Bethel Springs Elementary School
Student Handbook
Attendance
Regular attendance and punctuality are very important for a student to achieve success in school. All students are expected to be at school on time on a daily basis. If a child is absent, the parent/guardian should contact the school office by phone the day of the absence, send a note, or call the school the next day. The school day begins at 8:00. If a child arrives after 8:00 or leaves before the end of the school day, the amount of time will accumulate and be counted as an unexcused absence. A child must be checked out in the office by a parent or legal guardian in order to leave school before the day ends. Excused absences will only be granted for illness, death of a family member, court appearances, or approved school sponsored activities by school administration. Only five (5) parent calls for sickness will be allowed. If a child checks out early, they may not return to the After School Program. Five late arrivals or early checkouts, equals one day absence.
Arrival at School
The doors at school will open at 7:15. Upon arrival of the buses, students in grades 1-8 will go directly to the gym for bus duty and remain until teachers come for them. Kindergarten students will go directly to the library for bus duty. Breakfast begins at approximately 7:45. Students arriving after 8:00 must sign in the office and receive a tardy slip to give their teacher to enter class. You must go to the gym and not wait in the lobby.
Visitors at School
Visitors are welcome, however, they must always sign in at the office. If you wish to speak with a teacher, we will call them to the office for a meeting. Do not go directly to the classroom at any time during the day to see a teacher or talk with your child. We will always be cautious about parents/visitors in the hallway. The administration and teachers have the right to ask people in the hallway to return to the office. This is for the safety and well being of your child. The safety of your child is of the highest concern. Thank you for your cooperation. You must have a visitor pass to go to certain areas of the building.
Tobacco Products
Students shall not use, nor have in their possession, tobacco products, including vape pens in any form on school premises, school buses nor any school-sponsored event on any campus. For further information, go to www.mcnairy.org.
Textbooks/Progress Reports/Report Cards
Each child will be issued textbooks at the beginning of the year. He/she is held responsible for these textbooks. If a textbook is lost or stolen, the child is still responsible for the cost of the book. Progress reports are sent home half-way in the nine weeks. Please expect them and remain in contact with the teacher to monitor the progress of your child. Students in Kindergarten through second grade will receive the traditional report card. Students from grades three through eight will receive a computer-generated report card. A copy of the card will be attached. Please sign this and return to your child’s homeroom teacher the next day. It is mandatory that we stay in contact in monitoring your child’s progress. You may access your child’s grades on-line.
Bus Regulations
Students shall abide by the rules of conduct as outlined in the McNairy County Board of Education Policy regarding bus transportation. Transportation is a privilege and will be denied to students who do not follow these rules. When these rules are broken, the principal or assistant principal along with the bus driver will decide the punishment.
Bus Rules
The rules and regulation listed below are the direct result of a careful study based upon operation of a school bus system. Cooperation and courtesy in the following of these suggestions will permit the county to better serve each child:
Activities and Organizations
Any student may participate in any organization or activity offered by the school as long as the student meets the specific criteria for each activity or organization. Criteria will include academic, behavioral, and/or age requirements.
Health Services
Bethel Springs Elementary School makes every effort to provide a safe school environment. Parents will be notified if their child is ill or has an accident. Students with head lice will be dealt with according to the McNairy County School Board Policy. You will be contacted to pick up your child, treat their head, and return with proof of treatment before they will be allowed to return to school. Do not send them back on the bus; you must bring them for a check before they will be allowed to return to classes. The same policy applies for students who have been diagnosed with scabies. Contact us for more information. All medications must be brought to the school by the parent in the unopened, original container and a parent/ physician consent form must be signed. Do not send cough drops, Tylenol, or any other type of medication by your child. It is strictly prohibited.
School’s Tick Removal Policy
School staff members do not remove embedded ticks. If a tick is embedded into the skin, then it will be covered with a bandage and the school will call the parent to let them know. If the parent cannot be reached by phone after three tries, then a note will be sent home with the student documenting where the tick is embedded and what was done. Parents cannot give verbal permission for staff to remove a tick, however, the parent or his/her designee can come to the school to remove the tick. Whatever actions occurred will be documented with copies going to the parent and to the school administration.
School Policy for Determining When a Child May be Sent Home Due to Illness
Student Dress
Neat, clean, and decent dress is expected of everyone at Bethel Springs Elementary School. Any form of dress, which is disruptive or distractive in appearance or is detrimental to good school conduct will not be permitted. The following restrictions shall apply:
PREK-3RD DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE POLICY
Parents and students are responsible that the student is appropriately dressed and following all the guidelines listed below whenever they are on any school property or at any school function:
1. All students are expected to be neat with clean clothing that is worn in the intended manner.
2. All clothing must be worn in such a way that undergarments are not exposed, and midriff areas are covered at all times.
3. Clothing that express violence, obscenities, hatred, or that advertises/promotes alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, skulls, or skull emblems is prohibited.
4. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
5. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times.
6. No pajama pants or other sleepwear may be worn to school unless related to a school event.
7. Costumes or any kind of masks cannot be worn to school unless related to a school event.
8. Hair must be of a natural color and worn in a style that is not distracting.
9. Head coverings including hats cannot be worn at the school or on the bus except to sporting events, outside school events, or unless for religious purposes.
10. Visible jewelry worn in piercings are limited to the ears only.
Students must follow the guidelines above when they are at after-school events, sporting events in or out of McNairy county, on the bus, on field trips, or on other school campuses unless otherwise approved by the administration.
All infractions of the above guidelines will be handled using the approved discipline ladder and the student will have to immediately correct the infraction or other clothing will have to be brought to the school before the student is allowed to return to class.
4-8th DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE POLICY
Parents and students are responsible that the student is appropriately dressed and following all the guidelines listed below whenever they are on any school property or at any school function:
1. All students are expected to be neat with clean clothing that is worn in the intended manner.
2. All shorts, dresses, and skirts must be of appropriate length which will be determined by one of the following methods: (1) being no shorter than their longest finger when extended down straight at their side; or (2) being no shorter than six inches from the floor when kneeling on the floor. As long as it meets one of the methods it is considered appropriate.
3. All pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses must not have rips/holes that bares skin or undergarments above the appropriate length as described above.
4. Leggings and tights must be covered by shorts, skirts, dresses, or shirt that must meet the appropriate length as described above.
5. All clothing must be worn in such a way that undergarments are not exposed, and midriff areas are covered at all times.
6. Clothing that express violence, obscenities, hatred, or that advertises/promotes alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, skulls, or skull emblems is prohibited.
7. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
8. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times.
9. Boys must wear shirts with sleeves.
10. Girls' shirts must be at least 3 inches wide over the shoulder and not expose any undergarments on the shoulder or under their arms.
11. No 'backless", "strapless", "midriff, low cut tops, or cleavage is allowed.
12. Sheer clothing cannot be used to meet the guidelines if the clothing beneath does not meet the guidelines.
13. No pajama pants or other sleepwear may be worn to school unless related to a school event.
14. Costumes or any kind of masks cannot be worn to school unless related to a school event.
15. Hair must be of a natural color and worn in a style that is not distracting.
16. Head coverings including hats cannot be worn at the school or on the bus except to sporting events, outside school events, or unless for religious purposes.
17. Visible jewelry worn in piercings are limited to the ears only.
Clothing worn by participants during athletic practices or sporting events may not have to meet all the standards above, but must be appropriate for the activity, be as modest as expected, approved by the coach and worn only during practice, and/or sporting events.
Students must follow the guidelines above when they are at after-school events, sporting events in or out of McNairy county, on the bus, on field trips, or on other school campuses unless otherwise approved by the administration.
All infractions of the above guidelines will be handled using the approved discipline ladder, and the student will have to immediately correct the infraction or other clothing will have to be brought to the school before the student is allowed to return to class.
Complaints
Any complaint regarding instructional materials, disabilities, harassment, etc., should initially be directed to the teacher, and then to the school administration. The natural chain of command will be expected when concerns arise: Teacher, Principal, Director, and Board of Education.
Change of Address/Telephone
Make sure that you inform the classroom teacher or office personnel if you have a change in address or telephone number. It is extremely important that we are able to contact you in case of an emergency.
Lunches Brought to School
Students will not be allowed to pick up lunches dropped off in the office from fast food places such as McDonalds, Subway, or Burger King. Students may bring their lunch in the morning when they come to school. We encourage our students to eat a balanced USDA lunch provided by the cafeteria staff.
Student Records
By law, whether married, separated, or divorced, parents have access to student records if their child is under the age of 18. If the school system is provided evidence by court order, state statue, or by a legally binding document in reference to matters such as separation, divorce, or custody that specifically revokes these rights, records will be accessible to both parents.
Medical Conditions
For the sake of your child’s safety and well-being, it is important that you provide information to us concerning any possible health conditions or especially any allergies that your child(ren) may have. Cafeteria personnel must be contacted in cases of allergies to certain foods.
Suspensions from School
The law states that a principal/assistant principal of a public school system may suspend a child from attending school, a school sponsored activity, or from riding a school bus for adequate reasons. Reasons may be, but not limited to:
Cafeteria Procedures
Students are not permitted to leave their designated table during breakfast or lunch. They should remain seated and maintain a low noise level while in the cafeteria. The tables and floor around the table should be left clean and neat. A fifteen-minute milk/snack break is provided for students in kindergarten through first grade. The students will buy their milk or snacks from the cafeteria and take the break in the classroom. At mealtime, do not send any glass containers (this is a safety hazard). They are not allowed to take food or drinks back to their classroom unless they bring their lunch and it is in a carrier. Do not send Yeti type cups with your child.
Cell Phones
Do not allow your child to bring their cell phone to school. They are unnecessary. If a teacher takes a phone, it will be brought to the office, labeled with the student name, and left in the office for the parent to pick up. If this continues, we will request a parent meeting in order to give a phone back. If your child feels sick, we will contact you through the office phone. Please help us with this. If you wish to leave your child(ren) a message, we will make a note of it and inform them before the day ends. We do not call students to the office for personal calls. You may leave a message and we will give it to them. Thank you for your cooperation.
Learning Media Center
Students will be allowed to use the library to check out books during their regularly scheduled library class. There will be library skills classes scheduled with all homeroom teachers. Classes and individual students may use the library for research by scheduling a time with the librarian. Books may be checked out as needed. Damage to any books will result in the students having to pay for the damage. If books are lost or not returned by the end of the year, report cards will be held in the office until the matter is resolved. Books checked out by students will be the responsibility of that student if lost or damaged.
Asbestos Policy
(Check at the end of the manual for further information). This is to certify that Bethel Springs Elementary School has been inspected for asbestos. A copy of the Management Plan can be found in the Director’s Office. It is required by the Department of Education AHERA (Hazard Emergency Response Act) that teachers and parents receive this notice.
Personal Items
Toys, cell phones, electronic games, fitbits, radios, smart watches, etc. should not be brought to school. The school will not be held responsible if your child brings these to school.
Athletics and Cheerleaders
Competitive sports are limited to sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Students must have a doctor’s statement verifying they are in proper physical condition. Proof of medical insurance coverage is also required. In order to play sports, students must be academically promoted to the next grade (6th, 7th, or 8th) and have passing grades in four full academic subjects (Reading, Math, English, Science and/or Social Studies). In order to be a cheerleader, students must be academically promoted to the next grade (6th, 7th, or 8th) and have passing grades.
Board of Education Policies
A copy of the McNairy County School Board Policy Book is located online at www.mcnairy.org. Please check this for any further information you may need.
Nondiscrimination Policy
It is the policy of the McNairy County School System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, marital status, or disability in its’ educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI or VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and life-styles open to women as well as men in our society. One of the objectives of the total curriculum and teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate a bias on the basis of sex, race, and cultural diversity found in our country and an awareness of rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of a pluralistic society.
Bullying Policy
Bethel Springs Elementary School adheres to the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program by Hazeldon and has enforced a Bullying Policy which mirrors these best practices. Forms of bullying include but not limited to the following occurring over a distinct time period:
Afternoon Checkout
You must call the school before 2:00 p.m. if you need to change where your child is to go after school; such as ride the bus, be a car rider, go to afterschool, or go home with another student. If you call after 2:00 p.m. we may not be able to get the message to them. Afternoon checkouts will not be allowed after 2:30; you must wait in the car rider line to pick up your child.
Emergency Closings
If there is an emergency closing of school due to weather conditions or other matters, you will be contacted as soon as possible. The director has an automated contact phone call to all parents. We must have an up to date phone number on file to make sure you are contacted. If school is in session, we will contact you as soon as we can by emergency numbers we have on file. Make sure that you have made arrangements before something happens as to what your child(ren) is to do.
Promotion and Retention
The McNairy County Board of Education has developed a policy to determine if a child should be retained or promoted. You may contact the school office if you have questions. Retentions will ne made on individual basis when, in the judgment of the teacher, parents, and administration, that the retention would be in the best interest of the child. Any and all information will be used: teacher-made testing and grades showing mastery or non-mastery, standardized test scores, and teacher observation of student performance. Contact the administration for further details.
Internet Safety
Each teacher will discuss with their class Internet usage and rules that the Board of Education has concerning use of the internet. If a student violates that rule, they will not be allowed to use the school Internet for a specified time frame.
Field Trips
Field trips are a privilege. If a child is suspended or placed at the alternative school, they will not be allowed to take a field trip. No cell phones are permitted on field trips. The administration will make the final judgment of attendance. The daily school dress code applies to all field trips.
Complaint Managers
District: Mrs. Jennifer Hunt
491 High School Rd.
Selmer, TN 38375
731-645-6010
Dr. Brian Jackson
170 West Court Ave.
Selmer, TN 38375
731-645-8257
School: Mr. Terry Moore or Dr. Lin Smith
4733 Main Street
Bethel Springs, TN 38315
731-934-7288
Student Handbook
Attendance
Regular attendance and punctuality are very important for a student to achieve success in school. All students are expected to be at school on time on a daily basis. If a child is absent, the parent/guardian should contact the school office by phone the day of the absence, send a note, or call the school the next day. The school day begins at 8:00. If a child arrives after 8:00 or leaves before the end of the school day, the amount of time will accumulate and be counted as an unexcused absence. A child must be checked out in the office by a parent or legal guardian in order to leave school before the day ends. Excused absences will only be granted for illness, death of a family member, court appearances, or approved school sponsored activities by school administration. Only five (5) parent calls for sickness will be allowed. If a child checks out early, they may not return to the After School Program. Five late arrivals or early checkouts, equals one day absence.
Arrival at School
The doors at school will open at 7:15. Upon arrival of the buses, students in grades 1-8 will go directly to the gym for bus duty and remain until teachers come for them. Kindergarten students will go directly to the library for bus duty. Breakfast begins at approximately 7:45. Students arriving after 8:00 must sign in the office and receive a tardy slip to give their teacher to enter class. You must go to the gym and not wait in the lobby.
Visitors at School
Visitors are welcome, however, they must always sign in at the office. If you wish to speak with a teacher, we will call them to the office for a meeting. Do not go directly to the classroom at any time during the day to see a teacher or talk with your child. We will always be cautious about parents/visitors in the hallway. The administration and teachers have the right to ask people in the hallway to return to the office. This is for the safety and well being of your child. The safety of your child is of the highest concern. Thank you for your cooperation. You must have a visitor pass to go to certain areas of the building.
Tobacco Products
Students shall not use, nor have in their possession, tobacco products, including vape pens in any form on school premises, school buses nor any school-sponsored event on any campus. For further information, go to www.mcnairy.org.
Textbooks/Progress Reports/Report Cards
Each child will be issued textbooks at the beginning of the year. He/she is held responsible for these textbooks. If a textbook is lost or stolen, the child is still responsible for the cost of the book. Progress reports are sent home half-way in the nine weeks. Please expect them and remain in contact with the teacher to monitor the progress of your child. Students in Kindergarten through second grade will receive the traditional report card. Students from grades three through eight will receive a computer-generated report card. A copy of the card will be attached. Please sign this and return to your child’s homeroom teacher the next day. It is mandatory that we stay in contact in monitoring your child’s progress. You may access your child’s grades on-line.
Bus Regulations
Students shall abide by the rules of conduct as outlined in the McNairy County Board of Education Policy regarding bus transportation. Transportation is a privilege and will be denied to students who do not follow these rules. When these rules are broken, the principal or assistant principal along with the bus driver will decide the punishment.
Bus Rules
The rules and regulation listed below are the direct result of a careful study based upon operation of a school bus system. Cooperation and courtesy in the following of these suggestions will permit the county to better serve each child:
- Be on time for designated stops. Buses cannot wait for tardy students.
- Obey the driver’s suggestions carefully. Help the driver assure safety at all times.
- Expect to walk some distance to a bus stop as required by local board regulations.
- Stay off the roadway while waiting on a bus. Form a line to get onto the bus.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter of exit the bus. Remain seated while the bus is in motion. Enter or leave the bus only at the front door, except in case of an emergency.
- Cross only in front of the bus. Never cross behind the bus.
- Never go under the bus to retrieve anything you may see.
- A student cannot leave the bus without the approved written consent of the parents and principal. No unauthorized stops will be made. This includes transferring to a private vehicle on any school campus.
- Occupy the seat assigned by the driver. Keep feet out of the aisles and off the front and back of seats.
- Sit three to a seat.
- Musical instruments must be held by the owner. Never leave them in the aisles.
- Jam boxes, radios, ipods, cd players, games, etc. are not allowed on the bus.
- Keep hands, arms, and feet inside the bus.
- Avoid unnecessary disturbing noises. Never distract the driver. Do not shout at passing people or vehicles.
- Be courteous. Never use profane or vulgar language.
- Help keep the bus clean. Do not chew gum, eat or drink on the bus at any time.
- Be considerate of small children.
- Inform the driver if an absence from school is expected.
- Fighting, pushing, or shoving will not be tolerated.
- Report any damage you observe to the driver. Damage to the interior or exterior will result in payment for such damage and suspension from bus riding privileges will be enforced.
- Use of tobacco products is prohibited.
- Never throw objects from the bus window.
- Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.
- No animals of any kind will be allowed on buses.
- Observe the same rules and regulations on all trips under school sponsorship as you would observe between home and school. Respect the demands of the chaperones.
- No violation of safety procedures is allowed.
- No spitting.
- No spike shoes or cleated shoes shall be worn on the bus. The principal or assistant principal may suspend a student from the bus when such an action is warranted. Transportation will then become the responsibility of the parents.
Activities and Organizations
Any student may participate in any organization or activity offered by the school as long as the student meets the specific criteria for each activity or organization. Criteria will include academic, behavioral, and/or age requirements.
Health Services
Bethel Springs Elementary School makes every effort to provide a safe school environment. Parents will be notified if their child is ill or has an accident. Students with head lice will be dealt with according to the McNairy County School Board Policy. You will be contacted to pick up your child, treat their head, and return with proof of treatment before they will be allowed to return to school. Do not send them back on the bus; you must bring them for a check before they will be allowed to return to classes. The same policy applies for students who have been diagnosed with scabies. Contact us for more information. All medications must be brought to the school by the parent in the unopened, original container and a parent/ physician consent form must be signed. Do not send cough drops, Tylenol, or any other type of medication by your child. It is strictly prohibited.
School’s Tick Removal Policy
School staff members do not remove embedded ticks. If a tick is embedded into the skin, then it will be covered with a bandage and the school will call the parent to let them know. If the parent cannot be reached by phone after three tries, then a note will be sent home with the student documenting where the tick is embedded and what was done. Parents cannot give verbal permission for staff to remove a tick, however, the parent or his/her designee can come to the school to remove the tick. Whatever actions occurred will be documented with copies going to the parent and to the school administration.
School Policy for Determining When a Child May be Sent Home Due to Illness
- If a child has a temperature of 100 or more.
- If a child has diarrhea/vomiting more than once (or may be sent home if appears sick).
- If a child has a rash.
- If a child has pink eye.
- If a child has a sore throat or white spots on the throat.
Student Dress
Neat, clean, and decent dress is expected of everyone at Bethel Springs Elementary School. Any form of dress, which is disruptive or distractive in appearance or is detrimental to good school conduct will not be permitted. The following restrictions shall apply:
PREK-3RD DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE POLICY
Parents and students are responsible that the student is appropriately dressed and following all the guidelines listed below whenever they are on any school property or at any school function:
1. All students are expected to be neat with clean clothing that is worn in the intended manner.
2. All clothing must be worn in such a way that undergarments are not exposed, and midriff areas are covered at all times.
3. Clothing that express violence, obscenities, hatred, or that advertises/promotes alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, skulls, or skull emblems is prohibited.
4. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
5. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times.
6. No pajama pants or other sleepwear may be worn to school unless related to a school event.
7. Costumes or any kind of masks cannot be worn to school unless related to a school event.
8. Hair must be of a natural color and worn in a style that is not distracting.
9. Head coverings including hats cannot be worn at the school or on the bus except to sporting events, outside school events, or unless for religious purposes.
10. Visible jewelry worn in piercings are limited to the ears only.
Students must follow the guidelines above when they are at after-school events, sporting events in or out of McNairy county, on the bus, on field trips, or on other school campuses unless otherwise approved by the administration.
All infractions of the above guidelines will be handled using the approved discipline ladder and the student will have to immediately correct the infraction or other clothing will have to be brought to the school before the student is allowed to return to class.
4-8th DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE POLICY
Parents and students are responsible that the student is appropriately dressed and following all the guidelines listed below whenever they are on any school property or at any school function:
1. All students are expected to be neat with clean clothing that is worn in the intended manner.
2. All shorts, dresses, and skirts must be of appropriate length which will be determined by one of the following methods: (1) being no shorter than their longest finger when extended down straight at their side; or (2) being no shorter than six inches from the floor when kneeling on the floor. As long as it meets one of the methods it is considered appropriate.
3. All pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses must not have rips/holes that bares skin or undergarments above the appropriate length as described above.
4. Leggings and tights must be covered by shorts, skirts, dresses, or shirt that must meet the appropriate length as described above.
5. All clothing must be worn in such a way that undergarments are not exposed, and midriff areas are covered at all times.
6. Clothing that express violence, obscenities, hatred, or that advertises/promotes alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, skulls, or skull emblems is prohibited.
7. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
8. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times.
9. Boys must wear shirts with sleeves.
10. Girls' shirts must be at least 3 inches wide over the shoulder and not expose any undergarments on the shoulder or under their arms.
11. No 'backless", "strapless", "midriff, low cut tops, or cleavage is allowed.
12. Sheer clothing cannot be used to meet the guidelines if the clothing beneath does not meet the guidelines.
13. No pajama pants or other sleepwear may be worn to school unless related to a school event.
14. Costumes or any kind of masks cannot be worn to school unless related to a school event.
15. Hair must be of a natural color and worn in a style that is not distracting.
16. Head coverings including hats cannot be worn at the school or on the bus except to sporting events, outside school events, or unless for religious purposes.
17. Visible jewelry worn in piercings are limited to the ears only.
Clothing worn by participants during athletic practices or sporting events may not have to meet all the standards above, but must be appropriate for the activity, be as modest as expected, approved by the coach and worn only during practice, and/or sporting events.
Students must follow the guidelines above when they are at after-school events, sporting events in or out of McNairy county, on the bus, on field trips, or on other school campuses unless otherwise approved by the administration.
All infractions of the above guidelines will be handled using the approved discipline ladder, and the student will have to immediately correct the infraction or other clothing will have to be brought to the school before the student is allowed to return to class.
Complaints
Any complaint regarding instructional materials, disabilities, harassment, etc., should initially be directed to the teacher, and then to the school administration. The natural chain of command will be expected when concerns arise: Teacher, Principal, Director, and Board of Education.
Change of Address/Telephone
Make sure that you inform the classroom teacher or office personnel if you have a change in address or telephone number. It is extremely important that we are able to contact you in case of an emergency.
Lunches Brought to School
Students will not be allowed to pick up lunches dropped off in the office from fast food places such as McDonalds, Subway, or Burger King. Students may bring their lunch in the morning when they come to school. We encourage our students to eat a balanced USDA lunch provided by the cafeteria staff.
Student Records
By law, whether married, separated, or divorced, parents have access to student records if their child is under the age of 18. If the school system is provided evidence by court order, state statue, or by a legally binding document in reference to matters such as separation, divorce, or custody that specifically revokes these rights, records will be accessible to both parents.
Medical Conditions
For the sake of your child’s safety and well-being, it is important that you provide information to us concerning any possible health conditions or especially any allergies that your child(ren) may have. Cafeteria personnel must be contacted in cases of allergies to certain foods.
Suspensions from School
The law states that a principal/assistant principal of a public school system may suspend a child from attending school, a school sponsored activity, or from riding a school bus for adequate reasons. Reasons may be, but not limited to:
- Use of inappropriate language
- Destroying of damaging school property
- Unacceptable conduct by the student
- Violence or threat of violence to another party
- Leaving school without permission
- Truancy
- Possession of a weapon
- Illegal beverages or substances at school or school event
- Any conduct that is against school policy that affects the order and discipline of the school
Cafeteria Procedures
Students are not permitted to leave their designated table during breakfast or lunch. They should remain seated and maintain a low noise level while in the cafeteria. The tables and floor around the table should be left clean and neat. A fifteen-minute milk/snack break is provided for students in kindergarten through first grade. The students will buy their milk or snacks from the cafeteria and take the break in the classroom. At mealtime, do not send any glass containers (this is a safety hazard). They are not allowed to take food or drinks back to their classroom unless they bring their lunch and it is in a carrier. Do not send Yeti type cups with your child.
Cell Phones
Do not allow your child to bring their cell phone to school. They are unnecessary. If a teacher takes a phone, it will be brought to the office, labeled with the student name, and left in the office for the parent to pick up. If this continues, we will request a parent meeting in order to give a phone back. If your child feels sick, we will contact you through the office phone. Please help us with this. If you wish to leave your child(ren) a message, we will make a note of it and inform them before the day ends. We do not call students to the office for personal calls. You may leave a message and we will give it to them. Thank you for your cooperation.
Learning Media Center
Students will be allowed to use the library to check out books during their regularly scheduled library class. There will be library skills classes scheduled with all homeroom teachers. Classes and individual students may use the library for research by scheduling a time with the librarian. Books may be checked out as needed. Damage to any books will result in the students having to pay for the damage. If books are lost or not returned by the end of the year, report cards will be held in the office until the matter is resolved. Books checked out by students will be the responsibility of that student if lost or damaged.
Asbestos Policy
(Check at the end of the manual for further information). This is to certify that Bethel Springs Elementary School has been inspected for asbestos. A copy of the Management Plan can be found in the Director’s Office. It is required by the Department of Education AHERA (Hazard Emergency Response Act) that teachers and parents receive this notice.
Personal Items
Toys, cell phones, electronic games, fitbits, radios, smart watches, etc. should not be brought to school. The school will not be held responsible if your child brings these to school.
Athletics and Cheerleaders
Competitive sports are limited to sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Students must have a doctor’s statement verifying they are in proper physical condition. Proof of medical insurance coverage is also required. In order to play sports, students must be academically promoted to the next grade (6th, 7th, or 8th) and have passing grades in four full academic subjects (Reading, Math, English, Science and/or Social Studies). In order to be a cheerleader, students must be academically promoted to the next grade (6th, 7th, or 8th) and have passing grades.
Board of Education Policies
A copy of the McNairy County School Board Policy Book is located online at www.mcnairy.org. Please check this for any further information you may need.
Nondiscrimination Policy
It is the policy of the McNairy County School System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, marital status, or disability in its’ educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI or VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and life-styles open to women as well as men in our society. One of the objectives of the total curriculum and teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate a bias on the basis of sex, race, and cultural diversity found in our country and an awareness of rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of a pluralistic society.
Bullying Policy
Bethel Springs Elementary School adheres to the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program by Hazeldon and has enforced a Bullying Policy which mirrors these best practices. Forms of bullying include but not limited to the following occurring over a distinct time period:
- Calling names and verbal harassment
- Omission from groups
- Pushing, hitting, or kicking
- Telling rumors
- Taking away or damaging personal property
- Threatening others
- Racial bullying
- Sexual bullying
- Cyber bullying
- Bullying is not acceptable behavior at BSES, and it will not be tolerated.
- Student behavior will reflect attitudes showing respect for themselves and others.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to recognize diversity in our society and will respect others for differences.
- Trust and communication will thrive within the school between all stakeholders.
- Students will focus on social norms that do not support bullying.
Afternoon Checkout
You must call the school before 2:00 p.m. if you need to change where your child is to go after school; such as ride the bus, be a car rider, go to afterschool, or go home with another student. If you call after 2:00 p.m. we may not be able to get the message to them. Afternoon checkouts will not be allowed after 2:30; you must wait in the car rider line to pick up your child.
Emergency Closings
If there is an emergency closing of school due to weather conditions or other matters, you will be contacted as soon as possible. The director has an automated contact phone call to all parents. We must have an up to date phone number on file to make sure you are contacted. If school is in session, we will contact you as soon as we can by emergency numbers we have on file. Make sure that you have made arrangements before something happens as to what your child(ren) is to do.
Promotion and Retention
The McNairy County Board of Education has developed a policy to determine if a child should be retained or promoted. You may contact the school office if you have questions. Retentions will ne made on individual basis when, in the judgment of the teacher, parents, and administration, that the retention would be in the best interest of the child. Any and all information will be used: teacher-made testing and grades showing mastery or non-mastery, standardized test scores, and teacher observation of student performance. Contact the administration for further details.
Internet Safety
Each teacher will discuss with their class Internet usage and rules that the Board of Education has concerning use of the internet. If a student violates that rule, they will not be allowed to use the school Internet for a specified time frame.
Field Trips
Field trips are a privilege. If a child is suspended or placed at the alternative school, they will not be allowed to take a field trip. No cell phones are permitted on field trips. The administration will make the final judgment of attendance. The daily school dress code applies to all field trips.
Complaint Managers
District: Mrs. Jennifer Hunt
491 High School Rd.
Selmer, TN 38375
731-645-6010
Dr. Brian Jackson
170 West Court Ave.
Selmer, TN 38375
731-645-8257
School: Mr. Terry Moore or Dr. Lin Smith
4733 Main Street
Bethel Springs, TN 38315
731-934-7288