STUDENTS & FAMILIES

BTA ORIENTATION STUDENT HANDBOOK 2025-2026

EST. 2019

BARRY TATUM ACADEMY

Wilson County Schools

Barry Tatum Academy

Orientation Student Handbook

2025-2026

BTA Student Orientation Handbook

This handbook consists of requirements for students placed in Barry Tatum Academy Alternative School. The handbook will be shared on our BTA school website and a hard copy shall be offered to the parents and student, at the time of orientation. Additional copies are available upon request. All State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, as well as requirements per the Wilson County Schools Student Code of Conduct, etc. will remain in effect while the student is enrolled at BTA.

BTA Alternative School is a short-term intervention program designed to provide educational services outside of the regular school program, for students in grades 4-12, who have been suspended or expelled, pursuant to the Wilson County Schools Code of Conduct. BTA Alternative School operates pursuant to Wilson County Schools Board Policy 6.319, Tennessee State Board of Education Rule 0520-01-02-.09 and State Board Policy 2.302.

Principal's Message

Dear BTA Students and Families,

Barry Tatum Academy is a unique setting, in comparison to the traditional school setting, from which you were remanded from. Our teachers and staff have expectations that adhere to the BTA policies and procedures and they consistently hold students accountable for their actions. Although the policies are strict, they are put in place, in order to be supportive and help guide students to be successful.

As a BTA student, our primary focus is for you to develop self-discipline, self-control, and restraint. Once you have achieved your required total points, our intent is for you to return to your school of zone, where you are successfully able to graduate. If you have questions, concerns or you are ever in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of my administrative team.

Principal, Mr. Shaun Caven

Admission

BTA school hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• Students are remanded upon violating the Wilson County Schools Student Code of Conduct.

• Zero-tolerance offenses result in expulsion for no less than one calendar year.

• The Director of Schools may modify expulsion to alternative school placement upon written appeal within 5 days.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for contacting BTA to schedule the mandatory orientation meeting.

• Daily absences prior to orientation are recorded as unexcused, even if an appeal has been filed.

• Five unexcused absences lead to truancy tiered intervention proceedings.

BTA Point System

Students are assigned to BTA for a specific number of "points" earned daily:

Maximum points per day: 100.

Point sheets: Must be presented to the homeroom teacher by 7:30 a.m. daily and must be signed by a parent/guardian each night.

Deductions:

• Failure to present sheet by 7:30 a.m.

  • Sheet not returned: Forfeit all points from the previous day.

  • Sheet returned unsigned: 50-point deduction.

  • Arguing with staff about deductions.

• Points are only earned while at school; no points are earned during holidays, breaks, or absences (except district-determined inclement weather days).

Attendance-Based Point Loss

Behavior Expectations (25-point loss per infraction)

• Dress code non-compliance (shirts must be tucked, no sagging).

• Disrespect or profanity.

• Failure to follow directions or raising hand.

• Writing on/altering point sheets.

• Leaving class without permission.

• Sleeping/propping head (3 infractions in one day may lead to suspension).

Severe Violations (May result in suspension, expulsion, or SRO charges)

• Threats, harassment, fights, or assault.

• Gang references (hand signs, drawings, etc.).

• Possession/use of vapes, e-cigs, drugs (including THC), or alcohol.

• Leaving school without permission.

• Inappropriate use of technology/internet.

Academic Information

• Counselor: Laura Cromer

• Schedules: BTA may alter schedules or substitute electives based on availability.

• Seniors: Goal is meeting graduation requirements. Seniors at BTA through the end of the year cannot participate in graduation ceremonies unless approved by the Director of Schools.

• Grades: Earned at BTA and averaged with school of zone grades for final credit.

School Campuses

• BTA students are prohibited from being on any Wilson County Schools campus or attending any school-related events (athletic, extracurricular, etc.).

• Violations may result in trespassing charges or additional BTA points.

• Exceptions (require Principal permission): Church services on school property, ACT exams, or mandatory TN Promise meetings.

Arrival, Dismissal, and Parking

• Transportation: Parent/Guardian responsibility.

• Building Entry: 7:15 a.m.

• Dismissal: 2:30 p.m. (Students must be picked up by 2:45 p.m.)

• Late Pick-up: After 3:00 p.m. results in a 50-point deduction

• Student Drivers: Must have a valid license, insurance, registration, and pay a $20 parking fee. Vehicles are subject to search.

Environment and Personal Items

• Visitations: Prohibited without BTA Administration permission.

• Phone Calls: Students are NOT allowed to call home; office staff will facilitate necessary calls.

• Bags: Backpacks, purses, and lunch bags are not permitted.

• Prohibited Items: Electronic devices (cell phones, air pods, etc.), jewelry/accessories, wallets, money, keys, and candy.

• Searches: All students and visitors must pass through a weapons detection system; all items are subject to search.

• Lockers: Provided for storing jackets/coats.

• Restrooms: Supervised breaks at designated times. Students must remain silent.

Meals and Additional Info

• Cafeteria: On-site breakfast and lunch available. Free/reduced status carries over.

• Inventory: Students are responsible for BTA property (Chromebooks, etc.). Parents must return all items belonging to the school of zone.

• Communication: Changes to policies will be communicated to students and parents/guardians.