student handbook 08-09

8/14/2019 Student Handbook 08-09

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MCNAIR MIDDLE SCHOOL

2800 Burdett Road

College Rd, GA 30349

SCHOOL TELEPHONE 770-991-4160

SCHOOL FAX 770-991-4165

Welcome to McNair Middle School

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our students and parents

to McNair Middle School. We are pleased to be able to provide you with this

student planner. It will enable each of you to keep track of school assignments,

school events, personal planning, and school information. Policies which

students should be familiar with have also been included. On behalf of the

McNair Middle School faculty and staff, I wish you a productive and enjoyable

school year.

Ronald L. Taylor, Sr., Principal

Motto

Success is the end result of your childs learning experiences. McNair: we

expand the walls of the classroom. -Taylor

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Principal- Ronald L. Taylor, Sr.

Assistant Principal- Cheryl Perkins

Assistant Principal- Gregory Thoms

Instructional Support- Robert Wilson

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Denise Russell and Dean Chandler

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

School Office 770-991-4160

Guidance Counselors Office 770-991-4168

FAX Number 770-991-4165

Fulton County Transportation 770-969-6060

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

School Colors: Red, Blue, and White


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Commitment Statement

We believe in the success of all students. Each student while unique and

different has the capability to be a successful learner. We believe our students

can learn with family encouragement and involvement. We remain committed to the

success of our students by working in partnership with parents, guardians, and

other stakeholders to bring all available resources together to ensureefficiency for effective learning in the classroom.

This we commit to you daily throughout the school year!

CLINIC

Internal medication (prescription or over-the-counter) may not be given

without the necessary forms on file in the clinic. Prescription medication

requires that the form be signed by the prescribing physician; over-the-counter

medication requires that the form be signed by a parent. Medication should be

clearly labeled and sent to the clinic, where it will be administered under the

direct supervision of school employees. Students may NOT carry medication while

at school.

ACCIDENTS/MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

All accidents, however minor, must be immediately reported to the main office.

McNair has a clinic for student illness or injury; however students who are too

ill to remain in school should make arrangements to go home. Paramedics will

transport students who are injured to the nearest hospital. Attempts will be

made to contact parents for consent prior to transport depending on the

seriousness of the injury. The school board does not provide medical benefits

for injuries occurring on school property. However, an Accidental Medical

Expense Insurance Plan is available. For more information, contact the

bookkeeper in the main office.

ATTENDANCE

Absences

Regular attendance is essential to the learning process and is required by state

law. Excessive absences may result in a contact from the School Social Worker.

Students who are absent from school are deprived of a variety of educational

experiences shared with their peers. Whenever a student is absent for any

reason, a note from the parent must be sent to the homeroom teacher upon return

to school stating the reason for the absence. Due to the in-depth teaching and

learning that occurs everyday, it is critical that students not miss school. If

a student is absent from school, it is imperative that he/she meet with each

teacher to get all missed assignments.

Excused absences

1. The excuse must state the reason for the absence and be signed by the

students parent or guardian.

2. A students absence from school or class will be considered excused when it

is due to any of the following circumstances:

a. Personal illness of the student.

b. Attendance at school would be detrimental to the health of the student

or others.


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c. A serious illness or death in the students immediate family

necessitating absence from school.

3. Compliance with a court order or an order issued by a governmental agency,

including an order for a pre-induction physical examination or service in the

armed forces, mandating absence from school.

4. Observance of religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.

5. Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to the students

health or safety.6. Serving as a page in the Georgia General Assembly.

7. Absences not exceeding a cumulative total of three (3) days per semester for

the following reasons, but only if the absence has been pre-approved by the

principal or designee:

a. Scholarship interviews/college visitations.

b. Travel opportunity with educational benefits.

c. Graduation or wedding of a close family member.

d. Specialized educational experience.

e. Other circumstances agreeable to the parent and principal.

8. Up to 10 instructional days (60 instructional hours) per year for school-

sponsored non-instructional activities (defined as functions during the school

day that are under the auspices or sponsorship of a school or the school

system) that are specifically approved in advance by the principal or

designee. The principal shall ensure that an accurate record of all suchabsences is maintained.

Unexcused Absences

A students absence from school or class for any reason other than those listed

above will be considered an unexcused absence.

Make-up Work for Excused and Unexcused Absences

Parent(s)/guardian(s) and student(s) are encouraged to request make-up work

for any excused or unexcused absence. Make-up work may be requested before,

during or after the students absence, subject to the following:

Requesting Make-up Work Before or During an Absence

1. Students who are absent should ask another student in the same class

to get class assignments and homework for them. Alternatively, parents

may request assignments in person, by phone, or by letter. Assignments

may be picked up one school day after the request is made.

Requesting Make-up Work After an Absence

1. Upon returning to school following an absence, it is a students

responsibility to contact the teacher or teachers to request make-up

work. The contact should be made on the day the student returns to

school unless the teacher allows a longer time. Make-up work must be completed

by the student within the time specified by the teacher.

Homebound Services

Homebound services are available to students expected to be absent for ten or

more school days due to surgery or non-contagious illnesses. A doctors

statement is required, and referral forms are available through the school

office.


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CODE OF CONDUCT

McNair Middle School supports the State Superintendent in efforts to reduce

school violence. It is our belief that good discipline is one of the

cornerstones of a good education, and that to ensure good discipline a cohesive

and cooperative relationship must exist between the home and the school. The

policy we have developed provides close communication with parents at the onsetof discipline problems. We feel that together we can find alternatives for

students, so they can experience success in relationships at home and school.

Certain forms of misconduct or disobedience of classroom, school, or bus rules

and Board policy by students make it necessary for disciplinary action to be

taken. This misbehavior may occur at school, on the way to or from school, or at

school-sponsored activities. In addition to the conduct rules listed below,

students are expected to follow all rules of conduct passed by the Fulton County

Board of Education. Each student will be issued a copy of Guidelines for Student

Behavior, published by the office of the Director of Student Discipline. Parents

and students are expected to review all information relating to discipline.

Behavior Expectations:

At McNair Middle School, the learning environment must be established and

maintained by the entire McNair family: students, faculty, parents, and

community members.

We expect all McNair family members to be responsible, prepared,

respectful, and cooperative.

1. Be responsible

a. Come to school every day!

b. Be on time.

c. Display appropriate behavior at ALL times.

d. Accept the responsibility and consequences for your actions.

e. Dress appropriately.

2. Be prepared.f. Bring all supplies.

g. Be on time.

h. Do your homework.

3. Be respectful.

i. Respect the learning environment.

j. Respect yourself.

k. Respect adults.

l. Respect peers.

m. Respect school and personal property.

4. Be cooperative.

n. Help others.

o. Follow directions and procedures.

p. Participate in all class activities.

Rewards for Meeting Expectations:

Rewards for good behavior will range from tangible items and privileges to more

intrinsic gratification. Rewards will be sponsored by the teacher and

administration. School wide programs designed to promote a positive climate will

be implemented.


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Consequences for Failure to Meet Expectations:

The principal or other duly authorized personnel will determine the appropriate

level of consequence dependent upon the severity of the infraction.

1. Warning

2. Parent contact

3. Team meeting with parent, student, and grade level administrator.

4. Detention5. Office referral

Guns, Drugs, Gangs

1. The Fulton County School System takes seriously its responsibility to

educate its students in safe and drug-free schools where they are free from

fear of harm or intimidation by a few. Therefore, weapons, drugs and gang

activity will not be tolerated in Fulton County Schools. Students who violate

Board of Education rules or State laws related to these offenses will be

suspended or expelled from school. Violators will also be reported to the

police and may be charged with a felony and arrested. These rules apply to

all students: at school or school-sponsored activities including field trips,

and on buses, athletic fields, stadiums, parking lots, official school bus

stops, and any other sites used for school-sponsored activities.

2. Violations and consequences include:

a. Students found with a DEADLY WEAPON (pistols, shotguns, rifles, stun

guns, knives with 3 or longer blade, pellet/bb guns, martial arts

weapons, razors, etc.) on their body or in their book bag, purse, locker

or car while on school property face expulsion from school and will be

reported to police. Violators may be charged with a felony, which can

result in a fine of up to $5000 and/or one to five years in jail.

b. Students found selling or distributing ILLEGAL DRUGS face expulsion

from school. Those found in possession of or using illegal drugs will be

suspended or expelled from school and will be reported to the police.

c. Any student who engages in an ACTIVITY that threatens, intimidates, or

physically harms another student faces possible expulsion from school

and the filing of charges with the police. Be advised that if this

activity is gang-related, additional criminal charges may be filed under

the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

d. Possession of mace, tear gas, acid, pepper gas or other chemicals on

school grounds and/or to and from school events is prohibited.

Consequences of possession range from suspension to expulsion.

Violation of this rule is a mandatory referral to the system level

Disciplinary Tribunal.

McNair Conduct Rules and Regulations

1. Students shall not be absent from class or required school functions without

permission of a teacher, principal or other school official. Students shall not

enter off-limits areas (including teachers lounge and workroom).

2. Students may not leave the school grounds during the instructional day for

any reason unless accompanied by an appropriate adult. Students who do

leave must be signed out through the office. Students shall not be absent

from school without parental permission.

3. Toys, radios, computer games, cassette players, CD players, or any other


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electronic devices deemed inappropriate by administrative staff are not

allowed during the instructional day. Items will be confiscated and only

retrieved by a parent or guardian. Students will be expected to make

restitution for damaged or stolen property. Failure to attempt to return found

personal or school property shall be considered theft.

4. Students shall not alter school forms/documents or forge signatures on

papers, forms or documents.

5. Gambling in any form is prohibited. Examples are flipping quarters, rollingdice, etc.

6. Profanity, obscene gestures, and obscene acts are prohibited. Inappropriate

materials are not allowed.

7. Fighting and generally disruptive behavior including making harmful/deadly

threats (regardless of intent) is prohibited on the campus, on the bus, en

route to and from school, and school-sponsored activities.

8. A student shall not carry, possess, or have under his/her control an

explosive compound, weapon of any variety, or look alike objects which take on

the appearance of a weapon, including but not limited to starter pistols, water

guns, and toy pistols. This rule is in effect on school property, at school

functions and en route to and from school or school-sponsored activities.

Criminal charges will be filed against any student found in possession of a

weapon, tool, or instrument which is included in the states definition of

prohibited weapons (O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1).9. A student shall not use a cellular phone during the school day. All cellular

phones must be turned off and kept in student lockers. Cellular phones seen or

heard during the school day will be confiscated and returned to the parents.

10. Harassment and/or bullying in any form (written, verbal, or physical) of any

nature (sexual, racial, religious, etc.) is prohibited. Students shall not

engage in intimidation or extortion.

11. A student shall not possess, sell, attempt to sell, use or transmit alcohol,

drugs,or any psychoactive substance, or drug paraphernalia of any kind. Students

shall not possess, sell, attempt to sell, use, or transmit any substance under

the pretense that it is alcohol, drugs, any psychoactive substance, or drug

paraphernalia of any kind. This policy is in effect on school grounds, during

school-sponsored activities and while en route to and from school.

12. Students shall not possess, sell, attempt to sell, use, or transmit tobacco

in any form or tobacco-related products such as rolling papers, matches, orlighters. This policy is in effect on school grounds, during school-sponsored

activities, and while utilizing transportation provided by the Fulton County

Board of Education.

13. There will be no inappropriate displays of affection

14. All students shall dress appropriately so as not to disrupt or interfere

with the educational program or the orderly operation of the school.

Determination of appropriate dress shall be determined by administration.

Students not able to get a change of clothes will be sent to the ISS room for

the day. Students will not be allowed to attend class improperly dressed.

15. Students may not sell or distribute products of any kind on the school

campus or on school transportation unless duly authorized by the principal.

16. Students are not permitted to visit another campus without permission. No

students are permitted to visit the campus of McNair Middle School

without permission from the school administration.

17. Students shall comply with school rules and the directions and commands of

all authorized school personnel.

18. Special rules or standards of conduct will be set up for extended field work

and special events. Parents will always be notified of these rules and

regulations.

19. Students who are suspended in or out of school are suspended from all

school activities during the date(s) of the suspension.

20. Students may not bring computer software and/or disks to be used on school


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computers without prior approval of school administration.

21. Fulton County policies and procedures will be followed in all disciplinary

cases.

22. Students shall not engage in any behaviors that may be associated with

gangs or similar organizations.

23. Students are expected to behave in an appropriate and courteous manner

when in the common areas of the school, i.e., hallways, cafeteria. When

inappropriate behavior occurs students will be assigned a consequence andparents will be notified.

Listed below are examples of inappropriate behaviors:

a. Shouting, running and general horse play

b. Showing disrespect to a staff member: inappropriate response when

addressed by any adult in the building, which is to include ignoring or

disrespectful tone

c. Being in undesignated area: time periods include before, during, and

after school

d. Behaving inappropriately in an assembly

e. Being in the hall without a pass

f. Going to a locker at the wrong time

g. Showing public display of affectionh. Displaying physical or verbal abuse to another student

i. Using inappropriate language (which is to include profanity and

vulgarity)

j. Creating unsafe hallways by clumping and grouping so that passage

through the hall is difficult

Please refer to Fulton County Code of Conduct for a complete, detailed

description of policy and procedure.

Book Bags

Rolling book bags are not permitted at MMS. Book bags should be a standard

size and should easily fit in lockers. Students will not be allowed to transport

book bags to class during instructional time. The school will not assume

responsibility for lost or theft of student book bags.

Unauthorized Use of/Tampering With School Computers

1. MMSs purpose in providing access to the Internet is to support research and

education by providing access to unique resources. The use of this access

must be in support of educational research and consistent with the

educational objectives of Fulton County Schools. Sending or receiving of any

material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited.

2. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use

will result in cancellation of the privilege. The administration will deem what

is inappropriate use.

a. Rule Students who use school computer equipment must follow

guidelines outlined by the instructor. Unauthorized use, tampering with,

or altering computer hardware or software is prohibited. In addition,

students may not use disks brought from home. The use of school

computers for unauthorized access to the Internet is prohibited.

b. Procedures Students will be prohibited from using the school

equipment for a designated period of time and held responsible for the

cost of repairs and down time that results from the misuse. Disciplinary

sanctions may also be imposed by the administration.


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PARENTS/GUARDIANS RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Encourage child to attend school regularly. Students should not miss

school, unless there is a legitimate need.

2. Encourage child to attend school on time. Students should not be tardy or

check out early, unless there is a serious need.

3. Communicate with the school by sending notes for any instances of childbeing late, absent, or having to leave early from school. Always include the

reason for tardiness or absence or need to check out, the date(s), and a

parent contact phone number, so that note can be verified.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Teachers and school staff must be able to reach parents/guardians to

communicate about students progress, to send information, or to reach someone

in the case of an emergency. Whenever a students address or other pertinent

information changes it is critical that the new information be given to the

school. To update student information, a student or parent can complete a Change

of Address/Student Information form, available from the guidance office. A

parent must make changes to emergency contact information in person.

DRESS CODE

Fulton County Dress Code Policy (Fulton County Board of Education JD, Rule 12):

Students atMcNair are expected to dress and groom themselves in such a way as

to reflect neatness, cleanliness and safety. All students shall dress

appropriately so as not to disrupt or interfere with the educational program or

orderly operation of the school. Extremes in dress and grooming will not be

permitted. Examples are: lack of cleanliness in person or dress; shoeless;

short-short skirts (legging undergarments are not permitted), clothing; bare

midriffs; tank tops; see-through clothing,, apparel which designates gangs or

similar organizations, drugs or any dress that is disruptive to the educational

process. Heavy, long jewelry is prohibited. Designated dress involving school

activities approved by the principal shall be acceptable. The principal or other

duly authorized school officials shall determine whether any particular mode ofdress or grooming results in a violation of the spirit and/or the intent of this

rule.

McNair Middle School Dress Code-The school administration reserves the right to

determine whether the students attire is within the limits of decency and

modesty, and it interferes with or distracts from the learning environment or

the operation of the school. (Policy 6.310)

1. Clothing must fit correctly. Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn at the

waist.

2. Sagging pants will not be tolerated.3. Young men must tuck in their shirts and wear a belt. The belt should be

visible and at the waist at all times (large belt buckles and mouth grillsare not permitted).

4. Halters, see-through blouses or pants, low cut blouses, sun dresses,

blouses made to show the bare midriff (stomach), tank tops, or muscleshirts will not be permitted.

5. Pants or skirts with frayed edges (or holes) are not acceptable during

school. Pants may not drag the floor.

6. Undergarments must be covered by another appropriate article of clothing

at all times.

7. The leg(s) of pants may not be rolled up.


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8. T-shirts and pants must be in good taste (no suggestive wording orillustrations or advertisements for the items, which are illegal for

middle school students-i.e. alcohol and tobacco products, weapons,violence or of such a nature to cause disruption in the school).

9. Hats, curlers, head scarves, combs, hair picks, bandannas, sweat bands,

sunglasses, and gloves may not be worn during school.

10.Head apparel, except for religious or medical purposes, must not be worn

inside the school building.11.Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops or house shoes (includingbeach shoes) are not permitted for safety reasons.

12. Clothing should not be worn backwards or inside out.

12.Only lightweight jackets or sweaters may be worn in the classroom.

13.Body piercing (facial piercing or tongue) is not allowed.14.Tattoos should not be visible.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

No CD, MP3, iPod players, etc. at school. They are really distracting and

often students misplace them or they are stolen.

Communication devices, especially cellular telephones, must be in theoff position upon arrival on campus. Students should have phones turned on while

on campus.

No tank-top t-shirts (wife-beaters), spaghetti-strapped shirts, sleeveless

shirts/jerseys, head gear in the building, wave caps/scarves on campus or

school events (excluding religious or medical garments), eye shades in the

building, exposed midriffs, see-through shorts or skirts with lengths above

the finger tips.

No derogatory phrases or graphics on garments promoting unlawful practices

on clothing or student possessions.

Students must wear pants at waste-line....no sagging.

Any items and/or behaviors deemed counter-productive to safety and/or

student achievement will not be tolerated.

ENTRY AND WITHDRAWALS

Registration for students NEW to Fulton County Schools can be done on

Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m.-12 p.m. or by appointment with a

counselor.

The following documents are required for registration:

1. Photo ID from parent

2. 2 proofs of Residency

-Lease agreement or mortgage statement

-Current utility bill

3. Birth Certificate

4. Current Immunization Record on GA form

5. Ear, Eye and Dental Form

6. Social Security number

7. Transcript from previous school

8. Discipline Record from previous school

9. ****Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, persons enrolling a student

shall submit notarized Affidavit of Residence (SS-8) upon enrollment and at

the beginning of each school year, stating that their student resides in the

school attendance zone, or has an approved hardship or other placement, for

the school they attend.

To withdraw from McNair Middle School student and/or parent must:


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1. Inform Records Clerk before 8:30 a.m. of intention to withdraw; by

completing a withdrawal form (parent/guardian will complete for students

under 18 years old).

2. Student will continue to attend classes until summoned to the guidance office

by secretary who will be checking status of outstanding fees for lost books or

equipment, fines, etc.

3. Pay all fees/fines to receive student records and process the withdrawal.

4. Pick up withdrawal forms and student records from the records clerk within48 hours between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILL

Fire and tornado drills will be held monthly. All students must be familiar with

the Fire Evacuation Route for each room in which they have a class. Drills must

be executed seriously, quietly, and in an orderly manner for everyones

protection.

HALL PASSES

Students are not to be in the hallways during class time without written

authorization from a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Students will show

their hall pass to any teacher or administrator who is monitoring the hall.

LOCKERS

A. Students may rent lockers for the safekeeping of books and personal

property. Only school assigned locks may be put on lockers. It is the

responsibility of the student to guard his/her combination and to see that

his/her locker is secure. Lockers remain the property of the school and are

subject to periodic inspections by school personnel at any time during the

year. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by school

authorities for any reason at any time without notice, without student

consent, and without a search warrant.

B. Fees may be paid at the time a student registers for school. The only

acceptable forms of payment are cash or money order. No personal checks

will be accepted.

PERSONAL PROPERTY/LOST AND FOUND

The school makes every effort to help students safeguard their valuables.

However, the ultimate responsibility for this lies with the student. Name labels

should be placed on personal articles and wearing apparel, especially on P.E.

uniforms. All lost articles will be placed in the lost and found. Students

should not bring large amounts of money to school. All valuables should be left

in locked lockers, particularly during P.E. The school is not responsible for

lost, damaged, or stolen articles. In the event a student is missing a personal

item, the student should file a theft/damage report in the office. All lost and

found items will be placed in a designated area. Parents are encouraged to check

the designated area for students lost personal items. Unclaimed items will be

donated to Goodwill at the end of each month. Clothing marked with a students

name will be returned to the owner.

BUS CONDUCT

All students are expected to follow the rules and procedures as outlined in the

Fulton County Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook. Consequences include,

but are not limited to:


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a. Warning/Parent Notification

b. Bus suspension short-term or permanent

c. Additional consequences determined by Fulton County Discipline Cycle.

CLASSROOM PARTIES

Classroom parties are not permitted in the middle school. This includes birthday

parties as well as parties during holiday seasons.

VISITORS

The school extends a courteous welcome to all visitors who have a legitimate

reason for visiting the school. All visitors must check in at the main office to

obtain a visitor pass. Passes will only be issued to parents and adults. Under

no circumstances will a visitor be allowed to infringe on students or teachers

class time. Parents may request a conference through the guidance office, but

are not permitted to go directly to a classroom. Non-McNair students will not begiven visitor passes and if found loitering on campus or in the building will be

charged with criminal trespass.

WEATHER EMERGENCY

During periods of inclement weather, when buses have difficulty traveling or

school may have been closed, students should listen to WSB or WXIA television

channels and 750AM and WGST 640 AM radio stations to find out about the status

of school for that day.

BEHAVIOR RULES/REGULATIONS

Student Behavior

Students must know the rules and regulations of the school, as well as the

consequences of breaking those rules and regulations. In order for a discipline

program to be successful, individuals must be responsible for their own

behavior. Students must accept ownership for their actions and of their academic

success or failure. Students are expected to comply with the rules and

regulations of the school, as described in this section. Students who reach step

five of the McNair Middle School Discipline Cycle will be placed on step one of

the Fulton County Discipline Policy. The following violations carry an automatic

tribunal referral: assault or battery on another student; assault or battery ona teacher or school employee; vandalism to school, student, or private property;use of weapon, mace, or pepper gas; bomb threat; sale/distribution of alcohol,controlled substances or paraphernalia; arson; possession of a weapon withintent to do harm. Possession or use of drugs and/or alcohol carries anautomatic 10 days Out-of-School Suspension on the first violation.

Detention

If assigned detention by teacher, report before or after school, as assigned, to

teachers room. If assigned detention by administrator, report before or after


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school, as assigned, to ISS room to serve detention. Report for detention on

time -students who are late or who do not report for detention will be assigned

ISS. Do not bring prohibited materials, which include headphones, radios,

pagers, cards, and any non-academic items. Students may ride the sweep bus home

if assigned after school detention.

ISS - In-School Suspension

Students who are assigned In-School Suspension (ISS) will report to the ISS

room at 8:00 a.m. Students must work throughout the day on school

work/assignments. Students remain the entire day in the ISS room.

OSS - Out-of-School-Suspension

Students assigned Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) may not come to school,

campus, or attend any school functions hosted at McNair, or any other Fulton

County property. Students who return to school during their suspension will be

charged with criminal trespassing. Students are responsible for obtaining makeupwork from teachers upon completion of the suspension term, as well as for

completing the work and turning it in. Although students may request work during

suspension, teachers are not obligated to provide these assignments, and may opt

instead to wait until students return.

TARDIES

It is the responsibility of the parents and the student for the student to

arrive on time. Oversleeping is not a legitimate excuse for tardiness. An

excused tardy would be due to illness, medical appointments, and other legal

excuses. Please send a note with your child when he/she is tardy. All medical

appointments should be verified with a physicians note. All students who are

tardy must report to the office before reporting to class. Chronic tardiness

will result in disciplinary action.

EXCUSED TARDIES

1. A parent accompanies student to the Attendance Office to check-in andverifies the reason for the excused tardy.

2. A student presents a doctors excuse (on doctors office stationery)

3. Personal illness

4. Serious illness in the immediate family

5. Death in the immediate family

6. Religious holiday

7. Extremely bad weather

Fulton County does not penalize students for excused absences; if the work

missed is turned in on time.

EARLY DISMISSAL

If a student needs to leave before school is dismissed, a note from the parent

or guardian must be sent to the office, and the student will be listed on the

check-out sheet. Parents or guardians must come to the office in person to

sign out their children. Checkouts are discouraged during Connections block time

due to safety and supervision concerns. No student will be released from class

45 minutes prior to dismissal time. A picture ID is required when a parent is

checking out a student. This procedure is necessary for security reasons. Your

understanding is appreciated. Your cooperation with this procedure is requested

as it minimizes interruptions to instruction. In an emergency, a parent may come

directly to the office to request that a student be dismissed early.


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ACADEMIC POLICIES

Promotion Policy

1. A student shall be promoted when, in the professional judgment of the

teacher, the principal and other school staff, he/she has successfully met

instructional-level standards based on the following:

a. Georgia Performance Standards for Georgia Public Schoolsb. Fulton County School System Curriculum Guides

c. Standardized test data, as appropriate

2. Middle school students in grades 6, 7, and 8 must have a passing grade in

language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, reading/foreign

language and one of the following: a combination of grades in the exploratory

segment. A passing semester grade in the exploratory or physical

education/health segment is accomplished by earning an average of 70 or

above when averaging the combination of two 9-week grades during the

semester. Any student who receives an average for both semesters of 69

and below shall fail the subject for the year. Students who are not promoted

are either placed in the next grade or retained in the same grade.

3. A failing grade in a subject can be made up by the student earning a passing

grade in an appropriate subject during a summer school session.

4. If an eighth-grader scores level one on the CRCT in reading or math, he/shewill not pass to the next grade, but will be given opportunity to attend the

four-week, twenty full days of summer school along with the other 6th, 7th,

and 8th graders who failed a course.

GRADING SYSTEM

Grading Scale

90 and above A

80-89 B

70-79 C

BELOW 70 F

1. At the conclusion of a semester, with the approval of the principal, teachersmay give students who are absent for extended periods of time an incomplete

grade. The student will be given the opportunity to make up the work and have

the incomplete grade changed to a numerical grade. (Grading procedures subject

to change based on Board Policy.)

REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS, INTERIM REPORTS, GRADING

No grade is required on a progress report or report card if the student has been

enrolled in the school fewer than 20 school days of the grading period an/or

there have been no grades received from the previous school for that time

period. Students coming from another school system or private school are given

the grade the sending school indicates. The final grade is determined by

combining the transfer grade and the grades earned in the Fulton County School

District.

GRADE REVIEW

1. If a students parents or guardians request any review, modification, or

appeal of an evaluation or assessment, the following procedure will be


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followed:

a. The parent shall arrange a conference with the teacher or team of

teachers within 15 calendar days of the issuance of the grade. The

conference should be held within seven calendar days after contact by

the parent.

b. If the parent is not satisfied with the outcome of the conference, the

parent may appeal within seven calendar days to the assistant principal

for the students grade level for a second review. Upon request, theassistant principal shall arrange for a conference with the teacher,

parent, and if appropriate, the student. This conference should be held

within 7 calendar days of the appeal. The assistant principal will make

the final decision based on information obtained from the conference

and a review of the teachers grading procedures.

c. A final appeal may be requested of the principal, who will review all

information presented in the previous conference and will confer with the

parent, teacher, and if appropriate, the student. The decision issued by

the principal is a final decision.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

ATHLETICS - REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

A yearly physical examination is required. The physical must be completed by a

medical doctor and submitted to the coach prior to participation. The physical

covers all sports for one calendar year. The form will be kept on file in the

high school athletic office. Each athletes parent(s)/guardian(s) must complete

an Emergency Medical Authorization Form giving permission for treatment by a

physician or hospital when the parent(s)/guardian(s) are not available. The form

will be kept in the athletic office for use as needed. The school district

provides an opportunity to purchase insurance to cover student athletic

injuries. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to sign a form stating that they

either have purchased the necessary school insurance or are in possession of a

family insurance plan that covers athletic injury. If a family insurance plan is

used, the family must provide the school with the name of the insurance company

and the policy number on the appropriate form. In order to participate in an

interscholastic activity, each athlete must have satisfied all of the scholasticeligibility requirements prior to participation.

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES

McNair offers a wide range of clubs and activities for students. These are

offered before and/or after school. A full listing of these clubs and activities

will be available and opportunities will be provided for students to enroll

shortly after the beginning of school.

AFTER-SCHOOL DANCES/EVENING EVENTS

All after-school functions are chaperoned by school personnel. If the activity

is a fund-raiser for a club or cause, an admission fee will be charged.

Concessions will be available for purchase at many after-school functions.

Students are expected to abide by all school rules whenever they are in the

building or attending any school function. The following rules for dances/

evening activities are in effect at McNair Middle School:

1. Dances are open only to students currently enrolled at McNair Middle

School.

2. Students should arrive at the beginning of the dance/activity.

3. Students leaving the building before the conclusion of the dance/activity


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must have written permission from and be signed out by a parent or legal

guardian.

4. Once students leave, they may not re-enter the building.

5. Dances are restricted to the gymnasium and cafeteria (and adjoining

restroom facilities).

6. Students are to comply with the school dress code unless another type of

costume or dress has been designated for the occasion.

7. Running, horseplay, and roughhousing are prohibited.8. Students must make arrangements to have parents or designees pick them

up promptly at the conclusion of the dance/activity. Those who fail to complywith this may be restricted from participation on future after schoolactivities.9. Students absent or suspended from school (in or out) on the day of a

dance/activity will not be permitted to attend the function.

10. Discipline and behavior policies of the school and school system are ineffect at all after-school functions.

Please visit our school website at www.mcnairmiddleschool.org

student handbook 08-09

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