Ashworth Middle - Student Handbook

Student Handbook

ASHWORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

2009-2010

Telephone: 625-9545

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Student Name______________________________

Homeroom Teacher_________________________

Principal: Mr. Scott McClanahan

Assistant Principal: Gary Grubb

Instructional Coordinator: Mrs. Katie Vaughan

Counselor: Ms. Ashley Wood

Secretary to Principal: Mrs. Roxane Burns

Receptionist: Ms. Phyllis Hufstetler

Secretary/Data Entry: Ms. Clarissa Feldmann

Cafeteria Manager: Ms. Amelia Smith

Media Specialist: Mr. Wayne Smoot

Family Advocate: Mrs. Connie VanHouten

Superintendent: Dr. Bill McCown

Board of Education Members: Chairperson, Ms. Wanda Davis; Vice Chairperson, Mr. William Tyner;

Mr. Jerry Casey; Mrs. Brenda Null; Mr. Chad Steward; Mr. Scott Lambert; and Mr. Scott Williams

VISION STATEMENT

The vision of Ashworth Middle School is to provide quality academic opportunities, to promote career exploration, and to produce successful, responsible citizens.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Ashworth Middle School is to nurture life-long learning in a secure environment.

MOTTO: Brave Spirits, Strong Minds,

Seeking Knowledge

Dear Parent and Student,

Welcome to Ashworth Middle School. The purpose of this handbook is to establish guidelines for students, parents, and teachers in providing the safest, most nurturing environment possible.

Everyone benefits when these guidelines are clearly understood and followed. Any questions you have regarding any statements in this handbook may be addressed to the principal by calling 625-9545.

This student handbook serves as an outline and to provide some guidelines to reflect Ashworth Middle School rules and Gordon County Board of Education Policies. Although the rules and policies outlined in this booklet are current, they are subject to change at our discretion or as needed.

The AMS staff wishes for each student a productive, successful year.

BELIEF STATEMENTS

We believe that:

All people should be treated with dignity and respect.
The basic purpose of education is to prepare students to become productive, responsible citizens.
Education is a cooperative effort among the school, the family, and the community.
Schools must be staffed with personnel of the highest quality.
Everyone can learn-but at different rates and in different ways.
Outstanding achievement or performance, based on individual ability, should be encouraged, recognized, and praised.
Schools should prepare students to adapt to changes in the community, nation, and world.
A top priority of education should be to create an environment in which students can develop to their potential.

ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBERS

Newsletters are sent and parents are contacted frequently; therefore, it is very important that we always have the current phone number and address of all students. Please notify the school office and the homeroom teacher when there is a change in address or telephone number.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Students who remain after school are required to be under the direct supervision of a teacher. Students cannot stay after school unless they are staying for a teacher, or for an extracurricular activity. Please make it a priority to pickup your child promptly. Students who violate this rule are subject to disciplinary measures.

ASSEMBLIES

Visitors judge the quality of our school and our students according to their conduct during assembly programs. Assemblies are a part of the curriculum and are designed to be educational as well as entertaining. They provide opportunities for learning proper audience behavior. Talking, whispering, whistling, stamping of feet, and booing is discourteous during an assembly. Students will proceed orderly and quietly to the gym or designated area. Parents are always welcome at scheduled assembly programs.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

ABSENCES AND EXCUSES.
The Gordon County Board of Education considers regular school attendance to be essential for educational progress. Students age six (6) to sixteen (16) shall be in attendance in the Gordon County Schools in accordance with the requirements of the compulsory school attendance laws of Georgia for 180 full-length school days each school year unless there is a legitimate verifiable reason for their absence.

A record of attendance for each student enrolled in Gordon County Schools shall be kept in accordance with state regulations.

When the student is personally ill to the extent that school attendance would endanger their health or the health of others;
When there is a serious illness or death in the student's family (limited to the student's father, mother, sister, brother, child, spouse, grandparent, legal guardian, or other relative living in the residence of the student) which would reasonably necessitate absence from school (not to exceed three days);
When a special and recognized religious holiday is observed by the student's faith, upon written verification by their church leader to the principal of the local school prior to the religious holiday;
When the student is mandated by order of governmental agencies; i.e., pre-induction physical examination for the armed forces, court order, detention by law enforcement officials;
When the student is prevented from attendance as a result of conditions rendering school attendance impossible or hazardous due to health or safety concerns;
When a student registers to vote (not to exceed one day);OR
When a student is at least 12 years of age and is serving as a page in the Georgia General Assembly (to be considered as present by the school in which he/she is enrolled for the days missed from school for this purpose).

All other absence shall be considered unexcused. Teachers will carefully document excused and unexcused absences. Tardies and early dismissal from school will result in absences. Any student missing one third or more of a class period will be counted absent for the class period.

Any student who has been absent from school shall present a satisfactory written excuse to the principal or a designee within five days of returning to school. After five days, absences not accounted for with a legitimate excuse will be considered "unexcused." At the discretion of the principal, assistant principal or attendance officer, a student who is absent for three or more consecutive days due to personal illness or serious illness in the immediate family may be required to present a physician's statement, a statement from the Gordon County Health Department or a statement from the School Social Worker of the Gordon County Schools in order for the absences to be excused.

When a student has acquired as many as eight (8) absences total in a semester, the student may be required by the local school principal, assistant principal, or attendance officers to produce a physician's statement from the Gordon County School Social Worker in order to have any subsequent absence excused

Students who have excused absences will be allowed to make up all work missed during such absence. It is each student's responsibility and obligation to obtain the assignments and complete the work as directed by each teacher. Completion of make up work must not exceed a reasonable time from the date of the missed work. Students who have been suspended from school will be allowed to make up only nine weeks or semester final exams.

TARDIES/LEAVING EARLY
. In order to be included in the daily count, students must be present at school for a portion of the school day equal to or greater than one-half of the school day as measured from the morning tardy time to the first dismissal time.

Legitimate reasons for tardies and early dismissals are the same as those for absences. Since tardies and early dismissals represent a loss of instructional time for students, five tardies and/or early dismissals shall be considered one absence for the purposes of this policy and related procedures, including legal and academic sanctions and consideration for perfect attendance recognition. Chronic unexcused tardies will receive administrative attention in the form of disciplinary action to include detention and ISS.

When there is cause necessitating an individual student to be dismissed from school for a portion of the school day, the student shall be released from school only to the parent(s), legal guardian, or to other persons properly identified and authorized by the parents by letter or telephone.

Protocol for all students subject to the compulsory attendance laws of this state:

Step one: After seven (7) absences within an academic year, exclusive of excused days, the school will notify the parent or guardian by mail.

Step 2: After ten (10) absences within an academic year, exclusive of excused days, the school social worker or designee will consult with the parent or guardian via personal contact or phone call. Should attempts to make personal contact fail, a letter requesting a conference shall be sent to the parent or guardian.

Step 3: After fifteen (15) absences the attendance officer, school social worker or designee shall develop an attendance improvement plan. Through school-based case management attendance shall be monitored.

Step 4: After reaching Step Three, if school-based case management and monitoring are ineffective, the attendance officer or social worker will consider revision of the attendance improvement plan and/or referral to appropriate agencies. A student who misses 10 or more unexcused absences may lose his/her drivers permit

Please do not come into school and ask to dismiss your child early from any class unless it is a medical emergency. The entire class stops working when we call into a classroom. We need your help with this. PLEASE SEE THE GORDON COUNTY SCHOOLS CALENDAR FOR NEWLY APPROVED ATTENDANCE POLICY. The calendar is provided to students at the beginning of the school year for your information.

BALLOONS AND FLOWERS (AND OTHER DELIVERIES)

We are always delighted when one of our students is honored with a delivery of a balloon or flowers for some special occasion. However, since the delivery of the item to the classroom is disruptive, we will enjoy the item in the office until the end of the day.
REMINDER: Balloons and glass containers cannot be carried on the bus. Because of the multitude of gifts on Valentine's Day, we will not accept deliveries for students on that day.

BOOK BAGS/POCKETBOOKS

Students who bring book bags and/or pocketbooks to school must place them in their locker at the beginning of the day. Bookbags or purses will not be allowed in the classrooms. When the students go to lockers at the end of the day, they can retrieve the book bags to take home.
NOTE: STUDENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO CARRY BOOK BAGS. IT IS A STUDENT/PARENT CHOICE.

CAR RIDERS

No student should be dropped off at school prior to 7:25 a.m. ALL car riders should be off campus by 3:30. The car loop in front of the school is the ONLY area to drop off or pick up student car riders. Parents of athletes will pick up students in the gym area after practice. Students may go to their car ride if they walk around the outside of the pavement. Students are not to cross traffic at any time. If your child is not out front and other parents are waiting behind you, please go around the loop once more. In the morning and afternoon, all cars will enter and exit from New Town Road.

In the morning (drop off)
when car riders are dropped off at Ashworth, it is necessary that the students exit the vehicle as soon as the vehicle reaches the sidewalk area so that several car riders can exit their vehicle simultaneously and safely. Traffic is help u when car riders wait to exit at the front door only. Please cooperate in this matter and follow the procedures. Teachers will be assigned morning duty to monitor and help the traffic flow and help to ensure the safety of the student car riders.

In the afternoon (pick up), car riders will be released from the lobby area of the band room/chorus room. Please stop at the sidewalk to pick up your child and follow the instructions given by the teachers on duty. Do not park in the line and/or exit your vehicle. Use the parking lot to park in if you need to come inside. Please keep the lane clear. We will not dismiss car riders to exit through the mail entrance doors.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community service is now an integral part of any scholarship or college application. Therefore, we are providing a way for students to document any community service that they may choose to do. They might work in church activities outside of the regular services, visit nursing homes, assist shut-ins, mow lawns for the elderly, work in the school garden, assist with school projects outside of the school day, or any other unpaid activities. Forms are available in the counseling office for students to complete and have signed by the person receiving the service or the supervisor of the activity. We maintain these sheets in individual student folders. At the end of the 8^th grade students who have accumulated more than 100 hours of community service receive a special certificate and seal on their Certificate of Completion. Students can use these certificates to list on applications for college or for scholarships.

CURRICULUM

All students will take a full year of mathematics language arts, science, reading, and social studies. In addition, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in physical education, health, and connections classes such as art, music, band, Spanish, computers, Chek Lab (home economics), Tech Lab (technology lab), and drama. Some students may choose to participate in band or chorus (full year courses.) Grading periods will be nine weeks in length.
In order to be promoted, a student must pass five of six subjects and have no more than sixteen unexcused absences.

Reading.
Reading will be emphasized in every class as well as taught one hour per day. Students have been tested to determine their specific skills. They have been grouped according to ability. Students may progress to other groups at anytime of the year based on performance. How can you help your child increase his/her skills? Have your child read to you two or three times a week for twenty minutes. Then, ask questions or discuss what has been read. Your child might read the paper to you, a magazine, an accelerated reader book, or a textbook in which he/she is having some difficulty. You will be thrilled with the progress of your child.
Physical Education.
Physical education is for all students. Daily participation and changing of clothes is a part of a student's grade. The instructor will provide guidelines on changing clothes for class. Students may be excused from participation only for medical reasons, and a doctor's note may be required.

DISCIPLINE

Although discipline is not a subject, it teaches self-control, character, order, and efficiency. It will be the key to proper consideration of other people and is also a vital life skill in being successful on the job.

Parent involvement and support is essential in making school a safe and happy environment for each child. Parents will be contacted whenever necessary concerning their child's behavior. This contact will inform the parent as well as solicit help with directing the behavior of the child. Different levels of discipline are used depending upon the offenses. These may include the following:

Parent/student conferences.

Moving students within the classroom.

Formal detention.

In-team detention

Off-grade level suspension.

In-School Suspension. Students are allowed to complete class work under the supervision of an assigned teacher at school.
Work must be completed to receive credit.

Corporal punishment. Parents objecting to their child being paddled must state their desire in writing and file this written statement with the principal.

Suspension. Serious offenses or repeated offenses will result in suspension from school. Students may make up work missed during the first seven days of absence from school. After the seventh day, missed work will result in a grade of zero. Students who are suspended are also banned from participation in or from being on school property for any school function.

Referral to the alternative school/Juvenile Court

Expulsion

Hallway behavior.
Students are expected to walk quietly at all times in the hallway. They may get materials from lockers only during assigned locker breaks.
Displays of affection
. Inappropriate displays of affection including handholding, hugging, or kissing are not acceptable behavior at school and/or school functions.
Alcohol and drugs.
Please refer to the Gordon County Board of Education Discipline Policies listed in the Gordon County Schools Calendar. Any incidence of alcohol or drug abuse at Ashworth will be directly referred to the police.
Beepers/pagers/toys/etc.
It shall be a disciplinary offense for any student to possess or use a pager (beeper) device on school property except for health or other unusual reasons approved by the Gordon County Board of Education. Students should not bring valuables to school such as radios, headsets, cameras, electronic games, toys, comic books, baseball cards, or other personal items. If brought to school, the devices will be confiscated, parents will be notified, and parents must come to the school to obtain them. If items are brought a second time, they will be held until the end of the school year. Cell phones are allowed; however, they are to be used for emergency situations only and are to be turned off during school hours. Students violating this rule will lose their right to bring the cell phone to school.
Bullying.
Bullying is defined as any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so or any intentional display of force that causes the victim to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.
Georgia law mandates that upon a finding that a student in grades 6-12 has committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year, the student will be assigned to an alternative school.

Bus Conduct.
When a student rides a bus, he/she is still considered to be on school time. Safety on a bus is of utmost importance for every child; therefore, proper conduct will be expected. Please refer to the Gordon County Board of Education Policy on bus conduct (Gordon County Schools Calendar). In the afternoon, students will be allowed to ride a different bus from school only if these conditions apply:

1. A request must be made in writing from parents to the principal at the beginning of the day.
2. The principal or designee approves in writing.
3. There is adequate space on the bus.

Destruction of property.

Any student who destroys the property of another student, of any faculty or staff member, or of Gordon County Board of Education is responsible for any damages to the property. Failure to cover these damages may result in referral to juvenile court.
Fighting.
Fighting will be defined as any violent physical contact against another. Fighting will not be tolerated at school or at a school function. Suspension out of school will result, The number of days of suspension will depend on the severity of the fight as well as the number of fights the student has been involved in during the year. Student fighting may also result in the student and parent attending a session on nonviolence.
Food and gum.
Students cannot bring beverages to school without the following: 1) a doctor's statement stating the need for a student to have his/her specific beverage or 2) a written statement from parents requesting that a student bring his/her own beverage. Food should be kept in the cafeteria at all times. Fruit juice, PowerAde, and Coca-Cola products are available for after-school activities. Gum and candy are not allowed at school because of the destruction it causes to the buildings, the floors, the walls, tables and other items.
Gangs.
There is a no tolerance policy for any discussion or solicitation of gang membership. No student shall display or wear gang-related symbols, clothing, articles, or paraphernalia. No student shall recruit or solicit membership in any gang or gang-related activities. No student shall proclaim membership in a gang or gang-related organization. Violation of the above policy will result in ISS, OSS, alternative school, or a referral to a tribunal hearing with a request for expulsion. Law enforcement will be notified.
Suspensions.
1. In-school suspension (ISS) means that a student is isolated under the direct supervision of school designated employee with eighteen or fewer students. Regular classroom work is sent to in-school suspension or standardized testing review work is completed. Students will receive credit for their work.

2. Out-of-school suspension means that a student is denied the privilege of attending school or school functions. He/she may not be on school property during the suspension time. Students who have been suspended from school will be allowed to make up only nine-weeks or semester exams.

Sexual Harassment.

Students who make sexual remarks (oral, written, or verbally) or inappropriately touch a student or teacher are guilty of sexual harassment. The severity of the offense will determine the punishment at the discretion of the administrator.
Truancy.
Any student who misses school without his/her parents' knowledge is considered to be truant. If a truancy problem persists, a court referral is possible. In-school suspension will also be received. Referrals may also be made to the juvenile court for excessive unexcused absences.
Weapons.
Any knife (regardless of size), guns, or any object that could be used to injure another person is considered to be a weapon. Students with weapons will lose the right to ownership, as well as face the possibility of suspension, expulsion, or referral to law enforcement agencies. Any object used in a plan to harm or threaten another is considered to be a weapon. Weapon charges may result in referral to a tribunal hearing and dismissal from school for the person who receives the weapon, or the person who has physical possession. PLEASE SEE THE GORDON COUNTY CALENDAR FOR NEWLY APPROVED CODE OF CONDUCT. The calendar is given to students at the beginning of the school year.

DRESS CODE

The Gordon County Board of Education believes there is a direct relationship between dress, grooming, conduct, and success in school. In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and to prepare students for the working environment, all students are expected to exercise good taste with regard to their appearance. Personal hygiene and cleanliness are of utmost importance. Attire considered disruptive or risky to health or safety is not appropriate. Students who do not comply with the dress code will be required to change clothes or sit in ISS for the day. On the third and each successive time a student does not comply with the dress code, that student will also be cited for "willful disobedience", a level two offense. This will result in a longer ISS assignment or OSS.

Girls' Pants/Shorts/Skirts/ Dresses/Tops and Shirts

1. SKIRTS and DRESSES must reach the top of the knee. Backless or strapless dresses or shirts are not permitted.

2. TOPS may have sleeves or be sleeveless. Regardless of the type of top, the area from the neck to the shoulder must be covered. No tank tops or low cut necklines are permitted. Collared shirts and blouses or t-shirts with appropriate writing my be worn. See-through clothing that exposes undergarments is not permitted. Midriffs must be covered while standing, walking, or sitting.

PANTS, jeans, slacks, or capris are appropriate. No sleepwear, loungewear type garments are permitted.
Shorts must reach the top of the knee.
SHOED must be worn. No house/bedroom shoes or beach flip-flops are permitted.
Athletic jerseys, cheerleading uniforms with warm-up pants are appropriate, when designated. with holes or tears are not permitted.
Garments

BOYS' PANTS/SHIRTS

1. SHORTS and PANTS must reach the top of the knee

and

must always be on the natural waistline with

no sagging. Some type of belt must be worn.

2. SHIRTS must have sleeves. No tank tops.

3. Garments with holes and tears are not permitted.

4. Sleepwear or pajama bottoms are not permitted.

ALL STUDENTS

1. HEADGEAR: No coverings, hats, caps, sweatband,

do-rags, or bandannas are permitted.

2. BODY PIERCING AND TATTOOS should be

covered in compliance with the dress code Earrings

are allowed; however, for safety reasons facial or

tongue piercing is not allowed.

3. JEWELRY such as heavy chains and spikes are not a

allowed.

4. Apparel with any reference to alcohol, drugs,

tobacco, sexual or vulgar remarks, racist or

any kind of gang affiliation is not permitted.

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THE DRESS CODE WILL BE UNIFORM AMONG THE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS AND ARE EXPLAINED IN THIS HANDBOOK AND IN THE GCBE SCHOOLS CALENDAR.

DRUG FREE SCHOOL NEEDS

ASSESSMENT

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION

In order to provide the best drug and violence prevention activities for your child and in accordance with the guidelines of the No Child Left Behind Legislation, your child may be asked to complete surveys that pertain to student involvement in and attitudes toward substance abuse and violent situations (i.e., PRIDE, JRBS, etc. or locally developed surveys). These surveys are completely anonymous and may be administered throughout the school year. The data collected will be used to identify critical areas of need, and help us:

Maintain a school environment that is free of drugs and violence;
Promote a class atmosphere that allows teachers to teach and students to learn;
Develop and offer experiences that involve students in applying the concepts of making healthy decisions, accepting responsibility for their behavior, and understanding consequences.

If you do not wish your child to participate or if you have questions, please contact the AMS Counseling office at 625-9545.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Tornadoes and fire drills will be held periodically during the year. These drills must be done orderly and seriously. Each teacher will review the designated routes with students as well as the procedure for obtaining a safe area. Groups should always stay together as a class. Safety drills will also be held which will include lockdowns, evacuations, and drug dog searches. Although we have not had these problems at Ashworth, we will be proactive and prepared to keep your children as safe as humanly possible.

ENROLLMENT

A student who enrolls in a Gordon County School for the first time should bring a withdrawal sheet from the previous school and copies of his/her school records. A parent or legally authorized person must register you for school. Because of crowded conditions, proof of residence will be required.

OUT OF DISTRICT POLICY

The GCBE has divided the district into two middle school districts, grades 6-8. Each school has been designed to house a specific number of students. District lines have been drawn to ensure that the proper number of students reside in each district.

A student will be allowed to enter a school other than the one in his/her district under the following conditions:

A. The student has satisfactory behavior record and

is in good standing at his/her home school.

B. The student has satisfactory academic achieve-

ment (C average or better and on grade level) at previous school.

C. The student's attendance is in compliance with

the GCBE Attendance Policy , JDB.

D. The student's parents/guardians are willing to

furnish transportation to and from school in a

punctual manner.

E. Parents/Guardians will be required to enter into

a yearly contractual agreement.

F. The administration will have the discretion to

enroll out-of-district students as long as the en-

rollment does not violate state standards and/or

the provision of this policy.

The administration will have the authority to

require written documentation of residency.

II. Any out-of-district student may move back to their

original school at any time. None of the restrictions

of this policy apply to a move back home school. A

A student who moves back to his/her home school district will not be allowed another transfer prior to completion of all grade levels at the home school.

III. A request for transfer application must be completed

for all students desiring a transfer. Applications will

dated as received for those students who meet the

requirements and will be considered in the order

received.

IV. Parents/Guardians enrolling a student under false

pretenses would be sufficient reason to void a

contract.

V. When a minor or repeated infractions of the con-

tracts occur, the administration will notify the

parent and/or the student. Subsequent non-

compliance with the contract or any major

infraction will be sufficient cause to render null

and void and/or will be reason for non-renewal

of the contract.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The following sports activities will be offered: football, softball, basketball, wrestling, soccer, track, golf, and cheerleading. Some of the club activities offered include Academic Bowl, yearbook, National Junior Honor Society, Jr. Beta Club, F.O.R.C.E. (Friends Offering Right Choices Everywhere), Chorus, 4-H, Band, Science Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletics. Others may be organized depending upon request and needs of students. Any inter-school activity means that a student must be academically eligible. Eligibility means that a student must have passed five (5) subjects during the previous semester. Connection classes are averaged together for one grade. If a particular activity has no inter-school competition, specific eligibility rules are stated in the by-laws of the organization. A student who is assigned ISS/OSS on the date of a competition is not allowed to participate in the competition.

A further requirement for athletic participation is a physical examination. This is done on a yearly basis and forms may be obtained from the Athletic Director. Athletic participation requires a $25 fee for the year. This money is used to help pay for program maintenance such as supplies and portions of the uniforms and for referees for the entire year. Activities may require more than these minimums. Each coach will send a letter including all requirements.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

A counselor is available to assist with making adjustments to school, to understand self-direction, to plan a career, or to deal with everyday problems. If you wish to see a counselor, please obtain a pass from your teacher or make an appointment before school starts. The counselor will call you to the office as soon as he has available time. The counselor will also provide assistance when a student is entering or withdrawing from school. The counselor's office, however, is not a "sick bay" area nor is it a place to go daily to avoid class.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

If a teacher and a student are having difficulty, the student and/or parent can request a conference with the student's team of teachers just as a teacher can request a conference with parents. A conference is scheduled with the principal only if conflicts between teachers and parents cannot be resolved . If a parent is still not satisfied, he/she may refer the situation to the Superintendent of Gordon County Schools.

HOMEWORK

Teachers in each team will work together to provide students with the appropriate amount of homework. Parents are encouraged to provide a quiet place to complete assignments. Homework is considered to be an integral part of student learning and will become a portion of each student's grade. Parental support is vital. Parents, please ask students to show you their homework daily. If you have questions, please contact your child's teacher. You may look at the AMS website (

www.gcbe.org/ams

) to check homework assignments for your child.