT go into a classroom at the beginning or the end of the day. This time is dedicated to preparation for the day and other necessary tasks.  Immediate concerns will be relayed to teachers by the office staff, and teachers will respond as soon as possible. 

All students are required to wear appropriate clothing and tennis shoes on days for which your child is scheduled for physical education (P.E.) class.  Any child not following this requirement will be asked to sit out during this time period. 

Student progress reports shall be provided at least once every 9 weeks for grades K-12. The reporting procedure shall be in writing and shall be uniform for all reporting periods during each school year.

Student progress reports shall indicate the students’ conduct, attendance and academic progress, and other information necessary to communicate effectively with the parents.

In addition to the regular progress reports, principals and teachers are encouraged to confer with parents on the educational progress of their children. All students in grades K-12 shall receive an informal midterm progress report at the mid-point of each nine-week instructional period. Teachers shall consult with parents of students who are working at an unsatisfactory level or whose performance shows a marked or sudden deterioration. Parents shall be notified by the teacher as early in the school year as possible if the retention of a student is being considered.

A supplemental letter of personal consultation may be used when a teacher desires to give some explanation not covered by other reporting methods.

Parents may check their child’s grades online by going to http://jc-tn.net  and clicking on the Aspen link in the lower left side of the webpage.  Parents may log in as follows:

• Username:  firstname.lastname (official first name and last name of the student)
• Password:  student’s lunch number

If parents experience trouble logging in, they should contact the school for help.

In accordance with state guidelines, all students will be screened through a universal process to determine what types of academic interventions must be made.  An intervention time has been added to the schedule, and all students will receive focused instruction according to their needs during this time. 

Response to Instruction and Intervention-Behavior (RTI2-B) is a framework for prevention and intervention within an integrated, three-tiered approach.  Each tier of the framework involves careful reflection on the needs of students, the design of interventions matching those needs, and the collection of data to evaluate progress (individual for students and collectively as a school).  All of those efforts require a shared school-wide commitment to teach and reinforce positive behavior.  It also involves adopting an optimistic view that all students can learn appropriate behavior of sufficient and supportive opportunities to learn are provided.  When using positive behavior supports in all three tiers (e.g., focusing on teaching students the behaviors we want to see, as opposed to punishing the behaviors we don’t want to see, and developing relationships between students and school staff), schools create a culture where all students and teachers are respected and included in their community.  Furthermore, students and staff contributions to the school create a positive and proactive way to acknowledge, engage, and respect all stakeholders.

The purpose of RTI²-B is to empower educators to equip ALL students with the opportunity to meet high expectations regarding behavior and the support to reach every student.  Also, students, families, and educators can work together to develop and contribute to a shared school vision.

Everyone has a responsibility for maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment at school.  These rights and responsibilities are listed below:

Students have a responsibility to report to their teacher or principal:

·       Any student threats of violence, either direct or indirect.

·       Any knowledge of alcohol, drugs, or weapons at school.

·       Any suspicious/unknown person in or around the school.

·       Any student use of gang symbolism.

·       Any student issue involving bullying.

Administrators will report or cause to be reported to a child’s parent:

·       Any violence or threats of violence from/or to the child.

·       Any violation of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or weapons policies by the child.

·       Any student who leaves the school grounds without permission.

Safety drills we be conducted on a regular basis throughout the school year.  State law requires we do regular safety checks including fire drills, violent intruder, lockdowns, shelter in place, and severe weather drills.  Procedures for a drill include no talking and no running.  Attendance will be taken when all classes have arrived at their designated places.

The Board of Education believes that acceptable behavior is an essential ingredient of an effective educational program.  Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner that reflects favorably upon themselves, their families, their community, and the school. The professional staff is expected to ensure student conduct which allows for an acceptable learning atmosphere both inside and outside the classroom and to help students develop self-discipline and self-direction. To this end, the staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior.  Any professional employee shall have the authority to control any student's conduct while under the supervision of the school district.  This authority to control student conduct 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 include use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order.

New Market Elementary School utilizes a school-wide behavior program, RTI²-B.  All students are expected to follow school-wide expectations.  Please refer to the RTI²-B section for expectations.

In order to maintain a safe environment and prevent disruption of the school day, deliveries (flowers, balloons, singing telegrams, etc.) to students will NOT be allowed.  Parents may send in a store bought special treat for their student’s birthday.  Please make arrangements with your child’s teacher prior to your child’s birthday. 

Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money, expensive jewelry, radios, cameras, etc. to school. New Market Elementary School is not responsible for articles stolen or lost at school.

When a student withdraws from school, regardless of the reason, a student transfer form must be completed and signed by all the student’s teachers and anyone else on the staff who might reasonably have a claim on fees, monies, books, and/or materials. A Release of Records form should be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian. This procedure provides a smoother transition to the new school.

Students will not be called to the telephone, and please do not ask us to relay messages to students. Students should make arrangements with parents regarding transportation, destination, or other plans before leaving home.  Telephone requests for transportation changes will be taken only in emergency situations.  Parents are encouraged to call their child’s teacher at a time when classes are not in session. 

The Board shall provide for a system-wide testing program which shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated. The purposes of the program shall be to:

1. Assist in promoting accountability;
2. Determine the progress of students;
3. Assess the effectiveness of the instructional program and student learning;
4. Aid in counseling and guiding students in planning future education and other endeavors;
5. Analyze the improvements needed in a given instructional area;
6. Assist in the screening of students with learning difficulties;
7. Assist in placing students in remedial programs;
8. Provide information for college entrance and placement;
9. Assist in educational research by providing data.

State-mandated student testing programs (TN Ready) shall be undertaken in accordance with procedures published by the State Department of Education.  The TN Ready test will be administered in the spring of each school year and will include a writing assessment for English/Language Arts, as well as assessments for Math, English/Language Arts, Science, and Social Students.  These assessments will be scheduled for late April/early May.  Updates will be available at http://jc-tn.net or on the New Market School website, http://nms.jc-tn.net. 

Other tests may be given as requested by students, teachers, or parents when approved by the principal.  Any test directly concerned with measuring student ability or achievement through individual or group psychological or socio-metric tests shall not be administered by or with the knowledge of any employee of the system without first obtaining written consent of the parents or guardians.

Results of all group tests shall be recorded on the students’ permanent records and shall be made available to appropriate personnel in accordance with established procedures. Individual student assessment reports will be given to parents in the fall.

Testing -District Assessments

iReady – Grades K-8 Literacy and Math Screener/Benchmark – administered 3 times per year as a universal screener for all students K-5.  Easy CBM is used for monitoring. 

Technology has become an essential part of our school as we move through the 21st Century.  In order to be prepared for the future, students must have the skills for the 21st century and as much experience and training as possible in the field of technology.  Each classroom is equipped with several types of equipment, including interactive Promethean boards. New Market has several mobile labs throughout the school.  Student misuse/abuse of technology will result in disciplinary action.

Textbooks are provided to each student at no cost to the student. Students are accountable for all free textbooks. Students will be required to reimburse the Jefferson County School System for any books that are damaged, destroyed, stolen, or misplaced.  If a student loses a book during the school year, he/she must pay for the lost book before another one can be issued. Classroom teachers and the librarian make the decisions regarding book damage.

Transfer students will meet the same enrollment requirements as new students.

Students whose families change their residence to another school zone within the county after the first month of school may complete the school year at their former school. Students who present evidence that they will move during the school year and who desire to enroll in a new school in the new area may do so with prior written request for a change of school area. The superintendent may grant other exceptions to this policy for good and sufficient reasons.

Principals shall allow credit for work transferred from other schools only when substantiated by official transcripts or successful completion of comprehensive written examinations approved, administered, and graded by the principal or his/her designated representative.

In the case of elementary school students, the examination shall cover the last grade completed.

If pupils are admitted to approved schools from unapproved schools by examination, it shall be the duty of the principal thus receiving them to keep the examination papers on file for a period of at least one year. 

Students who are suspended from one school in Jefferson County cannot enter another school in Jefferson County.

It may be necessary to dismiss school early for inclement weather or an emergency.   Parents will be notified via telephone in case of an early dismissal, delay, or closure. 

·      If you know that you may not be home, please inform your child what he/she is to do in case school dismisses early.

·      Keep in mind that if it is reported that schools are closing early, New Market Elementary School will begin dismissing 30 minutes prior to the announced closing time, due to the bus schedules.

When inclement weather occurs, please listen to the following TV or radio stations to hear whether school is dismissing early:

WBIR-TV          Channel 10

WATE-TV         Channel 6

WIVK-Radio     Channel 107.7 FM

For information about students’ rights and services, contact the Tennessee Department of Education:

Andrew Johnson Tower

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243

Phone: (615) 741-2731

https://www.tn.gov/education

For information regarding child advocacy, contact the Family Resource Center at 865-397-4466.

To make a referral: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_9HvXTk8w0uJJK-UIT6ZkXgigWZUPydIiZctuMGWd8JUM0ZYS1FCVEFVU01MTkNRSVlRTVpGSEhXNCQlQCN0PWcu