Student Handbook
Welcome to Renaissance High School for the 2024-2025 school year! We are dedicated to providing all our students with an exemplary educational experience. We ask that all parents read through the content of this agenda to familiarize themselves with helpful information about RnHS.
District Wide High School Student Handbook
- Non-Discrimination Statement
- Future Changes
- Administration of Schools
- Student Academic Achievement
- Student Welfare
- Student Discipline & Behavior
- Individual Needs of Students
- Technology
Non-Discrimination Statement
Future Changes
Although every effort will be made to update the handbook on a regular basis, Williamson County Schools reserves the right to change this handbook and any content within, without notice, except as may be required by state and federal law. As a result, the online version of the handbook shall be the official version.
Administration of Schools
Athletics
All students participating in interscholastic athletics must have a current athletic physical form, concussion release form, and cardiac arrest form on file with the athletic department prior to participation in any tryout or practice. Forms may be submitted on Final Forms. Information regarding individual teams and expectations for student athletes may be found on the school’s website. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.301 for additional information.
Custodial Issues/Parenting Plan
Custodial parents/guardians must inform the school immediately upon any changes in custody, especially court restraining orders. Non-custodial parents may contact the school regarding access to their student’s academic progress. All families with a parenting plan must have that plan on file with their child/children’s front office(s), along with any subsequent orders or changes to the parenting plan or court order establishing the primary residential parent. See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.209.
Drug-Free Schools
Students shall not unlawfully possess, handle, transmit, use, be under the influence of, share, or sell drugs or any controlled substances in any way in school buildings, on school grounds, or on other grounds used for school purposes, (including parking lots or athletic facilities), on school buses, or at any school sponsored activity (See WCSB Policy 6.307).
Emergency Closings
Parents/guardians of Williamson County Schools students will receive school closure notifications by phone, text, email, mobile app, and social media. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download our app for free. Search for Williamson County Schools.
The district aims to notify parents/guardians and staff members of delays and cancellations by 9:00 PM the night before. If not possible, the district will begin notifying families as early as 5:00 AM the morning of the day school is closed.
Parents/guardians will be notified only at the main number on file in the phone notification system. If school is dismissed during the day, parents/guardians will receive notification to all of the phone numbers on file.
Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations
All students will need to have a signed permission form before participation in any activity of a club or organization. Permission forms are located on the school website under the extracurricular tab.
Field Trips
Students may have the opportunity to participate in several field trips as extensions of classroom activities throughout the year. Teachers will notify parents/guardians concerning field trips and send home permission forms for parent/guardian's signature. The school must have on file written permission from the parent/guardian before a student may go on a field trip. If the written permission slip is not returned by the due date, the child will not be able to attend the field trip. Students will travel by bus to and from all off-campus trips. Any exceptions to this procedure must be approved by the principal. See the WCSB Policy 4.302 for more information.
Fire, Tornado, and Emergency Drills
See Williamson County Board of Education policy 3.202 for more information on emergency procedures.
Moment of Silence or Prayer
Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1004):
In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of approximately one minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school day. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time but shall maintain silence for the full time. It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer.
Notification of Rights Under FERPA
See the WCS website for more information on the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act.
Parent and Family Communication
Ongoing communication from school to home and from home to school is essential. Your ideas, questions, and concerns are important. Teachers, administrators, and some support staff have a WCS e-mail address. Although you may wish to communicate with your child’s teacher by e-mail, please be aware that e-mail is not always confidential. Please do not send time sensitive information by e-mail. It is our goal to return parent/guardian communication in all forms within 48 hours on Monday-Friday when school is in session.
Photography and Videography Guidelines
The WCS Communications Department has provided the following guidelines for parents regarding photography and videography in schools. The purpose of the guidelines is to address problems that have occurred at some schools when parents have taken pictures at school and posted them on online social media sites.
- Parents are advised not to post on social media any pictures taken at school that include any children other than their own.
- Picture-taking at non-public school events: These events occur before, during, and after school and include class parties, field trips, assemblies to which the public is not invited (ex. talent show during the day, etc.) Parents are encouraged to take photos/video of their own children but should not take photos/video of other children.
- Picture-taking at public school events: This includes events that are open to the public such as Back to School Bash, Family Fun Night, etc. Parents may take photos at public school events that include other people's children but should avoid posting these photos to social media.
School Nutrition Program
See the WCS website (here) for more information about the school nutrition program.
Student Enrollment
All new students will register online using their Family Access account login. Contact the enrolling school with questions. Parents of returning students should submit the Back to School forms in Skyward each year. See WCS website (here) for more information about open enrollment and other enrollment options.
Student Fees
See WCS website (here) for more information about student fees.
Student Withdrawal
If a move or other circumstance requires a withdrawal from school, a withdrawal form must be completed, all WCS issued materials and devices must be turned in, and a student must be in good standing with the library and cafeteria. Once all requirements are met, a parent/guardian may withdraw a student from school. Contact your school for more information regarding withdrawal.
Textbooks
Parents and guardians shall accept full responsibility for the proper care, preservation, return, or replacement of textbooks and instructional materials, including Chromebooks. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.401 for more information about textbooks and instructional materials.
Transportation
Bus Riders
See the WCS website (here) for information, policies, and practices regarding bus transportation.
Car Riders
Your school will communicate with you at the beginning of the school year regarding procedures for car riders.
Walkers/Bikers
Your school will communicate with you at the beginning of the school year regarding procedures for walkers and/or bikers.
Parking/Driving on Campus
Parking and driving on campus are privileges. See school website for polices and procedures regarding parking and driving privileges.
Visitors to Schools
- All visitors must enter and exit through the main office doors.
- Parents/guardians, visitors, and volunteers must present photo identification to enter the building.
- All visitors must sign in and out in the office and wear a visitor or volunteer sticker/badge at all times.
- School personnel escort visitors touring the school.
See WCSB Policy 1.501 for additional information.
Student Academic Achievement
Academic Integrity
Academic excellence is a hallmark of Williamson County Schools, and we firmly believe that students should take pride in achieving success on their own merit while promoting honesty, integrity, and responsible conduct among all within the school community. We believe that the completion of an individual’s work provides the feeling of confidence and self-efficacy that helps them achieve ultimate success. As a community, we ask students to pledge to complete their work with academic integrity and take pride in the great accomplishment that comes with graduating from Williamson County Schools. School consequences could follow for any student violating our district integrity commitment.
Assessment
Three components play a critical role into every Williamson County Schools student’s educational program: a solid curriculum, effective instruction, and quality assessment. Curriculum, derived from state standards, defines what students need to know. Instruction is the practice of teaching each student that curriculum. Assessment is used to measure the student’s progress and mastery of what is being taught.
Please make every effort to have your student at school on time during assessment windows. No absences will be excused for family trips during these windows. You may view the district assessment resources here.
Attendance
Consistent attendance and punctuality is a cornerstone of student progress and success. If students repeatedly miss school or are often tardy, it puts them at risk for misunderstanding concepts that are taught and reinforced while they are not present. Additionally, student attendance is one of the categories the federal and state governments use to evaluate schools and assess whether or not they are making adequate yearly progress. Consistent attendance is a priority for Williamson County Schools.
Tardies and Early Dismissals
Students arriving after the start of school are tardy. See WCS website for start times and dates for Late Start Days.
Early dismissals are strongly discouraged within 30 minutes of the end of the school day due to the interruption of instructional time in classes and are a disruption to the regular dismissal process. Instructional time continues until dismissal. Office personnel must verify the identification of individuals when releasing a student. The parent/guardian must sign the student out in the office when the parent/guardian arrives to pick up the student, stating time and reason, and office personnel will call the student to the office when the parent/guardian arrives to pick up the student.
Parents/guardians must communicate in writing the permission for someone to pick up a student other than the parent/guardian. Office personnel will ask for a state-issued photo ID when someone comes to school to check out a student. Students may not be picked up from car services such as Uber and Lyft. These companies prohibit minors from being transported alone.
Late arrival and early dismissal may be excused for the following reasons: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.
Excused Absences
As detailed in Williamson County Board of Education Policy 6.200, excused absences include: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) Principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.
Written Documentation
The Williamson County School Board Policy 6.200 requires written parental or medical documentation for all absences, tardies, and early dismissals. This documentation ensures that school personnel are fully and accurately informed about your child. All absences are considered “unexcused” until a note is sent, preferably within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. The designation of an absence as “excused” is at the final discretion of the principal. When a student’s absences exceed 5 days per semester, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse all future absences. Notes are kept on file for the school year. Parents/guardians may also send an email with all appropriate information to the school’s front office.
Notes should state:
-
Child’s name
-
Teacher’s name
-
Date(s) of absence
-
Reason for absence
-
Doctor’s note attached (if applicable)
-
Parent or guardian signature
School Notification
In accordance with state guidelines for schools related to truancy, Williamson County Schools has implemented a three-tiered system to monitor attendance. Parents/guardians will be notified as unexcused absences accumulate (recorded) to proactively help with truancy concerns.
-
3 unexcused absences - parents/guardians will be notified via email or phone.
-
5 unexcused absences – Tier II truancy intervention begins, and a meeting will be held with family and school personnel. The team will create a contract to support the family and ensure subsequent school attendance. Follow-up meetings will be planned to monitor progress.
-
If the student continues to accumulate absences, Tier III of truancy intervention may be triggered and additional interventions, including potential juvenile court referral, will be established.
-
The Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Regulations (ESSA) defines students as "chronically absent" after 18 absences per year, regardless of excused or unexcused. Students who accumulate 18 or more absences will be considered “Chronically Absent” and reported to the state.
Grading System
See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.600 for information regarding the grading system.
Homework
Homework is defined as purposeful academic assignments given to students by teachers, which are to be completed outside of class time. See Williamson County Board of Education Policy 4.609 for more information on homework.
Response to Intervention (RTI)
A general education initiative, Response to Instruction and Intervention, or RTI, is a comprehensive framework for supporting students academically that focuses on high-quality instruction and evidence-based interventions. Instruction and intervention is tailored to meet the needs of the student through the use of initial screening data. Screening data come from assessments designed to identify student strengths and areas of need in reading, mathematics, and written expression.
Student Progress
Student performance may be accessed through Skyward Family Access for all students. Parents/guardians may request that a printed copy of their student’s report card be sent home each nine weeks. More information regarding student progress polices can be found in WCS Board of Education Policy 4.603.
Student Welfare
Communicable Diseases
No student shall be denied an education solely because of a communicable disease, and his/her educational program shall be restricted only to the extent necessary to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease.
When determining whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the Williamson County Schools Illness Guidelines. Please note that your child should not be sent to school until he/she has been fever free for at least 24 hours without taking a fever reducing medication.
If the school nurse determines that your child needs to leave, we ask that you or an emergency contact pick up your child within the hour that you are called.
If you have any other questions regarding health services, policies or procedures, please visit the Williamson County Schools Health Services web page.
Immunizations
No students entering school, including those entering kindergarten or first grade, those from out-of-state, and those from nonpublic schools, will be permitted to enroll (or attend) without proof of immunization, as determined by the Tennessee Commissioner of Health. It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to have their children immunized and to provide such proof to the school for which the student is to attend.
Exceptions, in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, will be granted to any student whose parent/guardian files with school authorities the following:
- A signed, written statement that such immunization and other preventative measures conflict with the parent’s or guardian’s religious tenets and practices, affirmed under the penalties of perjury;
- A written statement from the student’s doctor excusing the student from immunization due to medical reasons;
- Any student determined to be homeless, pursuant to federal law, may not be denied admission because of the student’s lack of immunization records due to being homeless.
Proof of exceptions will be in writing and filed in the same manner as other immunization records.
Medicines
The school nurse may only administer medications that are provided and authorized by the parent/guardian. Students should not have prescription or over-the-counter medicines on their person or stored in their locker. You can find the medication authorization form here.
Physical Examinations
Each student shall have a complete physical examination prior to:
- Entering public school for the first time
- Participation as a member of any interscholastic athletic team on an annual basis.
Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent/guardian of the student. These records shall be on file in the student’s record.
Screening tests as required by the Tennessee Departments of Education and Health will be conducted. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere or tend to interfere with their student's progress.
In general, the school will not conduct physical examinations of a student without parental consent or by court order, unless the health or safety of the student or others is in question.
Student Discipline & Behavior
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment may be defined as physical contact and is distinguished from a reprimand, a suspension, or an expulsion. Corporal punishment shall not be administered as a method of correcting inappropriate behavior in Williamson County Schools per WCSB Policy 6.314.
Discipline
The following list of specific expectations and school consequences is not intended to be all-inclusive. Students will be subject to disciplinary action any time their behavior is disruptive, illegal, or inconsiderate of others. The specific consequences will be assigned by school administrator in accordance with policies outlined in this handbook and/or at the discretion of school administration based on the severity of the event.
Please recognize that these rules apply at all times while students are on campus and/or in proximity to the school campus, on school-sponsored field trips or events, on school buses, at school bus stops, and at any other time or place that your conduct may affect the safety and/or well-being of other students and/or staff during the school day. Students are responsible for following all rules and regulations contained in the Williamson County Board of Education’s policies, expectations communicated by school administration, and expectations contained in this handbook.
BULLYING, CYBERBULLYING, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION
It is the policy of the Williamson County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, color, creed, religion, disability, or any other class protected by law in its educational programs, or activities as required by the referenced federal and state statutes.
High School Consequences
High school consequences could include a combination of the following: parent conference, ISS, restorative conferencing, ALC and/or court petition depending on the severity of the conduct.
DRESS CODE
See policy 6.310
Williamson County Schools student dress code supports equitable educational access for all students. A student’s appearance, including dress, must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching and learning climate, or compromise standards of health and safety.
High School Consequences
High school consequences could include parent conference, detention, or ISS depending on the severity of the conduct.
*Students arriving at school in excessive violation of dress code policy may receive automatic ISS for insubordination.
NUDE IMAGES
See policy 6.3041
Students shall not possess, show, or transmit nude images at school or at school events. In all cases of nude images, the administrator will contact the WCS Title IX Coordinator and law enforcement before proceeding with an investigation and disciplinary consequences.
High School Consequences
High school consequences will range from ISS to ALC with a court petition depending on the severity of the conduct.
STUDENT ALTERCATIONS & ASSAULT
Altercations between students shall be resolved through the proper channels. Students are expected to seek conflict resolution from school principals, counselors, the STARS counselor, or teachers to resolve the problem before an altercation outbreak, fighting or verbal disputes. In addition, students are expected to refrain from physically contacting other students at school, even if they are doing so as friends. Pushing, shoving, wrestling, hitting, yelling, cursing, or not stopping a conflict when a faculty member intervenes causes a disruption to the school day regardless of the intent. If a student is involved in a student altercation (which also includes inciting, setting up, or causing the conflict), the student should be prepared to receive the consequences listed below; furthermore, the school may also file charges of assault or battery. Students are expected to walk away from altercations and seek an adult. Regardless of who starts an altercation, fight or verbal dispute, all participants should be prepared to face consequences as outlined below. When there is a chance to walk away, prevent, or stop an altercation, fight, or verbal dispute, students are expected to do so.
THREATS OF MASS VIOLENCE
A person who recklessly, by any means of communication, threatens to commit an act of mass violence in school property or at a school-related activity commits a threat of mass violence, a zero tolerance offense.
"Mass violence” means any act which a reasonable person would conclude could lead to the serious bodily injury, or the death of two (2) or more persons.
“Means of communication” means direct and indirect verbal, written, or electronic communications, including graffiti, pictures, diagrams, telephone calls, voice over internet protocol calls, video messages, voice mails, electronic mail, social media posts, instant messages, chat group posts, text messages, and any other recognized means of conveying information.
“School property” means any school building or bus, school campus, grounds, recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used, or operated by any local education agency, private school board of trustees, or directors for the administration of any school.
“Serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves:
(A) A substantial risk of death;
(B) Protracted unconsciousness;
(C) Extreme physical pain;
(D) Protracted or obvious disfigurement;
(E) Protracted loss or substantial impairment of a function of a bodily member, organ or mental faculty; or
(F) A broken bone of a child who is twelve (12) years of age or less.
High School Consequences
This is a state zero-tolerance offense.
THREATS Other (NOT threats of mass violence)
Students should not threaten any member of the school community while on campus, at a school event, or off campus in a way that leaves a student fearful while on school grounds. A threat is defined as any expression of intent to harm someone. Threats can be spoken, written, emailed, or expressed in some other way.
High School Consequences
High school consequences could include parent conference, ISS, restorative conferencing, ALC and/or court petition depending on the severity of the offense.
VAPING/TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Students shall not be allowed to possess, smoke, or use vaping instruments or tobacco products in any form while on school property or while participating in a school-sponsored event, or while on school buses to and from school, or on school buses to and from school sponsored events. Possession of tobacco or vaping in any form anywhere by a juvenile is prohibited by law and will result in a citation to Juvenile Court with a subsequent fine and other punitive consequences. In addition to the court referral, five to ten days of ISS placement will be assigned.
High School Consequences
High school consequences could include parent conference, ISS, restorative conferencing, ALC and/or court petition depending on the severity of the offense.
Disciplinary Hearing Authority
A Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) shall conduct appeals for students who have been suspended for more than ten (10) school days. Upon receiving notification of the request to appeal the suspension decision, the DHA shall provide written notification to the parent(s)/guardian(s)of the student, the student, and any other appropriate person of the time, place, and date of the hearing. The hearing shall be held no later than ten (10) days after the beginning of the suspension.
For more information, refer to Williamson County Board of Education Policy 6.309.
Interrogation and Searches
See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.303 for more information regarding interrogation and searches of personal belongings and lockers.
Student Discrimination/Harassment/Bullying/Intimidation
Williamson County Schools has determined that a safe, civil, and supportive environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. In order to maintain that environment, acts of bullying, cyber-bullying, discrimination, harassment, hazing, or any other victimization of students, based on any actual or perceived traits or characteristics, are prohibited.
Bullying is not tolerated. We ask all parents/guardians and students to report any bullying to a teacher or staff member in the building. After a report is made, an investigation into the report will be initiated by administration within 48 hours. The investigation and required intervention will be implemented within 20 calendar days. Administration will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of all students involved. Administration will also provide information regarding any support services available. Administration will follow investigation procedures and definitions set forth in WCS Board Policy 6.304. Behavior that is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension as deemed by administration.
Definition: Bullying is defined by Tennessee law as any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance. Bullying is: 1) repeated, 2) intentional harm, 3) against someone perceived with less power.
Bullying has the effect of:
-
Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property.
-
Knowingly placing the student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property.
-
Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
-
Creating a hostile educational environment.
If a student needs help with resolving a conflict or if a student feels that he/she is being bullied, he/she should communicate with a staff member such as a teacher, counselor, or administration.
If a student or parent/guardian does not feel comfortable reporting a bullying incident directly to a WCS teacher or administrator, he/she can submit a Bullying Report. The student can leave his/her name or submit the report anonymously. An incident can also be reported through the WCS App. Falsifying reports will not be tolerated, and consequences will be given if it is determined that a bullying report has been falsified.
Suspensions
See Williamson County Board of Education policy 6.316 for more information regarding suspensions.
Title IX & Sexual Harassment
In order to maintain a safe, civil, and supportive learning environment, all forms of sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex are prohibited. This shall cover employees, employees' behaviors, students, and students' behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop in accordance with federal law.
The Title IX Coordinator shall respond promptly to all general reports as well as formal complaints of sexual harassment and may be reached at any time by phone or email.
For additional information concerning Title IX and sexual harassment, see board policy 6.3401 or the Title IX web page.
Zero Tolerance
The following are zero-tolerance offenses that will result in a calendar year expulsion:
- Bringing to school or being in unauthorized possession of a firearm or any dangerous weapon on school property;
- Possession of drugs or alcohol, including any controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or legend drug on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event;
- Aggravated assault;
- Assault that results in bodily injury upon any teacher, principal, administrator, any other employee of the school, or school resource officer; and
- Threats of mass violence
For more information, refer to Williamson County School Board policy 6.309.
Individual Needs of Students
English Learners
If the inability to speak and understand the English language excludes a student from effective participation in the educational programs offered by WCS, WCS shall take reasonable actions to provide the student equal access to its programs. Students who are English learners (EL) shall be identified, assessed, and provided appropriate services. No student shall be admitted to or excluded from any program or extracurricular activity based on the student’s surname or EL status.
The Superintendent shall evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s language assistance programs to ensure EL students will acquire English proficiency and the ability to participate in the standard instructional program within a reasonable period of time.
Parents/guardians of EL students shall be given notice of, and information regarding, the instructional program within the first thirty (30) days of the school year or within the first two (2) weeks of a student being placed in a language instruction educational program.
For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 4.207.
Homebound Instruction
The homebound instruction program is for students who because of a medical condition are unable to attend the regular instructional program. The homebound instruction program shall consist of three (3) hours of instruction per week while school is in session for a period of time determined, on a case-by-case basis, by WCS.
To qualify for this program, a student shall have a medical condition that will require the student to be absent for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive instructional days, or for an aggregate of at least ten (10) instructional days for a student who has a chronic medical condition. The student shall be certified by his/her treating physician as having a medical condition that prevents him/her from attending regular classes. The services provided to the homebound student shall reflect the student’s capabilities and be determined by the homebound instructor, after consultation with appropriate professional staff of the student’s assigned school.
For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 4.206.
Homeless Students
Homeless students shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e., academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency) or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to submit contact information to the district’s homeless coordinator. The Superintendent shall ensure that each homeless student is provided services comparable to those offered to other students within WCS, including transportation, special education services, programs in career and technical education, programs for gifted and talented students, and school nutrition.
For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.503 or visit the WCS website.
Migrant Students
The District shall:
- Identify migratory students and assess the educational and related health and social needs of each student;
- Provide a full range of services to qualifying migrant students including applicable Title I programs, special education, gifted education, vocational education, language programs, counseling programs, elective classes, fine arts classes, etc.;
- Provide migratory students with the opportunity to meet the same statewide assessment standards that all students are expected to meet;
- To the extent feasible, provide advocacy and outreach programs to migratory students and their families and professional development for district staff; and
- Provide parent(s)/guardian(s) an opportunity to participate in the program.
For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.503 for more information.
Section 504 and ADA Grievance Procedures
WCS is committed to maintaining equitable employment and educational practices, services, programs, and activities that are accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. To discuss concerns or seek resolutions related to Section 504 or the ADA, contact Student Support Services. SSS shall respond to all complaints within twenty (20) days with a written response as well as information on further grievance procedures that may be followed if the complaining party is not satisfied with the coordinator's proposed resolution.
For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 1.802 or visit the Student Support Services website here.
Students in Foster Care
Students in foster care, including those awaiting foster care placement, shall be immediately enrolled, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (i.e., academic records, immunization records, health records, proof of residency) or missed the district’s application or enrollment deadlines.
WCS and the child welfare agency shall determine whether placement in a particular school is in a student’s best interest. Other parties, including the student, foster parents/guardians, and biological parents/guardians (if appropriate), shall be consulted. If the child has an IEP or a Section 504 plan, then the relevant school staff members shall participate in the best interest decision process. This determination shall be made as quickly as possible to prevent educational disruption.
WCS shall collaborate with the local child welfare agency to develop and implement clear and written procedures governing how transportation to a student’s school of origin shall be provided, arranged, and funded. This transportation will be provided for the duration of the student’s time in foster care.
For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.505.
Students from Military Families
A student who does not currently reside within Williamson County shall be allowed to enroll if he/she is a dependent child of a service member who is being relocated to Tennessee on military orders. To be eligible for enrollment, the student will need to provide documentation that he/she will be a resident of the district on relocation. Within thirty (30) of enrollment, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student shall provide proof of residency within the district.
Students with parent(s)/guardian(s) in the military may also be eligible for excused absences related to his/her deployment.
For more information, refer to WCSB Policy 6.506.
Students with Disabilities
Williamson County Schools, in compliance with federal and state law, performs a countywide Child Find. Child Find uses screening to find students in both public school or private school located in the geographic region who may need special education services and supports.
There are two types of screening. The first is a general screening of preschool age children throughout the school year. These screenings are on-going and serve preschool-aged children. The other kind of screening is only for school-aged children. A child can be referred for screening by school personnel, the family and/or individuals in the county (physicians, child care providers, etc.) This should be done any time it is suspected that a child has a disability.
Visit the Student Support Services page on the WCS website for more information.
Technology
Use of the Internet
Williamson County Schools supports the right of students to have reasonable access to various information formats and believes that it is incumbent upon students to use this privilege in an appropriate and responsible manner. Students will be given appropriate instruction in internet safety as a part of any instruction utilizing computer resources. Please see the Responsible Use Procedure. If your child violates these policies, they could lose technology access while at school.
For more information, refer to Williamson County Board of Education policy 4.406.
Use of Personal Communication Devices
Personal communication devices of any kind may not be used to take pictures, video, or audio recording in the school setting. Personal communication devices of any kind are only to be used during the school day for instructional purposes only, at the direction of a teacher. Students take full responsibility for personal communication devices at all times.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is available to us in many different formats, but students and teachers should be aware that using it can pose individual and academic risks if not used properly. Within WCS, the use of AI should be balanced with consideration for security risks, privacy concerns, and academic integrity. For those reasons, Williamson County students and teachers must:
-
Use only WCS approved apps, including those with embedded AI.
-
Remain true to their own creativity and critical thinking skills.
-
Refrain from turning in work from any source without proper citation and presenting it as their own, as such action will be considered plagiarism.
-
Refrain from using AI to create any content that is illegal, discriminatory, defamatory, offensive or inappropriate to others.
Renaissance High School Information
- Transportation
- Visitors/Volunteers
- Grading Practices
- Lunch and Outside Procedures
- Chromebook Policy
- Cell Phone Policy
- Out-of-Zone Student Expectations
Transportation
Bussing
WCS does not provide transportation for out-of-zone students. Since RnHS is an out-of-zone choice high school, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school.
Arrival and Dismissal Time
Before school, students will be allowed in the building beginning at 7:30 AM. It is asked that parents not drop students off before then, since they will have to wait outside without supervision.
After school, students should leave the building by 4:00 PM unless they are staying for a supervised extra-curricular activity. Students should never stay in a teacher’s room after he/she leaves for the day. If students need to wait for a ride after 4:00 PM, they can come to tutoring and work on homework. Some students arrange with their parents to go to the public library after school to wait for their rides.
Morning Dropoff Procedures
All parents should drop their students off in the loop behind the school facing Columbia Ave. Parents, please pull up all the way to the bike rack by the Enrichment Center.
Afternoon Pickup Procedures
Freshmen parents and carpool drivers should pick up students in the loop behind the school facing Columbia Ave (please pull all the way up to the Enrichment Center).
Parents picking up sophomores through seniors after school should pull up to the Performing Arts Center along Everbright Ave.
-
Note: the intent of diverting traffic is to avoid cars backing up onto Columbia Ave! We recommend parents not to arrive until close to (or even a few minutes after) our 3:25 PM dismissal to avoid traffic.
-
If your child texts you that he/she is going to be a few minutes late, please pull over to allow cars to pass you.
Student Drivers
Students are required to park only in the designated student parking lot across from the Academy Gym. Each student is required to purchase a Renaissance parking pass for $10 to hang from the rear-view mirror. Parking pass applications are available through Mrs. Lovell at the front desk. Per Williamson County Government, Renaissance students are not permitted to park along Everbright Ave or in the Enrichment Center or library parking lots!
Parking Passes
Before receiving a parking pass, each new driver (i.e.someone who wasn’t driving to school last year) and a parent is required by WCS to complete a free one-hour Checkpoints Safe Driving training. Checkpoints classes will be announced through the Wolf Tales newsletter throughout the year.
-
Students may not duplicate, give, lend, sell, or share their parking pass with anyone else. If you withdraw from Renaissance, you will be required to turn in your parking pass to the office.
-
Students who speed or engage in reckless driving down Everbright Avenue may have their parking privileges revoked. TN State law makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving (even for music, maps). 1st violation is a $50 fine plus court costs.
-
Remember, the student parking lot is an extension of school property and all county and school rules apply.
-
Vehicles are parked and left at the owner’s and driver’s discretion. Renaissance High School/Williamson County/WCS are not responsible for any damage or loss of contents incurred to a vehicle on school grounds.
-
If you are seeking your driver’s permit, ask the attendance secretary to complete a Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance and take the original part of this form with them to a driver's license station. Please allow 3 days for processing.
Visitors/Volunteers
All visitors will be required to show their ID at the front door before being allowed to enter the building. Visitors must check in at the laptop at the front desk. Visitors who will be anywhere in Renaissance except the main lobby will be given a “Visitor” sticker from the front desk that should be removed when “checking out” at the laptop at the front desk. Only parents/guardians will be allowed to visit/checkout students during the lunch period. Parents/visitors/alumni must schedule appointments with teachers in advance before/after school or during their planning periods.
Grading Practices
Renaissance High School seeks to establish a schoolwide “Standards-Based Mindset” shared by teachers, students, parents, and administration. We believe grading should serve two purposes: 1) accurately reflect students’ level of proficiency on the course standards and 2) motivate students to want to improve and learn more! Teachers will explain their specific grading practices in their course syllabus for each semester, but collectively teachers are committed to the following:
- Clearly identifying the standards for each quarter, written in student-friendly language, for each instructional unit that culminates in a summative evaluation or project.
- Aligning those standards with the assignments and assessments that serve as evidence of students’ level of proficiency of those standards along with the criteria defining what “proficiency” looks like so students know what is expected of them.
- Providing feedback to students on their progress throughout the unit and allow them to use that feedback to submit additional evidence showing they’ve improved!
Renaissance teachers use three common instructional practices to lead students to proficiency on standards:
- Blended Instruction: Students use 1:1 technology and Schoology to access interactive resources, online texts, short instructional videos, assignments and rubrics aligned to specific standards.
- Self-Paced Structures: Each student controls the pace of his/her own learning throughout the week or unit of study by following a unit or weekly “playlist” as they submit evidence of learning for teacher feedback. This ensures that each student is appropriately challenged every day.
- Mastery-Based Grading: Students must show mastery of an essential skills and content before they can move on to the next lesson. This prevents learning gaps from forming, and ensures that students are ready to learn more advanced content and are prepared for the summative end-of unit evaluation.
Academic Support
Students have a study hall period for 25 minutes before lunch and again during 7th period when they can prioritize what they need to work on to improve and receive help from individual teachers as needed. Tutoring is also available after school four days a week from 3:30-4:30 at no cost when students can receive extra help or just have a quiet place to complete work.
Academic Student Expectations
Renaissance students can submit work late or relearn/resubmit assignments without penalty to demonstrate proficiency during each instructional unit. Renaissance expects students to take advantage of these opportunities. Consequently, students who fail two or more courses for the semester average at Renaissance will be returned to their zoned high school the following semester.
Lunch and Outside Procedures
Lunch
The Renaissance daily schedule includes a 25-minute study hall followed by a 35-minute lunch period. Students who are making a 70 or better in all of their courses with no incomplete work in Skyward as of 11:30 AM each day can forgo the study hall and earn an hour-long lunch. Students need to be aware that teachers may not be able to update/make changes to grades for work turned in within the past 48 hours if it was late and the official Skyward grade will be used to determine eligibility to opt out of the assigned study hall.
Students are required to pick up their own trash during lunch, regardless of whether they are eating inside or outside. If students move furniture/chairs to eat, they must put them back when they are finished eating.
Academy Park does not permit Renaissance students to eat lunch on the stairs of the Performing Arts Center, under their covered awning, or on the grounds of the Enrichment Center next door.
Ordering a meal from us
Students have the option of ordering a boxed WCS lunch or salad each morning at the front desk at a cost of $3.75 per day.
- Our lunches are prepared by Winstead Elementary Cafeteria and delivered by parent volunteers daily. Students choose among 2 salad options and 3 sandwiches that include chips, fruit snacks, and a drink. (Salads are not available on late start days.)
- Students who want to order a WCS lunch must do so by signing up online before 8:45 AM each morning . No orders will be accepted after 8:45 AM.
- Visit this link to add funds online to students’ lunch accounts or bring a check payable to “Winstead Elementary School Cafeteria” at the front desk before school.
- Free/reduced lunch applications are available here.
Bringing your own lunch
Students may also choose to bring lunch from home. Renaissance does have a refrigerator and microwave for students who wish to bring their lunch. Please label your lunch clearly.
Food Delivery
Students may order food delivery. However, the food must be delivered and eaten during the scheduled lunch period. Lunches that are delivered after students are back in class will be held at the front desk until the end of the period. Note: If you order an outside lunch, don’t forget to tip the delivery person online!
Off-Campus Lunch
Sophomores through seniors may choose to leave campus for lunch. However, remember that the lunch period is an extension of the school day and all school and county policies apply concerning behavior, drugs, and tobacco/vaping. Any 10th-12th grader who leaves campus without permission, does not return from lunch, skips 5th period, or breaks a school/county rule during off-campus lunch will lose the privilege of leaving campus for lunch for the rest of the current grading period (excluding zero tolerance offenses which are handled differently). Freshmen are required to stay on campus during lunch unless under the direct supervision of a staff member. On campus is defined as the courtyard in front of the school or under the trees behind the school where students can be seen from the building. Freshmen who do not follow these expectations will lose the privilege of going outside during lunch.
Chromebook Policy
Chromebooks should come to school each day fully charged, and chargers should be kept at home. There are not enough electrical outlets to guarantee use of one during class time. Please be careful with your Chromebook. All students must comply with the Williamson County Board of Education Policy IFBDA, the Student Acceptable Use, Media Release, and Internet Safety Procedures Contract, and the Williamson County Schools Computer Guidelines.
Cell Phone Policy
"Students' cell phones must remain turned off and zipped up in backpacks during instructional time. Students may not keep cell phones in their pants/hoodie pockets or in their laps. During class time, students may not take cell phones with them when they leave the classroom to go to the bathroom, request to work in the hallway, etc. Teachers will collect any student cell phones they see or hear during class time and then follow the progressive discipline procedures shared in their class syllabus before students can get it back. Any student who does not respectfully give a teacher his/her cell phone upon request will immediately be referred to administration. Students who need to call/text their parents during class for an emergency situation can ask the teacher's permission to use their phone at an appropriate time. Students have permission to use their cell phones between classes and during their lunch period but are encouraged to use the unstructured time to connect and engage in person with their peers.
Students may not wear airpods/headphones (in one ear or both ears) during instructional time whenever a teacher is presenting information or when students are expected to be collaborating with one another. Teachers may give students permission to wear airpods/headphones during independent work time, but cell phones must remain zipped up in backpacks."
Out-of-Zone Student Expectations
Renaissance is a Williamson County public, out-of-zone, choice high school. Therefore, if students do not abide by school expectations and follow the rules outlined in the school and district's student handbook and policies, they will be returned to their zoned high school at the beginning of the next semester. Specifically, students will be returned to their zoned high schools for the following reasons.
- Repeated violations of behavior expectations outlined in the student handbook (including our “no bullying” policy or violations of academic integrity)
- Committing any drug, alcohol, or firearm related zero tolerance offense on campus, on Academy Park grounds, or during off-campus lunch
- Vaping anywhere on campus or on Academy Park grounds
- Leaving campus without permission during the school day
- Freshmen leaving campus during lunch
- Excessive unexcused absences or tardies
- Vandalizing Renaissance High School or Academy Park
- Repeatedly refusing to serve detentions
- Failing two or more classes for the final semester average
- Refusing to attend credit recovery sessions or not making sufficient progress in credit recovery or online classes
- Any acts of physical aggression towards another student or staff member
Students who are returned to their zoned high school may choose to reapply to Renaissance after a full semester and will be considered for acceptance along with other applicants if there are vacancies in that particular grade level.