Burns Middle Student Handbook

BURNS MIDDLE SCHOOL 88 Bobcat Trail Burns, TN 37029 (615) 740-1860 Twitter: @BurnsMiddleSchool

Allison Kruse, Principal akruse@dcstn.org

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Scott Roberts, Assistant Principal ​

sroberts@dcstn.org

Table of Contents Respect, Responsibility, Effort.................................................................................................................. 3 Burns Middle School's Mission is:............................................................................................................3 Burns Middle School's Vision is:.............................................................................................................. 3 Burns Middle School Goals:...................................................................................................................... 3 Skyward:...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Arrival...........................................................................................................................................................3 Dismissal..................................................................................................................................................... 4 Attendance Policy.......................................................................................................................................4 Tardy/Early Dismissal............................................................................................................................. 4 Perfect Attendance Guidelines............................................................................................................... 4 Unexcused Absences.............................................................................................................................5 Excessive Absences...............................................................................................................................5 Warranted Absences.............................................................................................................................. 5 ICU = Intensive Care Unit........................................................................................................................... 5 Incentive/Reward Days...............................................................................................................................5 Grading Scale..............................................................................................................................................5 Medication Policy........................................................................................................................................6 Communicable Diseases (Policy 6.403)....................................................................................................6 Health Screenings:..................................................................................................................................... 6 Annual Information Regarding Meningococcal Disease:........................................................................7 Annual Information Regarding Influenza:............................................................................................... 7 Dress Code.................................................................................................................................................. 7 Guidelines for Behavior............................................................................................................................. 9 Code of Conduct.....................................................................................................................................9 Cafeteria Behavior:................................................................................................................................... 12 Outside Food Policy:............................................................................................................................ 13 Meal Prices...........................................................................................................................................13 Cell Phone Policy *Applies to all electronic/communication devices................................................. 13 Picture/Video............................................................................................................................................. 14 Lockers...................................................................................................................................................... 14 Dropping Off Items for Students............................................................................................................. 14 Valuable Items........................................................................................................................................... 14 Visitors....................................................................................................................................................... 14 Conferences.............................................................................................................................................. 14 Transportation...........................................................................................................................................14 Inclement Weather.................................................................................................................................... 15 Field Trips.................................................................................................................................................. 15 Field Trip Requirements:...................................................................................................................... 15 School Dances.......................................................................................................................................... 16 Crisis Plan and Drills................................................................................................................................ 16 Chromebook..............................................................................................................................................16 Dickson County Schools Testing Calendar 2025-2026......................................................................... 18

District Mission: To provide all students with the opportunities and pathways needed to achieve their personal best and be prepared for their chosen career and life.

District Vision: Leading · Teaching · Learning Together (LT)2 District Goals: 1. Advance the academic achievement of all students.

2. Create a positive environment for all staff members and support their professional growth.

3. Continue to enhance district facilities and maintain safe learning environments.

4. Continue to enhance relationships with parents and the community. 5.

Provide opportunities for community education and lifelong growth.

How do we get there? ● Rigor ● Relationships ● Relevance ● Relentlessness

BMS Motto: Respect, Responsibility, Effort Respect: Treat every member of the BMS team with respect. Those members include teachers, staff, and students.

Responsibility: Take responsibility for your actions, work, and school. You can and will make a difference.

Effort: Always put forth your best effort 100% of the time.

Burns Middle School's Mission is: To provide a comprehensive education that will support the emotional, social, and academic development of each student in the Burns Middle School Community.

Burns Middle School's Vision is: To prepare students for their future endeavors through a highly supportive and student-centered community of learning to promote academic, social, and emotional growth.

Burns Middle School Goals: To establish a culture of learning in which students strive to take ownership of their own learning.

To establish a positive attitude towards learning that is characterized by curiosity, a willingness to embrace challenges, and a positive approach to learning new knowledge and skills.

To continue to enhance relationships with parents and the community.

Skyward: Attendance, discipline, grades, and other pertinent information are accessible to parents and students in Skyward. Download the free app on your mobile device or log in through the Dickson County Schools website at http://www.dcstn.org/. You must provide a current email address and a working phone number in Skyward to receive daily communications, school announcements, and discipline reports (infractions).

If you need help getting started or an initial password, contact Mrs. Misty Cochran in the BMS office.

Arrival Doors open at 7:00 a.m. Students may not be dropped off before this time. Students arriving before 7:45 a.m. will proceed directly to the gym or cafeteria upon arrival at school and sit in the designated area for their grade level. Students MUST remain in the gym or cafeteria until dismissal. Students are not permitted to wander the halls or enter classrooms without a written note from a teacher or staff member.

The bell rings at 7:50 a.m. If students are not in class at this time, they will be considered tardy and must proceed to the office to obtain a late slip.

Dismissal At 2:55, car riders are dismissed to the front of the building. Early bus riders are dismissed to the bus loading area at the back of the building. Late bus riders are dismissed to the gym.

For safety and security reasons, no car riders should line up in the car rider line before 2:40 p.m.

Students can check their cell phones for messages as announcements are completed in the afternoon.

If you need to make dismissal changes for your child, please call the front office by 1:00 p.m. or send a note with your child to the office upon arrival at school.

Attendance Policy Regular school attendance is crucial to a student's academic success. Therefore, students must attend school every day. Students should strive to miss no more than five days of the school year.

School board policy (6.200) states that schools will accept up to five (5) parent notes per semester for a total of up to five (5) days absent per semester, before additional documentation will be required to excuse the absence. The written note must be provided to the school within five (5) school days of the student's return to school. State and school board policies require that a student be in attendance 95% of the academic school year. Email student absence information to Rose Maples at rmaples@dcstn.org All missed work must be made up within three (3) days after returning to school. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that this is done. Most work can be found on Google Classroom.

If a student misses one day and that day is a scheduled test, the student should be prepared to make up the test on the day they return to school. If a student misses one day and returns on test day, then the student shall take the test as scheduled, provided the test was announced before the absence.

Tardy/Early Dismissal Students will be considered tardy to school when they arrive in the classroom AFTER 7:50. Students are to report to the office for late admission.

Policy 6.200: The number of unexcused tardies or unexcused early dismissals from school will contribute to the total number of unexcused school days, which will be included in filing truancy. The accumulation of eight (8) unexcused tardies or unexcused dismissals from school will be equal to one (1) unexcused school day.

To participate in school and team reward time, as well as field day, a student must have no unexcused absences, tardies, and/or early dismissals. All students are expected to bring a personal or professional note on the day they return to school from an absence. A maximum of 8 parent notes are allowed throughout the year. Individual grade-level teams may have other requirements to participate in activities.

Perfect Attendance Guidelines The following guidelines will be used to determine if a student has maintained perfect attendance during the school day. A student must be in class for at least 30 minutes to be considered present. Students will not be considered absent if they are attending a school-sponsored activity or have been approved by their teacher to be in an alternative location on campus. All other absences, including the nurse’s office, ISS, or any other disciplinary infraction, will be counted when determining perfect attendance at BMS.

Unexcused Absences After five unexcused absences, a student and parent will be petitioned to court for truancy.

Excessive Absences Students with excessive absences will need a doctor’s excuse for the absences to be excused. After three unexcused absences, a parent meeting may be required. After five unexcused absences, the student will be petitioned to court. Please DO NOT ask teachers to send work home unless there is an extended absence beyond one day. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss more than 10% of the school year (18 days), and is considered severely chronically absent when they miss 20% of the school year (36 days).

Warranted Absences Absences for reasons other than illness may be excused if, in the judgment of the principal, they are warranted. For example, attendance at a special event of educational value (prior approval required by the principal)

ICU = Intensive Care Unit The ICU list is our way of keeping a record of students who are missing work, have lunch detentions, or have committed discipline infractions. Any teacher or administrator can add a student's name for not completing or turning in an assignment on time. If a student's name is on this list, they might miss out on fun activities in individual classes and/or school-wide rewards. Parents and students will receive a weekly email regarding their progress, or lack thereof, for the week. Zeros will be given for late assignments.

Incentive/Reward Days At BMS, we will have reward days periodically throughout the year. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Reward Days for demonstrating good behavior, completing classwork, and maintaining attendance. Students are expected to follow the school's rules and teachers' instructions and to complete all assigned tasks. If these things are done, you will receive an invitation to Reward Day.

Grading Scale 100-90- A 89-80-B 79-70-C 69-60-D Below 60- F *In grades 6, 7, and 8, Related Arts shall be marked Pass/Fail at the end of the year. *Two or more failed subjects will result in mandatory attendance at summer school or grade-level retention for the following year.

Medication Policy Nursing Staff: Leanne Hosale- lhosale@dcstn.org If a child becomes ill at school, their temperature will be taken, and if a fever is detected, guardians will be notified. In the event of an emergency, and if care providers cannot be reached, an ambulance will be summoned. We suggest that care providers who work outside the home make special arrangements for someone to call and take care of the student in the event of illness while they are at school.

Only designated school personnel are permitted to administer medications.

Students are not permitted to transport or possess medications at any time. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if a student is found to have any type of medication (prescription or nonprescription) without prior approval.

When a student needs to take prescribed medication at school, the following guidelines apply (Policy 6.405): Written instructions signed by the parent and provider will be required and will include the child’s name, name of the medication, name of the physician, time to be self-administered, dosage and directions for self-administration of the medication. The medication must be delivered to the nurse’s office in person by the parent or guardian of the student unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate self-administration (ie, students with asthma). On occasions when over-the-counter medicines must be administered, these medicines must be in the sealed, unopened, and original container. It is not anticipated that these medicines will be administered on an ongoing basis without a doctor’s order. If the child is under 12 years of age and the label on the over-the-counter medicine states that the medicine is not to be given to a person under the age of 12, a physician’s order must accompany the medicine.

Communicable Diseases (Policy 6.403) It shall be the duty of the school authorities to exclude any child from school who is infected with or suspected of having the following diseases: measles, rubella, mumps, chicken pox, pediculosis (head lice), scabies, and/or other illnesses designated by the local health officer as requiring exclusion.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal or designee to notify parents in the event the child has pediculosis (head lice). A letter will be sent home with the child, explaining the condition, the requirements for readmission, and the deadlines for satisfactory completion of treatment.

To return to school, a student must be examined by a school health official and found free of head lice. A student will be expected to have met all board requirements for treatment and return to school no later than one day following exclusion for head lice. All days over the allowable period will be marked as unexcused and referred to the attendance director at the proper time.

Health Screenings: Dickson County Schools offers health screenings to all students in the appropriate grade levels. Trained school personnel, school nurses, student nurses, and approved volunteers will complete all screenings with strict adherence to the confidentiality of each child and adolescent screened.

The following areas may be screened: blood pressure, hearing, vision, dental, height/weight, and scoliosis. If we screen your child and find any deviations from normal screening results, we will contact you regarding this matter. Please note that these services are provided at no charge. A parent or guardian may obtain copies of health screen results through the Skyward parent portal.

Annual Information Regarding Meningococcal Disease: Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus. These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly. They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).

These bacteria spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, such as saliva (e.g., through close contact, like kissing).

Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics; however, prompt medical attention is crucial.

Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.

Meningitis symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. There are often other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, or confusion. Later symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be very serious (seizures or coma).

For more information on meningococcal disease, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Annual Information Regarding Influenza: Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is different from a cold and usually comes on suddenly, lasting 7-10 days.

It is primarily spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.

Symptoms include fever or chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. Flu can also lead to pneumonia and blood infections, and cause diarrhea and seizures in children.

The first and most important step in preventing the flu is getting a flu vaccine yearly. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. Vaccines are available at your primary care provider’s office or the local health department.

For more information on influenza, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Dress Code The Burns Middle School dress code has been developed to promote a positive and safe learning environment for each student and the school.

Tops ·

Must have sleeves (No cold shoulder tops or slits in sleeves)

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No cleavage or undergarments visible

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Must completely cover midriff when arms are raised

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May not be sheer/see-through or lace or low-cut

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Must be free of holes, tears, and inappropriate language and/or logos

Bottoms ·

Shorts, skirts, and dresses MUST be at or below fingertip length

· Leggings may be worn as long as they are covered (shorts, skirt, dress, etc.) and completely around the bottom · No holes are allowed on any part of the pants. Fray and/or patches may be worn as long as no skin is visible. ·

Pants must fit and be worn at the waistline

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Undergarments or skin may not be visible

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No boxer (bandana, thin material) shorts.​

Accessories ·

No questionable slogans included, but not limited to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sex, gang/criminal activity

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No bandannas, combs, chains, facial paint, spiked necklaces or bracelets, sunglasses

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No hats or hoods inside the building

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No tails or animal ears

· No pajamas, house shoes, or bedroom slippers allowed. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. ·

No blankets allowed

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No drawing, writing, or painting on arms, legs, or face

· No toys (examples: stuffed animals, large squishies, dolls, trading cards, etc.) The teacher has the right to remove distracting items from the student. The student may pick the item up in the office at the end of the day.

No spray colognes or deodorants. This adversely affects students with allergies. · Body piercings are allowed unless they cause a disruption to the school day or become a safety issue.

Student may be asked to remove their piercing if this occurs **PE will be allowed to change for class. Students must change back to dress code clothing upon leaving the gym class. **Administration reserves the right to address issues that may arise on a case-by-case basis Consequences for dress code infractions: 1st offense: Warning and allowed to change 2nd offense: Lunch detention; 3 days -parent contact by administration 3rd offense: ISS; 1 day- parent contact by administration *Additional infractions will be considered a willful and persistent violation of school rules.

Guidelines for Behavior All students are expected to behave in a manner that reflects favorably on the school, not only during school hours but also at any out-of-school activity connected with the school, including, but not limited to, school functions, field trips, and athletic games. Behavior at any such activity will be documented in the student’s record, and misbehavior will be addressed by school officials accordingly. The administration reserves the right to address issues on a case-by-case basis.

Bullying: Burns Middle School recognizes that a safe learning environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Our school is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff. All incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, and hazing are strictly prohibited.

Middle School Discipline Matrix:

Assault of Faculty or Staff*

Out of School Suspension and petition to DHA for possible NDA placement. *Possible charges filed with juvenile court

Assault of Student*

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

Bullying https://www.dcstn.org/BullyingPolicy.aspx

Bus Misconduct

Cell Phone/ Electronics

1st offense: Verbal warning and parent contact 2nd offense: 3 days bus suspension 3rd offense: 5 days bus suspension 4th offense: 10 days bus suspension 5th offense: Bus privileges revoked for the remainder of the school year.

1st offense: Student picks up after school 2nd offense: Parent pick up from the office 3rd offense: Parent pick up and lunch detention, and the student turns the phone into the 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 the administration’s discretion. **If a student refuses to give up their phone to staff, it is automatic 3 days of ISS and an additional referral for refusal of staff direction.

Classroom Removals for Disruptive Conduct

1st offense: 1 day of ISS 2nd offense: 3 days ISS 3rd offense: 5 days ISS Further offenses: 1 day OSS, 3 days OSS, 5 days ILS at NDA

Cheating

1st offense - teacher discretion and documentation in Skyward; verbal warning with admin 2nd offense - teacher referral; lunch detention; parent contact 3rd offense - 1 day ISS 4th offense - 3 days ISS Further offenses: 5 days ISS; 1 day OSS; 3 days OSS; 5 Days ILS NDA

Chromebook Non-Compliance (School technology violation)

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 days ISS, 5 days ISS, 1 day OSS Conduct prejudicial to Good Order Note: "Conduct prejudicial to good order" is a phrase commonly used Administrator discretion. This offense can range from ISS for a in military, disciplinary, or first-time offense to an out-of-school suspension or petition for a professional settings. It refers to DHA. The consequence depends on the nature of the infraction. behavior that, while it may not violate a specific rule or regulation, undermines the discipline, morale, or functioning of an organization.

Dangerous weapons/firearms

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 Disrespect to Staff 2nd offense: 3 days of ISS 3rd offense: 1 day of OSS *administrative discretion based on 4th offense: 3 days of OSS the severity of disrespect 5th offense: 5 days of OSS (NDA placement required for OSS 5 days or greater) Disruptive Conduct *If a student must be removed from or is asked to leave a classroom, please see the "Classroom Removals" matrix.

Dress Code *Students will be placed in ISS if dress code infraction can not be corrected.

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 a copy of the dress code. Administrator parent contact.

2nd offense: Given option to correct and 3 days of lunch detention.

Administrator parent contact.

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

Filming a Fight w/ a Cellphone on school grounds 1st offense: 3 days ISS 2nd offense: 3 days OSS/ILS to NDA *double offense: both phone 3rd offense: 5 days OSS/ILS to NDA offense and fight filmography

Fighting

Horseplay *Administrative discretion based on severity of horseplay.

1st offense: 3 days OSS 2nd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA 3rd offense: 10 days OSS and a DHA scheduled with 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

Zero Tolerance Offense. 1 year out of school. Charges filed with the juvenile court or NDA.

Inappropriate language toward a teacher or staff member

1st offense: 1 day OSS 2nd offense: 3-day OSS 3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA

Instigating a Fight

1st offense: 3 days ISS and a verbal warning and discussion of future consequences. Parent contact required.

2nd offense: 3 days OSS Further offenses: 5 days ILS at NDA, Suspended pending a DHA

Intimidation / Group Intimidation

1st offense: 1 day ISS, administrator parent contact 2nd offense: 3-day ISS, parent meeting 3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA

Leaving Campus Without Permission (Elopement) *Admin discretion

1st offense: 3 days ISS and discussion of school policy and procedures 2nd offense: 3-day OSS 3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA

Persistent violation of school rules (15 or more discipline offenses in 1 school year warrants a DHA) Parents will be notified when a Petition to DHA for willful and persistent behavior. student begins a path for a DHA with first OSS. Discuss tiered out-of-school suspension matrix (1, 3, 5 ILS, DHA) 1st offense: Lunch detention and a warning/discussion of school rules - administrator, parent contact 2nd offense: 1 day of ISS Public Display of Affection (PDA) 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

Refusal of Staff Direction Includes failure to complete assignments on time

1st offense: 3 days of ISS and parent contact 2nd offense: 5 days of ISS and a parent meeting 3rd offense: 1 day OSS 4th offense: 3 days OSS 5th offense: 5 days OSS at NDA

Sexual, racial, ethnic, and/or religious discrimination/harassment.*

1st offense: 3 days ISS and parent meeting, and a school rule conversation 2nd offense: 3 days OSS *Depending on severity, students 3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA are subject to suspension pending a 4th offense: Petition for DHA DHA for a first offense.

1st offense: Lunch Detention and warning/discussion of school rules - parent contact Skipping class (5 or fewer minutes) 2nd offense: 1 day of ISS / Leaving class without permission 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 Skipping Class (5 or more minutes) 2nd offense: 3 days of ISS-parent conference 3rd offense: 3 days OSS 4th offense: 5 days OSS/ILS to NDA

Tardy (repeated tardy)

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.

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

Theft (over 50.00)

1st offense: Return or pay for the item and 3 days of ISS 2nd offense: 5 days of ILS to NDA 3rd offense: Petition for a DHA **Depending on the severity of the situation, a citation may be issued.

Theft (under $50.00)

1st offense: Return or pay for the item and 1 day of ISS 2nd offense: 3 days of ISS 3rd offense: 5 days of ILS to NDA 4th offense: Petition for a DHA

Threatening others

Depending on the nature of the threat, consequences ranging from ISS to OSS will be served.

Tobacco/Tobacco products/ANY electronic smoking device

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

Unwanted Touching (sexual)

Depending on the nature of the touching, consequences ranging from ISS to OSS will be served—a possible Petition for a DHA depending on the situation.

Vandalism

At the discretion of the administration based on the incident.

Citations may be pursued for any damage caused to the school property. Vandalism is any action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to school property.

Vulgar or inappropriate language

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 of lunch detention, administrator parent contact 3rd offense: 5 days of 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

Common Areas Behavior: Students are expected to walk safely in the hallways, facing forward and keeping their hands and feet to themselves. Students should take time to use the restroom between classes so as not to miss class time, except in emergencies. Students have seven times a day to use the restroom between classes. If A student who leaves class to use the restroom, they will sign out for safety purposes. ​

Not in a stall? Stay in the hall. If a student is going to the restroom and all stalls are full, the

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student will wait in the hall until a person exits the restroom.

Student Athelete Behavior: Any student assigned to ISS for a school day will not be allowed to participate in sports that afternoon.

It is the student’s responsibility to inform his or her coach that they spent time in ISS. The coach may have discretion about participation for lesser offenses.

Cafeteria Behavior: BMS wants students to be able to talk and interact during lunch. Students are expected to maintain the same level of control and noise level as they do in the classroom. Students will converse with only the people at their table.

The following are lunchroom expectations: *All school rules apply *Pay attention when standing in line, and keep the line moving *Be courteous to one another *Ask permission and sign out before leaving the cafeteria *Dispose of all trash and keep your area clean *Students will maintain good table manners and not play with their trays or food

Outside Food Policy: If a student forgets their lunch at home, parents can bring it to the front office and the student will be able to pick it up. Students are not allowed to receive fast food or other food deliveries during the school day.

If a parent brings “fast food” items for their child for lunch, the student will be allowed to eat them in the front ●​ office but not in the cafeteria. This includes coffee, drinks, and other beverages. (ie, take-out, pizza, etc.)

Meal Prices Breakfast- Student- $2.00 Lunch- Student-$3.50

Adult- $ 3.00

Adult- $5.00

Parents of students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch: Visit www.lunchapplication.com to register your student or complete a paper application available at your school. If you need further assistance, please contact the School Nutrition Program at 615.740.5801.

Cell Phone Policy *Applies to all electronic/communication devices * Students are permitted to possess a cell phone. However, at no time shall the school assume responsibility for its use and care or be responsible for preventing theft, loss, or damage to phones brought onto school property. *Cell Phones must be “OFF” AND “PUT AWAY” BEFORE ENTERING THE BUILDING. “Put away” is defined as being placed in a backpack or purse. Phones are not to be turned on following the morning bell and cannot be turned on until following afternoon announcements. Turning a phone to “silent,” “vibrate,” or “do not disturb” does not comply with this policy. *All electronic devices, including tablets, laser pointers, and the inappropriate use of smart watches, will be treated as a cell phone infraction. *Text messaging is not permitted during school hours, unless directed by staff, and will be treated as a cell phone infraction.

Picture/Video At no time shall a student operate any device with video or picture-taking capabilities in a locker room, classroom, bathroom, or other location where such operation may violate the privacy rights of another person. A device used outside these parameters shall be confiscated until such time as it may be released to the student’s parent or guardian. A student who violates Policy 6.312 is subject to disciplinary action.

Lockers No Lockers will be utilized until further notice.

Dropping Off Items for Students If a student needs an item dropped off (instrument, binder, lunch, money, etc.), please ensure that you have already labeled the item with your student’s name before dropping it off at the front office. Student items may be dropped off in the front foyer on the designated table. Use the A-phone system (ring button) to call the office regarding the drop-off of the item. Items need to be labeled.

Valuable Items ·

Burns Middle School will not be responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items.

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Do NOT bring large amounts of money or valuable items to school.

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No stainless steel/metal or glass bottles. All water bottles must have a closable cap. No energy drinks.

Visitors ·

All persons visiting the school will first check in at the office.

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Identification is required.

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Non-students are not to visit students enrolled in this school.

Conferences We are committed to providing our students with the best educational environment; we strive to minimize interruptions and distractions. We welcome open communication and parent conferences. Please schedule these during the teacher’s planning time. Conferences with administrators will be by appointment only.

Transportation · Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right. · Students are expected to follow all rules set by the DCBOE and the bus driver.

· Students can be suspended or expelled for disobedience or disturbances on buses. · Students who ride buses to an elementary school are under the supervision of the elementary principal. · Students wishing to ride a different bus must obtain a yellow bus pass from the front office. Riding a different bus must be approved by our transportation office. (615-740-5970) and then notify the BMS front office before 1:00 pm. Children will not be allowed to get off the school bus except at their designated destination, unless prior arrangements have been made through the front office and a yellow bus pass has been obtained.

As a rule, your child should know each day how they will get home. However, during the course of the day, if something changes and your child will be taking a different mode of transportation home that is not his/her usual mode of transportation, the office must be notified by 1:00 to notify your child. Please do not contact your child directly about transportation changes; instead, call the office so the teacher will also be aware of the change.

Inclement Weather ·

Information on school closures will be made via: o Television o Radio o Website dcstn.org/bms.aspx o Facebook o Twitter @BurnsMiddleScho o School information line at 615-441-1994 o In-touch (automated phone system)

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It is imperative that your child knows how he/she is to get home on these abbreviated days.

Field Trips ·

Purpose is to enhance learning and/or reward students for academic excellence and/or behavior.

Field Trip Requirements: *No suspensions at any time during the school year *No time spent at NDA *Less than three (3) days in ISS

*Less than 50 discipline points *No D’s or F’s on the report card at any time during the school year; currently passing all classes *No unexcused absences (All unexcused absences must be reconciled by the last day of the current nine weeks. Notes will not be accepted after that time.) *All debts must be paid, including the cafeteria, to participate in field trips.

School Dances ·

Throughout the year, students may attend dances at the school.

·

Attire should be school-appropriate.

· Parents must pick students up by the end time given. If students are picked up late, they may not be allowed to attend the next school dance. ·

If a student is absent on the day of a dance, they will not be permitted to attend the dance.

· Students who have extreme or excessive discipline issues and/or a lack of academic effort will NOT be permitted in the dance. · Administration and teachers reserve the right to make decisions on dance attendance on a case-by-case basis.

School Clubs At Burns Middle School, students will have the opportunity to participate in after-school clubs. Below is a list of available clubs and a brief description of each one. ​ Student Council - Students may choose to run for student council, a position that is voted on by their peers and requires being in good academic standing and being a good citizen in our school community. Students will work on school events, greet and give tours to new students, run office errands, and be ambassadors for Burns Middle School. ​ BMS Choir- Students who choose to join the choir will stay after school and rehearse musical pieces leading up to performances. The choir is also responsible for performing at school events and representing BMS when requested by different organizations. The choir also competes in competitions, and students also have the opportunity to showcase their talents by auditioning for solos and competing in mid-state and all-state events. ​ Yearbook Staff- Students will meet with the yearbook sponsor to create and produce a classbook for the school year. Students will help with layout and design decisions, gathering data, attending school functions to make photographs, using software to upload photos and information, and proofreading and making corrections. ​ School Newspaper Staff - Students will meet with a sponsor to determine content and take on assignments to cover school events, sports events, weather, the school calendar, and various

creative writing, interviews, and entertainment pieces. Students will also distribute papers and have social time together. ​ STEM Club- Students will meet after school to participate in hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities. These include doing a variety of creative projects, with opportunities to work as a team and develop friendships while deepening knowledge of STEM-related employment opportunities. ​ History Club- Students will meet after school to learn more about the past, and the rich history of the Country and the World. Students may take a field trip to local historical sites in Tennessee, and they will have the opportunity to bring in artifacts and share their knowledge with peers.

Crisis Plan and Drills Burns Middle School’s crisis team has developed a plan to keep the students and staff of BMS safe in the event of a crisis. Periodically, Burns Middle School will conduct drills to ensure that students and staff can execute our emergency plan.

Chromebook The Chromebook is intended for daily use at school. In addition to teacher expectations for Chromebook use, school messages, announcements, calendars, academic textbooks, student handbooks, and schedules can be accessed using the Chromebook. Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebook to all classes fully charged, unless their teacher specifically advises them not to do so. If a student leaves their Chromebook at home, they will phone a parent or guardian to bring the Chromebook to school. The student, parent/guardian, must read and sign the DCS Chromebook User Guide/Handbook and the Technology Protection Plan before a Chromebook is issued to the student. Chromebooks will be treated like any other district-owned equipment. If the item is lost, damaged, or stolen, compensation will be sought. If the item is not returned or compensated, we will work with the SRO to file a police report.

The current cost of lost or damaged devices and chargers can be found here. Additionally, Chromebooks must remain in a school-provided case at all times. Damaged or lost Chromebook cases will result in a cost of $30 for the replacement of the case. Other common costs to be aware of include the cost of a replacement charger for those that are lost or damaged ($30) and the cost to repair a damaged Chromebook screen (non-touch screen: $50, touch screen: $110). The cost to replace a fully damaged or lost device can be found via the link provided above. Purchasing the Chromebook protection plan is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED for all students. Students who owe for a Chromebook or charger will not be issued a replacement until the debt is cleared.

Chromebook issues should be handled using the following procedures: 1.​ Students should review the Chromebook Troubleshooting Guide located in their classroom or online via the provided link.

2.​ Students should follow the steps outlined in the guide to address any issues.

3.​ If the issue cannot be resolved or the guide directs you to do so, report the issue to the building’s Chromebook manager (i.e., library/librarian).

Issues that should be immediately reported: ●​ Damages to Chromebook devices or chargers. ●​ Stolen/lost Chromebooks. ●​ A student is causing damage to another student’s device.

●​ Intentional mistreatment of the Chromebook device or charger by a student. ●​ Lost/missing classroom loaners.

Students have no expectations of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of a school-provided Chromebook.

BMS Agreement Signature Page After reading the information contained in the handbook, complete the section below. Return the entire page to your fourth-period teacher.

My child and I have read and reviewed the Burns Middle School Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. We understand the contents of both documents and agree to abide by them.

Student's Name/Signature _________________________________/_______________________________

Parent's Name/Signature __________________________________/________________________________

Homeroom Teacher: _____________________

A copy of the BMS student handbook was emailed to each student’s family through Skyward email. If you wish to have a printed hard copy, contact your child’s homeroom-4th-period teacher.

2026-2027 Updated 7.12.26