ATHENS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK
GENERAL SCHOOL PROCEDURES
NOTE: School policies apply to student conduct while inside the school zone, including buildings, grounds, adjacent streets, sidewalks, and on school buses. These policies apply during school hours, as well as school-sponsored field trips and any other school activities.
SCHOOL HOURS
Each regular school day begins at 7:40 A.M. and ends at 2:50 P.M. Early dismissal days begin at 7:40 A.M. and end at 11:45 A.M. The system will inform of release time on abbreviated days. (See school calendar for dates of abbreviated days)
SCHOOL ARRIVAL
All students arriving at school prior to 7:35 A.M. must report to the auditorium. Teacher supervision begins at 7:15 A.M. The building is not open prior to 7:15. Students who wish to eat breakfast may do so daily from 7:20 – 7:40 A.M.
Students who don’t ride school buses are encouraged to arrive between 7:30 and 7:40 A.M. The first bell is at 7:40 A.M. All students should report to their homerooms before the 7:45 tardy bell. Students arriving late must report to the office for a tardy pass. All unexcused tardies will result in a detention until they become excessive, at which time more serious consequences will result.
SCHOOL ABSENCES
1. EXCUSED ABSENCE
Tennessee State Attendance Law gives four reasons for excused absences:
Ø Child’s personal illness – doctor/dental appointments
Ø Family illness requiring child’s help
Ø Death in the family (up to three days)
Ø Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by their faith
An absence is considered unexcused for any reason other than the four excused reasons listed previously. If a student has an appointment, he or she should attend as much of the school day as possible in order for the absence to be excused. For example, if a student has a dental appointment at 11:45, he should attend morning classes, as well as return to school after the appointment, if at all possible.
According to Athens City Schools’ Board policy, unexcused absences may result in grade reduction of 3 points per class.
If a student has more than three (3) unexcused absences within a semester, he or she will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities or special events.
3. QUALIFIED ABSENCE
Athens City School Board policy has been changed. There will no longer be
qualified absences given. (June 2005)
NOTE: Make up work expectations exist for all absences, whether excused or unexcused.
ABSENTEE NOTES
Notes to explain any absence, whether excused or unexcused, must be turned in to the office within three (3) days of the absence. These notes are kept on file for future reference. Notes should contain the student’s first and last name, specific reason for absence, date of absence, and parent’s signature. In case of illness, a doctor’s note may be attached. Absences without notes are considered unexcused.
IN CASES OF EXCESSIVE ABSENCES, THE OFFICE MAY INFORM THE PARENT THAT A DOCTOR’S EXCUSE IS REQUIRED FOR ABSENCES.
EdLine is a free, Internet–based tool provided for AJHS students and families. Sign-up information for students new to AJHS will be sent home near the beginning of the school year. If a family does not have Internet at home, the school and public library both have computers for your convenience to access EdLine. If you have any trouble, please contact AJHS for technological support.
The two goals for EdLine are as follows:
1. To provide an opportunity, at your convenience, to track your child’s progress in school.
2. To maintain open and regular communication through email between home and school.
HOMEWORK POLICY
It is the student’s responsibility to request and make up missed work. If a student is absent for 1-2 days, he/she should contact a classmate for assignments and/or check Edline. When 3 or more days of absence are anticipated, parents should check Edline and/or contact the school office by 8:30 A.M. to have an assignment sheet completed. This should be picked up after 2 P.M.
Students will be given one day to make up work missed work for every day missed, unless there is evidence of extenuating circumstances. For example, if a student is out for two days, he will have two days to make it up once he returns. Work received after that will result in it being reported on the No Homework List with consequences that apply. (See Disciplinary Consequences)
SCHOOL DISMISSAL
School dismisses at 2:50 P.M. on a regular day. Bus students leave at 2:45. Parents should arrange to pick up students by 3 P.M. Walkers should leave school at the school dismissal bell. Seventh grade students are to be picked up at the back of the school near the gym; eighth and ninth grade students are to be picked up in the front of the building. Any students remaining on school grounds at 3:00 p.m. will report to the staff-supervised library where they may be gathered by their pick-up person no later than 3:30 p.m.
Students are not permitted to go on other school campuses before or after the regular school day. If a student is picking up a younger sibling, a written approval from both principals involved must be received.
Students participating in after school activities, such as athletics, theater arts, and clubs, will be supervised by the teacher/coach sponsoring the activity.
State law requires that any student leaving school during regular school hours must be signed out through the office by the parent or designee.
TUITION STUDENTS
Students living outside
the city limits of Athens and attending Athens Junior High School are considered
tuition students. Parents of tuition students must fill out the necessary forms
and pay tuition costs at the Administration Building, 943 Crestway Drive,
Athens. Tuition payment is required before enrollment. Tuition students are
permitted to enroll as long as overcrowded conditions do not exist and the
student meets attendance and behavioral standards.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Withdrawal of a child from school to transfer to another school must be made by the parent, through the front office, during regular school hours.
The proper withdrawal form must be obtained from the office, completed by parent, and signed by student’s teachers. This form indicates that all books have been returned in good repair and all fines have been cleared. Records will be mailed after the withdrawal form is complete and all school materials have been cleared.
SCHOOL VISITS
Parents are encouraged to visit the school. Visits must be arranged at a time that is educationally sound. Classroom visits may be arranged during American Education Week in November or at other special times.
Board Policy BBDA states “Except on special occasions, such as school program, open house and the like, all visitors will report to the school office when entering the school and will sign a log book. The visitors will be given a nametag to wear while they are on the school premises. Authorization to visit elsewhere in the building or on the school campus will be determined by the principal or his/her designee.
In order to maintain the conditions and atmosphere suitable for learning, no other person shall enter onto the grounds or into the school buildings during the hours of student instruction except students assigned to that school, the staff of that school, parents of the students, and other persons with lawful and valid business on the school premises.
The principal or his/her designee has the authority to exclude from the school premises any persons disrupting the educational programs in the classroom or in the school, disturbing the teachers or students on the premises, or on the premises for the purpose of committing an illegal act.
The principal shall engage law enforcement officials when he/she believes the situation warrants such measures.”
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher conferences are encouraged. Appointments for conferences with teachers and/or administrators should be made in advance by calling the school office (745-1177). If seeing multiple teachers, the guidance counselor will assist in arranging conferences, which should be conducted during planning periods, or before or after school.
A school-wide conference day will be held on October 24, 2008. All parents are encouraged to attend.
SCHOOL PHONE
The office phone is NOT to be used by students, except for emergencies. Forgotten gym clothes, homework, or band instruments, are not considered emergencies. After school plans should be made prior to the school day. Students must have permission from their classroom teacher and office personnel to use the phone.
We do not call students out of class to accept phone calls. If you need to speak to your child, a message will be given to him/her and the call will be returned at the next class change.
MOTOR VEHICLES, ETC.
Students are not permitted to drive any motor vehicle on school property during school hours. Bicycles may be ridden and put in the bike rack provided. Roller blades or skateboards are NOT permitted at school.
SCHOOL LOCKERS
Homeroom teachers assign each student a hall locker. To prevent loss of property, students should keep their combinations confidential at all times, as well as spin the lock after use to prevent others from opening it. Students who abuse or damage lockers may be fined for repair and/or lose the privilege to have a locker. Book bags, backpacks, etc. must remain in lockers during class.
A gym locker is given to each student for gym supplies. All lockers are school property and subject to search at any time.
TEXTBOOKS
Each teacher assigns textbooks. Students should respect the books as school property and keep them in good repair. In accordance with Tennessee state law, grades and student records will be withheld until lost books are replaced or fines for damaged books paid.
CAFETERIA
Two meals are served daily in our cafeteria:
Ø Breakfast is served from 7:20-7:40 at a cost of $1.25.
Ø The student lunch cost is $2.00 and the reduced lunch price is $.40.
ALL STUDENTS EAT LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA AREA. We encourage all students to buy the cafeteria lunch; however, students may bring lunch from home. Students are discouraged from bringing junk food/drinks in their lunches. All home lunches remain in the locker until 5th period lunchtime.
STUDENTS REQUESTING FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH MUST FILE AN APPLICATION FORM EACH YEAR IN ORDER TO QUALIFY.
Students are not allowed to make any charges to their lunch account. In case of an emergency, a student will be provided an alternate lunch for that day only. Delivery of special lunches for individual students is unallowable.
STUDENT SALES
Students are NOT permitted to sell merchandise for outside organizations on the school campus.
DISRUPTIVE DEVICES
Students will NOT be permitted to bring cell phones, ipods, laser pens, CD players, cameras, or any other electronic equipment to school during the school day. Students are not to bring items to sell or trade (candy, gum, sports cards, etc.) These items will be confiscated and returned to parent or guardian only. Possession of these items will result in disciplinary actions, as well. (See Disciplinary Consequences section) School phones are available for student use from 7:00 A.M. through 4:00 P.M. for use as described in the SCHOOL PHONE section of this handbook. School personnel will not be responsible to investigate the loss or theft of disruptive or banned items.
GRADES
Grades are given in all subjects taken by the student. Mid-term reports are sent to inform parents of student progress, especially those in academic danger.
Grades are available weekly via Edline accounts and are updated each Monday.
Our grading scale is:
A (100-93) B (92-85) C (84-75) D (74-70) F (69 or below)
Honor Rolls:
Gold Honor Roll … A/93 or above in all subjects
White Honor Roll… B/85 or above in all subjects
Grade cards may be withheld at the end of the grading period for students not meeting their obligations.
STUDENT MEDICATIONS
Students should NEVER have any type of medications on their person during school hours or at any school functions. Students found to be in possession of any type of medication will be subject to serious disciplinary action. This includes OTC (over-the-counter) drugs, as well as prescriptions. All medications given on a regular basis must be brought to the office for registration and dispensing. Parents must fill out a form, which remains on file in the office.
Exception: Students requiring inhalers and/or Epi-pens should carry them at all times.
STUDENT ACCIDENT/ILLNESS
In case of an accident, first aid will be administered and parents notified. Unless the situation is life threatening, no medical treatment will be administered until the parent grants permission. If the parent cannot be reached, the student will be taken to a doctor or hospital.
EMERGENCY DRILLS AND PROCEDURES
The Athens City Schools have a system-wide safety plan in place for dealing with any emergency situation. Periodic evacuation of the building is practiced as a precautionary measure, in case of fire or other emergencies. All classrooms have exit plans. Drills are conducted periodically for fire, tornadoes, etc.
In case of ice storms, heavy snow, or flooding, the Civil Defense Unit notifies the proper authorities. Local radio stations are notified regarding emergency procedures and dismissal times are announced. Families may also receive notice of school closure via SchoolCast phone calls to identified key phone number(s). Parents may pick up their child prior to the dismissal time, if they so desire.
REMEMBER: WE ARE ATHENS CITY SCHOOLS!
PARENT FORMS ON FILE
In the registration packet, you were sent two forms to be read, discussed, and signed by both parent and child. These two forms are kept on file in the front office.
The Bus Safety Rules and Regulations form relates not only to school buses, but also to any field trips made. This form should be signed for each student in this school.
The Disciplinary Consequences/Dress Code form is the basis for all disciplinary actions and should be read, discussed, and signed by both parent and child. I
The Athens Junior High School Family Compact is the agreement of the student, parent and school to all strive for the student's success.
MERCHANDISE DELIVERIES
We are unable to accept the delivery of gifts, flowers, candy, etc. for students.
STUDENT GUIDELINES
STUDENT DRESS CODE
Students must be neat, clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed at all times. Students shall dress in a manner that conveys respect for the school environment and others around them. THESE ITEMS ARE PERMITTED:
Modest
and properly fitting pants, shorts, skirts, or
dresses (hitting at or below the bend of the knee)
in
good quality denim or
khakis of any color, as deemed appropriate by the faculty, staff or
administration.
Modest (ladies, no cleavage) and properly fitting sleeved shirts, sweaters, blouses, or sweatshirts without graphics or wording, as deemed appropriate by the faculty, staff or administration. Shirts that reveal midriff or cleavage are NOT to be worn.
Hair, make-up, or
other accessories that are conducive to the learning environment, deemed
appropriate by the faculty, staff or administration.
Large or heavy jackets/coats are to be kept in the lockers. All sweaters, etc...worn during the school day must meet dress code specifications. Students who are out of compliance with the dress code will not be permitted to attend class until corrections are made. A detention will be assigned and repeated violations may result in additional disciplinary action, such as in school suspension.
In matters of opinion regarding dress, the judgment of the administration will be final.
HALLS
All students must have a valid reason for being in the halls. Students must have their planner/pass to be beyond the cafeteria in the mornings before students have been released to go to class. Each student must have a planner/pass from his/her teacher in order to leave class for any reason. Students found in the hall without a pass will be issued a detention. Repeated offenses may result in an in school suspension.
Students are requested to walk on the right hand side of the hall. Please refrain from congregating in large groups in the middle of the hall and blocking traffic. Please go to your locker and move on to class.
LIBRARY
The library is open from 7:15 to 3:30 daily. It is designated for research, study, and reading. A quiet and respectful atmosphere should be maintained there. Students are responsible for books they check out and may be fined for lost, overdue, or damaged books.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND WELLNESS
All seventh and eighth grade students must participate in physical education class. Ninth graders are required to participate in Wellness class each day.
If a modified program of physical education is needed (due to physical injury or limitation):
“The physical education program shall be modified for pupils who have a written statement from a physician. The statement shall show the type of disability and a recommended activity program.”
Rules, Regulations and Minimum Standards, TN Dept. of Ed.
Gym suits must be worn for class activities. The only way to fail is to refuse to “dress out” or participate. A student who refuses to participate without a written excuse is insubordinate and subject to disciplinary consequences.
No aerosol cans of any kind (including deodorant and/or hairspray) are allowed in our building!
ATHLETICS
In the middle school division of TSSAA, AJHs offers girls' and boys' basketball in the winter and golf, track and boys' soccer in the spring. Tryouts are announced in advance.
In order to participate on any sports team (or cheerleading), an athletic physical form must be on file in the office. No student may begin practice before having the physical form on file.
To be eligible to participate in any sport, a student shall have ALL passing grades. Any student failing any subject will be suspended from participation in practices and contests until the grade improves. Grades will be evaluated at the next mid-term or grading period. The principal or assistant principal only can reinstate any student suspended.
STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT (or suspended in or out of school) ON THE DAY OF AN ATHLETIC EVENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PLAY IN THAT ATHLETIC CONTEST.
Students participating in athletic events are to be on time to school the following day.
Season passes for basketball are offered for sale in the fall.
GAMES AND ACTIVITIES ATTENDANCE
Students are not permitted to go outside the building while attending events. Students leaving ballgames/activities may not return. All students are expected to behave in a manner of respectful, sportsmanlike conduct at all times. Booing another team or official is unacceptable and will result in removal from an event and future events. Students who served I.S.S. or O.S.S the day of an event are not allowed to attend any after school games or activities.
Parents should pick up students within 15 minutes after the end of an event. Students who aren’t picked up on time may receive disciplinary consequences and/or be prohibited from attending other night activities.
DANCES
Dances are usually scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Parents should arrange to pick up students promptly after dances, no later than 15 minutes after the end of the dance.
Parents should park in the parking lot to pick up students.
Students attending a dance may not go outside and return to the dance.
Only AJHS students are allowed to attend dances with the one exception being the Freshmen Prom. The following applies to those non-AJHS students who may be invited to attend the Freshmen Prom:
No school dropouts, sixth graders, or persons not in high school will be permitted to attend.
Students from other schools invited as a date will be signed up and cleared
by administration prior to approval to attend. The invited date
will be expected to abide by all rules applying to student conduct.
Students on the No-Go List may not attend.
CLASS SCHEDULE
7:40 ……………………….. First Bell. Be on the move to the classroom!
7:45 ………………………. Tardy Bell
7:45 – 8:41………………...Homeroom/First Period
8:45 – 9:35 ………………..Second Period
9:39 - 10:29……………… Third Period
10:33 -11:23……………….Fourth Period
11:27 –12:57……………… Fifth Period
11:27 – 11:57 1st Lunch
11:57 – 12:27 2nd Lunch
12:27 – 12:57 3rd Lunch
1:01 – 1:51…………………Sixth Period
1:55 – 2:50 ………………..Seventh Period
CLUBS
Numerous clubs and activities are available. Some club meetings will occur at school during the school day and may have additional activities after school. These co-curricular activities have different meeting times and qualifying demands to participate. Students must not have their name on the No-Go List if they wish to participate.
CHEWING GUM/CANDY
Students are not permitted to chew gum or have candy in the school building.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
In view of our recently renovated school facility, the faculty and staff will not tolerate destruction or defacement of school property. Students who willfully damage school property will be liable for damages and disciplinary action.
CLASS TARDINESS
Students arriving late must report to the office for a tardy pass. A detention will be given for each tardy occurrence. Morning tardiness that becomes a chronic pattern may result in more serious disciplinary consequences and/or a referral to truancy court.
Students are expected to be in class on time. After the initial grace period at the beginning of the school year, students tardy to class will be given a detention. If the problem becomes a pattern, more serious disciplinary consequences will be assigned. If a teacher has reason to detain a student after the bell, a pass will be given from that teacher.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE BANQUET
This annual banquet honors students who have achieved academic excellence. To be invited to this event, students must have a cumulative average of 91% in each subject area. Grades are averaged at the end of the fifth grading period.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
Membership in this group is based on achieving outstanding scholarship, service, character, leadership, and citizenship. Once selected, members have the responsibility of continuing to demonstrate those qualities.
In order to apply for membership, candidates must have a 3.5 grade point average (88.5) in each subject, and no ISS, OSS, or 3 or more detentions in a given semester. Applications are taken and those students selected for membership are initiated into the local chapter in May.
All eighth and ninth grade members are required to complete 20 hours of community service each year in order to maintain their membership. Grade point averages must also be maintained.
STUDENT LEADERS AND HONORARIES
Since our student leaders represent our school to the public, certain standards must be met. In order to participate as a school leader, or be eligible to receive any honorary position, a student must meet certain requirements:
C average or above in all subjects
Acceptable attendance
No ISS or OSS events or 2 or more detentions in a given semester
DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES
Disciplinary actions fall into two categories, detentions and suspensions.
The following disciplinary events result in detentions:
Unexcused tardy to class Dress code violation
Not prepared for class/ no planner Failure to follow class rules
Note writing/passing Minor class disruption
Inappropriate behavior in halls/classroom Gum/candy
A copy of the detention slip, with the reason for the detention and date to be served, is given to the student. Detentions are served from 3-3:45 P.M. the following day. If the parent needs to change a detention date, a call must be made to the principal/assistant principal by 9 A.M. the day the detention is to be served. Detentions will not be changed without a parent phone call or note to the school. Missing an extra-curricular event or practice is NOT a valid reason to change a detention.
Failure to serve a detention carries the following consequences:
Ø 1st Infraction: 2 detentions
Ø 2nd Infraction: ISS, mandatory parent conference before student is allowed to return to school
The second category of disciplinary action is considered to be more serious and is subject to in-school or out-of-school suspension:
Ø Chronic offenses requiring 3 or more detentions, at administrators’ discretion
Ø Skipping class, leaving school, or out of assigned area without permission
Ø Public displays of affection
Ø Horseplay
Ø Breach of Internet policy agreement
Ø Failure to report to adult any dangerous or potentially dangerous situation
Ø Cheating (giving or receiving work, information, etc.)
Ø Defiance or disrespect to an adult (failure to follow directions, obscene gestures, inappropriate language/cursing, etc.)
Ø Fighting or threatening physical harm
Ø Theft, damage, or possession of another’s property
Ø Possession of items that interfere with the learning process or safety of the school environment (lighters, bandanas, cell phones, laser pens, etc.) Confiscated items will be held until a parent picks the item(s) up from the office.
Ø Action disrespectful to another student (antagonizing/instigating, taunting, intimidation, “ankling”, putting another student down, insulting remarks, “bullying”, etc.), either physical, verbal or written
Any of the above-mentioned behaviors, in any combination, will result in the following disciplinary actions:
Ø 1st Infraction: 1-3 days ISS, parent phone call or conference
Ø 2nd Infraction: 3-5 days ISS, parent conference, possible referral to McMinn
County Juvenile Services, possible referral to CORE
Ø 3rd Infraction: 3-5 days OSS, parent conference, possible referral to
McMinn County Juvenile Services, possible referral to CORE
Ø 4th Infraction: 10 days OSS, parent conference, possible referral to
McMinn County Juvenile Services and Discipline Hearing Committee, possible referral to CORE
Students will be required to make-up all work missed during a suspension. It is the student’s responsibility to be sure to get all missed assignments. Work is to be completed and returned to the teacher within the same number of days the student was suspended.
A student who has been, or is:
Currently serving in (ISS) or out of school (OSS) suspension
Served ISS three (3) or more days per semester
Served any OSS during the semester
Accumulated 8 or more detentions per semester
Accumulated 6 or more late homework assignments
Accumulated 3 or more unexcused absences per semester
Will be placed on the No-Go List and may not participate in or attend special programs or extra-curricular activities, including ball games, dances, class trips, sports, etc. No student will be removed from the No-Go list once placed there for the remainder of the semester.
Note: The bus stop and school bus are both an extension of school property. Behavior expectations at the bus stop and on the bus are the same as when students are in the school building or on school grounds.
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENT AND EXPECTATION
If you have a problem with a student, think you’re going to have a problem with a student, or know of a problem, you are responsible to see the nearest adult, the principal, the assistant principal or the guidance counselor.
In the case of a Zero Tolerance offense, such as possession of a weapon or drugs, a student will be automatically suspended out of school for a maximum of ten (10) days and referred to the Discipline Hearing Committee. There is also the likelihood of enrollment in The Pathway School.
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
TN state law requires that possession or use of tobacco or tobacco products be reported to the legal authorities and the court system.
Possession, distribution, or use of tobacco or tobacco products is a violation of TN state law and Athens City School Board policies. Proper authorities will be called, the student sent home for the day, with in-school suspension upon returning. Depending on the student’s discipline record, out of school suspension may apply.
FEDERAL LAWS
FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES US TO INFORM YOU OF THE FOLLOWING:
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Athens City School System affirms that it will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
It is the policy of the Athens City Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of handicap, race, color, national origin, sex, age, or religion in any programs or practices in the school system.
A complaint of discrimination on the basis of a handicap or a complaint of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or religion should be sent to Dianna Calfee, Coordinator of Title VI and Title IX, within 180 days of the alleged discrimination, or, within five (5) days of the date of the alleged handicap discrimination.
“NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND” LAW
Special Education
Title I – Part A
Title I – Part C - Migrant
Title I – Part D - Neglected or Delinquent
Homeless
Title III
Title IV
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
We welcome your participation and support during the school year. Parent involvement is very important to us. Special parent involvement activities will be planned throughout the year especially for you. We encourage you to join the PTO at AJHS. Working together, we will be able to reach our collective and individual goals. We look forward to celebrating your child’s achievements with you.
CHILD ADVOCACY
Information concerning child advocacy and services may be obtained from the following sources:
The ARC of Tennessee on the Internet at http://www.thearc.org
(615) 248-5878 or 1 –800- 835-7077
STEP (Support and Training for Exceptional Parents) http://www.tnstep.org
Tennessee Protection and Advocacy (TP&A) http://www.tpainc.org (615) 298-1080 or 1-800-287-9636
Tennessee Voices for Children http://www.tnvoices.org/main.htm
(865) 609-2490
Answers to many questions and helpful information may be obtained from the State Department of Education http://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/index.htm
| August 8, 2008 |
Registration / Classes
Begin Early Dismissal (AJH 11:45 a.m. / Elementary schools 12:20 p.m.) Note: Student attendance is required. |
| August 11, 2008 | Second Day of School |
| September 1, 2008 | Labor Day Holiday / No School |
| October 2-3, 2008 | Teacher Training (No School for Students) |
| October 6-7, 2008 | Fall Break / No School |
| October 24, 2008 | Parent / Teacher Conference (No School for Students) |
| November 3-4, 2008 | Teacher Training (No School for Students) |
| November 26-28, 2008 | Thanksgiving Holiday / No School |
| Dec. 22, 2008-Jan. 2, 2009 | Winter Holidays / No School |
| January 5, 2009 | Teacher Training (No School for Students) |
| January 6, 2009 | Students Return to Classes |
| January 19, 2009 | M. L. King Holiday / No School |
| February 12, 2009 | Teacher Training (No School for Students) |
| February 13, 2009 | Winter Break / No School |
| February 16, 2009 | President's Day Holiday / No School |
| March 23-27, 2009 | Spring Break / No School |
| April 10, 2009 | Good Friday Holiday / No School |
| April 20-24, 2009 | TCAP Achievement Tests |
| May 1, 2009 | Kindergarten Registration for 2009-2010 |
| May 25, 2009 | Memorial Day Holiday / No School |
| May 29, 2009 | Last Day of School |
NOTE: If more than three instructional days are missed due to inclement weather, they will be added to the end of the year.