Mrs. Jessica Southerland, Principal Assistant Principal
William James Middle School 3030 Trace Creek Road White Bluff, TN 37187
Phone: (615) 740-5770 Fax: 615) 797-6401
August 1, 2025
The Best Year Yet Begins Now—Welcome to Middle School!
Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to a new school year at William James Middle School. This is going to be The Best Year Yet! Whether you’re just starting 6th grade or stepping into leadership as an 8th grader, this year is full of opportunities to grow, lead, and succeed.
Middle school is a unique and exciting time. It’s when students begin to find their voice, develop independence, and build lasting relationships. At William James, we’re here to support that growth with clear expectations, meaningful learning, and a school culture that values every student. We believe every student deserves to feel safe, connected, and capable—and we’re committed to making that happen every day.
This handbook is your guide. It includes the tools, policies, and support needed for a successful year. Please read through it carefully and reach out if you have any questions. We’re honored to be part of your middle school journey. We are so glad you chose us.
Looking forward to the great things that we will do together,
Kristen Ferree, Principal
SCHOOL DAY
Opening of School
7:00 A.M. Doors open to all students.
7:45 A.M. Announcements begin.
7:50 A.M. School officially starts. Students entering class after the bell rings will be asked to present a tardy slip from the office.
Closing of School
2:55 Dismissal begins.
3:30 The front office closes.
4:00 Campus closes (with the exception of after school sporting events).
Meal Costs for the 2025 - 2026 School Year
ATTENDANCE
�� Attendance is Required
Tennessee law says students ages 6–18 must be in school every day. Missing school can impact learning and lead to serious consequences for families.
�� If You’re Absent
● Call or email Tasha Anderson the day you’re out.
● Send a written parent note within 5 days of returning to school.
● Families may use up to 5 parent notes per semester.
✅ Excused Absences Include:
● Illness (if you don’t see a doctor)
● Immediate family illness or death
● Religious holidays
● Court dates (with proof)
�� A parent note must include:
● Student name & grade
● Date(s) of absence
● Reason
● Parent/guardian signature
● College visits (up to 3 with approval)
● Deployment-related absences
● Sent home by school nurse
��After 8 absences (excused or not), a doctor’s note is required for more absences to count as excused.
⏰ Tardies & Early Dismissals
● You’re tardy if you’re late after the bell.
● More than 15 minutes late = late arrival.
● No check-outs allowed in the last 30 minutes of the school day.
● Early dismissal requires a written, verified note from a parent.
● Continued absences = More meetings, support services, or court
⚠ Chronic Absenteeism
Missing 10% or more of the school year (about 18 days total) is considered chronically absent and is reported to the state.
�� Stay Informed
Parents can track attendance and grades daily through Skyward Parent Portal.
Grading Scale
Student Dress Expectations
At WJMS, we believe that good grooming and appropriate attire support a positive learning environment and student success. Our dress code helps reduce distractions and maintain academic focus. Clothing or accessories considered inappropriate or disruptive will not be allowed. Failure to comply will result in ISS.
Shirts/Tops
● Must have sleeves (no sleeves with slits or “cold shoulder”)
● No cleavage or undergarments visible
● Must completely cover midriffs (even when arms are raised)
● May not be sheer/lace/see-through in which undergarments will be seen
● Free from holes, tears, and inappropriate language or inappropriate logos
Bottoms
● Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be fingertip length or below for all students
● Leggings and yoga pants are allowed if the shirt is at least fingertip length
● Pants must be free of holes. No skin or undergarments may show. Frays and patches may be worn below the knees
● Pants must be worn at the waistline and fit--no sagging
● Undergarments may not be visible
Not Allowed
● Writing/drawing on skin
● Clothes that are too tight or too baggy
● Anything with tobacco, drugs, gangs, or sexual/criminal content
● Bandannas, chains, spikes, sunglasses, combs in hair, face paint, animal ears/tails
● Hats, hoods, beanies, sunglasses, or gloves inside the building
● Pajamas, slippers, blankets
● Stuffed animals or costumes or costume wigs
● Body piercings are okay unless they cause a disruption or safety issue
Administration reserves the right to address issues that may arise on a case by case basis as needed for the safety of the students.
Parent - School Communication
The best way to contact any school staff member is e-mail. If you do not have access to e-mail, please call the school and leave a message for the staff member
All persons desiring to meet with staff will be required to have a scheduled appointment that is made at least 24 hours in advance. You may email the staff member or call the office to schedule an appointment.
Group Name Role
Office Staff
Special Education
Email
Kristen Ferree Principal kferree@dcstn.org
Jessica Southerland Assistant Principal jsoutherland@dcstn.org
Tasha Anderson Attendance tanderson@dcstn.org
Sherry Perry Bookkeeping sperry@dcstn.org
Stacey Green Nurse sgreen@dcstn.org
Madison LaMont School Counselor mlamont@dcstn.org
Elizabeth Lee Cafeteria Manager elizabethlee@dcstn.org
Melissa Nicholson Social Studies mnicholson@dcstn.org
Related Arts Wendi Work Art wwork@dcstn.org
Dan Salley Band / Comp Sci dsalley@dcstn.org
Adam Bogle Careers / CTE abogle@dcstn.org
Kayley Christian Music kchristian@dcstn.org
Paige Head PE / Health phead@dcstn.org
Tanya Williams Library / Writing twilliams@dcstn.org
��A Note About P.E.
All students are expected to participate regularly in P.E. A parent note is required for short-term non-participation, and a doctor’s note is needed for ongoing medical exemptions. Students must wear closed-toed tennis shoes to participate. Failure to follow this rule will result in lost participation points. If your student needs help meeting this requirement, please contact school administration.
A Note About Being in the Hallway
Students in the hallway during class time MUST have a hall pass. These will be provided by the teacher
Prohibited Items at School
�� Items Not Allowed at School
To help maintain a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment, the following items are not permitted on campus:
● Energy Drinks & Highly Caffeinated Beverages or Snacks
(e.g., Red Bull, Celsius, Monster, Bang, Prime Energy, Energy Gum)
● Toys & Collectibles
(e.g., plushies, trading cards, slime, action figures, hot wheels)
● Electronic Devices Not for Learning
(e.g., gaming systems, smartwatches with messaging, Bluetooth speakers)
● Fidget Toys
Unless part of a documented support plan (IEP, 504, or behavior plan)
● Blankets, Pillows, & Similar Comfort Items
● Personal Grooming Sprays
(e.g., perfume, body spray, aerosol deodorant, nail polish)
● Excessive Candy, Large Bags of Chips, or Two-Liter Drinks
To reduce mess and classroom distractions
● Vapes, Tobacco, Lighters, or Matches
All are strictly prohibited and result in disciplinary action
● Sharp Objects or Unsafe Tools
(e.g., pocket knives, laser pointers, or tools)
● Medications Not Approved by the School Nurse
All medication must be stored and administered by the nurse
Any prohibited item brought to school is subject to confiscation and may result in disciplinary action.
Violation Consequences
● 1st Offense – Phone Taken Up/Warning/Parent or Guardian Pick-up
● 2nd Offense – Phone Taken Up/1 Day ISS/Parent or Guardian Pick-up
● 3rd Offense – Phone Taken Up/2 Day ISS/Parent or Guardian Pick-up
● 4th Offense – Phone Taken Up Daily for 3 days/ Given Back at the Endof-the Day
● 5th Offense – Phone Taken Up Daily for 5 days/ Given Back at the End-of-the Day
● 6th Offense – Phone Taken Up Daily for 10 days/Given Back at the End-of-the Day
Persistent Violation of School Rules May Result in 10 or more days at New Direction Academy
Prohibited Devices / Items:
Cellphones, Tablets, Personal computers, Gaming devices, Smart watches, Earbuds (classroom use only), Headphones (classroom use only)
�� STOPit App – Anonymous Reporting
Our school uses the STOPit app to promote a safe, supportive environment. STOPit allows students to report concerns anonymously—including bullying, threats, harassment, or anything that makes you or others feel unsafe. Your reports will text and email your school principals.
You can use the app to:
● Report incidents with text, photos, or video
● Communicate anonymously with school staff
● Help keep our school safe
Download the STOPit app and enter our school access code: GoColonels.
Behavior and Discipline Dickson County Schools
Middle School Discipline Matrix
**ADMINISTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ASSESS EACH DISCIPLINARY ACTION ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS AND DETERMINE WHICH COURSE OF ACTION IS THE BEST BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION FOR THE STUDENT AT THAT TIME**
Offense Progressionary Consequences
Assault of Faculty or Staff*
Assault of Student*
Bullying
Bus Misconduct
Out of School Suspension and petition to DHA for possible NDA placement.
*Possible charges filed with juvenile court
1st offense: 3 days OSS/ILS to NDA
2nd offense: 5 days OSS/ILS to NDA
3rd offense: 10 days OSS/ILS to NDA
*Possible charges filed with juvenile court
See Bullying Page
https://www.dcstn.org/BullyingPolicy.aspx
1st offense: Verbal warning and parent contact
2nd offense: 3 day bus suspension
3rd offense: 5 day bus suspension
4th offense: 10 day bus suspension
5th offense: Bus privileges revoked for the remainder of the school year.
Cell Phone/ Electronics
1st offense: Student pick up after school
2nd offense: Parent pick up from office
3rd offense: Parent pick up and lunch detention and student turns phone into office for 5 school days. Any further offenses will result in parent pickup and progressive ISS time up to, but not limited to, an OSS/ILS to NDA at administration’s discretion
**If a student refuses to give up the phone to staff it is automatic 3 days of ISS and an additional referral for refusal of staff direction.
Further offenses: 5 day ISS; 1 day OSS; 3 days OSS; 5 Days
ILS NDA
Teachers will submit a discipline referral when a student has not charged his or her device 3 times within one 9 week grading period and each subsequent time thereafter.
3rd offense - lunch detention
4th tardy offense - lunch detention x2
5th offense - 1 day ISS
Further offenses: 3 day ISS, 5 day ISS, 1 day OSS
Conduct Predjudicial to Good Order
Note: "Conduct prejudicial to good order" is a phrase commonly used in military, disciplinary, or professional settings It refers to behavior that, while it may not violate a specific rule or regulation, undermines the discipline, morale, or functioning of an organization.
Dangerous weapons/firearms
Disrespect to Staff
*administrative discretion based on severity of disrespect
Disruptive Conduct
*If a student must be removed from or is asked to leave a classroom, please see "Classroom Removals" matrix.
Dress Code
*Students will be placed in ISS if dress code infraction can not be corrected.
Administrator discretion. This offense can range from ISS for a first time offense to an out of school suspension or petition for a DHA. The consequence depends on the nature of the infraction.
Zero Tolerance Offense 1 year out of school Charges filed with the juvenile court or NDA
1st offense: 1 day of ISS and parent contact
2nd offense: 3 days of ISS
3rd offense: 1 days of OSS
4th offense: 3 days of OSS
5th offense: 5 days of OSS (NDA placement required for OSS 5 days or greater)
1st offense: 1 day lunch detention
2nd offense: 3 days lunch detention, administrator parent contact
3rd offense: 1 day ISS
4th offense: 3 days ISS
5th offense: 5 days ISS
Further offenses: 1 day OSS, 3 days OSS, 5 days ILS at NDA
1st offense: Given option to correct and go back to class with a verbal warning and copy of the dress code.
Administrator parent contact.
2nd offense: Given option to correct and 3 days of lunch detention. Administrator parent contact.
Filming a Fight w/ a Cellphone on school grounds
*double offense: both phone offense and fight filmography
3rd offense: 1 day of ISS. Administrator parent contact.
4th offense: 3 days of ISS. Administrator parent contact.
5th offense: Further offenses: 1 day OSS, 3 days OSS, 5 days ILS at NDA
1st offense: 3 days ISS
2nd offense: 3 days OSS/ILS to NDA
3rd offense: 5 days OSS/ILS to NDA
1st offense: 3 days OSS
2nd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA
Fighting
Horseplay
*Administrative discretion based on severity of horseplay.
3rd offense: 10 days OSS and a DHA scheduled with the Central Office.
1st offense: 1 day lunch detention
2nd offense: 3 days lunch detention, administrator parent contact
3rd offense: 1 day ISS
4th offense: 3 days ISS
5th offense: 5 days ISS
Further offenses: 1 day OSS, 3 days OSS, 5 days ILS at NDA
Illegal drugs/Alcohol
Inappropriate language toward a teacher or staff member
Zero Tolerance Offense. 1 year out of school. Charges filed with the juvenile court or NDA.
1st offense: 1 day OSS
2nd offense: 3 day OSS
3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA
1st offense: 3 days ISS and a verbal warning and discussion of future consequences. Parent contact required.
Instigating a Fight
2nd offense: 3 days OSS
Further offenses: 5 days ILS at NDA, Suspended pending a DHA
Intimidation / Group Intimidation
Leaving Campus Without Permission (Elopement)
*admin discretion
Persistent violation of school rules (15 or more discipline offenses in 1 school year warrants a DHA)
Parents will be notified a student begins a path for a DHA with first OSS. Discuss tiered out of school suspension matrix (1, 3, 5 ILS, DHA)
1st offense: 1 day ISS, administrator parent contact
2nd offense: 3 day ISS, parent meeting
3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA
1st offense: 3 days ISS and discussion of school policy and procedures
2nd offense: 3 day OSS
3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA
Public Display of Affection (PDA)
Petition to DHA for willful and persistent behavior.
Refusal of Staff Direction
1st offense: Lunch detention and a warning / discussion of school rules - administrator parent contact
2nd offense: 1 day of ISS
3rd offense: 3 days ISS- parent conference
4th offense: 5 days ISS
Further offenses: 1 day OSS, 3 days OSS, 5 days ILS at NDA
1st offense: 3 days of ISS and parent contact
2nd offense: 5 days of ISS and parent meeting
3rd offense: 1 day OSS
4th offense: 3 day OSS
5th offense: 5 day OSS at NDA
Sexual, racial, ethnic and/or religious discrimination/harassment *
1st offense: 3 days ISS and parent meeting and school rule conversation
2nd offense: 3 day OSS
3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA
*Depending on severity, students are subject to be suspended pending a DHA for a first offense.
Skipping class (5 or less minutes) / Leaving class without permission
4th offense: Petition for DHA
Skipping Class (5 or more minutes)
1st offense: Lunch Detention and warning / discussion of school rules - parent contact
2nd offense: 1 day of ISS
3rd offense: 3 days of ISS-parent conference
4th offense: 3 days OSS/ILS to NDA
1st offense: 1 day of ISS - warning / discussion of school rules - parent contact
2nd offense: 3 days of ISS-parent conference
3rd offense: 3 days OSS
4th offense: 5 days OSS/ILS to NDA
Teachers will submit a discipline referral when a student has been tardy to class 3 times within one 9 week grading period and each subsequent time thereafter.
Tardy (repeated tardy)
1st repeated tardy offense - lunch detention
2nd offense - lunch detention x2
3rd offense - 1 day ISS
Further offenses: 3 day ISS, 5 day ISS, 1 day OSS
1st offense: Return or pay for the item and 3 day of ISS
2nd offense: 5 day of ILS to NDA
Theft (over 50.00)
Theft (under $50.00)
Threatening others
3rd offense: Petition for a DHA **depending on the severity of the situation, a citation may be issued.
1st offense: Return or pay for the item and 1 day of ISS
2nd offense: 3 day of ISS
3rd offense: 5 day of ILS to NDA
4th offense: Petition for a DHA
Depending on the nature of the threat, consequences ranging from ISS to OSS will be served.
1st offense: 3 days of ISS-report to juvenile court
2nd offense: 5 days ISS- report to juvenile court
3rd offense: 3 days OSS - report to juvenile court
Depending on the nature of the touching, consequences ranging from ISS to OSS will be served. Possible Petition for a DHA depending on the situation.
Vandalism
Vulgar or inappropriate language
At the discretion of the administration based on the incident. Citations may be pursued for any damage completed to the school property. Vandalism is any action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to school property.
Depending on the severity of the statement / language, consequences ranging from lunch detention to OSS will be served. For minor inappropriate language offenses, the following will be used as a basis for consequence
progression:
1st offense: 1 day lunch detention
2nd offense: 3 days lunch detention, administrator parent contact
3rd offense: 5 days lunch detention
4th offense: 1 day ISS
5th offense: 3 days ISS
6th offense: 5 days ISS
Further offenses: 1 day OSS, 3 days OSS, 5 days ILS at NDA
Signature Page for WJMS Student Handbook 2025-2026
Review the WJMS Student Handbook before signing this page.
My student and I have reviewed the William James Middle School Student Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year and are aware of the information and procedures it contains
Student name (print)
Signature of Student Date
Signature of Parent Date
Please sign and return this to your student’s homeroom teacher.
