Although every effort will be made to update the handbook on a regular basis, Williamson County Schools reserves the right to change this handbook and any content within, without notice, except as may be required by state and federal law. As a result, the online version of the handbook shall be the official version.

English Learners

If the inability to speak and understand the English language excludes a student from effective participation in the educational programs offered by WCS, WCS shall take reasonable actions to provide the student equal access to its programs. Students who are English learners (EL) shall be identified, assessed, and provided appropriate services. No student shall be admitted to or excluded from any program or extracurricular activity based on the student’s surname or EL status.

The Superintendent shall evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s language assistance programs to ensure EL students will acquire English proficiency and the ability to participate in the standard instructional program within a reasonable period of time.

Parents/guardians of EL students shall be given notice of, and information regarding, the instructional program within the first thirty (30) days of the school year or within the first two (2) weeks of a student being placed in a language instruction educational program.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 4.207.

Homebound Instruction

The homebound instruction program is for students who because of a medical condition are unable to attend the regular instructional program. The homebound instruction program shall consist of three (3) hours of instruction per week while school is in session for a period of time determined, on a case-by-case basis, by WCS.

To qualify for this program, a student shall have a medical condition that will require the student to be absent for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive instructional days, or for an aggregate of at least ten (10) instructional days for a student who has a chronic medical condition. The student shall be certified by his/her treating physician as having a medical condition that prevents him/her from attending regular classes. The services provided to the homebound student shall reflect the student’s capabilities and be determined by the homebound instructor, after consultation with appropriate professional staff of the student’s assigned school.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 4.206.

Homeless Students

Homeless students shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e., academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency) or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to submit contact information to the district’s homeless coordinator. The Superintendent shall ensure that each homeless student is provided services comparable to those offered to other students within WCS, including transportation, special education services, programs in career and technical education, programs for gifted and talented students, and school nutrition.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.503 or visit the WCS website.

 

Migrant Students

The District shall:

1. Identify migratory students and assess the educational and related health and social needs of each student;
2. Provide a full range of services to qualifying migrant students including applicable Title I programs, special education, gifted education, vocational education, language programs, counseling programs, elective classes, fine arts classes, etc.;
3. Provide migratory students with the opportunity to meet the same statewide assessment standards that all students are expected to meet;
4. To the extent feasible, provide advocacy and outreach programs to migratory students and their families and professional development for district staff; and
5. Provide parent(s)/guardian(s) an opportunity to participate in the program.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.503 for more information.

 

Section 504 and ADA Grievance Procedures

 

WCS is committed to maintaining equitable employment and educational practices, services, programs, and activities that are accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. To discuss concerns or seek resolutions related to Section 504 or the ADA, contact Student Support Services. SSS shall respond to all complaints within twenty (20) days with a written response as well as information on further grievance procedures that may be followed if the complaining party is not satisfied with the coordinator's proposed resolution.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 1.802 or visit the Student Support Services website here.

 

Students in Foster Care

Students in foster care, including those awaiting foster care placement, shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e., academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency) or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines.

WCS and the child welfare agency shall determine whether placement in a particular school is in a student’s best interest. Other parties, including the student, foster parents/guardians, and biological parents/guardians (if appropriate), shall be consulted. If the child has an IEP or a Section 504 plan, then the relevant school staff members shall participate in the best interest decision process. This determination shall be made as quickly as possible to prevent educational disruption.

WCS shall collaborate with the local child welfare agency to develop and implement clear and written procedures governing how transportation to a student’s school of origin shall be provided, arranged, and funded. This transportation will be provided for the duration of the student’s time in foster care.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.505.

 

Students from Military Families

A student who does not currently reside within Williamson County shall be allowed to enroll if he/she is a dependent child of a service member who is being relocated to Tennessee on military orders. To be eligible for enrollment, the student will need to provide documentation that he/she will be a resident of the district on relocation. Within thirty (30) of enrollment, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student shall provide proof of residency within the district. 

Students with parent(s)/guardian(s) in the military may also be eligible for excused absences related to his/her deployment.

For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.506.

 

Students with Disabilities

 

Williamson County Schools, in compliance with federal and state law, performs a countywide Child Find. Child Find uses screening to find students in both public school or private school located in the geographic region who may need special education services and supports.

 

There are two types of screening. The first is a general screening of preschool age children throughout the school year. These screenings are on-going and serve preschool-aged children. The other kind of screening is only for school-aged children. A child can be referred for screening by school personnel, the family and/or individuals in the county (physicians, child care providers, etc.) This should be done any time it is suspected that a child has a disability.

 

Visit the Student Support Services tab on the WCS website (here) for more information.

Athletics

All students participating in interscholastic athletics must have a current athletic physical form, concussion release form, and cardiac arrest form on file with the athletic department prior to participation in any tryout or practice. Forms may be submitted on Final Forms. Information regarding individual teams and expectations for student athletes may be found on the school’s website. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.301 for additional information.

Custodial Issues/Parenting Plan

Custodial parents/guardians must inform the school immediately upon any changes in custody, especially court restraining orders. Non-custodial parents may contact the school regarding access to their student’s academic progress. All families with a parenting plan must have that plan on file with their child/children’s front office(s), along with any subsequent orders or changes to the parenting plan or court order establishing the primary residential parent. See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.209.

Drug-Free Schools

Students shall not unlawfully possess, handle, transmit, use, be under the influence of, share, or sell drugs or any controlled substances in any way in school buildings, on school grounds, or on other grounds used for school purposes, (including parking lots or athletic facilities), on school buses, or at any school sponsored activity (See WCSB Policy 6.307).

Emergency Closings

Parents/guardians of Williamson County Schools students will receive school closure notifications by phone, text, email, mobile app, and social media. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download our app for free. Search for Williamson County Schools.

The district aims to notify parents/guardians and staff members of delays and cancellations by 9:00 PM the night before. If not possible, the district will begin notifying families as early as 5:00 AM the morning of the day school is closed.

Parents/guardians will be notified only at the main number on file in the phone notification system. If school is dismissed during the day, parents/guardians will receive notification to all of the phone numbers on file.

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations

All students will need to have a signed permission form before participation in any activity of a club or organization. Permission forms are located on the school website under the extracurricular tab.

Field Trips

Students may have the opportunity to participate in several field trips as extensions of classroom activities throughout the year. Teachers will notify parents/guardians concerning field trips and send home permission forms for parent/guardian's signature. The school must have on file written permission from the parent/guardian before a student may go on a field trip. If the written permission slip is not returned by the due date, the child will not be able to attend the field trip. Students will travel by bus to and from all off-campus trips.  Any exceptions to this procedure must be approved by the principal. See the WCSB Policy 4.302 for more information. 

Fire, Tornado, and Emergency Drills

See Williamson County Board of Education policy 3.202 for more information on emergency procedures.

Moment of Silence or Prayer

Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1004):

In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of approximately one minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school day. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time but shall maintain silence for the full time. It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer.

Notification of Rights Under FERPA

See the WCS website for more information on the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act. 

Parent and Family Communication

Ongoing communication from school to home and from home to school is essential. Your ideas, questions, and concerns are important. Teachers, administrators, and some support staff have a WCS e-mail address.  Although you may wish to communicate with your child’s teacher by e-mail, please be aware that e-mail is not always confidential.  Please do not send time sensitive information by e-mail. It is our goal to return parent/guardian communication in all forms within 48 hours on Monday-Friday when school is in session.

Photography and Videography Guidelines

The WCS Communications Department has provided the following guidelines for parents regarding photography and videography in schools. The purpose of the guidelines is to address problems that have occurred at some schools when parents have taken pictures at school and posted them on online social media sites.

• Parents are advised not to post on social media any pictures taken at school that include any children other than their own.
• Picture-taking at non-public school events: These events occur before, during, and after school and include class parties, field trips, assemblies to which the public is not invited (ex. talent show during the day, etc.) Parents are encouraged to take photos/video of their own children but should not take photos/video of other children.
• Picture-taking at public school events: This includes events that are open to the public such as Back to School Bash, Family Fun Night, etc.  Parents may take photos at public school events that include other people's children but should avoid posting these photos to social media.

School Nutrition Program

See the WCS website (here) for more information about the school nutrition program.

Student Enrollment

All new students will register online using their Family Access account login.  If you choose not to use the online registration, paper packets can be picked up in the front office. Returning students should submit the intent to return documentation on Skyward each year. If you would prefer these forms on paper, you may contact your front office. See WCS website (here) for more information about open enrollment and other enrollment options.

Student Fees

Visit the Students Fees page on the WCS website for more information about student fees.

Student Withdrawal

If a move or other circumstance requires a withdrawal from school, a withdrawal form must be completed, all WCS issued materials and devices must be turned in, and a student must be in good standing with the library and cafeteria. Once all requirements are met, a parent/guardian may withdraw a student from school. Contact your school for more information regarding withdrawal.

Textbooks

Parents and guardians shall accept full responsibility for the proper care, preservation, return, or replacement of textbooks and instructional materials, including Chromebooks. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.401 for more information about textbooks and instructional materials.

Transportation

Bus Riders

Visit the Bus Routes & School Zones page on WCS website for information, policies, and practices regarding bus transportation.

Car Riders

Your school will communicate with you at the beginning of the school year regarding procedures for car riders.

Walkers/Bikers

Your school will communicate with you at the beginning of the school year regarding procedures for walkers and/or bikers.

Visitors to Schools

1. All visitors must enter and exit through the main office doors.
2. Parents/guardians, visitors, and volunteers must present photo identification to enter the building.
3. All visitors must sign in and out in the office and wear a visitor or volunteer sticker/badge at all times.
4. School personnel escort visitors touring the school.

See WCSB Policy 1.501 for additional information.

Academic Integrity

Academic excellence is a hallmark of Williamson County Schools, and we firmly believe that students should take pride in achieving success on their own merit while promoting honesty, integrity, and responsible conduct among all within the school community. We believe that the completion of an individual’s work provides the feeling of confidence and self-efficacy that helps them achieve ultimate success. As a community, we ask students to pledge to complete their work with academic integrity and take pride in the great accomplishment that comes with graduating from Williamson County Schools. School consequences could follow for any student violating our district integrity commitment. 

Assessment

Three components play a critical role into every Williamson County Schools student’s educational program: a solid curriculum, effective instruction, and quality assessment. Curriculum, derived from state standards, defines what students need to know. Instruction is the practice of teaching each student that curriculum. Assessment is used to measure the student’s progress and mastery of what is being taught.

Please make every effort to have your student at school on time during assessment windows. No absences will be excused for family trips during these windows. You may view the district assessment resources here.

Attendance

Consistent attendance and punctuality is a cornerstone of student progress and success. If students repeatedly miss school or are often tardy, it puts them at risk for misunderstanding concepts that are taught and reinforced while they are not present. Additionally, student attendance is one of the categories the federal and state governments use to evaluate schools and assess whether or not they are making adequate yearly progress. Consistent attendance is a priority for Williamson County Schools.

Tardies and Early Dismissals

Students arriving after the start of school are tardy. See WCS website here for start times and dates for Late Start Days.

Early dismissals are strongly discouraged within 30 minutes of the end of the school day due to the interruption of instructional time in classes and are a disruption to the regular dismissal process. Instructional time continues until dismissal.  Office personnel must verify the identification of individuals when releasing a student. The parent/guardian must sign the student out in the office when the parent/guardian arrives to pick up the student, stating time and reason, and office personnel will call the student to the office when the parent/guardian arrives to pick up the student.  

Parents/guardians must communicate in writing the permission for someone to pick up a student other than the parent/guardian. Office personnel will ask for a state-issued photo ID when someone comes to school to check out a student. Students may not be picked up from car services such as Uber and Lyft.  These companies prohibit minors from being transported alone.

Late arrival and early dismissal may be excused for the following reasons: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Excused Absences

As detailed in Williamson County Board of Education Policy 6.200, excused absences include: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) Principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Written Documentation

The Williamson County School Board Policy 6.200 requires written parental or medical documentation for all absences, tardies, and early dismissals. This documentation ensures that school personnel are fully and accurately informed about your child. All absences are considered “unexcused” until a note is sent, preferably within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. The designation of an absence as “excused” is at the final discretion of the principal. When a student’s absences exceed 8 days, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse all future absences.  Notes are kept on file for the school year.  Parents/guardians may also send an email with all appropriate information to the school’s front office.

Notes should state:

• Child’s name
• Teacher’s name
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence
• Doctor’s note attached (if applicable)
• Parent or guardian signature

School Notification

When a student accumulates a total of 8 total absences, all other absences will be considered unexcused unless a doctor’s note is presented within 48 hours of returning to school. 

In accordance with state guidelines for schools related to truancy, Williamson County Schools has implemented a three-tiered system to monitor attendance.  Parents/guardians will be notified as unexcused absences accumulate (recorded) to proactively help with truancy concerns.

• 3 unexcused absences - parents/guardians will be notified via email or phone.
• 5 unexcused absences – Tier II truancy intervention begins, and a meeting will be held with family and school personnel. The team will create a contract to support the family and ensure subsequent school attendance. Follow-up meetings will be planned to monitor progress.
• If the student continues to accumulate absences, Tier III of truancy intervention may be triggered and additional interventions, including potential juvenile court referral, will be established.

The Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Regulations (ESSA) defines students as "chronically absent" after 18 absences per year, regardless of excused or unexcused.  Students who accumulate 18 or more absences will be considered “Chronically Absent” and reported to the state.

Grading System

See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.600 for information regarding the grading system.

Homework

Homework is defined as purposeful academic assignments given to students by teachers, which are to be completed outside of class time. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.609 for more information on homework.

Response to Intervention (RTI)

A general education initiative, Response to Instruction and Intervention, or RTI, is a comprehensive framework for supporting students academically that focuses on high-quality instruction and evidence-based interventions.  Instruction and intervention is tailored to meet the needs of the student through the use of initial screening data. Screening data come from assessments designed to identify student strengths and areas of need in reading, mathematics, and written expression.

Student Progress

Student performance may be accessed through Skyward Family Access for all students. Parents/guardians may request that a printed copy of their student’s report card be sent home each nine weeks. More information regarding student progress polices can be found in WCS Board of Education Policy 4.603.

Communicable Diseases

No student shall be denied an education solely because of a communicable disease, and his/her educational program shall be restricted only to the extent necessary to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease.

When determining whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the Williamson County Schools Illness Guidelines.  Please note that your child should not be sent to school until he/she has been fever free for at least 24 hours without taking a fever reducing medication.

If the school nurse determines that your child needs to leave, we ask that you or an emergency contact pick up your child within the hour that you are called.

If you have any other questions regarding health services, policies or procedures, please visit the Williamson County Schools Health Services Site.

Immunizations

No students entering school, including those entering kindergarten or first grade, those from out-of-state, and those from nonpublic schools, will be permitted to enroll (or attend) without proof of immunization, as determined by the Tennessee Commissioner of Health. It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to have their children immunized and to provide such proof to the school for which the student is to attend.

Exceptions, in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, will be granted to any student whose parent/guardian files with school authorities the following:

1. A signed, written statement that such immunization and other preventative measures conflict with the parent’s or guardian’s religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury;
2. A written statement from the student’s doctor excusing the student from immunization due to medical reasons;
3. Any student determined to be homeless, pursuant to federal law, may not be denied admission because of the student’s lack of immunization records due to being homeless.

Proof of exceptions will be in writing and filed in the same manner as other immunization records.

Medicines

The school nurse may only administer medications that are provided and authorized by the parent/guardian. Students should not have prescription or over-the-counter medicines on their person or stored in their locker. You can find the medication authorization form here.

Physical Examinations

Each student shall have a complete physical examination prior to:

1. Entering public school for the first time
2. Participation as a member of any interscholastic athletic team on an annual basis.

Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent/guardian of the student. These records shall be on file in the student’s record. 

Screening tests as required by the Tennessee Departments of Education and Health will be conducted. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere or tend to interfere with their student's progress. 

In general, the school will not conduct physical examinations of a student without parental consent or by court order, unless the health or safety of the student or others is in question.

Suspensions
See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.316 for more information regarding suspensions.

Title IX & Sexual Harassment
In order to maintain a safe, civil, and supportive learning environment, all forms of sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex are prohibited. This shall cover employees, employees' behaviors, students, and students' behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop in accordance with federal law.

The Title IX Coordinator shall respond promptly to all general reports as well as formal complaints of sexual harassment and may be reached at any time by phone or email.  

For additional information concerning Title IX and sexual harassment, see board policy 6.3401 or the Title IX website.

Zero Tolerance
The following are zero-tolerance offenses that will result in a calendar year expulsion:

1. Bringing to school or being in unauthorized possession of a firearm or any dangerous weapon on school property;
   
   
2. Possession of drugs or alcohol, including any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event;
   
   
3. Aggravated assault;
   
   
4. Assault that results in bodily injury upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or school resource officer; and
   
   
5. Threats of mass violence

For more information, refer to Williamson County School Board policy 6.309.

School Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Arrival Procedures

• Doors will open at 7:25 AM in the 7th grade wing for the Car Rider Line arrival. 
• Seventh and eighth grade students will report to the gymnasium until they are dismissed to go to first period class at 7:35 AM.
• Sixth grade students will report to the cafeteria until they are dismissed for first period class at 7:35 AM. 
• Classes begin at 7:50  AM on regular days. 
• On late start days, doors will open at 7:20 AM. 
• Sixth graders will go to the cafeteria, and the seventh and eighth graders will report to the gymnasium.
• Students will be released to classes at 8:20 AM.  

Dismissal Procedures 

• School is dismissed at 2:57 PM.
• Students will go to the back of the 7th grade annex building to dismiss the car rider line.
• Sixth and seventh grade bus riders will be dismissed through the cafeteria to get to the bus line.
• Eighth grade students will need to walk through the cafeteria to the back entrance of the 7th grade wing to reach the car-rider line.
• Eighth grade bus riders will walk from the STEM building to the bus line.  

Early Dismissal 

• Students should submit a note for early dismissal to the front office prior to the beginning of school.
• The student will be called from class when the parent or guardian arrives at school and signs them out in the front office.
• Parents picking up students will enter on the BHS side of the campus and drive down the driveway to the front of the cafeteria to access the front office.
• There will be no dismissals after 2:05 PM.

Car Rider Procedures

• The car-rider line will now be located at the back of the Brentwood Middle campus at the end of the 7th grade Annex building. 
• Parents who drive their children to school will access the car-rider drop off and pick-up zone from Granny White Pike.
• Parents will need to turn onto the road between Brentwood Middle School and Granny White Park, and they will see the new driveway.
• Doors open at BMS at 7:25 AM. 
• Students must be picked up no later than 3:20 PM.
• Parents of students remaining after 3:20 PM will be notified to pick up their child. 

Bus Rider Procedures

A student should only ride the bus to which he or she has been assigned by the WCS Transportation Department. Any student who needs to ride home with another student should follow these steps: 

1. Students must have a note written and signed by the parent or guardian. 
2. This note must be brought to the office each day the student plans on riding another bus. 
3. The office will issue a BMS bus pass. 
4. The student must present the bus pass to the driver upon getting on the bus. 
5. A bus driver is not allowed to accept a bus pass that is not issued by the BMS front office. A bus pass is only good for the day it is issued by the BMS office. Parents may email a picture of a signed bus pass to the front office.  Please email Mrs. Kathy Anderson or Mrs. Jacque Layfield if you need to send a bus pass for your child. 

Visit the Bus Routes & School Zones page on WCS website for more information, rules, policies, and practices regarding bus transportation.

Walkers, Bike and Scooter Riders

Many students choose to walk, ride bicycles, or ride scooters to school in the mornings. Students coming from neighborhoods north of campus along Granny White Pike should ride through Granny White Park and take the sidewalk from Granny White Park through the gates onto the Brentwood High School football field. There is a path in front of the stadium and to the front side of Brentwood Middle School. For those coming from east of the Brentwood Middle School campus along Murray Lane. Students can use the sidewalks or walking path across the street to access the campus along the front side of Brentwood High School.

Bicycles and scooters can be parked in front of the cafeteria.

Visitors 

• A photo ID is required to enter the school building.
• All visitors are required to sign in at the BMS main office or volunteer desk and receive a Visitor’s badge.
• Student visitors from other schools are not allowed at BMS. 

Volunteers 

• All adult volunteers must have new volunteer approval forms completed each year and on file with the front office to be eligible to volunteer. 
• Volunteers who interact with students, including chaperoning or supervising, must have Tier III WCS volunteer status.
• Fingerprinting and a background check are required and must be completed for Tier III status. 
• All Tier III volunteers must be on the approved district list. 
• More information and necessary forms for getting involved.

School Wide Student Expectations 

BMS is a PBIS school that focuses on positively reinforcing students for making positive choices and having good behavior. We expect students to be respectful, responsible, and take pride in all endeavors. 

RESPECT 

• Respect all adults, students, and school property. 
• Avoid language or actions that are inappropriate or hurtful to others (profanity/negative conversations about others should not take place at BMS) 
• Use good manners everywhere. You are a representative of your school and family. 

RESPONSIBILITY 

• Students will arrive at school on time and give their best effort. 
• If you make a mistake, admit it, and accept responsibility for it. 
• Tell a teacher, counselor, or an administrator about any concerns, fears, or complaints. 

PRIDE 

• At BMS we define P.R.I.D.E. as Personal Responsibility In Daily Excellence. 
• Students will take pride in bringing all expected classroom materials and participating in all classroom activities to the best of their ability. 
• Students will learn as much as they can by taking pride in completing all assignments and studying for all assessments. 
• Students will take pride in working to maintain a clean and well-presented school campus. 
• Students will take pride in how we treat fellow Vikings and our guests. 

• Give your best effort every day! 

PBIS Rewards (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support) 

BMS believes in positively reinforcing students when they make great choices, particularly when they exceed the school’s expectations. Students can earn rewards (points or “BMS Bucks”) throughout the year when going above and beyond in the areas of being respectful, responsible, and taking pride in everything they do. Students can use their rewards to enter drawings for giveaways, buy reward passes, and earn a variety of school-wide or classroom-specific incentives. At the end of each nine-week grading period, students who are able to attend PBIS Reward Parties will be permitted to use their “BMS Bucks” to enter drawings, participate in fun activities, and purchase concessions. 

PBIS Reward Parties: Students have the opportunity, through making good choices, to attend reward parties. These parties are designed to celebrate students for making good choices, as evidenced by NOT having to experience any negative consequences. Negative consequences could include, but are not limited to Saturday school, in-school suspension, etc. Our goal is for students to be respectful, responsible, and take pride, regardless of whether they earn “BMS Bucks.” 

Just as we have a positive behavior plan for when students make good choices, we also have a clearly outlined plan for discipline when students make poor choices. In addition to what is detailed below, each teacher may have additional expectations for their individual classrooms. 

Discipline Plan

In order to provide an exemplary educational experience at Brentwood Middle School, we expect students to abide by the following rules. 

• All disciplinary incidents are subject to the discretion of the BMS administration.
• All students begin each SEMESTER strike/demerit free.
• Sixth grade students receive strikes (2 strikes = 1 demerit).

Strikes/Demerits are handled as follows: 

LEVEL I CHOICES: 

• Classroom Tardiness
• Minor classroom/hallway disruption (class continues)
• Cheating and Lying (automatic Saturday School on first offense)
• Misuse of technology 
• Not following school rules or teacher's directions 
• Non-defiant failure to do assignments or carry out directions.
• Dress code violation 
• Chewing gum 
• Violating lunchroom rules 

LEVEL I CONSEQUENCES: 

• 2 demerits per semester = parent notification by phone or email
• 3 demerits per semester = Lunch or After-School Detention (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 
• 4 demerits per semester = Lunch or After-School Detention (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 
• 5 demerits per semester = 1st day of Saturday school (7:00 AM –  9:00 AM) in cafeteria 
• 6 demerits per semester = 2nd day of Saturday school (7:00 AM –  9:00 AM) in cafeteria 
• 7 demerits per semester = 1 day of In-School Suspension or Administrative Intervention 
• More than 7 demerits per semester = Administrative Intervention 

LEVEL II CHOICES: 

• Continuation of unmodified Level I behaviors
• Using forged notes or excuses
• Cheating (see Academic Integrity Policy) 
• Skipping class on campus (including Lunch, Focus and Thrive) or not in an assigned location 
• Inappropriate Language 
• Major class disruption/Disruptive Behavior (class is interrupted in order to address the situation) 
• Public displays of affection 
• Defiant failure to do assignments or carry out instructions

LEVEL II CONSEQUENCES: 

• Step One – Saturday School or Administrative Intervention 
• Step Two – ISS or Administrative Intervention 
• Step Three – Multiple days of ISS or Administrative Intervention
• Multiple offenses will result in increased, progressive discipline.

LEVEL III CHOICES: (Refer to WCS Board Policy 6.316)

• Continuation of unmodified Level I and Level II
• Vaping/Tobacco use and possession.
• Victimization of any student (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious,) Bullying, Cyber bullying (using technology to degrade another student, teacher or staff member, and or Hazing) 
• Minor vandalism
• Abusive language
• Making a false report
• Possession or distribution of pornography 
• Fighting 
• Minor vandalism of school property (writing on desks, bathroom stalls/walls, etc.) 
• Stealing (including the cafeteria/lost and found) 
• Threats to others

LEVEL III CONSEQUENCES: 

• Multiple days of ISS and/or referral to juvenile court or Administrative Intervention; Restitution of Loss of Stolen Property; Out-of-School Suspension; or Alternative Learning Center, and/or restorative conferencing.
• Multiple offenses will result in increased, progressive discipline.

LEVEL IV CHOICES (ZERO TOLERANCE AND REASONED JUDGMENT OFFENSES): (Refer to WCS Board Policy 6.309)

• Continuation of unmodified Level I, II, or III behaviors
• Threats to others
• Threats of Mass Violence
• Extortion
• Bomb threat
• Possession/transfer/use of dangerous weapons
• Assault that leads to bodily injury upon any teacher, administrator, employee of the school, or school resource officer
• Aggravated assault
• Possession of unauthorized substances or drugs (controlled substance, marijuana, controlled substance analogue, alcohol, legend drug, or any other substance whose possession or use is regulated by governmental authorities)
• Arson
• Theft, possession,and sale of stolen property
• Victimization of any student ( Harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious), bullying, Cyber bullying, and/or Hazing)
• Making an electronic threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee

LEVEL IV CONSEQUENCES: 

• Alterative Learning Center; Juvenile Court Referral; Restorative Conferencing

Lunchroom Behavior 

BMS wants students to be able to talk and interact during lunch. However, students are expected to maintain the same level of control and noise level as they do in the classroom. The following are cafeteria rules: 

• Students should stay in their seat at all times unless they are making a purchase or throwing their trash away. 
• Students are expected to dispose of their food/objects in the trash prior to leaving the cafeteria. 
• Students are not allowed to bring or use electronic devices in the cafeteria. 
• Students should talk at an appropriate level to other students at their table. 
• Students are not allowed to save or hold seats for other students. 
• Food is not to be tossed, thrown or taken from another student’s lunch. 

If students do not follow the above expectations as well as the BMS Code of Conduct, then demerits/strikes will be given, silent lunches may be assigned, and students may be given a temporary seat in the cafeteria away from peers. 

Bus Rules 

Refer to WCS Bus Routes and School Zones page for rules, policies, and practices regarding bus transportation.

Saturday School (Refer to WCS Board Policy 6.315)

Saturday school is held each Saturday from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM. The rules for Saturday school are: 

1. Students must be on time. Students may not be allowed to attend Saturday school if they arrive after 7:00 AM or extra time will be added on for students who arrive after the designated time. If a student is not allowed in after 7:00 AM, BMS administration will determine whether the student is able to reschedule or be assigned to In-School Suspension. 
2. Saturday school can be rescheduled one time with parent’s written or verbal communication with the BMS administration prior to the scheduled Saturday school. 
3. Students who do not attend Saturday School without communication between parents and BMS administration will result in one day of In-School Suspension. 

In-School Suspension (Refer to WCS Board Policy 6.316)

In-School Suspension (ISS) is another discipline alternative which the administration may assign. Students who are assigned to ISS are required to comply with all instructions of the ISS teacher. Students will be required to complete class work and make-up tests and quizzes. Students sent to ISS should report immediately to the office upon arriving at school. 

• ISS students will walk with an adult to the ISS classroom. Students may bring a lunch or will purchase a sack lunch from the cafeteria. Students must work on their class work the entire day. 
• Each classroom teacher will assign student work that needs to be completed while the student attends ISS. Students will turn in all ISS work to the classroom teacher when the student returns to class. 

Academic Integrity Policy 

At Brentwood Middle School, we believe the development of character is the foundation of good citizenship. Individual students are solely responsible for their own work and will be held accountable for any actions that undermine this premise. 

Definition: Academic dishonesty falls under two basic categories – Cheating and Plagiarism 

Cheating is defined as, but not limited to, the following: 

• By both copying from another student’s work as well as allowing your work to be copied. 
• By giving or receiving answers during a test, quiz, or any other assignments without your teacher’s approval. This includes working on assignments together when the teacher has not given explicit permission. 
• By using electronic means (such as text messaging, email, pictures, etc.) to copy homework assignments, projects, or communicate test answers. 
• Referring to a book, person, or any other resource while you are taking a test or quiz. 
• Obtaining, possessing, using, or distributing tests, quizzes, answer keys, teacher's manuals or teacher's textbooks, etc. 

Plagiarism is defined as, but not limited to, the following: 
 
Representing the work of others as one’s own work. Copying another author’s work from any source and submitting it as your own ideas and writing. 

• Not using quotation marks, and/or proper citation to denote material that has been directly quoted from another source. 
• Paraphrasing an author without giving proper citation. 
• Violating copyright laws by not following fair use guidelines. 

First Offense: 

• Parent contact and Administration will be informed 
• Students will receive a zero on the assignment until they complete an alternative assignment, paper, or test for partial credit (amount of credit will be determined by input from the teacher and administration.) 
• Saturday school assigned by administration 

Second Offense: 

• Parent contact and Administration will be informed. 
• Students will receive a zero on the assignment, until they complete an alternative assignment, paper, or test for partial credit or no credit (amount of credit, if any, will be determined by input from the teacher and administration.) 
• ISS assigned by administration provided all of the first offense consequences were applied or administrative intervention. 

Third Offense: 

• The administration will determine the appropriate consequences.

Taking into consideration that many of our students have severe allergies, we would like to remind parents that WCS does not allow outside food or drink to be brought in for lunch or celebrations.  Our goal is for all students to be in an environment free of possible food allergens.

If a class project or celebration requires outside food, parents must provide food that has been prepackaged with ingredients listed on the package.  

Cell Phones and Personal Devices

• A student’s devices (phones, smart watches, video game devices, etc.) must be kept in backpacks or in a designated area in the classroom unless a teacher has informed them that they will be used in class for educational or instructional purposes.
• All approved devices should be used for classroom learning purposes only.
• As a reminder, personal devices brought to school are subject to searches if there are reports of school threats, victimization of students or teachers in which the device may contain contents with information. 
• Searches of devices are treated the same way as lockers and vehicles.
• Technology that has been taken up will be returned to parents who are guardians only. 

• Messages and deliveries to students from parents need to be handled by the main office rather than texting your child, calling or e-mailing the classroom and interrupting learning.
• Parents should not text their child while at school as this disrupts the learning environment.
• If you absolutely must get something for your child, bring it to the BMS front office by 10:15 AM so that it can be delivered at lunch.
• Please put your child’s name on the item or lunch.
• Each child is responsible for checking the grade level basket for items to be picked up during lunch.
• Parents are not allowed to bring their child a lunch from an outside restaurant.
• For messages received after lunch, we will call the student to the main office at dismissal to receive the message.

• BMS has a Lost and Found designated place in the cafeteria. 
• Students should look there for lost items. 
• Lunch boxes and water bottles are the most frequently lost and found items.  Please make sure those items have names on them so that they can be returned.
• All items will be donated to Goodwill at the end of each grading period if not claimed.  

• PE lockers are assigned to students at the beginning of the class each quarter or semester.
• Lockers should be locked at all times.
• Students should not give their locker combinations to anyone, and they should not set their locker so that the locker opens automatically or by just turning the dial slightly. This is for student protection and safety, since students are responsible for whatever is found in their lockers.
• Any problems with locks or lockers should be reported to the BMS administration.
• Lockers can be searched by school officials.
• Lockers can be taken away from a student for not following the rules or being tardy to class because of their locker.