White Bluff Elementary School
Student Handbook 2026-2027
Mary Wills, Principal
Caitlin Bigness, Assistant Principal
Mission Statement:
Our mission at White Bluff Elementary is to encourage the love of learning while preparing students for success in life.
Be Respectful! Be Responsible! Be Your Best!
DearStudentsandFamilies,
WhiteBluffElementary StudentHandbook
Welcome back to school! We hope WBES is a positive experience for your child and a place where social, emotional, and educational experiences and relationships grow. We have high expectations for ourselves and our students and appreciate your support as we strive to accomplish our goals for this year. Please communicate with us so that we can all work together for the success of all. This year’s school theme is Unstoppable Minds, Unlimited Success! Your Journey, Your Future! Let’sbeUNSTOPPABLEtogetherthisyear!
This handbook is provided to help answer many questions you may have about our school, policies, and procedures. Our policies andproceduresareinplacetoprovideasafeandorderly environment for all students. While academics are of utmost importance at White Bluff Elementary, your child’s safety is our TOP priority. Please help us by following the guidelines and encourage your child/children to follow the rules, policies, and procedures we have established. Pleasekeepthishandbookthroughouttheyeartorefertoasquestionsarise.
In keeping with a safe environment, all visitors are required to go to present a photo ID at the office. Scheduled visitors will sign in at the office, be issued a visitor’s pass, and then must sign out and return pass upon exit. Appropriate conduct isanexpectationforallvisitorsonthe WBEScampus.
BeUnstoppable,Wildcats!
Mary Wills,Principal Caitlin Bigness,AssistantPrincipal
WBESPhone:615.740.5775
CONTACTINFORMATION
WBESDayCare(6:00-7:00a.m./3:00-6:00p.m.)
WBESFax:615.797.6500
StephanieRagsdale,DayCareDirector:sragsdale@dcstn.org
WBESSchoolEmailAddresses:
MaryWill,Principal:mwills@dcstn.org
CaitlinBigness,AssistantPrincipal:cbigness@dcstn.org
AndreaOwen,Attendance/EnrollmentSecretary:aowen@dcstnorg
JaniceTaylor,Cafeteria/NutritionManager:jtaylor@dcstn.org
Seeschoolwebsiteforspecificteacher/departmentalemailaddresses https://wwwdcstnorg/o/wbes
DicksonCountyBoardofEducation:615.446.7571 / dcstn.org
● TransportationDept:615.740.5970
MelissaGarton,DirectorofTransportation:mgarton@dcstn.org
● SchoolNutrition:615.740.5801
TroyWilliams,DirectorofSchoolNutrition:twilliams@dcstn.org
UpdatedJuly20,2026
1. ADMISSIONREQUIREMENTS-Policy6.203;6.206
StudentsmustliveintheWBESzonetoattendWhiteBluffElementarySchool. Inordertomeet thecriteria,thestudentmustresidewiththeparentorlegalguardianandhavea911addressthatcanbe verified. Threeproofsofresidencearerequired,suchasproofofhomeownership,rentalagreement, driverlicense,voterregistrationcard,orcurrentutilitybills,(i.e.telephone,cablebills,etc) Ifastudent doesnotliveintheWBESzone,thelegalguardianmustrequestspecialpermissionbycompletingan out-of-zoneform.AnystudentnotincompliancewiththeDicksonCountyBoardofEducation out-ofzonepolicymayberequestedtoreturntohis/herzonedschool. Further,ifyourchildis attendingWBESasanout-of-zonestudent,theymustabidebyallschoolpoliciestoretaintheir out-of-zonestatus,including,butnotlimitedto,apositivehome-schoolrelationship.
Inordertoenrollinschool,astudentmustprovideproofofimmunizationagainstDPT/DTaP, polio,MMR,varicella,hepatitisB,andhepatitisA. Evidenceofacurrent(withinoneyear)medical examination,signedbyyourhealthprovider,mustalsobeprovided. Childrenenteringschoolforthe firsttimemustalsoshowproofofthechild’sdateofbirthandname,suchasabirthcertificate. The nameusedontherecordsofastudententeringschoolwillbethenameshownondocumentswhichare acceptabletotheschoolprincipalasproofofdateofbirth,suchasabirthcertificate.
EnteringKindergartenersmustturnfiveyearsoldbyAugust15thtoenroll.
2. OPENING/CLOSINGOFSCHOOLDAY/CARRIDERS
Arrival:
Thebuildingwillbeopenat7:10a.m.eachschoolday. Studentswhoarrivebefore7:10 a.m.mustbesupervisedinthebefore-schooldaycareprogramandmustbeenrolled. Underno circumstancesshouldchildrenbeleftunattendedatthefrontentranceoftheschoolbefore7:10.
Carriderswillenterthecardropoffarea,studentsshouldexitcarsonthesidewalksidetokeep themsafe! Donotpulloffuntilthecarinfrontofyouhaspulledaway/andorallstudentsaresafelyon thesidewalk.
Dismissal:
Itisnecessaryfortheschooltohavereliableinformationabouthowyourchildistogohomein theafternoon. Youwillbeaskedtoprovidethisinformationwhenyourchildentersschoolonthefirst day. Afterthat,anychangeintheregularroutine(changingfrombustocar,changingtoadifferentbus, checkingoutearly,etc.)requiresanoteorcallfromtheparent. IfwedoNOThaveanote,wewill sendyourchildhometheregularway. Dojomessagingtheteacherisnotpermittedforsafety reasons,allrequeststochangethewayastudentgoeshomemustgothroughtheoffice. IFyour childneedstochangebackandforthfromcartobusorbustobusduetolivingarrangements,
pleasemakeeveryefforttogetaconsistentscheduletocutdownonconfusionforthestudentand maximizesafety.
Carriderswillbedismissedfromthebuildingat2:55p.m. Forthesafetyandsecurityofour students,parentsofcarridersmusthaveaschool-issued“cartag”inordertopicktheirchild fromthecurb.“NoTag–NoChild.” Thosewithouttagswillbeaskedtopark,enterfrontoffice, andshowID. Twotagswillbeissuedalongwithcompleteinstructionsatthebeginningoftheyear. Additionaltagsmayberequestedasneededfora$5fee. Thissystemenablesthestafftodismissallcar ridersnormallyby3:20. Anystudentinthecarriderroomwhoisnotpickedupbytheendofdismissal (3:20)willbesenttoafterschooldaycareandmayincurachargeforthatservice
3. EXTENDEDCHILDCAREPROGRAM
Achildcareprogramisofferedbeforeandafterregularschoolhoursandduringthesummer monthsforK-5thgrade(Kindergartenersmustbe5tobeenrolled). Childrenhavetheopportunityto engageinactivitieswhichbenefitthememotionally,physically,andeducationally. Aspecialtimeis allottedforhomework.
Hoursduringtheschoolyearare6:00a.m.-7:10a.m.and3:15p.m.-6:00p.m. Summerhours are6:00a.m.until6:00p.m. Informationconcerningapplicationsandfeesareavailableuponrequest. StephanieRagsdaleistheWBESdaycaredirector.615.740-5777.
4. ATTENDANCE-Policy6.200
AtWBES,webelievethateveryschooldaymatters! Regularattendancehelpsstudentsbuild strongeracademicskills,developmeaningfulrelationships,andsetsastructuretotheiryear Asapart ofourcommitmenttostudentachievementandgrowth,weencouragefamiliestoStriveforFiveby makingeveryefforttohavefiveorfewerabsencesduringtheschoolyear. Werecognizethatillness, emergencies,andotherunavoidablecircumstancesinterfereattimes,buthavingaStriveforFive mindsetisagreatwaytokeepattendanceatitspeakadvantage. Wewillrecognizeattendance superstarswithinthebuildingoftenthroughouttheschoolyear!
Whenastudentisabsentfromschooltheparent/guardianwillneedtonotifytheschoolofthe absencewithacalloremailtotheschoolsattendancesecretary. Itwillthenberequiredfora signed/datedwrittennote, whichincludesthedateandreasonforabsence,tobeprovidedtotheschool uponthestudent'sreturn.Theparent/guardianmaysubmituptofive(5)parentwrittennotesper semesterbeforeadditionaldocumentation(suchasadr.note)willberequiredtoexcusetheabsence.The writtenparentnotemustbeprovidedtotheschoolinanadequateamountoftimefollowingtheabsence. Excusedabsences,tardies,andearlycheck-outsshallinclude:personalillness,doctorvisits,illnessof immediatefamilymember,deathinthefamily,religiousobservances,court,militaryreasons,andother circumstancesapprovedbytheprincipal.Additionaldocumentationmayberequired.Students participatinginschool-sponsoredactivitieswhetheronoroffcampusshallnotbecountedabsent.In ordertoqualifyasschoolsponsored,theactivitymustbeschool-planned,school-directedandteacher supervised.
Astudentwhobecomesillduringtheschooldayshallreporttotheschoolnurse.Whenrequired theparentwillbecontactedtodeterminethebestcareforthechild.Intheeventthestudentissent home,theywillbeexcusedandwillnotrequireorcountasoneoftheparentnotesforthesemester If thestudentstayshomeadditionaldays,aparentordoctor’snotewillberequiredtobeexcused. Unexcusedabsencesareanyabsencesthatdonotfallundertheconditionsprovidedforinthe BoardPolicyonAttendance(6.200Attendance). PleaserefertoDicksonCountySchools AttendanceProceduresandBoardPolicy6.200atdcstn.orgforthetruancyinterventionplanthat willbeimplemented.
5. TARDINESS/EARLYCHECKOUTS-Policy6.200
Recognizingthatpunctualityandtheopportunitytolearnaffectstheacademicprogressofa studentatschool,theDicksonCountyElementaryDivisionhasadoptedthefollowingtardyandearly checkoutprocedure.Schoolbeginspromptlyat8:00. Anystudentarrivingafterthe8:00bellis consideredtardy. Studentsarrivingafter8:00willbeissuedatardyslip.Schoolendsat3:00. Students leavingbeforethistimewillbedocumentedascheckingoutearly.Tardyandearlycheckoutsslips arefiledandmaintainedintheoffice.Excusedtardinessandcheckoutswillnotbecountedagainsta student.
Theaccumulationof(8)eightunexcusedtardiesorunexcuseddismissalsfromschoolwillbe equalto(1)oneunexcusedschooldayintheenforcementoftheschoolsattendancepolicy. Tennesseelawrequiresthatallstudentsleavingschoolgroundsearlybesignedoutintheoffice.
6. MAKEUPWORK-Policy6.200
Studentswillhavetheopportunitytomakeupworkfromanexcusedabsence. Studentsmaybedenied theprivilegeofmakingupworkmissedaresultofanunexcusedabsenceorsuspension.
7. WITHDRAWINGFROMSCHOOL
Awithdrawalformmaybeobtainedfromtheofficeandshouldbefilledoutbythe parent/guardian. Anystudentwithdrawingfromschoolmustbeclearedthroughtheoffice. All obligationsmustbeclearedbeforeatranscriptofhis/herrecordswillbeforwardedtothenew school.
8. DRESSCODE-Policy6.310
Basic Principle:
AtWhiteBluffElementarySchool,itisourbeliefthatourdressshouldreflectone’sself-dignity andthatitshouldnotbeadisturbinginfluenceoneitherthewearerorobserver. Studentdress shouldbeappropriate,clean,andneat. Properdressandpersonalhygieneareessential elementsforappropriatepersonalinteractionineverydaylife. Safetyofthewearerisalsoa
considerationwhendeterminingappropriateclothing. Itisessentialthatallstudentsabidebythe dresscode.
DressCodeGuidelines:
1. Studentsmustremovehats/hoodiesuponenteringthebuilding.
2. Clothingselectionsmustcoverthemidriffandbackaswellasbeingappropriateinlength. Noshortskirts, dressesorshort-shortsallowed. Lengthcanbenoshorterthanfingerlengthwhenhandsareheldbytheside. Tanktops,bikingshorts,topswithspaghettistraps,bandanas,andsweatbandsarenotacceptableattirefor school. Sleevelessshirtsandtopsmusthaveashoulderstrapofatleasttwo(2)inchesandfitsnuglyaround thearm.
3. Clothingshouldfitandbewornproperly–notexcessivelytightorloosetocausedistraction. Atnotimeis itappropriateforanyunderwear/undergarmentstobeshowingoneithermaleorfemalestudents.
4. Noclothingoraccessorieswillbeallowedwhichadvertisedrugs,alcohol,sex,gangactivity,violence, tobacco,ordisrespectfulattitudes. Pantsorshortswithwordingonthebacksidemaynotbeworn.
5. AnymannerofdressorhairthatmaybeadistractionfromtheeducationalprogramatWBESisprohibited.
6. Footwearmustbeappropriateforphysicaleducationalactivities,andstudentsmustbeabletonavigatesteps safely. Forthisreason,flip-floptypesandalsandexcessivelyhighheelsarediscouraged.Noshoesor backpackswithrollersorwheelsareallowed. Studentsarerequiredtohaveamplephysicalactivity eachday.Itissafestpracticetocomeintennisshoes,thisallowssaferplayingymandonthe playground. Alwayscontacttheofficeifyouareseekingassistancewithprovidingthecorrect footwear. Wemaybeabletoassistorconnectyouwithassistance.
7. Parentswillbeexpectedtoassisttheschoolindealingwithanyinfractionoftheschooldresscode.
8. BEHAVIOREXPECTATIONS
PBISatWBES
● Rallies-Allstudentswillparticipateinralliestwiceayeartoencouragepositivebehaviors.
● Rewards-StudentswithNOofficereferralsANDlessthanthedesignatednumberofclassroom disciplinemarksduringthe9-week periodwillattendtherewardactivity Examples,butnotlimitedto:
○ 1st9weeks:Carnival
○ 2nd9weeks:ReindeerGames
○ 3rd9weeks:GlowDay
○ 4th9weeks:BeachBash
● Recognition-Studentswillreceiveincentivesandshoutoutsforsuccesswithpositivebehavior WBESseekstorewardstudentswhomakegoodchoices;however,shouldanissuearisewithinanyareaofthe building,thebehaviorwillbedocumentedandparents/guardianswillbenotifiedbytheteacheror administration. IfanOfficeDisciplineReferralhasbeencompleted,anadministratorwillbeincontactwith
parents/guardianstodiscusstherepeatedbehaviorproblemsandasignatureformwillbesenthome. Inthe eventofaseriousoffense,theschoolwillfollowdistrictboardpolicyandprocedures.
ClassroomConsequences
● VerbalReminder
● ClipboardCheck(3checksinaday=“Minor”Infractiondocumentation)
● MinorInfractionDocumentation
● Freeplayindesignatedareaawayfrompeersduringrecess
OfficeReferral
● 3MinorInfractionsinone9weekperiodwillresultina“Major”officereferral.
● SomeactionsmaybedeemedMajoroffenseswithoutprecedingmarksandwillresultinimmediate officereferrals.
StudentsmaybewrittenupwithaMinorInfractionintheclassroomforthefollowing:
➔ NotFollowingDirections
➔ DisruptiveConduct
➔ Defiant-NonCompliance
➔ DisrespecttoTeacher/Student
➔ InappropriateLanguage
➔ PhysicalContact-Minor
➔ Talkingornoisesatinappropriatetimes
➔ Minortheft
➔ Repeatedlylateorincompletework
ForMajorOfficeReferralconsequences,pleaserefertotheDicksonCountySchoolsElementaryDivision DisciplinePlanattached(notinitsentirety)Policy-6.300,6.313,6.315,6.308
UpdatedJuly20,2026
Threats / Bullying / Harrassment
Investigation and/or Threat Assessment Conducted - possible ISS or OSS pending DHA
Key:
ISS = In School Suspension
OSS = Out of School Suspension
DHA = Disciplinary Hearing Authority
SBP = School Based Behavior Plan
NDA = New Directions Academy
9. PERSONALITEMS/CELLPHONE-Policy6.312
Personalitems,includingtoys,shouldnotbebroughttoschool. ForstudentsingradesK-5, electronicdevices,includingsmartwatchesorcellphones,gamingdevices,andlaptops mustbe inanoffmodeandplacedinabackpack,locker,orcarryall,andmaynotbeusedduringschool hourswithoutspecificpermissionfromtheprincipal/designee(Policy6.312).Theschoolandits personnelarenotresponsibleforanypersonalitems(theirdamageortheft)broughttoschool. Atnotimeshallastudentoperateacellulardevicewithvideoorpicture-takingcapabilitiesat anyplacethatmightviolatetheprivacyrightsofanotherperson. Astudentinviolationofthis policyissubjecttodisciplinaryaction.Studentsmaypossesswirelesscommunicationdevices andpersonalelectronicdevices,whileonschoolproperty. Seefullpolicy6.312atdcstn.org
10. DAMAGETOPROPERTY-Policy6.311(fullpolicyatdcstn.org)
Studentsshallhelpmaintaintheschoolenvironment,preserveschoolproperty,andexercisecarewhile usingschoolfacilities.
Schoolpropertyisdefinedasbuildings,buses,books,equipment,records,instructionalmaterialsorany otheritemunderthejurisdictionoftheBoard.
Whenthepersoncausingdamageorlosshasbeenidentifiedandthecostsofrepairorreplacementhave
UpdatedJuly20,2026
beendetermined,theprincipalshalltakestepstorecoverthesecostsandshallseekappropriate disciplinaryaction,ifnecessary.Shouldthecostexceedfivehundreddollars($500.00),theprincipal shallobtainfinalapprovalfromtheDirectorofSchoolsastotheappropriatedisciplinaryaction.This mayincludethefilingofacomplaintincourttorecoverdamages.Iftheresponsiblepersonisaminor, recoverywillbesoughtfromtheminor’sparent/guardian.
11. STUDENTTRANSPORTATION
WBESstudentsmayrideonlytheirassignedbusandwillnotbeallowedtogetofftheir assignedbusandontoanotherbusatanotherschool. Visitorsorfriendsgoinghomewith anotherstudentwillonlybeallowedtorideabusifaspaceisavailable,approvedby transportation,andmusthaveanotesignedbyadministration.
Theschoolbusisanextensionoftheclassroomandschoolactivities;therefore,students shallconductthemselvesonthebusinamannerconsistentwiththeestablishedstandardsfor safetyandclassroombehavior.Studentsareunderthesupervisionandcontrolofthebusdriver whileonthebus.Bussafetyiscrucial!Allreasonabledirectiongivenbythedriverwillbe followedtomaintainsafetyforallstudentsandadultsontheroadway.
PleaserefertothetransportationlinkfoundontheDicksonCountySchoolswebsiteand thematrixunderdisciplineinthishandbookforinformationonbusdiscipline. Levelsofconduct andmisbehavioraretoserveasaguideforconsistentreportinganddiscipline.Theyarenot exhaustiveandshouldbeappliedaccordingtoeachreferralandactionofastudent.Theprincipal oftheschoolwhichthestudentattendsisinchargeofstudentbehavioronthebusjustasinthe classroom.Driverswillinvestigateandreporttotheprincipalwhoisinchargeofdiscipline. Studentswillreceiveappropriateconsequencesforviolations.Consequencesmayincludebus suspensionaswellasoutofschoolsuspension.Bussuspensionincludesallbuses.Driversmay assignseatstoanyand/orallstudents.GirlsandBoysseatingwillbeseparated.
12. LUNCH/BREAKFAST
Eachclasswillbeallowedthirty(30)minutesforlunch. Studentswillbeexpectedto completetheirmealintheallottedtimeandwillnotbeallowedtotakefoodordrinksoutofthe cafeteriawithoutteacherapproval.
Studentsshouldremainseated,handstoself,andreasonableindoorvoice;raisedhandfor assistancefromacafeteriamonitor
Noglass-bottleddrinksshouldbebroughttoschool. Ifyourchildisallergictomilk,theymay bringadrinkinathermosorothercontainer.
Thecafeteriamayofferextraitemsandalacarteitemsforsaleatpostedprices. Ifyour childwouldliketopurchasealacarteitems,suchasicecream, pleasesendthisinanenvelope withtheirname(firstandlast),teacher’sname,andtheirlunchnumberontheoutsideofthe envelope.Noalacarteitemswillbecharged.
Breakfastwillbeservedeachmorningfrom7:10a.m.until7:40a.m.inthecafeteria. InformationconcerningtheschoollunchprogramcanbefoundontheWhiteBluffElementary website;questionsshouldbedirectedtotheFoodServiceDirectorforDicksonCounty (446-7571-Ext.15200)orJaniceTaylor,WBEScafeteriamanager Onlinepaymentscanbemadeat K12 Payment Center (youwillneedyourstudentsIDnumber)
ALLFAMILIESwillbeaskedtocompletetheFreeandReducedform,whichis confidentialandmaybenefityouortheschoolincompleting.
26-27MealPrices:
Breakfast: Free$0;Reduced$0.30;StudentPaid$2.00;Adult/Staff$3.00
Lunch: Free$0;Reduced$0.40;StudentPaid$3.75;Adult/Staff$5.00
13. CAREOFSICK/INJUREDSTUDENTS–MEDICATION-Policy6.405
WhiteBluffElementaryisfortunatetohaveanexcellentfull-timeschoolnurse. Vitalinformationisgathered onlinewhenthestudentenrollscontainingthefollowinginformation:
A. Nameofparents/guardianandhometelephonenumber.
B. Othertelephonenumberswhereparentsorguardianscanbereachedduringtheday. Itisvitalthattwo alternateoperatingnumbersarelistedforeachstudent. Pleasekeepthenumbersupdated.
C. Namesofrelativesorfriends(andphonenumbers)whocouldbecontactedifparentorguardiancannot bereached.
D. Whenillnessoccurs,parents(orpersonslistedonthestudent’sinformationcard)willbenotifiedandthe studentwillbemadeascomfortableaspossibleuntilsomeonecomestogetthestudent.
E. Studentssenthomebecauseoffevermustbefever-freefor24hourswithoutmedicationbeforehe/she willbeallowedtoreturntoschool. Additionally,studentssenthomeforvomitingand/ordiarrhea shouldonlyreturntoschoolwhenthishasnotoccurredfor24hours.
CHANGEOFCLOTHES
● Pleaseprovideachangeofclothes(appropriatetotheseason)inyourchild’sbackpack. Thiswill allowforunexpectedinstancestobehandledwiththeleastamountofattentiontothestudentand lessinterruptiontoparent/guardian’sworkday.
SERIOUSINJURIES
● Anambulancewillbecalledtotransportthestudenttothehospital. Atthesametime,theparentsor guardianwillbenotified. Ifparentsorguardianscannotbelocatedimmediately,theemergencyroom attendantsinthehospitalwillcallanavailablephysician.
● Teacherandprincipalwillgatherallinformationrelativetoaccidentorinjuryindicatingtime,place, witnesses,etc.andcompleteanaccidentreport. ThisreportwillbesenttotheofficeoftheDirectorof Schools.
Medicationshallbeadministeredonlywhenthestudent’shealthrequiresthatitbegivenduringschool hours. Ifastudentisrequiredtocarryaninhaler,aformmustbefilledoutandsignedbythe student’spediatrician.Itistheparent/guardian’sresponsibilitytobringthemedicationtoschooland removeanyunusedmedicationwhentreatmentiscompleted.Studentsshouldneverbring medicationtoschool. Allprescriptionmedicationmustbebroughttoschoolintheoriginalcontainer bytheparent/guardian. Thepharmacylabelmustincludethefollowinginformation:
NameofStudent Date
PrescriptionNumber LicensedDoctor’s/Practitioner’sName
NameofMedicationandDosage
Pharmacyname,address,andphone# Administrationrouteorotherdirections
Allnon-prescriptionmedicationmustbebroughttoschoolbyalegalparent/guardianintheoriginal,unopened manufacturer’slabeledcontainerwiththeingredientslistedandthechild’snameaffixedtothecontainer. A notefromtheparent/guardianmustbeincludedtogivespecificinformationastodosageandtime. Students willself-administerthemedicationwithassistancefromschoolstaffandshouldbecompetenttodoso. School staffisnotresponsibleforanysideeffectsorcomplicationsthatmayoccurasaresultoftakingthismedication. Studentswillnotbepermittedtotakeanymedicationwithoutawrittennotefromparents..
14. COMMUNICABLEDISEASES
PleaserefertoBoardPolicy6.403
Itshallbetheresponsibilityoftheprincipalorschoolnursetonotifytheparentsintheeventa childhaspediculosis(headlice). Aletterwillbesenthomewiththechildexplainingthecondition, requirementsforreadmissionanddeadlinesforsatisfactorycompletionoftreatment. Uponexclusion, satisfactoryevidencemustbesubmittedtoschoolpersonnelthatthestudenthasbeentreatedfor pediculosis(headlice). Thisevidencewillincludebutmaynotbelimitedto:
1) Proofoftreatmentwithapediculicideproduct
2) Satisfactoryexaminationbyaschoolhealthofficial
Anysubsequentincidentsofheadliceforthatstudentduringtheschoolyearwillrequiresubmissionof satisfactoryevidenceoftreatmentforheadlice. Inaddition,thestudentmustbefoundfreeofnitsbya schoolhealthofficialinthepresenceofaparentbeforebeingallowedtoreturntoschool. AstudentwillbeexpectedtohavemetallBoardrequirementsfortreatmentandbebackinschoolnolaterthan oneschooldayfollowingexclusionforheadlice. Alldaysinexcessoftheallowableperiodwillbemarkedas unexcusedandreferredtotheattendancedirectoratthepropertime.
Policy6.4031
Nostudentshallbedeniedaneducationsolelybyreasonofheadliceinfestationorbedbuginfestationand his/hereducationalprogramshallberestrictedonlytotheextentnecessarytominimizetheriskoftransmitting theinfestation.
Itshallbetheresponsibilityoftheprincipalorschoolnursetonotifytheparent(s)/guardian(s)intheeventa childhaspediculosis(headlice)orcimexlectularius(bedbugs).Alettershallbesenthomebythechildto explainthecondition,requirementsforreadmission,anddeadlinesforsatisfactorycompletionofthetreatment.
Priortoreadmission,satisfactoryevidencemustbesubmittedtoschoolpersonnelthatthestudenthasbeen treated.Thisevidencemayincludebutnotbelimitedto:
(1)Proofoftreatmentwithapediculicideproduct(e.g.headliceshampoo),andforbedbugsalicensed exterminator;or
(2)Satisfactoryexaminationbyaschoolhealthofficial.
TreatmentandpreventionproceduresshallbedevelopedbytheDirectorofSchoolsinconsultationwiththe schoolnurseanddistributedtoallclassroomteachers.Theseproceduresshallalsobedistributedtothe parent/guardianofanychildthathaspediculosisorcimexlectularius.
Anysubsequentincidentsofheadliceorbedbugsforastudentduringtheschoolyearshallrequiresubmission ofsatisfactoryevidenceoftreatmentforheadliceorbedbugsandbefoundfreeofliceorbedbugsbyaschool healthofficial.
Astudentshallbeexpectedtohavemetallrequirementsfortreatmentandreturntoschoolnolaterthantwo(2) daysfollowingexclusionforheadliceorbedbugs.Alldaysinexcessoftheallowableperiodshallbemarked asunexcusedabsencesandreferredtotheattendancesupervisoratthepropertime.
Nostudentshallbedeniedaneducationsolelybyreasonofheadliceinfestationorbedbuginfestationand his/hereducationalprogramshallberestrictedonlytotheextentnecessarytominimizetheriskoftransmitting theinfestation.
Itshallbetheresponsibilityoftheprincipalorschoolnursetonotifytheparent(s)/guardian(s)intheeventa childhaspediculosis(headlice)orcimexlectularius(bedbugs).Alettershallbesenthomebythechildto explainthecondition,requirementsforreadmission,anddeadlinesforsatisfactorycompletionofthetreatment.
Priortoreadmission,satisfactoryevidencemustbesubmittedtoschoolpersonnelthatthestudenthasbeen treated.Thisevidencemayincludebutnotbelimitedto:
(1)Proofoftreatmentwithapediculicideproduct(e.g.headliceshampoo),andforbedbugsalicensed exterminator;or
(2)Satisfactoryexaminationbyaschoolhealthofficial.
TreatmentandpreventionproceduresshallbedevelopedbytheDirectorofSchoolsinconsultationwiththe schoolnurseanddistributedtoallclassroomteachers.Theseproceduresshallalsobedistributedtothe parent/guardianofanychildthathaspediculosisorcimexlectularius.
Anysubsequentincidentsofheadliceorbedbugsforastudentduringtheschoolyearshallrequiresubmission ofsatisfactoryevidenceoftreatmentforheadliceorbedbugsandbefoundfreeofliceorbedbugsbyaschool healthofficial.
Astudentshallbeexpectedtohavemetallrequirementsfortreatmentandreturntoschoolnolaterthantwo(2) daysfollowingexclusionforheadliceorbedbugs.Alldaysinexcessoftheallowableperiodshallbemarked asunexcusedabsencesandreferredtotheattendancesupervisoratthepropertime.
15. SAFETYANDSECURITYPROTOCOL-Policy3.205
Outoftheabundanceofcautionforthehealthandsafetyofourstudentsandstaff,thefollowing guidelineswillbeinplaceforthestartoftheschoolyear.
● Allguestsdesiringtomeetwithstaffwillberequiredtohaveanappointment. Visitstothebuilding willbelimitedtoessentialbusiness. Schoolswillcontinuetohaveprotocolforitemswhichneedto bedroppedoffforstudentsorstaff.
● Allguestswillbescreenedandappointmentswillbeconfirmedviaintercomsystempriorto enteringthebuilding. Schoolsreservetherighttodenyentrancetoguests.
● AllguestsuponenteringthebuildingduringschoolhoursmustenterthroughthedesignatedMain EntranceandprovideproofofidentificationthroughtheRaptorVisitorManagementSystem. Guestsmustclearlydisplaytheirvisitorpassesduringtheirentirevisitandshouldonlybeinareas wheretheirappointmentsarescheduled.
● SchoolResourceOfficersareassignedtoeachcampustoassistwithsafetyandsecurity
● Allexteriordoorswillremainclosedandlockedthroughouttheschoolday
● Interiorclassroomdoorswillremainlockedthroughouttheschoolday.
TennesseeStateLawdelegatestoteachersandprincipalsthedutyandauthorityformaintaining disciplinedclimatesintheirrespectiveclassroomsandschools(TCA49-6-3401).Appropriatedrillsfor maintainingorderandpromotingstudentknowledgeofwhattododuringemergencysituationswillbe conducted.
16. PROVISIONOFTEXTBOOKS/INSTRUCTIONALMATERIALS-Policy4.40, 4.402,4.406
Theparentagreementslipmustbesignedandreturnedtotheteacherbeforebookswillbe issued. Eachstudentwillbefurnishedtextbooksforallhis/hersubjects. Attheendofaunitof study,allbookspreviouslydistributedtothestudentswillbereturnedtotheteacher Theteacher willexaminethebook,andifithasbeeninanywayundulyabused,mutilated,lostordestroyed, areplacementchargewillberequiredofthestudent.
TheAcceptableUseAgreementformmustbesignedbeforestudentsutilizedistrictelectronic devices.WBESandDicksonCoSchoolslimitunnecessaryuseofChromebooks/electronic devicestoensuredirectteacherinstructionwhilealsoaccountingforsomeuseprogramsthat supportlearning. SomeexamplesincludeiReadyMath,Achieve3000,andReadingEggs
17. REPORTINGOFSTUDENTPROGRESS-Policy6.401
WBESwillcommunicateandtrackstudentbehaviorusingtheBLUEcommunicator folder. Teacherswillcompletea“FolderProgressReport”tobesenthomeeveryTuesdayinthe bluefoldersalongwithgradedpapers. Thesewillbesenthomeinthebluefoldersforfamiliesto monitorstudents’academicandbehavioralprogress. Familiesareaskedtocheckthefolder everyTuesdaynight,signthe“TuesdayFolderProgressReport”,andreturneverythingthe followingday.Progressreportswillalsobesenthomemid-9weekgradingperiod.
Eachstudentwillreceiveareportcardfourtimesperyear. Reportcardswillbesent homeaftertheendofeachnineweeksgradingperiod. Thecardshouldbesignedandreturned toschoolthefollowingday
BoardPolicy4.603willbefollowedifretentionofastudentisconsidered.
18. USEOFSCHOOLPHONE
WhiteBluffElementarySchoolprovidesaschooltelephonetobeusedforbusinessmatters. If astudentneedstogohomeinadifferentmannerthanusual,anoteshouldbesentwiththe student. Phonecallsshouldnotbeusedtocommunicatethisinformationexceptinextreme emergenciesduetothehighvolumeofcallsreceiveddailybytheschool. Studentswillbecalled tothephoneonlyincasesofanemergency. Parentswhoneedtogetamessagetotheirchild shouldcalltheofficepriorto2:00p.m.Teacherswillnotbecalledoutofclasstoaccepta phonecall. Teacherswelcomescheduledcommunicationwithparentsduringtheirplanning time.
19. PHYSICALEDUCATION-Policy6.411
StatelawrequireseachstudenttotakePEonaregularbasis. Studentswillberequiredtowear propershoeswhileingymclass. AnystudentwhocannottakePEbecauseofmedical reasonsshouldsupplyhisorherteacherwithanotestatingthereasonsforexcusingthe childfromPE. Theschoolreservestherighttorequireadoctor’sstatementforanystudentwho doesnotparticipateinphysicalexerciseonaregularbasis.
20. CUSTODYRESTRICTIONS-Policy6.209
Theschoolisinterestedinthewelfareofeverychildandwillseektoprotectthatwelfareinany waypossible. Werealizetherearedifficultsituationsinsomeinstanceswhichresultinone parentplacingcustodyrestrictionsonanother
Iftherearecustodyrestrictions,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttoseethatthe schoolhasacopyofthecourtorderonfile.
21. USEOFARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCEPROGRAMS(AI)-Policy4.214 (seeentirepolicyat dcstn.org
ArtificialIntelligence(AI)programsasdefinedbystatelawmaybeusedbystaffandstudentsin thedistrict.1
StudentuseofapprovedgenerativeAIprogramsforinstructionalpurposesmaybeutilizedbased onthediscretionoftheteacher.OnlyapprovedgenerativeAIprogramsmaybeutilizedinstudent instructionorincompletingstudentworkforgrades9-12.TheDirectorofSchoolsshalldevelopa procedureforstafftosubmitadditionalprogramsforapproval.
STUDENTUSE:
TeachersmayallowstudentstouseapprovedAIprogramsforinstructionalpurposes.Anysuch useshallalignwithapprovedinstructionalstandardsandcurriculum.PriortousingAI,teachers shallensurestudentsareprovidedwithappropriateinstructionontheresponsibleuseofAI.
ACADEMICINTEGRITY
Studentsshallbeinstructedonresponsibleusestandardsincludingbutnotlimitedtothe following:
1.EffectiveuseofgenerativeAI;
2.WhenitisappropriatetouseAIinassignments;
3.HowtodeterminewhetherAIresponsesareaccurate;
4.UsersassumeresponsibilityforincorporatingAIcontentresponsibly;and
5.Thedifferencebetweencheatingandseekingsupport.
NOTICETOPARENTS
TheDirectorofSchoolsshallprovidenoticetoparent(s)/guardian(s)abouttheuseofAI programsinthedistrict.AnapprovedlistofAIprogramswillbeprovidedtoparentsonthe
district’sDigitalConsentForminthedistrict’sStudentInformationSystem.
REPORTING
TheDirectorofSchoolsshallsubmitareporttotheBoardofEducationeachJuneonhowthis policywillbeenforcedintheupcomingschoolyear.TheBoardshallapprovethereportandthe DirectorshallsubmitittotheDepartmentofEducationbyJuly1st.
22.STUDENTDISCRIMINATION,HARASSMENT,BULLYING,CYBER-BULLYING,AND INTIMIDATION/BULLYING/HARRASSMENT-Policy6.304Seefullpolicyatdcstn.org
WBEStakesthesemattersseriouslywhilealsounderstandingthesocialdevelopmentandlearningthatour youngstudentsareattainingdaily. Parentsandguardiansshouldtakeanactiveroleindiscussinghowwords andactionscanaffectanotherperson/peer.
DEFINITIONS
“Bullying/Intimidation/Harassment” -Anactthatsubstantiallyinterfereswithastudent’seducationalbenefits, opportunities,orperformance,andtheacthastheeffectof:
1.Physicallyharmingastudentordamagingastudent’sproperty;
2.Knowinglyplacingastudent(s)inreasonablefearofphysicalharmtothestudentordamagetothestudent’s property;
3.Causingemotionaldistresstoastudent(s);or
4.Creatingahostileeducationalenvironment.
Bullying,intimidation,orharassmentmayalsobeunwelcomeconductbasedonaprotectedclass(race, nationality,origin,color,gender,age,disability,religion)thatissevere,pervasive,orpersistentandcreatesa hostileenvironment.
“Cyber-bullying”-Aformofbullyingundertakenthroughtheuseofelectronicdevices.Electronicdevices include,butarenotlimitedto,telephones,cellularphonesorotherwirelesstelecommunicationdevices,text messaging,emails,socialnetworkingsites,instantmessaging,videos,websites,orfakeprofiles.
“Hazing”-Anintentionalorrecklessactbyastudentorgroupofstudentsthatisdirectedagainstanyother student(s)thatendangersthementalorphysicalhealthorsafetyofthestudent(s)orthatinducesorcoercesa studenttoendangerhis/hermentalorphysicalhealthorsafety Coachesandotheremployeesoftheschool districtshallnotencourage,permit,condone,ortoleratehazingactivities.5
Hazingdoesnotincludecustomaryathleticeventsorsimilarcontestsorcompetitionsandislimitedtothose
actionstakenandsituationscreatedinconnectionwithinitiationintooraffiliationwithanyorganization.
Initiationforoff-campusclubs/organizationsshallinnowaydisruptthelearningenvironmentoftheschooland suchactivitiesconductedbysuchgroupswhichwouldbedefinedashazing,shallnotbepermittedduringthe schoolday
TheBoarddeemsintimidationasapossibleformorexpressionofharassmentorbullying.
TheBoardprohibitsanybehavioraimedatdefiningastudentinasexualmannerorconductimpugningthe characterofastudentbasedonallegationsofsexualpromiscuity
BEHAVIOREXPECTATIONS
TheBoardexpectsallemployees,volunteersandstudentstoconductthemselvesinamannerinkeepingwith theirlevelsofdevelopment,maturity,anddemonstratedcapabilitieswithaproperregardfortherightsand welfareofothers.Appropriatebehaviorincludestreatingotherswithcivilityandrespect,andrebuttingto tolerateharassmentorbullying.
RESPONSEANDPREVENTION
Schooladministratorsshallconsiderthenatureandcircumstancesoftheincident,theageoftheviolator,the degreeofharm,previousincidentsorpatternsofbehavior,oranyotherfactors,asappropriate,toproperly respondtoeachsituation.Consequencesforastudentwhocommitssuchactsshallbeuniquetotheindividual incidentandwillvaryinmethodandseverityaccordingtothenatureofthebehaviorandmustbeconsistent withtheapprovedcodeofstudentconduct.
Asubstantiatedchargeagainstastudentmayresultincorrectiveordisciplinaryactionuptoandincluding suspension.Thestudentmayappealthisdecisioninaccordancewithdisciplinarypoliciesandprocedures.
BYSTANDERS
Sincebystandersupportofharassmentorbullyingcanpromotethesebehaviors,thedistrictencouragesall witnessestorespondappropriately(safeinterventionandreporting)whenthesebehaviorsareobserved.
REPRISALS,RETALIATIONANDFALSEACCUSATIONS
TheBoardprohibitsreprisalorretaliationagainstanypersonwhoreportsanactofharassmentofbullying.
Retaliationagainstanypersonwhoreportsorassistsinanyinvestigationofanactallegedinthispolicyis prohibited.Theconsequencesandappropriateremedialactionforapersonwhoengagesinretaliationshallbe
determinedbytheadministratorafterconsiderationofthenature,severity,andcircumstancesoftheact.13
Falseaccusationsaccusinganotherpersonofhavingcommittedanactprohibitedunderthispolicyare prohibited.Theconsequencesandappropriateremedialactionforapersonfoundtohavefalselyaccused anothermayrangefrompositivebehavioralinterventionsuptoandincludingsuspensionandexpulsion.
WhiteBluffElementarySchool
Discipline Policy and Handbook Signature Page
2026-2027
IhavereadandunderstandtheDisciplinePolicyandallother topicsinthe2026-2027StudentHandbook.
Ihavediscussedthecontentsofthishandbookwithmychild/student.
Parent’sSignature
Parent’sSignature Date
Student’sSignature Date
Thismustbesignedandreturnedtoyourchild’steacherorofficebyTuesday,August21,2026.