Student/Parent Handbook

VISION STATEMENT

Growing Students – Building Futures

At Ocoee Middle School, we are committed to the highest levels of teaching and learning where.....

Students:
● Are secure and cared for by teachers, staff, peers, and administrators
● Are actively engaged and held accountable for their own academic success
● Are responsible for their role in creating a positive school culture

Teachers:
● Strive to meet the academic as well as non-academic needs of the whole child
● Utilize technology and other resources efficiently to improve instruction
● Are consistent in implementing school procedures and policies

Parents:
● Feel welcome in the school
● Share responsibility for their student’s academic success
● Have pride and confidence in their student’s experience at OMS

The School Organization:
● Nurtures a challenging, positive, and highly engaging culture within the building
● Provides clear and appropriate policies, expectations, procedures, and consequences
● Provides engaging learning opportunities to meet the needs of each student

IMPORTANT PARENT INFORMATION

• Rising 7th graders must have the TDAP and Chicken Pox booster shots before starting school.

  • Students will not receive a schedule if shots are not up-to-date.

  • Students can acquire a schedule by showing an appointment card for the boosters.

  • Shot records will be reviewed at the end of the second week of school, and any student who has not followed through on getting the shots will not be allowed to attend school. All absences due to this will be considered unexcused and may result in a campus court assignment.

• Students attending OMS who are zoned for another school will be evaluated annually. If there are any issues involving academic performance, attendance, and/or discipline, students may lose their privilege of attending OMS.

• Parents may schedule a teacher conference at any time during the year by calling the Guidance Office at 476-0630.

• Drop-in teacher/parent conferences will be scheduled in the fall and spring semesters.

• Parents will be receiving an OMS Principal’s Newsletter several times during the year to keep them informed of activities and events at the school.

• Parents can check the school website, oms.bradleyschools.org, daily for important announcements.

• Parents are encouraged to join the PTO, Athletic Boosters, Choir Boosters, and/or Band Boosters. You can also become involved as a Parent Volunteer. If you are interested, watch for announcements or call the school office for more information.

• Parents and students are encouraged to make after-school plans prior to the student’s departure in the morning so that the student and class will not have to be interrupted during the school day.

• Parents transporting students to and from school should drop off and pick up students in the designated locations on campus. Local businesses have said not to use their property for picking up or dropping off students.

• No students are to leave campus during afternoon dismissal without a walking pass. Students who live within walking distance of OMS or who have a parent who works within walking distance will be issued a walking pass by application.

• Students should be picked up no later than 30 minutes after school is dismissed each afternoon. Students can be charged with a tardy and disciplinary action can be taken for repeat offenses.

• Please see the school calendar for 2025-2026 for important dates.

• For abbreviated days, OMS will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. This is a change from previous years.

First Day of school: Each student will be given or directed to an online student handbook that will include Attendance Policy information, a description of the Truancy Plan, Attendance Procedures, and the link to find the full documents.

Tier 1:
Notification: Student Handbook Consequences: Tier 1 of the progressive truancy plan shall apply to all students within the district and include schoolwide prevention-oriented supports to assist with satisfactory attendance.

These supports shall include, but are not limited to:
1. Notification of attendance expectations through Student Handbooks.
2. Making parents and students aware when a student has three (3) unexcused absences and the consequences of having five (5) unexcused absences.
3. Five (5) unexcused absences will result in being placed in Tier 2
 

Tier 2:
Violation: Tier 2 of the Progressive Truancy Plan shall be implemented after the student accumulates five (5) unexcused absences, but before referral to juvenile court, and includes the following:
1. A conference with the student and the student's parent(s)/guardian(s);
2. An attendance contract, based on the conference, signed by the student, the parent(s)/guardian(s), and
an attendance supervisor or designee. The contract shall include:
A specific description of the school's attendance expectations for the student;
The period for which the contract is effective; and Penalties for additional absences and alleged school offenses, including additional disciplinary action and potential referral to juvenile court; and
3. Regularly scheduled follow-up meetings to discuss the student's progress.
4. A school employee shall conduct an individualized assessment detailing the reasons a student has been absent from school. The employee may refer the student to counseling, community-based services, or other services to address the student's attendance problems.

If a student accumulates an additional unexcused absence in violation of the attendance contract in Tier II, the
student will be subject to Tier 3.

Tier 3:
Violation: Tier 3 shall be implemented if the truancy interventions under Tier 2 are unsuccessful. Tier 3 shall consist of interventions recommended through Bradley County Juvenile Campus Court. Campus Court will review the case with the family and make appropriate referrals for services. The interventions shall address student's needs in an age-appropriate manner. Finalized plans shall be approved by the Director of Schools/designee.

For more information on the Progressive Truancy Plan, refer to policy 6.200 and TCA 49-6-3009.
Also, failure to cooperate, the case will proceed to Juvenile Court.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
 

In an effort to foster the growth of student responsibility, Ocoee Middle requires all students, upon their return to school, to provide a written notice of absence which explains to the Attendance Director the parameters of their absence (doctor’s note - sick, funeral, parent note – out of town, etc.). It is the responsibility of the parent/student to make certain each absence note is provided to either the attendance department or the main office the morning of the student’s return to school.

Students at Ocoee Middle School will follow the following procedures in regards to any attendance issue:

Any student who has missed any amount of school (check-in late, check-out early, all day absence) should report to the main office upon their arrival back to school in order to turn in their notice of absence (Parent note,
Doctor note, etc.).

Students may not check out during the last 15 minutes of their school day.

Ocoee Middle School maintains the following guidelines in regards to student body attendance:

Students have (3) days per semester that can be excused with a parent note.

Students do not receive a limit on the number of doctor’s notes that may be used. Students are strongly urged to use doctor’s notes in order to preserve parent notes for emergencies.

Students who are involved in approved school related activities that require them to miss school time will not be counted as absent from school.

In order to be counted as present for the day students must be present for three (3) hours and sixteen (16) minutes of the school day. Students who do not meet this requirement either through early dismissal or late check in will be given a full day absence on their attendance report.

Limited access to medical care – In circumstances that involve students who have limited access to medical care, please be advised that students who are checked out of school by our school nurse will be considered excused by a doctor’s note. Our nurse will make a determination if a student is able to attend school or may be excused to be checked out for the day. Please consider this option when considering whether or not to hold a student out for the day.

Local Board Policies for Excused Absences – Our local Board of Education, along with the State Board of Education, has also determined other absences that are considered excused forms of absences. The absences are described in the Bradley County Board of Education Policy Manual.

TARDY TO CLASS - Tardy to class is a disciplinary issue. Students are expected and required to be in class on time. Classroom teachers may impose discipline for being tardy, including an office referral for repeat offenders.

PERSONAL TRIPS - Students who schedule extended personal/family trips will be required to check with the Attendance Director in regards to the number of parent note days remaining before having a planned extended absence. All absences from school (including personal trips) not covered by a doctor’s note or other Board approved allowances will be counted toward the student’s total unexcused absences. Any absence(s) above the allowable number of parent notes will count as an unexcused absence. Students should make arrangements with their teachers to gather any work that will be missed by this extended absence.

Ocoee Middle School believes students should have every opportunity to recover academic assignments that have been missed due to school absences. It is the student’s responsibility in conjunction with the teacher to determine what assignments and tests have been missed and to make arrangements for making up such coursework and assessments.
 

Excused/Unexcused Makeup:
The number of school days allowed to complete the work upon return to school, shall be equal to the number of days absent.

Suspension Make Up:
If a student is suspended one (1) to five (5) days the student will have two (2) school days upon return to complete make-up work. If a student is suspended six (6) to ten (10) days the student will have four (4) school days upon return to complete make-up work.

In order to foster better communication and to provide parents with up-to-date information on the attendance
of their child, Ocoee Middle School employs the use of the Finalsite Automated Phone Service. This service
provides parents with information concerning their child’s attendance. Parents receiving automated calls to
notify of a student’s absence are not required to call the school back.

Bradley County Schools - Messenger XR Enterprise - Opt Out/Opt In

Users can opt out of:

Phone calls: Call the Finalsite Phone Hotline at "855-502-STOP (855-502-7867)".

Text (SMS) messages: Reply STOP to any Finalsite system text or to "60680" for non-emergency messages. Reply STOP to "54968" to opt out of emergency messages.

Emails: Click the unsubscribe link in any email they receive.

Users can opt back into:

Phone calls: Call the Finalsite Phone Hotline at "855-502-STOP (855-502-7867)" from the phone line that has been opted out.

Text (SMS) messages: Reply START to "60680" from the phone line that has been opted out for non-emergency messages. Reply START to "54968" for emergency messages.

In partnership with the Juvenile Court, OMS will establish a service of Campus Court Hearings. A legal referee will be appointed by the Juvenile Judge empowered with all authority to determine appropriate measures to punish and rehabilitate students. Charge of Truancy excessive absences will result in the order to attend Juvenile Campus Court. Parents are required to attend. Most sessions occur from 9:00-12:00 on a given school day.

For the safety of all students, the person checking a student out must present proper identification at the time of student check-out. There are no exemptions from this policy. All checkouts must be made through the front office, and in person. Please remember that during busy times, it may take several minutes for the check-out process.

Calls to the office to notify of a student’s absence for that day is not necessary. Parents who call in to explain an absence must also provide written notice for the excuse when the student returns to school. Written notices are required for each absence and will be kept on file in the attendance office for the school year. Students are required to obtain all makeup work from their teachers when they return to school after an absence. Any student who does not obtain their makeup work promptly may be limited in the opportunity they have to obtain their missed work.

● Parents may email any notice of absence (parent note, doctor note, etc.) at any time to jwillcutt@bradleyschools.org. Parents may also fax in any notice of absence to 476-0588. Please make sure all notes include the student’s name, date of excused absence, and any other information deemed necessary.
● Doctor’s notes that have been altered (written over, marked out, white-out, etc.) will not be accepted.
Please ask for a clean note from the Doctor’s office.

GRADING SYSTEM

90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
Below 60 = F

At Ocoee Middle, we are proud of our outstanding academic tradition. We promote this tradition by listing the GOLD HONOR ROLL each nine weeks for students with A’s in each subject. Students listed on the SILVER HONOR ROLL have an overall A average with no grade below a B. This group of students will receive special rewards each grading period for this achievement.

Colt Scholars Program

• To be a Colt Scholar, the student must have an overall average of 90 or above in each class for the year, with no grade below a B in any grading period.
• The average of the student is taken from the first 3 grading periods.
• The average in each subject must be earned by the student; teachers are not to give extra credit after the 3rd nine weeks grades are averaged.
• Students may be excluded from the honors program based on disciplinary reasons at the discretion of the administration.

Colt Corral Club
An honors club for 8th-grade students who make an A in each subject (straight A’s) during all three years.
● Student must maintain 95% yearly attendance.
● Student must take at least one honors class each school year while at OMS.
● Student must have no out-of-school suspensions.
● Student must earn at least 10 hours of school/ community service.
● Student must be involved in leadership activities: clubs, sports, or fine arts programs (band, choir, or drama).
● Student must exhibit good character in both the school community and community at large.

Ocoee Middle School follows Bradley County Board of Education Policy 4.603 and uses said guidelines for decisions related to retention.

All students will be issued an identification card. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with his/her card. The card will be scanned for breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria and in the library for check-out purposes. A lost card will be replaced at a $5 cost to the student.

Students who are outside their class after the tardy bell are expected to have a hall pass. Students who are tardy without a hall pass will receive an Out of Area violation. Refer to the Discipline section of the Handbook for more information.

A registered nurse is stationed on campus to assist students for the following reasons:
● becomes ill or injured at school
● MUST take medication at school
● Has a medical problem that pertains to school hours

The school nurse does not diagnose illnesses or injuries. She will work closely with parents/guardians to determine when a student needs to be checked out due to illness/injury arising at school. Therefore, students should not use cell phones to communicate illness or injury to parent.

Parents/guardians should have injuries and illnesses that occur after school hours or at home treated by their private medical doctor. If your child has a special medical problem of which the school needs to be aware, please call and make an appointment with the School Nurse.

Hall Passes to Nurse - Students must have their Agenda before they can go see the nurse. No one is to come to the nurse’s office between classes without a signed Agenda, unless it is an emergency.

Checking Out Through the Nurse’s Office - All students wanting to check out because of an illness or injury must check out through the nurse’s office. Students are not to check out by using a cell phone or office telephone. Students will not be allowed to check out during homeroom or the first or last class period of the day, unless it is an emergency. The nurse is only allowed to call a legal parent/guardian to pick up a student. Written consent must be on file in the main office if another person can be called.

The following is in accordance with the State of Tennessee and the Bradley County Board of Education, and are the procedures for the transportation and administration of medication.

● Medication shall be administered only when the student’s health requires that it be given during school hours.
● It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to bring this medication to school and remove any unused medication when treatment is complete. Students are not permitted to transport medication to and from school.
● All prescription medication must be brought to school in the original container. The pharmacy label must include the name of the student, prescription number, name of the medication, dosage, administration route or other directions, date, licensed prescriber’s name, pharmacy name, address and phone number.
● All non-prescription medication must be brought to school in the original manufacturer’s labeled container with the ingredients listed and the child’s name affixed to the container.
● No more than one month’s supply of any medication should be brought to school.
● If a student will be using an inhaler at school, a parent/guardian must fill out an authorization form.
● If the parent/guardian cannot be present to administer the medication to their child, an
● authorization form must be filled out giving the school nurse permission to administer the medication.
● All authorization forms must be updated at the beginning of the current school year.
● Students who bring cough drops must have a note from parents and be able to produce it upon request.

Student items delivered during the school day must be delivered to the main office and will be delivered to students at the end of the school day. Any sports or after school activity equipment should be delivered to the activity location after school, and will not be delivered to students during the school day.

Visitors are not allowed on campus unless they have been given permission from the main office. Parents desiring to meet with a teacher should call or report to the office and schedule a conference. Approved visitors will be issued an official visitor pass from the office.

Lockers are assigned to each student. For their own protection, students are asked NOT to share locker combinations with others. Lockers are property of the school system and no rights of privacy exist for the locker or its contents.

Textbooks for each class are furnished by the Bradley County Board of Education. The teacher is responsible to see that all books are returned at the end of the school year. Once a textbook or library book is issued to a student, it will be the sole responsibility of that student. The student will be responsible for payment of lost, stolen or damaged books.

The Bradley County Board of Education supports the right of staff and students to have reasonable access to various information formats. Students will be given appropriate instruction in internet safety as part of any instruction utilizing computer resources. All students will be expected to sign a device contract and acceptable use policy before utilizing school technology.

No student will be allowed to use the office telephones unless there is an emergency. Arrangements for going home with friends, car riders, staying late or other similar situations should be made before leaving home.

In reference to Bradley County BOE Policy 6.312 – Use of Personal Communication and Electronic Devices
● Students are prohibited from using cell phones during school hours.
● Students may only use their cell phones prior to the bell to begin school and after the bell to dismiss school.
● Once homeroom or the first official class has begun, cell phones must be turned off and in the student’s locker or backpack.
● Specific medical permission must be granted by school administrators and the school nurse.
● If the cell phone is used before/after school, students must abide by the Bradley County Schools’ Device Acceptable Use Policy. Any cell phone usage that violates policy or results in a disruption to the school environment is subject to investigation by school administration and possible disciplinary action.
● Ear buds may be used with direct teacher permission.
● In the event of illness or injury, parent contacts must be made by the school nurse.

Violation of the procedures as outlined above will result in the following action:
●1st Offense: Confiscation of the cell phone by an administrator, teacher, or other school employee. The incident will be documented, and parents will be contacted. The student may pick up the cell
phone at the end of the school day.

●2nd Offense: Confiscation of the cell phone by an administrator, teacher, or other school employee. The incident will be documented, and parents will be contacted. Parent/guardian may pick up the cell
phone at the end of the school day.

● 3rd Offense: Retention of the cell phone for thirty (30) calendar days. The parent/guardian must pick up the phone.
● Additional Offenses: Parent conferences, student contract, other disciplinary actions (including the student losing cell phone privileges while at school)

● Any student refusing to give the phone to a school staff member when requested will receive appropriate school-level discipline, will be issued a Bradley County Juvenile Court citation and will lose cell phone privileges for the remainder of the school year.

Sexting, the electronic transmission or “reception and retention” of pornographic pictures, if found on a device in the possession of a student on school property or at a school-related event, will result in a thorough investigation by school administration and the School Resource Officer. Appropriate discipline will be assigned to all parties. Sexting events that occur off campus are subject to review by school officials to determine whether or not bullying or harassment is involved.
Bradley County Schools will not be responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of cell phones or other communication and electronic devices.

Guidance Services include:
● Personal/social counseling
● Academic counseling
● Educational planning
● Career exploration and/or planning
Appointments can be made by the parent contacting the guidance department, or by the student coming to the Guidance Department before homeroom, between classes, or after school. If a counselor is not available, leave your name with the Guidance Secretary. Students who have appointments will be given an appointment slip by one of the counselors. The student must check with the teacher during whose class the appointment falls and have the appointment slip signed.

No schedule changes will be made without administrative approval. If you wish to have a change in your related arts schedule, please contact the grade level Guidance Counselor within the first full week of the semester.

Students who have been assigned In-School Suspension, 3 or more days of related arts in-school suspension, Out of School Suspension, a juvenile petition/citation or have been referred to Campus Court will not be allowed to attend dances during the semester of the violation.

• Only students currently attending OMS will be allowed to attend dances.
• Dance tickets must be purchased before the night of the dance.
• Students must arrive within the first 30 minutes of the dance or they will not be admitted.
• Tickets must be presented at the door in order to enter.
• After the dance begins, students will not be allowed to leave until the dance ends unless accompanied by a parent.
• Any student causing a disturbance will be asked to call a parent and leave.
• Students may not attend if they are absent on the day of a dance.
• Inappropriate behavior (lewd dancing, noncompliance of OMS rules, etc.) or inappropriate dress will result in students being dismissed from the dance.
• Students should be picked up within 30 minutes of dance dismissal.

** If a student becomes ineligible for the dance after purchasing a ticket, no refund will be given by Ocoee Middle School.

Participation in extracurricular activities is dependent upon remaining in good standing in attendance, academics, and behavior. Each club, group, or sport will communicate expectations for membership.

Athletics at Ocoee Middle School follow and adhere to all guidelines of the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association (TMSAA) guidelines. Please refer to individual athletic team guidelines for specific information in addition to the TMSAA policies.

All backpacks and personal carry bags must be kept in the locker during the school day unless specific permission is given by a staff member.

Before School Procedures: 

Supervision is provided at 7:30 a.m. and parents should not leave students prior to this time.
Students are to report immediately to their homeroom class or to the cafeteria for breakfast.
Once on the campus, students are not allowed to leave to go to neighboring businesses.

After School Procedures: 

In the afternoon, Bus Riders are dismissed from their classrooms. Car riders should report immediately to their
designated pick-up area.
While waiting on the buses or parents/guardians in the afternoon, students are not to leave campus and then
return. Students will be cited for leaving school at any time without permission and will be subject to a Juvenile
Court Citation.

Searches and Interrogations (Bradley County Board Policy JCAB)

FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE, ALL AREAS OF THE OCOEE MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS ARE SUBJECT TO
ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE.

Students may be questioned by teachers or principals about any matters pertaining to the operation of school and the enforcement of its rules. For actions for which a student is accused of having committed in the school during school hours and on school property, the administration may interrogate the student without parents present and without giving the student constitutional warning. Any principal, or his designee, having reasonable cause for a search, may search any student, place or thing on school property. This may occur during an organized school activity, on or off campus, including buses. Students may be subject to physical searches
because of information received concerning a violation of school policy.

End-of-Year Field Trips

Students and parents will receive information regarding grade-level reward field trips including cost and requirements.
Students may become ineligible for the trip for one or more of the following reasons:
● Juvenile Petition or Citation
● Out-of-school suspension
● 2 or more days of in-school suspension
● 3 or more days of related arts in-school suspension
● Campus Court referral (attendance)
● Failing grade for any class by the end of the 3rd quarter

Ineligible students may appeal to become eligible. The appeal form and process will be explained to the student by the grade-level principal.

**If a student becomes ineligible for the field trip after payment is made, no refunds will be issued by Ocoee
Middle School.

The following standards must be met in order to satisfy dress code requirements:

• All tops must cover the abdomen, back, shoulders, and cleavage at all times.
• Tops must have a minimum three-inch sleeve and cannot advertise, advocate, or display alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal substances, profanity, or sexual innuendos. Any inflammatory language or pictures of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• Bottoms must approach the knee.
• Any holes, rips, or tears which show skin in jeans or other acceptable bottoms must be below the knee.
• Sweatpants, sleepwear, and loungewear do not meet dress code standards and are not allowed.
• Skin tight items such as leggings, tights, or yoga pants may only be worn beneath appropriate length tops or dresses that are approaching knee length.
• All headwear must be removed upon entering the building. This includes all hats and hoods.
• Unacceptable items include, but are not limited to items with a low neckline and items with see-through material.
• Sagging, bagging, flagging, or any other sign of gang identification or paraphernalia is not acceptable..
• Visible body piercings other than in the ear are prohibited.
• Unnatural hair color deemed to be a distraction to the learning environment is prohibited.
• Any items worn by a student that can be considered a disruption to the learning environment may be asked to be changed or removed by OMS staff.

If a student refuses to comply with the dress code standards, disciplinary action may be taken.

Each student will be assigned a time to eat and a designated zone for seating. All seating zones will follow the
procedures listed below:

• Upon arrival, enter a serving line as directed by the teacher/monitor.
• Move quickly through the line and purchase your lunch. We have a computer system and each student will have an account. Money can be deposited into your account online.
• Upon exiting the line, you are to move to your designated zone and sit at the next seat available.
• Students are not to take food or drink from the cafeteria.
• Students must remain seated at all times.
• Remember that the cafeteria duty teacher is in charge at all times.
• Food and drinks from outside restaurants are not to be brought to the cafeteria.
• Snacks are not to be bought by students for others.

In Bradley County Schools, we are dedicated to providing safe and dependable bus transportation for your child. Safety is our highest priority. School bus drivers are required to maintain training standards and procedures for bus safety operations. Students, whether they ride the bus daily or only on occasional field trips, must abide by rules of conduct designed to ensure safety. Bus transportation provided by the Bradley County Board of Education is a privilege, not a right. Time on the bus is considered an extension of the school day. Therefore, just as we expect appropriate behavior in the classroom, we expect appropriate behavior on the bus. Please discuss
this information with your child. Your cooperation will enable Bradley County Schools to provide the safest
environment possible for our students.

Notice: Video and audio recording devices are used on Bradley County buses.

The following rules should be observed on the bus:

● Obey the bus driver; follow the driver’s first request.
● Be on time at the designated bus stop.
● The bus driver may assign seats.
● No food, drink, or gum on the bus; no littering.
● Always keep hands and feet inside the bus.
● Loud, rude, abusive, or profane language is not permitted.
● Possession and/or use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs are prohibited in any form.
● Do not destroy property. Parents will be financially responsible for any act of vandalism. Students will remain suspended from riding the bus until damages are paid.
● Do not tamper with or use emergency exits of the bus unless authorized to do so.
● Do not raise/lower windows without permission.
● Refrain from asking the driver to stop at places other than designated stops.
● Remain in your seat while the bus is in motion.
● Bring a signed note from your parent/guardian if you wish to change your normal routine of transportation. Approval must be made by the school administration.
● Bus drivers should be given the same respect for authority on their bus as a classroom teacher receives in class.

Bus drivers will make a written report of violations to the principal or his/her designee. The principal (or designee) will investigate and determine appropriate consequences. Only the principal (or designee) may reduce or suspend a student’s bus-riding privilege. Please refer to the Bradley County Board of Education Policy for additional information.

Terry McElhaney, Director of Transportation , Bradley County Schools Transportation Dept. 

800 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN 37323 

Phone: 423.665.4060 

The plan for discipline at OMS involves student behavior in the classroom and school in general. The plan for the classroom is as follows:

● Be prompt and prepared for class every day.
● Bring textbooks, pencils, paper, and a POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
● Be attentive and stay on task regardless of what others are doing. Focus your attention upon your teacher. Remain in your seat; do not write personal notes or daydream.
● Be respectful with all behavior. Use good manners. Display daily appreciation and respect for your teachers and fellow students.

Remember the Golden Rule: DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.

● Be cooperative rather than argumentative. Obey the teacher’s first request. Arguing with a teacher only builds small problems into great ones. Talk with teachers privately and calmly if you feel you have a concern.
● Be prepared to stay in class. Hall passes will be given by teachers at their discretion. Trips to the restroom, locker, water fountain, and nurse will be limited to emergency situations.
● Complete all assignments promptly. This includes work missed due to excused absences. Most students don’t fail, they just fail to try.

The school expects students to do the following:
● Students should stay on school grounds upon exiting their car or bus. The parking lots are off-limits without teacher approval. Students should report to classes as scheduled throughout the day.
● No buying, selling, or trading of items at school is allowed unless it is an official school fund drive.
● Public displays of affection will not be permitted on campus.
● Only emergency calls will be communicated to students during the day. Parents should refrain from calling unless absolutely necessary.

The administration will utilize several approaches to discipline here at OMS. The methods available include writing assignments, detention, class suspension, Saturday school, suspension, juvenile court citations, and campus court. Each of these options will be used at the judgment of the administration and faculty and are endorsed by the laws of the State of Tennessee and the Bradley County Board of Education.
Detention - Students will be assigned detention to be served in the teacher’s room during lunch time. A teacher will supervise a time of isolated study. Students are to bring their work and sit silently for the entire detention period. Multiple detentions may be assigned according to misbehavior.
In-School Suspension - Assignment to ISS will be made by the administration. The principal or assistant principal places students for failure to abide by school rules of conduct. Parents will be notified by phone and/or a copy of the behavior referral will be sent home with the student.
Juvenile Citation Program - In partnership with the Juvenile Court, OMS participates in the Juvenile Citation Program. On campus disciplinary violations including, but not limited to, truancy; unauthorized absence from class; leaving campus without permission; and use or possession of tobacco products may result in the use of the Juvenile Citation.

1st Violation—Citation Warning + One Day of ISS
2nd Violation— Juvenile Citation ($50 fine)
3rd Violation—Juvenile Citation + Suspension
Any additional offenses will be handled through the School Resource Officer.

Out-of-School Suspension - According to state law, students may be suspended for the following reasons:
● Attendance related absenteeism
● Immoral, disrespectful
● Violence, threatened violence
● Fighting among students
● Willful damage to property
● Possession or use of alcoholic beverages
● Possession or use of drugs
● Theft, extortion, gambling
● Possession or use of tobacco
● Possession or use of firearms
● Possession or use of dangerous weapons
● Immunization related
● Conduct prejudicial to good order

Alcohol/Drugs (Bradley County Board Policy)
No student shall use, possess, give, exchange, transfer or be under the influence of any narcotic drugs, amphetamine, barbiturate, hallucinogenic drug, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant of any kind or fake drug. Intoxication from abuse of prescription drugs shall be considered a violation as well. (from Tennessee Code Annotated)

Any violation of the drug/alcohol policy which occurs on school property during and immediately before or after school hours; or on school property when school is being used by a club or group; or on school property such as school buses or other transportation; or at any school-sponsored function on or off campus shall result in the following consequences. Students who say they found a substance or are holding it for someone else have absolutely no excuse. If you find a substance or someone gives it to you to “keep” for them, take it immediately to the office or to your teacher. Violation of this policy will result in application of the zero-tolerance policy (a 365 calendar day suspension from date of offense).
Students who bring or unlawfully possess a drug or a dangerous weapon onto a school bus, onto school property or to any school event or activity. 39-17-422 T.C.A.

Any student who while on a school bus, or school property or while attending any school event or activity:
(A) unlawfully possesses a drug or dangerous weapon; or
(B) commits battery on a teacher, or other employee of the school.

Possession of Weapon and Dangerous Instrument (Bradley County Board Policy JCBF)
 

Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, use or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or grounds at any time or in school vehicles and/or buses, off the school grounds at a school sponsored activity, function or event. Students are further forbidden to use instruments or substances such as chemicals, pencils, scissors, razors, compasses or chains when used or attempted to use in a manner making these items dangerous and harmful.

Violation of this policy shall result in suspension to the custody of parents/guardians with the duration of the suspension to last for 365 days (1 year).

Possession of Tobacco (Bradley County Board Policy JCBC)
 

Students enrolled in OMS shall not possess, smoke, use or consume tobacco or tobacco products (This includes e-cigs and Vapes) at any time while on school premises or in any school provided vehicle or while participating in any school sponsored activity regardless of location.

Possession or use any of the above will result in the following disciplinary actions:
1st Offense- 3 days of ISS + juvenile citation & required vape education class through Bradley County Juvenile Court (attendance in class will take away the citation)
2nd Offense- 2 days of OSS + 1 day of ISS + juvenile citation & required vape education class through Bradley County Juvenile Court (class will NOT take away the citation)
3rd Offense- 3 days of OSS + juvenile petition

This policy does not start over each school year.

Violence/Fighting - Ocoee Middle School does not tolerate fighting and/or violent physical or verbal behavior. Students are expected to respect themselves, fellow students, all faculty, staff, and administration. There is no place allowed in our school community for verbal or physical violence and assaults. When a student places his or her hands on another student, a violation of their personal space begins. The degree to which this violence occurs will determine the student’s assigned discipline. Students engaging in verbal threats and profanities to one another will receive punishment ranging from in-school suspension to suspension. Physical attacks toward another student may result in an immediate suspension.

Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), an LEA must provide notice to parents of the types of student information that it releases publicly. This type of student information, commonly referred to as "directory information," includes such items as names, addresses, and telephone numbers and is information generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The notice must include an explanation of a paren right to request that the information not be disclosed without prior written consent.
Additionally, ESSA requires that parents be notified that the school routinely discloses names, addresses, and telephone numbers to military recruiter upon request, subject to a parent's request not to disclose such information without written consent [§8025].
A single notice provided through a mailing, student handbook, or other method that is reasonably calculated to inform parents of the above informati sufficient to satisfy the parental notification requirements of both FERPA and ESSA. The notification must advise the parent of how to opt out of the public, nonconsensual disclosure of directory information and the method and timeline within which to do so [20 U.S.C. 1232g] [ESEA §8025].

All children can learn. Some may need extra help.
How do I know if my child needs extra help?

ALL children grow and develop at different rates. A problem in one or two of the skill areas described may not be serious, but it is important to be certain. There is a link to the Developmental Chart in the top right corner of screen of standard developmental skills. The sooner the delay in development is discovered, the sooner help can be offered. Screening is the first step in identifying children who may need special services.

Are you concerned about your child exhibiting any of the following characteristics:

• Slow development
• Difficulty with seeing or hearing
• Difficulty with moving
• Long-term health problems
• Difficulty with speaking
• Difficulty with getting along with others
• Advanced academic talent

Bradley County Schools will provide free screenings to assess skills in:

• body coordination
• self-help
• knowledge/concepts/creativity
• speech/language
• getting along with others
• vision/hearing

If your son/daughter needs extra help, it is imperative he/she receive the necessary assistance at the earliest possible date. Early intervention yields the most positive outcome.

If a student is required to take medication during school hours and the parent cannot come to the school to administer the medicine, then the school nurse will give medicine under the following certain guidelines:

The parent/legal guardian is required to deliver the medication to the school nurse and sign a district medication form.
Medication that is to be taken 1 to 3 times per day is to be given at home unless physician order states a specific time during school hours.
Do not send medications on the bus or into school with a student. All medication must be brought in by an adult in the original prescription container labeled with the following typed information:

• Student’s name
• Name of medication
• Time(s) to be administered
• Dosage
• Route or directions for use
• Approximate duration of use
• Physician’s name
• Date
• Pharmacy name, address, phone number

A non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication must also be accompanied by the medication form and in the original container with the ingredients listed for the medication. The parent must provide the same type information as that of the prescription drugs (dates, times, dosage, etc.).

The only non-prescription (over the counter) medications allowed to be given at school without a medical doctor’s order are Tylenol, Ibuprofen, TUMS, cough drops, and Benadryl (for allergic reactions only).

Over the counter medications combined cannot be provided to student more than twice a week without a physician’s order.

No medications will be given an hour before dismissal.

No more than 1 month’s supply of any medication should be brought to school.

If a student needs to self-carry an emergency medication at school, a parent/legal guardian must come in and fill out the required authorization form along with supplying a physician’s order. Self-carry requires a school nurse evaluation and may be denied due to safety concerns.

Any changes in medication must be accompanied by a new form and a new label indicating the changes. A faxed or hard copy physician’s order to change the administration of a drug is required.

A parent/guardian must pick up all medication by the last full day of school. Any medication left in the nurse’s office after the last full day of school will be destroyed.

Above and beyond the school registration form, it is the parent/legal guardian’s responsibility to notify the school nurse of any medical problems. All medical and authorization forms must be updated at the beginning of each school year.

School personnel and employees cannot be responsible for the adequacy of prescribed medications or medical treatments recommended by physicians or related medical professionals and/or supplied by pharmacist or other sources outside of the school and, therefore, will assume no responsibility for the effects of such medications or treatments upon students.

Please do not send your student to school if they are exhibiting the following symptoms: a temperature of 100.0 or greater, vomiting, or diarrhea. They must be 24 hours’ symptom free without medication to return to class.

Parents/legal guardians will be required to pick up their student from school if their student presents with the following: temperature 100 or greater, vomiting, excessive diarrhea, live head lice, live bed bugs, or per nursing assessment.

Toileting assistance requires a physician’s order related to a medical condition. Parents/legal guardians will be called to the school to assist with toileting if no current medical documentation is on file.

Students must have a pass given by their teacher before they can see the school nurse. No one is to come to the nurse’s office in between classes without a pass unless it is an emergency.

All students needing to check out because of an illness or injury must do so through the nurse’s office. The nurse is only allowed to call a legal parent/guardian to pick up a student. Written consent must be on file with attendance if another person may be called. Students are not to check out for any medical reason by using the office telephone or cell phones.

Should a student be injured during the school day or with a school-sponsored activity, an accident report must be filed with the school nurse for school accident insurance to be used.

ALLERGIES: Please note all student allergies on the registration form. In accordance with the TN Department of Education and the TN Department of Health guidelines, Bradley County Schools will adhere to procedures for Life-Threatening Allergies. A documented diagnosis is required for an individual student health plan. Bradley County Schools will not serve peanut butter in the Child Nutrition Program. Students are not to trade or share snacks or food. Students are encouraged to practice hand-washing and self-advocacy.

Per school discretion, all outside food for school events or classroom parties must be store bought with ingredients/nutrition label listed. Please check with your school principal and or school nurse to confirm whether store bought foods can be brought in for school related occasions.

Floral deliveries or latex balloons are per school discretion due to extreme allergies. Please check with your school principal and or school nurse to confirm whether floral deliveries or latex balloons are permitted.

IMMUNIZATIONS: No students entering school, including those entering Kindergarten, Middle or High School, those from out-of-state and those from nonpublic schools, will be permitted to enroll (or attend) without proof of immunization, as determined by the Commissioner of Public Health. It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to have their children immunized and to provide such proof on the state required immunization certificate to the principal and or school nurse which the student is to attend. Exceptions, in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, will be granted to any child whose parent or guardian shall file with school authorities a signed, written statement that such measures conflict with his/her religious tenets and practices; or due to medical reasons if such child has a written statement from his/her doctor excusing him from such immunization. Proof of exceptions will be in writing and filed in the same manner as other immunization records

BRADLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Bradley County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.

It is also the policy of this district that 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 diversity found in our county and an awareness of the rights, duties and responsibilities of each individual as members of a pluralistic society. Inquiries regarding compliance with these requirements may be directed to the Section 504, Title VI, Title IX and ADA Coordinators of the Bradley County School System at 476-0620 or to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S.
Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

Discrimination/Harassment Policy - Student discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated. Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words either written or spoken of a sexual, racial, ethnic or religious nature which:
● Unreasonably interferes with the student’s work or educational opportunities; or
● Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment.

PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT WITHDRAWALS/TRANSFERS

Normal procedure on the student’s last day at OMS:
● Students and a parent/guardian must go to guidance before the school day begins to obtain a
withdrawal form.
● Student should take withdrawal form to each class throughout the day. When books are returned and
accounts are clear (including cafeteria & library) the teacher will initial and give withdrawal grade.
● The student will bring the withdrawal form back to guidance during the last period of the day. The
student will be given a copy of the withdrawal form providing all books are returned and accounts are
clear.
This procedure permits students to enroll elsewhere with transfer grades.

TRANSFER OPTION FOR STUDENT VICTIMIZED BY VIOLENT CRIME AT SCHOOL

Under the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is a victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111(g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided and opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district. Additional information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting the grade-level supervisor.

Mr. Todd Shoemaker, Bradley County Schools Supervisor of Secondary Instruction, (423) 476-0620

Registration resources