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
Dr. Kristen Lynch - Principal
Ms. Crystal Dubach - Assistant Principal
Mr. Marcus Peters - Assistant Principal
Dickson Middle School
401 East College Street
Dickson, TN 37055
Telephone: 615-446-2273
Fax: 615-441-4139
For up-to-date information refer to: Web: https://wwwdcstn org/dms aspx Facebook – DicksonMiddleSchool37055
Lisa Hunt, Bookkeeper
Gala Cook, Guidance Counselor
Kim Estes, Attendance Secretary
Office Personnel
Ethan Fussell, Guidance Counselor and RTI
Bertha Green, ISS
Amanda Eberling, Registrar
Jennifer Patton, School Nurse
Tina Buttrey, Cafeteria Manager
Julie Potter, Librarian
Christy Uhl, Student Support Specialist
Macey Bear, SRO
School Hours
School hours are from 7:50 A M to 2:55 PM Doors will open at 7:00 A M and will be secured at 4:00 PM 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 PM
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
At Dickson Middle School, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that nurtures the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. Through high expectations, meaningful learning experiences, and strong relationships, we prepare students to become successful learners, responsible citizens, and productive contributors to their communities.
Vision Statement
Dickson Middle School will be a safe, student-centered community where students are challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Through collaboration among students, families, staff, and community partners, and through the purposeful use of data to guide decision-making, we will foster a culture of continuous growth, achievement, and lifelong learning.
Updated July 2026 2
Welcome Letter to Dickson Middle School Families
Dear DMS Families,
Welcome to another exciting school year at Dickson Middle School! On behalf of our faculty and staff, I am thrilled to welcome both returning and new students to our Dragon family We are looking forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and opportunities for every student to succeed
At Dickson Middle School, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally As Dragons, we take pride in living out our school motto each day:
Responsible • Respectful • Ready
These three expectations guide everything we do We encourage our students to be responsible for their actions and learning, respectful toward themselves and others, and ready to learn and contribute each day. When students embrace these values, they help create a positive school culture where everyone can be successful
Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to building meaningful relationships with students while providing high-quality instruction and support We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential, and we value the role families play in helping students achieve their goals.
This year, we look forward to celebrating student accomplishments, fostering leadership opportunities, and creating experiences that help every Dragon reach their full potential Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the arts, or through extracurricular activities, we want every student to feel connected, challenged, and supported.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education We are honored to serve your family and look forward to working together to make this a successful and memorable school year. Together, we will continue to build a school community where every Dragon can soar
Go Dragons!
Sincerely,
Dr Kristen Lynch Principal, Dickson Middle School
Responsible • Respectful • Ready
SchoolDayatDMS
MorningRoutines:
7:00am-BusRidersarrive/DoorsOpenforCarRidersattheGymEntrance
7:20am-StudentswhowishtoparticipateinFCAarereleased
7:50am-Studentsaretobeinclass. Anystudentwhoarrivesafterthistimewillneedtogeta tardysliptogotoclass. Announcementsbegin.
EndofDayRoutines:
2:55-DismissalRoutinebeginswithafternoonannouncements,ifapplicable.
CarRiderswillbedismissedfromthegym.
3:30-FrontOfficeCloses
4:00-Campuscloses
MealCostsforthe2026-2027SchoolYear
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 covers their bottom all the way around(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. Updated July 2026
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
● Devices are including, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, personal computers, gaming devices, smart watches, Meta/smart glasses, earbuds, and Headphones
CellPhone/Electronic Devices,Cameras,andVideo Equipment(Policy6.312)
1stOffense–PhoneTakenUp/Warning/Parentor GuardianPick-up
2ndOffense–PhoneTakenUp/1DayISS/Parentor GuardianPick-up
3rdOffense–PhoneTakenUp/2DayISS/Parentor GuardianPick-up
4thOffense–PhoneTakenUpDailyfor3days/Given BackattheEnd-of-theDay
5thOffense–PhoneTakenUpDailyfor5days/Given BackattheEnd-of-theDay
6thOffense–PhoneTakenUpDailyfor10days/Given BackattheEnd-of-theDay PersistentViolationofSchoolRulesMayResultin10or moredaysatNew DirectionAcademy
**Ifstudentrefusestogiveupphonetostaffitis automatic3daysofISSandanadditionalreferralfor refusalofstaffdirection.
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*
Assault of Student*
Bullying
Bus Misconduct
Personal Communication Device, Electronic Device, Cameras, and Video Equipment (Policy 6.312)
Progressionary Consequences
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.
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
Classroom Removals for Disruptive Conduct
Cheating
Chromebook Non-Compliance (School technology violation)
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
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
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
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
Illegal drugs/Alcohol
Inappropriate language toward a teacher or staff member
Instigating a Fight
Intimidation / Group Intimidation
Leaving Campus Without Permission (Elopement)
*admin discretion
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
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.
2nd offense: 3 days OSS
Further offenses: 5 days ILS at NDA, Suspended pending a 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
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)
Public Display of Affection (PDA)
Refusal of Staff Direction
Sexual, racial, ethnic and/or religious discrimination/harassment.*
*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
Skipping Class (5 or more minutes)
Tardy (repeated tardy)
Petition to DHA for willful and persistent behavior.
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
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
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 rulesparent 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
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)
Theft (under $50.00)
Threatening others
Tobacco/Tobacco products/ANY electronic smoking device
Unwanted Touching (sexual)
Vandalism
Vulgar or inappropriate language
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.
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.
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
**ADMINISTRATIONRESERVESTHERIGHTTOASSESSEACHDISCIPLINARYACTION ONACASEBYCASEBASISANDDETERMINEWHICHCOURSEOFACTIONISTHEBEST BEHAVIORALINTERVENTIONFORTHESTUDENTATTHATTIME**
DEVICE HYGIENE AND APPEARANCE
Since Chromebooks are district property, students must not apply stickers, skins, or permanent markings to the devices or their protective cases A sanitation fee ranging from $10 to $20 will be charged for any device requiring professional cleaning or adhesive removal upon return
PROTECTIVE CASE COMPLIANCE
To remain eligible for the "1st Incident Free" coverage, the Chromebook must be secured within its district-issued case when damage occurs Any breakage that happens while the device is outside of its case will be categorized as Gross Negligence, resulting in the student being responsible for the total cost of repairs
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
Updated July 2026
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.
Items Prohibited at DMS
In our commitment to maintaining a safe, focused, and respectful educational environment, students are not permitted to have the following items on campus:
● Energy drinks and highly caffeinated beverages or snacks (e g , Red Bull, Celsius, Monster, Bang, Prime Energy, energy gum)
● Toys and collectibles (e g , plushies, trading cards, slime, action figures, Hot Wheels)
● Electronic devices not intended 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, and 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 minimize mess and classroom distractions
● Vapes, tobacco, lighters, or matches; these are strictly prohibited and will 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 lead to further disciplinary measures as determined by administration.
