Click on each topic for detailed information.

SCHOOL DAY

The first bell rings at 7:53 a.m. and school begins at 7:55 a.m. The school day ends at 3:01 p.m. Parents are asked not to bring children to school before 7:40 a.m. and to pick them up promptly at dismissal time. The school provides no supervision on the school campus before school officially begins, after school has been dismissed at the close of the school day, or on weekends.

If a student is to be absent from school, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the parent or guardian notifies the school by phone at 389-9924. In the event that a family does not have a phone, the parent or guardian should submit a written excuse to the school office by the student on the day he/she returns to school. Student absences may not exceed 15 days per calendar year.
The public school laws of North Carolina hold the parent(s) or guardian(s) responsible for ensuring that their child attends school every day through the full day school term. Occasional illness or unavoidable problems within the immediate family are to be expected and students shall be excused from attendance by the school for the following reasons:

1. Illness of the student

2. Major illness in immediate family.

3. Death in the immediate family.

4. Any absence previously determined by the principal to be in the best interest of the student.

5. Unusual trips or activities of such rare nature and short duration that the education and instructional value gained will outweigh the value of the instructional time missed from classroom activities.

6. Professional health care.

7. Civil responsibilities.

All other absences shall be considered unexcused. As required by the North Carolina General Statutes, all students between the ages of seven (7) and sixteen (16) shall attend school on a regular basis. A student must be present at least one-half of the school day in order to be recorded present for that day.
All students making school-sponsored trips will be counted as present for attendance purposes. Students assigned to In-School Suspension are counted as present and receive credit for all work completed in ISS. return to top

Tardy and Truant Students

If a student is tardy to school, he/she must report to the office. Students who are not in school or who are tardy without parental or school consent will be considered truant. Students with 5 unexcused tardy slips per grading period (9weeks)will receive 1 day of ISS. An 8th tardy constitutes 2 days of ISS. A 10th tardy equates to 3 days of ISS, and anything over the 10th unexcused tardy in one 9-week period may result in OSS. (Excused tardiness includes documented visits to a physician, dentist, or other recognized medical visits.) Truancy violates state and local attendance laws and will be considered a serious offense. Continued truancy may result in legal action or expulsion from school.

Early Dismissals

Students are to remain at school all day. The only exceptions are medical appointments or emergencies. If a student needs to leave early, they should bring a written request from their parent or guardian to the office before school begins for the day. The request should state the time of day and the reason for the early dismissal. Students will receive an early dismissal form to give to their teacher and will be excused to come to the office at the time they will be checked out. Parent(s), guardian(s) or authorized persons are to come by the office at the time for students to leave so they can be signed out. If a student leaves the school grounds during school hours without being checked out, he/she will be considered truant.
If a student arrives late, leaves early or leaves and returns to school, it will be considered a tardy. Five tardy slips equal one absence.
If a student leaves before 11:30am and does not return for the rest of the day, he/she will be counted absent. The principal reserves the right to deny any student dismissal. return to top

Illness
Students who become ill at school during the day must get their teacher's permission before going to the office. A school official must speak with the parent or guardian before the student is dismissed. Students staying out of class without informing their teacher or the office will be considered truant.

Snow and other Emergencies

On mornings having snow or icy conditions, a Connect-Ed message from the superintendent or the principal will announce school closings. A delayed schedule will be used only when necessary and it will be announced in the same way as school closings.
In the event school is closed early, students should know what to do and where to go. Parents should discuss this matter with their children. A little preparation can prevent a great deal of confusion.

Transportation to and from School

Students need to inform their teachers of their method of getting to and from school. Will they be riding the bus, coming by car, or walking? If they will be traveling by some means other than a bus, they should bring a note from their parents. When they wish to change from one method to another, they must bring a note from their parents .return to top

Students may not ride a bus other than the regularly assigned bus without a written request from their parents that has been approved by their homeroom teacher, assistant principal, or principal. A student must ride the bus to which he/she is assigned. Students will be allowed off the bus only at school, home, and locations requested in writing by parents. The bus driver is in complete charge of the bus and its occupants at all times. Students riding the bus must comply with the requests of the driver. School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior.

Bus Safety
Student safety is the first and most important concern of bus operation at Hayesville Middle School. Listed below are some safety rules that must be followed by students:

1. Get to the bus stop on time. Drivers cannot wait for students.
2. Don't wait on the street. Stay out of traffic's way.
3. Use the bus handrail when getting on or off the bus.
4. The bus driver will assign seats. Students will remain in their seats while the bus is in motion and be responsible for any damage to their seat.
5. Keep the aisle clear. Don't block it with anything.
6. Ask to open windows. Never put your head, hands, or arms out of open windows.
7. Never throw things in a bus, at a bus, or out of a bus.
8. Quiet please! The driver must hear warning signals and car horns.
9. Do not eat or drink while on a bus going to or from school.
10. Scuffling, fighting, and the use of profane language will not be tolerated.
11. Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in any form will not be allowed.
12. Do not carry any weapons, explosives (such as fireworks), knives, glass objects, or any other dangerous items on the school bus.
13. Leave the bus carefully. Keep away from the side as it pulls away. Cross ten (10) feet in front of the bus so that you are clearly visible to the driver.
14. Students will be allowed off the bus only at school or their regular stop. Unauthorized stops will not be made.
15. OBEY THE BUS DRIVER just as you do a teacher.
16. While on the bus, students are under the authority of Clay County School System and Hayesville Middle School. Their rules, regulations, and policies are in effect for all students riding the bus.

Students are expected to comply with bus regulations. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Riding the bus is a privilege and not a right. Abuse of the privilege will result in suspension from the bus.

STUDENT INSURANCE

Parents have the opportunity to purchase school accident insurance for their children. School-time and twenty-four hour coverage will be available. An information sheet explaining the program will be given to each student. return to top

Use of the telephone by students is limited to emergency calls and school business calls only, however, students will be given the opportunity to make calls when deemed necessary by teachers or administrators. Students are required to leave cell phones off upon arrival at school and until 3:01pm. Improperly used cell phones confiscated by the administration will only be released to the parents after 3:01pm. A note from the student's teacher is required before the school telephone may be used. return to top

All textbooks and other instructional materials are loaned to the students for their use during the school year. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Lost or damaged books are the responsibility of the student. Fees will be charged for excessive damage or loss of books. A student must pay for his/her lost textbook before another textbook will be issued. return to top

Conferences may be arranged through the office by phoning 389-9924. A conference will be arranged during the teacher's planning period. Teachers are given at least 24 hours notice for conferences to allow for adequate planning time. return to top

No visitors are allowed on the school grounds or in the school buildings unless they have been cleared through the office and have been given a visitor ID card. Students cannot bring relatives or friends to school for any reason. return to top

Fire Drill
A fire drill shall be held in each building at least once a month in accordance with state laws. Teachers have instructed all students in the method of orderly evacuation of the buildings. Following the teacher's directions and proper procedures could save lives during an emergency.

Tornado Drill
In case of a tornado emergency, there will be a continuous high/low sounding of the emergency alarm or bell. Everyone will go to his/her assigned area or along an inside wall. Students should kneel on a floor facing the wall, hold their arms over their heads, put their heads between their knees, and remain quiet until all clear is sounded. return to top

Reports cards are issued to students at the end of each 9-week grading period. Report cards are to be signed by the parent(s) and returned to the student's teacher as soon as possible. The grade point system is as follows: 93-100 (A), 85-92 (B), 77-84 (C), 70-76 (D), Below 70 (F).

The decision regarding the promotion, retention, and grade placement of each student will be made on the basis of documented academic achievement in relation to the mental ability and overall physical, emotional, and social well-being of the pupil.

Each retention will be considered on an individual basis. The decision will be made with prudence and in the best interest of the student. Emphasis will be placed on the student's future success. The decision to retain a student will be done cooperatively among the principal, assistant principal, teachers, counselor and parents. The principal has the final decision in cases of unresolved disagreements.
Students will be promoted using the following indicators:

• Student passes all subjects, or all but one (1) subject, with a grade equivalent of 70 or above.
• Student is absent no more than 15 days during the school year.
• Student achieves Level III or Level IV on EOG reading/math tests and achieves a minimum of 2.5 on the 7 th grade NC Writing Assessment. return to top

An orderly environment is critical for teachers to be able to teach and students to be able to learn. Students are prohibited from disrupting teaching, the orderly conduct of school activities, or any other lawful function of the school or school district.

Students are not permitted to wear clothing that is substantially disruptive, is provocative or obscene or endangers the health or safety of the students or others.

Students are expected to wear appropriate clothes to school. Students who do not comply with the following guidelines will be asked to change clothing before attending class. Those who habitually (more than once) fail to follow the guidelines will be counseled and subject to disciplinary action.

• Clothing that is suggestive or distasteful will not be worn. This includes apparel that is too tight or too short.
• Shirts, blouses or tops must be long enough to extend to the belt line, midriffs should be covered at all times, and underclothes must be concealed.
• Shoes and sandals must be worn at all times.
• Caps, sunglasses, hats and other headgear will not be permitted in the buildings.
• Attire which displays vulgar or profane wording or depictions, and that which mentions, depicts or alludes to violence, sex, alcoholic beverages, drugs or tobacco products may not be worn.
• No bare shoulders, strapless tops, or low cut blouses.
• Judgment of questionable dress will be made on a case-by-case basis by the principal or his or her designee. Any clothing or appearance deemed by the school administration to be unacceptable or disruptive to the educational process may be prohibited. return to top

Electronic games or music players, lasers, lasers, beepers, toys, knives, skateboards, or any other items that would be disruptive to the school environment are not allowed at Hayesville Middle School or during any special school activities. In addition, these items are not permitted on any of the school buses. return to top

No buying, selling, or trading of any items (tickets, sports cards, game cards, etc.) are permitted on the school grounds or school buses during school hours. Consequences may include suspension and parent contact. If items are brought to school and confiscated, they may be picked up by parents at the end of the school year. return to top

Student lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time --- without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. Students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their locker. Locks will be provided by the school and lockers should be locked at all times. return to top

MEDICATION POLICY

To view Clay County schools Medication Policy click here.
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MAKE-UP WORK/MOODLE

It is the student's responsibility to make up class work. Student's homework may be accessed on the school website. HMS teachers are using Moodle to post the assignments and activities they are doing in their classrooms each day/week. If you check the site regularly, this should keep you informed of your child's work. The link is located on this website under SCHOOL TOOLS, schoolwork.
Each individual teacher will ensure that students with long term illness or hospitalization can make up their work. If students are unlawfully absent from school, teachers will not allow them to make up class work missed and they will receive a zero (0) for each test missed during their absence.
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FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are designed to enhance the general curriculum and to offer students the opportunity to experience different learning environments. Often these experiences have a monetary fee attached to them. HMS charges a basic rate for all field trip-learning experiences. As a result, once money is collected and turned in, HMS is no longer responsible for the money. No refunds will be given after money is turned in. The money is forwarded from HMS to the official agency in order to fulfill the field trip contract with the agency. If a student is suspended, sick, out of town, or is unable to attend a field trip for any reason after money has been turned in to the official agency, HMS will not issue a refund. The parent may contact the agency and a separate arrangement may be agreed upon by the parent and field trip agency at that time.
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PATHWAYS
Pathways is an educational and recreational program designed for middle school students. It is held after school and in the summer at the Black and Gold Center. Please phone 389-3742 for additional information. return to top

COMPUTER LAB

The computer lab facility houses thirty-two networked computers. The teacher is able to access all students' work in our computer lab.
Our goal in computer education is for students to be proficient in keyboarding and in using word processing, databases, and spreadsheets upon completion of the eighth grade. Students are required to take a computer proficiency exam mandated by the state of North Carolina before promotion to the 9th grade. return to top

CAFETERIA

Free or reduced lunch applications will be sent home with each student at the beginning of the school year. Parents should complete these applications and return them to the homeroom teacher if they feel their family qualifies for this service. Parents will be notified of the student's eligibility status. If free or reduced lunches are not desired, the application may be discarded. Students may prepay by the week or month. They may also bring their lunch/breakfast money on a daily basis.
If the student's family has a change in financial status during the school year, please request a free or reduced lunch application at the middle school office. The cafeteria menu may be accessed on the school website under nutrition. return to top

Media Center
The media center is equipped with the latest technology and now contains a 32-station computer lab as well as computers for Accelerated Reader tests and research. We have exciting materials that will assist the student in his/her personal reading and viewing pleasure. Students learn how to do safe research on the Internet, as well as take Accelerated Reader tests. Since the media center serves all the students at Hayesville Middle School, behavior is very important. In addition to good behavior, students need to take good care of the materials that they use.
If a library book or the replacement cost is not turned in, report cards will be held at the end of a grading period. return to top

Guidance
The Guidance Department at Hayesville Middle School is designed to help students make intelligent decisions about their own personal adjustment problems and their educational plans.
Each student has the ability, right, and responsibility to make his/her own decisions, and the counselor's function is to help students to better understand themselves and their motives and to make the best choice when faced with a decision. The counselor will not make the decision for the student, nor guarantee that all problems will be solved.
Students may visit their guidance counselor after securing permission from the teacher to whom they are responsible. Students may visit the counselor one time without the school notifying the parent(s). If parent(s) do not want their child to visit the counselor without their knowledge, please notify the school. return to top

North Carolina Testing Program

Hayesville Middle School students will be taking the North Carolina End-of-grade tests in reading and mathematics near the end of the school year. These curriculum-based tests are specifically aligned to North Carolina's Standard Course of Study and include a variety of strategies to measure the achievement of North Carolina students. The tests were developed in response to legislation passed by the North Carolina General assembly and we are mandated by the state board of education to administer them. They are part of a statewide assessment program.
The reasons for these tests are (1) to provide information about each student's performance relative to that of other students in North Carolina, (2) to provide information about school and school system achievement in the subject areas and goals and objectives specified in the Standard Course of Study, and (3) to provide information useful in administering and evaluating programs.
The NC End-of-Grade Test - Reading Comprehension assesses reading by having students read authentic passages and then answer multiple choice questions directly related to the passages. Knowledge of vocabulary is assessed indirectly through application and understanding of terms within the context of passages and questions. Passages selected for the reading tests are chosen to reflect reading for various purposes: acquiring literary experience, gaining information, and performing a task.
The NC End-of-Grade Test - Mathematics measures the goals and objectives in the NC Math Standard Course of Study. The competency goals and objectives for each grade are organized into four strands: (1) Number Sense, Numeration and Numerical Operations; (2) Spatial Sense, Measurement, and Geometry; (3) Patterns, Relationships, Functions; (4) Data, Probability, and Statistics. The End-of-Grade math tests are multiple choice. The math test has two parts, one part with calculator use and one part without calculator use. The standard for grade level proficiency shall be a test score at Achievement Level III or above on the end-of-grade reading comprehension and mathematics test for students in grades 3 through 8. Clay County Board of Education policy states that students in grades 3-8 must achieve at or above a Level III on the North Carolina End-of-Grade tests in reading and mathematics to be eligible for promotion.
Believing that statewide emphasis on writing instruction is needed and that the measurement of writing enhances instructional efforts, North Carolina tests writing in grades four and seven. Hayesville Middle School's seventh graders will be taking the North Carolina Writing Assessment on a day during the first part of March of each school year. The seventh-grade test mode will be either descriptive, clarification/expository or point of view/expository.
The NCDPI Division of Accountability Services/Testing Section arranges for each student test document to be scored by two independent readers. A focused holistic score of a 1, 2, 3 or 4 is assigned to each student composition. If the two readers rate the same student essay differently, an average for the two scores is taken. For example, if one scorer rates a student test at 2 and the second scorer rates the same student test at 3, the student receives a half way mark of 2.5.
Writing is an important part of instruction at every grade level whether or not it is assessed in that grade level as a part of the state-required testing program. Hayesville Middle School students work on writing and on the Communication Skills Standard Course of Study during every school year.
The NC End-of-Grade test-Science component of the NC Standard Course of Study focuses on the unifying Concepts of Science as identified by the National Science Education Standards. The Unifying Concepts and the Strands should be integrated with science content goals and objectives for middle school. The Unifying Concepts of Science consist of: Systems, Order, and Organization, Evidentce, Models, and Explanation; Constancy, Change, and Measurement; Evolution and Equilibruim; Form and Function. The Strands include the follwoing goals; Nature of Science, Science as Inquire, and Science and Technology.

Hayesville Middle School eighth graders will be taking the North Carolina Test of Computer Skills. Students are required to pass this test, the computer proficiency requirement, in order to receive a North Carolina high school diploma. The requirement is based on the kindergarten through grade eight competencies of the K-12 computer skills curriculum approved by the State Board of Education. The goals of the requirement are to ensure that most students enter high school with sufficient computer skills and that no students exit North Carolina high schools without sufficient computer skills.
The Test of Computer Skills is on-line and consists of four parts with 18 questions in each part: keyboarding techniques, word processing/editing, database use, spreadsheet use, telecomputing skills, societal issues, ethics, and computer terms. Individual student's scores and score interpretation information for these tests will be mailed home with the student's final report card at the end of the school year.
Hayesville Middle Sschool strictly adheres to the testing recommendations prescribed by Clay County Board of Education and the NC Department of Public Instruction. If parents or guardians wish to view state recommendations, they may do so by accessing the NC Standard Course of Study at: www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/
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TECHNOLOGY

Hayesville Middle School is networked and all sites are connected to the Internet via a T-1 line. We have 2 computer labs with 32 computers in each lab. All classrooms have computers and we have several locations with computers for small group usage.
Our goal is for technology to nurture and empower the development of students to become self-directed learners, complex thinkers, quality producers, collaborative workers and community contributors. We know that students accustomed to using computers demonstrate greater problem solving and critical thinking skills.
We want to further our student's already high academic achievement through the infusion of technology into all our teaching and learning endeavors, as well as adding new experiences. Our students have mainstreamed access to universal information. Our students use appropriate technology for research, communication, publishing and presentation of acquired knowledge into all disciplines. Accessing inappropriate sites may result in ISS/OSS. HMS administration will issue punishment depending on the severity of the situation. return to top

RESOURCE

Hayesville Middle School has a comprehensive resource program. Exceptional children are served through the following programs:

• Academically gifted

• Speech/language

• Specific learning disability

• Educable mentally handicapped

• Emotionally handicapped

• Hearing impaired

• Visually impaired

• Trainable mentally handicapped

• Physically handicapped

• And other health impaired
  
  If parents suspect that their child might qualify to receive these services, they should contact the advisor/advisee teacher or principal at 828-389-9924. Screening information will be collected and considered in order to make decisions regarding the need for these educational intervention programs.

PHONE NUMBERS:

Hayesville Elementary School: 828-389-8586
Hayesville Middle School: 828-389-9924
Pathways-Middle School: 828-389-3742
Hayesville High School: 828-389-6532
School Superintendent's Office: 828-389-8513
Bus Garage: 828-389-8412
School Food Service: 828-389-8513
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ATTENDANCE POLICY

No student shall miss more than fifteen (15) days during the school year, nor have more than fifteen (15) absences in the same class in a school year, if he/she is to receive credit. Five tardies equal one (1) absence and are added to the number of days absent. A tardy is arriving late, leaving early or leaving and returning during the school day. When a student is absent for more than fifteen (15) days, he/she may receive no credit for the course(s) or grade.

Students absent more than fifteen (15) days may request credit for classes they have missed from the principal. The principal and a committee made up of the assistant principal and teacher(s) will decide whether credit shall be given. The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) will be requested to attend this hearing.

Hayesville Middle School will notify parents by mail and invite them for a conference when students have accumulated ten (10) absences.

When a student has accumulated ten (10) absences, he/she will be referred to the principal or assistant principal for counseling about the importance of missing academic time and how this will have a direct bearing on his/her future, even though said absences are lawful. return to top

DISCIPLINE

To guarantee a good social and educational climate, it is important that students understand that acceptable standards of behavior will be expected at all times. Discipline will be administered when any individual's actions interfere with the right of teachers to teach and students to learn. Students are reminded that any teacher or staff member in the school has the right to correct unruly students at any place and at any time during the school day or school sponsored activities.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

The following are some examples of student behavior that violate school policy when they occur at school or during school activities. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Students may be disciplined or suspended for any of the following:

•  The possession, transmission, and/or use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. Students holding or in possession of a cigarette or facsimile in any manner will be presumed to be smoking.

•  The possession and/or use of firearms and explosives.

•  The possession of fireworks.

•  The possession of a knife or pocketknife.

•  Threatening, intimidating, or causing bodily harm to any person.

•  Threatening to destroy the school facilities, school grounds or school property.

•  Insolence or disrespect.

•  Failure to comply with the directions of principals, teachers, and other school personnel.

•  Fighting.

•  Leaving a classroom or leaving school without permission.

•  Leaving the middle school campus or boundaries without permission.

•  Class tardiness or truancy.

•  Vandalizing, damaging, or stealing school or private property.

•  The use of improper language.

•  Inappropriate displays of affection.

•  Rowdy behavior: running, pushing, shoving, scuffling, yelling, and whistling. return to top

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Disciplinary procedures for unacceptable, inappropriate student behavior may include, but are not limited to:

•  Warning/counseling

•  Written assignment

•  Isolation from rest of class

•  Contacting parents

•  After school detention

•  Corporal punishment

•  In-School Suspension

•  Out-of-School Suspension

•  Long-term Suspension

This list is not intended to be sequential in use; different behaviors will mandate different forms of punishment. Teachers and administrators reserve the right to use disciplinary measures at any point in the disciplinary process depending on the severity of the offense. Suspension does not rule out the possibility of criminal charges being filed.

The interdisciplinary team for each grade level, 5 through 8, has a detailed discipline plan. This plan includes school and classroom rules. Specific consequences are given for breaking these rules. Each student will receive a copy of his/her grade level discipline plan. return to top

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

In-school suspension (ISS) will be used in grades six (6), seven (7) and eight (8), (and grade five (5) on an individual basis). If a student cannot function within the framework of classroom or school rules, he/she will be referred to the principal or assistant principal. One of the options the principal or assistant principal has is to assign the student to In School Suspension. A student assigned to ISS for disciplinary reasons will spend from one to five days in this program and will be isolated from his/her classmates. He/she will be expected to do all class work brought to the ISS Center by his/her teachers. An ISS Teacher supervises these students at all times. The ISS Program is an alternative form of punishment that eliminates students from being suspended from school and missing their class work. return to top

SUSPENSION

Suspension: If the principal witnesses any serious misconduct of students or has reasonable cause to believe that immediate removal of a student is necessary to restore order or to protect persons on the school grounds, he/she may suspend the student immediately. Short-term Suspension: A student placed on short-term suspension is prohibited from entering the school or school grounds, attending any day or night school functions, or riding a school vehicle for any period of one to ten days. Long-term Suspension or Expulsion: A student placed on long ­term suspension is prohibited from entering the school or the school grounds, attending any day or night school functions, or riding in a school owned vehicle for a definite period of more than ten days.

CONDUCT- GUIDELINES

Specific incidents of misconduct, which will result in suspension, include the following:

•  Possession and/or use of firearms and explosives. ---Long term suspension, expulsion, report to law enforcement.

•  Sale or distribution of a controlled substance, drugs, alcohol ---- Long term suspension, expulsion, report to law enforcement

•  Causing another person to possess firearms, explosives or other weapons; using or threatening to use any instrument considered to be a weapon —10 days OSS, report to law enforcement

•  Threatening to cause bodily harm to an individual(s) -- 10 days OSS, report to law enforcement

•  Threatening to destroy school facilities, school grounds, school property--- ---10 days OSS, report to law enforcement

•  Possession or use of controlled substances, drugs, alcohol -- --10 days OSS, report to law enforcement

•  Fighting. (Assault or physical injury to any student )---- 3 days ISS

•  Possession or use of tobacco products. --3 days ISS

•  Disrespect or insolence ---3 to 10 days ISS

•  Theft ----- -------- 3 to 10 days ISS, restitution

•  Damage to school property --- 3 to 10 days ISS, restitution

•  Truancy / Leaving school, middle school campus or class without permission --3 days ISS

•  Forgery -----3 days ISS

•  Behavior that shocks the conscience ---3 to 10 days ISS or OSS.

The following behaviors and other types of misconduct are prohibited. Disciplinary action will be handled at the discretion of the teacher, assistant principal, or principal:

•  Failure to comply with the directions of principals, teachers, and other school personnel.

•  Disruption of orderly process of education.

•  Threatening, insulting, abusing, or seriously discourteous/ vulgar/obscene words, signs or other acts.

•  Running/scuffling/horseplay. return to top

BUS DISCIPLINE

The bus driver is required to report any misconduct that jeopardizes the safety of the bus to the principal for disciplinary action. When students are referred to the office because of misconduct on a bus, the following disciplinary procedure will be utilized:

1 st offense: Student conference and written assignment.

2 nd offense: Parent conference and disciplinary action.

3 rd offense: Suspension from bus for a period of 3 days

Fighting, Serious misconduct: Suspension from bus for

a period of 5 days.
If a student continues to cause trouble on the bus after having been suspended from riding the bus, the parents will be notified again and the student may be denied the privilege of riding a public school bus for the remainder of the school year.

Bus safety rules are for the protection of all students. Misconduct on school buses will not be tolerated. Students who constantly violate rules of conduct on a school bus will be taken off the bus and it will be necessary that they provide their own transportation to and from school. The principal or assistant principal has the authority to suspend a student from riding the bus for misconduct. Even though a student is suspended from the bus, he/she must attend school, or his/her absence will be considered unexcused. return to top

PARENTS' RIGHT OF ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

Parents of students or 18-year-old students who wish to review any or all of the school records pertaining to the student should contact the school principal for an appointment. The records will be reviewed with school personnel, and parents may have copies of the records for the cost of copying.

If parents or adult students believe something in the records is inaccurate or misleading, they may request that it be corrected or they may have comments added to the record. If the principal and the parent or adult student cannot agree, the latter may contact the superintendent for a hearing.

Record information will not be released to most persons or agencies without the written consent of parents. It is the policy of this unit to forward school records, with parent consent, to schools in another unit to which a student transfers. Parents may request a copy of the record. Without parent consent, the unit forwards transcripts, or other information requested by high school students to colleges and other educational institutions to which students are applying.

Also, federal law permits a school unit to identify certain information as "Directory Information" which may be publicly released without permission of the parents. Clay County Schools identifies this information as the following: name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, diplomas and awards received, and most recent previous school attended. If you do not want this information released, please provide the school with written notification within 10 school days. If we do not receive your notice by that date, we will assume that you have no objection to release such information. We believe that it is in the student's best interest to have such information released in school and community newspapers because of the recognition it gives them. We make every reasonable effort to protect our students' privacy. For example, it is our policy not to release information to business for commercial purposes or to individuals without good reason. Therefore, most parents do not restrict the release of Directory Information. return to top

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

The Clay County Board of Education is committed to providing an environment in which all employees and students have the right to be free from sexual harassment. The board is strongly opposed to sexual harassment in any form, anywhere in the school system. Sexual harassment covers all unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and any other verbal or physical expression that is either an implicit or explicit condition or basis of an employment decision or that has the effect of interfering with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating work environment or student learning environment. Such harassment by supervisors and/or employees or students will not be tolerated and may lead to immediate dismissal or suspension. It shall be the duty of all supervisors, teachers and students to be sensitive to harassing behavior or conditions and to initiate corrective action immediately when these are suspected or actually known. If an employee believes that he/she is a victim of sexual harassment, the employee is to immediately, without fear of recrimination, file a complaint through the established grievance procedure. Students should report any unwelcome advances to the principal or assistant principal. (Discrimination because of Sex under Title Section 703 of VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.) return to top

WEAPONS AND VIOLENCE POLICY

The Clay County Board of Education practices zero tolerance with respect to weapons and violence on school property. According to G.S. 115C-228 (North Carolina Code), all principals are required to immediately report the following acts (a-n) that occur on school grounds:

a. Physical assault resulting in serious personal injury

b. Sexual assault, sexual offense, or rape

c. Kidnapping

d. Indecent liberties with a minor

e. Assault involving the use of a weapon

f. Possession of a firearm or weapon in violation of the

law

g. Possession of a controlled substance in violation of

the law

h. Murder

i. Robbery with a dangerous weapon

j. Physical assault of a teacher or other school official

k. Theft of a motor vehicle

I. Arson

m. Breaking and entering

n. Communicating threats

The presence of weapons, dangerous instruments, or bomb threats constitutes a clear threat to the safety of students and employees and will not be tolerated. The term immediately means that the act must be reported the same day.

The principal or assistant principal has the duty to report the offense. If the principal or assistant principal is absent, the superintendent or assistant superintendent must be notified.

This reporting requirement does not replace the obligation to apply the school discipline policies. These policies should be communicated to parents, students and citizens of the community by letters, signs and through the local media.

It is the intent of the Clay County Board of Education to provide the children of Clay County with a rigorous academic program, attractive, comfortable buildings, and a safe environment. We whole­heartedly support teachers and administrators in their endeavor to maintain a safe environment. return to top

CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS

It is the policy of the Clay County Board of Education that all students shall have the right to present for solution any problem arising within their status as students and shall be encouraged to exercise this right without fear of recrimination. It is for this purpose that a grievance procedure is established. To ensure that any problem is corrected as soon as possible time limits have been established to ensure prompt attention to each problem. If the student does not process his/her grievance within the prescribed time limit, it shall be considered settled and not open to appeal.

The grievance procedure may be used to address any situation occurring within the operation or normal procedures of the school, which causes a student and/or parent to believe there has been a violation, misapplication or misinterpretation of law, regulation or Board policy, except in the case of long-term suspension. Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss their concerns informally with the person(s) involved before invoking formal grievance procedures.

If the grievance concerns the principal in other than a misapplication or misinterpretation of law, regulation or Board policy, the student(s) may initiate the grievance procedure with the superintendent. If the grievance concerns the superintendent in other than a misapplication or misinterpretation of law, regulation or Board policy, the student(s) may initiate the grievance procedure with the Board of Education.

The procedure for initiation and conduct of a grievance shall be:

Step I - Conference with the Principal

A student, parent, or guardian wishing to invoke the grievance procedure shall make a written request for a conference with the principal to discuss the grievance and seek resolution.

The following guidelines shall be observed:

1. A grievance shall be filed as soon as possible,

but, in no event longer than thirty (30) days after disclosure of the facts giving rise to the grievance.

2. The principals shall grant the conference within five (5) school days following the receipt of the request.

3. The request shall include a statement describing the grievance and/or naming the specific policy, rule or law believed to be violated.

4. The principal will state his/her position concerning the question in writing to the student within five (5) school days following the conference.

5. Only the parent or guardian or someone acting in loco parentis shall be permitted to join or represent the student in the conference with the principal.

Step II - Appeal to the Superintendent

If the grievance is not resolved at Step I, the student may appeal the principal's decision in writing to the Superintendent. The appeal must be made within five (5) school days following the receipt of the principal's position statement of Step I. The Superintendent or designee shall review the grievance within five (5) school days following the receipt of the appeal. A written response shall be made to the student, the parent, or the guardian and the principal from the Superintendent or designee within ten (10) school days following the Superintendent's review.

Step III - Appeal to the Board of Education

If the grievance is not resolved at Step II, the student may appeal the Superintendent's decision to the Board in writing within ten (10) school days following the response from the Superintendent at Step II. The Board shall offer a final written decision within thirty (30) days.

POLICY - RULE CHANGES

The Clay County Board of Education and Hayesville Middle School Administrators reserve the right to change these policies, procedures, and rules without prior notification. Hayesville Middle School adheres and enforces all policies and procedures set forth by the Clay County Board of Education.
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DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Clay County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, handicap, or ethnic origin in the educational programs or activities in which it operates. The schools are required by Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972 not to discriminate on the basis of sex, and by other Federal legislation not to discriminate on the basis of race or ethnic origin. The requirement not to discriminate in educational programs and activities extends to employment in the schools and to admission to its programs. Refer inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and other Federal non-discrimination legislation to Clay County Schools to:

Carol Arnold, Associate Superintendent
Clay County Schools
P.O. Box 178, Hayesville, NC 28904
Phone: 828-389-8513

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