Students PK-12: - Wheeler County School District



Wheeler County High School50 Snowhill RoadAlamo, Georgia 30411Telephone # (912) 568-7166Fax # (912) 568-7141Website: Principal: Mr. William Bell Administrative Assistant:Mr. Eli DupreeTHIS BOOK BELONGS TO:Name: _____________________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________City: _______________________________________________________ State: ________Zip Code: __________Phone: ____________This is your Student Handbook for the 2019 – 2020 school year. You will find an acknowledgment page in the back of this handbook that requires parent and student signatures. These forms must be returned to your advisement teacher by__________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTSSystem Calendar Page 5Principal MessagePage 6District Mission, Vision, Beliefs, Alma MaterPage 7Bell SchedulesPage 8Section I: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAdvancED AccreditedPage 9AttendancePage 9 - 11Computer Use Page 11 - 16Curriculum Page 16Dates to Remember Page 16Georgia Milestone EOC Page 17ExamsPage 17Exemptions (9th – 12th)Page 17Field TripsPage 17 - 18Gifted EducationPage 18GradingPage 18 - 19 GraduationCeremony/Speeches/ExpectationsPage 19Graduation RequirementsPage 20 - 21In-Field TeachersPage 21Honor GraduatesPage 21Honor RollsPage 21Junior UshersPage 21Make-Up WorkPage 21 - 22Media CenterPage 22 Promotion RequirementsPage 22Special Education (9-12)Page 23STAR StudentPage 23Student Government Association Page 23Textbooks Page 23Section II: Parent InvolvementHomeworkPage 23Parent Teacher ConferencesPage 24 Permanent RecordsPage 24Report CardsPage 24 Schedule ChangePage 24Telephone MessagesPage 24Video/Audio Taping and PhotographyPage 25SECTION III: STUDENT SERVICESCounseling Page 25Hospital Homebound Page 25ImmunizationsPage 25Nutrition Program Page 25 - 26Response to Intervention (RTI) Page 26School Resource Officer (SRO) Page 26Student Support Team (SST) Page 26504 Plan Page 26 - 27SECTION IV: POLICIES AND PROCEDURESAdmissions to SchoolPage 27Afternoon Dismissal ProceduresPage 27BelongingsPage 27Book BagsPage 27Bullying PolicyPage 28 - 29BusesPage 29 - 30Car Rider Procedures Page 30Cell PhonesPage 30 - 31Check Out ProceduresPage 31Child Abuse LawPage 31Class RingsPage 32Closing SchoolsPage 32Clubs and Organization StatementPage 32Deliveries (Flowers, Gifts, etc…)Page 32Extra-Curricular ActivitiesPage 32 - 34False ReportsPage 34Fees and FinesPage 34Fire/Tornado/Disaster DrillsPage 34Hall PassesPage 34ImmunizationsPage 35Illness/AccidentsPage 35LockersPage 35Medication/NursePage 35 - 36Office VisitPage 36Parent ConductPage 36Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Reflection/SilencePage 36Physical EducationPage 36Public Displays of AffectionsPage 36Returned ChecksPage 37Sale of Other Items at SchoolPage 37School HoursPage 37Smoke Free / Drug-Free CampusPage 37Student SurveysPage 37Wheeler County Schools Dress Code PolicyPage 37 - 38Vehicles/Parking PermitsPage 38TardiesPage 38TextbooksPage 38Transportation ChangesPage 39VisitorsPage 39WithdrawalsPage 39SECTION V: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCTWCS Student Behavior CodePage 39 - 40Authority of Principal/Authority of TeacherPage 40Offenses & Disciplinary ActionsPage 40 - 41Progressive Discipline ProceduresPage 41 - 42Search and SeizurePage 42Definitions of Types of Discipline/TermsPage 42 - 45AssaultBatteryBullyingChronic Disciplinary ProblemCorporal PunishmentDetentionDisciplinary TribunalDress CodeDrugsExpulsionExtortionFightingFirearmFireworksGamblingIn-School SuspensionLong-Term SuspensionPhysical ViolencePlacement Review CommitteePossessionProbationSchool AuthoritiesSchool Safety ZoneSchool Bus SuspensionShort Term SuspensionSuspensionTheftUnder the InfluenceWavierWeaponsOffenses and ConsequencesPage 45 - 58Transportation GuidelinesPage 59 - 61AthleticsPage 61 - 62SECTION VI: APPENDICESAppendix A (Affirmation of Knowledge)Page 63Appendix B (Student Internet and Appropriate Use)Page 642076450-53403500Wheeler County Schools2019-2020 CalendarJuly 29- August 1Pre-Planning for TeachersAugust 1Open House 1:00 – 3:00August 2First Day of School for StudentsSeptember 2Labor Day HolidaySeptember 4Progress ReportsOctober 9WCES Report Card ConferencesWCMS/WCHS Progress ReportsOctober 14-15Fall BreakOctober 25Homecoming Early Release DayNovember 6Progress ReportsNovember 25-29Thanksgiving BreakDecember 17Early Release DayDecember 18 -January 6Christmas BreakDecember 18-19Weather Make-Up DaysJanuary 3, 6Teacher WorkdaysJanuary 7Students ReturnJanuary 8Reports Cards Go Home (No Conferences)January 20Martin Luther King, Jr. HolidayFebruary 5Progress ReportsFebruary 17-18Winter BreakMarch 13Teacher WorkdayMarch 18WCES Report Card ConferencesWCMS/WCHS Progress ReportsApril 6-10Spring BreakApril 22Progress ReportsMay 22Last Day of School/Graduation (ER)May 25-26Post-PlanningPrincipal’s MessageGreetings Parents and StudentsIt is with great pleasure that I write this letter to you as the new principal of Wheeler County High School. I am so honored to continue to be a part of the Wheeler County School System. On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration of Wheeler County High School, I would like to welcome you to the 2019 – 2020 school year. We are excited about each parent and student that will be a part of our family.In efforts to sustain high academic achievement, the faculty and staff are continuously learning new strategies and techniques. Through professional learning, we are building our own learning capacity to better meet the academic and social needs of our students. One of my goals this year is to ensure that every child learns at his/her highest level. I believe wholeheartedly that every student deserves a quality education, and that only happens when the school and the families work together for the best interests of our children. The school theme this year is, “Raising the Bar.” This planner is the first step towards ensuring that there is a strong connection between the school and home. Each planner consists of a calendar to be used as an organizational tool, a discipline handbook, and the Seven Habits that we will continue to practice with the Leader in Me program. It is extremely important that each parent and student is familiar with and knows the contents of this planner. Thanks in advance for a great upcoming year filled with excitement and high expectations. Best wishes to all this school year! Go Bulldogs! Professionally yours,William BellOne new initiative for the 2019-2020 school year is to transform our school’s Vision, Mission, and Beliefs statements. Beginning this school year, we will seek input from faculty and staff members, students, parents, and community stakeholders as we seek to create our new VMBs. We look forward to working with you on this initiativeALMA MATERNestled deep in Georgia Southland Mid our stately pines,Proudly stands our Alma Mater, Wheeler County High.Forward ever be our watchword Conquer and prevail,Hail to thee our Alma Mater, Wheeler High All Hail2019 – 2020 REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE BlocksTimeAmount of TimeDoors Open/Breakfast7:20 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.40 minutesTransition8:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.5 minutes1st Block8:05 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.90 minutesTransition9:35 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.5 minutesELT/Homeroom(Pledge and Morning Announcements)9:40 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.25 minutesTransition10:05 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.5 minutes2nd Block10:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.90 minutesLunch11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.30 minutesTransition12:10 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.5 minutes3rd Block12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.90 minutesBreak1:45 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.10 minutesTransition1:55 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.5 minutes4th Block2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.90 minutesDismissal3:30 p.m.2019 – 2020 WEDNESDAY BELL SCHEDULEBlocksTimeAmount of TimeDoors Open/Breakfast7:20 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.40 minutesTransition8:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.5 minutes1st Block8:05 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.60 minutesHomeroom9:05 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.20 minutesTransition9:20 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.5 minutes2nd Block9:25 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.60 minutesTransition10:25 p.m. – 10:30 a.m.5 minutes3rd Block10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.60 minutesTransition11:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.5 minutesLunch11:35 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.30 minutesTransition12:05 p.m. – 12:10 p.m.5 minutes4th Block12:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.65 minutesDismissal1:15 p.m.SECTION I: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONNon-Discrimination – Title IXWheeler County Middle/High School does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, sex, color, race creed, handicap, or national origin in its educational programs and/or activities.? Any student who believes that he/she has been discriminated against needs to follow a chain of command when filing a grievance.?AdvancED ACCREDITEDAll Wheeler County Schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).ATTENDANCEATTENDANCE– BOARD POLICYAlthough circumstances may necessitate that a student be absent from school, the Wheeler County Board of Education recognizes that optimal learning takes place when the student is present and involved in classroom activities. It is critically important that parents/guardians make every effort to have their children at school. Attendance RulesA student shall not be absent from school or from any class or other required school activity except for illness or other providential cause, unless with prior written permission of the principal or designee. No student shall encourage, urge, or counsel other students to violate this policy. As permitted under state law and State Board of Education policies, students may be excused lawfully for the following reasons: Illness and when attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others.Serious illness or death of an immediate family member (The school reserves the right to request a doctor’s excuse in the event of family member illness.)Mandate by governmental agencies, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces, or by a court orderCelebration of religious holiday(s)Conditions that render attendance impossible or hazardous to one’s health or safety Voter registration for a period not to exceed one day To visit with parent or legal guardian who is in military service in the U.S. armed forces or National Guard prior to the parent's deployment or during his/her leave Parents are responsible for ensuring that students attend school and arrive in a timely manner. Students have 3 days after an absence to submit a written excuse. Phone calls will not be permitted. Principal or designee will determine if absence is excused or unexcused. Written excuses must include student name, the date of absence, reason for absence, parent/guardian signature, and a phone number where parent/guardian can be reached during the day. No more than 5 absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals will be excused by parent/guardian note. The student (and parent/guardian for elementary students) is responsible for arranging make up work after an excused absence. Teachers are under no obligation to provide additional instruction or to allow students to make up work for unexcused absences. If a test or project has been scheduled before the child’s absence, he/she will be expected to take the test or submit the project the day of his/her return to school. Work will not be made up during class time. Students who exceed five unexcused absences?will be required to attend make-up sessions after school on Wednesday afternoons. Students who exceed the cap of 5 parent excuses will be required to attend Wednesday sessions as well. (Transportation home will NOT be provided on Wednesdays.)???School personnel will monitor and respond to absences each semester according to the following steps. After Number of AbsencesAction1Phone call home through student information system3School attendance designee will call and talk to parent(s)5 *School attendance designee will call or send letter to set up Attendance Support Meeting with Parent(s) and School Personnel and meeting will be held.7Home Visit by SRO (and other school personnel as warranted)10CHINS Referral (Juvenile Justice)*After two reasonable attempts to notify the parent/guardian of 5 unexcused days of absence without response, the school shall send a notice to parent/guardian by certified or first-class mail. Prior to commencing judicial proceedings, the school system shall notify parent/guardian by certified mail, return receipt requested. At attendance support meeting, the school shall provide to parent/guardian a written summary of possible consequences and penalties for failing to comply with compulsory attendance law. Parent/guardian shall sign a statement indicating receipt of written statement of consequences. Children who are 10 years or older by September 1 shall also sign a statement indicating receipt of information. After 2 reasonable attempts to secure signature(s), the school shall be considered in compliance with law if it sends a copy of the statement, via certified or first-class mail to parent/guardian. The school shall retain signed copies of statements through the end of the school year.Other Important Attendance-Related InformationStudents will not be allowed to sign out and back in on the same day without a doctor’s excuse unless otherwise approved by principal.Every 5 late arrivals or 5 early dismissals = 1 absence, and absence procedures outlined above will be followed accordinglyOnly a parent/guardian or someone listed on student’s contact list may check a student out of school during the day. Anyone checking a student out should present a picture I.D. A student planning to leave before the end of the day should present a note (with guardian’s phone number) from home to the office identifying the time and reason (s)he will leave. No student may leave the school grounds during the school day without the knowledge of both school officials and parents/guardians. Students who miss more than 25% of a class period will be marked absent.If a student is present in school for any part of a day and a long-term assignment is due in any class that day, the assignment must be given to the teacher in person before the student checks out.There is no official senior skip day. All related absences will be unexcused.Students with more than 10 absences in any class per semester (excused or unexcused) will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities. Students may schedule an appeal to the attendance committee; both parents and students will be required to attend.Students with more than 10 absences in any class per semester (excused or unexcused) may have credit withheld for that class. Students may schedule an appeal to the attendance committee; both parents and students will be required to PUTER USEThe Wheeler County Board of Education believes that the use of the Internet in instructional programs is an education tool which facilitates communication, innovation, resource sharing and access to information. Due to the complex nature of accessible networks and the magnitude of potential information available to students utilizing the internet, the Board believes comprehensive guidelines in the form of administrative procedures are warranted in order to serve the educational needs of students.Students using the internet shall comply with the administrative procedures provided by the Superintendent regarding internet use. The Board, through its administrative staff, reserves the right to monitor all computer and internet activity by students. Staff and students must be advised that privacy in the use of the internet is not guaranteed.In addition, use of the internet is a privilege, not a right. Students violating the Board's policy and administrative procedure(s) shall be subject to revocation of privileges and potential disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action.The Board makes no assurances of any kind, whether expressed or implied, regarding any internet services provided. The school system or individual schools in the system will not be responsible for any damages the student/user suffers. Use of any information obtained via the internet is at the student's own risk. The school system specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information or software obtained through its services.In order for a student to gain access to the internet, the student and student's parent(s) guardian(s) must sign an Internet Access Agreement.The Superintendent is authorized to amend or revise the following approved initial administrative procedures as he/she deems necessary and appropriate consistent with this policy. The Superintendent is further authorized to amend or revise the Internet Network Access Agreement with the advice of Board counsel.It must be understood by all concerned that the global and fluid nature of the Internet network's contents make it extremely difficult for the Board to completely regulate and monitor the information received or sent by students. As such, the Board cannot assure parents that students will be prevented from accessing undesirable materials or sending or receiving objectionable communications.STUDENT INTERNET AND APPROPRIATE USEThe Wheeler County School District will enforce the following administrative procedures. Although some specific examples of prohibited uses by students are stated, they are intended as illustration only and do not purport to be an all-inclusive list of inappropriate behaviors. Failure to comply with these administrative procedures shall be deemed grounds for revocation of privileges, potential disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action.Acceptable UseAccess to the school’s internet is provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school system’s educational mission and goals.Parents shall be required to sign the Internet Network Access Agreement Form allowing their students to access the Internet. All students shall also be required to sign said form affirming that they have read and understand the administrative procedure on “Student Internet and Appropriate Use” and understand the consequences for violating said procedure.PrivilegesThe use of the school system’s Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use may result in the cancellation of those privileges. The Superintendent, or designee(s) shall make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time.Unacceptable UseThe user is responsible for all his/her actions and activities involving the network. Examples of prohibited conduct include but are not limited to the following:Accessing materials or communications that are:Damaging to another’s reputationAbusiveObsceneSexually OrientedThreateningContrary to the school’s policy on harassmentHarassingIllegalSending or posting materials or communications that are:Damaging to another’s reputationAbusiveObsceneSexually OrientedThreateningHarassingIllegalContrary to the school’s policy on harassmentUsing the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts or transmitting any material in violation of U.S. and state regulationCopying or downloading copyrighted materials on any system connected to the school system’s hardware/software without the owner’s permission. Only the owner (s) or individuals specifically authorized by the owner (s) may copy or download copyrighted materials to the system. Copying or downloading copyrighted materials for the student’s own use without the owner’s permission. Students may redistribute copyrighted programs only with the owner’s permission. Such permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained directly from the owner in accordance with applicable copyright laws, board policy and administrative procedures.Failing to comply with resource quotes or disc usage quotas (memory) as set by the (superintendent, technology coordinator, principals and their designees or appropriate staff). A user who is not in compliance of disc pace quotas after five (5) calendar days of written notification may have their file removed by the Superintendent, Technology Coordinator, Principals and their designees or appropriate staff.Using the network for private financial or commercial gainWastefully using resourcesUtilizing any software having the purpose of damaging the school unit’s system or other user’s systemGaining unauthorized access to resources or entitiesInvading the privacy of individualsUsing another user’s account or passwordsPosting material authorized or created by another without his/her consentPosting anonymous messagesUsing the network for commercial or private advertising Forging of electronic mail messagesAttempting to read, delete, copy or modify the electronic mail of other system users and deliberately interfering with the ability of other users to send/receive emailUsing the network while access privileges are suspended or revokedUsing the network in a fashion inconsistent with directions from teachers and other staff and generally accepted network etiquetteStaff SupervisionStaff members should become familiar with this procedure and should enforce the rules concerning appropriate use when their duties include supervision of students using the Internet. When in the course of their duties, staff members become aware of student violation of this policy, they should correct the student and address the matter in accordance with this procedure and the Board of Education’s general disciplinary policies and pensationThe student and/or the student’s parent (s) legal guardian (s) shall be responsible for compensating the school system for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school system relating to or arising out of any student violation of these procedures.SecurityNetwork security is a high priority. If the student identifies or perceives a security problem or a breach of these responsibilities on the Internet, the user must immediately notify the principal, his/her designee or other appropriate staff. The student must not demonstrate the problem to other student users. User accounts and passwords are to be kept confidential. Any student identified as a security risk may be denied access to the network. VandalismVandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the school unit’s equipment or materials, data of another student, the Internet network or agency. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. CIPA - INTERNET SAFETY POLICYIntroductionIt is the policy of Wheeler County Schools to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].DefinitionsKey terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.Access to Inappropriate MaterialTo the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.Inappropriate Network UsageTo the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Wheeler County Schools online computer network when using electronic mail, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.Supervision and MonitoringIt shall be the responsibility of all members of the Wheeler County School System staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of technical support personnel as authorized by the superintendent and/or technology director.AdoptionThis Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Wheeler County Board of Education at a public meeting, following normal notice, on August 8, 2005.CIPA Definition of Terms:TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term ``technology protection measure'' means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, U.S. Code, orHARMFUL TO MINORS.HARMFUL TO MINORS. The term ``harmful to minors'' means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific values as to minors.SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. The terms ``sexual act'' and ``sexual contact'' have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.CURRICULUMThe state of Georgia has adopted a set of core standards called the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare students for success in college and/or the 21st century workplace. DATES TO REMEMBER PROGRESS REPORTSREPORT CARDS September 4th (1st 9 weeks)October 9th (1st 9 weeks) November 6th (2nd 9 weeks)January 8th (2nd 9 weeks) February 5th (3rd 9 weeks)March 18th (3rd 9 weeks) April 22nd (4th 9 weeks)June 3rd (4th 9 weeks)END OF 9 WEEKS October 4th (1st 9 Weeks) December 17th (2nd 9 Weeks March 18th (3rd 9 Weeks)HOLIDAYSSeptember 2nd Labor DayOctober 14th – 15th Fall BreakNovember 25th – 29th Thanksgiving BreakDecember 18th – January 6thChristmas BreakJanuary 20thMartin Luther King, Jr. HolidayFebruary 17th – 18thWinter BreakApril 6th – 10thSpring BreakEND OF COURSE (EOC) GEORGIA MILESTONES TESTThe Georgia Milestone EOC assessments are administered at the completion of core high school courses specified by the State Board of Education, in accordance with O.C.G.A. 20-2-281 (s), to measure student achievement in the four content areas of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The Georgia Milestone EOC assessments shall be used as the final exam and shall count 20% of the final grade in the course assessed by the Georgia Milestone EOC. EXAMSSemester exams will be scheduled at the end of each semester. A semester exam will count 20% of the final grade. A doctor’s excuse or a parent conference is required of any student in order to make up semester exams missed. EXEMPTIONSEXAM EXEMPTIONSHigh school exam exemptions will be tied to discipline, attendance, and grades. If a student has ANY discipline referrals for a semester, he/she will not be able to exempt exams for that semester. Exemptions will be granted based on the following criteria: 5 or fewer days absent per semester (excused or unexcused): average must be 97 or higher 3 or fewer days absent per semester (excused or unexcused): average must be 92 or higherFIELD TRIPSSchool-sponsored field trips must have an educational objective and be aligned with a current state-approved standard. In order for a student to participate in a field trip, he/she must have a parental permission form completed and signed by the parent/guardian. Students missing classes because of such trips will make up work in the prescribed manner. The school's extra-curricular program is an integral part of the curriculum, and school personnel have devoted great effort to assure that participating students are protected in every way possible. Students will be transported to and from all events in school-approved vehicles. Parents wishing to have their son/daughter with them when returning from an event must make arrangements with the sponsor. At no time will a student be allowed to ride with anyone other than his or her parents. Students going to events without using school transportation will not be allowed to participate unless special arrangements are made with the principal.Field trips must be requested by the sponsoring teacher, then approved by the principal and the superintendent. Forms must be submitted in a timely manner so they also can gain final approval of the Wheeler County Board of Education. No field trip may be taken without appropriate prior approval. Field trip privileges may be revoked by the administrator. Students may NOT be excused from In-School Suspension (ISS) during the school day to attend field trips, participate in athletic events, or other school activities. Students who attend or participate in any activity conducted for the benefit of the students, whether school sponsored or supported by private organizations such as booster clubs, sports organizations, or similar groups, with the prior approval of the Board of Education, and without regard to whether the event takes place on school property, are subject to the students’ discipline code during the activity or while traveling to and from the activity.GIFTED EDUCATIONIn seeking to provide services for students who have the potential for exceptional academic achievement, the Wheeler County School System offers a gifted education program. Students may be referred for gifted education services by teachers, parents, or guardians, peers, counselors, administrators, self, or other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. Students are automatically referred for services when reviews of achievement test results indicate they have obtained required scores. Students are referred if they have been transferred from an out-of-state school system in which they were enrolled in a gifted education program. Transfer students receiving gifted education services in other Georgia public school systems are eligible for services in Wheeler County Schools upon receipt of documentation of eligibility for services. Students can be referred, but only become eligible for services by meeting criteria in any three of the following areas: mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation. Students may also become eligible for services by meeting state required mental ability test scores, although evaluation data must be collected on the student in all four areas. If you wish to learn more about this program, contact the principal or the gifted education teacher at the school. GRADINGEach student will be given a report card at the end of each nine-week grading period. Progress reports will be sent home every 4 ? weeks. If a student is failing, parents are encouraged to call the school and set up a conference to discuss the child’s lack of satisfactory progress. Parents will be formally notified if their child is in danger of not receiving credits at the end of the first semester and the end of the third nine weeks. Conferences will be scheduled.Grades will be assigned on the following basis:Academic Grading ScaleABCFIncomplete90 – 10080 – 8970 – 79Below 70IGRADING SYSTEMThe Grading System for the 2019 – 2020 school year will be as follows:Performance Tasks/Tests/Projects – 45%Daily Grades – 35%EOC/Semester Exams – 20%STUDENTS TAKING DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSESBeginning with the Class of 2020, an extra 5 points will be added for Dual Enrollment courses and will only be reflected in the overall numeric grade average for all courses taken by student. STUDENTS TAKING HONORS COURSESAll students who are enrolled and successfully pass Honors courses will receive 3 additional points for the course when calculating the overall numeric average. The points for these courses will only be reflected in the overall numeric grade average for all courses taken by the student. These three weighted points are for local purposes only. HOPE and some college admission offices will remove these points when making their calculations. Honors courses are being made available beginning with the class of 2022.GRADUATIONCeremonyWheeler County High School graduation ceremony will be held at the Wheeler County High School Football Field. In case of inclement weather, the graduation ceremony will be relocated to the WCHS gymnasium. Graduation is a FORMAL CEREMONY. We realize that students have worked very hard to achieve your high school diploma, but we expect all students to conduct themselves with dignity, follow all directions given, and represent the school and community with positive behavior. Graduation ExercisesAny student who has not met Carnegie unit requirements for graduation and the state testing requirements will not be allowed to participate in the graduation exercises.Graduation SpeechesGraduation speeches will be read by an English teacher for sentence structure and grammar. All graduation speeches are due to the graduation committee by the first Friday in May. The final speech will be approved by the graduation committee.Graduation Expectations/Student BehaviorSeniors are REQUIRED to attend graduation practice during the last week of school. Students who miss practice without a valid excuse or who cause any discipline problems during practice will not be allowed to participate in the graduation exercise. A detailed graduation checklist with important dates and mandatory instructions will be given to all seniors by the end of October. If your child is a MOWR student, please have him/her keep in contact with the school on a regular basis for announcements. Announcements are made daily at school and posted on the school website. It is the responsibility of the students and parents to stay informed. If any student fails to follow the graduation expectations, the student will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Graduation Committee: Tracie Lord – Chair, 12th Grade AdvisorsGraduation RequirementsWhat is the definition of credit (unit)?Unit – one unit of credit awarded for a minimum of 150 clock hours of instruction or 135 hours of instruction in an approved block schedule. AREAS OF STUDYUNITS REQUIREDEnglish/Language Arts4 UnitsMathematics4 UnitsScience4 UnitsThe 4th Science unit (Forestry & General Horticulture) may be used to meet both the science and elective requirement.Social Studies4 UnitsCTAE and/or Foreign Language and/or Fine Arts3 Units(Students planning to enter into a 4 year college must take two units of the same foreign language)Health & Physical Education1 UnitElectives8 UnitsTOTAL UNITS (MINIMUM)28 UNITSThe Wheeler County School system offers the following career and technical education for all students regardless of race, color, national origin (including those with limited English proficiency), sex or disability in grades 9-12.AgricultureBusinessForestryFamily and Consumer SciencesPersons seeking further information concerning the career and technical education offerings and specific prerequisite criteria should contactMr. Bryant Oliver, CTAE DirectorWheeler County High School50 Snowhill RoadAlamo, GA 30411912-568-7166Bryant.oliver@wheeler.k12.ga.us Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies should be directed toMrs. Suzanne Couey, SuperintendentWheeler County Board of Education18 McRae StreetAlamo, GA 30411912-568-7198Suzanne.coeuy@wheeler.k12.ga.usRanking of Seniors Ranking of seniors is done by the guidance office at the end of the senior year. The rank is based on semester grades accumulated in grades nine, ten, eleven, and twelve. This information is included on the student’s permanent record and will be sent to the institutions requested by students. IN-FIELD TEACHERSIn compliance with the requirements of Every Student Succeeds Act, the Wheeler 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:Whether the teacher has met requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessional, and if so, their qualifications. If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualifications, please contact the school principal at 912-568-7166 or at William.bell@wheeler.k12.ga.us. HONOR GRADUATESHonor graduates are those students who have an overall numeric average of 90 or above in all courses taken for grades 9 – 11 and through the end of the first semester of the 12th grade. Transfer students may qualify as honor graduates. The valedictorian and salutatorian must be enrolled in Wheeler County High School no later than the beginning of their junior year. The valedictorian is the student with highest overall numeric average and the salutatorian is the student with the 2nd highest overall numeric average. If there is a tie at this point, the numeric average for only core academic courses will be considered in order to break the tie. Honor graduates will be the program presenters according to rank at graduation and will wear a gold medallion. HONOR ROLLStudents will be recognized for academic achievement for each nine-week grading period. Honor Roll – all individual subject grades 90 or higher.Honor Roll with Distinction – all individual subject grades 95 or higher. JUNIOR USHERSJunior ushers will be the top eight students in the junior class according to academic rank. They must exhibit good character and attitude and have the approval of the principal and senior sponsors.MAKE-UP WORK It should be noted that make-up work does not adequately replace the instructional time lost for a school absence. No make-up work will be pre-assigned without sufficient prior notice. It is the student’s responsibility to set up a time with his/her teachers to complete any make up work needed due to an absence. Students shall be given a reasonable opportunity to make up work upon their return to school. The time period for completing make-up work should be relative to the amount of time missed. (i.e., A student absent for one day will have one day to make up the assignments missed.) If make-up work is not completed after a reasonable amount of time, it will result in a failing grade. Reasonable time will be at the discretion of the teacher based on the assignment and the circumstances for the absence. MEDIA CENTERThe school Media Center is staffed by a professional media specialist who is there to serve you. Reference volumes, periodicals, books of nonfiction and fiction as well as computers are available. Every student is encouraged to ask for information and assistance if it is needed. Periodicals, reference volumes, and computer software must remain in the Media Center.Media Center RulesBooks may be checked out during the school day. (7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.)No books are to leave the library without being properly checked out.No more than two books may be checked out at a time by a student.Checkouts may be renewed.A fine of ten cents a day (including weekends & holidays) will be charged for overdue books. The student will pay for lost books.Any student abusing materials or misbehaving in the media center will lose his/her library privileges and may also be punished otherwise.NO BOOKBAGS, EXTRA TEXTBOOKS, FOOD, DRINKS, OR GUM will be allowed in the media center. All furniture is to remain in the Media Center.Students will not be allowed to sit in the Media Center without a pass from a teacher or permission from the principal. PROMOTION REQUIREMENTSFor a student to earn high school credit, all standards must be met as listed below:To earn credit for a course, the student must have a passing grade of 70 or higher. The number of units required for promotion shall be specified in the student handbook. Meet attendance requirements established by the Wheeler County Board of Education.Meet assessment requirements as listed in State Rule 160-3-3-1.01 (Testing Programs- Student Assessment).Listed below is an explanation of promotion criteria: Ninth (Freshman) to Tenth (Sophomore) - 6 CreditsTenth (Sophomore) to Eleventh (Junior) - 13 CreditsEleventh (Junior) to Twelfth (Senior) - 20 CreditsGraduation (for 12th Graders) - 28 CreditsSPECIAL EDUCATIONWheeler County Schools provides special education programs for students eligible for services. Information regarding special education programs may be obtained from each school and/or the central office.STAR STUDENTThe Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.Every accredited high school in Georgia is eligible to participate in the STAR program. To obtain STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on one test date on the three-part SAT taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. Nominees’ SAT scores must be equal to or higher than the latest available national average on the math, critical reading and writing sections. Each high school STAR Student is asked to name his/her STAR Teacher. High School STAR Students compete for region honors in the 12 STAR Regions. STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATIONStudent Government is composed of students representing each grade level at Wheeler County High School. Members are elected annually. A candidate for the president of SGA must be a senior, must have four teacher recommendations or references, and must have at least an 88 average and no serious discipline referrals. The candidates for the class offices must have three teacher recommendations or references, an 85 average, and no serious discipline referrals.TEXTBOOKSTextbooks are the responsibility of the student. All students must pay for lost or damaged textbooks, based on the state textbook prices. Students will not be issued another text until the lost textbook fee is paid. SECTION II: PARENT INVOLVEMENTHOMEWORKHomework may be assigned daily and, occasionally, on weekends. The purpose of homework is to form good study habits and to reinforce skills taught at school. Taking the assignment home, completing it, and remembering to bring the work to school the next day are important processes in developing responsibility. The length of assignments will vary according to purpose and level. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCESCommunication between the parent and the teacher is most beneficial to the student’s success. Parents should plan to meet with their child’s teachers at least twice during the school term. Parents should always feel free to request a conference and may do so by calling the school. Teachers will not be permitted to see parents during the school day unless an appointment is scheduled. Teachers are available for conferences during planning time or Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. If necessary, another time may be arranged through the school counselor. PERMANENT RECORDSPermanent records are kept on file in the office. Records carry personal data, all semester grades and credits earned, attendance, special information regarding health and physical handicaps, and student activities. When a student graduates, information pertinent to graduation (data, diploma or certificate, rank in class, grade point average) is added. A parent has the right to review and inspect his/her child’s educational records.REPORT CARDSEach student will be given a progress report at the end of each nine-week grading period. Progress reports at the end of the semester will serve as report cards and reflect final course grades. Progress reports will also be sent home each 4 ? weeks. If a student is failing, parents are strongly encouraged to call the school and set up a conference to discuss the child’s lack of satisfactory progress. Parents will be formally notified if their child is in danger of not being on track with earning credits at the end of the first semester and the end of the third nine weeks. Conferences will be scheduled.Report Card/Progress Report: A fee of $1.00 will be charged to replace a lost card.SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICYIt is very important that students are aware of the schedule change policy. A student’s schedule may be changed under the following conditions:1.A student’s schedule is wrong as a result of inadequate or erroneous information.2.Administrative action becomes necessary as a result of imbalance of class loads, loss of teaching unit, and the like.3.An additional course is needed to meet graduation requirements.4.A schedule adjustment is required due to credits earned in summer school.TELEPHONE MESSAGESStudents will not be allowed to use the school telephone except in cases of emergency. Students will not be called out of class to the telephone. Messages for students will be accepted in cases of emergency. Students will NOT be called to the office for non-emergency visits. Parents wishing to make special transportation arrangements for their children should call the school before 2:00 p.m.VIDEO/AUDIO TAPING AND PHOTOGRAPHYYour child may be photographed, audio taped or videotaped for instructional purposes. If you do not wish for your child to be audio taped, videotaped, or photographed please contact the school. The Wheeler County Board of Education designates students’ work and all multi-media formats, including photographs and videos, as property of the school system. Unless a parent or eligible student makes a written request to the principal of the school that said documents may not be used, these documents will not be considered confidential and may be used by the school and district for educational, instructional, or promotional purposes determined by the district in broadcast and electronic media formats now existing or created in the future.SECTION III: STUDENT SERVICESCOUNSELINGThe Guidance and Counseling Department offers services that are designed to help students make wholesome and realistic personal, social, vocational and educational plans. The guidance program is developmental and preventive, which aids in the total positive development of our students. The counselor is available for special or scheduled consultation with students and parents. Some of the services that are offered include class selection, scheduling and registration, post-graduate plans, military and vocational options, individual and group counseling, study skills, drug and alcohol counseling referrals, personal and family counseling referrals. HOSPITAL HOMEBOUNDA Hospital Homebound Program is designed to serve students who will be absent from school for a minimum of 10 consecutive school days because of a non-communicable disease, illness, injury, or surgery. A doctor must identify the specific nature of the illness, disease or injury and state the data the student is expected to be able to return to school. IT IS THE SCHOOL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE IF HOSPITAL-HOMEBOUND SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED OR IF ACCOMMODATIONS CAN BE MADE AT SCHOOL. Parents are required to contact the principal regarding the condition of extended illness and provide a medical statement from the attending physician prior to receiving home services. Application for these services are available.IMMUNIZATIONSState law requires all students to have an updated certificate of immunization on file at the school. Students who need immunizations will be notified and given 30 days to update their records. A certificate of immunization can be obtained at the county health department. NUTRITION PROGRAMThe Nutritional Department prepares a wholesome breakfast and lunch for students each day. Breakfast will continue to be no cost for students. At the current time, a funding opportunity has made it possible for us to offer lunch at no cost to students. Students are expected to eat in the lunchroom in a quiet and orderly manner. Each student is responsible for returning trays and disposing trash to the proper places. Food cannot be taken from the lunchroom back to the classrooms. STUDENTS ARE NOT EXCUSED TO EAT LUNCH OFF CAMPUS OR HAVE LUNCH BROUGHT IN FROM A FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT. Parents are welcome to have lunch with their child. Please call the office to make reservations and find out the cost for adult lunches. All students are served breakfast and lunch free of charge. It is permissible for students to bring their lunch; however, they are encouraged to eat school meals. If your child has food allergies, please list them in writing and give the list to the nutrition department. It is assumed that a child can drink milk unless the school is given a note, signed by a doctor, stating the medical reasons why a child cannot drink milk. NO SOFT DRINK CONTAINERS ARE ALLOWED. The school will provide a nutritionally balanced breakfast and lunch to all pupils regardless of their ability to pay or their race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)Response to Intervention (RTI) implements academic and behavioral interventions to provide early, effective assistance to underperforming students. Research-based interventions are implemented, and frequent progress monitoring is conducted to assess student response and progress. When progress is not made, more intense interventions are introduced. Layers of instructional efforts are provided to students according to their individual plans. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)The Wheeler County School District is fortunate to have School Resource Officers assisting with school safety. The WCHS School Resource Officer is a POST-certified law enforcement officer who receives annual training specific to school safety. The goals of the SRO program include providing safe learning environments, providing valuable resources to school staff members, fostering positive relationships with youth, developing strategies to resolve problems affecting youth, and protecting all students so they can reach their fullest potential.STUDENT SUPPORT TEAMThe Student Support Team (SST) uses a data-driven process to plan individualized supports and interventions and the method of assessing their effectiveness. The purpose of the SST is to improve the delivery of instructional services to students experiencing problems of an academic, behavioral or social nature in school and to serve as a resource for teachers and other educators in the delivery of these services. The SST may be made up of teachers, administrators, parents, special education teachers, counselors, central office personnel, outside agencies, or other appropriate personnel who can assist in the development of alternative classroom strategies and modifications to meet the individual needs of a student experiencing difficulty in school. If you have questions about the Student Support Team, call the school and ask to speak with the principal. 504 PLANAny student or parent or guardian (“grievant”) may request an impartial hearing due to the school system’s actions or inactions regarding the child’s identification, evaluation, or educational placement under Section 504. Requests for an impartial hearing must be in writing to the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator. However, a failure to request a hearing in writing does not alleviate the school system’s obligation to provide an impartial hearing if the grievant orally requests an impartial hearing through the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator. The school system’s Section 504 Coordinator will assist the grievant in completing the written Request for Hearing. The Section 504 Coordinator may be contacted through the school system’s board office. Copies of the 504 Procedural Safeguards and Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504 may be found at the system website or may be picked up at the Board Office or at any of the school offices. SECTION IV: POLICIES AND PROCEDURESADMISSIONS TO SCHOOLAll students whose parents or legal guardians reside in or are employed by the Wheeler County School District are eligible for admission. Any students enrolling in a Georgia Public School must present these items:A certified copy of the birth certificateA Georgia Immunization Certificate A Vision/Hearing/Dental Evaluation CertificateProof that parents/guardians of child live in the county (rent contract, utility bill, phone bill)Social Security Card (School will provide waiver form if necessary)Name of previous schoolTranscripts or report card of previous schoolCopy of previous discipline records.AFTERNOON DISMISSAL PROCEDURESStudents should make transportation arrangements prior to school being dismissed. When the dismissal bell rings, bus riders will report to the bus ramp, student drivers will report to the parking lot, and car riders will report to the front of the school. Students should be out of the building and off campus by 3:45 p.m. unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher. The school is not responsible for students left on campus without appropriate adult supervision.BELONGINGSStudents are encouraged to take care of their belongings. Textbooks, clothes, and other articles found should be turned in to the office. The school does not accept responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Parents are encouraged to label all items with the student’s name for personal identification.BOOK BAGSBook Bags/Activity Bags – For security reasons only clear or mesh book bags are allowed at WCHS. No brief cases or grips are allowed. Oversized purses cannot be carried on campus during the school day and must be placed in the student locker. Athletic bags must be left in a designated area prior to the beginning of the school day. BULLYING POLICYThe Board of Education believes that all students can learn better in a safe school environment. Behavior that infringes on the safety of students will not be tolerated. Bullying, including cyberbullying, as the terms are defined in Georgia law, of a student by another student is strictly prohibited. Such prohibition shall be included in the Student Code of Conduct for all schools within the school system. Bullying is defined as follows: An act that is:Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so;Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; orAny intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that:Causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of Code Section 16-5-23.1 or visible bodily harm as such term is defined in Code Section 16-5-23.1;Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; orHas the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.The term applies to acts which occur on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions or activities or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system. The term also applies to acts of cyberbullying which occur through the use of electronic communication, whether or not electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic communication:is directed specially at students or school personnel,is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, andcreates a reasonable fear of harm or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose. Electronic communication includes, but is not limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system.Procedures will be developed at each school encouraging a teacher or other school employee, student, parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a student, either anonymously or in the person's name, at the person's option, to report or otherwise provide information on bullying or cyberbullying activity. Any teacher or other school employee who, in the exercise of his or her personal judgment and discretion, believes he or she has reliable information that would lead a reasonable person to suspect that someone is a target of bullying or cyberbullying is encouraged to immediately report it to the school principal. Any report will be appropriately investigated by the administration based on the nature of the complaint in a timely manner to determine whether bullying or cyberbullying has occurred, whether there are other procedures related to illegal harassment or discrimination that should be implemented and what other steps should be taken. Any report of retaliation for reporting bullying or cyberbullying will also be investigated and addressed as called for in this policy and in accordance with school procedures. Acts of bullying or cyberbullying shall be punished by a range of consequences through the progressive discipline process, as stated in the Code of Conduct. However, upon a finding by the disciplinary hearing officer, panel or tribunal that a student in grades 6-12 has committed the offense of bullying or cyberbullying for the third time in a school year, the student shall be assigned to an alternative school.Upon a finding by a school administrator that a student has committed an act of bullying or cyberbullying or is a victim of bullying or cyberbullying, the administer or designee shall notify the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of the student by telephone call or through written notice, which may be done electronically.Students and parents will be notified of the prohibition against bullying and cyberbullying and the penalties for violating the prohibition by posting information at each school and by including such information in the student/parent handbooks.BUSESThe Wheeler County Board of Education recognizes the fact that riding a public school bus is a privilege offered to its students. Safely transporting our students is the primary objective. When students fail to follow bus safety guidelines, bus privileges can be withheld.Students PK-12:Students must treat the bus as an extension of the classroom/school and the bus driver should be extended the same obedience, respect, and courtesy as the classroom teacher.Students must sit in assigned seats, if assigned, and follow the same policies, rules, and regulations required on the school campus. Students should remain seated except when entering or exiting the bus.Nothing should be placed in the aisle (including feet) or at the front of the bus on the floor.Students must stay clear of and must not tamper with the emergency door or any other emergency equipment.Any item not permitted at school is also not allowed on the bus.Eating and drinking on the bus are prohibited.All parts of the body (neck, arms, etc.) should stay inside the bus.Violation of bus rules and regulations may be cause for suspension from any Wheeler County school bus for a period of time up to the remainder of the school year. Misbehavior may also result in the same range of consequences of violations as outlined in this Code of Conduct.Any person who commits the offense of battery against a teacher or other school personnel, engaged in the performance of official duties or while on school property shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years or a fine of not more than $10,000 or both. For purposes of this Code, O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1, ‘school property’ shall include public school buses and public school bus stops as designated by local school boards of education.Students shall be prohibited from acts of physical violence as defined by O.C.G.A. 20-2-751.6, bullying as defined by subsection (a) of O.C.G.A. 20-2-751.4 (See page 56 for definition), 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 may not use mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, lights and any other type of reflective device on the school bus as they might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the bus.Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones; audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones; game systems; or any other electronic device in a manner that interferes with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.Bus Contract: School bus contracts will be developed for students who engage in bullying, physical assault or battery on the bus. Parents will be required to meet with school administration for the purpose of developing the school bus contract.PLEASE BE ADVISED: A NOTE FROM A PARENT IS REQUIRED FOR A STUDENT TO RIDE A BUS OTHER THAN HIS ASSIGNED BUS. THE NOTE MUST INCLUDE THE STUDENT NAME, PARENT NAME, PHONE NUMBER, AND ADDRESS TO WHICH THE STUDENT IS GOING. BUS NOTES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE BEFORE 8:00 AM IN ORDER TO BE PROCESSED. THE STUDENT WILL BE GIVEN A BUS SLIP ONCE APPROVED BY THE PRINCIPAL OR HIS DESIGNEE.CAR RIDER PROCEDURESStudents are to arrive at or after 7:20 a.m. daily. Breakfast will end at 8:00 a.m. All car riders should be picked up no later than 3:45 p.m. from the front of the school building.CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICESThe Wheeler County School System prohibits the use of electronic devices, including cellular phones, during the school day hours, 7:00 AM until 3:30 PM. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and not in use during the specified school day hours. This includes earbuds. Please note that teachers may allow students to use earbuds during instructional activities. Any item that disrupts the instructional day should not be brought to school. Those items that interfere with the classroom will be confiscated by the teacher and turned in to the principal. Toy guns or other look-alike weapons will be considered weapons. They will not be allowed on campus for any reason. Students who violate this rule will be subject to disciplinary action.The discipline actions for having cell phones/communication and other electronic devices turned on or in use during the school day hours are as follows:First Offense: 1 Day Detention and phone returned after detention is served.Second Offense: 1 Day ISS and their phones will be returned after ISS has been served.Third Offense: 3 Days ISS and their phones will be returned at the end of the 3 days of ISS. Fourth Offense: Parent Conference will be held with Administration.THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMSRefusal to relinquish a cell phone when requested by a teacher or administrator will be considered disrespect/insubordination and will be punished as follows:First Offense: Refusal to surrender phone to any faculty or staff member will result in at least 3 days of ISS plus the surrendering of the device and may deem a higher level of punishment based on circumstance.Second Offense: Refusal to surrender phone to faculty/staff and will result in at least 3 days of OSS plus surrendering of the phone and may deem a higher level of punishment based on circumstance.CHECK OUT PROCEDURESThe time to end the official school day will be posted and will be communicated to both students and parents. Students are expected to remain in class each day until the dismissal bell rings. This does not, of course, prevent a parent from picking up his/her child from school. It is very disruptive to an entire class when a student is called to the office. If your child must leave school before the regular dismissal time, he/she will be paged from the office and sent to you. Teachers are not permitted to release any student until the office contacts them. The school strongly recommends that only parents or legal guardians pick up students from school. In our continued efforts to provide the safest environment for the students of Wheeler County Schools, we will require that students be permitted to be checked out early only by persons whose names are on the authorized checkout list for that student and who can present a photo I.D (Driver License or State-Issued ID). This will ensure that only authorized individuals are checking out students. This procedure is not meant to inconvenience parents, but serves as a way to make sure that children are safe at all times. CHILD ABUSE LAW State Law requires all caregivers of children to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Family and Children Services. CLASS RINGSClass rings for members of the junior class are ordered in the spring of the sophomore year. A deposit is necessary when ordering, and only members of the sophomore class may order. Rings will be presented at a special ring presentation ceremony in the fall. CLOSING OF SCHOOLS Television stations will carry all school closing announcements due to inclement weather or other emergencies by 6:30 a.m. when possible. Parents/guardians will also be notified via automated calling system and social media. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS STATEMENT Extracurricular clubs and activities are an important part of the life of the high-school child. Membership in different clubs and organizations gives students the opportunity to develop skills in social interaction, to be creative, and to assume positions of responsibility. Every student is encouraged to join at least one club. No student will be allowed to hold the same office in two clubs. Dues are set by organizations by vote of the members, state, or national association. Failure to pay dues will cause a student to forfeit membership. WCHS ClubsBeta ClubBulldog BandFellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)Literary EventsNational FFA OrganizationSpanish ClubStudent Government Association (SGA)Youth Action TeamDELIVERIES (FLOWERS, GIFTS, ETC.)No flowers, balloons, or other gifts will be delivered to students during the school day. Please do not send delivery of flowers, candy, stuffed animals, etc. on students’ birthdays or holidays. The only exception will be on Valentine’s Day. Anyone dropping off or delivering items on Valentine’s Day will have to pay $1.00.EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESThe school’s extra-curricular program is an integral part of the curriculum, and school personnel have devoted great effort to assure that participating students are protected in every way possible. Students will be transported to and from all events in school-approved vehicles. Parents wishing to have their son/daughter with them when returning from an event must make arrangements with the sponsor. At no time will a student be allowed to ride with anyone other than his or her parents. Students going to events without using school transportation will not be allowed to participate unless special arrangements are made with the principal. Students sent to In School Suspension (ISS) or Out of School Suspension (OSS) will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities until the time is served.The Wheeler County Board of Education feels that students who represent the school system in after-school activities should be model students. Any student participating in activities must have passed 3 of 4 (block) academic subjects the previous semester to be eligible. Any Wheeler County student who has been arrested, charged, or convicted in a court with a felony or an offense that would be considered to be a felony if the student were an adult, a violation of the drug laws, or sexual misconduct of a serious nature will lose all privileges of participation in competitive and non-competitive extracurricular or athletic activities sponsored by the school. The length of suspension from participation in these activities will be until all charges are dropped or one calendar year from the date of the arrest, whichever occurs first. If the arrest results in either a plea or conviction, the student will lose all privileges of participation in extracurricular or athletic activities for a minimum of at least one calendar year following the plea or conviction. After one year, the student may apply to the building principal for the suspension to be lifted. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the building principal, the student may appeal the matter to the Superintendent.HOMECOMING Homecoming week is a time that promotes school pride and encourages student participation in homecoming-related activities. Girls in grades 6-8 may choose an adult family member or a middle school student as their escort. High School students may not escort middle school representatives. Girls in grades 9-12 may choose a Wheeler County High School student or an adult family member as their escort. To be eligible for homecoming court, students must meet the following guidelines: No out-of-school suspensions during the past 365 days from the point of the initial election and no safe-school violations throughout their high school career 93% attendance (The attendance requirement may be waived by the high school administration if there is an extenuating circumstance.) On-track with credits to graduate The high school administration will give the final approval on all students who wish to participate on the homecoming court and the high school administration reserves the right to accept or deny student participation on the homecoming court. *** GIRLS may serve on the Homecoming Court only once during their middle school years and only once during their freshman through junior years. SENIOR COURT (Homecoming Queen) 5 Senior representatives UNDERCLASSMEN (Homecoming Princess) 9th grade – 1 representative 10th grade – 2 representatives 11th grade – 3 representatives MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th Grade – 1 representative 7th Grade – 1 representative 8th Grade – 1 representative PROM Prom escorts who are not students at Wheeler County High School must be approved by the administration and cannot be older than 20 on the date of the prom. No students of any alternative school can attend the prom. Students who have 10 or more absences in any class during the semester will not be able to attend the prom. Students may appeal to the Attendance committee if they have 10 or more absences. Both the student and parent must attend the appeal meeting. FALSE REPORTSAccording to state code, students who engage in “falsifying, misinterpreting, omitting, or erroneously reporting information regarding the alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator, or other school employee toward a student” will be turned over to the proper authorities and may be subject to disciplinary and/or legal actions.FEES AND FINESAll fees and fines must be paid at the end of each school term. Students who owe fees for textbooks or materials should pay their teacher during the school year. During the summer, textbook fees and fines should be paid in the front office. Students who owe media center fines should pay those fines in the media center. Any fee or fine related to sports must be paid prior to students being able to participate in the next season. All financial obligations to the school must be met prior to graduation. FIRE/TORNADO/DISASTER DRILLSFire drills will be held monthly (except November and February) with an additional drill during the first two weeks of school. Evacuation routes are posted in all rooms. When the fire alarm sounds, students are to line up quietly and file out of the building to the designated areas where their teacher will take roll. If the alarm rings during a class change or during students’ lunch period, students are to leave the building by the nearest exit. During the case of a LOCKDOWN, students will not be allowed to checkout/leave the building. For the safety of parents/guardians and stakeholders, no one will be allowed to enter/leave the building during this time. Tornado drills will be held in lieu of fire drills during November and February. When a tornado watch is announced, students will move to their assigned area and await further instructions. If a tornado warning is issued, all students and staff members will assume the "duck and cover” position until the signal for “all clear” is sounded. OTHER EMERGENCY DRILLS will be held as directed by the county. HALL PASSESAll students outside a class period must have in their possession a valid hall pass or agenda planner. Students can expect disciplinary action if found without a hall pass or agenda planner. All students will respect any school personnel checking hall passes or agenda planners. Student will be expected to give their name, grade, and answer any other questions asked. Teachers will not allow a student to enter or disrupt a class without permission from the teacher who is responsible for the student at the time. IMMUNIZATIONSGeorgia's immunization requirements for children attending seventh grade have been revised to align with the current Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Effective July 1, 2014, all children born on or after January 1, 2002 who are attending seventh grade, and children who are new entrants into a Georgia school in grades eight through twelve, must have received one dose of T-dap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. ILLNESS/ACCIDENTSIf your child is injured or is ill at school, we will make him/her as comfortable as possible and then call you immediately. If you cannot be reached, we will attempt to contact the emergency numbers you listed on the student registration form. If no one can be reached in a critical emergency, the child will be transported to the hospital. It is very important that the school has an updated working phone number on the emergency contact form. No school employee is permitted to give any aspirin. In case of an emergency, each student is required to have on file at the school office the following information: Parent(s) or guardian(s) names(s) Complete and up-to-date address Home phone number and parent(s) work phone (connected and working) Emergency phone number of a friend or relative (connected and working) Physician’s name and phone Medical Alert information Authorized person(s) allowed to pick up child No school employee is permitted to give medication without written parental consent. LOCKERSStudents may rent a locker through homeroom for $10.00. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this means of security, especially because they are responsible for books and materials issued to them by the school. Students are not to share their lockers or locker combination with others. Lockers may be inspected at any time by school officials. Lockers may only be used at designated times. Students who violate the rules will forfeit locker privilegesMEDICATION/NURSEMedications are rarely necessary for students during the school day. They are justified only in chronic health conditions or short-term acute health conditions. We encourage that medicine be administered at home if possible. All medication must be given to the office. Under exceptional circumstances, the nurse and school administrator may keep medication with a teacher in the classroom with prior approval. If under exceptional circumstances a student is required to take oral medication during school hours, it will be administered in the school office, in compliance with the following regulations:Written orders from the student’s physician must be on file in the school stating:Student’s nameName of drugDosagePurpose of medicationTime of day medication is to be givenAnticipated number of days it needs to be takenPossible side effectsThe above applies to prescription as well as over the counter medicines. The medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.An individual record will be kept of such prescription and non-prescription medication administered by school personnel.Medication will be stored in a clean cabinet or container. Any exceptions (asthma inhalers, etc.) to this provision must be specifically stated by the physician on the written form.Unless these requirements can be met, medications will not be administered at school. No student should ever give medicine - prescription or non-prescription to other students.The school does not administer Tylenol, Advil, etc., unless it is in the original container and follows the same rules that would apply to other prescription medications. The school does not provide medicines for students.OFFICE VISITSStudents should come to the school secretary’s office only for specific purposes or emergencies. Random visits interfere with the business of the office. PARENT CONDUCT AS SCHOOL/OFFICE CODE OF GEORGIA 20-2-1182Any parent, guardian, or person other than a student at the public school in questions who has been advised that minor children are present and who continues to upbraid, insult, or abuse any public school teacher, administrator, bus driver, or public school employee in the presence and hearing of a pupil while on the premises of any public school or school bus may be ordered by any of the above-designated school personnel to leave the school premises or school bus, and upon failure to do so such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon convicted thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF REFLECTION/SILENCEReciting the Pledge of Allegiance during morning announcements is part of the daily school routine. Students have the right to opt out of the pledge for religious reasons. Those students are required to remain seated and silent during the Pledge as an exercise of their rights to freedom of speech and religion. All students will be respectful during this time and will be silent during the moment of reflection.PHYSICAL EDUCATIONWhen participating in Physical Education (PE) classes, each student is required to dress out in appropriate PE attire. Students may not be allowed to participate in PE without dressing out. Before leaving PE class, students will be required to change into their school clothes.PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTIONIt is the desire of the school that student morals are kept at a high level. If this is to be attained, there must be mutual respect among all boys and girls for each other. Therefore, all students are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times. The school enforces a strict-hands-off policy.RETURNED CHECKSIf a check is returned from the bank (insufficient funds, stop payments, etc.) parents will be required to redeem the returned check with cash or money order in the front office. A charge will be assessed for any returned check in accordance with Georgia Code O.C.G.A Section 13-6-15 not to exceed $30.00 or 5 percent of the face amount of the instrument, whichever is greater. Returned checks not redeemed after a reasonable period of time, may be forwarded to a collection agency with the parent bearing the additional collection cost. SALE OF OTHER ITEMS AT SCHOOLStudents and student organizations may not sell items on school property or for school-related purposes without the approval of the principal and the Board of Education. SCHOOL HOURSRegular School operating hours for the school day will be 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students who arrive before 7:20 a.m. (car riders, walkers, bus, and etc.) will not be allowed in the building. SMOKE-FREE / DRUG-FREE CAMPUSAll school properties are smoke-free and drug-free campuses. Smoking or vaping is not allowed anywhere on campus at any time. This includes during school hours and at after-school events and activities.STUDENT SURVEYSWheeler County High School students will occasionally be asked to participate in local and state surveys. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please send a written statement to the school (Main office).Wheeler County High School Dress CodeThe Wheeler County School System acknowledges that a correlation exists between good grooming, personal attire, and student achievement.? The WCHS dress code is designed for student comfort while maintaining an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the educational setting. The WCHS dress code applies to any school function, whether on campus or away. Decisions school administrators regarding dress code matters shall be final. Requirements:? All shorts and skirts must be knee length. Pants/shorts/skirts must be secured around the natural waistline, with a belt if necessary All clothing items must be properly fastened (shoes, belts, etc.). Leggings are allowed only if accompanied by a top that meets length requirements for shorts and skirts NOT Allowed: Bicycle or gym shorts Sweatpants (unless in P.E.) Sagging pants/shorts Pants or skirts with holes above the knee Tank tops, midriffs, halter tops, mesh tops, or see-through garments Clothing with offensive symbols or phrases Clothing with gang-related symbols or phrases Clothing displaying tobacco alcohol, or drug-related advertisements, illustrations, or phrases Caps or sunglasses inside the building Headware, bandanas, headscarves, or dog chains Body piercing of any kind Pajamas BlanketsStudents who have violated the dress code will be allowed to call home for someone to bring appropriate clothing to school or for permission to go home to change into appropriate clothing. Any student refusing to change into appropriate clothing may be placed in in-school suspension for the remainder of the day. Repeated violations may result in more severe discipline.? Final approval of any questionable dress and enforcement of this code is left to the discretion of the school administration. Any student who does not comply with these guidelines must be referred by school employees to the school administration.Students who have violated the dress code will be allowed to call home for someone to bring appropriate clothing to school. Any student refusing to change into appropriate clothing will be placed in in-school suspension for the remainder of the day or as long as the inappropriate clothing is worn. Repeated violations will result in more severe discipline.VEHICLES/PARKING PERMITSHigh school students must register their vehicle with the appropriate school personnel and obtain a driving permit prior to driving to school. Students will be given a parking decal, which must be displayed from their rearview mirror. All student vehicles are required to be parked in the student parking lot. Students must vacate cars immediately upon arrival. Middle school students are NOT permitted to drive to school. Students may lose parking privileges for failure to follow school rules for parking and attendance.Students should operate automobiles in accordance with state and local laws, common rules of courtesy, and consideration of others. Students leaving school before buses must use the road by the gym when leaving the parking lot. Parking permits will be sold in the office for $10.00. In order to receive a parking permit, a student must bring driver’s license, proof of insurance, and parking permit form signed by a parent to the office. Students are not allowed in or around the cars until released from school without permission from the principal or his designee.TARDIESTardiness is defined as (1) being late for school, or (2) being late for class. Tardies accumulate on a nine-week basis. A little late is too late! Students who are tardy to class will report to class and sign the tardy log. Students tardy to school will report to the front office to sign in and retrieve a tardy slip to submit to the teacher.TEXTBOOKSTextbooks are the responsibility of the student. All students must pay for lost or damaged textbooks, based on the State textbook prices. Students will not be issued another text until the lost textbook fee is paid. TRANSPORTATION CHANGESIf a student needs to ride another bus home, parents must notify the school office in writing. A phone number where parents can be reached must be included for official verification; this information must be turned in before 10:30 a.m. Permission will not be granted if parent cannot be reached. Bus passes may be picked up from the front office during lunch. VISITORSParents and other visitors are always welcome and encouraged to come to the school. We invite you to visit your child’s classroom and school and get acquainted with the teachers. All visitors must report to the office upon entering the building. All visitors must have a Visitor’s Pass before they will be allowed to visit any part of the school building. Visitors that are not authorized are loitering and are considered trespassing.WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERSThe guidance office handles withdrawals and transfers. A student withdrawing for any reason must complete a withdrawal form provided by the school. All books, materials, dues, and other obligations must be cleared before records can be completed and released. Parents are required to notify the school in advance if a student is withdrawing or transferring to another school. The withdrawal form must be signed by each teacher, the counselor, the media specialist, and the principal. All books must be turned in at the time of withdrawal. SECTION V: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCTCODE OF CONDUCT (DISCIPLINE):All Georgia public school districts must have student standards of behavior/codes of conduct that apply to behavior on and off campus, on the school bus, and at the school bus stop.Wheeler County High School believes that instruction should occur in an environment that best meets the needs of ALL Students. Structure and discipline are basic elements of the educational setting that are necessary if Wheeler County High School is to accomplish the goals and expectations set forth by the Wheeler County Board of Education as well as the State and Federal Departments of Education.Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the Code of Conduct and to be supportive of it in their daily communication with their children and others in the community.The General Assembly of Georgia requires that this Code of Conduct include language encouraging parents and guardians to inform their children on the consequences, including potential criminal penalties, of underage sexual conduct and crimes for which a minor can be tried as an adult.AUTHORITY OF THE PRINCIPAL/AUTHORITY OF THE TEACHERThe principal is the designated leader of the school and, in concert with the staff, is responsible for the orderly operation of the school. In cases of disruptive, disorderly, or dangerous conduct covered or not covered in this code, the principal may undertake corrective measures that he believes to be in the best interest of the student and the school, provided any such action does not violate school board policy or procedures. A teacher shall have the authority to remove from his or her class a student who repeatedly or substantially interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in the class, or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn, and where the student’s behavior is in violation of the Code of Conduct. After appropriate disciplinary action is taken, the student may be returned to the teacher’s class, assigned to another classroom, or assigned to another alternative education setting. All consequences for offenses listed below are minimum consequences. Depending on the severity of the situation, school officials may apply stricter measures. An administrator has the discretion to determine the offense and the appropriateness of the consequences assigned. Misbehavior governed by the code may occur during school hours, outside school hours, on school grounds or campus, off school grounds or campus, at school-sponsored activities whether on or off school grounds/campus, and/or on school-sponsored transportation.Students who repeatedly violate the various rules and regulations may be subject to disciplinary action more severe than the consequences specified for the individual offenses committed, up to and including suspension to a formal hearing and possible long-term suspension or expulsion.OFFENSES AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONSMost students come to school to learn. They observe the rules that have been established to assure that their schools are safe and orderly. This section of the Code of Conduct explains what will happen to the very small percentages of students who choose not to comply with school rules.Disciplinary action is intended to correct or change students’ behavior and help them to become more productive members of the school community.It should be understood that the list of offenses that follows includes only those that are found to be the most common infractions of school rules. The omission of other forms of misbehavior not listed does not mean that they will be permitted. Each classroom teacher will deal with general classroom disruptions by taking in-class disciplinary action, by making a personal phone call to students’ parents or guardians, and by scheduling conferences with parents/guardians and other school staff members.All school rules apply to school-sponsored activities as well as to regular school hours. All disciplinary options in the Code of Conduct are at the discretion of the school administrator. Individual circumstances; age and/or disability; student’s discipline history; severity of offense; degree of premeditation, impulse, or self-defense; and other factors may be taken into consideration when decisions are made with an attempt to be consistent and fair, and every effort will be made to protect the rights and dignity of the student. Students serving In-School Suspension (ISS) will not be able to participate in extra-curricular activities or athletics until the ISS is complete. If a student serves ISS and is a member of a team or club, they will not be allowed to participate in any activity that occurs beyond the school day. Students may NOT be excused from In-School Suspension (ISS) during the school day to attend field trips, participate in athletic events, or other school activities.Any suspended student is not allowed on any part of the school campus, on any school property, or at any activity for any reason during the term of the suspension. This includes extra-curricular activities. Any suspended student who is on campus or present at any school-sponsored function within the county during the term of the suspension is subject to criminal trespassing and may be turned over to the authorities. During the time a student is suspended from school, he/she will receive a zero (0) for missed work when other students receive grades. Any student CHARGED with a felony will be referred to the alternative school pending disposal of the case. Any student assigned to the alternative school WILL NOT be allowed to attend any social function sponsored by Wheeler County Middle/High School.PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURESWhen it is necessary to impose discipline, school administrators and teachers will follow a progressive discipline process. The degree of discipline to be imposed by each school official will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior of a particular student and will take into account the student’s discipline history, the age of the student and other relevant factors. The following are the progressive discipline procedures:1st OFFENSE – Warning (verbal or written)2nd OFFENSE – Contact parent/guardian3rd OFFENSE - Teacher/School Detention4th OFFENSE – Referral to the officeThe expectation is that the teacher will be responsible for control of students’ conduct in the classroom. All staff members are responsible for monitoring student conduct during the school day. Repeated and/or persistent disciplinary problems may result in an immediate disciplinary referral.The Code of Conduct provides a systematic process of behavioral correction in which inappropriate behaviors are followed by consequences. Disciplinary actions are designed to teach students self-discipline and to help them substitute inappropriate behaviors with those that are consistent with the character traits from Georgia’s Character Education Program.The following disciplinary actions may be imposed for any violation of this Code of Conduct:Warning and/or Counseling with a School Administrator or CounselorLoss of PrivilegesIsolation or Time OutRemoval from Class or ActivityNotification of ParentsParent ConferenceCorporal PunishmentDetentionPlacement in an Alternative Education ProgramShort-term SuspensionReferral to a Tribunal for Long-term Suspension or ExpulsionSuspension or Expulsion from the School BusReferral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Court Officials: Georgia law requires that certain acts of misconduct be referred to the appropriate law enforcement officials. The School will refer any act of misconduct to law enforcement officials when school official determines such referral to be necessary or appropriate.SEARCH AND SEIZURETo maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student, lockers, or student automobiles under the circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search. Search dogs may also be utilized throughout the school year. 1. Personal Searches: A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g. purse, book bag, etc.) may be searched whenever a school administrator has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student may be in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials. If a search of a student’s person is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school administrator of the same sex and with an adult witness of the same sex present. 2. Locker Searches: Student lockers are school property. School authorities have the right to conduct periodic general inspections of lockers at any time without notice, without consent, and without a search warrant to assure that items contained are related to the school program. It is the responsibility of the student assigned to the locker to secure and be responsible for personal possessions and school property. 3. Automobile Searches: Vehicles parked on campus during the school day are required to be registered with the school and display the appropriate permit. The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and inspections of the exterior of student automobiles on school property. The interiors of students’ vehicles may be inspected/searched whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside. Such patrols, inspections, and searches may be conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. 4. Seizure of Illegal Materials: If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings shall be turned over to the legal authorities for ultimate disposition.DEFINITIONS OF TYPES OF DISCIPLINE/TERMSAssault: Any threat or attempt to physically harm another person or any act which reasonably places another person in fear of physical harm. (Example: threatening language or swinging at someone in an attempt to strike). Battery: Intentionally making physical contact with another person in an insulting, offensive, or provoking manner or in a way that physically harms the other person. Bullying: In accordance with Georgia law, bullying is defined as (1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or (2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm. Chronic Disciplinary Problem Student: A student who exhibits a pattern of behavioral characteristics which interfere with the learning process of students around him or her and which are likely to recur. Corporal Punishment: Physical punishment of a student by a school official in the presence of another school official. Detention: A requirement that the student report to a specified school location and to a designated teacher or school official. Detention may require the student’s attendance before school or after school. Students are given one days’ warning so that arrangements for transportation can be made by the parents or guardians. Disciplinary Tribunal: School officials appointed by the Board of Education to sit as fact finder and judge with respect to student disciplinary matters. Dress Code: The current dress code is explained in the student handbook. Drug: The substance which, when taken into the body causes noticeably impaired behavior and/or obvious physical symptoms. This definition includes illegal substances; legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, solvents, and medicines; and all others covered under board policy. Caffeine pills are considered drugs. Expulsion: Suspension of a student from a public school beyond the current school quarter or semester. Such action may be taken only by a disciplinary tribunal. Extortion: Obtaining money or goods from another student by violence, threats, or misuse of authority. Fighting: A physical altercation between two or more individuals. A student under attack should detach himself/herself from the situation and get an adult to help; this action would constitute "self-defense" on the attacked student’s part. A fight occurs when the student strikes back and actively engages in the altercation. Firearm: Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or silencer; or any destructive device, including any explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine or similar device. Destructive device also includes any weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant. Fireworks: The term “fireworks” means any combustible or explosive composition or any substance of combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation, as well as articles containing any explosive or flammable compound and tablets and other devices containing an explosive substance. Gambling: Engaging in a game or contest in which the outcome is dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, and in which a participant stands to win or lose something of value. In-School Suspension: Removal of a student from class(es) or regular school program and assignment of that student to an alternative program isolated from peers. Long-Term Suspension: Suspension from school for more than ten (10) days. Physical Violence: Intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another, or intentionally making physical contact which causes physical harm to another. Placement Review Committee: A committee at each school established to determine the placement of a student who has been removed from class when a teacher withholds consent to return such student to the teacher’s class. Possession: The actual care, custody, control or management of an object or substance. A student shall be considered to be in possession of any substance or object prohibited or regulated by this Code if the substance or object is: On the student’s person or in the student’s personal property, including but not limited to the student’s clothing, purse, book bag, or backpack; In any private vehicle used by the student for transportation to or from school or a school related activity, including but not limited to a truck, auto, motorcycle, or bicycle; and Any school property used by the student including a locker or a desk. Probation: A conditional period of enrollment during a trial period.School Authorities: A school principal, an assistant principal, a School Resource Officer or any other school employee designated by the principal to administer discipline or to conduct inspections or searches of students, student lockers, student desks, or automobiles. School Safety Zone: In or within 1,000 feet of any real property owned by or leased to any public elementary school, secondary school, or school board and used for elementary or secondary education. School Bus Suspension: A termination of the privilege to ride the school bus to and from school for a specific length of time. Short-Term Suspension: A temporary termination of enrollment for up to ten (10) days until stipulated conditions are met. Suspension: Removal of a student from the regular school program for a period not to exceed 10 days (short-term) or for a period greater than 10 days (long-term, which may be imposed only by a disciplinary tribunal). During the period of suspension, the student is excluded from all school sponsored activities including practices, as well as competitive events, and/or activities sponsored by the school or its employees. Theft: The offense of taking or misappropriating any property of another, with the intention of depriving that person of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated. Under the influence: Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties; however, the student need not be legally intoxicated but will be considered under the influence if there is any amount of alcohol, marijuana, controlled substance or dangerous drug in the student’s blood, urine or breath. Impairment of a person’s physical and/or mental faculties may be evidenced by a pattern of abnormal or erratic behavior and/or the presence of physical symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse. Waiver: A waiver is an agreement not to contest whether a student has committed an infraction of the Code of Conduct and the acceptance of consequences in lieu of a hearing before a disciplinary tribunal. Weapons: The term weapon is defined in Code Section 16-11-127.1 and for the purpose of this policy includes any object which is or may be used to inflict bodily injury or to place another in fear for personal safety or well-being. The following things may be defined as dangerous weapons: 1. Any handgun, firearm, rifle, shotgun or similar weapon; any explosive compound or incendiary device; or, any other dangerous weapon as defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121, including a rocket launcher, bazooka, recoilless rifle, mortar, or hand grenade. 2. Any hazardous object, including any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, straight- edge razor, razor blade, spring stick, knuckles, whether made from metal, thermoplastic, wood, or other similar material, blackjack, any bat, club, or other bludgeon-type weapon, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain, or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any instrument of like kind, any nonlethal air gun, and any stun gun or Taser. Such term shall not include any of these instruments used for classroom work authorized by the teacher.OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCESDISCIPLINE RULES AND CONSEQUENCESDisciplinary ProceduresWheeler County High School follows a progressive discipline plan. Students are given ample opportunities to correct the disruptive behavior. After the teacher has dealt with the behavior, if a student continues the behavior, the student will be written up on a “discipline referral form.” The school administration will then implement the “CODE of Conduct” consequences listed on the following pages. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY OFFENSE: Academic dishonesty or academic misconduct is any type of cheating that occurs in relation to a formal academic exercise. It can include: Plagiarism: The adoption or reproduction of original creations of another author (person, collective, organization, community or other type of author, including anonymous authors) without due acknowledgment. Fabrication: The falsification of data, information, or citations in any formal academic exercise. Deception: Providing false information to an instructor concerning a formal academic exercise—e.g., giving a false excuse for missing a deadline or falsely claiming to have submitted work. Cheating: Any attempt to give or obtain assistance in a formal academic exercise (like an examination) without due acknowledgment. Bribery: or paid services. Giving certain test answers for money. Sabotage: Acting to prevent others from completing their work. This includes cutting pages out of library books or willfully disrupting the experiments of others. Professorial misconduct: Professorial acts that are academically fraudulent equate to academic fraud. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: Parent contacted, student assigned afterschool detention 2nd Offense: Parent conference, assigned 3 Blocks ISS 3rd Offense: Parent conference, assigned 3 days ISS 4th Offense: Parent conference, assigned 1 day OSS. Student placed on a behavioral contract 5th Offense: Parent conference, assigned 5 days OSS. Student referred for tribunal hearing ** In ALL cases the student’s grade will be penalized at the discretion of the teacher ACTS OF BIGOTRY OFFENSE: While on school grounds or during school activities engaging in any verbal or physical acts of bigotry whether observed, overheard, or known to be fact, by a member of the school faculty. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS 3rd Offense: 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal ALCOHOL OFFENSE: A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any drug, alcoholic beverage, anabolic steroid, or intoxicant of any kind. (Influence is defined as noticeably impaired behavior and/or obvious physical symptoms.) CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 10 Days suspension from school pending a tribunal. A STUDENT WHO VIOLATES THIS RULE WILL FACE SUSPENSION FROM ALL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ANY ELECTED/APPOINTED STUDENT BODY OFFICE FOR ONE CALENDAR YEAR. (In every instance, law enforcement will be notified.) ARSON OFFENSE: Unlawful and intentional damage or attempted damage to any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 10 Days OSS, Restitution, Referral to Law Enforcement and Referral to Tribunal ASSAULT/ BATTERY/ THREATENING ON SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OFFENSE: Engaging in an assault on and/or battery of any school employee on or off school property, if school-related. This includes touching, striking, pushing, or threatening the person, bodily or psychologically, and/or the property of any school system employee. (GA Code 20-2753) Code Section (20-2-751.6) Relating to suspension policy for students committing acts of physical violence resulting in injury to teachers would be amended in: Subsection (a), (b), (c) to permit local boards to use disciplinary hearing officers or panels, in addition to tribunals, to hear cases involving students committing acts of physical violence resulting in injury to teachers. CONSEQUENCES: Minimum 10 days OSS. Student will be referred to a tribunal hearing and a formal complaint will be filed with the proper authorities. BEING IN AN UNAUTHORIZED AREA OFFENSE: Being in areas designated as unauthorized. Students are not to be in unauthorized areas of the school without written permission. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 1 Day ISS 2nd Offense: 3 Days ISS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS BREAKING AND ENTERING-BURGLARY OFFENSE: Unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 10 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal, and Referral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Authorities BULLYING OFFENSE: Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm or emotional distress caused by repeated teasing, taunting, joking, name calling, etc. This includes cyber bulling, text message threats, and other electronic threats. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor, parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 3 Days OSS and student placed on a behavior contract 3rd Offense: Minimum 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal CAMPUS DISTURBANCES/DISORDERLY CONDUCT OFFENSE: Causing substantial disruption of learning opportunities, the normal operating procedure of the school, and/or threatening the safety of other students CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 1 Day ISS (no warning) 2nd Offense: 3 Days ISS and meet with school counselor, 3rd Offense: 5 Days ISS 4th Offense: 3 Days OSS and student placed on a behavioral contract 5th Offense: 5 Days OSS with Referral to Tribunal *Substantial disruption may lead to law enforcement referral* Georgia Code Section 20-2-1181 states that “it shall be unlawful for any person to disrupt or interfere with the operation of any public school, public school bus, or public school bus stop as established by local school boards of education. Any person violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature." CLASSROOM DISTURBANCE OFFENSE: Disrupting the learning environment CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor, parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS 3rd Offense: 1 Day OSS 4th Offense: 3 Days OSS and student placed on a behavioral contract 5th Offense: Administrator’s Discretion and/or referral to tribunal hearing CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES/BANNED OBJECTS OFFENSE: Electronic devices will not be allowed at school. Only devices necessary for student learning will be allowed. Electronic devices, ear phones, toys, games, etc. are not allowed at school. Any material stored or saved on confiscated electronic devices/cell phones may be searched by school officials. CONFISCATED ITEMS MAY ONLY BE PICKED UP BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. ALL CONFISCATED DEVICES WILL BE DISCARDED AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. CONSEQUENCESFirst Offense: 1 Day Detention and phone returned after detention is served.Second Offense: 1 Day ISS and phone returned after ISS has been served.Third Offense: 3 Days ISS and phone will be returned at the end of 3 days of ISS. Fourth Offense: Parent Conference will be held with PUTER TRESPASS OFFENSE: Unauthorized use of a computer, computer network, or data CONSEQUENCES: Penalty at the discretion of the administrator which may include, but is not limited to loss of computer privilege, ISS, suspension, suspension for a tribunal hearing, and/or referral to law enforcement officials, or juvenile authorities. Immediate restitution for any damages is required. DISOBEDIENCE, DISRESPECT, MISCONDUCT, AND/OR INSUBORDINATION (Following Directions, Refusal to obey faculty, Inappropriate Behavior, Interruption Instruction) OFFENSE: Acting in a rude, disobedient, disrespectful and/or insubordinate manner and/or refusing to identify oneself correctly upon request. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor, parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS and student placed on a behavioral contract 4th Offense: 5 Days OSS with Referral to Tribunal *Blatant disrespect may result in immediate suspension DRUGS: Drug related, Drugs, Pseudo Drugs OFFENSE: Selling of or attempting to sell, distribution of, possession of, use of drugs or under the influence of drugs on school property or at a school function*(illegal, prescription, over the counter, or substances represented to be illegal drugs, inhalants, and/or drug paraphernalia such as rolling papers, roach clips, pipes, etc.) Mere possession of inhalants such as glue, white-out, and/or rubber cement does not constitute a violation of this policy. Georgia law, 16-12-191, provides that persons may be in possession of medical marijuana under limited circumstances defined in the law. Because of federal law parents should make other arrangements for administering medical marijuana at school and students should not possess the medical marijuana at school. Parents must administer medical marijuana off campus to the student. Federal law has NOT changed and possession of any form of marijuana is illegal. (Influence is defined as noticeably impaired behavior and/or obvious physical symptoms.) CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: Minimum ten-day suspension. The student will be referred to a tribunal for a formal hearing. IF A STUDENT IS CHARGED WITH A FELONY OR DESIGNATED FELONY POSSESSION: THE STUDENT IS SUSPENDED FOR 10 SCHOOL DAYS AND IS REFERRED TO A DUE PROCESS HEARING WHICH MAY IMPOSE LONG TERM SUSPENSION, EXPULSION, AND/OR ASSIGNMENT TO AN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL. *(In every instance, law enforcement officials and parents will be notified.) FIGHTING/BATTERY OFFENSE: It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to engage in fighting. Fighting is a serious offense. Students may be charged with affray, disruption of public school, battery, and/or assault. If a student claims self-defense, it is the student’s responsibility to prove that they acted in self-defense. (Based on investigation and evidence presented administrative discretion of consequences.) CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days OSS 2nd Offense: 5 Days OSS and student placed on a behavioral contract 3rd Offense: 10 Days OSS with Tribunal Referral NOTE: If a school system employee is hit, whether intentionally or not, during the process of breaking up a fight, the student will receive a minimum ten-day suspension. In addition, the student may be referred to a formal hearing. NOTE: A legal complaint may be filed with the proper law enforcement officials at the discretion of the administration. FOOD ITEMS * (Gum, candy, soft drinks, junk food) (Unless school-approved) OFFENSE: Unauthorized possessing/chewing/eating/selling/buying of identified food items CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 1 Day/Block ISS, afterschool detention, parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 2 Days/Blocks ISS and 3 days afterschool detention 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS and 5 days afterschool detention (*Note: In all instances, items and/or money will be confiscated and disposed of) FORGERY/FALSE SIGNATURES/FORGED PASSES (False info, False signature) OFFENSE: Forging checks, school or parent documents, hall passes, absence or check out excuses, etc. CONSEQUENCES: Possible referral to law enforcement. 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS and parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS 3rd Offense: 1 Day OSS 4th Offense: 3 Days OSS and student placed on a behavior contract 5th Offense: Administrator discretion and/or referral to tribunal hearing GAMBLINGOFFENSE: Participating in illegal gambling, games of chance or possession of illegal gambling devices such as dice. Gambling on school property or while attending an activity under school supervision is not allowed. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor and parent conference prior to release from ISS, 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS and student placed on a behavior contract 3rd Offense: 5 Days OSS and a referral to disciplinary tribunal (Note: All gambling devices and/or money will be confiscated and given to law enforcement or returned to parent.) *Law enforcement may be notified. INAPPROPRIATE DISPLAY OF AFFECTION OFFENSE: Displaying inappropriate expressions of affection such as kissing, holding hands, embracing, and petting, etc., while at school or at any school sponsored activity. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: WARNING, meet with school counselor and parent conference 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS and parent conference prior to release from ISS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OFFENSE: Making sexual advances and or requesting sexual favors of any nature without force at school or any of its functions. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days OSS, meet with school counselor and parent conference prior to return from OSS and student placed on a behavior contract 2nd Offense: 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal * (Possible Referral to Law Enforcement based on the severity of the student’s actions.) INDECENT EXPOSURE OFFENSE: Violating the school’s dress code and/or removing one’s own or another’s clothing or acts which offend against commonly recognized standards of good taste. CONSEQUENCES: Penalty at the discretion of the administrator which may include In-School Suspension, suspension, or suspension for a formal hearing. *Indecent exposure is defined as removing clothing items, pulling down pants, wearing pants significantly below the waistline, or unzipping pants in public. Unzipping pants and/or pulling them down while wearing shorts underneath will be treated as indecent exposure. KIDNAPPING OFFENSE: Unlawful seizure, transportation, and/or detention of a person against his/her will, or of a minor without the consent of his/her custodial parents or legal guardian. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 10 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal, Notification of Law Enforcement LEAVING CAMPUS WITHOUT PERMISSION OR SKIPPING OFFENSE: A student shall not be absent from school or from any class or other required school function during school hours except for illness or other providential cause, nor shall any student encourage, urge or counsel other students to violate this rule. This includes skipping class or required in-school activity, being out of class without valid permission, being in areas designated as unauthorized (students are not to be in unauthorized areas of the school without written permission) and/or leaving campus without permission constitute skipping. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS and parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS and student placed on a behavior contract 4th Offense: Minimum 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal 23. MISBEHAVIOR IN IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) OFFENSE: Acting in a rude, disobedient, disrespectful, and/or insubordinate manner, causing a disruption, use of profanity, and/or failure to follow rules while in ISS. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 1 day OSS and parent conference prior to returning from OSS.2nd Offense: 3 days OSS and student will be placed on a behavior contract. 3rd Offense: Minimum 5 days OSS and referral to tribunal 24. OBSCENITY OFFENSE: Using profane, vulgar, and/or obscene words or gestures, or improper dress, possession of pornographic material. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to student release from ISS2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS, mandatory parent conference prior to student returning to school. Student will be placed on a behavior contract. 4th Offense: 5 Days OSS with Referral to Tribunal NOTE: If obscenity is directed toward any school system employee, consequences will result in a minimum of five (5) days suspension from school and may result in a formal hearing. 25. PARKING VIOLATION OFFENSE: Parking in a reserved or unauthorized area, parking without a permit, speeding, playing loud music, general safety violation, or other inappropriate behavior in the parking lots. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: $5 parking violation fee 2nd Offense: $10 parking violation fee and possible suspension of parking privileges 3rd Offense and subsequent offenses: $20 parking violation fee, permanent loss of parking privileges, and possible vehicle towing at owner’s expense ** All unpaid parking fines will be added to the student’s senior debt. 26. POSSESSION AND/OR USE OF EXPLOSIVE COMPOUNDS (LIGHTER/MATCHES) OFFENSE: Carrying, possessing or having under such person’s control while at school building, school function, on school property, on a bus or other transportation furnished by the school, ammunition of any type or explosive compound, (matches, lighter, explosives, fireworks, flammable incendiary devices). (GA Code O.C. GA. 16-11-127.1) Punishment is subject to administrative discretion based on the severity of the offense. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to student release from ISS2nd Offense: 3 Days OSS and mandatory parent conference prior to student returning to school. Student will be placed on a behavior contract. 3rd Offense: Minimum 5 Days OSS, Tribunal Referral 27. PRANKS OFFENSE: Causing substantial disruption of learning opportunities, the normal operating procedure of the school, and/or threatening the safety of other students. Destroying, vandalizing of, and/or threatening to destroy public or private property located on school premises or at a school function. (This may include such actions as use of explosive devices, setting fires, pulling or vandalizing fire alarms, calling 911, the deliberate destruction or defacement of school property.) CONSEQUENCES:Based on the severity of each situation the administrator will use his discretion for appropriate consequences, which may include but are not limited to those listed below. Repayment for damages ISS or OSS depending upon the severity of the incident Student removal from Extracurricular/Graduation/Honors programs Clean up by students involved (unless outside service is required) Law enforcement referral for damages and battery/assault Holding of diploma *Substantial disruption may lead to law enforcement referral* Georgia Code Section 20-2-1181 states that “it shall be unlawful for any person to disrupt or interfere with the operation of any public school, public school bus, or public school bus stop as established by local school boards of education. Any person violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature." 28. SEXUAL BATTERY OFFENSE: Forcible sexual union against a person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will when the victim is incapable of giving consent because of age or mental incapacity, (Includes rape, attempted rape, fondling, indecent liberties, child molestation). CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 10 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal, Referral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Authorities. 29. SEXUAL HARASSMENTIt is the policy of this School District to prohibit any act of harassment of students by other students or employees based upon race, color, national origin, sex, or disability at all times and during all occasions while at school, in the workplace or at any school event or activity.? Any such act by a student or employee shall result in prompt and appropriate discipline, including the possible termination of employment or suspension or expulsion of the student.Sexual harassment may include conduct or speech which entails unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, taunts, threats, comments of a vulgar or demeaning nature, demands or physical contact which creates a hostile environment.? There may be other speech or conduct which employees or students experience as inappropriate or illegal harassment which should also be reported; harassment can take many forms and it is not possible to itemize every aspect of the harassment forbidden by this policy.?Any student, parent, employee, or other individual who believes that a student has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by other students or employees of the School District as prohibited by this policy should promptly report the same to the principal of their school or to the appropriate coordinator designated in policy JAA, who will implement the board’s discriminatory complaints procedures as specified in that policy.? Students may also report harassment or discrimination to their school counselor or any administrator.? Students and employees will not be subjected to retaliation for reporting such harassment or discrimination.? If at any point in the investigation of reported sexual harassment of a student, the coordinator or designee determines that the reported harassment should more properly be termed abuse, the reported incident or situation shall be referred pursuant to the established protocol for child abuse investigation.?It is the duty of all employees to promptly report harassment forbidden by this policy.? All supervisors will instruct their subordinates as to the content of this policy and, through appropriate professional learning activities, enlighten employees as to the varied forms or expression of prohibited harassment.? The principals of all schools shall ensure that students and parents are informed through student handbooks and verbally that such harassment is strictly forbidden, how it is to be reported and the consequences for violating this policy.CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days OSS, meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to student return from OSS 2nd Offense: 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal, Referral to Law Enforcement 30. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT A student shall not engage in physical sexual activity on school property or at school sponsored events. A student shall not be in possession of any sexually oriented device or material. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 10 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal, Referral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Authorities. 31. SKIPPING ISS OFFENSE: Failure to report to ISS when assigned. In all cases the students must serve assigned additional ISS days upon returning to school. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 1 additional day of ISS and mandatory parent conference prior to student release from ISS, 2nd Offense: 1 Day OSS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS and student will be placed on a behavior contract. 4th Offense: Minimum of 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal 32. TARDINESS TO CLASS/SCHOOL (Policy) OFFENSE: Tardiness is defined as (1) being late for school, or (2) late for class. Tardies accumulate on a nine-week basis. Tardiness occurs when a student is not in the classroom when the tardy bell sounds. Students who are tardy to class will report to class and sign the tardy log. Students tardy to school (8:00 a.m.) will report to the office to sign in and retrieve a tardy slip excused/unexcused to submit to the teacher. This will affect students’ attendance for credit and driving privileges. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Tardy: Warning (Teacher must document on Tardy Log) 2nd Tardy: Parent Notification 3rd Tardy: Office Referral: Detention 4th Tardy: Office Referral: 1 Day ISS 5th Tardy: Office Referral: 2 Days ISS 6th Tardy: Office Referral: 3 Days ISS 7th Tardy: Office Referral: 1 Day OSS All Other: Office Referral: 1 Day OSS Tardy Policy starts over each Nine Weeks Late to Detention = additional day Detention is Monday and Thursday (3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) in the ISS/Assigned Teacher Classroom 33. TERRORISTIC THREATS TOWARDS SCHOOL OFFENSE: O.C.G.A. 16-11-37(a) A person commits the offense of a terroristic threat when he or she threatens to commit any crime of violence, to release any hazardous substance, as such term is defined in Code Section 12-8-92, or to burn or damage property with the purpose of terrorizing another or of causing the evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation or otherwise causing serious public inconvenience or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. Students charged with making a terroristic threat toward the school or students (verbally or via social media) may be permanently expelled or expelled for a specific period of time. OCGA 20-2-690.1 clearly gives the school system the authority to expel a student, particularly when there is a threat to the safety and security of the school. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days OSS and student will be placed on a behavior contract. 2nd Offense: Minimum of 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal *(Law enforcement officials will be notified in all incidents) 34. THREATENING AND/OR INTIMIDATING ANOTHER STUDENT OFFENSE: Threatening and/or intimidating another student: touching, pushing, or threatening the person bodily or psychologically. Possible referral to law enforcement CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS and mandatory parent conference prior to release from ISS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS, mandatory parent conference prior to return from OSS and student placed on a behavior contract. 4th Offense: Minimum 5 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal 35. THEFT OR POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY OFFENSE: Theft without threat, violence or bodily harm of public or private property located on school premises or at a school function. Based on the value of the object, law enforcement may be notified. Consequence may result in immediate suspension based on administrative discretion. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS* meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 3 Days OSS*, mandatory parent conference prior to return from OSS and student placed on a behavior contract. 3rd Offense: Minimum 5 Days OSS and Referral to Tribunal* (*Possible referral to law enforcement officials or juvenile authorities.) 36. TOBACCO OFFENSE: The possession or use of tobacco or vaping on school campus and/or school property is not permitted. This includes all school related activities that meet inside school facilities or sponsored by an organization of the school meeting elsewhere. In addition, cigarettes, lighters, matches, or vapors should not be brought to school. Possible referral to law enforcement and immediate suspension. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS and mandatory parent conference prior to release from ISS 3rd Offense: 3 Days OSS, mandatory parent conference prior to return from OSS and student placed on a behavior contract. 4th Offense: Minimum 5 Days OSS with a referral to tribunal 37. TRESPASSING OFFENSE: Entering or remaining on a public school campus or School Board facility without authorization or invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry (includes students under suspension or expulsion, and unauthorized persons who enter or remain on a campus after being directed to leave by the chief administrator or designee.) No trespassing or loitering is allowed. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: Notify Parents and Trespass Letter & possible referral to Law Enforcement 2nd Offense: Referral to Law Enforcement & tribunal hearing 38. VANDALISM OFFENSE: Destroying, vandalizing of, and/or threatening to destroy public or private property located on school premises or at a school function. (This may include such actions as use of bombs, explosive devices, setting fires, pulling or vandalizing fire alarms, calling 911, the deliberate destruction or defacement of school property.) CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 3 Days ISS, meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to release from ISS 2nd Offense: 5 Days ISS and mandatory parent conference prior to release from ISS 3rd Offense: 1 Day OSS, meet with school counselor and mandatory parent conference prior to return from OSS 4th Offense: 3 Days OSS, mandatory parent conference prior to return from OSS and student placed on a behavior contract. 5th Offense: Administrative discretion (Immediate restitution for damages and possible referral to law enforcement. May result in immediate suspension) 39. VIOLATION OF DRESS CODE OFFENSE: Violation of dress code policy CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: Sequester in ISS until clothes are changed/call parents Letter will be sent home 2nd Offense: 1 Day ISS3rd Offense: 3 Days ISS 40. WEAPONS (Hand Gun, Knife, Other, Rifle, Firearm) OFFENSE: Possessing a dangerous instrument or weapon on school property or at a school event. A student shall not supply, possess, handle, use, threaten to use or transmit any weapon or any other tool or instrument capable of inflicting bodily injury and intended for use as a weapon, in a school safety zone, at a school building, school function, or on school property or on a bus or other transportation furnished by the school. A “weapon,” “tool” or “instrument” means and includes by way of illustration but is not limited to the following items: 1. Any handgun, firearm, rifle, shotgun or similar weapon; any explosive compound or incendiary device; or, any other dangerous weapon as defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121, including a rocket launcher, bazooka, recoilless rifle, mortar, or hand grenade. 2. Any hazardous object, including any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, straight- edge razor, razor blade, spring stick, knuckles, whether made from metal, thermoplastic, wood, or other similar material, blackjack, any bat, club, or other bludgeon-type weapon, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain, or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any instrument of like kind, any nonlethal air gun, and any stun gun or Taser. Such term shall not include any of these instruments used for classroom work authorized by the teacher. Students who possess any weapon described in paragraph 1 in violation of this policy will be subject to a minimum of a one calendar year expulsion. The Superintendent shall have the authority either before or after the student is referred for a tribunal hearing to reduce the mandated one-year expulsion under circumstances where the one-year expulsion appears excessive to the superintendent. The tribunal shall also have the authority to modify such expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis in determining the appropriate punishment. Finally, in any tribunal decision appealed to the board of education, the board may reduce the mandated punishment but shall consider whether the superintendent and/or tribunal considered a reduction and any rationale in denying such a reduction. Students who possess other weapons or hazardous objects as described in paragraph 2 will be subject to discipline as specified in the student code of conduct. Reporting Requirements Any employee who has reasonable cause to believe that a student possesses a weapon as defined in paragraph 1, is involved in an assault using a weapon as defined in paragraph 2, or is involved in a second offense with a weapon on campus must report such violations to the principal or assistant principal of the school. If the principal has reasonable cause to believe that a report is valid, he/she must immediately make an oral report to the Superintendent and to the appropriate law enforcement authority and district attorney. The student’s parents or guardian will be notified immediately of his/her child’s involvement in any activity involving weapons. If a student turns in a weapon found, school authorities have to make an insightful determination as to whether the student is truthful in reporting finding a weapon as opposed to being in possession of the weapon. In cases where doubt exists, proof remains with the student. Please be reminded that the case law ruling from the State Board of Education is that intent must be determined in order to expel a student for possession of a weapon. Students will be given a copy of the Code of Conduct, which includes a statement of prohibited conduct with regard to weapons and possible disciplinary actions. A student is deemed to be in possession of an illegal and/or banned item(s) under BOE policy when such item(s) is/are on the person of the student, in the student’s possession, in the student’s locker, in the student’s vehicle on school property or on property being used by the school system. CONSEQUENCES: 1st Offense: 10 Days OSS, Referral to Tribunal, Notification of Law Enforcement THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE DECISIONS ON OTHER SCHOOL MATTERS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STUDENT BODY IN ANY OR ALL MATTERS NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED IN THIS HANDBOOK. ANY ITEM BROUGHT ONTO SCHOOL PROPERTY MAY BE SEARCHED AT ANY TIME. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE CONSEQUENCE FOR ANY DISCIPLINE VIOLATION BASED ON THE SEVERITY OF THE INFRACTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE DISCRETION. STUDENTS MAY SERVE A MAXIMUM OF 15 DAYS IN ISS (IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION). ONCE A STUDENT HAS REACHED THE 15 DAY MAXIMUM, ANY FUTURE OFFENSES WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION. STUDENTS WHO ACCUMULATE 8 DISCIPLINE REFERRALS ( not to include bus and tardy referrals) IN A SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE PLACED ON BEHAVIOR CONTRACT. VIOLATION OF THIS CONTRACT WILL RESULT IN A MANDATORY 10 DAY SUSPENSION AND REFERRAL TO TRIBUNAL. Alternative Programs are available based on the needs of all students. TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES:The Wheeler County Board of Education recognizes the fact that riding a public school bus is a privilege offered to its students. Safely transporting out students is the primary objective. When students fail to follow guidelines in place to assure that all students are transported safely, bus privileges can be withheld.Students PK – 12:Students must treat the bus as an extension of the classroom/school and the bus drive should be extended the same obedience, respect, and courtesy as the classroom teacher.Students must sit in assigned seats, if assigned, and follow the same policies, rules, and regulations required on the school campus. Students should remain seated except when entering or exiting the bus. Nothing should be placed in the aisle (including feet) or at the front of the bus on the floor. Students must say clear of and must not tamper with the emergency door or any other emergency equipment.Any item not permitted at school is also not allowed on the bus. Eating and drinking on the bus are prohibited.All parts of the body (neck, arms, etc.) should say inside the bus.Violation of bus rules and regulations may be cause for suspension from any Wheeler County school bus for a period of time up to the remainder of the school year. Misbehavior may also result in the same range of consequences of violation as outlined in the Code of Conduct.Any person who commits the offense of battery against a teacher or other school personnel, engaged in the performance of official duties or while on school property shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years or a fine of not more than $10,000 or both. For purposes of this Code, O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1, “school property” shall include public school buses and public school bus stops as designated by local school broads of education.Students shall be prohibited from acts of physical violence as defined by O.C.G.A. 20-2-751.6, bullying as defined by subsection (a) of O.C.G.A. 20-2-751.4 (See page 56 for definition), 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 may not use mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, lights and any other type of reflective device on the school bus as they might interfere with the school bus driver’s operation of the bus.Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones; audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones; game systems; or any other electronic device in a manner that interferes with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.Bus Contract: School bus contracts will be developed for students who engage in bullying, physical assault or battery on the bus. Parents will be required to meet with school administration for the purpose of developing the school bus contract.PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT A NOTE FORM A PARENT IS REUIRED FOR A STUDENT TO RIDE A BUS OTHER THEN THEIR ASSIGNED BUS. THE NOTE MUST INCLUDE THE STUDENT NAME, PARENT NAME, PHONE NUMBER, AND ADDRESS TO WHICH THE STUDENT IS GOING. BUS NOTE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE BEFORE 10:30 A.M. IN ORDER TO BE PROCESSED. THE STUDENT WILL BE GIVEN A BUS SLIP ONCE APPROVED BY THE PRINCIPAL OF HIS DESIGNEE.HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)First Written Referral: Student is given a verbal warning or is suspended form the bus for up to 5 days at the administrator’s discretion.Second Written Referral: Student is suspended from the bus for up to 10 days.Third Written Referral: Student may be suspended from the bus for the rest of the school year.VIOLENT BUS REFERRALS:WeaponsAny student who has a weapon or has an object construed as a weapon in his or her possession will be suspended from school and thus the bus for up to ten (10) days. A tribunal or waiver is required for this offense. The administrator must notify the Superintendent and must also notify the Director of Student Services if a student with an IEP is involved. When a tribunal is requested, the administrator will make a recommendation concerning the additional length of suspension from the bus. Discipline may range from the student being suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year to the student being permanently suspended from the bus. Charges will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency if applicable.Assault/Threats/Intimidation (Assault is defined as an attempt to threat to do violence to another.)Any student who assaults, threatens or uses intimidation to school personnel, other students, or law enforcement may be suspended from school and thus the bus for up to ten (10) days. The possibility of a request for a tribunal will also be considered. When a tribunal is requested, the administrator will make a recommendation concerning the additional length of suspension from the bus. Discipline may range from the student being suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year to the student being permanently suspended from the bus. Charges will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency if applicable.Battery (Battery is defined as an unlawful attack on another person beating, wounding, or touching in an offensive manner.)Battery against school personnel, other students, or law enforcement will result in the student being suspended from school and thus the bus for ten (10) days with a request for a tribunal. When a tribunal is requested, the administrator will make a recommendation concerning the additional length of suspension from the bus. Discipline may range from the student being suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year to the student being permanently suspended from the bus. Charges will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency if applicable.FightsFirst Fight Referral - Any student who fights on the bus may be suspended from school for up to ten days and will receive ten (10) days suspension from the bus upon return to school. Law enforcement will be called if the driver is unable to stop the fight and/or gain control of the situation. Charges will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency if applicable.Second Fight Referral –Students will be suspended from school for up to ten (10) days and each will be suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year. Law enforcement will be called if the driver is unable to stop the fight and/or gain control of the situation. Charges will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency if applicable.ATHLETICSCONDUCT All athletes will refrain from the use of drugs, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages. Any athlete caught using drugs, tobacco in any form, or alcohol, will be subject to severe disciplinary action by his coach, and a meeting with the coach, athletic director and principal will be conducted. Use of profanity by athletes will not be tolerated. Punishment will be at the coach's discretion. Athletes are expected to dress and groom in a way that brings honor to themselves and Wheeler County High School. Any incidents not covered by the athletic policies will be ruled upon by a joint meeting of the athletic director and the principal. ELIGIBILITY First-Year students entering 9th grade are eligible academically at the beginning of the year. Second semester first year students must have passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units the previous semester in order to participate. Second-Year students must have accumulated five (5) total units in the first year, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester. Third-Year students must have accumulated eleven (11) units in the first and second years, AND passed course carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester. Fourth-Year students must have accumulated seventeen (17) units in the first three years, and passed course carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester. Students must also meet on-track requirements for eligibility. A student must be present in school during the entire school day he/she is to participate in any extra-curricular activity. The principal or his designee must approve any exception. LETTERING Awarding of the letters in all athletic events will be left to the discretion of the head coach of that sport, the principal, and the athletic director. Letter jackets will be ordered in the junior year for eligible athletes, band members, and literary event members. Students must letter for at least two years in high school to be eligible for a letterman jacket. SPORTS BaseballBasketball (Boys)Basketball (Girls)CheerleadingFootballGolfSoccerSoftballTrackPARTICIPATION All athletes are expected to attend every practice and to be on time. Athletes with excessive absences from practice are subject to suspension from the team. A student who is absent from any class period 10 or more times during a semester will not be able to participate in any extra-curricular activity during the semester of the attendance issue. Students may appeal as is outlined in the attendance section of the handbook. AFFIRMATION OF KNOWLEDGEPlease, read, sign and return to the school.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I, ________________________________________, have read and understand the policies set forth in this 2019 – 2020 edition of the Wheeler County High School Student Handbook. Furthermore, I agree to abide by these policies.____________________________________________________________Student SignatureDate--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I, _________________________________________, have read and understand the policies set forth in this 2019 – 2020 edition of the Wheeler County High School Student Handbook. I expect my son/daughter to abide by these policies._______________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian SignatureDate--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY AGREEMENTWheeler County School System Student Internet Acceptable Use PolicyAGREEMENTSTUDENT'S FULL NAME _____________________________________________ DATE ____________________ HOMEROOM TEACHER __________________ SCHOOL _______________________ GRADE ____________________________ ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Parent(s) or Guardian(s) Agreement: (If under 18 years of age.) Signature required for all students Internet Access Privileges As the parent or guardian of this child, I have read the Wheeler County School Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy Terms and Conditions. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and that the Wheeler County School System has taken some available precautions to eliminate controversial materials. I will not hold the Wheeler County School System responsible for materials acquired on the Internet. I hereby give permission to issue Internet privileges for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct. I may withdraw my permission at any time and my child's access privileges will be canceled within twenty-four hours (working days only). I understand that the Wheeler County School System may cancel my child's access privileges at any time for Internet policy violation. __________________________________ _______________________Parent/Guardian Signature Date ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Student Agreement: I understand and will abide by the Wheeler County School System Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy Terms and Conditions. I further understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary action may be taken. ___________________________________ _______________________ Student Signature Date ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ................
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