Welcome to the new school year at New Market Elementary School!  We are excited about the coming year and look forward to working with you to help your children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  At New Market, we believe that this partnership is extremely important in a child’s educational success. 

Please review the information in this handbook carefully. Important guidelines, policies, and procedures used in Jefferson County Schools and at New Market School have been included for your easy reference.  Please note that the information in this student handbook is not inclusive of all Jefferson County School Board policies and is subject to change through administrative decision and/or school board action.

If you have any questions or need clarification for any policy or procedure, please feel free to contact the school.  The staff of New Market School looks forward to an exciting and successful year for our students and their families.

This handbook has been prepared as a guide and source of information for the following purposes:

• To develop a code for students.
• To provide direction for self-discipline and a desirable self-image.
• To enter into a partnership with the home in sharing responsibility.
• To assist in making decisions.
• To keep the community informed and supportive.
• To provide information on school policies and procedures.

Jefferson County Schools’ Mission:  Success and productivity for every student in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Schools’ Vision:  We will ensure success for every student through high quality, standards-based curriculum, highly effective instruction, balanced and reliable measurement, and targeted response to learning.

NM mission: Provide the environment and the resources to enable ALL students to achieve their full potential. We foster respect, responsibility, and teamwork. We strive to develop in our students a love for lifelong learning.

• Be Respectful:  of others and yourself
• Be Responsible:   with your words, actions, behavior and with belongings
• Be Engaged:  with others and the learning process
• Be Prepared:   be here on time, with your belongings and ready to learn

Doors will be unlocked at 7:15 each morning for early student drop-off.  Students should not be dropped off and will not be allowed to enter the building before 7:15. Upon entering the building, students must report to their assigned areas or report to the cafeteria for breakfast.  They may not go to unsupervised areas of the building during this time.  Breakfast begins at 7:15 on regular school days. Grades 3-5 will immediately eat breakfast then move to their classrooms; grades K-2 will put backpacks in classrooms then return to breakfast.

Pre-K begins school at 8:15 and is dismissed at 2:15. Arriving Pre-K students enter the building through the front doors adjacent to the commons area. Students will be greeted by their teacher and eat breakfast before entering their classroom.

K-5 students who arrive at school after 8:05 will be considered tardy and must enter through the main office; staff will continue to greet students at the gym entrance until 8:10, but after that time, parents will have to pull to the front and walk their child in. Parents will have to park in a visitor parking place and not enter into the Pre-K drop off line.  Parents will not be allowed to check students out in the front office after 2:20 P.M.  Parents who wish to pick their child up early must do so before 2:20 P.M.  Parents will not be admitted into the building after that time for student pick up.  Students will be dismissed at 3:00 P.M each day.  Students who are car riders will be issued a car rider tag with their child’s name.  Parents are required to clearly display their car rider tag to school personnel; if no car rider tag is seen, parents will need to sign their child out through the front office.

Buses and K-2 car riders will be dismissed at 3:00.

Car riders in grades 3-5 will be dismissed at 3:10.

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 student’s first period teacher.  Office staff will verify the change and return the note to the student at the end of the day.  Students must show these notes to the bus driver before getting on a bus.

Early dismissals disrupt the learning day and are strongly discouraged.  The front doors of the school will always be locked.  Students will not be dismissed after 2:20 P.M. each day.  Please make sure you have a valid I.D.; you will be asked to show your identification each time you pick up your child.  No exceptions.   Parents are to enter only at the front entrance of the school. Please press the button and announce your name and show your I.D.  Please let the front office staff know whom you are picking up.  Students will be called to the office based on the information provided to the front office staff.  Parents will then wait for their child to meet them in the waiting area.   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.  Visitors must enter the school only through the front door. 

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 student’s first period teacher.  Office staff will verify the change and return the note to the student at the end of the day.  Students must show these notes to the bus driver before getting on a bus.

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

All parents and visitors must sign in at the office first.  For the protection of our students, our front doors are locked at all times. We must insist that all visitors enter the building by the exterior front door and immediately go to the office 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. 

Parents who eat lunch with students are allowed only in the commons during the time of the child’s lunch. Their driver’s license must be scanned upon entering the building if going past the reception area. 

Parking will be allowed in the front of the building in spaces marked for visitors.

Because of traffic and parking limitations, parents are urged to leave students at designated entrances during morning drop-off.  Parents will not be permitted to park in the front to drop off/pick up their children during regular drop-off/pick-up times. 

In the afternoons, no visitors should be parked in front of the school between 2:15 P.M. and 3:45 P.M. This is a bus loading zone and must be kept open for buses. Car riders will be dismissed at 3:00 P.M. from the gym side entrance.

Please DO NOT drive through the FRONT parking lot while buses are loading or unloading, as there are children moving through that parking lot. State law requires all vehicles to stop if the school bus stop sign is displayed.

School pictures and yearbooks are available at appropriate times of the year. The price of these items is determined by the cost of production. Fundraising sales are held as needed on a school-wide basis and by designated school groups and clubs. Students are not permitted to sell items of their own or to raise funds for other organizations during the school day or on school property, including school buses.

Flyers or other types of advertising from groups not affiliated with the school will not be allowed except with express approval of the Director of Schools.

Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the curriculum and, as such, are designed to be educational as well as entertaining experiences.  They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behavior.  Regardless of the type of program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative.  In live entertainment—unlike radio, television, or movies—the performers are very conscious of their audience.  Talking, whispering, whistling, stomping of feet, and booing are discourteous and therefore not permitted.  Yelling is appropriate only at pep rallies. 

Those who wish to attend programs during the school day must be listed for a student in Aspen. Forms will be sent home prior to assemblies to gather information about who would like to attend the program; administration will inform parents of anyone who might be ineligible to attend prior to the assembly. The day of the assembly, spectators will be asked to show identification prior to entering the building.

Breakfast and lunch are offered daily in our cafeteria for a nominal cost.  Every effort should be made not to charge meals; however, in such cases lunch and breakfast charges shall not exceed five (5) days in length per student.  After the fifth day of charges, the student will not be permitted to purchase ala cart items. (Board Policy 3.500). 

Free or reduced meal prices are available to those students who meet the criteria.  Applications for free/reduced meals are available in the main office and must be approved by the administration.  Extra items (such as chips or ice cream) are also available for purchase but are to be paid for with cash only and do not qualify as part of the free/reduced menu.

Families may find assistance with applying for free or reduced-price school meals by contacting the Student Nutrition Office at 865-397-3945.

Parents may pay for their children’s lunch online through My Payments Plus.  Go to http://jc-school.net, and under the district section, click on “Pay lunch accounts here.”  This will take parents to the My Payments website, where an account can be set up.  Please call the school if there are any questions.

Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies, technology, and furniture supplied by the school.  Students who disfigure property, break windows, 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.

Any student having a change in address or telephone number should inform the office immediately. 

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 medication administration form must be filled out and signed by a physician before medication can be given by the nurse. A parent must complete a Self-Administration of Medication form that can be obtained from the child’s teacher or the school nurse.  School personnel cannot provide medication such as aspirin or Tylenol for students.  Medicines (Board Policy 6.405)

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 student 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 medical reasons, the student must be counted present for that 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 100.4 or greater
• Vomiting (noted by school nurse or teacher)
• Head injury
• Injury received at school that requires further medical care
• Undiagnosed rashes
• 2 or more episodes of diarrhea

It shall be the duty of the principal of the school to exclude from school any child who is infested with nits or live lice. The educational program of the students will be restricted only to the extent necessary to minimize the risk of transmitting the infestation. Therefore, the following policy shall be in effect:

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 pediculicide 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. In cases of chronic or recurring nits or lice infestation in a child or family, the principal should refer the family to an appropriate agency which may include one or more of the following: DCS/Juvenile Court/FRC/CIT.
7. School personnel will only examine students with symptoms of nits or head lice. Whole class rooms will not be examined. Only parents of the affected child will be notified. Classroom or school wide notifications will NOT be sent out.

Approval to Return

A student is expected to return to school with proof of having met all requirements for treatment the day following exclusion per incident for nits or head lice. All additional days will be marked unexcused and excessive absences will be referred to the school attendance officer at the proper time according to school policy.

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.

All students who wish to attend a school-sponsored field trip must have signed parent consent.  All school rules apply on field trips.  While we encourage student participation in field trips, alternative assignments will be provided for any student whose parent does not give permission to attend.  Also, students who violate school rules may lose the privilege to go on field trips.  Field trips that reward students may be planned by staff each semester.  Students may only attend these field trips if they meet the requirements set forth regarding attendance, academics, and discipline (see Attendance, Discipline, and Homework for more information).  Requirements for reward field trips will be set by a school committee.  Administration reserves the right to determine other restrictions for field trips on a case-by-case basis.

Parents who attend field trips are NOT allowed to supervise children other than their own child. Students must ride a school bus to the field trip destination. Parents may sign their child out after they arrive at the field trip location. Children may only be signed by those listed in Aspen. Once a student is signed out, that student is the responsibility of the parent; that parent must provide transportation from the field trip location.

Volunteers must complete the volunteer training annually and be cleared through a background screening. When in classrooms, volunteers may not teach but may reinforce skills taught by the professional staff. 

Megan Williams is our School Counselor.  She is available to see students in classroom, small group, and individual sessions.  Depending on grade level, students will receive 1-2 classroom lessons per month.  Small groups and individual sessions are done as needed.  

If a student needs to speak with Mrs. Williams, they simply need to ask their teacher, and he/she will let her know.  Mrs. Williams will then get the student at a time that works with the student's schedule.  Every effort is made to not pull students from instructional time.  

Additionally, parents are welcome to contact the school counselor with any questions or concerns they may have regarding their students.  The easiest way to reach Mrs. Williams is via email at mwilliams@jcboe.net or through ClassDojo.  You may also call the school at 865-475-3551.  If Mrs. Williams is unavailable when you call, she will return your call as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.  

Please note that while Mrs. Williams can work with your student for short sessions, school counseling is not traditional therapy.  If you would like your student to be seen for a longer period of time, the school has a mental health counselor that comes to the school several times a week.  If you would like your student referred to the mental health counselor, please reach out to Mrs. Williams for additional information. 

Students will be assigned a computer when they enter New Market School in much the same way they are assigned textbooks.  Students and parents must agree to the terms set forth in the Terms of Use and Device Agreements each year, and additionally must abide by all New Market School rules with regard to use of devices.  Any intentional and/or malicious damage will NOT be covered by this plan, and students who cause this type of damage will be disciplined according to the Assertive Discipline Plan. 

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 learning activities and 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.  Prohibited or illegal activities, including but not limited to:

1. Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
2. Using obscene language
3. Harassing, insulting, defaming or attacking others
4. Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
5. Hacking or attempting unauthorized access
6. Violation of copyrighted laws
7. Trespassing in another’s folders, work or files
8. Intentional misuse of resources
9. Using another’s password or other identifier
10. Use of the network for commercial purposes
11. Buying or selling on the Internet

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’s 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 rescind 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 a part of the special area rotation. Books are checked out every week with one renewal. Students may not check out other books until they have turned their books in.  Students in grades K-2 are allowed to check out one book and 3-5 may check out two books.  Library skills, reference skills, and research skills are taught individually and in groups. Lost or damaged books must be paid for by the end of the school year. Students who owe books/fines will not be permitted to attend special activities or field trips.  Books that are checked out by students are ultimately the parents’ responsibility; please help your child take good care of the books.  However, if the librarian or classroom teacher sees fit, due to irresponsibility, that child or the child’s class may lose checkouts privileges 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, Ms. Reno.  

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 may be asked to sit out during this time period and given an alternate assignment.  Action may be taken by Ms. Kendrick, Physical Education Teacher, if a child consistently disregards this requirement.  To be exempt for physical education, a doctor’s note must be provided restricting physical activity.

After school events may be held periodically throughout the year.  Only New Market School students are permitted to school activities such as dances or practices; no guests will be allowed to attend with a student.  Students are expected to follow all school rules and dress code regulations will be enforced.  If a student is absent from school on the day of the dance, he/she will not be allowed to attend the activity.  Students must be picked up on school property; students who are not picked up on time will not be allowed to attend the next event.  For safety reasons, students may not walk home from after school events.

Students should move through the hallways in an orderly fashion at all times in order to keep disruption of learning to a minimum. Students shall not be in the hallways during class without a pass from their classroom teacher.  Students out of class without a pass will be escorted back to their respective class.  Students should always ask the teacher to issue a pass and sign out prior to leaving the classroom.  Students should be in the hallway during class in emergencies only or on official classroom business, such as going to the library or office.

Horseplay will not be tolerated, and these behaviors will result in disciplinary action.

Students are not allowed in the teacher workroom at any time before or after school unless supervised by a New Market staff member.

Per Tennessee Code annotated, for the safety and security of all students and visitors on the New Market School Campus.

 (b) Individual circumstances requiring a search may include incidents on school property, including school buses, involving, but not limited to, the use of dangerous weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia by students that are known to the principal or other staff members, information received from law enforcement, juvenile or other authorities indicating a pattern of drug dealing or drug use by students of that school, any assault or attempted assault on school property with dangerous weapons or any other actions or incidents known by the principal that give rise to reasonable suspicion that dangerous weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia are held on school property by one (1) or more students.

 (c) A notice shall be posted in the school that lockers and other storage areas, containers, and packages brought into the school by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons or any property that is not properly in the possession of the student.

 (d) A notice shall be posted where it is visible from the school parking lot that vehicles parked on school property by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapons.

In the event of severe weather, school may be closed or the starting time delayed.  The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. This situation will be announced over local radio and television stations,

the Blackboard Alert System, as well as posted on the Jefferson County Schools website, http://jc-schools.net.  If no report is heard, one can assume that school will be in session on a regular schedule.  Please do not call the school.  Telephone lines must remain open for emergencies.

Everyone has a responsibility to maintain 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, should be reported immediately.
• Any knowledge of alcohol, drugs, or weapons at school.
• Any suspicious/unknown person in or around the school.
• Any student uses 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.

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, but please make arrangements with your child’s teacher prior to bringing in snacks.    Special events and activities that correlate with subject material may be held at the discretion of the administration and will be shared ahead of time so parents can plan accordingly. Parents will drop off party supplies with the receptionist; parents may not attend classroom parties.

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

When a student withdraws from school, regardless of the reason, the parent/legal guardian must come to the office to complete appropriate paperwork.  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.

Telephone messages will be relayed to students at the end of the day for emergencies only. Students should make arrangements with parents regarding transportation, destination, or other plans before leaving home. Please call prior to 2:30 PM to notify the student of any transportation changes.

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.

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.

All K-5 report cards are based on Tennessee state standards for what students are expected to know or perform for each grade level.  A progress code of 1, 2, or 3 in regard to mastery of standards is explained and utilized on all Jefferson County Schools’ K-5 report cards. 

In addition to standards progress, students in grades 3-5 receive a numerical achievement grade for reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science on grade cards.  Please see the chart below

Grading Scale (Grades 3-12) http://jc-schools.net/Grading Policy.pdf

  

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

Homework is often a necessary extension of classroom learning.  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.  Students should attempt all work to allow teachers an opportunity to examine the process and share feedback.

Students who have an absence are required to make up any work that they have missed. Getting make up work is the responsibility of the student immediately upon his/her return. In the event of an extended absence, special arrangements may be made through the office and/or the student’s homeroom teacher regarding make-up work. A zero or incomplete will be recorded for work that a student fails to make up.

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

In accordance with state guidelines, all New Market 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. 

In accordance with state guidelines, all New Market 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. 

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 the teacher an email or sending a note to the teacher.  Conferences shall be physically accessible to all students, parents and/or guardians.

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-schools.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.

New Market Elementary School purchases student folders each year for students in certain grade levels.  These folders are an important aspect in teaching students to be organized and responsible.  All students are encouraged to use them to send information home to parents and to also get information from parents. 

Please look at your child’s take-home folder each day. 

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 shall be undertaken in accordance with procedures published by the State Department of Education.  The TCAP 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, and Science.  These assessments will be scheduled for late April/early May.  Updates will be available at http://jc-schools.net or on NME’s website, nms.jc-net.  TCAP scores shall be included as 15% of students’ final grades, unless scores are not received at least five days before the end of the course.

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 sociometric 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.

IReady – Grades K-8 Literacy and Math Screener/benchmark – administered 3 times per year as a universal screener for all students K-5. 

TCAP testing – used to assess a student’s progress for the entire school year.  State mandatory testing for all students in grades 3-5.   This annual testing will be conducted in April-May of 2024. 

Tennessee Law

The Compulsory Attendance Law (TCA 49-6-3007; 49-6-3001) requires that all children in Tennessee, six years old to seventeen years old shall attend school continuously.  Also, the law affirms that the primary responsibility for regular attendance resides with the parents and/or guardians. 

Jefferson County Board of Education Policy (Board Policy 6.200)

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session. 

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal/designee. Excused absences shall include:

1. Personal illness/injury
2. Illness of immediate family member
3. Death in the family
4. Extreme weather conditions
5. Religious observances
6. Pregnancy
7. School endorsed activities
8. Summons, subpoena, or court order; or
9. Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control.

Students participating in school-sponsored activities, whether on- or off-campus, shall not be counted absent.  In order to qualify as "school-sponsored," the activity must be school-planned, school-directed, and teacher-supervised.  NOTE:  A student attending a school-sponsored activity is counted as attending school and is responsible for all school-work missed.

Late arrivals/early dismissals disrupt the learning day and are strongly discouraged.  Such arrivals/dismissals will be permitted for the following reasons only:

1. In case of emergencies
2. With a valid doctor's appointment
3. With a validation of funeral attendance of immediate family including parent, grandparent, brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, uncle, or aunt. 

NOTE:  Any student arriving late or leaving early must be signed in/out through the front office according to Board Policy 6.208 (see “Release During School Hours”). JCS requires a parent/guardian to sign the student in.

Clock time for unexcused late arrivals or unapproved early dismissals will accumulate on the student's attendance record and will be considered as part of the student's aggregate days missed as determined by the school calendar.  These aggregate days may be reported to parents for five (5) day notifications and to the attendance officer for ten (10) day notifications in compliance with Compulsory School Attendance Law.

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 support and interventions after 9 total absences.

Truancy

General

Annually, the Director of Schools/designee will provide written notice to parent(s)/guardian(s) that attendance at school is required. Students shall be present at least fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled school day in order to be counted present. Students may attend part-time days, alternating days, or for a specific amount of time as indicated in their Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan and shall be considered present for school attendance purposes. If a student is required to participate in a remedial instruction program outside of the regular school day where there is no cost to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the school system provides transportation, unexcused absences from these programs shall be reported in the same manner.

A student who is absent five (5) days without adequate excuse shall be reported to the Director of Schools/designee who will, in turn, provide written notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student's absence. If a parent does not provide documentation within adequate time excusing those absences, or request an attendance hearing, then the Director of Schools shall implement the progressive truancy intervention plan described below prior to referral to juvenile court. Jefferson County Board Policy 6.200

Progressive Truancy Intervention Plan

Prior to referral to juvenile court, the following progressive truancy intervention plan will be implemented.

Tier I

Tier I 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:
   1. A specific description of the school’s attendance expectations for the student;
   2. The period for which the contract is effective; and
   3. 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.

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.

MILITARY SERVICE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN

School principals shall provide students with a one-day excused absence prior to the deployment of and a one-day excused absence upon the return of a parent or custodian serving active military service.

Principals shall also allow up to ten (10) excused cumulative absences per year for students to visit a parent/guardian during a deployment cycle. The student shall provide documentation to the school as proof of his/her parent's/guardian's deployment. Students shall be permitted to make up schoolwork missing during these absences.

New Market School Policy

Students are expected to be at school by 8:05 each morning.  Students will be allowed into the building until 8:10 and will be greeted by office staff. After 8:10, students must be walked in by a parent.

Assignment of Students (Board Policy 6.205) 

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.

Attendance of Non-Resident Students (Board Policy 6.204) 

Only students residing within the boundaries of Jefferson County will be eligible for enrollment. However, under specific conditions a student residing outside the boundaries of Jefferson County may attend schools within the school system with approval of the director of schools.  For more specific information, please see Board Policy 6.204 under School Board at www.jc-tn.net.  

 

Release during School Hours (Board Policy 6.208) 

The following procedure will be observed with regard to dismissal of students:

1. No student will leave school prior to regular dismissal hours, except with the approval of the principal and parent. Elementary students will be permitted to leave school prior to regular dismissal time only in the company of a parent, legal guardian, school employee, police officer, court officer, or a person designated in writing by the parent(s).
2. When dental and medical appointments cannot be scheduled outside school hours, parent(s) must send a written request for dismissal or call for the student in person.
3. Children will be released only upon the request of the parent whom the court holds directly responsible for the child, or who is the parent or guardian registered on the school record.
4. No principal or teacher shall permit a change in the physical custody of a child at school unless:
   1. 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

b.       The person seeking custody gives the school official reasonable advance notice of his/her intent to take custody of the child at school.

Transfers within the System (Board Policy 6.206) 

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 zone. The director of schools 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.

The Board of Education believes that acceptable behavior is an essential ingredient of an effective educational program.  It expects students to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect favorably upon themselves, their families, their community, and their 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.

GENERAL DISCIPLINE POLICY

New Market School utilizes an Assertive Discipline Program. Students should be sure to familiarize themselves with this process. This program is designed to alter the behavior of students who choose not to conduct themselves in a positive manner. The basic purpose of assertive discipline is to create a setting where teachers can teach and students can learn.  This requires respect between students and teachers, so that the rights of both groups are not violated. To help teachers and students understand the underlying principles of assertive discipline, New Market School has developed the following school-wide rules:

• Be Respectful:  of others and yourself
• Be Responsible:   with your words, actions, behavior and with belongings
• Be Engaged:  with others and the learning process
• Be Prepared:   be here on time, with your belongings and ready to learn

Assertive Discipline Plan:  Explanation

                     The purpose of this plan is to establish a clear and consistent hierarchy of consequences to enable the administration to deal promptly and fairly with students who violate school rules.  It is also the purpose of this discipline plan to establish a safe and orderly school environment in which the rights of all students are protected and the efforts of the teachers to maintain order and teach students are supported. The principals, teachers, and staff reserve the right to determine whether a student’s behavior is inappropriate. The hierarchy of consequences ranges from the less severe to the more severe, ultimately reaching the point where expulsion is recommended.

Classroom-Level Discipline

In order to protect the learning of all students, each teacher shall have the right to discipline students according to his/her classroom discipline plan.  For each violation of classroom rules, a student will receive a write-up and a corresponding consequence; consequences will be the teacher’s decision.  Two classroom write-ups within the same class period in one day will result in the student receiving a “Refocus” period (one period in ISS) as a consequence.  Students who are placed in refocus two times in a nine weeks will be issued an office referral. Examples of minor disturbances include tardiness, minor disruptions, not following directions or being off task. Administrative referrals include disrespect to adults, placing hands on others, foul language, etc. Please see board policy 6.300.

 The teacher will contact parents when behaviors become frequent or if the nature of the behavior warrants contact. Once a student has committed four violations of classroom rules within a semester, he/she will receive an office referral and be sent to an administrator; however if a student has been placed in refocus twice on office referral will be issued. Classroom write-ups start over at the beginning of each semester if they have not become office referrals.

A teacher may refer a student to the office automatically if the student commits a severe classroom disruption (e.g., overt refusal to obey, severe disrespect, fighting, vandalism, or any other action which prevents the class from functioning).

A rule that will be strictly enforced is that students must keep hands to themselves. Students who place hands on others will be disciplined regardless of their intention.

NOTE:  Any adult working in the building has the right to direct student behavior and the responsibility to administer appropriate consequences when students choose not to follow their direction.

Administrative-Level Discipline/Office Referrals

Administrative discipline (office referral) occurs as a result of an accumulation of classroom write-ups or because of a severe disruption to the school process. Administrative discipline generally follows a hierarchy of consequences, but the administration reserves the right to choose the consequence.

Cafeteria expectations

Students are expected to behave in the cafeteria is they would in the classroom. Students who throw food, move about The cafeteria without permission or become disruptive will be assigned isolated lunch. Isolated lunch will take place in the Refocus room for a period of time determined by those on cafeteria duty.

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 in which to prove that he/she will obey school rules. Administrative behavior contracts may be extended into the next semester or school year.

Refocus (In School Suspension)

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 to 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 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. Additionally, if a student is suspended out of school; students may not attend or participate in school functions until the suspension has been served. (EX: OSS is assigned Friday – Tuesday; students may not participate in sports or school functions over the weekend.)

Disciplinary plans written in a student’s I.E.P. will take precedence over the normal Assertive Discipline Plan.

Administrative discipline accumulates for the entire school year.  Consequences of disciplinary actions that cannot be served at the end of a school year due to time constraints will be carried over to the beginning of the next year.

Relationship between Student and Teacher

A student's most direct and frequent contact with a school official is with the classroom teacher.  When a student has a problem that relates to a specific class, the following steps should be followed in trying to solve the problem:

1. The student should discuss the matter with a teacher at a time other than class time and at a time which is mutually convenient.
2. If that fails, the student, the parent, and the teacher should discuss the matter.
3. The next step would be to involve the assistant principal or the principal.
4. Actions which cannot be resolved at the level of assistant principal/principal would go to the Elementary School’s Supervisor, the Director of Schools, and the School Board, in that order.

At any point, particularly in the early stages, a guidance counselor can be involved to help solve the problem.

It is strongly recommended that all students become completely familiar with the guidelines of the program and use them to make this the best school year of their career.

Note:  In addition to the penalties listed below, each violation will be added as a step on the Assertive Discipline Plan.

Interscholastic Athletics (Board Policy 4.301)

No person shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another person or otherwise be discriminated against in any athletic program of the school. Equal athletic opportunity shall be provided for members of both sexes. To be eligible to tryout or participate in interscholastic athletics, a student must be currently enrolled in that school.

Interscholastic athletics shall be administered as a part of the regular school program and shall be the principal’s responsibility. The principal or his/her designee must accompany an athletic team on trips.

School athletics shall be coached only by Board-approved personnel. 

No principal or teacher of any school under the control of the Board shall dismiss his/her school or any group of students for the purpose of permitting them to practice or play baseball, football, basketball or any similar game within the regular school hours of any school day of the week without written permission from the director of schools. This does not prevent the inclusion of regular physical training lessons in the daily school program.

Athletic Eligibility

All athletics will adhere to the following rules:

1.  Each player prospect must meet each eligibility standard and have written parent permission prior to tryouts.
2. All current rules of the New Market School will be followed to include:
   1. A student cannot repeat a grade for any reason and remain eligible.
   2. A student must be passing all classes to remain eligible to participate.
   3. Students who are given orders from a physician restricting participation can only be cleared to return by that physician.
   4. Students serving ISS/OSS on days of a game may not participate in the athletic contest the day of assigned ISS/OSS. If ISS/OSS spans over a weekend and a game is to be played over the weekend, that student may not participate in the athletic event during that time.
3. No student will be allowed to participate in an athletic event or practice if he/she has been absent for a majority of that day (see also Board Policy 4.300).

Jefferson County Schools’ Athletic Code of Conduct

Good sportsmanship and proper conduct are behaviors that are learned during athletic events, and are the responsibility of administration, staff, coaches, parents, athletes, and the community at large. 

All parents and players will be required to abide by the Jefferson County Code of Conduct while at any athletic event.   Written agreements will be kept on file, and the Code of Conduct will be posted at events.  Possible consequences for violation of the code may vary, but could include being escorted out of the event or suspended from attending games or dismissal from the team.                                  

Student Clubs and Organizations (Board Policy 6.702)

Student organizations are an extension of the academic curriculum and are intended to complement the

basic instructional program. One or more staff members will serve as sponsors of each activity and will attend all meetings. Each sponsor will evaluate the activity and make recommendations concerning changes, continuance, or deletion from the school's activity program.  An approved copy of the aims, objectives, and constitution for each organization will be kept on file in the principal's office. Any student who wished to participate in a school club must have a written permission form on file.

The principal, in cooperation with the faculty and student body representatives, shall approve all clubs and organizations within the school.

The director of schools shall approve all requirements imposed by clubs which have restricted membership.  Sororities, fraternities, and all secret organizations are prohibited.