Parents

1. “Three (3) unexcused tardies, three (3) unexcused checkouts, or any combination of unexcused tardies and checkouts which total three (3) will result in one (1) unexcused absence.”

2. 3rd Tardy = The teacher will submit an administrative referral by email.

   1. The student will receive after-school detention as a consequence for the third offense.

   2. Tardies do not start over after the 3rd offense. Continued tardies will result in progressive discipline, including additional detentions, loss of privileges, parent conferences, behavior contracts, or ISS for chronic issues.

For more information about Truancy, follow this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EqJCwO7IGK4_SfNik6T132Ol2VaRQjx9/view

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Alabama law requires all public schools to limit student use of personal electronic devices during the instructional day. This law is known as the FOCUS Act (Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety).

Under this law, students may bring devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets to school, but they must be turned off and stored out of sight during the instructional day. The instructional day generally runs from the first bell to the last bell.

Purpose of the Law

The FOCUS Act was passed to:

• Reduce classroom distractions

• Increase student focus and engagement

• Support a safe and productive learning environment

Exceptions

Devices may be used during the instructional day only under specific circumstances, including:

• Teacher-directed instructional use

• Medical or health-related needs

• Emergency situations

• Approved accommodations through an IEP or 504 Plan

Communication During the School Day

Parents who need to contact their child during the school day should do so through the school office, rather than directly through student devices.

Our school will follow all state guidelines and district procedures when implementing this law. Thank you for helping us support a focused learning environment for all students.

 

1. Riding a bus is a privilege that can be revoked.

2. Passengers are to follow all posted bus regulations and driver instructions

3. Drivers will inform the administrator if they are experiencing difficulties with students, parents, or situations that affect the safety of their route.

4. All transportation changes for elementary students will be managed through the elementary office. Updates will be processed using the KidAccount platform.

5. Buses will begin unloading at 7:15 

6. Buses will load at 2:55 (Elementary car riders will be dismissed at 2:45. High School will be released at 2:55)

Our dress code is designed to support a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment. Students are expected to come to school dressed appropriately for the business of learning.

If a Dress Code Violation Occurs

• First violation: Student conference

• Second violation: Parent conference

• Third violation: The student will no longer be allowed to wear the item(s) that violate the dress code

General Guidelines

• Length of clothing: Shorts, skirts, dresses, jeans, and pants must be long enough to reach a student’s fingertips when standing. Clothing should not have holes above fingertip length.

• Appropriate coverage: Clothing should fully cover the midriff and undergarments at all times, including when reaching or bending. Items such as crop tops, halter tops, mini-skirts, tank tops, or low-riding pants are not permitted.

• Inappropriate messages: Clothing or jewelry that is sexually suggestive, profane, vulgar, promotes gang activity, or advertises alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs is not allowed. Symbols of racial, ethnic, or religious hatred are prohibited.

• Distractions: Items such as sleepwear, blankets, hats, caps, bandanas, head coverings, and sunglasses may not be allowed during the school day. Medical and religious exceptions will be considered by the principal.

• Jewelry and piercings: Must not be unsafe or disruptive to the learning environment.

• Body art: Offensive tattoos or body art, whether permanent or temporary, must be covered.

• Final determination: If a student’s clothing or grooming is determined to be inappropriate or disruptive, the principal will allow time for the student to make adjustments. Continued disregard of the dress code may result in disciplinary action.

Our Goal

Our goal is not punishment, but maintaining a clean, safe, and focused school environment where all students can learn without unnecessary distractions. We appreciate your support in helping students arrive at school dressed appropriately each day.

For further information about our Dress Code, view the Student Handbook in the panel below.

Fyffe High School is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. In accordance with the Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Act, bullying, harassment, intimidation, violence, and threats of violence are strictly prohibited.

What Is Not Allowed

Students may not engage in behavior that includes:

• Bullying or harassment

• Intimidation

• Physical violence

• Threats or threats of violence

These behaviors are prohibited on school property, on school buses, at school-sponsored events, and online (cyberbullying).

What Is Considered Bullying

Bullying is defined as a repeated or ongoing pattern of intentional behavior that may be verbal, physical, written, or electronic. Bullying may:

• Cause a student to fear harm to themselves or their belongings

• Interfere with a student’s ability to learn or participate in school activities

• Disrupt the school environment

• Create a hostile, intimidating, or abusive atmosphere

A hostile environment exists when behavior is serious or frequent enough that a reasonable person would view it as threatening or intimidating.

Violence, Threats, and Intimidation

• Violence includes physical actions meant to harm another student or their property.

• Threats may be spoken, written, electronic, or implied and are intended to cause fear or distress.

• Threats of violence involve statements or actions indicating intent to cause injury or damage.

• Intimidation includes actions or statements meant to frighten or pressure another student.

Consequences

Any student found in violation of this policy will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, as determined by school administration.

Our Commitment

All students deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported at school. Fyffe High School takes reports of bullying and harassment seriously and will respond promptly to protect students and maintain a positive learning environment.

School Nurse Program & Student Health Policies

DeKalb County Schools are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all students. Each school works closely with trained nursing staff to support students’ medical needs and respond appropriately to health-related concerns.

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Medications at School

To ensure student safety:

• All medications must be brought to school by a parent or guardian, not by students.

• Most medications should be given at home when possible. Medication required during the school day must be approved and documented.

• Prescription medications require written authorization from a licensed healthcare provider and parent consent.

• Over-the-counter medications require written parent permission but do not require a doctor’s order.

• Medications must be in the original, properly labeled container.

• Students approved to self-carry emergency medications (such as inhalers or EpiPens) may not share them.

• School staff are trained to administer medications safely when a nurse is unavailable.

• Unused or expired medications must be picked up by parents or will be properly disposed of.

School personnel do not diagnose medical conditions such as ADD/ADHD—diagnosis must come from a medical professional.

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Head Lice

Head lice are not a disease and do not pose a public health risk. Our goal is to reduce unnecessary absences while handling cases with care and discretion.

• Students with nits only may remain in class.

• Students with live lice will be sent home for treatment and may return once cleared by the school nurse or trained staff.

• Students may return to school the next day after proper treatment.

• No more than two excused absences are allowed per lice incident.

• All cases are handled privately to avoid embarrassment.

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Communicable Diseases & Vaccines

Information regarding communicable diseases, including AIDS, is available in the district policy handbook.

Meningococcal Disease

• A serious bacterial illness that can cause meningitis.

• Spread through close contact such as coughing, sneezing, or sharing drinks.

• The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for students at ages 11–12, unvaccinated students entering high school, and high school seniors planning to attend college (especially those living in dorms).

Parents are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider or local health department for vaccination guidance.

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Seizure Safety

DeKalb County Schools follow Alabama law allowing trained school personnel to administer pre-measured seizure medication when needed. Staff receive appropriate training, and student safety plans are followed closely.

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Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are not a health hazard, but the district takes prevention and response seriously.

• Schools follow guidance from the CDC, ADPH, and EPA.

• If bed bugs are suspected, students are handled discreetly and parents are notified.

• Students may return to school once cleared by school staff.

• No more than two excused absences are allowed per bed bug incident.

• Schools are not closed due to bed bugs, and privacy is always respected.

Educational resources are provided to families to help manage concerns at home.

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Suicide Prevention & Student Mental Health

DeKalb County Schools are committed to supporting student mental health and suicide prevention.
The district:

• Provides counseling services, crisis intervention, and referrals.

• Trains school staff annually on suicide awareness and prevention.

• Educates students on warning signs, available resources, and the impact of substance use.

• Encourages collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations.

• Supports students and staff affected by suicide or attempted suicide.

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Our Commitment

These policies are in place to ensure students are healthy, safe, supported, and able to learn. We appreciate parents working with schools to help meet students’ medical and emotional needs.

Equal Educational Opportunities

DeKalb County Schools do not discriminate against students based on disability or any other protected characteristic. All students are provided access to the educational programs and services offered by the district.

Students with Disabilities & Section 504

The handbook includes information on students with disabilities and those receiving services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act:

• Students with disabilities are supported according to applicable federal and state laws (including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504).

• The district maintains procedures for identifying, evaluating, and accommodating students with disabilities so they can fully access their education.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

The handbook references discipline procedures for students with disabilities, which ensure that any disciplinary actions are handled with appropriate protections:

• Students covered under IDEA or Section 504 have their individual education plans (IEPs) or accommodation plans followed, including during disciplinary situations.

Related Services & Supports

Although the detailed process of evaluation and service delivery isn’t fully spelled out in the handbook itself, the district provides support services for eligible students through:

• Special Education programs

• 504 Plans for students with disabilities

• Accommodations tailored to individual student needs
  (These are implemented in compliance with federal law.)

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What This Means for Families

• If your child has an IEP or a 504 Plan, the services and accommodations listed in those plans are recognized and followed by the school.

• Families who have questions about eligibility, evaluations, or services should contact their school’s special education coordinator or principal for more information.

The view the complete Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, please click the link below:

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1761318057/dekalbk12org/flctekyzyhr0uxx5bitg/25-26FINALStudentHandbookUpdated102425.pdf