BBCMHS Student Handbook

The Talladega County Board of Education

Dr. Suzanne Lacey - Superintendent

Mrs. Kathy Landers

Mrs. Susan Shaw

Mr. John Ponder

Dr. Donna Hudson

Mrs. Sandra Tuck

B.B. Comer Memorial High School

Location – 801 Seminole Avenue, Sylacauga AL 35150

Grades- 7-12

Mascot - Tigers

Colors –Gold, Black, and White

Phone- 256-315-5400

Accredited by the

Website & Social Media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/comerpride/

Twitter: @BBCMHS

BB Comer Alma Mater

Alma Mater here’s to you

We put our trust in thee;

Thy everlasting faithfulness

Will give us victory.

So here’s to you Ole Comer High

Our Alma Mater true.

We pledge in love and harmony

Our loyalty to you.

Click Here for Link to Bell Schedule 2024-2025.

BBCMHS Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

 

Parents,

In order to promote a safe, orderly school environment, rules and expectations for arrival/dismissal have been established.  Students should only be dropped off and picked up from the drive directly in front of the school.  Dropping off and picking up students from the student parking lot is not permitted.  Only student drivers are allowed in the student parking lot at any time.

No traffic should enter the bus or gym lots during arrival and dismissal.  These areas are bus areas only and students are often present.  It is a major safety concern when other cars are present while students are loading and unloading buses.

Please use the diagram above to view appropriate and inappropriate drop off and pick up areas.  The arrows indicate the appropriate flow of traffic.  The star is the safest area to drop off and pick up your child.  Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students and faculty safe.

Thanks,

B. B. Comer Memorial High School Administration

Announcements such as the morning pledge, moment of silence, school pledge, school announcements and character education will be made over the intercom each morning. 

Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 a.m. because supervision is not available until that time. Students are NOT allowed to enter the building until the 7:40 AM bell. Upon arrival, all students may report to the lunchroom for breakfast. Then, they will report to the gymnasium or courtyard area. Once students arrive on campus, they are not to leave without checking out properly through the office.  Students who choose to drive to school should park their vehicle and leave the parking lot immediately.  There will be no sitting in parked vehicles.  Students who either drive or are dropped off will remain out front until the 7:45 bell.  In the event of bad weather, these students will be allowed to wait in the auditorium before school starts.  Students will need to be in their homeroom by 7:50 am.  

Students arriving at school after the school day has begun must sign in on the sign-in sheet in the main office and obtain an admit slip or tardy slip before going to class.  Students will not be admitted to class without a proper slip.  The student should have a note from his/her guardian explaining the tardiness. The administration will code the slip excused or unexcused based on state attendance policies. (Refer to TCBOE student handbook)

Tardies: We understand that being late to school occurs, however it should be very infrequent.  Parent and medical excuses on the morning of the tardy will still be excused, however the following policy for unexcused tardies will be enforced.  This policy follows Talladega County School’s Board Policy on Truancy. It will start over each semester.

Tardiness Program (Tardy to School):

Students who find it necessary to leave school during the school day for any reason must follow the guidelines below: 

1. Parent or an adult on the contact form must physically check out student. 

2. Receive permission from the administration/office staff to leave school and sign out on the sign-out sheet in the office.

3. Upon returning to school, sign in at the office and obtain an admittance slip.

(Refer to the Talladega County Code of Conduct)

4. Students may not use the school phone unless it is an emergency such as illness or other type of school emergency.

            *Students should not text or phone call/message their parents/guardians to check them out. This should only be done through the office so that school personnel can be aware of any medical issues or needs.  Students violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

Courtesy and good conduct are traditions at B.B. Comer Memorial High School. Each of us is expected to behave in a responsible manner with utmost respect.  All assemblies are held for your benefit.  Therefore, we expect everyone to give our guests the respect and consideration they deserve.  You may show your appreciation by clapping your hands. Please refrain from any negative actions.  Anyone that violates the conduct rules will be disciplined. Students are asked not to lean back on bleachers during assemblies in the gym. Students will sit by grades in the gym and auditorium.

(Refer to the County Handbook)

If a student has been absent from school for any reason except a school sponsored activity, the student must secure an absence slip from the office before attending any classes. Students have only three school days to turn in excused notes.  Students are responsible for all missed work assigned by teachers.

Students who ride the bus to and from school and on school sponsored trips will be expected to conduct themselves in a courteous manner.  Any student who cannot abide by the regulations of the transportation department will be subject to disciplinary action which could result in loss of bus privileges.  Bus drivers have the same authority and the same responsibility for requiring good behavior as teachers.  All school rules and regulations pertain to the bus, the bus stops, and the bus passengers.  Chromebooks are not allowed to be used on the bus unless you ride a Rolling Study Hall.  

B.B. Comer Memorial High School is a closed campus.  Students must report to the lunchroom.  Students will have designated areas in which to sit.  Students will eat the lunch prepared by the lunchroom staff or a lunch brought from home.  Students may NOT bring food/drink from the lunchroom.  The lunchroom is a federal government funded program and federal guidelines prohibit restaurant food or coke cans/bottles to be brought in by staff or students.  Therefore, students may NOT send out for food purchased from restaurants or have anyone bring it to them.  Students are not to visit tables during lunch.  Each student is also responsible for trash and tray disposal when the entire class is dismissed.  If students enter the lunchroom for breakfast, they must eat.

Due to school records and report cards being mailed to the student’s home, students who change their residence, address, or phone numbers after enrollment should report this promptly to the office. All school emergency messages will use the phone number provided by the parent. Any number on the call list may or could be notified if a situation arises pertaining to your child.  Parents: Please let us know if your cell phone number changes during the school year so we can update our system accordingly.

The bell that sounds to end the class period is a dismissal bell or signal to move immediately to the next class.  The teacher will dismiss students from class when the bell rings.  Students will have adequate time to move to their next class without being tardy. Students are not allowed to linger in the halls during class changes.  Students who are tardy can be assigned OSCAR.

If for reasons, such as weather related problems, it becomes necessary to close school, the local radio stations and news media will be notified.  A phone call from the county school messenger will also be used.  If no report is heard on the air, then it can be assumed that school will be in session.

Any parent, guardian, or student who has a complaint against the school should bring this complaint to the attention of the principal.  If the parent wishes to have a conference with a teacher, please call the front desk to schedule a time.  The principal will arrange a conference with the complainant and the teacher or appropriate staff member.  This conference will afford a full hearing and review of all the facts in the case, and each party will be given full opportunity to present information vital to the resolution of the problem.  Should the complainant not be satisfied, he/she will be referred to the superintendent of schools.  

All students shall be eligible to take correspondence courses and earn credit toward graduation.  The state allows one correspondence course per calendar school year for a total of four courses that may be taken overall.  Students shall not be awarded credit toward graduation if approval was not granted prior to enrollment.  The correspondence program shall be supervised by the academic counselor.  No such course will be taken in place of the same course offered at school without permission of the principal.

(In Conjunction to TCBOE Handbook)

• All students will receive due process.

• Before application of disciplinary measures for violation of a Board policy or local school rule and regulation, the local school principal or designee shall ensure that students are accorded appropriate due process. Although procedural due process is an imprecise and flexible concept, the following basic procedures will be accorded students. 

1. The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charge(s) against him/her. 

2. The evidence supporting the charge(s) shall be explained to the student. 

3. The student shall be given an opportunity to present his/her own version of the facts concerning the charge(s). 

• The disciplining authority (principal) may impose appropriate discipline measures immediately following the informal due process hearing started above (see Student Code of Conduct and Attendance .) 

• Conflict Resolution may also be used as a preventive discipline method.

• All major dress code violations are Class II Offenses.  Students will be checked during homeroom and throughout every day for any violations.  Students will be sent to the office for disciplinary purposes. 

• All students who have been suspended out of school for behavioral offenses must receive counseling with the counselor/administrator before entering regular class.

• OSCAR is used as a form of punishment to correct major or minor offenses. If a student cannot obey the rules in OSCAR, additional time will be added. Further problems may result in external suspension and continuation of OSCAR upon return. OSCAR time will be added in addition to the initial time.   

• Students assigned to OSCAR will have to write the rules of OSCAR in appropriate fashion.  Students will also have to complete assigned class work from regular teachers.  If students are disrespectful to the OSCAR teacher, they will be assigned an appropriate discipline packet to copy in addition to the rules and classwork assigned.  Failure to complete these OSCAR requirements will result in suspension and additional OSCAR time.

• All students that have been suspended will complete one or more days in OSCAR upon returning to school as a transition time before returning to a normal classroom environment.

• Resource students will be disciplined according to their individual education plan.

Students will use a ChromeBook for all of their classes.  Students will only be issued a laptop once they and their guardians both attend a computer orientation meeting, $25.00 protection plan (optional but highly encouraged) and read and sign the Digital Computing Device Agreement.  An important component of using an electronic computing device in the classroom will be to understand and use digital citizenship, appropriate online behaviors, and proper maintenance and care of the device. The policies, procedures, and information concerning this are located in the Talladega County Schools Student Digital Computing Device Agreement document.  This document is available online and available to read during the online registration process.  This signed online agreement is a required component before any student is allowed to remove any computing device from Talladega County Schools property.

• Any misuse of the computer or flagged activity will result in one or all of the following:
  • Loss of computer for extended amount of time.

  • OSCAR

  • Suspension 

• Offenses include but not limited to:  Chatting on computer, listening to music/videos without permission, hangouts, distracting activities during school hours.  Viewing inappropriate sites, having inappropriate pictures, etc.

• If you have P.E. you should use a locker to put your computer in. Locks can be purchased if you want to secure your belongings.  No computers should be in the Gym.

Flowers, gifts, balloons, etc…are not allowed at school.  Students are asked to remind parents that our office will not accept these items.

All aspects of the school-sponsored newspaper, yearbook, etc. are completely under the supervision of the teachers and the administration.

Written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials may not be sold, circulated, or distributed on the school's campus without the approval of the principal.

(In Conjunction to County Handbook)

  We will enforce the dress code policies and guidelines as indicated in the Talladega County Schools Student Responsibilities and Privileges Code of Conduct.  

 All dress code policies and grooming policies will still be enforced according to the Talladega County Schools Students Responsibilities and Privileges. Failure to follow the dress code will result in 1 day in school suspension. Repeat offenders will be viewed as defiant and have their punishment escalated.  

Students will not be allowed to wear hair styles that are distracting.  Students should not dye their hair with colors that are not traditionally considered the norm. The following are examples, but not limited to:  Highlighter colors, blue, green, pink, etc. Students should also refrain from having designs such as names, numbers, and artwork cut into one’s hair.  

Free Dress Days will be given depending on student behavior, school work ethic, and attendance. These days are given as a reward and are a privilege, thus these days can be taken away if a student has been referred to the office, refused to complete work, or had unexcused absences.  Any student who has been assigned OSCAR or has been suspended will automatically not earn the next scheduled non-uniform day. Parents and students should demonstrate good judgment when selecting non-uniform day clothing. Clothing should be appropriate length with no skin showing through jeans. Students wearing anything deemed inappropriate by administration will be asked to call home for a change of clothing. Absolutely no sweat pants or jeans with holes on free dress days.

Extracurricular activities are exactly what they say they are, extracurricular.  These activities are NOT part of the required curriculum of the state and do not have to be offered.  Students may take part in these activities as long as they adhere to all school and state rules and regulations.  The principal of the school may remove a student from participation if the student violates school rules and regulations.

Students who are absent for more than one-half of the school day due to illness or for an unexcused reason will not be allowed to participate in that activity or practice that day.  This includes: prom, athletic practice or competitions, athletic banquets, band banquets, etc…

Student-athletes will be required to attend workouts in order to participate in team sports. Students who decide not to attend workouts will not be able to participate in any of the team sports for one school year. Students must also meet all AHSAA requirements in regards to grades and district zones.

Extracurricular Activities

There are a variety of clubs and organizations at B. B. Comer High School – so come be a part of something great!

(* denotes an honor society)

• C Club
• FBLA

• Art Club

• FOCUS Club

• FCA

• Jr. Beta Club*

• Jr. Class

•  Student Advisory Council

• STEAM Team

•  Key Club

• Mu Alpha Theta*

• Science Club

• Sr. Beta Club*

• Sr. Class

•  Student Leadership Team

•  Student Government Association

• Tri M Society*

• Yearbook

• Spanish Club

• Educational Talent Search

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided without charge to the students.  Students are expected to bring their own supplies of pens, pencils, paper, erasers, notebooks, and folders.  

Students may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits including:

(1)  Computer (ChromeBook) Protection Plan (optional but highly recommended)

(2)  Club and class dues

(3)  Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel

(4)  Voluntary purchases of pictures, publications, class rings, etc.

(5)  Parking, PE, and locker fees

(6)  Fees for damaged books, textbooks, and school owned equipment

(7)  Fees charged in some electives

Students who have not cleared will not participate in any extra-curricular activity such as prom, field trips, athletics, graduation, pageants, etc.  Students will not be allowed to participate in open campus during exams.  No books will be issued until the fee for the lost or damaged book is cleared.

Field trips are considered an extracurricular event; therefore, good behavior by students is a must in order to participate. Any student who has been suspended out of school for disruptive or defiant behavior will not be allowed to attend field trips.  Any questions regarding eligibility and/or class-related field trips should be directed to the principal. All field trips will be kept to a minimum and must have the approval of the principal.

Students, teachers, and staff members shall participate in frequent drills and emergency procedures.  When the alarm is sounded, students must follow the direction of teachers quickly and quietly in an orderly manner.  The school will use the intercom and alarm system to activate and notify students and personnel in the event of an emergency.

Instructions for these drills will be posted in each classroom and discussed by each teacher. Students are expected to cooperate and follow instructions during drills and in the event of fire, tornado, or intruder.

Student clubs, classes, school organizations, and parent-school support groups will be permitted to conduct fundraising drives.  Permission to engage in fundraising must be requested and granted at least two weeks in advance of the event.  Fundraising shall not take place on school property without permission of the principal.  Students will not be released from class to participate in fundraising. 

B.B. Comer Memorial High School has a “No Contact” policy.  Therefore, if any student is engaged in a fight or horse playing on school campus, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school bus, he or she will be subject to severe disciplinary action.  If a severe fight breaks out among two or more students, state law requires that law officials be called.  All students are hereby informed that they are subject to be taken by the police to the police station where their parents must pick them up if they are involved in a severe fight.  Juvenile authorities may also be contacted. Students may be sent to the alternative school as determined by administration. Bullying such as threatening or harassing will also not be tolerated at school.

In accordance with the Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Act Policy, no student shall engage in or be subjected to harassment, violence, threats of violence, or intimidation by any other student that is based on any of the specific characteristics that have been identified by the Board of Education in its policy. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Harassment/Threatened Suicide Report/Referral form can be obtained in the main office.

Cyberbullying is when a person is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another person using the internet, interactive and digital technologies, or mobile phones. Students participating in cyber bullying while at school will face disciplinary action. In addition, students participating in cyber bullying off school campus that disrupts or negatively affects the school environment may also face disciplinary action. Law enforcement officials may be contacted if deemed necessary by school officials. (See Student Code of Conduct and Attendance and File: JCDACD in the Board Policy Manual) 

In accordance with the Code of Alabama, 16-1-24.1, the possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons and/or physical harm to a person or threatened physical harm to a person will result in immediate suspension from school and possible criminal charges being brought against the student(s). The decision to suspend shall include a review and consideration of the student’s exceptional status, if applicable, under Chapter 39 or appropriate under federal statutory or case law. 

If a person is found to have violated a local board of education policy concerning drugs, alcohol, weapons, physical harm to a person or threatened physical harm to a person, the person may not be readmitted to the public schools until criminal charges, if any, have been disposed of by appropriate authorities and the person has satisfied all other requirements imposed by the local board of education as a condition of readmission.

In adherence with Talladega County Schools grading policy, all grades will be reported into one of three categories with weights being as follows:

Gold: 60% of grade (to include major tests, projects, and standards mastery)

Silver: 30% of grade (to include quizzes, small projects, and prerequisite skills)

Bronze: 10% of grade (to include homework, daily grades, practice skills, etc.) 

(Refer to County Handbook for more information)

All grades will be reported numerically as indicated below:

A 90 - 100 Excellent

B 80 – 89 Good

C 70 - 79 Average

D 60 - 69 Below Average

F 0 - 59 Failing

I Incomplete

Grade Reports will be issued at the end of each nine-week grading period.  Students who lose grade reports must pay $2.00 for a replacement to get the grade report to the guardian and back to the school.

Any student who alters a grade report or forges their guardian's signature will be disciplined.

Progress Reports will be issued to students every four and a half weeks.  Progress reports are required to be given to all students to help keep parents and students informed.

Actual grade averages may be discussed with any teacher.  Please call the school office for an appointment to discuss grades with teachers during a scheduled time.

PowerSchool Access: Students will access the PowerSchool App with their Talladega County Google credentials. Parents can access the app with their child’s credentials. We do not currently have a parent portal. If a parent portal is established during the school year, information for how to access the portal will be sent home with students.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Actual grade averages may be discussed with any teacher.  Please call the school office for an appointment to discuss grades with teachers during a scheduled time.

Seniors who are candidates for graduation must complete all requirements for their designated diploma.  A fee will be assessed to each candidate for cap, gown, etc...  Seniors will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony if the fee or any school debt (including invitations) is not paid by designated date.  All candidates must be at graduation practice in order to participate unless otherwise approved by the principal.  All candidates must follow the designated dress code to participate.  Inappropriate conduct or failure to follow the dress code may result in students NOT participating in the ceremony and not receiving a diploma until a later date.  Inappropriate conduct can include senior pranks, under the influence of illegal substances, disruptive behavior, or behaviors which bring attention to one’s self.

Do not run in the hallways.  Always observe the following:

1. Walk.

2. Keep to the right when walking down the hallways.

3. Do not gather around lockers or in the hallways to talk. This results in blocking the hallway for others.

4.  Be in your assigned hallway or restroom area.   

Students out of any class will be charged with the responsibility of having permission to be out of class using the new Smartpass system. SmartPass does not have a GPS tracking system, it is just a digital version of the sign-out sheet and paper passes. It provides administrators an accounting of which students are outside of the classroom during the school day. In case of emergencies such as fires, severe weather, or building intruders, administrators have real-time access to this critical information. Beyond the uses for emergency situations, the transition from the germ carrying classroom wood blocks used today to digital will also make it easier to identify excessive use of bathrooms or students who may be taking advantage of hallway privileges. This leads to more effective and informative parent-teacher conferences, as well as ensuring students are where they should be - in the classroom learning. Students can access SmartPass from their school-provided device or from their personal mobile device through the App Store or at www.smartpass.app/app.

For more information, please visit the vendor’s website at https://www.smartpass.app/faq. A student who does not show a pass in the system or is not in the area designated by the pass will be disciplined. Passes out of class will be given based on the teacher’s discretion, frequency, and numbers in the hallway at a given time.   

Comer is a family-oriented school.  Therefore, all Homecoming candidates will be escorted by a family member during the ceremony.  Applications for Homecoming Queen and Court may be picked up from the Student Council sponsor.  Students must be in good standing with attendance, grades, and behavior.  The homecoming parade is not sanctioned by principal.  Therefore, the parade if done will be held after school hours and off campus.

The library is located upstairs.  We encourage the students and staff to make use of this facility and its resources.  All students will follow rules set forth by the media specialist.  All students must sign internet forms before using the internet.

Lockers remain under the jurisdiction of the school, notwithstanding the fact that they are rented and assigned to individual students.  There is a fee for lockers.  There will be NO sharing of instructional lockers.  The school reserves the right to inspect all lockers.  Students have full responsibility for the security of lockers.  Locks are provided on all lockers and the student is responsible for the lock. Students may NOT place their own lock on their instructional locker. Searches of lockers may be conducted at any time if there is reasonable cause to do so, whether or not students are present, and lockers may be sniffed by trained dogs at any time.

Please do not bring large amounts of money or valuables to school.  Lockers are NOT a safe place to keep items of high value.  If you have something of value which you must take to PE class, ask the teacher to care for it.  The school is NOT responsible for stolen items.

The lost and found will be located upstairs with the assistant principal.  If an article has been lost, check with the office before you leave.  At the end of the year, lost items will be donated to charities.

 To provide and maintain a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors, the school may employ the use of stationary and/or mobile metal detectors.  School officials are authorized to search for weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, and/or other materials or objects, the possession of which is a violation of school board policy, either by a detection device or other methods, when there is reasonable suspicion that the item(s) may be found by a search.

 

Any use of these devices during the school day will be deemed inappropriate.  These devices should be turned off and stored in lockers for the duration of the school day.  If the device is being used in an inappropriate manner then the item will be confiscated and only released to the parent or guardian. OSCAR time and suspension from school can occur from inappropriate use of these devices. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or electronics. 

Parking and Driving Regulations

1. Park the vehicle, get out, lock it, and move to the school building. There will be no loitering in parked vehicles. Students who are AWOL by way of using their vehicle will have their parking privileges suspended.

3. Students should operate their vehicle in a safe manner. The speed limit on campus is 5 MPH. No loud music and no peeling out.  

4. Any infraction of these rules will cause for suspension of the privilege of bringing a car to school. There will be no refunds for people who break the rules.

5. Any person parking a vehicle on campus without permission will be subject to disciplinary action.  

Parking behind the school is prohibited during regular school hours.

Parents/Guardians are not allowed to drop off/pick up students from behind the school during bus loading and unloading.

Due to the number of parking spaces available, parking will be limited to seniors and juniors on a first come first serve basis.

Students will not be called out of class for phone calls.  In the event of an emergency, the principal will contact the student.

Vape Prevention - All Middle & High School students will be required to complete a Vape Education Module at the beginning of each school year. 

In the event a student is found to possess, use or distribute these products, the following protocols will be enforced. 

1st Vape Infraction - Two days Out of School Suspension, Three days In School Suspension, & successful completion of Vape Early Warning

2nd Vape Infraction - Three days Out of School Suspension, Two days In School Suspension, & successful completion of Vape Early Warning

3rd Vape Infraction - 15 day placement at Genesis Alternative Education Center

• Possession, distributing, or use of a vape device constitutes an infraction.

• Accumulation of infractions will reset at the beginning of each school year.

• Each subsequent vape incident after the third infraction, will result in an additional 15 day placement at Genesis Alternative Education Center.

The Talladega County Schools Vape Early Warning Program (VEW) is designed to address the vaping epidemic we are experiencing with adolescents across the United States. On Wednesday of each week, VEW will be held at the old Winterboro High School at 3:30. Students assigned to VEW will be required to complete the program before returning to the classroom from In School Suspension. In addition, a parent or guardian will be required to accompany their child to VEW and complete the parental component of the program. The program will begin promptly at 3:30 each week. Anyone who arrives after 3:30 will not be allowed in the session.

I. POLICY STATEMENT 

B. B. Comer Memorial High School values students and their participation in extracurricular activities. These students, as role models for other students, are keys to our goal of providing the best possible educational program for all students. To achieve this goal and to maximize the skills and talents of our students, it is important that every athlete of our school understands the dangers of tobacco use and drug and alcohol abuse. 

This statement clarifies our position on student tobacco, drug, and alcohol use as it pertains to athletic participation. This policy will apply to students participating in athletics or cheerleading (defined as any student, male or female, in grades 9 – 12, who is a member of any school sponsored sports team or cheerleading squad). Participation in athletics is a privilege that can be taken away for failure to comply with this policy. The Talladega County Board of Education and B. B. Comer High School reserves the right to change the guidelines contained within this policy at any time. Students subject to this policy will be informed of any changes. 

II. POLICY OBJECTIVES 

1. To create and maintain a safe, drug-free environment for all students participating in athletics. 

2. To deter drug, tobacco, and alcohol use among students participating in athletic activities. 

3. To encourage any athlete with a dependence on, or addiction to, tobacco, alcohol, or other drug, to seek help in overcoming the problem. 

4. To reduce the likelihood of incidents of accidental personal injury and/or damage to students or property. 

5. To minimize the likelihood that school property will be used for illicit drug activities. 

6. To protect the reputation of the school system and its students. 

7. To educate parents and students to the warning signs and dangers of alcohol and illegal drugs. 

The Board of Education and B. B. Comer High School earnestly solicits the understanding and cooperation of all school staff, students, and parents, especially those involved with extracurricular athletic activities, in implementing this policy. 

The Board of Education expects all athletic students to remain tobacco, alcohol, and drug free, and it reserves the right to require all students who participate in athletic activities to submit to drug and/or alcohol tests in order to assure these expectations are met. 

The Board of Education acknowledges and understands that there are students involved in athletic activities who have legitimate medical prescriptions for identified medical conditions. Should a student test positive for a prescription drug for which he/she possesses a valid prescription in his/her name, the parent or guardian of that student will have an opportunity to give the Medical Review Officer (MRO) a copy of that prescription. The opportunity to provide the prescription will come after the positive urine test result has been released to the school’s Medical Review Officer (MRO), but before that information is released to the Board’s Drug Testing Coordinator (DTC) who will be a representative of the Talladega County Board of Education. A laboratory test that yields a presumptive positive result will be reported as a negative to the school by the MRO if the student is able to produce a valid prescription in the student’s name that could have legitimately accounted for the test result upon request by the MRO. 

III. ENFORCEMENT 

Pursuant to school policy and regulations, students who participate in athletic activities, with appropriate student and/or parental consent, may be tested prior to the beginning of a season or activity, during the season of the activity, or on any random schedule without advance notice. Once a student is placed in the random testing pool, the student is subject to testing for the remainder of the year. 

When a school employee has reasonable suspicion to believe a student participating in athletic activities has violated the school’s drug policy, the student may be required to undergo drug and/or alcohol testing. Failure to comply with the drug policy will render the student ineligible for the activity or activities in which he/she is currently participating and from other activities for the duration of the school year. 

A student who has tested positive for tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs and who has had the positive test result confirmed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will be governed by the consequences outlined in this policy. The student’s, parent’s, or guardian’s refusal to cooperate with the Talladega County Board of Education, the board representatives, and/or with medical personnel during the course of collecting the clean and unadulterated sample, reporting information about the sample, or enforcing the penalties and required counseling associated with a positive sample shall result in immediate suspension from the sport or activity for the duration of the school year. 

No student or athlete testing positive, refusing to test, refusing to cooperate with testing, or being in violation of this policy will be penalized academically. Information, including testing positive, will not be released to criminal or juvenile authorities unless under compulsion by valid state or federal laws. 

IV. TESTING PROCEDURES 

1. Random Testing 

The school will conduct random drug testing of student athletes. Students who participate in athletics in grades 9-12 will be submitted to the testing pool. The school will conduct testing at an annual rate of approximately 50% of the number of participating students per year. The student information in the pool will be updated periodically. The school also reserves the right to do baseline testing, which is defined as testing all student-athletes who participate in sports. Students who transfer into B. B. Comer High School and are participants in these activities will be entered into the random testing pool upon admission to the school. These students are subject to baseline testing. 

2. Test Day Check-outs, Check-ins, or Absences 

• A student who is subject to random testing and is absent on the day of the random drug screening will not be penalized in any way should his/her name be on the random list for testing that day. 

• A student who is subject to testing and is absent when the random drug screening process begins but checks in before the process is completed will be subject to a drug test at the time of check-in should his/her name be on the randomly generated list of names for that day. 

• A student who possesses a check-out note that was generated by the office in conjunction with a note from a parent or guardian prior to the testing day and that specifies a time and date when the student should check out will be permitted to check out at the predetermined time. Should his/her name be on the randomly generated list for testing on that day, he/she will not be penalized. 

• A student whose name is on the randomly generated list of students to be tested and who wishes to call his/her parent to come and check him/her out after the drug testing agency has come on campus may do so, but only after completing the required drug screen. Leaving campus without submitting to or completing testing will be seen as a refusal to test, and the penalties will be the same as those penalties for a student who refuses to test. 

3. Reasonable Suspicion 

When there are observable circumstances that provide reasonable suspicion to believe a student athlete has used nicotine, alcohol, and/or other drugs, a student athlete may be required to take a drug and/or alcohol test. Determination that reasonable suspicion exists must be based on observations. 

4. General Guidelines 

The school and its lab shall rely, when practical, on the guidance of the federal Department of Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs, 49 C.F.R. Parts 40.1 through 40.39, and on the further guidance of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act provided in 49 C.F.R. Parts 382, 391, 392, 395. 

5. Substances Tested For 

The school will maintain a list of substances for which students may be screened. That list is subject to review and change without advance notice. This list may include, but is not limited to the following: nicotine, alcohol, ecstasy (MDMA), marijuana, amphetamines, cannabinoids (marijuana and its derivatives), cocaine, opiates, anabolic steroids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, LSA methadone, methaqualone, phencyclidine, inhalants, ketamine, GHB, GBL, and rohypnol. 

Any illegal or prescription drug may be included on the list, and any student who is included in the testing pool is subject to being tested for all or any combination of drugs on the screening profile without advance notice. 

6. Collection Site 

The Talladega County Board of Education will designate collection sites where individuals may provide specimens. Such designation will be determined by the Drug Testing Coordinator (DTC) and will be subject to the review and approval of the Superintendent and the Board of Education. 

7. Collection Procedure 

The school and the approved laboratory are responsible for developing and maintaining a documented procedure for collecting, shipping, and accessing specimens. A tamper-proof sealing system, identifying numbers, labels, and sealed containers will be used for specimen transportation. 

The school and its laboratory will utilize a standard Urine Custody and Control Form for all drug testing. Any student governed by this policy will be required to complete a student consent form. 

8. Evaluations and Return of Results to the School 

The testing laboratory will transmit by fax, mail, or computer, but not orally, the results of all tests to the Board of Education’s and the school’s Medical Review Officer (MRO) who will be responsible for reviewing test results. Prior to making a final decision and prior to contacting the school’s Drug Testing Coordinator (DTC), the MRO will notify the parent or guardian of a positive result and give the parent or guardian the opportunity to discuss the result. 

Depending on the substances found in the urine, the parent or guardian will be given the opportunity to submit a valid prescription that may have produced a positive result. After final review, the MRO will, promptly and in a confidential manner, transmit to the DTC the name of any student who has tested positive. The report shall be opened by a committee of not less than three people designated by the Board of Education, who will verify its contents. 

After being informed of a positive test result, the DTC will schedule a conference between the student and his/her parents or guardians to discuss the test result and the consequences. 

9. Request for a Re-Test 

A student may, together with his/her parents, request a re-test of the split specimen collected on the original testing date. (This request must be made to the Medical Review Officer within 72 hours of notification of the final test results. Written requests must be submitted to the DTC.) The parent or guardian will be required to pay the cost associated with the re-test in advance, but he/she will be reimbursed by the school if the result of the test is negative. 

10.Release of Test Results 

All information, interviews, reports, statements, and test results, whether written or otherwise, received by the board or school through its drug, alcohol, and tobacco testing program are confidential communications and will remain strictly confidential. 

Any athletic students will be required to execute a Policy Consent/Release form permitting the school or its designee to release test results and related information to school officials who need to know such as the Board of Education, Superintendent, school principal, coach or sponsor of the activity from which the student is suspended, and the counseling agency or counselor responsible for mandated counseling. 

V. NOTICE REQUIREMENTS 

The basic provisions of this policy and/or any modifications of this policy shall be made available to students by school officials in a timely manner. In addition, certified employees shall, at the beginning of the school year, create scheduled discussions of the policy. The discussions shall include, but are not limited to the following topics: purpose of the policy, random sampling, and collection and reporting procedures. 

VI. CONSEQUENCES OF POSITIVE DRUG TEST

Once a student has tested positive, his/her name will be removed from the random pool of names and placed on a list of students who will be subject to testing every time drug testing is conducted for one calendar year. 

NICOTINE ONLY 

First Violation: 

• Parental/Custodial/Guardian notification (If desired, a retest must be requested within 72 hours of notification. This will be paid for by the parent/guardian.) 

• Enrollment in a nicotine education program (student expense) 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

• Complete a suspension of 10% of contests (not from practice) 

Second Violation: 

• Complete a suspension of 30% of contests (not from practice) 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

Third Violation: 

• Suspension for 1 calendar year from participation in any sport at B. B. Comer High School. 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

ALCOHOL 

First Violation: 

• Parental/Custodial/Guardian notification (If desired, a retest must be requested within 72 hours of notification. This will be paid for by the parent/guardian.) 

• Enrollment in an alcohol education program (student expense) 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

• Complete a suspension of 15% of contests (not from practice) 

Second Violation: 

• Complete a suspension of 40% of contests (not from practice) 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

Third Violation: 

• Suspension for 1 calendar year from participation in any sport at B. B. Comer High School. 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

ILLICIT OR BANNED SUBSTANCES OTHER THAN NICOTINE & ALCOHOL 

First Violation: 

• Parental/Custodial/Guardian notification (If desired, a retest must be requested within 72 hours of notification. This will be paid for by the parent/guardian.) 

• Enrollment in a drug education program (student expense) 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

• Complete a suspension of 30% of regular season contests per year (student will not practice during this suspension) 

Second Violation: 

• Suspension for 1 calendar year from participation in any sport at B. B. Comer High School. 

• Student must re-test negative before he/she can resume any sport. (student expense) 

Third Violation: 

• Permanent suspension from participation in any sport at B. B. Comer High School. 

• In sports where there is all-day tournament play or double-headers or all-day meets (any situation where more than one game or event occurs on a calendar day) that day will count as one play date using the penalties prescribed in the drug policy appendix of penalties. 

• A student’s suspension will affect whatever activities he/she belongs to that are currently in season AS LONG AS that student DOES BELONG to one or more activities. 

• If the student does not belong to ANY activities that are in season at the time of the positive test, that student’s penalty will be delayed until the beginning of an extracurricular season, possibly into the next school year. Counseling and re-testing however will begin immediately. 

• If a student belongs to more than one activity at the time of his/her positive test result, the student will be suspended from all of those activities as the drug policy appendix of penalties requires. 

• If a student belongs to an activity and is serving a suspension from that activity and the season ends before he/she has served his/her entire suspension, the remainder of the suspension will roll over into the next sport or activity in which the student participates in the school year. 

• If a student belongs to a sport or activity and is serving a suspension from that sport or activity and the season ends before he/she has served his/her entire suspension and the student does not belong to any other sports or activities through which the penalty can roll over, that student will serve the remaining percentage of his/her penalty in the first in-season activity in the next school year to which he/she belongs. 

• A cheerleading week is defined as a week where there is at least one contest at which the cheerleaders are required to cheer. 

• **Students who park on campus will use the total number of days since purchasing a parking permit. (180 days/school year). 

B.B. COMER HIGH SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and STUDENT PARKING TALLADEGA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY CONSENT/RELEASE FORM 

We have read the B. B. Comer High School’s Drug Policy for Testing Athletes/Students who park on campus and agree to abide by such policy. We agree that the below signed student will submit to tobacco, alcohol, and drug tests at any time as a result of his/her initial or continued participation in school sponsored extracurricular activities. We authorize any laboratory or medical provider to release these results to the Talladega County Board of Education or its designee and it’s Medical Review Officer (MRO). We authorize the Medical Review Officer to release final test results to the student, parent/guardian, and Drug Testing Coordinator (DTC). We authorize the DTC to release information to the school officials who have the need to know such as the Board of Education, Superintendent, school principal, the coach or sponsor of the activity or activities, from which the student is suspended, and the counselor or counseling agency responsible for mandated counseling. We also expressly authorize the DTC or MRO to release any test-related information, including confirmed positive results, in accordance with the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

(A) As directed by the parent or guardian’s specific, written consent authorizing the release of the information to an identified person. 

(B) To the parent or guardian’s decision maker in a lawsuit, grievance, or other proceeding initiated by or on behalf of the student-participant. 

We understand that this agreement in no way limits the below named student’s right to terminate athletic or extracurricular activity participation or to be terminated from such activity participation by the Coach or Sponsor. 

REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO THIS POLICY WILL DISQUALIFY THE STUDENT FROM ATHLETIC OR EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Student’s Name: __________________________________________

Student’s Address: ___________________________________________

                                      ___________________________________________

Home Telephone: ___________________________

Students Cell Phone #: ______________________

Students’ Email Address: ___________________________________________

SPORT(S):__________________________________

Guardian #1:

Name: ___________________________________________

Relationship to Student: _____________________

Cell Phone #: ______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________

Guardian #2:

Name: ___________________________________________     

Relationship to Student: _____________________

Cell Phone #: ______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________

Parents/Guardians are welcome on our campus.  Parents/guardians must report to the office upon arrival to receive a visitor’s pass. Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with the principal’s approval, and such visits shall not be permitted if the duration and frequency interferes with the delivery of instruction or disrupts the normal school environment.

Comer High School is a closed campus. The principal may request identification from any person on school property and may ask any person not having legitimate business to leave.

Only Parents/Guardians and immediate family will be allowed to eat with their child.  All lunchroom guests must check-in through the main office and will be escorted to the lunchroom.

  Minor students may withdraw from school only if accompanied by their parents/guardians.  Students age 18 or older may request withdrawal without their parents/guardians being with them, however, the student’s parents/guardians will be notified of the student’s actions. Records will not be released as long as the student owes money or property to the school. The withdrawal form must be completed before the student is officially withdrawn from school.

Talladega County Schools

2024 - 2025 School Calendar

For a PDF copy, click here.

TEST DATES

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Student Handbook

I understand and consent to the responsibilities outlined in this student handbook including athletic consent, drug policy, and parking on campus procedures.  I also understand and agree that my child will be held accountable for the behavior and consequences outlined in the handbook at school, school-sponsored and/or school-related activities, including school-sponsored travel regardless of time or location. I understand that any student who violates the rules of this handbook and/or the Comer High School Student Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary action up to and including referral for criminal prosecution for violation of the law.

 

B.B. Comer Memorial High School  Parent and Family Engagement Plan    2024-2025

Policy Involvement

B.B. Comer Memorial High School will hold an annual meeting in which all parents will be invited to review, discuss, and revise the Title I Plan and Parental Policy. Parents will have the opportunity to offer their input into the planning, improvement, and review of the Title I Plan and the Parental Involvement Policy. A calendar of events will be discussed and activities will be planned as part of parental involvement in decision/making policies in school. 

Parents may request regular meetings to offer suggestions and participate in some of the decisions relating to the education of their child. Any parental request will be addressed within two weeks of receiving the request.  

Parents may send any comments or concerns about the school-wide program plans to the Parent Involvement Coordinator for B.B. Comer Memorial High School, Lauren Morris. They will be submitted to the superintendent when the school-wide plan is sent to the Federal Programs Coordinator.  

B.B. Comer Memorial High School shall also do the following:

(1) Provide assistance to parents of children served by the school or local educational agency, as appropriate, in understanding such topics as the challenging State academic standards, State and local academic assessments, the requirements of this part, and how to monitor a child’s progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children.

• Inform parents of current academic content standards;

• Distribute student academic assessment data to parents;

• Provide parent training and resource materials on interpreting test data, test preparation, how to provide effective homework assistance, effective communication with teachers, how to be involved at your child's school;

• Communication through the district website and other communication channels, such as social media outlets;

• Conduct Annual Title I Parent meetings to discuss requirements of Part A and inform parents of their rights;

• Open house;

• Provide information about the best ways to contact your child’s teacher;

 

 

(6)  Provide such other reasonable support for parental involvement activities under this section as parents may request.

B.B. Comer Memorial High School  2024-2025 SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT 

B.B. Comer Memorial High School and the parents of the students participating in activities, services, and programs funded by Title I, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) (participating children), agree that this compact outlines how the parents, the entire school staff , and the students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which 9the school and parents will build and develop a partnership that will help children achieve the State’s high standards. 

School Responsibilities: 

B.B. Comer High School staff will: 

1. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the State’s student academic achievement standards as follows: 

We will set rigorous standards for our students and we will provide a high quality curriculum with ongoing professional development. The staff will regularly analyze student data which will drive our daily instruction and long-term planning. Our school thrives on high expectations and a warm, loving environment where we challenge students to reach their full potential. 

2. Hold parent-teacher conferences (at least annually in elementary schools) during which this compact will be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement. Specifically, those conferences will be held: 

Student/parent/teacher conferences will be held twice annually (spring and fall) to discuss your child’s academic achievement. Conferences will also be set on an as needed basis in addition to the annual parent conference. 

3. Provide parents with frequent reports on their children’s progress. Specifically, the school will provide reports as follows: Reports on your child’s progress will be provided every nine-weeks and progress reports will be sent bi-monthly. Standardized test reports will be sent once per year. We will make phone calls, send emails and set up conferences as needed to discuss your child’s progress. 

4. Provide parents reasonable access to staff. Specifically, staff will be available for consultation with parents as follows: Staff members will be available for conferences during planning periods as well as before and after school. Communication may also be conducted via phone conferences and emails. 

5. Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to observe classroom activities, as follows: Parents are always encouraged and invited to participate in classroom activities. Teachers actively seek parental help in and out of the classroom. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers about schedules and always sign-in at the office upon entering the school. 

6. Ensure regular two-way, meaningful communication between family members and school staff, and, to the extent practicable, in a language that family members can understand. 

Meaningful communication will be provided through the school’s website and through School Cast messages, phone calls, and emails. Communication will be provided in English and/or other languages as needed. 

Parent Responsibilities:

We, as parents, will support our children’s learning in the following ways: 

● Monitoring attendance. 

● Provide school with current/updated contact information. 

● Support discipline policies of the classroom and of the school 

● Promoting positive use of my child’s extracurricular time. 

● Staying informed about my child’s education and communicating with the school by promptly reading all notices from the school or the school district.

● Serving, to the extent possible, on advisory groups, such as Title I advisory committees and parent and family engagement committees. 

● Participate in conferences and communicate with the school regarding your child’s education, learning experiences, and school activities. 

Student Responsibilities: 

We, as students, will share the responsibility to improve our academic achievement and achieve the State’s high standards. Specifically, we will: 

● Maintain good attendance 

● Give to my parents or the adult who is responsible for my welfare all notices and information received by me from my school every day. 

● Complete assignments and return to my teacher. 

● Obey student conduct rules, classroom rules, and all procedures. 

● Communicate any difficulties I am having with my parent’s, guardians, teachers, and counselors 

● Take pride in myself, my work, and my school 

 

B. B. Comer Memorial High School  Student Instructions for Accessing PowerSchool

1. Install the PowerSchool Mobile App on your smart device. (See Below)
2. Open the app. Enter the District Code “LZHW.” You can also click “Where’s My District Code?” and search for Talladega County Schools and the code will automatically generate.
3. To sign into the app, use your county-issued Google username and password.

Please note: These instructions are for STUDENT access to PowerSchool. Parent usernames and passwords will be sent home at the beginning of the year. You can access your student’s account with your student’s login until you have your own.

2024-2025 Student Contract

As a student at B.B. Comer Memorial High School, I, ___________________ (print name) acknowledge and agree to the following expectations of an esteemed student on _____________ (date).

I control my success in school. With this knowledge, I will, to the best of my ability, abide by the items outlined below:

__I will respect myself, everyone, and everything around me.

__I will take accountability for all of my actions.

__I will practice resilience in all of my endeavors.

__I will do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

__I will never neglect my responsibilities as a student. 

__I will put in my best effort everyday. 

__I will do my best everyday to make my environment enjoyable.