Muscogee County School District. Quick Reference Guide for Parents

Transcription

1 Muscogee County School District Quick Reference Guide for Parents

2 Dear Parents/Guardians: Welcome to the Muscogee County School District (MCSD). This booklet is designed to be a quick reference guide to provide general information to help you learn about MCSD, link you to important information that will impact you and your child, and help improve communication. Principals, teachers and district administrators look forward to working with you throughout the year to help each student achieve his or her academic potential. Superintendent of Education

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS District Protocol...page 1 Board Members and Districts...page 2 Board Meeting Schedule...page 5 Principal/Assistant Principal List...page 7 MCSD Administration Contacts...page 9 Calendars...page 10 Textbook Hotline...page 12 Dress Code...page 12 Severe Weather...page 12 Registration and New Student Requirements...page 14 General Information for Non-Resident Students...page 16 Immunizations and Health Certificates (Forms 3300 and page 18 Health Needs at School...page 19 Nutrition...page 21 Muscogee County School District Attendance Policy...page 22 Keep Pace (Proactive Communications in Education...page 24 Checkout Notice...page 26 Visitors to MCSD Schools...page 26 Discipline...page 27 Searches...page 27 Weapons...page 27

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Communication Devices...page 28 Lockdowns...page 29 Anonymously Report Violations or Suspicious Activity on MCSD Property...page 30 Student Hotline page 30 Bus Transportation...page 31 Partners in Education...page 33 Enrollment, Schools and Schedules...page 34 Magnet Schools/Academies...page 36 Muscogee County School District Gifted Education Referral and Gifted Identified Procedures...page 40 Academics Pre K-5...page 42 Grading Scale for Elementary (Grades K-5)...page 43 Academics Grades page 45 High School Graduation Requirements -Grades page 46 High School Curriculum Requirements for Diploma and Endorsements...page 59 Graduation and Grade Placement Requirements...page 60 Muscogee County Course Requirements...page 61 Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT)...page Waivers and Variances of High School Graduation Assessments...page 62 Credit Recovery Muscogee Evening School...page 63 Athletics...page 67 FERPA...page 68

5 DISTRICT PROTOCOL Protocol to Address Questions and Concerns If you have questions or concerns about your child s education, you should first contact your child s classroom teacher. If you are not satisfied with a meeting or conference with the teacher, your next step is to contact your child s principal. If you need additional information or still have concerns, the list below will help you access the right contact. Questions and concerns involving instruction, discipline, transportation, and personnel are addressed as noted by the following protocol: Teacher Principal Director Assistant or Deputy Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Superintendent Muscogee County Board of Education Contact Your Board Member The Board of Education for the Muscogee County School District is composed of nine members elected by the citizens of Columbus. Eight of the positions represent districts, one position is at large. 1

6 BOARD MEMBERS AND DISTRICTS James Walker Chairman of Board District 3 Term ends Toney Drive Columbus, GA Fax Dr. Philip T. Schley ptschley@mcsdga.net Vice-Chairman of Board District 8 Term ends 2010 St. Elmo Columbus, GA Cathy Williams cjwilliams@mcsdga.net Member at Large Term ends 2010 P.O. Box 601 Columbus, Georgia Fax Patricia Hugley Green pgreen@mcsdga.net District 1 Term ends 2008 Chair, Property Committee P. O. Box 6177 Columbus, GA Fax

7 John Wells District 2 Term ends 2010 Chair, Finance Committee P. O. Box 4772 Columbus, GA Fax Naomi Buckner buckner.n@earthlink.net District 4 Term ends 2010 Chair, Education Committee 620 Baxley Way Columbus, GA Fife M. Whiteside whitesidef@mindspring.com District 5 Term ends 2008 Chair, Construction Committee 1124 Lockwood Avenue Columbus, GA Fax Brenda Storey bstorey@mcsdga.net District 6 Term ends 2010 Chair, Personnel and Policies Committee 9625 County Line Road Midland, GA Fax

8 Joseph Roberson District 7 Term ends 2008 Chair, Discipline Committee 3010 Peyton Drive Columbus, GA Fax Other Board Personnel John A. Phillips, Jr. jphillips@mcsdga.net Interim Superintendent of Education P.O. Box 2427 Columbus, GA Fax Sharon Adams sadams@mcsdga.net Treasurer of Board and MCSD Chief Financial Officer P.O. Box 2427 Columbus, GA Fax Greg Ellington gse@hatcherstubbs.com Parliamentarian and Legal Counsel P.O. Box 2707 Columbus, GA Fax

9 BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE July 2008 January 2009 Month Work Session for Committees Regular Board Meeting Meetings at 5:00 P.M. Meetings at 6:30 P.M. July Monday, July 14 Monday, July 21 August Monday, August 11 Monday, August 18 September Monday, September 8 Monday, September 15 October Monday, October 13 Monday, October 20 November Monday, November 10 Monday, November 17 December Thursday, December 4 Monday, December 8 January Monday, January 12 Tuesday, January 20 The regular meeting of The Board of Education is scheduled for the third Monday of each month unless re-scheduled due to a holiday. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held in the Bradley Library Conference Room, 1120 Bradley Drive. For additional information about any Board meeting, contact Karen P. Jones, or kpjones@mcsdga.net, Executive Assistant to Board/Superintendent. Address the Board of Education Any citizen may address the Board of Education. If you would like to speak at a work session or board meeting, please submit your request in writing to Karen P. Jones, kpjones@mcsdga.net, P.O. Box 2427, Columbus, GA 31902, by the Wednesday before each Work Session or Board meeting. This deadline must be adhered to as agendas are posted the Friday before each meeting. Public Access to Board Agenda and Documents The agenda for the current Board meeting will be posted on BoardDocs the Friday before the regular Board meeting. Minutes from the Board meeting can also be accessed at Please be aware the minutes must be approved by the Board of Education prior to posting, which typically takes place the following month. However, unofficial minutes are accessible via BoardDocs. The public is encouraged to access BoardDocs to view and print associated documents. Hard copies are not available or furnished at meetings. The agenda can be viewed on monitors during the Board meeting. 5

10 What is BoardDocs? BoardDocs is the egovernance initiative of MCSD. It provides the public on-line access to the Board's agenda and additional information about specific agenda items. Log onto and click on BoardDocs to view and print the Board agenda and documents associated with the meeting. Since the implementation of BoardDocs, hard copies are not distributed. Watch Board Meetings The regular Board meetings and work sessions(committee Meetings) are broadcast on CCG-TV (Columbus Consolidated Government Television) usually at *2:00 p.m. and *11:00 p.m. pending the program schedule and length of the Columbus City Council meetings, for two weeks approximately two days after the meeting is recorded. CCGTV is carried on the following channels: Knology - Channel 17 Mediacom - Channel 21 Charter - Channel 3 * Subject to change based on CCG-TV Program schedule 6

11 PRINCIPAL/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL LIST Muscogee County School District School Year ASSISTANT SCHOOL GRADE ADDRESS ZIP PRINCIPAL PHONE PRINCIPAL(S) Allen Elementary K rd Avenue Ms. Ruthie Hamlin Ms. Karen Garner shared w/johnson Arnold Magnet Middle st Street Ms. Lura Reed Dr. Terri Massa Mr. Larry Lipscomb shared w/richards Baker Middle Benning Drive Dr. Mary Avery Michael Davis Special Assignment Benning Hills Elementary K Munson Drive Ms. Pam McCoy Blackmon Road Middle Blackmon Road Mr. Michael Barden Ms. Gayla Childs Dr. Lenton Pruitt shared w/midland Middle Blanchard Elementary K Weems Road Mr. Tim Smith Ms. Jan Thomas Brewer Elementary K Martin Luther King Ms. Jan Grogan Ms. Carol Wood Britt David Elementary Magnet K Armour Road Ms. Ronie K. Collins Ms. Carolyn Mull Carver High Eighth Street Mr. Chris Lindsey Ms. Vicki Hardaway Mr. Craig Fitts Clubview Elementary K Edgewood Road Ms. Adele Lindsey Ms. Lorrie Watt shared w/gentian Columbus High Cherokee Avenue Ms. Susan Bryant Ms. Judy Whitt Dr. Marvin Crumbs Mr. Wendell Turner Cusseta Road Elementary K Cusseta Road Ms. Linda Sessions Ms. Malinda Stovall Davis Elementary K Shepherd Drive Mr. Joe Myles Ms. Lamour Johnson Dawson Elementary K Northstar Drive Ms. Denise Perryman Dimon Elementary Magnet K Dogwood Drive Ms. Valerie Williams Ms. Felicia Johnson shared w/st. Marys Double Churches Elementary K Double Churches Rd Ms. Paula S. Powell Ms. Cenobia Moore Double Churches Middle Whitesville Rd Ms. Molly Hart Dr. Vera Varner Downtown Elem. Magnet Academy K st Avenue Ms. Sheila Brock Ms. Tonya Douglass Eagle Ridge Academy K Schomburg Road Ms. Joanna Culbreth Ms. Clara Davis East Columbus Magnet Academy Georgetown Dr Mr. Kevin Scott Mr. John Spurlock, Jr., Eddy Middle South Lumpkin Rd Mr. Alonzo James Ms. Roslyn Tymes Edgewood Elementary K Forest Road Ms. Melana Cassell Dr. Precious Evans shared w/wes.hgts. Forrest Road Elementary K Forest Road Ms. Beatrice Riley Ms. Larraine Smith shared w/river Rd. Fort Middle Woodruff Farm Road Ms. Sonja Coaxum Ms. Sandra Pirkle Fox Elementary K th Street Ms. Penny Thornton Dr. Renee Tharp Gentian Elementary K Primrose Road Mr. Rodney Harrison Ms. Lorrie Watt shared w/clubview Georgetown Elementary ** K High Lane Dr. LaVerne Brown Mr. Philip Bush Hannan Elem. Magnet Academy K Talbotton Road Dr. Ann Robison Ms. Beth Adams Hardaway High College Drive Mr. Matt Bell Mr. Marty Richburg Ms. Cathy Kirkland Mr. Abdur Hassan Johnson Elementary K Woodlawn Drive Mr. Mark Hanner Ms. Karen Garner shared w/allen Jordan High Howard Avenue Mr. Richard Stone Ms. Jane Anthony Ms. Cassandra Phillips Kendrick High Georgetown Drive Dr. Cleo Griswould Mr. Willie Watts Ms. Ginger Starling Key Elementary K Broadmoor Drive Ms. Donna Hart Lonnie Jackson Academy K Buena Vista Road Ms. Kay Dowis Ms. Lori Valentini Marshall Middle Shepherd Drive Mr. Melvin Blackwell Ms. Tamura Magwood Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary K Thirtieth Avenue Mr. Terry Baker Ms. Charleen Robinson shared w/s. Cols. Mathews Elementary K Lynch Road, Midland Ms. Dianne Sharpe Ms. Jan Greene Midland Academy K Psalmond Rd., Midland Ms. Janice Miley Ms. Janet LaFortune Midland Middle Warm Spgs. Rd.,Midland Mr. Richard Green Dr. Anthony Jordan Dr. Lenton Pruitt shared w/blackmon Muscogee Elementary K Baker Plaza Ms. Vanessa Biggers Ms. Betsy Tomblin shared w/reese Rd. 7

12 PRINCIPAL/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL LIST Muscogee County School District School Year 8 North Columbus Elementary K The Old Guard Road Ms. Dawn Upshaw Ms. Norma Boggs Northside High American Way Mr. James Wilson Ms. Ann Banaszak Ms. Teresa Lawson Mr. Alfred Parham Reese Road Elementary K Reese Road Ms. Jeanella Pendleton Ms. Betsy Tomblin shared w/muscogee Richards Middle Edgewood Road Mr. Mike Johnson Mr. Eddie Lindsey, III Mr. Larry Lipscomb shared w/arnold Middle Rigdon Road Elementary ** K Rigdon Road Dr. Phyllis Jones River Road Elementary K Heath Drive Mr. Patrick Knopf Ms. Larraine Smith shared w/forrest Rd. Rothschild Middle Hunt Avenue Mr. Chris Cox Ms. Ramona V. Jones Shaw High Raider Way Dr. Jim Arnold Mr. Michael Forte Mr. Barrie Clarke South Columbus Elementary K Torch Hill Road Dr. Burl Levins Ms. Charleen Robinson shared w/mlk Spencer High Victory Drive Mr. Reginald Griffin Ms. Miranda Banks Mr. Michael Tucker St. Marys Elem. Magnet Academy K St. Marys Road Ms. Brenda Byrd Ms. Felicia Johnson shared w/dimon Veterans Memorial Middle Old Guard Rd Ms. Melanie Knight Dr. Brenda Thomas Waddell Elementary K Miller Road Ms. Carolyn Ambrose Ms. Shiann Williamson Wesley Heights Elementary K Amber Drive Ms. Donna Kemp Dr. Precious Evans shared w/e'wood Wynnton Elementary K Wynnton Road Ms. Nancy Johnson Ms. Jennifer Barringer 1/2 time Alternative Educational Facilities Academic Success Center th Street Dr. Marietta Webb Muscogee Evening School Manchester Expressway Mr. Reginald Williamson Daniel Educational Center Manchester Expressway Mr. Johnny Freeman Mr. Fred Maynard Early College Academy Georgetown Drive Ms. Susan Willard, Dean Rose Hill Center st Street Mr. Johnny Freeman Dr. Melvin Matthews Special Admin on Assignment St. Elmo Cntr. for the Gifted K th Avenue Ms. Libby Housand,Director Teenage Parenting Center th Avenue Ms. Pat Turner Thirtieth Ave. Pre-School (Steps) & Pre-K th Avenue Karen Wilson,Lead Tea Tillinghurst Adult Ed. 514 Morris Road Ms. Sally Sinclair, Director Woodall Program ** K Harrison Avenue Ms. LaNora Emziah, Dir **denotes year-round schools Total Number of Schools Elementary Schools 35 Middle Schools 12 High Schools 8 Alternative Educational Fac. 10 updated: eh-8/19/08

13 MCSD ADMINISTRATION CONTACTS Parents should follow district protocol when addressing issues or concerns by contacting their child s teacher and principal first. Main Switchboard/Information Superintendent Board of Education Academics Central Registration Student Services Finance Operations and Facilities Human Resources

14 CALENDARS 10

15 CALENDARS 11

16 TEXTBOOK HOTLINE If you have concerns about the availability of textbooks for students, please call the Textbook Hotline, DRESS CODE The Muscogee County Board of Education approved a revision of the dress code policy in April, The official policy, posted in the online Board Policy Manual on the Georgia School Board Association website, went into effect at the beginning of the school year. The first section of the policy applies to all students in the district; the second section applies to students in grades six through twelve. All schools will enforce the district policy unless there has been Board approval to do otherwise. Each school will develop a discipline plan to address dress code violations, with suspension as the last intervention. Parents should review the district policy on dress code with their child. SEVERE WEATHER Bus Routes When severe weather creates hazardous conditions in Muscogee County, regular school scheduling may be suspended. The first concern for making a decision to suspend school system operations is the safety of our students. Closing the Schools The decision for closing schools is made by the Superintendent of Education. When possible, the decision regarding school system closing is made prior to 5:45 a.m. Parents may be contacted using the Connect-ED telephone messaging system. Information may also be posted on the district website, or broadcast on local radio or television stations. Sudden Emergencies Dismissal MCSD school officials meet sudden emergencies during the school day with concern for the safety of students and staff. The Superintendent makes the decision whether or not to close the schools. When severe weather watches or safety threats are announced, immediate emergency procedures are taken for safety in schools. 12

17 School principals make key decisions about the safety of all students and personnel under their supervision. Threat Alerts The Superintendent monitors reports from federal, state and local public safety agencies. If a code orange or code red alert affects our schools, we will follow the procedures of the District s Emergency LightHouse Plan. RED ORANGE YELLOW BLUE GREEN Parents' Responsibilities It is the responsibility of parents to monitor local news reports or to check the MCSD website to find out if the schools will open or if students will be dismissed because of an emergency. If the students are dismissed during the day, they will be transported to their normal bus stops. Parents are responsible for their children. If a parent cannot be at home, alternate arrangements should be made now for such situations. Make-Up Days If it is necessary to close schools due to inclement weather or safety threats, the Board will decide how to handle the student days within state guidelines. Columbus' Outdoor Emergency Siren Information The Outdoor Emergency Siren System from the Columbus Consolidated Government outlines: Siren site locations within the city Siren voice messages and tones Facts and statistics for the emergency warning system 13

18 REGISTRATION AND NEW STUDENT REQUIREMENTS In order to enroll your child in the Muscogee County School District the student must have the required information documented on the required form for immunizations and eye ear dental exams. Please read the following information regarding these requirements. Student Enrollment/Assignment Procedures Ninety-two percent of School Age Children in Columbus Attend MCSD Public Schools. School Assignments School assignments are based on the residential address of the custodial parent or legal guardian and proof of residency in Muscogee County is required before a school assignment is granted. Proof of address is a current utility bill (i.e., Georgia Power, Atmos Energy, Columbus Water Works, cable or phone) and one of the following documents: a valid residential lease or rental agreement, a current property tax statement, property deed or settlement statement for the home. All proofs of address must indicate the parent s name and address. If none of these documents are available in the parent s name due to living with someone else, a notarized Affidavit of Residency must be completed by both the owner/tenant and the parent. The owner/tenant must provide the documents required for proof of address. The Affidavit of Residency must be completed at the Department of Student Services, Central Registration, and both parties are required to be present. Entering Kindergarten and First Grade According to Georgia law, children must be five years of age on or before September 1 to attend kindergarten and six years of age on or before September 1 to attend first grade. The only exceptions are children who meet all three of these requirements: (1) children who were legal residents in another state(s) for a period of two years immediately prior to moving to Georgia; and (2) who were legally enrolled in a public kindergarten or first grade; and (3) who will attain the age of five for kindergarten or six for first grade by December 31. Avoid Enrollment Delays Please register as soon as possible to avoid delays. There are two locations to register at your child s assigned school or at the Columbus Roberts Center. You will need the following information when registering your child: 14

19 Proof of Address (current utility bill and one of the following documents: a valid residential lease or rental agreement, a current property tax statement, property deed, or settlement statement for the home) indicating parent s name and address. If none of these documents are available in the parent s name due to living with someone else, a notarized Affidavit of Residency must be completed by both the owner/tenant and the parent. The owner/tenant must provide the documents required for proof of address. The Affidavit of Residency must be completed at the Department of Student Services, Central Registration, and both parties are required to be present.) Child s Certified Birth Certificate or other approved documentation Child s Social Security Card or Waiver Form (can be obtained from school) Current Georgia Certificate of Immunization (may be obtained by taking current immunization record to Muscogee County Health Department, Martin Army Hospital, if military, or to a Georgia physician) Certificate of Ear, Eye, and Dental Examination (may be obtained from Muscogee County Health Department, Martin Army Hospital, if military, or a Georgia physician) Withdrawal form from previous school or report card (if during summer months) Registration at the School You may register your child at the school of assignment as determined by your residential address. If you do not know which school your child would attend, you can obtain this information either by calling or by going to the MCSD website ( and click on School Locator. Registration at Columbus Roberts Center You may register your child at the Columbus Roberts Center, 539 Brown Avenue, between 8:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M. Exceptions 1. If your child is enrolled in special education, you must come to the Columbus Roberts Center to register. 2. If you are living with someone else and an Affidavit of Residency is required, you and the owner/tenant must both come to Columbus Roberts Center to register. 3. If your child is coming from an alternative setting (Juvenile Justice System, Alternative School), you must come to the Columbus Roberts Center. 15

20 Moving within the District? If you have moved, within the school district, you will need proof of address (see above sections) and a withdrawal form from your previous school or report card (if during the summer months). You may register at either the school of assignment (you can obtain this information either by calling or go to the MCSD website and click on School Locator or contact the registration office the Columbus Roberts Center. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS According to Muscogee County School Board Policy, the residence of a student is determined by the residence of their parent/legal guardian. Legal guardianship MUST be obtained through the probate court and final guardianship papers must be signed by the judge and copies provided to Student Services. Notarized statements from the parent stating they have given permission for another party to enroll the student are not accepted as proof of legal guardianship. If the student s residency is determined to be outside of Muscogee County your Student Assignment form will be stamped Non-Resident Parent Fee to Apply and that information will be sent to the Treasurer s office to prepare a Non-Resident Tuition Invoice. Transfers While the Muscogee County School District maintains attendance zones for school assignments and encourages students to attend their schools of assignment, opportunities do exist for a parent or legal guardian to request a transfer to another school if space is available at the requested school and grade. Hardship Transfers Hardship transfers must state a compelling reason for requesting the transfer. Bus transportation is not provided by the school district for hardship transfers. Parents of students new to the school district for the coming year may request hardship transfer forms from the school or at Central Registration at the time of enrollment and submitted to the Director of Student Services at the Columbus Roberts Center. 16

21 Majority to Minority Transfers Majority to Minority transfers may be requested by parents of students whose race is in the majority at the school of assignment to attend a school where their race is in the minority, provided space is available at the school and grade requested. Transportation will be provided for those students attending a school which is more than one and one-half miles from their residence. Majority to Minority transfer forms must be submitted to the Director of Student Services at the Columbus Roberts Center. If you have questions about school assignments or school attendance zones, please call Central Registration, or Tuition All NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS WILL BE INVOICED FOR TUITION. Tuition amounts change from year to year. The amount is determined just prior to the beginning of school. The annual amount of tuition for the school year is $2, for out of county students and $8, for out of state students. Annual tuition is divided into two (2) payments. The first semester tuition is invoiced in August and due within 15 days of the beginning of school. The second semester tuition is invoiced in December and due by January 15th. When a student enters the school district during the school year an invoice is mailed and due within about 15 days from enrollment. All invoices must be paid by the due date shown on the invoice or the student will be withdrawn in accordance to Muscogee County School Board Policy. Payments can be mailed to Muscogee County School District, Treasurer s Office, P. O. Box 2427, Columbus, GA If you are seeking legal guardianship you MUST request a waiver of tuition in writing to the Superintendent s Office. The request should include the student s name, name of the school the student attends and a contact phone number where you can be reached. The waiver should be addressed to Muscogee County School District, Superintendent s Office, P.O. Box 2427, Columbus, GA If the waiver request is not received by the due date on the tuition invoice the withdrawal process will apply. If you are granted a waiver of tuition from the Superintendent s office the waiver will have an expiration date. Keep up with this date because it is YOUR responsibility to provide copies of the signed final guardianship to Student Services by the 17

22 expiration date and if the proceedings are not complete it is YOUR responsibility to contact the Superintendent s office to request an extension on the waiver. If you have any questions regarding the invoice you can contact the Treasurer s IMMUNIZATIONS AND HEALTH CERTIFICATES (FORMS 3300 AND 3231) Form 3300 (Certificate of Eye, Ear, Dental Exam) A student, regardless of grade level, who has never been in a Georgia public school must provide certification of eye, ear and dental examinations on the Georgia Department of Human Resources Form Any child admitted to school without a certificate must present one within 120 calendar days. Forms may be obtained and completed at the local public health departments or physician offices. If your child has a Georgia certificate it must have been completed within the past 12 months of the date of enrollment. Form 3231 (Certificate of Immunization) Georgia Law requires children attending school (Kindergarten 12th grade) to be age appropriately immunized with all the required vaccines at the time of first entry in school. A new entrant is a child entering a school in Georgia for the first time or entering after having been absent from a Georgia school for more than 12 months or one school year. All students, regardless of grade and including foreign exchange students, must have the Georgia Department of Human Resources Form 3231 immunization certificate marked Complete for School unless there is a medical or religious exemption. The exemption must still be documented on a 3231 form. Immunizations are required for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox). Protection against each of these diseases must be addressed on the form Pre-K Information If your child is under five (5) years of age, he/she must have protection against pneumococcal disease and will need the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). The number of doses needed depends on the child s age. Please check with your healthcare provider. 18

23 If your child is currently enrolled in a 4-year-old pre-k program and has a certificate marked as Complete for School, he may need to obtain the 2nd doses of varicella and mumps vaccines and will need to submit documentation of meeting the new requirements on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization upon entry into Kindergarten. Sixth Grade Requirements All currently enrolled children entering sixth grade on or after July 1, 2007, must meet the following requirements: 1. Two doses of Measles vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, one dose of Rubella vaccine, or laboratory proof of immunity against each of these three diseases. 2. Two doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or documentation of disease or laboratory proof of immunity. At the time your child entered school, only one dose of this vaccine was required. For more information about Georgia's immunization program or the immunization requirements for school entry and attendance, please go to the Georgia Department of Human Resources web site at MCSD Lead School Nurse Darlene Shirley HEALTH NEEDS AT SCHOOL Chronic or Emergency Conditions Please notify the school if your child has a health condition, i.e., allergic reaction, asthma, diabetes, heart problem, seizures, sickle cell disease, etc. Knowledge of such important health information will help the school meet your child s needs and hopefully avoid emergency situations. If your child requires emergency medications or treatments contact the school immediately. You must provide medications and/or supplies needed for your child during the school day. The school also needs to be aware of any changes in medication or treatment regimen. Please note that if your child has a food allergy a physicians order will be needed to make changes or omissions to your child s cafeteria tray. 19

24 Medications Parents must complete a medication administration permission form annually in order for the student to take prescription or over the counter medication while at school. All medication must be in the original container, properly labeled and delivered to the appropriate staff member. Students may carry specific medications on their person such as, inhalers, insulin and/or Epi-Pens (this requires a special permission form with physician s signature). If your child needs emergency medications please contact the school immediately so that accommodations can be made. Immunizations The State of Georgia requires all students have up to date immunizations. If your child s immunization records are incomplete for their age, you will be notified in writing and will have 30 days to obtain updated immunizations. Failure to comply with Georgia Law may result in the student being excluded from school until proof of proper immunization is supplied to the school. There are two exceptions 1) Medical Exemption and 2) Religious Exemption. Check with your child s school regarding either one of these situations if it applies to your child. Head Lice The Muscogee County School District has a NO NIT head lice policy. When head lice are discovered, the principal or his/her designee will immediately notify the parent/guardian. The student must be picked up and treatment initiated. Upon return, the parent/guardian must accompany the student to school and provide proof of treatment, i.e. empty bottle or box of lice treatment product or a letter from the health department or physician. The principal or designee will inspect the student s head for the presence of nits or active lice. The child will not be readmitted if either one is present. Exclusion for Fever or Possible Communicable Illness If your child has a fever, he/she may or may not be contagious and it is better to keep the child home until they are fever free for 24 hours. If your child has a temperature or higher, he/she will be excluded from school. Your child may also be excluded from school if he/she has symptoms of an illness that could be communicable, i.e., skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Some conditions require a clearance from their primary care provider for return to school. 20

25 NUTRITION The Muscogee County School Nutrition Department offers a choice of healthy meals each school day. Meal Prices BREAKFAST Elementary, Paid.85 Middle/High, Paid 1.15 Reduced.30 Adult 1.50 LUNCH Elementary, Paid 1.75 Middle/High, Paid 2.00 Reduced.40 Adult, MCSD Staff 3.00 Adult, Outside MCSD 3.75 Free and reduced priced meals for breakfast and lunch are available for eligible students. Applications can be picked up at the School Nutrition Office, or parents may contact the School Nutrition Manager at any school. Menus Menus for all grades can be found at Charge Limits Your child will have a meal account established by the cafeteria and your child may prepay for meals and a la cart items. Students are encouraged to have and use their ID card each day in the cafeteria to record all activity. There may be times when it is necessary for a child to charge meals. In elementary schools, the charge limit is $7.80 and in middle schools the limit is $3.15. There are no provisions made to allow charges for high school students or adults. If a student in elementary or middle school exceeds these charge limits, they will be served an alternative meal. This meal will be served until the charges are resolved. 21

26 Free and Reduced Priced Meals There are provisions made for your child to receive meals at a free or reduced price if you qualify. A Free and Reduced Price Family Application must be completed and submitted for approval each year. Foster children must have an application on file in order to receive benefits. You will be responsible for the price of the meal until processing of the application is completed. In order to minimize the possibility of charges, please complete the application and return it to your child s Cafeteria Manager or the School Nutrition office when your child is enrolled. Special Dietary Needs If a child has a disability determined by a doctor and the disability prevents the child from eating the regular school meal, the cafeteria will make necessary substitutions as prescribed. If a substitution is prescribed, there will be no extra charge for the meal. Documentation from a physician must be on file with the Cafeteria Manager at your child s school. If you have any questions, you may contact the Cafeteria Manager at your child s school or you may call the School Nutrition Office at In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC or call (800) or (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ATTENDANCE POLICY Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law Georgia Code (a) Every parent, guardian, or other person residing within this state having control or charge of any child or children between their sixth and sixteenth birthdays shall enroll and send such child or children to a public school, a private school, or a home study program that meets the requirements for a public school, a private school, or a home study program; (b) Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children and who shall violate this Code section shall be guilty 22

27 of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $ or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction. Each day s absence from school in violation of this part shall be a separate offense. Students shall be in attendance at public schools in accordance with the requirements of the compulsory school attendance law and for the number of full length days prescribed by law. (See policy JB) Every parent, guardian or other person residing in the State of Georgia is required to enroll and send children in their care and charge between the ages of seven and sixteen to school unless the child is specifically exempt. Children specifically exempt from the requirement of the compulsory school attendance law are those who are mentally or physically incapacitated to perform school duties. Elementary and Middle School students may be absent from school only fifteen (15) days per school year. High School students may only be absent seven (7) days per school year. Other Attendance Notes Violation constitutes a misdemeanor and person(s) found guilty can be fined. High School students absent from school more than 7 days per semester will not receive credit for classes missed. Doctors excuses are valuable and should be submitted whenever applicable. School social worker collaborates with school administrators to resolve attendance issues. Each school may involve parents and students in prevention/intervention programs to assist with truancy issues. Tardy Tardy to School - Any student arriving at school following the ringing bell, chime, or other audible signal established by the Principal and intended to indicate the start of the school day. Any student who is on school property, but is not in his or her assigned classroom or other authorized area following the bell, chime, or other audible signal is considered tardy to school. Tardy to Class - A student is "tardy to class" when he or she arrives to class following the ringing bell, chime, or other audible signal indicating the beginning of the instructional time. 23

28 Excused Tardy - A tardy resulting from events beyond a student's control, such as an accident, road closed due to an accident, area power outage, late bus, or other excuses determined by the Principal or designee as acceptable. Documentation is required to excuse a tardy if it is an excused tardy. Unexcused Tardies - Students accumulating three (3) days of unexcused tardies will receive a phone call from the teacher or office staff/automatic call system to the parent. Continued Tardies - After five (5) unexcused tardies, students are referred to the Principal or the Principal's designee for mandatory parent conference and counselor referral. Consequences may include detention, in-school suspension, Saturday school, loss of driving privileges, or other actions in accordance with local school system policy. 10 or More Days - Referral to the school social worker and to support agencies outside the school system, as the Principal deems appropriate. Among these agencies are the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), law enforcement, Juvenile Court, Family Connection, or other external agencies. KEEP PACE (PROACTIVE COMMUNICATIONS IN EDUCATION) Connect-Ed Improving School to Home Communication The Muscogee County School District uses Connect-ED, a telephone messaging/notification service, to communicate with parents and district employees. The primary use of Connect-ED is for attendance notification to parents. Connect-ED allows administrators to personally contact parents about emergencies, events and other important issues that impact you and your child throughout the school year. Principals and administrators use Connect-ED to send a personalized voice message to your family s home, work, or cell phone. For example, principals can make one phone call and reach parents, employees or a combination of both within minutes. The service also offers and text message capability. Why Text Messages Are Not Likely to Be Used Text messages are likely not to be used in cases of emergency due to the need for clarity and accuracy. Some service providers may limit the number of characters used in a text message. It is important that parents and employees receive the 24

29 entire message sent from school to home via Connect-ED. Contact your child s school if you receive a message that is incomplete or cut-off on your answering machine or service. Connect-ED Tips for Parents: Be sure to supply accurate contact information to your child s school: All Contact Numbers (Home, Cell, Work) Home Address Changes to Contact Information Parents are responsible for making sure accurate contact information is on file at their child s school. Changes include name, address, emergency numbers for home, work, cell phone and address(s). If the information is not accurate, you may not receive messages sent via Connect-ED. The information must be on file at your child s school in order for Principals and district administrators to send important messages to you via Connect-ED. Please allow 24 hours for updates to take effect. Examples of Messages Parents may Receive: Emergencies (Up to six phone numbers can be contacted. Complete the form at your child s school.) Crisis/Safety School Closings Cancellations Bus Delays Outreach Messages Open House Test Schedules PTA Meetings School Events Report Cards 25

30 Attendance Notification of Student Absence Timeline for Attendance Notifications to Parents: Elementary Schools 9:30 a.m. Middle Schools 9:15 a.m. High Schools 8:30 a.m. Attendance messages are sent during these times to inform you of your child s absence and for safety concerns. Please verify absences by contacting your child s school. Single Survey Varies based on the school Other Communications Principals are also expected to communicate with parents continuously through traditional methods (letters, fliers, newsletters, the school web site about events, programs or announcements). Principals are encouraged to send a wrap or summary message (No more than 2 per month) about upcoming events or issues at school effectively communicate with parents and school employees. This will keep you informed, but also limit the number of calls received and over use or abuse of the system for matters other than attendance or emergencies. CHECKOUT NOTICE Parents may not check students out of school (30) minutes prior to the end of the school day due to traffic congestion. VISITORS TO MCSD SCHOOLS Visitors to the school must register at the school office as they enter the building. 26

31 DISCIPLINE Corporal Punishment Policy Corporal punishment may be administered in the schools only by the principal or either two professionals in the school designated by the principal in compliance with the State Statue. Parents can access this policy at Prohibited Items: Weapons, and dangerous instruments Alcohol, Narcotics, Stimulants and Other Dangerous Drugs Laser Lights and Pocket Pagers Phones Pocket Pagers and Laser Lights Tobacco Products SEARCHES Interrogations and Searches School officials have the authority to conduct reasonable interrogations and/or searches of students in order to investigate and punish student misconduct. Student Searches (Property, Vehicle and Possessions) School lockers, desks and other school property shall be subject to inspection by school administrators at all times. Student vehicles located on or near campus as well as student possessions such as pocketbooks, book bags, and other containers which could hold or transport drugs, alcohol, stolen property, weapons, or other dangerous substances, instrumentalities or contraband or all other articles or instruments in violation of the Student Behavior Code and Discipline Policy shall be subjected to searches by dog sniffing or otherwise. WEAPONS Carrying weapons within school safety zones, at school functions, or on school property is detrimental to the welfare and safety of the students and school personnel, and is a violation of state and federal law. 27

32 (1) School safety zone means in, on, or within 1,000 feet of any real property owned by or leased to any public or private elementary school, secondary school, or school board and used for elementary or secondary education and in, on, or within 1,000 feet of the campus of any public or private technical school, vocational school, college, university, or institution of post-secondary education. (2) Weapons means and includes any pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, strait-edged razor, razor blade, spring stick, metal knucks, 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 of pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any weapon of like kind, and any stun gun or taser as defined in subsection (a) of Code Section (See MCSD Policy under Board/Policy link.) COMMUNICATION DEVICES Students shall not be permitted to use any personal electronic communication device, including cellular phones, or two-way radios during the school day. Students are prohibited from using any electronic device during the operation of a school bus, including, but not limited to, cellular phones, pagers, audible radios, audible tape or compact disc players, or laser light in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communication equipment or the school bus driver's operation of the school bus. For the purposes of this policy, the day begins when the student boards the bus, enters the school building, and ends when school is dismissed. Cellular phones and pagers are not permitted to be visible on the person. Elementary students are not permitted to have a cellular phone. The principal or designee of each school is authorized to provide for exceptions to this policy such as in the case of medical emergencies. Student Contact with Deployed Parents The Muscogee County School District will provide deployed parents or guardians and their children access to a dedicated telephone line for communication in the Guidance Office. It is the sense of the Board of Education that every effort be made to support and facilitate such parent/child communication. 28

33 Cell Phone Tips for Parents: Monitor your child s cell phone usage What hours of the day are calls made or messages sent? What calls or messages are made daily or to whom? Consider restricting website access via cell phone as you may do at home Check websites that are visited Know what messages are sent to whom Important Security Notes About Cell Phones: According to National School Safety & Security Services cell phones can detract from school safety & crisis preparedness. Cell phones have been used for calling in bomb threats to schools and, in many communities, cell calls cannot be traced by public safety officials. Student use of cell phones could potentially detonate a real bomb if one is actually on campus. Cell phone use by students can hamper rumor control and, in doing so, disrupt and delay effective public safety personnel response. Cell phone use by students can impede public safety response by accelerating parental response to the scene of an emergency during times when officials may be attempting to evacuate students to another site. Cell phone systems typically overload during a real major crisis (as they did during the Columbine tragedy, WTC attacks, etc.), and usage by a large number of students at once could add to the overload and knock out cell phone systems quicker than may normally occur. Since cell phones may be a backup communications tool for school administrators and crisis teams, widespread student use in a crisis could thus eliminate crisis team emergency communications tools in a very short period of critical time. Schools can go into lockdown for various reasons. Safety of all students is priority for principals, teachers, and district administrators. LOCKDOWNS What Parents Should Know About School Lockdowns Schools can go into lockdown for various reasons. Safety is priority for principals, teachers, students, staff and administrators. 29

34 Safety/Crisis Plan Lockdowns are used to protect students, teachers, and staff. All doors are locked at the school to prevent entrance and exit. Only school administrators or police may enter during this time. Altercations Between Students or Disturbances Principals may use lockdowns to prevent fights and control disturbances throughout the school day. A Search for Suspects Keep in mind there may be times when local police are searching for suspects believed to have been involved in a crime near a neighborhood school. How Can Parents Help During a Lockdown: Know that only school administrators and police are allowed to enter or exit the building Give principals and administrators time to carry out safety plans, verify facts, and get accurate information to you by Connect-ED, letters or web update. School phone lines need to be clear so administrators can communicate with the principals and staff ANONYMOUSLY REPORT VIOLATIONS OR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY ON MCSD PROPERTY STUDENT HOTLINE Gang Activity Sexual Harassment Possession of Weapons Possession of Drugs or Alcohol Assault of Student or Employee Damage and Destruction of School Property Bullying 30