TULLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL

Home of the Wildcats

2025-2026

Student and Parent/Guardian Handbook

www.tullahomahighschool.net

ADMINISTRATION

• Principal - Dr. Greg English
• Assistant Principal - Dr. Renee Flowers
• Assistant Principal - Mr. Derrick Crutchfield
• Assistant Principal - Mrs. Sarah Jane Pickett

SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION

• Main Office - (931) 454-2620
• Counseling Office - (931) 454-2625
• Cafeteria - (931) 454-2631

TO OUR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS

On behalf of our faculty and staff, we welcome you to Tullahoma High School. We look forward to assisting you in fulfilling your educational goals and becoming a lifelong learner. THS has a history of exemplary academic and co-curricular accomplishments. We expect you to meet the goals set and to carry on the tradition of excellence. We are here to make your years in school as successful and educationally challenging as possible. YOUR GRADUATION IS OUR EXPECTATION!

This handbook has been prepared to explain and clarify the procedures, policies, and regulations at Tullahoma High School. The administration reserves the right to change programs, policies, fees, etc., as necessary and without prior notice.

The handbook is not meant to be all-inclusive of rules and expectations. It is not a substitute for common sense, honesty, and making good choices.

You are urged to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your support as we strive to meet the needs of all our students.

TULLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES

What we believe:

• People are responsible for their choices.  
• An environment of high expectations results in higher achievement.  
• Great communities are built on mutual respect and dignity for all people.  
• Integrity is essential to creating and sustaining positive relationships.  
• Embracing diversity contributes to the strength of a community.  
• The pursuit of learning as a lifelong endeavor is essential to individual and organizational success.  
• Cooperation, collaboration, and communication are essential to success.

2025-2026 School Calendar

Quarter 1

July 24 - July 30                Teacher Inservice - No Students

July 31                        First day of school - 1:00 dismissal

August 27                         1:00 Dismissal

September 1                 NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

September 24                 1:00 Dismissal

October 6 - 10                 NO SCHOOL - Fall Break

October 13                        Teacher Inservice - No Students                                        

Quarter 2

November 19                1:00 Dismissal

November 24 - 28                NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

December 16                 Exams (3rd & 4th) - 3:15 dismissal

December 17                Exams (1st & 2nd) - 1:00 dismissal

December 18                ASVAB Testing - 3:15 dismissal

December 19                 Exam (5th) - 1:00 dismissal

Dec 22 - Jan 2                NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

Quarter 3

January 5                         Administrative Day - No Students

January 19                         NO SCHOOL - MLK Day        

January 28                         1:00 Dismissal

February 13                         Teacher Inservice - No Students

February 16                         NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day

February 25                        1:00 Dismissal

March 16 - 20                NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

Quarter 4

April 3                         NO SCHOOL - Good Friday

        April 29                         1:00 Dismissal

May 4-8                         Senior Exams - (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th)

May 15                         Graduation

May 20                         Exams (1st & 2nd) - 1:00 Dismissal

May 21                         Exams (3rd & 4th) - 3:15 Dismissal

May 22                         Exam (5th) - 1:00 Dismissal LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Bell Schedule

Lunch Times

VISITORS

Tullahoma High School has a NO VISITOR POLICY. Because of the possibility of school and classroom disturbances, students are not allowed to have visitors during the school day. Any parent or other visitor on school business must check in at the visitors' entrance and be issued a pass. Any student-age visitor must have the express permission of the administration. Students are not permitted to have visitors during lunch. Unauthorized visitors at lunch and school activities are subject to trespassing violations. 

STUDENT MEDIA ACCESS OPT-OUT/STUDENT PRIVACY INFORMATION

All student records are stored in the office.  Access to any student’s record is limited to persons directly responsible for the child’s educational needs.

The United States Department of Education provides protection of student records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  

Click Here to view these rights and access the opt-out form.  

Click Here to view student privacy information, including COPPA laws, HIPAA laws, and TCS Board Policy - Media Access to Students.  

STUDENT VEHICLES/ PARKING

Driving to school is a privilege, not a right. Students who wish to drive to school must have a valid driver’s license, car registration, and current insurance.  

• All students who drive and wish to park on campus must purchase a parking permit. The cost of purchasing a parking permit is $15.00.  
• A school parking permit must be visible and easily seen hanging from the rearview mirror.  
• Students are not allowed to park in front of the school, behind the school (except for ROTC), or in spots labeled “S” (Staff).  
• A parking fine of $5.00 will be given when a student is incorrectly parked or parked on campus without a permit.  
• Students may not enter their cars during the school day without permission. No loitering in parking areas is permitted at any time.  
• The license number of any vehicle a student will drive to school must be registered in the main office.  
• The speed limit on the school campus is ten (10) miles per hour.  
• Vehicles are to be parked in lined spaces. Do not park on grass or sidewalks.  
• Any vehicle parked on school grounds is subject to search at any time (24  hours a day).  
• Driving privileges may be revoked for multiple violations, reckless driving, speeding, or excessive first-period tardiness.

Students who fail to operate their vehicle safely or do not follow the guidelines are subject to disciplinary action and/or revocation of driving and parking privileges.

ATTENDANCE: TO REPORT AN ABSENCE: 454-2620  

Attendance is essential to learning; therefore, students are expected to be present each day.

When a student is absent from school, one of the following actions should be taken: 

• The student’s parent/guardian should call the school (454-2620).  
• The student should bring a note signed by their parent/guardian with the reason and date of the absence.
• The student should bring a doctor’s note within three (3) days of their return to school.  

Makeup work: (TCS BOE Policy 6.200)

All missed class work or tests (whether from excused or unexcused absences) may be made up, provided the student makes the request immediately upon return to school, and provided class time is not taken from other students.

Students are responsible for making up missed work. If work is assigned before the absence, including a test (that has a clear date/deadline), the student will turn in the work or take the test on the day they return. When absent for three (3) days or less, the student will have an equal number of days to make up the work assigned while the student was absent. If a student is absent for more than three (3) days, all missing work must be turned in within five (5) school days from the date of their return. In the event of a lengthy absence of five (5) to ten (10) school days, students should contact their individual teachers to develop a plan for submitting missing assignments. Homebound instruction may be available for students who will have an excused absence of greater than ten (10) school days. Contact Mrs. Pickett for information concerning homebound instruction at 931-454-2620 or by email at sarahjane.pickett@tcsedu.net.  

Students who will miss class due to any planned absence—including school-sponsored activities (e.g., field trips, athletic events) or personal/family commitments—are expected to communicate with their teachers in advance to determine what assignments or assessments will be missed.

• Any work due on the day of the planned absence must be submitted before the student leaves, unless prior arrangements are made with the teacher.
  
• Work missed during the absence is due on the student’s first day back, unless the teacher grants additional time.
  
• It is the student’s responsibility to initiate communication with teachers and request any extensions or accommodations.

Please note: accommodations will be made according to individualized plans for students with disabilities.

The following reasons for absences or tardiness are excused: 

• Personal illness (verifications from a physician will be required after a student has missed any class more than five (5) times)  
• Serious illness or death in the immediate family  
• A doctor or dental appointment that cannot be scheduled after school hours
• Appearance in court (must have official note)  
• Authorized religious holidays
• School functions: Any student absent from school for a school function must be in good standing academically in all classes in which they are currently enrolled  
• Absences or tardiness approved in advance by the THS administration  
• Circumstances that, in the principal's judgment, create emergencies over which the student has no control.  

ATTENDANCE POLICY  

• After five (5) absences without a doctor’s excuse, class absences will automatically become unexcused. When a student receives medical attention from a physician or dentist, he/she should return to school with a statement from the doctor or dentist listing the days the student should be excused.  
• A student may be absent from a particular class for school-related activities only three (3) times for any one activity or class during the semester, except for state and national contests. State and national contests are those in which students must earn the right to compete.  
• A student absent without a proper excuse or absent due to out-of-school suspension may be allowed to make up assignments at the teacher's discretion. However, a student will receive an opportunity to make up term exams, unit tests, and/or major projects.  
• Any unexcused school time missed will be accumulated and count toward truancy, including tardies and early dismissals.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES  

As the school year progresses, the following procedures will be initiated for school absences:  

• Five (5) unexcused days absent – parent/guardian notified by mail;  
• Ten (10) unexcused days absent –parent/ guardian notified by letter; referral to Attendance Officer.  
• Juvenile Court referral is at the discretion of the Tullahoma City Schools  Attendance Officer. A student with a pattern or history of unexcused absences is subject to Juvenile Court action at any time.  

Students with excessive absences, regardless of reason, may be required to remain at school rather than participate in co-curricular activities, sports, field trips, etc. Attendance during the academic day is the first priority of responsibility.

CHECKING IN/OUT OF SCHOOL 

• Students who arrive after 8:15 or leave before 3:15 must check in/out at the attendance office.  
• Please do not call or email the attendance office and ask for a student's release.  We do not accept phone calls or emails to release a student from campus. A parent or someone listed in the student’s emergency contact list must physically sign the student out. Please be prepared to come into school to sign out your child when needed.  
• Please bring your driver’s license/ID when picking up a student. For the safety of our students, we require a photo ID for verification. Only those individuals listed in the student’s data file can sign out a student. The student must also come to the attendance office to check out before leaving the building.  
• If your student drives and has a medical/dental appointment or court date, the student must present a signed note to the attendance office on the same day they leave campus. All notes must be received at least one hour before check-out.  All notes will be verified using the contact information in the student’s data file. Without a written notification, a student who drives may only leave campus if a parent or someone from the emergency contact list comes into the school and signs them out.  
• All students will incur an unexcused absence for their time off campus unless they return with a formal doctor’s note or a note from the court clerk within 72 hours of the absence.  
• Please remember, if your child becomes sick while at school, he/she must be seen in the school nurse’s office before leaving campus due to illness. If your student is too ill to attend classes, please be prepared to come to school to sign your child out for the day.  
• 18-year-old students are NOT permitted to check themselves out of school.

EARLY ARRIVAL & LATE PICKUP 

• Cafeteria doors open at 7:00.
• Students who arrive before 7:30 must report to the cafeteria. After 7:30, students must report to the cafeteria or the gym.  
• Students must leave the building no later than 3:25 unless assigned to tutoring or extra-curricular activities under staff supervision.  
• Once on campus, the student must enter the building and proceed to an assigned area.  
• Once on campus, a student is not permitted to leave the premises without approval from a school administrator.

CAFETERIA

• No food or drinks (except water) are allowed outside the cafeteria.

TECHNOLOGY 

Each student will have access to a Chromebook for school use. Students who do not have access to an internet-connected device at home may be issued a school Chromebook for use at school and at home. Parents of students being issued school devices must sign the TCS Computer Use Agreement. This agreement must be signed and submitted when the Chromebook is issued. Additional rules governing Chromebooks and the school network are included in the agreement.  

COMPUTER NETWORK

• Computer software installed on computers at Tullahoma High School is either the property of Tullahoma High School or licensed by Tullahoma High School for educational use only. Software may not be copied or otherwise taken from the computers upon which it is installed.  
• Students are forbidden to add, delete, or modify operating system elements or change any hardware or software settings.  
• No software will be installed on the hard disk drive by a student. If the software is to be installed on the hard drive, only an official systems operator shall do it.  
• Any illegal software found on the hard disk drive will be removed; violations may result in disciplinary actions by the school, and legal actions may be pursued at the discretion of the individual software company.  
• Repair costs resulting from deliberate damage to computer equipment by the student is the student’s financial responsibility.  
• There is no expectation of privacy for students who use school-purchased computer equipment or media.  

Anyone violating this policy loses the right to use the network for the duration of his/her time at Tullahoma High School – No Exceptions.

RESTRICTIONS ON VIDEOS/PHOTOS  

In addition to the restrictions on the use of cell phones on campus, the following restrictions also apply to students taking videos or pictures with cell phones (or other electronic devices) or the use of any such videos or pictures:

• Taking videos and pictures is strictly prohibited in bathrooms or locker rooms.
• No student may video, photograph, or record anyone else on campus without the permission of the individual(s) being photographed, videoed, or recorded.  

• No student may video, photograph, or record an on-campus fight or other student altercation.

• Posting, uploading, or sharing any video, photograph, recording, or other image, whether made on or off campus or made with or without the consent of the person(s) depicted, may constitute bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in violation of school board policies and Tennessee law.

NOTE: The creation and distribution of nude photographs of minors (under 18) violates state and federal child pornography laws (even if the student possessing or distributing the material is also a minor). Engaging in such activity can lead to serious legal and educational consequences.

Any student who violates these restrictions may be subject to discipline under the Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline, the policies of the Tullahoma Board of Education, and/or Tennessee law. School administrators are authorized to confiscate a student’s cell phone where the administrator has reasonable suspicion to believe that the cell phone has been used to violate these restrictions and that a search of the student’s phone will produce evidence of the violation.

USE of WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES

(THS PROCEDURES)

Students may possess wireless communication devices so long as such devices are turned off and stored for the entirety of the school day (8:00 - 3:00 or 8:15 - 3:15). Such devices include and portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties, such personal devices include but are not limited to wearable technology, cell phones, laptops, tablets, and gaming devices.

A student may, however, be permitted to utilize a wireless communication device under the following circumstances:

1. In case of emergency;

2. When authorized by a teacher;

3. To manage the student’s health, as documented in the student’s individual healthcare plan;

4. When the possession or use is required by the student’s individual education program, 504 plan, or individual learning plan; or

5. When the device is being used by a student with a disability for the operation of assistive technology to increase, maintain, or improve the student’s functional capabilities.

PENALTIES

Unauthorized use or improper storage of a device may result in confiscation until such time as it may be released to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN

In the event of an emergency or possible emergency occurring at school, parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be alerted by the current district-provided communication platform (ex. Parent Square).

Public Displays of Affection

Public Displays of Affection (PDA) include but are not limited to kissing, embracing, or any physical contact beyond casual and friendly gestures that are appropriate in a school setting. Students who violate the PDA policy will receive a warning for their first offense. Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary action.

TULLAHOMA CITY SCHOOLS CODE OF CONDUCT

(TCS BOE Policy 6.300)

The following levels of misbehavior, disciplinary procedures, and options are standards designed to protect all educational community members in exercising their rights and duties and to maintain a safe learning environment where orderly learning is possible and encouraged. These misbehaviors apply to student conduct on school buses, on school property, and during school-sponsored outings. Staff members shall ensure that disciplinary measures are implemented in a manner that:

• Balances accountability with an understanding of traumatic behavior
• Teaches school and classroom rules while reinforcing that violent or abusive behavior is not allowed at school
• Minimizes disruptions to education with an emphasis on positive behavioral supports and behavioral intervention plans
• Creates consistent rules and consequences
• Models respectful, non-violent relationships

MISBEHAVIORS LEVEL I:

This level includes minor misbehavior on the part of the student, which impedes orderly classroom guidelines or interferes with the orderly operation of the school, but can usually be handled by an individual staff member.

MISBEHAVIORS LEVEL II:

This level includes misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness disrupts the school's learning climate. These misbehaviors do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others but have educational consequences severe enough to require corrective action on the part of administrative personnel.

MISBEHAVIORS LEVEL III:

This level includes acts directed against persons or property whose consequences do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school.

MISBEHAVIORS LEVEL IV:

This level of misbehavior includes acts that result in violence to another person or property or threaten the safety of others in the school. These acts are so severe that they usually require administrative actions, which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the Board.

If a student’s action threatens the safety of others in the school, a teacher, principal, school employee, or school bus driver may use reasonable force when necessary to prevent bodily harm or death to another person.

ZERO TOLERANCE OFFENSES

(TCS BOE Policy 6.309)

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the following offenses shall not be tolerated:

• Bringing to school or being in unauthorized possession of a firearm on school property.
• Unlawful possession of any drug, including any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug, on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event.
• Aggravated assault
• Assault that results in bodily injury upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or a school resource officer.
• Valid threats of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity, as determined by a threat assessment team.

Committing any of these offenses shall result in a student being expelled from the regular school program for at least one (1) calendar year unless modified by the Director of Schools. Modification of the length of time shall be granted on a case-by-case basis. Students who commit zero-tolerance offenses may be assigned to an alternative school or program at the discretion of the Director of Schools.

When it is determined that a student has violated this policy, the principal shall notify the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system as required by law.

INTERFERENCE/DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

(TCS BOE Policy 6.306)

The staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Any professional employee shall have the authority to control the conduct of any student while under the supervision of the school system. This authority shall extend to all activities of the school, including all games and public performances of athletic teams and other school groups, trips, excursions, and all other activities under school sponsorship and direction.

Such measures may include the use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order.

A student shall not use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct which causes the disruption, interference, or obstruction of any school purpose while on school property, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school-sponsored activity, function, or event, whether on or off campus. Neither shall he/she urge other students to engage in such conduct.

A student found guilty of misbehavior may receive punishment ranging from verbal reprimand to suspension and/or expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense and the student’s prior record.

TULLAHOMA CITY SCHOOLS DRESS CODE

(TCS BOE Policy 6.310)

Students shall dress and groom in a clean, neat, and modest manner so as not to distract or interfere with the operation of the school.

More specific guidelines appropriate for each level of school (elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high) shall be developed by the director of schools. Principals and appropriate faculty shall be involved in the development of each set of guidelines.

When a student is dressed in a manner that is likely to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, or in a manner that violates the developed guidelines, the principal shall take appropriate action, which may include suspension.

TULLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DRESS CODE

In keeping with the school's educational purpose, students must dress and groom themselves appropriately. Each student is expected to keep his or her person and clothing clean and neat. We understand that each student’s post-graduation career goals are unique and may require different dress standards. Still, we encourage you to “Dress for YOUR success.” At a minimum, students should not wear any clothing that an employer would not allow at a place of business. The following rules will be enforced for all THS students:

Not Allowed:

1. Revealing/excessively tight clothes (examples- low-cut, see-through, spaghetti straps, strapless). These are not allowed even with a zip-up jacket.
2. Pajama pants (examples- characters, prints, or patterns)
3. Crop tops (not even allowed with a zip-up jacket)
4. Spandex shorts/biker shorts, Compression shorts
5. Blankets
6. Sagging pants
7. Hats/caps/hoods/head coverings of any kind
8. Sweatshirt/shirt hoods (Hoods must remain down)
9. Shoes not suitable for outdoor wear (example- house shoes/slippers)
10.  Sunglasses
11.  Spiked accessories
12.  Long chains
13.  Vulgar, obscene, profane, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or gang-related clothing
14.  Anything deemed by the administration to be disruptive to the instructional environment.

Allowed Guidelines

1. Skin and undergarments must be covered with opaque clothing from the underarms to below the waist. The mid-section (stomach) must be covered.
2. Leggings must be worn with a shirt that meets the above criteria.
3. Shirts must have an over-the-shoulder area of at least 2 inches wide.
4. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no shorter than mid-thigh.
5. Students will adhere to the guidelines specified by the school administration on special dress days or theme-based events.

Parents will be notified if students are inappropriately dressed. Students must change into proper clothing and will be allowed to attend class once they are dressed appropriately. If a parent cannot be contacted or bring clothing in a timely manner that meets the dress code, the student can change into appropriate clothing provided by THS. Alternatively, students may be placed in the In-School Suspension room until contact is made and clothing is delivered. The student may check out with the parents' permission to leave school to change clothing.  

PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS

(TCS BOE Policy 6.302)

Before school authorities administer disciplinary measures, a reasonable inquiry shall be made to determine the truth of what happened. The nature of the inquiry will vary in degree with the seriousness of the offense and the consequence.

Minor Offenses:

For minor offenses where corrective measures are taken by the classroom teacher, no formal procedure is required. The teacher shall ensure the following:

• The offender is accurately identified.
• That he/she understands the nature of the offense.
• That he/she understands the consequences of the offense.

Severe Offenses:

In cases of severe offenses where there is a possibility of suspension, the student shall be advised of the nature of his/her misconduct and questioned about it, and allowed to give an explanation.

If a student is suspended for more than ten (10) days, he/she shall receive notice of the right to appeal to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority.

INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES

(TCS BOE Policy 6.303)

Interrogation by school personnel

Students may be questioned by teachers or principals about any matter pertaining to the operation of a school and/or the enforcement of its rules. Questioning shall be conducted discreetly and under circumstances to avoid unnecessary embarrassment to the student. Any student answering falsely or evasively or refusing to answer a question may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension.

If a student is suspected or accused of misconduct or infraction of the student code of conduct, the principal may interrogate the student without the presence of parent(s)/guardian(s).

Interrogation by police at the principal’s request

If the principal has requested assistance from law enforcement to investigate a crime involving his/her school, the police may interrogate a student suspect in school during school hours. The principal shall first attempt to notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student unless circumstances require otherwise. However, the interrogation may proceed without the attendance of the parent(s)/guardian(s), but the principal/designee shall be present during the interrogation.

Police-initiated interrogations

If the police deem the circumstances of sufficient urgency to interrogate students at school for unrelated crimes committed outside of school hours, the police department should first contact the principal regarding the planned interrogation and inform him/her of the probable cause to investigate. The principal shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the interrogation unless circumstances require otherwise. The interrogation may proceed without the attendance of the parent(s)/guardian(s), but the principal/designee shall be present during the interrogation.

Searches by school personnel

The school principal shall authorize all searches at the outset per state law.2 All principal-initiated searches shall be conducted by a school security officer or a school administrator who has completed the state-required training.3 The following conditions shall apply to principal-initiated searches:

1. All the following standards of reasonableness must be met:

a. A particular student has violated school policy;

b. The search will yield evidence of the violation of school policy or will lead to finding dangerous weapons, drugs, or drug paraphernalia;

c. The search is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision, and education;

d. The search is not conducted for the sole purpose of discovering evidence to be used in criminal prosecution; and

e. The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive considering the age and sex of the student as well as the nature of the alleged infraction;4

2. A school administrator shall be on-site at any principal-initiated search;

3. A school administrator shall oversee the search and may end the search at any time; and

4. If a student is under the age of eighteen (18), the principal must notify the student’s parent or guardian within a reasonable time of the search.3

If a school resource officer searches a student, based on having probable cause, the principal shall notify the Director of Schools/Designee.5

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the Director of Schools shall develop procedures for searching students, lockers, vehicles, and containers, which are consistent with state law. The Director of Schools shall develop additional procedures to ensure compliance with all of the provisions of the School Security Act of 1981.1,2

Use of animals

When necessary, dogs or other animals trained to detect drugs or dangerous weapons may be used in conducting searches, but the animals shall be used only to pinpoint areas that need to be searched and shall not be used to search the persons of students or visitors.

Metal detectors

The use of hand-held or walk-through metal detectors to check a student’s person or personal effects is permitted.

The principal shall ensure that all metal detectors are maintained and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions and are stored appropriately.

School officials or law enforcement officers may conduct metal detector checks of groups of individuals if the checks are done in a minimally intrusive, nondiscriminatory manner (e.g., on all students in a randomly selected class or every third individual entering an athletic event). Metal detector checks of groups of individuals may not be used to single out a particular individual or category of individuals.

If a school official or a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that a particular student is in possession of an illegal or unauthorized metal-containing object or weapon, he/she may conduct a metal detector check of the student's person and personal effects.

A student's failure to permit a metal detector check, as provided in this policy, will be considered grounds for disciplinary action, including possible suspension.

TULLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

The following is not a complete list of possible infractions, but should guide the students, faculty/staff, parents, and administration of Tullahoma High School. The administration at Tullahoma High School reserves the right to administer any necessary discipline in accordance with school board policy.

 After-School Detention (ASD):

Students are always given a 24-hour notice to serve after-school detention, and parents/ guardians are always contacted.

Academic Detention (ACD):

A disciplinary program aimed at behavior management that allows students to remain in a learning environment while isolated during a class period from the rest of the student body.

In-school suspension (ISS):

A disciplinary program aimed at behavior management that allows students to remain in a learning environment while isolated for a full day from the rest of the student body.

Out-of-school suspension (OSS):

Temporary, complete exclusion from school and activities. In other words, a student is banned from being on school property.

Alternative Learning Center (ALC)/Alternative School:

A short-term intervention program designed to provide educational services outside the regular school program for students who have been suspended or expelled.  

STUDENT DISCIPLINARY HEARING AUTHORITY

(TCS BOE Policy 6.317)

A Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) shall conduct appeals for students who have been suspended for more than ten (10) school days.1 The Board shall appoint a DHA, which shall consist of three (3) members (the maximum number shall not exceed the total membership of the Board). The Director of Schools shall recommend members of the DHA to the Board for approval. At least one (1) DHA member shall be a licensed employee of the district. All appointments are for one (1) year terms and subject to reappointment. Board members shall not serve on the DHA.

The Director of Schools shall appoint a Chair of the DHA from the members appointed by the Board. The Chair shall perform the following duties:

• Set the time, place, and date for each hearing;
• Maintain order and structure during each hearing; and
• Prepare, sign, and disseminate the minutes of each meeting.

Upon receiving notification of the request to appeal the suspension decision, the DHA shall provide written notification to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student, the student, and any other appropriate person of the time, place, and date of the hearing. The hearing shall be held no later than ten (10) days after the beginning of the suspension.

The DHA may take the following disciplinary actions:

• Affirm the decision of the principal.
• Order the removal of the suspension unconditionally.
• Order the removal of the suspension upon such terms and conditions as it deems reasonable.
• Assign the student to an alternative school or program.
• Suspend the student for a specified period of time.*

Within five (5) days of the DHA rendering a decision, the student, principal, principal-teacher, or assistant principal may request a review by the Board, and the Board shall review the record. Following the review, the Board may take the following actions.

• Grant Request for Hearing
• If the Board grants a hearing, it shall provide notice to the student and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s). The notice of the hearing shall include a statement that, unless the student or the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) requests an open hearing in writing within five (5) days of receipt of the notice, the hearing shall be closed to the public.
• The Board may affirm, overturn, or modify the decision of the DHA.
• Deny Request for Hearing
• If the Board does not grant a hearing, it may affirm, overturn, or modify the decision of the DHA. The Board shall not impose a more severe penalty than that imposed by the DHA without first providing an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.

* Note: Zero-tolerance offenses as set forth in statute require mandatory calendar year expulsion unless modified by the Director of Schools.