ACCIDENTAL INJURY
         Accidents which occur on campus should be reported to the office.  Any injury which requires professional medical attention also requires certain forms to be completed in order to verify insurance claims.

AGENDA BOOK USAGE
         A student must have his/her agenda book on their person during regular school hours.  This book must not be altered in any way; such action will be dealt with as a disciplinary problem.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
         The Tipton County Board of Education recognizes that good attendance is essential to achieve success at the high school level.  Therefore, the following policy has been adopted:

	Illness
	Death in the family
	Religious Holiday
	Subpoena to court
	Exceptions to above by principal only

BUS RIDERS & WALKERS
     Students arriving before 7:32 are to report to the gymnasium.

BUSES
         Riding the school bus is a privilege.  Improper conduct on the buses will result in that privilege being denied.  The rules and regulations regarding behavior on school buses that were formulated by the Tipton County Board of Education are explained in detail under the School Bus Conduct Code later in the handbook.  The bus is an extension of the classroom and every bus driver may deal with any problems that occur.

CAFETERIA
        Student behavior in the dining room should be based on courtesy and cleanliness.  This means talking quietly, using proper table manners, and leaving the area in the condition in which you yourself would like to eat.  Students will go through the cafeteria line and pay for food choices.  There is to be no cutting in line, and each student will purchase only his/her food.  Students are to remain seated in the cafeteria until dismissed unless permission has been granted by a teacher and a hall pass issued.  At no time are students allowed to take food, drinks, or cups of ice outside of the cafeteria. 

CARS ON CAMPUS
         Driving a car to school is a privilege.  Students must park in the assigned areas in the front of the building.  Students will not linger in the parking lot after school.
        All students entering or leaving campus in their automobiles are required to travel in a slow, safe manner (10 mph).
         Loud radios and music are a distraction to the school environment.  All radios must be turned down upon entering campus.  A rule of thumb is that if it can be heard outside the car, it is too loud.

CLASS ATTENDANCE
         Students are required to attend all scheduled classes including Directed Study.  If the student is not present at the beginning of the class period, the teacher will place the student’s name on an hourly absentee form.  The absentee forms are picked up and checked by the office workers.
         Any student out of class without their agenda book is considered skipping class.  This will result in disciplinary action.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
         In order to receive the most from public education, it is necessary for each student to come to class prepared to work and to learn.  Therefore, it is essential that each student bring textbooks and other necessary supplies to class daily.  It is also necessary that students remain awake and alert at all times.  Failure to do so may call for disciplinary action on the part of the teacher or administrator.

CLUBS
         The administration and staff encourages student participation in student clubs.  There are a number of clubs on the Brighton High School campus.  Students must meet certain academic, conduct and attendance standards in order to participate fully in the activities of the various organizations.  The school administration will make a final decision concerning the establishment of new clubs and all club activities. 

COUNSELORS
         The counselors’ office is located in Room 104.  The counselors strive to help students use their abilities to the fullest, make sound choices, develop greater self-understanding and achieve maximum growth mentally, emotionally and socially.
         Appointments are not necessary to see the counselors.  Students may visit the counselors’ office during Directed Study or before and after school.  Visits to the counselors’ office are NOT to be made during class time unless it is absolutely necessary and permission from the teacher has been obtained prior to the visit.
         All schedule changes will be processed by the counselors with approval of the principal.
         To withdraw from school a student must obtain a withdrawal form from a school counselor.  The form must be completed and returned to the counselors’ office before transfer records can be processed.

DIRECTED STUDY
         Students who do not have a scheduled class are required to report to Directed Study.  No student is to leave the Directed Study to go to another teacher’s room unless the teacher sends a note to the Directed Study teacher.  Teacher student aides must be approved through the office. 

DISCIPLINARY ACTION
         Without acceptable clothing, the student will be placed in in-school suspension or whatever disciplinary action is deemed necessary.  Habitual violations of the dress/appearance code will result in further disciplinary action.  The administrators will be the final authority.

DRESS CODE
         Students are expected to keep themselves well groomed and neatly dressed at all times.  Any form of dress or hair style which is contrary to good hygiene or which is disruptive or detrimental to the orderly educational progress of other students will not be permitted.

............As stated in the Tipton County Board of Education Policy Manual, students shall dress and groom in a clean, neat, and modest manner so as not to distract or interfere with the operation of the school. When a student is attired in a manner which is likely to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, the principal shall take appropriate action, which may include suspension.

	If pants have belt loops, a belt must be worn. All jeans require a belt.
	All pants must be worn at waist level.
	All shirts must be tucked in.
	Shoulders on shirts must be a minimum of four (4) fingers in width.
	Blouses that are too revealing require an undershirt to cover properly.
The following items are NOT acceptable school attire for Brighton High School
	Low-riding, baggy, or oversized pants
	Parachute or oversized-flared leg pants
	Clothing that displays identification with non-school groups
	Caps, hats, or head coverings of any type
	Sunglasses
	Shorts
	Any apparel made from spandex material or apparel worn so tight that it is distracting
	"Mesh" shirts, tank tops, "cutoff" tops or see-through shirts
	Exposed midriffs. Midriffs must be covered at all times including when students are seated and/or raising their hands.
	Cleavage - NOT allowed to be shown at any time
	Clothing that displays any connotation of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, or any sexual innuendoes conveying suggestive or inappropriate messages
	Articles of clothing that are ripped or town in any manner
	Body piercing with the exception of ear piercing
	Skirt lengths (to include slits) should be worn knee length.

The list above is not all-inclusive. For orderly and efficient operation of the school, the school administration may determine other attire inappropriate as situations arise. If there is a question as to whether an article of clothing is appropriate for school wear, the school administration should be contacted prior to wearing.

Disciplinary Action: Without acceptable clothing, the student will be placed in in-school placement or whatever disciplinary action is deemed necessary by the administration.

        Safety, health and individual dignity provide the basis for any dress code.  If clothing is disruptive to the learning process or if it is embarrassing to others, steps will be taken to deal with the individual students.
         Teachers may at any time counsel with students about attire that may not be acceptable.  When there is any doubt that a student’s attire is not adhering to the standards of dress, the principal or his designee will render the final authority. Hats and other accessories that violate the dress code may be taken up from the student and will not be returned until the end of the semester or as desired by the administration.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
         Any student who inten-tionally sells, gives, possesses, uses or is under the influence of illicit drugs, narcotics, or alcohol in or on school property, including buses and off-campus school activities, shall be subject to immediate disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion, and/or arrest. 

EARLY DISMISSAL
         If a student needs to leave early for other reasons, a parent or guardian must come to the school or call the school to check them out.  In either case, the student must sign out in the office.  Leaving school without permission is classified as truancy (skipping) and will be dealt with accordingly.  The student must have a note from the parent the next day explaining why they checked that student out.

FIELD TRIPS
         Going on a field trip is a privilege and the students go as representatives of BHS; therefore, it is expected that all students going on the field trip be in good standing with the school.  The following guidelines apply:

¨ Conduct grade "S" is required.
¨ Student must not violate attendance policy with this absence from class.
¨ Grade average MUST be passing.

GRADING SCALE

A	Superior	93-100
B	Above Average	85-92
C	Average	75-84
D	Poor	70-74
F	Failure	0-69

HALLS/RESTROOMS
         Students should be in the halls only at the beginning and close of school and while moving from one class to another. Students in the halls/restrooms during class time must have his/her initialed agenda book with him/her. 

HONOR ROLL
         Our school encourages the students to excel in academics.  We acknowledge this excellence through a school honor roll which is posted in the office and in the lobby at the end of each grading period.  In order to be placed on the BHS Honor Roll, a student must have "A’s" and/or "B’s" in all classes and all "S’s" in conduct.
         The Tipton County Board of Education also recognizes academic achievement.  The Tipton County Honor Roll is published in the local newspapers at the end of each grading period.  A student must have "A’s" in all classes and all "S’s" in conduct to be eligible.
         Rewards will be given to honor roll students each grading period.

ILLNESS
         A student who is too ill to report to class is to report to the office.  Office personnel will permit an ill student to call parents and arrange for transportation home. 

LIBRARY
         The library is open for student use from 7:25 am to 3:00 pm each day.  Orientation will be held for all students.  All students must obey the rules of the library taught in orientation. All students will be instructed in the use of the library and library computer programs as part of the English curriculum.
         The library is classified according to the Dewey Decimal System.  The library is automated-- students and teachers may locate items by using the Electronic Card Catalog.  Students and teachers have access to library computers where they can use the Internet, the Electronic Library, and a variety of CD-ROMS.
        Before a student can use the student computers or the Internet in the library, the student and the student’s parents will be asked to sign an Acceptable Library Use Policy Agreement.  This is to ensure students will use the library, the computers and the Internet properly.
        Students may come from the classroom or Directed Study to the library during the school day.  Students who have a research assignment from a class should obtain a library pass from the teacher giving the assignment.  Directed Study teachers may send students to the library after they have completed their Directed Study assignments. Students having library passes will have top priority.  A list of students from Directed Study is required by the librarian for admittance.  Students coming from a class must sign in upon arriving in the library.  Students must also sign up with the librarian to use the computers.
         Books may be checked out, renewed or reserved.  Reference books may not be checked out without the librarian's permission.  Fines (10 cents a school day) are charged for overdue books.  Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.
        Even though we encourage our students to be independent users of the library, the librarians will be glad to assist students in their research needs.

LOCKERS AND LOCKS
         Lockers and combination locks are available to students.  Since the locker is school property, the school reserves the right to inspect it at any time.  Only school issued locks are to be used on school lockers.  The lock and locker rental fee of $6.00 is used to defray the cost of the locks and lockers.  When a lock is issued to a student, it becomes the responsibility of the student. If the lock is not returned at the end of the school year, a fee of $6.00 will be charged to the student.
 The locker should be kept locked at all times.  All students are responsible for keeping their assigned lockers clean both inside and out.  Damages caused by misuse, tape, etc. will be charged to the student responsible.  Lockers are to be used only by the individual to whom they are assigned.

LUNCH
         The regular lunch is $1.75 and tickets may be purchased on a monthly basis.  When a student buys a lunch ticket, full responsibility for that ticket is assumed by the student.
         Free lunch applications are issued to all students early during the school year.  Applications must be filled out completely and signed before final school approval can be given.  Free lunch tickets also become the responsibility of the student when issued.  Lending free lunch tickets to other students will not be permitted.  This ticket will not be replaced if lost or stolen.
         Students are expected to be prompt in getting to the cafeteria.  The tardy rules also apply to the lunch period.

MAKE-UP WORK
         Make-up time will be on a day-to-day basis.  If the student is absent for one day, work must be turned in the day after the student returns to school.  If the student is absent for two days, work must be turned in two days after the student returns to school.  The maximum number of days, however, is five unless the teacher and the principal agree upon the extension of this period.
        PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE ON THE DATE ANNOUNCED OR IMMEDIATELY UPON THE STUDENT’S  RETURN TO SCHOOL.
         A student who will be absent more than two weeks should request a homebound teacher.
         For an excused absence, all teachers are required to provide opportunities to make up missed work.  Teachers may give make-up work for unexcused absences except for those absences for which the student has been suspended.
         If a student is absent from school due to a suspension, he/she will be allowed to make up six weeks tests or semester exams only.  All other make-up work or tests will not be allowed.
         The number of teachers earned by each school is determined by the average number of students in attendance each day.  YOU can help reduce the teacher-pupil ratio (the number of students in each class) by being regular in attendance. 

MEDICATION
         If it becomes necessary for a student to take any form of medication at school, a signed note from a parent must be presented to the office.  All medication will be kept in and dispensed through the main office.  The student will be permitted to come to the office to take the medication at the appointed time.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
         Membership in the Bennett-Huffman National Honor Society is by invitation only.  Students with a 3.3 grade average and acceptable conduct are considered.  Students must show evidence of leadership, character and service to be considered.  After membership is granted, each student is expected to maintain these standards.  If grades drop below 3.3, the member is placed on probation for one semester.  If conduct grades fall below a "S", the member is placed on probation for one grading period.  If the problem is resolved during the probationary period, the student is considered a member in good standing; if not, the student is subject to dismissal by the faculty council.  A student who is dismissed may never again become a member. 

NON-SCHOOL OFFICIALS
         A law enforcement officer, welfare staff member or other public or private professional service agencies may confer with a student on school premises if done in the presence of the student’s parents or building principal or his/her designee.

PARKING REGULATIONS

	Students must fill out a parking permit information form (proof of insurance and driver’s license required)
	Student must pay $15.00 a year for a parking hang tag.
	Students must park in designated areas only.  You cannot park in faculty areas or in a non-parking area.
	Student’s vehicle may be subject to search upon discretion of the proper authorities -- BHS officials or law enforcement officials.
	Any vehicle may be towed for repeated violation or parking in a non-designated area.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE (YEAR)
         To receive a Perfect Attendance award at the end of the year, a student must not have accumulated enough minutes to equal a full day’s absence during the year.  Rewards will be given for perfect attendance.

PROHIBITED ARTICLES IN SCHOOL
         Students are prohibited from bringing any items to school which are detrimental to the safety of others or interfere in some way with school procedure.  Such items that are considered undesirable will be impounded by the administration.  Some of these items are pocket knives, sharp objects and weapons of any kind.  Under the amended School Security Act, TCA Sections 49-6-4201, personal searches may be conducted if the principal has a reasonable suspicion that the student has in his possession a prohibited item or substance.  The search law  also applies to visitors as well as any vehicles, containers or packages brought onto the school grounds.  Students and visitors may be subjected to search by metal detectors.  Police authorities may be contacted if violation occur.
 Students will not be permitted to have beepers, pagers or cellular telephones on school property unless there are some unusual and exceptional circumstances.  The Board of Education may consider consider and base its decision on one (1) of the following factors:

	A member of the volunteer fire department
	A family hardship that requires the students’ immediate response
	All other factors that the board may deem relevant and pertinent in their effect upon the welfare of the students.

         Other undesirable items include, but are not limited to, playing cards, radios, sunglasses and water guns.  Any confiscated items will not be returned to the student until the end of the semester or as desired by administration.

REPORTING GRADES
         Report cards are issued at the end of every nine-week grading period to notify the parents of the quality of work the student is doing.  Grades are based on daily work and test results.  Letter grades are used on the report cards for each grading period.
         Semester grades are an average of the grades for each nine-week period and the semester examination grade.  All semester grades are put on the report card in numerals or percentage grades.  Semester examination grades appear on the report cards as letter grades.
         An incomplete is given only in those cases where illness or emergency prevents the student from completing his/her assignments.  An incomplete on the report card becomes an "F" four weeks from the date issued if the work is not completed.
         Reports cards are to be signed by the parents and returned the next school day.

NOTE: Report cards will not be issued until all fees and fines have been paid.  Final report cards may be mailed to the home of the student when all fees are paid.

SCHOOL INSURANCE
         School insurance is available to all students.  A packet will be available for informing the student and parents about the insurance early in the fall.  Purchase of the program is optional.  Only those involved in the athletic program must provide signed evidence that they are covered by adequate insurance if they choose not to purchase the school insurance. 

STUDENT COUNCIL
         The Student Council plays a major role in the coordination of student activities and school administration.  As a coordinating body, the Student Council gives students a share in the management of the school, seeks to interest student affairs and helps solve problems that may arise.  Members of the council are student representatives and have access to the school administration.

TOBACCO USE
         Since Tennessee law makes the purchase, possession, or use of cigarettes illegal for anyone under the age of 18, the use of tobacco in any form by any student is prohibited.  The Tipton County Board of Education prohibits smoking and the possession of tobacco products on all school campuses.  Violations of the above policy will result in disciplinary action taken against the offender which could be in the form of corporal punishment and/or short or long term suspension.  The rules apply during lunch, during any school activity, and during the school day.  They also apply during the trip to and from school for those who ride a bus. A citation will be issued to violators. 

TARDINESS
         Arriving at school after the 7:32 bell constitutes tardiness.  Be prompt in arriving at school.  Students should be in the building no later than 7:25 am.  A student who arrives after the 7:32 bell is tardy and must report to the attendance office with their agenda book to be stamped in order to enter class.
         Promptness to class is important as well.  Students are to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell sounds.  If you are tardy to class, report to the office.  If you are tardy as a result of being detained by another teacher, be sure to get a tardy slip from that teacher before attempting to enter the next scheduled class.  Consideration will be given for tardies under exceptional circumstances.

TELEPHONE USE
         A student must have his/her agenda book initialed by his/her teacher and an administrator to be allowed to use this phone. It will cost $.50 to use the telephone.

TEXTBOOKS
         All basic textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year.  Workbooks and other supplies are paid for by the student.  Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully.  Book covers should be used for all textbooks.  Please be sure that your name, grade, and class are written on the book label in case the book is misplaced.
         Textbook loan agreement forms must be signed by the parents or guardians and all previous financial obligations must be paid before textbooks will be issued.  Damage fees will be assessed and paid for books that have been abused.  Lost books must be paid for in full.
         When a student has paid for a lost textbook, he/she will be issued a receipt.  This receipt must be presented in the event of a refund due to finding the lost textbook.  NO RECEIPT, NO REFUND.  When paying any debts, the student must bring the correct amount of change.  Checks for the exact amount only will be accepted.

TRANSFERS (BOARD POLICY)
         To facilitate registration at Tipton County Schools, one must have a report card and withdrawal form from the previous school. If the student is coming from out of state, the student must have an immunization record (green card) from a Tennessee health care provider. Proof of residency and custody must be submitted.

VANDALISM AND PROPERTY DAMAGE
         Our school buildings and equipment cost the taxpayers (students and their parents) money to construct and maintain.  Any student who destroys or vandalizes school property will be required to pay for losses or damages.  If a student should damage something by accident or notice something damaged, it should be reported to a teacher or an administrator immediately.  Chewing gum is prohibited because damage is done to the furniture and textbooks when students stick the gum in desks and/or under tables.