Soddy Daisy High School

What freshman classes do I take at Soddy-Daisy High School and when do we choose them?

You must take English, Science, World Geography, Wellness/ROTC, two math classes and two electives your 9^th grade year.  You will be given a chance to choose several possible electives.  We will try to honor the first choice on the elective; however, due to schedule conflicts we may have to use the second or even the third choices.  You do not have a choice in the teacher selection process.  The teachers are assigned by our computer software system.  Students choose their classes in the spring of each year. The school year is divided into two semesters.  The first semester begins in August and the second semester begins in January.  Each semester stands alone in regard to grading.

What is a “credit”?

A “credit” is also known as a Carnegie Unit.  Students have the opportunity to earn 4.00 Carnegie units (credits) each semester.  Thus a student may earn a total of eight Carnegie units (credits) per year.  You earn a credit by passing a class with at least a 70 average.

How many credits do I need to graduate?

The class entering high school in the fall of 2010 will need 29 credits for graduation.  All classes that are taught are separated into two categories.  They are either required or elective.  Required classes are courses the State of Tennessee and the Hamilton County Department of Education require.  Electives are those courses in which a student has an interest or a desire to learn.  Students must have both required and elective classes in order to earn a diploma.

What are my graduation requirements?

You must complete 29 credits to earn you high school diploma; the requirements to graduate are:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of math (including Algebra 1, Geometry, and 2 advanced math courses)
• 4 units of science (physical science, biology, chemistry or physics, and one advance science)
• 3 units of social studies (including 1 unit of World Geography or World History, 1 unit of US History, ½ unit of Government, and ½ unit of Economics)
• 1 unit of wellness
• 2 units of the same foreign language
• 1 unit of fine art
• 1 unit of a Senior Project
• 4 units of electives in a Major (Career and Tech, Math and Science, or Humanities)
• 4 units of electives
• ½ credit of PE
• ½ credit of Personal Finance

29 Total Units

What are tests like and how many will I have each week?

There is no easy answer to this question.  The number of tests each week will simply depend upon the teacher/s and the type class you are taking.  Some teachers give tests weekly while others test when a unit of study is completed.  In addition, teachers have the freedom to give objective tests (multiple choice, true-false, etc.), essay tests, portfolios, projects, performance tasks, research papers, quizzes, and other various methods of assessment.

How are grades calculated?

Grades are given each quarter.  Quarter grades are determined by the following formula:

• 50% Daily Work
• 50% Tests

Semester grades are determined by the following formula:

• 40% 1^st or 3^rd Quarter Grade
• 40% 2^nd or 4^th Quarter Grade
• 20% Semester Exam

The semester grade is the grade that is recorded on your high school transcript.

Tell me about the teachers and what they expect so that I can make good grades.

High school teachers expect you to complete assignments, be respectful to others, observe classroom rules, arrive on time for class, and to be in attendance.  This is probably not too different from what your eighth grade teachers expect.  You will find that there is less tolerance for immature behavior at the high school.  Also, expect that a deadline is a deadline.  When something is due, it is expected that the assignment be completed and turned in to the teacher.  Deadlines are enforced.  In addition, SDHS teachers try to adapt various teaching methods to address the various learning styles of their students to ensure greater success within the classroom.  Teachers will meet with you and your parents if you need help.

How many students are there at Soddy-Daisy High School?

At the end of the third quarter of the school year 2009-2010, we had approximately 1493 students at Soddy-Daisy High School.  The class breakdown is as follows:

• Freshmen:  415
• Sophomores:  336
• Juniors:  389
• Seniors:  323

Do high school kids really smoke on campus?

Tobacco products anywhere on Soddy-Daisy High School’s campus are prohibited.  This also includes riding school buses and activity vehicles, and during the practice of or participation in extracurricular activities sanctioned by Soddy-Daisy High School.  The term “tobacco products” includes, but is not limited to, the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and snuff.  Students that are seen using or possessing tobacco products as described above are subject to administrative discipline consequences.  Students may be cited by the School Resource Office to Juvenile Court and may be fined. 

How bad is the alcohol/drug problem?

Soddy-Daisy High School recognizes the need to do everything in its power to insure a drug-free climate.  The consequences of alcohol are quite severe.  Suspension from school, long term suspension, expulsion from school, and referral to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court are possible consequences.  Drug use is a “zero tolerance” offense.  This means expelled for a period of time of not less that one (1) calendar year.  There are, of course, students who break the rules and must suffer the consequences.  Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the City of Soddy-Daisy will arrive on campus to search lockers, book bags, and cars at random times during the school year.

How bad is the violence?

Soddy-Daisy High School is a safe school.  With the cooperation of students, faculty, parents, and administration we will continue to make it such.  We do have a resource officer at Soddy-Daisy High School.  He is a member of the Hamilton County Police Department.  Beware; the consequences for fighting are serious.  Suspension, long-term suspension, and expulsion are possible consequences.  Students may face possible court action depending upon the situation.  Battery, assault, and threats to harm a student or school employee or self are taken seriously by the school administration.  We are very appreciative that Hamilton County provides a resource officer for our school.

Will I be in classes with bigger/older students and what about harassment?

Most freshman classes are made up only of freshmen.  In some cases, especially in the elective classes, you may have a class with older students.  Students have the right to study in an environment free from all forms of discrimination.  Conduct which can be considered harassing, coercive or disruptive is not condoned by Soddy-Daisy High School.  Any such incidences should be reported to the administration.

Tell me about the dress code at Soddy-Daisy High School.

A student’s dress and personal appearance should reflect dignity and pride in oneself and in the school.  School dress and grooming shall be modest, moderate, and decent.  Apparel or appearance that tends to draw attention to an individual rather that to a learning situation must be avoided.  In matters of opinion, the judgment of teachers and administrators will prevail. Any student failing to comply with this will be counseled on an individual basis.  Action will be taken to correct the problem if it is deemed necessary.  Please keep in mind that every unique dress situation cannot be addressed.  The following restrictions will be enforced:

1. All students must wear shoes.   House shoes are not permitted.
2. Wearing apparel may not have writing, pictures, or advertisements that depict drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, or gangs.  In addition, symbols, pictures, or word messages that are considered offensive, profane, or vulgar will not be permitted.  A violation exists if a student wears an inappropriate shirt as an undershirt, and the outer shirt is unbuttoned to expose the inappropriate undershirt.  Student will not be allowed to turn shirts inside out.
3. Undergarments are not to be worn as outer garments.
4. The top wearing apparel must be dress shirts/blouses, knit shirts or T-shirts (Remember #2).  No sleeveless apparel of any type will be permitted.   No bare midriff can be visible.  Top apparel should be modest and no cleavage or bare midriff should be revealed.
5. Walking shorts or culottes will be allowed according to the following criteria:
   • Shorts, slacks, or jeans must be hemmed.
   • Length must be no shorter than the top of the kneecap while standing up.
   • Spandex, biker, and/or soccer type (basketball, or gym shorts) shorts are not permitted.
6. No holes in clothing will be allowed.
7. Chains (not necklaces), spikes, nose rings or pins or visible body piercing other than traditional ear wear will NOT be permitted.
8. Dangling earrings on boys will not be allowed.
9. Dresses and skirts must be no shorter than the top of the kneecap even while wearing tights.  Slits in the skirts/dresses must be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee while standing.  Dress tops must conform to top wearing apparel guidelines.  NO SUNDRESSES.
10. Slacks, jeans, and shorts must be hemmed and worn at an appropriate level on the body and worn as they were intended.  Gang related attire will not be tolerated.  Example:  Oversized clothing is not permitted.  All belts must be buckled.  All overall straps must be fastened.
    • Hats are not to be worn inside the building.  This applies to boys and girls.
    • Any other wearing apparel or physical appearance that may be a disruption to the educational process. (Example:  unnatural hair color such as blue, green, purple, orange, etc. or other hairstyle that calls attention to the individual.  Example:  spiked hairstyle.)

Dress code violators will be referred to the office.  Time missed from class will be an unexcused absence; make-up work will be 70%.  The dress code discipline plan is focused on addressing dress code violators and not punishing the entire student body through more restrictive dress.

Tell me about Soddy-Daisy’s sports program.

Soddy-Daisy High School takes a great deal of pride in the athletic program. Students at Soddy-Daisy have an opportunity to compete and excel in a well-rounded athletic program.  Freshmen are academically eligible to try out for any sport at SDHS.

To be eligible to participate in athletics during any school year, a student must earn six (6) credits the preceding school year.  All credits must be earned by the first day of the beginning of the school year.  Academic eligibility for a student is based on the requirements of the school the student was attending at the conclusion of the previous school year.  Students who are ineligible first semester may gain eligibility second semester by passing three (3) classes during the 1^st semester (3.0 credits).  A student MUST pass a physical before being allowed to participate.  The SDHS Athletic Department provides a secondary insurance policy for all participating athletes.  This policy picks up after the parent/guardian’s primary insurance policy has reached its limits.  This secondary policy does not release parent/guardians from any financial liability incurred due to an injury.  A student must be counted present at school in order to participate in a game or practice in the afternoon or at night.  Illness is not a satisfactory excuse.  If one is too ill to come to school, he/she is too ill to participate in a strenuous sport.  Exceptions may be appealed to the head coach or to the administration.  Any athlete who quits a sport will not be allowed to begin working out with another sport until the previous sport’s season has been completed.  (For example, if an athlete quits football, then he would not be allowed to start working out with the wrestling team until the football season is over.)  In addition, any student athlete must have all financial obligations cleared before being allowed to go out for another sport.

Soddy-Daisy High School fields teams in the following sports:

FALL SPORTS                              WINTER SPORTS                         SPRING SPORTS

Football                                     Basketball, Boys & Girls               Baseball

Soccer, Girls                               Wrestling                                   Softball

Volleyball                                   Bowling, Boys & Girls                   Track, Boys & Girls

Cross Country, Boys & Girls                                                           Soccer, Boys

Golf, Boys & Girls                                                                        Tennis, Boys & Girls

What is House?

HOUSE is an advising program that is an extension of Guidance Services.  Students are assigned to HOUSE according to grade level.  House is made up of fifteen to twenty students and one teacher.  In HOUSE students are involved in career education, educational planning, decision-making, monitoring academic progress, and life skills instruction.  Students participate in a number of team building activities and practice group initiatives.  The House teacher will be the student’s main resource person.  If the HOUSE teacher believes the guidance counselor should be involved a referral will be made to the appropriate counselor.

What is “Renaissance”?

The Renaissance Program at Soddy-Daisy High School is nationally recognized.  It is often copied or duplicated.  We feel that the staff of Soddy-Daisy High School offers students a package of incentives to achieve better grades, improve their attendance, and assist the school to become a better learning institution.  The Renaissance Program is affiliated with the national Renaissance Foundation begun by the Jostens Corporation.  Listed below are some of the benefits offered to the participants in the program:

GOLD CARD (All grades of "A" on the semester report card)

• One day (pre-arranged) for independent study
• Free admission to all home SDHS athletic events (except at Finley Stadium)
• 50% discount on reserved parking
• 10% discount in student store
• Recognition wearing apparel
• Free admission to special events
• Free prom ticket
• Discounts at area businesses

BLUE CARD (All grades of "A" or "B" on the semester report card)

• 50% discount to home athletic events
• 10% discount in student store
• Recognition wearing apparel
• 50% discount to special events
• 50% discount on prom tickets
• Discounts at area businesses

BRONZE CARD (No absences, no absences due to tardies (three or more) in any class, and no discipline referrals for the semester)

• Recognition wearing apparel
• Discounts at area businesses

Gold, Blue, and Bronze, Cards are updated and revised at the end of each semester.  ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED by award recipients at the Renaissance Day/Night Programs.

You will not be allowed to participate in Renaissance until the end of the first semester.  Your records from the 8^th grade do not qualify you for the Renaissance Program.

Do I get promoted in high school?

In high school students are not promoted.  Students earn credits toward graduation.  Soddy-Daisy High School students will be classified at the end of each Spring Semester.  In addition they will be classified in grade by using the following criteria:

• A student must have six (6) credits to be classified as a sophomore.
• A student must have twelve (12) credits to be classified as a junior.
• A student must have twenty (20) credits to be classified as a senior.

What happens if a student is assigned to the Alternative Learning Center?

This center serves Hamilton County School students who have violated school rules, conduct, and/or attendance related infractions at their home school.  The principal determines recommendation for placement to the school after reviewing the student’s disciplinary record.  This recommendation along with a review by the Department of Education of his/her record may result in placement.

While attending the Alternative School, the student is not permitted to attend school activities or be on school grounds.  He or she must also meet academic and behavioral standards set by the staff of the Alternative School.

Long-term assignments to the Alternative School will be served at the Washington School.  The Washington School is located at 7821 Hancock Street, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Assignments to the Alternative School (long term or short term) cannot be appealed.

Parents or guardians are responsible for providing or arranging transportation to the Alternative School.  For further information you may call the Student Affairs Assistant Principal at Soddy-Daisy High School.

How do my parents communicate with my teachers?

Soddy-Daisy High School has a voice mail system with the existing phone system.  The introductory remarks you hear when you call in will guide you through making a call to Soddy-Daisy High School.  The instructions are self-guiding for any area for the school.  By choosing the option for the system to find your area, you can locate any area within the school building.  We hope that this system will allow for better communication for the parents, teachers, and administration of Soddy-Daisy High School.  Each teacher has a voice mailbox and can be reached at that mailbox.  Every parent should know the student’s HOUSE teacher’s name and their extension.  Additionally, each teacher can be reached via email.  The emails are available on the school website  at www.soddydaisyhighschool.org

If you or your parent has a concern regarding your academic progress, then the FIRST place to start is with the particular classroom teacher.  A phone call or visit will usually solve the problem.  Please try the first line of communication.  You or your parent will usually find that this visit or call is important to the teacher and to our administration.

Sometimes my parents leave me messages at school.  How can they do that?

We will be unable to deliver messages directly to students, except in cases of emergency.  The nature of the emergency must be specified to a school official before classroom activities will be interrupted.  A situation will be considered an emergency when conditions arise that make it impossible or impractical to delay the message later.  We understand that parents may feel the need to get in touch with students during the school day, but we cannot stop the instruction of the other students in the class for any reason other than an emergency.  Phone messages should be left with the Main Office and students will be notified between classes via the school intercom that a message has been left for them.  Arrangements for routine matters such as rides to and from school, car and house key delivery and pick up, job times, meeting places, etc., should be made before students arrive at school.

What is the grading policy?

Soddy-Daisy High School reports each student's progress using progress reports and report cards.  Progress reports are distributed every three weeks during the grading period.  Report cards are issued at the end of the nine-week grading period and at the end of each semester.

The semester grade is the final grade and is recorded on the permanent record.  The following grading scales are used in Hamilton County Schools:

LETTER GRADE	DESCRIPTION	NUMBER SCALE
A	Excellent	93 -100
B	Very Good	85 - 92
C	Average	75 - 84
D	Below Average	70 - 75
F	Failure	0 - 69

Each semester course that is passed with a grade of 70 or higher will receive 1.0 credit.

Can you earn college credit while enrolled at Soddy-Daisy High School?

Beginning in the tenth grade, students have the opportunity to take classes that earn them college credit.  The two programs are Joint Enrollment and Advanced Placement.  The Hamilton County Department of Education has established a joint enrollment program with Chattanooga State Technical Community College.  The programs allow high school students to earn college credit during the regular school year or during the summer.  Admission to this program is contingent upon:

1. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher or an "A" average in courses related to their elected course work if the GPA is less than 3.00.
2. The results of the English and Math placement test which will be administered by the college or university.
3. ACT score of at least a 19 overall and a 19 in the course content area.

Costs are based on the prevailing per semester hour fee at the college, plus their usual application fee.  This cost must be paid by the student and proof of payment presented to the appropriate grade level counselor during the first week of class.  Scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need.  All joint enrollment courses will receive 3 bonus points.  The three (3) bonus points are added to the semester grade before the grade is recorded on the high school transcript.  This policy is subject to be reviewed at the end of each year.

The attendance policy of Soddy-Daisy High School requires appeals after four (4) days of absence each quarter.  This policy applies to all joint enrollment courses.

Students, who choose to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as their parents, must be committed to the accelerated academic demands necessary to the course and to taking the exam in the spring.  Prerequisites of a 3.0 GPA and teacher recommendation are necessary, but parents have the option of waiving the requirements.  Due to the difficulty of the AP COURSES, STUDENTS WHO TAKE THESE COURSES WILL HAVE FIVE (5) POINTS ADDED TO THEIR SEMESTER GRADES.  (NOTE:  The five (5) honors points will not be awarded for AP classes for either semester if the student does not take the AP Exam.) This policy will be reevaluated each year.

How do I get my driver’s permit?

The Department of Safety requires written certification from local school officials for persons under the age of 18 applying for a Tennessee driver’s license and for persons who have withdrawn from school and are 15 years of age.  These forms are available from the Attendance Office.  Requests for the permits must be made on Mondays and will be issued on the following Friday.  Permits are only issued based on the semester report card. Also, three (3) courses must be passed in order to have drivers license reinstated.  In TCA 55-50-312A the Department of Safety is authorized to issue a drivers license to an applicant under the age of 18 only if in addition to meeting all other requirements of the Chapter, the applicant has:

• Possessed a learner’s permit for at least three months or,
• Satisfactorily completed a driver’s education course or,
• Has been licensed to drive in another state for at least three (3) months.

In addition, Chapter 819 of Public Acts of 1990 established the requirement for driving privileges to be denied or suspended for children under the age of 18 if any of the conditions below apply:

• A child under 18 applies for a Tennessee Driver License and is in non-compliance with the compulsory school attendance laws or,
• A student age 15 or older withdraws from school or,
• Failure to pass three (3) classes per semester or the equivalent.

"Withdrawn,” means more than ten (10) consecutive or fifteen (15) days total unexcused absences during a single semester (TCA 49-6-3017 (C). Suspension days are unexcused in regard to this policy.

What if I have to sign out to go to the doctor or my parents come to sign me out?

Students will be allowed to sign out under the following conditions:

1. If the parent or guardian comes to the office to sign the student out, we cannot interrupt class to get a student except in the case of a genuine emergency.  Parents should take note of the times during which students may be dismissed for non-emergencies.
2. Alternatively, if a request is received in the office before First Period begins on the day on which the student is to sign out, we will make arrangements to dismiss the student at the appropriate time.  A note signed by a parent or guardian can be sent to the office with the following information on that note:
   • Student's name
   • Grade level
   • Phone number where the parent can be reached so that the school attendance secretary can confirm that the student has parental permission to leave school.
   • Parent's signature

3.         STUDENTS MUST NEVER LEAVE CAMPUS WITHOUT CHECKING OUT THROUGH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE.

1. Teachers cannot release a student from class except on authorization from the administration.  Any person asking for a student should be directed to the Main Office.  A student cannot leave in the company of any person other than a parent, legal guardian, school employee, or a person designated by the parent or guardian AS LISTED ON THEIR EMERGENCY CARD.

What happens if I am tardy?

The instructional day for high school students must be at least six (6) hours long, excluding lunch. Since the instructional time is a minimum time, it is necessary that students be in class and prepared for the lesson to begin when the tardy bell rings.

Tardiness not only means lost instructional time for the tardy student, it is also disruptive to the teaching and learning activities being conducted in the classroom.  Tardiness will not be tolerated as it consistently detracts from the time spent on task.  Each interruption takes away from the class concentration.  Students and parents should also be aware that three (3) tardies per class will result in an unexcused absence for that class.   Absences due to three (3) tardies may not be appealed.

What time does the school day start and where do I go when I get to school in the morning?

School begins at 7:15 a.m. All students who arrive at school before 7:15 a.m. wait in the school commons.  The doors to the commons open at 6:30 a.m. Traffic can be a problem.  Allow plenty of time to get to school.  The best advice is to ride the school bus.

How do I find out which bus I will ride?

The Transportation Office at the Central Office assigns our bus routes.  The Main Office and the Registrars Office have a listing of bus routes.  If you are unsure as to which bus you ride, then report to either of the offices listed above.  They should be able to help you.

Can I drive to school as a freshman?

Driving privileges are limited to seniors, juniors, and sophomores.  Freshmen are prohibited from driving to Soddy-Daisy High School.  NOTE:  A student who is classified as a freshman (having less than 6 credits) will not be allowed to drive or register a vehicle at Soddy-Daisy High School.  The student should remember this for future use.

Do students have access to the Internet?

We are pleased to offer to the students of Soddy-Daisy High School access to the school’s computer network and access to the Internet.  To gain access to the Internet, all students under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission and must sign and return this form to the designated school Technology Coordinator.  Students 18 and over may sign their own forms.  Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or anywhere on the school campus.  Communications on the network are often public in nature.  General school rules for behavior and communications apply.  The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others.  Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.  Parent permission is required.  Access is a privilege, not a right.  Access entails responsibility.  Individual users of Soddy-Daisy High School computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communication over those networks.  It is presumed that users will comply with district and school standards and will honor the agreements they have signed.  Beyond clarification of such standards, the school is not responsible for restricting, monitoring, or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.  Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers.  Network administrators, school administrators, and teachers may review files, bookmarks, and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly.  Users should not expect that files stored on the school servers would always be private.  During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials.  Outside school and with independent home access, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, movies, radio, and other potentially offensive media.  Student using the Soddy-Daisy High School network and Internet access does not permit the following behavior:

• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
• Using obscene language
• Harassing, insulting or attacking others
• Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
• Violating copyright laws
• Using another person’s password
• Trespassing in other’s folders, work, or files
• Intentionally wasting limited resources
• Employing the network for commercial purposes
• Any action that violates existing school policy, Board policy, or Public Law
• Sharing personal information such as street addresses or telephone numbers

Can I bring my friends who do not attend SDHS to school to go to class with me?

No, the school policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at school.  ALL visitors must report to the main office first to receive a VISITOR'S PASS.  Students are NOT to have visitors at school, including during lunch.  Parents are ALWAYS welcome at Soddy-Daisy High School.  We ask that an appointment be made ahead of time to see a teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Where do I eat lunch?

We have four lunch periods and students eat lunch in the “commons”.  Lunch is approximately 25 minutes in length.  Students have no control over which lunch they are assigned.  Students have lunch during a designated segment of third block.  Hot lunches will be served daily.  Plate lunch cost will be announced at the beginning of each school year.  A plate lunch includes a meat, two vegetables, bread, and milk.  Other foods are also available for purchase.  Students may bring their lunch if they choose, but they must eat in the cafeteria.  FOOD, DRINKS, DISHES, CUPS OR EATING UTENSILS ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE CAFETERIA AT ANY TIME.  Out of consideration for others, please leave the tables clean.  Students are to return all dishes, trays, silverware, and trash to the cleaning window upon completion of their meal.  Students are not to leave the cafeteria area during lunch.  No food catered or otherwise is to be brought on campus before or during lunch hours.  No food will be brought or delivered to students at any time. Coke machines and snack machines are not to be used during the lunch period.  During lunch students should stay in the commons area.  All areas (other than the commons) are OFF LIMITS.  Especially the following:

1. All parking areas (without approval from one of the principals).
2. Any special room(s) set aside for staff members only (faculty lounge).
3. All outside areas.
4. The academic wings which includes the science wing, amphitheater, the area below the amphitheater, and the area from the commons stairwell to the entrance doors to the academic wing.
5. The outside phone located outside the school building without the permission of an administrator.

SNACK MACHINES LOCATED IN THE COMMONS ARE OFF LIMITS DURING LUNCH.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE DURING 3^rd block.

What about lost textbooks?  Do they fall into the category of a Hold?

Yes, textbooks that are lost fall into the category of a Hold.  If you lose a textbook, you will not be issued another one until the lost textbook is returned or paid for.

I’ve heard that in some PE or wellness classes money or valuables are lost or stolen.  Is that true?

Sometimes this does happen.  Please do not bring large amounts of money to school.  All valuable articles should be in the possession of the owner at all times.  THE SCHOOL CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR STOLEN MONEY OR OTHER ARTICLES.  Physical Education and Wellness students SHOULD NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN THEIR LOCKERS while participating in any physical education/wellness activities.  Physical education/wellness teachers keep a “valuables bag” with them for the purpose of protecting valuables while students are “dressed out”.  THE SCHOOL CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR STOLEN VALUABLES OR OTHER ARTICLES LEFT UNATTENDED IN LOCKERS.

What if I get sick at school?

What to do if you are injured or become very ill:

1. Report the problem to the nearest teacher and they will give you a pass to the attendance office.
2. Go directly to the Attendance Office and notify the Attendance Secretary.
   • Give the Attendance Secretary your name and grade level.
   • The Attendance Secretary will consult your emergency card and call your parents or guardian.

What to do if you bring medication to school:

1. Take the medication to the Attendance Secretary; do not carry the medicine with you during the school day.
2. Follow the medication policy listed below.

If you become ill or are injured DO NOT:

1. DO NOT go to a restroom and stay if you are ill or injured.
2. DO NOT leave the school grounds or go to the parking lot without approval from one of the principals.
3. DO NOT take medication from anyone.  Teachers cannot give aspirin or any other type of medication.  Please do not ask them.
4. DO NOT bring prescription drugs or other medication to school unless you notify the office that you have them.  The Attendance Office secretary will keep your medication during school hours.  Failure to observe this rule may cause serious consequences.

I have medications that I need to take.  How do I make sure that I do this properly?

Medications should be limited to those required during school hours and necessary to maintain the child in school.  Medications should be administered by school nurses or other non-medical school personnel designated by the school principal.  Any student who is required to take medication during the regular school day must comply with the following regulations:

1. A written permission form for prescription medications will be provided to the school by the Health Services Department.  This form must be completely filled out and signed by both the parent(s) and child’s licensed health care provider.
2. A new permission form must be provided to the school at the beginning of each new school year.  The permission form must be updated when there is a change in dosage or time of medication.
3. Secondary school students are permitted to bring medication to school provided it is taken to the Attendance Office immediately upon the student’s arrival at school.  Medication must be in the original prescription bottle and refilled in like manner.
4. If medication is administered by non-medical school personnel, the school nurse will provide instruction on the proper administration of medication, the potential benefits and side effects.  Any medication given will be documented on forms provided by the Health Services Department.
5. All medication will be kept in locked storage boxes.  This box is kept in the Attendance Secretary’s office.
6. Any unused medication must be picked up by parent or legal guardian at the end of the school year.  Unused medication that is not picked up on or before the last day of school or medication that has expired will be properly disposed of by the school.
7. School nurses will monitor storage and proper documentation of medications administered, on a regular basis, to insure that medications are handled properly.
8. All medications administered will be given in accordance with the above guidelines.
9. Prescribed emergency medications to address life-threatening situations must be readily accessible to the student at all times.  These may be in the student’s possession or in a designated location as is appropriate to the situation (field trips, etc.).  Examples of these medications include but are not necessarily limited to:  asthma inhalers, epi-pens, glucose tablets, etc.
10. The school system retains the right to reject requests for administering medication that are not in compliance with the above guidelines.

How do I get a locker?

Lockers are given out through House.  Lockers with locks are made available for student's use at a nominal charge.  Each student will be issued a combination to his/her lock upon payment of school fees.  Students should not tell any other students their combination for obvious security reasons.  LOCKERS ARE NOT TO BE SHARED.  Each student is responsible for the care of his/her locker and liable for any damage.  Students may go to their lockers between classes and after school.  Lockers are provided as a service.  Students are responsible for all articles in their lockers; therefore, the school will not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen articles.  Sharing lockers is usually the biggest contributor to missing items.

What happens when my locker breaks or I cannot get into it?

If a locker is broken, report the broken locker to your House teacher.  They will contact the proper person to fix the problem.  Lockers become jammed if books or other articles are not placed in the locker properly.  Take the time to organize your locker to make it work for you.  Don’t try to cram your entire bedroom into that small space.  It will not work.

Do you have instructional charges?

The State Textbook Fund makes it possible for the Hamilton County Department of Education to furnish most free basic textbooks in grades 1 through 12.  We must ask your cooperation in helping to provide necessary supplemental instructional materials.  Your instructional charge will be $55.00.  Parental support by the prompt payment of this charge is greatly appreciated.  The instructional charge is broken down as follows:

All charges are requested to be paid to your house teacher by the end of the second week of school.  If this causes a hardship, please so indicate in writing to your house teacher.

In addition to the instructional charge, the specific charges listed below by department (not every student will incur these fees) are provided.  These charges are necessary to cover the expenses beyond what is provided by the school system for the course:

Computer Lab:                                               $5.00/course

Drafting Workbook:                                      $3.00/course

Math: (See note below.)                                $5.00/course

PE Uniforms:                                                  $20.00/course

Science:                                                        $10.00/course

Students withdrawing to other Hamilton County schools will not be given a refund.  They will not be charged an instructional charge at their new Hamilton County School.  Please note that the student must show proof of payment of instructional fees at the previous school to qualify for the non-payment of instructional fees when transferring.  Students withdrawing to another school system will be given a pro rated refund on instructional charges.

According to state requirements, personal checks cannot be cashed with school funds.  Personal checks can be used to pay school financial obligations.  Checks should be made payable to Soddy-Daisy High School for the exact amount of the charge being paid.  When paying in cash, the exact change is required.  When paying any type of school charge, be sure that the teacher receiving the money records your name and the amount paid on the teacher's official collections log sheet.  Receipts are not given unless requested.  NOTE:  State Law requires Soddy-Daisy High School to provide an opportunity for students to waive fees for those who qualify for free or reduced lunch.