DMS Student Handbook

Dickson Middle School​ Student Handbook

We are the Dragon Nation! Our historic building is purposefully placed in the heart of Dickson, Tennessee. We are the heart of Dickson County. We are relentless. We never stop; we never quit. We go one more round for each other. ​ Be Responsible….Be Respectful….Be READY!!!

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Dr. Kristen Lynch - Principal Ms. Taylor Gilbert - Assistant Principal Mr. Marcus Peters - Assistant Principal

Dickson Middle School

For up-to-date information refer to:

401 East College Street Dickson, TN 37055 Telephone: 615-446-2273 Fax: 615-441-4139

Web: https://www.dcstn.org/dms.aspx Facebook – DicksonMiddleSchool37055 Twitter – @DMSDragons

​ Office Personnel ​ Bookkeeper

Lisa Hunt, Registrar

Gala Cook, Guidance Counselor

Jennifer Patton, School Nurse

Kim Estes, Attendance Secretary

Colleen Laidlaw, Cafeteria Manager

Ethan Fussell, Guidance Counselor and RTI

Julie Potter, Librarian

Bertha Green, ISS

Ken Howard, SRO Christy Uhl, Student Support Specialist

School Hours School hours are from 7:50 A.M. to 2:55 P.M. Doors will open at 7:00 A.M. and will be secured at 4:00 P.M. Students arriving prior to 7:40 A.M. will go directly to the gym or cafeteria upon arrival to school and sit in designated areas. Students must remain in the gym or cafeteria until dismissed. Unless under the direct supervision of a teacher or other staff member, students may only be in the building between 7:00 A. M. and 4:00 P.M. Students must be signed in to the office by a guardian if they are late to school. Parents may not just send their child inside after 7:50 A.M. Parents must also come inside to sign their child out for early dismissal. Students may not leave the building prior to being signed out in the front office.

Mission Statement DMS is committed to meeting the social and emotional needs of all students while promoting high levels of learning to prepare them for educational and civic endeavors.

Vision DMS will be a safe, student-centered environment that uses data and collaboration among all stakeholders to foster lifelong learning.

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Beliefs 1.​ DMS believes in a strong academic setting with learning as the top priority.

2.​ Collaborative efforts for learning and decision-making are the responsibilities of students, families, the community, and the DMS staff.

3.​ Challenging and innovative lessons stimulate critical thinking, reasoning, questioning, and creativity.

4.​ Everyone learns and can perform with high standards, as measured through standardized assessments, when present and actively engaged in the learning process. ​ 5.​ Teamwork is vital for success, and individuality is treasured.

6.​ Strong work ethics and personal responsibility are prized and rewarded.

7.​ Comprehensive development embraces intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being as a vital component of each individual.​ 8.​ Grade level transition requires higher expectations and more responsibility that progress toward independence.​ 9.​ Community organizations and individuals offer unique and valuable contributions to our educational programs and are a part of our educational goals.​ 10.​School policy is developed in a united effort between administration, teachers, parents, community members, and all other stakeholders.

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DMS Essential 30​ 1.​ Responding to adults – When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying “Yes ma’am” or “No sir”.

2.​ Make eye contact – When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person.

3.​ Congratulating a peer – If someone in class does something well or wins something, congratulate that person.

4.​ Respect other students’ comments, opinions, and ideas.

5.​ If you win, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger.

6.​ Do not disrespect with gestures. Do not roll your eyes, “tsk” or “humph”.

7.​ Always say “thank you” when given something. Be sure that you do not insult the gift or the giver.

8.​ Do not ask for a reward – It is rude to ask for a gift or reward for good behavior or for grades. You should try to do your best and be good because you are trying to better yourself, not because you expect a reward.

9.​ When assignments are given, complete them every day. Do not moan or complain.

10.​Transitions should be swift, quiet, and orderly. Hall transitions should be to the right of the hallway.

11.​Follow specific classroom protocols.

12.​Know administrators and other teachers by name and greet them in the hall by name.

13.​Greet newcomers and make them feel welcome. Shake their hand and ask their name.

14.​Mind your own business – If a student is being reprimanded, do not add comment, smirk, or ask the student about the situation.

15.​Push in your chair when you get up from a table. Pick up and throw away trash, even if it’s not yours.

16.​When offered food, only take your fair share.

17.​If someone drops something and you are close to it, pick it up.

18.​Hold the door for people rather than letting it close on them.

19.​If someone bumps into you, say “excuse me”, even if it’s not your fault.

20.​Ladies first 21.​Remove caps or hats upon entering a building.

22.​Never cut in line.

23.​Keep your hands to yourself.

24.​Stand up for what’s right.

25.​Surprise others by doing random acts of kindness.

26.​Be positive and enjoy life.

27.​Learn from your mistakes and move on.

28.​No matter what the circumstances, always be honest.

29.​Be the best person you can be.

30.​Carpe Diem - Seize the day!

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DMS DRESS CODE Students normally may wear only the following items during the school day: ●​ Sleeved shirts that cover cleavage and midriffs ●​ Pants that are free of holes and frays above the knee that show skin ●​ Dresses, skirts, and shorts that are beyond fingertips ●​ Proper undergarments that are not visible ●​ Appropriate shoes Students may not wear the following: ●​ Cold shoulder or slit sleeve tops ●​ Sheer/see-through items ●​ Leggings (including athletic leggings, yoga pants, and flared leggings) unless their top hits mid-thigh (see red box) ●​ Bicycle shorts ●​ Clothes, buttons, backpacks, purses, accessories, etc. with questionable slogans such as tobacco, alcohol, or drug advertisements; the use of profanity; sexual connotations; or gang affiliation ●​ Costumes, costume wigs, body or face paint ●​ Blankets ●​ Sunglasses ●​ Hoods, hats, or other head coverings inside the buildings ●​ Pajamas or pajama-like articles ●​ House Shoes

​ Students shall dress and groom in a clean, neat, and modest manner so as not to distract or interfere with the educational environment of the school as determined by the administration. **Administration reserves the right to address issues that may arise on a case by case basis.

We believe in setting students up for success. Beginning the second week of school, students out of dress code will be sent to the office. If students can make a phone call home and be in compliance in a timely manner, they will be sent back to class. If not, students will be placed in ISS for the remainder of the day. Continued or repeated violation of the dress code will result in further disciplinary action. The school may furnish appropriate clothing. Dickson Middle School has the right to modify this policy as necessary and reserves the right to determine what may be disruptive or unsafe.

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DMS Cell Phone and Mobile Device Guidelines Dickson Middle School recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration, and provides devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following:7 ●​ Cell phones and all other mobile devices (including iPods and MP3 players) shall be TURNED OFF when entering school campus. Earbuds/headphones are prohibited.​ ●​ Cell phones and all other mobile devices shall be kept in a student’s backpack – not in clothing pockets.​ ●​ Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used in a classroom, library, common areas, or restrooms. Filming in school is strictly prohibited and is treated separately from our cell phone policy. See discipline matrix.​ ●​ Cell phones and all mobile devices can be turned back on once students have arrived at their dismissal location and used to communicate directly with parents/friends who are assisting in transportation.​ ●​ Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used during transition times or between classes.​ ●​ If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they are to come up to the office. Contact with students from parents/guardians can also be made through the office.

Cell Phone/ Electronics Violation (phones will be confiscated and sent to office)​ ●​ 1st offense: Student pick up after school. ●​ 2nd offense: Parent pick up from office. ●​ 3rd offense: Parent pick up and lunch detention. ●​ 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 automatically 3 days of ISS. 6

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Tardy to Class: The tardy bell rings five minutes after the previous class has ended. The tardy bell will be enforced. Students are expected to be in their assigned seats before the tardy bell rings and be ready for instruction. When a student is tardy, the teacher should put in a referral to Skyward. Teachers will submit a discipline referral when a student has been tardy to class three times and each subsequent time. ○​ 3rd tardy offense - lunch detention ○​ 4th tardy offense - lunch detention x2 ○​ 5th tardy offense - ISS

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CODE OF CONDUCT Searches by School Personnel (Board Policy 6.303)​ Any principal, or designee, having reasonable suspicion may search any student, container or packages, places or thing on school property or in the actual or constructive possession of any student during any organized school activity off campus, including buses, vehicles of students or visitor if he/she receives information which would cause a reasonable belief that the search will lead to the discovery of: ​ 1.​ Evidence of any violation of the law; 2.​ Evidence of any violation of school rules or regulations or proper standards of student or faculty conduct; 3.​ Any object or substance which because of its presence, presents an immediate danger of harm or illness to any person. ​ A student using a locker that is the property of the school system has no right of privacy in that locker or its contents. All lockers or other storage areas provided for student use on school premises remain the property of the school system and are provided for the use of students subject to inspection, access for maintenance and search. Notice shall be posted in each school that lockers and other storage areas are school property and are subject to search. ​ A student may be subject to physical search or a student's pocket, purse or other container may be required to be emptied because of the results of a locker search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member, or other student if such action is reasonable to the principal. ​ A principal /designee may search any vehicle parked or otherwise located on school property if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the vehicle contains a dangerous weapon or drug or contains evidence of a violation of school rules or regulations which endangers or has endangered the health or safety of any member of the student body. School officials may conduct hand‐held or walk‐through metal detection checks, to search a student’s person or personal effects.

Personal Electronic Devices and Other Electronic Devices Personal communication devices and other electronic devices may not be used during instructional time. Please see our “Away for the Day” policy on page 6.​ Consequences of Violations ●​ Any personal communication device or other electronic device being used, seen, or heard during class will be taken up and given to the office. ●​ Any student who refuses to give up a phone or other electronic device when asked could be considered an act of defiance and administration will be involved.

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BUS REGULATIONS Riding the bus is an extension of school. Therefore, bus students must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the established safety standards of Dickson Middle School as well as the guidelines for appropriate behavior set forth by Dickson Middle School. The students are under the supervision and control of the driver while on his/her bus. However, bus service, like all other school activities, is the responsibility of the building principal; therefore, all communication involving the bus will be directed to him/her or appointed designee, as well as the bus driver and bus garage.

To ensure a safe and orderly means of transportation, the following guidelines are established for the bus riders.

1.​ Students are to ride to and from school only on assigned buses. Students must be picked up and delivered to their assigned stops, and may not have friends who are not assigned to the particular bus ride with them.

2.​ Be at the bus stop prior to the arrival of the bus.

3.​ Go directly to an available seat and be seated.

4.​ Keep aisles and exits clear.

5.​ Keep noise to classroom level.

6.​ Keep your head, hands and objects inside the bus.

7.​ Respect the rights and property of others.

8.​ Obey the driver promptly and respectfully.

9.​ Remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and use the emergency door only in an emergence.

10.​Bring no drugs, weapons, hazardous materials, or animals onto the bus.

11.​ Do not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.

12.​Do not harass other students on the bus or at the bus stop.

13.​Do use profanity, or eat/drink any food item while on the bus.

Failure to adhere to these and other established rules and regulations will subject the student to disciplinary measures which may vary from a verbal reprimand by the driver to suspension from the bus by the principal. The parent/legal guardian is held legally responsible for any damage done to the bus and/or bus equipment by his/her child.​ CONSEQUENCES OF BUS MISCONDUCT Students who require disciplinary action due to bus misconduct are referred to the principal with a bus disciplinary report. A copy of this report with the summary of the action is distributed to the parent, the driver, the transportation department, and a copy is kept for the school records. ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

1st Offense: Warning 2nd Offense: 3 days off the bus 3rd Offense: 5 days off the bus 4th Offense: 10 days off the bus 5th Offense: Loss of bus riding privilege for the remainder of the school year.

Depending on the nature of the offense other consequences may be assigned. Also, depending on the severity of the offense, a student could be assigned up to the maximum consequence the first time the offense is committed.​

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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

Assault of Faculty or Staff*

Progressionary Consequences 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

Personal Communication Device, Electronic Device, Cameras, and Video Equipment (Policy 6.312)

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.

1st offense: Parent Pick Up 2nd offense: 1-Day of ISS + Parent Pick up 3rd offense: 2-Days of ISS + Parent Pick up 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 student refuses to give up phone to staff it is automatic 3 days of ISS and an additional referral for refusal of staff direction.

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Classroom Removals for Disruptive Conduct

1st offense: 1 day of ISS 2nd offense: 3 day 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 day ISS Further offenses: 5 day 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 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.

Adminstrator discretetion. This offense can range from ISS for a first time offense to an out of school suspension or petition for a DHA. The consquence depeneds 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

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

Filming a Fight w/ a Cellphone on school grounds *double offense: both phone offense and fight filmography Fighting

Horseplay *Administrative discretion based on severity of horseplay.

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.

3rd offense: 1 day of ISS. Administrator parent contact.

4th offense: 3 day 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 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

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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)

Petition to DHA for willful and persistent behavior.

Public Display of Affection (PDA)

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

Refusal of Staff Direction

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.* *Depending on severity, students are subject to be suspended pending a DHA for a first offense.

1st offense: 3 days ISS and parent meeting and school rule conversation 2nd offense: 3 day OSS 3rd offense: 5 days ILS at NDA 4th offense: Petition for DHA

Skipping class (5 or less minutes) / Leaving class without permission

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

Skipping Class (5 or more minutes)

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

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

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Theft (over 50.00)

1st offense: Return or pay for the item and 3 day of ISS 2nd offense: 5 day 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 day of ISS 3rd offense: 5 day 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. Possible Petition for a DHA depending on the situation.

Vandalism

At the discretion of administration based on incident. Citations may be pursued for any damage completed to the school property.

Vandalism is 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 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

**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**

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EXPLANATION OF DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES Suspension (Tennessee Code 49-6-3401) Any principal, principal-teacher, or assistant principal of any public school in this state is authorized to suspend a student from attendance at such school, including its sponsored activities, or from riding a school bus, for good and sufficient reasons. Suspensions of three (3) or more days will be served at New Directions Academy (NDA). The student will not return to DMS until all days have been served. If a student elects not to go to NDA, work may still be completed through Google Classroom.

In-School Suspension A student may be sent to in-school suspension for any type of misconduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in the school as deemed punishable by the administration.​

New Directions Academy At the discretion of the administration, a student can be recommended to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority. A request may be made for the student to be assigned to New Directions Academy (NDA). If assigned to NDA, a student must complete all successful days required before returning to DCHS.

Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) A Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) has been established to conduct hearings for students who have been suspended, for more than ten (10) school days. Each hearing shall be conducted by at least three (3) members of the Disciplinary Hearing Authority. The hearing must be held, a decision must be rendered, and notification of the decision must be provided to the parents and/or student and the principal no later than ten (10) days after the beginning of the suspension. Notification of the decision shall include a statement of the right of parents to appeal the decision made by the Disciplinary Hearing Authority within five (5) days after receiving the decision to the Director of Schools. The appeal must be submitted in writing within five (5) calendar days of the decision rendered by the Disciplinary Hearing Authority.

The DHA may take the following disciplinary actions:​ 1.​ Order removal of the suspension unconditionally;​ 2.​ Order removal of the suspension upon such terms and conditions as it deems reasonable;​ 3.​ Assign the student to an alternative program;​ 4.​ Suspend the student for a specified period of time.

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MISCELLANEOUS​ LUNCH PROCEDURES​ All students will go to the cafeteria at their appointed time and remain there until dismissed by the cafeteria supervisor. Once a student is in the cafeteria, he/she is under the supervision of the cafeteria monitor. If a student leaves the cafeteria without the written or verbal permission of a supervisor, it will be treated as skipping/hooky. When excused from the cafeteria, all students must remain in the designated break areas. No food is to be eaten outside the dining area. As an example, students may not eat in teachers’ classrooms. Guests are not allowed to eat with students in the cafeteria. Students are not permitted to leave school for lunch, have lunch delivered by DoorDash or other delivery service, or pick up lunches off campus. Students will be assigned an ID number which will be the last four digits of their Social Security number unless there is a duplication. These numbers and the student status will be coded into the cash registers. Students can prepay for their meals, or they can pay as they go through the line.

Meal Costs for the 2025 - 2026 School Year:​ Breakfast ●​ Reduced: $0.30 (for those who qualify) ●​ Students: $2.00 ●​ Staff $3.00 ●​ Visitors $3.00 Lunch ●​ Reduced: $.40 (for those who qualify) ●​ Students: $3.50 ●​ Staff $5.00 ●​ Visitors $5.00

POLICY ON MEDICINES All prescription and non-prescription medications shall be sent to school in original container and turned in to the front office immediately upon arrival to school unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration (i.e. students with asthma).

Non-prescription medication may be administered only with the written permission of a parent or guardian. The medication will be administered in accordance with the label directions or written instruction from the student’s physician or parent. Verification from the care providers stipulating the medical use is required for all drugs. Medicines (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen) will not be distributed to students unless furnished by care providers.

The parent or guardian will be responsible for informing the designated official of any change in the student’s health or change in medication.

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POLICY ON ANNOUNCEMENTS​ State law requires that we begin every day with a moment of silence. School announcements will be made each morning at 7:50 A.M. Announcements may also be made at the end of the day. Students are expected to be silent and listen to all announcements.

LOST AND FOUND​ Items that are found should be turned in to the office. Inquire about lost items there. Unclaimed items are disposed of periodically.

TEXTBOOKS AND DEVICES​ Textbooks/Chromebooks will be issued to each student after the parent or guardian has signed a “Parent Agreement Form.” Any loss, damage or destruction of these items will result in a charge to the student.

STUDENT ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONES​ Students are not to be on their cell phones or other electronic devices in class or hallways without administrative permission. If a student is ill, they should come to the front office to seek assistance in making parent contact. Social media sites MAY NOT be accessed during the school day by students using their cell phones or other electronic devices. Pictures, videos, or other recordings with their cell phones or other electronic devices while at school are strictly prohibited. Inappropriate use of cell phones or other electronic devices will result in consequences for students at the discretion of the school administration.

Cell phones should be in the off mode during class unless special permission has been granted by administration. Please refer to our “Away for the Day” policy on page 7.​

TRANSFERS When a student transfers to another school his/her records will be forwarded to the new school when all debts are settled. Office staff will not send records with students or parents directly.

​ DMS also follows all policies and procedures outlined in the Dickson County Schools Student – Parent Handbook.

A Note From the Principal to Parents​ PARENT INVOLVEMENT We encourage all families to become involved with the learning process at Dickson Middle School. Anyone may go to our website: (http://www.dcstn.org/dms.aspx) to find dates/times for meetings, events, and other important information. Parents are also encouraged to follow us on Twitter (@DMSDragons) and like us on Facebook (DicksonMiddleSchool37055). If parents are interested in helping with Parent Advisory, please complete the information form or contact Mrs. Harrison for more information. DMS is always in need of parents to volunteer their time/resources for the betterment of our school.

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As your greatest thinking partner when you are away from your child and they are in our capable hands, here is our wish for you: 1.​ Create independence in your child by allowing them to struggle as they learn.

2.​ Raise and support productive problem solvers.

3.​ Trust the process.

4.​ Attend school functions. We are family. Branch out and get to know your Dickson Middle School family members.

5.​ Be more focused on your child getting a good education rather than good grades.

6.​ Contribute no more than 15% of the ideas and work to any of your child’s projects or papers.

7.​ Value the school day by teaching your child how to be on time for school. Don’t let a morning dentist appointment turn into a full day.

8.​ When possible, make appointments outside of the school day.

9.​ Realize that we are guaranteeing to provide your child with an education. Nothing else is promised or guaranteed, and anything extra should be seen as a wonderful bonus.

10.​Allow Dickson Middle School to challenge your child.

11.​Keep media posts positive.

12.​It’s easier to take care of a molehill rather than a volcano. Keep communication a priority.

Reach out to school staff when something is not sitting well with you.

13.​Show appreciation to teachers and staff often.

14.​Speak positively about staff members and the school in front of your child at all times.

15.​Read communication thoroughly.

16.​Encourage your child not to complain.

17.​Encourage your child to learn the value of work.

18.​Teach your children to fight their own battles; we want them to love you more and depend on you less.

19.​Realize that all children have the capacity to lie--even yours.

20.​Help your child navigate and problem solve peer conflict.

21.​Realize we are all about your kids. We have dedicated our lives to nurturing them, supporting them, loving them, and guiding them. It is our purpose, and it is our vow to you.

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IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS: ​ This page is to be signed by the student and parent after the handbook has been read. Please tear this page out of the handbook and return it to your first academic teacher.

The Dickson Middle School Student Handbook contains important information regarding the policies and guidelines governing the operation of our school. Information within the handbook includes, but is not limited to academics, attendance, bus regulations, dress code, discipline, and extracurricular activities. Please read and discuss the contents of this handbook with your child. If you have any questions, consult any faculty member or the school.

After you and your child have read and understood the information contained within the Dickson Middle School Handbook, please sign and date the form below. Signing the form does not mean that you agree with the rules and/or procedures; it simply means that you have read them and understand them. Teachers will check the form for signatures.

Dickson Middle School Student Handbook Documentation Form I have read and understand the contents of the Dickson Middle School Student Handbook. I understand that by signing this form, it does not mean that I agree with the policies and guidelines, but does mean that I was given the opportunity to read them and ask questions as needed for clarification.

_____________________________________ Student’s Signature​ ​ ​ ​

____________________________ Date

_____________________________________ Parent’s Signature​​ ​ ​ ​

____________________________ Date

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