Meigs County High School

Meigs County High School

105 Abel Ave.

P.O. Box 1182

Decatur, TN 37322

Website:

Phone: 423-334-5797

Fax: 423-334-5732

Grades 9 through 12

Teams: Tigers and Lady Tigers

Colors: Orange and Black

Index

Academic Courses...... 14
ACT...... 11
Athletics...... 9
Attendance ...... 3
Cafeteria...... 7
Career Technical Education Courses...... 15
Check-Out Procedures ...... 3
Class Schedule ...... 4
Classification of Students...... 10
Clubs...... 7
Course Description Website...... 15
Counseling Services...... 6
Credit Recovery...... 10
Credits...... 10, 19
Deficiencies...... 9
Diplomas...... 12
Dress Code...... 5
Driver’s License or Permit...... 6
Emergency Evacuation Procedures ...... 6
End-of-Course Testing...... 11
Financial Aid...... 11
Grading Scale...... 10
Graduating with TN Honors, Distinction, or MCHS Honors...... 20
Grievance Procedures ...... 12
Hall Passes ...... 5
Library...... 7
Media Access ...... 5
Mission Statement...... 3
Non-Discrimination Policy...... 3, 12
Out-of-County Students...... 5
Parent Conferences...... 10
Programs of Study...... 16
Report Cards...... 10
Rules and Regulations...... 3
Scholarships...... 11
School Fees...... 5
Semester Tests Exemption Policy...... 9
Six-Year Plan ...... 12
Student Records...... 3
Testing...... 11
Tobacco Policy...... 5
Transfer Students...... 6
Visitors...... 5
Website...... 1
Withdrawals...... 7

Note: This book is not intended to detail or answer all possible questions concerning Meigs County High School and its activities. It is to serve only as a guide.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Meigs County School District in cooperation with its citizens is to develop well-rounded students that possess a sound basic education, a feeling of self-worth, and a formula for success that will produce morally strong, productive citizens for our ever-changing society.

Non-Discrimination Policy

“Equal Opportunity Policy.” The Meigs County Board of Education is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, disability, and national origin. This policy shall prevail in all of its policies concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and individuals with whomever the board does business.

Access to Student Records and Directory Information

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Additional information may be addressed under FERPA. Directory information includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended. This information will be disclosed to appropriate agencies or media unless parents make a written request to the contrary.

Rules and Regulations

Students are acquainted with the school’s rules and regulations at the beginning of school each year. The principal or assistant principal meets with each class, reviews the current rules, and has students sign a statement that they are aware of the policies. A complete listing of all board policies regarding student conduct can be found at

Attendance

It is the belief of the school system that students are best served educationally when they are in attendance every day possible. Absences are excused only with doctors’ or dentists’ notes. The principal may excuse other absences such as those caused by a death in the family. Those will be considered on an individual basis.

Excessive absences result in problems for the school and the student. More than five unexcused absences may result in a student being call before a truancy board and/or juvenile court. Excessive absenteeism can result in suspension or student driver’s license by state law.

Check-Out Procedures

Students may leave school only with parents’ permission and must sign out in the office. It is preferable that parents come to the school if a student must leave before the end of the school day. If this is not possible, a phone call is necessary. Notes from parents are not acceptable permission. Students may not check out for lunch. Time missed because of checking out is accumulated and may be considered truancy.

DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE

Breakfast in the Commons Area7:45 am – 8:15 am

First Period 8:15 am – 8:20 am

Second Period 8:20 am – 9:10 am

Third Period 9:15 am – 10:05 am

Fourth Period10:10 am – 11:00 am

Fifth – Seventh Periods11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Lunch and Class Schedule 5th – 7th period

1st Lunch

Lunch: 5th period11:00 am – 11:30 am

Class: 6th – 7th period11:35 am – 12:30 pm

2nd Lunch

Class: 5th period11:00 am – 11:30 am

Lunch: 6th period11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Class: 7th period12:05 pm – 12:30 pm

3rd Lunch

Class: 5th – 6th period11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Lunch: 7th period12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

Eighth Period12:35 pm – 1:25 pm

Ninth Period 1:30 pm – 2:20 pm

Tenth Period 2:25 pm – 3:15 pm

Hall Passes

Students who are in the halls during class periods must have a pass from an authorized staff member. Emergency phone calls may be placed in the office.

Visitors

All visitors to the school, including parents, must report to the office. Visitors must sign in and be issued a visitor’s pass in order to visit other parts of the building.

Media Access to Students

Students may be filmed/photographed during certain school activities. (Example – ballgames, annual, field trips, school pictures, etc.) If students do not want to be filmed/photographed, they must check the appropriate box on the registration form.

Out-of-County Students

All students from out of county must make application and pay $150.00 by June 15th each year. Students must re-apply each year.

School Fees

Meigs County Schools are fee free. No regular courses will require fees for materials and/or equipment necessary for meeting the course objectives.

Dress Code

All students are expected to adhere to the dress code adopted and made public by the Meigs County Board of Education. A copy of this policy is located online at Click under “parents” or “students” and follow the link. Any questions pertaining to the dress code should be directed to the administration at the school.

Tobacco Policy

Meigs County High School is a tobacco-free facility. Students caught using or possessing tobacco products at school or school-sponsored activities will be issued a citation resulting in a fine which must be paid through the Meigs County circuit court clerk’s office.

Transfer Students

Students transferring in from other schools must bring a legal custodial parent or guardian with them to register as well as the following items:

ITEMS CUSTODIAL PARENTS OR GUARDIAN NEED TO ENROLL STUDENT:

1. 2 PROOFS OF ADDRESS (OFFICIAL LEASE, CURRENT UTILITY BILL, ETC…)
2. Copy of BIRTH CERTIFICATE
3. Copy of SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
4. WITHDRAWAL FORM FROM PREVIOUS SCHOOL (PREVIOUS SCHOOL CAN FAX WITHDRAWAL TO US)
5. COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT (REQUIRED FOR 10TH THROUGH 12TH GRADE) AND/OR MOST CURRENT REPORT CARD
6. DISCIPLINE RECORD, COURT RELATED ISSUES INCLUDING PROBATION RECORD, AND/OR ANY SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT RECORD (IF APPPLICABLE)
7. TENNESSEE IMMUNIZATION RECORD
8. CURRENT CUSTODY PAPERS (IF APPLICABLE)
9. SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS (IF APPLICABLE)
10. 504 PLAN (IF APPLICABLE)
11. INFORMATION REGARDING PREVIOUS ENROLLMENT AT ANY MEIGS COUNTY SCHOOL (LAST GRADE ATTENDED AND SCHOOL ATTENDED IN MEIGS COUNTY)

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Students are informed of fire drill and wind alert procedures for each classroom at the beginning of each school year. An emergency plan for evacuation in the event of an accident at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant is also in place. Details are distributed to each student during homeroom meetings when school starts.

Counseling Services

The counseling staff provides services to students in the areas of curriculum planning, college information, test interpretation, scholarship applications, career awareness, and other problems with which students may need help. Counselors are available during school hours.

Driver’s License or Permit

Students under age eighteen who wish to apply for a Tennessee driver’s license or learner’s permit must show proof of satisfactory school attendance and academic performance. Students must pass at least three academic subjects in the most recent grading period and have fewer than ten consecutive or a total of less than fifteen unexcused absences. Violations are reported to the Tennessee Department of Safety and will result in license denial or revocation.

Withdrawals

Students who transfer to other school systems must officially withdraw from Meigs County High School on the last day of attendance. The custodial parent or guardian must accompany the student before a withdrawal form will be issued unless the principal grants a waiver. The withdrawal form is obtained from the guidance office and must be signed by each teacher and the librarian to indicate that all accounts (books, equipment, etc.) are clear. The form must then be brought back to the office for final processing. All accounts must be cleared when a student leaves the school before records may be released.

Cafeteria

Breakfast is served each morning at the high school. Students are encouraged to eat breakfast each morning. All students are required to be present in the cafeteria during their lunch periods, which are assigned according to the students’ class schedules. For the basic lunch price (subject to change), students receive a meat, bread, vegetable, fruit, and milk. Individual or extra items may be purchased, or students may bring their own lunch. All food must be eaten in the cafeteria.

Federal Lunch Program applications are distributed at the beginning of the school year. Under this program, students who qualify by family income may receive free or reduced-price lunches.

Library

The Meigs County High School Library offers students materials for research and recreational reading. The library is housed in a modern facility with an online catalog and online circulation system. The Internet and CD-ROM technology are available as well as books, magazines, and newspapers. The library is a place for quiet study and reading. The library is available during school hours.

Clubs

We encourage involvement in extracurricular activities that can be an enhancement to the high school experience for most students. Many clubs for students with different interests are available. Some club memberships are based on grades in some classes while others are based on the interest of the student. All class and group activities take place after school and must be cleared through the office of the principal.

When students find a club they are interested in, they will have the opportunity to make friends, to use their hobby and talent, and to develop socially.

Listed below are the clubs and organizations available at Meigs County High School:

History Club prepares students for a competition called National History Day. The competition gives students the chance to choose their own historical topic that connects to a different theme each year. Students may work individually or in groups on a project. The project choices are website, documentary, paper, exhibit or performance. We begin preparing in our meetings in the fall. The competition is in the early spring in Cleveland, TN. If students place first or second, they will advance to the state competition in Nashville. From this competition, students can advance to the national competition outside of Washington, D.C.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is an international organization established in 1947 whose mission is to present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. FCA’s vision is to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Activities include meetings, Prayer around the Flagpole, 5th Quarters, Camp Retreats, Mission Projects, Team Bible Studies, and Campus Outreach.

Spanish Club is one that seeks to enhance cultural understanding and tolerance. It is a club that provides students with the opportunity to see beyond their own communities and to develop a word view. The most important aspect of the Spanish club is service. The club seeks to be a service in the community. Along with field trips to experience cultural events, this club also seeks to provide their members with the chance to learn about helping others. We consider it to be our mandate.

Family, Career and Community Leaders (FCCLA) is available for students who are enrolled in and/or have completed a course in Family and Consumer Science courses. Active members are eligible to participate in local, district, and regional activities.

FFA

"Future Farmers of America" mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting-- it's a science, it's a business and it's an art.

FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways.

So today, we are still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.

Beta Clubis an academic honor club, which believes that student effort and achievement should be encouraged and rewarded. The club emphasizes service and leadership in citizens of tomorrow. The purpose of this organization is to promote the ideals of honesty, service, morality, ethical conduct, and leadership of our members. Membership is open to all grades and members must maintain at least an 85 average and participate in community service.

Mu Alpha Theta is the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society with 105,000 student members in June 2014 in more than 2100 schools. We are dedicated to inspiring keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students. Mu Alpha Theta achieves these goals by: Providing a method for schools to recognize and encourage those students who enjoy and excel in mathematics.Organizing a national convention for students and teachers to participate in math-related events and interact with others from across the country.

Student Council is an organization that has been established so all members of the school community can have a meaningful voice in concerns of the school, can promote positive school climate, and can help the future at Meigs County High School. Students represent each class as well as each club and are elected by the student body.

Future Teachers of America is a national organization and is composed of students who are interested in teaching as a career.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest business career student organization in the world. FBLA is a club for preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. This club focuses on developing leadership, communication skills, and team skills.

Skills USA is open to students who are enrolled in maintenance and light repair. There are several regional and state competitions that student may qualify to participate. The maintenance and light repair teacher serves as the sponsor.

HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) is open to students who are interested in exploring careers in the medical field. There are several competitions at the regional and state level that students may qualify to participate.

Athletics (TSSAA)

Several sports are available for students who have the ability and drive to compete at varsity or junior varsity levels. Participation in interscholastic athletics requires that students be enrolled full-time (at least five classes) and earn at least five units of credit in the preceding year. Sports currently available are softball, basketball, tennis, cheerleading, and golf for females; and football, basketball, baseball, golf, cheerleading, and tennis for males.

Deficiencies

Students must pay or clear all obligations in a timely manner. Accounts not cleared result in deficiencies on the students’ records. This could result in a loss of privileges for the offending student, such as not having report cards released, not having transcripts sent, not having textbooks assigned, or not receiving athletic equipment.

Exemption from Semester Tests

Semester tests are given in most courses at Meigs County High School, but students may earn exemption from taking them through their grades and attendance. Only students who have been enrolled at Meigs County High School for the full semester may be exempt from semester tests. The exemption scale is as follows:

No days missed:Student must have at least a passing (70) average
One day missed:Student must have at least a C (75) average
Two days missed:Student must have at least a B (85) average
Three days missed:Student must have at least an A (93) average

Students who miss more than three days in a class or who serve in-school or out-of-school suspension may not be exempt regardless of grade average.

Note: The exemption policy is not in effect for End-of-Course classes since End-of-Course exams are state mandated. Teachers reserve the right to require all students to take the semester exams in their non End-of-Course classes.