Martin Luther King, Jr.
Student Transition Academy
620 S. Lauderdale
Memphis, Tennessee 38126
Mr. Clarence Daniel, Principal
(901)416-7320
“EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSES”
PARENT/STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2012-2013
The Memphis City Schools does not discriminate in its programs or employment on the basis or race, color, religion,
national origin, handicap/disability, sex, or age.
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Transition Academy.
This handbook is provided to our parents/guardians and students with a
tool to improve communication. It is crucial that you read the handbook,
so that we are clear on policies and expectations. We reserve the right to
make changes if necessary; you will be notified of any such changes.
During your time here at MLK Academy, we desire that you excel not
only academically but behaviorally as well. Though our policies are firm,
our staff is welcoming and caring. We will work together-parents,
students, and staff- to ensure success for students. We have many
programs and activities to teach students about making life choices,
choosing a career, entering college, and building relationships.
We are pleased to have you as a member of the MLK, JR. Student
Transition Academy family. Let’s MAKE this a GREAT year!
Sincerely,
Mr. C.R. Daniel,
Principal
Staff Directory
Mr. C. R. Daniel, Principal………………………………………...Main Office
Mrs. Carolyn Young Secretary…………………………………….Main Office
Ms. Yuselphia Thornton, Reading Plus, PDSCC…………...……..Main Office
Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, Guidance Counselor…………….Student Support Services
Mr. Ron Davis, Transition Specialist………..…...….Student Support Services
Ms. Christie Jones, Clinical Psychologist………...... Student Support Services
Mr. Michael Alford, Inclusion…………………..…..Student Support Services
Ms. Esther Davis, Mathematics Department……………………..….Room 115
Mr. Juan Fisher, SpEd Department……………………...………..…Room 112
Mrs. Casie Jones, Language Arts Department………….…….……..Room 109
Ms. Amelia Johnson, Science Department, Data……………………Room 107
Mr. Michael White, CDC…………………………………………....Room 105
Mr. Rodney Smith, Social Studies Department………….…….……Room 103
Mr. Keith Bryant, Custodial Staff………………..……....Building Eng. Office
Ms. Edna Hawkins, Custodial Staff……………...............Building Eng. Office
Find us online at:
http://www.mcsk12.net/schools/transition.alt/site/index.shtml
Our vision
is to offer students
a climate that is
designed to prepare
them for today’s
society and
tomorrow’s
challenges
Our mission
is to offer students
a culture and
curriculum that
reinforces social
and academic
success
The mission of the
Blue Ribbon
Committee at MLK
Academy
is to provide all
students with a
quality education in a
safe and orderly
environment
conducive to
School Philosophy
Present, Prompt, Prepared, Positive and Proud
We believe that each child is an individual of worth who should be respected, accepted, and
encouraged by the entire school staff. A good educational program should begin by providing
each child an opportunity to develop a positive awareness of his own worth and dignity.
Therefore, our staff must understand the ways in which children learn and be familiar with the
factors and circumstances that make learning easy or difficult-efficient or inefficient. It is
through this understanding that we strive to develop the whole student exhibited the five P’s,
that is Present, Prompt, Prepared, Positive and Proud.
It is the school’s responsibility to provide a climate in which we can provide children with
comprehensive skill building information which will improve their ability to make healthier
choices at home, school, and in their local community, teach students to recognize positive and
negative results of certain behavior and associations, and introduce students to more appropriate
ways to deal with common problems among teens such as gangs, peer pressure, and other
developmental areas which have a major impact on decision making skills. It is our obligation
to encourage and guide each child in the development of his innate abilities, vocational interests
and cognitive skill
School Goals for 2012-2013
• Improve academic achievement
• Promote a safe and orderly environment
• Increase parental involvement, community collaboration, and business
partnerships
• Increase student attendance to over 85%
• Employ and retain caring and quality staff
• Begin gradual introduction of new Common Core Standards
MLK Student Transition Academy
School Policies and Procedures
2012-2013
SCHOOL OPENING AND CLOSING
The school building opens to receive students at 7:45. Students will pass through the checkpoint and go
to the cafeteria for breakfast. They will remain there until the homeroom teacher comes to the cafeteria
to take the students to class.
The dismissal bell rings at 3:00pm at which times ALL students must exit the building unless under
direct supervision of a faculty member or waiting on Student Transport Services. If a student is not
picked up within an appropriate time, staff will attempt to notify a parent or guardian. If this problem
occurs repeatedly, proper authorities such as DCS will be contacted.
MORNING CHECK-POINT PROCEDURES
All students are subject to being searched each morning upon entry to the school building. Students
must remove shoes, jackets, and any loose items in their pockets. A staff member of the same gender
will use open gloved hands to pat the student’s outer person and clothing. The student is then sent
through the metal detector and allowed to collect their items. Students who continually fail the metal
detector scan may be subject to a more extensive search by school security officers.
CONFISCATED ITEMS
Any items that are confiscated such as electronic devices, lasers, cell phones, or other electronic devices
will be held for 72 hours and will be returned to a parent after a conference is held. The school and
district is not responsible for those confiscated items and will not compensate for any loss or damage to
the item while in the custody of the school. This policy applies to items that are NOT allowed to be at
school. The school reserves the right to determine the return timeline of other personal items
confiscated due to misuse or distraction.
TARDY POLICY
All students are expected to be present and punctual for school. Students may enter the building at
7:45am, go through the checkpoint, and eat breakfast. Students who enter after 8:00am are considered
tardy and will need to be escorted by a parent to avoid having an unexcused tardy. Tardy students
require a pink admit slip to be able to report to class. The consequences for repeated tardies are below:
3 Tardies ---------------------- Parent Conference
4 Tardies ---------------------- 1 Day of Detention
5 tardies ----------------------- 2 Days of Detention
6 Tardies ---------------------- 1 Day Home Suspension
7 or more Tardies-----------2-3 Days Home Suspension
ATTENDANCE
One of our goals for this year is to increase student attendance. Students who are absent need to bring a
not from their parents/guardians stating their reason for the absence. Doctors’ notes or court documents
are also acceptable. The school reserves the right to determine whether the absence is excused or
unexcused. Students with unexcused absences are allowed to make up missed assignments at the
teacher’s discretion.
Teachers will make daily calls to the homes/parents of absent students but this does not count as an
excuse letter. An official letter will be sent to the homes of students who accumulate five absences NOT
related to a suspension. After ten days of absences (not consecutive), a letter will be sent again. If a
student is absent for ten days consecutively he/she will be dropped from the roll and will be required to
register again. If a student accumulates 15 unexcused absences in a nine-week period, he/she will
receive a failing grade for that term. This will also affect students who are transitioning back to
their home schools.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to come into the building in proper uniform and a belt must be worn. Students
who violate the dress code will be sent to Student Support to arrange a parent conference if necessary.
The uniform policy is summarized here.
Young Men:
White polo or dress shirt
Black or khaki pants or shorts
Brown or black belt
Black or white tennis or school shoes
White undershirts only
Young Women:
White polo or dress shirt
Black or khaki pants, skirt or capris (not tight)
Brown or black belt
Black or white tennis or school shoes
White undergarments only
GYM:
Students are to wear a plain white T-shirt and sport shorts to participate in P.E. Physical Education
courses are graded, and if there is no participation or proper dress, then there is no grade.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS:
Young Men:
White dress shirt
Black Tie
Black dress pants
Black dress shoes
Black belt
Young Women:
White blouse
Black pants, skirt, or dress
Black dress shoes with heel less than two inches
Tights or stockings are acceptable
DISMMISAL PROCEDURES:
Bus riders are dismissed at 2:20. Bus riders will catch the bus at the corner of Lauderdale and Georgia.
NO EXCEPTIONS! Walkers must sign out after the 2:30 bell. Car riders will remain in Encore until a
parent arrives for pick-up.
Official dismissal time is 3:00 allowing for one-on-one tutoring and study hall.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES:
Each teacher deals with discipline with his/her own methods in the classroom. However, there are
several steps that staff follow to ensure that students first are given the chance to modify their own
behavior. Misbehavior will first receive a verbal warning and then a written warning to document the
behavior. Recurring incidents will result in a phone call to parents and then a conference if needed.
Once these steps have been followed, students may be suspended for further misbehavior. If the
behavior is severe or other factors are involved, a student may receive a conference or a suspension
without following the process.
SUSPENSION/CONFERENCE CLEARANCE:
It is important that parents and staff collaborate with students to improve behavior. If your child has
received a parent conference or suspension, he or she CANNOT return to campus without a parent or
legal guardian. Friends or family members will NOT be allowed to clear a conference/suspension.
Clearance times are 8:30am to 10:30am and 1:00pm to 3:00pm . If you absolutely cannot make it
during these scheduled times, contact the school to make an appointment.
If a teacher requests a parent conference, the student can return to school but a parent will be expected to
meet with the teacher on his/her planning period within three days of the conference issue. If you do not
come within those three days, the student will not be allowed to return to school without a parent.
BULLYING/INTIMIDATION POLICY:
Bullying/Intimidation is strictly prohibited at MLK Academy because it can cause serious emotional or
even physical harm to those involved. Checking is considered a form of bullying and will be dealt with
harshly.
All faculty members undergo the Kingian Non-Violence Training, so that they are able to teach students
about peaceful resolutions to situations and caring for others. Each new student is also given an
introduction to the Kingian Principles because these are positive criteria for students to follow for
successful relationships.
CELL PHONES:
Cell phones MUST be turned off and placed in student pockets or lockers. They are not to be visible or
heard at anytime. Students caught using their cell phone may receive disciplinary action, or the phone
may be confiscated. Other electronics are not permitted on campus. Earphones are required for use in
the computer lab but are NOT to be worn around the neck or be visible at all.
CAMPUS VISITS/REGISTRATION:
Campus visitors such as probation officer, case workers, counselors, and DCS/DHS workers are
permitted to see students on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:15am to 11:15am and
1:30pm to 2:55pm. There are no afternoon visits permitted on Wednesdays due to scheduled
assemblies.
Student registration/orientation is held every Tuesday at 9:00am and every Thursday at 1:00pm. Please
contact the school office for any questions concerning necessary documentation.
ASSEMBLIES:
To introduce students to career and life opportunities, we frequently invite guest speakers from the
community to share their experiences with the students. This is an excellent learning tool for students;
therefore, when we have an assembly, students are expected to sit properly in their chairs, remain quietly
respectful to the speaker, and avoid sleeping. Any students who do not show proper etiquette to a
speaker will be disciplined because it is a vital lesson to learn to respect those who are generously giving
of their time.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:
MLK staff focus on improving student behavior as well as academics. Staff model the proper conduct
for classroom and hallway behavior and expect students to follow. When passing through the hallway
students are to walk to the right and speak quietly. When entering a classroom, students should be
prepared with the proper materials and look for the bell work to begin.
Students are to use the restroom in between classes as they will not be allowed to use the restroom
during class time. They must also get all materials needed out of their locker in the morning and at
lunch as they cannot check lockers in between class times.
HALLWAY PROCEDURES:
When entering the hallway students are expected to be in proper uniform (shirt tails in and pants on their
waist). Students should walk to the right side of the hallway or stairs and keep their voices low to show
respect to other classes. The same policy stands for students traveling to and from the cafeteria.
HALL PASSES:
Hall passes are NOT allowed during the first fifteen and last fifteen minutes of class to allow for clear
hallways when students change classes. A student MUST not enter the hallway while classes are in
session without a proper hall pass otherwise the student is subject to disciplinary action. Students will
NOT be granted a hall pass to use the restroom as that should be done in between classes.
GANG-RELATED ACTIVITY/HANDSHAKING:
Memphis City Schools maintains a STRICT policy regarding gang activity, which includes references to
neighborhoods or cliques. At MLK we will NOT tolerate any gang-related activities such as graffiting
on notebooks or other items, handshaking, representing colors, or even talking about gangs. This type of
behavior is very dangerous, and we consider it a threat to the safety of our staff and students. These
issues will be dealt with severely and in accordance with the district Code of Conduct.
Handshaking has become a very common form of gang acknowledgement. Therefore, MLK Academy
DOES NOT ALLOW any handshakes at all. It does not matter whether the handshake is simply
friendly, we will consider it to be gang-related and will deal with that accordingly.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INCENTIVES:
Though it seems schools focus more on disciplining misbehavior, it is also important to reward positive
behavior and good character. Teachers not only model the characteristics desired from the students but
also offer classroom incentives to encourage good behavior; these may include food treats, games,
homework passes, or other small rewards. The school will also offer pizza parties, dress-down days, or
gym time as rewards for school wide contests or the anti-bullying campaign.
BOYZ II MEN/DIVA:
As another incentive, students who demonstrate good academics and outstanding student behavior are
selected to participate in a special ceremony. They are inducted into the Boyz II Men program (or
DIVA for the young ladies) and given gold ties to wear on Dress for Success Wednesdays. These
students are given opportunities for community service as well as group character-building sessions.
This is a wonderful way to present our young men and ladies to society and encourage them to choose a
path of success. There are two ceremonies: one in the fall and one in the spring. Families of the
inductee are invited to attend and show their support for these achieving students.
PBIS/PASS:
To provide more positive intervention strategies, students will follow through the PASS system which is
a part of the Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS). To successfully complete our program
for transition, students must show that they are able to behave properly in a classroom setting and show
respect to authority. Students are placed on the tiers/levels of P (preparing), A (ascending, S
(succeeding), and S (soaring) to show how they are progressing with their behavior. In order to
transition, students must be on one of the S-levels. The criteria for these levels are a based on the
number of suspensions or disciplinary actions the student has received. Of course, the school always
reserves the right to review student circumstances to determine transitioning.
DRESS-DOWN FRIDAYS:
As a positive incentive for good behavior, students are allowed to dress down on Fridays if they meet
ALL of the following conditions from Friday to the following Thursday:
 No tardies
 Present at school all five days (from Friday to Thursday)
 No referrals, suspensions, or parent/conferences
Students who qualify to dress down will receive a letter on Thursday notifying them of the requirements
for Friday. The dress code for Dress-Down Fridays allows students to wear their choice of clothes and
shoes. However, jackets are NOT permitted and sagging is NOT allowed. Students should not wear
shirts with inappropriate sayings, drug or gang references, or cut-off sleeves. If students abuse the
privilege of dressing down, the school reserves the right to cancel this activity.
PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL HARASSMENT:
Any incidents of physical or sexual harassment that occur in the school or bus should be reported to the
administration immediately. Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to:
 Unwelcome sexual flirtation or sexual propositions
 Offensive jokes, drawings, cartoons, graffiti, pictures, or gestures
 Making graphic comments about a person’s body
 Sexually insulting remarks about race, gender, socio-economic status, disability, or sexual
orientation
 Sexual rumors
 Cornering/blocking an individual’s normal movements
 Threatening or stalking behavior
 Unwelcome person-to-person contact such as bumping or rubbing against a person
 Sexually exposing oneself
 Sexual battery: making contact in sexual private areas
 Rape
All students have the right to learn in a safe environment free of discrimination and harassment.
Administration takes physical and sexual harassment seriously. Students are cautioned that any type of
physical contact such as playful flirting, play fighting, or horse play can be considered harassment and
can result in more severe disciplinary action.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Transition Academy
DRESS CODE/UNIFORM POLICY:
Students MUST wear a white polo or dress shirt without any logos or designs
Undershirts MUST be solid white! NO print/design allowed and they cannot be
turned inside out.
Pants must be khaki, blue, or black slacks ONLY. (NO JEAN MATERIAL)
Ladies can wear skirts or capris that must be khaki, blue, or black slacks
Belts must be black or brown
Tennis shoes must be solid black or solid white. This includes the sole, laces and
designs.
Jewelry
Young men are only allowed to wear a wrist watch only. No other jewelry is
permitted.
Young ladies are allowed to wear earrings that are less than one inch in
length/diameter.
Shirts MUST be TUCKED IN at ALL
times!!
SAGGING will NOT be
TOLERATED!!!
Parent Signature _______________________ Student Signature ____________________
Home Number: ________________________ Cell Number: ________________________
Innovative Schools
Breakthrough Leadership. Breakthrough Results.
Reply to the office of:
C.R. Daniel, Principal
MLK Student Transition Academy
Email: danielclarence@mcsk12.net
July 31, 2012
Dear Parents/Guardian:
Beginning next week, (August, 2012) students will be permitted to dress in their street clothes on
Friday if the following requirements are met on Monday through Thursday of the same week:
 NO parent conferences or suspensions
 NO absences or tardies
 NO referrals to the office
 Must attend every Wednesday dressed in Dress for Success clothing (see dress code)
 If any of the above occur on Friday, you will not be eligible the following week
All students who meet the above criteria will be notified during the last period of the day on
Thursday of each week that they will be permitted to wear their street clothes on Friday. Students
who are permitted to wear their street clothes on Friday will be held on the following standards:





No removable dental grills
No jewelry, with the exception of a wrist watch for young men and a wrist watch and small
stud earrings for young ladies
No air brushed clothing or anything depicting gang affiliation
All clothing must be size appropriate – nothing too small, too short, too tight, or too big
Absolutely no sagging!
It is our hope that these incentives will encourage students to come to school every day and follow
all of our rules and regulations.
Sincerely,
C.R. Daniel, Principal
Parents/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________
Student’s Signature: ___________________________________________
Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Transition
Academy
Principal – Clarence R. Daniel
620 Lauderdale
Memphis, TN 38126
Fax: 901-416-1411 or 416-7258
Dress for Success:
Every Wednesday
“NO EXCEPTIONS”
Young Men:
White starched shirt, black tie, black dress pants
ONLY, dickies are acceptable, black dress shoes,
black belt. NO shorts or pants with strings allowed.
Young Ladies:
White starched dress blouse, black pants or skirts,
black dress shoes with heels no higher than two
inches. Tights or stockings are acceptable.
Parent/Legal Guardian/Signature: __________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________
Memphis City Schools
MLK, JR. Student Transition Academy
Official Notice Regarding Uniform Policy
Students must be in the official uniform to attend classes. All Students are required to wear the school
uniform. Parents who do not wish for their child to wear the uniform because of religious beliefs or
religious dress must submit their reasons in writing to the principal.

Uniforms will consist of tan, navy, or black pants, skirts, or jumpers with a white long-sleeve or shortsleeve shirt with a collar (polo style or dress shirt). ONLY WHITE T-SHIRTS MAY BE WORN
UNDER THE UNIFORM SHIRT.

Pants must fit at the waist and not be oversized or undersized. Belts must be fitted and put through the
belt loops. Black or Brown belts only. Shirts must be tucked in.

Pants must be straight-legged or boot cut consisting of full-length pants, cropped pants, cargo pants,
and skirts, walking shorts that are at or below the knee. Females are NOT allowed to wear tight pants or
leggings.

Male students are NOT permitted to wear earrings. Female students are allowed to wear small earrings.
NO LARGE HOOPS. Any other jewelry is NOT allowed for male or female students

No manufacturers’ logo or brand name can be visible on the clothing.

Tennis shoes must be black or white only. No colored or designers shoes are permitted. Flip-flops and
shoes with no back are not permitted.

No heavy coats, jackets or sweaters may be worn in the building at any time during the day. Lockers are
available to students for heavy coats, book bags, jackets, sweaters, etc.

Students who fail to follow the uniform policy will be subject to the following consequences as outlined
by MLK Administration and MCS Board Policy.

Clothing that is representative of groups or organizations other than those that are school-related will
not be allowed.
I understand and agree to abide by the uniform policies identified above.
_________________________
Student’s Signature
________________
Date
_________________________
Parent’s Signature
________________
Date
MLK ACADEMY’S NO LIST
 NO VISIBLE CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
 NO REMOVABLE DENTAL GRILLS
 NO VISIBLE BODY JEWELRY
 NO EARRINGS FOR MALES
 NO BIG LOOPS/HOOPS FOR FEMALES
 NO LARGE BELT BUCKLES
 NO DECORATIVE TENNIS SHOES
 NO JEWLERY (ONLY WATCHES)
 NO BACKPACKS IN THE BUILDING
 NO HATS, SCARVES, HOODS, AND SUNGLASSES MAY BE
WORN IN THE BUILDING
 NO COLORED SHOELACES OR SOCKS
 NO STEEL TOE BOOTS
 NO SAGGING PANTS
 NO WEAPONS
 NO DRUGS OR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
 NO PURSES IN THE CLASSROOM
 NO CANDY, CHIPS, OR DRINK CONTAINERS UNLESS
ACCOMPANIED BY A SANDWICH FOR LUNCH
Student’s Signature________________Date________
Parent’s Signature_________________Date_______
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
I will do my best every day in every effort that I undertake. I will have a positive attitude and will make
choices that will allow me to succeed in life.
Policies & Regulations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Each student is expected to arrive on time and be in regular attendance. Each student is
also expected to complete all class work and projects as assigned. If a student is absent, a
note from the parent is required the following day. All absences will be reported to the
parents.
Each Student is required to follow the MCS Schools Dress Code.
Students are subject to daily search and seizure of any item that is illegal or a violation of
school rules.
Profanity, abusive or demeaning language is prohibited.
Fighting, abusive language or checking is prohibited.
No visible cell phones are allowed. Personal phones calls are not permitted. Staff will
contact parent/guardians or family members when necessary.
No weapons, gang paraphernalia, signs, drawings, or colors are allowed. No clothing or
hair designs indicating any gang or club affiliation is allowed.
Possession of drugs, drugs paraphernalia, or the use of drugs is illegal.
No smoking or smoking paraphernalia is allowed on school property.
Sexual harassment of any type is illegal.
Each student must respect himself/herself, peers, staff, and others.
Students are required to participate in individual and/or group counseling and other
behaviors modification activities.
I will receive a copy of the rules and regulations and dress code. I understand that if I
choose not to follow these rules, it can delay enrollment into my assigned Memphis City
School placement.
Student’s signature_________________________ Date____________________
Parent’s signature___________________________Date____________________
NO CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
All confiscated items will adhere to the following:
 1st offense: 72 hours HOLD. Release only to parent.
 2nd offense: End of ninth weeks. Release only to parent.
 3rd Offense: End of semester. Release only to parent.
Student’s signature_______________________________Date__________________
Parent’s signature________________________________Date__________________
Our Beliefs
 A commitment to high expectations for all students is the chief priority of the
school.
 Students need the basic skills of reading, writing, problem-solving, and critical
thinking to become productive contributors to society.
 A united learning community where staff and administration practice fairness
and consistency, encourages students to demonstrate self-discipline and
responsibility, and instills pride.
 Students learn better when research-based instructional strategies address a
variety of learning styles.
 Challenging all students to produce quality work strengthens their academic
foundation.
 Good student attendance coincides with student achievement.
 Continuous assessment and evaluation improves curriculum, instruction,
school climate, and organizational practices affecting the learning needs of
students.
 Students need a network of support to ensure that every student succeeds in
core, vocational, and elective subjects.
 Exposure to meaningful learning experiences enables students to see the
relevancy of their learning.
 Integration of technology as a learning tool in the classroom prepares students
for a technologically advanced world.
Students/Parent Expectations Plan
CAMPUS VISITATIONS – All visitors must check in with the main office upon their arrival on campus
to obtain a visitor’s badge. Anyone not checking in could be considered trespassing and subject to being
arrested.
LEAVING CAMPUS FOR LUNCH – Students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch.
STUDENT DELIVERIES – Delivery of non-school related materials to students is prohibited; i.e.,
flowers, balloons, etc. Any approved delivery must be delivered to the main office. This includes food
brought to school by parents/guardians, except for medical reasons.
TEXTBOOKS – Students are responsible for textbooks issued to them. Lost textbooks are governed by
Board of Education policy #4.401, which, in part, states that any lost or damaged book must be paid for by
the student, parent, or guardian. Any new book must be replaced at 100% of the replacement price. Any
used book at 75% of replacement price. Restitution must be made: (1) before new textbooks are issued or
(2) report cards or diplomas issued, or (3) before processing a transfer.
LEAVING SCHOOL – Doctor and dental appointments require the students to bring notes for such
request to the attendance office prior to homeroom. Doctor’s name, should be on the note, along with the
parent/guardian’s signature and telephone number. School personnel may confirm appointments. Students
will be called from his/her class when parent or guardian arrives. Upon return, students must show
dismissal slips for admission to classes missed. Parents/Guardians must come to the school to have
their child dismissed. Dismissals will not be approved via telephone or email.
WEAPONS – It is a felony in the state of Tennessee to carry a weapon on school property. Any student
with a weapon on school property, according to Tennessee statue and MCS Board policy, will be subjected
to the state’s mandated one year expulsion from school.
CAFETERIA – All students must eat lunch in the cafeteria. All students are expected to remain in the
cafeteria during their lunch period. You must have written permission from the administration or a teacher
in order to leave the cafeteria area during lunch. Each student is expected to clean his or her own table.
Trash receptacles are available throughout the cafeteria. Students may purchase items in the cafeteria during
lunch or they may bring their lunch from home. No other outside food may be brought on campus.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE - All food and beverages must be consumed in the cafeteria. The sale of any
food item, except cafeteria food, MUST be AFTER school hours. At no time will a student be allowed
to sell any item for personal gain. If students are in possession of bulk items with the obvious intent to
sell, items will be confiscated and student will receive consequences according to code of conduct. a
suspension will be issued. To receive confiscated items, a store receipt must be provided by the parent or
guardian during the suspension clearance. All unclaimed confiscated items will be disposed of if no receipt
is provided.
MEDICATIONS- Medications for students must be accompanied by a doctor’s note and in the original
container. Students must leave this medication in the office. Administration will ONLY administer
prescription medications at the time specified by the doctor. Students are not permitted to carry the
medications with them or any non-prescription medications as well. The sale or distribution of medicine by
students may result in suspension or expulsion.
SMOKING – Smoking and the use of any other tobacco product will be prohibited in the school buildings
and on the grounds of all Memphis City Schools at all times, including but not limited to school activities,
athletic events, etc.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES – Radios, tape players, CD players, ear phones, head phones, iPods,
televisions, cellular/portable telephones and any other electronic devices, in use or not in use, which could
be disruptive to the educational process, are not permitted on campus before, during and after school hours,
including but not limited to school activities, athletic events, etc. All items will be confiscated by school
personnel. A parent or guardian may pick up confiscated item (s) in 72 hours.
DRESS CODE – Please refer to the Uniform Policy in the appendix of this Student/Parent Expectation
Plan. Violators will receive progressive disciplinary actions based on Memphis City Schools’ Code of
Conduct.
INSUBORDINATION – Students are insubordinate when they refuse to follow a reasonable request,
direction or instruction of an adult through disobedience, defiance, unruliness or noncompliance. This
includes walking away when being addressed by an adult, refusal to work in class and arriving late to class.
Students who are insubordinate will be issued a suspension.
REPORT CARDS – Report cards will be issued to students on specified days or will be mailed to the
home address during summer break. Please refer to the MCS Academic Calendar for the dates that report
cards are issued.
PROGRESS REPORT – Progress reports will be issued at the mid-term of each grading period. Parents
are required to sign the progress report and students are expected to return the signed progress report to
their homeroom teacher by the conclusion of the third school day. Students who do not return the progress
report will be given a parent conference to be cleared on the next school day.
LOCKERS - Students are expected to use the lockers that they are assigned. There is no fee for utilizing
lockers. Lockers will be inspected and searched if necessary at the discretion of the administration.
Students must understand that lockers are provided for storage of daily school related items, i.e., books,
paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, etc. Students are permitted to provide locks for their lockers. If a student
utilizes this opportunity to use his or her own locks, a second key or combination MUST be provided to
your homeroom teacher. Students should NOT share their locker or combination with another student.
The school is not liable for any stolen or damaged items in lockers.
HALL PASS WARNING!!!
I, _____________________________, a proud student of MLK Student Transition
Academy and member of Team _____ understand that in order for my school to
maintain a safe educational environment, no student should ever leave class for any
reason without a proper hall pass given by the teacher. If I am caught out of class
without a hall pass whether my teacher allowed me to leave or I left on my own, this
will be treated as a class cut and I will be disciplined accordingly. I have read this
paper and understand fully the consequences.
ONE STUDENT PER HALL PASS
NO HALL PASS FIRST AND LAST 15 MINUTES OF EACH CLASS
_______________________
Class Teacher
_______________________
Student
_______________________
Hall Teacher
________________________
Date