FIRST DAY INFORMATION

1
FIRST DAY INFORMATION

• Mrs. Myra Parson
• FACS Teacher
• Room 1212

2
Homeroom Forms

• Student/Parent Information Guid
• Medical Alert Card ALL students
• Student Enrollment/Registration Form
• Language Survey
• Free/Reduced Lunch Form if applicable

3
TCHS BELL SCHEDULE

• 745 Channel One Begins
• 750 Tardy Bell, Quiet Reflection,
• Pledge, Announcements, etc.
• You will be expected to NOT talk during the
  pledge and announcements.
• 755 931 1st Block
• 938 1114 2nd Block

4
TCHS BELL SCHEDULE

• 1121 117 3rd Block
• 1121 1141 3A Lunch
• 1147 1211 3B Lunch
• 1218 1243 3C Lunch
• 1250 117 3D Lunch
• 124 300 4th Block

5
Student/Parent Handbook Dates

• Calendar/Important Dates
• See AHSGE dates
• See ACT dates
• Remember to make doctor appointments around
  important dates!
• TCHS Open House Mon., August 17th

6
IMPORTANT DATES

• Aug. 14th Last day to change schedule
• Aug. 28thGadsden City -1st home game
• Sept. 4th Northridge - Away
• Sept. 7th Labor Day holiday
• Sept. 11th Jackson Olin - HOME
• Sept. 14th PLAN test for 10th graders
• Sept. 18th Hillcrest - Away
• Sept. 21st - AHSGE Plan Test for 10th graders
• Sept. 17th/18th Six weeks exams

7
IMPORTANT DATES

• Sept. 25th Clay - HOME
• Oct. 2nd Jess Lanier - Away
• Oct. 9th Teacher/Parent Conference Day no
  students
• Oct. 9th Hueytown - Away
• Oct. 16th Bryant - HOMECOMING
• Oct. 23rd Minor - HOME
• Oct. 29th Oxford - Away
• Oct. 30th Six weeks exam

8
IMPORTANT DATES

• Nov. 11th Veterans Day Holiday
• Nov. 23rd 27th Thanksgiving Holidays
• Dec. 7th 11th AHSGE
• Dec. 21st/22nd FINAL EXAM

9
IMPORTANT DATES

• January 7th Students return
• January 18th Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Holiday
• February 15th Presidents Day/Weather Day
• February 17th - Writing Assessment
• February 18th/19th Six Weeks Exam
• March 1st 5th AHSGE
• March 15th 19th Spring Holidays

10
IMPORTANT DATES

• April 8th/9th Six Weeks Exam
• April 23rd Weather Day
• May 25th/26th FINAL EXAMS

11
Student/Parent Handbook - Visitors

• Visitors
• All school visitors are required to enter at the
  FRONT doors of the school and report to the
  office upon arrival at a school campus.
• All visitors are required to sign in and secure a
  visitors pass.
• Students enrolled in the school system are not
  permitted to bring student visitors to school
  during regular school hours without prior
  approval by the principal.

12
Student/Parent Handbook - Medications

• Parents are to turn in any medications you
  need to take during the school day to the school
  nurse. This includes ALL over-the-counter
  medications.
• You can be expelled from school for having
  Tylenol, cough medicine, etc. in your possession.
• Do not take ANY medicine from another student.
• Do not give ANY medicine to another student.
• You must turn in a medical alert card,if
  applicable.
• If you have any questions about medications, see
  the school nurse.

13
Student/Parent Handbook Fire Safety

• Fire Drills
• Signal - 3 short bells
• Exit out the back door (buses) and go to the back
  of the parking lot next to the football stadium.
• Stay together in a group and find the teacher.
• Listen for roll call.
• Do NOT get out your cell phones.

14
Student/Parent Handbook Tornado Safety

• Tornado Drill
• Signal one long bell
• Exit classroom with a textbook.
• Sit down together in the hallway outside the
  classroom and cover your head with the book.
• Be very quiet.
• Do NOT get out your cell phones.

15
Student/Parent Handbook Bomb Safety

• Bomb Drill
• Signal 3 short rings (same as fire drill)
• Exit out the back door (buses) and go to the back
  of the parking lot next to the football stadium.
• Stay together in a group and find the teacher.
• Listen for roll call.
• Do NOT get out your cell phones this could make
  a bomb go off!!!!

16
Student/Parent Handbook - Pregnancies

• A female student who is or becomes pregnant shall
  notify the school nurse as soon as the pregnancy
  has been confirmed.

17
Student/Parent Handbook - Exams

• All exams will be comprehensive!
• Six Weeks Exams will count 10 20
• Final Exam will count 1/7th of the semester
  average.
• Exam exemption policy
• Possess an A average with 3 or fewer absences
• Possess a B average with 2 or fewer absences
• Possess a C average with 1 or fewer absences

18
Student/Parent Handbook Fees

• Fees are due immediately.
• The fee for this class is 25.00
• Pay this fee ASAP if you plan to sew on the
  machines.
• You may pay a little at a time if needed. See me
  for questions.

19
FCCLA Club

• See me for an application for the FCCLA Club.
• The fee is 20.00 and is due by September 5th,
  2008.
• The FCCLA Club is a service-oriented club.

20
WILDCAT PRIDE CLUB

• See me for an application for the PRIDE club.
• The fee is 20.00 and is due by September 5th.
• The Pride Club is the drug-free club.
• See me for more information.

21
Student/Parent Handbook - Searches

• School Property can be searched with reasonable
  cause.
• Individuals/Individuals Personal Belongings
  can be searched with reasonable cause.
• Automobiles can be searched with reasonable
  cause.
• Law enforcement agencies are allowed to make
  periodic and unannounced visits.

22
Student/Parent Handbook Surveillance Cameras

• Surveillance cameras ARE used
• inside and outside the building.

23
Student/Parent Handbook Parent/Guardian
Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with the school
  concerning their childrens progress and conduct.
• Insure their children are in daily attendance
  and promptly report and explain an absence or
  tardiness.
• Provide their children with resources to
  complete class work.
• Report any problems or conditions which affect
  their children or other children at school.

24
Student/Parent Handbook Parent/Guardian
Responsibilities

• Discuss report cards and work assignments with
  their children.
• Maintain up-to-date work and emergency
  telephone numbers at the school and attend
  scheduled parent/teacher conferences.

25
Student/Parent Handbook Student Responsibilities

• Attend all classes daily and be punctual
• Be prepared with appropriate work materials
• Be respectful of all individuals and property
• Refrain from profane or inflammatory statements
• Conduct themselves in a safe and responsible
  manner
• Be clean, neat, and appropriately dressed
• Be responsible for their own work
• Abide by the rules of the school and the teacher

26
Student/Parent Handbook - Attendance

• Poor attendance is a MAJOR factor in poor grades,
  failing AHSGE, dropping out of school, etc.
• Only the first five absences can be excused with
  a parent note.
• The rest of your absences must be doctor or court
  notes.
• To be counted present, a student must be present
  more than 50 class period/day.

27
Parent/Student Handbook - Attendance

• 1st block An unexcused check-in before 842
  will be counted as a tardy!
• 1st block A check-in after 843 will be counted
  as an absence!
• 2nd block An unexcused check-in before 1021
  will be counted as a tardy!
• 2nd block A check-in after 1021 will be
  counted as an absence!

28
Parent/Student Handbook - Attendance

• 3rd block It depends on your lunch schedule.
• 4th block An unexcused check-in before 212
  will be counted as a tardy!
• 4th block A check-in after 212 will be counted
  as an absence!

29
Parent/Student Handbook - Excuses

• Every student MUST bring a written excuse from
  home within two days following the absence.
• All day excuses are to be turned in to your FIRST
  block teacher.
• Partial day absences (check-in or check-out
  excuses) are to be turned in to the front office
  before 750 a.m.
• After five absences, you must have a doctor or
  court note to be excused.
• Just because your absence is excused does NOT
  mean that you dont have to make up the work.

30
Parent/Student Handbook - Excuses

• Please hand me your excuse the last five minutes
  of classonce you are dismissed to get your
  backpacks.
• Backpacks will be placed on TOP of the back
  cabinets as you enter the classroom. The teacher
  will dismiss you to get your backpacks when she
  is ready. Do NOT go get your backpacks BEFORE
  you are dismissed!

31
Student/Parent Handbook Check-In Check-Out

• You must bring a parental, doctor, or court
  excuse in order to have your check in or check
  out excused. Just because they talk to them on
  the phone does not excuse your absence, it just
  allows you to check out.
• If you check in ½ way or MORE through class, you
  will be counted as absent for the day.

32
Student/Parent Handbook - Noncompliance

• If a student has 10 unexcused absences in a row
  or 15 unexcused absences for the semester, they
  will receive a noncompliance for attendance for
  that class and will not receive credit for that
  course.

33
Student/Parent Handbook - Tardies

• If you check in unexcused less than ½ way through
  class, you will be considered tardy.
• You will receive a discipline referral for your
  fourth tardy to class. (See pages 25 26)
• Tardies continue the entire semester. They do
  not start over until second semester.

34
Student/Parent Handbook - Makeup Work

• Makeup work for excused absences for this class
  MUST be asked for within two days of the absence
  BEFORE 800 a.m. or when the teacher allows you
  to get your backpacks.
• You must sign the folder and date when you
  requested the work.
• You must sign the folder and date when you
  returned the work (within two days of your
  absence).
• This is YOUR responsibility NOT MINE!

35
Student/Parent Handbook Dress Code

• Students must wear shoes (not house shoes).
• Hats/caps/toboggans/sock caps/bandannas are not
  to be worn inside the building.
• Dark glasses are to be worn only with a doctors
  prescription.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses are to be appropriate
  for school those that are tight fitting and/or
  unreasonable in length may not be worn.
• Belts and pants must be fastened at the waist
  overalls must be properly fastened and buttoned.

36
Student/Parent Handbook Dress Code (continued)

• Clothing or personal items associated with gang
  affiliation or gang activity are prohibited.
• Clothing should be in good taste for the age,
  maturity, and size of the student.
• Apparel which render ones appearance as
  suggestive or indecent is prohibited.
• No midriffs or undergarments are to be exposed at
  any time.
• Slogans, symbols, patches, and obscene writings
  which are disruptive or suggestive are
  prohibited.

37
Student/Parent Handbook Dress Code (continued)

• The principal or his designee (TEACHERS) has the
  authority to determine inappropriate or
  unacceptable dress.
• When the dress or appearance of the individual
  student disrupts the teaching-learning process,
  the principal has the authority to take
  disciplinary action.

38
Student/Parent Handbook Firearms and Weapons

• Items forbidden shall include, but are not
  limited to, the following
• Knives of any kind and any length
• Razors or razor blades
• Box openers
• Firearms
• Explosive devices including fireworks of any kind
• Any item which can be used as clubs
• All sharp or pointed objects designed for use as
  weapons
• Tear gas or other chemical weapons or devices

39
Student/Parent Handbook Alcohol and Tobacco

• Alcohol and Tobacco products are prohibited on
  school grounds and school activities.

40
Student/Parent Handbook Prohibited Items

• Any item which may interfere with school
  operations or the safety of others is prohibited
  on school grounds and buses.
• These items include, but are not limited to, the
  following
• (see next slide)

41
Student/Parent Handbook Prohibited Items
(continued)

• Pocket knives
• Laser pointers
• Pepper spray
• Mace
• Pornography
• Cigarette lighters
• Matches
• Radios/I-Pods

• Beepers
• Cell phones
• Playing cards
• Chewing gum
• Glass bottles
• Games
• Toys

42
NOTEBOOK

• Your notebook is VERY important.
• It must be ORGANIZED DAILY!
• It will be used for each exam!
• Put the date and your name on all pages!
• Write ALL warm-ups entirely!
• Put ALL handouts inside notebook!

43
PASS PAGE

• Each student will be given ONE pass page.
• You are to keep up with this pass page the ENTIRE
  semester.
• You MUST use your pass page to leave the room
  unless called for by the office or another
  teacher.
• If you lose the pass page or do not have it with
  you, you MUST take a tardy to leave the room.
• Passes are a privilege. Pass privileges may be
  taken from you for discipline infractions or
  failure to follow rules or procedures.

44
GRADES

• Tests generally count 200 points each.
• Daily assignments generally count 100 points
  each. This includes participation grades.
• Homework assignments generally count 100 points
  each.
• Exams generally count 20.
• Late work is NOT accepted without prior
  permission.
• The teacher will not tell you which assignments
  will be graded.

45
Student/Parent Handbook Class I Violations

• Excessive distraction of other students
• Littering of school property
• Gambling
• Tardiness
• Use of profane or obscene language
• Nonconformity to dress code
• Minor disruption on a school bus
• Inappropriate public display of affection
• Unauthorized absence from class or school
• Possession of pornographic material
• Repeated refusal to complete class assignments
  and failure to bring required instructional
  materials to class
• Vehicular violations
• Any other offense which the principal may
  reasonably deem to fall within this category

46
Student/Parent Handbook Class II Violations

• Defiance of board employees authority
• Possession, control or use of tobacco products,
  matches, or lighters
• Battery upon students
• Fighting
• Vandalism
• Stealing, larceny, petty theft
• Possession of stolen property with the knowledge
  that it is stolen
• Threats, extortions
• Trespassing
• Possession of fireworks or firecrackers
• Offensive touching of another person
• Cheating, serious or repeated violations

47
Student/Parent Handbook Class II Violations
(continued)

• Sexual harassment including but not limited to
  written or verbal propositions to promote sexual
  acts
• Use of obscene manifestations (verbal, written,
  physical) toward another person
• Directing obscene or profane language to a board
  employee or visitor
• Leaving school premises without permission
• Threat, harassment, or intimidation of a student
• Intentionally providing false information to a
  board employee
• Possession of beepers and/or other
  telecommunication devices
• Any misuse or abuse of any computer or computer
  program
• Violation of Alabamas criminal status
• Illegal organizations (fraternities, sororities,
  gangs, secret societies)
• Any other offense reasonably deemed by the
  principal to fall within this category.

48
Student/Parent Handbook Class III Violations

• Drugs, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol, or
  substances represented to be illegal
• Arson
• Battery upon board employee
• Robbery
• Stealing larceny grand theft
• Burglary of school property
• Criminal mischief
• Possession of firearms, weapons, or explosives
• Discharging of any pistol, rifle, shotgun, air
  gun, pellet gun, bb gun, or any other device on
  school property

49
Student/Parent Handbook Class III
Violations (continued)

• Bomb threats
• Aggravated battery
• Sexual acts
• Inciting or participating in major student
  disorder
• Unjustified activation of a fire alarm system
• Igniting fireworks and/or firecrackers
• Any other offense reasonably deemed by the
  principal to fall within this category

50
Tuscaloosa County Schools Mission Statement

• The mission of the Tuscaloosa County Schools is
  to prepare each student to successfully meet the
  challenges of living and working in a global
  society.

51
The Mission of Tuscaloosa County High School

• Committed to excellence, the Tuscaloosa County
  High School Community provides students with the
  opportunity to develop intellectually,
  emotionally, socially, and physically to better
  function as contributing citizens in a diverse
  society.

52
Dr. Bensons Mission Statement

• Do the right thing and take responsibility for
  your actions.

53
CLASSROOM RULES

• Be Respectful
• Be Responsible
• Be Resourceful

54
BE RESPECTFUL

• Use Inside Voice
• Use Kind Words
• Keep Your Head Up in Class/Listen

55
BE RESPONSIBLE

• Be on Time
• Be Prepared
• Follow Procedures/Follow Dress Code

56
BE RESOURCEFUL

• Be Safe
• Report Problems
• Know where to get help/supplies

57
CLASS PROCEDURES

• You SHOULD be IN your ASSIGNED seat (with your
  supplies) when the tardy bell rings.
• You must take a pass with you whenever you leave
  the room to go ANYWHERE
• OR it will be counted as a TARDY!
• You are NOT to sit in any other chair without
  prior teacher permission.

58
CLASS PROCEDURES - continued

• You are to listen without talking when the
  teacher is talking.
• You are to listen without talking when another
  student is talking to the class.
• You are to LIMIT your talking except when working
  in cooperative groups, etc.
• You are to use your inside voice during class.
• You may only have bottled water in the classroom.

59
CLASS PROCEDURES - continued

• Students will enter and exit the classroom
  through the doors at the back of the room.
• Students are NEVER to go behind the teachers
  desk without prior permission!
• Do NOT open the back door for anyone other than a
  student that is in THIS classroom!
• Other visitors/students are to come to the door
  by my desk!
• Bring your supplies daily. If you lose your
  pencil, you may purchase one for 25 cents.

60
CLASS PROCEDURES - continued

• NO FOOD OR DRINKS WILL BE SOLD IN THIS CLASSROOM!
• You may ONLY bring BOTTLED water with a screw on
  lid in to this classroom!
• Do NOT ask to borrow supplies from the teacher.

61
IF supplies are stolen (or come up missing),
there will be ONLY bookwork the rest of the
semester!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• If there is a problem with you bringing in
  supplies on time, talk to me ASAP!!!!

62
DONT FORGET

• SIGNED PAPERS ARE DUE BACK TOMORROWFOR A
  GRADE!!!
• You will need your folder and 5 tab dividers BY
  MONDAY!