Rutland High School. Rutland High School

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1 Rutland High School School for International Studies Student Handbook Rutland High School 6250 Skipper Road Macon, Georgia Home of the Hurricanes! Mission: Each student demonstrates strength of character and is college ready. This handbook belongs to: NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE ZIP PHONE STUDENT #

2 Vision Develop a highly trained staff and an engaged community dedicated to educating each student for a 21 st century, multiethnic, global economy. Mission Each student demonstrates strength of character and is college ready. Core Values Bibb County develops a learning orientation that mobilizes effective effort to accelerate learning. Bibb County is committed to a culture of respect that includes equitable treatment, honesty, openness, and integrity. Bibb County uses data and evidence-based decisions to determine the training and support provided to adults, so they can be accountable for the success of all students. Bibb County strengthens productive partnerships for education. Rutland High School Alma Mater Rutland High, our Alma Mater Proud and wise we stand together Always just to honor true All our love we pledge to you With each challenge great or small Persevere and conquer all! Rutland High School, stand forever Alma Mater, we are true.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I: General Information Part II: Academic Information Part III: Student Attendance Part IV: Student Dress Code...19 Part V: Student Discipline Part VI: Cell Phones, Personal Communication Devices, and other Electronics Part VII: Athletics / Extracurricular Activities Accidents...7 Academic Integrity Code Administration / Counselor Assignments...3 Advisement...11 Announcements...7 Athletics, Activities, Clubs and Organizations Attendance Policies AVID...11 Behavior...20 Bell Schedule...3 Bookbags...7 Cafeteria Calendar...1 Class Dues...8 Classroom Locations...2 College Admission...11 Communications...8 Conferences Course of Study...12 Curriculum Information...12 Deliveries and Messages...9 Dismissal / Check-Out of Students...9 Driver s License: Attendance and Discipline...18 Dual Enrollment Early Release Work Program...18 EOCT & Final Exams...13 Emergency Cards Excessive Absences...18 Expectations for Behavior...20 Extracurricular Eligibility...22 Financial Aid...13 Food, Drinks and Vending Machines...9 Gifted Education Program Grades/Grading Scale...14 Graduation Requirements...14 Guidance Office...14 Hall Passes...9 HOPE Scholarship...15 Hospital Homebound...19 Identification (ID) Badges...9 In-School Suspension (ISS) Internet Safety...20

4 Insurance...23 Leaving Campus...20 Lockers Lunch Schedule...3 Make-Up Work...15 Media Center...10 National Merit Scholarship Program...15 No Senior Skip Day...19 Operation Graduation High School Planning Guide...15 Parent Portal...15 Parking...10 Promotion Requirements...16 PSAT...16 Repeating A Course Due to Failure...16 Report Cards...2 Requesting Work...16 Response to Intervention...16 Scholar Athlete Award...23 School for International Studies...16 School Hours...2 Sportsmanship...23 Student/Athletic Expectations...23 Student Debt...17 Student Dress Code...19 Student Envoys...17 Testing Dates Textbooks...10 Theft...20 Title I Unauthorized Visitations to Other Schools...20 Vending...9 Visiting Colleges...19 Visitors...11 What Do I Do If..? And Other Questions Withdrawals...19 Work-Based Learning...17 Work Permits...17 Youth Apprenticeship Program...17 Zell Miller Scholarship...17

5 PART I: GENERAL INFORMATION CALENDAR July 29 August 2 Monday-Friday Pre-Planning - All Teachers August 5 Monday First Day of School September 2 Monday Labor Day Holiday-System Closed September 11 Wednesday Progress Reports Distribution October 4 Friday End of 1 st Quarter October 7 Monday Furlough School Closed October 8-11 Tuesday-Friday Fall Break October 14 Monday No Students Teacher Work Day October 23 Wednesday Progress Reports Distribution November 20 Wednesday Progress Reports Distribution November Monday-Friday Thanksgiving Break December 20 Friday End of 2 nd Quarter December 23-January 2 Monday-Thursday Winter Break January 3 Friday Furlough School Closed January 15 Wednesday Progress Reports Distribution January 20 Monday MLK Holiday-System Closed February 12 Wednesday Progress Reports Distribution February 17 Monday President s Day Holiday-System Closed February Tuesday-Friday Mid-Winter Break March 14 Friday End of 3 rd Quarter March 17 Monday Furlough School Closed March 26 Wednesday Progress Reports Distribution March 31-April 4 Monday-Friday Spring Break April 30 Wednesday Progress Reports Distribution May 5-16 Monday-Friday AP Exams May Monday-Friday EOCT Testing May Monday-Tuesday Final Exams for Seniors Only May Wednesday-Thursday Final Exams for 9 th 11 th Grade May 23 Friday Last Day of School To be announced High School Graduations May 26 Monday Memorial Day Holiday-System Closed May 27 Tuesday Post-Planning - All Teachers May Wednesday-Thursday Furlough School Closed May 29 Thursday Report Cards Mailed Home 1

6 Progress Reports and Report Cards Progress Reports are sent home with students at 4 ½ weeks, 9 weeks, 13 ½ weeks, 18 weeks, 22 ½ weeks, and 27 weeks. Final report cards are mailed home. School Hours DATES FOR PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS (All Progress Reports are sent home via student.) September 11 S1 4 ½ Weeks Progress Report October 23 S1 9 Weeks Progress Report November 20 S1 13 ½ Weeks Progress Report January 15 Semester 1 Mid-Year Average February 12 S2 4 ½ Weeks Progress Report March 26 S2 9 Weeks Progress Report April 30 S2 13 ½ Weeks Progress Report May 29 Report Card Mailed Home School Hours for are from 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Classroom Locations 3 Byington 143 Grace 4 Wade 144 Crane 6 Price 145 Barrett 7 Wilson 146 Morgan 13 Christian, V 147 Yarbrough 15 Kelly 150 Brown 16 Heath 150 Royster 17 Christian, R 204 Folendore 19 Collins 205 Rondina 20 Thomas, A 210 Stuart 30 DeWitt 211 Hernandez, K 38 Elliott 217 DeGrandis 39 Giddings-White 221 Thompson, R 45 Castles 224 Wilson (ISS) 46 Barfield 229 Roland 102 Hill 230 Romero 104 Manard 238 Gilmer 105 Burke 239 Bembry 106 Fason 240 Scott 108 Keerthi 245 Butler 109 Foster 246 Aplin 117 McBrair 248 Burlison 126 Allen 249 Hernandez, A 132 Brown Gym Maddox 140 Vaughn Media Center Norfleet 141 Beal Field House Pritchard 2

7 BELL SCHEDULE Regular Bell Schedule 7:20 Students Report to 1 st Period 7:30-8:29 1 st Period & Announcements 8:33-9:23 2 nd Period 9:27-10:17 3 rd Period 10:21-11:11 4 th Period 11:15-1:08 5 th Period/Lunch 1:12-2:02 6 th Period 2:06-3:00 7 th Period LUNCH SCHEDULE 1 st Lunch 11:15-11:40 2 nd Lunch 11:44-12:09 3 rd Lunch 12:13-12:38 4 th Lunch 12:42-1:08 ADMINISTRATION / COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS Assistant Principals Ken Wallace Samantha Thompson Counselors Tanisha Jefferson Lisa Brown Graduation Coach Family Engagement Facilitator Male Students Female Students 9 th & 10 th Grades 11 th & 12 th Grades Reather Waller Toni Hatcher Testing Dates for ACCESS January 21 March 4 All Grades ESOL May 5-16 August 8-10 January 7-13 Advanced Placement Exams 9 th 12 th Grades Specific Courses AIMSWEB 9 th Grade 9 th Grade BENCHMARK September 23-October 4 #1 December 9-20 #2 March 3-14 #3 3

8 (EOCT) End of Course Tests* August 5 23 GLO Pre-Assessments August DOE EOCT Mid-Month & Retest Administration Window September DOE EOCT Mid-Month Retest Administration Window October DOE EOCT Mid-Month Retest Administration Window November DOE EOCT Mid-Month Retest Administration Window January EOCT Mid-Month Retest Administration Window May EOCT May GLO Post-Assessments *Testing dates subject to change per Central Office Gifted April 28-May 16 (GHSGT) Georgia High School Graduation Tests September 9-13 Fall Retest Administration November 4-9 Winter Retest Administration March Spring Main Administration (GHSGT) Georgia High School Writing September 25 Main Administration September 26 Make-Up February 26 Retest February 27 Make-Up STANDARDIZED TESTING DATES ACT Assessment Test Dates Regular Late Test Date Deadline Deadline September 21 August 23 August 24-September 6 October 26 September 27 September 28-October 11 December 14 November 8 November 9-22 February 8 January 10 January April 12 March 7 March 8-21 June 14 May 9 May October 16 All 10 th Graders (PSAT) Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test 11 th Graders who Sign Up ASVAB 4

9 SAT College Board Test Dates Regular Late Test Date Deadline Deadline October 5 September 6 September 20 November 2 October 3 October 18 December 7 November 8 November 22 January 25 December 27 January 10 March 8 February 7 February 21 May 3 April 4 April 18 June 7 May 9 May 23 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO COME TO SCHOOL EARLY? The building will be open at 7:00 a.m. for students. Students report to either the gym, if they are not eating breakfast, or to the cafeteria, if they are eating breakfast, until they are released to class at 7:20 a.m. Once students arrive on campus, they are expected to stay on campus at all times until the school day officially ends or administrative permission has been granted to leave early. WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY? Students leaving campus at any time before or during the school day must check out through the main office before leaving campus. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. A parent, guardian, or any other person who is listed on the emergency card who is permitted to pick up a student will be required to show a picture ID, and the Emergency Card will be verified. The school must have written permission from a parent or guardian in order for a student to leave school early. Permission cannot be given over the phone or via or text. All notes from parents or guardians must have a valid phone number so that the note can be verified prior to the student leaving school. The student must turn the note in to the office by 8:30 a.m. for verification. WHAT DO I DO IF I AM TARDY TO SCHOOL FOR ANY CLASS PERIOD Tardiness is defined as being late for school and/or class. Tardiness is either excused or unexcused. Students who desire to excuse a tardy to school shall present a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian no later than the third (3) school day following the day of the tardy. Failure to present an excuse within three (3) days shall result in an unexcused tardy. Students that are not in their seats when the bell rings to begin class are officially tardy. Students who are routinely late to school and/or class are in danger of losing credit for the class. A student arriving after school begins at 7:30 a.m. shall report to the staff on tardy duty to check in and receive a late pass to class. If a student fails to report to the appropriate place for a late pass, it is considered a class cut. Any student late for 15 minutes or more without permission for class or school is considering skipping or cutting class. If a student is more than 25 minutes late to class, the tardy is considered an absence. To aid students in being on time for class, students will not be allowed to go to the restroom during class change. Students will report to class, and get their restroom pass signed by their teacher to go to the restroom. Getting their pass signed prior to going to the restroom will prevent the teacher from marking the student tardy or absent for class. 5

10 The consequences for unexcused tardies to school and/or class are as follows: 1-2 Tardies: Warning by Teacher 3-4 Tardies: Teacher Contacts Parent & Refers to Counselor 5-6 Tardies: Teacher Contacts Parent & 1 Day of ISS 7-8 Tardies: Teacher Contacts Parent & 2 Days of ISS 9-10 Tardies: Teacher Contacts Parent & 3 Days of ISS 11 & Subsequent Tardies: OSS, Home Contact, RtI Process Per the Bibb County Student Guidelines for Success at the sixth and subsequent unexcused tardy to school the counselor refers the student to School Social Services, Department of Family and Children Services, and the Bibb County Juvenile Court. WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED FIRST AID OR OTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION? Students who are ill during the day should inform their teacher and report to the office with a pass. Students will see the nurse during the days and hours the nurse is at school. Parents/Guardians will be contacted by the nurse and/or school personnel for students that need to be picked up from school due to illness. WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO SEE A COUNSELOR? An appointment is necessary to see a counselor. Students should complete a counselor appointment form and turn it in to the office to make an appointment with a counselor. If a crisis occurs, students may see a counselor without an appointment. WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO USE THE PHONE? Office telephones are to be used for emergencies only and with permission from office personnel. Students must have a pass in order to use the phone. WHAT AREAS OF THE CAMPUS ARE OFF LIMITS DURING THE DAY? Once students arrive at school and enter the building in the morning, they are not allowed to be outside the building without a pass from an administrator or without being under the supervision of a teacher or other staff member. Students are not allowed to go outside during class changes or during lunch. Students are not allowed to be in any of the parking lots except before or after school or when given a pass by an administrator or Campus Police. Students must bring in all materials needed for class from their cars at the BEGINNING of the day. Students should not assume that they will be given permission automatically to go to their cars for forgotten items. Any student who goes to a vehicle despite a denial by an administrator will be considered acting willfully disobedient and will be assigned to ISS accordingly. Students are never to be in the wooded areas surrounding the school. These areas include but are not limited to the athletic fields and the area behind the field house. Any area unsupervised is unauthorized. Students are not to loiter in hallways, the atrium, the stairwells, the restrooms, the gym area, or other areas before, during, or after school. During class changes, students are not allowed to stop and congregate in the halls. Students are expected to keep moving in the halls to get to their next class on time. Students are also expected to walk on the right side of the halls and stairwells during all transition times. High School students are not allowed on the Rutland Middle School campus without written permission from the Rutland Middle School and Rutland High School Administration. WHERE CAN I GO DURING LUNCH? Students are only allowed to go to the following areas during lunch: (a) the cafeteria, (b) the Media Center, or (c) The Vortex with a pass or stamp, with the exception of Seniors who 6

11 have courtyard privileges at specified times. Students who wish to go to the Media Center during their lunch period must get a pass before lunch begins from the media specialist. Students are not allowed to loiter in the halls during lunch, they are not allowed to go to the vending machines during lunch, and they are not allowed to report to another teacher s classroom during lunch. Students must remain seated at lunch until the bell rings for them to dismiss from lunch. WHAT DO I DO IF I MISS THE BUS? Students who miss the bus in the morning are encouraged to find another way to school. Missing the school bus is an unexcused absence from school. Students who miss the bus in the afternoon must report to the office to use the telephone to call for a ride, and students must be picked up no later than 3:30 p.m. WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES FOR CAR RIDERS? For safety reasons, students must be dropped off and picked up in the carpool line in front of the school. Students cannot be dropped off or picked up in any of the parking lots (staff parking lot, student parking lot, or field house parking lot), and students cannot be dropped off or picked up on the curb on the road in front of the school. Middle school students riding to and from school with a high school student are not allowed to walk to or from the high school student parking lot. Middle school students must be dropped off and picked up in the carpool line in front of the high school. Students who are waiting to be picked up must wait in the paved area in front of the main building. During inclement weather, students will be allowed to wait in the atrium. Parents/Guardians of students not picked up by 3:30 p.m. (30 minutes after dismissal) will be contacted, and repeated occurrences may warrant a social services referral. GENERAL INFORMATION ACCIDENTS All student accidents which may result in an injury to a student must be reported immediately to the staff person in charge and the nurse. In case of injury, parents/guardians will be notified by telephone and apprised of the situation. For this reason, it is important that the school have correct and updated emergency telephone numbers on file at all times. ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements are made daily in the morning and afternoon, and quiet attention, including all talking and movement in classrooms and hallways, is mandatory during the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, Alma Mater, Moment of Quiet Reflection, and Announcements. Weekly announcements and activities are posted on the Rutland High webpage under the Hurricane Central link, and a weekly automated phone message and is sent out with the announcements and activities for the week. To receive the phone messages and s, you need to make sure your phone number and address are correct on the Emergency Card. BOOKBAGS, PURSES, TOTES Per the Bibb County Student Guidelines for Success, all bookbags brought to school must be clear or mesh. This includes all athletic bags. Also, oversized purses and/or totes that are greater than twelve (12) inches square are not allowed to be brought to school. CAFETERIA The Rutland Cafeteria serves several different entrees daily. Canned soft drinks, drinks in glass bottles, and fast food may not be brought into the cafeteria. Charges cannot exceed $5.00 at any given time. Free and reduced priced lunches are available for those who complete the 7

12 Federal application process and qualify under the Federal guidelines. Applications are provided to students at the beginning of the school year, they are also available from the nutrition manage, and all applications are confidential. CLASS DUES Class dues are for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Class dues move with the students as they progress from Sophomores to Juniors to Seniors. Class dues are used for t-shirts, field trips, prom, and class activities such as cook-outs and dances. Class dues are due by September 1st, and students that repeat a grade only have to pay the dues one time. Class dues for each class are as follows: Sophomores: $20.00 Juniors: $50.00 Seniors: $70.00 (without Grad Bash*) Seniors: $ (for optional Grad Bash trip) *Being a senior is the ultimate status for a high school student. Thus, the senior advisors want to make sure our seniors have the opportunity to celebrate the honor with designated senior activities. Senior activities are paid for by the senior dues which are $ Senior dues pay for a t-shirt, a lunch or bar-b-cue, a senior breakfast, incentives, and other activities as selected by the senior class. Seniors have expressed a desire to take a senior trip to Orlando, Florida to Grad Bash 2014, which is a 24-hour turnaround trip [no hotel stay required]. The groups performing have not been released yet, but seniors who want to attend will need to pay an additional $ to cover the cost of the Grad Bash ticket and the charted bus ride (this price is based on the first 100 students who pay in full). In order to plan for the year, senior dues must be paid as follows: Senior Dues with Grad Bash 2014 Four payments of $67.50 due by August 30, 2013; $67.50 due by September 30, 2013; $67.50 due by October 31, 2013; and $67.50 due by November 22, Senior Dues WITHOUT Grad Bash 2013 Senior Dues WITHOUT Grad Bash Four payments of $40.00 due by August 31, 2013; $15.00 by September 28, 2013; and $15.00 by October 31, Note: Seniors who did not pay their junior dues cannot attend Prom 2014 until those dues are paid. So, additional junior fees will be assessed. COMMUNICATIONS Effective communication between the school and the home is essential to the successful operation of the educational program for students. Therefore, students are expected to transmit written notes, messages, progress reports, and other documents intended for communication between the school and home. School personnel shall be responsible for making reasonable efforts to communicate with parents/guardians. This may include both written and/or telephone contact that pay particular attention to situations that may jeopardize the educational welfare of students; however, school personnel shall not be held responsible for students issues which develop from the refusal of students to transmit messages from the school to the home. Regardless of the method of communication, any perceived failure to contact the parent/guardian does not negate the need for appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken when and if necessary. 8

13 DELIVERIES AND MESSAGES All deliveries must be school related and must be delivered by a parent or guardian. Deliveries such as flowers, balloons, presents, etc. will not be accepted. Messages will be delivered to students from parents or guardians only, and only in emergency situations. Parents or guardians are encouraged to contact their child during the school day through the front office and not through the use of text messages and cell phones as this is a violation of the Electronic Device Policy. DISMISSAL / CHECK-OUT OF STUDENTS The School District has an emergency contact card for each student that is completed by the parent or guardian and specifically lists the individuals who are authorized to check-out their child from school. Schools will only release a student to an individual who is listed on the student s emergency contact card and who provides a picture ID. A student s regular dismissal routine can only be changed with prior written authorization from the parent or guardian listed on the emergency card. A telephone call, text, or to the school requesting a change from the regular dismissal routine will not result in a change to the regular dismissal routine. Parents/Guardians cannot call the school and give permission for their child to leave school. FOOD, DRINKS, AND VENDING MACHINES Students are provided access to the drink and snack vending machines during the instructional day. During the instructional day means between classes. It is up to the individual discretion of the teacher whether food or drinks are allowed in his/her classroom except in lab classrooms with computers. Food and drinks are not allowed in lab classrooms around the computers. Students will not be dismissed from class to make purchases, as this is an infringement on instructional time, and students may not go to the vending machines during lunch. Purchases are subject to be confiscated if made during class time and/or lunch. Vending machines will be available on the gym and the courtyard halls. No refunds will be given for money lost or items not dispensed; all machine purchases are at the students own risk. HALL PASSES Any student who is out of class must have an official school pass. Information should include student s name, time out, destination, and teacher s name. Passes out of class result in loss of instructional time; therefore, teachers will only allow students to leave class in the case of an emergency, such as an emergency restroom pass, illness, emergency guidance counseling, etc. Passes will not be given for purposes of acquiring class work or materials, addressing attendance issues, or visiting another teacher s classroom. Students are only allowed to go to the location named on the pass and nowhere else in the building; inappropriate use of hall passes may result in disciplinary action. IDENTIFICATION (ID) BADGES One ID badge and lanyard or clip is issued to all students at the beginning of the year at no cost. Each replacement ID badge cost $5.00, and a replacement lanyard or clip cost $1.00. For the safety and security of the staff and students, it is the student s responsibility to wear his/her ID badge while on campus so that it is visible at all times. ID Badges are used for identification purposes, for internet access permission, to sign in tardy, and for media check-out privileges. LOCKERS Students may rent a locker for a fee of $5.00. Only school issued locks may be used on all lockers. Students using lockers other than those assigned are subject to loss of locker 9

14 privileges and/or other disciplinary action. The school does not take responsibility for lost or stolen property. The school reserves the right to enter and search any locker at any time. MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is open from 7:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Arrangements to stay later can be made in advance with the media specialist. Students must have their ID and a signed and dated pass to enter the Media Center during school hours. Books are checked out for two weeks. Copies are available for 10 per page. Food and drinks are not permitted in the Media Center with the exception of water. Students are responsible for the safekeeping of all checked out materials. Students are required to reimburse the Media Center for any lost or damaged property. Computer use is available for those students who have assignments and who have a completed Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) on file. No charging is allowed. PARKING All students who choose to park a vehicle at Rutland High School must purchase a parking permit, and they will be assigned a parking space number in the student parking lot. The cost for parking is $25. Students must provide a valid driver s license, insurance card, and tag number to purchase a parking permit. Parking permits issued to students are good for that student and that vehicle only. Students may not transfer a permit to another student or vehicle. Students without a permit or who are illegally parked will be subject to: 1 st Offence = Warning 2 nd Offense - $50 Fine 3 rd Offence = Vehicle Towed and Loss of Parking Privileges All vehicles on campus are subject to be searched by school officials as deemed necessary. TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are made available to students in each class for which a text has been adopted by the Bibb County Board of Education. School textbooks are the property of the Bibb County Public School District, and students are responsible for protecting textbooks from loss, theft, or damage. Students will be charged the replacement price for lost texts. An accounting of all missing textbooks will be made at the end of the year or semester. In order to guarantee the return of lost textbooks that are found, the student should write his/her name and year in the front of the book. If books are damaged to the extent that they cannot be used, the student must pay the full cost of each book. Full cost is defined as the original price paid by the Bibb County Public School District. TITLE I Rutland High School is a school-wide Title I school. The Title I Program is the largest federally funded program in education. The purpose of these funds is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. As a schoolwide Title I school, services can be provided to help all students; however, particular focus is on the school s most at-risk students. Title I funds allocated to the school are used to fund additional personnel, professional learning, parental involvement, materials, and resources to enhance instruction in core content areas of reading, math, science, and social studies. At Rutland High School, we continuously monitor student achievement and set high expectations for our students. We hope that as a parent/guardian, you will become involved in our school improvement initiatives as we develop a partnership to assist all students to achieve. Your involvement in the development and review of our school s Parental Involvement Plan, School Parent/Guardian Compact, and School Improvement Plan is important. As a parent/guardian of a child at Rutland High School, you have the right to ask about the 10

15 qualifications of your child s teachers or paraprofessionals who provide services to your child. We are happy to provide this information to you at any time. You may ask: Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching, Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration. If you have any questions about your child s teachers or paraprofessionals, please send a written request to Dr. Jerri A. Hall, Principal, at Rutland High School or her at [email protected]. VISITORS All persons wishing to visit Rutland High School must contact the school principal or her designee prior to or immediately upon entry of school property. The principal may grant permission at her discretion in accordance with school operations provided that the visits are not detrimental to the instructional program. The presence or visitation of unauthorized persons in and about the building may constitute trespassing and may subject violators to criminal prosecution. All approved visitors must register in the front office and display a visitor s pass at all times. Parents/Guardians who wish to observe in classrooms may be approved to do so after checking in the office, making the request, and securing a visitor s pass. Students who wish to shadow another student for the purpose of possible enrollment at Rutland must contact a school counselor to make arrangements. PART II: ACADEMIC INFORMATION ADVISEMENT Each student is assigned to an advisement group with a faculty advisor. The purpose of this group is to insure that all students are afforded periodic advisement during their high school years. Topics of discussion range from course of study selection to extracurricular activity decisions. Advisement is also provided to give every student a staff member with whom they can have contact when school-related questions or problems arise. At any time, the parent/guardian or student may request to meet with their guidance counselor to discuss academics and/or plans for the upcoming year. AVID Advancement Via Individual Determination AVID is a systemic instructional system for students in kindergarten through 12 th grade and postsecondary. The AVID college readiness system is designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges and succeed in higher education. AVID is available to a select group of incoming 9 th grade students that were in the AVID cohort in middle school. For more information, contact the AVID instructor, Ms. Cindy Folendore. COLLEGE ADMISSION Refer to the Operation Graduation High School Planning Guide which is distributed to each 9 th grade student each school year. CONFERENCES Parents/Guardians may schedule conferences with administrators, teachers, and counselors by calling or by contacting the administrators, teachers, and counselors 11

16 via . When the concern is regarding a particular teacher s class, parents/guardians should first conference with teacher prior to requesting a conference with the administrator. COURSE OF STUDY Refer to the Operation Graduation High School Planning Guide that is distributed to each 9th grade student each school year. CURRICULUM INFORMATION Schedule Changes: Changes in student schedules can be requested during the first five (5) days of school only. Schedule changes will not be made to move a student from one teacher to another or from one period to another unless the school must do so to balance class sizes. At the beginning of the year, students needing to change a course must do the following: 1. Obtain a Course Change Form from their TAA/Supervision teacher. 2. Complete the Course Change Form. 3. The form must be filled out completely. A reason for the course change must be listed. Incomplete forms will not be processed. 4. Once the form is completed, it must be given to the TAA/Supervision teacher, and the teacher will turn all course change forms in to the appropriate grade level counselor. 5. The counselor will review the request and either approve or deny the request. The counselor will then give the form to the principal to either deny or approve the request. 6. If the request is denied, the student will be notified. 7. If the request is approved, the student will receive a new schedule within 1-2 days. The student must remain in the originally assigned class until the approval and new schedule are given to the student. DUAL ENROLLMENT/DUAL CREDIT PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit courses provide opportunities for Georgia high school students to take college-level courses and earn concurrent credit toward a high school diploma and a college degree. Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit courses are primarily available for any eligible 11th or 12th grade (in some limited cases 9th-10th) high school students. They may enroll full-time or part-time in credit-bearing college-level courses approved by the State Board of Education. Courses may be taken before, during or after regular school hours, on the college campus, on-line, or at the high school during the regular school calendar year. Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Programs in Georgia Accel is a non-need based program offered for students that wish to take college-level (academic-only, degree-level) coursework for credit toward both high school and college graduation requirements. The Accel Program became state funded instead of lottery funded beginning fall 2011 with funding returning for the local systems for their dual enrolled students. Students may attend part-time or full-time. Dual HOPE Grant is a non-need based grant program for students seeking technical certificates or diplomas from the Technical College System of Georgia s institutions. Students may attend part-time or full-time. Beginning fall 2011, funding was returned to local systems for Dual HOPE Grant students. HOPE-Grant.pdf Move On When Ready requires an eligible 11th or 12th grade student to be full-time and take ALL of his or her courses through an eligible postsecondary institution. Students receive secondary and college credit for completing graduation and high school diploma requirements. Assessment/CTAE/Pages/Transition-Career-Partnerships.aspx Articulated Credit refers to credit that students are awarded by both the high school and the post-secondary institution when they have successfully completed identified academic and 12

17 career related courses leading to a diploma, certificate or degree. Selected statewide articulated course assessments will be available in the near future. Through an articulation agreement, institutions agree to aid in a seamless transition without repetition of course work already mastered in high school. There are no costs for participation since the work is high school courses taught at the local high school, during their normal school day with their regular high school teachers. Residential Programs are offered for gifted, talented, and motivated students through the University System of Georgia at two institutions: o The Advanced Academy of Georgia on the campus of the University of West Georgia. o The Georgia Academy of Mathematics, Engineering and Science at Middle Georgia College If you have questions about Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit, please contact you re the school counselor. Also, further DUAL ENROLLMENT INFORMATION can be found at: CTAE/Pages/Transition-Career-Partnerships.aspx EOCT (End of Course Tests) AND FINAL EXAMS It is the responsibility of every student to be present for all EOCT tests and final exams at the time they are scheduled. Make-up exams will be given only in cases of documented emergencies during the scheduled make-up days. Students that are absent for the EOCT administration in May will receive an Incomplete in the course until they take the EOCT, and an Incomplete will affect students being eligible to graduate. Make-up EOCT exams are giving during summer school. EOCT and final exams may not be taken early. FINANCIAL AID Financial Aid may be available for some students planning to attend college. This aid may come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work study programs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available in January in the Guidance Office. This application should be completed for the HOPE Scholarship and other federal financial aid such as the Pell Grant. GIFTED EDUCATION PROGRAM In order to qualify for the gifted education services in Georgia, a student must show exceptional performance in the areas of mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation. Exceptional performance in these areas must be demonstrated on test and/or shown in outstanding products and/or exemplified in academic and artistic performance. Students may be recommended for consideration for the gifted program by teachers, counselors, parents/guardians, peers, administrators, self, and others. The Bibb County Board of Education Policy GAAA states that there will be no discrimination with regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap, or age. This policy will govern selection of students for this program as it does for all others in the system. Each year, during a specified two-week period, teachers shall observe students looking for the Traits, Attitudes, and Behaviors (TABs) of a gifted child. Any child who demonstrates in classroom performance five of the ten identified Tabs shall be considered for referral by the school eligibility team. School principals, counselors, and teachers shall also review the results of norm referenced testing. Any child with a 90 th percentile composite score, and 90 th percentile total reading, including reading comprehension or 90 th percentile total math shall be considered. This shall constitute an automatic referral policy. 13

18 The School Gifted-Eligibility Team shall review the records of any child under consideration for referral and will decide which students will proceed to further evaluation. A child will be referred for further evaluation if he or she is listed in a minimum of five categories on the TABs and additionally demonstrates one of the following: documented above grade-level performances, qualifying achievement test scores, documented outstanding products or performances, or a GPA at or above 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Parent/Guardian permission will be obtained before any formal evaluation is begun, and parents/guardians will be notified in writing regarding their child s eligibility for the gifted program. Parents/Guardians may request an appointment to review records relating to their child s eligibility following the completion of the evaluation. For further information, contact a counselor or the Director of Gifted Education, 484 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA GRADES Progress Reports are sent home every 4 ½ weeks, and this includes grades-to-date from all teachers. Report Cards and credits are awarded at the end of the school year. It is the student s responsibility to take progress reports home for parents/guardians to review and sign. Grades are computed cumulatively with classwork, quizzes, projects, and tests making up 85% or 80% of the final grade and a comprehensive final exam making up 15% or 20% of the final grade. For those students that were first time 9 th grade students in 2011, 2012, and 2013 the percentage is 80% of the final grade for classwork, quizzes, projects, and tests, and 20% of the final grade for the comprehensive final exam. GRADING SCALE A: B: C: F: 69 and Below GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The following graduation requirements regarding the number of credits required for graduation are effective for the school year: Class of 2014: 27 Credits to Graduate Class of 2015: 26 Credits to Graduate Class of 2016: 25 Credits to Graduate Class of 2017: 24 Credits to Graduate In addition to the required number of credits, in order to participate in graduation exercises and receive a diploma students must pass all sections of the state required testing (including but not limited to the Georgia High School Writing Test, Georgia High School Graduation Tests, and End of Course Tests) as well as meet all of the credit requirements. This does not affect students who graduate with a High School Transition Diploma. Students who attend summer remediation and meet all credit requirements for graduation may participate in the summer graduation ceremony. GUIDANCE OFFICE The Guidance Offices are open to students and parents/guardians from 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. daily. Students are urged to see the counselor for assistance with making decisions regarding personal or school problems, as well as selecting courses, exploring job or career possibilities, getting along with other students or adults, or planning for their post secondary options. An appointment is required to meet with the counselor during the school day except for extreme emergencies. Students must complete a Counselor Appointment Request form to schedule an appointment with a counselor. 14

19 HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Hope Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship program that covers tuition up to 90% at Georgia public colleges and universities for full time enrollment. The tuition coverage amount is determined by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Eligible students MUST graduate with a 3.0 academic core GPA. The HOPE Award amount for eligible students attending an eligible Georgia private college or university is $3,600 per year for full time enrollment. MAKE-UP WORK Students are responsible for completing make-up work with each individual teacher subject to the system s make-up policy. Students will complete make-up work within five (5) days upon their return to school. All long-term assignments are due and pre-scheduled exams must be completed on the date of return for excused absences unless the teacher makes other arrangements with the student. There will be no make-up work for unexcused absences. Students participation in field trips which would result in work to be made-up is contingent upon the approval of all the students instructors. If a student is absent from school (excused) on the date a project is due, the project is due upon the next day present. Work for students returning from suspension is due the day the student returns to school. NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national scholarship program sponsored by different business corporations and is supervised by The College Board. To qualify for the scholarship program, students must take the PSAT their junior year of high school (The cost is $ Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.) Those students scoring in the top 1.5% of the approximately one million students who take the test are named National Merit Commended students and may be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship. For further information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit: OPERATION GRADUATION HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING GUIDE All students attending Bibb County Public high schools for the first time will receive a copy of Operation Graduation High School Planning Guide. The purpose of the this guide is to provide parents/guardians and students with information and a planning structure that will assist students in making wise choices as they map out their four year high school program of studies. The following information can be found in this guide: CTAE Program Concentrations and Pathways Course Descriptions Graduation Requirements Grading Policies HOPE Grant & HOPE Scholarship Postsecondary Admission Standards Financial Aid PARENT PORTAL Parents/Guardians can view attendance, discipline, and grades using the Parent Portal for Infinite Campus, the student data information system. To gain access, parents/guardians need to complete a form in the front office and show their picture ID. 15

20 PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS *Beginning with the School Year the following are Carnegie Units Necessary to Advance to Next Grade Level: Grade Levels 9 th to 10 th 10 th to 11 th 11 th to 12 th Credits (3 must be Core) 11 Credits (6 must be Core) 17 Credits (9 must be Core) **Core Classes include English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. PSAT The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is administered to all 10 th grade students in October. The PSAT measures verbal reasoning, critical reading, math problem solving skills, and writing skills. This test is used as a practice test for the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Some juniors who take the PSAT may be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. For more information about the PSAT, visit REPEATING A COURSE DUE TO FAILURE Any student who fails a course will have to repeat the course the next school year. However, priority for courses will go to those students taking the course for the first time. The student may also have the option of recovering the credit through credit repair, credit recovery, attendance repair, and/or summer school. REQUESTING WORK Students who are absent from school for an extended period of time due to illness may request work assignments by contacting the teacher. Teachers must be given at least 24 hours to prepare and submit assignments. RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RtI) RtI is a system of providing high-quality instruction and intervention matched to individual student needs. When students are experiencing academic and/or behavior difficulties, informative information will be collected to guide focused interventions, and an RtI meeting will be scheduled with the parent/guardian. SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Rutland High School recognizes the need for international cooperation and communication in an increasingly interdependent world. The School for International Studies is designed to prepare future leaders in a global economy, to encourage students to be multidimensional thinkers, and to develop global perspectives on politics, culture, and science. By emphasizing international politics, culture, science, and economics, Rutland s School for International Studies equips students with the skills and knowledge to lead in a competitive, globalized world. The Rutland staff is committed to providing students with an education tailored to those goals, and emphasizes the need for students to take Advanced Placement courses to best reach them. The School for International Studies targets interested 9 th grade students who desire to commit to the rigorous, advanced course requirements. These students will continue with the international studies program for their next three years at Rutland. The School for International Studies allows student choice regarding an area of concentrated study, requires AP exams, allows for interest-focused accelerated academics, and a four (4) year research project that will culminate with defense in a student s senior year. 16

21 STUDENT DEBT All student debt must be satisfied before school records can be released and before a high school diploma can be received. Student debt may be accrued for failure to pay for textbooks, uniforms, parking fees, class dues, and other fees associated with school activities. Students who fail to pay debts will not be allowed to participate in graduation exercises. STUDENT ENVOYS The goal of the Envoy Project is to empower students to improve the culture in their schools. Certified Envoy students share the five Efficacy Secrets for building a Quality Life. These secrets give students the tools to be successful in school and in life, encouraging their academic achievement, and building strong character. WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL) Work Based Learning (WBL) allows Juniors and Seniors to earn course credit while gaining work experience in the real world, and includes classroom and work site components. Students must maintain training plans, training agreements, and receive passing evaluations from employers/intern supervisors. Work Based Learning includes both paid Co-op and unpaid internship positions. WORK PERMITS A work permit is required for any student under the age of 18 who works outside of school. These may be obtained from the school guidance office. Students may also go to the guidance website to link to the Department of Labor website to begin the work permit process. An ID is required in order to obtain a permit. YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (YAP) The Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) provides an opportunity for juniors and seniors to start preparing for a career. YAP offers students school-based and work-based learning opportunities that are related to the student s career interest area. YAP students are compensated. ZELL MILLER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Zell Miller Scholarship Program is a merit based scholarship program that covers tuition up to 100% at Georgia public colleges and universities for full time enrollment. Students seeking a degree from eligible private institutions may receive Zell Miller Scholarship funds of $4,000 per year for full time enrollment. Students MUST graduate with a 3.7 academic core GPA and have a minimum score of 1200 combined critical reading and math on a single administration of the SAT or receive an ACT composite score of 26 on a single administration at the time of graduation. ALL English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Languages are calculated as CORE classes for HOPE calculations (Pass or Fail). Students must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen and meet HOPE Georgia s residency requirements. Further information about the Scholarship & Grant Program Regulations and a chart that gives the amount of tuition coverage for the Hope Scholarship Program and the Zell Miller Scholarship Program for all Georgia public institutions and eligible private institutions can be found at the following website: PART III: STUDENT ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE POLICIES It is the responsibility of every student to be in attendance each school day. Students who desire to document an absence shall present a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian within three (3) days of returning to school. Any student found to have submitted an excuse falsely presented as being from a parent or guardian will be subject to school discipline. 17

22 Absences covered by false excuses will be deemed unexcused and no make-up work will be given. Students in Grades 9-12 who exceed more than five (5) unexcused absences in any semester-long class will not receive credit for the course. Students in Grades 9-12 who exceed more than ten (10) unexcused absences in any year-long class will not receive credit for the course. Students may be temporarily excused from school by the principal in the following circumstances: Serious illness or hospitalization, including maternity confinement and delivery (documentation from the doctor is required); Serious illness or death in the immediate family which would reasonably necessitate absence from school (documentation from the doctor or a copy of the obituary is required); Special and recognized religious holidays observed by the student s faith (supporting documentation from the religious organization is required); Court orders or mandates by order of government agencies; including pre-induction physical examination for the armed forces (documentation from the court is required); Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety (supporting documentation is required); and Other circumstances where the parent or guardian makes prior arrangements with the building principal for their child to be absent from school, i.e. one day for registering to vote or voting in a public election (mandated by new school attendance law), college visits, serving as a legislative page, and other special family occasions. Absences considered excused shall not penalize student grades. Students shall be given a maximum of five (5) days, to make up work or tests which were missed because of an excused absence from school. It is the student s responsibility to arrange to make up work. Failure to make up work may result in a grade of zero. If more than 25 minutes late to school or class, it is considered an absence which requires documentation. The Bibb County Student Guidelines for Success are followed in regards to students that have excessive absences which can include a referral to social services. DRIVERS LICENSE: ATTENDANCE & DISCIPLINE The School District is required to report to the Georgia Department of Vehicle Safety Driver s License Bureau certain violations of the Code of Conduct which lead to restrictions being placed on students driving privileges. Violations which must be reported include dropping out of school; exceeding ten (10) unexcused absences in a semester, and cumulative suspension of more than ten (10) days. Students must have a Certificate of Attendance verification sheet to present upon testing for a learner s license and/or a driver s license. Certificates of Attendance may be obtained from the front office. It takes 3-5 days to process Certificates of Attendance; therefore, you must allow sufficient time when requesting this document. EARLY RELEASE WORK PROGRAM All students who participate in the early release work program must sign-out with the instructor and must leave campus when scheduled. Early release students may not be in the building or on school grounds after dismissal, and failure to comply can result in disciplinary action. Early release students must sign out in Room 16. EMERGENCY CARDS All students are required to have their parents or guardians fill out and sign an Emergency Contact Card, which is kept in the front office. Names of relatives or others who have permission to check the student out of school must be listed on the Emergency Contact 18

23 card. All students must have a card on file, and as soon as information changes, the office must be notified of the change so contacts can be made in the case of an emergency. HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND Students that need to be absent more than 10 days from school may qualify for Hospital Homebound services so that they continue to receive all work in their classes with the aid of a Hospital Homebound instructor. Please see the counselor or Family Engagement Facilitator for information on Hospital Homebound services. NO SENIOR SKIP DAY There is no Senior Skip Day. All such absences are unexcused and no make-up work is allowed. VISITING COLLEGES When visiting colleges, seniors and juniors are to pick up the appropriate form in the counselor s office to take with them for the college to complete. Upon return to school, the student must turn the completed form into the office in order for the absence to be excused. WITHDRAWALS Students withdrawing from school must get a withdrawal form from the office and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian that will sign the withdrawal form. Books must be returned and fines paid in order to release student records. Students who drop out of school must have an exit conference with the counselor, administrator, and/or graduation coach to discuss their future options prior to withdrawal. PART IV: STUDENT DRESS CODE Required Attire Students who are neatly and cleanly dressed often behave better and display a more serious attitude toward the important business of teaching and learning; therefore, all students enrolled in the Bibb County School District shall abide by the dress code as outlined in the Bibb County Student Guidelines for Success. PART V: STUDENT DISCIPLINE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY CODE Rutland High s intellectual reputation depends on the highest standards of academic integrity. Academic integrity is defined as: Using honest methods to fulfill academic expectations and responsibilities; Assuring that all academic work is the legitimate, truthful work of the pupil; Submitting examinations, essays, projects, and homework that are free from fraud or deception; Relying on one s own knowledge and preparation, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher. Academic dishonesty is defined as obtaining or assisting others in obtaining credit for work that is not their own. Rutland High School staff holds all students accountable for academic integrity. Violations for academic dishonesty will result in the student being issued a grade of zero (0) for the assignment. In addition, the assignment cannot be made up, nor can the grade be replaced with extra credit. In the event of academic dishonesty, the teacher will notify the parent/guardian 19

24 of the infraction. Students that engage in academic dishonesty are subject to administrative consequences in addition to a grade of zero (0). BEHAVIOR The faculty and students are a community of people working together toward a common goal. In order to accomplish our goals, we must treat each other with mutual respect and adhere to established expectations for behavior. Expectations for behavior in the classroom, restroom, assemblies, cafeteria, bus, and hallways are delineated in the School-Wide Behavior Plan that is explained to all students at the beginning of the school year. Discipline for misconduct may be in the form of teacher detention, administrator detention, community service, in-school suspension, out of school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, and/or the denial of certain privileges. The Bibb County Student Guidelines for Success and the School-Wide Behavior Plan will be followed with regards to expectations and consequences. INTERNET SAFETY As a service to the students, the Bibb County School District provides limited access to the internet in a non-public forum. In order to access the internet, parents/guardians and students must sign the Acceptable Computer Use Policy that is sent home at the beginning of the school year. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) In-School Suspension (ISS) is assigned for behavioral infractions, tardies, attendance issues, and other issues as the administration deems necessary. Students are not eligible to participate in or attend any school activity up to, and through, the last full calendar day of the suspension assignment. Refusal to attend ISS or removal from ISS can result in out-of-school suspension. Students can be assigned to ISS for the entire day or any part of the day, and/or for more than one day. LEAVING CAMPUS Students leaving campus at any time must check out through the main office. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Students who drive and are found leaving campus without permission can loose driving privileges for 10 days for the first offense and permanent loss of driving privileges on the second offense. THEFT Students are encouraged to leave all valuable items at home. Items stolen need to be reported to the administration and a report filed with the Campus Police Officer. Stealing is a serious offense and will be dealt with in a serious manner. The school is not responsible for the loss or theft any items. UNAUTHORIZED VISITATIONS TO OTHER SCHOOLS The unauthorized presence of a Rutland High School student on another campus (including unauthorized visits) during the normal hours of operation will automatically result in suspension. PART VI: CELL PHONES, PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES, AND OTHER ELECTRONICS School district policy prohibits the possession or use of the following electronic devices on the school campus or on the school bus: cell phones, pagers, ipods, iphones, Zoom phones, 20

25 beepers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), walkmans, radios, CD players, boom boxes, digital cameras, electronic games and toys, laser pointers, or any other electronic devices. Students may not use electronic communication devices during instructional time or on school buses. Students must adhere to the established Cell Phone Protocol as directed. The Exception for Personal Communication Devices is as follows: Students are allowed to bring personal communication devices to school for the sole purpose of student safety and communication with parents and guardians AFTER the school day. Students are specifically prohibited from being in possession of any personal communication device during school hours. School hours are defined as beginning with the student s arrival on campus and ending with the final dismissal bell. Students shall not carry their personal communication devices in book bags or on their persons during the school day. Students shall store personal communication devices in lockers or automobiles during the school day. Cell phones or any other personal communication devices that are visible, ring, or make sounds from the time of the student s arrival on campus to the final dismissal bell will be considered contraband items and a violation of this policy. Parents/guardians must submit a note authorizing the student to have the phone at school. Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action, including placement in an alternative education program. Faculty and staff who observe a violation will confiscate the personal communication device, complete a referral, give the student a copy to serve as a receipt, and will forward the referral and the device to the office. Students that refuse to turn over their device when directed will be issued a disciplinary referral indicating a refusal to follow directions of a staff member. Upon receipt of the communication device and the referral, the administration shall retain possession for the remainder of the week. Students may pick up confiscated devices on the next Monday after confiscation at the end of the school day. When Monday is a holiday, the student will receive the device after school the following Tuesday. The school district shall not be responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal communication devices. The use of any electronic device personal or otherwise to photograph, videotape or record another student or staff member, while on school system premises will result in disciplinary consequences and confiscation of the electronic device. Failure to do so may result in out of school suspension. PART VII: ATHLETICS/EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ATHLETICS, ACTIVITIES, CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Students may take an active part in student clubs and organizations provided they meet eligibility requirements. Only clubs and organizations which do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, and religious affiliation will be approved by the principal. All approved organizations must have a faculty sponsor. Student initiated organizations which exist to foster or advocate religion will be allowed to use school facilities for meetings before and after the school day in accordance with the Equal Access Act. The following is a list of some of the clubs and organizations at Rutland: Academic Team, BETA, DECA, Drama, First Priority, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Educators of America (FEA), Future Farmers of America (FFA), Math Team, and Student Council. 21

26 The following is a list of all athletic teams and head coaches: Athletic Director... George Collins Fall Sports Cross Country Boys... TBA Cross Country Girls... Brenda Hickey Cheerleading... Veronica Christian Football... George Collins Softball... Amanda Maddox Winter Sports Boys Basketball... Ron Christian Girls Basketball... Johnny Dixon Swimming... TBA Wrestling... Stephen Koehler Spring Sports Baseball... Wally Pritchard Golf... TBA Girls Soccer... Tony Jones Boys Soccer... Brian Aplin Tennis... Brian Gilmer Girls Track... Brenda Hickey Boys Track... Trent Allen EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY All academic requirements are based on a minimum passing grade of 70. GHSA refers to the Georgia High School Association activities, which are governed by that body. Certain other school activities may also be governed by these policies. Approved high school and middle school summer is an extension of the spring/semester; therefore, classes taken prior to enrolling in 9 th grade may not be used to determine eligibility. Students must accumulate Carnegie units towards graduation according to the following criteria (taken from Requirements for GHSA Activities First-year students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically. Second-year students must have accumulated five (5) total Carnegie units. Third-year students must have accumulated eleven (11) Carnegie units. Fourth-year students must have accumulated seventeen (17) Carnegie units. Students may accumulate the required Carnegie units for participation during the school year and eligibility will be reinstated at mid-year. Fifth year students are not eligible for GHSA activities. Age GHSA: Students cannot have attained their 19 th birthday prior to May 1 st preceding the year of participation. Residency GHSA: Must reside within this school s designated attendance zone with a custodial parent/guardian and not have previously attended another high school (public or private) while living in this attendance zone. 22

27 Medical GHSA: Students must have a certificate of an annual physical examination on file at the school prior to participating in any athletic try-outs, practices, or games that indicate the students are physically approved for participation. (a) Physical examinations will be good for twelve (12) months from the date of the exam. EXCEPTION: Any physical examination taken on or after April 1 in the preceding year will be accepted for the entire next GHSA school year. (b) The physical exam must be conducted by a licensed medical physician, doctor of Osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioner, or a physician s assistant. (c) The exam must be signed by an M.D., D.O., or by a Physician s Assistant, or an Advance Practice Nurse who has been delegated that task by an M.D., or D.O. (d) The GHSA requires that member schools use the latest edition of the pre-participation physical evaluation form approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, et. al., found on the GHSA web site SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD Students who maintain a 3.5 grade point average and complete an athletic season are eligible for the student Scholar Athlete Award. Freshmen are not eligible for this award. INSURANCE Students are advised to carry an insurance policy providing protection against accidents and injury. If such insurance is not carried through the family, an insurance plan is available through an approved agent at the beginning of the school year. The insurance plan should be paid for by check or money order. The school is not responsible for these insurance transactions. Students who participate in athletics must show written proof of insurance prior to participation. Student insurance forms are available in the main office. SPORTSMANSHIP Good sportsmanship is important to Rutland High School. Spectators represent the school as much as the athletes do, and are responsible for much of the school s reputation. Spectators are expected to support the team enthusiastically, but with consideration of the other team s players and fans. All students displaying unsportsmanlike conduct are subject to being removed from that event. STUDENT/ATHLETIC EXPECTATIONS It is a privilege to participate in school athletics. Student athletes represent themselves, their families, and Rutland High School. Thus, student athletes are expected to be quality leaders in the classroom, hallways, during competition, and in the community as is outlined in the Athlete s Code of Conduct that each athlete will receive from his/her coach. Failure to adhere to this expectation could result in disciplinary actions and/or removal from the team. All student athletes are expected to finish the sport they start. Once a student starts a sports season, he/she will not be allowed to quit that sport and start another sport until that season is completed. OTHER Physical Forms can be found on the Athletics page of Rutland High School Web Site. NCAA Clearinghouse NCAA Eligibility Center (tools and information you need to begin your college experience) 23