District-Wide Policies

The presence of communication devices in schools has led to increased distractions, reduced focus on learning, and diminished face-to-face interactions. To create a positive, academically enriching environment, Bradley Central High School, Walker Valley High School, and the PIE Innovation Center are implementing guidelines prohibiting the use of communication devices during school hours. This aims to: 

• Minimize disruptions during instructional time. 
• Encourage meaningful social engagement among students. 
• Improve overall student focus and participation in learning. 
• Reduce behavioral issues linked to excessive phone use. 

School administrators and teachers will define and direct the appropriate use of cell phones and other personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and earbuds) on school grounds. Neither Bradley County Schools nor its employees shall be responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of personal communication or electronic devices.

General Rules:

• Wireless devices (cell phones, tablets, earbuds, etc.) cannot be visible in a student’s possession at any point during the school day (8:15 - 3:30). 
• Student devices must be silenced,  and stored out of sight or placed in a designated area as determined by the teacher (e.g., backpack, pocket chart, or boxes) during the school day.
• Wireless devices are not allowed in dressing rooms or testing areas at any time.
• Wireless communication devices do not include school-issued devices being used for academic purposes.

Exceptions: 

• Emergencies as determined by the school staff.
• When authorized by the teacher for instructional purposes while adhering to school procedures;  
• To manage the student's health, as documented in the student's individual healthcare plan; 
• When the possession or use is required by the student's individual education program, 504 plan, or individual learning plan, or 
• When the device is being used by a student with a disability for the operation of assistive technology to increase, maintain, or improve the student's functional capabilities.

 

Consequences for violating cellphone expectations:

• 1st - The teacher gives the phone/device to the administration; the administration then calls the parent, and keeps the phone until the end of the day; Referral into Synergy
• 2nd - The teacher gives the phone/device to the administration, who then calls the parent. The phone is held for seven (7) calendar days, and the parent must pick it up. Referral in Synergy. 
• 3rd - The phone/device is held for fifteen (15) calendar days; Referral in Synergy.  *The student loses the privilege to bring any wireless device on school property. 
• If a student refuses to return their phone/device, an additional referral will be submitted for Defiance/Disrespect, which will follow the disciplinary steps.

The BCS Board policy 6.302 contains information to ensure the due process rights of the students who are alleged to have violated school policy.

Board Policy states, “ Before school authorities administer disciplinary measures, reasonable inquiry shall be made to determine the truth of what happened. The nature of this inquiry will vary in degree with the seriousness of the offense and the consequence. However, for minor offenses where the classroom teacher takes corrective measures, no formal procedure is required.”

Note: In the event of an emergency, parents will be notified through school-wide communication.  Bradley County Schools will not be responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of cell phones or other electronic devices used for communication purposes.

 

In order for Bradley County Schools to provide safe and secure schools and enhance the educational focus of our high schools, BCS has established the following standards for student dress and appearance. *In matters of opinion, the decision of the school will prevail.  

• Any clothing or tattoos that depict alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, profanity, sexual innuendos, gang identification, drug paraphernalia, and any inflammatory pictures or language of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• Visible body piercings other than the ears are prohibited.
• Unnaturally colored hair is prohibited. 
• Bandanas, hoods, gloves, beads, beaded attire, spiked accessories, and blankets are never allowed. *This list is not all-inclusive.   

Shirts and Tops

• Shirts that represent a high school must only represent the high school your student attends.
• Tops, shirts, blouses, and dresses must cover the abdomen, back, shoulders, and cleavage.                 

Slacks and Pants

• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must approach the knees. 
• Pajamas and fleece pants are NOT allowed.
• Holes in pants or shorts are NOT allowed.
• Skin-tight items such as leggings or tights are to be covered by bottom wear of appropriate length that approaches the knees.

Dress Code Violations and Consequences

• 1^st Offense - Warning and student will be provided a dress-code compliant change of clothing. 
• 2^nd Offense - Parent Contact and student will be provided a dress-code compliant change of clothing 
• 3rd Offense - Parent Contact and student will be provided a dress-code compliant change of clothing 
• Further offenses may result in further disciplinary action including ISS and/or campus community service at the discretion of the administration.

Bradley County Schools provides network services to assist in preparing students for success in life and work in the 21st century by providing them with electronic access to a wide range of information and the ability to communicate with people throughout the world. Network privileges include access to the internet. These privileges are not without responsibilities and Bradley County Schools has developed an acceptable use policy. Violations will be dealt with appropriately. To view this policy you can go to bradleyschools.org or ask your local school for a copy of the policy. Violations of computer use can be disciplined at the discretion of the administration.

 

It is the policy of the Bradley County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, vocational/career and technical education opportunities, or employment policies as required by Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendment and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section IV-O of the Vocational Education Programs Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Bradley County Schools offers classes in vocational/career and technical education program areas under an open admissions policy. Classes with selection criteria are nondiscriminatory.  Equal access is granted to Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For more information about application policies or course offerings contact the CTE office at 423-479-0458.

 

NO DISCRIMINACIÓN POLÍTICA PARA LOS ESTU DIANTES Y EMPLEA DOS

Es la política del Sistema Escolar del Condado de Bradley no discriminar por razón de sexo, origen nacional, religión, edad, estado civil, o incapacidad en sus programas educativos, actividades o políticas de empleo de lo dispuesto en el Título VI y VII de la 1964 Ley de Derechos Civiles, el Título IX de la Enmienda Educativa de 1972 y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación Federal de 1973 y Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de 1990. Estudiantes y empleados se facilitará el aprendizaje y un entorno de trabajo libre de relaciones sexuales, raciales, étnicos y religiosos, la discriminación o el acoso. Será una violación de esta política para cualquier empleado o de cualquier estudiante para discriminar a un estudiante o acosar a través de denigrante conducta o comunicación que es la sexual, racial, étnica, religiosa o de naturaleza. Las preguntas sobre el cumplimiento de la política contra la discriminación pueden ser dirigidas al director, coordinador (director de queja) secundaria superior, o la oficina del Director de Escuelas. (Consulte la política de 6,304, 6,305, 5,500, y el memorando de acuerdo: Los docentes del contrato Sección IG-Procedimiento de Quejas)

 

 

Within the first three weeks of each school year, the school system will notify parent(s) of students and eligible students* of each student’s privacy rights. For students enrolling after the above period, this information will be given to the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student at the time of enrollment. The notice will include the right of the student’s parent(s) or the eligible student to:

• Inspect and review the student’s education records;
• Seek correction of items in the record which are believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights, including the right to a hearing upon request;
• File a complaint with the appropriate state or federal officials when the school system violates laws and regulations relative to student records;
• Obtain a copy of this policy and a copy of such educational records;
• Exercise control over other people’s access to the records, except when prior written consent is given, or under circumstances as provided by law or regulations, or where the school system has designated certain information as “directory information.” Parent(s) of students or eligible students have two weeks after notification to advise the school system in writing of items they designate not to be used as directory information. The records custodian will mark the appropriate student records for which directory information is to be limited, and this designation will remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student’s  parent(s) or the eligible student. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 prevents persons other than the student or his/her legal guardian from viewing educational records, including discipline and attendance records.

*The student becomes an “eligible student” when he/she reaches age 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary school, at which time all of the above rights become the student’s rights.  (Legal References: 1. 34 CFR 99.7; TCA 10-7-504 2. 20 U.S.C.A. 123g (a) (5) (A) (B) 3. TCA 49-6-406: 10 USC 503(c) 4. 20 U.S.C.A. 123g (2) (c) (d) ).

 

Under the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111(g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district. Additional information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting the appropriate grade-level supervisor.

Supervisor of Secondary Instruction - Mr. Todd Shoemaker, 423- 476-0620 (ext 2004)

 

In order to protect the rights of students, to safeguard the learning environment, and to contribute to a “Drug Free” community, compliance with this policy is mandatory.

Students will not consume, possess, use, sell, distribute or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school-sponsored activity, function or event whether on or off school grounds.  This includes (but is not limited to) the use of inhalants and prescription drugs.

Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on students who violate standards of conduct required by this policy.  Such sanctions will be consistent with local, state, and federal laws, up to and including suspension/expulsion as well as referral for prosecution.  Completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program may also be recommended.

 

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the following offenses will not be tolerated:

• Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
• Firearms (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921)
• Drugs
• Assault
• Electronic Threats

Prior to the dissemination of a survey, analysis, or evaluation to students, parents/ guardians shall be notified of their ability to review the materials.  Following such notification and prior to the administration of the survey, analysis, or evaluation, parents/ guardians may opt their child out of participation.

“Directory Information” relating to a student includes the following: name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and the most recent or previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.  Student directory information for 11th and 12th graders shall be made available upon request to persons or groups which make students aware of occupational and educational options, including official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the state and the United States.

School administrators shall be authorized to grant permission and set parameters for media access to students in their respective schools. Media representatives shall be required to report to the administration for prior approval before accessing students involved in instructional programs and activities not attended by the general public. The media may interview and photograph students involved in instructional programs and school activities including athletic events. Such media access shall not be unduly disruptive and shall comply with Board policies.

Walker Valley High School, like all Bradley County Schools, is a tobacco-free campus.  Students are not to be in possession of tobacco, nor use tobacco products while on campus during school time or for activities (school discipline: ISS, OSS, Discipline Hearing).  Furthermore, in 2014, the Bradley County Commission added that all county buildings will prohibit the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.  Walker Valley High School will address these items as tobacco products and prohibit their use on campus.

Under 18 years of age

 

18+ years of age

Children need healthy meals to learn. Bradley County Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Please see the chart below for meals for the school year 2025-2026.  All Bradley County schools will be feeding under CEP (Community Eligibility Program) this school year.  This means all students will be able to eat breakfast and lunch meals at NO COST.  If you would like for your child to be able to purchase extra/a la carte items, please send funds with them to school or add funds to their account using the SchoolCafe app.  If you need to create a SchoolCafe account, you can get your child's student ID number from the school or by emailing Emily Thompson, emthompson@bradleyschools.org, in the Nutrition Office.

Our Commitment to Safety: Bradley County Schools is committed to providing safe and reliable bus transportation for your child. Our priority is ensuring the safety of all students during their bus ride. All school bus drivers undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict safety procedures.

Expectations and Responsibilities:

• Bus Driver: The bus driver is responsible for following all local, state, and federal regulations as set forth by the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation. The primary role of the bus driver is to maintain control of students and ensure a safe and secure trip during transportation.
• Student Behavior: Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to behave appropriately on the bus, mirroring classroom behavior. Disruptive or unsafe conduct will not be tolerated and may result in the loss of the privilege to ride the school bus.

Parental Involvement: Parents should discuss bus rules and expectations with their children to reinforce the importance of safety and proper conduct. Video and Audio Surveillance: Please note that all Bradley County buses are equipped with video and audio recording devices to ensure safety and security.

Bus Rules:

1. Obey the bus driver and follow their instructions.
2. The driver may assign seats.
3. No eating, drinking, or gum chewing on the bus.
4. No loud, rude, or abusive language.
5. No possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
6. Keep hands and head inside the bus.
7. Remain seated at all times.
8. Do not throw items inside or outside the bus.
9. Keep the aisle clear of feet and belongings.
10. Do not distract the driver.
11. Only use emergency exits when authorized.
12. Do not adjust windows without permission.
13. Once the bus is in motion, they are to remain seated. (No seat hopping)
14. Do not vandalize or damage the bus. Parents will be financially responsible for any act of vandalism. Students will remain suspended from riding the bus until damages are paid.

Student Responsibilities:

1. Cross the street in front of the bus, never behind it.
2. Wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the street.
3. Stay 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing.
4. Never crawl under the bus.
5. Arrive at the bus stop 5-10 minutes early.
6. If a student is in a vehicle waiting, they must be ready to load the bus at the designated arrival time.
7. Stay out of the road at bus stops.
8. Never get in a car with a stranger.
9. Report any inappropriate behavior to the driver and principal.
10. Stay silent at railroad crossings.
11. Provide a bus pass signed by parents and school administration for any changes in routine.
12. Be courteous and share seats.
13. Once your student exits the bus, the student needs to move away from the safe zone of the bus to allow take-off of the bus. The safe zone is 10-12 feet from all sides of the bus. Students should follow the driver’s request when exiting the bus.

Parent Responsibilities:

1. Discuss bus rules with your child.
2. Ensure your child is at the bus stop 5 minutes early.
3. Monitor your child’s behavior and safety before and after bus rides.
4. Dress your child appropriately for the weather.
5. Provide a note for any changes in the bus routine.
6. Be courteous to the driver.
7. Once your student exits the bus, the student needs to move away from the safe zone of the bus to allow take-off of the bus. The safe zone is 10-12 feet from all bus sides. Students should follow the driver’s request when exiting the bus. 
8. Parents will be financially responsible for any act of vandalism. Students will remain suspended from riding the bus until damages are paid. 
9. Avoid confrontations with the bus driver or students on the school bus.

 

If you have an issue with the transportation of your child, 

please notify the BCS Transportation Office.

Summary of TN Code 49-6-2008 for Transportation:

1. Authorized Access: Only assigned students, school staff, parents, and persons with valid business are allowed on school buses during school hours.
2. Unauthorized Presence: Unauthorized individuals must leave the bus immediately when requested by the bus driver or school personnel. Remaining without authorization is a Class A Misdemeanor. 

Violation Levels and Consequences

The bus drivers will make a written report of violations to the principal or his/her designee. The principal (or designee) will investigate and determine appropriate consequences. Only the principal (or designee) may reduce or suspend a student’s bus-riding privilege. The director of transportation can recommend discipline according to the severity of the offense.

• Level I Violations:
  • Examples: Not obeying the driver, failing to remain seated, and eating/drinking on the bus.
  • Consequences: Written reprimand, bus riding suspension (3-5 days), or out-of-school suspension.
• Level II Violations:
  • Examples: Tampering with bus equipment, fighting, and destruction of property.
  • Consequences: Bus riding suspension (5-10 days), out-of-school suspension.
• Level III Violations:
  • Examples: Assaulting the driver, possession of illegal substances, and unapproved use of emergency exits.
  • Consequences: Bus riding suspension (30-180 days), out-of-school suspension, possible expulsion.

 

Excessive repeat offenses by your child could result in the 

loss of the privilege to ride a school bus.

Procedure for Non-Regular Bus Riders and Alternative Stop:

1. The parent or guardian will write a note permitting the child to ride the bus.
2. Submit the note to the school administration.
3. The administration will check the bus capacity and approve the request.
4. The administration will issue a bus pass.
5. The student will present the bus pass to the driver.

Elementary School Bus Stops:

• Students must wait with a guardian in their vehicle until the bus arrives.
• They must ride the same bus in the morning and afternoon.
• Parents must be there to pick the student up in the afternoon when the bus arrives.
• Violating this rule may result in the loss of bus stop privileges.

Parent-Student Reunification Plan for Schools

To ensure the safe reunification of students with their parents during emergencies or bus incidents, BCS will develop a detailed Parent-Student Reunification Plan in collaboration with local emergency management agencies.

1. Accessibility: Ensure the reunification site can be easily accessed by school buses.
2. Evacuation Capacity: Coordinate with transportation officials to confirm the system can evacuate all students safely and conduct regular drills.
3. Special Needs: Address the needs of students with disabilities with appropriate facilities at the site.
4. Safety and Comfort: Provide shelter, restrooms, and food at the reunification site.
5. Parent Parking: Ensure ample parking for parents at the site.
6. Traffic Management: Choose sites with multiple access points to reduce congestion.
7. Communication: Test and ensure the reliable operation of the school's communication systems.
8. MOUs: Consider agreements with local colleges as reunification sites for their comprehensive resources.

BCS prioritizes student safety during bus accidents or incidents by ensuring a smooth transition for students to be reunited with their parents. This involves collaboration between the director of transportation, the director of schools, and local emergency service agencies to establish a safe exchange process. It is the goal of the BCS staff to reunify students with their families at a safe, designated area determined by the BCS staff. Parents are urged to follow the instructions provided to them to facilitate this exchange. It is our goal to get your student to and from school in a safe manner.

Procedures for Parent Notification of Bus Delay and Route Change Notifications

Parents will be notified by their child’s school, in coordination with the BCS Transportation Department, if there are any changes to bus routes or modifications to transportation services. The Transportation Department aims to provide families with as much advance notice as possible to allow for alternative travel arrangements.

Bradley County Schools Procedures for Reporting Unsafe Bus Driving Incidents

In accordance with HB 322 (amending TCA, Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 21), Bradley County Schools has established the following procedures for reporting unsafe driving by any BCS Bus Driver:

1. How to Report:
   1. By Phone: Call the Bradley County Schools Transportation Department at 423-476-0620 Ext. 2026.
   2. In Person or online, use the Complaint Form available on the Bradley County Schools website and bring it to the Bradley County School Central Office located at 800 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN 37311.
2. Information Required for Reporting:
   1. Time of the incident.
   2. Location of the incident.
   3. Bus number.
   4. Type of bus (e.g., large or small passenger bus, conventional or snub nose).
   5. Detailed description of the incident, including as many specific details as possible.
3. Timing of Reports:
   1. Reports should be made immediately or on the day of the occurrence to ensure accurate and prompt investigations.
   2. All reports will be investigated, regardless of when they are received.
4. Contact for Questions:
   1. For any questions concerning these procedures, contact the Bradley County Schools Transportation Department at 423-476-0620 Ext. 2026.

School Closings:

• Inclement weather or emergencies will be announced by BCS via message communication
• School closing will be made available to local TV and radio stations.
• Posted on all BCS social media platforms

Contact Information:

Terry McElhaney, Director of Transportation

Bradley County Schools Transportation Dept.

800 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN 37323

Phone: 423.665.4060

Your cooperation is vital in ensuring a safe and pleasant transportation experience for all students. Thank you for your attention to these guidelines.