Handbook

Pikeville Elementary School

Chargers

2026-2027

Student Handbook

Principal: Jeanna Morgan Assistant Principal: Alisa Boyd

Dear Students and Parents,

This handbook has been developed for you so that you will understand what to expect

at Pikeville Elementary School. Please read this handbook in its entirety, as soon as the

school year begins. Your teacher may ask you to refer to it and its content.

Respectfully,

PES Principal

***Educating Everyone Takes Everyone***

2026-2027 PIKEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Bledsoe County Schools encourages all members of our school community and visitors to our campus to practice safe social distancing, exercise proper personal hygiene, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. However, please be advised that anyone choosing to voluntarily enter school property does so at their own risk and acknowledges that Bledsoe County Schools cannot guarantee a virus-free campus or warrant the protection of any visitors to campus from any such viruses.

VISITORS

Anyone entering our school must sign in through the office and receive a visitor’s tag. Visitors are not permitted to attend any classroom without the permission of the teacher and the principal. All visitors are expected to leave promptly when their business is completed. This ensures that the normal routine of each child’s educational day is interrupted as little as possible.

CELL PHONES

Students may possess personal communication devices, such as cell phones, while on school property. However, the personal communication device must be in off mode, kept in a backpack, purse, or similar carryall, and may not be used during school hours.

STUDY SKILLS

Learning to study is one of the most important things you can learn at school. Here are a few things that you can do to help with this:

1. Be prepared for class by bringing a pencil, paper, books, and any other materials your teacher requires.

2. Take part in class discussions.

3. Listen carefully.

4. Know how to use the library. The library assistant will help.

5. Ask questions if you do not understand any subject area being taught.

6. Be sure you understand your assignment before beginning it or taking it home for homework.

7. Get a good night’s sleep so you will do your best every day.

RIGHT TO TRANSFER

If your child becomes the victim of a violent crime at school, he/she will have the right to transfer to another school within the LEA.

HOMEWORK

The ability to study is one of the most important keys to success. All students in grades kindergarten through fifth can expect homework throughout the school week. This is in addition to supervised work during class. Long-term assignments, such as, research papers, science projects, etc., may indicate work on some weekends.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued four times a year, after each nine-week grading period. A progress report will be sent home each mid-nine-week period. If the student’s grades are not satisfactory, parents or guardians are advised to arrange an appointment with the child’s teacher by calling the school. Parents are asked to sign the report card and return it within two school days. The grading system is printed on the report card. Lost textbooks, library books, overdue lunch charges, and any unpaid charges must be paid before the report card can be given at the end of each nine-week period.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

Students will progress normally, in sequence, from grade to grade. The professional faculty will place students at the grade level best suited to them academically, socially, and emotionally. Retentions may be imposed when, in the teacher's judgment, they are in the best interest of the student. Decisions to retain are subject to the principal's review and approval after consultation with the teacher. The third- and fourth-grade retention laws will be followed, with guidance from the state provided on a year-to-year basis.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents are welcome and encouraged to come and talk with the teachers. Appointments must be made to coincide with the teachers’ schedules. This should be done through the school office. Call 423-447-2457 to set up the conference.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

Per the Tennessee State Health Department's ruling, it is mandatory that each child have an up-to-date certificate of immunization on file in the school office. REMEMBER: NO SHOTS – NO SCHOOL!

For more information on meningococcal disease and the effectiveness of the meningococcal vaccine, please refer to the Bledsoe County Schools website under Coordinated School Health.

MEDICINE

No school official or teacher will routinely dispense medication to students, except in unique situations in which a child’s health depends on medical aid. If, under exceptional circumstances, a child is required to take oral medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the nurse or the principal’s designee will administer the medication in compliance with the following regulations:

Written instructions SIGNED BY THE PARENT will be required and will include:

1. Medication in the original prescription bottle

2. Child’s name;

3. Name of medication;

4. Name of physician;

5. Time to be administered;

6. Dosage;

7. Possible side effects, if known; and

8. Termination date for administering the medication.

9. The medication must also be brought to school by the parent/guardian and be in its original packaging. No medication should ever be transported on the bus.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students should never bring expensive toys, electronic devices, jewelry, etc., to school. Many times these items are lost or broken. Left unattended, expensive items may be stolen. Toxic cosmetics, such as hair spray, perfume, nail polish, and polish remover, are not allowed. Chewing gum and bubble gum are not to be brought to school. If brought, the gum or cosmetics will be removed from the child’s possession.

CARRYING MONEY

Grade school children should be encouraged not to carry money to school unless there is a definite need. Students in grades 1^st-5^th are allowed to buy items such as water and ice cream in the cafeteria. That money may be carried daily for those items.

TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL PROPERTY

Taxes pay for textbooks for all students. These books are each student's responsibility. If textbooks are damaged or lost, the student is expected to pay for them. Our taxes also pay for school buildings. Take care of our school and everything in it and outside on the school grounds. Any student who damages any school property, windows, books, equipment, etc., will be responsible for paying to replace or repair those items

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

For the 2026-2027 school year, there will be NO CHARGE for breakfast or lunch for any student. Any extra food purchased there will be an additional charge for the food item(s).

Since this is a School Nutrition Program, all parents/guardians will be required to fill out a FOOD SERVICE SURVEY FORM and return the form to your child’s teacher in order for your child to receive these benefits.

If at any time during the school year you would like to eat lunch with your student, please notify the office at least 2 days in advance so seating arrangements can be made.

PROGRESSIVE TRUANCY INTERVENTION

Truancy Level 1 Intervention

3 Unexcused Absences- the school will make guardians aware of absences, including compulsory attendance law and board policy. Every attempt will be made to gather excuses that may not have been turned in to the school.

Truancy Level 2 Intervention (5 unexcused absences)

a.) A conference with the student and the student’s parent or guardian;

b.) A resulting attendance contract to be signed by the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and the Attendance Supervisor/Designee

A description of the expectation for the student’s attendance
The period for which the contract is effective
c.) An individualized assessment by a school employee of the reasons a student has been absent from school will be conducted. This assessment may result in a referral to counseling, community-based services or other services to address the student’s attendance problems.
d.) Penalties for additional absences and alleged school offenses, including additional disciplinary action and potential referral to juvenile court. Summer School will also be recommended if the student's attendance continues to be a deficit.

Truancy Level 3 Intervention (Any violation of Level 2 contract)

External Truancy Board (may include School Representative, Mental Health and Case Management Agencies, Youth Service Officer, and School Resource Officer)

a.) A conference conducted by the external truancy board with the student and the student’s parent or guardian;
b.) A resulting attendance contract to be signed by the student, the student’s parents or guardian, and the Attendance Supervisor/Designee
A description of the expectation for the student’s attendance
The period for which the contract is effective
c.) The external truancy board will decide if students need additional intervention or service placed in the home. The external truancy board will decide if a petition/criminal summons needs to be filed.

Saturday School
- Will include a component that addresses attendance and behavior
- Students will have the opportunity to work on standards-based instruction that was missed during absences
  
  10 Unexcused Absences - A letter from the district informing families of absences, along with the compulsory attendance law and Progressive truancy Intervention.
  
  CATEGORIES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES
  1. Personal illness with required documentation.
  2. Illness of an immediate family member with required documentation.
  3. Death in a family with required documentation.
  4. Extreme weather conditions as approved by the director.
  5. Religious observances with required documentation.
  6. Circumstances that, in the judgment of the principal, create emergencies over which the student has no control.
        Parents may only write 3 parent notes throughout the entire year for an
        excused absence
  
  PERFECT ATTENDANCE
  Students must be present every day and have no tardies or early dismissals to be recognized for perfect attendance.
  
  
                                                   TARDINESS AND EARLY DISMISSALS
  Because of the school’s full schedule, tardiness is discouraged. Coming to school on time is part of learning a sense of responsibility. Students who arrive at school after 7:50 must be signed in through the office by a parent or guardian and will be considered tardy. The student’s school day begins at 7:50.
  Early dismissals are any dismissals before 2:50 p.m. A total of three early dismissals and/or tardies shall count as one day’s absence.
  
  MAKE-UP WORK
  Excused absences (those that meet state attendance rules) shall entitle students to make up any missed work. Unexcused absences may result in homework assignments that receive reduced credit. Students must make up work at the teacher’s convenience. The student will be given the number of days he/she was absent plus one day to turn in make-up work. ALL makeup work must be turned in before the nine-week grading period ends, even if the student has additional makeup days. If a child is expected to be absent for more than ten days, the school should be contacted to arrange a homebound program. Parents/Guardians wishing to pick up make-up work should call by 9:00 a.m. in order to pick it up around 2:00 p.m. that day.
  
  LEAVING SCHOOL
  Leaving school without permission is strictly prohibited. Students are not to leave the school grounds for any reason after arriving at school unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other assigned person. All students leaving school need to be checked out through the office.
  
  IF YOU ARE MOVING
  If you are moving out of this school area, please notify the school office as soon as you can. This will help us gather all necessary records and information for you and will make entering into a new school much easier. Your records will be emailed to your new school after the parent/guardian signs a permission to release records at your new school district. If you are changing schools within the same district, make sure to bring all textbooks with you when you enter your new school. Make sure all electronic devices, textbooks, library books, and charges are turned in before you leave the school district.
  
  EMERGENCY PROCEDURE CARDS
  During the Fall Open House, EMERGENCY PROCEDURE CARDS need to be updated. These cards are important in case of an emergency involving a child at school. If at any time during the year a parent gets a new phone number, a new job, custody arrangements change, or a new address, PLEASE SEND THIS INFORMATION TO THE SCHOOL. We always NEED UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION on the emergency card in case a child becomes ill or gets hurt.
  
  WATCH OUT FOR…
  There are certain kinds of diseases/viruses that you can catch easily. Be proactive and stay healthy by doing these things:
  1. Never drink after another student from a bottle, can, glass, or cup.
  2. Never share food or take a bite of someone else’s food.
  3. Never wear someone else’s cap or use another student’s comb or brush.
  4. Never touch a rash, sore, or bleeding area on someone else.
  5. Always cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze.
  6. Never come to school when you have a contagious disease like mumps, measles, pink eye, chicken pox, rash, etc. Illnesses such as these require medical care and are highly contagious.
  
  DRESS CODE
  In grades Pre-K-5, there will be no tops revealing the stomach area. Bare midriffs, halter tops, spaghetti straps, fishnet tops, or stockings are prohibited. Tops should fit appropriately and not be overly revealing of students’ bodies. Tops should have at a minimum of a 3-inch shoulder strap, with no undergarments showing. Tops should have a full back, and no razorback tank tops shall be worn. Jeans with holes above the knee must have fabric covering the hole area. Hats are not to be worn in school buildings, unless for special occasions. Clothing with suggestive slogans or inappropriate pictures is not acceptable. Some shorts and jeans are frequently too revealing to be worn; this will be at the principal’s discretion. If necessary, the student will be asked to change clothes or call home for something more appropriate to wear.
  The length of shorts for grades 2^nd through 5^th must be at least 2 inches above the knee. For students in grades Pre-K through 1^st, shorts should be at mid-thigh. All dresses or skirts worn to school must also be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee. If clothing exposes the student’s stomach when the student raises their arms, it’s too short. If the student’s shorts are shorter than the student’s shirt, they’re too short. All students shall wear shoes at all times when on the school campus or being transported to and from school on a school bus. Tennis shoes are to be worn on days that students have PE class. Student hair color shall be naturally colored and should not disrupt the educational process. If, in the principal's opinion, the dress is inappropriate, a student may be asked to call home for other clothing or told not to wear the clothing in question to school in the future.
  
  SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE RULES
  1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN. When this rule is violated outside the classroom, the student may be sent to the office for determination of consequence. (This includes, but is not limited to, having a silent lunch and/or losing time in special area classes.)
  2. STAY IN ASSIGNED AREA SUCH AS THE LUNCHROOM – LEAVE THE AREA ONLY WITH PERMISSION OF THE ADULT IN CHARGE. When this rule is violated outside the classroom, the student may be sent to the office for determination of consequence.
  3. DO NOT BRING DISTRACTING OR DANGEROUS ARTICLES TO SCHOOL. This includes baseballs, knives, lighters, toy weapons, sound equipment, toxic cosmetics, tobacco products, or other drugs. Toys or other equipment may be brought only with the teacher's permission. Prohibited objects may be removed by the teacher and held for a parent to claim. The nature of the object removed will determine the consequence. The consequence can include referral to law enforcement authorities.
  4. DO NOT THROW ROCKS. Rock throwing can be a serious problem. When this rule is violated, the student may be sent to the office for determination of consequence.
  5. THERE WILL BE NO NAME CALLING, CURSING, BULLYING, OR TEASING. When this rule is violated, the student may be sent to the office for determination of consequence.
  6. STUDENTS MAY NOT DRIVE BIKES, MOTORCYCLES, OR CARS TO SCHOOL. When this rule is violated, the students will be sent to the office for determination of consequence.
  7. NO TALKING OR RUNNING IN THE HALLS. When this rule is violated, the student may be sent to the office for determination of consequence.
  8. KEEP HANDS, FEET, AND OBJECTS TO ONESELF. Scuffling is not permitted. Fighting is not allowed. Any student involved in a fight will face consequences, regardless of who started the fight. When this rule is violated, the student may be sent to the office for determination of consequence.
  9. DO NOT WRITE ON, DAMAGE, OR LITTER THE SCHOOL’S OR ANOTHER PERSON’S PROPERTY. The consequence can include referral to law enforcement authorities.
  10. TCA 49-6-1015 - Defines “harassment, intimidation or bullying” as any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, and creates a substantial disruption to the educational environment or learning process.
  
  SCHOOL BOARD POLICY CODE OF CONDUCT
  The following levels of misbehavior, disciplinary procedures, and options are standards designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties and to maintain a safe learning environment where orderly learning is possible and encouraged. These misbehaviors apply to student conduct on school buses, on school property, and during school-sponsored outings. Staff members have the authority to enforce the code of conduct and shall ensure that disciplinary measures are implemented in a manner that:
  1. Balances accountability with an understanding of traumatic behavior;
  2. Teaches school and classroom rules while reinforcing that violent or abusive behavior is not allowed at school;
  3. Minimizes disruptions to education with an emphasis on positive behavioral supports and behavioral intervention plans;
  4. Creates consistent rules and consequences; and
  5. Models respectful, non-violent relationships.
    To ensure these goals are accomplished, the school district shall utilize the following trauma-informed discipline practices: a multi-tiered system of supports. Principals shall use appropriate discipline management techniques when enforcing the code of conduct.
    
    MISBEHAVIORS: LEVEL I
    This level includes minor misbehavior on the part of the student, which impedes orderly classroom guidelines or interferes with the orderly operation of the school, but which can usually be handled by an individual staff member.
    Examples (not an exclusive listing)
    - Classroom disturbances
    - Classroom tardiness
    - Cheating and lying
    - Abusive language
    - Failure to do assignments or carry out directions
    - Wearing, while on the grounds of a public school during the regular school day, clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts the learning environment⁶
    - Victimization of any student (harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious), bullying, cyber-bullying, and/or hazing)
      Disciplinary Procedures
    - The staff member intervenes immediately.
    - The staff member determines what offense was committed and its severity.
    - The staff member determines who committed the offense and if the student understands the nature of the offense.
    - The staff member employs appropriate disciplinary options.
    - The record of the offense and disciplinary action shall be maintained by the staff member.
      
      Disciplinary Options
    - Verbal reprimand
    - Special assignment
    - Restricting activities
    - Counseling
    - Withdrawal of privileges
    - Issuance of demerits
    - Strict supervised study
    - Detention
    - Corporal punishment
    - In-school suspension
      
      MISBEHAVIORS: LEVEL II
      This level includes misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school. These misbehaviors do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others but have educational consequences serious enough to require corrective action on the part of administrative personnel.
      Examples (not an exclusive listing)
    - Continuation of unmodiﬁed Level I misbehaviors
    - Using forged notes or excuses
    - Disruptive classroom behavior
      Disciplinary Procedures
    - The student is referred to the principal for appropriate disciplinary action.
    - The principal meets with the student and the staff member.
    - The principal hears the accusation made by the staff member and allows the student the opportunity to explain his/her conduct.
    - The principal takes appropriate disciplinary action and notiﬁes the staff member of the action.
    - The record of offense and disciplinary action shall be maintained by the principal.
      Disciplinary Options
    - Teacher/schedule change
    - Peer counseling
    - Referral to outside agency
    - In-school suspension
    - Transfer
    - Detention
    - Suspension from school-sponsored activities or from riding school bus
    - Out-of-school suspension
      
      MISBEHAVIORS: LEVEL III
      This level includes acts directly against persons or property but whose consequences do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school.
      Examples (not an exclusive listing)
    - Continuation of unmodiﬁed Level I and II misbehaviors
    - Fighting
    - Vandalism (minor)
    - Use, possession, sale, distribution, and/or being under the influence of tobacco or alcohol
    - Use, possession, sale, or distribution of drug paraphernalia
    - Use, sale, distribution, and/or being under the influence of drugs
    - Stealing
    - Threats to others
    - Victimization of any student (harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious), bullying, cyber-bullying, and/or hazing)
      Disciplinary Procedures
    - The student is referred to the principal for appropriate disciplinary action.
    - The principal meets with the student and the staff member.
    - The principal hears the accusation and allows the student the opportunity to explain his/her conduct.
    - The principal takes appropriate disciplinary action and notiﬁes the staff member of the action.
    - The principal may refer the incident to the Director of Schools and make recommendations for consequences.
    - The record of offense and disciplinary action shall be maintained by the principal.
      Disciplinary Options
    - In-school suspension
    - Detention
    - Restitution from loss, damage, or stolen property
    - Out-of-school suspension
    - Social adjustment classes
    - Transfer
      
      MISBEHAVIORS: LEVEL IV
      This level of misbehavior includes acts which result in violence to another’s person or property or which pose a threat to the safety of others in the school. These acts are so serious that they usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the Board.
      If a student’s action poses a threat to the safety of others in the school, a teacher, principal, school employee, or school bus driver may use reasonable force when necessary to prevent bodily harm or death to another person.⁷
      Examples (not an exclusive listing)
    - Continuation of unmodiﬁed Level I, II, and III misbehaviors
    - Death threat
    - Extortion
    - Bomb threat
    - Possession, use, and/or transfer of dangerous weapons
    - Assault that results in bodily injury upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or a school resource ofﬁcer*
    - Aggravated assault*
    - Vandalism
    - Theft, possession, and/or sale of stolen property
    - Arson
    - Possession of unauthorized substances (e.g., any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug)*
    - Use or transfer of unauthorized substances
    - Victimization of any student (harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious), bullying, cyber-bullying, and/or hazing)
    - Electronic threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee
      Disciplinary Procedures
    - The principal confers with appropriate staff members and with the student.
    - The principal hears the accusations and allows the student the opportunity to explain his/her conduct.
    - The parent(s)/guardian(s) are notiﬁed.
    - Law enforcement ofﬁcials are contacted.
    - The incident is reported, and recommendations are made to the Director of Schools.
    - The principal notiﬁes the staff members of the resolution.
    - If the student’s placement is to be changed, adequate notice of the charges shall be given to the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) and his/her right to appear at a hearing.
      Disciplinary Options
    - Other hearing authority or Board action which results in appropriate placement
      * Designates zero tolerance offenses.
      
      PLAYGROUND DISCIPLINE RULES
      
      1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
      2. Use equipment and space properly.
      3. No fighting, scuffling, wrestling, or play fighting.
      4. Return to class at the teacher’s signal.
      5. Stay within assigned playing boundaries.
      
      LUNCHROOM DISCIPLINE RULES
      1. Talk in low voices.
      2. Follow instructions at all times that are given by the cafeteria monitors.
      3. Use good table manners.
      
      CONSEQUENCES
      GROUP:
      1. Silence may be imposed for a set period of time.
      2. If silence is broken, the time can be extended.
      
      INDIVIDUAL:
      1. Isolation from the rest of the group.
      2. Sent to the office.
      
      SEVERE PROBLEM CLAUSE
      If a student displays dangerous behavior, the principal will develop an alternative plan to address it.
      
      NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
      The Bledsoe County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact P.O. Box 369, Pikeville, TN, 37367 or at (423) 447-2914.
      
      Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to Rachel Wyatt at the Bledsoe County Board of Education. Phone number 423-447-2914.
      
      Inquiries regarding Section 504 may be directed to Emily Bice at the Bledsoe County Board of Education. Phone number 423-447-2914. They may also be directed to LeeAnn Morris at Pikeville Elementary
      Phone Number 423-447-245.
      
      SKYWARD
      “Skyward” is the Bledsoe County School System's Student Information System. It gives our teachers, students, caregivers, and administrators better tools to communicate. Through Skyward, caregivers will be able to see their students’ grades, attendance, class schedules, assignment calendar, and an online school directory. Through Skyward, you will be able to choose the level and frequency of notifications (“Skyward”) and communicate with your student’s teachers.
      Note: Students in grades 4-12 have been provided with their own login and password. Some of the options available to them (portfolio) are not available to parents. Similarly, some functions (such as editing contact information) are not available to students. We recommend you do not share your login information or password with your children.
      NEED A LOGIN? If you do not have a Skyward login and password, go to www.bledsoecountvschools.org to complete the form to request access. You can also use this form to add another caregiver for your family. If you have further questions, the same website will provide a contact person for your school.
      
      School board policies can be found at:
      https://tsba.net/bledsoe-county-board-of-education-policy-manual/
      
      STUDENT MEETINGS
      Schools may allow students to form clubs or groups that meet before, during and/or after the school day. Requests to form such clubs or groups shall not be denied based upon the religious nature or beliefs of the proposed club or group. If permitted, school administrators shall ensure that all clubs and groups have equal access to facilities and the ability to advertise their meetings.
      No funds shall be expended by the school for any such meeting beyond the incidental costs associated with providing meeting space. Groups meeting under this policy may be required to pay a reasonable fee to compensate school personnel for supervising the activity.
      No student may be compelled to attend or participate in a meeting under this policy. A student or a group of students who wish to conduct a meeting under this policy must file an application with the principal at least three days prior to the proposed date.
      The principal shall approve the meeting if he/she determines that:
      1. The meeting is voluntary and student-initiated;
      2. There is no sponsorship of the meeting or its content by the school, the board, or its employees;
      3. The meeting will not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of the school’s educational activities or conflict with other previously scheduled meetings;
      4. Employees of the district are to be present in a non-participatory monitoring capacity; however, no employee shall be required to attend in this capacity if the content of the meeting is contrary to the beliefs of the employee, and non-school persons will not direct, control, or regularly attend.
      
      Subject to the act’s provisions, a student shall be permitted to voluntarily:
      
      1. Pray in a public school, vocally or silently, alone or with other students to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to vocally or silently reflect, meditate, or speak on nonreligious matters alone or with other students in such public school;
      2. Express religious viewpoints in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to express viewpoints on non-religious topics or subjects in such school;
      3. Speak to and attempt to share religious viewpoints with other students in a public school to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to speak to and attempt to share non-religious viewpoints with other students; and
      4. Possess or distribute religious literature in a public school, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to the same extent and under the same circumstances as a student is permitted to possess or distribute literature on non-religious topics or subjects in such school.
      
      SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS
      If the board or a school principal authorizes an event at which a student is to speak, a limited public forum shall be established for such student speakers. The appropriate administrators shall ensure that;
      1. The forum is provided in a manner that does not discriminate against a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject;
      2. There is an appropriate method of selecting student speakers which is based on neutral criteria;
      3. Student speakers do not engage in speech that is obscene, vulgar, offensively lewd, indecent, or promotes illegal drug use to the extent possible and practical, prior to events in which students will speak, notice shall be provided orally and/or in writing that the student’s speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the board and its employees.
      
      Zero Tolerance:
    - Offenses involving weapons, dangerous instruments, assault of another student or teacher, and/or drugs will constitute a zero-tolerance offense and may result in an out-of-school suspension of up to one calendar year. See Bledsoe County Board Policy #6309.
    - A student may be subject to a physical search based on information received from a teacher, staff member, school resource officer, student, or other person if such action is deemed reasonable by the school administration. See Bledsoe County Board Policy #6303.
    - Students shall be provided a safe learning environment. At no time will another student be permitted to bully, intimidate, or create a hostile educational environment for another student. Any report of bullying will be investigated promptly by the school administration to determine whether a bullying violation or a peer conflict has occurred. Administration will look for the following when determining a bullying violation:
    - It places the student in reasonable fear or harm to the student personally or the student’s property;
    - It has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
    - It has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
    - Upon determining a violation, the principal/designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each alleged incident. The Director of Schools and the Chairman of the Board will be notified of all investigative findings. See Bledsoe County School Board Policy #6304.