22-23 Student Handbook

Disclaimer: As we begin 2022-2023, we seek to maintain as much normalcy as possible, our ultimate goal is to keep students, faculty, and staff safe. Any and all necessary changes or updates in practices that are recommended for the safety and well-being of this group will take precedence over information shared here.

Mission and Vision

MCHS Mission:Our mission is to ensure that all students will be successful in their learning and personal development through a system characterized by extensive community and parental involvement, quality resources, an exemplary staff, a safe and caring environment, and a challenging, personalized educational program encompassing advanced technology.

MCHS Vision: Preparing Lifelong Learners for an
Ever-Changing World.

School Calendar

Bell Schedule

Morgan County High School Daily Bell Schedule

Grade Reporting Dates

Grade will be posted at 6, 12, and 18 weeks:

First Semester Second Semester

September 14 February 28

November 2 April 12

January 4 May 30

Cafeteria

Children need healthy meals to learn. Morgan County Charter School System offers healthy meals every school day.

Meal Prices

Lunch: $2.50 Reduced Lunch: $.40

Breakfast: $1.75 Reduced Breakfast: $.30

Packets are available online or in the lunchroom where you can access an application for free or reduced price meal benefits, and a set of detailed instructions. All packets need to be turned in within the first 30 days of school.

Online access to Free and Reduced Meal Applications: https://www.morgan.k12.ga.us/departments/school-nutrition/free-and-reduced-meal-applications-english

MCHS offers online meal payments online at: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/index.jsp

Cafeteria Purchases Automatic Payments

Check cafeteria balances & purchases

Receive low balance alerts

Set up automatic payments

Transportation:

The Morgan County Charter School System operates bus service for all pupils. Transportation is provided for a morning ride to school and an afternoon ride home from school.

Hygienic Safety:

Students are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering while riding the bus. A hand sanitizer dispenser is displayed at the entrance of each bus. Students are encouraged to use the hand sanitizer when boarding the bus and anytime during the bus ride when he or she feels the hands are not clean. Since social distancing is not possible on a Morgan County School Bus, assigned seats will likely be required to enhance contact tracing should someone develop symptoms.

Behavior:

A student is expected to act in a quiet and orderly manner when loading, riding, and unloading the bus. This service is a privilege and may be denied for undesirable behavior. The bus driver must be obeyed at all times. If a student feels an order from the driver is unjust, it should be obeyed nonetheless and then the incident reported to the Transportation Manager. Students who come to school on the bus should return home on the bus unless he/she has a note from the parent or guardian and signed by the principal or designee.

Well-behaved students will be rewarded with Bus Bucks. Bus Bucks can be used to purchase items from the Bus Bucks Catalog available from the Transportation Department and bus drivers.

All bus discipline cases of safety violations are viewed as serious violations. Drivers will make the final decision as to whether or not to file a report on a student for any rule violation.

A 5(five) step discipline program will be followed before a report is filed. However, the bus driver does NOT have to use all five steps if the offense is severe and causes immediate injury to others. Physical violence (or language that leads to physical violence) of any kind may result in suspension from the bus for the balance of the semester and some offenses may result in a stronger penalty depending on the severity of the offense.

The “5 Step Program” and the consequences are as follows:

If a student misbehaves:

Step 1: The driver will assign a seat on the bus to a student who misbehaves and may assign seats to all students if necessary.

Step 2: The driver will have a private conversation with the student on school grounds.

Step 3: The driver will reassign the student to a seat that will help prevent the misbehavior.

Step 4: The driver will notify Transportation of a behavior problem and the manager or a representative will have a private conversation with the student on school grounds. At this step, a phone call or an email to the parents will take place.

Step 5: The driver will issue a bus referral to the student and provide the Transportation Manager with the documentation of the previous 4 steps.

A bus referral at Step 5 will result in a written warning and a posted letter to the parent/guardian. This warning will be entered in the student’s permanent file and behavior record.

A second referral will result in an automatic bus suspension of 3 days for primary/elementary and 5 days for middle/high.

A third referral will be a longer bus suspension and require the student and a parent/guardian to attend a One Hour Safety Program at the Transportation Facility. The student will be suspended off the bus until they attend the program. When the parent/guardian and student attend the program, riding privileges will be returned. If the parent/guardian and student refuse to attend the program, the student will be suspended from the bus for the full length of the suspension.

When the student returns to the bus, future misbehavior will NOT be tolerated and the “5 Step Program” will NOT start over. The driver may issue a fourth referral to the student. Discipline action for future referrals for misbehavior will be at the discretion of the Transportation Manager with the input of the student’s driver and/or administrator. Future discipline action could result in a minimum of 10-day bus suspension up to and including suspension for the remainder of the semester. If a student is suspended for the remainder of the semester, the 5 Step Program will reactivate when the student returns to the bus the following semester.

1:1 Guidelines & Expectations

As a part of the Mission of MCCSS to offer students a “personalized education program using advanced technology”, Morgan County High School will be implementing our One to One Technology Program by issuing Chromebooks* to each student to allow them to use Google Classroom and other instructional programs to support their learning. Students are expected to bring a fully charged Chromebook to school every day and bring their Chromebooks to all classes.

* A Chromebook is a laptop running Chrome as an operating system. This means that the Chromebook does not have a “hard drive” and does not have its own memory. Having WIFI or Internet availability off of our campus is needed for the Chromebook to be fully functional. There are several places in our community that offer free WIFI and many families use portable data devices.

Appropriate Uses and Digital Citizenship

School-issued Chromebooks should be used for educational purposes only and students are to adhere to the MCCSS Digital Citizenship Agreement at all times. Violations of the school’s Code of Conduct or the Agreement will be addressed and can impact a student’s discipline record.

Students are being provided with a device to allow access to their educational programs in a variety of settings, including off of the MCHS campus. Even while off of school property, they are to only be used for educational purposes. For this reason, parents are reminded to treat the Chromebook at home as any other personal electronic device. It is recommended that Chromebooks be turned in and charged at night in a designated location in the home and not in the student's bedroom. This may be a good opportunity to create or review a Family Technology Usage plan. There are many examples available online so you can determine what works best for you and your student.

See MCHS Chromebook Contract

Opportunities & Preparation for College & Career

Morgan County High School offers you a unique opportunity for a meaningful, one-of-a-kind high school experience. The 2022-23 school year promises to be memorable, as we Learn, Lead and Thrive together. You have the opportunity to take advantage of multiple opportunities to be successful at Morgan County High School: A Georgia College & Career Academy.

This year, you will have more options than ever to prepare for college and career. You are encouraged to explore those options, determine your direction, and identify the educational path that will prepare you for post-high school success. Support starts the moment you enter the Freshman Academy and continues throughout your high school career with RAMP, which is a time for you to focus on Reading, Accelerating, Make-up, and PBL weekly for each class period.

Our already robust curriculum will be enhanced as course offerings grow, expand, and evolve into career academies integrated with AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, Fine Arts, CTAE, and other courses. In addition to academic options and supports, you will continue to focus on building and improving Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Habits through the KASH initiative each Wednesday during Advisory. As you already know, KASH is relevant, as you prepare for future success.

You are part of a unique time at Morgan County High School, so choose to make good decisions, wise plans, and fond memories of being a part of this significant year in the life of your school and community. This is an extraordinary time for you, and the 2022-2023 school year is sure to be an exciting one, as you carry on the best traditions and create your own, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Academic Supports at MCHS

RAMP- Reading, Acceleration, Make Up, PBL

Each week, students will have dedicated Reading, Accelerating, Make-up, and PBL time for each of their 4 class periods. This time will be focused RAMP activities, with a log for students to complete identifying which area they spend time on that day/week. Take a look at the bell schedule, and you will see the M, T, Th, & F schedule for RAMP.

Expectations and Procedures:

The 4 x 4 Block Schedule allows our students to have larger blocks of class time each semester. This time allows us to build in support time, called RAMP, for our students each week in each class.

Monday - 4th period RAMP - 1:10-1:40

Tuesday - 3rd period RAMP - 1:05-1:35

Thursday - 2nd period RAMP - 11:05-11:35

Friday - 1st period RAMP - 9:30-10:00

RAMP is to be used for one of four areas - Reading, Acceleration, Make Up, or PBL

Reading - Sustained Silent Reading (not on cell phones!) EVERY RAMP period for the first 10 minutes!

Acceleration - Studying, academic work, exploring an area of student’s personal interest

Make Up - work and assessments missed due to absences or not meeting standards

PBL - a structured time for students to collaborate on Project Based Learning

RAMP will only be valued and used by students if it is conducted consistently throughout our building by every teacher. It is not free time. Students must be held accountable for their activities during RAMP time or it will become easy to not use it wisely. As a teacher, you will be responsible for managing a classroom of students who all may need to be doing something different during this time. In order to help you keep your students accountable and to manage their time, we took a page from some of our special education teachers’ system that is used for study skills and adapted it to RAMP. It puts the accountability of self reporting on the students while providing the adults with an “at a glance” way to monitor.

In every classroom throughout the building, at the tone that signals RAMP is beginning, teachers and students will shift to RAMP activities.

Things that should be seen during every RAMP time:

Personal productivity

Students doing RAMP activities only & READING FIRST 10!
Students collaborating
Teachers actively engaged in RAMP by monitoring and assisting students

Things that should not be seen during any RAMP time:

Students lounging or sleeping or chilling
Students socializing
Students on cell phones/watching videos online, etc.
Students wandering the halls - this is still instructional time, not errand time.
Teachers engaged in activities other than RAMP

We have a great opportunity to use this time to keep students reading, current on assignments, and to give you time to help students each week without hoping they’ll show up because they are now a captive audience. Again, consistency in every classroom will be the key to making this work.

LET’s RAMP UP READING!

HOW:

WHY:

SHOW YOUR

STUDENTS DURING RAMP:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52eec360e4b0c81c80749630/t/544fb9dbe4b0bf8d82cafce4/1

Which statistic speaks to your students?

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Each day during your RAMP period, start RAMP with 10 minutes of reading. Students are not working on homework or other material, they are “dropping everything” and reading. The ENTIRE class reads their personal book of their choice. Yes, teachers model and read too. This act will become a habit, an expectation, a desire. Model what that conversation looks like. RAMP UP READING for our students, for you, and for our MOCO culture.

Teacher Support Sessions

Teachers work with students to provide before and/or after school opportunities for make-up, tutoring, etc. Assistance is also available during RAMP.

SAT Support

Students are encouraged to work independently using a variety of free online supports. Notable among these is the Khan Academy/College Board, where students may create an account and work independently. This is College Board’s first partnership, so the support should certainly be aligned to their test. Go to https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

The Academies of Morgan County High School:
A Georgia College and Career Academy

In the MCHS model, our Academies are more like colleges inside of a larger University. Students will select pathways to take that will essentially have them “majoring” in an academy. Some students may experience courses from each Academy throughout their high school career. Our focus is to help our students select courses, both Academic and Electives, that help him or her build a pathway to their future goals.

Academy of Media and Communications

The Academy of Media and Communication offers a progressive look into the world of Business, Information Technology, Digital Media, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing.

Academy of Arts and Humanities

The Academy of Arts and Humanities bolsters an intensive and imaginative opportunity for students to experience and major in the Pathways of World Language, Band, Chorus, Drama, and Art.

Academy of Science and Industry

In the Academy of Science and Industry, you will examine the world of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Biotechnology, Engineering, and Industrial Sciences.

Academy of Health and Human Services

The Academy of Health and Human Services is committed to the development of caring, responsive, and self-directed leaders interested in bettering our community’s quality of life. Pathways include Cosmetology, Culinary, Healthcare, ROTC, and Teaching as a Profession.

Freshman Academy

What is Freshman Academy?

It is a smaller learning community, a school within a school. All freshmen take their core academic courses in the Freshman Academy.

What is the purpose of this program?

The purpose of this program is to reduce the ninth grade failure rate and increase the percentage of ninth graders who graduate from Morgan County High four years from their entry date.

We also seek to provide a structured environment and curriculum that is conducive to the learning styles of ninth graders.

We hope to ease the transition from middle school to high school.

Ninth Grade Performance

The strongest predictor of a student's academic future comes in the ninth grade. A student's academic and attendance performance in the ninth grade is a pretty good predictor of his/her performance for the remainder of high school. Successfully completing the ninth grade is very important to a student's chances of graduating.

A foundation for success!

Students who are successful in the ninth grade tend to remain successful throughout their high school career.

Good habits are taught during the "introductory" year, setting a good foundation for the remainder of their high school experience.

Students who have earned units toward graduation and are making progress tend to be more motivated to continue to work hard and be successful for the remainder of their high school years.

Students who become involved in high school activities in their first year of high school tend to stay involved for the rest of their school career.

Is this program meant for all ninth grade students?

Yes. When students of all ability levels are grouped as a graduating class in a smaller learning community, then everyone feels they belong to something special. Events are programmed to include all of the members of the class to develop the identity of the group.

Freshman Seminar

This is a new required course designed to teach students how to take ownership of their own learning. High school is a time for students to be an active participant in their learning. This course will help prepare to be successful both personally and professionally in an information based society. Students will earn credit for a CTAE Course, Health, and Drivers Education during the semester course. Students will complete the YouScience aptitude assessment, discover self motivation, time management, interdependence, technical literacy, career awareness and so much more during this semester.

Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment at Morgan County High School is an opportunity open to all eligible students. Dual Enrollment courses are college level academic and elective courses that high school students can complete. These courses count for both high school credit and college credit simultaneously. While MCHS does offer some Dual Enrollment courses on our campus, students are also able to enroll in other courses not on our campus as well as online courses. Currently, our primary DE partners are Athens Technical College and Georgia Military College. Exclusively for our seniors, we offer a cohort experience where students may gain up to 8 college classes through GMC’s quarter system during the school day at the Madison campus.

While these courses are free, they may have some fees associated with items necessary to complete certain courses. These courses do not have an impact on a student’s potential HOPE Scholarship fund and receive the same GPA boost as Advanced Placement(AP) courses. Each college/university will have their own set of requirements and deadlines, so interested students should research the school(s) they would like to partner with and be in contact with their Mrs. Fuller or a School Counselor to register.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses at MCHS

MCHS offers several AP courses for students beginning in 9th grade and continuing throughout high school.

9th grade

☗ AP Human Geography

10th grade

☗ AP Government

☗ AP Seminar* ☗ AP Psychology*

11th & 12th grade

☗ AP Chemistry* ☗ AP Economics

☗ AP Biology* ☗ AP Research

☗ AP Studio Art ☗ AP Language

☗ AP Lit ☗ AP Calculus AB/BC

☗ AP Literature                                ☗ AP Statistics
        ☗ AP Computer Science Principles        ☗ AP US History
        ☗ AP Computer Science                         ☗ AP Environmental Science
        ☗ AP World Language Options                ☗ AP Physics

Flexibility in grade level option in these courses specifically & some identified for 11th & 12th grades.

* Offered in alternating year sequence. AP Chemistry is offered 2022-2023.

AP courses prepare students to tackle rigorous coursework in college. According to a US Department of Education study, participation in AP or other rigorous high school courses is a stronger predictor of success in college than test scores or grade point average. Research also shows that students who take AP courses are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time.

More than 90% of colleges and universities have a policy granting incoming students credit, placement, or both for qualifying AP exam scores; information applicable to different colleges is on the AP/College Board website.

KASH

Our KASH focus is to provide students with a set of soft skills and a clear, understandable set of expectations that will both enhance students’ educational experience and better prepare them for the professional expectations of the workforce. Students will be acknowledged for following school/system-wide expectations for behavior, work ethic, respect, and dress both in and out of the classroom.

Our expectations for KASH will apply to all students:

On school campus (inside and out)
During all school-sponsored activities
During any event in which the student represents the school

KASH promotional materials will be located around the school to remind students of the expectations for behavior in that specific area. Acknowledgement opportunities known as “KASH IN” days have been created to highlight students who showcase KASH skills on a consistent basis.

The KASH expectations and matrices for students, faculty, and staff are located here and around campus.

Keep in mind that this list is not inclusive, but it does address the most common questions/situations we encounter. The administration reserves the right to redirect any student whose choices do not support the initiatives of the Morgan County High School College and Career Academy.

Students who are not within the above dress code requirements will receive appropriate attire from the administration to wear for the day. This will ensure that students do not miss instruction while dress code issues are corrected. Failure to follow these requests or repeated violations will be addressed as a disciplinary issue.

Graduation Requirements

9th grade credits attempted	10th grade credits attempted	11th grade credits attempted	12th grade credits attempted	Total Credits required for graduation
8	8	8	8	27 out of 32 attempted

Class Rank Grade Conversion Table

For graduating classes beginning with the Class of 2018

Average	Standard Level Courses	Advanced Classes (Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement)
100	5.00	5.50
99	4.90	5.40
98	4.80	5.30
97	4.70	5.20
96	4.60	5.10
95	4.50	5.00
94	4.40	4.90
93	4.30	4.80
92	4.20	4.70
91	4.10	4.60
90	4.00	4.50
89	3.90	4.40
88	3.80	4.30
87	3.70	4.20
86	3.60	4.10
85	3.50	4.00
84	3.40	3.90
83	3.30	3.80
82	3.20	3.70
81	3.10	3.60
80	3.00	3.50
79	2.90	3.40
78	2.80	3.30
77	2.70	3.20
76	2.60	3.10
75	2.50	3.00
74	2.40	2.90
73	2.30	2.80
72	2.20	2.70
71	2.10	2.60
70	2.00	2.50
69	.90	1.40
68	.80	1.30
67	.70	1.20
66	.60	1.10
65	.50	1.00
64	.40	.90
63	.30	.80
62	.20	.70
61	.10	.60
0-60	.00	.00

MCHS Academic Eligibility Requirements for Athletic Participation

Academic eligibility requirements at Morgan County High School are determined by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Georgia High School Association. Following is a summary of those rules. More information can be found at www.ghsa.net.

To be eligible to participate, practice, and/or try out in interscholastic activities, a student must be academically eligible. A student is required to:

Pass classes that carry at least 2.5 Units counting toward graduation the semester immediately preceding participation.
Accumulate units towards graduation according to the following criteria:

First-year students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically. Second semester first-year students must have passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units the previous semester in order to participate.
Second-year students must have accumulated five (5) total units in the first year, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester.
Third-year students must have accumulated eleven (11) units in the first and second years, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester.
Fourth-year students must have accumulated seventeen (17) units in the first three years, AND passed courses carrying at least 2.5 units in the previous semester.
Students may accumulate the required units for participation during the school year and eligibility will be reinstated at the beginning of the next semester.

Exception 1: First semester ninth grade students.

Exception 2 : Students who successfully complete summer school to maintain eligibility become eligible the last day of summer school.

Summer school is an extension of the previous semester and courses may be:

Remedial in nature where a previously-taken course is repeated in its entirety with a new grade being given.
Enrichment in nature where a new course is taken that results in new credit being earned.

A maximum of two (2) unit credits earned in summer school may be counted for eligibility purposes.
Summer school credits earned in non-accredited home study programs or non-accredited private schools may not be used to gain eligibility. Accreditation recognized under the rule shall be from the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) or a regional accreditation agency (such as SACS) or the Georgia Private School Accreditation Council (GAPSAC).
An independent study course taken in summer school must be regionally accredited and accepted by the school system for graduation credit.

Other items to note regarding academic eligibility requirements for athletic participation:

Courses completed after the beginning of a new semester may not be used to gain eligibility for that semester. Example: night school classes, correspondence courses, etc.
Passing in all GHSA member schools is a grade of seventy (70).
Students participating in junior varsity or "B" team competition must meet all scholastic requirements.
Students gain or lose eligibility on the first day of the subsequent semester. The first day of the fall semester shall be interpreted as the first date of practice for the first sport.

Code of Conduct

The Morgan County Board of Education set forth their expectations for student behavior in a conduct code (Policy JCDA-R(1)). This policy can be found on our school website.

Changes to this policy will be communicated through daily school announcements and will be posted on the Morgan County High School Website. Note: The student code of conduct is not intended to cover every possible circumstance occurring at Morgan County High School. The administration will develop school policies and procedures necessary to carry out the mission of Morgan County High School.

Cell Phone Policy

In order to protect the integrity of the educational environment, Morgan County High School: A Georgia College & Career Academy prohibits the use of cell phones and electronic devices during instructional times between 7:50 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. unless use of devices is teacher driven. Because students are provided with Chromebooks and our classrooms and offices have telephones and clocks, students do not need cell phones in the classroom.

Cell phones may only be used when students are not assigned to an instructional setting (hallways between classes, before or after school and lunch) or on the infrequent occasion when the use of devices is supported by teacher directed instruction that is noted in the lesson plans. Be mindful of teacher specific policies regarding use of devices in the classroom as described in their syllabi. Students are expected to exhibit responsibility in the possession and use of cell phones, and comply with the teacher’s policies.

If a student is speaking on/texting/checking social media or otherwise engaged with a device or the ringing, vibration, handling or use of a device interrupts the classroom, disciplinary consequences may result.

If a student is asked by any staff member to put a device away or to turn it in and does not comply, disciplinary consequences will be enforced. Possible consequences include but are not limited to: ISS, parent contact, detention, or other consequences as determined by the administration.

The school is not responsible for the safety or security of any personal electronic device. If a student chooses to bring a cell phone or other device to school and it is stolen or lost, the responsibility for loss rests entirely with the student.

Social Media and Posting Photos and/or Videos

Under no circumstances is photographing or video recording allowed anywhere on school premises unless it is under a teacher’s guided instruction. This includes, but is not limited, creating social media material.

If photos or videos are posted or shared during school hours, consequences will be more severe and punishable by requiring the student to turn in their phone at the front office every day for a mandated period of time.

If an issue occurs on social media that is shared at an inappropriate time or creates a disruption (as determined by school administration), students involved must turn in their cell phone to the front office upon arrival for a period of time determined by administration. Additional time will be added for further incidents.

Students who photograph and/or video any fights will receive consequences, possibly up to the same level as the students they are videoing.

Personal Items

Morgan County High School is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. The staff will make reasonable effort to assist in the recovery of lost, stolen, or damaged items, but shall not be obligated to replace or repair said items. Hallway lockers are available for free to students. Students taking PE classes should provide their own locks for the locker room.

Vaping

Vaping has become a serious problem among students throughout the nation. Of even more concern is the access that students have to vapes with THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) and Delta 8. If you have not already, please research the different types of vapes and vaping devices.

Vape detectors have been installed in restrooms and other areas of MCHS. They are very sensitive and alert faculty members to the location and time a device has been used. Administrators will be investigating vaping alerts and addressing students who are found to be in possession of and/or using vapes.

The consequences of vaping are serious and may be as follows:

1st offense: 2 Days Out of School Suspension (OSS)

2nd Offense: 3 Days Out of School Suspension (OSS) and Behavior Contract implemented

3rd Offense: Referral to a Disciplinary Hearing with recommendation of assignment to Crossroads

Note - Any vaping device or product containing THC or Delta 8 will result in an automatic referral to a Student Disciplinary Hearing.

Dress Code

Hats and head coverings may not be worn in the building. This includes, but is not limited to, hats, Tank tops, crop tops, shirts with suggestive holes or cuts, backless tops, and off-the-shoulder shirts are not allowed.
Shirts or attire that show tobacco, alcohol, drugs, contraband, suggestive pictures orhoods, hair wraps, skull caps, doo rags, bandanas, and sleeping caps.
No holes above the knee in any legwear, even if covered with “fray” or leggings worn underneath.
Skirts/shorts should be no more than 3 inches above the knee. This includes “sport shorts and chubbies”.
Pants should be worn at the waist and not expose undergarments.
Undergarments should not be visible on males or females.
words, objectionable images, or anything that is disruptive to the school climate may not be worn.
If a student wears leggings or yoga pants, the shirt or top must be no more than 3 inches above the knee

Attendance

Students who are absent or tardy miss valuable instructional time and are less likely to master those skills, concepts, and principles needed for success.

State law requires any person who has control or charge of a child between the ages of six and sixteen to enroll and send that child to school, including public, private, or home schooling.

When a student misses 10 days, a parent conference will be required before the student will be given opportunities for make-up work. This conference will be initiated by the teacher.

Absences from school may be excused for student illness; illness or death of an immediate family member (parents, siblings, grandparents, a relative living in the household); mandated by order of another governmental agency (for example, military exams, subpoenaed court appearance); religious holidays; when attendance is impossible or hazardous to student health and safety; one day to register to vote; or when students are visiting with a parent in the active military who is leaving or returning from deployment to combat duty.

GUIDELINES

If it is necessary for the student to be absent from school, a written excuse should be sent to the attendance clerk upon the student's return. If no written excuse is received, the child will have an unexcused absence.
Parents will have 5 excuses they can write each semester for an absence to be counted as EXCUSED.

A doctor's note does not count towards the 5 parental excuses.

Parents have five days to turn in excuses or the absence will remain unexcused. The student's parent should write a note to the school stating the child's first and last names, date(s) and reason for the absence.
After five parental excuses have been used, official documentation will be required or the absences will remain unexcused.
Parents should call the school and notify the attendance clerk if the child is out for more than one day.

Morgan County Board of Education Truancy Procedures

(Based on State Board of Education Rule J B: 1 60-5-1-. I 0)

3 unexcused days MCHS will send a letter through the mail

5 unexcused days MCHS will send a letter through the mail

6 unexcused days Attendance Review Team Meeting

> 10 unexcused days Students under age 16 are referred to School Social Worker.

Tardies

Students are expected to be in class and on time. “Frequent Tardiness” is not an acceptable behavior and should be corrected by students.

Tardies
1st-2nd Offense                Warning
3rd-4th Offense                Detention
5th Offense                 Extended detention/Saturday School
6+ Offenses                Referral to Administrator

Note - Student drivers will have their parking permit suspended at the 6th offense of being tardy to school.

Checkouts

Excessive Early Dismissal

After a student has accumulated six (6) checkouts per semester, a doctor's note is required or the checkout will be unexcused. A student who checks out more than seven (7) times per semester will fall under the guidelines of Absences of Board of Education Truancy.

Exam Exemption Policy

The MCHS Exam Exemption Opportunity is established by the school’s leadership committee which is composed of teacher representatives from every department. This committee discussed exam exemptions and have determined the school-wide guidelines that follow.

For the 2022-2023 school year, separate exam exemption opportunities will be in place for both the Fall and Spring semesters. For the Fall semester, the exemption opportunity will apply to the exams that will be given in December. The Spring semester exemption opportunity will be for final exams given in May. End of Course and AP exams are not eligible for exemption.

First Semester: August 1 - December 20

Exemptions announced: December 16

Exam Dates - December 19, Periods 1 & 2 / December 20, Periods 3 & 4

Second Semester - January 5 - May 26

Exemptions announced: Grade 12 - May 17 / Grades 9-11 May 24

Exam Dates - Grade 12 - May 18 Periods 3 & 4 / May 19 Periods 1 & 2 (seniors will attend ½ day)

Grades 9-11: May 25 - Periods 1 & 2 / May 26 - Periods 3 & 4

Students may exempt exams if the following conditions are met for the semester:

5 or fewer absences (excused and/or unexcused)*

Note - Covid related absences, verified by the school nurse, are not included in these days

3 or fewer tardies
3 or fewer Change reports
No ISS or OSS assignments
No Missing Assignments or 0’s are recorded in Infinite Campus - for the whole semester
No outstanding debts, fees or materials are owed (for Spring semester)

Drug Screening

Morgan County High School Drug Screen Program - JCABB-R(1) Student Drug Testing For Student Participation in GHSA-Sanctioned Interscholastic Athletics and On-Campus Parking

Morgan County High School believes the use and abuse of drugs not prescribed for medical benefit can be detrimental to the physical, emotional, and mental health of its student athletes and teen drivers. Furthermore, the use and abuse of drugs may seriously interfere with the performance of student drivers and student athletes and greatly increases risks to the individual’s health and safety as well as others. Because of these concerns, Morgan County High School has implemented the following drug screening program for those students who hold on-campus parking permits and/or participate in GHSA-sanctioned interscholastic athletics.

GOALS OF THE DRUG SCREENING PROGRAM

- To develop a drug free program that produces student athletes and teen drivers who serve as positive role models and influence their peers to make healthy and responsible choices.

- To prevent drug use by student drivers and student athletes by providing another reason to choose against the use of illegal substances.

- To identify student drivers and student athletes who may be using illegal drugs and provide counseling and treatment referrals to students who test positive for drug use.

- To educate student drivers and student athletes of the dangers and problems associated with drug use and abuse.

PROCEDURES AND DRUG SCREEN INFORMATION

1. Prior to purchasing an on-campus parking permit or participating in a GHSA-sanctioned interscholastic athletic program, students must present to the school administration a signed consent form which authorizes the student to take part in random drug screening supervised by the school and allows the results to be released to parents or guardians, administrative officials, and the head coach of athletic teams on which the student participates. (Note: A signed consent form is a requirement for student drivers holding on-campus parking permits as well as students participating in any GHSA-governed interscholastic activity that requires an annual physical examination. As participation in interscholastic athletics and on-campus parking is a privilege, parents and students may not opt out of the drug screening program.)

2. Drug screens will be administered randomly throughout the school year. Student drivers and student athletes will be chosen through random selection. The outside firm administering drug screens will receive school-issued student identification numbers (not Social Security Numbers) for all student drivers and student athletes. On each test date, the toxicology lab will select numbers randomly. The selected student identification numbers will be provided to school administration, who will match numbers with student names. Substances tested for include but are not limited to: marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, opiates, and propoxyphene.

Testing will consist of students providing a urine sample to the representative of the firm administering the test. School personnel will coordinate and supervise the process but not administer the test. Drug screens will be conducted in a secure setting that ensures student privacy. Confidentiality of test results will be protected. Specimens will be processed and secured to ensure against tampering. Parents/Guardians of students selected to participate in the drug screen process will be notified after the test has been completed. The outside firm administering the drug screens will report test results to the principal or his/her designee. In case of a positive result, the parent or guardian will be notified.

3. In the event the student believes this policy has not been applied to him/her in a manner consistent with the intent, the parents or guardians may appeal the decision in writing to the principal and schedule a meeting within 72 hours of being notified of a positive test result. The student and parents will be allowed to present any further evidence including but not limited to the delineation of any medication he/she is currently taking that could have caused a positive result. Any further laboratory analysis shall be conducted at the student’s expense. Any suspensions shall be on hold until the appeals process is complete. The principal’s decision in this matter shall be final.

4. This procedure is intended to supplement the existing policies of the Morgan County Board of Education. This program is not part of the disciplinary code but is relative to student participation in the areas of parking and interscholastic athletics. Administrators will not use test results obtained pursuant to this program for purposes other than consequences affecting participation in interscholastic athletics or on-campus parking privileges as outlined in the subsequent section. All students remain subject to the Morgan County High School Student Code of Conduct and may be subject to established disciplinary procedures if found in possession of or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol at school or at school sponsored events.

Morgan County Charter School System Student Athlete/Student Driver Drug Screen Program - Revised November, 2017

CONSEQUENCES FOR POSITIVE RESULTS

First Positive: A student athlete testing positive a first time will be suspended from competition an equivalent of 10% of the team’s regular season contests (excluding scrimmages) beginning with the next scheduled game (including playoff game(s) or continuing into the following season). The student athlete may remain a part of the team and will be expected to participate in team practices or conditioning sessions. Student drivers will have on-campus driving privileges suspended for 10% of the school year (18 days). Both consequences shall apply if the student parks on campus and participates in interscholastic athletics. The student must agree to another drug screen, at the family’s expense, within a timeframe recommended by the Toxicology Lab. The result of this screen must produce a negative test result.

Second Positive: If a student driver or student athlete tests positive a second time, the student will be suspended from the team and/or have driving privileges revoked beginning at the time of notification. A meeting will be scheduled with the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), principal, head coach (if applicable), and athletic director (if applicable) to arrange the following:

- Participation in a drug treatment and counseling program for a minimum of four weeks.

Parents/Guardians will be expected to participate in the program. Program matriculation costs will be the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s).

- Signing an agreement releasing the Morgan County Board of Education from any liability for injury or illness resulting from drugs and/or treatment.

- Applying for reinstatement to the team after a minimum of four weeks if the following provisions are met:

(a) a negative drug screen, administered by a medical professional in an approved healthcare setting, is provided to school administration

(b) an agreement is made to continue with drug counseling

(d) the student and parent/guardian understand the application for reinstatement may be denied. The principal, head coach (if applicable), and athletic director (if applicable) will determine reinstatement.

Third Positive: A third positive screen will result in suspension from all interscholastic athletics and/or parking privileges for one calendar year from the date of result. Continued counseling and treatment during the year of suspension is required with random testing at the family’s expense. Students must complete the reinstatement process outlined under the consequences of a second positive result before being allowed to participate in interscholastic athletics and/or park on campus.

Additional Note

- A student selected to participate in random drug screening who leaves campus prior to

completion of the test or refuses to test will be subject to the consequences of a positive test result.

Academic Honesty

Morgan County High School strives to create a learning environment in which students can pursue a quality education. Our faculty and staff take on the responsibility of providing appropriate instructional experiences, materials, encouragement and the guidance necessary for our students to be successful. Students bear responsibility in this process as well. Students’ responsibilities include coming to school prepared to learn, putting forth an honest effort in every class, and exercising academic honesty.

Academic honesty means that a student’s behavior is ethical and their work is their own. Acts of academic dishonesty are serious violations of the trust necessary for a productive educational experience. The following outlines what constitutes a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy, as well as the possible consequences for such violations.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

The honesty policy shall be accessible to students and parents via the student handbook and in an electronic link on the school website.
It is the students’ responsibility to read and understand the academic honesty policy. Not knowing the rules does not excuse dishonest behavior.
Violations of the honesty policy will be determined by reviewing students’ actions alone. A student’s thoughts or intent will not be considered. Since it is impossible to know whether a student intended to cheat or not, only a student’s actions and behavior can be judged.
A student guide to writing research papers is available from the media center. All students should refer to this guide when having to cite borrowed material.
It is a student’s ethical obligation to report violations of the Academic Honesty Policy. Students may report violations anonymously.
An honor pledge for students to sign will be included on the course syllabus and will apply to all coursework and assignments. Teachers may choose to include the pledge on other assignments. The honor pledge is as follows:

“I have not given or received any unauthorized help on this assignment.”

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:

There are a range of consequences for violating the Academic Honesty Policy; the number of violations will have an influence on which consequences are applied.

Student is referred to administrator after 1st offense and required to complete an independent training on academic honesty within 10 school days.
Student is entered for a referral on Infinite Campus after 2nd offense; the consequences are listed below: Student will receive a discipline referral for academic dishonesty. Student will have a conference with parent, teacher, and administrator. Student will receive a grade of zero for the assignment. Student will write a 600-700 word paper: Identify a person who has made ill-advised choices and has paid a price for the decision. Research this person and the choices. Write about the decision and how it adversely affected the person. Give the person advice on what he/she could have done differently that would have resulted in more positive outcomes. Be sure you cite sources if you paraphrase, summarize, or quote. Your paper should be 600-750 words.
Student is entered for a referral on Infinites Campus after 3rd offense; the consequences are listed below: Student will receive a discipline referral for chronic academic dishonesty. Community Service (6-10 hours)

Failure to comply with consequences for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd offense will result in IC referral for failure to comply with administrative directive and additional consequences.

August 2022

Right to Know Notification Guidance for Preparing Notification Required Under ESSA Sec. 1112:
Parent’s Right to Request a Teacher and a Paraprofessional’s Qualifications

In compliance with the requirements of the Every Students Succeeds Act, the Morgan County Charter School System would like to inform you that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s) and/ or paraprofessional(s).

The following information may be requested:

Whether the student’s teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and o is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher and or paraprofessional’s qualifications, please contact the school principal. (Stacy Chapman, Morgan County Primary School - 706.752.4700) (Linda Smith, Morgan County Elementary School - 706.752 4750) (Hillary Meeler, Morgan County Middle School - 706.752.4800) (Miki Edwards, Morgan County High School - 706.752.4900) You may also contact Susan Tolbert, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at 706.752.4623 or susan.tolbert@morgan.k12.ga.us

Disseminated July 22, 2021

In accordance with Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, all LEAs are required to notify parents at the beginning of each school year of their ‘Right to Know’ the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers and paraprofessionals.

Requirements for Content of the Notification

• LEAs’ notifications MUST use the language of the law.
In compliance with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act, parents may request the following information:

1. Whether the student’s teacher—

o has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

o is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and

o is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

2. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their

qualifications.

• In Georgia, notifications must occur within 30 calendar days from the start of school or upon enrollment.

o For verification purposes, notifications must contain the month/year of dissemination or, if included in another document, the primary document must contain a date. Or, if the primary document is undated, records may also include supplemental documentation that contains the month/year of notification dissemination.

o For verification purposes, the name of the LEA and/ or school must be included.

• In Georgia, LEAs are required to notify parents in all LEA schools or programs.

• Responses to requests must be provided in a timely manner.

• Maintain records of annual notifications that meet the above requirements.

Best Practices for the Notification
ESSA does not prescribe the exact method of dissemination for notifications. In Georgia, the following are considered best practices when notifying parents.

• Develop written procedures for compliance which include a timeline and person, by position, responsible for verifying notification content, verifying dissemination of notification, and maintaining notification documentation.

• Notify parents in multiple formats in order to ensure that all parents have the opportunity to receive the information. This may include, but is not limited to an LEA or school handbook, a letter mailed home, inclusion in a newsletter or brochure, posting on a website, and/or a school-wide email.

• Notify parents, to the extent practicable, in a language that they may understand.

• Ensure the notification includes a point of contact by position, the school/program or LEA name.

*This document is for information only. The information is subject to change based on changes in policy and processes at the school, district, and State level.

Right to Know Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Paraprofessionals
Morgan County High School: A Georgia College and Career Academy

August 2022

Dear Parents,

In compliance with the requirements of the Every Students Succeeds Act, the Morgan County High School: A Georgia College and Career Academy would like to inform you that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s) and/ or paraprofessional(s). The following information may be requested:

• Whether the student’s teacher—

o has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

o is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and

o is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

• Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher and/ or paraprofessional’s qualifications, please contact the Chief Academic Officer, Jean McIntosh-Torbett at 706-752-4800.

Sincerely,

Jean McIntosh Torbett
Chief Academic Officer, Morgan County High School: A Georgia College and Career Academy