School Handbook

The education and safety of students is the top priority of the administration, faculty, and staff at Newport Grammar School. Each child is encouraged and challenged to reach goals that are aligned with the Tennessee State Standards. Our faculty and staff attempt to incorporate a variety of teaching techniques to ensure diverse learning styles are met, and parents/guardians are encouraged to become actively engaged in their child’s education. Newport Grammar continuously strives to be the school that best fits the needs of the students, parents/guardians, and community.

03

Parents/guardians will be notified of school closings and delays due to inclement weather as well as dates and times for upcoming school-related events through the School Messenger automated phone messaging system. Parents/guardians need to ensure that a current phone number is on file with the school, and the Main Office should be notified as soon as possible when any change in contact information occurs.

05

For the safety of students, staff, and visitors, all doors will remain locked during the school day. All visitors to campus must report to the Main Entrance of the Primary Building and sign in with the receptionist. Visitors will receive a sticker/badge to wear during their stay at school. Visitors should report back to the reception desk to sign out at the conclusion of their visit unless advised otherwise by the receptionist.

07

Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for success in school. Students must be present for at least half of the school day (3.5 hours; 8:05-11:35am) to be considered in attendance. Student doctor and dentist appointments should be scheduled around school hours (8:05am-3:05pm). Students who accrue 20 excused or unexcused absences in an academic year shall be subject to retention.

Excused Absences

Parents should inform the school of a child’s absence by calling the school or emailing/messaging the homeroom teacher by 10:00 A.M. on the day of the absence.  In addition, all absences must be explained in writing and signed by a parent/guardian.  This note should be presented to the student’s teacher when the student returns to homeroom.  

• The morning of their return, students will report to homeroom then to the Excuse Room where they will turn in their excuse and speak with the nurse.
• When students fail to bring in an excuse from an absence, parents will be notified by letter or call from the school. They will be asked to bring in the note that day.
• All work missed due to an absences may be made up in a timely manner.

• Students participating in school-sponsored activities whether on-or off-campus will not be counted absent; in order to qualify as a school-sponsored activity, it must be school-planned, school-directed, and teacher-supervised.
  
• When students accumulate five unexcused absences, parents/guardians and/or students will be petitioned to truancy board.
  
  

Acceptable reasons for excused absences are as follows:

• Appointments (in the student’s name) with a doctor, dentist, psychiatrist, or other medical professional including date(s) of the visit on an official note.
  
• Appointment with court, attorney, truancy, or other judicial representative.
  
• Death in the immediate family (limited to parent/guardian, step-parent, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family member residing in student’s household).
  
• Extreme weather conditions.
  
• Religious observances.
  
• Single-day absence for students whose parent / guardian is leaving for active military duty or returning from active military duty (new assignment—not a change in assignment).
  
• Special circumstances as determined by the Principal, which create a personal hardship or emergency situation for the student.
  
  

Parental Notes

Students are allowed three (3) days of excused absences by a parental note during the first semester (grading periods 1 and 2) and three (3) days of absences to be excused by parental note for the second semester (grading periods 3 and 4).

Parental Note absences above the limit of 3 days per semester will be unexcused. Additionally, all absences that do not fall within the excusable or parental note categories, or absences which are not verified with a note will be unexcused.

Parental note absences shall include:

• Personal illness.
  
• Serious illness of immediate family member (limited to parent/guardian, step-parent, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family member residing in student’s household).
  
• Family emergencies.         
  
• Special circumstances as determined by the Principal.
  
  

Unexcused Absences

Any absence that does not meet the criteria of an excused absence shall be considered unexcused.

Students who accrue twenty (20) excused or unexcused absences in an academic year shall be subject to retention.

Make-Up Work

Work missed during an absence, whether excused or unexcused, may be made up within a time frame established by the grade-level team.

Truancy

Students who have five or more unexcused absences are considered truant. Once a student reaches five unexcused absences, they will be put on an attendance plan by the Attendance Supervisor.

 

Chronic Absenteeism

A student who misses 10% or more of the school days that they are enrolled will be considered chronically absent. It does not matter if the days are excused or unexcused. NGS has a team that will work with families whose students are approaching or exceeding this threshold.

09

Perfect Attendance requires a student to be present for 100% of the school day for every day of the school year. Excellent Attendance requires a student to achieve Perfect Attendance for nine years (grades K-8). Missed time either through tardies or early dismissals accrues and will be used in determining outstanding attendance.

11

The School Board approved grading scale is as follows (“+” and “-” may also be used):

A = 100-93; B = 92-85; C = 84-75; D = 74-70; F = 69-0

Report cards are issued the Friday following the last day of the nine-week grading period. Students’ work and/or interim progress reports are also sent home during each nine-week grading period. Parents may be requested to examine and sign these interim reports and/or papers. In special classes such as art, music, physical education, and technology, a student will not receive a grade if one-third of the classes in a grading period are missed unless adequate make-up work is completed. Only students in grades 4-8 will receive a grade for spacial area classes. Report cards will be held by the school when a student has any negative balances (cafeteria, school pictures, etc.) or outstanding fees (library, lost textbook, etc.) until those issues have been resolved.

 

Honor Roll: Students in grades 3-8 who receive all “A’s” on their report card will be on the High Honor Roll. Students who receive all “A’s” and “B’s” on their report card will be on the A/B Honor Roll. This includes core academic and related arts classes.

 

Beta Club: Students in grades 7 and 8 who meet club eligibility requirements are offered induction into the organization. The club hosts an annual spring trip.

13

Parents/guardians and students residing outside of the city may enroll at Newport Grammar if space is available; tuition will be charged for those students, and parents/guardians will be notified of rates at the time of enrollment. The tuition amount shall be established by the Board and subject to frequent review. Parents/guardians must present proof of legal residency in the form of a phone bill, utility bill, or rental statement. (Driver's Licenses will not be an acceptable form of proof). Legal residence shall be the residence of the child's legal guardian.

The first half of the tuition amount must be paid before a student can be enrolled. The second half must be paid before the second semester begins. Other payment schedules may be approved at the discretion of the Director. Students in grade 8 are required to pay their full tuition by the first Thursday in December. If the tuition is not paid in full by that date, the director may dismiss them from NGS. Students in grades K-7 whose parents/guardians fail to pay tuition may be dismissed from school. In the event tuition for a student in grade K-7 has not been paid in full by the end of the academic year, all delinquent tuition plus full tuition for the next year must be paid before the student can be readmitted.

In the case of joint legal custody of a student with one parent living inside the city and the other outside, half of the tuition amount will be charged. If one parent, designated as the student’s primary residence, lives within the city and provides the school with the parenting plan order, tuition will not be required. Students residing in areas newly annexed by the City Council shall be eligible to attend Newport Grammar School at the beginning of the school year following annexation and not at the time of annexation. When a student’s primary residence is relocated from the city to the county, the office should be notified immediately. Students who move outside the city limits during the school year will be required to pay tuition charges beginning on the first day the student resides outside the city limits. Falsification of residence shall result in expulsion of the student.

City property tax payers who live outside the corporate boundary shall receive a tax credit. The tax credit shall be in direct proportion to the percentage of city property tax revenue allowed to the school system. Tuition shall NOT be considered a “fee” when waivers are considered. Parents/guardians who reside outside of the city and pay city property taxes should present proof of property ownership at the time of initial registration. (Pre-registration for kindergarten shall be considered initial registration under the terms of this policy.)

15

The Newport City School Board expects all school staff, students, and parents to assume the responsibility for appropriate behaviors in the school.

Each student has the right to:

1. Have the opportunity for a free education in an appropriate environment conducive to learning.
   
2. Be secure in his/her person, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
   
3. Expect that the school will be a safe place.
   
4. Not be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or disabilities.
   
5. Be fully informed of school rules and regulations.
   
   

Each student has the responsibility to:

1. Know and adhere to reasonable rules and regulations established and approved by the Newport City School Board.
   
2. Respect the human dignity and worth of every other individual.
   
3. Refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression.
   
4. Study and maintain the best possible level of academic achievement.
   
5. Be punctual and present in the regular school program.
   
6. Dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty, and safety.
   
7. Maintain and/or improve the school environment, preserve school and private property, and exercise care while using school facilities.
   
8. Refrain from behavior that would lead to physical or emotional harm or that disrupts the educational process.
   
9. Respect the authority of school administrators, teachers, and other authorized personnel in maintaining discipline in the school and at school-sponsored activities.
   
10. Obey the law and school rules as to the possession or the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and other unauthorized substance or materials.
    
11. Possess on school grounds only those materials, which are acceptable under the law and accept the consequences for articles stored in one's bag or in one’s locker.
    

17

Students in grades 3-8 are provided with a personal locker to store their classroom materials and personal items. The administration reserves the right to search student lockers when warranted; however, locker searches will always be conducted in the presence of another staff member, serving as a witness.

19

Use of the school telephone by students is limited to emergency calls and school business calls only.  Calls for permission to attend parties or go home with friends or other inappropriate reasons will not be permitted as these arrangements should have already been made.  Permission from the student’s teacher or office staff is required before the school telephone may be used.

21

Newport Grammar School offers art, guidance, library, music, physical education, and technology to students in grades K-8. Students in grades 4-8 will receive a grade on their report cards in art, music, physical education, and technology.

Guidance

Two guidance counselors serve students in grades K-8, and they schedule sessions with each homeroom periodically. Guidance counselors are also available for individual conferences with students, parents/guardians, or teachers. In addition, counselors oversee the volunteer program, coordinate honors programs, and provide character education classes.

Library

A certified librarian oversees the school media center, which contains over 10,000 volumes for use by students and teachers. Each student attends the library with his/her homeroom class. Library skills are taught at age-appropriate levels. Additionally, students have access to the library from 8:00-8:05am and 3:05-3:15pm each day.

Physical Education

Physical education is required by the Tennessee Department of Education. If a student does not participate for two days, he/she must have a written excuse from a parent/guardian or the school nurse. A student who does not participate for one week must bring a written doctor’s excuse at the beginning of the sixth day of class. On the days a student is unable to participate in physical education, an alternative assignment will be required for the student to complete during class. Students must wear clean tennis shoes to participate (no street shoes are allowed on the gym floor).

Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing activities today; it develops coordination, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Important life skills like problem-solving, goal-setting, perseverance, inner confidence, and patience are also learned. The school incorporates an on-site climbing wall as part of the physical education program. Students are informed of safety rules prior to participation, and an adult instructor supervises the children at all times. The wall measures 10 feet at its highest point and is approximately 12 feet long. Participants traverse (climb horizontally) across the wall with their feet reaching no higher than three-and-a-half feet from the ground. Students and parents/guardians must sign a Climbing Wall Permission form before their child may participate in this activity.

23

Boys and girls in grades 6-8 are eligible to participate in athletics at NGS. NGS fields boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, a girls’ volleyball team, and boys’ and girls’ golf teams. Students in grades 6-8 may try out for the cheerleading squad or dance team that support our teams.  Student-athletes and their parents are required to sign a contract at the beginning of the year that outlines the academic, athletic, and behavioral requirements of NGS student-athletes and their families.

School Mascot: Warriors

School Colors: Royal Blue and Yellow Gold

Athletes must be present on the day of the game to participate unless the student has an excused absence and receives permission to play from the Principal. If a student comes in late or leaves early, permission to play must also be obtained from the Principal. Missing school or coming in late on the day after a game may lead to a one or more game suspension as determined by the Principal.

25

The goal of health services is to promote wellness and prevent disease as students who are healthy and physically fit learn more effectively. Newport Grammar’s health services are coordinated by an on-site registered nurse. The nurse has RNC, CSN, ACLS, and PALS certification. The nurse is also a certified instructor in First Aid and CPR. A clinic is located within the school for students needing sickbay or first-aid. Students who require medication while at school are required to bring that medication in its original prescription bottle to the nurse for dispensation. Students who require further medical treatment have the opportunity to be seen by a Nurse Practitioner in our on-site Cherokee Medical Facility.

Coordinated School Health

The Newport Grammar School Office of Coordinated School Health, administration, and teachers want to assist you in planning parties, packing snacks, and preparing meals for your child while they are at school. Guidelines concerning Coordinated School Health have been in the works since 1999 and pertinent legislation since 2000. In addition to the Coordinated School Health program, a "School Health Index” was developed for schools across the state to follow. The primary mission of this index is to improve student health outcomes, as well as support the connection between good health practices, academic achievement, and lifetime wellness.

In response to the growing problem of obesity among U.S. children, in 2006, the federal government mandated the establishment of school wellness policies and mandated 90 minutes per week of physical activity for K-12 students. This prompted school administrators across the country to spearhead the creation and adoption of wellness policies with broad implications in the school, including the cafeteria, classroom, and playground. In concordance, Newport Grammar School developed standards using the state issued school health index as a guide.

Under Module 4 Nutrition Services, the school health index requests that low-fat and skim milk are available, low-fat or reduced-fat food options are served, and healthy food and beverage choices are provided. As a result, the school board, administration, teachers, and staff implemented a wellness policy to address these requests. Soda and snack vending machines have been eliminated as well as high-fat and high-sugar food choices during snack times and parties.

Safe Schools

Newport Grammar has implemented an aggressive program to improve security. A full-time SRO (School Resource Officer) heads the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program and patrols the campus. In addition, all faculty and staff wear identification badges, and visitors must sign-in and wear badges. The school is also protected 24 hours a day by surveillance cameras, and all doors remain locked during the school day.

A Crisis Management Team is in place to deal with critical situations that may affect our school/community. In the event that an evacuation of the building is necessary, staging areas have been designated at two nearby churches and the Newport Community Center. Parents should tune to local radio stations for information. SchoolReach (automated phone system) will also send out a message pertaining to the crisis. Fire and safety drills are held regularly.

27

The School Board has determined that the use of tobacco products is not permitted in the school building, including the gymnasium, lobby areas, and restrooms. Smoking/Vaping by adults is permitted after school hours at a designated area on the grounds, at least 100 feet from the building. Any law enforcement officer or principal may issue a citation for failure to comply with this policy. Students who use or bring tobacco products, including e-cigarette, to school will be punished.

29

Public Displays of Affection (PDA) including, but not limited to, hand holding, hugging, cuddling, kissing, etc. at school or at a school-sponsored activity between two students is strictly prohibited. Students caught engaging in said acts will be punished according to the school’s discipline policy.

31

The Newport City School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1994 states: No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any programs or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

32-B

To: Parents and Staff
RE: Water testing
From: Sandra W. Burchette, Director of Schools

The Newport City School System, in accordance with state law, has tested the drinking water sources at Newport Grammar School for lead content.  All drinking water sources were well within allowable limits with one exception. This water source has been removed from service until corrective action and retesting can be accomplished.

Regards,

Sandra W. Burchette
Director of Schools

34

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s educational records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the District receiving a request for access. Parents/guardians or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
   
   
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask Newport Grammar School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
   
   If the District decides not the amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
   
   
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on a School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contacted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
   
   A school official has a legitimate educational interest in the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the District discloses educational records without consent to officials or another school district with a student seeks or intends to enroll. (Note: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)
   
   
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The Office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   600 Independence Avenue SW
   Washington, DC 20202-4605

36

Newport Grammar School requests that parents/guardians provide permission to release their students’ names and/or photographs to local/state/national/international media (television, newspaper, radio, etc.) for the purpose of positive recognition. Examples of positive recognition include but are not limited to achieving honor roll status, joining clubs or organizations, receiving special awards, participating in community service, and attending special events. Failure to give the school permission to release a student’s name would prevent his/her inclusion in broadcasts or articles in any form of media.

38

The principal, assistant principal or teacher may use corporal punishment in a reasonable manner against any student for good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools in accordance with guidelines outline in school board policy 6.314.

If parents or guardians object to the use of corporal punishment methods upon their children or wards, such objections shall be made in advance, in writing, to the principal at the beginning of each school year. A student whose parent or guardian shall have objected to the use of corporal punishment methods by principals or teachers may be suspended by the principal.