HICKORY CREEK ELEMENTARY

270 Pioneer Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110

(931) 668-5100

Donald Prater, Principal

Discrimination Policy

The Warren County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in provision of education opportunities, programs, activities or employment opportunities and benefits.  Inquires or completed grievance forms should be referred to the Director of Instruction, 2548 Morrison Street, McMinnville, TN 37110, 931-668-4022.

Attendance Policy

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his/her designee in grades K-8.  Excused absences shall include:

1. Personal Illness

2. Illness of Immediate Family Members

3. Death in the Family

4. Extreme Weather Conditions

5. Religious Observations

6. Circumstances which in the judgment of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control.

For an excused absence, proper documentation must be presented to the principal or principal designee.  Documentation may or may not require a verification from a physician.  Up to five (5) parent notes are accepted.  Any over five (5) notes are to be verification from a doctor and/or are at the discretion of the principal.

The school will contact the parent after the third (3rd) unexcused absence.

When a student reaches five (5) unexcused absences, the parents will bge notified by letter and he/she will be reported to the attendance director for appropriate action.

When a student reaches five (5) unexcused absences, the student's name and the facts of such unlawful absences may be reported to the Truancy Board by the attendance director.

When the absence is created by a doctor's appointment, court appearance, etc, the excused will apply only to the reasonable amount of time involved including time for travel (i.e. a student having an appointment at 2:00 p.m. would be excused the entire school day.)

Absences are counted on an accumulated basis (i.e. a student checking out early for 1/2 of a day for 2 days during the school year, would be considered absence one full day of school.)

IMPORTANT: The student MUST bring a note to school explaining the reason for any absence from school within three (3) days of the student return to school.

Perfect Attendance

To be eligible for perfect attendance, a student must be in attendance for a length of time equal to the state's minimum hourly requirement for a school day.  To have perfect attendance, a student's attendance record must indicate that the actual days at years end is .99 or below or less than 420 minutes away from school for the entire year.  Students who sign in late and check out early will accumulate time and when this time reaches 420 minutes or 7 hours, the student will be considered absent one day.

Arrival & Dismissal

1. Each student should be in his/her classroom ready to start class at 7:45 a.m. each morning.

2. Any student arriving at school before 7:45 a.m. must report to the gymnasium.  Two teachers are on duty each morning beginning at 7:00 a.m.

3. Students arriving at 7:40 a.m. school report directly to homeroom.  Early arriving students in the gymnasium will also report to homeroom at 7:40 a.m.

4. Students arriving at school after the 7:45 a.m. bell are considered tardy.  Those students must pick up a tardy slip at the office before they can be admitted to class.

5. For 1st - 5th graders, school is dismissed at 2:45 p.m. Kindergarten students only may be picked up at the kindergarten entrance at 12:05 p.m. or at 2:45 p.m.

6. Persons wishing to sign any student out before the end of the school day must do so in the principal's office.  Such persons must have their name listed on the student's "yellow sign-out card".  Proof of identification is required.

7. The Warren County School System cannot be responsible for studnets arriving before 7:00 a.m. nor departing more than 20 minutes after the close of the school.  It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to make proper arrangements to ensure that students arrive and depart from school on time.

8. Kindergarten and 1st grade students should be picked up and dropped off at the special kindergarten entrance (1st drive to the right as you approach the building).  Parents of 2nd - 5th graders should pick up and drop off children at the main front entrance (2nd driveway).  If families with kindergarten and 1st graders have children from other grades, all students should be dropped off and picked up at the kindergarten entrance.

9. For safety reasons cars cannot park in the left lane of any drive.  The left lanes MUST be kept open for emergency vehicles and wheel chair buses.  When dropping off your children at school, students must exit next to the yellow curb.  DO NOT allow students to walk through traffic when being dropped off.  We want to assure everyone's safety by following this procedure.

Student Discipline

It is important that students learn to develop self-discipline in order to be successful in school and in life.  We ask all parents to discuss with your children the importance of good behavior and a positive attitude while at school.

Such behavior as fighting, disrespect toward others, obscene language or destruction of school property will not be tolerated.  Parents of students who repeatedly break rules will be called to school to help solve the problem.  Students who severely or continuously disturb the learning environment may be referred to the Warren County Schools Disciplinary Board.

Schools have the authority to use corporal punishment.  If you do not want us to use this method of discipline, please send a note stating this signed by you to your child's teacher.

Zero Tolerance Policy

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free from drugs, drug paraphernalia, violence, and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behavior will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year.  The Director of Schools shall have the authorit to modify suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis.  Special education students shall appear before a disciplinary M-team and non-special education students must appear before the disciplinary board before the Director of Schools may modify the suspension.  The disciplinary teams/board will recommend the appropriate sanction to the Director of Schools.  Zero tolerance acts are as follows:

• Students who bring or possess a drug, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapon onto a school bus, onto school property or to any school event or activity.

• Any student, who, while on a school bus, on school property or while attending any school event or activity:

1. is under the influence of a drug: or

2. possesses a drug, drug paraphernalia or dangerous weapon; or

3. assaults or threatens to assault a teacher, student, or other person.

Peer Harassment and Bullying Policies

Peer harassment and/or bullying will not be tolerated.  Acts of verbal, physical, or sexual aggression are not allowed.  Any incidents should be reported to a counselor, teacher, or principal.  Confidentiality will be maintained.  Incidents should be documented and investigated.