Where Eagles Learn to Fly
Baldwin Elementary School
894 Willingham Ave
Baldwin, GA 30511
706 778 6435
Dear Parents and Students,
We are excited about this school year. We are looking forward to many great
learning experiences. Our goal is to build a working relationship among
parents, teachers, and children to provide the best possible education for the
children of Baldwin Elementary School. Your help and guidance will help
make Baldwin Elementary School a school that provides quality work for all
children. We believe in engaging our children in quality learning and in order
to do that we as educators have to be engaged in learning also to perfect our
craft. We will also give you opportunities to learn as parents how to help your
children be successful in school.
Please take the time to read this handbook and discuss it with your child. We
welcome you to call the school or come by if at any time you have concerns or
questions. Looking for a great year!
Sincerely,
Karle Maxwell, Principal
Engaging All Learners
Baldwin Elementary School
894 Willingham Ave
Baldwin, GA 30511
School Office Telephone # 706-778-6435
Office Hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 PM
Principal-Karle Maxwell
Assistant Principal-Vicki Wade
Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Judy Forbes, Superintendent
PO Box 70
Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
706-754-2118
Section 504 Coordinator
Donna Dixon
PO Box 70
Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
706-754-2118
Habersham County Board of Education
Dr. Judy Forbes, Superintendent
Gilbert Barrett
Richard Martin
Allen Smith
Meredith McConnell
Patsy Taylor
NONDISCRIMINATION:
It is the policy of the Habersham County School System not to discriminate on the
basis of age, sex, race, national origin, marital status, religion, veteran status, or
disability in its educational programs and activities.
Engaging All Learners
Faculty and Staff
Karle Maxwell
Pre-K
Principal
Amanda Wilson - Teacher
Assistant Principal
Secretary
Vicki Wade
Secretary
Rebecca Demore
Media Specialist
Michelle Mercer
Counselor
Deborah Wilson
Special Education
Brenda Franklin
Sharon Kesler
Art
Music
P.E.
ESOL
Katie Matthews
Catherine Slappey
Brittany Whitlock
Dorothy Shouppe
Terri Wood
Literacy Coordinator
Literacy Coordinator
Sara Alice Tucker
Stephanie Waldon
2nd Grade
Suni Cawthon
Gaye Galloway
Alice Gunter
Laurie Brooks
Linda Partington
EIP
Speech
Judy Turner
Ralph Allen
Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery
Natalie Fricks
Carrie Ryan
Stella Price
Karen Wright
Janie Holiday - Paraprofessional
Kindergarten
Holly Adams
Anna Bagwell
Elaine Simmons
Karen Simpson
Regina Thomas
Marisa Whittington
1st Grade
Kelly Chitwood
Joel Head
Susan Jones
Reading Recovery
3rd Grade
April Akridge
Amy Gailey
Katie Hartrick
Britney Ivester
INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Jannie Barrett
Bessie Brown
Joyce Dyer
Carolyn Gulley
Esilda Schuster
Patricia Gerrin
4th Grade
Rhonda Card
Jana Rose
Rachelle Woodruff
Nurse
Media Assistant
P.E.
Special Education
Carol Gastley
Pam Pruitt
Becky Allen
Shawn Knight
5th Grade
Amy Johnson
Yovonda Loudermilk
Shelia Parnell
Lunchroom
Lunchroom
Lunchroom
Lunchroom
Manager - Connie Hughes
Mary G. Rothell
Alley Savage
Barbara Smith
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
Beliefs, Mission, and Vision
Understanding the importance of having a solid
foundation upon which to build our school, we
have worked diligently to develop these to truly
reflect what we are all about.
BELIEFS
All children can learn and will learn in their own time
and their own way.
All children have a unique perspective and knowledge that they can contribute to the learning of
others. Grouping students in heterogeneous classrooms gives the opportunity for sharing and
learning from each other.
We believe our school is a community of learners in which students, teachers, parents and the
community are growing and learning together.
We are striving to create a clean, safe, secure, environment as we teach children to respect
themselves, others and property. Our school should be a place where children are nurtured and
willing to be creative and take risks.
All teachers should participate in on going staff development in order to reach their potential to
provide rewarding opportunities for all children.
As teachers, we should constantly strive toward engaging students in meaningful work
experiences.
We can and WILL teach ALL children.
Mission Statement: Engaging All Learners
Our mission is to be a place of life-long learning for all our learners. All learners
would be our students, teachers, administrators and parents. We believe that
learning should be a daily process for all and should be the goal of everyone
involved in the school. We are committed to providing meaningful experiences and
work to all the learners in the school community so that we better our community
and the environment of learning on our school.
This means that the work we do and the work we give all learners should be
relevant, engaging, challenging, and rewarding to the individual. By engaging all
learners, we will create a love of learning and learning will be valued by all.
Our Vision
If our beliefs are in place and practiced everyday:
Our school will be a place of learning for all. Everyone will be
engaged in their work and learning. Teachers will be reflective of
their practice and utilize assessments to guide their teaching.
Engaging All Learners
They will be actively seeking information from their students to discover better
ways and activities that will engage children actively and excitedly in learning.
Because of this thirst for learning the school will have a feel of excitement when you
walk in the door. You will see a gallery, a gallery of student work: photos,
examples, quality work will line the halls and be displayed creatively and in places
of honor in the school. Attendance and discipline won’t be an issue because the
engaged child will want to be at school daily and too busy learning to get in trouble.
You will see parents in the building actively involved in the learning of children and
learning themselves how to be better parents and support their child’s learning at
home. Classrooms will also be a gallery of student work and student made learning
tools. Word walls, class stories, individual student work will line the walls.
Students will be busy in self-directed learning. Teachers will be leading the class in
learning. Everyone will be successful. Personal learning will be of the highest value
and sharing what you have learned will be one of the highlights of everyday. You
will not see a single “store bought” decoration anywhere in the building.
Everything will be made by children. You will feel that we value every child and
person in the school. You will feel the BUZZ.
As the hub of learning for the community, the school will be a busy place, valued by
the neighbors and community members as a place to support the future of our
country, our children and the individual learning of everyone in the community.
The school will have influenced the community to become a place where everyone is
valued. The school family will understand the value of differences and gathering
together to learn from each other. Cultures will be valued as bringing new
knowledge and understanding to the life of our community. Together we can do
more. Higher learning for all makes all of us better.
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
Baldwin Elementary School
STUDENT/TEACHER/PARENT/PRlNClPAL COMPACT
The education of all children is our first priority at Baldwin Elementary School. We
believe that for a child to have the best education that we must all know and
commit to giving our children the best opportunity to learn. Understanding our
responsibilities and the expectations will help us to meet the needs of all children.
Listed below are the expectations that we have for your child, our parents, and
ourselves. Please read and discuss the expectations with your child. As you read the
teacher expectations, you will see that we are truly committed to doing our part and
we want you and your child to commit to doing your part to help your child
succeed.
PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT
I want my child to achieve so I agree to do the following:
*See that my child is punctual and attends schools regularly
*Support the school in its efforts to maintain discipline
*Establish a time for homework and review it regularly
*Provide a quiet well-lighted place for study
*Encourage my child’s efforts and be available for questions
*Stay aware of what my child is learning
*Provide a library card for my child
*Read with my child and let my child see me read
*Participate in parent-teacher conferences
STUDENT AGREEMENT
In order for me to do my best I will do the following:
*Attend school regularly
*Come to school each day with pencils, paper, and other needed materials
*Complete and return homework assignments
*Observe regular study hours
*Follow the three R’s- Respect self, others and property
TEACHER AGREEMENT
It is important for students to achieve. Therefore; I will:
*Provide meaningful work and assignments for students
*Provide assistance to parents as needed so they can help their child
*Encourage parents and students by providing frequent student progress information
*Provide opportunities for parent-teacher conferences
Model the three R’s- respect self, others, and property
Be determined that all children can and will succeed.
Be involved in Staff Development to improve teaching strategies
Engaging All Learners
PRINCIPAL AGREEMENT
I support this form of parent involvement. Therefore, I will:
*Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between teacher, parent and
student
*Encourage teachers to regularly provide homework assignments that will reinforce classroom
instruction
Model the three R’s- Respect self, others and property
*Be the Lead Learner in the School.
Engaging All
Learners
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
School Procedures
Teacher Planning Times
Parents are encouraged to talk with teachers about a child’s progress. Teachers
are available for conferences with parents during their scheduled planning time or
after school. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a conference with
your child’s teacher, please contact the school by telephone (776-1600) or send a
note to the teacher with your child. Please always include a telephone number
where you can be reached for a confirmation of the conference time and date.
Important Telephone Numbers
Baldwin Elementary School
Superintendent’s Office
Karle Maxwell, Principal - Home #
Tim Dockery, Transportation Director
Dr. Judy Forbes, Title IX Coordinator
Donna Dixon, Section 504 Coordinator
778-6435
754-2118
894-1699
754-2118
754-2118
754-2913
School Closings
In the event of snow or bad weather, radio stations WCON, 99.3 FM, in Cornelia
will carry information about Habersham County Schools. Please listen to your
local radio or TV stations for information on school closings.
Visitors to the School
Board Policy KM states, “ In accordance with state law it shall be unlawful for any
person to disrupt or interfere in the operation of any school within the Habersham
County School System. Any person violating this provision may be found guilty of
a misdemeanor. All visitors to the schools must report to the principal’s office
upon entry”.
Baldwin Elementary School asks that all visitors and parents report to the office
before visiting with any teacher or student. This is for the safety of our students
and staff and also so we can know who is in our school. Your cooperation with this
request is greatly appreciated.
Emergency Plan
Our school has an emergency/ safety plan in place that covers various emergencies
including bomb threats, chemical accidents/hazardous materials, civil disturbances,
earthquakes, explosions fires, floods, injuries/illnesses, loss of utilities, nuclear
attack, severe storms/tornadoes/hurricanes, terrorist acts, and winter storms.
Engaging All Learners
Bell Schedule
The school day at Baldwin Elementary School begins promptly at 8:00 AM daily
when the first bell rings. Students who
arrive at school after 8:15 AM must be
accompanied to the school office by a
parent and signed in. Upon being signed
in, a tardy slip will be given to the student
by office personnel. The office will let the
cafeteria know to add the child to the
lunch report. The student will report
directly to the classroom. Students
missing instructional time due to excessive
tardiness will be required to make up this
time at recess.
The afternoon pick-up bell for students whose parents transport them is 2:50 PM.
Parent pick-up location is at the front of the school building. Buses will load in the
front and back of the building.
Parents are discouraged from asking for students before the school day is
dismissed. However, students may go home upon the request of parents at the
school office where the student must be signed out. Please do not go to your child’s
classroom without checking with the office. This is for your child’s safety. No child
shall be released to an individual other than a parent (or guardian) without specific
request from the parent or guardian (Bd. Policy JB). Written information
(including names of individuals) prepared and signed by the custodial
parent(s)/guardian(s) is required for the release of students to individual other than
custodial parent(s)/guardian(s). This is for the safety of our students. Please do not
be offended if we ask the person picking up your child to show identification if we
do not know them.
The afternoon bus students begin dismissal to the buses at 3:00. A child may not
ride a bus other than his/her regular bus without written permission from his/her
parents and a bus pass from the office.
All students must go directly home unless they have a signed note from their
parents, which has been seen and approved, by the office. Any child wishing to visit
another child after school must have a written note from the parent of the child
with whom he/she is to visit and a note of consent from his/her own parents. No
child may visit another child without a note from the parents of both children
involved.
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
Attendance/Excused Absences
Students who attend school regularly do better in their schoolwork. Each day they
are absent puts them behind. Attendance program awards are given out at the end
of the school year at Baldwin Elementary School Elementary. Chronic absences
and tardiness will be referred to the Habersham County Truancy Officer. (This
process begins after the 5th absence.)
Habersham County Schools use the PowerSchoolAttendance module for recording
and reporting attendance. To accurately report attendance it is imperative that
students be signed in and/or out in the office (preferably by a parent or guardian) if
arriving at school after 8:00 AM or if departing from school. In order to be
counted as present in the attendance report, elementary pupils must remain in
school for a minimum of one half of the instructional day or until 11:30 AM, or
arrive by 11:30 AM for the remainder of the
day. Your cooperation and assistance is
greatly appreciated in helping us keep our
attendance records as complete and accurate
as possible.
Students may be temporarily excused from
school for any of the following reasons:
1. When personally ill and when attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of
others;
2 When in their immediate family there is a serious illness or death which would reasonably
necessitate absence from school;
3. On special recognized religious holidays observed by their faith;
4. When mandated by order of government agencies including pre-induction physical examinations for
service in the armed forces, or by a court order;
5. When prevented from school attendance due to conditions rendering attendance impossible or
hazardous to their health or safety;
6. When a student over the age of 18 registers to vote or votes.
Make-Up Work
Students shall be permitted to make up work when absent. Notes from parents
and/or guardians will be accepted as reason for absence. Parents and/or students
must ask the teacher about make-up assignments and when they are due to be
completed. Students will be allowed three days to make up work for the first day of
absence and a day will be added for each corresponding day of absence. For
example, if a child misses one day, he/she will have three days to make up work. If a
child misses two days, he/she has four days to make up work.
Engaging All Learners
Change of Address
Please report any changes in address or telephone number promptly so that the
school can reach you if it is necessary. If changes need to be made on your child’s
emergency card, please come by the office to make corrections. It is imperative
that we have telephone numbers on file where someone can be reached in case of
illness or emergency.
Beepers and Cellular Phones
Students are not permitted to bring beepers and/or cellular phones on the school
grounds.
Internet Access
The Habersham County Board of Education Policy IFA provides guidelines for the
use of Internet in schools.
Withdrawal of Students
Parents of students who withdraw from Baldwin Elementary School to transfer to
other schools outside our system are asked to notify us of your intent to withdraw
your child. When you enter your child at the school where you are transferring (if
it is out of our system), you will sign a release form and the new school will forward
that release to us. Upon the receipt of the release form we will mail your child’s
records immediately.
Schools within Habersham County have special withdrawal forms and we send
records within the system through the county office mail.
Bus Rules
Per Board of Education Policy JCDAD, the following is a set of rules that shall be
followed by ALL students who are transported by school bus in Habersham
County:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Obey the bus driver, who is responsible for the safety of all passengers.
Do not disturb the bus driver while he/she is driving.
Respect the driver’s right to assign seats.
Stay in your seat and do not change seats.
Sit down while bus is in motion, if space is available.
Keep voices low – no shouting or whistling.
No rough housing, pushing, fighting or throwing objects.
Do not give vulgar signs or gestures, and the use of profanity is prohibited.
Do not open or close windows without the driver’s permission.
Keep all parts of the body inside the bus.
Help keep the bus clean.
A student shall not operate the door, nor stand in the forward area of the bus.
The following items are restricted on the bus:
1. Eating or drinking is not permitted on the school bus.
2. No glass container of any kind will be allowed on the bus.
3. The use of tobacco in any form is forbidden.
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
4. Students will be permitted to carry only books and other items related to schoolwork, which can
be held in the student’s lap. No large musical instruments, sports equipment, or animals will be
transported.
Inappropriate behavior on the bus will be addressed according to adopted county
guidelines and disciplinary referral
procedures.
Baldwin Bus Drivers
Mrs. Parker
Mrs. Turner
Ms. Glover
Car Riders and Student Pick-up
The afternoon pick-up bell for students whose parents transport them is 2:50 PM.
Parent pick-up location is at the front of the school building. Again we remind
parents that you are encouraged to keep children in school all day.
Homework Center
Habersham County elementary schools are privileged to have Homework Centers
available to students from 3:00 -5:00 each afternoon. Certified personnel who are
on hand to help students with their homework staff Homework Centers. The cost
for Homework Center is $2.50 daily or $12 for the week. Homework Centers are
open Monday through Friday each week. Parents are responsible for picking
students up from Homework Center. For more information about Homework
Centers please contact the school office.
Engaging All Learners
Homework Policies shall be adopted by each grade level and communicated to
parents for each grade.
Discipline Policy
Baldwin Elementary School has always prided itself as an orderly school with a
high level of respect among staff and students. As a staff, we feel the need to
continue this goal by helping children learn necessary skills for school success. To
accomplish this goal, we have developed a school-wide plan called RESPECT. The
plan is based on the 3 R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others, Respect for
property. Our plan makes use of effective preventive measures, positive
reinforcement, teaching strategies, and appropriate consequences.
Throughout the school year the students will learn about the 3R’s. They will teach
you what they know and discuss them with you. Please spend some time discussing
this plan with your child. It is especially important that you talk to your child
about the key concepts of this program.
Our school-wide expectations are:
SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS
RESPONSIBILITY: take care of self, allow others to resolve their own problems, do our job,
and accept the outcomes of your behavior
ENCOURAGEMENT: praise others, support one another, and allow others to be different
SELF-CONTROL: walk quietly, move calmly throughout the school, keep hands and feet to self
PATIENCE: wait your turn, seek attention appropriately
EXCELLENCE IN ALL THAT YOU DO: always do your best, be a good listener, come
prepared, ask for help when needed
COOPERATION:
follow directions the first time, take turns, and share with others, problem
solve, be a helper, work together
TRUSTWORTHINESS:
treat others the way you want to be treated, be honest
With your continued support and involvement, there is no question that Baldwin Elementary
School will continue to be a school where students can learn and grow in a safe, respectful, and
cooperative learning environment. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s
classroom teacher, the assistant principal, or the principal. We look forward to a great year!
We have established a School-Wide Discipline Team consisting of the Administrator, one
teacher from each grade level, and one special education teacher. Our school seeks to protect
and insure individual and educational rights for each and every child
at Baldwin Elementary School by emphasizing RESPECT: respect for
self, respect for others, respect for property.
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
Dress Code
It is our desire to allow the children to be as comfortable as possible while
maintaining a high degree of respectability and safety.
School Nutrition
A nutritious breakfast is available every morning from 7:30 until 8:00 AM.
Student breakfast cost $.75 for full paying and $.30 for reduced. Breakfast charges
are not allowed.
Student lunches cost $1.00 for full paying and $.40 for reduced. Adult lunches are
$2.50. Accounting procedures are on computer at Baldwin Elementary School so
student meals may be paid for by the day, the week, or the month. Cash and checks
sent for breakfast or lunch should be in a sealed envelope with the student’s name
and student number printed on the outside.
Checks should be made for the correct amount only.
Free lunches are provided for those who are unable to pay. Parents requesting
their child go on the free or reduced price program must fill out an application,
which will be submitted, to the cafeteria manager and the county nutrition director.
The decision will then be made as to whether or not the request will be granted
according to Federal and State guidelines.
Free and reduced programs apply to breakfast,
also. Students who were eligible for the free and
reduced program last school year will
automatically be put on the program again until
new applications are returned to the school.
A new application form must be completed
as soon as possible in order to update
information.
All lunch charges for the week MUST be
paid by Friday of that same week.
Snacks
Snacks will be available for purchase in snack machines for students to have after
the last lunch period is over. The cost of the snack will be $.50 and juice will be
$.75. Students may NOT purchase snacks on their way to the buses or parent pick
up. Snacks are provided in Homework Center and are not allowed on the buses.
Engaging All Learners
Student Insurance
School insurance for students’ information and applications will be sent home on
the first day of school. Instructions for purchasing this insurance will be available
in the information packet. If you do not receive a packet, please contact the school
office.
Immunization and other Certificates
All students entering Georgia schools must have a Georgia Certificate of
Immunization. Students entering Georgia schools for the first time must have the
immunization certificate, certificates of Hearing, Vision, and Dental Screenings,
and a valid certificate of birth. Screenings for hearing, vision and dental may be
obtained at the local health department. The school will notify any parent whose
child does not have the certificates in the student’s folder.
Medical Procedures
Habersham county school designees may administer drugs prescribed by a doctor
only if all of the following requirements are met:
All routine and intermittent medications (2 weeks or less) shall be in the original
labeled container from the pharmacy.
Written instructions from a doctor as to how to administer, amount, time, etc. must
be shown on the medication container label.
For long-term medications a written permission by the parent or guardian must be
made on the designated county medical management form. This form must be
signed by the attending physician and filed in the school office BEFORE the drug
can be administered.
No medication shall be given including over-the-counter medication, without the
parent filling out the appropriate medical management form . This form is
available in the school office.
Any medication shall be documented on the appropriate form at the time of
administration and shall be filed in a pre-designated, confidential area as
determined by the principal.
No aspirin or Tylenol shall be given
without a physician’s order or signed
parental permission.
Report Cards
Reports are issued at regular intervals of
the school year to inform parents
concerning the progress of students. In
addition to these reports, parents are
encouraged to confer with teachers about
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
the work of their children.
Report cards are issued to parents at the end of each grading period. Elementary
grades are issued at the end of each nine weeks period.
Grading System
The Habersham County Board of Education has established 70 as the minimum
passing score for all subjects taught in grades K-12.
The explanation of grades for grades 1-8 is as follows:
S (80-100).........Satisfactory
N (70-79)...........Need Improvement
U .....................Unsatisfactory
NE....................Not Evaluated
*.......................Modified Instruction
(Below 70 - Not Passing)
A....................90-100
B....................80-89
C....................75-79
D....................70-74
F.....................Below 70
I......................Incomplete
For all grades the minimum passing score is 70.
Academic Programs
Art, music, and P.E. classes are conducted at Baldwin Elementary School. The
students in our school have P.E. three times a week for forty minutes each time, and
they have art and music once a week for forty minutes each. All of these programs
are a valuable part of our curriculum.
Baldwin has a very active Student Support Team (SST). This team consists of two
classroom teachers, resource teacher, the counselor, and an administrator. This
team meets each week to discuss concerns about students and their progress in our
school.
Media Center
Baldwin Elementary School is very proud of its media services. Many activities go
on in our media center each day. All Habersham County media centers ask you to
remember the following:
Parental involvement in the school’s media program is welcomed.
Parents may review a list of books that have been challenged in
Habersham County within the past five- (5) years. This list
will be kept in the school’s media center. Parents will be
invited to come to the school and review that list and examine
the books at that school, which are on the list or any other
part of the media collection.
Engaging All Learners
By written consent, parents may request that their child not be allowed to check out
certain books. When these requests are received at the school, they will be entered
in the media automation system, which will block this student from checking out
this book.
Special Programs
The Habersham County Board of Education (Policy IDD) shall provide special
education programs specifically designed to meet individual needs of students.
These programs shall be provided in addition to the regular curricula of the public
school.
Such programs shall include developmental, preventive and remedial services,
pupil personnel services (i.e., guidance, counseling, testing, psychological,
attendance and medical services) and the school’s SST shall assist in identifying
students requiring special assistance.
Migrant
The Habersham County Board of Education (Policy IDDA) shall provide services
to migrant students through the Migrant Education Program which shall serve
students who, because of the nature of their parents’ work, frequently move from
school to school.
Special Education
The Habersham County Board of Education (Policy IDDF) shall serve through its
local special education program the needs of all exceptional children, ages 3-21.
Eligible children and youth are defined as those who have emotional, physical,
communicative or intellectual deviations, or a combination thereof, to the degree
that there is interference with school achievement or adjustment or prevention of
full academic attainment and who require modifications or alterations in their
educational programs. Special education shall include children who are classified
as intellectually disabled, emotional behavior disordered, specifically learning
disabled, orthopedically impaired, other health impaired, hearing impaired,
speech-language impaired, visually impaired, severely emotionally disturbed or
deaf-blind and who have any other areas of special needs that may be identified.
The Habersham County Board of Education shall adhere to the state-adopted
eligibility criteria for each area of special education.
ESOL
The Habersham County Board of Education (Policy IDDG) provides a program for
limited English proficient students. The purpose of such a program is to help
limited English proficient students develop proficiency in the English language
skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing so that they may be integrated into
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
regular classrooms as quickly as possible.
Students eligible for the program are those whose native language/home
language/first language is other than English and who, be reason thereof, have
sufficient difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English
language to prevent their success in classrooms where the language of instruction is
English. Students’ language proficiency will be assessed, at a minimum, by English
language proficiency tests.
Discovery
Habersham County recognizes that there are students who demonstrate a high
degree of intellectual ability and who need special instruction and/or special
ancillary services in order to achieve at levels commensurate with his/her
intellectual ability. Teachers, counselors, parents, peers, administrators, self and
others may refer students for consideration in a gifted program. Results of systemwide norm-referenced testing will be reviewed and the Gifted teacher will
administer additional tests as required.
Telephone
Office phones are for school business and emergency situations. Students cannot
use the telephone for personal calls unless it is an emergency. They cannot call
home for homework, books, or other forgotten items, or to ask permission for visits,
etc. unless requested by the teacher. Teachers and students are not to be called
from the classroom for phone calls unless an emergency exists.
Parent Teacher Assembly
Baldwin Elementary School has a very active PTA. Parents are encouraged to join
and participate in this organization. PTA meetings are held each quarter.
PTA officers for the school year are:
President:
Vice-Pres:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Jana Rose
Carrie Trotter
Becky Allen
Rebecca Demore
Receipts and Accounting
In accordance with new bookkeeping
and accounting practices in the county,
anytime your child gives money to the
teacher for book orders, etc. the teacher
will issue a receipt for that money to
your child.
Engaging All Learners
Board Policies
Equal Educational Opportunities
It shall be the policy of the Habersham County Board of Education (Policy
JAA) to adhere to the following: QBE provides that “No student shall be
refused admission into or be excluded from any public school in the state on
account of race, creed, color or national origin.” (1) Title IV of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 authorizes the Attorney General to institute action to bring
about desegregation of the school. (2) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
declares that “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race,
color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the
benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity
receiving Federal financial assistance,” (3) and provides for cut off of federal
funds. (4) The Equal Educational Opportunities Acts of 1974 prohibits
segregation or discrimination in the public schools on the basis of race, color,
or national origin, (5) authorizes civil enforcement activities by individuals
and the Attorney General, (6) but disavows any requirement of racial
balance; (7) declares that neighborhood school assignments are legal (8) and
disavows any requirement of busing. (9) Title IX of the 1972 Educational
Amendments declares that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis
of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving
Federal financial assistance...” (10), and provides for enforcement by a cut-off
of federal funds. (11) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is also an antidiscrimination statute, and prohibits discrimination against any person solely
on the basis of handicap with respect to participation in any program or
activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Georgia law declares that “The state board shall establish and enforce
standards for operation of all public elementary and secondary schools and
local units of administration in this state as to assure, to the greatest extent
possible, equal and quality educational programs, curricula, offerings,
opportunities, and facilities for all of Georgia’s children and youth and for
economy and efficiency throughout the state”.
Staff member in charge of compliance with Title IX is:
Dr. Judy Forbes
Habersham County Schools
P.O. Box 70
Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
(706)754-2118
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Staff member in charge of compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act is:
Donna Dixon
Special Education/Federal Programs Director
Habersham County Schools
P.O. Box 70
Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
(706)754-2913
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND ELIGIBLE STUDENTS OF
RIGHTS UNDER
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 123g) (the
“Act”), you have a right to:
Inspect and review, within 45 days of a request, the education records of a
student who is your child, or in the case of a student who is eighteen (18) or
older, or those who are emancipated, your own education records. Parents or
eligible students should submit to the Personnel Director (or in the absence of
same the School Superintendent) will make arrangements for access and
provide notice of such arrangements.
Request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they
are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s
privacy or other rights. To request the school district to amend a record,
parents or eligible students should write the school principal, specify the part
of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading,
or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. If the
district decides not to amend the record, it will notify the parents or eligible
student of the decision and inform them of their right to a hearing. Additional
information regarding the hearing procedure will be provided with the
notification of the right to hearing.
Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the
student’s education records, except to the extent that the Act and the
regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act authorize disclosure without
consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is to school
officials with legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person
employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or
support staff member; a member of the school board; a person with whom the
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district has contracted to perform a specific task (such as attorney, auditor, or
therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee (such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee). A school official has a legitimate
educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in
order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school
district forwards educational records without prior consent to another school
in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.
(4) The Habersham County School District has designated the following information as directory
information:
Student’s name, address and telephone number;
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Student’s date and place of birth;
Student’s participation in official school clubs and sports;
Weight and height of student if he/she is a member of an athletic team;
Dates of attendance at the Habersham County School System; and
Awards received during the time enrolled in the Habersham County School System.
Unless you, as a parent/guardian or eligible student, request otherwise, this
information may be disclosed to the public upon request. You have the right
to refuse to allow all or any part of the above information to be designated as
directory information and to be disclosed to the public upon request. If you
wish to exercise this right, you must notify the principal of the school at which
the student is enrolled in writing within ten (10) days.
(5) File with the United States Department of Education a complaint under 20 C. F. R. 99.64
concerning the alleged failures by the Habersham County Board of Education to comply with
the requirements of the Act or the regulations promulgated thereunder. The name and
address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.
Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
(6) You are also notified that from time to time students may be photographed, video taped, or
interviewed by the news media at school or some school activity or event; unless you, as a
parent/guardian object in writing to your student being photographed, video taped or
interviewed to the principal of the school where your student is enrolled. You must notify
the principal of your objection.
Parents should feel free to call or come by the school often. We welcome any time you have
to give to our school. Please call and schedule a conference with your child’s teacher when
you have questions or concerns.
We look forward to working with you to help give your child the best education possible.
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
CODE OF CONDUCT
Habersham County School System
Purpose
The purpose of this code is to provide students in the Habersham County
School System an effective and safe learning environment. This document has
been prepared in accordance with the Discipline Procedures of the
Habersham County School System and the requirements of Georgia law and
the State Board of Education. It contains information for school personnel,
students, and parents. Included in this document are an outline of expected
behaviors and the consequences relating to various violations.
Expected behavior is behavior that promotes learning and encourages
maturity during the school day as well as during all school-related activities
and at all off-campus events when the student’s behavior is a potential danger
or disruption to educational process. Students and their parents need to know
and understand this code in order to achieve these goals.
Students are expected to:
Participate fully in the learning process. Students need to report to school and
class on time, attend all regularly scheduled classes, remain in class until
excused or dismissed, pay attention to instruction, complete assignments to
the best of their ability, and ask for help when needed.
Avoid behavior that impairs their own or other students’ educational achievement.
Students should know and avoid the behaviors prohibited by this code, take
care of books and other instructional materials, and cooperate with others.
Show respect for the knowledge and authority of teachers, administrators, and
other school employees. Students must obey reasonable directions, use
acceptable and courteous language, avoid being rude, and follow school rules
and procedures.
Recognize and respect rights of other students and adults. All students should
show concern for and encouragement of the educational achievements and
activity participation of others.
Disciplinary action for violations of expected behaviors will include
appropriate hearings and reviews. In all cases, the rights of individuals will
be ensured and protected. The Habersham County School System will make
every reasonable effort to administer the discipline code consistently in all
schools. When applicable, individualized plans (i.e. IEP, 504, and SST) will be
reviewed for appropriate consequences.
The school’s primary goal is to educate, not to punish; however, when the
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behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others,
corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and the
school as a whole. Accordingly, students shall be governed by the rules set
forth in this Code of Conduct.
Effectiveness of the Code of Conduct:
The Code of Conduct is effective during the following times and in the
following places:
At school or on school property at any time;
Off school grounds at any school activity, function or even while traveling to
and from such events;
On vehicles for student transportation by the school system;
On school buses and at school bus stops;
Also, students may be disciplined for conduct off campus, which could result
in a student being criminally charged with a felony, and which makes the
student’s continued presence at school a potential danger to persons or
property at the school or which disrupts the educational process.
Unsafe School: Major offenses including, but not limited to, drug and weapon
offenses can lead to schools being named as an Unsafe School according to the
provisions of the State Board Rule 160-4-8-.16, UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE
OPTIONS
Authority of the Principal and Authority of the Teacher
The principal is the designated leader of the school and, in concert with the
staff, is responsible for the orderly operation of the school. In cases of
disruptive, disorderly or dangerous conduct not covered in this Code, the
principal may undertake corrective measures which he or she believes to be in
the best interest of the student and the school provided any such action does
not violate school board policy or procedures.
The Superintendent fully supports the authority of principals and teachers in
the school system to remove a student from the classroom pursuant to
provisions of state law.
Each teacher shall comply with the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 20-2-737 which
requires the filing of a report by a teacher who has knowledge that a student
has exhibited behavior that repeatedly or substantially interferes with the
teacher’s ability of such student’s classmates to learn, where such behavior is
in violation of the student code of conduct. Such report shall be filed with the
principal or designee on the school day of the most recent occurrence of such
behavior, shall not exceed one page, and shall describe the behavior. The
principal or designee shall, within one school day after receiving such report
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
from a teacher, send to the student’s parents or guardian a copy of the report
and information regarding how the student’s parents or guardians may
contact the principal or designee.
The principal or designee shall notify in writing the teacher and the student’s
parents or guardian of the discipline or student support services which has
occurred as a result of the teacher’s report within one school day from the
imposition of discipline or the utilization of the support services. The
principal or designee shall make a reasonable attempt to confirm that the
student’s parents or guardian has received the written notification, including
information as to how the parents or guardian may contact the principal or
designee.
Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the Code of Conduct and to
be supportive of it in their daily communication with their children and others
in the community.
This Code of Conduct is based on the expectation that parents, guardians,
teachers and school administrators will work together to improve and
enhance student behavior and academic performance and will communicate
freely their concerns about, and actions in response to, student behavior that
detracts from the learning environment. School administrators recognize that
two-way communication through personal contacts are extremely valuable;
therefore, they provide information to parents as well as on-going
opportunities for school personnel to hear parents’ concerns and comments.
Georgia law mandates that any time a teacher or principal identifies a student
as a chronic disciplinary problem, the principal shall notify by telephone call
and by mail the student’s parent or guardian of the disciplinary problem,
invite the parent or guardian to observe the student in a class room situation,
and request at least one parent or guardian to attend a conference to devise a
disciplinary and behavioral correction plan.
Georgia law also states that before any chronic disciplinary problem student
is permitted to return to school from a suspension or expulsion, the school
shall request by telephone call and by mail at least one parent or guardian to
schedule and attend a conference to devise a disciplinary and behavioral
correction plan.
The law allows a local board of education to petition the juvenile court to
require a parent to attend a school conference. If the court finds that the
parent or guardian has willfully and unreasonably failed to attend the
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conference requested by the principal pursuant to the laws cited above, the
court may order the parent or guardian to attend such a conference, order the
parent or guardian to participate in such programs or such treatment as the
court deems appropriate to improve the student’s behavior, or both. After
notice and opportunity for hearing, the court may impose a fine, not to exceed
$500.00, on a parent or guardian who willfully disobeys an order of the court
under this law.
Student Support Processes
The Habersham County Board of Education provides a variety of resources
that are available at every school within the district to help address student
behavioral problems. The school discipline process will include appropriate
consideration of support processes to help students resolve such problems.
These resources include Student Support Teams, school counselors, chronic
disciplinary student plans, mentoring programs, peer mentors, and student
leadership class support.
Progressive Discipline Procedures
When it is necessary to impose discipline, school administrators and teachers
will follow a progressive discipline process. The degree of discipline to be
imposed by each school official will be in proportion to the severity of the
behavior of a particular student and will take into account the student’s
discipline history, the age of the student and other relevant factors. All due
process procedures required by federal and state law will be followed.
The Code of Conduct provides a process of behavioral correction in which
inappropriate behaviors are followed by consequences. Disciplinary actions
are designed to teach students self-discipline and to help them substitute
inappropriate behaviors with those that are consistent with the character
traits from Georgia’s Character Education Program.
The following disciplinary actions may be imposed for any violation of this
Code of Conduct:
●
●
●
●
●
●
_
●
●
Warning and/or Counseling with a School Administrator or Counselor
Loss of Privileges
Isolation or Time Out
Removal from Class or Activity
Notification of Parents
Parent Conference
Parent visitation/involvement
Detention/Saturday School
In-School-Suspension
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● Short-term Suspension
● Referral to a Hearing Officer or Tribunal for Long-term Suspension or Expulsion
● Suspension or Expulsion from the School Bus
● Referral to Law Enforcement or Juvenile Court Officials: Georgia Law
requires that certain acts of misconduct be referred to the appropriate law
enforcement officials. The School will refer any act of misconduct to law
enforcement officials when school officials determine such referral to be
necessary or appropriate.
Maximum Penalties: The maximum punishments for an offense include longterm suspension or expulsion, including permanent expulsion, but those
punishments will be determined only by a hearing officer or tribunal as
outlined in the Habersham County Board of Education Policies.
Waiver: Parents or students may elect not to contest whether a student has
violated the Code of Conduct or the appropriate discipline and in such cases
an agreement may be negotiated which would include the parents or students
waiving a right to a hearing before a disciplinary tribunal or hearing officer.
Such an agreement and waiver must be approved also by the disciplinary
tribunal or hearing officer in accordance with local board policy.
Short-Term Suspensions: Before a student is suspended for ten days or less,
the principal or designee will inform the student of the offense for which the
student is charged and allow the student to explain his or her behavior. If the
student is suspended, the student’s parents will be notified if possible. School
officials may involve law enforcement officials when evidence surrounding a
situation necessitates their involvement or when there is a legal requirement
that an incident be reported.
Searches: School officials may search a student if there is reasonable suspicion
the student is in possession of an item that is illegal or against school rules.
Student vehicles brought on campus, student book bags, school lockers, desks
and other school property are subject to inspection and search by school
authorities at any time without further notice to students or parents. Students
are required to cooperate if asked to open book bags, lockers or any vehicle
brought on campus. Metal detectors and drug or weapon sniffing dogs may
be utilized at school or at any school function, including activities that occur
outside normal school hours or off the school campus at the discretion of
administrators.
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School Bus and Bus Stop Conduct
Students are prohibited from acts of physical violence as defined by O.C.G.A.
§ 20-2-751.6, bullying as defined by O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.4(a), physical assault
or battery of other persons on the school bus, verbal assault of other persons
on the school bus, disrespectful conduct toward the school bus driver or other
persons on the school bus, and other unruly behavior;
Students are prohibited from using any electronic devices during the
operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones; pagers;
audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones; or any
other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus
communications equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school
bus; and
Students are prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any
other lights or reflective devices in a manner that might interfere with the
school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.
School Bus Behavior Contract: A meeting of the parents or guardians of the
student and appropriate school district officials must be held to form a school
bus behavior contract whenever:
● A student is found to have engaged in bullying; or
● A student is found to have engaged in physical assault or battery of another
person on the school bus.
The School Bus Behavior Contract shall provide for age-appropriate
discipline, penalties, and restrictions for student misconduct on the bus.
Provisions may include, but are not limited to, assigned seating, ongoing
parental involvement, and suspension from riding the bus.
These provisions regarding use of a Bus Behavior Contract are not to be
construed to limit the instances when other Code of Conduct violations may
require use of a student bus behavior contract.
Bullying
Bullying is defined in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.4 as
(1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an
apparent present ability to do so;
(2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect
immediate bodily harm.
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Georgia law mandates that upon a finding that a student in grades 6-12 has
committed the offense of bullying for the third time in a school year, the
student shall be assigned to an alternative school.
Behavior that will Result in Disciplinary Procedures
The degree of discipline imposed will be in accordance with the progressive
discipline procedures unless otherwise stated.
Classroom Disruption
Disrespectful conduct toward teachers, administrators, other school personnel,
persons attending school related functions or other students, including use of
vulgar or profane language;
Refusal to follow instructions; disobeying directives given by teachers,
administrators, or other school staff;
Profanity, vulgarity, obscene language, writing, etc.; Indecent exposure;
Fighting or instigating a fight;
Inappropriate bodily contact;
Skipping class; chronic tardiness; leaving campus without permission; failure
to comply with compulsory attendance law;
Truancy;
Gambling or possession of gambling devices;
Cheating on school assignments;
Use during instructional time of cell phone or electronic communication
device, except for health or other reasons approved by an administrator;
Inappropriate dress, violation of school dress code;
Inappropriate displays of affection;
School Disruption
Willful or malicious damage to real or personal property of another student or to
personal property of any person legitimately at the school; or school property
(vandalism or graffiti) during school hours or off-school hours.
Destruction, damage, defacing or theft of school or personal property.
Rude or disrespectful behavior;
Disruptive behavior on a bus or at a bus stop;
Insubordination, disorderly conduct, disobeying school rules, regulations, or
directives;
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Extortion or attempted extortion;
Moving and non-moving traffic violations;
Inciting, advising, or counseling of others to engage in prohibited acts;
Marking, defacing or destroying school property or the property of another
student;
Loitering or trespassing;
Giving false information to school officials;
Assault and Battery
Verbal assault, including threats of violence, of teachers, administrators, and
other school personnel;
Verbal assault of other students, including threats of violence or sexual
harassment up to and including sexual harassment as used in connection with
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972;
Physical assault or battery of teachers, administrators or other school
personnel;
Sexual harassment up to and including sexual harassment as used in connection
with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 or physical assault or
battery of other students.
Bullying as defined above.
Weapons and Related Objects
Possession, use, handle, or transmission of any object that reasonably can be
considered a weapon as provided for in O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127.1
Possession and/or use of fireworks or any explosive;
Drugs; Drug Paraphernalia; Alcohol and Tobacco
Possession, sale, use in any amount, distribution, or being under the influence
of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturates,
marijuana, drug paraphernalia or alcoholic beverage or other intoxicant;
Possession, distribution, attempted sale or sale of substances represented as
drugs or alcohol;
Possession, sale, attempted sale, distribution or being under the influence of a
prescription drug without a prescription or any over the counter drug not
dealt with in accordance with school procedures.
Possession or use of tobacco in any form;
Other
Activating a fire alarm under false pretenses or making a bomb threat;
Willful and persistent violation of student codes of conduct;
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Any behavior based on a student’ race, national origin, sex, or disability that is
unwelcome, unwanted, and/or uninvited by the recipient is prohibited, including
verbal or non-verbal taunting, physical contact, unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical contact of a sexual
nature, up to and including sexual harassment as used in connection with Title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Any other conduct considered by the principal to be disruptive.
Definition of Terms
Arson: Intentionally starting or attempting to start any fire or combustion.
Assault: Any threat or attempt to physically harm another person or any act
that reasonably places another person in fear of physical harm. (Example:
threatening language or swinging at someone in an attempt to strike).
AWOL: Unauthorized absence and/or leave from class, school, activity, or
event.
Battery: A beating or other wrongful physical violence or constraint without
the person’s consent.
Bomb/Explosive: A device containing combustible materials and a fuse.
Bullying – Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person,
when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or any intentional
display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect
immediate bodily harm.
Burglary: Unauthorized entry into a school district building (unoccupied)
with the intent of committing a felony when the building is closed to the
students and the public [See Theft].
Bus Misconduct: Failure to comply with rules of bus safety or Student
Conduct Behavior Code.
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Bus Suspension: The student is suspended from the bus for a specified period
of time by the local school administrator. The student is expected to attend
school, but the parents are responsible for providing transportation to school.
Chronic Disciplinary Problem Student: A student who exhibits a pattern of
behavioral characteristics which interfere with the learning process of
students around him or her and which are likely to recur.
Chronic Lack of Supplies: Repeatedly reporting to class without necessary
materials such as books, physical education attire, supplies, etc.
Detention: Student attends a work/study session outside of regular school
hours. Student makes arrangements for transportation.
Disciplinary Probation: A student found guilt of certain offenses may be
placed on probation by the local school and/or the Student Disciplinary Panel.
Probation is a trial period during which a student violating school and/or
school system rules is subject to further disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Tribunal/Hearing Officer: School officials appointed by the
Board of Education to sit as fact finder and judge with respect to student
disciplinary matters.
Disobedience/Insubordination: Failure of the student to comply with a
reasonable direction or instruction by staff.
Disorderly Conduct: Behaving in a violent or seriously inappropriate manner
which disrupts the educational process.
Disrespect: Responding in a rude and impertinent manner.
Disruption: Behaving in a manner which interferes with educational activities.
Dress Code: The current dress code is explained in the student handbook.
Drug/Alcohol/Chemical Offense: Any controlled substance or alcohol;
includes any transfer of a prescription drug or any substance represented or
believed to be a drug, regardless of its actual content.
Due Process: A student is afforded oral or written notice of the charges
against him/her and is given an opportunity for a review, hearing or other
procedural rights in accordance with state and federal laws.
Expulsion: Suspension of a student from a public school beyond the current
school quarter or semester. Such action may be taken only by a disciplinary
hearing officer or tribunal.
Extortion: Use of “mild” threats or intimidation to demand money or
something of value from another (no weapon).
False Fire Alarm: Reporting a fire to school or fire officials or setting off a fire
alarm without a reasonable belief that a fire exists.
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Felony: Any offense punishable as a felony under Georgia or federal law.
Fighting: Involves the exchange of mutual physical contact such as pushing,
shoving, and hitting, with or without injury.
Gambling: Playing any game of skill or chance for money or anything of
value.
Harassment/Intimidation/Verbal Abuse: Disturbing consistently, by pestering
or tormenting in the classroom, on the school bus, or elsewhere on the school
site.
Inappropriate Dress: Dressing in a manner that disrupts the teaching and
learning of others or in violation of the school’s dress code.
Inappropriate Personal Property: Possession of personal property that is
prohibited by the school rules, such as food, beverages, and electronic
equipment.
In-School Suspension: The student is removed from regular classes for a
specified period of time at the local school. Class work assignments are sent to
the student by the teachers.
Loitering/Trespassing: Entering any school property or school facility without
proper authority (includes student entry during a period of suspension or
expulsion).
Long-Term Suspension: The student is suspended out-of-school for more than
ten (10) days.
Non-Prescription Drug: Over-the-counter drug not authorized by a registered
physician and not prescribed for the student. Student use is prohibited except
in accordance with school procedures.
Prescription Drug: Use of a drug (medication) authorized by a registered
physician and prescribed for the student. Student or parent should inform the
school on the use of medically prescribed drug.
Profanity/Vulgarity: Writings, speech, or gestures that convey an offensive,
obscene, or sexually suggestive message.
Robbery: Taking property from a person by force or violence, or threat of
aggression.
Sexual Assault/Offense: Intentional sexual contact of a harmful or offensive
manner.
Short-Term Suspension: The student is suspended out of school up to ten (10)
days by the local school administrator. The student may be suspended for an
accumulation of offenses, as well as a major offense. Suspended students may
make up tests and assignments at the discretion of the school administrator.
Tardiness: Failure to be in assigned place at the assigned time without a valid
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excuse.
Transmission: The passing of any substance, article, or weapon to another
person.
Truancy: The student stays out of school without permission or valid excuse
as defined by Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1 et seq.
Theft/Larceny: Unlawful taking and carrying away of property belonging to
another person (while the building is occupied) with the intent to deprive the
lawful owner of its use [See Burglary].
Vandalism/Graffiti: The willful or malicious destruction or defacement of
public or private property.
Waiver of Disciplinary Tribunal/Hearing: In the event a student or his/her
parent does not wish to contest the charge(s) of violation(s) of the discipline
rules of the school’s code of conduct for which a tribunal has been requested,
the student and parent may voluntarily accept the consequences prescribed by
the school by signing a Waiver of Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing form. Such
waiver shall specify the rule violation, the date and description of the incident,
the prescribed consequences, and an agreement to waive the opportunity to
participate in a tribunal hearing, present evidence, cross examine witnesses,
and be represented by an attorney. The decision to waive the tribunal shall be
final and cannot be appealed by the school or family. The waiver must be
signed by the student, a parent, a school administrator and a district level
administrator from the superintendent’s office, who shall act as hearing
officer with authority to approve the disciplinary consequences set forth in the
waiver.
Weapon: An article or implement that can cause bodily harm. This includes
guns, knives, razors, clubs, and nun chahka, or any other object intended to
be used to inflict bodily harm, as identified in O.C.G.A.§16-11-127.1.
Parental Involvement Policy
Baldwin Elementary School
Baldwin Elementary School recognizes that family involvement is crucial if
our students are to learn more, to achieve higher academic standards, and to
succeed in school and life. It shall be the intent of all parent involvement
activities in the Habersham County Schools to encourage and support the
efforts of home, school, and community in improving the educational
opportunities of all children.
.
Where Eagles Learn to Fly
PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT
Parents were involved in the joint development of the Title 1 plan and in the
process of school review and improvement through the use of parent surveys,
membership on committees, school wide planning teams, school councils,
membership on school improvement teams, and school based SACS process.
PROVIDE COORDINATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The Elementary Curriculum Director will provide: program supervision;
technical assistance; instructional support in collaboration with principals;
staff development coordination; assistance in purchasing necessary materials;
and otherwise securing resources as needed in order to provide participating
schools with the means to plan, implement, and evaluate effective parent
involvement programs.
BUILD STRONG CAPACITY FOR PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Title I eligible schools have planned programs designed to provide high
quality parent involvement. Each school has a Literacy Team, Quality
Improvement Council, and School Council, which work to involve parents in
their students’ education by planning activities and workshops aimed toward
increasing parental involvement. Parent involvement strategies are included
in school Title I plans and in school SACS plans.
COORDINATION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS
Parental involvement programs and activities will be coordinated in
conjunction with all programs containing a parent involvement component.
These programs are EIP, ESOL, Migrant, Title 1, LC, and REA.
ANNUAL EVALUATION
Annually an evaluation of the Title I program will be conducted. Schools
survey parents to ascertain the effectiveness and appropriateness of the entire
program, which includes the parent involvement component. Areas to be
evaluated will include examination of participation levels and identifying
barriers to parent participation, particularly for families who are from lower
socioeconomic groups, racial or ethnic minorities, and other disadvantaged
populations. The findings of this evaluation will be used to design strategies
for school improvement or to redesign the plan and policy. A goal of the Title
I program is to increase student achievement through parental involvement.
INVOLVE PARENTS IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Baldwin Elementary involves parents in school activities in a variety of ways.
Some examples include parent workshops providing materials to help with
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academic areas, distribution of newsletters, and websites, which include tips
for working with children at home. Parents serve on school improvement
plan teams, PTO committees, and school councils.
ALLOCATION
Fund allocation will be based on guidelines detailed in the No Child Left
Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. The NCLB Act specifies that not less than 1% of
the total system allocation shall be reserved for parent involvement and not
less than 95% of this amount shall be distributed to eligible schools.
PARENTAL INPUT
Parent input is welcome concerning parenting activities and school
improvement. Expenditure of parent involvement funds is based on
established needs identified in needs assessments.
AMENDMENT
The parental involvement policy may be reviewed and amended based on the
changing needs of Title I eligible schools and the needs of parents.
PARENTAL COMMENTS
If the parental involvement plan is not satisfactory to parents of participating
children, then any dissenting parent comments will be submitted to the
system.
Parental comments are kept on file in the system Title I coordinator’s office.
ANNUAL MEETING
In the fall of each year, each school will have an annual meeting at a
convenient time for parents, to which all parents of participating children will
be invited and encouraged to attend. Parents will be informed of the nature of
the Title I Program and the right of the parents to be involved in their
children’s education.
FLEXIBLE MEETINGS
A flexible number and times of parent meetings will be planned for parent
involvement purposes. If available, funds may be provided for transportation,
childcare, and/or home visits to involve parents in the education of their
children.
INVOLVING PARENTS IN PLANNING AND REVIEW
Parents serve on planning teams to help in the planning, review, and
improvement of program and policy. Parent input is obtained through
surveys and input during meetings. The policy is disseminated to parents and
is updated and reviewed as needed.
TIMELY INFORMATION TO PARENTS
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Parents will be provided timely information about school programs, a
description and explanation of the curriculum, forms of academic assessment
used to measure student progress and proficiency levels students are expected
to meet. If requested, opportunities will be provided for parents to meet with
school personnel to formulate suggestions, participate in discussions and
decisions relating to the education of their children. Parent comments,
satisfactory and non-satisfactory, regarding the plan and/or policy will be
documented and reviewed.
DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION OF THE CURRICULUM
A description and explanation of the curriculum is explained to parents at the
annual meeting, during parent meetings, and during parent-teacher
conferences throughout the school year. This information is also provided on
the school district’s website, in parent handbooks, in parent guides.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGULAR PARENT MEETINGS
Inclusion of parents in all educational areas that affect their children is a goal
of Title I. Interested parents will be assisted in obtaining literacy skills and
parenting skills in order to help their children. Parents are surveyed to
determine the most appropriate times and days for parent meetings. In some
schools meetings are scheduled morning and evenings to accommodate varied
parent work schedules.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HIGH STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Plans will address the school’s commitment to provide high quality
curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective environment so that
children can meet the state’s student academic achievement standards. Each
school has a school-parent compact on file in the Title I office. The schoolparent compact provides opportunities for positive and meaningful
communication between parents and school personnel. The compact is
learning oriented and consists of a plan of action that details responsibilities
by the school, the student, and the parent for the purpose of achieving high
student achievement.
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL AND FREQUENT
REPORTS TO PARENTS ABOUT PROGRESS
Parents will be informed of school activities through a variety of ways. These
ways may include newsletters, letters, agenda books, telephone contact,
mailings, and conferences. Frequent reports will be made to parents through
progress reports, report cards, and computer generated reports, etc. to inform
parents of student progress. Parents will be given reasonable access to school
staff by use of conferences, school visits, opportunities to volunteer, and
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opportunities to observe and participate in classroom activities.
WAYS PARENTS CAN MONITOR THEIR CHILDREN’S PROGRESS
AND WORK WITH EDUCATORS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE
OF THEIR CHILDREN
Parents will be encouraged to attend meetings, workshops and conferences to
learn how they can help their children improve their academic performance.
Parents are encouraged to visit the school, volunteer at the school, and
participate in school activities. Parents can monitor and support their child’s
learning by keeping abreast of school procedures, by reviewing progress
reports, by reviewing report cards, by being aware of homework/classwork
requirements, and working with schools to schedule conferences to help
children improve academically in school.
WAYS PARENTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN DECISIONS RELATING TO
THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN
Parents can participate in decisions relating to the education of their children
by serving on school planning teams, attending PTO, attending parent
meetings, and participation in parent-teacher conferences. Other
opportunities exist for parent participation in decision making by serving on
school councils and by responding to surveys.
CONTENT STANDARDS AND STUDENT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Assistance will be provided to participating parents in understanding current
relevant aspects of their child’s education and development such as:
a. National Education Goals,
b. Georgia’s content and student performance standards
c. School improvement and corrective action process if applicable
d. State and local assessments
e. Requirements of Title I, Part A
f. Ways parents can monitor their children’s progress and work with
educators to
Improve the performance of their children
g. Ways parents can become active participants in their children’s education
STATE AND LOCAL ASSESSMENTS
On a timely basis, parents will be provided information concerning the results
of the annual review including school performance profiles, individual student
assessment results and interpretation of those results, a description and
explanation of the school curriculum and the assessments used to measure
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student progress and the proficiency levels the students are expected to meet.
ACCESSIBILITY
To the extent possible, information related to schools, meetings, and other
activities will be sent to the homes of participating children in the language
used in such homes. In carrying out the parent involvement requirements,
schools, to the extent practicable, will provide full opportunities for the
participation of parents with limited English proficiency or with disabilities,
including providing information and school profiles in a language and form
parents understand.
REVIEW
The school’s policies and practices will be reviewed to determine if they meet
specified requirements. An annual audit is held to meet this requirement.
In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute the
Habersham County School District informs parents that you may request
information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s).
The following information may be requested:
1) whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards
Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and
subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
2) whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other
provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification
criteria have been waived;
3) the college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the
teacher;
4) whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so,
their qualifications.
If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s
qualification, please contact the principal at (phone number.)
[Section 1111(h)(6)]
Board Policy
Descriptor Code: IEDA
UNSTRUCTURED BREAK TIME
The Habersham County Board of Education allows the scheduling of
unstructured break time for students in kindergarten and grades 1 through 8.
The school principal is authorized to determine the length, frequency, timing,
and location of breaks at each school.
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In determining the schedule for unstructured break time for students, the
principal shall consult with appropriate instructional personnel at the school
and system level, as appropriate, to insure that break time does not interfere
with and provides support for academic learning. The principal shall also
issue directions concerning the responsibility for supervision of students so
that break time will be a safe experience for them.
Breaks may be withheld from students for disciplinary or academic reasons if
prior notice of such is provided to the students.
Board Policy
Descriptor Code: EDC
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
The Transportation Director shall supply bus safety regulations to all bus
drivers.
Bus drivers shall abide by all national, state and local system rules and
regulations for school bus drivers.
Overtaking and Passing a School Bus
The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any school
bus stopped on the highway shall stop before reaching such school bus when
there is in operation on said school bus the visual signals as specified by law.
The driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or the
visual signals are no longer actuated. A school bus driver shall actuate the
visual signals required by law when the school bus is stopped on the highway
to receive or discharge school children. A school bus driver may not use the
visual signals at intersections or other places where traffic is controlled by
traffic control signals or police officers or in designated school bus loading
areas where the bus is entirely off the roadway.
The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop
upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when
upon a controlled access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading
zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway where pedestrians are not
permitted to cross the roadway.
After stopping to allow children to disembark from the bus, it is unlawful for
the driver of the school bus to proceed until all children who need to cross the
roadway have done so safely. Any driver willfully violating this provision is
guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished for a
misdemeanor.
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Unlawful Vehicles
It is unlawful to operate any school bus that is transporting children unless
the headlamps on such school bus are illuminated. No vehicle may display the
“school bus” unless it meets the color identification and equipment
requirements set forth by law. No vehicle can be painted the school bus
yellow color or have equipment similar to a school bus which might confuse a
motorist. If a school bus is used to transport school children for some purpose
other than to transport school children for some purpose other than to and
from school or school activities, the words “School Bus” must be concealed.
Any vehicle, which has been permanently converted from a school bus, must
be painted some color other than the regulation school bus yellow. The speed
limit for all school buses is 55 MPH on expressway and other roadways when
the posted speed limits allow such speed. The maximum speed when running
routes where children are picked up or discharged from the bus is 40 MPH.
The driver shall observe all posted speed limits.
State Requirements
Every school bus used to transport children to and from school shall comply
with the State Board of Education bus specifications.
All bus drivers shall be knowledgeable of and comply with all state laws and
State Board of Education rules regarding traffic laws pertaining to the
operation of school buses and on school bus operations and safety.
All bus drivers shall participate in annual mandatory training activities on
traffic laws pertaining to the operation of school buses and safety as
established by State Board of Education rules and comply with procedures or
regulations promulgated by the Superintendent and/or designees related to
school bus operations and safety.
All bus drivers shall be familiar with the school system’s Student Code of
Conduct, including rules specifically applicable to school buses. Each bus
driver shall acknowledge in writing that he or she has received a copy of and
has read and understands this policy and all other regulations or procedures
issued by the Superintendent regarding the safe operation of school buses.
NCLB
As a parent of a student at Baldwin Elementary School, you have the right to
know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct
your child. Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your
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child’s classroom teachers, and requires us to give you this information in a
timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the
following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:
 Whether Georgia Department of Education has licensed or qualified the
teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
 Whether Georgia Department of Education has decided that the teacher
can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state
regulations because of special circumstances.
 The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced
degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees.
 Whether any paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they
do, their qualifications.
If you would like to receive any of this information, please call Karle Maxwell
at 778-6435.