STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK
2010 – 2011
Mayfield Elementary School
501 20th Street NE
Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: 472-4541 FAX: 472-2539
Website: www.clevelandschools.org
Accredited by the Southern Association of colleges and Schools
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Mayfield Elementary School. Mayfield is a school where children come first. Your child is as important to us as he/she is to you. We look forward to creating a partnership with you, the parent, in order to nurture your child.
Our goal is to see that each child has a happy and safe school environment – one in which he/she can experience success every day through activities that will help him/her grow physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. We hope that all children will be excited about becoming a life-long learner.
A child’s success depends on parent support, classroom instruction and community/school involvement. We urge you to support your school and your child’s education. Positive attitude and support by parents make a significant difference in a child’s education. Let’s work together to provide that support for the success of each child.
Thank you for being a part of Mayfield.
Dee Dee Finison
Principal
MISSION STATEMENTS
Cleveland City Schools
Cleveland City Schools will strive to provide superior educational facilities and programs for optimum physical, mental, social, and cultural development for all students.
Mayfield Elementary School
The mission of Mayfield Elementary School is to increase student achievement in all academic and creative areas.
BELIEF STATEMENTS
MAYFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FACULTY AND STAFF
Principal
Dee Dee Finison
Parent Involvement Coordinator Secretary
Hillis Cavender Jo Ann Case
School Nurse Guidance Counselor
Rhonda Lackey, RN
Holly Whaley, LPN
Curriculum Specialist Speech
Melissa Bishop Elaine Campbell
ELL Special Services
Christy Duncan Glenn Dent
School Resource Officer
Chris Mason
Classroom Faculty Teacher Assistants Specialty Teachers
Sue Burris Jamie Beaty Katy Buckner, Library
Nikki Burton Andrea Burns Elizabeth Davis, PE
Jo Ann Caywood Carolyn Fincher Cheryl Gilbert, Music
Erin Cole Kristi Fuller David McMahan, PE
Ethel Cooper Kathy Kettunen Terri Olinger, Computer
Ana Estrada Cherrie Parks Susan Parks, Art
Angela Gardner Reenelda Phillips Amity Vaughn, Computer
Linda Gibson Charlene Pitre
Zelda Martin Kathy Posey Custodians
Amanda Mason Tajuan Roberts-Browder
Claire McMahan Katherine Spratlin Debbie Lemons
Heather Morgan Millie Sylverston Angel Lemons
Lisa Pemberton Teresha Tippens
Jennifer Ramsey Sarah Wilson
Michael Rogers Missy Winn
Rachel Sampson
Valerie Sharpe
Lynn Stuart
Gregory Towe
Sarah Towe
Gayle Vandergriff
School Hours
Regular school hours for students are 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. The doors of our school will be open to students at 7:30 a.m. Students who arrive early may go to the gym or to the cafeteria for breakfast. Students will be dismissed from either location to their classrooms beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Dismissal time for abbreviated days (day before Christmas vacation and last day of school) is 11:00 a.m.
Morning Arrival
Parents will turn into the car drop-off lane and follow the arrows. Students will enter the school at the outside, canopied entrance next to the playground.
Parents are not to accompany a child to class at arrival. If it is necessary to speak to the teacher, please come to the office to make an appointment. Arrival and dismissal are busy times for teachers.
Bus Riders
The busses will unload students at the doorway next to the music and art rooms. Students may go either to the gym or to the cafeteria for breakfast. STATE LAW FORBIDS PASSING A SCHOOL BUS WHILE IT IS LOADING OR UNLOADING STUDENTS. This law will be strictly enforced.
Afternoon Dismissal
Dismissal time is 3:15 p.m. Students may be picked up where they were dropped off in the morning. Please have the card with your child’s name visible from the windshield of your car. This card will be provided for you. Faculty and staff will be on duty to help with student dismissal.
Please do not come to the front office between 3:00 and 3:15 to check student out.
Students who ride busses will remain in the classroom until their bus number is called. After School University (ASU) students will go directly to the ASU room.
Attendance
Research indicates that students who attend school on a regular basis are more likely to make satisfactory academic progress and less likely to become school dropouts than students who establish a poor attendance record. As a parent, your help is needed to see that your child is in school on time. There are, of course, times when this is not possible. All absences and tardies will be classified as excused or unexcused, based on the definitions of this policy.
THE STATE OF TENNESSEE EXCUSES ONLY THE FOLLOWING ABSENCES:
All other absences are UNEXCUSED.
Steps to follow when a student is absent:
1. A parent or legal guardian needs to call the school before 10:00 a.m. to inform the school.
2. A parent or legal guardian needs to write an excuse to the teacher telling the name of the child, the date of absence, the reason for the absence, and the parent’s or legal guardian’s signature.
3. Students not presenting a note will be charged with an unexcused absence.
4. Each student is responsible for doing work missed during any absence.
When a child has been absent a total of ten (10) days, an excuse from a doctor will be required as proof of illness.
Mayfield School will follow the truancy policy of Cleveland City Schools.
Cleveland City Schools Truancy Policy
Step 1: After two (2) days of unexcused absences, a contact will be attempted. An “Attendance Plan” will be prepared for the student if necessary.
Step 2: After three (3) additional (total of five (5)) days of unexcused absences, a complaint will be filed and the student/parents will be cited to Campus Court for a truancy hearing.
Step 3: Throughout the year, a complaint is refiled when a Truancy Court student has accumulated five (5) additional days of unexcused absences.
Request for Missed Assignments
It is understood that sickness will occur during the school year. If your child is sick and you would like to get assignments, please call the office at 472-4541 by 9:00 a.m. The staff will make arrangements to have the books and make-up work in the office for parents to pick up by 2:45 p.m.
Tardy Policy
A student is considered tardy after 8:15 a.m. Parents must sign students in through the office after 8:15. Please make every effort to have your child at school on time. You will be notified if your child is excessively tardy. Since it is important for students to be present at school, excessive tardiness is strongly discouraged. The following steps will be taken to prevent this.
Step 1: After five (5) tardies a contact in the form of a letter or phone call will be made to the parents.
Step 2: After ten (10) unexcused tardies a complaint will be filed and the parents will be cited to Campus Court for a truancy hearing.
Early Checkout
Early dismissals are considered the same as unexcused tardies except for doctor’s/dentist’s appointments, court appearances, funerals, or school service activities. Dismissals for other reasons than those listed will be handled individually by the administration. A parent or legal guardian must sign the student out on the leaving school form in the main office. Students being dismissed will be called to the office. NO DISMISSALS WILL BE MADE BY TELEPHONE OR AFTER 2:30 unless there is an appointment card. Early dismissals are also strongly discouraged and the following steps will be taken to prevent this:
Step 1: After five (5) unexcused early checkouts a contact in the form of a letter or phone call will be made to the parents.
Step 2: After ten (10) unexcused early checkouts a complaint will be filed and the parents will be cited to Campus Court for a truancy hearing.
Early check-outs and late check-ins are registered as tardies in the new attendance system.
Classroom and School Behavior
1. Students should be on time.
2. Students should follow the rules of the classroom.
3. Students should complete all assigned work.
4. Students should make character words a part of their behavior.
5. Mayfield Elementary has high expectations for all students in all areas.
Student Behavior
Students are expected to exercise self-discipline appropriate for their level and are expected to abide by all rules and policies. The staff employs a variety of methods to encourage and reward appropriate behavior. We also have established procedures to deal with inappropriate behavior especially behavior that hinders the learning of others.
FOR SEVERE MISBEHAVIOR OR CONTINUATION OF LESS SEVERE BEHAVIORS, THE STUDENT WILL BE REMOVED FROM CLASS AND REFERRED TO THE OFFICE. An office referral will be completed by the teacher with a copy sent to the parent. Students are prohibited from bringing items to Mayfield School which disrupt the learning environment
Zero Tolerance Behavior (Cleveland City Schools Policy 6.309)
In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence, and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Zero Tolerance Acts are as Follows:
1. Students who bring or unlawfully possess a controlled substance or legend drug or a dangerous weapon onto a school bus, onto school property, or to any school event or activity.
2. Any student who while on a school bus, on school property, or while attending a schools event:
a. Unlawfully possesses a controlled substance or legend drug or dangerous weapon or
b. Commits battery on a teacher or other employee of the school.
Dress Code
1. The length of shorts, skirts, and dresses is to be longer than the fingertips when standing.
2. No hats, hoods, bandannas, or sunglasses are to be worn in the building.
3. No bare midriffs, halter-tops, see-through shirts, tank tops, or muscle shirts are to be worn.
4. No spandex, bike shorts, or body suits are to be worn.
5. Clothing that promotes alcohol, sex, tobacco, drugs, violence, gangs, racial or offensive languages are prohibited.
6. No underwear (including sports bras) may show.
7. Pants must fasten at the waist and must not have holes above the knee.
8. Pants whose hem hangs below the heel of the shoe are not permitted.
9. Shoes must be worn at all times.
10. No colored hair.
On special occasions, some of the guidelines may be relaxed for a day. These occasions will be announced in advance (Hat Day, Pajama Day, etc.)
Extra-Curricular Activities
All athletic teams and cheerleaders are sponsored by the Bradley County Parks and Recreation Department. Concerns in that area are handled by Mr. Paul Wyrick, supervisor of the department.
Parent-Teacher Organization
The Mayfield Parent-Teacher Organization is an active group of parents and teachers working together for the continued improvement of our school. You are cordially invited to join the PTO and to participate as a school volunteer. Your services and support are welcomed and needed. Family membership is $5.00.
Parent Volunteer Program
A Parent Volunteer Program utilizes volunteers as assistants to the classroom teachers. These volunteers assist with clerical duties and other assignments. If you are interested in this program, please fill out the Parent Volunteer Form which will be available at the Grade Level Open House/Parent Orientation at the beginning of the school year.
Mayfield School values parent volunteers. Their many skills and talents enrich the learning experiences of our students. To ensure the success of our parent volunteer program, certain guidelines must be followed.
1. Punctuality and reliability are expected. If you can’t volunteer on the day for which you are scheduled, please call the school office (472-4541) to let us know.
2. When you have questions about policy and/or procedures, ask the Principal, office personnel or Parent Coordinator.
3. Volunteers are expected to dress professionally – no shorts, revealing tops, or t-shirts with negative or inappropriate words, pictures or phrases on them.
4. Because of a new board policy, parent volunteers are not permitted to work in their child’s classroom. They can pick up work from their child’s teacher and take it to a workroom.
5. Parent volunteers cannot bring younger siblings with them as this is disruptive in the classroom.
6. Information learned about students must be kept confidential.
7. Parent volunteers will be given a Parent Handbook with more information.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are expected for all grades. A parent-teacher conference will be scheduled for all students at or near the end of the first reporting period. Parent-teacher conferences are noted on the system calendar.
Other conferences may be scheduled throughout the year at parents’ or teacher’s request. Parents are encouraged to call the school office (472-4541) at other times to contact the teacher if they desire to schedule a parent-teacher conference.
Connect-Ed Messages
All Cleveland City Schools have the capability to send messages to the homes of all students if there is a working telephone number for the parents. Through the use of this system, parents can receive important messages that pertain to upcoming school activities and severe weather procedures. Please be sure to keep the school informed when you have a new phone number.
When a call is sent to your listed number, the school receives a computer printout to let us know who did and who did not receive the message. Keep your number updated.
Title I School-Wide Program
Mayfield Elementary School is fortunate to have been identified as a Title I school, eligible for federal funds to develop school-wide programs to enhance the learning of our students. As a school-wide program, all of our students can take advantage of the materials, equipment, and programs funded through Title I money. A Title I Leadership Team consisting of the principal, school secretary, parent coordinator, a parent, two classroom teachers, one paraprofessional and one specialist teacher, will review and update our goals and plans annually. The focus will be on student learning and finding ways to improve student success at Mayfield School in reading, math and technology.
Mayfield School-Wide Parent Involvement Policy
Mayfield Elementary School is committed to the goal of providing quality education for every child. We establish partnerships with families and the community. We realize that no one person can provide the quality education that is needed for our students. Our goal is the achievement of a strong family-school partnership that will help all Mayfield students to achieve success.
The parents and the school will promote strong parent involvement by strengthening the parents’ understanding of (1) National Education Goals, (2) standards required by the state of Tennessee, (3) state and local assessments, (4) monitoring of students’ progress, and (5) how to work with teachers to improve the performance of their children. Mayfield Elementary School will involve parents and the community in the review and the revision of our School Improvement Plan. Parents and teachers will participate in an annual review and any necessary changes made in the Student/Family/School Compact and Parent Involvement Policy. Parent concerns and suggestions will be addressed as quickly as possible.
Mayfield Elementary School will encourage parents to become full partners in the education of their children through an annual Parent Orientation meeting. Open House, PTO meetings, scheduled conferences, Parent Handbook, monthly calendars, phone calls, agendas, grade level newsletters, parent newsletters and participation in Family Nights and workshops will help train parents to work with their children to improve their academic achievement. Parents will be provided information about school activities and their children’s progress in a language and form that parents can easily understand.
Mayfield Elementary School teachers and staff will receive training to strengthen their skills in communicating and collaborating with parents.
Parents will be made aware of Head Start opportunities and activities for pre-school children. For more information contact the Family Resource Agency at 423.470.9339, extension 3510.
Community organizations and businesses will have a role in parent involvement activities at Mayfield Elementary School.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Cleveland City Schools will not tolerate discrimination or harassment from employee to employee, employee to student, or student to student on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. Anyone who feels he/she has been grieved in regard to any of the aforementioned categories may file a grievance with the Supervisor of Instruction for Cleveland City Schools. A grievance form may be obtained in the school office or the central Administration Office Building. A grievance may also be filed with the U.S. Office of Civil Rights. For detailed information, refer to the Cleveland City Schools Board of Education policies. These policies are: Discrimination/Harassment of Employees (5.500), Discrimination/Harassment of Students (6.304), and Student Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances (6.305). Copies of these policies may be obtained at any school or they can be accessed at our website www.clevelandschools.org.
Notification of Rights
Parents and eligible students (students having reached the legal age of eighteen) have the right to:
1. Inspect and review the student’s educational records;
2. Seek correction of items in the record which are believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights, including the right to a hearing upon request.
3. File a complaint with the appropriate state or federal officials when the school system violates laws and regulations relative to student records.
(Notification of Rights continued)
4. Obtain a copy of this policy and a copy of such education records.
5. Exercise control of other people’s access to the records, except when prior written where the school system has designated certain information as “directory information.” The records custodian will mark the appropriate student records for which director information is to be limited, and this designation will remain in effect until it is modified in writing by the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student.
Other Rights and Information
1. You need to keep copies of critical records such as birth certificates, immunizations, Social Security numbers, health physicals and individualized education programs (IEPs) for your child.
2. Mayfield has developed a School Improvement Plan that you may view at any time on our website.
3. You may request information about the professional qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals who instruct your child.
4. Parents of students in Title I schools must receive notification if a teacher is employed for four or more consecutive weeks who does not meet the highly qualified requirements.
5. You have the right to request that your child’s name, address, and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without prior written consent.
6. Parents of students in schools identified as unsafe are notified in writing of their rights.
7. According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, if you are homeless you can keep your child in the same school he attended before you became homeless.
Directory Information
Cleveland City Schools may disclose certain information, known as directory information, in its discretion without consent. Parents or eligible students may refuse to let the system release any or all of this information. If you do not want this information released, you must send written notice annually. The following information regarding students is considered directory information: (1) name, (2) address, (3) telephone number, (4) date and place of birth, (5) major field of student, (6) participation in officially recognized activities, (7) weight and height of members of athletic teams, (8) dates of attendance, (9) degrees and awards received, (10) the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and (11) other similar information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, such as a photograph.
Photographs
During the course of the school year photographs may be taken for the Mayfield yearbook, for bulletin boards, or for the newspaper. Publicity is an integral part of the regular school program for Cleveland City Schools. Therefore, if you do not want your child in any picture, video, or publicity in the media, please notify the school in writing within two weeks after the first day of school or within two weeks after registration.
Student Contact Information
If there is a change in residence or contact numbers for your child, please notify the office immediately so that we may update our records. It is important that we maintain current, correct student contact information in case of emergencies.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued every nine weeks and are to be signed by the parent and returned to school the next day. Report cards are issued one week after grading period ends.
Textbooks and Supplies
Students are fully responsible for the care of all books that are issued to them. Loss or destruction of these books will result in payment to the school system to replace these books.
An instructional materials fee of $25.00 will be requested from each student at the beginning of each school year. This fee covers workbooks and other consumable materials. Upon completion of a proper request form, all fees will be waived for any student who receives free or reduced school lunches.
General school supplies will be furnished for every student. Grade level specific items may be requested at registration.
Computers
Technology is a very important part of our school program. This equipment is very expensive and must be used and cared for properly. Therefore, in order for each student to use a computer at Mayfield Elementary School, an agreement must be signed by the student and parent accepting responsibility for damage that may occur if the student fails to observe the rules.
Cafeteria
Breakfast and lunch are served in our school cafeteria daily. This year’s prices are:
Student Prices: Breakfast: K – 5 $1.25 Reduced: $.30
Lunch K – 5 $2.00 Reduced: $.40
Adult Prices: Breakfast $2.00
Lunch $3.75
Holiday Meal Visitor: $5.00
Students cannot charge meals. Free or reduced meals are available to those who qualify. Forms are available and may be obtained anytime by contacting the school. Fast food and carbonated drinks ARE NOT permissible in the cafeteria.
Field Trips
Field trips are a very important part of our school activities. These trips enhance our curriculum. There will be ample notification prior to the trips. Parents who accompany classes on field trips will be asked to care for several students assigned by the teacher. As funds are always limited, parents will be asked to pay their own way. Chaperones may not ride the bus.
Flowers and Gifts for Students
Mayfield Elementary School does accept deliveries of flowers and/or gifts to students for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day and birthdays. However, they will not be given to the student until the end of the school day.
Medication
According to State Law, students may not bring medication to school or take medication home from school. If it is necessary for your child to take medication at school, please complete the proper medication form and supply requested parent and physician signatures. Parents must bring the medication to the office. Forms are available from the website. School personnel will not disperse medication to students without this form on file. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Bus Transportation
Bus transportation for students is a service provided by the Cleveland City School system, and the privilege of riding a bus is dependent upon the behavior and cooperation of each individual student.
The time spent on the bus is an extension of the school day, and as such, the rules of the school remain in effect. The bus driver is in full charge of the bus and the students. Students shall respectfully obey the driver. Violation of the bus rules may result in the student being denied privilege of riding the bus for any specified length of time.
After School University
Cleveland City Schools sponsors an extended day program until 6:00 p.m. There is a cost for this program. Mayfield students remain at the school. For further information call: Tamara Humphries at 472-9571.
Severe Weather Procedures
The administration will be in constant contact with the Emergency Management Service so that early warning can be received concerning possible severe weather. Parents are urged not to come to the school for their children if the severe weather is already in the immediate area. Disaster drills will be held regularly at the school so the children will be familiar with safety areas and procedures. If it becomes necessary to send students home, the Director of Schools will make that decision. Connect-Ed message will be sent.
CLEVELAND BOARD OF EDUCAITON POLICIES
6.604 – Media Access to Students
School administrators shall be authorized to grant permission and set parameters for media access to students in their respective schools. Media representatives shall be required to report to the administration for prior approval before accessing students involved in instructional programs and activities not attended by the general public. The media may interview and photograph students involved in instructional programs and school activities including athletic events. Such media access shall not be unduly disruptive and shall comply with Board policies. Each year parents/guardians will be given the option to withhold permission for public news media interviews or photographs of their child at school. Specific parental/guardian permission must be obtained if the story or photograph covers topics of a sensitive nature. If any student is to be filmed or videotaped and will be identified or a primary subject of the filming or videotaping, prior written consent/release/waiver will be obtained from the student’s parent/guardian. District employees may release student information to the media only in accordance with applicable provisions of the education records law and Board policies governing directory information and personally identifiable information.
Parents will be advised of this policy at the time of the student’s registration and each fall in the Student/Parent Handbook.
6.314 – Corporal Punishment
Any principal, assistant principal or teacher may use corporal punishment in a reasonable manner against any student for good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools in accordance with the following guidelines: corporal punishment shall be administered only after other less stringent measures have been documented and failed, or if the conduct of a student is of such nature that corporal punishment is the only reasonable form of punishment under the circumstances.
Parent or guardians may submit a letter annually to the principal requesting that no corporal punishment be administered to their children. If such a letter is sent, this form of discipline will not be used. The instrument to be used in administering corporal punishment shall be approved by the principal. The instrument should be the same used in all schools. At no time should the hand be used as the instrument. Corporal punishment shall be reasonable. Corporal punishment shall be administered in the principal’s office in the presence of another professional employee. The nature of the punishment will be such that it is in proportion to the gravity of the offense, the apparent motive and disposition of the offender, and the influence of the offender’s example and conduct on others. In determining the use and degree of corporal punishment, consideration will be given to the sex, size, physical and emotional condition of the child.
A disciplinary record shall be maintained and shall contain the name of the student, the type of misconduct, the type of corporal punishment administered, and the name of the person administering the punishment, the name of the witness present and the date and time of punishment. Disciplinary records shall be filed in the school office and made available to parents or students whichever is appropriate.
6.300 – School Discipline Code
The Director of Schools shall be responsible for the overall implementation and supervision of the Board’s Code of Behavior and Discipline and shall ensure that students at all schools are subject to a uniform and fair application of the code, which includes policies 6.3-01 – 6.319, but is summarized below. The complete Code can be found on the web at www.clevelandschools.org. The principal of each school shall be responsible for implementation and administration in his/her school and shall apply the Code uniformly and fairly to each student at the school without partiality and discrimination. The Board delegates to the Director of Schools the responsibility of developing more specific codes of behavior and discipline which are appropriate for each level of school, namely, elementary, middle, junior high and senior high. The development of each code shall involve principals and faculty members of each level of school and shall be consistent with the content of the Board’s Code.
Copies of the Code shall be posted on the district website and guidance counselors may be supplied copies for discussion with students. The code shall be referenced in all school handbooks. All teachers, administrative staff and parents shall be provided copies of the following summary and have access to the complete Code on the website: www.clevelandschools.org. The Board expects all school staff, students and parents to assume responsibility for appropriate behaviors in the schools.
Staff, students and parents have the right to expect safety, non-discrimination and a focus on learning in the schools. Staff, students and parents have the responsibility to:
· Follow the rules of the school and laws of the country.
· Treat themselves and others with respect.
· Handle personal and school property carefully.
· Behave at all times in a manner that encourages learning.
6.309 – Zero Tolerance Offenses
In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the following offenses will not be tolerated:
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 for the purposes of this policy shall include, but are not limited to a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury or anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Violators of this section shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.
FIREARMS (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921)
In accordance with state law, any student who brings or possesses a firearm on school property shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
DRUGS
In accordance with state law, any student who unlawfully possesses any drug including any controlled substance or legend drug shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
BATTERY
In accordance with state law, any student who commits battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school or school resource officer shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
NOTIFICATION
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.
6.304 – Discrimination/Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethic, Religious)
Students shall be provided a learning environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic and religious discrimination/harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or any student to discriminate against or harass a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature. The following guidelines are set forth to protect students from discrimination/harassment. Student discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated. Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words either written or spoken of sexual, racial, ethnic or religious nature which:
· Unreasonably interfere with the student’s work or educational opportunities; or
· Create an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment; or
· Imply that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving grades or credit; or
· Imply that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for determining the student’s grades and/or participation in a student activity.
Bullying/Intimidation
Students shall be provided a safe learning environment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to bully, intimidate or create a hostile educational environment for another student. Bullying and intimidation are defined as either physically harming a student or damaging his/her property, or knowingly placing the student in reasonable fear of such, or creating a hostile educational environment. The policy addresses conduct taking place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation, or at any official school bus stop immediately before boarding and immediately following de-boarding. Alleged victims of the above-referenced offenses shall report these incidents immediately to a teacher, counselor or building administrator. Any allegations shall be fully investigated by a complaint manager (as set forth in Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances 6.305).
The privacy and anonymity of all parties and witnesses to complaints will be respected. However, because an individual’s need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to cooperate with police investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough investigation or to take necessary action to resolve a complaint, the identity of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a need to know.
A substantiated charge against an employee shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. A substantiated charge against a student may result in corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension.
Student Discrimination/Harassment and Bullying/Intimidation
There will be no retaliation against any person who reports harassment or participates in an investigation. However, any employee who refuses to cooperate or gives false information during the course of any investigation may be subject to disciplinary action. The willful filing of a false report will itself be considered harassment and will be treated as such. An employee disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision by contacting the Federal Rights Coordinator or the complaint Manager. Any student disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision in accordance with disciplinary policies and procedures. This policy shall be referenced in the parent/student handbook distributed annually to every student. Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment.
6.305 – Student Concerns and Complaints
Decisions made by school personnel – such as instructional assistants, teachers, or assistant principals – which students believe are unfair or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules may be appealed to the school principal or a designated representative. To appeal, students will contact the principal’s office in their school and provide their name, the issue and the reason for their appeal on a printed form available at the school office within two (2) days. The appeal will usually be decided confidentially and promptly, preferably within five (5) school days. However, if the principal does not make a decision within five (5) school days following the date of complaint, students or parents may appeal at that time by contacting the Director of Schools/designee at the central office. The information provided should include the student’s name, the school and a description of the problem. An investigation and decision will be made within two (2) school days and communicated to the school principal and student by telephone. A written copy of the decision will be sent to the student and the principal.
Discrimination/Harassment Grievance Procedures
Filing a complaint – Any student of this school district who wishes to file a discrimination/harassment grievance against another student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded, if possible) complaint with a complaint manager. Students may also report an allegation of discrimination/harassment to any teacher or other adult employed in the school who shall inform a complaint manager of the allegation. The complaint should include the following information:
· Identity of the alleged victim and person accused
· Location, date, time and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident
· Description of what happened
· Ay other evidence available
Investigation – Within 24 hours of receiving the student’s complaint, the complaint manager shall notify the complaining student’s parent/guardian and the principal who shall inform the Director of Schools. The parent/guardian shall be given notice of the right to attend an interview of the student in a non-intimidating environment in order to elicit full disclosure of the student’s allegations. This interview shall take place within five (5) days from the time the complaint was first made. If no parent/guardian attends the interview, another adult, mutually agreed upon by the student and the complaint manager, shall attend and may serve as the student’s advocate. After a complete investigation, if the allegations are substantiated, immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action shall be initiated. The complaint and identity of the complainant will not be disclosed except (1) as required by law or this policy; or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint; or (3) as authorized by the complainant. A school representative will meet with and advise the complainant regarding the findings, and whether corrective measures and/or disciplinary action were taken. The investigation and response to the complainant will be completed within thirty (3) school days. Copies of the report will be sent to the student, principal, Federal Rights Coordinator and the Director of Schools. One copy shall be kept in the complaint manager’s file for one (1) year beyond the student’s eighteenth (18th) birthday. The Director of Schools shall keep the Board informed of all complaints.
Decision and Appeal – If the complainant is not in agreement with the findings of act as reported by the complaint manager, an appeal may be made, within five (5) work days to the Director of Schools. The Director of Schools shall review the investigation, make any corrective action deemed necessary and provide a written response to the complainant. If the complainant is not in agreement with the Director of Schools’ findings of fact, appeal may be made to the Board of Education within five (5) work days. The Board shall, within thirty (30) days from the date the appeal was received, review the investigation and the actions of the Director of Schools and may support, amend or overturn the actions based upon review and report their decision in writing to the complainant.
Appointing Complaint Managers
The Director of Schools shall appoint at least two (2) complaint managers, one of each gender for each school. The Federal Rights Coordinator may serve as a complaint manager. The Director of Schools shall insert into this policy the names, addresses and telephone numbers of current complaint managers (see note). This policy shall be referenced in the parent/student handbook distributed annually to every student. Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment. See policy 5.500 for the complete policy about harassment.
(Note: Title IX regulations require districts to identify the name, address and telephone number of the person who is responsible for coordinating the district’s compliance efforts. A policy should not be adopted with a person’s name in it; rather, the identifying information can be added and amended as necessary.
Complaint Managers: Supervisors of Instruction
5.500 – Discrimination/Harassment of Employees (Age, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Religion, Disability)
I. GENERAL STATEMENT
The Cleveland City Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the right of all students and employees within the school system to learn and work in an environment that is free from all forms of harassment and/or sexual harassment. It is the policy of the Cleveland City School System to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment of any type. The school system prohibits any form of sexual harassment or harassment based upon age, religion, disability or race/national origin. I shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee of the school system to harass a student or an employee through conduct or communication in any form as defined by this policy. Title VI of the civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require school districts to have officially adopted policy statements of nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, disability, national origin and race.
II. HARASSMENT DEFINED AND PROHIBITED
It is the policy of the Cleveland City Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, religion, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by the herein-referenced federal status. Any employee or student of this school system shall be punished for infractions of this policy as provided for herein.
III. SEXUAL HARASSMENT DEFINED AND PROHIBITED
A. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
· Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining or retaining employment, or of obtaining an education; or
· Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting the individual’s employment or educational opportunities; or
· The conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonable interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or educational environment. Any sexual harassment as defined when perpetrated on any student or employee by any student or employee will be treated as sexual harassment under this policy.
B. Sexual harassment may include but is not limited to:
· sexual advances;
· verbal harassment or abuse;
· subtle pressure for sexual activity;
· touching of a sexual nature including inappropriate patting or pinching;
· intentional brushing against a student or an employee’s body;
· demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual’s employment or educational status;
· demanding sexual favors especially when accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatments with regard to an individual’s employment or educational status;
· graffiti of a sexual nature;
· displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures or written materials including making and playing sexual explicit audio/video tapes;
· sexual gestures including touching oneself sexually or talking about one’s sexual activities in front of others;
· sexual or “dirty” jokes; or
· spreading rumors about or rating other students as to sexual activity or performance.
IV. REPORTING PROCEDURES
Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of harassment or sexual harassment by a student or an employee of the school system, or any third person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute harassment or sexual harassment should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school system official as designated by this policy. The school system encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each school or available from the school system central office.
A. In Each School – The school principal is the person responsible for receiving oral and written reports of harassment or sexual harassment at the school level. A written report will be forwarded simultaneously to the Complaint Coordinator and the Director of Schools or his/her designee. If the report was given verbally, the principal shall reduce it to written form within 24 hours. Failure to forward any harassment or sexual harassment report or complaint as provided herein shall result in disciplinary action. If the complaint involves the school principal, the complaint shall be filed directly with the Complaint Coordinator or the Director of Schools or his/her designee.
B. System Wide – The school board hereby designates the Director or Supervisor of Secondary Education as the complaint Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator to receive reports or complaints of sexual harassment from any individual, employee, or victim of harassment or sexual harassment or discrimination and also from the school principals as outlined above. If the complaint involves the complaint Coordinator, the complaint shall be filed directly with the Director of Schools. The school system shall conspicuously post the name o the Complaint Coordinator, including a mailing address and telephone number. If the complaint involves the Director of Schools, the complaint shall be filed directly with the Chairman of the Board of Education. If the complaint involves a member of the school board, the complaint shall be filed with the City’s Attorney.
C. Submission of a complaint or report of harassment or sexual harassment will not affect the reporting individual’s present or future employment, grades or work assignments.
D. Use of formal reporting forms is not mandatory; however, a sample of the reporting form currently used in this system is attached to this policy. The school system will respect the confidentiality of the complainant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed as much as possible, consistent with the school system’s legal obligations and the necessity to investigate allegations or harassment and take disciplinary action when the conduct has occurred.
V. INVESTIGATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination, the Complaint Coordinator shall immediately undertake an investigation. The investigation shall be conducted by the Complaint Coordinator, who shall be assisted by the school principal if such complaint originates at a school site. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination, the school system shall consider all relevant circumstances, the nature of the sexual advances if sexual harassment is alleged, relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. The investigation shall consist of, but not be limited to, personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigations shall also consist of any other methods and documents deemed relevant by the Complaint Coordinator. In addition, the school system shall take immediate steps to protect the complainant, students and employees pending completion of an investigation of alleged harassment, sexual harassment, or discrimination. The Complaint Coordinator shall make a final report, including findings and recommendations for disciplinary actions, if any, to the Director of Schools or his/her designee upon completion of the investigation.
VI. SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION
A. Upon receipt of a recommendation that the complaint is valid, the school system shall take such action as appropriate based on the results of the investigation.
B. The result of the investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures shall be reported in writing to the complainant by the school system. The report shall document any disciplinary action taken as a result of the complaint.
C. The school system shall take such other steps as are necessary to prevent recurrence of the harassment.
D. The school system shall keep the complainant informed of the status of complaints.
VII. REPRISAL
The school system shall discipline any individual who retaliates against any person who reports alleged incidents of harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination, as well as any individual who retaliates against any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing relating to a harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment that creates a hostile environment.
VIII. NON-HARASSMENT/FALSE ACCUSATIONS
The school system recognizes that not every reported incident, advance or consent containing sexual content constitutes harassment. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a personal or social relationship having a discriminatory effect requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances. False accusations of harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination can have serious detrimental effect on innocent parties. Any person who knowingly and intentionally makes a false accusation, for any reason, that would be contrary to the spirit and intent of this policy, shall be subject to immediate and appropriate disciplinary action.
IX. RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
These proceedings do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse, which may include filing charges with the Tennessee Department of Human Rights, initiating the civil action, filing a complaint with the Office of the Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education, or in certain instances, seeking redress under state statues.
X. SEXUAL HARASSMENT AS SEXUAL ABUSE
Under certain circumstances, sexual harassment may constitute sexual abuse under Tennessee Law. In such situations, the school system shall comply with Tennessee statutory requirements regarding the reporting of suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.
XI. DISCIPLINE
Any school system action taken pursuant to this policy shall be consistent with requirements of federal law, Tennessee statutes and other school system policies. The school system shall take such disciplinary action it deems necessary and appropriate, including warning, suspension or immediate discharge to end harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination, and to prevent its recurrence.
XII. POLICY DISTRIBUTION
A copy of the foregoing policy and reporting procedure shall be published in the school system policy online. A reference to this policy shall be included in each student handbook published by the school system, shall be posted in a conspicuous place in each school building, and included in a statement of nondiscrimination in the system’s annual calendar.
A complete list of Cleveland City Board of Education Policies can be viewed on the website at www.clevelandschools.org, or you may view a copy of these policies by coming to the administrative office building at 4300 Mouse Creek Road, Cleveland, TN 37312.