School Policies

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is essential to academic success. DemoSchool Academy expects all scholars to attend school every day school is in session, to arrive on time, and to remain for the full school day.

Attendance Requirements

• Students must attend a minimum of 90% of school days per semester to receive credit.
• School hours are 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Students arriving after 8:00 AM will be marked tardy. Three tardies equal one unexcused absence.
• Students with 10 or more unexcused absences per semester may be referred to the attendance review board.

Types of Absences

• Excused Absences: Illness with doctor's note, family emergency, religious observance, court appearance, college visit (with prior approval).
• Unexcused Absences: Any absence not accompanied by proper documentation within 3 school days.
• Chronic Absenteeism: Missing 10% or more of school days. Families will be contacted and a support plan developed.

Make-Up Work

Students are responsible for obtaining and completing all missed assignments. For each day absent, students have one additional day to submit make-up work. Extended absences (3+ days) should be coordinated with the main office in advance when possible.

Reporting Absences

If your child will be absent or late, parents and guardians must notify the school by 8:00 AM on the day of the absence. Failure to report an absence may result in the school initiating a wellness check.

How to Report an Absence

• Phone: Call our attendance line at (877) 429-8938 - available 24/7 with voicemail.
• Chat/Online: Use the chat widget on this website to report an absence anytime.
• Email: Send to attendance@demoschool.edu with your child's name, grade, and reason.
• PowerSchool Parent Portal: Log in and submit an absence request directly.

Required Information When Reporting

• Student's full name and grade level
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence
• Parent/guardian name and callback number
• Expected return date (if known)

Doctor's Notes & Documentation

For absences of 3 or more consecutive days due to illness, a doctor's note is required upon return. Documentation must be submitted to the main office within 3 school days of the student's return.

Dress Code Policy

DemoSchool Academy maintains a uniform dress code to promote a focused learning environment, reduce distractions, and build school pride. All scholars are expected to follow the dress code every school day.

Required Uniform - All Students

• Tops: Navy blue or white polo shirt with DemoSchool logo (available in the school store).
• Bottoms: Khaki or navy blue pants, shorts, skirts, or skorts. Shorts and skirts must reach the knee.
• Shoes: Solid black, white, or navy closed-toe shoes. No open-toe sandals or flip-flops.
• Outerwear: DemoSchool-branded sweatshirts or solid navy/white jackets only inside the building.

Not Permitted

• Ripped, torn, or excessively baggy clothing
• Clothing with offensive graphics, logos, or language
• Hats, hoods, or head coverings (except for religious purposes)
• Jewelry that poses a safety risk
• Non-uniform outerwear worn inside classrooms

Spirit Days & Exceptions

On designated Spirit Days (announced in advance), students may wear DemoSchool spirit wear or approved casual attire. Exceptions for religious or medical reasons must be submitted in writing to the main office.

Technology & Device Policy

DemoSchool provides 1:1 devices to all scholars. Use of school technology is a privilege that comes with responsibility. All students and families must sign the Acceptable Use Agreement before receiving a device.

Acceptable Use

• Devices are for educational purposes only during school hours.
• Students must use school-approved platforms and applications.
• All internet activity on school networks is monitored and filtered.
• Devices must be brought to school fully charged each day.

Personal Cell Phones

• Cell phones must be powered off and stored in lockers or backpacks during instructional time.
• Phones may be used before school, during lunch, and after school dismissal.
• First offense: phone confiscated and returned at end of day. Second offense: parent must retrieve the phone. Third offense: phone held for one week.

Consequences for Misuse

Misuse of school technology - including cyberbullying, accessing inappropriate content, or unauthorized sharing of information - will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension of device privileges and/or school suspension.

Behavior & Discipline Policy

DemoSchool Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. We use a Restorative Justice approach that focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships, while maintaining clear expectations and consequences.

School-Wide Expectations (PRIDE)

• P - Prepared: Come ready to learn every day.
• R - Respectful: Treat all people and property with respect.
• I - Integrity: Be honest and do the right thing.
• D - Determined: Persist through challenges.
• E - Engaged: Participate actively in your education.

Discipline Levels

• Level 1 (Minor): Teacher-managed - verbal warning, seat change, parent contact.
• Level 2 (Moderate): Office referral - detention, restorative conference, parent meeting.
• Level 3 (Serious): In-school suspension, behavior contract, counseling referral.
• Level 4 (Severe): Out-of-school suspension, possible expulsion hearing per district policy.

Zero-Tolerance Behaviors

The following behaviors result in immediate removal and may lead to expulsion: possession of weapons, physical assault, possession of drugs or alcohol, and making threats of violence.

Anti-Bullying Policy

DemoSchool Academy has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying in any form. Every scholar has the right to learn in a safe, supportive environment free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is repeated, intentional behavior that causes harm - physical, emotional, or social - to another person. This includes:

• Physical bullying (hitting, pushing, damaging property)
• Verbal bullying (name-calling, threats, offensive remarks)
• Social/relational bullying (exclusion, spreading rumors)
• Cyberbullying (harassment via digital devices or social media)

Reporting Bullying

• Report to any trusted adult, teacher, or counselor immediately.
• Submit an anonymous report via the school's online safety form.
• Call the school's confidential tip line: (877) 429-8938.
• All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly.

Consequences

Students found to have engaged in bullying behavior will face disciplinary action ranging from restorative conferences to suspension, depending on severity and frequency. Parents of both parties will be notified.

Health & Wellness Policy

The health and safety of our scholars is our top priority. DemoSchool maintains a full-time school nurse and follows all state and local health guidelines.

When to Keep Your Child Home

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher - must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
• Vomiting or diarrhea - must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.
• Contagious conditions (strep throat, pink eye, lice) - must have begun treatment and be cleared by a doctor.
• COVID-19 symptoms - follow current CDC and local health department guidelines.

Medication Administration

• All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be stored in the nurse's office.
• A completed Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent/guardian is required.
• Prescription medications require a physician's signature on the authorization form.
• Students may not carry or self-administer medication without a physician's written order on file.

Immunization Requirements

All students must have up-to-date immunizations as required by Tennessee state law. Proof of immunization must be on file before the first day of school. Medical or religious exemptions must be documented and approved.

Lunch & Nutrition Policy

DemoSchool participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). We are committed to providing nutritious, balanced meals that fuel our scholars for learning.

Meal Program

• Free & Reduced Lunch: Families who qualify may apply for free or reduced-price meals. Applications are available in the main office and online.
• Lunch Period: 12:00 PM - 12:40 PM daily.
• Breakfast: Served daily from 7:30 AM - 7:55 AM. Free for all students.

Lunch Account

• Families can add funds to student lunch accounts via the MySchoolBucks portal or at the main office.
• Low balance alerts are sent when the account falls below $10.00.
• Negative balances must be resolved within 5 school days.

Food Allergies

Parents must notify the school nurse of any food allergies or dietary restrictions. A completed Food Allergy Action Plan signed by a physician is required for students with severe allergies. The cafeteria staff is trained in allergy awareness and cross-contamination prevention.

Transportation Policy

DemoSchool Academy provides bus transportation for eligible students within our service area. Safe and timely transportation is a shared responsibility between the school, families, and students.

Bus Eligibility

• Students residing more than 1.5 miles from the school are eligible for bus service.
• Transportation requests must be submitted during the registration process.
• Bus assignments are confirmed 2 weeks before the start of school.

Bus Conduct Rules

• Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.
• Keep voices at a conversational level - no shouting.
• No eating, drinking, or littering on the bus.
• Follow all directions from the bus driver immediately.
• Bullying, fighting, or vandalism on the bus will result in suspension of bus privileges.

Early Dismissal & Pick-Up Changes

Any changes to a student's regular dismissal plan must be communicated to the main office in writing by 1:00 PM on the day of the change. Phone calls for dismissal changes will only be accepted in emergency situations and must be verified.

Non-Discrimination Policy

DemoSchool Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in any of its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.

Title IX

DemoSchool is committed to providing an educational environment free from sex discrimination and sexual harassment. Any concerns related to Title IX should be directed to our Title IX Coordinator:

• Title IX Coordinator: Ms. Tanya Robinson, Director of Student Services
• Phone: (877) 429-8938 ext. 205
• Email: titleix@demoschool.edu

Section 504 / ADA

DemoSchool provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Student Services office to initiate a 504 evaluation.

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act protects scholars experiencing homelessness from discrimination. Students without a permanent residence are eligible for enrollment, transportation, free meals, and other services. Contact our McKinney-Vento Liaison at (877) 429-8938 for assistance.

Privacy Policy

DemoSchool Academy is committed to protecting the privacy of our students and families in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable state laws.

Student Records

• Parents and eligible students (18+) have the right to inspect and review educational records.
• Records will not be disclosed to third parties without written consent, except as permitted by FERPA.
• To request access to records, submit a written request to the main office. Records will be provided within 45 days.

Website & Digital Privacy

• This website does not collect personally identifiable information without consent.
• Student photos or work will not be published online without a signed Media Release Form.
• Third-party educational tools used by the school comply with COPPA and FERPA requirements.

Contact for Privacy Concerns

For questions or concerns about student privacy, contact our Data Privacy Officer at privacy@demoschool.edu or call (877) 429-8938.