The mission of Riverdale High School is to maintain a comprehensive educational program in a safe learning environment that will encourage students to achieve their potential and become productive citizens. Riverdale’s mission is a Lifelong Commitment to Excellence!

Alma Mater

On a hill beside Stones River,
Always proud and bold.
Stands our cherished Alma Mater’s
Flag of red and gold
Warriors ever brave and loyal,
Making right prevail,
We will honor thee forever,
Riverdale, all hail!
O Great Spirit of our nation,
Watching over all,
Guide us by thy light eternal,
Lest we faint and fall.
Warriors ever brave and loyal,
Making right prevail,
We will honor Thee forever,
Riverdale, all hail!

Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his designee. If an absence is unexcused, the work missed may be made up within five (5) days of returning to school from said absence. Out-of-school suspension days will be considered unexcused absences and students absent for out-of-school suspension shall be allowed to make up the work missed within five (5) days of returning to school from said absence and receive 80% of the grade earned. If a grade was not taken for the day missed, no deduction in grades will occur because of the absence.

A student who is participating in a school-sponsored activity shall not be considered absent from school. The state of Tennessee has many laws that regulate school attendance. Any absence without a note is automatically unexcused. Out-of-school suspension days are likewise unexcused absence.

• Students may not have more than 10 unexcused absences from school
• Each student is allowed 8 parent notes to excused absences
• Parent notes & other excuse notes must be turned in to the RHS attendance office within 5 days of the absences for absences to be excused
• Five unexcused tardies/early checkouts = 1 unexcused absence

• Students may not have more than 10 unexcused absences from school.
• Each student is allowed 8 parent notes to excused absences
• Parent notes & other excuse notes must be turned in to the RHS attendance office within 5 days of the absences for absences to be excused
• Five unexcused tardies/early checkouts = 1 unexcused absence

1. Students may not have more than 10 UNEXCUSED absences from school.
2. Each student is allowed 8 parent notes to excused absences. Per the Rutherford County Policy. See the policy on time frame for turning in notes.

Excused Absences
The only excused absences are:
1. Doctor or dentist appointment (for student only)
2. A death in the immediate family (father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, or grandparent)
3. Personal illness or immediate family illness
4. Required court appearance
5. Religious observances
6. Administrator’s discretion
7. Extreme weather conditions

Unexcused Absences
1. Truancy
2. Car trouble, lack of transportation, or traffic
3. Suspension
4. Job interviews
5. Oversleeping
6. Working
7. Driver’s license (exemption – excused with proof of appt.)
8. Family Vacations

Procedure to Receive an Excused Absence
1. Take your note to the attendance office and turn it in between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.
2. Note must be dated and signed by a parent/guardian.
3. The above procedure must be completed within five days after a student returns to school.

1. Students who are eligible for early dismissal must leave during this assigned period. This includes marketing, Co-op, seventh period Dual Enrollment and students with an early class.

2. Students who became ill at school are expected to report immediately to the nurse’s office for observation and further instructions. Remaining in the restroom will be considered skipping class. Students must sign out through the attendance office after a school official has contacted a parent.  Not signing out before leaving is an automatic suspension.

3. It is recommended that all appointments be made before or after school hours. All students, even those over 18, who must sign out must contact a parent/legal guardian to leave.

4. The student must be excused by a school official any time it becomes necessary to leave campus. The procedure is as follows:

5. RIVERDALE IS A CLOSED CAMPUS. STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CHECK OUT AT LUNCH TO EAT OR RUN ERRANDS.  The phone in the attendance office is only for sick students during lunch.  To use it, you must have a note from the nurse or prior approval from your assistant principal.  Your parent may come in and check you out during lunch.  We will not accept phone calls from parents during lunch for lunch dismissal.

To obtain a Riverdale High School parking pass, you must:

According to state Law. (TCA #49-6-3017) if a minor has been absent from school for ten (10) consecutive unexcused days OR fifteen (15) total unexcused days in one semester or if a student fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress based on end of semester grading (must have passing grades in three classes), the Department of Safety shall deny or suspend a driver’s license or learner’s permit to such a person. Riverdale High School will send Certificate of Non-Compliance to a Driver’s License Review Committee of the Rutherford County Board of Education every twenty (20) days; Rutherford County will then notify the Department of Safety.  When a student who is a minor applies for a driver’s license, the student must take a Certificate of Compliance before a license will be issued. This certificate may be obtained in the attendance office at RHS.

1. Students are expected to follow instructions and cooperate with the school staff. Any student who refuses to accept disciplinary action, fails to give his/her correct name when asked by any staff member, or engages in physical violence, obscene gestures, or vulgarity will be suspended immediately. Students who are disrespectful to any member of the school staff will also be subject to suspension. Anyone participating in any altercation will not be allowed to attend any Riverdale extra-curricular activities for one semester (this includes away games). 
2. Participating in, inciting, advising, or counseling with others to engage in any act disruptive to regular school activities on or off campus will result in serious disciplinary measures. FIGHTING on campus will result in:
3. Each individual is expected to show respect for the rights of others. Students fighting on school grounds are subject to immediate suspension and may be transported to a detention facility. The second offense will be considered more serious and will result in a longer suspension.
4. Students are not allowed to video fighting on campus. Students who are caught will be subject to immediate suspension.
5. Written or verbal threats to another student or staff member will result in serious disciplinary measures.
6. All substance abuse is prohibited at Riverdale High School. Any student using, furnishing, or possessing any illegal, non-prescribed narcotic drug, hallucinogenic, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, paint, glue, beer, alcohol, or intoxicant of any kind shall be suspended immediately and referred to the proper authorities. (See Zero-Tolerance Behavior.)  Alcohol use is a 5-day OSS suspension.
7. Possession of any lethal or dangerous weapon (even a replica of such weapon) or pyrotechnics (firecrackers, powders, explosives, ammunition, etc.) or self-defense devices (mace, pepper spray, shockers, etc.) shall be subject to immediate suspension. (See Zero-Tolerance behavior.)
8. Gambling will result in serious disciplinary measures. Possession of gambling devices (such as dice, cards of any kind, etc.) is also prohibited.
9. Theft of any kind will result in an automatic suspension. The offending student will be held responsible for compensation of stolen property.  Using someone’s cafeteria number is theft.
10. Students who destroy or damage school or personal property shall pay for such damage according to the value set by school authorities and be subject to suspension from school. Graffiti is considered destruction of school property.
11. Students who use technology inappropriately will be subject to suspension and computer privileges will be limited.
12. Misrepresentation of information to school officials (including forgeries) will result in suspension.
13. Any form of cheating, including copying, will result in the student redoing the assignment for up to 80% for all students involved. This may also become a part of the student’s disciplinary record.
14. Once a student has arrived on school grounds, leaving campus at any time before dismissal without permission will result in immediate suspension. 
15. Handholding is permitted, but all other displays of affection are not allowed. Offending students will be disciplined.
16. Non-school publications may not be distributed or posted without prior approval of the school administration.
17. Skateboards and rollerblades are not allowed on campus, including the Riverdale Stadium and will be CONFISCATED.
18. Students away from campus on school activities are expected to follow all school policies. Disciplinary action will be the same, whether on or off campus.
19. Any student who refuses to give any item to a principal or SRO officer when asked will be subject to suspension and possibly subjected to remandment to the alternative school. A student who refuses to give up his/her cell phone will lose his/her privilege per administrator discretion.
20. Students are to take pride in the campus. Anyone caught littering will be subject to suspension.
21. DEFIANCE of any kind will result in severe disciplinary action.
22. Being outside in unapproved areas is subject to suspension.
23. You must have a note signed by your principal to go to the parking lot.

Remaining out of class for longer than 10 minutes (while on campus) without an authorized excuse note will be considered skipping. This includes remaining in the restroom, guidance office, STARS Office, SRO’s office, library, cafeteria, gym, or any other area.    
*Students are not allowed to leave a classroom after 3:15. Leaving a class will be subject to suspension. 

Pursuant to Rutherford County Board of Education Policy 6.312 unauthorized use or improper storage of a personal communication device and/or personal electronic devices will result in confiscation of the device and appropriate disciplinary action.

All disciplinary action shall be in conjunction with the terms set forth in the Student Handbook and Code of Behavior and Discipline. Repeated inappropriate use of personal communication devices and personal electronic devices may result in the student losing the ability to bring the device or devices to school.

There is no prohibition against student use of personal communication devices and personal electronic devices on school buses or at school bus stops.  Students must adhere to the Board’s Acceptable Use Policy when using personal communication devices and person electronic devices on school buses or at school bus stops.

Any student who transmits by an electronic device any communication containing a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee and the transmission of such threat creates actual disruptive activity at the school that requires administrative intervention shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year.

Riverdale High School administration is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Refusal to turn over phone to an Administrator is subject to disciplinary action per the administration.  Headphones are permitted in the hallways; however, students will need to have one headphone/earbud in and one out. Students who fail to follow the headphone room will be subject to disciplinary action per the administration/dean.

There are two types, in-school suspension Restriction and out-of-school suspension (OSS). All students who are suspended at any time during the day (Restriction or OSS) must take final exams. Students assigned to Restriction should come to school at the regular time, but they must report to the Restriction room at 8:30. Work based learning students must stay the entire day. Serving restriction does not penalize students academically. Students present in restriction are not counted absent, and all schoolwork that is completed will count toward the six weeks grade. Students are responsible for taking the assignment sheet around to their teachers to get work and will return their own work to the teacher when they return from Restriction.  The most serious level of school discipline is OSS.  During OSS, students are completely removed from the school environment, and they are not permitted to participate in any school-sponsored activity (including extra-curricular activities and sports). OSS is considered an unexcused absence. Students will be given an opportunity to make up academic work within 5 days of their return and must ask their individual teachers for assignments. 

Students may email each teacher for the assignments at www.rhs.rcschools.net   Students will receive 100% credit for the work during OSS.

Serving detention will be either morning or lunch.  Detentions will be set up by the administrator and dean.  Early morning detention will begin at 8:00 and end at 8:25. If a student does not serve early morning detention, they will be written up for the 4th step in a dean referral.

1. All students must stand with their class.
2. Students must remain off the playing floor.
3. No objects can be thrown, including paper confetti.
4. Students should stand respectfully during the Alma Mater.

Students are expected to conduct themselves properly before, during, and after such assemblies. Any student causing a disturbance during an assembly, including pep rallies, will face immediate suspension, and will be prohibited from attending future assemblies/pep rallies.

For special school activities, students will not be allowed to leave school without bringing a permission note from their parents and following proper sign out procedures.

In keeping with the educational purpose of this school, students are expected to dress and groom themselves appropriately. Each student is expected to keep his or her personal and clothing appearance clean and neat.  The following rules will be enforced for all Riverdale students, male and female. Students who violate these rules are subject to discipline.  Dress code will be checked each morning during first period by the first period teacher and the dress code deans.

1. Clothing and accessories with slogans that are about (or suggestive of) drugs, alcohol, sex, or obscenities or which prove to be a disturbing influence shall not be allowed in the Rutherford County School System.
2. Footwear and shirts must be worn. House shoes are not acceptable.
3. Bare midriffs, t-back tops, racer backs, sheer or see-through clothing, bare backs, off-the shoulder tops, tank tops (spaghetti straps less than 1-inch wide), and muscle shirts are not allowed. Excessive exposure of cleavage is unacceptable. This includes lace camisoles.
4. Hoodies(worn as hats), scarves, bandanas, headbands, caps, face paint, curlers, rakes, picks, combs, or sunglasses may NOT be worn inside the building. Students violating this policy may have the article confiscated. Items will be returned at the end of each semester.  Hats are not allowed at school or on any part of the campus.  They will be confiscated and kept until the end of the year.
5. Jeans with holes may not be showing skin above fingertips. Holes should not be excessive. Students may not use duct tape, paper products, patch work, etc. to cover. 
6. Leotards, spandex, lycra, leggings with sheer or mesh cutouts, and form-fitting clothes are not suitable school wear. However, they are allowable if they are worn in conjunction with other garments that adequately cover the shoulders, chest, and behind.
7. The length of shorts and/or skirts must be equal or longer than the fingertip of the individual while standing in a relaxed position, even if worn with leggings. This also applies to Norts, which will be measured by the front.
8. Pants MUST be worn properly at the waist with a belt.
9. Clothing and accessories with slogans that are about (or suggestive of) fraternities or sororities are not allowed.
10. Blankets are not allowed at school.

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment free of drugs, violence, and dangerous weapons, any student who engages in the following behaviors will be subject to suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The superintendent shall have the authority to modify this suspension requirement on a case-by-case basis. Zero-tolerance acts are as follows:

Any student who, while on a school bus, on school property, or while attending any school event or activity:

1. Unlawfully possesses any narcotic or stimulant drug or dangerous weapon; or
2. Commits battery upon any teacher, principal, administrator, or any other employee of a local education agency.
3. Possesses, uses or transfers any dangerous weapon.
4. Unlawfully uses, or is under the influence of any narcotic or stimulant drug, prescription drug, or any other controlled substance (including marijuana)
5. Sells, distributes or transfers any narcotic or stimulant drug, prescription drug, or any other controlled substance (including marijuana and TCH)
6. Is charged with sexual misconduct (sexual battery, sexual assault, indecent exposure, rape, or aggravated sexual battery.

Textbooks are the property of the Rutherford County Board of Education and shall be returned at the end of the school year, upon completion of the course, or upon withdrawal from a course or school. Parents are required to sign an agreement stating they will be responsible for the textbooks received and used by their children.  If it is determined that there has been willful loss or damage of this textbook, the principal shall assess the appropriate fine and notify the parents in writing.  The principal may include with the notice a provision stating that failure to pay the fine imposed within a reasonable time may result in the withholding of all grade cards, diplomas, certificates of progress, or transcripts until restitution is made to the school.

The bullying of other students or staff, regardless of the method or medium used will result in disciplinary options.  The options will include:

• Bullying
  1st Offense	Warning - Contact Home - Central Office Report
  2nd Offense	1-3 days of Restriction - Contact Home - Central Office Report
  3rd Offense	1 – 3 Days of Restriction Contact Home - Central Office Report
  4th Offense	Admin Discretion

The creation, transmission or carrying of material that may be considered obscene, as defined un TN. Code Ann. 39-17-901 on school grounds will result in disciplinary options.  The options will include at most in-school suspension or possible remandment.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Copying or purchasing another’s entire paper and claiming it as one’s own.
• Copying (cutting and pasting) a part of another’s paper and claiming it as one’s own.
• Copying information from any source, including web sites, and presenting that information as one’s own.
• Copying information from a source word for word without putting quotes around those words-whether the source is cited directly in the paper or in the Works Cited.
• Copying or paraphrasing information from a source but changing the words around without providing an in-test citation-whether the source is cited in the Works Cited.
• Copying information correctly with quotation marks, including a proper in-text citation, but no citation in the Works Cited.
• Turning in a paper used in another class or context without first seeking permission from ALL instructors or supervisors included.
  
  

The main hallway is to remain clear each morning. Students who arrive early must move to the cafeteria or the gym bleachers. Students who wait after school should use the annex awning. The building must be cleared by 4:30 p.m. each day.

The rules for bus conduct are printed in the Rutherford County Student Handbook and Code of Behavior and Discipline booklet.  It is given to each student at the beginning of the year and is signed by the student and parent.  Misbehavior will be dealt with as follows: 

Riverdale High School is a closed campus. Visitors are not permitted except for official reasons (those approved by the principal’s office). Guests should not be brought to school, as our full-time efforts must be directed toward our own students. This includes babies and small children. Social visits are not allowed. Parents of RHS students must have an appointment to meet with a teacher during the school day.  Parents/Guest must sign in and will be escorted by a teacher.  No one is to be on campus without signing in. Trespassers will receive a Rutherford County School trespassing warning.

Open food and drinks are not permitted in classrooms or hallways (Even candy and other snacks that are concealed easily). During lunch, students should eat either in the main building cafeteria, the courtyard area (per administrator discretion) or the annex cafeteria. Food and drinks are to be consumed only in the cafeteria and courtyard areas. Students are responsible for keeping the cafeteria clean at all times, disposing of trash properly.  Failure to comply with rules will result in restricted eating privileges.  No outside food is to be ordered or delivered to the school.

Unattended items should be turned in to the office immediately. Failure to do so will be considered theft. Because RHS is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property, students should not bring large amounts of money, expensive jewelry, or other valuables to school.

Lockers may rent lockers from Spear Gear at the beginning of the school year. In the main building, these lockers have combinations that are changed annually. Another lock is not to be placed on the locker. The locker combination is the student’s personal responsibility and should be kept confidential. (Spear Gear have a copy of locker combinations — if you forget yours, ask.) In the annex, students should always keep locks secured. Loss of lock in the Annex will result in a $5 replacement fee. A $3 locker rental fee is charged.

Students may be asked to participate in school-sponsored sales. Selling for out-of- school groups (such as churches, clubs, fraternities, and sororities) will not be permitted. Only approved materials may be sold during designated times. Students who accept such materials are held responsible for either turning in money or returning the items to the teacher in charge. Items (and/or money) must be returned by a specified deadline. Prolonged failure to comply will result in serious disciplinary measures.

By state law, no personal checks may be cashed at school. Checks written for fees, fundraisers, or other authorized school purchases should be payable to Riverdale High School.

Riverdale High School does not sell insurance. However, as a convenience to students and their families, insurance is offered to interested students through an independent insurance agent. Inquire at the main office for more information.  Insurance is only compulsory for school-sponsored athletics, and such insurance is available to those who participate in sports. The participating student must either show proof of family coverage or subscribe to the school insurance.

Except in emergencies, students will not be called from classes to answer telephone calls. Messages will be taken, and the office will attempt to contact students between classes.

The priority is for students to be correctly signed in academic classes that meet graduation requirements.
Therefore, schedule changes will not be made for the following reasons:

• I changed my mind.I don’t like this class.
• I want a different elective than I signed up for at registration.
• I want to drop from AP to Honors or from Honors to Standard.
• I want to have that class a different period.
• I want a different teacher.

Thursday, October 22^nd & Tuesday, March 16^th

A student must have earned these units to be classified as: (2014 and after)

Sophomore        5 credits
Junior                11 credits
Senior               17 credits   

• A - 4 quality points
• B - 3 quality points
• C - 2 quality points
• D - 1 quality point
• F - 0 quality points

Late work is accepted but must be turned in by the last day of the nine weeks unless approved by an administrator.
Teachers can deduct up to 10% for assignments turned in under a week late.  For work turned in over one week late, up to 20% may be deducted.

Make up work must be completed with the classroom teacher within five (5) school days after a student returns to school.

1. Parent must be present to sign paperwork and provide proof of identification.
2. Student must be present to return books and obtain “grades in progress”.

1. Student must be a junior/senior
2. Student must meet the dual credit/enrollment college admission and retention requirements.
3. Student is responsible for all fees and supplemental materials.
4. Student must complete a Rutherford County Schools Dual Enrollment Contract prior to enrolling in the college course if course is to be included on the high school transcript.
5. Student must meet all enrollment and fee payment deadlines.
6. An official transcript from the university will be provided by the student to the counselor, prior to the end of the semester.

The Fine Art and Foreign Language Requirements may be waived for students who are sure they are not attending a University and be placed in courses designed to enhance and expand the elective focus.

To Graduate with Honors students must score at or above all the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT.

To Graduate with Distinction students must attain a B average (3.0) and complete at least one of the following:

• earn a nationally recognized industry certification
• participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools
• participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations
• be selected as a National Merit Finalist of Semi-Finalist
• attain a score of 31 or higher composite score on the ACT
• attain a score of 3 or higher on at least two advanced placement exams
• successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
• earn 12 or more semester hours of transcripted post-secondary credit

The Valedictorian/Salutatorian shall be the student(s) who attain(s) the highest grade point average for grades 9-12 and have taken a minimum of twelve (12) honors or above honors level courses and meet all requirements for a student graduating with honors and a student graduating with distinction pursuant to the Tennessee Board of Education’s criteria.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Criteria

1. The valedictorian/salutatorian shall be the student(s) who attain(s) the highest grade point average for grades 9-12 and;
2. The valedictorian/salutatorian shall have taken a minimum of twelve (12) honors or above 5 honors level courses and;
3. The valedictorian/salutatorian shall meet all requirements for a student graduating with 7 distinction pursuant to the Tennessee Board of Education’s criteria.
4. In the event multiple students meet the aforementioned criteria, then the highest achieved 10 ACT composite will serve as the final determination criteria. This will begin with the graduating class of 2023.
5. The requirements for valedictorian/salutatorian must be completed by the end of the 7th semester.

*Exception: Schools in Rutherford County with an enrollment of less than 500 students shall determine 16 valedictorian/salutatorian based upon honors and above honors level courses available.

**Exception: If there is no student within the school who meets the above listed criteria, the valedictorian 18 shall be the student with the highest grade point average.

Exams are given at the end of the semester and at the end of the year. Only a medical excuse will be accepted for missing a mid-term or final exam.  All excuses for make-up exams must be signed by Mrs. Blair.

Eligibility for exam exemptions begins the first day of school. A student who has been suspended (ISS or OSS) is not eligible for exemptions. Exemptions are at the teacher’s discretion.

Guidelines for Final Exam Exemptions
      Full-Year Class                                      One Semester Class
8 absences - A average                           4 absences - A average
6 absences - B average                           3 absences - B average
4 absences - C average                           2 absences - C average
2 absences - D average                           1 absence -   D average