Elbert County School District

ELBERT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016 - 2017 A TITLE I SCHOOL NO DESIGNATION STATUS FOR 2016-2017

Nurturing, Educating and Graduating tomorrow’s leaders…The Blue Way

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ELBERT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL 600 ABERNATHY CIRCLE, ELBERTON, GA 30635 PHONE: (706) 213-4100 FAX: (706) 283-1183

DIRECTORY Title Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal/CTAE Dir Assistant Principal Athletic Director Athletic Dept. Coordinator Bookkeeper/Secretary Counselor Data Specialist Lunchroom Director Nurse Receptionist Student Services Secretary Technology Specialist Technology Coach Library Media Specialist Testing Coordinator Graduation Coach 9th Grade Academy Coach Director of Security School Social Worker

Name Jason Kouns Michelle Dye Kim Fuller Brian Turner Sid Fritts Cristal Akin Lynda Farmer Stacey Almond Julie Burton Tammy New Connie Andrews Daphne Scott Sonja Lovinggood David Waters Anne Marie Rogers Dot Rutherford Denise Brown Rhonda Driver Dr. Shawn Rivers Shayne Bennett Vernessa Hollis

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Location Main Office Main Office Main Office Main Office Gym Gym Office Main Office B1 Main Office Cafeteria E9 Front Main Office Student Services Office Media Center A6 & Media Center Media Center C11 B11 A3 C11 Main Office

THE MISSION OF ECCHS ECCHS, along with the community and all stakeholders, will provide a safe, standards-based environment where students will learn, grow, and graduate prepared to contribute to a global society. ALMA MATER Oh we love our dear old school And the Devils blue and white. They can give it and can take it For the things they think are right. It will be our fame and glory And for ECCHS we’ll win;

For our dear old school and colors We will fight and won’t give in. Faithful and loving forever we will be. For our school and Alma Mater Hats off to the Blue and White.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL, MR. JASON KOUNS As the Principal of Elbert County Comprehensive High School, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to academic year 2016-2017. As students enter our hallways and classrooms this year, they will immediately notice changes that have taken place, in order to better serve our students and their academic progression. For the first time, ECCHS will be implementing a “TRUE” Freshman Academy concept, ensuring that our 9th Grade Students are removed from social and maturation distractions, so they may focus on instructional mastery. This year too will be the first time that ECCHS looks to implement a “day-time” Response to Intervention (RTI) segment. Students holding less than a 70 average in any academic class will be required to participate in a tutoring section with content teachers for 45 mins each Tuesday and Thursday. This will afford students the opportunity for direct and individualized instruction with a content specialists, and ensures that those participating in after school activities have an opportunity for assistance. ECCHS is a Positive Behavior Intervention Program School (PBIS), which means we are looking to change behaviors, not children. Many new initiatives will be implemented this year in an effort to teach students “The Blue Way”, which ensures they see the connectivity between positive behavioral decision making, and its impact on our campus and local community. ECCHS is a great school still looking to get better each and every day, and we want to be a point of pride for our community. Without hesitation, I know this WILL happen based on our terrific student body and the dedication of our superior Faculty/Staff. Together we are Blue Devil Strong, and we will be a force to be reckoned with. Please feel free to contact any member of the ECCHS Administrative Team if you have a specific question or concern, and it is my privilege to say, "Go Big Blue"! In service, Jason R. Kouns Principal

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INDEX ECCHS Staff Directory

2

ECCHS Mission, Alma Mater, Letter from Principal EC BOE and district staff, Department chairs

3 5

Quick guide for students Calendar; Important Dates; Participation in Grad Ceremony ECCHS Room designation key

6 7-9 10

Bell Schedules

11-12

Student Parking; Driver’s License; Car Rider Dress code (at school and events) Attendance Protocol

12-13 13-14 15-18

Code of Conduct; Bus Referrals; Tardy Policy; Cell phones; Searches

19-24

Academic Information (terms; grad requirements; course requirements) Scholastic Awards (Honor grad; Scholastic E; Pathway credentials, etc.)

24-25 26-27

MOWR; NHS; Local scholarships Test-Out Option for EOC courses

27-28 28-31

HOPE Scholarship Info; Georgia Scholar Media Center Info

31-33 34

ECCHS Information Extra-Curricular Activities Information

34-38 38-39

Clubs and Organizations

40

Remind Sign Up

41

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BOARD OF EDUCATION Mr. Ben Baker (Chairman) - District 2 Mrs. Teresa Barnett (Vice Chairman) - District 5 Mr. Keith Harper-District 1 Mrs. Pamela Jo Phelps - District 3 Mr. Jeff Burden - District 4 The school board’s work session is the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at the central office.

DISTRICT STAFF Central Office – (706) 213-4000 Mr. Chuck Bell –Superintendent - (706) 213-4000 Mrs. Angela Moton – Assoc. Superintendent - (706) 213-4000 Special Ed Office – (706) 213 - 4053 Mr. Mark Cartledge - Bus Shop – (706) 283 - 6650 Dr. Fran Floyd –Title I/Human Resources – (706) 213-4514 Mrs. Deborah Moore-Special Education – (706) 213 - 4059 Mrs. Bridgette Matthews - School Nutrition– (706) 213 - 4019 Mr. Rick Mewborne - Maintenance – (706) 283 - 1188 Mr. Ben Childs - Chief Financial Officer Mr. Darius Johnson – Technology Director DEPARTMENT CHAIRS Language Arts/Foreign Language Jeannie Jourolmon Social Studies Dr. Edna Eberhardt Math Alton Smith Science Cathy White ROTC Maj. Ed Lovin Physical Education Erica Wilson Special Education Lisa Haynes CTAE 5 Lori Starrett

QUICK GUIDE FOR STUDENTS IF YOU NEED GO TO Accident insurance claim form Mrs. Farmer Admittance slip Main Office Advice about your schedule Advisor, Guidance Counselor Announcements Principal; Assistant Principal Approval for Activities Principal Change of Schedule Guidance Counselor Deposit or Withdrawal of club funds Advisor of your club Discipline information Principal/Asst. Principal (see below)  9th Grade Dr. Brian Turner th  10 Grade Mrs. Kim Fuller th  11 Grade Mrs. Michelle Dye th  12 Grade Mr. Jason Kouns Information about college Guidance Counselor Work-based Learning Deana Crook Lost and Found Main Office Medical Attention Connie Andrews/S Lovinggood Parking Permit Lynda Farmer Driver’s License Enrollment Form Daphne Scott Personal Guidance Stacey Almond/Vernessa Hollis Scholarships Rhonda Driver Withdraw from school Stacey Almond To report… Threats or Sexual Harassment Asst. Principal/Guidance Counselor, Principal, Social Worker Theft or vandalism Principal; Asst. Principal 6

CALENDAR 2016 - 2017 Event Pre-Planning First Day of School Underclassmen pictures/senior remakes (after school) Labor Day Holiday $25 Senior Dues due (Mrs. Driver) Main office or F5 ACCUPLACER Testing (8:00 am) Senior Voting (class color, flower, motto, etc.) Club Picture Day End of 1st 9 weeks (1st Semester) Homecoming Parade/Pep Rally Homecoming Game/Half-time activities Homecoming Dance Parent Conference Day (Holiday for students) School Holiday PSAT (sign up required) & ASVAB College Fair ACT Pre-ACT (sign up required) Georgia Apply to College Day SAT Veterans Day Program & Ring Ceremony ACCUPLACER Testing (8:00 am) Thanksgiving Holidays Begin 1st BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC 2nd BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC 3rd BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC 4th BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC EOC Make Up Day Part III (Writing portion of EOC for language arts) SLO/Teacher made Exams 1st & 4th Blocks and Early Release Day 1:00 SLO/Teacher made Exams 2nd & 3rd Blocks and Early Release Day 1:00 Last Day before Christmas Holidays Christmas HOLIDAYS Planning Day for teachers (Student Holiday) Begin 2nd Semester Report Cards go home

Day Thurs - Tues Wed Thurs

Date Jul 28-Aug 2 August 3 Aug 25

Mon Friday

Sept 5 Sept 30

Tuesday Wed Wed Wed Thursday Friday Saturday Thursday Friday Wed Fri Sat Wed Fri Sat Fri Tues Mon-Fri Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Mon

Sept 27 Oct 5 Oct 5 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 13 Oct 14 Oct 19 Oct 21 Oct 22 Nov 2 Nov 4 Nov 5 Nov 11 Nov 15 Nov 21-25 Dec 5 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 12

Thur

Dec 15

Fri

Dec 16

Friday Mon - Mon Tues Wed

Dec 16 Dec 19-Jan 2 Jan 2-3 Jan 4

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Last day to pay $25 Senior Dues before being placed on owed fees SAT Reality Store ACT Parent Conference Day (holiday for students) Registration (2017-2018) school year begins ACCUPLACER Testing (8:00 am) FHF Pageant Spring Holidays Good Friday Holiday ASVAB (2nd Time) ACCUPLACER Testing (8:00 am) Fine Arts FAD Fest Prom End of Pathway Tests AP Environmental Science - 8:00 a.m. 1st BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC 2nd BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC 3rd BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC AP English Literature AP US Government -8:00 a.m. 4th BLOCK Ga Milestones EOC EOC Make Up Day SAT Part III (Writing portion of EOC for ELA) AP English Lang - 8:00 a.m. AP Stats - 12:00 p.m. Senior Scholarship Program @ 7:00 pm Yearbook Distribution Day FHF Fun Field Day Awards Ceremony - 6:00pm SLO/Teacher made Exams 1st & 4th Blocks and Early Release Day 1:00 SLO/Teacher made Exams 2nd & 3rd Blocks and Early Release Day 1:00 Last Day of School GRADUATION Post Planning (for teachers) 8

Mon Fri

Jan 16 Jan 21

Saturday Friday Saturday Mon Mon-Fri Tuesday

Jan 21 Feb 3 Feb 11 Feb 20 Feb 27 – Mar 3 Mar 14

Mon - Fri Friday

Apr 3-7 April 14

Tuesday Saturday Saturday TBD Monday Mon Tues Wed Wed Thurs Thu Fri Sat Mon Wednesday Thursday Thursday Fri Fri Tuesday Thur

April 18

Fri

May 19

Friday Sat Mon-Wed

May 19 May 20 @10 May 22-24

April 22 TBD May 1 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 3 May 4 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 8 May 10 May 11 May 11 May 12 May 12 May 16 May 18

2016 - 2017 IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER TEST

1st Date

PSAT Pre-ACT SAT ACT ACCUPLACER State EOC (1 per

Oct 19

day- 1st block mon, 2nd – Tues, etc.)

SLO/Teacher Exam (1 & 4 on 1 st

th

2nd Date

3rd Date

Nov 5

Jan 21

May 6

Oct 22

Feb 11

Sep 27

Nov 15

Dec 512

May 1 8

Dec 15 & 16

May 18 & 19

AP Env Sci May 1

AP Lit – May 3

4th Date

5th Date

6th Date

Nov 2

Mar 14

Apr 18

AP Gov – May 4

AP Lang – May 10

st

day; 2nd & 3rd on 2nd day)

AP Exams

AP Stats – May 11

Students will NOT be called out of class to leave school early during the EOC/SLO days in December or May until the end of the school day at 3:00. Please arrange any doctor’s appointments or other important appointments for another day. ECCHS POLICY CONCERNING PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION CEREMONY All students must complete 28 units including all required credits. EOCs or SLO assessments will comprise 20% of the grade in a course. Lack of 28 credits and/or owed fees will result in your child not being eligible to walk in graduation.

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ECCHS ROOM DESIGNATION KEY A Hall A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 A-5 A-6 A-7 A-8

Work Room K. Gary S. Rivers P. Wilson S. Rice A.M. Rogers J. Jourolmon V. Anderson

B Hall

C Hall

B-1 B-2 B-3 B-4 B-5 B-6 B-7 B-8 B-9

S. Almond J. Keblish L. Haynes D. Franklin A. Rucker L. Johnson W. Greer E. Eberhardt A. White

C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7 C-8 C-9

Math Workroom Lab J. Hover V. Cutts K. Rucker Spanish A. Cleveland C. Ingram A. Smith

ROTC

B-10

Lab

C-10

S. Anderson

MAJ. E. Lovin MSG..A. Homer 1SG D. Cook

B-11 B-12 B-13 B-14 B-15

S. Bennett C-11 D. Brown B. Norman C. White A. Taylor Media Center D. Rutherford

D Hall

E Hall

F Hall

D-1

J. Kelly

E-1

L. Roberts

F-1

K. Oakley

D-2

M. Pruitt

E-2

N. McCarty

F-2

Occ Safety Room

D-3 D-4 D-5

R. Wallach D. Hurlburt J. Gordon K. Thompson P. Bohlen

E-3 E-4 E-6

L. Starrett A. Eubanks Staff Dev.

F-3 F-4 F-5

P. Brown N. Beshiri Career Center

E-7

D. Bennett

F-5

R. Driver (front off)

E-8

T. Brown

F-8

C. Freeman

E-9

NURSE D. Crook

F-9

Gym

F-10

C. Reid

P. Thompson E. Wilson

F-11 F-12

ISS

L. Ingram(D.E.- Health Rm) S. Fritts C. Hirschfield

F-13 Gr. Lab

D-6 D-7

Music & Activities Center Music 1 Music 2

M. Everhart A. Dye

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K Kouns ESOL M. Williams

2016 – 2017 REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE (Mon, Wed, Fri) Start Time 7:30 AM 7:45 AM 7:55 AM 7:59 AM 8:00 AM 9:33 AM 9:37 AM 11:10 AM 11:14 AM 11:46 AM 12:51 PM 1:23 PM 1:27 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM

End Time

9:33 AM 9:37 AM 11:10 AM 11:14 AM 11:46 AM 11:50 AM 1:23 PM 1:27 PM 3:00 PM 3:45 PM

Activity Breakfast Teachers are at school Warning Bell 1st Block 1-minute warning for 1st block 1st Block (1 hr and 33 min) Change classes to 2nd block 2nd Block (1 hr and 33 min) Change classes to 3rd block OR A Lunch A LUNCH (32 min) A lunch students go to 3rd block B LUNCH (32 min) All students change classes 4th Block (1 hr and 33 min) Rescue and Recovery Rescue and Recovery Bus

* NO R & R bus runs on Friday afternoon

ELT DAY BELL SCHEDULE (Tuesday/Thursday) Start Time 7:30 7:45 7:55 7:59 8:00 9:22 9:26 10:10 10:14 11:36 11:36 12:08 1:02 1:34 1:38 3:00

End Time

9:22 9:26 10:10 10:14 11:36 11:40 12:08 12:12 1:34 1:38 3:00 3:45

Activity Breakfast Teacher at School Warning Bell 1-Minute Warning Bell 1st Block (1hour 22 minutes) Class Change to ELT ELT (44 minutes) Class Change to 2 nd Block 2nd Block (1 hour 22 minutes) Class Change to 3 rd Block A Lunch (32 minutes) A Lunch to 3rd Block B Lunch (32 minutes) Class Change to 4th Block 4th Block (1 hour 22 minutes) End Teacher Day 11

ACTIVITY BELL SCHEDULE Times 7:30 AM 7:45 AM 7:55 AM 7:59 AM 8:00 - 9:25 9:25 - 9:29 9:29 - 10:54 10:54 -10:58 10:58-11:30 11:30 -11:34 12:24 -12:56 12:56 -1:00 1:00 -2:25 2:30 -3:00 3:00 -3:45 4:00 PM

Activity Breakfast Teachers are at school Warning Bell 1st Block 1-minute warning for 1st block 1st Block (1 hr and 25 min) Change classes to 2nd block 2nd Block (1 hr and 25 min) Change classes to 3rd block OR A Lunch A LUNCH (32 min) A lunch students go to 3rd block B LUNCH (32 min) All students change classes 4th Block (1 hr and 25 min) Activity (30min) Rescue and Recovery Rescue and Recovery Bus

STUDENT PARKING Parking at Elbert County Comprehensive High School is a privilege not a right. Since bus transportation is provided for students, those who choose to drive to school do so at their own risk. Driving related attendance problems cannot be excused. Parking permits are available to seniors, juniors, and sophomores, if space is available. Students must provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license before being issued a parking permit. The parking fee is $40.00 for the entire year or $20 for second semester. This fee is non-refundable if the student becomes ineligible to park. Illegal parking carries a $10 fine and can result in an impounded vehicle. Illegally parked vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense. Vehicles parked on campus are subject to search by school officials if they deem it necessary. No student on owed fees may purchase a parking permit until fees are cleared. Also, the administration at ECCHS reserves the right to withhold parking privileges as a consequence of unacceptable grades/effort/behavior, owed fees, etc. 12

DRIVER’S LICENSE A Certificate of Enrollment form is required for schools to certify that a student is eligible for a driver’s license or learner’s permit. The new Certificate of Enrollment form will replace the Certificate of Attendance and the Certificate of Eligibility for Restoration of Driving Privileges form that schools are currently using. The new Certificate of Enrollment form is available in the ECCHS main office. Students cannot get an attendance sheet if they are on owed fees. The first certificate is $1.00; replacement certificates will incur a $2.00 fee. The first ADAP certificate (not required for learner’s permit) is $1.00, replacement ADAP certificate are also $2.00. Students may pick up these certificates in the main office 24 hours after they have signed up to receive the form(s). CAR RIDER PICKUP Car riders will be picked up in front of the main office, and cars should line up in the right lane only. The left lane is only for through traffic. Parents should NOT PARK in the car rider pick up area or in reserved spaces during school hours. DRESS CODE 1. Appropriate foot attire must be worn. No bedroom shoes are allowed. Undergarments should be worn and not be visible. 2. Shirts must meet the following criteria: bare midriffs are not allowed, low necklines are not allowed, garments exposing the torso are not allowed, and shirts must be at least 3” wide at the shoulders/index card. Sheer shirts may be worn as long as the undergarments do not show. 3. Pants/Skirts must meet the following criteria: Pants, shorts, or skirts of any type must come within 3 inches/index card of the knee. Holes in pants above the knee must have skin covered. Pants are to be worn at the waist. Leggings may be worn as long as shirt covers the rear end. Sheer skirts may be worn as long the undergarment meets the dress code. 13

4. The following should not be worn in the building:  headwear (hats, bandanas, do rags, etc)  sunglasses  clothing which displays or mentions alcohol products, tobacco products, drugs, promiscuity, gangs, obscene languages, signs, and profanity  Clothing that can be used or presented as a weapon. Examples; chains, spikes, etc.  jewelry that features weapons to include explosive devices, drugs, or any other item deemed to be disruptive or indicating any affiliation with gang activity. The administration reserves the right to deem items of dress inappropriate which are disruptive to the learning process and also make students change clothes if necessary. The administration also reserves the right to enforce the dress code or alter the dress code for special occasions.

CONSEQUENCES Students have the opportunity to change inappropriate dress or will be assigned ISS for the remainder of the day. ALL SCHOOL DANCES Students on owed fees must pay their owed fees in order to participate. The age requirement to attend any school dances is th 9 grade up to 20 years of age. DRESS CODE: CEREMONIES AND BANQUETS The school dress code will be enforced at ceremonies such as the ECCHS Awards Day ceremony, club luncheons, and sports banquets. Coaches and/or club sponsors should address appropriate attire prior to the event. PROM Prom is a formal dance for upper classmen. All juniors and seniors have an opportunity to attend prom if they pay the required fees. Owed fees MUST be paid to attend prom. Juniors 14

and seniors must purchase tickets to attend prom. Tickets will be $25, and they cover the cost of the student only. Guest tickets may be purchased for an additional $25. Tickets will not be sold at the prom. No refunds will be given. Guests must be between 9th grade and 20 years of age. Students wishing to bring an older guest or guest from another school must complete an application for approval by prom sponsor. Students enrolled in the Alternative Program may not attend the prom. The dress is formal, and should have modest necklines, slits no higher than mid-thigh, and show no more than 3 inches of the midriff. HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROTOCOL You will need to review both the law under which the entire Elbert County School System is bound and the school high school attendance procedures below. You will also be required to sign a letter stating that you have reviewed the attendance law and procedures. ATTENTION: Once a student accumulates seven (7) unexcused absences the school will schedule an Attendance Support Team (AST) meeting with the parent/guardian. An attendance contract will be signed at this time. Criminal prosecution for violation of school attendance: O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1 requires any person in this State who has control or charge of a child between the ages of six and sixteen to enroll and send that child to school, including public, private, and home schooling. A child is responsible for attending school and the child is subject to adjudication in Elbert County Juvenile Court as an unruly child for violation of this statute. If a parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of the child causes the child’s absence, then that person, and not the child, is in violation of this statute. Such a violation is a misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to $100 fine and up to 30 days in jail for each violation. The law specifies that each day’s absence constitutes a separate offense. 15

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE Daily attendance is an essential part of the educational process. It is the legal responsibility of the students and parents to adhere to the attendance policy. EXCUSED ABSENCES a) Personal illness or attendance in school that endangers a student’s health or the health of others. b) A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family necessitating absence from school. c) A court order or an order by a governmental agency, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school. d) The observance of religious holidays, necessitating absence from school e) Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety. f) A period not to exceed one day for registering to vote or voting in a public election. g) A student whose parent is in military service in the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard, and such parent has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted excused absences up to a maximum of five school days per school year to visit with his or her parent prior to such parent’s deployment or during such parent’s leave. h) Students will not be excused in any other case except when a prearranged absence has been approved by the principal. It is the responsibility of the student and his parents to contact the school well in advance of the expected absence. Written request must include dates and reasons for the absence. Upon approval, the student is expected to make advance arrangements with their teachers regarding work expectations during the absence. 16

Students shall be counted present when they are… a) Present for at least half of the instructional time required (for that block) b) When they are serving as pages of the Georgia General Assembly c) Students in foster care shall be counted present while attending court proceedings relating to their foster care. d) Receiving hospital/homebound services Students may only have five (5) days per semester excused by a parent note. All subsequent absences in the semester will be excused only if a note from the physician or legal authority is provided. Excuses must be submitted within five (5) days of return to school. If a note is not submitted within five (5) days of return to school, the absence(s) will be recorded as unexcused. GRADES AND ATTENDANCE It is the expectation of the Elbert County Board of Education that all work missed due to any absence will be made up. The responsibility for arranging to complete the work missed is to be assumed by the student and parent/guardian in conjunction with the teacher. HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES 1. At the beginning of each school year, parents will sign a statement acknowledging they have reviewed attendance procedures and consequences and penalties for absences, tardies/early dismissals. Students age 10 by September 1 will also be required to sign the statement. Attendance policies/procedures and consequences are included in the student handbook. After two attempts by the school to obtain signature of receipt, a copy will be sent via certified, return receipt, or first class mail. A copy of parent/guardian and student signature will be kept on file for the remainder of the school year. 17

2. Once a student has three unexcused absences, the parent will receive a phone call from the school indicating the number of unexcused absences and reminding the parent of the importance of regular school attendance. 3. Once a student accumulates five (5) unexcused absences, a letter from the principal of the school will be sent notifying the parent/guardian of the absences (as required by O.C.G.A 20-2-690). After two reasonable attempts to notify the parent/guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a child of the second occurrence of five unexcused days of absences without response, the school system will send such notice via certified, return receipt requested, or first-class mail. 4. Once a student accumulates seven (7) unexcused absences, an Attendance Support Team (AST) meeting will be scheduled with the parent/guardian. An attendance contract will be signed at this time. 5. Broken or unsigned contracts will result in a truancy court referral. Parents may be referred to State or Magistrate Court and students to Juvenile Court or Elbert County. 6. Once a student accumulates ten (10) unexcused absences, the school will send a letter from the principal of the school explaining the student has missed 10 unexcused days of school and is considered truant per the Juvenile Code of Georgia. The student may be referred to Juvenile Court and/or the parent may be referred to State Court once the 10th unexcused absence has occurred and been validated as unexcused. 7. Prior to any action to commence judicial proceedings in State court for violation of the attendance law, the school system will send notice to the parent/guardian by certified mail, or return receipt requested.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

Students are expected to abide by the code of conduct when in attendance at school, school functions, or when representing the school at any time. The code of conduct educates us as to behaviors that will lead to a more enjoyable/safe life for all of us. Students are at all times expected to demonstrate respect, responsibility, patience, honesty, and self-control. The administration at ECCHS reserves the right to withhold privileges as consequences of unacceptable behavior or for owed fees. In compliance with school policies and the applicable law, students may be disciplined for off-campus conduct. Any off-campus behavior of a student which could result in the student being criminally charged with a felony, or punishable as a felony if committed by an adult, and which makes the student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to persons or property at the school or which disrupts the educational process will be handled by administration. For such misconduct, the school district reserves the right to discipline the student, including but not to exclude the student from enrollment/attendance at a school. 19

ECCHS CODE OF CONDUCT Discipline Codes SL- Silent Lunch CJ- Cell Phone Jail ISS- In-School Suspension

Acad- After-School Detention DJ- Computer Jail OSS- Out-of-School Suspension

OFFENSE

1st Offense

2nd Offense

3rd Offense

4th Offense

5th Offense

School Disruption

Conference 1-3 SL/Acad.

1-3 ISS

3-5 OSS

5-10 OSS

OSS to Panel

Classroom Disruption


1-3 ISS

3-5 ISS

3-5 OSS

Skipping AWOL (> 15 Minutes)

Conference 1-3 SL/Acad. Parent Conference Conference 1-3 SL/Acad./ISS

Parent Contact 3-5 SL/Acad. 3-5 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS/OSS

3-5 ISS/OSS Parental Suspension

5-8 ISS/OSS

Insubordinati on discretion of Admin.

3-5 ISS/OSS Parent Conference

5-8 OSS OSS to Panel

OSS to Panel

3-5 SL/Acad./13 ISS Bullying Warning Parent Conference 5-8 OSS OSS to Panel Parent Conference 3-5 SL/Acad. or 3-5 ISS Bullying Strike Parent Conference 3-5 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS/OSS 5 CJ/DJ Parent Conference Bullying Strike

1-5 ISS/OSS Bullying Strike

3-5 OSS OSS to Panel Bullying Strike

OSS to Panel

3-5 ISS/OSS Bullying Strike


OSS to Panel

3-5 ISS/OSS 10 CJ/DJ Parental Suspension Bullying Strike

5-8 ISS/OSS 30 CJ/DJ Bullying Strike

OSS to Panel

Profanity/Insult /Disrespect/ Insubordination toward Staff Profanity/ Insult/Symbolic Nature/ toward Student


Oral/Written threat to Teacher

3-5 ISS/OSS Parent Conference

OSS to Panel

Oral/Written threat to Student

Conference 1-3 SL/Acad. Bullying Warning

Bullying/Oral, Written, or Cyber

Conference 1-3 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS/OSS Parent Conference Bullying Strike

Behavior could cause Physical Injury Posturing to Fight/Inflict Physical Harm Intentional Physical


1-3 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS Parent Conference

3-5 ISS

3-5 OSS Parent Conference

OSS to Panel

Conference + 1-3 SL/Acad.

3-5 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS

3-5 ISS 1-3 OSS

3-5 OSS


Contact (push/shove) Fight (Individual/Mut ual) Petty Theft (under $50)

Theft (Over $50) Property Damage/Vanda lism Cheating/Plagia rism

Cell phone abuse

1-3 ISS 3-5 OSS

Conference 1-3 SL/Acad. + Restitution 3 to 5 ISS/OSS + Restitution 3-5 ISS + Restitution Conference Teacher Discretion Parent Conference Conference 1 CJ

Alter/Misuse Technology Conference Equipment 1-3 SL/Acad. 1-3 CJ/DJ Tobacco

1-3 ISS Parent Conference

Tobacco/Drug Paraphernalia


Pornographic Material

Conference 1-3 ISS/OSS 5-10 CJ/DJ Parent Conference Conference 1-3 SL/Acad.

PDA/Prolonged and Inappropriate Kissing/Physical Intimacy Sexual Harassment

Failure to serve Administrative Consequence Physical

5-8 OSS Parent Conference 3-5 ISS + Restitution


OSS to Panel

3-5 OSS + Restitution

OSS to Panel + Restitution

5 OSS + Restitution


3-5 OSS + Restitution


3-5 SL/Acad. 3 CJ/DJ Tech Block

1-3 ISS/OSS 5-10 CJ/DJ Tech Block Parental Suspension 10 CJ + 1-3 SL/Accad.

5 CJ Parent Conference

3-5 ISS/OSS 10-20 CJ/DJ Tech Block

5-8 ISS/OSS Sem. CJ/DJ Tech Block

1-3 ISS/OSS 20 CJ Parental Suspension Parental OSS 30 CJ/DJ + Tech Block


3-5 SL/Acad. 3-5 CJ/DJ/Tech Block 3-5 ISS/OSS Parent Conference

1-3 ISS 5-10 CJ/DJ + Tech Block 5-8 ISS/OSS Parental Suspension


OSS to Panel

3-5 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS Parent Conference 3-5 ISS/OSS 5-10 CJ/DJ Tech Block

3-5 ISS/OSS

5-8 ISS/OSS

5-8 ISS/OSS OSS to Panel

5-8 ISS/OSS 30 CJ/DJ Tech Block Parent Conference 3-5 ISS/OSS Parental Suspension

OSS to Panel



3-5 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS Parent Conference

3-5 OSS 30 CJ/DJ + Tech Block

Conference 3-5 SL/Acad. 1-3 ISS/OSS Parent Conference


5-8 ISS/OSS


OSS to Panel

Conference +2 SL/Acad. Parent Conference 3-8 OSS

1-3 ISS/OSS




OSS to Panel

Contact W/ Staff Member Lewd Exposure/Beha vior (sex) Alcohol

Illegal/Prescription Drugs

Over the Counter Drugs

Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun Knife (More than 3”)

Various Weapons

Toy or item that resembles a weapon Chronic Discipline (10 cumulative incidences not including tardies)

Parent Conference OSS to Panel 5-8 ISS/OSS OSS to Panel Parent Conference 3-9 OSS Parent Conference OSS to Panel 3-9 OSS Parent Conference OSS to Panel Conference 3-5 ISS/OSS OSS to Panel Parent Conference OSS to Panel 3-8 OSS Parent Conference OSS to Panel 3-8 ISS/3-8 OSS Parent Conference OSS to Panel 3-5 ISS/OSS Parent Conference (4) Parent Meeting Behavior Contract

OSS to Panel

OSS to Panel

OSS to Panel

5-8 ISS/OSS OSS to Panel Parent Conference

OSS to Panel

OSS to Panel


OSS to Panel


OSS to Panel

(7) Parent Meeting Behavior Contract review and modification

(10) Panel

* Any disciplinary problems that may arise that are not covered in this handbook will be left to the discretion of the administration.

BUS REFERRALS 1ST Referral 5 Day Bus Suspension 2nd Referral 10 Day Bus Suspension 3rd Referral 15 Day Bus Suspension 4th Referral Bus Suspension for Remainder of Semester (if more than 15 days) th 5 Referral Bus Suspension for Remainder of School Year 22

TARDY POLICY 1st Tardy Teacher Warning Per Class 2nd Tardy Teacher Warning w/ Parent Contact with Per Class Documentation in IC 3rd Tardy Office Referral (2 Academies/Lunch Detentions) Per Class and Loss of Driving Privilege 1 Week 4th Tardy Office Referral (Admin. Parent Contact), (3 Per Class Academies/Lunch Detentions) and Loss of Driving Privilege 2 Weeks th 5 Tardy Office Referral (Insubordination) 3 ISS and Loss Per Class of Driving Privilege 3 Weeks th 6 Tardy Office Referral (Insubordination) 3 OSS/Parental Per Class Suspension and Loss of Driving Privilege for Semester NOTES about Court Referrals and Tardiness/Early Pick Ups for the SYSTEM: When a student or parent is referred to court for chronic truancy, tardiness/early pick-ups will be counted as absences according to the following calculations:  15th tardy/early pick-up – 1 unexcused absence  20th tardy/early pick-up – 2 unexcused absences  25th tardy/early pick-up – 3 unexcused absences  …each subsequent 5th tardy/early pick-up will count as an additional unexcused absence (per semester). CELL PHONE POLICY Having a cell phone on school campus is a privilege- NOT a right. Students may be in possession of a cell phone, but they should not be visible in the classroom unless a teacher has directed the students to use them as part of the instruction. Teachers and administration reserve the right to monitor usage and collect device. 23

SEARCH POLICY Student cars brought on campus, student book bags, and school lockers, desks and other school property shall be subject to inspection and search by school authorities at all times without further notice to students or parents. Such searches may be conducted using “drug-sniffing” dogs or hand-held metal detectors at any school function, including activities which occur outside normal school hours or off the school campus. Students are notified that these metal detectors will be used at the discretion of administrators. ACADEMIC INFORMATION COUNSELOR/GRADUATION COACH/SOCIAL WORKER The school counselor, graduation coach, and social worker are available to assist students, faculty, and parents before, during, and after school. An appointment is recommended. They provide guidance and information for education/career planning, personal problems, and information concerning drug/alcohol rehabilitation. Students must have permission and a hall pass in order to go to the counselor’s office during class time. COLLEGE VISITATION PRIVILEGES Seniors may be excused to visit post-secondary schools on school days provided that they file a request in advance giving dates and reasons for going. Students are counted present if teachers approve the request in advance from the guidance office. CAREER CENTER A career center is available to students and parents in the counseling office in order to assist them in setting post-secondary goals. It is open weekdays. ECCHS GIFTED EDUCATION ECCHS provides services for gifted identified students at all grade levels through honors and AP course opportunities. END OF COURSE TESTS (EOCT) AND STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES (SLO) Georgia Milestones EOC’s will be given in eight (8) classes for the 2015-2016 school year: Coordinate Algebra, Analytic Geometry, US History, Economics, Physical Science, Biology, 9th Grade Literature, and American Literature. All other classes 24

will take a Student Learning Objective (SLO) Assessment that was created by a system team. It is important that each student take these tests seriously as they will each count 20% of the students’ overall average in the respective course. GRADES AND GRADE REPORTS Georgia Milestones EOC’s will be given in eight (8) classes for the 2016-2017 school year: Coordinate Algebra, Analytic Geometry, US History, Economics, Physical Science, Biology, 9th Grade Literature, and American Literature. All other classes will take a Student Learning Objective (SLO) Assessment that was created by a system team. It is important that each student take these tests seriously as they will each count 20% of the students’ overall average in the respective course.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Units required for advancing to the next grade level 2nd year student 6 units rd 3 year student 12 units th 4 year student 20 units A total of 28 units are required for graduation.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS Class of 2017 and beyond

PE/Health Modern Language, Fine Arts, CTAE, ROTC English Social Studies

Math

Science Total Units

1 unit (3 units of ROTC satisfies requirement) 3 units-in any combination 4 units- 2 of 4 must be 9th Grade Lit & American Lit. 4 units- Must include World History, U.S. History, Government, & Economics. (4 units) GSE Coordinate Algebra (or Accelerated), GSE Analytic Geometry (or accelerated), GSE Advanced Algebra, and PreCalculus (or other state approved courses) 4 Units-Must include Biology, Physical Science or Physics, Chemistry or Environmental Science or AP Science courses, & an additional science. 20 Required Units + 8 Elective Units = 28 Total

SCHOLASTIC AWARDS CLASS RANKING AND WEIGHTING Procedures regarding class rank and weighting follow Elbert County Board of Education Policy. The ECCHS weighting policy will only be used to determine class rank and honor graduate status. Only those courses that students pass will be weighted. It will not be used to determine HOPE graduate status. Only those classes that are administered through the Elbert County School System will be weighted. Class weighting is as follows: College Prep

ACCEL/Move On When Ready

AP

Honors

Class

Upper Level Foreign Lang (III or higher) ONLY for c/o 2014 on

2015 & beyond

0

6

6

3

3

* CLASS RANK WILL BE DETERMINED AFTER FIRST SEMESTER OF THE STUDENT’S SENIOR YEAR

HONOR GRADUATE POLICY In order to receive honor graduate status students must meet the following criteria: Honor Graduate Honor Graduate w/ Distinction 93 97 *All averages above are accumulative averages

Hope Eligible Yes

SCHOLASTIC “E” Awarded to students who maintain superior grades. Recipients will receive their E certificates, patches, letters, or bars on Awards Day. The next page shows the criteria: Class

Core Unweighted Cumulative Average

2014+

90

Level I – 1st time meeting criteria; Level II – 2nd time meeting criteria; Level III – 3rd time meeting criteria; Level IV – 4th time meeting criteria. Upper levels can only be earned if criteria for lower levels have already been met. Criteria are checked once a year, after the fall semester grades have been stored.

CAREER PATHWAY CREDENTIALS Awarded to students who successfully complete a CTAE or Advanced Academic Pathway and meet passage standards on the credentialing assessment opportunity. BETA CLUB Admission to the Beta Club is based on the accomplishment of a 90.0 or better overall un-weighted average. Ninth graders are not eligible for Beta until they have completed at least one semester in high school. Invitations to join these groups are extended at the beginning of each semester. Anyone who feels he/she is eligible for membership should see the sponsor. 26

1) 2)

3)

4)

5)

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES CRITERIA Students must submit personal application by the 4th of November. Forms are available in office. The number of students chosen will range from the top 5% to 10% of the Senior Class. The exact number will be decided by the selection committee. The committee will consist of teachers, counselors, assistant principal, and principal. Decisions by the committee are final. Selection for Senior Superlative will not be based on any predetermined ratio system, thereby, giving all students equal opportunity of being selected. Disciplinary problems will be assessed by deducting points as follows: (next page)

1st Academy 10 All subsequent ISS assignments All subsequent Academy 25 OSS/ISS/Alternative Program assignments st 1 ISS assignment 25 Expulsion *Any student convicted of a misdemeanor or felony will not be considered

50 75 100

6) Students will be chosen on the basis of a point system that will weigh their achievements in various school activities. They will be classified as: Class A- Academic activities Class B- Competitive team activities Class C- Elected, individual and group activities * Community, Church, & 12th grade activities will not be considered.

MOWR PROGRAM Students should contact Mrs. Almond for information regarding the ACCEL/MOWR Program. All students seeking to enroll in the ACCEL/MOWR Program must meet all local Board of Education requirements and post-secondary institution requirements for admission to this program. 27

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The National Honor Society is an honor society for sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an overall un-weighted 90 average. Each fall students who seek membership must complete an application for consideration to be reviewed by the NHS Faculty Counsel. The following are requirements for election and continued membership in National Honor Society. Tenth and eleventh grade students must be; 1. Exemplifying outstanding characteristics in leadership, service, scholarship & character 2. Taking a minimum of one class of English, math, science, & social studies each year 3. Taking a minimum of four core classes each year 4. Maintaining an overall 90 un-weighted average each year 5. Attend all club meetings, pay dues & participate in all club activities. Twelfth grade students must be: 7. Complying with 1 and 5 above; 8. Taking a minimum of three classes in English, math, science, and/or social studies; 9. Taking a minimum of 3 core classes. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS Each year scholarships are awarded to outstanding, deserving seniors by local organizations and individuals. A complete list of the awards, donors, and criteria for each is available in March. Graduating seniors may apply for local scholarships in late January by completing an application available in the counselor’s office. Approximately $100,000 is given each year. TEST-OUT OPTION FOR COURSE CREDIT Georgia State Board of Education Rule (160-5-1-.15 AWARDING UNITS OF CREDIT AND ACCEPTANCE OF 28

TRANSFER CREDIT AND/OR GRADES), adopted by the Board in April 2013, provides the opportunity for students to “test-out” of any course for which there is an associated EOCT and earn credit for the course through that process. Under the provisions of the amended rule and guidelines published by the Georgia Department of Education’s (GaDOE) Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, local boards of education shall award course credit to students who reach the performance level of Exceeds (indicated by a score of 90 or above) on an EOCT taken prior to taking the course. For example, a student may attempt the Biology EOCT prior to taking the course. If the student reaches the performance level of Exceeds, the local board of education shall award the student the Biology course credit. A student may test-out of any course that has an associated state-mandated EOCT. As stated in the Rule, students may earn no more than three units of credit by demonstrating subject area competency in this fashion. Student Eligibility Students must meet the following requirements to exercise this option: 1. Not currently or previously enrolled in the course; 2. Have earned a grade of B or better in the most recent course that is the same content area of the course for which the student is attempting the EOCT; 3. Received a teacher recommendation from the teacher of the most recent course in the same content area (or, if not available, a teacher in the same content area with knowledge of the student’s academic achievement) for which the student is attempting the EOCT; and 4. Received parent/guardian permission if the student is less than 18 years of age. 5. Students and parents must participate in an advisement session prior to testing. * Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria above will not be allowed to take advantage of the test-out opportunity. 29

Test Administration Guidelines - When allowing students to attempt to earn course credit through testing out, Elbert County Comprehensive High school shall: 1. Allow eligible students only one opportunity per course to demonstrate subject area competency. 2. Provide the EOC test-out opportunity only during the GaDOE designated administration windows for this purpose and all administrations must be conducted online. 3. Require students who do not reach the performance level of Exceeds when attempting to test-out to enroll in and complete the associated course when applicable. The student would again take the EOC at the conclusion of that course experience regardless of their score during their attempt to test-out. EOC scores cannot banked. 4. Students may not opt to test-out if currently enrolled, or who have previously been enrolled, in a higher-level course to attempt to earn credit by testing out. For example, a student taking AP Physics may not earn credit for Physical Science through this process. 5. The administration of all EOCs for this purpose must adhere to the system’s local EOC testing calendar. 6. Students who opted to test-out and have achieved the Exceeds performance level (as indicated by a score of 90 or above) will be required to move to the next level course. The test score earned will be stored as the official grade for that course. *Please note: Credits earned through the test-out process are not recognized by the NCAA.

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Costs Students who opt to test-out of an EOC will be charged an advanced fee of $50.00 (cash or money order) per course. No student will be tested who has not paid this fee. If the student scores at the exceeds level, the cost of the course will be reimbursed to the parent/guardian/student. Availability The opportunity for students to test-out may be offered by Elbert County during specified EOCT Mid-Month windows. The first EOC window during which this option becomes available will be the September 2014 Mid-Month Administration. Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, the opportunity for students to test-out will be offered in the specific Mid-Month Administration windows of September and March. Beginning in summer 2014, the Summer Administration window may also be utilized for this purpose. This option is not available during the winter or spring main administrations and only in the specific mid-month windows above. For more information about the test-out process, please contact Mrs. Michelle Dye, Curriculum Director at 706-213-4113 or Mrs. Stacey Almond, Guidance Counselor at 706-213-4121. THE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM HOPE works differently depending on the type of post-secondary school you attend. At public colleges & universities & at public technical institutes, The HOPE Scholarship covers: • Tuition, Mandatory fees, a book allowance of up to $150 per semester. Each year at a private college or university, you may receive: • A $3,000 H.O.P.E. Grant • A $1,000 Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant

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*For the classes of 2015 and beyond, there will be new rigor requirements that students must meet to be eligible for a HOPE Scholarship basically requiring advanced level classes. Please use the following link to the school website to see the requirements for each class or at the school website click on the guidance tab and look for HOPE Rigor Requirements: https://by2prd0711.outlook.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=xbXWom2z2k6hRFzQMnCSdfScohfEUdAIestcXWQnzEcoHF8MfY3z2pnWlweoXGoWHn4ShKOwHM.&URL=http%3a%2f%2felbertchs.sharpschool.net%2fUserFiles%2fServers%2fServer_4 531607%2fImage%2fGuidance%2fHOPE%2520Rigor%2520Requirements-Fall2013.pdf

HOPE CALCULATION METHOD What does ECCHS report to the Georgia Student Finance Commission? A complete Transcript with course history Who determines Hope eligibility? The Georgia Student Finance Commission What is the nominal standard of eligibility for HOPE? College Preparatory- 3.0 Core GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale Which academic credits count in the HOPE calculation? All credits attempted in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language Which courses are weighted in the HOPE GPA calculation? Advanced Placement Who does the weighting for the HOPE GPA calculation? The Georgia Student Finance Commission How will the GSFC weight grades in Advanced Placement courses? AP courses will be weighted by one-half of a letter grade on a GPA scale Grades of A cannot be weighted Grades of B would be translated from a 3.0 to a 3.5 Grades of C would be translated from a 2.0 to a 2.5

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GEORGIA SCHOLAR The Georgia Scholar is a graduating high school senior who exhibits excellence in all phases of school life, in community activities and in the home. To be eligible to be a Georgia Scholar, students must meet the following criteria: (1) Have a minimum score of 1360 (Math/Critical Reading) on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) at one test administration or a score of 31 on American College Test (ACT). (2) Have earned 22 Carnegie units of credit for graduation including 3 units in science, including 1 unit in chemistry or physics; 4 units in mathematics, including 1 unit in Algebra II; 3 units in social studies, including economics and citizenship, world history, and U.S. studies; 4 units in English language arts; 2 units of foreign language. (3) Have pursued academic study in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and other arts areas. (4) In all work taken in grades 9-12, the student has either maintained a 3.75 average on a 4.0 scale or ranks in the upper 10 percent of his/her class, (5) Have maintained 95 percent attendance in grades 9-12. (6) During grades 9-12, the student has participated in three interscholastic events or has achieved significant recognition in interscholastic events; Examples: holding first chair/ leading a section in band/chorus, serving as athletic team captain, placing in individual athletic events, debates, livestock project/vocational competitions or similar events. (7) Have assumed leadership in at least 2 extra-curricular school sponsored activities. (8) Have assumed leadership in youth activities outside the school. (9) Has registered to vote if he or she is 18 years old. 33

(10) Show evidence of self-esteem & concern for others in day-to-day activities. MEDIA CENTER RESOURCES/REGULATIONS The ECCHS Library/Media Center contains thousands of books & audiovisual materials with online catalog access. In the event a student’s school-issued device is not functioning properly, the media center has 10 networked desktop machines for use. Classrooms are equipped with networked workstations. They are extensions of the media center’s holdings. * The following are some of the basic regulations, which are observed in the media center: Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks, and renewed thereafter. A fine of 5 cents occurs if books are overdue and renewal is not utilized. Magazines may only be read in the media center. Students are notified of their delinquencies, verbally, and in writing. Reference materials are not checked out; however, photocopying, laminating, and attaining butcher paper for instructional-based use is available. If for personal use, there is a price list located in the media center. Lost books and/or magazines are paid for at the current replacement price. A student must possess a pass, with teacher signature, and purpose of visit, in order to utilize media center during class time. Any other time, before/after school, or break time, passes are not required. An atmosphere conducive to learning, and consideration of others, is maintained at all times. ECCHS INFO DIRECTORY INFORMATION The school reserves the right to release directory information on each student. Directory information includes name, address, birth date, class schedule, height, weight, dates of attendance, honors and awards, clubs and teams to which the student belongs, and pictures of students participating in school events. Parents who do not wish this directory information released on their child MUST contact the Main Office and ask that directory information not be released. 34

DISPLAY OF SIGNS All posters/signs/announcements, & other such forms must be approved by the administration before displaying. Posters should not permanently attach to walls, surfaces or any exit doors. Students/organizations are responsible for removal. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE and FIRE DRILLS State law requires emergency and fire drills. Drills may be held whenever deemed necessary by the administration. Faculty and staff should refer to their emergency procedure handbook upon notification of emergency procedure code. Students should follow the directives of the staff upon the implementation of the drill. FUND RAISING No person is allowed to sell for personal profit at the school. HALL PASS No student is allowed to pass through the halls during classes without a hall pass. Staff/ faculty members have the right to check hall passes when students are out of the class during instructional time. LOST AND FOUND All articles that are found should be returned to the student services office. Lost items will be held in the office. Afterwards they may be turned over to the Salvation Army. Students are discouraged from bringing large sums of money/valuables to school. The school is not responsible for items of personal property. LUNCHROOM PROCEDURES Students are to eat in designated areas. Off campus lunches are not to be delivered to campus, and no outside fast food or drink is allowed. Students failing to complete free and reduced forms by the assigned dates may be denied certain lunchroom privileges. The lunchroom staff may limit charges, & students will be expected to pay or be denied certain lunchroom privileges. Students are not to leave campus during lunch. (Cost chart below) 35

LUNCHROOM COSTS Student Meal Breakfast Lunch

Adult

Regular Reduced Regular UNIVERSAL FREE BREAKFAST $1.95 $0.40 $3.00

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL Permission for Medication Administration form (to be signed by the parent/guardian) can be obtained in the main office and should be submitted for any type of medicine to be taken at school. Students must bring all medications to the main office. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications. According to state law, all medication must be in the original container. At the end of the school year, any medicine not taken by the student will be destroyed after one week unless the parent/guardian comes by the school to retrieve the medicine. Possession and/or distribution of medicines (prescription and/or non-prescription) by students at school may be considered a “drug” violation unless the above stated procedures are followed. MORNING PROCEDURES At the 8:00 bell the Call to Colors will be played over the intercom. Students are expected to stand. Students are also expected to stand for the pledge, which is said immediately after the Call to Colors. Students are then to be seated and observe the moment of silence. This moment of quiet time is not intended to be a religious service or exercise but shall be considered as an opportunity to think about the activities of the day. If students, staff, or faculty are in the hall during these events, they are expected to remain still and move only after the Moment of Silence is complete. TECHNOLOGY DEVICE RESPONSIBILITY All students with parental permission will be issued a technology device to keep and use for the entire school year. Students should bring the technology device fully charged each day to class. It is the responsibility of the student to take care 36

of it. Suggestions for protecting equipment include, but are not limited to the following: 1) ALWAYS put it in the case before carrying 2) Charge nightly; Leave chargers at home! 3) Use a soft damp cloth to clean the screen (microfiber cloths work well) 4) Thumb drives are recommended for back up Charges will be incurred for loss or damage. PARENTAL RIGHTS OF TEACHER CREDENTIALS All parents have a right to request the credentials and certification level of their child’s teacher(s). Parents may obtain this information from main office. (706) 213-4100. PARENT RESOURCE CENTER The ECCHS Parent Resource Center will feature a new monthly event, Turbo Thursdays, which will occur monthly focusing on topics of interest to parents. RESCUE AND RECOVERY Students needing assistance in a course are expected to attend Rescue and Recovery, preferably before the final test for that unit. If a student fails a test or is dissatisfied with a test score of 84 or below, he/she may attend Rescue and Recovery and retake a similar version of the test. The student will receive the average of the two grades. RESTROOMS Restrooms are for the convenience of the students. Please do not loiter or socialize in the restrooms. Students share responsibility for keeping their restrooms clean and in good working order. Any student who is found deliberately littering or abusing the restrooms in any way would be referred for disciplinary action to an administrator. SAFETY In all laboratory classes, students are to abide by the safety procedures established by the teacher. Students who fail to abide by such rules will have to leave the class for their safety 37

as well as the safety of others. Such students will be subject to disciplinary action. TELEPHONE MESSAGES Telephone messages will only be accepted for students from a parent/guardian. Classes will not be interrupted for messages. At the end of the day, students will be notified, to the best of the school’s ability, to pick up messages in office. The school accepts NO responsibility if student does not check the office for his/her messages. VISITORS During school hours, all visitors must check in at the front office. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & ELIGIBILITY POLICY Students must earn 2.5 of 4 units per semester, and be on track to be eligible to participate. Grades will be checked at the end of each semester. The following would be considered on track:  5 credits at end of Freshman year to participate as a Sophomore  11 credits at end of Sophomore year to participate as a Junior  17 credits at end of Junior year to participate as a Senior ATHLETICS Nearly half of the students at ECCHS participate in the Athletic program. These include football, cheerleading, girls’ softball, and cross-country in the fall. Girls’ and boys’ basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading are offered in the winter. Baseball, boys’ and girls’ golf, boys’ and girls’ tennis and boys’ and girls’ track and field and soccer are provided in the spring. Participation in these activities on an interscholastic competitive level is governed by rules of the Georgia High School Association. 38

In order to be eligible for extra-curricular activities a student must: (1) Meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the ExtraCurricular Activities & Eligibility Policy (2) Be a regular student taking at least 4 courses toward Graduation (3) Complete eligibility within 8 semesters (4 consecutive years) (4) Be an amateur, never played in an unauthorized game or on a non-school team during the season, nor signed a professional contract (5) Not attain the age of 19 prior to May 1 of the year preceding participation (6) Not be migrant pupil of less than one year’s standing (changing residence w/out parents) (7) Complete a medical exam Students are not retained for athletic purposes nor required to participate in any out-of-season program including summer as a condition of participation. Students must meet the state’s & Georgia High School Association’s eligibility requirements before participating in any competitive interscholastic activity or before holding office in any school sponsored club or organization that would require competing with students from other schools. GENDER EQUITY IN SPORTS No student in the Elbert County School System shall, on the basis of gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another student, or otherwise be discriminated against in any interscholastic or intramural athletics offered by the school system, nor shall the school system provide any such athletics separately on such basis, except as specifically authorized by the state policy. The gender equity coordinator for ECCHS is Coach Sid Fritts/Brian Turner. Each can be reached at 213-4100 or 600 Abernathy Circle, Elberton, Georgia 30635. 39

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Membership in all school-sponsored clubs and organizations is open to all students based upon interest and/or meeting a set of meritorious criteria that is quantitative in nature. All clubs/organizations must abide by the following policies: 1. All members must meet the state’s eligibility requirements for extra-curricular interscholastic activities. 2. Initiations are not to include any type of activity that can be categorized as hazing, dangerous, or humiliating. Initiation activities should center on the purpose of the organization and its value to the well-being of the school, community, and individual. 3. All members must meet the fund raising guidelines. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Academic Bowl V. Cutts Anchor E. Wilson Alpha Beta K. Gary Delta Beta K. Gary Blue Sword MAJ Lovin FBLA D. Crook/ L. Starrett FCA A. Rogers FFA C. Reid FCCLA K. Oakley/A. Eubanks FHF C. Thomas 4-H 4-H Staff Key P. Bohlen National Honors Society TBA National Art Society D. Bennett Dramatic Devils/Literary Events Tr. Brown Interact J. Hover/B. Norman Ring Staff T. Brown Student Council D. Brown (Need co-sponsor) Eidolon / Blue Print Newspaper J. Jourolmon Class Sponsors 12th R. Driver 11th A. Eubanks 10th T. Brown 9th S. Rivers 40

Remind (formerly “Remind101”) Follow the directions below to subscribe to “Remind” and you will receive text/email alerts about important events, activities, or announcements at ECCHS. We want to keep you informed.

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