Williamson County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

See the district website for more information.

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.

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 need computer access or assistance, you may contact your front office. See WCS website (here) for more information about open enrollment and other enrollment options.

Student Fees

See WCS website (here) 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

See the WCS website (here) 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.

Parking/Driving on Campus

Parking and driving on campus are privileges. See school website for polices and procedures regarding parking and driving privileges.

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.

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.

Use of the Internet

Williamson County Schools supports the right of students to have reasonable access to various information formats and believes that it is incumbent upon students to use this privilege in an appropriate and responsible manner. Students will be given appropriate instruction in internet safety as a part of any instruction utilizing computer resources. Please see the Responsible Use Procedure. If your child violates these policies, they could lose technology access while at school.

For more information, refer to Williamson County Board of Education policy 4.406.

Use of Personal Communication Devices

Personal communication devices of any kind may not be used to take pictures, video, or audio recording in the school setting. Personal communication devices of any kind are only to be used during the school day for instructional purposes only, at the direction of a teacher. Students take full responsibility for personal communication devices at all times. 

Bussing

WCS does not provide transportation for out-of-zone students. Since RnHS is an out-of-zone choice high school, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school. 

Arrival and Dismissal Time

Before school, students will be allowed in the building beginning at 7:30 AM. It is asked that parents not drop students off before then, since they will have to wait outside without supervision.

After school, students should leave the building by 4:00 PM unless they are staying for a supervised extra-curricular activity. Students should never stay in a teacher’s room after he/she leaves for the day.  If students need to wait for a ride after 4:00 PM, they can come to tutoring and work on homework. Some students arrange with their parents to go to the public library after school to wait for their rides. 

Morning Dropoff Procedures

All parents should drop their students off in the loop behind the school facing Columbia Ave. Parents, please pull up all the way to the bike rack by the Enrichment Center. 

Afternoon Pickup Procedures

Freshmen parents and carpool drivers should pick up students in the loop behind the school facing Columbia Ave (please pull all the way up to the Enrichment Center).

Parents picking up sophomores through seniors after school should pull up to the Performing Arts Center along Everbright Ave.

• Note: the intent of diverting traffic is to avoid cars backing up onto Columbia Ave!  We recommend parents not to arrive until close to (or even a few minutes after) our 3:25 PM dismissal to avoid traffic.

• If your child texts you that he/she is going to be a few minutes late, please pull over to allow cars to pass you. 

Student Drivers

Students are required to park only in the designated student parking lot across from the Academy Gym. Each student is required to purchase a Renaissance parking pass for $10 to hang from the rear-view mirror. Parking pass applications are available through Mrs. Lovell at the front desk. Per Williamson County Government, Renaissance students are not permitted to park along Everbright Ave or in the Enrichment Center or library parking lots! 

Parking Passes

Before receiving a parking pass, each new driver (i.e.someone who wasn’t driving to school last year) and a parent is required by WCS to complete a free one-hour Checkpoints Safe Driving training. Checkpoints classes will be announced through the Wolf Tales newsletter throughout the year. 

• Students may not duplicate, give, lend, sell, or share their parking pass with anyone else. If you withdraw from Renaissance, you will be required to turn in your parking pass to the office.

• Students who speed or engage in reckless driving down Everbright Avenue may have their parking privileges revoked. TN State law makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving (even for music, maps). 1^st violation is a $50 fine plus court costs. 

• Remember, the student parking lot is an extension of school property and all county and school rules apply. 

• Vehicles are parked and left at the owner’s and driver’s discretion. Renaissance High School/Williamson County/WCS are not responsible for any damage or loss of contents incurred to a vehicle on school grounds. 

• If you are seeking your driver’s permit, ask the attendance secretary to complete a Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance and take the original part of this form with them to a driver's license station. Please allow 3 days for processing.

All visitors will be required to show their ID at the front door before being allowed to enter the building. Visitors must check in at the laptop at the front desk. Visitors who will be anywhere in Renaissance except the main lobby will be given a “Visitor” sticker from the front desk that should be removed when “checking out” at the laptop at the front desk.  Only parents/guardians will be allowed to visit/checkout students during the lunch period. Parents/visitors/alumni must schedule appointments with teachers in advance before/after school or during their planning periods.

Be on Time (Tardy Policies)

Renaissance is a creative school environment that exists to be unique from a traditional school. Our community is built on relationships based upon trust and empathy. To truly be unique, our students and staff must commit to each of the following character traits that allow us to proudly say: We A.R.E. Renaissance

 

• Accountability

• Be On Time: 
• If you arrive after 8:15 AM (or 9 AM on Late Start Days), you will be required to sign-in at the front lobby desk and receive a late pass to take to your teacher. You will be allowed 3 unexcused tardies per nine weeks (cumulative for all classes throughout the day). You will then receive a detention for every subsequent tardy. 
• If you are more than 25 minutes late to a class (i.e. half the class) without a valid excuse note, it will be considered an unexcused absence (which will nullify a senior’s exam exemption eligibility) AND a tardy toward your detention quota. (i.e. you cannot wait to arrive at school at the start of 2nd period to avoid a first period tardy/detention). 
• If you have an unexcused tardy in the morning and you walk in with a drink or food you stopped and bought on your way to school, your food/drinks will be held at the front desk until lunch. 
• Be Where You Are Supposed to Be:
• Renaissance is unique in that we have an open campus. Throughout the day, our students walk to and from Academy Gym and the adjacent athletic field as well as the Performing Arts Center. In addition, all students are given the opportunity to eat lunch outside and 10th-12^th grade students have the opportunity for an off-campus lunch. Having an open campus requires students to demonstrate trust and accountability to be where they are supposed to be and make responsible choices. 
• Students who leave campus without permission or do not report to an assigned classroom during instructional time, including 7^th period study hall, will be considered to be "skipping" and will have disciplinary consequences, including detention, not being allowed to leave the building during the school day, and the possibility of being returned to their zoned high school at the start of the next semester.

• Resiliency:

• Student learning and growth only occurs when students engage in their own thinking and persevere through challenges. Academic integrity is therefore required of all Renaissance students. Copying others' work or allowing others to copy your work without teacher permission will result in disciplinary consequences. 
• Students must use 1:1 technology responsibly. Plagiarism and the use of apps/websites like ChatGBT and Photomath and other internet sites for assignments and assessments without teacher permission is prohibited and will result in disciplinary consequences including detention and the loss of 1:1 technology privileges. 
• Since Renaissance relies on the use of 1:1 technology ubiquitously throughout the day, students who have multiple violations of misuse of 1:1 technology may be returned to their zoned high school at the beginning of the next semester.  

• Empathy: 

• The Renaissance motto is "For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack." Students and staff all share responsibility in creating and maintaining a physically, socially, and emotionally safe environment that values and respects each individual. 
• Renaissance is a community built upon relationships. Relationships are built upon trust and empathy, and Renaissance students are expected to demonstrate trust & empathy in all relationships and proactively seek to restore a relationship when trust or empathy is broken. Students are expected to address any conflict and disagreements professionally with help from teachers, counselors, and administration.

Renaissance Student Contract

Renaissance is a Williamson County out-of-zone, choice high school.  WCS has made a commitment to consistency in consequences in addressing behaviors described in the WCS Secondary Student Handbook including Bullying/Cyberbullying/Discrimination/Harrassment/Intimidation, Threats, Dress Code, Student Altercations, and Vaping/Tobacco. Renaissance's small learning community does not allow for an In-School-Suspension (ISS) teacher and other traditional disciplinary consequences. If students do not abide by the rules and expectations defined above as well as other WCS Board Policies, they will be returned to their zoned high school at the beginning of the next semester and may choose to reapply to Renaissance after another full semester. 

Renaissance High School seeks to establish a schoolwide “Standards-Based Mindset” shared by teachers, students, parents, and administration. We believe grading should serve two purposes: 1) accurately reflect students’ level of proficiency on the course standards and 2) motivate students to want to improve and learn more! Teachers will explain their specific grading practices in their course syllabus for each semester, but collectively teachers are committed to the following:

• Clearly identifying the standards for each quarter, written in student-friendly language, for each instructional unit that culminates in a summative evaluation or project.
• Aligning those standards with the assignments and assessments that serve as evidence of students’ level of proficiency of those standards along with the criteria defining what “proficiency” looks like so students know what is expected of them.
• Providing feedback to students on their progress throughout the unit and allow them to use that feedback to submit additional evidence showing they’ve improved!

Renaissance teachers use three common instructional practices to lead students to proficiency on standards:

• Blended Instruction: Students use 1:1 technology and Schoology to access interactive resources, online texts, short instructional videos, assignments and rubrics aligned to specific standards.
• Self-Paced Structures: Each student controls the pace of his/her own learning throughout the week or unit of study by following a unit or weekly “playlist” as they submit evidence of learning for teacher feedback. This ensures that each student is appropriately challenged every day.
• Mastery-Based Grading: Students must show mastery of an essential skills and content before they can move on to the next lesson. This prevents learning gaps from forming, and ensures that students are ready to learn more advanced content and are prepared for the summative end-of unit evaluation.

Academic Support

Students have a study hall period for 25 minutes before lunch and again during 7^th period when they can prioritize what they need to work on to improve and receive help from individual teachers as needed. Tutoring is also available after school four days a week from 3:30-4:30 at no cost when students can receive extra help or just have a quiet place to complete work.

Academic Student Expectations

Renaissance students can submit work late or relearn/resubmit assignments without penalty to demonstrate proficiency during each instructional unit. Renaissance expects students to take advantage of these opportunities. Consequently, students who fail two or more courses for the semester average at Renaissance will be returned to their zoned high school the following semester.

Lunch

The Renaissance daily schedule includes a 25-minute study hall followed by a 35-minute lunch period. Students who are making a 70 or better in all of their courses with no incomplete work in Skyward as of 11:30 AM each day can forgo the study hall and earn an hour-long lunch. Students need to be aware that teachers may not be able to update/make changes to grades for work turned in within the past 48 hours if it was late and the official SkyWard grade will be used to determine eligibility to opt out of the assigned study hall.

Students are required to pick up their own trash during lunch, regardless of whether they are eating inside or outside.  If students move furniture/chairs to eat, they must put them back when they are finished eating.

Academy Park does not permit Renaissance students to eat lunch on the stairs of the Performing Arts Center, under their covered awning, or on the grounds of the Enrichment Center next door.

Ordering a meal from us

Students have the option of ordering a boxed WCS lunch or salad each morning at the front desk during the 2023-2024 school year at a cost of $3.75 per day.

• Our lunches are prepared by Winstead Elementary Cafeteria and delivered by parent volunteers daily. Students choose among 3 salad options and 3 sandwiches that include chips, fruit snacks, and a drink. (Salads are not available on late start days.)
• Students who want to order a WCS lunch must do so by signing up online before 8:30 AM each morning and selecting which entree they would like. No orders will be accepted after 8:30 AM.
• Visit this link to add funds online to students’ lunch accounts or bring a check payable to “Winstead Elementary School Cafeteria” at the front desk before school.
• Free/reduced lunch applications are available here.

Bringing your own lunch

Students may also choose to bring lunch from home. Renaissance does have a refrigerator and microwave for students who wish to bring their lunch. Please label your lunch clearly.

Food Delivery

Students may order food delivery. However, the food must be delivered and eaten during the scheduled lunch period. Lunches that are delivered after students are back in class will be held at the front desk until the end of the period. Note: If you order an outside lunch, don’t forget to tip the delivery person online!

Off-Campus Lunch

Sophomores through seniors may choose to leave campus for lunch.  However, remember that the lunch period is an extension of the school day and all school and county policies apply concerning behavior, drugs, and tobacco/vaping. Any 10th-12th grader who leaves campus without permission, does not return from lunch, skips 5th period, or breaks a school/county rule during off-campus lunch will lose the privilege of leaving campus for lunch for the rest of the current grading period (excluding zero tolerance offenses which are handled differently).  Freshmen are required to stay on campus during lunch unless under the direct supervision of a staff member.  On campus is defined as the courtyard in front of the school or under the trees behind the school where students can be seen from the building. Freshmen who do not follow these expectations will lose the privilege of going outside during lunch.  

Chromebooks should come to school each day fully charged, and chargers should be kept at home. There are not enough electrical outlets to guarantee use of one during class time. Please be careful with your Chromebook. All students must comply with the Williamson County Board of Education Policy IFBDA, the Student Acceptable Use, Media Release, and Internet Safety Procedures Contract, and the Williamson County Schools Computer Guidelines. 

Cell phones must be silenced and out-of-site during instructional time. When students leave the room during instructional time, the teacher should ask them to leave their cell phones in a designated storage pocket in the classroom until they return. Teachers will outline their individual policies in their syllabi.  When a teacher provides a warning, students are expected to comply and put the device away. If a teacher asks for a student’s cell phone because of misuse, it should be given up immediately for return at the end of the class period. If a teacher has to turn in a phone/electronic device to administration, it will only be returned after parent notification is made and a plan is developed to keep the phone from being a continued distraction to the learning environment. 

RnHS and WCS do not assume any responsibility should any device be lost, damaged, or stolen. Keeping track of the device's serial number, model, and type at home is a good idea. Theft or vandalism of any kind should be reported to school administration so they can take appropriate steps.

All students have to use the WCS Guest login to access the internet, as required by the Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Agreement. Students should not access the internet through a cellular provider while on campus.

Items found are kept in a box near the front desk if they are not of significant value. If items of value are found (jewelry, electronics, keys, wallet, etc.) they will be secured by the front desk or SRO. Please inquire at the front desk about any missing items.