• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

Schley County Middle/High School

Parent-Student Handbook

2014 - 2015

Developing an Educational Foundation for Life “Dedicated to Excellence”

Schley County Board of Education P.O. Box 66 161 Perry Drive Ellaville, Georgia 31806 229-937-2405

Superintendent ......

Assistant Superintendent ...... Dr. Deborah Hawver

Special Education Director ...... Mr. Tag Croxton

Schley County Board of Education

Chairman ...... Ms. Joan Perkins

Vice-Chairman ...... Mr. Kevin Bentley

Members . . Mrs. Maria Cloer, Mr. Duane Montgomery, Mr. Tommy Pilcher

Schley County High School

Principal ......

Assistant Principal ...... Mrs. Lisa Hernandez

Assistant Principal ...... Mr. Tee Reddish

*If you need this document translated please call the SCMHS School Counselor (229-937-0560) or contact the Schley County Board of Education (229-937-2405) at 161 Perry Drive, Ellaville, GA 31806.

Spanish Translation Si usted necesita este documento en español, puede llamar a la escuela de SCMHS (229-937- 0560) o puede contactar a la administracion del condado de Schley (229-937-2405) o 161 Perry Drive Ellaville, GA 31806.

2 Table of Contents Section I Parent-Student Handbook

Absences 10 Medicine 20 Absentee Admittance 10 Motor Vehicles 22 Address Change 21 Move On When Ready 16 Advanced Placement Options12 Non-Instructional Activities 15 Arrival at School 11 Nuisance Items 17 Attendance 10 Objectives of the School 8 Bus Transportation 23,24 Parent Permission to Drop Out 12 Care of School Property 17 Parent Transportation 22 Checking In and Out 11 Parking Regulations 22, 23 Closed Campus 18 Philosophy of the School 7 Competitive Interscholastic Post Secondary Options 16 Activities (Athletics) 18 Post Secondary School Visits 12 Conferences 20 Pyramid of Interventions 20 Dances 18 Restrooms 20 Enrollment Restrictions 11 Safety 21 Exemptions 13 Sale of Items at School 21 Extra-Curricular Activities 19 Schley County BOE Members 2 Fire/Tornado/Disaster Drills 19 School System Administration 2 Gifted Education 13 SCHS Administration 2 Grade Promotion 13 School Council 21 Grading System 13 School Hours 12 Graduation Requirements 14 Senate Bill 289 16 Guidance Department 19 Search and Seizure Policy 21 Hall Traffic/Passes 19 STAR Student 16 Health Records 19 Student Transportation 22, 23 Honor Graduates 14,15 Tardies 12 Honor Rolls 15 Telephones 21 Hope Scholarship 15 Textbook Responsibility 12 In School Suspension 29 Transfer Student Credit 16 Information Guide 9 Visitors 22 Insurance 19 Waivers and Variances for GHSGT 16 Internet Usage 19 Welcome to Parents 6 Lockers 20 Welcome to Students 5 Lunchroom Policies 17 Withdrawal From School 12 Make-Up Work 11 Work Habits 8 Media Center 20

3 Table of Contents Section II Discipline Plan/Code of Conduct Parent-Student Handbook

Alcohol and Drug Policy 27, 34 Gambling 35 Alternative School 27, 30 Gang Related Activity 35 Arson 30 Harassment 38 Assault and/or Battery 39 Inappropriate Student Demeanor 35 Attendance 30,31 In School Suspension 29 Behavior Support Process 27 Internet Misuse 35 Book Bags 33 ISS Discipline 32 Bullying 27 Leaving Campus W/O Permission 36 Bus Discipline 31 Leaving Class W/O Permission 36 Cell Phone/Beeper/Electric Comm. 31 Matches/Lighters 36 Cheating 31 Minor Discipline Problems 30 Chronic Disciplinary Violations 32 Nuisance Items 36 Conduct Code 26 Off Campus Behavior 36 Conflict Resolution 28 Physical Displays of Affection 36 Corporal Punishment 28 Profanity 36 Criminal Law Violations 32 Proper Classroom Protocol 34 Cutting Class 36 Safety Violations 37 Destruction of Property 32 Sexual Conduct 37 Disciplinary Action 27 Sexual Harassment 37 Dishonesty/Lying 32 Skipping School 36 Disrespectful Attitude 35 Stink Bombs 37 Disturbances/Disruptive Behavior 32 Student Conduct 26 Dress Code 33 Student Discipline 26 Driving/Parking/Campus Violations 33 Student Removal From Class 30 Early Checkouts 34 Substance Abuse 27, 34 Eating in Classroom 34 Suspension From School (OSS) 30 Expulsion 29 Tardies 37 Extortion 34 Theft/Stealing 37 Failure to Follow Class Procedures 34 Three Step Plan 30 Fighting on Bus 39 Tobacco 38 Fight Policy 39 Trespassing 38 Fire Alarm 34 Violence 38, 39 Fireworks 35 Vulgarity/Obscenity 39 Weapons 39

4 Schley County High School P.O. Box 1350 2003 Highway 19 South Ellaville, Georgia 31806 (229) 937-0560

Welcome to Students

Dear Students:

Welcome to a new school year at Schley County High School. We hope that you will enjoy every day and that you will grow intellectually and socially while you are here. We also hope that Schley County High School will be a better school because of you being a part of it.

As a school citizen you are expected to show upstanding character, to be considerate of others, to use good judgment, and to conduct yourself properly. Be proud of your school. Take good care of it.

This is your school. The total operation is designed to give you a basic education that is continuous from sixth grade through twelfth grade and to give you the necessary tools for higher education.

The administration, faculty, staff, and bus drivers are all here for one reason – to help you realize and develop your potential. You are the central reason for our operation. In order for all of this to happen for you, you must be willing to listen and communicate with all of the adults at school.

It is our sincere hope that you find happiness and success here. While education can be hard at times, getting an education can also be fun. You can help most by finding your place and making your mark in a positive manner. We are proud of our students, faculty, staff and school. Work hard, and you will have an exciting and rewarding year.

Sincerely,

Principal

5 Schley County High School P.O. Box 1350 2003 Highway 19 South Ellaville, Georgia 31806 (229) 937-0560

Welcome to Parents

Dear Parents,

This handbook has been developed to provide you with general information concerning the policies and procedures of Schley County High School. I would like to suggest that you read through it with your child and then keep it in a convenient place for easy reference throughout the year. Please sign the parent form acknowledging receipt of the Code of Conduct and your willingness to ensure that your child adhere to it and return it to the school.

I am extremely pleased to have this opportunity to work with you in an effort to create and maintain the best school in Georgia. Please feel free to come to the school at any time. I welcome the opportunity to talk to you. If I can be of help, please call me at 937-0560.

Sincerely,

Principal

6 Philosophy

We, the faculty and staff of the Schley County High School, are committed to the belief that all children can learn. In order to promote learning, we pledge to provide students with a supportive, caring environment that encourages high self-esteem, self-motivation, and a sense of responsibility for his/her own actions. Our primary goals are to give each individual every opportunity possible for maximum student achievement and to recognize and stimulate special talents in all students. We realize that an education is an invaluable commodity that parents, school personnel, and community can give our young people. Successful education is achieved through cooperative efforts among home, school, and community. Our major objective, in this respect, is to prepare students to become responsible citizens so that they might be able to take their places as productive members of society. The forefathers of this great country perceived education as our heritage. All adults share the obligation of constantly and consistently protecting this heritage for all of America’s children. Our society can fulfill this mission by supporting the combined efforts of teachers, students, parents and citizens working together in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding to keep open the doors of communication between the school and home. Schley County High School, through its programs, seeks to:

1. Provide students with the basic knowledge and academic skills needed to properly prepare them to become contributing members of society. 2. Create knowledge of different cultures and value systems and an attitude of acceptance and appreciation of their differences. 3. Provide educational experiences that seek to meet the unique social, job- related, and ethical needs of society. 4. Provide a necessary and proper balance in the teaching of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and social skills.

Schley County High School is committed to the involvement of the school community in the total educational program. The goals of the school are not just those of professional educators alone. The community must also share in the development of philosophy, objectives, and commitments for the school. Together, the school and the community can provide the type of learning environment that meets individual as well as societal needs.

7 Objectives

1. To create an atmosphere in which learning can become a positive experience 2. To provide a safe healthy learning environment 3. To teach basic academic skills which meet the needs of our students 4. To develop effective oral and written communication skills 5. To develop appropriate and meaningful mathematical skills 6. To develop the skill of reading as a tool for life, thus helping individuals in their daily living activities, and showing them how to appreciate many kinds of literature 7. To develop positive self-concepts with the students 8. To broaden student interests and to provide opportunities for creative and critical thinking and problem-solving 9. To provide a wide variety of experiences that seek to encourage responsible decision-making 10. To promote school and community communication and cooperation 11. To develop within students good health habits 12. To foster an understanding of the conditions necessary to maintain physical and emotional well-being 13. To promote the development of positive social values and attitudes 14. To promote understanding and appreciation of persons belonging to different social, cultural and ethnic groups 15. To recognize the inevitability of change and the necessity of preparing for it 16. To provide opportunities for students to appreciate and understand the physical world in which we live 17. To develop an awareness of one’s responsibilities in and to the environment

Work Habits for Students

1. All students are responsible to teachers, administrators, and school personnel regardless of their grade level or assignment. 2. Disrespect toward adults will not be tolerated. 3. Students are to take their seats immediately upon entering the classroom. 4. Every student is to come to class with textbooks and the necessary materials for participating in class. 5. Students should pay attention to the teacher and/or paraprofessional and follow the directions of the teacher and/or paraprofessional at all times. 6. Cheating, lying, nor dishonesty will be tolerated. All are cause for disciplinary action to be taken. 7. Teachers are legally in charge of their classrooms and are totally responsible for their students. They are also responsible for reprimanding any other student they find not following school rules. Students who accept this will have fewer problems adjusting to our school environment.

8 General Information

Information Guide

If you need: Go To:

Admittance/Morning Tardy Slip……………………………………..…..……..Mrs. Kay Brown Advice About Your Schedule……………………………………….…….….Mrs. Randi Vaughn Announcements…………………………………………………….….….…Mrs. Lisa Hernandez Athletic Information………………………………………………….….….…Coach Tee Reddish Attendance Appeals……………………………………………………..….. Mrs. Lisa Hernandez Attendance Information……………………………………………….....……...Mrs. Kay Brown Audio Visual Aids…………………………………………………………..…....Mrs. Pat Gordy Change of Schedule…………………………………………………….……..Mrs. Randi Vaughn Clubs……………………………………………………………..………….……..Club Advisor College/Technical College Information……………………………………….Mrs. Randi Vaughn Discipline Information……………………………………………..……..…. .Coach Tee Reddish Mrs. Lisa Hernandez Driver’s License Attendance Form/ADAP………………………………...……Mrs. Kay Brown Early Dismissal/Checkout……………………………………………..….……..Mrs. Kay Brown Mrs. Beth Gordon Enrollment……………………………………………………………………..Mrs. Randi Vaughn Free/Reduced Meal Application………….…………………………….……..Mrs. Tracy Johnson Locker Issues…………………………………………………………………..Coach Tee Reddish Lost and Found……………………………………………………………..……Office Personnel Media Center Information………………………………………….………..….…Mrs. Pat Gordy Medical Attention…………………………………………..…Office Personnel/Mrs. Ann Landers Medications……………………………………………………………….……Mrs. Ann Landers Parking Stickers/Information……………………………………………….…..Mrs. Beth Gordon Scholarships/Financial Aid…………………………………………………….Mrs. Randi Vaughn Student Conflict Resolution……………………………………………………Mrs. Randi Vaughn Transcript Request……………………………………………………………..Mrs. Randi Vaughn Withdrawal From School………………………………………………………Mrs. Randi Vaughn

9 School Attendance

Attendance In the State of Georgia, attendance is compulsory for all children between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16). Therefore, when it is necessary for a student to be absent from school, a written excuse, signed by the parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence(s) should be brought to school upon the student’s first day of return to school. Any unexcused absence(s) will result in zeroes for assigned work missed in each class that the student missed. An absence that qualifies as excused must be documented by a parent/guardian to be an excused absence. Beyond 10 absences, a doctor’s note is required. A student has three (3) days to bring in an excused absence note or the absence will be considered unexcused . A student may have no more than fourteen (14) absences in one school year of which no more than seven (7) may be unexcused in grades 6-8. In grades 9-12 no more than seven (7) absences per semester are allowed of which no more than four (4) may be unexcused. Exceeding this limit will require a review by the Schley County Hardship Committee in order for the student to receive course credit or be promoted. Excessive absences may result in a student being denied credit, and not promoted to the next grade, or retained due to excessive absences. A student must be present at least 40 minutes of the 53-minute class period and 50 minutes of a 65-minute class to be counted present in the class. For every third early dismissal the student will be assessed an absence from class. Only doctor, dentist or orthodontist notes will be accepted as excused dismissals. Students must be present three hours and 40 minutes to be counted as present for the day. Extenuating circumstances should be brought to the administrator’s attention. A student must be in attendance a minimum of three hours and 40 minutes on the date of an activity in order to participate in the activity. This includes games, practices, homecoming activities, dances, etc.

Absences Excused absences Excused absences from school as listed in the State School Register are only for the following reasons: (Any other reason is considered unexcused.)

1. Student is personally ill 2. Illness or death in the immediate family 3. Religious holiday observed by student’s faith 4. When attendance is mandated by another governmental agency (i.e. armed services, etc.) 5. When conditions render attendance impossible or hazardous to health and safety 6. Page of the general assembly 7. When a parent or legal guardian of the student is being deployed or on leave from active military service overseas in a combat zone (maximum 5 days per school year).

A daily morning absentee bulletin listing all absent, tardy, ISS, OSS students will be circulated to all teachers. Students who are sixteen years of age and absent for ten (10) consecutive days will be withdrawn from school unless the parent notifies the counselor’s office (of extenuating circumstances) during those 10 days.

Unexcused absences Upon a student, in grades 6-12, receiving his/her 5th unexcused absence during the school year, truancy officers will be notified. Upon a student in grade 6-12 receiving his/her 7th unexcused absence or 10th total absence in a school year a complaint will be filed with the Schley County Magistrate judge. Additionally, when a student age 14 or older reaches his/her 10th unexcused absence the Department of Motor Vehicle Services will be notified for revocation or denial of driver license privileges.

After a student accumulates 10 (ten) total absences in a school year each subsequent absence shall require a written medical excuse in order for the absence to be considered excused. If the excuse is not a medical note after 10 absences, the absence will be considered unexcused. Also, with 3 or more consecutive days of absence, a written medical excuse will be required in order for those absences to be considered excused. If the excuse is not a medical note, the absences will be considered unexcused.

Absentee Admittance When a student has missed all or any portion of the school day, he/she must bring a note that states the reason for the absence and is signed by his/her parent/guardian. Whenever applicable, legal documentation such as a doctor’s note or court summons is preferred. This note is to be presented to the school upon the student’s first day of return to school. Students without a note will be given an unexcused absence until an excused note is provided. Students will have three (3) days upon their return from an absence to submit an excused note otherwise the absence will remain unexcused. SCHS reserves the right to request a medical note if absences are long term or chronic.

Arrival at School-Tardies (Grades 6-8) Upon arrival at school, students shall enter the school building and go directly to their assigned 10 homeroom class and remain there until allowed to go to breakfast. No student should enter the building prior to 7:30 a.m. Grades 6-8 breakfast will be 7:30-7:55. If a student arrives after the 8:00 a.m. bell rings, he/she will sign in at the office before reporting to homeroom/class and will be considered tardy. Teachers will keep a tally of student tardies and issue a discipline referral on the 4th tardy in the semester. The 3 tardies are for your emergencies. There are no excused tardies with the exception of a written doctor’s excuse that must be presented at the time of signing in to school on that date.

Arrival at School-Tardies (Grades 9-12) Upon arrival at school, students should enter the building, but no earlier than 7:30 a.m. Grades 9-12 breakfast will be 7:30-7:55. If a student arrives after the 8:00 a.m. bell rings, he/she should report to the school office first before reporting to his/her homeroom/class and will be considered tardy. There are no excused tardies with the exception of a written doctor’s excuse that must be presented at the time of signing in to school on that date. Three (3) tardies are allowed before an office referral is made. The 3 tardies are for emergencies. Teachers will issue a discipline referral on the fourth (4th) tardy in the semester.

Checking In and Out If a student reports to school after 8:00 a.m., he/she must report to the main office, sign in and receive an admittance slip either excused or unexcused before being admitted to class. The student will then report directly to his/her class.

A student may leave school early for the same reasons as legal or excused absences. You are encouraged to schedule appointments with your doctor or dentist during time other than school time. However, when this is not possible, try to schedule these appointments as early in the school day or as late in the school day as possible in order that your child may attend school for the majority of the day.

Due to time missed from class affecting school performance; for every 3 early checkouts an absence will be recorded for attendance purposes by the classroom teacher. Only checkouts verified by a doctor or dentist note shall be excused. The added absences could negatively affect the ability to exempt finals at the end of a semester.

Before a student can check out of school due to an emergency, illness, or injury, the parent/guardian must either be present or be contacted by phone. A secretary or administrator must speak with the parent/guardian before the student is released.

When a student knows in advance he/she must check out, such as a doctor’s appointment, he/she must bring a note from his/her parent/guardian. This note should contain the daytime telephone number at which the parent may be reached for verification. This note should be presented in the main office before school and to the classroom teacher from which the student will be dismissed. When approved for release, the student will sign his/her name to the check out roster in the office. Teachers will check this roster at any time a student is absent from their class and is not listed on the daily absentee bulletin.

Parents/guardians who come to school to check out their son/daughter must do so in the main office. Parents will sign them out on the check out roster. Georgia Law permits school authorities to release students to their parents, legal guardians, or to persons properly identified by parent/guardians such as an aunt, older sister, etc. to school authorities in writing. Parents/guardians can list the name(s) and phone numbers on their child’s information sheet identifying to whom the school may release their child.

Enrollment Restrictions A school which has a student who attempts to enroll during the time in which that student is subject to a disciplinary order from another school is authorized to refuse to enroll or subject that student to suspension or expulsion for any time remaining in that school system’s or school’s disciplinary order.

Make-up Work It is the student’s responsibility to make up all work that is missed because of an excused absence. Upon returning to school, the student should ask each of his teachers about the necessary make-up assignments. Work that is not made up within a reasonable length of time (three school days unless extenuating circumstances exist) will result in a grade of zero for the work. NO SCHOOL COORDINATED CREDIT RECOVERY CREDIT WORK WILL BE ALLOWED AND GRADE WILL BE FINAL AFTER 14 SCHOOL DAYS AFTER THE END OF A 9 WEEKS GRADING PERIOD.

Non-Instructional Activities Students are allowed to miss only ten (10) periods of instruction per class per year due to non-instructional activities (field trips, extra-curricular activities or events, assemblies, etc.). Students are not counted absent for participating in 11 school-sponsored non-instructional activities (NI days), but are responsible for all assignments or make-up work assigned at the discretion of the teachers. It is the student’s responsibility to inform his/her teachers IN ADVANCE. Failure to make arrangements in advance could result in the student receiving an unexcused absence for the time missed. Each teacher will keep a record of NI days for each student in his/her classes. Teachers or sponsors are responsible for getting NI’s cleared by the Principal at least three (3) days prior to the proposed absence and for getting a list of students to all teachers at SCHS no later than 7:30 a.m. on the date of the activity.

Parent Permission to Drop Out When a student desires to withdraw from school, he/she must have the written permission of his/her parents or guardian if under the age of eighteen prior to withdrawing. Prior to accepting such permission, a school administrator should have a conference with the student and parent/legal guardian. The purpose of the conference is to share with the student and parent/guardian educational options available and the consequences of not earning a high school diploma.

Post-Secondary School Visits Seniors may be allowed up to two days for college or vocational school visits. For a post-secondary visit to be counted as NI (non-instructional day) not an absence, the student must obtain permission from the counselor’s office three (3) days prior to the visit, return the completed post-secondary school visit form to the office before leaving, and bring written documentation back from the school visit. If any of the three requirements above are not met, these days will not count as NI days. These absences will be considered either to be excused or unexcused absences depending upon the documentation provided. The student is responsible for all assignments when an NI day is taken.

School Hours School hours are from 8:00 a.m. until dismissal at 3:21 p.m. A bell schedule is found in this handbook.

Tardy to Class By the time the tardy bell rings, all students should be in their classes. All cases of unexcused tardiness will be considered a discipline problem. The classroom teacher will take appropriate action for each tardy. Again, a discipline referral to the office should be issued on the 4th tardy in a semester.

Excessive Tardiness (greater than 3 per semester) shall result in student choice of corporal punishment or assignment to ISS on the 4th tardy and automatic progressive ISS assignment on the 2nd disciplinary referral and beyond for excessive tardies. For continued tardiness discipline shall be progressive regardless of whether the tardiness is to different classes or homeroom.

Textbook Responsibility Textbooks will be made available to students in each class for which a text has been adopted by the Schley County Board of Education. School textbooks are the property of the state of Georgia, and students are totally responsible for protecting textbooks, from loss, theft, and damage once a book has been issued to them.

Lost and/or Damaged Books: 1. Lost or damage book beyond use – current replacement cost 2. Damages: a. torn page, but still usable - $5.00 b. minor writing in book, but still usable - $5.00 c. major writing/liquid damage - $10.00 d. cover damage - $10.00

Withdrawal from School When a student withdraws from school for any reason, it should be done properly through the counselor’s office so the record will be clear. If a student leaves school without a clear record, the school may not forward transcripts or credits at any future time until the record is clear. To properly withdraw from school, the student should first speak to the counselor to obtain authorization and withdrawal forms, take withdrawal forms to all teachers for completion and return all books, clear books and fines with the librarian, then return completed forms to the secretary in the office. Withdrawals should be done between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. or 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. Classes are not to be interrupted to withdraw from school. The completed withdrawal form becomes a part of the student’s permanent record.

ACADEMICS

Advanced Placement Options A student may enroll in an Advanced Placement (AP) course with teacher recommendation and counselor approval on a first-come-first-serve basis up to the maximum class size. Upon successful completion the student will have 5 points

12 added to the final average in determining honor graduate status. However, by law, transcript records will not reflect this 5 point increase.

Exemptions HS students must meet minimum grade, attendance and discipline requirements to be eligible for 1st and 2nd semester exemptions. MS students must make 825 or higher on MS GMAS along with minimum grade and attendance requirements to be eligible for 2 nd semester exemptions. Students in grades 9-11 may exempt the 1st and 2nd semester exams in classes in which they have a 90 or above average and five (5) or fewer absences, no discipline referrals for the class and no OSS for the semester OR in classes in which they have an 85 or above average, two (2) or fewer absences, no discipline referrals for the class and no OSS for the semester. Students in grades 6-8 may exempt the 2nd semester final exam in which they have a minimum of 825 or higher on the MS GMAS, a 90 or above average, five (5) or fewer absences for the semester AND fewer than 11 absences for the year, no discipline referrals for the class or OSS for the year OR they have a minimum of 825 or higher on the MS GMAS, a 85 or above average, four (4) or fewer absences for the year, no discipline referrals for the class or OSS for the year. For the purpose of exemptions, 3 tardies or early dismissals equals one (1) absence. HS students assigned OSS are not eligible for exemption during the semester in which they receive OSS, nor are MS students eligible for exemptions if they are assigned OSS anytime during the year. *Homebound does not count as present for exemption purposes only.

Seniors only may exempt term exams by having an 80 or above average for the term and five (5) or fewer absences for the term, no discipline referrals for the class or no OSS for the semester.

Gifted Education The Gifted Program is provided to any student who has the potential for exceptional academic achievement in grades 6- 12. A student may be recommended for consideration for evaluation for gifted services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, guardians, and others with knowledge of the student’s abilities. A student who scores in the 90th percentile on the total battery, total reading, or total math of a standardized achievement test as part of a statewide testing program should be automatically referred for consideration for evaluation. Additional information is available in the guidance office.

Grade Monitoring Parents have internet access to student grades during the 2014 – 2015 school year from August 1 – May 11. Grades may be accessed with school supplied Username and Password at http://ps.schleyk12.org

Grade Promotion (Grades 6-8) Students who are promoted in grades 6-8 must pass five (5) of the six (6) courses, which follow: ELA, math, science, social studies, Georgia State Assessment Prep and (physical education/art/band/technology). A student in grade 8 must also pass the MS GMAS in both ELA and math in order to be promoted. If after repeating a grade, if a student does not meet the minimum requirements, he/she will be given consideration for placement unless a competency exam is required for promotion.

Grade Promotion (Grades 9-12) The number of credits required for placement at each grade level for the 2014-2015 school year is as follows: To enter 10th grade -- 6 Carnegie units To enter 11th grade -- 12 Carnegie units To enter 12th grade -- 18 Carnegie units To graduate -- 25 Carnegie units

Grading Exams will be given at the end of each nine (9) weeks and will count no more than 20% of the final grade. A minimum of seven (7) grades (excluding the exam) is required in determining the nine weeks average. Semester grades will be the average of the two nine-weeks grades. Semester exams will be included as part of the 2nd 9-weeks grade. In courses tested by an HS GMAS exam, the exam will count 20% for all 9th/10th/11th/12th graders. Final exams in HS GMAS courses shall count no more than 10% of the student’s 9 weeks grade. MS GMAS (after converted to a percentile score) in grades 6-8 shall count as 10% of the student’s 4th 9 weeks final grade in the course. In middle school the final fourth nine weeks exam should count no more than 10% while the MS GMAS also counts as 10% of the fourth nine weeks grade.

13 Grading System Grades are based on class participation, class work, homework, tests, quizzes, HS GMAS and MS GMAS (where applicable) and any special project that the teacher may assign. The grading scale is as follows:

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 F = 69 and Below (failing) NC = No credit due to excessive absences pending hardship decision

Graduation Requirements Every student in grades 9-12 with the cooperation of his parents/guardians and his Guidance Counselor will select a course regimen for high school. This track of study will serve as a guide for meeting graduation requirements. Seniors for the year 2013-2014 must have 25 units (of which include GaDOE required courses) and attended school (grades 9- 12) for eight (8) semesters to graduate. Students graduating in 2015 must meet local BOE unit requirements, and meet all other requirements of the Georgia Graduation Rule. Additionally, students in grades 9-12 will be required to take HS GMAS in Coordinate Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Physical Science, Biology, Economics, U.S. History, ninth grade English, and American Literature/Composition according to a schedule as developed by the Georgia State Board of Education. The HS GMAS will be a part of the final grade in the courses as determined by the Georgia State Board of Education. These test scores are required to be posted to the student transcript and will count as 20% of students final grade in the course as determined by Georgia State DOE rules and regulations.

Honor Graduates To earn Honor Graduate status at Schley County High School, a student must meet the guidelines for determining Honor Graduates. Only core academic courses (English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language) and any AP course regardless of subject will be counted. The SAT prep course is also in this category. This excludes academic courses which count only as a fourth elective science such as Ag. science, forestry science, food science, etc. Honor graduate averages will be determined by numerical averages. If a student repeats a course, all grades in this course will be counted.

Core academic courses will no longer be weighted (2 pts added) for honor graduate status from 2012-2013 on . Core academic classes taken before the 2012-2013 school year will have 2 pts added for honor graduate status until that student graduates. For grades of dual enrollment, students (enrolled in college) grades will be weighted also. For those college grades, 1 point will be added to the final grade per semester credit hour. For example, a 3- semester hour college course will have 3 points added to the final grade. For each Advanced Placement (AP) course taken, five (5) points will be added to the final grade. All ½ unit courses will be converted to whole unit courses by adding the 2 semester grades and dividing by 2 to get a yearly (term) grade. Government and economics will be combined to form 1 unit and the grade will be recorded as the yearly grade. Any ½ unit credit when a 2nd ½ unit is not taken in that same course will be combined with any other like ½ unit credit to form a term (yearly) grade. Class rank averages for the purpose of post secondary education will be determined by using the state required formula (core academic courses in English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language). The formula does not consider weighting courses.

Note: Neither transcript grades nor honor roll grades will reflect weights.

*The formula that follows will be used to determine honor graduate status.

*Formula for determining all honor graduates including valedictorian, salutatorian and class rank for graduation activities All the yearly grades in the core academic areas (9th – 11th) named in this paragraph will be added + (the 1st + 2nd + 3rd 9 weeks grades for the senior year / 3 for each academic core class) + weighted college course grades + the weighted Advanced Placement grades. This sum will be divided by the total number of courses taken during high school in English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. (The SAT prep course will be counted). This cumulative core academic numerical grade will be used to determine the honor graduate status. A student with a minimum cumulative core academic average of 90.0 and above (NO ROUNDING) will be selected as an Honor Graduate. Selection of the valedictorian, salutatorian, and other honor graduates will be determined by numerical averages to 3 decimal places through the use of the formula after the end of the 3rd nine weeks of the senior year. Fourth nine weeks grades shall not count toward the status of honor graduates, valedictorian, or salutatorian. A student must attend SCHS for a minimum of 2 full years to be named valedictorian or the salutatorian.

14 Alphanumeric grade conversion

If no numerical average can be obtained from the student’s former school, the following scale will be used to convert to a numerical grade.

A+ = 98 A = 95 A- = 90 B+ = 88 B = 85 B- = 80 C+ = 78 C = 75 C- = 70 D = 68 F = 65

Honor Rolls

Nine Weeks Academic Honor Roll The Gold Honor Roll will be posted each nine weeks containing the names of students who made a “95” or above in every subject. A Silver Honor Roll list will be posted each nine weeks containing the names of students who made a “90” or above in every subject. A Bronze Honor Roll list will be posted each nine weeks containing the names of students with a 90 or above overall average.

Annual Academic Honor Roll Students with a “95” or above in every subject for the school year through the 3rd nine weeks will be named to the “Principal’s Gold Honor Roll”. Students with a “90” or above in every subject for the school year through the 3rd nine weeks will be named to the “Principal’s Silver Honor Roll”. Students with a “90” or above overall average each of the 3rd nine weeks will be named to the “Principal’s Bronze Honor Roll”.

***Honor rolls shall not reflect grade weights.

Hope Scholarships Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed House Bill 326 into law, hoping this bill is the answer to solving the state’s lottery funded college scholarship program. The HOPE scholarship and pre-K programs offer students in the state of Georgia money for college if they reach certain levels of academic standards. With the new changes recently signed into law, scholarships will be slashed to 90 percent for all but the highest scoring students. High school seniors who earn a 3.7 GPA and a 1200 on the SAT will still be able to get a full scholarship under the new law, but current college students are not eligible for the full scholarship amount.

Some other changes to the HOPE program include eliminating funding for books and mandatory fees. Also, students at technical colleges that are receiving the HOPE scholarship are now required to maintain a minimum GPA in order to keep receiving the scholarship. The scholarship is now also tied to lottery revenue and will not increase as tuition rates increase. Students will also need to keep a 3.0 GPA to still receive the scholarship. For the latest and most recently updated HOPE requirements, please visit www.gadoe.org

In addition the changes above, the new bill also creates the Zell Miller Scholarship, which is awarded to valedictorians, salutatorians and those who graduate from high school with the highest GPA and SAT scores. In order to continue to receive this scholarship throughout college, students will be required to maintain a 3.3 GPA.

 For students enrolling for the first time in degree programs after May 1, 2007, a new 3.0 grade point average standard will be applied;  The new process provides that the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) will calculate grade point averages to determine HOPE scholarship eligibility from electronic transcript information provided by public and private schools;  The new standard will count all core courses in the calculation, defined as mathematics, English, social studies, science, and foreign language courses;  Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework will be weighted by GSFC so that weights may be uniformly applied statewide;  Numerical scales will be used to equate assigned number grades to a grade on a 4.0 scale, with A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; and F=0, and the sum of the equated grades shall be divided by the number of course grades, adjusted for term length, to yield a grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

15 Post-Secondary Options - General The Post-Secondary Options Program provides for students who are at least 16 years of age or older and who are classified as juniors or seniors in Georgia public schools to take courses full-time or part-time at Georgia public colleges, universities, or technical institutions where they have been accepted to receive high school Carnegie unit credits(s) and post-secondary credit hours. Interested students should contact the Guidance Counselor for information on admission requirements. Grades received in these college courses will have 1 point per semester hour added to it when figuring honor graduate average (i.e. a B (85) in a 3-hour semester college course will be an 88).

*All students must maintain a full time high school status by being enrolled in 7 traditional high school courses or 4 high school traditional courses + 1 or more post secondary 3 hour course(s) each semester.

Post-Secondary Options – Move On When Ready Move On When Ready (MOWR) is a new dual enrollment opportunity for students to attend a postsecondary institution full-time during their junior and/or senior year of high school. Students will receive high school credit and college credit simultaneously while attending college classes on the college campus full-time. Approved college on-line courses can also be taken that meet high school graduation requirements. Students must meet admission requirements of the college the student attends. See the counselor for more details.

Senate Bill 289

Senate Bill 289, which was passed in 2012, directs the state Board of Education to “maximize the number of students” who use digital learning to complete high school coursework in some way shape or form. This effort to maximize participation will begin with students entering the 9th grade during the 2014-2015 school year. In addition, all end-of- course examinations will be available online starting the 2015-2016 school year. All Georgia public school students will have their tuition paid by their local school board if they take a Georgia Virtual School class as a part of the child’s school day. Georgia Virtual School offers 120 course offerings in core subjects, electives, and Advanced Placement classes. All courses are fully accredited and meet state and national education standards. To see all of the courses, visit http://www.gavirtualschool.org/CourseInfo/Fall2013Courses.aspx

STAR Student

The system Star Student is the senior who ranks among the top 10% of the senior class during his/her senior year and has the highest single testing score on the new SAT composed of reading, math and writing. To qualify for Star Student status, a student must remain in school both semesters of the senior year. These are requirements of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, the sponsoring agency. The November SAT testing date is the last testing date for STAR student consideration.

Transfer Student Credit Students who transfer from state accredited schools will have their credits accepted by SCHS upon receipt of the official school transcript. Students who transfer from a home school, a non-accredited, or an independently accredited institution must either pass the final exam in that course to receive credit or successfully complete the next course in the same sequence to receive credit (Example 1: Pass English III in order to receive credit for English II). (Example 2: Pass GMAS in biology to receive credit for biology.) Students transferring from out of state schools, home schools, or private schools may be required to pass the GMAS in courses tested by an GMAS in order to receive credit.

16 LUNCHROOM POLICIES

Free/Reduced Lunch Forms Children need healthy meals to learn. Schley County High School offers healthy meals every school day. The price of breakfast is $1.00. The price of lunch is $1.45. Your child may qualify for free or for reduced-price meals. The reduced is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. Applications are provided to each student for families to apply for free or reduced meals. Applications must be filled out completely and returned for approval each year.

Mealtime Policy *Nutritious meals are provided daily at reasonable prices. Students are encouraged to participate in this program. Meals must be paid for daily or in advance by the week or month. No charges are allowed for students in grades 6-12. *All students will eat their meals in the lunchroom. In order to provide an enjoyable atmosphere during mealtime, loud talking, yelling, running, throwing food, or any other type of disruptive behavior will not be permitted. Students who fail to adhere to proper lunchroom behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are responsible for making sure that they leave the cafeteria clean in order to accommodate the other students who arrive after them. *Students are not allowed to leave campus for lunch. Students may bring lunch from home, but may not send out for lunch or accept delivery of food from off campus except from parents when the student forgets his/her lunch. Food from the lunchroom should not be removed from the lunchroom. *The parking lots are off-limits during lunch and during school hours. *There will be no sale of food or non-nutritional beverages in competition with school meals during the school day. Violation of this could jeopardize our school lunch program. Only fruit drinks will be sold at lunch. *Absolutely, no sale of fundraiser food items is to take place during lunch or breakfast. *No carbonated beverages are to be brought into the lunchroom.

Meal Prices The following meal prices are in effect for the 2013 - 2014 school year. Students wishing an additional meal must pay the adult price. Breakfast Lunch

Reduced $ .30 Reduced $ .40 Paid 1.00 Paid 1.45 Employee 1.50 Employee 3.00 Adult/Child Visitor 1.50 Adult/Child Visitor 3.50

GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Bringing Things to School—Nuisance Items Students should not bring toys, games, animals, and etc. to school. The student will assume all responsibility for any item brought to school, including money. Students are not to bring CD players, laser pointers, radios, TV’s, sports equipment, Ipod’s, MP3 players, or any other nuisance item. Often in the past, these items have been lost, stolen or broken either on the bus or at school. Additionally, students should not bring items to trade, sell, loan, or show to others. These items have often caused distractions to the learning process. The school is not liable when these infractions of the rule take place. The items will be confiscated, and the student may face disciplinary action. The school is not responsible for restitution, collection, or replacement of money, clothes, personal property, and etc., which may become stolen, damaged, defaced, or destroyed while at school or on the bus. Only teacher requested work items should be brought and their use supervised by the teacher. This includes glue and other such items. No glue should be brought unless specifically requested by the teacher. Its’ storage and usage will then be supervised by the teacher. Absolutely no whiteout should be brought to school by the student.

Care of School Property Any student purposely destroying, marking, or defacing school property will be disciplined. Parents whose child has destroyed, marked, or defaced school property will be held responsible for restitution to Schley County Board of Education and/or the Schley County High School for the loss of or damage to the property. Serious offenders and repeaters will be subject to arrest and/or to suspension. Students will be provided with textbooks. These books are the property of the school system and should be treated with care. Damage to a book will result in a monetary charge. Parents or legal guardians will be held responsible for restitution.

17 Closed Campus Schley County High School operates a closed campus for the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff. Students must remain on the school grounds from the time of arrival, even if a class has not started, until the time of dismissal. Under the before mentioned circumstances, any student leaving the school grounds must sign out through the office or face suspension for leaving school without permission. Upon return to campus, students will be expected to sign in through the office. All parking lots are off limits during the school day. Special permission must be granted by the Principal or Assistant Principal to go to the parking lot during the school day.

Competitive Interscholastic Activities Students participating in competitive interscholastic activities (sports, literary, and other competitive activities) must comply with the Georgia High School Association policies for participation in addition to the Schley County Board of Education policies.

The following are required for participation before the student will be allowed to try-out or participate: 1. Academic Requirements—A student must pass 70% of subjects in grades 6-8 and 2.5 units or the equivalent (if enrolled in the PSO program) in grades 9-12 in the semester immediately preceding participation and be on track. These subjects must carry credit toward graduation or grade promotion. Summer school is an extension of the second semester. Students not meeting this requirement will be ineligible for one semester. Ineligibility will continue until the student meets all eligibility requirements in the semester prior to participation and meets on- track* requirements. *On-track definition –at the completion of 1 year of high school, the student has accumulated 5 Carnegie units, at the end of 2 years of high school, the student has accumulated 11 Carnegie units, and at the end of 3 years of high school, the student has accumulated 17 Carnegie units. 2. Physical Requirement--Any student desiring to participate in any athletic extracurricular activity must have a physical examination form on file at the school prior to being allowed to try out or practice. This exam must be on the GHSA required form and include the student’s name, the date, the examining doctor’s signature, and a statement that the child is certified to participate in physical activity. The required forms may be obtained from the coach or the athletic director. 3. Insurance Requirements—An insurance form must be on file at the school verifying the student is covered by health insurance. The company’s name, policy number, and parent signature are all required. The regular school insurance may be purchased to meet this requirement for all activities excluding football, which requires a special football policy. The school insurance is available only at the beginning of the school term. 4. Participation Form Requirement—A Schley County High School Athletic Participation Form must be on file at the school. The form must contain the student and parent/guardian signatures. 5. Enrollment Requirement—The student must be in regular attendance and enrolled in seven (7) traditional courses unless he/she is involved in the post secondary option program. A student involved in the dual enrollment program may meet the enrollment requirement by taking a minimum of four (4) traditional courses + one (1) or more 3 college-semester hours course each semester. (This is required of any SCHS student regardless of whether or not he/she participates in extracurricular activities.) NOTE: Students not fulfilling all five (5) of the above requirements will not be allowed to tryout, practice, or participate in any athletic activity. 6. Students who quit a sport or who must be removed from the team before the end of the competitive season may not be invited to attend the athletic banquet. 7. A student must be in attendance a minimum of three and a half (3.5) hours on the date of an activity in order to participate in the activity. This includes games, practices, homecoming activities, dances, etc.

Dances/School Related Events 1. Only students in grades 9-12 are permitted to attend the SCHS Homecoming Dance or the Junior-Senior Prom. No student below the ninth grade is allowed to attend. Dates in grades 9-12 that are not students at SCHS must be turned in to the administration prior to the event by the deadline date. 2. Only SCMS students in grades 6-8 are permitted to attend the middle school dance. No student from other schools may attend this event, nor may any SCHS student (9-12) attend this event. 3. To be eligible to be on the homecoming court the female student must meet all academic eligibility requirements, have an overall average of 77.5, and no discipline referral (including tardy referrals) for the current school year. 4. Mr. & Miss SCHS will be voted on by the student body in grades 9-12 from a list of seniors recommended by the faculty. 5. Any invited guest of a SCHS student to Homecoming or Prom must be approved by the Principal. 6. Homecoming and Prom dates must be under the age of 21. 18 Extra-Curricular Activities Candidates for or students elected to leadership positions in all extracurricular and/or student government organizations are recognized as leaders and role models. Therefore, the school administrators, staff, and fellow students, as well as the community expect exemplary conduct on and off the school campus. Illegal or inappropriate behavior will be subject to administrative action, which may include suspension or removal from elected office or denial of privilege to run for elected positions.

Parents have the right to deny permission for their child to participate in any club. A form is available near the end of the handbook for those who wish to exercise this option.

Fire /Tornado/Disaster Drills Fire and/or disaster drills will be scheduled throughout the school year and should be respected for protection of life. Instructions are posted in each room and teachers will inform students of proper procedures for evacuation or other procedures for your protection.

All drills are to be conducted as if there is an actual emergency.

Guidance Department The Guidance Department provides a number of services that include individual counseling dealing with personal concerns, college, vocation, technical school, military, and career counseling. The Guidance Counselor will schedule appointments for students and place proper notification in the respective teacher’s box if a class is to be missed. Counseling for school-related or personal problems will occur on a needs basis.

Hall Traffic/Passes The policy of the school is for students to remain in class the full-allotted time. Students should not be allowed to leave class except in an emergency. The only legitimate emergencies are to go to the restroom (when considered by the teacher to truthfully be an emergency) or the main office. Since these may or may not always be considered to be emergencies the teacher has the authority to determine if an emergency exists. Any student who is allowed to leave class MUST have a hall pass signed by the teacher with date, time, destination/return and reason. Students are not allowed to use vending machines on Middle School end of main hallway from 3:30 dismissal bell until buses have left campus. Grades 6-7 students are restricted from the high school halls as well as socializing with high school students. Grades 9-12 students are restricted from the hallways of grades 6-7 and socializing with these students.

Health Records Georgia Law requires that every student enrolled in a Georgia public school have a Certificate of Immunization and a Hearing, Vision and Dental examination certificate on file. Students who do not provide the school with an approved current certificate will not be allowed to remain in school. Annually a scoliosis screening and/or a noninvasive health screening will be done at various grade levels. Parents may option their child out of such by written request. Due to state regulations, all students will be requested to provide the school with their social security number.

Insurance School insurance may be obtained on an optional basis. The homeroom teacher will provide students additional information on insurance. Students participating in Vocational classes or other extracurricular activities are encouraged to consider school insurance. Schley County High School will not be responsible for medical bills incurred during these activities. Students will be required to have proof of accident insurance either personal or school insurance to participate in extracurricular athletics.

Internet Usage Schley County High School provides access to the Internet for all students, faculty, and staff. Students must have permission from at least one of their parents or guardians to access the Internet at school. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of those privileges and/or disciplinary action by school officials. A student’s activities while using the Internet in this school must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of the Schley County School System. In addition, a student accessing the Internet from a school site is responsible for all on-line activities that take place through the use of the Internet. When using another organization’s network or computing resources, students must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. These rules are found in the Schley County Board of Education

19 Policy Manual described as “System Acceptable User Policy Internet/Networking”, descriptor Code IFBGA. Both the student and parent/guardian must sign and submit to the teacher a user consent form after reviewing the policy.

Lockers Lockers are available to students at a fee of $5 per year, which is nonrefundable. During the first week of school, homeroom teachers will rent lockers. After that time, lockers will be rented in the main office. Students are not to share lockers. The student to whom the locker is rented is responsible for the contents of the locker. Students should not give others their locker combinations. Please do not overcrowd lockers or cram paper in the lockers. This can cause lockers to jam beyond repair. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers during their lunch period. Lockers are not to be decorated in any way. Stickers are not permitted. The lockers must remain closed and locked at all times except when the student is extracting books.

Media Center The Media Center is for the use of all students for reading, studying, and researching. The media specialist wishes to assist students with their reading and research while in the Media Center. Please be considerate of others and refrain from talking while in the Media Center. The Media Center is open for use between 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each school day. Students may use the Media Center during lunch to do written research with written teacher permission and media specialist permission. During the lunch period, a student must have a pass from one of his/her teachers to use the Media Center. Students may acquire copies of needed material in the Media Center for the price of $.10 per page. No food or drink is allowed in the media center at anytime. Overdue books will be charged at the rate of $.05 per day excluding weekends and holidays. Students owing fines, having overdue books, or having more than two books checked out will not be allowed to check out books until the problem is cleared. The student must pay for lost or damaged books. Reference books and newspapers must be used in the Media Center only. No one is to remove these items from the Media Center. Please abide by the rules or Media Center privileges may be revoked.

Medicine The law prohibits schools from dispensing any type of medication including over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, Tylenol, etc without permission to do so. If a student is in grades 6-12 and is required to take medicine prescribed by a physician or a parent, a note along with the medication must be brought to the school nurse. All prescription medicine must be brought in its original drug store container including the original label. All non-prescription medication must be in its original manufacturer’s container including the original label. No medication should be sent to school on the bus. ALL medication (prescription and non-prescription) must be brought to the school office and left with the school nurse.

Parent Conferences Parents are urged to contact the school whenever the need arises. Teachers may be contacted by note or telephone. The school telephone number is 937-0560. If you call during the school day, the office will leave the teacher a note to return your call as soon as he/she has a planning period. It is important that the teachers’ instructional time be used for instructional purposes. For that reason, no teacher will be called to the telephone or to a drop-in conference. If you wish to have a conference with your child’s teacher, please call the Guidance Counselor in advance to make an appointment so as not to interrupt the teaching process.

Pyramid of Interventions The Student Achievement Pyramid of Interventions represents layers of instructional efforts that can be provided to students according to their individual needs to assist students in their learning process. Student growth is enhanced when evaluation results are used to guide continued instruction. Monitoring student’s progress enables educators to determine if students are increasing their skills as expected, or if they need additional instructional interventions to enable them to maximize academic success. The Pyramid of Interventions represents the process of continually implementing “progress monitoring” and then providing layers of more and more intensive interventions so that students can be successful and progress in their learning. This approach focuses on determining when students are struggling and providing strategic interventions to help them shore up their areas of need.

Restrooms Students should be in the restrooms only during designated times unless an emergency arises. If a student has a health problem with regard to restroom use, it will be the parent’s responsibility to give written notice to that student’s teachers. A medical note will be required for long term needs. Students are expected to help maintain the cleanliness of the restrooms by the proper usage of the facilities. If a student purposely violates the sanitary, orderly, or aesthetic conditions of the restrooms, disciplinary action, including the immediate cleaning of the restroom by the offending student, will be taken.

20 The student restrooms on the 6-7 grades wing are off-limits to the high school students. The student restrooms on the 9- 12 grades wing are off-limits to students in grades 6-7.

Safety Safety equipment is required to be in place at all times. The wearing of safety glasses is required in all lab courses during potentially dangerous instructional activities, which are determined by the teacher. Additionally, shoes to cover the entire foot are required in lab classes involving the use of chemicals. Students refusing to comply with safety glasses regulations will be considered insubordinate and dealt with under disciplinary policies.

Sale of Other Items at School The Schley County Board of Education forbids the sale or solicitation of any item by students to other students on school premises. The delivery of items purchased from organizations or individuals outside of SCHS is prohibited. Students will not be permitted to purchase soft drinks/food items from the vending machines during class time or from 11:00 - 1:35. Students are permitted to purchase these items only at designated times. Students in violation are subject to having the drink/food confiscated without reimbursement and/or other disciplinary action taken.

School Council Schley County High School is currently in its fifteenth year of school council involvement. The school council is composed of parents, teachers, business partners, and the school principal. The meetings are open to the public, and all meetings are announced. The parent and teacher representatives to the council are elected by a group of their peers. Business partners are elected by the members of the council. Council member terms are currently two-year periods of time.

Search and Seizure Policy To maintain order and discipline in the school and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student, lockers, or automobiles under the circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search. 1) Personal Searches: A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g. purse, etc.) may be searched whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials. A metal detector might be used if the school authority believes that the student is in possession of a dangerous metal object or some other item which violates school rules. If a pat-down search of a student’s person is conducted, a school official of the same sex will conduct it in private with an adult witness present, when feasible. If the school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student has on his/her person an item imminently dangerous to the student or to others, a more intrusive search of the student’s person may be conducted. Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex with an adult witness of the same sex present and only upon the prior approval of the principal or his designee unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which might be caused by following these procedures. 2) Locker Searches: Student lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school; however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the contents and security of their lockers. Hence, students should not share lockers. School authorities for any reason, may conduct periodic general inspection or search of lockers at any time without notice, without consent, and without a search warrant. 3) Automobile Searches: Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not as a right. The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and inspections of the exterior of student automobiles on school property by school officials, law enforcement officers, and/or canines trained in the detection of illegal or contraband substances. The interior of students’ vehicles may be inspected whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that dangerous, illegal, or unauthorized materials are contained inside. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. 4) Seizure of Illegal Materials: If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such finds shall be turned over to the legal authorities for ultimate dispositions as well as school discipline imposed.

Telephone-Address Changes All information requested by the school concerning telephone numbers, addresses, work places, etc. are extremely important for emergency contacts. Be sure to fill in all this information in its entirety at the beginning of school. Please notify the school immediately if there is a change in your address, telephone number, baby sitter, job location, or person to contact in an emergency. This information is critical in case your child should become ill or injured. Please request another Emergency Information Sheet should any of the above occur or should any change in your health care

21 procedure occur. The school needs to know immediately what your wishes are for your child’s welfare in case of an emergency. Custody papers should be on file in the school office. Please note any change in custody of a student must be supported by a legal document signed by the judge of proper jurisdiction. No word of mouth or note signed by one parent or others can or will be accepted. Parents should have on file with the office a list of persons who may pick their child up from school. Telephones School phones are used to conduct the business of the school; however, in emergency situations, injury or illness, students are allowed to use the office phones. Students must obtain permission from the teacher and the office before being allowed to use the telephone. Messages for students will be taken only in an emergency and will, in most cases, be announced at the end of the day during or after the afternoon announcements. CELL PHONES ARE NOT TO BE TURNED ON WHILE INSIDE THE SCHOOL BUILDING DURING THE DAY (7:30-3:45) OR ON THE SCHOOL BUS AT ANY TIME. Any student with cell phone turned on inside the building during prohibited times will receive disciplinary referral and assigned consequences. A cell phone is considered to be in use when it is turned on.

Visitors Georgia Law prohibits visitors on a public school campus for social or nonessential reasons. Students are not to bring visitors to school with them or meet visitors around fringe areas of the campus during school hours. Violations of this rule could result in arrest of visitors and serious disciplinary action taken with students. Visitors with specific purposes must check in with the main office and give a reason for their presence. To promote uninterrupted instructional time and for the protection and safety of our students, SCHS is following these visitation guidelines: 1. All visitors, including parents, are to report to the office upon arrival on the SCHS campus. 2. No student visitors are allowed. 3. Out of courtesy to the teacher and to maximize as well as protect instructional time, we suggest that an appointment be made for conference and/or classroom visitation. 4. To prevent disruption, younger children should not accompany parents during visitations/conferences. 5. A visitor badge is required and must be obtained in the office immediately upon arrival on campus. Any person who enters the school with the intent of creating a disruption or in the course of visiting the school creates such a disruption, law enforcement will be contacted and such person will be prosecuted.

Transportation (Parent)

Parents who transport students to and from school should have the students at school no later than 8:00 a.m. Students in grades 6-12 should be picked up no earlier than 3:21 but no later than 3:40. Those unable to adhere to the indicated time frames will be subject to the child being placed on a bus if in county. Out of county students in violation will be subject to revocation of enrollment at Schley County Middle/High School.

The loading and unloading zone for students transported by parents will be in the front of the building. Additionally, the handicap loading and unloading zone for students transported by parents will also be located in the front of the building in the handicap parking area. Parents are urged not to stop in the parking area in the front for the safety of their child. Please restrict pickup and drop off to the 2 drive through lanes adjacent to the building. No parent pick up or drop off of students is allowed in the teacher or student parking lots. This is for the safety of all students.

Transportation (Student)

Motor Vehicles/Student Parking Lot During school hours, students are not allowed in the student parking lot unless they are arriving to school tardy or have permission to leave school or are post secondary option students who leave early. There is to be no loitering in the student parking lot. Upon arriving, students are to enter the school building. Permission must be granted by an administrator for a student to go to his/her vehicle during school. Students who violate this rule are subject to out-of- school suspension or other disciplinary action depending on the nature of the violation. Parking on the school campus is a privilege extended to SCHS students who voluntarily follow school rules and regulations; however, SCHS reserves the right to prohibit a student from bringing a vehicle on campus or suspend the privilege. Vehicles should be operated in accordance with state and local laws, common rules of courtesy, and consideration of others. The term vehicle includes motorcycles.

Parking Regulations

22 1) A parking permit is mandatory to park on the school campus. Parking permits will be sold at the beginning of the school term to eligible students for ten ($10) dollars. At the beginning of second term, parking permits will be five ($5) dollars. Lost permits may be replaced at a cost of five ($5) dollars. 2) Students are allowed to park only in the student parking lot. Students who park in the front lot, or other unauthorized areas may have their vehicles towed at the owner’s expense. A warning may not be issued. Vehicles parked in handicapped spaces may be towed and/or parking permit suspended for an indefinite period of time or revoked. 3) SCHS understands that there may be days that a student will not drive his/her vehicle due to accidents, mechanical problems, etc., so moveable permits will be issued. It is the individual student’s responsibility to move the permit to the car driven on campus. 4) The speed limit on campus is 5 MPH. 5) Traffic flow should always follow arrows. 6) Do not cut across spaces. 7) Exit only at the end of parking aisles. 8) All accidents are to be reported to the teacher on duty or to the office. 9) Riding on the hood, tailgate, or in the back of trucks is strictly prohibited. 10) Students must remain in vehicles when leaving the school campus. No one is to get out of a vehicle when traffic is stopped or moving. 11) No squealing/spinning of tires, racing of engines, speeding, reckless driving, or etc. will be permitted. 12) SCHS may conduct routine parking lot searches. Any reasonable suspicion of drugs or a weapon will mandate a search of the vehicle. 13) Students are required to stop before entering a public road upon exiting the campus. *Violations of parking regulations may result in temporary or permanent driving privilege revocation and or ISS or OSS depending on the nature and the severity.

Transportation (Bus)

All students transported by Schley County School System transportation will abide by all policies and procedures implemented by the SRP (Safe Rider Program)

Riding the school bus is a privilege. It is not a guaranteed right. Students and parents must realize the safety of our children is most important. Everyone’s cooperation is necessary to help insure this safety.

The bus driver is to be obeyed at all times. It is necessary that the driver’s attention be primarily directed toward the road and other traffic. Every parent’s cooperation is necessary in impressing upon their children the importance of the following rules: 1. Students should enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner. There will be no running, shoving, pushing, throwing/shooting objects or approaching too near the bus before it has come to a full stop and the door has been opened by the driver. 2. Students will not play on the bus. 3. Students may talk in normal tones to the persons sitting next to them. Yelling, screaming, making loud noises, or using profanity will not be tolerated. 4. Students will not extend anything out of the bus window. This includes body parts or any other objects. 5. Students will remain stationary while the bus is in motion. No standing, walking around, or changing seats is allowed. 6. Consuming any food substances or drinks on the bus is prohibited. 7. Students need to be at their appropriate bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the arrival of the bus is expected. 8. Students need to stand away from the road while waiting for the bus. 9. The main office of each school must approve any friends wanting to ride the bus with the regular assigned students. Additionally, the student must have written parent/guardian permission to ride a non-assigned bus. If a driver’s bus is unable to accommodate extra students, the main office has the right to refuse to allow a student who is not on that route a ride home with the friend. 10. Students and parents are responsible for anything on the bus that the student destroys or defaces. 11. The following items are prohibited on the bus: a) knives or any other type of weapon b) food c) animals (pets) d) Electronic devices including but not limited to cell phones, pagers, radios, tape or CD player, beepers, or any other such device which might interfere with the driver’s operation of the bus or the

23 communication equipment on the bus. Cell phones are not to be in use (turned on) on the bus. NO EXCEPTIONS. e) any glass items f) other dangerous or disruptive items to include but not limited to mirrors, lenses, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices that might interfere with the driver’s operation of the bus. 12. Any act of physical violence against others is strictly forbidden.

Violation of correct school bus behavior can result in suspension from riding the school bus or school suspension. Please note when suspended from the bus it is the parents’ responsibility to bring and pick up the child at the appropriate times.

Bus students will be picked up at their regular designated areas and discharged at the same designated area. In order for a student to deviate from this plan, he/she must bring WRITTEN permission from a parent or guardian stating an alternative destination. These permission slips must be submitted to the office and a bus permission slip issued. The student must give this bus permission slip to the bus driver in order to be able to ride for the day. Parents should not telephone messages to the school concerning changes in their child’s destination. In an emergency situation when this might be necessitated, calls must be received by 2:00. Parents and students are expected to sign the form at the back of this handbook which indicates bus agreement in order for their child(ren) to ride the bus. Please sign and return the form to school promptly.

School Bus Safety Rules

Our goal at Schley County is to provide safe transportation for our students. The following rules have been established to protect students and keep them safe.

1. Stay Out Of The Danger Zone Every Bus has a Danger Zone around it. That is the area where the bus driver can’t see you. The Danger Zone is 12 feet in every direction around the bus. It’s 12 feet in front, 12 feet in back, and 12 feet on each side of the bus.

2. Stay Safe At The Bus Stop Arrive at your stop 5 minutes before the bus is to arrive. Don’t run, play, or shout. Line up away from the road or curb as the bus nears (Don’t forget the Danger Zone). Stay back from the bus until it stops, and the driver signals it’s OK to get on.

3. Get On The Bus Safely Board the bus in single file. Wait your turn to board. Use the handrail so you don’t trip. Don’t push anyone. Move quickly to find a seat and sit down.

4. Stay Safe On The Bus Speak quietly so you don’t distract the driver or bother anyone else. Stay quiet at all railroad crossings. Don’t stick your head, hands, or feet out the windows. Don’t throw things on the bus or out the windows. Stay in your seat and sit up straight so you don’t fall if the bus makes a sudden stop. Don’t fight with others on the bus…or anywhere! Don’t eat or drink on the bus. Keep your feet and bags out of the aisles.

5. Stay Safe Getting Off The Bus Gather your things together before the bus reaches your stop. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting up from your seat. Hold on to the handrail when stepping down so you don’t trip. Before crossing the road, wait for your driver’s signal, look left, right, then left again. Never cross behind the bus. Tell the driver if you drop something in the danger zone. Do not try to pick it up.

24 Schley County High School

Code of Conduct and Discipline Plan

2014-2015

25 Schley County High School

Code of Student Conduct and Discipline Plan

The realization of each student’s potential and providing a safe environment for which this can occur are the primary goals of Schley County High School. Discipline is an integral element for attaining these goals. It is our belief that through a structured climate with set limits, a positive learning environment will be created and maintained. The principal, superintendent, local board of education, teachers, and a student review committee will set these goals annually.

Authority of the Principal

The principal is the designated leader of the school and, in concert with the staff, is responsible for the orderly operation of the school. In cases of disruptive, disorderly or dangerous conduct not covered in this Code, the principal or his designee may undertake corrective measures which he or she believes to be in the best interest of the student and the school provided any such action does not violate school board policy or procedures. This includes increasing, decreasing, or modifying the suggested dispositions.

Code of Student Conduct It is the desire of the Schley County School System that all students have every possible opportunity to take advantage of the instructional programs. Whatever distracts from a favorable learning environment lessens that opportunity. Students enrolled at Schley County High School will be expected to act accordingly: *Participate fully in the learning process. Students need to report to class on time, attend all scheduled classes, have all materials necessary for participation in class activities, pay attention to instruction, complete assignments to the best of their ability, and ask for help when needed. *Avoid behavior that impairs their own or other students’ educational achievement. Students should know and avoid the behaviors prohibited by this code, take care of their books and other instructional materials, and cooperate with others. *Show respect for the knowledge and authority of teachers, administrators, and other school employees. Students must obey reasonable directions without question (i.e. change seats, go to the office, stop talking, etc.), use acceptable and courteous language, avoid being rude, and follow school rules and procedures. *Recognize and respect the rights of other students and adults. All students should show concern and encouragement of the educational achievements and participation of others. Students should conduct themselves in a manner that would be a credit to their school and family. *Promote personal and school pride. All students should demonstrate a high degree of respect for themselves, their school, and their peers.

The school’s primary goal is to educate, not to punish; however, when the behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole. Accordingly, students shall be governed by policies, regulation and rules set forth in the Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct is effective during the following times and in the following places:  At school or on school property at any time;  Off school grounds at any school-related activity, function or event and while traveling to and from such events;  On school buses and at school bus stops.

Also, students may be disciplined for conduct off campus which could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony and which makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to persons or property at the school or which disrupts the education process.

Major offenses including, but not limited to, drug and weapon offenses can lead to schools being named as an Unsafe School according to the provisions of State Board Rule 160-4-8.16, Unsafe School Choice Options.

26 Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the Code of Conduct and to be supportive of it in their daily communication with their children and others in the community.

The General Assembly of Georgia requires that this code of conduct include language encouraging parents and guardians to inform their children on the consequences, including potential criminal penalties, of underage sexual conduct and crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult.

Alcohol and Drug Policy Narcotics/Alcoholic Beverages and Stimulant Drugs A student shall not possess, use, sell, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, cocaine, marijuana, inhalant, controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant, or any other illegal substance. Additionally, a student shall not represent any substance as a drug for sale, use, or pretense of, so as to create attention or cause alarm. This policy is in effect: 1) On the school grounds during and immediately before and after school hours. 2) On the school grounds at any time. 3) Off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event. 4) En route to and from school or other school activities on a Board of Education vehicle or at any bus stop. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory. Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician for that student shall not be considered a violation of this regulation. All prescription drugs shall be kept in the original container and left with the school nurse.

Procedures for Handling Incidents of Substance Abuse Procedures for handling incidents in the school involving the possession, transmission, sale and/or use or consumption of drugs, alcohol or any other behavior-affecting substances shall be as follows: 1. Definite assignments shall be given to personnel within the individual school. a. The principal will be responsible for carrying out the policy and its supporting procedures with his/her school. b. The principal will serve as the clearing point for records, reports, and inquiries relating to his/her school. c. Staff members will pass concerns to any of the schools’ administrative staff. Administrative staff members are the principal and assistant principal. 2. The names of students involved will not be released. 3. The parents of any involved student shall be contacted immediately. 4. Disciplinary action shall be specific. 5. The schools will cooperate with the law enforcement officials by making every effort to identify and report the source of supply. 6. Disciplinary Action 1) Disciplinary cases will be dealt with on an individual basis and dispositions may be increased, decreased, or modified upon administration discretion. School authorities reserve the right to take the necessary action to handle the situation. 2) Law enforcement or other agencies may be called in at the discretion of the administration.

Alternative School A student may be placed in alternative school due to a continuous disruption of the learning environment, upon returning from a youth detention center, due to certain violations of the law and for other good and sufficient cases as deemed necessary. Students in alternative school will be provided assignments and instructions by the alternative school teacher and the regular classroom teacher.

Behavior Support Process *A behavior support process is a mechanism for identifying and addressing those behaviors and environmental influences that promote the positive emotional, mental, social, and physical health needs of students. It involves the parents, school, and possible outside agencies. *This process is designed to provide services to chronic disciplinary problem students. This is generally used for the more serious offenses; however, it may be used for any level of violation at the discretion of the principal. *The Behavior Support Referral is not a form of punishment, but rather a means to find the appropriate help for the student. Therefore, it will not replace the disposition as listed in the Discipline Code for a rule violation. *Teachers are provided with forms for referral, which will identify the student’s behavior in school. The behavior support committee will develop a plan to address the misbehavior with intervention strategies and a follow-up meeting. 27 Bullying The following policy relating to bullying became effective July 1, 1999. It applies only to students in grades six through twelve.

It shall be the policy of the Board that bullying of a student by another student is prohibited. In accordance with Georgia law, bullying is defined as:

1) Any willful attempt to threaten to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or 2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.

It is required that, upon a finding that a student has committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year such student shall be assigned to an alternative educational program. The Superintendent shall develop rules and procedures, which carry out the provisions of this policy. In addition, the Superintendent shall provide that students and parents of students are notified of this prohibition against bullying and the penalties for violating the prohibition by ensuring the posting of such information at each middle and high school and by ensuring inclusion of such information in student and parent handbooks.

Conflict Resolution Procedure Students do have a process by which they may disagree with a teacher without creating a more difficult situation. The following steps must be used to seek a proper solution. 1. The student shall not challenge the authority or judgment of the teacher during the class period or in the company of other students. 2. The student shall quietly accept the accusation, grade, assignment, or subject of disagreement. 3. After class, the student may request an appointment with the teacher to discuss the matter. The appointment may be made before or after school. 4. During the appointed meeting, the opinion of the student must be described in a calm manner. The student shall listen to the opinion of the teacher concerning the circumstances. If, after this meeting, the student is still in disagreement, he/she is encouraged to explain the conflict to the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian feels that the conflict is not resolved, an appointment should be arranged with the teacher. If the conflict remains unresolved, a conference with the administration should be scheduled.

Corporal Punishment Corporal punishment may be administered by an administrator or certified teacher in accordance with State and Schley County Board of Education policy guidelines. The green copy of the discipline slip should be filed in the office by the end of the day during which corporal punishment was administered. This copy must have the name of the certified person who administered the punishment and the name of the certified witness as well as the number of licks (not to exceed three (3). Parents objecting to the use of corporal punishment must file a written request with the principal requesting that corporal punishment not be administered to their child(ren). Alternative disciplinary dispositions will automatically result in accordance to the code of conduct if corporal punishment is waived.

Disciplinary Actions When it is necessary to impose discipline, school administrators and teachers will follow a progressive discipline process. The degree of discipline to be imposed by each school official will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior of a particular student and will take into account the student’s discipline history, the age of the student and other relevant factors.

The Code of Conduct provides a systematic process of behavior correction in which inappropriate behaviors are followed by consequences. Dispositions are general in nature and not mandatory nor regulatory by nature. The principal or his designee may increase or decrease consequences as deemed necessary. Disciplinary actions are designed to teach students self-discipline and to help them substitute inappropriate behaviors with those that are consistent with the character traits from Georgia’s Character Education Program.

The following disciplinary actions may be imposed for any violation of this Code of Conduct:  Warning and/or Counseling with a School Administrator or Counselor  Loss of Privileges  Removal from Class or Activity 28  Notification of Parents/Parent Conference  Corporal Punishment  In School Suspension/ Short-term Suspension  Placement in an Alternative Education Program  Referral to a Tribunal for Long-term Suspension or Expulsion  Suspension or Expulsion from the School Bus  Referral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Court Officials: Georgia law requires that certain acts of misconduct be referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials.  The School will refer any act of misconduct to law enforcement officials when school officials determine such referral to be necessary or appropriate. The maximum punishments for an offense include long-term suspension or expulsion, including permanent expulsion, but those punishments will be determined only by a disciplinary tribunal as outlined in the Board of Education policies.

School officials may search a student if there is reasonable suspicion the student is in possession of an item that is illegal or against school rules. Student’s vehicles brought on campus, student bags, school lockers, desks and other school property are subject to inspection and search by authorities at any time without further notice to students or parents. Students are required to cooperate if asked to open bags, lockers or any vehicle brought on campus. Metal detectors and drug or weapon sniffing dogs may be utilized at school or at any school function, including activities which occur outside normal school hours or off the school campus at the discretion of administrators.

Expulsion In extreme disciplinary cases, it may be necessary for the administration to recommend to the Tribunal of Schley County Schools for the expulsion of a student from school for the remainder of the semester, school year, calendar year, or permanently. The local policy for due process is in effect for expulsion.

In-School Suspension SCHS has developed the ISS program to isolate students from their regular class schedule on a short-term basis. Car rider or driving students assigned to ISS will report to the ISS room immediately upon arriving on campus. Students assigned to ISS that ride a bus will wait at bus ramp until escorted to the ISS room by a faculty member. Students in ISS will not be permitted to participate in nor attend any school related activity during the dates of ISS assignment nor on inclusive dates (i.e. Saturday when assigned ISS on Friday and Monday, etc) and may not be on Board of Education property after school hours. Students absent from school, checking out of school, or checking in late on dates of ISS assignment will make up the missed time before being readmitted to the regular classroom or dismissed from ISS.

Student Conduct The Schley County Board of Education’s disciplinary policy outlines behavior that will not be acceptable during the school day, on the school bus and at school bus stops immediately before and after the school day, on the school grounds, off the school grounds at any school-related activity, function, event, or on all school provided or authorized transportation. It is the practice and policy of SCHS to encourage parents, teachers, students, and the administration to communicate with each other in order to minimize action needed to correct problems. Each teacher has developed a set of guidelines for his/her classroom that must be followed by the students.

Students will, at all times, show proper respect toward fellow students, staff, visitors, and faculty members. Corrective action will be taken against any student who willfully disobeys faculty members. The penalty will depend upon the degree and intent of the disobedience, as well as the number of similar incidences of inappropriate behavior. Continued willful disobedience may bring suspension, alternative school and/or possible expulsion from school.

Student Discipline and Conduct Code The following listing of offenses and the required or recommended dispositions are submitted for the information of students, parents, and school personnel. Disciplinary action will include appropriate hearing and review, and the removal of a student from the learning environment will occur for just cause and in accordance with the due process of law.

The policies, rules, and regulations shown in this handbook are regulatory in nature and are not to be construed to give rise to any substantive or vested rights. The Board of Education, the superintendent, and the principal reserve the right to amend, suspend, repeal, modify, or revoke the policies, rules, and regulations at any time as to any students or related persons without incurring any obligation with respect to the old or existing policy, rule, regulation or administrative procedure. Offenses and dispositions that follow are to be viewed as guidelines only, and not as being all-inclusive. All offenses cannot possibly be listed nor could all dispositions as situations are often different and each must be considered

29 separately. Dispositions might be increased or reduced depending upon the nature of the situation and/or the regularity of misconduct.

The ultimate administrative responsibility for the school is vested in the principal who must treat each situation, whether disciplinary or administrative, from the perspective of what is in the best interest of the individual concerned, the other students in the school, and the on-going educational mission of the school. Parental involvement in the school process is encouraged as parents, teachers and administrators work together to improve and enhance student behavior and academic performance. Parents are urged to express concerns or items of possible inclusion in the code of conduct, dress code or instructional program to the principal or parent representative on the school council.

Student Removal House Bill 605 has drastically impacted student discipline. One major area is that of teacher authority. Teachers have the authority to remove from their classes a student who repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the ability of a student’s classmates to learn. Before a student is removed from the classroom, the request will be reviewed by a Placement Review Committee to be rejected or upheld.

Suspension From School A student may be suspended from school (OSS) for up to ten (10) days per occurrence depending on the seriousness of the offense. Students receive a grade of zero (0) for all graded work missed while on suspension and are not eligible for the attendance appeal process. Students may not participate in any extracurricular activities on the date(s) of suspension assignment or on inclusive dates. Also, students who are suspended may not return to campus before or after school on the date(s) of the suspension and will not be allowed to attend school events. Students who return to campus while on suspension will receive additional days of suspension and possible referral to legal authorities. Suspended students cannot be on campus to pick up or deliver students. Students who have been suspended from school should not return to school until a parent conference is held with the Assistant Principal or Principal.

Three Step Plan—For Minor Discipline Problems Teachers are expected to maintain appropriate discipline in their own classroom and are required to follow the steps outlined before sending a student to the office for minor disciplinary problems. This plan calls for teachers to handle minor day-to-day discipline problems and to notify parents in writing and/or by phone when possible. This notification will take place on the third minor misconduct, and on the succeeding problems the student will be referred to the discipline office. Step 1 ...... Teacher Action (Warning) Step 2 ...... Teacher Action (Stay in at teacher discretion, stay late after class (1minute maximum, etc.) Step 3 ...... Notification of Parent/Guardian and Teacher Action Succeeding minor problems ...... Referral to Administration

Discipline Offenses and Dispositions

Alternative School Alternative education shall be in place for chronically disruptive students and/or students who commit offenses, which warrant removal from the general student population. Additionally, students who enroll at Schley County High School who have been at a YDC or Boot Camp may be assigned to alternative school for up to ninety (90) days. Also, students enrolling at SCHS who are transferring from another school where they had been assigned to alternative school will complete the previously imposed alternative assignment. Before such students return to the regular classroom, they must be in attendance for the minimum assignment period as well as be recommended by the alternative school director and approved by the principal to return to the regular school setting. *Students assigned to alternative school may not attend any extra curricular activities and may not be on school or Board of Education property after school hours. *Students may be assigned to alternative school by a tribunal, the local board of education, the superintendent of schools, board policy, or a parent waiver. *Disruptive students in alternative school will be suspended, expelled, or referred to the tribunal as appropriate.

Arson Any student who deliberately sets fire at school, on school grounds, on the school bus, or on school property either with the intent to destroy or as a prank or other purpose will be suspended from school and the parents must come for a conference with school officials. Restitution for damages must be made. The penalty, depending on the damage and intent, is up to 10 days home suspension pending tribunal hearing with possible expulsion.

30 Attendance Failure to comply with compulsory attendance law: 1. Reported to truancy officer upon 5th unexcused absence. 2. Reported to magistrate judge upon 7th unexcused absence. Withholding of course credit upon exceeding limitation of 7 days and 4 unexcused absences per semester in 9-12 or 14 days and 7 unexcused absences per year in 6-8. 3. Reported to juvenile justice system upon 8th unexcused absence. 4. Reported to Department of Motor Vehicles for driver license revocation upon reaching 10 unexcused absences. 5. Reported to truancy officer upon the 10th cumulative absence to include excused + unexcused absences. 6. Eleventh (11th) and subsequent total absences shall necessitate a medical excuse or be considered unexcused. 7. Three (3) consecutive days of absence shall be considered unexcused unless accompanied by a medical note.

Bus Discipline  1 st Offense – Driver-Student conference & Parent contacted. (Courtesy notice) Student placed on probation and may be re-assigned to the front of the bus for 1 week.  2 nd Offense - Driver-Student conference & Parent contacted. (Courtesy notice) Student placed on probation and may be re-assigned to the front of the bus for 2 weeks.  3 rd Offense – Referral submitted, 3 days bus suspension. Upon return, student placed on probation and may be re-assigned to the front of the bus for 1 week.  4 th Offense - Referral submitted, 5 days bus suspension. Upon return, student placed on probation and may be re-assigned to the front of the bus for 2 weeks.  5 th Offense - Referral submitted, 8 days bus suspension. Upon return, student placed on probation and may be re-assigned to the front of the bus for extended time.  6 th Offense - Referral submitted, 10 days bus suspension. Upon return, student placed on probation and may be re-assigned to the front of the bus for extended time.  7 th Offense – Recommendation of termination of bus riding privileges.  Depending on severity (to include extreme disruptive or disrespectful conduct, verbal assault, etc.) actions may be accelerated to include:  1 st Offense – 5 – 10 days bus suspension OR 3 – 5 days OSS.  2 nd Offense – 5 – 10 days bus suspension OR 5 – 8 days OSS.  3 rd Offense – 10 days bus suspension OR 10 days OSS. ***Fighting on a bus will result in, at a minimum, 3 days Out of School Suspension on the first offense, 5 days on the second, and 10 days on the third with a tribunal hearing. Legal authorities may be called for any given incident of fighting on a bus. Any behavior that is considered disruptive or unsafe by the school bus driver will be handled through the use of “The Safe Rider Program”. Steps may be skipped if a student violates a rule while on assigned seat or probation.

Cellular Telephone/Beeper/Electronic Communication Devices Note: Beepers, cellular phones, and other communication devices in school are not appropriate and their use during the school day and on the bus is forbidden. Students are not prohibited from having cell phones but are prohibited from displaying them or having them turned on during the school day (7:30-3:45) and on the bus at any time. Students found in possession of these devices while on will have them taken up and held for the specified time. Students will be subject to further disciplinary action. SCHS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ITEMS WHEN LOST OR STOLEN.

Students found displaying a cell phone (not turned on) (i.e. in plain view 7:30-3:45 or on bus at any time) 1st Offense ...... phone taken and turned over to parent/guardian at parent conference (may include ISS) 2nd Offense ...... phone taken and held 3 days (may include ISS) 3rd Offense ...... phone taken and held 5 days (may include ISS)

Students found in use of cell phone (phone turned on) may include talking, alerts, text messaging, voice mail, checking calls, checking time of day, phone ringing, etc) during the school day (7:30-3:45) or on the bus at any time. 1st Offense ...... Phone taken and held for 1 calendar week (may include ISS) 2nd Offense ...... Phone taken and held for 2 calendar weeks (may include ISS) 3rd Offense ...... Phone taken and held for 3 weeks and 3 or more days ISS 4th and subsequent Offense…...Progressive discipline

31 Cheating Cheating will not be tolerated at SCHS. When a student is caught cheating, he/she will receive a zero (0) on that material and face disciplinary action. The teacher will notify the parent/guardian of cheating. 1st Offense ...... 0 + Parent Notification 2nd Offense ...... 0 + Parent Notification & 3 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 0 + Parent Notification & 5 days ISS 4th Offense ...... 0 + Parent Notification & 3 days OSS 5th Offense ...... 0 + Parent Notification & 5 days OSS *Any violation that results in an irregularity or invalidation of a required Georgia state standardized test will result in 3 – 5 days ISS.

Chronic Disciplinary Code Violations Willful and persistent violations of the Student Code of Conduct will result in progressive disciplinary action and tribunal referral. Upon a student’s tenth (10th) disciplinary referral in a school year that student will likely be referred to a disciplinary tribunal for alternative school placement, long term suspension, or possible expulsion depending on the severity and regularity of the incidents.

Criminal Law Violations: A student who has committed or been charged with a violation of any criminal law either on or off campus and whose presence on the school campus may endanger the safety of other students or cause substantial disruption to the school operation may be subject to disciplinary action, including in-school suspension, short-term suspension, alternative school and/or referral to a disciplinary tribunal.

Destruction of Personal or School Property (Vandalism)* Willful or malicious marking, defacing, or destroying school or personal property (to include another student’s property) or the attempt to do such *1st Offense...... Restitution of property must be made. Corporal Punishment, ISS, OSS,bus suspension, expulsion and or legal referral may result depending on the place of occurrence, nature, extent of damage, etc. 2nd Offense...... Progressive discipline imposed. *The nature or degree of the act may accelerate the punishment.

Discipline Problems in ISS will result in the following action: 1st Offense ...... 1 - 3 days home suspension 2nd Offense ...... 3 - 5 days home suspension 3rd and subsequent offenses ...... Progressive discipline

Dishonesty & Lying This offense shall include giving false information to faculty or staff for the purpose of misrepresenting the truth, forgery, altering documents or plagiarism (includes copying and pasting). 1st Offense ...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 2nd Offense ...... 5 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 8 days ISS 4th Offense ...... 10 days ISS 5th Offense ...... 3 days OSS *Disposition may be increased depending upon the situation.

Disturbance/Disruptive Behavior This includes acts, which cause or could cause a disruption of learning opportunities for self and/or others. 1. Minor: (Causes, creates or could cause a minor disruption). This includes but is not limited to horseplay, name-calling, inappropriate games and any other act, which disturbs others or the learning environment. 1st Offense ...... Parent/guardian notification, ISS or Corporal punishment depending on the situation 2nd Offense ...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 3rd Offense ...... 5 days ISS 4th Offense ...... 8 days ISS 5th Offense ...... 10 days ISS 6th Offense ...... 3 days OSS Subsequent offenses. Progressive discipline will be imposed.

32 2. Major: (Participates in, Incites, advises, or counsels others to engage in prohibited acts that causes, creates or could cause a major disruption). This includes but is not limited to sit downs, walk-outs, riots, picketing, trespassing, inciting a disturbance, blocking doors or hallways, fighting, disrespect for authority, etc. 1st Offense ...... 3 days OSS 2nd Offense ...... 5 days OSS 3rd Offense ...... 10 days home suspension with tribunal hearing

Dress/Attire Students will be clean, neat, and dressed in a manner conducive to academic achievement. Each classroom teacher is best suited to determine what is distracting to his/her students over and above the guidelines below. The administration reserves the right to decide the suitability of any and all garments. The following guidelines will be employed, though they are not all inclusive:

1. No clothes, which advertise drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or contain vulgar, distasteful, or suggestive comments shall be allowed. 2. No sunglasses in the building. 3. No hats, scarves, or head coverings (except for medical or religious reasons) will be worn in the building at SCHS. Students are encouraged to leave hats and scarves in their vehicles or at home. 4. No tank tops, spaghetti straps, halter tops, fishnet shirts, etc. or clothes with inappropriate slits or holes are to be worn to school. No holes/slits above the knee in any garmets. 5. No sagging—pants or shorts may not be worn below the waistline. 6. No spandex shorts or pants, pajama/lounge pants, leggings (unless worn with skirt or dress that meets dress code), or athletic/gym shorts, drawstring/cotton “sweat” pants are to be worn. 7. No dress or skirts are to be worn which are more than 3 inches above the knee as measured from the back crease of the knee. Shorts must be hemmed and may not be more than 3 inches above the knee as measured from the back crease of the knee. 8. No transparent wind pants are to be worn. (Non-transparent are acceptable). 9. No bedroom type slippers or heelies (shoes with wheels) are to be worn. Shoes are required by law. 10. No bare midriffs (skin visible at waist), low necklines, or clothing of a revealing nature are to be worn. 11. No rings, bobs, or studs on any body part except the ear (no tongue, no lip, no nose, no navel, no eyebrow, etc.) 12. No curlers, combs, head rags, etc, are to be worn in the hair or on the head. 13. No clothing, hairstyle (such as a mohawk), or other, which causes a distraction or disruption of the learning environment, will be tolerated at SCHS. Any other clothing or hair style, which is deemed by the administration to cause a disruption or distraction to the learning environment or school atmosphere, is not permitted. 14. No trench coats are to be worn. 15. No bandanas, handkerchiefs or shoestrings may hang from pockets. 16. No undergarments should be visible. 17. No plain white undershirts are to be worn as ones shirt 18. No gloves are to be worn. 19. No chains are to be worn or possessed which might pose a danger. 20. No shirt tails out below the natural waistline 21. No shirts or jackets with slits or holes for fingers to depict gloves are to be worn. 22. Belts are to be worn through belt loops and properly buckled at all times.

SHIRTTAILS MUST BE TUCKED INSIDE OF PANTS IF THEY EXTEND BELOW THE NATURAL WAISTLINE.

Those who choose not to follow dress guidelines will receive disciplinary dispositions. 1st Offense ...... ISS for the remainder of the day or until inappropriateness is corrected. 2nd Offense ...... 1 day ISS 3rd Offense ...... 3 days ISS 4th Offense ...... 5 days ISS 5th Offense + subsequent offenses ...... Progressive Discipline

NO BOOKBAGS WILL BE ALLOWED IN GRADES 6-12. P.E. or athletic bags must be taken directly to locker, office, coach, or homeroom teacher immediately upon arrival at school.

Driving/Parking campus violations 33 Speeding/reckless driving, spinning/squealing tires, failure to secure or display parking pass or other safety violation. 1st Offense ...... Warning(Possible temporary driving privilege revoked) 2nd Offense ...... ISS and/or driving privilege revoked 2-5 days 3rd Offense ...... Driving privilege revoked 5-10 days 4th Offense ...... Driving privilege revoked indefinitely Disposition may be increased depending on the nature and/or severity of the action. Drug and Alcohol (Unlawful Use, Possession, Consumption, Under the influence of, or Distribution): Possession, sale, use in any amount, distribution, or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, drug paraphernalia or alcoholic beverage or other intoxicant. *Possession, distribution, attempted sale or sale of substances represented as drugs or alcohol. Sale, attempted sale, distribution, or being under the influence of a prescription or over the counter drug. a. Alcohol (use or possession) 1st offense ...... minimum 5 days OSS 2nd offense ...... 10 days home suspension pending tribunal hearing b. Drug Paraphernalia 1st offense ...... Students in possession of drug paraphernalia (rolling papers, etc.) minimum 5 days OSS 2nd offense ...... 10 days home suspension pending tribunal hearing

c. Illicit/Illegal Drugs (use or possession or under the influence) 1st offense ...... 10 days Home suspension and notification of legal authority with Tribunal Hearing with probable recommendation of expulsion Additionally, no student shall possess, draw, imitate or otherwise attempt to pretend or glorify the presence or use of any illegal substance (i.e. 7 pronged leaves, etc…). Disciplinary action shall include parent conference, and/or in or out of school suspension depending on circumstances.

Early Check-outs An early checkout is defined as leaving a class before the end of the period. After 3 unexcused early checkouts from a class the student shall be counted as absent on 3rd checkout.

1st Checkout ...... No disposition 2nd Checkout ...... No disposition 3rd Checkout ...... 1 day absence 4th Checkout ...... 1 day ISS

Eating in Classrooms or carpeted areas 1st Offense ...... Principal’s discretion depending on situation— may include warning, parent notification, etc. 2nd Offense...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 3rd Offense...... 5 days ISS

Extortion (See Campus Disturbance)—Major Any student who threatens or otherwise uses extortion against another student for payment of money or property will face disciplinary action, and possible referral to legal authorities. 1st Offense ...... Principal discretion depending upon circumstances— may include parent conference, ISS, or OSS 2nd Offense . . . . . 3-5 days ISS or OSS depending upon circumstances 3rd Offense . . . . . Assignment to alternative school pending tribunal hearing.

Failure to follow proper classroom protocol (Sleeping in class, failure to bring proper classroom materials (books, paper, pencil, etc), failure to remain in seat) 1st Offense...... Teacher Warning 2nd Offense...... Teacher Action (Temporary ISS) 3rd Offense...... Parent/Teacher Conference and Teacher Action 4th Offense...... Referral to Administration

34 Fire Alarms Pulling a fire alarm as a prank is both unlawful and dangerous. This action is a violation of a Federal law and carries a minimum fine of $25 up to $500. In addition to criminal prosecution, the student will be immediately suspended from school for three days.

Fireworks Any type of ignitable or explosive device is illegal on any school property, vehicle, or school function. This includes, but is not limited to smoke bombs, firecrackers, sparklers, bullets, or any other similar products.

1st Offense ...... 3 days OSS 2nd Offense ...... 5 days OSS 3rd Offense ...... 10 days OSS with tribunal hearing *Igniting of explosive devices will result in OSS and probable notification of legal authorities with possible tribunal hearing. *Punishment may be accelerated depending on the situation and the nature of the device.

Gambling Gambling, or possession of gambling devices, includes but is not limited to betting, tossing coins, matching coins, and or any other game of chance involving money, goods, or merchandise. 1st Offense ...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 2nd Offense ...... 5 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 3 days OSS 4th Offense ...... 5 days OSS 5th Offense ...... 10 days OSS with tribunal referral

Gang Related Activity When an administrator becomes aware of or is notified about gang activity on campus or in the community, appropriate action will be taken. The following actions may cause suspension from SCHS. 1. Hand Sign “FLASHING” 2. Wearing articles of clothing in a certain way or color scheme to represent a gang. Gang related tattooing is prohibited under this policy. Gang graffiti on any school or personal item will result in suspension (notebooks, desks, book bags, book covers, etc.) Gang violence will result in 10 days home suspension, arrest, and tribunal hearing. Any other action deemed gang related by this administration will result in suspension.

Inappropriate Student Demeanor-by action or words toward adults Students should show respect to faculty, staff, school employees, and adults in the school or at school related events at all times. Inappropriate student demeanor toward adults has two categories. 1. Minor—Not Extreme—Disrespectful attitude This may include but is not limited to the rolling of one’s eyes, smacking of the lips, sighing, making faces, gestures, refusing to answer, turning away when being spoken to, mumbling under one’s breath, failure to follow reasonable requests of adults, failure to return signed report card or progress report, etc. 1st Offense ...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 2nd Offense ...... 5 days ISS or corporal punishment 3rd Offense ...... 3 days home suspension 4th Offense ...... 5 days home suspension 2. Major—Extreme inappropriate student demeanor—Extreme Disrespect, Defiance or profanity directed at adults. 1st Offense ...... 3-5 days home suspension minimum 2nd Offense ...... 5-7 days home suspension minimum 3rd Offense ...... 10 days home suspension with tribunal hearing *NOTE: Directed actions or words toward faculty and staff may result in acceleration of disposition. Depending on the degree, actions may be accelerated.

Inappropriate Student Demeanor-by action or words toward other students This includes but is not limited to acts of disrespect, humiliation, or aggression, etc. such as spitting upon, physical aggression, inflammatory name calling, kicking, pushing, tripping, hitting, etc. 1st Offense ...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 2nd Offense ...... 5 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 5-7 days ISS or OSS depending on circumstances 35 4th Offense…………………….3 - 5 days OSS Punishment may be accelerated depending on the situation. If such occurs on the bus similar bus suspension will be the disposition.

Internet Misuse This includes but may not be limited to inappropriate usage, use without permission, and transmission of profane, vulgar, obscene, or inappropriate language/material or failure to follow system usage guidelines. 1st Offense ...... Administrative discretion—automatic revocation of Internet usage by student for the remainder of the school year. May include ISS or OSS depending upon nature of misuse. Vulgar or obscene sites visited shall result in a minimum of 3 days of OSS.

Leaving campus without permission (Students must sign out in the office and receive permission to leave campus. 1st Offense ...... 3 days OSS 2nd Offense ...... 5 days OSS 3rd Offense ...... 8 days OSS 4th Offense ...... 10 days OSS

Leaving class, skipping school, or cutting class (in part or whole) without teacher permission as well as being in unauthorized areas will result in the following: 1st Offense ...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 2nd Offense ...... 3 - 5 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 3 days home suspension

Matches, lighters, etc. are prohibited on campus and at school functions. Possession or use of is prohibited. 1st Offense ...... 3 days ISS 2nd Offense ...... 3 days OSS 3rd Offense ...... 5 days OSS 4th Offense ...... 10 day OSS with tribunal hearing

Nuisance Items Items not directly associated with classes are not allowed at school. Such items as hats, cameras, radios, head sets, tape players, tapes, CD players, CDs, iPod’s, MP3 players, electronic games, sunglasses, stuffed animals, live animals or pets, hack-sacks, laser pointers, etc. will be taken from students. They will be returned at administrators discretion. Such items are disruptive in the classroom/school setting. Personal grooming and hygiene items should be used in the restrooms and nowhere else. Combs, curlers, etc. are not appropriate in the hair outside the restrooms. The disposition for this offense will be the same as a minor disturbance/disruptive behavior as stated in this discipline code.

Off-Campus Behavior Involvement in any off campus behavior by any student whether it is related to a school event or not, which is considered to be a threat to the safe and daily operation of the school or its constituents is punishable. This is to include any behavior of a student which could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony and which makes the student’s presence at school a potential danger to persons or property at the school or disrupts the educational process. Punishment may include suspension from school, from extracurricular activities, placement in alternative school, or recommendation for expulsion, depending upon the offense. Proof of guilt may not be necessary to impose the removal of the student from the regular school setting. A charge by an officer of the law may be enough depending on the seriousness of the offense for which the student is charged.

Physical Display of Affection This may include, but is not limited to hugging, kissing, hand holding, etc.

1st Offense ...... Warning or 1-3 days ISS 2nd Offense ...... 3-5 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 3 days OSS 4th Offense ...... 5 days OSS 5th Offense ...... 10 days OSS with tribunal hearing *Punishment may be accelerated depending on the situation.

Profanity Use of profane words, inappropriate language (written or spoken) or gestures (to other students or in general) 1st Offense ...... 3 days ISS or corporal punishment 36 2nd Offense ...... 5 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 8 days ISS 4th Offense & subsequent Offenses . . . .OSS Profanity directed at or in response to faculty, staff, employees, or other adults at school or school functions 1st Offense...... 3-5 days OSS 2nd Offense...... 5-7 days OSS, probable legal referral 3rd Offense...... 10 days OSS, legal referral Safety Violations Failure to comply with safety rules and regulations consistent with normal operational procedures on campus and/or in or around vehicles on school property is punishable by the following: 1st Offense ...... Warning 2nd Offense ...... 3 days ISS 3rd Offense ...... 5 days ISS 4th Offense ...... 3 days OSS 5th Offense ...... 5 days OSS 6th Offense ...... 10 days OSS *Punishment may be accelerated depending on the situation.

Sexual Conduct The General Assembly of Georgia requires that this code of conduct shall encourage parents and guardians to inform their children on the consequences, including potential criminal penalties of underage sexual conduct and crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult. Additionally, any sexual misconduct on school grounds, school transportation, or at a school related event will result in suspension from school, notification of legal authority, tribunal hearing, and possible school expulsion.

Sexual Harassment This may be physical, verbal, or nonverbal. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where the individual is made to feel most uncomfortable and it interferes with the learning environment. Any violation of this policy is to be reported immediately to a teacher, counselor, or the administration. Verbal or non-verbal 1st Offense ...... Warning, principal discretion, parent conference, ISS, or OSS depending on nature 2nd Offense ...... 3-5 days OSS 3rd Offense ...... 10 days OSS and referral to tribunal

Physical 1st Offense ...... 3 days OSS + possible legal referral 2nd Offense...... 5 days OSS + possible legal referral 3rd Offense...... 10 days OSS + referral to tribunal + legal referral

Stink Bombs Possession of or use of any type of device designed to emit odor for the purpose of disruption, humor, or prank, etc. 1st Offense...... 3 days OSS 2nd Offense...... 5 days OSS 3rd Offense...... 8 days OSS

Tardy/Unexcused to School or Class Tardy to class or homeroom occurs when a student arrives after the tardy bell rings. Tardies are cumulative for all classes, not each individual class. When a student reaches the fourth tardy in any class, the student will be referred to the office. All subsequent office referrals regardless of class referred from are cumulative and discipline is progressive. Per Semester 1st & 2nd Offense ...... Teacher warning 3rd Offense ...... Warning/possible teacher discipline imposed 4th Offense ...... 1 day ISS or corporal punishment 5th Offense ...... 2 days ISS 6th Offense ...... 3 days ISS Subsequent offenses for tardiness regardless of class will result in increased ISS or home suspension at discretion of principal or assistant principal.

Theft/Stealing Any student involved in the act of stealing or in possession of stolen property at SCHS will be disciplined. 37 1st Offense . . . . 1-3 days home suspension and/or ISS depending upon circumstances 2nd Offense . . . . 3-5 days home suspension depending upon circumstances 3rd Offense . . . . 5-10 days home suspension with tribunal hearing consideration Law enforcement officials may be notified and the appropriate charges brought against the student.

Tobacco Use and Possession No student shall handle, possess, transmit, smoke, or use tobacco and/or tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, dip, chew, snuff, etc) or tobacco paraphernalia. This applies to the school, bus, campus, and/or any school function or BOE grounds. 1st Offense ...... 3 days OSS 2nd Offense ...... 5 days OSS 3rd Offense ...... 10 days OSS with tribunal hearing

Trespassing Trespassing on school or board of education property is prohibited and may result in ISS or out of school suspension, parent conference, and/or referral to legal authorities depending upon the nature and severity of the act.

Violence Students are prohibited from acts of physical violence, bullying, threatening of or physical assault or battery of other persons, verbal assault of persons, disrespectful conduct toward school system employees, or other unruly behavior. This policy is in effect at school, on the bus, and at other school events. 1. Violence Against teachers, faculty, bus driver, school system employees. a. Verbally abusing faculty or employees without intent to do bodily harm. 1st Offense ...... 3 days OSS 2nd Offense ...... 5 days OSS and possible referral to tribunal. 3rd Offense ...... 10 days OSS and referral to tribunal hearing. b. Threatening or intimidating faculty, staff, or employees with violence or physical harm. 5-10 days OSS depending upon circumstances and probable referral to tribunal. c. Physical assault and or battery on faculty, staff members, or any school employee. 10 days OSS, referral to tribunal with recommendation for expulsion, and notification of appropriate authorities. Law provides that a student found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee shall be expelled from the public school system. “Physical violence” is defined as (1) intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another, or (2) intentionally making physical contact, which causes physical harm to another. The Schley County Board of Education shall assess penalties against a student found by a tribunal to have committed any act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school official or employee. Any student alleged to have committed an act of physical violence shall be suspended pending the hearing by the tribunal. The local board shall appoint a tribunal composed of three teachers or certified personnel. The local board may follow the recommendations of the tribunal or impose penalties not recommended by the tribunal. A student found by a tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence against a teacher resulting in physical harm, as defined in (2) above, shall be expelled from the public school system. The expulsion shall be for the remainder of the student’s eligibility to attend public school. However, the local board at its discretion may permit the student to attend an alternative education program for the period of the student’s expulsion. If the student who commits the act of physical violence is in kindergarten through grade eight, then the local board may permit such student to reenroll in the regular public school program for grades nine through 12. If the local board does not operate an alternative education program for students in kindergarten through grade six, the local board may permit such student who has committed an act of physical violence to reenroll in the public school system. Any student who is found by a tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, school official or school employee resulting in physical harm, as defined in (2) above, shall be referred to juvenile court with a request for a petition alleging delinquent behavior. Any student who is found by a tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence as defined in (1) above may be disciplined by expulsion, long- term suspension, or short-term suspension. This bill became effective on July 1, 2002. 2. Violence Against Students. a. Harassment—This may be physical, verbal (threatening), or non-verbal. The use of disrespectful conduct such as racial slurs, epithets, vulgarity, slang, etc. to insult, provoke, or otherwise intimidate another individual(s) will not be tolerated. This will include but may not be limited to teasing, taunting, “playing”, or responding to others “in kind”. 1st Offense ...... Principal discretion depending upon nature of offense, may include corporal punishment, ISS, or OSS for 3-5 days 2nd Offense ...... 5-7 days ISS, may be increased depending on situation, 38 possible referral to counselor 3rd Offense ...... 3 days home suspension. 4th Offence ...... 5 days home suspension. 5th Offense ...... 10 days home suspension with tribunal hearing. b. Bullying—is defined as follows “bullying means: (1) any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or (2) any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.” 1st Offense ...... Principal discretion depending upon circumstances. Parent conference and a bus behavior contract is required if such occurs on a bus. 2nd Offense...... 3-5 days ISS, bus suspension, or OSS depending upon situation. 3rd Offense ...... Assignment to alternative school pending tribunal hearing. c. Fight Policy (Physical violence against students) Fighting will not be tolerated at SCHS and will result in the following action: 1st Offense ...... 3 days OSS 2nd Offense ...... 5 days OSS 3rd Offense ...... 10 days OSS with tribunal hearing. *Notice This policy applies to all who fight regardless of who starts the fight. This policy is in effect for the bus, school, campus, and all school sponsored events regardless of the location of the event. Any student involved in a fight at SCHS using any type of weapon will be suspended for 10 days with a tribunal hearing and a recommendation for expulsion, arrested and charged with the appropriate offense. d. Assault and or Battery—Cases involving intentional and substantial violent bodily harm will result in out of school suspension not to exceed 10 days with probable law enforcement notification and tribunal referral. Physical assault or battery, including sexual battery, of other students, or persons attending school- related functions: possible referral to a disciplinary tribunal if a student is alleged to have committed battery upon another student or a person attending a school-related function. e. Threats of serious, permanent or terminal bodily harm are strictly forbidden. No such threat shall be made even jokingly. Any such threat will be investigated and a determination as to the disposition will be made. Such disposition could include OSS, alternative school, ISS, parent conferencing, tribunal hearing, and/or expulsion depending upon the nature and seriousness of the threat as determined by the investigation.

Vulgarity or Obscenity may include but is not limited to the following: Indecent exposure and/or possession and/or distribution and/or referring of pornographic or obscene materials.

1st Offense ...... 2-3 days OSS depending upon degree 2nd Offense ...... 3-5 days OSS depending upon degree 3rd Offense ...... 5-8 days OSS depending upon degree Subsequent Offenses ...... Progressive discipline to include possible *Disposition might be accelerated depending upon the degree or severity.

Weapons Possession or use of a weapon or dangerous instrument as provided for in Code Section 16-11-127.1: A student shall not possess, use, handle, or transmit any object that reasonably can be considered a weapon. Students who possess firearms on campus will be subject to a minimum of a one calendar year suspension and will be referred to law enforcement officials. No weapons will be allowed in vehicles, lockers, or in possession of any student while on campus or on the bus, at a school function, or on BOE grounds. Students will be subject to the following: 1. Possession of a firearm (or party to bringing a firearm to school). Any student having a firearm in his/her possession will be suspended from school for a maximum of 10 days and will be brought before a tribunal hearing, which will likely result in an expulsion of 1 calendar year. In addition, the student will be arrested for violation of The Federal Gun-Free School Act of 1990. A conviction of this act may result in a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in a federal prison. 2. Possession of a dangerous weapon (other than a firearm, including but not limited to knives, chains, pepper spray, razor blades, box cutters, etc. or any instrument that may be used as a dangerous weapon.) Any student who possesses a dangerous weapon (including a pocket knife) of any kind will receive a minimum of 3 days OSS and will be reported to law enforcement if required or determined necessary. If a student brandishes or uses a weapon during a fight or other act of aggression, he/she will be suspended from 39 school for 10 days, and will be brought before a tribunal hearing for expulsion and will be turned over to law enforcement. Any subsequent offense will result in progressive discipline and legal referral. 3. Simulated weapons are strictly prohibited and may result in discipline which may include in or out of school suspension or tribunal referral depending upon the situation.

Academic Requirements

Schley County High School Graduation Requirements for 2014-2015 : *A course shall count only once for satisfying any Carnegie unit requirement for graduation. The same course cannot be used to satisfy a Carnegie unit requirement in more than one core area of study. Two foreign language courses (same language) will be required for enrollment to enroll in a 4 year college and 3 CTAE courses within a pathway are required for a CTAE pathway.

Core Areas of Study Units I. English/Language Arts* 4 II. Mathematics* 4 III. Science* 4 IV. Social Studies* 3 V. Health/Physical Education* 1 VI. CTAE and/or Modern Language/Latin and/or Fine Arts 3 VII. Foreign Language 0 (2 required for college enrollment) VIII. Locally required or elective units 4

TOTAL STATE REQUIRED UNITS (MINIMUM) 23 TOTAL LOCAL UNITS 25

*Core Courses **Students may want to utilize as elective units such courses as Foreign Language depending upon the student’s intentions to enter a University System of Georgia institution. It is recommended that all students who may consider attending college to take 2 consecutive foreign languages.

SAT testing dates:

TEST DATE (Anticipated) October 11, 2014 November 8, 2014 December 6, 2014 January 24, 2015 March 14, 2015 May 2, 2015 June 6, 2015 State tests required to pass: For promotion from the 8th to 9th grades*: 1) GMAS in math 2) GMAS in reading *According to Schley County Board of Education policy: “No eighth grade student shall be promoted to the ninth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the GMAS in reading and the GMAS in mathematics and meet promotion standards and criteria established in this policy for the school that the student attends.”

For graduation for students:

40 GHSGT in Writing (MANDATORY TO PASS GHSGT WRITING TEST)

Schley County High School Recommended Academic Course Sequences for students graduating in 2013 and after

This is only a recommendation, each student and parents will ultimately choose in cooperation with the school the courses and path toward graduation. Students and parents will be encouraged to determine if the student is college bound as early in their high school career as possible.

English

Grade Graduation College Bound Graduation 9th grade English I English I 10thgrade English II English II 11th grade English III AP English III 12th grade English IV AP English IV

Math

Grade Graduation College Bound Graduation 9th grade Coordinate Algebra (possible Support) Coordinate Algebra 10th grade Analytic Geometry Analytic Geometry 11th grade Advanced Algebra Advanced Algebra 12th grade Pre-Calculus A.P. Calculus

Health and Personal Fitness

Grade Graduation College Bound Graduation 9th grade Health & Personal Fitness Health & Personal Fitness

Science—A 4th unit of science is required for any diploma beginning in 2010 and is recommended for entrance in more competitive colleges and universities.

Grade Graduation College Bound Graduation 9th grade Biology/Physical Science Biology/Physical Science 10th grade Physical Science/Biology Physical Science 11th grade Environmental Science Chemistry 12th grade CTAE Science Physics/AP Biology

Social Studies

Grade Graduation College Bound Graduation 9th grade World Geography World History 10th grade World History World Geography or AP US History 11th grade U.S. History AP Government or U. S. History 12th grade Government/Economics Government/Economics

Foreign Language—Two units of the same foreign language are required for college bound students. It is recommended that they be taken in consecutive school years.

Grade Graduation College Bound Graduation 10th grade or 11th grade None Spanish I or French I Spanish II or French II

Students who enter 9th grade for the first time in the 2011-2012 school year must pass the GHSWT to graduate but will not take other graduation tests. They are not required to pass the EOCT but are required to pass courses associated with EOCT, with the EOCT contributing 20% to course grade. In order to be eligible for CTAE Pathway must pass 3 courses in the same pathway.

A student must have been enrolled for 4 years (traditional 7-period day) to be considered as a candidate for graduation.

41 Students graduating in 2013 and after must have local BOE required units (25) to graduate which include all state mandated core courses.

Career Technical and Agricultural Education

Students who are interested in career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE) may pursue one of the CTAE pathways. Through these pathways students may earn three (3) units of credit in a coherent sequence of CTAE courses through a self-selected pathway leading to college readiness and a career readiness certificate endorsed by related industries. Career pathways currently available at SCHS are “Agricultural Mechanics”, “Plant Science and Horticulture”, “Nutrition and Food Science”, “Administrative/Information Support”, “Financial Management Accounting”, and “Broadcast Video Production”.

Georgia Department of Education Graduation Requirements

The Schley County Board of Education requires 25 total units to graduate.

New rule applies to students who graduate in 2012 and later 1 common set of requirements for all students

23 total units required for all students Schley County BOE (23 is the state minimum) policy requires 25 total units to graduate 4 units of English Language Arts required for all students 4 units of Math required for all students 4 units of Science required for all students CTAE sciences used (the 4th science unit may be used to meet as 4th science will not both the science and elective requirements) be accepted for admittance to colleges 3 units of Social Studies required for all students, all courses are specifically identified 1 unit of Health and Physical Education required for all students A total of 3 units required from: CTAE and/or Foreign Language and/or Fine Arts for all students (students planning to enter or transfer into a University System of Georgia institution or other post-secondary institution must take two units of the same foreign language 42 4 additional elective units for all students

Schley County High School Club Schedule Information 2014 - 2015

Club meetings will begin in the month of August. Club meetings will be the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. In December and May, clubs will not meet.

 The clubs, which will meet on first Wednesdays are : FFA and FCCLA.

 The clubs, which will meet on second Wednesdays are : Sr. Beta and FBLA

 The clubs, which will meet on third Wednesdays are : Foreign Language and Science

 The clubs, which will meet on fourth Wednesdays are : Jr/Sr Prom and Student Council

All club meetings will be from 8:58-9:23 a.m. Students will report to Homeroom by 8:00. At the end of 1st Period, students will sign out of 1st Period, and then report to their club meeting/advisement. A bell will ring at 9:23 to end 1st Period/Club/Advisement Schedule. Students will then report to 2nd Period and will be tardy to class at 9:28.

There will be no exchange of class periods. All clubs/advisement will meet at the end of 1st Period.

1 st Wed 2 nd Wed 3 rd Wed 4 th Wed August 1st Club 2nd Club 3rd Club 4th Club September 1st Club 2nd Club 3rd Club 4th Club October 1st Club 2nd Club 3rd Club 4th Club November 1st Club 2nd Club 3rd Club December 4th Club None None January 1st Club 2nd Club 3rd Club 4th Club February 1st Club 2nd Club 3rd Club 4th Club March 1st Club 2nd Club 3rd Club 4th Club April 1st Club 2nd Club None 3rd Club 43 May 4th Club None None

Schley County Schools 2014 – 2015 School Calendar

Pre-Planning July 28 – July 31 1st Day of School August 1 Student School Days August 1 – August 29 Labor Day Holiday September 1 Student School Days September 2 – October 9 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday October 10 Fall Holidays October 13 & 14 Student School Days October 15 – November 22 Early Release - 12:00 November 5 Thanksgiving Holidays November 24 – 28 Student School Days December 1 – December 17 Early Release - 12:00 December 17 End of 1st Semester (90 days) December 17 Christmas Holidays December 18 – January 2 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday January 5 1st day 2nd Semester January 6 Student School Days January 6 – January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday January 19 Student School Days January 20 – February 13 President’s Day Holiday February 16 Student School Days February 17 – March 19 Early Release - 12:00 February 25 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday March 20 Student School Days March 23 – April 10 Spring Holidays April 13 – April 17 Student School Days April 20 – May 21 Last Day of School – Early Release 12:00 May 21 End of 2nd Semester ( 87 days ) May 21 Graduation May 23 Post Planning May 22, 26, 27

End of:

1st nine weeks October 3, 2014 (45 days) 2nd nine weeks December 17, 2014 (45 days) 3rd nine weeks March 11, 2015 (45 days) 44 4th nine weeks May 21, 2015 (45 days)

Testing/Progress Reports/Report Cards 2014 - 2015

September 4, 2014 First nine-weeks midterm progress reports issued

October 1, 2, 3, 2014 First nine-weeks exams

October 9, 2014 Report cards go home

November 6, 2014 Second nine-weeks midterm progress reports issued

December 15, 16, 17, 2014 First semester exams

January 15, 2015 Report cards go home

February 5, 2015 Third nine-weeks midterm progress reports issued

March 10, 11, 12, 2015 Third nine-weeks exams

March 19, 2015 Reports cards go home

April 9, 2015 Fourth nine-weeks midterm progress reports issued

May 18, 19, 20, 2015 Seniors Second Semester exams

May 19, 20, 21, 2015 Second Semester exams

May 27, 2015 Report cards picked up at school (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)

May 28, 2014 Report cards mailed home

45 Schley County School System Gender Equity in Sports—Grievance Procedure

It is the policy of the Schley County Board of Education (“Board”) to prohibit discrimination based on gender in its elementary and secondary school athletic programs, in accordance with the Georgia Equity in Sports Act. The following grievance procedures are hereby adopted to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of written student complaints, including those brought by a parent or guardian on behalf of his or her minor child who is a student, alleging any action which would be a violation of the Georgia Equity in Sports Act.

1. The student, parent, or guardian must submit a complaint to the sports equity coordinator. The sports equity coordinator shall date the complaint when received. 2. The sports equity coordinator shall take all reasonably necessary steps to ascertain the essential facts regarding the circumstances surrounding the complaint. The confidentiality of any information obtained shall be maintained in accordance with federal and state law and the school system’s policies on confidentiality of student and employee information. 3. The sports equity coordinator shall render a decision in writing no later than 30 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, and such decision shall set forth the essential facts and rationale for the decision. 4. A copy of such decisions shall be provided to the complainant within five calendar days of the date of the decision. 5. A complainant shall have the right to appeal such decision to the Board within 35 calendar days of the date of the decision. The request for appeal must be submitted by the complainant in writing to the Superintendent. The Superintendent’s office shall date the complaint when received. 6. The Board shall review all materials related to the matter and render a decision in writing no later than 30 calendar days or at the next regularly scheduled board meeting after receipt of the appeal, whichever is later, and such decision shall set forth the essential facts and rationale for the decision. 7. A copy of such decision shall be provided to the complainant within five calendar days of the date of the decision, either by mail or hand delivery to the address. 8. A complainant may appeal a decision of the Board to the State Board of Education in accordance with the procedures specified in O.C.G.A. 20-2-1160.

The Sports Equity coordinator for the school district is ……….., P.O. Box 1350 Ellaville, GA 31806, 937-0560. Inquires or complaints concerning sports equity in this school district may be submitted to the sports equity coordinator or the principal of the school.

46 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: Rescinds code: BCB

Descriptor: NONDISCRIMINATION PROCEDURES Effective Date: Revised Date: 12/10/92

The Schley County Board of Education shall endeavor to operate under the Constitutional and Statutory provisions and policies of the State Board of Education.

It is the policy of the Schley County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, handicap, or national origin in the Schley County Educational programs, activities, or employment practices. The Schley County Board of Education shall comply with all aspects of Title IX to the best of its ability.

To ensure compliance with this policy, the Superintendent shall serve as coordinator to:

1. Coordinate efforts of the Schley County Board of Education to comply with this policy.

2. Investigate any complaints of violation of this policy.

3. Upon receipt of a request in writing, schedule a Board hearing on the matter.

4. Provide for the publication of this policy to all students, parents, and employees of the Schley County Board of Education, such publication to include the name, office address, and telephone number of the coordinator.

47 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: BCBA Rescinds code: BCBA

Descriptor: DISCRIMINATORY COMPLAINTS Effective Date: December 10, 1992 Revised Date: July 13, 2006

Discriminatory Complaints Procedure:

Complaints made to the Schley County School System regarding alleged discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in violation of Title VI, on the basis of sex in violation of Title IX or on the basis of handicap in violation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, also known as Section 504, or the Americans With Disabilities Act will be processed in accordance with the following procedure:

1. Any student, employee or other person with a complaint alleging a violation as described above shall promptly notify, in writing or orally, the appropriate coordinator designated below for the school system. If the complaint is oral, the coordinator shall promptly prepare a memo or written statement of the complaint as made to him or her by the complainant and shall have the complainant read and sign the memo or statement, if it accurately reflects the complaint made,

2. The coordinator shall have fifteen days to gather all information relevant to the complaint made, review the information, determine the facts relating to the complaint, review the action requested by the complainant, and attempt to resolve the complaint with the complainant and any other person involved. The coordinator shall prepare a written response to the complaint detailing any action to be taken in response to the complaint and the time frame in which such action will be taken and copies of this response shall be furnished to the complainant and the superintendent.

3. If the complaint is not resolved at the conclusion of this fifteen—day period or if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint, the complainant shall have the right, within five days of receiving a copy of the written response, to have the complaint referred to the superintendent of schools.

4. The superintendent shall have fifteen days to review the complaint and the response of the coordinator and attempt to resolve the complaint. The superintendent shall furnish to the complainant a written response setting forth either his approval of the action recommended by the coordinator or the action to be taken by the system in response to the complaint in lieu of that recommended by the coordinator and the time frame in which such action shall be taken.

5. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the response of the superintendent, then the complainant shall have the right, within fifteen days of the receipt of the written response of the superintendent, to have the complaint referred to the Board of Education. In order to have the Board review the superintendent’s decision, the complainant must file with the superintendent a written statement setting forth the reasons he or she disagrees with the response of the superin- tendent and the action the complainant is requesting the system to take. The complainant shall also include in the written response a request that his or her complaint be referred to the Board of Education.

48 6. Within thirty days of receipt of the written request of the complainant, the superintendent shall present the matter to the Board of Education at its regular meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose. The Board shall review the original complaint, the response of the coordinator, the response of the superintendent, and the response of the complainant. In addition, the Board may, but is not required to, hear directly from any individuals with knowledge of any relevant facts relating to the complaint.

7. The Board of Education will either uphold the recommendation of the superintendent or require the system to take some other action in response to the complaint. A copy of the action of the Board will be furnished to the complainant, either as a part of the minutes of the Board of Education or as a separate written statement. The Board shall be the final reviewing authority within the system.

8. This policy is not intended to deprive any employee of any right they may have to file a grievance pursuant to any other policy of the local Board of Education, specifically the policy designed to implement Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 20—2—969.5, where appropriate. This policy is not intended to provide an alternative process for resolving evaluation and employment disputes where there already exists a due process procedure mandated by state law or State Department of Education regulations, specifically including, but not Limited to, hearings to be conducted pursuant to the Fair Dismissal Act of Georgia, complainant retains at all times the right to contact the Office of Civil Rights with regard to any allegations that the system has violated the statutes described above.

9. The school system shall be responsible for distributing and disseminating information relevant to this policy and procedure to students and employees through appropriate procedures.

Title VI Coordinator: Title IX Coordinator: Section 504 Coordinator: Tag Croxton ADA Coordinator: Tag Croxton Sports Equity Coordinator

10. Students and employees will not be subject to retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination. A copy of the discriminatory complaints provided.

Schley County Board of Education

49 NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND ELIGIBLE STUDENT OF RIGHTS UNDER FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)AND PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS ADMENDMENT (PPRA)FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (the “Act”), you have a right to:

(1) Inspect and review, within 45 days of a request, the education records of a student who is your child, or in the case of a student who is eighteen (18) or older, or those who are emancipated, your own education records. Parents or eligible students should submit to the Superintendent a written request identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Superintendent will make arrangements for access and provide notice of such arrangements. (2) Request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. To request the school district to amend a record, parents or eligible students should write the school principal, specify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. If the district decides not to amend the record, it will notify the parents or eligible students of the decision and inform them of their right to a hearing. Additional information regarding the hearing procedure will be provided with the notification of the right to a hearing. (3) Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the Act and the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act authorize disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is to school officials with legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member, a member of the school board; a person with whom the district has contracted to perform a specific task (such as attorney, auditor, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee (such as a disciplinary or grievance committee.) A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school district forwards educational records without prior consent to another school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. (4) The Schley County Board of Education has designated the following information as directory information:

[Note: The board may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below. Information listed must be consistent with those items designated in board policy.]

(i) Student’s name, address and telephone number; (ii) Student’s date and place of birth; (iii) Student’s participation in official school clubs and sports; (iv) Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic team; (v) Dates of attendance at the School System schools; (vi) Awards received during the time enrolled in the Schley County School System; (vii) Video, audio or film images or recordings; (viii) Photograph; 50 (ix) Grade level

Unless you, as a parent/guardian or eligible student, request otherwise, this information may be disclosed to the public upon request. In addition, two federal laws require school systems receiving federal financial assistance to provide military recruiters or institutions of higher learning, upon request, with the name, address, and telephone numbers unless parents have advised the school system that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. You have the right to refuse to allow all or any part of the above information to be designated as directory information and to refuse to allow it to be disclosed to the public upon request without your prior written consent. If you wish to exercise this right, you must notify the principal of the school at which the student is enrolled in writing within 15 days after officially enrolling in school or within 15 days of the date of the release of this notice.

You are also notified that from time to time students may be photographed, video taped, or interviewed by the news media at school or some school activity or event; unless you, as a parent/guardian object in writing to your student being photographed, video taped or interviewed to the principal of the school where your student is enrolled. You must notify the principal of your objection by the date specified above. The principal will take reasonable steps to control the media’s access to students. However, your submission of a written objection does not constitute a guarantee that your student will not be interviewed in circumstances, which are not within the knowledge or control of the principal.

(2) File with the United States Department of Education a complaint under 20 C.F.R. 99.64 concerning the alleged failures by the Board of Education to comply with the requirements of the Act or the regulations promulgated thereafter. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND ELIGIBLE STUDENTS OF RIGHTS UNDER PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

(1) Parents and eligible students (18 or older or emancipated minors) shall be notified at the beginning of the school year of the approximate dates during the school year when any of the activities listed below are expected to be scheduled. The Board of Education has developed and adopted policies, in conjunction with parents, regarding the activities described in paragraph (1). In accordance with Board policies, prior written consent must be obtained from parents before students are required to submit to any survey that contains questions about one or more of the areas listed in subparagraph (1)(A) and that is funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education. You have the right to inspect any survey or instrument used in the collection of information under subparagraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student and to opt your student out of participation in any activities described in paragraph (1) in accordance with regulations developed by the Superintendent.

(A) The administration of any survey containing one or more of the following items:

(i) Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; (ii) Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family; (iii) Sex behavior or attitudes; 51

(iv) Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; (v) Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; (vi) Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; (vii) Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parents; or (viii) Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program), without prior written consent of the parent or eligible student.

(B) Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or for selling that information (or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose).

(C) Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students.

(2) You may, upon request, inspect any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for your student.

(3) The following activity requiring notice and consent or opt-out has been scheduled for the upcoming school year. Beginning Spring of 2004, the Schley County Schools will administer to students in grades 5, 8, and 10 the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Needs Assessment Survey, that asks students about their experience with and attitudes toward tobacco products, drugs and alcohol. Prior written consent from parents or eligible students is required for student participation in the anonymous survey. Additional information about the survey and consent forms will be provided to parents prior to the administration of the survey.

52 Military Recruitment provisions of the “No Child Left Behind Act”

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that school districts receiving federal funding provide student names, addresses, and phone numbers on request to the United States military for recruiting purposes. In addition, school must allow military recruiters the same access to students as they do institutions of higher education and employers. At the same time, the law requires that schools give students and parents the clear opportunity to opt-out of this information release.

Parents, as well as students 18 or older, can choose to withhold their contact information from recruiters without prior parental consent.

Should you desire to have such information withheld from release to the United States Military complete the applicable opt-out form and return it to the guidance counselor Mrs. Randi Vaughn.

53 Student Information Release to Military Parent Opt-Out Form

Under current federal law all schools must, if requested, provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school students to U.S. military recruiters.

Under current federal law, you do not have to allow your child’s information to be shared if you choose to opt-out.

Please initial below if you do not want your child’s name, address, and telephone number disclosed to U.S. military recruiters.

______DO NOT DISCLOSE my child’s contact information without my prior Initial here permission

Student’s Name (Please Print) ______

Student’s Date of Birth ______

Parent Signature ______

Student Information Release to Military Student Opt-Out Form *** (Only for Students age 18 or older)

Under current federal law all schools must, if requested, provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school students to U.S. military recruiters.

Under current federal law, if you are a student you have the right to request that the information not be released if you are 18 years of age or older.

Please initial below if you do not want your name, address, and telephone number disclosed to U.S. military recruiters.

______DO NOT DISCLOSE my contact information without my prior Initial here permission

Student’s Name (Please Print) ______

Student’s Date of Birth ______

54 Student’s Signature ______Date______

Dear Parent

State law requires that parents have the right to withhold permission for their students to participate in any school sponsored club or organization designated by them. The following school sponsored clubs will be in operation during this school year, for which information is provided regarding the name of each club, its purpose, faculty sponsor and a description of past or planned activities. You, as the parent/guardian, have the right to withhold in writing your permission for your student’s participation in any club or organization. For your convenience, a form is included in this handbook if you do not wish for your student to participate in the club you have designated on the form. If a club is added during the school year, you will be provided information on the club and your written permission will be required prior to your student’s participation.

Club Sponsor Purpose/Activities

FFA Mr. Eric Sellers To enhance the objectives of the agricultural experience, i.e. projects, agricultural field experience, etc.

FCCLA Mrs. Jennifer Driver To enhance the objectives experienced in the academic family and consumer science classes, i.e. plan, cook and serve meals for school functions, etc.

Foreign Language Mrs. Joanna Arnold To create and maintain interest among students in understanding foreign language and cultures, i.e. language related field trips, etc.

FBLA Mrs. Tera Cheek To encourage and promote student’s interest in becoming future business leaders, i.e. projects such as planning and developing a cookbook, etc.

4-H Mr. Roger Sinyard To promote and to make students aware of professions, opportunities, scholarships, competitions , etc. available through the University of Georgia Extension Service, i.e. District projects, Pages for the General Assembly, agricultural scholarships, etc.

Prom Mrs. Tera Cheek/Ms. Tina Williams To plan, raise funds, promote and decorate for the annual Junior-Senior prom

Science Mrs. Joanne Chadwick To promote awareness of and encourage students to explore professions in science field and participation in science based projects.

Student Council Mr. Gabe Theiss To promote and encourage student citizenship and leadership i.e. fundraising for philanthropy, student elections, mock elections, etc.

Beta Mrs. Sonya Harnage To recognize, promote and encourage academic excellence and good citizenship

The above is a very brief and general description of each club’s purpose. Should you have any questions you are encouraged to contact the club sponsor for more detailed information. If you have any objections to your child’s participation in any club described above please complete the Club Option-out form in this handbook.

55 Club Option-Out Form

Dear School Official:

It is my desire that my child not participate in certain club activities as listed in the student handbook.

Name of Club ______

Student Name ______

Parent/Guardian Name ______

Date ______

56 Schley County Middle/High School Home of the Wildcats

Dear Parent,

In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute the Schley County School System informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher (s). The following information may be requested.

1. Whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;

3. The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;

4. Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualification, please stop by the school office and complete a request form.

Sincerely,

Rusty Tondee, Principal Schley County Middle/High School

57 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: JCDAB Rescinds code: GAM

Descriptor: DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS POLICY Effective Date: August 13, 1990 Revised Date: June 17, 2010

Requirements for Drug Curricula and Teacher Training

The Schley County School System offers students instructionally sound drug education units that are reinforcing from kindergarten through high school. Appropriate grade level curricula is measured by the following criteria: a) Is well integrated with the traditional curricula; b) builds awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and other mind altering drugs; c) contains a strong no-use message; d) sets positive standards of behavior for youth; e) contains current, accurate information; f) reveals health consequences from latest research; g) provides students multiple opportunities to build decision making and peer refusal skills, and h) projects parents, teachers, and other authority figures as reasonable and supportive allies in the decision to remain drug free; i) contains information about any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation and re-entry which is available through the Principal’s office or Counselor’s office.

All teachers responsible for student instruction in the selected drug education curriculum shall be exposed to in-service training to include; a) essential information about drugs and their effects on physical, growth, development and emotional maturation, and b) hands on work with various exercises initially presented by a qualified resource person.

Rationale

Since the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and the use of alcohol is wrong and harmful, it is the foremost priority of the Schley County School System is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students with deliberate consideration for the will-being and health of each individual. An appropriate learning climate must be established and maintained to ensure such an environment. Since alcohol and other drug use is illegal, contagious, and interferes with both effective learning and the healthy development of children and adolescents, the school has a fundamental legal and ethical obligation to prohibit drug use and to maintain a drug-free educational environment.

Definition of Illegal Drug Activity and Reporting Procedures

A student shall not possess, sell, use, distribute, or be under the influence of any prohibited drug to include: alcohol, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or any intoxicant of any kind. Proper use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a licensed physician shall not be considered a violation of this rule.

This rule applies for all students when: a) on the school grounds before, during, and after school hours, or at any other time when the school is being used by any school group; b) off the school grounds while in attendance at a school activity, function or any other school related event; c) off the school grounds while in attendance at school, any school sponsored function, or is otherwise subject to jurisdiction of school officials, or d) engaged in travel to and from school.

Procedures in Reporting Drug-Related Activity

1. Report the information to the School Principal or his/her designated representative. 2. Notify student’s parents or guardians. 58 3. Notify Sheriffs Department or Police Department, if appropriate. 4. School officials confer with student and parents to inform them of prescribed penalties.

Search and Seizure

The School Principal or his authorized representative may institute a search if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the search will reveal evidence that the student is in violation of the law or rules of the school.

Searches based on reasonable grounds may proceed without hindrance or delay, but shall be conducted in manner that is not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student.

In the event the search of the student’s person, or his personal possession, locker, or vehicle reveals the student is concealing a substance prohibited by federal, state or local law, school officials may notify local law enforcement authorities so that they may take appropriate action.

Procedures For Handling Drug Abuse Violations

Student violators shall be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and will be subject to the following penalties as prescribed by policy:

A) First Offense – Maximum out-of-school suspension for 10 days* and probable recommendation for expulsion and suspension from all school related or school sponsored activities for remainder of the school year. The 10 days out-of-school suspension shall be unexcused absences and no credit will be given for work missed.

B) Second Offense – Out-of-school suspension for 10 days* and recommendation for expulsion and suspension from all school related or school sponsored activities for the remainder of the school year. The 10 days of suspension shall be unexcused absences and no credit will be given for work missed.

Information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs are available to students through the Principal’s office and/or Counselor’s office.

Procedures For Intervening With a Suspected Drug User

Suspected drug users are referred to the counselors by school personnel, peers, parents, etc.

The following is a suggested sequence of meetings for confronting a suspected drug user:

1) Private meeting(s) with the student follow by: 2) Parent conference(s) – this meeting should include information gathered from other faculty members to determine if they have observed similar documentable performance decrements. The student may be included in the conference or called in for part of it. The counselor will make appropriate referrals to a treatment center or other resources for an evaluation or other service. 3) Documented follow-up contact with parents and/or student and/or referral agency to assess progress. If improvement has not occurred, this should be documented and consequences for continued failure to resolve problems should be stated. Drug use should be suggested as a possible explanation and resources for assistance offered. If parents and child continue to deny the existence of problems and improvement is not forthcoming, the school should continue to apply appropriate consequences with the expectation that the accumulated evidence will ultimately convince the parents to take action.

Confidentiality

All pupil personnel records are confidential as far as third parties are concerned, with the school and the parent being the first and second parties.

The family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits disclosure of education records unless (1) required by court order or subpoena; (2) warranted by health or safety emergency; or, (3) parents or an eligible student provides written consent.

59 School employees may disclose information obtained through personal observation – i.e. repeat student drug transaction to police.

The guidance counselor must inform parents when a student admits a drug problem, after first giving the student the option of informing the parent.

Drug-Related Emergency

A drug-related emergency, e.g., severe intoxication, overdose, should be handled like a serious accident or illness.

In the event of such an emergency school staff should follow these steps: 1. Call for medical assistance immediately (ambulance, rescue squad) 2. Contact parents at once 3. If parents cannot be reached continue with emergency medical assistance. 4. Attempt to obtain information about the ingested drug from the student. 5. Designate a faculty member to accompany the student to the medical facility.

Formal Communication of Drug Policy

An annual student handbook shall serve as the required means to communicate school drug policy to students, school staff, and parents.

School personnel, students, and parents will be apprised of additions and/or changes in drug policy.

Parents and students will be given a copy of policy JCDAB.

Compliance of policy JCDAB is mandatory for parents and students.

A biennial review will be conducted by the LEA of its program to: 1. Determine the programs’ effectiveness and implement changes to the programs if they are needed; 2. Ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

LEGAL REF: O.C.G.A., 20-2-11; 21 U.S.C. 812 SCHLEY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

60 Safe Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

Annual Drug Update

Under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, School Systems have certain rights and responsibilities. So do you. Here’s a summary:

WE have to tell you that you can’t bring in, use, or distribute illicit drugs or alcohol on school premises or as part of any school activities and that’s a mandatory policy.

WE have to tell to explain that drug and alcohol use is wrong and harmful and what the health risks are.

WE have to tell you that help is available in combating drug or alcohol problems.

WE have to explain that disciplinary actions will be taken for drug and alcohol violations. The law says discipline can include prosecution for illegal acts, as well as expulsion for students and loss of job for school employees.

Finally, WE have to give you, both students and employees, and the parents of our students, a written copy of our drug-free school policy, including standards of conduct and disciplinary actions for violations.

CHATTAHOOCHEE-FLINT RESA – Ellaville, GA Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Project

61 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: Rescinds code: IHB

Descriptor: PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS Effective Date: June 16, 2005 Revised Date: June 17, 2010

PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS

Definitions

Accelerated Instruction – challenging instructional activities that are intensely focused on student academic deficiencies in reading and/or mathematics. This accelerated instruction is designed to enable a student who has not achieved grade level, as defined by the Office of Education Accountability, to meet grade-level standards in a compacted period of time.

Additional Instruction – academic instruction beyond regularly scheduled academic classes that is designed to bring students not performing on grade-level, as defined by the Office of Education Accountability, to grade level performance. It may include more instructional time allocated during the school day, instruction before and after the school day, Saturday instruction, and/or summer/inter-session instruction.

Differentiated Instruction – instructional strategies designed to meet individual student learning needs.

Grade Level – standard of performance, as defined by the Office of Education Accountability, on GMAP.

Placement – the assignment of a student to a specific grade level based on the determination that such placement will most likely provide the student with instruction and other services needed to succeed and progress to the next higher level of academic achievement.

Placement Committee – the committee established by the local school Principal or designee to make placement decisions concerning a student who does not meet expectations on the GMAP. This committee shall be comprised of the Principal or designee, the student’s parent or guardian, and the teacher(s) in the content area(s) in which the student did not achieve grade level on the GMAP.

Promotion – the assignment of a student to a higher grade level based on the student’s achievement of establish criteria in the current grade.

Retention – the re-assignment of a student to the current grade level during the next school year.

LOCAL PROMOTION CRITERIA K – 8

GRADES K – 5

Students who are promoted in grades kindergarten through five must complete the reading requirements set forth in this policy. Both local and state requirements must be met.

Any student who fails reading will be retained. Any student who fails math will be retained.

Students in grades kindergarten through five must pass reading, math, and three of the following courses: English, social studies, science, and physical education in order to be promoted. A total of 5 major subjects must be passes.

GRADES 6 – 8

62 Students in grades six, seven, and eight must pass 5 out of 6 subjects in order to be promoted.

GENERAL K – 8

Both local and state requirements must be met for promotion.

Retention for athletic purposes is prohibited.

Students that are passing a current grade, but are retained at the request of the parents and/or teacher must have on file a written educational rationale for so doing. Written documentation shall be provided by both the parent and the teacher(s). The final decision will be made by the school Principal.

If after the second year in the same grade the student still does not meet the minimum requirements, he/she will be given special consideration by the Placement Committee, and/or proper channels will be taken to see if the student needs to be referred for special classes.

When a student enrolled in the special education program reaches the age of an average 8th grade student, he/she may be placed in the ninth grade pending recommendation from the Placement Committee.

If, during any current school year, an out-of-county student leaves the Schley County School System because he/she is failing the required promotion criteria, then that student must wait a full school year before being allowed to return to Schley County Schools.

A student may have no more than fourteen (14) absences in one school year of which no more than seven (7) may be unexcused in grades K-8.

STATE PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 1 – 8

1. Each school Principal shall distribute student data from the GMAP to teachers prior to the beginning of each school year. Each teacher shall use data to focus instruction on identified student academic performance in grades 1 – 8.

2. Each school Principal or designee shall establish a student support team for each student in grades 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 who does not achieve grade level on reading and/or math sections of the GMAP. The student support team shall:

a. Determine whether each student shall be retained or promoted based on a review of the overall academic achievement of the student as well as the student’s GMAP performance;

b. Develop an accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction plan for each student who does not achieve grade level on the reading and/or math sections of the GMAP; and

c. Develop a plan of continuous assessment during the subsequent school year in order to monitor the progress of the student.

3. Students shall be tested in accordance with state requirements specified in State Board Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs – Student Assessment.

4. The school Principal or designee shall annually notify parents or guardians that placement or promotion of a student into a grade, class, or program will be based on the academic achievement of the student on criterion- referenced assessments and other criteria established in this policy.

STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 3, 5, and 8

1. Promotion of a student shall be determined as follows:

63 a. No third grade student shall be promoted to the fourth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the GMAP in reading and meet promotion standards and criteria established in this policy for the school that the student attends.

b. No fifth grade shall be promoted to the sixth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the GMAP in reading and the GMAP in math and meet promotion standards and criteria established in this policy for the school that the student attends.

c. No eighth grade shall be promoted to the ninth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the GMAP in reading and the GMAP in math and meet promotion standards and criteria established in this policy for the school that the student attends.

d. Requirements in this section shall apply to students in the following grade levels:

i. The third grade

ii. The fifth grade

iii. The eighth grade

2. When a student does not perform at grade level in grades 3, 5, or 8 on the GMAP specified in sections (1) above, then the following shall occur:

a. Within ten (10) calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, of receipt of the GMAP individual student scores, the school Principal or designee shall notify in writing by first-class mail the parent or guardian of the student regarding the following:

i. The student’s below-grade-level performance on the GMAP:

ii. The specific retest(s) to be given the student and testing date(s)

iii. The opportunity for accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction based on the student’s performance on the GMAP; and

iv. The possibility that the student might be retained at the same grade level for the next year.

b. The student shall be given an opportunity for accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction in the applicable subject(s) prior to the retesting opportunity; and

c. The student shall be retested with appropriated section(s) of the GMAP or an alternative assessment instrument that is appropriate for the student’ grade level as provided for by the State Board of Education and this Board.

3. When a student does not perform at grade level on the GMAP in grades 3, 5, or 8 and also does not perform at grade level on a second opportunity to take the assessment, then the following shall occur:

a. The school Principal or designee shall retain the student for the next school year except as otherwise provided for in this policy.

b. The school Principal or designee shall notify in writing by first-class mail the parent or guardian of the student and the teacher(s) regarding the decision to retain the student.

i. The notice shall describe the option of the parent or guardian or teacher to appeal the decision to retain the student.

The notice shall describe the composition and functions of the placement committee; it shall describe the option of the parent or guardian, teacher(s), or Principal to invite individuals who can provide information or facilitate understanding of the issues to be discussed to attend the placement committee meeting; and

i. The notice shall include the requirement that the decision to promote the student must be the unanimous decision of the placement committee comprised of the parent or guardian, teachers, and Principal or designee. 64 c. If the parent or guardian or teacher(s) appeals the decision to retain the student, then the school Principal or designee shall establish a placement committee to consider the appeal.

i. The placement committee shall be comprised of the Principal or designee, the student’s parent or guardian, and the teacher(s) of the subject(s) of the GMAP or the alternative assessment instrument on which the student failed to perform at grade level.

ii. The Principal or designee shall notify in writing by first-class mail the parent or guardian and teacher(s) of the time and place for convening the placement committee.

iii. The placement committee shall review the overall academic achievement of the student in light of the performance on the GMAP or the alternative assessment instrument and promotion standards and criteria established in this policy for the school that the student attends, and make a determination to promote or retain.

iv. The decision to promote must be the unanimous decision of the placement committee and must determine that if promoted and given accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction during the next year, the student is likely to perform at grade level by the conclusion of the school year.

v. The placement committee shall prescribe such additional assessments as may be appropriate in addition to assessments administered to other students at the grade level during the year.

vi. The placement committee shall provide for a plan of continuous assessment during the subsequent school year in order to monitor the progress of the student.

4. A plan for accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction must be developed for each student who does not achieve grade level performance in grades 3, 5, or 8 on the GMAP(s) specified in section (1) above whether the student is retained, placed, or promoted for the subsequent year.

5. A student who is absent or otherwise unable to take the GMAP in reading and/or math on the first administration or its designated make-up days shall take the GMAP in reading and/or math on the second administration day(s) or an alternative assessment instrument that is appropriate for the student’s grade level as provided for by the State Board of Education and this Board. Placement or promotion of these students shall follow the same procedures as students who do not achieve grade level on the first administration of the assessment.

6. A student’s failure to take the GMAP in grades 3, 5, and 8 in reading and/or math on any of the designated testing date(s) or an alternative assessment instrument that is appropriate for the student’s grade level as provided for by the State Board of Education and this Board shall result in the student being retained. The option of the parent or guardian or teacher(s) to appeal the decision to retain the student shall follow the procedure set forth in this rule.

7. For students receiving special education or related services, the Individual Education Plan committee shall serve as the placement committee.

8. The decision of the placement committee may be appealed as follows:

a. The decision of the placement committee can be appealed to the School Administration. If the appeal is not satisfied at the school level, it may then be appealed to the Central Office Administration.

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 9 – 12

65 The number of units required for grade level placement in high school for the 2012-2013 school year and beyond is as follows: 2013 and beyond To be considered Sophomore/10th grade 6 Carnegie Units To be considered Junior/11th grade 12 Carnegie Units To be considered Senior/12th grade 18 Carnegie Units To graduate 25 Carnegie Units

Every student with the cooperation of his/her parents/guardians and guidance counselor will select a track of study – college or Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE). This track of study will serve as a guide for meeting graduation requirements. Seniors in 2010-2011 must have 27 units, passed all graduation tests and attended school (grades 9 – 12) for eight (8) semesters to graduate. Seniors in 2011-2012 must have 26 units, passed all graduation tests and attended school (grades 9 – 12) for eight (8) semesters to graduate. Seniors in 2012-2013 must have 25 units, passed all graduation tests and attended school (grades 9 – 12) for eight (8) semesters to graduate. Additionally, all students in grades 9 – 12 regardless of graduation year will be required to take end of course tests in algebra I, math I, math II, geometry, physical science, biology, economics, US History, ninth grade English and American literature/composition which will count 15% of the final grade in each of these courses. Every student must meet graduation requirements as set forth by the Georgia State Board IHF (4-6), IHB, and the local Schley County Board of Education requirements. These also apply to first time enrolling ninth graders for the school year 2008 – 2009. These students must meet new math requirements composed of 4 courses titled Math I – IV.

General 9 – 12

Both local and state requirements must be met for promotion.

Retention for athletic purposes is prohibited.

Student that are passing a current grade, but are retained at the request of the parents and/or teacher must have on file a written educational rationale for so doing. Written documentation shall be provided by both the parent and the teacher(s). The final decision will be made by the school Principal.

If, during any current school year, an out-of-county student leaves the Schley County School System because he/she is failing required promotion criteria, then that student must wait a full school year before being allowed to return to Schley County Schools.

In grades 9 – 12 no more than seven (7) absences per semester are allowed of which not more than four (4) may be unexcused.

66

Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: IHF(5) Rescinds code: IHF(4)

Descriptor: GRADUATION REQUIRMENTS Effective Date: September 13, 2007 Revised Date: July 28, 2012

PURPOSE – This procedure specifies programs of study that shall be offered by the Schley County Board of Education and lists specific courses that meet core, required or elective credits for students. This procedure is effective for students enrolling in the ninth grade for the first time in the 2008-2009 school year.

DEFINITIONS

(a) Carnegie Units – one unit of credit awarded for a minimum of 150 clock hours of instruction. (b) Carnegie Units, summer school – one unit of credit awarded for a minimum of 120 clock hours of instruction. (c) Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) a consortium of states, including Georgia, formed to develop educational materials in science and mathematics. (d) Core Courses (c) - courses chosen from English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language for a high school diploma. For a Technology/Career-preparatory program of study, four technology/Career- preparatory units are also considered to be core courses. (e) Early Admissions – a program in which a high school student enrolls as a full-time post-secondary student (PSO) and pursues a post-secondary degree in lieu of a high school diploma. (f) Elective Courses (e) – a course that a student may select beyond the core requirements to fulfill the Carnegie units requirements for graduation. (g) Joint Enrollment – an arrangement between a local board of education and a regionally accredited post-seconday public or private institution wherein a student enrolls in post-secondary classes and earns Carnegie units of credit that count toward high school graduation requirements and hours for post-secondary credit. (h) Post-Secondary Options – a joint enrollment program between public schools and public post-secondary institutions wherein a student enrolls in post-secondary classes and earns Carnegie units of credit that count toward high school graduation requirements and post-secondary credit hours. (i) Programs of Study – the courses needed to complete the Technology/Career-preparatory (TC) and/or the College Preparatory (CP) requirement. (j) Required Course (r) – a specific course that each student in a program of study shall pass to graduate from high school. (k) Seal – an attachment placed on a high school diploma indicating the successful completion of one or more programs of study.

Secondary School Credintial (High School Diploma) – a document awarded to students at the successful completion of the high school experience. 1. The High School Diploma – the document with appropriate seal(s) awarded to students certifying that they have satisfied attendance requirements, Carnegie unit requirements, and the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs – Student Assessment. When a student has satisfied the educational requirements for the Technology/Career-preparatory, the high school diploma with apropriate seal(s) will be issued. 2. The Transition Course of Study Diploma – the document awarded to students with disablities assigned to a special education program who have not met the state assessment requirements referenced in Rule 160-3- 1-.07 Testing Programs – Student Assessment or who have not completed all of the requirements for a high school diploma but who have nevertheless completed their Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

REQUIREMENTS

67 (A) The Board of Education shall provide secondary school curriculum, instructional and support services that reflect the high school graduation and state assessment requirements and assist all students in developing their unique potential to function in society. (B) The Board of Education shall base local graduation requirements on this rule, and submit a copy of their locally adopted policy to the Georgia Department of Education and shall have on file a letter from the State Superintendent of schools or designee stating that the local policy meets all state requirements.

(C) The Board of Education shall develop policies on post-secondary enrollment as referenced in Rule 160-4-2-.34, post- secondary options and for joint enrollment and early admission programs not included in 160-4-2-.34, post-secondary options. The policy shall include the criteria for: 1. Non-Technology/Career-preparatory courses as follows: a. Minimum Scholastic Aptitude Test scores of 970 on combined verbal and mathematics sections; b. Minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale in academic subjects; c. Written verification by high school principal of student’s eligibility and intended enrollment. d. Written consent of parent or guardian (if the student is a minor); e. The awarding of six Carnegie units of credit for each 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours or 2 Carngie unitsfor each semester hour or 1 Carnegie unit for each seven and one-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours successfully completed by a student in an approved post-secondary course. Credit ofr participation in fewer thatn seven and one-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours shall be determined by using the same ratio stated above. f. Written agreement for joint enrollment between Schley County Schools and the post-secondary institution 2. Technology/Career-preparatory courses as follows: a. Technology/Career-preparatory courses offered in area technical schools or colleges; b. Inclusion of technical school or college courses in which students are participating; c. Written consent of parent or guardian (if the student is a minor); d. Written verification by high school principal of student’s eligibility and intended enrollment; e. The awarding of six Carnegie units of credit for each 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours or 2 carnegie units for each semester hour or Carnegie unit for each seven and one-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours successful completed by a student in an approved post-secondary course. Credit for participation in fewer than seven and on-half (7.5) quarter hours or five (5) semester hours shall be determined by using the same ratio stated above. f. Written agreement for joint enrollment between Schley County Schools and the post-secondary institution.

(D) The Board of Education shall require that: 1. Students who enroll from another state meet the graduation requirements for the graduating class they enter and the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07, Testing Programs – Student Assessments.

(E) The Board of Education shall include attendance, passing score on the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07, Testing Programs – Student Assessment and Carnegie units of credit as requirements for graduating from any Georgia high school that received public funds.

ATTENDANCE Attendance requirements of Schley County Board of Education shall be consistent with state compulsory attendance laws.

STATE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS As referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs – Student Assessments: 1. Students shall meet state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07, Testing Programs – Student Assessment to be eligible for a diploma. 2. A student who has no means of written communication due to a severe physical disability shall not be required to take the writing portion of the state assessment requirements as specified in Rule 160-3-1-.07, Testing Programs – Student Assessment.

CARNEGIE UNITS 1. All state-supported high schools shall make available to all students the programs of study for the required College Preparatory, Technology/Career-preparatory programs of study. 2. A course shall count only once for satisfying any Carnegie unit requirements for graduation. The same course cannot be used to satisfy a Carnegie unit requirement in more than one core area of study. See the following chart: 68 CORE AREAS OF STUDY UNITS English/Language Arts* 4 Mathematics* 4** Science* 4 The 4th science unit may be used to meet both the science and elective requirement Social Studies* 3 CTAE and/or Modern Language/Latin and/or Fine Arts 3 Health and Physical Education* 1 Electives 4

TOTAL STATE REQUIRED UNITS (MINIMUM) 23 TOTAL LOCAL REQUIRED UNITS (MINIMUM) 25

*Required Courses and/or Core Courses ** Students entering ninth grade in 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011 only, who earn credit in Mathematics I and Mathematics II or GPS Algebra and GPS Geometry, along with 2 additional core mathematics courses, will have satisfied the minimum mathematics requirements for high school graduation. *-Core Classes **-Technology/Career-preparatory students may want to utilize elective units such as Foreign Language or as a fourth unit of mathematics depending upon the student’s program of study and the student’s intentions to enter the University System of Georgia institution. Determination of the appropriate number of mathematics units for each Technology/Career-preparatory program of study shall be determined by Schley County Board of Education. BY THE YEAR 2001, STUDENTS ENTERING A UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA INSTITUTION MUST HAVE 4 UNITS OF MATHEMATICS.

Note: Student who wishes to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship Program should check with their counselor regarding current HOPE Scholarship requirements.

For students who entered ninth grade in 2010-2011, the number of units needed to graduate is 25

REQUIRED/CORE/ELECTIVE CREDIT

1. Carnegie unit credit for graduation shall be awarded only for courses that include concepts and skill based on Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) and/or Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and or Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) as appropriate and/or those approved by the State Board of Education. 2. Carnegie unit credit for core courses shall be awarded only for courses that include concepts and skill based on the QCC, GPS or CCGPS for grades 9 – 12. For example, a student who takes Algebra I in the eighth grade that meets 9 – 12 QCC requirements shall be awarded a Carnegie unit of credit. The Individualize Education Program (IEP) shall specify whether core courses taken as part of an IEP shall receive core Carnegie unit credit. 3. Only elective course credit or no course credit may be awarded for coursed in which instruction is based on the QCC, GPS or CCGPS for grades K-8.

69 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: JBCB Rescinds code: JBCB Descriptor: NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS Effective Date: August 13, 1990 Revised Date: June 17, 2010

CRITERIA FOR PROSPECTIVE OUT -OF -COUNTY STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND CONTINUED OUT-OF-COUNTY ENROLLMENT

I. GRADES K-8

A. Academics 1. The student must be passing reading and math in grades K-5. 2. The student may only be failing one subject, in K-8 and must not fail reading or math in K-5. 3. The student must have an overall minimum average of 75.

B. Discipline The student must have acceptable behavior: a. No more than two (2) discipline referrals the previous year. b. No discipline problems of a serious nature (drugs, alcohol, weapons, fighting, alternative school assignment, or any behavior which might be deemed a threat to the safe and orderly operation of the school).

C. Attendance The student must be within the acceptable limit of absences for the current and previous school year. (No more than fourteen (14) absences per year of which no more than seven (7) may be unexcused.)

II. GRADES 9-12

A. Academics 1. The student must have failed no more than one (1) course the preceding school year. 2. The student must be on track for graduation having for enrollment for the school year the accumulated specified number of units. 2010-11 SY 2011-12 SY 2012-13 SY a. after one year of high school…… 7 units 6 units 6 units b. after two years of high school…… 14 units 13 units 12 units c. after three years of high school…. 20 units 19 units 18 units 3. The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 out of a 4.0 (77.5 avg.)

B. Behavior The student must have acceptable behavior:

a. No more than two (2) discipline referrals the previous year. 70 b. No discipline problems of a serious nature (drugs, alcohol, weapons, fighting, alternative school assignment, or any behavior which might be deemed a threat to the safe and orderly operation of the school.)

C. Attendance The student must be within the acceptable limit of absences each semester of the previous school year. (Seven (7) per semester) in high school of which no more than four (4) may be unexcused.

III. GENERAL GRADES K-12

A. Once an out-of county student has been enrolled he/she is expected to continue to meet the above criteria. The student review committee will meet as needed but at a minimum annually to review the status of all out-of-county students whose names have been submitted by the faculty for review due to a suspected enrollment criteria violation. This committee shall recommend the future enrollment status of current out-of-county students.

A.1. Nonresident Special Education students will be accepted with stipulations above if 1) Services as outlined in the child's Individualized Education Program are available in Schley County and 2) The application is approved by the Schley County Board of Education.

A.2. Nonresident students must pay tuition as set forth in policy JBCBA. Tuition will be set annually by the Board.

B. Conditions of Continued Enrollment

Nonresident students may be subject to the withdrawal for (1) violation of attendance, contracts/agreements, (2) violation of behavior contracts, (3) violation of academic standards, (4) misrepresentation/falsification/omission of information during the application process, (5) other good and sufficient cause, (6) late payment of tuition or registration fees, (7) nonresident students and/or their parents who refuse to work cooperatively, respectfully and professionally with the administration and staff regarding student attendance, behavior, academics, tuition payment, or other student services related issues or those who place unreasonable expectations upon the system (as determined by the Superintendent and/or SCBOE) are also subject to withdrawal.

IV. EXCEPTIONS

Other than those students specified in state law, the Board of Education reserves the right to deny enrollment or to discontinue the enrollment of any nonresident student to maintain and preserve the financial and instructional effectiveness of any class, grade, or program, including but not limited to the impact of any such enrollment upon staffing levels, contracted services, fiscal demand or taxing burden.

71 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: IFBGA

Descriptor Term: ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY: Effective Date: April 11, 2002 (INTERNET/TELECOMMUNICATIONS/ Revised Date: February 11, 2010 ELECTRONIC DEVICES) Revised Date: June 16, 2011

The Schley County Board of Education realizes the impact of educational opportunities available through advanced technologies and telecommunications. The access and transfer of electronic information resources by students and staff members will serve to enhance current instructional programs. The Board supports the use of telecommunications, electronic information sources, and network services. The overall goal of the school in this matter is to create and maintain a cybersafety culture which is in keeping with the values of the school, and legislative and professional obligations. The Board is aware of the vast array of information available through the use of the Internet and realizes that some information may not be considered of educational value. This use agreement includes information about your obligations, responsibilities, and the nature of possible consequences associated with cybersafety breaches which undermine the safety of the school environment. The Board of Education is confident that the valuable information and interactions on the Internet provide information consistent with the system’s educational goals.

The school’s telecommunication and/or other electronic devices are for educational purposes appropriate to the school environment. This applies whether the technology equipment is owned or leased either partially or wholly by the school, and used on or off the school site.

The Schley County School System will take action to ensure proper use of the Internet or other networking services. In order to implement appropriate operation and use of the Internet and networking services, the Board of Education will secure adequate technology protection measures that will provide for Internet blocking and filtering. All users must respect system guidelines as stated in board policy while also following school specific guidelines. Misuse of telecommunication devices could possibly result in cancellation of a user’s privilege toward future access and/or other disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion.

The school may monitor traffic and material sent and received using the school’s technology network. The school may use filtering and/or monitoring software to restrict access to certain sites and data, including email. The school may audit its computer network, Internet access facilities, computers and other school technology equipment/devices.

TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE

A technology protection measure will assist to block or filter Internet access. It will help to protect against access by adults and minors from visual depictions that are obscene, child pornographic (to include child pornography or any pornography in general) or any material harmful to minors. Authorized personnel may disable the blocking or filtering measure during any use to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.

School authorities will enforce a policy of Internet safety as stated in the Technology Protection Measure. In addition, school administrative authorities will ensure the monitoring of online activities of minors.

INTERNET/TELECOMMUNICATION SAFETY POLICY GUIDELINES

Proper use of telecommunication devices including the use of the Internet is expected of all users. Each user must comply with this policy and utilize the Internet/devices appropriately at all times, including time outside the regular school hours on district equipment or services. The use of telecommunication devices, including but not limited to the use of the Internet is to broaden educational resources and information, as well as to offer communication opportunities, that support curriculum objectives.

Examples of inappropriate use of technology include (but are not limited to):

1.Private or personal for-profit activities or unauthorized not-for-profit business activities. This includes Internet use for private purposes such as business transactions or any activity meant to foster personal gain. 2.Accessing, distributing, or downloading pornographic material, including but not limited to sexting. 3.Accessing, distributing or downloading material that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, 72 threatening, harassing, intimidating, age inappropriate, or other objectionable material, including but not limited to cyber-bullying. 4.Gambling. 5.Uploading or downloading commercial or agency software in violation of copyright or trademark. 6.Performing any activity that could cause loss or corruption of data or network performance. 7.Conducting any activity or solicitation for political or religious causes.

All users, minors and adults, will view or only have access to appropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web. A firewall and filtering software implementation will help to ensure that minors and adults are not exposed to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. Any pornography or adult websites is strictly forbidden.

All users must follow federal and state regulations, including copyright laws, with regard to transmission of any material, including but not limited to, music, games, piracy, plagiarism, or programs. Users must understand that anyone who infringes upon copyright laws may be personally liable.

Appropriate language and/or messages must be utilized for all communications. Profane, vulgar, obscene, rude or inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

All materials submitted for publication on the school website/Intranet should be appropriate to the school environment. Such material can be posted only by those given the authority to do so by the appropriate authority.

Electronic Mail (E-mail) should be used in the proper manner. E-mail is not guaranteed to be private. It is important to respect the privacy of others, which includes not using others password, or revealing personal information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.) of others. Any unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors will be unacceptable. E-mail users may not access another user’s e-mail account to view or send messages unless explicitly authorized. Messages that could be considered discriminatory based on race, national origin, sex, age, disability, or religious or political beliefs are prohibited. All E-mail use should be job related.

Privacy and security are extremely important to any computer networking system. Users must not attempt to use Internet access information of others, such as logging-on in the name of another person, nor open others files or folders. All users will use the assigned user name and log on only with that user name. User names/passwords must be kept confidential and not shared with anyone else. Personal information entered online will be for educational purposes only. Users should realize the inherent risk when entering personal data.

Computer users shall respect and protect computer hardware, software, data, and the Internet. Deliberate attempts to disrupt system performance may be viewed as a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy. Problems of vandalism will result in loss of privileges, as well as disciplinary actions.

Any unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors or adults online or on district devices will not be tolerated.

Users are expected to immediately notify appropriate school personnel in case objectionable materials are viewed inadvertently.

Internet use and other network services are a privilege, not a right. Any violation of proper use will result in cancellation of these privileges, as well as disciplinary actions consistent with the Schley County School System’s Student Discipline Code.

All students must be held accountable for their use of the Internet, as well as other networking services. A student accessing the Internet from a school site is responsible for all on-line activities that take place. When using another organization’s network or computing resources, students must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Parental permission is required for all students before independent Internet access is granted.

The above guidelines will apply to any mobile devices brought on campus, such as but not limited to, cell phones, IPods, USB drives, CD/DVDS, and laptops. Any images or materials on such devices must be appropriate to the school environment. Devices may be confiscated and searched upon reasonable suspicion.

Students shall not send, share, view, or possess pictures, text messages, emails, or other material depicting sexually explicit content in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device, while the student is on school grounds, at school sponsored events or on school buses or vehicles utilized by the district. 73 Students shall not engage in cyber-bullying with regard to harassment, intimidation, insulting, mocking, or demeaning of any student or group of students or school personnel causing emotional harm, as well as, substantially interfering with any student’s education or the orderly operation of the school.

By bringing a cell phone and other electronic devices to school or school sponsored events, the student and his/her parent/guardian consent to the search of the device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that such a search may reveal a violation of the law or school rules. The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused. Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement.

Students are responsible for devices they bring to school. The district, school, or personnel shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of devices brought onto school property or to school sponsored events.

Schley County Board of Education

74 USER AGREEMENT AND PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM

Internet /Telecommunications/Electronic Devices

Schley County School System

As a telecommunications user of the Schley County School System, I hereby agree to comply with the guidelines and further agree to honor all relevant laws and restrictions. I further understand that any misuse of the electronic communications may result in cancellation of a user’s privilege toward future access and/or other disciplinary actions.

Name of Student (print): ______Grade: ______

Student’s Signature: ______Date: ______

As the parent or legal guardian of the minor student stated above, I grant permission for my son or daughter to use telecommunication services, such as electronic e-mail, network services and the Internet. I understand the guidelines for the use of Internet /telecommunications/ electronic devices and will support these standards. I further understand that any misuse of the electronic communications may result in cancellation of a user’s privilege toward future access and/or other disciplinary actions.

Parent’s Signature: ______Date: ______

75 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: JBD

Descriptor Term: ABSENCES AND EXCUSES Effective Date: Revised Date: June 16, 2005

The administrative staff of each school shall be responsible for investigating, to the greatest extent practical, the circumstances of each student absence, and for the following of the established procedures for classification and disposition of the absence.

The State Board of Education provides for certain specific circumstances under which a child can be lawfully absent from school. Children may be temporarily excused from school.

1. Who are personally ill and whose attendance in school would endanger their health or health of others. 2. In whose immediate family there is a serious illness or death which would reasonably necessitate absence from school. 3. On special and recognized religious holidays observed by their faith. 4. When the absence is mandated by another governmental agency (i.e. armed services) 5. When conditions render such attendance impossible or hazardous to their health and safety. 6. For service as pages of the General Assembly of Georgia (such time missed shall be credited as being present in their school). 7. One day for students attaining the age of 18 to register as an elector. 8. For an administratively approved school function. The Schley County Board of Education establishes the following criteria concerning administrative approved functions: *Administrative approved functions cannot exceed three (3) days per class for each term or semester. *In all cases, the total number of days per class allowed as an excused absence for an administrative approved function shall not exceed ten (10) days per school year.

Students arriving at school after their scheduled reporting time will submit a written explanation for tardiness from their parents.

Students must have written permission from parents to leave the school campus at any time between their arrival at school and the time of their normal dismissal from school each day.

School principals will ensure that specific safeguards consistent with this policy and procedure are established for the release of students to parents and/or guardians and to individuals other than the custodial parent or guardian.

A student in grades K – 8 may have no more than fourteen (14) absences in one school year of which no more than seven (7) may be unexcused. In grades 9 – 12 no more than seven (7) absences per semester are allowed of which no more than four (4) may be unexcused. Exceptions: ½ unit courses will have a maximum of four (4) absences, two (2) unexcused as the limit – i.e. health, personal fitness, government, and economics. Absences exceeding the total an unexcused number shall result in no course credit.

76 Policy Level: BOARD Descriptor Code: JBC (4)

Descriptor Term: AWARDING UNITS & Effective Date: October 17, 2002 TRANSFERRING CREDITS Revised Date: June 6, 2013

The Schley County Board of Education (“Board”) shall fully comply with the requirements of Georgia Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.15 Awarding Units of Credit and Acceptance of Transfer of Credit and/or Grades and the State Department of Education’s Guidelines for Awarding Units of Credit. All terms used in this policy are as defined in the Rule and its Guidelines.

Awarding Units of Credit

1. Students shall be awarded credit only for courses that included concepts and skills based on the state-adopted curriculum for grades 9-12 approved by the State Board of Education (SCBOE) in accordance with the provisions for each program or course described in the State Board Rule(s) and State Department Guidelines. 2. The Board shall award units of credit for middle school courses that are based on the state-adopted curriculum for grades 9-12 if or when such courses may be feasible to be offered. 3. The superintendent or designee is authorized to establish procedures whereby a student may earn course credit by demonstrating subject area competency without regard to the amount of instructional time the student spends in the course. Students and parents shall be advised of such opportunities through the student handbook and/or advisement materials. 4. An eligible student may earn course credit by “testing out”, which means scoring at the “Exceeds” level on a stat End of Course Test (EOCT) prior to taking the course. Students attempting to test-out must have parental permission and their parents shall be informed of potential costs prior to the EOCT administration. The cost of EOCT administration to students who attempt to test out, but who do not score at the Exceeds level shall be paid by the parent or student. Course credit earned through testing-out shall be reported in the same way as credit earned through course completion. A student’s numerical grade for a course in which the student tests out shall be determined by converting the student’s EOCT scale score to a prorated numerical score using the state EOCT conversion scale for that subject. Student eligibility criteria for earning credit by EOCT “testing out” and information regarding grade assignment and collection of any associated fees shall be included in the student handbook and/or advisement materials.

Accepting Transfer Credit and Grades

1. The Board will accept student course credit earned in an accredited school, which must have been accredited or hold provisional status at the time the credit was earned.

2. The Board will not substitute courses and exempt students from the required secondary minimum core curriculum unless the student transferred from an accredited secondary school or the courses presented for credit include concepts and skill based on the state-adopted curriculum for grades 9-12 approved by the SBOE.

3. Transfer credit shall be validated for courses taken at non-accredited schools, home study programs, and non- traditional centers. a. Elementary and middle school students transferring from home study programs, non-accredited schools or non-traditional educational centers will be placed at the appropriate grade level in a probationary placement based on the student’s records in prior schools or programs and satisfactory performance in a district school for one grading period. OR based on satisfactory performance on standardized or locally developed tests focusing on grade level or subject area. Student needs may also be considered in student placement. The decision of the Principal shall be final. b. High school students transferring from home study programs, non-accredited schools or non-traditional educational centers will be placed in the appropriate grade level based on the number of units earned toward graduation. Units of credit shall be granted for courses that meet state-adopted curriculum standards for grades 9-12; OR based on satisfactory performance on standardized or locally developed tests focusing on subject areas. High school transfer students must take any state-mandated assessments, including applicable End of Course Tests.

4. For student transcript purposes, grades for courses taken by transferring students will be accepted as recorded on the transcript form the issuing school or program. Letter grades for high school transfer students will be converted to numerical grades using either a conversion scale provided by the prior school or, if a scale is not 77 available, using a conversion formula establish by the Superintendent or designee. Transferred course titles, if necessary, will be changed to appropriate course titles in the list of state funded courses.

5. The Principal and counselor will be responsible for: a. Determining whether transfer courses meet the stat-adopted curriculum; b. Placing transfer students at the appropriate level and granting units of credit for high school students based on this policy; c. Administering any required EOCT in accordance with state assessment guidelines and the state rule concerning transfer credit; and d. Ensuring that grades are placed on student transcripts.

As provided for in amendments to State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.15 (AWARDING UNITS OF CREDIT AND ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER CREDIT AND/OR GRADES) adopted by the Board in April 2013, the opportunity exist for students to “test out” of any course for which there is an associated EOCT and earn credit for the course through the process.

Under the provisions of the amended rule and guidelines published by the Georgia Department of Education’s (GaDOE) Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, local boards of education shall award course credit to students who reach the performance level of Exceeds on an EOCT taken prior to taking the course. A student may “test out” of any course that has an associated EOCT. As state in the Rule, students may earn no more than three units of credit by demonstrating subject area competency in this fashion.

Student Eligibility:

Students must meet the following requirements to exercise this option: 1. Not currently or previously enrolled in the course; 2. Have earned a grade of B or better in the most recent course that is the same content area of the course for which the student is attempting the EOCT; 3. Received a teacher recommendation from the teacher of the most recent course in the same content area (or, if not available, a teacher in the same content area with knowledge of the student’s academic achievement) for which the student is attempting the EOCT; and 4. Received parent/guardian permission if the student is less than 18 years of age.

The student’s post-secondary plans and needs must be considered. The “test out” option should not be exercised for students without deliberation and clear evidence of the likelihood of student success both on the test itself and in future coursework/endeavors. Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria above must not be assessed for this purpose.

Test Administration Guidelines

When allowing students to attempt to earn course credit through testing out, districts and schools shall: 1. Allow eligible students only one opportunity per course to demonstrate subject area competency. 2. Systems must utilize only the GaDOE designated administration windows for this purpose and all administrations must be conducted online. 3. Systems must NOT use Retest Administration forms for this purpose. Doing so may result in additional fees being invoiced to the district. 4. Local systems will be required to identify individual students who are testing for this purpose when the student is registered in the online platform. This is critical to ensure the proper designation of the test for scoring and reporting purposed. Failure to do so may result in additional fees being invoiced to the district to correct data file/report errors. 5. Require students who do not reach the performance level of Exceeds when attempting to “test out” to enroll in and complete the associated course when applicable. The student would again take the EOCT at the conclusion of that course experience regardless of their score during their attempt to “test out”. As outlined in long-standing guidance for the EOCT (Guidance letters issued: 6/9/2004, 6/23/2004, and 12/6/2006), EOCT scores may not be banked. 6. As stipulated in the Guidelines previously issued for this Board rule, districts/schools shall not allow students who are currently enrolled, or who have previously been enrolled, in a higher level course to attempt to earn credit by testing out. For example, a student taking AP Physics may not earn credit for Physical Science through this process. 7. The administration of all EOCT’s for this purpose must adhere to the system’s locat EOCT testing calendar. This stipulation is critical to ensure test security. For example, students taking the 9th Grade Literature & Composition EOCT for the purposes of testing out must be administered the test on the same day or consecutive days that the system is administering the 9th Grade Literature & Composition EOCT to all 78 other students. 8. Districts should develop a local policy to address to address instances where a student has opted to “test out” and has achieved the Exceeds performance level, but then decides that they prefer to take the course instead. Should districts permit students to do this, they must notify the GaDoe Assessment Division and incur the costs for the student’s “test out” administration.

Costs Systems and school will incur no charge for students who meet the eligibility criteria and achieve the Exceeds performance level. Systems and schools will incur a charge for students who fail to achieve the Exceeds performance level. The established fee is currently $50.00 per test. The EOCT contractor will invoice systems for these associated costs. As stipulated in the previously issued Guidelines related to this rule, local boards of education my develop policies related to the collection of these costs from parents or students, provided that such policies required school or school personnel to inform the parent or student of potential costs prior to the EOCT administration.

79 Revised: May 12, 2011 Schley County Middle/High School Revised: April 6, 2012 Revised: March 11, 2013 PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY Title I Program

All parent involvement activities for the Schley County Middle/High School will function with the intent to support and encourage the efforts of home, school, and community in improving the educational opportunities of low- achieving children. These children will be assisted toward success in the regular program of the school system, attainment of grade level proficiency, and improvement of achievement in meeting the state's academic content standards and State student academic achievement standards.

A written parent involvement policy shall be developed jointly with, agreed on with, and distributed to parents of participating children. The policy shall be explained in an understandable format and, to the extent practicable, in a clear language.

In order to implement the parental involvement requirements at the Middle/High School, all programs, activities, and procedures shall have the following goals:

PARENT INVOLVEMENT STRATEGIES: 1. At least one announced annual meeting for all parents of participating children will be held for the purpose of discussing program activities and requirements based on the available funds. State academic content standards and state/local assessments used to measure student progress and proficiency levels the students are expected to meet will be explained. Parents will also be informed of their right to be involved. Information will be distributed through newsletters to parents and the newspaper. The annual meeting will be held at a location and convenient time whereby all parents of participating children are invited and encouraged to attend. 2. Parent meetings will be held which are flexible and supportive of parents' needs with efforts to eliminate parent involvement barriers. Ideas shared will reinforce such things as reading and/or mathematics concepts, attendance, and homework issues. Information will be distributed to parents through newsletters, Internet, e- mails, handbook, phone calls, newspaper articles, and face-to-face contacts. Efforts will be made to provide a supportive and effective learning/training environment by collaborating with the ESOL endorsed teachers to facilitate communications of pertinent information. Special Education teachers will assist with parents and students with disabilities. A needs assessment will be utilized to determine needs and schedules most appropriate. 3. Parent meetings will be organized, ongoing, and timely with respect to all areas of the Title I program planning, review, and improvement, including the school parental involvement policy and the parent-school compact. The advisory committee will serve to accomplish this goal. Parents will be informed by mail at the beginning of the school year if their child is eligible and will be receiving Title I services. 4. All parents of participating children will be provided the following: a. information in a timely way about how the program will be designed, operated, and evaluated, to allow opportunities for parental participation so that parents and educators can work together to achieve the program’s objectives. b. a description and explanation of the curriculum used at the school. c. the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet. Individual student assessment results will be made available to parents. Interpretation of such results will be explained as needed. Also, annual school performance results will be provided. d. opportunities for regular meetings so parents can make suggestions and participate in decisions relating to the education of their children, as requested and appropriate. Responses will be provided as soon as possible.

Furthermore, the school's curriculum and assessment measures for student progress, as well as, proficiency levels of expectation, will be explained. Newsletters, orientation meetings, regular advisory committee meetings, as well as, the annual meeting will serve to provide information. Parents also will have the availability of checking grades online. Other communications may include e-mails, web-site postings, phone conversations, and one-on-one contacts. A parent-teacher conference will be conducted with the parents of each participating child to discuss the child's progress, placement, and methods which can be used by parents to complement the child's instruction. Parents of participating children will be provided with reports on their children's progress. The Title I School Program will ensure that education personnel, as well as, pupil services personnel are always accessible to parents. 80 The advisory committee will meet regularly for the purpose of sharing suggestions which relate to decisions concerning the education of participating children. 5. A complete and timely response will be provided by the LEA to any parent recommendations concerning the program. If recommendations are rejected, an explanation will be provided to support the decision. The LEA will respond to written recommendations by parents within twenty working days after receipt of a recommendation. 6. Parent involvement activities will provide for appropriate roles for community based organizations and businesses. Parents will be provided information about opportunities for organizations and businesses to work with parents and schools, encouraging the formation of partnerships between the schools and businesses that include a role for parents. 7. Other activities, as appropriate and feasible, such as parent resource centers and opportunities for parents to learn about child development and child rearing issues beginning at the birth of a child, that are designed to help parents with the education of their children may be offered. 8. Parents will be involved in an ongoing and end of year assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the parent involvement initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HIGH STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT The Middle/High School will develop jointly with parents for all children a school-parent compact that states how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and how the schools and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the state’s high standards. The school-parent compact will be provided for all parents at each school. Administrators, teachers, students, and parents will agree to specific responsibilities by signing the school-parent compact. The Schley County Middle/High School-Parent Compact will include the following components: 1. the school’s responsibility to provide high quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the children to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards. Suggestions will provide ways in which parents will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning. 2. the importance of ongoing communication between teachers and parents through such means as parent- teacher conferences whereby the compact is discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement. Ensure that frequent reports are provided to parents on their children’s progress. In addition, ensure that reasonable access to staff is provided with opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, as well as observe classroom activities.

Middle/High School - BUILDING CAPACITY FOR INVOLVEMENT

The Schley County Middle/High School and the Local Educational Agency, in order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a strong school, parent, and community partnership to improve student academic achievement, shall provide the following: 1. Parents of participating students shall be provided assistance toward understanding the National Education Goals, state's academic content standards, state student academic achievement standards, state and local academic assessments with requirements. Improvement measures and corrective action will be discussed when necessary. Components of the school's targeted assistance program requirements will be explained, as well as, state and local assessments. Parents will also receive assistance concerning how to monitor their child's progress, to coordinate with educators to improve their child's performance, and to participate in decisions related to their child's education. Information will be communicated through conferences, training workshops, one-on-one contacts, Internet, and newsletters. 2. Materials and training shall be provided to participating parents to help them work toward improving their children's achievement. This will involve such activities as coordinating with literacy training programs, technology resources, and providing workshops. These workshops will be implemented by utilizing resources such as the school system, Regional Educational Services Agency (RESA), Georgia Youth Science Technology Center (GYSTC), health department, police department, Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS), or other valuable resources. 3. Teachers, pupil services personnel, principal and other staff along with parents shall be educated in the area of home and school partnership, including the value and use of parent contributions to build a strong partnership which consists of communication, implementation and coordination of parent programs. Conferences, workshops and newsletters will be utilized to build and coordinate parent programs. The parent involvement program shall coordinate and integrate activities and strategies with Title I-Part C (Migrant), Homeless, Vocational Education, and others, as well as conduct activities that support parents in participating in the education of their children, when feasible and appropriate. Contacts will be made to discuss activities and effective strategies for parent involvement. 4. Information related to school/parent programs, meetings and other activities will be provided to parents in a format and language which is understandable to the extent possible. This includes information provided through newsletters, handouts, as well as, program activities. In addition, the ESOL endorsed teacher will 81 provide assistance when needed. 5. Parents shall be provided other reasonable support for parental involvement activities upon request.

ACCESSIBILITY Parents with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or parents of migratory children shall be offered, to the extent practicable, opportunities for participation. This includes providing information and school reports in a format and language that parents understand. The school will utilize services from the Migrant Education Program.

82 Revised: May 12, 2011 Schley County Middle/High School Revised: April 6, 2012 Poliza del Envolvimiento de Padres Revised: March 11, 2013 Título I del Distrito de Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Schley

Todas las actividades del programa Título I para padres están diseñados para apoyar y animar los efuerzos en la casa, la escuela, y la comunidad a aumentar las oportunidades educativas para niños que están trabajando bajo. Estos estudiantes serán assistidos hacia éxito en el programa regular del systema de la escuela. Para alcancar el nivel de grado, nosotros vamos a ayudar a los estudiantes obtener éxito, alcacar el nivel de grado, y lograr las normas de rendimiento academico del Estado de Georgia. Una poliza escrita de participación serán desarrollar junto con los padres de niños participantes. Este plan de participación será escrito de una manera facil de comprender y cuando practicable, en un otro lenguaje. Para poner en práctica estos requisitos en cada escuela, todos las actividades, las normas y procedimientos incluirán las metas siguientes:

POLIZA DEL ENVOLVIMIENTO 1. SCMHS deberá patrocinar una reunión anual para todos los padres de niños participantes. Esta reunión será dadas para explicar a los padres las actividades, requisitos y respaldados por fundos del Título I. Los padres de los niños participantes serán informados de sus derechos de pardres que serán envueltos y como sus niños pueden obtener éxito, alcacar el nivel de grado, y lograr las normas de rendimiento academico del estado. La comunicación regular sobre la información de la reunión anual va incluir unos boletines y notas de recordatorios en los periódicos locales. La reunión anual será dada a un tiempo y lugar anunciados. Se invita a los padres de estudiantes participantes en el programa Título I a atender. 2. Las reuniónes de los padres son oportunidades para apoyar sus efuerzos y eliminar problemas con envolvimiento de los padres. Ideas compartidas pueden reforzar algunas cosas como leyendo y los conceptos de matematicas, atendencia, y problemas con tarea. La información será comunicada por conferencias, entrenamientos, Internet, conversaciones y boletines.Va a dar proveidos para el entrenamiento de collaboracion con los maestros de ESOL. Va a mejorar las communicaciones de información.Maestros de Educación Especial pueden asistir a los padres y estudiantes con desabilidades. Una encuesta de avaluación de la necesidades de padres y estudiantes es administrado y utilizado para desarrollar las necesidades de los padres y los horarios apropriados y flexibles. 3. Los padres serán involucrados de una manera organizada, continua y rápida en planificación revisión y mejoramiento a la Poliza del Envolvimiento de los Padres y a las escuelas con el programa Título I. El Consejo Concilio ayudará a los padres a accomplir esta meta. La información será comunicada por conferencias, entrenamientos, Internet y boletines. 4. SCMHS debe proveer lo siguente a los padres de los niños participantes: a. información sobre el programa y las regulaciones de Título I y oportunidades para los padres, los maestros, y todo el personal escolar a participar. b. una descripición del programa de estudios de las escuelas. c. las formas de la evaluación académica medían el progreso de estudiante y la competencia nivela a estudianes son esperados encontrar. Los resultados individuales de la evaluación del estudiante serán hechos disponible a padres. Interpretación de los resultados será explicada cuando necesario. Va a proveer resultados de la evaluación anual de las escuelas. d. oportunidades por otras conferencias para que padres puedan formular sugestiones sobre la education de sus niños. La escuela pueda considerlos de una manera puntual.

Lo que mas, a proveer información, la comunicación regular con los padres va a incluir los boletines escolares constantes, los reuniones del consejo Consilio, la reunión anual y otras conferencias de padres de niños participantes. La información será comunicada entrenamientos, Internet (buscar las notas), conversaciones por telefono y boletines. Los padres de niños participantes deben recibir reportes de progreso para estudiantes. Hay que tener conferencias de padre/maestro para suministrar el rendimiento escolar de sus hijos. También, los padres deben recibir estrategias que ellos puedan utilizar para mejorar el éxito academico. Las escuelas de Título I debe garantizar flexibilidad y accesibilidad entre los padres y todo el personal y servicios de las escuelas. Los reuniones regulares serán dados con el consejo concilio para formular sugestiones sobre la educación de los estudiantes participantes. 5. La Agencia Local de Educación (LEA) debe proveer a los padres de niños participantes una repuesta de una manera puntual. LEA responderá a las recommendaciones de los padres sobre el programa dentro de veinte días después de recibirlas. 6. Actividades con padres involucrados van a proporcionar para modelos apropiados para la communidad 83 basada en organizaciones y negocios. Los Padres van a ser informados sobre oportunidades para organizaciones y negocios para trabajar con padres y escuelas, animando la formacion de la sociedad entre las escuelas y negocios que incluyen modelos para los padres. 7. Otras actividades apropriadas y capaz de hacer, como centres de recursos de los padres y oportunidades para padres, para que aprendan sobre el desarrollo y el tema de oidos ne niños, que empiezan en el naciemiento, son diseñados para ayudar a los padres con la educaccion de sus niños. 8. Padres van a ser involucrados en una evaluacion para evaluar la eficacia de la participacion del padre.

RESPONSIBILIDADES COMPARTIDAS PARA LOGRAR LOS ESTANDARES ACADEMICOS ALTOS DEL ESTUDIANTE

Todas las escuelas de Título I deben desarrollar junto con los padres de niños participantes un contrato de padre- estudiante-escuela (un acuerdo escrito) que estipule que los padres, las escuelas, y los estudiantes trabajarán unidos para mejorar la ejecución de los estudiantes. Las escuelas deben trabajar en colaboracion con los padres para ayudar a los niños participantes lograr a sus normas de rendimiento académico del estado de Georgia. Cada escuela debe proveer a todos los padres los contratos de padre-estudiante-escuela. Los maestros y todo el personal, los estudiantes, y los padres compartirán las resposibilidades specificas y acuerdarán el compacto para firmar el acuerdo.

El acuerdo entre padres/estudiantes/maestro del Condado de Schley incluíran lo siguiente: 1. la responsibilidad de todos los empleados de las escuelas a proveer a los estudiantes un programo de estudios y educación, a proveer un ambiente apropriado para el aprendizaje, y a ayudar a los padres y niños lograr las normas de rendimiento academico del Estado de Georgia. 2. la necesidad a construir comunicación efectivamente entre los maestros y los padres. Va a incluir las conferencias de padres, los compactos de padres/ estudiantes/ maestro, varias reportes de progreso y oportunidades a visitar las clases o observar a sus hijos en la escuela.

CONSTRUIR LA CAPACIDAD DEL ENVLOVIMEINTO

Cada escuela y agencia local de educación para asegurar envolviemiento efectivo de los padres y apoyar una unidad de la escuela, de los padres y de la comunidad serán proveer las siguientes: 1. Las escuelas deben proveer a los padres de niños participantes oportunidades de entrenaimento a comprender las normas de contenido de cada material, las evaluaciones o pruebas y normas de rendimiento académico locales y nacionales y del estado de Georgia. Cuando necesario, va a explicar los componentes o los requisitos del programa para ayudar a los estudiantes y las evaluaciones locales y del estado. También los padres recibirán ayuda a controlar el progreso de su niño, a coordinar con maestros, y participar en las decisiones relacionadas a la educación del niño. La información será comunicada por conferencias, entrenamientos, Internet, conversaciones y boletines. 2. La escuela va a ofrecerles a los padres materiales y entrenamiento en las escuelas y la comunidad de tal manera que pueden trabajar con sus hijos en el hogar para aumentar su ejecución. Estos entrenamientos para padres usarán recursos del distrito, RESA, GYSTC, departamento de salud, la polícia, DEFACS y otros recursos importantes. 3. Los maestros, el personal, el director y otros empleados junto con los padres de niños participantes serán educados sobre el valor Las conferencias, los boletines escolares constantes, y los reuniones serán utilizados para coordinar los programas de los padres de niños participantes. 4. El programa de participación de los padres coordinará y usará actividades y estrategias con Head Start, Reading First, Even Start, Early Reading First, Title I-B, Migrant, Title I-C, Homeless, Vocational Education, Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, Parents as Teachers Program, Public Preschool Programs, y otras actividades que apoyar a los padres a participar en la educación de sus niños. Con estos contactos, va a discutar actividades e estragias efectivas. 5. Va a proveer a los padres la información de los programas de escuela/padre, los reuniones, y otras actividades. Esta informació será escrito de una manera facíl a comprender y cuando practicable, en otro lenguaje o con la maestra ESOL. La comunicación regular con los padres va a incluir los boletines escolares constantes, papeles, y los reuniones y otras conferencias de padres de niños participantes. 6. Proveerá otras actividades raissonables sobre el envolviemiento de padres de niños participantes si pedidas.

ACCESIBILIDAD

Padres con competencia limitada en inglés, las incapacidades o padres de niños migratorios serán ofrecidos las oportunidades para participar. Va a incluir información y boletines escolares escritos de una manera facíl a comprender y cuando practicable, en un lenguaje que los padres deben comprender. La escuela usará los servicios del Migrant Education Program. 84 Revised: May 12, 2011 PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY Revised: April 6, 2012 For the Title I Program Revised: March 11, 2013 LOCAL POLICY

The Schley County School System acknowledges the value of legal requirements for implementing programs, activities, and procedures for the involvement of parents of participating public, as well as, private school children in the Title I program. The Local Educational Agency (LEA) will ensure that parents of participating children shall be involved in the developmental planning, design, and implementation of the Title I LEA Plan. Procedures shall be established to ensure meaningful consultation, which is organized, systematic, ongoing, informed and timely with regard to decisions about the plan. A written parent involvement policy shall be developed jointly with, agreed on with, and distributed to parents of participating children. The policy shall be incorporated into the local educational agency plan. At the local level the following goals will be established to ensure parent involvement:

A. Parents will be involved in the joint development of the Local Educational Agency Plans, the process of school review, and improvement. An Advisory Committee, consisting of parents, teachers, and administrators, will be appointed each year to fulfill such duties. B. The LEA will provide coordination, technical assistance, as well as, other necessary support to assist the schools in providing a well planned and implemented parent involvement program that offers effective activities to improve student achievement and school performance. Contacts will be ongoing with the administrative staff at the school level. C. The LEA Parental Involvement Policy will be committed to building the school’s and parents’ capacity for strong parent involvement. Each school and the local educational agency, in order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a school, parent, and community partnership to improve student academic achievement, shall provide the following: 1. Participating parents shall be provided assistance toward understanding the National Education Goals, State's academic content standards, State student academic achievement standards, State and local academic assessments with requirements. Improvement measures and corrective action will be discussed when necessary. Components of the school's targeted assistance program requirements will be explained, as well as, state and local assessments. Parents will also receive assistance concerning how to monitor their child's progress, to coordinate with educators to improve their child's performance, and to participate in decisions related to their child's education. Information will be communicated through conferences, training workshops, and newsletters. 2. Participating parents shall be provided with materials and training to help them work toward improving their children's achievement. This will involve such activities as coordinating with literacy training programs, technology sources, and providing workshops. These workshops will be implemented by utilizing resources such as the school system, RESA, GYSTC, health department, police department, DFACS, or other valuable resources. 3. Teachers, pupil services personnel, principal and other staff along with parents shall be educated in the area of home and school partnership, including the value and use of parent contributions to build a strong partnership which consist of communication, implementation and coordination of parent programs. Conferences, workshops and newsletters will be utilized to build and coordinate parent programs. 4. Parents shall be provided with information related to school/parent programs, meetings and other activities in a format and language which is understandable to the extent possible. This includes information provided through newsletters, handouts, as well as, program activities. In addition, the migrant education teacher will provide assistance when needed. 5. Parents shall be provided other reasonable support for parental involvement activities upon request. D. The LEA will coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies with other programs' parental involvement strategies. The parent involvement program shall coordinate and integrate activities and strategies with available Head Start, Reading First, Even Start, Early Reading First, Title I-B, Migrant, Title I-C, Homeless, Vocational Education, Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, Parents as Teachers Program, Public Preschool Programs, and others, as well as conduct activities that support parents in participating in the education of their children, when feasible and appropriate. The Title I coordinator, school administrator(s), pre- kindergarten teachers, Title I teachers, and other program coordinators will meet and discuss activities and techniques for engaging parents. E. The LEA with parental input will annually evaluate the content and effectiveness of the parent involvement policy in improving the academic quality of the schools. Focus will also be given to barriers as they relate to parent participation, especially for parents who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, limited in English proficiency, limited in literacy, or of a racial or ethnic minority background. An advisory committee will serve to support and evaluate the content and effectiveness of the parent involvement policy. An annual parent involvement assessment will be administrated to determine the program’s effectiveness. A survey will be sent home to parents for 85 their input. The advisory committee will review the finding of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement. If necessary, the parent involvement policy will be revised. F. The LEA will involve parents in the activities of the schools.

ACCESSIBILITY

Parents with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or parents of migratory children shall be offered, to the extent practicable, opportunities for participation. This includes providing information and school reports in a format and language that parents understand. The school will utilize services from the Migrant Education Program. In general, the Local Educational Agency shall reserve not less than 1 percent of the agency’s allocation to carry out parental involvement procedures within the LEA’s written parental involvement policy, including promoting family literacy and parenting skills if 1 percent of the agency’s allocation for the fiscal year is greater than 5,000 dollars. Parents of children receiving services shall be involved in the decisions regarding how funds reserved are allotted for parental involvement activities. At least 95 percent of the funds reserved for parental involvement activities shall be distributed to school served.

86 Revised: May 12, 2011 Revised: April 6, 2012 Poliza del Envolviemento Revised: March 11, 2013 Título I La Poliza Local del Condado de Schley

El Distrito de Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Schley reconoce el valor de requisitos legales sobre los programmas, las actividades, y los procedimientos para integrar a los padres de niños participantes de las escuelas públicas y privadas del programa Título I. La agencia local de educación debe garantizar que los padres de niños participantes de las escuelas públicas y privadas serán integrados en el desarrollo, el diseño, y la implementación del programa Título I de la Agencía Local de Educación (LEA). Los procedimientos serán establecidos para aseguarar la consulta significativa de una manera organizada, continua, rápida, e informado con respecto a las decisiones sobre el plan. Una poliza escrita de participación de los padres será desarrollada y convenida junto con los padres de niños participantes. Esta poiliza será distrubuida a los padres de niños participantes. Esta poliza es integrada sobre el plan de LEA. Del nivel local, las metas siguientes serán establicidas: A. Los padres serán involucrados de una manera organizada, continua y rápida en planificación , revisión y mejoramiento a la Poliza Local del Condado de Schley. El Consejo Concilio de padres, maestros, y todo el personal será nombrado cada año para accomplir estas metas. B. LEA coordinará, proveerá ayuda técnica a cada escuela, y tratará de envolver a los padres en un efectivo asociación para ayudar a las escuelas en el trabajo de proveer un programa del Envolvimiento de Padres. Proveerá actividades que son intregadas sobre el plan superior escolar para academicos explicables para mejorar el rendimiento escolar y lograr el éxito academico de los estudiantes. Par llevar al máximo la comunicación entre padres de familia y la s oficinas de adminstración en cada escuela, los contactos serán progresivos. C. La poliza del Envolviemiento de la agencia local de educación construirá una capacidad fuerte de las escuelas y los padres que puede mejorar el envolvimiento de padres. Cada escuela y agencia local de educación para asegurar envolviemiento efectivo de los padres y apoyar una unidad de la escuela, de los padres y de la comunidad serán proveer las siguientes: 1. Las escuelas deben proveer a los padres de niños participantes oportunidades de entrenaimento a comprender las normas de contenido de cada material, las evaluaciones o pruebas y normas de rendimiento académico locales, nacionales, y del estado de Georgia. Cuando necesario, va a explicar los componentes o los requisitos del programa para ayudar a los estudiantes y las evaluaciones locales y del estado. También los padres recibirán ayuda a controlar el progreso de su niño, a coordinar con maestros, y participar en las decisiones relacionadas a la educación del niño. La información será comunicada por conferencias, entrenamientos y boletines. 2. La escuela va a ofrecerles a los padres materiales y entrenamiento en las escuelas y la comunidad de tal manera que pueden trabajar con sus hijos en el hogar para aumentar su ejecución. Estos entrenamientos para padres usarán recursos del distrito, RESA, GYSTC, departamento de salud, la polícia, DEFACS y otros recursos importantes. 3. Los maestros, el personal, el director y otros empleados junto con los padres de niños participantes serán educados sobre el valor Las conferencias, los boletines escolares constantes, y los reuniones serán utilizados para coordinar los programas de los padres de niños participantes. 4. Proveerá a los padres la información de los programas de escuela/padre, los reuniones, y otras actividades. Esta informació será escrito de una manera facíl a comprender y cuando practicable, en otro lenguaje. La comunicación regular con los padres va a incluir los boletines escolares constantes, papeles, y los reuniones y otras conferencias de padres de niños participantes. 5. Va a proveer otras actividades raissonables sobre el envolviemiento de padres de niños participantes si serán pedidas. D. LEA coordinará y usará actividades y estrategias del envolvimiento de padres con otros estrategias de otros programas. El programa de participación de los padres coordinará y usará actividades y estrategias con Head Start, Reading First, Even Start, Early Reading First, Title I-B, Migrant, Title I-C, Homeless, Vocational Education, Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, Parents as Teachers Program, Public Preschool Programs, y otras actividades que apoyar a los padres a participar en la educación de sus niños. Va a Con estos contactos, va a discutar actividades e estragias efectivas. Todo el personal del programa del Título I, la administración de la escuela, los maestros de Kinder y Título I, y otro personal discutarán actividades e ideas para involucrar padres de los estudiantes. E. LEA junto con los padres evaluará cado año el continido y la eficacia de la poliza del Envolvimiento de Padres para mejorar el rendimiento escolar de las escuelas. Identificará y tratará con los obstáculos para la participación de los padres que se consideran desfavorecidos económicamente, que padecen alguna incapacidad, que tienen inglés limitado, que son analfabetas, que pertenecen a un grupo racial o étnico nimoritario o que son padres de niños migratorios. Un consejo concilio debe apoyar y evaluar el continido y la eficacia de la poliza del Envolvimiento de Padres. Una encuesta de evaluación de las necesidades de padres es administrada y utilizada para desarrollar la eficacia del programa. La encuesta y la poliza deberán ser examinadas y revisadas según sea necesario. F. LEA interegrará a los padres en los actividades escolares. 87 ACCESIBILIDAD Padres con competencia limitada en inglés, las incapacidades o padres de niños migratorios serán ofrecidos las oportunidades para participar. Va a incluir información y boletines escolares escritos de una manera facíl a comprender y cuando practicable, en un lenguaje que los padres deben comprender. La escuela usará los servicios del Migrant Education Program.

Généralmente, la Agencia Local de Educación reservará no menos que 1% de asignación para llevar a cabo los procidimientos de la Poliza del Envolvimiento de los Padres y la Agencia Local de Educación debe promover la capacidad de leer y escribir de la familia y habilidades de cuidar de los niños si 1% de asignación del año fiscal es más que $5000.00. Los padres serán involucrados en la planificación de los fundos y las actividades del envolvimeinto de los padres. Por lo menos 95 % de los fundos reservados para las actividades del envolvimeinto será distribuido a la escuela servió.

88 Schley County High School Home of the Wildcats

Dear Parent,

Student attendance is essential to student learning. A student must regularly be present at school to receive the maximum benefit of the opportunities offered. Student attendance at Schley County Middle/High School is regulated by local, state and legislative policy. Please read page 12 of the student handbook concerning attendance to familiarize yourself with our school policy on attendance.

In grades 6-8 a student may have no more than 14 total absences for the year of which no more than 7 may be unexcused. Students in grades 9-12 may accumulate no more that 7 absences per semester of which no more than 4 may be unexcused. Violation of this will result in credit for courses taken being denied regardless of a student’s academic average.

However, in grades 6-12, any student who accumulates 5 or more unexcused absences will be reported to the local juvenile authority, and a legal investigation will occur. Please be sure your child is absent only in excused situations (page 12 of the student handbook). Also, be sure to send in an excuse with your child upon his/her return to school. Only three (3) days are allowed in which to bring in an excused absence.

Recent legislation passed to improve student achievement through increased attendance places more rigid requirements for attendance and increased penalties for the lack thereof.

The following is the law verbatim as recently enacted. After reading this, please sign and return to Schley County Middle/High School.

“(b) Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children and who shall violate this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00, or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, community service, or any combination of such penalties, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction. Each day’s absence from school in violation of this part after the child’s school system notifies the parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a child of five unexcused days of absence for a child shall constitute a separate offense. After two reasonable attempts to notify parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a child of five unexcused days of absence without response, the school system shall send a notice to such parent, guardian, or other person by certified mail, return receipt requested. Public schools shall provide to the parent, guardian, or to other person having control or

charge of each child enrolled in public school a written summary of possible 89 consequences and penalties for failing to comply with compulsory attendance under this Code section for children and their parents, guardians, or other persons having control or charge of children. The parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a child or children shall sign a statement indicating receipt of such written statement of possible consequences and penalties: children who are age ten years or older by September 1 shall sign a statement indicating receipt of such written statement of possible consequences and penalties. After two reasonable attempts by the school to secure such signature or signatures, the school shall be considered in compliance with this subsection if it sends a copy of the statement, via certified mail, return receipt requested to such parent, guardian, other person who has control or charge of a child, or children. Public schools shall retain signed copies of statements through the end of the school year.

Student’s Signature ______Date______

Parent, Guardian, or other person in charge or control of child Signature ______Date______

90 Schley County High School

Rusty Tondee, Principal P.O. Box 1350 Phone: 229-937-0560 Lisa Hernandez, Asst. Principal 2131 Hwy. 19 South Fax: 229-937-0565 Tee Reddish, Administrative Asst. Ellaville, GA 31806 Randi Vaughn, Counselor

August 2, 2013

Dear Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

Your child attends Schley County Middle/High School, which receives Federal Title I funds to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. At Schley County Middle/High School, we are very proud of our teachers and feel they are ready for the coming school year and are prepared to give your child a high-quality education. As a Title I school, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in No Child Left Behind. These regulations allow you to learn more about your child’s teachers’ training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

 Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching,  Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and  What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications. Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals are highly skilled.

If you have any questions about your child’s teachers or paraprofessional qualifications please contact Schley County Middle/High School at 229-937-0560 or email me at [email protected].

Schley County Middle/High School

91 Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to as "Section 504," is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress. The purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.

For more information regarding Section 504, or if you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact Tag Croxton (Section 504 Coordinator) at the following address:

Schley County Schools 161 Perry Drive Ellaville, GA 31806 (229) 937-2405 [email protected]

The implementing regulations for Section 504 as set out in 34 CFR Part 104 provide parents and/ or students with the following rights:

1. Your child has the right to an appropriate education designed to meet his or her individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students. 34 CFR 104.33. 2. Your child has the right to free educational services except for those fees that are imposed on non-disabled students or their parents. Insurers and similar third parties who provide services not operated by or provided by the recipient are not relieved from an otherwise valid obligation to provide or pay for services provided to a disabled student. 34 CFR 104.33. 3. Your child has a right to participate in an educational setting (academic and nonacademic) with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate to his or her needs. 34 CFR 104.34. 4. Your child has a right to facilities, services, and activities that are comparable to those provided for non- disabled students. 34 CFR 104.34. 5. Your child has a right to an evaluation prior to a Section 504 determination of eligibility. 34 CFR 104.35. 6. You have the right to not consent to the school system’s request to evaluate your child. 34 CFR 104.35. 7. You have the right to ensure that evaluation procedures, which may include testing, conform to the requirements of 34 CFR 104.35. 8. You have the right to ensure that the school system will consider information from a variety of sources as appropriate, which may include aptitude and achievement tests, grades, teacher recommendations and observations, physical conditions, social or cultural background, medical records, and parental recommendations. 34 CFR 104.35. 9. You have the right to ensure that placement decisions are made by a group of persons, including persons knowledgeable about your child, the meaning of the evaluation data, the placement options, and the legal requirements for least restrictive environment and comparable facilities. 34 CFR 104.35. 10. If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic reevaluations, including prior to any subsequent significant change of placement. 34 CFR 104.35. 11. You have the right to notice prior to any actions by the school system regarding the identification, evaluation, or placement of your child. 34 CFR 104.36. 12. You have the right to examine your child’s educational records. 34 CFR 104.36. 13. You have the right to an impartial hearing with respect to the school system’s actions regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement, with opportunity for parental participation in the hearing and representation by an attorney. 34 CFR 104.36. 14. You have the right to receive a copy of this notice and a copy of the school system’s impartial hearing procedure upon request. 34 CFR 104.36. 15. If you disagree with the decision of the impartial hearing officer (school board members and other district employees are not considered impartial hearing officers), you have a right to a review of that decision according to the school system’s impartial hearing procedure. 34 CFR 104.36. 16. You have the right to, at any time, file a complaint with the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

92 Section 504 Procedural Safeguards

1. Overview: Any student or parent or guardian (“grievant”) may request an impartial hearing due to the school system’s actions or inactions regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement under Section 504. Requests for an impartial hearing must be in writing to the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator; however, a grievant’s failure to request a hearing in writing does not alleviate the school system’s obligation to provide an impartial hearing if the grievant orally requests an impartial hearing through the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator. The school system’s Section 504 Coordinator will assist the grievant in completing the written Request for Hearing.

2. Hearing Request: The Request for the Hearing must include the following:

The name of the student.

b.The address of the residence of the student.

c. The name of the school the student is attending.

d. The decision that is the subject of the hearing.

e. The requested reasons for review.

f. The proposed remedy sought by the grievant.

g. The name and contact information of the grievant.

Within 10 business days from receiving the grievant’s Request for Hearing, the Section 504 Coordinator will acknowledge the Request for Hearing in writing and schedule a time and place for a hearing. If the written Request for Hearing does not contain the necessary information noted above, the Section 504 Coordinator will inform the grievant of the specific information needed to complete the request. All timelines and processes will be stayed until the Request for Hearing contains the necessary information noted above.

3. Mediation: The school system may offer mediation to resolve the issues detailed by the grievant in his or her Request for Hearing. Mediation is voluntary and both the grievant and school system must agree to participate. The grievant may terminate the mediation at any time. If the mediation is terminated without an agreement, the school system will follow the procedures for conducting an impartial hearing without an additional Request for Hearing

4. Hearing Procedures:

a. The Section 504 Coordinator will obtain an impartial review official who will conduct a hearing within 45 calendar days from the receipt of the grievant’s Request for Hearing unless agreed to otherwise by the grievant or a continuance is granted by the impartial review official. b. Upon a showing of good cause by the grievant or school system, the impartial review official, at his or her discretion, may grant a continuance and set a new hearing date. The request for a continuance must be in writing and copied to the other party. c. The grievant will have an opportunity to examine the child’s educational records prior to the hearing. d. The grievant will have the opportunity to be represented by legal counsel at his or her own expense at the hearing and participate, speak, examine witnesses, and present information at the hearing. If the grievant is to be represented by legal counsel at the hearing, he or she must inform the Section 504 Coordinator of that fact in writing at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing. Failure to notify the Section 504 Coordinator in writing of representation by legal counsel shall constitute good cause for continuance of the hearing. e. The grievant will have the burden of proving any claims he or she may assert. When warranted by circumstances or law, the impartial hearing officer may require the recipient to defend its position/decision regarding the claims (i.e. A recipient shall place a disabled student in the regular educational environment operated by the recipient unless it is demonstrated by the recipient that the education of the person in the 93 regular environment with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. 34 C.F.R.§104.34). One or more representatives of the school system, who may be an attorney, will attend the hearing to present the evidence and witnesses, respond to the grievant testimony and answer questions posed by the review official. f. The impartial review official shall not have the power to subpoena witnesses, and the strict rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings. The impartial review official shall have the authority to issue pre- hearing instructions, which may include requiring the parties to exchange documents and names of witnesses to be present. g. The impartial review official shall determine the weight to be given any evidence based on its reliability and probative value. h. The hearing shall be closed to the public. i. The issues of the hearing will be limited to those raised in the written or oral request for the hearing. j. Witnesses will be questioned directly by the party who calls them. Cross-examination of witnesses will be allowed. The impartial review official, at his or her discretion, may allow further examination of witnesses or ask questions of the witnesses. k. Testimony shall be recorded by court reporting or audio recording at the expense of the recipient. All documentation related to the hearing shall be retained by the recipient. l. Unless otherwise required by law, the impartial review official shall uphold the action of school system unless the grievant can prove that a preponderance of the evidence supports his or her claim. m. Failure of the grievant to appear at a scheduled hearing unless prior notification of absence was provided and approved by the impartial review official or just cause is shown shall constitute a waiver of the right to a personal appearance before the impartial review official.

5. Decision: The impartial review official shall issue a written determination within 20 calendar days of the date the hearing concluded. The determination of the impartial review official shall not include any monetary damages or the award of any attorney’s fees.

6. Review: If not satisfied with the decision of the impartial review official, any party may pursue any right of review, appeal, cause of action or claim available to them under the law or existing state or federal rules or regulations.

94 Public Notice Schley County Board of Education

The Schley County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age in its educational programs, activities or in its hiring and employment practices.

The Schley County School system offers the following career and technical education programs for all students regardless of race, color, national origin, including those with limited English proficiency, sex, disability, religion, or age in grades 9-12.

Plant Science/Horticulture Agricultural Mechanics Financial Management-Accounting Administrative/Information Support Nutrition & Food Science Teaching As A Profession Broadcast Video/Production Nurse Aide Certificate

Persons seeking further information concerning the career and technical education offerings and specific pre-requisite criteria should contact:

Deborah A. Hawver Career Technical Supervisor 161 Perry Drive Ellaville, GA 31806 229-937-2805 [email protected]

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Tag Croxton, Special Education Director 161 Perry Drive Ellaville, GA 31806 229-937-2805 [email protected]

95 Student-Parent Handbook Agreement

Dear Parent,

Please sign below indicating that you have reviewed the Student Code of Conduct, Discipline Plan, Parent-Student Handbook, and Bus Transportation Plan and return this form to the school.

If you should have any questions, please talk with your child’s Principal or his designee. Thank you for your cooperation in helping Schley County School System provide quality education for all of our students.

Sincerely,

Schley County Schools

My child and I have read and discussed this plan. We support the school’s efforts to provide a structured learning environment by maintaining accepted discipline limits.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

I will make every effort to see that my child knows, understands and follows these rules and regulations.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Student:

I will make every effort to follow these rules and regulations.

______Student Signature Date

96 97

Load more

  97

Copy Link