Long Cane Elementary School
OUR MISSION
The mission of Long Cane Elementary School is to provide a strong foundation for:
L inking home, school, and community
O ptimizing opportunities
N avigating students toward independence
G rowing healthy minds and bodies
C reating character
A chieving success
N urturing all students
E nriching lives
Our beliefs are…
 Every student can experience success through learning.
 Positive development in a student’s education is the responsibility of the teachers, parents,
and community.
 Students must be prepared for the basic principles of conduct and citizenship in the
American society through a broad-based curriculum, which includes technology
integration.
 Establishing high expectations for enhancing academic, physical, social, emotional, and
aesthetic abilities of all students.
 All students should be treated with dignity and respect in a safe, happy, and comfortable
environment.
ATTENDANCE AND SCHOOL HOURS
Georgia law requires students attend school every day except when there is a valid reason for their
absence. An absence for a valid reason will be treated as excused. The following are valid reasons
for school absences:
 Illness that would endanger the health of the student or the health of others.
 Serious illness or death in the immediate family (father, mother, brother, sister, or
grandparent).
 Special or recognized religious holidays observed by the faith of the family.
 Any condition making attendance dangerous to the student’s health and safety.
When a child has been absent for any reason, the parent should send a note stating the reason for the
absence when the child returns to school. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours, without the aid
of a fever reducer, before returning to school.
Daily attendance at school is critical for student success. Students are expected to attend school
every day, to be on time, and to complete the school day. Students who are tardy or dismissed early
miss valuable instruction and interrupt the learning environment for other students. Please be
considerate of our children by keeping interruptions to a minimum.
Early Dismissal
A request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of
the dismissal. The time and reason for leaving should be included. When possible, medical and
dental appointments should be made outside of the school hours.
By law, no school may allow anyone to sign-out a minor child without the permission of the person
who enrolled the child as documented on the forms that were completed when the student registered
at Long Cane Elementary (at Meet the Teacher Day). Any change in that list of persons
approved to sign-out the child must be completed in writing by the enrolling person and
delivered to school by the enrolling person.
If an emergency requires parents to pick up their child near the time for all children to be released,
the parent should come to the school office to sign out the child. Picture IDs are used to confirm the
identity, and may be required for the school to release the student. A member of the office staff will
then call the child up for dismissal. After dismissal process begins, teachers will not be
permitted to release children from their line-up.
For early dismissals, a child will not be called from his/her classroom until the parent has officially
signed the child out in the office. Students may not be checked out after 2:00 in the front office.
Parents will have to follow the Car Rider Dismissal Procedures.
Truancy
Troup County School System has developed and implemented a “Truancy Protocol.” The
Truancy Protocol was under revision when this handbook was printed; however, students and
parents will be given a copy of the revised protocol at registration.
After Class Enrichment (ACE)
The ACE program is a project of the Troup County School System. The purpose of this after school
program is to provide students with activities in a safe, supervised, and relaxed environment. ACE
is available to each elementary student that has been properly registered and PRE-PAID. The
ACE fee is $7.00 per day. Family discounts are available. ACE provides each child with a snack,
supervised physical activity, supervised study time, and other supervised activities. Students may
stay in ACE until 6:00 p.m. Fines will be imposed when students are still in ACE after 6:00 p.m.
Excessive late pick up may result in dismissal from the ACE program. According to Troup
County School System guidelines, ACE is a “prepay” program; therefore, parents need to pay
for ACE before a child may attend. Authorities/ local agencies may be contacted in the event that
a student is left at school after dismissal with no communicated plans for parent pick up
with/without an existing outstanding ACE balance.
The ACE program is a privilege. We strive to promote an atmosphere conducive to safety and
appropriate behavior. Parents will be notified if their child violates the rules. Students who do not
exhibit appropriate behavior may be suspended or withdrawn from the program.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus Transportation
The Troup County School System operates buses for transporting students to and from Long Cane
Elementary. Students transported to school are expected to behave in an appropriate, safe manner.
Appropriate conduct on the bus is essential for the safety of the driver and passengers. Students
who violate the bus conduct regulations may be suspended from the privilege of bus transportation.
Students may also be subject to other disciplinary consequence for inappropriate bus transportation.
Bus riders should enter through the gymnasium side entrance. Buses will leave campus by 2:25 p.m.
each afternoon.
Car Transportation
Long Cane Elementary School will be open to receive car riders at 7:15 a.m. At this time, your child
may go to his/ her classroom or go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Children should not be dropped
off unattended prior to 7:15 a.m.
Car riders must arrive by 7:35 a.m. in order to eat breakfast in the school cafeteria. All car riders
should enter through the front doors of the school.
The tardy bell rings at 7:45 a.m. If your child arrives after 7:45 a.m., please accompany your child
to the office. The office will “check-in” your child, and give them a Tardy Slip to present to the
teacher. Students not in the building by 7:45 a.m. will be counted tardy.
Morning Drop-off procedures:
 To make drop-off more efficient, we ask that parents have student ready with book bag(s),
lunch box(es), or other school items before the car door is opened.
 Always remain in a single line. Students may immediately walk on the sidewalk as they exit
the cars.
 If you are planning to enter the building, please remain in the single line and park in the
visitor parking area in front of the school.
Afternoon Pick-up procedures:
 Dismissal begins at 2:10 p.m. for bus riders followed by car riders at 2:15 p.m. Buses leave
campus by 2:25 p.m.
 Car riders may be picked up at the front entrance of the school at 2:15 p.m. Car riders may
be picked up in the lobby until 2:30 p.m. Students who have not been picked up by 2:30
p.m., or at the conclusion of the car-rider line, will be sent to ACE for a daily charge of
$7.00. This charge must be paid at the time the student is picked up.
 Long Cane Elementary Car Tags should be displayed during dismissal. Parents may request
car tags at registration. Any vehicle not displaying the issued car tag may be asked to pickup students in the front office so that identity can be verified.
 Always remain in a single car line.
 Please do not park at another location on campus and walk to the car rider line.
Transportation Changes
At the beginning of the school year, each child’s method of transportation from school is
established. If there is a change in the way your child will leave from school for any period of time
(a day, a week, etc.), the school must receive a WRITTEN note from the registering party. Please
understand that without a note, the school cannot change the established method of
transportation. When school officials do not have a note from the parent, a child will not be
allowed to leave school except as previously established.
PHONE CALLS, EMAILS, AND FAXES FOR TRANSPORTATION CHANGES WILL
NOT BE ACCPTED.
When a student is riding home with a friend, we must have WRITTEN permission from the parents
of both children. For safety reasons, children will not be “pulled off” a bus if a note has not been
sent. These procedures will help ensure that your child is transported from school safely.
Bus Conduct
Appropriate conduct on the bus is essential for the safety of the driver and passengers. Behavior
that distracts the driver will result in immediate disciplinary action.
BOOK BAGS
Rolling book bags are a safety concern at Long Cane Elementary School. Rolling book bags are
often pulled or pushed too fast causing injury to other students. Students will not be permitted to
pull or push book bags down the hall. Therefore, a student MUST carry his/her book bag on his/her
arm or on the back.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to wear attire appropriate for the learning environment. Long Cane
Elementary will follow the Troup County Board Policy concerning Dress Code. Students dressed in
a manner that interferes with or interrupts the learning environment will be asked to change.
Parents may be contacted for additional clothing; however, if parents cannot be contacted, students
may be asked to sit in an alternate location until appropriate clothing is obtained.
FOOD SERVICES
Breakfast and lunch are served at Long Cane Elementary School daily. Students are not charged for
breakfast. The cost of lunch is $2.20 per day. Free or reduced meals are available for those who
qualify. An application must be completed. Milk or juice is available for fifty-five cents ($.55) for
those who wish to bring their lunch or for those who wish to purchase an extra milk or extra juice
with their tray.
You may pre-pay for your child’s meals. The money will be credited to your child’s lunchroom
account and debited when he/she eats lunch. If a student’s Meal/ID card is damaged or lost, a
charge of $5.00 will be assessed to replace it.
When sending meal money, please put it in a sealed envelope with the following information on the
outside:
 Student First and Last Name
 Grade
 Homeroom Teacher’s Name
 Amount of Money Enclosed
If you are paying with a check and not using an envelope, please include the same information on
the check. Whether paying by cash or check, all money will be credited to the account. If you have
more than one child in school, please send separate envelopes/checks. A $30.00 fee will be charged
for each returned check.
State regulations require milk to be served with every purchased meal. Therefore, students who
cannot drink milk should have a note from their doctor for verification. We can then substitute with
a nutritional beverage.
If your child brings lunch, please think nutritionally when it is prepared. Research shows that good
nutrition can benefit learning. Students will not be permitted to bring gum or carbonated drinks
into the cafeteria for lunch. Parents may only provide lunch for their students.
Meal Prices for 2014-2015
Breakfast Prices
Reduced
Paid
Adults
No cost
No cost
$1.75 per day
$ 8.75 per week
Lunch Prices
Reduced
Paid
Adults
$ .40 per day
$2.20 per day
$3.40 per day
$ 2.00 per week
$ 11.00 per week
$17.50 per week
Extra milk
$.55 per half pint
Returned Checks
A $30.00 fee is charged for a check returned by the bank due to non-sufficient funds (NSF) or a
closed account. If three returned checks are received from the same person over the course of the
school year, you must pay with cash for the remainder of the school year.
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Charge Procedure for Elementary Schools
Payment is required when meals are served.
Students are allowed to charge the cost of five (5) days meals.
If the charged amount is not paid in full, students will be offered an alternate lunch
consisting of a sandwich and milk.
A written reminder will be given to the student to take home to inform parents about
charges.
It is our hope that parents will not place their child in unpleasant circumstances because of
meal charges.
Family Applications for Free and Reduced Price Meals
You may complete one application for your family. Be sure to list all students enrolled in the Troup
County School System as well as all other family members in your household. Exception: A
separate application must be completed for each foster child in the family. A new application must
be completed for your family each school year.
If you have any questions concerning your child’s lunch account, please call the Cafeteria
Manager, at 812-7982.
PayPAMS
PayPAMS is the simple, safe, and secure portal to pay for your child’s meals. PayPAMS will ensure
that your money goes directly to the student’s account. With PayPAMS, parents can set up
automatic payment plans, view account balances and history, and receive automatic notification on
balance status.
There is no cost to register, browse the website, or check account balances. However, a service fee
of $1.95 will be charged per online transaction.
DISCIPLINE
An official copy of the Troup County School System Elementary code of Conduct will be given to
students at the time of registration. Students who are aggressive or repeatedly disrupt the learning
environment will be referred to the office for discipline. Consequences of inappropriate behaviors
may include: conferences, counseling, time-out assignment, out-of-school suspension, or other
measures deemed necessary by the school administration.
MEDICATION
All prescription and non-prescription medication should be brought to school by the parent with
instructions on administering the medication. It must be contained in the prescription bottle,
properly labeled by the pharmacist (the pharmacist will provide the parent with duplicate bottles).
Non-prescription medication may be administered if sent to the school in the original container
showing that the medication is non-prescription.
A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign a copy of a “Medication Permission Form” that
authorizes the school staff to administer medication. This form also serves as documentation of
medication administration.
PARTIES
Only three classroom parties (Christmas, Valentine’s and End-of-the year) are scheduled during the
school year. Room Mothers will contact parents to serve as helpers. Middle and High School
students may not attend elementary parties.
It is requested that flowers, balloons, etc. not be sent to school unless arrangements are made to pick
up your child after school. These types of items cannot be taken home on the bus due to student
safety.
Troup County Schools welcomes parental involvement in organizing class parties and special
events. These festive occasions often include snacks for students to enjoy. Due to food safety
concerns and special dietary needs of some students, all snacks distributed for classroom
parties or special events must be pre-packaged and display ingredients. This applies to
beverages as well.
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
Student birthday parties during school hours are not permitted. Birthday cakes and candles are not
permitted. On a student’s birthday, parents may send in a special snack to be served at a time
designated by the teacher. Due to food safety concerns and special dietary needs of some students,
all snacks distributed for classroom parties or special events must be pre-packaged and display
ingredients. Please contact your child’s teacher to schedule the snack and time at least two
days prior to the birthday.
Party invitations for events outside of the school may be distributed only if all students in the class
are being invited to the event. If only part of the class is invited then invitations should be sent in
the mail. For privacy reasons, the school is not able to provide any parent with phone numbers or
address of the other students.
PRE-PACKAGED FOODS
Troup County Schools welcomes parental involvement in organizing class parties and special
events. These festive occasions often include snacks for students to enjoy. Due to food safety
concerns and special dietary needs of some students, all snacks distributed for classroom parties or
special events must be pre-packaged and display ingredients. This applies to beverages as well.
Thank you for helping us keep our children safe.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
All textbooks and basic instructional materials are furnished by the Troup County Board of
Education. There will be a charge for lost or damaged books.
STUDENT SAFETY
As part of an overall plan to protect the health, welfare, safety and lives of students, faculty, staff
and visitors to our schools, and to reinforce provisions of the Code of Student Conduct, metal
detectors may be used to screen for fire arms and other weapons in order to locate and deter their
use. Random searches may be conducted with minimal disruption to the educational program.
VISITING YOUR SCHOOL
Parents are welcome to visit Long Cane Elementary School. Visitor parking is provided in front of
the gym. Long Cane Elementary will follow Troup County Board Policies concerning visitors.
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All visitors MUST sign in at the front office and acquire a “Visitor’s Badge” before visiting
a classroom. Please sign out as you leave the building.
If you are having lunch/breakfast with your child, you do not have to make advanced
reservations. You may pay for your meal when you get your tray.
If you would like to help in the classroom, please let the teacher know in advance.
Older Siblings-------Middle and High School students should not attend elementary events during
regular school hours.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (P.T.O.)
The Long Cane Elementary P.T.O. is an organization of parents and teachers formed for the
purpose of enhancing the education of our children. Each parent is encouraged to be an active
member of this important organization. It is a perfect way to provide educational support for our
children.
Meetings are open to all parents and opportunities are provided all year to become an official
member. Please review the calendar for specific information regarding scheduled activities and
meetings.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
One of the keys to an effective learning environment is open communication between school and
home. Parents are urged to contact the school whenever the need arises. Teachers may be contacted
by note, telephone, or e-mail. If you call during the instructional time of the day, the office will be
glad to give the teacher a message to return the call. Please call (812-7948) in advance to schedule a
conference with your child’s teacher.
REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS
(PURPOSE: To communicate to parents about their child’s academic performance/progress)
Report Cards for grades 3-5 are sent home at the end of each grading period. These should be
signed by the child’s parent or guardian and returned to school the following day. Progress Reports
are sent home during the middle of each grading period. These also must be signed by the child’s
parent or guardian and returned the following day. Please refer to the calendar for specific dates.
Kindergarten through second grade will receive a Standards Based report card at the end of each
grading period.
ACCIDENTS
In case of a minor injury at school, the student will be administered first-aid. In the event of a
serious illness or accident, an effort will be made to notify the parents immediately. If the parents
are not available, we will contact the emergency numbers listed on the child’s registration card.
Please notify the school as soon as possible of any changes in emergency phone numbers.
ELECTRONIC GAMES AND CELL PHONES
Students may not bring electronic games or cell phones to school. The school is not responsible for
lost or stolen electronic devices.
TITLE I SCHOOLWIDE PROGRAM
Long Cane Elementary is a Title I School. The Title I Schoolwide Improvement Plan was
developed with input from parents, students, community members, and the faculty. A copy of this
plan, including the Parental Involvement Policy, is kept in the school’s office. This plan is available
to parents upon request. Information about the Title I Schoolwide Program will be given at the
Annual Meetings.
Long Cane Elementary is a Title I
Distinguished School
American Disabilities Act
The Troup County School System is ensuring that all policies, practices, procedures and facilities
are totally accessible and accommodating to all people with disabilities. Lakshmi Sankar is the
coordinator of American Disabilities Act (ADA). Any questions, please call the Exceptional
Education Center, 1712 Whitesville Road, LaGrange, Georgia 30240, (706) 812-7939.
Section 504
Under 504, a person is considered to have a disability if that person:
(1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such
person’s major life activities,
(2) has a record of such impairment , or
(3) is regarded as having such an impairment
Students eligible for protection under Section 504 may have accommodation plans written that
specifically address their individual needs according to their handicapping conditions.
Examples of potential 504 handicapping conditions are: Caring for oneself, seeing, hearing,
speaking, breathing, learning, Tuberculosis, asthma, allergies, heart disease, temporary medical
conditions due to illness or accident, ADD, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, drug/alcohol addiction.
For additional information: http://sst.troup.k12.ga.us/
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the Troup
County School System (TCSS), with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the
disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, the
TCSS may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent,
unless you have advised the TCSS to the contrary in accordance with system procedures. The
primary purpose of directory information is to allow the TCSS to include this type of information
from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:
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A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
The annual yearbook;
Honor roll or other recognition lists;
Graduation programs; and
Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion
of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written
consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class
rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local education agencies (LEAs)
receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide
military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses,
and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s
information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want TCSS to disclose directory information from your child’s education records
without your prior written consent, you must notify the principal in writing. Troup County Schools
has designated the following information as directory information:
(Note: an LEA may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below.)
-Student’s name
-Participation of officially recognized activities and sports
-Address
-Weight and height of members of athletic teams
-Telephone listing
-Degrees, honors, and awards received
-Electronic mail address
-The most recent educational agency or institution attended
-Photograph
-Date and place of birth
-Major field of study
-Dates of attendance
-Grade level
These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of
2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s
armed forces.
Education Program for Gifted Students
The Troup County Board of Education recognizes the need to provide gifted education services for
students who have the potential for exceptional achievement in grades K-12. A gifted student is one
who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative abilities, exhibits an exceptionally
high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields and who needs special
instruction and /or ancillary services to achieve at a level commensurate with his/her abilities.
The Troup County Board of Education provides a differentiated curriculum for gifted students
which consists of courses of study in which the content, teaching strategies, and expectations of
student mastery have been adjusted to be appropriate for gifted students.
A student may be referred for consideration for gifted educational services by teachers, counselors,
administrators, parents, guardians, peers, self and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s
abilities. Students who score at specified levels established by the Troup County Board of
Education on a norm referenced test shall be referred for determination of eligibility of gifted
services.
Parents and guardians will be notified and afforded an opportunity for a conference to discuss
student eligibility requirements.
The Georgia Board of Education has two options for eligibility:
Option 1 – Psychometric approach – (cognitive ability and achievement) or
Option 2 – Multiple Criteria approach – (meeting three out of the four criteria: mental ability,
achievement, creativity and motivation)
For any additional information, please call the teachers of the gifted assigned to your child’s school
or the Director of Exceptional Education, Lakshmi Sankar at
(706) 812-7939.
Title II, Part A, Teacher/Paraprofessional Quality
Parental Rights
In compliance with the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act the Troup
County School System informs parents that you may request information about the professional
qualifications of your student’s teacher(s). The following information may be requested:
1) Certification;
2) College major/graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;
3) Qualifications of the paraprofessional, if paraprofessional services are provided.
If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s qualifications, please contact
Linda Wood______ at (706) 812-7948.
The Troup County School System is required to notify parents if a teacher who is not “highly
qualified” is providing core academic content course instruction to their child for 20 or more
consecutive days. Parents must be notified by the school principal, in writing. A copy of this letter
will be placed on file with the principal, Chief Human Resource Officer, and Coordinator of Federal
Programs.
Written Parental Involvement Policies
Parents of Title I, Part A children should be notified of the system-level and school-level written
parental involvement policies. Annually, schools should involve parents and the community in the
revision of the school’s compact, written parental involvement policy, and the School Improvement
Plan. These revised plans should be shared with all stakeholders.
Student Achievement
Schools must provide information to each parent about the level of achievement of his/her child on
each of Georgia’s academic assessments. Federal law requires that each State set high academic
standards and implement an extensive student testing program which is aligned with standards and
which measures students’ achievement based on the standards (Georgia’s Flexibility
Waiver/College and Career Ready Performance Index).
Title I, Part A Information
Schools should provide to parents of participating children specific information about the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I, Part A, programs, annual accountability status,
and the School Improvement Plan and inform them of their opportunity to request regular meetings.
Annual Meetings
Schools must invite parents to a meeting to inform them about the school’s participation in Title I,
Part A, programs. Parents should receive an explanation of Title I requirements and parents’ rights
to be involved.
Written Complaint Procedures
Anyone with a complaint should contact the Superintendent’s office for information about
Georgia’s written complaint procedures.
Title II, Part A Information/Guarantee of Receipt of Handbook
All schools in the Troup County School System provide students and parents with a handbook
delineating federal, state, district, and school rules/regulations and provide stakeholders with “right
to know” information, including parents’ right to know the qualifications of their child(ren)’s
teachers. Parents will receive a Parent Acknowledgement form at registration. Schools maintain the
signed acknowledgement forms on file as documentation of receipt of handbook. A copy of the
forms and handbooks containing the above information is kept on file in the Federal Programs
Office. (CLIP Descriptor 18, paragraph 1)
Title II, Part A Information
(Guarantee that no student has an ineffective/inexperienced teacher two years in a row)
At the school level, principals evaluate the effectiveness of teachers on a regular basis, placing those
in need on a required professional development plan. This evaluation occurs through the use of
observation and both formative and summative achievement data results. The Data Support
Specialist will aid principals in the acquisition and disaggregation of this data. Principals will use
the data to determine teacher effectiveness. Steps will be taken to provide Professional Learning for
identified teachers to address deficit areas. Principals will also monitor the experience level of their
teachers and equitably place those with less experience. They will work with the
registrars/counselors to monitor student placement to guarantee that a student is not placed with an
inexperienced or ineffective teacher two years in a row.
Troup County School System
Code of Conduct
For Elementary School
CODE OF CONDUCT
Preparing Students to Excel
Students should believe in the value of:
HONESTY
Honesty is to be sincere and truthful.
SELF-CONTROL
Self-Control is to control your actions and behavior.
RESPECT
Respect is to feel or show honor for the feelings and rights of others.
RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility is to carry out a duty or task carefully.
The application of these four qualities of good citizenship will foster a better learning environment
for students in the Troup County School System.
Students will apply these qualities to school authorities, fellow students and themselves.
TROUP COUNTY STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINARY PROTOCOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The Troup County Board of Education strongly believes that appropriate behavior and conduct for
all students in the Troup County Schools is necessary to create a proper learning environment, to
maintain good order and discipline, and to teach and instill in all students the attitude of being lawabiding citizens.
The rules, regulations and due process procedures are designed to guide all students in the exercise
of their duty of appropriate behavior. These rules are effective during the following times and in the
following places:
 on school grounds during and immediately before are immediately after school hours or
off school grounds while en route to or from school.
 on school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group.
 off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event.
 on route to and from school on a school bus or other school vehicle or while waiting off
school grounds for a school bus to transport a student to or from school or a school
activity.
Parents/Guardians may request a copy of the Classification of Violation and Disciplinary Actions from
the school office.
Media Consent Form and Release
This release applies to students being photographed, video taped, audio taped and interviewed in
connection with school activities and events.
I hereby CONSENT to have my child photographed, video taped, audio taped and/or interviewed by
the school staff or the news media on the school premises when school is in session or when my
child is under the supervision of the school staff members. Additionally, I herby give the school my
consent to use creative work(s) generated and /or authored by my child on the internet, and
educational CD, or any other electronic/digital media. I understand my child will be identified by
first and last name, grade, and school, as the author of said work.
I also consent to the school’s use of my child’s photography, likeness, or voice on the Internet, and
educational CD, or any other electronic/digital media. As the child’s parent or legal guardian, I
agree to release and hold harmless the school and the Local School Board, its members, officers,
volunteers, and employees from and against any and all claims that shall arise out of or by reason
of, or be caused by the use of my child’s creative work(s), photographed, likeness, or voice on
television, radio, motion pictures, the print medium, the Internet or any other electronic/digital
medium.
It is further understood and I do agree that no monies or other consideration in any form, including
reimbursement for any expenses incurred by me or my child, will become due to me or my child at
any time because of my child’s participation in any of the above activities or the above – described
us of my child’s creative work(s), photographed, likeness or voice.
Mentoring and Tutoring
In Elementary Schools
Through partnerships with community and civic organizations, adult volunteers offer their time at
Troup County Schools to serve as mentor and tutors to students.
Classroom teachers and school administrators identify students who from time to time may benefit
from additional instruction time in a smaller group setting, or who may benefit from positive adult
role models serving as mentors. All tutoring and mentoring takes place on school premises and is
structured by school officials. All volunteers in Troup County Schools are screened through
background checks with the Troup County Sheriff’s Department.
Assessment Security
Testing procedures for state mandated assessments will follow the instructions established in the
Georgia Student Assessment Handbook and directives received from the Georgia Department of
Education.
All aspects of the local assessment program including security of materials, test administration
procedures, and reporting of results shall follow guidelines and procedures as specified by the
Department of School Improvement and Assessment.
Board Policy
Special Education Programs
Descriptor Code: IDDF
The Troup County Board of Education shall provide a free and appropriate education (FAPE) for all
students with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21.
Determinations concerning eligibility for Special Education programs and FAPE will be consistent
with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Georgia
Board of Education rules. Free and appropriate educational services are provided in the least
restrictive environment.
The Troup County Board of Education will comply with all state and federal regulations and shall
submit annually a comprehensive plan for special education which will be reviewed and approved
by the Georgia Department of Education.
Date Adopted: 7/1/2001
Last Revised: 7/15/2010
Board Policy
Harassment
Descriptor Code: JCAC
It is the policy of this school district to prohibit any act of harassment of students or employees by
other students or employees based upon race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability at
all times and during all occasions while at school, in the workplace or at any school event or
activity. Any such act by a student or employee shall result in prompt and appropriate discipline,
including the possible termination of employment or suspension or expulsion of the student.
Sexual harassment may include conduct or speech which entails unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, taunts, threats, comments of a vulgar or demeaning nature, demands or
physical contact which creates a hostile environment for a student or employee. There may be other
speech or conduct which employees or students experience as inappropriate or illegal harassment
which should also be reported; harassment can take many forms and it is not possible to itemize
every aspect of the harassment forbidden by this policy.
Any student, employee, applicant for employment, parent or other individual who believes he or she
has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by other students or employees of the school
district as prohibited by this policy should promptly report the same to the principal of the school or
to the appropriate coordinator designated in policy JAA/GAAA, who will implement the Board's
discriminatory complaints procedures as specified in that policy. Students may also report
harassment or discrimination to their school counselor or any administrator. Students and
employees will not be subjected to retaliation for reporting such harassment or discrimination. If at
any point in the investigation of reported sexual harassment of a student, the coordinator or
designee determines that the reported harassment should more properly be termed abuse, the
reported incident or situation shall be referred pursuant to the established protocol for child abuse
investigation.
It is the duty of all employees to promptly report harassment forbidden by this policy. All
supervisors will instruct employees under their supervision as to the content of this policy and,
through appropriate professional learning activities, enlighten employees as to the varied forms or
expression of prohibited harassment. The principals of all schools shall ensure that students and
parents are informed through student handbooks and verbally that such harassment is strictly
forbidden, how it is to be reported and the consequences for violating this policy.
Date Adopted: 7/1/2001
Last Revised: 1/20/2011
Board Policy
Harassment
Descriptor Code: GAEB
It is the policy of this school district that any act of harassment of students or employees by other
students or employees based upon race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability at all
times and during all occasions while at school, in the workplace or at any school event or activity
shall not be permitted. Any such act by a student or an employee shall result in prompt and
appropriate discipline, including the possible termination of employment or suspension or expulsion
of the student.
Sexual harassment may include conduct or speech which entails unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, taunts, threats, comments of a vulgar or demeaning nature, demands or
physical contact which creates a hostile environment for a student or an employee. There may be
other speech or conduct which employees or students experience as inappropriate or illegal
harassment which should also be reported; harassment can take many forms and it is not possible to
itemize every aspect of the harassment forbidden by this policy.
Any student, employee, applicant for employment, parent or other individual who believes he or she
has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by other students or employees of the school
district as prohibited by this policy should promptly report the same to the principal of the school or
to the appropriate coordinator designated in policy GAAA/JAA, who will implement the Board's
discriminatory complaints procedures as specified in that policy. Students may also report
harassment or discrimination to their school counselor or any administrator. Students and
employees will not be subjected to retaliation for reporting such harassment or discrimination. If at
any point in the investigation of reported sexual harassment of a student, the coordinator or
designee determines that the reported harassment should more properly be termed abuse, the
reported incident or situation shall be referred pursuant to the established protocol for child abuse
investigation.
It is the duty of all employees to promptly report harassment forbidden by this policy. All
supervisors will instruct employees under their supervision as to the content of this policy and,
through appropriate professional learning activities, enlighten employees as to the varied forms or
expression of prohibited harassment. The principals of all schools shall ensure that students and
parents are informed through student handbooks and verbally that such harassment is strictly
forbidden, how it is to be reported and the consequences for violating this policy.
Date Adopted: 7/1/2001
Last Revised: 4/21/2011
Board Policy
Promotion and Retention
Descriptor Code: IHE
The Troup County Board of Education adopts this policy in accordance with O.C.G.A. Sections
20-2-282 through 20-2-285 (Georgia Academic Placement and Promotion Policy) that bases the
placement of a student into a grade, class or program on an assessment of the academic
achievement of the student and a determination of the educational setting in which the student is
most likely to receive instruction and other services needed in order to succeed and progress to
the next higher level of academic achievement.
Promotion, grade-level advancement, and course credit shall be based on academic achievement
and demonstrated proficiency of the subject matter of the course or grade level. No student shall
be administratively promoted to a grade level for which he or she is not prepared without
appropriate intervention measures. The scope of this policy is comprehensive and contains both
system standards and state requirements for grades
K-12.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS IN GRADES 1-8
1. DEFINITIONS
a.
Absences - An excused absence is one in which the student is ill. Absences due to
the death of an immediate family member (mother, father, siblings, aunts, uncles,
and grandparents) are also excused absences. The principal may request
documentation in order to record the absence as excused. Other excused absences
include subpoena, or other governmental mandate, bona-fide religious holiday,
voter registration, voting, registration for the draft, or other reasons specified in
state board rule. The building administrator may require documentation including,
but not limited to a doctor's note for absences related to illness. All other absences
are unexcused.
b.
Accelerated instruction - challenging instructional activities that are intensely
focused on student academic deficiencies in reading and/or mathematics. This
accelerated instruction is designed to enable a student who has not achieved grade
level, as defined by the Office of Student Achievement, to meet grade level
standards in a compacted period of time.
c.
Additional instruction - academic instruction beyond regularly scheduled
academic classes that are designed to bring students not performing on grade
level, as defined by the Office of Student Achievement, to grade level
performance. It may include more instructional time allocated during the school
day, instruction before and after the school day, Saturday instruction, and/or
summer/inter-session instruction.
d.
Administrative Placement team – team convened by the principal or his/her
designee to include appropriate grade level teachers.
e.
Differentiated instruction - instructional strategies designed to meet individual
student learning needs. Differentiated instruction should be provided through
content, process, or product according to student readiness, interest, or learning
profile by using a range of instructional strategies and techniques.
f.
Grade level - standard of performance, as defined by the Georgia Department of
Education’s Office of Standards, Instruction and Assessment, on the CriterionReferenced Competency Test (CRCT) in grades 3-8.
g.
Overall academic achievement - the overall assessment of a student's academic
performance, which shall include a consideration of the student's grades and
factors such as classroom performance, attendance patterns, and other pertinent
criteria as identified in these regulations.
h.
Placement - the assignment of a student to a specific grade level based on the
determination that such placement will most likely provide the student with
instruction and other services needed to succeed and progress to the next higher
level of academic achievement.
i.
Placement committee - this committee is established by the school principal or
designee to make placement decisions concerning a student who does not meet
expectations on the CRCT. This committee shall be comprised of the principal or
designee, the student's parent(s) or guardian(s), and the teacher(s) in the content
area(s) in which the student did not achieve grade level on the CRCT.
j.
Promotion - the assignment of a student to a higher grade level based on the
student's achievement of established criteria in the current grade.
k.
Retention - the re-assignment of a student to the current grade level during the
next school year.
2. LOCAL PROMOTION STANDARDS FOR GRADES K-8
Any student who does not achieve the prescribed criteria in each grade (K-8) may be referred
to an administrative placement team which will consider the student's potential for success
and make recommendations for placement in non-routine promotion-retention cases. Parents
are to be invited to participate in this process. The recommendation of the administrative
placement team must be documented on a designated form and placed in the student's
permanent record.
a.
Kindergarten:
Kindergarten students will be promoted or retained based on data collected
throughout the school year using the Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of
Developing Skills (GKIDS) and other assessment data. Additional information to
be considered may include: age, social maturity, emotional factors, number of
years in school, presence of support services, and attendance.
b.
Grades One and Two
Promotion from one grade to the next higher grade is dependent upon mastering
the local and state developed grade level curriculum objectives. These objectives
are incorporated into the curriculum for the subjects listed on the report card.
Evidence of mastery of objectives is determined by examining a multitude of
formal data sources including both state and locally developed assessments,
classroom performance, report cards and overall academic achievement.
c.
Grades, Three, Four, and Five
Promotion from one grade to the next higher grade is dependent upon mastering
the local and state developed grade level curriculum objectives. These objectives
are incorporated into the curriculum for the subjects listed on the report card.
Mastery of these objectives is indicated by a yearly average of 70 or above.
Students should earn a final passing report card grade in reading, language arts,
mathematics, science, and social studies. For Grade 3, students must pass the
reading portion of the CRCT in order to be promoted to the next grade level. For
Grade 5, students must pass the reading and mathematics portions of the CRCT in
order to be promoted to the next grade level.
d.
Grades Six, Seven, and Eight
Promotion from one grade to the next higher grade is dependent upon mastering
the local and state mandated grade level curriculum objectives. These objectives
are incorporated into the curriculum for the subjects listed on the report card.
Mastery of these objectives is indicated by a yearly average of 70 or above. Two
or more subject averages below 70 for the year will indicate that the student has
not mastered sufficient objectives to be promoted to the next higher grade.
Promotion will be based on the students passing a minimum of three of the four
core academic courses (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies).
For Grade 8, students must pass the reading and mathematics portions of the
CRCT in order to be promoted to the next grade level.
3. STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 1-8
a.
Each school principal shall distribute student data from the Criterion-Referenced
Competency Test (CRCT) to teachers prior to the beginning of each school year
as made available by the Georgia Department of Education for each student. Each
teacher shall use this data to focus instruction on identified student academic
needs/performance in grades 1-8.
b.
Each school principal or designee shall establish a written plan for each student in
grades 4, 6, and 7 who does not achieve grade level on reading and/or
mathematics sections of the CRCT. The plan shall:
1.
determine whether each student shall be retained or promoted based on a
review of the overall academic achievement of the student as well as the
student's CRCT performance;
2.
develop an accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction plan for
each student who does not achieve grade level on the reading and/or
mathematics sections of the CRCT; and
3.
develop a plan of continuous assessment during the subsequent school
year in order to monitor the progress of the student.
c.
Students shall be tested in accordance with requirements specified in State Board
Rule 160-3-1-.07, Testing Programs - Student Assessment.
d.
The school principal or designee shall annually notify the parent(s) or guardian(s)
of the placement or promotion of a student into a grade, class, or program based
on the academic achievement of the student on the criterion-referenced
assessments and other criteria established in this policy.
4. STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 3, 5, AND 8
a.
b.
Promotion of a student shall be determined as follows:
1.
No third grade student shall be promoted to the fourth grade if the student
does not criteria established in this policy for the school that the student
attends.
2.
No fifth grade student shall be promoted to the sixth grade if the student
does not achieve grade level on the CRCT in reading and the CRCT in
mathematics and meet local promotion standards and criteria established
in this policy for the school that the student attends.
3.
No eighth grade student shall be promoted to the ninth grade if the student
does not achieve grade level on the CRCT in reading and the CRCT in
mathematics and meet local promotion standards and criteria established
in this policy for the school that the student attends.
4.
The school principal or designee may retain a student who performs
satisfactorily on the CRCT but who does not meet local promotion
standards and criteria established in this policy.
When a student does not perform at grade level in grades 3, 5, or 8 on the CRCT
specified in section (a) above, then the following shall occur:
1.
Within ten calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, of receipt of
the CRCT individual test scores, the school principal or designee shall
notify in writing by first class mail the parent or guardian of the student
regarding the following:
i. the student's below-grade-level performance on the CRCT;
ii. the specific retest(s) to be given to the student and the testing date(s);
iii. the opportunity for accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction
based on the student's performance on the CRCT; and
iv. the possibility that the student might be retained at the same grade level
for the next school year.
c.
2.
The student shall be given an opportunity for accelerated, differentiated, or
additional instruction in the applicable subject(s) prior to the retesting
opportunity; and
3.
The student shall be retested with appropriate section(s) of the CRCT.
When a student does not perform at grade level on the CRCT in grades 3, 5, and
8, and also does not perform at grade level on a second opportunity to take the
assessment, then the following shall occur:
1.
The school principal or designee shall retain the student for the next
school year except as otherwise provided for in this policy.
2.
The school principal or designee shall notify in writing by first-class mail
the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student and the teacher(s) regarding the
decision to retain the student.
3.
i.
The notice shall describe the option of the parent(s) or guardian(s)
or teacher(s) to appeal the decision to retain the student;
ii.
The notice shall describe the composition and functions of the
placement committee; and
iii.
The notice shall include the requirement that the decision to
promote the student must be the unanimous decision of the
placement committee comprised of the parent(s) or guardian(s),
teacher(s), and principal designee
If the parent(s) or guardian(s) or teacher(s) appeals the decision to retain
the student, then the school principal or designee shall establish a
placement committee to consider the appeal.
i.
The placement committee shall be comprised of the principal or
designee, the student's parent(s) or guardian(s), and the teacher(s)
of the subject(s) of the CRCT.
ii.
The principal or designee shall notify in writing by first-class mail
the parent(s) or guardian(s) and teacher(s) of the time and place for
convening the placement committee.
iii.
The placement committee shall review the overall academic
achievement of the student in light of performance on the CRCT.
iv.
The decision to place must be the unanimous decision of the
placement committee. The committee must determine that if placed
and given accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction during
the next year, the student is likely to perform at grade level by the
conclusion of the school year.
v.
The placement committee shall prescribe such additional
assessments as may be appropriate in addition to assessments
administered to other students at the grade level during the year.
vi.
The placement committee shall provide for a plan of continuous
assessment during the subsequent school year in order to monitor
the progress of the student.
4.
A plan for accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction must be
developed for each student who does not achieve grade level performance
in grades 3, 5, or 8 on the CRCT specified in section (a) above whether the
student is retained, placed, or promoted for the subsequent year.
5.
A student who is absent or otherwise unable to take the CRCT in reading
and/or mathematics on the first administration or its designated make-up
day(s) shall take the CRCT in reading and/or mathematics on the second
administration day(s). Placement or promotion of these students shall
follow the same procedures as students who do not achieve grade level on
the first administration of the assessment.
6.
A student's failure to take the CRCT in grades 3, 5, and 8 in reading and/or
mathematics on any of the designated testing date(s) shall result in the
student being retained. The option of the parent(s) or guardian(s) or
teacher(s) to appeal is not an option.
7.
For students receiving special education or related services, the
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) committee shall serve as the
placement committee.
5. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADES 9- 12
a.
Troup County School System students may earn 7 credits per year. Any high
school student having more than seven (7) excused, unexcused, or approved
absences during a course or semester in any class may have his/her attendance
reviewed by the Attendance Committee and may receive no credit unless a waiver
is granted.
b.
Classifications: Below is listed the number of credits required for classifications
at each grade level.
For students who entered high school in the fall of 2006 or 2007:
Sophomore
Minimum of 6 credits (Range 612.5) Must include 1 English
and 1 Math credit
Junior
Minimum of 13 credits (Range
13-17.5) Must include 2 English
and 2 Math credits
Senior
Minimum of 18 credits
For students who entered high school in the fall of 2008 or later:
Sophomore
Minimum of 5 credits (Range 511.5)
Junior
Minimum of 12 credits (Range
12-17.5) Must include 2 English
and 2 Math credits
Senior
Minimum of 18 credits
c.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: In order for any student to graduate from high
school, a student must fulfill all Troup County School System’s Graduation
Requirements which include meeting the State of Georgia requirement that each
student pass all portions of the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT)
and the Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSWT). This test is administered
several times annually by Troup County Schools.
d.
END-OF-COURSE TESTS: The Georgia End-of-Course Tests (EOCT) shall be
used as the final exam in the courses assessed by an End-of-Course Test. Students
in courses assessed by an EOCT will be required to take the appropriate EOCT in
order to be given credit for the course. EOCT reports shall provide students,
parents, and educators with individual scores on each EOCT taken; student scores
must be recorded on, in, or with the individual student report card. For the
semester in which the student takes an EOCT, the EOCT will be the final exam
and will constitute 15% of the student’s final grade for that semester.
Courses where Georgia End-of Course Tests are given.
Algebra I/Math I
Biology
Ninth Grade Literature and Composition
Geometry/Math II
U.S. History
Economics
American Literature
Physical Science/Physics
e.
SEMESTER EXAMS: All other courses in which EOCTs are not given will have
semester exams. Semester exams and EOCTs will count 15% of the student's final
numeric grade in the course.
6. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities will follow local board of education policy when determining
promotion, placement, and retention.
7. ELIGIBILITY
No student shall be retained in any grade for the purpose of extending that student's
athletic eligibility.
8. SYSTEM POLICY FOR PROMOTION
All promotion-retention decisions are made at the building level.
9. APPEALS
Within five (5) business days following notification of retention, parent(s)/guardian(s)
may appeal in writing to the building principal, stating the reason for the appeal. The
principal will convene an appeals committee consisting of the parent, the principal, and
the division curriculum director. The decision to place the student in the next grade must
be unanimous. The decision of the appeals committee is final.
Date Adopted: 7/1/2001
Last Revised: 7/15/2010
Board Policy
Equal Opportunity Employment
Descriptor Code: GAAA
The School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age,
disability, or sex in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. It is
the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title IX,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act and all
accompanying regulations.
Any employee, student, applicant for employment, parent or other person who believes he or she
has been discriminated against or harassed in violation of this policy must make a complaint in
accordance with the procedures outlined below.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Complaints made to the School System regarding alleged discrimination or harassment on the basis
of race, color or national origin in violation of Title VI, on the basis of sex in violation of Title IX or
on the basis of disability in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the
Americans With Disabilities Act will be processed in accordance with the following procedure:
Any student, employee, applicant for employment, parent or other person with a complaint alleging
a violation as described above shall promptly notify, in writing or orally, either the principal for
his/her school or the appropriate coordinator designated by the Board of Education. If the
complaint is oral, either the coordinator or school principal to whom the complaint is made shall
promptly prepare a memorandum or written statement of the complaint as made to him or her by the
complainant and shall have the complainant read and sign the memorandum or statement if it
accurately reflects the complaint made. If the complaint is made to a school principal, he or she
shall be responsible for notifying the appropriate coordinator of the complaint.
If the alleged offending individual is the coordinator designated by the Board of Education, the
complaint shall either be made by the complainant to the Superintendent or, if the complaint is
initially made to the school principal, reported by the principal to the Superintendent.
The coordinator or his or her designee shall have fifteen work days to gather all information
relevant to the complaint made, review the information, determine the facts relating to the
complaint, review the action requested by the complainant, and attempt to resolve the complaint
with the complainant and any other persons involved. The coordinator or designee shall prepare a
written response to the complaint detailing any action to be taken in response to the complaint and
the time frame in which such action will be taken and copies of this response shall be furnished to
the complainant, the appropriate coordinator and the Superintendent or his or her designee.
If the complaint is not resolved at the conclusion of this fifteen-day period or if the complainant is
not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint, the complainant shall have the right, within five
work days of receiving a copy of the written response, to have the complaint referred to the
Superintendent of Schools. If the alleged offending individual is the Superintendent, the
complainant may have the complaint referred to the Board of Education, rather than the
Superintendent.
The Superintendent shall have fifteen work days to review the complaint and the response of the
coordinator or designee and attempt to resolve the complaint. The Superintendent shall furnish to
the complainant a written response setting forth either his or her approval of the action
recommended by the coordinator or designee or the action to be taken by the system in response to
the complaint in lieu of that recommended by the coordinator or designee and the time frame in
which such action shall be taken.
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the response of the Superintendent, then the complainant shall
have the right, within fifteen work days of the receipt of the written response of the Superintendent,
to have the complaint referred to the Board of Education. In order to have the Board review the
Superintendent's decision, the complainant must file with the Superintendent a written statement
setting forth the reasons he or she disagrees with the response of the Superintendent and the action
the complainant is requesting the system to take. The complainant shall also include in the written
response a request that his or her complaint be referred to the Board of Education.
Within thirty work days of receipt of the written request of the complainant, the Superintendent
shall present the matter to the Board of Education at its regular meeting or at a special meeting
called for that purpose. The Board shall review the original complaint, the response of the
coordinator or designee, the response of the Superintendent, and the response of the complainant.
In addition, the Board may, but is not required to, hear directly from any individuals with
knowledge of any relevant facts relating to the complaint.
The Board of Education will either uphold the recommendation of the Superintendent or require the
system to take some other action in response to the complaint. A copy of the action of the Board
will be furnished to the complainant, either as a part of the minutes of the Board of Education or as
a separate written statement. The Board shall be the final reviewing authority within the system.
This policy is not intended to deprive any employee of any right they may have to file a grievance
pursuant to any other policy of the local Board of Education, specifically the policy designed to
implement Official Code of Georgia Annotated 20-2-989.5, where appropriate. This policy is not
intended to provide an alternative process for resolving evaluation and employment disputes where
there already exists a due process procedure mandated by state law or State Department of
Education regulations, specifically including, but not limited to, hearings to be conducted pursuant
to the Fair Dismissal Act of Georgia. The complainant retains at all times the right to contact the
Office of Civil Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with regard to any
allegations that the system has violated the statutes described above.
The school system shall be responsible for distributing and disseminating information relevant to
this policy and procedure to students, applicants for employment and employees through
appropriate procedures.
No reprisal shall occur as a result of reporting unlawful discrimination or harassment under this
policy, and any attempt to retaliate against a complainant shall be disciplined as is appropriate.
The confidentiality of any individual making a complaint or report in accordance with this policy, to
the extent it is reasonably possible, shall be protected, although the discovery of the truth and the
elimination of unlawful harassment shall be the overriding consideration.
Date Adopted: 7/1/2001
Last Revised: 4/21/2011
Board Policy
Visitors to School
Descriptor Code: KM
All visitors must "sign in" and "sign out" on the log sheet provided to keep record of persons
entering and leaving school buildings.
Student Auditing Classes
Students are not permitted to bring non-enrolled student visitors during the school day, except by
prior approval of the principal and for a period of no more than five days. Student visitation in
excess of one week must have prior approval of the Superintendent or designee.
Classroom Observations
Anyone wishing to visit/observe in a classroom shall be required to schedule the visit/observation
with the principal or the principal's designee prior to the visit/observation.
Date Adopted: 7/1/2001
Last Revised: 3/15/2012
Administrative Regulation
Internet Acceptable Use
Descriptor Code: IFBG-R
Computer, Network, Internet, Electronic Communications, and Social Media Acceptable Use
Computer network use is governed by federal and state laws which specify punitive legal actions
that can be taken, as well as terms of imprisonment and/or financial fines that may be imposed
by the courts for conviction of computer-related crimes.
The State of Georgia has passed laws which govern the use of computers and related
technology. Article 6 of Chapter 9 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
known as the Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act specifically forbids computer misuse
and abuse. Excepts are as listed below:
Computer Fraud and Abuse
1. Whoever knowingly and willfully, directly or indirectly, without authorization, accesses,
causes to be accessed, or attempts to access any computer, computer system, computer
network, or any part thereof which, in whole or in part, operates in commerce or is
owned by, under contract to, or in connection with State, county or local government or
any branch, department, or agency thereof, any business, or any entity operating in or
affecting commerce for the purpose of:
2. Devising or executing any scheme or artifice to defraud, or
3. Obtaining money, property, or services for themselves or another by means of false or
fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined
a sum of not more than two and one-half times the amount of the fraud or theft, or
imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.
4. Whoever intentionally and without authorization, directly or indirectly accesses, alters,
damages, destroys, or attempts to destroy any computer, computer system, or computer
network, or any computer software, program or data shall, upon conviction thereof, be
fined not more than $50,000.00 or imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.
Users must be aware of their responsibilities and of the regulations governing the network
environment. To be eligible for computer and network access, users must be in support of and
consistent with the educational objectives of the Troup County School system.
The purpose of school system-provided network access (which includes Internet access) is to
facilitate communications in support of research and education. Access is a privilege, not a
right. Students will be guided toward topics which have been matched to specific learning
objectives rather than being allowed to "surf" the Internet without direction. Troup County
School System will allow limited access to students using filtering devices.
Student access to workstations should be monitored at all times by adults authorized by the
district. Even with such steps to ensure that Internet resources are used only for purposes
consistent with approved curricula, students may be able to search for and access materials
which have not been evaluated by staff. Families should be aware that some material accessible
via the Internet may contain items that are inaccurate, defamatory, illegal, or potentially
offensive to some people. In addition, it is possible to purchase certain goods and services via
the Internet that could result in unwanted financial obligations for which a student's parent or
guardian would be liable.
All users' files, content, and communications stored on school-based computers, networks, or
other electronic devices are subject to access and review by administrators or designated system
technicians to maintain system integrity and insure that users are acting responsibly. These files
are subject to the Georgia Open Records Act and may be accessible to others as a matter of
public records.
The user (student and/or staff) is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving
computers, network usage, and electronic messaging. Examples of prohibited conduct include,
but are not limited to the following:
1. Accessing, sending, creating, or posting materials or communications that are damaging
to another person's reputation, abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening,
demeaning to another person's gender or race, harassing, or illegal.
2. Violating any local, state or federal statute.
3. Vandalizing, damaging, or disabling the computer and/or related equipment of any
individual or organization.
4. Using the school's computer hardware or network for illegal activity such as copying
software or violation of copyright laws.
5. Making illegal copies of software on any school's computer or computer network.
6. Copying or downloading copyrighted software for one's own personal use.
7. Violating copyright or otherwise using the intellectual property of another individual or
organization without permission.
8. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain.
9. Loading or using any unauthorized software programs on any school's computer or
computer network. Examples include games, public domain, shareware, etc.
10. Intentionally infecting any school computer or network with a virus or program designed
to damage, alter or destroy data.
11. Attempting to gain or gaining unauthorized access to network resources.
12. Invading the privacy of other individuals by gaining unauthorized access to their files or
documents.
13. Using or attempting to use another person’s user name (User I.D.) or password without
authorization. Passwords must be kept confidential and must not be shared by anyone.
14. Posting or plagiarizing work created by another person without their consent.
15. Posting anonymous messages.
16. Using the network for commercial or private advertising.
17. Forging electronic mail messages.
18. Attempting to access, alter, delete, or copy the electronic mail of other system users
without authorization.
19. Using the school's computers, network or Internet link while access privileges are
suspended.
20. Using the school's computers, network or Internet link in a manner that is inconsistent
with teacher's directions and generally accepted network etiquette.
21. Attempting to alter the standard configuration of a computer, a network or any of the
resident software on the computer or network within the assigned user environment.
22. Using personal diskettes and personal CDs and/or digital storage devices in school
equipment without authorization.
23. Posting/sharing electronic messages that undermine and violate district policies and
practices or become detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline or morals of others.
24. Engaging in personal social networking activities during the professional workday.
25. Posting social media and electronic messages or establishing social network sites on
behalf of the district or the schools, departments, classes, personnel contained therein,
without the consent of the Superintendent or his designee.
26. Violating confidentiality laws that govern student records, health, and select personnel
records and information.
27. Storing personal files, photos, data, and other content on school system equipment.
The use of Troup County School System's computers or networks in violation of system policy
or rules may result in loss of computer privileges and additional disciplinary actions in keeping
with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate behavior.
Troup County School System believes that the benefits to users provided by access to the
Internet far exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are
responsible for setting and conveying the standard that their children should follow when using
media and information sources. To that end, the Troup County School System supports and
respects each family's right to decide whether or not to permit a child Internet access.
Only users who have on file a signed Computer, Network, Internet, Electronic Communications,
and Social media Acceptable Use Agreement may request access to the Internet.
Date Issued: 3/1/2003
Last Revised: 8/7/2013
Troup County School System
Internet Access- Students
I understand and will abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet. I further
understand that any violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal
offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school
disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action may be initiated.
_______________________________________
Student Signature
______________________________________
Student Name (Please Print)
__________________________________
Home Phone
__________________________
Date
_________________________________________________________________
Home Address
_____ YES, I give permission for my child to have internet access.
_____ NO, I do not give permission for my child to have internet access.
_________________________________
Parent or Legal Guardian Signature
__________________________
Date
_________________________________
School
________________________________________________________________________
Teacher Use Only:
__________________________
Student Number
This signed form must be returned to the school.
TROUP COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
TITLE I, NCLB Act of 2001 (Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965)
August 8, 2012 – May 31, 2013
The Troup County Board of Education affirms and assures the right of parents /guardians and educators
being served in programs and activities funded by Title I the opportunity to participate in the planning,
design and implementation of all programs. Procedures have been established to ensure that this
participation is ongoing, organized, timely, systematic and to the extent possible, in a language and form
acceptable to all. This policy will include parent / guardian representation of students who may be classified
as migrant, homeless and/or neglected. Parental involvement activities shall be developed to encourage and
support the efforts of the home, school, and community. The goal of these activities shall be to help all
students in the program meet required academic standards.
Part I: Joint Development of Plan and Parental Involvement Policy
A. The local Education Agency (LEA) will involve Title I schools and parents in the joint development of
the local School Improvement Plan and the Parental Involvement Policy.
B. The LEA will involve parents and Title I schools in the process of school review and improvement
through:
 Active participation on various committees such as:
o Parent Advisory Council
o Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
o The School Council
 Evaluation responses and opportunities for suggestions and comments at workshops and meetings
 Surveys
 Home visits
 Individual conferences and meetings
 Phone Surveys
C. The LEA will ensure that funds for parental involvement are reserved and utilized as mandated by Title I
guidelines. Title I schools and parents of children served in Title I, Part A schools will be involved in the
decision-making process.
D. Parental input for use of Title I funds is sought through Parent Advisory Council meetings, parent
meetings, school committees, individual suggestions, evaluations and parent surveys.
Part II: Assistance to Participating Schools
A. The LEA will provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support needed to help Title I
schools implement effective parental involvement programs in the following ways:





By providing opportunities for regular parent meetings and educational workshops (both systemwide & school level).
By providing training for schools and parents to help bridge the gap between the school and home.
Training needs may include, but are not limited to, health and wellness training, testing / assessment
information, and other information of interest to all stakeholders.
By providing written materials to enhance parenting skills and to increase effective communication
between the home and school.
By providing resource speakers.
By offering opportunities to attend conferences and seminars focusing on educational / parental
enhancement for parents / families.
Part III: Building Capacity
A. To ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership between schools, home, and the
community, the LEA will share information about the value and utility of reaching out and
communicating with parents by:
 Working with parents as equal partners.
 Implementing and coordinating parent programs and building ties with all stakeholders.
 Sharing information (written articles, parent booklets, parent survey results, and other research based
strategies).
 School personnel will be encouraged to make home visits as appropriate and make regular phone
calls to parents. (This will be a regular duty for the family liaison)
B. The LEA will encourage community-based organizations and businesses to participate in and promote
parental involvement activities. Information may be provided about opportunities to work as partners
with schools and parents through:
 Volunteering, tutoring and mentoring.
 Appropriate services and/or resources.
 Serving as resource speakers at parent meetings or school activities.
 Serving on various committees.
C. The LEA will establish a district-wide Parent Advisory Council to seek advice and input on all matters
related to parental involvement. Regular meetings will be held at flexible times throughout the school
year. (Each Title I school should have at least two active members. Invitations to attend these meetings
will be extended to all parents).
Part IV: Coordination and Integration of Strategies
A. The LEA will coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies under Title I with other programs
such as:
 Exceptional Education Program (students with special needs), Twin Cedars Youth Services (Ault
Academy), Troup BELL (Building Early Learners for Life), State-funded Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K),
Head Start, University of Georgia Extension Office, Community Action For Improvement (CAFÉ),
Success By Six, homeless program, migrant program, neglected sites ( Pineland, Connections,
Annette Boyd and Magnolia).
B. Assistance will be provided to participating Title I schools and parents to help them understand areas
such as:
 Six requirements to build parents’ capacity to be involved:
o State’s content and performance standards
o School improvement and corrective action process
o Components of school wide and targeted assistance programs
o State and local assessments
o Title I requirements
o Provide a platform for parents to work closely with teachers to monitor their child’s
progress and participate in decisions related to their child’s education.
C. Additional ways parents can participate in decisions related to their children’s education:
 Title I Annual meetings held at participating schools.
 Parent meetings, workshops and activities held during the year (Coordinated jointly with the
Title I Parental Involvement Coordinator, school administrators & the School’s Family
Liaison)
 Individual parent meetings
 Home visits
 Parent conferences




Join school committees
Participation as a Parent Advisory Member
Written information / correspondence
Taking part in training on the use of computers and the promethean boards
Part V: Annual Evaluation
A. The LEA will conduct an annual evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the parental involvement
policy / program to identify barriers to greater participation of parents through survey responses.
B. Responses and comments from surveys and parent group meetings will be summarized and used to
design strategies for school improvement. This information will also be used to revise individual school
improvement plans, parental policies, compacts, and the system’s parental involvement policy and
parental program.
C. All unsatisfactory parent comments regarding parental involvement services, school wide plans and
parental involvement policies will be collected and submitted to the LEA.
Part VI: Parental Involvement in School Activities
A. All parental involvement activities shall be developed in order to encourage and support the efforts of the
home, school, and community. The goal of these activities shall be to help all students, particularly
educationally deprived students, who are not performing on grade level.
B. Additional activities to promote increased student achievement and involvement of parents may include:
 Extended day academic programs for students
 Assistance to parents in understanding their role in parent / teacher conferences.
 Assistance to parents with assessment interpretations.
 Training to help parents monitor homework assignments
 Training for parents who serve as tutors, volunteers, assessment proctors, etc.
 Child care services during parent activities.
 Transportation for families to school activities when feasible.
 Providing light refreshments to parents and students during meetings, workshops and activities
 The LEA will host an annual system wide Title I Family Fun Day Expo Event in March of each year.
The purpose of this meeting shall be to solicit information from parents regarding their thoughts on
how the school year operated & to solicit new ideals for the new school year. (Title I funds will be
used to pay for snack lunches, beverages, popcorn and supplies to be used for student and parent
activities).
C. To the extent practical, reasonable support may be provided for other parental involvement activities as
requested by parents.
D. The LEA will provide literacy materials and training, including the use of technology, to help parents
provide academic assistance to their children by:
 Offering frequent educational workshops to parents based on assessed parental needs and requests.
 Offering training opportunities to parents to enable them to work as volunteers and tutors in the
school.
 Making available to parents a list of adult literacy training agencies.
 Supporting / referring interested parents to community agencies which offer literacy training such as
West Georgia Technical College and Literacy Volunteers of America.
 Encouraging the use of school technology as available and the use of technological resources in the
public library.
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
Utilizing educational materials and resources on the mobile parent bus, The Learning Place…Where
Parents are making a Difference.
Utilizing Parent Resource Centers in Title I schools with assistance from the school’s Family
Liaison.
E. Parents will be offered opportunities to provide comments and suggestions for improving staff training
through surveys, written evaluation forms, and use of a suggestion box at the school.
Part VII: Other Parental Involvement Opportunities
A. The Parental Involvement Coordinator will research model approaches for improving parental
involvement and share information with Family Liaisons.
B. The Parental Involvement Coordinator and the school’s Family Liaison will provide opportunities for
parents to learn about child development and child rearing issues. Services will be provided through
parent training workshops and activities and appropriate resources. Resources may include written
material, audio and video materials, technological information and hands on training with school
equipment. Parents may also be informed of opportunities offered by other agencies in the community
such as the Community Health Center, the Health Department, and the Medical Center.
C. To the extent practical, reasonable support will be provided for other parental involvement activities as
requested by parents. LEP parents, parents of migratory children, and parents with disabilities will be
extended the same opportunity in the language and format they can understand.
D. The LEA Parental Involvement Policy will be distributed to parents mainly through each Title I School
(Handbook). Additional copies of the Parental Involvement Policy will be available at parent meetings,
at the Family Liaison’s office / Parent Resource Center. Parents may also pick up the Policy at the Parent
Resource Center located at the Administrative Service Center-Federal Programs/Title I Office.
Revised – June 4, 2012
Long Cane Elementary
Parental Involvement Policy
Revision Date: April 9, 2013 and April 26, 2013
Effective Date: August 8, 2013
1. The Parental Involvement Policy was developed based on information received from parent
surveys, questionnaires and input from the school council and leadership team which have
parent representatives on each of these committees.
2. At the beginning of the school year, Long Cane Elementary will sponsor an annual parent
meeting for all parents to discuss the Title I Program, Title I requirements and Parents’ rights to
be involved in the program. The meeting will take place during the first eight weeks of school
and will be scheduled in the evening and the following morning. Parents will be invited and
encouraged to attend. Following the meetings, a copy of the agenda, invitation, sign-in sheets,
and a summary of the meetings will be submitted to the Director of Title I.
3. Parent meetings will be offered using a flexible schedule during the mornings and evenings
during the school year. Parental input will determine the topics and times for parent
meeting/workshops throughout the year. To encourage parental involvement, transportation,
child care and home visits will be planned based on available funding.
4. Parents will have opportunities to be involved in the planning and development of the schoolwide improvement plan and the parental involvement plan. Parents may provide specific input
in the following ways:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Serving on the School Council
Serving on Planning Committees
Completing Parent Surveys
Assisting with School Projects
Serving as active PTO members
Individual parent input
5. Parents will receive verbal and written information in a timely manner regarding the Title I
program, results of the annual school review including school performance profiles, individual
student assessment results and the interpretation of these results, a description and explanation
of the school curriculum, the assessments used to measure student progress and the proficiency
levels the students are expected to meet, opportunities for parent meetings to share experiences
with other parents and participate as appropriate in decisions relating to the education of their
children, and provide timely responses to parent suggestions through:
a. The annual fall meeting
b. Parent/teacher conferences
c. Parent orientations
d. Parent workshops/meetings
e. Written correspondence (newsletters, flyers, explanation of test results, signed papers,
etc.)
f. Student Handbooks
g. Student Planners for 3rd – 5th Grades
h. E-mail
i. School Webpage
j. Teacher Webpages
k. School Facebook Page
The school will make every effort to provide timely responses to parent suggestions. All comments,
including those which are unsatisfactory regarding the Long Cane Elementary School Improvement
Plan will be compiled, attached to the plan, and forwarded to the Title I Director.
6. In an effort to improve student achievement and maintain a strong partnership between the
home, school, and community, Long Cane will provide assistance to parents in such areas as
understanding the National Education Goals, the State’s content standards and student
performance standards, school improvement and corrective action process, components of a
school-wide program, State and local assessments, requirements of Title I, Part A, ways parents
can monitor their children’s progress and work with educators to improve the performance of
the children, and ways parents can participate in decisions relating to the education of their
children. Parents will have many opportunities to discuss the above items at the annual fall
meeting and through parent/teacher conferences, meetings, workshops, home visits, and phone
calls.
7. Literacy training for parents may be offered by the school or coordinated from other sources
with the assistance of school staff and the Title I Family Service Coordinator. This training may
include teaching parents to become tutors and volunteers, providing educational materials for
parents to increase student achievement, and assistance from agencies willing to provide literacy
training. Parents will also receive other information on ways to work with their children to
improve their academic performance. The Parent Resource Center is located in the main lobby
area for greater visibility to parents. A multi-changer DVD has been provided to allow our
parents to view parenting videos as they wait in the Parent Resource Center.
8. The Long Cane staff will seek staff development in working with parents as equal partners in
their child’s education. The staff development should emphasize the value and utility of parent
contributions to the educational program, and focus on how educators can communicate
effectively with parents in order to build stronger ties between home and school. Some of the
activities planned that will assist in building effective communication include:
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Sending home weekly newsletters
Sending home graded papers weekly
Scheduling parent/teacher conferences
Open communication through phone calls and e-mails
Encouraging parents to serve as volunteers/tutors


Attending conferences, seminars, workshops, and meeting with parents
Serving together on school committees
9. Long Cane Elementary School will coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs,
activities, and strategies with other instructional programs to the extent feasible. Title I program
will be coordinated with Head Start, Early Intervention Programs, Pre-Kindergarten Programs,
and the Title I Family Service Coordinator.
10. Long Cane Elementary will develop appropriate roles for community-based organizations and
businesses in parent involvement activities to encourage the formation of partnerships between
elementary, middle, and secondary schools and local businesses that include a role for parents.
Partners-In-Education, as well as other community members, will be involved in the following
activities at Long Cane Elementary:
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School Mentoring Program
Providing financial assistance for materials, school fundraising activities, and parentplanned activities
Providing human resources for school and parent-planned activities
Providing facilities for school or parent meetings/workshops
Serving as speakers for school/parent meetings
Participating in recognition programs for students, faculty, and parents
11. To enhance parental involvement, Long Cane Elementary has a Parent Resource Center. The
Parent Resource Center will provide materials for home use which will assist parents in
improving their child’s academic performance. Information on child development and childrearing will also be available. Parents will be invited to participate in school activities and serve
as volunteers or tutors. Open houses, Family Fun Nights, and conferences will be planned to
encourage parents to become active participants in their child’s education.
12. Parents will be involved in an ongoing end of the year assessment to evaluate the effectiveness
of the parent involvement initiatives as a measure of performance evaluations of the school.
Data is obtained from surveys sent home at the end of the school year. Based on the results of
these surveys, appropriate action is taken to improve parental involvement.
13. An open door policy will be extended to all parents in order to meet the needs of the students.
Information related to school and parent programs, meetings, activities, etc. will be sent to the
homes in the language spoken in the home to the extent possible. The ESOL teacher,
community members who understand the language of the student, the Family Assistant, or
Instructional Specialist will work to make sure this is accomplished. To the extent possible,
information and services will be provided to parents in a language and form they understand.
For parents who do not speak or read English, the ESOL teacher will be asked to assist the
family with translation needs. Information and services will also be provided for parents with
disabilities.
14. NA
15. NA
16. NA
Reasonable support for requested parental involvement activities is provided when possible
TROUP COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM RESIDENCY POLICY
Georgia law and the Troup County Board of Education policy requires that students attending
Troup County Schools must live and reside in Troup County full time. A student who is not a full
time, bona fide resident of Troup County, Georgia is not eligible to enroll and to attend Troup
County Schools and will be withdrawn immediately.
Prior to enrollment, the following documentation must be provided annually:
1.
An Affidavit of Residence;
2.
One item from the following list for address verification:
a. property tax records which indicate the location of the residence;
b. property deed, mortgage documents or a security deed which indicates the location of the
residence;
c. apartment or home lease or rent receipt indicating the current address;
d. current utility bill for electricity or utility application for electricity showing the current
address;
3.
Current driver’s license (if no current driver’s license, a current Georgia voter precinct
identification card or other voter documentation indicating the current address).
Valid Proof of Residency, the Affidavit of Residence, and a valid form of identification must
be submitted to your student’s school on registration day. Students who fail to submit the
required residency documentation will not be allowed to register for school. The Affidavit of
Residence must be completed, sworn to and signed in the presence of a Notary Public.
Schools will have the Affidavit of Residency and Notary Public services available should parents
elect to complete the affidavit during registration. You are welcome to have the Affidavit of
Residence completed prior to school registration.
Making false statements or submitting false documentation to the Troup County School System and
false swearing is a violation of O.C.G.A. §16-9-2, §16-10-20 and/or §16-10-71 of the criminal laws
of the State of Georgia and punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for
not less than one nor more than five years, or both. O.C.G.A. 16-10-71.
Thank you for providing the foregoing information to assist in enrolling your child. Please contact
the Office of Student Assignment at 706-812-7900 if you have questions.