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Swainsboro High School Student Handbook

2013-2014

Swainsboro H igh School689 South Main Street

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Main Office: 478.237.2267 FAX: 478.419.1134

The purpose of this handbook is to provide information regarding school policy and

procedures to students and parents. The replacement cost for a lost handbook will be $5.00.

The information in this book was the best available at press time.Watch for additional information and changes.

Property of:

Address:

Phone #

In case of emergency,

please notify:Name Phone #

Building a Foundation for Future Success

Table of Contents


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SYSTEM CALENDARADMINISTRATIONGENERAL EXPECTATIONSATTENDANCE POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Attendance PoliciesAttendance ProceduresExcessive Absences and Attendance AppealCheck In/Check Out ProceduresTardy PolicyUnexcused Absences and Truancy Policy

BELL SCHEDULECOUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

Address ChangesAdvisor/AdviseeCareer CenterDual Enrollment/ACCELGifted EducationGovernors Honors Program

Graduation ExercisesGraduation Policy

Graduation Test WaiverHigh School Graduation RequirementsHonor GraduatesMove On When ReadyPromotion RequirementsSeal of EndorsementSenior Class RankSTAR Student and Teacher ProgramStudent InformationResponse to Intervention Team [RTI]Transfer GradingDual Enrollment Grade CalculationWithdrawal from School

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONCourse SyllabusField TripsGeorgia Statewide Student Assessment ProgramSHS Testing ScheduleGradingHonor RollHospital/Homebound InstructionInternet UseNetbooksTextbooksParents Right to Know LetterParental Involvement

CODE OF CONDUCTGeneral ExpectationsDISCIPLINE

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports(PBIS)

Internet Use AgreementBehavior Which Results in Disciplinary

ProceduresBus Discipline GuidelinesConflict ResolutionLaw Enforcement Officials, Notification ofQuestioning and Apprehension by Law

EnforcementSearch and Seizure PolicySuspensionOut of School Suspension (OSS)In School Suspension (ISS)Tribunal HearingsSpecial EducationNon-Traditional /Alternative Education ProgramsViolations of Student Code of ConductProgressive Disciplinary ProceduresWeapons, Dangerous Instruments, FireworksDisciplinary OffensesDefinition of TermsClassification of ViolationsLevel I: Minor Offense

Disciplinary Action for Level I OffensesLevel II: Major OffenseLevel III: Serious/Terminal OffensesDisciplinary Action for Level II and Level III

OffensesCell Phones and Other Electronic DevicesBring Your Own Device - Student PolicyGangsNetbook Discipline PolicyPublic Displays of AffectionSpecial Discipline Conditions

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESAthletics

Clubs and OrganizationsFund Raising

FOOD SERVICEPricesCharge PolicyFood Allergies

MEDIA CENTERPOLICIES

Bookbags and Equipment BagsBullyingDress and GroomingSchool DayEqual Education Opportunities Policy

Family Education Rights and Privacy ActFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act[FERPA]

Family Life EducationFighting, Aggressive, or Confrontational BehaviorFinancial ObligationsFire Drills


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504Flowers and GiftsGrievance ProcedureHarassment PolicyImmunizationInsuranceMedication

Student AdministrationMessagesNo Child Left BehindOutside FoodParent Involvement Plan

Title ISHS Parent Involvement Plan

Personal PropertySchool CouncilSelling Unauthorized ProductsSexual Harassment

PARKINGVENDING MACHINESVIDEO CAMERASVISITORSWEATHER WATCHINTERNET USE AGREEMENTPUBLIC NOTICETITLE I PARENT RESOURCE CENTER FLYERSTUDENT/PARENT AFFIRMATION PAGE


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Emanuel County Schools System Calendar

Teacher In-service Day(s) 08/01/13 08/06/13

First Day for Students 08/07/13

1st Semester Begins 08/07/13

Holiday 09/02/13

Progress Reports 09/11/13

End of Nine Weeks 10/09/13Early Release/Plan Day 10/10/13

Teacher In-service Day 10/11/13

Holiday 10/14/13

Report Cards Sent Home 10/16/13


Thanksgiving Holidays 11/25/13 11/29/13

Early Release/Plan Day 12/20/13

End of Nine Weeks & 1st Semester 12/20/13

Holidays 12/23/13 01/03/14


First Day After Holidays forStudents

01/08/14

2nd Semester Begins 01/08/14


Holiday 01/20/14


Holidays 02/14/14 02/17/14

End of Nine Weeks 03/14/14

Early Release/Plan Day 03/14/14



Holidays 04/21/14 04/25/14

End of Nine Weeks & 2nd Semester 05/23/14

Last Day for Students/Early

Release/Plan Day

05/23/14

Holiday 05/26/14


EM

AN

UEL

COUNT

Y

SCH

OOL

S

2013-2014

Erma Jenkins

Superintendent

Emanuel County

Schools

P. O. Box 130

Swainsboro, Georgia

30401

478-237-6674


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ADMINISTRATIONDenise Warnock, Principal

Jansen Ware, Assistant Principal/Athletic DirectorRusty Kea, Assistant Principal

Angie Johnson, CounselorChristy Smesny, Counselor

Mac Barron, Media Specialist

The administration, faculty and staff welcome you to Swainsboro High SchoolHome of the

Tigers. Swainsboro High School has a long tradition of being a school of excellence. We hope that

you will continue this tradition of doing and being the best.

This handbook has been developed to assist you in understanding rules, regulations, and

procedures that govern SHS. Read it carefully with your parents so that you will be knowledgeable

about the information it contains.

Mission: To graduate all SHS students with a meaningful diploma based on rigorous standards whichensures college and career readiness delivered by highly qualified educators.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

SHS students are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen both on campus and at school-sponsored functions.

No student has the right to interfere in any way with his/her classmates right to learn. It is expected that eachpupil will have personal conduct that will in no way interfere with the educational opportunities of otherclassmates.

A student must be issued a hall pass by his/her teacher to be permitted to leave class during class time.

The school is not responsible forstudents personal valuables. Students should not bring excess money orvaluable property to school.

Students are expected to report to class on time and with the necessary materials for class.

Students will respect and obey all school staff members at all times.

Students are expected to leave the school campus immediately after the last class of the school day. The

campus is closed from 3:30 P.M. until 7:00 A.M.The principal will make and enforce such rules as are necessary for the efficient operation of the school, eventhough the rules are not specifically stated in the handbook or elsewhere. Students are expected to follow thoserules.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

1. The Emanuel County Board of Education has set ten (10) school days as the maximum number a student maymiss from any given course per semester. Students who miss more than ten (10) days and those who do notsuccessfully appeal their absences will not be given credit for that course.

2. A student must be in class for at least half of the instructional period to be counted present. When a student isnot in class, he or she must be marked absent.

3. Absences can be excused for the following reasons:A. Personal illnessB. Serious illness or death in the students immediate family. C. Governmental agency mandatesD. Religious holidayE. Conditions rendering attendance hazardous to health or safetyF. Registering to vote or voting in a public electionG. A student whose parent or legal guardian 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 fromoverseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted excused absences, up


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to a maximum of five school days per school year, for the day or days missed from school to visit withhis or her parent or legal guardian prior to such parents or legal guardians deployment or during such

parents or legal guardians leave. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require a local

school system to revise any policies relating to maximum number of excused and unexcused absences forany purposes. (O.C.G.A. 20-2-692.1)

4. Classwork due to an unexcused absence can be made up at the teachers discretion. If no grade is given to theclass, the student with unexcused absences should not receive a grade.

5. The state of Georgias Teen-age and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TAADRA) requires that schools reportstudents with ten (10) or more unexcused absences. This reports results in the suspension of the studentsdrivers license. The report will also prevent the student from acquiring a learners permit or drivers license .The suspension is for one year or upon the date of the students eighteenth birthday, whichever comes first.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

1. Students who are absent from school are required to bring an excuse for their absence.The following must be written on the excuse:

A. first and last name of studentB. date of absenceC. reason for absence with documentation attached if requiredD. parent/guardian signature

2. Excuses are presented to the Attendance Secretary at the Student Services window. The absence is

documented as excused or unexcused and registered in Infinite Campus.3. Students have THREE (3) school days to bring their excuse after the date of the absence. After three days the

unexcused absence will remain unchanged unless the excuse is from a medical professional.4. If an absence is excused, it is the students responsibility to obtain missed assignments. The number of days

students have to make-up the work within a nine-week period will be outlined on the course syllabus.5. No more than FOUR (4) parent-written excuses will be accepted per semester.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES AND ATTENDANCE APPEAL

An administrator will oversee the attendance appeal process. He/she will be assisted by an attendance committeecomposed of teachers, counselors and/or administrators.If a student has more than 10 absences in a class and is passing the class, he or she must follow the attendanceappeal process as follows:1. Two weeks before the end of the semester, students with 10 or more excused or unexcused absences in any

class must pick up an appeal form from the assistant principals office; have it signed by a parent or guardian,and return the form to the office.

2. Students and their parents will be notified of the date and time that the Attendance Committee will meet.3. The student and a parent or guardian must meet on the designated day with the committee.4. The Attendance Committee will have all documented excuses on file at the attendance appeal.5. Students and parents will be informed at the end of the semester if credit will be given in classes with

excessive absences.

CHECK IN/CHECK OUT PROCEDURES

1. Students who arrive at school after the tardy bell rings at 7:55 will report to the Student Services window toreceive a pass to class.

2. A student who arrives at school after 1st period needs to sign in the front office.3. A student who needs to leave school before the end of the school day must either bring a note from home

signed by a parent, including a current contact phone number to the student services window before schooland receive an early dismissal form or have an adult whose name is on the information sheet come in and signhim/her out. A student will not be permitted to check out of school early based on a telephone request.

4. Any student who leaves school before the end of the day must sign out in the front office.5. During final exams, students will not be permitted to check out until the end of the class period even if the

student is exempt from taking the final. ALL CALL will NOT be used during exams for students to bedismissed.


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TARDY POLICYFirst Period Tardies1. If tardy to school, students report to the Student Services window in the commons area to receive a pass to

class.2. The attendance clerk will change the unexcused absence to a tardy.Students will receive behavior points for tardies as covered in the point system.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TRUANCY POLICY

Emanuel County Board policy states that any student with more than 5 unexcused absences is considered truant. Thefollowing process will be used if a student is truant:1. 3-5 Unexcused Absences: Teacher intervention; phone contact2. 5 Unexcused Absences: Counselor makes contact; phone contact; letters mailed, notes sent home by student;

parent conferences; discussion concerning attendance during Response to Intervention (RTI) meetings andIndividualized Educational Program (IEP) meetings.

3. 8 Unexcused Absences: Counselor makes Social Worker Referral3 Unexcused Tardies/Early Releases is the equivalent to 1 Unexcused Absence

Excessive Excused Absences: In the event a child has 10 or more excused absences with an excuse beingwritten by the parent, a counselor or social worker, the designated administrator and the parent will meetto address reason for the absences. This excludes written excused absence from Health Care Providers. Insome cases, a referral is made to Truancy court; in others, there may be a need for interventions from

outside agencies.Social Worker Interventions:

1. Attend RTI/IEP meetings to address issue of attendance2. In the event there is an open DFCS case, Social Worker will contact case worker for assistance in addressing the

problem.3. In the event the student is involved with DJJ, probation officer will be contacted4. In some cases, letters will be sent or home visits will be made.

BELL SCHEDULEBlock Begins Ends

Students enter halls 7:35 Report to 1st PeriodFirst Bell 7:47Warning Bell 7:52

1st Block 7:55 9:28Warning Bell 9:302nd Block 9:35 11:10Warning Bell 11:123rd Block 11:15 1:25Warning Bell 1:274th Block 1:30 3:05

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCEThe counseling department consists of the following with their areas of responsibility:

Angie Johnson11th & 12th GradesChristy Smesny9th & 10th GradesTheresa PresseyGuidance Secretary

The counseling and guidance office at Swainsboro High School is designed to be a comprehensive guidance andcounseling department and the primary source of student services. Students and their parents are encouraged tocontact the counselor for academic advisement, as well as assistance in making career and/or career choices. Thecounseling and guidance office at Swainsboro High School is designed to be a comprehensive guidance andcounseling department and the primary source of student services. Students and their parents are encouraged tocontact the counselor for academic advisement, as well as assistance in making career and/or college choices.Seniors who are interested in post-secondary education are given an opportunity to participate in the PROBE fairand financial-aid workshop coordinated by the guidance department. Contacts with armed services recruiters mayalso be made through the guidance office.In addition to academic and career planning, the guidance office serves as a referral system to agencies within the


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community that address health, psychological, and social needs of Emanuel County residents. Informationconcerning standardized testing is available through the guidance department. The PSAT, NMSQT, and ASVAB aregiven at Swainsboro High School each fall. The ACT is given twice a year, once in the fall and the winter. Applica-tions are available through the counselor's office.Information is also available about financial aid, scholarships, and other opportunities. The counselors also provideguidance in study skills, test-taking skills, and personal social concerns. Counselors are available to students, parentsand staff. All conferences must be arranged through the counseling department.

ADDRESS CHANGESIf a student moves during the school year, he or she must report a change of address and telephone number to theguidance secretary, Mrs. Pressey.

ADVISOR/ADVISEEAll students will be given an academic advisor to assist in developing an educational plan. This will provide thestudent with consistent encouragement and help. Parents are encouraged to visit the school to meet with their child'sadvisor. Advisement sessions will be held periodically.

CAREER CENTER

Career-development materials are available to help students understand the application of what they are learning, togive meaning to the educational process and help them make reasonable decisions during and after formal schooling.

The counselors are available to assist students in the utilization of career-center resources.

DUAL ENROLLMENT/ACCEL

Dual Enrollment is a process through which a high school student takes one or more courses from a state public orprivate postsecondary institution and receives credit at the high school and at the postsecondary institution.Additional information is available through the guidance department.Postsecondary Options (PSO) has been replaced by the Accel Program, funded by the Lottery and administered bythe Georgia Student Finance Commission; the counselors will provide further information.

GIFTED EDUCATION

We are providing gifted services to students who have been identified.

GOVERNOR'S HONORS PROGRAM

This is a summer instructional program designed to provide intellectually, gifted and artistically talented high schoolstudents challenging and enriching educational opportunities not usually available during the regular school year.Rising juniors and seniors may be nominated by their teachers in the areas of academics, fine arts, and vocationaleducation. Students are nominated based on their high interest and high aptitude in the chosen area, PSAT scores,and a commitment to participate in the program.

GRADUATION EXERCISES

Graduation exercises will be held at the end of the school year. The student who completes requirements forgraduation at the end of the first semester will receive his/her diploma at May graduation but may request a letterfrom the principal stating that he/she has met all requirements for graduation. The student may be allowedparticipate in the commencement exercise and any other senior activity; however, under no circumstances should thestudent participate in athletic, scholastic, and/or in-school competition. If he/she chooses to participate in graduationactivities, it is the student's responsibility to:

1.

Request a calendar of graduation-related events from the principal's office.2. Comply with all instructions, such as attending practice; making advance payments; ordering cap and gown,invitations, and rings; and meeting other senior responsibilities. Noncompliance may void all the rights andprivileges of the student.

Fifth- and sixth-year seniors who complete requirements for graduation at the end of the first semester mayparticipate in the commencement exercises at the discretion of the principal. Seniors must be on campus for classesthey are taking and leave campus immediately after classes. Fifth- and sixth-year seniors are allowed at thediscretion of the SHS administration.Participation in graduation exercises may be revoked by school administration for conduct which may be perceivedas disruptive to the school environment. Participation in graduation exercises are at the discretion of the


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administration. Records of discipline, attendance, and other information may be used to determine

participation in the graduation exercise.

GRADUATION POLICY

Swainsboro High School recognizes the importance of providing a comprehensive, well-balanced curriculum for allstudents. Upon completion of a chosen curriculum, students having acquired the necessary Carnegie units andhaving passed the graduation exam are eligible to receive a high school diploma. Students completing a chosencurriculum and having acquired the necessary Carnegie units but failing to have passed the required stateassessments are eligible to receive a certificate of performance rather than a diploma.Students must:

A. Comply with the attendance policy established by the Emanuel County Board of Education.B. Comply with all graduation-related instructions, including attending graduation practice; making advance

payments on graduation essentials; ordering rings, caps, gowns, and invitations; and meeting all other seniorresponsibilities.

C. Pay all debts owed to the school prior to the graduation ceremony.Noncompliance with any of the above stated responsibilities may void all graduation rights and privileges of thestudent. Students who lack units of coursework may attend school as a regular student during the next school termand upon successful completion of remaining coursework will be eligible to receive the appropriate diploma orcertificate in the graduation ceremony at the end of the school term in which course work is accomplished.

GRADUATION TEST WAIVERUnder state law, a public high school student must pass the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) inEnglish, math, science, and social studies, as well as the Georgia High School Writing Test, in order to receive a fulldiploma. However, in certain cases, a student may apply for a waiver or a variance.A waiver means the state Board of Education has decided not to apply this particular portion of state law to the

student and will exempt him or her from having to pass one or more of the high school tests. A variance means thestate Board of Education has decided to modify all or part of the high school graduation requirements.Generally, waivers are considered in hardship cases, such as when a student has a disability or has been seriously ill.A variance is considered if a student has narrowly failed a portion or portions of the GHSGT/GHSWT repeatedlybut is otherwise in good academic standing. Please note: Just because a student may qualify to apply for a waiver orvariance does not mean it will be granted. The Georgia Department of Education has created a special web page forwaivers and variances which includes an eligibility wizard and frequently asked questions. It can be found at

http://public.doe.k12.ga.us/tss_learning.aspx?PageReq=TSSLearningWaivers. For additional information, please see

your school counselor.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation Rule

1 common set of requirements for all students

28 total units required for all students

4 units of English Language Arts required for all students

4 units of Mathematics required for all students

4 units of Science required for all students

4 units of Social Studies required for all students

1 unit of Health and Physical Education

A total of 3 units required from: CTAE and/or Foreign Language and/or Fine Arts for all students

(Students planning to enter or transfer into a University System of Georgia institution or other post-secondary institution must take two units of the same foreign language. DTAE institutions (TechnicalCollege System of Georgia) do not require foreign language for admission.)

8 additional electives units for all students

Units Required for Emanuel County Schools 28
http://public.doe.k12.ga.us/tss_learning.aspx?PageReq=TSSLearningWaivershttp://public.doe.k12.ga.us/tss_learning.aspx?PageReq=TSSLearningWaivershttp://public.doe.k12.ga.us/tss_learning.aspx?PageReq=TSSLearningWaivers


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HONOR GRADUATESThe valedictorian will be the honor graduate with the highest GPA in the senior class, and the salutatorian will bethe graduate with the second highest GPA in the senior class. To be eligible for either, a student must havecompleted 16 units of coursework at Swainsboro High School. Swainsboro High School will recognize all honorgraduates. They will be identified in the graduation program, wear gold stoles, and lead the senior class in thecommencement processional.Swainsboro High School encourages qualifying students to participate in joint enrollment and post-secondaryoptions programs. Grades earned in these courses will count toward high school graduation. There will be no

rounding up of averages.

Honor Graduate Criteria

Honor graduate status is awarded to students who have a grade point average of 90 or above for course workattempted through the third nine weeks of the senior year. Honor graduates are expected to maintain high academicstandards for the remainder of the year and conduct themselves in a manner becoming an honor student.Grades earned in joint enrollment and postsecondary options programs will count toward high school graduation andwill be used in computing honor graduate status.

MOVE ON WHEN READY

Move on When Ready is an arrangement whereby an eligible student entering eleventh or twelfth grade who spentthe prior school year in attendance at a public high school in Georgia may take all of his or her courses at or throughan eligible institution (college, university or public technical college) or a virtual course approved by the State Board

of Education and receive secondary credit from his or her high school with the goal of completing graduation andhigh school diploma requirements.Students participating in the MOWR Program are eligible to participate in competitive and other extracurricularactivities in grades 9-12, following the provisions of State Board Rule 160-5-1-.18 as long as their schedule canaccommodate practices, games, etc. without interfering with their completion of postsecondary course requirements.Additional information may be obtained from the counselors.

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTSA. For 9th grade students to advance to the 10 th grade, they must earn at least 6 units with 3 units being in

academic classes.B. For 10th grade students to advance to the 11 th grade, they must earn at least 13 units with 6 units being in

academic classes.C. For 11th grade students to advance to the 12 th grade, they must earn at least 20 units with 10 units being in

academic classes.D. Grade 12th A student must earn a total of 28 units, as well as pass the Georgia High School Writing Test and

pass the other four parts of the GHSGT or exempt through passing End of Course Tests, in order to receive ahigh school diploma. (See Policy IHF) *For freshmen entering fall of 2011, passing 28 units, including allrequired courses and the Georgia High School Writing Test, will qualify the student for a high schooldiploma.

Academic classes are defined as math, language arts, science, and social studies.Individual education programs for special needs students include standards for promotion where students are notcapable of meeting the regular criteria.

SEAL OF ENDORSEMENT

High school preparation for college allows students to earn a formal seal of endorsement. The Emanuel CountyBoard of Education requires a college-preparatory program for all students for a rigorous academic experience. A

formal seal of endorsement from the Georgia Board of Education will be awarded to those students who successfullycomplete the endorsed course of study. In addition to the college-preparatory seal of endorsement, atechnology/career-prep seal is also awarded to students who successfully complete a program of study that isarticulated with a technical school.


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SENIOR CLASS RANK

One official class rank will be complied. It will be computed at the end of school and will include the seniors whohave scheduled a grading program to be completed at the end of the first and/or second semester. In case two ormore students have the same (exact) rank, order should be as follows:

Rank Name Average73 Joe Smith 82.46074 Sue Jones 82.32274 Tom Doe 82.32275 Mary Lewis 82.208

The final averages are not rounded. Joe Smith would not have a final average of 82.5.

STAR STUDENT AND TEACHER PROGRAM

Each year, the top academic senior is named the STAR student. To obtain the STAR nomination, a student musthave the highest score in one sitting on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) taken on any grade level through theNovember test date of his/her senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of his/her class based ongrade point average. Each STAR student then names a STAR teacher. The program is sponsored by the ProfessionalAssociation of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Additional information isavailable in the guidance office.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Each student is given a student information sheet to be taken home and completed by a parent/guardian. This sheetprovides contact, transportation, emergency, and medical information as well as names of individuals who areauthorized to check the student out of school. It is the responsibility of the student to keep these forms updated andaccurate throughout the school year.

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)

The Response to Intervention (RTI) is a regular education, problem-solving process at Swainsboro High School.RTI committees are established to review referrals of students who are experiencing academic and/or behavioraldifficulties. The purpose is to provide support to students, parents, and teachers with the outcome being improvedstudent performance. RTI committees may include an administrator, counselor, regular education teacher, specialeducation teacher, school social worker, parent, school psychologist, and others, as appropriate for the case underreview. Response to Intervention seeks to identify specific needs of individual students and plans alternativeinstructional strategies for children prior to or in lieu of referral for special services.

TRANSFER GRADING

A numerical (65, 85, etc.) transfer is counted, per se. A letter grade (A, B, etc.) is converted to a numerical gradeusing the grading scale shown on the transfer records. If no grading code is shown, the Emanuel County gradingscale is to be used.

DUAL ENROLLMENT GRADE CALCULATION

The value of each Carnegie unit earned is the same. A numerical grade to indicate the semester grade will be used incomputing all averages (class rank, honor grades, etc.). Seniors on joint enrollment programs at East GeorgiaCollege and Southeastern Tech, and those in the senior program at Southeastern Tech, will have these gradescounted, per se.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

If it is necessary to withdraw from school or transfer to another school, parents must ac company students. Theguidance office will handle all withdrawals. Students must return all textbooks, Netbooks and accessories, clear allfees, and return all military equipment. No recommendation or transfer of credits will be given until the necessaryform is returned. Grades and other information will be inaccessible for other schools or job recommendations unlessa student clears his record.


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CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

The SHS instructional program operates on an 18-week block semester system. The school year is divided into four9-week grading periods. The curriculum is governed by the requirements of the State Department of Education,Georgia Accrediting Commission and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. All courses carry one (1) unitof credit.

COURSE SYLLABUS

Each classroom teacher will provide students with a class syllabus. The syllabus will include a brief coursedescription and outline, grading procedures, and make-up policy.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are for the purpose of providing enrichment to the regular instructional program. However, studentshaving excessive absences and/or chronic misbehavior, as well as those who are assigned to ISS/OSS, may notparticipate. The student must have a signed permission form from each teacher to miss that teacher's class.

GEORGIA STATEWIDE STUDENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

As required by Senate Bill 328, the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) will be administered toeleventh graders. The test will assess language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and writing. Students areexpected to pass all areas in order to receive a high school diploma. Use of a calculator will be allowed.The A+ Educational Reform Act of 2000 mandates that the State Board of Education adopt end-of-course

assessments in grades nine through twelve. The End-of-Course Testing (EOCT) Program is comprised of eightcontent area assessments: Algebra I, Geometry, United States History, Economic/ Business/Free Enterprise,Biology, Physical Science, Ninth Grade Literature and Composition, and American Literature and Composition.EOCT shall be used as the final exam in courses assessed by an EOCT, and reports shall provide students, parents,and teachers with individual scores on each EOCT taken.Georgia law also requires that curriculum-based assessments be administered in grade 11 for graduation purposes.Students must pass all five parts (writing, English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies) of theGeorgia High School Graduation Test as one of the requirements for earning a high school diploma. Students havefive opportunities to take each of the tests before the end of the twelfth grade.For students who entered 9 th grade fall of 2008 through fall of 2010, a passing score on an EOCT will substitute forpassing the GHSGT in that core area. All students must pass the Writing portion of the GHSGT. For students whoenter 9th grade fall of 2011 and after, the EOCT score will count as 20% of a course grade. Students must pass allrequired courses and pass the Writing portion of the GHSGT in order to graduate.

SHS TESTING SCHEDULEEnd of Course Test (EOCT)counts 20% of final semester grade

1st SemesterDecember 520, 20132nd SemesterMay 823, 2014June 2425, 2014 (Tentative Retest)

Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT)12th gradeStudents must pass all sections to graduate or exemptby passing EOCT.

September 913, 2013 (Retest)November 48, 2013 (Retest)March 1721, 2014 (Main)July 1418, 2014 (Retest)

Georgia High School Writing Test11th grade

September 2526, 2013 (Main)February 2627, 2014 (Retest)July 16, 2014

ACCESS for English Language LearnersJanuary 21, 2014March 5, 2014

PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test)10th gradeOctober 16, 2013

ACTSeptember 21, 2013 and February 8, 2014 @ SHS


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End of Pathway Assessment (EOPA)1st Semester November 1822, 2013

December 23, 2013 (Make-ups)2nd Semester April 29May 5, 2014

May 67, 2014 (Make-ups)

GRADING

Each nine-weeks' average will be determined by grades derived from a combination of activities, includingassignments (i.e., homework, class work, reports, projects, and compositions), daily participation, notebooks,quizzes, and both unit and weekly tests. The individual teacher will determine the weight of each item.All students will be required to take a comprehensive exam at the end of each nine-week grading period.Final averages for each course are calculated using the following formula:Average of 1st and 2nd nine weeks = 80% End of Course test or Final = 20%Numerical grades will be used on report cards and permanent records.A 100-90B 89 - 80C 79 - 70F Below 70Students will receive a report card at the end of each nine-week grading period. Progress reports will be issued at themid-point of each nine-week grading period.

HONOR ROLL

Honor Roll

A student with a 90 average overall shall be recognized on the Honor Roll. There will be no rounding up to 90.

Star Honor Roll

A student with all "A's" in all courses shall be recognized on Star Honor roll.

HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

Students who will be absent from school for an extended period of time due to illness may be eligible to participatein the hospital/homebound instruction program. The guidance office should be contacted to make arrangements forthis program.

INTERNET USE

The school system has adopted a policy regarding the use of the Internet that requires parents/guardians to give theirpermission for their child(ren) to use the Internet for instructionally-related activities. Parents and students must usegood judgment in using the Internet. No student will be allowed access to the Internet unless the school has on file asigned Cyber Safety User Agreement. This agreement will be sent home by the 1st period teacher and should bereturned to the 1st period teacher. This form can be found in this handbooks Code of Conduct section. Forms willbe on file in the media center. Students who in any way misuse the computer or the Internet will lose that privilege.

NETBOOKS

In 2010, Swainsboro High School was the recipient of an ARRA eTextbook Grant which, among other items,provided the school with 950 Netbooks for student and teacher use. Netbooks will be issued as classroom sets to allcore course teachers (Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies). Additional sets of Netbooks are availablefor loan to non-core classrooms as needed.In addition, any individual student who has homework requiring use of a textbook may check out either a hard-copy

text or a Netbook from the Media Center for use at home. Netbooks checked out in this manner will be due thefollowing morning before school. Due to the limited number of remaining Netbooks, the Media Center will require ahomework slip from a teacher, indicating that text-driven homework is required for that day, before any Netbookwill be checked out to a student. Failure to return Netbooks promptly will result in disciplinary action.

TEXTBOOKS

All textbooks are the property of Emanuel County Schools and are issued to the student free of charge by the subjectteacher. Students must pay for any books damaged or not returned. Teachers will inspect all textbooks issued to theirstudents at the end of each semester or year. Fines will be assessed if the book has been damaged according to theextent of the damage. When a student loses his book, he will be assessed for that book before another is issued to


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him. Discount 15% for each year used. All books will be turned in to the principal's office.Netbooks and accessories are available to students whose parents participate in Netbook Orientation and signpermission forms allowing their student to use a Netbook.

PARENTS RIGHT-TO-KNOW LETTER

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

School administrators recognize that two-way communication through personal contacts is extremely valuable;therefore, they provide information to parents, as well as ongoing opportunities for school personnel to hear parents'concerns and comments.

Parents are encouraged to visit the school regularly and are expected to be actively involved in the behavior supportprocesses designed to promote positive choices and behavior.Georgia law mandates that any time a teacher or principal identifies a student as a chronic disciplinary problemstudent, the principal shall notify by telephone call and by mail the student's parent or guardian of the disciplinaryproblem, invite the parent or guardian to observe the student in a classroom situation, and request at least one (1)parent or guardian to attend a conference to devise a disciplinary and behavioral correction plan. Georgia law alsostates that before any chronic disciplinary problem student is permitted to return to the school from a suspension orexpulsion, the school will request at least one (1) parent or guardian to schedule and attend a conference to devise adisciplinary and behavioral correction plan. Such notification will be by telephone and by mail. The law allows theBoard of Education to petition the juvenile court to require a parent to attend a school conference. If the court finds

Advising Parents of the Right to Know Information about a Teachers Qualifications as Required by NCLB

[Section 1111(6) (A) ESEA.]

August 7, 2013

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

Your child attends Swainsboro High School (SHS) , which receives Federal Title I funds to assist students inmeeting state achievement standards. Your childs school has met these standards in Mathematics and English

Language Arts and has been removed from the Needs Improvement List.

At Swainsboro High School, we are very proud of our teachers and feel they are prepared to give your child ahigh-quality education. As a Title I school, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualificationsas defined in No Child Left Behind. These regulations allow you to learn more about your childs teachers

training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level andsubject he/she is teaching,

Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which statequalifications were waived, and

What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates andadditional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives thisassistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessionals qualifications.

Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/sheneeds to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers andparaprofessionals are highly skilled.

If you have any questions about your childs assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact me atSwainsboro High School at 478-237-2267 or email me at [email protected].

Sincerely,Denise Warnock, SHS Principal


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that the parent or guardian has willfully and unreasonably failed to attend a conference requested by the principalpursuant to the laws cited above, the court may order the parent or guardian to attend such conference, order theparent or guardian to participate in such programs or such treatment as the court deems appropriate to improve thestudent's behavior, or both. After notice and opportunity for hearing, the court may impose a fine not to exceed$500.00 on a parent or guardian who willfully disobeys an order of the court under this law.

CODE OF CONDUCT

GENERAL EXPECTATIONSThe Emanuel County Board of Education has adopted a policy which requires all schools to adopt Codes of Conductthat requires students to conduct themselves in a manner that facilitates a learning environment for themselves andother students at all items. These standards for behavior require students to respect each other and school districtemployees to obey student behavior polices adopted by the Board, and to obey student behavior rules established ateach school within the district.This schools primary goal is to educate, not to punish; however, when the behavior of an individual student comesin conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and theschool as a whole. Accordingly, students will be governed by policies, regulations, and rules set forth in thehandbook. TThe Code of Conduct is effective during the following times and in the following places:

At school or on school property at any time;

Off school grounds at any school-related activity, function or event and while traveling to and from such events;

On vehicles provided for student transportation by the school system.

Also, students by be disciplined for conduct off campus that is felonious or which may pose a threat to the schools

learning environment or the safety of students and employees. Parents are encouraged to become familiar with theCode of Conduct, to be supportive of it in their daily communications with their children and others in thecommunity, to participate in school activities such as Boosters and to be actively involved in the behavior supportprocess designed to promote positive choices and behavior.

DISCIPLINE

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTSAll schools in the Emanuel County School System will model and implement Positive Behavior Interventions and

Supports (PBIS). Students who exhibit positive behaviors of being responsible, being respectful, and being safe willbe rewarded periodically for their successes. This includes pep rallies, assemblies, programs, parties and otherrecognitions. Students with 5 or less behavior points will be recognized every 2 to 3 weeks with a PBIS recognition.

One of the most important lessons that a proper education should yield is discipline. At Swainsboro High School, webelieve that it is the shared responsibility of the home and the school to accomplish this goal. It is the training thatdevelops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. Discipline is the key to good conduct and properconsideration for other people. Good discipline is maintained by recognizing and praising good behavior and takingcorrective action when necessary.Swainsboro High School students are expected to put forth their best effort and to conduct themselves in a mannerthat will promote a safe, orderly learning environment at all times. Any behavior that causes the learning atmosphereto be disrupted or that infringes upon the rights of others in the school will not be tolerated and may subject thestudent to corrective measures. ALL actions requiring administrative disposition will be dealt with on an individual

basis. Dispositions may be increased or decreased depending upon administrative discretion. Law enforcement orother agencies may be called in at the discretion of the administration.


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The following sequence of events will alert students and parents/ guardians to the frequency and seriousness of astudents behavior:

Points

A point system is used to identify inappropriate classroom behaviors. The points range from one (1) to twenty (20),depending upon the seriousness of the offense. Points start at zero (0) each Monday and are kept on a daily andweekly basis. Each time a student acquires fifteen (15) or more teacher points or forty-five (45) school points within

a week, a behavior referral is given. This point system is also used for bus behavior.

Classroom Behavior Points Assigned

1 Chewing gum, eating, or drinking in the classroom 1 - 5

2 Unexcused tardy 3

Additional unexcused tardy (Doubles for each) 6 & 9

3 Disrespect toward another student 1 to 3

4 Threatening language or actions toward another student 5 to 10

5 Disrespect toward teacher/supervisor/authority 5 to 20

6 Littering, destroying or damaging school property or supplies; must pay restitution 3 to 20

7 Disturbing the class (Talking unless documented differently) 2 to 4

8 Drawing or displaying inappropriate signs/symbols (gang-related) 10 to 20

9 Dress Code violation (follow with specific violation) 3 (for each reminder)

10 Sleeping in class

Offense 1 Warning

Offense 2 3 (each reminder)

11 Refusing to do class work 3 to 5

12 Kicking, slamming, throwing anything 3 to 10

13 Ignoring or not following teacher instructions 3 to 5

14 Disrespectful actions when corrected 5 to 20

15 Inappropriate language (each profane word) 5

16 Cheating Zero (0) on assignment

5 to 20

17 Inappropriate use of school computers 5 to 20

18 Inappropriate physical contact (nonsexual) 5

19 Leaving class without permission 520 Horseplay (causes disruption) 5

21 Public display of affection 5 to 10

23 Possession of unauthorized items, example cameras, cards, etc.

24 Cell phone 1st offense: confiscated

for 2 school days

5

2nd offense : confiscated

for 5 school days

10

3rd offense: confiscated

for 10 school days

15

4 offense: confiscated for

remainder of year + 3

days ISS

25 Refusing to comply (cell phone) Automatic Major Offense

Behavior Referrals

When a student accumulates fifteen (15) or more teacher points or forty-five (45) school points in one (1) week,he/she receives a behavior referral. During the school day, the principal or designee will call the parent/student todiscuss the purpose(s) and consequence(s) for the behavior referral. Because all conferences with teachers andadministrators are scheduled conferences, all parents are strongly encouraged to schedule a conference when the


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principal or designee calls. Conferences can be scheduled in the morning from 7:30 a.m. until 7:50 a.m., or in theafternoon from 3:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. with an administrator or teacher. Conferences may also be scheduledduring the teachers plan time. That information may be obtained from the front office. The student will receive a

copy of all behavior referrals and it is his/her responsibility to notify the parent if the administrator cannot reach theparent. Major infractions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and may forego the teacher behavior referralprocess. Students with discipline referrals or an excessive accumulation of points may be kept from attending

certain school sponsored events such as pep rallies, assemblies, recognitions, etc.

A Col laborative Review can be held at any time.

The Fir st Behavior Referralwill result in one (1) day of in-school suspension for each fifteen (15) teacher points orforty-five (45) school points.

The Second Behavior Referr alwill result in one (1) to three (3) day(s) of in-school suspension for each fifteen (15)teacher points or forty-five (45) school points.

The Thi rd Referralwill result in one (1) to 3 (3) day(s) of in-school suspension for each fifteen (15) teacher pointsor forty-five (45) school points.

The Four th Referralwill result in one (1) day of out of school suspension for the each fifteen (15) teacher points or

forty-five (45) school points. A required parent/student/principalconference must occur before the student returnsto school.

The Fi fth Referralwill result in one (1) day of out of school suspension for each fifteen (15) teacher points or forty-five (45) school points. A required parent/student/teacher/principalconference must occur before the studentreturns to school. A student behavior contract may be completed at this conference.

The Sixth Referr alwill result in a two (2) day out of school suspension for each fifteen (15) teacher points or forty-five (45) school points. A required parent/student/principalconference must occur before the student returns toschool. A student behavior contract will be completed at this time if not already in place. It will be reviewed ifalready established.

The Seventh Referralwill result in a two (2) day out of school suspension for each fifteen (15) teacher points or

forty-five (45) school points. A required parent/student/principalconference must occur before the studentreturns to school. The student behavior contract will be reviewed.

The Eighth Referr alwill result in a three (3) day out of school suspension for each fifteen (15) teacher points orforty-five (45) school points. A required parent/student/principalconference must occur before the studentreturns to school. A chronic disruption letter will be imposed at this point.

The Ninth Referralwill result in a three (3) day out of school suspension for each fifteen (15) teacher points orforty-five (45) school points. A required parent/student/teacher/principalconference must occur before thestudent returns to school. The chronic disruption letter will be reviewed at this conference.

The Tenth Referr al wi ll result in an out of school suspension pending the outcome of the Coll aborati ve Review or

Tribunal.

BEHAVIOR WHICH RESULTS IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The degree of discipline imposed will be in accordance with the progressive discipline process unless otherwisestated.

Possession, sale, use in any amount, distribution, or being under the influence of any narcotic drug,

hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturates, marijuana, drug paraphernalia or alcoholic beverage or

other intoxicant


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Possession, distribution, attempted sale or sale of substances represented as drugs or alcohol

Sale, attempted sale, distribution, or being under the influence of a prescription or over the counter drug[Some schools will also want to prohibit the possession of such drugs, see also definition of drugs].

Possession or use of a weapon or dangerous instrument as provided for in Code Section 16-11-127.1: A studentshall not possess, use, handle, or transmit any object that reasonably can be considered a weapon. Students whopossess firearms on campus will be subject to a minimum of a one calendar year suspension and will be referred tolaw enforcement officials.

Verbal assault, including threats of violence or bodily harm and/or sexual assault or harassment, of teachers,

administrators, other school personnel, other students, or persons attending school-related functions:Immediate suspension and automatic referral to a disciplinary tribunal if a student is alleged to have committed anassault upon a teacher or other school personnel; possible referral to a disciplinary tribunal if a student is alleged tohave committed an assault upon another student or a person attending a school-related function.

Physical assault or battery, including sexual battery, of other students, or persons attending school-related

functions: possible referral to a disciplinary tribunal if a student is alleged to have committed battery upon anotherstudent or a person attending a school-related function.

Physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school personnel:Disrespectful conduct, including use of vulgar or profane language, toward teachers, administrators, other

school personnel, other students, or persons attending school-related functions

(1) Immediate suspension and automatic referral to the disciplinary tribunal if a student is alleged to have committedan act of physical violence against a teacher or other school personnel: Expulsion for the remainder of the students

eligibility to attend public schools for acts of physical violence found by a tribunal to have intentionally madephysical contact which causes physical harm to another unless such physical contact or physical harm was indefense of himself or herself, as provided in Code Section 16-3-21; or the Board may authorize the student to attendalternative school for the period of the expulsion; provided, however, that if such student is in kindergarten throughgrade six, then the Board upon the recommendation of the tribunal may permit the student to re-enroll in regularprograms for grades 9 through 12; and provided further that if the Board does not operate an alternative educationprogram for grades kindergarten through grade six, then the Board may permit the student in kindergarten throughgrade six who commits such an act to re-enroll in the public school system. The student shall be referred to juvenile

court with a request for a petition alleging delinquent behavior.

(2) Possible punishments may include expulsion, long-term suspension, or short-term suspension for students foundby a tribunal to have intentionally made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person ofanother.

Any behavior based on a students race, national origin, sex, or disability that is unwelcome, unwanted,

and/or uninvited by the recipient is prohibited, including verbal or non-verbal taunting, physical contact,

unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical contact of a sexual

nature, up to and including sexual harassment as used in connection with Title IX of the Education

Amendments of 1972.

Possession or use of tobacco in any form

Damaging or defacing personal property, including the property of another student or any person legitimately atthe school, or school property (vandalism or graffiti) during school hours or off-school hours.

Theft

Extortion or attempted extortion

Possession and/or use of fireworks or any explosive

Activating a fire alarm under false pretenses or making a bomb threat

Insubordination, disorderly conduct, disobeying school rules, regulations, or directives;

Disobeying directives given by teachers, administrators, or other school staff

Classroom and school disturbances


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Violation of school dress code

Use of profane, vulgar, or obscene words or indecent exposure

Use during instructional time of cell phone or electronic communication device, except for health or otherreasons approved by an administrator

Inappropriate public displays of affection

Gambling or possession of gambling devices

Moving and non-moving driving violationsGiving false information to school officials

Cheating on school assignments

Unexcused absence, chronic tardiness, skipping class, leaving campus without permission, failure to complywith compulsory attendance law

Bullying: Georgia law mandates that upon a finding that a student in grades 6-12 has committed the offense ofbullying for the third time in a school year, the student shall be assigned to an alternative school.

Inciting, advising, or counseling of others to engage in prohibited acts.

Willful and persistent violation of the student code of conduct.

Criminal law violations/Off-campus misconduct: A student whose conduct off campus could result in thestudent being criminally charged with a felony and which makes the students continued presence at school a

potential danger to persons or property at the school or which disrupts the educational process may be subject todisciplinary action, including in-school suspension, short-term suspension and referral to a disciplinary tribunal.

BUS DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

The following provisions shall govern student conduct and safety on all school buses:

(1) All provisions of the Student Code of Conduct apply to behavior on the school bus, including but not limited to,acts of physical violence as defined by Code Section 20-2-751.6, bullying as defined by subsection (a) of the CodeSection 20-2-751.4, physical assault or battery of other persons on the school bus verbal assault of other persons onthe school bus, disrespectful conduct toward the school bus driver or other persons on the school bus, and otherunruly behavior;

(2) A meeting of the parent or guardian of the student and appropriate school district officials must be held to form aschool bus behavior contract whenever:

A student is found to have engaged in bullying; or

A student is found to have engaged in physical assault or battery of another person on the school bus.

The school bus behavior contract shall provide for age-appropriate discipline, penalties, and restrictions for studentmisconduct on the bus. Provisions may include, but are not limited to, assigned seating, ongoing parentalinvolvement, and suspension from riding the bus.

These provisions regarding use of a bus behavior contract are not to be construed to limit the instances when othercode of conduct violations may require use of a student bus behavior contract.

(3) Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including butnot limited to cell phones; pagers; audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones; or any otherelectronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communication equipment or the school busdrivers operation of the school bus; and

(4) Students shall be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices ina manner that might interfere with the school bus drivers operation of the school bus.

Riding the bus is a privilege and students can be removed at any time for disruptive and unsatisfactory

conduct. If bus rules are broken, the student will be subject to the same disciplinary action that would be taken ifthe behavior had happened on school grounds. All pupils being transported are under the authority of the bus driverand must obey his/her requests.

All school rules, as described in the school handbook, apply to students riding the bus. The following is a list of


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general expectations for our students:

Students are prohibited from having toys, animals, glass objects, radios and electronic devices (cell phones,tape/disc players, radios, pagers, or objects that might interfere with the bus drivers operation of the bus or the

communication system) in their possession when riding the school bus.

Students are to be seated at all times while the bus is in motion! At no time should students have head, hands,arms or feet outside of the bus.

Students may talk at a level that is acceptable for the driver to be able to hear while driving.Abusive or obscene language will not be tolerated! Bus drivers are to report any student who uses profanity inconversation with other students or to a driver.

Students shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury, threaten bodily harm, or behave in such a way ascould reasonably cause physical injury to a school employee or other students!

Students shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to buses or school property. Cost of any damages will bepayable by the students and parent.

Use or possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and tobacco are forbidden. Use or possession of weapons,explosives or other object s (ball bats) which can endanger fellow passengers is forbidden.

Eating and/or drinking on buses are forbidden.

Throwing objects from the buses is forbidden.

Due to limited space, large band instruments and flag corps equipment are prohibited on the bus.

Book bags will need to be made of clear or mesh material.

Students should be at the bus stop on time, load quickly and in an orderly manner. After arriving at their stop,students are to unload in an orderly manner and move away from their bus.

Students are to behave in an orderly manner at all times while on the bus.

Students should be aware that they are being videotaped while riding the bus to promote andevaluate safety procedures and eliminate concerns.

Students are expected to obey bus rules while waiting for and riding the bus. Students who do not meet these

expectations will be referred to the appropriate school administrator.

Examples of behavior that will result in a referral to an administrator are:

Minor Offenses

not at bus stop on time

pushing others

making unnecessary noisesusing profanity

eating, drinking, or chewing gum

writing on bus or seats

tripping others

rude to driver

littering on the bus

not following directions

yelling out of a window

throwing objects on or off the bus

hanging out of a window

harassing others

out of seat, standing in aisle

use of obscene gestures

Major Offenses

spitting on others

biting others

fighting on bus

destruction of property

tobacco/alcohol/drugs


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opening emergency exits

sex acts and/or sexual touching

extortion

threatening/physical contact with driver

weapons

An administrator may follow the guidelines shown below in imposing discipline for bus violations and may alsoimpose more severe penalties at his/her discretion based upon the situation or evidence presented, such as short orlong-termed suspension from the bus.

The general guidelines for bus referrals are:Minor OffensesFirst Violation WarningSecond Violation Parent Conference RequiredThird Violation 3 Day Bus SuspensionFourth Violation 5 Day Bus SuspensionFifth Violation Bus Suspension up to remainder of the year

Major OffensesFirst Violation Parent Conferences & 3-5 days

Bus SuspensionSecond Violation 6 to 10 Day Bus SuspensionThird Violation Bus Suspension up to the

remainder of the year

If you have any questions or concerns relative to transportation, please feel free to discuss them with your driver.You may also discuss them with yourchilds principal or the transportation supervisor. We want to ensure that yourchild arrives at school and returns home safely. We need your support, cooperation and assistance.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Students have a process by which they may disagree with a teacher without creating a more difficult situation. Thefollowing steps must be used to seek a proper solution:1. The students will not challenge the authority or judgment of the teacher during the class period nor in the

company of other students.

2. The student will quietly accept the accusation, grade, assignment, or subject of disagreement.3. After class, the student may request an appointment with the teacher to discuss the matter. The request may be

made before or after school.4. During the appointed meeting, the opinion of the student may be described in a calm manner. The student will

listen carefully to the opinion of the teacher concerning the circumstance. If after this meeting, the student isstill in disagreement, he/she is encouraged to explain the conflict to a parent/guardian. If the parent/guardianfeels that the conflict is not resolved, an appointment should be arranged with the teacher. If the conflictremains unsolved, a conference with the administration should be scheduled.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS (NOTIFICATION OF)Under the laws of Georgia, any teacher, principal or other school official who has reasonable cause to believe that astudent has committed criminal acts upon school property or at any school function has a duty to make a writtenreport of that act in order that the act shall be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials. The acts which

must be reported to law enforcement officials include certain criminal offenses under Georgia law includingaggravated battery, carrying deadly weapons at public gatherings, possession/use and/or sale/ transfer of marijuanaor illegal drugs, and certain sexual offenses. In addition, terroristic threats will be reported.

QUESTIONING AND APPREHENSION BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ON SCHOOL

PREMISES

Please be advised that Georgia Law authorizes law enforcement personnel to come onto school campuses for thepurpose of both interviewing and arresting students. Although every effort will be made to contact parents prior tothe students interrogation or arrest, the school system cannot impede law enforcement personnel in theirinvestigative efforts. Further, Georgia Law provides that juveniles charged with crimes do not have a right to have


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their parents present when being questioned by law enforcement officials. Law enforcement officials will be askedto sign a release form prior to removing a child from school.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY

Delegated school officials may, according to law and board policy, have access to student lockers, automobiles, andpersonal belongings while under school personnel supervision when there is reason to suspect the welfare of\students and other personnel may be threatened or when the violations of school rules are involved. The search shallbe made in the presence of at least one witness expect in emergency situations or if illegal materials are reported toproper authorities.School lockers, desk, and other school property will be subject to inspection by school authorities at all times.Students will be advised each year that the school has reserved this right. Student searches will be conducted byschool officials without the aid of law enforcement offices except in unusual circumstances. The principal mayrequest law enforcement officials to aid in searches of lockers and vehicles when dogs are used. No search will beconducted of a student, unless on a reasonable cause that leads to suspicion that the particular student (asdistinguished from some unknown student) possess drugs, alcohol, stolen property, weapons or other dangeroussubstances, instruments, or contraband. Student pocketbooks and Bookbags are subject to searches based onreasonable cause.Reasonable Cause Defined

Reasonable cause shall exist where a particular student is:A. Observed by school officials or employees to be in possession of drugs or other improper goods or substances

referred to above.B. B. Seen to be acting strangely or in such unusual manner as to suggest the likelihood of such a possession.C. Where reliable sources report to school officials any of the matters referred to in A or B.SUSPENSION

Suspension is used as a disciplinary action to deter inappropriate student behavior including violation of schoolrules, policies, and procedures. After the commission of the offenses, after the investigation by the principal of thecircumstances surrounding the offense, and after notification to the parents/guardians the days of suspension shall bespecified by the principal/designee and such days shall begin as soon as reasonably prudent. Ordinarily, a studentwill not be suspended during a semester exam period.Every reasonable effort shall be made to notify parents when a student is suspended. Days missed under thesuspension will be counted as unexcused absences.A zero will be given in each subject in which a grade was assigned for an activity during the days of suspension and

make-up work will be permitted.Before being suspended, a student has a right to a conference with the principal or his designee where the followingtakes place: (1) the charges against the student are explained to him/her; (2) if the student denies his guilt, theevidence against the student is outlined for him/her; and (3) the student is given the opportunity to tell his/her side ofthe story.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)

Out-of-school suspensions are the result of serious or continuous violation of school behavior policies. Studentssuspended from school are counted absent for the number of days for which they are suspended. Students are notpermitted on any school campus at any time during a suspension. Students suspended from school are notallowed to attend any school or social function connected with the Emanuel County School System, whether it

is on or off campus. For example, if a student is suspended from Swainsboro High School, he/she cannot

attend football games at any school. Students may be suspended or removed from school during the school day if

behaviors are out of control, severely disruptive, or of a threatening nature. When actions warrant, a parent orguardian may be contacted and required to come to school to pick up the student or local law enforcement may becontacted to remove a student from school property. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the student may beheld by a local law enforcement agency until a parent or guardian can be reached. A re-entry conference must beheld with the principal at the end of the suspension in order for the student to continue with their normal schedule ofclasses.

Formal charges or complaints may be filed with the local law enforcement agency on any student involved indisruption, bullying, fighting, or threatening a teacher or administrator.


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IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

In school suspension is an additional alternative to suspension that maybe utilized by a school administrator.Students will not be counted absent.Students will not receive zeroes unless they fail to make up work missed in their classes. The student has aresponsibility to complete make up work missed consistent with provision for making up work outlined earlier inthis handbook. Students may not participate in or attend extracurricular activities during the school day while in in-school suspension.A student who has been assigned to In-SchoolSuspension (ISS) shall not participate in or attend any school-sponsored extra-curricular activities (on or offcampus) including extra-curricular activities requiring leaving or arriving on campus which occur from the officialbeginning of the school day until the end of the school day during which the student is assigned to ISS. The studentmay participate in activities which occur entirely outside of the official school day when the student is assigned ISS.

TRIBUNAL HEARINGS

All cases of student misconduct involving long-term home suspension or expulsion from school will be heard by afour-member committee of system-wide administrative staff. A student suspended from school and recommended toan administrative tribunal hearing will be given written notice. This notice will include charges, time, date, com-mittee members, and possible witnesses. This tribunal committee will hear all testimony from the school, witnesses,student, and parent/guardian in order to make a just determination of action to be taken. The committee may:

1. Return the student to school immediately

2. Impose a longer home-suspension period3. Expel the student from school for a specific time period: days, a semester, the remaining school year, a

calendar year or more, or place the student in the alternative schoolThe tribunal decision may be appealed to the Superintendent of Emanuel County Schools within twenty (20) days ofthe notification of the tribunal decision. The chairman of the tribunal committee will provide to all parties involvedwritten notification of action taken.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The conduct of a special education student shall be governed by the student conduct applicable to any other student.Any disciplinary action taken as a result of a special education students violation of the student conduct regulations,however, must be in accordance with state law, federal law and local practice/procedure and must be determined bythe students IEP orBehavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

NON-TRADITIONAL/ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMThe Crossroads Alternative School addresses the general educational needs of students who have been unsuccessfulin a traditional school setting. Crossroads Alternative School will serve as an alternative learning environment forstudents in grades 6-12 who have been referred to an alternative education setting. The program is a technologydriven, individualized, competency-based program designed to meet the educational needs of all students. Theprimary curriculum is Odyssey Ware. Students and parents/guardians will complete an interview as part of theintake process. All parties must agree to the structured terms of the agreement. Upon acceptance, students willattend a non-traditional school day.Graduating seniors who attend the Crossroads Alternative School due to disciplinary reasons are not allowed toparticipate in any Board of Education graduation activities. This does not include students who elect to attend bychoice.

VIOLATIONS OF STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Each classroom teacher will deal with disruptions by taking in-class disciplinary actions, by making a personaltelephone call to the parent(s) or guardian(s) when feasible, and/or by scheduling conferences with the parent(s) orguardian(s) and other school staff. Only when the action taken by the teacher or other staff is ineffective, or thestudents behavior substantially disrupts the class, should the student be referred to the principal or his/her designee.Failure to bring notebook, writing instruments, books or required materials and equipment to class is not cause fordisciplinary referrals; however, defiance of a teacher in regard to those areas is cause for disciplinary referral. Theteacher of students who consistently exhibit poor work habits should notify parents and guardians.The policy of the Emanuel County Board of Education is each school within this school district shall develop andimplement age-appropriate student codes of conduct designed to improve the student learning environment andwhich will comply with the state law and State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-15. Violations of the Student Code


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of Conduct are grouped into three classes. Before determining the classification of a violation, the principal orhis/her designee will consult with the involved student(s) and school personnel.Once the classification of the violation is determined by the principal the principal or his/her designee in his/herdiscretion, the disciplinary procedures will be implemented.NOTE: Student violations of the code of conduct outside of school time related to school activities will be subject toconsequences, and if student is transitioning schools, the consequences will follow the student to the next school.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURESWhen it is necessary to impose discipline, school administrators and teachers will follow a progressive disciplineprocess. The degree of discipline to be imposed by each school official will be in proportion to the severity of thebehavior of a particular student and will take into account the students discipline history, the age of the student andother relevant factors.

The Code of Conduct provides a systematic process of behavioral correction in which inappropriate behaviors arefollowed by consequences. Disciplinary actions are designed to teach students self-discipline and to help themsubstitute inappropriate behaviors with those that are consistent with the character traits from Georgias CharacterEducation Program.

The following disciplinary actions may be imposed for any violation of this Code of Conduct:

Warning and/or Counseling with a School Administrator or Counselor

Loss of Privileges

Time Out

Removal from Class or Activity

Notification of Parents

Parent Conference

Detention

Placement in an Alternative Education Program

Short-term Suspension (In-School or Out of School)

Referral to a Tribunal for Long-term Suspension or Expulsion

Suspension or Expulsion from the School Bus

Referral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Court Officials: Georgia law requires that certain acts of misconductbe referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials.

The School will refer any act of misconduct to law enforcement officials when school officials determine suchreferral to be necessary or appropriate.

The maximum punishments for an offense include long-term suspension or expulsion, including permanentexpulsion, but those punishments will be determined only by a disciplinary tribunal as outlined in the Board ofEducation policies.

Parents or students may elect not to contest whether a student has violated the Code of Conduct or the appropriatediscipline, and in such cases, an agreement may be negotiated which would include the parents or students waiving aright to a hearing before a disciplinary tribunal. Such an agreement and waiver must be approved also by thedisciplinary tribunal or hearing officer in accordance with local board policy.

Before a student is suspended for ten days or less, the principal or designee will inform the student of the offense forwhich the student is charged and allow the student to explain his or her behavior. If the student is suspended, thestudents parents will be notified ifpossible. School officials may involve law enforcement officials when evidencesurrounding a situation necessitates their involvement or when there is a legal requirement that an incident bereported.

School officials may search a student if there is reasonable suspicion the student is in possession of an item that isillegal or against school rules. Students vehicles brought on campus, student book bags, school lockers, desks andother school property are subject to inspection and search by school authorities at any time without further notice tostudents or parents. Students are required to cooperate if asked to open book bags, lockers or any vehicle brought on


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campus. Metal detectors and drug or weapon sniffing dogs may be utilized at school or at any school function,including activities which occur outside normal school hours or off the school campus at the discretion ofadministrators.

WEAPONS, DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS, FIREWORKS OR EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS

Federal and state laws require one calendar year of expulsion for the possession of a firearm on a school campus, ata school function, or within any school safety zone.No person shall possess, handle, carry, or have under his control any weapon or explosive compounds to includefireworks of any kind. The term weapon means and includes any pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed orintended to propel a missile of any kind; or any Dirk, Bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, or any otherknife having a blade of two or more inches; razor blades, straightedge razors, spring sticks, metal knucks, blackjack;or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in a way to allow them to swing freely,which may be known as a nunchaku, shuriken or fighting chain, throwing star or oriental dart; explosive compound;bat, club, or other bludgeon-type weapon or articles (baseball bats, hockey sticks, or other sports equipment ifpossessed by competitors for legitimate athletic purposes are not included if they are in possession of a student at atime and place which is appropriate or related to the use of these items for athletic purposes by a student) or anyweapon of like kind.Laws require that a violation of this code of conduct be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency andnotification of the District Attorney.

DISCIPLINARY OFFENSESOffenses are listed in alphabetical order.The Discipline Report Form contains Discipline Offenses and the generic responses (actions) for those offenses.This form will be sent home if your child is written up for any such offense.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Academic Dishonesty (Cheating)

Receiving or providing unauthorized assistance in classroom projects, assignments, or exams.Affection, Inappropriate Display ofTo include, but not limited to, holding hands, kissing, or embracing.Alcohol

Violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession or

consumption of intoxicating alcoholic beverages or substances represented as alcohol. Students under the influenceof alcohol may be included if it results in disciplinary action.

Arson

Unlawful and intentional damage or attempted damage to any real or personal property by fire or incendiary devices.Assault (see Battery)Assignments, Completion of

Refusal or failure to complete class or homework assignments.Attempt

Performs any act which constitutes a substantial step towards an offense.Battery: Intentionally touching or striking of another person to intentionally cause bodily harm.Breaking & EnteringBurglary

Unlawful or unauthorized forceful entry into a school building or vehicle (with or without intent to commit theft).Bullying: In accordance with Georgia law, bullying is defined as (1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on

another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or (2) Any intentional display of forcesuch as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm. An expanded definition of bullyingis provided elsewhere in this handbook.Chronic Disciplinary Problem Student: A student who exhibits a pattern of behavioral characteristics whichinterfere with the learning process of students around him or her and which are likely to recur.

Computer/Networks Trespass

Use of a school computer for anything other than instructional purposes or unauthorized use of a computer orcomputer network with the intention of deleting, obstructing, interrupting, altering, damaging, or in any way causingthe malfunction of the computer, network, program(s) or data.Disorderly Conduct


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Any act which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, substantially disrupts the orderlylearning environment, or poses a real or possible threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare of students, staff, orothers.Conduct, Outside

Any act or conduct (criminal, felonious, or other) outside of school hours or away from school hours or away fromschool which adversely affects the educational process or endangers the health, property, safety, morals, or well-being of other students, teachers, or other employees within the school system.

Conspiracy

One or more persons planning and/or plotting to commit any offense.Detention: A requirement that the student report to a specified school location and to a designated teacher or schoolofficial to make up work missed. Detention may require the students attendance before school or after school.Students are given one days warning so that arrangements for transportation can be made by the parents orguardians.Dress Code: The current dress code is explained in the student handbook.Drugs, Except Alcohol and Tobacco

Unlawful use, cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, transportation or importation of anycontrolled drug, narcotic, substance, or equipment or devices used for preparing or using drugs or narcotics; or anymedication prescribed to a student or purchased over-the-counter and not brought to the office upon arrive to school.Expulsion: Suspension of a student from a public school beyond the current school quarter or semester. Such actionmay be taken only by a disciplinary tribunal.

Extortion: Obtaining money or goods from another student by violence, threats, or misuse of authority.False StatementKnowingly and willfully furnishing a false statement after having been requested by a school official to provideinformation regarding any school related matter, including but not limited to, correctly and properly identifyingoneself.Fighting(Affray)

Mutual participation in a fight involving physical violence where there is not one main offender and an intent toharm.Firearms, Other

Firearms other than handguns, rifles, or shotguns as defined in 18 USC 921. Includes any weapon (including startedgun) which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of any explosive; the frameor receiver of any weapon described above; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any destructive device, whichincludes any explosive, incendiary, or

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