Alcoa Intermediate School

Alcoa Intermediate School

Student Handbook

2025-2026

*Parents please review the handbook. Sign and return signature page (pg.21) to classroom teacher

Alcoa City Schools

Administrative and Counseling Staff

Amber Harper

Principal

Bryant Adler

Assistant Principal

Kip Jones

Guidance Counselor

Alcoa Intermediate School

1325 Springbrook Road, Alcoa, TN 37701

Phone: 865-982-4767

Fax: 865-980-7920

www.alcoaschools.net

www.ais.alcoaschools.net

Alcoa Intermediate School

Handbook for Parents and Students

The rules and regulations of Alcoa City Schools and Alcoa Intermediate School have been designed to protect the well-being and rights of all students to ensure quality education. Since this handbook can't address all issues that may arise during the school year, parents and students should understand that the school’s administrative team would use its professional judgment to make decisions on specific situations as they occur.

AIS Creed

School Hours

School begins at 7:45 A.M. for all grades. Dismissal time is at 2:45 P.M. School doors will be locked until 7:00 A.M. Students will not be allowed in the building before 7:00 A.M. Students dropped off outside before 7:00 A.M. will not be supervised. After 7:00 A.M., students who wish to eat breakfast should be dropped off by the front entrance of the school. Breakfast is free to all students and essential to a productive day, so we encourage all students to eat breakfast in the morning. Students not wishing to eat breakfast should be dropped off by the gym. Students should leave the campus by 3:00 P.M. unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher/coach.

ATTENDANCE

Absences

 Students will be limited to six (6) days excused with parental notes and ten (10) days excused with doctor notes for the school year. Any doctor notes submitted for a non-patient will be rejected. Parental note absences above the limit of six (6) days and doctor note absences above the limit of ten (10) days will be unexcused unless the student has a diagnosed illness that requires extensive medical care, a court excuse, or death notice of an immediate family member. If the student fails to bring a doctor’s excuse, court excuse, or death notice of an immediate family member, the absence will be unexcused. Students are required to turn in notes within 3 days of absence. Students are also expected to return to school per doctor’s orders even if it’s the same day. Prior to referral to Blount County Juvenile Court, the parent and student will progress through a three-tiered progressive truancy intervention program as described in TCA 49-6-3007. If parents want to appeal an unexcused absence, they should submit a written appeal to the Director of Schools. The Director of Schools’ decision will be final.

*If your child has been vomiting, diarrhea, or has a fever, you must keep them home for 24 hours to contain illness as much as possible.  In order to return to school, they must be 24 hours free of vomiting, diarrhea, or fever without medication.

Tardies/Early Outs

Students may have five (5) parent notes to excuse tardies and/or early outs per school year. All additional tardies/early outs will be unexcused unless a doctor’s note is provided. After ten (11) tardies and/or early outs for the year, a call will be made to the parents requiring a meeting with school officials as required by Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-3007. Prior to referral to the Blount County Juvenile Court, the parent and students will progress through a three-tiered progressive truancy intervention program as described in TCA 49-6-3007.

Early Check-Out Procedures

Parents/guardians may check students out by coming to the office. In order to check a student out of school, parents/guardians need to be listed on the student’s emergency contact information and will need to show their ID each and every time. If it is necessary to check your child out of school early, please allow yourself time to enter the office and fill out required documentation to sign your student out.  Early checkouts are considered a type of tardy and will be documented.  If your child is leaving early due to a doctor's appointment, please send in documentation so it can be considered excused. If it is necessary to cancel school early (snow, etc.) it is our policy to make contact with all parents/guardians of students concerning how the child will be getting home.  It is critical that all contact information is up-to-date in the event school closes early.

*Due to traffic dismissal patterns we highly discourage early check-outs after 2:15pm daily.

TRUANCY

Statement of Responsibility (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6- 3007) The parent, legal guardian, or person having control of a student subject to compulsory attendance has a duty to monitor the student's school attendance and require the student to attend school. If the student is absent from school for an aggregate of five (5) days during the school year without adequate excuse, then the student is subject to referral to juvenile court. Students and parents will receive a copy of the tiered truancy plan which details specific attendance requirements.

Tier 1 Truancy Violations: 3 unexcused absences or more than 10 tardies and/or early outs.

Tier 2 Truancy Violations: Implemented when students reach 5 unexcused absences or 11 tardies / early outs, but before referral to juvenile court.

Tier 3 Truancy Violations: Implemented when truancy interventions under tier 2 are unsuccessful.

 If a student fails to comply with the tiers in Alcoa City Schools Truancy Plan, they will automatically proceed to the next tier and ultimately to Juvenile Court.

 ● Once a student is placed in a tier, they will remain in that tier for one calendar year. Students in the tiers at the end of the school year will remain in that tier for the next school year until they have complied with ACS attendance requirements for the entirety of one year. For example: If a student is placed in Tier II on August 1, 2023, they will be required to remain in that tier until August 1, 2024.

● When a student transfers into the Alcoa City Schools with 3 or more unexcused absences, they will automatically enter Tier 1.

Dismissal Procedures

Afternoon Announcements are at 2:35 p.m.

Bus Dismissal is at 2:40 p.m.

Walker's Dismissal is at 2:45 p.m.

Car Rider’s Dismissal is at 2:45 p.m.

One staff member will be assigned to each bus to assist with getting the students on the assigned bus in a safe, orderly and timely fashion.  Bus rosters will be checked and marked as students get on the bus and must be returned to office after dismissal. No changes to bus assignments will be made without WRITTEN permission.

Students who are designated as walkers will be escorted by staff down the hill and safely across the crosswalk near the duck pond. Once students have crossed the street, they are no longer on Alcoa Intermediate School property and are considered under the care of their parents or guardians. Please note that there is no school supervision provided beyond this point. If your child needs continued supervision, they should be a car rider and remain with staff until they are picked up. For safety reasons, if any issues arise during the walk home, your child may be required to ride the bus or become a car rider in the future.

Teachers will escort their classes to the designated car rider pick-up areas by 2:45 p.m. Alcoa Intermediate School staff will remain with students until they are picked up. Parents/guardians are expected to pick up their children promptly. If a student has not been picked up by 3:00 p.m., the school will contact the parent/guardian. After contact is made, the student may be brought to the front office for supervision. Repeated late pickups may result in a required meeting with school administration to discuss the concern. If the issue continues, a referral to the truancy board or other appropriate measures may be considered to ensure student safety and timely dismissal.

Bus Riders

Clabough Bus Lines—John Clabough Owner—(865) 970-3474

All bus riders must follow Clabough Bus Lines rider expectations.  If the bus company or school administration provides a bus seating chart for the bus, students are expected to follow the seating arrangement. Failure to comply with the bus rules could result in the following:

a) the student could be suspended from riding the bus by a school administrator or bus supervisor;

b) the receipt of a third conduct notice from the bus driver will result in the student's bus privileges being suspended for an extended period of time. 

Please call the school when you have questions. 

Enrollment Procedures

For all new students to Alcoa City Schools (including transfer students):

It will be necessary for you to schedule an appointment at the Alcoa Educational Support Center to enroll your child in Alcoa City Schools.  You will then be sent to the building level registrar at Alcoa Intermediate School.  At the designated appointment time in the school, your child will need to be with you in order to be assessed.  It will be required that you provide the following:

• Certified copy of the birth certificate
• Copy of the Social Security Card
• Tennessee Shot Record/Physical Form
• Proof of residence (electric Bill, rental agreement with name of renters, or mortgage statement)

All students that attend Alcoa Intermediate School must RESIDE in the city of Alcoa (unless they have been chosen as a tuition student and payment has been made).  If it is discovered that a child attending Alcoa Intermediate School has changed residencies and is found to be living outside of Alcoa City limits, the student will be dismissed immediately.

Admission of Non-Resident Students

Students residing outside the boundaries of the school system may apply to attend Alcoa Intermediate School. The director of schools and principal must approve admission. Permission for tuition students to attend the Alcoa City Schools will be granted on an annual basis. The tuition fee required of all students residing outside the boundaries for the 2025-2026 school year will be $1200.00 (Note: Tuition amount subject to change pending school board approval). Tuition fees are due and MUST be paid before the first day of the school year. If payment is not received, the student will not be allowed to attend Alcoa Intermediate School and should report to the school in which they are zoned. Tuition students will be evaluated every 45 days (every nine weeks) for any academic, attendance, or behavior issues. Alcoa City Schools reserves the right to terminate the enrollment of a tuition student due to deficiencies in attendance, academics, discipline, and/or program availability, incomplete medical records, or failure to pay tuition when due.

Withdrawing from School

If you are leaving school, you must enroll your child in the school to which you are moving, and they will send a records request which will prompt withdrawal. Please inform your child’s teacher and ensure all books, chromebooks, and any other materials that belong to the school are returned.

Visitor’s Policy

All visitors/parents must report to the main office to sign in on the computer and obtain a pass to visit AIS. A valid identification must be presented every time to the office before checking out a student or visiting.

Lost and Found

The front office can direct students to the lost and found location. Unclaimed items are donated to charity at the end of each nine weeks.

Emergency/Inclement Weather School Closings and Drills

Families will be notified about emergency closings through  Alcoa Skyward messages. AIS conducts routine fire, tornado, and intruder drills.

If it is necessary to cancel or close school early due to weather, the announcement will be made as soon as possible.  The Alcoa SKYWARD system will notify parents/guardians in any of the ways you have requested (phone call, text, email).  This is a reason that updating your contact information is critical.  Announcements will also be made using local television and radio station.

Updating Emergency Information

It is critical that we have the most up-to-date contact information for your child/children.  You may need to be contacted for emergencies, school closings, etc.  Without up-to-date information, information may be delayed.  Please update via Skyward Family Access with changes in contact information and who may or may not pick up your child.  Without WRITTEN permission, your child will not be allowed to ride home with friends, change buses, etc.

Each student is required to have updated information in Family Access: 

1. Parent(s) or guardian(s) name(s) 

2. Complete and up-to-date address --updated when changed—

3. Parent(s) home phone, mobile phone and work phone --updated if changed

4. Emergency phone number of friend or relative–updated when changed

5. Physician's name and phone 

6. Medical alert information 

7. Authorized person(s) allowed to pick up child 

8. The Parent/Guardian is responsible for keeping information updated. Use SKYWARD ID and login information given to you at the beginning of the school year.

Medications

 If medication is to be administered, the school nurse shall be responsible for ensuring that the following procedures for students requiring medication at school are carried out:

1. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide a signed Medication Authorization Permission Form for prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs (lotions, salves, and ointments).

2. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide a current professionally labeled bottle from the pharmacist for prescription drugs.

3. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide a bottle of over-the-counter medication with the student’s name on the bottle. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original container. Do not send over-the-counter medications in baggies to the school with your child.

4. All medication brought on school property must be dropped off at the front office by the parent. Students are not allowed to bring in medication.

5. Emergency medication (Epipens, inhalers, Glucagon, Diastat, etc.) must be in the possession of the student, school nurse, or designated staff member at all times during school hours and when participating in school-sponsored activities.

6. The school nurse shall notify the health department or student’s medical provider in advance to receive proper instruction on the administering of medication, injections, and side effects.

7. All medication must be kept locked in an area designated by the principal and/or school nurse.

8. Renewal or changes in medication... a. All medication must be renewed and documented at the beginning of every school year; and b. Any change in medication or dosage during the school year requires a new medication permission form signed by the parent and medical provider.

9. All original medication orders shall be kept in the school clinic.

10. All medication documentation shall be placed in the student’s cumulative file folder at the end of the school year and remain there until the statute of limitations expires.

11. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must pick up any remaining or unused medication at the end of the school year. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) does not pick up the remaining or unused medication, it will be disposed of by the school nurse at the end of the school year. Such action shall be documented.

12. Student possession of any form of medication is prohibited unless documentation is provided from the student's medical provider.

13. All prescription medication forms must be signed by the student’s prescribing physician/medical provider. NO medications will be administered at the school without a permission form signed by both the parent/guardian and the medical provider.

Illness/Lice

If your child has been vomiting, we ask that you keep them home for 24 hours to contain illness as much as possible.  We also ask that you keep your child at home for 24 hours if they have a fever. Your child should be fever free without Tylenol or ibuprofen for 24 hours before returning to school to limit the exposure to other students and staff.

If a child is suspected of having lice, please call the clinic or nurse directly.  Leave a message if there is no answer.  If a child is found to have lice or nits, the nurse will call home and notify you that she has done so.  When the child returns to school after being sent home for lice, the family must provide evidence of treatment before returning to class.

Steps for Contacting Teachers

AIS encourages open dialogue with teachers and parents.  If you have questions or concerns, we hope you will contact us.  There are several ways of contacting your child’s teacher.  You can send a message via ClassDojo, send an email, or call and leave a message.  In any case, it is our goal to return messages as soon as possible.  If the person you are trying to contact has not responded within 24 hours, please contact the main office.

If it is necessary to contact your child’s teacher about transportation after school, we ask that you PLEASE to do so by 12:00.  It can be very challenging to ensure that all messages are delivered by the end of the day.

Expectations for Staff

As a school, we will be student centered in our decisions.

As a staff and faculty, we will be collaborative, innovative and set high expectations for all.

As teams, we will be data driven and accountable to each other.

As professionals, we will trust each other and work to build a strong family culture.

As educators, we will be tireless in our efforts to grow each student.

As leaders, we will positively impact our school system, county, and state.

Expectations for Students

At Alcoa Intermediate School, we are all leaders in learning.  Our school focuses on positive behaviors, and works to establish a culture of learning that is effective for all students.  We believe students should be leaders of their own process of learning, so we will spend time teaching and practicing qualities that good leaders possess: Confidence, Humor, Common Sense, Motivation, Enthusiasm, Creativity, Compassion, Appreciation, Resilience, Balance, Adventure, Reflection, Diversity.

Each teacher will develop a classroom culture by defining, modeling, teaching, and rewarding L.E.A.D.E.R. behaviors in coordination with their grade level team.  We spend the first two weeks of school each year practicing procedures and doing activities that teach students how to develop leadership skills. This Positive Behavior Plan is a three-tiered system for behavior management, just as RTI2 is the three-tiered system for academic instruction and intervention. Students will receive additional support as needed to meet individual needs.

L = Listen and Learn

        E = Enter and Exit the classroom prepared

        A = Achieve your goals

        D = Decide to do the right thing

        E = Encourage others

        R = Respect all 

Expectations for Students, continued

AIS uses a very clear set of corrective consequences for behavior issues so that students understand what happens next, and are able to set personal goals for improvement.

Classroom consequences may include:

1.  Verbal Warning

        2.  First Fix-It (Reflection with teacher)

        3.  Second Fix-it (Isolation in Classroom)         

4.  Third Fix-it: (Guardian phone call)

        5.  Office Referral

The administrative team is responsible for actions taken if a student is referred to the office  in adherence to Board Policy 6.300 Code of Conduct.  The administrative team will maintain records related to any office referral. An attempt will be made to contact the parent when a student is brought to the office for a behavior referral.

Administrative Consequences may include:  

• A conference/verbal reprimand with the student and documentation of the visit.
• The student loses class privileges and is assigned

• study time
• work time (with parent permission students are assigned tasks such as cleaning or sweeping during recess)

• The student is placed in isolated lunch where they sit in a different area of the cafeteria or in a different classroom.
• The student is assigned In-School-Suspension time which may be for a period of the day or for the complete day.
• The student is assigned Out-of-School-Suspension and must remain home for a specific period of time.
• A conference with parents/guardians.
• A student may be referred to a school counselor or behavior interventionist, if the behavior for which he/she is referred to the office is repeated or frequent.
• Some actions of a serious nature require students to appear before the district level Disciplinary Hearing Authority.\

DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT/BULLYING

Students shall be provided a work environment free from discrimination/harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to discriminate against or harass another student through disparaging conduct or communication. discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated in any way or at any time. Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures, or words either written or spoken which do any of the following: 1. Unreasonably interfere with a student’s work or educational opportunities; 2. Create an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment; 3. Imply that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving grades or credit

Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment

Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Harassment will not be tolerated by Alcoa Intermediate School. All forms of bullying and harassment are a violation of Alcoa City Schools Board of Education Policy (6.304) and Tennessee Code Annotated 49.6.4503.

Definitions

Bullying, including cyber-bullying, is defined as any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived imbalance of power between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time. Bullying may take various forms including cyberbullying and harassment.

Bullying includes, but is not limited to: 

• Direct physical contact, such as hitting, shoving, spitting, tripping, or damaging others property

• Verbal assaults, including but not limited to teasing, name-calling, threatening, rude or mean gestures, or language that disparages, intimidates, or degrades another person.

• Social isolation, manipulation, or purposeful embarrassment. This includes spreading rumors and/or social media posts that target, insult, degrade, or humiliate another person.

Bullying is not:

• unkind words that occur once

• rough-housing or rough play that is not intended to hurt; A physical attack that is not part of a pattern of behavior or

• behavior that may be inappropriate to the adult, but that the other does not perceive as hurtful, for example name-calling that all are participating in on an equal basis.

Cyber-bullying is a form of bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, text messaging, emails, social networking sites, instant messaging, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Harassment occurs when the bullying behavior is directed at a target who is a member of a protected class. Protected classes include race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, and national origin.

DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL A student shall not use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, social media or any other conduct to cause the disruption, interference, or obstruction of any school function or the educational process. A student shall not engage in conduct which could reasonably be foreseen to cause disruption, interference, or obstruction of any school function or the educational process. A student shall not urge others to engage in this type of conduct.

Students who use any communicative means, including verbal, written, electronic, or social media post, to threaten use at school or bring to school any such weapon, dangerous item or material, will be subject to criminal charges, suspension, and/or zero tolerance expulsion (See Zero Tolerance Policy for more details).

AIS Communities

Purpose and Intent:

The AIS communities will create a unified, trusted culture among the students and faculty of AIS.

How it works:

All AIS students and teachers are placed into one of three communities within the school. The three communities are all named after communities of Alcoa and have positive character attributions tied to them.  These communities will foster a sense of belonging and encourage positive LEADER character traits for all students.  Students and teachers can earn points for their community by exhibiting exceptional behavior and leadership qualities.  When a community reaches their benchmark for their earned points, they will receive a community reward.  The community with the most earned points at the end of each semester will be crowned Community Champions.

Community Members:

• Every community will consist of a range of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students and teachers.
• Incoming 3rd graders and all new students will be placed in a community at the beginning of their career at AIS, and they will stay in that community during their time at AIS.
• At the beginning of the school year, our school will meet at the Alcoa Football Field and students will see their name on the Jumbotron, revealing their placement into one of the three communities.
• Older students may help mentor and acclimate younger students to the school and community.

Community Activities:

• Students will meet with their communities and participate in enrichment activities related to the topic of study within our school.
• Peer mentoring may occur across grade levels.
• Leadership qualities will be taught yearly in communities.
• Communities will take part in a service project during the school year.

Academics

Academic Planning Guide

Parent Conferences

AIS will designate an afternoon/evening date for parent conferences in the fall. As mentioned earlier, we highly encourage an open line of communication with your child’s teacher.  Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher to schedule a conference if you have questions or concerns.

Friday Folders

On Fridays, we will send graded work and notes from the school or school system concerning important reminders (picture days, fundraisers, scheduled events, etc.).  We ask that you please go through the folders to see the progress your child is making and to look for information from AIS.  This is a great way for the school to send home information consistently.

Homework

It is the responsibility of the STUDENT to ensure that they have all materials necessary to complete any homework assigned.  Homework is given to reinforce skills taught in the classroom and provide the opportunity for the student to develop responsibility.  Homework should be taken home, completed, and returned on the assigned day.  Otherwise, the homework is considered incomplete.  Organization is important for students to develop at this age. They are responsible for following their teacher’s expectations to keep up with their work.  

All AIS students are responsible for reading 20 minutes per night at home. It is a widely published fact that reading 20 additional minutes per day outside of school, gives students a large number of advantages from improving fluency and comprehension, to decreasing the likelihood of living in poverty.  So, no excuses! Just read!         

RTI Process

The primary purpose of Alcoa City Schools’ RTI2 program is to ensure that all Alcoa City Schools students receive research-based instruction and any needed research-based intervention support in English language arts and mathematics.  The purpose of instruction and intervention is to continually seek to graduate our students on time, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to be competitive and successful in post-secondary college, career, and life experiences. Additionally the data gathered through the effective implementation of the RTI.2 framework, will be analyzed as a part of the special education eligibility determination process for any K-8 student suspected of having a specific learning disability.

RTI Tiers

RTI includes three Tiers of instruction. Tier 1 is the core curriculum for all students.  Tiers 2 and 3 are comprised of intervention instruction, targeted to specific skills and students.  Students are assigned based on Universal Screening and other supporting data. Table 1 illustrates general guidelines for Tier placements.

Table 1. Tier Service Benchmarks

*Universal Screening should not be the exclusive measure used for Tier placement. Grade level teams must carefully consider other variables, including testing effort, testing conditions, behavioral factors, etc.

Party Information

Alcoa Intermediate will host a Winter Break Holiday party and a Valentine’s Day party.  The teacher will send a list of approved items for parties.  

Dress Code

Please refer to Alcoa School Board Policy 6.310 for the full description of our dress code.

We expect students to maintain an appearance that is not distracting or in any way disrupts the instructional program and learning process of the school. Examples of clothing which is not appropriate for school includes: halter tops, short shorts, cut off shirts, bike shorts, tank shirts, shirts with offensive language, clothing which allows undergarments to be visible, sagging of pants. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must fall appropriately down the thigh, a general guide would be halfway between mid-thigh and knee length.  Hats, caps, toboggans, and bandanas are not to be worn in the building unless there is a hat day at school. No shoes with wheels, no sandals/flip flops on PE day. When a student's appearance is felt to be detrimental to the school program, the parents of the student will be contacted and the student sent home or appropriate clothing can be brought to the student. The principal will have considerable latitude to determine the appropriateness of student dress and grooming while acting in the best interests of establishing and maintaining a safe and effective learning environment.  Please use good judgment.

Educational Websites

Alcoa Intermediate School strives to maintain a website with up-to-date information and links to websites that can help students who have access to a computer after school hours.  Several sites that are used in the classroom can be accessed at home.  Areas that students can always use to help in the classroom are typing programs, math fluency skills, reading and vocabulary skills, sites that address writing, etc.  We highly recommend that students access these sites outside of the classroom.

Field Trips

Field trips are a valuable opportunity to expand student’s educational experiences.  School board policy states that field trips must be educational in nature.  Students that attend field trips are required to ride the bus to the destination.  Unless a parent/guardian signs their child out, then the student MUST ride the bus back to school.  If there is room available, parents/guardians may attend as chaperones on field trips.  We do ask that siblings NOT accompany students or chaperones on field trips.  This is an opportunity for you to spend quality time with your student and allows the focus to be on the students throughout the trip.  Any field trip must have written documentation with information about the trip (destination, etc.) and permission by the parent/guardian giving their child permission to attend the trip.  All students must have proof of insurance for students in order to attend field trips. Chaperones must check in through the office by submitting their driver’s license to the background check system prior to accompanying student groups and wear the id sticker on the field trip.

Students may lose the privilege of going on field trips due to academics, attendance, or behavior.  

• Students should be in good standing in academic classes in order to be eligible for field trips.  Any questions regarding academic standing as it relates to a field trip that is earned must be appealed to the principal.
• Students should be in good standing with the Alcoa City Schools attendance policy.  Any questions regarding academic standing as it relates to a field trip that is earned must be appealed to the principal.
• Students may lose the privilege of participating in a field trip for behavioral reasons by: Receiving more than four behavior fix-its or four behavior office referral consequences in a nine week period. OR Receiving two In School Suspension periods or days in a nine week period. OR Receiving one Out of School Suspension in a nine week period.
• Outstanding fees (cafeteria, technology, library) will make a student not eligible for field trips. Fees must be paid before students can attend field trips.

   *Students who lose a field trip privilege in a nine week period may appeal to the principal and show that the behavior has improved to the point that the student can be trusted on the activity and that the student has earned the activity back.

Classroom Celebrations and Invitations

In order for items such as party invitations, celebration treats, etc. that are sent to school for distribution, all members of the classroom must be included.  If specific individuals are being invited or given treats this should occur outside the school setting. Please inquire with the teacher about allergies in the classrooms and make arrangements accordingly. Treats will be distributed in the classroom.

Recess/Weather

Recess is a privilege that we try to provide to all students.  Each day it is good for students to be allowed to be active and socialize. Each day if weather permits, and students have earned the right, they will be allowed to go outside for recess. Please keep track of the weather and make sure your child is dressed appropriately to play outside.  Students may lose the privilege of recess if it is necessary for them to complete work or if their behavior fails to meet appropriate expectations.  If your student has a medical reason to be held out of recess and/or gym class, please notify both your student’s teacher and the school nurse.

Cell Phones/Smartwatches/Electronics/Toys

Please refer to Alcoa School Board Policy 6.312 for the most up to date information regarding cell phones and personal electronic/communication devices.

If the classroom teacher has given permission for the student to bring toys or electronics to school, then that personal item should be labeled with the child’s name and may only be used at appropriate times.  Students are responsible for any item they bring to school.  If a child has a cell phone, the phone should remain off and in the child’s backpack.  If a student is found to have a cell phone during the day, the principal or assistant principal will return the phone to the parent/guardian. Smartwatches may be worn in class, but must have communication features turned off or in airplane mode. Students who continue to be found using a cell phone/smartwatch/communication device will be subject to school discipline and may lose the privilege of having a phone  or smartwatch at school.  The school is not responsible or liable for any damage, loss, or theft of these devices.

AIS Facebook/Twitter/Instagram Pages

Alcoa Intermediate School has a Facebook page.  Please follow us and look for announcements, news, and other exciting events this year.  

                            @Team_AIS         @team_AIS                

Student Records

Parents or legal guardians have access to all permanent records at the school pertaining to their children. In order to view the records, parents or legal guardians must sign an access form. Please call the office at least one day in advance to arrange a time to view your child's records. 

Lunch Accounts (including free and reduced lunch)

Alcoa Intermediate School participates in the National School Lunchroom program.  

2025-2026  prices:

Student breakfast:  FREE                Student Lunch:  $2.85

Adult Breakfast:  $3.00                Adult Lunch:  $5.00

Students are issued a lunch number that they input as they go through the lunch line.  Students with a positive account balance will be allowed to charge their lunch.  Students may also pay daily with cash.  If a student has a negative balance (3 meals), they will not be allowed to charge additional meals.  A negative balance may result in a student receiving a different meal until the negative balance is corrected.  The child may bring cash or a check to put money on their account, and parents may choose to put money on the students’ account using the students’ SKYWARD account online.  

For a student to be considered free or reduced, an application must be made and returned to school.  

Reports

Standards Based Grade Reports will be sent home for the first, second, third, and fourth nine weeks on the last day prior to the breaks.  Year End Report Cards will not be issued if library fees or cafeteria fees remain. Individual grades and final grades are posted on Skyward Family Access to view as well. You may check that at any time.

Student 2025-26 Lunch Schedule

3rd Grade:  11:00 - 11:45

4th Grade:  11:45 - 12:30

5th Grade:   12:25 - 1:10

2025-2026 School Supplies

2025-26 District Calendar

AIS Calendar Dates:

Please subscribe to our school calendar for upcoming events (https://ais.alcoaschools.net/apps/events/?id=0) . All event dates are subject to change – you will be notified through school announcements/AIS website/Facebook.

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Because we value strong communication channels, we require your help in establishing these ties by reading this handbook with your child and returning this verification form below to your child’s classroom teacher.  Thank you for your support!

I have read the Alcoa Intermediate School Handbook and I have reviewed this information with my child and agree to the policies in place for a successful school year. 

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Student Name

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Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian

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Date

Please sign this sheet, tear off and return to teacher