Gibson County Special School District
2016-2017 School Year Calendar
Student Calendar
August 2 (Tuesday)
Students dismissed at 11:30 No Lunch
August 29(Monday)
NO SCHOOL
September 5(Monday)
NO SCHOOL
September 23(Friday)
NO SCHOOL
October 10-11(Monday-Tuesday)
NO SCHOOL
November 21-25 (Monday-Friday)
NO SCHOOL
December 16 (Friday)
Students dismissed at 11:30 No Lunch
1st Term Begins
Teacher Full Day PD*
Labor Day Break
Parent-Teacher Conference
Fall Break
Thanksgiving Break
1st Term Ends – 89 days
December 19 – January 3
Christmas Break
NO SCHOOL
January 4 (Wednesday)
NO SCHOOL
January 16 (Monday)
NO SCHOOL
February 17 (Friday)
NO SCHOOL
February 20 (Monday)
NO SCHOOL
March 27-March 31 (Monday-Friday)
NO SCHOOL
April 14 (Friday)
NO SCHOOL
May 12 (Friday)
NO SCHOOL
May 24 (Wednesday)
Students dismissed at 11:30 No Lunch
2nd Term Begins
Martin Luther King Day
Parent-Teacher Conference
President’s Day
Spring Break
Good Friday Holiday
Strawberry Festival
2nd Term Ends – 91 days
*PD=Professional Development
Report Card Dates:
Elementary Cards – 6 week intervals
High School Report Cards – every 4 ½ weeks and 9 weeks
PLEASE NOTE: The GCSSD Board of Trustees has 6 days built-in this schedule to allow for
inclement weather; after that time we are required to make up those days.
The following days have been scheduled if needed:
7th day missed – Martin Luther King Day January 16
8th day missed – President’s Day February 20
9th day missed – Spring Break March 31
10th day missed – Spring Break March 30
11th day missed – May 25
Welcome
We would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to Medina Middle School.
Students as well as parents need to take a few moments to read this handbook in
order to ensure that we all understand what is to be expected of the students in the
coming year. There is a signature page in the back of this handbook for the parents or
legal guardians to sign after they have read the handbook. Please remember that this
handbook represents the written by-laws of our school, and each student and parent
is expected to follow the guidelines at all times. We look forward to a great year.
Mission Statement
The mission of Medina Middle School is to provide a quality education in a safe, caring
environment so that all students can become well-rounded productive citizens.
Our Beliefs
Learning
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All children learn, achieve, and succeed in different ways.
As a team, teachers, parents, and the community have the obligation to hold high
expectations for achievement of all students.
Parent support is necessary for achievement, self-esteem, and academic success.
The collaboration affects all stakeholders (All stakeholders include the faculty and
staff of the school, parents, students, and members of the community).
The collaboration process includes all stakeholders through a variety of surveys
and discussion.
The use of new instructional technology and refined practices promote technology,
enriches teaching, and improves learning.
Research is based on strategies that promote student learning.
Instruction
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Teachers are responsible for facilitating learning to the highest level of thinking
through a variety of approaches, instruction, and strategies for the individual child.
Real life situations must be presented to the child at learning connections through
experiments, projects, and classroom activities.
The child is taught to understand and practice thinking processes in order to
become competent thinkers, problem solvers and decision makers.
Quality instruction must be delivered daily if students are to achieve above
proficient levels.
Research-based instructional practices must align with appropriate students data.
Assessment
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We believe in monitoring each child's progress through regular scheduled,
appropriate, and varied types of assessment.
Research-based assessments must be aligned with learning expectations and
teaching strategies.
Results of assessment are used to differentiate instruction so that students achieve
at the highest level.
Decision-Making
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Shared decision making among all stakeholders is used to promote growth and
strength for all stakeholders.
Decisions that are made by all stake holders are pertinent to student's academic
success.
Recruiting and developing parents as leaders is crucial to effective school-based
decision making.
All decisions for academic success are data driven.
Policy
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Students, parents, and community members are involved in decision and policy
making at the school.
All stakeholders must support the policies of the school, Gibson County School
District, and the state of Tennessee if we are the reach maximum potential. Policies
are communicated to all stakeholders.
Expectations
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Every child has a successful experience every school day.
Multiple communication methods and formats encourage regular discussions about
school progress, children's academic progress and behavior management.
Every child is expected to reach his or her highest potential.
Relationships
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Meeting the individual needs of students will ensure a quality education for all
students.
A high performing learning culture includes all stakeholders.
All students will achieve academic proficiency or above as measure by local, state,
and national standards.
Positive communication with the student and parents will ensure every student's
educational emotional, social, physical and technological success.
Students develop and maintain self-respect and respect for others by learning to
communicate effectively.
Our Vision
The vision of Medina Middle School is to have a culture of lifelong learners and students
that are competitive in the global society.
Code of Conduct
1. Respect
Students are expected to respect teachers, support staff, other students,
and themselves. It is imperative that words like: sir, ma’am, thank you,
you are welcome, please, and excuse me be used when dealing with
others. Respect for property is a must. Destructive behavior will not be
tolerated and just compensation for any damages will be rendered.
2. Character
Good character will be expected from each student.
3. Punctuality
School begins each day at 7:45 am. Students are expected to be here on
time every day. Schedules are arranged for a reason and that is to make
sure the school day goes as efficiently as possible. Tardiness for school
and class will result in disciplinary action.
4. Contraband
Students possessing any illegal substance on school property will be
dealt with according to school board policy. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or
weapons fall into this category. The policy is a Zero Tolerance policy and
infractions of this rule can result in a minimum of a 1-year expulsion
from school.
5. Profanity
Use of abusive language will not be tolerated for any reason. This falls
under the category of respect and character.
6. Classroom Rules
Each teacher will have his or her own personal rules for their
classrooms. Your child is expected to follow them to the letter or expect
to be disciplined in the proper manner. Rules are established to make
sure that each room has an atmosphere that reflects learning.
Uncontrollable behavior cannot be allowed.
7. Handbooks
Handbooks are to be taken to every class each day. They will be used as
hall passes, and to record homework assignments, notes, test dates,
discipline notes to parents, and grades. Parents should read and look
through the handbook daily. There is a calendar for each month that
will have important information for you in the front.
8. Expectations
Students are expected to be on their best behavior on a daily basis and
to follow this list of rules. If a student should choose to deviate from the
rules listed above, discipline will be swift, fair, and consistent. Parents
will be notified of any major problems.
Attendance Policy
District Attendance Policy
The Board shall determine annually and include in the school calendar a plan for
using (3) abbreviated days and the procedures for making up missed instructional
days. In addition, the Board shall determine annually whether to use flexible
scheduling for kindergarten students.
Days missed due to inclement weather will be made-up in the following order: Martin
Luther King, Jr Day, President’s Day, and Spring Break at the Board’s discretion.
Students participating in school-sponsored activities whether on or off campus shall
not be counted absent. In order to qualify as “school sponsored,” the activity must be
school-planned, school directed, and teacher-supervised. Mass exodus or early
dismissal or late arrival of all students or any segment of students shall not be
permitted for any reason except for emergencies such as inclement weather or other
unavoidable situations, unless instruction time is made up in full.
All missed class work or tests (from excused absences) may be made up if the student
makes the request immediately upon returning to school and if class time is not taken
from other students.
Excused Absence:
The following notes will be used to excuse student absences:
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Maximum of five (5) parent notes per year
Doctor
Funeral home
A parent note is considered used when a student misses a partial or full day and
returns with a written note from parent/guardian excusing them from the absence.
Military leave: A one-day excused absence is provided for students when their parent
or custodian is deployed into active military service. Students shall be permitted to
make up school work missed during the excused absences.
Unexcused Absence:
Phone calls will be made to parents or guardians of students accumulating three (3)
unexcused absences. Students with five (5) unexcused absences will be reported to
the truancy board.
Vacation:
Any student who is going to be absent due to vacation must get pre-approval by Mr.
Maloan.
Tardies:
Students who arrive at school late (after 7:45 am) must sign in at the office. The
student will receive a tardy slip from the office.
Per School Board Policy 6.200. Every third tardy will equal one unexcused absence
from school and count towards five (5) unexcused absences per year. Thursday
School detention will be assigned to students upon the third tardy. It is held every
Thursday from 2:50 pm until 4:30 pm. Students must be in class by 7:45 or they are
tardy.
School Attendance Policy
The following procedures should be observed when a student must be absent from
school:
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A parent or guardian should call the office on the day of the absence by 9:30 am and
notify the principal or his secretary of the reason the student is absent.
The student will bring a note explaining the absence when he/she returns to school.
A student may only bring five (5) notes from parents explaining illness, after that it will
have to be a doctor’s note or the absence will be considered unexcused. Notes from
parents will be at the discretion of the principal to determine if the child is excused or
unexcused. This note should be brought to the office before 7:45 am the morning the
student returns to school.
Absences may be excused for the following reasons: student illness, medical or dental
attention, or death of any immediate family member. Illnesses lasting for more than
two (2) days require a doctor’s note.
Student’s who arrive at school late must sign in at the office. Students who are
absent for a full or partial day must bring a note to the office from their parents or
doctor before returning to class. Students will have two (2) days for each absence to
make up any missed work.
If a student is absent for more than five (5) days during a semester, that student can
be considered as truant and turned over to the truancy board for evaluation. Parents
will be called to court to answer to the judge as to why their children miss school on a
regular basis. This situation also includes excessive tardiness. Truancy is very serious
and will be used to control attendance at this school.
Bookstore
School supplies will be sold in the bookstore from 7:30 to 7:40 each morning. Tablets,
paper, and pencils will be available for students to purchase.
Dress Code
Student Dress:
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Shorts can be worn anytime. The stipulation is that shorts must be worn to
mid-thigh (in most cases we use finger tips). Skirts must be still no less than 3
inches from the knee.
Hats or caps should not be brought to school except for special occasions.
Students are not allowed to wear caps or hats in the building. Hats are easily
misplaced or lost as well.
Trench coats or large bulky clothing should not be worn at any time.
Only girls may wear ear rings. Tongue, eyebrow, or other visible piercings are
not permitted.
Tank tops and spaghetti straps may only be worn with a shirt over them that
give full coverage to shoulders (such as a cardigan). Boys who wear muscle
shirts or jerseys should likewise have a shirt underneath them, covering bare
arms and wide holes in underarms.
Pants will be worn with a waistband around the waist. They may not hang
below the waist. Pants should not have holes above the knees. Tights may be
worn while covered at all times by clothing that meets the dress code criteria.
Mid-drift will not be exposed at anytime. If a student raises his/her hands
above the head and the stomach shows, the shirt will not be allowed in school.
Clothing that is in the opinion of the principal to be suggestive or offensive will
not be allowed. This includes any clothing that is gang related or clothing that
depicts any form of violence, sexually explicit messages, or crude humor.
Those who violate the dress code will be required to contact parents for a change of
clothing. Students will not be permitted to attend their classes until their clothing
complies with the Dress Code Policy. Students will receive an unexcused absence for
each class they miss.
First Aid Policy
In the event that your child needs to take any prescription medication at school, the
parent must send the medicine in its original bottle with a doctor’s note. The parents
should complete a form that is available in the office, indicating exactly what time and
how much medicine is to be given. All medication will be left in the office and kept in
a safe area upon arrival to school. Students are not allowed to keep medicine with
them during the school day, including over the counter medications (such as Tylenol,
Benadryl, or vitamin supplements).
A school nurse will be available on a daily basis. In the event your child is injured and
needs medical attention, you will be notified before any actions are taken unless it is
life threatening. Pain relievers will not be given to students for headaches and other
problems they may complain of during the school day. If you wish to send this type of
medicine to be administered as needed, a medical form is available for you to fill out
and keep in the office. With this information on file and the medicine kept at school,
we can give your child the medicine as needed.
Lockers
Please keep in mind that lockers are public school property and are subject to search
and seizure at any time. Items found in lockers that are illegal will be handled
according to school board policy. A search of a student’s locker and all of its contents
(backpacks, purses, etc.) may occur at any time. Locks will be available and anything
stolen from a locker that is not secure will be the responsibility of the person assigned
that locker.
Unacceptable Items
If a student is using an electronic device during the school day without permission it
will be taken up and deposited in the office for safe keeping for a designated period of
time. 1st violation= 1 day, 2nd violation= 2 weeks, and the 3rd violation= remainder of
the semester.
Other unacceptable items include, but are not limited to, skate boards, toys, trading
cards, yo-yos, water squirting instruments, and any item construed as a weapon. Any
of the above items will be confiscated at any time and kept until the principal decides
to return the items.
Cafeteria
Breakfast will be served from 7:10 to 7:45 am each morning. The cost of meals will be
posted at the beginning of the school year. Extra milk or juice may be purchased.
Prices are subject to change.
Lunch each day will consist of two entrees and choices of sides, one based on a hot
meal and the other a cold meal. This selection will give your child a choice with lunch
each day. Ice cream will be available to your child at lunch only if they purchase a
meal or bring their lunch.
Students will not be able to charge lunches. Money will be taken up as your child
goes through the line or you can prepay for the entire week or month on Mondays.
Please write your child’s first and last name on all money matters. Make checks out to
MMS and write lunch on the memo line.
Applications for free and reduced lunches are available to parents online. This
information is kept completely confidential. Parents may call or come by the office if
help is needed in filling out the forms. Please be aware there is typically about a 2
week period between the application being submitted and the approval.
Parents are welcome to eat with your child any time. Please bring any food from
outside in a lunch box or brown paper bag. Soft drinks are only allowed if they are in
a mug brought by parents only.
Medicine
All medicine must be kept in the office. A form must be filled out by the parent in
order for the school to give any form of medicine to students. Penalty for a student
having any form of drugs on their person at school can be declared as having illegal
narcotics and can result in a one year suspension from school. It is imperative that all
medications be kept in the office.
Library Media Center Policy
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Books are checked out for two (2) weeks. Reference books such as encyclopedias
are kept in the school. Copies of reference items will be provided as deemed
necessary by the media specialist and the homeroom teacher.
2. Due to the growth of our school, students will only be allowed to check out one
book at a time.
3. Late fines: 5 cents per day for all books.
4. If a student has overdue books or existing fines, he may not check out materials
until the overdue fines are cleared up.
5. Students must pay the replacement cost for lost books or reference materials.
6. Students will come to the library for one, 45 minute period each week. Beginning
the third week of school, the library will be open at 7:15 for check in/out.
7. Non-fiction books are arranged by the Dewey Decimal System. Fiction books are
arranged according to the author’s last name.
8. Each student had a bar-coded patron number and must check out his own books.
9. A student must have an authorization use form on file with the school before
accessing the Internet. A student must have a right to publish form on file with
the school before having pictures or their name published on the school website.
Individual pictures with names will never be published on the website together for
security purposes.
10. Computers are available for research needs and not for playing games or
participating in social media forums. Students must ask permission to print from
any computer station before doing so. A student may lose rights to the use of the
computers if he/she does not follow library procedures.
School Website
Our school web address is ww2.gcssd.org/mms. Our website is a great resource for
keeping up with school events and contacting us. Each teacher has their individual
web pages that contain information about class events, homework, rule, and grades.
You may view the Gibson County Special School District website for information about
all schools in the district, as well as School Board information at www.gcssd.org.
Majority to Minority Transfer Policy
The GCSSD shall permit students from other school districts to transfer to the GCSSD
if the race of the student who plans to transfer is in the minority at the GCSSD school
to which he/she applies for transfer. This request will be considered only if space is
available.
Trespassing
School grounds are off limits to everyone after school hours. It is a tremendous
liability to our district if someone is on the school property when school is not in
session. If you need to be on school property after hours, please contact the principal
and get permission.
Mobile Electronic Devices
The Governing Board believes that all students have the right to be educated in a
positive learning environment free from disruptions. Students shall be expected to
exhibit appropriate conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of others or
interfere with the school program while on school grounds, while going to or coming
from school, while at school activities, and while on district transportation.
The Governing Board recognizes that instructional time is precious and must be
protected from unnecessary disruption. However, the Board also acknowledges the
importance of electronic communication between students and parents, particularly
when students are involved with activities that keep them after school hours. In
addition, the Board acknowledges the potential of wireless mobile learning devices to
achieve large-scale impact on learning because of portability, low cost, and the
communication feature. Therefore, students may be permitted to have in their
possession a cellular phone or other personal electronic devices in school, on school
property, at after-school activities, and at school related functions. However, cellular
phones or other personal electronic devices are only permitted to be used at the
discretion of the teacher and/or Administrator for instructional purposes.
In permitting the possession of such devices, the District, the school site, its
Administration and employees assume no liability for the loss or damage of the device
or its misuse by another person.
If a disruption occurs or a student uses any cellular phone or personal electronic
device for improper activities, a school employee shall direct the student to turn off the
device and/or shall confiscate it. As a preventable measure, if applicable, all electronic
devices should be placed in silent mode during regular school hours. If a school
employee finds it necessary to confiscate a device, it will only be returned when
retrieved by a parent or guardian.
During times of testing and other student evaluations, teachers may request that
students remove their cell phones from their possession, by returning to a locker or
placing under a desk, reducing the possibility of compromised test security.
Fire drills, assemblies, or other school evacuations are considered cell phone
blackouts. During such contingencies, there will be absolute zero tolerance on cell
phone use.
Cellular phones or other personal electronic devices are not to be used for unethical or
unlawful purposes. A student who violates this policy may be prohibited from
possessing a cellular phone or personal electronic device at school or school-related
events and/or may be subject to discipline in accordance with Board policy and the
acceptable use policy.
In accordance with the Board's policy and administrative regulation on interrogations
and searches, a school official may search a student's mobile communications device,
including, but not limited to, reviewing messages or viewing pictures. (6.303
Interrogations and Searches)
Cell phones may not be used by a driver of an automobile while the automobile is in
motion on campus.
Grading System
Grading Second-Eighth Grades:
Subject-area grades shall be expressed by the letters “A, B, C, D, and F,” with
corresponding numerical values.
A………………………………………93-100
B………………………………………85-92
C………………………………………75-84
D………………………………………70-74
F………………………………………Below 70
Conduct shall be marked as follows:
E……………..Excellent
S……………..Satisfactory
U…………….Unsatisfactory
Conduct grades are based on behavior and shall not be deducted from scholastic
grades.
Grades are given at the end of each six (6) week period for grades K-8, and are
determined from daily work, homework, written assignments and tests.
Grades 3-5 will have semester grades determined by an average of the three-six (6)
weeks grades. Final year grades will be determined by an average of the two
semesters with accounting for TCAP Achievement Testing at fifteen (15) percent of the
final average.
Grades 6-8 will have semester averages determined by counting six (6) weeks grade
two-sevenths and the semester exam one-seventh. Final year grades will be
determined by an average of the two semester grades with accounting for TCAP
Achievement Testing as fifteen (15) percent of the final average.
Student grades are available for parents through Parent Portal at any time. Interim
grades (Progress Reports) will be available once every three (3) weeks during the school
year.
Student Discrimination/Harassment and Bullying/Intimidation
and Cyberbullying
Discrimination/Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious)
Students shall be provided a learning environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic and
religious discrimination/harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any
employee or any student to discriminate against or harass a student through
disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in
nature. The following guidelines are set forth to protect students from
discrimination/harassment.
Student discrimination/harassment will not be tolerated. Discrimination/harassment
is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words either written or spoken of a
sexual, racial, ethnic or religious nature which:
1. Unreasonably interfere with the student's work or educational opportunities; or
2. Create an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment; or
3. Imply that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of
receiving grades or credit; or
4. Imply that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for
determining the student's grades and/or participation in a student activity.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or
communication of a sexual nature. Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual
harassment include, but are not limited to:
• touching oneself sexually or talking about one's sexual activities in front of others;
• coercing, forcing or attempting to coerce or force the touching of anyone's intimate
parts;
• Sexually dirty jokes or gestures;
• Graffiti of a sexual nature or notes or cartoons of a sexual nature;
• forcing or attempting to force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another person;
• unwelcome touching, patting, pinching or physical contact other than necessary
restraining of pupil(s) by school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or
property;
• Offensive or graphic posters or book covers;
• Violent acts; or
• Unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors when
accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an
individual's educational status.
Bullying/Intimidation/Cyberbullying/Hazing
Bullying is defined as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group
of youths who are not siblings or current dating partners that involves an observed or
perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be
repeated. Students shall be provided a safe learning environment. It shall be a
violation of this policy for any student to bully, intimidate or create a hostile
educational environment of another student. Harassment, bullying and intimidation
occurs, if the act takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on
school-provided equipment or transportation or at any official school bus stop, if the
act either physically harms a student or damages his/her property, or knowingly
places the student in reasonable fear of such, causes emotional distress to a student
or students, or creates a hostile educational environment. If the act takes place off
school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, an act of harassment,
bullying or intimidation occurs if the act is directed specifically at a student or
students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise
creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.
Cyberbullying is defined as bullying through the use of the internet or through
telecommunications technologies, such as telephones, cell phones, social networking
sites, and text messaging. Cyberbullying is willful and repeated harm inflicted
through the use of computers, cellphones and other electronic devices. Cyberbullying
can be committed through email, instant messaging, in a chat room, on a website, or
through digital messages or images sent to a cell phone. Coaches and other employees
of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities.
The Gibson County Special School District prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation
or bullying, including cyberbullying that may begin off campus and subsequently
interferes with the rights of students to learn in a safe and civil environment. School
administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers are expected to exhibit appropriate
behavior by treating others with civility and respect and refusing to tolerate or
participate in harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying.
Student Protection Guidelines
Alleged victims of the above-referenced offenses shall report these incidents
immediately to a teacher, counselor or building administrator. Any allegations shall
be fully investigated by a school administration or designee (as set forth in Policy
6.305 - Student Grievances and Complaint Procedures). The privacy and anonymity of
all parties and witnesses to complaints will be respected. However, because an
individual's need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to cooperate
with police investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused
to conduct a thorough investigation or take necessary action to resolve a complaint,
the identity of parties and witnesses may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to
individuals with a need to know.
Parents’ Page
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Phone Calls:
Please limit phone calls during the school day to a minimum. We cannot
deliver messages to students after 2 pm. Please use your child’s daily
planner and email as a medium for changes in their schedules.
Appointments:
Appointments need to be scheduled so that your child misses as little of
the school day as possible. Each time they are taken from school, they
begin to fall behind. Please keep this thought in mind when talking to
your doctor.
Visitors:
All visitors must report to the office through the front door. You should
sign in upon arrival and put a visitor’s badge on before going down the
hallways. You may have lunch with your child at any time. Please let us
know in advance so that the cafeteria is prepared for extra visitors. If
you bring food from outside, please bring it in a lunch box and not the
restaurant bag (if bringing a soft drink it must be in a thermos and not
original canister or bottle).
Conferences:
Conferences can be scheduled with the principal and/or your child’s
teachers with a phone call or email correspondence. When setting up a
date and time to visit, please let us know what the conference is
concerning so that all information may be available. We are here to help
in any way we can.
Bus Conduct:
Riding a bus is a privilege. Bus drivers have one of the most strenuous
jobs in education. They are responsible for getting children to and from
school during the most hectic parts of the day. It is imperative that your
child remains seated and be relatively quiet while riding the bus. This is
not just our rule; it is a state mandate that all students will remain in
their seats at all times while on the bus. If your child should become a
problem on the bus, they will be removed for an extended period of time
and you will be responsible for getting them to and from school.
Cameras will be used on each bus to determine problems with riders.
Disrespect will not be tolerated from any child at any time. If your child
becomes a continual problem on the bus, he/she can be removed
indefinitely.
Leaving School Grounds:
Students will not be allowed to leave school grounds for any reason
without permission of the principal. Once a student is on school
grounds, they should remain until the end of the school day. Any
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student who leaves early must be signed out in the school office by a
parent or guardian or his/her designee.
Parking and Car Rider Pick-up:
Please use the front parking lot when visiting the school. The back
parking lot is used for recess and P.E. Activities and children are often
present in that area. For safety, please use the front parking lot. All car
riders are picked up outside the front door. Please pull in the West
entrance and exit using the East side exit. Do not pull into the parking
area to drop off or wait for your child.
Please verify below with your signature and your child’s signature that you have read
and understand all the rules set forth in this handbook and that you will try to the
best of your ability to uphold the requests made in this handbook. Thank you for your
time and patience. Please help us make this the best school we possibly can.
Parent: ________________________________________________________________________
Student: _______________________________________________________________________
Discipline Examples
(All violations of policy are subject to review and equal treatment by administrators)
Offense
(Teacher/Staff Level)
Classroom and Hallway
Violations; includes but
is not limited to, any
actions that the teacher
feels is a disruption of
the learning
environment. These
actions may result in a
verbal warning, but
reoccurrence will result
in documentation (at
the discretion of the
teacher)
1st Violation
Consequences
Warning
Check mark or Teacher
documentation
Parent contact by
teacher
2nd Violation
Consequences
Check mark or Teacher
documentation
Alternative lunch
seating/loss of
privileges
Parent contact by
teacher
3rd Violation
Consequences
Check mark or Teacher
documentation
Office referral
1 day ISS*
Parent contact by
administration
Cheating in any form
New assignment or
project
Parent contact by
teacher
New assignment or
project
1 day ISS
Parent contact by
administration
New assignment or
project
2 days ISS*
Parent contact by
administration
Disrespectful Behavior
Loss of privileges
Parent contact by
teacher
Office referral
1 day ISS
Parent contact by
administration
Office referral
2 days ISS*
Parent contact by
administration
Possession of
disallowed
objects/materials
(Mobile devices, games,
toys, magazines, etc.)
Device/object held by
teacher for 1 day
Documentation
required by teacher
Parent contact by
teacher
Device/object turned
in to office
Held by administration
for 2 weeks; returned
to Parent
Parent contact by
administration
Device/object turned
in to office
Held by administration
for rest of semester*;
returned to Parent
Parent contact by
administration
Inappropriate Cafeteria
Behavior (out of seat,
yelling, horseplay, etc.)
Warning by
staff/monitors
Alternative seating for
3 days
Office referral
Parent contact by
administration
Alternative seating for
2 weeks
Office referral
Parent contact by
administration
Offense
(Administrative Level)
1st Violation
Consequences
2nd Violation
Consequences
3rd Violation
Consequences
Cutting class/Out of
Area/Leaving Campus
without permission
1 day ISS
Parent Contact
2 days ISS
Parent Contact
1 day OSS
Parent Contact
Violation of School Dress
Code
Change of
Clothing
Parent Contact
Change of
Clothing
Parent Contact
Change of
Clothing
1 day ISS
Parent Contact
Violation of Cell Phone
Policy
(All students must abide by
GCSSD Policy 6.312
regarding cellular phones)
Phone held in
office for 1 day
Parent contact
to pick up
phone
Phone held in
office for two (2)
weeks
Parent contact
to pick up
phone
Phone held in
office for
remainder of
semester
Student
restricted from
possession of
phone on school
grounds
Parent contact
to pick up
phone
1 day ISS
Parent Contact
2 days ISS
Parent Contact
1 day OSS
Parent Contact
ISS/OSS
(Depending on
the severity of
the action)
Parent Contact
ISS/OSS
(Depending on
the severity of
the action)
Parent Contact
ISS/OSS
(Depending on
the severity of
the action)
DHA Hearing for
unruly behavior
Parent Contact
and meeting
Disrespect or profanity
directed at
administration/faculty/staff;
Starting a fight
Fighting in Self-Defense
(situation will be examined
to determine intent/actions
of parties involved; students
looking for trouble will not
be tolerated; student
physical response to
taunting, verbal teasing, or
other non-physical
intimidation will be looked
on as starting a fight)
Parent Contact
Parent Contact
Referral to
Counselor
Parent Contact
and meeting
Referral to
Counselor
Inciting other students to
create a disturbance
1 day ISS
Parent contact
2 days ISS
Parent contact
1 day OSS
Parent contact
and meeting
Bullying (physical or verbal)
Bullying report
filled out by
victim
1 day ISS
Parents
contacted
Bullying report
filled out by
victim
2 days ISS
Parents
contacted
School Report to
District
Complaint
Manager
1 day OSS
Parents
contacted
Sexual Harassment
ISS/OSS depending on severity of the action; Parents
contacted
Damage of Property
Student held financially responsible for repair or
replacement; ISS/OSS depending on severity or theft;
Parent contact
Bus Behavior
Report by bus driver; Consequence could include
assigned seating on bus or loss of riding privileges
based on severity of actions.
Zero Tolerance Offenses
(The offenses listed below are considered Zero Tolerance Offenses according to GCSSD
Policy 6.309 and will not be tolerated. Consequences are in accordance with the
policy. When it has been determined that a student is in violation of this policy, the
school principal will notify the student’s parent or guardian and the criminal justice or
juvenile delinquency system as is required by law.)
Students shall not possess, handle, transmit,
use or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in
school buildings or on school grounds at any
time, or in school vehicles and/or buses or off
the school grounds at a school sponsored
activity, function, or event.
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
Dangerous weapons for the purposes of this
policy shall include, but are not limited to a
firearm or anything manifestly designed, made
or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or
serious bodily injury or anything that in the
manner of its use or intended use is capable of
causing death or serious bodily injury
Violators of this section shall be subject to
suspension and/or expulsion from school
Firearms
Battery
Drugs
In accordance with state law, any student who
brings or possess a firearm on school property
shall be expelled for a period of time not less
than one (1) calendar year. The director of
schools shall have the authority to modify this
expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
In accordance with state law, any student who
commits battery upon any teacher, principal
administrator, or any other employee of the
school or school resource officer shall be
expelled for a period of not less than one (1)
calendar year. The director of schools shall
have the authority to modify this expulsion
requirement on a case-by-case basis.
In accordance with state law, any student who
unlawfully possesses any drug including any
controlled substance or legend drug shall be
expelled for a period of not less than one (1)
calendar year. The director of schools shall
have the authority to modify this expulsion
requirement on a case-by-case basis.