Jefferson County High School and the Jefferson County School System do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability in any of their programs, practices, or activities. For more information or questions, please contact:
Director of Federal Programs
Jefferson County Schools P. O. Box 190, Dandridge, TN 37725
This student handbook is designed to be an important source of information for you. We urge you to read it and share its contents with parents and the community. We believe that all individuals are responsible for their own actions at JCHS. Each person should know the results of his or her actions before making a decision. The handbook is an excellent reference for successful students throughout the school year. Keep your book with you daily for recording assignments, checking the calendar, locating JCHS policies and procedures. Our responsibility as a school is to provide a safe, positive environment for learning and teaching. We want to encourage you in every way possible. However, you must do your part to be a winner at JCHS. We ask everyone at JCHS to do the following:
Mission Statement
To prepare responsible, productive citizens who are life-long learners
Beliefs
Our administrative team is committed to providing an environment that will enable each person to do his or her very best. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way.
The information in this Student Handbook is not inclusive of all Jefferson County School Board policies and is subject to change through administrative decision and/or school board action.
Jefferson County High School’s main campus opened in August 1975 as a result of the reorganization of all elementary schools and the consolidation of four existing high schools. Students from White Pine, Rush Strong, Maury, and Jefferson High schools combined to form a student body of nearly 1700 in grades 9-12. In its first year of operation, the Tennessee School Board Association recognized the high school as the “School of the Year” in Tennessee. The academic, athletic, and activity programs have continued to excel over the past thirty-five years. Jefferson County High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is recognized as one of the finest comprehensive high schools in the state. In August 2013 the Patriot Academy opened for our freshman.
The high school’s main campus is located in the geographic center of Jefferson County. The location is approximately fifteen miles from the most distant commuting student in the county. The main campus consists of sixty acres, including a stadium, gymnasium, playing fields, tennis courts, and the academic complex. The Patriot Academy is located approximately .8 miles from the main campus. The campus rests on 48 acres and includes a gymnasium, athletic fields, and academic building. The total enrollment of both campuses is approximately 2,100 students.
From all directions we unite. We stand together through the fight. As the years progress, we have shown the rest That Jefferson County High prevails! Red, White, and Blue, we’ll be true to you; We are Patriots to the core! And years from now, we will show you how You’ve made us the best we can be— Our Alma Mater we adore! We salute you, Jefferson County High!
BACKGROUND AND EXPLANATIONS
“From all directions we unite. We stand together through the fight” — is a reference to the consolidation of the four high schools that came to form Jefferson County High School in the fall of 1975 and the wish for unity among traditionally rival schools—Jefferson, Maury, Rush Strong, and White Pine. “As the years progress, we have shown the rest that Jefferson County High prevails” — refers to the faith that the consolidation will produce an educational facility dominant among area schools. “Red, White and Blue, we’ll be true to you. We are Patriots to the core” —means the school colors were selected from each of the merging schools—Jefferson was blue and white; Maury and Rush Strong orange and blue; White Pine red and white. Since the first graduating class was to be the class of 1976, the Bicentennial year, Patriots was an ideal name for a new mascot. “And years from now, we will show you how you’ve made us the best we can be” —illustrates gratitude for a high academic standard and its consequences. “Our Alma Mater we adore. We salute you, Jefferson County High!” —is a pledge of commitment and love for “Our Mother” school.
Asbestos Management Plans
Parent(s)/guardian(s), upon request, shall be given the opportunity to review the Asbestos Management Plan. Please contact Jefferson County Schools Maintenance Supervisor.
Child Nutrition Program
In the operation of the child nutrition program, no student will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. A student enrolled in the district may be eligible for free or reduced price meals and/or free milk if certain criteria are met.
Students identified as foster care, homeless, migrant, or runaway are categorically eligible for free meals and free milk.
You can access the Free-Reduced application from the Jefferson County Schools webpage (https://www.jctn.net/departments/student-nutrition)
An application for free or reduced-price meals cannot be approved unless it contains complete information. All information provided on the application may be verified at any time during the school year.
For more information as to the free or reduced-price meals or for questions as to the appeal process due to an application denial, please contact Jamie Johnson, Supervisor of Food Services.
*Note: The District shall include this annual notice only if it participates in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, or the Special Milk Program. In the alternative, the notice may need to be modified if the district participates in the Community Eligibility Program.
Directory Information
Per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the district may disclose appropriately designated directory information without written consent, unless the parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible student (a student who is 18 years or older) has opted out of the disclosure of directory information.
In addition, federal law requires the district to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the names, addresses, and telephone listings of students unless parents/guardians have opted out in writing.
School Board policies 6.600 and 6.601 address the district directory release of information.
If the parent/guardian wishes to opt-out of the above, he/she shall indicate his/her preference to their school administration.
Education Records
FERPA affords parent(s)/guardian(s) and eligible students certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within forty-five (45) days after the day the district receives a request for access.
a. Parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible students who wish to inspect education records shall submit to the principal a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect.
b. Arrangements for access will be made, and the parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible student will be notified of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
a. Education records may be disclosed without prior written consent if a school official has a legitimate educational interest
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 Meningitis & Flu Awareness
Per state law, the district is required to provide information to parent(s)/guardian(s) as to the following diseases.
Meningococcal meningitis is inflammation of the tissues and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms can include fever, sudden severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, and vomiting.
The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is very common. Most people will carry this bacteria in the back of their nose and throat at some point in their lives without ever getting sick. In a few people, the bacteria overcomes the body’s immune system and passes through the lining of the nose and throat into the blood stream where it can cause meningitis.
Meningitis is spread through exchange of respiratory droplets or saliva with an infected person. Only a small percentage of people who are exposed to the bacteria will develop meningitis. The bacteria that causes meningitis is not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.
There is a vaccine that will decrease the risk of some types of meningococcal meningitis, but it does not totally eliminate risk of the disease.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, feeling tired, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. A person can also get the flu by touching something that has the flu virus on it and then touching his/her mouth, eyes, or nose.
There is a vaccine that can be received in the form of a flu shot or by nasal spray that can protect against the flu.
To receive additional information regarding these diseases, including locations to receive the vaccinations, please contact your local health department.
Course Credits
No credit can be earned through correspondence schools. A course may not be taken over to improve a passing grade. Once a student has received credit in a course, that course cannot be taken over for credit or to improve a grade. No credit can be earned through correspondence courses/schools.
Curriculum
The comprehensive curriculum provides students the opportunity to complete the diploma project, which includes a focused area of study. Career and technical, fine arts, JROTC, dual-enrollment, and Advanced Placement courses are available in addition to the core subjects.
Exams (Final/TN Ready/End-of-Course)
Final exams and EOCs will be administered by the instructor on designated exam days. The final exam may not count more than 25 percent of the nine-week grade, and that grade must be reflected in the final average. If scores are available, state-mandated EOC/TN Ready exams account for 15 percent of the second semester average (or the second nine weeks). No student may make up a final, TN Ready, or EOC exam unless the absence is excused. (See Attendance Policy)
Final Grades
Final grades are determined by combining both nine weeks grades for a semester course or both semester grades for a year-long course. The average determines pass or fail. The individual teacher should inform failing students as soon as possible.
Grade Weighting for Honors, College-level, and A.P. Courses
For Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses, five (5) points will be added to a student’s average at the end of each grading period. For Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment courses and Industry Certification(s) if the student takes the exam, four (4) points will be added to a student’s average at the end of each grading period. For Honors courses, three (3) points will be added to a student’s average at the end of each grading period.
Grading Scale (JCHS)
Grade point averages (GPA) will be calculated for high school course work based upon the following graduated 4-point scale with additional grade-point weighting of 0.5 for honors courses, and 1.0 for Advanced Placement (A.P.) and College Level courses. The JCHS grading scale shall be used for report cards, class rank, honor roll, etc.
| Grade Range | Regular | Honors | A.P./College Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 59 and Below | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Grading scale (State)
State law requires that students applying for HOPE scholarships and other state scholarship funds be evaluated utilizing the state’s grading scale listed below. Only this scale will be sent to the state for lottery scholarship purposes. Students planning to attend college should remember that colleges will include the second semester of the senior year to get a student’s grade point average.
| Grade Range | HOPE Scholarship |
|---|---|
| A - 90-100 | 4.0 |
| B - 80-892 | 3.0 |
| C - 70-79 | 2.0 |
| D -60-69 | 1.0 |
| F - 59 and Below | 0 |
Graduating Class of 2024, 2025 will be subject to a combination of the past grading scale (A 93-100, B 85-92, C75-84, D70-74, F 69 or below) and new grading scale for 2022-23 school year.
Graduation
Graduation Students are required to attend at least seven semesters and meet the local graduation formula, as well as state and local graduation requirements. Seniors who plan to attend and participate in the graduation ceremony held in May will be required to purchase their graduation regalia through Herff Jones Representatives that will meet with them during the Fall. Students will be recognized at graduation if they attain any of the following achievements: Honors, State Honors, State Distinction, District Distinction, Tri-Star Scholar, TN Seal of Biliteracy, 10 hours of voluntarily completed ten (10) hours of community service for each semester in attendance at a public high school, gold or platinum medal on National Career Readiness Certificate, and district-developed work ethic distinction and students enlisted in the military.
Summa Cum Laude/ Magna Cum Laude/Cum Laude
Jefferson County High School recognizes all seniors who have attained a 4.25 or higher grade point average (GPA) as members of the summa cum laude group. Graduation speakers will be chosen from this group. JCHS also recognizes seniors who maintain a 4.05 to 4.249 grade point average as magna cum laude students and students who maintain a 3.85 to 4.049 grade point average as cum laude. Rank and GPA will be calculated upon completion of the seventh semester, utilizing the 5.0 GPA.
Honor Roll
Scholarship is recognized and encouraged through an academic honor system. The honor system is an incentive for those whose average in each of his/her subjects is at least 85. Those students who achieve all grades of at least 85 will qualify for the “B” honor roll; those students who achieve all grades of at least 93 will qualify for the “A” honor roll.
Make-Up Work
Students who have an absence (whether from excused or unexcused) are required to make up work that they have missed. ARRANGING TO MAKE UP WORK IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT IMMEDIATELY UPON HIS/HER RETURN. In the event of an extended absence (five (5) or more days), special arrangements may be made with the counseling department regarding makeup work. A zero or incomplete will be recorded for work a student fails to make up. Make-up work missed by the student at the end of a grading period must be made up before or after school immediately upon the student’s return under the instructor’s supervision. Eligibility for make-up or credit will be an administrative decision if there is a question.
Transcripts
The transcripts needed for transfer, military use, scholarship consideration, college applications, or prospective employer information may be requested from the counseling office. A student may request up to four copies of his/her transcript at no charge, provided each is required for a definite purpose as outlined above. Each subsequent request will be charged one dollar to cover mailing and handling. All transmissions of transcripts require that the individual student has fulfilled all financial and other obligations.
Notice of club meetings, athletic and social events, and general information is announced each morning via the intercom and displayed on the LCDs in the commons area. A person desiring to have a notice published must have it approved by the administration. Any bulletin board announcement posted on school facilities should be for school-sponsored or school-related events only and approved by school administration.
Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the curriculum and as such are designed to be educational as well as entertaining experiences. They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behavior. Regardless of the type of program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative. In live entertainment—unlike radio, television, or movies—the performers are very conscious of their audience. Talking, whispering, whistling, stomping of feet, and booing are discourteous. Yelling is appropriate only at pep rallies. Certain assemblies may require an admission fee. If students do not wish to attend an assembly, they will remain in a designated supervised area.
Whenever the possibility of uncovering evidence of a criminal nature exists, the principal or his designee may request the assistance of a law enforcement officer to (1) search any area of the school premises or any student; or (2) identify or dispose of anything found in the course of a search conducted in accordance with this policy. The involvement of law enforcement officials is encouraged when there is reasonable cause to suspect that criminal evidence is about to be uncovered.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the cafeteria at a nominal cost. Students may pre-pay for their meals on a monthly basis either in person or via the internet. (See cafeteria manager.) Free and reduced meals applications are distributed at the beginning of each school year or anytime thereafter if a family feels they are eligible. (Applications available from the cafeteria manager.) Students who are unable to pay for their meals at the time of service are allowed to charge. Students charging breakfast and lunch will receive reimbursable meals. A student who does not have money to pay for their meal must receive an approval slip from a school official prior to entering the lunch line to charge a meal. Notification letters will be sent home with the student after three charges. If a student reaches five charges a letter will be sent home and a school official will notify the household of the charges. After reaching the fifth charge students will need to bring a meal from home until the charges are paid. Students are not allowed outside of cafeteria or courtyard during lunch. Hallways are off limits. No outside food/drink are allowed during the school day.
Students are responsible for the proper care of all school issued student laptops, computers, books, materials, and furniture supplied by the school. Students who disfigure property, break windows, or cause damage to school property or equipment will be required to pay for the damage or to replace the item. Disciplinary action will also be taken. Any unlawful act taking place on the school grounds or on buses not only makes the student subject to penalties which the courts may prescribe, but could also result in suspension or dismissal from school. All students are encourage to purchase the insurance protection for school-issued laptops.
All students must inform the office immediately of any changes of address or telephone number.
JCHS operates on a closed campus policy. Students must stay on the school grounds from the time they arrive, even if the first period has not started, until dismissal either by the bell or appropriate checkout procedure through the office. NOTE: All students must sign in/out through the front office when arriving late or departing early during the school day.
Student clubs and organizations are school, career, and service oriented. The principal shall approve all clubs and organizations within the school. One or more staff members will serve as sponsors of each activity and will attend all meetings. An approved copy of the aims, objectives, and constitution for each organization will be kept on file in the principal's office. The director of schools shall approve all requirements imposed by clubs which have restricted membership. Sororities, fraternities, special interest, and all secret organizations are prohibited.
Each student in grades 10 through 12 is assigned an academic counselor according to his/her last name. All 9th grade students are served by a designated school counselor. All counselors are available to assist students with scholarship applications, college/technical/trade school information, financial aid, and other areas of interest after high school. A pass is required to visit the counseling office.
At any school-sponsored dance, a ticket must be presented at the door. Guests may be admitted if accompanied by a JCHS student with prior administrator approval. Any student bringing a guest is responsible for the conduct of the guest. All dances are chaperoned. All rules pertaining to student conduct while in school are in effect. Offenders are subject to disciplinary action. Once admitted to a dance, a student who elects to leave will not be readmitted.
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 unless used for legitimate educational purposes. All data including e-mail communications stored or transmitted on school system computers shall be monitored. Students 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. Students may establish an email account through state or district approved sites for specific educational assignments monitored by faculty (i.e. college for TN). Email addresses will be subject to the district's policies in addition to any other terms of service.
Dogs or other animals trained to detect drugs by odor or otherwise may be used in searches, but such animals shall be used only to pinpoint areas in need of search. In determining when a search is necessary, the principal may consider reports from faculty members, students, and other sources.
Fire drills will be held periodically during the school year. When the signal for a fire drill is given, all work should cease immediately. Lights must be turned off, and students must leave the room in a quiet, orderly manner through the nearest exit. Only exits leading to the external perimeter of the building are to be used in evacuation. Everyone should continue to move away from the building to a point that will not block sidewalks or traffic patterns for emergency vehicles. All persons must move at least 150 feet from the building and remain in place until the signal is sounded for return to the building. Fire drills are a necessary safety precaution for the welfare of everyone at JCHS. During any drill, everyone must leave the building in order to assist in an efficient execution of the drill.
Students shall not be in the hallways during class without a pass from their classroom teacher. A student out of class without a pass will be escorted back to his or her respective class. Students should always ask the teacher to issue a pass prior to leaving the classroom, in addition students must sign out. Students should be in the hallway during class in emergencies only or on official classroom business, such as going to the library or office. No student is to be in the hallways before or after school hours without administrative approval.
All students are eligible to enroll in the student insurance program offered at the beginning of each school year. In certain classes, proof of insurance is required. This proof or the school insurance application and premium are due within one week from the beginning date of school. The student must complete the insurance application and turn in to the office. It should be noted that this is a secondary insurance policy. In the event of an accident or injury, the following procedures should be followed:
Students in Jefferson County will participate in projects using the Internet in a directed manner to support curriculum and research activities. Teachers and students will use the Internet to participate in distance learning activities, to ask questions of and consult with experts, to communicate with other students and individuals, and to locate materials to meet their educational needs. The administration reserves the right to revoke a student’s Internet/computer privileges. These guidelines are provided so that you are aware of the responsibilities involved with using the Internet.
Prohibited or illegal internet activities, including, but not limited to:
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. The consent form will serve as a legal binding document. In order to rescind the agreement, the student's parent/guardian (or the student who is at least 18 years old) must provide the director of schools with a written request.
At the main campus lockers are available on an optional basis for all students. They are offered at the beginning of the school year through the staff of the JROTC department. Lockers at the Patriot Academy will be assigned by homeroom teachers. It is the student’s responsibility to see that his locker is kept locked and in order at all times. Since lockers are a permanent part of the building, students are expected to keep them in good, usable condition. No one should leave class to go to his locker except with special permission. All school property, including lockers and storage areas, are subject to search for good cause. TCA 49-6-4203c
The media center staff is available for those who need help. Students may use the media center before school beginning at 7:30 A.M.. Students may also utilize the media center after school until 3:30 P.M.. When visiting the media center with a class, students should enter the facility in a quiet and orderly fashion. They should observe media center rules, which include having no food, drinks, candy, or chewing gum, and they should work quietly and respectfully. Students should observe the rights of others by returning borrowed materials by the due date.
Musical instruments must be taken to the band/chorus room or a designated area at beginning of each day. Musical instruments are prohibited unless deemed necessary by a teacher or club sponsor. Possession of electronic devices or any other device that is deemed disruptive to the school environment is prohibited. JCHS is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Students with pre-existing health problems are to report to the school nurse at the beginning of the school term or when such a problem arises. Special problems include vision or hearing deficits, diabetes, epilepsy, recent surgery, medication, or any condition that may limit the student at school. If it is necessary for a student to receive medication during school hours, a note from the parent/physician indicating the name of the medication, dosage, time to be given, and duration of time that medication is to be taken should be sent to the school nurse. Parents should pick up medication when they are no longer taking it. If the medicine is not picked up, it will be destroyed at the end of the school term. No medication, prescription or non-prescription, is to be kept in the student’s possession or locker. Students in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures. Students becoming ill or injured during the school day should report to the school nurse, either accompanied by a staff member or with a note. Students should not go between classes, except in an emergency situation. All students must have an admit note when they return to class. If there is a necessity to go home, the nurse will inform the parent, and the student will be released through the normal checkout procedure.
There are two designated conferences dates during the school year. Parents who would like to request additional meetings may make appointments for conferences with teachers (during their planning periods), counselors, or a principal by telephoning the school office.
The following student driving and parking procedures will be enforced. Any violation of any of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action.
In the event of severe inclement weather or mechanical breakdown, school may be closed or starting time delayed. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. This situation will be announced over social media, local radio and television stations, the Blackboard Connect System, as well as posted on the Jefferson County Schools website, https://jc-tn.net/ and Jefferson County Schools twitter (@JeffCoTNSchools). If no report is heard, one can assume that school will be in session on regular schedule. Please do not call the school. Telephone lines must remain open for emergencies.
Backpacks, purses and billfolds, lockers, vehicles, storage areas, packages, and containers are subject to search for alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons, or any property which is not properly in the possession of the student. TCA 49-6-4203c
Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money, expensive jewelry, radios, cameras, etc., to school or leave money or other valuables unattended, in lockers, or in the P.E. dressing rooms. JCHS is not responsible for articles stolen or lost at school.
Textbooks are available, without cost to students, as a loan. Students are accountable for all free textbooks. The Jefferson County School System must be reimbursed for any books that are damaged, destroyed, stolen, or misplaced. If a student loses a book during the school year, he/she must pay for the lost book before another one can be issued. Classroom teachers and the librarian make the decisions regarding book damage.
JCHS policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at the school. Personal visitors may not have lunch with students. All visitors must first report to the main office to receive a visitor’s pass. Visitor passes will not be issued during examinations or at any other times that an administrator deems inappropriate. An administrator may refuse to issue a visitor’s pass any time he/she feels it is in the best interest of the school to do so.
NOTE: Visitors will be asked to present a valid driver’s license in order to receive a pass.
Jefferson County High School is a member of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). This is the governing body for all high school athletics in Tennessee.
To be eligible to participate in athletics a student must:
Fall Sports Head Coaches
Winter Sports Head Coaches
Spring Sports Head Coaches
The Jefferson County High School Athletic Department offers participation in the following sports:
Baseball
Practice starts in February and the school plays approximately thirty games. The first game can be played in March. The season ends with the district, regional, or state tournament in May.
Boys’ Basketball
There are three teams: Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. Practice begins in October and the first game is played in November. Jefferson County plays approximately fourteen freshman games, twenty junior varsity games, and twenty-four varsity games. The basketball teams are allowed to have a maximum of ten days of practice during the spring months of April and May. The season ends in March with the district, regional or state tournament.
Girls’ Basketball
There are three teams: Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. Practice begins in October and the first game is played in November. Jefferson County plays approximately fourteen freshman games, twenty junior varsity games, and twenty-four varsity games. The basketball teams are allowed to have a maximum of ten days of practice during the spring months of April and May. The season ends in March with the district, regional or state tournament.
Cheerleading
Practice begins during the summer. The season lasts from August to March.
Cross Country
Practice can start in July and the first meet is held in August. The team can participate in eleven meets during the season. The season ends in October with a regional and state meet.
Football
There are three teams: Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. The ninth grade will play approximately nine games, the Junior Varsity will play approximately nine games, and Varsity will play ten games. Practice begins in July with the first contest in August. The season ends with regional or state playoffs. The football team is allowed a maximum of ten practice days in the spring months of April or May.
Golf
Practice can start in July. The first match will be played in August. The teams will play approximately fourteen matches. The season ends in October with regional or state tournaments.
Boys’ Soccer
Practice starts in February and the team will play approximately sixteen matches. The first match will be played in March and the season ends in May with a district, regional, or state tournament.
Girls’ Soccer
Practice starts in July and the team will play approximately sixteen matches. The first match will be played in August and the season ends in October with a district, regional, or state tournament.
Softball
Practice starts in February and the school plays approximately thirty games. The first game can be played in March. The season ends with a district, regional, or state tournament at the end of May.
Swimming
Practice starts in October and the first meet is held in November. Swim season extends through January. Swimming is not sanctioned by the TSSAA.
Tennis
Practice starts in February and the team plays approximately sixteen matches starting in March. The season ends in May with a district, regional, or state tournament.
Track
Practice for track starts in February. The first meet will take place in March. The team will participate in approximately eleven meets. The season ends with district, regional, or state meets in May.
Girls’ Volleyball
Girls’ volleyball practice begins in July and the first contest will be played in August. The team will play approximately thirty-five matches. The season ends with a district, regional, or state tournament in October.
Wrestling
Practice starts in October and the first match is held in November. The team can participate in approximately eighteen matches throughout the season. The season ends with a regional or state tournament in February.
Good sportsmanship is expected at all Jefferson County Schools events. Good sportsmanship is a responsibility of players, parents, coaches, advisors, faculty, cheerleaders, students, adult spectators, and officials. Promotion of good sportsmanship at Jefferson County Schools’ events should include a demonstration of respect for participants and officials. All involved in a school-sponsored event should maintain self-control throughout the contest. Rules of the event should be understood and skill and performance should be recognized regardless of team affiliation. Good sportsmanship is the cornerstone of a quality educational and athletic program.
Good sportsmanship and proper conduct are behaviors that are learned by engaging with others, modeling good behavior, and planned instruction. It is the responsibility of the administration, staff, coaches, parents, and the community at large to create a climate that fosters the development of these behaviors. This is accomplished by encouraging and modeling positive and appropriate behavior within the sporting environment, while at the same time striving for excellence.
The Jefferson County School Board of Education requires schools to monitor spectator behavior at all school-sponsored activities. Accordingly, an event supervisor may request any person involved in misconduct to leave the premises and may contact the police for assistance. The school administration has the authority to suspend individuals from all school-sponsored activities for a period of time for any type of misconduct.
The Board of Education believes that acceptable behavior is an essential ingredient of an effective educational program. It expects students to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect favorably upon themselves, their families, their community, and their school. The professional staff is expected to ensure student conduct which allows for an acceptable learning atmosphere both in and outside the classroom and to help students develop self-discipline and self-direction. To this end, the staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Any professional employee shall have the authority to control any student's conduct while under the supervision of the school district. This authority to control student conduct shall extend to all activities of the school, including all games and public performances of athletic teams and other school groups, trips, excursions, and all other activities under school sponsorship and direction. Such measures include use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order.
Jefferson County High School utilizes an Assertive Discipline Program. Students should be sure to familiarize themselves with this process. It is a program to alter the behavior of students who choose not to conduct themselves in a positive manner. The basic purpose of assertive discipline is to create a setting where teachers can teach and students can learn. This requires respect between students and teachers, so that the rights of both groups are not violated. To help teachers and students understand the underlying principles of assertive discipline, it will be useful to develop a common language which will improve understanding between all groups during regular school hours and at school functions.
What this school is or wishes to become depends on what the students are or wish to become. This is not something that can be given to you; rather, it must come from within. The faculty may initiate it, but the student body must complete it-or it won’t be completed at all. Don’t wait on someone to make your situation better; begin the task yourself. We promise to help you and support you along the way. If you win, we win.
1. Adjustments may be made to the hierarchy of punishment based on administrator discretion.
2. If, in the teacher’s and/or administrator’s opinion, a student’s behavior requires special attention, the student may be put on a behavior contract.
3. If a teacher perceives that a student might be having a behavioral or academic problem that would interfere with his/her learning or that of the other students, the teacher may refer the student to the appropriate counselor as an alternative to referral to an administrator.
4. Teachers are expected to make frequent parental contact concerning students with behavior problems. Conferences with the students, the teacher, an administrator, and parents should be held as often as needed.
5. The PURPOSE of this plan is to establish a clear and consistent hierarchy of punishment to enable the administration to deal promptly and fairly with students who violate school rules. It is also the purpose of this discipline plan to establish a safe and orderly school environment in which the rights of all students are protected and the efforts of the teachers to maintain order and teach students are supported. Common sense usually tells us what type of behavior is or is not acceptable at school. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect and consideration for the rights and property of others. Although the handbook may not specifically identify a certain behavior as inappropriate, it is assumed students know the difference between right and wrong. The principals, teachers, and staff reserve the right to determine whether or not a student’s behavior is inappropriate. The hierarchy of punishments ranges from the less severe to the more severe, ultimately reaching the point where expulsion is recommended. It is the philosophy of the faculty and administration that although expulsion from school is a matter with serious implications for the student and his/her family, it is a step which circumstances necessarily dictate either because of the severe nature of the offense(s) committed or because of the habitual nature of the violations committed by the student. The guiding principle of this or any other good system of school and classroom management is that its purpose is not to punish, but to teach and encourage students to accept responsibility for their actions and decisions, and to regard the rights of others with as much reverence as their own.
6. Before the administrative discipline plan will take effect, the student will be referred to his/her area administrator. Most referrals come from teachers as a result of a violation of the classroom discipline plans. In order for a student to be referred to an administrator as a result of a violation of the teacher’s classroom discipline plan; one or two types of infractions would have occurred. Either the student would have committed a severe classroom disruption (consisting of an overt refusal to obey a teacher, fighting, vandalism, or any action which stops the class from functioning); or the student would have committed three violations of the classroom rules during a nine-week period. At either of those two points, the student would be referred to an administrator. Classroom steps start over at the beginning of each nine-week period.
7. On the first referral to an administrator, the student will be given at least one (1) day ISS, or OSS, or placed in the alternative school, or recommended for expulsion (depending upon the severity/nature of the offense). Additionally, the parent is contacted either by way of a conference, a phone call, or a copy of a letter sent home by regular mail. If a conference is required, the administrator is to set it up with the parent. If the parent fails to show, the student then will be suspended out of school until the parent attends a conference. Referral to the guidance counselor is also recommended, and the teacher is urged at this point to also make contact with the parent. A behavior contract may be used at this point.
8. Upon the second referral to an administrator, the student will be given at least two (2) days ISS, or OSS, or placed in the alternative school, or recommended for expulsion (depending upon the severity/nature of the offense). Additionally, the parent is contacted either by way of a conference, a phone call, or a copy of a letter sent home by regular mail. If a conference is required, the administrator should set it up with the parent. If the parent fails to show, the student then will be suspended out of school until the parent attends a conference. Referral to the guidance counselor is also recommended, and the teacher is urged at this point to also make contact with the parent. A behavior contract may be used at this point.
9. Upon the third referral to an administrator, the student will be given at least three (3) days ISS, or OSS, or placed in the alternative school, or recommended for expulsion (depending upon the severity/nature of the offense). A parent conference is also required at this point. As with the 1st and 2 nd offenses, failure to attend a conference will result in the student receiving OSS until a conference with the parent can be held. Referral to the guidance counselor is also required, and the teacher is urged at this point to also make contact with the parent. A behavior contract may be used at this point.
11. Upon the fourth referral to an administrator, the student will receive at least four (4) days OSS, or placed in the alternative school, or recommended for expulsion (again depending upon the nature/severity of the offense). A parent conference is required with the administration of Jefferson Academy. Failure to attend the conference will result in the student being placed on the fifth level of the Administrative Assertive Discipline Plan. Referral to the guidance counselor is also required.
12. Upon the fifth referral to an administrator, the student will receive OSS pending placement in the alternative school, or recommended for expulsion.
13. Disciplinary plans written in a student’s I.E.P. will take precedence over the normal Assertive Discipline Plan.
14. Consequences of disciplinary actions that cannot be served at the end of a school year due to time constraints will be carried over to the beginning of the next year.