2024 LSS Student - Parent Handbook (Public)

Employees and students shall be provided an environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic and religious discrimination/harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or any student to discriminate against or harass an employee or student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature.

The Lakeland Board of Education has determined that a safe, civil, and supportive environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. In order to maintain that environment, acts of bullying, cyber-bullying, discrimination, harassment, hazing or any other victimization of students, based on any actual or perceived traits or characteristics, are prohibited.

This policy shall be disseminated annually to all school staff, students, and parents/guardians. This policy shall cover employees, employees' behaviors, students and students' behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop. If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, this policy is in effect if the conduct is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.

Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment.

The Superintendent shall develop forms and procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of this policy and state law.

Definitions

Bullying/Intimidation/Harassment – An intentional act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, is repeated over time, and the act has the effect of:

• Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property;

• Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property;

• Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or

• Creating a hostile educational environment.

Bullying, intimidation, or harassment may also be unwelcome conduct based on a protected class (race, nationality, origin, color, gender, age, disability, religion) that is severe, pervasive, or persistent and creates a hostile environment.

Cyber-bullying - 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, web sites or fake profiles.

Hazing - An intentional or reckless act by a student or group of students that is directed against any other student(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student(s) or that induces or coerces a student to endanger his/her mental or physical health or safety. Coaches and other employees of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities.

“Hazing” does not include customary athletic events or similar contest or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.

Complaints and Investigations

Any individual who has knowledge of behaviors that may constitute a violation of this policy shall promptly report such information to the Principal/designee.

While reports may be made anonymously, an individual's need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to cooperate with police investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough investigation or to take necessary actions to resolve a complaint, and the identity of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a need to know.

The Principal/designee at each school shall be responsible for investigating and resolving complaints. Once a complaint is received, the Principal/designee shall initiate an investigation within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of the report. If a report is not initiated within forty-eight (48) hours, the Principal/designee shall provide the Superintendent with appropriate documentation detailing the reasons why the investigation was not initiated within the required timeframe. The Principal/designee shall notify the parent/legal guardian when a student is involved in an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying. The Principal/designee shall provide information on district counseling and support services. Students involved in an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying shall be referred to the appropriate school counselor by the Principal/designee when deemed necessary.

The Principal/designee is responsible for determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this policy, and such act shall be held to violate this policy when it meets one of the following conditions:

1. It places the student in reasonable fear or harm for the student’s person or property;

2. It has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;

3. It has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or

4. It has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Upon the determination of a violation, the Principal/designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each alleged incident. All investigations shall be completed and appropriate intervention taken within twenty (20) calendar days from the receipt of the initial report. If the investigation is not complete or intervention has not taken place within twenty (20) calendar days, the Principal/designee shall provide the Superintendent with appropriate documentation detailing the reasons why the investigation has not been completed or the appropriate intervention has not taken place. Within the parameters of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a written report on the investigation will be delivered to the parents of the complainant, parents of the accused students and to the Superintendent.

Response and Prevention

School administrators shall consider the nature and circumstances of the incident, the age of the violator, the degree of harm, previous incidences or patterns of behavior, or any other factors, as appropriate to properly respond to each situation.

A substantiated charge against an employee shall result in disciplinary action up to and including

termination. A substantiated charge against a student may result in corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

An employee disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision by contacting the Federal Rights Coordinator. Any student disciplined for violation of this policy may appeal the decision in accordance with disciplinary policies and procedures.

Reports

When a complaint is filed alleging a violation of this policy where there is physical harm or the threat of physical harm to a student or a student's property, the Principal/designee of each middle school, junior high school, or high school shall report the findings and any disciplinary actions taken to the Superintendent and the Chair of the Board of Education.

By July 1 of each year, the Superintendent/designee shall prepare a report of all of the bullying cases brought to the attention of school officials during the prior academic year. The report shall also indicate how the cases were resolved and/or the reasons they are still pending. This report shall be presented to the board of education at its regular July meeting, and it shall be submitted to the state department of education by August 1.

The Superintendent shall develop forms and procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of this policy and TCA 49-6-4503.

Retaliation and False Accusations

Retaliation against any person who reports or assists in any investigation of an act alleged in this policy is prohibited. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act.

False accusations accusing another person of having committed an act prohibited under this policy are prohibited. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have falsely accused another may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension and expulsion.

Visitors To Schools (Policy #1.501)

Except on occasions, such as school programs, athletic events, open house and similar public events; all visitors will report to the school office when entering the school and will sign a log book. Authorization to visit elsewhere in the building or on the school campus will be determined by the Principal or designee. Guest passes shall be issued for all persons other than students and employees of the school.

In order to maintain the conditions and atmosphere suitable for learning, no other person shall enter onto the grounds or into the school buildings during the hours of student instruction except students assigned to that school, the staff of the school, parents of students, and other persons with lawful and valid business on the school premises.

Persons who come onto school property shall act according to the Lakeland School System Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers, and Visitors as outlined below:

Lakeland School System

Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers, and Visitors

This Code of Conduct applies to all families, volunteers and visitors who interact with schools and offices in Lakeland School System. It also applies to those who are present at school, in person or virtually, and at school-sponsored activities, meetings, and/or functions during and after regular school hours.

In order to create a climate and culture of support for all students, there is an expectation for all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that every student attains high academic achievement; positive social and emotional development; and readiness for college, careers, and a successful and productive life.

In order to maintain an orderly, respectful and secure educational environment for students and staff, it is essential that families and visitors are aware of their responsibilities and understand that adherence to these guidelines is essential for each school and office. Penalties for lack of adherence to this Code of Conduct shall be enforceable by the Board of Education and by local law enforcement officers if necessary.

Public Conduct on School Property

Schools are a place of work and learning. All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. The building principal or their designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds. Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school is considered a “visitor.” All visitors are required to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property established by procedures, state law, and school board policy.

All visitors to a school facility outside of a public performance, athletic event, or group informational meeting shall provide to the office a form of government-issued identification (including the visitor’s name, date of birth, and photo), which will be recorded. Persons who do not provide required identification will not be permitted on premises.

Visitors may be escorted and/or accompanied by a school employee throughout their visit. Visitors are required to wear a badge or name tag indicating that they are a visitor throughout their visit.

Conduct Prohibited on School Property

No person shall:

Act in a threatening manner (e.g., showing gross disrespect; using loud, offensive, or profane language; displaying temper; or otherwise causing disruption to professional or academic climate) toward any staff member or student;
Approach someone else’s child in order to discuss an issue or chastise them. (Such an approach to a child may be seen as an assault on that child and may have legal consequences);
Injure any other person or threaten to do so;
Damage or destroy school property, or threaten to damage or destroy school property or the property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any other person lawfully on school property;
Disrupt classes, school programs or other school activities;
Send abusive, harassing, or threatening emails or text/voicemail/phone messages or other inappropriate written communication;
Record or videotape any interactions within the school building where there is an expectation of privacy (classroom instruction, conversations with teachers, students, staff), unless all participants to the conversation have given their permission for the recording or videotaping;
Misuse social media to fuel campaigns and complaints against school staff, and/or other parents/students through social networking and websites;
Misuse social media by cyberbullying and/or publicly humiliating others;
Disrupt school transportation or confront transportation staff on the bus, the road, in neighborhoods, or on school system grounds, or enter upon a school bus without express permission to do so;
Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are suggestive, inappropriate, or obscene; that advocate illegal action; that promote alcohol or illegal substances; that appear libelous; that obstruct the rights of others; or that are disruptive to the school program;
Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age;
Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed;
Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies;
Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions of vehicles while on school property;
Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tobacco products, vaping products, controlled substances, or be under the influence on school property or at school functions;
Possess or use firearms or dangerous weapons in or on school property or at any school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers;
Loiter on school property or at school functions;
Gamble on school property or at school functions;
Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties;
Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code; or
Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance, or Board policy while on school property or while at a school function.

Consequences for Violating the Code of Conduct

Principals or their designees and school security have the authority to enforce the Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers and Visitors, as well as all district policies and procedures, and are authorized to determine the appropriate offense level outlined below.

Depending upon the severity of the incident, parents/guardians or visitors may be ejected from, or otherwise banned from campus and participation in school-sponsored activities. In situations involving lesser infractions or where remediation is viable, a verbal warning will be provided. Should a parent/guardian or visitor fail to heed the direction issued in the verbal warning, a ban or other restrictions designed to deter the conduct will follow. No restriction, however, will prevent the parent/guardian from working collaboratively with the school to meet the child’s educational needs, nor will a parent/guardian be excluded from meetings regarding their child’s education and performance.

Parental and Family Involvement (Policy #4.502)

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

The board is committed to increasing and ensuring the involvement of parents and other family members in the education of students. The board shall implement the following as required by federal or state laws or regulations:

The Lakeland School System shall annually work with parents in evaluating and potentially revising the provisions of this policy in improving the quality of schools. Such an evaluation shall strive to identify any barriers to greater participation by parents (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background).
The Lakeland School System shall provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other necessary support to assist individual schools with planning and implementing parental involvement activities.
The Lakeland School System shall involve parents with the development of required educational or improvement plans.
The Lakeland School System shall coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies with those associated with other federal or state programs.
The Lakeland School System shall put into operation activities and procedures for the involvement of parents in all of its schools. Those programs, activities and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful consultation with parents.
The Lakeland School System shall ensure that activities and strategies are implemented to support this policy and included in the district plan.
The Lakeland School System improvement plan shall include strategies for parental participation in the district's schools which are designed to improve parent and teacher cooperation in such areas as homework, attendance, discipline and higher education opportunities for students.
The Lakeland School System plan shall include procedures to enable parents to learn about the course of study of their children and have access to all learning materials.
The Lakeland School System plan shall identify opportunities for parents to participate in and support classroom instruction in the school. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, organizing fundraising activities, volunteering as a field trip chaperone, assisting in the library, computer lab, or on the playground, offering after-school clubs, and recycling clothes.
If the Lakeland School System's plan is not satisfactory to parents, the school district shall submit parental comments regarding the plan to the State Department of Education as required.

The Lakeland School System shall ensure Title I schools are in compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act. The Superintendent shall develop and implement any procedures necessary to accomplish the goals of this policy.

School Level Policy

Each school shall submit to the director and board, for review and comment, its Title I school parent involvement policy, which must meet state and federal requirements, including a school-parent compact. This school level policy shall be developed jointly with and distributed to parents of participating students. A copy of these documents shall be retained in the district office and made available on the school's (if applicable) and school system's website.

Support for Program

If the Title I allocation is $500,000 or more to the school system, then not less than one per cent (1%) nor more than five percent (5%) of that allocation shall be reserved for the purpose of promoting parent involvement. Parents of students participating in the Title I programs shall be consulted on the use of these funds.

Family-School Partnerships

Families and community members should be engaged in the education of students based on the following standards:

Families are welcomed into the school community;
Families and school staff should engage in regular and meaningful communication about student learning;
Families and school staff work together to support student learning and development;
Families are informed and encouraged to be advocates for students;
Families are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families; and
Community, civic, and business resources are made available to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

The Superintendent is authorized to implement any procedures necessary to accomplish the goals of this policy.

Admission and Enrollment (Policy #6.203)

Any student entering school for the first time must present:

A birth certificate or officially acceptable evidence of date of birth at the time of registration;
Evidence of a current medical examination. There shall be a complete medical examination of every student entering school for the first time; and
Evidence of state-required immunization.

The name used on the records of a student entering school must be the same as that shown on the birth certificate unless evidence is presented that such name has been legally changed through a court as prescribed by law. If the parent/guardian does not have or cannot obtain a birth certificate, then the name used on the records of such student will be the same as that shown on documents which are acceptable to the school Principal as proof of date of birth.

A child whose care, custody and support have been assigned to a resident of the district by a power of attorney or order of the court shall be enrolled in school provided appropriate documentation has been filed with the district office.

A student may transfer into the school system at any time during the year if his/her parent(s) or legal guardian moves his/her residence into the school system.

ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT STUDENT

If a student has at any time been adjudicated delinquent for any offense listed in TCA 49-63051(b), the parents/guardians and a school administrator of any school having previously received similar notice from the juvenile court or another source, shall provide to the school Principal/designee, the abstract provided under TCA 37-1-153 or TCA 37-1-154 or other similar written information when any such student:

Initially enrolls in an LEA;
Resumes school attendance after suspension, expulsion or adjudication of delinquency; or
Changes schools within this state.

A principal or principal’s designee may ask a parent/guardian in writing if their student has been adjudicated delinquent for an offense listed in TCA 49-6-3051 within thirty (30) days of the student first enrolling in the school, and when any such student:

Resumes school attendance after suspension, expulsion or adjudication of delinquency; or

Changes schools within this state.

This information shall be shared only with school employees who have responsibility for classroom instruction of the student and the school counselor, social worker or psychologist who is developing a plan for the child while in the school, and the school resource officer. Such information is otherwise confidential and shall not be released to others, and the written notification shall not become a part of the student’s record.

Items Needed for Registration

All registration is conducted online in the Skyward online enrollment program.

When enrolling your child online, the following information will be required:

Kindergarten and New Students

Spanish Flier (updated 02/2024): Información sobre jardín de infantes y nuevos estudiantes

To complete online registration for your child(ren), please upload the following documents:

You must provide TWO of the following items showing the parent/guardian's name and address to prove Lakeland residency:

Most recent MLGW or municipal water bill of the owner, renter or lessee of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Mortgage statement or deed of the owner of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Lease of the lessee of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Rental Agreement of the renter of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Real Estate tax receipt;
Public assistance/government benefits check, card, or papers;

In the event that two (2) of the items listed above cannot be provided, residency may be established by submitting other documentation deemed to be appropriate proof of residence by the department responsible for verifying residency.

Additional documents:

Student’s Social Security card (OPTIONAL)
Certified copy of student’s Birth Certificate
If birth certificate cannot be submitted during time of enrollment, parent/guardian can submit an officially acceptable evidence of date of birth (e.g., passport, military ID)
Parent’s/Guardian’s driver’s license, passport, or military ID
High School Transcripts: All new high school students must provide high school transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable).
New 9th grade students must bring their most recent report card.
Parenting Plans/Custody Documents - If applicable, custody papers and parenting plans are required for new or currently enrolled students.
Tennessee Immunization Certificate

Returning Students

Spanish Flier (2024-2025 SY): Información del estudiante que regresa

You must provide TWO of the following items showing the parent/guardian's name and address to prove Lakeland residency. This is required annually for all returning students:

Most recent MLGW or municipal water bill of the owner, renter or lessee of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Mortgage statement or deed of the owner of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Lease of the lessee of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Rental Agreement of the renter of the home in which the student will reside during the current school year;
Real Estate tax receipt;
Public assistance/government benefits check, card, or papers;

Immunization Information:
7th grade students are required to have the TDAP Booster

Shared Residence Information:

(In the event a student resides with his/her parent/guardian in the home of another person.)

Once you have completed registration in the Skyward program, you will need to make an appointment at your child’s assigned school. The owner of the home or tenant must also attend the appointment and provide proof of residence.

Please bring the items listed in the flier below to your shared residence appointment:

Parents/Guardians and the Homeowner/Tenant must complete the Shared Residence Affidavit (linked below):

Shared Residence Affidavit

Emergency Contact Information (Policy #6.410)

Parent(s) of all students shall provide the school with emergency contact information which shall contain the following information:

Parents’ location and phone numbers during the school day;
The name, address and phone number of the student’s physician(s);
Directions in the event that medical treatment is needed;
Information concerning a student’s particular physical disability or medical condition.

This information shall be required annually and shall be kept on file in the Principal’s office.

If a student suffers an injury or becomes ill, the staff member in charge shall have the responsibility to render first-aid or ensure that it is rendered.

In the event of serious injury or illness to a student, the parent(s) shall be notified as to whether to pick up the child at school or meet the child at the hospital. If the parent(s) cannot be reached, the student shall be transported to the hospital emergency room and the physician identified by the parent(s) on the emergency medical authorization form shall be notified of the accident. Efforts to notify the parent(s) shall continue until they are reached.

Principals shall inform the Superintendent immediately of any serious injuries suffered by students while under the jurisdiction of the school.

Parents who object to the procedures contained in this policy shall submit to the Principal a written emergency plan for his approval.

The Superintendent shall develop forms and procedures to implement this policy.

Child Custody/Parental Access (Policy #6.209)

The Board presumes that the person who enrolls a student in school is the student’s custodial parent. Unless a Tennessee court specifies otherwise, the custodial parent shall be the one whom the school district holds responsible for the education and welfare of that child.

Parents or guardians shall have the right to receive information contained in school records concerning their minor child. The Board, unless informed otherwise, assumes there are no restrictions regarding the non-custodial parent’s right to be kept informed of the student’s progress and activities. If restrictions are made relative to the rights of the non-custodial parent, the custodial parent shall submit a certified copy of the court order which curtails these specific rights.

Unless there are specific court-imposed restrictions, the non-custodial parent, upon request shall receive a copy of the child’s report card, notice of school attendance, names of teachers, class schedules, standardized test scores and any other records customarily available to parents.

No school official shall permit a change in the physical custody of a child at school unless:

The person seeking custody of the child presents the school official with a certified copy of a valid court order from a Tennessee court designating the person who has custody of the child; and
The person seeking custody shall give the school official reasonable advance notice of his/her intent to take custody of the child at school.

Enrollment of the Children of Employees (Policy 6.2062)

Full-time employees of either Lakeland School System or the City of Lakeland may enroll their K-11 children in Lakeland School System during the time that they are actively employed with either organization. If employment is severed during an academic year, students may continue to be enrolled through the end of the year at the discretion of the Superintendent. Parents must reapply for continued admission annually, and continued enrollment will be based on available space.

Students in the following categories are not eligible for continued enrollment:

Students with more than five unexcused absences.
Students that do not meet the academic requirements to advance to the next grade level.
Students who are found to have committed zero tolerance offenses or Level 4 disciplinary infractions.

Parents of students meeting the above criteria must provide their own transportation to and from.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for establishing the procedures for enrolling children of employees and determining ongoing eligibility for enrollment.

Homeless Students (Policy #6.503)

A homeless student shall have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.

Homeless students are individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Homeless students include:

Students sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; students living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; students living in emergency or transitional shelters; or students abandoned in hospitals;
Students who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
Students living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or trains stations, or similar settings; and
Migratory students who are living in circumstances described above.

Enrollment

Homeless students shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e. academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency), or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines. Parents/guardians are required to submit contact information to the district’s homeless coordinator.

Placement

For the purposes of this policy, school of origin shall mean the school that the student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled, including a preschool/pre-k program. School of origin shall also include the designated receiving school at the next grade level when the student completes the final grade level served by the school of origin.

Placement shall be determined based on the student’s best interest. At all times, a strong presumption that keeping the student in the school of origin is in the student’s best interest shall be maintained, unless doing so would be contrary to a request made by the student’s parent/guardian or the student in the case of an unaccompanied youth. When determining placement, student-centered factors, including but not limited to impact of mobility on achievement, education, health, and safety shall be considered. The choice regarding placement shall be made regardless of whether the student lives with their homeless parents/guardians or has been temporarily placed elsewhere.

If it is not in the student’s best interest to attend the school of origin, or the school requested by the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth, the director or his/her designee shall provide a written explanation of the reasons for the determination, in a manner and form that is understandable to the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth. The written explanation shall include a statement regarding the right to appeal the placement decision. If the placement decision is appealed, the district shall refer the parent/guardian or unaccompanied student to the homeless coordinator, who shall carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with the law. Upon notice of an appeal, the Superintendent shall immediately enroll the student in the school in which enrollment was sought pending a final resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals.

Records

Records ordinarily kept by the school shall be maintained for all homeless students. Information regarding a homeless student’s living situation shall be treated as a student education record, and shall not be considered directory information.

Services

The Superintendent shall ensure that each homeless student is provided services comparable to those offered to other students within the district, including transportation, special education services, programs in career and technical education (CTE), programs for gifted and talented students, and school nutrition. The Superintendent shall designate a district homeless coordinator who shall ensure this policy is implemented throughout the district. The homeless coordinator shall ensure:

Homeless students are quickly identified and have access to education and support services, to include Head Start and district pre-k programs;
Coordination with local social service agencies and other entities providing services to homeless students;
Coordinate transportation, transfer of records, and other interdistrict activities with other school districts;
Coordinate transportation to the school or origin or choice for homeless students;
Refer homeless students and their families to health care services, dental services, mental health and substance abuse services, and housing services;
Assist homeless students in obtaining immunizations, medical or immunization records, and any additional assistance that may be needed;
Public notice of the educational rights of homeless students is disseminated in places frequented by parents/guardians of homeless students, including schools, shelters, public libraries, and soup kitchens; and
Unaccompanied youth are enrolled and informed of their status and independent students.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures to ensure that homeless students are recognized administratively and that the appropriate and available services are provided for these students. The director shall ensure professional development is provided to school personnel providing services to homeless students.

Migrant Students (Policy 6.504)

The Board directs the administration to identify migratory students in the district, as required by law, and to develop written administrative procedures for ensuring that migrant students receive services for which they are eligible. In developing and implementing a program to address the needs of migratory students the district will:

Identify migratory students and assess the educational and related health and social needs of each student.
Provide a full range of services to migrant students including applicable Title I programs, special education, gifted education, vocational education, language programs, counseling programs, elective classes, fine arts classes, etc.
Provide migratory children with the opportunity to meet the same statewide assessment standards that all students are expected to meet.
To the extent feasible, provide advocacy and outreach programs to migratory students and their families and professional development for district staff.
Provide parents an opportunity to participate in the program.

If a migrant student is identified by the district, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the Tennessee Department of Education and request assistance if needed.

English Learners (Policy #4.207)

If the inability to speak and understand the English language excludes a student from effective participation in the educational programs offered by the district, the district shall take reasonable actions to provide the student equal access to its programs. Students who are English learners (“EL”) shall be identified, assessed, and provided appropriate services. No child shall be admitted to or excluded from any program or extra-curricular activity based on the student’s surname or EL status.

The Superintendent shall evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s language assistance programs to ensure EL students will acquire English proficiency and the ability to participate in the standard instructional program within a reasonable period of time.

English Language Instruction Program

The board directs the administration to develop and implement language instruction programs that:

Appropriately identify EL students in a timely, valid, and reliable manner.
Determine the appropriate instructional environment for EL students.
Provide EL students with a language assistance program that is educationally sound and proven successful.
Annually assess the English proficiency of EL students and monitor the progress of students in order to determine their readiness for standard instructional program.
Monitor the progress of students that have exited the EL program.

Parental Notification

Parents of EL students shall be given notice of, and information regarding, the instructional program within the first thirty (30) days of the school year, or within the first two weeks of a student being placed in a language instruction educational program (LIEP). At a minimum, the notice will include the following:

The reason for identifying the child as an EL student;
The child’s level of English language proficiency, including how the level was assessed, and the status of the child’s academic achievement;
Methods of instruction used in the program, methods of instruction in other available programs, and how they differ;
How the program meets the educational strengths and needs of the student, and how the program will help the student reach English language proficiency and meet academic standards;
Program exit requirements, rate of transition to a standard instructional program classroom, and expected rate of high school graduation;
How the program meets the goals of an EL student with an IEP; and
Information on the parents’ right to withdraw the student from the program or choose another program or method of instruction if available.

Parental involvement will be encouraged and parents will be regularly apprised of their child's progress.

Physical Examinations and Immunizations (Policy #6.402)

Physical Examinations

The Principal shall ensure that there is a complete physical examination of each student prior to:

Entering school for the first time, and
Participation as a member of any athletic team or in any other strenuous physical activity program.

Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent or guardian of the student. These records shall be on file in the Principal’s office.

Screening tests as required by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Department of Health will be conducted. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will receive written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere or tend to interfere with a student’s progress.

In general, the school district will not conduct physical examinations of a student without parental consent to do so or by court order, unless the health or safety of the student or others is in question.

Immunizations

No students entering school, including those entering kindergarten or first grade, 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 to the Principal of the school which the student is to attend. This Policy does not apply to an immunization, vaccination, or injection for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or any variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Exceptions will be granted to any child whose parent or guardian files one of the following with school authorities:

1. A written statement that the immunization and other preventive measures conflict with the parents’ or guardians’ religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury. Parents or guardians may not provide a statement of waiver from immunizations during an epidemic or immediate threat of an epidemic.

2. A written statement from the student's doctor excusing the student from the immunization for medical reasons.

The Superintendent shall ensure that appropriate immunization records are maintained for each student. Proof of exceptions will be in writing and filed in the same manner as other immunization records.

A list of transfer students shall be kept at each school in order that their records may be monitored by the Department of Health.

Influenza Communication

Pursuant to Public Chapter 22, schools must annually provide parents and guardians with information about influenza disease and the effectiveness of vaccination against influenza at the beginning of every school year. The following information was provided by the Center for Disease Control and meets the requirements of this public chapter:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (Inactivated or Recombinant): What you need to know

Why get vaccinated?

Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Anyone can get flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can include:

fever/chills
sore throat
muscle aches
fatigue
cough
headache
runny or stuffy nose

Flu can also lead to pneumonia and blood infections, and cause diarrhea and seizures in children. If you have a medical condition, such as heart or lung disease, flu can make it worse.

Flu is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.

Each year thousands of people in the United States die from flu, and many more are hospitalized. Flu vaccine can:

keep you from getting flu,
make flu less severe if you do get it, and
keep you from spreading flu to your family and other people.

Inactivated and recombinant flu vaccines

A dose of flu vaccine is recommended every flu season. Children 6 months through 8 years of age may need two doses during the same flu season. Everyone else needs only one dose each flu season.

Some inactivated flu vaccines contain a very small amount of a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal. Studies have not shown thimerosal in vaccines to be harmful, but flu vaccines that do not contain thimerosal are available.

There is no live flu virus in flu shots. They cannot cause the flu. There are many flu viruses, and they are always changing. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against three or four viruses that are likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season. But even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection. Flu vaccine cannot prevent:

flu that is caused by a virus not covered by the vaccine, or
illnesses that look like flu but are not. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, and protection lasts through the flu season.

Some people should not get this vaccine

Tell the person who is giving you the vaccine:

If you have any severe, life-threatening allergies. If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of

this vaccine, you may be advised not to get vaccinated. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of egg protein.

If you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (also called GBS). Some people with a history of GBS should not get this vaccine. This should be discussed with your doctor.
If you are not feeling well. It is usually okay to get flu vaccine when you have a mild illness, but you might be asked to come back when you feel better.

Risks of a vaccine reaction

With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of reactions. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Most people who get a flu shot do not have any problems with it.

Minor problems following a flu shot include:

soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
hoarseness
sore, red or itchy eyes
cough
fever
aches
headache
itching
fatigue

If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1 or 2 days. More serious problems following a flu shot can include the following:

There may be a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after inactivated flu vaccine. This risk has been estimated at 1 or 2 additional cases per million people vaccinated. This is much lower than the risk of severe complications from flu, which can be prevented by flu vaccine.
Young children who get the flu shot along with pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) and/or DTaP vaccine at the same time might be slightly more likely to have a seizure caused by fever. Ask your doctor for more information. Tell your doctor if a child who is getting flu vaccine has ever had a seizure.

Problems that could happen after any injected vaccine:

People sometimes faint after a medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting, and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
Some people get severe pain in the shoulder and have difficulty moving the arm where a shot was given. This happens very rarely.
Any medication can cause a severe allergic reaction. Such reactions from a vaccine are very rare, estimated at about 1 in a million doses, and would happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a serious injury or death. The safety of vaccines is always being monitored. For more information, visit:

www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/

What if there is a serious reaction?

What should I look for?

Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, or unusual behavior. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

What should I do?

If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other emergency that can’t wait, call 91-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor.
Reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

Meningococcal Vaccines

Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is highly effective at protecting against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria. Teens and young adults are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

School Attendance Areas (Policy #1.703)

Students who reside within the municipal boundaries of the city of Lakeland, TN are zoned and eligible to attend schools in Lakeland School System.

The Board shall establish school attendance areas and periodically review boundary adjustments. The Superintendent shall enforce these areas as established by the Board.

The primary considerations governing the establishment of a school attendance area are:

The educational opportunity afforded students;
The capacity of each school; and
The geographic location of each school in relationship to the surrounding student population.

Attendance, Absences, Truancy, and Withdrawal (Policy #6.200 & 6.207)

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session. The Superintendent/designee shall ensure that this policy is posted in each school building and disseminated to all students, parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers, and administrative staff.

The Student Services Supervisor shall oversee the entire attendance program which shall include:

All accounting and reporting procedures and their dissemination;
Alternative program options for students who severely fail to meet minimum attendance requirements;
Ensuring that all school age children attend school;
Providing documentation of enrollment status upon request for students applying for new or reinstatement of driver's permit or license; and
Notifying the Department of Safety whenever a student with a driver's permit or license withdraws from school.
Assisting the Board, under the direction of the Superintendent, with the enforcement of the compulsory attendance laws of the State, and to discharge other duties that are necessary to effectuate enforcement of laws, this policy, and any procedures related to absenteeism and truancy.

Student attendance records shall be given the same level of confidentiality as other student records. Only authorized school officials with legitimate educational purposes may have access to student information without the consent of the student or parent(s)/guardian(s).

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the Principal or his/her designee.

Excused absences shall include:

Personal illness/injury;

Only ten (10) days, whether consecutive or not, can be excused by a parent note.
All absences over 10 days must be accompanied by a medical note.

Illness of immediate family member;

Immediate family member refers to a student’s parents/guardian or sibling.

Death in the family;
Extreme weather conditions;
Religious observances;
Pregnancy;
School endorsed activities;
Driver’s testing;
Summons, subpoena, or court order; or
Circumstances which in the judgment of the Principal create emergencies over which the student has no control.

Out-of-school suspensions are not considered excused absences.

The Principal shall be responsible for ensuring that:

Attendance is checked and reported daily for each class;
Daily absentee sheets contain sign in/sign out sheets and indicate students present or absent for the majority of the day;
All student absences are verified;
Written excuses are submitted for absences and tardiness; and
System-wide procedures for accounting and reporting are followed.

Absences for non-school sponsored extracurricular activities:

1. School Principals may excuse a student from school attendance to participate in a non-school sponsored extracurricular activity if the following conditions are met:

a. The student provides documentation to the school as proof of the student’s participation in the non-school sponsored extracurricular activity; and

b. The student’s parent or guardian, prior to the extracurricular activity, submits to the Principal or designee a written request for the excused absence. The principal will share instructions for making these requests, however, the following are the basic requirements for any absences meeting this criteria. The written request shall be submitted no later than three (3) business days prior to the student’s absence and shall include:

i. The student’s full name;

ii. The student’s grade;

iii. The dates of student’s absence;

iv. The reason for the student’s absence; and

v. The signature of the student and the student’s parent or guardian.

2. The Principal or designee shall indicate in writing whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

3. The maximum number of days for which school Principals may excuse students for non-school sponsored extracurricular activities is five (5) per school year; provided that the Principal may limit the number of days for which students may be excused based upon the student’s grades or disciplinary record.

4. No absences requested during the state-approved TCAP testing window or semester exams will be considered for approval.

All absences must be verified in writing by the parent within three (3) business days of the student’s return to school.

Absences for which no written verification is submitted will be considered unexcused.

Students who have more than five (5) unexcused absences have the opportunity to appeal to the Student Services Supervisor. The decision of the Student Services Supervisor shall be final.

Students participating in school sponsored activities shall be counted present.

POSTSECONDARY SCHOOL VISITS

Ninth (9th), Tenth (10th), Eleventh (11th), and Twelfth (12th) grade students participating in postsecondary school visits shall be counted as present, up to three (3) school days per academic school year.

In order to be counted as present, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

a) Prior notice from a parent or legal guardian, specifying the date of the postsecondary school visit must be provided to the school attendance secretary or designee;

b) By no later than two (2) school days following the postsecondary school visit, the student must present the school attendance secretary with a signed letter or form from a campus official of the postsecondary institution documenting that the student visited the postsecondary institution; and

c) The student must complete all schoolwork missed during the postsecondary school visit.

Postsecondary school visits are not required of any student. The student’s parent or guardian, not Lakeland School System, are solely responsible for facilitating postsecondary school visits and for ensuring the safety of the student during the visit.

Truancy

General

Annually, the Superintendent/designee will provide written notice to parent(s)/guardian(s) that attendance at school is required. Students shall be present at least fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled school day in order to be counted present. Students may attend part-time days, alternating days, or for a specific amount of time as indicated in their Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan and shall be considered present for school attendance purposes. If a student is required to participate in a remedial instruction program outside of the regular school day where there is no cost to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the school system provides transportation, unexcused absences from these programs shall be reported in the same manner.

A student who is absent five (5) days without adequate excuse shall be reported to the Superintendent/designee who will, in turn, provide written notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student's absence. If a parent does not provide documentation within adequate time excusing those absences, or request an attendance hearing, then the Superintendent shall implement tier two and tier three of the progressive truancy plan described below prior to referral to juvenile court.

Progressive Truancy Plan

Tier I 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, positive reinforcement and incentive programs, class and school-wide recognition, and programs that recognize improved attendance.

Tier II 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:

A conference with the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s);
An attendance contract, based on the conference, signed by the student, the parent(s)/guardian(s), and an Attendance Supervisor/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.

Regularly scheduled follow-up meetings to discuss the student’s progress; and
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.

Tier III shall be implemented if the truancy interventions under Tier II are unsuccessful. Tier III shall consist of one or more of the following interventions: RTI2B Tier III interventions, school-based community services; participation in a school-based restorative justice program, referral to a school-based teen court; Saturday or after-school courses designed to improve attendance and behavior.

The interventions shall address students’ needs in an age-appropriate manner. Finalized plans shall be approved by the Superintendent/designee.

If truancy interventions are unsuccessful, or the parent/guardian is unwilling to cooperate with the truancy intervention requirements outlined in the progressive truancy plan, then the director of schools, or designee, may report the student’s absences to the appropriate judge without completing the intervention tiers.

Military Service of Parent/Guardian

School Principals shall provide students with a one-day excused absence prior to the deployment of and a one-day excused absence upon the return of a parent or custodian serving active military service.

Principals shall also allow up to ten (10) excused cumulative absences per year for students to visit a parent/guardian during a deployment cycle. The student shall provide documentation to the school as proof of his/her parent's/guardian's deployment. Students shall be permitted to make up schoolwork missed during these absences.

Released Time Course

A Principal/designee may excuse a student to attend a course in religious moral instruction for up to one (1) class period per school day. Students shall not be excused during any class which requires an examination for state or federal accountability purposes.

The student shall submit a written consent form signed by the student’s parent/guardian prior to participation in the released time course. The Principal/designee shall document the approval in writing. The student shall provide documentation to the Principal/designee as proof of the student’s participation in the released time course.

The district shall not be responsible for transporting students to and from the place of instruction.

Make-Up Work

Students will be allowed one additional day for each excused absence to complete make-up work, tests, or other assignments that were due during their absence for full credit. Requests for exceptions to this policy shall be made first to the classroom teacher then to the Principal for any final decisions.

State-Mandated Assessment

Students who are absent the day of the scheduled end of course (EOC) exams must present a signed doctor’s excuse or must have been given an excused release by the Principal prior to testing to receive an excused absence. Students who have excused absences will be allowed to take a make-up exam. Excused students will receive an incomplete in the course until they have taken the EOC exam. Students who have an unexcused absence shall receive a failing grade on the EOC exam which shall be averaged into their final grade.

Credit/Promotion Denial

Credit/promotion denial determinations may include student attendance; however, student attendance may not be the sole criterion. If attendance is a factor prior to credit/promotion denial, the following shall occur:

The student and the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be advised if the student is in danger of credit/promotion denial due to excessive absenteeism.
Procedures in due process are available to the student when credit or promotion is denied.

Driver’s License Revocation

A student who has more than ten (10) consecutive or fifteen (15) unexcused absences during any semester shall be ineligible to retain a driver's permit or license.

Attendance Hearing

Students with excessive (more than five (5)) unexcused absences or those in danger of credit/promotion denial shall have the opportunity to appeal to an attendance hearing committee appointed by the Principal. If the student chooses to appeal, the student or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided written or actual notice of the appeal hearing and shall be given the opportunity to address the committee. The committee will conduct a hearing to determine if any extenuating circumstances exist to excuse an absence(s) or to determine if the student has met attendance requirements that will allow him/her to pass the course or be promoted. Upon notification of the attendance committee decision, the Principal shall send written notification to the Superintendent/designee and the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student of any action taken regarding the excessive unexcused absences. The notification shall advise parent(s)/guardian(s) of their right to appeal such action within two (2) school days to the Superintendent/designee.

The appeal shall be heard no later than ten (10) school days after the request for appeal is received.

Within five (5) school days of the Superintendent/designee rendering a decision, the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a hearing by the Board, and the Board shall review the record. Following the review, the Board may affirm or overturn the decision of the Superintendent/designee. The action of the Board shall be final.

Compulsory Attendance Ages (Policy 6.201)

Children between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) years, both inclusive, must attend a public or private school. A parent/guardian or legal custodian who believes that their child is not ready to attend school at the designated age of mandatory attendance may make application to the Principal of the public school which the child would attend for a one (1) semester or one year deferral in required attendance. Any such deferral shall be reported to the Superintendent by the Principal. Under certain circumstances, the Board may temporarily excuse students from complying with the provisions of the compulsory attendance law.

Any child residing within the state who is or will be five (5) years of age on or before August 15, who makes an application for admission, shall be enrolled in the school designated by the Board.

If a child will be five (5) years of age on or before September 30, such child's parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request that the child be admitted into kindergarten. Upon a request, the Superintendent shall administer an evaluation and examination. If the results indicate that the child is sufficiently mature emotionally and academically, then the child may be enrolled into kindergarten. The Superintendent shall develop procedures and forms to implement the provisions of this policy.

No child shall be eligible to enter first grade without having attended an approved kindergarten program.

A child entering a special education program shall be no less than three (3) years of age.

A person eighteen (18) years of age or older who applies for admission must have the application approved by the Principal and Superintendent when:

He/she fails to enroll within thirty (30) calendar days after school officially starts; or
He/she has dropped out of school and wants to re-enter.

The compulsory attendance law shall not apply to the following:

A student who has received a diploma or other certificate of graduation;
A student who is enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a course leading to a GED;
A student who is six (6) years or younger and whose parent or guardian has filed notice of intent to conduct home school with the Superintendent; or
A student enrolled in a home school who has reached the age of seventeen (17).

Student Assignment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress (Policy #6.205)

To Schools:

Students, including those in kindergarten, shall attend the school to which they are assigned.

Parents who are dissatisfied with the assignment of their children may, in accordance with the law, within ten (10) days after the assignment, make application to the Board for a hearing requesting a transfer to another school.

To Classes:

The Principal shall be responsible for assigning all students to classes.

Students who enter the system from another school system are to be placed by the Principal in the grade and/or level as indicated by records from the former school. If the student’s placement is inappropriate in the grade or level assigned, he/she may be reassigned by the Principal to another grade level. Parents shall be kept advised.

The Principal shall separate an alleged victim of child sexual abuse from an alleged perpetrator if the abuse allegedly occurred while the child was under the supervision or care of the school. If available and appropriate, a child shall be reassigned if a request is made by the child’s parent or custodian and the perpetrator has been: (1) substantiated by the department of children’s services; (2) adjudicated by a juvenile court to have committed the child sexual abuse; or (3) criminally charged.

Reporting Student Progress (Policy #4.601)

Report Cards

Student progress reports shall be provided at least once every nine (9) weeks during the school year. The reporting procedure shall be in writing and shall be uniform for all reporting periods during each school year. Each report shall be signed by the parents and returned promptly to the school.

If a student has unpaid fines for lost library books and/or textbooks, the final report cards shall be withheld until such fines are paid. On the last day of school, all unclaimed report cards shall be turned in to the Principal’s office.

Student progress reports shall indicate the students’ conduct and include information on attendance, academic progress and other information necessary to communicate effectively with the parents.

In addition to the regular progress reports, Principals and teachers are encouraged to confer with parents on the educational progress of their children. Teachers shall consult with parents of students who are working at an unsatisfactory level or whose performance shows a sudden deterioration. Parents shall be notified by the teacher as early in the school year as possible if the retention of a student is being considered.

Parent Conferences

At least two (2) times during the school year, conferences shall be scheduled in which parents and teachers may discuss any pertinent problems or other matters of concern regarding the development and education of each student. These scheduled conferences shall not use any portion of the 180 days of classroom instruction. The Superintendent shall be responsible for scheduling and coordinating system-wide conferences. Conferences shall be physically accessible to all students, parents and/or guardians.

Reports of Withdrawals

The Superintendent shall be responsible for complying with state laws and regulations relating to the reporting of withdrawals of students, and the Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures to ensure compliance.

Grading System (Policy 4.600)

Grading Procedures for Grades K-5

The grading system for Lakeland School System schools in accordance with the Tennessee Uniform Grading System establishes the grading system for grades Kindergarten through Fifth grade.

Two (2) report cards are used in grades K-5; (1) for Kindergarten; (1) for grades 1-5. Teachers should refer to the appropriate card for an explanation of the grading system for each level.

Kindergarten: The Kindergarten report cards show progress toward the state standards. The grade level standard is set by the state and indicates what a student should know and be able to do. Students are evaluated based on their progress toward meeting benchmarks for each standard. This is indicated by mastery or non-mastery for each skill. Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine-week quarter.

Grades 1-5: In all schools, students’ conduct is graded as “E”, “G”, “S”, “N”, or “U” and is to be reported at each grading period on the report card. Self-contained classes receive one homeroom conduct grade. Individual subject classes each give a conduct grade.

The basic grading system for knowledge/subject area is expressed by the letters “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “F” with the following numerical values except for 1st grade science and social studies, which will be expressed by the letter “S” or “N”.

……………………………………………… 90 - 100
……………………………………………… 80 - 89
……………………………………………… 70 - 79
……………………………………………… 60 - 69

F ………………………………………………. 0 - 59

Grading Procedures for Grades 6-8

Lakeland School System Board of Education policy, in accordance with the Tennessee Uniform Grading System, establishes the grading system for grades 6-12.

Report cards are sent to parents at the end of each nine-week period. Parents must be notified within a report card period when a student is not doing acceptable work.

Grades 6-8

In all schools, students’ conduct is graded as “E”, “G”, “S”, “N”, or “U” and is to be reported at each grading period on the report card. Self-contained classes receive one homeroom conduct grade. Individual subject classes each give a conduct grade.
The basic grading system for knowledge/subject area is expressed by the letters “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “F” with the following numerical values

……………………………………………… 90 - 100
……………………………………………… 80 - 89
……………………………………………… 70 - 79
……………………………………………… 60 - 69

F ………………………………………………. 0 - 59

Grade Calculations for Grades 6-8

Scores on state standardized assessments shall comprise a percentage of the students’ final grade for the second semester. (TCA 49-1-617)

No student should fail for the semester or year if the only failing grade is that of the end of course state-mandated exam. Semester exams are not given to students in grades 6-8 with the exception of high school level courses. High school level courses taken in middle school will be handled in the same manner as all other high school courses taken in grades 9-11.

For courses which have no state-mandated exam required during a given semester, semester grades are determined by counting the two quarter grades as 50%. For courses which have a state-mandated exam required during the second semester, the second semester grades are determined by counting the two quarter grades as 90% and the state-mandated exam as 10%. Should LSS not receive its students’ state-mandated exam scores at least five (5) instructional days before the end of the school year, second semester grades shall be determined by averaging the two quarter grades.

Grading System for Grades 9-12

The grading system for Lakeland School System schools in accordance with the Tennessee Uniform Grading System establishes the grading system for grades nine (9) through twelve (12).

Grades will be reported on report cards and transcript records using the numerical values indicated below:

A……………………………………………… 90 - 100

B……………………………………………… 80 - 89

C……………………………………………… 70 - 79

D……………………………………………… 60 - 69

F………………………………………………. 0 - 59

Credits

Credits will be awarded in a .5 increment upon successful completion of a semester. A student will receive one full credit in a course if he/she receives a passing yearly grade for the course.

Conduct

Student conduct is graded as “E”, “S”, “N”, or “U” and is to be reported at each grading period on the report card.

Calculation For High School Course GPA Weighting

The Lakeland School System weighted grading scale shall be used for report cards, GPA, class rank, honor roll and all official purposes with the exception of the Lottery/HOPE Scholarship. Advanced Coursework weighting will be as follows:

Grade	Value	Honors Courses	Local & State Dual Credit, Industry Certification	Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement Courses
A	90-100	Shall include the addition of 3 percentage points to the grades used to calculate the semester average.	Shall include the addition of 4 percentage points to the grades used to calculate the semester average.	Shall include the addition of 5 percentage points to the grades used to calculate the semester average.
B	80-89
C	70-79
D	60-69
F	0-59

Quality points will be issued for high school courses as indicated below:

Grade	Value	Standard	Honors	Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Local & State Dual Credit, Industry Certification
A	90-100	4.0	4.5	5.0
B	80-89	3.0	3.5	4.0
C	70-79	2.0	2.5	3.0
D	60-69	1.0	1.5	2.0
F	0-59	0	0	0

Tennessee Uniform Grading Scale for the Lottery/Hope Scholarship

Schools teaching grades nine (9) through twelve (12) shall use the uniform grading system established by the State Board of Education for the purpose of applying for the Lottery/HOPE Scholarship. Using the uniform grading system, students’ grades shall be reported for the purposes of application for post-secondary financial assistance administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC).

Subject area grades shall be expressed by the following letters with their corresponding percentage range and advanced coursework grades shall be weighted with additional percentage points to calculate the semester average as indicated below:

Grade	Value	Honors Courses	Local & State Dual Credit, Industry Certification	Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement Courses
A	90-100	Shall include the addition of 3 percentage points to the grades used to calculate the semester average.	Shall include the addition of 4 percentage points to the grades used to calculate the semester average.	Shall include the addition of 5 percentage points to the grades used to calculate the semester average.
B	80-89
C	70-79
D	60-69
F	0-59

Assigning additional quality points above 4.0 for advanced coursework is not allowed for the purpose of determining eligibility for the lottery scholarships. Quality points will be awarded as follows for the Lottery/Hope Scholarship GPA:

Grade	Value	Points
A	90-100	4.0
B	80-89	3.0
C	70-79	2.0
D	60-69	1.0
F	0-59	0

The GPA used to determine eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship shall be reported on the student’s transcript as the “Hope Scholarship GPA”.

Advanced Coursework

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, State Dual Credit Courses, Local Dual Credit Courses, or National Industry Certification courses are expected to sit for the culminating exam associated with the course. Students who fail to sit for the culminating exam associated with the AP Courses, State Dual Credit Courses, Local Dual Credit Courses, or the National Industry Certification Courses will not be awarded the quality points or weighting points attributed to the course. For students who do not sit for the culminating exam, grades will be deducted for all grading periods within the current school year.

Grading

Semester Grades

The first and second semester grades are determined by counting the two quarter grades as 80% and the semester teacher-created examination as 20%. For second semester grades, state-mandated exams may also be calculated into the student’s second semester grade if received in time to be required by law. All high school courses will have a teacher-made exam even if that course also has a state-mandated exam.

State Mandated Exams

For students in grades nine-twelve (9-12), scores on state-mandated exams shall comprise 10% of the students’ final grade for the second semester while the teacher-made exam will be worth 10% of the student’s final grade for the second semester. If the state-mandated exams scores are not returned in time, the teacher-made exam will be worth 20% of the student’s second semester grade.

Semester Exams

All high school level courses will have a first semester exam that will be taken by all students in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades as well as middle school students who are taking high school courses. Twelfth graders will have the option to be exempt if they meet exemption criteria; however, for courses that are only one semester, students in grades 9-11 may also be exempt during the first semester. All grade levels in high school courses are eligible for teacher created second semester exam exemption.

Requirements for First Semester Exam Exemptions for Twelfth Graders

● Twelfth graders who have a 90 or higher average for the two quarters during the first semester in a high school course will be exempted from the semester exam if the student desires. When a student is exempted from the examination, the semester average will be the average of the two quarter grades only plus the end of course state-mandated exam, if applicable.

● Additionally, to be eligible for exam exemption, a student must have zero unexcused absences or partial unexcused absences for the semester in which the course exam is taken.

● Students who receive a truancy notification letter will be disqualified from all exemptions.

Requirements for Second Semester Exam Exemptions in High School Courses for All Students

● Students who have a 90 or higher average for the two quarters during the second semester in a high school course will be exempted from the semester exam if the student desires. When a student is exempted from the examination, the semester average will be the average of the two quarter grades unless the course has a state-mandated exam and those scores are returned on time.

● Additionally, to be eligible for exam exemption, a student must have zero unexcused absences or partial unexcused absences for the semester in which the course exam is taken.

● Students who receive a truancy notification letter will be disqualified from all exemptions.

Transfer Grades

Students who transfer grades from another school district must be on an official school transcript for credit to be awarded.

Lottery Scholarships

Each school counselor shall provide incoming Ninth graders with information on college core courses required for lottery scholarships as well as necessary criteria (grade point average, ACT and SAT score, etc.) that must be met in order to receive a scholarship.

Twelfth graders may apply for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available at the guidance office or online. Students shall be made aware of all applicable FAFSA deadlines and encouraged to submit applications in a timely manner.

Elementary school counselors shall explain the HOPE Scholarship and its requirements to their students and impress upon them the benefits of making good grades.

Lottery Scholarship Day

Each school year, prior to scheduling courses for the following school year, schools teaching students in grades 8-11 shall conduct a lottery scholarship day for students and their parents.

Credit for Prior Courses (Policy #4.604)

Students enrolled in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) who have taken the equivalent of a high school level course in middle school may earn high school credit for graduation, except in American History, under the following guidelines:

1. Students shall demonstrate mastery of all the terminal objectives in the applicable curriculum framework adopted by the State Board of Education and will take any mandated exams for the course as required for students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12).

2. Students must receive a passing grade in the course.

Transfer students who enroll in LSS that have taken the equivalent of a high school level course in middle school may earn high school credit for graduation, except in American History, under the following guidelines:1

1. LSS must receive an official transcript or grade report from the previous school documenting the completion of a high school level course for high school credit.

2. Students must receive a passing grade in the course.

Students receiving credits from middle school courses will adhere to all state graduation requirements set forth by the state including being enrolled in a math course during each year of high school. The Superintendent will be responsible for establishing a process to determine which coursework counts as the equivalent of a high school level course, and the Superintendent will make the final decisions as to which courses taken in middle school may count as the equivalent of a high school course.

Alternative Credit Options (Policy #4.209)

Online Courses

High school students may earn credit to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing online courses offered through agencies or institutions approved by the Superintendent and/or designee. Students must meet all the prerequisite requirements for the course and complete any applicable End of Course exams.

Credit from these online courses may be earned only in the following circumstances:

1. The course is not offered at the high school in an in-person format, or although the course is offered at the high school, the student has an unavoidable scheduling conflict;

2. The course will serve as a supplement to homebound instruction;

3. The student has been expelled from a regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued;

4. The Principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parent(s)/guardian(s), determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.

5. The course is not offered but is required to complete the student’s program of studies or to complete a course that was begun at another school to fulfill graduation requirements.

The express written approval of the Principal/designee shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an online course for the student to receive high school credit for the course. Fees for approved courses taken during the regular school day will be the responsibility of the school system. Fees for approved courses taken outside of the regular school day will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

The school shall receive an official record of the final grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized. Grades must be submitted to the student’s high school prior to the beginning of the next semester. Numerical grades provided by the online institution will be recorded on the permanent record exactly as provided regardless of status (passing, failing, withdrawal). If the institution only provides a letter grade, Lakeland School System will convert to a numerical grade that is the median of the district grading scale for the letter grade given.

Students may be placed in virtual courses during the school day at the Principal's discretion. Virtual courses taken during the school day shall count toward the student’s grade point average and class ranking.

Students who wish to take additional courses to enhance their program of studies may do so with principal approval outside of the school day. Grades earned in online courses outside the school day shall not be counted toward the student’s class ranking or grade point average.

Grades earned in credit recovery courses will be used to determine class rank and grade point average in accordance with Lakeland School System policies and the Tennessee State Uniform Grading Policy.

Any student that has declared for early graduation at the commencement of the student’s 9th grade year and has been approved in writing by the Principal, may take out of school virtual courses to fulfill the Move On When Ready Program. Out of school virtual courses taken toward early graduation shall count toward the student’s grade point average, provided that prior to enrolling in the out of school virtual courses, the Principal approved the student taking the out of school virtual courses.

Through a supervision plan, the school shall be responsible for providing appropriate supervision and monitoring of students taking online courses.

Course Access Program

Students in grades seven through twelve (7-12) may participate in the statewide course access program. To become eligible to participate, students shall:

1. Meet all prerequisite requirements for the course access course; and

2. Be unable to enroll in a comparable course at the student’s school because:

a. A comparable course is not offered; or

b. A legitimate situation exists that prevents the student from enrolling in a comparable course.1

The Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures to ensure that students and parent(s)/guardian(s) are given written notice of their right to appeal any denial of a course access course enrollment in a timely manner.2 All appeals shall be submitted in writing to the Board within 10 business days of a denial.

After a timely appeal is made, the Board will provide written notification to the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) of the time, place, and date of the hearing. The hearing shall be held no later than ten (10) business days after the appeal is submitted. At the hearing, the Board shall determine whether there was an error in denying the student the ability to participate in the course access program.

Physical Education Alternative Credit (Policy #4.2091)

High school students may earn one-half (1/2) credit through participation in approved extracurricular activities according to the following requirements.

1. The activity must be approved by the Principal to ensure that the minimum 80 hours of physical activity are included. Appropriate activities may include, but are not limited to, all Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association sanctioned sports.

2. The Superintendent or Superintendent's designee shall approve activities annually. Procedures for awarding credit for the activities shall be consistent throughout the district.

3. The student must submit a Request for Alternative Credit for Physical Education signed by the coach/sponsor/teacher verifying participation and completion of the activity.

4. The student must successfully complete the entire activity or season with an attendance rate of at least 90%.

5. The grade for alternative credit for physical education will be recorded as “pass” on the student's transcript and will not be used in calculating the student's GPA.

Promotion and Retention (Policy #4.603)

General

All promotion and retention decisions shall be made on a case-by-case basis and comply with state and federal law. All decisions shall be made in consultation with a student’s IEP and/or 504 team, if applicable.

Students who have difficulty in achieving the requirements for promotion may be considered for retention. Schools shall identify these students by February 1st. Factors used to identify students for retention shall include:

Ability to perform at the current grade level;
Results of local assessments, screening, or monitoring tools;
State assessments, as applicable;
Home Literacy Reports
Overall academic achievement of the student;
Likelihood of success with more difficult material if promoted to the next grade;
Attendance record;
The student’s maturity; and
English Language (EL) acquisition as required by state and federal law.

Students may be identified for retention after the February 1st deadline if the delay in identifying a student is due to:

Date of enrollment; or
Additional information acquired after results of local assessment, screening, or monitoring are released.

VOLUNTARY RETENTION

A parent/guardian of a student enrolled in kindergarten through second grade may choose to retain his/her student in the current grade level if:

The student has a documented academic or behavioral delay; and
The parent/guardian believes that retention may benefit the student.

This information shall be submitted in writing within thirty (30) days of the end of the school year. The district shall send written notice to the parent/guardian confirming whether the student is eligible for retention under state law.

Promotion Plans

When a student is identified as a candidate for retention, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified within fifteen (15) days, and an individualized promotion plan shall be developed to help the student avoid retention. The plan shall be developed in coordination with the student’s teachers, IEP or 504 team, if applicable, and may also include input from the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), school counselor, or other appropriate school personnel.

Promotion plans shall incorporate evidence-based strategies, including expectations and measurements that will verify whether a student has made sufficient progress to be promoted to the next grade level, and be tailored to the student’s learning needs. Promotion plans for students in third and fourth grade will include additional requirements for promoting students in these grades. A copy of the plan will be provided to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), and the school shall offer the opportunity for a parent-teacher conference to discuss the plan. If a student is not making progress on the promotion plan, then the strategies shall be modified. Parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided with any changes to the promotion plan.

A student who demonstrates sufficient academic progress according to his/her promotion plan shall be promoted to the next grade level unless retention is required per additional requirements for students in third and fourth grade.6

If a student has not demonstrated sufficient academic progress according to his/her promotion plan by the end of the school year, the student shall be eligible to enroll in a summer reading or learning program, if available. Parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified of a decision for retention at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the start of the next school year if the student was enrolled in a summer program. However, if the student wasn’t enrolled in a summer program, the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified of a decision for retention at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the start of the next school year.

Retention

A student may be retained when such retention is in the best interest of the student or when retention is required per additional requirements for students in third and fourth grade. However, a student shall not be retained more than once in any grade.

Decision of Retention - General

If a student is retained, the Superintendent/designee shall develop an individualized academic remediation plan within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of the next school year. A copy of the plan shall be provided to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) within ten (10) days of its development. This plan shall include at least one of the following strategies:

1. Adjustment to the current instructional strategies or materials;

2. Additional instructional time;

3. Individual tutoring;

4. Modification to the student’s classroom assignment to ensure the student receives instruction from a teacher with a level of overall effectiveness of above expectations (level 4) or significantly above expectations (level 5); or

5. Attendance or truancy interventions.

A student shall not be retained more than once in any grade. The progress of students who are retained shall be closely monitored and reported to parent(s)/guardian(s) at least three (3) times during the school year in which the student is retained. The Superintendent shall develop procedures to ensure appropriate record keeping of students who are retained.

Decision of Retention – Third Grade

Third grade students shall not be promoted to the next grade unless they are determined to be proficient (i.e., receive a performance level rating of “on track” or “mastered”) in English language arts (ELA) based on the student’s most recent TCAP test.

Students who are not proficient in ELA may still be promoted if the following conditions are met:

1. A student in third grade receiving a performance level rating of “approaching” on the ELA portion of the student’s most recent TCAP test may be promoted if:

a. The student is an English language learner and has received less than two (2) full years of ELA instruction;

b. The student was previously retained in grades K-3;

c. The student is retested before the next school year and scores proficient in ELA;

d. The student attends a learning loss bridge camp before the next school year, maintains a ninety percent (90%) attendance rate, and demonstrates adequate growth on the post-test at the end of the camp; or

e. The student receives tutoring for the entirety of the next school year in accordance with state law.

f. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the student demonstrates proficiency in ELA standards by scoring within the fiftieth percentile on the most recently administered state-provided benchmark assessment and the district provides tutoring services to the student during the entire fourth grade school year and notifies the student’s parent/guardian, in writing, of the benefits of enrolling the student in summer programming.

2. A student in third grade receiving a performance level rating of “below” on the ELA portion of the student’s most recent TCAP test may be promoted if:

a. The student is an English language learner and has received less than two (2) full years of ELA instruction;

b. The student was previously retained in grades K-3;

c. The student is retested before the next school year and scores proficient in ELA; or

d. The student attends a learning loss bridge camp before the next school year, maintains a ninety percent (90%) attendance rate, and receives tutoring for the entirety of the next school year in accordance with state law.

Decision of Retention – Fourth Grade

Students in the following categories may be promoted to fifth grade if they demonstrate adequate growth on the fourth-grade ELA portion of the TCAP test:

A student who was promoted to fourth grade due to receiving tutoring for the entirety of the fourth-grade school year; and
A student who was promoted to fourth grade due to attending a learning loss bridge camp while maintaining a ninety percent (90%) attendance rate and receiving tutoring for the entirety of the fourth grade school year.

If a student that was promoted to fourth grade under one of the provisions above does not demonstrate adequate growth on the fourth-grade ELA portion of the TCAP test, then the following shall occur:

The student’s principal shall convene a conference consisting of the following parties: the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian, the student’s ELA teacher, and the student’s principal.
The conference shall review the student’s fourth grade ELA performance to determine if the student should be promoted to fifth grade.
At the conclusion of the conference, a majority of the parties (rather than a majority of the individuals representing the parties) shall agree to one of the following:

The student will be promoted to fifth grade and be assigned a tutor for the entirety of the student’s fifth-grade year; or
The student will be retained in fourth grade. A student shall not be retained more than once in fourth grade.

Decision of Retention – Students with Disabilities

Retention and promotion decisions shall be made on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with the student’s IEP and/or 504 team to determine whether the student’s performance on the ELA portion of TCAP was due to the student’s disability. The school district shall not retain a student with a disability or a suspected disability that impacts their ability to read.

Appeals

When a student is identified for retention, the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified about the decision to retain the student and provided with information on the right to appeal the decision. Appeals shall be made to a committee appointed by the Principal within five (5) business days. The student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided written or actual notice of the appeal hearing and shall be given the opportunity to address the committee. The committee shall conduct a hearing within ten (10) business days to determine if the student will be promoted and issue such decision within five (5) business days. Upon notification of the committee decision, the Principal shall send written notification to the Superintendent/designee and the parent(s)/guardian(s). The notification shall advise parent(s)/guardian(s) of their right to appeal such action within five (5) business days to the Superintendent/designee.

The appeal shall be heard no later than ten (10) business days after the request for appeal is received. A decision shall be issued within five (5) business days.

Within five (5) business days of the Superintendent/designee rendering a decision, the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a hearing by the Board, and the Board shall review the record. Following the review, the Board may affirm or overturn the decision of the Superintendent/designee. The action of the Board shall be final.

For students where retention is required per the additional requirements for students in third and fourth grade, parent(s)/guardian(s) may appeal this decision directly to the Department of Education in accordance with state law.

Student Records (Policy #6.600)

A cumulative record shall be kept for each student enrolled in school. The folder shall contain a health record, attendance record, and scholarship record; shall be kept current; and shall accompany the student through his/her school career.

The name used on the record of the student entering the school system must be the same as that shown on the birth certificate, unless evidence is presented that such name has been legally changed. If the parent does not have, or cannot obtain a birth certificate, then the name used on the records of such student shall be as shown on documents which are acceptable as proof of date of birth.

The name used on the records of a student entering the system from another school must be the same as that shown on records from the school previously attended unless evidence is presented that such name has been legally changed as prescribed by law.

When a student transfers to another school within the system, copies of the student’s records, including the student’s disciplinary records, shall be sent to the transfer school.

When a student transfers to a school outside the system, copies of the student’s records, including the student’s disciplinary records, shall be sent to the transfer school.

All records shall be remitted in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Access to Student Records

Student records shall be confidential. Authorized school officials shall have access to and permit access to student education records for legitimate educational purposes. A “legitimate educational interest” is the official’s need to know information in order to:

Perform required administrative tasks;
Perform a supervisory or instructional task directly related to the student’s education; and
Perform a service or benefit for the student or the student’s family such as health care, counseling, student job placement, or student financial aid.

Authorized school officials may release information from or permit access to a student’s education record without the parent(s) or eligible student’s* prior written consent in the following instances:

To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. The school system will make a reasonable effort to notify the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student before making a disclosure;
If the disclosure is an item of directory information;
To comply with the requirements of child abuse reports to the extent known by the school officials including the name, address, and age of the child; the name and address of the person responsible for the care of the child, and the facts requiring the report;
When certain federal and state officials need information in order to audit or enforce legal conditions related to federally-supported education programs in the school system;
When the school system has entered into a contract or written agreement for an organization to conduct scientific research on the system’s behalf to develop tests or improve instruction, provided that the studies are conducted in a manner which will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by individuals other than representatives of the organization and the information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which the study was conducted;
To appropriate officials if the parent(s) claim the student as a dependent as defined by the Internal Revenue Code;
To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions;
When a student seeks or intends to enroll in another school district or a postsecondary school. Parent(s) of students or eligible students have a right to obtain copies of records transferred under this provision;
To financial institutions or government agencies that provide or may provide financial aid to a student in order to establish eligibility, to determine the amount of financial aid, to establish conditions for the receipt of financial aid, and to enforce financial aid agreements;
To make the needed disclosure in a health or safety emergency when warranted by the seriousness of the threat to the student or other persons, when the information is necessary and needed to meet the emergency, when time is an important and limiting factor, and when the persons to whom the information is to be disclosed are qualified and in a position to deal with the emergency;
To the Attorney General or his designee for official purposes related to the investigation or prosecution of an act of domestic or international terrorism. An educational agency that, in good faith, produces education records in accordance with an order issued under this Act shall not be liable to any person for that production;
To any agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access the student's educational records when such agencies or organizations are legally responsible for the care and protection of the student;

Authorized school officials may release information from a student’s education record if the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student gives written consent for the disclosure. The written consent must include:

A specification of the records to be released;
The reasons for the disclosure;
The person, organization, or class of persons or organizations to whom the disclosure is to be made;
The signature of the parent(s) or eligible student;
The date of the consent and, if appropriate, a date when the consent is to be terminated.

The student’s parent(s) or the eligible student* may obtain a copy of any records disclosed under this provision. The school system will maintain an accurate record of all requests to disclose information from or to permit access to a student’s education records. The system will maintain an accurate record of information it discloses and access it permits. The system will maintain this record as long as it maintains the student’s education record.

The record will include at least:

The name of the person or agency that makes the request;
The interest the person or agency has in the information;
The date the person or agency makes the request; and
Whether the request is granted and, if it is, the date access is permitted or the disclosure is made.

* The student becomes an "eligible student" when he/she reaches age 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary school, at which time all of the above rights become the student's right.

Department of Exceptional Children (Policy #6.500)

Special education students between the ages of three (3) and twenty-one (21), inclusive, shall receive the benefit of a free appropriate public education. These students shall be educated with the general student population to the maximum extent appropriate and should be placed in separate or special classes only when the severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes, even with the use of supplementary aids and services, cannot be accomplished satisfactorily.

Eligibility standards and options of service for special education services shall be based upon the criteria specified in state regulations.

Students receiving special education services shall not be restrained, except as permitted by state law and regulations. The Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures to govern the following:

Personnel authorized to use isolation and restraint;
Training requirements for personnel working with special education students; and
Incident reporting procedures.

Student Records Annual Notification of Rights (Policy #6.601)

Within the first three weeks of each school year, the school system shall notify parent(s) of students and eligible students* of each student's privacy rights. For students enrolling after the above period, this information shall be given to the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student at the time of enrollment. The notice shall include the right of the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student to:

Inspect and review the student’s education records;
Seek correction of items in the record which are believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights, including the right to a hearing upon request;
File a complaint with the appropriate state or federal officials when the school system violates laws and regulations relative to student records;
Obtain a copy of this policy and a copy of the student's educational records;
Exercise control over other people’s access to the records, except when prior written consent is given, or under circumstances as provided by law or regulations, or where the school system has designated certain information as “directory information.” Parent(s) of students or eligible students have two weeks after notification to advise the school system in writing of items they designate not to be used as directory information. The records custodian shall mark the appropriate student records for which directory information is to be limited, and this designation shall remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student.

Directory Information

"Directory information" means information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to the student's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended.

Student directory information for 11th and 12th graders shall be made available upon request to persons or groups which make students aware of occupational and educational options, including official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the State and the United States.

*The student becomes an “eligible student” when he/she reaches age 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary school, at which time all of the above rights become the student’s rights.

Cafeteria Charge Procedure for Lakeland School System

As provided in SP 46-2016, all school food authorities (SFAs) operating the federal school meal

programs (National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program) must have a

written and clearly communicated meal charge administrative procedure in place no later than

July 1, 2017. All SFAs must have an administrative procedure in place for children participating

at the reduced price or paid meal rate who either do not have money in their account or in

hand to cover the cost of the meal at the time of service. SFAs are required to communicate

this administrative procedure to families and school and/or district-level staff members as

appropriate. SFAs should ensure the administrative procedure is communicated on an annual

basis.

Local Charge Administrative Procedure Considerations

General

Students who are unable to pay for their meals at the time of the meal service are allowed to charge:

Breakfast
Lunch

Students charging breakfast and/or lunch will receive reimbursable meals.

Charge Limits & Alternate Meals

The number of charges allowed is not restricted by the number of meals or dollar value. No alternate meals will be served as every Lakeland School System student regardless of ability to pay will receive a reimbursable meal.

Household Notification

Low balance notifications and negative balance notifications are sent out through the district’s

Student Information System, Skyward.

Delinquent Debt

Delinquent debt is defined as overdue unpaid meal charges that are considered collectable, with efforts being made to collect them. The debt may remain on the accounting documents until it is either collected or determined to be uncollectible. The debt may be carried over at the end of the school year (beyond June 30) if it has not been past due at least 90 days.

A household’s debt will be considered delinquent any time there is a negative balance on a child’s lunch account. The cafeteria managers will work to collect all negative balances. Once an account has been delinquent for 30 days the school principal's office takes over the collection of the debt. If an account reaches 60 days delinquent, it will be transferred to the Superintendent’s office for collection. Students with delinquent balances over 30 days will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities until their balance is cleared.

Repayment Plans

Each household may request a repayment plan that will include payment levels and due dates appropriate to a household’s particular circumstances. Please contact your child’s cafeteria manager to establish a repayment plan.

Bad Debt

Bad debt is determined to be uncollectible, with further collection efforts for delinquent debt deemed useless or too costly. Delinquent debt will be considered as bad debt after June 30 each year if the debt is more than 90 days old and deemed uncollectible by the

Bad debts (debts which have been determined to be uncollectible), including losses (whether actual or estimated) arising from uncollectible accounts and other claims, are unallowable. Related collection costs, and related legal costs, arising from such debts after they have been determined to be uncollectible are also unallowable (section 200.426 of subpart E).
Bad debt must be written off as an operating loss by June 30 each year; the nonprofit

school food service account (NSFSA) resources may not be used to cover the costs related to the bad debt. It will be the responsibility of the District’s General Fund to reimburse the

School Nutrition Fund for bad debt annually.

Once delinquent meal charges are converted to bad debt, records relating to those charges

must be maintained in accordance with record retention requirements in 7 CFR 210.9(b)(17) and 7 CFR 210.15(b).

School Closings (Policy #1.8011)

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to close schools in the event of hazardous weather or any other emergency which presents a threat to the safety of students, staff members or school property.

As soon as the decision to close schools is made, the Superintendent will notify the public media and request that an announcement be made.

If school is not in session or is dismissed early due to snow or inclement weather, the Superintendent in consultation with the Principal(s) of the impacted school(s) shall determine if all scheduled activities in which students are involved shall be postponed or canceled.

Health Services Medicines (Policy #6.405)

If under exceptional circumstances a child is required to take non-prescription or prescription medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the Principal or the Principal’s designee will administer or assist in self-administration of the medication if the student is competent to self-administer medicine with assistance in compliance with the following regulations:

The student must be competent to self-administer the non-prescription or prescription medication with assistance;
Written instructions signed by the parent will be required and will include:

Student’s name;
Name of medication;
Name and phone number of physician;
Time medication is to be administered;
Dosage and directions for administration (non-prescription and nontraditional therapeutic medicines must be directed by a licensed physician, in the original container labeled with child’s name, instructions, and label directions,);
Possible side effects, if known; and
Termination date for self-administration of the medication.

The medication must be delivered to the Principal's office in person by the parent or guardian of the student unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate self-administration. (i.e. students with asthma)

Volunteer personnel, trained by a Registered Nurse, may administer medications, including: anti-seizure medication, asthma inhalers, glucagon, epinephrine, pancreatic enzymes, and medication for adrenal insufficiency. The administration of medications in emergency situations to a student is based on that student's Individual Health Plan (IHP) and the availability of the nurse. If a Registered Nurse is able to reach the student within the time limit for registration as specified by the IHP, then the nurse shall administer the aforementioned medication.

The administrator/designee will:

Inform appropriate school personnel of the medication to be self-administered;
Keep written instructions from parent in student's record;
Keep an accurate record of the self-administration of the medication;
Keep all medication in a locked cabinet except medication retained by a student per physician's order;
Return unused prescription to the parent or guardian only; and
Ensure that all guidelines developed by the Department of Health and the Department of Education are followed.

The parent or guardian is responsible for informing the designated official of any change in the student's health or change in medication.

A copy of this policy shall be provided to a parent or guardian upon receipt of a request for long-term administration of medication.

Administration of Diazepam (Diastat) Anti-Seizure Medication

Prior to administration of an anti-seizure medication to a student by volunteer school personnel or a school nurse in an emergency situation, the student’s parent or guardian shall provide:

The school with a written authorization to administer the medication at school in an IHP
A written statement from the student’s health care practitioner, which includes:

Student’s name and date of birth;
Medication name and the purpose of the medication;
The dosage;
The route of administration;
The frequency of administration;
The circumstances under which the medication may be administered

Unexpired, prescribed medication to the school in its unopened, sealed package, with an intact label affixed by the pharmacy.

Authorization shall be for the entire school year, unless rescinded by the physician in writing. Renewals are required annually.

The school nurse or designee shall monitor the monthly expiration date for each antiseizure medication in possession of the school. One (1) month prior to the expiration of each medication, the school nurse or designee shall inform the student’s parent or guardian of the expiration rate.

A student’s parent or guardian who has given the school written authorization to administer anti-seizure medication shall, in accordance with student’s IHP, notify the Principal or school nurse if anti-seizure medication or prescription medication or over-the-counter medicines are administered at a time which the student is not present at school. The student’s IHP shall set forth with specificity the requirements of reporting administration of medication and for the dissemination of such information to the Principal, school nurse, or volunteer school personnel trained to administer anti-seizure medication. The notification shall be given after administration of medication before or at the beginning of the next school day in which the student is present.

Definition of Diazepam (Diastat)

Diastat works to stop seizure activity by acting on brain cell interactions that inhibit the seizure discharges. This special formulation of diazepam is administered rectally as a gel.

School personnel who volunteer under no duress or pressure and who have been properly trained by a registered nurse or employed or contracted by the Lakeland School System may administer anti-seizure medications, including diazepam gel to a student in an emergency situation based on the student’s IHP. If the school nurse is available, on site, and able to reach the student within the time limit for administration specified in the IHP, then the school nurse shall provide this service to the student.

When to Use Diastat

Upon the decision of a trained volunteer to administer diazepam gel (Diastat), school officials shall immediately summon local emergency medical services to the school to provide necessary monitoring of transport to safeguard the health and condition of the student.

Trained volunteer school personnel administering anti-seizure medications, any registered nurse who provides training to administer such medications, and any local board of education shall not be liable in any court of law for injury resulting from the reasonable and prudent assistance in the administration of such medications, if performed pursuant to the policies and guidelines developed by the departments of health and education and approved by applicable regulatory or governing boards or agencies.

Lakeland School System shall not assign a student with epilepsy or other seizure disorder to a school other than the school for which the student is zoned or would otherwise regularly attend because the student has a seizure disorder.

Asthma Metered-Dose Inhalers

Students with a diagnosis of asthma may possess and self-administer prescribed, metered dosages of an asthma-reliever inhaler provided that the parent/guardian:

Provides to the school Principal written authorization for the student to possess and self-administer the inhaler; and

Provides the Principal with a written statement from the student’s health care practitioner stating that the student suffers from asthma and has been instructed in self-administration of the prescribed, metered dosage inhaler. The statement from the health care practitioner must also contain:

The name and purpose of the medication;
The prescribed dosage;
The time or times the prescribed inhaler is to be administered, as well as any additional circumstances under which the inhaler is to be administered; and
The length of time for which the inhaler is prescribed.

The written authorization from the parent/guardian and the statement from the parent/guardian and the statement from the physician shall be kept in the office of the school Principal.

LSS employees and agents of LSS shall incur no liability as a result of any injury sustained by the student or any other person from the possession or self-administration of the inhaler. The student’s parent/guardian shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school shall incur no liability and the parent/guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees against any claims relating to the possession or self administration of the inhaler.

The parent/guardian permission for self-administration of the prescribed, metered dosage inhaler shall be effective for the school year in which it is originally granted and must be renewed annually.

The Principal may suspend or revoke the student’s possession and self-administration privilege if the student misuses the inhaler or makes the inhaler available for usage by another person.

Care of Diabetic Students and Blood Glucose Self-Checks

Each student diagnosed with diabetes shall have an Individual Health Plan (IHP). The IHP will be reviewed and updated annually, or as needed.

Upon written request of a parent or guardian, and if included in the student's medical management plan and in the IHP, a student with diabetes shall be permitted to perform a blood glucose check or administer insulin using any necessary diabetes monitoring and treatment supplies, including sharps. The student shall be permitted to perform the testing in any area of the school or school grounds at any time necessary as ordered by their health practitioner.

Sharps shall be stored in a secure, but accessible location, including the student's person, until use of such sharps is appropriate.

Use and disposal of sharps shall be in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA).

In addition to adhering to the requirements of the IHP for the care of students with diabetes, the district shall:

Acquire necessary parent requests and instructions for treatment;
Acquire monitoring and treatment orders from medical practitioners prescribing within their scope of practice;
The school nurse will assess competency and independent skill in blood glucose monitoring by the student and/or personnel providing monitoring;
Provide an appropriate setting for the blood glucose monitoring by the student or designee, which may be in the school clinic. This monitoring area shall be determined by the Principal, School Nurse, student, aren’t/guardian and student’s health practitioner. This area must be private, and equipped to dispose of lancets and syringes;
Permit students with diabetes unrestricted access to necessary food, water, and bathroom facilities that is on schedule, and as needed on an individual basis. When food is served at school events, provision shall be made for appropriate food to be available to students with diabetes;
Meals and snacks shall not be withheld from any student for disciplinary reasons and accommodations may be made to provide food for diabetic students at their regularly scheduled meal time when the school schedule is modified for special events;
Parents/guardians and healthcare providers will be provided with a schedule of the student’s day to facilitate timing of glucose monitoring, treatment and food consumption.

Each student’s IHP shall be distributed to appropriate staff based on the student’s needs.

Glucagon Administration for Diabetic Care

School personnel, who volunteer, under no duress or pressure and have been properly trained by a registered nurse, are permitted to administer glucagon in emergency situations to a student based on physician’s orders and/or the student’s Individual Health Plan (IHP). If the school nurse is on site, the nurse shall provide the service to the student.

The school nurse shall be responsible for updating and maintaining each IHP. There must be a parent/guardian signature on file giving permission prior to training school personnel to administer glucagon.

Definition of Glucagon

Glucagon is a hormone that helps the liver release sugar, thus increasing the level of sugar in the blood. It must be injected with a syringe into the body like insulin.

When to Use Glucagon

Glucagon is administered when the student has low blood sugar and is unable to take liquid or food by mouth because of unconsciousness or seizure activity as per a medical provider’s written instructions.

Training

Review physicians’ orders for glucagon and parent/guardian permission on file.
The volunteer must complete an initial in-depth diabetes-related training recognizing signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and respond with student-specific interventions.
The volunteer trainee must be able to state glucagon’s action and the need for its use.
The volunteer trainee must be able to state how glucagon should be prepared, the dosage, and side effects as well as follow-up care after the administration of glucagon.
The volunteer trainee must be able to identify where glucagon will be stored (must be kept in a secure location away from heat and direct light) and readily available to the student.
The volunteer trainee will notify or delegate notification of EMS/911 personnel, parents/guardian, and the school nurse any time glucagon is administered to any student.
The volunteer trainee must document observations, administration of glucagon, and follow-up care on the appropriate diabetic and medication forms.
Training will be provided until competency is demonstrated, and retraining shall be completed on a yearly basis. Training will be documented and include a skills checklist, instructor’s name, trainee’s name, date of training, and documentation of competency of trainee to administer glucagon. A copy of the trainee’s competency training form will be kept in the employee’s personnel file.

Emergency Allergy Response Plan

LSS shall develop and maintain an Emergency Allergy Response Plan that meets state guidelines for managing students with life-threatening allergies. The plan shall include measures to reduce allergen exposure and procedures to treat allergic reactions.

Parents/guardians of students diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy should notify the schools immediately following the diagnosis of the allergy. An Individualized Health Plan (IHP) tailored to meet the needs of each student at-risk of anaphylaxis will be developed and implemented.

Students with anaphylaxis are entitled to possess and self-administer prescription anaphylaxis medication while on school property or at school-related events, provided that:

The prescription anaphylaxis medication has an intact prescription label on the medication with the student’s name;
The self-administration is done in compliance with the prescription or written instructions from the student’s physician or licensed healthcare provider; and
The parent/guardian of the student provides to the Principal:

Written authorization, signed by the parent/guardian for the student to self-administer prescription anaphylaxis medication while on school property or at a school-related event or activity;
A written statement, signed by the parent/guardian in which the parent/guardian releases the School District and its employees and agents from liability for an injury arising from the student’s self administration of prescription anaphylaxis medication while on school property or at a school-related event or activity; and,
A written statement from the student’s medical practitioner, that:

Supports a diagnosis of anaphylaxis;
Identifies the food or substance to which the student is allergic;
Describes any prior history of anaphylaxis, if possible;
Lists any medication prescribed to treat anaphylaxis;
Outlines emergency treatment procedures in the event of a reaction;
Lists the signs and symptoms or the reaction,
Assesses the student’s readiness for self-administration of prescription medication; and
Provides a list of substitute meals that may be offered by school food service personnel.

If the student misuses the anaphylaxis allergy medicine or makes the anaphylaxis allergy medicine available for usage by another person, the student may be subject to disciplinary action.

The district and its employees who act in good faith and in substantial compliance with a student’s Individual Health Care Plan and the instructions provided by the student’s health care provider shall not be criminally or civilly liable for services rendered or provided.

Students with Pancreatic Insufficiency or Cystic Fibrosis

Students diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency or cystic fibrosis shall be permitted to self-manage their prescribed medication in a manner directed by a licensed healthcare provider without additional assistance or direction. The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the development of both an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) and an Emergency Care Plan (ECP) that conforms to state law for every student with pancreatic insufficiency or cystic fibrosis that wishes to self-medicate.

The IHP shall be student-specific and shall address or include:

A written format for nursing assessment that includes health status, risks, concerns and strength;
Nursing diagnoses;
Interventions;
Delegation;
Training;
Expected outcomes; and
Goals to:

Meet the healthcare needs of a student with pancreatic insufficiency or cystic fibrosis; and
Protect the safety of all students from the misuse or abuse of medication.

With written authorization from the health care provider and parent, a student with pancreatic insufficiency or cystic fibrosis shall be allowed to carry and self-administer prescribed pancreatic enzymes.

Students With Adrenal Insufficiency

The parent/guardian of a student diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency shall notify the school district of the student’s diagnosis. Once notified, the district shall observe the following procedure:

The district shall train school personnel who will be responsible for administering the medication for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency and any who volunteer to administer the medication.
The district shall maintain a record of all school personnel who have completed this training.
If a student is suffering from an adrenal crisis, a school nurse or other licensed health care professional may administer the prescribed medication to the student. If a school nurse or other licensed healthcare professional is not immediately available, trained school personnel may administer the prescribed medication.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures on the administration of medications that treat adrenal insufficiency and recordkeeping per rules set forth by the State Board of Education.

Communicable Diseases (Policy #6.403)

No student shall be denied an education solely because of a communicable disease, and his/her educational program shall be restricted only to the extent necessary to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease.

Parents or guardians of infected students shall inform appropriate school officials of the infection so that proper precautions for the protection of other students, employees, and the infected student shall be taken.

No student with a communicable disease which may endanger the health of either himself/herself or other individuals shall enter or remain in the regular school setting. If a school Principal has reason to believe a student has a communicable disease which may endanger the health of either himself/herself or other individuals in the regular school setting, the Principal shall:

Assign the student to a setting which will protect other students, employees and the student himself; or
Exclude the student from school until certification is obtained from a physician or the County Health Department by either the parent or Principal stating that the disease is no longer communicable.

If the Principal has reason to believe that the student has a long-term communicable disease, the Principal must require confirmation from a physician or the County Health Department as to the student’s condition. If the student is confirmed to have a long-term communicable disease, the Principal shall refer the student for special education services.

The Principal may request that further examinations be conducted by a physician or County Health Department and may request periodic re-examinations after the student has been readmitted to the school.

The names of all students excluded from school under this policy shall be forwarded to the office of the Superintendent.

Student Dress Code (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 Superintendent.**

When a student is dressed in a manner which 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.

**The following guidelines have been adopted for the Lakeland School System for the 2018-2019 school year.

Lakeland Elementary School Dress Code (Grades K-4)

To help create the best learning environment for elementary students, the following standards for student dress must be observed in all Shelby County Elementary Schools:

Pants must be worn at the waist and must be appropriately sized and at a safe length.
Head apparel (such as hoods, hat, etc.), except for religious or medical reasons, must not be worn inside the school building.
Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor or outdoor physical activity.
Clothing or accessories may not display offensive, vulgar language or images and must not advertise products which students may not legally purchase.
For students in Grades 3-5, “short shorts”, mini-skirts, and skin-tight outer material such as spandex are inappropriate attire. No shorts or skirts shorter than 4 inches above the knee are allowed.
Shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen, back, and shoulders, and shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts with no midriff visible and must be no longer than wrist-length.
Waist length sweaters, sweatshirts, and lightweight jackets (appropriately sized) can be worn inside school for warmth.

The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student's attire and appearance are within the acceptable limits. In matters of opinion, the judgment of the Principal/designee shall prevail.

The Principal may allow exceptions for school-wide programs or special classroom activities.

The school administration will administer appropriate consequences for policy infractions.

Lakeland Preparatory School Dress Code (Grades 5-9)

In an effort to foster the most productive learning environment for students, the following are dress code guidelines for students at Lakeland Preparatory School:

Pants must be worn at the waist, be appropriately sized, and at a safe length.
Shirts, blouses and dresses must completely cover the abdomen and back
All shirts or tops must cover from armpit to armpit. Tops must have shoulder straps that are at least two finger widths wide and are long enough to adequately cover the waist of pants, shorts or skirts, with no midriff visible.
Head coverings, such as caps, scarves, hoods, hats, etc., except for religious or medical reasons, must not be worn inside the school building.
Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for physical activity.
Clothing items bearing writings or images of: (1) substances such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc.; (2) offensive, vulgar, lewd, or indecent speech; (3) gang-related indicia; or (4) racially or ethnically divisive symbols or messages, shall not be worn.
Skirts, dresses and shorts must extend below the fingertip.
Sleepwear, pajamas and/or blankets cannot be worn in school.
Clothing with tears or holes cannot be worn at school.
Large, long and/or heavy chains shall not be worn at school.
Sunglasses shall not be worn indoors at school except for health purposes
Facial jewelry including tongue piercings or nose rings shall not be worn at school
Clothing considered to be an undergarment should not be exposed.

School officials may also prohibit the wearing of clothing bearing any image which would substantially or materially interfere with the learning environment.

The Principal may allow exceptions for school-wide programs or special classroom activities.

School administrators will administer appropriate consequences for dress code violations.

Student Transportation Services (Policy 3.400 and 6.308)

Student Transportation Management (Policy #3.400)

The Superintendent shall contract annually or as otherwise authorized by the board with the bus contractor to provide student transportation services.

Each bus shall be equipped with the phone number for reporting safety complaints. This number shall appear on the rear bumper. Buses shall also include notice in a conspicuous place that only authorized persons shall enter the bus. This notice shall include appropriate contact information in case of an issue on the bus.

All accidents, regardless of the damage involved, must be reported to the transportation supervisor, including incidents in which any part of the bus contacts any other object or vehicle.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures to ensure compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements for the transportation program.

Responsibilities of Transportation Contractor

Each school bus and all related equipment shall be maintained in condition to operate safely at all times during the school year and shall conform to specifications as set forth by the State Board of Education and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Each bus driver shall obey all applicable state rules and regulations.
Bus Contractor shall have on file in the Superintendent's office a current statement of liability and property damage insurance coverage.
Bus Contractor must specify for the Superintendent's approval of the name of all designated drivers including approved substitute drivers.
Bus Contractor shall submit to the Superintendent the results of every approved bus driver’s latest physical examination.
Participate fully in the complaint process as outlined below.
Comply with recordkeeping requirements as outlined below. This includes the responsibility to furnish the transportation supervisor with all necessary records on a regular basis.

Transportation Supervisor

The Superintendent shall appoint a transportation supervisor for the system. He/she shall be responsible for the monitoring and oversight of transportation services for the district.

Transportation Supervisor

Matt Adler

10050 Oak Seed Ln

Lakeland, TN 38002

Telephone: 901-867-7071

aadler@lakelandk12.org

The transportation supervisor shall complete a student transportation management training program upon appointment. Every year the transportation supervisor shall complete a minimum of four (4) hours of training annually.

The Superintendent shall ensure that training is completed and provide the state department of education with appropriate documentation.

Complaint Process

The following procedure will govern how students, teachers, staff, and community members shall submit bus safety complaints:

All complaints shall be submitted to the Contractor Call Center. The transportation supervisor will access the Call Center complaints on a daily basis.

Forms may be submitted in person, via phone, mail, or email.

Written complaints shall be submitted on forms located on the district’s website. In the case of a complaint received via phone, the person receiving the phone call shall be responsible for filling out the form and submitting it to the transportation supervisor.

The transportation supervisor shall begin an investigation of all bus safety complaints within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt.

Within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of the initial complaint, the transportation supervisor shall submit a preliminary report to the Superintendent. This report shall include:

The time and date the complaint was received;
The name of the bus driver;
A copy or summary of the complaint; and
Any prior complaints or disciplinary actions taken against the driver.

Within sixty (60) school days of receiving the initial complaint, the transportation supervisor shall submit a final written report to the Superintendent that details the investigation’s findings as well as the action taken in response to the complaint.

An annual notice of this complaint process shall be provided to parents and students. This information shall be made available in the student handbook and district website.

Recordkeeping

The transportation supervisor shall be responsible for the collection and maintenance of the following records:

Bus maintenance and inspections forms;
Bus driver credentials, including required background checks, health records, and performance reviews;
Driver training records; and
Complaints received and any records related to the investigation and complaints.

Waiver to Board or Exit the Bus at an Alternate Location (Policy #6.308)

Any student wishing to ride a bus other than his/her designated bus must have a written parental permission and the written approval of the Principal or his/her designee.

Students who transfer from bus to bus while en route to and from school shall be expected to abide by the discipline policies adopted by the Board and rules adopted by the staff of the terminal school.

Student Conduct on Bus (Policy #6.308)

In order to maintain conditions and atmosphere suitable for learning, no person shall enter onto a school bus except students assigned to that bus or parents of students or other persons with lawful and valid business on the bus.

The school bus is an extension of school activity; therefore, students shall conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with the established standards for safety and classroom behavior.

Students are under the supervision and control of the bus driver while on his/her bus, and all reasonable directions given by him/her shall be followed. A driver may remove a student in the event that the driver finds it necessary for the safety of the other student passengers or the driver, provided that the driver secures the safety of the ejected student for the uncompleted trip. A driver shall report to school authorities as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the route, any student refusing to obey the driver or exiting the bus without the driver’s permission at a point other than the student’s destination for that trip.

Use of Video Cameras

Video cameras may be used to monitor student behavior on vehicles transporting students to and from school or extracurricular activities.

Students in violation of bus conduct rules shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established Board policy and regulations governing student conduct and discipline.

The district shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to video recordings when such recordings are considered for retention as part of the student’s behavioral record as determined by the district and in accordance with the law.

Video surveillance shall be used only to promote the order, safety and security of students, staff and property.

The Superintendent is directed to develop procedures governing the use of video cameras in accordance with the provisions of the law and established Board policies.

Acceptable Use Policy (Policy #4.406)

The Board supports the right of staff and students to have reasonable access to various information formats and believes that it is incumbent upon staff and students to use this privilege in an appropriate and responsible manner.

Students

The Superintendent shall develop and implement procedures for appropriate Internet use by students. Procedures shall address the following:

General rules and ethics of Internet use.
Prohibited or illegal activities, including, but not limited to:

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
Using obscene language
Harassing, insulting, defaming or attacking others
Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
Hacking or attempting unauthorized access

● Violation of copyright laws

Trespassing in another’s folders, work or files
Intentional misuse of resources
Using another’s password or other identifier (impersonation)
Use of the network for commercial purposes
Buying or selling on the Internet

Internet Safety Measures

Internet safety measures shall be implemented that effectively address the following:

Controlling access by students to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web
Safety and security of students when they are using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications
Preventing unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by students on-line
Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding students
Restricting students’ access to materials harmful to them

The Superintendent/designee shall establish a process to ensure the district’s education technology is not used for purposes prohibited by law or for accessing sexually explicit materials. The process shall include, but not be limited to:

Utilizing technology that blocks or filters Internet access (for both students and adults) to material that is obscene or pornographic
Prohibiting and preventing a user from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading materials that are deemed to be harmful to minors
Maintaining and securing a usage log
Monitoring on-line activities of students

A written parental consent shall be required prior to the student being granted access to electronic media involving district technological resources. The required permission/agreement form, which shall specify acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, access privileges and penalties for policy/procedural violations, must be signed by the parent/legal guardian of minor students (those under 18 years of age) and also by the student. This document shall be executed each year and shall be valid only in the school year in which it was signed unless parent(s) provide written notice that consent is withdrawn. In order to rescind the agreement, the student’s parent/guardian (or the student who is at least 18 years old) must provide the Superintendent with a written request.

E-Mail

Users with network access shall not utilize district resources to establish electronic mail accounts through third-party providers or any other nonstandard electronic mail system. All data including email have no expectation of privacy with regard to such data. E-mail correspondence may be a public record under the public records law and may be subject to public inspection.

Internet Safety Instruction

Students will be given appropriate instruction in internet safety as a part of any instruction utilizing computer resources. The Superintendent shall provide adequate inservice instruction on internet safety. Parents and students will be provided with material to raise awareness of the dangers posed by the internet and ways in which the internet may be used safely.

Social Networking

District staff who have a presence on social networking websites are prohibited from posting data, documents, photographs, or inappropriate information that is likely to create a material and substantial disruption of classroom activity.
District staff are prohibited from accessing personal social networking sites on school computers or during school hours except for work-related purposes
The board discourages district staff from socializing with students on social networking websites. The same relationship, exchange, interaction, information, or behavior that would be unacceptable in a non-technological medium is unacceptable when done through the use of technology.

Violations

Violations of this policy or a procedure promulgated under its authority shall be handled in accordance with the existing disciplinary procedures of this District.

Vendor Contracts

Prior to entering into any contract for the provision of digital or online materials created or marketed for kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), the district shall obtain an assurance that the vendor shall adhere to state law. This determination includes ensuring that the vendor filters, blocks, or otherwise prevents access to pornography or obscenity and verifying that the technology prevents a user from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading materials that are harmful to minors.

Textbooks (Policy #4.401)

Selection

The selection of textbooks shall be completed according to the laws and policies required by the State of Tennessee and the State Textbook Commission. The responsibility for textbook selection rests with the local textbook selection committees subject to approval by the Board. The textbook selection committee will be comprised of teachers and administration appointed by the Superintendent. The Superintendent may also appoint members of the community to serve in an advisory only role. The Superintendent shall establish a procedure for providing citizens of the community with an opportunity to examine proposed textbooks prior to their final adoption, including public notice of time and location at which textbooks may be examined. Once the proposed textbooks have been approved by the Board, the Superintendent shall post the list of all approved textbooks and instructional materials on the school system’s website and send a copy of the list to the commissioner of education.

Complaints & Reconsideration

The Superintendent shall develop procedures to enable citizens to file complaints regarding the selection or content of approved textbooks. Following the conclusion of this administrative process, a complainant may appeal an outcome to the Board.

Distribution

The Superintendent shall designate an employee to be responsible for the purchase and distribution of textbooks in each school. The Principal shall be responsible for seeing that each student receives the required textbooks and/or digital resources at no cost to the student.

Care of Textbooks

Textbooks are property of the Board and shall be returned at the end of the school year, upon completion of the course or upon withdrawal from a course or school. Parents are to sign an agreement stating they shall be responsible for the textbooks received and used by their children.

The following reimbursement schedule shall be used as a guide for collecting fines for lost or destroyed books:

Age of Book Amount Collected

1 – 2 years 100% of replacement cost

3 – 4 years 75% of replacement cost

5 or more years 50% of replacement cost

The Board shall approve and periodically review a schedule of fines for damaged books. In cases where the book is damaged to the extent it is no longer usable, the amount collected shall conform to the reimbursement schedule for lost books. A fine may only be assessed in cases where the pupil or parent damages, loses or defaces the textbook either through willful intent or neglect.

Following an interview with parties and an investigation, if needed, the Principal may assess the appropriate fine and notify the parents in writing.

The Principal may include with the notice a provision stating that failure to pay the fine imposed within a reasonable time may result in the imposition of one of the following sanctions.

Refusal to issue any additional textbooks until restitution is made;
Withholding of all grade cards, diplomas, certificates of progress, or transcripts until restitution is made;
Not allowing the pupil to take interim or final examinations or to earn course credit in the course for which the textbook is prescribed until restitution is made; or
Reducing the pupil’s grade in the course for which the textbook is prescribed by one (1) letter grade or ten (10) percentage points until restitution is made.

The Principal may waive the assessment of fines when in his/her judgment the student is the victim of uncontrollable circumstances and not responsible for the damages.

Inspection

A list of textbooks used by the schools shall be revised annually by building administrators under the direction of the Superintendent. Textbooks shall be available for inspection by parents/guardians upon request, and the Superintendent shall develop procedures for the inspection of materials and distribute these procedures to each Principal.

Library Materials (Policy #4.403)

General

The Assistant Superintendent and school principals shall comprise The Library Collection Committee. No less than monthly the Committee shall review all new materials that are being considered for the library collection. The Library Collection Committee shall approve all new materials that are deemed to be appropriate to be made available by their school to their students in the school library.

The criterion used by the Library Collection Committee when determining whether to approve new materials shall be:

Whether the materials are appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who have access to those materials; and
Whether the materials are suitable for and consistent with the educational mission of the school.

The Library Collection Committee shall consult with school librarians to annually review the Library Collection to determine whether there are any materials that:

May not be appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who have access to the materials; and/or
May not be suitable for and/or consistent with the educational mission of the school.

State law provides that materials containing any of the following are not appropriate for the age or maturity level of a student in any of the grades K-12 and “must not be maintained in a school’s library collection”:

Excess violence;
Nudity;
Sadomasochistic abuse;
Sexual conduct;
Sexual excitement;
Patently offensive material; and
Material appealing to the prurient interest.

If the Committee determines that any of the materials in the school’s library collection are not appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who have access to the materials and/or may not be suitable for and/or consistent with the educational mission of the school, the Committee shall determine one of the following:

That the material be removed from the school’s library collection; or
That the material be removed from access to students based upon students’ ages or maturity levels.

The school principal shall ensure that the Committee’s annual review recommendations are carried out within 30 days after receiving the Committee’s recommendation.

A list of materials in the school’s Library Collection shall be maintained on each school’s website.

FEEDBACK

If a student, student’s parent or guardian, or school employee believes that one or more of the materials in the school’s Library Collection of the student’s or employee’s school is:

Not appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who have access to the materials; and/or
Not suitable for and/or consistent with the educational mission of the school,

the student, student’s parent or guardian, or school employee may provide feedback to the Library Collection Committee of their concern.

The feedback must be provided on a form that will be provided on the school’s website.

The Committee shall review all feedback provided and will determine the appropriate response to the feedback and action, if any, to be taken based upon the review of the feedback. The Committee shall provide a response to the student, student’s parent or guardian, or school employee within 30 calendar days of when the feedback was received by the Committee.

If the student, student’s parent or guardian, or school employee is dissatisfied with the response of the Committee, the student, student’s parent or guardian, or school employee shall submit the original feedback form and the Committee’s response to the Lakeland Board Chairman for consideration by the full Lakeland Board of Education.
The full Lakeland Board of Education shall consider the feedback provided within 30 days following the Board Chairperson’s receipt of the feedback form with responses. If a majority of the Lakeland Board of Education determines that the material in question is not appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who have access to the materials and/or is not suitable for, or consistent with, the educational mission of the school, then the school shall remove the material from its Library Collection.

Testing Programs (Policy #4.700)

The Board shall provide for a system-wide testing program which shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated. The purposes of the program shall be to:

Assist in promoting accountability;
Determine the progress of students;
Assess the effectiveness of the instructional program and student learning;
Aid in counseling and guiding students in planning future education and other endeavors;
Analyze the improvements needed in a given instructional area;
Assist in the screening of students with learning difficulties;
Assist in placing students in remedial programs;
Provide information for college entrance and placement; and
Assist in educational research by providing data.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for planning and implementing the program, which includes:

Determining specific purposes for each test;
Selecting the appropriate test to be given;
Establishing procedures for administering the tests;
Making provision for interpreting and disseminating the results;
Maintaining testing information in a consistent and confidential manner; and
Ensuring that results are obtained as quickly as possible, especially when placement in a special learning program might be necessary.

State-mandated student testing programs shall be undertaken in accordance with procedures published by the State Department of Education.

Weighting of TCAP and EOC Scores

TNReady and EOC scores shall be included in students’ final grades as follows and shall be factored into the second semester grade, where applicable:

1. Grades 3-5 – 0%

2. Grades 6-8 – 10%

3. Grades 9-12 and 8th Grade Courses that Require an EOC Exam – 10%

All state standardized raw assessments data shall be calculated by using the target score methodology as prescribed by the State Department of Education.

The Superintendent may exclude these scores from students’ final grades if results are not received by the district at least five (5) instructional days before the end of the course.

Interest Inventories and Career Assessments

Interest inventories shall be made available to middle schoolers. These will include assessments such as the Kuder assessment, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the ASVAB, or the College Board Career Finder.

Career aptitude assessments shall be administered to 8th graders in order to inform the student’s high school plan of study. Upon receiving the results from these assessments, the school shall provide students with information on any available career and technical education opportunities in which the student is eligible to participate.

Testing Information and Parental Consent

Any test directly concerned with measuring student ability or achievement through individual or group psychological or sociometric tests shall not be administered by or with the knowledge of any employee of the system without first obtaining written consent of the parent(s) or guardian(s).

Results of all group tests shall be recorded on the students’ permanent records and shall be made available to appropriate personnel in accordance with established procedures.

No later than July 31 of each year, the Board shall publish on its website information related to state and board mandated tests that will be administered during the school year. The information shall include:

The name of the test;
The purpose and use of the test;
The grade or class in which the test will be administered;
The tentative date or dates that the test will be administered; and
The time and manner in which parent(s)/guardian(s) and students will be notified of the results of the test;
How parent(s)/guardian(s) can access the questions and answers on their student’s state required tests; and
If a Board mandated test, how the test complements and enhances student instruction and learning and how it serves a purpose distinct from state-required tests.

Testing information shall also be placed in student handbooks or other school publications that are provided to parent(s)/guardian(s) on an annual basis.

Testing for Grade Placement or Awarding Credit

Students transferring from a Category IV church-related school or home school shall be awarded credit upon completion of a written exam. These exams shall be approved, administered, and graded by the school’s Principal/designee. Students transferring from a Category III online school are not required to complete a written exam provided the online school is accredited by an approved regional accrediting agency.

For students in grades one through eight (1-8), the exam shall only cover the last grade completed. For students in grades nine through twelve (9-12), the exam shall only cover the last course completed by the student (for example, if a student has completed English I, II, and III, the examination shall only cover English III).

The Superintendent or designee shall provide notice to parent(s)/guardian(s) of these exams

Zero Tolerance Offenses (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 school resource ofﬁcer; or
Threats of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity.

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 Superintendent. Modification of the length of time shall be granted on a case-by-case basis. Students that commit zero tolerance offenses may be assigned to an alternative school or program at the discretion of the Superintendent.

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.

Discipline Procedures (Policy #6.313)

The following levels of misbehavior and disciplinary procedures and options are designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties.

Misbehaviors: Level I

Minor misbehavior on the part of the student which impedes orderly classroom procedures or interferes with the orderly operation of the school, but which can usually be handled by an individual staff member.

Examples (not an exclusive listing):

Classroom disturbances
Classroom tardiness
Cheating and lying
Abusive language
Non-defiant failure to do assignments or carry out directions
Wearing while on the grounds of a public school during the regular school day, clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts the learning environment

Disciplinary Procedures:

Immediate intervention by the staff member.
Determine what offense was committed and its severity.
Determine the offender and that he/she understands the nature of the offense.
Employ appropriate disciplinary options.
Record of the offense and disciplinary action maintained by staff member.

Disciplinary Options:

Verbal reprimand
Special Assignment
Restricting activities
Assigning work details
Counseling
Withdrawal of privileges
Issuance of demerits which might affect citizenship or deportment grades
Strict supervised study
Detention
In-school suspension
Response to Intervention-Behavior (RTI2-B), multi-tiered system of support, and behavior intervention plans.

Misbehaviors: Level II

Misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school. Included in this level are misbehaviors which do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others but whose educational consequences are serious enough to require corrective action on the part of administrative personnel.

Examples (not an exclusive listing):

Continuation of unmodified Level I behaviors
School or class tardiness
School or class truancy
Using forged notes or excuses
Disruptive classroom behavior
Harassment on the basis of sex, race, religion, natural origin, ethnicity, or disability
Bullying, intimidation, cyberbullying, hazing

Disciplinary Procedures:

The student is referred to the Principal for appropriate disciplinary action.
Principal meets with the student and teacher.
Principal hears the accusation made by the teacher, permits the student the opportunity of explaining his/her conduct, denying it or explaining any mitigating circumstances.
Principal takes appropriate disciplinary action and notifies the teacher of the action.
Record of offense and disciplinary action maintained by Principal.

Disciplinary Options:

Teacher/schedule change
Modified probation
Behavior modification
Social probation
Peer counseling
Referral to outside agency
In-school suspension
Transfer
Detention
Suspension from school-sponsored activities or from riding school bus
Restricting school related honors student is otherwise due
Out-of-school suspension (not to exceed ten (10) days).
Response to Intervention-Behavior (RTI2-B), multi-tiered system of support, and behavior intervention plans.

Misbehaviors: Level III

Acts directly against persons or property but whose consequences do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school.

Examples (not an exclusive listing):

Continuation or severe unmodified Level I and II behaviors
Simple Assault, including, without limitation, fighting
Vandalism (minor)
Use, possession, sale, and/or distribution of tobacco, and/or alcohol
Stealing
Threats to others
Harassment on the basis of sex, race, religion, natural origin, ethnicity, or disability
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, cyberbullying, hazing

Disciplinary Procedures:

Student is referred to Principal for appropriate disciplinary action.
Principal meets with the student and teacher.
Principal hears the accusation by the accusing party and permits the offender the opportunity of explaining conduct.
Principal takes appropriate disciplinary action.
Principal may refer the incident to the Superintendent and make recommendations for consequences. In cases of vandalism or property damage, Principal shall report the incident to the Superintendent.
If the student’s program is to be changed, adequate notice shall be given to the student and his/her parents of the charges against him, his/her right to appear at a hearing and to be represented by a person of his/her choosing.
Any change in school assignment is appealable to the Board.
Record of offense and disciplinary action maintained by Principal or Superintendent.

Disciplinary Options:

In-school suspension
Detention
Restitution from loss, damage or stolen property
Out-of-school suspension not to exceed ten (10) days
Social adjustment classes
Transfer
Expulsion
Response to Intervention-Behavior (RTI2-B), multi-tiered system of support, and behavior intervention plans

Misbehaviors: Level IV

Acts which result in violence to another’s person or property; which substantially interfere with a victim's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the school; or which pose a threat to the safety of others in the school. These acts are so serious 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 poses a threat to 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.

Examples (not an exclusive listing):

Repeated/unmodified or severe Level I, II and/or III behavior
Death threat (hit list)
Extortion

Bomb threat
Threat of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity *
Possession/use/transfer of dangerous weapons*
Assault that results in bodily injury upon any teacher, Principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or a school resource officer*
Assault/Battery *
Vandalism (significant)
Theft/possession/sale of stolen property
Arson/Possession of unauthorized substances*
Use/transfer of unauthorized substances
Harassment on the basis of sex, race, religion, natural origin, ethnicity, or disability
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, cyberbullying, hazing
Refusal to be searched or participate in a search; behaving uncooperatively during a search
Off campus criminal behavior that results in the student being legally charged with an offense that would be classified as a felony if the student was charged as an adult
Unlawful possession of any drug, including any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event
Possession of drug paraphernalia

Disciplinary Procedures:

Law enforcement ofﬁcials and the Superintendent are immediately contacted, if applicable.

Principal confers with appropriate staff members and with the student.
Principal hears the accusations and permits the offender the opportunity to explain conduct.
Parents are notified.
Incidents are reported and recommendations made to the Superintendent.
Complete and accurate reports are submitted to the Superintendent.
The Student is given a hearing before the disciplinary hearing authority.

Disciplinary Options:

Expulsion
Alternative schools
In cases of vandalism or school property damage, the Superintendent shall address restitution.
Other hearing authority or Board action which results in appropriate placement
Response to Intervention-Behavior (RTI2-B), multi-tiered system of support, and behavior intervention plans.

* Expulsion/Remand for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year subject to modification by the Superintendent on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Guidelines

● A Principal shall not impose successive short-term suspensions that cumulatively exceed ten (10) days for the same offense.

● A teacher or other school ofﬁcial shall not reduce or authorize the reduction of a student’s grade because of discipline problems except in deportment or citizenship.

● A student shall not be denied the passing of a course or grade promotion solely on the basis of absences except as provided by board policy.

● A student shall not be denied the passing of a course or grade promotion solely on the basis of failure to:

o pay any activity fee;

o pay a library or other school ﬁne; or

o make restitution for lost or damaged school property.

Detention (Policy #6.315)

Students may be detained before or after the school day as a means of disciplinary action.

The following guidelines shall be followed:

The student shall be given at least one (1) day of notice before detention;
Parents shall be informed before detention takes place;
Students in detention shall be under the supervision of school personnel;
Detention shall not exceed one (1) hour after the official closing of the school day but may be administered several days in succession

Suspension/Expulsion/Remand (Policy #6.316)

Suspension: dismissed from attendance at school for any reason not more than ten (10) consecutive school days. Multiple suspensions shall not run consecutively nor shall multiple suspensions be applied to avoid expulsion from school.

Expulsion: removal from attendance for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or more than fifteen (15) school days in a month of school attendance. Multiple suspensions that occur consecutively shall constitute expulsion.

Remand: assignment to an alternative school.

Reasons for Suspension/Expulsion:

Any Principal, Principal-teacher or assistant Principal (herein called Principal) may suspend/expel any student from attendance at school or any school-related activity on or off campus or from attendance at a specific class or classes, or from riding a school bus, without suspending such student from attendance at school (in-school suspension), for good and sufficient reasons including, but not limited to:

Willful and persistent violation of the rules of the school;
Immoral or disreputable conduct, including vulgar or profane language;
Violence or threatened violence against the person of any personnel attending or assigned to any school;
Willful or malicious damage to real or personal property of the school, or the property of any person attending or assigned to the school;
Inciting, advising or counseling of others to engage in any of the acts herein enumerated;
Possession of a pistol, gun or firearm on school property;
Possession of a knife, etc., as defined in TCA 39-17-1309, on school property;
Assaulting a Principal, teacher, school bus driver or other school personnel with vulgar, obscene or threatening language;
Unlawful use or possession of barbital or legend drugs, as defined in TCA 53-10101;
Engaging in behavior which disrupts a class or school-sponsored activity;
Making a threat, including a false report, to use a bomb, dynamite, or any other deadly explosive or destructive device including chemical weapons on school property or at a school sponsored event or an invalid threat of mass violence;
One (1) or more students initiating a physical attack on an individual student on school property or at a school activity, including travel to and from school;
Assault against a school employee as defined in state law;
Off-campus criminal behavior resulting in felony charges; when behavior poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process; and
Any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in any school.

If as a result of an investigation, a Principal or his/her designee finds that a student acted in self-defense under a reasonable belief that the student, or another to whom the student was coming to the defense, may have been facing the threat of imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, then, the student may not face any disciplinary action.

In-School Suspension

Students given an in-school suspension in excess of one (1) school day shall attend either special classes attended only by students guilty of misconduct or be placed in an isolated area appropriate for study; and
Personnel responsible for in-school suspension will see that each student is supervised at all times and has textbooks and classwork assignments from his/her regular teachers. Students given in-school suspension shall be required to complete academic assignments and shall receive credit for work completed.

Procedures for Out of School Suspension and Expulsion

Unless the student’s continued presence in the school, class or school-related activity presents an immediate danger to the student or other persons or property, no Principal shall suspend/expel any student until that student has been advised of the nature of his/her misconduct, questioned about it, and allowed to give an explanation.
Upon suspension/expulsion of any student (in-school suspension in excess of one (1) school day), the Principal shall make an immediate attempt to contact the parent or guardian to inform them of the suspension/expulsion. The student shall not be sent home before the end of the school day unless the parent or guardian has been contacted.
The Principal shall notify the parent or guardian and the Superintendent or designee in writing:

Of the suspension/expulsion and the cause for it; and
A request for a meeting with the parent or guardian, student and Principal, to be held as soon as possible, but no later than five (5) working days following the suspension/expulsion.

Immediately following the scheduled meeting, whether or not attended by the parent or guardian or student, the Principal shall determine the length of the suspension/expulsion and set conditions for readmission. If the Principal determines the length of the suspension to be between six (6) school days and the maximum of ten (10) school days, the Principal shall develop and implement a plan for correcting the behavior when the student returns to school.
If at the time of the suspension the Principal determines that an offense has been committed which, in the judgment of the Principal would justify a suspension/expulsion for more than ten (10) school days, he/she may suspend/expel/remand the student unconditionally for a specified period of time or upon such terms and conditions as are deemed reasonable.
If a student assaults an employee, he/she shall be suspended from school-sponsored events for one (1) calendar year unless modified by the Superintendent. A school-sponsored event is an activity that is not directly related to a student’s grade in a course of instruction.
The Principal shall immediately give written or actual notice to the parent or guardian and the student of the right to appeal the decision to suspend/expel/remand for more than ten (10) school days. The notice shall include a statement that, unless the student’s parent or guardian requests an open hearing in writing within five (5) working days of receipt of the notice, any hearing will be closed to the public. All appeals must be filed, orally or in writing, within five (5) working days after receipt of the notice and may be filed by the parent or guardian, the student or any person holding a teaching license who is employed by the school system if requested by the student.
The appeal from this decision shall be to the Board or to a disciplinary hearing authority appointed by the Board.
If the suspension/expulsion occurs during the last ten (10) school days of any term or semester, the student shall be permitted to take such final examinations or submit such required work as necessary to complete the course of instruction for that semester, subject to conditions prescribed by the Principal.

Student Disciplinary Hearing (Policy #6.317)

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

The Superintendent shall appoint a chairman of the DHA from the members appointed by the Board. The chairman 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 or guardian of the student, the student, and any other appropriate person of the time, place and date of the hearing. The hearing must be held no later than ten (10) working days after the beginning of the suspension.

The DHA may take the following disciplinary actions:

Affirm the decision of the school Principal;
Order removal of the suspension unconditionally;
Order removal of the suspension upon such terms and conditions as it deems reasonable;
Assign the student to an alternative program; or
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 Superintendent, and the Superintendent may exercise any disciplinary authority granted to the DHA in responding to such an appeal. Within (5) working days of the Superintendent 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) working 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 or assignment to alternative placement for a calendar year unless modified by the Superintendent.

Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students (Policy #6.318)

The Board may deny admission of any student (except those in state custody) who has been expelled or suspended from another school system in Tennessee or another state even though the student has established residency in the system in which he/she seeks enrollment.

After a request for enrollment is made, the Superintendent shall investigate the facts surrounding the suspension/expulsion from the former school system. The principal may ask the parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing if their student has been adjudicated delinquent for an offense listed in TCA 49-6-3051 and submit any records to the superintendent. Based on the results of the investigation, the superintendent shall make a recommendation to the Board to approve or deny the request.

The Board shall not deny enrollment beyond the length of the imposed suspension/expulsion.

A student may be dismissed if it is determined subsequent to the enrollment that the student has been suspended or expelled from the former school system.

Alternative Education (Policy #6.319)

The Board shall operate an alternative program for students in grades 6-11 who have been suspended or expelled from regular school programs.

An alternative program is a short-term intervention program designed to provide educational services outside the regular school program for students who have been suspended or expelled. Alternative programs may be located within the regular school or be a self-contained program within a school, or a virtual education program that is accessed off-campus from the student’s place of residence.

The alternative program shall be operated in accordance with state laws and the rules of the State Board of Education, and instruction shall proceed as nearly as practicable in accordance with the instructional programs at the student’s regular school. The Superintendent shall develop procedures that provide appropriate educational opportunities for all students assigned to the alternative school or program. These educational opportunities shall adhere to Tennessee’s academic standards.

Assignment

Students who have been suspended for more than ten (10) days or expelled shall be assigned to the alternative school or program if there is staff and space available. Availability of staff and space shall be determined at the time the disciplinary decision is rendered. The Superintendent/designee shall make this determination by evaluating factors including, but not limited to, the following:

Level of supervision available
Safety considerations; and
Type of infraction.

The Superintendent/designee is not required to assign a student to the alternative school or program if the student committed one of the following:

A zero tolerance offense; or
An offense of violence or threatened violence, or an offense that threatened the safety of other students at the school, if the location of the alternative school or program is on the same grounds as the school from which the student was disciplined or assigning the student to that location would endanger the safety of the students or staff.

Consideration to assign these students to the alternative school or program will be determined by the Superintendent/designee on a case-by-case basis.

Prior to the assignment of the student to an alternative school program, the Superintendent shall provide written notice to the student’s parent/guardian stating the reason for the student’s placement.

Placement in an alternative education setting shall be reserved for students who significantly disrupt the educational process. If a student has an active Individualized Education Plan, a 504 plan, or is suspected of having a disability, all state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to special education shall be followed. The Superintendent shall develop procedures regarding placement of students in the program, taking into consideration the impact of exclusionary discipline practices.

Attendance in alternative school programs shall be mandatory, and transportation for students must be provided or arranged by parent(s)/guardian(s).

The Superintendent shall monitor and regularly evaluate the academic progress of each student enrolled in an alternative education program.

Removal

A student may be removed from the alternative school or program if:

He/she violates the rules of the alternative school or program; or
He/she is not benefitting from the assignment and all interventions have been exhausted unsuccessfully.

Additional Offenses

Any new disciplinary offense committed during a student’s original suspension or expulsion period shall be treated as a new and separate offense. These offenses shall not constitute an extension of the original suspension or expulsion.

Transition Plans

The Superintendent shall develop procedures regarding the implementation of transition plans for the integration of students entering and exiting the program.

Interrogations and Searches (Policy #6.303)

Interrogations 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. 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 breaking school rules, the Principal may interrogate the student without the presence of parent(s)/guardian(s).

Interrogations by Police (At Administrator’s Request)

If the Principal has requested assistance by law enforcement to investigate a crime involving his/her school, the police may interrogate a student suspect in school during school hours. The Principal or his/her designee shall be present during the interrogation. The use of police women or female staff members is desirable in the interrogation of female students.

Police-Initiated Interrogations

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

Searches by School Personnel

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the Superintendent shall develop procedures regarding the searching of students, lockers, vehicles, and containers which are consistent with state law and regulations. The Superintendent shall develop additional procedures to ensure compliance with all of the provisions of the School Security Act of 1981.

Cell Phones/Personal Communication Devices (Policy #6.312)

Students may possess personal communication devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, mp3 players, and electronic readers at school. The personal communication devices must be in the off mode and must be out of sight unless being used for instructional purposes with the permission of the Principal or designee. Students may not use personal communication devices for personal communication during the instructional day but may be allowed to use the personal communication devices before school starts and after school dismisses. Use of personal communication devices is prohibited at all times in the school restrooms. The Principal or designee may grant a student permission to use a personal communication device at the Principal’s or designee’s discretion. During school hours, smart watches do not have to be in the off mode; however, they may only be used as a device for keeping time. Any other use will be considered a violation of this policy.

A person who discovers a student in possession of a personal communication device outside the parameters of this policy shall report the violation to the Principal via the Student Information System. The first offense of the school year will be considered a warning. The parent or legal guardian will be notified via the email address on record in the Student Information System.

After the initial warning, any subsequent use in violation of the parameters of the policy will result in one day of In School Suspension. The second use in violation of the parameters of the policy will result in two days of In School Suspension. Progressive discipline will be in place for additional uses in violation of this policy.

A “personal communication device” is a device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message or picture or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.

Tobacco Use or Possession (Policy #1.803)

All uses of tobacco, electronic/battery operated devices, vapor products, and all other associated paraphernalia are prohibited in all of the school district's buildings and in all vehicles that are owned, leased, or operated by the district.1 Smoking and vaping shall be prohibited in any public seating areas, including but not limited to, bleachers used for sporting events, or public restrooms.2

Employees and students in the school district will not be permitted to use these products while they are participants in any class or activity in which they represent the school district, at school-sponsored or endorsed activities, or at any activity sponsored by a board-approved School Support Organization.

Any student who possesses these products shall be issued a citation and/or a disciplinary consequence by a school administrator.

Parents and students shall be notified of this citation requirement at the beginning of each school year.

Signs will be posted throughout the district's facilities to notify students, employees and all other persons visiting the school that the use of these products is forbidden. The following notice shall be prominently posted (including at each ticket booth) for elementary or secondary school sporting events: Smoking is prohibited by law in seating areas and in restrooms.

Alcohol and Drug Use (Policy #6.307)

The possession and/or use of illegal drugs, and the misuse of prescription drugs is prohibited. The distribution, abuse, or misuse of over the counter medications or other chemicals or substances is likewise prohibited. Students will be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year or at the time of enrollment that they shall be subject to testing for drugs and alcohol during the school year.1 The board will pay costs of any testing required pursuant to this policy.2

Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing

Principals are authorized to order drug tests for individual students when there is a reasonable cause to believe that:3

A school board policy on alcohol and drug use has been violated;
A search of lockers has produced evidence of the presence of drugs and/or alcohol;
A search of persons and containers has produced evidence of a presence of drug and/or alcohol;
A search of vehicles has produced evidence of the presence of drugs and/or alcohol; or
Through observation or other reasonable information reported by a teacher, staff member or other student that a student is using and/or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol on school property.

Prior to performing a drug test on a student based on reasonable suspicion, the following conditions must be met:

A particular student has violated school policy;
The test will yield evidence of the violation of school policy or will establish that a student either was impaired due to drug use or did not use drugs;
The test is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision and education of students;
The test is not conducted for the sole purpose of discovering evidence to be used in a criminal prosecution; and
Tests shall be conducted in the presence of a witness. Persons who shall act as witnesses shall be school Principals, assistant Principals, or the Superintendent.

Upon receiving reasonable information, the Principal shall take the following steps:

Call the student into the Principal’s office or another private place;
Summon an appropriate qualified witness;
Discuss with the student the basis for the determination that a test is necessary;
Inform the student of the procedures which shall be followed in administering the test;
Notify the parent or guardian of the student of the impending test; and.
Give the student an opportunity to decline the test and inform the student that if the test is not taken the penalty shall be suspension from school and a hearing before the disciplinary hearing authority.

Random Drug Testing of Students Participating in Extracurricular Activities

Students involved in any voluntary extracurricular activities may be subject to random drug tests. Parents and students will be informed of this policy prior to participation and shall sign a consent to the drug testing and a release of information as a condition of participation.

Extracurricular activity is defined as voluntary participation in activities not falling within the scope of regular curriculum and carrying no academic credit. This includes participating in athletic programs, cheerleading, band, clubs, student leadership positions, etc.

Prior to performing a random drug test on a student participating in extracurricular activities, the following conditions must be met:

The test will yield evidence of the violation of school policy or will establish that a student either was impaired due to drug use or did not use drugs;
The test is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision and education of students;
The test is not conducted for the sole purpose of discovering evidence to be used in a criminal prosecution; and
Tests shall be conducted in the presence of a witness. Persons who shall act as witnesses shall be school Principals, assistant Principals, or the Superintendent

No student who tests positive under a random drug testing program shall be suspended or expelled from school solely as the result of the positive test.5 The director of schools shall develop procedures establishing a random process for the selection of students to be tested.

Drug Testing Process

The appropriately qualified and trained witness shall take the student to a designated place in the school and collect a specimen from the student. The specimen shall be taken in a manner which will ensure the integrity, validity, and accuracy of the test results but are minimally intrusive and provide maximum privacy to the tested student.

The type of specimen taken shall depend on the substance in question and the test performed on the specimen shall be appropriate for accurate detection of the substance in question. Once taken, the Principal shall give the specimen an identifying number which in no way will reveal the identity of the student.

The Principal will forward the specimen for analysis to a laboratory accredited by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment and designated by the Board. Specimens shall be retained for ten (10) days.

Upon receiving a written, certified copy of the analysis from the laboratory, the Principal shall do one of the following:

If the results of the analysis are negative, they shall be reported as negative and all evidence of the individual test, including all records in the school that the test was ordered and the reasons therefore, shall be destroyed and expunged.
If the results of the analysis are positive, the student and parents or guardian shall be given the written notice of the result. All records of the test, request for a test or indication a student has been tested shall be confidential student records in accordance with state law.

The board will provide students testing positive an assessment to determine the severity of the student’s alcohol and drug problem and a recommendation for referral to intervention or treatment resources as appropriate.8

Penalties

Each confirmed incident will result in a referral to the Youth Services Officer (YSO).

First offense students will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for one calendar year.

Second offense students will be suspended from all extra-curricular activities for the duration of time enrolled or re-enrolled in the Lakeland School System.

Malicious use of authority granted by this policy by any school personnel may be grounds for dismissal.

Student Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying and Intimidation (Policy #6.304)

This policy shall be disseminated annually to all school staff, students, and parents. This policy shall cover employees, employees’ behaviors, students and students’ behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop. If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, this policy is in effect if the conduct is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.

Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment.

Definitions:

Bullying/Intimidation/Harassment – An intentional act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, and the act has the effect of:

Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property;
Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property;
Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
Creating a hostile educational environment

Cyber-bullying – 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, web sites or fake profiles.

Hazing – An intentional or reckless act by a student or group of students that is directed against any other student(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student(s) or that induces or coerces a student to endanger his/her mental or physical health or safety. Coaches and other employees of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities.

Complaints and Investigations

Any individual who has knowledge of behaviors that may constitute a violation of this policy shall promptly report such information to the principal/designee.

While reports may be made anonymously, an individual’s need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to cooperate with police investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough investigation or to take necessary actions to resolve a complaint, and the identity of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a need to know.

Students involved in an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying shall be referred to the appropriate school counselor by the Principal/designee when deemed necessary.

It places the student in reasonable fear or harm for the student’s person or property;
It has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
It has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
It has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Upon the determination of a violation, the Principal/designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each alleged incident. All investigations shall be completed, and appropriate intervention taken within twenty (20) calendar days from the receipt of the initial report. If the investigation is not complete or intervention has not taken place within twenty (20) calendar days, the Principal/designee shall provide the Superintendent with appropriate documentation detailing the reasons why the investigation has not been completed or the appropriate intervention has not taken place. Within the parameters of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, a written report on the investigation will be delivered to the parents of the complainant, parents of the accused students and to the Superintendent.

Response and Prevention

A substantiated charge against an employee shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. A substantiated charge against a student may result in corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

Reports

When a complaint is filed alleging a violation of this policy where there is physical harm or the threat of physical harm to a student or a student’s property, the Principal/designee of each middle school, junior high school, or high school shall report the findings and any disciplinary actions taken to the Superintendent and the chair of the board of education.

The Superintendent shall develop forms and procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of this policy and TCA 49-6-1016.

Retaliation and False Accusations

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA.

Section 504 Grievance and Due Process Procedures (Policy #1.802)

The Board is committed to maintaining equitable employment/educational practices, services, programs and activities that are accessible and usable by qualified individuals with disabilities.

Definition

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that: No otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States…solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 provides that: No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall be discriminated against in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge of employees, employee compensation, job training and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

Coordinator

The Board shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, including any investigation of any complaint alleging non-compliance with the Acts or alleging any actions that would be prohibited by the Acts.

For Students:

Section 504 Coordinator

Kathryn Pickens, Student Services Supervisor

10001 Highway 70

Lakeland, TN 38002

Telephone: 901-867-5412

frcs@lakelandk12.org

Notice

The Board shall make available the name, office address and telephone number of the ADA/Section 504 coordinator.

Methods of initial and continuing notification may include the posting of notices, publication in newspapers and student and employee handbooks and distribution of memoranda or other written communications.

Complaint Procedure

The coordinator will hear ADA/Section 504 complaints. Complaints shall be submitted orally or in writing to the coordinator who will endeavor to accomplish prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited by the ADA/Section 504. The coordinator will respond to all complaints within twenty (20) days with a written response as well as information on further grievance procedures that may be followed if the complaining party is not satisfied with the coordinator’s proposed resolution.

Due Process Hearing Procedures

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides the right to an impartial due process hearing if a parent wishes to contest any action of the school system with regard to a child’s identification, evaluation, and placement under Section 504. If a parent/guardian requests a Section 504 hearing, the parent/guardian has the right to personally participate and to be represented at the hearing by an attorney or advocate at the parent’s expense. Contested actions or omissions that are appropriate for a Section 504 hearing should involve identification, evaluation, or placement issues involving a child who has or is believed to have a disability.

Request for Hearing

A parent/guardian who wishes to challenge an action or omission with regard to the identification, evaluation, or placement of a student who has or is believed to have a disability as defined by Section 504, shall make an oral or written request for a due process hearing to the Section 504 coordinator.

Impartial Hearing officer

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall appoint an impartial hearing officer to preside over the hearing and issue a decision. Such appointment will be made within fifteen (15) days of the date of receipt of a request for a due process hearing. The hearing officer will be hired as an independent contractor at no expense to the parent. The hearing officer that is appointed shall not be a current employee of the school system and shall not be related to any member of the Board of Education. The hearing officer need not be an attorney but shall be familiar with the requirements of Section 504 and the hearing procedures under Section 504. The choice of an impartial hearing officer is final and may not be presented as an issue at the due process hearing since such an issue would not relate to the identification, evaluation, or placement of a disabled child under Section 504. If a parent/guardian disputes the impartiality of the appointed hearing officer, he/she may raise such issue in a review of the hearing officer’s opinion by a court of competent jurisdiction or in a complaint of the Office for Civil Rights.

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education

61 Forsyth St. S.W., Suite 19T10

Atlanta, GA 30303-8927

Telephone: 404-974-9406; TDD: 877-521-2172

Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov

Scheduling of Hearing

The appointed hearing officer shall set a date for the hearing within fifteen (15) days of his/her appointment and provide this information in writing to the parent/guardian and the Section 504 coordinator. The hearing shall take place at a mutually agreeable time and place.

Continuances

Upon a showing of good cause, the hearing officer, at his/her discretion may grant a continuance of the hearing date and set a new hearing date.

Legal Representation at Hearing

If a parent/guardian is represented by a licensed attorney at the due process hearing, he/she must inform the Section 504 coordinator and the appointed hearing officer of that fact, in writing, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing date, or the hearing can be continued upon the coordinator’s request.

Pre-Hearing Conference

The hearing officer may order a Pre-Hearing Conference during which the parent/guardian or his/her representative will state and clarify the issues to be addressed at the hearing. The Pre-Hearing Conference will also serve to resolve preliminary matters, clarify jurisdictional issues, and answer the parties’ questions regarding the hearing process. The Pre-Hearing Conference can be held via telephone or in person depending on the hearing officer’s decision based on the convenience to both parties.

Dismissals

If, after the Pre-Hearing Conference, the hearing officer finds that the parent, as a matter of law, alleges and/or raises no factual claims or legal issues that come within his/her jurisdiction as a Section 504 hearing officer, he/she may dismiss the hearing and issue an order to that effect explaining the basis for such finding.

Hearing

The hearing shall be conducted in an informal, non-adversarial manner. The hearing shall be closed to the public unless the parent/guardian requests an open hearing. The hearing officer may reasonably limit testimony and introduction of exhibits for reasons or relevance.

Recording

Instead of a formal written transcript produced by a court reporter, the entire due process hearing will be video recorded. The school system shall provide a copy of the recording to the parent/guardian upon request. In order for an accurate recording to be made, the parties and witnesses shall introduce themselves at the beginning of their presentations. If a parent/guardian appeals the decision of the hearing officer to a court of competent jurisdiction, the school system shall prepare a written transcript of the hearing to be offered to the court as an exhibit.

Witnesses

Witnesses will present their information in narrative form, without the traditional question and answer format of legal proceedings. Cross-examination of witnesses will not be allowed, but a party may request that the hearing officer, at his/her discretion, ask a witness a certain question.

Format of Presentation

Each side will have an equal amount of time to present their positions as determined by the hearing officer. The parent/guardian will present his/her case first by making an opening statement outlining the issues, calling witnesses, and making a closing argument. The school system will present its side next. At the end of the school system’s presentation, the parent/guardian may offer a short response. Each side may present personally or through their representatives.

Submission of Exhibits

As part of their presentations and at the discretion of the hearing officer, the parties may submit any reports, evaluations, correspondence, notes, or any other documents that may support their positions. Exhibits submitted to the hearing officer by either party must be marked. The hearing officer may, in the exercise of his/her discretion, reasonably limit the number of documents to be submitted for his/her review, as well as the number of witnesses and the length and/or scope of their presentations or statements.

Closing Arguments

The hearing officer may allow or request written closing arguments summarizing and characterizing the information presented at the hearing.

Decision

The hearing officer may make an oral ruling at the conclusion of the hearing or take the case under advisement and issue a written opinion. Such decision shall address all of the issues raised by the parent/guardian as well as any corrective actions, if any, the school system must take. Any issue or claim raised by the parent/guardian that is left unaddressed by the hearing officer in his/her decision will be deemed to have been denied. The decision must be issued within forty-five (45) days after the date the Request for a Due Process Hearing is received by the district. The hearing officer may not award attorneys’ fees as a part of the relief granted to a parent/guardian or the district.

Review Procedure/Appeal

If the parent/guardian is not satisfied by the decision of the hearing officer, he/she may seek review of the decision in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Waivers of Rules and Regulations (Policy #4.607)

If the Board finds that a state board rule or regulation inhibits or hinders district's ability to implement innovative programs designed to improve student achievement, it may apply for a waiver from such rule or regulation to the commissioner of education.1 However, the Board shall not seek a waiver from those rules and regulations that are specifically excluded by state law.

In the event of a natural disaster that results in the enrollment of displaced students, the Board may request a waiver from maximum class sizes.

Classification and Qualifications (Policy #5.102)

Administrative and Supervisory Personnel

To be considered for certificated administrative or supervisory positions, the applicant must show the following qualifications:

Professional teaching certification; and
Administrative or supervisory certification and experience in accordance with state law and State Board Rules and Regulations in the appropriate area based on the minimum of a master's degree.

Non-certified administrative and supervisory personnel shall possess sufficient training and experience to perform the services required and such additional qualifications as the Board and the Superintendent determine.

Professional Personnel

The professional staff members are the personnel whose employment status requires certification in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education.

Support Personnel

The support staff members are personnel whose regular employment does not require certification in accordance with rules and regulations of the State Department of Education.

Student Suicide Prevention (Policy 6.415)

The Lakeland Board of Education is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all students and understands that physical, behavioral, and emotional health are integral components of student achievement. Students are strongly encouraged to report if they, or a friend, are feeling suicidal or in need of help. Students will be provided information regarding The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 5 (TALK).

Prevention

All district employees shall attend either the annual in-service training in suicide prevention or participate in other equivalent training approved by the Superintendent. The training shall include, but not be limited to, identification of risk factors, warning signs, intervention and response procedures, referrals, and postvention.

The Superintendent shall identify a district suicide prevention coordinator responsible for planning and coordinating the implementation of this policy. School Counselor(s) will act as a point of contact in each school for issues relating to suicide prevention and policy implementation.

Intervention

Any employee who has reason to believe that a student is at imminent risk of suicide shall report such belief to the Principal or designee. Belief that a student is at imminent risk of suicide shall include, but not be limited to, the student verbalizing the desire to commit suicide, evidence of self-harm, or a student self-refers.

Upon notification, the Principal or designee shall ensure the student is placed under adult supervision. A direct referral will be made to the School Counselor(s). Emergency medical services shall be contacted immediately if an in-school suicide attempt occurs. The Principal or designee shall contact the Superintendent or designee as soon as practicable.

Prior to contacting the student’s parent/guardian, the Superintendent or designee shall determine if there could be further risk of harm resulting from parent/guardian notification. If parent/guardian notification could result in further risk of harm or endanger the health or well-being of the student, then local law enforcement and the Department of Children’s Services shall be contacted.

If appropriate, the Superintendent or designee shall contact the student’s parent/guardian and provide the following information:

Inform the parent/guardian that there is reason to believe the student is at imminent risk of suicide;
Assure the parent/guardian that the student is currently safe or inform the parent/guardian that emergency medical services were contacted;
Ask the parent/guardian whether he/she is aware of the student’s mental state;
Ask the parent/guardian whether he/she wishes to obtain or has obtained mental health counseling for the student;
Provide the names of community mental health counseling resources if appropriate.

The Superintendent or designee will seek parental permission to communicate with outside mental health care providers regarding a student. If the student is under the age of 18 and the parent/guardian refuses to seek appropriate assistance, the Superintendent or designee shall contact the Department of Children’s Services.

The superintendent or designee shall document the incident, including contact with the parent/guardian, by recording:

The time, date, and circumstances which resulted in the student coming to the attention of school officials;
A timeline of the specific actions taken by school officials;
The parent/guardian’s response; and
Time and date of release of student to authorized individual.
Anticipated follow-up and safety plan.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure the student is under adult supervision until a parent/guardian or other authorized individual accepts responsibility for the student’s safety.

Prior to a student returning to school, the Superintendent or School Counselor(s) shall meet with the student’s parent/guardian, and student if appropriate. The parent/guardian shall provide documentation from a mental health care provider stating that the student was seen by a mental health professional. The Principal will identify an employee to periodically check in with the student to ensure the student’s safety and address any problems with re-entry.

Postvention

Immediately following a student suicide death, the Crisis Team shall meet and implement the Crisis Management plan. At a minimum, the Crisis Management plan shall address the following:

Verification of death;
Preparation of postvention response to include support services;
Informing faculty and staff of a student death;
Informing students that a death has occurred; and
Providing information on the resources available to students.

The Crisis Team shall work with teachers to identify the students most likely to be impacted by the death in order to provide additional assistance and counseling if needed. Additionally, staff and faculty will immediately review suicide warning signs and reporting requirements. The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for all media inquiries.