2005 - 2006

Mission Statement
The Adult High School of Putnam County will provide a safe, supportive environment in which adults can more fully reach their academic potential and be encouraged to pursue their personal goals as an employee and a community and family member.

Adult High School Beliefs
Undereducated adults are in a position to contribute to their families and community in a much more productive way when given the opportunity to complete a diploma and seek job advancements, obtain postsecondary training, and set a critical example for their children.

Adult High School Philosophy
The Adult High School will provide quality instruction in a flexible setting to adult learners who work toward completion of their diplomas so that they may be empowered to reach higher potential as employees, family members, and citizens.
Hours of Operation
M, Tu, Th *Signifies Scheduled Breaks
8:15 a.m.*-Noon *9:45-10:00 a.m.
12:45-*8:15 p.m. *Noon-12:45
2:45-3:00 p.m.
W**, F *6:00-6:15
8:15 a.m.*-Noon
**Wed. 12:00-2:45 by appointment NO EVENING CLASSES WED. & FRI.

The Adult High School will follow the same calendar as all other Putnam County schools. Hazardous conditions after 3:00 p.m. will result in classes being canceled that evening.

Adult High Staff
Jimmie Webber, Principal
Kathy Howard, Teacher Robyn Nabors, Teacher
Beverly Perry, Teacher Sarah Pierce, Counselor
Brenda Reed, Secretary Brenda Reed, Custodian
(Phone: 528-8685 )

2005-2006 Special Calendar Dates
August September October
18 Back to School Bash 5 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY 10-21 FALL BREAK
8 Reading is a Picnic 25 Family Night
31 Close at 4:00

November December
4 Reg. deadline for Dec. ACT 6 A Holiday Treat
21 Thanksgiving Feast 6-8 Gateway Tests
23 10:00 Dismissal 19-Jan. 2 WINTER BREAK
24-25 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

January February March
3 Return to school 1 Writing Assessment 6-17 SPRING BREAK
16 M. L. KING HOLIDAY 13 Parent/Teacher Conf.
14 FAFSA Deadline 1
14-16 Competency Test
20 PRESIDENTS’ DAY
HOLIDAY
April May
14 GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY 1 FAFSA Final Deadline
19-21 TCAP 3-5 Gateway Tests
24-26 Pilot EOC Tests 15-18 End of Course
28 Graduation eligibility check 29 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
30 Teacher Work Day
May 30: Rehearsal
31 10:00 a.m. Dismissal

June 2: GRADUATION

Admission Requirements
1. Students must be 18 or older, must have no history of discipline problems, and must have been officially withdrawn from the regular school system. Any exceptions will be dealt with on an individual basis by the Review Committee.
2. Upon entering the Adult High School, students will not be eligible for readmission to a regular Putnam County high school; likewise, credit earned at the Adult High School can not be transferred to another Putnam County high school program.
3. If a student presently holds regular high school credit from an accredited high school, he/she may enter the Adult High School without an entrance test. These credits as documented by an official transcript will apply toward graduation requirements.
4. If a student has never earned any high school credit, he/she will be required to take the ABLE III entrance exam and score a minimum of 8.1 overall grade equivalency. If credit is in question, additional tests will be necessary.
5. A student may enroll for as little as 1/2 credit if that is his/her only remaining credit.

Graduation Requirements
Each student must successfully complete* the credits needed for graduation based on the minimum state requirements for the year of his/her original entry into the 9th grade.

*”Successfully complete” is defined as follows:
1. 133 classroom hours** of instruction per credit (67 hours per half credit)
2. Passing all unit tests, assignments, etc. with 80% or better proficiency
3. Passing the course final exam with 70% or better proficiency
4. Taking any required state exam such as Gateway, End of Course, etc. (15% of grade)
**Required hours will be counted as follows:
1. Actual classroom hours
2. Documented research hours at the Putnam County Library (when AHS is closed)
3. Computer lab hours at the Adult Learning Center as approved by the teacher
4. Orientation sessions and student group, community, or assembly meetings
5. Limited special project sheets as assigned and documented by teacher

Credit Options
TESTING OPTION: Students may opt for a final exam or project once 133 hours have been completed and a minimum of 3/4 of the coursework has been successfully finished.
ELECTIVE CREDITS: Documented life/work experiences may be submitted for approval.

Academic Honors
Students who participate in graduation ceremonies are eligible for academic honors. For special recognition, all “A’s” are required, and the student must complete a minimum of one full non-elective academic credit.

During the ceremony, graduates will be presented any scholarships they have earned. The Herald-Citizen Scholarship recipient is selected by a committee appointed by the publisher of The Herald-Citizen. Interested
students may request a scholarship application for the Wright Scholarship and others; students should contact a faculty member, the counselor, or the principal. The counselor will monitor requests for applications and report those applicants through a student contact sheet at team forums.

Policies Designed for Success of All Students

The Adult High School is designed to help students who are personally motivated to continue their education. Those who are sincere in their work will receive complete support.

PERSONAL CONFLICTS: Disagreements or conflicts with an instructor or fellow student should be quickly, directly, and maturely addressed. Almost always, conflicts can be quietly and successfully negotiated to everyone’s benefit if handled in a mature and responsible way. A spirit of cooperation and addressing personal needs is empowering to everyone. If a serious conflict develops, students should follow the grievance process. The Review Committee reserves the right to take appropriate action to ensure a good learning environment for all up to and including suspension and dismissal of a disruptive student or refusing admission to a potential student.

CONFERENCES: Each student’s advisor will arrange an opportunity for the student and teacher to talk informally. Additionally, students should request a conference anytime they feel it would be beneficial; students can refer to the designated conference times for each teacher as posted in the classroom. If an emergency arises so that the student cannot attend a scheduled conference, he or she should call to notify the teacher so that he/she can plan other uses for that time.

LANGUAGE: A positive, encouraging atmosphere is important to any learning environment. Students should always be mindful of the impact their words (as well as the teachers’) have on fellow students. Of course, profane, offensive, and generally disrespectful language will not be tolerated.

WORK PATTERNS: Students are expected to turn in a reasonable amount of work each day and should work a minimum of 60 minutes before signing out for a break. Folders must be left with the teacher any time a student is out of the classroom; the folder must be returned to the locker when the student leaves for the day.

ALTERNATE STUDY AREAS: If a student is having difficulty due to the noise or activity level in a regular classroom, he/she should at that time report this to the teacher who is responsible for classroom management . If the situation is not remedied or the student is unable to work well in the front classroom, he/she may request privileges for the Quiet Room (the back Adult High classroom). The decision for quiet room eligibility will be voted on by all faculty. STRICT compliance with behavior is expected.

MATERIALS: Students should bring plain notebook paper, pens (blue or black, red and green), #2 pencils, a pack of 3 x 5 note cards, a pocket folder, and Kleenex. Ideally, all supplies will be brought on the first day of the student’s attendance; however, students may delay bringing these supplies or bring part of the supplies at one time and the remainder later. Specific courses may require a minimal additional purchase. (See list.)

SUBMITTING WORK: Work should be done on the front side only of regular notebook paper. All work must be carefully labeled with the student’s name, the date, subject, page number, chapter, and activity/exercise number. Work which does not include sufficient labeling will be returned ungraded to the student. Multiple pages of the same assignment should be stapled before submitting for grade.

HOUSEKEEPING: Students may bring snacks (not meals) to the classroom unless that becomes a problem for other students, or until the student loses that privilege by forgetting to clean up his/her work area. Students should also return all books, folders, etc. to their appropriate places.

INAPPROPRIATE TALKING: Any conversation which continues beyond 2-minutes warrants a signed-out break.

PLAGIARISM AND EXCESSIVE HELP: Plagiarized work will be given a grade of “0.” This applies to the student who is dishonestly turning in the work as his/her own and to the student who is allowing his/her work to be used in this way.

Although students are always encouraged to ask for and receive the teacher’s help in understanding a task or assignment, if the student expects the teacher to give extraordinary help in finding answers, editing a paper, or otherwise being dependent on the teacher for more than a reasonable amount, then the teacher will lower grades for lack of effort on the student’s part.

COMPUTER ISSUES: Computer time will be allotted first to those who are earning a computer credit or working on a specifically assigned task. When computers are in demand, time for individual students is limited to 60 minutes. Each student should request a computer pass, sign in and out of all labs, save any documents, and clear the computer for the next student’s use.

Checking of email and entry into any chat-rooms are not allowed.

No personal software or disks may be brought into the computer lab or used at any school computer. Students are bound by their signed internet/technology agreement.

TEXTBOOKS: Textbooks are provided without charge; students will abide by their signed agreement to pay for any lost or damaged books/ materials. Damage includes writing in the text. All texts and the student folder must be left in the building. However, on occasion and with specific permission, students may check out a text or supplementary material overnight if the text can be returned the next school day. Most texts are held on reserve at the Putnam County Library so that students may work there when school is not in session.

STUDENT PASSES: When students are working with a teacher in his/her office, the main office, library, the computer labs, or Counseling Center, they should request a student pass so that the classroom teacher is
aware of the student’s being still checked in while out of the classroom. The student should leave the work folder with the classroom teacher.

BREAKROOM: Students are to wait in the break room until the appointed time for the classroom to open; students should not be in the classroom during any break time without the specific permission of staff.

VISITORS: No guests are allowed on campus without specific permission, and all approved visitors must sign in with office staff and receive a visitor’s pass while in the building. This includes friends, spouses, or children. If someone routinely provides transportation, the student should let office personnel know who that person is. Having unauthorized visitors will jeopardize the student’s enrollment.

OTHER CAMPUSES: AHS students should not be on the campus of any other school unless they are involved
with their children’s school activities or have a written pass from AHS faculty.

Confidentiality
As a matter of courtesy and respect for learners, it is the general policy of all staff to hold information concerning an adult student in strictest confidence. However, it is the student’s responsibility to give written notification for confidentiality issues within the first month of his/her enrollment. (See County Wide Policy on Confidentiality.)

Requests from agencies and/or individuals will require written requests. (This includes phone requests, so please make family/friends aware. The exception would be an emergency call from a child’s school or extreme emergency as explained by the caller.)

Attendance/Transfer
SCHEDULING: Each student should be in class a minimum of 20 hours per week unless job/family responsibilities prohibit that many hours; the need for less than 20 hours will be assessed by the student’s advising teacher or the Review Committee. Any time a student is absent for two days, he/she should call (528-8685) and “touch base” with someone on staff.

LETTERS OF ATTENDANCE ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The principal will provide documentation of full time enrollment for other agencies’ records ONLY AFTER two weeks of 20 hour attendance.

RE-ENROLLMENT: If a student is absent for a period of two weeks without satisfactory cause reported in a timely way to the student’s advisor, that student will be removed from the rolls at the next reporting period. The student will receive written notification with information about re-enrollment at the end of each attendance month. Re-enrollment will be handled by the principal with approval by the Review Committee.

TRANSFER: A student may transfer to the Adult Education program by consulting both the AHS principal and the Adult Education recruiter. A transfer form must be issued so that the student can be withdrawn from one program and enrolled in the other. Once a student has enrolled in AE, he/she may not transfer back to the AHS until the next reporting period/orientation. (This could be as much as a 9 week waiting period for re-entry.)

Actions That Result in Probation/Dismissal
INSUBORDINATION: Students will be respected and treated as adults, and the staff of AHS will expect the same consideration in return. Failure to follow the requests of teachers will be considered insubordination and will result in a disciplinary conference. This program is voluntary, and enrollment is not mandatory; therefore, no discipline problems or disruptive behavior will be tolerated. Any student causing a disturbance or problem can expect to be asked to leave.

NON-SATISFACTORY PROGRESS: If a student fails to make sufficient progress, he/she will be counseled by a classroom teacher to determine if outside factors are influencing the amount of work being turned in. If teachers deem that insufficient progress is occurring due to a poor work ethic, the student will be put on probationary status and given a list of reasonable daily assignments and weekly goals. If completion of work does not result, the student will be suspended by the principal to await a later time when the student can
show cause that circumstances have changed and a stronger commitment to the diploma can be shown.

For students who have been previously enrolled several different school years and shown little consistent progress, the principal or advisor will give automatic probationary entry status to the student until he/she can reach his/her attendance goal consistently for a three week period.

ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES: Weapons must not be brought on the grounds of the campus. (Remember this includes pocket knives, multitools, boxcutters you may use at work, etc.) Drug or alcohol use, possession, or distribution will mean immediate disciplinary action leading to expulsion. Personal and/or car searches can be conducted by the police/ authorized school personnel at any time just as is true for all other county schools.

TOBACCO: No smoking or use of tobacco products is allowed in any area of the building including the break area, halls, restrooms, porch and other areas on the front of the building. No smoking is allowed on school grounds. Students who must smoke may do so only in their cars or off all blacktop areas at the designated picnic table under the shelter to the side of the building.

DRESS CODE: Students are expected to dress appropriately for a classroom/work setting. Suggestive or revealing clothing is not acceptable; underwear should never be visible. Clothing or personal property with lewd, indecent, violent, racist, or otherwise offensive language, logos, or slogans is not acceptable. This includes tobacco and alcohol logos. Particular attention should be given to low-waisted pants, short tops, and any maternity clothing that leaves the mid-section exposed.

Board policy will be enforced; any clothing and property which is contrary to the school’s mission and could cause disruption will not be tolerated. This enforcement will be equal and across the board.

PARKING LOT BEHAVIOR: No student should be in the parking lot for a period of more than 15 minutes since breaks are limited to 15 minutes and since students must sign in and leave within 15 minutes of arrival/departure. Students who do not follow this procedure will be considered to be loitering. Loitering, offensive language, loud behavior, or loud stereo equipment will be considered disruptive. Safe driving behavior should, of course, be followed at all times. Any disruptions will be dealt with according to violations of the handbook policy as stated below unless a dangerous situation warrants more immediate action.

VIOLATION OF HANDBOOK POLICIES
If a student chooses to violate the policies of the handbook, he/she may expect the following:

Step 1: A quiet, diplomatic, but firm verbal reminder of the problem will be given so that necessary action can be immediately taken to correct any violation. Each teacher will be notified of this warning.
Step 2: If the student chooses to ignore this request to correct the problem, he/she will be asked to reread the policy in question, and sign off on that reading; this will become part of the permanent record, and each teacher will be informed.
Step 3: In the event that this notice is not taken seriously, the student will speak with the principal and receive a suspension until such time that he/she is ready to function well in an environment established for serious, self-disciplined students. This will be a minimum suspension of two regularly scheduled days. This information will be shared with any individual or agency authorized for release of information.

Building-Wide Information and Opportunities

LUNCH: Students are eligible for school lunches by direct, daily payment or through the free and reduced lunch program. Orders for lunch must be made no later than 9 a.m. each morning; students must bring correct change. No credits will be extended. Lunches must be eaten on campus at the noon break.

KUDER ASSESSMENT: Excellent software is available for students to explore their career interests, skill strengths, write resumes, and visit many campuses via internet capabilities. All students are expected to
complete this career assessment which will allow more focused work with the counselor.

PHONE: Personal use of the the school phone must be limited to very important calls. If that becomes necessary, the student will ask the teacher to accompany him/her to a phone and wait for the call to be completed. Under no circumstances should calls be made that will result in charges to the school system.
A message will be taken for all incoming student calls, and office staff will deliver that message to the student’s teacher.
Cell phones are allowed for emergency use only; ringers should be turned off during classroom time if an alternative mode exists for incoming calls. In the unusual event that an important call is expected and only the ringer mode is available, the phone may be left at the teacher’s desk. All calls must be taken outside the classroom. Routine personal calls must be placed and received during the students’ private time when they are not involved in school work. Cell phones are not to be used for text messaging, games, etc. while in the classroom.

GEMS (Going the Extra Mile Students): A student driven group which includes adult learners from all classes in the Adult Learning Center meets from time to time. All students are encouraged to participate and work on ideas and projects of their choice. (Other groups may be established in consultation with the principal and are subject to board policy.)

THE WRITE VOICES: All adult learners are encouraged to submit writings of their choice for a community presentation which helps students have a voice about their lives and experiences and allows the community to learn more about adult students through a performance by experienced community actors.

HANDICAP ENTRANCE: The side door will be used for students who need special access to the building due to physical limitations. Students should inform office staff of any special needs, and once staff is aware, they will open the door at a scheduled time or after the student rings the buzzer. The side door is used ONLY for
handicap access. Using this door for other purposes is a violation of school policy.

Building-Wide Grievance Procedure
In order to comply with each person’s individual rights and to ensure a positive learning/working environment for all, the grievance policy for anti-discrimination, sexual harassment, and hazing is to be observed as follows:
1. If the problem can not be resolved without intervention, privately discuss the issue with the classroom teacher.
2. If this does not bring satisfactory results, the learner/staff person is expected to bring that dissatisfaction/grievance to Jimmie Webber (AHS) or Lynda Breeden (AE).
3. This information will be documented and a written plan for resolution will be developed which addresses the needs of the individuals and the needs of the program.
4. If further action is appropriate, students may contact Willard Gore at 526-9777, and follow the procedures outlined in county-wide policy which follows. The grievance officer for Putnam County Schools is Debbie Gernt.

Putnam County Adult High School does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or handicap in the operation of its educational programs and activities. (Refer to grievance policy and outlined procedure.)

System-Wide Policy and Procedures
Student Harassment/Hazing/Discrimination

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Putnam County Board of Education does not discriminate against any student based on race, color, or national origin. No student will be denied the benefits of, or excluded from participating in, any activity or program sponsored by the Putnam County Board of Education.

More specifically, the Putnam County Board of Education does not :
Prevent a person from enrolling in a school, class, or extracurricular school or activity based on race, color, or national origin.
Arbitrarily place a student in a school or class with the intent of separating the student
from the general population of students because of the student’s race color, or national origin.
Set higher standards or requirements as a prerequisite before allowing minorities to enroll in a school, class, or activity.
Unequally apply disciplinary action based on a student’s race, color, or national origin.
Fail to provide the necessary language assistance to allow limited English proficient students the same opportunity to learn as English proficient students.
Administer tests or other evaluative measures that by design, or by grading, do not allow minority students the same opportunity to present a true measure of their abilities.
Provide advice or guidance to minority students with the intent to direct minority students away from schools, classes, or educational activities based on their race, color, or national origin.
Provide facilities and/or instructions and related services to minority students that are inferior to those provided to non-minority students.
If any student feels he/she has been discriminated against, a complaint may be sent to:
Ms. Debbie Gernt
Title VI Coordinator
Putnam County Board of Education
1400 East Spring Street
Cookeville, TN 38506
931-526-9777
OR
Tennessee Department of Education
Civil Rights Coordinator
26th Floor, Wm. Snodgrass Tower
312 8th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37243
OR
The Office of Civil Rights
U. S. Department of Education
P. O. Box 2048, 04-3010
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048

Sex-It is the policy of the Putnam County School district not to discrimination against any student, employee, or applicant based on sex. The Putnam county School District will ensure that no student will be excluded from participating in or having access to any course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, employment assistance, extracurricular activities, or other school resources based on unlawful discrimination. The Putnam County School district will take all necessary steps to ensure that each students learning environment and each employees work environment is free of unlawful discrimination based on sex. No office, officer, or employee of the Putnam County School District shall;; intimidate, threaten, harass, coerce, discriminate against, or commit or seek reprisal against anyone who participates in any aspect of the discrimination complaint process associated with this policy.

Handicap-It is the policy of the Putnam County School District not to discriminate on the basis of handicap,. The Putnam County School District will not:
*deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from any aid, benefit, or service the school district provides.
*afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from any aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others.
*provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective as that provided others.
*provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are effective as those provided to others.
*aid or perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped person by providing significant assistance to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of handicap in providing any aid, benefit, or service to the beneficiaries of the recipients program.
*deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards.
*otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving an aid, benefit, or service.

Also, in the section which addresses the referral of complaints and which lists the title and address of the State Department of Education’s Civil Rights Coordinator, we request that the district update this information as follows:
Tennessee Department of Education
Civil Rights Coordinator
26th Floor, William Snodgrass Tower
312 Eighth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37243
Conflicts between students-such as disagreements, bullying, name-calling, intimidation, or any other potential conflict(s) that could result in a physical confrontation and/or could reasonably be considered to cause emotional distress should be reported to a school official immediately. Students are expected to resolve all conflicts in a non-violent, non-threatening, non-demeaning way.

Decisions made by school personnel-such as assistant principals, teachers, or teacher assistants-which students believe are unfair or are in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules may be appealed to the principal or a designated representative. To appeal, students will contact the principal’s office in their school and provide their name, the issue and the reason for the appeal on a printed form available at the school office within two (2) school days. The appeal will usually be decided confidentially and promptly, preferably within two (2) school days. If the principal does not make a decision within two (2) school days following the date of the complaint, students or parents may appeal at that time to the superintendent/director of schools or designee at the central office. The information provided should include the student’s name, the school, and a description of the problem. An investigation and decision will be made within two (2) school days and communicated to the school principal and student by telephone. A written copy of the decision will also be sent to the student and the principal.

Student Harassment/Discrimination-Grievance Procedures
Filing a Complaint-Any student who wishes to file a discrimination/harassment grievance against another student or an employee of the district may file a written or oral (recorded if possible) complaint with a complaint manager. Students may also report an allegation of discrimination/harassment to any teacher or other adult employed in the school who shall inform a complaint manager of the allegation. The complaint should include the following information:
(1) Identify the alleged victim or person accused;
(2) Location, date, time, and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident;
(3) Identity of witnesses; and
(4) Any other evidence available

Investigation-within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the student’s complaint, the complaint manager shall notify the complaining student's parent/guardian and the principal who shall inform the superintendent. The parent/guardian shall be given notice to the right to attend an interview of the student in a non-intimidating environment in order to elicit full disclosure of the student’s allegations. This interview shall take place within five (5) days from the time the complaint was first made. If no parent/guardian attends the interview, another adult, mutually agreed upon by the student and complaint manager, shall attend and may serve as the student advocate. After a complete investigation, if the allegations are substantiated, immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action shall be initiated. The complaint and the identity of the complainant will not be disclosed except (1) as required by law or this policy; (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint; or (3) as authorized by the complainant. A school representative will meet with and advise the complainant regarding the findings, and whether corrective measures and/or disciplinary actions were taken. The investigation in response will be completed within thirty (30) school days. Copies of the report shall be kept in the complaint manager’s file for one (1) year beyond the student’s eighteenth (18th) birthday. The superintendent shall keep the Board informed of all complaints.
Decision of Appeal - if the complainant is not in agreement with the findings of fact as reported by the complaint manager, an appeal may be made within five (5) work days to the superintendent of schools. The superintendent will review the investigation, make any corrective action deemed necessary and provide written response to the complainant. If the complainant is not in agreement with the superintendent of schools findings of fact, appeal may be made to the Board of Education within five (5) work days. The Board shall, within thirty (30 ) days from the date the appeal was received, review the investigation and the actions of the superintendent and may support, amend, or overturn the actions based upon review and report their decision in writing the complainant.

Welcome to the Adult High School.

We appreciate your willingness to further your education by taking this first step toward your diploma.
Please let us know anytime you need assistance with classroom activities--and let us know how we can help you as you seek to gain a realistic balance with your family, work, and community responsibilities.

You are special to us.

Like you, we look forward to your walk across stage to receive the diploma you have earned.