GEORGE CLEM
Handbook
2023-2024
Greeneville City Schools
Jeff Townsley - Supervisor
Ricky Witt
Coordinator, Alternative Success Academy
Phone: (423) 823-0012
Email: wittj@gcschools.net
Jeremy Hall
Assistant, Alternative Success Academy
Email: hallj@gcschools.net
Anna Bowers
Assistant, Alternative Success Academy
Email: bowersa@gcschools.net
Mission Statement
The mission of the alternative school is to provide an opportunity for students who have been removed from their home school to earn admission back into the regular school setting and to continue their basic academic course work.
Objectives
1. To provide students with successful educational experiences
2. To teach students to become responsible for their own actions
3. To help students to learn to respect and get along with others
4. To build self-esteem and self-discipline
Overriding Principles
1. We will maintain a safe, orderly learning environment. Any student that breaks the school rules is subject to suspension/expulsion from George Clem.
2. The staff will enforce every rule in the handbook and are very strict in what other schools might consider minor rule violations. At George Clem, all rules are considered important.
3. George Clem Alternative Success Academy should be viewed as a second chance for your child. Attendance at the alternative school is a privilege, not a right and students may lose that privilege if they break the school rules.
4. Placement at George Clem Alternative Success Academy means your child has been remanded from his/her zoned school due to either disruptive or defiant behavior or has been expelled for zero tolerance behavior. In either case, George Clem is the last public-school option for your child at this time.
5. George Clem will not tolerate the type of behavior that resulted in getting your child placed here.
6. Contained within this handbook are the rules and consequences and other general information you and your child need to know. Your child will be held responsible and accountable for all material in this handbook.
7. We will do our best to provide a safe, secure, and structured learning environment; however, we will not tolerate disruptive or defiant behavior within the school.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Regular School Day: 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Arrival – no earlier than 7:10 a.m.
Departure – no later than 2:15 p.m.
Snow Schedule
1-Hour Delay: 8:40 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
2-Hour Delay: 9:40 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Admission/Readmission Requirements
1. Students must be placed in alternative school by the principal, IEP team, director of schools, or transfer from another alternative school.
2. Students and parents must sign a contract that states that they will agree to follow all rules and regulations of the alternative school as established by the board of education.
3. Students assigned to the Alternative Success Academy for drug, alcohol, assault, or other severe behavior (zero tolerance) will return to the regular school after serving one calendar year or the time period for which the Director of School has approved in writing.
4. Transfer students will be allowed to enter a regular school program upon completion of their tenure as determined by the Alternative Success Academy committee.
5. Students assigned to the alternative school for behavior will return to the regular school after they have successfully completed all requirements or on recommendation of the alternative school coordinator. Alternative school students may remain in the alternative school if the alternative school principal feels that it is in the best interest of the student or home-based school.
6. Special Education students will be allowed to return in accordance with completion of goals established by the IEP team.
7. Students who are enrolled at the alternative school and withdraw to attend another school or choose not to enroll will be required to complete their alternative school assignment prior to readmission to their regular school.
Academics
Grading: Students will earn grades in the alternative school in the same manner as in a regular classroom.
Curriculum: It is not possible to offer the full curricula available in the various home-based schools; therefore, the alternative school principal, home school principal, guidance counselors and/or IEP team maintain the right to create a schedule that is in the best interest of the student.
Attendance
Students are required to attend school. Only the coordinator or his designee can excuse a student from the Alternative Success Academy. Parents/guardians must request an excused absence. If parents/guardians have not called by 8:15 a.m., verification may be required for that day and for any additional days. A parent/guardian note, or verification is required when the student returns. The parents/guardians should continue to call each additional day unless told otherwise. Absences carry over from the home school. Excused absences will be granted for: Personal Illness, Death of Family, Court date.
*******ALL EXCUSES ARE TO BE TURNED IN IMMEDATELY UPON RETURNING TO SCHOOL. **********
Tardy
Reporting to school tardy is unacceptable. Students should arrive no earlier than 7:15 and no later than 7:30. The coordinator will excuse or not excuse each tardy to school. Reporting to school tardy will result in students being required to stay late to make up the time.
Early Dismissal
A student may need to leave school early for a valid reason. The coordinator or his/her designee will review each case and make a decision for early dismissal. All safety precautions will be taken before allowing a student to leave school. Parent contact will be made before a student is allowed to leave. Students cannot leave without parental permission.
General Information
Environment: Students will function in a highly structured environment under close supervision for the entire school day. Students will be monitored by both video and audio equipment. There is no talking in the hallways in the building at any time.
Restrooms: Students are only allowed to be in the restroom one at a time. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in disciplinary actions.
School Ground: School ground includes school building, adjacent street, and adjoining properties. Alternative school rules are in effect 30 minutes before and after school or while students are still in the building or on the grounds.
Transportation: Parents are responsible for the safe transport of students to and from the Alternative Success Academy and are also responsible for the mode of transportation unless provided for in a student’s IEP. Students will be monitored arriving and departing school; however, there are no regulations or guidelines regarding with whom students arrive or leave or as to whether they walk to and from school. Students will not be permitted to drive to and from the Alternative Success Academy.
The school and the school system assume no responsibility/liability for any accident or injury that should occur in route to or from school. Students who choose to walk to school must assume all risks of walking. If a student is to walk to and/or from school, written permission must be on file in the school office.
Alternative Success Academy rules are in effect until students leave the school grounds.
Manuals/Materials: Students are to keep an alternative school manual (3-ring binder) for the inclusion of a copy of the handbook, student’s point sheets, and any school correspondence. Students are to provide their pencils (no mechanical pencils or ink pens) and paper. Students are required to bring their school issued laptops and chargers. Students will also need a set of headphones or ear buds. DON'T BRING ANYTHING YOU DON’T NEED (gum, candy, pictures, yearbooks, magazines, electronic devices, high lighters, ink pens etc.). There are to be no personal correspondence or phone numbers in the binder. Cell phones are not permitted at the alternative school.
Visitors: Only parents/guardians or official personnel may visit during school hours.
Telephone: Students may use the phone only in emergency situations. No incoming calls will be forwarded.
Meals: The alternative school does offer breakfast and lunch. If a student wishes to bring their own meal, they will be inspected when entering the building. Meals should be brought in clear zip-lock bags. No fast food or energy drinks will be allowed. All Drinks are to be in unopened containers. If containers are opened when entering the building it will be considered an inappropriate item. Students will maintain a quiet, mannerly conduct while at lunch. If a student must call home to get their lunch they will receive a warning for the first offense, 1 point for the second offense, 3 points for the third offense and a level for all subsequent offenses.
Searches (TCA 49-6-4204/4205)
Tennessee law authorizes the principal and his/her designee to conduct personal searches of students and visitors if the principal has reasonable suspicion that the student or visitor is in possession or illegal drugs, weapons, or other items prohibited by school rules or state statute. The law extends to cover the search of all automobiles, lockers, book bags, purses, or other items brought onto school grounds. School officials, police, and/or police dogs may conduct searches.
Hall Traffic: No one will be out of the classroom during class time. Adequate breaks are scheduled throughout the day. Make use of these times. In an emergency, student(s) will be escorted to an appropriate location.
Medication: Parents are to turn in all medication to the principal or his designee immediately upon arrival. Medication is defined as any pill, gel, spray, ointment, lotion, or injection that can be taken internally or applied to the body. This includes prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Students should also report if they are under the influence of any medication taken before arriving at school. The doctor’s written orders must be on file.
Course Work: Students will complete all required assignments daily as directed by the alternative school staff. Failure to do so will result in additional disciplinary actions.
Manners: Students are to be always courteous and mannerly to each other as well as to staff.
Dress Code
The wearing of the alternative school uniform is a very important aspect of the school and the self-discipline of the student. It also demonstrates preparation for school and a positive attitude. If a student does not wear their uniform each day in an appropriate manner, it could result in expulsion. Students must remain in complete uniform until they are off school premises. (Students are not allowed to remain at the school unless they are in a complete uniform. The students will call home and the missing item must be brought to the school. If that is not possible, the student will be suspended the following day or placed on extended school days for three consecutive days for a uniform violation.)
All students must adhere to the following standardized dress:
Pants/Slacks (All Students)
· Pants/Slacks must be khaki colored dress pants, with no cuffs and must be loose fitting (no legging, jegging, or jean material) (No Joggers). Pants must be able to be pulled above the knee for morning search purposes.
· Slacks must be hemmed and worn at the waistline.
· No painter or cargo pockets permitted.
· Slacks will not be unreasonably tight or unreasonably baggy.
Shirts
· Students must wear a polo shirt.
· All shirts must have long sleeves or appropriate short sleeves (extending at least to the midpoint between the shoulder and elbow).
· All shirts must be tucked in.
· Shirts will not be see-through in nature.
· Shirts will be black in color.
· Shirts will not have words, pictures, emblems, or logos.
Jackets/Hoodies
· Standard jackets, hoodies, and coats may be worn to and from school.
· No biker jackets or oversized coats (including trench coats) are permitted.
· Jackets, hoodies, and coats are not to be worn in the classroom.
· Jackets, hoodies, and coats are to be removed immediately upon entering the building.
Shoes
· Solid colored dress shoes will be worn. Students may also wear conservative athletic shoes with soft soles. (low-top only, no high-tops)
· Sandals, flip-flops, house shoes, crocs, and boots will not be permitted.
Hats
· No hats, headdress, head coverings or hat wear of any kind will be worn inside the building. (No headbands of any type will be allowed).
For all Apparel and Jewelry
· No messages, writing, or large logos can be worn or seen.
· All clothing must be neat with no holes, rips, or tears will be allowed in any apparel.
· Clothing will fit properly and will not be unreasonably tight or unreasonably baggy.
· No jewelry of any kind will be permitted.
No outerwear (i.e.…shorts) will be worn with the uniform either outside or underneath.
Hair
· A student’s hair will be worn in a manner that does not disrupt the educational process and does not call attention to the individual.
· No unusual hair coloring is permitted.
Eyebrows
· Notched eyebrows must be colored in neatly and remain colored in for the entire placement at the alternative school.
Book Bags
· No book bags permitted
Cleanliness
· Students will maintain a clean and neat appearance.
If a student must call home for part of their uniform, they will receive a warning on the first offense; a deduction of one point for the 2nd offense, 2 points for the 3rd offense, and a level for all subsequent offenses.
The director or his designee will have the right to take appropriate action to correct any student whose appearance, while not specifically covered by this policy, is considered by said principal to be out of compliance with board stated goals or to be disruptive of the educational process or sense of decency.
Assertive Discipline
ARTICLE 1 Daily Point Sheets:
A daily point sheet is used to monitor student behavior and to determine “successful days.”
5 points per day = successful day
4 points per day = successful day
3 points per day = successful day to be determined by the principal
2 points per day = bad day
1 point per day = bad day - possible assertive discipline level
0 points per day = bad day - possible assertive discipline level
One point will be taken for minor infractions such as unnecessary talking that disrupts the class, not following directions, being off task, 2nd offense uniform or lunch violations, tardy to school, unnecessary touching, inappropriate comments, or other minor or inappropriate actions as seen by staff.
Two points will be taken for disrespect, class disruptions, talking back, not doing homework/class work, not participating in class, or openly demonstrating a negative attitude.
Three points will be taken for leaving class without permission, non-participation, sleeping, any premeditated misbehavior, note writing, inappropriate items, uniform or lunch violation 3rd offense, or abuse of school equipment.
Five points will be taken for severe disruption, for any action that creates an altercation between students and/or student and staff, profanity, or for a final warning before declaring a student uncontrollable.
The principal may take points, adjust points, assign extended school days, assign assertive discipline levels, or expel students for those or other inappropriate infractions that may not be included above.
ARTICLE 2: Assertive Discipline levels:
The following is a list of behaviors that will result in assignment of an assertive discipline level:
Not showing an honest effort
Three consecutive bad days.
Principal/Staff Recommendation
Zero Day: A zero day could result in an assertive discipline level.
Profanity: No student is to use profanity, make obscene gestures, write profanity or obscenities, or be in possession of items that depict obscenity.
Severe Disruption: Any outburst that does not endanger students, staff, or property.
Electronic Devices: No student should bring any type of battery-operated device to the alternative school. This includes laser beams, flashlights, I-pods, CD players, MP3 players, pagers, or cell phones. Watches and calculators are not considered electronic devices.
Vandalism or destruction of property: No student should damage, attempt to damage, or deface any property or structure. Restitution is necessary for this offense.
Threat or instigation of a fight: Could result in expulsion.
Excessive tardiness: 3 unexcused could result in a level. 5 unexcused results in an unexcused absence.
Improper use of medication: Could result in expulsion.
Unexcused Absences
Bullying
Drug and/or Gang related: Pictures, drawings or discussing drugs/alcohol/gangs. (Including gestures)
Discussion of placement at the Alternative Success Academy.
Consequences:
Assertive Discipline Level I = parent contact and 1 day out of school suspension or five days of Extended School Days. ESD (students are required to stay until 3:15).
Assertive Discipline Level II = parent conference + 1-day suspension
Assertive Discipline Level III = 2-day suspension + parent conference + special contract.
ARTICLE 3: Suspension:
Students may be suspended from alternative school.
· One day when Assertive Discipline Level I is reached
· Two days when Assertive Discipline Level II/Level III is reached
When the principal believes it is in the best interest of the school or student.
ARTICLE 4: Expulsion/Referral to Juvenile Court:
For major infractions, Students face expulsion from the alternative school and/or referral to the Juvenile Justice System.
The following offenses may result in expulsion:
· Uncontrollable behavior: A student may be expelled when deemed totally out of control or for continual infractions of the same rules.
· Theft: No student will steal or be in possession of another student's property or the school’s property that does not belong to them for any reason.
· Drug, alcohol, weapons: No student should have drugs or alcohol or be under the influence. No student should be in possession of any medication or representative drug or medication. No student should have any weapon to include small knives or any item that could imitate or be used as a weapon.
· Assault or disrespect on staff: No student should touch, threaten, or act in any manner that would imply a threat, danger, or disrespect to a staff member.
Before any student is expelled for any reason, the alternative school director may make a determination as to whether the student is making an honest effort. In the event that the determination of the principal is that the student's behavior is not disruptive to the educational process or is not a negative influence or does not endanger the staff or integrity of the alternative school and if it is in the best interest of the student, then the principal may make a special contract with the student and his/her parents to allow the student to continue at the alternative school, under the provisions of a new contract.
ARTICLE 5: Appeal:
Any student expelled from the alternative school may request an appeal of that expulsion. This appeal must be in writing, made within five school days, and should be addressed to the director of schools.
Addendum
Any and all regulations in this handbook may change in accordance with state and/or federal law or policy. They are also subject to review and modification by the Greeneville City Schools Board of Education, the administration of Greeneville City Schools, and the alternative school administration and staff. Therefore, rules or regulations may change during a student’s tenure at the alternative school.
School Counseling Permission Form
A school counselor is on staff at the alternative school to work with students individually or in small groups to assist with academic, personal / social and/or career issues. This service is available to all students and is intended to ensure that the student’s experience at the alternative school is positive and the student’s transition back to their regular school is successful.
In following the objectives of the alternative school, the school counselor;
· Will work with the students to improve academic skills to facilitate a successful educational experience.
· Will provide individual and group counseling to assist students in becoming responsible for their own actions.
· Will conduct activities to build self-esteem and self-discipline.
· Will work with students to learn respect and to get along with others.
Success at school requires a cooperative effort between students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel. I understand that as a parent/guardian, I may be asked to be involved with the student’s success at the alternative school and after he/she transitions back to the regular school.
Student/Parent Contract
Student: I will make an honest effort to follow the rules and regulations as set forth in the handbook and by the Greeneville City Schools Board of Education so that I can be successful in the alternative school. If successful, I will be allowed to return to my regular school at the end of my tenure. If unsuccessful, I will receive additional disciplinary action, which could include expulsion.
Parents/Guardians:
1. I will make every effort to see that my child follows the rules of the alternative school.
2. I will review my child’s daily progress and sign and return all correspondence.
3. I will attend all conferences as required by the alternative school principal (i.e., conference after suspension, academic conference, return to school conference, or others as needed).
I acknowledge that I am ultimately responsible for my student and his/her behavior, and I accept that responsibility.