COCKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

“Fighting Cocks”

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Cocke County High School

216 Hedrick Drive

Newport, TN  37821

Telephone : (423) 623-8718

FAX : (423)623-1213

Cocke County High School Website : http://www.cocke.k12.tn.us/CockeCoHighSchool

Cocke County School System Website : http://www.cocke.k12.tn.us

Dr. Marvin Stewart, Principal

This handbook belongs to:

                        Name _______________________________________________

                   Address  _____________________________________________

                   City/State  _____________________ Zip Code _____________

                   Phone ___________________ Student Number _____________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page                                                                                         1

Table of Contents                                                                             2

CCHS Mission, Beliefs and Vision                                                    3

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements                                      4-5

Attendance Policy                                                                            6-7

Discipline Policy                                                                               8-9

Extracurricular Opportunities                                                         10

Bus Policy                                                                                         11

Dress Code                                                                                       11

Bell Schedules                                                                                  11

Student ID Cards                                                                              12

Lockers                                                                                             12

Student Parking                                                                               12

Medication at School                                                                       13

Non-discrimination Policy                                                                13

Visitors                                                                                             13

Telephone Use                                                                                 14

Information Guide                                                                            15

Mission Statement

The mission of Cocke County High School is to lay a foundation for lifelong learning and to prepare students with the intellectual and social skills to become contributing and responsible citizens engaged in careers in keeping with their abilities and opportunities.

Our Beliefs

• Student learning is the chief priority for the school.
• Clear goals and high expectations for student achievement should guide the development
  of the curriculum and the design of instructional strategies and learning activities.
• Students need not only to demonstrate their understanding of essential knowledge and skills
  but also to be actively involved in solving problems in meaningful contexts and producing
  quality work.
• Students learn in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional
  approaches to support their learning.
• Carefully constructed assessment tools, representing a variety of domains are essential to
  ensure that students have the necessary skills and attitudes for future endeavors.
• Instructional decisions should be based on assessment data which is aligned to standards
  based curriculum.
• Cultural awareness increases not only student's understanding but also their respect of
  different peoples and cultures.
• Each student is a valuable individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual
  needs.
• Mutual respect among and between students and staff fosters positive relationships.
• A safe, physically comfortable environment promotes student learning.
• Parents and the community share the responsibility with teachers and administrators for
  advancing the school's mission.
• The role of the educator is unsurpassed in importance.  Students should be provided with
  caring and dynamic educators, knowledgeable in their fields of instruction.
• The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative if our school is going to enable
  students to become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners.
• Effective school-based decision-making and policy development involves collaboration
  among staff, students, parents, and community members.

Vision Statement

Cocke County High School will be known as an example of educational excellence that

• produces graduates who have the skills, abilities, and attitudes to succeed as productive citizens

• develops a mindset for life-long learning

• demonstrates high standards and expectations for all school personnel

• maximizes the use of all resources available to the school

• fosters goals and values which are embraced by all stakeholders

• recognizes and rewards superior performance

All members of the CCHS community will support each other in the pursuit of these common goals; will be respectful of themselves and each other, of their school, and of education itself; and will strive to meet the needs of all students and to challenge all students.

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

Condition 1:

Students who entered high school prior to the 2009-2010 school year are on a three-path high school curriculum at CCHS.  A student can choose the University Path, Dual Path, or Technical Path (see below chart for specific requirements of each).  In order to graduate with a Cocke County High School regular diploma, students must successfully complete one of these paths fulfilling the 28 minimum credit requirements.*   Students who fall into this category must also pass three Gateway exams (also known as “exit” exams) in Algebra I, English II, and Biology I.

Condition 2:

Requirements for freshmen entering high school the 2009-2010 school year and beyond are on a one-path high school curriculum at CCHS.  This change is part of the Tennessee Diploma Project.  In order for these students to graduate with a Cocke County High School regular diploma, they must also successfully attain a minimum of 28 credit requirements (see below).** There are no “exit” exam requirements for these students.

* Requirements may slightly vary for students who receive Special Education services as dictated through an IEP.  Number of credits needed for graduation may also fluctuate for students who transfer in based on credits that student was able to earn at previous school(s).

Grading:

Each school course lasts for at least one term (or “semester” which equals approximately 18 weeks), ending with a final examination.  These final exams normally are given the last two days of each term (exceptions include, but are not limited to, End-Of Course and Gateway testing).  All students take the TCAP Writing Assessment and the ACT in 11^th grade.  End-of-Course/Gateways exams are given at the completion of the applicable course.

Progress reports are issued at four-and-one-half weeks and thirteen weeks (the mid-point of each nine-week period).  Grade cards are issued every nine weeks.  The grading scale for all CCHS students follows that which is recommended by the state of Tennessee for high schools (see below).

CCHS Grading Scale:

            A =       93 -100

            B =       85 - 92

            C =       75 - 84

            D =       70 - 74

            F =         0 – 69

            I  =       Incomplete

            X =       No Credit

Beginning with the incoming class of 2010-2011, student grade point averages will be on a weighted 5.0 scale. Dual enrollment and advanced placement courses receive one extra point and honors courses receive an extra one-half point when calculating averages.

Questions concerning grades should be addressed to the teacher assigning the grade.  If a change is to be made, the teacher will notify the person needed to make such a change in the school’s computer database.

Attendance Policy for Cocke County Secondary Schools

The Cocke County School System attendance goal is perfect attendance for each student.  Our interest is to keep students in class so that we can assist them in their educational growth and personal responsibility toward their own success.  A secondary goal is to meet State requirements for school attendance by students, and graduation of students from Cocke County Schools.  This School Board Attendance Policy is intended to achieve these goals, while holding students responsible for attending school as required by state law.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EVERY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL EVERY DAY.

It is the responsibility of all students to insure that they attend school every day, make up all missed work, and meet all requirements to pass in each of their classes.

I.                    Attendance Requirements

A.                 ALL SCHOOL WORK WHICH A CHILD MISSES WILL BE MADE UP WITHIN A PERIOD OF TIME DESIGNATED BY THE CLASSROOM TEACHER AND THE CONTENT WILL BE MASTERED BEFORE THE STUDENT RECEIVES CREDIT FOR THE COURSE.  Make-up work for unexcused absences will be at the discretion of the student’s teacher, who will consider the student’s aptitude, participation, behavior, etc., in their class.

B.                 For each day absent from class, students are required to provide documentation stating reason for absence.  The following are acceptable reasons for excused absences:

1.      documented doctor or dentist appointment (with a statement specifying the time period covered by the excuse);

2.      death in the family (documented by a funeral pamphlet);

3.      a required court appearance (documented by court paperwork);

4.      a standard traditional religious observance;

5.      circumstances which in the judgment of the Principal create emergencies over which the student has no control.

C.                 A student may be tardy to class no more than five (5) minutes to be considered present in class.  Students tardy in excess of five (5) minutes will be counted absent, and will be required to provide documentation stating reason for absence to receive an “excused absence” from that class.  Tardy is defined as arriving in class after the tardy bell.

D.                 Students who fail to make up required work shall receive as a final term grade an “I” on their grade card.  A grade of “No Credit” will appear on their school transcript.

2.         Truancy Policy

A.         After five (5) unexcused absences per semester, per class, a student may be considered truant from school and truancy proceeding may begin.  NOTE:  Truancy usually involves a court appearance, which results in court costs and fines; fines and court costs can be very expensive.

B.          Leaving School Early.  Unexcused “Leave Earlies” from school will result in the

           same action as unexcused tardies to school.

C.                 Driving Privileges.  After five (5) unexcused absences per semester, per class, students may lose current and/or future driving privileges. In addition, after five (5) tardies to school each semester, students may lose current and/or future driving privileges.

D.                 Any absence that the classroom teacher regards as questionable may be reported to the Attendance Office and may be regarded as truancy matter.

3.                  Make-up Work Policy

A.     It is the responsibility of each student to make-up all missed work.

B.     Teachers will insure their make-up work policy is clearly outlined in their class curriculum/outlines, and will insure that policy is clearly posted in their classrooms to insure no misunderstanding on the student’s part about the policy.  Teachers will NOT use make-up work as a disciplinary measure toward the student.  Policy is to be directed toward the student’s aptitude in class.

C.     Absences due to OSS: Allowing of makeup work is at the discretion of the teacher. Teachers are not required to allow makeup work in this situation.

D.     Excused absences: Board policy states that students will have 3 days to makeup work.

Tardies

A tardy is defined as arrival to the student’s class after the tardy bell.  When tardy to class, the student is to report to the assigned class and sign in.

Effective with the new semester, January 2010, teachers are to discipline students for the first four tardies to class, not the first three as was the former policy. Please keep in mind that a student is to be counted tardy only if he/she is not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings. Please do NOT mark students tardy because they are not in their seats.

Similar to the former policy, teachers are to contact parents upon the student’s fourth tardy to class (formerly it was the third). You may call or send a letter. Just be sure that you keep a record of how and when you made contact. Upon the student’s fifth tardy to class, you are to refer them to:

9^th grade        Patrick O’Neil

10^th grade      Gail Burchette

11^th grade      Casey Kelley

12^th grade      Larry Williams

Keep in mind that this is the ONLY discipline that is done by grade level. All of the administration handles all other discipline.

Leave Earlies 

Students needing to leave school early must bring a note from home to the attendance office by 8:15 . The note must have a local phone number for verification.  If the parent is unavailable for a phone call during the day, he/she may call the school starting at 6:30 a.m.   Students who are to be picked up by a parent should remain in class until the office calls for the student. A  Student who drives should show his teacher the leave-early slip at the beginning of class and should remain in class until the time listed on the slip.

Discipline

Acceptable conduct at CCHS can be guided by a few simple principles; all the rules and regulations* of the school tend to fall under one or more of these principles.

The Principle of Integrity

Uprightness, honesty, and sincerity are the cornerstones of integrity.  Actions guided by this principle will be free from lying, cheating, stealing, or any other form of dishonesty.

The Principle of Mutual Respect

Each member of the CCHS community is expected to show consideration for every other member: students, teachers, administration, support staff, and parents. Mutual respect in action prevents most disreputable conduct, including class disruptions, the use of vulgar or profane language, and willful or malicious damage to property belonging to the school or to any member of its community.

The Principle of Non-violence

CCHS is committed to the peaceful resolution of conflict; keeping our school free of violence and from any form of harassment is a significant goal. There is no place at CCHS for fighting or for any form of violence or threatened violence against any person in the school community. (No knives, firearms, or any other weapon may be brought to school.)

The Principle of Proper Sexual Conduct

School is not the place for undue familiarity between members of the CCHS community. Sexual harassment in any form will not be tolerated: this includes conduct, gestures, or words of a sexual nature which interferes with community members’ work or educational opportunities.

The Principle of a Safe and Healthy Environment

The creation of a safe and healthy place in which to work and learn is a primary goal at CCHS. Safety requires no running or horseplay in the halls, stairwells, or classrooms; learning and following safety drill procedures is another measure for our well-being. No tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or drugs are allowed in any form at CCHS.

*CCHS has a lengthy and detailed Code of Discipline in place, approved by the Board of Education. Space does not permit its inclusion here; copies are available in orientation classes, from homeroom teachers, and from the guidance office.

Glossary of Consequences

Failure to guide your actions by the above principles will result in consequences. Below is a list of the methods used at CCHS to shape student behavior into acceptable avenues.

Written Penalties – Either teachers or administrators may assign written penalties in order to reinforce expected behaviors at CCHS. Penalties are usually given for minor or first offenses.

Detention – Students may stay before or after school with a teacher or principal. They may be required to complete specific tasks while in detention, or they may be allowed to work on material of their own.

In-school Suspension (ISS) – Students assigned to ISS are separated from the rest of the student body. In ISS, students work quietly and independently on assignments provided by their teachers, with no socialization in classrooms, halls, or cafeteria. Assignment to ISS for one or more days results from failure to follow school rules. Depending on the severity of the situation, the student may either be placed in Level 1 ISS or Level II ISS.

Out-of-school Suspension – Students suspended OSS are suspended from all school premises and activities and counted absent for the entire period of the suspension. OSS is prescribed for serious or repeat offenses.

Alternative School – Students committing major disciplinary offenses or who are repeat or habitual offenders may be assigned to alternative school. This is housed in a building separate from CCHS; students are provided assignments by their teachers and are counted present. Alternative school confinements may be short-term (a period of days) for less serious offenses or long-term (the rest of the semester or school year) for more serious or repeat offenses.

Prohibited Items

Students may not be in possession of the following items at school:

pocket knives           radios                                      MP-3 players, other musical devices

beepers                     firearms                                  cassette or CD players

pagers                        fireworks                                electronic games

any drugs                  mace, pepper spray   

Cell Phones:  Students are permitted to have cell phones on campus, and for the first thirty days of this school year (2010-2011) students may use their cell phones before school, between classes and during lunch. Students using phones during instructional time or during school events—i.e.—pep rallies, school assemblies, etc—will have the phone confiscated for seven days for the first offense and thirty days for each offense thereafter. Cell phones are not to be used on buses.  Cell phones are not to be visible during instructional time or school assemblies.  An employee who sees a student in possession of a cell phone or hears a student’s cell phone during class or student assemblies, that student is to be sent to the office.  A strict discipline policy will be enforced for any violation of the cell phone policy.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Bus Policy

Transportation to and from school provided by the school system is a privilege, not a right. Safety is a major concern. Obey the bus driver without argument. When riding the bus, school rules of conduct are to be followed. Be on time to your bus stop, board the bus as directed by your bus driver, and remain seated while the bus is in motion. If it is necessary for a student to ride a bus different from his regular bus, he must get prior approval from the school administration. Failure to follow bus regulations may result in suspension from the bus, and it will be the student’s and parent’s responsibility to arrange private transportation to and from school.

Dress Code

The dress code is in effect from arrival on campus until school dismissal.  Athletic uniforms are exempt from this code.  Anything in question will be at the discretion of the administration i.e., no pajamas.

Shirts/blouses should be long enough to cover the waistband of the pants, shorts, or skirts.  The staff prefers that tops be tucked in.  The student is in violation of this code if any skin around the waistline shows while the student is standing erect.    Shirts/blouses must have sleeves.  Shirts/Blouses must not be cut below the normal armpit.  Shirts/Blouses should not come below the top of the breast—the student is in violation of this code if any cleavage is visible.  Visible piercings are limited to the ear only.  Eye brow, nose, lip, etc. piercings are not permitted.  Students may wear shorts that either have at least a seven inch inseam or are no shorter than four inches above the knee.  Opaque tights and/or leggings (not transparent: skin color is unable to be detected when wearing opaque tights or leggings) may be worn beneath skirts and dresses, but skirts and dresses must be finger tip length. Skirts and dresses worn without opaque leggings or tights may be no more than four inches above the knee. Shorts or leggings may be worn beneath holey jeans, holes are allowed above the knee so long as no flesh or undergarments can be seen and the hole is not located in the crotch or seat of the pants.   Galluses (suspenders) must remain on the shoulders.  Excessively baggy pants are not permitted.  Pants must be secured at the waist, not worn below the hips; underwear must not be visible.  All necessary undergarments are to be worn and must not be visible.  Rubber flip-flops are not permitted.   Hats, caps, or other head coverings may not be worn inside the building.  Bandanas are not permitted either as clothing or as hair accessories. 

Students may not wear:

halter, midriff, or tank tops           

bike shorts   

sweat pants  

pajamas or lounge wear    

or clothes with:      

patches on or around the genital area  

suggestive pictures 

pictures of the rebel flag or of Malcolm  X 

crude, poorly worded, or suggestive language

or  alcohol, tobacco, or drug labels or symbols on them

Bell Schedules

Student ID Cards

All CCHS students must have a current identification card.  ID cards are made at the beginning of each school year; a modest fee is charged for the card.  (Lost ID’s must be replaced; the fee will again be charged to replace a lost card.)  Students should carry ID’s whenever they are on campus.    An ID is required purchasing tickets for and attending school functions.

Lockers

At the beginning of each school year, each student may be assigned a locker by his homeroom teacher.   Personal locks are not permitted. Lockers are secured by built-in combination locks; students should keep their lockers locked and their combinations private. Do not leave money or valuables in your locker; the school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.    Students are responsible for any damage (writing, stickers, dents, etc.) done to the locker assigned to them.

Student Parking

Students are permitted to drive to school only if they have a valid driver’s license and a properly registered vehicle. Vehicles may be registered and parking permits purchased in the main office; students must show their driver’s license, proof of insurance, and provide their license tag number when registering their vehicle. The parking permit (window sticker or hang tag) must be clearly visible in the vehicle any time it is on school grounds.

Student cars may be parked in the stadium parking lot only.

The lower parking lot in front of the main building is reserved for visitors and for parents dropping off their students in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon. Students’ vehicles parked in this lot will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Once a student arrives on campus, the student is to remain on campus. Students are not allowed to sit in cars before or during school; students should proceed to the building immediately upon arrival and should not return to the parking lot before the end of the school day without a note from the office.

Students’ vehicles are not to be moved from the stadium parking lot at any time during the day, except with permission of the administration.

Students leaving at any time after their arrival must have an official leave-early slip from the attendance office.

Medication

Students under prescribed medication should give the medicine to a designated person in the main office immediately upon arrival at school. The medication should be in the original prescription bottle with the student’s name and the prescribed dosage on it. A parental note should also accompany the medicine. Students report to the main office at the appropriate time to take the medicine. As far as is possible, times of medicine should be arranged to coincide with class breaks.

Non-discrimination

It is the policy of the Cocke County School System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational program, activities, or employment as required by Titles VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Acts, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Visitors

Except on occasions such as school programs, athletic events, open house, and similar public events, all visitors will report to the school office when entering the school and will sign a log book. Authorization to visit elsewhere in the building or on the school campus will be determined by the administration. Visitor passes shall be issued for persons other than students and employees of the school. The school’s administration has the authority to exclude from the premises any visitors who are potential disrupters of any teacher(s), student(s), or the educational process.

Telephone Use

Outgoing Calls

If a student becomes ill and must call home during class, he/she must visit the school nurse and have an appropriate hall pass from them to call home.  In order to leave early due to illness, students must sign out in the attendance office, and the parent or guardian must come to the attendance office to pick up the student.

Incoming Calls

Students will not be called out of class to answer the phone except in an emergency.  Of course, all phone calls from parents are considered important. Therefore, a message will be taken by a member of the office staff and delivered to the student as soon as possible. 

CCHS has an automated answering system.  Please dial 623-8718 and listen for prompts to contact the department of your choosing, or if you are trying to reach your counselor, please call 623-4010.

Information Guide

If you have questions about:                                                Contact:  

Annual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Brawley

Class Schedules, College/Career Information . . . . . . . . . Counseling Office  

Driver’s License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Hawk or Mike Proffitt

Absences/Tardies/Leave Earlies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attendance Office

ID Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Office

Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homeroom Teacher  

                                                         Transfer Students see Asst. Principal O’Neil

Lost and Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Officer Cutshaw

Parking, Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Office

Important Telephone Numbers

Adult High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .613-0032

Alternative School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625-9768

Board of Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .623-7821

CCHS

            Main Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623-8718

            Counseling Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623-4010

            Counseling Office Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623-0077               

            Main Office Fax .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623-1213

Vocational School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .623-6072

                                                                                       (fax)      623-6070