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CLINCH COUNTY 2008-2009 Clinch County Elementary School Principal: Dr. Randy A. Jones 575 Woodlake Drive Homerville, Georgia 31634 Assistant Principal: Ms. Charlye Morehead 912-487-5385 FAX 912-487-1732 Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Georgia Accrediting Commission, Inc. The faculty and staff of Clinch County Elementary School welcome you to our school family. We will strive to provide our students an education that is both interesting and stimulating. We ask parents for your support, and we ask that you become an active participant in your child’s education. The policies and procedures contained in this student handbook are the result of a cooperative effort between parents, faculty, and administration. We ask that you and your child study this handbook together and become familiar with its contents so his/her experience at Clinch County Elementary School will be happy and productive. SCHOOL PLEDGE I pledge to be in charge of my own behavior, to attend school regularly, and to be on time for all my classes. I will respect myself, others, and my environment. I will be responsible for my own learning. By doing these things, I will help make my school and community a better place to work and live. COVENANT The teachers, staff, and administrators of the school promise to help our students attain the skills necessary to become good citizens and responsible members of our community. We collectively believe that we can best do this when: (1) teachers, staff, and administrators work together to provide a safe, clean, and orderly school environment (2) we communicate freely and are encouraged to provide input in the decision-making process (3) lessons are connected, as often as possible, to our community, state, and the world as a whole (4) teachers are well prepared and knowledgeable in their subject matter (5) students are encouraged to develop communication skills through questioning and discussion within the classroom (6) students are given opportunities to be creative (7) all staff, and especially teachers, embodies most or all of these traits: enthusiasm for students, school, and subject matter; genuine love and concern for students; a good sense of humor; patience; and respect for self, others, and our environment. In order for students to attain the goals of good citizenship and to become responsible members of society, students are accountable for: (1) their own behavior, regular school attendance, and prompt arrival in the classroom (2) respecting themselves, adults, classmates, and our environment (3) being active participants in their own learning By working to put these objectives into the daily life of the school, we believe we will remain true to our original promise. MISSION STATEMENT Our mission at Clinch County Elementary School is to provide optimal learning experiences for each student and to teach, model, and encourage exemplary character and good citizenship skills. This will enable our students to become positive contributors to today’s society. CCES = C3 · Curriculum · Character · Contributor THE SCHOOL DAY Our building is open for students from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. If your student is on campus before or after that time, there is no adult supervision. Regular breakfast hours are 7:30-7:55 a.m. every morning. The first bell will ring at 7:55 a.m.; the tardy bell will ring at 8:00 a.m. Any student who is not in his/her classroom by 8:00 a.m. is tardy. It is most important that students arrive at school on time. When students arrive after teachers begin the day, it causes an interruption of classroom instruction; instructional time at Clinch County Elementary is valued. Dismissal is at 2:55 p.m. for all students. The building will be closed to students at 3:30 p.m. At NO time after 3:30 p.m. should a student remain in the building or on campus unless they are under a teacher’s supervision in after-school tutoring. CHANGING THE WAY STUDENTS GO HOMEStudents feel safe and confident when they go home the same way every day. It if becomes NECESSARY to change the way your child goes home, you must sent a written note or call the school before 2:15 p.m. It is very difficult to deliver messages received after 2:15 p.m. EARLY CHECK OUTA request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of the dismissal. When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside school hours. Students are responsible for classes they miss. A student will be released only to the parent unless the parent notifies the receptionist that he/she has granted permission for someone else to pick up his/her child. All students will be checked out at the front desk. Your child will be called over the intercom to come to the front desk. Parents will sign the student out at the front desk and will wait for the student in the front lobby. It is not acceptable for a parent to wait outside the classroom door for his/her student. Teachers will not dismiss a student unless they are notified by the front office. At the school system’s discretion, students establishing a pattern of early checkouts may be referred to the Principal’s designee for disciplinary or other appropriate action. VISITORSVisitors are welcome at Clinch County Elementary School. All visitors are required to come by the office upon entering the school building. House Bill 161 requires that immediately upon entering the campus, “any person who is not a student at such school, an employee of the school or school system, a school board member, an approved volunteer following the established guidelines of the school or a person who has been invited to or otherwise authorized to be at the school by a principal, teacher, counselor, or other authorized employee of the school shall check-in at the designated location as stated on posted signs and provide a reason for his or her presence at the school immediately upon entering the campus.” There is a sign-in log on the counter. Once the visitor has signed in, the office staff issues him/her a badge. For the safety of our students, we request that visitors wear the badge while they are in the building. This assures us that visitors have been to the office and checked in with our office staff. We respectfully request appropriate supervision of small children visiting the building to prevent disruption in the instruction of our students. Parents are urged to visit the school for conferences and planned activities. COUNSELING SERVICESThe purpose of the guidance program at Clinch County Elementary School is to help each individual student achieve his/her highest growth mentally, emotionally, and socially. The counselor welcomes the opportunity to meet with students to help resolve their problems and concerns. Students may be referred to the counselor in one of the following ways 1. Self-referral – any student who wishes to meet with the counselor t o discuss a social, academic, or other concern may do so by placing a request in the counselor’s box. “Appointment Request Forms” which are available from classroom teachers may be used to make an appointment. The student may write a note to the counselor, or the student may come by the counselor’s office to make an appointment. 2. Teacher referral- a teacher may refer a student for counseling by placing a “Referral for Counseling/ Evaluation” in the counselor’s box, or the teacher may meet with the counselor to discuss a problem which he/she has encountered with the student in order to make a referral. 3. Parent referral- a parent may request that the counselor meet with his/her child to help with a particular concern. The counselor works with students on an individual basis, in small groups with students who have a common concern or need, and in classroom guidance activities which have been developed to meet assessed needs. The counselor aids students, parents, and staff in the interpretation of test results. ATTENDANCEAll students of school age (through the age of 16) are required by Georgia Law to attend school on the opening date and be in regular attendance thereafter. Success in school greatly depends on the student’s attendance on a daily basis. School personnel will work with parents whose children are sick or miss school for other legal reasons. Please make every effort to send your child to school each day. Student absences as a result of personal illness or death in the immediate family, special and recognized religious holidays observed by their faith, and absences mandated by order of governmental agency or conditions rendering school attendance impossible or hazardous to the safety of the student are considered legal absences. ATTENDANCE POLICY1. Parents of students in Grades 4-7 will be called and notified by letter during the school year when the student meets 5 days of absence. 2. Parents of students in grades 4-7 shall be notified when a student meets 10 days of absence. This letter will schedule a school-site conference. Any student whose parent does not attend the conference will be referred to the School Social Worker, who will make a home visit. 3. On the 12th absence another letter will be sent warning of the loss of credit and possible retention in the grade for the next school year. A second on-school-site conference will be scheduled at this time. 4. When a student incurs five (5) unexcused absences, the school will report the absences to the school social worker. The social worker then makes contact with the family and places the family on notice of the child’s absences and of the provisions of Georgia’s compulsory attendance law. Two (2) reasonable attempts will be made by the school to notify parents/guardians, in writing, of attendance to date (absences, tardies, and early check-outs), compulsory attendance law, and potential consequences and penalties for failure to comply. Students age 10 and over will receive a copy of the notice and provide a signature of receipt. 5. At a total of seven (7) unexcused absences after initial contact by the social worker, the social worker refers the case to the District Attorney’s Office. The ADA will generally schedule a conference with the family and attempt to contract with the child and parent to improve attendance. Upon notification of continued non-attendance, the ADA will proceed with the prosecution of alleged violations of O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1, relating to mandatory school attendance in Clinch County Juvenile Court in the event it is determined the child is willfully not attending school. In the event it is determined the parent/guardian is not fulfilling their responsibility to send the child to school, the School Resource Officer will be contacted by the School Social Worker and a warrant will be obtained for the parent/guardian for violation of Georgia’s Compulsory School Attendance law. 6. Students should bring their written excuses to the attendance office within 3 days of their return to school. For all absences beyond 10 days and for absences of three or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note is required. NOTE: Failure to do so will result in the absence being unexcused. These excuses will be filed as documentation for absences should an appeal be necessary. The Attendance Appeals Committee will strictly adhere to this policy. 7. Students in Grades 4-7 who are absent 15 days or more per school year shall be notified in writing of the loss of credit and/or grade retention. A copy of the appeals process shall be attached to the notice. 8. Each student is required to receive only one warning letter and conference regardless of the number of violations per class. Each student is required to receive one letter notifying the parent of loss of credit. All other attendance in other subjects shall be included in each letter and discussed at each conference. Schools may exceed the minimum required notifications and conferences. 9. No student who has passing grades shall lose credit or receive a failing grade for excessive absences unless a parent conference has occurred at school. The exception would be a documented major effort by the school to set up a conference and the School Social Worker has visited the home to inform the parent of the projected failure at least once. The School Social Worker’s efforts include leaving a note explaining the school attendance problem.
A complete copy of the Clinch County Student Attendance Protocol is located in the office of the Principal and in the media center. ATTENDANCE APPEALSIf a student meets all Board approved promotion criteria and exceeds the maximum allowed absences from school due to hardship and/or extenuating circumstances, the following appeals process is established: (1) A parent shall request, in writing, an appeal that contains all reasons for requesting the appeal. This appeal shall be made to the principal within five (5) school days after notification of the maximum allowed absences (14). A school day is defined as a day when students are present at the school and excludes holidays, weekends, and in-service days. (2) The principal shall appoint an appeals committee comprised of three people. (3) The committee shall hear the appeal and rule within five (5) days and notify the parent in writing of the decision and reasons. Accurate minutes of the meetings shall be maintained. (4) The parent/guardian can appeal the decision by the committee to the superintendent within five (5) days of the ruling. The superintendent will rule in five (5) days. * (5) If the parent/guardian or principal is dissatisfied with the superintendent’s decision, an appeal can be made to the Board of Education. The Board will hear the appeal at a regular work session, regular meeting, or called meeting at their discretion. (6) The ruling by the local Board shall be final. *The school for any appeal shall provide the following documentation to the superintendent: (1) Student’s name, address, age, grade, and parent’s name. (2) Student’s numerical grades in all subjects, number of credits earned, and number of credits lost due to attendance. (3) Student’s disciplinary information, notice of suspensions, and/or related information. (4) Date of all absences (to include notation of “unexcused” or “excused”). (5) Copies of all written excuses on file at school. (6) Copies of all attendance letters. (7) Copies of all School Social Worker’s referrals and reports. (8) Chronological order of all activities by the school that attempted to correct the student’s truancy (phone logs, parent conferences, and related information). (9) Written minutes summarizing the School Appeals Committee finding and the reasons supporting this finding. (10) Any other information the principal feels relevant to the appeal. TARDINESSThe bell to begin the school day, and the first instructional period of the day, rings at 7:55. Any student arriving at school after 8:00 a.m. is tardy and should report to the office before going to the classroom. The child who is tardy for school loses valuable instructional time, begins the day trying to “catch-up’ with the class and the teacher, and causes an undesirable disruption in the classroom. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOLA note should be sent to the office several days before withdrawal. The note should state the child’s last day in school, new address, and new school the child will be attending. This note will allow the office time to prepare all forms so your child’s records can be sent to the proper place. Please make sure all textbooks and library books are returned to school before your child withdraws as this process cannot be completed until all books and charges are cleared. Your child will take a copy of withdrawal papers to his/her new school. All records will be forwarded at upon notification of enrollment from the new school. DISMISSAL/TRAFFIC CONTROLIn an effort to make dismissal a smooth, quick-flowing process, students will be dismissed to specified areas according to the way they go home. All students who are picked up or walk home will be dismissed to the front of the building. 1. No cars will be allowed in the bus zone. This area is reserved for buses while loading and unloading. 2. To keep the car pick-up line moving, we request that you stay in your car. SCHOOL INSURANCESchool insurance is available to all students. An information packet will be given to each student on the first day of classes. Purchase of the program is optional, but those students who participate in Clinch County Elementary Schools athletics must be insured. MEDIA CENTERThe media center will be open for the use of students each school day from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may come to the media center at any time with a pass/note form their teacher. Students using the media center during lunch and at break must have a pass from their classroom teacher. Students in grades 4-7 will be charged a fine of $.05 for each school day a book is overdue. SCHOOL FOOD SERVICEWe welcome your child to the School Nutrition Program in the Clinch County School System. The food service program is a self-sufficient program that operates from monies received through payments for meals and reimbursements form federal and state programs. Nutritious breakfasts and lunches may be bought in all Clinch County Schools. Free and reduced meals are available to children from families qualifying under federal government regulations. Applications are available at each school office and are sent home to every family at the beginning of the school year. Menus are planned to offer foods that are attractive and appetizing to children and at the same time, meet the nutritional requirements set by strict state and federal regulations. Breakfast Lunch Regular $0.75 $1.25 Reduced $0.30 $0.40 Adult $1.25 $2.50
Money will be accepted for extra milk on a daily basis at the rate of $0.35 per carton. Students may also purchase extra juice for $0.35 during lunch. Students are not allowed to charge extra milk or juice. * No food or drink may be taken from the lunchroom. * All students are required to eat in the lunchroom whether they bring their lunches or purchase lunch. * Glass containers, for food or drink, are not allowed. Canned drinks are not allowed in the lunchroom unless a student has brought a lunch from home. * Parents are to send lunch/breakfast money to school on Monday of each week in an envelope. The lunchroom manager will credit prepaying students on his/her roster. Students will be checked off on the roster as they go through the line. * Students charging meals must do so with the cashier. It is the policy of Clinch County Elementary School to allow only three (3) days of charges per student. After a student has charges three (3) days of meals, he/she will not be allowed to charge until these meals are paid. If he/she comes to school without lunch or money, the parents will be called to the school to furnish a lunch. Failure to bring a meal to the student will result in a report being made with the Department of Family and Children’s Services. * Breakfast is served each day from 7:30 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. * Lunch is served from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CLINIC SERVICE AND MEDICATIONSChildren who become ill at school will be cared for by the school nurse or in the designated clinic area. Simple first aid procedures will be administered when warranted. Emergencies will be handled appropriately and parents will be promptly notified. If your child requires the administration of medicine during school hours, you must send the medication, in its original prescription container, along with a note to school stating at what time the medication should be administered. No internal medicines such at Pepto-Bismol or Tylenol shall be given without prior parent approval. Authorization to administer Pepto-Bismol or Tylenol shall be given to school personnel by signing the appropriate authorization notice sent home at the beginning of the year. Children with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will need to be picked up immediately. Children with contagious conditions may not return to school without medical certification from a doctor or the health department. A student who has asthma may possess and use his/her asthma medication as prescribed while in school, at a school-sponsored activity, while under the supervision of school personnel, or while attending before-school or after-school care operated on school property. IMMUNIZATIONThe Clinch County School System, in accordance with the Georgia department of Human Resources and Georgia law, requires all students entering a Georgia public school to have a certificate of immunization. This form may be secured completed at the Clinch County Health Department or at your private physician’s office. The school must have this form on file in order for your child to be officially enrolled in school. Please help comply with Georgia law and protect your child by having this certificate completed before your child enters school. Questions regarding immunization may be directed to the record’s clerk. According to an amended Georgia State Law (290-5-4.02), beginning with the 1994-95 school year, all entering sixth (6th) grade students will be required to show proof of second MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. This immunization is being required in order to protect children, as they get older, against the possibility of contracting measles. In the future, as a student enrolls in the sixth (6th) grade, he or she must present a certificate showing proof of two MMR vaccinations. The shot may be secured from the Health Department or your private physician. For additional information, contact the school records clerk 487-5385. SCHOOL STOREStudents may purchase school supplies in the school vending machines before school. Available supplies include paper, pencils, and erasers. SCHOOL SUPPLIESSatisfactory progress of a student requires the use of adequate school supplies. It would be very helpful for the students to furnish certain expendable items. Your child’s teacher may provide a list of materials needed to enhance your child’s education. Supplies should be replenished periodically. Adequate materials are a necessary part of your child’s academic performance. BUS PROCEDURES, SAFETY, AND DISCIPLINEStudents are expected to be at their designated bus stop when the bus arrives. Drivers will not wait on students. Students should be prepared to be at the bus stop at the correct time in all types of weather. Buses will not unload students at Clinch County Elementary School before 7:30 a.m., and students will load the bus at 2:55 p.m. Students are expected to learn and follow all bus rules. Students should always cooperate with and listen to the bus driver or the substitute bus driver. Parents and students are reminded that being transported to and from school is a privilege. Improper conduct on the bus can result in suspension of bus riding privileges. Questions regarding the school bus program may be addressed to the Assistant Superintendent in charge of transportation at 487-5321. In order to protect the safety of all students that ride a bus, the following procedures will be followed in administering bus discipline. 1st offense – Bus warning 2nd offense – 3 days bus suspension 3rd offense – 5 days bus suspension 4th offense – 10 days bus suspension 5th offense – Bus suspension for the remainder of the semester (or 10 days, which ever is greater) 6th offense—Bus suspension for the remainder of the school year (or 10 days, which ever is longer) Major violations such as fighting, harassment, threats to a bus driver or other students, will be assigned a minimum of five days off bus and placement on school disciplinary ladder. Bus conduct · Students shall be prohibited from acts of physical violence as defined by Code Section 20-2-751.6, bullying as defined by subsection (a) of Code Section 20-2-751.4, physical assault or battery of other persons on the school bus, verbal assault of other persons on the school bus, disrespectful conduct toward the school bus driver or other persons on the school bus and other unruly behavior; · Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones; pagers; audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones; or any other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus; and · Students shall be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devices in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus. If a student is found to have engaged in physical acts of violence as defined by Code Section 20-2-751.6, the student shall be subject to the penalties set forth in that Code section. A meeting of the parent or guardian of the student and appropriate school district officials must be held to form a school 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 student misconduct on the bus. Provisions may include, but are not limited to, assigned seating, ongoing parental involvement, 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 other code of conduct violations may require use of a student bus behavior contract. STUDENT DRESS CODE (4-7) Students are expected to keep themselves neatly groomed and neatly dressed at all times. Certain items of dress and certain grooming practices are not considered appropriate and are not acceptable; therefore, students should adhere to the following guidelines: 1. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. 2. Sagging pants are not allowed. Pants should be worn at the natural waist. Loose fitting pants that tend to sag should be belted. If a teacher or administrator suspects that pants do not conform to dress code by observation, the teacher or administrator will address the situation. 3. Shorts, skirts, and dresses may not be worn higher than three inches above the kneecap. Any open pleats, vents, or slits must also be no more than three inches above the kneecap. 4. Bare midriffs should not be exposed, even when arms are raised above the head. 5. Tank tops (less than 3 inches in width at the shoulder), spaghetti straps, and shirts with alcoholic, obscene, or questionable prints may not be worn. 6. Body piercing is limited to ears only. 7. Caps, hats, or other headgear are not allowed at school. 8. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building. 9. Any other questionable or distracting attire will be handled on an individual basis at the discretion of the administration. *Punishment for these dress code violations is… 1st offense = warning 2nd offense = parent accompanying student to school/parental contact 3rd offense = corporal punishment 4th and subsequent offenses = in-school suspension STUDENT CONDUCT BEHAVIOR CODE All student behaviors shall be based on respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that will contribute to the best interest of the school. The Principal shall develop or cause to be developed rules and regulations, which implement and are consistent with Local Board of Education policy. Students have the responsibility to know and respect the rules and regulations of Clinch County Elementary School and the Clinch County Board of Education. Students have further responsibility to behave in a manner appropriate to good citizenship everywhere. Each offense requires disciplinary action for each infraction of the code. Student codes of conduct are submitted to the board for approval and are distributed through the student handbook during the first week of school and upon the enrollment of each new student to each student and the student’s parents. The parents are requested to sign an acknowledgement of the receipt of the code of conduct and return promptly the acknowledgement to the school. The student code of conduct is available in the school office and each classroom. Behavioral Offenses1. Disruption and interference with school operations (Includes use, and possession, of fireworks). Steps II-VII 2. Damage, destruction, or theft of school or private property. Steps II-VIII 3. Assault on a school employee. Steps VII-VIII 4. Fighting at school, during bus transport, or at school activities. Steps V-VIII (For Grades 5-7, see Procedures for Handling Fights in School) 5. Use of or possession of dangerous weapons or instruments. Steps VII-VIII 6. Possession, use, or sale of narcotics, stimulant drugs, or controlled substances. Steps VII-VIII 7. Disregard of direction or command. Steps II-VI 8. Unexcused absences and tardiness. Steps I-III 9. Disruption and distracting grooming or dress (Sagging pants will not be tolerated). Steps I-V (Separate steps for dress code violations) 10. Parking or traffic violation on campus. Steps I-III 11. Leaving campus without authorization. Steps III-V 12. Use of profane, vulgar, or obscene words, gestures, or other activities, which disrupt school operations (Includes possession of pornographic materials). Steps II-VII 13. Refusal to identify oneself when requested to do so by faculty or staff members. Steps II-V 14. Misbehavior on the bus. (Separate steps for bus misconduct) 15. Criminal law violations. Steps II-VIII 16. Sexual misconduct or offenses. Steps II-VIII 17. Rude and disrespectful behavior. Steps II-V 18. Tobacco offenses. Steps II-III 19. Cheating and plagiarism. Steps I-III 20. Altering records. Steps I-VIII 21. Harassment, intimidation, or threatening of students or staff. Steps II-VIII 22. Aiding and abetting. Steps II-V 23. Other misbehavior. Steps I-VIII 24. Fighting in grades 5-7. (See Procedures for Handling Fights in School) 25. Use or possession of alcoholic beverages. Steps VII-VIII 26. Arson. Steps VII-VIII 27. Battery. Steps VII-VIII 28. Burglary. Steps VII-VIII 29. Computer Trespass. Steps V-VIII 30. Drugs, except Alcohol Steps. VII-VIII 31. Homicide. Step VIII 32. Kidnapping. Steps V-VIII 33. Larceny/Theft. Steps V-VIII 34. Motor Vehicle Theft. Steps VII-VIII 35. Robbery. Steps VII-VIII 36. Sexual Battery. Steps VII-VIII 37. Sexual Harassment. Steps VII-VIII 38. Threat/Intimidation. Steps II-VIII 39. Trespassing. Steps V-VIII 40. Vandalism. Steps VII-VIII 41. Weapons-Firearm. Steps VII-VIII 42. Weapons-Knife. Steps VII-VIII Disciplinary LadderStep I 1. Conference with student Step IIA 1. Corporal punishment (NOTE: If you do not want your child to be paddled, you MUST meet with an administrator and sign a form stating that your child cannot receive corporal punishment. This form also states that you will be called to pick up your child or he/she will be suspended the following day.) Step IIB 1. In-school suspension for up to, and including, three (3) days Step III 1. In-school suspension for up to, and including, five (5) days Step V 1. Out-of-school suspension for up to, and including, three (3) days. (Fourth grade students may be assigned a minimum of one (1) day in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension for the first offense of fighting; they may be assigned a minimum of two (2) days for any subsequent fight.) Step VI 1. Out-of-school suspension for up to, and including, five (5) days Step VII 1. Out-of-school suspension for up to, and including, ten (10) days Step VIII 1. Out-of-school suspension for ten (10) days 2. Tribunal Hearing with recommendation of expulsion *** The consequences for physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school personnel may include expulsion for the remainder of the student’s eligibility to attend public schools. General Information: Parent involvement through conferences is the most desirable avenue for correcting behavior problems. The parent or guardian should be contacted by phone whenever possible. In all cases involving a student at Steps III through VIII, the parents will be given written notification stating the student’s offense and the administrative disposition. The student’s failure to complete the punishment as designated will result in escalation to the next step on the ladder. Some behavior offenses may have different levels of severity. Students may be placed at different steps of the discipline ladder after the administration has reviewed the behavior and its severity. The hearing official will have the authority to escalate the student to the next step on the ladder if the student has continuously violated the Student Conduct Behavioral Code. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING FIGHTS IN SCHOOL Physical Abuse, Assault, or Battery by a Student on Another Student or to Any Other Person NOT Employed by the School.A student shall not engage in (1A) verbal abuse or intimidations, threats of violence, and/or use of “fighting words” (1B) making physical contact or fighting, or (1C) intentionally causing bodily harm. Disciplinary Action to be Taken (Cumulative Grades 5-7)Disciplinary options for 1A will be at the discretion of the administration and determined by the severity of the offense (administration will determine the step the student will be placed on the discipline ladder). Disciplinary Options for 1B Include: First Offense – 3 days out-of-school suspensionSecond Offense – 5 days out-of-school suspension Third and All Subsequent Offenses – 10 days out-of-school suspension and mandatory Tribunal Hearing with recommendation for 90 days in alternative school or long term suspension for the remainder of the semester with a loss of credit; restitution for damage, if applicable, with possible arrest and prosecution. Disciplinary Options for 1C Include: First Offense – 5-10 days out-of-school suspension Second Offense - 10 days out-of-school suspension and mandatory Tribunal Hearing with recommendation for 90 days in alternative school or long term suspension for the remainder of the semester with a loss of credit; restitution for damage, if applicable, with possible arrest and prosecution. NOTE: When clearly evident, as witnessed by a faculty member, that one party acted only in self-defense, action taken will be left to the discretion of a school administrator. Offenses involving extreme violence or threat to do bodily harm will be subject to more severe punishment and a Tribunal referral. Notification of law enforcement officials will be at the discretion of the administrator. BULLYING Bullying of a student by another student is prohibited. 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 force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm. Discipline for any act of bullying shall be within the discretion of the principal; this may range from a reprimand to out-of-school suspension. However, upon finding that a student has committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year, at a minimum the student shall be assigned to an alternative education program (applies to students in grades 6 through 12). STUDENT HEARING PROCEDURE--BOARD POLICY JCEB For the purpose of conducting certain student discipline hearings, as defined below, rendering a decision and imposing punishment, the Board of Education hereby adopts the following procedures:
a. Where a student has committed an alleged assault or battery upon a teacher, other school official or employee, if such teacher or other school official or employee so requests; b. Where a student has violated any school or system rule or engaged in any other act of misconduct or insubordination for which the student's principal recommends a suspension or expulsion longer than ten school days.
3. Whenever a principal or his or her designee refers a student discipline matter to the Superintendent or his or her designee, the Superintendent or his or her designee shall send a letter by regular or certified mail to the student and his or her parents or guardians containing a statement of the time, place and nature of the hearing, a short and plain statement of the matters asserted and charges against the student, a list of potential witnesses, a statement setting forth the right of the student to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses and be represented by legal counsel. The hearing must be held no later than ten school days after the beginning of the suspension unless the school system and parents or guardians mutually agree to an extension. 4. The school principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for presenting evidence in support of the charges against the student and all parties shall be afforded an opportunity to present and respond to evidence and to examine and cross-examine witnesses on any and all issues. Any teacher who is called as a witness by the school system shall be given notice no later than three days prior to the hearing. The hearing tribunal shall have made a verbatim electronic or written record of the hearing. This record shall be available to all parties but the cost of transcribing such record shall be borne by the party requesting the transcript. 5. The hearing tribunal shall render a decision finding whether the student committed the offense and, if so, the appropriate punishment. The decision of the hearing tribunal shall be based solely on the evidence received at the hearing, including any evidence presented by either party relevant to the appropriate punishment to be imposed. The hearing tribunal shall render a decision in writing within ten days of the close of the record and shall furnish a copy of the decision to the student, his or her parents or legal guardians, the principal or his or her designee and the Superintendent. The decision of the hearing tribunal shall be final and shall constitute the decision of the Board of Education unless either party should appeal the decision to the Board of Education. In any case where the tribunal finds that the student has committed an act of physical violence as that term is used in O.C.G.A. 20-2-751.6, any recommendation of the tribunal as to when and whether the student may return to school in accordance with the code section shall constitute the decision of the Board of Education unless there should be an appeal of the decision to the Board. 6. In the event a student or his/her parent does not wish to contest the charge(s) of violation(s) of the discipline rules of the school's code of conduct for which a tribunal has been requested, the student and parent may voluntarily accept the consequences prescribed by the school by signing a Waiver of Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing form. Such waiver shall specify the rule violation, the date and description of the incident, the prescribed consequences, and an agreement to waive the opportunity to participate in a tribunal hearing, present evidence, cross examine witnesses, and be represented by an attorney. The decision to waive the tribunal shall be final and cannot be appealed by the school or family. The waiver must be signed by the student, a parent, a school administrator and a district level administrator from the Superintendent's office, who shall act as hearing officer with authority to approve the disciplinary consequences set forth in the waiver. 7. Any party may appeal the decision of the hearing tribunal to the Board of Education by filing with the Superintendent a written notice of appeal within twenty days from the date the decision is rendered. Such notice of appeal shall set forth the decision of the hearing tribunal and the basis of the appeal. Any decision of the hearing tribunal not appealed in this manner shall be final. The Superintendent may suspend the disciplinary action imposed by the hearing tribunal pending the outcome of the appeal. 8. The Board of Education shall review the record of the hearing before the hearing tribunal, the decision of the hearing tribunal and the notice of appeal and shall render its decision in writing within ten days from the date it receives the notice of appeal. The decision of the Board of Education shall be based solely on the record before the hearing tribunal and the Board shall not consider any other evidence in ruling on the appeal. The Board may find the facts to be different than those found by the hearing tribunal and the Board may change the punishment, in accordance with state law. Any decision of the local Board may be appealed to the State Board of Education by filing an appeal, in writing, within thirty (30) days after the local Board renders its decision. 9. Any student subject to a disciplinary hearing who withdraws from the school system prior to the hearing must appear before a Disciplinary Hearing Tribunal to determine the student's eligibility to return to the school system in the event the student ever seeks to return to the system. Alternatively, the school district may, in its discretion, proceed with the tribunal in accordance with Board policy despite the student's withdrawal from school. PROCEDURES FOR REFERRAL TO JUVENILE AUTHORITIES Clinch County Elementary School through the Clinch County School Resource Officer may make referrals to juvenile authorities or request a school system tribunal for the following offenses:
Each individual case is reviewed for the severity of the act and the harm that has been done to other students or employees. DRUG FREE SCHOOLSIt shall be the policy of the Board to take positive action through education, counseling, parental involvement, intervention, medical referral and police referral in handling of incidents in the schools involving the possession, sales, and/or use of behavior-affecting substances. These substances shall include, but not the limited to, cocaine, marijuana, LSD, glue, alcohol, barbiturates, and controlled substances as defined by Georgia Law, and anabolic steroids. The possession or use of alcohol and illicit drugs is wrong and harmful. It shall further be the policy of the Board of Education to provide age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol education and prevention programs, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of drugs and alcohol use and to provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs or alcohol, for all students in the system. These programs shall also provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students. DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSEThe use of illicit drugs and unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful. Any student who intentionally sells, gives, possesses, uses or is under the influence of illicit drugs narcotics or alcohol in school or on school premises at any time or as part of the school’s activities including bus en route to or from school shall be brought before the Tribunal. Compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory, and disciplinary sanctions will be imposed if the standards of conduct are violated. The Tribunal is a disciplinary body that determines the disciplinary consequences of the offense such as possible long-term suspension or expulsion. The Tribunal may, at the discretion of its members, report the offense to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution. The Tribunal is composed of the following personnel: 1. Administrators from schools not involved. 2. Central office personnel 3. Appointed teachers Information concerning any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, or re-entry program is available through the guidance and counseling program. NARCOTICS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND STIMULANT DRUGSA student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, cocaine, marijuana, controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, anabolic steroids, or intoxicant of any kind: 1. At school or on school property at any time or off the school grounds at a school-sponsored activity, function, or event; 2. En route to and from school. A student shall not attend school or any school event after having consumed any quantity of alcohol or illegal substance so that such use is detectable by observation or odor. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory. Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician in the amount prescribed by the physician shall not be considered in violation of this regulation. All prescription drugs shall be kept in the original container. TOBACCO FREE SCHOOLSIt is the policy of the board of Education to prohibit any form of tobacco use in all school district buildings, buses, and enclosed work areas that are used for provision of routine or regular kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children. This policy shall in force at all hours, and shall apply to all forms of tobacco use, and to any person on school district property, including, but not limited to employees, students and visitors. Students shall not have in their possession on school buses or on any school property, enclosed or open, during the school day any form of tobacco. PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING INCIDENTS OF ABUSEProcedure for handling incidents in the schools involving the possession, sale, and/or use of drugs, alcohol, or any other behavior-affecting substances shall be as follows: 1. Definite assignments shall be given to the personnel within the individual school. a. The principal will be responsible for carrying out the policy and its supporting procedures within his/ her school. b. The principal will serve as the clearing point for records, reports, and inquiries relating to his/her school. c. Staff members shall report any violation of this policy to any of the school’s administrative staff. Administrative staff members are the principals and assistant principals. 2. The parent or custodian of any involved student shall be contacted immediately. 3. Disciplinary action shall be specific. a. A student known to be in violation of this policy shall be suspended from school by the administration. The principal may make a referral to the Board or Disciplinary Tribunal for further action. b. A student known to be under the influence of such substances at school shall be suspended from school for a minimum of five (5) days. c. A student suspension may be reduced at the discretion of the administration if a student seeks and obtains treatment from an approved intervention or treatment program. The principal or designee will furnish information to the student or the student’s parent or custodian regarding approved intervention and treatment programs. 4. The schools will cooperate with the police department by reporting the source of supply, if known, to the school, and by developing an in-service instruction program for staff members to be included in the annual AIDS Communicable Disease Update. 5. The school will assist students who use drugs or abuse alcohol by counseling, drug abuse education cooperation with city or county health department and individual physicians in appropriate health education and health care, and by other appropriate means. 6. A copy of this policy shall be provided to all students and parents. 7. There shall be a biennial review of this program to: a. Determine its effectiveness and implement changes to the program if needed; and b. Ensure that the disciplinary sanctions imposed by this policy are consistently enforced. STUDENT COMPUTER USAGE POLICY The use of school computers and network resources is a privilege and not a right. If you misuse or abuse this privilege you will lose it. Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to the following: · Accessing or trying to access Myspace, Hoverspot, or any other similar website. · Tampering with another student or teachers information. · Any form of hacking. · Any illegal or questionable activities. · Accessing or trying to access any illicit material including but not limited to: o Song lyrics o Pictures o Videos o Emails o Instant messaging Any information transmitted or stored on this network is not private and can be viewed by administrators, faculty and other individuals as deemed necessary. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICESThe Clinch County Board of Education shall not allow students enrolled in the Clinch Schools to carry with them at school a pocket pager, cell phone, or other electronic communication device unless this device is for health or other unusual reasons (must be approved by the Board). STUDENT SEXUAL HARASSMENTIt is the policy of the Board of Education to maintain a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the district staff to harass a student through conduct or communications of a sexual nature as defined below. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when made by a member of the school staff to a student or when made by any student to another student or system employee constitutes sexual harassment when: * Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education; * Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that individual; or * Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or professional performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment. Sexual harassment, as defined above, may include but is not limited to the following: * Verbal harassment, or abuse; * Pressure for sexual activity: * Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications; * Unwelcome touching; * Suggestions or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, job, etc. Any person who alleges sexual harassment by a staff member or student in the school district may complain directly to the principal, the assistant principal, or the counselor. Filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment will not reflect upon the individual’s status nor will it affect future employment, grades, or job assignments. The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected consistent with the Board’s legal obligations, and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and take corrective action when this conduct has occurred. All allegations of sexual harassment shall be fully investigated and immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary actions shall be initiated. Appropriate documentation shall be maintained on all allegations of sexual harassment. A substantiated charge against an employee shall subject such person to disciplinary action, including discharge. A substantiated charge against a student shall subject the student to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. GENDER EQUITY IN SPORTS“No student shall, on the basis of gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another student, or otherwise be discriminated against in any interscholastic or intramural athletics offered by a local school system, and no local system shall provide any such athletics separately on such basis.” (O.C.G.A. 20-2-315(a)) Sports Equity Coordinator for the Clinch County School System is Danny Ellis, Administrative Assistant, Clinch County Board of Education, 46 S. College Street, Homerville, GA 31634. (912-487-5321) PARENT INVOLVEMENT TIPS Parents may assist teachers in ensuring that their child experiences success and happiness in school by the following suggestions listed below. 1. Attend parent-teacher conferences and communicate often with your child’s teacher. 2. Limit television-viewing time and establish regular work/study times. 3. Listen to your child. Encourage your child to read, discuss, and tell stories. 4. Play educational games with your child. 5. Read to and with your child each day. 6. Become familiar with school procedures. 7. Let the teacher know if your child is to go to a different address in the afternoon. 8. Check-in at the office first before visiting anywhere in the school. 9. Return papers (medical authorization, pupil information, insurance forms, progress reports, notes, etc.) to the school in a prompt manner. GIFTED EDUCATION PROGRAM Clinch Elementary School provides Gifted Education for qualified students in Grades 4-7. Students are referred automatically, based on test scores, and through teachers, parents, administrators, or self-referral. Students are reviewed for testing yearly and must meet state and local mandated requirements for participation in the program. For more information contact the gifted education teacher at CCES. TITLE I PROGRAM Title 1 is a federally funded program designed to provide additional services to students. Clinch County Elementary School has been approved as a school wide Title 1 Program. The school wide program allows for the received federal funds to benefit all of the students at Clinch County Elementary School. Clinch County Elementary School proposed the following goals: to improve instruction in reading and math, to improve communication and morale in the school, to improve discipline, and to increase parental involvement. Activities and staff development will be planned and implemented throughout the year to meet these goals. Parents are encouraged to become involved in parent activities held throughout the school year. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Under the No Child Left Behind Act, all parents have the right to: * request and receive information on the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teachers. * receive information on the level of achievement of their child on each of the state assessments required. * see instructional materials used to teach their child. In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute the Clinch County School District informs parents that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested: 1) whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; 2) whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived; 3) the college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher; 4) whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications. If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualification, please contact the principal at 487-5385. EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMAlthough children start school at a designated chronological age, they differ greatly in their individual development and experience base. The Early Intervention Program in Grades 4 & 5 is designed to serve students who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining academic grade level. The purpose of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help students who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance in the shortest possible time. PROGRAMS IN SPECIAL EDUCATIONThe Special Education Department of the Clinch County School System provides a complete range of programs and services for students with identified special needs. Special services are available from kindergarten through high school for eligible students who are handicapped emotionally, and/or physically. Eligibility procedures include initial screening and further educational/psychological testing to determine program eligibility and the type and amount of help needed when eligible. Special attention is provided to meet the needs of individual students while working closely with parent(s). An individual education plan (IEP) is formulated for each eligible student. Individual plans consider the types of services and personnel required, each student’s learning style, motivational factors, and environmental factors. Questions regarding these special services should be directed to the principal or the Special Education Coordinator (487-5321). PROGRAMS FOR HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND STUDENTSA student who has a medical diagnosis, non-communicable condition that restricts him/her to home or hospital for five or more school days may be eligible for hospital/homebound instruction. Please contact the principal or the board of education office (487-5321) TOYS AT SCHOOL In order to prevent distractions during the instructional day, it is necessary for students to leave all objects that interfere with instruction (i.e. toys, games, baseball cards, magazines, etc.) at home unless a teacher requests that a student bring a specific item for a specific occasion. Parents will be notified when these special occasions may occur. GRADING PRACTICESThe following chart outlines the grading practices of Clinch County Elementary School. Report cards will be sent home each nine weeks to notify you of your child’s current academic and social growth depends upon grading system is as follows: 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C Below 70 F Student achievement will be recognized by an All “A” Honor Roll for students with an average of 90 or above in every class or an Honor Roll for students with an average of 85 or above in every class. REPORT CARDS Students will receive a report card every nine (9) weeks. Cards should be signed by parents and returned to school the next school day. DEFICIENCY REPORTS At the end of four and one-half weeks of each nine (9) week grading period, any child who is failing one or more subjects must be issued a deficiency report. PROMOTION AND RETENTION In order for a student to be promoted to the next grade, a student must satisfactorily complete, at a minimum, the following requirements: 1. All students must meet all attendance requirements (minimum attendance of 166 days). 2. A student must pass Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics and either Science or Social Studies. 3. Fifth-grade students must meet a performance level score on the CRCT in reading (800) and math (800). Students who do not meet these scores will be given the opportunity for additional instruction and retesting. Failure to retake the CRCT will result in the student being retained. 4. Students in grades four, six, and seven must score 800 on both the Reading and Mathematics subtests of the CRCT. These students will not have the opportunity for a retest. PHONE CALLS Parents are asked to make after-school arrangements with children before they leave home. It is not desirable to interrupt class time to deliver messages. The teacher will be responsible for determining the need for phone use. The teacher must send a written notice giving permission for the student to use the phone. Students receiving telephone calls will be notified of messages before school ends for the day. Students are permitted to receive messages from parents only. GUM Chewing gum is not allowed on the campus of Clinch County Elementary School. FIELD TRIPS Prior to the field trip, teachers will set behavioral goals for students. Students meeting these goals will be allowed to participate in the field trip. DELIVERY OF GIFTS TO STUDENTS No flowers, balloons, or other gifts may be delivered to students at school. CLASS CHANGE PROCEDURES During every change of classes there will be numbers of students going from one room to another. In order to keep the noise and confusion at a minimum, students are expected to be especially quiet and courteous. Show respect for your fellow students and make the change as quickly and quietly as possible. Students should walk on the right side of the hall. STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM Clinch County Elementary School has a Student Support Team (S.S.T.) established to review referrals of students experiencing academic and/or behavioral difficulties. The Student Support Team assists the classroom teacher in identifying the needs of referred students and planning alternative instructional and/or behavioral strategies. BOOK REGULATIONS All textbooks are furnished. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully. Before a student withdraws or leaves school at the end of the school year, all textbooks and library books must be returned. The Board of Education retains the right to charge students a reasonable fee for restitution of lost, damaged, or abused school system property. Students shall be notified in writing of any charges being assigned to them and that failure to pays those charges will result in withholding report cards, diplomas, or certificates of progress until restitution is made. HOMEWORK Homework is an integral part of learning and academic achievement for the elementary student. Assignments will reinforce daily classroom activities. Anticipated completion time will vary according to the capabilities of each student. When your child is absent and needs homework assignments, please contact the school office in the morning. The make-up work will be assigned and ready to pick up at the end of the school day. CURRICULUM Students in the Clinch County Schools receive well-rounded, developmentally appropriate curriculum services. Students are expected to complete studies in the areas of language arts (which include reading, spelling, writing, grammar, listening, and speaking), mathematics, science/health, social studies, physical education. Curriculum objectives are based upon state and local requirements thus ensuring that all students receive comprehensive instruction in all areas of study. Further information regarding elementary practices may be obtained from the school principal or the teacher. HEALTH STUDIES Instruction units on human growth and development are taught in sixth and seventh grade classes as a part of the state of Georgia required health curriculum. It is the right of parents to opt their child out of human growth and development units of study. A letter will be sent home to parents prior to this instruction. If you have concerns or questions, we encourage you to contact the school principal or teacher. CLASSROOM RULES Each individual teacher has his or her own classroom rules and consequences for these rules. When a child is sent to the principal as a result of breaking the classroom rules, the principal will use his/her discretion in determining the appropriate disciplinary action by following the behavior offenses and codes. FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS Fire and tornado drills are held during the year. Teachers will instruct their students on the procedures to be followed during fire and tornado drills. Students are carefully evacuated from the building during a fire drill. Tornado drills will be scheduled during the school year. When the alarm sounds (slow whoop), students will move into the halls and be seated on the floor facing the wall with the head between the legs as a precaution against flying glass and debris. Students do not leave the building. SCHOOL PARTIES Grades 4-7 are allowed to hold school parties twice during the school year, preferably at Christmas and Valentine’s Day. All students will be allowed to participate. The parties will begin at 2:10 p.m. and continue for the remainder of the day. CONFERENCES Your child’s success in school greatly depends upon your involvement and concern. Parents and teachers need to establish a cooperative relationship that is favorable to a child’s progress. At school conferences, teachers and parents may review the child’s learning experiences, and explore ways to improve them. Conferences may be initiated by teachers and/or parents. If you desire a conference, please call our office at 487-5385 and the secretaries will assist you. Conferences are best arranged before or after school hours. BEFORE CONFERENCES Decide what you want to ask the teacher. Discuss the upcoming conferences with your child to see if there were anything he/she would like you to talk about with the teacher. Discuss the concerns with your spouse. Ideally, both parents should attend the conference. To make certain all concerns are addresses, parents are encouraged to bring personal notes relating to the conference. Try to get the facts about a school situation before reaching it. Determine what you can tell the teacher about our child. The teacher sees only one side of your child. There may be things you know about the child that could help the teacher better understand him/her. Be on time. Write down the time of your appointment and arrive promptly. The teacher may have other appointments after yours. THE INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE The following questions can serve as a guide to areas that you may wish to discuss: 1. What is my child’s aptitude for learning? 2. On what level is he/she functioning? 3. How is he/she doing in mathematics? 4. Has he/she shown special interests? 5. Does he/she get along well with his/her classmates? Does he/she participate in group activities? Has he/she shown any leadership qualities? 6. Does he/she accept authority? Be ready to answer questions from the teacher, such as: 1. What is your child’s reaction to school? 2. How is his/her emotional health? 3. How does he/she spend his/her time after school? What are his/her hobbies, special interests, and abilities? 4. What are his/her home study habits? 5. What is is/her response to rules and responsibilities at home? 6. What type of discipline works best at home? AFTER THE CONFERENCE The most important part of your role in the conference begins now! 1. Discuss the conference with your child. First, point out his/her strengths. The then talk about the areas that need improvement. 2. Start immediately on any action you have decided to take. 3. Feel free to call the school if you wish to check on your child’s progress, or if you think another conference is needed. 4. Make certain your child understands that you and the teacher are working together in his/her interest. Negative comments about the school/teacher in the presence of your child may affect the child’ motivation and attitude. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN 1. Set an example of your child that school is important. Get involved by communicating frequently with your child’s teacher. 2. Be supportive of your child’s teacher. 3. Laugh and talk with your child about school experiences. Also, listen attentively to what he/she says about school experiences. 4. Praise your child each day for something well done at school. 5. Help your child develop good organizational skills at home with school materials. For example, provide a special place to put books and papers brought home. 6. Encourage reading for pleasure at home. Read aloud to your child often. 7. Stress the importance of school attendance. Allow your child to stay home only if he/she is ill. 8. Start each school day right. A calm beginning at home makes the school day much better. 9. See that your child has ample rest at night and a good breakfast before coming to school. 10. Maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teacher. Inform the teacher of any family situations that might influence your child’s behavior at school. 11. Provide your child with proper school supplies. 12. Reinforce and review skills taught at school by checking over homework assignments. TESTING Students in the Clinch County School system experience various forms of standardized and teacher-made tests. Discuss with your child’s teacher the types of tests your child will encounter during the school year. The State of Georgia has a mandatory testing program. Norm-referenced testing for students in Grade 5 is mandated along with a state designed writing assessment. The Criterion Referenced Competency Test is required for all grades. PROCEDURES - Grades 4-71. Students will enter the classroom quietly, be seated instantly, and begin work immediately as teacher directs. No interruptions will occur during class start-up. 2. Students will stop talking, face the teacher, and pay attention when she raises his/her hand. 3. Students will keep desk and area around their desk clean at all times. 4. Students will get up to sharpen pencils, put paper in a trash can, talk to a teacher, etc. one at a time. 5. Students will wait until the teacher finishes talking to get up. 6. Students will read or study when they finish their work. 7. Students will stay seated until the teacher dismisses the class. 8. Students will return all materials neatly to the proper place before leaving the room. 9. Students are responsible for getting assignments when they are absent, and those assignments should be turned in the following day. However, in special circumstances, the teacher will allow three days for the student to makearrangements to complete assignments. Tests should be made up the day the student returns to school. 10. Students will continue working quietly when visitors are in the classroom. 11. Students will stay seated and continue working without talking when the teacher is out of the classroom. 12. Students will walk single file without talking in the hall. 13. Students will go quietly and quickly out the side door when the fire bell sounds. In the designated area for the class, students will quietly line up alphabetically in the designated area. 14. Students will listen to announcements without talking. 15. Students will stand respectfully when pledging allegiance to the flag and the school. 16. Students will line up quietly, in a single file, in designated area after lunch and break. 17. Students will go to lockers before school, mid-day, and after school; student will follow directions and schedule developed and explained by teacher. 18. Students will change classes quietly and orderly as they line up in designated area. 19. Students will take care of bathroom needs before school, at PE, at lunch, and at breaks. Emergency situations will be handled by teachers.
GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE RULES - PUNCHES:
It is the responsibility of the student to write the above code number after a punch on the DL is issued. CONSEQUENCES: (Regular Driver's License)
** Red Card CONSEQUENCES: (Red Card) ***** Month Break Detention, Parent Contact AND 4 punches.....................1 After-School Detention or 8 punches.......................2 After- School Detentions Discipline Referral or Discipline Referral 12 punches......................Discipline Referral 16 punches.............................Discipline Refer 20 punches......................Discipline Referral 24 punches..................... Discipline Referral/parent Meeting
PROCEDURES: * DL will be issued at the beginning of each calendar month. DL = 12 punches on outside of card and 12 punches on inside of card (designating all outside punches have been used); there are a total of 24 punches on the regular DL. Student keeps DL unless it is punched out. * DL is to be kept in Agenda at all times. * At 4th punch and 8th punch on DL, teacher giving punch writes down the student's name for Break Detention at the next break. Students who miss detention or break rules of detention will receive one punch on their card and still serve the original day. If a student misses (other than his being absent from school) two days of Break Detention, a Discipline Referral is completed for disregard of instructions/disrespect and sent to administrator. * The person who keeps Break Detention marks V for present and X for absent on the Detention Sheet. When the Detention Sheet is returned to its source (the teacher assigning detention), that teacher punches card of those students who did not attend Break Detention or who broke Detention rules. * When the first 12 punches are used, teacher giving 12th punch will list the student's name for month break detention and contact the parent. * After-School Detention will be held on Thursdays (and Tuesdays on "as needed" basis) from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Once teacher has assigned After-School Detention, parent contact will be made. In order for transportation arrangements to be made, parents will be given adequate notification of After-School Detention. Students will not ride the bus home if they have been assigned After-School Detention. * Students who lose or damage DL will be issued a red card from homeroom teacher, and homeroom teacher will put student's name on the month Break Detention list. Red cards are issued only in extreme emergency situations. If student is given a second red card during the same month, the card will automatically be punched 4 times and one day of After-School Detention will be assigned. Procedure indicated above for After-School Detention will be followed. * Any student with a red card serves Break Detention daily until a new DL is issued at the beginning of the new month. * If a red card is lost, the student must meet with the Discipline Review Committee. * If student loses DL and gets red card, then student finds original DL, homeroom teacher transfers punches from red card to regular DL and removes student from month Break Detention sheet. * Students who are "punched out" on DL three times during the year will lose field trip and/or special activity privileges for the year. Students who are chronically disruptive, assigned OSS, or assigned Alternative School during a semester will also lose field trip and/or special activity privileges for that particular semester. * Students who have more than 3 unexcused absences during the incentive period will be excluded from the reward. * Students who do not produce a DL when asked to by teacher will be sent to administration with Discipline Referral. * Students will be written up on Discipline Referral and sent to administrator for severe behavior such as disrespect, profanity, vulgarity, disruption and interference with school operations, possessions of dangerous weapon, fighting, etc. REWARDS: * Monthly – Less than 4 punches/checks - community/teacher treat
RULES FOR BREAK DETENTION: Must be seated promptly after the bell rings in designated classroom. No talking. Bring 20 minutes of work to do. Take care of bathroom needs before going to detention. If there is an emergency, student will be allowed to go, but will be given another day of detention. There will be no eating, drinking, etc. If these rules are broken, additional days will be added for Break Detention and/or After-School Detention.
RULES FOR AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION: Must be seated in classroom by 3:00 p.m. No talking or asking questions. Bring 1 hour of work. Student must make sure parents know to pick up student. Take care of bathroom needs before going to detention. If there is an emergency, student may go and another day of detention will be added. Student may leave at 3:55. No eating, drinking, etc. Breaking these rules will result in added days and/or Saturday detention being assigned.
Annual Notification to Parents Regarding Confidentiality of Student Education Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”
o Other schools to which a student is seeking to enroll; o Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; o Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; o Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school; o Accrediting organizations; o To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; o Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and o State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information which includes student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in official school clubs and sports, honors and awards, sports participation (including height and weight of athletes), dates of attendance, photograph, and grade level unless notified by the parents or eligible student that the school is not to disclose the information without consent.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Opportunities for extra-curricular activities that are provided students at Clinch County Elementary are voluntary. Parents have a right to prohibit their child’s participation in all school-sponsored extracurricular activities, organizations, or clubs.
Student Council—The Clinch County Elementary School Council is an elected body consisting of one representative from each homeroom. The goal of this leadership organization is to provide student input in decisions affecting students.
Junior Beta Club—The National Junior Beta Club is a leadership-service club that encourages effort, awards merit, and promotes qualities of character that make for good citizenship. Qualifications for membership include worthy character, commendable attitude, and credible achievement. At Clinch County Elementary School, invitations are extended to 7th grade students at the beginning of the 7th grade year based on the following criteria:
Students are re-invited to participate in the National Junior Beta Club in the 8th grade. Qualifications for participation are based on those set by the administration and sponsors at CCHS.
4-H—The mission of 4-H is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. This mission is accomplished through “hands-on” learning experiences focused on agricultural and environmental issues, agriculture awareness, leadership, communication skills, foods and nutrition, health, energy conservation, and citizenship.
6th & 7th Grade Math Team—This team is an academically competitive group of students who exemplify superior math skills. Selection criteria includes the CRCT math score and math average.
Sports Teams and Cheerleading—The following organizations provide opportunities for students to develop skills, keep physically fit, participate in team work, play by the rules of the game, and learn good sportsmanship: 7th & 8th Grade Football, 7th & 8th Grade Basketball, 7th & 8th Grade Baseball, and 7th & 8th Grade Cheerleading.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – The FCA’s mission is to present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. The Clinch County Elementary Huddle meets monthly at 7:30 a.m. and is open to all 6th and 7th grade students.
Student Reporting of Acts of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct
(a) Any student (or parent or friend of a student) who has been the victim of an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a teacher, administrator, or other school system employee is urged to make an oral report of the act to any teacher, counselor, or administrator at his/her school.
(b) Any teacher, counselor, or administrator receiving a report of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct of a student by a teacher, administrator or other employee shall make an oral report of the incident immediately by telephone or otherwise to the school principal or principal’s designee, and shall submit a written report of the incident to the school principal or principal’s designee within 24 hours. If the principal is the person accused of the sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, the oral and written reports should be made to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.
(c) Any school principal or principal’s designee receiving a report of sexual abuse as defined in O.C.G.A. 19-7-5 shall make an oral report immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused. The report should be made by telephone and followed by a written report in writing, if requested, to a child welfare agency providing protective services, as designated by the Department of Human Resources, or, in the absence of such agency, to an appropriate police authority or district attorney.
Reports of acts of sexual misconduct against a student by a teacher, administrator, or other employee not covered by O.C.G.A. 19-7-5 or 20-2-1184 shall be investigated immediately by school or system personnel. If the investigation of the allegation of sexual misconduct indicates a reasonable cause to believe that the report of sexual misconduct is valid, the school principal or principal’s designee shall make an immediate written report to the superintendent and the Professional Standards Commission Ethics Division.
It is the policy of the Clinch County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age, native language, religion, creed, or handicap in educational programs and activities, admission to facilities, or employment practices.
Clinch County Elementary School 575 Woodlake Drive Homerville, GA 31634 912-487-5385 Dr. Randy A. Jones Ms. Charlye Morehead Principal Assistant Principal ______________________________________________________________________________
August 8, 2008
Dear parent or guardian:
We are excited about the beginning of a new school year, and we are looking forward to working with you and your child to provide a sound educational experience this school term. We believe communication between home and school to be of the utmost importance to the success of each student, and we hope to stay in close contact with you throughout the school year.
In an effort to communicate more clearly, teachers have agreed to send papers or any school information home on Wednesday of each week. Please check with your student on this day for papers that need to be signed or other school information.
This week your student will be given an Agenda book that includes a student handbook and an assignment organizer for each week of the school year. This book is an excellent tool for home/school communication as it provides a space on each day for parent or teacher comments. Please familiarize yourself and your students with the student handbook that includes our code of conduct along with disciplinary action for each infraction of the code.
In the space below, please sign acknowledgement of the receipt of the code of conduct and return this page promptly to your child’s homeroom teacher.
Again, we look forward to working with you and your student. We plan to have a very successful school year!
Sincerely,
Randy A. Jones Principal
We acknowledge that we received a student handbook that included a copy of the code of conduct of Clinch County Elementary School.
_________________________________ (student)
_________________________________ (parent or guardian)
_________________________________ (date)
It is the policy of the Clinch County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age, native language, religion, creed, or handicap in educational programs and activities, admission to facilities, or employment practices.
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