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MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Colleton County School District, located
in a progressive rural community in the heart of the Lowcountry, is to
guarantee an excellent education for all students by providing and promoting
a challenging curriculum, appropriate outreach and alternative programs,
highly qualified and accountable staff, excellent facilities and an
environment conducive to successful learning.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPALS
We believe we can accomplish anything if we work together.
You owe it to yourself to do the best you can. We are all, students, parents,
family, and faculty, investing in your future. School spirit is essential for
success and can be divided into three (3) categories: Courtesy, Pride, and Sportsmanship. School Spirit means
loyalty to all functions of the school. A loyal student supports his school
and does his utmost to keep his scholastic and activity standards at the
highest possible level.
MERIT LIST / HONOR
ROLL / PRINCIPAL’S LIST
As outlined in our mission statement, promoting a
challenging curriculum is one way of guaranteeing an excellent education for
students at the middle schools in Colleton
County. These averages
include grades for all subjects including related arts. To promote and
recognize outstanding academic achievement, students are recognized as
follows:
PRINCIPAL’S LIST:
Overall average of 95 with no grade below a 90
HONOR ROLL: Overall average of 90 with no grade
below an 85
MERIT LIST: Overall average of 85
PROMOTION AND
RETENTION OF STUDENTS
This policy affirms the standards our students must meet
in order to maintain academic excellence and to be considered for promotion
from one grade to the next. The policy will be applicable to all students who
are in the regular school program. Students functioning in special education
programs will be governed by their Individual Education Plan. The district
will administer this policy fairly, equitably and consistently in the
schools.
To be considered for promotion, students must achieve a
minimum passing grade in Reading
/ English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
ACADEMICS
Interim, nine-week, semester and final grades will be
reported using the numerical system for grading. Progress reports are sent
home periodically and / or after major assessments. Report cards go home
every nine (9) weeks with interim reports halfway through each grading
period. The grade numerical range is as follows:
93 – 100 A
92 – 85
B
84 – 77
C
76 – 70
D
69 and below F
POD / TEAM CONCEPT
(SCHOOL WITHIN A SCHOOL)
Colleton County Middle Schools are arranged in the POD
TEAM concept. Students will stay in their POD / TEAM the entire day, except
when they go to special programs, exploratory, and physical education
classes. Teachers in each POD / TEAM will be responsible for everything which
takes place in the POD / TEAM, including planning, conferring with parents,
grouping for instruction and handling minor discipline problems.
Parents are necessary in order for the team to be
complete. You are the first and most important teacher your child will ever
have. It is a tremendous responsibility, but as a team working together, we
will be successful. Volunteer your time for any idea you have. We need your
input. There are some programs in place that could use parent volunteers, and
some programs that need to be started. If there are any suggestions as to how
the school could be made better, come and share those ideas. We encourage you
to come to school whenever you can. Support the students in the activities
offered at all Colleton County Middle Schools. Encourage your child to
participate. Activities enhance the educational process for students.
PARENT – TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The Colleton County Middle Schools’ Parent Teacher
Organizations are composed of parents and teachers who are interested in
promoting a better understanding in the home, school, and community. With the
cooperation of all parents, teachers, and all students, the goals of our
schools will be attained. Parents are encouraged to join the P. T. O. at
their respective schools.
CONFERENCES
Parents wishing to talk with any teacher, counselor, or
administrator should telephone for an appointment. Teacher conferences will be
scheduled during common planning time or after school. Parents are encouraged
to visit the school to observe and discuss concerns. Most problems can be
resolved to everyone’s satisfaction; however, we cannot address your concerns
if we are not aware of them.
TEXTBOOKS
The State of South
Carolina furnishes textbooks, and students must
assume full responsibility for all books issued to them. Books will be issued
by the subject teacher and must be returned to the same teacher upon
completion of the school year or withdrawal from school. Lost textbooks must
be paid for before another can be issued. If a book is damaged, a fee will be
charged depending on the degree of damage. Students are encouraged to cover
their books.
HALL DONDUCT
The halls at the school are narrow and crowded. Courtesy,
tolerance, and respect are required behavior!! DO NOT push, run, block the hall, or stop to talk. Other than
changing of classes, you are not allowed out of class without a completed
pass. Students are encouraged to walk on the right and use five inch voices
while in the hallway.
COUNTY
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR STUDENT OFFENSES
IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS
The school district’s philosophy assumes that classroom
teachers will handle most minor disciplinary problems in a professionally
competent manner. We believe that effective discipline leads to socially
acceptable behavior and increased maturity on the part of the students. It is
understood that all resources will be exhausted at the school level prior to
a recommendation for expulsion unless the student’s behavior falls into one
of the mandatory recommendations. It shall be the policy, whenever possible,
to refer students exhibiting unacceptable behavior to the school counselor.
The counselor is expected to work with teachers, administrators, the student
and the student’s family to resolve the problem and hopefully avoid the need
for suspensions or expulsions.
There are problems that are so severe that they affect the
learning opportunities, health and safety of other children and staff.
Disciplinary problems of a severe nature must be handled in an effective,
efficient manner so as to maintain the smooth and safe operation of the
school. In general, student conduct that is injurious to themselves or
others, poses a threat to the health or safety of persons or property, or
conduct that disrupts the educational process shall result in disciplinary
action.
Student
Responsibilities: (A responsibility is an obligation one has to ensure
that the rights of all are protected.) All students have the responsibility
to:
- Attend
school to receive an education.
- Respect
the person and property of others.
- Attend
school daily unless ill or legally excused.
- Be
on time to all classes.
- Obey
school rules and school personnel.
- Cooperate
with school staff in providing truthful information in disciplinary
cases.
- Complete
all in-class and homework assignments and meet deadlines.
- Respect
public property and carefully use and return all materials and
equipment.
- Come
to class with required books and materials.
- Deliver
school correspondence to their parents / guardians.
Disciplinary
Conduct and Consequences:
Level 1 Level 1 conduct violations are typically managed by the
classroom
teacher on
their first occurrence. Subsequent violations may be handled by an
administrator as deemed appropriate. These offenses include general
classroom
misconduct, failure to complete assignments, classroom tardiness,
harassing /
intimidating a student, disobedience,
failure to follow rules or procedures, showing
inappropriate affection, cheating, dress code violation, no hall pass
/ loitering.
Level 1 Consequences: (Parent contact
should occur for each disciplinary
action taken): verbal reprimand, withdrawal of classroom privileges,
student
conference, parent conference, detention, work detail, extra
assignments,
confiscation, refer to guidance, mediation.
Level 2 Level 2 conduct violations are of a more severe nature and
are
typically
handled by an administrator on the first occurrence. Subsequent violations
will
result in more severe sanctions being applied to the offending student. These
offenses
include abusive, profane, or obscene language; by lying to a staff member;
repeated
disorderly behavior; cutting class; smoking or possession of smoking
paraphernalia, or tobacco products; using forged notes; threatening a
student;
bullying;
truancy / unauthorized absences; disrespectfulness to a staff member;
physical
abuse of a student; threatening or intimidating a staff member;
trespassing;
vandalism; simple assault; unprovoked attack / fighting; use of a drug
without a
prescription; possession / sale of stolen items; refusing to obey a
reasonable
request of a staff member; disorderly conduct; illegal walking;
gambling;
failure to report to ISS or Saturday detention.
Level 2 Consequences: parent
conference, detention, work detail, temporary
removal from class, shared responsibility (parent attends classes with
their
child), confiscation, restitution, refer to guidance for counseling,
corporal
punishment (with parent permission), in-school suspension, out of
school
suspension, mediation.
Level 3
Level 3 Conduct violations are of a very severe nature and carry
with
them a
required recommendation for expulsion and referral to law enforcement.
These offenses
include arson, possession of controlled substances or drug
paraphernalia, distributing or selling drugs, use of or under the
influence of drug /
alcohol,
taking money or other property from another person by force, extortion,
possession, use or transfer of a weapon, assault and battery of a
staff member,
sexual
offense, setting off a fire alarm, bomb threat, aggravated assault and / or
lynching,
arrest or indictment for a serious crime under such circumstances that the
student’s
presence at school may be disruptive to the educational process, any other
offense
deemed serious enough by the principal in that the student’s presence in
school
would not be in the best interest of the student body.
Level 3 consequences: suspension for up
to ten days with a recommendation
for expulsion to a hearing officer and a referral to law enforcement.
DISCIPLINE
All Colleton
County students are to
show responsible behavior. This is especially true in going to and from
school. Many people have no other means of judging Colleton County Schools
than by the behavior of its students; therefore, students are expected to
exhibit mannerly behavior in their contacts with all people. Respect for
parents, teachers, and fellow students is expected. Sportsmanship as athletes
and spectators, neatness and cleanliness in dress and appearance, language
and behavior all reflect the students of Colleton County.
A primary goal of education is to prepare students for a
healthy, functional life in society. This goal can be accomplished in a
teaching-learning environment which allows information to be transferred from
teacher to student through avenues of interest and challenge in an atmosphere
of mutual respect.
Students are expected to follow the following policies of
Colleton County Schools:
- Students
who represent our school in sports, clubs, or on school trips must
exemplify good character and conduct at all times.
- Students
are responsible for making arrangements with their teachers to complete
all class work missed for any reason.
- Students
are not to enter any parked cars or buses on the campus during the
school day without official permission.
- No
food or drinks are to leave the lunchroom.
- No
smoking or chewing tobacco is permitted on campus.
- Students
may not leave the campus for lunch.
- Students
are not allowed to bring radios, Walkman, CD players, or other musical
instruments to school. Musical instruments for instructional purposes
are permitted with administrative permission.
- Any
student who has been suspended three (3) times can be expelled for the
remainder of the year.
- Verbal
and non-verbal comments must be polite and courteous.
- Items
may not be sold on campus without permission from the principal.
- Anything
not mentioned in these policies that cause conflict with the learning
process at school will be dealt with by administration.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION PROGRAM
The program is designed to provide an alternative on-going
educational experience for the student who has been suspended due to
disciplinary reasons. The entire ISS day is devoted to studying and doing
individual assignments with the exception of lunch, restroom visits and
stretch breaks. The administrators are the only school personnel with the
authority to place students in ISS.
STUDENT DRESS CODE
It is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to
provide an educational atmosphere conducive to learning. With the
responsibility in mind, the Board adopts a dress code, which meets the
following criteria:
- Adheres
to applicable legal standards.
- Is
applicable from kindergarten through the twelfth grade of school.
- Promotes
an educational atmosphere conducive to wholesome learning.
STUDENT DRESS CODE:
The basic structure for appropriate dress standards in the
Colleton County School District
rests with the parents and students themselves.
Parents have the obligation and within prescribed bounds,
the right to determine their children’s dress; however, the following
guidelines must be followed:
- Dress
must comply with the health and safety codes of the State of South Carolina;
therefore, shoes and shirts must be worn at all times in a public
building.
- Dress
must not interfere with the educational process or the rights of others.
The following are prohibited:
v
Clothing or jewelry with obscene, profane
language, provocative words or pictures, or recognized gang symbolism.
Clothing and / or hair should not be so extreme or inappropriate to the
school setting as to disrupt the educational process.
v
Provocative clothing such as: see-through
garments, bare backs, bare midriffs, halter tops, low cut blouses, and
exposed undergarments;
v
Sleeveless garments such as tank tops that
allow excessive exposure as judged by an administrator;
v
Articles of clothing bearing advertisement of
drugs, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products;
v
Oversized clothes that present a safety
hazard.
- Attire
must not be destructive to school property or others.
- Shorts,
skirts, and dresses should be adequate length to assure modesty when the
student is seated or engaged in school activities. Holes and slits must
meet the same standards as above.
- All
pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn and secured at the waist level.
If a belt is worn, it may not “dangle.” Pants and slacks must not touch
the floor (no baggy, saggy pants or shorts, or clothes that drag the
floor.)
- Shirts
– if shirts are not tucked in, the length must not exceed beyond the hip
level.
- Articles
of clothing and shoes that are designed to be tied and / or buckled are
to be worn appropriately. (Students who wear shoes not secured to the
floor do so at their own risk.) Students are not permitted to wear
bedroom slippers or pajamas to school.
- Hats,
headgear and sunglasses may not be worn inside the building. Bandanas
and du-rags may not be worn on school property. Items confiscated may
not be returned to the student.
- No
spikes, wallet chains, fishhooks, studded bracelets or collars, nose /
lip–to–ear chains.
- To
promote school safety, students attending schools that issue IDs will be
required to properly display the ID. Items that make identification of a
student difficult like extreme contacts (i.e. cat eyes, etc.), extreme
makeup (i.e. blood trails, black paint makeup, etc.) and dental grilles
will not be allowed.
A teacher will be allowed to restrict the manner of dress
or length of hair and fingernails when it pertains to the health and / or
safety of a student in that teacher’s specific area.
Administrative decisions regarding compliance with the
above guidelines will be made at the school level. It is understood that
guidelines are designed to set the acceptable parameters but that the
interpretation of students’ compliance is the responsibility of the building
administrators.
Administrators and faculty members are expected to
strictly enforce and abide by the district approved dress code.
LOCKERS
“Lockers are public property provided by the District for
the convenience of the students. The possession of the lockers is jointly
shared by the student and the Administration of the school” (JCAB). The
school reserves the right to randomly search lockers. Only those items
necessary for school should be stored there. Students will be allowed to go
to their lockers during scheduled locker breaks; otherwise, you must have a
pass.
THE
SCHOOL WILL NOT
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY PROPERTY STOLEN
FROM LOCKERS, INCLUDING
TEXTBOOKS.
ARRIVING LATE / EARLY
Students arriving late must go to the Attendance Office
for a pass to class. If tardy between classes, students must be admitted to
class and disciplined by the teacher. Repeated tardies to class may result in
administrative discipline. Car riders are asked to arrive on campus earlier
that 7:30 A.M.
ATTENDANCE
A student may miss no more than ten (10) sessions of each
class. More than ten (10) unexcused absences may result in the loss of credit
for the class. A student must be in attendance 170 days to receive credit for
the year. Absences will be excused with a written statement from a doctor
upon the student’s return.
LEAVING SCHOOL
If it is necessary to leave school, an adult, preferably
your parent, guardian, or persons designated by your parent or guardian must
sign you out in the Attendance Office. A list of persons with the authority
to sign you out will be kept in the Attendance Office.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The school must have a correct home address and at least
two (2) telephone numbers where parents can be reached during the school day
in case of emergencies. Inform the guidance department immediately when
there are changes in an address or phone number.
MEDIA CENTER
The Media
Center is open thirty
(30) minutes before school and thirty (30) minutes after school daily. You
must have a pass from your teacher to go during class or your lunch period.
If the center becomes overcrowded, you may be asked to return to class. Books
may be checked out at the main desk. A fine will be charged for overdue and /
or lost books. The Media
Center staff will have
an orientation for each class early in the school year.
LUNCH PROCEDURE
Student individual lunch accounts are computerized and recorded
using your child’s social security number. You may pay for a week or two
weeks in advance. All middle schools participate in the federal food program
and offer meals at reduced prices or free to students who qualify. Each
student will be given an application which must be completed and on file
before he / she can participate in the free or reduced food program.
MAKE–UP WORK
All make–up work on return from absence is the
responsibility of the student. Normally, no more than five (5) school days will
be allowed from date of return to complete these assignments. Teachers may
require students to complete outstanding tests immediately on return.
Teachers are not required to give credit for make–up work resulting from
unexcused absences.
VISITORS
All visitors must report to the Main Office to receive a
visitor’s pass. Students may not bring visitors to school without prior
permissions from the principal.
WITHDRAWALS
A student withdrawing from school must be accompanied by a
parent or guardian and must report to the Guidance Office and receive a
clearance form to be signed by all teachers and staff as required. These
signatures indicate clearance with reference to textbooks, library books, and
any other school equipment. Student fees must be paid before records will be
forwarded.
PICTURES
Individual school pictures in color are taken each year
and sold for a nominal fee. Students will be notified in advance when
pictures will be taken.
CLUBS / ORGANIZATIONS
All students are encouraged to join academic service or
special interest clubs. A list of clubs and member criteria will be provided
to each student.
TELEPHONE
If a phone is needed during school, you must have
permission from your teacher and an administrator. Only EMERGENCY calls will
be permitted from the school phone. If an emergency arises at home, parents
should call the school.
FALSE ALARMS AND BOMB THREATS
If a student maliciously or intentionally activates a fire
alarm, fire extinguisher, and / or places a bomb threat, he/ she will be suspended
from school. The student may also be recommended to the superintendent for
expulsion and / or prosecuted in accordance with the South Carolina statute.
COMPUTER AND INTERNET USAGE
At the beginning of each school year students are oriented
to the Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy of Colleton County. A
permission form for student access to the internet must be signed by each
student and his / her parent or guardian at this time. Please review this
policy with your child when he / she brings it home.
Services available to Students with Special Health Care
Needs
Parent Notice (IHPs, 504, IDEA, Homebound): Required
by SC Code Ann. Section 59-63-90 (Supp. 2005)
Many health care services can be provided for students to
keep them at school where they can learn and participate with other students.
Our goal is to provide information to parents and legal guardians about some
of the services and programs available for addressing the health care needs
of students during the school day to help students succeed in school. It is
important that the necessary health care information is shared with the
appropriate people – such as teachers on duty during recess, bus drivers, and
cafeteria employees – to make sure that the students’ needs are met throughout
the school day.
Individual Health
Care Plans or Individual Health Plans (IHPs)
Individual health care plans are also called individual
health plans or IHPs. School nurses who are registered nurses write IHPs to
guide how a student’s health care needs will be met at school. The nurse
works with the student, the student’s parents or legal guardians, the
student’s health care provider, and other school staff to write a plan. IHPs
are written for students who have special health care needs that must be met by
school staff during the school day. IHPs are also written for students who
have been approved by the school district to self–medicate or self–monitor.
To learn more about IHPs, talk with your child’s school nurse.
Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)
Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools
to make adjustments so that students with certain disabilities can learn and
participate in settings like other students who do not have disabilities. To
be eligible for services under Section 504, a student must have a condition
that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A team decides
if a student is eligible. The team should include the student’s parent or
legal guardian, the student (if able), and others who know the student or
know about the student’s disability, such as a teacher, a guidance counselor,
a school nurse, and other school staff. If the student is eligible, the team
develops an individual accommodation plan. The individual accommodation plan
explains how the student’s needs will be met while at school and may include
health services for the student during the school day if needed. To learn
more about Section 504, contact Department
of Special Services at 549-2712.
Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Students, ages 3 through 21 years, may receive services
under the IDEA if the student needs special education and related services to
benefit from his or her educational program. A team decides if a student
qualifies for services under the IDEA. The team includes the student’s parent
or legal guardian, teachers, and other school staff. The team develops an
individualized education program (IEP) if the student meets federal and state
requirements. The IEP outlines a plan for helping the student receive a free
appropriate public education and meet goals set by the team. The IEP may
include health services for the student during the school day if needed.
Contact Department of Special Services
at 549-2712 to learn more
about the IDEA.
Medical Homebound
Instruction
Medical homebound instruction is a service that is
available for students who cannot attend school for a medical reason even
with the aid of transportation. A physician must certify that the student has
such a medical condition but may benefit from instruction, and must fill out
the medical homebound form that the school district provides. The school
district then decides whether to approve the student for medical homebound
services. The school district will consider the severity of the student’s
illness or injury, the length of time that the student will be out of school,
the impact that a long period away from school will have on the student’s
academic success, and whether the student’s health needs can be met a school.
To learn more about medical homebound services, contact Department of Special Services at 549-2712.
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