SOUTH GREENE HIGH SCHOOL
7469 Asheville Highway
Greeneville, TN 37743
Phone: (423) 636-3790
Fax: (423) 636-3791
School website: greenek12.org/sghs
Greene County School website: greenek12.org
“RESPECT REAPS
REWARDS”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION:
School Calendar; Dates for Grade Cards; Bell Schedule; Welcome; Mission Statement; Vision Statement
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
Curriculum –Subject Requirements ; College Entry Requirements; Types of Diplomas; Tennessee Scholars Initiative; End of Course/Gateway Testing; Senior Class Rank; Credit Recovery; Grading Scale; Center for Technology
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance Policy; Tardy Policy; School Day; Before/After –School Make-up Program;
Early Arrival; Early Dismissal; Late to School; Permanent Late Arrival or Early Dismissal
DISCIPLINE:
Student Conduct; Tobacco Usage; Zero Tolerance; Harassment; Fighting; Stealing;
Vandalism; Prohibited Items; Cell Phones; Public Displays of Affection; Dress Code;
Search and Seizure
OTHER PROGRAMS:
Clubs/Activities; National Honor Society; Student Council; Academic Booster Club;
Sports; Character Counts and School of Promise; Educational Field Trips;
Military Recruiter Lists; Assembly Programs; Electronic Media/Internet Usage;
Library; Guidance
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Fire, Tornado, Lock-Down Drills, Bomb Threats; Health Services; Immunization;
Medication; School Insurance; Weather Emergencies
OTHER:
Community Safe Notification System; Fees; Parking; Lockers; School Store; Driver’s License; Vending Machines; Announcements; Messages/Phone; Hall Passes; Visitors; Textbooks; Withdrawal from School; Student Rights and Responsibilities; Non-Discrimination Policy; Grievance Policy; Resources Available to Parents
INTRODUCTION:
School Calendar for 2009-2010: 1st semester:
August 10 First Full Student Day
Sept. 4-7 Labor Day Holiday (No School)
October 9 Staff Development (No Students)
October 12 Columbus Day ((No Students)
November 9 Staff Development (No Students)
November 25-27 Fall Break (Thanksgiving)
December 17 Last full day of 1st semester
Dec. 22 – Jan. 1 Winter Break
2nd Semester:
January 4 Administrative Day (No Students)
January 5 Begin 2nd Term
January 18 Martin Luther King Day
(No School)
February 12 Staff Development (No School)
February 12-15 Mid-Winter Break (No School)
March 29-April 2 Spring Break/Good Friday
(No School)
April 5 Staff Development (No Students)
May 20 Administrative Day (No Students)
May 21 Last Day (Abbreviated)
(Grades mailed if self addressed,
Stamped envelope left or pick up)
1st 9 weeks: October 9 October 16
2nd 9 weeks: December 18 January 8
3rd 9 weeks: March 11 March 18
4th 9 weeks: May 21 May 21
Interim Reports will be given at the mid-point (four and one half weeks) during each nine week grading period on or about:
Sept. 14 Nov. 12 Feb. 10 April 27
Daily Bell Schedule:
&:47 Exit cafeteria
7:55 Warning Call to 1st period
8:00 1st period begins
9:30 1st period ends
9:35 2nd period begins (Includes Channel One)
11:15 2nd period ends
11:20 3rd period begins (1st lunch begins)
11:45 1st lunch ends
11:50 2nd lunch begins
12:20 2nd lunch ends
12:25 3rd lunch begins
12:55 3rd lunch ends
12:58 3rd lunch back to class
1:25 3rd period ends
1:30 4th period begins
3:00 4th period ends
Club Day Bell Schedule:
9:15 1st period ends
9:20 Club Meetings begin
9:45 Club Meetings end
9:50 2nd period begins
WELCOME:
The policies and procedures contained in this handbook will be of great value in helping you adjust to your school and to become an integral part of it. All policies as stated in this handbook are to be followed not only during regular school day, but also during extracurricular activities.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of South Greene High School faculty, staff, students, parents, and community is to empower students to be lifelong learners through a challenging educational program in a safe and nurturing environment to become respectful, successful, productive, and self-sufficient citizens.
VISION STATEMENT:
South Greene community envisions a school in which each student has an opportunity to receive education and training that will enable him/her to be productive, respectful citizens of our nation and global economy.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
To meet the requirements for graduation, a student shall have attained an approved attendance, conduct, and subject matter record, which cover a planned program of education, and this record shall be kept on file at South Greene High School. The pattern of courses, which shall be required of all students in grades nine through twelve, shall be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Education and the Greene County Board of Education.
Curriculum-Subject Requirements:
The daily program for students consists of four periods, plus lunch. Eight classes will be taken during the school year. The first four classes end at the first semester with four new classes starting at the beginning of the second semester in January.
All students in the 9th grade will be required by the State Department of Education to complete a four year plan from the READY CORE requirements:
English 4 credits
Mathematics 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Health, Physical Fitness, and Wellness** 1.5 credits (SG – 2 credits)
Personal Finance** 0.5 credit (SG – 1 credit)
Electives 11 credits
TOTAL: 28 CREDITS
**For South Greene, the state requirement will be met with 2 credits in Health,
Physical Fitness, and Wellness, and 1 credit in Personal Finance, as we do not
offer half credit courses.
All entering 9th graders, must pass end of course of course exams in English I, English II, English III, Algebra I(B), Algebra II(C), Geometry, U. S. History, Biology I, Chemistry, and Physics.
Students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are required by the State Department of Education to develop a focused four year plan of study and to choose either University or Technical Path. Listed below are the courses required for graduation for those in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades:
English 4 credits
Mathematics 3 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Wellness 1 credits
Electives 14 credits
One unit of math must be earned in both Algebra I (B) and Geometry.
UNIVERSITY PATH
Core Requirements 14 credits
Foreign Language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Electives 11 credits
___________
Total 28 credits
TECHNICAL PATH
Core Requirements 14 credits
Vocational Courses 3 credits
Electives 11 credits
___________
Total 28 credits
All students who participate in sports must have successfully passed three classes the previous semester and must be enrolled in at least three classes at the time of participation in any sport sanctioned by TSSAA.
College Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate requirements to be admitted to a Tennessee State University or College include:
English 4 credits
Algebra 2 credits
Geometry, Trigonometry, or
Advanced Math, or Calculus 1 credit
Natural Science, including at
least one year of Biology,
Chemistry, or Physics 3 credits
American History 1 credit
World History or World
Geography and Gov. /Economics 2 credits
Single Foreign Language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Please check with the college for ACT/SAT minimum requirements and additional standards.
Scholarship information is available on the website or in the guidance office.
Types of Diplomas: Check with guidance for more information on diploma types.
Honors: Students must maintain 3.5 or above GPA throughout the 1st semester of the senior year, meet ACT benchmarks, complete 30 credits, and students must complete an extra math course beyond Geometry, and an extra science course beyond Chemistry, and complete one of the following: two years of honors English or Dual Enrollment English IV. For 9th graders beginning 2009-2010, the ACT benchmarks are: English/English Composition 18; Math/Algebra 22; Science/Biology 24; and Reading/Social Sciences 21.
Regular: Students must successfully complete the appropriate path requirements, pass the Gateway Exams, and maintain satisfactory attendance.
Specialized Education: Students must be IEP-teamed into the Special Education program, successfully complete each component of his/her IEP, and maintain satisfactory attendance.
Certificate of Attendance: Students must complete the appropriate path requirements and maintain satisfactory attendance.
Tennessee Scholars Initiative:
TN Scholars are high school students who have completed the TN Scholars Course of Study, which is a specific sequence of academic courses in math, science, language arts, and social studies. Graduation cords, hiring benefits and scholarships are some of the incentives. See guidance office for details on this program.
End of Course and Gateway Testing:
Students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades must pass the Gateway Exam in Algebra I, Biology, and English II in order to receive a regular diploma.
All entering 9th graders, must pass End of Course exams in English I, English II, English III, Algebra I(B), Algebra II(C), Geometry, U. S. History, Biology I, Chemistry, and Physics.
The End of Course exam counts for 20% of the final grade this year, and this percent will be phased up to 25% of the grade thereafter.
Senior Class Rank:
In ranking members of the senior class for honor purposes, only full time pupils will be ranked. The rank is computed by using all grades, including wellness, all vocational subjects, and resource classes. The averages are computed on a 4.0 scale in which an A is affixed a value of 4.0, B is 3.0, C is 2.0, D is 1.0, and F is 0. The ranking will be computed at the completion of the 1st semester of the senior year. The senior of a class with the highest grade point average is the valedictorian and honor graduates are those with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Credit Recovery Program:
South Greene provides opportunity for students to recover failed classes after school, for those who qualify. Details of this program are available in the guidance office.
Grading Scale:
Students will receive a grade report every nine weeks. The grade reports are to be taken home, but not returned. Teachers will grade A, B, C, D, and F. Only semester grades are entered on the permanent record. Students with all "A" grades based on 3 or more subjects in a semester will be listed on the "A" honor roll. Students with no grades below a "B" in 3 or more subjects will be listed on the "B" honor roll. Teachers will give report cards each nine weeks, and interim reports will be given midpoint during each nine weeks. The number of days absent will also appear on each grade card.
Grading Scale:
A........................... 93 100
B........................… 85 92
C........................... 75 84
D........................... 70 74
F......................... Below 70
Nine weeks exams and semester (final) tests will be required in each subject area for all students. The semester test will be comprehensive and be weighted as 10% of the semester grade. For courses that do not require End of Course/Gateway exam, each semester average will be determined by nine weeks average at 40%, midterm (nine weeks) exam at 10%, and final (semester) exam at 10%. For End of Course or Gateway exam classes, each semester average will be determined by calculating each nine weeks each nine weeks average at 35%, midterm exam at 10% and final exam at 20%, with the End of Course/Gateway test counting as the final exam for the course.
Three points will be added to final average in honor courses.
Grades will be held and no credit will be given for any student who has financial obligations to South Greene.
Center for Technology:
Greene County School Board Policy requires that all students ride buses to the Center for Technology and back unless specifically granted permission for a special reason by the parent and principal at South Greene. All matters of attendance, conduct, and grading for the Center for Technology classes are the responsibility of that administration.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance Policy:
Each day of a student’s absence from school, parents/ guardians are requested to contact the school at 636-3790 prior to 8:30 a.m. to report the student’s absence. Doctor statements, death of immediate family members, and approved school field trips will be counted as excused absences. Verification from a physician will be required for excessive absences. Only three phone calls are accepted each nine weeks.
The law requires that school officials report to the court any parent, guardian, or other person in a parental relationship with a child who is unlawfully absent from school for five days during the school year without adequate excuse. The school personnel have the responsibility to inform the attendance officer of students who have excessive absences. After ten unexcused absentees or tardies, the student will be referred to the truancy board or juvenile court.
The student shall be responsible for making up work missed during excused absences. The work of a student whose grades are satisfactory but are withheld because of failure to complete required work shall be reported as incomplete (I). If the incomplete is not removed within one semester, it will then become an “F”.
1. Any class periods that are missed more than three times during a nine weeks are to be made up time for time in one of the make-up sessions or the student will not receive passing grades for that class.
2. Any class time missed more than seven (7) times during a term must be made up to receive credit for that class.
3. Students will have the opportunity to make up any work during the make-up sessions. All time-for-time make up must be made before the end of the nine weeks.
4. For the purpose of this policy, a tardy is defined as arrival to the classroom after the tardy bell. When a student is tardy for the third time he / she will be charged with a class absence in that class. All tardies over three will be reported to the office.
5. The principal of each school will schedule make up sessions.
Tardy Policy:
For the purpose of this policy, a tardy is defined as arrival to the classroom after the tardy bell. All tardies over three will be reported to the office. Tardies accumulate throughout the semester, and are cumulative by all four-class periods. Every three tardies equal one absence. For grading purposes, tardies that result in an absence may be made up in the after-school program. Discipline for any tardies over three will result in assignment to after-school, in-school suspension, out of school suspension, or referral to the truancy board, depending on the circumstances and number of tardies.
School Day:
The school day begins when you get on the bus in the morning or enter the campus via private transportation and ends when you get off the bus in the afternoon or your vehicle leaves campus. The exception to the above is attendance at school-sponsored events.
When you arrive on campus before 7:50, you will use the entrance near the gym and go directly to the cafeteria. Students are to remain in the cafeteria until the bell rings.
Upon arrival to the school campus, you are not to leave unless you have signed out in the office with parental and administrative permission.
Before/After – School Make-up Program:
Students may make up an absence by staying either before school from 7:15 till 7:55 a. m. or after school from 3:00 till 4:30 p. m. Time for time is required to make up a class.
Early Arrival:
The building will be opened at approximately 7:00 a. m. each school morning. Upon arrival before 8:00 a. m., all students are to report directly to the cafeteria and remain there until the chime sounds at 7:50. Students must enter the building after they enter the campus and not remain in their cars.
Early Dismissal:
A student needing to leave early should bring a note to the office before first class begins. The note must state the following: name of the student; specific reason for requesting dismissal; time student is to be dismissed; and signature and phone number of parent/guardian. The student’s name and time leaving will then be placed on the absentee report for that day. Students are absent from those classes missed.
Late to School:
If you arrive late to school, report directly to the front office and sign the late arrival sheet. Lateness, as well as absentees, is recorded daily in the office. Arriving late may result in disciplinary action.
Permanent Late Arrival or Early Dismissal:
Due to the fact that many students may have a job in connection with the marketing program, a student may, with written approval from parents and school authorities, arrive at school for second period or leave at the end of the last scheduled class. Students under the late arrival plan must not arrive earlier than 9:20. Students under the early dismissal plan must leave the campus at the designated time.
A student not following the rules of this policy will have his/ her privilege revoked and will be assigned to a supervised area.
DISCIPLINE:
All students of SGHS shall be required to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with school policy. Student conduct, which in any manner, disrupts class work, creates disorder, threatens the safety, or invades the rights of others, shall be the basis for disciplinary action and possible expulsion. Student behavior that interferes with the educational process will not be condoned.
Student Conduct:
The staff of SGHS is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Any professional employee shall have the authority to control the conduct of any student while under the supervision of the school. The authority shall extend to all activities of the school, including all games and public performances of athletic teams and other school groups, trips, excursions and all other activities under school sponsorship and direction. Such measures may include the use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order.
A student shall not use violence, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance or any other conduct which causes disruption, interference, or obstruction of any school purpose while on school property, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school-sponsored activity, function or event, whether on or off campus. Neither shall one student urge others to engage in such conduct.
Students found guilty of misbehavior may receive punishment ranging from a verbal reprimand to suspension and/or expulsion dependent on the severity of the offense and the offender’s prior record.
Tobacco Usage:
Students in the Greene County Schools will not use or possess tobacco products on school property during the school day or while participating in school sponsored or school board sponsored events, or while in practice or preparation for a school sponsored or school board sponsored event.
Use or possession of tobacco products is prohibited for all students on buses transporting students to and from school or school board sponsored events. The student tobacco bill requires law enforcement or principal/assistant principal to issue a juvenile court citation for any student who unlawfully possesses tobacco products. The student must appear in court, pay a fine, and complete community service.
Zero Tolerance:
Acts of zero tolerance, include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, use or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, or in school vehicles and/or buses or off the school grounds at a school sponsored activity, function, or event. Dangerous weapons shall include, but are not limited to, a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death, serious bodily injury, harm, or anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death, serious bodily injury, or harm.
2) Firearms
Possession, transfer, or use of a firearm on school property is in violation of board policy and state law.
3) Drugs/Alcohol/Unauthorized substances
It is a violation of board policy for any student to possess, use, sell, or transfer unauthorized and/or unlawful substances, including drugs (controlled substances, legend drugs, or illegal drugs), drug paraphernalia, and alcohol.
4) Battery
It is a violation of state law and board policy for any student to commit battery or assault upon a teacher, principal, administrator, resource officer, or any other employee of the school.
5) Bomb Threat
It is a violation of board policy for any student to make a bomb threat, either written or oral.
When it is determined that a student has violated this policy, the principal of the school shall notify the student’s parent or guardian and the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system as required by law.
For a zero tolerance offense, the student shall be expelled from school for a period of not less than one calendar year. The director of schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Harassment:
It shall be violation of policy for any student or any staff member of South Greene High School to harass another staff member or student through conduct of a sexual nature or conduct designed to reduce the dignity of that individual with respect to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Sexual harassment toward any student or employee by another student will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words of sexual nature which:
(1) Unreasonably interferes with the student’s work or educational opportunities; or
(2) Creates on intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment.
Victims of harassment shall report these conditions to the appropriate school official. Confidentiality will be maintained. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes harassment, all of the circumstances, including the nature of the conduct in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated.
Fighting:
Students shall not cause, attempt to cause or threaten to cause injury to another person. Students shall not cause, attempt to cause, and threaten to cause or participate in an act of violence.
Students who instigate fights but are not actively involved (that is, students who carry rumors, put others up to fighting, carry information back and forth between other individuals who subsequently fight) submit themselves to the same penalties as those who are involved in the fight. Students who, after investigation, are found to be responsible for starting a fight will be sent home immediately and will not be able to return to school until a conference with parent and school officials has been conducted. Students who are intimidated or harassed by another student should report that to a teacher or administrator.
Stealing:
Stealing may result in possible legal action as well as disciplinary action. Students who steal are considered to be involved in misconduct and must make restitution.
Having possession of another student’s property without permission is suspicious behavior; therefore, lost articles should be taken to teachers, administrators, or to the front office.
Vandalism:
Vandalism is the defacing or destruction of any public or private property. It may range from minor acts such as writing on desks or wall to more flagrant acts such as defacing school buildings or destroying private property. In cases of vandalism, involved students (or their parents) must pay the damages assessed.
Prohibited Items:
Some objects that parents may allow students to possess off campus have no place on a school campus. Students may not possess any firearm, explosive or other dangerous object.
Daggers, knives of any type, stars or razors, ice picks, slingshots, blackjacks, knuckles, and replicas of a firearm, that would lead a reasonable person to believe it was real, are strictly prohibited. Besides items such as weapons of any type, pagers, cellular phones, I-pods or CD players, other electronic signaling devices, and drug paraphernalia are also banned.
Cell phones will be confiscated for one week for first offense, one month for second offense, and the rest of the school year for the third offense.
Other objects, which students may not bring to school, include the following:
(1) Tobacco in any form
(2) Matches or lighter of any kind
(3) Spray paint or any aerosol containers (pepper spray, mace, tear gas, etc.)
Public Displays of Affection:
A part of the purpose of school life is to encourage wholesome relationships between students of all ages and sexes. The school is not the place for boys and girls to show their affection for each other. The school policy is “simple hand-holding only”. Close physical contact is not condoned and discipline will result if this policy is violated.
Dress Code:
In keeping with the educational purpose of this school district, students are expected to dress and groom themselves as individuals with a sense of responsibility. The district’s dress code is established to teach hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards and provide a positive learning environment. Each student is expected to keep his/her person and his/her clothing clean and neat.
It is expected that each student, while exercising the right to dress and groom himself/herself in an individual way, will also show, through his appearance, a high degree of respect for the standards of decency, cleanliness and style acceptable to the school. The administration has discretion in determining the appropriateness of dress. If it is determined that the dress or grooming of a student is inappropriate, the student will be sent home or removed to an alternate setting. Any class time missed during the time the student has gone home to change will be unexcused.
A partial list of dress code guidelines include:
1. Shirts, blouses or sweaters, pants/dresses and shoes must be worn at all times.
2. No head apparel, including caps, hats, headbands, bandannas, toboggans, or hair stockings will be worn in the building.
3. Clothing shall fit properly and shall not be unreasonably tight or unreasonably baggy.
4. Pants must be worn at the waist. The practice of “sagging” will not be tolerated. Underwear should not be visible.
5. Shorts cannot be any shorter than two inches below the extended fingertips when standing.
6. Skirts and dresses cannot be shorter than two inches above the knee. Dresses must completely cover the shoulders. Shirts should not be excessively long.
7. No spaghetti straps, tank tops or muscle shirts are permitted. Holes in pants or clothing, bare midriffs, bare shoulders or backs, and excessively low cut clothing, along with clothing made of see-through material is prohibited. The midriff area must be fully covered at all times.
8. Unusual hair colors, including two-toned colors are banned. Hairstyles, sideburns, and mustaches must be in good taste, clean and well groomed. Mohawk hairstyles are prohibited.
9. Clothing that exhibits written, pictorial or implied references to illegal substances, drugs, or alcohol, negative slogans, vulgarities, or that which attracts undue attention is prohibited.
10. Prohibited items include: (1) long, large and/or heavy chains (2) studded or chained accessories and (3) sunglasses, except for health purposes.
11. Leotards, body suits, biking or jogging shorts, and skintight outer materials such as spandex are not appropriate. Pajamas or parachute pants are not permitted. No holes permitted in pants or clothing.
12. Trench coats and dusters are not allowed.
13. Facial jewelry shall be limited to the ears only.
Tongue rings and spacers are prohibited.
Search and Seizure:
Students possess the right to privacy as well as freedom from unreasonable search and seizure of property. That individual right, however, is balanced by the school’s responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all its students.
The administration has a right to search students’ property when in the interest of the overall welfare of other students or when necessary to preserve the good order and discipline of the school.
Officials may ask students to reveal the contents of their pockets, lockers, back packs or book bags, or to reveal items carried elsewhere on their person where there is reasonable cause to believe that the student has on his person items that are prohibited by law and Board policy. Items, which may be used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process, may be temporarily removed from the student’s possession.
OTHER PROGRAMS:
Clubs/Activities:
Extra curricular activities are encouraged at South Greene, but should always be in some way constructive and serve both the individual student and the school society as a whole. Students may join clubs already in existence, or if enough interest is displayed, students may organize new clubs to suit their needs and those of the school. A faculty advisor may volunteer, or one may be appointed by the principal. The administration will coordinate the work of all clubs including approval for fund raising and field trips. A schedule of the clubs and meeting dates will be announced.
National Honor Society:
The National Honor Society is open to any sophomore, junior, or senior who has attended South Greene High School for at least one semester and has a grade point average of 3.4 or better. Applications for membership may be picked up from the National Honor Society advisor.
Student Council:
Students wishing to be a class officer or a member of the student council must meet the following criteria:
1. Scholarship - the student must have accumulated a 2.0 average as of the last semester and have no grade below a “D” in the previous semester. This average must be maintained during his / her tenure of office.
2. Student Council officers must have been a student of this school for one year, with the exception of president who must have been here two years.
3. Citizenship – the student must have a good behavior record and must practice good citizenship in and out of school.
4. Members of the Student Council must take an active part in school activities, attend called meetings, and be interested in the welfare of the student body.
5. Each class will have four officers and four representatives to the student council consisting of president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, reporter, and two boy and girl representatives.
Academic Booster Club:
The South Greene High School Booster Club exists to encourage and promote academics at South Greene High School and in the community. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at South Greene High School. Membership is open to parents, school staff, students and any interested individual from the community. The club year is from September – May.
Sports:
All students participating in sports must comply with TSSAA rules and regulations. Students must have successfully completed three full units the previous semester and must be enrolled in at least three full unit subjects at the time of participation in any sport sanctioned by TSSAA.
Character Counts/ School of Promise:
South Greene participates in both the Character Counts Program and the School of Promise.
Educational Field Trips:
In certain classes, educational trips and excursions are authorized and may be taken as an extension of the classroom to contribute to the achievement of the educational goals of the school. If a trip is planned for a course, students are expected to attend. Absences in other classes or school activities due to attendance on educational trips are considered excused. Class work that is missed must be completed, but educational field trips are not considered as absentees for grading purposes.
While on these trips, students are considered representatives of South Greene High School. Students must treat employees, chaperones, and guides with respect and courtesy. School rules apply as to the authorization of adults to supervise students. Prior to attending an educational trip, students must return a permission form signed by their parent/guardian.
Military Recruiter Lists:
Parents should notify the school in writing if they do not want their child’s name, address, and phone number released to military recruiters.
Assembly Programs:
At all times the student’s behavior should be refined and courteous. An indication of the cultural level of a school is the conduct of its student body at any assembly. Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Unacceptable conduct would include whistling, uncalled-for-clapping, boisterousness, and talking during a program. Attendance at certain school assemblies is required. Go directly and promptly to the assembly as directed. Certain assemblies are not required. You will be told where to report if you do not desire to attend these assemblies.
Electronic Media/Internet Usage:
The Greene County Board of Education supports the right of students to have reasonable access to various information formats and believes it incumbent upon students to use these privileges in an appropriate and responsible manner. A written parental request shall be required prior to the student being granted independent access to electronic media involving district technological resources.
The required permission/ agreement form, which shall specify acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, access privileges and penalties for policy/ procedural violations, must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of minor students (those under 18 years of age) and also by the student.
This document shall be kept on file as a legal, binding document. Any South Greene Student who violates this permission/agreement will be denied further computer and/or internet usage for a period to be determined by the Principal/Assistant Principal that may range anywhere from six weeks to permanent revocation depending upon the severity of the violation and the number of times a student has violated policies.
Library:
The library/media center is open from 7:50 to 3:00 including the lunch periods. Students are encouraged to use the library for study, research, and enrichment. Computer use in the library/media center is for educational and/or enrichment use. Permission is required to print materials. The media center is a well-kept area of quietness and order. Students entering the media center will sign in with the librarian/media specialist. Students will remain in the center until that class period or lunch ends unless receiving permission from the librarian/ media specialist to return to class or the cafeteria. Any student not able to abide by library/media center rules will be referred for discipline. Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks, magazines for one week, and videos for five days. Renewal of materials is at the discretion of librarian. A daily fine is charged for all overdue materials. The overdue book, magazine, and reference material fine is 5 cents per day. Fines are to be paid in a timely manner. Overdue materials and fine notices will be provided as needed.
Guidance:
Guidance services are available for every student. These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, and occupational and career information. The counselor is also able to help with school, home, and/or social concerns, or any questions the student may feel he/she would like to discuss.
Students wishing to visit the counselor should do so as needed. ACT and SAT information, college admission requirements and scholarship information is available in the guidance office. The Guidance office phone number is 636-3797.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Fire, Tornado, Lock-Down Drills, Bomb Threats:
Fire, tornado, and lock-down drills are conducted periodically at South Greene. In every classroom, there is a chart directing students out of the building. Pupils and teachers walk from the room quickly and quietly to their assigned area. In the event of a bomb threat, law enforcement will be notified and the building will be evacuated and searched.
Health Services:
Students who become ill during class time may report to the clinic via the main office with a hall pass from their teacher. Arrangements will be made with the family for the student to go home or remain in the clinic for a brief time. Requests to see the school nurse should be made through the main office.
Immunizations:
Tennessee State law requires all students to have up-to-date immunizations. The state and local health departments will check all permanent records. Students will be sent home until all immunizations are current with Tennessee State Law.
Medications:
Students who need to take medication may leave this in the main office for use when needed. Under no circumstances should medication be left in the lockers.
School Insurance:
Insurance is available to all students during the early part of the fall term. Purchase of this program is optional. Students who participate in inter-scholastic athletics are required to carry this insurance or the equivalent. All students taking shop or laboratory courses (Agriculture, Industrial Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Science classes) are strongly encouraged to have accident insurance.
Weather Emergencies:
In the event of inclement weather or mechanical breakdown, school may be closed or the starting time delayed. School closing, delayed starting time or early dismissal will be announced over the local radio and television stations. Also, the community safe program automatically calls home for any parent who has completed phone numbers to be called when school is closed or delayed.
OTHER:
Communication Safe Notification System:
This telephone system allows us to contact homes in a matter of minutes for crisis situations, weather emergencies, and upcoming events. Accurate day and night contact phone numbers are vital to the success of this communication system.
Fees:
School fees, authorized by the school board, should be paid to the office during the first few weeks of school. Tennessee law regarding fees states: “The school shall not require any student to pay a fee to the school for any purpose , except as authorized by the board of education, and no fees shall be required of any student to attending the public school, or using its equipment while receiving educational training.” By law, costs for extracurricular activities occurring outside the regular school day, including sports, optional trips, clubs, and social events are not defined as school fees.
Parking:
All students who drive to school must obtain a parking permit. Each student will be assigned a parking space. A parking permit can be purchased from the Assistant Principal for $10.00. This parking tag should be displayed on front mirror. Students may not sit in cars, including their own, during the lunch hour or any other time during the school day. Disciplinary action will result if any student is in or around any car during the school day without permission from the administration. Driving to the vocational
Operating or parking a vehicle illegally on school grounds at any time may result in permanent suspension of vehicle from school grounds, disciplinary action against the driver, and notification of behavior to parents and law enforcement officials.
The school has the right to inspect and search any vehicles on campus at any time and will do so throughout the year. Driving to South Greene High School is a privilege, not a right.
Lockers:
Lockers have been assigned to all students. Lockers in the gym dressing rooms are to be assigned for use there by the coaches. Do not begin to use a locker until it has been assigned to you. Do not change lockers without first checking in the main office. Empty lockers are assigned to new students as they enter school. Only between class periods and before or after school should anyone be in the locker area. Locks should be placed on the lockers. Do not leave money or valuables in the lockers whether locked or not. The school assumes no responsibility for losses due to theft other than a normal effort to prevent such a loss or to see the student is punished when discovered. All lockers are the property of the school and are subject to search and inspection by school personnel at any time. Students, having in their locker items in violation of the school board policy, will be subject to disciplinary action. Lockers are to be kept clean, and free of stickers and graffiti. Cell phones, pagers, radios, tape decks, CD players, toys, laser pointers, etc. are not appropriate at school and may be confiscated and not returned until the end of the school year.
School Store:
The school store, located near the lower front entrance, provides an opportunity for students to purchase various school-related items. The store, operated through the marketing program, will usually be open before school and during lunch.
Driver’s License:
In order to obtain and keep a driver’s license, state law requires that each student must pass two subjects each semester. Each student must also not miss more than 10 consecutive unexcused days or 15 unexcused days per semester.
Vending Machines:
Vending machines are available in the cafeteria; however, federal guidelines forbid certain items to be sold until after lunch. No food or drinks are allowed outside of the cafeteria.
Announcements:
Daily announcements are made each morning. Each day’s announcements are also typed and placed on the bulletin board outside the main office.
Messages/Telephones:
Messages will be delivered to students at the end of each period via the intercom. Students may use the phone in the office for emergencies only.
Hall Passes:
All students must have a written or official pass from a teacher or administrator to be in the halls.
Visitors:
Because of crowded conditions students are not allowed to bring visitors to school. Parent are always welcome, but are encouraged to make an appointment to see a teacher, the principal, or to visit their child’s classes. All visitors must sign-in at the office and receive a visitor’s pass.
Textbooks:
The act of the General Assembly setting up the free textbook system provides that these books shall be the property of the Board of Education. Therefore, textbooks are available free to students as a loan. If lost, students must pay the cost for any textbook or equipment issued and credit for classes will be withheld until all obligations to SG are paid.
Parents or guardians will accept full responsibility for the proper care, preservation, return, or replacement of textbooks issued to students. Books will be issued to students by the classroom teacher and according to an inventory number. The condition of each book shall also be recorded. Books should not be exchanged with other students nor should inventory numbers be changed in any way.
Withdrawal from School:
Students who withdraw from school for any reason must notify the guidance office. A withdrawal form must be signed by teachers in order to clear all grades and accounts at South Greene. It is very important to follow the withdrawal procedure. If all accounts are not clear, students who transfer to another school will be unable to get a transcript of their credits from South Greene.
Student Rights and Responsibilities:
The Greene County Board of Education expects all school staff, students, and parents to assume the responsibility for appropriate behaviors in the school.
Each student has the right to the following:
1. Have the opportunity for a free education in the most appropriate learning environment.
2. Be secure in his/her person, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizure.
3. Expect that the school will be a safe place.
4. Have an appropriate environment conducive to learning.
5. Not be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin or disabilities.
6. Be fully informed of school rules and regulations.
Each student has the responsibility to do the following:
1. Know and adhere to reasonable rules and regulations established by the board.
2. Respect the human dignity and worth of every other individual.
3. Refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression.
4. Study and maintain the best possible level of academic achievement.
5. Be punctual and present in the regular school program.
6. Dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty and safety.
7. Maintain and/or improve the school environment, preserve school and private property, and exercise care while using school facilities.
8. Refrain from behavior, which would lead to physical or emotional harm or disrupts the educational process.
9. Respect the authority of school administrators, teachers, and other authorized personnel in maintaining discipline in the school and at school sponsored activities.
10. Obey the law and school rules as to the possession or the use of alcohol, illegal drugs and other unauthorized substances or materials.
11. Possess on school grounds only those materials, which are acceptable under the law and accept the consequences for articles stored in one’s locker.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
It is the policy of the Greene County School System not to discriminate on the basis of color, race, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its education programs, activities or employment policies as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles and life-styles open to women as well as men in our society.
One of the objectives of the total curriculum and teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate bias on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, and disability.
The curriculum should foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country and an awareness of the rights, duties and responsibilities of each individual member of a pluralistic society.
Grievance Policy:
In general, any student or employee of the system who believes he or she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit, harassed, or excluded, from participation in any system education program or activity on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion or disability, in violation of this policy, may file an oral or written complaint with the compliance administrator. The compliance administrator shall cause a review of the written complaint to be conducted and a written response mailed to the complainant within thirty (30) school days after receipt of the written complaint.
A copy of the written complaint and the compliance administrator’s response shall be provided to the complainant’s principal, the Federal Rights Coordinator and the Director of Schools.
If the complainant is not satisfied with such response, he or she may submit a written appeal to the Director of Schools, within five (5) working days, indicating with particularly the nature of disagreement with the response and his or her reasons underlying such disagreement.
The Director of Schools shall consider the appeal and provide a written response. If the complainant disagrees with the Director of Schools, appeal may be made to the Board of Education within five (5) working days. The board shall render a written decision within thirty (30) days. (Ref: GCBE Policy 6.305, issued 12/14/06)
RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO PARENTS:
Helpful information for parents may be obtained from the State Dept. of Education by calling 1-888-212-3162 or visiting
Legal Services Division
Division of Special Education, TN Dept. of Education
710 James Robertson Parkway
Andrew Johnson Tower, 5th Floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0380
Phone: 615-741-2851
Fax: 615-253-5567 or 615-532-9412
East Tennessee Regional Resource Center
Phone: 865-594-5691 Fax: 865-594-8909
Additional resources for persons with disabilities in Tennessee
The ARC of Tennessee Internet: http://www.thearctn.org/
44 Vantage Way, Suite 550
Nashville, Tennessee 37228 Phone: 615-248-5878
Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP)
712 Professional Plaza
Greeneville, Tennessee 37745
Internet: http://www.tnstep.org/
Tennessee Protection and Advocacy (TP&A)
416 21st Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37212 Phone: 1-800-287-9636
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco
Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship Program