Parents/Guardians, the start of a new school year is an exciting time. We are ready and anxious to welcome back your students and start the school year.
As we start the new year, I want to go over a few items.
I must start with a sincere “Thank You”. I encouraged you to enroll your students early so we do not have as many to register at the start of the year, and you responded. We have more students enrolled now than in past years. I appreciate your support and assistance.
Personal Communication Devices
Last April, the Hamblen County School Board approved, and we implemented, a revised Personal Communication Device Policy for student Personal Communication Devices. The policy remains unchanged and will be enforced on Day 1. Please remind your students of the policy so we get off to a smooth start.
Drugs
Last year, I brought a concern about student drug use to your attention. https://www.hcboe.net/messagefromsuperintendent02/26/2024 . The drug threat is not a school issue but a community issue. Unfortunately, this threat has not departed our community over the summer break. We will continue our efforts to eradicate drugs from the schools and continue our efforts to educate students on the dangers of drug use. I see this as both a safety issue and a hindrance to ensuring the presence of the right learning environment issue. Please discuss this topic with your students so they know your thoughts on drugs and drug use. If you have a suggestion or a particular concern, please reach out to your school’s administrator.
Code of Conduct
One of the new state laws requires the Hamblen County Department of Education to develop a “Code of Conduct” that applies to school and sporting event visitors. The Code of Conduct will be sent home in the coming weeks for you to sign https://www.hcboe.net/codeofconduct . A subset of the Code of Conduct will be posted at every entrance to our schools and sport sites. We expect all parties to adhere to the Code of Conduct.
Dress Code
Please refresh yourself and your student with our Student Dress Code https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=C425CC264269ABEF!31755&ithint=file%2cdocx&authkey=!AAfEr-Hbv1euXPU . I am already getting questions and comments on this topic. The policy has not changed from last year.
Safety
Safety of our students and staff remains our #1 priority. We have made additional adjustments over the summer in partnership with our threat assessment teams and local law enforcement. We take every threat seriously. We will work diligently with local law enforcement until the threat is neutralized or proven to not be credible. Please encourage your student that if they see something, say something. We need their help to address any perceived threat expeditiously.
Attendance
Our goal is to educate every student so they are prepared to achieve their long-term goals. We can’t educate them if they are not at school. I realize illnesses and emergencies will pop up during the school year, but I ask that you prioritize attendance whenever possible. Being present and on-time will make a significant difference in their education.
Engaged
Please get involved and engaged in the activities of your student’s school. It will demonstrate the importance of education to your students. Do not hesitate to contact the School Administrator or School’s Teachers with any issues. We want you engaged. We want to work together to get all students the best education possible.
If you reach out to me, the first question you should expect is “have you talked to the school”. If the answer is no, you should expect me to steer you back to the school. The Administrators and Teachers are closer to any concern or issues and will have the best insight to handle things at the lowest possible level and as quickly as possible.
Welcome back! We are excited to get the new school year started and look forward to working for and with you as we “Shape Hamblen County’s Future One Student at a Time”.
Very Respectfully
Arnie
