Middle School Handbook 2022
2023
Table of Contents Our Mission........................................................................ 4 Middle School Objectives................................................... 4 Character of the Webb Student.......................................... 4 "START" with the Middle School Pledge ............................ 5 Honor Code ........................................................................ 5 Middle School Student Life................................................. 6 Morning Assembly & Student Arrival ......................................... 6 Attendance....................................................................................... 6 Student Lockers................................................................................7 Storage of Personal Items..............................................................7 Lunch..................................................................................................7 Snacks & Gum...................................................................................8 Webb School Bookstore.................................................................8 Lost & Found.....................................................................................8 Phones................................................................................................8 Messages to Students......................................................................8 On Campus After School................................................................8 Guests.................................................................................................8 Emergency School Closings/Weather Issues..............................8 Fire/Severe Weather/Intruder....................................................... 9 Middle School Academics..................................................10 Grading.............................................................................................10 Make-Up Work.................................................................................11 Missed Deadline...............................................................................11 Extra Help........................................................................................ 12 Conferences.................................................................................... 12 Remediating Courses for Sixth & Seventh Graders................ 12 Remediating Courses for Eighth Graders.................................. 12 Repeating/Remediating World Language Courses for Eighth Graders......................................................................... 13 2 • WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023
Special Situations........................................................................... 13 Accommodations for Students with Disabilities...................... 13 Middle School Activities....................................................14 Service Learning.............................................................................14 Leadership.....................................................................................14 Fundraising Projects....................................................................15 Encore Classes..............................................................................15 After-School Participation..........................................................15 Athletics..........................................................................................15 Middle School Code of Dress & Appearance......................16 Uniform Guidelines Pertaining to BOTH Male & Female Students............................................................... 17 Guidelines Pertaining to Female Students Only....................18 Appearance Guidelines Pertaining to BOTH Male & Female Students.............................................................18 Non-Uniform Day Dress Code Expectations..........................18 Conduct & Discipline......................................................... 20 Behavioral Expectations.............................................................. 20 Specific Guidelines.......................................................................21 Cell Phones, Apple Watches & Other Technology................ 22 Middle School Library & Technology.................................23 Middle School Library...................................................................23 Technology..................................................................................... 24 Webb School Substance Abuse Policy...............................25 Especially for Parents....................................................... 26 Middle School Parents' Advisory Committee ......................... 26 Webb School Parent Expectations.............................................27
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 3
Our Mission The mission of Webb School is to inspire and nurture the full potential of each individual and to prepare our students to serve as leaders of character in tomorrow’s world.
Middle School Objectives The Middle School strives for students to have: 1. Self-confidence and pride in themselves 2. Honesty and integrity through self-discipline 3. Respect for the beliefs, ideas, and property of others 4. Opportunities to succeed, if not excel 5. The awakening and satisfying of intellectual curiosity 6. Development of creative and critical thinking 7. Fulfillment through personal growth 8. Awareness of social responsibility and appropriate social decisions 9. Efficient and organized learning and study skills 10. A feeling of belonging to a strong school community through contribution and respect for differences.
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Our mission is supported and achieved by our key values: n The pursuit of academic excellence n A strong sense of honor and personal integrity n The development of critical, creative, and socially conscious thinking n A culture for interacting with others in a respectful and productive manner in a vibrant, caring community
Character of the Webb Student Students attend Webb School because they are committed to learning and open to discovering and developing their own gifts and talents. Essential to students’ growth are: • A positive attitude • A spirit of cooperation and kindness • Pride in doing any task to the best of their ability • A sense of humor • Curiosity and enjoyment of learning • An acceptance of others in the Webb community and a willingness to support those community members
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To best represent the ideals of the school, students are expected to: • Abide by the Honor Code and Middle School Pledge • Respect the school’s mission and staff • Participate actively in keeping the school clean and leading others to do so • Be kind, considerate, and tolerant of the feelings and property of others • Be committed to justice and charity • Admit and learn from their mistakes
"START" with the Middle School Pledge Each morningm students, faculty, and staff START by gathering in the Bishop Center. Everyone stands to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and then the Webb Middle School Pledge: “Today I will accept the opportunity to grow in mind, body, and spirit. I will challenge myself to: Strive for excellence Touch lives through service Act with integrity and self-control Respect myself, my friends, and others Take responsibility for my decisions. We Excel and Burn Brighter!"
Honor Code A Webb School student is expected to live by an Honor Code, which asserts: I will not lie, cheat, or steal – nor tolerate those who do. By this code, students accept responsibility for their own conduct and for reporting circumstances in which they perceive that an honor offense may have occurred. Violations of the Honor Code will be responded to seriously and efficiently.
THE PLEDGE The following pledge complements our Honor Code when it comes specifically to school work: I will neither give nor receive unauthorized aid on any test, quiz, or assignment. Students will be asked to write “I pledge” at the top of all assignments.
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WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 5
Morning Assembly & Student Arrival
Middle School Student Life
Middle School Morning Assembly begins promptly at 8:10 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students should arrive by 8:00 a.m. On Wednesday, classes begin at 8:40 a.m. Students are expected to arrive on time and be prepared for class to begin promptly at 8:40. Students may not bring beverages, breakfast food, etc., to consume at school; any such items should be consumed and disposed of before entering the building.
Attendance Consistent daily attendance is important to the success of each student. There is no substitute for participating in class discussions, contributing to group activities, and engaging in the learning process with the teachers and classmates. It is the expectation of Webb that each student will be in school and on time every day. Students and parents are expected to be familiar with the school’s attendance policy and procedures, and it is your responsibility to communicate with the Middle School’s attendance coordinator any and all absences from class. • When students are or will be absent due to illness or are running late for any reason, parents must notify the Middle School Office (865-291-3779) before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. • If students arrive late to school, they must sign in at the Middle School Office and have an adult’s written or verbal explanation for being late. The student will be marked absent in all classes that they have missed prior to arrival and tardy for the class they enter late. If the student does not have an adult’s explanation, it is an unexcused tardy and will require a meeting with the Dean of Students, who will assign consequences. • If a student must leave school early, parent notification is required – either by note, email, or phone call. • All students who leave early must be signed out in the Middle School Office by a parent or parent representative.
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• AFTER-SCHOOL PARTICIPATION – Students must be in attendance for at least four class periods to participate in after-school activities. This rule is in place to ensure that our emphasis is on academics, not extracurricular activities. If students leave school due to an illness, they may not participate in afterschool activities (practices, games, rehearsals, concerts, etc.). Approval for participation must be granted by the Dean of Students if the absence is due to a family emergency or otherwise exception.
Student Lockers Students will be assigned a locker to use for the year. Lockers are the property of the school and may be checked without students’ permission. It is the responsibility of students to keep their lockers clean and in good condition. Please follow the following guidelines for decoration: 1. No adhesives other than tape or removable strips are to be applied, inside or out. 2. Cardboard and foam core inserts are not allowed, because they consume storage space and prevent the locker door from closing completely. 3. Small dry erase boards, pen/pencil holders, etc., may be installed, provided the door shuts completely. 4. Fronts may not be decorated without the permission of a teacher or the Dean of Students. Students will be required to clean their lockers at the end of the second and fourth quarters. The student’s bookstore account will be charged a maintenance fee for anything that must be removed or cleaned at the end of the year. Food, candy, and drinks may not be kept in lockers. Snacks brought to school for morning Snack Break must be kept in the advisor’s room in a sealed storage bin. Students should never open someone else’s locker without permission. “Borrowing” anything, such as a book, without the owner’s permission could be perceived as stealing, and as such, constitute an honor offense.
Storage of Personal Items Athletic bags should be stored in grade-level specified bins. Please ensure that all items are labeled with the student’s name. Hallways must remain clear at all times of any large items, such as book bags, athletic bags, and band instruments. Musical instruments should be stored during the day in the area specified by music teachers. Students should not bring personal or valuable items, such as expensive jewelry or electronics, to school. These items are easily lost or damaged and are better left at home.
Lunch Students are expected to eat lunch in the cafeteria or other specified outdoor eating spaces unless they are participating in a special event. They should not bring food on to the campus for lunch, except for special circumstances (permission must be granted by an administrator or advisor). Food should not be brought or delivered to the school without school permission, and students may not leave campus during lunch period unless accompanied by parents. Parents are required to check their student out in the Middle School Office.
CAFETERIA USE The atmosphere for dining in the cafeteria is informal but considerate, dictated by good manners, not rigid rules. Students are required to assist in keeping the tables clean. They may sit where they choose but may not save a seat for someone else. Conversation should not be
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WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 7
loud. The tables should be left clean and neat for other people to use comfortably. All dishes and paper waste should be returned to the dishwashing room. Only cafeteria staff may go into the kitchen. If there is a special occasion or a special dietary need for which a student needs to bring food or drink items to school, arrangements for doing so can be made with the student’s advisor or the Dean of Students. It is very important not to waste food. When choosing meals, students should take what they want but not more than they will eat.
Snacks & Gum Gum is not permitted during the school day. Only bottled water is allowed in school buildings, and it may not contain additives (e.g., sports powders). Snacks are not permitted during Extra Help. Snacks and drinks may be purchased from the vending machine located in the lobby of the Haslam Center after 3:25 p.m. Middle School students may not use the vending machine in the Lee Athletic Center or the Upper School Commons or Café. All trash must be disposed of properly.
Webb School Bookstore School supplies, textbooks, and clothes are sold in the Webb School Bookstore in the Central Building. With a parent’s permission, students may charge items. The Webb Bookstore is typically open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lost & Found All student clothing and books should be legibly labeled with the student’s name. Items found unattended will be kept in the Middle School Office. Unclaimed, unlabeled clothing will be sent to the Webb Wearhouse or to a charitable agency several times during the school year. Advanced warning will be given to students and parents regarding the date of the donations.
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Phones There is one telephone outside the Middle School Office designated for student use. This phone may be used only with permission granted by an adult. Students may bring cell phones, but they are required to be turned off during the school day and kept in the advisor’s room in the caddy provided.
Messages to Students When necessary, the Middle School administrative assistants can take messages and deliver them to the students. Students should not be calling or messaging anyone during the school day.
On Campus After School Aftercare is provided free of charge for students in grades six through eight from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Middle School Library. All students must sign in with the adult who is supervising aftercare. Students may be in the Library, the Innovation Center, or outside within sight of the adult supervisor. Students are expected to remain courteous of each other’s time and space.
Guests The only guests permitted at Webb are prospective students who are visiting campus as part of the admissions process. Prospective students will have their visits coordinated by the admissions staff. Parents typically do not eat lunch with students on campus.
Emergency School Closings/ Weather Issues In cases of poor weather that would cause a delayed opening, early closure, or cancellation of school, families will be notified by mass phone communication from the school. Additionally, this information is posted on the school’s website. If school is in session while snow is on the ground, there will be no throwing of snow or ice anywhere on campus.
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Fire/Severe Weather/Intruder FIRE When a fire alarm sounds, all students and teachers are to evacuate the building IMMEDIATELY. Do not stop for any reason, except to receive instructions from adults. Students should stay with their class and use the proper exit as depicted on evacuation plans posted on each classroom wall. The teacher will be the last to leave the room and will close doors and windows.
Students who are outside when severe weather arises should quickly enter the nearest building and follow procedures for that building. If unable to reach a building, students should lie flat on the ground in a ravine or open ditch.
INTRUDER If an intruder is discovered on campus, an alarm will sound and there will be instructions as to where you should be.
SEVERE WEATHER When a loud bell rings in short bursts for six or more times in a row, students are to take shelter in the safe areas designated by the plans posted on each classroom wall. Stay away from glass doors and windows if possible. When the signal sounds, students are to immediately move to designated areas. Remain quiet. Listen for information or further instructions.
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WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 9
Middle School Academics
Grading The school year is divided into four (4) quarters of about nine (9) weeks each. At the end of each quarter, students and their parents will receive a grade report. During each quarter, teachers generally send comments regarding the nature of students’ progress. An extremely low grade or a pattern of poor work may result in a conference with the parents, either via phone or in person. Please contact your child’s teacher and advisor first for specific concerns regarding academic communication. Communicate with the Dean of Students or the Head of the Middle School as needed after addressing the concern with the teacher and advisor. Students will receive credit on the basis of their yearly average. In core academic classes, the yearly average must be a grade of C- or higher, with the exception of eighth grade math, in which the yearly average must be at least B- in order to advance to the next course in ninth grade.
HONOR ROLL & HIGH HONOR ROLL • Honors is defined as a marking period with grades > B. • High Honors is defined as a marking period with grades > A-. Sixth graders: First-quarter grades are exempt; calculation begins in the second quarter. Seventh & eighth graders: Calculation begins in the first quarter and continues until the end of the third quarter in the eighth grade. Students matriculating into the Middle School after sixth grade must be enrolled for at least three quarters in order to be eligible for Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. Awards are presented at the Middle School Honors Ceremony in late May.
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GRADING SCALE Report cards are available four times during a school year. Course averages are computed using the following grading scale: Letter Grade A+
Numerical Range 98-100
A
93-97
A-
90-92
B+
87-89
B
83-86
B-
80-82
C+
77-79
C
73-76
C-
70-72
D+
67-69
D
63-66
D-
60-62
F
59 or Below
Make-Up Work When it is necessary for students to be absent from school, they are responsible for making up any work that was missed. There will be a specific amount of time in which to make up all work missed, and students should take responsibility to find out from their teachers what needs to be completed. Teachers cannot recreate the classes missed but will assist the student if the absence is excused. Teachers are not expected to spend additional time with students who have missed class time due to unexcused absences. Regardless of the reason for an absence from class (except for suspension or intentionally cutting class), if a student misses a test, quiz, in-class assignment, or due date, the policy for completing missed work is “number of days absent plus one day” (Note: this is a revision from the previous policy, which included an extra day). Times and locations are posted throughout the school. Official make-up sessions are as follows:
In the case of extended absence due to illness or injury, the school will prepare reasonable accommodations for making up work in a timely manner. On rare, judiciously chosen occasions, a family may elect to schedule an activity that conflicts with official school days. However, as a matter of courtesy and respect, no teacher can reasonably be expected to reteach material missed during such elective absences. Any student planning to be absent for such occasions must discuss the absence and make-up plan with the advisor and submit an Anticipated Absence Planning Form and – most importantly – arrange with teachers in advance to receive information about missed assignments. The standard policy for making up missed work will be applied.
Missed Deadline When a make-up deadline is missed, the assignment is sent to the Dean of Students for consideration. S/he will send notice to both the student and family that the deadline has been missed and apprise all parties of an extended deadline (if permitted). Generally, after the second instance of a missed make-up deadline in a semester (all classes included), the teacher may be advised to deduct points from the assignment once it is completed. After the third missed deadline in a semester (all classes included), work may not be submitted for credit; however, the assignment must be completed. If a student is absent for one day before an assessment and returns on the day of – and the teacher believes that the student had a good opportunity to be prepared – the student will be required to take the assessment. However, if the teacher does not require the student to take the assessment, then the student will have one additional day to make it up. If a student misses school the day a long-term project or homework assignment is due, the work needs to be submitted as immediately as possible; certainly upon the student’s return to school. Work for anticipated absences can be made up partially or completely before a student is absent.
• Tuesday & Friday mornings, 7:25-8:05 • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday afternoons, 3:30-4:10 BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 11
When students experience academic difficulties, they are encouraged to explore the following: • See the teacher to discuss strategies • Attend Extra Help as suggested by the teacher • Discuss strategies and an improvement plan with the advisor • Seek help from the Learning Specialist.
Extra Help Extra Help is available every morning before school at 7:50 a.m. and every afternoon after school until 3:50 p.m., in addition to the Extra Help period during the school day. Students may be asked or required to come into a certain class for Extra Help, but they should seek help from any teacher anytime they feel it is needed. Food is not allowed during Extra Help.
Conferences INTAKE conferences are scheduled early in the fall to allow parents and advisors to exchange information that can benefit students and all of their teachers. A second parent-advisor conference will be held later in the fall; parent-teacher conferences are held in the spring. However, if parents would like to meet with any or all of a student’s teachers at other times during the school year, arrangements can be made. To meet with a teacher, parents should make an appointment. To communicate with a teacher, please leave a message via email (most effective) or with the Middle School Office staff. Ideally, students, their teachers, parents, and sometimes classmates can work together to promote effective learning. Students and their parents can enhance learning by apprising the school of the student’s learning differences and needs for additional help or accommodations.
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Beyond the above opportunities, parents sometimes engage tutors. When a tutor is hired, the advisor and subject-area teacher should be notified so that regular communication between the school and the tutor can occur.
Remediating Courses for Sixth & Seventh Graders Students who make below C- in any core academic class must remedy the deficiency before the next school year. There are two options available: • Twenty hours of tutoring in each subject by an approved tutor • Completion of a course approved by the Head of the Middle School If remediating a math course, students must sit for an assessment no later than one week before the first day of school.
Remediating Courses for Eighth Graders Eighth grade students who consistently earn below a Cin Middle School courses may not be recommended to attend the Upper School. Eighth grade students who complete Algebra I must do so with a yearly average of at least a B- in order to take Geometry in ninth grade.
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Repeating/Remediating World Language Courses for Eighth Graders (rising ninth grade students) According to Webb Upper School policy, a student may not retake a language course that was successfully completed in the Middle School with a yearly grade of C or higher. If students make a C or higher in the Middle School course and still feel unprepared to continue in Level II, they may elect to: • Do extra study on their own in the summer and then continue in Level II of the same language next school year, or • Change to Level I of another language. If students make a C- or below in a language course, they have three options: • Follow the same rules for remediation stated for sixth and seventh graders, • Retake Level I in the Upper School, or • Change to another language.
Special Situations While the school policy is to accommodate, within reason, unusual and unexpected situations affecting academic matters for each student, the school reserves the right (at its discretion) to make final academic determinations for the curriculum and performance of each student.
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Accommodations for Students with Disabilities In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, Webb School will make “reasonable accommodation” for students with disabilities. That accommodation may extend to students whose learning patterns are divergent but who can benefit from and succeed in Webb School’s program through intelligence, hard work, and learning strategies. Parents are responsible for acquiring documentation that supports the student’s need for accommodation and for submitting it to the Learning Specialist to be kept in the student’s file. Any number of professional resources for testing and diagnosis are available within the larger community. When the student’s record contains a professional diagnosis of mildly divergent learning patterns caused by neurological disabilities like perceptual problems and dyslexia or caused by attention deficit disorders with or without medication, the school will respond with appropriate support based on each individual’s needs. The protocol is as follows: • Contact the Head of the Middle School. • A meeting will be held with parents, the Learning Specialist, and the Head of the Middle School. • Grade-level teachers will meet to understand the implementation of the plan. • The plan is re-evaluated periodically throughout the school year. If a student feels that the school’s accommodations are inadequate, the student and the student’s parents may appeal to the Head of the Middle School, who will convene a conference with the professional diagnostician for review of the student’s needs.
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Middle School Activities
Service Learning Throughout its history, Webb School of Knoxville has been committed to the idea that everyone benefits when leaders help others. At school, in their neighborhoods, and in the town at large, Webb students can help as they develop an understanding of leadership and the nature of the community. Our Middle School provides varied opportunities throughout the year for students to serve and make an impact in the lives of others.
Leadership Students are welcome to be involved in the following leadership opportunities: •
STUDENT COUNCIL Elections take place in the fall and appointments are for the school year. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are represented.
•
HOUSE REPRESENTATION Middle School students will have the opportunity to serve as student representatives for their assigned House. Representative elections are held after Student Council elections.
A student may not serve on both Student Council and as a House Representative.
• NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY (NJHS) Students are invited to be a part of this organization based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Seventh and eighth-grade students are eligible according to the NJHS requirements. Letters are mailed to eligible students following the second quarter of school. Initiation takes place in the spring semester. •
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MODEL UNITED NATIONS Open to seventh and eighth grade students, this commitment requires a number of hours outside of school, as well as required conferences statewide. Students engage in public speaking, discussions of current events, and simulating the United Nations. Model UN introduces students to a global community of leaders.
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Fundraising Projects Occasionally, an advisory or other group may want to schedule fundraising activities to support worthwhile service projects. Any such activity considered by student groups must first be presented to the Middle School Head for approval. It is strictly forbidden for a student to sell items at school or to solicit contributions to charitable organizations on campus without authorized permission.
Encore Courses Sixth graders rotate through all Encore courses over two semesters, taking Wellness the entire year. In the spring, seventh and eighth grade students will be asked to rank their choices of three Encore courses (including Study Hall). These are yearlong courses. Any changes to Encore enrollment must be completed no later than two school days after the fall INTAKE conferences. Every consideration will be given to students’ preferences. However, due to enrollment limitations for most courses, students are not guaranteed their top three selections.
After-School Participation Students must fully attend at least four (4) of their classes to participate in after-school activities. This rule is in place to ensure that our emphasis is on academics, not extracurricular activities. If a student leaves school due to an illness, he/she may not participate in after-school activities – practices, games, concerts, etc. If the absence is due to a family emergency or appointment, approval for participation must be granted by the Dean of Students.
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Athletics All students who participate in Webb School athletics must have an annual physical examination. All required forms for Webb student-athletes are within Magnus Health, located on the parent portal in Veracross. Select the red Magnus Health tab at the top right after logging in to the school website. Please remember that BOTH parents must sign in to Veracross with their individual username and password to access and complete the needed forms in Magnus Health. The purpose of the athletic program at Webb School is to provide students with the benefits of physical fitness, wholesome competition, and healthful recreation. To these ends, a full and varied program of interscholastic sports is offered. Eighth-grade boys and girls are eligible by TSSAA rules to participate on freshman, junior varsity, or varsity teams in the Upper School.
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 15
Middle School Code of Dress & Appearance
The Webb Middle School uniform allows students to dress neatly and comfortably for the activities in which they engage during a normal school day. All students are expected to be in school uniform every day. We hope the student uniform will help diminish the sartorial competition and peer pressure that are frequent among younger adolescents. Webb’s Middle School is a place where students should be confident that they are accepted for their character and personality, not for what they wear. All uniform shirts must be purchased from the following providers: • My Aplus Uniforms (formerly Educational Outfitters): https://myaplusuniforms.com/ • Tommy Hilfiger: www.globalschoolwear.com • Lands’ End: www.landsend.com/shop/school Shirts, pants, skorts, skirts, and shorts must also be purchased from My Aplus Uniforms, Tommy Hilfiger, or Lands’ End. Approved items are located on the Hilfiger site under the Middle School menu; My Aplus Uniforms has a list of all approved Middle School uniform items. When purchasing uniform items, please consider that your child will probably grow during the school year. This is especially important for eighth graders, who sometimes must purchase new clothing to meet the dress code with only a few months remaining of school. Clothing that is tight or short at the beginning of the school year will almost certainly be inappropriate months later. We acknowledge that during the middle school years, students change physically at different rates; nevertheless, our goal remains for clothing to be modest, comfortable, and non-distracting. NOTE: Used uniforms items are available in the Webb Wearhouse, located in the back of the Webb School Bookstore. The Wearhouse shares the same hours as the bookstore and remains open throughout the school year.
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Uniform Guidelines Pertaining to BOTH Male & Female Students
SOCKS
SHIRTS
• Socks must cover the bottom of tights or leggings for girls.
• Navy, white, or hunter green polo purchased from My Aplus Uniforms, Lands’ End, or Tommy Hilfiger
• Solid white or black crew socks must be worn. • Small logos of less than two (2) inches are allowed. • No stripes, dots, logos, etc.
FOOTWEAR
• Light blue oxford cloth – short or long sleeves, in full length
• Athletic shoes with non-marking soles
• All shirts must be fully tucked inside pants/shorts/ skirts/skorts.
• Lace-up dress or casual shoes
• Shirts must be buttoned to the top of the pocket. • No logos allowed other than the required Webb School “W.” • Collars must be buttoned if so designed. • A plain white T-shirt may be worn under either type of shirt. Sleeves of an undershirt must not show.
SHORTS • Solid navy or khaki, four (4)-inch minimum inseam, as indicated on the tag • Solid navy or khaki Bermuda shorts. Note: No walnut or dark khaki shorts. • No cargo or jean style; no two-tone flaps on pockets; no rivets, outside pockets, or outside stitching
PANTS • Solid navy or khaki. Note: No walnut or dark khaki pants. • No cargo or jean style; no two-tone flaps on pockets; no rivets, outside pockets, or outside stitching
• Slits or frayed hems are not permitted.
BELTS • A belt must be worn. • Webb School belt (purchased at Webb Bookstore) is encouraged. • Solid leather belts in brown or black must be worn
• Black, brown, or cordovan classic-style flat loafers • Shoes must be in good repair, no tears or rips. • Shoes with laces must be tied properly at all times. The following footwear are NOT allowed for daily wear: • Slip-on or backless shoes, including shoes that have a backstrap • Toms, UGGs, Crocs, or moccasin-styles • Sandals, high heels, or Western-style boots or ropers • Sport-specific footwear (e.g., cleats) or non traditional shoes (e.g., shoes with wheels)
WET WEATHER FOOTWEAR On those days when there is a high probability for rain, students may choose to wear shoes made specifically for wet weather (both shoe and boot styles are acceptable). If students are unsure about the weather, they should bring appropriate school shoes.
OUTERWEAR The only outerwear permitted in classrooms will be Webb School sweatshirts, fleeces, and sweaters purchased from the Webb Bookstore. Any brand or style of jacket may be worn outside the building; however, students must wear only approved outerwear once inside and in class.
with shorts or pants that have loops.
• No metal is allowed, other than the buckle; no buckle significantly wider than the belt. BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 17
PIERCING With the exception of traditional earlobe piercing, Webb School does not permit students to have body piercings in the nose, ears, or other parts of the body that are visible and conspicuous. Nose rings, plugs, tunnels, gauges, stretches, septum rings, tongue rings/studs, eyebrow rings, lip/cheek rings, and belly button rings are not permitted to be visible during the school day, nor are they permitted when a student is representing Webb School as a participant in a school-sponsored event/ conference.
TATTOOS TEAM WEAR Members of a Webb sports team may wear a customary jersey, T-shirt, or uniform component on the day of competition only and only one time per week. A solid white T-shirt must be worn under a tank top. Uniform bottoms must be worn. Any clothing item (e.g., hoodie) that indicates a Spartan team or sport may only be worn while that sport is in season.
Students with permanent and/or temporary tattoos are not allowed to have either visible during the academic day. The Dean of Students must approve any and all exceptions to the dress code. Alternative clothing will only be permitted on account of religious habiliment or with medical documentation from a podiatrist or orthopedist. Medical documentation must be resubmitted each school year.
Guidelines Pertaining to Non-Uniform Day Dress Female Students Only Code Expectations SKIRTS & SKORTS •
Solid navy or khaki – Must be appropriate length for school and no shorter than finger-tip length. Girls are required to wear solid BLACK spandex or running shorts or full-length tights (solid black, navy, or gray) that reach the ankle under their skirts.
Appearance Guidelines Pertaining to BOTH Male & Female Students
HAIR Webb School expects each student to avoid extremes of hair colors, coloration, or styles, including but not limited to mohawks or spiked hair. More specifically, hair must be a natural human color, and this includes both tips and strands of hair.
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On occasion, students will be allowed to attend school out-of-uniform. These non-uniform days may be themeoriented and will be announced in advance. If a student decides not to dress in the theme of the day, he/she must be in uniform attire. • All clothing should be neat, clean, and in good repair. Rips, tears, and tattered items or items with holes are considered out of dress code. •
Clothing displaying political or offensive logos, labels, and phrases or suggesting sex, alcohol, drugs, or political statements is strictly off limits and not acceptable.
• Necklines should be no lower than an imaginary line between the tops of the armpits. • Tank tops and dresses are only allowed if the strap is at least three fingers wide. Spaghetti straps and halter tops are not permitted. BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Sheer clothing and exposed midsections (front, back, or side) are unacceptable. • All dresses and skirts must be at least to finger-tip length. Shorts must be at least to thumb length. • Shoes must be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors. •
Baseball hats, knit hats, or hoods on sweatshirts are not permitted to be worn indoors unless part of a themed dress-out day. Religious head coverings are always permitted.
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On non-uniform days, students may wear athleisure to school, as defined by leggings, joggers, yoga pants, or athletic shorts, as long as they do not conflict with the rules above.
• Hats and caps should be doffed at the Pledge of Allegiance in Morning Assembly. •
At no time is a student allowed to wear or display anything of a provocative, lewd, overtly political, or controversial nature, including clothing or branding (e.g., stickers on iPads).
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• If a dress-out day IS themed, students must dress in accordance or come in regular attire. Students MAY appear in themed hair and face paint, as long as it is washable and appropriate for the next day of school. Students may NOT wear full-facial masks, full-body costumes, or anything that limits the ability to move around campus or participate in class activities. • If the dress-out day is NOT themed, a student MAY NOT WEAR: slippers/house shoes or shoes without backs (e.g., slides); full-facial masks; full-body costumes; anything that limits the ability to move around campus or participate in class activities. Students who do not follow the dress-out expectations may be banned from future dress-out days.
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 19
Conduct & Discipline
Behavioral Expectations All Webb School students are expected to respect their classmates and the mission of Webb School. Students will be challenged daily to understand their responsibilities as citizens in a community. Violations of these expectations and responsibilities have consequences, ranging from communication with a teacher or Dean of Students to suspension/expulsion from Webb. The administrative response may include the following: • Official notice of misbehavior or violation of school rule • A conversation with the Dean of Students and/or Middle School Head • Message/call to parents • Social restriction • Detention • Conference with parents • Suspensions of privileges to attend classes • Recommendation for expulsion from Webb NOTE: If students believe they have been reprimanded unfairly, they should appeal as soon as possible. Students may appeal in a polite letter or in a meeting with the Dean of Students. The advisor may serve as a student’s advocate. The school expressly reserves the right to expel, permanently, any student at any time at the discretion of the school, and to require forfeiture of tuition and fees in connection with any expulsion. As noted in the overview, all members of the community are expected to share the sincere purpose of the school and to act individually to support the goals of the school. Inappropriate behavior by parents or guests of a student may result in disciplinary action, including the administrative responses set forth above.
OFFICIAL NOTICE Students may receive an official notice for minor violations of school rules (e.g., chewing gum) or the dress code. When students receive five (5) such notices, an appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Notices continue to accumulate throughout each semester. 20 • WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023
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SOCIAL RESTRICTION Behavior that generally violates the ethics and expectations of the Middle School (e.g., cutting in line, disrespectful behavior on the basketball court) may be assigned social restriction, which is the loss of free time during snack break or lunch. Students will be assigned a specific classroom in which to spend the allotted time.
DETENTION Some misconduct may result in a student being detained after school. Supervised detentions are held from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Students may be assigned a reflective activity to complete, after which, if time remains, students must sit in alert silence. No electronics are allowed during detention unless expressly assigned by the Dean of Students.
SUSPENSION Suspension is assigned when students’ violation of school rules, the Honor Code, or Webb’s expectations of ethics and behavior reaches the point where they need time away from the school community. Students who are suspended from attending classes are expected to check every teacher’s course/digital assignments in order to remain aware of and current with assignments. If work assigned is due for the day/s students return from suspension, that work is expected to be completed. If work is due during the day/s of suspension, students are expected to complete and turn it in upon return to campus. However, that work may receive reduced or no credit. If students miss an assessment during the day/s of suspension, the teacher/s may expect students to complete it upon return; the teacher/s may give the assessment partial or no credit.
EXPULSION Expulsion is considered when students’ violation of school rules, the Honor Code, or Webb’s expectations of ethics and behavior is so egregious or frequent that it is necessary to consider whether students can continue to be a member of the Webb community. The decision to expel students is made in collaboration with the school leadership team. BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specific Guidelines Students are expected to remain on campus during the school day. If leaving school early, students must sign out in the Middle School Office. The following are not permitted: •
Going to the following places without a teacher: ropes course, pond area, construction areas, faculty lounge and workroom, track, Lower School playgrounds, Upper School Café
• Vandalizing or damaging the school’s property •
Electronics and such equipment deemed to distract from educational purposes. NOTE: Some electronic equipment (iPads, for example) may be allowed in classes.
• Verbal or physical abuse of humans or animals • Sexual harassment • Threatening, bullying, or harassment on campus or online •
Dangerous or volatile materials, including, but not limited to: lighters, matches, laser pens, knives, weapons, firecrackers, explosive devices, guns, bullets, or realistic imitations of such
• Possessing or using tobacco products, alcohol, illegal drugs • Profanity or gambling
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 21
Cell Phones, Apple Watches & Other Technology Cell phones must remain OFF and left in the advisor’s room in the caddy provided from the time the student enters campus until departure from campus. Cell phones should not be turned ON unless a student is waiting in the dismissal line and needs to communicate about pickup arrangements. Students arriving late may leave their phones in the Middle School Office, with the Head of Middle School, or with the Dean of Students. Apple or other smart watches are discouraged. If students wish to wear such a device, it must be set to “airplane mode” and used only as a watch during the school day.
22 • WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023
Phones and other personal devices are the students’ own responsibility and are brought to school at their own risk. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken personal devices. Students must use the iPad issued by the school. iPads belong to the school and are to be used for educational purposes only. Instructional or educational games must be approved by a teacher and played only at times designated.
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Middle School Library
Middle School Library & Technology
Located in the Governor's Center for Innovation, the Middle School Library serves Middle School students along with the faculty and staff of Webb School. The library supports the philosophy and educational goals of Webb School to nurture the potential of each individual and prepare students to serve as leaders in tomorrow’s world by focusing on information literacy, diverse collections, and curricular support and collaboration. Through the library, students have access to over 20,000 books, e-books, and over 60 online databases of journals and articles, newspapers, magazines, images, videos, and audiobook streaming content. More information about the Middle School Library and access to resources can be found at the Library’s website: https://webbschool.libguides.com. The Middle School librarian is available to help students with research questions, projects, and book recommendations.
LIBRARY POLICIES The Middle School Library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers space for individual and group study, learning, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to come to the library anytime. All school and classroom rules apply in the library. Water bottles are allowed, but food is to be kept outside the library. Students should always be respectful of other students and classes in the library.
LIBRARY PRIVILEGES Any student may check out up to five books, audiobooks, and e-books for two weeks, and these materials can be renewed. Books being used for class will be placed on a reserve cart and may only be checked out for short periods of time. Students have access to Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for research materials. ILL is a service that provides books and research articles that are not already in the Webb collection.
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WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 23
OFF-CAMPUS ACCESS TO ONLINE RESOURCES E-books, digital audiobooks, and online databases can be accessed 24/7 from any location with an internet connection and student login credentials. Students can ask the library or a teacher if they do not know their student I.D.
OVERDUE & LOST BOOKS Students will receive email reminders for soon-to-be-due and overdue books, and students may reply to these emails to renew a book twice. If a student believes they have lost a book, they should notify the library. Students are responsible for replacing the book that they have misplaced, and may do so in one of two ways: • Pay the library for the cost of the book. • Bring in a copy of the book in the same format and condition as the original copy.
Technology Any student’s use of technology on campus must be for educational purposes only. Using a device without teacher approval to play games, watch videos, listen to music, surf the internet, or communicate with others is not allowed during the school day. In addition to sponsoring a one-to-one iPad program, Webb has a limited number of laptops available for student use. • The computers are provided for academic use only. System-altering software and games are not permitted. • Food, drink, gum, or magnets are not allowed near any school technology. •
Software may not be installed on, copied from, or removed from any hard disk by anyone other than the lab supervisors. No changes may be made on the computers’ control panels.
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Data files must be stored on students’ personal storage. Because of frequent student use, files stored on a hard drive may not remain when he/ she returns.
• Several classrooms have computers to be used at teacher discretion. Violations of these rules may be considered vandalism or honor offenses. 24 • WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023
WEBB SCHOOL INFORMATION NETWORK Using school technology comes with a great deal of responsibility. Ethical questions surrounding the use of computers and other related technologies are changing and evolving, but at Webb School, the Honor Code applies to computer use, as well as to any other aspect of life. To help ensure responsible use, each student must pledge to support the following code of ethics: • Respect for Others and the Law I will use computers, software, and related technologies only for purposes that are beneficial to others, that are not harmful to others in any way, and that are within the law. I will not use email to harass others verbally. I will not write e-mail messages masquerading as another. I accept the responsibility of keeping all pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files that are potentially dangerous to Webb School’s computer hardware or software systems from entering the school in any way. • Respect for Privacy I will respect others’ right to privacy. I will access or use other individuals’ or organizations’ information only if I have the permission of the individual or organization that owns the information. I will not access another’s email account • Respect for Property I will respect others’ property. I will make changes to or delete computer programs, information, or files that belong to others only if I have been given permission to do so by the person or organization that owns the program, information, or files. • Respect of Ownership I will respect others’ rights to ownership and to earn a living for their work. I will use only computer software, files, or information that I own or that I have been given permission to use. I accept the responsibility of keeping copyrighted software of any kind from entering the school via the Internet.
Any violation of this code of ethics is an honor offense or a disciplinary offense. Webb School has the right and responsibility to monitor student email accounts and to monitor all material downloaded from the internet. In addition, students who are found to have openly disparaged Webb School or members of its community in a libelous or harassing manner in a public internet forum – Facebook, etc. – may face disciplinary action, comparable to if the offense occurred in school. BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Webb School Substance Abuse Policy There are four general points in the Webb Substance Abuse Policy that support and frame the policy: 1.
Any Webb student who possesses, sells, purchases, obtains, distributes, uses, or is under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or any abused substance on school property or at a school-sponsored event may expect to be expelled.
2. Regarding this issue, the school considers its jurisdiction to be "the school campus at any time and anywhere else that students are when they are involved in school-sponsored or school-endorsed activities." 3. The school reserves the right to respond to off-campus student behavior that negatively threatens the safety and welfare of other Webb students or compromises the fundamental culture of healthy behavior that we are working to cultivate at Webb. 4. The school president has considerable discretion in interpreting the individual circumstances of each case and formulating the school's response within the guidelines set below. Response to any offense may include one or more of the following: •
The student will serve an out-of-school suspension. Over the course of this time, the school and the parents will work closely to plan a schedule that effectively and appropriately guides the student's life during school hours (e.g. counseling and/or community service).
• The student will relinquish all elected or appointed school leadership positions (and candidacy for the same) for at least the remainder of the year.
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The student will undergo assessment by a qualified substance abuse professional and begin treatment if necessary. A letter from the assessor to the division head must be received stating that the assessment has taken place and that treatment, if necessary, has begun. Communication initiated by a contracted counselor confirming that an appointment has been set or met must be received before the student is readmitted to school.
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The student will complete an essay that reveals at least: 1) an understanding of the specific legal consequences in the state of Tennessee for the infraction committed; and 2) thoughtful reflection on the experience and how it has affected the student's life and the lives of those surrounding the student. The essay must satisfy the division head.
• The student will experience a 30-day loss of driving privileges (if the student is eligible to drive) and receive a mandate that the student must be driven to and from school by one of his/her parents/ guardians. •
The student will perform 30 hours (not to count toward service hour graduation requirements) of school-approved community service (preferably in a drug and alcohol program) to be completed within nine weeks of the infraction
• The student will agree to school-directed, family financed random drug testing. If a test were ever positive, a permanent expulsion would result. • The student will agree to and complete random drug testing administered by a school-approved, certified tester. • The student will attend a re-entry conference with his/her parents and a school administrator before returning to classes • Permanent expulsion Until all requirements and conditions are met, the student will not return to classes; or, when applicable, the student's transcript will not be released.
WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 25
Especially for Parents
26 • WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023
Middle School Parents' Advisory Committee Middle School Parents’ Advisory Committee (PAC) is a dynamic, ever-evolving organization that facilitates productive parental involvement in the Webb Middle School community. It serves as the liaison between Middle School parents and the school administration. Every Middle School parent is a member of Middle School PAC and is welcomed and encouraged to participate. As a manifestation of the diverse needs of our community, Middle School PAC has developed a range of different programs and functions. Most importantly, it serves as a catalyst for building enduring, healthy relationships among parents, faculty/administration, and students. It offers parent education programs and discussion groups, focusing on key developmental issues facing our children during these crucial middle school years. It serves as the coordinator of parent volunteerism and plans a wide range of social and educational activities for students, faculty, and parents; all of which foster and strengthen the sense of community within our school. Finally, through monthly meetings, it provides a vital forum for ongoing conversations between administration and parents on current school-related issues. During the academic year, Middle School PAC usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Central Building’s Multipurpose Room. All parents are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. When possible, a virtual option, in addition to the in-person meeting, is made available To better accommodate diverse schedules, meetings are usually structured to begin with timely presentations from school administration/faculty, lasting approximately 30 minutes; a standard business meeting follows. Specific announcements of meetings and other important PAC events are placed on the school’s website and its online parent community. Middle School PAC is led by a board of over 50 volunteers, including officers, heads of special committees, and parent representatives from each of the Middle School advisory classes. Grade-level committees led by a lead representative facilitate communications, social events, activities, and programs for each grade.
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Webb School Parent Expectations The Parent Advisory Committees of both the Middle School and Upper Schools established a statement of common principles to serve as a catalyst for discussions among parents. It presupposes a need for parents to have a consistent network of support for one another in parenting children in a time when the media influences and the pressures associated with peer acceptance are higher than ever before. Although no formal declaration of commitment to these principles is required, it is hoped that parents of all students will agree that they serve the common good of the Webb School community and will abide by them.
STATEMENT OF COMMON PRINCIPLES Evidence indicates that the single most critical factor in the safe and sound development of our children is parental involvement and support, followed closely by community involvement and support. Webb School is a unique environment, drawing its population from a 90-square-mile radius and a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. If we are to have a sense of community here, we must commit to work hard for it. Commonality, shared values, and family networking, as well as true respect and appreciation of our differences, will be our reward. Our agreement to a statement of common principles is a way to begin that process. •
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We will be assertive about calling other parents to verify plans and communicate any guidelines for our own children when there are activities where our children will be in the care or supervision of others. We will welcome calls when other children are our responsibility. We acknowledge a responsibility to contact parents when we are aware of noncompliance with these standards of behavior.
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We accept the responsibility to teach our children about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and to discourage the adolescent “rite of passage” that includes the use of illegal substances. We acknowledge that our own behavior sets an example for our children.
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We will neither serve alcohol and other drugs or harmful substances to children nor condone their use by the children of others who are under our supervision or in our care.
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We want to know if our children are engaged in activities with illegal substances, or any other serious illegal acts. While this information may be disturbing and uncomfortable to hear, we will treat this as an expression of care and concern for our children and our community.
We are concerned about the welfare and development of the children in our family, our school, and our community. We recognize that they are children, not always able to make the best choices, and they require effective parental as well as educational guidance. We reaffirm that our role as parents is to set standards for our children.
• We acknowledge the value of knowing our children’s friends and their parents, thereby providing our children and ourselves a sense of community and security.
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WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023 • 27
The Webb Middle School team looks forward to working in partnership with you to help your student thrive during the middle school years and develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning. If you have any questions about the Middle School or its policies, please contact Jennifer Phillips, Head of Middle School, at jennifer.phillips@webbschool.org or David Haines, Dean of Students, at david.haines@webbschool.org.
9800 Webb School Lane Knoxville, TN 37923-3307 865.693.0011 webbschool.org
28 • WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2022-2023
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