You are now a part of a very special and exciting entity – Rossville Middle School. Here you will find many varied opportunities to learn and grow, academically, athletically, and socially. You will find a group of adults on staff who are eager to help you identify, extend and accomplish your goals. We want you to be all that you can be. You will find a group of fellow students who are on the same path that you are – a path to excellence. Learning is our major focus; we want it to be yours, also. Academic and Connections Classes are perfect places to gain skills and knowledge for that focus. In addition, you will find extracurricular activities, special events, clubs and sports to add a special richness to your learning. We ask that you bring a willingness and eagerness to become involved and to contribute to our positive engaging learning environment.
We anticipate a great school year and we see you as a very important part of that experience. We want it to be a rewarding and successful year for you. If we can assist you in any way, please call on us – all staff members at Rossville Middle School. Again, welcome.
Rossville Middle School
Mission Statement
The mission of Rossville Middle School is to provide an educational environment conducive to learning and responsive to the uniqueness of the middle school learner, enabling every child to have successful experiences toward becoming responsive, productive, caring citizens and lifelong learners.
Parents are invited to visit the school, but must first check in through the main office. Students not enrolled at Rossville Middle School are not allowed on the school campus during school hours unless they have checked in at the main office. Non-students who visit with students during the school day are in violation of school rules.
Parent Involvement
Without students, schools would be unnecessary. Likewise, schools without parent involvement and support lack the energy and power to become dynamic, effective, innovative institutions. Parents can serve schools in many capacities. Tapping the resources that parents can offer is the purpose of FORMS The FORMS operates through a board of directors and committees. Parent volunteers are Welcome! Please contact Mrs. Barbara Moore, School Secretary, at 866-2446 or 866-3319 if you would like to serve on a team or volunteer your services. Our parent teams include: Athletic Boosters, Band Boosters, Chorus Boosters, Family Center, Media Center Advisory Team and School Council.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is necessary to receive the skills needed for advancement. The No Child Left Behind Act requires schools to closely monitor absences. Unexcused absences of more than five (5) days is considered excessive by the Walker County Board of Education. Extracurricular Activities: Students who are absent from school all day may not appear for any after school practice sessions or school events, unless the Principal has given special approval. A student must be in attendance at least one-half of the day to be considered present at school and eligible for extra curricular activities.
Special Programs
21 st Century Classrooms
Research has proven that learning increases when both the teacher and student are able to achieve greater interaction with each other and the materials to be learned. Rossville Middle is proud to offer 7 classrooms this fall which will use the 21 st Century Model technology. Instruction will be given using collaborative teaching through the latest technology available. The ACTIVstudio software will transform teacher computers and projectors into highly interactive instruction. As we prepare to enter our new building, our goal is to equip every classroom with this valuable teaching tool.
Wireless Classrooms
Rossville Middle had the honor of being 1 of 8 schools to participate in the state funded Georgia Wireless Classroom Project. This state funded pilot program provided Internet-based instruction and wireless laptop computers to each teacher and student. The purpose of this project was to enhance teaching and learning through the use of technology, with the specific goal of improving student performance. These computers have been a significant part of our daily academic program. Unfortunately the funding for this project has ended. We will continue to use the laptops at school as a valuable technological tool. Students will receive training in the use and care. Students will be responsible for damage resulting from neglect or misuse.
Plato Learning Lab
Students will enjoy the opportunity to work in a Plato Learning Lab. This instructional program assists learners in skill building to meet the goals of No Child Left Behind.
W.E.B –Welcome Every Body
Trained students help younger students adjust to middle
school and become successful learners.
The Renaissance Program at Rossville Middle is designed to recognize and reward students for academic achievement and excellence in conduct. The behavior management system in the classroom and campus wide has a reward component for individuals and groups. Each teacher, team, and grade level has various activities to reward students who achieve standards of behavior. Only those students who meet the announced standards can participate in the reward.
The Junior Beta Club encourages academic effort, rewards merit, and promotes good citizenship in the community. Membership is open to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who are of worthy character and maintain 90 or above semester averages in all academic and connection classes.
Immunizations: Proof of immunization is required by state law and must be on Georgia Department of Human Resources Form 3032 which may be obtained through your doctor’s office or any Georgia Health Center.
Physicals: Any student participating in sports (including cheerleaders) must have a medical examination form (obtained from Rossville Middle School) completed by a physician and on file in the school office before the student is permitted to report to practice.
Insurance: School insurance is available through the school office as “school-hours-only” or “24-hour” coverage. It will be available to those who desire the coverage.
Accidents: Students need to notify teachers immediately when injured. An accident report must be completed in order that a claim may be filed with the insurance company.
Screenings: The Walker County School System has a county-wide nurse who coordinates scoliosis screening, vision and hearing testing and other health matters as needed.
Long-term medication (longer than four weeks) may be given by school personnel provided the prescribing physician completes the school system medication permission request form (forms may be obtained from Rossville Middle School office).
Your child is required to have proper tennis shoes for P.E. The tennis shoe cannot have an open back. Clogs, slip on shoes, hiking boots, sandals or dress shoes are not allowed even if they have rubber soles. If your child is physically unable to participate in P.E., we will accept a parent note for that day. We will accept up to 5 parent notes in one grading period. Remember your child’s grade is based upon attendance and participation. If your child is under a doctor’s care and would be limited in any way in his/her participation, we will need a doctor’s note to excuse the student.
Lockers with combination locks are available for students and are located on the same floor as his/her academic classes. There is a lock rental charge. It is permissible for students to share a locker. Students should not leave money or other valuables in their gym lockers or hallway lockers. The school is not responsible for any articles lost or missing from lockers. Students are advised to not share their locker combinations with other students.
Breakfast is available from 7:15–7:40 a.m. The free/reduced policy applies to breakfast and lunch. Students are to go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast and then, directly to the auditorium or first period. Students are allowed to bring lunch from home, but are not permitted to have lunch delivered from other food establishments or to leave campus to eat lunch.Parents who wish to apply for free or reduced meals for their children may do so by completing an application for each child and returning the form(s) to the school. Refunds will not be given for vending machines.
Basic school rules apply to all after school activities including dances, athletic events, and meetings. Parents are responsible for delivering and picking up students at these events. Students not picked up at a reasonable time after the event will not be allowed to attend any more after school activities. JCDAA
Students who are absent from school all day may not appear for any after school practice sessions or school events, unless the Principal has given special approval. A student must be in attendance at least one-half of the day to be considered present at school and eligible for extra curricular activities. During the period of a suspension, students are excluded from all activities sponsored by the school or its employees, both during and after school hours. Suspensions are defined as follows:
Reporting to School Late: School hours are from 7:45-3:15. A student will be considered late to school when he or she gets to 1st period after 8:00 a.m. Students that come in before 8:15 a.m. must report directly to 1st period. All students who come in after 8:15 a.m. must report to the office. Students arriving late to school must have a written note from a parent explaining their tardiness. If the student does not bring a note, it will be considered an unexcused tardy. Detentions or other punishment may be assigned.
Reporting to Class Late: Students who are present at school, but who arrive in class late are considered tardy. The tardy is excused only if the student has a written, legitimate excuse from the office or another teacher who understands the reason for the tardy. Students are not to report to the office for a late pass. When a student is referred to the office for excessive tardies, detentions or ISS may be assigned for disciplinary action.
Leaving Campus: Students who must leave school before the end of the school day due to a doctor or dentist appointment or other valid reason should use the following procedure for signing out:
TRANSPORTATION
Bus transportation is available to those students living over 1 1/2 miles from the school. If you are unsure of the correct bus coming to your neighborhood, check with the Walker County Transportation Dept. at 375-2050.
Upon arriving at school anytime before 7:40 a.m., students are to report immediately to the cafeteria for breakfast if eating. If not eating breakfast, students report to the auditorium and wait to be dismissed. When dismissed, go directly to 1st period. When arriving after 7:40 a.m., students are to report immediately to 1st period. Breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. and ends at 7:40 a.m. Car riders and walkers must be here by 7:40 to eat breakfast.
When the bell rings in the afternoon, students must report as quickly as possible to the bus or parent pick-up area and follow the instructions of the teachers on duty.
School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. Conduct on the bus is expected to meet classroom standards. Students riding the bus must comply with the requests of the driver.
If a student needs to ride a bus other than his/her regular one, upon arrival at school the student must present a note from their parent/legal guardian to Mrs. Hasty or the parent/legal guardian can contact the school office. The form will be completed and ready for pick-up during lunch time.
Bus transportation shall be conditioned on good behavior and observance of the above rules. Drivers are authorized to enforce these rules. Pupils who violate them will be denied the privilege of bus transportation. Penalty for misbehavior is left to the discretion of the principal (depending on the circumstances). Suggested disciplinary guidelines are provided by the transportation department and are generally followed for consistency. Be courteous to fellow pupils and others riding the bus. Help us keep a safe transportation system by Good Behavior and Good Conduct.
DRESS CODE: WALKER COUNTY SCHOOLS
The Walker County Board of Education supports an educational environment for student’s which is safe, conducive to learning, and free of distractions. A student’s dress and personal appearance should reflect dignity and pride in oneself and in the school. Toward this end students, shall wear apparel which is appropriate for school and which will not interfere with the classroom or school operation. The following list provides students, parents, and school personnel with an understanding of what apparel is and is not acceptable at school. Parents are encouraged to assist the school by monitoring their child’s clothing. The following list is not all inclusive. Each school administration has the right to evaluate a students clothing to determine whether an item might be substantially likely to interfere with the function of the school. A parent/guardian or student may request in writing an exception for medical reason to this dress code. This written request, along with supporting medical documentation, shall be given to the school principal for determination of acceptance or rejection of the request.
GENERAL: Each student shall wear clothing which is the appropriate size for his/her body. All clothing shall be hemmed appropriately and shall not have rips, tears, slits, cuts, etc., which reveal areas of the body. Transparent clothing is prohibited. Clothing which is tight or clinging (e.g. spandex type material) is prohibited as outerwear. Appropriate undergarments shall be worn at all times and shall not be visible. Any type of apparel which has a reference (i.e. pictures, symbols, words, etc.) to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, obscene language, suicide, violence, vulgarity, gang symbols/affiliation, cult symbols /affiliation or ethnic, sexual, or religious disparagement is prohibited. PANTS/SLACKS/JEANS/SHORTS : All pants, slacks, and jeans shall be worn at the student’s natural waistline. Pants, slacks, shorts, and jeans shall be fastened appropriately. Baggy, oversized, or sagging pants / slacks / jeans/ shorts are prohibited. The cuff width and length shall not cover completely the student’s shoes. The length of shorts for middle school students shall be below the kneecap. Capri pants, or like garments for males or females, which extend below the knee are permitted. DRESSES/SKIRTS : The length of dresses and skirts shall not be shorter than the top of the student’s kneecap and shall not have any slits which extend above the kneecap. SHIRTS/BLOUSES/TOPS: Shirts, blouses, and tops shall cover the torso from the shoulders to the waistline and shall not extend below the beginning of the inseam or top of the thigh. Tank tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, see-through blouses, and shirts/ blouses/ tops with torn out sleeves or sides are prohibited. Sleeveless blouses may be worn provided the armpit area is well fitted. Clothing which reveals a bare midriff when the person’s arms are raised over the head are prohibited.
Prohibited at RMS: Tongue Rings, pants with writing (includes commercially printed writing), and controversial symbols on clothing or belongings.
It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place unless good order is maintained. Students must adhere to a CODE of GOOD BEHAVIOR, not only for their own benefit, but also for the benefit of others. Teachers have the authority to make their own rules of behavioral expectations pertaining to their individual classrooms. Below are expectations for behavior that are conducive to a good atmosphere for learning. Walker County publishes a uniform Code of Conduct, which is included in this Handbook.
To promote acceptable student behavior and good discipline, a uniform disciplinary system is followed. Each offense is dealt with according to the seriousness of the offense. Discipline records are kept and parents are notified as deemed necessary by the teacher or administration.
Some offenses result in automatic suspension. These are: possession of firearms or weapons, use of tobacco in any form; possession, use or transfer of drugs and/or alcoholic beverages at school or at any school-sponsored activity; and possession of pornographic or obscene literature, or fighting.
Rossville Middle School ’s policies regarding discipline procedures stem from our desire to change disruptive behavior into constructive behavior, help students achieve to their fullest capability and provide a cooperative well-ordered learning environment for all students. Discipline procedures are usually taken in steps using the least restrictive measures available, which will accomplish the desired results. The following remedial actions are among those to be used to correct inappropriate behavior:
Detentions may be assigned to students for disruptive behavior. The parent will be solely responsible for providing transportation to/from the detention. A phone call home or other notification shall be made by the teacher to the parent stating the time and date of the detention. A twenty-four hour notification shall be given.
Repeat Offenses will subject the offender to a more severe disposition. In instances involving immediate suspension as the action to be taken by school administrators, parents will be notified. School officials may involve the police and/or other law enforcement officials when evidence surrounding a situation necessitates. Parents will also be notified in those situations where a student repeatedly commits minor offenses. Listed below are some possible reasons for referrals resulting in detention, ISS, OSS, Disciplinary Tribunal, or expulsion.
It is the purpose of the Walker County Board of Education to operate schools in a manner that will provide an orderly process of education and that will ensure the safely of all students who attend the schools within the district. The Board believes that in order for classrooms to be a satisfactory learning environment the conduct of students must be wholesome, orderly, and respectful of authority. Students shall behave themselves in such a way so as to facilitate the learning environment for themselves and other students, respect each other and school district employees, and obey student behaviors policies established by the Board and by each school. In addition, students are expected to attend class regularly, be prepared for class, demonstrate courtesy toward others, dress appropriately, cooperate with school officials, respect other’s property, avoid violation of the student code of conduct and practice the traits taught in the character education curriculum (Board Policy IDAG).
The primary goal of schools is to educate students, not to punish them. When a student violates the rules of this behavior code, corrective action may be necessary in order for the student and the school as a whole to benefit. The principal is the designated leader of the school and, in concert with the school staff, is responsible for the orderly operation of the school. The principal is responsible for the rules of this behavior code and may undertake corrective measures which she/he believes to be in the best interest of the student and the school. Additionally, the principal may discipline students for conduct off campus which is felonious or which may pose a threat to the school’s learning environment or the safety of students and employees.
CODE OF CONDUCT RULES
The following code of conduct rules serve to guide the actions of principals and other appropriate district employees when disciplining students. These rules are in effect during the following times and in the following places:
A student shall not lawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device. This includes firecrackers, fireworks, and trash can fires if they are contributing factors to a damaging fire. Without a fire, firecrackers and fireworks are included under Rule 23, Weapons – Other.
A student shall not intentionally touch or strike a person against his or her will or intentionally cause bodily harm to an individual. For example, when one individual physically attacks or “beats up on” another individual. This includes an attack with a weapon or one that causes serious bodily harm to the victim. This category should be used only when the attack is very serious, enough to warrant calling the police or bringing in security, where the intent is to do bodily harm to someone.
A student shall not unlawfully enter into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime. This applies to school buildings or activities related to a school function.
A student shall not use a computer or computer network with the intention of deleting, interrupting, altering, damaging, or in any way causing the malfunction of the computer, network, program, or data.
A student shall not engage in any act which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment, or poses a threat to the health, safety, and or welfare of students, staff, or others. Administrators need to consider age and developmentally appropriate behavior before using this category.
A student shall not unlawfully use, cultivate, manufacture, distribute, sell, purchase, possess, transport, or import any controlled drug or narcotic substance, or equipment or devices used for preparing or using drugs or narcotics. This includes being under the influence of drugs or substances represented as drugs and it includes over-the-counter medications if abused by the student.
A student shall not mutually participate in a fight involving physical violence where there is not one main offender and no major injury. It does not include verbal confrontations, tussles, or other minor confrontations. Administrators need to consider age and developmentally appropriate behavior before using this category.
A student shall not commit murder or non-negligent manslaughter.
A student shall not unlawfully seize, transport, and /or detain a person against his/her will, or a minor without the consent of his/her custodial parents or legal guardians.
A student shall not unlawfully take, carry, lead, or ride away property of another person without threat, violence, or bodily harm. This includes pocket picking, purse or backpack snatching if left unattended, theft from a building, theft from a motor vehicle, theft from a coin-operated machine, and all other types of larcenies. Typically, this category should be used only when theft is serious enough to warrant calling the police or bringing in security. Administrators need to consider age and developmentally appropriate behavior before using this category.
A student shall not engage in theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. This includes theft of car, truck, motorcycle, dune buggy, RV, or anything that is self-propelled.
A student shall not take, or attempt to take, anything of value that is owned by another person or organization, under confrontational circumstances by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting a victim in fear. An essential difference between robbery and larceny is that a threat or battery is involved in a robbery.
A student shall not engage in oral, anal, or vaginal penetration, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object, or attempt forcibly and/or against the person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of temporary or permanent mental incapacity. This includes rape, fondling which includes touching of private body parts of another person (either through human contact or using an object), indecent liberties, child molestation, and sodomy. This rule should be used only when the incident is severe enough to warrant calling in law enforcement.
A student shall not engage in deliberate, repeated, and unsolicited physical actions, gestures, or verbal or written comments of a sexual nature, when such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with a student’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment. Examples include behaviors such as leering, pinching, grabbing, suggestive comments or jokes, or pressure to engage in sexual activity.
A student shall not engage in sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or other unlawful behavior or contact intended to result in sexual gratification without force or threat of force and where the victim is capable of giving consent. This includes indecent exposure and obscenity. Examples include entering or downloading pornographic content onto school computers. Administrators need to consider the age and developmentally appropriate behavior before using this category.
A student shall not unlawfully place another person in fear of bodily harm through verbal threats without displaying a weapon or subjecting the person to actual physical attack. Administrators need to consider age and developmentally appropriate behavior before using this category.
A student shall not possess, use, distribute, or sell tobacco products on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and on transportation to or from school.
A student shall not enter or remain on a public school campus or School Board facility without authorization or invitation and with not lawful purpose of entry. This includes students under suspension or expulsion, and unauthorized persons who enter or remain on a campus after being directed to leave.
A student shall not willfully and/or maliciously destroy, damage, or deface public or private property, real or personal, without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it. Examples include graffiti, destroying school computer records, carving in desktops, or spray painting on walls.
A student shall not possess any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; and destructive device; any machine gun. A destructive device is any bomb, grenade, mine, rocker, missile, pipe bomb, or similar device containing some type of explosive that is capable of causing bodily harm or property damage. This includes firearms of any kind, loaded or unloaded, operable or inoperable.
A student shall not possess, use, or intend to use any type of knife, including a pocket or pen knife.
A student shall not possess, use, or intend to use any instrument or object which could inflict harm on another person, or intimidate any person. This includes chains, pipes, razor blades, ice picks, dirks, nunchakus, brass knuckles, Chinese stars, billy clubs, tear gas guns, electrical weapons, or devices, explosives, fireworks, mace or propellants.
A student shall not engage in any type of public display of affection which is deemed disruptive to the school program.
A student shall not engage in any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so, or in any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.
A student shall not cheat or assist others in cheating on tests, homework, or other assignments.
A student shall not continuously and intentionally make noise or act in any other manner so as to interfere with the teacher’s ability to conduct his/her class.
A student shall not fail to comply with reasonable directions or commands of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, principals, school bus drivers, or other authorized Board personnel.
A student shall not engage in disrespectful conduct toward any employee of the Walker County Board of Education, any other student, or any person attending a school related function.
A student shall not 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 of obstruction of any such lawful mission, process or function.
A student shall not violate the Dress Code adopted by the Board. A student shall not dress, groom, or wear or use emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols where the effect thereof is to direct unreasonably the attention of other students or otherwise to cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school. The principal or other duly authorized Board personnel shall determine whether any particular mode of dress, apparel, grooming or use of emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols results in such interference or disruption as to violate this rule.
A student shall not have in his/her possession any type of electronic communication device, such as pagers or cellular telephones, unless authorized by the Walker County Board of Education (refer to Policy JCDAF).
A student shall not fail or refuse to do assignments as directed by any Board employee.
A student shall not forge the signatures of parents or school system personnel.
A student shall not participate in any type of gambling activity.
A student shall not refuse to obey or engage willfully in repeated attempts to violate the rules of the classroom, school or Board.
A student shall not use mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices in a manner that interferes with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.
A student shall not use words or gestures, engage in activities, or possess materials which are profane, vulgar, or obscene.
A student shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury or behave in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person at any time or any place.
A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to private property or to property of the Board.
A student shall not steal or attempt to steal private property or property of the Board.
A student shall not be absent from school or from any class or other required school function during required school hours except for illness or other providential cause, except with written permission of the teacher, principal, or other duly authorized Board personnel nor shall any student encourage, urge or counsel other students to violate this rule.
A student shall not be tardy to school or to any class or other required school function, except with written permission of the teacher, principal, or other duly authorized Board personnel nor shall any student encourage, urge, or counsel other students to violate this rule.
A student shall not engage in any behavior of a terroristic nature, such as bomb threats.
A student shall not engage or attempt to engage in a computer related crime as defined in the ‘Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 16-9-90) including, but not limited to, computer invasion of privacy, computer forgery, computer password disclosure, or the transmission of misleading data through a computer or telephone network.
A student shall not violate or attempt to violate the Internet Acceptable Use Policy of the Walker County Board of Education (IFBGA).
A student shall not be in any area of the school campus without the permission of the teacher, principal, or other duly authorized Board personnel.
A student shall not fail to pay all monies owned to the school.
A student shall not fail to serve all detentions assigned by the teacher, assistant principal, or principal.
A student shall not assault verbally or in writing any person or attempt to cause psychological injury by any means to any person.
A student shall not continuously and intentionally behave in any manner as to interfere with the bus driver’s ability to drive the bus safely.
A student shall not engage or attempt to engage in verbal or physical conflicts, such as calling other students inappropriate names or pushing/shoving other students.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Violation of the Code of Conduct or school rules or any other act of misconduct or insubordination on the part of a student may result in disciplinary action. Teachers and principals have the opportunity to take customary and reasonable measures to maintain proper control and discipline among students placed under their care and supervision. This Behavior Code allows a process of behavioral correction in which inappropriate behaviors are followed by consequences. Disciplinary actions are designed to teach students self-discipline and to help them learn appropriate behaviors and the character traits from the Character Curriculum. Such discipline measures shall not include reduction of grades or loss of credit previously earned by the students.
When it is necessary to discipline a student school administrators and teachers shall adhere to a progressive discipline process. The degree of discipline to be imposed by each administrator or teacher shall be in proportion to the severity of the inappropriate behavior of the student and will take into account the student’s discipline history, the age of the student, and other relevant factors. The least extreme disciplinary measure which will produce the desired effect shall be used. The following disciplinary actions may be imposed for a violation of the Code of Conduct rules:
The Walker County Board of Education believes that it is preferable to reassign disruptive students to isolated, individually oriented in-school suspension programs or alternative educational settings rather than to suspend or expel such students from school.
Students in grades 6 through 12 who have violated Rule 26-Bullying of this Policy JCDA for the third time in a school year shall be assigned to the Alternative Education Center. If a student in grades 6 through 12 violates Rule 26-Bullying or engages in physical assault or battery of another person on the school bus, the parent or guardian of the student shall meet with a school administrator for the purpose of forming an age appropriate school bus behavior contract for the student.
Any student who is found by a discipline tribunal or the Board of Education to have committed any act of physical violence, as defined in O.C.G.A.20-2-751.6, against an employee of the Walker County Board of Education is subject to the penalties described in Georgia Code Section 20-2-751.6 and shall, at its discretion, either be expelled from Walker County Schools for the remainder of the student’s eligibility to attend public school or permitted to attend an alternative education program for the length of the expulsion as determined by the discipline tribunal or the Board of Education.
Nothing in this policy shall 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.
CHRONIC DISCIPLINARY PROBLEM STUDENT
A chronic disciplinary problem student is one who exhibits a pattern of behavioral characteristics which interfere with the learning process of students around him/her and which are likely to recur. Any time a teacher or principal identifies a student as a chronic disciplinary problem student the principal shall notify the parent or guardian of the disciplinary problem by telephone call or by mail (certified or first class), invite the parent or guardian to observe the student in a classroom situation, and request that at least one parent or guardian attend a conference to devise a disciplinary and behavior correction plan.
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 or by mail (certified or first class) at least one parent or guardian to attend a conference with the principal or his/her designee to devise a 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.
RULES for REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS STUDENTS
A student who has been charged with the unlawful distribution of narcotics or other such serious violation of the criminal law may be removed from the school by the principal upon the approval of the Superintendent when it is necessary to protect other students or avoid substantial disruption to school operations. The school must be able to show that the continued presence of the student endangers other students or would substantially disrupt school operations.
COMMENT: Unlike the Code of Conduct Rules for serious student misconduct, this provision is not designed for punishment, but is solely to protect other students in circumstances where such protection is clearly necessary. Thus, the removal of dangerous students is a separate part of the code. This section is intended to deal with the problem of the student who has been charged with a serious violation of the criminal law, such as unlawfully selling narcotics or other serious felony, and immediate return to the school either would pose a substantial threat to other students or would probably cause substantial disruption to school operations because of the fear or intimidation that such presence creates for other students or teachers. Such situations will be rare, and the burden is placed on the school to demonstrate that the student’s continued presence endangers other students.
TEACHER REPORTING REQUIREMENT
A teacher shall have the authority, consistent with board policy, to manage his/her classroom, discipline students, and refer students to the principal or designee in order to maintain discipline in the classroom. Any teacher who has knowledge that a student has exhibited behavior which violates the Student Behavior Code and repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in his/her class or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn shall file a report of such behavior with the principal or the principal’s designee. Thereafter, the principal and teacher shall follow the procedures set forth in Georgia law, O.C.G.A.20-2-737 & 738.
BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PROCESS
The behavior support process is a mechanism for addressing the behaviors and influences which may need to be changed in order to promote positive emotional, mental, social, and physical health needs of students. The Walker County Board of Education provides a variety of resources to help address student behavior problems. These resources, which are available at every school within the District, shall be utilized to help students eliminate unacceptable behaviors and learn appropriate behaviors and desired character traits. These resources include teachers, guidance counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, school nurses, student support teams, chronic disciplinary problem student plans, parent involvement program, special education services, referral to the Department of Family and Children’s Services, referral to Lookout Mountain Community Services, referral to the Health Department, Juvenile Court, and any other resource or agency which can assist the student.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
This Student Behavior Code is based on the expectation that parents, guardians, teachers and school administrators will work together to improve and enhance student behavior and academic performance. Furthermore, it is expected that these individuals will communicate their concerns about, and actions in response to, student behavior that detracts from the learning environment. School personnel recognize that two-way communication is extremely important in order to improve the schools. Therefore, they provide information to parents as well as on-going opportunities for school personnel to hear parents’ concerns and comments.
This Student Behavior Code specifies that school staff members may request that a parent or guardian come to the school for a conference. Parents are encouraged to visit schools regularly and are expected to be actively involved in the behavior support process designed to promote positive behaviors and character traits.
The Walker County Board of Education shall involve parents in the development and updating of the Student Behavior Code according to the provisions in Policy BD (Board Policy Development). Each school shall involve parents in developing and updating the local school student behavior code. Each school’s behavior code shall comply with Board Policy JCDA. Board Policy JCDA, Student Behavior Code, and each school’s local behavior code shall be distributed to each student and the student’s parent or guardian during the first week of school and upon enrollment of each new student. The parent or guardian shall be requested to sign an acknowledgment of the receipt of the Behavior Codes and return promptly the acknowledgment to the school. The Student Behavior Code shall be available in each school office and each classroom.
ADOPTED: 8/14/72
REVISED: 11/12/73; 3/17/75; 11/17/75
1/19/76 ; 6/20/77; 9/21/78
9/20/82 ; 12/13/93; 7/14/97
8/18/97 ; 2/16/98; 7/12/99
6/19/00 ; 8/19/02; 8/18/03
ATTENDANCE PROTOCOL
The Georgia Department of Education defines any child under the age of 16 years as truant who during the school calendar year has more than five (5) days of unexcused absences. Students with unlawful absences will not be permitted to make up work for credit unless extenuating circumstances exist, as determined by the principal. Out of school suspensions shall count as unlawful absences. Georgia Compulsory Attendance Laws identify truancy as a Code of Conduct violation. Walker County Schools may utilize several strategies to improve student attendance. These include teacher/administrative phone calls to the home, required administrative conferences, loss of credit, student probation, referral to school social worker, referral to Walker County Truancy Treatment Team, the Department of Family and Children’s Services, Magistrate and/or Superior Court of Walker County or Walker County Department of Juvenile Justice, or possible suspension. In accordance with Georgia law, additional consequences for students may include possible dispositions for unruly children, in accordance with O.C.G.A. 15-11-67, including the possible denial or suspension of a driver’s license for a child. No student is to leave school without following proper checkout procedures. Leaving campus without following those procedures is a serious offense and any student guilty of this is subject to suspension. No student shall encourage, urge, or counsel other students to violate this policy.
Before admission to class upon returning to school following an absence, a student must bring a written note (even if a phone call has been made) from a parent, guardian, physician or legal authority. These notes must be dated and give the date of the absence, state the reason for the absences and have the parent’s/guardian’s signature. Excuses not received within three (3) days of the student’s return to school will not be accepted and the absence will be counted as an unlawful absences. Excused absences are those that occur because of:
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
It is the policy of the Walker County Board of Education to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to race, sex, age, religion, national origin, handicapping condition, or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. This includes but is not limited to, admissions, educational services, financial aid, and employment.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are planned to enhance our curriculum. Parents are encouraged to support participation. Trips are carefully planned by the teachers and approved by the administration and Board of Education. Permission forms must be signed by a parent or legal guardian before a child will be permitted to go on a field trip. Students not participating are required to attend school that day unless he/she is ill. The student not attending the field trip will be assigned to another classroom teacher for regular instruction. Walker County provides for teacher discretion in allowing students the privilege of attending field trips based upon the child’s demonstrated ability to daily follow the required Code of Conduct and all safety procedures.
GENDER EQUITY
State law prohibits discrimination based on gender in athletic programs of local school systems (Equity in Sports Act 20-2-315). Students are hereby notified that the Walker County School System does not discriminate on the basis of gender in its athletic programs. Inquiries or complaints concerning sports equity in this school system may be submitted to the Sports Equity Coordinator. The Sports Equity Coordinator for this school system is:
Craig Davoules
P.O.Box 29
LaFayette , GA 30728
(706) 638-7954
.
MOMENT of SILENCE
In each public school classroom, the teacher in charge shall at the opening of school upon every school day, conduct a brief period of quiet reflection, for not more than 60 seconds with the participation of all pupils therein assembled. Georgia General Assembly: 7/1/1994
NOTICE to PARENTS/GUARDIANS and ELIGIBLE STUDENT OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS and PRIVACY ACT
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and eligible students the right to:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act also requires that the Walker County School District, with certain exceptions, obtain a patent’s, or eligible student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the child’s education records. However, Walker County School District may disclose appropriately designated ‘directory information’ without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Walker County School District to include this type of information from the child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEA’s) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories-names, addresses and telephone listings-unless parents have advised the District that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want the Walker County School District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without you prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing within two (2) weeks of enrollment.
The Walker County School District has designated the following information as directory information:
SAFE and DRUG FREE SCHOOLS NEEDS ASSESSMENT PARENTAL NOTIFICATION
In order to provide the best drug and violence prevention activities for your child and in accordance with the guidelines for the NO Child Left Behind Legislation, your child may be asked to complete surveys that pertain to student involvement in attitudes toward substance abuse and violent situations (i.e. PRIDE, Life Skills or locally developed surveys.) These surveys are completely confidential and may be administered throughout the school year. Confidential survey information will be shared with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, a United Way agency which is assisting Walker County Schools with the evaluation of the Life Skills Training program. Only group information (no individual information) will be reported by The Council to Walker County Schools.
The date collected will be used to identify critical areas of need and help us:
If you do not wish your child to participate or if you have any questions, please contact the school.
Students in possession of or using tobacco products is prohibited:
Parents notified immediately and the student removed from school. The student shall be suspended for (3) days. The student and parents shall have a readmission conference with the school principal.
Parents notified immediately and the student removed from school. The student shall be suspended for (3) days. The student and parents shall have a readmission conference with the school principal.
Parents notified immediately and the student removed from school. The student shall be suspended for (5) days. The student shall be recommended to the Board of Education. JCDAB
Walker County Board of Education
December 17, 1990 .. Revised June 17, 1996
Providing drug-free schools and a drug-free educational environment for all students is a major priority of the Walker County Board of Education. Parents and police will be notified immediately of the use, possession, sale or distribution of illicit drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Consequences will follow per Walker County Board Policy.
Parents and police will be notified immediately. Student will have counseling, suspended for (10) days and may be expelled. A readmission conference with the school principal will be held.
Parents and police will be notified immediately. Student will have counseling; suspended for (10) days and expulsion for the remainder of the school year will be recommended to the Board of Education.
DRUGS: SELLING or DISTRIBUTING
Parents and police will be notified immediately. Student will have counseling, suspended for (10) days and expulsion for the remainder of the school year will be recommended to the Board of Education.
SEARCH and SEIZURE
The Principal or an authorized representative has the authority to conduct an inspection of your locker or articles carried on your person (this includes book bags) based on a reasonable suspicion of the presence of items that violate the law or school rules.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
All students have the right to study in an environment free from all forms of discrimination and conduct which can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment. The school’s position is that sexual harassment is a form is misconduct that undermines the integrity of the student. No student-either male or female-should be subject to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct-either verbal or physical. Sexual harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that debilitates morale, and that, therefore, interferes with work effectiveness. Such behavior may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.
STUDENT HARASSMENT
It is the policy of the Walker County Board of Education to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee of the Walker county Board of Education to harass a student. It shall also be a violation of this policy for students to harass other students. Any violation of this policy should b e reported immediately to the principal or assistant principal.
STUDENT TRANSFERRING WHILE UNDER DISCIPLINE ORDER: House Bill 145 (20-2-751.1)
A local board of education which has a student who attempts to enroll or who is enrolled in any school in its school system during the time in which that student is subject to a disciplinary order (short or long term suspension or expulsion) of any other school system is authorized to refuse to enroll or subject that student to short or long term suspension or expulsion for any time remaining in that other school system’s disciplinary order upon receiving a certified copy of such order if the offense which led to such suspension or expulsion could be imposed in the enrolling school.
A local school system may request another school system whether any disciplinary order has been imposed by the other system upon a student who is seeking to enroll or is enrolled in the requesting system. If such an order has been imposed and is still in effect for such student, the requesting system shall so inform the requesting system and shall provide a certified copy of the order to the requesting system. Effective date: July 1, 1995.
TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS
The Walker County Board of Education furnishes textbooks to all students. The care of books is the responsibility of each student. Some reasonable user damage is expected in daily use. Unreasonable or intentional damage to textbooks and library books will result in fines and damage fees. Lost textbooks or library books must be paid for and replaced. Fines for damaged or lost books are based on the current replacement cost.