Student Handbook
(Pages 9-17) • (Pages 18-34) • (Pages 34-40)

REGISTRATION
It is the responsibility of the student to provide the school with the following:
• Immunization Record
• Name of parents and/or guardians
• Address and telephone numbers
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Accurate previous school records.
Only students residing in Putnam County and who are living with their parent or legal guardian are eligible to attend Monterey High School, except for students from Overton County who meet Board of Education policies.

RECORD RELEASE
In compliance with Section I, TCA 15-305, school records are released only with the written consent of the student or his parent or guardian. Once a student reaches 18 years of age, he or she becomes the custodian of his or her record and can sign for release. Parents and/or guardians of students may inspect and review educational records upon request.

CARNEGIE UNIT REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 9-12

In order to be promoted to the next grade, high school students must complete and/or accrue the prescribed number of credits (Carnegie units) per grade level designated by the Board of Education and the State of Tennessee.
6 credits (Carnegie units) or more at the end of 9th grade
12 credits (Carnegie units) or more at the end of 10th grade
18 credits (Carnegie units) or more at the end of 11th grade
26 credits (Carnegie units) or more at the end of 12th grade

Credits (CarnegIe units) include the passing of required courses as set forth by the Board and the State of Tennessee. To gain credit, students must meet the attendance requirements and achieve a grade of at least 70 percent.

MATH REQUIREMENTS'. Students must complete 3 high school credits of math for graduation. it is mandatory that one of these credits be Algebra I or an Algebra I equivalent.
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS: All ninth and tenth graders will take English for the entire year. Each term will count as 1/2 credit (a total of one credit for the year). A minimum of 70 must be earned each term for each 1/2 credit. In the event of failure, multiple English offerings may be taken at one time.

GRADING SYSTEM

The Putnam County Board of Education recognizes letter and numerical grades as follows:
95 100 A
85 94 B
75 - 84 C
70- 74 0
Below 70 F

SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT

A change of course may be requested by a student during the first two (2) days of a term. The change must be approved by the counselor after the counselor confers with the student and teacher. No changes will be made after the first two (2) days of the term:
however, if a review of the student's record reveals a deficiency which must be corrected to meet graduation requirements, an administrative placement may be made.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

It is the responsibility of students and their parents to ensure that graduation requirements are met. Students must fulfill an approved attendance, conduct, and subject matter record. In addition, the passing of the Tennessee Competency Test is required to receive a regular high school diploma. The State of Tennessee also requires high school seniors to take the ACT test or the Work-keys test.

Beginning with the Graduating Class of 1999, students are required to choose from a two-path curriculum which has been mandated by the State of Tennessee and which will prepare students for a vocational career or college entrance.
Taking part in the closing exercises is considered a privilege rather than a right. it is possible to be denied participation in these ceremonies in the event a student's behavior does not merit this privilege. Any student taking the GED test and passing before the projected graduation date is not permitted to take part in graduation.

CREDITS FOR GRADUATION
English--4 credits Science--3 credits
Math--3 credits (Algebra I required)
LTW--1 credit
Economics--1 credit
US Government--1 credit
US History--1 credit
Computers or MIS--1 credit
World Geography or World History--1 credit
Foreign Language (College Bound)--2 credits
Fine Arts (College Bound)--1 credit

Electives or other non-required courses will be offered for students to choose. These courses and credits may change from year to year. Students enrolled in the Tech Prep path must have four (4) credits in one (1) vocational area in order to graduate. These areas are Home Economics, Building Trades, Business, and vocational courses at Cookeville High School (see counselor for list of these courses). Every student should check periodically with the counselor to make sure he/she has the credits and courses needed for graduation.

SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer school shall be organized and operated as part of the public school program, shall be under the control and management of the Putnam County Board of Education, shall comply with rules and regulations of the Tennessee State Board of Education, and shall be for those students enrolled the previous school year in Putnam County Schools. The summer school program, subject to annual approval by the Board, shall provide opportunities for instruction at the elementary and secondary level. The board shall annually determine the tuition rates. All summer school classes shall meet on school property, and any exceptions must be approved by the Board. The library, laboratories, and other facilities shall be made available to all students enrolled in the summer school program.

A student may enroll in summer school, grades 7-12, provided absences do not exceed fifteen (15) per term, the final grade is fifty (50) or above, and enrollment for the previous year was in Putnam County Schools. No more than two (2) units shall be earned during any summer session. One hundred percent attendance is required in secondary summer school. Any time missed must be made up in its entirety or the student will be dropped from summer school. A passing summer school grade can replace a failing semester grade.

TESTING
Various standardized tests are given throughout the year as required by the State of Tennessee. Beginning in 2001-2002, students in the ninth grade will have to pass Gateway Exit Exams in Algebra I, Biology, and English 10 prior to graduation to earn a high school diploma. Preparation is important for the student to succeed. The student should eat a good breakfast on the test day, have proper rest, and bring necessary supplies. Attendance is very important. Encourage the student to do the very best possible. So that you can prepare your child properly for the tests, the following approximate dates are given:
• ACT (American College Testing): Months of
October,December, February, April, and June.
• TCAP: October and February/A minimum passing score of 70 on both math and language is required for a regular high school diploma.
• Terra Nova Writing Assessment for grade 11: February
• Work Keys Test: April
• Check with the guidance counselor for specific dates.

TYPES OF DIPLOMAS
According to the Putnam County Board of Education, students who have completed all graduation requirements will be awarded the regular diploma. Students who complete all graduation requirements but who have not passed the TCAP Competency test or Gateway exams will be awarded a certificate of attendance or special education diploma. Students who desire an honors diploma must complete the required courses and maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

COLLEGE AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOL VISITATIONS
A maximum of one visit per semester will be allowed for seniors only. The visits are not attendance exemptions. They will count as two of the allowable five days without a doctor's note. IF five days have already been missed, then the absence will be unexcused.
• The guidance counselor must set up the appointment with the college or vocational school at least ten school days before the visit.
Students must notify the office and teachers 2 days in advance of the visit, using the form obtained from the counselor.
• Makeup work must be obtained before the visit.
• Students must report to the admissions office for written verification of the visit to be returned to the school office on the next school day following the visit.

MAKE-UP WORK
It is the responsibility of the students to check promptly with their teachers concerning make-up work. Following an excused absence, students have the number of days absent plus one (not to exceed 5 days total) to make up the work or make arrangements with the teachers for its completion. Students who plan to miss classes because of their participation in approved school activities should plan ahead and request assignments in advance from their teachers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

BOOKSTORE
The bookstore will be open from 7:45 to 8:00 a.m. daily. Students need to purchase their school supplies during this time. The bookstore sells items such as pencils, pens, paper, rulers, disks, cover sheets for reports, and many more items.

CAFETERIA
Breakfast will be served daily from 7:30 to 8:00 am. Lunch will be served between the hours of 11:00 and 1:30 with the students eating during their respective class periods. The weekly menu may be found in the local newspapers on Thursday.

Free and reduced lunches are available to those students that qualify. Applications for these programs are available in the cafeteria. The application needs to be filled out quickly and returned to the homeroom teacher.

Banking Money in the cafeteria is a program the county school system started in 1996. This allows students to bring money for an entire week or month and give it to the cafeteria cashier. The computer stores the balance and automatically deducts the amount used each time the student comes into the cafeteria. The computer will then keep a running balance. The only requirement for students to use the Banking Money program is that they must know their last four (4) digits of their social security numbers. A price for breakfast and lunches will be included in the student packet.

LIBRARY
The library is open from 8:00am to 3:15pm each day. The library houses more than 40 different kinds of magazines and two newspapers. Books and magazines are checked out at the circulation desk, but magazines are to be read only in the library.
Books are checked out for one (1) week with renewal privileges. A fine of 5 cents per day for each book is charged if a book is late. Anyone may check out as many books as he/she needs. A lost book must be paid for by the student who checked it out. Reference books stay in the library.

LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found is located in the office. All items that are turned in to the office will remain there for ten (10) days. After ten days, all items will be disposed.

TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are furnished by the state and county and are issued at the beginning of the school year. All students and their parents are required to sign a form stating that they will reimburse the Putnam County Board of Education in the event that books are badly damaged, destroyed, or misplaced by the student. A current price list will be kept in the office. Grades will be withheld and graduation denied until appropriate settlement is made concerning any lost or damaged textbooks.

LOCKERS
Lockers are located on the sides of the main corridors and will be assigned by your teacher at the beginning of the school year. Students are required to keep their lockers in good condition at all times. Under no circumstances should money or valuables be kept in your locker. Lockers are the property of the school and may be inspected at any time. Any item found in the student's locker is the responsibility of the student. All students should place a lock on their lockers. It is the responsibility of the student to furnish their own lock. Fees will be assessed for exterior or interior damage or defacement of lockers. Students are required to keep outer garments and clear or mesh back packs stored in their lockers.

WHO TO SEE FOR THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

WHO TO SEE FOR THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION (cont.):

ATHLETICS, CLUBS, AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL STANDARDS
Monterey High School maintains very high standards for the students that choose to participate in any club, organization, and/or athletics. Not only are the standards high on the athletic field and in the classroom, but~high standards are also expected in the daily life of our students. Our students' behavior is always in the watchful eye of the community and the surrounding area. We also have very high expectations in the classroom, stressing academics before athletics or any club activity.

PROCEDURE AND QUALIFICATIONS
A student may participate in athletics and/or class offices as long as the student has not failed the previous year or has passed three (3) out of four (4) courses the semester before participation. Disciplinary infractions may result in the dismissal from participation in athletics or serving as a class or club officer. Students who qualify need to contact the appropriate advisor if interested in participating in any club, organization, or athletic program.
Any student desiring to hold a class office must have an overall "C" average before being elected. Once elected, the student must maintain a "C" average during the term of office. There will be four (4) officers for each class consisting of a class president, vice president, secretary, and a treasurer.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Student organizations are an extension of the academic curriculum and are intended to complement the basic instructional program, provide opportunities for the development of leadership, and offer service to the community. The principal, in cooperation with the faculty and student body representatives, shall approve all clubs and
organizations within the school. An approved copy of the aims, objectives, and constitution for each organization will be kept on file in the principal's office.
One or more staff members will serve as sponsors of each club and will attend all meetings. Each sponsor will evaluate the club's service and make recommendations concerning changes, continuance, or deletion from the school's activity program. The nature of any initiation shall be outlined and presented in writing to the club sponsor and the principal of the school for approval prior to actual initiation. Hazing of students is strictly prohibited. Any organization which permits an initiation to go beyond the scope of activities planned and previously approved will be suspended until reinstated by the principal. Sororities, fraternities, and all secret organizations are prohibited.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The following guidelines shall be followed in administering the student activities program:
• The Board of Education shall initially approve each specific extracurricular activity so that proper support and supervision may be assured.
• The principal, after obtaining the recommendation of the faculty and the superintendent, shall determine which clubs and organizations will be permitted.
• Each student activity must be under the guidance and direction of a certificated staff member.
• All student activities must have the approval of the principal.
• Student activities occurring before or after regularly scheduled school hours must be under the supervision of the principal or his/her designee.
• Secret organizations shall not be operated in any school.
• A student shall not be required to attend a school-sponsored student activity that is scheduled at a time which conflicts with his/her religious practices.
School-sponsored student activities during vacation periods shall be restricted to regularly scheduled athletic programs and major events which cannot be scheduled otherwise. Student groups shall not participate in state or national activities which are not listed as approved activities by regional accrediting associations or state and national principals' associations without the approval of the superintendent.
• A student on out-of-school suspension shall not be permitted to participate in school-sponsored activities.
• Activities which restrict participation because of race, color,
religion, sex, disabilities, or national origin are forbidden. Activities sponsored by outside groups or agents will be approved only if they are co-sponsored by the school.

TO EARN A VARSITY LETTER...
A student-athlete must have played in 20 % of the varsity season in order to qualify to receive a varsity letter at the end of the season. Example: 10 games x 20% = 2 games or 8 quarters.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Any student-athlete who signs out on game day longer than 30 minutes during the school day will be counted absent and will not be able to participate in the game. When a student-athlete signs out to leave school, he/she will need a doctor's note, a court notice, or approval by the administration in order to be eligible to participate in the athletic contest that day.

TSSAA
Monterey High School athletics are governed by Board Policy and the TSSAA. All student-athletes must complete a TSSAA physical form prior to first day of practice and have proof of insurance. If this is not completed and turned in to the head coach, the student-athlete cannot participate in any activities.

The TSSAA rules require the following:
• The student shall have made a passing grade in the preceding six out of eight subjects or their equivalency, provided the student is in class five days a week.
• A student shall be regularly enrolled, in regular attendance, and carry at least three full courses per term for seniors and four full courses per term for juniors, sophomores, and freshman.
• A student shall be ineligible to compete in any sport if he or she attended a secondary school or schools for eight semesters of four and one-half months each. Attendance of forty school days of any semester shall be regarded as a "semester" under this rule.
• No student shall be eligible to participate in any athletic contest during any school year if he or she becomes nineteen years of age on or before September 1.