SANDTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL
THE JAGUAR WAY
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2013 - 2014
School Mascot: Jaguar
School Colors: Royal Blue, Black, and Silver
School Hours: 8:20am – 3:30pm
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
School Office: 404-346-6500
School Fax: 404-346-6510 Guidance Counselor’s Office: 404-346-6500 ext. 127
Fulton County Transportation: 770-969-6060
Affidavit of Residence Required for 2013-2014
Parents/guardians of all students must submit a notarized Affidavit of Residence form certifying that the
family resides in Fulton County. This applies to both current and new students and will be required
annually.
The purpose of the Affidavit is to make sure that only students who reside in Fulton County attend Fulton
County schools. The notarized Affidavit legally verifies that all children reside in their correct school
attendance zone, or have an approved transfer.
Two forms of documentation are needed to satisfy proof of residency requirements.
Acceptable Documentation:
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Copy of home mortgage payment
book
Current bank statement
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Current paycheck stub
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Copy of home contact
Current utility bill (gas, electric, or
water)
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Apartment lease showing name of
lessee
Receipt to have utilities connected
Homeowner’s/Renter’s
insurance
registration card
Parents are encouraged to have the Affidavit notarized and submitted to school prior to the first day of
school (summer) or during the first week of classes. However, a lenience period of up to 30 calendar days
is granted before the system begins to investigate any families failing to submit their forms.
Notaries often can be found at banks, law offices, copy centers, insurance companies, courts, and in many
other government buildings. Each Fulton County school also has at least one notary on staff.
Note: The documents needed for verification DO NOT need to be attached to the affidavit form and
submitted to the school. Only the Affidavit form itself, once notarized, should be submitted.
IMMUNIZATION(S): Immunization Certificate
Georgia requires students to be immunized against measles, mumps, polio, rubella, whooping
cough, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza, and varicella. Immunization
information must be on the proper Georgia Department of Human Resources form; these are
available through the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness or local physicians.
Students who do not have proper/current immunization documents on file will be withdrawn from
school.
HOME ACCESS CENTER
What is Home Access Center? Home Access Center is a web site that will replace Parent Connect.
Home Access Center will allow parents and students to view data including:
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Student Registration
Report Card
Attendance
Discipline
Transcript (course history)
Course Requests (implemented in Spring 2011)
In progress grades, Class work (assignments, tests, etc.)
Student Schedule
Testing Information (CRCT, ITBS, etc.
ACCIDENTS
Any student who is injured on the school grounds or in the school building at any time must report the
injury to the supervising staff member or, if the student is not in class at the time of the injury, go directly
to the clinic or office. Appropriate safety precautions will be taken. The student will receive any necessary
first aid. Parents will be notified if the injury is considered anything other than minor. An accident report
will be completed and signed by the supervising faculty member.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
The school opens for students at 7:50am. Students must have a pass from a Sandtown Middle School staff
member to enter the building before 7:50am for clubs, rehearsals, and extra help sessions. In order to
remain after school at the end of the day, students must be participating in a school-sanctioned activity
under the supervision of a teacher.
If a student needs to leave before school is dismissed, a note from the parent or guardian must be sent to
the office, and the student will be listed on the “check-out” sheet. Parents or guardians must come to the
office in person to check out their child(ren). No student will be released from class 45 minutes prior to
dismissal time. A picture ID is required when a parent is checking out a student. The person checking out
the student must be listed in the student records as an authorized person to check a student in/out of school.
(This procedure is necessary for security reason.) Your understanding is appreciated and your cooperation
with this procedure is requested as it minimizes interruptions to instruction. In an emergency, a parent
may come directly to the office to request that a student be dismissed early.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Before and after school activities are integral parts of the middle school program. Please observe the
following guidelines:
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Students who are participating in morning tutorials must have a signed pass by the teacher to
attend the tutorial. A student should request this pass from the teacher at least one day in advance.
Students who do not have a signed pass will not be allowed to attend the tutorial.
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Students who do not have a signed pass to attend a morning tutorial will be considered
unsupervised (before 7:50am) and will be reported to the school social worker. Thus, students
should not be dropped off at school before 7:50am.
Students who are participating in after school activities must be on the school sports team,
attending a teacher supervised tutorial or attending an after school club program. All students who
are staying after school for an activity must report to the cafeteria immediately after school where
you will be picked up by your coach or sponsor. If a student is not involved in any school
sponsored activity after 4:00pm, they will be considered unsupervised and reported to the school
social worker.
Students attending after-school games must go home and return with their parent.
Students picked up late from after-school activities more than twice will no longer be allowed to
participate in after-school activities.
ASSEMBLIES
During school assemblies and concerts, student behavior should be refined and courteous. An indication of
the cultural level of a school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly. Whether guests are present
or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Students
should give full attention to the performers and appreciation shown only through clapping hands.
Whistling, shouting, foot stomping, boisterousness, and talking during a program is not appropriate. At the
discretion of an administrator, any student may be removed from the assembly, program, concert, etc. for
disciplinary reasons and given consequences.
ATTENDANCE
Absences:
Regular attendance is essential to the learning process and is required by state law. Excessive absences may
result in a contact from the School Social Worker. Students who are absent from school are deprived of a
variety of educational experiences shared with their peers. Whenever a student is absent for any reason, a
note from the parent must be sent to the front office and given to Ms. North, professional assistant, and to
the homeroom teacher upon return to school stating the reason for the absence. Due to the in-depth
teaching and learning that occurs every day, it is critical that students not miss school. If a student is absent
from school, it is imperative that he/she meet with each teacher to get all missed assignments.
Excused Absences:
1. The excuse must state the reason for the absence and be signed by the student’s parent or guardian.
2. A student’s absence from school or class will be considered excused when it is due to any of the following
circumstances:
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Personal illness of the student
Attendance at school would be detrimental to the health of the student or others.
A serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family necessitating absence from school.
Compliance with a court order or an order issued by a governmental agency, including an
order for a pre-induction physical examination or service in the armed forces, mandating
absence from school.
Observance of religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.
Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to the student’s health or safety.
Absences not exceeding a cumulative total of six (6) days per school year for the following
reasons, but only if the absence has been pre-approved by the principal or designee: a.
scholarship interviews/college visitations, b. travel opportunity with educational benefits, c.
graduation or wedding of an immediate family member, d. specialized educational experience,
e. other circumstances that are mutually agreeable to the parent and principal, f. up to 5 of
these days can be used to visit with a parent or
deployed to military service overseas.
guardian who is on leave from, or is being
3. Up to ten (10) instructional days (60 instructional hours) per year for school-sponsored, noninstructional activities (defined as functions during the school day that are under the auspices or
sponsorship of a school or the school system) that is specifically approved in advance by the principal or
designee. The principal shall ensure that an accurate record of all such absences is maintained.
Unexcused Absences:
A student’s absence from school or class for any reason other than those listed above will be considered an
unexcused absence.
Make-up Work for Excused and Unexcused Absences:
Parent(s)/guardian(s) and student(s) are encouraged to request make-up work for any excused or
unexcused or unexcused absence. Make-up work may be requested before, during, or after the student’s
absence, subject to the following:
Requesting Make-up Work Before or During an Absence:
1.
2.
Students who are absent should ask another student in the same class to get class assignments and
homework or them. Alternatively, parents may request assignments in person, by phone, or by email. Assignments may be picked up a minimum of two school days (48 hours) after the request is
made.
Textbooks and other instructional materials may be sent home for the student’s use during the
period of absence and must be returned promptly when the student returns to school.
Requesting Make-up Work After an Absence:
1.
2.
Upon returning to school following an absence, it is a student’s responsibility to contact the teacher
or teachers to request make-up work. The contact should be made on the day the student returns
to school unless the teacher allows a longer time.
Make-up work must be completed by the student within the time specified by the teacher. Work
missed during the last week of the semester must be made up by the tenth (10th) school day of the
next semester. Make-up work submitted late will not be counted.
Homebound Services
Homebound services are available to students expected to be absent for ten or more school days due to
surgery or non-contagious illnesses. A doctor’s statement is required and referral forms are available
through the school office.
CAFETERIA (2013-2014)
Elementary School
Elementary Student Breakfast
Elementary
Student
Reduced
Breakfast
Elementary Student Lunch
Cost
1.05
0.30
2.10
Elementary Student Reduced Lunch
0.40
Middle/High School
Cost
Middle/High Student Breakfast
1.20
Middle/High Reduced Breakfast
0.30
Middle/High Lunch
2.35
Middle/High Reduced Lunch
0.40
Alternative lunches and milk are available free of charge for students who forget their lunch money.
Students are encouraged to open a debit account in the cafeteria before school on Monday morning. Funds
may be deposited with cash or a check made payable to Sandtown Middle School Cafeteria. Debit account
numbers are not to be shared among students.
Visitors may purchase lunch for $3.15. Parents are invited to join their children for lunch. Please notify your
child’s teacher prior to the expected visit. Any student not wishing to eat lunch must bring a note from
home signed by a parent or guardian. Soft drinks and food from “fast food” restaurants are not allowed at
school. Glass bottles are not permitted for safety reasons.
All food and drinks are to remain in the
cafeteria, with the exception of water.
A lunch period is thirty minutes. Per Fulton County Board and State regulations, only food prepared by the
cafeteria will be sold during the school day. Students may pre-pay for lunches.
Teachers are to encourage students to:
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Respect the adults on duty in the cafeteria.
Enter the cafeteria quietly. Sit according to the directions given by the administrator/adult on duty.
Use inside voices.
Collect all supplies (napkins, silverware, condiments, milk, etc.) before being seated and do not reenter the line once seated.
Keep the eating area clean before, during and after eating lunch.
Throw trays in the trash after eating and not leave them on the table.
Dismiss from the cafeteria only when their teacher’s name is called.
Walk in the cafeteria.
Consume all food in the cafeteria.
Teachers are expected to take their class to the restroom prior to coming to lunch. Thus, students will only
be allowed to leave the cafeteria to use the restroom in an emergency situation. Students will not be
permitted to use the restroom in the rotunda before or after lunch.
HEALTHY KIDS, SMART KIDS THROUGH NUTRITION AND EXERCISE
The Westlake/Creekside/Langston Hughes Cluster is embracing the Health Schools Initiative with the
Alliance for a Healthier Generations in an effort to work with young people, parents, school staff and the
whole school community to provide a solid foundation from which a healthier school environment is
established. We believe that healthier eating habits and consistent exercise have a positive impact on your
children’s learning and ultimately their test scores. We use alternate rewards in our classrooms and provide
items with the lowest or minimum sugar on our breakfast and lunch menu, but still maintain a balanced,
nutritionally sound diet. If packing a home breakfast or lunch for your child, please remember that we are
a “Sugar-Free Zone” school. Do not send soft drinks, fruit drinks with processed sugar, candy,
cookies, ice cream, cupcakes, cake, hot fries, hot Cheetos, gum and/or sugary snacks in your child’s
home lunches or his/her snacks. Please note that if the student brings these types of items to
school, they will be held until the parent picks them up from the classroom teachers or the Front
Office. Substitute healthier eating items such as fruits, chips, vegetables, granola bars, animal crackers
and/or 100% fruit juice instead. Thanks for supporting the health and academic performance of our
children.
CLASSROOM PARTIES
Individual student birthday are not celebrated in the classrooms; therefore, please do not bring
balloons, gifts, food, etc. to school on your child’s birthday. Healthy snacks are permissible when requested
by the classroom teacher. Please go on our school website to learn more about our wellness program.
SANDTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY CYCLE
Step 1: Verbal Warning/Reprimand
Step 2: Teacher-student conference; Parent Call
Step 3: Mandatory After School Detention
Step 4: Office Referral (ISS or OSS)
Step 5: RTI/SST the student
SANDTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL TARDY POLICY
Tardy 1: Verbal Warning
Tardy 2: Parent Contact/Verbal Warning-Risk of Detention
Tardy 3: After School Detention/Parent Contact-Required 48 Hours before Scheduled Detention.
Note: Students who do NOT attend Detention will receive an Automatic 1 Day ISS.
Tardy 4: Write Up for Willful Disobedience of School Rules
DRESS CODE
School authorized uniforms are the preferred form of dress for all Sandtown students. We follow
the Fulton County Dress Code Policy (JD, Rule 12) which states: Students at Sandtown are expected to
dress and groom themselves in such a way as to reflect neatness, cleanliness and safety. All students shall
dress appropriately so as not to disrupt of interfere with the educational program or the orderly operation
of the school. Extremes in dress and grooming will not be permitted. Examples are: lack of cleanliness in
person or dress; shoeless; short shorts (defined locally by the discretion of school administration); bare
midriff; tank tops; see through clothing; apparel which designates gangs or similar organizations, or any
dress that is disruptive to the educational process. Heavy, long jewelry is prohibited. Designated dress
involving school activities approved by the principal shall be acceptable. The principal or other duty
authorized school officials shall determine whether any particular mode of dress or grooming
results in a violation of the spirit and/or the intent of this rule.
Sandtown Middle School Dress Code –The school administration reserves the right to determine
whether the student’s attire is within the limits of decency and modesty, and it interferes with or distracts
from the learning environment or the operation of school. (Policy 6.310)
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Clothing must fit correctly. Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn at the waist.
Sagging pants will not be permitted.
Young men must tuck in their shirts and wear a belt. The belt should be visible and at the waist at
all times.
Halters, see-through blouses, low cut blouses made to show the bare midriff (stomach), tank tops,
or muscle shirts will not be permitted. Shoulders and underarms must be covered at all times.
Pants with holes or frayed edges are not acceptable during school. Pants may not drag on the floor.
Undergarments must be covered by another appropriate article of clothing at all times.
The leg(s) of pants may not be rolled up.
T-shirts and pants must be in good taste (no suggestive wording or illustrations or advertisements
for items which are illegal for middle school students – i.e. alcohol and tobacco products, weapons,
violence or of such a nature to cause disruption in the school.
Hats, curlers, head scarves, combs, hair picks, bandannas, sweat bands, sunglasses and gloves may
not be worn during school. If these items are worn and/or are visible during the school day, they
will be confiscated and returned (only) to a parent/guardian before or after school in a minimum of
24-hours.
Head apparel, except for religious or medical purposes, must not be worn inside the school
building.
Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops or house shoes are not permitted for safety reasons.
Clothing should not be worn backwards or inside out.
Only lightweight jackets or sweaters may be worn in the classroom.
Apparel or jewelry which designates “gangs”, neighborhood affiliations, or similar organizations
will not be allowed. Solid colored tees (tees that hang below the waist) are not allowed.
All jewelry must be in good taste.
Silly bands are not permitted.
Flash dance or off the shoulder shirts are not permitted. Shoulders and underarms must be covered
at all times.
Jeggings are not permitted.
PE attire should only be worn during physical education class. PE clothes should not be worn
during the school day.
No CD, MP3, iPod players, etc. are allowed at school. They are distracting and often students
misplace them or they are stolen. The school is not responsible for these lost items.
The above list does not include all of the clothing items which may violate local school dress code.
Thus any questionable clothing shall be determined by any school administrator. Students with
dress code violations may receive discipline consequences.
**Please Note: We expect all Sandtown Middle School students to wear the designated school uniform. Also,
any items, due to dress code violations that are confiscated by an administrator can only be picked up by a
parent/guardian before or after school in a minimum of 24-hours.
LOCKERS
A. Students may rent lockers for safekeeping of books and personal property. Only school assigned
locks may be put on lockers. It is the responsibility of the student to guard his/her combination
and to see that his/her locker is secure. Lockers remain the property of the school and are subject
to periodic inspections by school personnel at any time during the year. Periodic general
inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time without
notice, without student consent, and with a search warrant.
B. Fees may be paid at the time a student registers for school. The only acceptable forms of payment
are cash or money order. No personal checks will be accepted.
BUS CONDUCT
All students are expected to follow the rules and procedures as outlined in the Fulton County Code of
Conduct and Discipline Handbook. Consequences include, but are not limited to:
a. Warning/Parent Notification
b. Bus Suspension short-term or permanent
c. Additional consequences determined by Fulton County Discipline Cycle.
STUDENT CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Student cellular telephones must be in the off position and not visible between the hours of 8:20am –
dismissal. Cellular telephones must be in the off position on school buses.
VISITORS/ClASSROOM VISITATION
The School System will make reasonable efforts to accommodate parent/guardian requests to visit a school,
yet it also recognizes concerns for the welfare of students. Part of that concern is to assure that students
and staff are not distracted from the task of learning by the presence of visitors on campus. For purposes of
this policy, staff and Board members of Fulton County Schools are not considered visitors although they
must sign-in at the school office and wear visible school system identification at all times while in a school.
A. Limitations on Who May Visit
To ensure the safety and confidentiality of students, the System limits visitors to:
1. The parents/guardians of current students;
2. Other family members of current students who are approved by the student’s parent/guardian;
3. Those persons invited by the System for official business; which may include outside service providers
who currently provide private educational or therapy services to a student (See Policy ML, Professional
Visitors and Observers.)
B. Provisions for All Visitors
To minimize disruption to the instructional program, visits to classrooms or programs or requests to meet
with specific personnel must comply with the following guidelines:
1.
All visitors must sign-in at the school office and obtain written permission to visit any part of the
school;
2.
Visits generally require notice at least 24 hours in advance;
3. Parents/guardians may observe for up to one hour during a classroom visitation, however, individuals
who are invited by the System for official business may be granted extended time periods as necessary to
perform their functions at the discretion of the System;
4. Classroom visitations are not a time for parent-teacher conferences and parents/guardians should not
expect teachers to conference with them at these times;
5. The regular school program must continue during such visits so parents/guardians must refrain from
engaging the attention of the teacher or students through conversation or other means.
WEATHER EMERGENCY
During periods of inclement weather, when buses have difficulty traveling or school may have been closed,
students should listen to WSB or WXIA television channels and 750AM and WGST 640 AM radio stations
to find out about the status of school for that day.
2013 – 2014 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
First Semester
Second Semester
August 1-2
January 7
Professional Learning Days (teacher workdays) First Day of Second Semester
August 5-9
January 20
Pre-Planning
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (schools closed)
August 12
February 14
First Day of School
Teacher/Student Holiday (school closed)
September 2
February 17
Labor Day (schools closed
President’s Day (schools closed)
October 14
March 14
Columbus Day (schools closed)
Teacher Workday (students off)
October 15
April 7-11
Teacher Workday (students off)
Spring Break
November 11
May 23
Veterans Day (schools open)
Last Day of School
November 25- 29
Thanksgiving Break (schools closed)
May 26
Memorial Day (schools closed)
December 20
End of First Semester
May 27-29
Post-Planning
December 23-31, January 1-3
Winter Break
January 6
Teacher Workday (students off)