SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear MCS Parents:
Welcome to Marietta City Schools. Whether this be your student’s first year or last year with us, we are privileged to serve you and your family during the 2017-2018 school year.
Inside the pages of this document is any and everything you and your child need to know about the Marietta City School system but I would like to summarize every word from every page into one, simple message: You matter.
Every single student in this district matters and our mission is to support each student to be what this community has proudly enabled over the course of the last 125 years – to teach, support, and lead each and every Marietta student to “be somebody”. We are proud to partner with you to provide you and your family a world-class educational experience and look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Sincerely, Grant
Grant Rivera Superintendent Marietta City Schools
For more information on any topic in this guide, please visit the Marietta City Schools’ website at www.marietta- city.org or contact your school.
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NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The Board of Education of the City of Marietta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or gender in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. Policies of the Board of Education require full compliance with all federal and state non-discrimination laws, including but not limited to: Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA), along with Age Discrimination Act (Age Act) of 1975, 42 U.S.C. Sections 6101, et seq., 34 C.F.R. Part 110; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA, Title II); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Public Law 101-476, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Below is a list of individuals designated to handle inquiries regarding the District’s non-discrimination policies: Title VI Compliance Officer/Alternate Title II of the Americans with Disabilities and Title IX Compliance Officer and Section 504 Compliance Officer (Issues of discrimination on basis of race, color, (Issues of discrimination on the basis of or national origin, gender, sexual harassment) disability)
Assistant Superintendent, Special Services Assistant Superintendent, Special Services Central Administrative Offices Central Administrative Offices 250 Howard Street, Marietta, GA 30060 250 Howard Street, Marietta, GA 30060 770-422-3500 770-422-3500
Title IX Compliance Officer Employment Issues (Issues of discrimination on the basis of gender or (Issues of discrimination on the basis of any Sexual harassment) category listed in policy GAAA)
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Assistant Superintendent of Human Capital Marietta City Schools Central Administrative Offices 250 Howard Street, Marietta, GA 30060 250 Howard Street, Marietta, GA 30060 770-422-3500 770-422-3500
Complaints may also be filed directly with the following:
Office of Civil Rights Georgia Professional Standards Commission
Office for Civil Rights Georgia Professional Standards Commission U.S. Department of Education Educator Ethics Division 61 Forsyth Street S.W., Suite 19T10 200 Piedmont Avenue SE, Suite 1702 Atlanta, GA 30303-8927 Atlanta, GA 30334-9032 Telephone: (404) 974-9406 More information available online at: Facsimile: (404) 974-9471 https://www.gapsc.com/Ethics/Contact.aspx
REPORTING DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of discrimination on the basis of race color, religion, national origin, age, disability or gender, which may include sexual harassment, sexual violence, or any other form of prohibited discrimination or harassment, should report the incident to an administrator, counselor, teacher at the school he or she attends or the applicable Compliance Officer.
Discrimination and harassment are prohibited in all School System programs and activities. This includes School System academic, extracurricular, athletic, and other School System programs, as well as on School System buses, during field trips, and in classes or training programs that take place on or off school grounds. The School System is committed to upholding these laws and takes discriminatory behaviors seriously.
Investigations involving allegations of sexual harassment allegations will be handled per Board of Education of the City of Marietta Policy JAEB, Student Sexual Harassment. This policy and the Report of Harassment form can be found on the Legal Information webpage at www.marietta-city.org or by contacting the school. ii
ESSA PARENT NOTICE OF TEACHER and PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
ESSA PARENT NOTICE OF TEACHER and PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS In compliance with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Marietta City Schools informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s teacher(s) and paraprofessional(s) providing services to your child.
The following information may be requested:
• Whether the teacher/paraprofessional has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission certification requirements for the grade level and subject area(s) in which he/she is teaching; • Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived; • The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher and the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and • Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.
You may contact one of the following individuals if you would like to obtain the above information on your child’s teacher(s) and/or paraprofessionals.
School Principal/Contact Phone Number
A.L. Burruss Elementary Mrs. Julie King 770-429-3144 Dunleith Elementary Mr. Jeffery Mosley 770-429-3190 Hickory Hills Elementary Mrs. Kristen Beaudin 770-429-3125 Lockheed Elementary Dr. Devonne Harper 770-429-3196 Park Street Elementary Mr. Matt Freedman 770-429-3180 Sawyer Road Elementary Mrs. Susan Graves 770-429-9923 West Side Elementary Dr. Daniel McGuire 770-429-3172 Marietta Center for Advanced Academics Dr. Christina Wagner 770-420-0822 Marietta Sixth Grade Academy Mr. Corey Lawson 770-429-3115 Marietta Middle School Dr. Dayton Hibbs 770-422-0311 Marietta High School Mr. Gabe Carmona 770-428-2631 MCS Human Resources Ms. Lisa Burton 678-695-7237 Wright Street Facility/Marietta Community Mrs. Cindi Savage 770-429-3170 School
NOTICE OF CHILD FIND
In accordance with state rule 160-4-7-.03 and IDEA regulations, Marietta City Schools (MCS) conducts child find activities to identify, locate and evaluate all children, in the district, who are suspected of having disabilities that may result in a need for special education and related services. Child Find responsibilities extend to all children suspected of having disabilities, including those attending private school and home school, regardless of the severity.
Final identification of students with disabilities and programming for such students occurs only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination of eligibility by a Multidisciplinary Placement Team. Once it is determined a student is in need of special education and related services, he/she may receive these services up until their 22nd birthday. If you suspect your child has a disability or if you know of a child who you suspect may have a disability, or if you have questions about special education and related services, please contact: Department of Special Services 250 Howard Street Marietta, Georgia 30060 (678) 695-7240
MARIETTA BOARD OF EDUCATION Alan Levine, Ward 1 Jason Waters, Ward 2 Randy Weiner, Ward 3 Allison Gruehn, Ward 4 Jeriene Bonner-Grimes, Ward 5 Kerry Minervini, Ward 6 Irene Berens, Ward 7 Grant Rivera, Superintendent
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Deputy Superintendent of Schools……………………………………………………………Belinda Walters-Brazile
Assistant Superintendent, Special Services ………………………………………………………………Jody Drum
Executive Director, Academic Programs ……. ……………………………………………………………. Jill Sims
Marietta High School ………………………………………………..…..…………….…… Gabe Carmona, Principal Performance Learning Center at Woods-Wilkins..……...... Tammie Roach, Program Administrator
Marietta Middle School …………………………...... Dayton Hibbs, Principal
Marietta Sixth Grade Academy……………………………………….………………..……. Corey Lawson, Principal
A.L. Burruss Elementary …………………………………………………………..…………… Julie King, Principal
Dunleith Elementary ……………………………………………………………………….. Jeffery Mosley, Principal
Hickory Hills Elementary …………………………………….……………………..……. Kristen Beaudin, Principal
Lockheed Elementary ……………………………………………………………..……… Devonne Harper, Principal
Marietta Center for Advanced Academics …………………………………..….….. Christina Wagoner, Principal
Park Street Elementary …...... Matt Freedman, Principal
Sawyer Road Elementary …………………………………………………………………… Susan Graves, Principal
West Side Elementary ……………………………………………………………………… Daniel McGuire, Principal
Marietta Community School - Wright Street Facility…………………………………………..Cindi Savage, Director
Graduate Marietta Student Success Center……………………………………………………Leigh Colburn, Director
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Table of Contents
Superintendent’s Message ...... i Notice of Non-Discrimination ...... ii Reporting Discrimination or Harassment ……………………………….……………………………….ii ESEA Parent Notice of Teacher Qualifications ………………………………………………………...iii Administrative Staff ...... iv Calendar for Grades K-12 ...... 1 Rights under The Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (FERPA) ...... 2 The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) Notice ...... 4 Attendance Zones ...... 5 Board of Education Meetings ...... 5 Addressing the Board of Education ...... 5 Bell Schedules ...... 5 Before/After School Programs ...... 6 Bus Stop Notice ...... 6 Holiday Camps/2014-2015 Camp Schedule ...... 7 Choice Academies/Transfer Request ...... 7 Closing Schools ...... 8 Extracurricular Activities ...... 8 Gifted Services ...... 9 Homeless Students...... 9 International Baccalaureate Program ...... 10 Magnet Programs ...... 10 Performance Learning Center ...... 11 Marietta Schools Foundation ...... 11 Residency Verification…………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Non-Resident Enrollment ...... 11 Online Learning ...... 12 Promotion and Retention ...... 12 School Nutrition and Charge Policy ...... 12 School Visitors ...... 13 School Volunteers ...... 13 Student Insurance ...... 13 Student Registration ...... 13 Summer Camp ……………………………………………………………………………………………13 Testing Overview ...... 13 Transportation Services ...... 15 Section 504 Procedural Safeguards ...... 17 Notice of Rights of Students and Parents under Section 504 ...... 20 Board Policies Graduation Requirements ...... 21 Attendance ...... 26 Student Acceptable Use Guidelines (Internet) ...... 29 Bring Your Own Technology ...... 30 Dress and Grooming...... 32 Behavior Code ...... 33
Calendar for Grades K-12 for 2017-2018
July 24 & 25 New Teachers Report January 2 & 3 Work Day-Local School July 26, 27, 28, School Resumes (Thursday) Pre-Planning January 4 August 1, 2 2nd Semester Begins –Marietta High July 29 Taking Our First Steps January 15 Holiday: MLK Jr. Birthday July 31 Professional Learning - MCS January 22 End of 5th Month (100 days) Elementary Conference Week August 3 First Day of School (Thursday) February 12-16 (Early Release) August 30 End of 1st Month (20 days) February 19-23 President’s Day Holiday/Mid-Winter Break* September 4 Holiday-Labor Day February 26 End of 6th Month (120 Days) Elementary Conference Week (Early MCAA/MSGA/MMS Conference Week (Early September 18-22 March 5-9 Release) Dismissal) September 25-29 Fall Break March 12 Work Day-Local School October 5 End of 2nd Month (40 days) March 27 End of 7th Month (140 days) October 16 Work Day-Local School April 2-6 Spring Break MCAA/MSGA/MMS October 23-27 May 1 End of 8th Month (160 days) Conference Week (Early Release) November 3 End of 3rd Month (60 days) May 25 Last Day of School November 20-24 Thanksgiving Break May 26 Graduation – Northcutt Stadium December 8 End of 4th Month (80 days) May 28 Memorial Day Holiday December 20 End of 1st Semester-Marietta High May 29-30 Post-Planning December 21- Winter Break (inclusive) *In case of inclement weather, Feb. 20-23 will be used as make up days. January 1
Grades Report Period Grading Period End Date Publishing Date K-2 Progress 1 9/1/17 9/12/17 3-8 Q1 Progress K-2 Progress 2 10/11/17 10/19/17 3-8 Q1 Report Card K-2 Progress 3 11/13/17 11/29/17 3-8 Q2 Progress K-2 Progress 4 12/20/17 1/5/18 3-8 Q2 Report Card K-2 Progress 5 2/6/18 2/15/18 3-8 Q3 Progress K-2 Progress 6 3/16/18 3/27/18 3-8 Q3 Report Card K-2 Progress 7 4/25/18 5/4/18 3-8 Q4 Progress K-2 Progress 8 5/25/18 6/4/18 3-8 Q4 Report Card 9-12 S1P1 (30 days) 9/14/17 9/21/17 9-12 S1P2 (29 days) 11/2/17 11/9/17 9-12 S1 12/20/17 1/11/18 9-12 S2P1 (30 days) 2/15/18 2/28/18 9-12 S2P2 (29 days) 4/12/18 4/23/18 9-12 S2 5/25/18 6/4/18
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Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:
(1) ACCESSING STUDENT RECORDS - The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days from the date the Marietta City Schools (School System) receives a request for access.
Parents/guardians or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
(2) REQUEST AMENDMENT OF STUDENT RECORDS - The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents/guardians or eligible students may ask the School System to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the School System decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the School System will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) DISCLOSING STUDENT RECORDS – The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations (Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations “CFR”). A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student:
a. To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests in the record(s). This includes School System employees, contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in 34 CFR 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(1))
A school official is a person employed by the School System as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the Board of Education; a school or School System approved volunteer; a person or company that is under the direct control of the School System with respect to the use and maintenance of education records and with whom the School System has contracted or who volunteers to perform a service or function for which the School System would otherwise use employees (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, insurance adjuster); or a parent/guardian or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.
b. To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(2))
c. To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal
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requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
d. In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(4))
e. To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to §99.38. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(5))
f. To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(6))
g. To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(7))
h. To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(8))
i. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(9))
j. To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(10))
k. Information the school has designated as “directory information” under §99.37. (34 CFR 99.31(a)(11)) (see Section 5 for further information regarding directory information)
(4) COMPLAINTS
a. Complaints regarding alleged failures by the school district to comply with the requirements of FERPA may be filed with the U.S. Department of Education. The name and address of the Office is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202. b. The Georgia Student Data Privacy, Accessibility, and Transparency Act afford parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") the right to file a complaint with their local school system regarding a possible violation of rights under O.C.G.A. 20-2-667 or under other federal or state student data privacy and security laws. Such complaints may be filed with: Director of Policy and Compliance, Marietta City Schools, 250 Howard St. Marietta, GA 30060.
(5) DIRECTORY INFORMATION The School System may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without consent, unless you have advised the School System to the contrary in accordance with School System procedures (See Section 7). Directory information is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Directory information includes a student’s name, address, email addresses, phone number, date and place of birth, grade level, dates of attendance and most recent school attended, degrees/honors/awards received, photograph, participation in school activities and sports, as well as weight and height of members of athletic teams; peripheral video footage, photographic images, or audio recordings of day-to-day student activities (See Section 7); and student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s social security number, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)
The School System may include personally identifiable information in school publications, such as a playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production; the annual yearbook; honor roll or other recognition lists; graduation programs; and sports event publications, such as a football game program.
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Directory information may also be released without prior consent to only the following: law enforcement agencies, State and Federal Child Welfare Agencies, District Attorney and Solicitor’s Offices, the Professional Standards Commission, PTA and other school support organizations, U.S. Armed Forces recruitment agencies, schools and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (AdvancEd), and companies the School System uses to manufacture school items such as class rings or yearbooks for non-political purposes. School System teachers, School System schools, and the School System may also display a student’s name, email address, photograph, recording, footage, most recent school attended, awards received, participation in school activities and sports, as well as weight and height of members of athletic teams on School System or School Websites or blogs for the purposes of recognizing student achievement, instructional purposes, or informing the community about school events and activities.
(6) AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDINGS, PHOTOGRAPHIC FOOTAGE The School System also records and maintains audio recordings and video or photographic footage (including accompanying audio) of students on school property and at school events in locations including, but not limited to, parking lots, school buses, lunchrooms, classrooms and hallways. Such information is used and maintained for purposes including yearbooks, video yearbooks, and school publications and Websites. In many cases, videos contain peripheral video or photographic footage of students engaged in day-to-day activities including, but not limited to, walking to class, riding the school bus, attending or participating in classroom or school activities, eating lunch, participating in club or performance activities, accepting awards and/or engaging in academic activities. Audio recordings of students may also include day-to-day peripheral recordings of noises or voices related to students, including but not limited to, student voices or noises in hallways, classrooms, at public performances, class presentations and/or during class participation.
Peripheral video footage, photographic images, or audio recordings of day-to-day student activities do not include footage of a student or students committing or being involved in a violation of law or School System or School Rule, Procedure, or Policy. The School System may also determine that other activities do not qualify as peripheral images, footage, or recordings on a case-by-case basis. Peripheral or day-to-day recordings, images or video footage (including accompanying audio) of students may be released without prior written parental/guardian consent, subpoena and court order to only the following: law enforcement agencies, State and Federal Child Welfare Agencies, District Attorney and Solicitor’s Offices, the Professional Standards Commission, PTA and other school support organizations, U.S. Armed Forces recruitment agencies, and schools and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (AdvancEd) for non-political purposes. School System teachers, School System schools and the School System may also post these images or recordings on School or School System Websites or blogs.
A student or the parent/guardian of a student involved in any prohibited conduct may review a recording of prohibited conduct, which may contain other students’ peripheral video or audio information. This review may be allowed without obtaining the consent of the peripheral student(s) or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s).
(7) DIRECTORY INFORMATION – PARENTAL NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE Parents/Guardians of students under 18 years of age or a student 18 years of age or older objecting to the release of directory information should notify the school principal in writing by September 5, 2017, or within 10 days of enrollment.
(8) STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
To the extent that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 expands upon the privacy and access rights described above, the District shall comply with those requirements.
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) Notice The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to: Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas ("protected information survey") if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED): 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent;
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2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student's family; 3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of - 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; 2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and 3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
Inspect, upon request and before administration or use - 1. Protected information surveys of students; 2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and 3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer to/from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
The School System is requesting parental input to develop and adopt policies regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. After development, the School System will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. All input should be directed to the Office of the Superintendent, Attention PPRA Input, no later than October 1, 2017.
The School System will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The School System will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the School System has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and will be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement: Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution; Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED; Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office; U.S. Department of Education; 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20202-590.
Attendance Zones Marietta City Schools (MCS) serve some 8,000 students at eight elementary choice schools-one of which is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Magnet-one middle school, one sixth-grade school, and one high school. To find your elementary school zone, please visit the City of Marietta's “My Marietta” website at http://www.mariettaga.gov/city/services/propertysearch.
Board of Education Meetings The Marietta Board of Education holds regular meetings, usually twice a month. A work session and special- called meeting is regularly scheduled the second Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00 p.m. The regular 5
monthly board meeting usually is scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month starting at 7:00 p.m. Occasionally, the board must hold a special meeting outside the normal schedule. Such sessions are posted in the school board office and on the system's web site, and the media are notified at least 24 hours in advance.
Addressing the Board Of Education Persons wishing to address the board shall inform the Superintendent, in writing, of their desire to do so and the topic of their address as early as possible, but not later than 24 hours prior to the board meeting. Speakers are limited to 5 minutes.
Bell Schedules Elementary schools 8:30 AM 3:15 PM Marietta Center for Advanced Academics 9:15 AM 4:00 PM Marietta Sixth Grade Academy: 9:15 AM 4:00 PM Marietta Middle School 7:45 AM 2:30 PM Marietta High School 7:45 AM 2:30 PM Marietta Performance Learning Center 8:00 AM 2:00 PM Ombudsman Sessions 7:00-10:00 AM 10:00 AM-2:00 PM 2:00-5:00 PM
Please contact your school for dismissal times during Conference Weeks and Early Release days.
Before/After School Programs (BSP & ASP) Before School and After School Programs are coordinated by Marietta Community School and supervised by certified teachers and paraprofessionals. Before school hours are from 6:30 a.m. until the start of school and after school hours are from the end of school day until 6:30 p.m. Programs are located in most elementary schools. There is a non-refundable registration fee for the BSP of $10.00 and the ASP of $15.00. The daily fee for the Before School Program is $5.00 per day or $25.00 weekly and the fee for the After School Program is $7.00 per day or $35.00 weekly. A registration form must be completed before the child can attend either program. For additional information you can contact Kristen Felix @ [email protected] or 770-429-3170 Ext. 4495 or visit our web site at www.mariettacommunityschool.com
Bus Stop Notice It is important that parents/guardians are aware of their child’s bus stop information, including where and when students are dropped off by the bus in the afternoon.
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the student is appropriately supervised once a child is dropped off at his/her bus stop. Failure to do so can result in the filing of a report based upon Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) guidelines.
The following are Georgia DFCS guidelines for leaving a child without adult supervision:
• Children age 8 years old and younger should not be left alone, even for short periods of time. • Children between the ages of 9 and 12, based on level of maturity, can be left home alone for brief periods of time. • It is strongly discouraged for parents to have 13 year olds babysit infants, small children, and children that require special attention due to medical conditions. • Children 15 and older can be left home alone overnight, depending on the level of maturity of the child.
When leaving a child unaccompanied; please consider the following recommended safety precautions: • Don’t leave the child responsible for food preparation that involves the stove. • Have a neighbor or relative check in regularly or have the child check in with an adult. • Make a safety plan that includes 911 and rehearse the plan with your child.
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Please note that students 8 years old and younger may be brought back to a Marietta City Schools (MCS) satellite location (that houses an after school program) by the bus driver if the driver, subject to his/her discretion, has reason to believe the child could be in danger and/or is not properly supervised. If a student is returned to a MCS after school program (see below), his/her parents could be charged a fee. Therefore, it is important that you communicate your arrangements with the bus driver if you or another responsible person of appropriate age is not present to meet young children.
Parents in need of after school care can register their child by calling 770-429-3170 Ext. 4495 or online at http://www.mariettacommunityschool.com/before_after_school/. You can also obtain a registration form in the main office of the school.
MCS Satellite Drop-Off Location Park Street Elementary 105 Park Street, SE Marietta GA 30060 Phone: 770-429-3110 (Transportation Dept.)
Holiday Camps Marietta Community School offers child care during school holidays throughout the school year. These camps will be held at the Wright Street facility, 368 Wright Street, Marietta, GA 30064. A $20.00 registration fee holds your child's place for the following dates, but you will need to reserve the days your child will be attending before each camp. The cost is $35.00 per day, multiple sibling and employee discounts are available upon request. Camp is open from 7:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Kristen Felix at [email protected] or 770-429-3170 Ext. 4495 or visit our web site at www.mariettacommunityschool.com.
Dates 2017-2018 Holiday Camps
September 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Fall Break October 16 Work Day November 20, 21, 22 Thanksgiving Holiday December 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 Winter Break January 2, 3 Winter Break February 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Mid-winter Break March 12 Work Day April 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Spring Break
Choice Academies/Transfer Request Choice provides parents and guardians an opportunity to choose, within a designated application period, the elementary school best suited to their child’s educational needs and talents. A transfer can be requested at any time during the school year for reasons of health, significant childcare problems, or other legitimate concerns. Current residents of the City of Marietta can apply to choice/transfer their child from the current zoned school to a Choice Academy. Choice applications are accepted from the first school day of the second week in November through the last school day of the third week in January. If you wish to choice/transfer a sibling from their current zoned school, you must submit an application for that student. There are a limited number of spaces available at each school within each grade level, and we cannot guarantee placement in the requested school. You may be placed on a waiting list pending space availability. For students that currently are enrolled as a choice or transfer student, parents and/or guardians must complete a Choice Academies or Transfer Continuation Agreement Form and be in compliance with all criteria specified on the form in order to be eligible to continue at the choice/transfer school. The magnet enrollment process differs from the choice academies process. Please see the magnet section for more information.
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Closing Schools As the winter season approaches, we will once again take safety precautions to ensure that we can respond efficiently, within the scope of our resources, to any severe weather or other emergency that may arise. For school closing information monitor your local television/radio stations (see list below) in the event of threatening weather or other declared emergencies.
Do not send your child to school if you hear that that the Marietta City School District is closed. If in doubt regarding whether a Marietta City School is open during weather-related or other emergencies, call (770) 422- 3500. School closings are announced as early as possible. The school system uses an automated telephone alert system to notify parents/guardians of any school closings. Information is also posted to all school Web sites. If you have not received an alert phone call or heard any information via radio or television regarding a school closing, it is safe to assume that school will be in session. Should an emergency event occur after school has started, announcements regarding early dismissal will be made via radio, television and our automated alert phone call system.
TELEVISION UNIVISION/CH34 WGST AM/640 WSB TV/CH 2 RADIO WSB FM/98.5 WXIA TV/CH11 WSB AM/750 Y106 FM/106.7 WAGA TV/CH5 WNNX-FM/99.7 WLKQ 102.3 FM WGNX TV/CH46 WSTR FM/94 WNSY 100.1 FM
Parents and guardians are advised to keep their emergency contact information updated throughout the school year, and to have a plan in place regarding how their child will get home in case of an emergency school closing.
Schools will not release a student to anyone not listed by the enrolling adult as an approved parental representative. Please update this information with your school if you expect to authorize someone other than yourself to pick up your child at school during an emergency.
Bus Transportation: Whenever bus operations are initiated during weather-related or other emergencies, students will be transported to their usual drop-off locations, as weather conditions allow. In some cases, school buses may not be able to enter apartment complexes or subdivisions due to ice or other road conditions. When this occurs, students will be transported to/from a location closest to their assigned bus stop. Depending on the severity of the weather, and as an added safety precaution, parents should be prepared to escort their children to/from bus stop locations or at apartment complexes or subdivision entrance ways as conditions warrant. Parents and guardians should always have a contingency plan for students to gain entry into their home or have a neighbor or family member available for their child to contact for assistance. With your help we can ensure that your child is safe and that we respond effectively to any emergency situation.
Extracurricular Activities The Board approves the offering of extracurricular activities subject to reasonable rules and regulations concerning eligibility to participate and subject to the provision that participation in such activities shall not interfere with the academic achievement of participating students. Extracurricular Activities are any activity, excluding field trips, homework or class work that occurs outside the school day and that are not competitive activities between individuals or groups of students representing two or more schools. School Sponsored Activities are an activity held under the auspices or sponsorship of the school system or school that uses or refers to the school system’s or school’s name and that involves its staff members and/or its students. It is the responsibility of the principal to establish fair and equitable rules for eligibility and participation of students in extracurricular activities. The requirements and restrictions which apply to competitive interscholastic activities as stated in policy IDE shall not apply to other extracurricular activities. The Marietta Board of Education complies with the GHSA requirements and applicable state and federal laws regarding non-discrimination in its extracurricular activities, and reserves the right to establish additional eligibility requirements that go beyond these requirements.
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Gifted Services Description Curriculum and Instruction All levels of the MILE gifted program include instruction in skills areas basic to gifted education. These are: (1) Cognitive Skills, (2) Learning Skills, (3) Research and Reference Skills, (4) Communication Skills, and (5) Meta-cognitive skills. The gifted curriculum incorporates these skill areas into units and/or courses of study which address the appropriate Georgia Standards for Excellence or Georgia Performance Standards. Curriculum is differentiated to accommodate students’ areas of strength.
Contact Hours Service in all direct service models is a minimum of five segments per week. (A segment is one-sixth of a school day.)
Whole Grade Acceleration Marietta City Schools offers whole-grade acceleration as an appropriate educational intervention for exceptionally capable second thru seventh grade students. Parents/guardians interested in whole-grade acceleration should first consult with their child’s teacher and/or counselor concerning the suitability of whole grade acceleration for their child. For more information, parents should contact their child’s school.
Elementary Elementary students may receive a minimum of five segments per week of gifted services through the resource, cluster, collaborative or advanced content models. Services differ in elementary schools and may be offered through one of several models, depending upon the program available at your child’s school. Under the resource model, rigorous units emphasizing higher levels of thinking are taught by elementary teachers certified in gifted education. In the cluster model, a small number of gifted students are grouped and taught with separate lesson plans and contracts in a regular education class by a gifted education teacher. In the collaborative model, students are served with a differentiated curriculum provided by the regular classroom teacher in collaboration with the gifted education teacher. Advanced content classes are aligned with the Georgia Standards for Excellence curriculum for the content subject, and are significantly differentiated from the regular classroom in content, pace, process skills, and expectations. They are taught by a gifted certified teacher. Kindergarten students are tested during the first semester and, upon entrance to the program in January, are provided services through the resource or collaborative model.
Secondary The main delivery model of gifted education services for 6th - 12th grade students is advanced content. Students may receive a minimum of five segments a week, or the equivalent, in classes taught by gifted education teachers, subject to school resources and staffing. These classes are aligned with the Georgia Standards for Excellence or Georgia Performance Standards curriculum for the content subject, and are significantly differentiated from the regular classroom in content, pace, process skills, and expectations. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes qualify as Advanced Content gifted classes when the teacher has been trained in the content area by AP or IB and has additional training in gifted education as approved by the Georgia Board of Education. The cluster grouping or collaborative model may also be used at this level (see preceding section for definitions).
Homeless Students A homeless child or youth is defined as a student lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence that is living in any of the following situations: sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; living in an emergency or transitional shelter; living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or camping ground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; abandoned in hospitals; awaiting foster care placement; primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in preceding circumstances. These preschool-aged and school-aged children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. These rights include enrollment without delay in school without proof of residency or permanent address; without immunization, school 9
records, or other documents or while documents are being obtained; a choice between the local school where you are living or the school last attended before becoming homeless (when requested by the parent/guardian and determined by the district to be feasible and in the student’s best interest); a right to initiated the dispute resolution process when the parent/guarding/student disagrees with the determination at the district and state level; and a right to attend school and participate in school programs to the extent that all students are eligible to participate. To be considered eligible and for further information regarding the dispute resolution process, families or unaccompanied homeless youth should contact the Homeless Liaison that serves the school zoned for the location where they reside. Homeless eligibility is for one school year only, so the parent/guardian or student should verify their homeless status at the beginning of the school year in order to renew their eligibility.
International Baccalaureate Program Marietta City Schools (MCS) is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School district, and provides the full continuum of IB programs. Marietta High School has been an IB World School since July 1995, and offers qualified 11th and 12th graders both the IB Diploma Program, a challenging two-year curriculum that leads to an international diploma qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities, as well as the IB Career-related Program, a challenging career education program with IB support.
The IB Primary Years Program (PYP), designed for students aged 5 to 12, is offered at Sawyer Road Elementary School. At this time, A.L. Burruss Elementary is a candidate school offering a trial implementation of the IB Primary Years Program, as well. The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) is for all students in grades 6- 10 and is offered jointly at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, Marietta Middle School, and Marietta High School (MHS).
MHS students who wish to enter the IB Diploma program in 11th and 12th grade and work towards the IB Diploma are encouraged to take honors courses in 9th and 10th grade to gain the presumed knowledge needed for IB Diploma courses, should complete the requirements for the MYP Certificate, and interview with the IB Coordinator mid-year of 10th grade to plan a two-year IB program of study for 11th and 12th grades. MHS students who attempt but fail to score adequately to earn the MYP Certificate, or who transfer to MHS too late to earn the MYP Certificate, may be considered for the IB Diploma Program by applying to the IB Coordinator. In this case, consideration will be given to students who present strong academic transcripts, excellent attendance and discipline records, and/or outstanding teacher recommendations.
There are no formal written applications to any of the IB programs in Marietta City Schools.
Magnet Program The magnet program at Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (MCAA) offers students a technology-driven curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Additionally, MCAA infuses the arts into its content curriculum to provide additional learning opportunities to students. Application to the program is open to students who reside in the Marietta City limits, as well as non-residents who meet admission/eligibility criteria on a tuition-paying basis (as space allows). Please note that the application window for in-district students opens prior to out-of-district students, and district residents are given priority in enrollment. Applications are available at the school or online. MCAA can serve up to 325 students in grades 3-5. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA on their most recent report card, have a history of satisfactory attendance and behavior, and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) or other nationally normed standardized test scores in the 75th or above percentile on both reading and mathematics. Parental commitment to the program is important, and students are required to abide by the school unified dress code. Admission packets must be mailed or personally delivered to MCAA. Please note that applications are date and time stamped and processed as received on a first-serve basis. Once grade level capacity is reached, students will be placed on a wait list. Submit one application per child. Incomplete application packets will not be processed.
The magnet programs at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) and Marietta Middle School (MMS) are open to students that reside within the Marietta City School District, as well as students from outside the district accepted on a tuition-paying basis. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 on the most recent report card, and MAP or other nationally normed standardized test scores in the 75th percentile or above in both reading 10
and mathematics. The middle grades magnet program is a continuation of the elementary grades magnet curriculum, but places stronger emphasis on engineering and the design process. All students in the middle grades magnet program move at an advanced pace through a technology-rich curriculum. The program offers students one-to-one computing and gifted-trained teachers. Students exiting the magnet program at the eighth grade will have developed a firm foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and be prepared to explore a variety of high school options.
The Marietta Performance Learning Center The Marietta Performance Learning Center (Marietta PLC) is a small, non-traditional Marietta High School program geared towards students who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting and for those who desire a smaller, blended computer-based learning environment. The Marietta PLC maintains a business-like environment and emphasizes personal support. The program includes an intense academic component anchored by an online instructional system and project-based learning. This is its 10th year in existence.
Student enrollment is voluntary. The enrollment process includes the completion of an application based on referral and an interview. Upon acceptance into the program, students and parents must complete contracts of commitment.
In summary, the Marietta PLC serves as support for Marietta High School. Although located on a separate campus at 353 Lemon Street, the Marietta PLC and MHS are all one Blue Devil Family. The program’s goal is to assist students so they graduate on time, while providing services for next steps, i.e. college, military or workforce. The Marietta PLC has two components to achieve this objective: (1) Full Day Program and (2) an Afterschool Program. Students, and those recommending students, may determine which component best suits their needs by the applicant’s number of current credits, age and years in school.
For an application, please contact the Graduation Coach at 770-429-2631, ext.2121. For questions, contact the Marietta PLC directly at 770-429-3188.
Marietta Schools Foundation The Marietta Schools Foundation was incorporated in June 1983 for the purpose of promoting educational achievement and excellence among students, faculty, staff and administrators in the Marietta City Schools.
What better way to fulfill this purpose than to recognize and reward outstanding students and staff and to respond to the needs of the classrooms? The Marietta Schools Foundation manages over $3,000,000 in donated funds! The Foundation gives out $200,000 annually to support: • Classroom and School Projects • Alumni Partnerships • College Scholarships and Funds • Cash awards for Teacher of the Year recipients • School improvements grants • MHS Distinguished Alumnus awards • Mobile technology labs for MHS • Marietta City Schools marketing efforts • Funding for needy students to participate in school sponsored activities
If you would like to make a contribution to the Marietta Schools Foundation and MHS Alumni Society, please mail your tax deductible contribution to P.O. Box 1265, Marietta, GA 30061 or visit the office located on Polk Street, across the street from Marietta Middle School. On any given day, you could see a MHS classmate stopping to visit and talk about the “good ole days” at Marietta High School! You can also reach the Foundation by phone 770-427-1012. Visit the web at http://mariettaschoolsfoundation.com.
Residency Verification The Board of Education believes that its residency requirements serve the best interests of the students, staff, parents, and citizens of Marietta. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to take all fair and necessary steps to ensure that parents and students strictly comply with residency requirements. Such 11
steps include, but are not limited to, requests for updated residency documentation and visits to the home by School Social Workers to verify the student and family reside at the address. The school system may sue in court to seek tuition back-payments for all months during which a nonresident student attended a Marietta City School but did not pay tuition. Resident students who become nonresidents must immediately apply for enrollment as a nonresident tuition student or will be subject to immediate withdrawal. Failure to apply immediately shall not prevent tuition from accruing or being charged against the student.
Non-Resident Enrollment To attain and retain nonresident tuition status, each student must make an annual application to attend Marietta City Schools and receive written approval from the Superintendent or designee. Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria: • History of good behavior; • Average or above average academic achievement through past grades and/or standardized test scores; • Student can be accommodated by current instructional program services which will meet the educational physical and emotional needs of the student; • Student can be accommodated without overcrowding classrooms. The Superintendent shall have the right to refuse admittance to any applicant if accepting the student would not be in the best interest of the school system.
The grades 3-5 magnet program at Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (MCAA) offers students a technology-driven curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Non-residents who meet admissions/eligibility criteria may apply to the magnet program at MCAA and pay tuition (same tuition schedule as all non-resident students). Interested parents must also complete a non- resident enrollment application/contract and be approved.
Non-resident students may be admitted into a non-magnet MCS elementary school if there are designated choice seats available as determined during the personnel allotment process. Siblings may qualify under the same criteria.
Marietta City Schools also allows students in grades 6-12, who reside outside the Marietta City School district, to attend our school system. Parents interested in enrolling a child must complete an application, available at any Marietta City school or online. The application must include the student’s most recent school record including academic grades, test scores, attendance and discipline. Completed non-resident enrollment applications with all required documents, should be submitted to the school principal. The superintendent must approve all applicants based on the stated criteria and space available in school programs. Questions regarding non-resident student enrollment may be directed to the school principal or the associate superintendent. Note: all applicants are required to submit a non-resident enrollment application/contract each year. The school system reserves the right to terminate the enrollment of a nonresident student at any time, for any legal reason, including failure to pay tuition on time, poor academic performance, poor attendance, excessive tardiness, or poor behavior as determined by the Superintendent.
2017-2018 Non-Resident Tuition Schedule:
Annual Monthly Payment
Fee (August-May) Tuition (all non-resident students) $3550.00 $355.00 Tuition (all non-resident students $3950.00 $395.00 – IB Program/Honors [MHS])
Online Learning In July 2012, the Georgia Legislature passed legislation allowing students opportunities to take online courses. All Georgia school children grades 3-12 are eligible to enroll in online courses as long as the course 12
is: a) academically appropriate; b) logistically possible, and c) keeps the student on track for an on-time graduation. Online courses can be accessed through the Georgia Virtual School, local virtual schools, or vendor online schools. If the online course is taken as part of their regular school day, then the district will pay for the course. If an online course is chosen outside of regular class periods, the parent is required to pay for the course. More information can be obtained from Georgia’s Online Clearinghouse located at http://www.gadoe.org/layouts/GADOEPublic.SPApp/Clearinghouse.aspx.
All students who entered ninth grade in and after the 2016-2017 school year, must take at least one semester (.5) of a course delivered in an online platform. Courses can be taken independently during non-school hours or during school hours on campus. For many students, this requirement is satisfied through their Marietta High School health class where blended learning (using an online platform) is utilized as the delivery model. Information regarding options for online courses is available on the Marietta City Schools’ website or at your local school office.
Promotion and Retention (Board Policy IHE) Promotion and Retention information is available on the Marietta City Schools website under the Board of Education tab, Board Policies.
School Nutrition School Nutrition would like for you to be its guest! Our goal is to serve the most nutritious and safe food at an affordable price. We have added many fresh items to our menus such as a daily entrée salad, more fresh fruits and vegetables as well as menu items made from scratch. Our program provides an opportunity for all students to receive a breakfast at no cost, as well provides lunch at a reduced fee or at no cost based upon eligibility. The School Nutrition Program is available at each Open House to assist you with completing the Free & Reduced Meal Benefits application. In addition, the application is available online at http://mariettacity.strataapps.com/. Did you know that you also have the ability to add money to your student’s account or to just check their balance online? You may do so by visiting www.mypaymentsplus.com. All you need to create an account is your student’s ID number.
Catering Services The Marietta City Schools Nutrition Program can offer a variety of services and selections for your next event. For inquiries, please contact Donisha Harrison at [email protected] using the subject “Catering Request”.
Get Connected with School Nutrition! School Nutrition uses a variety of social media platforms to keep parents, students, and MCS employees informed on a daily basis. We can be found at @MCSNutrition on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, you can access your student’s breakfast and lunch menus quickly and easily by downloading the MealViewer app for free from the iTunes store or the GooglePlay store. MealViewer is an intuitive app that lets you view allergens and nutrition information for each item served in addition to the daily and weekly menus. All of this information, as well as pricing for meals, can be found on our district website at www.marietta- city.org/Page/496.
Marietta City Schools School Nutrition Charge Policy All of our customers (students, staff and visitors) are expected to pay for their meals at the point of service or to pre-pay. Parents are encouraged to pay on-line through MealPayPlus (www.mealpayplus.com) and/or to use this system to track their child’s account. Parents need their student’s identification number to create an account. Breakfast at all Marietta City Schools is currently at NO CHARGE. Meal benefit applications are available year round on-line and may be completed through the Marietta City Schools web site under the School Nutrition tab. Parents are responsible for all charges incurred before an application is processed and approved. Payments may also be made by check. Checks returned unpaid will be re-deposited. If we receive three (3) NSF checks for a student and/or siblings, we will no longer accept any checks for the duration of their attendance in Marietta City Schools.
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Marietta City Schools’ administration has adopted a LIMITED charge policy for lunch. Charges are not allowed for a la carte purchases, Marietta Middle School students, Marietta High School students, or adults. The charge limit for students in elementary is $6.45. The charge limit for students at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy is $6.75.
Elementary & MSGA: If your child arrives at school without money for lunch and has reached the charge limit, he/she will be provided a replacement meal (consisting of a peanut butter or cheese sandwich, a carton of milk and one serving of produce). To prevent students from having to receive a replacement meal, parents are to ensure that they send money for their student's meals each day, or prepay for the meals in advance. 1. At the point of service, cashiers will give a charge slip to students who are reaching/exceeding the charge limit. 2. Teachers will be notified daily of students who are reaching/exceeding the charge limit. 3. A replacement meal will be given to students who exceed the charge limit. Teachers will be asked to help identify students who need the alternate meal before the student enters the meal service line. This will help prevent a student from getting a regular tray instead of the alternate meal.
Middle School & High School Students: There is not a replacement meal provided. Students will be directed to speak with the Cafeteria Manager to have an opportunity to phone the parent to bring lunch money.
School Visitors (ref. Marietta Board Policy KM) All visitors to any Marietta City Schools property are required to report to the main office to request permission to visit any part of the school or work site. Visitors will sign in at the office and will receive a temporary pass. At the conclusion of the visit, visitors will sign out and return the temporary pass. The visit of any unauthorized person is strictly prohibited. No person shall disrupt or interfere with the operation of any school or school bus within the Marietta School System. Any such disruption of interference will be prosecuted, per state law.
Pursuant to the Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005, all Marietta City School System facilities and outdoor areas are nonsmoking. Visitors to any Marietta City Schools facility are prohibited from using tobacco products or smoking at any time while on school system grounds, in school system buildings, in school system vehicles, or at any school or system sponsored event.
School Volunteers Parents and community members may volunteer to assist in school functions and extracurricular activities, at the direction of local school administration. All volunteers who work with children in the State of Georgia are required by law to report suspected child abuse, per O.C.G.A.§ 19-7-5.
Student Insurance An optional student school accident insurance plan will be made available to all students enrolled in the Marietta City Schools. The Marietta Board of Education may periodically approve a program of student accident insurance to be offered throughout the schools. Parents/guardians may, but are not required to, purchase this offered insurance at their own expense. The Board requires that all students participating in athletics be covered by accident insurance.
All students who participate in school-sponsored trips are to be adequately insured through the purchase of the student accident insurance or through coverage by another insurance policy. Each student must be covered by an insurance policy or a waiver must be signed by his parents.
Student Registration Each student enrolling in a Marietta City School must complete a Registration Form. A list of other documents required for registration can be found at www.marietta-city.org or by contacting your local school.
Summer Camp Summer camp is provided by Marietta Community School and is open to children ages 4-14. Camp opens one week after the school year ends and closes two weeks before school begins. The hours are 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 14
p.m. each day. Field trips, special visitors, events, and sports are just some of the things that students will enjoy! For more information or to register – go to www.mariettacommunityschool.com.
Testing Overview ACCESS for ELLs Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners (ACCESS for ELLs) is administered, annually, to all English learners in Georgia. ACCESS for ELLs is a standards-based, criterion referenced English language proficiency test designed to measure English learners’ social and academic proficiency in English. It assesses social and instructional English as well as the language associated with language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies within the school context across the four language domains.
Advanced Placement® (AP®) Programs AP courses provide high school students a college-level academic experience. The College Board partners with colleges and universities to develop an appropriately challenging curriculum, to create college-level assessments, and to train teachers to deliver instruction that meets college-level standards. Marietta City School District offers high school AP courses taught by College Board trained teachers. Certain AP courses are also available online. Students taking the AP exam are graded on a scale of 1 to 5. Most of the nation's colleges and universities award credit or advanced standing to students scoring 3 or higher on exams. Students should contact specific institutions for details. All Marietta AP students are expected to take the AP exam.
Georgia Milestones EOG All students in grades 3-8 will take the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) test each Spring. Grades 3, 4, 6 and 7 will be assessed in the content areas of English/Language Arts and Math while grades 5 and 8 will be assessed in the four content areas of English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The EOG will provide both criterion-referenced performance information in the form of four performance levels, depicting students’ mastery of state standards, and norm-referenced performance information in the form of national percentiles, depicting how students’ achievement compares to peers nationally.
Georgia Milestones EOC All students will take the End-of-Course (EOC) test after completing courses in Coordinate Algebra, Algebra I, Analytic Geometry, Geometry, US History, Economics, Biology, Physical Science, 9th Grade Literature and Composition, and American Literature and Composition. Results of the EOC are used for diagnostic, remedial and accountability purposes to gauge the quality of education in the state and also count as 20% of the student's final grade in the course.
GAA The Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA) ensures that all students, including students with significant cognitive disabilities, have access to a general curriculum that encompasses challenging academic standards. The GAA is a portfolio of student work that enables the demonstration of achievement and progress relative to selected skills that are aligned to the Georgia curriculum. The portfolio is used to capture student learning and achievement/progress in four content areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
GKIDS The Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS) is used throughout the school year to assess kindergarten students. GKIDS is an ongoing, performance based assessment, designed to assist teachers in planning instruction throughout the school year, and to serve as one measure of a student's readiness for first grade. It provides ongoing diagnostic information about kindergarten students' developing skills in four academic areas; English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, and in three non- Academic domains: Personal/Social Development, Approaches to Learning, and Motor Skills. Individual Student Reports will be provided at the end of the school year, and will include English Language Arts, Math, Approaches to Learning, and Personal/Social Development.
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GKIDS Readiness Check The Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS) Readiness Check is administered in the first six weeks of school to highlight knowledge and skills critical for student success in learning to solely guide instruction. Students are assessed on twenty Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) which most are correlated to the kindergarten standards. Students are assessed through various activities that the kindergarten teacher may incorporate in everyday learning activities.
MAP Students are assessed in the Fall, Winter, and Spring using the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) norm- referenced assessment that measures student achievement utilizing a vertically scaled score identifying growth from one year (assessment) to the next. Students in grades K-HS are assessed in Vocabulary, Reading, Mathematics, and Math Computation.
PSAT The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is published by The College Board as a tenth or eleventh grade practice instrument for students before taking the SAT in eleventh or twelfth grade. All tenth grade students take the PSAT in October. Students who take the PSAT as a junior are eligible to be considered for National Merit Scholarships.
SAT/ACT The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) are offered by The College Board and ACT Inc. several times during the year. These tests are not required by the state or school system, and are not administered by Marietta schools; however, most colleges and universities use the SAT and/or the ACT scores in determining student admission. Most college-bound students take one or both of these tests during either their junior or senior year. Both the SAT and ACT can be taken as many times as the student wishes.
Transportation Services For information on locating your bus stop, contact the transportation department at (770) 429-3110 extensions 101, 110, or 111 or visit www.marietta-city.org. All regular education school bus routes can be found on the Transportation page of the district website. For bus stop appeals, contact the routing specialist at ext. 125. Bus stop appeal forms can be found on the Transportation page of the district website.
Safe Rider Contract The safety of your children is our number one concern and “The Safe Rider Program” is a student management program which promotes and teaches proper school bus safety. The core of the program promotes personal accountability as it relates to bus safety because unsafe choices endanger the safety of all passengers.
How the Program Works The program promotes instant accountability for unsafe behavior as shown below. The program also includes a defined and graduated discipline plan. The concept does not stop here. We have also developed a Safe Rider Class that employs several different ways of empowering the student to correct unsafe behavior. Some of those techniques include role play, videos and class work which will be scheduled to not interfere with the student’s academic work.
Unsafe Behavior on the Ride Home • If unsafe behavior occurs before the bus leaves the school; the student will be provided with two options: (1) Correct the behavior and continue home (behavior documented) or (2) be removed from the bus and taken to MCAA with staff supervision until a parent or guardian can pick up the student (behavior documented). • If unsafe behavior occurs after the bus leaves the school the driver will contact their Dispatch. Transportation staff will assess the situation and if necessary, a staff member will remove the student from the bus to return the student to MCAA to remain under staff supervision until a parent or guardian can pick the student up. 16
• If either of the above instances occurs, the graduated discipline plan will be in effect.
MCS Policies for students supersede the Safe Rider Program. We need your partnership as we move forward in making Marietta City School buses safer and more enjoyable part of the student’s day. Please review the Safe Rider Policies and Regulations with your student. Please complete and sign the Safe Rider Contract / Emergency Form with your child and return to your bus driver within 5 days to continue bus rider privileges and to insure your child’s assigned seat.
Graduated Discipline Plan • 1st Offense – Driver Student Conference & Parent Contacted. (Courtesy Notice.) Student on probation and re-assigned to the front of Bus for 1 week. • 2nd Offense – Driver Student Conference & Parent Contacted. (Courtesy Notice.) Student on probation and re-assigned to the front of Bus for 2 weeks. • 3rd Offense* – Referral submitted, 3 Days Bus Suspension. Upon return student placed on probation and re-assigned to the front of Bus for 1 week. *Safe Rider Class and Behavior Contract Required. • 4th Offense* – Referral submitted, 5 Days Bus Suspension. *Conference required before returning to the school bus. • 5th Offense – Referral submitted, Transportation Director recommends Bus suspension for the remainder of the year.
Safe Rider Behavior Policies and Regulations In addition to the below policies and regulations, students are subject to the Marietta City Schools Code of Conduct at all times when riding a school bus or other district vehicle.
1. Students must show respect for school bus drivers at all times and follow the “The Safe Rider Program.” 2. All students shall comply with reasonable directives of a Marietta City Schools Employee. Failure to do so is considered an act of insubordination. 3. NO student shall refuse to identify one’s self upon request of any Marietta City Schools Employee. 4. Students must be standing at the bus stop AT LEAST FIVE (5) MINUTES prior to the scheduled pick-up time. Students are to wait at the school bus stop in an orderly manner. 5. Students must WAIT for instructions (hand signals or otherwise) from the school bus driver EVERY TIME when crossing the street to board the bus or when exiting the bus. Students must be able to maintain eye contact with the school bus driver and cross in full view of the school bus driver. 6. Students must board the bus as soon as school is dismissed and not loiter in the courtyard and on the sidewalk. Once on the bus at dismissal time, the student will need the approval of an administrator to depart the bus, while at school. 7. Students MUST remain SILENT and STILL at ALL railroad crossings until the school bus crosses railroad tracks completely. 8. Elementary and Middle school students will be assigned a seat assignment on the school bus. (High School at driver’s discretion) 9. Students MUST remain seated properly in the seat at all times unless otherwise directed by the school bus driver. (BACK to BACK – BOTTOM to BOTTOM) 10. Unnecessary noise is prohibited. Students must talk at a low volume level - NO loud voices. 11. Student shall not talk on a cell phone. No other electronic devices can be used without use of headphones and must not be heard by others. Students may not have any type of head phones or ear buds on their ears when boarding or exiting the school bus. Students must be able to hear bus driver at all times. Students may not use any electronic device to video or audio record while on the school bus. 12. Due to allergic reactions and the possibility of choking - food, gum, and/or drinks are not to be consumed or opened on the school bus. 13. Name calling, harassment, intimidation, threats and bullying is prohibited on the school bus. 14. Obscene language and gestures are prohibited. 15. Fighting, pretend fighting, roughhousing or horseplay is NOT permitted. 16. NO objects are to be thrown on, in, out or at the school bus. 17
17. Destruction or defacing any part of the school bus is prohibited. Replacement cost at parent’s expense. 18. Emergency doors, windows, and hatches are to be opened ONLY at the direction of the school bus driver. 19. Students must keep all body parts inside the school bus at all times. 20. Students shall not use mirrors, lasers, flashing lights, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective surfaces as it may interfere with the operation of the school bus. 21. Weapons (or objects that look like and/or could be used as weapons) are NOT permitted at bus stop, on the school buses or school grounds. 22. Tobacco, illegal drugs and/or alcohol is NOT permitted at bus stop, on the school buses or school grounds. 23. Objectionable and/or dangerous items are NOT allowed on the school bus. Such as; glass items, lighters/matches, animals, balloons, flowers/plants, skateboards, perfume/cologne, aerosol cans, plastic bags, insects, straight or safety pins, sharp objects, large toys or objects that cannot easily fit on the student's lap or any other item of a questionable nature that might present a safety hazard. 24. Band instruments, sporting equipment and school projects can be transported ONLY if there is enough space for all students’ seating requirements. Items may be placed in the seat or lap to whom they belong. This is left to the bus driver's discretion. 25. Students must board and exit the school bus at their designated bus stop ONLY. Alternate arrangements must be pre-approved using a MCS Bus Pass which has been completely filled out by Parents/Guardian and with a school administrator approval (in writing). This written permission must be given to the school bus driver when boarding the school bus. (Bus Pass can be denied if school bus is at capacity or if the student has a history of bus behavior offenses or becomes an offender)
Any behavior that is considered disruptive or unsafe by the school bus driver will be handled through the use of the Safe Rider Program.
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. Marietta City Schools’ Section 504 Coordinator, Jody Drum ([email protected] or 770-427-4631 x7238), will assist the grievant in completing the written Request for Hearing.
2. Hearing Request: The Request for the Hearing must include the following: a. 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.
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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 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.
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. 19
For more information regarding Section 504, or if you have questions or need additional assistance, please Marietta City Schools’ Section 504 Coordinator at the following address: Ms. Jody Drum Marietta City Schools 250 B Howard Street Marietta, GA 30060 770-427-4631 ext. 7238 [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.
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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.
Board Policy Section
Graduation Requirements (Policy IHF-R7)
I. Purpose
This policy begins in the 2016-2017 school year and specifies programs of study that shall be offered by the Marietta Board of Education for students of Marietta High School.
II. Definitions
A. Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Pathways – Three elective units in a coherent sequence that includes rigorous content aligned with industry-related standards leading to college and work readiness in a focused area of student interest.
B. Core Courses - courses identified as “c” or “r” in Rule 160-4-2-.03 List of State-Funded K-8 Subjects and 9- 12 Courses.
C. Elective Courses – any courses identified as “e” in Rule 160-4-2-20 List of State-Funded K-8 Subjects and 9-12 Courses that a student may select beyond the core requirements to fulfill the unit requirements for graduation.
D. Georgia Alternative Assessment (GAA) -–an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards. The GAA is a portfolio assessment designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) whose IEP team has determined they are unable to reasonably participate in the regular assessment program. The purpose of the GAA is to ensure all students, including students with significant cognitive disabilities, are provided access to the state curriculum and given the opportunity to demonstrate progress toward achievement of the state standards.
E. Required courses - specific courses identified as “r” in Rule 160-4-2-.20 List of State-Funded K- 8 Subjects and 9-12 Courses that each student in a program of study shall pass to graduate from high school.
F. Secondary School Credential - a document awarded to students at the completion of the high school experience.
1. High School Diploma - the document awarded to students certifying they have satisfied attendance requirements, unit requirements and the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs-Student Assessment.
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2. High School Certificate - the document awarded to pupils who do not complete all of the criteria for a diploma or who have not passed the state assessment requirements as referenced in Rule 160-3-1-07 Testing Programs – Student Assessment, but who have earned 23 units.
3. Special Education Diploma - the document awarded to students with disabilities 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).
G. Significant Cognitive Disabilities – students with significant intellectual disabilities or intellectual disabilities concurrent with motor, sensory or emotional/behavioral disabilities who require substantial adaptations and support to access the general curriculum and require additional instruction focused on relevant life skills and participate in the Georgia Alternate Assessment (GAA).
H. Unit – one unit of credit awarded for completion of course requirements.
I. Unit, Summer School – one unit of credit awarded for completion of course requirements.
III. Requirements
A. The Marietta Board of Education shall provide secondary school curriculum and 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. Marietta City Schools 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 Assessment. 2. Students who enroll in the ninth grade for the first time in the 2016-2017 school year and withdraw shall meet the graduation requirements specified in this rule and the assessment requirements specified in Rule 160-3-1-.07 Testing Programs - Student Assessment. 3. Marietta High School students allowed to graduate or participate in graduation ceremonies must meet the following criteria: a) meet the school system’s attendance requirement, and b) earned the school system’s required units of credit.
IV. Units of Credit
A. Marietta High School shall make available to all students the required areas of study.
B. Students must meet the graduation requirements for the school year in which they entered 9th grade.
C. A course shall count only once for satisfying any unit of credit requirement for graduation. The same course cannot be used to satisfy a unit requirement in more than one core area of study. If a scheduling error occurs, this issue will be forwarded to the superintendent or his/her designee for a decision.
D. A unit of credit for graduation shall be awarded in two ways. First, a student may earn course credit by earning a final course grade of 70 or higher. Second, a student may earn course credit by achieving a pre- defined performance level on the Georgia Milestones End of Course Assessment (EOC) as defined in Guidelines for Georgia State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.15 Awarding Credit and Acceptance of Transfer Credit and/or Grades.
E. Unit credit may be awarded for courses offered in the middle school grades that meet the following criteria: • Must meet 9-12 GPS or GSE requirements • Must earn a grade of 70 or better • Must include Georgia Milestones End of Course Assessment (EOC) as prescribed by the Georgia 22
Department of Education • Students who successfully complete a 9-12 GPS or GSE course may elect to receive unit credit to be recorded on their high school transcript. Students who opt to repeat the course(s) will receive the grade awarded in the course(s) in grades 9-12.
F. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) shall specify whether approved core course taken as part of an IEP shall receive core unit credit.
G. A student may earn no more than two (2) units in English through ESOL II, III and IV.
H. Completion of diploma requirements does not necessarily qualify students for the HOPE Scholarship Program.
I. Coursework completed during Board approved student exchange experiences (both foreign and domestic) can be applied towards earning units of credit as determined by the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.
J. Course credit shall be awarded to students who reach the performance level of Distinguished on a Georgia Milestones EOC Assessment prior to taking the course. A student may only earn up to three credits by testing-out.
V. Graduation Requirements/Areas of Study
High School Diploma Units Subject Requirements English Language Arts 4* Mathematics† 4* 4* The 4th science may be used to Science meet both the science and elective requirement. Social Studies 3 ***CTAE or **Modern Languages or Latin or 3 Fine Arts†† Health and Physical Education 1* 4 (See MHS Agenda for specific Electives/IB Requirements†† course offerings.) Total ††† 23
† Successful completion of a math support class as the fourth core unit of mathematics may not meet the admission requirements for University System of Georgia institutions or other post-secondary institutions without additional coursework. †† All students must take at least one year of MYP Fine Arts, or one year of MYP Design, in each of the 9th and 10th grades for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. All students must take a Modern Language course in each of 9th and 10th grades for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. ††† All students who entered ninth grade in and after the 2016-2017 school year, must take at least one semester (.5) of a course delivered in an online platform. Courses can be taken independently during non- school hours or during school hours on campus. * Courses successfully completed may not be repeated. ** Students planning to enter or transfer to a University System of Georgia institution or other post-secondary institution must take a minimum of 2 units of the same modern language or Latin. Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) institutions (Georgia System of Technical Colleges) do not require modern language or Latin for admissions. *** CTAE Pathways – 3 units in an industry-validated pathway are required for any student planning to earn a Career Readiness Certificate endorsed by related industries. 23
VI. Course Credit.
A. Unit credit shall be awarded only for courses that include concepts and skills based on the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) or the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for grades 9-12 or those approved by the State Board of Education. Unit credit may be awarded for courses offered in the middle grades that meet 9-12 GSE requirements. The Individualized Education Program (IEP), if applicable, shall specify whether core courses taken as part of an IEP shall receive core unit credit.
B. No course credit may be awarded for courses in which instruction is based on the GPS or GSE for grades K-8.
VII. Areas of Study
A. Courses that shall earn unit credit are listed in Rule 160-4-2-. 20. List of State-funded K-8 Subjects and 9- 12 Courses for Students Entering Ninth Grade in 2008 and Subsequent Years.
B. Any student may select any course listed in the course listing rule. The one exception to this provision is where the letter "r" appears with course names. These courses are required. They must be successfully completed and cannot be substituted with any other course. Any course identified as "c" is a core course and may be selected to count as one of the core unit requirements. A course identified as "e" is an elective course that may be selected beyond the core requirements to fulfill the unit requirements.
1. English Language Arts: Four units of credit in English language arts shall be required of all students. A full unit of credit in American Literature/Composition and a full unit of credit in Ninth-Grade Literature and Composition shall be required. All courses that may satisfy the remaining units of credit are identified with a "c." The Writing, Conventions, and Listening, Speaking, and Viewing strands of the GSE shall be taught in sequence in grades 9-12. Literature modules may be taught in any sequence in grades 10-12.
2. Mathematics: Four units of core credit in mathematics shall be required of all students, including Coordinate Algebra 1 or GSE Algebra 1 or its equivalent, and Analytic Geometry or GSE Geometry or its equivalent, and Advanced Algebra or GSE Algebra 2 or its equivalent. Additional core courses needed to complete four credits in mathematics must be chosen from the list of GSE/AP/IB/dual enrollment designated courses or may include one full unit of a math support class [e.g., GSE Algebra 1 Support (or the GPS equivalent) or GSE Geometry Support (or the GPS equivalent)]. Students with Disabilities, who were identified prior to enrollment in high school and have a disability affecting mathematics achievement, may follow an alternative course sequence to meet the mathematics course requirements of 160-4-2-.48 High School Graduation Requirements. The alternative course sequences include: • Option 1 - Students with Disabilities who earn credit in Coordinate Algebra or Algebra I or the equivalent, along with the associated support course, and Analytic Geometry or Geometry or the equivalent, along with the associated support course, may upon determination of the Individualized Education Program Team meet the mathematics diploma requirements by completing Advanced Algebra or Algebra II or the equivalent, for a total of 3 mathematics core credits. • Option 2 – Students with disabilities enrolled in a single advanced mathematics course and receiving instruction over two years or students with disabilities receiving dispensation from completing Advanced Algebra or Algebra II may upon determination of the IEP team satisfy the minimum mathematics requirements for high school graduation by earning core credit in Coordinate Algebra or Algebra I and Analytic Geometry or Geometry and two other mathematics courses.
Successful completion of 3 core units of mathematics or using math support credit to fulfill the fourth math credit may not meet the mathematics admission requirements for entrance into a University System of Georgia institution or other post-secondary institution without additional coursework.
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3. Science: Four units of credit in science shall be required of all students, including one full unit of Biology; one unit of either Physical Science or Physics; one unit of either Chemistry, Earth Systems, Environmental Science or an AP/IB course; and one additional science unit. The fourth science unit may be used to meet both the science and elective requirements. Any AP/IB science course may be substituted for the appropriate courses listed above.
4. Social Sciences: Three units of credit shall be required in social studies. One unit of credit shall be required in United States History. One unit of credit shall be required in World History. One-half unit of American Government/Civics shall be required. One-half unit of Economics shall be required.
5. CTAE/Modern Language/Latin/Fine Arts: A total of three units of credit shall be required from the following areas: CTAE and/or Modern Language/Latin and/or Fine Arts. Students are encouraged to select three courses in a focused pathway/area of interest.
6. Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Pathways: Students may earn three 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.
7. Modern Language/Latin: All students are encouraged to earn a minimum of two units of credit in the same foreign language. Students planning to enter or transfer into a University System of Georgia institution or other post-secondary institution must take a minimum of two units of the same foreign language. Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education a (DTAE) institutions (Georgia System of Technical Colleges) do not require a foreign language for admissions. a. Students whose native language is not English may be considered to have met the foreign language expectation by exercising credit in lieu of enrollment option if they are proficient in their native language. A formal assessment or examination is necessary. b. American Sign Language may be taken to fulfill the modern language requirements.
8. Fine Arts: Electives may be selected from courses in fine arts.
9. Health and Physical Education: One-half unit of credit in health and one-half unit in physical education are required. Students shall combine one-half or one-third units of credit of Health (17.011), Health and Personal Fitness (36.051), or Advanced Personal Fitness (36.061) to satisfy this requirement. Three (3) units of credit in JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) may be used to satisfy this requirement under the following conditions: 1) JROTC courses must include Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Rule requirements in rule 160-4-2-.12 and 2) the local Board of Education must approve the use of JROTC courses to satisfy the one required unit in health and physical education. Participation in two (2) full seasons of marching band or a GHSA-sanctioned sport may be used to satisfy the required one-half unit of physical education (36.051).
VIII. Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities.
Students with significant cognitive disabilities may graduate and receive a regular high school diploma when the student’s IEP team determines that the student has:
A. Completed an integrated curriculum based on the GSE that includes instruction in Mathematics, English/Language Arts, Science and Social Studies as well as career preparation, self determination, independent living and personal care to equal a minimum of 23 units of instruction, and
B. Participated in the GAA during middle school and high school and earned a proficient score on the high school GAA in Mathematics, English/Language arts, Science, and Social Studies, and
C. Reached the 22nd birthday OR has transitioned to an employment/education/training setting in which the supports needed are provided by an entity other than the local school system.
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IX. Instructional, Support and Delivery Services
The Marietta City School System provides instructional, support and delivery services including the following:
A. A continuous guidance component beginning in middle school. The purposes of the guidance component are to familiarize students with graduation requirements, to help them identify the likely impact of individual career objectives on the program of studies they plan to follow and to provide annual advisement sessions to report progress and offer alternatives in meeting graduation requirements and career objectives.
B. Record keeping and reporting services that document student progress toward graduation and include information for the school, parents and students.
C. Diagnostic and continuous evaluation services that measure individual student progress in meeting competency expectations for graduation.
D. Instructional programs, curriculum and course guides and remedial opportunities to assist each student in meeting graduation requirements.
E. Appropriate curriculum and assessment procedures for students who have been identified as having disabilities that prevent them from meeting the prescribed competency performance requirements.
Attendance (Board Policy JB) The parents/guardians/other persons having charge of any child between the child’s sixth and sixteenth birthdays are subject to “compulsory attendance”. That is, they are required by law to enroll and send such child to a public or private school or utilize a home study program. Students assigned to alternative schools are subject to this requirement as well.
All K-12 children enrolled for 20 school days or more in a public school of this state prior to their sixth birthday become subject to compulsory attendance.
The School System will abide by all applicable authority regarding student attendance, including state law and State Board of Education Rules.
Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1, states that a person who fails to send a child to school may be charged with a misdemeanor. For each violation of the statute, a court may subject this person to a fine not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00, imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days, community service, or any combination of such penalties. Each day's absence after the school notifies the person of five unexcused days of absence shall be considered a separate offense under the statute.
For the purposes of this Policy, a child between his/her sixth and sixteenth birthdays shall be considered truant if the child has more than five days of unexcused absences in a school year. A truant student with more than ten days of unexcused absences within a school year may be identified as a child in need of services in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-11-2, as well as the possible denial or suspension of a driver’s license.
Parents/guardians/enrolling persons should review Policy JCDA (Behavior Code) for more information regarding truancy/attendance procedures, legal consequences and school discipline for attendance violations.
Definitions Tardy - A student is tardy when a student arrives at an assigned place after the designated time. Repeated or habitual tardiness is an undesirable personal habit and is also disruptive of the orderly instructional process; therefore, teachers or principals will take corrective action.
Unexcused Absence - A student is absent any time he or she is missing from school or from any assigned class or school activity for a reason other than those outlined below. 26
In Attendance – to be considered “in attendance” for a school day, a student must be present for at least one- half of the school day, excluding the lunch period. Students leaving school before meeting that requirement, or arriving at school too late to meet the requirement, will be considered absent for the day.
Truant – any child subject to compulsory attendance who during the school calendar year has more than five days of unexcused absences. Truancy is a serious offense that requires stern corrective action on the part of the school and the parents.
The following procedures should be observed in regard to attendance of students: A. Absences and Excuses a. Students may be temporarily excused from school for any of the reasons allowed by state law and State Board of Education Rules. Such reasons include, at a minimum: i. Personal illness where the student’s health or the health of others is endangered; ii. A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family; iii. A court order or an order by a governmental agency, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces; iv. Observing religious holidays, necessitating absence from school; v. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety; vi. Registering to vote or voting in a public election, which shall not exceed one day; and vii. Visitation if a student has a parent or legal guardian that is in military service in the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard, and such parent or legal guardian has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting. This shall not exceed a maximum of five school days per school year. b. Students not present at school shall be counted as present for any of the reasons allowed by state law and State Board of Education Rules. Such reasons include, at a minimum: i. Children who are serving as pages of the Georgia General Assembly shall be marked as present by the school for days missed for this purpose in the same manner as students on a field trip. ii. A foster care student who attends court proceedings relating to the student’s foster care shall be credited as present by the school and shall not be counted as an absence, either excused or unexcused, for any day(s) or portion of a day missed from school; Children who successfully participate in the Student Teen Election Participant (STEP) program shall be counted as present and given full credit during the day of participation in STEP, for up to a maximum of two school days per school year. STEP is a program designed to permit students the opportunity to volunteer to work as poll officers during any primary, special or general election. c. Students are required to provide documentation supporting their absence as excused. At a minimum, the parent/guardian/enrolling person must submit a written excuse explaining the reason(s) for the absence. Schools may request, among other documentation, a letter written by a licensed physician of the student or family member, explaining the reasons for the absences. Failure to submit a written excuse within two schools days of the student’s return to school after an absence may result in the absence being marked as unexcused. d. School days missed as a result of an out-of-school suspension shall not count as unexcused days for the purpose of determining student truancy. e. Students must be counted as present in order to be eligible to engage in extra-curricular activities on that day.
B. Make-up Work a. Students should be allowed to make-up missed assignments and final course grades of students shall not be penalized because of absences if the following conditions are met:
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i. Absences are justified and validated for excusable reasons; and ii. Make-up work for excused absences was completed satisfactorily; (Students must have requested make-up work within 2 days of returning to school after an excused absence.) b. Schools are not required to provide make-up work for unexcused absences.
C. Notification a. Schools will provide to the parent/guardian/enrolling person a written summary of possible consequences and penalties for failing to comply with compulsory attendance. i. By September 1 of each school year or within 30 school days of a student’s enrollment in the school system, the parent/guardian/other person having control or charge of such student shall sign a statement indicating receipt of such written statement of possible consequences and penalties. ii. Students age ten or older by September 1 shall sign a statement indicating receipt of written statement of possible consequences for non-compliance to the School System’s policy. b. The school will notify the parent/guardian/other person who has control or charge of the student when the student has five (5) unexcused absences. The notice will outline the penalty and consequences of such absences and that each subsequent absence shall constitute a separate offense. After two reasonable attempts to notify the parent/guardian/other person who has charge of the student, the school system shall send written notice via certified mail with return receipt requested, or first class mail; c. The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will use his or her best efforts including first class mail to notify a student age fourteen and older when the student has only three (3) absences remaining before violating the state’s attendance requirements regarding the denial of driver’s permits and licenses. d. Prior to any action to commence judicial proceedings to impose a penalty on a parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of the student for failing to comply with compulsory attendance, the school shall send notice to such parent, guardian, or other person by certified mail, return receipt requested.
D. Excessive Absences a. All schools should keep daily attendance records verified by the teacher making such records. The reports are open to inspection by the school social worker or duly authorized representative at any time during the school day. b. The District’s attendance protocol committee shall ensure coordination and cooperation among officials, agencies and programs involved in compulsory attendance issues, to reduce the number of unexcused absences from school, and to increase the percentage of students present to take tests required to be administered under the laws of this state. c. All schools, and the Administrative Assistant, Operations, should provide the school social worker or duly authorized representative the names, ages, and residence of all students enrolled at their schools, or enrolled in a home study program, who have violated the attendance policy or who exhibit a pattern of attendance that will lead to excessive absences. d. School administrators and/or the Administrative Assistant, Operations may make a referral to a school social worker or duly authorized representative at any time it is deemed appropriate. Truancy may also result in referral to appropriate law enforcement or court authorities at any time. e. The school social worker or duly authorized representative may initiate additional contacts with parents/guardians/enrolling persons if deemed necessary to address attendance issues. f. Students will face progressive disciplinary consequences for attendance-related offenses. See Policy JCDA for more information.
Marietta City Schools Computers and Network Resources Student Acceptable Use Guidelines (IFBG-E1) 28
Please read the following carefully, as well as related sections of the Behavior Code, Policy JCDA, the Internet Safety Policy, Policy IFBGE, and the Internet Acceptable Use Policy, IFBG. Violations of the “Acceptable Use Guidelines” may cause a student’s access privileges to be revoked, personal technology devices to be confiscated, disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal or remunerative action may be taken.
The Marietta Board of Education (the “Board”) provides technology resources, Internet access and, where specifically authorized by school administration, allows student to access approved personally-owned technology devices during instructional time (“BYOT” or Bring Your Own Technology Initiative). These resources are utilized as educational tools which facilitate communication, innovation, resource sharing and access to information. Internet and technology resources are provided for educational purposes that promote and are consistent with the educational mission, vision, instructional and educational goals and objectives of Marietta City Schools (“School System”).
The Board makes no assurance of any kind, whether expressed or implied, regarding any Internet services provided. The School System or individual schools in the system will not be responsible for any damages the student/user suffers. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the student’s own risk. The School System specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information or software obtained through its services. Staff and students must be advised that privacy in the use of the Internet is not guaranteed.
Further, the Board assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including but not limited to, long distance charges, per minute surcharges and/or equipment or line costs. If any such charges are incurred by a student while accessing the Internet, said student shall be held financially responsible, and will reimburse the school for any charges so incurred.
Any student who uses the school’s computers or other technology resources must be aware of the requirement for appropriate use of the equipment and for accessing the Internet. Procedures are in place for the protection of students and equipment. Students will be held accountable for any violation of the following guidelines in accordance with the behavior code (JCDA). Students and/or their parent/guardian are responsible for damages to equipment and/or the network and will be liable for costs for service or repair.
Any student who uses personal technology as a part of the instructional curriculum at school, based upon signature of both parent and guardian of the system’s “Bring Your Own Technology” agreement, will be governed by the same principles and guidelines of use as students using school-provided technology. The Board will assume no responsibility for damages, charges or fees incurred by the student, and identical guidelines apply for student responsibility for the same, regardless of whether these occur through use of school or personally-provided technology. The Board assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to student’s personal technology while on school grounds or otherwise used via the BYOT agreement or any other purpose. Student and parent accept this risk when the choice is made to utilize personal technology.
Students are only allowed to utilize computers and other technology devices, whether personal or school- provided, to access the school network to retrieve information and run specific software applications as directed by their teacher. Students are not permitted to access computer operating systems for any reason or attempt to do anything they are not specifically authorized by the teacher to do. Students are not allowed to download any software from the Internet or to load software from a device brought from home onto any system-owned computer unless specifically authorized by his/her teacher or an administrator.
Students bringing personal technology and storage devices (diskettes, CDs, USB devices, cell phones, iPods, or any other type of storage device) from outside the school are responsible for all material contained on said storage device. Should the use of any such technology or storage device result in a virus outbreak on a computer or the network, costs incurred for repairs are the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian. The student may have no expectation of privacy for material contained on said personal technology or storage device.
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Students should take the following precautions while accessing the Internet: 1. Any on-line communication should always be at the direction and supervision of a teacher. 2. Never provide last name, address, telephone number, or school name on-line. 3. Never respond to, and always report, any messages that make you feel uncomfortable or that are from an unknown origin. 4. Never send a photo of yourself or anyone else to an unfamiliar source or website. 5. Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you met on-line. 6. Never open attachments or files from unknown senders.
Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to: A. Accessing, sending, creating or posting materials or communications that is damaging to another person’s reputation; is abusive, obscene, sexual in nature, threatening or demeaning to another person’s gender, race, or religion; or otherwise violates the behavior code. Cyber-bullying and related misuse of the internet will not be tolerated. B. Using the network for financial gain or advertising. C. Posting or plagiarizing work created by another person without their consent. D. Posting anonymous or forging electronic mail messages. E. Attempting to read, alter, delete, or copy the electronic mail messages of other system users. F. Giving out personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license or social security numbers, bankcard or checking account information, without the consent of the other party. G. Using the school’s computer hardware or network for any illegal activity such as copying or downloading copyrighted software in violation of copyright laws. H. Loading/using games, public domain, shareware or any other unauthorized program on school computers or computer system. I. Purposely infecting any school computer or network with a virus or program designed to damage, alter, destroy or provide access to unauthorized data or information. J. Gaining access/attempting to access unauthorized/restricted network resources or the data and documents of another person, or any use of the personal technology device of another individual without express permission. K. Using/attempting to use the password/account or personal technology device of another person or using a computer while logged on under another’s account. L. Using the school’s computers, personal technology devices or network while access privileges have been suspended. M. Using the school’s computer hardware, personal technology devices, school network, or Internet link in a manner that is inconsistent with a teacher’s directions and generally accepted network etiquette. N. Altering or attempting to alter the configuration of a computer, the operating system, or any of the software. O. Attempting to vandalize, disconnect or disassemble any network or computer component whether school-owned or owned by another. P. Utilizing school or personal computers and devices, and the school network to retrieve information or run software applications not assigned by a teacher. Q. Providing another student with user account information passwords. R. Connecting to or installing any computer hardware, components, or software which are not school system property to or in the district’s technology resources without prior approval of the district technology supervisory personnel. S. Participating in unauthorized chat rooms or news groups. T. Hacking or attempting to degrade or disrupt network services or equipment.
Marietta City Schools Bring Your Own Technology Program As new technologies continue to change the world in which we live, they also provide many new educational benefits for classroom instruction. To encourage this growth, students may have the option to bring their own technology (BYOT). This program is available to all Marietta High School students. Other district schools may offer this opportunity and will provide appropriate notice. 30
Definition of “Technology” For purposes of “BYOT”, “technology” means privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic hand held equipment that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, and information transmitting, receiving and storing. We understand that not every student has his or her own electronic device. The school will provide students with technology necessary to participate in classroom assignments.
Security and Damages Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the student and parents. Neither Marietta City Schools, nor its staff or employees, is liable for any device stolen or damaged on campus, at school events, on school buses, or while using school technology resources. It is recommended that decals, markings, engraving and/or other custom labels are used to physically differentiate your device from others. Student may also wish to explore applications and services that provide GPS location. Additionally, protective cases for technology are encouraged.
Please review and sign the BYOT agreement between teachers, parents, and students. No student will be permitted to use personal technology devices unless this agreement is signed and returned.
Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Agreement Students who choose to participate in the Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) initiative must adhere to the Marietta City Student Code of Conduct, as well as all Board policies, particularly the Student Behavior Code (JCDA), Internet Acceptable Use Policy (IFBG) and Student Acceptable Use Guidelines (IFBG-E1). Students who fail to adhere to these rules may face disciplinary measures and lose the privilege of using or possessing personal technology for instructional or personal use.
Parent/Guardian - Please read this agreement carefully with your child. Initial each statement once you have both read and understand the requirements.
______Students must take full responsibility for their devices. The school and staff are not responsible for the security of personal technology. By choosing to bring devices onto school grounds, students accept the risk of potential loss or damage to personal technology. Personal devices cannot be left on campus before or after school hours. Students should not allow other students to take possession of their devices. ______Devices cannot be used during tests or assessments, unless otherwise directed by a teacher. ______Students must immediately comply with teachers' requests to shut down devices or close the screen. Devices must be put away when asked by teachers. Devices must always be in silent mode while on school campuses and while riding school buses. ______Students are not permitted to take, transmit, post photographic images/videos of any person while in class or at school. ______Students will only use devices to access files or sites relevant to classroom curriculum. Games and other non-instructional purposes, such as making personal phone calls or messaging, are not permitted during instructional time. Devices may not be used for cheating on assignments or tests. ______Students should have no expectation of charging or plug-in capabilities. Personal devices should be charged prior to bringing them to school. ______To ensure appropriate network filters, students will only use the BYOT wireless connection in school and will not attempt to bypass the network restrictions by using an outside network. By virtue of using school network resources, students have no expectation of privacy in any work transmitted on the school network and understand that staff may collect and examine their personal device to determine if a violation of school rule or law has been committed. ______Students understand that introducing a virus, trojan, or any program designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide access to unauthorized data or information in the network is in violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and Behavior Code, and will result in disciplinary actions. The school district has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems or is the source of an attack or virus infection. ______Students realize that processing or accessing information on school property related to “hacking,” 31
altering, or bypassing network security policies is in violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and Behavior Code, and will result in disciplinary actions. Students can only access files on the computer or Internet sites which are relevant to the classroom curriculum and suggested by a teacher. ______Students realize that printing from personal devices is not permitted at school. ______Students realize that any violations of the above listed rules, this agreement, any law or any school policy may result in confiscation of personal electronic devices by teachers or staff. Return of the same may be dependent upon parental conference where deemed necessary.
Dress and Grooming (Board Policy JCDB) Dress and Grooming The Board of Education of the City of Marietta recognizes that the dress and grooming of students are significant factors in the successful operation of the educational program. Furthermore, it is recognized as an educational responsibility of the school to make students aware that appropriate dress, appearance and hygiene are conductive to their personal well-being and the well-being of others.
In keeping with these understandings, each student in the Marietta City Schools System shall be responsible for maintaining a dignified and well-groomed appearance while involved in all school activities or while acting as a representative of the school. The dress of students shall be appropriate for the activities of the school program in which they are participating.
School principals may accordingly regulate the dress and grooming of students.
School Uniforms Each charter system school in the Marietta City Schools system shall have the option of implementing a site- based uniform policy at the opening of school in any given school year. Implementation shall be subject to the approval of the School Governance Team (SGT) in accordance with the procedures set forth below:
1. The SGT of each school shall notify the parent/guardians of students enrolled in the school of their intent to implement a site-based uniform policy at the opening of school no later than March 1 of the calendar year in which the policy is to be implemented. 2. Such notification shall include, but not be limited to the following: a. The rationale for implementing a site-based uniform policy. b. Detailed description of the uniform policy; including the scope of the opt-out provision (which at a minimum must include an opt-out for medical and/or religious reasons). c. Funding sources with respect to students who cannot afford to purchase uniforms. No student shall be denied attendance at a school, penalized, or otherwise subject to discipline measures for failing to wear a uniform by reasons of financial hardship. d. Information regarding vendor options, prices, discounts, and offerings. e. Information regarding types of uniforms to be used; including styles, colors, etc. 3. Prior to SGT approval of a site-based uniform policy, the principal shall hold at least two information sessions to which all of the parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school are invited. 4. Seventy percent of the staff and 70% of all the parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school must signify their approval of a site-based uniform policy via a survey, petition, or ballot cast for that purpose; or any combination thereof. 5. The SGT shall annually review the site-based uniform policy to determine whether the policy has met the objectives for which it was implemented. 6. A school may terminate a site-based uniform policy by a majority vote of the faculty present at a faculty meeting and a majority vote of parents/guardians who attend an information session; both of which are held for the purpose of determining whether the site-based uniform policy should be discontinued. 7. In the event of termination of charter system status, a site-based uniform policy already approved and implemented shall remain in force unless termination is requested by the principal and approved by the Board. 32
Behavior Code (Board Policy JCDA) OBJECTIVE
It is the goal of the Marietta City Schools that all students be successful in school and graduate. To that end, it is the student’s responsibility to follow all rules and regulations of the schools and the School System. The Marietta Board of Education expects the highest standard of conduct and decorum of all students attending Marietta City Schools.
Students are expected to: demonstrate respect for self and others; demonstrate courtesy to others; behave in a responsible manner; attend class regularly; be prepared for class; take seriously the course of study; dress appropriately; cooperate with school officials; respect others’ property; and avoid violation of the student code of conduct. Students are expected to be ambassadors for our school system and must conduct themselves in a respectful and considerate way at all times whether at school, on school or school district grounds, en route to and from school, in the community or attending school related activities outside our community. Students who misbehave, show disrespect to school employees or school property, or disrupt school activities shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
The Superintendent shall develop or assign personnel to develop rules and regulations which implement the above mentioned philosophy. The Board of Education will approve all student policies and any change to these policies. A system wide handbook on student conduct shall be provided to each student at the beginning of the school year and/or upon enrollment.
The superintendent shall review or assign personnel to review the code of conduct on an annual basis. Parents will participate in the revisions. The Board of Education will approve all revisions to the Code of Conduct.
The disciplinary procedures outlined in this behavior code exist as required by law and state board of education rules to ensure that all students are aware of unacceptable behavior, as well as the consequences of such policy violations. Staff members should discuss the Behavior Code in full with their students at the start of school and at other times during the year as needed. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to discuss the Behavior Code with their students and to inform them of the consequences and criminal penalties of violating this code. This includes underage sexual conduct and crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-735). The School System encourages parents to inform their students of the implications of this conduct. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to infringe on any right provided to students with Individualized Education Programs pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS
The Superintendent of Marietta City Schools fully supports the authority of principals and teachers in Marietta City Schools under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-738, including establishing and disseminating procedures. Teachers may remove students who repeatedly or substantially interfere with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn, where the student’s behavior is in violation of the student code of conduct, provided that the teacher has previously filed a report pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-737, as described immediately below, or determines that such behavior of the student poses an immediate threat to the safety of the student’s classmates or the teacher.
Any teacher, who has knowledge that a student has exhibited behavior that repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in the classroom or with the students’ ability to learn, is required to file a report to the principal’s office. The report shall be filed with the principal or his/her designee within one school day of the most recent occurrence of such behavior and shall not exceed one page and shall describe the behavior of the student. The principal or designee shall send a 33
copy of the report to parents within one school day of receiving it and shall include information on how the parents may contact the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall also provide written notification of disciplinary action taken to both the parent and the teacher within one school day. (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-737)
The Marietta City School System retains the right to assign disruptive students or students who frequently or severely violate the behavior code to an alternative education program. Students may be assigned to the alternative educational program either by a disciplinary tribunal, a disciplinary tribunal waiver, after returning from incarceration in a youth detention facility or an adult detention facility under certain circumstances or by the decision of an Admission Screening Committee. All students assigned to the alternative education program are subject to the provisions of the Marietta City Schools Behavior Code and the rules and procedures of the alternative education program. Failure to comply with the Behavior Code or the rules and procedures of the alternative education program may result in dismissal from the alternative education program or referral to a disciplinary tribunal.
The alternative educational program is available for students in grades six through twelve. Unless a minimum time period is specified by a disciplinary tribunal or through a waived tribunal, students shall be assigned for a minimum of one complete semester. Students assigned to an alternative education program shall not participate or attend any school-sponsored or extra-curricular activity at any Marietta City School.
Criminal law violations are subject to this behavior code and also will be referred to local law enforcement authorities. Furthermore, in order to ensure the safety of students, the Board of Education authorizes reasonable and appropriate action, including the use of force or physical restraint when the student is an immediate danger to himself or others and the student is not responsive to less intensive behavioral interventions including verbal directives or other de-escalation techniques. Reasonable physical force or physical restraint may be used when other less severe means of preventing greater harm may have been ineffective and/or when conditions for action are urgent.
The principal of each school in the Marietta School System or authorized representative has the authority to conduct reasonable interrogations of students in order to properly investigate and punish student misconduct and is authorized to conduct searches within the confines of applicable law of students, student lockers, automobiles driven by students, other property assigned to students, or articles carried upon their persons. Metal detectors may be used to search students for weapons. Students do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy for items stored on school property; which includes areas such as school lockers, within locker rooms, on-campus parked vehicles and other school areas.
CHRONIC DISCIPLINARY PROBLEM STUDENTS
Chronic disciplinary problem student means a student who exhibits a pattern of behavioral characteristics which interfere with the learning process of students around him or her and which are likely to recur. (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-764)
After a student has been identified as a chronic disciplinary problem student, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-765 requires that the principal notify the student’s parent or guardian by telephone call and by either certified mail or statutory overnight delivery with return receipt requested or first-class mail of the disciplinary problems and invite such parent or guardian to observe the student in a classroom situation.
Georgia law also requires at least one parent or guardian be invited to attend a conference to devise a disciplinary and behavioral correction plan. The principal or designee and the parent or guardian is expected to be present at the conference. The principal may also invite other appropriate staff members if he/she feels that it would be advisable to do so. If the parent or guardian fails to attend the conference, it will be the responsibility of the school personnel attending to devise a disciplinary and behavioral correction plan for the student and to provide copies of that plan to both the parent and the student.
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Before any chronic disciplinary problem student is permitted to return from an expulsion or suspension, the school to which the student is to be readmitted shall request by telephone call and by either certified mail or statutory overnight delivery with return receipt requested or first-class mail at least one parent or guardian to schedule and attend a conference with the principal or his or her designee to devise a new or revised disciplinary and behavioral correction plan. Failure of the parent or guardian to attend shall not preclude the student from being readmitted to the school. At the discretion of the principal, a teacher, counselor, or other person may attend the conference. The principal shall ensure that a notation of the conference is placed in the student’s permanent file (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-766).
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM (SST)
The Student Support Team (SST) is an interdisciplinary group that uses a systematic problem-solving process to address roadblocks that impede a student from meeting grade level expectations. Georgia mandates that a minimum of one SST is established in every school, K-12.
SST develops a plan of intensive intervention for student learning, known as Tier 3 within the GaDOE Response to Intervention framework. SST provides an additional layer of analysis, instruction and intervention beyond standards-based differentiated instruction (Universal Instruction) and focused strategies (Tier 2), which are available school-wide to students.
At each school, the SST Facilitator brings together a problem-solving team (including the student’s teachers, other personnel, and parents) to address academic and/or behavior needs that are impeding the student’s ability to meet grade level expectations. The SST uses a problem-solving process to analyze data, identify target area(s) and create a plan of action. This collaborative, data-driven, decision-making process includes:
• Identify the problem (descriptive and measurable) • Gather information and analyze data from a variety of sources and assessments • Establish instructional/behavioral objective(s) • Develop an intervention plan which specifies appropriate evidenced based strategies and ongoing assessment measures • Implement the plan (who, what, when and where) • Evaluate periodically, adjusting or discontinuing the intensity of instruction or intervention, as appropriate
School personnel should follow the process and procedures outlined in the Marietta City Schools Multi- tiered Systems of Support Practitioner’s Guide.
A school staff member or a parent/guardian may refer a student to the SST at any time. Occasionally, the school may receive requests for SST from community professionals working with a MCS student. In these cases, an SST shall convene and determine the appropriate level of instruction and intervention to address area(s) of concern.
The SST initiates referrals to the Department of Special Services when the student is suspected or known to be disabled and in need of special education and related services. The SST documents the student’s Response to Intervention (RTI) in general education as well as provides the student’s present levels of academic, behavioral and developmental functioning. Increasing the intensity of instruction or interventions through RTI may not be appropriate to meet the unique learning needs of some students. In such case, the SST may expedite the special education evaluation and eligibility process. Also, the SST should consider “red flags” as a plan for focused instruction and intensive intervention is developed. This includes but is not limited to students who enroll in MCS with SST records from another school district and students who demonstrate severe behavior difficulties that significantly impact their safety and /or the safety of others in school.
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ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.2, a student from a public school system in this state, a private school in this state, or a public school outside of this state, who attempts to enroll or who is enrolled in any Marietta City Schools during the time in which that student is subject to a disciplinary order of suspension or expulsion, or has been permanently expelled from school, shall be refused admission or withdrawn from Marietta City Schools for any time remaining in that other school system’s or school’s disciplinary order upon receiving a certified copy of such order if the offense which led to such suspension or expulsion in the other school system or school was an offense for which suspension or expulsion could be imposed in Marietta City Schools.
School administrators shall notify all teachers and other school personnel of any student assigned to them who has been convicted of or has been adjudicated to have committed an offense which is a class A designated felony or class B designated felony act under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-2. Such teachers and other certified professional personnel as the administrator deems appropriate may review information in the student’s file. Such information shall be kept confidential.
UNSAFE SCHOOL STATEMENT
Major disciplinary offenses including, but not limited to drug and weapons offenses, can lead to schools being named as an Unsafe School according to the provisions of State Board Rule 160-4-8-.16.
DRIVERS’ LICENSES {Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (O.C.G.A. § 40-5-22)}
In addition to penalties specified in this Code of Conduct for attendance and selected conduct, students seventeen (17) years of age and younger may find their eligibility for a Georgia instructional/learner’s permit or driver’s license impacted by their school enrollment and/or conduct.
ALLEGATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
The School System adheres to the requirements found in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.7 and the Professional Standards Commission’s state mandated process for students to follow when reporting instances of alleged inappropriate sexual behavior by a school employee. Any student (or parent or friend of a student) who has been the victim of an act of abuse, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or other inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator or other school system employee is urged to make an oral report of the act to any teacher, counselor or administrator at his/her school.
Any teacher, counselor or administrator receiving such a report shall make an oral report of the incident immediately by telephone or otherwise to the school principal or principal’s designee, and shall submit a written report of the incident to the school principal or principal’s designee within 24 hours. If the principal is the person accused of the abuse, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behavior, the oral and written reports should be made to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.
Any school principal or principal’s designee receiving a report of abuse as defined in O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5, or any other behavior required to be reported under this law, shall make an oral report by telephone or other oral communication or a written report by electronic submission or facsimile immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe that suspected child abuse has occurred. When a report is being made by electronic submission or facsimile to the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services, it shall be done in the manner specified by the division. Oral reports shall be followed by a later report in writing, if requested, to a child welfare agency providing protective services, as designated by the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services, or, in the absence of such agency, to an appropriate police authority or district attorney. If a student has allegedly been abused or subjected to inappropriate behavior by a school employee, a report of such allegation will also be made as soon as practicable by the principal or principal’s designee to the Superintendent’s designee.
REPORTING OF STUDENTS COMMITTING PROHIBITED ACTS 36
Any report of behavior contemplated in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1184 will be made by the principal or designee to the Superintendent’s designee and school resource officer. The school resource officer will report the matter to the office of the district attorney.
JURISDICTION AND DEFINITIONS
The following code provisions apply to offenses that students commit while on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, en route to and from school, engaging in or attending school-related events or activities, while using the school technology resources or, in some cases, while off-campus. As used in this Code of Conduct:
A. Alternative Educational Program (AEP) – A placement that provides for the educational and behavioral needs of students who have been removed from the regular school programs due to violations of the behavior code or are returning from placement in a Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facility or adult detention facility, or are eligible to remain in their regular classroom but are more likely to succeed in a nontraditional setting such as that provided in an alternative education program. This term includes, but is not limited to, the programs operated by the School System, and facilities operated by providers under contract with Marietta City Schools.
B. Battery - Making intentional physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another person, causing injury, or behaving in such a way as to intentionally cause physical injury to another person.
C. Bullying means an act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of Marietta City School, that is: Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; intentionally exhibiting a display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or any intentional written, verbal or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass or intimidate that:
• Causes substantial physical harm or bodily harm capable of being perceived by a person other than the victim and may include, but is not limited to, substantially blackened eyes, substantially swollen lips or other facial or body parts, or substantial bruises to body parts; • Has the effect of substantially interfering with the victim student’s education; • Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or • Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Bullying behavior is also defined as:
Cyberbullying which occurs though the use of electronic communication, whether or not such electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic communication: • Is directed specifically at students or school personnel; • Is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school; and • Creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students’ or school personnel’s person or property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.
D. Detention - Restriction of student to the school site at times outside of regular school hours. School principals have the authority to require students to remain after school. Teachers have the authority to detain a student after school; however, they should advise the principal and notify the parents. In the case of students whose immediate detention would pose transportation problems, twenty-four (24) hours notice should be given before the detention takes place. 37
E. Disciplinary Tribunal - A disciplinary hearing to determine the guilt or innocence of a student accused of violating this behavior code. If the student is determined to be guilty of the alleged offense, tribunal officers or hearing officers determine the appropriate discipline for the student. Unless waived, tribunals are held in cases when long term suspension or expulsion is recommended, or a student is accused of a physical offense against a school employee. ALL DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL’S DECISIONS MUST CONFORM TO THE RANGES IN THIS BEHAVIOR CODE.
F. Expulsion means suspension or expulsion of a student from school beyond the current school semester.
G. Harassment is defined as a pattern of intentional, substantial, and unreasonable verbal or written contact that is initiated, maintained, or repeated after being given notice that the conduct is inappropriate.
H. In-School Suspension (ISS) - Restriction of students to a specified location in the school so as to remove them from participation in regularly scheduled school activities in accordance with Policy JDD/JDE.
I. Long-Term Suspension means the suspension of a student from school for more than ten (10) school days, but not beyond the current school semester.
J. Permanent Expulsion means expulsion from Marietta City Schools for the remainder of the student’s eligibility to attend school pursuant to Georgia law. Students permanently expelled from Marietta City Schools are not eligible for enrollment in the School System’s Alternative Education Program (AEP).
K. Physical Threat occurs when a student attempts to commit physical harm or injury to the person of another; commits an act which places another in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a physical injury, or behaves in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person.
L. Saturday School – As a result of violating the behavior code and assignment by an administrator, a student is required to report for a specified length of time on a Saturday. Academic assignments are required.
M. School property includes, but is not limited to:
1. The land and improvements which constitute the school; 2. Any other property or building, including school bus stops, wherever located, where any school function or activity is conducted; 3. Any bus or other vehicle used in connection with school functions and activities including but not limited to, school buses, buses leased by the School System and privately-owned vehicles used for transportation to and from school activities; and 4. Personal belongings, automobiles or other vehicles which are located on school property.
N. School technology resources includes, but is not limited to:
1. Electronic media systems such as computers, electronic networks, messaging, and Web site publishing, and 2. The associated hardware and software programs used for purposes such as, but not limited to, developing, retrieving, storing, disseminating, and accessing instructional, educational, and administrative information.
O. Semester is defined as a division of the school year into two terms of approximately equal length totaling thirty-six (36) weeks. Disciplinary minimums and maximums within the code that are defined by semesters, will be measured by full semesters of suspension/expulsion, rather than a partial semester that may begin the sanction. However, any student completing 75% of a partial semester in an expulsion/long-term suspension status will be deemed to have completed one full semester .
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P. Sexual battery is defined as a student intentionally making physical contact with the intimate parts of the body of another person without the consent of that person. Intimate body parts include the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female.
Q. Sexual Harassment. Verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature (including, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances or gestures, requests for sexual favors, sexually offensive slurs, sexually offensive drawings or posters directed towards another person) where there is a pattern of harassing behavior or a single significant incident. See also Policy JAEB.
R. Short-Term Suspension means the suspension of a student from school for ten (10) school days or less.
S. Tardies – Arriving after the scheduled beginning of school or class without a valid excuse.
T. Truancy - Any child subject to compulsory attendance who, during the school calendar year, is absent from school more than ten (10) days without a valid written excuse.
U. Valid Written Excuse - A written explanation provided to the school within three days of a student’s absence, signed by the student’s parent or guardian.
V. Work Detail - A student is required to report to a specific school location and faculty members for a specified length of time. A student should plan to do light physical labor.
The decision to charge a student for violation of this Code of Conduct shall be made by the administration of the local school. If the local school administration is uncertain as to the interpretation of the Code of Conduct they are to contact the Associate Superintendent or designee.
Section 1 DISCIPLINE LEVELS:
A. Level 1 Discipline:
Level 1 discipline is used for minor acts of misconduct which interfere with the good order of school. Following appropriate teacher intervention, students may be referred to an administrator. Consequences range from administrative conference to three (3) days of in-school Suspension (ISS) and/or restitution. Consequences may also include detention, work detail and/or Saturday school.
B. Level 2 Discipline:
Level 2 discipline offenses are intermediate acts of misconduct. Students should be referred to an administrator. Consequences range from an administrative conference to five (5) days Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) and/or restitution. Consequences may also include in-school suspension, detention, work detail and/or Saturday school.
C. Level 3 Discipline:
Level 3 discipline offenses are serious acts of misconduct including, but not limited to, repeated misbehaviors of a similar nature, serious disruptions of the school environment, threats to health, safety, or property and other acts of serious misconduct. Repeated violation of any part of this behavior code may be considered a Level 3 offense.
Students must be referred to the principal or his/her designee. The principal or his/her designee will notify the Superintendent as well as the School Resource Officer or other law enforcement agencies as required by this policy. Notification of the Superintendent is required any time a student is referred to a disciplinary tribunal or the tribunal waiver process is used. Consequences range from out-of- school suspension to permanent expulsion and may include referral to an alternative education 39
program. Students permanently expelled from Marietta City Schools are not eligible for enrollment in the School System’s Alternative Education Program (AEP).
School principals or designees may recommend that a student be considered eligible to apply to attend the AEP during long-term suspension/expulsion. Upon this recommendation or a decision of the Tribunal Facilitator/Panel or Hearing Officer, expelled/long-term suspended students may attend the AEP for all or any assigned portion of their expulsion/long-term suspension pursuant to a contract. A student may be required to attend the AEP for a minimum length, which may extend past the long- term suspension/expulsion.
If a student is given the option of attending the alternative education program during the time of the long-term suspension/expulsion, they must enroll in the program within twenty (20) days of the tribunal decision. Failure to enroll within the twenty (20) day period may result in the forfeiture of the opportunity.
All students accepted into the School System’s AEP will be on a contract basis, which will include behavior, attendance, and academic objectives. If the student violates the terms of the contract, he/she may forfeit the opportunity to attend the AEP during the remainder of his/her expulsion or long- term suspension, pursuant to the order of the Tribunal Facilitator/Panel or Hearing Officer and/or the terms of the contract. The student may appeal his/her dismissal to the Associate Superintendent or designee. Students who violate the terms of the contract and have been assigned to the AEP for reasons other than a disciplinary tribunal decision may be referred to a disciplinary tribunal for further disciplinary action.
School principals or designees may also refer the student to the Graduate Marietta Student Success Center for behavior intervention services, when available, in lieu of out-of-school suspension (OSS) or in-school suspension (ISS), or any portion of the period of OSS/ISS. Exceptions to this provision include, but are not limited to, penalties for buying, selling, and possession with Intent to distribute drugs/alcohol (2nd offense);consequence for a tribunal finding of a third offense of bullying within a school year; consequences for physical offenses upon school employees; and consequences for a dangerous weapon or firearm.
Section II. STUDENT OFFENSES:
A student shall not violate any of the following rules of the School System. Pursuant to State requirements, disciplinary levels have been assigned to each offense. These levels correspond to the disciplinary levels detailed above.
A. ALCOHOL/ILLEGAL DRUGS/INHALANTS:
1. No student shall possess, consume, transmit, store, or be under any degree of influence of alcoholic beverages (including related products such as "near" beer, non-alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic wine coolers) and/or illegal drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, prescription medications, or any other substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act or any substance believed by the student to be alcohol, a controlled substance or an illegal drug. Legal intoxication is not required for violation of this Code of Conduct. (See consequences, below)
2. No student shall possess, transmit, store, buy, sell, or otherwise distribute or possess with intent to sell any drug-related paraphernalia. (Level 1-3)
3. No student shall falsely present or identify a substance to be alcohol, a controlled substance or an illegal drug. (Level 1-3)
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4. No student shall buy, sell, or otherwise distribute or possess with intent to distribute or attempt to buy, sell, or otherwise distribute or possess with intent to distribute alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, prescription medications or any other substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, or any substance falsely identified as such, or is believed by the purchaser or seller to be an alcoholic beverage or illegal drug, narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, prescription medications or any other substance listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. (See consequences, below)
5. No student shall sniff or be under the influence of inhalants and/or other substances. (See consequences, below)
*Approved possession for personal use of prescription medication that is in compliance with school rules and Policy JGCD will not violate this section.
Consequences for Possession, Personal Use or Being Under the Influence (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day of out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for long-term suspension for a specified time Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences for Possession, Personal Use or Being Under the Influence (Middle School and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of three (3) days of out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time Maximum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Third Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences for Buying, Selling and Distribution (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day of out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences for Buying, Selling, Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute (Middle and 41
High School): First Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed 2 semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Maximum of ten (10) days of out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
B. ATTENDANCE VIOLATIONS:
Any student who is subject to compulsory education requirements and is deemed to be truant as defined in this policy is subject to progressive disciplinary consequences. As a minimum, students and their parents or guardians shall be required to meet with school administrators and/or other designated personnel to develop and implement an attendance improvement plan. Parking privileges also may be revoked for attendance violations.
When a child is absent, parents, guardians, or other persons who have control of a child enrolled in the School System must comply with Policy JB, (Attendance) and local school guidelines and submit valid, written excuses for absences. Georgia law requires that after any student accrues five (5) days of unexcused absences in a given school year, the parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of that child shall be in violation of Georgia Code Section § 20-2-690.1(c). Any child that is subject to compulsory attendance who, during the school calendar year, has more than ten (10) days of unexcused absences is considered truant. Possible consequences may also include identification as a ‘child in need of services’, as that term is defined by O.C.G.A. § 15-11-2, and pursuant to the procedures of Georgia Juvenile Code, Title 15, Chapter 11, Article 5.
O.C.G.A. §20-2-690.1 states the following:
“Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children and who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of 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.”
Schools shall notify parents when a student has accumulated five (5) unexcused absences. Schools shall also notify parents of students 14 years of age and older when the student accumulated seven (7) unexcused absences during the school year.
1. No student shall fail to attend school as required by the Georgia Compulsory Attendance laws. (Level 1-2) 2. No student shall miss any class or activity or be tardy for which he or she is enrolled without a valid excuse. (Level 1-2) 3. Students shall not leave school grounds during the course of the regularly scheduled school day without the permission of a parent and school principal or designee. Students must follow the established procedures for checking in or out of school. (Level 1-2) 42
C. BOMB THREATS:
Bomb threat is defined as transmitting in any manner a false alarm to the effect that a bomb or other explosive of any nature is concealed on school property creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Consequences (Elementary School):
Minimum of one (1) day out of school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension and recommendation of long-term suspension or expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for long-term suspension not to exceed thirty (30) school days or the current semester; whichever is greater Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
D. BULLETS, BB’S, PAINT BALL PELLETS
Students may not possess ammunition, BBs, paint pellets, or CO2 cartridges. These items are disruptive to the function of the school and may pose a safety risk. (Level 1-3).
E. BUS BEHAVIORS:
The Marietta Board of Education expects students to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner on school bus transportation, or any other mode of transportation used to transport students to and from school or to and from extra-curricular or interscholastic activities.
Encouraging proper student behavior while students are being transported is the responsibility of the school bus driver, Director of Transportation, school administration, and other personnel with supervisory responsibility over the students being transported.
The Department of Transportation takes seriously the safety of all students transported on Marietta City School’s school bus transportation. Compliance with the rules below helps ensure the safe transportation of students to and from school and school related activities.
Students shall comply with the Bus Safety Partnership Code of Conduct; a copy of which can be accessed at http://www.marietta-city.org. Additionally, students shall follow all student behavior policies and regulations while on school provided transportation including, but not limited to, the prohibitions on physical violence, bullying, assault, battery, disrespectful conduct, or other unruly behavior. Any referral to a school administrator for violating the behavior code while on school bus transportation will be resolved in accordance with the consequence levels prescribed in this policy. Inappropriate behaviors determined to be a violation of the 43
behavior code do not require implementation of the Bus Safety Partnership Discipline Plan prior to submission of a referral to the school administration.
Consequences for violating the behavior code as it relates to student transportation range from Level 1 through Level 3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time: This may include permanent suspension from the bus. In the event a student’s bus privileges are suspended, it shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian, or the student if over 18 years old, to provide transportation to and from school and to and from extra-curricular and interscholastic activities. Additionally, prohibited items may be temporarily confiscated by the driver, provided they are returned to the student, student’s parent/guardian, school administrator, or Director of Transportation. Drivers should not keep student’s personal property in their possession overnight.
Articles brought on the bus such as band instruments must be kept in possession of the owner at all times. Efforts will be made to accommodate instruments; however, those that are too large or pose a threat to safety may be denied for transport. Students should be at the bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Buses arriving within five minutes of scheduled pick-up time are considered to be on time. The bus will stop and load or unload passengers only at the designated bus stops. During inclement weather, the driver may make stops closer to a passenger’s home.
In addition:
1. Students must keep all body parts inside the bus at all times. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 2. Nothing may be thrown into, out of, within, or at the bus. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 3. Bus Disruption: Students must not make unnecessary noise; converse in a loud tone or yell out the window of the bus; and must remain seated at all times unless directed by the driver. Students must remain quiet at all railroad crossings. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 4. Emergency doors and windows are to be used only at the direction of the driver. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 5. Students may not board or disembark a bus at a bus stop other than that assigned for their residence without submitting a written request from their parent or guardian to the principal or designee for approval. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 6. Students shall not use any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to: cell phones; pagers: audible radios, tape players, and compact disc players without headphones; or any other electronic device that may interfere with the bus' communication equipment or the driver's operation of the school bus. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 7. Students shall not use mirrors, lasers, flashing lights, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective surfaces which might interfere with the operation of the school bus. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 8. Consumption of food and drinks, including gum and candy, are not permitted. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 9. Students shall board and exit the bus quickly and quietly and are to cross the street in front of the bus in full view of the driver. After leaving the bus, students are not to stop to pick up anything that has fallen under or near the bus unless they first let the driver know there is a problem. Unsafe bus stop behavior should be reported to the school principal or his/her designee. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 10. Students shall move behind the guardrail or white line on the floor before the bus is placed in motion, and they must be seated (if available) and remain seated and/or behind the guard rail and/or white line throughout the ride. (Level 1-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time) 11. If a student has been found to have engaged in battery, acts of physical violence, bullying or physical threats on the school bus, the student’s parent/guardian shall be required to meet with the
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principal/designee to execute a bus behavior contract. (Level 2-3 and/or suspension from the bus for a specified time)
F. COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES:
A “personal communication device” is defined as an electronic device, such as a beeper (pager), headset, cellular phone, smart phone, two-way radio, iPad, or other electronic communication device, used by students for personal or non-school sanctioned purposes. Students may not use personal communication devices as defined above during classroom instructional time. Students may use personal communication devices for personal reasons as follows:
• Elementary and Middle School: Students are permitted to possess personal communication devices but are not permitted to use them for personal reasons during school hours (beginning bell to ending bell) unless given permission by school personnel. Principals may require students to keep personal communication devices powered off during the school day.
• High School: Students are permitted to possess personal communication devices and may use them for personal reasons during non-instructional time (changing of classes, lunch, before/after school, etc.) unless otherwise directed by school personnel.
The use of personal communication devices is a privilege that can be revoked at any time by school administration or personnel.
This policy does not prohibit schools from using technology, including student-owned technology (such as smart phones, laptops, and netbooks) for the purpose of classroom instruction. However, students are not permitted to use such devices for instructional purposes during classroom time unless given permission by school personnel. In addition, both the Acceptable Use Guidelines and the Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Agreement must be signed by the student and his/her parent prior to such use. (Level 1 and temporary confiscation of item)
G. DISRESPECTFUL CONDUCT:
1. No student shall use any type of profane, vulgar, obscene or ethnically offensive language (written or oral) or gestures towards students or other persons who are not school personnel or adults. (Level 1-2) 2. A student shall not use profane, obscene, or abusive language (written or oral) or gestures toward school personnel or other adults. (Level 2-3) 3. No student shall possess, display, or distribute profane, vulgar, pornographic, obscene, or ethnically offensive materials. (Level 1-2) 4. No student shall knowingly and willfully make false reports or statements; whether orally or in writing; falsify school records; or forge signatures. This includes, but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting or erroneously reporting information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a school employee or student.(Level 1-2) 5. Insubordination: All students shall comply with reasonable directions or commands of authorized school personnel/designees. (Level 1-3) 6. No student shall refuse to identify one's self upon request of any School System employee/designee. (Level 1-2) 7. No student shall repeatedly violate the school or School System dress code, found in school handbooks or at Policy JCDB. (Level 1-2) 8. No student shall fail to attend detention, Saturday school or in-school suspension. (Level 1-2) 9. No student shall engage in a verbal altercation with any person. (Level 1-3)
H. DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL:
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1. School/Class Disruption: No student shall, in any manner, by the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the disruption of any lawful mission, process or function of the school, or engage in any such conduct for the purpose of causing the disruption or obstruction of any such lawful mission, process or function. (Level 1-3) 2. Students shall not be on the campus of a school in which they are not enrolled during that school’s hours or while that school is operational without permission from that school’s administration. Students also may not enter a school building after hours without express permission. (Level 2) 3. Students may not attend any school function, on or off campus, while subject to suspension/expulsion or assigned to an alternative education program. (Level 1-2) 4. Students may not be present in an unauthorized area of school property. (Level 1-2) 5. Students shall not occupy nor block the entrance/exit of any school building, gymnasium, school grounds, properties or parts(s) thereof with the intent to deprive others of its use, or when the effect thereof is to deprive others of such use.(Level 1-3) 6. Students shall not prevent students from attending a class or school activity. (Level 1-3) 7. No student shall, except under the direct instruction of the principal or his/her designees, block normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a school campus or adjacent grounds. (Level 1-3)
I. FALSE REPORTS:
No student shall make false calls to emergency services or report false fire alarms which create a potentially dangerous interruption to the normal school operation and to both the physical and emotional well-being of students and staff, or falsify, misrepresent, omit, or erroneously report information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator or other school employee towards a student, whether at school, on school grounds, en route to and from school, in the community or attending school related activities outside our community.
1. False Call to Emergency Services: No student shall knowingly make or cause a false call to emergency services to be made.
Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for long-term suspension Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School) First Offense:
Minimum of five (5) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
2. False Fire Alarms: No student shall knowingly give or cause a false fire alarm to be given.
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Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses: Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for long-term suspension; not to exceed one (1) semester Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of five (5) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
3. False Allegations Regarding Teachers, Administrators, and other School Employees: No student shall falsify, misrepresent, omit, or erroneously report information regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school employee towards a student.
Consequences (Elementary School) First and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School) First Offense:
Minimum of five (5) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Third Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year
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Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
J. GAMBLING:
No student shall participate in any type of gambling activity as defined by state law or that involves the wagering or betting of services, money or other items. (Level 1-2)
K. GANG RELATED ACTIVITY:
A “gang" is defined as any group or association of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which encourages, solicits, promotes, urges, counsels, furthers, advocates, condones, assists, causes, advises, procures, or abets any illegal or disruptive activity or behavior of any kind, whether on or off school campuses or school property.
1. No student shall engage in any activity while participating in a gang which interferes with the orderly conduct of school activities, with discipline in the schools, or with the rights of other students or faculty members. 2. No student shall display identified gang tattoos. 3. No student shall wear, possess, or display gang related clothing, graffiti or paraphernalia. 4. No student shall hold himself or herself out as a member of a gang. 5. No student shall recruit or solicit membership in any gang or gang-related organization. 6. No student shall engage in any other gang-related behavior which is subversive to good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not specified in the preceding written rules.
Consequences for Gang Related Activity (Elementary School): For first and additional offenses:
Level 1-3 consequences. Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer, if required by Level 3 consequence
Consequences for Gang Related Activity (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Level 1-3 consequences Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer, if required by Level 3 consequence
Second Offense:
Minimum of five (5) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Third and Additional Offenses: Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
L. HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, THREATS (VERBAL OR WRITTEN), AND BULLYING BEHAVIOR:
1. No student shall engage in verbal or written harassment or abuse of or toward another student or students or school system employees or other adults. (Level 2-3) 2. No student shall threaten, verbally, in writing, or by physical presence, expressed or implied, or conspire to cause bodily injury to any student, school employee or non-school employee. (Level 2-3) 48
3. Bullying. No student shall bully another student or students. Parents/guardians/persons that have control or charge of students who are victims of bullying or are found to have committed bullying will be notified via telephone/personal conference or letter/referral. Staff members who have reliable information that would lead a reasonable person to suspect that someone is a target of bullying are expected to report instances of these behaviors to the school principal or designated administrator immediately so that administrators may investigate them in a timely manner. Employees, volunteers, students, and parents/guardians/other persons that have control of students may report or otherwise provide information on bullying activity to a school administrator anonymously if they choose. No person who reports bullying behaviors will be retaliated against by any school employee. Students who retaliate against others for reports of bullying behavior are subject to discipline which may include strong penalties. Students who knowingly file a false report of bullying will also be disciplined. (Level 2-3; Upon a finding by a tribunal that a student in grades six through 12 has committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year, such student shall be assigned to an alternative education program.)
M. INCENDIARY DEVICES.
No student shall possess, light, and/or discharge smoke bombs, stink bombs, fireworks, cigarette lighters, matches, or similar devices. (Level 2)
N. OFF-CAMPUS OFFENSES:
Off-campus misconduct for which a student shall be disciplined includes, but is not limited to, any off-campus conduct that is:
1. Prohibited by the Georgia or United States criminal codes; 2. Conduct which could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony or would be chargeable as a felony if committed by an adult; and, 3. Conduct which makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to persons or property at the school or which disrupts the educational or discipline process. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent)
O. OTHER BEHAVIORS:
No student shall participate in any activity that is illegal or is subversive to good order and discipline of the school and not specifically addressed in the other sections of this Code of Conduct. (Level 1-3)
P. OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION:
Possession of all over-the-counter medication on school property must be in compliance with school rules and Policy JGCD. A student is prohibited from selling, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute any over- the-counter medication. Over the counter medications specifically include, but are not limited to, nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gum and candy, nicotine lozenges, nicotine patches, nicotine inhalers, nicotine nasal sprays and the like. (Level 1-3)
Q. PARTIES TO THE OFFENSE:
No student shall urge, encourage, counsel, further, promote, assist, cause, advise, procure, or abet any other student(s) to violate any section or paragraph of this Code of Conduct. (Level 1-3)
R. PHYSICAL OFFENSES:
Principals or designees will continue to exercise professional discretion in determining incidents of horseplay, intentional spitting, physical altercation, fighting or physical bullying. Principals or designees will have the
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authority to assign consequences based on behavior related to specific incidents. This may include differentiated discipline assigned on a case by case basis.
1. No student shall use any device, chemical, irritant, or substance in a manner inconsistent with its intended or prescribed use or in a manner designed to cause harm, shock, physical irritation, or allergic reaction. Examples include, but are not limited to, directing a laser optical pointer or similar device at another person’s eyes, and applying "itching powder" or like substances to another person. (Level 1-2) 2. Students shall not engage in horseplay or rough or boisterous activities. (Level 1-2) 3. No student shall participate in any kind of physical harassment including intentional spitting on another. (Level 2-3) 4. Students shall not engage in fighting or mutual combat. Students that fight and incidentally or inadvertently injure another person in the process of fighting, being separated, or being removed from the area will receive higher consequences. (Level 2-3) 5. Battery on any Person Other Than a School Employee.
Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of three (3) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one (1) semester Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
6. Physical Threat of a Student or a Person who is not a School Employee:
Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one (1) semester Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of three (3) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a
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specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
7. Physical Offenses upon School Employees: a. Physical Threat:
Hearing: If a student commits an act of physical threat (assault) upon a school employee, a mandatory disciplinary hearing shall be held in accordance with Policy JDD/JDE cf JCDA regardless of the recommended discipline, unless the hearing is waived. A disciplinary hearing regarding a recommendation for a short-term out of school suspension (10 days OSS or less) may be waived by the employee. A disciplinary hearing regarding a recommendation for a long- term out of school suspension/expulsion (11 days OSS or more) may be waived only by agreement of both the employee and the parent/guardian/student over 18.
Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension with mandatory disciplinary hearing Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one (1) semester Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with mandatory disciplinary hearing Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer b. Physical Violence Without Harm: No student shall intentionally make physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of a school employee, unless such contact was in self-defense, as provided in O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21. Hearing: If a student commits an act of physical violence upon a school employee, a mandatory disciplinary hearing shall be held regardless of the recommended discipline, unless the hearing is waived. A disciplinary hearing regarding a recommendation for a short-term out of school suspension (10 days OSS or less) may be waived by the employee. A disciplinary hearing regarding a recommendation for a long- term out of school suspension (11 days OSS or more) may be waived only by agreement of both the employee and the parent/guardian/student over 18.
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Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension with mandatory disciplinary hearing Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one (1) semester Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with mandatory disciplinary hearing Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer c. Physical Violence With Harm: No student shall intentionally make physical contact, which causes physical harm to a school employee unless such physical contacts or physical harms were in self- defense, as provided in O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21.
Hearing: If a student commits an act of physical violence that causes harm upon a school employee, a mandatory disciplinary hearing shall be held regardless of the recommended discipline, unless the hearing is waived. A disciplinary hearing regarding a recommendation for a long- term out of school suspension (11 days OSS or more) may only be waived by agreement of both the employee and the parent/guardian/student over 18.
Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Reenrollment: If the student who commits an act of physical violence is in elementary school, then the Marietta City Schools Board of Education at its discretion and on the recommendation of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal may permit such a student to reenroll in the regular public school program for grades nine through 12. The local school board at its discretion may permit a student in kindergarten through grade six who has committed an act of physical violence as defined in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.6(a)(2) to reenroll in the public school system.
Consequences (Middle and High School):
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Reenrollment: The Marietta City Schools Board of Education 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 an act of physical violence is in sixth through eighth grade, then Marietta City Schools Board of Education at its discretion and on the recommendation of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or 52
tribunal may permit such a student to reenroll in the regular public school program for grades nine through 12.
S. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
No student shall be in possession of prescription medication not prescribed for the student. All possession of prescription medication prescribed for a student must be in compliance with school rules and Policy JGCD. In addition, a student shall not sell, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute any prescribed medication on school property. (Level 2-3)
NOTE: If the prescription drug is a controlled substance under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, the student shall be found to have violated Section II, Paragraph A, Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/Inhalants, and shall be disciplined according to that Section.
T. PROPERTY RELATED OFFENSES:
Note: Parents and/or students will be held responsible for restitution of the full value of any damaged or stolen property.
1. No student shall intentionally cause substantial damage to personal property belonging to a school employee or another student. (Level 2-3) 2. No student shall set fire to any private property or school property either while on school grounds or off school grounds during a school activity, function, or event. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer) 3. No student shall attempt to, threaten to, or actually damage, destroy, vandalize, or steal private property or school property on school grounds. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer) 4. No student shall attempt to, threaten to, or actually damage, destroy, vandalize, or steal private property or school property off school grounds during a school-related activity, function or event. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer) 5. No student shall possess stolen private property or school property on school grounds. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer)
U. SEXUAL OFFENSES:
Sexual offenses are prohibited against members of the same sex as well as members of the opposite sex.
1. Sexual Misconduct: a. No student shall be engaged in amorous kissing, or other inordinate displays of affection. (Level 1-2) b. No student shall consent to and participate in any form of sexual activity. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer) c. No student shall expose one’s intimate body parts or “moon" in public. Intimate body parts include the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female. (Level 2-3) d. No student shall commit any act of verbal, written, gesture-oriented, or physical sexual misconduct on school property, school buses, at school-sponsored events, or while using school technology resources. (Level 2-3 contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer)
2. Sexual Harassment. (Level 2-3). If the harassment is a sexual offense under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1 through 16-6-25), contact Superintendent and law enforcement.
3. Sexual Battery:
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Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses: Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
4. Sexual Molestation:
Sexual molestation is defined as a student doing any immoral or indecent act to or in the presence of another person, without that person's consent, with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the student or the other person. This includes a student forcing another person to make physical contact with the student’s intimate body parts, which include the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female.
Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for one (1) calendar year Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer 54
V. STIMULANTS:
A student shall not consume, possess, sell, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants on school property. (Level 1-3) NOTE: If the stimulant is a controlled substance under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, the student shall be found to have violated Section II, Paragraph A, Alcohol/Illegal Drugs/Inhalants, and shall be disciplined according to the Section.
W. TECHNOLOGY OFFENSES:
School technology cannot be used for other than school related purposes.
1. Students will not purposely look for security problems because such action may be considered an unauthorized attempt to gain access to school technology resources. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer) 2. Students will not attempt to or actually disrupt the school technology resources by destroying, altering or otherwise modifying technology. Hacking is strictly prohibited. (Level 3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer) 3. Students will not use school technology resources to solicit business, advertise, or engage in any other selling activities in support of non-school related fund-raising or private business enterprises. (Level 1-3) 4. Students will not engage in any activity that monopolizes, wastes, or compromises school technology resources. (Level 1-3) 5. Students will not copy computer programs, software or other technology provided by the School System for personal use. Downloading unauthorized files is strictly prohibited. (Level 1-3) 6. No student shall attempt to, threaten to, or actually damage, destroy, vandalize, or steal private property, private copyrighted material, or school property while using school technology resources on or off school grounds. (Level 2-3, restitution and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer) 7. Students will not use school technology resources to distribute or display inappropriate material. Inappropriate material does not serve an instructional or educational purpose and includes but is not limited to material that: Is profane, vulgar, lewd, obscene, offensive, indecent, sexually explicit, pornographic or threatening; Advocates illegal or dangerous acts; Causes disruption to School System, its employees or students; Advocates violence; Contains knowingly false, recklessly false, or defamatory information; or Is otherwise harmful to minors as defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act. (Level 2-3 and contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer)
X. TOBACCO:
Student possession or use of tobacco or tobacco product substitutes (e.g., tobacco look-alikes, such as "Bacoff") and cigarette look-alikes, electronic cigarettes or electronic hookahs on school property and at school-sponsored events is prohibited.
Consequences (Elementary School): First Offense and Additional Offenses: Level 1-2 discipline
Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
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Level 1-2 discipline
Second Offense:
Suspension from school for three (3) school days.
Third and Additional Offenses:
Suspension from school for five (5) school days.
Y. WEAPONS:
A student who wishes to display a weapon or look-alike weapon in an exhibit, presentation, or activity in a classroom or at a school-sponsored event must comply with the following requirements:
Verbal approval of the teacher in whose class the weapon will be used; Prior written permission from the principal which includes a description of the weapons authorized and the time period during which the weapons may be on campus; Transport of the weapon or look-alike weapon to and from the school by the parent or guardian of the student making the request; and The teacher or school administration storing the weapon or look-alike weapon in a secure location when it is not being used in the above classroom activities.
Prohibition: A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or cause to be transmitted; use or threaten to use; sell, attempt to sell, or conspire to sell a dangerous weapon, firearm or hazardous object either concealed or open to view, on school property. All dangerous weapons, firearms or hazardous objects shall be confiscated and given to law enforcement agencies as appropriate. The disposition of these confiscated items shall be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designated school official, in conjunction with law enforcement.
Note: The definition of "dangerous weapon", “firearm” and “hazardous object” for purposes of this Code of Conduct is one that includes, but is not limited to, the following items:
1. Dangerous Weapon or Firearm: “Dangerous weapon” means any weapon commonly known as a “rocket launcher,” “Bazooka,” or “recoilless rifle” which fires explosive or nonexplosive rockets designed to injure or kill personnel or destroy heavy armor, or similar weapon used for such purpose. The term shall also mean a weapon commonly known as a “mortar” which fires high explosive from a metallic cylinder and which is commonly used by the armed forces as an antipersonnel weapon or similar weapon used for such purpose. The term shall also mean a weapon commonly known as a “hand grenade” or other similar weapon which is designed to explode and injure personnel or similar weapon used for such purpose. “Firearm” means a handgun, rifle, shotgun or other weapon which will or can be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or electrical charge.
First and Additional Offenses (Elementary School):
The penalty for any student possessing a dangerous weapon or loaded or unloaded firearm on school property is ten (10) days out-of-school suspension and a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time that will be no less than one calendar year as provided for in Georgia law and may include permanent expulsion. The hearing officer, tribunal, panel, administrator, superintendent or Board of Education have the authority to modify these expulsion requirements on a case-by-case basis. Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
First and Additional Offenses (Middle and High School):
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The penalty for any student possessing a dangerous weapon or a loaded or unloaded firearm on school property is ten (10) days out-of-school suspension and a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time that will be no less than one calendar year as provided in Georgia law and may include permanent expulsion. The hearing officer, tribunal, panel, administrator, superintendent or Board of Education have the authority to modify these expulsion requirements on a case-by-case basis. Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
2. Hazardous Object:
“Hazardous object” means any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, straight-edge razor, razor blade, spring stick, knuckles, whether made from metal, thermoplastic, wood, or other similar material, blackjack, any bat, club or other bludgeon-type weapon, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be knows as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any instrument of like kind, any nonlethal air gun, and any stun gun or taser as defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-11-106(a). Such term shall not include any of these instruments used for classroom work authorized by the teacher.
First and Additional Offenses (Elementary School):
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one (1) semester Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Consequences (Middle and High School):
First Offense:
Minimum of five (5) days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses: Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed two (2) semesters Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
3. Category III Weapon:
Any knife or instrument having a blade of less than two inches, any "look-alike" firearm, or plastic disposable razor or sling shot.
First and Additional Offenses (Elementary School):
Minimum of one (1) day out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one (1) semester Contact Superintendent
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Consequences (Middle and High School): First Offense:
Minimum of three days out-of-school suspension Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one semester Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Second and Additional Offenses:
Minimum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for expulsion for a specified time; not to exceed one semester Maximum of ten (10) days out-of-school suspension with a recommendation for permanent expulsion Contact Superintendent and School Resource Officer
Section III. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS:
The names of school clubs and organizations, the mission or purpose of such clubs or organizations, the names of the club's or organization's contacts or faculty advisors, and a description of past or planned activities will be available in student handbooks, school-provided information and/or on school websites for each school. This information is updated periodically throughout the year and is available on the school's Website, which may be accessed at www.marietta-city.org, and/or the school's administrative office.
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